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 a South African’s heart is rooibos tea, also known as “red tea” or “red bush tea.” Unique to SA, 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.
Sela has become a tried and tested brand in many South African homes. They have developed 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.
Their teas help support some of the most common health concerns faced by South Africans:
Diabetes
People who have 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 helps keep the body’s blood sugar levels in check.
Sela Blood Sugar Tea (R49.99) is made with African traditional herbs. It has been specially formulated to offer blood sugar support and is 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 shown to help lower blood pressure and support a healthy heart.
Sela High Blood Tea (R49.99) with Hibiscus is specially formulated to support heart health. It is traditionally used as a mild diuretic and to assist blood flow properly through vessels.
Gut health
A healthy gut is important 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.
Sela Stomach Cramps Tea (R47.99) with Uzara has been specially formulated to relieve stomach cramps. It is also recommended for relieving diarrhoea.
Colds and flus
We’re right in the middle of colds and flu season, and 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.
Sela Colds and Flu Tea (R49.99) with Lemon Bush has been specially formulated to 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.
Sela Joint Health Tea (R49.99) has been specially formulated with Devil’s Claw to support joint health and is traditionally used to relieve joint discomfort and maintain joint health.
These are some of the most common health concerns in South Africa, but they’re not the only ones. Sela has a wide range of teas available, supporting everything from slimming, to increasing energy, to relieving symptoms of gout and asthma. And if you don’t have a specific health concern to treat, you can still enjoy their range of teas for their refreshing taste.
While Sela teas may 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.
Sela teas are available from Dis-Chem, Checkers, Shoprite, Clicks and Pick ‘n Pay.
