Rooibos Tea: The Miracle Drink That Boosts Your Health
Your Natural Everyday Health Supporter
From alleviating hangovers to soothing stomach ache, rooibos tea may be just the drink your body needs for a long-lasting health boost.
We won’t lie—rooibos tea may not be the most delicious drink you’ll ever have (psst, add a slice of lemon if you are not loving it natural!). But like most of our grandmothers used to say, a bitter medicine is sometimes the best cure. If you’re tired of green tea and want to try out something that will have long-lasting effects and your body and mind, rooibos tea might be the tea you need right now.
Loaded with antioxidants and minerals, this natural and caffeine-free South African drink has a number of scientifically-proven health benefits ranging from an overall improvement of the immune system to the alleviation of allergies, stomach and skin problems—not to mention that it also helps with the headache after a long night at the bar (yes, this kind of nights).
Here are eight (of the many) ways this miracle tea will pleasantly affect your life.
1. It’s Anti-Aging
The theories behind aging tell you that bodies get old due to toxic compounds called “free radicals,” which are produced as a byproduct of normal cell functions. Free radicals attack healthy cells, resulting in an ageing and weakening of our immune systems.
Japanese scientists have discovered that rooibos tea contains a substance that mimics the enzyme Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), an antioxidant that attacks free radicals and limits their damaging effects. In other words, the antioxidants present in rooibos tea slow down the human aging process and boost the strength of the immune system, resulting in a more energetic, healthier and younger self.
The ultimate beauty hack: rooibos tea
2. It Alleviates Acne
Rooibos contains alpha hydroxy acid and zinc—which contribute to healthy, smooth and glowing skin.
The following facemask method has proven a savior to many acne sufferers:
- Take half a cup of strong, fairly warm plain rooibos tea
- Add half a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar and two teaspoons of oatmeal
- Allow the mixture to cool until it’s lukewarm
- Apply over face and neck and then lie down and relax for about 15 minutes
- Rinse off with lukewarm plain rooibos tea, then press to dry
Continue the procedure once a week for a smoother and healthier, acne-free skin.
3. It Cures Tired Eyes
Yes, it helps with tired, smarting, puffy or sensitive eyes, so those who read and/or study a lot will find this hint particularly valuable!
- Place tea bags in the refrigerator or freezer
- After a hard day’s work, put on tired or red eyes to soothe and relax
You can also do the same every morning after waking up: either rinse out your eyes in an eyeglass filled with lukewarm plain rooibos tea, or wipe out your eyes with a face-cloth dipped in plain rooibos tea for instant relief.
4. It Helps You Get A Good Night Sleep
Rooibos is naturally caffeine-free, low in tannin and has a relaxing effect on the central nervous system, which is why it has been recommended for years by doctors of patients suffering from insomnia, disturbed sleeping patterns and headaches.
Have a cup of rooibos beverage just before going to bed and you’ll sleep like a log. (In fact, we’re dozing off as we’re writing this, only 20 minutes after a full cup of warm rooibos)
5. It Is Your Hangover’s Best-Friend
Alcohol blocks the creation of vasopressin, which causes the kidneys to send water all around the body. The more you drink, the more water is expelled from your body, leaving you dehydrated. That is why the best cure for a hangover is a hydrant drink and rooibos tea is as hydrant as it can be.
As it is also extremely rich in vitamins and minerals (iron, potassium, zinc, manganese and sodium, to name a few), it quickly restores the body’s equilibrium and helps you get back in shape even after a very wild night out.
6. It Can Help Stomach Cramps
Rooibos tea contains high levels of flavonoids, known to help reduce cramps, inflammation and other stomach problems. It is also safe for babies and has a proven effect on soothing children with constant cramps.
If you have a child suffering from stomach problems, mix some rooibos tea with expressed breast milk or formula and enjoy the result.
7. It Helps Alleviate Allergies
South African scientists have deduced that the reason why rooibos is anti-allergic is that it contains quercetin, an anti-spasmodic that helps combat allergies. In every 150 ml of rooibos, there is between 1.4 and 1.7 mg of quercetin. It is proven to help alleviate sinus, hay fever, and runny noses—needless to say, it’s the right time of the year to have some cups of rooibos!
If you’re suffering from sinus, slowly draw some lukewarm rooibos into your sinuses, hold it in for a few seconds, then release it and blow your nose. You should feel better.
Loaded with antioxidants and minerals, this natural and caffeine-free South African drink has a number of scientifically-proven health benefits
8. It’s The Perfect Drink During Pregnancy
Being non-caffeinated and mineral-rich, women can drink rooibos during pregnancy with no anxiety for side effects for them or the infants. Rooibos contains calcium and magnesium, as well as helps you absorb iron, all of which are essential minerals during pregnancy and postpartum.
As mentioned above, it also contains loads of antioxidants, substances such as vitamin C or E that removes potentially damaging oxidizing agents in our bodies, and it helps you relax and sleep well—the perfect deal for you and your baby.
Buying Rooibos Tea in Japan
Hugely popular in Japan, rooibos tea is available at most tea shops and supermarkets, especially such which sell imported food. However, since rooibos is often sprayed with pesticides against worms prior to export, it is also wiser to check your sources well before purchasing.
If you want to be completely sure that your tea is purely organic and of good quality, we recommend Royal-T’s Rooibos. Royal-T’s tea is completely natural, has no added colorants or flavors and has been steam pasteurized prior to export. With a history of over 12 years in Japan and certified by six organic associations, this is one of the most trusted companies in the field.
The regular Royal-T’s Rooibos is slightly milder and sweeter than the usual on sale, while the newest products also offer honey, orange, peppermint, and lemon-flavored teas. Regular Royal-T Rooibos tea can be bought at Costco across Japan or online for ¥1,180 for a carton of 160 tea bags.
Another possibility is trying one of Lupicia’s teas. They offer a wide range of flavored rooibos teas, perfect for those who are not huge fans of its natural deep flavor. From caramel to limited sakura mix, you can get your hands on 50g packages starting at ¥510, as well as 10 teabags packs starting at ¥790. Muji is also offering rooibos green and black beans tea, both organic, starting at ¥290 for 10 teabags.
