Beach Plum vs Rooibos Tea

Coastal North American shrub with small fruits used by Wampanoag and other northeastern peoples as food medicine, rich in antioxidants.

A South African fynbos shrub fermented to produce a naturally sweet, caffeine-free herbal tea; rich in aspalathin and nothofagin, unique flavonoids with antioxidant, anti-diabetic, and anti-inflammatory activity.

anthocyanins, quercetin, chlorogenic acid, vitamin C, flavonoids

Aspalathin, Nothofagin, Quercetin, Rutin

Nutritive food medicine in Wampanoag and Algonquian traditions, Digestive conditions and diarrhea, Vitamin C source, Antioxidant tonic

Traditional drink of Khoikhoi and San peoples of South Africa, Infant colic and digestive disorders, Anti-inflammatory and immune support

Antioxidant, Antidiarrheal, Immune support, Anti-inflammatory

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, Blood sugar regulation via aspalathin, Cardiovascular protection

Eat fresh or dried berries; jam; berry tea 2 cups daily

2-6g dried herb as tea or 3-4 cups daily

None established as food

Very safe – minimal contraindications, Possible estrogenic effect in high doses

Generally safe as food

Rare allergic reactions, Mild estrogenic effects