Peppergrass

     There are a handful of plants that I grew up eating or using medicinally. Often these plants are plants I would not use for other purposes. So I'm always pleasantly surprised when I come across information on how to do so.

     Peppergrass, Lipidium virginicum, is one plant that I used to nibble on when I was playing in my yard as a child. It had a peppery flavor that I loved (though for some reason I hated black pepper and chili peppers) and it grew like crazy where I lived. So imagine my surprise when I, as an adult, am taking a class and the teacher mentions that it can be used medicinally. I had to find out more! So I decided to pass it on to all of you!

     There are many Lipidiums found all over the world. However, the species that's native to North America, and the one that I'm most familiar with, is the Lipidium virginicum. Most introduced species that you hear about tend to have traveled over with the settlers into America at some point. However, Lipidium virginicum did just the opposite. It's now found throughout Europe all thanks to the early traders tracking the seeds onto their boats from America. This particular Peppergrass has a history of use that goes all the way back to the ancient Inca and Maya tribes. Where it was widely used to reduce rheumatic pain, expel intestinal worms, and treat upper respiratory conditions. Today it's still used for some of these problems, but it's also used for a few more. However, I still like it as a trail side snack myself.

     Here in Central Florida, Peppergrass can be found all year. But in other climates it's mainly found in the winter. It can be tricky to identify here because of it's growing pattern. It looks like a completely different plant depending on the stage of growth it's in. It starts off as a basal rosette, and eventually grows tall and develops a racme full of little flowers and tiny seed pods. In Florida, these stages can occur in the same month and can often be found side by side. Luckily, however, there are no dangerous look a likes here, at least that I am aware of.

Medicinal Uses:

Scientific Name- Lipidium spp. Some of the more common species include L. apetalum, L. armoracia, L. campestre, L. iberis, L. ruderale, L. sativum, and L. virginicum.

Common Names- Peppergrass, Pepperwort, Peppercress, Canary Grass, Poor Man's Pepper, Garder Cress, Virginia Pepperweed, Pepperweed, Wild Pepper Grass, Menzies' Pepperweed, and Hairy Pepperweed.

Edible Parts- The entire plant is edible and medicinal. The root can be ground and used as a wasabi or horseradish substitute. The leaves are commonly eaten raw or cooked as a potherb. The seeds have a peppery taste that makes for a great spice. You can even put the whole plant into a food processor and make a great, peppery, sauce with it.

Summary of actions- Anthelmintic, anti-inflammatory, antiasthmatic, antiscorbutic, antitussive, cardiotonic, detoxifying, and diuretic

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)- Peppergrass seeds are acrid, bitter, and extremely cold. It most strongly effects the meridians of lung and bladder. Peppergrass is often used to purge the lung’s pathogenic fire to relieve asthma and induce diuresis to alleviate edema. Symptoms that may indicate a positive reaction to the use of Peppergrass include retention of phlegm-dampness in the lungs, a feeling of fullness and discomfort in chest, inability to lay flat, difficult urination, and heart disease associated with pulmonary edema. 

Ayurveda- Peppergrass is heavy and sticky, pungent and bitter, and has a hot potency. It increases Pitta while balancing Vata and Kapha. Peppergrass is commonly used to improve lactation, as an aphrodesiac, a diuretic, and to rejuvenate. It also induces mobility in the digestive tract, making it useful to relieve constipation. It's primarily indicated for use in urinary tract disorders, diabetes, asthma, cough, colds, acute bronchitis, chronic respiratory conditions, and to fight off fatigue and/or weakness. It does increase Pitta dosha, so people with a Pitta body type should use caution.

High Amounts of Vitamin C- Peppergrass is a traditional treatment for scurvy and other conditions that result from low amounts of Vitamin C.

Asthma and Upper Respiratory Conditions- One of the main problems that people with upper respiratory conditions tend to have in common is an excess of mucus. Peppergrass helps to clear up and expel mucus.

Improves Immunity- We are all aware that Vitamin C can help improve immunity. Peppergrass is known for it's high amounts of Vitamin C. But it also has a moving effect on the body. Helping to energize the immune system and move your white blood cells to where they are needed most.

Urinary Tract Issues- Peppergrass is a great diuretic, helping to rid the body of excess water. It's also great at detoxifying. This makes it a wonderful herb to call on in cases of urinary tract infections (UTI).

Circulatory System- Peppergrass' diuretic effects can help reduce blood pressure as well. Helping to flush out excessive water and toxins from the body. It's also a great anti-inflammatory herb, helping to reduce the buildup of inflammation that can cause circulatory issues down the road. It's also a cardio tonic, tonifying the heart and entire circulatory system.

Contraindications, Cautions, and Warnings- There have been some allergies observed. Symptoms of these allergies range from general itchiness to anaphylactic shock. If you have any reaction, go to the hospital ASAP! Peppergrass is also a hyperaccumulator of minerals. If the soil is contaminated with toxic metals, Peppergrass will suck them up.





     I only included a basic introduction to Peppergrass. I hope you have learned a new appreciation for such a common weed.  If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below.

References:

Common Peppergrass: Illinois Wildflowers: http://illinoiswildflowers.info/weeds/plants/cm_peppergrass.htm

Lepidium Virginicum: Plants for a Future: https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Lepidium+virginicum

Lepidium Virginicum Uses: Herbpathy: https://herbpathy.com/Uses-and-Benefits-of-Lepidium-Virginicum-Cid3781

Medicinal Abilities of Peppergrass: Health Digezt: https://www.healthdigezt.com/medicinal-abilities-peppergrass/

Peppergrass: Edible Wild Food: http://www.ediblewildfood.com/peppergrass.aspx

Peppergrass: Encyclopaedia Britannica: https://www.britannica.com/plant/peppergrass

Peppergrass: Foraging Texas: https://www.foragingtexas.com/2012/01/peppergrass.html

Peppergrass: Medicinal Plants of India: http://www.medicinalplantsindia.com/peppergrass.html

Peppergrass - Potent Pipsqueak: Eat The Weeds: http://www.eattheweeds.com/peppergrass-potent-pipsqueak/

Peppergrass Seeds (Ting Li Zi): Chinese Herbs Healing: http://www.chineseherbshealing.com/peppergrass-seeds/

Peppergrass - Todari Uses, Dose, Side Effects, Research: Easy Ayurveda: https://easyayurveda.com/2015/03/28/peppergrass-todari-uses-dose-side-effects-research/

Pepperweed: My Mystic Mama: http://www.mymysticmama.com/pepperweed/

Pharmacological Basis for the Medicinal Use of Lepidium sativum in Airways Disorders: Hindawi: https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2012/596524/

Wild Peppergrass: Natural Medicinal Herbs: http://naturalmedicinalherbs.net/herbs/l/lepidium-virginicum=wild-pepper-grass.php

Color Therapy

     We are all drawn to certain colors. Some of us are even repulsed by certain colors. Some of these attractions are influenced by culture and some are just what we like. Whether or not we have an explanation for it, these colors do effect us and many cultures throughout the world have tapped into this and found correlations. Quite a few alternative therapies, such as Ayurveda, have used our relationship with these colors to help heal the mind and body. These therapies use the vibrations given off (or bounced off) by each color to improve healing, this is often achieved through the use of colorful cloths, baths, or stones. To some people, this may sound a bit wacky, which is understandable. However psychology and advertising have used these same principles to help sway people's emotions and moods for decades. You can also use these principles to help improve your life and mood by surrounding yourself with helpful colors.

1. Red
     Red is associated with aggression, passion, energy, confidence, stimulation, movement, and intensity. Red raises blood temperature, stimulates appetite, stimulates circulation, and even raises blood pressure. Ayurvedic techniques use the color red to treat symptoms of anemia, fatigue, paralysis, and exhaustion. You can use many shades of red to enhance your environment. Red often makes a space warm and cozy, but if not carefully chosen, different shades of red can make a space feel claustrophobic and/or oppressive. Red is a great choice in areas of activity, to increase your energy levels. Try using red yoga mats, or wearing red when you are doing aerobic exercises. Try adding small pops of lighter shades of red, or pink, in the bedroom to stimulate romance. If you're having a family dinner, try adding a few bits of red to help stimulate everyone's appetite. Some studies also show that using red plates may stimulate appetite, but actually reduces the amount of food people can eat. Wearing a combination of red and black can also increase self confidence, try this at job interviews or when you need to speak in front of a crowd. However, it may be a good idea to avoid red when you are experiencing a largely emotional time, as red tends to bring out the more extreme emotions.

2. Orange
     Orange is often associated with energy, ambition, activity, socialization, change, happiness, warmth, stimulation, prosperity, and wealth. Orange gives the body vitality and has beneficial benefits on the digestive, and reproductive systems as well as on the lungs and kidneys. Often, orange is used to help stimulate creativity and improve mental clarity. It is also used, in Ayurveda, to help with thyroid problems and menstrual cramps. It has a freeing action on the body, often helping to relieve repressions and discouraging stagnation. Orange helps relieve depression and promote happiness and warmth. This makes it a great color for parties! The next time you want to stand out in a crowd, try wearing orange. You'll feel like the life of the party, and project those same feelings onto others around you. Or if you're hosting a party, try decorating with orange. It'll help your guests feel energized and excited, helping promote happy socialization. Overall, orange is a great choice for areas of creativity, helping stimulate your muse, especially when paired with shades of purple. However, it's not a good choice for the bedroom as it can be overstimulating and can lead to trouble sleeping. Excessive exposure to orange can actually lead to depression and aggravate sexual problems.

3. Yellow
     Yellow is one of those colors that have very different associations in certain colors. In Asia, it is the color of heaven, which is why Chinese emperors were the only people allowed to wear it in certain points of history. In certain Western cultures, yellow is associated with cowardice. But overall, this color is cheerful, being largely associated with happiness, curiosity, optimism, laughter, hunger, intensity, caution frustration, vitality, and sunshine. Ayurvedic practices use yellow to help aid digestion and liver function, cleanse the body (as a decongestant and antibacterial), relieve rheumatism and arthritis, promote clarity, and improve communication. Painting a room certain shades of yellow can make it feel warm and open. Or try adding pops of bright yellow throughout your decorating. This can help to bring cheer and happiness into an otherwise gloomy space. Yellow is great for entrance halls, activity rooms, and places where you intend to do some studying as it helps keep you alert and promotes feelings of confidence. Yellow is associated with hunger, so can be used to stimulate appetite in those who need help with that. However, people tend to eat more when exposed to yellow, so if you're trying to limit your portions or eat healthier choices, maybe avoid yellow in the dining room and/or kitchen. Yellow is also not a good choice for areas of possible stress or the bedroom. It keeps our minds aware and awake, which can agitate symptoms of anxiety and reduce the amount and quality of sleep.

4. Green
     Green is associated with nature, growth, fertility, envy, peace, renewal, and tranquility. Green creates a balance in the body. Ayurvedic practices use this color for heart and blood problems, as well as to reduce fever, stabilize weight, and calm the mind. Green encourages tolerance and understanding. This color is also very centering and grounding. The simplest way to utilize the color green in your own life is to take a walk outside. Surround yourself with trees and plant life. Pastel green is one of the most common colors for health offices, largely because of it's calming effect. When you need to center yourself and relax, try adding in some green. Take green clothes with you on your vacation to help you get the most out of your time of relaxation. Wear some green jewelry when you need to pray or meditate. Because of it's harmonizing nature,  you can use it in just about every room and situation, either by bringing in some house plants or by adding a pop of green into your decor. Green is great for the bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, dining room, and really everywhere. Use it to balance out the other colors on this list, helping to dampen the stronger feelings associated with those bold colors. However, if used exclusively, green lead to inactivity and indecision. So don't use green as the basis for a monochromatic color scheme. Mix it up!

5. Blue
     Blue is the color of calm, serenity, focus, intelligence, wisdom, coldness, loyalty, uncaring, contemplation, and inner peace. Blue encourages independent thinking. In Ayurveda, blue is used to calm down inflammatory conditions, reduce blood pressure and heart rate, regulate sleep, and reduce fever. It also helps in the cases of bruising, eczema, rashes, sores, and several problems with the immune system. As well as relieving insomnia, migraines, and anxiety. Blue is appropriate for every room except those used purely for physical activity. Blue is especially effective in areas where study is going to occur, as it helps one to focus and helps reduce stress, anxiety, and migraines. Blue also encourages creative and independent thinking, so adding pops of blue when you need a creative boost is a good idea. It also conveys intelligence, so the next job interview you have, try wearing a bit of blue to emphasize your education and skills. Blue is another color that is popular for offices, particularly for health offices, due to it's calming effect. But don't use blue to excess, it can lead to a loss of compassion and to cold and empty feelings.

6. Purple 
     Purple is best known, here in the West, as the color of royalty. It's also associated with creativity, spirituality, mystery, wealth, respect, wisdom, intuition, luxury, and compassion. Ayurveda associates this color with the eyes, ears, nose, and mouth. Using it to help improve the sinuses, reduce congestion, and calm the nervous system. It's also used to ease joint stiffness and reduce angina. Purple is a great color for prayer and meditation. Try adding a bit of purple to your contemplative and spiritual spaces. Add pops of purple to your wardrobe and rooms increase confidence and creativity. Use pale violet or lavender in your bedroom to improve relaxation and sleep. Overuse of purple, however, can lead to suppressed emotions and spiritual stagnation.

7. Black
     Black is associated with power, authority, death, evil, strength, intelligence, and secrecy. Black is the total absorption of all the colors in the spectrum, this gives it strength, stability, and a sense of command. The strength embodied by this color is used for protection. In Ayurveda, black is used to stimulate a resistance to negative emotions. Black can be used to promote confidence and authority, which is why it's so effective when worn for business. When used with another color, black can enhance that color. It also helps to give space for reflection. Black works especially well when used with it's polar opposite, white. Together they help bring balance. When used singly, however, black can be overpowering and increase feelings of anxiety and/or depression.

8. White
     White symbolizes purity, goodness, perfection, light, innocence, sterility, ghosts, coldness, and emptiness. It is made up of all the colors, and is total reflection. In Asian cultures, white is the color of funerals and mourning, a symbol of endings and new beginnings. Ayurvedic practices use white to help reduce fevers, relieve pain, and calm the heart and emotions. White promotes clarity and illuminates our thoughts. It can be used with any color, though it makes certain shades of warm colors seem almost garish. White can also be intimidating when used singly, try breaking it up with pops of other colors.

     I hope this introduction can help you understand the role of color in your life. Please leave any questions or comments below.





Resources:

20 Ways to Use the Power of Color to Improve Your Life: Annmarie Skin Care: https://www.annmariegianni.com/20-ways-to-use-color-therapy/

Ayurvedic Color Therapy: The Ayurveda Experience: https://www.theayurvedaexperience.com/ayurvedic-color-therapy/

Color: Energy and Vibration: http://www.energyandvibration.com/color.htm

Color Meanings and Symbolism: Art Therapy: http://www.arttherapyblog.com/online/color-meanings-symbolism/#.W1Ns0tJKi00

Color Therapy: Innovative Medicine: https://innovativemedicine.com/solutions/color-therapy/

Color Therapy- Chromotherapy: Deep Trance Now: http://www.deeptrancenow.com/colortherapy.htm

Color Therapy and Healing: Art Therapy: http://www.arttherapyblog.com/online/color-therapy-healing-an-introduction/#.W1NsGtJKi00

Color Psychology-The Emotional Effects of Color: Art Therapy: http://www.arttherapyblog.com/online/color-psychology-psychologica-effects-of-colors/#.W1Ns09JKi00

Colour in the Home: Colour Therapy Healing: http://www.colourtherapyhealing.com/colour/colour-home

Healing Colors & Your Bright Life: Feng Shui Diana: http://www.fengshuidana.com/2015/07/08/healing-colors-your-bright-life/

The Power of Color: The Chopra Center: https://chopra.com/articles/the-power-of-color

What Is Colour Therapy?: Colour Therapy Healing: http://www.colourtherapyhealing.com/colour-therapy/what-colour-therapy

Red Spiderling

     There are some plants you see so often that they go unnoticed, unexamined, and neglected. The herb I'm sharing with you today is one of those. Boerhaavia diffusa, more commonly called either Red Spiderling or Tar Vine, loves to grow around sidewalks and in common waste areas. As a result, I tend to walk on it a lot, and not pay much attention to it at all. However, I was on a weed walk with Green Deane and he pointed this little plant out. His walks are mainly about edibles, but occasionally he'll throw in some medicinal information. When he talked about the Red Spiderling he mentioned that it was a commonly used Auyrvedic herb, but he was unsure of it's uses. This stuck in my mind and I started noticing the little vine more and more, until one day I decided to look it up.

Boerhaavia diffusa sprawling across a sidewalk

Boerhaavia diffusa flowers are really, very small

Medicinal Uses:

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)- Known as Huang Xi Xin. Used to move blood, break up stasis, regulate menses, and strengthen the bones and tendons.

Ayurveda- Known as Punarava. This herb is considered bitter, cooling, and astringent. It balances the three doshas within the body. The whole herb is used to improve digestion, for anemia, and asthma. The leaves are used for dyspepsia and other abdominal pains, some tumors, and enlarged spleen. The roots are used as a diuretic, expectorant, vermifuge (expels parasitic worms), and to improve both kidney and liver function.

Liver- Boerhaavia is used to cleanse and revitalize the liver. Helps fight liver disorders such as jaundice, hepatitis, iron deficiency, anorexia, and sluggish liver. Since it helps to improve the overall health of the liver, this herb also helps improve the quality of blood.

Urinary Tract Infections- Due to it's diuretic and antimicrobial actions, Boerhaavia is great to use as part of the treatment for chronic and recurrent UTIs. It can even be used during pregnancy, under strict observation of a doctor and/or midwife.

Weight Loss- As a diuretic, Boerhaavia stimulates the removal of excess fluids and waste products from the body. It is also a mild laxative. These two actions together help shed excess weight without loosing excessive amounts of potassium and other electrolytes.

Diabetes- Several studies have been done involving Boerhaavia leaf extract. Consistently, the extract has shown to decrease blood glucose levels considerably, which in turn increases plasma insulin levels.

Kidney Health- Not only is Boerhaavia a diuretic, but it also helps prevent the formation of stones in the kidneys. Add in the fact that it's an excellent kidney tonic, and you have one of the best herbs for kidney health.

Arthritis- A paste made from grinding the fresh herb can help calm down the inflammation of joints afflicted with arthritis.

Gout and High Uric Acid Levels- One of the ways that Boerhaavia helps improve the health of the kidneys is by increasing the secretion of uric acid. This helps with gout and other conditions associated with high levels of uric acid.

Impotence- The seeds of Boerhaavia help to stimulate and rejuvenate the male reproductive system. Not only does it increase libido, but it also improves the quantity and quality of semen.

Summary of actions- Diuretic, antioxidant, antipyretic, antimicrobial, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, expectorant, stomachic, analgesic, heart tonic, kidney tonic, used in the treatment of jaundice, given to improve digestion, used in the case of an enlarged spleen, and useful for relieving abdominal pains.

Cautions and Contraindications- May increase blood pressure and affect the function of the heart. Anyone with ethanol allergies should avoid this herb. Use extreme caution during pregnancy.

     I only included a basic introduction to this amazing herb. I hope you have learned a new appreciation for this little vine that loves to be under your feet. If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below.

Refrences:

Boheraavia Diffusa: Always Ayurveda: http://www.alwaysayurveda.com/boerhaavia-diffusa/

Boheraavia Diffusa: Herbpathy: https://herbpathy.com/Uses-and-Benefits-of-Boerhavia-Diffusa-Cid1552

Punarnava Facts and Health Benefits: Health Benefits Times: https://www.healthbenefitstimes.com/punarnava/

Tar Vine, Red Spiderling: Eat the Weeds: http://www.eattheweeds.com/boerhavia-diffusa-catchy-edible-2/

Traditional Indian Herbs Punarnava and Its Medicinal Importance: Journal of Pharmacognosy and Photochemistry: http://www.phytojournal.com/vol1Issue1/Issue_may_2012/5.pdf