Fight colds and flu with these two powerful Rooibos recipes

For over a century, antioxidant-rich Rooibos tea has been used to help ease and provide protection against colds and flu.

Its ability to support the immune system in fighting viruses, enhances the body’s natural defence system making it a must-have pantry staple.

Adele du Toit of the SA Rooibos Council (SARC) says if you are looking for a natural way to beat colds and flu, look no further than Rooibos.

“It is packed with polyphenols, which are micronutrients with antioxidant activity. Polyphenols act as scavengers of free radicals throughout the body, which are detrimental by-products of cell metabolism that can cause inflammation. Aspalatin – a unique antioxidant found only in Rooibos tea, will help to boost immunity, whilst protecting the body against other illnesses, such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes,” she says.

Give your body an immune-boosting shot with these tried and tested Rooibos remedies:

Green Rooibos smoothie

Ingredients for 1 serving:
1 small apple, cored
5 cm piece cucumber
1 stalk celery, including leaves
1/4 cup flat-leaf parsley, including stems
1 cup baby greens (your choice of spinach, chard, kale)
1/8 slice of lemon (including rind)
10 ml lemon juice
1 kiwi peeled
1/4 cup raw almonds
1 Tbsp chia or sunflower seeds (optional)
1 cup brewed Green Rooibos tea, chilled
6-8 ice cubes

Method:
Combine all ingredients except ice cubes in a high-powered blender.
Blend on high until smooth.
Add ice cubes one at a time until fully crushed and mixed.
Serve immediately.

Rooibos Hot Toddy

Ingredients:
Juice of 1 orange
Juice of 1 lemon
Litre of Rooibos tea, brewed using 6 bags
2 cinnamon sticks
1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, peeled and chopped finely
Honey to taste (Honey is a time-honored remedy for a sore throat. Research suggests honey is as effective as dextromethorphan, a common ingredient in over-the-counter cough medication).
Combine all of the ingredients then serve immediately while still hot.

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