6 Surprising Ways to Save Money and Reduce Waste with Rooibos

For centuries, homegrown Rooibos has been enjoyed by millions of South Africans as a delicious cup of tea, with benefits ranging from heart health to improved digestion. However, many people don’t realise just how versatile this South African herb is, with a multitude of everyday uses. With the costly festive season fast approaching, it’s worth incorporating Rooibos as a natural alternative for everyday products, to not only save money but also reduce waste and our impact on the environment.

“Rooibos has long been celebrated for its health benefits, but this incredible herb has uses that extend beyond the teacup!” says Candice Sessions, Laager Rooibos Marketing Manager. “With just a few simple tricks, Rooibos can replace several store-bought items, making it a cost-effective and eco-friendly addition to every household.”

1.       Homemade Iced Tea

Instead of spending money on sugary cold drinks, brew a jug of Laager Rooibos iced tea at home. Add lemon, mint, or seasonal fruits for a refreshing, naturally caffeine-free alternative that the whole family can enjoy. Brew tea, cool, add fresh fruit and/or honey, refrigerate, and enjoy! There are lots of great Laager Rooibos iced tea recipes to be found at www.joekels.co.za,

2.       Rooibos in the Garden

Gardeners swear by Rooibos as a natural fertiliser and mulch. The tea leaves enrich the soil with nutrients and increase nitrogen levels, while also helping to retain moisture. This saves on water while also reducing the need for costly fertilisers. Simply sprinkle used Laager Rooibos tea leaves around plants or add them to the compost pile.

3.       A Relaxing Rooibos Bath

Replace the expensive bath soaks and bubble baths with a deeply hydrating Laager Rooibos bath. Laager Rooibos tea bags steeped in hot water make for a luxurious, skin-soothing soak. This is because Laager Rooibos’ anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties help to calm skin irritations, leaving the skin feeling soft and nourished.

4.       A Rooibos Skin Scrub

Exfoliating the skin is important, but it doesn’t have to come at a massive cost. Simply mix cooled Laager Rooibos with sugar and a little coconut oil for a gentle exfoliant. Rooibos’ antibacterial qualities help fight skin irritations while leaving a healthy glow.

5.       Rooibos for After Sun

With summertime approaching, skin will need even more care – particularly in the harsh South African sun. Skip the expensive after-sun products this year and incorporate Laager Rooibos instead. A cooled Laager Rooibos tea rinse or Laager Rooibos ice cubes applied to sun-exposed skin helps calm redness, hydrate, and reduce the risk of long-term sun damage. Laager Rooibos is packed with antioxidants that help combat sun damage and soothe inflammation caused by UV exposure.

6.       Rooibos for Pets

Rooibos isn’t just good for humans, it’s great for pets too! Used as a rinse, it helps soothe itchy skin, irritated paws, or flea bites, reducing the need for costly treatments. Added to their water or food, Laager Rooibos boosts digestion and immunity thanks to its antioxidant-rich, caffeine-free properties.

Beyond these applications, Laager Rooibos can also be used in DIY facials, homemade lip balms, and even as a natural dye or cleaning aid. By incorporating Laager Rooibos into daily routines, families can save money on drinks, beauty treatments, pet products, and garden care, all while choosing a natural, sustainable option.

UP-Cycled with @WithLoveFromTheTwins

2025 will be the third year running that Laager Rooibos ambassadors Lebo and Tebo Ndala (@WithLoveFromTheTwins) have partnered with the University of Pretoria’s UP-Cycled initiative. This is a practical exam project where Consumer and Food Sciences students have to rethink waste and create innovative solutions. For the past two years, the twins have shown how students can use food waste – such as Rooibos tea bags – and upcycle them into exciting new recipes and products.

“As chefs and entrepreneurs, we believe food should never be taken for granted,” explained Lebo. “Partnering with the University of Pretoria for UP-Cycled has shown us the incredible creativity that comes from reimagining waste. This year’s theme is #LandfillToRunway, and the event will be hosted at Moja Gabedi - a space that was once a wasteland but has been transformed into a vibrant community hub. It’s such a fitting backdrop for an event that’s all about turning waste into opportunity.”

Tebo added: “Rooibos is such a versatile ingredient, and we love to share our expertise with the students – specifically on how Laager Rooibos can be used to enhance the flavour of recipes, and the creative ways Rooibos teabags can be reused; whether as plant food, odour neutralisers, or even in DIY crafts, as part of the conversation around sustainability.”

About Laager Rooibos

Laager Rooibos is a naturally caffeine-free beverage with numerous health benefits, including antioxidant properties, cardiovascular support, and potential benefits for blood sugar and allergies. Laager is the only Rooibos teabag endorsed by the Heart & Stroke Foundation SA and caters for the whole family with Pure Rooibos and flavoured Rooibos options, along with a kids range under the Laager Tea4Kidz brand.

Find out more about Laager Rooibos, including health tips and fantastic Rooibos-infused recipes, by visiting www.joekels.co.za or following @LaagerRooibosTea on Facebook and Instagram. Laager Rooibos can be purchased from all major supermarkets, as well as online at www.joekels.co.za.