Barks-a-Lot

Health Benefits of Tea

2010-03-14T05:34:00.000-07:00

Note -The information here should not be considered medical advice, and you should always consult a physician before beginning any herbal tea therapy.
It has become ever more popular and interesting to find natural remedies in the things we eat and drink. A good example is the specialty teas people are researching and drinking. Many teas have medicinal properties and are able to improve the body’s immune system, so people drink them to improve their health. They can also help to improve a person’s memory, add to the cognitive abilities, and even lengthen a person’s lifespan. For centuries it has been believed that all this can happen with the consumption of the right specialty tea on a regular basis, and today we are relearning it all.
All teas are good for you because they have less than half the amount of caffeine in a cup of coffee. This in itself is a health benefit. So far green tea leads the field in medicinal benefits is green tea. It has antioxidants, which diminish the ability of free radicals to destroy good cells, and this improves many body functions. The antioxidants in green tea also help diminish the risk of developing cancer. Five cups of green tea daily have been shown to keep cholesterol and blood pressure from rising. Green tea has long been known as a method to battle the common flu, avert infections, improve capillary function and diminish skin cancers.
Chamomile, or “sleepy time” tea is known to reduce menstrual cramps. It can also be used to relax, and is obviously well known for as the tea to drink before bedtime, helping a person to sleep better. It also improves digestion, helps mouth sores, and gastrointestinal conditions. It can help with jaundice and so improve liver function.
A few others - Cranberry tea is known to help settle an upset stomach and peppermint tea can often ease the discomforts of nausea. Peppermint tea with honey is also good for a hoarse or irritated throat. Licorice tea will clean the colon and can treat a variety of gastric and respiratory conditions.
The list is long. It’s worth exploring the benefits of the specialty teas and tisanes, and discovering which ones could benefit which ailments you as you enjoy drinking them.
For instance -
　
　
Digestive complaints - Tea is an old home remedy for unsettled digestive systems. All three varieties have antibacterial, antioxidant, antiseptic and detoxifying properties. These make tea effective in treating infectious dysentery and in easing inflammatory bowel disease.
Infections - The antiseptic properties of tea are attributed to the tannins and flavonoids present. The former have anti-inflammatory effects, while the latter act as detoxifiers. Tea is an age-old home remedy for burns, wounds and swelling. A poultice of green tea eases itching and inflammation of insect bites, while a compress stems bleeding.
Tooth decay - Green tea is known to be very rich in fluoride. It also contains catechins. A study using natural toothpaste (containing green tea bioflavonoid/zinc acerbate) was conducted to determine the effect on bacterial plaque accumulation. The results showed a significant decrease in total viable plaque biomass when compared with a non-active control toothpaste19. Another in vitro experiment, using both green and black tea, showed the epicatechins to have properties that prevent bacterial adherence to teeth, inhibit human and bacterial amylases and inhibit glucosyl transferase, thereby limiting the biosynthesis of sticky glucan. The few human ex vivo clinical trials performed, suggest that regular tea drinking may decrease the incidence and severity of cavities . If substantiated, tea could play a very economical role in public health 6.
Skin disorders - Using different animal models, many laboratories have shown that green tea extract, taken orally or applied to the skin, inhibits skin tumor formation induced by chemical carcinogens and UVB. The extracts also possess anti-inflammatory activity and anti-cancer forming activity. These are owed to the polyphenolic constituents present. (The polyphenol mainly responsible for the prevention of cancer formation is epigallocatechin-3-gallate - EGCG . When applied to mouse skin, EGCG prevents UVB-induced oxidative stress and suppression of the immune system. Mouse skin models have illustrated extensive beneficial effects of green tea extracts and although only a few human skin studies have been conducted, many cosmetic and pharmaceutical companies are supplementing their skin care products with green tea extracts10.)
Immune booster - This is due to the free radical capturing (antioxidant) and invigorating, detoxifying, antibacterial properties of tea, as well as the many vitamins and minerals in all the teas.
Cancer combating - Green tea has a reputation in cancer prevention, as tea catechins have been shown to inhibit tumor cell growth while promoting the destruction of leukemia cells 17. Laboratory studies on cultures of tumor cells in mice showed green teas' potential to inhibit cancer cell growth. Similarly, both black and green tea have been shown to suppress the DNA reproduction of cancer cells and promote the demise of tumor cells.
Scientific findings have linked green tea consumption to the slowing or prevention of cancer (specifically cancer of the bladder, colon, esophageal, stomach, and pancreas), heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, impaired immune disease, and liver disease. Health benefits of green tea even have been proven to aid against tooth decay, and help dieting.
HERBAL TISANES
Health Benefits of Licorice:
Relieves coughs and sore throats
Improves digestion
Eases menstrual cramps
Believes to increase libido
Reduces seasonal allergies and congestion
Health Benefits of Ginger:
Improves circulation
Relieves cold and flu symptoms
Eases stomach cramps and nausea
Reduces menstrual cramps
Regulates blood sugar
Health Benefits of Chamomile:
Soothes the stomach
Calms the nerves
Induces sleep
Eases cold symptoms
Health Benefits of Mint:
Eases many stomach and digestive problems
Helps relieve headaches
Relaxing
Soothes the throat
Health Benefits of Lemon Balm:
Lifts the spirits
Relieves stomach disorders
Relaxes the nerves
Health Benefits of Blueberries
First, this flavored blend is brewed from black or green tea, which contain antioxidant properties that promote good health.
Second, by adding blueberries to the beverage, drinkers benefit from even more disease fighting attributes. There is growing evidence that blueberries are powerful disease fighters.
　
　

Signs of the times

2010-02-26T16:49:00.000-08:00

Becky, the talented one of us, has a unique view on life. When she reads, she has a pad of paper nearby. When she sees something that has value, she shares it with the rest of the world in the form of a wooden sign.

The one above, "Everyone is beautiful if you squint a bit," is one of the best sellers. Others in the best selling signs are "If a man speaks on a mountain and no woman is around . . is he still wrong?" "If at first you don't succeed, try doing what your wife said!" and, "A womans place is in the House, the Senate and the Oval Office."

But my favorite is "If you always want more, you'll never be satisified." This is the best sign of the times.

If you have a favorite saying that you would like made into a wooden sign, write to us with your suggestion. The normal price is $3.50 plus shipping.

I don't know why, but the best selling sign is "No Peeing from the Deck"

Stay warm, Spring is only three weeks away.

Ken

The cutest creamer

2010-02-10T05:57:00.000-08:00

This creamer is the newest addition to our Carville Pottery line. In Maine it would be called, ". . . cunnin', wicked cunnin'. . ." To the rest of the world, that means it is extremely cute. This would be a perfect addition to your coffee or tea service. When she was young, our daughter loved and collected cows. She would have loved this one, because it is better than any 'udder.' As with all the Carville Pottery, it is available in Cranberry, Pine Cone, or Blueberry (as shown.)

It's New

2010-02-10T05:52:00.000-08:00

We are changing our product profile by adding new porcelein items from Carville Pottery in Lisbon Maine.

Turn, Turn, Turn

2008-04-13T16:30:00.000-07:00

When I was young, one of my favorite songs was, "Turn! Turn! Turn! (To Everything There Is a Season)". This song was written and composed by Pete Seeger in the 50's but he waited until 1962 to record it. The lyrics come directly from the King James Version of the Bible, Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8. While Seeger wrote the music, the only words he wrote was the closing line, "a time for peace, I swear it's not too late."

There are many times. There is a time to be happy, a time to be sad, a time for beginnings, and a time for ends. All times turn, and the cycle begins anew.

Merriam Webster's On-line Dictionary list 21 meanings of the verb turn, and it is derived from many sources leading back to the Greek "tornos" which means lathe. This is the exact meaning I was looking for, "to turn on a lathe."

This is the subject of this post, turning on a lathe. I met Bill Crone at a local car dealership years ago, but did not know he was a 'turner' until fairly recently. He brought some of his turnings, really works of art, to Little Shop. They are absolutly incredible. But more than the actual objects is the view of the artist. Here is what Bill wrote in his bio:

“I am fortunate to live in the beautiful village of Freedom, NH. It’s a small, close knit community nestled in between the Mount Washington Valley and the Lakes Region.

“My skills as a woodworker are all self-taught, except for a basic wood turning course I took when I purchased my first lathe and an occasional clinic. All of the furniture I make is made from rough lumber. I perform all of the mill work, which allows me to create custom pieces in any desired size. Every one of my creations has its own unique features, which are designed by me or the client. My pieces are made from domestic and exotic woods, and reclaimed lumber.

“My wood turnings are made from both domestic and exotic woods. Some are created using local found wood. Wood turnings are always unique, one-of-a-kind pieces. Sometimes I am able to design and create the wood turnings from start to finish. Oftentimes, however, the wood itself dictates what the final design will be.

“I started woodworking as a hobby, a way to pass a few pleasant hours on my own. I gave many of my first attempts away as gifts. As I grew more skilled with my tools, I started getting more and more requests for special orders and custom pieces. I now create unique gifts and fine furniture, and do restorative repairs on older pieces.

“I have been called a craftsman and an artisan by people who viewed and purchased my work. I’m very proud of my accomplishments as a wood crafter. I appreciate the essence of the wood, and I find that I genuinely enjoy sharing that appreciation with others through my work. I create unique pieces that become heirlooms to be passed on to future generations.”

The pictures are all of Bill's works. They all have a feel of solemnity and are examples of the turner's art. Stop by our shop to hold these pieces to get the true measure of the craftsmanship involved.

May all your turnings be true.

Peace, Ken

Migrations

2008-04-03T15:02:00.000-07:00

Well, my last blog asked for a gentler, warmer Spring. Today (April 3), the temperature reached 51 F, and the snow is melting. That is not to say that Winter won't return for a while, but Spring is definately on the way. I can hardly wait to start with the flowers in the garden, but that is still some time away as the last frost in this area can come as late as the full moon in May.

Another sure sign that Spring is coming is the return of the Canada Geese, on their way from the wintering grounds in the Chesapeake Bay area to their Summer abodes in Northeastern Canada. I have heard them passing overhead the last few mornings and evenings when my dogs take me out for a walk. It has been foggy or snowing, so I couldn't see them. Finally, this morning, a flight of twenty Geese went by overhead, and they were "onk-onk" communicating with each other as they went by. Magnificant!

We are fortunate to live in the Two Bridges neighborhood of Conway Village. We are at the edge of the village, near the confluence of the Swift River into the Saco River. There are farms and marshlands just across the rivers, so we have many visitors of the wildlife variety within walking distance. I have seen Moose, Bear, Foxes, Coyotes, and many other mammals, and a tremendous variety of bird life, but my favorites are the Geese. When flying, they seem elegant. Added to that is the cooperative nature of their flight.

When Gokoo of Newton, Mass. brought the above artwork to our shop last summer, I just had to have it. It shows a pair of Geese in a Marquetry or Inlay of Wood genre. The picture is composed of many small pieces of wood that together form the images. It is one of several different Marquetry pieces that we have for sale. Gokoo has captured the essence of the Geese and their flight in his artwork.

So, Winter migrates into Spring, and the Geese migrate from South to North. Then the cycle of life changes, and reverses the migration. Then the cycle repeats. Neverending change that somehow stays the same.

Nice talking with you. Hope you have a great rest of the day. Bye.

Spring in New Hampshire

2008-04-01T11:17:00.001-07:00

Many years ago, Mark Twain said, "If you don't like the weather in New England, wait 5 minutes." Well, we've been waiting since November and it keeps on snowing. This picture was taken on March 31, 2008 when another 3 inches of snow came down. The snowbanks along the roads and houses are still monstrous. I can hardly bear watching TV with all the ads designed for gardeners in gentler climes. I want green grass and flowers. Enough of all this snow.

This has been a record breaking year. The most snow in 135 years, and we are closing in on the all time record. Concord NH is where the offical records for the state are kept, and they have received 115 inches of snow. Here in North Conway, we have gotten over 144 inches (that is 12 FEET).

I am ready for spring, real spring, not this New Hampshire version.