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Coffee, “nectar of the gods," goes by many names: Java, Brew, Cup of Joe, this bean delights millions daily, known and loved planet wide for it’s pleasing taste and invigorating shot of caffeine. As a plant, shrub actually, Coffea arabica, 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 have you ever considered that something so well known, could have many little known and little considered uses?
Did you know that the Coffee bean actually grows on a Shrub? Some people picture a grand tree adorn with lovely little fruits, but in fact it is a small shrub with a relatively strait trunk, preferring shade but will also grow in full sun. These shrubs have a lifespan of approximately 50-70 years. The first flowering usually occurs the 3rd year after planting as is common with many fruit bearing trees. However, true yields do not come on until the fifth year of growth. There are over 60 different types of coffee trees world wide and yet two stand out and dominate the world trade; Coffea arabica and Coffea canephora. Coffea arabica is responsible for approximately 75% of the coffee world wide!
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 its place allowing the aromatic oils to come to the forefront. The typical "coffee smell" is produced By 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.
But let’s not be fooled, it is not only caffeol oil that is found to be externally beneficial . In fact caffeine works wonders with our skin and hair as well. In the way that caffeine increases circulation and awakens the coffee drinker, it also works similarly with the dermal layers of your skin. Caffeine treats redness and inflammation due to its anti inflammatory properties, it can diminish 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 develop under and around our 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 . Mind you, this is only a temporary solution. A research project preformed at the University of Sao Paulo Brazil, re found that the application of skin creams containing caffeine to areas affected by cellulite, reduced the size of cellulite fat cells by 17%.
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 cooled coffee through the hair, and allow it sit for 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, let’s say 1 time per week, you will likely notice less shedding and an increase in hair strength and growth.
"COFFEE- THE FAVORITE DRINK OF THE CIVILIZED WORLD."
-Thomas Jefferson