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SPA INDEX NEWS
FEBRUARY 17, 2002
ISSN: 1533-6417
IN THIS ISSUE:
OUR OWN HONEY-DO LIST
Spa Index Article:
Oh, Honey!
Spa at Home:
Home Spa Treatments
from
www.honey.com
Luxury Bath Products from LUSH Handmade
Cosmetics:
www.lushcanada.com
Spa Cuisine:
Strawberry Lemongrass Punch
Granola
Spa Style Baklava
Spa Features:
Honey Child Salon & Spa, Chicago, IL
Banyan Tree Spa, Phuket, Thailand
Gaia Day Spa, La Jolla, CA
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"Sweet Honey & Apples"
styled for SpaIndex.com
by
Kelly Cline Photography
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SPA INDEX ARTICLE:
OH, HONEY!
Through the ages, the "Land of Milk and Honey"
has come to mean "plenty" and "abundance" and that's what Spa Index
brings you with this newsletter, plenty of fun and interesting honey
facts, recipes for cooking with Honey, recipes for honey home
spa treatments, resort and day spa pampering honey treatments,
and links to our favorite honey beauty products.
The industrious honey bee is one of
nature's wonderful creatures, and the only insect that produces food eaten
by man. This tiny wonder produces bee pollen, honey, beeswax, and
royal jelly, all of which have been incorporated into our diet and
beauty regime for centuries -- with good reason.
The Greeks and Romans called natural bee
pollen "the life-giving dust" or the secret "ambrosia" eaten to acquire
eternal youth. Pollen was entombed with pharaohs, it was used by the
American Indians, and for centuries by tribes in China. In our modern times,
scientists, gerontologists and nutritionists have rediscovered that
bee-produced foods have healing and rejuvenation benefits. Bee pollen bursts
with easily-assimilated protein and lecithin, which nourish the brain and
nervous system. Some nutritionists state that you could live
adequately on bee pollen alone, since it is one of nature's most perfect
foods, containing every nutrient required to sustain and support life in a
pure, raw and unaltered form.
Royal Jelly is made by the colony of bees and fed to the
Queen Bee throughout her entire life span -- up to eight years.
She rules the hive and may lay as many as one quarter of a million eggs in
one season alone. By contrast, worker bees do not receive Royal Jelly and
only live from two to six months. Royal Jelly has been shown to have a
beneficial effect on the overall vitality of the human body, since it
contains complete proteins, several types of natural sugars, unsaturated
fatty acids, and a number of enzymes, and is a rich source of pantothenic
acid, nucleic acid, and Vitamin B6. In fact, Royal Jelly is one of the
richest sources of Vitamin B complex in natural form.
HONEY
is "manufactured" in one of
the world's most efficient factories, the beehive. Bees may travel as far as
55,000 miles and visit more than two million flowers to gather enough nectar
to make just a pound of honey. There are more than 300 unique kinds of
honey in the United States, originating from such diverse floral sources as
clover, eucalyptus and orange blossom. In general, lighter colored honeys
are mild in flavor; while darker honeys are usually more robust in flavor.
Honey is primarily composed of fructose, glucose and water. It also
contains other sugars as well as enzymes, minerals, vitamins amino acids,
and natural anti-oxidants. Generally speaking, the darker the color of
the honey, the higher the level of anti-oxidants.
Honey has been used as a medicine
throughout the ages and in more recent times has been "rediscovered" by the
medical profession for treatment of burns, infected wounds, and skin ulcers. The
large volume of literature reporting its effectiveness indicates that honey also
has potential for the treatment of periodontal disease, mouth ulcers, and other
problems of oral health.
In addition, recent studies suggest that this
unique mixture of sugars which occurs naturally in honey, works best in
preventing fatigue and enhancing athletic performance.
For a quick source of energy and to reap the
benefits of honey’s healthful properties, Dr. Susan Percival of the University
of Florida’s Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition recommends we make
honey part of our daily diet along with plenty of fruits and vegetables. Use
honey to sweeten your oatmeal or drizzle it over a grapefruit half. Add honey
and fresh fruit to low-fat yogurt for an energy-sustaining snack or stir a
spoonful of honey into a glass of water before your daily workout.
Just as there are well-documented nutritional
benefits of Honey, there are also proven beauty benefits from using
Honey, which also nourishes the skin, nails, and hair. When using
Honey as part of your beauty regime, you will get better results from RAW HONEY,
which is unprocessed and, consequently, has up to 50 percent more vitamins and
healthful properties than processed, or cooked honey.
Cleopatra is frequently credited with
using legendary treatments to enhance and maintain her beauty, including her
ritual of bathing in milk laced with honey. However, it wasn't just
Cleopatra, who steals all the thunder. Poppea, wife of Roman Emperor Nero,
used a honey and milk lotion on her face to keep her looking youthful.
Cleopatra and Poppea knew that
Honey is a natural humectant that attracts
and retains moisture, which ensures that our skin stays soft, supple and
elastic. Its natural antioxidant properties further protect the skin from the
damage of UV rays. It also cures minor acne flare-ups without drying the skin
like some other acne treatments. Honey is anti-microbial for many reasons,
including its high sugar content, which limits the amount of water available to
grow bacteria; its high acidity (low pH); and its low protein content, which
deprives bacteria of nitrogen needed for growth. It is used as an excellent
exfoliator and is also effective for minor abrasions and burns.
Most of us know honey as a sweet, golden
liquid. But, in fact, honey can be found in a variety of forms.
Liquid Honey is initially free of
visible crystals (all honey will crystallize in time) and extracted from the
honey comb by centrifugal force, gravity or straining. Because liquid honey
mixes easily into a variety of foods, it's especially convenient for cooking,
baking, and making home spa treatments. Most of the honey produced in the
United States is sold in liquid form.
Whipped Honey
(sometimes described as cremed honey, sugared
honey or spun honey) is brought to market in a crystallized state. The
crystallization is controlled so that, at room temperature, the honey can be
spread like butter. In many countries around the world, whipped honey is
preferred to the liquid form.
Comb Honey is honey that comes as
it was produced--in the honey bees' wax comb. The comb, as well as the honey, is
completely edible. Bees produce a special wax that is molded to form the
comb, so this substance is what we refer to as beeswax.
Cut Comb Honey is usually liquid
honey combined with chunks of the honey comb.
Dried Honey is made from free-flowing
liquid honey, to which processing aids have been added, and moisture removed,
resulting in powdered flakes, granules, or crystals.
ADDITIONAL HONEY FACTS:
September is National Honey Month!
A SPECIAL NOTE TO PARENTS:
Never feed honey to an infant. Honey may
contain bacterial spores that can cause infant botulism - a rare but serious
disease that affects the nervous system of young babies under one year of age.
While Botulism spores are common and may be found in dust, soil and uncooked
foods, infants have not yet built up the exposure to these common spores.
STORING HONEY: Honey stored in
sealed containers remains stable for decades, even centuries. Although
crystals will form, and the honey may darken and lose aroma, its anti-microbial
agents make it a perfect food that "never goes bad." For short-term
(up to 2 years) storage in your refrigerator or pantry, choose a glass,
air-tight jar with a seal. For long-term storage (2 years or more) in your
cellar or basement, choose a sanitized, stainless steel air-tight canister.
 HONEY LOCATOR:
Finding information and sources for your favorite
honeys has never been easier — Just visit
www.honeylocator.com.
BEEKEEPER LOCATOR: If you're interested in finding a local beekeeper
to profile, check with your state or county beekeeping association or contact
the National Honey Board at (303) 776-2337.
SPA INDEX RESOURCES FOR THIS NEWSLETTER:
WWW.HONEY.COM - THE HONEY EXPERTS
NATIONAL HONEY
BOARD
WWW.WOMANNOVA.COM
WWW.ENVIROBEE.COM
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SPA AT HOME:
If you're feeling adventurous and want to whip up some Spa at
Home treatments yourself, try these recipes which we've collected for you.
If tying on an apron isn't for you, and you'd rather pamper yourself by
receiving a present in the mail of wonderful handmade beauty products
featuring Honey and other unique, organic ingredients, Spa Index has
profiled some of our favorite items available from LUSH, the best in fresh,
handmade beauty products!
MAKE IT AT HOME: GENTLE HONEY CLEANSER
courtesy of
www.honey.com
This cleanser is
simple and effective. The soap gently cleans, the glycerin prevents drying and the honey not
only softens the skin, but its antimicrobial properties can help ward off
breakouts. A touch of honey is all you need for healthy, glowing skin. Combine 1/4 cup honey,
1
tablespoon liquid soap, 1/2 cup glycerin in a small bowl until fully
blended. Pour into a clean plastic bottle.
Pour
onto clean face sponge or soft cloth and gently rub onto face, wash away
with warm water and pat face dry. Enjoy fresh radiant skin.
MAKE IT AT HOME: CRANBERRY HONEY
LIP GLOSS
courtesy of
www.honey.com
Protect
sensitive lips from the drying winter elements with this simple yet rich lip
balm. Delightful to wear alone or on top of your lipstick for extra shine!
Gather
1 tablespoon
sweet almond oil, 10 fresh cranberries, 1 teaspoon honey, 1 drop of vitamin
E oil . Mix
all
the ingredients together in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for a couple of
minutes or until the mixture just begins to boil. (Bowl may also be heated
in a pan of water on a stovetop). Stir well and gently crush the berries.
Cool mixture for five minutes and then strain through a fine sieve to remove
all the fruit pieces. Stir again and set aside to cool completely. When
cool, transfer into a small portable plastic container or tin. Apply a small
amount onto your lips and remember to smile!
... and if you
don't want to make something at home yourself, how about YOUR SPA INDEX
EDITOR'S FAVORITE BUBBLE BATH IN THE WORLD? FLYING SAUCERS!
 FLYING
SAUCERS BUBBLE BAR
by
LUSH - FRESH HANDMADE
COSMETICS
www.lushcanada.com
When I first opened a bottle of Flying
Saucers Bubble Bath and inhaled the aroma, I moaned out loud. The dark amber
liquid looked like a fat jar of viscous honey. Now available in solid form,
Flying Saucers by LUSH is my favorite bubble product, period. Forget X
Files or UFOs and other ET related imagery and imagine a day so bad, so
horrific, that you want to pitch your fine china against the wall -- "Flying
Saucers!" LUSH says that "This is the only kind of saucer
you should be throwing … everyone needs a bubble therapy now and then!
Real honey comb, Ylang Ylang oil and Vetiver oil. This flying saucer
will literally abduct all your stress and worries."
LUSH now makes this wonderful product in a
"Bubble Bar" -- a soft, crumbly wrapped bar of solid bubble bath. Break off
a piece and run it under your bath faucet at full-stream. Better yet,
I highly recommend you invest in a simple aerator for the bath (Conair's
Whirlpool Bath works fine) and watch the billowing honey-scented clouds
climb up high enough to hide you from whatever exists outside. A 100gm
Flying Saucers Bubble Bar is $4.85 US.
 HONEY
FARM
by LUSH - FRESH HANDMADE
COSMETICS
www.LUSHCANADA.com
This terrific gift-wrapped parcel
contains a 100g bar of Honey Waffle Soap, a 200g Flying Saucers Bubble Bar
Slice, and a 200g Honey Comfort Bath Ballistic. LUSH says: Summer's
day, blue skies, warm sun, flowers flowering, bees buzzing, all pervading
peace. In a box. The sweet, Lush Honey Farm gift box presents you with three
of our calming honey products to bring sweet scents and peaceful thoughts to
a bathroom near you. $24.95 US.
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SPA CUISINE: HONEY TREATS
Strawberry Lemongrass Punch
Lake Austin Spa - Austin, Texas
30 blades fresh lemon grass
6 cups water
2 pints strawberries
one quart lemon flavored carbonated water
honey to taste
Bring the water to a boil in a stainless steel or
non reactive pan. Wrap the lemon grass around your finger and tie into a knot.
(Be careful, it can cut the skin like paper can.) Add the lemon grass to
the pot, cover and remove from heat. Add honey to taste, and allow to steep for 15 minutes. Strain
and cool. Puree the strawberries and pour into a pitcher or punch bowl. Add the
chilled lemongrass tea. Top the carbonated water, stir gently and serve. Add
herbal ice cubes made with the lemongrass tea and enjoy! Makes about 12 one cup
servings.
GRANOLA
Rio
Caliente,
Sierra Madre Mountains, Guadalajara, Mexico.
2 lbs. rolled oats (not
the quick-cooking or instant variety)
3/4 cup pecans, chopped
or broken
3/4 cup pumpkin seeds,
whole
3/4 cup hulled sesame
seeds, toasted or raw
1/2 cup powdered low fat
milk
2 T. sesame oil
1/4 cup
honey
Combine the first 4
ingredients in a large bowl and mix. Add the powdered milk and mix
again. Add the oil and honey and mix
thoroughly, using your hands to turn the mixture over and over. Place into
baking pans and bake in a slow (250F) oven for 45 minutes to an hour until
golden brown. Stir every 10 to 15 minutes. Let cool completely before
storing in an air-tight container. Note: If you add wheat germ, the granola
must be refrigerated. Additional ingredients: Powdered soy milk or flakes,
peanuts, wheat germ, bran, oat, rye, wheat or soy flakes, soy nuts, raisins,
currants or other dried fruits, almonds or other nuts. Note: If you add soy
flakes, be sure to include them at the very end of baking as they tend to
burn.
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SPA FEATURES
We are happy to provide our subscribers with a sampling of limited time
offers for special packages, special rates, and workshops from spas that
provide this information to us. You will find a complete list of Spa Deals
at the home page.
Owner Bambi Montgomery,
formerly the creative director for Maxine, named this delightful spa after
her grandmother's term of endearment for her.
Honey Child Salon and Spa is a three-floor
spa with a chic and minimalist look -- yellow, honey-colored drapes,
chocolate brown wood floors and stainless steel accents. Choose from lush
treatments including the beeswax soak pedicure or the Hot Honey on the Rocks
massage. Honey Child has three treatment rooms, and an entire floor devoted
to manicures and pedicures, performed on your own Queen-Bee mosaic-tiled
pedicure throne.
BANYAN TREE SPA in THAILAND
makes certain that you leave feeling better than
when you arrived, and offers spa treatment options ranging from ancient Eastern
healing and relaxation techniques to European rejuvenation therapies. All are
designed to reduce your tension and soothe your cares away. Choose from the
Royal Thai
Honey Steam Wrap, the Honey
Seed Rub, a gentle natural moisturizing rub using Thai
honey and sesame seeds to exfoliate and remove
dead skin cells, promoting a softer and smoother enriched skin, smelling
deliciously like honey, or, the Thai
Honey Facial, with principal ingredients of
honey, lime and cucumber, ancient skin
healers, softeners and moisturizers.
Gaia Day Spa in La Jolla, California
offers a Vichy Salt Glow with Honey, an
extended Vichy
treatment that includes the luxurious and hydrating
application of alpine honey and mango essence to
soften and soothe the body and mind.
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SUBSCRIPTIONS
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