Health

Nature’s Rite Sleep Apnea Relief

October 16, 2016 · Leave a Comment

“Get your beauty sleep.”

This adage is true, but at times, easier said than done.

It’s easy to shortchange ourselves on the necessary beauty sleep due to family obligations, late-night parties, travel, or Netflix series binges. Sleep recharges body and mind, and skin loses luster without enough sleep making one look as bad as they feel. Inadequate sleep tanks the metabolism, causing sluggishness and potential weight gain. For some people, even if they went to bed early and slept through the night, they still wake up exhausted.

WHEN BEING ALWAYS TIRED IS A BIGGER PROBLEM
Many people experience Sleep Apnea, where repeated instances of breathing problems briefly disrupt sleep throughout the night, resulting in being excessively tired the next day. The instances can be so short that someone suffering from Sleep Apnea could potentially not even be aware that they are repeatedly awakened over the course of the night. According to the NIH, Sleep Apnea is a leading cause of “excessive daytime sleepiness.” (“What Is Sleep Apnea“)

THE PROBLEM WITH TRADITIONAL SLEEP APNEA TREATMENTS
If your doctor believes you have Sleep Apnea, there are various medical options such as mouthpieces, surgery, and breathing devices such CPAPs. It is hard to get immediately diagnosed, and in the meantime, your sleep patterns may disrupt your life. Upon diagnosis, many people find breathing device compliance to annoying to sleep. Having witnessed Sleep Apnea with my Grandmother, it’s hard to keep the mask on during sleep, especially if you turn over in your sleep. But Sleep Apnea is serious, and it is risky to do nothing to address it. If you or your mate’s sleep is disrupted by Sleep Apnea, Some may wish to consider a natural remedy to help combat Sleep Apnea.

NATURE’S RITE SLEEP APNEA RELIEF PRODUCT: A NATURAL REMEDY OPTION

Nature’s Rite Sleep Apnea Relief is a holistic approach with a combination of herbs designed to ease the breathing disruptions of Sleep Apnea. It does not cure Sleep Apnea but rather facilitates steady breathing during sleep. Some ingredients such as Chamomile and Thyme may be familiar as sleep aids, while others are less known.

Nature’s Rite Sleep Apnea Relief

ABOUT THE INGREDIENTS:

Sleep Apnea Relief is an all natural ingredient remedy containing:

Chamomile (leaf and flower): A warm cup of chamomile tea before bed has long been used for relaxing sleep. But there is more going on with chamomile than meets the eye: a 2011 study indicated the chemical compounds in Chamomille have both Central Nervous System and sensory effects because they bind with GABA receptor and help modulate monoamine neurotransmission. (“Herbal medicine for depression, anxiety, and insomnia: a review of psychopharmacology and clinical evidence.” European neuropsychopharmacology.) In layperson terms, Chamomile does more than just help one relax and wind down; it has powerful effects on the brain’s ability to cause restful sleep.

Lobelia in small doses, as included in this compound, is a respiratory stimulant. It enhances the brain’s ability to continuously send the required level of nerve signals to the diaphragm to maintain the breath rate needed not to disrupt sleep.

A word of caution: Lobelia is NOT a self-medicating herb to purchase at a nature food store and attempt to self-administer. Too much Lobelia causes erratic respiratory patterns and stomach sickness. Only take Lobelia in a considered form such as found within the Sleep Apnea Relief. In the proper dosage, Lobelia can be safe and highly beneficial, but it is also very powerful.

Meadowsweet is used in the remedy to reduce any risk of nausea due to Lobelia use. When Lobelia is taken small quantities the risk is very low, but Meadowsweet makes it far less likely to experience side effects from Lobelia.

Thyme is frequently used in Europe to enhance sleep, and is commonly diffused as an oil to promote restful sleep. It is useful in a Sleep Apnea remedy because it simultaneously works as a nerve stimulant for the brain and diaphragm without causing general overstimulation that can keep one awake.

Cramp Bark has been a traditional remedy for various issues involving pain and discomfort as well as for inducing sleepiness.

Nature’s Rite Sleep Apnea Relief

DIRECTIONS FOR USE:
Take one capsule 30 minutes before bedtime each night. The capsules are not hard or chalky, and I find them easy to swallow.

They can be taken while still using the breathing devices if you choose, but the goal is to wean off the device if possible.

My sleep apnea is intermittent and not that bad, so my doctor thought that this combination of ingredients would be a good answer for me when I’m having a problem. I feel more refreshed in the morning and don’t wake up to that feeling like I just had to gasp for air.

CONCLUSION: Nature’s Rite Sleep Apnea Relief is an innovative answer to a serious problem that impacts the sleep of thousands of people as well as disrupts the sleep of their mates. It is often difficult to comply with traditional Sleep Apnea treatments; Sleep Apnea Relief provides a viable option with no reported side effects.

Talk to your doctor before taking any new medication, even herbal remedies. This is important because herbal remedies can be safer without risky side effects, but they are also powerful. Nature’s Rite Sleep Apnea Relief’s combination of herbs helps the brain send proper signals to the body to regulate and maintain breathing during sleep, which is an amazing way to address a very debilitating and severe problem. To better understand this approach to Sleep Apnea management, the book Sleep Apnea by Steven R. Frank offers a great deal of useful information on the condition, causes, and herbal remedies.

Also, if it is suspected that you have Sleep Apnea, talk to your doctor about Sleep Apnea Relief as a potential option while awaiting Sleep Apnea Diagnostic testing. It can lead to much more comfortable sleep and peace of mind.

Find Nature’s Rite Sleep Apnea Relief at MyNaturesRite.com

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I received this product in exchange for my unbiased review and received compensation for my time and effort. However, my experience with the product and the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine.

Nature’s Rite Muscle Honey

October 13, 2016 · Leave a Comment

Nature’s Rite promotes Muscle Honey as The Pro-Athlete’s Secret which, at first blush, might make sedentary me seem like an unlikely candidate to use and benefit from this product. But my daughter Courtney suggested I give it a try, and from the first use I became a fan.

Nature’s Rite Muscle Honey

The honey is a light gel with nine herbal ingredients including comfrey for tissue mending, Witch Hazel for increased muscle fiber lubricity, Arnica Montana to support healing, Juniper Berry to flush lactic acid, Sweet Marjoram for cramp relief, White Willow Bark for pain relief, Peppermint leaf for circulation and physical support, Devil’s Claw for joint support and Ginseng for energy enhancement. Additionally, there is carbomer for gelling, Optiphen as a preservative, and TEA for pH adjustment.

Nature’s Rite Muscle Honey

The directions for use is to rub liberally on the body over areas you will exercise and also post workout for enhanced recovery.

My interest in using the product stems from experiencing ongoing muscle pain and soreness associated with injuries sustained in two motor vehicle accidents occurring during the past two and a half years. The road towards achieving the maximum recovery possible has involved much treatment and physical therapy, where this former couch potato became a conscientious exerciser.

Over the course of these last 30+ months I’ve tried many over-the-counter and two prescription topical medications to try to ease both inherent (to the injuries) pain and post-physical therapy sore muscles. Additionally, joint pain from the auto accidents is a daily problem I’ve tried to alleviate with creams and gels. And, while I did experience minor relief with some of those preparations, the degree of help was not sufficient for me to tolerate over time the objectionable aspects such as burning, odor, greasiness and even staining of my clothes and sheets.

For me, Muscle Honey proved to be superior to the preparations formerly used in both results and ease of use. The gel is relatively thin which makes it easy to spread, not runny or difficult to control. It dries very quickly and is not sticky, nor does it leave any residue. When applying it has a very subtle herbal fragrance, the combination of which is most pleasant. When dry you would not notice the fragrance unless you were right up to the applied area and made a point to try to detect it.

Nature’s Rite Muscle Honey

There is no burn or sting such as one might experience in other topical products whose ingredient lists contain menthol or capsaicin. Though made for use with exercise, you don’t have to worry that it will sweat off.

I make a point to wash my hands after applying any topical, having been (literally) burned by accidentally rubbing my eye with fingers that had residue from creams, gels or ointments containing menthol or capsaicin. It seems to me a good practice even with this product, although the risk of any untoward effect would seem much less with Muscle Honey due to the lack of those ingredients or other common irritants in the formula.

As mentioned at the top, each of the herbal ingredients has a particular benefit for helping muscle tissue. Combined, the effect seems more than the sum of the parts. Since it doesn’t have any ingredients that work by irritating the muscles and overlying skin, you won’t notice an instant response, but after a few minutes, I sensed what might be termed a relaxation of the muscle. Joints also seem calmed by the formula.

I use Muscle Honey on my right-sided injuries from neck to toe, and it has helped them feel more like my less affected left side. It’s especially useful on areas where the injury is primarily muscular but has even provided some temporary relief of a pressing problem, muscular involvement and referred pain due to a shoulder tear. While, of course, no topical preparation or even ingested meds can replace the need for surgical repair, there is no question that, by addressing the muscular component of the problem, my daily function of the area is improved for a time.

I apply Muscle Honey to most of the affected areas once a day, but if there is a reemergence of pain or soreness in any area I apply to that spot again.

Even using the Muscle Honey on five to six areas one or more times a day for awhile now, the 6.8-ounce container still seems at least half full. I’m not sure how my usage would compare to that of an avid athlete, but the 6.8 ounces would probably last a reasonable length of time for many users. I intend to continue using the product I’ve checked and see if from about fourteen dollars up to twenty dollars for this 6.8-ounce container, similar to what I’ve paid for other drugstore products marketed for the same use.

Nature’s Rite Muscle Honey

Of course, it is always wise to check symptoms with your doctor to avoid masking a serious underlying issue, but, if yours is the muscular pain and soreness associated with exercise or other common causes, you might find this product a good alternative to many others whose negatives outweigh their positives. Before using any product, read over the ingredient list and make sure that there are no conflicts with any medications or conditions you have.

I truly am thrilled to have found this amazing gel! Find Nature’s Rite Muscle Honey at MyNaturesRite.com.

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Islands Miracle 100% Pure Essential Oils Boxed Set

October 7, 2016 · Leave a Comment

A quality therapeutic grade essential oil is a very useful item to have around the house. They are useful blended with carrier oils and micro-misted into the air with oil diffusers. A quality set of essential oils is the Islands Miracle 100% Pure Essential Oils, ten oils that come in an attractive box set.

OIL VARIETIES INCLUDED THE ISLANDS MIRACLE ESSENTIAL OIL SET
There are ten essential oils in this boxed set. The varieties include Frankincense, Lavender, Eucalyptus, Lemon, Orange, Peppermint, Tea Tree, Patchouli, Rosemary, and Silver Fir.

Islands Miracle 100% Pure Essential Oils Boxed Set

QUALITY
These are not just a fragrance in an oil base; they are the real deal and are tested in a variety of ways for quality and safety. Each bottle contains 100% pure unadulterated essential oil, which means there are no fillers, additives, or carrier oils. Islands Miracle Essential Oils are extracted utilizing advanced distillation and extraction methods producing the finest, therapeutic grade oils. This Essential Oil set is an exceptionally good value for both the quality and variety of oils.

PACKAGING AND DESIGN
The box is a thicker presentation-style gift black box with a decorative front decal. The box is sealed on both sides by the decal. Inside the bottles are lined up in two display columns with color-coded labels. The individual bottles are clearly labeled in larger print on colorful packaging, and the oils themselves are packaged in dark amber bottles to retain freshness. Each bottle has a Euro inverted dropper and a secure-fit black cap.

Islands Miracle 100% Pure Essential Oils Boxed Set

USES FOR ESSENTIAL OILS
The included usage guide suggests various uses for the oils. Some options are:

1) Diffusing: Add a few drops of one or more compatible oil scents to an oil diffuser. Particularly useful during times of sickness, allergies, congestion, or in an overly dry and stale air room. Also useful for cleansing the air of bacteria, the scent of mildew, pet odors, and cooking smells. I like to use the Islands Miracle Diffuser because it has a simple one button design with rotating colored light and it is very easy to use and clean. It is perfect with the wonderful Islands Miracle Essential Oil Diffuser

2) Essential oils are useful in soapmaking and in making massage oils and hair and skin conditioning oils. Add a few drops of an essential oil or a combination of essential oils to a carrier oil such as Jojoba, Safflower, Almond or Sunflower Oil. When applied topically, essential oils must always be diluted; they are too powerful to ever use them directly on the skin.

3) Essential Oils can be used in household cleaning products. Tea Tree and Eucalyptus have anti-microbial qualities, lavender, lemon and orange add a fresh, clean scent to homemade household cleaning remedies.

4) Therapeutic uses including Eucalyptus oil can be used for respiratory congestion, and Tea Tree Oil can be used to treat skin disorders as well as a natural alternative to chemical bug sprays.

Islands Miracle 100% Pure Essential Oils Boxed Set

Frankincense Essential Oil
Frankincense is typically a more expensive oil, and for a good reason. There is a host of health and beauty benefits to Frankincense, and a quality Frankincense is usually an investment. Used for centuries to ease pregnancy and post-natal symptomology, it can also help relieve chronic stress and anxiety, reducing pain and inflammation, and boost immunity. Frankincense is particularly useful when combined with Shea Butter and Coconut Oil for the treatment of stretch marks and other scars. It also has immune-enhancing abilities. Your dentist may be aware of some of the DIY recipes for dental care products that include Frankincense oil because it is excellent at addressing bad breath and general oral health issues.

This Islands Miracle Frankincense is a true essential oil and has a stronger scent than cheaper competitor oils. If the scent of Frankincense is strong or overpowering for you, I found that it balances well with a blend of adding a drop or two of the Orange Oil that is also included in this kit.

Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender Oil is frequently used for relaxation and restful sleep. It also is useful to infuse near a closet full of clothes that need to be aired out after being packed away all season, including fall sweaters that have been sitting in dry, stale-smelling storage.

Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Eucalyptus Oil is very helpful for congestion due to allergies, colds, or respiratory issues. I liked this Islands Miracle Eucalyptus as it had all the sinus-clearing capability of Eucalyptus without being too pungent.

Lemon Essential Oil
Lemon is an almost universally favored scent. Research studies indicate when people detect the scent of lemons; they think a house is cleaner and more inviting. I like to diffuse lemon oil, especially if finicky guests are coming over. I was glad this Islands Miracle lemon essential oil was *not* a Lemon Pledge fake-lemon type of scent. It is subtle; I diffused it in the kitchen after a particularly pungent spicy meal was cooked to reduce any lingering smell, and the result was just a fresh, clean scent, not an obvious mask of lemony fragrance over food aromas. It only took two drops in the diffuser for about ten to fifteen minutes.

Orange Essential Oil
Orange oil is a calming sedative, an anti-inflammatory, and an antispasmodic. It is very useful when added to a massage oil or cream blend, especially for joints. To test this out, I made a blend of the Islands Miracle Orange oil and jojoba for use on my knees after my leg day exercises and did find it relieved some of the achiness. Diffused Orange Oil is also an excellent oil to eliminate pet odors or strong cooking odors in the kitchen and is very useful on cuts or abrasions due to its’ anti-bacterial properties.

Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint Oil is invigorating, improves mental clarity, and can eliminate the cook odors of fish or other strong food scents. Diffusing Peppermint Oil is also a natural way to deter pests such as bugs and mice without being harmful to children or pets. I tried adding a tiny drop of the Islands Miracle Peppermint oil to my regular shampoo for an invigorating, deep cleanse to my hair and scalp. I massaged my scalp for an extra minute and let the shampoo sit on my hair before rinsing and could feel the Peppermint tingle. It was relaxing and refreshing, and my scalp felt great!

Tea Tree Essential Oil
Tea Tree Oil is useful as a natural insect deterrent, whether it is diffused in the house (or on a porch or deck) or worn as an alternative to chemical bug sprays. Tea Tree is useful when there is an illness in the house; it is antibacterial and anti-fungal. It can help eliminate airborne virus and bacteria. It is also very helpful for deterring mold and mildew in basements and the bath. I used the Islands Miracle Tea Tree Oil in our house after a recent respiratory ailment and was pleased with how quickly the air smelled fresh again without a lingering medicinal scent. I was impressed with the quality of this Tea Tree Oil, whereas I typically need to use 8-10 drops of another competitor’s Tea Tree Oils in my diffuser, it was only two drops of the Islands Miracle Oil in my diffuser to get results.

Patchouli Essential Oil
Patchouli Oil is often thought of primarily as a fragrance ingredient, but it has been used therapeutically in aromatherapy to treat depression and anger. Its’ medicinal uses include as a topical antiseptic, an astringent, an anti-fungal, and as an insecticide. It also protects clothes and fabrics from insects. As Patchouli is highly aromatic, take care to dilute it well, so the scent is not overwhelming for topical use. I found Grapeseed Oil and Jojoba Oil to both be good carrier oils for Patchouli to use as an all-over skin treatment deter insects when working in the garden.

Rosemary Essential Oil
Rosemary Oil has a strong herby, evergreen scent. In aromatherapy, it helps with nervousness, fatigue, and mental clarity, especially when under stress. Some find that diffusing Rosemary Oil helps students concentrate while doing their homework. A drop of Rosemary Oil can be added directly to shampoo or lotion. It also blends well with several of the other oils in this set including the Frankincense, Lavender, Peppermint, and the Eucalyptus. I tried a drop of the Islands Miracle Rosemary in lotion for a relaxing and soothing foot rub after standing in stiletto high-heels last week and found it very soothing. There are some medical contraindications for Rosemary, those who are pregnant or have certain health issues should avoid topical Rosemary Oil use until speaking with a doctor.

Silver Fir Essential Oil
A wintery scent, Silver Fir Oil has antibiotic and antiseptic properties. It is very useful if one has a bad bronchial cough (one that is not limited to nasal passageways or simple sinus type congestion) that Eucalyptus can address. Silver Fir is powerful and should be used sparingly as it is a vasoconstrictor. But as with all the Islands Miracle oils, you just need a drop or two. In a diffuser, the Islands Miracle oil quickly adds a winter-wonderland type scent to the air within minutes.

Islands Miracle 100% Pure Essential Oils Boxed Set

CONCLUSION: The Islands Miracle 100% Pure Essential Oil Set is an exceptionally high-quality set of oils, I am very pleased to have it for use in my home for aromatherapy purposes, for cleansing the air after cooking, and for beauty and health uses. I am particularly fond of the Lemon because it is a true lemon scent, and the Frankincense is such an excellent value. It is often difficult to find quality oils that have been tested as extensively as Islands Miracle quality tests their products. This set makes for a very beautiful and practical gift for an essential oil user, or for anyone who likes to make soaps and lotions, or for anyone with kids or pets who does not want to use excessive chemicals when they can find a natural alternative to address so many household and health needs.

Find the Islands Miracle 100% Pure Essential Oils Boxed Set here.

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How to Drink More Water: THE COLDEST WATER BOTTLE

October 4, 2016 · Leave a Comment

BEAUTY & WATER:
One of the best beauty-enhancing daily habits you can have is to drink lots of water. It keeps your skin glowing and unclogged of toxins; it gives you energy, and it helps manage weight gain. You really can’t beat the dewy glow from being well-hydrated. This is not news by any means, but it is worth discussing because accomplishing this basic beauty habit is easier said than done: guzzling your daily water intake can seem unappealing when compared to drinking delicious coffee and sugary beverages.

But it is a worthwhile beauty goal. According to a recent study, 20% of women that drank 1.5 liters of water daily saw a reduction in wrinkles after six weeks. In another study, people reported clearer skin and less acne within a week of drinking 6-8 glasses of water a day. So how much water should you drink and what can help make that water appealing enough to meet your water consumption goal?

HOW MUCH WATER TO DRINK?
There are various opinions on how much water one should consume daily. For the sake of your skin, it is typically 4-5 glasses a day. This is the amount needed for your organs to function properly and remove toxins from your body, including the skin. This amount also helps with clearing acne. The amount of water required varies a bit from person to person based on your weight and other health issues. As a general guide, you are hydrated enough if your urine is a light wheat color. If not, you are dehydrated, whether you feel thirsty or not.

To avoid dehydration, keep sipping water throughout the day.

THE COLDEST WATER BOTTLE: HOW TO MAKE IT A DAILY WATER DRINKING HABIT APPEALING
Some people like to add a slice of lemon or infuse their water with fruit. This is helpful to make your daily water intake taste more appealing. But the biggest aid to making daily water consumption easier is often the temperature of the water: chilled water is energizing and refreshing, especially after a workout or on a hot day. Cold water is just easier to drink. It is also helpful for burning extra calories: your body burns more calories with cold water than drinking tepid, warm or hot water.

The Coldest Water Bottle is an easily portable water that keeps water at a cold temperature, providing access to icy-cold water that stays at an even cold temperature all day. It is not just a water bottle with an ice core center insert that keeps the water cooler inside the bottle. The Coldest Water Bottle keeps water at a constant ICE COLD temperature for up to 25 hours, and any ice in the bottle stays in ice form during that time.

THE COLDEST WATER BOTTLE

CONSTRUCTION AND DESIGN
Made of stainless steel, it is a long-lasting, quality water bottle that does not need to be frequently replaced like plastic bottles. It uses double wall insulation with materials designed to keep water cold for more than 25 hours with no sweating. It floats in oceans and pools and its 99% of cup holders, so you have no excuse NOT to get your daily water intake. BPA and toxin free, it is safer than other water bottles that can quickly harbor bacteria (and odor) within its’ plastic walls.

It is made for athletes but is suitable for any environmentally conscious person who wants to carry cold water with them throughout the day or for a late-day workout. The Coldest Water bottle is intended for lifetime use.

PUTTING COLDEST WATER BOTTLE TO THE TEST
THE PROBLEM: The gym I belong to has ice-cold bottled water chilled in a vending machine for $2.50 a bottle, and each pilates class or gym session I would typically need two of these 12-ounce bottles. And sometimes after a particularly busy class, the vending machine runs out of water entirely. I tried to bring my bottled water, but I wanted the *COLD* water during and after my workout. The problem is, I go to the gym after work, so if I bring water from home, it would have to stay cold for about 11 hours by the time I get to the gym.

TESTING THE COLDEST WATER BOTTLE: Turns out, the Coldest Water Bottle keeps water cold for a very long time, it keeps water cold all day and keeps a full bottle cold for a late-day workout. The ice cubes stay as ice cubes; they don’t substantially melt. I filled the bottle with ice cubes and cold water from the tap at around 7 A.M. Ten hours later the ice was still in ice cube form with no melting or “sweating.” In the meantime, the bottle sat in the warm car without the benefit of air conditioning. When I drank my water at the gym, almost twelve hours later, it was still ice cold! Pretty impressive. The leftover ice stayed unmelted afterward until I dumped it out when I got home that night, a few hours after my workout, probably hour 16 at that point. Very nice!

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CONCLUSION: A sturdy, well-constructed water bottle, just fill it with water and ice and go. Carrying a Coldest Water Bottle will remind you to drink water and keep track of how much you are drinking. It is the perfect bottle for athletes, Mom’s with thirsty kids, campers, beach-goers, or anyone who wants to have access to cold water during the day. I also find it useful for keeping some cold water in a car during the summer to stay hydrated in the case of unexpected delays or emergencies.

The Coldest Water Bottle is an environmentally friendly, cost-effective choice, saving you from buying repeated plastic water bottles. The stainless steel is sturdy without being too heavy to carry in my bag. Since I have had the bottle, I have remembered to bring water with me each day, and it stays ice cold in my bag while I am in transit. The bottle does not leak, so it is safe to put in your backpack or briefcase. The stainless steel naturally is bacteria resistant, which feels cleaner to transport around places like the gym. Since I have had the Coldest Water Bottle, I stay hydrated at the gym, at work, and I haven’t had to buy chilled plastic bottled water when I am out. A very worthwhile investment that saves both the environment and saves money on bottled water costs.

Find this great bottle at TheColdestWater.com

THE COLDEST WATER BOTTLE

Health and Beauty: Coastal Tea Company Ginger Mint Green Tea

September 18, 2016 · Leave a Comment

Last week I eagerly clicked a link on what models were drinking to achieve their luminous skin during NYFW. It was…green tea. Didn’t we know this already? Whether you are new to the skin and health wonders of green tea or a tea devotee, you should definitely try Coastal Tea Company Ginger Mint Green Tea.

OVERVIEW: This is a tangy and crisp Green Tea, perfect for the end of summer, beginning of autumn.

Coastal Tea Company Ginger Mint Green Tea

WHY WE LIKE GREEN TEA:
On average, we try to drink two cups of Green Tea per day. Green Tea makes for glowing, youthful skin; as it reduces inflammation (such as puffy undereye bags), rids the cells of aging free radicals and helps boost the metabolism resulting in more energy and weight management. Green Tea also has health benefits for heart and brain health and is considered beneficial for cancer prevention.

The Green Tea that one drinks can make all the difference in gaining benefits. To get real beauty and health benefits from Green Tea, it takes two things: 1) find a reputable company that produces safe, quality, fresh green tea from whole leaves, not “tea dust” and 2) find an enjoyable flavor you will enjoy drinking consistently

FINDING A REPUTABLE GREEN TEA COMPANY FOR QUALITY TEA:
Two key considerations when seeking a good tea brand is the quality of the tea and the safety of the tea.

TEA SAFETY: StyleChicks recently reviewed the Coastal Tea Company, and we were very impressed with the efforts they take to produce tea that is not only high quality, fresh whole leaf tea, but they strictly regulate their production to sell only small-batch, fresh tea with no trace of radiation or lead. Tea leaves, like other vegetation, is subject to soaking in the nutrients from the ground. Sometimes that ground contains metal traces including lead, and some areas where tea is grown have been subject to high levels of radiation. Coastal Tea Company takes extensive measures to avoid both risks, see more about the Coastal Tea Company here in our review of their Mango Green Tea.

TEA QUALITY: The most value from Green Tea comes from fresh, full leaves containing the highest levels of EGCG (Epigallocatechin Gallate) and polyphenols (the chief antioxidants). These high levels are not found in green tea “dust,” or the leftover remaindered older teas. Look for loose tea that has large, fresh pieces of dried leaves visible within the tea mix and a low amount of “dust” in the mix. Any inclusions to flavor the tea, such as dried fruit, nuts, or petals, should be generous in size and fresh. A fresh tea has a tasty, full aroma.

FINDING A FLAVOR OF TEA YOU LIKE
It is important to find an enjoyable flavor of Green Tea because Green Tea is for some, an acquired taste. It may, in fact, not be YOUR cup of tea if you don’t enjoy drinking it. Green Tea can taste somewhat vegetal, and often requires some sweetener or flavoring to enhance it, especially for someone new to drinking full leaf, fresh green tea. Fresh Green Tea has a richer, fuller taste than many commercially pre-bottled, pre- sweetened sugar drinks with Green Tea as an ingredient.

WHAT MAKES COASTAL TEA COMPANY GINGER MINT GREEN TEA SPECIAL?

Coastal Tea Company’s Ginger Mint Green Tea is a 100% loose leaf sencha green tea blend with dried ginger pieces, lemongrass, and Moroccan Mint. It has a crisp taste without being too tart or bitter. The Ginger is nicely tempered by the mellow Moroccan Mint, which surprised me as a tasty combination of flavors. The Lemongrass was a surprise enhancing ingredient in this blend because typically lemongrass tastes just plain grassy to me. But in this tea blend, playing off the other flavors, it is quite good – sort of a crisp tanginess without being bitter. For those new to Green Tea, a small amount of sugar or honey could be added, but even our non-Tea loving friends and family have enjoyed this blend.

Coastal Tea Company Ginger Mint Green Tea

INCLUSION: Any inclusions to flavor the tea should look fresh as well. The chunks of ginger are plentiful and big. They are full, solid chunk slices, not gritty partial crumbling shards of ginger. How they appear in the pictures is how the tea looks poured directly out of the bag. The lemongrass pieces are plentiful and unbruised. The mint leaves were large pieces of fuller leaves. Notice how all the pieces of tea and inclusions are in good shape, they look fresh and there is no tea dust.

Coastal Tea Company Ginger Mint Green Tea

NATURAL FLAVORS: Coastal Tea Company uses all natural flavorings. There are no chemicals or additives; the flavor comes just from the inclusion ingredients, in this case, the Lemongrass, Ginger and the Mint.

TASTY: Not everyone likes the taste of Green Tea. This Ginger Mint has a crisp, tangy taste; the sweet Moroccan Mint balances the tart taste of the ginger surprisingly well.

FULL LOOSE LEAVES: The tea is actual large leaf and full leave pieces, leaves, not dust or remaindered tea. This is the freshest type of tea, the best of the batch, and it holds the most anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer benefits.

PREPARATION
Bring water to almost the boiling point but not a full boil. This makes Green tea brew better and tastes less bitter. Don’t over steep the brew, brew for no more than 2 – 4 minutes.

The tea has a lovely, pale yellow hue and tastes of ginger, lemongrass, and Moroccan mint. I got a second full-pot brew out of the same leaves that were just a flavorful as the first.

CONCLUSION: A tasty, natural tea that has all the benefits I look for in a green loose leaf tea without any of the risks associated with some loose leaf tea brands. I am impressed by the strict standards and precautions Coastal Tea Company undertakes to ensure their teas are fresh and safe.

Coastal Tea Company Ginger Mint Green Tea

Find this tasty tea at Amazon.

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I received this product for testing and review purposes. If you have any questions about my experience with it, leave it in the comments section below, and Iâ€™ll do my best to answer it!