RICA Well | Nurturing
Kristina Ivy
May ushers in the time of the year where things grow and bloom. A question for us all, is how do we bloom? How can we nurture in our most vibrant and colorful living? Remember that without taking care of the roots, Spring will bring no new leaves and no sweet fruits of Summer to follow.
This May, we encourage you manage the balance between giving and receiving. Become the nurturer. Care for and encourage the growth or development of someone or something, and also yourself.
In this issue we will discuss the benefits of calendula and supplementing B12, share a Green Goddess Salad, and help you build your own Bath Bar.
BEAUTY:
Our highlighted ingredient nearly knocked us over as we navigated our way around the studio reaching for the sunny yellow flower that is the heart of our Gingermint soothing bathing botanicals, Bathtub Tea. Calendula, also known as pot marigold, is an annual flower that blooms regularly through the growing season. Native to the Mediterranean, calendula got its name because it seems to bloom with the calendar.
INGREDIENT HIGHLIGHT: Calendula
One of the best reasons to keep calendula handy is due to its healing abilities. If you apply this flower oil to your cuts, scrapes, bruises, and insect bites, you can quickly speed the healing process, partially due to its anti-inflammatory properties, in addition to the unique antioxidant compounds found in this miraculous plant. By protecting against infections, it keeps wounds and scrapes safe, allowing them to heal rapidly.
Aside from stimulating healing, calendula oil can significantly boost the appearance of your skin. It can affect blood flow to the skin cells, provide antioxidant protection that reduces the appearance of wrinkles and age spots, and even the visibility of scars. If you want smooth, even-toned skin that glows with youthful vitality.
FOOD + NUTRITION:
Nurturing ourselves from the inside out starts with healthy eating. We never feel better than when we are getting a heaping helping of green vegetation in our daily diet. Fresh, flavorful, and totally tasty, say hello to one of our top 5 side dishes. This lemony, garlicky kale salad is kissed with parmesan and dusted with toasted pine nuts for added texture and oomph!
Green Goddess Salad
DRESSING:
1 Lemon
1 Tablespoon Mustard
2 Cloves Garlic
3 Tablespoons Olive Oil
Salt + Pepper to taste
SALAD:
10- 12 oz Kale
1 Avocado
3/4 Cups Pine Nuts
8 oz. Green Beans
3/4 Cup Grated Parmesan
DIRECTIONS: Kale will need to dressed, massaged and to let it soak up the dressing, so let’s start by assembling the dressing. Juice 1 medium lemon. Add mustard. Mince garlic and add to bowl with lemon + mustard. Salt + pepper to taste. While whisking the ingredients, slowly stream in olive oil to emulsify. This will hold the dressing together better.
Wash all produce. Remove stems and roughly chop kale. Combine dressing and kale. Massage dressing into leaves. Let rest while you prep remaining ingredients or even up to overnight in the fridge.
Trim green beans, cut crosswise into halves or thirds. Steam for 3-7 minutes, depending on your preference of a crunchy vs. softer bite.
Place the pinenuts in a dry skillet (no oil needed). Heat over medium heat for about 3 minutes, until golden and fragrant. Immediately remove from heat. These lil buddies can turn from golden brown to burnt to a crisp quickly.
Cube up an avocado into bite-sized chunks and top the massaged kale. Add green beans and toss lightly to incorporate. Serve up a heaping serving of Green Goddess salad. Top with toasted pine nuts and parmesan. Enjoy!
SUPPLEMENT HIGHLIGHT: B12
Vitamin B12 is a nutrient that helps keep your body's blood and nerve cells healthy and helps make DNA, the genetic material in all of your cells. Vitamin B12 also helps prevent megaloblastic anemia, a blood condition that makes people tired and weak.
Vitamin B12 is needed for the production of serotonin, a chemical responsible for regulating mood. Vitamin B12 supplements may help improve mood in people with an existing deficiency.
Foods naturally high in B12 include clams, nutritional yeast, salmon, beef, cow milk and eggs.
DIY:
This DIY is less a by-the-book recipe, and more an encouragement to get creative in the tub. Think about your skin needs and the season you are in. This month, we’ll be helping you build a Bath Bar.
This is a collection of raw ingredients that you can mix into your bath to up the soaking game of your H20. We’ll break down the benefits of each ingredient. Done with the right jars, bottles and miscellaneous vessels, a bath bar can be as much a decor styling choice as it is about the intention of boosting your bathwater to get the most out of your precious “me time”.
BATH BAR
Ingredients:
Powdered Milk
Baking Soda
Epsom Salts
Apple Cider Vinegar
Milk | 1-2 cups
Lying in milk can benefit the skin as it helps to restore lost moisture. This is because milk contains five elements that our skin loves; proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals and lactic acids. Protein and fats help soften the skin, whilst vitamins and minerals help protect the skin and keep It safe from damage. The lactic acid acts as a gentle exfoliate and stimulates collagen.
Baking Soda | 1 cup
A baking soda bath is an easy way to help to soothe a variety of health conditions while enjoying beautiful and clear skin. If you suffer from skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis, a baking soda bath may help to soothe the symptoms. If your sunburn is peeling, a baking soda bath may help sooth inflammation and alleviate itching.
Epsom Salts | 1-2 cups
In water, Epsom Salt breaks down into magnesium and sulfate. Soaking in an Epsom bath may help relax muscles and loosen stiff joints and reduce swelling. It can also draw out impurities in the skin, like acne, ingrown hairs and slivers.
Apple Cider Vinegar | 1-2 cups
ACV has powerful antimicrobial properties that may help ease skin infections and soothe irritation. As a mild acid, ACV may also help restore the natural pH balance of your skin. This helps your skin keep moisture in and irritants out.
To make the most out of your bath, consider the following tips:
Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration
For extra relaxation, consider using candles and playing soft music
Don't use overly hot water since it dries out the skin
Moisturize your skin while it's still damp right after the bath
If mixing a few bar items, it’s okay to go down in measurement per ingredient. Approximately 1-2 cups per bath total.
MAY PLAYLIST | Nurture
Have a good long soak with this playlist inspired by a slow afternoon of pampering. Slip into the tub and drift away. This moment is for you.
Before giving any of our RICA Wellness tips a try, discuss it with your healthcare or skin care professional. They may have some concerns or suggestions for your skin condition, medications you may be taking, and current health status.
SOAK UP THE GOODNESS
Bathtub Tea
Oat + Honey Milkbath
Remedy Rocks Bath Salts