Valerie Lull Book Author

White Tea Has Antioxidants

10/20/2017

By

Valerie Lull

There are four teas that come from the Camellia sinensis plant. They are black tea, green tea, oolong, and white tea. White tea has an exotic past. It comes from China and historically was only available to the royal court of the emperor, not the masses. There was one emperor who nearly lost his empire over white tea.

The difference between the four teas mentioned above is that black tea is oxidized, oolong tea is less oxidized, green tea leaves are withered, and white tea leaves uncured and unfermented. The tea leaves for white tea are the very young leaves and buds. They are harvested at a much earlier stage in growth than the leaves for the other teas. The leaves have very fine silver hairs on them giving rise to the variety of white tea variety called Silver Needle.

Because white tea is the least processed, it has the highest levels of antioxidants. Antioxidants protect the body from free radicals that are generated as a result of cell metabolism. Free radicals can damage DNA and speed up the ageing process. Antioxidants neutralize the free radicals.

White tea ranges from pale yellow to almost clear in the cup. The tea has a very delicate taste. People who have compromised taste buds will probably think it is water. Adding lemon to white tea causes more antioxidants to be released. The action of the antioxidants help to slow down ageing and help to prevent diseases like cancer, and heart disease. White tea appears to be good for one’s skin and for oral health. People use it for weight loss.

White tea can be found blended with other things like green tea, rooibos tea, and fruits like raspberry, pomegranate, mango and pear. White tea is becoming more and more popular and so is more and more available. For people who are watching their caffeine intake white tea has less caffeine than black or green tea and a lot less than coffee. The caffeine content can also vary depending on how long it steeps and how hot the water is.

http://www.whiteteaguide.com/whiteteahistory.htm
http://www.whiteteaguide.com/whiteteahealthbenefits.htm
http://www.webmd.com/diet/tea-types-and-their-health-benefits
http://nutritionfacts.org/video/green-tea-vs-white/
http://www.caffeine-content.com/caffeine-in-tea/caffeine-in-white-tea/

Check out my website at www.valerielull.com Your comments are welcome. Any requests for future blogs?

Valerie Lull
Author
Ten Spices for Health and Longevity
valerie@valerielull.com

Herbs for Liver Health

10/1/2017

By,
Valerie Lull

One of the hardest working organs in your body is your liver. It plays a huge role in elimination from cleansing the blood to flushing out waste. The liver’s function is to purify the body. It is important to take care of your liver because without a liver we could not live. There are several important herbs that help keep you in tip-top shape. Among them are dandelion, yellow dock, burdock, red clover and milk thistle.
Dandelion
Dandelion is commonly considered a weed, but this weed is loaded with health benefits. It is high in vitamins and minerals, particularly potassium and grows just about anywhere. It is a natural diuretic which is helpful to your kidneys and your whole digestive system. Dandelion helps your liver to eliminate toxins by purifying the blood. Dandelion is available as a tea in both loose and teabag forms. It is also available as a delicious dandelion coffee.
Yellow Dock
Yellow dock has been historically used as a blood purifier; which helps to clear skin conditions and to assist elimination. This herb also has diuretic properties and stimulates bile production This helps both the liver and the gall bladder. Yellow dock aids in digestion and works as a mild laxative.
Burdock
Burdock root has been used since ancient times as a blood purifier. It strengthens a weak liver. Burdock is also a diaphoretic. That means it promotes sweating. This helps remove toxins through the skin.
Milk Thistle
Perhaps the most well-known herb for the liver is milk thistle. It contains silymarin which is an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. This helps the liver function better. Some studies show that milk thistle may be helpful for cirrhosis. Milk thistle is available in capsules or as a tea.
Red Clover
Red clover helps the liver to process fats by causing it to produce bile. Red clover is also anti-inflammatory which helps to reduce inflammation in the liver. Red clover works to cleanse the liver. It is available in capsules and as a tea.
Remember before starting any herbal regimen to talk it over with your health care provider. Some herbs and medications do not mix well and can cause unwanted side effects.
Check out my website at www.valerielull.com
References
https://draxe.com/dandelion-tea/
http://www.webmd.com/men/features/liver-detoxification—-fact-fad#1
https://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/benefits-of-yellow-dock-root/
http://www.naturallifeenergy.com/top-liver-detox-herbs-quality-quantity/
http://www.umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/milk-thistle

Herbs for Tired Adrenals

9/15/2017

By,
Valerie Lull

The adrenal glands are two endocrine glands. There is one above each kidney. The cortex, or outer part of the adrenal gland, secretes hormones and the inner part, the medulla, secretes epinephrine and norepinephrine. Scientists are split on the concept of adrenal fatigue. Conventional doctors don’t think it exists. Natural medicine providers think it does. For this blog I’m going on the assumption that it exists and that there are herbs that can assist the situation.

Adrenal fatigue occurs when people are under mental, physical and emotional stress. One of the hormones that the adrenals make is cortisol. This hormone helps the body deal with stress. Too much stress causes the adrenals to release less of the hormone. Some of the symptoms include chronic tiredness, mild depression or anxiety, lethargy, and brain fog.

There are a number of vitamins, minerals and herbs that help. Among them are the B vitamins and vitamin C. There are herbs that are helpful for adrenal fatigue. They are called adaptogens. Let’s look at some of these herbs.

Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba)
A little known fact about ginkgo is that it can affect stress levels. In a study published in Clinical Nutrition, it lowered cortisol levels in healthy individuals being tested for glucose tolerance.

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
Ashwagandha comes from India and is useful for insomnia due to stress. It is said to improve DHEA-S levels. It also benefits the thyroid and adrenals and boosts energy levels. It is available as a tablet and a capsule.

Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea)
Rhodiola comes from Siberia and is traditionally used for stress and and fatigiue. It is also used for enhancing mental performance and mild depression.

Astragalus (Astragalus membraneceus)
Astragalus comes from Chinese medicine and is usually used with other herbs. It can be used as a tonic or for adrenal support. It gives a boost to the immune system and helps control blood sugar levels.

Herbs for tired adrenals are usually best as a combination. There are herbal formulas available with the combined herbs. These herbs are available in capsule and tablet form and many of them can be made into a tea or infusion and sipped throughout the day.

Remember to always consult with your health care practitioner before starting a herbal regimen for any disorder.
Check out my website at www.valerielull.com.

http://www.dictionary.com/browse/adrenal-gland
http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/features/adrenal-fatigue-is-it-real#1
https://holisticprimarycare.net/topics/topics-a-g/chronic-disease/1241-herbal-options-for-managing-adrenal-fatigue.html
Kudolo, G.B., Wang W., Javors, M Blodgett J., Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, MSC 6246, University of Texas HSC at San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, 78229-3900, USA. Kudolo@uthscsa.edu
https://www.naturalproductsinsider.com/articles/2016/12/herbs-for-adrenal-fatigue.aspx

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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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".