THE BEAUTY OF TEA health and beauty

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 benefi ts. 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 ca eine and increasingly popular both locally and abroad, rooibos is packed with antioxidants, which provide protection from some of the damaging e ects of the environment. The plant is also used widely in skincare for its anti-ageing and anti-infl ammatory 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 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 ca eine-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 helps to soothe irritation, bruises and minor burns.

GREEN MAGIC

Green tea is well-known for its health benefits and is popular all round the world. Available in various forms and flavour compositions, the tea contains many healthy bioactive compounds, that can reduce inflammation and the formation of free radicals in the body. The antioxidants found in green tea prevent cell damage and may even treat certain health conditions. Although green tea is not ca eine-free, it contains considerably less than black tea and is an excellent hydrating drink. Its hydrating properties, along with the vitamins that it has, 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.

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.

REDUCE PUFFY EYES AND DARK

CIRCLES Green tea contains caffeine and tannins, which are the exact ingredients that 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 a 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.

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 e ects of THC. CBD tea is made with an infusion of the cannabinoid and is known for its calming e ects and anti-inflammatory properties. The tea is also widely consumed to manage pain, improve sleep and support optimal gut health.

WE LOVE

CARMIEN ORANGE CHAMOMILE PYRAMIDS

This 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 as a hot cuppa tea but also as a refreshing cold brew. Delish!

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 green tea, marula and jasmin, this oil brightens, moisturises, tones and revitalises, brightens, moisturises, tones and revitalises, and is full of antioxidant polyphenols and and is full of antioxidant polyphenols and Vitamin E to help with anti-ageing. 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.

CALM WITH CBD AND PASSIONFLOWER

If you struggle with anxiety or have trouble falling asleep at night, this rooibos and CBD blend is a great tonic. It can calm night, this rooibos and CBD blend is a great tonic. It can calm anxiety, improve mood, relieve stress and improve sleep. anxiety, improve mood, relieve stress and improve sleep.

Available now.