Because of its mild nature, rooibos makes a great treatment for the delicate skin around one’s eyes and is unlikely to cause irritation. If you have inflamed, irritated, suppurating (leaking), puffy or black-ringed eyes, give it a try.
All you need is a wet and warm (not hot) rooibos teabag. Gently and generously dab the teabag on the problem area on the outer skin of the eye (not inside, however if you do get some inside your eye don’t worry as it can’t harm your eye but may be uncomfortable – just rinse with water). Allow the tea to air dry (do not wipe off). Do this daily and you are sure to see a difference.
Wash your entire face with cold or lukewarm rooibos tea instead of plain old water; it’s a great skin freshener. To make a rooibos face mask, blend one cup of rooibos tea, two teaspoons of oatmeal and a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar. Apply the mixture to your face and leave on for 15 minutes. Rooibos contains phenyl pyretic acid which relieves conditions like acne and eczema.
It increases eyelash growth through added nourishment, and rinsing dark hair with strong rooibos tea will give it a beautiful shine.
As rooibos tea contains many antioxidants which have anti-inflammatory properties, it will leave your skin feeling comforted and remove redness. Rooibos also has a high mineral content and its ability to improve circulation will help to renew your skin cells leaving skin looking brighter and younger.
Claire Brown is a natural remedy expert based in Northcliff.
