tea and love

Love and tea.  What's not to love?

“Love and scandal are the best sweeteners of tea.”  - Henry Fielding (1707-1754)

Ari thought compressed tea leaf hearts were so cool!

It's a new year and I am already thinking ahead to my one of my favorite holidays, Valentine's Day, and all of the mushy love quotes, recipes and herbs that symbolize love that I want to share with you.

So I'm getting started early. I plan on posting them periodically throughout the month of January up until Valentine's so beware!  We are talking good clean love and fun quotes here. This is a PG rated family site!

But speaking of love and herbs:  Did you know that some chai spices are good for the libido?  Cinnamon, nutmeg, black pepper, cardomon, and ginger all increase circulation and can help elevate energy and passion!  

Ylang Ylang, Jasmine and Rose also help balance emotions and enhance relationships.  These in essential oil form are powerful and lovely fragrances that naturally make me think of love and warmth.  (Not the cheap old lady rose smell, the really expensive real rose smell)

I am going to have fun with teas and yummy smells this week.  Hope yours is good too!

Bath and Shower Salts-Magnesium help

Case for using bath salts (even in the shower)

open sinuses with infuser in shower

We may think of soaking in a bath of salts only as a last resort when we have sore, over worked muscles or are sick and desperate for relief.  But consider some of the other benefits of bath salts:

Magnesium Sulfate (Epsom Salt) is the #1 ingredient in most bath salts.  Magnesium, which doctors now say many people are lacking in, is usually obtained through natural water sources (hard water), green vegetables and whole grains.  It is needed for over 300 biochemical reactions in the body:  Normal muscle and nerve function, heart, immune system, strong bones, it also helps maintain blood sugar levels, normal blood pressure and is involved in energy metabolism to name a few.  Epsom salt in the bath helps relieve muscle and joint aches and is also used to relieve constipation and aid digestion.  It is the quickest way (and least expensive) to obtain magnesium into your system because your skin, being your largest organ, is much quicker than your stomach to absorb minerals, etc.  (That’s why we are very careful what we put on our body!)  A great side effect of magnesium is to help balance emotions.  That’s why Epsom salt is a great de-stresser!

Sea Salts contain many trace minerals needed in the body.  Benefits of sea salts are almost the same as magnesium and include: strengthening the immune system, alkalizing the body, helping weight loss, skin problems, asthma, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, muscle spasms, and depression. 

Oils and essential oils – therapeutic aromatics help open breathing, heart, senses and relax muscles, emotions, etc.

In the Shower - If you are like me you find yourself in the shower far more than in the bath. So use your bath salts in the shower! Put a tablespoon in cheesecloth, sachet or tea strainer/infuser and hang in the shower under your water.  Your will receive therapeutic benefits as the water activates the salts and oils.  Enjoy!

Easy Bath Salt Recipe

1 cup Epsom Salt

1 cup Mediterranean, Celtic or Dead Sea Salt

½ cup Soda Salt

¼ cup Baking Soda

1 tsp. jojoba, grapeseed, or Vit. E oil

¼ cup dried herbs of choice (optional)

15-20 drops essential oil of choice: depending on needs – eucalyptus, lavender, lemongrass, wintergreen, peppermint with orange, etc.

Mix together thoroughly and secure in labeled glass jar.  Use 2-3 Tbsp per bath.

lemongrass explained

Lemongrass - herb and oil uses

Since I put lemongrass in so many of my products, it’s about time this amazing plant was explained a little. 

First, My Story:  Lemongrass is the oil that got me interested in essential oils in the first place.  Maybe that explains my love for it.  Over 5 years ago, I had a kinked neck from doing too many sommersaults while teaching gymnastics (a clue to my craziness) that had been hanging on for a week despite my best efforts of stretching, massage and adjustments.  A friend rubbed some lemongrass on my neck and shoulder muscles and about 15 minutes later, I was nearly pain free and could move my neck freely again!  I was so amazed that I began my study and schooling of essential oils.  I since have learned that lemongrass is your number one choice for repairing torn ligaments!

Historically: lemongrass has been used for purification and digestion. 

Medicinally:  The essential oil has been shown to have strong antifungal and antibacterial action as well as be antiparasitic.  It is anti-inflammatory, dilates blood vessels, improves circulation, promotes lymph flow, and regenerates connective tissues and ligaments.  It is great for the skin.

Used For:  The herb and oil have also been used for bladder, respiratory and sinus infections, digestive problems, parasites, fluid retention, varicose veins, bug repellent and Salmonella.

T’s Tonics products Lemongrass is found in:  Sun and Skin Soother, Skeeter Beater, Lip Infusion, Sore Muscle Salve, Teen Skin Tonic, Hair Tease conditioner, Mellow Yellow Tea, Citrus Hibiscus Tea.

And now you know the rest of the story.  I hope you enjoy some lemongrass today.