The drop in temperatures brings a spike in sickness, as cold weather actually impacts the body’s immune function. To counter this, local personalities, accomplished chefs, Laager Rooibos ambassadors, and sports nutritionists, Lebo and Tebo Ndala
(@WithlovefromtheTwins), have come up with an innovative Laager Rooibos Winter Wellness challenge to help South Africans build up their body’s defences against the onslaught of cold and flu germs that thrive during the winter season.
“The colder weather wears down the body’s immune system, and because we spend more time indoors, in close contact with others – often with limited ventilation – germs thrive over this time,” commented Lebo. “It’s vital that we strengthen our immune systems, giving our bodies the tools they need to fight off cold and flu germs, so we’re not suffering throughout the season.”
Tebo added that a holistic approach to wellness is the best defence to the threat of germs: “We’ve compiled the 7-Day Laager Rooibos Winter Wellness Challenge to focus on all aspects of wellbeing. From diet and physical activity to mindfulness and rest, we can prepare ourselves to withstand the spread of germs this flu season. Aside from boosting immunity, the challenge is also a great way for participants to set themselves on a healthier path!”
7-Day Laager Rooibos Winter Wellness Challenge
The Laager Winter Wellness Challenge kicks off on 9 June 2025 and will run on @LaagerRooibosTea social media platforms for participants to engage and support each other. You can also follow the challenge at www.joekels.co.za/pages/the-laager-winter-wellness-challenge.
The benefits of participating in the challenge include:
- Daily polls and Q&As with the Twins.
- Shared experiences from wellness influencers and other participants.
- Healthy recipes and tips to incorporate into daily life.
- Improved health and wellness to combat the flu season.
- A 7-Day Completion Prize for the top 3 most engaged participants!
Day 1: Hydration & Immunity Boost
Being well hydrated is important for a well-functioning lymphatic system, which works closely with the immune system. Rooibos has high levels of health-promoting antioxidants, which include aspalathin and quercetin. It also contains various vitamins and minerals that help support immune function and fend off invading pathogens that can lead to sickness. Challenge participants are encouraged to drink at least 1 litre of Laager Rooibos on Day 1 of the challenge to improve hydration and boost immunity!
Day 2: Gut Health & Digestion
There is a very strong link between gut health and how well the immune system works, with around 70% of the immune system housed in the gut! Rooibos tea has been shown to support gut health through its antioxidant properties, prebiotic potential, and anti-spasmodic properties. Participants can boost gut health by trying a Laager Rooibos and probiotic smoothie or digestive tea blend.
Day 3: Movement & Warm-Up
Physical exercise is a vital component of overall health! Exercising at a moderate to vigorous intensity a few times a week will strengthen the immune and metabolic systems. Participants can try a gentle winter workout to start such as a session of yoga, Pilates, or a morning walk.
Day 4: Skin & Beauty Benefits
This winter, it’s important to keep healthy inside and out, and Laager Rooibos is the ideal ingredient for this! The antioxidant power of Rooibos protects against free radicals and the effects of pollution, making it ideal for all skin types – even the most sensitive skin. This is particularly beneficial during winter when the skin is stressed by environmental factors like cold weather and indoor heating. Laager Rooibos tea can soothe, replenish, and protect the skin when used in bath soaks, as a face mist, or even added to ice cubes for skin rejuvenation.
Day 5: Mental Wellness & Mindfulness
Mental well-being is critical to immune health, which is why wellness challengers will be encouraged to practice mindfulness and relaxation. Fortunately, Rooibos can help! Participants can enjoy a moment of stillness, such as meditation, deep breathing, or journaling, while enjoying a cup of Laager Rooibos. The tea contains polyphenols aspalathin and nothofagin, which interfere with the production of cortisol – the stress hormone. Being naturally caffeine-free, Rooibos can assist in keeping bodies relaxed while soothing the nervous system. It’s also known to reduce headaches, aid sleep, and even improve mood.
Day 6: Winter Comfort Foods with Rooibos
A high-fibre, plant-rich diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes is known to support the growth and maintenance of beneficial microbes that stimulate immune cell activity. Winter calls for warm, wholesome foods such as soups, stews, and baked goods. Participants are encouraged to try a health recipe with Laager Rooibos, a nourishing added ingredient!
Day 7: Rest & Recovery Ritual
Finish the day (and the challenge!) with a self-care evening routine that will promote sleep and boost immune system health. Rooibos tea enjoyed before bed has been shown to promote relaxation and better sleep due to its potential to reduce stress and anxiety, and its calcium and magnesium which play a role in sleep regulation. A good rest and recovery ritual could be an evening sipping on some Laager Rooibos tea while enjoying a soak in the bath, reading a book, or taking in a comforting view.
“The 7-Day Laager Rooibos Winter Wellness Challenge has been structured so that it’s easy to achieve without overwhelming participants – all the while infusing the incredible immune-boosting benefits of Laager Rooibos into daily routines,” commented Candice Sessions, Laager Marketing Manager. “We encourage you to join the challenge and beat the winter blues with Laager Rooibos and better health!”
Find out more about the challenge on Laager’s social media pages – @LaagerRooibosTea on Facebook and Instagram – and join the challenge to stand a chance to win great prizes! Don’t forget to follow @withlovefromthetwins on social media for more creative food inspiration from Tebo & Lebo Ndala.
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Author: Agnes Matladi from Olivia Jones Communications on behalf of Joekels.
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