Bladderwort

      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. 

     Floating bladderwort, or Utricularia inflata, 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 Lentibulariaceae (Bladderwort) family and the flowers of the plants in this family look very similar to the flowers in the Lamiaceae (Mint) family, they are bilaterally symmetrical and somewhat resemble lips. This is because Lentibulariaceae and Lamiaceae are both members of the Lamiales order, so they are fairly closely related. 

     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. 

     The species that we ran across (Utricularia inflata) 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. 

     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 Utricularia reticulata, the Traditional Chinese Medicine system uses Utricularia bifida, and the Gwich’in tribe of North America uses Utricularia vulgaris. While all of these traditional systems use the various Bladderworts for kidney infections and wound care, each tradition has specific other uses for their Utricularia 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. 

Check out a video I posted recently about this fascinating plant!

 

Medicinal Uses:

Common Names- Bladderwort, Floating Bladderwort, Swollen Bladderwort

 

Scientific Name- Utricularia inflata

 

Family- Lentibulariaceae

 

Summary of Actions- Astringent, diuretic, and vulnerary

 

Parts Used- Whole plant

Edibility- A tea is often made with dry or fresh leaves and often consumed for the rich mineral content.

 

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)- Utricularia bifida is used in a common TCM formula for hemorrhoids. The other herbs in this formula include Elephantopus scaber (Elephant’s Foot) and Sonchus oleraceus (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.

 

Ayurveda- Utricularia reticulata is used in Ayurvedic traditions. The whole plant is used for eye disease, snake bites, and ulcers.

 

Native American Traditional Uses- The Gwich’in tribe (one of the most northerly dwelling tribes in the North American continent) use Utricularia vulgaris to treat kidney and bladder infections. It is often used in the same way as Horsetail (Equisetum hyemale) for bladder issues.

Urinary Tract and Kidneys- 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.

 

Gallbladder- This herb helps to stimulate bile production and excretion helping to improve digestion. It also helps to treat and prevent gall stones.

 

Burns and Wound Care- 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.

 

Weight Loss- 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.”

 

Cautions, Contraindications, and Warnings- 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.

 

 

 

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 Facebook and Instagram for updates and more adventures in nature. Find me on YouTube and check out my videos! I also have a few things up on TeeSpring, check it out! If you like what you see and would like to support this content, feel free to become a Patron for as little as $1 a month!

 

Resources:

Amazing facts of Bladderwort: Health Benefits Times: https://www.healthbenefitstimes.com/bladderwort/

Bladderwort: GTC Department of Cultural Heritage: https://www.gwichin.ca/plants/bladderwort

Bladderwort: Medicinal Herbs: http://www.naturalmedicinalherbs.net/herbs/u/utricularia-vulgaris=bladderwort.php

Bladderworts: Medicinal Plants Archive: https://www.medicinalplantsarchive.us/pitcher-plants-2/bladderworts.html

Bladderwort: The Rx List: https://www.rxlist.com/bladderwort/supplements.htm

Bladderwort: WebMD: https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-317/bladderwort

Floating Bladderwort - Utricularia inflata: Native Florida Wildflowers: http://hawthornhillwildflowers.blogspot.com/2020/01/floating-bladderwort-utricularia-inflata.html

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/

Swollen Bladderwort: An Exotic Aquatic Plant: Department of Conservation and Recreation, Massachusetts: https://www.mass.gov/doc/swollen-bladderwort-0/download

Swollen Bladderwort: Washington State Department of Ecology: https://depts.washington.edu/oldenlab/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Ultricularia-inflata_Scholl_2007R.pdf

The Floating Bladderwort: In Defense of Plants: https://www.indefenseofplants.com/blog/2019/2/24/the-radial-bladderwort

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

Utricularia inflata: Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center: https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=utin

Utricularia reticulata: Ayurvedic Medicinal Plants of Sri Lanka: http://www.instituteofayurveda.org/plants/plants_detail.php?i=757

Utricularia species: UF Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants: https://plants.ifas.ufl.edu/plant-directory/utricularia-species/

Utricularia vulgaris: Plants for a Future: https://pfaf.org/USER/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Utricularia+vulgaris

Utricularia vulgaris: Practical Plants: https://practicalplants.org/wiki/Utricularia_vulgaris

Utricularia vulgaris: University of Ioannina School of Health Sciences: http://mediplantepirus.med.uoi.gr/pharmacology_en/plant_details.php?id=232

 

 

Summer Sunburn Relief

    If living in Florida has taught me one thing, it’s how to care for sunburns.  Florida’s reputation as the “sunshine state” is well earned.  Even in the middle of a rainstorm, the sun can be out in full force.  With my pale skin, it doesn’t talk long for me to burn to a crisp.  Of course, the best thing to do is to protect yourself and prevent sunburn by applying sunblock, staying in the shade, and wearing protective clothing.  If you get caught out in the sun too long, however, here are some natural ways to help heal and relieve the pain of sunburn.

Aloe

    One of the best things for sunburns is aloe.  Aloe naturally relieves pain, reduces inflammation, repairs damaged skin cells, strengthens the immune system, accelerates the healing process, and fights off bacteria that can cause infection.  It also forms a protective layer over the skin which helps hold in moisture while adding extra hydration.  This basically means that aloe is a powerhouse for healing any burn.  The easiest way to use aloe is to cut a leaf and squeeze the gel onto the burn, or cut the leaf and scoop out the gel.  Apply the gel to the burn and leave it until it dries.  If it starts to get sticky wash it off.  However, this method can be difficult for sunburns that cover a large area, so I recommend harvesting the gel ahead of time and keeping it in your fridge.  You can also freeze it in icecube trays to have an extra bit of relief from the cold.  You can also add other things to your aloe gel, such as cucumbers which also help soothe the inflamed skin.  Just cut the aloe leaf, scoop out the gel, peel and dice the cucumber, put them into a blender and blend until smooth.  Leave this mixture on the burn for 30 min. 

Sunburn Tea

    Oddly enough, one of the best things you can use for sunburn is one of the staples in almost every southern home.  Iced tea.  Black tea has quite a few amazing qualities that help heal and soothe skin after a sunburn.  Adding in a mixture of other healing herbs can make for an amazing sunburn relief tea that you can then apply (either by blotting with a cloth or by spraying on) as often as you need.  My favorite mixture is black tea, lavender, rose petals, peppermint, yarrow, and apple cider vinegar. 

Black Tea- Earl grey tea seems to work best on sunburns, I suspect this is due to the bergamot that gives earl grey its distinctive taste.  Black tea is packed full of antioxidants which help to block the harmful effects of the sun, even after sun exposure.  It also is full of tannins which help to reduce post-sun inflammation.  Earl gray is black tea and bergamot oil.  Bergamot is full of more antioxidants.  But it is also from a citrus fruit and all citrus helps boost immune function, but bergamot is also a pain reliever. 

Lavender- Lavender is calming, and soothing to the nerves.  It also helps to tone the skin.  Essential oil of lavender is also a great topical pain reliever. 

Rose Petals- Rose petals are high in vitamin C which helps boost immune function.  They also have a great cooling effect on the skin. 

Peppermint- Peppermint has an amazing cooling effect and it helps to reduce inflammation. 

Yarrow- Yarrow speeds up the healing process for wounds and reduces inflammation.  It also prevents blistering and peeling.

Apple Cider Vinegar- Raw Apple Cider Vinegar is great for taking the sting out of burns.  It also is full of amazing nutrients that help to fight infection and heal the skin. 

Ingredients:

1 ½ cup water

2 bags of good quality Earl Grey

1 teaspoon dried lavender flowers

1 teaspoon dried rose petals

1 teaspoon dried peppermint leaves

1`teaspoon dried yarrow leaves and/or flowers

½ cup raw apple cider vinegar

Instructions:

Bring the water to a boil.  Remove from the heat and add in the tea and the herbs.  Let it steep for 30+ minutes.  Strain into a glass container.  Add in the apple cider vinegar.  If you want, you can add 5 drops of lavender essential oil for added relief.  Storing this is the refrigerator not only adds to the shelf life, but it also adds a bit more cooling relief upon application.

Sunburn Cream

    Creams are good to have premade.  This one is good to keep around for any kind of burn, it also works well for sores and razor burn. 

Witch Hazel- Witch hazel is great to heal all kinds of skin issues.  It will help prevent blisters and peeling as well as reduce inflammation.

Coconut Oil- Coconut oil is a great moisturizer and it helps to reduce the pain of sunburns. 

Cornstarch- Cornstarch helps relieve the pain of the sunburn and has a cooling effect.

Ingredients:

½ cup witch hazel

1 cup water

3 tablespoons aloe gel (fresh is best, but don’t use the green or blue stuff from the store)

About ½ cup cornstarch

3 teaspoons coconut oil

10 drops peppermint essential oil

10 drops lavender essential oil

Instructions:

Put the water, witch hazel and aloe gel in a glass container.  Mix these together, cover, and let sit for 2 hours.  After the two hours, add the remaining ingredients and mix together (you can use a blender or food processor if you want) until creamy.  You can add more cornstarch if it’s too watery or more water if it’s too thick.  The texture you are looking for is similar to a lotion.  Let it sit for 24 hours before use.  Store in a tightly lidded jar, in the fridge.  Will keep for several weeks.

Potato Paste

    Yes, this next recipe is essentially mashed, raw potatoes, but it really works.  Just like cornstarch, potato starch works wonders on sunburns.  It draws out the heat and toxins from the burn and alleviates the pain and has a cooling effect.  Some people slice raw potatoes and just apply them to the burns, but this paste is a little more effective and has better skin coverage for those pesky sunburns. 

Instructions:

Wash some potatoes, leave the skins on, and put them in the food processor.  Add a little water to moisten the paste.  Apply to your sunburn, but don’t rub it in, dab it on.  Keep it there for 30 minutes.  Discard the potato paste afterwards.

    I hope these tips and recipes help you with your sunburns, but don’t forget to protect your skin before you go out into the summer sun!

Resources:

DIY & Crafts: http://www.diyncrafts.com/6768/health/5-natural-sunburn-remedies-instantly-stop-pain-prevent-peeling

Home Remedies for Life: http://homeremediesforlife.com/aloe-vera-for-sunburn/

Love to Know: http://skincare.lovetoknow.com/Severe_Sunburn_Old-Fashioned_Remedy

Organic Facts: https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/essential-oils/health-benefits-of-bergamot-essential-oil.html

Today in Dietzville: http://todayindietzville.com/2016/05/sunburn-tea-natural-sunburn-remedies/

Top 10 Grocery Secrets: http://www.top10grocerysecrets.com/2015-09-28-top-10-medicinal-plants-natural-sunburn-relief