Matcha Powers for Health and Beauty

People around me know I have a bit of an addiction to matcha..being Italian you would expect me to be all about coffee and don't get me wrong, I love a good espresso anytime I'm back in Italy. But there is something about matcha..the slight bitterness, that earthy taste, the smell and I just love my ritual of having a matcha latte sprinkled with cinnamon. It's like a cozy hug in a mug and a little act of self love.

And this beautiful green powder has amazing benefits as well!

Matcha green tea is considered one of the finest teas in the world as it contains ten times the antioxidants of other teas as we consume the essence of the tea leaves ground into fine powder.

It can be sipped as a tea or as I said earlier, enjoyed as a matcha latte. It can also become a precious ingredient in beauty treatments. Its precious qualities have a great effect either way. Here are some of them.

Antioxidant & Anti ageing

The antioxidant content of matcha helps fight free radicals and protect against UV rays. Antioxidants along with zinc, magnesium, calcium, selenium and vitamin C contained in it are able to lower inflammation in the body, supporting the elimination skin blemishes. These nutrients are especially great to slow down the ageing process by inhibiting cellular degeneration, promoting smooth and glowing skin.

Detox

Because of the high level of chlorophyll present in the leaves, matcha is a strong detoxifying agent cleansing the body of toxins, chemicals, heavy metals or other impurities, leaving the skin radiant and clean.

Increased energy

Matcha boosts energy levels to up to 6 hours without the side effects of other stimulants that can cause jittery feelings or nervousness. This is thanks to a specific amino acid called l-theanine.

Improved memory, concentration and mood

This same amino acid produces dopamine and serotonin, two chemicals that enhance mood, improve memory, and promote better concentration.

Metabolism booster

Drinking matcha has been shown to increase metabolism and help the body burn fat as energy more efficiently.

All these special properties can be utilised in easy at home beauty treatments to stimulate and rejuvenate skin cells, help reduce wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and strengthen hair promoting growth.

These are three ways to use it.

Face mask

Matcha green tea protects the skin from harmful UV rays that promote ageing and hyper-pigmentation stimulating the rejuvenation of skin cells.It is particularly good for acne because it has the ability to decrease sebum production.

So it’s the perfect ingredient for an indulging face mask!

Mix 1 tablespoon of matcha powder with either 1 teaspoon of coconut oil or raw honey and stir until combined. You may need to add a little bit of water to reach a spreadable consistency. Apply on face with circular movements and leave on for 15 to 20 minutes.

Remove with a warm, wet washcloth and you’ll definitely see a much more glowing and radiant complexion.

Body scrub

As we’ve seen the antioxidant components of matcha can help achieve younger, healthier-looking skin, and helping with skin renewal, toxins removal and defence against sun damage.

So a body scrub featuring this powerful green tea will aid dead cells removal revealing a much softer, smooth and moisturised skin.

Simply mix 1 cup of brown or coconut sugar, 1/2 cup of coconut oil and 1 to 2 tablespoon of matcha in a bowl and stir until combined. You can store this scrub in a air-tight glass jar and use it when showering to pamper yourself.

Hair butter

Matcha contains vitamin C that protects hair from UV rays damage and vitamin E that increases blood circulation to the scalp promoting their growth and enhancing their strenght. This is thanks to matcha’s panthenol component that stimulates as well as stimulating new hair growth, can repair split ends.

Mix 2 tablespoons of matcha powder with 1/2 cup of shea butter and 1/2 cup of coconut oil until well incorporated. Use a tablespoon of the butter and apply to the hair massaging the scalp. Leave for at least 30 minutes and then shampoo as normal.