Here you will find herbal news, exclusive recipes, and fun extras!

- November 20, 2010 -

Using Clay for Beauty Treatments

What Does a World-Renown Beauty Spa and Life Thyme Botanicals Have in Common? Both offer clay as a rejuvenating and cleansing skin treatment!  For centuries, clay has been used to cleanse, tone, and smooth skin. Clay is very absorbent, meaning that it literally pulls oils, toxins, dirt, and impurities from the skin. Clay also has a toning action – it revitalizes tired skin by bringing fresh blood to skin cells, tightening pores, and soothing troubled skin. This leaves your skin looking tight, fresh and revitalized.

Two of the clays we offer at Life Thyme are  Red Moroccan Clay (also known as Rhassoul or Moroccan Lava Clay) is considered one of the rarest and purest clays on Earth. It is especially beneficial as a detoxifier and skin cleanser.  Bentonite Clay, or Montmorillonite, is one of the most absorbent clays available. When mixed with water, it expands and becomes a sponge, absorbing toxins and impurities. It even has the ability to pull heavy metals and other internal contaminants.

All you have to do to get the amazing benefits of clay is mix it with water, apply it to your skin, let dry for 15-20 minutes, and then rinse it with tepid water. For extra conditioning, you can add other natural products to your mask. A dollop of plain yogurt is very healthful. Mashed avocado or papaya adds moisture to your skin. For sensitive skin, mix clay with our Chamomile tea. For an anti-aging action, mix clay with our Green Tea. The possibilities are endless – you can create a custom-made skin treatment just for your needs!

- February 6, 2010 -

Two Original Recipes from Life Thyme Botanicals

Looking for some ways to get more healthy grains into your diet? The health benefits of grains, nuts, and seeds are astonishing - here are two ways you can take advantage of that fact! And you'll feel good about eating something healthy that is tasty too!

A Healthy, Hearty Breakfast

1/2 cup "old fashioned" rolled oats

1 T flax seed

1 T chia seed

1 T other seed or nut (sesame, pumpkin, raw peanuts, etc.)

1 T walnut pieces

2 T dried fruit (cherries, berries, raisins, etc.)

1 cup water

1 banana

honey and milk to taste

In a small skillet toast the oats, seeds, and nuts until slightly brown. Add the dried fruit and water and cook for 2-3 minutes. Slice banana into cereal bowl and top with oatmeal mixture. Add honey and milk to taste. This is a great energizing recipe that will keep you going all day. 

Brown Rice and Bulgar Casserole

1/2 cup slivered almonds

1/4 cup butter

1 cup jasmine brown rice, rinsed and drained

1/2 cup bulgar (cracked wheat)

1 large onion, chopped

2 tablespoons dried parsley 

1/4 teaspoon sea salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

2 oz beef broth mix, dissolved into 42 ounces of water to make broth 

Saute the almonds in a medium-sized skillet with 2 tablespoons butter over moderate heat until browned, approximately 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. To the same skillet add and melt the remaining butter. Add the rice, bulgar, and onion. Brown for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently. Spoon this mixture into a 2-quart casserole dish. Add 1 1/2 tablespoons parsley, the salt and the pepper. Bring broth to a boil and stir into rice mixture. Bake uncovered in a preheated 375*F oven for 1 hour and 15 minutes. Garnish with the remaining parsley.