3 ways rooibos tea can boost your immune system

According to spokesperson for the SA Rooibos Council (SARC), Adele du Toit, rooibos can help fight coughs and sniffles this winter season.

‘It is packed with polyphenols, which are micronutrients with antioxidant activity. Polyphenols act as scavengers of free radicals throughout the body, which are detrimental by-products of cell metabolism that can cause inflammation. Aspalatin – a unique antioxidant found only in Rooibos tea, will help to boost immunity, whilst protecting the body against other illnesses, such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes,’ she said.

Take a look at 3 ways rooibos helps and 5 recipes to try out below.

1. When you’re ill, you tend to lose a lot of fluids from sweating (if you have a fever) and a raised metabolism as your body increases its internal level of activity to battle the infection. Since Rooibos tea is 100% caffeine-free, it will keep you sufficiently hydrated. Drink up to six cups of Rooibos tea a day for maximum benefits.

2. Sore throats and other aches and pains that are characteristic of colds and flu, could also benefit from Rooibos tea. Drinking the tea will keep your throat moist and help to reduce irritation.

3. Rooibos also has a calming effect on the body, which could help to alleviate tension and thus promote better sleep, which is essential for getting over a cold.

Spicy Rooibos

Ingredients:

A cup of strong Rooibos

1 tsp of lemon

1 tsp of honey

½ tsp of preferably fresh ginger (try a full tsp if it’s not too strong for you)

A pinch of cayenne pepper

Method:

Pour boiling water into a cup or mug, add one Rooibos teabag and let it steep for at least 5 to 6 minutes. Add a teaspoon of lemon, honey, ginger and a pinch of cayenne pepper.

*If you prefer something cold, make your own herbal ice lollies or ice chips using the same Rooibos tea combination as above.

Rooibos Hot Toddy

Ingredients:

Juice of 1 orange

Juice of 1 lemon

1 litre of Rooibos tea, brewed using 6 bags

2 cinnamon sticks

1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, peeled and chopped finely

Honey to taste

Combine all of the ingredients then serve immediately while still hot.

Picture: Supplied

Rooibos. Strawberry & Orange Smoothie

Ingredients

1 serving

1 - 2 Rooibos tea bags

125 ml boiling water

225 g frozen strawberries

½ a peeled and chopped orange

125 g silken tofu

1 tbsp vanilla protein powder

1 tsp liquid honey, optional

Method:

1. Put the Rooibos bags in a teapot or heatproof jug and pour over the water. Steep for 8 to 10 minutes, then remove the bag. Leave to cool.

2. Put the tea, berries, tofu and protein powder into a blender and process until smooth. Sweeten to taste with honey and pour into glasses. Serve immediately.

Handy tip:

Silken tofu adds a lovely creamy richness.

Picture: Supplied

Blueberry Pomegranate Rooibos Antioxidant Smoothie

Ingredients

2 medium servings

1 banana

1 cup fresh pomegranate arils

1/2 cup frozen blueberries and/or strawberries

1 Tbsp ground flaxseed

1 Tbsp whey or hemp protein

1 Tbsp honey

1 Tbsp flaxseed or hemp oil

10 – 15 ml lemon juice

2 - 3 bags of rooibos tea

1,5 cups boiling water plus 1 cup ice

Method:

1. Put the rooibos bags in a teapot or heatproof jug and pour over the water. Steep for 8 to 10 minutes, then remove the bag. Leave to cool.

2. Put the remainder of the ingredients and the tea into a blender and process until smooth. Sweeten (if necessary) to taste with honey and pour into glasses. Serve immediately.