Did you know that your favourite beverage may boast a range of health and beauty benefits? Let us tell you more.
As the weather gradually begins to cool, many of us will be turning to tea to warm us up on those chilly Autumn days. The good news is that certain types of tea may actually do more than keep us cosy — varieties such as rooibos, chamomile, matcha and CBD tea have a number of benefits. From relieving stress and promoting good quality sleep to soothing skin and protecting the body’s cells from damage, the perks of drinking tea are countless.
ROOIBOS: A HOMEGROWN FAVOURITE
Naturally free from caffeine and increasingly popular both locally and abroad, rooibos is packed with antioxidants, which provide protection from some of the damaging effects of the environment. The plant is also used widely in skincare for its anti-ageing and anti-inflammatory properties and is particularly helpful for skin conditions like dermatitis and acne. Made by fermenting the leaves of the Aspalathus linearis shrub, rooibos tea is also naturally low in tannins, the compounds found in black tea that can interfere with the body’s ability to absorb certain nutrients.
CHAMOMILE: THE PERFECT SLEEP AID
Chamomile has been used for generations by those seeking better quality sleep — the herb is caffeine-free and contains an antioxidant called apigenin, which promotes sleepiness and may even reduce the symptoms of insomnia. The tea, made from the plant’s dried flowers, also contains properties that may aid digestion. And when it comes to beauty, this herb packs a punch — many skincare products include chamomile for its antioxidant properties, and applying a teabag to the skin can help soothe irritation, bruises and minor burns.
GREEN MAGIC
Green tea is well-known for its health benefits and is popular all around the world. Available in various forms and flavour compositions, the tea contains many healthy bioactive compounds, which can help reduce inflammation and the formation of free radicals in the body. The antioxidants found in green tea help prevent cell damage and may even help treat certain health conditions. Although green tea is not caffeine-free, it contains considerably less than black tea and is an excellent hydrating drink. Its hydrating properties, along with the vitamins that it has, help to reduce some of the visible signs of ageing and promote healthy-looking skin. Matcha is all the rave right now, and for good reason. It’s a concentrated version of green tea and elevates the benefits of drinking it.
CBD: A CALMING ELIXIR
The popularity of CBD products is on the rise, and tea is an increasingly appealing option for those interested in the health benefits of the cannabis plant. CBD (cannabidiol) is one of the most beneficial cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant and boasts a range of therapeutic benefits without the psychoactive effects of THC. CBD tea is made with an infusion of the cannabinoid and is known for its calming effects and anti-inflammatory properties. The tea is also widely consumed to manage pain, improve sleep and support optimal gut health.
BEAUTY TIPS
Use as a face scrub
You can use loose tea leaves (or cut open a tea bag, new or used, and use the contents) as a nourishing face scrub. It will leave your skin soft and smooth with the added benefit of antioxidants.
Tea toner?
A tea bag is a great replacement for a toner. It helps remove oily residue from the skin and can soothe the skin from inflammation and moisturise.
Reduce puffy eyes and dark circles
Green tea contains caffeine and tannins, which are the exact ingredients that help to combat dreaded puffy eyes and dark circles. Wet two tea bags, one for each eye, place the teabags over your eyes for around 5 – 10 minutes. Repeat once a week or as needed for a refreshed look.
Soothes sunburn
Caught off guard with a horrible sunburn? A quick home remedy to combat pain and discomfort can sort that out in no time. Rooibos or Earl Grey tea is good to use for this. Soak around 8 – 12 tea bags in 1 cup of warm water for about 2 – 3 minutes. Let cool. Use the teabags and liquid (in a spray bottle) on your skin to soothe.
WE LOVE
Carmien Orange Chamomile Pyramids
The flavour combination has been one of the highlights of our year so far. It’s a blend of rooibos, honeybush and chamomile flavoured with bergamot orange and creamy vanilla. Perfect for a hot cuppa tea but also cold brew. Delish!
Calm with CBD & Passionflower
If you struggle with anxiety or have trouble falling asleep at night, then this rooibos and CBD blend is a great tonic. It can calm anxiety, improve mood, relieve stress, and improve sleep.
Babylonstoren Rooibos Tea
Packaged in an elegant tin, a very welcome addition to any kitchen countertop, Babylonstoren’s Rooibos Tea is 100% rooibos and 100% organic.
Teaology Matcha Tea Superfood Mask
Teaology’s matcha face and neck mask is our top beauty find of the season. It is made up of matcha and six botanicals. It firms and nourishes the skin and is super rich in antioxidants and ultra-firming peptides.
Teaology Bancha Oil
Packed with all the goodness of organic green tea, marula and jasmin, this oil brightens, moisturises, tones and revitalises, and is full of antioxidant polyphenols and Vitamin E to help with anti-ageing.
Teaology Tea Balm Tinted Lip Balm
A nourishing and plumping lip balm like no other. This luscious lip treatment has green tea water, shea butter and sesame oil as ingredients.