Wonderful Rooibos

Thobile Mazibuko

REAP REWARDS OF ROOIBOS

Rooibos is rich in antioxidants which have anti-inflammatory benefits, assists with diabetes control and heart health, and can aid in the promotion of healthy skin

ROOIBOS tea is one of the most loved beverages in South Africa. Although the traditional way to enjoy the benefits of rooibos is to drink it as a tea, the merits of this indigenous herb can be extended to rooibos-infused products.

Rooibos, meaning “red bush”, is a broom-like member of the plant family Fabaceae that grows in South Africa’s fynbos.

Adele du Toit, marketing manager for Annique rooibosbased beauty products, shares some of the benefits rooibos has for the skin.

“Rooibos is rich in antioxidants which have anti-inflammatory benefits, assists with diabetes control and heart health, and can aid in the promotion of healthy skin,” she says.

Here are the top five rooibos benefits for the skin:

◆ Rooibos’s anti-ageing properties come from antioxidants which assist with reducing wrinkles and promote the production of healthy skin cells. According to a study by the International Journal of Cosmetic Science in 2010, 20 women who took the rooibos challenge for four weeks reported that their wrinkles were reduced by 9.9%. The antioxidants can help neutralise free radicals which are responsible for causing wrinkles.

◆ The high levels of flavonoids in rooibos can help with eczema and acne. Inflammation is one of the main causes of acne, and the anti-inflammatory properties of rooibos help reduce this. It can also soothe eczema-related itchiness.

◆ The anti-bacterial and hypoallergenic properties of rooibos help fight infections and can also aid in relieving allergies.

◆ Rooibos is gentle on the skin, aiding in soothing sunburn, rashes (even nappy rash), abrasions and itchy skin.

◆ Drinking rooibos can keep skin hydrated and healthy.

ROOIBOS is not just used as a tea. | TEACORA ROOIBOS Unsplash