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

Ginger Tea

One of my favorite herbal teas is ginger. It warms me up on cold winter mornings and helps to relieve minor aches and pains. Ginger is a very versatile herb and has a lot of things going for it. Since this is National Hot Tea Month, for today's blog, I will be talking about Ginger used in the form of a tea.

Ginger is known as a good choice for folks who travel and have problems with motion sickness. It is also known for minor problems with digestion such as gas, nausea and bloating. It contains anti-inflammatory properties that help with minor aches and pains of the joints. It warms you up when you have a cold and the tea has a bit of a spicy kick to it when you drink it. This can help soothe a sore throat and provide a sensation of warmth.

Ginger tea has vitamin C, and magnesium which can help with circulatory problems and ginger slightly thins the blood. It is useful for minor cramping that occurs with the menstrual cycle in women. Ginger contains antioxidants and has a calming effect for stress and tension. Some minor ailments that ginger can help with are heartburn, clogged sinuses and bad breath.

There is some controversy about the use of ginger for morning sickness. Be sure to consult your health care practitioner if you are thinking about using it for this purpose.Ginger should not be used if a mother is breast feeding. It could lower blood sugar so if you take more ginger than what is used for culinary purposes be sure to work with your health practitioner. High doses of ginger may not work well for folks with heart conditions.

Ginger tea is easy to make. Get some ginger root at the market and cut off a few slices. Add the slices to boiling water. Cover the pot and let it steep for 10 minutes. If you want a stronger tea use more slices of ginger. You can peel the ginger root before slicing, or leave it on depending on your preference. There are many blends of ginger tea that can be bought in tea bags. Some brands are a better quality than others. The quality of your water makes a difference in how good your tea tastes. Pure filtered water is the best. There are many things you can combine with the ginger to make a good tea. Lemon and honey are very popular. Peppermint or chamomile are good. Many types of chai tea have ginger in them.

Sources:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style-health-fitness/diet/8-health-benefits-tea/articleshow27714978.cms
http://bembu.com/ginger-benefits
http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-961-ginger.aspx?activeingredientiname=ginger

To learn more about tea check out my website www.valerielull.com

Author
Valerie Lull
Ten Healthy Teas
Lullval@clearwire.net

Natural Ways to Relieve Pain

I have arthritis in my back and sometimes the pain gets pretty bad. When the pain gets too severe I have to take a pain pill, but for mild to moderate pain there are several herbal remedies that work quite well.

1. Ginger - I like to brew up a cup of Ginger tea, it takes the edge off my arthritis pain. You can use fresh ginger, or some of the commercial ginger teas. To use it fresh, grate about two tablespoons of the fresh root and simmer in water for 20 minutes.As an alternative  I often use Yogi brand ginger tea. You can also use a hot ginger compress externally. Some people find that ginger has a calming effect which also helps.

2. Willow Bark - Willow bark was used by the American Indians. It contains salacin which is what aspirin is made of. Willow can be used in capsule form or a tea can be prepared from the bark. Personally I prefer the capsule. If you have an aspirin allergy it is probably best not to use willow bark.

3. Lavender - Lavender is wonderful for mild to moderate burns. A few drops of  lavender essential oil can be mixed with a little vegetable oil and rubbed into the area where there is pain. Lavender actually works on the nerves so that they transmit less pain. Just remember, essential oils are for external use only. Taking essential oils orally can be deadly. Lavender is also good for scrapes, bumps and bruises.

4. Peppermint - This was my grandmother's remedy for menstrual pain. Peppermint contains menthol which has an anesthetic effect. One common remedy for headaches uses peppermint tincture rubbed into the temples of the head. Peppermint is also good for indigestion discomfort.

5. Red Pepper - Red pepper contains salicylates, which are similar  to salicin, the herbal version of aspirin. Red  pepper also contains capsaicin, which stimulates the body's natural pain killers called endorphins. Capsaicin works as a rub or liniment that is massaged into the skin of the painful area. You can purchase capsaicin creams in your local drugstore. Be sure you wash your hands afterwards, and make double sure you don't get it in your eyes.

Remember to check with your health care provider when using herbal products. Check out my web site at www.valerielull.com .


Valerie Lull, Author
Ten Healthy Teas
Lullval@clearwire.net.