Tea Tree Oil

Tea Tree Oil the Origin

Tea tree oil is an essential oil obtained by steam distillation of the leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia, a plant native to Australia. It's well known for it's anti-fungal, anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties

Tea tree oil is usually used diluted, as reactions are common with pure tea tree oil, but it can also cause irritation for some people even when diluted. Tea tree oil is toxic when taken internally, and so should never be added to food or drinks.

The indigenous Bundjalung people of eastern Australia use “tea trees” as a traditional medicine by inhaling the oils from the crushed leaves to treat coughs and colds. They also sprinkle leaves on wounds, after which a poultice is applied. In addition, tea tree leaves are soaked to make an infusion to treat sore throats or skin ailments. It is used to for a number of thin

It is a great idea to try something natural that, while helping in cure acne problem, leaves no trail of its own. The anti bacterial qualities of the oil help to combat infection which is always a concern with these spots.  As acne can leave open sores, some people probably do not want to use the oil neat. It is preferable to use it in a facial bath to help cleanse our skin every morning and evening.  

We can also some manufacturers have added this oil to the makeup range. We can find face tea tree oil washes, face masks, face foams and face creams among other things.

ex : Bodyshop tea tree line :cleansers, moisturizer & spot treatments

However if we do not want to go for market products you can also make a wash of our own by simply diluting tea tree oil in water. Go ahead and give this natural drug a try 

How to use it to kill the bacteria that causes acne...? *source : eHow*

1. Dilute tea tree oil depending on your skin type. For use on normal to oily skin, mix 1 part tea tree oil with 9 parts water, or for sensitive skin, combine 1 part tea tree oil with 9 parts aloe vera gel. Tea tree oil is very strong and should never be applied directly to the skin unless diluted. 

2. Experiment with your solution. If you find that your mixture causes no adverse reactions, such as redness, dry skin or itching and would like a stronger mixture to treat acne, you can slowly begin to increase the strength of the dilution; however, make sure that you use each new mixture for at least one week before making it stronger.

3. Use your tea tree oil solution by first washing your face with a gentle cleanser and patting dry. To help cut oil and acne, place the solution to a cotton ball and apply a light layer to your skin. After drying, apply an oil-free moisturizer. Repeat at night before bed.

4. Make a tea tree oil mask which can be applied once or twice a week to help control acne break-outs. Add one or two drops of tea tree oil to enough natural green clay powder to make a mask, adding enough water to make a thick paste. Apply the paste evenly to your face and neck and leave for 30 minutes. Additionally, you can use this mask to spot treat pimples, leaving the mask on overnight.

+

 =

Most often, acne and breakouts occur when your hair follicles become clogged with excess oil and dead skin cells. Sometimes these clogged pores become infected and inflamed resulting in pimples and acne. The key to truly clear and radiant skin is to create a balance; controlling excess oil while soothing inflamed and irritated pores. 

We can also use tea tree oil shampoo to wash hairbrush and combs regularly. People often don't realize that the grease from their hair can exacerbate a condition such as acne.

Notes : Only bad part about tea tree oil is that when you use too much or too frequently through the day, the oil can dry out your skin and cause it to flake. Just don't be too generous with it. A little goes a long way.

Badeschiff Designed by AMP arquitectos in Berlin, Germany

When temperatures plummeted to -20F, the Spree Bridge Badeschiff became the coolest place in Berlin to escape the harsh winter. The fresh water of the Badeschiff now enables the city’s inhabitants to figuratively swim in their river, which itself is too polluted. In 2002, various international architects and artists were invited to deal with bridges in the context of connecting elements in cities. Instead of creating a bridge over the Spree, the Badeschiff team proposed a bridge to the Spree. Following a tradition of public bathing in the river at the turn of the century, the project encouraged a closer connection between the city and its river by floating a pool on it.

A 30 year old barge was modified in a nearby dockyard. It was reduced to its shell and filled with preheated and chlorinated water to form a 32m long pool complemented with a wooden bridge and a sun terrace. All technical installations are concealed in the edge profile and yet allow an unobstructed view across the river when swimming.

During the winter, a three-part membrane structure divides the three squares (bathing ship) and its jetty into three separate areas: a lounge, sauna and the pool ship itself. These areas are connected via additional boxes containing technical and service functions. A two-layered membrane is spanned over elliptical wooden trusses maintaining a combination of translucent and transparent surfaces.

The space between the membranes is filled with air to optimise insulation and guarantee a comfortable interior temperature of 25°C even when it is extremely cold outside.The first square, nearest to the bank, changes into a white lounge with chaises as seating and a bar. The pool is the only element which stays unchanged,apart from the roof. The covering of all three areas allows in places the visitor to enjoy the view of the exposed location in the harbor.

But the very best view awaits the brave, who dares to plunge into the pool and swim out into the unroofed water balcony. Simple joints, standard materials and easy manual assembly allow for the membrane structure to be dismantled and re erected without the use of a crane. These elements can then be stored during the summer or alternatively used as a pavilion on the shore.

The construction of a roof for the Badeschiff had to meet three challenges. First of all the static of bath ship originally wasn’t intended to carry a roof, so the construction had to be light in weight; secondly it had to be flexible, in order that it can be easily dismantled in the summer; and thirdly it had to correspond with the aesthetic idea of building a bridge, which connects the river with the urban dwellers.

Credits : 

Design Team: Susanne Lorenz and AMP Arquitectos, Gil Wilk Architekten, Thomas Freiwald
Location: Spree Bridge, Berlin, Germany

Source : http://besttopdesign.com/architecture/badeschiff-designed-by-amp-arquitectos-in-berlin-germany/

Floating Sauna Hardangerfjord

Teachers: Sami Rintala, Christel Sverre, Marco Casagrande
Architecture drawings & photos: Sami Rintala

Students: Kristin Lian Berg, Mona Brekke, Simen Dyrhaug, Jenny Therese Eriksson, Mahlet Ogbé Habte, Marja Ristiina Nickel, Ragnhild Ohma, Anne Marte Ruud, Mona Aspen Simonsen, Thomas Aspeland Sivertsen, Elin Solvang, Sverre Strandberg, Karolin Tampere, Sveinung Unneland, Elisabeth Wahlströmfunction:

Constructed in Hardangerfjord, in Rosendal village during 2 - 13 Sep 2002.

Background
This project is possible to construct due to the warm Gulf-stream meeting the west coast of Norway, keeping the sea ice-free the whole year. In Finland sea is mostly ice-covered from December to April, and this sauna should be lifted ashore in wintertime.

Client: Rosendal Village, Hardangerfjord, Norway
Area: interior 9 m2, total with floating dock 25 m2

A Finnish sauna room: around 90 C heat is enjoyed, especially in wintertime (-20 C outside) by sitting on wooden benches and throwing water on hot stones on the stove. Sweat and silence, mental purification and physical maintainance. A swim in cold water in between.

Anchored in the middle of the fjord, a level of privacy is maintained for bathers.
Little winter daylight comes through transparent walls. At night sauna shines as a floating lantern. Access with rowing boat only. Descending swimming straight through the floor of water. Using any kind of soap is prohibited due to ecological reasons.

Materials: Norwegian Jötul-oven, plastic walls, pinewood structure, stones, storm oil lantern, old oil barrels
Method: Built on shore and floated on site, anchored.

Source : e-architect UK 

Spa Nudity

The Truth About Spa Nudity Uncovered! 

written by Anita Brown, About.com

Spa nudity is a big issue for first time spa goers. They're usually anxious about taking their clothes off for a massage by a stranger! Here's the real story with spa nudity, and how to stay within your comfort zone. 

• You generally change into a robe and slippers in the locker room. Sometimes there are private changing rooms. At some day spas you might take your clothes off in the treatment room and slip under the sheet.

• Resort spas generally have steam, sauna, and hot tubs in separate men and women's changing areas. You can go nude, wrap yourself in a towel, or wear a swimsuit.
• While you're in the lounge, be aware of whether the robe completely covers you and be considerate of other guests. Large men, especially, need to be careful about how they're sitting. If you sit with your legs spread, the robe can fall open.
• The massage therapist usually picks you up in a waiting area, takes you to the treatment room then leaves. This gives you time to hang up and your robe and slip between the sheet or towel. The therapist will always knock before entering.
• Generally you are nude during the massage, but always covered with sheets. Only the body part being massaged is exposed. The therapist holds the sheet so you're covered when you turn over.
• You can wear underwear if you're uncomfortable with spa nudity.
• European spas, like the spas in germany are more relaxed about spa nudity. They don't use elaborate draping techniques, and men and women typically take steam and sauna baths together, nude.
• There are styles of massage like thai massage or reflexology where you stay fully clothed. If you're uncomfortable with spa nudity, ask about those.
• Facials are another good option if you're uneasy about spa nudity. You can keep your robe on. Even if you take it off, the esthetician is only touching your head, arms, shoulders and possibly feet.
• Think twice about getting a  body treatment like a  salt glow or a vichy shower if you're uncomfortable with spa nudity. You are more likely to be exposed at some point.
• Most spas offer disposable panties for the body treatment. Sometimes they're optional, and sometimes the spa requests you wear them.
• Spas may request you wear a swimsuit or disposable briefs during hydrotherapy treatments. (This is especially true with men.) Women are often allowed to choose, but you have to be comfortable with the idea that the therapist will see everything.
• Even though you're nude for your treatment, legitimate spas don't offer happy ending and it's a serious breach of etiquette to ask for one or show signs of sexual arousal, like groaning in a suggestive way, or for men, allowing an erection.

Spa Fact Sheet updated February 2011

Thailand is the largest spa market in the Asia Pacific region.

New Zealand hosts the highest proportion of day spas.

Hotel, resort and destination retreat spas are in highest proportions in Cambodia and the United Arab Emirates.

The Australian spa industry generated the most revenue during 2007.

Total spa industry visits and employment were highest in Thailand.

Vietnam identified that this emerging market generated over US$9 million in revenue and delivered services to over 428,000 spa visitors during 2007.

Of the 95 authentic spa facilities operating in Vietnam, 38% of spas were stand-alone day spas and 62% were destination spas co-located with accommodation.

During 2007, the spa industry employed over 1,000 people.

The spa industry is forecast to grow by 11% between 2008 and 2010.

Spa industry in Mainland China and Hong Kong identified total revenue and employment have grown by over 1,000% since 2002; Revenue generated in 2007 was over US$185 million and spas employed more than 6,000 people.

The number of spas in Mainland China and Hong Kong has grown by over 500% since 2002, with 190 spas now open and operating and the industry forecast to grow by over 20% between 2008 and 2010.

65% of all spas operating in Mainland China we located in hotels or resorts. In comparison, just 16% of Hong Kong spas were operating in hotels or resorts.

Over 2,041,000 people visited spas in Mainland China and Hong Kong during 2007.

Spas in China are designed with the largest indoor space compared to other spa markets across the greater Asia Pacific region.

Source : Intelligent Spas

Alegria - non-alcoholic spa drink

Chef's Note

There's no miracle slimming drink, but there are vitamin-filled beverages that can make up for nutritional deficiencies in our diet... all without exceeding 100 calories per glass. They're delicious and easy to prepare.
We suggest placing ice in your food processor instead of water so that the drinks are chilled and ready to drink. You could also replace the ice with sparkling mineral water or club soda to make the drink even more refreshing on a hot day.

 

Ingredients

Ingredients for each serving

- 100 ml (6 tbsp.) Carrots

- 100 ml (6 tbsp.) Pineapple juice

- 50 ml (3 tbsp.) strawberries (Strawberry)

- Ice

- 1 tsp. sugar substitute

Source: www.theworldwidegourmet.com

Meditation Space, Tapos-Bogor, Indonesia

Meditation Space

Architect : Budi Pradono

Location : Tapos - Bogor Indonesia

 Source : Budi Pradono Architects, www.budipradono.com

Horai Onsen Bath House,

Horai Onsen Bath House

 
Architect : Kengo Kuma and Associates

Izusanhigashidani, Atami, Shizuoka
Extention of public bath

 

source : Kengo Kuma and Associates www.kkaa.co.jp

The Therme Vals, Switzerland

Built over the only thermal springs in the Graubunden Canton in Switzerland, The Therme Vals is a hotel and spa in one which combines a complete sensory experience designed by Peter Zumthor.

 Peter Zumthor designed the spa/baths which opened in 1996 to pre date the existing hotel complex. The idea was to create a form of cave or quarry like structure. Working with the natural surroundings the bath rooms lay below a grass roof structure half buried into the hillside. The Therme Vals is built from layer upon layer of locally quarried Valser Quarzite slabs. This stone became the driving inspiration for the design, and is used with great dignity and respect

Mountain, stone, water – building in the stone, building with the stone, into the mountain, building out of the mountain, being inside the mountain – how can the implications and the sensuality of the association of these words be interpreted, architecturally?” Peter Zumthor

 This space was designed for visitors to luxuriate and rediscover the ancient benefits of bathing. The combinations of light and shade, open and enclosed spaces and linear elements make for a highly sensuous and restorative experience. The underlying informal layout of the internal space is a carefully modelled path of circulation which leads bathers to certain predetermined points but lets them explore other areas for themselves. The perspective is always controlled. It either ensures or denies a view.

“The meander, as we call it, is a designed negative space between the blocks, a space that connects everything as it flows throughout the entire building, creating a peacefully pulsating rhythm. Moving around this space means making discoveries. You are walking as if in the woods. Everyone there is looking for a path of their own.” Peter Zumthor

The fascination for the mystic qualities of a world of stone within the mountain, for darkness and light, for light reflections on the water or in the steam saturated air, pleasure in the unique acoustics of the bubbling water in a world of stone, a feeling of warm stones and naked skin, the ritual of bathing – these notions guided the architect. Their intention to work with these elements, to implement them consciously and to lend them to a special form was there from the outset. The stone rooms were designed not to compete with the body, but to flatter the human form (young or old) and give it space…room in which to be.

Architects: Peter Zumthor, with Marc Loeliger, Thomas Durisch and Rainer Weitschies
Location: Graubunden Canton, Switzerland
Project completed: 1996

Source : www.archdaily.com

Underground Spa by Carmordy Groarke, Limerick - Ireland

Source : Architizer

The client’s brief was to create a place for exercise and relaxation beneath the a nineteenth century mansion, as part of an extensive renovation to create a new private family home. Their brief was clear – a space to be discovered underground, and of entirely different character to the house above. As its most fundamental principle the space, excavated from the bedrock of the site, seeks punches of daylight from wherever possible at ground level. Underground, the simple sculptural treatment of stone, plaster and water are given definition by a subtle mixture of natural and artificial light. The main stone-lined space contains a 17 metre long, stone-lined swimming pool and is surrounded by smaller stone blocks containing treatment rooms – sauna, spa and gymnasium.

Source : Architecture List

Source : Architecture List

Source : Architecture List

The undulating form of the plaster ceiling which hovers above the pool, conceals all the technical equipment for the pool-space environment, revealing only a halo affect of daylight and artificial lighting.

source : www.architecturelist.com

source : Architizer

Source : Architizer

Lemon Grass Ginger Tea...I call it LGG tea

Lemon Grass : It is eaten to speed up a slow digestive system; its oil is good for calming hot, perspiring feet. Burn the oil for an effective room deodorizers

Ginger : It is eaten cooked or infused raw into drinks, as remedy for stomach aches and menstrual pains. Myth says that ginger is key to assisting man's endurance in love making due to the phallic shape of the rhizome! Used externally, ginger is applied to the body relieve aching muscles and increase blood circulation.

Now I'm gonna mix those ingredients to make a healthy drink...I'm gonna simply call it Lemon Grass Ginger Tea....LGG tea! Let's give it a try..

picture 1 : taken from unfussy fare

1 tablespoon of ginger, left unpeeled & sliced
5 stalks of lemongrass, ends trimmed
6 c water
freshly squeezed lemon
honey (optional)

1. Rinse lemon grass and crush
2. add ginger, lemon grass & 5 cups of  water into a tea kettle, boil about 10 mins.
3. strain to remove whole herbs and spices

Pour into a tea pot. Ready to serve hot
you can add Lime & honey if you like

Picture 2 : taken from www.allthaifood.com

 or let it cool, about 30 mins. Pour into a pitcher and chill until cold. Pour it into glasses with ice.

Picture 3 : taken from www.find.myrecipe.com

Picture 4 : taken from www.cuisine.com.au

 It's super easy and very quick. Enjoy your healthy tea...