If there’s one thing we can all agree on, it’s that ancient civilizations knew a thing or two about beauty. Before serums, sheet masks, and 12-step skincare routines, people were sipping on nature’s finest to nourish their skin from the inside out. The Egyptians, Chinese, Greeks, and other cultures around the world had their beauty rituals down to a science—and a lot of it started with tea, herbs, roots, and botanicals.

So, if you’re looking for a radiant glow, luscious locks, and that timeless “I woke up like this” energy, you might want to sip on some of these age-old beauty elixirs. Let’s dive in.

1. Egyptian Beauty Elixirs: Hibiscus & Fenugreek

The Egyptians were obsessed with beauty—just look at Cleopatra. They relied on botanicals to keep their skin supple and hair strong.

• Hibiscus Tea – Known as the “Botox plant,” hibiscus is packed with antioxidants and natural acids that help exfoliate, firm the skin, and boost collagen production. It’s also rich in vitamin C, which brightens and protects against aging.
• Fenugreek Tea – This tiny but mighty seed helps with hair growth, scalp health, and hormonal balance (which, let’s be real, is the secret to clear skin).

2. Chinese Herbal Wisdom: Green Tea & Goji Berries

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has always emphasized balancing the body for health and beauty. Their top picks? Antioxidant powerhouses.

• Green Tea – A powerhouse of polyphenols and catechins that fight free radicals, reduce inflammation, and slow down skin aging. Also, it helps with gut health—because good skin starts there.
• Goji Berry Tea – Packed with beta-carotene and vitamin A, goji berries support collagen production, hydration, and a natural glow. They’re basically nature’s retinol.

3. Greek Beauty Rituals: Olive Leaf & Chamomile

The Greeks, famous for their philosophy and love of aesthetics, also had a deep appreciation for herbal beauty remedies.

• Olive Leaf Tea – A staple of Mediterranean beauty, olive leaf tea is rich in polyphenols and antioxidants that protect the skin from environmental damage and boost elasticity.
• Chamomile Tea – Beloved by the Greeks for its calming effects, chamomile tea is also great for reducing inflammation, soothing irritated skin, and promoting a clear complexion.

4. Ayurvedic Glow-Getters: Turmeric & Holy Basil (Tulsi)

Ayurveda has been hyping up natural beauty secrets for thousands of years, and for good reason.

• Turmeric Tea – The golden spice is anti-inflammatory, brightens skin, and helps with acne. Curcumin, its active compound, fights oxidative stress and keeps your skin barrier strong.
• Tulsi (Holy Basil) Tea – Detoxifying and stress-reducing, tulsi helps clear skin, fight breakouts, and boost circulation. Plus, it’s known to help balance hormones.

5. Native American & European Remedies: Nettle & Rose

Indigenous and folk medicine has always turned to wild plants for beauty benefits, and they still work wonders today.

• Nettle Tea – High in silica and iron, nettle strengthens hair, nails, and skin. It’s also a natural blood purifier, which helps with breakouts and inflammation.
• Rose Tea – Hydrating, anti-aging, and full of vitamins A and E, rose tea soothes the skin and reduces redness. Plus, it smells (and tastes) divine.

6. South American & African Beauty Boosters: Rooibos & Yerba Mate

From the savannas of Africa to the rainforests of South America, these teas bring serious beauty benefits.

• Rooibos Tea – This caffeine-free herbal tea is rich in alpha-hydroxy acid and zinc, which help with skin regeneration and healing. Perfect for reducing fine lines and keeping that glow alive.
• Yerba Mate Tea – Packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, yerba mate stimulates circulation, which can lead to healthier, more radiant skin.

How to Sip Your Way to Beauty

Drinking these teas daily can work wonders for your skin, but why stop there? You can also:

• Use them as a facial steam for a deep cleanse.
• Brew them into DIY face masks (hello, hibiscus toner!).
• Rinse your hair with them for extra shine and strength.

Final Sip

Turns out, your beauty routine might just need a little more tea time. From Egypt to China to Greece to South America, different cultures have relied on herbs and botanicals to enhance their natural glow. So why not take a cue from the ancients? Brew a cup, sip mindfully, and let the beauty benefits steep in. ☕✨