By Gina Munsey •
July 31, 2009
It’s nearing May in the heart of Japan’s Nishio area, and beneath the cover of carefully arranged netting, row after row of brilliant jade tencha tea plants are gradually hidden from the sun. As the sunlight fades and the plants retreat into the shade, growth of the plants’ leaves slows, allowing the chlorophyll and antioxidant content to increase.
And under this shaded refuge, Japan’s number one organic matcha is tenderly nurtured. Only the newest small leaves are harvested. After undergoing a gentle steaming process, the tiny leaves are kiln-dried and stone-ground into the AOI (Ah-oh-ee) Tea Company’s prized green matcha powder.
Matcha, which can be enjoyed a variety of different ways, offers a wealth of fantastic health benefits, including antibacterial and antiviral properties.
By Lucille Chi •
July 27, 2009
Recently we shared some favorite handmade spa beauty highlights here on Crafting a Green World, and here is another spotlight on ways to create your own summer spa soothers from your own kitchen cupboard.
Below are some easy DIY tips to make your own homemade spa products such as refreshing sea salt scrubs, rose and cucumber facials, white and green tea spritzers and more. All of these ingredients are best organic and very easy to find.
By Terri Bly •
April 29, 2009
Christy Coleman’s tips for at-home green tea facials to treat tired skin and puffy eyes.
By Timothy B. Hurst •
April 21, 2009
If someone stopped you on the street and asked you to name the national drink of Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay would you:
A) Look at them funny and ask, “What is a Paraguay?”
B) Answer, “Coffee,” because how else do people function?
C) Proudly grab a gourd and silver bombilla from your bag?
If you answered C, then you already know about the popularity of Yerba Mate (pronounced mah-taay) tea throughout South America. And you probably also know about the health benefits of mate and that it boasts 24 vitamins and minerals, 15 amino acids and has more antioxidants than green tea. But what you may not know is that Guayakí, the Sebastopol, California-based yerba mate purveyor has just become the first company in the world to offer fair trade certified yerba mate through the Fair for Life certification program.
By Liz Thompson •
April 17, 2009
We are thinking about our skin now more than ever, with sleeveless tops, shorts and (shudder) bathing suits on the horizon. There are many things you can do to get the bod summer-ready. Starting with, of course, a healthier diet and picking up where we left that exercise program last fall. As for the skin, a little self tanner goes a long way, evening out skin tone and giving you a nice glow.
To have truly healthy skin from the inside out you absolutely have to think about what you are feeding it. Be sure you are using skin care and cosmetic products that are safe (free from harmful ingredients) and right for your skin type. But don’t stop there, your diet definitely shows up in your complexion.
By Amy Bell •
February 21, 2009
Every year more than 500,000 people die from cancer in the United States alone.
Many researchers and cancer specialists believe that up to 60% of those deaths can be prevented if Americans adopt healthier lifestyles.
According to Rachael Stolzenberg-Solomon, a researcher at the National Cancer Institute,
“The easiest and least expensive way to reduce your risk for cancer is just by eating a healthy diet.”
Here is an overview of ten important cancer fighting foods to include in your diet on a regular basis:
By Lucille Chi •
November 23, 2008
As winter approaches, it’s a great time to explore ways to keep our skin hydrated and healthy during the harsh weather ahead. Here are some wonderful skin foods that will keep your face looking fresh and youthful this season:
- Lemon is purifying to the body and gives a lovely glow to the skin when consumed regularly with water (it may also help the body stay regular) or tea.
- Apples: Did you know that organic red delicious and granny smith apples are excellent for the skin? Scientific studies have shown them to fortify both collagen and elastin production.
- Aloe is known to draw oxygen to the skin and lock it in. Aloe also has fantastic anti-inflammatory properties and it heals burns and wounds when applied topically. Aloe makes a wonderful refreshing juice that cleanses and purifies our inner systems. Regularly drinking aloe helps to keep the body hydrated, so if you drink coffee, which is known to dehydrate the skin, try drinking aloe juice to balance your system.
By Lucille Chi •
October 2, 2008
Tea is so good for us to drink regularly, and tea also has amazing healing powers when applied on the skin. For example, mint tea is cleansing as a tea (with fresh mint leaves), a toner, and facial steam. It is especially delectable when combined with compliments like orange and lime:
- Deep Steep Organic Moisture Stick (also featured here by Emma): Honeydew and Spearmint form a nice blend of sweet melon, and spearmint green tea, “& orange with a hint of lime. The perfect summertime scent for all year round. Gives lips loads of shine!” Offered at FutureNatural.com
By Emma Pezzack •
June 18, 2008
BECOME SUN SAVVY:
1. Sunscreen. Every time you step outside your skin is exposed to UVA & UVB radiation whether it’s a cloudy day or sunny. It’s advisable to apply sunscreen prior to sun exposure and again 20-30 mins after being outdoors if you are in full sun. Apply after swimming regardless of water resistant formulations. The best kinds are those that contain no chemicals and instead use microfine titanium dioxide or zinc oxide that reflect and block the harmful rays from penetrating skin.
2. Find yourself a good natural or organic SPF lip balm that contains good amounts of skin emollients like plant and nut butters to keep your lips protected and smooth.
3. Invest in a decent pair of sunglasses - preferably the wrap around variety to protect the sides of your eyes/face. Good quality lenses are critical to shield the eyes and filter out UVA & UVB rays.
4. Besides a killer pair of gorgeous shades, a hat is the next most important piece of clothing for Summer. There are a huge number of styles out there to satisfy even the most discerning eco-fashionista among you!
5. Throw on cover-up. Lightweight but densely woven clothing is the best thing to act as a barrier. Remember, skin will burn even through your clothing so if you’re spending extended time outdoors, make sure you still have sunscreen on underneath your clothes and move to the shade as much as possible.
6. A pretty parasol or vintage umbrella will not only protect you but can make a beautiful and unique fashion statement.
By Lucille Chi •
June 16, 2008
The sun can boost brain levels of serotonin which is the neurotransmitter directly associated with good mood. Sun induced smiles are so wonderful. The best part is this happens simply when you see sunlght. So while taking a stroll outdoors for an hour is ideal, just ten minutes of fresh sunlight and a little glimmer in your eyes will help more than you know.
Today, I’d love to share some glorious, all natural, summer skin savers, many of which you may have in your cupboard. These ingredients are all from nature and may help keep you healthy in the sunshine. Treats like apricots and pomegranate with refreshing tea and aloe coolers create healing elixers that will give you that summer glow naturally.
Green Tea contains Camellia Sinesis (its plant of origin) which is rich in polyphenols. Polyphenols are compounds that demonstrate protection from uv sun damage and prevention of oxidative stress. In fact it had been proven that applying green tea to the skin reduced the number of sunburn cells! I suggest making a toner from your extra tea bags because this summer we need all the skin saving shortcuts we can find.
