Afrikaans for "red bush," rooibos comes from the plant Aspalathus Linearis, which grows only in the Cedarberg area of the Western Cape province of South Africa. Rooibos has been consumed by Bushmen as an herbal remedy for centuries, but rooibos as we know it is a relatively recent invention. Techniques for producing Keemun black tea were imported from China and applied to rooibos in the early 20th century. A difficult plant to grow, cultivation techniques for Aspalathus Linearis weren't mastered until the 1930s.

Starting in the mid-20th century, rooibos consumption became very widespread in South Africa, spurred in part by beliefs that it can help with colic in babies. Generally consumed with milk and sugar in South Africa, rooibos has rapidly attained popularity in Europe and North America over the past decade or two, where it is often drunk without any additions.

African Solstice is a great anytime tea. Rooibos has a full-bodied flavor that is holds up to milk and sugar as a caffeine-free breakfast tea. Likewise, the hint of vanilla and berry add a touch of sweetness that can delight after dinner or for a mid-afternoon treat. Much less tannic than tea, rooibos is very easy on sensitive stomachs, and can easily be enjoyed with or without food. African Solstice pairs very well with rich flavors like caramel, meats and cheeses.

While naturally caffeine free, rooibos is extremely high in anti-oxidants, including flavonoids and polyphenols similar to those found in Camellia Sinensis, the tea plant. While studies are not as widespread, many postulate that drinking rooibos should produce the same sort of cardiac and anti-cancer benefits that may be found from drinking tea.

Herbalists and health food stores commonly promote rooibos as having anti-allergic and anti-spasmodic properties.