tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85842590602356042542024-03-27T02:38:21.862-04:00Bat Lady HerbalsA blog dedicated to the wide world of herbs and their allies.The Bat Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00545891406220728569noreply@blogger.comBlogger176125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8584259060235604254.post-10241502364239614502023-07-03T19:31:00.018-04:002023-07-03T19:38:39.432-04:00<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghT_VO7hNVmHu9Sx2RK8oQsm3GBNIi17iAEb-a8o6c7gHK_qE3DyrekjSSsatfQNZYmanNKTGQ7LRlv1I6flpjmkzQgFm9ZOBfQsO0bhVii48ny28KFDdTQsvM4in-y_z45t2johbNvT27-hCqtvFcDwNKWqUw3o38ES2bL0JTffhFOSM4Aj6JjRIqZJE/s1280/Kudzu%20Blog%20Article.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghT_VO7hNVmHu9Sx2RK8oQsm3GBNIi17iAEb-a8o6c7gHK_qE3DyrekjSSsatfQNZYmanNKTGQ7LRlv1I6flpjmkzQgFm9ZOBfQsO0bhVii48ny28KFDdTQsvM4in-y_z45t2johbNvT27-hCqtvFcDwNKWqUw3o38ES2bL0JTffhFOSM4Aj6JjRIqZJE/w400-h225/Kudzu%20Blog%20Article.png" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> Sometimes I wonder if those in charge have ever gotten the chance to see the harm they caused by the support or endorsement of certain things. The history of Kudzu in the United States may be one of those times where those in charge couldn’t see the problems in their lifetime, but those who came after might wish their predecessors had never even heard of the plant. Kudzu was first introduced to North America in 1876 in the Japanese pavilion at the Philadelphia Centennial Exposition. But the most notable promotion of kudzu came in 1884 in the Japanese pavilion at the New Orleans Exposition which led to Kudzu being heavily promoted in the early-1900s. At the time, farmers were having an issue with soil erosion and Kudzu was known to help protect the soil from erosion as well as improve the quality of the soil it grew in. So, the government decided to pay farmers to use the vine for erosion control, which led to an estimated more than a million acres of the vine being planted. The problem of its aggressiveness wasn’t addressed until WELL after the Great Depression, when thousands of acres of kudzu were planted by the Civilian Conservation Corps for hillside stabilization projects.</p><p> Often demonized as “the vine that ate the South,” Kudzu is one plant that has many uses and benefits. It’s also a great example of why invasive plants aren’t always that bad. Before you jump on my case about ecology and the harm invasives do to natural habitat, etc. I am very aware of the harm this plant can do. Kudzu can easily outcompete native species, and if it ever gets access to a tree canopy, it can devastate habitats by felling trees and eliminating light availability. Though Kudzu may be a famous invasive species it is not, by any means, the most aggressive or dangerous invasive in the South. That is likely the <a href="https://plants.usda.gov/DocumentLibrary/plantguide/pdf/pg_lisi.pdf" target="_blank">Chinese Privet</a>. Even with Kudzu’s aggressive nature leading to doing some severe habitat damage, it also has some benefits to offer for that same habitat. This fast-growing vine helps to remove petroleum contamination and other toxins, like chromium, from the environment. It also has a preference for land that has been harmed by monocropping, and other places where the ecosystem has been weakened. When it moves into these areas, it helps to replenish, protect, and add biomass to these severely depleted soils. I am, by no means, suggesting that you should go out and plant Kudzu. Ever. But I also don’t believe it to be as terrifying as it’s made out to be. </p><p><br /></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr-JhVFsNs_yKrXEubPNN5GF3kxFSRvfUCNcWFpgBAGBQGLxJ0IlQ1_y6MadmoILJXXFVcGVe6RSkZXv0q5OaWFn2mZfLeIHiLfZXZBCPhg70sAaphN-2dyMJsIrYQ9a5BiC7tvqs7RUzZAOSv24JBWZOLHSZIR2b5aIs0qY7_n-WReZJgLeS-B2ztTa8/s500/Kudzu%20Vine.webp" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="500" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr-JhVFsNs_yKrXEubPNN5GF3kxFSRvfUCNcWFpgBAGBQGLxJ0IlQ1_y6MadmoILJXXFVcGVe6RSkZXv0q5OaWFn2mZfLeIHiLfZXZBCPhg70sAaphN-2dyMJsIrYQ9a5BiC7tvqs7RUzZAOSv24JBWZOLHSZIR2b5aIs0qY7_n-WReZJgLeS-B2ztTa8/s320/Kudzu%20Vine.webp" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><p><br /></p><p> While this woody vine has become famous for eating the South, it in turn can be eaten. Kudzu is a food crop in its native country of Japan. But here in the US, it’s virtually unused. Some people find this plant to be bitter, oddly textured, and not worth the effort to process. I personally think that if you take the time to learn how it should be prepared, and do it right, it’s a tasty vegetable. So if you’re curious and want to give it a shot, go for it. Kudzu leaves can be eaten as a green. Some people will even eat the smaller, more tender leaves in a salad. However, the leaves have a bit of a toothy, fibrous, quality that doesn’t make for the best salads. I think the leaves are much better cut up into small chunks and cooked as a pot herb. If you’re from the South, that’s what we do to greens of all kinds here. The leaves also work well in place of grape leaves for <a href="http://www.batladyherbals.com/2020/09/stuffed-grape-leaves.html">Dolmades</a>. Just parboil the Kudzu leaves first to make sure they’re tender enough for rolling. The hairy tips of the vines are also edible and can be eaten raw. But the hairy texture can be a bit off putting that way. Instead, try sautéing or grilling them. The heat should diminish the hairiness, though if it’s still an issue for you, you can always peel the hairy bit off before cooking. That extra step does take a bit of effort though. The flowers are also edible and hold up to cooking fairly well. They make an excellent and slightly grapey jam or jelly. If you’re a beekeeper, they also make for some excellent honey. Just make sure you stay on top of your Kudzu population as it can easily overtake your hives. The most well-known part of this plant in the kitchen is the root. The root is not edible raw and is extremely woody, so it takes some processing to make it digestible. However, it is used as a starchy vegetable in a few Chinese and Japanese dishes. The roots also contain a lot of starch which can be extracted and used to thicken soups or sauces, used to make jelly or gelatin-like desserts, noodles, and much more. The process of extraction does take quite a lot of effort, but you can also find it in some grocery stores so you can skip all that hard work and just see for yourself if it’s worth it. </p><p> Kudzu is also a great herb to have on your medicine shelf. It’s a great source of minerals, such as iron, sodium, calcium, potassium, copper, magnesium, and manganese as well as containing isoflavones, which act like estrogen in the body. For this reason, it’s often used to treat menopause symptoms and can be a great feminine herb, especially since studies also suggest that these isoflavones may be able to prevent and help treat breast cancer and uterine cancer. Kudzu is also popular for drinking issues. This herb can treat alcoholism and relieve hangover symptoms, such as headaches, stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting. It’s believed that kudzu can combat drinking addictions by increasing blood flow and making drinkers feel the alcohol effects sooner. This way, drinkers are more likely to drink less and stop drinking earlier. Speaking of increasing blood flow, Kudzu is also a powerful cardiac herb. It helps to increase blood circulation and reduce high blood pressure which then lowers chances of stroke, angina, and even heart attacks. Additionally, kudzu is also used to treat other ailments, such as cold, fever, flu, hay fever, sinus infection, migraine, upset stomach, diarrhea, dysentery, muscle pain, and neck stiffness. It can also treat skin problems, such as itchiness, rash, and psoriasis. Kudzu can also help control blood sugar levels in diabetic patients. There are just so many uses for this amazing herb. And bonus points for it being invasive so we don’t have to worry about over-harvesting!</p><p> Speaking of harvesting, let’s cover some basic foraging rules and some cautions when foraging for Kudzu specifically. First and foremost, be careful. You should always be careful when harvesting wild plants. Do your research and determine if the area is regularly treated with pesticides or herbicides. Speaking of chemicals, it’s always a good idea to make sure you’re at least 100 yards away from roads and places where vehicles or equipment are stored. Many wild plants readily absorb toxins from the soil and when you cook them, you can easily ingest these chemicals. You should also make sure to truly study how to identify the plant you’re foraging. There are a lot of look-a-likes out there that can be harmful. If you’re not 100% sure of a plant’s ID, don’t consume it! In the case of Kudzu, its leaves could be confused with poison ivy leaves (leaves of 3 leave ‘em be). The easiest way to differentiate both plants is to remember that kudzu is a vine that grows outwards in every direction, while poison ivy is a ground vine that grows vertically to the sky. Kudzu is a climbing, semi-woody, vine that can reach up to 100 feet in length and grows about a foot a day. The stems can reach a diameter of up to 4 inches and some old ‘stumps’ can be nearly 12 inches across. The leaves are alternate and compound, with three broad leaflets up to 4 inches across. Leaflets may be entire or deeply 2-3 lobed and slightly hairy on the margin or underneath. If you’re still not sure, mark the area and come back when the Kudzu should be blooming (late summer to early fall). Kudzu flowers grow in long clusters with the individual flowers growing up to ½ inch long. The purple to pinkish-red flowers smell like artificial grape candy or grape soda. </p><p> </p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Herb Profile:</h2><p><u>Scientific Name</u>- <i>Pueraria montana</i> var. <i>lobata</i></p><p><u>Common Names</u>- Kudzu, Kudzu Vine, The Vine that Ate the South, Mile-a-Minute Vine</p><p><u>Family</u>- <i>Fabaceae</i> (the legume or pea family)</p><p><u>Identification</u>- Semi-woody vine with alternating leaves made of three oval-shaped or lobed leaflets. Young vines and vine tips are hairy. After 3 years it produces purple or red flowers that bloom in clusters and smell like grape candy. The vine grows up to a foot per day and can reach up to 100 ft in length. It flowers in late summer, the seeds pods are brown, hairy, and flattened. These pods contain three to ten seeds.</p><p><u>Summary of Actions</u>- Cardiovascular protective, antiplatlet, antihypertensive, antipyretic, andtidiabetic, antispasmodic, anti-alcoholic, anticancer, antioxidant, antiviral.</p><p><u>Energetics & Flavors</u>- TCM- Sweet, acrid or pungent, and cool.</p><p><u>Parts Used</u>- Whole plant, root, leaf, and flower.</p><p><u>Active Constituents</u>- Arachidic acid, ash, B-sitosterol, calcium, carotene, daidzein, daidzin, eicosanoic acid, formononetin, genistein, hexadecenoic acid, irisolidon, iron, magnesium, p-coumaric acid, phosphorus, potassium, puerarin, quercetin, riboflavin, robinin, silica, tectoridin, tetracosanoid acid.</p><p><u>Edibility</u>- Kudzu leaves, vine tips, flowers, and roots can be eaten. The root should be cooked, the rest is edible raw or cooked. Kudzu vines, seeds, and seed pods are NOT edible. While many people consider this plant to be tasty, many other people consider it to be bitter, fibrous, hairy, and not worth the effort. Starch can be extracted from the roots and used to thicken soups or sauces, used to make jelly or gelatin-like desserts, noodles, and much more.</p><p><u>Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)</u>- Ge gen (<i>Radix puerariae</i>); sweet, acrid or pungent, cool; associated with the spleen and stomach. Sometimes it is also associated with the lungs and bladder. This herb is used in TCM to dispel wind, release muscles, and clear heat. It nourishes fluids and alleviates thirst. It helps to vent or erupt measles and stop diarrhea. Other traditional TCM uses include hypertension and alcoholism. The flowers are used for drunkenness and as a hangover remedy.</p><p><u>Ayurveda</u>- Vidaari Kanda (<i>Pueraria tuberosa</i>). Similar uses as in TCM. </p><p><u>Recommended Dosage</u>- High to medium dose. Considered safe when consumed as a food.<br />Decoction: Root 10-20 grams daily with a maximum of 60 grams. Flower 3-12 grams for hangovers and excessive alcohol intake.</p><p><u>When to Harvest</u>- The best time to harvest the shoots is in spring. The young leaves can be harvested anytime. The plant blooms in the late summer and early fall so you should be able to harvest the blossoms July through October. For the roots, the best time to harvest is in fall or early spring but you can dig them up year-round for use.</p><p><u>Other Uses</u>- Kudzu can be used to make soaps, lotions, rope, twine, baskets, wallpaper, paper, fuel, and compost. It can also be baled like hay and used to feed livestock, though it seems goats like it more than other livestock. </p><p><u>Cautions and Contraindications</u>- Kudzu is very safe though it can cause nausea and vomiting when taken at too high of a dose, particularly in individuals with weak digestion.</p><p><u>Herb and Drug Interactions</u>- There may be synergistic effects with insulin and other antidiabetic medications. Kudzu also has antiplatelet effects which could cause synergistic interactions with anticoagulant and antiplatelet medications. As always, check with your doctor and pharmacist before starting any herbal supplements.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>I only included a basic introduction to this interesting herb. If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below. Follow me on Facebook and Instagram or updates on my adventures in nature. Find me on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWmrIjUvm2__Tcb2r07NHpA?view_as=subscriber" target="_blank">YouTube</a> and check out my videos! I also have a few things up on <a href="https://teespring.com/stores/bat-lady-herbals" target="_blank">Teespring</a>, check it out! Also, if you like what I do and what to see more, <a href="https://www.patreon.com/bePatron?u=21994221" target="_blank">Become a Patron</a>!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Resources:</h2><p><br /></p><p>Books:</p><p>•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Invasive-Plant-Medicine-Ecological-Abilities/dp/159477305X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2WKGIQ8VZ9E1F&keywords=invasive+plant+medicine&qid=1688426416&sprefix=invasive+plant+medicin%2Caps%2C126&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Invasive Plant Medicine by Timothy Lee Scott</a></p><p>Videos:</p><p>•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SrTnRiZVDs0" target="_blank">Eating kudzu, the vine that ate the South | Sci NC</a></p><p>•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jbCMDQSWFWY" target="_blank">EatTheWeeds: Episode 73: Kudzu</a></p><p>•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FB057tcKYvo " target="_blank">How to make kudzu root powder| Summer Kitchen VOL.394</a><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span></p><p>•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BeiDxQ_6vsM" target="_blank">What Kudzu is and *IS NOT* good for</a> </p><p>Scientific Articles:</p><p>•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2020.110734" target="_blank">A comprehensive review on Pueraria: Insights on its chemistry and medicinal value</a></p><p>•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><a href="https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2021.771793 " target="_blank">Effects of Puerarin on the Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular Diseases</a></p><p>•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><a href="https://doi.org/10.1080/10717544.2019.1660732" target="_blank">Pharmacokinetics and drug delivery systems for puerarin, a bioactive flavone from traditional Chinese medicine</a></p><p>•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><a href="https://doi.org/10.1080/13880209.2021.1898648 " target="_blank">Pueraria lobata root polysaccharide alleviates glucose and lipid metabolic dysfunction in diabetic db/db mice</a></p><p>•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><a href="https://doi.org/10.5650/jos.ess22151 " target="_blank">Pueraria montana (Kudzu vine) Ameliorate the Inflammation and Oxidative Stress against Fe-NTA Induced Renal Cancer</a></p><p>•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><a href="https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2020.582506 " target="_blank">Pueraria tuberosa: A Review on Traditional Uses, Pharmacology, and Phytochemistry</a></p><p>•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2022.112655 " target="_blank">Roles and mechanisms of puerarin on cardiovascular disease:A review</a></p><p>Other Articles:</p><p>•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><a href="https://www.thekitchn.com/did-you-know-you-can-eat-kudzu-92488 " target="_blank">Did You Know You Can Eat Kudzu?</a></p><p>•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><a href="https://asante-academy.com/encyclopedia/ge-gen/ " target="_blank">Ge Gen (Radix Puerariae)</a></p><p>•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><a href="https://www.ediblewildfood.com/kudzu.aspx " target="_blank">Kudzu</a></p><p>•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><a href="https://nyis.info/invasive_species/kudzu/#Bio_ID" target="_blank">Kudzu</a></p><p>•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><a href="https://eattheplanet.org/kudzu-an-invasive-weed-with-hidden-virtues/ " target="_blank">Kudzu, an Invasive Weed with Hidden Virtues</a></p><p>•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><a href="https://www.eattheweeds.com/kudzu-pueraria-montana-var-lobata-fried-2/" target="_blank">Kudzu Quickie</a></p><p>•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><a href="http://www.southernangel.com/food/kudzurcp.html " target="_blank">Kudzu Recipes</a></p><p>•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/kudzu-root" target="_blank">Kudzu Root: Benefits, Uses, and Side Effects</a></p><p>•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><a href="http://www.shen-nong.com/eng/herbal/gegen.html" target="_blank">Radix puerariae</a></p><p>•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><a href="https://www.thermofisher.com/blog/proteomics/treating-diabetes-mellitus-with-radix-puerariae-is-there-evidence/ " target="_blank">Treating Diabetes Mellitus with Radix Puerariae: Is There Evidence?</a></p><p>•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><a href="https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/where-we-work/united-states/indiana/stories-in-indiana/kudzu-invasive-species/" target="_blank">What is kudzu?</a></p>The Bat Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00545891406220728569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8584259060235604254.post-61810958005940506032021-10-28T13:03:00.000-04:002021-10-28T13:03:09.983-04:00Fenugreek<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEPt_nTc2ueLDUCrS0IWsKGH6ztRL75phhqipEFJ7VhlouztdO79NmpAq7X1lXejy9TNxT2ow5Ptj3CoiO-WqgB07HFGRuzeupr1aS0dPzJLgQbOonoIokornihmdqSOhw-Wo6nW0NCEE/s2048/Mummy+Fenugreek+Blog+Banner.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEPt_nTc2ueLDUCrS0IWsKGH6ztRL75phhqipEFJ7VhlouztdO79NmpAq7X1lXejy9TNxT2ow5Ptj3CoiO-WqgB07HFGRuzeupr1aS0dPzJLgQbOonoIokornihmdqSOhw-Wo6nW0NCEE/w400-h225/Mummy+Fenugreek+Blog+Banner.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> It’s that time of year where I delve into the mysterious, the magical, the dark, and the spooky. Today I want to talk mummies. </p><p> </p><p> In ancient Egypt, it was very important to preserve the bodies of their dead as true to life as possible. So they developed a specific method of embalming that removed all the moisture from the body leaving the dried body in a state where it was very difficult to decay. This process is called mummification and mummies have captivated our minds for centuries, holding a special place of wonder, mystery, and even a bit of horror. While most of the techniques are not completely known, even today, we do know a few things about how the Egyptians were able to perform this amazing task. One of the key ingredients is an herb that is used today for many health benefits. </p><p> </p><p> Fenugreek, or <i>Trigonella foenum-graecum</i>, is a member of the <i>Fabaceae</i> family and is indigenous to the countries to the east of the Mediterranean. Today it’s cultivated in India, Africa, Egypt, Morocco, and even occasionally in England. The scientific name is from ancient Greek. <i>Trigonella</i> means ‘three-angled’ which refers to the shape of the plant’s corolla and <i>foenum-graecum</i> means ‘Greek hay’ which is a reference to its use to scent poor quality hay and to fortify cattle feed. This plant is used in traditional foods and medicines all over the East and the Middle East and modern archaeologists believe it was used as a spice as early as 4000 BCE, when remains of this herb were discovered in Tell Halal, Iraq. </p><p> </p><p> Fenugreek is an erect, smooth, herbaceous plant that can grow up to a height of about 15-32 inches. It has a taproot and its stems are erect, up to 20 inches high, sometimes branched. The leaves are alternate, compound, trifoliate, 2-5 inches long, light green in color. The leaflets are oval, up to 2 inches long, hairy on their lower sides. The flowers are papilionaceous, borne in leaf axils, white, lemon-yellow, or purplish-blue in color. The fruits occur as straight or sickle-like pods of ½ inch to 4 inches, long, thin and pointed, and contain 10-20 seeds. The seeds are 6-8 mm long, oblong or square, green-olive or brownish in color, with a very strong and spicy odor, reminiscent of maple syrup. Fenugreek is naturally found in field verges, uncultivated ground, dry grasslands, and hillsides in semi-highland and highland regions. It grows on a wide range of preferably well-drained soils with a pH ranging from 5.3 to 8.2. Fenugreek does not do well in wet soil.</p><p> </p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Medicinal Uses:</h2><p><u>Scientific Name</u>- <i>Trigonella foenum-graecum</i></p><p><u>Common Names</u>- Fenugreek, Methi, Bird's Foot, Greek Hayseed, Greek Clover, Helba, Bird’s Foot, Bockshornklee</p><p><u>Family</u>- <i>Fabaceae</i></p><p><u>Summary of Actions</u>- Galactogogue, demulcent, antiatherosclerosis, astringent, carminative, laxative, antispasmodic, emollient (vulnerary), febrifuge (mild), appetite stimulant (though some find it to be appetite suppressing), hypocholesterolemic, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, oxytocic, diuretic, cardiotonic, diuretic, hypoglycemic, antiviral, and antihypertensive.</p><p><u>Energetics & Flavors</u>- Dry and warm. </p><p><u>Parts Used</u>- Seeds & Sprouts. Though some traditions make use of the leaves as well.</p><p><u>Active Constituents</u>- Volatile oils, alkaloids (trigonelline, genitanine, carpaine), saponins (fenugreekine, diosgenin, tigogenin, gitogenin, trigogenin, etc.), flavonoids, mucilage</p><p><u>Edibility & Nutrition</u>- Many parts of the world consider every part of this herb to be edible. In India, the leaves are often cooked as a potherb. In Ethiopia and Egypt, the seeds are used to bake bread while in Switzer-land fenugreek is used to flavor cheese. In Cairo, the seeds are traditionally sprouted and consumed raw or soaked in water and crushed into a thick paste. The ground seed has often been used to give a maple flavor to traditional confections. This powder is also one of the ingredients in traditional curry seasoning. Some of the nutrients present in this herb include protein, fats, carbohydrates, calcium, iron, vitamins A, C, & K, as well as fiber. Fenugreek’s flavor combines well with other spices such as cumin, coriander, turmeric, fennel, and dried ginger.</p><p><u>Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)</u>- This common herb, known as Hu lu ba in TCM, is considered to be a yang tonic and is especially important for treating kidney yang deficiency. This is why it’s often used to treat kidney issues as well as reproductive ones as, in TCM, the kidneys are seen as the rulers of the reproductive system. It is considered to be bitter, sweet, and pungent in flavor as well as heating or warming in nature. This lends it well for use to dispel dampness and cold and to warm the kidneys. In addition to the kidneys, its other main effects are on the lung and large intestine meridians. It’s known to circulate Qi, disperse cold, clear damp, and resolve water accumulation along these meridians. Ancient Chinese medical texts cite that it enders the Lung, Spleen, Kidney, and Liver.</p><p><u>Ayurvedic</u>- Known as Chandrika or Medhika, this is considered to be a highly effective herb when it comes to imbalances of vata and kapha by pacifying both kapha, and vata (though this is done in smaller quantities), but it also increases pitta . It’s warming and has bitter, pungent, and sweet tastes as well as having a nourishing and humble quality, which creates a strong grounding effect in the body. It’s also known to break up stuck energies in the body helping to reduce inflammation. It’s often used to enhance digestion and prevent stomach disorders. It is also good for the skin and hair. As in Western medicine, the seeds are used both whole and ground. It is thought that the best way to use this herb is to sauté whole or ground fenugreek in ghee before adding it to dishes.</p><p><u>Cardiovascular System</u>- Fenugreek helps to balance cholesterol in the body, lowering the “bad” cholesterol (LDL) and improving the balance between that and the “good” cholesterol (HDL). This is likely thanks to a flavonoid called naringenin. It does have some effect on triglycerides, but more research needs to be done to confirm any benefits. The research does show that people who consume raw fenugreek seeds or powder tend to have low cholesterol and healthier hearts in general.</p><p><u>Gastrointestinal</u>- Fenugreek is traditionally used for a large number of stomach complaints. It helps prevent constipation as well as digestive issues created by stomach ulcers. It’s also a great herb for treating gastritis and indigestion. It’s a natural digestive tonic and the mucilage provides lubricating benefits to help soothe the stomach and intestines by providing a soothing, demulcent coating over the lining of the digestive tract. It’s often used to support a weakened or inflamed digestive system. </p><p><u>Diabetes</u>- One of its most well-studied properties includes its ability to improve blood sugar. Fenugreek helps to slow the absorption of sugars in the stomach and boosts the production of insulin. This makes it a great ally, not only in the case of diabetes but for all metabolic and cardiometabolic issues. </p><p><u>Skin & Hair Health</u>- Fenugreek helps to promote hair growth and prevent dandruff. Its anti-microbial properties help to treat several scalp and hair infections and it helps to nourish the hair follicles, improve blood circulation, and strengthen the hair from the roots. It’s also extremely effective in healing wounds. It’s packed with vitamin C and antioxidants which help treat oxidative free radical damage done by the sun, this means it’s great for reducing the signs of aging. It also reduces acne and makes the skin glow with its natural oils that help to moisturize the skin.</p><p><u>Milk Production</u>- For centuries, fenugreek has been valued for its properties as a galactagogue. It can increase milk supply in a women’s body and can substantially increase milk production in as little as 24 hours. This makes it a great herb for breastfeeding women who are experiencing a low milk supply. However, this should not be taken until the baby is born as it's overly stimulating for pregnancy.</p><p><u>Male Reproductive System</u>- Powder, made from the seeds, is often indicated for men’s health in general, but especially for their reproductive systems. This powder is a natural antioxidant and helps to improve the production of male hormones such as testosterone and luteinizing hormone. It also has powerful spermatogenic properties that are beneficial for treating conditions such as hypospermia, oligospermia, asthenozoospermia, and it enhances spermatogenesis. It has also been known to treat erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, and improve sexual function and libido overall. </p><p><u>Other Uses</u>- Many ancient cultures would add fenugreek to their livestock’s feed to improve the nutrient quality and hide the smell of bad hay. The ancient Egyptians used this herb for mummification as well as for incense. It was also mixed with boiling oil during the first Jewish-Roman war. This mixture was used to repel invaders. </p><p><u>Cautions, Contraindications, and Warnings</u>- Do not use when pregnant. This herb lowers blood glucose so carefully monitor glucose levels when using this herb. It can also interact with several medications so talk to your doctor before taking this herb. </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> I only included a basic introduction to this ancient mummification herb. If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below. Follow me on Facebook and Instagram or updates on my adventures in Nature. Find me on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWmrIjUvm2__Tcb2r07NHpA?view_as=subscriber" target="_blank">YouTube</a> and check out my videos! I also have a few things up on <a href="https://teespring.com/stores/bat-lady-herbals" target="_blank">Teespring</a>, check it out! Also, if you like what I do and what to see more, <a href="https://www.patreon.com/bePatron?u=21994221" target="_blank">Become a Patron!</a></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Resources:</h2><p>8 Fabulous Benefits of Fenugreek: Banyan Botanicals: https://www.banyanbotanicals.com/info/blog-the-banyan-insight/details/8-fabulous-benefits-of-fenugreek/ </p><p>A small plant with big benefits: Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum Linn.) for disease prevention and health promotion: Molecular Nutrition & Food Research: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/mnfr.201600950 </p><p>A randomized controlled clinical trial evaluating the effect of Trigonella foenum-graecum (fenugreek) versus glibenclamide in patients with diabetes: African Health Sciences: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6531936/ </p><p>A Review on Ethnobotanical and Therapeutic Uses of Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graceum L): </p><p>Journal of Evidence-Based Integrative Medicine: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/2156587215583405 </p><p>Amazing Benefits of Fenugreek: Ayurveda Knowledge Center: https://maharishiayurvedaindia.com/blogs/ayurveda-knowledge-center/amazing-benefits-of-fenugreek </p><p>Antidiabetic Effect of Fenugreek Seed Powder Solution ( Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) on Hyperlipidemia in Diabetic Patients: Journal of Diabetes Research: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6748210/ </p><p>Fenugreek: A Modern Herbal: https://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/f/fenugr07.html </p><p>Fenugreek: Gaia Herbs: https://www.gaiaherbs.com/blogs/herbs/fenugreek </p><p>Fenugreek: Mapi: https://mapi.com/blogs/articles/fenugreek </p><p>Fenugreek: My Spicer: https://www.myspicer.com/history-of-fenugreek/#:~:text=Fenugreek%20was%20considered%20to%20be,it%20as%20a%20soothing%20herb. </p><p>Fenugreek: Natural Medicines Database: https://naturalmedicines-therapeuticresearch-com.scnmlib.idm.oclc.org/databases/food,-herbs-supplements/professional.aspx?productid=733 </p><p>Fenugreek: Richard Whelan Medical Herbalist: https://www.rjwhelan.co.nz/herbs%20A-Z/fenugreek.html </p><p>Fenugreek A multipurpose crop- Potentialities and improvements: Saudi journal of biological sciences: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4894452/ </p><p>Fenugreek (Hu lu ba): Acupuncture Today: https://www.acupuncturetoday.com/herbcentral/fenugreek.php </p><p>Fenugreek- The Ancient Spice of Mummification: IB HQ: https://www.ibhqsingapore.com/post/fenugreek-the-ancient-spice-of-mummification</p><p>Fenugreek Powder: 5 Astonishing Benefits Of This Traditional Spice: Netmeds: https://www.netmeds.com/health-library/post/fenugreek-powder-5-astonishing-benefits-of-this-traditional-spice </p><p>Fenugreek Seed: Mountain Rose Herbs: https://mountainroseherbs.com/fenugreek-seeds#:~:text=In%20TCM%20(traditional%20Chinese%20medicine,and%20to%20warm%20the%20kidneys. </p><p>Fenugreek Seed in TCM: Chinese Nutrition: http://chinesenutrition.org/view_image.asp?pid=592 </p><p>Fenugreek Seeds: Me and Qi: https://www.meandqi.com/herb-database/fenugreek-seeds </p><p>Fenugreek Seeds- How Ayurveda Uses Methi Dana in Easy Home Remedies: NDTV: https://food.ndtv.com/health/fenugreek-seeds-how-ayurveda-uses-methi-dana-in-easy-home-remedies-1738353 </p><p>Therapeutic Applications of Fenugreek: Alternative Medicine Review: https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?id=GALE%7CA98540120&sid=googleScholar&v=2.1&it=r&linkaccess=abs&issn=10895159&p=AONE&sw=w&userGroupName=anon%7E5eee3c74 </p><p>Trigonella foenum-graecum: The Naturopathic Herbalist: https://thenaturopathicherbalist.com/2015/09/23/trigonella-foenum-graecum-2/ </p><p>What are the uses and health benefits of fenugreek (Trigonella Foenum-graecum)?: Planet Ayurveda: https://www.planetayurveda.com/library/fenugreek-trigonella-foenum-graecum/ </p><p><br /></p>The Bat Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00545891406220728569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8584259060235604254.post-55001176076712095322021-09-16T20:01:00.003-04:002021-09-16T20:03:24.052-04:00Caesar's Weed<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmdnp17K5GCdYH42RBJ-VloA_1rWIbSY0PFzAE5N_htKzmNCwaTDoueNm_3ItcblruskUY9jpy8wxp8XzrFNb8e_ZoxCFUc8GTwxsXRm6BqkJfPOaet73uelt2YBOLVjp4EuhWCYuFGtY/s2048/CaesarWeed+Blog+Banner.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmdnp17K5GCdYH42RBJ-VloA_1rWIbSY0PFzAE5N_htKzmNCwaTDoueNm_3ItcblruskUY9jpy8wxp8XzrFNb8e_ZoxCFUc8GTwxsXRm6BqkJfPOaet73uelt2YBOLVjp4EuhWCYuFGtY/w400-h225/CaesarWeed+Blog+Banner.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> Some plants are a delight to encounter on a hike, and others are not so much. This plant is easy to find year-round in Florida and is definitely more on the annoying side of things. The burrs found on this plant seem to attach to everything and are extremely difficult to remove, the leaves have the texture of sandpaper, and it can be found just about everywhere. However, the small flowers are very beautiful and are about the only redeeming thing this plant has going for it. The flowers and the medicinal uses.</p><p><br /></p><p> Caesar’s Weed, <i>Urena lobata</i>, is a member of the Mallow family (<i>Malvaceae</i>). In Florida, it’s classified as a Class I Invasive. The original distribution range of <i>U. lobata</i> is not well known, but it is probably Asiatic though authors suggest Africa as its native range. Currently, this species has a pan-tropical distribution, and it can be found growing throughout moist tropical and subtropical regions of the world including Asia, tropical Africa, Australia, North, Central and South America, the West Indies and a smattering of islands in the Pacific. It was brought to Florida in the late 1800’s, some time before 1882, as a cash crop. </p><p><br /></p><p> It is a branched shrub 0.6 to 2.5 meters high. This plant is exceedingly variable and more or less hairy, stems often have reddish branches. Leaves are pale beneath, ovate to suborbicular, 3 to 9 centimeters long, heart-shaped at the base, more or less toothed or somewhat lobed or angled, the lobes not exceeding beyond the middle of the leaf and the sinuses being usually broad and acute, leading the leaves to resemble shields. Flowers are pink or purplish, about 1.7 millimeters in diameter and borne singly in the axils of the leaves, or somewhat in panicles. Petals are 5, free above, connate below and adnate to staminal tube; staminal tube truncate or minutely toothed, anthers many. Ovary is 5-celled, branches of stigma 10. Fruits are rounded but flattened and about 7 millimeters in diameter, with the 5 carpels covered with short, barbed spines.</p><p><br /></p><p> Like it’s fellow Mallows, this plant has many medicinal and edible uses. Though it’s considered a famine food, meaning that it’s edible but not desirable. And rightfully so as the leaves have the texture of sandpaper and that texture remains even after cooking. This texture is attributed to the “stellate trichomes” which are star-shaped plant hairs that cover the leaves and are especially prevalent on the bottom of the leaves. This is also probably why cattle, which have only lower teeth, won’t eat it. </p><p> </p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Medicinal Uses:</h3><p><u>Scientific Name</u>- <i>Urena lobata</i></p><p><u>Common Names</u>- Caesar’s Weed, Caesarweed, Congo Jute, Common Urena, Bur-Mallow, Aramina Fibre</p><p><u>Family</u>- <i>Malvaceae</i></p><p><u>Summary of Actions</u>- Abortifacient, Antibacterial, Antidiabetic, Antidiarrheal, Anti-inflammatory, Antifungal, Antihyperlipidemic, Antirheumatic, Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, Antiproliferative, Antipyretic, Depressant, Diuretic, Emollient, Expectorant, Immunomodulatory, Refrigerant, Sedative, Stomachic, Styptic, Vermifuge</p><p><u>Energetics & Flavors</u>- Sweet, Cooling</p><p><u>Parts Used</u>- Roots and Leaves</p><p><u>Edibility</u>- Famine food. Technically the leaves are edible, but the texture leaves a lot to be desired (it’s almost like eating sandpaper). The flowers are much more tolerable than the rest of the plant, though they’re small and tasteless. The seeds can be added to soups and stews, they have a mucilaginous texture, similar to okra. </p><p><u>Fevers</u>- This plant is traditionally used to treat high fevers and associated sickness, such as malaria and pneumonia.</p><p><u>Anti-inflammatory</u>- A decoction from the leaves and roots is drunk to relieve pains all over the body due to excessive exertion. This decoction is said to be 86 percent as effective as aspirin and when it’s an especially strong decoction it is used for inflamed and aching joints.</p><p><u>First-Aid and Wound Care</u>- The whole plant is macerated and used externally for treating fractures, wounds, mastitis, and snake bites. The leaves are specifically good for sprains and bruises.</p><p><u>Gastrointestinal Uses</u>- The juice of the leaves or roots is used widely to treat bowel complaints, especially colic, stomach-ache, diarrhea, and dysentery. In Indonesia and Zanzibar, a decoction of the root is a common treatment for indigestion.</p><p><u>Sore Throat and Cough</u>- The flowers are used as a pectoral and expectorant in dry coughs. A decoction of the roots is a traditional remedy for tonsillitis.</p><p><u>Childbirth</u>- In many traditional medicines, the leaves, or the juice from the leaves, are used to induce labor and ease difficult childbirth. In Kenya, the Sabaots of Mt. Elgon chew boiled roots to ease delivery of afterbirth.</p><p><u>Other Uses</u>- In tropical Africa, Madagascar, Cuba and Brazil, the bast fiber from <i>U. lobata</i> is widely used as a local source of cordage and coarse textiles. Industrially it is used as a substitute for jute where it is made into sacks, carpets, cordage, and upholstery. It is also used mixed with jute. In South-East Asia <i>U. lobata</i> serves for making string, twines, and ropes. In northern Thailand it is a source of fiber for the hill tribes. In Indramayu (West Java) at the beginning of the 20th Century sacks and mats were made of fiber from wild <i>U. lobata</i>. The fiber of this plant can be made into strong paper and whole plant cuttings can be pulped as well. It was originally brought to Florida, as a potential cash crop, in the late 1800’s. It escaped cultivation around 1897 and has since been classified as an invasive species in this state.</p><p><u>Cautions, Contraindications, and Warnings</u>- Medicinal amounts of this plant should not be taken internally when pregnant or breastfeeding. Since this plant has some hypoglycemic effects, those on diabetic medications should consult their doctor before adding it to their routine.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>I only included a basic introduction to this interesting herb. If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below. Follow me on Facebook and Instagram or updates on my adventures in Nature. Find me on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWmrIjUvm2__Tcb2r07NHpA?view_as=subscriber" target="_blank">YouTube</a> and check out my videos! I also have a few things up on <a href="https://teespring.com/stores/bat-lady-herbals" target="_blank">Teespring</a>, check it out! Also, if you like what I do and what to see more, <a href="https://www.patreon.com/bePatron?u=21994221" target="_blank">Become a Patron</a>!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Resources:</h3><p>A revision on Urena lobata L.: International Journal of Medicine: doi:10.14419/ijm.v5i1.7525 </p><p>Antidiarrheal Activity of Lithocarpus dealbata and Urena lobata Extracts: Therapeutic Implications.: Pharmaceutical Biology: doi:10.1080/13880200701213153</p><p>Caesar Weed Sampler: Eat The Weeds: http://www.eattheweeds.com/caesar-weed-sampler/</p><p>Caesarweed: Wild South Florida: http://www.wildsouthflorida.com/caesars.weed.html </p><p>Dalupang: Philippine Medicinal Plants: http://www.stuartxchange.com/Dalupang.html </p><p>Lignan Glycosides from Urena lobata: Molecules: doi:10.3390/molecules24152850 </p><p>Three new flavonoid glycosides from Urena lobata: Journal of Asian Natural Products Research: doi:10.1080/10286020.2011.599802</p><p>Two new compounds from Urena lobata L.: Journal of Asian Natural Products Research: doi:10.1080/10286020.2010.510468</p><p>Urena lobata: Florida List of Invasive Plants: https://plantatlas.usf.edu/flip/plant.aspx?id=80 </p><p>Urena lobata: Global Biodiversity Information Facility: https://www.gbif.org/species/3152253 </p><p>Urena lobata: Invasive Species Compendium: https://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/55771 </p><p>Urena lobata: UF Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants: https://plants.ifas.ufl.edu/plant-directory/urena-lobata/ </p><p>Urena lobata: Useful Tropical Plants: https://tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Urena+lobata </p><p>Urena lobata, An Edible and Medicinal Traditional Fibre Crop: NiMeD Health: https://nimedhealth.com.ng/2019/09/14/urena-lobata-an-edible-and-medicinal-traditional-fibre-crop/ </p><p>Urena lobata Herb Uses, Benefits, Cures, Side Effects, Nutrients: Herbpathy: https://herbpathy.com/Uses-and-Benefits-of-Urena-Lobata-Cid5882 </p><p>Urena lobata (PROSEA): Plant Use: https://uses.plantnet-project.org/en/Urena_lobata_(PROSEA)#:~:text=In%20China%20and%20Fiji%2C%20the,%2C%20malaria%2C%20rheumatism%20and%20tonsilitis. </p><p><br /></p>The Bat Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00545891406220728569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8584259060235604254.post-43777456603551279192021-08-31T21:59:00.000-04:002021-08-31T21:59:10.450-04:00Butterfly Weed<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIFuBYcliHbC-NQcfyT7VFW2-z7I90eVmLSXWP_nWbmrRjm3Y8wOv-Gk_7Ytz7DeaTUcHHg_xVSOOeSdo232ZIH0AXhyytSXGIYNIzzrgpAN0eISoFFZk1MVMtJ6PqjecsRUcasvj_CwY/s2048/Butterfly+Weed+Blog+Banner+%25281%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIFuBYcliHbC-NQcfyT7VFW2-z7I90eVmLSXWP_nWbmrRjm3Y8wOv-Gk_7Ytz7DeaTUcHHg_xVSOOeSdo232ZIH0AXhyytSXGIYNIzzrgpAN0eISoFFZk1MVMtJ6PqjecsRUcasvj_CwY/w400-h225/Butterfly+Weed+Blog+Banner+%25281%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> When my husband and I go hiking we always tend to stop and examine interesting plants. Recently I was complaining that I’ve never actually gotten to see one of our native milkweeds even though we do hike at the times they’re blooming. Then on one of our recent hikes, my husband points at a beautiful orange flower in a grassy area, and guess what. It’s a milkweed! I think I may have done a happy dance. Further along the trail, in a different grassy area, we run across a different milkweed species, so the same hike provided me with two distinct species of native milkweeds to get nerdy about. The orange one is a traditional medicine and food of the indigenous people, so I thought I may share a bit of information about it here.</p><p> </p><p> <i>Asclepias tuberosa</i> is a member of the <i>Apocynaceae</i> family. Some of you may be wondering why I’m not listing it as a member of the <i>Asclepiadaceae</i> family. DNA sequencing has affected plant taxonomy quite a bit in recent years. One of the changes is that <i>Asclepiadaceae</i> has been demoted from family to subfamily and has been absorbed by the <i>Apocynaceae</i> family. This means that <i>A. tuberosa</i> is a member of the subfamily <i>Asclepiadaceae</i> in the family <i>Apocynaceae</i>. This plant is also a member of the genus <i>Asclepias</i> which contains about 80 different species. Butterfly weed is a perennial herb native to North America. Its range extends from Southern Ontario and New York to Minnesota, south to Florida and Colorado. It prefers to grow in dry open fields, along roadsides, and grassy places. Butterfly weed root is spindle-shaped, large, branching, white, and fleshy with a knotted crown, it sends up several erect, stout, round, and hairy stems, growing from 1 to 3 feet high. Stems are branched near the top and have corymbs or umbels of many deep yellows to dark orange, or almost red, flowers. The leaves grow closely all the way up the stem and are hairy, unserrated, lance-shaped, alternate, sessile, and dark green on top, lighter green beneath. <i>A. tuberosa</i> flowers bloom from May to September, followed in the fall by seed pods from 4 to 5 inches long, containing the seeds with their long silky hairs or floss. This plant, unlike the other milkweeds, contains no latex so the sap is clear.</p><p><br /></p><p> </p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Medicinal Uses:</h2><p><br /></p><p><u>Scientific Name</u>- <i>Asclepias tuberosa</i></p><p><br /></p><p><u>Common Names</u>- Pleurisy Root, Butterfly Weed, Butterfly Milkweed, Colic Root, Orange Milkweed, White root, Chigger Flower, Fluxroot, Indian Posy, Wind Root</p><p><br /></p><p><u>Family</u>- <i>Apocynaceae</i> (Dogbane family) which has been recently broadened to include the subfamily <i>Asclepiadaceae</i> (Milkweed family) based on DNA sequencing</p><p><br /></p><p><u>Summary of Actions</u>- Expectorant, Antispasmodic, Antitussive, Emetic, Mildly Cathartic, Diaphoretic, Carminative, Tonic, Demulcent, Cooling, Vasodilator, Estrogenic </p><p> </p><p><u>Energetics & Flavors</u>- Bitter, Cool, Dry</p><p><br /></p><p><u>Parts Used</u>- Root (generally harvested after the second year of growth during the plant’s dormant season), Sometimes Leaves and the Whole Plant </p><p> </p><p><u>Active Constituents</u>- Glycosides (including Asclepaidin and Cardioactive glycosides), Alkaloids, Tannic and Gallic acids, Resins, Bitters, Essential oil, Fixed oil resins</p><p><br /></p><p><u>Edibility</u>- Young Shoots, Flower Buds, and Stems are all edible. </p><p><br /></p><p><u>Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)</u>- Known as Xiong Moyan Gen in TCM, Butterfly Weed is known to be associated with both the lung and large intestine meridians. It promotes sweating, releases to the exterior, tonifies the lungs, clears heat, and reduces swelling. This makes it a great herb for colds, coughs with no or difficult expectoration, bronchitis, pleurisy, and croup. It also moves Qi, relieving spasms including those in the uterus. Xiong Moyan Gen also restores the liver, promotes urination, benefits the skin, and clears wind heat. Pleurisy root is not native to China, but has in modern times been combined with the popular Chinese herb, skullcap, to help treat pneumonia.</p><p><br /></p><p><u>Ayurvedic</u>- The use of this beautiful plant has found it’s way from North America all the way to India and now has a place in modern Ayurvedic medicine. In Ayurveda, it is used much the same way that modern Western herbalism uses it. The root is used for many different pulmonary conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, and pleurisy. </p><p><br /></p><p><u>Traditional Native American Uses</u>- Many Native American tribes used this lovely plant for a variety of ailments, though the most common use was for pulmonary complaints, that wasn’t the only use for this amazing herb. The Menominee considered this plant one of their most important medicines. Most indigenous people chewed fresh roots from the plant to help treat bronchitis, pleurisy, and other respiratory illnesses. Others, such as the Omaha and Navajo, preferred to make a tea or tincture and ingest it that way. Butterfly weed helped to ease pain and breathing difficulties caused by these illnesses by loosening mucus, soothing inflammation, and helping with long-term recovery. Some tribes also used butterfly weed to help treat bruises. The roots were pounded or chewed into a mushy texture and used as the main ingredient for bruises, swelling, cuts, and other external injuries. The mixture is applied externally to the area of concern as well as ingested as a tonic.</p><p><br /></p><p><u>Lung (Pulmonary) Complaints</u>- <i>A. tuberosa</i> is considered one of the best herbal expectorants available while also being cool and relaxing. A cupful of warm infusion (1 teaspoon of powder in a cup of boiling water) taken every hour will quickly and effectively promote perspiration and release stuck phlegm. It also works to reduce the swelling of mucus membranes such as those that line the lungs, this makes it an excellent herb for asthma and bronchitis. </p><p> </p><p><u>Acute Fevers</u>- Butterfly weed can be used to help in the case of acute fevers by promoting perspiration. Commonly, it’s combined with angelica (<i>Angelica archangelica</i>) and/or sassafras (<i>Sassafras albidum</i>) in these cases. Acute fevers are also often associated with body aches and pain. The analgesic properties of this herb help to ease those aches and pains as well.</p><p> </p><p><u>Digestive Complaints</u>- Butterfly weed is carminitave and antispasmodic which makes it an excellent herb to treat many digestive issues. Some of the more common issues this plant is used for include diarrhea, colic, indigestion, and flatulence.</p><p> </p><p><u>Skin & Wound Care</u>- This plant can be of great benefit to the skin, both in wound care and in general skin care. It is frequently used for skin conditions such as eczema and traditionally used to help speed the healing of wounds. Part of why it works so well for this is its anti-inflammatory property. It also contains pregnane glycosides which have an anti-aging effect on the skin.</p><p><br /></p><p><u>Other Uses</u>- Fibers from this plant have been traditionally used to make rope and fabric.</p><p><br /></p><p><u>Cautions, Contraindications, and Warnings</u>- May cause nausea and vomiting, excessive consumption may also cause heart issues. It may also interfere with certain medications. Do not use during pregnancy (it can over stimulate the uterus), during lactation or with infants, due to small amounts of cardiac glycosides that can be toxic. Canadian regulations do not allow pleurisy root as an ingredient in oral products</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>I only included a basic introduction to this beautiful native milkweed. If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below. Follow me on Facebook and Instagram or updates on my adven-tures in Nature. Find me on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWmrIjUvm2__Tcb2r07NHpA?view_as=subscriber" target="_blank">YouTube</a> and check out my videos! I also have a few things up on <a href="https://teespring.com/stores/bat-lady-herbals" target="_blank">Teespring</a>, check it out! Also, if you like what I do and what to see more, <a href="https://www.patreon.com/bePatron?u=21994221" target="_blank">Become a Patron</a>!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Resources:</h2><p><br /></p><p>Apocynaceae: Britannica: https://www.britannica.com/plant/Gentianales/Apocynaceae#ref94851</p><p><br /></p><p>Asclepias tuberosa: Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center: https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=astu</p><p><br /></p><p>Asclepias tuberosa: The Medicinal Plant Garden of Birmingham-Southern College: https://medicinalgarden.trekbirmingham.com/asclepias-tuberosa/</p><p><br /></p><p>Asclepias tuberosa: Misouri Botanical Garden: https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b490</p><p><br /></p><p>Asclepias tuberosa: Plants for a Future: https://pfaf.org/user/plant.aspx?LatinName=Asclepias+tuberosa</p><p><br /></p><p>Asclepias tuberosa (butterfly weed/pleurisy root): Lucy Meriwether Lewis Marks: https://www.monticello.org/sites/library/exhibits/lucymarks/gallery/butterflyweed.html</p><p><br /></p><p>Butterfly Milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa L.): US Forest Service: https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/asclepias_tuberosa.shtml</p><p><br /></p><p>Butterfly Weed A Native Prairie Medicine: Indiana Native Plants: https://indiananativeplants.org/images/resources/Gordon%20Mitchell%20Articles/GM_butterfly_weed.pdf</p><p><br /></p><p>Butterfly Weed Herb: Alternative Nature Online Herbal: https://altnature.com/gallery/butterflyweed.htm</p><p><br /></p><p>Monograph: asclepias tuberosa.: Journal of the American Herbalists Guild</p><p><br /></p><p>Native American Medicinal Uses of Butterfly Weed: Ordway Field Station: https://sites.google.com/a/macalester.edu/ordwipedia/traditional-ecological-knowledge-tek-from-ling-225/butterfly-weed</p><p><br /></p><p>New 8,12;8,20-diepoxy-8,14-secopregnane hexa- and hepta-glycosides from the roots of Asclepias tuberosa.: Journal of Natural Medicines: doi:10.1007/s11418-017-1155-9</p><p><br /></p><p>Pleurisy: Indian Mirror: https://www.indianmirror.com/ayurveda/pleurisy.html</p><p><br /></p><p>Pleurisy Root: A Modern Herbal: https://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/p/pleuri52.html</p><p><br /></p><p>Pleurisy Root: Eclectic School of Herbal Medicine: https://www.eclecticschoolofherbalmedicine.com/pleu/</p><p><br /></p><p>Pleurisy Root: Natural Medicines Database</p><p><br /></p><p>Pleurisy Root: RxList: https://www.rxlist.com/pleurisy_root/supplements.htm</p><p><br /></p><p>Pleurisy Root (Xiong Moyan Gen): White Rabbit Institute of Healing: https://www.whiterabbitinstituteofhealing.com/herbs/pleurisy-root/</p><p><br /></p><p>What are the uses and benefits of Pleurisy Root (Asclepias tuberosa)?: Planet Ayurveda: https://www.planetayurveda.com/pleurisy-root/</p><p><br /></p>The Bat Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00545891406220728569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8584259060235604254.post-42884833337582015692021-07-20T15:32:00.002-04:002021-07-20T15:32:40.181-04:00Usnea<p style="text-align: center;"> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpyRkzU5703qvrWruz2XuFP9L5NHyyqnP3riwM7qL8UVpWZAZpGzReTTBURPJt-GndGZKhnKW5MILzWGUewlDXr5laUqOYRYQXaZ7EjgxiUuX8QGOAaOquZNO8TlNwGJHSqdg-XZMMn2k/s2048/Usnea+Blog+Banner.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpyRkzU5703qvrWruz2XuFP9L5NHyyqnP3riwM7qL8UVpWZAZpGzReTTBURPJt-GndGZKhnKW5MILzWGUewlDXr5laUqOYRYQXaZ7EjgxiUuX8QGOAaOquZNO8TlNwGJHSqdg-XZMMn2k/w400-h225/Usnea+Blog+Banner.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> One of my favorite things about my home state of Florida is its sheer natural diversity. We have wetlands, swamps, beaches, grasslands, hammocks, and scrubs. With all this diversity of habitat we also have a major diversity of plant, animal, and fungal life. Florida is home to over 4,700 species of plants and countless species of fungi. While I have barely dipped my toes in the ocean of the flora found in this state, I haven’t even breached the surface of the fungi pool. However, there are a few that stand out and I try to share those with people whenever I can.</p><p><br /></p><p> Lichens are technically a type of fungi. Though they are really symbiotic organisms made up of fun-gus living in a symbiotic relationship with an alga or cyanobacterium (or both in some instances). Fungi are not able to photosynthesize, so they cannot make their own food from the sun. However, algae and cyanobacteria do have the ability to photosynthesize. Forming symbiotic relationships can help these fungi, alga, and cyanobacterium survive and thrive in areas where they would otherwise be unable to. Worldwide, there are about 17,000 species of lichen and it’s currently estimated that about 8% of the earth’s surface is covered by these fascinating symbiotes. </p><p><br /></p><p> Usnea is a genus of lichen that can be found all over the Northern Hemisphere. It likes to grow on trees such as pine, spruce, juniper, fir, and even some hardwoods such as oak, hickory, walnut, apple, and pear. Usnea prefers moist areas, like Florida, where there is high humidity or regular fog and/or rain. Its most commonly used common name is Old Man’s Beard. This comes from Usnea’s growing habit, similar to that of Spanish Moss, where it forms long, bushy strands that cascade from the tree limbs, reminiscent of a long beard. However, in Florida, this is not very evident as our species tend to stay much smaller.</p><p><br /></p><p> There are a few other species of lichen that can easily be confused with Usnea. Strap lichen (<i>Rama-lina spp.</i>) and oakmoss (<i>Evernia spp.</i>) are nontoxic lichens with flat, strap-like thalli (plant body) that could be confused with Usnea. The somewhat toxic wolf lichen (<i>Letharia vulpina</i>) can be confused with Usnea to the untrained eye. Wolf lichen, which grows in the Pacific Northwest, Northern Rockies, and Europe, is much brighter green in color and does not contain the inner filament that is the primary way I use to identify Usnea.</p><p><br /></p><p> The best way to identify Usnea is by taking a moistened strand and gently pulling it apart. If it is Usnea, you will see an inner white- or cream-colored strand that is somewhat elastic. This inner white strand is the fungus core, while the green outer covering is the alga. If the usnea is too dry, the inner strand may be hard to see. Also, the branches of the Usnea thallus (the pant body) are always round in a cross-section.</p><p><br /></p><p> If you plan on harvesting Usnea, there are a few things to keep in mind. The first is that Usnea grows very slowly and can easily be over-harvested. The best way to ensure sustainable harvesting is by gathering this lichen from freshly fallen branches, either after a storm or in the regular shedding of branches in a forest. Another consideration is that Usnea is a natural air purifier and as such can absorb heavy metals. Make sure when you are harvesting to only harvest from areas low in air pollution.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Medicinal Uses:</h2><p><br /></p><p><u>Scientific Name</u>- <i>Usnea spp.</i> most common species used include: <i>U. barbata</i>, <i>U. californica</i>, <i>U. longissimi</i>, and our local species <i>U. florida</i>. There are over 600 species of Usnea that grow across the world and many of these species are interchangeably used.</p><p><u><br /></u></p><p><u>Common Names</u>- Old Man’s Beard, Beard Lichen, Tree lichen, Tree Moss</p><p> </p><p><u>Family</u>- <i>Parmeliacaea</i></p><p><br /></p><p><u>Edibility</u>- Edible, but not tasty. Can cause stomach upset if not properly prepared.</p><p> </p><p><u>Summary of Actions</u>- Antibiotic, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antiparasitic, antiprotozoal, antiproliferative, antitumor, antiviral, antiseptic, analgesic, antipyretic, astringent, immuno-stimulating, immuno-regulator, demulcent, expectorant, febrifuge, styptic, tonic, vasodilator, vulnerary</p><p><br /></p><p><u>Energetics & Flavors</u>- Bitter, Cooling, and Drying</p><p><br /></p><p><u>Constituents</u>- Usnic acid, diffractaic acid, vitamin C, carotene, essential amino acids, fatty acids, mucilage, polysaccharides, anthraquinones</p><p><br /></p><p><u>Parts Used</u>- Whole lichen (dried thallus)</p><p> </p><p><u>Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)</u>- Though it is rarely used, the first recorded use of Usnea in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) dates to 101 B.C., when it was used as an antimicrobial agent under the Chinese name of Song Lo (also spelled Songluo). Song Lo tea or decoction for internal and external use has also been recorded for detoxification of the liver, treatment of malaria, wounds, snake bite, cough, and much more. Song Lo is primarily used for clearing heat, moving dampness, and releasing toxicity from the body. It has an affinity for the kidneys, bladder, reproductive organs, mucous mem-branes, upper respiratory, tissues, and skin.</p><p><br /></p><p><u>Antibacterial/Antifungal</u>- Usnea is an amazing antibacterial herb and works best against gram-positive bacteria such as Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and other fast-growing species. As an antifungal and antiparasitic herb, it can also be used when candida overgrowth (yeast infections) or Trichomonas are a concern. Unlike pharmaceutical antibacterial medications, Usnea is not believed to negatively affect healthy gut bacteria.</p><p> </p><p><u>Immune Stimulation</u>- Usnea contains polysaccharides that are immuno-stimulatory and can be used for both local and systemic infections. Common infections it is used for include sinusitis, acute/chronic lung infections, and vaginal infections.</p><p><br /></p><p><u>Wound Care</u>- This lichen has traditionally been used as a compress for wounds. Not only does it help stop bleeding, but it also actively fights infections which will help prevent the wound from becoming infected. It also helps to speed healing and may even be beneficial for skin conditions such as acne.</p><p> </p><p><u>Digestive Bitter</u>- The bitter flavor of this lichen indicates that it can be used as a digestive bitter, helping to stimulate bile production and improve digestion as well as nutrient absorption and the breaking down of fats. </p><p> </p><p><u>Drawing Out Toxins</u>- Usnea is an excellent drawing herb. Not the kind you use to make art, but the kind used to draw out toxins. It can also be used for bites, stings, and other similarly infected wounds.</p><p><br /></p><p><u>Urinary Tract</u>- This herb has many traditional uses in acute complaints of the kidney, bladder, and urinary tract. It’s also a great antifungal and antibacterial which helps to fight off many of the common urinary tract infections.</p><p><br /></p><p><u>Respiratory</u>- Usnea is a great herb for your lungs. It’s a tonic that helps support general lung health, but it also actively fights many upper respiratory infections and is especially effective for hot, irritable, wet coughs.</p><p><br /></p><p><u>Cautions, Contraindications, and Warnings</u>- Some people are allergic, so always use caution when you are first encountering this herb. Usnea is generally considered safe, even for long-term use at an appropriate dosage. There were some reports of liver toxicity issues with a weight loss product, called “LipoKinetix,” in the early 2000s. This product contained usnic acid, however, the issues were most likely caused by the formulation which contained other questionable components in high amounts. Other toxicity issues from this product were likely due to overuse/abuse of the supplement (this was a “miracle” weight loss pill after all which is always questionable in the first place). Yet another case for whole herb use. </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> I only included a basic introduction to this amazing lichen. If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below. Follow me on Facebook and Instagram or updates on my adventures in Nature. Find me on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWmrIjUvm2__Tcb2r07NHpA?view_as=subscriber" target="_blank">YouTube</a> and check out my videos! I also have a few things up on <a href="https://teespring.com/stores/bat-lady-herbals" target="_blank">Teespring</a>, check it out! Also, if you like what I do and what to see more, <a href="https://www.patreon.com/bePatron?u=21994221" target="_blank">Become a Patron</a>!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Resources:</h3><p>Foraging for Usnea- A Super Medicinal Lichen: Grow, Forage, Cook, Ferment: https://www.growforagecookferment.com/foraging-for-usnea/ </p><p>Herb of the month- Usnea: Groton Wellness: https://www.grotonwellness.com/herb-of-the-month-october/ </p><p>Medicinal Benefits of Usnea: Herbal Living: https://herbs.motherearthliving.com/medicinal-benefits-of-usnea/ </p><p>Respiratory Herbs- Usnea, Lungs of the Forest: Nitty Gritty Life: https://nittygrittylife.com/usnea-lungs-forest/ </p><p>Review of Usnic Acid and Usnea Barbata Toxicity: PubMed: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5739313/ </p><p>Safety Issues Affecting Herbs- Usnea, an herb used in Western and Chinese medicine: ITM Online: http://www.itmonline.org/arts/usnea.htm </p><p>The Usnea Herb: Herbs with Rosalee: https://www.herbalremediesadvice.org/usnea-herb.html </p><p>Usnea: Gia Herbs: https://www.gaiaherbs.com/blogs/herbs/usnea</p><p>Usnea: WebMD: https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-694/usnea#:~:text=The%20plant%20body%20of%20usnea,throat%20and%20for%20athlete's%20foot.</p><p>Usnea, an immune-enhancing lichen: Corinna Wood: https://www.corinnawood.com/blog/usnea-lichen-immune-enhancing-medicinal-herb </p><p>Usnea barbata: The Naturopathic Herbalist: https://thenaturopathicherbalist.com/herbs/t-u/usnea-barbata/ </p><p>What are Lichens?: Live Science: https://www.livescience.com/55008-lichens.html </p><p>What to Know About Usnea, the Antibacterial Lichen That’s in Some Natural Deodorants: Well + Good: https://www.wellandgood.com/usnea-benefits/ </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>The Bat Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00545891406220728569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8584259060235604254.post-82301420261520172962021-05-31T01:44:00.000-04:002021-05-31T01:44:22.430-04:00Common Buttonbush<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB-zfJIsdNsgAh-LrzDhhFp8aJQIU9JdQax3bDVfa8HBKgTxlNU2BkmWK55xf20gm94bqkM_GnN9cmp68PM0oSc_q_AlAT52ZqxaJqlqeMav5rl-CgCnNw-jxUWRh2SguN1PX8Um9ox2A/s2048/Buttonbush+Blog+Banner.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB-zfJIsdNsgAh-LrzDhhFp8aJQIU9JdQax3bDVfa8HBKgTxlNU2BkmWK55xf20gm94bqkM_GnN9cmp68PM0oSc_q_AlAT52ZqxaJqlqeMav5rl-CgCnNw-jxUWRh2SguN1PX8Um9ox2A/w400-h225/Buttonbush+Blog+Banner.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p> </p><p> Have you ever run into a plant (literally or figuratively) that strikes you as beautiful and odd all at the same time? The plant I want to introduce you to today is one for me. The first time I came across this beauty, I didn’t think anything of it because it wasn’t blooming. The second time however, the blooms caught my attention, almost as strongly as the accompanying buzzing from all the insects sur-rounding each bloom. Say “hello” to the Common Buttonbush.</p><p><br /></p><p> <i>Cephalanthus occidentalis</i> or the Common Buttonbush is a 6-12 ft tall (sometimes taller) shrub that likes to grow on the edges of swamps here in Central Florida. It’s native to North America where it mostly grows in the Southeast but is native as far north as Canada. It prefers to grow in swamps, around ponds and margins of streams, sand, loam, clay, and limestone where it’s moist and has poor drainage. It’s even happy in standing water. You can also find it in prairie swales, around lakes, marsh, creek & swamp margins and occasionally on dry, limestone bluffs. Or, in short Florida habitats. It’s leaves grow in pairs or in threes, and are petiolate with blades up to 8 inches long, ovate to narrower, sometimes 1/3 or less as wide as long, with a pointed tip and rounded to tapered base, smooth margins and glossy upper surface. The lower surface tends to be duller. The glossy, dark-green leaves are among the many Florida leaves that don’t change color for the Fall. The pale pink or white flowers are small and formed in distinctive, dense, spherical clusters (heads) with a fringe of pistils protruded beyond the white corollas. These flowers are long-lasting, blooming from June through September and are followed by rounded masses of nutlets that persist through the winter. The trunks are often twisted and the much-branched shrub (sometimes small tree) is often crooked and leaning with an irregular crown, the balls of white flowers resembling pincushions, and buttonlike balls of fruit that give this plant it’s com-mon name. </p><p><br /></p><p> The Buttonbush has a long history of use as a medicinal herb, in spite of it’s toxicity, though it’s not used often in modern herbalism. The leaves contain glycosides that can be harmful if taken in large doses. They are harmful, even in small doses, to most domestic animals so don’t let your pup chew on these leaves! The bark contains an abundance of cephalanthin, which affects most vertebrates, both cold and warm-blooded, destroys red blood cells, and is an emetic, spasmodic, and eventually produces paralysis. In short, don’t use this herb without supervision! </p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Medicinal Uses:</h3><p><u>Scientific Name</u>- <i>Cephalanthus occidentalis</i></p><p><u>Common Names</u>- Common Buttonbush, Buttonbush, Button Willow, Honey Bells, Honeybells, Honey Balls, Honeyballs</p><p> <u>Synonyms</u>- <i>Cephalanthus occidentalis var. californicus, Cephalanthus occidentalis var. pubescens</i></p><p><u>Family</u>- <i>Rubiaceae</i> (Madder Family)</p><p><u>Edibility</u>- No edible uses are currently known. Leaves are toxic in large doses.</p><p><u>Summary of Actions</u>- Astringent, bitter (inner bark of the root), diaphoretic (root), diuretic (inner bark), emetic, febrifuge, laxative, odontalgic, ophthalmic, tonic (bark)</p><p><u>Energetics & Flavors</u>- Bitter</p><p><u>Parts Used</u>- Fresh and dried bark of stem, branches, and roots. Flowers. Leaves.</p><p><u>Traditional Native American Uses</u>- Some Native American tribes used the leaves and root bark to re-duce and sweat out fevers. The Meskwaki used the inner bark to induce vomiting. The Chippewa used Buttonbush to slow or stop excessive menstrual flow and to reduce pan and cramping associated with excessive or overly long menstrual flow. The Choctaws chewed the bark to relieve toothache. The Seminole also utilized this plant to treat urinary blockage, apparently either stones or swollen prostate.</p><p><u>Digestive Complaints</u>- A syrup can be made from the flowers and leaves to use as a tonic and laxative. Bitter properties can also be used to help aid digestion by stimulating bile production which improves the digestion of fats and helps with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.</p><p><u>Fevers</u>- A tincture or decoction of the fresh bark can be used for intermittent and remittent fevers. The febrifuge and diaphoretic properties help to reduce fever and induce a sweat to help sweat out fever. Because of this, Buttonbush can also be used as a substitute for quinine in the treatment of Malaria.</p><p><u>Menstrual Complaints</u>- This plant can be used to stop excessive menstrual flow traditionally this was done by boiling 1 cup of stems and leaves for 5 minutes, then taking 3 cups daily during the flow. An-other method is to take a 6-inch piece of root, 1 inch in diameter, chop it, add to boiling water and boil for 30 minutes. 3 cups can be taken over a 24-hour period for menstrual pain and cramping associated with an overly long menstrual flow.</p><p><u>Lungs</u>- The root has traditionally been boiled with honey to make a syrup used for lung problems. Also, the inner bark has been used for coughs.</p><p><u>Kidney & Gall Stones</u>- The inner bark has traditionally been used to help clear kidney gravel and pre-vent the formation of kidney stones. Its bitter properties help to stimulate bile production and prevent gall stones.</p><p><u>Other Benefits</u>- The flowers of this plant are wonderful for attracting pollinators, especially bees. It’s often used as a honey plant for this reason.</p><p><u>Cautions, Contraindications, and Warnings</u>- Do not use if you have problems with ulcers. The leaves contain glucosides and can be toxic in large doses. Symptoms include vomiting, convulsions, chronic spasms and muscular paralysis. </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> Aren't the flowers gorgeous? What do you think of this plant? Are you growing one or do you have one in your yard? Have you come face to face with the bark? Do you have any questions or comments? Share them down below! I only included a basic introduction to this interesting native plant. Follow me on Facebook and Instagram for updates on my adventures in Nature. Find me on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWmrIjUvm2__Tcb2r07NHpA?view_as=subscriber" target="_blank">YouTube</a> and check out my videos! I also have a few things up on <a href="https://teespring.com/stores/bat-lady-herbals" target="_blank">Teespring</a>, check it out! Also, if you like what I do and what to see more, <a href="https://www.patreon.com/bePatron?u=21994221" target="_blank">Become a Patron</a>!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Resources:</h3><p>Button Bush: Natural Medicinal Herbs: http://www.naturalmedicinalherbs.net/herbs/c/cephalanthus-occidentalis=button-bush.php#:~:text=It%20has%20been%20used%20as,%2C%20kidney%20stones%2C%20pleurisy%20etc.</p><p>Buttonbush: Earthnotes Herb Library: https://earthnotes.tripod.com/buttonbush.htm </p><p>Buttonbush: Texas Beyond History: https://www.texasbeyondhistory.net/ethnobot/images/buttonbush.html </p><p>Cephalanthus Buttonbush: Henriette’s Herbal Homepage: https://www.henriettes-herb.com/eclectic/kings/cephalanthus.html </p><p>Cephalanthus occidentalis: Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center: https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=ceoc2 </p><p>Cephalanthus occidentalis: Native American Ethnobotany Database: http://naeb.brit.org/uses/search/?string=Cephalanthus+occidentalis </p><p>Cephalanthus occidentalis: Plants for a Future: https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Cephalanthus+occidentalis </p><p>Cephalanthus occidentalis Buttonbush: Practical Plants: https://practicalplants.org/wiki/Cephalanthus_occidentalis#:~:text=A%20strong%20decoction%20has%20been,%2C%20diaphoretic%2C%20diuretic%20and%20tonic. </p><p>Cephalanthus occidentalis Buttonbush Medicinal Plant Uses: Charles W. Kane, Applied Medical Botany: https://medivetus.com/botanic/cephalanthus-occidentalis-buttonbush-medicinal-uses/</p><div><br /></div>The Bat Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00545891406220728569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8584259060235604254.post-6436703852989781622021-04-26T21:44:00.000-04:002021-04-26T21:44:03.509-04:00Plantain<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYndLM3jwzspg25AXTr5u8Pk2Kh8H3KIdklYzQXav-9yQKXlaqkjjqfT2czZj_M63zyJxNTMXMvGz7IMYCYBYHjjlE4ITBIEWzYYg7KOb8K5UZZNaKMGlsyUSD4lS-zIYRydV_RUoI4nU/s2048/Plantain+Blog+Banner.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYndLM3jwzspg25AXTr5u8Pk2Kh8H3KIdklYzQXav-9yQKXlaqkjjqfT2czZj_M63zyJxNTMXMvGz7IMYCYBYHjjlE4ITBIEWzYYg7KOb8K5UZZNaKMGlsyUSD4lS-zIYRydV_RUoI4nU/w400-h225/Plantain+Blog+Banner.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> Certain herbs have a rich history full of uses and traditions. Plantain is one such plant. No, I’m not talking about the savory banana often eaten in Hispanic cuisine. I’m talking about a plant that likes to grow where people travel, a plant that has gained a reputation across the world as one of the most useful herbs you can learn. This plant is one of my favorites and every species I’ve encountered (or simply read of) can be used/eaten in multiple ways. </p><p> </p><p> <i> Plantago spp</i>. is known in every culture for being a great medicinal herb and food source, not just for humanity but also for wildlife. There are over 35 species in North America alone, several of these are natives, and there are about 200 total species worldwide. It was a sacred plant to the Norse people who considered it one of the 9 herbs of Odin. They commonly called it Mother of Herbs or Wegbrade (translated to Wayfare’s Plant, referencing its tendency to grow by roadsides). When the Europeans settled in North America, they brought with them<i> P. major </i>which grew around every settlement and was so weedy that the Native American people called it White Man’s Foot. The native <i>P. virginica</i> was also nicknamed Little White Man’s Foot for the same tendencies. Plantain and people have a long history of mutual acceptance and use.</p><p> </p><p> There are quite a few species, but they all share a few common traits that can help you identify Plantago. The leaves grow in a basil rosette pattern and have parallel veins. They are also sessile, growing along the ground, and have poorly defined petioles. If you break open the leaves, the veins will have stretchy cords. The flowers grow in a stalk and can be a short cone or a long spike, they are not very showy as they are wind-pollinated. Most are herbaceous plants, though a few are subshrubs growing to 60 cm (24 in) tall.</p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="332" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IT7jh1TQfSI" width="478" youtube-src-id="IT7jh1TQfSI"></iframe></div><br /><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Medicinal Uses:</h2><p><br /></p><p><u>Common Names</u>- Plantain. <i>Plantago cordata</i> is commonly known as Water Plantain, Heart-leaved Plantain, or Rib-grass. <i>P. lanceolata</i> is commonly known as Narrowleaf Plantain or English Plantain. <i>P. major</i> is commonly known as Great Plantain or Common Plantain. <i>P. rugelii</i> is commonly known as Rugel's Plantain. <i>P. virginica</i> is commonly known as Dwarf Plantain or Virginia Plantain.</p><p><br /></p><p><u>Scientific Name</u>- <i>Plantago spp.</i> All species of Plantago (that I am aware of) can be used interchangeably. Some commonly used species include: <i>Plantago cordata, P. lanceolata, P. major, P. rugelii, </i>and <i>P. virginica.</i></p><p><br /></p><p><u>Family</u>- <i>Plantaginaceae</i></p><p><br /></p><p><u>Edibility</u>- Choice Edible. The whole plant is edible raw or cooked but be cautious as high doses of certain species can have laxative effects. Fresh, young leaves should be harvested in early spring while they’re still tender enough to eat raw in salads. Older leaves get stringy and tough, so they are better cooked. Steaming tougher leaves will make them tender, but the fibrous veins and midribs will need to be removed from older, stringier leaves. The young seed heads can be gathered throughout the summer and used in stir-fry, though as they get older, they get tough and are not recommended to be eaten. The seeds can be ground into a flour and used to make pancakes.</p><p><br /></p><p><u>Summary of Actions</u>- Antimicrobial, antibacterial, lymphatic, anti-inflammatory, astringent, anti-allergic, antihistamine, anti-catarrhal, expectorant, demulcent, alterative, anti-hemorrhagic, vasoconstrictor, antacid, diuretic, emollient, vulnerary, connective tissue tonic</p><p><br /></p><p><u>Constituents</u>- Mucilage, carbohydrates (fructose, glucose, saccharoses), Acids (chlorogenic, benzoic, caffeic, coumaric, fumaric, salicylic, asocorbic), iridoid glycosides (acubin, catalpol), tannins, flavonoids (apigenin, luteolin, scutellarin, baicalein), alkaloid, gum, resins, choline, allantoin, saponins, steroids, nutrients (minerals: Zn, K+, Mg, P)</p><p><br /></p><p><u>Energetics and Flavors</u>- Overall it is considered to be Cool and Dry. The leaves are Slightly Bitter, Slightly Salty, and Acrid. The roots are Slightly Salty, and Slightly Sweet. The seeds are Sweet and Cold.</p><p><br /></p><p><u>Parts Used</u>- Leaves, Roots, and Seeds</p><p><br /></p><p><u>Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)</u>- Known as Che Qian Zi (roughly translated as “before the cart seeds”), Plantain has a long history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). In most traditions, the leaf of this herb is the primary part used, however in TCM, it’s primarily the seeds that are used. Plantain works best on the Bladder, Kidney, Lung, and Liver meridians. It’s useful for draining damp, promoting urination, regulating water, and clearing heat. This makes it useful for reducing edema and other conditions involving damp heat, especially in the Lower Jiao (think diarrhea or urinary incontinence). It’s also used for eye conditions due to Liver Heat or Liver Yang rising (dry eyes, sensitivity to light, etc). It also clears Lung Heat (dissolves phlegm, stops cough, and as an expectorant). </p><p><br /></p><p><u>Native American Traditional Uses</u>- Various species of Plantain have been traditionally used by Native American tribes as a choice edible and for medicinal uses. In addition to its many traditional edible and medicinal uses, Plantain was sometimes used ceremonially.<i> P. virginica </i>was used by the Kiowa who made wreaths from it that old men would wear during certain dances as a symbol of their good health.</p><p><br /></p><p><u>Skin Conditions & Wound Care</u>- All Plantago species can be used for wound care, though the one with the strongest wound care abilities is <i>P. major</i>. These herbs have been used for centuries as first-aid and to help improve certain skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. The fresh leaves or juice of the plant are excellent, quick healing agents for cuts, wounds, bruises, and any skin related condition. The antimicrobial properties make this a great plant to help protect wounds as well as to help treat acne and boils. The seed and/or root of the plant is traditionally roasted and ground to be used to stop bleeding.</p><p><br /></p><p><u>Drawing Herb</u>- Plantain is a drawing herb, meaning that it helps to draw foreign substances out of our bodies. <i>P. virginica</i> is especially great for this use, though all species have this property. Common uses of drawing herbs include drawing out bee stingers and splinters, bringing infections closer to the surface so they can be drained (think boils and bad acne), and helping to remove venom from animal/insect bites and stings (such as snake bites, great to know about in Florida though you still want to head to the hospital ASAP for antivenom!). </p><p><br /></p><p><u>Mucus Membrane Tonic</u>- Plantain is an astringent and has alterative properties internally, especially in chronic inflammatory conditions of the mucosa. These properties are beneficial throughout the entire mucosa, from mouth to anus.</p><p><br /></p><p><u>Cough, Throat, & Lower Respiratory</u>- All Plantago species can be used internally as an expectorant and to soothe the throat, however <i>P. lanceolata</i> is the species that tends to be most effective as a gentle soothing expectorant and most indicated in irritated coughs and mild bronchitis. The mucilage from the leaves has a soothing and anti-inflammatory effect on the lower respiratory tract. </p><p><br /></p><p><u>Neurological Conditions</u>- Traditionally used in Persian medicine for neurological issues such as epilepsy. Traditional Persian medicinal preparation called Adasiyyat was used to treat epilepsy and earaches caused by nervous pain. Adasiyyat is a combination of cooked lentils with plantain leaves and was either consumed as a food or used as a plaster on the forehead. This use has been studied in modern medical science, which has determined that Plantain effects the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) system and can potentially reduce the instance of seizures. GABA is a neurotransmitter and helps regulate the communication between brain cells. This property of Plantain may have further effects on other neurological conditions, but further studies are needed.</p><p><br /></p><p><u>Gastrointestinal</u>- Plantain is a great herb for the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. It has properties that help protect against the formation of ulcers, it’s a great source of fiber that helps to move digested food more effectively, it helps prevent and treat diarrhea, and it even helps remove obstructions in the liver ducts. </p><p><br /></p><p><u>Cautions, Contraindications, and Warnings</u>- None known. *Some species are endangered or threatened, please be respectful of natural populations of these plants.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> I only included a basic introduction to this extremely useful plant. If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below. Follow me on Facebook and Instagram or updates on my adventures in Nature. Find me on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWmrIjUvm2__Tcb2r07NHpA?view_as=subscriber" target="_blank">YouTube</a> and check out my videos! I also have a few things up on <a href="https://teespring.com/stores/bat-lady-herbals" target="_blank">Teespring</a>, check it out! Also, if you like what I do and what to see more, <a href="https://www.patreon.com/bePatron?u=21994221" target="_blank">Become a Patron</a>!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Resources:</p><p>Common Plantain (Plantago Major): Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/mikofox/21270039140/ </p><p>Plantago lanceolata Major: The Naturopathic Herbalist: https://thenaturopathicherbalist.com/2015/09/13/plantago-lanceolatamajor/</p><p>Plantago major in Traditional Persian Medicine and modern phytotherapy a narrative review: Pub Med: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5878035/ </p><p>Plantago Major-Plantain: Henriette’s Herbal Homepage: https://www.henriettes-herb.com/eclectic/cook/PLANTAGO_MAJOR.htm </p><p>Plantago Lanceolata: Wikimedia Commons: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Plantago_lanceolata3.jpg </p><p>Plantago Major RF: Wikimedia Commons: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Plantago_major_RF.jpg </p><p>Plantago (Plantain Weed): Wild Edible: https://www.wildedible.com/wild-food-guide/plantain </p><p>Plantain: White Rabbit Institute of Healing: https://www.whiterabbitinstituteofhealing.com/herbs/Plantain/</p><p>Plantain- Indigenous Food and Medicine: Real Food & Scandalous Gardening Secrets: http://harvestsgardeningsecrets.blogspot.com/2015/07/plantain-indigenous-food-and-medicine.html </p><p>Virginia Plantain (Plantago virginica): Wild South Florida: http://www.wildsouthflorida.com/virginia.plantain.html#.YH3Aw-hKgdU </p><p>White Man’s Little Foot- Dwarf Plantain: Eat The Weeds: http://www.eattheweeds.com/white-mans-little-foot-dwarf-plantain-2/ </p>The Bat Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00545891406220728569noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8584259060235604254.post-74692080793441276062021-03-16T17:25:00.002-04:002021-03-16T17:25:25.064-04:00Bladderwort<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAcE0hHit06o2M6Cf8Ci18AwoWEQfvZRdUN58LBX15QuINTsg4MQ-bmQ7GOO45Z4G3kt7vhY97E8ZCssvIAtJ8M7vQgjqbZ3vTinhaeBs8Rx7fW4-rjDGBMYRlw7fHe0oPrIUd6TQ8tV4/s2048/Bladderwort+Blog+Banner+%25281%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAcE0hHit06o2M6Cf8Ci18AwoWEQfvZRdUN58LBX15QuINTsg4MQ-bmQ7GOO45Z4G3kt7vhY97E8ZCssvIAtJ8M7vQgjqbZ3vTinhaeBs8Rx7fW4-rjDGBMYRlw7fHe0oPrIUd6TQ8tV4/w400-h225/Bladderwort+Blog+Banner+%25281%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p> Ok, so I’m strange. I fully admit this and embrace it as part of who I am. Today I’m sharing one of my strangeness with all of you, I have a bit of an obsession with carnivorous plants. I just find them extremely fascinating. So, of course, when my husband and I ran across a pond full of Bladderwort on a recent hike, I went bonkers. </p><p><br /></p><p> Floating bladderwort, or <i>Utricularia inflata</i>, is a Florida native plant that extends through much of the Southeast region of the United States. It’s both aquatic and carnivorous and can be found in (usually) deep freshwater habitats that have a low pH and very few nutrients (which is why the plant evolved to be carnivorous in the first place). It’s a member of the <i>Lentibulariaceae</i> (Bladderwort) family and the flowers of the plants in this family look very similar to the flowers in the <i>Lamiaceae</i> (Mint) family, they are bilaterally symmetrical and somewhat resemble lips. This is because <i>Lentibulariaceae</i> and <i>Lamiaceae</i> are both members of the <i>Lamiales</i> order, so they are fairly closely related. </p><p><br /></p><p> Bladderwort does not have roots. Instead, it has specialized leaves that both keep it afloat and provide extra nutrients. The underwater leaves are home to the “bladders” that give these plants their common name. These bladders are the “trap” that collects the animals this plant preys upon, which are mainly protozoa, microscopic crustaceans, and tiny fish (often that have just hatched). When these creatures get close enough to the bladders to brush up against the hairs, this triggers the bladder to open, creating a vacuum and sucking the creature inside where it will be digested to provide the extra nutrients the plant needs to survive. </p><p><br /></p><p> The species that we ran across (<i>Utricularia inflata</i>) is one of many species in Florida. However, to my knowledge (please correct me if I’m wrong), it is the only one with the wheel-like floating leaves that grows in North America. While it is native to the Southeast, it has been introduced in Washington state and upstate New York, where it has become a problematic invasive. </p><p><br /></p><p> There are around 200 species that grow world-wide, 20 of which grow here in North America. Each region has specific species that are used for slightly different purposes in traditional medicines. The Ayurvedic traditions use<i> Utricularia reticulata</i>, the Traditional Chinese Medicine system uses <i>Utricularia bifida</i>, and the Gwich’in tribe of North America uses <i>Utricularia vulgaris</i>. While all of these traditional systems use the various Bladderworts for kidney infections and wound care, each tradition has specific other uses for their <i>Utricularia</i> species. This isn’t to say that all Bladderworts can’t be used interchangeably, but that there isn’t much research or data collected to support this idea. </p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Check out a video I posted recently about this fascinating plant!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="365" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CdmhFukECzI" width="482" youtube-src-id="CdmhFukECzI"></iframe></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><o:p> </o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Medicinal Uses:<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><u>Common Names</u>- Bladderwort, Floating Bladderwort,
Swollen Bladderwort<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><u>Scientific Name</u>- <i>Utricularia inflata</i><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><u>Family</u>-<i> Lentibulariaceae</i><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; line-height: normal; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt; mso-pagination: none;"><u>Summary
of Actions</u>- Astringent, diuretic, and vulnerary<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><u>Parts Used</u>- Whole plant<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><u>Edibility</u>- A tea is often made with dry or fresh
leaves and often consumed for the rich mineral content.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><u>Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)</u>- <i>Utricularia
bifida</i> is used in a common TCM formula for hemorrhoids. The other herbs in
this formula include <i>Elephantopus scaber </i>(Elephant’s Foot) and <i>Sonchus
oleraceus</i> (Common Sowthistle). This mixture is used to relieve and eliminate
swelling pain, stabbing pain and burning pain of hemorrhoids caused by
bacterial infection and perianal inflammation, improve and eliminate variant
tissue, eliminate thrombus, soften hemorrhoids, promote regeneration of active
cells, restore perianal damaged aging cells, improve elasticity of rectal vein
wall and muscle tissue, improve compressive stimulation resistance, eliminate
rectal blood stasis root source, restore functions of a perianal system and
prevent recurrence of hemorrhoids.<span style="color: red;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><u>Ayurveda</u>- <i>Utricularia reticulata</i> is used in
Ayurvedic traditions. The whole plant is used for eye disease, snake bites, and
ulcers.<span style="color: red;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><u>Native American Traditional Uses</u>- The Gwich’in tribe
(one of the most northerly dwelling tribes in the North American continent) use
<i>Utricularia vulgaris</i> to treat kidney and bladder infections. It is often
used in the same way as Horsetail (<i>Equisetum hyemale</i>) for bladder
issues.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><u>Urinary Tract and Kidneys</u>- Bladderwort is astringent
and has soothing properties that help reduce inflammation which makes it great
to treat kidney and bladder infections. It also helps treat and prevent kidney stones.
<span style="color: red;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><u>Gallbladder</u>- This herb helps to stimulate bile
production and excretion helping to improve digestion. It also helps to treat
and prevent gall stones.<span style="color: red;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><u>Burns and Wound Care</u>- The soothing and astringent properties
of this plant make it a great choice for wound and burn care. You can use the fresh
specialized leaves (the parts that are under water) as a poultice on any wound
or burn and it will help prevent infection, soothe pain/burning sensations, and
help to speed healing.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><u>Weight Loss</u>- Bladderwort helps reduce water retention
which can help shed some weight. It also helps to simulate bile production and
excretion which can help improve digestion which may also help some people to lose
a bit of weight. Though this herb is not a “miracle weight loss herb.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><u>Cautions, Contraindications, and Warnings</u>- Since not
a lot of information exists on this plant, use caution and talk to your doctor
or herbalist before adding it to your routine. Do not take this if you are pregnant
or breastfeeding.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I only included a basic introduction to this fascinating
carnivorous plant. If you have any questions or comments, please leave them
below. Follow me on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BatLadyHerbals" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/batladyherbalist/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> for updates and more
adventures in nature. Find me on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWmrIjUvm2__Tcb2r07NHpA?view_as=subscriber" target="_blank">YouTube</a> and check out my videos! I also have a few things up on <a href="https://teespring.com/stores/bat-lady-herbals" target="_blank">TeeSpring</a>,
check it out! If you like what you see and would like to support this content,
feel free to become a <a href="https://www.patreon.com/bePatron?u=21994221" target="_blank">Patron</a> for
as little as $1 a month!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<h2 style="text-align: left;"><b>Resources:</b></h2><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Amazing facts of Bladderwort: Health Benefits Times: https://www.healthbenefitstimes.com/bladderwort/<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Bladderwort: GTC Department of Cultural Heritage: https://www.gwichin.ca/plants/bladderwort<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Bladderwort: Medicinal Herbs: http://www.naturalmedicinalherbs.net/herbs/u/utricularia-vulgaris=bladderwort.php<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Bladderworts: Medicinal Plants Archive: https://www.medicinalplantsarchive.us/pitcher-plants-2/bladderworts.html<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Bladderwort: The Rx List: https://www.rxlist.com/bladderwort/supplements.htm<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Bladderwort: WebMD: https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-317/bladderwort<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Floating Bladderwort - Utricularia inflata: Native Florida Wildflowers:
http://hawthornhillwildflowers.blogspot.com/2020/01/floating-bladderwort-utricularia-inflata.html<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Florida’s Aquatic Carnivorous Plants – Yes, Aquatic!: UF
Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants: https://nwdistrict.ifas.ufl.edu/nat/2016/06/03/floridas-aquatic-carnivorous-plants-yes-aquatic/<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Swollen Bladderwort: An Exotic Aquatic Plant: Department of Conservation
and Recreation, Massachusetts: https://www.mass.gov/doc/swollen-bladderwort-0/download<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Swollen Bladderwort: Washington State Department of Ecology:
https://depts.washington.edu/oldenlab/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Ultricularia-inflata_Scholl_2007R.pdf<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The Floating Bladderwort: In Defense of Plants: https://www.indefenseofplants.com/blog/2019/2/24/the-radial-bladderwort<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE PREPARATION FOR TREATING
HAEMORRHOIDS: WIPO IP Portal: https://patentscope.wipo.int/search/es/detail.jsf;jsessionid=2F5617F8666913CE082CACDE8D715892.wapp1nC?docId=CN177429855&_cid=P12-K6GK5M-42677-41<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Utricularia inflata: Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center: https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=utin<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Utricularia reticulata: Ayurvedic Medicinal Plants of Sri
Lanka: http://www.instituteofayurveda.org/plants/plants_detail.php?i=757<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Utricularia species: UF Center for Aquatic and Invasive
Plants: https://plants.ifas.ufl.edu/plant-directory/utricularia-species/<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Utricularia vulgaris: Plants for a Future: https://pfaf.org/USER/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Utricularia+vulgaris<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Utricularia vulgaris: Practical Plants: https://practicalplants.org/wiki/Utricularia_vulgaris<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Utricularia vulgaris: University of Ioannina School of
Health Sciences: http://mediplantepirus.med.uoi.gr/pharmacology_en/plant_details.php?id=232<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>The Bat Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00545891406220728569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8584259060235604254.post-74443944297850597902021-02-22T21:21:00.004-05:002021-02-23T20:25:24.238-05:00American Skullcap<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh55SNlHfSrw-LMKoZBWuaAK5okZ6Od9NIf3G7QepalHp_SV_SKCewEM8uKmjGObhBuolHfYbB_dJBDfHXy5tIAFjKqe1vj-Y4-A4AseejMnArNsvUdYsjb-PJzYRZf75eGxlS5h4npDZ4/s2048/A.+Skullcap+Blog+Banner.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh55SNlHfSrw-LMKoZBWuaAK5okZ6Od9NIf3G7QepalHp_SV_SKCewEM8uKmjGObhBuolHfYbB_dJBDfHXy5tIAFjKqe1vj-Y4-A4AseejMnArNsvUdYsjb-PJzYRZf75eGxlS5h4npDZ4/w400-h225/A.+Skullcap+Blog+Banner.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> Some plants I’m drawn too because of their striking beauty. With others, it’s their name. This little mint-family plant was first brought to my attention after I was in a car accident that left every muscle in my back in some serious spasms. Skullcap, or <i>Scutellaria lateriflora</i>, is a well-known natural muscle relaxer that does not leave you drowsy or unable to function. It may not look like much, but it is a wonderful herb to get to know.</p><p><br /></p><p> <i>Scutellaria lateriflora</i> is endemic (meaning it can only be found) to North America, but there are species of skullcaps found throughout the world. <i>S. baicalensis</i> and <i>S. barbatae</i> are two species that are native to Eastern Asia and Northern China and are commonly used in Traditional Chinese Medicine. These two often get confused with<i> S. lateriflora</i> though these plants are used quite differently in practice. </p><p><br /></p><p> <i>Scutellaria</i> is a genus of around 300 species in the <i>Lamiaceae</i>, or mint, family. They are annual or perennial and have the standard traits of most mints. They are known for square stems, opposite and toothed leaves, with bilaterally symmetrical flowers. Unlike most mint family plants, <i>Scutellaria</i> tend to not be aromatic.<i> S. lateriflora</i> is a wetland loving species that grows near marshes, meadows and other wet habitats. The blue to purple petals of the flowers were said to resemble the helmets of medieval European soldiers, hence its common name: skullcap.</p><p><br /></p><h4 style="text-align: left;">Medicinal Uses:</h4><p><u>Common Names</u>- American Skullcap, Blue Pimpernel, Blue Skullcap, Escutelaria, Grande Toque, Helmet Flower, Hoodwort, Mad-Dog Herb, Mad-Dog Skullcap, Mad-Dog Weed, Mad Weed, Quaker Bonnet, & Scullcap</p><p><br /></p><p><u>Scientific Name</u>- <i>Scutellaria lateriflora</i> (<i>Scutellaria baicalensis </i>is a different plant with slightly different uses)</p><p><br /></p><p><u>Family</u>- <i>Lamiaceae</i> (Mint Family)</p><p><br /></p><p><u>Summary of Actions</u>- Abortifacient, Anticonvulsant, Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, Antispasmodic, Anxiolytic, Astringent (slightly), Bitter, Emmenagogue, Febrifuge, Nervine tonic & Relaxant, Hypotensive, Sedative, Tonic </p><p><br /></p><p><u>Parts Used</u>- Aerial (above ground parts)</p><p><br /></p><p><u>Energetics/Flavors</u>- Bitter, Cold</p><p><br /></p><p><u>Key Constituents</u>- Flavonoids, Baicalein, Apigenin, Oroxylin A, Scutellarein, Steroidal saponins, Glycosides, Volatile oils, Tannins, Zinc. More than 295 chemical compounds have been isolated.</p><p><br /></p><p><u>Edibility</u>- The aerial parts can safely be eaten raw or cooked. The flowers make wonderful garnishes for pastries. </p><p><br /></p><p><u>Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)</u>- Huang Qin (<i>Scutellaria baicalensis</i>) and Ban Zhi Lian (<i>S. barbatae</i>) are the two common Chinese names for Skullcap. I’m not aware of a Chinese name for <i>S. lateriflora</i>, though it is used for the Stomach, Lungs, and Kidney meridians. It helps move Qi and calm nerves, clears heat and resolves fevers, restores stomach function and promotes urination. Skullcap is also used for snakebite, rashes, and insect bites. </p><p><br /></p><p><u>Ayurveda</u>- This herb is used in Ayurvedic medicine for Pitta types that tend to become irritable, angry, or may struggle with sleep because of stress. It also is used in a preparation (Ramayana #16) that is used to treat epilepsy.</p><p><br /></p><p><u>Native American Traditional Uses</u>- The Cherokee, and some other Native American Tribes, used Skullcap as an herb for female issues. It was predominantly used as an emmenagogue, helping to bring on late periods and stimulate blood flow in the pelvic regions as well as in the uterus. A decoction of the root was also taken after birth to stimulate the reproductive system. It was also used in purification ceremonies when some menstrual taboos were broken, or in ceremonies to bring girls into womanhood. The Iroquois use an infusion of the root to keep the throat clear. Other Native American tribes use closely related species as bitter tonics for the kidneys. This herb is used to induce visions and as a ceremonial plant to be smoked as tobacco by some Native Indians. It was also thought to be effective against rabies (modern research discredited this use), which is why one of the common names is Mad-Dog Herb.</p><p><br /></p><p><u>Healthy Sleep</u>- Skullcap is a gentle sedative that doesn’t cause extreme lethargy like many other sedatives do. However, it is still a great herb for insomnia and other sleeping problems. Particularly restlessness, muscle tension, and jaw clenching. This herb helps to quiet racing thoughts and has also been known to reduce nightmares. </p><p><br /></p><p><u>Pain</u>- Skullcap is useful for general pain such as headaches, injuries, spasmodic pains such as cramps and general body pains. By itself it’s not very potent. However, it can help amplify the pain-relieving properties of other herbs. It also doesn’t cause lethargy or brain fog like some other pain-relieving herbs do, so if you need to be aware of, and focused on, what you are doing but still need a bit of pain-relief, Skullcap is a great herb.</p><p><br /></p><p><u>Anxiety, Depression, Nervous Tension, & Stress</u>- <i>S. lateriflora</i> helps to nourish and mildly sedate the nervous system. This makes it a great stress neutralizer that helps calm and center people that deal with high amounts of stress on a daily basis. It also helps to detox the body, helping to get rid of built-up stress hormones and releasing nervous tension. These properties along with the trophorestorative (restoring the nutrition uptake of the nerves) effects of this herb make it great to help reduce feelings of anxiety and depression and helping to fight burnout.</p><p><br /></p><p><u>Seizures</u>- This herb’s anticonvulsant and antispasmodic properties make it a great herb to help prevent seizures in those who struggle with epilepsy. It can also help to relax muscles and ease some of the pain that occurs after a seizure.</p><p><br /></p><p><u>Muscle Relaxant</u>- The primary way I personally use this herb is as a muscle relaxant. It helps reduce cramps and spasms in both skeletal and smooth muscle tissue without causing drowsiness. </p><p><br /></p><p><u>PMS and Women’s Complaints</u>- Women use <i>S. lateriflora</i> to stimulate menstrual flow when menstruation is absent such as in hormonal disorders or conditions like oligomenorrhea (light menses). It is also often used in combination with crampbark (<i>Viburnum opulus</i>) to help prevent or treat cramps associated with menses and/or premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).</p><p><br /></p><p><u>Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s</u>- Oxidative stress affects some brain-related diseases, such Alzheimer’s disease, depression and Parkinson’s disease. Skullcap is an antioxidant that has tonic actions on the central nervous system. Some research indicates that bioactive compounds found skullcap, may neutralize, and even eliminate toxic free radicals that cause this damage. In addition to its antioxidant activities, it also helps to support proper blood flow to the brain. </p><p><br /></p><p><u>Cautions, Contraindications, and Warnings</u>- There are possible drug interactions with central nervous system depressants and other sedatives (including anesthesia). If you are taking any of these, or preparing for surgery, check with your doctor before trying American Skullcap. Avoid during pregnancy as it may trigger a miscarriage. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> I only included a basic introduction to this amazing little herb. If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below. Follow me on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BatLadyHerbals" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/batladyherbalist/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> for updates and more adventures in nature. Fine me on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWmrIjUvm2__Tcb2r07NHpA?view_as=subscriber" target="_blank">YouTube</a> and check out my videos! I also have a few things up on <a href="https://teespring.com/stores/bat-lady-herbals" target="_blank">TeeSpring</a>, check it out! If you like what I do and want to see more, <a href="https://www.patreon.com/user?u=21994221&fan_landing=true" target="_blank">Become a Patron</a>!</p><p><br /></p><h4 style="text-align: left;">Resources:</h4><p>American Skullcap: Gaia Herbs: https://www.gaiaherbs.com/blogs/herbs/american-skullcap</p><p>Scutellaria lateriflora: Plants for a Future: https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Scutellaria+lateriflora</p><p>Skullcap: St. Luke’s Hospital: https://www.stlukes-stl.com/health-content/medicine/33/000273.htm</p><p>Skullcap: White Rabbit Institute of Healing: https://www.whiterabbitinstituteofhealing.com/herbs/skullcap/</p><p>Skullcap 101: Traditional Medicinals: https://www.traditionalmedicinals.com/articles/plants/skullcap-101/</p><p>Skullcap- Benefits, Side Effects, and Dosage: Healthline: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/skullcap</p><p>Skullcap: The National Center for Biotechnology Information: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK548757/#:~:text=Skullcap%20is%20a%20flowering%20perennial,nervousness%2C%20digestive%20and%20kidney%20problems.</p><p>Skullcap Energetics, S. Lateriflora or North American Skullcap: The Practical Herbalist: https://thepracticalherbalist.com/advanced-herbalism/skullcap-energetics-s-lateriflora-or-north-american-skullcap/</p><p>SKULLCAP- MINTY, MAGICAL HERB FOR STRESS RELIEF: Calm Botanicals: https://www.calmbotanicals.com/blogs/news/skullcap-minty-magical-herb-for-stress-relief</p><p>Skullcap-Potential medicinal Crop: Purdue University: https://hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/ncnu02/v5-580.html</p><p>Skullcap- The Perfect Herb for Flu Season and Beyond: Dr. Axe: https://draxe.com/nutrition/skullcap/</p><p>The Skullcaps-A Scutellaria Monograph: Northeast School of Botanical Medicine: https://7song.com/the-skullcaps-a-scutellaria-monograph/</p><div><br /></div>The Bat Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00545891406220728569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8584259060235604254.post-44247236939574859772021-01-06T13:36:00.010-05:002021-03-11T13:25:48.019-05:00Sleeping Hibiscus<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZeuhxB7bBQjenK0KKT37_TggpHLISetGzGIqXwU33KTqanTjnAi-iI6ZOsst57nW2fH02oVrykH8MYZPvpQ9lq5vzjlhiKl3p1WdIog6p9myUJQCjlr4uYBFkNU-BLK0QRJF1qsxUFnI/s2048/Sleeping+Hibiscus+Blog+Banner.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZeuhxB7bBQjenK0KKT37_TggpHLISetGzGIqXwU33KTqanTjnAi-iI6ZOsst57nW2fH02oVrykH8MYZPvpQ9lq5vzjlhiKl3p1WdIog6p9myUJQCjlr4uYBFkNU-BLK0QRJF1qsxUFnI/w400-h225/Sleeping+Hibiscus+Blog+Banner.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p> Florida, full of flowers, or so it was named by Ponce de Leon in 1513. He stumbled into the area looking for the fountain of youth and was overwhelmed by the abundance of flowers. Even several hundred years later, you can find flowers year-round. Plants that are only supposed to bloom in the Summer can even be found blooming in Winter. There is one flower that blooms year-round but seems to be lazy and never fully open. This is not a native plant, but a naturalized member of the <i>Malvaceae</i> (mallow) family that we commonly know of as Sleeping Hibiscus.</p><p> <i>Malvaviscus penduliflorus</i>, known as Sleeping Hibiscus, is native to Texas, Mexico, Central America, and northern South America, as well as parts of the West Indies. It has become naturalized in most of Florida and is not considered to be invasive. It has also become a favorite among most children. The bright red flowers may never open but are edible and sweet. You’ll often find children running towards this plant to pick a flower, pop off the calyx, and stick the white end of the petals in their mouths for a sweet treat. </p><p> One of the beautiful things about the <i>Malvaceae</i> family is that every flower in this family is edible (the only exception I’m aware of is Cotton which can be safely rendered into an edible oil) and has traditional medicinal uses. So when I’m talking to people who want to learn how to identify plants, this is typically one of the first families I recommend they learn, right after the<i> Lamiaceae</i> (mint) family. Other notable members of the <i>Malvaceae</i> family include Marshmallow (<i>Althaea officinalis</i>), Okra (<i>Abelmoschus esculentus</i>), Cotton (<i>Gossypium spp.</i>), Hollyhock (<i>Alcea spp.</i>), and Sida (<i>Sida spp.</i>).</p><p> It is a spreading shrub and generally grows up to 6 ft (about 2 m) tall. Branchlets are hairy (hairs re-curved) to hairless. Leafstalks are small, not even 1 in (1-2 cm), and hairy. Leaves are lance-shaped to narrowly ovate both surfaces nearly hairless or hairy with a broadly wedge-shaped to nearly rounded base and a toothed margin. Flowers occur singly, hanging from leaf axils, and are red, tubular, about 2 in (5 cm) long. False sepals are about 8, spoon-shaped with ciliate margins. The sepal cup is slightly longer than epicalyx and hairy. The stamen column is about 2.5 in (7 cm) and extends out of the flower, beyond the petals. </p><p></p><div style="text-align: center;">Here's a video all about this wonderful plant! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AgrKU7_mUX4" width="320" youtube-src-id="AgrKU7_mUX4"></iframe></div><br /><p></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Medicinal Uses:</h2><p> <u>Common Names</u>- Sleeping Hibiscus, Turk’s Cap Hibiscus, Pendulous Sleeping Hibiscus, Swamp Hibiscus, Sleepy Mallow, Wax Mallow, or Cardinal's Hat</p><p><u>Scientific Name</u>- <i>Malvaviscus penduliflorus </i></p><p><u>Edibility</u>- Flower is edible raw, leaves are edible raw or cooked (young leaves are preferred for salad greens), and the fruit is rare but edible raw or cooked once they’ve ripened.</p><p><u>Summary of Actions</u>- Antihelminthic, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antipyretic, astringent, cardiotonic, demulcent, diuretic, emollient, hypotensive, immunomodulating, and sedative.</p><p><u>Energetics & Flavors</u>- Cooling, Moist, Sour</p><p><u>Parts Used</u>- Flowers, leaves, and fruit </p><p><u>Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)</u>- A variety of Hibiscus species are known with various names in TCM; Khrachiap Dang, Datchang, Tengamora. They relieve coughing and wheezing, transform phlegm, cool summer heat, nourish spleen Qi, promote body fluid production, and clear toxins.</p><p><u>Ayurveda</u>- Commonly referred to as Japa, Hibiscus bark, leaves, and flowers are all used medicinally. They reduce aggravated Pitta and balance Kapha. The flowers reduce low-grade systemic inflammation when the lymphatic system is congested.</p><p><u>Fever, Cough, Cold, & Flu</u>- The antipyretic properties of this herb make it great to lower fevers. Its demulcent action helps to soothe a sore throat and reduce coughing. It also helps to boost the immune system in general, largely due to the high vitamin C content. These properties make Sleeping Hibiscus a great plant to use in the case of cold or flu.</p><p><u>Hypertension</u>- Not only is this herb a cardiotonic, helping to improve the health of the cardiovascular system as a whole. It also is a diuretic that helps to lower blood pressure. </p><p><u>Diabetes</u>- Many traditional cultures use Hibiscus flowers for controlling blood sugar. This is typically useful for both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.</p><p><u>Gallbladder</u>- The flowers of this plant are high in vitamin C and other nutrients that help reduce the occurrence of gallstones. Some traditional cultures also use these flowers to help treat existing gallstones.</p><p><u>Skin & Hair</u>- The demulcent properties of the leaves and flowers can help to soothe irritated, itchy skin. This extends to the scalp where the herb also helps to slow balding and may even help to promote the growth of hair in some cases. </p><p><u>Other Uses</u>- Fiber from the stems can be used to make rope or to weave into a rough fabric such as burlap.</p><p><u>Cautions, Contraindications, and Warnings</u>- All Hibiscus species are generally considered safe. But more research is needed to determine a safe dosage for pregnant or breastfeeding women, children, and people with liver or kidney disease.</p><p> </p><p> I only included a basic introduction to this sweet flower. If you have any questions or comments please leave them below. Follow me on Facebook and Instagram or updates on my adventures in Nature. Find me on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWmrIjUvm2__Tcb2r07NHpA?view_as=subscriber">YouTube</a> and check out my videos! I also have a few things up on <a href="https://teespring.com/stores/bat-lady-herbals" target="_blank">Teespring</a>, check it out! Also, if you like what I do and what to see more, <a href="https://www.patreon.com/bePatron?u=21994221" target="_blank">Become a Patron</a>!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Resources:</h2><p>All You Need To Know About Hibiscus: Healthline: https://www.healthline.com/health/all-you-need-to-know-hibiscus#:~:text=Egyptians%20used%20hibiscus%20tea%20to,the%20skin%20to%20heal%20wounds.</p><p>Benefits of Hibiscus: Herbs with Rosalee: https://www.herbalremediesadvice.org/benefits-of-hibiscus.html</p><p>Flor de santos/Sleeping hibiscus/Malvaviscus arboreus: Zoom's Edible Plants: https://zoom50.wordpress.com/2011/07/31/flor-de-santossleeping-hibiscusmalvaviscus-arboreus/</p><p>Hibiscus: Kaiser Permanente: https://wa.kaiserpermanente.org/kbase/topic.jhtml?docId=hn-4373005</p><p>Hibiscus (Fu Rong): White Rabbit Institute of Healing: https://www.whiterabbitinstituteofhealing.com/herbs/hibiscus/</p><p>Mallow Madness: Eat The Weeds: http://www.eattheweeds.com/tag/malvaviscus-arboreus/</p><p>Malvaviscus penduliflorus DC: India Biodiversity Portal: https://indiabiodiversity.org/species/show/264282</p><p>Pendulous Sleeping Hibiscus: Flowers of India: https://www.flowersofindia.net/catalog/slides/Pendulous%20Sleeping%20Hibiscus.html</p><p>Sleeping Hibiscus (Malvaviscus penduliflorus): Weed Watch: http://www.technigro.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/47-Sleeping-Hibiscus.pdf</p><p>Turk’s Cap Mallow: UF IFAS Gardening Solutions: https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/ornamentals/turks-cap.html</p><p>Uses of Hibiscus in Ayurveda: Ayurveda clinic Bansko: https://www.ayurvedabansko.com/uses-of-hibiscus-in-ayurveda/</p><div><br /></div>The Bat Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00545891406220728569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8584259060235604254.post-90938019937013902722020-12-15T18:09:00.008-05:002021-03-11T14:12:36.165-05:00Dahoon Holly<p> </p><p></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD3ZUuoETw8lf7ETYTTqvcedgpshaSy6hEnx4Gv6y-Jv4ffXVZq_eau4EEZldx6LxH1_ps5uuvIphmzY0OyXjUf0kMkdla1vyWOzuIwajdRhOheYtU1b14w3xT5_9nZIq5Y1W-vWqqWX4/s2048/Dahoon+Holly+Blog+Banner.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD3ZUuoETw8lf7ETYTTqvcedgpshaSy6hEnx4Gv6y-Jv4ffXVZq_eau4EEZldx6LxH1_ps5uuvIphmzY0OyXjUf0kMkdla1vyWOzuIwajdRhOheYtU1b14w3xT5_9nZIq5Y1W-vWqqWX4/w400-h225/Dahoon+Holly+Blog+Banner.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"> </p></blockquote><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"> Welcome to December in Central Florida! We are finally starting to see some cooler weather and a few leaves changing colors. We are also seeing more and more red berries throughout all of our woodlands and wetlands. These red berries, more often than not, belong to any one of our 10-11 species of Holly. </p><p style="text-align: left;"> The Holly Family, <i>Aquifoliaceae</i>, has a great reputation for being beneficial medicinally, though most species have toxic berries, so they aren’t the most edible of plants. The<i> Ilex</i> genus is the only genus in the family that contains around 400 species. The family name translates to “trees with needles on their leaves” which is pretty darn accurate for most species. However, the genus name is an old word for Oak. The Holly species I wanted to introduce you to today is the Dahoon Holly or <i>Ilex cassine</i>. </p><p style="text-align: left;"> Like every species of <i>Ilex</i>, Dahoon Holly is dioecious, meaning that male and female flowers are on different trees. These flowers are usually really small and develop in clusters at the leaf axils. Only female plants produce the small berry-like fruits that are actually drupes. These drupes are often mistaken for berries because they contain multiple seeds where traditional drupes only contain one seed, referred to as a stone. <i>I. cassine</i> berries are yellow, orange, or red, the ones I find most often around here are red. This species is native and reaches about 12 meters (about 39 feet) in height. Leaves are alternate and simple, around 3-14 centimeters (1.18-5.51 inches) long and mostly oval. Some leaves have a few small teeth on their otherwise smooth margins. These plants love to have their feet damp so you can often find them in wet hammocks and flatwoods, though they can survive in dryer areas. They are often mistaken for another species of native Holly, the Yaupon Holly, <i>Ilex vomitoria</i>, though Yaupon Holly’s leaves are much smaller and have a much more interesting margin. There is also an invasive species that has become quite common around the area that is a major look-a-like for <i>I. cassine</i>, that is the Brazilian Peppertree, <i>Schinus terebinthifolia</i>. The most notable difference between these two is that <i>S. terebinthifolia</i> has pinnately compound leaves. </p><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><p style="text-align: center;">Here's a video going over some info about this Holly as well as a close relative in the same genus.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GZuLDRHsBC0" width="320" youtube-src-id="GZuLDRHsBC0"></iframe></div><br /><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Medicinal Uses:</h2><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><p style="text-align: left;"><u>Common Names</u>- Dahoon Holly, Christmas Berry, Cassine</p><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><p style="text-align: left;"><u>Scientific Name</u>- <i>Ilex cassine</i> </p><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><p style="text-align: left;"><u>Edibility</u>- The leaves can be used as a tea.</p><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><p style="text-align: left;"><u>Summary of Actions</u>- Diuretic, emetic, hypnotic, laxative, purgative, stimulant, vermifuge</p><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><p style="text-align: left;"><u>Parts Used</u>- Leaves</p><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><p style="text-align: left;"><u>Traditional Native American Ceremonial Use</u>- <i>Ilex cassine</i> is sacred to the peoples of Florida and the East Coast of North America and is used similarly to <i>Ilex vomitoria</i> to produce a ceremonial cleansing tea referred to as the black drink. This drink is high in caffeine (or theobromine) and causes vomiting, which is considered to be a desirable and cleansing event prior to certain ceremonies. The Apalachicola tribe of Florida prepare large quantities of <i>I. cassine</i> and place it in huge snail shells that are then used as offerings in rituals, where the beverage is also consumed. The shells may be beautifully engraved with mystical images and divine figures. During celebratory rituals, a great deal of tobacco is smoked alongside the drink, producing an intensely euphoric, stimulating effect. Many scholars believe that I. vomitoria was the preferred leaf for making the black drink, however <i>I. cassine</i> was still used. The leaves of <i>I. cassine</i> and <i>I. vomitoria</i> have also been smoked as tobacco substitutes by native tribes and settlers and were also used as tea substitutes by southern rebel troops during the American Civil War.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><u>Tea</u>- Dahoon Holly makes tea but it is the least recommended of all Holly teas. It can cause severe headaches, vomiting, and can be laxative when taken at larger concentrations. However, if the beverage is not brewed too long, one can enjoy the flavor, stimulating effects, and health benefits without going through a ritual purging like with the ceremonial black drink.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><u>Caffeine vs. Theobromine</u>- Many sources say that Dahoon Holly contains a large amount of caffeine. However, recent studies have determined that the alkaloid previously thought of as being caffeine is actually Theobromine. This is a very closely related alkaloid that has most of the same effects as caffeine and is found in cocoa.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><u>Stimulant</u>- Dahoon Holly tea works as a stimulant helping to improve cognitive function for a time.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><u>Blood Pressure</u>- Though stimulating, the leaves can have a calming effect, and they have been known to improve arterial function and blood circulation in some individuals. Theobromine has also shown cardioprotective tendencies in several studies.</p><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><p style="text-align: left;"><u>Fevers and Malaria</u>- Some compounds found in the leaves of Dahoon Holly have been known to be anti-inflammatories. This helps to support the traditional use, in some cultures, for reducing fevers and treating malaria.</p><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><p style="text-align: left;"><u>Joints</u>- <i>Ilex cassine</i> has also been used to help reduce joint pain and inflammation. </p><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><p style="text-align: left;"><u>Cautions, Contraindications, and Warnings</u>- Although no specific reports of toxicity have been seen for this species, the fruits of at least some members of this genus contain saponins and are slightly toxic. They can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and stupor if eaten in quantity. There is also much caution surrounding the tea as large concentrations can induce vomiting, cause dizziness, and cause headaches. Do not use this herb if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.</p><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><p style="text-align: left;">I only included a basic introduction to this amazing native holly. If you have any questions or comments please leave them below. Follow me on Facebook and Instagram or updates on my adventures in Nature. Find me on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWmrIjUvm2__Tcb2r07NHpA?view_as=subscriber" target="_blank">YouTube</a> and check out my videos! I also have a few things up on <a href="https://teespring.com/stores/bat-lady-herbals" target="_blank">Teespring</a>, check it out! Also, if you like what I do and what to see more, <a href="https://www.patreon.com/bePatron?u=21994221" target="_blank">Become a Patron</a>!</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Resources:</h2><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Cassine: Natural Medicinal Herbs: http://www.naturalmedicinalherbs.net/herbs/i/ilex-cassine=cassine.php</p><p style="text-align: left;">Dahoon Holly: Eat The Weeds: http://www.eattheweeds.com/tag/dahoon-holly/</p><p style="text-align: left;">Dahoon Holly, Ilex Cassine: Wild South Florida: http://www.wildsouthflorida.com/dahoon.holly.html</p><p style="text-align: left;">Dahoon Holly (Ilex Cassine): Treasure Trees: https://treescharlotte.org/041-dahoon-holly/</p><p style="text-align: left;">Dahoon Holly…The Dollar Tree of Fruits: Treasure Coast Natives: https://treasurecoastnatives.wordpress.com/2018/10/26/dahoon-holly-starts-young/</p><p style="text-align: left;">Holly Ilex: Herb Wisdom: https://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-holly.html</p><p style="text-align: left;">Ilex Cassine: Florida Native Plant Society: https://www.fnps.org/plant/ilex-cassine</p><p style="text-align: left;">Ilex Cassine: Plants For A Future: https://pfaf.org/USER/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Ilex+cassine</p><p style="text-align: left;">Ilex Cassine: Practical Plants: https://practicalplants.org/wiki/Ilex_cassine</p><p style="text-align: left;">Ilex Cassine: Useful Temperate Plants: http://temperate.theferns.info/plant/Ilex+cassine</p><p style="text-align: left;">Ilex Cassine – Cassina Tree: Entheology.com: http://entheology.com/plants/ilex-cassine-cassina-tree/</p><p style="text-align: left;">Ilex Cassine Dahoon Holly: Environmental Horticulture: https://hort.ifas.ufl.edu/database/documents/pdf/tree_fact_sheets/ilecasa.pdf</p><p style="text-align: left;">Paraguay Tea: A Modern Herbal: https://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/p/partea05.html</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p>The Bat Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00545891406220728569noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8584259060235604254.post-86966219755952238822020-11-09T20:52:00.010-05:002021-03-11T14:13:43.563-05:00American Sweetgum<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiyMQj0Q3nejCVFVUaRmrcmvIZIuvh7-qHyjgvjcE4cazD2ZFwhR-nvLACFFuOdlkqlelRzkqNpzfqWdawTr_E8lZ5fLsOQQLY5cweZWLj4HZ-jZ9JFlfIUbjPV5-mNR179-ASFtu33nw/s2048/SweetGum+Blog+Banner.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiyMQj0Q3nejCVFVUaRmrcmvIZIuvh7-qHyjgvjcE4cazD2ZFwhR-nvLACFFuOdlkqlelRzkqNpzfqWdawTr_E8lZ5fLsOQQLY5cweZWLj4HZ-jZ9JFlfIUbjPV5-mNR179-ASFtu33nw/w400-h225/SweetGum+Blog+Banner.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p> </p><p> There are some plants out there that people either seem to love or hate. Today I want to introduce you to one of these. Sweetgum is one of my favorite trees. Yes, I am well acquainted with the seed balls that are like the forest equivalent of sand spurs, but I have fond memories of pelting my friends with them when I was very young. I also remember being very fond of a series of movies titled “The Land Before Time.” In these movies, a group of young dinosaurs travel together to find the Great Valley. Along the way, you discover that the favorite food of the herbivores of the group is the Tree Star. I’ve always thought that the leaves of the Sweetgum looked an awful lot like those leaves. Even to the point that my husband and I often refer to the Sweetgum as the Tree Star Tree. </p><p> </p><p> Sweetgum, or <i>Liquidambar styraciflua</i>, is a species of tree native to the Southeastern portion of the United States. Its native range extends from Texas eastward to the coast and from as far north as Tennessee down to Central Florida. It’s also found in some of the forests of Mexico and Central America. This beautiful member of the <i>Altingiaceae</i> family is known for its striking fall foliage. It can reach heights of up to 100 ft (about 30.5 meters) and provides shelter and food for quite a wide variety of wildlife. The leaves are alternate, maple-like, and star-shaped. Typically they will have about 5 to 7 lobes and are 4 to 8 inches (10 - 20cm) long and wide with serrated margins. The dark to medium glossy green leaves change to a kaleidoscope of yellow, red, purple tones in the fall and have a camphor-like smell when they are crushed.</p><p> </p><p> One other reason for the hatred this lovely tree gets is that they’re impossible to get rid of. If you cut one down a bunch of suckers will pop up from the roots. If you cut those off, they’ll just re-grow. It’s like the hydra of the tree world. The wood is also terrible for pretty much anything. It’s not particularly strong, but somehow at the same time, it’s next to impossible to split. If you’re using an axe, you can pretty much forget about it. Even if you do succeed, it’s not great firewood. It burns up fast, but not very hot. It also smokes a lot and tends to pop. It’s a marginal timber tree since it tends to warp badly when dried, though somehow it’s one of the most used timber trees in the South. It’s mostly used for applications where looks and workability don’t matter, like railroad ties. And for bushcraft applications, its uses are limited. It’s fine for things like shelter poles where it doesn’t bear much weight or take any impact, but other than that, you’re better off looking elsewhere. Sweetgum is springy to a point but tends to shatter when put under much stress. And when left in the elements, it will quickly split and rot.</p><p> </p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5CORAdJAp1sjV4T8W2XJEjr4f3Wf3_J49r6UAQ-DdCp-GFAe9oldsR2JOCeLjP61DYDfluCPzjt119s7_6Jn0GT40RlHQhW7ZWUA1n0XmsogcC_3XEvKGn31HzIjdfjD5sFcbInncHFM/s2048/SweetGum11.2020.4.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5CORAdJAp1sjV4T8W2XJEjr4f3Wf3_J49r6UAQ-DdCp-GFAe9oldsR2JOCeLjP61DYDfluCPzjt119s7_6Jn0GT40RlHQhW7ZWUA1n0XmsogcC_3XEvKGn31HzIjdfjD5sFcbInncHFM/w300-h400/SweetGum11.2020.4.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p style="text-align: center;">Check out this amazing grove of Sweetgum trees we found and hear some details about this beautiful tree!<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/v81mtsUoA3M" width="320" youtube-src-id="v81mtsUoA3M"></iframe></div><br /><p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Medicinal Uses:</h2><p> </p><p><u>Common Names</u>- Sweetgum, Sweet-Gum, American Sweetgum, American Sweet-Gum, White Gum, Styrax, Star-leaved Gum, Red Gum, Opossum Tree, Liquid Storax, Liquidamber, Gum Tree, Copalm, American Storax, Alligator Wood, Satin Walnut</p><p><u>Scientific Name</u>- <i>Liquidambar styraciflua </i></p><p><u>Edibility</u>- The leaves are edible, but not tasty. The dried sap can be chewed as a bitter gum. Don’t let the common name fool you, it’s not sweet, it’s only considered sweet in comparison to the Tupelo or Sour Gum which it shares a habitat with.</p><p><u>Summary of Actions</u>- Anticoagulant, Anticonvulsant, Antifungal, Antihepatotoxic, Antihypertensive, Anti-inflammatory, Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Antiseptic, Antispasmodic, Anti-ulcerogenic, Antiviral, Astringent, Carminative, Diuretic, Expectorant, Parasiticide, Stimulant, Sedative, and Vulnerary</p><p><u>Energetics and Flavors</u>- Bitter and Pungent</p><p><u>Parts Used</u>- Balsam (the sap), Bark, Balls, Leaves</p><p><u>Traditional Native American</u>- Traditionally used by several Native American tribes, Sweetgum was used as a decoction made from the inner bark. This decoction is a powerful remedy for coughs, colds, flu, and fevers. It works as a gentle expectorant to help expel mucus, and as an antispasmodic to calm your lungs. Externally, the leaves have been used as a poultice for arthritis and sore joints, and work well as an anti-inflammatory. A salve can even be made by burning the Sweetgum balls down to ash and mixing it with bear grease or lard.</p><p><u>Cough, Cold, & Flu</u>- Sweetgum contains a chemical known as oseltamivir phosphate or shikimic acid. This is the primary active ingredient in Tamiflu which is well-known over the counter medication for cold and flu. Traditionally a decoction made from either the inner bark of the tree or the seeds was sweetened and used as a syrup to help control cough, cold, and flu. </p><p><u>Skin and Wound Care</u>- Herbal baths that include Sweetgum may help to soothe inflamed joints and muscles. It can also help to improve the health of your skin. Sweetgum sap can also be used to help speed the healing of minor wounds and burns, as well as to prevent any infections.</p><p><u>Ringworm & Scabies</u>- A salve made with Sweetgum sap will help to get rid of parasites such as ringworm and scabies. As a bonus, Sweetgum is also antimicrobial so it will help prevent any secondary infections that may result. </p><p><u>Diarrhea & Dysentery</u>- One of the traditional uses for this tree was to help treat diarrhea and dysentery. Simply drink ½ cup of a decoction made from the bark twice a day.</p><p> <u>Mucous Membranes</u>- Sweetgum’s anti-inflammatory properties help to soothe mucus membranes. Especially in the case of catarrh, an inflammation of the mucous membranes in one of the airways or cavities of the body, usually with reference to the throat and paranasal sinuses.</p><p><u>Natural Toothbrush</u>- Ever been camping and forgot your toothbrush? Or have you ever been hiking and get something stuck in your teeth? Sweetgum is a great tree for fixing this issue. Take your knife and cut a sweetgum twig no larger than a #2 pencil and 4”-6” long. Sharpen one end of it. That’s your toothpick. Take the other end and carefully score the face of it with your knife. This helps it fuzz out more quickly. Then simply chew on it for a while until the wood fibers start to fuzz out into a brush. Once you’re satisfied with the bristle texture, you can brush your teeth. The technique is a bit different than what you’re used to, you’ve got to go one tooth at a time. But let me tell you, this really works. The sap also has mild antiseptic qualities, which helps eliminate bad breath and leaves your mouth feeling clean and fresh.</p><p> <u>Cautions, Contraindications, and Warnings</u>- None known</p><p> </p><p> I only included a basic introduction to this amazing native tree. If you have any questions or comments please leave them below. Follow me on Facebook and Instagram or updates on my adventures in Nature. Find me on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWmrIjUvm2__Tcb2r07NHpA?view_as=subscriber">YouTube</a> and check out my videos! I also have a few things up on <a href="https://teespring.com/stores/bat-lady-herbals">Teespring</a>, check it out! Also, if you like what I do and what to see more, <a href="https://www.patreon.com/bePatron?u=21994221">Become a Patron</a>!</p>The Bat Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00545891406220728569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8584259060235604254.post-61783715384518421342020-10-19T20:41:00.000-04:002020-10-19T20:41:19.310-04:00Devil's Claw<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRJ_pVIG4iJFDYwiwOM0_3QjV23BiUOL7aezDupEN5EmHmuJaTejUFsLnBcpCgB4nwPtov0FRDwG2W7JRPRAwGKqDFHhpOE1dn_Lp7L1ZW8zKlnIS2HMrQuIsfypLHKFEhvLJoBsjLSyQ/s2048/Devil%2527s+Claw+%25282%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRJ_pVIG4iJFDYwiwOM0_3QjV23BiUOL7aezDupEN5EmHmuJaTejUFsLnBcpCgB4nwPtov0FRDwG2W7JRPRAwGKqDFHhpOE1dn_Lp7L1ZW8zKlnIS2HMrQuIsfypLHKFEhvLJoBsjLSyQ/w400-h225/Devil%2527s+Claw+%25282%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> All Hallows Eve is approaching, and this year is a bit different from the last. However, we are still enjoying our scary stories, pumpkin patches, and the time-honored tradition of decorating our homes with skeletons and other creepy décor. In keeping with the theme of this wonderfully spooky season, I decided to share with you a devilishly wondrous herb.</p><p> </p><p> Native to Southern Africa, Devil’s Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) is named after the tiny hook-like structures that cover its fruit. It has a long tradition of use as a medicine. Some of its traditional uses include as a pain reliever, to improve the function of the liver and kidneys, to reduce fever, and treat malaria, as well as to help improve the healing of skin problems such as boils and minor wounds. This plant is one where you should be acquainted with the botanical name as opposed to the, much more interesting, common name. Several plants in North America also are known as Devil’s Claw, including species in the genus Proboscidea and certain species of Pisonia.</p><p> </p><p> <i>Harpagophytum procumbens</i> is a member of the <i>Bignoniaceae</i>, or Sesame, family and is mainly found in the eastern and southeastern parts of Namibia, Southern Botswana, and the Kalahari region of the Northern Cape, South Africa. This plant prefers deep, sandy soils, and areas with low annual rainfall. It is a perennial, tuberous plant with annually produced creeping stems. The stems emerge after the first rains and die back during droughts or after frosts. They grow from a primary tuber and several secondary tubers grow from the same primary tuber at the end of fleshy roots. The fruit, once it’s mature, opens slowly so that, in a given year, only 20-25% of its seeds may come into contact with soil. The seeds have a high degree of dormancy and may remain viable in a seed bank for more than 20 years.</p><p> </p><p> Today, Devil’s Claw is known and used worldwide to fight inflammation and arthritis pain. It is used most widely in Germany and France, however, it has made its way into most medical modalities. This has caused a few concerns about sustainability. The countries in its native range have developed regulations about ethical harvesting and have, thus far, prevented it from being protected by the Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). </p><p> </p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Medicinal Uses:</h3><p> </p><p><u>Common Names</u>- Devil’s Claw, Grapple Plant, Wood Spider</p><p> </p><p><u>Scientific Name</u>- <i>Harpagophytum procumbens</i></p><p> </p><p><u>Summary of Actions</u>- Alterative, Analgesic, Anti-inflammatory, Anti-osteoporotic, Antioxidant, Bitter, Cardiac Tonic</p><p> </p><p><u>Parts Used</u>- Root, Fruit, and Tuber</p><p> </p><p><u>Ayurveda</u>- Known as Baghnakh in Ayurveda, this herb is often used in the treatment of migraines and headaches. </p><p> </p><p><u>Arthritis, Gout, & Joint Pain</u>- The majority of research on this herb seems to revolve around its uses to help reduce inflammation in joints, relieve pain caused by arthritis, and even its ability to increase mobility in joints affected by arthritis and gout. Devil's claw seems to work about as well as some non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Several studies have also concluded that people afflicted with these issues may even reduce their dependence on NSAIDs by adding Devil’s Claw to their daily routine.</p><p> </p><p><u>Digestion</u>- Devil’s Claw is a bitter herb traditionally used to ease several digestive complaints. Like other bitter herbs, taking a tincture of Devil’s Claw 15 – 20 minutes prior to eating may help stimulate digestion and improve nutrient absorption, particularly with heavy meals. </p><p> </p><p><u>Blood Pressure & Atherosclerosis</u>- While some inflammation is necessary to defend your body against harm, chronic inflammation has been to heart disease, diabetes, and brain disorders. Devil’s claw has been proposed as a potential remedy for inflammatory conditions because it contains plant compounds called iridoid glycosides, particularly harpagoside. In test-tube and animal studies, harpagoside has curbed inflammatory responses. Reducing chronic inflammation helps to reduce blood pressure and improve atherosclerosis. Devil’s Claw is also traditionally used in treating Arrhythmia.</p><p> </p><p><u>Migraine and Headache</u>- The combination of Devil’s Claw’s analgesic (pain-relieving) properties with its anti-inflammatory ones makes this herb a great help in many headaches. It can even be fairly effective for migraines.</p><p> </p><p><u>Skin & Wound Care</u>- This herb’s anti-inflammatory nature lends itself well to a wide variety of treatments including boils and sores. It also works just as well for minor wounds, scratches, and bruises.</p><p> </p><p><u>Fever and Malaria</u>- Devil’s Claw is traditionally used to lower body temperature, which helps to reduce fever. </p><p> </p><p><u>Cautions, Contraindications, and Warnings</u>- High doses can cause mild stomach problems in some people. People with ulcers or gallstones should not take Devil's Claw. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not take Devil's Claw since studies in these populations are lacking. People with heart disease, high blood pressure, or low blood pressure should ask their doctors before taking Devil's Claw. If you are on medication, check with your doctor before adding this plant to your routine.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> I only included a basic introduction to this devilishly useful herb. If you have any questions or comments please leave them below. Follow me on Facebook and Instagram or updates on my adventures in Nature. Find me on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWmrIjUvm2__Tcb2r07NHpA?view_as=subscriber">YouTube</a> and check out my videos! I also have a few things up on <a href="https://teespring.com/stores/bat-lady-herbals">Teespring</a>, check it out! Also, if you like what I do and what to see more, <a href="https://www.patreon.com/bePatron?u=21994221">Become a Patron</a>!</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><h4 style="text-align: left;">Resources:</h4><p> </p><p>Devil’s Claw: Flora Health: https://www.florahealth.com/us/herb-encyclopedia/devils-claw/</p><p> </p><p>Devil’s Claw: Gaia Herbs: https://www.gaiaherbs.com/blogs/herbs/devils-claw</p><p> </p><p>Devil’s Claw: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center: https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/devil-claw</p><p> </p><p>Devil’s Claw: Mount Sinai: https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/herb/devils-claw</p><p> </p><p>Devil’s Claw: PennState Hershey: http://pennstatehershey.adam.com/content.aspx?productid=107&pid=33&gid=000237</p><p> </p><p>Devil’s Claw: RxList: https://www.rxlist.com/devils_claw/supplements.htm</p><p> </p><p>Devil’s Claw: Versus Arthritis: https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/complementary-and-alternative-treatments/types-of-complementary-treatments/devils-claw/</p><p> </p><p>Devil’s Claw: WebMD: https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-984/devils-claw</p><p> </p><p>Devil’s Claw - Benefits, Side Effects, and Dosage: Healthline: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/devils-claw</p><p> </p><p>Devil’s Claw: Kaiser Permanente: https://wa.kaiserpermanente.org/kbase/topic.jhtml?docId=hn-2079001</p><p> </p><p>Devil's Claw (harpagophytum procumbens): Acupuncture Today: https://www.acupuncturetoday.com/herbcentral/devils_claw.php#:~:text=Other%20studies%20have%20found%20the,acid%2C%20which%20helps%20improve%20digestion.</p><p> </p><p>Devil’s Claw (harpagophytum procumbens): Annie’s Remedy: https://www.anniesremedy.com/harpagophytum-procumbens-devil-claw.php?gc=64&gclid=Cj0KCQjw8fr7BRDSARIsAK0Qqr6tnj9t2kLlOH7-3KToivjXQbNSbZusnsdQGO7yZ3NU9HYo-GPVLtUaAo_MEALw_wcB</p><p> </p><p>Devil’s Claw (harpagophytum procumbens): Ayur Times: https://www.ayurtimes.com/devils-claw-harpagophytum-procumbens/</p><p> </p><p>Devil’s Claw, Herb Uses, Benefits, Cures, Side Effects, Nutrients: Herbpathy: https://herbpathy.com/Uses-and-Benefits-of-Devil's-Claw-Cid1607</p><p> </p><p>Health Benefits of Devil’s Claw: Facty Health: https://facty.com/lifestyle/wellness/health-benefits-of-devils-claw/?style=quick&utm_source=adwords&adid=269624907797&utm_medium=c-search&utm_term=%2Bdevil%27s%20%2Bclaw&utm_campaign=FH-USA---Search---Health-Benefits-of-Devils-Claw&gclid=Cj0KCQjw8rT8BRCbARIsALWiOvTwM1URgKpOKcGQLe6N6AwVMp8dwXQU1dJaibvLlFzoLfIzFt2BktAaAnTzEALw_wcB</p><p> </p><p>Joint Pain - Devil’s Claw: Network Nutrition: http://www.networknutrition.com/content.cfm?Encrypt=1&Pass=163D22310B0D062D09042E583A3A3C38200017543A1F1A3F0017211B08785850</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p>The Bat Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00545891406220728569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8584259060235604254.post-22813563494888103652020-09-15T14:36:00.004-04:002020-09-15T14:36:42.147-04:00Stuffed Grape Leaves<p style="text-align: center;"> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrZZ5rPosazr4ZvLiCZWEdSTs8qHTlNkRDfy77X9MT2T9XiUHjRDaztHk9sGeyB6P8owFFwv_jlA69t0ZLLF9NpTvujDlZPkzI0ToBeP0TGlK0usgBDaZU-uWLnKvxT1kw6vmOv6cTwZY/s2048/Stuffed+Grape+Leaves.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrZZ5rPosazr4ZvLiCZWEdSTs8qHTlNkRDfy77X9MT2T9XiUHjRDaztHk9sGeyB6P8owFFwv_jlA69t0ZLLF9NpTvujDlZPkzI0ToBeP0TGlK0usgBDaZU-uWLnKvxT1kw6vmOv6cTwZY/w400-h225/Stuffed+Grape+Leaves.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> If you have been following me for any length of time, you might have come to the conclusion that I love food. Well, you wouldn’t be wrong about that. I don’t just love food, I love experiencing food from any and every culture I encounter. I even have an entire bookshelf devoted to cookbooks that include recipes from around the world and from ancient history. Some of my favorite recipes come from the Middle East, and this is one of my favorites. </p><p><br /></p><p> In Greece, they are called Dolmades, in Turkey, they are called Dolmas, and in Lebanon, they are called Warak Enab. But here, we simply refer to this amazing appetizer as Stuffed Grape Leaves. Traditionally, these are served either hot or cold and for just about any occasion. I like to keep them in my fridge for a healthy and savory snack. But they do take a lot of time and effort. Though if you recruit your friends and/or family to help roll them, it goes by much faster. </p><p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: center;"> Basic Recipe for Stuffing Grape Leaves</h2><p style="text-align: center;">1 jar Grape Leaves about 60-70 in brine</p><p style="text-align: center;">Stuffing of your choice (recipes below)</p><p style="text-align: center;">½ cup Olive Oil</p><p style="text-align: center;">5-6 cups Water</p><p style="text-align: center;">¾ cup Lemon Juice</p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><b>Prep Grape Leaves & Stuffing</b></h3><p> 1. Remove the grape leaves from the jar, and soak them in a large bowl of boiling hot water for a few minutes. Drain the grape leaves in a colander and stack them on a plate.</p><p> 2. Prepare your stuffing (recipes below).</p><p> 3. Don’t forget to soak your rice in water for 15 minutes before preparing your stuffing.</p><p>Stuff & Wrap Grape Leaves</p><p> 1. To stuff and roll the grape leaves, lay a grape leaf flat on a cutting board, scoop out a little less than 1 teaspoon of the rice mixture into the center of the grape leaf.</p><p> 2. Carefully fold in the sides and loosely roll it like you would when making a wrap. Repeat until all the stuffing has been used and place the wrapped grape leaves on a tray while wrapping. It will make about 60 rolls.</p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><b>Cook the Stuffed Grape Leaves</b></h3><p> 1. Line the bottom of a large pot with sliced tomatoes (sliced potatoes are also a good option) and season with salt/pepper.</p><p> 2. Neatly arrange the stuffed and rolled grape leaves in rows, alternating directions, to completely cover the circumference of the pot. Make sure to tightly pack them in the pot to prevent them from floating up and unwrapping during cooking.</p><p> 3. Drizzle each layer with olive oil (you’ll need about ½ cup for the whole opt) and season with salt and pepper to taste.</p><p> 4. Place a plate upside down on top of the grape leaves in the pot. Next use something to weigh it down (a second plate works well or a bowl full of water). This will hold down the grape leaves in place, and prevent floating while they are cooking.</p><p> 5. Add enough water (about 5-6 cups) to completely cover the grape leaves and the plate. Then cover the pot and cook on medium heat for 30 minutes, until most of the water is absorbed and the rice is cooked.</p><p> 6. Add ¾ cup lemon juice on top of the grape leaves, then cook on low heat for an additional 45 minutes.</p><p> 7. Remove from heat and let rest for 30 minutes. Transfer to a dish and enjoy warm or at room temperature.</p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: center;">My Tips </h3><p><br /></p><p><b>Rice-</b> Most people use white rice for their grape leaves because it doesn’t take as long to cook. Using brown rice risks overcooking the leaves. If you want to give brown rice a go, try Thai or Basmati Brown Rice, both of which have shorter cooking times.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Fresh Grape Leaves-</b> If you’re lucky enough to know someone that grows grapes, or are able to harvest your own. Blanch fresh leaves in boiling water for 5 minutes. This will make them much easier to roll.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Stuffing the Leaves-</b> Don’t roll your leaves too tight or add too much stuffing. You’re rolling uncooked rice which will expand as it cooks. While we all love the stuffing, we don’t want it to expand too much and cause a huge mess.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Lining the Bottom of the Pot-</b> Don’t forget to line the bottom of your cooking pot before putting the grape leaves in to cook. If you don’t then you risk burning the bottom layer of grape leaves. Some traditional things used to do this include sliced tomatoes, sliced onions, sliced potatoes, more grape leaves, and the occasional rack of lamb (obviously not a vegetarian option).</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Aren’t These Usually Made With Meat?-</b> Yes and no. Each Mediterranean country has it’s own variety of traditional recipes for this dish. Some countries have multiple recipes. I prefer the Lebanese styles, both the traditional vegetarian stuffing and the traditional lamb/beef stuffing, so that’s what I based these recipes on.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>And now, on to the stuffing recipes!</p><p> </p><p><br /></p><h4 style="text-align: left;">1. Traditional Vegetarian Stuffing</h4><p> Made with short-grain rice, tomatoes, parsley, green onions, green peppers, garlic and crushed red pepper, with lemon juice and olive oil. There are quite a few variations of this recipe from different countries, but this traditional Lebanese recipe is my favorite.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: center;"><b>Traditional Vegetarian Stuffing</b></h3><p style="text-align: center;">2 cups Short Grain Rice, pre-soaked for 15 minutes</p><p style="text-align: center;">1 large Tomato, finely chopped</p><p style="text-align: center;">1 bunch Parsley, finely chopped</p><p style="text-align: center;">1 bunch Green Onions, finely chopped</p><p style="text-align: center;">¼ Green Pepper, finely chopped</p><p style="text-align: center;">2 cloves Garlic, minced</p><p style="text-align: center;">Salt and Pepper to taste</p><p style="text-align: center;">¼ cup Olive Oil, divided</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><b>Instructions:</b></p><p> Combine the rice, tomatoes, parsley, green onions, green peppers, and garlic. Season with salt and pepper and drizzle 1/4 cup of the olive oil over the mixture. Toss well to combine. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h4 style="text-align: left;">2. Some Like It Hot!</h4><p> Spicy food can be such a treat! This recipe is such a great alternative to the traditional one without losing any of the traditional flavors. This one is especially great served with plain Yogurt.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: center;">Hot and Spicy Stuffing</h3><p style="text-align: center;">2 cups Short Grain Rice, pre-soaked for 15 minutes</p><p style="text-align: center;">1 large Tomato, finely chopped</p><p style="text-align: center;">1 bunch Parsley, finely chopped</p><p style="text-align: center;">1 medium Red Onion, finely chopped</p><p style="text-align: center;">1 Jalapeno (or try a hotter pepper for more heat), finely chopped</p><p style="text-align: center;">2 cloves Garlic, minced</p><p style="text-align: center;">½ teaspoon Cayenne, ground</p><p style="text-align: center;">Salt and Pepper to taste</p><p style="text-align: center;">¼ cup Olive Oil, divided</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Instructions:</b></p><p> Combine the rice, tomato, parsley, red onion, peppers, garlic, and cayenne. Season with salt and pepper and drizzle 1/4 cup of the olive oil over the mixture. Toss well to combine. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h4 style="text-align: left;">3. Lovely Lentils</h4><p> This version uses Lentils to give a nice protein boost. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: center;">Lentil Stuffing</h3><p style="text-align: center;">1 cup Short Grain Rice, pre-soaked for 15 minutes</p><p style="text-align: center;">1 cup Green Lentils, pre-soaked for 15 minutes</p><p style="text-align: center;">1 bunch Parsley, finely chopped</p><p style="text-align: center;">1 medium Yellow Onion, finely chopped</p><p style="text-align: center;">2 cloves Garlic, minced</p><p style="text-align: center;">¼ teaspoon Cumin, ground</p><p style="text-align: center;">¼ teaspoon Cayenne, ground</p><p style="text-align: center;">Salt and Pepper to taste</p><p style="text-align: center;">¼ cup Olive Oil, divided</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p><b>Instructions:</b></p><p> Combine the rice, lentils, parsley, yellow onion, peppers, garlic, cumin, and cayenne. Season with salt and pepper and drizzle 1/4 cup of the olive oil over the mixture. Toss well to combine. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> If you have any questions or comments please leave them below. Follow me on Facebook and Instagram for updates. Find me on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWmrIjUvm2__Tcb2r07NHpA?view_as=subscriber">YouTube</a> and check out my videos! I also have a few things up on <a href="https://teespring.com/stores/bat-lady-herbals">Teespring</a> check it out! Also, if you like what I do and what to see more, <a href="https://www.patreon.com/bePatron?u=21994221">Become a Patron</a>!</p>The Bat Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00545891406220728569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8584259060235604254.post-41469165458935652932020-09-01T17:18:00.001-04:002021-03-11T14:14:06.671-05:00Frog Fruit<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXj6l8iyxp18974oMb2tqNUekkGLYWHp1yW32qyfo1lSxRijqEhxD_3JQ2N95CjR0LcQ3TLJA0wEe_9z3-FlFdwDXn_Z7wOpcT265nxp4UeC4lS3VloJlLZ6JTdB-xRmRj4y908Q77JLA/s2048/Frog+Fruit+Blog+Banner.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXj6l8iyxp18974oMb2tqNUekkGLYWHp1yW32qyfo1lSxRijqEhxD_3JQ2N95CjR0LcQ3TLJA0wEe_9z3-FlFdwDXn_Z7wOpcT265nxp4UeC4lS3VloJlLZ6JTdB-xRmRj4y908Q77JLA/w400-h225/Frog+Fruit+Blog+Banner.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p> Growing up as a tomboy in Florida, I often played outside. I was always in trees, playing in the dirt, or even making flower chains with our native wildflowers. One of the flowers I used for these chains was Frog Fruit or <i>Phyla nodiflora</i>.</p><p><br /></p><p> Frog Fruit is a creeping herb often used as a ground cover. It’s stems extend from 15 to 30 centimeters and it tends to root at the nodes. The leaves are numerous, nearly without stalks, obovate, 1 to 2.5 centimeters long, with a blunt or rounded tip, with sharply toothed margins on the upper half, and a wedge-shaped base. The flowers are very small, pink or white, crowded in ovoid or cylindric spikes, 1 to 2.5 centimeters long, and about 6 millimeters in diameter. The corolla consists of a slender and cylindric tube, about 3 millimeters long, with a limb that is 2.5 millimeters wide, opening at the apex as it lengthens. Spikes appear at the ends of stalks, growing singly from the axils of the leaves. </p><p><br /></p><p> We have four species here in Florida. <i>Phyla stoechadifolia </i>is a small, woody shrub that grows up to 2 feet tall. <i>P. lanceolata</i> is fairly rare and only found in a few counties (Calhoun, Escambia, Gadsden, Jackson, and Liberty), all of which are in North Florida. It also only really blooms during Spring and early Summer.<i> P. fruticosa</i> is even rarer and has only been found in a single county in Florida, Miami-Dade. The most commonly found species in Florida is <i>Phyla nodiflora</i>. This plant used to be in the Lippia genus, so you will occasionally find information about <i>Lippia nodiflora</i>, just know that it’s the same plant. The Phyla genus is found within the <i>Verbenaceae</i> or Verbena family, which is in the <i>Lamiales</i> order. The same order where the <i>Lamiaceae</i> or Mint family is found. So these herbs are cousins to mint, lavender, and all the <i>Lamiaceae</i> family herbs.</p><p><br /></p><p> Frog Fruit is an important plant for a number of reasons, not the least of which is the fact that it is an important larval host for a number of our native pollinators. The most common butterflies that depend on Frog Fruit are the Phaon Crescent (<i>Phyciodes phaon</i>), White Peacock (<i>Anartia jatrophae</i>), Barred Sulphur (<i>Eurema daira</i>), and Common Buckeye (<i>Junonia coenia</i>). It’s also an important food source for an even larger number of native bees, butterflies, and other pollinators here in Florida. </p><p><br /></p><p> If you follow me on social media, you might know that I recently shot a video all about this little flower. Check it out here.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HjMEPXdZYqs" width="320" youtube-src-id="HjMEPXdZYqs"></iframe></div><br /><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Medicinal Uses:</h3><p><br /></p><p><u>Common Names</u>- Frog Fruit, Turkey Tangle Fogfruit, Match Head, Match Flower, Creeping Lip, Purple Lippa, Sawtooth Frogfruit, Turkey Tangle, Cape Weed</p><p><br /></p><p><u>Scientific Name</u>- <i>Phyla fruticosa, P. lanceolata, P. nodiflora</i>, and<i> P. stoechadifolia.</i> </p><p><br /></p><p><u>Edibility</u>- The leaves are often used as a tea substitute, though it does have a “grassy” taste. The leaves are edible cooked. It’s often recommended to boil them.</p><p><br /></p><p><u>Summary of Actions</u>- Alexeteric, Analgesic, Anodyne, Anthelmintic, Antibacterial, Antifungal, Anti-inflammatory, Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Antipyretic, Antiseptic, Antitumor, Antitussive, Anti-urolithiatic, Aphrodisiac, Astringent, Carminative, Demulcent, Deobstruent, Diuretic, Emmenagogue, Febrifuge, Nociceptive, Parasiticide, Refrigerant, Spasmolytic</p><p><br /></p><p><u>Parts Used</u>- The whole plant is used.</p><p><br /></p><p><u>Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)</u>- Known as Guo Jiang Teng, this herb Clears Wind-Heat. Helping to treat a variety of blood diseases, fevers, malaria, vertigo, fainting, and thirst. It is also used for diarrhea, dysentery, gonorrhea, boils, abscesses, herpes, and burning sensations during urination.</p><p><br /></p><p><u>Ayurveda</u>- Known as Jalpapli, an infusion of this herb is given to women after childbirth to help stimulate healing. It also Clears Heat and Resists Poison. It’s often used in similar ways to it’s used in TCM.</p><p><br /></p><p><u>Digestion</u>- <i>Phyla nodiflora</i> is a great bitter herb, helping to improve digestion and ease stomach troubles. The juice of the root is often used as a bitter tonic and to ease gastric irritation. An infusion of the leaves and/or stalks is often given to children for “tummy upsets.” A decoction or infusion of the whole plant can also be helpful for gastric ulcers.</p><p><br /></p><p><u>Kidney Stones</u>- Frog Fruit has amazing anti-urolithiatic properties, which helps to prevent the formation of kidney stones. However, it not only prevents kidney stone formation but it also effectively treats existing stones. </p><p><br /></p><p><u>Fever, Cold, & Cough</u>- The juice of this herb is used to help cool down those with fevers, especially in the case of malaria. The whole plant can also be steamed and inhaled to help treat cough and the common cold.</p><p><br /></p><p><u>Wound Care, Burns, & Boil</u>s- <i>Phyla nodiflora</i> has wonderful antibacterial properties. Combined with its tendency to speed up healing, this makes it an ideal plant for wounds. It’s traditionally applied as a poultice and can also be used to soothe burns as it also has cooling, or demulcent, properties. A paste from the fresh plant can also be applied to boils as a suppurant, helping them come to a head and heal faster.</p><p><br /></p><p><u>Skin Care</u>- A ground paste of the leaves is a traditional treatment for acne and pimples. It is also used to treat chickenpox, dermatosis, eczema, leprosy, scabies, and minor wounds.</p><p><br /></p><p><u>Dandruff</u>- There are two traditional treatments for dandruff that use Frog Fruit. </p><p> • Hair Oil - boil coconut oil with fresh Frog Fruit leaves until it loses its water content. Remove from heat, cool, and strain. Use it as a hair oil to get rid of dandruff, also doubles as a moisturizing oil treatment. Massage it onto the scalp and leave it on for 2 hours before rinsing/washing.</p><p> • Hair Pack - take Frog Fruit powder (enough to make a paste to cover the whole head) in a bowl, add in enough rice water and 1/4 tsp of coconut oil to it and apply as a hair pack. Wait for 30 minutes before washing. </p><p><br /></p><p><u>Joint Pain</u>- Frog Fruit has amazing anti-inflammatory properties. A poultice can be used for treating joint pain and stiffness. Simply apply the poultice to the afflicted joint and elevate it for 30 minutes.</p><p><br /></p><p><u>Hemorrhoids</u>- This herb is a traditional remedy for hemorrhoids. Crush the fresh plant, mix it with water, and drain. This is typically taken on an empty stomach daily for about one week.</p><p><br /></p><p><u>Diabetes</u>- <i>Phyla nodiflora</i> has anti-diabetic properties. Helping to lower blood sugar. This makes it a very effective natural remedy for reducing blood sugar levels. It’s also a diuretic, helping to reduce water retention which can also help with diabetes.</p><p><br /></p><p><u>Cautions, Contraindications, and Warnings</u>- Since this herb does have an effect on insulin levels, consult with your doctor prior to adding it into your daily routine if you are already taking diabetic medications or are a diabetic. Avoid this herb if you are pregnant.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> I only included a basic introduction to this wonderful Florida native. If you have any questions or comments please leave them below. Follow me on Facebook and Instagram or updates on my adventures in Nature. Find me on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWmrIjUvm2__Tcb2r07NHpA?view_as=subscriber" target="_blank">YouTube</a> and check out my videos! I also have a few things up on <a href="https://teespring.com/stores/bat-lady-herbals" target="_blank">Teespring</a>, check it out! Also, if you like what I do and what to see more, <a href="https://www.patreon.com/bePatron?u=21994221" target="_blank">Become a Patron</a>!</p><p><br /></p><p>Now Offering Backyard Tours! </p><p> Curious as to what your very own yard might contain? Contact herbalist Leann Hill at BatLadyHerbals@gmail.com for more information!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Resources:</h3><p>7 Top Medicinal Uses of Phyla Nodiflora: Wild Turmeric: https://www.wildturmeric.net/phyla-nodiflora-poduthalai-medicinal-uses-health-benefits/ </p><p>A Review on Phyla nodiflora Linn. A Wild Wetland Medicinal Herb: Global Research Online: http://globalresearchonline.net/journalcontents/v20-1/11.pdf </p><p>Busbusi: Philippine Medicinal Plants: http://www.stuartxchange.com/Busbusi.html</p><p>Frog Fruit: Natural medicinal Herbs: http://www.naturalmedicinalherbs.net/herbs/p/phyla-nodiflora=frogfruit.php </p><p>Frog Fruit or Match Head?: Eat The Weeds: http://www.eattheweeds.com/frog-fruit-or-match-head/ </p><p>Phyla Nodiflora: Folk Medicine Sindh: http://folkmedsindh.com.pk/phyla-nodiflora-l/</p><p>Phyla Nodiflora: Herbpathy: https://herbpathy.com/Uses-and-Benefits-of-Phyla-Nodiflora-Cid1173 </p><p>Phyla Nodiflora: Plants for a Future: https://pfaf.org/user/plant.aspx?latinname=Phyla+nodiflora </p><p>Phyla Nodiflora: Useful Tropical Plants: http://tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Phyla+nodiflora </p><p>Phyla Nodiflora, Jalapippali: Medicine Traditions: https://www.medicinetraditions.com/phyla-nodiflora-jalapippali.html </p>The Bat Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00545891406220728569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8584259060235604254.post-88621585619745658602020-08-12T15:35:00.004-04:002020-08-12T15:35:41.918-04:00Stuffed Mushrooms<p> </p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlnaU4Fc6zFkLhVBiV2-rR12V0QtEL4sClEUipdTLLGe3p9QVlDxAhXSUyPZJizKOT7kfnWpTdRrdemquWx2BJNT1R5Zv20w-7bwc3zbDG6C2sFvoiQsKJkbLy_oK9JyPcLnn7Q1heW38/s2048/Stuffed+Mushrooms.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlnaU4Fc6zFkLhVBiV2-rR12V0QtEL4sClEUipdTLLGe3p9QVlDxAhXSUyPZJizKOT7kfnWpTdRrdemquWx2BJNT1R5Zv20w-7bwc3zbDG6C2sFvoiQsKJkbLy_oK9JyPcLnn7Q1heW38/w400-h225/Stuffed+Mushrooms.png" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p></blockquote><p></p></blockquote><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>This year has been tough, so I’ve been allowing myself small luxuries to help make things a little better. These luxuries have included taking long and luxurious baths, having a nice glass of wine while watching the sunset, and making gourmet dinners. One dish that my husband and I love, but don’t get to indulge in often, is stuffed mushrooms. I thought that I could share some of my favorite recipes here with you today.</p><p><br /></p><p>Now there are some things to be aware of when you’re stuffing shrooms. There are a few different types of mushrooms you can choose from. The most commonly stuffed ones tend to be button, crimini, or portabella. These mushrooms are actually all the same species, just grown in different conditions and sold at different ages. But they are tasty and the perfect shape for stuffing. Mushrooms absorb water, so when you’re cleaning them, don’t wash them off if you can help it. You can get specialty mushroom brushes, or you can do what I do and use a paper towel (or spare toothbrush for really dirty shrooms) to get all the dirt off those mushrooms.</p><p><br /></p><p>As usual, all of the following recipes are vegetarian and gluten-free, though I have included some dairy alternatives where I can. You can also add meat products if you want, some of these recipes would taste amazing with sausage, chicken, or shrimp added.</p><p><br /></p><p>And now, on to the recipes!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">1. Bring On The Greens!</h2><p>Mushrooms and leafy greens tend to go together so well, I couldn’t resist combining them here. This recipe makes a great appetizer for decadent or romantic dinners and goes great with red wine.</p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: center;">Spinach and Kale Stuffed Mushrooms</h3><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">1 pound Mushrooms (around 18-24)</p><p style="text-align: center;">4 tablespoons Butter or Olive Oil</p><p style="text-align: center;">4 Green Onions, diced</p><p style="text-align: center;">2 small cloves Garlic, minced</p><p style="text-align: center;">2 cups Baby Spinach, roughly chopped</p><p style="text-align: center;">2 cups Kale, roughly chopped</p><p style="text-align: center;">1 cup Gluten-Free Breadcrumbs</p><p style="text-align: center;">Salt and Pepper to taste</p><p style="text-align: center;">¼ cup shredded Mozarella Cheese, or <a href="https://gtfoitsvegan.com/product/smoked-vegan-mozzarella-shreds-good-planet-foods/">Plant-Based Mozzarella</a></p><p><br /></p><p>Instructions:</p><p>Wash and trim the end of stems from mushrooms. Pop the remaining stem out. Chop stems and set aside. Melt 2 tablespoons butter (or use 2 tablespoons olive oil) and brush over mushrooms. Spray a shallow baking dish (about 8-inch square, or one which will fit mushrooms in one layer) with non-stick spray or grease with butter/olive oil. </p><p>Heat remaining 2 tablespoons of butter or olive oil in a skillet. Chop green onions and combine with reserved chopped mushroom stems and garlic. Add to skillet along with the spinach and kale. Sauté until tender. Add bread crumbs, salt, and pepper to vegetable mixture and stir well. </p><p> Fill each mushroom cap with a little of the stuffing, mounding the filling. Top each filled mushroom cap with some of the shredded Mozzarella cheese. </p><p> Bake at 350 F for about 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and mushroom caps are tender. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">2. Some Like It Hot!</h2><p>Mushrooms aren’t typically the type of food you think of when you think of hot spices. But you’d be amazed just how well they work, especially when you use homemade polenta to tie the flavors together. This recipe makes for a great snack or an appetizer for a Southwest meal. It also pairs well with a refreshing margarita or an ice-cold beer.</p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: center;">Southwest Serrano-Stuffed Shrooms</h3><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">1 ½ cup Boiling Water</p><p style="text-align: center;">½ cup Yellow Cornmeal</p><p style="text-align: center;">½ teaspoon Salt</p><p style="text-align: center;">¼ teaspoon Pepper</p><p style="text-align: center;">½ cup shredded Cheddar Cheese, or <a href="https://gtfoitsvegan.com/product/farmhouse-cheddar-cheese-shreds-miyokos/">Plant-Based Cheddar</a></p><p style="text-align: center;">1 pound Mushrooms (around 18-24)</p><p style="text-align: center;">4 tablespoons Butter or Olive Oil</p><p style="text-align: center;">½ cup Red Onion, minced</p><p style="text-align: center;">1 small clove Garlic, minced</p><p style="text-align: center;">1-2 Serrano Peppers, seeded and finely chopped (or more if you really want some heat)</p><p style="text-align: center;">1 small handful of fresh Cilantro, chopped</p><p style="text-align: center;">Salt and Pepper to taste</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p>Instructions:</p><p> In a large heavy saucepan, bring water to a boil. Reduce heat to a gentle boil and slowly whisk in cornmeal. Stir in salt and pepper. Cook and stir with a wooden spoon for 12-17 minutes or until polenta is thickened and pulls away cleanly from the sides of the pan. Stir in ¼ cup of cheese (save the rest for later). </p><p> Spread into a greased 8-in. square baking dish. Cool slightly, cover, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.</p><p> Cut polenta into eight pieces. Moisten a paper towel with cooking oil; using long-handled tongs, lightly coat the grill rack. Grill, covered, over medium heat for 5-7 minutes on each side or until lightly browned. Set aside to cool.</p><p> Wash and trim the end of stems from mushrooms. Pop the remaining stem out. Chop stems and set aside. Melt 2 tablespoons butter (or use 2 tablespoons olive oil) and brush over mushrooms. Spray a shallow baking dish (about 8-inch square, or one which will fit mushrooms in one layer) with non-stick spray or grease with butter/olive oil. </p><p> Heat remaining 2 tablespoons of butter or olive oil in a skillet. Saute the mushroom stems, onion, peppers, and garlic until tender. Crumble up the grilled polenta and combine with the sauteed vegetables and cilantro.</p><p> Fill each mushroom cap with a little of the stuffing, mounding the filling. Top each filled mushroom cap with some of the shredded cheddar cheese. </p><p> Bake at 350 F for about 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and mushroom caps are tender. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">3. Nutty For Mushrooms!</h2><p>Another odd combination that works really well is nuts and mushrooms. This recipe combines pecans and mushrooms into a delicious treat. It’s a taste of gourmet comfort food in your very own home. Try it as an appetizer for any occasion.</p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: center;">Pecan Stuffed Mushrooms</h3><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">1 pound Mushrooms (around 18-24)</p><p style="text-align: center;">4 tablespoons Butter or Olive Oil</p><p style="text-align: center;">½ cup Yellow Onion, minced</p><p style="text-align: center;">2 small cloves Garlic, minced</p><p style="text-align: center;">¼ cup Gluten-Free Breadcrumbs</p><p style="text-align: center;">¼ cup Pecans, finely chopped</p><p style="text-align: center;">¼ cup fresh Parsley, chopped</p><p style="text-align: center;">½ teaspoon dried Sage</p><p style="text-align: center;">Salt and Pepper to taste</p><p style="text-align: center;">¼ cup shredded Parmesean Cheese, or <a href="https://gtfoitsvegan.com/product/vegan-parmesan-shreds-good-planet-foods/">Plant-Based Parmesean</a></p><p><br /></p><p>Instructions:</p><p>Wash and trim the end of stems from mushrooms. Pop the remaining stem out. Chop stems and set aside. Melt 2 tablespoons butter (or use 2 tablespoons olive oil) and brush over mushrooms. Spray a shallow baking dish (about 8-inch square, or one which will fit mushrooms in one layer) with non-stick spray or grease with butter/olive oil. </p><p>Heat remaining 2 tablespoons of butter or olive oil in a skillet. Sauté mushroom stems, onion, and garlic until tender. Add bread crumbs, pecans, parsley, sage, salt, and pepper to vegetable mixture. Stir well.</p><p> Fill each mushroom cap with a little of the stuffing, mounding the filling. Top each filled mushroom cap with some of the shredded Parmesan cheese. </p><p> Bake at 350 F for about 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and mushroom caps are tender. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> If you have any questions or comments please leave them below. Follow me on Facebook and Instagram for updates. Find me on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWmrIjUvm2__Tcb2r07NHpA?view_as=subscriber">YouTube</a> and check out my videos! I also have a few things up on <a href="https://teespring.com/stores/bat-lady-herbals">Teespring</a>, check it out! Also, if you like what I do and what to see more, <a href="https://www.patreon.com/bePatron?u=21994221">Become a Patron</a>!</p>The Bat Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00545891406220728569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8584259060235604254.post-2381257402106252632020-08-03T19:42:00.001-04:002020-08-03T19:43:26.843-04:00Coreopsis<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ9o1BY8hQ6u9HU81tGZGTOlWxcIZGu9469pyUO1E_we74_xeCySdt7pnUExYcIRb0sjTQTAjyQe9757HUq-55Cxg8Xcs62CRUvuPPnMSw5n7-q3uozLOPTgG2CChCFoZVcQSQ8txHTwU/s2048/C.+tinctoria+blog.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ9o1BY8hQ6u9HU81tGZGTOlWxcIZGu9469pyUO1E_we74_xeCySdt7pnUExYcIRb0sjTQTAjyQe9757HUq-55Cxg8Xcs62CRUvuPPnMSw5n7-q3uozLOPTgG2CChCFoZVcQSQ8txHTwU/w400-h225/C.+tinctoria+blog.png" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> Florida is known as a land of flowers, and certainly this time of year you can see the evidence of it. Starting in the spring and going through fall, when you drive up and down the state, you’ll see large patches of color on the side of the roads and in the medians. Right now, the predominant color, at least in Central and North Florida, tends to be yellow. Mostly this can be attributed to the Florida state wildflower, Coreopsis.</div><div><br /></div><div> There are 16 species of Coreopsis that occur in the state, and all are recognized as the state flower. There are a few species on this list that are not native to Florida but are considered to be naturalized. <i>Coreopsis tinctoria,</i> <i>C. aurculata,</i> and <i>C. basalis</i>. This list also includes at least one endangered species, <i>C. integrifolia</i>. Ironically, the species of Coreopsis usually used in the promotional material of the state is one that is not native, <i>C. tinctoria</i>. This is also the species I’m focusing on for this post as it has the most documentation of medicinal and edible uses.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLuxtnisPbqfcYsuBjCuvXSjvNv7SaYdbh6l3xyJ33Ow_8h6jjREmeHKMPyTNLARQTy5NiCvMelaIhWAwMTLB6JaZksU58VZrvMsEAPLA47dxq-WKLnTiCQs2kCwHhfG-NFxYuRvD2Ohs/s1200/Coreopsis+Species.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLuxtnisPbqfcYsuBjCuvXSjvNv7SaYdbh6l3xyJ33Ow_8h6jjREmeHKMPyTNLARQTy5NiCvMelaIhWAwMTLB6JaZksU58VZrvMsEAPLA47dxq-WKLnTiCQs2kCwHhfG-NFxYuRvD2Ohs/s640/Coreopsis+Species.png" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> <i>Coreopsis tinctoria</i> is a member of the Aster (<i>Asteraceae</i>) Family. Originally native to the eastern half of the North American continent, it has been naturalized from coast to coast and all across Canada and Alaska. It is equally at home in cottage gardens and along roadsides, where it is often seen in Florida. One of its common names, 'tickseed' is a nod to its Latin designation. The word 'koris' means insect or bug and the suffix 'opsis' is a general designation meaning that the plant resembles the prefix. So core (koris) - opsis means that part of this plant (the seeds) resembles an insect. The Latin word, <i>tinctoria</i> means useful for dye.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Medicinal Uses:</h3><div><br /></div><div><u>Common Names</u>- Coreopsis, Tickseed, Plains Coreopsis, Golden Tickseed, Goldenwave, Calliopsis, Atkinson's tickseed, Dyer's Coreopsis, Plains Coreopsis, Annual Coreops</div><div><br /></div><div><u>Scientific Name</u>- <i>Coreopsis tinctoria, C. cardaminifolia</i></div><div><br /></div><div><u>Edibility</u>- Flowers boiled in water makes a red liquid used as a beverage. Also, a tea made from the dried plant can be used as a coffee substitute.</div><div><br /></div><div><u>Summary of Actions</u>- Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, astringent, emetic</div><div><br /></div><div><u>Parts Used</u>- The whole plant is used in slightly different ways</div><div><br /></div><div><u>Traditional Native American Uses</u>- A number of Southern Tribes, including Cherokee, used a tea made from the root for diarrhea and as an emetic. The dried tops of the plant were used in a tea to strengthen the blood. The whole plant was also boiled to make a drink for internal pains and bleeding.</div><div><br /></div><div><u>Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)</u>- Known as Snow Chrysanthemum, or Kun Lun Xue Ju, this North American native has made its way into TCM where it is used in several formulas to help with high blood pressure, insomnia, and inflammation.</div><div><br /></div><div><u>Insomnia</u>- The tea can be used to improve one’s ability to sleep and their quality of sleep.</div><div><br /></div><div><u>Emetic</u>- This roots of this herb can be used to induce vomiting. Some traditional cultures used emetics to cleanse their bodies before undergoing certain rituals. Coreopsis can also be used in the case of accidental toxin ingestion.</div><div><br /></div><div><u>Digestive and Elimination Problems</u>- The roots may be used to brew a tea that is useful in the treatment of diarrhea. The tea may also help in reducing the symptoms of inflamed bowels, especially in the case of chronic enteritis.</div><div><br /></div><div><u>Diabetes</u>- In Portugal, the flowering tops of this herb have been used to make a tea that helps to control hypoglycemia.</div><div><br /></div><div><u>Circulatory System</u>- The tea made from this plant has been used to help improve the general health of the circulatory system. Specifically, it also helps to reduce blood pressure, reduce cholesterol, and prevent coronary heart disease.</div><div><br /></div><div><u>Folk Use</u>- An infusion of the whole plant, minus the root, is traditionally thought to help women who are trying to conceive a female baby.</div><div><br /></div><div><u>Attracts Pollinators</u>- Pollinators, especially our native bees, just LOVE this plant. It’s also a host plant for a number of butterflies.</div><div><br /></div><div><u>Other/Household Uses</u>- Was used for a source of yellow and red dyes, which was its primary traditional use. The flowers were simply steeped in heated water. Early dyers would add their yarn or fabric to the pot until it absorbed the color. This produced a product that was attractive but wasn't very colorfast. The dye tended to fade over time. Later experiments with different mordants resulted in more vibrant and colorfast items. Today's natural dyers might use any number of products to obtain various colors and shades from the same plant. For those just starting to explore natural dye, alum and vinegar are both easy to obtain and produce interesting results.</div><div><br /></div><div><u>Cautions, Contraindications, and Warnings</u>- There are no known hazards associated with this plant.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> I only included a basic introduction to this wonderful Florida native. If you have any questions or comments please leave them below. Follow me on Facebook and Instagram or updates on my adventures in Nature. Find me on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWmrIjUvm2__Tcb2r07NHpA?view_as=subscriber">YouTube</a> and check out my videos! I also have a few things up on <a href="https://teespring.com/stores/bat-lady-herbals">Teespring</a>, check it out! Also, if you like what I do and what to see more, <a href="https://www.patreon.com/bePatron?u=21994221">Become a Patron</a>!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Resources:</h3><div><br /></div><div>Coreopsis: Natural Medicinal Herbs: http://www.naturalmedicinalherbs.net/herbs/c/coreopsis-tinctoria=coreopsis.php </div><div><br /></div><div>Coreopsis tinctoria: Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center: https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=coti3#:~:text=Use%20Medicinal%3A%20Amerindians%20used%20root,of%20yellow%20and%20red%20dyes. </div><div><br /></div><div>Coreopsis tinctoria: Practical Plants: https://practicalplants.org/wiki/Coreopsis_tinctoria </div><div><br /></div><div>Coreopsis tinctoria: Useful Tropical Plants: http://tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Coreopsis+tinctoria </div><div><br /></div><div>Coreopsis: Wiki Medicinal Plants: http://wiki.medicinalplants-uses.com/index.php?title=Coreopsis </div><div><br /></div><div>Coreopsis tinctoria- Dyer’s Coreopsis: Alchemy Works: https://www.alchemy-works.com/coreopsis_tinctoria.html </div><div><br /></div><div>Coreopsis tinctoria- History, Folklore, and Uses: Dave’s Garden: https://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/coreopsis-tinctoria-history-folklore-and-uses </div><div><br /></div><div>Coreopsis tinctoria Nutt.: Plants for a Future: https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Coreopsis+tinctoria </div><div><br /></div><div>Everything You Need To Know About The Coreopsis Plant: NIMVO: https://nimvo.com/coreopsis-plant/ </div><div>The Flower Tea Coreopsis tinctoria Increases Insulin Sensitivity and Regulates Hepatic Metabolism in Rats Fed a High-Fat Diet: Oxford Academic: https://academic.oup.com/endo/article/156/6/2006/2422826 </div><div><br /></div><div>What Is Snow Chrysanthemum: Transcendent Teas: https://transcendentteas.weebly.com/what-is-snow-chrysanthemum.html </div>The Bat Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00545891406220728569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8584259060235604254.post-22408707657356332242020-07-15T17:31:00.000-04:002020-07-15T17:31:41.818-04:00Mason Jar Salads<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7_DdCvti8sspZp3ffnNvlcszz83dXZuPRmUJWVEy1XHv8mDuhun1QpS6HwCe0ccAPD8FQwxbecU9zFI7MlHlF_UiZ59RdeBXQJCdUCwUv1F-ZMxbJI152Oyy6lJCbkNzygI_YV8N4asg/s2048/Mason+Jar+Salads.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7_DdCvti8sspZp3ffnNvlcszz83dXZuPRmUJWVEy1XHv8mDuhun1QpS6HwCe0ccAPD8FQwxbecU9zFI7MlHlF_UiZ59RdeBXQJCdUCwUv1F-ZMxbJI152Oyy6lJCbkNzygI_YV8N4asg/w400-h225/Mason+Jar+Salads.png" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> Eating healthy can often be a chore, especially when we work away from home. I have always been a fan of “eating the rainbow” (each color corresponds to different nutrients and the more nutrients you eat the healthier you’ll be) but that is hard to do when you’re eating fast food, or whatever your office may have near. Bringing your lunch to work can sometimes be challenging as well. So one solution I have come up with is Mason Jar Salad. You can make a variety of healthy meals, store them in mason jars in the fridge, and grab one a day on your way out the door. As long as you know how to layer your lunch, it doesn’t get soggy or gross and can keep in the fridge for a week. For all of these salads, I prefer to use pint-sized, wide mouth mason jars, they make it easier to assemble and eat your food.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> Mason jar salads are a great lunch option that provides you with a wide range of fruit, veggie, and protein options. You can also choose a wide variety of greens so you’re not stuck with iceberg all the time (boring!). Just make it ahead of time and shake it when you’re ready to eat! </div><div><br /></div><div>Just remember these layering rules when you’re assembling your salad:</div><div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Wet Stuff (Dressing, hummus, sauce, etc. always goes on the bottom!)</li><li>Protein</li><li>Crunch (nuts, cabbage, vegetables, other crunchy textures)</li><li>Fruit</li><li>Greenery (Lettuce always goes in last!)</li></ul></div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Wet Stuff:</h3><div><br /></div><div> Salad dressing, hummus, and other sauces (such as guacamole) add flavor to bring the salad together, but it also provides important healthy fats which are necessary to get the most nutrients out of the vegetables. If you’re in a hurry you can make a quick salad dressing just by sprinkling some oil and vinegar (1 part vinegar and 2 parts oil and a pinch of salt and/or pepper) over the salad. If you want (and have time) to make your own dressing check out some of my <a href="http://www.batladyherbals.com/2019/04/">favorite dressing recipes here</a>!</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Protein:</h3><div><br /></div><div> Adding some protein makes a salad go from a side dish to the main course. If you are vegetarian or vegan, it’s also very important to make sure you have enough protein in your diet. Adding some into your lunch salad is a great way to do just that. Try tossing in some cheese (or cheese alternatives), cooked lentils and/or beans, seasoned and/or seared tofu/tempeh, nuts and/or seeds (these can go into the next layer as well), or toss in more traditional protein sources such as boiled eggs, chicken, tuna, steak, shrimp, crab, or whatever leftover proteins you have from dinner the night before.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Crunch and Fruit:</h3><div><br /></div><div> This is where the creativity really gets going. Try adding in some shredded carrots, sliced cucumbers, berries (dried and/or fresh), apples, banana chips, shredded cabbage, nuts/seeds, roasted chickpeas, tortilla chips, etc. There really is no limit to what you can throw into your salad. I Really Like Food has a post with 20 options that would go great in this layer. <a href="https://ireallylikefood.com/20-crunchy-salad-toppings/">Check it out here</a>!</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Greenery:</h3><div><br /></div><div> This is the base of most salads and usually make up the bulk of this meal. Lettuce, spinach, fresh herbs. All of these options go well here on this layer. It’s also the layer that can be the most boring (iceberg...blech) or the most interesting (try a mix of arugula, fresh basil, watercress, and parsley for a fun mix). Some popular greens to throw into a salad include romaine, spring mix, watercress, arugula, baby spinach, fresh herbs (mint, dill, parsley, cilantro, basil, etc), and sprouts. </div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Recipes and Ideas-</h3><div><br /></div><div> Here are some “recipes” to get you started. In reality, they’re just a list of ingredients and you choose how much of each you want to toss in. My recommendation is to go easy on the herbs in the green mixes, they can easily become overpowering. I have made sure that the ingredients are in the order I would layer my salads. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h4 style="text-align: left;">1. Summoning The Southwest</h4><div>I love Southwestern flavors, and if I had my choice I would probably eat them way more often than I already do. So it comes as no surprise that this salad is heavily on my rotation for lunch. Feel free to add in <a href="http://www.batladyherbals.com/2017/05/fermented-salsa.html">guacamole</a> or substitute your favorite <a href="http://www.batladyherbals.com/2019/04/">Southwest-flavored salad dressing</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h4 style="text-align: center;">Southwest Salad</h4><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Salsa (<a href="http://www.batladyherbals.com/2017/05/fermented-salsa.html">Fermented salsa</a> adds probiotics into your lunch)</div><div style="text-align: center;">Sour Cream (or <a href="https://www.google.com/shopping/product/2127427325142429882?q=vegan+sour+cream&rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS903US903&sxsrf=ALeKk02VETtojCL_2Pxyu7x9ZotkQjiCTQ:1594842977673&biw=1440&bih=789&prds=epd:16864000610779174079,prmr:1&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwibwd6QhdDqAhVwmuAKHRXNB5kQ8wII8gM">vegan alternative</a>)</div><div style="text-align: center;">Protein of your choice (I recommend chicken, steak, or a mixture of chickpeas and black beans)</div><div style="text-align: center;">Red Onion, diced</div><div style="text-align: center;">Avocado, sliced (tossed in lime juice to retain the green color)</div><div style="text-align: center;">Cherry Tomatoes, halved</div><div style="text-align: center;">Romaine, shredded</div><div style="text-align: center;">Fresh Cilantro, chopped</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h4 style="text-align: left;">2. Everything Eastern</h4><div> My husband has a crazy love affair with Asian cultures, including the cuisine. This salad is a great way to bring some of those flavors to the office with you. Feel free to throw in some of your favorite Asian food items like noodles or rice. Just layer them right after your dressing/sauce and before your protein. This will keep everything nice and crispy for when you’re ready to eat.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h4 style="text-align: center;">Asian Salad</h4><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.batladyherbals.com/2019/04/">Asian Sesame Vinaigrette</a> or any Asian/Sesame Salad dressing</div><div style="text-align: center;">Protein of your choice (I recommend chicken, shrimp, tofu, or edamame)</div><div style="text-align: center;">Carrot, shredded</div><div style="text-align: center;">Red Cabbage, shredded</div><div style="text-align: center;">Celery, thinly sliced</div><div style="text-align: center;">Radish, thinly sliced (or Diakon/Watermelon radish, shredded)</div><div style="text-align: center;">Roasted Peanuts or Soy Nuts</div><div style="text-align: center;">Sprouts</div><div style="text-align: center;">Fresh Cilantro, diced</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h4 style="text-align: left;">3. Simply Southern</h4><div> This salad brings quite a few Southern flavors to the table. From the pecans to the peaches, if you like Southern comfort food, this is the salad for you.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h4 style="text-align: center;">Georgia Peach Salad</h4><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.batladyherbals.com/2019/04/">Sweet Onion & Poppy Seed Dressing</a> or your favorite Sweet Onion dressing</div><div style="text-align: center;">Protein of choice (you may be tempted to add fried chicken here, but I recommend grilled chicken, bacon, shrimp, boiled egg, or shredded cheese)</div><div style="text-align: center;">Pecans</div><div style="text-align: center;">Apple, diced (tossed in lemon juice to prevent browning)</div><div style="text-align: center;">Tomato, diced</div><div style="text-align: center;">Cucumber, sliced</div><div style="text-align: center;">Celery, sliced</div><div style="text-align: center;">Grapes, halved</div><div style="text-align: center;">Peaches, diced</div><div style="text-align: center;">Spring Mix/Mixed Baby Greens</div><div style="text-align: center;">Kale</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h4 style="text-align: left;">4. Keep It Simple</h4><div> One of the easiest salads out there is the Caesar salad. It was made to be simple, and it’s popularity proves that it’s a big hit. Try changing up the proteins and switching out the croutons for other “crunchy” textures, such as roasted chickpeas or pine nuts.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h4 style="text-align: center;">Simply Caesar</h4><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.batladyherbals.com/2019/04/">Caesar dressing</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Parmesan Cheese, shredded</div><div style="text-align: center;">Protein of choice (I recommend chicken, steak, shrimp, or tempeh)</div><div style="text-align: center;">Croutons</div><div style="text-align: center;">Romaine Lettuce, diced</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h4 style="text-align: left;">5. Ditch The Greens</h4><div> I am not a fan of lettuce. If I must have lettuce I prefer things like Spring Mix or Romaine. So any salad I find that doesn’t involve lettuce is awesome. For this salad, simply use cooked quinoa in place of the greens. However, if you aren’t a fan of quinoa try rice, couscous, pasta, or riced cauliflower. You can also use any herbs you like in place of the parsley and/or mint. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h4 style="text-align: center;">Quinoa Salad</h4><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.batladyherbals.com/2019/04/">Green Goddess Salad Dressing</a> or any salad dressing of your choice</div><div style="text-align: center;">Protein of your choice (I recommend chicken, steak, or shrimp though this is optional in this salad)</div><div style="text-align: center;">Chickpeas or Black Beans</div><div style="text-align: center;">Feta Cheese (or crumbled Tofu)</div><div style="text-align: center;">Bell Peppers, diced (red, green, yellow, or orange...or a mixture of all)</div><div style="text-align: center;">Zucchini, diced</div><div style="text-align: center;">Green Onions, diced</div><div style="text-align: center;">Cooked Quinoa</div><div style="text-align: center;">Fresh Parsley, chopped</div><div style="text-align: center;">Fresh Mint, chopped (optional, but tasty)</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> If you have any questions or comments please leave them below. If you try any of these recipes, I'd love to hear about it! </div><div><br /></div><div>Follow me on Facebook and Instagram for updates. Find me on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWmrIjUvm2__Tcb2r07NHpA?view_as=subscriber">YouTube</a> and check out my videos! I also have a few things up on <a href="https://teespring.com/stores/bat-lady-herbals">Teespring</a>, check it out! Also, if you like what I do and what to see more (maybe some food videos even), <a href="https://www.patreon.com/bePatron?u=21994221">Become a Patron</a>!</div>The Bat Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00545891406220728569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8584259060235604254.post-85228703371737772392020-07-06T22:52:00.000-04:002020-07-06T22:52:34.961-04:00Pokeweed<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS4dGPs4G40peGXaK5LSKaJaN2uByCp3POO4Y_HlUZkFEWeIIfyKvdWQBO8gHw5oLYqpRdmADR0CpgF-2u0J8TmYZ6rkk47moStmVtKXgTEuLSbeb1ka_YfwC9gMlv9AYXa2Rr3-orWFk/s2240/Pokeweed.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1260" data-original-width="2240" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS4dGPs4G40peGXaK5LSKaJaN2uByCp3POO4Y_HlUZkFEWeIIfyKvdWQBO8gHw5oLYqpRdmADR0CpgF-2u0J8TmYZ6rkk47moStmVtKXgTEuLSbeb1ka_YfwC9gMlv9AYXa2Rr3-orWFk/w400-h225/Pokeweed.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> Having been raised in North Florida, by a family who has been in the South for many a generation (most of us are in Georgia, Virginia, and the Carolinas), I was raised with a few Appalachian traditions. One of these traditions was “Poke Salat.” Now, my parents didn’t prepare this traditional dish, but I did hear about it quite often and some other family members did prepare it occasionally. Though it sounds like a springtime salad, it’s actually a pot of cooked greens. I promise you that if anyone ever serves you a salad and calls it Poke Salat, you should run away as fast as you can. This is because Pokeweed is highly toxic and it has to be cooked several times over in order to be edible.</div><div><br /></div><div> Pokeweed (<i>Phytolacca americana</i>) is a poisonous, herbaceous plant that has long been used for food and folk medicine in parts of eastern North America, the Midwest and the Gulf Coast where it is native. Poke is a member of the <i>Phytolaccaceae</i> (Pokeweed) family and is a perennial herb. It grows up to 11ft tall, though the variety commonly found in the South tends to stop at 8ft. Single alternate leaves are pointed at the end with crinkled edges and an unpleasant smell. The stems are green, pink, or red. Flowers greenish-white in long clusters at ends of stems that will develop into dark purple berries resembling blueberries or elderberries. Pokeroot is best dug up in the fall after the plant has died back for the winter. This is when the plant is the most medicinal and the least toxic. The next best time to dig the roots is in the early spring when the leaves are just coming out (as long as you're sure what you're picking!). The leaves and berries are harvested from Autumn to the following Spring and can be found in North & South America, East Asia & New Zealand. Though it has become naturalized all over Europe. It’s often found on edges of fields or cleared lands and roadsides. Pokeweed poisonings were common in eastern North America during the 19th century. The roots were often mistaken for parsnip, Jerusalem artichoke, or horseradish. The berries are often mistaken for elderberries. Use caution! And remember, if you’re not 100% sure of your identification, DON’T consume/use the plant!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTyIQqZTehMl4vbL7ksU3d6dtnv3qTJosc8ouLWwSrH8ne42nIVgbTfaDJZV7QHrr6bAky5XA2BR6jL5INRnutf1qzZYar0mM7dLVumaTP1GGHDlBrSnXGeklIDx10UEpWMX7qll93g30/s1080/Elder+vs+Poke+%25281%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTyIQqZTehMl4vbL7ksU3d6dtnv3qTJosc8ouLWwSrH8ne42nIVgbTfaDJZV7QHrr6bAky5XA2BR6jL5INRnutf1qzZYar0mM7dLVumaTP1GGHDlBrSnXGeklIDx10UEpWMX7qll93g30/w400-h400/Elder+vs+Poke+%25281%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> Poke is predominately toxic to mammals, though some small mammals have a resistance to the toxin. The berries are an important food source for birds and can be eaten by them because the small seeds hard outer shell simply passes through the birds' digestive system. It’s also a valuable host plant for a number of butterfly species found here in Florida.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">I recently filmed a video about this beautiful plant.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0eXjdDUZqkc" width="320" youtube-src-id="0eXjdDUZqkc"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Medicinal Uses:</h3><div><br /></div><div><u>Common Names</u>- Poke, Pokeweed, Poke Salet, American Pokeweed, Cancer-root, Cancer Jalap, Inkberry, Pigeon Berry, Pocan, Poke, Poke Root, Pokeberry, Reujin D Ours, Sekerciboyaci, Skoke, Virginian Poke, Yoshu-Yama-Gobo, Yyamilin </div><div><br /></div><div><u>Scientific Name</u>- <i>Phytolacca americana</i> and <i>P. acinosa</i> </div><div><br /></div><div><u>Edibility</u>- Pokeweed is edible when cooked properly. The young shoots and leaves are boiled in two changes of water. The leaves taste similar to spinach and the shoots taste similar to asparagus. Properly cooked Poke is known as "Poke Salet," not Poke Salad as it is commonly called. Poke berries are cooked and the resulting liquid used to color canned fruits and vegetables. Caution is advised as the whole plant is poisonous raw, causing vomiting and diarrhea.</div><div><br /></div><div><u>Summary of Actions</u>- Alterative, anodyne, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antiparasitic, antiseptic, antitumor, antitussive, antiviral, cathartic, detoxifying, diuretic, emetic, expectorant, hypnotic, lymphagogue, narcotic, purgative, and resolvent. </div><div><br /></div><div><u>Energetics</u>- Acrid, slightly sweet, root slightly bitter. The root is slightly cooling and drying. The berries are slightly warming.</div><div><br /></div><div><u>Parts Used</u>- Leaves, Berry, and Root </div><div><br /></div><div><u>Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)</u>- Known as Shang Lu, Poke affects the liver, spleen, bladder, and small intestine meridians. It clears toxins, reducing the swelling associated with goiters, arthritis, neuralgias, breast lumps and tumors, eczema, skin dermatitis, ulcers, and similar wounds. Shang Lu removes statis, especially when associated with abdominal distension, nausea, heavy feelings, moodiness, and constipation. It also clears up Liver Qi stagnation, which is commonly associated with breast lumps, tumors, acute mastitis, as well as chronic benign and malignant lumps. Like in Western Herbalism, Shang Lu is considered to be drastically purgative. </div><div><br /></div><div><u>Traditional Native American Uses</u>- Some Native American tribes used Pokeweed as a purgative (to stimulate bowel clearance) and an emetic (to promote vomiting). Many traditional cultures believe that doing so "cleanses" the body, expels bad spirits. The fruit was made into a red dye used in painting horses and various articles of adornment. The Delaware Indians were likely the first to prescribe pokeweed in medicine, using it as a cardiac stimulant. Indians of the Rocky Mountain region used pokeweed to treat epilepsy, anxiety, and neurological disorders. The Pah-Utes fermented berries in water to make a narcotic tea. The Cherokee used poke in a number of different ways. The leaves were often combined with <a href="http://www.batladyherbals.com/2018/10/lemon-balm.html">Lemon Balm</a> and made into a tea to reduce phlegm and calm the chest when there was a cold our cough. The root was used as a blood purifier and antibiotic. It was considered especially potent in treating kidney infections. It was also used to increase metabolism.</div><div><br /></div><div><u>Antibiotic</u>- Most herbalists turn to <a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/goldenseal-cure-for-everything#:~:text=Goldenseal%20(Hydrastis%20canadensis)%20is%20a,infections%20or%20inflammation%20(%201%20).">Goldenseal</a> for its use as an antibiotic. However, it’s an endangered species. Pokeweed is also a great antibiotic with many of the same properties, but as a bonus, it’s not endangered. It’s often considered a problematic weed in the South. </div><div><br /></div><div><u>Lyme Disease</u>- I know of several herbalists who have successfully used a tincture made from the root to treat Lyme disease.</div><div><br /></div><div><u>Rheumatism & Fibromyalgia</u>- Some modern experts believe that rheumatism was used as a blanket term for several issues in older medical texts. One of these issues is believed to be fibromyalgia. Most older medical texts that include the use of Poke have described it as being fairly effective in the treatment of rheumatism. The berries were consumed whole or a tea made from the leaves was drunk for this purpose. Sometimes <a href="https://www.verywellhealth.com/the-benefits-of-prickly-ash-4684452#:~:text=Prickly%20ash%2C%20commonly%20referred%20to,the%20Rue%20(Rutaceae)%20genus.">Prickly Ash</a> was added to the tea for rheumatism.</div><div><br /></div><div><u>Endocrine Regulator</u>- Poke helps to regulate your hormones. It has the most profound effect on the pituitary, thyroid, adrenals, and sex glands. This makes it a prime herb to use in cases of sterility, impotence, low sperm count, and prostate issues.</div><div><br /></div><div><u>Skin Conditions</u>- Pokeweed has frequently been used in folk medicine to treat skin conditions, including psoriasis, eczema, and scrofula (tuberculosis of the neck). However, caution should be used with this plant as the sap can cause irritation, swelling, and an itchy rash in people with sensitive skin. Despite that, it is believed to have amazing anti-inflammatory effects that may help relieve localized pain and swelling.</div><div><br /></div><div><u>Detoxifying</u>- It is one of the strongest herbs known to promote cleansing and clear toxemia that also acts on the glands. Because of this, it has a long history of use for detoxifying the blood and body.</div><div><br /></div><div><u>Thyroid</u>- Poke is an old-time Appalachian remedy for hypothyroidism, especially goiter.</div><div><br /></div><div><u>Auto-immune Disease</u>- The root is taken internally in the treatment of auto-immune diseases (especially rheumatoid arthritis), tonsillitis, mumps, glandular fever and other complaints involving swollen glands, chronic catarrh, bronchitis etc. </div><div><br /></div><div><u>Dye, Ink, & Food Coloring</u>- A rich brown dye can be made by soaking fabric in fermenting berries in hollowed out pumpkin. Using the fermented berries, without the pumpkin, yields a pink-ish red dye. It was often used as red ink or dye in the civil war era. Many letters written home during the civil war were written in pokeberry ink, which now appears as brown ink. Pokeberry has also been used as a red food coloring and as a wine coloring agent. </div><div><br /></div><div><u>Toxicity and Dosage</u>- It is a strong herb so dosages must be monitored and respected. (Even just one to two drops of tincture is enough and not more than ten drops is recommended.) Because it is so strong it is usually used in combination with other herbs that can help soften its approach without lessening its properties. In Appalachian folk medicine, the berries are swallowed as a treatment for arthritis and for immune stimulation. Only swallow one berry (either fresh or dried) at a time. One berry is the equivalent of one drop of root tincture. At doses of 1 g, dried poke root is emetic and purgative. At lower doses of 60 to 100 mg/day, the root and berries have been used to treat rheumatism and for immune stimulation; however, there are no clinical trials that support these uses or doses. </div><div><br /></div><div><u>Side Effects</u>- Individuals show widely varying tolerance for poke. Some people can't handle more than three or five drops per day, while others can take 25 or 50 drops with no adverse effects. The side effects of poke include mental unclarity, spaciness, and out-of-body feelings. If you notice such feelings, it means you've found your tolerance level, so back off to a lower dosage. If you take way too much (such as mistaking dropperful for drops, which some people have done!), you may encounter more severe side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.</div><div><br /></div><div><u>Cautions, Contraindications, and Warnings</u>- All parts of the plant are toxic with roots being the most toxic, stems and leaves are less so and the least toxic is the fruit. The raw berry is toxic. If cooked improperly the juice from the leaves can cause severe stomach cramping, diarrhea, vomiting, convulsions, death. The plant sap can cause dermatitis in sensitive people. The plant contains substances that cause cell division and can damage chromosomes. These substances can be absorbed through any abrasions in the skin, potentially causing serious blood aberrations, and so it is strongly recommended that the people wear gloves when handling the plant. Do not use this plat during pregnancy! Ingestion of poisonous parts of the plant may cause severe stomach cramping, nausea with persistent diarrhea and vomiting, slow and difficult breathing, weakness, spasms, hypotension, severe convulsions, and death. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> I only included a basic introduction to this wonderful Appalachian herb. If you have any questions or comments please leave them below. Follow me on Facebook and Instagram or updates on my adventures in Nature. Find me on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWmrIjUvm2__Tcb2r07NHpA?view_as=subscriber">YouTube</a> and check out my videos! I also have a few things up on <a href="https://teespring.com/stores/bat-lady-herbals">Teespring</a>, check it out! Also, if you like what I do and what to see more, <a href="https://www.patreon.com/bePatron?u=21994221">Become a Patron</a>!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Resources:</h3><div><br /></div><div><u>Books</u>:</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Earthwise-Herbal-II-Complete-Medicinal/dp/155643779X/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=earthwise+herbal&qid=1594079304&sr=8-2">The Earthwise Herbal: A Complete Guide to New World Medicinal Plants by Matthew Wood</a> </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Floridas-Edible-Wild-Plants-Collecting/dp/0942084381/ref=sr_1_2?crid=3GOKY41UENJUN&dchild=1&keywords=floridas+edible+wild+plants&qid=1594079341&sprefix=Floridas+edible%2Caps%2C187&sr=8-2">Florida’s Edible Wild Plants by Peggy Sias Lantz</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Herbal-Medicine-Heart-Sharol-Tilgner/dp/1881517055/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=herbal+medicine+by+tilgner&qid=1594079367&sr=8-3">Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth by Dr. Sharol Marie Tilgner</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Cherokee-Herbal-Native-Medicine-Directions/dp/1879181967/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=the+cherokee+herbal&qid=1594079386&sr=8-1">The Cherokee Herbal by J.T. Garrett</a></div><div><br /></div><div><u>Websites</u>: </div><div><br /></div><div>Foods Indigenous to the Western Hemisphere: American Indian Health and Diet Project: http://www.aihd.ku.edu/foods/pokeweed.html#:~:text=Uses,to%20humans%20and%20some%20animals. </div><div><br /></div><div>The Health Benefits of Pokeweed: Very Well Health: https://www.verywellhealth.com/can-pokeweed-provide-health-benefits-4587368 </div><div><br /></div><div>Poke: Southeast Wise Women: https://www.sewisewomen.com/poke </div><div><br /></div><div>Poke (Shang Lu): White Rabbit Institute of Healing: https://www.whiterabbitinstituteofhealing.com/herbs/poke/ </div><div><br /></div><div>Pokeweed: Drugs.com: https://www.drugs.com/npp/pokeweed.html </div><div><br /></div><div>Pokeweed: Natural Medicinal Herbs: http://www.naturalmedicinalherbs.net/herbs/p/phytolacca-americana=pokeweed.php </div><div><br /></div><div>Pokeweed, An Herb For All Things Pokey: The Herbwife’s Kitchen: http://crabappleherbs.com/blog/2007/07/31/pokeweed-an-herb-for-all-things-pokey/comment-page-2/ </div><div><br /></div><div>Pokeweed Herb: Alternative Nature Online Herbal: https://altnature.com/gallery/pokeweed.htm </div><div><br /></div>The Bat Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00545891406220728569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8584259060235604254.post-90086749956401825102020-06-16T18:02:00.000-04:002020-06-16T18:02:20.111-04:00DIY Vegetable Bullion<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAPmZ5b6nLfASioOUrXWMLxK3b92ziMtxwNCpJ_pjQYd51gZTeBya7emqUoOq8xw0JDUYDgkyCIeS0s0Sg2FfWm41cxX7P9Yuvj-fEDaOE0_a_18dvr_c_DMEKQTtj8unkbm0H2N7AjXg/s2240/DIY+Vegetable+Bullion+Blog+Banner.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1260" data-original-width="2240" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAPmZ5b6nLfASioOUrXWMLxK3b92ziMtxwNCpJ_pjQYd51gZTeBya7emqUoOq8xw0JDUYDgkyCIeS0s0Sg2FfWm41cxX7P9Yuvj-fEDaOE0_a_18dvr_c_DMEKQTtj8unkbm0H2N7AjXg/w400-h225/DIY+Vegetable+Bullion+Blog+Banner.png" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div> As much as I love spending time in my kitchen, and as much as I’d love to be able to take the time to make certain foods 100% from scratch, I also have the very modern problem of not having the time on my hands, all the time, to do so. Some things that tend to help me make sure my family is fed in the healthiest way possible involve preparing certain staples to keep either in my pantry or my freezer. One of those things is bullion. I know, I could easily buy bullion (and have done so before) at the store, so why bother making it? One of the reasons is that I am not always able to find the healthiest, most natural bullion in the stores. A lot of bullion tends to contain ingredients that are not the best, such as MSG. Another reason is that sometimes I want to make something a little different and the flavor of the bullion kind of restricts my creativity. If I have my own bullion blends on hand, I can customize them almost endlessly, and I can also make sure that they are healthy. So here are some of my favorite blends for DIY Bullion.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h4 style="text-align: left;">1. This is the basic flavor profile of just about every kind of bullion. Want something more exotic? Try replacing some of the herbs in this for other seasonings. Try throwing in a little lavender or mint to give it more of an interesting flavor. Try using all Indian or Mediterranean seasonings.</h4><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: center;">Basic Vegetable Bullion Powder</h2><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Ingredients</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">2 cups <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Bobs-Large-Nutritional-Cheese-Replacement/dp/B084JL2R77/ref=sr_1_7?dchild=1&keywords=nutritional+yeast&qid=1592339806&sr=8-7">Nutritional Yeast</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">3 tbsp Garlic Powder</div><div style="text-align: center;">3 tbsp Onion Powder</div><div style="text-align: center;">2 tbsp Parsley Flakes</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 tsp dried Sage</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 tsp dried Oregano</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 tsp dried Basil</div><div style="text-align: center;">½ tsp dried Rosemary</div><div style="text-align: center;">½ tsp Turmeric</div><div style="text-align: center;">½ tsp Celery Seed</div><div style="text-align: center;">½ tsp Sea Salt</div><div style="text-align: center;">½ tsp Black Pepper</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Instructions:</b></div><div> Add all ingredients to a jar and shake or to a bowl and whisk thoroughly until blended well.</div><div><br /></div><div> To use, for broth, combine one heaping tablespoonful to one cup hot water: 1 Tablespoon mix + 1 cup hot water. You can also use this as a seasoning blend for a wide variety of foods.</div><div><br /></div><div>To make it more powdery:</div><div> Add all ingredients to the blender or food processor and process/blend until the desired consistency is reached. Because the final product is broken down more, you’ll want to adjust the measurements when using to 1 teaspoon mix + 1 cup hot water.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h4 style="text-align: left;">2. This one reminds me of a beef bullion, because of the mushrooms. They add a very “meaty” kind of flavor to the mix.</h4><div><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: center;">Magical Mushroom Bullion</h2><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Ingredients</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">1 ounce <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Mycological-Dried-Porcini-Mushrooms-Package/dp/B002HQN66A/ref=sr_1_5?crid=1SC681C6M7MG&dchild=1&keywords=dried+porcini+mushroom&qid=1592340491&sprefix=dried+porcini+%2Caps%2C196&sr=8-5">dried Porcini Mushrooms</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">1 ounce dried Wild Mushroom Mix (Really, you can use any mushrooms you find tasty. Morels are delicious, but pricey. Many people use Shitake here, sometimes I just use Maitake.)</div><div style="text-align: center;">3 tbsp Garlic Powder</div><div style="text-align: center;">3 tbsp Onion Powder</div><div style="text-align: center;">2 tbsp Parsley Flakes</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 tbsp powdered Reishi</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 tbsp powdered Shitake</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 tbsp powdered Chaga</div><div style="text-align: center;">½ tsp dried Thyme</div><div style="text-align: center;">½ tsp dried Oregano</div><div style="text-align: center;">½ tsp Turmeric</div><div style="text-align: center;">½ tsp Celery Seed</div><div style="text-align: center;">½ tsp Sea Salt</div><div style="text-align: center;">½ tsp Black Pepper</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Instructions:</b></div><div> Place mushrooms into a clean spice grinder, blender, or food processor and pulse until finely chopped. Allow a couple minutes for the powder to settle. Remove the lid to you food processor and add all other ingredients. Pulse and process until a fine powder.</div><div><br /></div><div> To use, for broth, combine one heaping teaspoonful to one cup hot water: 1 Teaspoon mix + 1 cup hot water. You can also use this as a seasoning blend for a wide variety of foods.</div><div><br /></div><h4 style="text-align: left;">3. I love lemon chicken soup. This is my attempt at creating a vegetarian bullion with that same flavor profile. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.</h4><div><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: center;">Lemon Pepper Vegetable Bullion</h2><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Ingredients</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">2 cups <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Bobs-Large-Nutritional-Cheese-Replacement/dp/B084JL2R77/ref=sr_1_7?dchild=1&keywords=nutritional+yeast&qid=1592339806&sr=8-7">Nutritional Yeast</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">2 tbsp Garlic Powder</div><div style="text-align: center;">2 tbsp Onion Powder</div><div style="text-align: center;">2 tbsp Parsley Flakes</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 tbsp dried Lemon Zest</div><div style="text-align: center;">½ tsp Black Pepper</div><div style="text-align: center;">½ tsp dried <a href="https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/search?page=1&q=lemon+balm&utf8=%E2%9C%93">Lemon Balm</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">¼ tsp dried Oregano</div><div style="text-align: center;">¼ tsp dried Basil</div><div style="text-align: center;">¼ tsp Turmeric</div><div style="text-align: center;">¼ tsp Celery Seed</div><div style="text-align: center;">¼ tsp Sea Salt</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Instructions:</b></div><div> Add all ingredients to a jar and shake or to a bowl and whisk thoroughly until blended well.</div><div><br /></div><div> To use, for broth, combine one heaping tablespoonful to one cup hot water: 1 Tablespoon mix + 1 cup hot water. You can also use this as a seasoning blend for a wide variety of foods.</div><div><br /></div><div>To make it more powdery:</div><div> Add all ingredients to the blender or food processor and process/blend until the desired consistency is reached. Because the final product is broken down more, you’ll want to adjust the measurements when using to 1 teaspoon mix + 1 cup hot water.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h4 style="text-align: left;">4. This bullion blend is one that I use when my family is going through majorly stressful times. It’s full of adaptogenic herbs that help us to deal better with stress. If you don’t like the herbs I have chosen, feel free to substitute your own favorite adaptogens.</h4><div><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: center;">All’s Well Bullion</h2><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Ingredients</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">2 cups <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Bobs-Large-Nutritional-Cheese-Replacement/dp/B084JL2R77/ref=sr_1_7?dchild=1&keywords=nutritional+yeast&qid=1592339806&sr=8-7">Nutritional Yeast</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">2 tbsp Garlic Powder</div><div style="text-align: center;">2 tbsp Onion Powder</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 tbsp Parsley Flakes</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 tsp <a href="https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/ashwagandha-root-powder/profile">powdered Ashwagandha</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">1 tsp <a href="https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/holy-basil-krishna/profile">dried Tulsi</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">1 tsp <a href="https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/kelp-powder/profile">powdered Kelp</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">½ tsp dried Sage</div><div style="text-align: center;">½ tsp dried Oregano</div><div style="text-align: center;">¼ tsp powdered Reishi</div><div style="text-align: center;">¼ tsp dried Rosemary</div><div style="text-align: center;">¼ tsp Turmeric</div><div style="text-align: center;">¼ tsp Celery Seed</div><div style="text-align: center;">¼ tsp Sea Salt</div><div style="text-align: center;">¼ tsp Black Pepper</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Instructions:</b></div><div> Add all ingredients to a jar and shake or to a bowl and whisk thoroughly until blended well.</div><div><br /></div><div> To use, for broth, combine one heaping tablespoonful to one cup hot water: 1 Tablespoon mix + 1 cup hot water. You can also use this as a seasoning blend for a wide variety of foods.</div><div><br /></div><div>To make it more powdery:</div><div> Add all ingredients to the blender or food processor and process/blend until the desired consistency is reached. Because the final product is broken down more, you’ll want to adjust the measurements when using to 1 teaspoon mix + 1 cup hot water.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> If you have any questions or comments please leave them below. Feel free to play around with these recipes and experiment with different seasonings. Follow me on Facebook and Instagram for updates. Find me on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWmrIjUvm2__Tcb2r07NHpA?view_as=subscriber">YouTube</a> and check out my videos! I also have a few things up on <a href="https://teespring.com/stores/bat-lady-herbals">Teespring</a>, check it out! Also, if you like what I do and what to see more, <a href="https://www.patreon.com/bePatron?u=21994221">Become a Patron</a>!</div>The Bat Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00545891406220728569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8584259060235604254.post-9275266792327173892020-06-10T15:23:00.001-04:002020-06-10T15:23:25.178-04:00Reishi<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9uioprEhBw_3Pb0fxtXWwqve1Tg_YdrHrgpCS-fzvhxMFivASObXyXrVC_l7s-ORY14OVzatpOHijnlFRY1gkgZvhyphenhyphenuG3Gf4tJnnBpv-jVNqxwAnQUStErZv09BBqBGEUJ8a76a0hwYg/s560/Reishi+Blog.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="560" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9uioprEhBw_3Pb0fxtXWwqve1Tg_YdrHrgpCS-fzvhxMFivASObXyXrVC_l7s-ORY14OVzatpOHijnlFRY1gkgZvhyphenhyphenuG3Gf4tJnnBpv-jVNqxwAnQUStErZv09BBqBGEUJ8a76a0hwYg/w400-h225/Reishi+Blog.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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Mushrooms are associated with many things. From magic and spirituality, to danger and poison. And, to be fair, many mushrooms do a little bit of it all. Today, however, I wanted to introduce you to the mushroom that has been used medicinally for the longest time in recorded history. Reishi.<br />
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Reishi, <i>Ganoderma lucidum</i>, is a <a href="https://www.mushroomexpert.com/polyporales.html" target="_blank">polypore</a> mushroom that are soft corky and flat, with a red-varnish, kidney shaped cap. They do not have any gills on their undersides. They are hard to the touch, with a leathery feel, meaning they are resilient and can last for many years, as opposed to many other fungi that only last a few days. They grow as a parasite, or <a href="http://website.nbm-mnb.ca/mycologywebpages/NaturalHistoryOfFungi/Saprotrophs.html" target="_blank">saprotroph</a>, on a wide variety of trees and aid in the decomposition process of wood. There are around 219 species of <i>Ganoderma</i> in the world, 80 of which are of commercial use. There are six different species used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and several other close relations used by herbalists world wide. <i>Ganoderma</i> grow in the North Eastern Hemlock forests and have a worldwide distribution, typically in both tropical and temperate regions. When found in nature, <i>Ganoderma</i> prefer to grow at the base of deciduous trees, and are particularly fond of maples. The <i>Ganoderma</i> genus is becoming more and more complex as we develop and use DNA analysis. Every year we are finding out more and more about Reishi, and other fungi, and learning that we know even less than we thought we did. Several species of medicinal Reishi have recently been found to actually be multiple different species, which could go a long way to explaining the different variations that exist within this genus. While <i>Ganoderma</i> has been used, in TCM, for over 2,000 years, there are really six dominant species that have been in use, each of which is classified by color and potency. Our local varieties are the <i>Ganoderma curtisii</i> and the <i>Ganoderma zonatum</i>.<br />
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While there are so many species that have medicinal value, I tend towards the utmost caution when it comes to our fungal friends. Mushrooms tend to have varied effects from species to species. Some species may not have a noticeable effect at all, and some may be so strong as to be considered toxic. This is one medicinal I would only get from a trusted source, at least until I have enough experience working with it myself (preferably under the guidance of a mycological mentor).<br />
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Medicinal Uses:<br />
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<u>Common Names</u>- Reishi, Red Reishi, Mushroom of Imortality<br />
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<u>Scientific Name</u>- <i>Ganoderma lucidum, G. lingzhi, G. curtisii, G. zonatum</i> <br />
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<u>Edibility</u>- It’s edible, but very bitter.<br />
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<u>Summary of Actions</u>- Antiallergic, antiatherogenic, anticonvulsant, antimicrobial, antiviral, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antitumor, diuretic, immunomodulating, laxative, sedative, and tonic.<br />
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<u>Parts Used</u>- The whole mushroom<br />
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<u>Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)</u>- Known as Ling Zhi in TCM tradition, there are six different types of <i>Ganoderma lucidum</i>. Each one is classified by color and each has slightly different properties. The most commonly used, and most potent, is the red variety. It is used to calm Shen, tonify Wei Qi and Blood, nourish the heart, remove toxicity, disperse accumulations, and support the Three Treasures (Jing, Qi, and Shen).<br />
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<u>Stress Management</u>- Reishi is an adaptogen, a classification of herbs that help flush out harmful stress related toxins and help our bodies adopt a healthy response to stress. This helps to alleviate anxiety and improve symptoms associated with stress, such as insomnia.<br />
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<u>Increased Immunity</u>- While some details are still uncertain, test-tube studies have shown that <i>Ganoderma</i> can affect the genes in white blood cells, which are critical parts of your immune system. What’s more, these studies have found that some forms of <i>Ganoderma</i> may alter inflammation pathways in white blood cells. There is a question to <i>Ganoderma</i>’s effect on healthy people as some studies have shown that there is no increased white blood cell activity in healthy patients, only in ill ones, or in athletes who have been exposed to stressful situations.<br />
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<u>Fatigue</u>- One study examined its effects in 132 people with neurasthenia, a poorly defined condition associated with aches, pains, dizziness, headaches and irritability. The researchers found that fatigue was reduced and well-being was improved after 8 weeks of taking the supplements. Another study found that fatigue was reduced and quality of life was improved after 4 weeks of taking <i>Ganoderma</i> powder.<br />
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<u>Cardiovascular Health</u>- One 12-week study of 26 people showed that Reishi may increase “good” HDL cholesterol and decreased triglycerides. The effect of Reishi on blood pressure is conflicting. Taking Reishi doesn't seem to lower blood pressure in people with only slightly high blood pressure. But it seems to lower blood pressure in people with more severe high blood pressure.<br />
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<u>Cancer</u>- Studies seem to suggest that cancer patients who supplement with <i>Ganoderma</i> extract are more likely to respond positively to chemotherapy and radiation than those who do not supplement. However, it does not have a significant effect on killing cancer cells when used alone. Patients taking <i>Ganoderma</i> have reported a better quality of life, but no studies recorded whether or not patients who took<i> Ganoderma</i> lived longer than those who did not. Other research in cancer patients has shown that some of the phytochemicals found in the mushroom can increase the activity of a type of white blood cell called natural killer cells, which fight infections and cancer in the body. Consult your doctor before supplementing with <i>Ganoderma</i> as it does interact with certain medications and treatments.<br />
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<u>Allergies</u>- Reishi has been used for allergies and allergic asthma reactions for quite a long time. Modern studies have shown that the ganoderic acid present in Reishi acts as an antihistamine, reducing the body’s histamine response. Some of these studies have also shown that Reishi, while supporting the immune system, can also regulate the body’s immune response, helping to stifle an overactive immune system.<br />
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<u>Cautions, Contraindications, and Warnings</u>- Reishi mushroom extract is safe when taken by mouth, in the correct dosage, for up to one year. Reishi mushroom is safe when taken by mouth in a powdered form for less than one month. Use of powdered Reishi, for longer than one month, has been associated with toxic effects on the liver. Reishi mushroom can also cause other side effects including dryness of the mouth, throat, and nasal area along with itchiness, stomach upset, nosebleed, and bloody stools. Drinking Reishi wine can cause a rash. Breathing in Reishi spores can trigger allergies. There is not enough reliable information about the safety of taking Reishi mushroom if you are pregnant or breast feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use. There are some drug interactions reported, if you are taking any medications please consult your doctor. Reishi is associated with increased risk of bleeding in people who have bleeding disorders. Consult with your doctor if you think you are at risk. Also, discontinue the use of Reishi for at least 2 weeks prior to any surgeries as it may increase your risk of complications.<br />
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I only included a basic introduction to this wonderfully useful fungus. If you have any questions or comments please leave them below. Follow me on Facebook and Instagram or updates on my adventures in Nature. Find me on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWmrIjUvm2__Tcb2r07NHpA?view_as=subscriber" target="_blank">YouTube</a> and check out my videos! I also have a few things up on <a href="https://teespring.com/stores/bat-lady-herbals" target="_blank">Teespring</a>, check it out! Also, if you like what I do and what to see more, <a href="https://www.patreon.com/bePatron?u=21994221" target="_blank">Become a Patron</a>!<br />
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Resources:</h3>
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6 Benefits of Reishi Mushroom (Plus Side Effects and Dosage): Healthline: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/reishi-mushroom-benefits<br />
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The Benefits of Reishi Mushroom: Four Sigmatic: https://site.foursigmatic.com/blog/reishi<br />
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The Benefits of Reishi Mushroom: Landish: https://landish.co/pages/reishi<br />
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Everything You Need To Know About Reishi Mushrooms: Medical News Today: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326520<br />
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Ganoderma lucidum (Lingzhi or Reishi): Herbal Medicine – Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92757/<br />
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Polypore: Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polypore<br />
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Reishi: White Rabbit Institute of Healing: https://www.whiterabbitinstituteofhealing.com/herbs/reishi/<br />
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Reishi Mushroom: The ASCO Post: https://www.ascopost.com/issues/august-10-2018/reishi-mushroom/<br />
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Reishi Mushroom : Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center: https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/reishi-mushroom<br />
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Reishi Mushroom: WebMD: https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-905/reishi-mushroom<br />
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Reishi, the Queen of Medicinal Mushrooms: Ayurveda Mandala: https://ayurveda-mandala.com/blog/reishi-the-queen-of-medicinal-mushrooms/#:~:text=Reishi%20or%20Ganoderma%20Lucidum%20as,spirit%20and%20calm%20the%20mind.<br />
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Scientific Research & Medicinal Fungi: North American Mycological Association: https://namyco.org/scientific_research_and_medici.phpThe Bat Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00545891406220728569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8584259060235604254.post-69674209093304241572020-05-17T19:02:00.000-04:002020-05-17T19:02:55.783-04:00Five Ways to Eat Florida Betony<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrn-MoFtJRkgKczOjdmSLCVbzNs919LrIGNGYt_BHwlLBA7dVF9NJo0c-uw5fGyJQK2g0rqOoP40DWNdMvho4zbjOlc2MKdZNUAWxW_G0Ugfdq6AefMD9vTaXpnnH-oJbLOAPllMi-sNo/s1600/Five+Ways+to+Eat+Florida+Betony.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="560" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrn-MoFtJRkgKczOjdmSLCVbzNs919LrIGNGYt_BHwlLBA7dVF9NJo0c-uw5fGyJQK2g0rqOoP40DWNdMvho4zbjOlc2MKdZNUAWxW_G0Ugfdq6AefMD9vTaXpnnH-oJbLOAPllMi-sNo/s400/Five+Ways+to+Eat+Florida+Betony.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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So you’ve found some <i>Stachys floridana</i>, Florida Betony, and have heard lots of lovely things about how they taste, but you have no idea where to start. You’ve come to the right place. I have decided to share five of my favorite Stachys recipes with you. All of these recipes involve the root, and some even involve the leaves and/or flowers. I hope they give you some ideas of how to prepare this tasty Florida native.<br />
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<b>1.</b> Pickled Betony and other Veggies (Lactofermentation method). This recipe is actually a mixture of veggies, but you can just use a single one if you want. It’s based on the Italian Giardiniera or pickled mixed vegetables. I use a few different wildcrafted Florida plants here, but you can use store bought ones as well.<br />
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Florida Giardiniera</div>
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4 cups Florida Betony Tubers</div>
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2 cups sliced Carrots</div>
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1 ½ cups sliced Red Onion</div>
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2 cups sliced Celery</div>
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2 cups <a href="http://www.batladyherbals.com/2016/07/the-power-of-purslane.html" target="_blank">Purslane</a></div>
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2 cups sliced Hearts of Palm (<a href="http://www.eattheweeds.com/saw-palmetto-saga-3/" target="_blank">Saw Palmetto hearts</a>)</div>
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2 thinly sliced Jalepenos (leave the seeds in if you want more heat)</div>
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3-5 Garlic Cloves peeled and thinly sliced</div>
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1 sprig fresh Thyme</div>
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2 Bay Leaves</div>
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3 tablespoons Sea Salt (do not use iodized salt for fermentation)</div>
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6 cups filtered mineral Water (using tap water may prevent fermentation)</div>
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* 1-2 Grape leaves for each fermentation vessel you are using</div>
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Instructions:<br />
Prepare your brine by dissolving the salt in water. Mix all the ingredients except the brine in a large bowl. Add them to the Fermenting Vessel(s) of your choice (I tend to use mason jars) packing them down as you go. Fill each jar with the brine, leaving 1½ - 2 inches of headroom (the space at the top), between the rim of the jar and the top of the vegetables. Weight the vegetables so they are completely submerged in the brine. Place a1-2 grape leaves on top of your veggies. This will help prevent the formation of mold and the tannins from the grape leaves will help you veggies stay crunchy. Cover the top of the vessel with a lid, coffee filter, paper towel, cheese cloth, or tea towel. Be sure to secure towels with a very tight rubber band or the ring from the canning jars. Place the jar out of direct light. Ferment at room temperature 4 days before checking the flavor. If you prefer the flavor more sour, continue fermenting. If to your taste transfer the jars to the refrigerator. Burp the jars once daily (to release any built-up gasses) the giardiniera does continue to ferment while in the refrigerator. I usually prefer mine at 1 week, but you can allow the fermentation to continue up to 6 weeks.<br />
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<b>2. </b>Florida Betony Refrigerator Pickles. This is a simple, and tasty method of pickling. No cooking or waiting necessary with this recipe. Simply put all the ingredients in a jar and leave them overnight. They’ll be ready to eat the next day.<br />
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<br />Betony Refrigerator Pickles</h3>
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Enough Betony Tubers to fill your jar mostly full, with a little space at the top</div>
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1/4 cup Sweet Onion, sliced</div>
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1 teaspoon powdered Turmeric</div>
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1/2 cup Apple Cider Vinegar</div>
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1/2 cup Water</div>
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2 cloves Garlic, smashed</div>
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1 ½ teaspoons Sea Salt</div>
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¼ teaspoon Sugar or Honey</div>
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¼ teaspoon whole Peppercorns</div>
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¼ teaspoon whole Mustard Seeds</div>
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Instructions:<br />
Pack a clean pint-sized jar with sliced cucumbers, onion slices, and dill sprigs. Leave a ½ inch of space at the top of the jar for liquid. In a small pot heat the vinegar, water, garlic, and all spices until the mixture comes to a simmer and salt and sugar/honey dissolves. Cool the brine down to warm and fill the jar so everything is covered with brine. Close the lid tightly and refrigerate for over night before eating.<br />
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<b>3.</b> Betony as a Pasta Substitute? Yes! Some of you may be familiar with a type of pasta called Gnocchi. Betony can be substituted in any recipe that calls for that pasta. This is one of my favorite recipes that does just that. For those of you that eat meat, you can easily add shrimp, chicken, or prosciutto to this dish and it’s just fabulous!<br />
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Florida Betony with Asparagus and Lemon Garlic Sauce</h3>
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1 pound Betony Tubers</div>
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1 bunch of Asparagus</div>
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4 tablespoons Olive Oil</div>
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1 small Sweet Onion, chopped</div>
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3 cloves Garlic, smashed and chopped</div>
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2 tablespoons All Purpose Flour (I use Gluten free)</div>
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¼ cup Vegetable Stock</div>
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1 cup Almond Milk</div>
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1 tablespoon Lemon Juice</div>
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1 teaspoon Lemon Zest</div>
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Salt and Pepper to taste</div>
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Instructions:<br />
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Bring a large pot of salty water to a boil and get a bowl of ice water handy. Boil the Betony tubers for 2 minutes, then move them to the ice water to cool, then set aside. Meanwhile, wash the asparagus and snap off the woody ends. Chop the asparagus into bite size (1-2 inch) pieces. Add the asparagus to a baking sheet Drizzle 2 teaspoons of oil over the asparagus, and rub it around with your hand to make sure it's all coated. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake at 400 for 9-10 minutes. The asparagus is done when it can easily be speared with a fork. Coat the bottom of a large pot with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and place it over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, until soft and translucent. Add the garlic and continue to sauté for about 30 second more, until very fragrant. Stir in the flour. Cook for about 2 minutes, until the flour forms a smooth paste and coats the onions. Stir in the vegetable stock, and bring the liquid to a simmer. Allow to simmer for about 4 minutes, until reduced by half. Stir in the almond milk. Bring it to a boil, lower heat and allow it to simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until smooth and thick. Stir in the lemon juice, zest, Betony and Asparagus. Cook about 30 second more, stirring to coat the vegetables with the sauce. Remove from heat and season with salt and pepper. Serve hot and enjoy!<br />
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<b>4.</b> Soup is my favorite comfort food. So why not add one of my favorite Florida vegetables to it? Check out this delicious and comforting recipe that uses the root, leaves, and flowers of <i>Stachys floridana</i>.<br />
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Easy Veggie Soup</h3>
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2 tablespoons Olive Oil</div>
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1 ½ cups Yellow Onion, chopped</div>
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2 cups Carrots, peeled and chopped</div>
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1 ¼ cups Celery, chopped</div>
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4 cloves Garlic, crushed and minced</div>
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2 pints Vegetable Stock</div>
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2 (14.5 oz) cans Diced Tomatoes (undrained)</div>
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3 cups Betony Tubers</div>
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1 ½ cups fresh Green Beans, cut</div>
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1 cup frozen or fresh Peas</div>
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½ cup chopped Betony Leaves</div>
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¼ cup chopped Parsley</div>
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2 Bay Leaves</div>
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½ teaspoon dried Thyme</div>
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Salt and Pepper to taste</div>
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*optional fresh Betony Flowers for garnish</div>
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Instructions:<br />
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery and saute 4 minutes then add garlic and saute 30 seconds longer. Add in broth, tomatoes, Betony tubers, Betony leaves, parsley, bay leaves, thyme, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a boil, then add green beans and peas. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover and simmer about 20 - 30 minutes.<br />
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<b>5.</b> Salad is the easiest way to add different vegetables into your diet. This one makes use of fresh Betony tubers, leaves, and flowers.<br />
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Cucumber, Betony, and Wild Greens Salad</h3>
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1 small Sweet Onion, finely chopped</div>
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¼ cup Avocado Oil</div>
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¼ cup Red Wine Vinegar</div>
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Salt and Pepper to taste</div>
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1 ½ pounds Cucumbers, cut into ½ inch pieces</div>
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1 pound Betony Tubers, sliced thin</div>
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2 cups fresh Parsley Leaves, coarsely chopped</div>
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¼ cup Betony Leaves, chopped</div>
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¼ cup Betony Flowers</div>
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¼ cup young <a href="http://www.batladyherbals.com/2017/03/bidens-alba.html" target="_blank">Spanish Needle</a> Leaves, chopped</div>
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¼ cup <a href="http://www.batladyherbals.com/2019/07/peppergrass.html" target="_blank">Peppergrass</a> Leaves, chopped</div>
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Instructions:<br />
Whisk onion, oil, and vinegar in a large bowl. Add all the veggies and toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper. Enjoy!<br />
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Do these sound tasty? Let me know what you think! Feel free to play around with these recipes and make them your own! I’d love for you to share your experiences! If you have any questions or comments please leave them below. Follow me on Facebook and Instagram for updates. Find me on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWmrIjUvm2__Tcb2r07NHpA?view_as=subscriber" target="_blank">YouTube</a> and check out my videos! I also have a few things up on <a href="https://teespring.com/stores/bat-lady-herbals" target="_blank">Teespring</a>, check it out! Also, if you like what I do and what to see more, <a href="https://www.patreon.com/bePatron?u=21994221" target="_blank">Become a Patron</a>!The Bat Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00545891406220728569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8584259060235604254.post-28570874410148951152020-05-11T17:21:00.004-04:002021-03-11T14:15:09.881-05:00Florida Betony<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgYTfJxDj0HizBoSC9-trefnrqDmLj0Ij31iZjiVzPHcw8kY-mmm4pUgsnMZuUnCbYM0kG9ZB3Z2eFq8OrYIcG5cKHtrUkGGxz9CWPxjv9mBFUH75bvQRX-UlboNylnwK_VYwshn-NiMY/s1600/Florida+Betony.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="560" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgYTfJxDj0HizBoSC9-trefnrqDmLj0Ij31iZjiVzPHcw8kY-mmm4pUgsnMZuUnCbYM0kG9ZB3Z2eFq8OrYIcG5cKHtrUkGGxz9CWPxjv9mBFUH75bvQRX-UlboNylnwK_VYwshn-NiMY/s400/Florida+Betony.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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Alright. It’s time for a soapbox. The word “invasive.”<br />
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“You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means.” – Inigo Montoya, The Princess Bride. <br />
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I hear people use the word “invasive” all the time. In most cases, it’s used correctly. However, there are several plants where it is definitely NOT used correctly. If you live in Florida, and use this word to describe Florida Betony, you are not using the word in the correct manner.<br />
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in·va·sive</h3>
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/inˈvāsiv/</h4>
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An invasive organism is one that has arrived in a place from somewhere else and has a harmful effect on that place (<a href="https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/invasive" target="_blank">Cambridge Dictionary</a>)</h4>
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You see, Florida Betony, <i>Stachys floridana</i>, is native to Florida, and until it was moved to other Southeastern states during the 1940s or 1950s (in nursery containers), it was endemic to Florida (meaning it was ONLY found in Florida). Thanks to those accidental volunteers in nursery containers, it is now found from Texas to North Carolina. So if you live anywhere but Florida, and you’re referring to this plant, feel free to keep calling it invasive. However, those of us in Florida should refrain from describing such a lovely little native as invasive.<br />
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Soapbox over.<br />
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You see, this is one of my favorite natives. And yes, it is quite tenacious and will take over your lovely garden beds. But I welcome it into mine. It’s absolutely delicious and one of my favorite wild edibles. However, it’s also a great herb to get to know for it’s medicinal properties as well.<br />
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Wood Betony, <i>Stachys officinalis</i>, is a very very close cousin to <i>Stachys floridana</i>, and the two plants can be used, mostly, interchangeably. The main difference is that our little Betony doesn’t pack quite the punch that Wood Betony does. However, for centuries Wood Betony was thought to be the best herb to use in almost every situation. The people of ancient Greece felt this plant was more important than clothing. They thought it could cure at least 47 disease states and even had magical powers to keep away evil spirits. These beliefs held on through the Roman Empire and into the Middle Ages where both men and women wore betony amulets to ward off evil. Some claim the name Betony derives from the Celtic word bewton (“good for the head”), referring to its use for cerebral afflictions, such as headaches, nervousness and even hangovers. The herb’s reputation for healing continued well into the 17th century, when Betony was used to treat asthma, bronchitis, kidney problems, excess sweating and to purge the body of worms. In the Middle Ages, it was also the principal remedy used to exercise demons.<br />
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<i>Stachys floridana</i> is an aggressive, perennial herb typically found in lawns, gardens, and landscapes. It has been called wild artichoke, but it is not related to the artichoke, it is actually a member of the Mint or <i>Lamiaceae</i> family. This plant produces quite a few seeds, but it’s main means of reproduction is by rhizomes and tubers, which is why it’s so hard to eradicate from gardens. Small segments of these rhizomes can sprout into new plants or the tuber may be transported to a new area. The only real way to control this plant in your garden is hand-pulling, with careful removal of all the tubers. The plants are characterized by hairy, erect stems reaching 19 inches high that are square in cross-section with flowers in long clusters, heads, or interrupted whorls on the stem. The distinctive pale-colored tuber is segmented in such a way that it resembles the rattle on the tail of a rattlesnake (or a grub), hence the common name of Rattlesnake Weed. The oppositely arranged leaves have blades up to 2 inches long. Flowers grow in clusters of 3 to 6 from the upper leaf axils. The tubular, hairy calyx of sepals has pointed lobes. The two-lipped corolla is up to a 1/2 inch long and white to pink with purple spots. The fruit is a schizocarp less than an inch long that splits in half.<br />
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As I mentioned above, this is one of my favorite wild edibles. The leaves are slightly bitter, but when mixed with other fresh greens, can make a pleasant salad. The flowers are also edible and tasty. However, the tastiest part of this plant is the tuber. It’s mild and earthy, crunchy, and reminds me of a mild radish or even water chestnut. I’m also not the only person to think this way. Another close relative, <i>Stachys affinis</i> or Crosnes, is famous for it’s tubers and those tubers can fetch the hefty price of $150.00 per pound. There’s a great little write-up and recipe for them <a href="https://honest-food.net/crosnes-recipe/" target="_blank">here</a>. Now, our little Betony may not fetch that high of a price, but I find them super delicious. I toss them into a surprisingly large number of dishes, from salads to soups, sauteed up with a little butter and/or olive oil, yum. But my favorite way to eat them is pickled. They make a great little refrigerator pickle, just add some seasoning and some vinegar and plop them in the fridge. Or you can ferment them. Here’s a post I made on <a href="http://www.batladyherbals.com/2016/07/fermented-lemons.html" target="_blank">Fermented Lemons</a> a while back. Just substitute the tubers for the lemons, or get really crazy and try both in the same jar!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDsIh3I5dHYEKQnZaMLgv4tfN-tXGc5WQWSY71a1aEdZdLPZM9J5lUoMzKVC3Ul_5zo5QUwjCRQtjHczufGojC4Ec1qknvRCIaEnMHgAw6K_ygiQ07UouUBC1Oh8Zew_EeslUeX_h1G0Y/s1600/Crosnes.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDsIh3I5dHYEKQnZaMLgv4tfN-tXGc5WQWSY71a1aEdZdLPZM9J5lUoMzKVC3Ul_5zo5QUwjCRQtjHczufGojC4Ec1qknvRCIaEnMHgAw6K_ygiQ07UouUBC1Oh8Zew_EeslUeX_h1G0Y/s320/Crosnes.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here's a video where you can see this great plant in the wild!<br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XcrsBH5kDYw" width="320" youtube-src-id="XcrsBH5kDYw"></iframe></div><br />
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Medicinal Uses:</h3>
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<u>Common Names</u>- Florida Betony, Florida Hedgenettle, Rattlesnake Weed, Rattlesnake Root, Wild Artichoke<br />
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<u>Scientific Name</u>- <i>Stachys floridana</i><br />
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<u>Edibility</u>- The whole plant is edible, but the root is a choice edible.<br />
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<u>Summary of Actions</u>- Alterative, anodyne, antidiarrheal, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-tumor, antiseptic, aphrodisiac, aromatic, astringent, bitter, cardio tonic, cholagogue, diaphoretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, mucolytic, nervine, nervous system trophorestorative, sedative, stomachic, styptic, tonic, and vulnerary<br />
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<u>Parts Used</u>- The whole plant<br />
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<u>Upper Respiratory, Cold, & Flu</u>- A tea or tincture made from the leaves of this mint, not only tastes wonderful, but can help to soothe a sore throat, open up blocked airways, and fight mild fevers.<br />
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<u>Headaches</u>- Much like it’s close cousin, Florida Betony can be used to ease headaches, especially headaches accompanied by anxiety or digestive upset. It also has been shown to be effective in some migraine cases, but not as potent as it’s cousin, Wood Betony.<br />
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<u>Anxiety, Sleep, and Psychological Health</u>- Wood Betony has historically been used as a remedy for all “head” related conditions. It’s cousin, Florida Betony, can be used in much the same way. It helps to calm anxiety, for which I’d recommend a tea as the act of brewing the tea itself can be soothing as well. It is also a great nervous system tonic, helping to soothe frayed nerves. In many cases, it’s also a mild sedative, especially when the sleepless condition is brought about from anxiety and/or over-thinking.<br />
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<u>Panacea</u>- This little herb can be used in just about any herbal formula. It’s helpful to each and every system of the body, and especially to the nervous system. This makes it a great herb to get to know. Historically it was used as a panacea (all heal, or cure-all), and it’s close cousin Wood Betony was even used as such in ancient Greece, where it was known to treat over 47 different maladies.<br />
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<u>Skin & Wound Care</u>- The astringent properties of this little herb, especially combined with the antimicrobial properties, make it a wonderful choice for skin and wound care. Not only will it help to cleanse any minor wounds you have, it’ll encourage your skin to heal. A strong tea may also make a great face wash for acne.<br />
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<u>Digestive System</u>- Florida Betony can be used to help reduce any ulcers. It’s also a great herb to help treat diarrhea. But this is also where the roots shine. The tubers are delicious, and this alone is a great reason to eat them, but they also are a wonderful prebiotic food. This means that the fibers are not fully digestible, but they are a great food source for beneficial bacteria. Consuming Betony tubers can promote the over-all health of your gut flora which is a great benefit for your whole body.<br />
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<u>Cautions, Contraindications, and Warnings</u>- Florida Betony is considered to be a safe herb to use, even in substantial doses, for the young or old, and during pregnancy or breastfeeding.<br />
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I only included a basic introduction to this delicious and usevul Florida native. If you have any questions or comments please leave them below. Follow me on Facebook and Instagram or updates on my adventures in Nature. Find me on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWmrIjUvm2__Tcb2r07NHpA?view_as=subscriber" target="_blank">YouTube</a> and check out my videos! I also have a few things up on <a href="https://teespring.com/stores/bat-lady-herbals" target="_blank">Teespring</a>, check it out! Also, if you like what I do and what to see more, <a href="https://www.patreon.com/bePatron?u=21994221" target="_blank">Become a Patron</a>!<br />
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Resources:</h3>
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Betony, Wood: A Modern Herbal: https://botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/b/betowo35.html<br />
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Betony- Rich Root, Poor Root: Eat The Weeds: http://www.eattheweeds.com/florida-betony-150-a-pound/<br />
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Edible and Medicinal Plants: Native Plant Consulting: https://www.nativeplantconsulting.com/Edible%20and%20Medicinal%20Plants.pdf<br />
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Florida Betony- Both Native Edible and Weed: University of Florida: https://nwdistrict.ifas.ufl.edu/hort/2014/07/15/florida-betony-both-edible-native-and-weed/<br />
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Florida Betony (Stachys floridana): The Family Herbalist: https://thefamilyherbalist.wordpress.com/2010/12/09/florida-betony-stachys-floridana/<br />
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Florida’s Raddish- Betony: The Florida School of Holistic Living: https://www.holisticlivingschool.org/floridas-radish-betony/<br />
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Herb to Know- Wood Betony: Mother Earth Living: https://www.motherearthliving.com/plant-profile/wood-betony<br />
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Plant of the Month- Florida Betony: The Florida School of Holistic Living: https://www.holisticlivingschool.org/plant-of-the-month-florida-betony/<br />
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Stachys Floridana: North Carolina Extension Gardener: https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/stachys-floridana/<br />
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Wood Betony: The Medicinal Herb Gardens at ONU: https://webstu.onu.edu/garden/node/441<br />
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Wood Betony: Richard Whelan: https://www.rjwhelan.co.nz/herbs%20A-Z/wood_betony.html<br />
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Wood Betony- A Monograph: Eclectic School of Herbal Medicine: https://www.eclecticschoolofherbalmedicine.com/wood-betony-monograph/<br />
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Wood Betony Stachys officinalis: Annie’s Remedy: https://www.anniesremedy.com/stachys-officinalis-wood-betony.php<br />
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The Bat Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00545891406220728569noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8584259060235604254.post-69109707037730539182020-04-25T23:00:00.000-04:002020-04-25T23:00:13.383-04:00Five Tea Blends for Respiratory Health<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Everyone is concerned about the health of their respiratory system these days, and with good reason. I figured that I’d share some of my favorite teas (or tisanes) for respiratory health. Most of these are just your standard, loose leaf, herbal teas. The first one is the most complicated, but is a personal favorite for the flavor and the benefits. Enjoy!<br />
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Brewing Your Tea:</h3>
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<b>For a Cup:</b><br />
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1) Use 1 to 2 teaspoons of the loose leaf tea blend for one cup of tea. You can either use a large tea ball (2 inch diameter so the leaves can expand).<br />
2) Pour just boiled water over the herbs, cover, and let steep for 20 to 30 minutes. Generally, herbal teas take a little longer to steep than black or green tea. The longer steep time allows you to obtain the most benefits from the leaves/flowers. You can let it go even longer for an even stronger tea. Just do some taste testing and find out what times work best for your tastes!<br />
3) Sweeten (or not) to taste.<br />
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<b>For a Quart Amount to Drink & Enjoy All Day:</b><br />
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1) Put about an inch (and even a bit more)of the herbal tea in the bottom of a quart size Mason Jar.<br />
2) Pour just boiled water over the top to within about an inch and a half from the top of the jar.<br />
3) Put a lid on loosely (Steeping with a lid keeps the volatile oils and beneficial plant constituents inside your tea instead of allowing them to escape with the steam.)<br />
4) Allow to steep for at least 30 minutes....or like we do, just leave for several hours (you can even leave it over night). It will cool down, of course, so if you don't mind cooled and very strong tea, this is a good way to go.<br />
5) Strain out the herbs.<br />
6) Sweeten (or not) and enjoy throughout your day!<br />
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The Blends:</h3>
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1. Chai Tea is a traditional tea made with warming spices that are great for the respiratory tract. This version replaces the black tea with a combination of Tulsi and Rooibos, so it’s safe for those who can’t handle the caffine. Cardamom increases circulation of blood within your lungs which helps relieve breathing problems. Ginger helps to break down mucus and helps improve circulation to the lungs while reducing inflammation. Cinnamon helps fight various kinds of infection, espeically those specific to the lungs. Black pepper contains a chemical called piperine, which improves breathing and reduces inflammation. Cloves work as an expectorant, loosening mucus in the throat and esophagus. Tulsi helps prevent certain respiratory illnesses ranging from cold and cough to bronchitis and asthma. Rooibos has long been sought after for its ability to clear the sinus and respiratory system.<br />
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One of my favorite things to do when making this tea is to crush and lightly toast the spices before I use them in this blend. Toasting is totally optional. This recipe is also not written in the same way that I have written the others, it’s made to make 3 cups at a time. If you want more, simply double or triple the recipe.<br />
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<b>Tulsi Chai</b></div>
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2 tbsp loose leaf Rooibos</div>
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2 tbsp loose leaf Tulsi</div>
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6-8 Green Cardamom Pods</div>
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2-4 slices fresh Ginger</div>
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1 tsp whole Black Peppercorns</div>
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1 whole Cinnamon Stick</div>
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3-4 whole Cloves</div>
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2 cups Water</div>
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2 cups Milk or Dairy-free Milk of your choice</div>
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Instructions:<br />
Gently crush your spices (cardamom pods, peppercorns, cinnamon stick, cloves) and place them in an oven safe dish and toast at 350 F for 5-10 min (toasting is optional, but opens up the spices so much). Combine your toasted spices with Ginger in a pot on the stove. Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer on medium/high heat. Allow to simmer, uncovered, for about 15 minutes. Remove from heat and add in the Rooibos and Tulsi. Cover and allow to steep for 10-15 minutes. Remove cover, add in the milk and any sweetener you may want (I prefer honey or unsweetened personally). Re-cover and allow to steep 5 more minutes. Strain and enjoy!<br />
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2. Hibiscus may not be the herb we typically think about in regards to the respiratory tract, but it does have some great benefits. This tea is a tasty way to support your lungs, especially during cold and flu season. Hibiscus is used for treating colds, upper respiratory tract pain, and inflammation. Elderberry reduces the duration of upper respiratory symptoms like cough, nasal congestion, nasal discharge, and sore throat. Licorice has been used traditionally for cough, asthma, and other breathing problems. Orange peels contain histamine reducing compounds and provide support for problematic respiratory conditions by breaking down and expelling congestion.<br />
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<b>Sweet Hibiscus</b></div>
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2 parts Hibiscus</div>
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1 part Elderberries</div>
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½ part Licorice Root</div>
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½ part dried Orange Peel</div>
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3. This tea is one of the simplest to make, and has a huge impact on breathing. It opens up the respiratory tract before you even take a sip. So brew it up, sit back, and take some deep breaths. Peppermint helps you to breathe easier, opening up your lungs, and helping to expel mucus. Lemon Verbena helps soothe the respiratory tract. Eucalyptus can decrease mucus and expand the bronchi and bronchioles of your lungs.<br />
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<b>Deep Breaths</b></div>
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2 parts Peppermint</div>
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1 part Lemon Verbena</div>
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½ part Eucalyptus Leaves</div>
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4. This tea is formulated with Asthma suffereres in mind. Mullein is a great herb for lung support, in general (read more <a href="http://www.batladyherbals.com/2020/04/mullein.html" target="_blank">here</a>), but Ginkgo Biloba has a special role in this tea blend. Ginkgo specifically targets the mechanisms that cause wheezing. Larger doses may cause nausea, so it’s regulated to a smaller portion of this blend. Marshmallow roots help to soothe the mucus membranes, Hawthorne berries help to reduce stress and nervousness (which often constrict breathing), and Ginger root helps reduce inflammation and improve the general health of the lungs.<br />
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<b>Wheeze Eaze</b></div>
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2 parts Mullein</div>
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1 part Ginkgo Biloba</div>
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1 part Marshmallow Root</div>
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½ part Hawthorne Berries</div>
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½ part Ginger Root</div>
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5. This is my super expectorant formula. It may not taste as good as some other blends, but it seriously does the trick. Lemon Balm Traditional respiratory uses of Lemon Balm include: asthma, bronchitis, chronic coughs, colds and influenza. Coltsfoot and Comfrey are the expectorant powerhouse of this formula. Coltsfoot is used as a respiratory disinfectant, expectorant, and cough suppressant and makes an effective tea to clear congestion. Comfrey has a general soothing effect on the mucous membranes, making it invaluable in soothing sore throats and coughs. Marshmallow is used for dry cough.<br />
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<b>Cough It Up</b></div>
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2 parts Lemon Balm</div>
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1 part Coltsfoot</div>
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1 part Comfrey</div>
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½ part Marshmallow</div>
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Do these sound tasty? Let me know what you think! If you have any questions or comments please leave them below. Follow me on Facebook and Instagram for updates. Find me on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWmrIjUvm2__Tcb2r07NHpA?view_as=subscriber" target="_blank">YouTube</a> and check out my videos! I also have a few things up on <a href="https://teespring.com/stores/bat-lady-herbals" target="_blank">Teespring</a>, check it out! Also, if you like what I do and what to see more, <a href="https://www.patreon.com/bePatron?u=21994221" target="_blank">Become a Patron</a>!<br />
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<br />The Bat Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00545891406220728569noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8584259060235604254.post-49533628199723346502020-04-07T14:25:00.003-04:002020-04-07T14:25:56.405-04:00Mullein<br />
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Today I thought I’d share with you a plant that is fairly famous in the herbal world, and infamous in the world of ecology. Mullein has a number of medicinal uses, and is an herb I call on for many issues in my home. However, it’s invasive as heck and has a tendency to disrupt a number of native habitats here in the US. It was brought over here, from Europe, by the settlers. Likely due to a combination of it’s usefulness in a number of medicinal complaints, and it’s folk use as an herb for protection from evil spirits. Of course, since it spreads fast and likes to follow people around, the Native American tribes picked up on the uses for this plant. However, there is a debate on whether the Native Americans learned of these uses from the settlers, or vice versa. Likely, there was a fairly even exchange going both ways, especially since we know the settlers rarely used the roots, but a number of Native Americans used the root quite often. However, I’m going to take us back to the folk uses for a brief tangent. Mullein was always considered by the ancients as a plant of protection from dark forces. It was the plant Ulysses took with him on his famous sea voyage to protect himself from the enchantress Circe. In India mullein is considered a safeguard against evil spirits. Medieval Europeans dipped the plant in suet and used it as a torch during ceremonies or when overcoming the presumed evil. Later, the European settlers would wear the leaves around their wrists and ankles to protect themselves from the evil winds that carried diseases such as malaria.<br />
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Mullein, <i>Verbascum thapsus</i>, is a plant in the<i> Scrophulariaceae</i> family, or the Figwort family. This family is closely related to the Mint family, or <i>Lamiaceae</i>, and shares some of the characteristics such as square stems and opposite leaves. However, when the leaves are crushed you will not notice a strong scent, or really much of any scent at all. First-year plants form a rosette of large, velvety leaves up to 1 foot long. These rosettes can grow up to 3 feet tall. In the second year, a velvety flower spike grows to 8 feet tall. The stalk has alternate leaves that clasp the stem, a nifty arrangement that directs rainwater down the stem to the roots. From June to September, five-petaled yellow flowers bloom randomly in the dense, club-shaped terminal cluster. The three upper stamens, which are short and woolly, contain a sap that lures insects to the plant. The two lower stamens, which are longer and smooth, produce the pollen that fertilizes the flower. Mullein is a widely distributed plant, being found all over Europe and in temperate Asia as far as the Himalayas, and in North America. However, it is native to Europe, North Africa, and Asia, with highest species diversity in the Mediterranean. It is invasive in this country, which is good news for herbalists who can harvest and use as much as they want want. Usually I caution to not take all of a plant to preserve the native habitat, but in this case over harvesting will help preserve the native habitat (in the US)! While we’re on the topic of harvesting, many herbalists harvest the leaves in first year only, but as long as you harvest the leaves before any flowers bloom it should be just as potent, and you can still get benefit from the leaves throughout the life of the plant, as long as they’re not brown. The thought process behind this is that when the flowers bloom, all the energy of the plant is focused in those flowers. This reduces potency in other parts of the plant.<br />
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If you take a close look at this plant, and think about the <a href="https://northernwoodlands.org/articles/article/doctrine-signatures" target="_blank">doctrine of signatures</a>, you’ll notice little hairs on leaves that resemble the cilia of the lungs. This points to the main use of this herb, for upper respiratory complaints and infections. Mullein soothes the mucus membranes, cilia, and inflamed tissues in the respiratory tract. It’s also a great antibacterial and antiviral herb, which helps to fight those kinds of infections along the way. Those hairs also help the leaf to be fairly soft and absorbent, making them great to use, in an emergency, as bandages, toilet paper, and diapers. Though you may want to do a spot test to make sure those hairs aren’t going to irritate your skin.<br />
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One of the YouTube channels I follow is full of great herbal information. Check out Herbal Jedi and see what Yarrow Willard has to say about Mullein.<br />
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Medicinal Uses:<br />
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<u>Common Names</u>- Mullein, Common Mullein, Great Mullein, Cowboy Toilet Paper, Bunny’s Ear, Flannel Leaf, Candlewick Plant, Hag Tapper, Jacob’s Staff, Jupiter’s Staff, Aaron’s Rod, Fluffweed, Golden Rod<br />
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<u>Scientific Name</u>- <i>Verbascum thapsus</i><br />
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<u>Edibility</u>- Considered to be inedible, but it’s not toxic.<br />
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<u>Summary of Actions</u>- Adrenal tonic, analgesic, anesthetic, anodyne, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiviral, astringent, demulcent, diuretic, emollient, expectorant, mucolytic, relaxant, sedative, and trophorestorative.<br />
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<u>Parts Used</u>- Leaves, flowers, and root<br />
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<u>Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)</u>- Known as Jia Yan Ye, Mullein is used on the lung, stomach, and intestinal meridians. It’s flavors and energetics are considered to be a little Sweet, Astringent, Bland, Cool, and Moistening. It promotes Lung Yin, moistens sore throat and lungs, coughs, and asthma. Expels phlegm, helping in cases of whooping cough as well as coughs with yellow or white phlegm. Reduces inflammation and dry mucous dampness associated with nasal and head congestion, watery discharge, hay fever, chronic intestinal infections, and painful urination. Soothes bladder irritation due to any cause. Softens boils and expels pus in wounds and irritated skin conditions.<br />
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T<u>raditional Native American Uses</u>- Some Native Americans also used the plant’s roots. The Creek Indians drank a decoction of the roots for coughs; other tribes smoked the roots or dried leaves to treat asthma. Some tribes also made necklaces, from the dried roots, for teething babies. The Cherokee rubbed mullein leaves in their armpits to treat “prickly rash.” Leaf poultices were used to treat bruises, tumors, rheumatic pains and hemorrhoids. Mullein flower oil (made by steeping the flowers in warm olive oil) also has been used for treating hemorrhoids, as well as earaches. Menominee tribe smoked the pulverized dried roots for respiratory complaints. The Mohgans smoked it to relieve asthma.<br />
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<u>Smoking Herb</u>- A number of Native American tribes would smoke Mullein after having smoked a bit too much tobacco, to help the lungs recover. It’s also a good smoking herb to help reduce smoker’s cough, that dry and raspy cough. Some other herbs, like coltsfoot, can be added to the smoking blend to help soothe the irritated tissues of the respiratory tract as well. If you don’t want to smoke it, try burning it as an incense.<br />
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<u>Flower Essence</u>- Used for those who have difficulty hearing their inner voice. Those with a weak moral fiber, often leading to confusion and indecisiveness. Those who use lies or deception with themselves and others. Mullein flower essence relates to men who are searching for true intimacy and security in expressing a soft, gentle, humble nature, or for women who want to strengthen yet soften their masculine nature. Mullein flower essence also helps soften the edges of people who have become hardened by events in their life.<br />
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<u>Upper Respiratory, Cold, & Flu</u>- Mullein tea is most well known for relieving the symptoms of asthma and soothing the mucus membranes of the respiratory tract. The flowers and leaves are used for treating a wide range of respiratory ailments, such as cold and flu, tuberculosis, bronchitis, pneumonia, asthma, tonsillitis, and tracheitis. It also has antiviral and antibacterial properties that make it perfect for treating those infections. Mullien mixed with horehound, coltsfoot, and lobelia makes a great tea for most upper respiratory conditions.<br />
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<u>Ear Infections</u>- Tea made from the leaves, and flower infused oil are traditional ear infection treatments. The oil seems to be the most potent, particularly when accompanied with a gentle lymphatic massage around the ear and along the jawline. Adding other herbs, such as Garlic or St. John’s Wort, can help improve the effectiveness of Mullein oil as well.<br />
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<u>Lymphatic System</u>- Mullein leaves or flowers can be applied as a compress to any instance of glandular swelling. Mullein leaves be made into a strong decoction, then that water can be used to wet more leaves that then can applied externally over any glandular swelling. A decoction of the root can also be taken internally to help improve the overall function of the lymphatic system.<br />
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<u>Urinary System</u>- Mullein root is excellent remedy for treating urinary incontinence and loss of urinary control due to a swollen prostate because it tones and strengthens the trigone sphincter at the base of the bladder. Mullein root also has mild astringent properties which reduce inflammation in the mucosa of the bladder. It does not irritate or over stimulate bladder or kidney function. Mullein root can be used as a long term tonic for individuals with urinary incontinence, recurring bladder infections, interstitial cystitis, and benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). A tea made from the leaves can also help to strengthen the bladder, remove toxins from the kidneys, and improve overall urinary function.<br />
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<u>Bruises, Burns, & Skin Conditions</u>- Mullein leaves possesses anti-inflammatory properties that help treat skin problems. You can also use the flowers, infused in oil, to get relief from a variety of skin infections, eczema, and other inflammatory skin conditions. Boil the leaves, just until tender, and spread the leaf onto burns, bruises, sores, and wounds to help reduce inflammation, protect against infection, and soothe any aches.<br />
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<u>Hyperthyroidism</u>- Some evidence suggests that intake of mullein tea may improve thyroid-related problems. The tea may help treat hypothyroidism (an overactive thyroid gland). A formula created by a noted doctor had mullein as one of its constituents. This formula was specifically targeted to treat thyroid issues. However, more research is needed.<br />
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<u>Domestic & Practical Uses</u>- A yellow dye extracted from the flowers has been used since Roman times as a hair rinse as well as to dye cloth. The whole plant can be used to make torches, and the flower stalks have traditionally been coated with tallow and made into candle wicks. The dried leaves and stalk are also useful as tinder and fire-starters. The leaves are soft and absorbent so they can be used as makeshift bandages and toilet paper.<br />
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<u>Cautions, Contraindications, and Warnings</u>- Mullein is widely considered safe. This herb may cause skin irritation for some people, so be sure to exercise caution if you’re handling the herb directly, and the tiny hairs of the plant can also irritate your throat and other mucus membranes. It’s a good idea to see how you react to a small amount of mullein before consuming it or smearing it on your body. And always strain the tea thoroughly to remove any stray hairs. This herb also has several drug interactions, so please consult your doctor before adding this to your daily routine.<br />
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I only included a basic introduction to this wonderful Florida native. If you have any questions or comments please leave them below. Follow me on Facebook and Instagram or updates on my adventures in Nature. Find me on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWmrIjUvm2__Tcb2r07NHpA?view_as=subscriber" target="_blank">YouTube</a> and check out my videos! I also have a few things up on <a href="https://teespring.com/stores/bat-lady-herbals" target="_blank">Teespring</a>, check it out! Also, if you like what I do and what to see more, <a href="https://www.patreon.com/bePatron?u=21994221" target="_blank">Become a Patron</a>!<br />
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Resources:</h3>
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11 Impressive Health Benefits of Mullein Tea: Style Craze: https://www.stylecraze.com/articles/health-benefits-of-mullein-tea/<br />
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Health Benefits of Mullein: Very Well Health: https://www.verywellhealth.com/the-benefits-of-mullein-89575<br />
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Herb to Know- Mullein (Verbascum thapsus): Mother Earth Living: https://www.motherearthliving.com/plant-profile/herb-to-know-mullein-verbascum-thapsus<br />
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Mullein: Wild Rose College of Natural Healing: https://wildrosecollege.com/encyclopaedia_entry/mullein-fe/<br />
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Mullein Flowers (Verbascum thapsus): Planet Ayurveda: https://www.planetayurveda.com/mullein-flowers-verbascum-thapsus/<br />
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Mullein, Great: A Modern Herbal: https://botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/m/mulgre63.html<br />
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Mullein (Jia Yan Ye): White Rabbit Institute of Healing: https://www.whiterabbitinstituteofhealing.com/herbs/Mullein/<br />
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Mullein- The Medicinal Herb that Fights Infections and Inflammation: Dr. Axe: https://draxe.com/nutrition/mullein/<br />
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Mullein, Verbascum thapsus: Traditional Roots Institute: https://traditionalroots.org/mullein-verbascum-thapsus/<br />
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Verbascum thapsus: Hebpathy: https://herbpathy.com/Uses-and-Benefits-of-Verbascum-Thapsus-Cid2841<br />
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What is Mullein Tea? Benefits, Side Effects, and More: Healthline: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/mullein-tea<br />
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The Bat Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00545891406220728569noreply@blogger.com0