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

Herbal Bitters: A Brief Introduction

It's the Holiday Season! That means it's time to get together with friends and family. Time to share gifts, drinks, and stories. Time to get fat and lazy after eating amazing meals. All of this can be very exciting and wonderful. However, this can do a serious number on your digestion. I figured that I could let you in on a tip to help keep your digestion going strong even after a day of gorging yourself on food you don't normally eat.

Over the years, “Bitter” has gained a bad reputation. The word is most commonly associated with harsh feelings like anger, resentment, and pain. However, “Bitter” can be a wonderful and healthy tool to use. Bitter herbs help digestion, and a number of them are already in our diets. Coffee, most culinary herbs, and leafy greens are just a few examples. Even though we do continue to enjoy our bitter herbs, we don't have enough of them to really use their true potential. If you aren't tasting the bitter flavor, you aren't getting the benefit. But before I dig to deeply into that, here's a basic introduction to the world of Bitters.

Bitter Herbs and Foods:

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), there are 5 flavors of food. Sweet, Salty, Pungent (sometimes referred to as Spicy or Acrid), Sour, and Bitter. Each of these flavors is associated with certain actions on your digestive system, as well as your body as a whole.

Bitter herbs and foods help to stimulate digestion by triggering the production and/or release of digestive enzymes, hormones, and various digestive secretions (saliva, bile, etc). This action benefits the gallbladder, stomach, liver, pancreas, and just about your whole body. Bitters help us to properly digest proteins, fats, and starches. They help increase nutrient absorption, improve the integrity of the tissues lining the digestive tract, and help to create a protective barrier against pathogens. Most bitters are also cooling in nature, helping to reduce inflammation and rid the body of excess heat. They also help aid the elimination process.

With such a wide range of bitter options available to us, why do so many health professionals think that the modern American diet is all but devoid of bitter flavors? Because sweetening the bitter flavors destroys most, if not all, of the health benefits. So eating those dark leafy greens in your salad is a great choice, but using a salad dressing packed full of sugar negates most of the healthy benefits. This is one of the reasons that herbal bitters are such a great tool for your health.

Herbal Bitters:

The herbal bitters we usually refer to are mixtures of various herbal extracts designed to help aid digestion. There are an unlimited amount of combinations of bitter herbs out there that can be put into these herbal bitters, and many recipes date back thousands of years. Some of the oldest recipes come from the Mediterranean region and date back over 2,000 years ago. Some of the more famous recipes are still in use today, though mostly as cocktail ingredients. The most famous of these is Angostura Bitters which is used in the traditional Old Fashioned. And for those of you who are fans of Gin and Tonic, tonic water started off as a bitter folk remedy as well.

Who Should Take Bitters?:

EVERYONE!

Bitters are great for everyone to use. Pregnant and nursing women should use caution with certain herbs, but an Herbal Bitter formulated with fennel and other gentle herbs can be a great asset, especially since fennel helps increase breast milk production. Those of you who have had problems with your gallbladder, pancreas, liver, or kidneys can benefit tremendously from taking bitters. People who suffer from anemia, or iron deficiency, should think seriously about adding bitters to their diet. Our bodies need bitters in order to properly absorb and use iron.

How Do You Use Bitters?:

I typically recommend using bitters 15 min before you plan on dining. Bitters most often come in liquid extracts with droppers, but occasionally you will find them in spray bottles. In the case of the droppers, take 1-2 dropperfuls, under your tongue. For the spray, spray into your mouth 2-3 times. When in doubt, follow the instructions on the bottle.

Whatever your digestive concern, there is an Herbal Bitters formula out there for you (or you can make your own). I urge you all to talk to a nutritionist, herbalist, or other health professional about adding bitters to your daily routine.

I hope I have gotten you excited about herbal bitters, and I hope that they help you throughout this holiday season. If you have any questions or comments please leave them below.

Where to Buy Great Bitters:

Urban Moonshine

Mountain Rose Herbs

Leaves and Roots

Check out your local Farmer's Markets

There are also several people who sell their herbal products on Etsy

I have also been known to make bitters occasionally. For more information, please contact me directly at BatLadyHerbals@gmail.com

Resources:

5 Reasons Why You Should Eat Bitter Foods and Herbs: Natures Sunshine: http://blog.naturessunshine.com/en/5-reasons-why-you-should-eat-bitter-foods-and-herbs/

10 Reasons to Use Bitters: Hint it All Starts with Digestive Health : Radiant Life: https://blog.radiantlifecatalog.com/bid/70036/10-Reasons-to-Use-Bitters-hint-it-all-starts-with-digestive-health

Benefits of Bitters: Organic Spa Magazine: https://www.organicspamagazine.com/the-benefits-of-bitters/

Digestive Bitters: Better than Probiotics: Gwen's Nest: http://gwens-nest.com/digestive-bitters/

Herbal Bitters: Invaluable Aid to Fat Digestion: The Healthy Home Economist: https://www.thehealthyhomeeconomist.com/bitters-invaluable-aid-to-fat-digestion/

Herbal Medicine: Tonics, Bitters, and Digestion: Healthy.net: http://www.healthy.net/Health/Article/Tonics_Bitters_and_Digestion/862

Natural Healing: Befriending the Bitter Herbs: Mother Earth Living: https://www.motherearthliving.com/health-and-wellness/natural-healing-bitter-is-better-befriending-the-bitter-herbs

Properties of Food from a TCM Perspective: Shen Nong: http://www.shen-nong.com/eng/lifestyles/food_property_food_tcm.html

Taste and Action of Chinese Herbs: ITM Online: http://www.itmonline.org/articles/taste_action/taste_action_herbs.htm

10 Reasons to Try Tai Chi

     Living in Orlando, one cannot help but be aware that Yoga is one of the big fitness trends. Yoga is wonderful, and anything that keeps you active and flexible is a great thing. However, there is another low-impact (easy on your joints) exercise that I tend to recommend above Yoga for many people. Tai Chi.

     Tai Chi is an ancient practice that is most easily defined as a way of moving. It has been hailed throughout history as the “perfect exercise” because the health benefits are extremely high while the risk of injury is extremely low. Tai Chi is practiced by over 200 million people world wide, and it's practitioners vary in age from young children to elderly adults. Tai Chi is unique to most exercises because the focus is on developing one's qi (pronounced “chee”).

     In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the concept of qi is a major one. Qi is life force. All living beings have qi and the complete absence of qi leaves one dead. Qi is even present in the earth beneath our feet. Qi has many aspects and is constantly transforming. As such, if your qi is low you will feel sluggish and dull. However, when your qi is abundant you will feel alert and energetic, virtually buzzing with living possibilities.

     Tai Chi helps one to develop their qi, helping to improve mood and health. How this happens is often complicated and often filled with Chinese philosophical concepts that seem very foreign to most Westerners. However, modern science does see a great benefit to this form of exercise.

     In the last decade, researchers from the University of South Florida teamed up with Chinese researchers to compare the effects of Tai Chi on the brain. They separated elderly patients into 4 separate groups. The first walked, the second increased social interaction, the third practiced Tai Chi, and the fourth made no changes in their daily routines. At the end of the 40 day study, the results showed that the Tai Chi group had significant improvements in brain volume, which tends to decrease over time. Since then, there have been several other studies involving Tai Chi practices. Many of which showed significantly positive results.

Without further ado, I'll share with you my top 10 reasons for recommending Tai Chi.

1-Improves flexibility and decreases joint pain:

     Tai Chi uses slow, gentle, deliberate movements to increase flexibility, strength, and balance. This reduces the chance of falls and helps to reduce stiffness in the joints. The controlled movements also help to reduce joint pain, particularly in people with arthritis.

2-Improves your mood:

     Tai Chi uses your mind and body equally during it's postures. This engages the mind in a way that helps to reduce stress and anxiety, as well as promote feelings of well-being. The meditative state induced by the slow, deliberate movements, helps to benefit a large range of psychological wellness areas.

3-Lowers stress:

     Tai Chi's gentle, deliberate movements help you to focus on the moment. This helps keep you from dwelling on worries or anxiety. It's gentle and calming which helps to give one a since of peace. It also improves sleep which can help to lower stress levels as well.

4-Improves sleep:

     Not only does the physical exercise required in Tai Chi help one get to sleep, but Tai Chi has been shown to help improve the quality of sleep as well. Several studies have shown that people who participate in Tai Chi take less time to fall asleep, have fewer awakenings, sleep a greater amount of time, and feel more rested once awake.

5-Improves heart health:

     Not only is Tai Chi gentle enough to be safe for patients with cardiovascular issues, it also helps to improve cardiovascular health. Tai Chi increases circulation, improves blood pressure, aerobic capacity, and cardiac muscle strength.

6-Improves immunity:

     Scientists have actually found a remarkable increase in overall immunity in those who practice Tai Chi. These studies showed that people who practice Tai Chi are less likely to experience severe illnesses and are ill for shorter amounts of time. This is attributed to a combination of controlled breathing, slow movements, and a meditative mind state.

7-Lowers risk of developing dementia or Alzheimer’s:

     Tai Chi has been shown to improve cognitive function in people of all ages. However, most notably it has shown to improve cognitive function even in Alzheimer’s patients. It's thought that Tai Chi can even significantly lower one's risk of developing dementia.

8-Reduces symptoms of type 2 diabetes:

     A handful of the studies done involving Tai Chi have shown that Tai Chi has a definite and positive effect on insulin levels. Overall, Tai Chi was found to help increase glucose control, insulin receptors, and insulin receptor binding capacity.

9-Improves breathing and reduces asthma symptoms:

     The controlled breathing and slow movements of Tai Chi can increase oxygen consumption. Over time, Tai Chi can even help to improve the breathing of asthma patients.

10-Helps with weight loss:

     A standard 30-minute session of Tai Chi burns roughly 150 calories. This may not seem like much, but with the added benefit of stress reduction, it is definitely a great weight loss tool as there is a connection between higher levels of stress and overeating. Tai Chi also boosts metabolism which helps to burn even more calories more efficiently.

     I hope I have given you an appreciation for this amazing and ancient practice. If you have any questions or comments about your Tai Chi practice, or if you are curious and have questions about how to get started, please let me know below.

Resources:

3 Reasons You Should Try Tai Chi: Prevention: http://www.prevention.com/health/brain-health/health-benefits-tai-chi

11 Reasons to Practice Tai Chi: The Alternative Daily: http://www.thealternativedaily.com/tai-chi-benefits/

Tai Chi, A Gentle Way To Fight Stress: Mayo Clinic: http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/tai-chi/art-20045184

What is Tai Chi?: Beginners Tai Chi: http://www.beginnerstaichi.com/what-is-tai-chi-for-beginners.html

What is Qi?: University of Minnesota: https://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/explore-healing-practices/traditional-chinese-medicine/what-qi-and-other-concepts

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 

The Winter Blues

    In Florida, most of us don’t have the “winter blues” like they do up north.  That doesn’t mean that we don’t get them, or that we don’t hear about them.  But many Floridians might be surprised to find out that the “winter blues” are an actual, diagnosable, concern.  They are actually called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and modern science has linked this type of depression to a lack of light.  During the fall, the day starts getting shorter until at the autumn equinox the day and night are, roughly, the same length.  However during the winter the nights take over and the days are much shorter.  This causes as many as 20% of the population to experience seasonal depression.  This condition is often misdiagnosed, but is experienced by men, women, children, and pets. 

     Typically symptoms will begin around late fall/early winter and will not ease until around spring.  Of course, the Holiday stress doesn’t help, but family gatherings (when not stressful) can be a beautiful way to lift your spirits this time of year.  Symptoms include; feeling depressed most of the time, feeling hopeless or unworthy, low energy levels, losing interest in things you previously enjoyed, changes to your appetite (particularly cravings for carbohydrates), weight gain, feeling sluggish or easily agitated, hypersensitivity to rejection, oversleeping, and irritability.  Many of these symptoms can be traced to the changes in Serotonin and Melatonin levels that happen naturally this time of year, but overall, the exact cause is a mystery.  Most typical treatments include light therapy and prescription drugs. 

     In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), experiencing SAD is a natural occurrence because human beings are drawn to nature and nature affects us all.  In TCM, everything has a yin (feminine, passive, coolness, darkness, nourishment, negative) and a yang (masculinity, activity, warmth, brightness, disbursing, positive).  Yin and yang are opposing forces that complement each other, together they form a complete whole.  Autumn begins the yin cycle in the year, and people who have a natural inclination to yin will feel all of the yin nature in a more pronounced way.  This is also the time of year associated with the kidneys, which are the root of our Qi (vital energy).  This time of year we will naturally crave foods that provide a quick burst of energy and are high in calories (carbohydrates and sweets).  Stress (physical, mental, and emotional alike), lack of sleep, and poor nutrition will quickly deplete the body’s energy reserves and leave us open to depression and illness. 

     The TCM approach to SAD starts with balance.  Making sure to take the body’s natural inclinations into account, finding a balance with a combination of proper diet, exercise, home life, and spirituality are key.  This said, acupuncture has been known to have great results with all kinds of depression.  Herbs, massage, and either Tai Chi or Qigong are also extremely useful.  The most effective TCM recommendations, however, are to follow nature’s example.  In the fall and winter, be active but careful not to overexert yourself.  Be outside whenever you can, even just a 10 minute walk around noon will help you get more sun and revitalize your body in the middle of the day.  Make sure you are getting the right amount of sleep, and eating healthy.  Nature shows us that the winter is for reserving your energy for the abundance of growth in the spring.  Don’t be overly hard on yourself, if you feel the need to take things easy, do.  Spend time reflecting and relaxing.  Enjoy your family get-togethers, but don’t ignore your need to spend time alone.  Balance is key. 

Resources:

Alternative Mental Health – Natural Treatment for Depression and Seasonal Affective Disorder: http://www.alternativementalhealth.com/natural-treatment-for-depression-and-seasonal-affective-disorder/

Many Lives Chinese Medicine- Seasonal Affective Disorder from a Traditional Chinese Medicine Perspective: http://manylivescm.com/seasonal-affective-disorder-from-a-traditional-chinese-medicine-perspective/

Mayo Clinic – Seasonal Affective Disorder: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder/basics/definition/con-20021047

The Power of Purslane

     One of the most amazing things about living in Florida is the absolute abundance of plants and wildlife. Even living in the city (Orlando), I can still look around me and find plants, animals, and insects. This place is just overflowing with life. Everywhere you go you can find weeds (I hate the term “weed”) poking up through the cracks in the pavement, or in between sections of the sidewalk. One of the more common weeds we see this time of year is purslane.

     Purslane Portulaca oleracea is a succulent, which means that one or more of its parts is swollen to allow for the accumulation of fluids. The plump part of purslane though is the leaf. Along with plump leaves, purslane has tiny yellow flowers and a strong stem. One of the major varieties I see around here even has red stems. Almost every place on Earth has a variety of purslane, and with its great taste and a high amount of nutrients, it has been eaten all over the world. The taste is mildly sour and it has a slightly chewy and crunchy texture. This plant is most commonly used as a raw green in salads or as a pot herb (meaning you cook it in a pot like Southern greens). The flowers and stems are edible as well as the leaves. This tiny plant is jam packed with nutrients. Even some nutrients, like omega-3 fatty acids, that are not typically found in the plant kingdom. It also has more beta carotene than spinach, as well as an incredible amounts of vitamin C, calcium, phosphorus, iron, magnesium and potassium.

     Though it is easy to find nutritional and culinary information on purslane, its uses as a medicinal herb are not quite as well known. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), purslane is used to improve both respiratory and circulatory function. In traditional European herbalism, it has been used to treat arthritis and other inflammation. It is known to be helpful in cases of scurvy, cataracts, heart disease, asthma, gingivitis, multiple sclerosis, and psoriasis. It is also a great immune booster. It has been suggested as a daily tonic for the reduction/prevention of headaches. Purslane contains at least two kinds of antioxidants that have been known to prevent cell mutation, so it can prove to be helpful in the prevention of cancers. Purslane is believed to help balance the body’s insulin. It can also counter the negative effects of consuming too much caffeine, such as jitters and sleeplessness. It also contains antidepressant substances such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, phenylalanine, and tryptophan that have been known to help counter depression by moderating the chemicals that cause depression.

     There is one major warning that comes with this herb though. If you are prone to kidney stones, you want to avoid high doses of purslane as it contains oxalates which can cause stones to form in the kidneys.

Resources:

Websites

Herbal Legacy: http://www.herballegacy.com/Griffiths_Medicinal.html

Modern Herbal: http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/p/prugol77.html

Mother Earth News: http://www.motherearthnews.com/organic-gardening/power-packed-purslane-zmaz05amzsel.aspx

Nourishing Gourmet: http://www.thenourishinggourmet.com/2009/09/purslane-a-mighty-weed.html

Organic Authority: http://www.organicauthority.com/eco-chic-table/dont-pull-the-purslane.html

Organic Lifestyle Magazine: http://www.organiclifestylemagazine.com/purslane-recipes

PCSA: http://www.prairielandcsa.org/recipes/purslane.html

Susan Weed: http://www.susunweed.com/Article_Joy-of-Purslane.htm

Books:

Edible Wild Plants of Eastern/Central North America by Lee Allen Peterson