a lil' cup of Joe

INFORMATION BROUGHT TO YOU BY: RECHERCH'E ORGANICS

A lil' Cup of Joe~

Coffea arabica: A Coffee Plantation

Coffee, "nectar of the gods", referred to by many names, consumed by millions daily, and  known planet wide for one sole purpose (ok maybe 2 purposes), to please the palate and awaken the mind. This shrub is grown in tropical regions through out the world.  With it's distinct aroma, and bitter and delightful flavor, humans have come to know this plant well. But did you ever consider it has many, many other uses than only that of the "morning eye opener" it has become best know for?

Fruit of the Coffee Shrub

Did you know that Coffee actually grows on a Shrub?  Some people picture a large stately tree that these lovely little fruits and thus coffee beans grow on, but in fact it is a small shrub with a relatively strait trunk, preferring shade but will also grow in full sun.  These shrubs live for approximately 50-70 years.  The first flowering usually occurs the 3rd year after planting, however true yields do not come on until the fifth year of growth. There are over 60 different types of coffee trees planet wide however 2 alone dominate the world trade; Coffea arabica and Coffea canephora.  Coffea arabica is responsible for approximately 75% of the coffee world wide.

Roasted Coffee Beans: Coffea arabica

"COFFEE- THE FAVORITE DRINK OF THE CIVILIZED WORLD." 

Thomas Jefferson

The process of roasting coffee beans is a complex practice.  It is the art of removing all, or nearly all of the moisture content and in it's place allowing the aromatic oils to come to the forefront.  The typical "coffee smell" is produced my the caffeol oil.  Research is showing that this aromatic oil is highly beneficial for both skin and hair applications.  The oils in dark roast coffee maintains the strongest forms of this aromatic oil.  It mildly cleanses and moisturizes the skin resulting in soft and supple skin tone.

  It is not only this oil that is found to be beneficial to skin and hair.  In fact caffeine works wonders with the outer shell of our beings.  In the way that caffeine increases circulation and awakens the "coffee consumer" in the morning (afternoon, or evening:) it also works in these ways with your dermal layers of skin. Caffeine treats redness and inflammation due to its anti inflammatory properties, it can reduce under eye circles by reducing the blood build up in the sensitive under eye skin.  This build up of fluid and blood is associated with puffiness and dark circles that adorn so many eyes.   Many companies and even individual people claim the reduction (short term at least) of the appearance of cellulite through out the body.  This is due to the fact that caffeine makes small blood vessels contract and therefore makes cellulite less visible (as I said this is a temporary solution, but a plausible one).   A research project preformed at the University of Sao Paulo Brazil, researchers found that the application of skin cream containing caffeine to cellulite riddled areas reduced the size of cellulite fat cells by 17%.  

A Little Cup of Joe

In the same way that caffeine stimulates the circulatory system, it can also be used to stimulate hair growth.  Massaging directly into the scalp, the caffeine in coffee can stimulate the hair follicles to speed up growth and tensile strength.  Research suggests that hair roots are sensitive to the male hormone testosterone.  Caffeine in coffee may work to protect the follicles from letting loose of the hair.   Coffee has also been known to enhance natural hair color for brunettes.  It can darken and add shine and dimension to the hair.

 

DIY RECIPE: 

Hair Treatment:

Use a very strongly brewed coffee as a hair soak or rinse.  Pour the coffee through the hair, and allow it to skin in (10-30 minutes).  You can cover with a shower cap for convenience.  For a thicker moisturizing experience mix coffee grounds with your favorite conditioner.  After allowing to sit 10+ minutes rinse, your hair will be left shiny with an even over all tone and color.  You will notice a brilliance and silkiness left in the hair. Doing this on a regular basis (maybe 1 time per week), you will likely notice less shedding and an increase in hair growth.