Due to my miss-hap with heels yesterday, I needed to reduce some major swelling on my legs today. This morning, as usual, I ground my coffee beans to prepare my cappuccino. Only this time instead of disposing of the used grounds I used them as a rub for my legs. Caffeine has anti-inflammatory properties  because it is a vasoconstrictor. This means it causes the outer muscle of the arterial walls  to reduce in size and shrink therefore reducing inflammation. This is true if you use the caffeine topically or if you take it orally by enjoying a nice cup of tea or coffee, in my case, my cappuccino! So this morning It’s a double whammy as I am both enjoying my coffee and a caffeine leg wrap.

I will also use caffeine if I am having one of my horrible headaches. If it is especially bad I will then combine my Advil or Tylenol with my coffee and it doesn’t stand a chance! I figure I take enough pills every morning, and evening, because of my dear friend (lupus) and I always prefer to not add any to the party if possible. There have been studies at the Seoul National University that show caffeine is able to reduce inflammation almost as well as aspirin. It is also effective in diminishing redness and puffiness in your face and not to mention those dark circles under the eyes.

How I Used It – Wrap

Spent coffee grounds should be warm and moist. I simply took mine directly out of my machine into my shower and applied to my legs in circular motion. I only applied them from the knee up, it is up to you the area you would like to work with. It is best if you wrap the applied area with plastic wrap. I wrapped each leg individually and then sat with my legs up and enjoyed the rest of my coffee. Leave on for 15 to 30 minutes, remove wraps and rinse with warm water…

For face

If you want to use this for your face, you can incorporate your spent coffee grounds into your facial scrub or mix them into your cleanser to make your own caffeine scrub. This  will help reduce redness in your skin and also with tone. To use under the eyes I prefer to use tea bags. Same as with the coffee, brew the bags and then take the cooled black tea bags to your eyes, lay back and relax for 15 min. There!!

Other Info

You may also apply the spent grounds to any area in your body by mixing it in a lotion or body oil. Adding an oil with a pleasing scent (lavender, peppermint etc.)  will turn this into a spa like experience. If you want to save your spent grounds for later you may keep them in an air tight container in the refrigerator for up to one week or if you prefer you can use instant coffee.

Here are other benefits known to come along with the yummy taste of coffee, oh did I mention if applied to the skin it fights off cellulite (not that any of US needs this) and that recent studies show that it prevents sun damage and will even correct it once it occurs.. Explains all of those new sunscreens with caffeine in the ingredients, not to mention all the products out there for eyes, face, cellulite etc. Here is the list:

• Anti-inflammatory
• Antioxidant
• Anti-carcinogen
• Diuretic
• Stimulant
• Vasoconstrictor

There are an outstanding number of fruits and vegetables that have these and other properties as well which I use every day. I simply love fruit and eat it raw and also use it in other ways, caffeine just happens to be what I use as an extra oomph… when I need it. I do drink it every day- however.