Cilantro

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 an 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.

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/

Be sure to check out my website at www.valerielull.com  My new book entitled "The Sweet Side of the Stinking Rose; How to use garlic to stay healthier and live longer" will hopefully be out in  June.

Valerie Lull
Author
Ten Healthy Teas
valerielull923@gmail.com

Lemons, Honey and Cinnamon

Some herbalists like to use just one single herb at a time for a particular problem. Others believe that herbs in formulas and combinations work better. I feel you can do either one depending on what one's problem is. Lemon is a powerful substance. So is cinnamon. When they are  mixed with raw honey they are even more powerful. Organic honey is good and locally produced raw honey is good too. Especially good is Manukah honey which comes from Australia and New Zealand.

When honey and lemon are teamed up together they help a number of things. One thing that this combination helps is weight loss. Many people consider it a tonic. It is also good for digestion and it helps your liver. The honey is good for the friendly bacteria in your colon and the lemon is packed with vitamin C. This combination also helps heartburn and bloating.  Honey and lemon is good for insect bites, it soothes respiratory problems and it is good for your skin.

Another winning mixture  is raw honey and cinnamon.This combination has been around for centuries. It was used by the ancients in China and India.  It helps prevent heart disease, it clears one's sinuses, it helps maintain a healthy weight, it helps with arthritis and it boosts the immune system. In addition to that honey and cinnamon can help you get through cold and flu season, help your digestion by stopping the growth of bacteria and fungi, and help you recover from bladder infections.

Take 2 tablespoons of lemon and one teaspoon of honey. Take it with warm water. I do it first thing in the morning, but it can be taken at any time of day. For cinnamon and honey use 1 teaspoon of honey and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and dissolve in a cup of boiling water. If you really want a winner mix all three, lemon, cinnamon and honey.

As always, be sure to discuss the use of these remedies with your health care provider. Herbs do interact with medicines. Be sure to refrain from giving children honey under the age of two.

Check out my website and learn more about healing teas. Go to www.valerielull.com

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

Hibiscus Tea -- A Great Antioxidant

I must admit, the first time I tried hibiscus tea I did not like it. It was sour and had a zing to it. As I got older and more interested in herbal teas and health I learned to like it, though it still seems a bit sour. The taste can be improved with a healthful sweetener or by blending it with other herbal teas. However, I've grown to like the sour taste. Some people like it. I sip it in small sips when I drink it.

Despite all of this, hibiscus appears to have some very good properties that assist in maintaining health. Hibiscus is used for nerve problems, fluid retention, circulatory problems, a diuretic (increases flow of urine), a gentle laxative, loss of appetite, colds and heart diseases. Some scientists think hibiscus may lower mild blood pressure problems, and help relieve spasms of the stomach and uterus. It also may kill bacteria and worms. Hibiscus has nutritional value, it contains vitamins A and C, thiamin and it also contains minerals like calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, and sodium.

In Egypt the flower portion of the hibiscus plant is used for a common drink called Karkade. This plant has been used to make jams, spices, soups, sauces and the flowers are used in making medicine. Hibiscus can improve the flavor, odor and the appearance of tea blends Some authorities think drinking 3 cups of hibiscus tea during the day is best for mild  hypertension issues.


It is not recommended for pregnant or nursing women. Since it can work on the uterus it possibly can cause miscarriage. It may interfere with Tylenol and other over the counter pain relievers. Always consult with your health care provider before starting its use.


Many tea companies sell blends of hibiscus with other teas and herbs for both hot and cold tea Some of these are quite good .Hibiscus tea is used both hot and iced and blending it with other teas seems to improve the taste.  I have included a simple recipe for hibiscus iced tea.


Iced Hibiscus Tea

32 oz. of water
Several bags of hibiscus tea (The more you use the stronger the tea)
Sweetener of choice
Ice

Place the tea bags in a saucepan with the water. Simmer 5 minutes. Allow to cool. Add ice. Enjoy the beverage. Other things can be added to enhance the flavor, lemon, lemon grass, cinnamon. Try experimenting with some of your favorite flavors.

Would you like to comment? What is your favorite hibiscus recipe?

Valerie Lull, Author

Ten Healthy Teas
Ten Spices For Health and Longevity

valerielull923@gmail.com

Website: www.valerielull.com 

 Goldenseal Tea (Hydrastis canadensis)

Goldenseal is a common and powerful herb that
is good for assisting the immune system in warding off
colds and flu. It is a Native American plant and was widely
used by Native Americans, particularly the Iroquois and
Cherokee. Goldenseal has a reputation for being a cureall
and has been known as an effective antibiotic. It is
also useful for diarrhea and yeast infections. Goldenseal
is an endangered species, so be sure your tea comes from
a reputable source. You can find reputable companies on
the Internet. Goldenseal should not be used by pregnant
women or people with heart conditions. Some authorities
think it raises blood pressure.

Goldenseal may be used as a tonic and a detoxifier. It is
useful for respiratory infections and mucous membrane infections,
as well as for diarrhea and intestinal infections.
Goldenseal may help diabetes, yeast infections, periodontal
disease, eye disease, and liver problems in alcoholics. It is
a popular treatment for urinary tract infections. Goldenseal
has natural antibiotic properties. It helps to kill the harmful
bacteria in your system.

Here are some more uses for goldenseal tea: boost immune
system, stimulate appetite, anti-inflammatory, eye
infections, peptic ulcers, colitis, anorexia, and irritable
bowel syndrome. Use as an eyewash or as a douche for
yeast infections in women. Gargling with goldenseal heals
canker sores in the mouth and eases sore throats. Don’t use
if you’re taking blood thinning drugs like Coumadin; don’t
use if pregnant or breast-feeding.

Suggestions for use: 
Take with meals
ƒ Honey sweetens the bitter taste

One last word. Goldenseal is an endangered species. Wildcrafting goldenseal is not advised. Be sure you get your goldenseal from  a reputable source.

Goldenseal Tea from the Root

Simmer 1 teaspoon of dried root in 8 ounces of boiling
water for 10–20 minutes. Enjoy.

Goldenseal Tea

Goldenseal Tea from Tea Bags

1–2 goldenseal tea bags
Honey or another sweetener of choice
1-2 cups of boiling water
Pour boiling water over the tea bag and let steep for 5 minutes.
Add sweetener to taste.

Goldenseal Lemon Peppermint Tea

1 goldenseal tea bag
1 lemon tea bag or ½ squeezed lemon
1 peppermint tea bag (to flavor the bitter taste)
Sweetener to taste
Pour boiling water over the tea bags in a large cup or small
teapot and let steep for 5 minutes. Add sweetener to taste

Question: Have you ever used goldenseal tea? How did you like it? Your comments are welcome.

-- Valerie Lull
Author, Ten Healtlhy Teas
Web Site: www.valerielull.com