Can Rooibos Tea Give You a Headache? Unpacking the Rare Side Effects

December 24, 2025 •

4 min read

Rooibos tea is famously known as a caffeine-free, anti-inflammatory beverage that is often used to soothe and prevent headaches. However, a small number of individuals report experiencing headaches after consumption, leading to a crucial question: can rooibos tea give you a headache?

Quick Summary

Though typically helpful for alleviating headaches, rare cases suggest rooibos tea may cause this side effect due to allergies, sensitivity to certain compounds, or excessive intake. It is not caused by caffeine.

Key Points

Rooibos is caffeine-free: It does not cause headaches triggered by caffeine or caffeine withdrawal.
Rare allergic reactions: A very small number of people may have an allergy or sensitivity to rooibos, causing a histamine-related headache.
Digestive sensitivities: In rare cases, sensitive individuals might experience digestive upset like cramps or bloating, which could indirectly lead to a headache.
Avoid excessive intake: Extremely high, prolonged consumption has been linked to rare liver enzyme elevations, which could be a factor in unusual symptoms.
Check tea blends: If your tea contains other ingredients, a sensitivity to another herb or flavoring is a possible cause of the headache.
Typically a headache reliever: The anti-inflammatory and stress-reducing properties of rooibos mean it is generally a beverage that helps, rather than harms, those with headaches.

Understanding Rooibos Tea's Typical Effects on Headaches

First and foremost, it's essential to understand that rooibos tea is widely recognized for its positive effects on headaches, not its negative ones. The primary reasons for this are:

Naturally Caffeine-Free: Unlike true teas (black, green, and oolong), rooibos comes from the Aspalathus linearis plant and contains no caffeine. Many headaches are caused by caffeine withdrawal or sensitivity, and rooibos offers a safe, soothing alternative.
Anti-inflammatory Properties: The flavonoids and antioxidants in rooibos, such as quercetin, have been shown to possess anti-inflammatory qualities. Since inflammation can be a contributing factor to headaches, rooibos may help by reducing it.
Stress and Tension Relief: A warm cup of rooibos can promote relaxation and ease tension, a common trigger for stress-related headaches. Its soothing effect on the nervous system is a well-known benefit.

Potential, Albeit Rare, Reasons for a Rooibos Headache

If rooibos tea is generally beneficial for headaches, why do some people experience them? The answer lies in individual sensitivities and rare side effects, rather than a common causal link. The following are potential reasons for an unexpected headache after drinking rooibos:

1. Histamine Intolerance or Allergic Reaction

Some individuals may have a rare intolerance or allergy to rooibos tea, which could trigger a headache. Allergic reactions cause the body to release histamines, which can sometimes manifest as headaches or migraines. Symptoms of a more general intolerance or sensitivity can include digestive issues, skin rashes, or throat irritation, and might be accompanied by a headache.

2. Digestive Sensitivity

The low tannin content of rooibos is often praised for being easy on the stomach. However, as with any herbal product, some people have an idiosyncratic reaction. Digestive irritation, such as bloating, cramps, or reflux, has been reported by a few sensitive individuals and could be a precursor to a headache. The link is not direct, but a person's sensitive gastrointestinal system could potentially cause referred pain.

3. Excessive, Long-Term Consumption

While rooibos is generally safe, rare case reports indicate that consuming excessive quantities over a long period could lead to adverse effects. This includes elevated liver enzymes, which can indicate liver stress. Though not a common cause of headaches for most, underlying health issues combined with very high intake could potentially lead to systemic problems that result in symptoms like headaches. Always consume rooibos in moderation and consult a doctor, especially if you have pre-existing liver or kidney conditions.

4. Added Ingredients in Blends

Not all rooibos teas are pure. Many are sold as blends with other herbs, fruits, or flavorings. A headache could be caused by a sensitivity or allergy to another ingredient in the tea blend, rather than the rooibos itself. For instance, a blend containing dried fruit might trigger a reaction in a sensitive person. It's important to check the ingredient list carefully if you are reacting to a new tea.

Rooibos vs. Other Common Headache Triggers in Tea

To put the rare rooibos headache into perspective, consider common headache triggers found in other teas. The table below compares potential headache-related factors in rooibos versus black tea.


Feature	Rooibos Tea	Black Tea (e.g., English Breakfast)
Caffeine Content	Naturally caffeine-free	Contains significant caffeine
Caffeine-Related Headaches	Unlikely to cause a caffeine-related headache or withdrawal	Can trigger headaches in sensitive individuals or cause withdrawal headaches
Tannin Content	Very low in tannins	Higher tannin levels
Digestive Impact	Generally soothing, though rare sensitivity can cause issues	Higher tannins can sometimes cause digestive upset in sensitive people
Known Headache Association	Often recommended for headache relief	Caffeine can be a headache trigger for some

What to Do If You Suspect Rooibos is Causing Your Headaches

If you believe rooibos tea is causing your headaches, it is advisable to follow a simple elimination protocol. Temporarily remove rooibos and all related blends from your diet and monitor your symptoms. If your headaches subside, slowly reintroduce a small amount of pure, unblended rooibos and see if the headaches return. This can help you determine if you have a specific sensitivity to the tea or if another factor was at play. If the problem persists, consulting a healthcare professional is the best course of action. For further reading on how herbal teas can affect health, including potential sensitivities, the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center website provides authoritative information on various herb side effects.

Conclusion: A Minor Risk for Most

In summary, the likelihood that rooibos tea will give you a headache is very low. Its natural absence of caffeine and anti-inflammatory properties make it a far more likely candidate for alleviating headaches rather than causing them. For the vast majority of people, rooibos is a safe and soothing beverage. However, rare instances of allergic reactions, digestive sensitivity, or issues related to excessive long-term intake can occur. If you suspect a link, an elimination diet can provide clarity. Ultimately, for those without specific sensitivities, rooibos remains an excellent, headache-friendly option.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, rooibos tea is not a common cause of headaches. It is often recommended as a beverage for headache relief due to its caffeine-free nature and anti-inflammatory properties.

Yes, if you switch from a caffeinated beverage to rooibos, you might experience a headache due to caffeine withdrawal, not from the rooibos itself. Rooibos is caffeine-free and often helps alleviate such withdrawal symptoms.

Rare allergic reactions to rooibos may include hives, tingling in the mouth, swelling of the lips or throat, and digestive issues like stomach cramps or nausea. In severe cases, it could lead to anaphylaxis.

Yes, for most healthy individuals, drinking rooibos tea daily in moderation is considered safe and beneficial. Concerns typically arise only from excessive, long-term consumption or in individuals with pre-existing conditions.

Very rare case studies have linked extremely high, prolonged intake of rooibos tea to elevated liver enzymes in some individuals. It is important to drink in moderation, especially if you have a pre-existing liver condition.

Yes, it is possible that a sensitivity to other herbs, fruits, or flavorings mixed with rooibos is the source of a headache, not the rooibos itself. Always check the full ingredient list.

Both green and red rooibos are naturally caffeine-free and generally considered safe. Green rooibos is unfermented and may have higher antioxidant levels, but side effect concerns remain similar and are related to individual tolerance.