Rose petals contain as much or more antioxidant power than green tea – making them a wonderfully healing and caffeine free beverage.

Rose hips are a very rich source of naturally occurring vitamin C – they are also rich in vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, Niacin, vitamin K, bioflavonoids, vitamin E, polyphenols and heart friendly pectin.
Rose petals are also rich in B vitamins, polyphenols and bioflavonoids.

Roses, especially the hips are a fine blood tonic, especially good for fatigue, anxiety, vertigo, dry skin and hair, pallor and other signs of blood deficiency. The entire plant is incredibly anti-inflammatory, Scandinavian studies show that rose hips and seeds significantly reduced the need for painkillers in individuals suffering from osteoarthritis.

The cold pressed organic oil is also most useful for stiffness, pain and swelling.

The rose has many other wonderful healing attributes, perhaps one of its most remarkable aspects is to be found in its ability to affect the heart and spirit. It is an amazingly uplifting herb with anti-depressant qualities and ability to open the heart: very calming and balancing – look upon the rose (flowers, hips and leaf) as natures rescue remedy. A cup or two a day is helpful for almost everything.

There is a great deal of evidence to show that poor weaning practices – such as infant and early childhood diets based on animal products, e.g. milk, dairy products, red meat, chicken and wheat products, are one significant risk factor (if not most) of asthma. Such a diet can cause inflammation anywhere in the body, including the airways.

Animal products are naturally high in arachidonic acid and other potent mediators of inflammation. These mediators create inflammation responses in epithelial tissue, such as those that line the airways (and skin). This causes production of excess mucus (the body’s attempt to eliminate and stabilize the inflammation.)

Dairy milk causes airways inflammation and histamine release from mast cells lining the airway – causing excess mucus. The organs of digestion in an infant are not properly developed until at least 12 months of age. Giving infants foods as described here means a lot more mediators of inflammation are going to be absorbed straight into the bloodstream that would otherwise enter the gastro-intestinal tissues.

So poor weaning practices before the age of 12 months are a primary cause of this problem. The single best food to start the weaning process is pure slippery elm powder. This is a complete protein food that strengthens the immature digestive system and to which other foods, such as fruits etc may be gradually added over a six month period.

Using Slippery Elm this way creates a strong healthy digestive system and therefore a stronger immune system. Slippery Elm must be prepared by mixing to a paste with water and very gently cooked for 5 minutes. 1 tablespoon powder to 1 to 1 ½ cups water. This lasts several days in the fridge.

Beware of imitation powder – use only pure Slippery Elm Powder – Available in store.

Rooibos is a herbal tea made from the leaves of a South African plant known botanically as Aspalathus linearis. Rooibos (pronounced roy-boss) is the Afrikaaner name meaning “red bush”. It’s a small shrub in the legume family with needle-like leaves that grows naturally in Western Cape and is now cultivated commercially.

Rooibos has a long history of traditional use by the Hottentots and Bushmen, who left the leaves outside to ferment after pounding them with wooden hammers. Early European settlers and explorers noted that the local people drank large quantities of Rooibos as a tea. The tea was used as a refreshing drink, for diarrhoea and for various digestive complaints.

By the late 1920s, Rooibos was being used by Europeans, and during World War ІІ, when it was difficult to get regular tea, Rooibos was introduced as a substitute. The leaves, shoots and twigs are used in modern commercial production and these parts of the plant contain a red pigment. After bruising, cutting and fermenting, the plant develops a brick colour and reputedly becomes aromatic.

Constituents
• Rooibos is rich in flavonoids and Vitamin C, although processing storage and heat deplete water-soluble vitamins. The flavonoids, in particular, are powerful antioxidants, some of which are known to prevent damage to the body’s skin cells. Flavonoids in general also protect the linings of the body, including blood vessel walls and cell membranes.

• Rooibos does not contain caffeine or stimulating compounds. Most people find it settles the nerves without causing drowsiness.
• The plant contains 1 – 3 percent tannin, which would account for its folk use for diarrhoea. Some categories of tannins are antioxidants and others strengthen and tone internal tissue in the body. Tannins in general can be irritating and drying if consumed in very large quantities, but Rooibos contains less tannin than common tea.

• In an experiment using cells, a polysaccharide isolated from Rooibos showed anti-HIV activity. This doesn’t mean it’s a treatment, but it could be beneficial for affected people to drink the tea daily.

Therapeutic Activity
• A human study confirms that, compared with ordinary tea, Rooibos barely affects iron absorption.

• X-ray (radiation) damage was reduced when mice were given Rooibos extract. (Cancer letters, 77; 33-8: 1994). In my clinic, I see a number of people who are worried about having x-rays and scans and I am now recommending they take Rooibos tea for at least a few days before and after the procedure. Various flavonoids can protect against radiation damage and this is thought to be due to their free radical scavenging potency.

• Rooibos tea and extract has anti-mutagenic properties, confirmed in a number of studies. This means Rooibos may have the capacity to prevent cell damage by mutagens. Rooibos tea and other flavonoid-rich foods may also help prevent chromosome/genetic damage.

• In animal studies, Rooibos tea helped the growth of primary cells, fibroblasts and muscle cells, thought to be due to the antioxidant and scavenging effect of the tea.

• A study published in the “South Africa Medical Journal” in 1982 found Rooibos tea helped soothe some types of allergic reaction and it has a reputation for alleviating dermatitis. Some people find it soothes the skin when dabbed on or used in a bath. One way of applying Rooibos to the skin would be to make an infusion with just enough water to cover the tea, then cover and allow to cool. Add some of the brew to a small quantity of aqueous cream, which you can buy from any pharmacy. I suggest making up a small quantity of tea at a time because it doesn’t contain any preservatives and even in the fridge may degrade after a few days. Particularly if you have a sensitive skin, always do a little test patch on the skin inside your elbow before using any new remedy. Some researchers suggest the processing into tea reduces the anti-mutagenic and antioxidant properties of Rooibos; no doubt extracts will soon be available.

Toxicity
There are no reports of toxicity, which is reinforced by the historical use of large quantities.

Dose
I recommend 1 – 3 cups daily.

Free Radicals are the main cause of skin aging and indeed body aging. Green Tea (organic only – never tea bags), traps free radicals, removing aggressive substances from the skin, giving it a tighter, younger appearance when used regularly. Green Tea extracts used in skincare products, supply the top layers of skin (namely the dermis and epidermis) with water, thus preventing the skin from drying out. Green Tea also provides natural sun protection – not by filtering UV rays, but by trapping their by-products, the free radicals, as soon as they develop.

Green Tea is particularly good for treating the skin after sunbathing. It cools and assists the skin to store water, traps free radicals and is anti-inflammatory. Use it in lotions, moisturisers, sun products and after sun products, gels, mists, and toners.

To create effective skincare products with a reasonable shelf life – Green Tea needs to be first made into a suitable extract which may then be added back into cream bases, gels, etc, without producing mould. Suggestions are: tincture, glycerite, infused oils or hydrosols. Green Tea in skincare tightens the skin and makes it more resistant to harmful environmental irritations.

Drinking Green Tea daily is highly recommended for a huge range of health conditions. It protects the immune system, assists the body to use Vitamin C, stimulates urination, neutralizes acidity in the body and has anti-inflammatory and antibiotic properties. It also reduces appetite and binds animal fat in the intestines, so that less strain is put on the digestive and excretory organs.

Scientists from the German Cancer Research Centre have been analyzing the effectiveness of Green Tea as a form of protection against cancer. The importance of Green Tea in preventing and healing cancer has been known in Japan for some time, but now it is also starting to be accepted in the western world. It contains a unique profile of active substances suitable for cancer prevention. It strengthens the immune system and hinders the development of metastases.

The saponins in Green Tea are particularly potent in reducing the risk of cancer of the large intestines by blocking the development of acids in the gallbladder – the main cause of tumors of the intestines. Its bioflavonoids reduce the risk of cancer of the breast, large intestines and stomach. They smuggle certain enzymes into human metabolism which stops cancer in its preliminary stages. They are also said to be capable of entering the genes directly, where they can block the binding sites for substances that cause cells to become cancerous.

Japanese studies were able to prove that EGCG, which is present in Green Tea, can block the development of lung cancer. It is active in the bloodstream and it also works directly on the pulmonary alveoli during the process of exhaling.

Its high content of Zinc and Vitamin C, strengthens the immune system, traps free radicals and protects cell tissues against aggressive substances.

Remember: Only use ORGANIC loose leaf tea. Drink between 1 – 5 cups per day, depending on your need.
(See recipe section for skincare).

The simple, natural & inexpensive way to healthy skin.

Active french clays,Bentonite, Kaolin, Black & Moroccan red clay

These pure chemical free clays consist of curative volcanic ash or feldspar minerals. Dug from the earth and carefully sun dried – each of these beautiful clays has similar abilities, but they differ in their level of absorption and mineral properties. Cosmetic clays regularly used, rejuvenate skin, exfoliate and stimulate blood circulation to the skin, removes dead skin cells and debris from the pores and refine pores to create a smooth, healthy glow.

French clay properties and use: -

Green Clay:
Very rich in magnesium, iron, potassium, copper, selenium, zinc, manganese, calcium, silica and other macro and micro nutrients. Helps reminerilisation, regeneration of cells and tissues, draws and binds toxins and calms inflammation. Green clay is very effective for acne, helping to halt the growth of bacteria, and prevent the formation of scar tissue. It can be used in tooth powder to remove plaque and whiten teeth. It may act as an analgesic and healer for pain, infected wounds, rashes, spots, eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis, cold sores, haemorrhoids, and acne. It restores the natural PH, deodorizes and heals. Never mix green clay with a metal spoon or store in a metal container, as it loses its beneficial electromagnetic quality.

Red Clay:
Is high in iron oxide – is suitable for post – acne, mature, dehydrated, tired, sensitive and stressed skin. Red calms inflammation, refines texture and is oilier than other colours. Good for bags under eyes and broken capillaries.

Pink Clay:
A skin softening and refining clay. It tones the epidermis (outer layer) of skin. Mainly used for dehydrated and sensitive skin. Ideal as a body wrap, helps to firm the bust, thighs, stomach and upper arms. Excellent in a skin maintenance programme.

Yellow Clay:
A mild clay, suitable for most skin types, it stimulates circulation, revitalizes, and restores tired, neglected, sun damaged skin. Yellow clay does not draw oils from the skin excessively. Good for dry, sensitive and normal skin types.

White Clay:
The mildest of all the clays. It stimulates circulation to the skin, whist gently cleansing and exfoliating. It does not draw oils and can be used on dry, delicate, young, sensitive or mature skins. White french clay is an excellent body deodorant and natural alternative to talcum powder.

Bentonite Clay:
Sometimes known as Montmorillonite clay. This clay swells up and stretches like a highly porous sponge, drawing toxins into its spaces. Good as an anti-irritant in lotions and creams for eczema. May be used in baby powders, sunscreens, face creams, mud packs and detox baths. High in silica, iron, magnesium, calcium, and potassium. A good clay for acne and infected skin.

Kaolin Clay:
Increases local circulation, helps inflammation and is mildly drying and very skin tightening. High in silica, iron, zinc, calcium and magnesium, kaolin is naturally adsorbent, making it effective in products like scrubs, deodorants, face powders, masks, toothpowder, and soaps. A very very mild clay, suitable for sensitive skins and is less expensive than other clays. May also be used to fix scent.

Moroccan red clay:
Also known as rhassoul clay, this is a super fine, silky powder very rich in silica, magnesium, and calcium, and dense in many more nutrients. Moroccan clay feels silky smooth on the skin, it exfoliates, draws and is very lubricating. This clay is used in many, many commercial cosmetic products and haircare products.

Black Clay:
This clay is very high in iron, is very nourishing, cleansing and conditioning to the skin. It has wonderful oxygen producing properties, making it useful in a wide range of skincare products. May be mixed with other clays. Great for creating a black lip balm or talc.

Poultices:

Are made by applying a thick layer of clay paste, either directly or onto gauze for easy removal. Poultices must never be re-used as toxins are drawn into the clay. Clays can be mixed with cold pressed oils (Jojoba, Almond or other choice) Honey, natural yoghurt, egg yolk, powdered herbs, Aloe Vera or gels. E.g. clay mixed with many of these ingredients will give a softer texture for more sensitive skins etc. this also prevents clay from drying too quickly – thereby keeping the clay more active for longer.

Clays – especially the french or black clays may also be used to add colour, minerals and softness to soaps, creams and lotions, gels, hair products, lipsticks and balms, mascaras, aftershave talcs, eyeliners, blushers and make-up bases, and deodorants.

For problem, spotty and acne skins – use at least twice weekly. For other skin types a once weekly treatment will enhance and improve skin tone, colour, texture, lines and wrinkles and general skin health.

Click here to view more information about our clay products for sale.