Five Herbs for Inflammation

Inflammation is a necessary response when the body is injured or infected and it helps in the healing process. It is when there is a low level of inflammation that goes on all the time that there are problems.. It can also be caused by chemical reactions in fat cells in overweight people.In the last 20 years or so many researchers have concluded that inflammation is the root cause of most of our common chronic illnesses. The solution is to do things that will cool the fires of chronic inflammation and thereby prevent these diseases. Most doctors will prescribe NSAIDS or other drugs. However, there are many simple remedies that will do the same thing without the negative side effects. There are a number of herbs that are very good for fighting inflammation. I have chosen 5 that I will write about today.

Burdock -  Burdock is known as a blood purifier and is used for detoxification. This process helps relieve chronic inflammation. It is often paired with dandelion root. Burdock root has been documented to relieve diseases like boils, sores, psoriasis, acne and leprosy.  It is thought to be helpful in diseases like syphilis and gonorrhea.

Ginger -. Ginger is well known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It has been used in folk medicine for centuries for inflammation. In recent times many researchers have found scientific support for these beliefs. Ginger works by inhibiting prostaglandin biosynthesis thereby curbing inflammation. In a study done at the University of Miami, it was concluded that ginger extract could someday be a substitute for NSAIDS. The study showed that ginger works at the cellular level. Personally I like a cup of ginger tea on cold fall and winter mornings. It warms me up and takes the edge off my arthritis.

Green Tea - Green tea contains flavonoids and polyphenols as well as antioxidants. All of these things help to fight inflammation. Green tea is thought to play a role in treating chronic diseases that are caused by inflammation. In a study done at the University of Maryland Medical Center it was concluded that green tea may help reduce inflammation connected with Crohn's disease. Green tea is readily available and easy to prepare. In most studies people drink about 3 cups a day.

Turmeric -  Some scientists think that inflammation may be the root cause in Alzheimer's disease. In India the spice turmeric is widely used in cooking. Turmeric has a constituent called curcumin that is thought to be anti-inflammatory. Researchers think that this may be the reason that India has a very low rate of Alzheimer's disease. It is easy to incorporate turmeric in your cooking. You can also use curry powder which contains turmeric.

Garlic -  Garlic has compounds that are thought to inhibit key enzymes that cause inflammation. Garlic may help to prevent asthma attacks and reduce the pain of arthritis. Some researchers think garlic may reduce joint swelling and inflammation. Garlic is useful for colds and flu. It fights the infection and that reduces the inflammation.

There are many more herbs, spices and foods that can be useful for inflammatory conditions. You may find Dr. Weil's anti-inflammatory food pyramid useful. Here's the link: http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/ART02995/Dr-Weil-Anti-Inflammatory-Food-Pyramid.html

Sources:
http://www.planetherbs.com/michaels-blog/dandelion-burdoc-and-cancer.html
https://www.beneficialbotanicals.com/tincture-information/burdock-root.htm
http://www.arthritistoday.org/what-you-can-do/eating-well/arthritis-diet/ginger-benefits.php
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16117603
http://www.livestrong.com/article/372839-is-green-tea-an-anti-inflammatory/
http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/green-tea
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blot/diethack/view/top-five-health-benefits-of-garlic-119
http://www.soul-guidance.com/health/garlic.htm

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

Valerie Lull
Author
Ten Healthy Teas
www.valerielull923@gmail.com

Tips for Detoxification

The way most of us live these days, there is a build up of toxins in our bodies. These toxins can range from pesticides used when growing food, to air pollution, to heavy metals like mercury, lead and cadmium. It is impossible to be totally free of toxins, but we need to strive to be as free as possible from them. Toxins are part of what causes cancer, heart disease and a host of other ailments that we all could do without. Here are some things you can do to detox.

Drink pure water - Most tap water has chlorine and fluoride in it. Pure spring water is the best, and purified drinking water is next best.Get a filter for your shower.Our bodies can absorb the chlorine through the skin.

Exercise - Vigorous exercise causes you to sweat. This helps eliminate toxins through the skin.It also gets the blood circulating which carryies waste away from our cells.

Fresh air - Often our homes and office spaces become stuffy from breathing the same air over and over. There is also the threat of pollution from many sources such as smokestacks on factories and exhaust fumes from the gas we use in our cars. Try to get outside every day for awhile and breathe the air. Air out your homes. Take a trip to the park or forest. Get away to the countryside, beach or mountains periodically and breath in the fresh air. This can lift the spirits as well as help protect our bodies from toxins.

Lemon water - Lemons are important for liver detoxification. They are high in vitamin C which is needed to make glutathione. This flushes toxins out of the liver. Drinking warm lemon water in the morning is one way to get your vitamin C and there is something about the lemon water that gets things moving in your body.

Cardamon - Often called 'The Queen of Spices' originated in India. It is a diuretic and this helps flush toxins, and waste from the urinary tract, kidneys and bladder. It eliminates toxins from the digestive tract.

Dandelion tea - This  another herb that is often used as a tea to detox the liver . It is a diuretic that flushes toxins out of the body through the kidneys. There are many dandelion teas that are readily available at the health food store and on the internet. .

Burdock root - This herb is popular for liver detoxification. It is often used in detox formulas in combination with other detox herbs. In British countries it is used for things like eczema, and psoriasis.

Detoxification can be as easy as drinking a cup of tea, or getting into a steam bath or sauna, or going for a walk. It will help you feel better and help prevent unwanted diseases.

Check out my web site at www.valerielull.com .

Sources:
http://www.thealternativedaily.com/fruits-with-cleansing-power
http://www.thealternativedaily.com/detox-and-freshen-breathe-with-cardamon
http://life.gaiam.com/article/5-natural-detox-drink-recipes
http://www.betternutrition.com/herbaldetox/

Valerie Lull
Author
Ten Healthy Teas
New Email address: Valerielull923@gmail.com

Five Spices for anti-aging

While we all know that someday we will die, there are things that can be done to slow down the aging process and have a better quality of life right up to the end. Nature has provided a great many things that can help us achieve these goals. Who wants to be sitting in a wheelchair in a nursing home, and who wants to be a burden to their families? By adding these simple things to your diet you can help maintain your independence and have a quality life.

Oregano - has the highest antioxidant level of all herbs. Antioxidants are important for fighting free radicals which speed up the aging process. Oregano is also anti-inflammatory. Inflammation is a definite part of the ageing process and slowing it down is a good preventative measure. Oregano is also antibiotic and antiviral, which means it helps keep these nasty microbes under control.

 Ginger - A little sliced ginger with honey in hot water makes a delicious tea. This anti aging secret comes form India and helps reduce inflammation and reduces collagen breakdown. Sipping a cup of ginger tea on a cold fall or winter morning also has a calming effect. This is one of my personal favorites.

Turmeric - Another anti aging secret from India is Turmeric. The people in India have a much lower rate of Alzheimer's disease than other countries. This is thought to be because of the extensive use of turmeric in their diet. Turmeric contains high levels of antioxidants and inflammatory substances. Turmeric contains curcumin which many people have found can relieve arthritis pain.

Chili - can help with circulation problems and coughs and colds. It is great for clearing your sinuses. Chili contains capsaicin, which is an antiinflammatory that relieves pain. It can be obtained in ointments and patch form and is popular for relieving minor aches and pains in the body.

Cinnamon - This is a spice that was popular among the ancients for its health benefits. In recent times it has been studied for it's use in controlling blood sugar levels. A half teaspoon per day can improve insulin sensitivity which can help control weight and prevent heart disease.

It is so easy to just add a little spice to your diet. It makes your food taste good and it is good nutrition when used in moderation. If you desire to use it as a medicinal be sure to consult your health care provider because some spices may not mix well with your medications. Expert advice is always important.

Sources
http://www.worldhealth.net/forum/thread/733/highly-recommended-anti-aging-spices-to/?page=1
http://www.worldhealth.net/forum/thread/99334/oregano-one-of-the-most-beneficial-spi/?page=1
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/11/09/anti-aging-secrets_n_4234137.html
http://www.agein.com/use-this-anti-aging-spice-to-fight-disease-3338

To access my web site and learn about teas go to www.valerielull.com

Valerie Lull
Author
Ten Healthy Teas
Lullval@clearwire.net

Matcha

Matcha is a tea that comes from Japan. It is traditionally used in the Japanese tea ceremony. Matcha is the leaf of the tea plant that is finely powdered, it is mixed into a froth and consumed. It is thought to be more nutritionally valuable because being in powder form it is more accessible to the body. One is getting the actual leaf rather than a water extraction.

One serving of matcha is equal to ten servings of regular green tea as far as nutrients and antioxidants are concerned. Matcha is stone ground. According to a Tufts University study matcha has 20 times more antioxidants than pomegranates and blueberries.

Matcha boosts energy throughout the day according to a study and another study found that it improved physical endurance by 24%. It assists in burning calories and does not raise blood pressure or heart rate. Matcha also serves as a cleanse for the body and is a good part of a detox regimen. Some researchers claim that matcha can promote weight loss, support healthy blood pressure, lower cholesterol, enhance mood and reduce stress. The reality is that very few studies have been done on matcha as opposed to regular green tea.

Matcha is grown differently than other teas. The plant is covered before picking. This causes its deep green color. After the harvest the leaves are ground into a fine powder that is also used in food products like ice cream, candy bars and baked goods.  For some people matcha is an acquired taste, though others think it has a sweet taste.

Matcha can cause stomach problems or constipation in some people and it is wise to consult your health care provider if you decide to use it for medicinal purposes.

Sources

http://www.matchasource.com/matcha-tea-health-benefits-s/14.htm
http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/ART02735/green-tea-benefits
http://altmedicine.aboaut.com/od/greentea/a/Matcha.htm

Check out my website at www.valerielull.com for more information about healthy teas.

Valerie Lull
Author
Ten Healthy Teas
Lullval@clearwire.net