Green Tea - From Ancient Rituals To The Spa

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GREEN tea is not only one of the best antioxidants for sustaining a healthy body on the inside, a new research demonstrates the benefits of applying green tea topically to our skin.

Polyphenols, the active ingredient found in green tea is high in antioxidant. Green tea contains four main polyphenols known as catechins.  This powerful antioxidant that are water soluble compounds, make up a subgroup of flavonoids that are also commonly found in fruits, vegetables, coffee and chocolate. Clinical tests have shown that its antioxidant activity destroys free radicals and reactive oxygen species that can damage DNA, cell membranes and other cell components, and thus make the body more susceptible to cancer and other degenerative diseases. 

Originating from the camellia sinensis, a shrub in Asia, people have been drinking green tea as the elixir of choice for centuries now.

Holistic spa consultant, Miriam van Dorn supports the research that green tea has been linked to skin cell rejuvenation. When used in creams and lotions, green tea has a soothing and moisturising effect on the skin. Research has shown that green tea used in skin care products also protects the skin from the deadly dangers of ultra violet rays.

A Japanese researcher from the Make Life Better Corporation has discovered a way to create oil from green tea catechins that is believed to oxidize less than a water-soluble version. Catechins are a tannin found in green tea leaves that that are believed to have at least 100 times more antioxidants than Vitamin C. The process is similar to the extraction of water based catechins where the leaves are steamed, dried and ground into a powder except it is the oil that is being extracted from this process. The oil has a natural green colour and fragrance and is reportedly blended with olive oil and Vitamin E to create Green Tea Oil.

GREEN TEA RECIPE

Steep 100 g of loose whole green tea leaves in half a litre of boiled mineral water at room temperature for at least one hour. Strain the liquid and it's ready to use! It's better to make small quantities and use it fresh but surplus liquid can be poured into clean, sterilised bottles and refrigerated. It's better to use loose tea instead of using teabags. Teabags usually use the cut, ground or 'dust' leaf. These produce fewer antioxidant properties and tend to contain more caffeine.

The liquid can be used as a spritzer, to freshen up the face, or cotton pads soaked in it can be particularly soothing for tired or strained eyes. It has antiseptic properties, so it can be used to treat minor cuts and rashes, and is surprisingly effective when applied to spots and blemishes. As a treatment for sunburn - soak a cloth in the liquid.

(Source: Spa Asia)