Key Benefits
- Immune-Defence & Antioxidant Power — The leaves are rich in phenolic compounds and flavonoids, potent antioxidants shown in lab studies to neutralise damaging free radicals. These compounds may help reduce oxidative stress and support your body’s natural barrier against pathogens.
- Natural Saponin Content — Maroon Bush leaf contains naturally occurring saponins, shown in research to aid immune modulation, antimicrobial activity, and support for cell health.
- Anti-Inflammatory Support — Flavonoids and other leaf compounds are known to help calm inflammation, which is a key part of immune health and recovery, especially during cold/flu season or after exposure to environmental stress.
- Gentle Cleanse for Daily Wellness — Because it is leaf-only, the tea retains flavour and is kinder on the palate than blends with high bark/stem content. A soothing ritual that supports the body’s detoxification systems (through antioxidant pathways, cellular protection) without harshness.
What’s Inside Each Cup
- Phenolics & Flavonoids: High in the leaf — research shows leaf had the greatest total phenolic and flavonoid content among plant parts tested.
- Saponins: Significant level in leaf (though root bark is higher) — enough to contribute beneficial effects while avoiding bitter extremes.
- Luteolin Derivatives: Identified in leaf; known in related plants for anti-inflammatory and immune signalling support.
- Traditional Use: Historically used by First Nations Australians for similar purposes: immune resilience, general health, and treat minor infections.
Flavor, Brewing & Daily Use
- Flavor profile: Earthy, clean, herbal; more gentle than bark blends, less astringent.
- Brewing suggestion: Use 1–2 teaspoons in hot water (not boiling) and steep 5-10 minutes. For deeper extraction (more saponins/antioxidants), a longer steep or gentle simmer can be used.
- Use daily: Ideal as a morning or afternoon cup, or as a warm ritual in colder seasons or when feeling run-down.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about our Maroon Bush Tea
We use only the leaf of Scaevola spinescens. Independent research shows the leaf contains the highest levels of phenolics and flavonoids (powerful antioxidants) and a naturally high level of saponins, without the harsh bitterness of bark or root.
The bark and root have higher saponin concentrations but much lower total phenolics/flavonoids, plus a very strong, bitter taste. Using the leaf alone gives you abetter-tasting tea with a stronger antioxidant profile and keeps the product in the food/tea category rather than a therapeutic extract.
- Phenolics & flavonoids are plant compounds known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in laboratory studies.
- Saponins are naturally occurring plant glycosides that can help support the immune system and show antimicrobial activity in vitro.
Together, these compounds contribute to the “immunity, cleanse and defence” theme of the tea.
Our tea provides a gentle way to support your body’s natural defences. The high antioxidant content helps neutralise free radicals (oxidative stress) and the natural saponins and flavonoids have been shown in laboratory studies to support immune balance and soothe inflammation. As with all herbal teas, benefits are subtle and cumulative, not instant.
Steep 1–2 teaspoons in hot water (not boiling) for 5–10 minutes. For a stronger cup, gently simmer for a few minutes to extract more of the leaf’s compounds. Drink daily as part of your wellness routine.
Yes, when consumed as a herbal tea, maroon bush leaf is considered safe for daily use by healthy adults. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, on medication or have a medical condition, please consult a health professional before use.
- Wilga Tea – known for pain relief and respiratory support.
- Native Apricot Tea – formulated for skin, cardiovascular and hormonal balance.
- Maroon Bush Tea – focused on immune defence, antioxidant protection and gentle cleanse.
Yes. An open-access study published in Heliyon(Cell Press, 2021) profiled different parts of Scaevola spinescens. It found the leaf had the highest antioxidant activity and a high level of saponins. Laboratory studies also show antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activity in plant extracts. These findings support our choice of leaf for your cup of tea.