WE all know the many benefits of green tea. The polyphenolic compounds present in green tea not only gives anti-inflammatory benefits but can also be beneficial to the skin.
Here are some skin conditions green tea can have certain therapeutic effects on.
* Rosacea. Imagine having clear flawless skin. People with rosacea have just the opposite. Rosacea is an inflammatory skin condition leading to redness, bumps, pimples and thickening of the skin. This skin condition gets worse if left untreated and often appears on the face, chin, forehead and cheeks of fair-skinned women.
* Atopic dermatitis. Atopic dermatitis (eczema) makes your skin red and itchy and can occur at any age. These red and itchy symptoms vary widely and can be uncomfortable. Patients have traditionally used corticosteroids which have many adverse side effects. A study conducted in 2012, indicated green tea bath therapy using green tea extracts is a safe and effective, non-steroidal therapy resulting in marked improvement of daily pruritus.
* Wound healing. Chronic non-healing wounds affect millions of patients every year along with a significant reduction in quality of life. Researchers found that EGCG helped to accelerate the wound-healing process and prevent scarring.
Applying green tea has anti-infective and anti-bacterial properties that enhance wound healing. It’s even been shown to work against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). These benefits may help reduce reliance on traditional antibiotics and cut down on antibiotic resistance.
Many people have been doing this at home – their taking tea baths to remove skin impurities and dead skin cells.
Just simply steep the tea of your choice for 15 minutes then add it to your bathwater. Research supports the benefits of tea when bathing because of its antioxidant and antimicrobial qualities. Of course, do not overdo this therapy or avoid taking tea baths every day. A one-a-week therapy of tea bath is ideal.
Some people mix green tea with other herbal tea like:
* Chamomile is relaxing and can help soothe pain.
* Lavender is calming and beneficial as a sleep enhancer.
* Jasmine can be refreshing for the skin and enhances the mood.
* Rose petals soften the skin and relax the body
* Peppermint reduces inflammation and soothes irritated skin. When combined with Epsom salts, it makes for a very detoxifying bath.
When taking a tub bath, it’s important to know the dangers of water that is too hot. Water that is too hot can cause temporary dizziness and or muscle weakness — and it’s very drying and damaging for the skin.
Here are several benefits of a tea bath: Fights free radicals, reduces inflammation, reduces, dandruff, helps treat acne, soothing and detoxifying, helps repair sun damage, may delay skin cell aging, calming and refreshing, eases muscular pain and bruises, and softens skin. (Tracey G. Ingram)
