Valerie Lull Book Author

Lavender Tea for Anxiety

4/4/2019

By
Valerie Lull, MH

Lavender is a fragrant plant that is referred to in the Bible as nard or spikenard. It was used for centuries for all kinds of things from recovery after childbirth, to problems with digestion. It is still a popular herb in today’s world. There are different kinds of lavender. Some kinds are considered weeds.

The most commonly used kind of lavender for healing purposes is Lavandula augustifolia. There seems to be very little research on lavender in tea form. According to folklore, a tea can be brewed from lavender that can be used for anxiety and stress. Lavender tea can also help with bloating and digestive issues. Lavender tea can be applied topically for skin issues.

The area where the most research has been done with lavender is essential oil. Several studies have shown that lavender essential oil may be beneficial for anxiety. It is used by aromatherapists to bring calm from stress. Lavender oil can be used as a massage oil which is very soothing. Lavender can be added to the bath to bring restful and relaxation.
Lavender tea is popular and can be found in most places that sell herbal teas. It can be found online. Lavender can be mixed with other herbs and teas to make a pleasant and calming beverage. Some popular combinations are lavender and green tea, lavender and chamomile, lavender and mint and lavender and white tea.

There is an almost endless list of herbs and spices that can be added to lavender tea. Exercise your creativity. See what you can come up with. Below is a recipe.

Lavender Tea

3 T fresh lavender flowers or 1 1/2 T dried lavender flowers
2 C boiling water
Honey or sweetener of choice
Lemon if desired

Put the flowers in an infuser or a tea pot. Add the boiling water and let the flowers steep 4-5 minutes. Strain and pour into cups. Serve with sweetener and/or lemon.

Sources:
Castleman, Michael, The New Healing Herbs, Rodale, 2009, p. 202
https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/herbs-and-spices/lavender.html
http://medlicker.com/882-lavender-tea-benefits-side-effects
http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/lavender

Check out my web site at www.valerielull.com I have a new book coming out soon called Glorious Garlic!

Valerie Lull
Author
Ten Healthy Teas
Ten Spices for Health and Longevity

Limes for Heart, Joints and Weight Loss

3/25/2019

By
Valerie Lull, MH
My first experience with limes was when I was about 10 years old. My mother and I were at a lunch counter and we were served limeade. It was delicious and it had a lot of sweetener that made it that way. Limes are a little, green citrus fruit that is popular in Mexican cooking. They are loaded with vitamin C and other healthful substances like antioxidants. They are also very sour. Mom always said they were more sour then lemons, though I think both are plenty sour.

Limes have many healing properties. They make your mouth pucker. This increases the amount of saliva in your mouth. The flavonoids in the lime juice also increases the secretion of enzymes and digestive juices, aiding in digestion. Other healthful benefits of limes include weight loss, support for your immune system, treating gums, peptic ulcer and scurvy.

Lemons and limes are often lumped together as nearly the same thing. The two fruits both contain antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. Research studies show that these properties may help to prevent heart disease, and certain cancers like colon cancer and breast cancer. Some of the differences between limes and lemons are their appearance. Lemons are yellow and oval shaped, limes are green and round. Limes are more bitter than lemons, but that can depend on the individual and how they perceive the taste.

Lemon water is good as a tonic, and so is lime water. Some folks think a little lime juice in their water improves its taste which causes them to drink more and stay hydrated. Limes contain calcium, phosphorus, potassium and vitamin C. Lime juice is good for the skin. Some authorities say that the citric acid in the lime juice speeds up the metabolism helping weight loss.

Lime water is easy to make. Here are the instructions:

Fill a pitcher with water and squeeze a whole lime into it..
You can add lime slices to the water if desired.
You can have it unsweetened or sweetened. If you wish to sweeten it I suggest stevia.
The best flavor of the lime water is within the first day.
Serve and enjoy!

Be sure to check out my website at www.valerielull.com
I am coming out with a new book soon. It is called Glorious Garlic!

Sources:
https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/fruit/health-benefits-of-lime.html
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/lime-vs-lemon
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322556.php

Cilantro

2/24/2019

By
Valerie Lull
Cilantro, Coriandrum sativum, is a green parsley like herb that is used frequently in Mexican, Latin American, Mediterranean and Asian cooking. It is also called Chinese parsley and Coriander. Coriander is mentioned in the Bible and is a herb used by ancient Peoples. Beginning cooks often mistake coriander for flat leaf parsley. Cilantro works well as an accent to spicy foods.

Cilantro has many constituents that have preventive and health promoting properties. In some ways it is similar to dill because both the leaves and seeds are used. Coriander has dark green leaves and stems that are slightly citrus in flavor.
Cilantro is low in calories and possesses antioxidants, essential oils, vitamins and fiber. The vitamins include Vitamins B, C, A and K. Cilantro has minerals like potassium, calcium, manganese, iron and magnesium.

Medicinal uses include antiseptic and carminative properties. Cilantro has phytochemicals like quercitin, and essential oils. These substances are traditionally used as analgesic, aphrodisiac, anti-spasmodic, deodorant, digestive, and stomachic remedies.

Cilantro is known for being a toxic metal cleanser. Chemical compounds in cilantro bind to toxic metals and escort them out of the body. Cilantro has been shown to improve sleep, cleanse fungal conditions, and have anti-anxiety properties.
Personally I love the smell of cilantro and use it in my Mexican food recipes. Here is a recipe you may enjoy.

Cilantro-Lime Dressing

1 Jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped
1 Clove garlic
3/4 t minced ginger root
1/4 c lime juice
1/3 c honey
2 t balsamic vinegar
Salt to taste
1/4 c cilantro leaves
1/2 c olive oil

Place jalapeno pepper, garlic and ginger in a blender and blend until jalapeno and garlic are finely chopped. Add lime juice, honey, vinegar and salt. Turn on the blender and drizzle olive oil into dressing. Season to taste with salt. Serve over your favorite salad.

Be sure to check out my website at www.valerielull.com

Check out my facebook page www.facebook.com/BookTenHealthyTeas

References
http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/cilantro/index.html
http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/cilantro.html
http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/health-benefits-of-cilantro/
http://allrecipes.com/recipe/167260/cilantro-lime-dressing/
Valerie Lull
Author
Ten Healthy Teas

Olive Leaf Tea

2/17/2019

By
Valerie Lull, Master Herbalist
Most people are familiar with olive oil and its many health properties, but did you know the leaves of the olive tree also have healing properties, perhaps more than the oil! I have always used olive oil because of its rich health benefits. Olive leaf tea was new to me. In Mediterranean areas olive leaf tea is a common tea used for treating disease. They have been using it for centuries. Traditionally it has been used for colds, malaria and tropical illnesses.

There is a substance in olive leaves called oleuropein. Scientists think this may be what has the healing effects for diseases like high blood pressure, diabetes, high levels of lipids and cardiovascular disease. There has not been a lot of research on olive leaf tea, but there is quite a bit of research on olive leaf extract.

Olive leaf extract is known most for its effects in lowering blood pressure, but it is good for many other things as well. Research seems to show that it is good to both prevent and treat hypertension. It works so well that if you are taking a blood pressure medicine check with your doctor before taking the olive leaf extract as the combination may make your pressure go too low.

Olive leaf tea is a good replacement for black tea and it contains antioxidants and vitamin C. Olive leaf tea is soothing and relaxing. It gives one a sense of well-being. The tea can be brewed for a few minutes, or if you like it stronger brew it for longer. Olive leaf tea contains zero caffeine.

Here is how to brew a cup of olive leaf tea. It can be purchased on the internet.
1 T dried olive leaves
1 C boiling water
Steep leaves in a tea-pot for 15 minutes. Serve. Lemon and/or honey can be added to enhance the flavor.

I’d like to invite you to visit my website at www.valerielull.com

I have a new book coming out this spring. It will be called Glorious Garlic!

https://olivewellnessinstitute.org/olive-leaf/olive-leaf-tea/
https://www.lifeextension.com/magazine/2013/6/Unexpected-Benefits-of-Olive-Leaf-Extract/Page-01
https://www.oleaft.com/olive-leaf-tea/
https://joybileefarm.com/olive-leaf-extract/

Jasmine Tea

1/27/2019

By
Valerie Lull

Jasmine tea is quite popular. It has been used in China for hundreds of years. It is a blending of green tea leaves and jasmine flowers. Green tea is known for its health benefits and adding jasmine makes a winning combination that is even better. The tea has a lovely scent and is quite soothing. Besides its scent and its pleasant taste there are numerous health benefits.

Lowering cholesterol
Calming and soothing effect
Lower risk of stroke
Antioxidant protection
Weight loss
May help prevent cancer
Help lower high blood sugar

Jasmine tea is probably best known for weight loss. It is a low-calorie beverage and a good substitute for soda. It also contains caffeine which has metabolism boosting benefits. A cup of tea has significantly less caffeine than a cup of coffee and tea has other constituents that help with weight loss.

Jasmine tea is usually made with green tea, though black tea and oolong tea can also be used. The black tea has more caffeine than oolong and oolong has more than green tea. If you are sensitive to caffeine you can get decaf tea.
Another promising aspect of jasmine tea is that it can help lower LDL cholesterol and raise HDL cholesterol. It can also be beneficial for preventing heart disease stroke, diabetes and cancer. This is most likely due to the antioxidants. polyphenols, which include catechins, flavonoid and tannins, and anti-inflammatory properties in the tea.

Jasmine is generally safe for most people. Pregnant women should talk with their health care practitioner before using. The caffeine may bother sensitive individuals. Caffeine free varieties are available.

Check out my website at www.valerielull.com

Coming soon new book Glorious Garlic! Spring 2019

References
https://www.amazing-green-tea.com/jasmine-tea-benefits.html
https://www.livestrong.com/article/23665-health-benefit-jasmine-tea/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15976995
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15976995
https://www.wellnessresources.com/news/the-effects-of-green-tea-on-weight-management
https://www.cupandleaf/blog/jasmine-tea-benefits

Chrysanthemum Tea

1/16/2019

By
Valerie Lull

January is National Hot Tea Month, so I am writing about chrysanthemum tea. Chrysanthemum tea is one tea I was not familiar with but I discovered its been used for centuries. It is quite popular in China where it is an important part of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Chrysanthemum, also called mums, produces a beautiful flower. The tea is usually made from the flowers of Chrysanthemum morifolium or Chrysanthemum indicum. The flowers come in yellow and white. The tea is made from the flowers and is often compared to chamomile because of its calming properties. Historically and according to folklore chrysanthemum is good for anxiety, high blood pressure, respiratory problems, rheumatism and hyperthyroidism. In Chinese medicine it is good for the lungs, liver, kidneys and spleen. It is also a diuretic.

Chrysanthemum tea is easy to make. Use boiling water, I like it at 90 degrees. Put 4 flowers in a cup and pour the boiling water over it. Brew for 3-4 minutes. Serve hot or cold as desired. This tea is caffeine free for folks who are watching their caffeine intake.

Chrysanthemum does have side effects. It can make the skin extra sensitive to the sun. It is not recommended for pregnant or breast-feeding women. Chrysanthemum is a member of the daisy family and if you are allergic to any plants in that category you may be allergic to chrysanthemum too. As always check with your health care provider before taking chrysanthemum tea.

Check out my website at www.valerielull.com
Also my facebook page Ten Healthy Teas

https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/how-chrysanthemum-tea-benefits-health#4
https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-904/chrysanthemum
https://www.happyjuicer.com/make-chrysanthemum-tea.aspx

Oregano Oil

1/5/2019

By
Valerie Lull

Oregano, Oreganum vulgare, is a herb that comes from the Mediterranean part of the world. Oregano is used extensively in Italian cooking. It is also used for medicinal purposes and it has been used for thousands of years. It is a member of the mint family Lamiaceae, which includes both peppermint and catnip. The ancient Greeks thought it was given to them by Aphrodite and the name of the herb comes from the Greek words “oros” meaning mountain and “ganos” meaning joy.

Hippocrates used oregano as an antiseptic. The oil is particularly good for its antiseptic. anti-fungal and antibiotic properties. Some of the things it is used for is respiratory problems, and urinary tract infections. The oil can also be used on the skin though you might want to test an area first. Some folks are allergic to plants in the mint family.

Oregano is an anti-inflammatory. It helps to reduce low-grade inflammation which many scientists think is behind chronic diseases like heart disease, stroke and cancer. One of the constituents it contains is carvacrol which slows down inflammation. Oregano is also high in anti-oxidants that help slow the aging process. Some of the benefits of oregano include urinary tract disorders, digestion issues, menstrual cramps and respiratory problems.

Oregano is famous for its culinary uses. There are recipes all over the internet that use oregano. It is used in Italian and Greek cooking extensively. In America it is known as the pizza spice because it is used so often on pizza. There is some evidence that oregano may be used to lose weight. The thinking is that the carvacrol in oregano reverses the mechanisms that form fat cells.

Oregano oil is available as a liquid and also in capsules. Oregano can also be made into a tea or taken as a herb. I use oregano often and have found it very beneficial. As always when starting a herb be sure to talk it over with your health care provider. Many herbs and medicines do not mix.

I’d like to invite you to visit my website at www.valerielull.com

I’m working on a new book that will come out in Spring of 2019. It is called Glorious Garlic!

References
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/266259.php
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/9-oregano-oil-benefits-and-uses#section10
— Valerie Lull, Author

Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh

12/14/2018

By Valerie Lull, MH

People who are familiar with the Christmas story recognize these items as the gifts of the Magi to the Christ Child. They were rare and valuable commodities in ancient times. They are more readily available today. Did you know that all three of these items have health benefits?

Gold has many uses in modern medicine. It is used in surgery for damaged nerves, bones and blood vessels. It is used for treating several cancers, it is used to clear coronary arteries and it is used for arthritis treatment. Gold is used for regenerating sluggish organs, improving mental and emotional problems. It is reported to promote increased energy and libido.

Boswellia, which is what the ancients called Frankincense is used extensively in modern herbal medicine. It is a tree or shrub that produces a resin. This can be distilled into an essential oil that is antiseptic, disinfectant, carminative, diuretic, expectorant, tonic and a dozen other things. It is used in folk remedies for immune issues, oral health, astringent properties, female problems, digestion, anti-aging, as a tonic, a diuretic, and more.

Myrrh is also a resin that also comes from trees. Myrrh oil has been used for centuries by ancient cultures as well as modern ones. Myrrh resin and oil have been valued historically for its wound healing qualities. It is also valued for use on the skin, especially chapped skin. Myrrh oil is also used in perfumes and is used by aromatherapists as a massage oil. It can be used as a mouthwash, and in creams and lotions.

As the holidays continue I want to wish everyone who reads my blog a happy holiday season, and best wishes for the new year. May it be filled with joy, love, peace and happiness.

https://www.purestcolloids.com/history-gold.phph
ttps://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/essential-oils/health-benefits-of-frankincense-essential-oil.html
http://articles.mercola.com/herbal-oils/myrrh-oil.aspx

Be sure to check out my website at www.valerielull.com
Coming Soon Glorious Garlic! Spring 2019
Valerie Lull, Author
Valerie@valerielull.com

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Herbs for Healthy Holiday Digestion

11/1/2018

First published on the blog for the American College of Healthcare Sciences http://ACHS.edu

By
Valerie Lull

Can you relate to this? You go to Thanksgiving dinner at Grandma’s, eat a bit too much, and feel exhausted, full, and uncomfortable for the rest of the evening. I get it–who can resist the gastronomic delights of the traditional holiday feast, especially when it is with loved ones who have prepared the meal?

While I always recommend eating a balanced diet full of whole foods, the holidays are often the time of year where we push our limits. The only problem is that you end up feeling bloated, irritable, and generally uncomfortable after over-eating.

Luckily for us, there are several herbal teas that can support normal, healthy digestion during the holidays.

Ginger Zingiber officinale (Roscoe) Tea

Ginger Zingiber officinale (Roscoe) is a spicy tea that l love. Its notable warming effect is lovely during the chilly weather of fall and winter. Ginger Z. officinale is a popular spice during the holidays with ginger bread, ginger cake, ginger cookies, and (for the kids!) gingerbread people and houses.

Ginger Z. officinale tea is also ideal for normal digestion. A nice cup of ginger Z. officinale tea helps promote normal movement through the digestive tract and elimination.[1] Ginger also aids in the normal digestion of fat, which can be abundant in holiday meals.[2]
Peppermint Mentha ×piperita (L.) Tea

Peppermint Mentha ×piperita (L.) makes me think of candy canes and sweet after-dinner mints! Traditionally, mint has been used after a meal to ease healthy digestion. It can be in the form of a candy, or if you want to ditch the sugar (which I suggest!), it makes a delicious herbal tea! Additionally, peppermint P. ×piperita supports optimal food transit time and normal elimination.[3]

Cinnamon Cinnamomum zeylanicum (Blume)

The perfect warming spice for a cold winter day! We all know the holidays are filled with sugary sweets. But did you know that cinnamon C. zeylanicum can support healthy blood sugar levels already in the normal range and soothe and support digestion? Since you’re probably already cooking with cinnamon this winter, save a teaspoon for your evening cup of tea!

German Chamomile Matricaria recutita (L.) Tea

There’s a reason Peter Rabbit’s mother gave him chamomile tea when he was feeling unwell! Chamomile Matricaria recutita (L.) is another herbal remedy that has been used in folk medicine for centuries. It has traditionally been used to ease the stomach. It’s relaxing qualities are so soothing and gentle, that it’s been traditionally used with children and babies. Caution: Be sure to look up all contraindications and ask your pediatrician before giving chamomile M. recutita (or any herb) to an infant or child. Children under the age of five should not be given more than half a cup of tea per day.[4]

Licorice Glycyrrhiza glabra (L.) Tea

When thinking of licorice, many think of the imitation-flavored candy. But when purchasing licorice Glycyrrhiza glabra (L.) for medicinal purposes, you need the real thing. Licorice G. glabra is especially soothing to the stomach. Be aware that licorice G. glabra may have side effects, so be sure it is the deglycyrrhizinated kind.[5] Tablets are a common way to take licorice, but a calming tea is a wonderful way to wind down after a big meal. Licorice G. glabra may not mix well with some medications, so be sure to check contraindications and ask your trusted holistic health practitioner before using licorice.
Brewing Your Tummy TeasOf course, you can brew these herbs individually as teas, or get creative and blend them together. Just be sure to use the correct ratios and check for any contraindications.

Basic Tea Recipe (from the ACHS eBook: Brewing Herbal Teas)

Herb: 1 teaspoon
Purified water: 1 cup
Place your herbs into a ceramic or glass teapot.
Bring the water to a boil. Do not use an aluminum pot.
Turn off the heat and pour the water over the herb.
Cover the pot and let steep for five to 10 minutes.
Strain the tea in a non-aluminum strainer and then drink. Use immediately. Do not store.

As we move into the holiday season, with so many goodies readily available, it’s easy to overeat. While we should do our best to make good choices around our nutrition, these delicious and tasty herbal teas can help support a healthy, happy tummy for the holidays.

[CTA A Shoppe Herbs]

[1] Rodriguez-Fragoso, L., Reyes-Esparza, J., Burchiel, S., Herrera-Ruiz, D., & Torres, E. (2008). Risks and Benefits of Commonly used Herbal Medicines in México. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2322858/, 227(1), 125–135. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2322858/

[2] Prakash, U., & Srinivasan, K. (2011). Fat digestion and absorption in spice-pretreated rats. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture., 3(92), 203–210. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21918995

[3] Rodriguez-Fragoso, L., Reyes-Esparza, J., Burchiel, S., Herrera-Ruiz, D., & Torres, E. (2008). Risks and Benefits of Commonly used Herbal Medicines in México. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2322858/, 227(1), 125–135. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2322858/

[4] German chamomile. (n.d.). Retrieved 23 October 2015, from https://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/german-chamomile

[5] Graedon, J., & Graedon, T. (2008). Best Choices From the People’s Pharmacy. NAL.

Tarragon

9/1/2018

By,
Valerie Lull MH

Tarragon, Artemisia dracunculus, is a herb that is often used in French cooking. There is also a Russian version of the herb but the French variety is more flavorful. In France tarragon is known as the "King of Herbs". Most people consider tarragon as a culinary herb, and some folks even call it a spice. It is used in fish, soups, stews, egg dishes, meat, tomato and sauces. The flavor of tarragon is similar to anise.

Tarragon was not used in ancient societies and the first mention of human use was more than 600 years ago. It was imported to Italy in the 10th century by the Mongols who used it for sleep and seasoning in foods. From there the use of the herb eventually spread to France.

Besides culinary uses, tarragon has health benefits. Some of them include digestive issues, appetite problems, toothache, to start menstruation and as a tea for insomnia. Tarragon contains the minerals calcium, Iron, magnesium, manganese and zinc. It also has vitamins A, C and several of the B vitamins.

Tarragon can be used fresh, or dried. It can be used to make a tea which some sources say can be used for weight loss. Tarragon can be used as an essential oil that can be diffused as a deodorizer, it can be added to bath water or used as a compress. It is also available in capsules or as an extract.

Tarragon use has a down side if used in excess. Children and pregnant women should not use it. Be sure to consult your health care provider before using tarragon for medicinal purposes. It might be a good idea to do the skin patch test to test for allergies. Simply put a diluted drop of tarragon essential oil on your skin. Wait awhile to see if there is a reaction.

Sources
http://www.spiceadvice.com/encyclopedia/Tarragon.html
https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-661/tarragon
https://www.nutrition-and-you.com/tarragon-herb.html
https://articles.mercola.com/herbs-spices/tarragon.aspx

About Valerie Lull

Valerie is a graduate from the American College of Healthcare Sciences. She has always had a passion for good health and the health benefits of herbal preparations. At the age of 45 Valerie was diagnosed with Type II Diabetes and became interested in natural ways to maintain health. She has a desire to share this information and show people how easy it is to stay healthy.

About Valerie's Books

Valerie has written a book called Ten Healthy Teas. Sometimes staying healthy is as simple as drinking a cup of tea. Valerie just published her second book Ten Spices for Health and Longevity. Valerie also writes a weekly blog called "Simple Ways to Stay Healthy".