Sip your way to wellness: how rooibos tea supports women at every age
Image: Rahime Gül /pexels
There's something deeply comforting about cradling a warm cup of tea, especially when it feels like life is moving a little too fast.
And as we celebrate Women's Month in South Africa, it turns out that our go-to comfort drink, rooibos, is doing more than just calming nerves; it's quietly looking after women's health at every life stage.
In a world of fancy supplements and wellness fads, rooibos is the low-key superhero sitting quietly in our kitchen cabinets. No hype, no additives, just a naturally caffeine-free herbal tea with proven health benefits, especially for women.
The red brew with real benefits
With over 22 million South Africans drinking tea daily, women remain the leading tea lovers, according to recent stats from Eighty20, a local data analytics firm. Rooibos, in particular, has grown in popularity as more women ditch high-caffeine, sugar-loaded drinks in favour of something gentler and more nourishing.
'Rooibos is more than just a traditional herbal tisane; it's a wellness companion for women at every stage of life,' says Professor Elmarie Terblanche of Stellenbosch University's Department of Exercise, Sport and Lifestyle Medicine.
'It's natural, caffeine-free composition aligns with women's evolving health needs, whether they're in school, navigating motherhood or managing menopause.'
And it's not just anecdotal. A 2023 study in the Journal of Public Health in Africa found rooibos significantly improved lipid profiles, antioxidant status, and blood glucose control across a wide age range (6 to 83 years), including high-risk individuals.
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Advertisement
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Next
Stay
Close ✕
Research from prominent researchers highlights Rooibos' capacity to combat oxidative stress linked to chronic illnesses.
Image: Nadin Sh/pexels
From childhood to menopause
Here's how rooibos supports women's health at every life stage:
Girls (6–12 years) Rich in antioxidants for healthy development.
Naturally sweet, no caffeine, low tannins, perfect for little ones.
Doesn't interfere with iron absorption, which is vital during growth spurts.
Teens and young women (13–25 years) Anti-inflammatory effects may ease menstrual discomfort.
Helps with hydration and focus during exams or sports.
Healthier swap for sugary sodas or hyper-caffeinated energy drinks.
Women of reproductive age (26–40 years) Considered safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding (always check with your doctor).
Supports heart health, blood sugar balance, and energy regulation.
Caffeine-free means no spikes and crashes.
Midlife and menopausal women (41–60+ years) Active compounds, such as aspalathin and nothofagin, assist in metabolic support.
May reduce symptoms like hot flushes and fatigue.
Supports cardiovascular wellness and helps reduce inflammation.
Rooibos vs the world
While South Africa celebrates its iconic rooibos, other cultures have their own wellness brews, and it's worth noting how they compare. Green tea in East Asia: Loved for centuries in China and Japan, green tea is known for its catechins, powerful antioxidants that promote fat burning and protect the brain. But green tea contains caffeine, which is not ideal for those sensitive to it.
Masala Chai in India: This spiced tea blend combines black tea with cinnamon, cardamom, ginger and cloves, all known for their digestive and anti-inflammatory benefits. However, it often comes with milk and sugar, which can outweigh its health perks if overdone.
Black Tea in the UK: A staple in British culture, black tea contains antioxidants like theaflavins and thearubigins, which support heart health. But again, the caffeine content and frequent addition of sugar or milk can counteract its benefits.
Matcha: This finely ground green tea is a powerhouse of antioxidants and L-theanine, which supports calm alertness. But it's potent and pricey and definitely not caffeine-free.
This finely ground green tea serves as a potent source of antioxidants
Image: Diana/pexels
What makes rooibos stand out? It's naturally caffeine-free, low in tannins, gentle on the stomach, and packs a serious antioxidant punch all without needing any additives.
Why rooibos is a wellness essential
Experts across the country agree: rooibos is not just a trendy health tea; it's a functional drink with science-backed benefits. Professor Jeanine Marnewick of CPUT has shown that rooibos helps combat oxidative stress, a contributor to chronic illness.
Professor Amanda Swart of Stellenbosch University identified aspalathin, a unique Rooibos compound, as a natural aid for blood sugar and adrenal health.
Professor Christo Muller from the SAMRC highlighted rooibos' potential to support glucose metabolism and reduce inflammation, key factors in preventing or managing type 2 diabetes.
'These findings make Rooibos one of the few herbal drinks with evidence-based functional health claims,' says Terblanche. 'It's accessible, safe and locally grown, a true South African gem.'
In a wellness world filled with green powders, collagen shots, and pills with hard-to-pronounce names, rooibos offers something refreshingly simple: a self-care moment that nourishes body and mind.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Citizen
23 minutes ago
- The Citizen
Women with disabilities still shut out of jobs despite Women's Month celebrations
Women with disabilities still shut out of jobs despite Women's Month celebrations As South Africa marks Women's Month with tributes to trailblazing leaders, entrepreneurs, and historical icons, one group continues to be overlooked: women with disabilities are still left knocking on doors that remain firmly shut. Lungi Mkwani, 27, from a small township on the outskirts of Johannesburg, wakes up every morning to repeat the same routine: search, apply and hope. Despite holding a qualification in Public Relations (N4), call centre training, and experience in business and office administration, Mkwani has struggled to find stable employment, not due to a lack of skills, but because she lives with Osteogenesis Imperfecta, commonly known as brittle bone disease. 'Living with a disability as a woman in South Africa is challenging. Most of our cries are rarely heard,' she said. After volunteering at a local police station between 2022 and 2023, Mkwani hoped the experience would open the door to full-time employment. Instead, she was turned away. 'They used my disability as an excuse not to employ me. We're always told, 'We encourage persons with disabilities to apply,' but the follow-through never happens,' Mkwani said. According to Mkwani, many job opportunities for people with disabilities are limited to short-term learnerships, often with age restrictions and inadequate accessibility. 'These programmes only last 12 months, and once you're over 28, you're pushed out. Some buildings still have stairs, others don't cater for people who are blind or deaf or have other specific needs,' she added. Double disadvantage Lana Roy, Programme Lead for 360: Disability Inclusion at Afrika Tikkun, said that Mkwani's story is not unique and reflects a wider, systemic issue affecting thousands of women across South Africa. 'Women with disabilities face a double burden: gender and disability discrimination. They're often the last considered and the first ignored,' said Roy. Roy noted that when women with disabilities do secure employment, they are rarely offered leadership roles. 'Access and safety at work are major concerns, from restrooms and transportation to being taken seriously in male-dominated environments. They're also more vulnerable to discrimination, exploitation, and gender-based violence, not because of their impairments, but because of how society responds to them,' Roy said. Afrika Tikkun, which supports more than 1 200 children and young people with disabilities, runs a range of programmes from early childhood development to vocational training, work placements, and advocacy initiatives. But Roy said that systemic change is still urgently needed. A call for accountability Roy said that from a policy standpoint, there needs to be far stronger enforcement of inclusive hiring practices. 'Inclusion shouldn't be seen as charity or a box-ticking exercise for BBBEE points, but as a responsibility,' Roy argued. She added that one of the greatest issues is that discussions around disability often exclude the voices of disabled people themselves. We often speak about them, not with them. We must prioritise lived experience. The mantra 'Nothing for us, without us' exists for a reason,' she said. Roy warns that the widespread belief that disability equates to incapacity remains a major barrier. Investing in inclusion At the organisation, the disability inclusion team, made up of administrators, therapists, social workers, and nursing staff, works to ensure every child or young person in their care is included in cradle-to-career programmes. Children and youth with disabilities are engaged in everything from Saturday dance and acting classes to after-school learnerships in hospitality, farming, and vocational training. Afrika Tikkun also runs weekly support groups and an annual Disability Pageant to foster confidence and visibility. The organisation partners with families, schools, and communities to create an ecosystem of support and works closely with government departments to drive policy alignment and implementation. The road ahead Next month, Afrika Tikkun will host the Valuable 500 Summit, a landmark event bringing together government officials, corporate leaders, and civil society to tackle leadership, representation, and accountability around disability inclusion in the workplace. 'It's about job creation for people with disabilities, especially young women. They're often viewed as too vulnerable, too emotional, and too complicated. But these are not reasons; they are excuses rooted in bias,' Roy said. Mkwani echoes the call for action. 'We want to work. We want to contribute. We want to be seen as capable. I don't want to be a statistic but I just want a fair chance,' Mkwani expressed. As South Africa continues to celebrate women during this month of reflection and recognition, it's time to widen the spotlight to include those whose stories remain untold and whose potential remains untapped. For more information on Afrika Tikkun's disability programmes or the upcoming Valuable 500 Summit, visit
The Citizen
an hour ago
- The Citizen
Owl Project SA captivates audience with conservation message
Sara Orchardson and Itumeleng Maroga from The Owl Project South Africa captivated members of the University of the Third Age (U3A) during a talk held in Benoni on recently. Their presentation focused on various owl species and their natural habitats. They also raised awareness about the dangers owls face due to the use of rodenticides and other poisons targeting mice and rats, which are a primary food source for many owl species. In response to this threat, the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development has banned the import, sale and use of highly toxic rodenticides. 'The is often called to assist in communities where owls are viewed with fear or suspicion,' said Orchardson. 'We offer humane solutions and use these moments as opportunities to change perceptions and spark curiosity.' Maroga added that their work includes outreach to schools. 'We're committed to inspiring young South Africans by introducing them to the fascinating world of owls. At the same time, we create allies in the fight against rats, which remain a serious problem in many under-resourced areas.' The organisation's mission is to replace negative stigmas about owls in Southern Africa with wonder and understanding. To continue their conservation and education efforts, they rely on public donations and support from companies and individuals. U3A Benoni hosts its monthly meetings every second Tuesday at Northfield Methodist Church. For more information, contact Colleen Russel on 084 652 8415 or Cheryl Paterson on 082 346 4756.
The Citizen
15 hours ago
- The Citizen
Chikungunya outbreak in China: What South Africans need to know
Chikungunya outbreak in China: What South Africans need to know Should South Africans be worried about chikungunya, the mosquito-borne disease responsible for the current health crisis in China? Although more than 7 000 cases have been reported across the southern Guangdong province since July, the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) reports that only 10 confirmed or probable chikungunya cases were recorded in South Africa between December 2024 and July 28. Chikungunya is not endemic (constantly present) in either South Africa or China. This means that the cases reported in South Africa involved travellers returning from outbreak areas, including Mauritius, Kenya, India, La Réunion, Seychelles and Madagascar. Although no new cases have been reported in South Africa since the end of July, Jacqueline Weyer, the head of the Centre for Emerging Zoonotic and Parasitic Diseases, says it is reasonable to expect chikungunya cases among travellers returning from several countries currently experiencing outbreaks. 'Notable outbreaks of chikungunya are being reported from several locations globally. For example, nearly 50 000 cases have been reported from La Réunion since August 2024,' she says. The chikungunya virus is not transmitted from person to person, but through the bites of infected mosquitoes. However, Aedes mosquitoes, which transmit chikungunya, are present in parts of South Africa, meaning there is a potential risk of local outbreaks if the virus is introduced by an infected traveller. The NICD says there are currently no licensed vaccines for chikungunya available in South Africa. It adds that outbreaks have occurred across Africa, the Americas, the Caribbean, Asia, Europe and the Indian and Pacific Oceans. The first locally transmitted (autochthonous) case in over 10 years was reported in La Réunion in August 2024. Since the start of 2025, the number of cases and their geographic spread have increased considerably, particularly from March onward, reports the NICD. Experts say that climate change – which has brought warmer temperatures and increased rainfall – could be contributing to the prevalence of chikungunya globally. Outbreak in China According to Contagion Live, Chinese officials have stated that all confirmed cases have been mild, with over 95% of patients recovering in less than a week. Most of the cases are in Foshan, a city located around 150km northwest of Hong Kong. In response to the outbreak, China has implemented extensive mosquito control measures, expanded hospital isolation capacity and introduced health campaigns to limit the virus' spread. Mozzies: A real threat South Africans are well aware of how dangerous mozzies can be. They transmit several diseases, including chikungunya and malaria, with the latter having the potential to be deadly. Malaria is one of the six major causes of death from communicable diseases worldwide. Malaria vs chikungunya NICD recommendations for travellers Seek medical attention during or after travel if you experience fever, joint pain, headache, muscle aches, joint swelling, or rash. If pregnant, reconsider travel to affected areas. Prevent mosquito bites, especially during the day and late afternoon. Use effective insect repellents on exposed skin, wear long-sleeved clothing and trousers, and stay in air-conditioned or well-screened environments. Weyer advises travellers to consult their travel clinics for health advice based on their respective travel itineraries. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.
