Wonder Teas for Health and Beauty

We have this electric kettle. When I plugged it in, I noticed it starts developing bubbles at a certain point in its heating. Curiosity had me checking the water’s temperature when I saw it: 115° F. Safe. At this point I turn off the kettle. Then I pop a spoon’s worth of herbal tea in a thermos, fill it with my “one-fifteen” water, and place the lid on tight. Next morning... I like to add 1 spoon of raw honey. And a nice glass of tea, all ready for me.

Here are several teas you can try. Each has properties that may help with various issues and promote good health—skin health in particular.

Hibiscus Tea

Hibiscus tea comes to us from the Hibiscus sabdariffa flower. It has a tart, somewhat acidic flavor. Some of the potential skin and health benefits of Hibiscus tea are...

Antioxidant properties. Hibiscus tea is rich in antioxidants, and has a long history of use for its medicinal properties. It helps protect your skin from damage by free radicals. Hibiscus tea’s antioxidants may also reduce inflammation and improve skin elasticity.

Skin protection. Flavonoids in Hibiscus tea can help protect your skin from UV radiation damage. Hibiscus tea has also been shown to increase collagen production, which helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

Anti-aging. The antioxidants in Hibiscus tea can help scavenge free radicals responsible for cell damage and aging. Hibiscus tea can improve elasticity and collagen production, which reduces the look of wrinkles and fine lines.

Skin Healing. Wound healing is one of the traditional uses of Hibiscus tea. Its antioxidants protect the skin from inflammation. Anthocyanins in hibiscus tea promote collagen production, which speeds healing.

Hair health. The amino acids in hibiscus tea help strengthen hair follicles and prevent hair loss. Hibiscus tea’s antioxidants can also help protect your scalp from damage caused by free radicals.
 

Chaga Tea

Here’s one you may be unfamiliar with. It’s a mushroom tea, made from the antioxidant-rich Chaga mushroom, which has a distinctly earthy flavor. Chaga tea offers several benefits...

Anti-inflammation. Chaga tea may help reduce inflammation and redness in your skin.

Skin Health. Your skin’s radiance, and its general appearance, may be boosted by Chaga tea, which may also reduce the appearance of wrinkles and lines.

Hair health. Chaga tea may help nourish your scalp and hair, making your hair
shinier and healthier.
 

Ginger Tea

Ginger tea is made from the root of the ginger plant. It is a traditional medicine found in many cultures. Possible health benefits include...

Inflammation reduction. Ginger contains a bioactive compound called gingerol, which has been shown to have potent anti-inflammatory effects.

Pain relief. Gingerol is believed to work by inhibiting certain enzymes that promote inflammation in the body, which can help to reduce inflammation and pain.

Countering acne and other skin problems. Ginger tea can help eliminate acne and other skin troubles, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. It can also improve blood circulation and promote healthy skin.

Hair care. Ginger tea helps prevent dandruff and scalp infections. It may also promote hair growth, due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Dandelion Tea

This tea is made from the dandelion plant’s roots and leaves. It is a bitter herbal tea long used in traditional medicine. Its benefits include...
 

Overall health. Dandelion tea is rich in antioxidants and vitamins A, C, and D. This makes it a top choice for people looking to improve their general health.

Skin health. Dandelion tea can help improve your skin’s look through cleansing and toning. It can also help reduce inflammation and redness.

Hair health. Dandelion tea can improve your hair’s health by promoting growth and preventing breakage. As well, it can add luster to your hair.

Weight loss. Dandelion tea can help you lose weight by stimulating digestion and promoting toxin elimination.

The Power of Variety. Find, among these and other useful herbal teas, a suite of flavors you enjoy. There’s no single “must” here. There’s no “one best” in the bunch. Choose the varieties that work for you.

If you’re a fairly recent convert to raw foods, or you’re working your way there, do know that your tea-drinking days aren’t over. There’s no more milk and sugar, to be sure. But, equally, there’s no need to put your favorite mug or cup and saucer away, as you continue to enjoy teas that, beyond being tasty, can positively help your healthy lifestyle.

2. What is the Best Juicer?

I’m often asked: What’s the best juicer? What juicer would you buy, Tonya? ⁠

One part of the answer is this: The best juicer for you is the one you’ll use. Fancy features and whizzy accessories are perfectly pointless if you’re not using them daily. ⁠⁠

I remember well my first juicer... A centrifugal juicer we bought at a garage sale for $2 in 1995. These were the best two dollars I ever spent. The owner had never used it! ⁠
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Centrifugal juicers are considered to cause more heat and more oxidation (foaming action) to the vegetables being crushed. This decreases the nutrients in the juice. However, I got great results, health- and complexion-wise with that first juicer. See my book Your Right to Be Beautiful. ⁠
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My second juicer was a Champion brand. We’ve had it for years. Of course, there are better juicers out there—the Omega Medical Medium is a good example. ⁠
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We do own an Omega, and a lovely bit of equipment that is. Makes an excellent celery juice. But I still use my Champion on some days. ⁠
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So, here’s my point: The best juicer is the one you use every day. Most homes these days have some kind of juicer. Go dig that old juicer out. Start using it. ⁠
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Don't let the complexity of some fancy juicing machines become your excuse for not juicing. Don't wait, for example, till you get a PURE brand juicer—a cool $2495—to start juicing. Juice with what you have. Become a daily juicer, then see what you need by the way of upgrade. ⁠