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Health For Mzansi

Brew some love with these ‘tea-lightful’ potions

Yep, you read right. Making your partner a cup of tea this Valentine's Day can be a thoughtful gesture that does the trick so ditch the cheesy gifts and mix it up

by Noluthando Ngcakani
3rd February 2023
in Recipes
Reading Time: 6 mins read
A A
UK researchers say roses and chocolates might be so 2022 for Valentine's Day. Step into the future and brew your lover some tea instead. Photo: Supplied/Health For Mzansi

UK researchers say roses and chocolates might be so 2022 for Valentine's Day. Step into the future and brew your lover some tea instead. Photo: Supplied/Health For Mzansi

With Valentine’s Day coming up, you’d think that the usual flowers and chocolates would do the trick to impress your lover. But a group of British scientists suggest otherwise. A cup of piping hot tea. Yes, you read correctly. According to the findings of a two-year study by the Open University in the UK, it is not grand bouquets of flowers that keep the love alive, but rather selfless gestures.

Brew some love with these 'tea-lightful' potions
Different teas require varying steeping times in order to release the best flavour, along with health-promoting antioxidants. Photo: Supplied/Health For Mzansi

A cup of tea has been singled out as a significant sign of your partner’s affection. The team of UK Researchers interviewed close to 5 000 men and women on how to make love last in the 21st century. 

The study, which was aptly called “Enduring Love”, found that while saying “I love you” was important, showing love in deed and not the only word alone, was valued most. 

Thoughtful gifts and generous acts of kindness were described as expressions of love and were not dependent on money or significant dates, such as a birthday or Valentine’s Day. It was rather what the gift or gesture signified that was most important.

Brew a cup of love

Adele du Toit, spokesperson for the SA Rooibos Council (SARC) says one of the most important facets of our lives is having a meaningful and loving relationship with someone we deeply care about. 

“In the modern age of technology, when we are communicating more than ever before, real and personal connections seem to be waning. The constant barrage of tweets, texts and emails have replaced face-to-face interaction. Taking the time to make a cup of tea for our spouse or partner helps to rebuild lost or broken connections, while expressing our desire to care for them. 

Adele du Toit, spokesperson for the SA Rooibos Council

“Sharing a cup of tea with someone is designed to build deeper and more meaningful relationships,” she says.

It does so in three ways:

  • Tea provides a mutual experience that can be enjoyed together.
  • It consists of an act of kindness. From carefully measuring out the leaves or tea bags, gently pouring the water into the teapot and emptying its contents into your finest cups, make your companion feel appreciated. It’s symbolic of how you feel about them. 
  • Carving out time to be with your special someone at that moment, also encourages richer conversation. 

Herbs your lover will love

Du Toit also says that throughout history, people have turned to herbs to express feelings of love, passion and romance. Still, in many cultures, herbs like lavender, spearmint, ginger, damiana, chamomile and lemon balm are celebrated for their romantic powers. 

Brew some love with these 'tea-lightful' potions
Rooibos tea is gaining popularity as a delicious and healthy beverage. Photo: Supplied/Health For Mzansi

Due to its high antioxidant content, Rooibos too is considered one such aphrodisiac. The popular herbal infusion stimulates neurons to keep firing feel-good messages to the brain, which is considered the most important organ in the body when it comes to intimacy.

Du Toit says antioxidants aren’t naturally produced in the body but are obtained through consuming fruits, vegetables or tisanes, like Rooibos.

“Showing affection to your loved one on Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to break the bank. While appreciated, grand romantic gestures aren’t always as nurturing as connecting with the one you love over a cup of tenderly made Rooibos. Carving out quality time will make your partner feel seen, heard and loved.”

Try out these love potions

Du Toit shares two recipes to brew up some romance this Valentine’s Day. 

A love potion to share with the one that holds your heart

INGREDIENTS

½ cup loose leaf Rooibos

¼ cup dried rose petals

2 cinnamon sticks, crushed

1 tbsp pink peppercorns

2 whole vanilla beans, chopped

2 tbsp cacao nibs

OPTIONAL: 1 tbsp dried ashwagandha root (indigenous to Southern Africa, commonly called geneesblaarbossie (Afrikaans), winter cherry (English), ubuvimbha (Zulu), ubuvuma (Xhosa) and bofepha (Sotho)

METHOD:

  1. Combine all ingredients in a jar, lightly stir or shake until loosely combined. Seal and store out of direct sunlight until ready to use. To make the tisane, boil water and place 1-2 tbsp of the loose leaf in a French press, tea strainer or tea bag.
  2.  Pour hot water over tea and allow to steep for 5-10 min before serving. Serve alone or with a splash of milk and raw honey. 

Rooibos & Hibiscus Love Bath 

Rooibos can soothe your skin. Add a strong cup or two to your bath water or enjoy a fragrant infusion of flower petals and essential oils this month of love…

Rooibos tea may help people with diabetes keep their blood sugar levels under control and therefore reduce the risk of complications. Photo: Supplied/Health For Mzansi

INGREDIENTS

1 cup dried hibiscus flowers

1 cup rose petals

½ tbsp cardamom pods

20 drops of rose essential oil

5 drops of sandalwood essential oil

½ cup Epsom salt

1 cup loose-leaf Rooibos

METHOD

  1. Mix the salts and essential oils together in a bowl. Take another bowl to mix the flowers and Rooibos together.
  2.  Gently stir in the salts and essential oils into the bowl of flowers. To enjoy your bath tea, scoop the mix into a reusable cotton bag, cheesecloth, or muslin bag.
  3. When you’re ready to use your bath tea, directly hang the bag under the faucet for the water to soak up all the tea before entering the bath or place it in the bath directly. Soak it all in.

ALSO READ: Korobela: ‘Love potion’ comes with health (and other!) risks

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Tags: HerbsloveRecipesValentines Day
Noluthando Ngcakani

Noluthando Ngcakani

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HIV and initiation: Supporting boys through cultural rites Security fails as gangs target Eastern Cape clinics Dr Makanya blends spiritual healing with art therapy Canola oil: A heart-healthy choice for your kitchen No more pain! Tackle the torment of toothaches How smoking causes harmful bacteria in your mouth Discover delicious, healthy dishes that will make your heart sing Rediscover the joy of creamy pap with chicken livers