Astral Health

Green tea is full of polyphenols …Polyphenols work in a staggering number of ways to prevent our bodies from decaying, breaking down or succumbing to disease. Polyphenols help the body by: 

1.       Breaking down the enzyme amalyse into simple sugars so that starches and sugars have a less harmful effect on blood sugar levels, lipids and the pancreas. 

2.       Reduces high blood level of glucose and insulin that predispose people to diabetes and cardiovascular disease. 

3.       Protects the brain against free radicals that can damage memory 

4.       Kills bacteria including staph infections that are resistant to antibiotics 

5.       Encourages the growth of friendly bifodobacteria in the intestine and prevents the growth of dangerous intestinal bacteria such as E. coli and clostridia 

6.       Kills the oral bacteria that causes bad breath and tooth cavities 

7.       Inhibits the action of viral hepatitis 

8.       Lowers stores of iron in the liver that are a common cause of cirrhosis of the liver 

And you thought taking a break to drink green tea was just a delightful way to relax and quench your thirst. 

Peace Be Still Sam 

As opal is one of the most f mysterious stones so  there has been a lot of myths spring up around it.

 
Perhaps one of the most common myths about opal jewellery is that it must soaked in water or it loses its luster. Although it is true that opals are more luminous when it is humid, soaking in water won’t make it radiate more.  Also soaking an opal in water may damage. Although most opals are covered with a resin that protects it from water damage an opal with an iron backing can be severely damaged if the water gets in between the backing and the stone and rusts the metal.

 
Another myth is that an opal will crack if you wear it on a n airplane… Heat and light crack opals, not altitude

 
Some people also believe that rubbing your opal with cream or oil will keep it lustrous. This is actually a terrible idea as it causes the stone to lose it’s luster. Whatever you do don’t rub mineral oil on an opal. .It will destroy it.

 
Another myth is that putting your opal out in a lightening storm will enhance its brightness. I have no idea if this is true! You are welcome to give it a try.

 
Peace Be Still  Sam

More than any other gemstone, you must know how to care for black opals properly. This is because they are a very soft stone. Ideally you should never clean a black opal! The stone is very fragile and can crack or discolor easily.

 
If you have to clean a black opal remember the following –

 
1.         Never use an ultrasonic cleaner on an australian black opal as it dries this type of soft gemstone out and can cause it to fracture

2.         Never use soap as a soft and porous stone like a black opal will absorb the soap ..the result is usually discoloration.

3.      Never use ammonia or you will dissolve the stone

4.      Never dry an opal under strong lights or with a blow dryer or the stone will become dull

5      The best way to clean your australian black opal is to simply wipe it gently with a slightly moist cloth.  
Peace Be Still Sam