Rooibos tea is part of the South African culture. While we are used to drinking it, have you ever wondered about the actual benefits of rooibos tea? This post will explore the benefits and other ways that rooibos can be used, not only for our health, but also our skin and even for our babies.

What is rooibos tea?

Rooibos tea is made using leaves from a shrub called Aspalathus linearis, usually grown on the western coast of South Africa.

It’s normally consumed like black tea i.e. no sugar or milk. These days, people do have rooibos with these elements added – you can even have red cappuccinos too.

Four Benefits of Rooibos Tea

1. Caffeine free

If you’re consuming a large amount of coffee, your caffeine consumption can be linked to heart palpitations, increased anxiety and headaches. Decreasing this is definitely healthy for you.

2. Full of anti-oxidants

Anti-oxidants may help protect you against free radicals which may reduce your risk against cancer and heart conditions. In one 2010 study, blood levels of antioxidants increased by 6.6% when participants drank red rooibos and 2.9% when they drank the green variety. This lasted for five hours.

3. Decrease cholesterol

In a 2011 study in 40 adults with overweight at high risk of heart disease, drinking 6 cups of rooibos tea daily for 6 weeks decreased LDL (bad) cholesterol while boosting HDL (good) cholesterol.

4. Skin benefits – anti- inflammatory

A problem skin saviour, the anti-inflammatory benefits of Rooibos pacify reactive skin, helping heal and minimise blotchy flare-ups to encourage consistently calm behaviour. The soothing characteristics of Rooibos make it ideal for all skin types, especially eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis and acne-prone skin.

My experience with Annique Rooibos

I popped into the VitaliTea store at 192 Main Road Walmer, Port Elizabeth/ Gqeberha. This store is run by Alida Malan, who has been using the products since 2010 and loved them so much she became a distributor. The store is open 10am – 2pm Tuesday to Friday. Alida also runs the PE Ladies Networking group and the Re-Seconds Market as well as having a day job, so she’s a busy lady!

I chose two teas, an eye therapy cream and a handwash.

The chamomile tea was a winner for me, making me feel calm, and I also liked the strength of the teas, they were nice and strong.

I absolutely love the handwash. It smells lovely. The container has some lovely bright flowers that are really cheerful in the bathroom. I also haven’t had any skin hassles since, and I often get eczema on my hands.

The area under my eyes have suffered skin damage as a result of a time period when I was teaching outside in the sun (looking after toddlers) but now that I am inside I am really trying to take care of my skin, get good sleep and restore that area. I think it’s a product I will continue to use to take care of myself. I’ve learnt that self care is hugely important in my well being. You can have a look at the pictures of my eye area before and after using this cream; there is a definite softer feel and improved skin condition.

A variety of rooibos products

Annique Rooibos has a large variety of products that are infused with the healing powers of rooibos. From skincare to baby care to supplements, they’ve got it all. Plus a huge selection of rooibos teas.

Rooibos for babies

The founder of Annique (Dr. Annique Theron) initially stumbled on the benefits of rooibos when, in 1968, she warmed her allergic baby’s bottle with warm Rooibos tea. She was amazed at the instant calming, soothing and healing effect it had on her fourteen month old baby daughter, Lorinda.

Annique has shampoo, body lotion and baby tea available for babies.

Is Rooibos tea safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Yes it is. Since it doesn’t have caffeine and it promotes relaxation, it’s a good thing.

Although conclusive studies haven’t been done, so don’t overdo the cups of tea, one study on animals showed no ill effects and may have increased fertility.

So where can we get hold of these rooibos products?

You can find VitaliTea on their website, on Facebook, or visit their physical shop at 192 Main Road Walmer, Port Elizabeth / Gqeberha. You can also contact Alida on +27 (0) 83 588 5823 or send an email to info@vitalitea.co.za. She will ship all products around South Africa.

Part of being proudly South African is celebrating the healing powers of the rooibos growing naturally in our country. So, go ahead, pour yourself a cup and get hold of these products to enrich your well being, your skin, and even your little ones as well.

Perfect for Christmas gifts: Win this lovely set!

VitaliTea is giving away this lovely gift set of their products consisting of:

-Annique Rooibos Pomegranate body wash

-Annique Rooibos Pomegranate lip balm

-Annique Rooibos Pomegranate body lotion

All you have to do is visit them on Facebook and comment below.

Terms and Conditions:

1. This competition will run until the end of November. The winner will be announced on the Facebook page, and emailed.
2. This competition is open to South African residents only.
3. The prize is not transferable.
4. If you have won on SA Mom Blogs in the past 3 months you will not be eligible to win this competition.
5. By entering this competition, you consent to be contacted by the brand. You can always unsubscribe.

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