Lavender, Lavandula officinalis

I had an experience this week that brought home to me how valuable lavender can be. I burned my thumb with boiling water and it hurt pretty bad. I had some lavender oil nearby and I doused the burn with it. Two hours later the pain was gone, there was no scaring and it was like I had never burned it at all. Lavender is wonderful stuff for burns. It is also good for bumps and bruises. I just feel fortunate that I had the lavender oil on hand.

Lavender is what I call a super herb. It is used for so many things. It has many cosmetic uses such as air freshener, perfume, soaps and bath preparations. It also has healthful uses. There are several varieties of lavender. Among them are English lavender, True lavender, Spanish lavender, and Spike lavender.  Each kind has different uses. Spike lavender is harsh and mainly used for making soaps. Spanish lavender is not usually used for cooking or medicinal purposes. True lavender grows at a high elevation and produces the finest essential oil. English lavender is used for cosmetic purposes.

  

Lavender has been used for thousands of years as an antiseptic, disinfectant, sedative, stimulant, tonic and carminative (helps flatulence). It is used topically for scrapes, bumps, bruises and burns. Lavender is good for dental decay because of it's antimicrobial and antibacterial activity. It is also antifungal and heals wounds. It is good for chills, infectious diseases, feverishness and feeling tired. A mild infusion can be made that is good as a sedative, and helps insomnia, poor digestion, migraines and irritability. The oil is a good tonic for hair. Dried lavender flowers made into a sachet can be scattered among clothing to keep the moths away. Lavender flowers are also useful when making a potpourri.  

Lavender essential oil can be used in massage when diluted with another oil and leaves a delightful scent. It can be made into a lotion, or a compress for burns, eczema or lung congestion. Lavender essential oil is one of the few essential oils that can be used orally. It can be inhaled for respiratory problems. Lavender has been said to be good for hair loss when combined with thyme, rosemary and cedarwood in a base of jojoba and grapeseed oil. It is also useful for dandruff. Lavender can be used as a tea for anxiety. Lavender is truly a super herb.

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Valerie Lull, Author

Ten Healthy Teas

Lullval@clearwire.net

Herbal Preparations

There are many ways to take herbs. Herbal tea is probably the most popular and one of the easiest. Then there's infusions, decoctions, tinctures, extracts, pills and capsules, fomentations, poultices, ointments and liniments, and syrups. When do you use each type? That is the topic of today's blog.

Herbal Tea - This is the most popular way to take an herb. Mix 1 teaspoon of dried herb or 2 teaspoons of fresh herb with 1 cup of boiling water, let it steep and drink it.

Infusion - This is prepared like a tea except you use 1 oz. of dried herb or 2 oz. of fresh herb to 1 cup of boiling water and you let it steep 10 -20 minutes.

Decoction - is used for bark, roots and stems. You take 1 oz. of   herb and simmer it in a pot for 10 - 20 minutes or until the water level has gone down by 1/3 .

Tincture - is the maceration of the herb. Take the herb and mix it with alcohol. Vodka works good. You put the two into a jar and seal. Keep in a cool dark place. Let it sit for 2 weeks and shake daily. After the two weeks is up you strain your mixture in cheesecloth and put the liquid into dark colored bottles with droppers and seal. If you cannot use alcohol you can use vinegar or vegetable glycerin.

Extract - An extract is more potent than a tincture and requires special equipment to make. It cannot be made at home. Extracts can be purchased at herb shops and health food stores.

Pills and capsules - These are available everywhere and are perhaps the simplest way to take your herbs. Empty capsules can be found at health stores and you can fill your own if you wish.

Fomentations -  For a fomentation you boil a  decoction of the herb in water. For a cold fomentation let the water cool. Dip a cloth in the water and apply to the body at the affected area.

Poultices - With the poultice you can apply fresh bruised or mashed herbs, or dry herbs can be used. Pour over enough boiling water to wet the mixture. Put the herb matter directly on the skin. Bran or ground flaxseed can be added to give the mixture bulk. Wrap the mixture in a cloth before applying. Change periodically to retain warmth.

Ointments and liniments - are rather complicated and messy to make, though they can be made at home. I prefer to get a preparation at the health shop.

Syrups - are really useful for colds and coughs. Usually the herbal product is mixed with honey or sugar. Sometimes it is made into lozenges.

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Share your comments. They will be welcome

Valerie Lull, Author
Ten Healthy Teas
www.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.

Limes, Citrus aruantifolia

Limes, often considered more sour than lemons, have many health benefits. Most notably, they were carried on British navy ships to keep the sailors from getting scurvey. Hence, the nickname limeys. They are full of vitamin C and are often used in cooking and beverages. Some of the culinary uses include, sorbet, cocktails, candies, and they are often used in limeade and sodas, notably lemon-lime soda. Health benefits include, scurvey, hemorrhoids, peptic ucler, respiratory problems, bleeding gums, skin treatments, respiratory problems and more.

Some historians think limes came from Indonesia. Probably lime is the most famous as the cure for scurvey which is a deficiency of Vitamin C. Llimes are full of it. Today it is used by workers in polluted areas like furnaces, cement factories and paint shops to protect the workers.

Limes contain acids, antiobiotic properties, antioxidants, and are good for detoxification. The use of limes in cosmetic products is quite extensive. These include deodorants, hair oil, lotions and creams, as an exfoliant for dead skin cells, dandruff, toothpaste, soap and bath products.  Limes are also used in cleaning products for floors and toilets.

Limes are useful for diabetics because of the high levels of soluble fiber in them. They help regulate the body's absorption of sugar into the bloodstream, and help to reduce the recurrence of blood sugar spikes. Limes have a low glycemic index.They are useful for constipation because of their soluble fiber. Limes help to lower blood pressure because of their high level of potassium and limes help control cholesterol. They cut down on inflammation of the blood vesels and help to prevent heart disease.

Limes help to prevent the eyes from aging and macular degeneration and the flavonoids help protect the eyes from infections. They are useful for bleeding gums which result from a deficiency of Vitamin C.

Some folks use a glass of warm water with the juice of a lime squeesed into it as a weight reducer. It is said that consuming 2 glasses of this a day can burn fat very well and results will be seen in about one week. 

Here is a simple recipe for limeade, or if you wish you can use lemons too.

Lemon-limeade

3 limes or 2 limes and 1 large lemon

Sweetener or choice

2 quarts of water

ice

Cut limes and lemon in half and squeeze out the juice into a pitcher. Add sugar or sweetener of choice. Stir well. Add water and ice and chill in the refrigerator.  Enjoy and keep cool. 

Valerie Lull, Author

Ten Healthy Teas

Lullval@clearwlire.net

Web Site: www.valerielull.com 

Using Herbs Safely

The British herbalists have a slogan that goes "herbal medicine is good medicine". Herbs are not exactly like drugs, they are more dilute and usually milder than medicines. For the most part herbs are a safe way to go , but you do have to follow a few guidelines.Here are a few tips:

1. If you harvest your herbs in the wild you need to be absolutely positive you have the right plant. Many plants look alike and you definitely don't want to consume hemlock, belladonna, or aconite. Consuming these herbs is fatal. If you're not sure what a plant is don't harvest and use it.

2.Always take the recommended dosage. If you don't get enough your herbs will not work well, and if you get too much you could have some undesirable side effects.

3. If you are not harvesting your herbs in the wild, be sure you get your herbs from a reliable source.

4. If you are not sure about which herb to use consult with a naturopath, herbalist or someone who really knows their stuff.

5. Make sure your health care provider knows you are taking herbal remedies and which ones you are taking. If your provider is not open to the use of herbs, you may need to find another provider.

6. In some situations it is better not to take herbs, but go straight to a doctor. For example, if you are in acute or chronic pain, if a remedy does not work, or if it stops working when you stop taking it.

7. Many herbs and drugs do not mix well. For example, if you are on an anti-depressant and you take St. Johns Wort too you  may get too much. Always consult your health care provider about your medications and their compatibility with herbal remedies.

Herbal medicine is the oldest branch of medicine known to man. The Chinese were using herbs in 3000 BCE. They are generally safe as long as  you follow the guidelines. Here is a website you can go to for more information.

http://www.herb-health-guide.com/herb-safety-guidelines.html 

Check out my web site at www.valerielull.com  to learn more about herbal teas.

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

Lemons

Lemons, Citrus Limon are little powerhouses of health. They may have a sour taste but they are very good for your health. Lemons began as a cross between limes and citrons. They are considered evergreen shrubs and were originally from Asia. During the California gold rush in 1849, they saved the miners from scurvey and were quite costly, up to $1.00 per lemon. As far as nutrition goes, they contain quite an impressive list of nutrients. They have Vitamin C, riboflavin, thiamin, magnesium, iron, pantothenic acid, fiber, pectin, vitamin B6, potassium, calcium, folate and copper.

Lemons are good for many things. They have antioxidant properties that fight free radicals which are substances generated by cell metabolism that need to be neutralized in order to be healthy. They help keep your skin clear by supporting your liver in removing toxins from the body which helps to decrease blemishes. Lemons are good for your digestion, and for keeping your pH in balance. They contain 22 compounds that fight cancer. One of these is limonene which has been shown to fight cancer in animal studies. They contain potassium which helps keep your blood pressure down and they they have negative ions which increase the flow of oxygen to your brain. Lemons also contain fiber which helps fight diabetes and heart disease. Lemons are antibacterial, antiviral and boost the immune system.

Lemons and lemon juice are used extensively in cooking for everything to lemon bars and lemon pie to salad dressing. One problem is the large amount of sugar that is added to decrease the sour taste. The sugar negates the healthful properties of the lemon. Lemon water is very good for your health and so is lemonade. Lemonade can be made with stevia to take care of the sugar problem and can be mixed with other fruits to add interesting flavor, like raspberry, or cherry.

One very good remedy to help detox your liver is to have warm lemon water at the beginning of each day. Take the juice of 1 or 2 lemons, depending on the size of the lemon, and mix with 8 to 10 oz.of warm or room temperature water. Drink this first thing in the morning on an empty stomach and wait at least 10 minutes before eating or drinking anything else. This helps to detox your liver, increase the flow of bile and and improve digestion. Be sure to use fresh lemons. Lemon juice that comes in a bottle loses its nutrients in processing and over time.  I have been using this remedy for several months and it has definitely helped my digestion and elimination. If you are worried about the acid of the lemon destroying the enamel on your teeth you can use a straw to drink it. Another way to use lemon is as lemon tea. Lemon tea can be used by itself, or added to other teas and blends for flavor. It is a great source of vitamin C for winter colds and flu.

Now I realize that there some people who just can't handle unsweetened lemon juice first thing in the morning and that is fine. There are plenty of other sources of vitamin C. Just because I recommend something does not mean you have to do it. Take what fits you and your situation and leave the rest, but for those who are lemon lovers this is a great way to accent your health and help prevent disease.



Valerie Lull, Author
Ten Healthy Teas
Lullval@clearwire.net
Web site: www.valerielull.com 

What are Nervines?

Nervines are herbs that are used to strengthen and tone the nervous system, they also regulate and rehabilitate nerve cells.There are many herbs that are nervines. There are two kinds of nervines, stimulating nervines that make you more alert, and sedative nervines that have a calming effect and can induce relaxation and sleep. I'm going to talk about some of the most popular herbs for nerves.

1. Catnip, Napeta Cataria

Catnip is a mild nervine. It really stimulates the nervous system of cats, but it does not have the same effect with people. It is good for mild depression, headaches, insomnia, and nervousness. It is especially recommended for calming down overactive children and when combined with chamomile and mint it can make a good remedy. Here is a formula:

1oz. catnip
1oz. chamomile, both German or Roman are ok.
1oz. peppermint
Mix the herbs and store in an airtight container. When needed use 1-t in a cup of boiling water.
Always check with your health care provider when using with children as their needs are different than an adults needs.

2. Hops, Humulus lupulos

Hops has many uses besides the making of beer. It is useful for insomnia, nerve strain, nervousness, and restlessness associated with nervous tension headaches. As a sleep remedy it relaxes you without any known side effects. It can be used for children and a pillow can be made which is a safe, pleasant way to induce sleep in restless babies. There is a precaution about using hops for depression and some people are allergic to hops.

3. St. John's Wort, Humulus lupulus

The word "wort" is the old English word for plant and has nothing to do with warts. This popular herb is used a lot for mild to moderate depression. However, if you have severe clinical depression it is not so effective. Also, DO NOT take St. John's Wort if you are taking antidepressants since the two do not mix well. It is a mild sedative and small quantities have a tranquilizing effect on humans.

4. Valerian, Valeriana officinalis

Valerian is perhaps best known for helping insomnia. This herb has a tranquilizing effect on the nervous system, but is not habit forming. It is also good for stress, mental strain, nervous irritation, traumatic injuries with pain, and migraines. There are several studies that show that valerian taken orally reduces stress and social anxiety. It is important to use the stated dose and not take more as it can cause headaches and vomiting. It is better to take small quantities frequently than to increase the dose. Valerian does not taste or smell that appetizing so it may be better to take it in capsuel form rather than as a tea.

5. Ginkgo, Ginkgo biloba

Ginko is thought to be one of the oldest plants on the planet and has been characterized as a living fossil. This herb has been used in China for thousands of years. Ginko plays a role as an anti-stress herb and is used for concentration, depression, loss of memory and is used in Germany for Alzheimer's disease and Attention Deficit Disorder. It seems to increase blood circulation in the brain and increases learning capacity.There is so much to say about Ginkgo that I could write a whole article on Ginko alone. If you are having surgery it is best to stop ginko intake two to four weeks before the surgery as it can cause excessive bleeding. Be sure to discuss the use of ginkgo with your health care provider as it does not mix with some drugs.

Remember before starting any herbal remedy to check with your health care provider. Your individual situation may call for a specific course of action and some drugs and herbs do not mix. Also, use caution if you are pregnant or nursing.

What remedies do you use for anxiety? Your comments are welcome.

Valerie Lull, Author
Ten Healthy Teas
Lullval@clearwire.net
Web Site: www.valerielull.com