Frequently Asked Questions
What does rice bran oil do?
The regular use of rice bran as a bath product is one reason why Asian women are typically admired for their beautiful skin. For centuries in Asia, there has been a tradition that women rub rice bran in or put rice bran oil on their face to keep their skin smooth and youthful. There is even a name to describe the Japanese woman with lovely skin - Nuka-Bijin, which translates to "Bran Beauty."
Rice bran is the outer coat of brown rice that is removed during the milling process. This coat is rich in vitamins, minerals, proteins and essential oils. Rice Bran Oil is high in fatty acids and contains the highest amount of all natural Vitamin E in liquid form. It is one of the gentlest oils to use; Rice bran oil also has components that are believed to hinder ultraviolet rays as they meet the skin's surface.
Rice bran oil is growing in popularity as an ingredient in beauty products, particularly soaps, lotions and creams. It's also frequently used as a base oil in massage oils because it is so light and has such smooth spreadability. Rice bran oil can also be used as a natural medicine to alleviate skin rashes and other conditions.
What does the UNDCP have to do with Thai coffee and tea?
The sale of coffees and teas produced by HillTribe Gourmet contributes to the achievement of a drug-free world by the year 2008, as agreed by all nations of the world in 1998.
What is the Golden Triangle?
Every guidebook seems to have a different view of the evolution of the term 'golden triangle' and even disagree on when the term was coined. Most do agree that the term applies to the opium growing region covering northern Thailand, eastern Burma and western Laos.
Opium production has been illegal in Thailand since 1959. Thanks to a highly successful crop substitution program undertaken by the Royal Projects Foundation established by His Majesty King Bhumipol, opium production has largely been eliminated in Thailand. However, across the border in Burma, the Shan United Army, which is fighting the central Burmese government for an independent Shan state, has been accused of funding its war through the sale of opium and heroin.
Many tourists flock to the Golden Triangle region of Thailand expecting some sort of 'wild west' scene. They are certainly disappointed. The Thai area of the former triangle is full of small quiet villages where the most exciting thing that happens is the arrival of the next tour bus.
The area is full of beautiful natural scenery and ancient temples, so it isn't like its not worth a visit. Just go with the proper expectations. The typical sights on a golden triangle tour are the town of Mai Sai, where you can even cross into Burma for some shopping; the small village of Sop Ruak, where the Ruak and Mekhong rivers meet, forming the borders of three countries; and finally the ancient city of Chiang Saen.