4 Thieves Vinegar

What Is Four Thieves Vinegar?: A vinegar based tincture of herbs thought to cure, treat, and/or prevent the Bubonic plague. In modern day, it’s used to boost the immune system, repel insects (including the fleas that spread the plague), and as a condiment.

A Little History: There are a number of different versions of the origin of this traditional remedy, but they all share the same basic points. I’ll summarize them here. When the Bubonic plague was sweeping through Europe, there arose a group of grave robbers and thieves that covered their bodies and doused their face masks in an herbal vinegar with strong antibacterial and antiviral properties in order to keep themselves from contracting the plague. Initially no one worried about the grave robbers and thieves who stole into the houses in the dark of moonless nights to rob victims of the Black Death as, the townspeople assumed, the plague would inevitably infect and kill the thieves, too. But it didn’t. The thieves continued to assail the homes and graves of the dead with impunity until they were finally caught in the middle of their act, tried, and set to be burned at the stake. Astonished by the thieves’ immunity and seemingly indifferent attitude toward the plague that devastated the community so severely, the judges offered the thieves a bargain: in exchange for releasing the cause of their immunity, the thieves would be hanged instead of burned at the stake – a less brutal and more quick end. The thieves acquiesced and surrendered the recipe for their elixir, and the legend has continued to grow since then.

What Is That Recipe?: No one really knows the original recipe, and many recipes for Four Thieves Vinegar abound. Though a recipe written by Jean Valnet, a renowned aromatherapist and herbalist of the early 20th century, may resemble the original more closely than any other. He calls for vinegar, wormwood, meadow sweet, juniper, marjoram, sage, cloves, horse heal, angelica, rosemary, horehound and camphor. Valnet calls for steeping these herbs in vinegar for six weeks before decanting, for a lighter flavor some people only steep the herbs for only seven days.

Does It Work?:  While this traditional remedy may or may not have helped grave robbers and thieves to stave off the plague that ravaged Europe centuries ago, it seems modern herbalists and gardeners have revived the interest in this garden remedy. Many herbalists use it as a cleansing agent – transferring it to a spray bottle and using it to clean and sterilize kitchen counters or bathrooms; indeed, many of the herbs possess strong antimicrobial effects and vinegar, in any case, makes an excellent natural cleanser. Others recommend using Four Thieves Vinegar in personal care, diluted with water of course, as a cleansing agent for the skin or as an astringent. Among neo-Pagan circles, Four Thieves Vinegar is thought to have protective qualities and some swear that if you dress your doorstep with the vinegar, it’ll keep your enemies away. As to preventing the Plague, many people attribute it’s abilities to a combination of the immune boosting, antiviral, and antibacterial properties of the herbs and the bonus fact that many of the herbs used in the recipes also drive away pests such as fleas, which are the currently known way that the plague is spread.

The Basics of The Recipe: Really and truly, there are so many versions of this recipe that you can customize it almost endlessly. All you need to do is use a good quality Apple Cider Vinegar as your base (though some recipes call for other vinegars, I think this one has the most antibacterial and beneficial qualities), crush up a few cloves of garlic (crushing the garlic releases the antibacterial properties, though you may notice that your garlic turns blue after a few days in the vinegar, this is a natural process and does not indicate it’s gone bad), and throw in a handful of herbs. Herbs that are traditionally used include lavender, rosemary, mint, sage, marjoram, anise hyssop, wormwood, meadow sweet, juniper, cloves, horse heal, angelica, horehound, camphor, thyme, black pepper, cinnamon, rue, cayenne, chili pepper, coriander, plantain, and lemon balm. Though I’m sure there are more herbs that could be used. Some people recommend using only 4 herbs, one for each thief, and others just throw in however many they feel like using.

Four Thieves Vinegar

2 tbsp Lavender

2 tbsp Rosemary

2 tbsp Mint

2 tbsp Sage

2 tbsp Juniper Berry

2 tbsp Lemon Balm

4 cloves Garlic (peeled and crushed)

4 cups raw Apple Cider Vinegar

Instructions:
Toss herbs and garlic together in a one-quart mason jar, cover with vinegar and place them in a cool, dark location. After a minimum of seven days (you get more medicinal benefits after 6 weeks), strain the vinegar through a fine-mesh sieve into a second, clean 1-quart glass jar.


Some Ideas for Variations: In all these variations use 4-8 cloves of garlic, 4 cups of apple cider vinegar, and equal portions of the suggested herbs.
A Bitter Formula: Wormwood, Rue, Anise Hyssop, and Juniper
(this recipe would be great for your digestion, take a dropperful 15 minutes before eating
to improve digestion and prevent stomach problems)
A Great Salad Dressing: Lemon Balm, Thyme, Rosemary, and Coriander
(this recipe tastes great and is also good for digestion)
A Spicy Adventure: Cayenne, Chili Pepper, and Black Pepper
(this recipe will help clear upper respiratory illness, break fever, and makes a great marinade)


You can also feel free to add in any herbs you may feel like. Elderberry or Hibiscus may be beneficial to the formula, adding in extra immune boosting properties. Hawthorne and ginger may help to improve heart health. Mix up your own recipe, try new formulas. Feel free to post any questions, comments, and/or observations in the comments down below. Follow me on Facebook and Instagram or updates on my adventures in Nature. Find me on YouTube and check out my videos! I also have a few things up on Teespring, check it out! Also, if you like what I do and what to see more, Become a Patron!

Resources:

The Noursihed Kitchen: https://nourishedkitchen.com/four-thieves-vinegar-recipe/
Adventures in Making: http://adventures-in-making.com/recipe-the-legendary-four-thieves-vinegar/
Farmer’s Almanac: https://www.farmersalmanac.com/four-thieves-vinegar-35968
Magical Recipes Online: https://www.magicalrecipesonline.com/2012/08/how-to-make-and-use-four-thieves-vinegar.html
Common Sense Home: https://commonsensehome.com/thieves-vinegar/
Learn Religions: https://www.learnreligions.com/four-thieves-vinegar-2562515
The Herbal Academy: https://theherbalacademy.com/diy-four-thieves%E2%93%87-vinegar/
Tipnut: https://tipnut.com/four-thieves/

The Health Benefits of Fermentation

   
     If you follow health trends at all, you’ve probably heard of Kombucha, Kefir, or one of the other, currently trendy, fermented concoctions. However, fermentation has been with us for thousands of years. Fermentation is a natural means of preservation and was, in many cultures, the main one until the invention of refrigeration. During fermentation, microorganisms (such as bacteria, yeast, or fungi) convert organic compounds like sugars and starch into alcohol or acids. In Lactofermentation, for example, the starches and sugars in vegetables and fruits are converted to lactic acid and this lactic acid acts as a natural preservative, allowing them to be stored (in a cool place) for a year or more. Because of this, fermentation produces distinctive, strong, and sour flavors. Some other examples of traditional, fermented foods include Sauerkraut, Kimchi, Miso, Tempeh, Yogurt, Dosa, and a number of traditional Cheeses.

     The process of fermentation doesn't only preserve the food, it also creates a number of beneficial enzymes, vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, and probiotics. All of this makes fermented foods (and drinks) super beneficial to your digestion and overall health. And it doesn’t take much to provide that boost. You really only need ¼ cup of fermented food/drink a day to provide an amazing benefit. That all sounds good, but what are those benefits?

     Improved Digestion and Metabolism: Fermented foods are a great source of beneficial bacteria and enzymes. The beneficial bacteria improve the general health of your bowels by balancing out your gut flora which can have a huge impact on your digestion and metabolism. The enzymes also help to break down hard to digest food and improve nutrient absorption.

     Better Absorption of Nutrients: Not only do the extra enzymes present in fermented products help improve nutrient absorption, but fermentation increases the bioavailability of vitamins and minerals, helping us to better use what we consume. Additionally, by boosting the beneficial bacteria in your gut, you are promoting their ability to manufacture B vitamins and synthesize vitamin K.

     Get More from Your Proteins: Lactic acid, the main by-product of natural fermentation, supports the growth of healthy intestinal flora, normalizes stomach acid levels, and helps the body assimilate proteins.

     Good Source of Vitamins: Not only does fermentation help us to better absorb and use the nutrients in our food, they also provide an excellent source of vitamins. B vitamins, in particular, are a natural by-product of fermentation. Some fermented foods also have higher amounts of vitamin C, or other vitamins as well.

     Overall Improvement of Health, Mood, and Immunity: Improving gut health has been linked to overall improvement of immunity and general health. A 1999 Lancet study showed regular consumption of naturally fermented vegetables positively correlated with low rates of asthma, skin problems, and autoimmune disorders among children attending a Waldorf school in Sweden. There have been numerous other studies that showed similar results. But your gut is also intrinsically connected to your mood. So not only do ferments help improve your general health, they can help to stabilize and improve your mood. Read more about this connection here.


     Those of you who may have been keeping up with this blog since the beginning may remember that one of the first recipes I ever posted was a fermentation one. Fermentation is something I’ve believed in for quite a long time. As such, I’ve gathered a decent number of recipes and resources. So here are some links for you if you want to pursue home fermentation.

Bat Lady Recipes: 

     Fermented Coleslaw
     Pickled and Fermented Red Onion
     Kombucha
     Fermented Lemons

Helpful Resources:

     Kombucha Kamp
     Mastering Fermentation
     Wild Fermentation

   
     I hope I have convinced you to give fermentation a try, and maybe even try to do it at home. I only included a basic introduction to fermentation and it’s benefits. 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 YouTube and check out my videos! I also have a few things up on Teespring, check it out! Also, if you like what I do and what to see more, Become a Patron!

Resources:

Eating Fermented Foods Can Give a Boost to Your Immune System: Science Focus: https://www.sciencefocus.com/news/eating-fermented-food-can-give-a-boost-to-your-immune-system/

Health Benefits of Fermented Foods: WellnessMama: https://wellnessmama.com/2245/fermented-food-benefits/

Health Benefits of Fermenting: BBC Good Food: https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/health-benefits-offermenting

How To Try Fermentation in Your Kitchen for Probiotics on the Cheap: WellnessMama: https://wellnessmama.com/402891/fermentation/

Lacto-Fermentation – How It Works: The Spruce Eats: https://www.thespruceeats.com/how-lacto-fermentation-works-1327598

Why We Love Lactofermentation: Cedar Circle Farm: https://cedarcirclefarm.org/tips/entry/why-we-love-lactofermentation

The Wonders of Pine

     I love pine. It's a beautiful tree that stays beautiful no matter the time of year, or weather. In Summer, they are tall and proud. In Winter, they stay green and, if you're lucky enough to live in the more Northern climes, they provide a great snowy silhouette. I grew up wandering the deciduous woods in Northern Florida, so I got to experience the amazing scent of pine quite often as a child. Not to mention the, often painful, pine cone wars my friends and I would get into. Pine has always held a portion of my heart, and as an herbalist I'm just beginning to understand how amazing this lovely tree really is.

     The Pinus genus is a large one, containing over 144 distinct species of coniferous evergreen trees. Around the world, pines make up about 1% of the plant population, and according to the fossil records, they have been around for over 200 million years. In Florida, we have quite a few distinct species including Loblolly Pine (Pinus taeda), Longleaf Pine (Pinus palustris), Pond Pine (Pinus serotina), Slash Pine (Pinus elliottii), and many more. All species of Pine are safe to consume and there are no toxic look-alikes, so Pine is a good tree to start learning about.

Latin Name: Pinus spp.

Common Name: Pine

Parts Used: Needles, Resin, Bark, Seeds, Pollen, Roots

Medicinal Uses:

Summary of actions- Anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-catarrhal, nutritive (nuts, pollen, needles), androgenic (pollen), antimicrobial, warming, astringent, purgative (boiled bark), immunomodulatory, carminative, diuretic, lymphatic, insecticidal, expectorant, adaptogen

Traditional Chinese Medicine- Known as Song in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Pine works most on the lungs and intestines. Pine Nuts tonify Lung Yin, lubricate the lungs and intestines, stop cough, promote bodily fluids, and treat constipation. Pine Bark heals wounds, abscesses, relieves pain, treats arthritis, and treats burns. Pine Pollen is an excellent Yin tonic and, as such, is used for a wide variety of ailments.

Native American Traditional Medicine- Various Native American tribes were known to use Pine Needles to treat Scurvy. They also use the inner bark, young shoots, twigs, pitch, and leaves to treat a variety of ailments including the common cold, flu, cough, pneumonia, fever, heartburn, headache, arthritis, bronchitis, croup, laryngitis, and kidney problems. Some tribes also used the inner bark and sap as a poultice for wounds. The pitch was used to treat boils and abscesses, to draw out splinters, and for rheumatism, broken bones, cuts, bruises, and inflammation.

Ayurveda- Himalayan Longleaf Pine (or Chir Pine) is used, in Ayurvedic Medicine, to control Vatha and Kapha, to expel worms, heal wounds, for digestive problems, to treat nervous disorders, for skin problems such as wounds and burns, and in the case of respiratory and rheumatic disorders.

Immune System and First Aid- The bark and needles contain high amounts of Vitamin C which helps improve the immune system. The needles and resin are also antimicrobial and can be used to help clean wounds.

Vision Health- The bark and needles contain a high amount of Vitamin A and other carotenoids which can help prevent the formation of cataracts, increase vision strength, reduce macular degeneration, and reduces oxidative stress in the ocular system.

Circulatory System- Pine increases your body's production of red blood cells which helps increase oxygenation in your body as well as prevent anemia.

Respiratory System- Pine helps to sooth inflammation in the respiratory tract, relieves coughing, sore throat, and can even help relieve asthma. It helps prevent upper respiratory infections. Pine also is an excellent expectorant, helping your coughs to eliminate excessive mucus. It also is great at eliminating pathogens and bacteria in your sinuses.

Needles- The needles can be harvested year round and make a delightful tea. They are high in antioxidants, and vitamins A and C. One of my favorite ways to use the leaves, is to make a syrup. Herb Geek has a great recipe for Pine Syrup here. The needles are great when added as a seasoning to your food, especially since they encourage healthy digestion. The needles can also be used as an expectorant, to help make your cough more productive in expelling mucus.

Nuts- Pine Nuts have been used for food throughout the world. They are a great source of vitamins E, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, and folate. They also contain manganese, potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, and selenium.

Resin- The resin is a sticky substance that Pine produces when it's been wounded. It helps protect the tree from opportunistic invaders such as fungus, bacteria, and harmful insects. The resin eventually hardens and over time (millions of years) becomes amber. However, this sticky substance can be used by us in similar ways to how the tree uses it. It's antimicrobial, antibacterial, and antifungal, so it makes a great addition to any wound salve. It's also helpful to fight off respiratory or gastrointestinal infections.

Bark- Many scientists are currently studying Pine Bark for it's anti-cancer properties. It has also been used to improve the circulatory system, as well as to treat heart disease and varicose veins. It's high in vitamin C and other antioxidants as well.

Pollen- Pine Pollen is highly nutritious, and though each Pine has a slightly different makeup of nutrients, most of them contain vitamins B1, B2, B6, E, C, D2, D3, A, folic acid, potassium, sodium, B-carotin, nicotinamide, calcium, magnesium, phosporrus, iron, manganese, copper, zinc, and selenium. In Korea, the pollen is used as a whole body tonic and to increase vitality. It's a great addition to anyone's food. However, the tincture of Pine Pollen is used to help increase testosterone levels in older men.

Cautions and Warnings- Ponderosa Pine may not be safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women, or young children. The volatile oils in Pine needles and bark may cause problems in your kidneys if taken over long periods of time. Pine resin and amber can cause problems in the digestive tract when taken internally without a balanced formula.

     I hope you have a new appreciation for this amazing tree. I encourage everyone to take frequent walks in the woods, and breathe in the amazing scent of this beautiful plant. If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below.

Refrences:

5 Incredible Benefits of Pine: Organic Facts: https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/herbs-and-spices/pine.html

8 Terrific Ways to Use Pine Needles Right Now: The Herbal Academy: https://theherbalacademy.com/8-ways-use-pine-needles/

Chir Pine: All About Ayurveda & Medicinal Plants:http://www.medicinalplantsindia.com/chir-pine.html

Common Pines of Florida: EDIS: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_common_pines_of_florida

Herbal Healing Practices of Native Americans: The Herbal Academy: https://theherbalacademy.com/the-herbal-healing-practices-of-native-americans/

Historical and Chinese Medicine Perspective of Pine Pollen: Raw Forest Foods:https://www.rawforestfoods.com/historical-and-chinese-medicine-perspective-of-pine-pollen/

Native American and Other Ancient Remedies: Legends of Amercia: https://www.legendsofamerica.com/na-remedy/

Native American Pine Tree Mythology: Native Languages: http://www.native-languages.org/pine-tree.htm

Pine: A Modern Herbal: http://botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/p/pine--34.html

Pine: White Rabbit Institute of Healing: https://www.whiterabbitinstituteofhealing.com/herbs/pine/

Pine Herbal Monograph: Natural Herbal Living: https://naturalherballiving.com/pine-herbal-monograph/

Pine Keeps You Fine: Susan Weed: http://www.susunweed.com/Article_Pine-Keeps-You-Fine.htm

Pine Scotch Essential Oil: Ayurvedic Oils: http://ayurvedicoils.com/tag/ayurvedic-health-benefits-of-pine-essential-oil

Sarala: Chir Pine: Easy Ayurveda: https://easyayurveda.com/2017/07/05/sarala-pinus-longifolia-roxburghii/

Echinacea

     There are a handful of herbs that have gained almost a cult following in recent years. St. Johns wort, ginko biloba, and echinacea all come to mind. All three are even listed in the top most popular herbalsupplements, a list published by Johns Hopkins health library not to long ago.

     There are several different species of echinacea, but the two most commonly used medicinally are Echinacea purpurea and E. angustifolia. The common name, here in America, is Purple Coneflower. Echinacea grows well in disturbed soil, preferably rocky, in prairies, open fields, or by railroad tracks.  The most commonly used parts of this plant are the roots and leaves, but the whole plant can be used medicinally. If you are specifically trying to use echinacea for it's Immunostimulant properties, it's best to make or find a double extraction tincture as the necessary constituents (natural chemicals) are extracted by both water and alcohol. Most online tutorials for double extraction tinctures involve mushrooms, but you can use echinacea in the recipes, instead of the mushrooms, and have no problems.

Medicinal Uses:

Summary of actions- Immunostimulant, depurative, vulnerary, lymphatic, sialagogue, antiseptic, mildly antibiotic, bacteriostatic, anti-viral, anti-fungal, and anti-tumor.

Traditional Chinese Medicine- Known in Chinese Medicine as Zi Zhu Hua, echinacea is seen as a blood cleanser that also stimulates, restores, and dissolves. It works on both the lung and spleen meridians. It's used to activate immunity, restrain infection, clear toxins, reduce inflammation, resolve tumors, relieve pain, promote tissue repair, cause sweating, release the exterior, scatter wind heat, dredge the kidneys, enliven the lymph, and restore the stomach.

Immunostimulant- Echinacea has a great, and well earned, reputation as a preventative herb. Most of it's use as a supplement is for the prevention of colds and flu. Part of this is due to it's anti-viral and antibacterial properties, but mainly this is due to how well it stimulates the immune system. In fact, the University of Connecticut performed a study that determined that echinacea reduces chances of catching a cold or flu by over half. This same study also concluded that echinacea reduces the duration of the same infection by at least one full day. Echinacea does this, not by attacking the bacteria/viruses directly, but by enhancing our own immunity so that our immune system is better able to kill off bacteria, viruses, or even abnormal cells like cancer.

Cancer- Not only does echinacea help our immune system fight off infections, it also stimulates our body's tumor necrosis factor, or TNF, which is important to fighting off cancer. Recent studies have stated that echinacea shows promise, along with several other natural remedies, in the fight against cancer. So much so that it is becoming fairly common for medical professionals to recommend echinacea alongside of conventional therapy.

Painkiller- The Great Plains Indians of North America witnessed ill animals consistently searching out and eating the roots of echinacea plants. This lead to the use of echinacea in their native practices. Mainly, it was used as a painkiller for pain in the bowels, headaches, snake bites, sore throat, measles, toothache, tonsillitis, and stomach ache. It's also effective as a painkiller for herpes and gonorrhea. You can either drink a tea made from the plant, or rub the crushed and moistened plant onto the area where you are experiencing the pain.

ADD/ADHD- Children and adults that suffer from ADD/ADHD are more prone to anxiety, depression, and social phobias. Echinacea has been shown to help relieve those symptoms. However dosage is key. If you take too strong of a dose, it could actually worsen those same symptoms, so use echinacea for your anxiety only under the supervision of a trusted doctor and/or herbalist.

Cautions and Warnings- Since this herb is so stimulating to your immune system, if you take it consistently for a week you should take a break from it for the next week. If not, you could overwork your immune system and put yourself at risk for a more severe infection. If you have pollen allergies to any of the plants in the Asteraceae family, you may have allergic reactions to echinacea. Also, if you have an autoimmune condition, this herb could overstimulate your immune system and cause a flare-up. Please use only if absolutely necessary. The Mayo Clinic states that echinacea is safe to take during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, however most herbalists will not attest to this, use this herb with the utmost caution.

     I hope you enjoyed this post. If you have ever used echinacea or have any questions, please feel free to comment below.

Refrences:

Dr Axe: 9 Echinacea Benefits: https://draxe.com/echinacea-benefits/

East West Healing Academy: Echinacea: https://www.eastwesthealingacademy.com/herbs/echinacea/

Herb Wisdom: Echinacea purpurea benefits: http://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-echinacea.html

Johns Hopkins Medical Library: Herbal Medicine: http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/conditions/complementary_and_alternative_medicine/herbal_medicine_85,P00181/

Medicine Net: Tumor Necrosis Factor: http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=25458

Mountain Rose Herbs: DIY Double Extraction: https://blog.mountainroseherbs.com/mushroom-double-extraction

Mountain Rose Herbs: Echinacea purpurea root: https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/echinacea-purpurea-root/profile

Mr. Ginseng: Echinacea: http://en.mr-ginseng.com/echinacea/

Wellness Mama: Echinacea: https://wellnessmama.com/25999/echinacea-benefits-uses/

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