How ‘tea’ has empowered women through the ages
#Women'sMonth: The instrumental role that ‘tea’ has played in the lives of women across the globe and locally through the ages.
“Drinking tea has played a central role in the lives of women across the globe for centuries,” the SA Rooibos Council said.
Mary Tuke (1725–1772), who was born in England, was among the first tea merchants to build a chain of tea stores – the equivalent of Starbucks back in the day – and did so amid many jail threats and fines, since many (mainly men) were vehemently opposed to a woman running a business.
Oura Kei from Japan (1850–1880s), was pivotal in creating the Japanese tea export market, while Catherine Cranston (1880–1930) from Scotland built a renowned chain of tearooms in Glasgow, which led to hotels setting aside space for afternoon tea to be served. The list of female tea innovators and influencers, such as Elizabeth Petrovna (Russian), Penelope Barker and Alva Belmont (both American), goes on and on.
To the powerhouse activists of the 1700s to 1900s, having tea wasn’t just an idle pastime; these women used ‘tea gatherings’ to mobilise support for women’s rights. Over time, this paved the way for females to acquire an identity outside of their homes by obtaining loans to start small enterprises, owning property and frequenting certain establishments without being accompanied by a man.
One could argue that the political march that took place on 9 August 1956, when more than 20 000 South African women proposed amendments to the ‘pass laws’, was preceded by countless cups of tea shared among these brave women, which included Lilian Ngoyi, Helen Joseph, Rahima Moosa and Sophia Williams, among others, to whom we pay tribute during Women’s Month.
Another remarkable woman who propelled our locally grown tea, rooibos, to the top of the global tea charts is Dr Annique (Annekie) Theron, fondly known as the “mother of rooibos”.
She first stumbled upon rooibos’ healing power 50 years ago (in 1968) when she gave her allergic baby a warm bottle of rooibos tea to drink. It was the only thing that settled her allergic reaction – to mother’s milk as well as other foods – since her birth. Curious about rooibos, Dr Theron set out to investigate whether there could be more to the tea. Although she found it difficult as a woman to prove her findings at the time, she persisted against great adversity, refusing to ignore the miraculous change in her daughter’s health, and was dogged in her pursuit to scientifically explore and verify the healing properties of rooibos.
Adele du Toit, the SA Rooibos Council spokesperson said that today, rooibos is one of the most popular beverages consumed globally, all thanks to Dr Theron’s discovery.
For those who haven’t yet discovered its secret health and beauty benefits, here’s why you should make rooibos part of your daily routine:
• It does wonders for your skin
Rooibos is rich in alpha hydroxy and zinc – both important nutrients for healthy skin. Alpha hydroxy not only reduces the signs of aging, but also revitalises the skin. Zinc heals wounds, protects against UV rays and has anti-inflammatory properties, which could alleviate acne, pimples and sunburn. Drinking and/or applying rooibos tea to your skin will improve it in the most natural way.
• Promises shiny locks
Drinking a cup of rooibos tea a day could not only keep your locks healthy and strong, but may also help prevent hair loss, as its active ingredients help remove dead skin cells that block hair follicles and prevent hair from growing.
Rooibos is also packed with minerals such as calcium, copper and potassium which are essential for hair growth, while the polyphenols (antioxidants) contained in rooibos promote shiny, soft hair. Aside from drinking the tea, you can prepare your own rooibos tea rinse at home by steeping the tea for about 30 minutes in boiled water. Once cooled, pour tea over freshly washed or conditioned hair or simply spray it on. Allow tea to remain on the hair for 20 minutes before rinsing.
• Boosts body from within
The antioxidants in rooibos, namely aspalathin and nothofagin, have anti-inflammatory properties, which assist in preventing cardiovascular disease, while the antiviral properties of these antioxidants boost the immune system. Aspalathin also has a hypoglycemic effect on the body that helps balance blood sugar and improves insulin resistance, which may help to prevent you from developing Type 2 diabetes.
• Gives IBS the boot
Rooibos has also been proven to remedy irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) – a condition commonly diagnosed in women. The antispasmodic agents found in rooibos help ease stomach aches and pains, and aid digestion. It does so by smoothing out the muscles in the gut. So, if you suffer from IBS, try drinking a cup of rooibos about half an hour before a meal to get the most out of this effect.
• Aids in breathing
Rooibos tea will help you breathe easier too, since it’s a bronchodilator (substance that dilates the bronchi and bronchioles in your lungs, thus increasing airflow). Many researchers also believe the tea could alleviate the symptoms of asthma.
• Improves blood flow
Chrysoeriols is a flavonoid contained in rooibos which aids in blood circulation and has also been linked to reducing cholesterol.
For more info on rooibos’ health and beauty benefits, visit https://www.sarooibos.co.za.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at randfonteinherald@caxton.co.za (please remember to include your contact details in the email) or phone us on 011 693 3671.
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