If you have any interest in a great tasting tea that promises to relieve insomnia, nervous tension, mild depression, poor circulation, digestive disorders, allergic symptoms, skin irritations, and aging-related problems while delivering an abundance of natural antioxidants, minerals and nutrients, you'll be very interested in The Rooibos Tea House. Located in the West Hollywood area of Los Angeles, The Rooibos Tea House features South African redbush teas sold and served in a salon-like setting.

Partners, Nira Maslin and Michael Broomberg, founded African Red Tea Imports in 2000 in order to import and package authentic Red Tea and distribute the product internationally. A year later, they opened The Rooibos Tea House, dedicated to reaching a Southern California audience with their organic blends of sweet, aromatic redbush tea.

In fact, one might say that Michael courted Nira with Red Tea. When they first met several years ago in Los Angeles, Nira was a recently divorced single mother who, by her own admission, was really not in the healthiest state of mind or body. Michael had a particular remedy -- Red Tea, an already-popular drink found in his native South Africa. Nira was more than receptive to Michael's recommended elixir. The short of the story is that both Michael and his Red Tea quickly captured Nira's heart.

"I've been drinking this tea daily and using it in recipes since Michael brewed my first cup of Red Tea," said Nira. "I feel more vibrant and balanced -- and my skin looks more radiant, which is why we are so passionate about providing our product to others interested in health and wellness."

Red Tea was discovered by European explorers over 300 years ago in a specific mountain region of South Africa. Red Tea was not widely available until the early 1990s when sanctions on South African products were lifted at the end of the apartheid regime.

Since then, Red Tea has been scientifically analyzed and documented to be rich in iron, potassium, calcium, copper, zinc, magnesium, fluoride, manganese, sodium and other health-giving nutrients. According to one scientific study, reported in Alternative Medicine magazine, the highly defensive natural antioxidant properties found in Red Tea are up to 50 times more potent than those of green tea. Equally exciting, the tea is considered to be anti-aging, particularly for preventing age-related byproducts of oxidation in the brain. That the tea is naturally caffeine free is another bonus.

With a body like black tea's, as many antioxidants as green tea, and the versatility of the best herbals, some say that Red Tea is overdue for an American debut," wrote Anita MacAuley in Fresh Cup, a magazine for the specialty coffee and tea industry.

Michael feels very sure that the quality of the Red Tea that he and Nira are importing is far superior to any other Red Teas in the market today. According to Michael, the telling is in the taste and the smell, which is immediately obvious when comparing one brand of Red Tea to another.

"We buy our tea from a farmer located in the same area of South Africa where Red Tea was first discovered," explained Michael. "This guy has a special feel for when the tea has been properly fermented and is ready for drying, sterilization and packaging. And that's when we import the Red Tea. It's a pleasure to come to work each day. Providing a product that is so good on so many counts is a labor of love."

As one customer put it, "I was hooked by my second cup of Red Tea, although I wasn't quite sure if what I was feeling was induced by the tea or by Nira and Michael's wonderful spirit, energy and warmth."

The Rooibos Tea House offers tea, as well as an inviting salon-styled storefront for both formal and impromptu social, cultural and/or intellectual gatherings. The shop is unique, decorated with eclectic antiques, imported crafts and original art works, many of them personally collected by Nira and Michael during their travels through South Africa, Indonesia, Viet Nam, Morocco and other exotic locations. Other arts and crafts represent local artists, patronized and promoted by Nira and Michael.

The graceful fabrics draped across the ceiling produce a dramatic contrast to the worn cement floors. A piano sits center stage, poised for a player. And twice a month, by reservation only, chef Lesa Carlson hosts an intimate five-course dinner of raw food dishes, served with iced Red Tea.

Although Nira refuses to drop names and wouldn't consider displaying autographed pictures, her clientele includes many high profile celebrities and, of course, a variety of other interesting personalities.

The Rooibos Tea House offers a refreshing retreat, gracious hosts and quality products all at once.