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

Cinnamon Tea and Blood Sugar Control

Cinnamon is a  popular spice that is used in teas, candies, chewing gum, cooking and baking. Cinnamon has been used as a traditional medicine in China for hundreds of years. In recent times cinnamon has been the subject of numerous research studies. Scientists have come up with some interesting results. The one that interested me was that cinnamon may be useful for the control of blood sugar.

In 2012 a study was done in China to see if cinnamon extract would improve fasting blood glucose in the treatment of type 2 diabetes patients. Sixty-six patients were recruited and divided into three groups. One group received high-dose cinnamon, the second group received low-dose cinnamon and the third group received a placebo. The researchers saw hemoglobin A(1c)levels and fasting blood glucose levels in both the high-dose group and the low-dose significantly reduced. The placebo group was unchanged. The researchers concluded that cinnamon supplements could significantly improve blood glucose control in Chinese type 2 diabetes patients. (1)

There are a number of studies that seem to indicate cinnamon lowers glucose levels, but there are also studies that show the opposite. A meta-analysis was done in 2011 that compared 8 clinical studies. They concluded that cinnamon intake results in a significant lowering of fasting blood glucose. (2) The general consensus is that more studies need to be done on cinnamon and glucose levels.

My take on all this is that cinnamon is a healthful spice; even if it is controversial about lowering blood glucose, it has other potential health benefits that make it worth taking. However, don't use it for self-treatment without first discussing it with your healthcare practitioner.

Cinnamon tea is delicious and  easy to make. Simply immerse a cinnamon stick in a cup of boiling water. Cinnamon tea in teabag form is available and cinnamon is often mixed with other things like cloves and ginger. It is often included in chai teas which make a delicious drink. Some folks like to add cinnamon to their cocoa.


(1) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22749176
(2) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21480806

Check out my website at www.valerielull.com  

Valerie Lull
Author
Ten Spices for Health and Longevity
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

Lemon, 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 
Lullval!@clearwire.net