SA Rooibos Council spokesman, Adele du Toit tells us about SA’s indigenous wonder-plant, rooibos.
“Rooibos is wonderfully nutritious and serves as a natural prevention and remedy for many ailments that plague pets. Rooibos tea can soothe skin irritations and help with conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, acne and dermatitis, because of its high level of flavournoids, which encourage the body to destroy unwanted pathogens.”
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Rooibos is hypoallergenic, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial, which means it can be used on the most sensitive of skin types and can treat and alleviate inflamed skin and bacterial infections too.
“It’s also packed with important minerals and vitamins that promote healthy skin, such as zinc and vitamin D; is caffeine-free and contains no harmful chemicals or preservatives,” remarks du Toit.
Bathing your pet in a solution of Rooibos you can relieve the itchiness and prevent the onset of eczema and other mild skin problems.
Pets can also benefit from Rooibos’ health-giving properties by simply pouring it over their food.
Look out for Rooibos dog biscuits, shampoos, oils and the like that are available at most pet stores or supermarkets.
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Here are a few tried and tested Rooibos remedies recommended for pets suffering from allergies, irritated paws and other common ailments:
Eye allergies:
- Place two Rooibos tea bags in a teapot of hot water and allow to steep for about 15 minutes. Once cooled, use the tea as a soothing rinse to treat your pet’s itchy, red and sensitive eyes or soak a cotton ball in rooibos and wipe eyes.
Irritated paws:
- For allergies or yeast infections of the paw, soak your pet’s paws for at least 30 seconds in a bowl, basin or bath of Rooibos tea. This will reduce discomfort and help to treat symptoms. Gently pat paws dry and avoid rubbing them as this can cause irritation.
Eczema, itchy and inflamed skin:
- Mosquito and flea bites can cause itching and in severe cases, allergies, hair loss and open wounds from your pet’s continual scratching. Either bath or rinse affected skin areas in brewed Rooibos tea or apply cooled Rooibos to the affected area with cotton wool or a facecloth or place it in a spray bottle and spray the affected area frequently. Also ask your local vet or pet shop about the various anti-itch Rooibos skincare ranges that are available.
Appetite woes:
- Dog-lovers have also reported the appetite-enhancing effect that Rooibos has had on their dogs. Pour cooled red or green Rooibos tea into your pet’s water bowl daily to ensure they get a good dose of its goodness on the inside too.
Hair loss:
- Using Rooibos on hair can improve not only general hair growth, but also the overall condition of hair. Many pet-lovers have shared their stories about how their pets’ coats/hair shine after regular use of Rooibos. Look out for Rooibos enriched shampoos or lotions.
Read the original article: South Coast Herald
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