By, Valerie Lull, MH Poppy seeds (Papaver somniferum) come from poppys, the same kind that produce opium, only we use the seeds which do not have the same narcotic effects as opium. Poppys are an ancient plant used as far back as 2700 BC by the inhabitants of the island of Crete in the Mediterranean… Continue reading Poppy Seeds (Papaver somniferum)
Parsley (Petroselinum crispum)
By, Valerie Lull, MH Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) is an herb that comes from the eastern Mediterranean region of the world. Some sources think it originally came from Greece. In Latin the word Petros means rock or rock-celery. It was thought to be originally found among the rocks on the hillsides. In ancient times it was used… Continue reading Parsley (Petroselinum crispum)
Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis)
By, Valerie Lull Lily of the valley (Convallaria majalis) has a lot of history and folklore associated with it. It was used in the ancient world for religious purposes, perfumes and celebrations. It is the May birth flower. Lily of the valley symbolized happiness. Lily of the valley is mentioned in the Bible symbolizing Christ.… Continue reading Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis)
Spinach for Strength
Image by Millenialab By, Valerie Lull, MH Spinach is a controversial vegetable. Those of us who are older remember Popeye, the cartoon character that always saved the day by eating his spinach. The spinach made him strong so he could win against his opponents. The cartoon also encouraged kids to eat their spinach so they… Continue reading Spinach for Strength
Nature’s Diuretics, Dandelion and Hibiscus
By, Valerie Lull A diuretic is a substance that removes fluid from the body. Diuretics are very useful for things like losing weight, easing the discomfort of PMS, or lowering blood pressure. There are several herbs that work as natural diuretics. These are usually gentler than many prescription diuretics. Today I’m discussing two popular herbs… Continue reading Nature’s Diuretics, Dandelion and Hibiscus
Healing Hollyhocks (Alcea rosea)
By, Valerie Lull I remember hollyhocks from when I was a little girl, which was awhile ago. My grandma had them growing around her house. They are a beautiful old time flower that come in all different colors. Imagine my surprise when I discovered they had medicinal properties. Many of the herbals I have seen… Continue reading Healing Hollyhocks (Alcea rosea)
Green Tea
By, Valerie Lull, MH Health minded people never seem to get tired of green tea. It is a popular drink from the camellia sinensis plant and is usually considered a true tea as opposed to an herbal tea. It has a great many health benefits and is one of the most researched plants. I have seen… Continue reading Green Tea
Garlic, the Common Cold and the Flu
By, Valerie Lull Picture this scenario. You are in bed and thoroughly miserable. Then your mom comes in and gives you some homemade chicken soup spiked with fresh raw garlic. You enjoy some of this soup and then fall asleep feeling better. Garlic is a time-honored remedy for colds and flu. When mixed with the… Continue reading Garlic, the Common Cold and the Flu
Lavender Tea
By, Valerie Lull Lavender is a fragrant plant that is referred to in the Bible as nard or spikenard. It was used for centuries for all kinds of things from recovery after childbirth, to problems with digestion. It is still a popular herb in today's world. There are different kinds of lavender. Some kinds are considered weeds. The… Continue reading Lavender Tea
Dandelions
By Valerie Lull, MH Dandelions are an ancient plant that has been used for culinary and medicinal purposes for ages. Dandelion even has its parallels in astrology. The flower is the sun, the puff-ball is the moon and the seeds are the stars. Blowing the puff-ball and seeing how many seeds are left was an… Continue reading Dandelions
Simple Ways to Stay Healthy 