Philosophy.

For the afternoon philosophers listening to Radio 4. For Coronation St. lovers. For Johnny Vegas. For Descartes.

In this episode I’ll break down different types of teas so you can know what to expect from each kind. Learn the differences between White, Green, Oolong, & Black teas. From the taste, to the brewing instructions, to the health benefits, this is your quick guide to tea. Cheers.

If you’re having trouble viewing this video, check it out on my Vimeo page.

I have a big bag of Kaolin I bought not too long ago while I was researching MM and bases.  Since I dont use it, it’s been sitting under my bathroom sink, sort of taking up space.  Yesterday I started working on organizing makeup, making it easier to use a wide variety of things on a day to day basis, rather then just the few things I use day after day.

The bag of Kaolin sort of spilled a little into the sink and as I went to rinse it away it turned into mud.  Well, DUH, Grey, it’s clay.  But suddenly a light bulb went off in my head.

• Brew a small cup of very strong green tea and when it’s cooled mix it carefully with enough kaolin to make a thick mud.
• Apply over your face and neck, and let dry (about 10 minutes).
• Rinse.

Kaolin has wonderful purifying properties when used on for your face, and that with the antioxidants in green tea make for a wonderful organic cleansing, firming, and toning mask!!

You can get kaolin at TKB Trading for as little as 3.40$ for a generous sized bag and just about any natural green tea will work.

You may have read back in May, that Oracle Organics Body Wash is my favorite way to suds up sans bar in the shower. There’s a tiny glitch though, my supply is depleted and Oracle Organics is on maternity leave. Which leaves me to my second favorite body wash, of which there are actually two: Weleda’s Wild Rose Creamy Body Wash which I have already spoken of, and Pangea Organic’s Pyrenees Lavender with Cardamom Wash.

I had forgotten how much I love Pangea’s Lavender Wash! The beautiful, luxurious suds that this wash creates are astounding. No puff is needed to achieve this lather, but of course feel free to use one. The scent is lovely as well. It’s a light lavender, with a hint of blood orange. I’ve never noticed any cardamom as the name suggests, and I’m on my second bottle.

I’ve tried a sample of the Canadian Pine with White Sage and it certainly lives up to its name. It’s all about the pine and sage, and lots of it! If you like forest hikes that are balsamy, piney, sagey, and green, with loads of fresh air, go for this one. You’ll be enveloped in a sudsy woodland, right in your own shower. Quite apropos for the rapidly approaching wintry holidays.

If bar soaps are your preference, which I have to admit I’ve become partial to lately, Pangea’s are not to be missed. Like the washes, theses dense bars pack some serious suds-action. I’ve tried two, Pyrenees Lavender with Cardamom and the Indian Green Tea with Mint and Rose Petals. To be honest, I can’t tell you much about either scent. They both became a variation on a subtle rosemary theme, but what stood out was the exceptionally silky lather. I bought them when they were on sale at Whole Foods a few months ago, so keep your eye out for those specials!

I appreciate the full disclosure on the packaging that there are no petroleum-based ingredients, sulfates or detergents, synthetic preservatives, artificial colors or fragrances, or GMO’s. In addition, all of their products are handcrafted, organic and fair traded, and cruelty-free.

And PS: Happy Thanksgiving to you, your friends, and family!

Pangea Body Washes are $16 and available at Whole Foods and Pangea’s Website.

Pangea Bar Soaps are $8 and available at Whole Foods and Pangea’s Website.

Posted by ~Trish

by William I. Lengeman III

Arthritis, in a variety of forms, is a condition that is quite widespread, much to the dismay of those who suffer its ill effects. The Arthritis Foundation estimates that rheumatoid arthritis plagues 1.3 million people in the United States. Another 27 million Americans live with a more common condition called osteoarthritis.

There is no cure for either of the conditions mentioned above, but there are a number of ways to treat the considerable discomfort arthritis visits upon sufferers. According to several research studies, it seems that tea and the assorted and sundry compounds derived from it may be of some help in treating arthritis symptoms.

A recent study, the results of which first appeared in 2008, examined the impact of Indian black tea on acute and chronic inflammatory conditions. The researchers, who were based in Kolkata, India, found that the loose-leaf varieties of tea that were tested on rats produced “significant antiarthritic activity.”

Prior to that, researchers at the University of Michigan Health System made the encouraging discovery that epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), one of several beneficial compounds in green tea, might be useful in bringing some relief to rheumatoid arthritis sufferers. Another study, conducted at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, looked at coffee, tea, and caffeine consumption in relation to the risk of rheumatoid arthritis. Decaffeinated coffee was found to increase the risk of rheumatoid arthritis while tea had the opposite effect.

Additional research efforts have arrived at similar conclusions. Among them, a 2002 study at the University of Sheffield Medical School. Researchers there found that “polyphenolic compounds from green tea have been shown to reduce inflammation in a murine model of inflammatory arthritis.” Researchers at Ohio’s Case Western University also found that polyphenols in tea might be of some help in reducing the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis in mice.

On a related note – though not having to do with tea in the strictest sense of the word – is a recent report that a tea-like herb known as Brazilian mint might be of some aid if treating pain.

Head over to William’s blog, Tea Guy Speaks, for more in-depth information on tea!

Green tea? In a field glutted with performance beverages that promise you’ll get ripped, zipped and buff, green tea may seem tepid. Think again. Green tea, hot or cold, may be the single most beneficial beverage a fitness-oriented person can swallow besides water.

Why is green tea of particular value to the fitness set? Despite the benefits of exercise, there is one drawback to working out. Exercise increases oxidation in the body, the deterioration of cells as a result of chemical reactions involving oxygen. Oxidation produces free radicals, which cause damage to DNA, lipids and protein, destroying membranes, altering genes and injuring cells. They contribute to aging and the promotion and severity of numerous health problems, including cancer and cardiovascular disease. Free radicals are generated primarily as a result of breathing oxygen. Thus aerobic exercise can lead to increased cellular damage as a result of increased breathing. This is where mighty green tea plays a role in a personal fitness program.

Green tea contains a family of powerful antioxidant compounds known as polyphenols. There are four primary polyphenols in green tea. While all four appear to possess protective value, Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCg) occurs in the greatest concentration, and appears to offer the strongest antioxidant benefits. In fact, EGCg is several times more potent an antioxidant than vitamin E.

According to extensive research conducted worldwide, green tea

• Protects against several types of cancer.

• Lowers cholesterol by inhibiting cholesterol absorption and reducing the body’s cholesterol production.

• Reduces blood pressure by the exact same mechanism by which several expensive, prescription blood pressure medicines work.

• Reduces blood platelet stickiness, thus inhibiting atherosclerosis, hardening of the arteries.

• Demonstrates anti-bacterial action against the bacteria that cause dental plaque.

• Promotes the growth of beneficial Bifidobacteria in the intestines.

• Protects against certain toxins, including harmful bacteria in foods.

• Protects against adverse effects of radiation.

The easiest way to derive the health benefits of green tea is to drink it. Three eight-ounce cups of green tea daily will give you a significant amount of protective polyphenols, including approximately 375 milligrams of EGCg. That amount is sufficient to provide the benefits described above. Whenever you have a choice, use green tea that is organically grown, without pesticides. This is the purest green tea available.

Drinking green tea is not the only way to derive its benefits, though it is the simplest and least expensive way. You can also find green tea supplements in many natural food stores. Choose products which state on the label that they are standardized to guarantee a potency of at least 40% green tea polyphenols Two 500 milligram capsules daily will give you approximately 375 milligrams of EGCg, the same as three cups of green tea.

I predict that we will see a lot more green tea around. As more people come to realize the need for ever-greater antioxidant protection, green tea stands to become one of the most popular drinks of the new millennium.

Chris Kilham is a medicine hunter who researches natural remedies all over the world, from the Amazon to Siberia. He teaches ethnobotany at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he is Explorer In Residence. Chris advises herbal, cosmetic and pharmaceutical companies and is a regular guest on radio and TV programs worldwide.  His field research is largely sponsored by Naturex of Avignon, France. Read more at www.MedicineHunter.com 

Pick of the Week
Despite best intentions, the odds are pretty good that you’ll over-eat on Thanksgiving. Most people indulge more during the holidays given the option. Knowing that you may do so, stock up on this one essential item – Peppermint tea. Simple peppermint tea is naturally rich in menthol, which soothes digestive upset and helps to take away that overly full feeling. Caution, this may not work if you’ve had eight slices of pie! Otherwise, after you’ve pushed back from dessert, make a good strong cup of peppermint tea with two bags, and let it steep for a full five minutes. Remove the bags, and sip. You will feel soothing relief. As for brands? I like Traditional Medicinals Organic Peppermint Tea. Oh, this tip is good for people of all ages. Enjoy and happy holiday to you.

Although it takes having better eating habits and more active lifestyles, being on a diet plan is a very popular technique for losing weight. Adding green tea to this plan complements a great weight loss strategy.

The Complete Guide to Green Tea

The soothing combination of Green Tea, and Aloe Vera refines skin texture, while Salicylic Acid prevents breakouts. A bedside light antioxidant rich moisturiser for oily acne prone skin. The non greasy steps that is easily absorbed leaving no shiny residue. Contains powerful natural ingredients. Green Tea, Jojoba Oil and Vitamin B5 that deeply moisturise and help prevent breakouts. Acne Control is PERFECT for teenage and adult acne sufferers.

Tags: weight loss weight los salicylic acid losing weight green tea eating habit eat weight loss diet plan aloe vera acne prone skin

Manfaat Peeling:
* membantu penipisan sel-sel kulit mati
* membantu merangsang pertumbuhan sel-sel kulit yang baru
* menghaluskan kulit yang kasar bekas jerawat
* menjadikan kulit halus, bersih dan bercahaya

Masker Wajah Susu
* memutihkan dan mencerahkan kulit wajah
* mencegah kulit keriput
* menghilangkan bekas jerawat dan flek-flek hitam

Masker Wajah Strawberry
* membuat kulit wajah menjadi cerah dan segar
* meremajakan kulit wajah
* membuat kulit wajah cerah merona alami

Masker Wajah Bengkoang
* mendinginkan kulit wajah
* memudarkan noda-noda hitam diwajah
* memberikan rasa kencang pada kulit wajah
* menjadikan kulit wajah halus dan tampak putih berseri

Masker Wajah Kopi
* mengangkat sel-sel kulit mati pada wajah
* membuat kulit wajah bercahaya
* menghaluskan kulit wajah
* merawat kulit yang berjerawat meradang

Masker Wajah Coklat
* menjaga kelembaban kulit wajah
* menghaluskan kulit wajah
* menenangkan dan merilekskan pikiran

Masker Wajah Lavender
* menyehatkan dan menghaluskan kulit wajah
* memberi nutrisi pada kulit wajah
* dapat mengatasi jerawat
* menenangkan pikiran

Masker Wajah Rumput laut
* menghilangkan flek-flek di kulit wajah
* memberi nutrisi pada kulit wajah
* memutihkan dan menghaluskan kulit wajah
* mencegah jerawat
* menjadikan kulit wajah bercahaya

Masker Wajah Green Tea
* memberi nutrisi pada kulit wajah
* membantu regenerasi kulit wajah
* mencegah keriput
* menyembuhkan jerawat

Masker Wajah Pemutih
* memutihkan kulit wajah
* mencerahkan kulit wajah
* membantu menghilangkan noda-noda di wajah
* menghaluskan kulit wajah

Masker Wajah Buah
* membantu memutihkan kulit
* melemaskan kulit yang kaku
* membuat warna kulit lebih bercahaya
* menghilangkan bekas luka dan mencegah kulit keriput

Sumber: http://pasariklanbaris.com/masker-wajah-melati-bengkoang-strawberry-coklat-susu-kopi-lumpur-rumput-laut-pemutih-kuning-green-tea.html

Although it takes having better eating habits and more active lifestyles, being on a diet plan is a very popular technique for losing weight. Adding green tea to this plan complements a great weight loss strategy.

The Complete Guide to Green Tea

The soothing combination of Green Tea, and Aloe Vera refines skin texture, while Salicylic Acid prevents breakouts. A bedside light antioxidant rich moisturiser for oily acne prone skin. The non greasy steps that is easily absorbed leaving no shiny residue. Contains powerful natural ingredients. Green Tea, Jojoba Oil and Vitamin B5 that deeply moisturise and help prevent breakouts. Acne Control is PERFECT for teenage and adult acne sufferers.

Tags: weight loss weight los salicylic acid losing weight green tea eating habit eat weight loss diet plan aloe vera acne prone skin

Anyone wanting to have sustained weight loss should focus on firing up their metabolism. Your metabolism is like the engine of your car. A higher metabolism is like a 6000 cc engine. A sluggish metabolism is like a 1500 cc engine. Obviously, the 6000 cc engine is more powerful and consumes more fuel. In the same manner, an active metabolism will burn more fat and keep you more energized and active throughout the day. A sluggish metabolism can lead to a lot of frustration when trying to lose weight. Read our earlier article on “6 Symptoms of a Sluggish Metabolism” to identify if you do have a sluggish metabolism in the first place.

Here are 7 steps that you could take to fire up your metabolism;

1.  Weight Resistance Training – This is the most effective way to fire up your metabolism. Your metabolism is proportional to the amount of muscles you carry. A lot of men and women could have very high metabolisms if they only maintained all the muscles that they had at the age of 21. As people age, they lose a lot of muscles and the metabolism is compromised. Doing weight-bearing exercises is one way to ensure that your body holds on to your precious muscles. This keeps your metabolism firing at a high level.

2.  Stop All Forms of Dieting and Starvation Diets – Diets activate your starvation response. When this happens, the body’s metabolism dips. The body will be in this mode so long as there is a shortage of food. This is a result of our internal survival programming. Someone trying to lose weight should not reduce their food consumption by more than 10%.

3.  Replace Steady State Cardio with Interval training - Steady state cardio is the jogging and swimming that most people do. This also includes the various cardio machines that are so popular in gyms. These exercises are very effective for enhancing health but are not the greatest time investment if you want to set your metabolism on fire. Setting your metabolism on fire is exactly what interval training does. For more information on how to do intervals, please read “How to Make Jogging Work for Weight Loss”.

4.  Always Consume Breakfast - Breakfast brings the body out of fasting. This ensures that the body does not activate its starvation response. When someone skips breakfast, it send a signal to the brain that there is a shortage of food. Why else would someone not eat in the morning? Little does your survival programming know that you are too busy to eat. Your survival mechanism does not know that there is an abundance of food around you and that there is no need to activate the starvation response.

5.  Consume 3 Main Meals on Time - Breakfast, lunch and dinner should be consumed at approximately the same time every day within a tolerance of half hour. The body senses erratic eating times as a signal of food shortage. This puts your survival programming at risk of activating the starvation response.

6. Consume Healthy Snacks in Between Main Meals – Snacks between main meals keeps the metabolism revving. Furthermore, a lot of energy is expanded for the digestion of food. Possibilities for snacks include nuts and fruits.

7.  Consume Hot Peppers such as Cayenne pepper - Capsaicins are the active ingredient in pepper. Capsaicin increases body temperature which increases metabolism. This is because the body needs to produce more energy to keep the body temperature elevated.

8.  Consume Green Tea - Green tea has been shown to boost metabolism. Green tea also has lots of anti-oxidants that have tremendous health benefits.

9.  Exercise in the Morning - Morning exercise keeps the metabolism revving for the greater part of the day. Metabolism usually slows down once we go to bed at night.

10.  Have at Least 6 to 8 Hours of Sleep - Lack of sleep produces a high level of cortisol hormone which gets in the way of weight loss. Also someone who has a lack of sleep will find it very difficult to rev up his or her metabolism.

Tags: active metabolism, capsaicin, cardio, Cayenne pepper, dieting, exercise, green tea, jogging, lose weight, main meals, skipping breakfast, sleep, sluggish metabolism, starvation diets, swimming, weight loss

Inflatable Turkey in a can!  Seriously? What could you possibly do with an Inflatable Turkey? Tease your guests?  Or starving students? And i can’t believe it’s out of stock till 2010! What craziness is this people!?

My tea for the moment: I’m going with some solid Jasmine Green tea.  By solid I mean your basic loose tea.  I’ve noticed that I don’t really have to strain this particular one since after a few seconds, it just sits in the bottom.  However, there have been other kinds where depending on the mix it will float to the top.  That usually happens if there are petals involved.

Green tea is called Camellia Sinensis (Latin). It comes from the same evergreen shrub that black tea comes from. Green tea is obtained by the light steaming of fresh tea leaves. The light processing method of tea leaves to make green tea leaves behind polyphenols, including the powerful antioxidants proanthocynadin and catechin.

Grocery store varieties probably provide green tea benefits, but may not be as tasty – particularly if they’re just labeled “green tea” rather than as a specific type. For the best green teas, shop in Chinatown or in an Asian market. Or if you don’t like the taste of green tea, or don’t like the idea of drinking so much tea every day, you can purchase green tea extracts and supplements that provide green tea benefits without the trouble or taste.

A number of websites have published recent findings on green tea studied by Dr Hsu. In these findings Dr Hsu points out that some of the health benefits provided by green tea, and in particular those related to the skin, may be due to EGCG in green tea re-activating dead skin cells. The Nutra Ingredients website said the following regarding these recent findings, “’When exposed to EGCG, the old cells found in the upper layers of the epidermis appear to start dividing again,’ Dr Hsu said. ‘They make DNA and produce more energy. They are reactivated.’ While further research is needed, he suggests that if dying skin cells can be energized, skin condition could be improved. This could benefit skin conditions including psoriasis, rosascea, wrinkles and wounds.”

Green tea also provides health benefits for those trying to lose weight as it has the ability to speed up the metabolism and help to burn fat. Green tea combined with a program of diet and exercise is therefore recommended for those trying to lose weight.The health benefits of green tea for diabetics and in the prevention of diabetes are found primarily in a component of green tea known as EGCG according to the Life Enhancement website which also recommends other teas, “In the tea study, however, chromatographic analysis showed that the chemical compositions of the green and oolong teas were very similar, and the authors state that in both cases, EGCG was the main active ingredient in terms of the insulin effect.”

Infections are another commonly fought problem associated with green tea’s antioxidants. The power of those substances has been known to ward off the bacteria of disease and stimulating immune response to better protect the body.
Another great effect of antioxidants is the reduction of acne. Green tea has been sworn by many to be as good an acne treatment as any of the various lotions and moisturizers you’d find in a grocery store. By lowering the amount of toxins in the skin, swelling immediately decreases. Not only that, but hormones which cause acne are decreased as well.Green tea contains antioxidant known as polyphenols which fight against free radicals. What this means it helps you fight against aging and promotes longevity. Scientists in Japan have found that EGCG (Epigallocatechin Gallate) in it can stop HIV from binding to healthy immune cells. What this means is that it can help stop the HIV virus from spreading.

Read about bodybuilding tips
Also Read about glucosamine and benefits of green tea

…proviamo, per una volta,  a fare il contrario, proviamo ad associare un pasto (pranzo/cena) ad una bevanda, che, guarda caso, non sarà il vino, ma bensì, il tè! ☺

APERITIVO
Partiamo dall’aperitivo, un bel tè nero al prosecco e campari, secondo la seguente ricetta:

•  15 cl. d’acqua
•  2 cucchiaini di tè nero di Ceylon (RATNAPURA)
•  zucchero candito (secondo gusto) o zucchero di canna
•  succo di ¼ di limone
•  1 bottiglia di spumante secco o se preferite champagne
•  4 fettine di limone

Preparazione: 10 minuti oltre il tempo di raffreddamento
Mettere il tè in infusione per circa 3-4 minuti e lasciarlo raffreddare,
aggiungere lo zucchero ed il succo di limone;
mescolare il tutto e versarlo sul fondo dei calici,
aggiungere lo spumante e un accenno di campari e guarnire con una fetta di  limone o di arancia…..

ANTIPASTO
Tartine di salmone o prosciutto?
Accompagnamole con un LAPSANG SOUCHONG, un tè nero (secondo la classificazione occidentale) affumicato (aroma inconfondibili di soja, empireumatici di tostato e frutta secca, legno, fondo di bosco e fiori)

PRIMO
ZUPPA DI VERDURA? MINESTRONE? BOSCAIOLA?
Possiamo accompagnare i primi a base di verdura con un tè verde giapponese, un KUKICHA o un BANCHA. Il loro sapore “verduroso” si sposa bene bene con queste pietanze.

SECONDO
Carne?
Un Té NERO ALLA CANNELLA, con il suo aroma forte e penetrante è il compagno ideale per la vostra fettina (o fettona).
Pesce?
O il LAPSANG SOUCHONG di prima, ma, nel caso di piatti piu delicati, anche il PAI MU TAN, tè bianco.

Dopo, ovviamente, niente caffè! Ma un tè verde al gelsomino, o all’arancia potrebbe accompagnare la frutta nel migliore dei modi!

Ecco, quello che vi manca, ora, è solo la compagnia….
Fateci sapere, a presto…

tè......

Today was a Ryan Day of Beauty Health.

He’s been having some sinusy issues along with lightheaded-ness, so I drove him to the doctors.

We spent a lot of time at their office doing paperwork and scheduling a follow-up appointment and such.  In the afternoon, we went to the store to pick up a prescription and some other remedies.

The doctor recommended boiling a chunk of fresh ginger root and using that water as the liquid (along with some lemon juice) for making hot tea.  It’s supposed to be soothing for cold/flu-type conditions.

Well, we tried it and it’s pretty good.  Ryan seems to think it helps.  And I’m not even a tea drinker and I thought it was pretty tasty.  So hooray!

Otherwise, not much else happened.  Did watch new Dexter.  I think there are only 1 or 2 more episodes left in the season!

Although it takes having better eating habits and more active lifestyles, being on a diet plan is a very popular technique for losing weight. Adding green tea to this plan complements a great weight loss strategy.

The Complete Guide to Green Tea

The soothing combination of Green Tea, and Aloe Vera refines skin texture, while Salicylic Acid prevents breakouts. A bedside light antioxidant rich moisturiser for oily acne prone skin. The non greasy steps that is easily absorbed leaving no shiny residue. Contains powerful natural ingredients. Green Tea, Jojoba Oil and Vitamin B5 that deeply moisturise and help prevent breakouts. Acne Control is PERFECT for teenage and adult acne sufferers. Suitable for all skin types, each capsule contains powerful blemish fighting anti-oxidants and natural herbs that work from within to treat facial and body acne. Fast acting 5 minute covering for acne prone skin literally drinks oils, toxic substances and impurities from the skin. The unique combination of Green Clay, Great Barrier Reef Sea Minerals, Aloe Vera and Vitamin B5 instantly purifies and soothes the skin.

Tags: weight loss weight los salicylic acid losing weight green tea eating habit eat weight loss diet plan body acne aloe vera

Green Tea is reported to have numerous health benefits than any other food or drink. There are evidences in Science for the health benefits long associated with drinking green tea.
It reduced the risk of esophageal cancer in Chinese men and women by nearly sixty percent. Drinking green tea also lowers total cholesterol levels, as well as improving the ratio of good (HDL) cholesterol to bad (LDL) cholesterol. It contains relatively very less caffeine than coffee.
The fact is Green Tea is rich in epigallocatechin gallate which is a powerful anti-oxidant. It not only inhibits the growth of cancer cells but also kills them without harming healthy tissue.
The other benefits include: it prevents tooth decay, can help prevent food poisoning, rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular disease, treat everything from headaches to depression, impaired immune function, etc.
Drinking Green Tea once a day keeps you stay healthier as the ancient Chinese proverb goes “Better to be deprived of food for three days, than tea for one.”

A multimodal approach to weight loss using a combination of three natural products, green tea, irvingia gabonensis and brown algae extract.

The Complete Guide to Green Tea

The soothing combination of Green Tea, and Aloe Vera refines skin texture, while Salicylic Acid prevents breakouts. A bedside light antioxidant rich moisturiser for oily acne prone skin. The non greasy steps that is easily absorbed leaving no shiny residue. Contains powerful natural ingredients. Green Tea, Jojoba Oil and Vitamin B5 that deeply moisturise and help prevent breakouts. Acne Control is PERFECT for teenage and adult acne sufferers. Suitable for all skin types, each capsule contains powerful blemish fighting anti-oxidants and natural herbs that work from within to treat facial and body acne. Fast acting 5 minute covering for acne prone skin literally drinks oils, toxic substances and impurities from the skin.

Tags: weight loss weight los salicylic acid natural products green tea body acne aloe vera acne prone skin

by William I. Lengeman III

If you were to make the observation that tea can be helpful in reducing fatigue, you might be accused of restating the obvious – and rightly so. For so many people who drink tea the ability to impart a little bit of pep is one of the beverage’s most appealing features. Most of us attribute this to the caffeine found in tea, but there are several studies that suggest that it’s not just caffeine that gives you a boost when you drink tea.

A study conducted by Japanese researchers seems to have confirmed what for most people was already set in stone, that tea can help us relieve physical and mental fatigue. The results of the study, which appeared in the journal Nutrition in 2008, found that a green tea extract helped to counter the accumulated affects of fatigue.

The tests were carried out on rats and researchers discovered that those subjects that were fed a green tea compound called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) could exercise longer than animals in a control group. Researchers also noted that members of the control group experienced increased levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS). These were not as pronounced in the group that was given EGCG.

A previous study had suggested that green tea extract might help to alleviate chronic fatigue-induced oxidative stress in mice. Researchers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and DePaul University estimate that more than one million people in the United States suffer from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), so this is not an inconsiderable finding.

The study was conducted by researchers at India’s Panjab University. They treated mice with a combination of green tea extract and catechin, a compound also found in tea. The research team concluded “that GTE and catechin could be used as potential agents in the management of CFS and warrant the inclusion of GTE and catechin in the treatment regimen of CFS patients.”

The idea that tea and coffee might be an aid in reducing fatigue is obviously not a new one. As evidence, look to this 1989 article – Fatigue: Often Tea & Coffee Can Alleviate Symptoms – which first appeared in the Tea & Coffee Trade Journal.

I decided to start early, I was going to start Monday, but then realized I was ready!  The last time I ate was about 6pm last night (pie).  I only ate one meal yesterday, but it was Thanksgiving dinner, so it was definitely bigger than normal!

Set up my juicer today in a convenient spot near the sink, will make a huge difference.  Did the salt water flush this morning, worked like a charm.  I didn’t even mind drinking it, just pretended it was broth.  Hopefully this technique will continue to work!

One thing that worries me, I have not had any coffee today.  I am going to try to drink green tea to help that a bit.  Going to the stores today to get more supplies, I need the smooth moves tea, and more lemons.  For the sweetener, I will be using a combination of the grade B maple syrup, Rapadura sugar, and blackstrap molasses.  The Rapadura is a natural sugar with all of the minerals intact, including a lot of iron.  I think the mix of the three natural sweeteners will give me more minerals, since the blackstrap molasses is the highest in calcium.  Since the Rapadura is a dry sugar, I will need to figure out ratios that will be similar to maple syrup but not make the lemonade too sweet.  I will post that when I figure it out.

Later…

Went to Costco and whole foods for supplies.  My husband ate a piece of pizza right in front of me and I was totally fine.  However, having no coffee was really getting to me, so I had one cup of black coffee (normally I take cream).  Felt much better after that.  I know that is not on the cleanse, but I forgot to work my way down on the coffee.  Also I figured out that blackstrap molasses is very strong tasting!  I used about 1 tablespoon or a little more in 32 ounces of juice, and is probably all that I can handle.  It actually tastes better than it smells though, so if I can manage to not smell it in the juice as I’m drinking it, it seems to be ok.  This is weird because I love molasses cookies.

My sense of smell is already starting to get more pronounced.  Very weird, since I normally have a VERY good nose, but this is like my nose is on steroids.

Tired.  But I think it’s more to do with me being sick in the last week and staying up too late last night, not anything to do with the cleanse.  BM late this afternoon was DEFINITELY not something that I have eaten recently!  I did get the smooth moves chocolate tea, I hope it doesn’t keep me up tonight!  I will have to note down how long I steep the tea and how well it works, or if it works too well!