Loved in almost every part of the world, tea is not just a delicious and refreshing drink; it may also offer several health benefits.
According to the 19th-century Japanese scholar, Okakura Kakuzo and author of The Book of Tea; “Tea began as a medicine and grew into a beverage.” And Western researchers agree. The author of The True History of Tea, Prof. Victor Henry Mair from the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, wrote that the tea plant first became popular for its medicinal properties, and was only consumed for enjoyment years later.
This original tea plant has two varieties, namely Camellia Sinensis Sinensis and Camellia sinensis Assamica, which are responsible for the green tea, white tea and black tea varieties we enjoy today.
Close to many South African’s hearts is rooibos tea, also known as ‘red tea’ or ‘red bush tea’. Unique to South Africa, rooibos tea comes from the fermented leaves of the Aspalathus linearis shrub, a plant native to South Africa.
As it’s a herbal tea, rooibos tea is free from caffeine. It is rich in antioxidants and has shown to be a healthy drink for people of all ages, plus, when consumed regularly, it may even assist in improving one’s health.
If you’re interested in drinking rooibos herbal tea as a health aid, as well as a delicious warm drink, then look for tea brands that pair rooibos with other medicinal plants for a morning cuppa with an added health boost. For example, Sela offers a range of rooibos teas, each one created with a specific health condition or concern in mind. Each variant is formulated with a blend of traditional African herbs, including rooibos, to help boost health and relieve the symptoms of many illnesses. These teas help support some of the most common health concerns faced by South Africans.
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Here are a few health concerns and ailments that you can treat with herbal teas as a natural health aid:
Diabetes
People with type-2 diabetes, or those at risk of developing type-2 diabetes, may benefit from drinking rooibos and herbal teas due to their high content of antioxidants. These antioxidants help fight inflammation in the body and help keep the body’s blood sugar levels in check.
A tea like Sela Blood Sugar Tea is made with African traditional herbs and has been specially formulated to offer blood sugar support. The tea features a mixture of rooibos, black tea, and Cape Aloe leaf, traditionally used to maintain stable blood sugar levels and help break down sugar into energy.
High blood pressure
Herbal and rooibos teas are heart-friendly and have been shown to help lower blood pressure and support a healthy heart.
Formulated with Hibiscus, Sela High Blood Tea was created to help support heart health. Hibiscus is traditionally used as a mild diuretic and to assist blood flow properly through vessels, and combining it with rooibos makes it more palatable and easier to incorporate into your daily life.
Gut health
A healthy gut is essential for a healthy body and strong immunity. Sometimes, the foods we eat, medications we take or stress may disturb the gut’s healthy bacteria, resulting in stomach cramps or diarrhoea.
Combine rooibos tea with a herb like Uzara, which is traditionally used to help relieve stomach cramps and diarrhoea, for a natural health aid when you’re not feeling your best.
Colds and flu
There’s nothing worse than summer flu! So, why not try tea as a health aid to relieve symptoms of colds and flu? A healthy herbal tea will not just help to alleviate symptoms and assist the body in the healing process, but it may also increase the body’s immunity, helping fight off viruses and prevent colds and flu.
Look for tea that combines rooibos with Lemon Bush, to help relieve the symptoms of colds and flu.
Joint health
Rooibos tea reduces inflammation and can aid in treating the painful symptoms of arthritis. High in vitamin C, it further helps to repair collagen and connective tissue in the joints.
To help offer even more joint-healthy assistance, Sela Joint Health Tea has been specially formulated with Devil’s Claw. Traditionally used to relieve joint discomfort and maintain joint health, Devil’s Claw is a wonder herb for many looking for a natural health aid for joint pain.
While many natural health aid teas have the potential to help improve overall health as well as specific health concerns, they are not designed to cure ailments or replace regular medication. Always consult your medical practitioner first.
