Valerie Lull Book Author

Butcher's Broom and Circulation

7/30/2017

By
Valerie Lull

Butcher’s broom, Ruscus aculeatus, was used by the Scottish clan Forbes. They wore it in their bonnets to arouse the heroism of their chieftains. In Gaelic it was called bealadh. Historically Butchers Broom was made into brooms and used by butchers. It isn’t used for that now but it does have some properties that may help venous circulation.

The medicinal use of Butcher’s broom goes back to ancient times. Butcher’s broom was used by Discorides. It is mentioned in the earliest herbals. It was used in Europe for the last 2,000 years. Some of the things they used butcher’s broom for were abdominal problems, as a laxative and as a diuretic. It was also used for kidney stones and fractured bones.

The herbalist Mrs. M. Grieve in her famous book, A Modern Herbal, describes the plant as being tough and erect, with rigid leaves. It has small greenish-white flowers. This herb is an evergreen which means it stays green all year round. The rhizome and the aerial shoots are the parts that are used.

In modern times butcher’s broom is primarily used for venous disorders, namely varicose veins and hemorrhoids. In a case report by Deborah A. Redman, Ph.D, herbal treatment reduces capacity for pooling of blood in the legs and has a protective effect.

I personally use this herb for my varicose veins and find it does help to reduce the swelling, itching and soreness. This herb does not cure these things, but it does help. Butcher’s broom is available in capsules and as an extract. Butcher’s broom is also available as a tea, both loose and in tea bags.

Butcher’s broom is readily available at most places that sell herbs and is inexpensive. If you want to use it be sure to consult your healthcare provider first.

Check out my website at www.valerielull.com
References:
https://www.mdidea.com/products/proper/proper08704.html
http://cms.herbalgram.org/herbalgram/issue85/article3499.html?ts=150112720
http://cms.herbalgram.org/herbalgram/issue85/article3499.html?ts=150112720
http://www.herbs2000.com/herbs/herbs_butchers_broom.htm
Deborah A. Redman. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. September 2007, 6(6): 539-549.https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2000.6.539

Turmeric and Inflammation

7/8/2017

By,
Valerie Lull, MH

There are many spices that come from India. One very popular spice is turmeric, Curcuma longa. It is used extensively in Indian cooking and healing. Turmeric has been used in Indian culture for thousands of years and is called “holy powder”. Old legends tell us that the ancient Polynesians sailed with it to Hawaii where it is known as `olena.

Turmeric is used for both culinary and healing purposes. Turmeric is best known as an anti-inflammatory. Inflammation is a beneficial occurrence that happens when bacteria and viruses enter the body. This is good as long as the inflammation does not get out of control. When the inflammation is triggered and there is not a real threat it forms excessive low-grade inflammation in the body and this can contribute to allergies, autoimmune disease, heart disease, cancer, and arthritis. This irritates the tissues and can cause chronic pain, swelling and redness.

Studies have been done in India regarding the consumption of turmeric. India has a low rate of Alzheimer’s disease and this is thought to be because of the high amount of turmeric they use in their diets.
Turmeric contains a number of constituents. Perhaps the best known constituent is curcumin. There is a controversy over whether it is better to use turmeric and get the full benefit of all its constituents or if it is better to separate the curcumin from the turmeric and use that alone.

Turmeric has 71% carbs, 23% fat, and 6% protein. it contains minerals like calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium. Turmeric has 1.76 mg of vitamin C, 2.6 mcg of folate and traces of other B vitamins. It also contains g-3 and omega 6 fatty acids.

Here is a recipe for hot turmeric milk from our friends at allrecipes.

1/4 t ground turmeric
1/4 t ground cardamom
1/8 t black pepper
1 pinch ginger
1 pinch cloves
1 pinch allspice
1 C milk
3/4 t honey or sweetener of choice
1/8 t vanilla extract
Heat milk 3-4 minutes
Wisk turmeric, cardamon, black pepper, ginger, cloves and allspice together. Add sweetener and vanilla to milk and stir. Wisk in spice mixture. Reduce heat to low and cook till the flavors blend, 2-3 minutes. Pour through a strainer and serve. If you are vegan you can use soy milk or almond milk.

http://www.thealternativedailly.com/99-reasons-why-turmeric-is-the-best-spice-ever/
https://www.drweil.com/vitamins-supplements-herbs/herbs/curcumin-or-turmeric/
allrecipes.com/recipe/236294/haldi-ka-doodh-hot-turmeric-milk/
http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-662-turmeric.aspx?activeingredientid=662

What is a Tonic?

6/6/2017

By Valerie Lull

A tonic is a beverage that stimulates, strengthens and energizes the body. Many people drink tonics daily to stay healthy and vigorous. I take lemon water as a daily tonic. I find it stimulates and refreshes my body, not to mention the healthful properties of the drink.Tonics have been used from ancient times going back to the Babylonians and the Chinese. Early American settlers made apple-cider vinegar from crab apples.

There are many variations of healthful tonics. They range all the way from alcohol based gin or vodka tonics to herbal tonics, like sassafras or dandelion. Tonics can be applied topically, like a hair tonic, or internally in the form of an infusion or beverage. I suppose technically you could call soda pop a tonic if it stimulates or energizes you. We don't recommend soda pop as a healthful tonic. Instead we use herbal tonics.

There seems to be a tonic recipe for everything. Some tonics are for the sinuses, the liver or to impart energy. The British made a tonic from quinine, gin, water, sugar and lime. These items were added to quinine, used as a prophylactic, so it would be palatable. Malaria was rampant in some of the British colonies. This was the origin of the drink gin and tonic.

Tonics can be purchased over the counter in health food stores or you can make a tonic yourself. One popular tonic involves the use of apple-cider vinegar and lemon juice diluted with water. Most people prefer warm water. There are many variations of this. You can add raw honey to the vinegar and lemon. Some people use the apple-cider vinegar with just water and leave out the lemon. I use just plain lemon juice with a little club soda added to give it a zing. Many herbal teas can be used as a tonic like ginger and lemon. Using spring water or purified water is a must for a good tonic.

Like all other alternative remedies you need to consult your health care practitioner before starting the use of a tonic. Some herbs do not mix with prescription medications.

https://www.urbanmoonshine.com/education/about-tonics/
https://sipsmith.com/gin-and-tonic-a-short-history-of/
http://www.thealternativedaily.com/tonics-for-best-health/
http://www.onegreenplanet.org/natural-health/why-you-should-use-apple-cider-vinegar-every-day/

Horseradish for Respiratory Problems

4/9/2017

By
Valerie Lull

Horseradish, Cochlearia armoracia, is a pungent herb that people generally love or hate, not much middle ground. Horseradish has a real sting to it. When it is grated or crushed isothiocyanates are released. The vapors travel up your nasal cavity and into the sinuses and tingles your nose. Some people can’t stand the tingle while others love it.
Horseradish is related to mustard, and has thick fleshy white roots. It is a member of the Brassica family which includes milder relatives like broccoli, kale and Brussel sprouts. It is native to eastern Europe and is one of the 5 bitter herbs of the Jewish passover.

On the nutritional scene horseradish is a real super-star. containing fiber, vitamin C, folate, potassium, magnesium, calcium, zinc, phosphorus, enzymes, and oils. The vitamin C content is very high and boosts the immune system. Horseradish has a constituent called sinigrin, a glucosinolate, that helps prevent cancer. Horseradish is good for respiratory problems because it contains mustard oil. It is useful for flu, tonsillitis and urinary tract infections. A tea can be brewed that helps with the common cold, painful joints, and headache pain. Horseradish has antibiotic properties.

Horseradish can be used in several ways. The fresh grated root can be taken, or an infusion, or the fresh juice can be used or it can be made into a syrup. It is most commonly used as a condiment in cooking and can be used the same way as mustard.

Horseradish can have side effects, like irritation of the mouth, throat, nose, digestive system and urinary tract. It can cause upset stomach and diarrhea. As always, be sure to discuss using horseradish for medicinal purposes with your health care provider. Many herbs and medicines do not mix and professional guidance is necessary.

For those of you who enjoy gardening here is a great link for growing your own horseradish. https://www.sproutabl.com/gardening/herbs/growing-horseradish/

http://horseradish.org/horseradish-facts/what-makes-horseradish-hot/
http://www.foodreference.com/html/art-horseradish.html
https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/vegetable/horseradish.html
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2016/05/30/horseradish-benefits.aspx
http://www.lifeextension.com/magazine/2009/11/horseradish-protection-against-cancer-and-more/page-01
https://www.drugs.com/npp/horseradish.html
http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-257-horseradish.aspx?activeingredientid=257&

Yarrow for High Blood Pressure

3/22/2017

By
Valerie Lull

Yarrow is a perennial has been used for healing purposes for thousands of years. The Greek hero Achilles was said to have used yarrow for battle wounds. Yarrow was known to slow and stop the flow of blood. In folklore it was supposed to protect from evil spirits. The word millefoliuim means thousand leafed. The plant has clusters of pink and white flowers. The plants with the white flowers were used most often for medicinal purposes.

Besides cuts, yarrow is also used for burns and inflammation. Yarrow tea is well-known for bringing down a fever and wounds were washed cleaned with yarrow tea before bandaging. Another use for yarrow is to rub the leaves on the skin as an insect repellent. Some folks use yarrow for high blood pressure and to help circulation as well as fight off bacteria.
There are many active constituents in yarrow. among them are lactones, flavonoids, tannins, sugars, sterols, amino acids and saponins. An infusion of the leaf, stems and flowers will speed the healing of hemorrhoids. Native Americans made a poultice from yarrow for skin rashes. Some folks have tried to use a yarrow infusion to rinse their hair with it. to prevent baldness.

The parts of the plant that are used medicinally are the leaves, stems and blossoms.Yarrow can be used as a tea, in capsules or tablets, as an infusion, or as a tincture. An infusion is made by using 2 oz of fresh leaf, (less if dried), in a container. Add freshly boiled water and cover. Steep 10 - 15 minutes then strain. You can drink it cold or warm, up to 3 cups a day.

Yarrow does not mix with some medications. It can cause an increase of hydrochloric acid so do not use with antacid drugs. Yarrow does not mix with blood thinning drugs like warfarin. Lithium does not mix well with yarrow either. Be sure to discuss the taking of yarrow, or any herbal preparation, with your doctor to avoid problems.

Awhile back I did a blog on parsley. Here is a link to a great article on parsley by my friend Jen. You may find this interesting reading. https://www.jenreviews.com/parsley/

https://www.thepracticalherbalist.com/holistic-medicine-library/yarrow-myth-and-magic/
http://usesofherbs.com/yarrow
http://www.encyclopedia.com/plants-and-animals/plants/plants/yarrow

Five Uses for Dandelions

3/5/2017

By Valerie Lull, MH

Dandelions are an ancient plant that has been used for culinary and medicinal purposes for ages. Dandelion even has its parallels in astrology. The flower is the sun, the puff-ball is the moon and the seeds are the stars. Blowing the puff-ball and seeing how many seeds are left was an indicator of how many children you would have.

In today’s world dandelion is usually viewed as a weed, particularly if it settles in someone’s lawn. In the world of herbs dandelion has a prominent place and has many medicinal uses. Here are five.

Dandelion root according to folklore is considered a “liver tonic”. The herb causes the liver to produce more bile, thereby aiding digestion.
Dandelion has diuretic properties and is useful for controlling high blood pressure. Many blood pressure medicines reduce the amount of water in the body which lowers the blood pressure.
Dandelion tea is great for digestion, helping to reduce bloating and possibly helping with constipation. It is also used to stimulate appetite.
Dandelion root is being studied to see if it can fight cancer; particularly melanoma.
Dandelion combined with Uva Ursi is thought to possibly help urinary tract infections. Both the root and the leaves are used.
Dandelion can be made into a tea or a coffee. Both the leaves and the roots can be to make these beverages. Below is a recipe for dandelion coffee.

Collect the roots or buy them from an herbal supply business. Cut them into small pieces, put them on a cookie sheet and dry them in the oven at around 200º. This takes about 30 minutes. Be sure they are really dry. Grind them in a coffee grinder. Store them in an air tight container. To make the coffee put a teaspoon of the grind into a cup of boiling water and let it steep for 5 – 20 minutes depending on how strong you want it. If desired add sweetener. Enjoy!

Don’t try to use dandelion or any other herb for medicinal uses without first consulting your health care provider. Many herbs and medicines do not mix and could cause side effects.

References
Chatterjee, S. J., Ovadje, P., Mousa, M., Hamm, C., & Pandey, S. (2011). The Efficacy of Dandelion Root Extract in Inducing Apoptosis in Drug-Resistant Human Melanoma Cells. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine : eCAM, 2011, 129045. http://doi.org/10.1155/2011/129045

http://www.healthline.com/health/ways-dandelion-tea-could-be-good-for-your#3

http://naturallivingmamma.com/2014/06/05/dandelion-coffee-recipes/

Pomegranates - Healthy and Nutritious

2/21/2017

By Valerie Lul
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Pomegranates are an ancient fruit that is native to Iran. They are known historically as early as 3000 B.C.E. Pomegranates were buried in King Tut's tomb and some suggest it was a pomegranate that Eve ate in the garden of Eden. The ancients used pomegranates for health remedies as well as for food.

The seeds are the part of the pomegranate that are eaten. They are called arils. Pomegranate seeds are classified as a berry.
This ancient fruit is loaded with nutrients. Pomegranates have fiber, protein, Vitamins A, C, E, and K, folate and potassium. In addition there is natural sugar and minerals. They contain punicalagins which are powerful anti-oxidants and punicic acid which is a fatty acid. Pomegranates have anti-oxidant, anti-viral and anti-tumor properties. Pomegranates have more anti-oxidants than red wine and green tea. Pomegranates are useful for high-blood pressure, dental problems, anemia, diabetes, osteoarthritis and cancer. Pomegranates are anti-inflammatory and the juice is good for a sore throat.

There are a number of ways you can consume pomegranates. You can eat the seeds, drink the juice, make a tea, or consume a syrup. The seeds can be used in cooking. The arils can be stored in the freezer so you can enjoy them any time of the year. In today's world pomegranates are as near as the local market.

Here is a simple recipe for a cup of green tea with lemon and pomegranate.

1 tsp loose green tea or 1 tea bag
1 c boiling water
1 fresh cut lemon wedge
1/8 c crushed pomegranate seeds
Sweetener to taste
Steep green tea, lemon, and pomegranate together in boiling water for three minutes then strain. Add sweetner as desired. Enjoy!

http://www.medicaldaily.com/pomegranate-health-benefits-fruit-helps-protect-against-plaque-hunger-and-certain-340020
https://authoritynutrition.com/12-proven-benefits-of-pomegranate/
https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/fruit/health-benefits-of-pomegranate.html
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Coffee Leaf Tea

1/28/2017

By Valerie Lull, MH

There's something new in the world of tea, it is called coffee leaf tea. It is a drink that comes from the leaves of the coffee plant. It is both coffee and tea and scientists think it's healthier than both. It has 17% more antioxidants than green tea. It seems to include the best of both the worlds of coffee and tea.

Coffee is a seasonal crop and the idea of harvesting the leaves during the off season, to provide year long employment, is gaining popularity. People seem to like the taste of it and in some parts of the world it is taken in place of coffee because coffee is more expensive.

Coffee leaf tea has an interesting history. It has been used in parts of Africa since antiquity. It is called Kuti in Ethiopia and was used by the Ethiopian people for centuries before roasting coffee beans was invented. Coffee producers in Sumatra and Java tried to popularize coffee-leaf tea back in the 19th century and it was displayed in the Great Exhibition of 1851 in London Now efforts are being made again to popularize coffee leaf tea around the globe.

Health benefits include a higher level of antioxidants. The phenols mangiferin and hydroxycinnamic acid are thought to reduce heart disease and diabetes. Further benefits are a reduction of cholesterol levels and protection of brain neurons. Scientists feel that more research needs to be done to confirm the health benefits, but the preliminary work looks promising.

There is very little processing of the product. The coffee leaves are picked and left to dry in the sun. Then they are slightly toasted. Coffee leaf tea is brewed the same way other teas and tisanes are brewed. Add some water to the leaves and let them steep. If you want to try something new, try some coffee leaf tea. Coffee leaf tea can be found in health food stores, and on the internet.

http://www.medicaldaily.com/tea-made-coffee-leaves-may-be-healthier-coffee-or-tea-244263
http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2014/11/05/what-is-coffee-leaf-tea_n_6101778.
http://www.coffeeforums.com/coffee-facts/tea/coffeeleaftea.html
https://focusonfoodsafety.wordpress.com/2013/03/12/the-real-kick-coffee-leaf-tea/

Star Anise

1/1/2017

Star Anise, Illicium verum

By Valerie Lull, MH

January is National Hot Tea Month so for the month of January my blogs will focus on hot teas. Star Anise is a spice that has been traditionally used in cooking but also appears to have health benefits. It comes from a plant that is an evergreen. Don’t mix it up with true anise seed which is a completely different plant from the near east. The anise that I am writing about comes from southern China. There is another star anise that comes from Japan that is poisonous. Be sure you know what kind of anise you are using. Star anise gets its name from the star shape of the fruit. Star anise has a flavor that is similar to licorice.

Star anise is quite versatile. The oil is used for fragrance in soaps, perfumes, cosmetics and toothpaste. The seed is quite popular as a culinary spice. According to folklore it is good for respiratory infections, cough, bronchitis and flu. Star anise is rich in shikimic acid. This is a precursor to oseltamivir which is used in making the preparation called Tamiflu.

Additional uses for star anise include benefits to the skin, hair and weight loss. Star anise contains antioxidants that protect your body from free radicals. Antioxidants slow down the aging process. Star anise is an anti-fungal that helps fight candida albicans. This spice is also antibacterial.

A tea can be made from the leaves or seeds of the star anise plant.

Heat water to boiling, then put 1-2 pods of Chinese Star Anise in the teapot for every cup of water.
Steep for 10-15 minutes
Strain and sweeten with sweetener of choice (honey is good if you have a cough)
It is recommended to take 3 cups a day after meals

Be sure to check out my website at www.valerielull.com
http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/health-benefits-star-anise-4835.html
http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-364-star%20anise.aspx?activeingredientid=364&activeingredientname=star%20anise
http://www.livestrong.com/article/399013-health-benefits-of-star-anise/
http://www.therighttea.com/star-anise-tea.html

Cinnamon for Holiday Health

12/19/2016

By Valerie Lull

When the holidays come certain spices and herbs come to mind like peppermint, ginger and cinnamon. It makes me think of cinnamon buns, cinnamon breads, baked apples with cinnamon, cinnamon tea, coffee cake with cinnamon, apple pie with cinnamon, even cinnamon candy and chewing gum. Cinnamon seems to have unlimited uses in cooking and baking. For me cinnamon brings up visions of sitting by a fireplace all cozy with my cat and eating some delicious cinnamon treat.

There is an airline company called Cinnamon Air which will fly you to Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka is one of the places that cinnamon comes from. Cinnamon from Sri Lanka, c. verum is often called “true cinnamon”. It is a thin, smooth bark with a yellow-brown color and a fragrant aroma. The other popular cinnamon is cassia. This comes from China and Indonesia, and is the one used most in the United States. It has a strong, spicy flavor and is good for baking. Chinese cinnamon is a light reddish-brown.

Besides being good on the taste buds, cinnamon has many health benefits. One of the best known benefits is that cinnamon can aid in managing blood sugar. Additional health benefits include antioxidants that reduce damage from free radicals, anti-inflammatory properties, managing cholesterol levels and high blood pressure, and helping prevent Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and cancer.

Some toothpaste contain cinnamon because it protects against microbes that cause bad breath, tooth decay and cavities. Cinnamon essential oil can be used like a natural mouthwash that kills bacteria. Cinnamon is used for flavoring chewing gums that help keep the breath fresh.
Here is a recipe for a cinnamon holiday tea.
6 cups water
1 tsp. whole cloves
1 (inch) piece cinnamon stick
6 tea bags
3/4 cup orange juice
1/2 cup sweetener
1/4 cup pineapple juice
2 Tbls. lemon juice
Pour water in a pot and add cloves and cinnamon stick. Bring water to a boil and remove from heat. Add tea bags to water and set aside to steep until the tea is to your liking, at least 5 minutes. Remove and discard cloves and cinnamon stick and tea bags.
Stir orange juice, sugar, pineapple juice, and lemon juice together in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Cook and stir until the sugar or sweetener dissolves. Pour juice mixture into the spiced tea and serve hot. Enjoy!

References
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cinnamon
https://draxe.com/health-benefits-cinnamon/
https://authoritynutrition.com/10-proven-benefits-of-cinnamon
http://allrecipes.com/recipe/230400/hot-spiced-tea-for-the-holidays/

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".