Healing Yourself With Iced Tea

Adapted from Tea Bliss by Theresa Cheung (Conari Press, 2007).

The evidence for the healing power of tea is overwhelming. The humble cuppa tea contains a wealth of nutrients which have been found to help boost the body’s defenses against serious illness, keeping us healthy and even young. Here is a guide to the scientifically proved health benefits of some of the most popular teas:

Black Tea: Protects Against Heart Disease
Packed with antioxidant polyphenols to destroy harmful free radicals and boost your body’s resistance to infection, black tea also has about half the caffeine of fresh coffee.

Earl Grey: Good Digestive Aid
The bergamot oil with which Earl Grey is flavored comes from a type of orange that is thought to help digestion because it stimulates production of stomach enzymes, helping to break down food.

Green Tea: Immune Boosting
Because green tea is rolled and dried rather than fermented, like black tea is, it retains more nutrients and has a higher antioxidant immune-boosting, anti-aging effect. Research has found that green tea can help prevent a whole range of diseases, including diabetes and cancer of the stomach, prostate, and lungs. It can also help reduce cholesterol levels and appears to give more effective protection against Alzheimer’s than black tea.

Pu-erh Tea: Energizing
Pu-erh tea is thought to help lower cholesterol, blood sugar, clear the mind, and aid digestion.

Redbush Tea: Great for Skin
Made from a South African tea bush, redbush, or rooibos, is one of the healthiest teas around. It is the only naturally caffeine-free black tea. It is richer in antioxidants than black tea, can help promote healthy skin and ease eczema, and can help prevent diseases including cancer. It has also been used to calm the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and reduce muscle cramps, and it has anti-inflammatory properties.

White Tea: Reducing Cancer Risk
Whereas black tea is made from tea leaves, white tea is made from only the buds of the tea bush. This gives it even greater health benefits than green tea. It tastes like a slightly milder version of black tea and can be drunk with or without milk.

Herbal Teas: Healing and Soothing
Herbal teas have a wide range of health benefits. Mint tea, for example, stimulates production of digestive juices and can ease the discomfort of irritable bowel syndrome and aid digestion. Clean-tasting chamomile tea can help soothe the nerves and relax the muscles, so is a good nighttime drink. Elderflower tea is said to help alleviate symptoms of allergies and is often recommended to people with hay fever. Herbal teas are caffeine free. Peppermint tea aids digestion; studies have shown that it has an antispasmodic effect on the digestive system. Ginger tea beats nausea, and raspberry leaf tea is great for late pregnancy and menstrual irregularity.

More on Eating for Health (203 articles available)

Little Guy Teardrop Tribune--"Thanks"

The weather forecast for Shelby: 95 degrees for this Sunday afternoon!! That's a shock to the body when I've spent thirteen days in the mountains near the Blue Ridge Parkway. Frequently I was wearing a sweater. Much as I hated to, I had to turn on the air conditioning in my apartment. Much to be done: unload, clean, drive to the self-service car wash.... I've returned "blue ice" containers to the freezer; I've filled 16 ounce bottles with filtered water and put in the freezer. I'm so reluctant to stop "sight seeing" but haven't a clue about where to travel next.

When I stepped on the scales this morning, I was delighted to see that I have lost two pounds. That was a direct result of the exercise I got during the trip--more walking than usual. Furthermore, I ate less because I did not feel hungry. At home, I know that I eat "by the clock" and I eat because I am bored and lonely. It was good to drink green tea this morning after several days drinking coffee at Panera.

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I want to say "thank you" to all the visitors who followed the link in the Teardrop Tribune. I'm glad you took a few minutes to read about my travels. Perhaps you are encouraged to purchase a Little Guy and visit sites near your home. I'd love to hear from you.

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To follow my trip chronologically--to see the next blog--click Little Guy Teardrop Trailer Travels--Editing.

Little Guy Teardrop Trailer Travels--Quilt Show

I did not get up until 9 o'clock--so was "in bed" twelve hours!! It was such a dark gray morning I kept hoping for some sunshine. I was amazed when I awakened (again) and saw the time. First a shower and wash my hair, then tidy the trailer and fix green tea, bananas and blueberries for breakfast. Also, people walking by wanted to see Little Guy--so long conversations. Likewise, last night, several came by to see Little Guy. I love to "show" my teardrop trailer!!

With the number of people at the Quilt Show, you'd think money was being given away!! When I arrived at 11:30, we were being parked along the long main entry road because the many parking lots were full. $5. at the entrance to the Arboretum, for parking, and $4. admission to the Quilt Show. We were packed like sardines!! (Talking to an Asheville Quilt Guild member, I learned Saturday and Sunday will be extremely crowded.) Due to the "multi-tude," I had to wait extended periods of time to snap a picture. According to their advertisement: "This annual event presented by the Asheville Quilt Guild features more than 300 quilts from many states and worldwide. Features demonstrations, a Merchant's Mall and a boutique of handmade items." FYI: My favorite... was on the whimsical side and titled "Sunbonnet Sue goes to Hollywood."











I browsed the gardens of the Arboretum, too, and sat in cool shady places to admire the beauty. I ate an apple rather than pay $8. for a Veggie Burger and chips (or Chicken Sandwich available for alternate choice). I repeat (from an earlier blog): I'm a "cheapskate."

Also from an earlier blog: "Too soon old, too late smart." From the Arboretum, it was only six miles to Panera via the Blue Ridge Parkway (nine miles from camp). The last several days I have fought traffic on the maze of surface streets, and the spiderweb of Interstates. On this short drive, I passed the 500 mile point for this recent trip.

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To follow my trip chronologically--to see the next blog--click Little Guy Teardrop Trailer Travels--Quilt Show (pictures).
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Little Guy Teardrop Trailer Travels #9

From Loft Mountain camp site at 7:45 AM, Wednesday, July 15th, en route to Harrisonburg, Virginia. My destination: CrossRoads Heritage Center. I arrived at 9:15 and enjoyed the spectacular view while drinking a cup of green tea. They don't open until 10:00 and only Wednesday through Saturday. I was particularly interested in the project because I have Mennonite and Brethren ancestry--and some of my forefathers lived in the Shenandoah Valley.

I did not return to the Skyline Drive. Instead I took Interstate 81 to Staunton, and Interstate 64 to the Northern entrance to the Blue Ridge Parkway. I entered the Parkway at 3:00 PM. Quite honestly, I was not feeling good (and cut my visit short at CrossRoads). Twenty miles on the Blue Ridge and I stopped to rest in the trailer. Sixty-two miles on the Blue Ridge and I stopped for the night at Otter Creek Campground. It was 5:30 PM and I had only driven 153 miles. I think "pain" was written all over my face because the Camp Host was very concerned about me, and she looked in on me several times (because I went right to bed).

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To follow my trip chronologically--to see the next blog--click Little Guy Teardrop Trailer Travels #10.
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Little Guy Teardrop Trailer Travels #2

Thursday evening, July 9th, I exited the Parkway at US route 501 en route to Buena Vista, Virginia. I intended to find a Walmart but saw numerous signs advertising Glen Maury Park Camping. No ranger, or attendant, at the entrance. I found space #45 easy to pull in to and it was very close to the restroom. (Closer than when I park at Walmart!!) It was 7:30, I was very tired; I had driven 222 miles. I was 433 miles from Shelby. The camping is very rustic. I did not cover my windows because I wanted to look at the wooded area. Here is the view from my "picture windows."



By comparison, most nights I have a shade in front of each door. No, I don't sleep with the door open!! This is an illustration.

Before I departed at 9:50 Friday morning, a friendly camper offered me coffee. I declined because I had my green tea.

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To follow my trip chronologically--to see the next blog--click Little Guy Teardrop Trailer Travel #3.
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Dental appointment

6:15 AM: I'm almost ready to leave for the 7 AM dental appointment. I'm checking my e-mail...; I'm drinking organic green tea. TV weatherman says: "No showers out there; none in sight! Sunshine, blue skies...." It's 69 degrees right now headed for 90 degrees.

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10:10 AM and I'm back home. Remember, yesterday, I asked "How can one tiny tooth cause so much pain?" Today I ask "How can removal of one tooth leave such a big hole?" X-ray showed decay inside the tooth, beyond the existing filling, close to the nerve. The doctor said a lot of work to save the tooth--so he extracted it.

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See all those dollar signs? I spent a lot of money this morning!! (I won't tell you how much the appointment cost me; no dental insurance.) Next, to the Post Office for 44 cent stamps and mail several letters. (I bought Bob Hope commemorative stamps.) Then to the car wash where my KIA got the "royal treatment." (Funny how a vehicle runs better when it is immaculately clean!!) Finally, to the Senior Center where I dropped off food items for their Food Pantry.

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Here I am, with my cup of organic green tea, sitting at the computer. No pain, no dis-comfort. A beautiful morning!!

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5:55 PM: For the diversion, 1) to beat the heat, 2) for exercise, 3) to take my mind off the taste of blood in my mouth, 4) etc., etc., I drove to our local indoor Mall. I walked 1.13 miles and over 2700 steps. I browsed several stores but didn't see a single item I wanted to purchase. ~~ Honestly, I "wanted" ice cream but it isn't on my natural foods diet. My mind thought ice cream would taste so good!! Fortunately, I had something better in my refrigerator: juicy, cold, fresh pineapple!! Yum, yum!!

Being well is a journey...

"Being well is a journey---of the body, mind, and soul. Each step takes us to new places of discovery about ourselves. As we exercise our freedom to make healthy choices in how we use our body, tend our soul, and enrich our mind, we draw closer to the Creator." ~~ Acquired by Lorraine, source unknown.

Going camping with my Teardrop Trailer

11:11 AM: It feels like 100 degrees!! Perspiration was dripping off my fore-head. I have been busy unloading the Flea Market merchandise from my Little Guy Teardrop travel trailer. Perhaps I will load some items back into the trailer for a brief trip to a Thrift Shop--as a donation. I am so "ready" to visit some of the spectacular beauty of North Carolina!! (I regularly watch UNC-TV [public broadcasting] and see programs detailing sites from the coast to the mountains.) I particularly want to spend time along the Blue Ridge Parkway.

For your information: Most Teardrop Trailers have a "kitchen" when the hatch is lifted. I intentionally purchased a utility model because I preferred the space to haul things. I don't need a kitchen; my diet is primarily fruit and veggies. I have a one-burner Coleman propane stove to heat water for green tea, or an occasional can of soup. I have small ice chests to keep a few things cold. (I'm not planning long trips.) The mattress is very comfortable, and originally designed for a hospital bed (where comfort is King?).

Honestly, when I'm traveling, I rarely open the hatch. See the doors on each side of the trailer? I crawl in from one side or the other depending on where I am parked. And, to the horror of most people I tell, I park for the night in Walmart parking lots!! Of course, when I travel the Blue Ridge Parkway--or visit the Great Smokey Mountains--I'll stay in Forest Service campgrounds (because, Praise the Lord, no Walmarts).

See my little yellow dog in the foreground?? I have signs that I put in the window of each door saying "Beware of the dog." I trust that is adequate security. When someone asks, I can honestly show them one (of two) dogs that are in the trailer.

To see Teardrop trailers from the company I bought from, visit the Little Guy web site. To see a variety of new, and vintage, Teardrops visit Teardrop Trailers Hall of Fame.


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Postscript, 3:33 PM: I broke a promise!! I was not going to bring anything back into the apartment. I transferred things from the trailer to the porch. That wouldn't do, however, because another severe thunder storm is on the horizon. So, reluctantly, I brought things indoors. The KIA is still full of "for sale" items so no room for things from the trailer. With the shuffle, I found some more items that I can donate to the Senior Center for door prizes. Other stuff to a Thrift Shop for a donation. I'm making progress (cross my heart!!).

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Postscript 4:44PM: Reservations made for a Teardrop campout at Shenandoah Valley Campground near Verona, Virginia. Suddenly I feel as though a great load has been lifted from my shoulders. Taking a break from my labors, and the heat, I searched for a Teardrop Trailers camping event within reasonable driving distance. Gratefully, I found one scheduled and quickly phoned to make a three-day reservation!! No more procrastination about summer travel!! To my further credit: That Friday, July 10th, is one of the days that I have paid to be a vendor at "Junk in the Trunk" Flea Market at the Senior Center. Frankly, when I started unloading the trailer early this morning, I never dreamed I'd make such progress. (Obviously, some of the suggestions about disengaging from clutter had an impact on me!!)

Postscript 2:22 PM, 7/12/09: Read about my recent travels by visiting these links: Blue Ridge Parkway, Shenandoah Valley Campground, and In the minority?!

Resveratrol is "Nature's Medicine" for Cancer, Heart Disease and Much More

Thursday, April 02, 2009 by: Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor

(NaturalNews) Just how good is resveratrol at preventing cancer and heart disease? It's so good that drug companies are trying to mimic its molecules in order to claim they're "creating" a new drug to prevent heart disease.

But this is Mother Nature's miracle drug -- only it's not a drug. It's a molecule synthesized by plants for protecting themselves! And it turns out the same molecule can protect you from cancer, heart disease and a whole lot more.

I wanted you to read about the amazing benefits of resveratrol, so I put together this collection of quotes from top authors in the field. Read it to learn the truth about resveratrol that the drug companies and the FDA hope you never find out...

Authors' Quotes on Resveratrol [I, Lorraine, only included one of over 50 quotes.]

Of late, considerable attention has been devoted by scientists to the antioxidant properties of red wine's phenolic constituent, resveratrol, as an important contributor. White wine contains much less of this antioxidant, and therefore it has fewer health benefits. resveratrol, unfortunately is not in green tea. However, green tea may offer even greater potential for health protection, since it not only includes the flavonoids active in red wine but also includes even more powerfully protective flavonoids that are unique to it.
- The Green Tea Book by Lester A. Mitscher and Victoria Toews
- Available on Amazon.com

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About the author: Mike Adams is a natural health author and technology pioneer with a passion for sharing empowering information to help improve personal and planetary health He is a prolific writer and has published thousands of articles, interviews, reports and consumer guides, reaching millions of readers with information that is saving lives and improving personal health around the world. Adams is an independent journalist with strong ethics who does not get paid to write articles about any product or company. In 2007, Adams launched EcoLEDs, a maker of energy efficient LED lights that greatly reduce CO2 emissions. He's also the founder and CEO of a well known email mail merge software developer whose software, 'Email Marketing Director,' currently runs the NaturalNews email subscriptions. Adams also serves as the executive director of the Consumer Wellness Center, a non-profit consumer protection group, and practices nature photography, Capoeira, Pilates and organic gardening. Known on the 'net as 'the Health Ranger,' Adams shares his ethics, mission statements and personal health statistics at http://www.healthranger.org/
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Lorraine here to remind the reader that I am BIG on green tea!! See my 1/27/09 and 2/17/09 blogs.

Drink Tea and Reduce Risk of Breast Cancer by Thirty-Seven Percent

(NaturalNews) Enjoying a cup of tea while reading this article? If so, keep right on drinking. A newly released study has found that drinking tea results in a 37% reduction in breast cancer risk for women under the age of 50, an age in which breast cancer can be particularly virulent. Another recent study has shown that tea drinking reduces risk of endometrial cancer. These results add to the pile of data showing tea is one of the healthiest beverages a person can drink. Click here to access, and read, the long article.

Green Tea Catechins Help Promote Loss of Belly Fat, Study Reveals

By Mike Adams, January 26, 2009 Key concepts: Green tea, Fat loss and Abdominal fat

New research published in the Journal of Nutrition reveals that consuming green tea along with three hours of exercise a week results in accelerate loss of body fat around the abdominal region compared to exercise alone.

Read the entire article at Natural News. Worth noting:

Green tea is also well known to help prevent breast cancer, prostate cancer and Alzheimer's disease, by the way. Beware of cheap sources of green tea from China, most of which are contaminated with dangerous levels of fluoride.

I'm still "under the weather." I speculate that I might have been a lot sicker if I had not been taking Max nutritional supplements. Read about MaxGXL, MaxWLX and N-Fuze at my web site.

Is "lipo" the best way to slim down?

Is lipo the best way to slim down? copied from Ideal Bite

Fat chance. There are more natural ways than lipo and noxious pills to narrow your waistline this year, such as exercising and taking natural supplements. Just start with realistic expectations...almost no one is made for size 00 duds.

The Benefits
Trimming down. Whether for health or body image reasons, you can slim down naturally.
Slender chances of bad side effects. Conventional prescription and over-the-counter drugs like Ephedra sometimes cause high blood pressure, insomnia, and strokes.
Weighty cash savings. A 30-day supply of the prescription weight-loss drug Meridia costs $120, while most of our natural suggestions cost pennies per serving or dose....

Wanna Try?
Get Outside, Take the Stairs, and Walk More--getting physical is a tried-and-true way to get fit.
Drink Green Tea - burn as many as 70 additional calories per day by drinking green tea, thanks to its metabolism-enhancing effect.
Eat Breakfast - just do it. People who eat breakfast are less likely to overeat during the day.
Eat Grapefruit - in addition to helping combat diabetes, an '04 study found grapefruit helps metabolize sugar.
Eat Seaweed - seaweed's iodine keeps your weight-regulating thyroid gland in tip-top shape.
Get Your Calcium - the more calcium there is in a fat cell, the more fat it'll burn. Choose a supplement with vitamin D to help your body absorb it ($4).
Get Glucomannan - plant-based, hi-fiber supplement that helps you lose weight by making you feel full ($9).
Get Pyruvate-d - a naturally occurring acid found in foods such as dark beer and red apples; it's been shown to aid weight loss by increasing metabolism ($9).
Spice Up Your Life - add cayenne pepper to your dishes for a metabolic boost.

I'll be honest: This is another short message because I was away from home most of the day. Emissions check, tune-up, oil change, new windshield wipers, etc., on my KIA. Starting the New Year on the right foot [ha!]. Speaking of "foot": I've been doing more walking (as the weather permits). And you? Are you getting your exercise? I'm taking my nutritional supplement, Max N-Fuze, and weight loss accelerator, MaxWLX, too. See http://SeniorSecurity.MaxTrax4u.com/

"One-half of life is luck; the other half is discipline...."

"One-half of life is luck; the other half is discipline —
and that's the important half, for without discipline
you wouldn't know what to do with luck."
— Carl Zuckmayer: Was a German dramatist

Consider this fact: Seventy percent of lottery winners end up squandering away their winnings. The reason: They had tremendous luck yet no discipline. But when you live with discipline, you'll almost always win the lottery. It will come some day in the future through your career and personal achievements.

Above copied from Nightingale.com

In the wee hours of this morning, I wondered what I would comment on for my "blog." Reading my many messages (before my first cup of green tea), I saw the merit of the above words (in an e-mail advertisement). Example: It takes discipline to build a network marketing business. I spent two hours last night, on the phone, listening to a successful marketer share details regarding creative Internet tools. I could have been watching TV or playing Taipei.

I spent years "climbing the family tree." I was disciplined, I completed my project and published Frantz Families--Kith & Kin. I feel it was a personal achievement. (I'll never win the lottery because I never buy a ticket.) Google my name and you'll find lots of references to me and my genealogy hobby. I also edited, and published, La Verne Evergreen Cemetery Tombstone Inscriptions. I only mention the books to emphasize the value of "discipline" when it applies to something we're passionate about.

At this time in my life (for a good many years, actually), I am passionate about health and nutrition. I could conceivably win the lottery, I could be wealthy; I could have fame... but it would have little value if I did not have my health. This is not meant as a "sales pitch" but I'm enthusiastic about the Max products: MaxGXL, MaxWLX & Max N-Fuze. Quality supplements "do" work to repair the damage our body experiences from processed foods, water contamination, air pollution, and (let's face it) growing older. Visit my web site at http://SeniorSecurity.MaxTrax4u.com/
Until next time, Lorraine wishing you excellent health and much happiness.