Taos Tea: Altitude Lies Drying Lip Youth?
By Franklin Everett ShawThe biting wind whips across your face, stealing moisture with every gust. You’re in Aspen, or maybe Telluride, surrounded by breathtaking peaks, but your lips feel like sandpaper and your skin is starting to resemble a well-worn leather saddle. It’s not just the cold; it’s the altitude, the relentless sun, and the dry air conspiring against your complexion. Forget those fancy European creams; you need a local solution, something that understands the unique challenges of Colorado’s high country.
Taos Tea, often overlooked, might be the answer.
Taos Tea isn’t actually from Taos, New Mexico, though its origins are rooted in similar high-desert environments. It’s a blend of herbs, often including Osha root (also known as Bear Root), Yerba Mansa, and sometimes even small amounts of local sage or juniper. These plants, adapted to survive in harsh conditions, possess remarkable hydrating and protective properties, perfect for combating the effects of altitude and intense UV exposure.
Let’s break down why this works, and how you can make it work for you, even if you can’t find “official” Taos Tea.
The Science Behind the Sip (and the Skin)
The key to Taos Tea’s effectiveness lies in its constituent herbs. Osha root, for example, contains compounds that act as natural humectants, drawing moisture from the air and binding it to the skin. This is crucial in dry, high-altitude environments where moisture evaporates rapidly. Yerba Mansa, traditionally used for its anti-inflammatory properties, helps soothe irritated skin and reduce redness caused by sun exposure.
Furthermore, many of the herbs used in Taos Tea are rich in antioxidants. These antioxidants combat free radicals, unstable molecules that damage skin cells and contribute to premature aging. At higher altitudes, UV radiation is more intense, leading to increased free radical production. Antioxidants are your shield.
Brewing for Beauty: A Step-by-Step Guide
Brewing Taos Tea for skincare isn’t the same as brewing it for drinking. You’re aiming for a concentrated extract of beneficial compounds.
Sourcing Your Herbs: Finding genuine Taos Tea in Colorado can be tricky. Look for local herbalists or apothecaries in mountain towns. They often carry similar blends under different names, or can create a custom blend for you. Alternatively, you can source individual herbs online or from reputable suppliers. Be extremely cautious when foraging for wild Osha root, as it closely resembles poisonous look-alikes like water hemlock. If you are not 100% certain of your identification, do not harvest it.
The Infusion: Use distilled water to avoid mineral buildup. Bring the water to a near boil, then remove from heat. Add approximately 1-2 tablespoons of your Taos Tea blend per cup of water. Cover and let steep for at least 30 minutes, or even longer for a stronger infusion.
Cooling and Straining: Allow the tea to cool completely. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove any plant debris.
Storage: Store the tea in a clean, airtight container in the refrigerator. It should last for about a week.
Application is Everything: Beyond the Cup
Now that you have your potent Taos Tea infusion, how do you use it to combat dry lips and premature aging?
Lip Treatment: Soak a cotton pad with the cooled tea and gently press it onto your lips for a few minutes. Repeat several times a day, especially before and after spending time outdoors. You can also transfer the tea to a small spray bottle and mist your lips throughout the day.
Facial Toner: After cleansing your face, apply the tea as a toner using a cotton pad. This will help hydrate your skin, reduce inflammation, and provide antioxidant protection.
DIY Face Mask: Mix the tea with a small amount of bentonite clay or honey to create a soothing face mask. Apply to your face, let it sit for 15-20 minutes, and then rinse with warm water.
Sunburn Relief: If you do get sunburned, apply cool Taos Tea compresses to the affected areas. The anti-inflammatory properties of the herbs can help soothe the skin and reduce redness.
Taos Tea vs. The Competition: Chapsticks and Serums
How does Taos Tea stack up against conventional lip balms and anti-aging serums?
Chapsticks: Most chapsticks rely on occlusive ingredients like petroleum jelly or beeswax to create a barrier on the lips, preventing moisture loss. While effective in the short term, they don’t actually hydrate the lips. Taos Tea, on the other hand, provides hydration and antioxidant protection. However, for extreme conditions, layering Taos Tea under a natural beeswax-based chapstick can provide optimal protection.
Anti-Aging Serums: Many anti-aging serums contain potent ingredients like retinol or vitamin C. While effective, these ingredients can also be irritating, especially for sensitive skin. Taos Tea offers a gentler, more natural approach to anti-aging, providing antioxidant protection without the harsh side effects. It’s a great option for those with sensitive skin or those looking for a more holistic approach to skincare.
Challenges and Pitfalls: Avoiding Common Mistakes
Allergic Reactions: As with any herbal remedy, there is a risk of allergic reaction. Start by testing a small amount of the tea on a discreet area of your skin before applying it to your entire face or lips.
Herb Quality: The quality of the herbs you use will directly impact the effectiveness of the tea. Source your herbs from reputable suppliers and avoid using old or stale herbs.
Sun Protection: Taos Tea provides antioxidant protection, but it is not a substitute for sunscreen. Always wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher when spending time outdoors, especially at high altitudes.
Over-Steeping: Steeping the tea for too long can result in a bitter taste and may irritate sensitive skin. Follow the recommended steeping time and adjust as needed.
DIY Taos Tea Alternatives: When You Can’t Find the Real Deal
Can’t find Taos Tea? Don’t despair! You can create your own version using readily available herbs.
Osha Root Substitute: If you can’t find Osha root, consider using marshmallow root. It has similar hydrating and soothing properties.
Yerba Mansa Substitute: Chamomile is a good alternative to Yerba Mansa, offering anti-inflammatory and calming benefits.
Hydrating Blend: A simple blend of green tea, chamomile, and calendula flowers can provide hydration and antioxidant protection.
Real-World Application: A Colorado Case Study
Consider Sarah, a ski instructor in Vail. She struggled with chronically dry, chapped lips and premature wrinkles due to the harsh mountain environment. After incorporating Taos Tea into her skincare routine, she noticed a significant improvement in her skin’s hydration and elasticity. Her lips were less chapped, and her fine lines appeared less noticeable. She now recommends Taos Tea to all her clients.
Taos Tea, or a carefully crafted alternative, offers a natural and effective way to combat the unique challenges of high-altitude living in Colorado. It’s not a magic bullet, but a valuable tool in your arsenal against dry lips and premature aging. So, ditch the generic chapstick, embrace the power of local herbs, and let your skin thrive in the mountains.