In this newsletter, we read more about unique ways in which you can repurpose leftover Rooibos leaves and tea bags. This is especially noteworthy, seeing as yesterday marked World Environment Day.

Furthermore, we discover how drinking Rooibos can help to ensure healthy, hydrated skin this winter season.

We also read more about how you can use Rooibos to avoid the daily afternoon slump.

All this and more below! 

Yesterday marked World Environment Day. Rooibos is gaining attention not only for its health benefits, but also for its potential in promoting sustainable practices. Beyond its soothing flavour, Rooibos offers eco-friendly opportunities to repurpose used leaves, aligning with global efforts to reduce waste and support environmental conservation.

Globally, recycling rates have declined for the eighth consecutive year, with only 6.9% of the 106 billion tonnes of materials used annually coming from recycled sources. In South Africa, the situation is equally pressing. Approximately 90% of the country's waste ends up in landfills, with only 10% being recycled. This linear approach to waste management underscores the urgent need for sustainable practices.

“The single-use model is no longer viable,” says Marthane Swart, secretariat of the SA Rooibos Council (SARC). “We must transition to a circular economy where waste is minimised and resources are reused and recycled. Consumers play a crucial role in this shift by adopting sustainable habits in their daily lives.”

To this end, the South African Rooibos Council has identified ten unique ways in which one can recycle leftover Rooibos leaves. This includes using Rooibos to create natural fertiliser, dye and even fire starters.

Click here to read more.

A recent article on the popular beauty blog, Stylvol, shares several practical tips for maintaining healthy skin this winter.

One standout recommendation is to stay well-hydrated, as dry winter air can quickly deplete your skin’s moisture. The article warns that drinks like coffee and wine may contribute to dehydration, and instead suggests switching to Rooibos, a naturally caffeine-free option that supports proper hydration.

Click here to read more.

A recent Yahoo Life article explored healthier alternatives to caffeine to help combat the afternoon slump many people face during the workday. Experts from the University of Michigan weighed in, noting that caffeine can elevate cortisol levels and one's heart rate, potentially increasing stress and anxiety.

As a gentler option, Dr. Marschall Runge recommended Rooibos tea, highlighting its benefits: 

"You could also consider Rooibos tea,” he said. “It's caffeine-free and rich in antioxidants.”

Click here to read the full article. 

The health benefits of Rooibos tea were recently spotlighted on the popular YouTube channel NutritionFacts.org, founded by Dr Michael Greger.

In the video, Dr Greger explains, “Rooibos is a caffeine-free herbal tea grown in a mountainous region in South Africa.” He references a study involving 40 individuals at risk of cardiovascular disease, which found significant reductions in LDL cholesterol after regular Rooibos consumption.

This adds to earlier research on worms, where Rooibos increased lifespan by 22%, likely due to its high antioxidant content. In a comparative analysis of 15 teas, Rooibos ranked second only to dandelion for antioxidant potency. 

Watch the full video below.

You can also read more by clicking here.