Carmién Cares
At Carmién Tea, caring for people and the planet is at the heart of everything we do. We believe good tea starts with good values – respect, fairness, and responsibility for our land and our communities. For us, rooibos is a way to support families, protect nature, and promote wellbeing in South Africa and the world!
Our “Goodness Seals” are your guarantee that every cup is filled with genuine care.
Eco
Goodness
We look after the land as much as we look after our people. Half of our shareholder-producers' farmland remains wild, preserving the unique Fynbos Floral Kingdom of South Africa. Sustainable farming guides everything we do – from organic practices to water conservation.
Social
Goodness
We believe in uplifting our workers and their families. That’s why we support children from just 3 months old in our Early Childhood Development Centres, and offer after-school care, skills training, and social development for over 4000 beneficiaries. Our commitment means every Carmién product directly supports these communities.
Customer
Goodness
Our customers are at the heart of everything we do. We listen carefully and are always striving to deliver the best possible Rooibos experience. Your feedback shapes our products and inspires us to keep innovating. At Carmién, every decision starts with our customers, because our tea is made to be enjoyed by people who care about quality, taste, and wellbeing.
Flavour
Goodness
High-quality rooibos is naturally sweet and smooth, with no bitterness or aftertaste. At Carmién, we select only the finest leaves and process them with care, so every cup is fresh, aromatic, and full of flavour. The result is rooibos that’s bright, pure, and delicious – proof of our commitment to quality in every step from crop to cup.
Corporate Social Responsibility
Our responsibility goes beyond the teacup. Every day, Carmién Tea’s projects create opportunities and improve lives:
- Education for All: We offer childcare from 3 months old, after-school care, and ongoing support all the way through to finishing school.
- Family Development: Social programmes and skills training help families thrive.
- Health and Wellness: Free clinics, regular health screenings, and voluntary check-ups keep our community healthy.
- Sustainable Living: Employees can live on our farms in safe housing, close to nature.
We’re proud of what we achieve together, and every customer helps us make an even greater impact.
Our Social Impact in Numbers
+
Beneficiaries of Corporate Social Responsibility Programmes
Employees in housing facilities
Clinic visits during 2024
General voluntary health checks and screening visits
of Bergendal Farmlands remain wild, forming part of the Fynbos Floral Kingdom of South Africa
Children in After School Centres
Children in Early Childhood Development Programmes
Sponsored School Fees
Our Latest Initiatives
Rooibos Health Benefits
Naturally Caffeine-Free
Rooibos is inherently caffeine-free, making it suitable for all consumer demographics including children, pregnant individuals, and those seeking to reduce stimulant intake. This differentiates it from Camellia sinensis teas, which naturally contain caffeine. The absence of caffeine also makes rooibos ideal for evening use or formulations designed to support relaxation (Bond and Derbyshire, 2020; Afrifa et al., 2023; Carmién Tea, 2024).
Rich in Antioxidants
Rooibos is rich in polyphenolic compounds such as aspalathin and nothofagin, which exhibit strong antioxidant activities. These antioxidants help neutralise reactive oxygen species (ROS), thereby supporting cellular health and reducing inflammation. Research shows that both fermented and unfermented rooibos enhance plasma antioxidant levels in humans (Nyu, 2024; Marnewick et al., 2005; Bond and Derbyshire, 2020). Rooibos has also demonstrated chemoprotective potential comparable to green tea in certain assays (Villaño et al., 2010).
Good for Your Heart
Clinical evidence from human trials indicates rooibos can improve lipid profiles, significantly lowering LDL cholesterol and increasing HDL cholesterol levels. These effects were observed in adults consuming six cups of fermented rooibos daily for six weeks, alongside reduced markers of lipid peroxidation and improved redox status (Marnewick et al., 2011; Bond and Derbyshire, 2020). These findings suggest rooibos can play a role in cardiovascular health formulations.
Supports Blood Sugar Regulation
Rooibos, particularly in its unfermented form, has shown promising results in supporting glycaemic control. Aspalathin, the most studied compound in rooibos, enhances glucose uptake in muscle cells and stimulates insulin secretion in pancreatic beta-cells (Ulicná et al., 2006; Kobayashi et al., 2019). Both human and animal studies suggest rooibos may help manage blood glucose levels, especially in prediabetic or insulin-resistant individuals (Bond and Derbyshire, 2020; Afrifa et al., 2023).
Skin-Friendly Properties
Rooibos has a long-standing use in traditional medicine for skin conditions such as eczema, acne, and sunburn. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds contribute to soothing skin irritation and promoting skin health. Early studies support its topical application, and its mild nature and lack of caffeine make it a safe ingredient for sensitive-skin skincare and nutricosmetic products (Marnewick et al., 2005; Carmién Tea, 2024).
Digestive Aid
Historically used to ease digestive ailments, rooibos is considered effective for reducing symptoms such as nausea, stomach cramps, and infant colic. Its low tannin content distinguishes it from other teas that can irritate the digestive tract or inhibit iron absorption. Rooibos also demonstrates mild antispasmodic properties, which may help relieve gastrointestinal discomfort (Health Benefits of Rooibos Tea, n.d.; Afrifa et al., 2023).
Allergy Relief Potential
Rooibos has shown anti-allergic properties in laboratory and limited human studies. It can inhibit mast cell degranulation and reduce basophil activation, processes involved in allergic reactions. Fermented rooibos appears particularly effective in reducing allergic markers, suggesting potential use in natural antihistamine products or allergy relief teas (Kawai et al., 2009; Bond and Derbyshire, 2020).
Bone Health Support
Emerging research suggests rooibos polyphenols may help protect bone density by mitigating oxidative stress, a factor in bone resorption. Laboratory studies demonstrate improved bone metabolism markers following rooibos administration. While human research is limited, the evidence supports the inclusion of rooibos in bone health-supportive dietary supplements (Nyu, 2024; Damiani et al., 2019).
Rooibos for Health and Happiness - Recipes
Tea is part of daily life in South Africa – hot or cold, plain or mixed. Try these easy recipes at home for a taste of Carmién goodness!
