The nut that isn't really a nut: Coconut

The amazing Cocos nucifera, versatile and life supporting, this amazing fruit/seed/nut offers so much.

Much more than most of us really think about. Virtually every part of the plant can be used for some purpose. Everyone is familiar with the culinary uses of the shredded meat. The use of Coconut milk and water is growing in use as people look for alternatives to dairy. But did you that the rest of the plant can be used all the way down to the very root of the plant. Roots are used for dye, mouthwash, and medicine for curing dysentery. And when all of that has been extracted out, the fibrous roots can be used as a natural toothbrush.  The trunks are used to build small bridges and homes.

Not one part of the plant is wasted making it one of our top plants for an eco responsible world. Unfortunately it does have natural predators and it is particularly susceptible to a rather nasty phytoplasma disease (Sandalwood is susceptible to the same bacteria).  This, and because this key active ingredient makes up a large portion of any product we at Très Spa create with it,  is why at Très Spa we are careful to use certified Organic Coconut oil. Unfortunately, the fractionation process (which requires heating and separating the chains) means that the Fractionated Coconut is not considered Organic, but it is Vegan certified as well as Kosher certified.

But what about skin care? Oh my but the fruit does offer a great deal for skin care. the Virgin (cold pressed "oil) has both Lauric and Caprylic/Capric fatty acids. Lauric acid is in the virgin pressed coconut oil and is credited for its antimicrobial properties that fights both fungi and bacteria. Caprylic acid is also found in the virgin oil, but it is the only acid to make it over to the fractionated oil. Caprylic acid is also a strong antimicrobial but because it is a short chain tryglyceride, it is more readily absorbed into the skin, making it an excellent carrier. To help emphasize the rarity of these two fantastic fatty acids, the only other place in nature where you can find a significant amount of these fatty acids is in mother's milk of various mammals.

 With the fantastic antimicrobial properties, it is easy to see  why this oil is preferred in soap making!   We love it so much that you can find it in  every single bar of soap we make, including all of the Très Spa Conditioning Shampoo bars. One bar in particular, Vanilla Coconut Spice, is a tropical delight and an homage to the wonderful coconut plant. It contains the meat from the fruit, the virgin organic oil and even coconut milk!  Of course there is the devastatingly fantastic body scrub to go with that, called Vanilla Coconut Spice. A truly delectable treat for the senses. We have even recently introduced the fractionated coconut oil to several other products; Hair oil, Body Oil, and Body Butter. 

Give your skin the treatment it deserves with Très Spa, personal care in harmony with nature! Our webstore is open 24/7 so shop any time from where-ever you are and we'll deliver it to your door!

Why would anyone want to be a Vegetarian?

This is the question I was asked when I decided that I was going to be vegetarian for the month of June. I think his question was an  interesting, and very innocent, one.

His first concern was that I would try to convert him to be a vegetarian. I had a big laugh at that and told him there is no recruitment strategy and I wasn't trying to earn a toaster (but I do have my eye on a nice dehydrator). He can still eat meat and I wasn't going to poke at him in any way. In fact, I was only planning on practicing a vegetarian diet for the month of June.  But his concern got me to thinking, why was he feeling like he needed to protect his way of life.

Interesting really, when you think about it. Diet is a hot topic and one that sparks a good deal of debate. Beliefs swing from diets chocked full of red meat to no meat vegans who will not even touch honey. So why so much passion? Diet is often times an extension of our religious belief. For many, feeding the body equals feeding the soul likewise fasting is also a practice of showing honor or respect from sacrifice. Perhaps this is why there are varying classifications for vegetarians varying from those who may eat fish from time to time  or eggs or even chicken to those who will eat dairy and possibly eggs to those who will eat honey and only certain kinds of cheese. Like religions, the variations are plentiful.

My personal motivation for the month of June is sparked by the Buffalo Dance that I will be attending with one of my sisters in Ohio. It is the only dance I have ever attended so I can't speak for other  Nations and what they do. All I know is from what Rainbow Eagle had said from last year's dance. I can't remember his exact words now, but his explanation stuck with me.  The four day dance is to honor Mother Earth. To give thanks and to pray for healing so we walk barefoot in sacred spaces and we fast so that we may walk softly and show our respect. The "walk softly" stuck in my mind and has been whispering in my ear ever since.

Vegetarian is nothing new for me, in fact I was Vegan many years ago. So what was my motivation then? Because it felt like the right thing at the time. Which takes us to the other reason some people choose to be vegetarian, because it feels right to them.  There is a percentage of the population that really has no taste for meat, fish, or foul. Personally, the simple thought of red meat sets my tummy on edge. I am okay with the occasional steak from grass fed beef raised by local ranchers but that is about it. It just doesn't agree with me and I feel better if I have leaner protein. So why do people choose a Vegetarian lifestyle?

Two reasons really, either religious belief and convictions or simply because it feels better on their tummy.  

So if you want to give the planet a rest and walk softly on Mother Earth or if you would like to give your tummy a rest, here is a good resource for you: http://www.vegetariantimes.com/ and here for some really fun dishes crazypantscookin.com