Peppermint

Peppermint, Mentha piperita, is the result of the combining of two mint plants, watermint and spearmint. It likes to grow by water and has a delightful minty taste that many folks associate with Christmas and the holidays. It is well known in the form of mint patties, often covered with chocolate, that are taken after a heavy holiday dinner as a digestive aid. Another popular way of taking peppermint is in the form of a peppermint tea.

Peppermint is a versatile herb that is used in cooking. Perhaps the most well-known dishes that mint is used with are lamb and tabbouleh. Peppermint is an herb that  is used frequently in cooking and flavoring beverages and candies. Peppermint is also used in soaps and cosmetics as well as for healing purposes. It is also used for flavoring gum and toothpaste. It comes in dried leaf form, as well as essential oil. It can be taken in capsules, as an oil, or as a tea.

The use of peppermint goes back for centuries. I remember as a teenager my grandma giving me peppermint tea for menstrual pain. Peppermint is used in folklore for a myriad of things like the common cold, irritable bowel, upset stomach, inflammation, headache, muscle pain, toothache, itching, menstrual cramps, viral infections, repelling mosquitoes, and digestive problems. Be sure to consult your health care practitioner if you plan to use peppermint for medicinal purposes.

The use of peppermint in connection with the holidays can be traced back to a German church where the candy cane is supposed to have originated. The choirmaster of the church bent the sticks into a shepherd's staff and gave it to the children attending the service. The custom became popular. Later the candy canes received their red stripes and became popular as a holiday treat.

Here is a peppermint tea recipe that can be used for the holidays.

1 pint boiling water
1 oz.. loose peppermint tea
1 peppermint stick for each cup of tea

Pour boiling water over tea leaves. Steep 2-3 minutes. Add the peppermint stick. Enjoy!

http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-705-peppermint.aspx?activeingredientid=705&activeingredientname=peppermint
https://umm.edu/Health/Medical/AltMed/Herb/Peppermint
http://www.dallasobserver.com/restaurants/why-does-christmas-taste-like-peppermint-7042149

Check out my blog at www.valerielull.com where my books are available. They make great holiday gifts.

Valerie Lull
Author
valerielull923@gmail.com

Hemp

Hemp, Cannibis sativa, is a controversial plant because it is a close relative to Marijuana. The difference between the two plants is genetics, and the environment in which they are grown. Marijuana plants contain THC which is thought to be the chemical that makes people high. Marijuana contains a lot of this and hemp only contains only a little.

Hemp has many uses; it is one of nature's most versatile plants. 

Hemp and marijuana have different uses. Marijuana is usually smoked and gives a high. It is considered psychoactive and is sometimes used for religious purposes. It is also popular for its medical uses. Hemp is used for plastics, paper, military grade fabric, rope, wax, resin, various foods and oils. It is also used for cleaning up soil pollution.

Hemp has been used for fabric for centuries. The Chinese were using hemp fabric back in 8,000 BC. In Great Britain, hemp was cultivated in 800 AD. Henry VIII encouraged the cultivation of hemp for building battleships, riggings, pendants, sails, paper for maps and even for Bibles. Hemp was grown in in the 1600's in the American colonies of Virginia, Massachusetts and Connecticut. In the 1700's hemp was used for currency and farmers could pay taxes with it.

Hemp seeds are considered a health food. They have a nutty flavor and can be used in salads, desserts, yogurts, bread, cereal and protein powder. I have personally tried the protein powder and I like the taste. Hemp seeds contain Omega-6 and omega-3 oils which are essential fatty acids that are good for the heart and have anti inflammatory properties. They also have amino acids that help with muscle control and mental function.

 In January of 2015 a bill was introduced into congress to legalize the growing of hemp. In February 2015 a new farm bill was passed allowing universities and state agriculture departments to develop programs using hemp. The industrial use of hemp is thought to be something that would help boost the American economy by creating jobs. All in all, there is a resurgence of interest in hemp and the many uses of this beneficial plant.


Sources:
http://www.leafscience.com/2014/09/16/5-differences-hemp-marijuana/
http://www.treehugger.com/environmental-policy/perfect-plant-7-great-uses-for-industrial-hemp.html
http://www.hemp.com/history-of-hemp/
http://www.care2.com/greenliving/5-surprising-health-benefits-of-hemp-2.html
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/01/22/hemp-legalization_n_6525106.html
https://www.rt.com/usa/feds-step-hemp-legalization-647/
http://www.forbes.com/sites/ashoka/2013/05/29/industrial-hemp-a-win-win-for-the-economy-and-the-environment/2/


















Be sure to check out my website at www.valerielull.com. My books Ten Healthy Teas and Ten Spices for Health and Longevity might just be the right holiday gift for that special friend or relative.  

Valerie Lull
Author
valerielull923@gmail.com

Beat Illness with Beets

I grew up eating beets. My father grew them in his garden and we would eat both the beet roots and the tops. As an adult I tried growing golden beets. To me they tasted the same but did not stain everything as the red beets do. The scientific name for beets is Beta vulgaris. They are in the same family as swiss chard.   Beets are a root vegetable that is also a superfood. The leafy tops are similar to chard.

Beets are probably best known for the nitrates they contain which are changed in the body into nitric oxide. About two cups of beet juice a day appears to benefit stamina so you can exercise longer. Some studies show that beets  support blood flow and lowering of blood pressure, which make beets a way to help prevent coronary artery disease and stroke. Some authorities also feel that beets have anti-aging effects.

Beets are loaded with nutrition which includes folate, potassium, antioxidants, vitamins A, C and B6, lutein, zeaxanthin, manganese,  iron, and copper. The purple color contains carotenoids that work as antioxidants in the body. Beets are a great source of fiber. Beets contain betaine that is known to fight against inflammation.

Historically beets were used by the Romans. They used them for their aphrodisiac benefits. It appears that beets helps in the production of human sex hormones. The Russians make a soup out of beets that they call Borscht. Beets are also good for women who are pregnant.

The beet greens are very nutritious. They have more iron than spinach. Research appears to show that beet greens help bone strength and prevent osteoporosis. They also help with Alzheimer's disease and strengthen the immune system. The greens can be prepared by steaming them, or sauteing lightly.  I like my beet greens steamed with a little butter and onion salt on them.

Here is a recipe for Borscht, a Russian beet soup.

1 Qt broth. This can be almost any kind of broth, I like beef or vegetable broth.
1 T butter
3-4 beets sliced thinly
1 onion, thinly sliced
1 C red cabbage
1/8 C minced parsley
1 T lemon juice
salt and pepper to taste
sour cream (optional)

Melt butter. Add onions and beets and cook until soft 7-8 minutes. Add salt and pepper and stir in the broth. Simmer about 20 minutes. Add cabbage, parsley, and nutmeg. Simmer awhile longer. Add additional salt and pepper as desired. A dollop of sour cream can be added if desired.

Sources:
http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=49
http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/truth-about-beetroot-juice
http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/beets.html
http://www.fullcircle.com/goodfoodlife/2012/05/10/6-health-benefits-of-eating-beets/
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2014/01/2

Be sure to check out my web site at www.valerielull.com. Check out my latest book called Ten Spices for Health and Longevity. That book and my other book Ten Healthy Teas make great holiday gifts. They are available on Amazon.

Valerie Lull
Author
valerielull923@gmail.com

Lentils

Lentils, Lens culinaris, is defined by Webster as "a widely cultivated Eurasian annual leguminous plant with flattened edible seeds and leafy stalks used as fodder".  Lentils are one of many legumes and are eaten in many places around the world. The famous "Esau's Pottage" mentioned in the Bible is thought to be made of lentils.

Lentils come in green, brown and red. There are various shades between each of these colors. Brown lentils are the most common kind, green take the longest to cook, and red lentils are nutty and sweet. Lentils are good in soups, casseroles, and salads. They are also good with rice and are often used in Indian curries.

Lentils are loaded with  nutrition. They have potassium, niacin, zinc, iron and vitamin K. They are a good source of fiber and protein and are one of the oldest eaten foods in history.  They are filling and have a fiber content of 16 grams per cup. They are considered a lean protein because they have less than 1 gram of fat, and practically no cholesterol. They contain folate which is good for pregnant women because it may reduce the risk of the baby having a birth defect.

Here are the basic directions for cooking lentils. Take 1 cup of dry lentils and add 3 cups of water, chicken broth, or beef stock. Be sure to use a big pot as they increase in size when they are cooked. Bring to a boil. cover and reduce heat. Simmer until they are soft and tender. Some like their lentils mushy and some like them firm. This depends on how long you cook them. Cook about 20 to 30 minutes depending on how mushy you want the end product. Barley or brown rice and/or chopped onions can be cooked with the lentils and adding some onion salt can make them quite tasty.

Here is a recipe for a lentil casserole that I got from my mom. You may find it interesting. It goes good with baked potatoes and gravy.

1 C cooked lentils
1 can evaporated milk
1 C corn flakes
1 small chopped onion
1 T olive oil
1 or 2 teaspoons of sage, depending on how well you like sage
1 egg
1/2 C chopped walnuts.
Salt or onion salt to taste

Mix everything together and put in a casserole dish. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour. Remove from the oven and enjoy.

Do you have a favorite way you like to fix lentils? Tell us about it in the comments below. Click on the words below that say 'no comments' and the comments box will show up.

Sources:
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lentil
http://www.thekitchn.com/whats-the-difference-brown-gre-111139
http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/benefits-eating-lentils-4547.html

Be sure to check out my website at www.valerielull.com  Also, my new book Ten Spices for Health and Longevity. 

Valerie Lull
Author
Ten Healthy Teas
valerielull923@gmail.com

5 Soothing Herbs for Peace and Calm

By Valerie Lull, first published on American College of Healthcare Sciences Blog, www.achs.edu 

Feeling overwhelmed lately? Perhaps you feel stressed out and frustrated. Stress is a natural side effect of life. Some stress is good for us, it can relieve boredom and keep us on our toes. But it can easily get out of control. Everyday life is filled with stressful situations, so it's important to have tools that promote calm and peace.

Herbs and essential oils are exceptional when used to combat the little stresses of everyday life and promote peace and calm. So if your cat threw up, or the baby cried all night, or any of the hundred little frustrating things that happen during the day, there are a number of soothing essential oils and herbs for peace and calm.

1. German Chamomile Matricaria recutita

Chamomile is very popular for its calming properties. It has been used for decades to help promote peace and relaxation. It can help you get a handle on the stressful situation.

German chamomile Matricaria recutita (L.,) has a pleasant apple-like scent. It can be prepared as a delicious tea or taken in capsule form. One research study examined its calming effects on patients with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) with positive results, although it was concluded that more research studies are needed.[1] An old folk remedy recommends stuffing a pillow with chamomile [2]

You're sure to enjoy chamomile's relaxing aroma. Chamomile M. recutita tea can be safely used for children and babies in small doses, but consult your pediatrician first.

2 .Lemon Grass Cymbopogon citratus (Stapf)

Lemon Grass is a fragrant herb that can be soothing on frayed nerves and has traditionally been used to promote calm. It has a lemony flavor that is used extensively in Asian cooking. The use of lemongrass in aromatherapy can encourage inner peace and relaxation [3]

3. Passionflower Passiflora incarnata. (L.) 

Passionflower is a beautiful botanical. The fruit is often used in cuisine, but the flower, leaves, and stem have mild soothing qualities on the body and mind. It is native to South America, and has traditionally been used to induce calm and take the edge off a stressful day. It is also fantastic to promote healthy sleep patterns [4]

Passionflower P. incarnata tea is a wonderful way to prepare this and experiences its soothing properties.

4. St. John's Wort

St. John's Wort Hypericum perforatum (L.) is one of the most popular botanicals used to promote an uplifted, healthy mood [5] Since stress and mood go hand-in-hand, a healthy feeling of happiness can calm you down...naturally!

It has been said that St. John's Wort "brings the stork," but the Herb Research Foundation says these fears are unfounded as this herb has been used in Europe for centuries with no report of unwanted pregnancies.

It is recommended to use St. John's Wort H. perforatum extract three times per day standardized to 3% hypericin at 300 milligrams.

This herb can be taken as a tea, a tincture, a capsule, or in pill form. Do not use St. John's Wort H. perforatum if you are taking antidepressants.[6] If you are using Indinavir-a component of antiretroviral therapy to treat HIV-do not use St. Johns Wort as it is also contraindicated.

5. Green Tea Camellia sinensis

I would be remiss if I didn't mention green tea Camellia sinensis (L.). Popular in many health and wellness circles, green tea is traditionally used for its soothing effects. Green tea contains L-theanine, which has been studied for its potential calming properties.[7].

Feeling strung out? Have a break and take a few minutes for yourself, relax and sip the warm tea. Those few minutes may be all it takes to help re-focus and revive.

Some herbs interact with prescription drugs, so be sure to discuss any  herbal preparations you use with your healthcare provider or registered herbalist with the American Herbalist Guild (AHG).  Be careful if you are pregnant or nursing.

References

[1] Amsterdam JD, Yimei L, Soeller I, et al. A randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of oral Matricaria recutita (chamomile) extract therapy for generalized anxiety disorder J. Clin Psychopharmacol 2009:29(4):378-382

[2] Howe, M. Chamomile: Shelter from the storm. Webmd. Retreived from  http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/features/chamomile-shelter-from-the--storm

[3] Blanco MM. Costa CA, Freire AO, Santos JG, Jr. Costa M. Neurobehavioral effect of essential oil of cymbopogon citratus in mice. Phytomedicine 2009:16(2-3):265-270. Retreived from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed;17561386

[4] Passionflower. University of Maryland Medical Center. Retrieved from https://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/passionflower

[5] Archer, D. St. John's Wort and depression. Is St. John's Wort a safe effective alternative to medication for depression? 2013 Retrieved from http://www.pschologytoday.com/blog/reading-between-the-headlines/201308st-johns-wort-and-depression

NOTE: Last week there was no post to this blog. I was on vacation. Be sure to check out my web site at www.valerielull.com

Valerie Lull
Author
Ten Spices for Health and Longevity
valerielull923@gmail.com