"Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me" aka the Matcha Coconut Milky Mud Mask

Eisai, the monk, who brought Matcha green tea to Japan (circa 1200a.d.), said that it was:

                       "The Elixir Of The Immortals"

What is Matcha Green Tea?

In it’s simplest form, Matcha green tea is pure stone ground green tea leaves. A practice that has been perfected for over 1000 years by Japanese Monks.

Matcha tea is approximately 10X stronger than regular brewed green tea, and so it has extremely powerful therapeutic effects on the body. Matcha also contains high amounts of L-Theanines—a unique set of natural amino acids found almost exclusively in Matcha, known to reduce stress and anxiety, heightens the concentration to help provide increased mental clarity and focus.

Matcha contains over 70 times the anti-oxidants of fresh orange juice, and over 9 times the beta carotene of spinach. According to the ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbency Capacity), which is the method of measuring antioxidants in food developed by the National Institute of Health.

Matcha has a ORAC rating of roughly 1300 units per gram. This makes it one of the highest among the super foods and looking at the table below, you can see that Matcha Green Tea contains more antioxidants than all of the other antioxidant-rich foods combined!

According to the ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbency Capacity), which is the method of measuring antioxidants in food developed by the National Institute of Health.

Skin Benefits?

The antioxidant content of matcha like polyphenols and catechins battle and control the harmful effects of UV radiation and free radicals, helping greatly in protecting the skin from sun, wind and all extremes in weather conditions. Also protecting against inflammation in the body, these antioxidants also help eliminate acne and other types of skin eruptions and roughness. The strong presence of the EGCG antioxidant in matcha slows cell degeneration to impede the aging process, promoting smooth, tight skin that retains moisture and natural, smooth color tones.

Throughout the last three to four weeks of their growing time, right before harvest, matcha (camellia sinensis) leaves are keep covered for protection from the sun. This results in greater chlorophyll production which is responsible for the vivid green color of high caliber matcha. It also makes matcha a strong detoxifying agent for the bodies of users, cleansing the body’s entire system of toxins and hazardous chemicals or other impurities, leaving the skin glowing and radiantly clean.

Various natural or organic substances found in matcha have powerful antibiotic action for the body’s great benefit. These ingredients include catechins, Vitamins A and C, calcium, protein, iron and potassium. As these cleansing agents clean the internal system, they purify and smooth the skin, too, eliminating any blemishes or rashes. A healthy immune system also promotes clear, well-hydrated and youthful skin with good elasticity and resilience.

MATCHA MAKES A COLORFUL AND EFFECTIVE SKIN MASK

MATCHA GREEN TEA POWDER + COCONUT MILK + PETITGRAIN / PINK PEPPER ESSENTIAL OILS

This facial mask is very soothing and uplifting while it’s detox and purification properties will do wonders to rejuvenate your skin and complexion. If I was to name it I would have to call it "Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me" because it is the total CURE. While a heaping tablespoon of spring green matcha green tea powder supplies the antioxidants, cleansers and detox agents, a few drops of petitegrain and pink pepper essential oil will heal and revitalize multiple layers of the skin. The coconut milk hydrates and softens delicate tissue. The many healing properties of this mix will help reduce any scarring or imperfections in skin surface, and your entire face will feel renewed and fresh.

It also alleviates wrinkles and may even prolong or eliminate their formation when used regularly over an extensive time period. While this facial treatment is not intended to result in an overnight makeover, you will see gradual, but steady skin improvements with continuous use.

Mystic Mud Mask

Have you ever felt so happy you thought your body was turning into light, or maybe you have always wanted to simply glow like a saint? Well now you can with this DIY Mystic Mud Mask recipe inspired from afar. What a better way to ring in the new year with some tender, loving, self care!

This beauty ritual explores the sourcing of (edible) ingredients from India. Sandalwood essential oil for example is acquired from steam distillation of the wood from the Sandalwood tree. It has a main chemical component, Alpha santalol which gives provides therapeutic qualities that promotes healthy, smooth skin and can reduce the appearance of scars, wrinkles and blemishes. Both the wood and the oil have been valued for centuries and documented through history for many helpful applications.

It's a good ideafor safety reasons to really know the ethical practices of your essential oil company by evaluating many factors beyond the label. There are no labeling laws so any essential oil on the shelf can be labeled as "Pure" even when the oil is far from it. Synthetic chemicals, pesticides, or cancer culprits like harsh solvents are commonly used to cut or extend the quantity of oil.

Even from just smelling the aroma we can disrupt hormones affecting the adrenals,  sexual function, mood, neurological, and auto-immune health. On the other hand, working w/ a  Pure Therapeutic Grade essential oil can assist in balancing these functions, supporting the body /mind to greater health. Many of my favorite oil brand's essential oils are even safe for internal use. A drop of Sandalwood on the tongue is pure heaven!

Here is a list of what is needed. Mixing together in a small bowl:

• 1/4 cup garbonzo flour
• 1 teaspoon of turmeric
• 1 tablespoon of almond oil
• 3 drops of Sandalwood Essential Oil
• 1 drop of Lemongrass Essential Oil 

1-3 tablespoons of water (as needed) to turn mix into a paste.

* (Use turmeric with caution because it is a natural dye that may cause staining)

Apply for 10 min and rinse. Store remainder in fridge, and use the remaining cold mixture for an even more invigorating experience within 3 days.

One of the best parts of the mud mask ritual besides soft, glowing skin is using those ten minutes to do something else to elevate your mind or soul. Meditation or another Indian inspired oral care technique called oil pulling feels great. I like to also chant various matras. Sound Science isn't a religious thing or hippy thing but ancient technology that has been around for thousands of years but kept secret because the effects are so powerful. Through the power of the mind and also sound/or vibration we can create, manifest, and change our reality. Here are a few to start with and the meaning behind them:

OM is the primordial sound that created all of the galaxies.  Life originated from OM.  When you say or think OM, you are at one with all of the universes in space.

AIM is the mantra for consciousness, life and creation

So Happy New Year to all and love yourself more than ever by whipping up a mystic mud mask. Happy chanting!