 By, Valerie Lull A diuretic is a substance that removes fluid from the body. Diuretics are very useful for things like losing weight, easing the discomfort of PMS, or lowering blood pressure. There are several herbs that work as natural diuretics. These are usually gentler than many prescription diuretics. Today I’m discussing two popular herbs that have been used for hundreds of years. They are Dandelion and Hibiscus. Dandelion The French called Dandelion ‘pis-en-lit’, which literally means water in the bed. The leaves help remove excess fluid from the body by increasing urine production. Dandelion is easy to use. The leaves and roots can be made into a tea, or you can use capsules. The tea can be purchased loose or in tea bags. You can also use dandelion for culinary purposes and pick the leaves fresh for salads or soups. Roasting the root makes it into a coffee substitute. Some folks even make wine from dandelions, though I’m dubious about the wine being a diuretic. Do not use dandelion if you are pregnant or nursing. There has not been enough research to determine its safety. If you are allergic to ragweed, daises and marigolds you might want to skip using dandelion. Hibiscus Hibiscus lowers the level of oxidation in cells. Oxidation can cause high blood pressure. Hibiscus can lower blood pressure as a diuretic by increasing the elimination of sodium without affecting the potassium levels. Potassium is important in balancing out sodium in the body. The ratio of potassium to sodium is very important in regulating blood pressure. Hibiscus is popular as a tea. It is a sour tea, so you may want to use a sweetener of your choice. It is available in tea bags or loose. It is also available as an extract if the tea has too much ‘zing’ for your taste. Hibiscus is not recommended for pregnant and nursing women. There is some evidence that it may cause miscarriage. Hibiscus may lower blood sugar levels, so diabetics be careful. If you wish to use any herb be sure to talk to your health care practitioner first. Check out my website at www.valerielull.com I have just published a new book Glorious Garlic. Enjoy. Feel Good and Live Longer. It is available on Amazon. www.amazon.com References http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-706-dandelion.aspx?activeingredientid=706& http://www.superfoods-scientific-research.com/medicinal-herbs/hibiscus-tea-side-effects.html http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-211-hibiscus.aspx?activeingredientid=211&activeingredientname=hibiscus Posted onMay 13, 2019Leave a commenton Dandelion and Hibiscus, Diuretics   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  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  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  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/  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.
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  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  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  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 2 PUBLISHED BY  |
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