Just some health and herb stuff

[makwaiskwew]

Catnip
Catnip Habitat

Catnip is a perennial herb found growing wild throughout North America and Europe where it is thought to have originated. It is easily cultivated in any garden soil. A member of the mint family, Catnip has square, erect and branched stems and grows 2 to 3 feet high. The leaves are heart-shaped, toothed, opposite and covered with fine downy hairs especially on the under sides giving the whole plant a grayish green appearance. The small tubular, two-lipped flowers grow in dense whorls atop each stem and are white to lavender with reddish to purple spots. Catnip blooms from June to September. The entire plant has a minty fragrance. Gather the above ground parts of Catnip just after blooms open.

Catnip Medicinal Properties and Herbal Use

Young leaves are edible raw. They have an aromatic mint-like flavor eaten in salads. As the name (cat-nip) suggests, cats love to nip at it, although watching them it might better be called (cat-roll) for they seem to roll, rub, and totally crush the plant into the ground. They discover that the more they crush it the more oil it releases. Plant constituents include Nepetalic acid, Alpha- & beta- Citral, Nepetalactone, Limonene, Geraniol, Dipentene, Citronella, Nerol, a terpene, Acetic acid, Butyric acid, Valeric acid and Tannin. The leaves and flowering tops are strongly antispasmodic, antitussive, astringent, carminative, diaphoretic, slightly emmenagogue, refrigerant, sedative, slightly stimulant, stomachic and tonic. Catnip has a long history of use in alternative medicine, being employed especially in treating disorders of the digestive system and, as it stimulates sweating, it is useful in reducing fevers. The fresh juice is used as an emmenagogue (to promote menstruation). Mild catnip tea is used to relieve colic in babies, restlessness and nervousness, and is very useful as a mild nervine for children. Stronger tea relieves fevers due to colds and flu as well as calming the stomach and preventing nausea and diarrhea. The fresh young shoots are good in spring salads and rubbed into meat for flavor. Applied externally or added to bath it is good for skin irritations. Catnip oil is great for aroma therapy. A strong infusion can be used to repel fleas from carpets or the fur of animals. An extract from the leaves (called nepetalactone) has herbicidal and insect repellant properties.

Catnip Herbal Folklore and History

It was once believed that smoking the leaves would produce a mild hallucinogenic effect. Although this use has since been dispelled, it may work in some individuals. It was also believed to deter the (evil-eye) from children given to fits, this because of its ability to calm an extremely agitated child and diminish nightmares.

Catnip Herb Tea Recipe
To 1 cup of boiling water add 2 tsp. dried herb; steep for 10 min. give warm in cup doses-½ cup for children 1 tbsp. diluted or in milk for babies.

Mintcream: Add 3 tbsp. to ½ cup heavy cream use in cocoa or coffee.
Article by Deb Jackson & Karen Bergeron

Nepeta cataria

Other Names: Catmint, Catnep, Catswort, Fieldbalm

"Catnip" is the common name for a perennial herb of the mint family. It is native to Europe and is an import to the United States and other countries. The catnip plant is now a widespread weed in North America.

Given to the right cat, catnip can cause an amazing reaction! The cat will rub it, roll over it, kick at it, and generally go nuts for several minutes. Then the cat will lose interest and walk away. Two hours later, the cat may come back and have exactly the same response. Because there really isn't any scent that causes this sort of reaction in humans, catnip is hard for us to understand. However, it is not an uncommon behavior in animals that rely heavily on their noses. For example, there are many scents that will trigger intense hunting behavior in dogs, and other scents will cause dogs to stop in their tracks and roll all over the scent.

Although no one knows exactly what happens in the cat's brain, it is known that the chemical nepetalactone in catnip is the thing that triggers the response. Apparently, it somehow kicks off a stereotypical pattern in cats that are sensitive to the chemical. The catnip reaction is inherited, and some cats are totally unaffected by it. Large cats like tigers can be sensitive to it as well.

The reaction to catnip only lasts a few minutes. Then the cat acclimates to it, and it can take an hour or two away from catnip for the cat to "reset." Then, the same reaction can occur again. Very young kittens and older cats seem less likely to have a reaction to catnip.



http://www.healthybenefitsof.com/p/catnip.html
http://shabi-home-remedies.blogspot....se-catnip.html

xxoo

[Odin]

I smoked catnip in a joint once because of a dare. You don't exactly high, but your brain sort of shuts up. It's like you'll wonder how it works again, for a few days. I don't suggest anyone do it. So don't intend to use it for health way. (true story)

[rabana]

catnip is a sedative. lots of herbs can be used medicinally as smoke. thats what the medical marijuana furor is about. [please don't derail the thread onto that ]

[rabana]

just some rosemary stuff from http://indigosociety.com/showthread....ur-brain-power

these are my revised posts, there are others on the thread--

'rosemary for remembrance' is the old saying about it. known to to boost brain function and has many other properties.

it grows here. i used it 3 days to wash doggie's irritated eye recently-- a complete success. very good for eyes, skin and hair.

doggie was pretty dirty when he got us, had an eye infection and a rash on his tummy-- i washed him several times in a tub of rosemary tea and borax, washed his eyes with rosemary chamomile and calendula with borax. it took 3 weeks to pull him together but he was totally healed without relapse. everyone thinks that eye infection won't go away without antibiotics, and even then it comes back. natural healing for pets

its an insect repellent-- i make big paper envelopes full of rosemary branches to put in with stored clothing-- smells wonderful. i put it in smudge sticks to burn during mosquito season. i use the dry powdered leaves as a soil treatment against nematodes.

excellent on insect bites-- when hubby got stung next to his eye by a wasp we alternated hot rosemary compresses with ice for an hour or so and---- nothing happened, what swelling there had been went down and there was no other reaction whatsoever.

there is a bronchial flu going around here and i've been dispensing cough remedy. rosemary is one of the tinctures in it. its also in my analgesic/anti-inflammatory tincture. http://indigosociety.com/showthread....s-and-Extracts

some people consider rosemary to be a panacea/cure-all. its not frost hardy tho. where it does grow it makes a large aromatic perennial shrub.

[makwaiskwew]

I smoked catnip in a joint once because of a dare. You don't exactly high, but your brain sort of shuts up. It's like you'll wonder how it works again, for a few days. I don't suggest anyone do it. So don't intend to use it for health way. (true story)

I must say that not everyone can ingest many things by smoking them. It makes them sick Good reason for oils and tinctures
I giggled at the dare...I remember a buddy getting high smoking marjoram that we told him was mj once. welllll....same letters in both...lol

Thanks for the new stuff Rabana And thanks to Bliss and magonia for the new tinctures and rosemary threads.
Rosemary
http://indigosociety.com/showthread....ur-brain-power

Tinctures and Extracts
http://indigosociety.com/showthread....ur-brain-power

And the thread for pet healing is also much appreciated
http://indigosociety.com/showthread....lly-of-course)

I,d also like to add this thread which includes great info from all over the place

Community Gardens & Gardens for food and healing.
http://indigosociety.com/showthread....munity-gardens

And as was mentioned here is the link for arugula...thanks for that one too
http://indigosociety.com/showthread....inutes-of-fame

Also I was going to share this salad over on Odins wine and cheese thread but it fits here as well...lol....maybe I,ll take some smoked salmon over there...lol
1 1/2 cups fresh nasturtium leaves
1 medium bunch arugula
1 bunch scallions
2 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tsp. Dijon mustard
6 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
2-oz. chunk Parmesan cheese
Several nasturtium flowers

http://www.wbur.org/npr/137623588/fr...-a-salad-green
xxoo

1. Wash the nasturtium and arugula, and shake until they are dry. Chop them slightly, if desired.
2. Wash and trim the scallions; then slice them into ?ne rings.
3. Mix the balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper and mustard; whisk in the olive oil.
4. Toss the nasturtium leaves, arugula leaves and scallions in the dressing,and arrange them on plates.
5. Slice or coarsely grate the Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle on top of the salad,and garnish with nasturtium flowers.

[makwaiskwew]

Well this thread is getting quite diverse so I might as well add this to it as it has been important to me...and still is for all of us.
http://indigosociety.com/showthread....home-gardening

I am not quite sure what direction to go from here...lol....forward i suppose

Alfalfa
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ImI0YE_PqB4
This article briefly takes you through some alfalfa facts, information as well as the history of the plant.
Herbs are God and nature's gifts to us. While the use of herbs and herb remedies has brought excellent results for many people, do note that their health benefits may be limited when they are used in isolation. However, when combined with some basic dietary and lifestyle good health habits, such as a full body detox and a proper understanding and application of nutrition, the impact on one's health will be greatly magnified.

In natural health and healing, we believe that the body has the ability to heal itself of any disease, even supposedly incurable diseases. We also believe in holistic health and healing, as we realize that different parts of the human body are highly interlinked, often beyond Man’s understanding. It is thus a good idea to apply these fundamental health steps no matter how remote or unrelated a health condition may seem.

Even though the alfalfa plant is primarily considered a forage crop for animals, it has been recognized for its uses as an herbal medicine for close to 1500 years now.

This herbal medicine is known to be effective in treating high blood cell production - this is done by ingesting the seeds and sprouts of alfalfa.

Alfalfa leaves and stems are also a rich source of proteins, vitamins and minerals, and aid in combating deficiency of the same.

Alfalfa is a slim, bushy perennial plant native to western Asia and the eastern Mediterranean region. It is a legume belonging to the pea family Papilioaceae and the genus / species medicago sativa.

Alfalfa is one of the oldest cultivated plants in history. Other common names include lucerne, lucerne grass, chilean clover and buffalo grass.

An interesting alfalfa fact lies in the language origin of the name of the plant. Etymologically, its name is derived from "al-fac-facah", which means "father of all foods" in Arabic.

This plant bears blue-green trifoliate leaves and mauve flowers. The seeds are sickle shaped pods and alfalfa sprouts have high medicinal value.

The parts used for human nutritional consumption are usually the stems and leaves as well as the sprouts from the seeds.

Alfalfa sprouts are commonly also referred to as alfalfa grass, while both these names are often associated with the alfalfa plant, especially with reference to human consumption.

Listing out the properties of this healing herb would require a mention of its cooling, sweet, and astringent qualities.

An important alfalfa fact would be its power packed nutritional constituents. This would include minerals and vitamins, organic acids, free amino acids, non-protein amino acids (example canavinine), strachydrine, coumarins, isoflavonoids, saponins and steroids such as b-sitosterol, campesterol, stigamsterol, etc. Alfalfa also contains vitamins A, D, E and K, chlorophyll and carotene, as well as minerals such as potassium, calcium, and magnesium.

Commercially, alfalfa is available as dried leaf, health drinks and tea; as alfalfa supplements such as tablets, capsules and extracts; as well as in other forms.

Another interesting alfalfa fact to note is that modern day use of the plant is not just restricted to medicine and forage - it is also used in organic gardening. Alfalfa is typically used as a fertilizer since it adds value to the soil due to its nitrogen fixing attributes.
http://www.all4naturalhealth.com/alfalfa-facts.html




http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/organ...0#.T0-SVocgdbE
http://natural-herbal-remedies.facto...alth-benefits/
http://www.kansasruralcenter.org/pub...ns/alfalfa.pdf

xxoo

[makwaiskwew]

Garlic
The word garlic comes from Old English garleac, meaning "spear leek." As a culinary and medicinal plant, garlic spread in ancient times to the Mediterranean region and beyond.

Early Use of Garlic. Garlic has been used for medicinal purposes by more cultures than any other plant product or substance. The first recorded use was by the Sumerians of Mesopotamia, in the regions of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers.

History of Garlic in Egypt. Archeologists have discovered paintings of garlic, dating back to 3200 B.C, in Egyptian tombs, including the Great Pyramid of Cheops. Egyptians worshipped garlic and placed clay models of garlic bulbs in the tomb of Tutankhamen. A recently discovered Egyptian papyrus dating from 1,500 B.C. recommends garlic as a cure for over 22 common ailments, including lack of stamina, heart disease and tumors.

Garlic was so highly-prized, it was even used as currency. Although the Egyptians worshipped garlic, they also had a strong aversion to cooking and eating it. They did apparently feed garlic to the slaves building the pyramids to increase their strength.

The ancient Israelites were fond of garlic long before Moses led them out of Egypt. In the Mishnah, a collection of Jewish traditions incorporated into the Talmud, the ancient Hebrew writers refer to themselves as "the garlic eaters." On their way to the Promised Land, the Jews lamented the absence of garlic, as well as other foods from Egypt.



History of Garlic in Ancient Greek and Roman Life. Many other ancient civilizations, including the Romans and Greeks used garlic to boost strength and prevent diseases. In ancient Greece and Rome, garlic enjoyed a variety of uses, from repelling scorpions to treating animal bites and bladder infections to curing leprosy and asthma. It was even left out as an offering to the Greek goddess Hectate.

Early Greek military leaders fed garlic to their troops before battles to give them courage and promise victory. The Greeks fed their athletes garlic to give them strength for the Olympic games. Garlic was also often used to help heal battle wounds.

Hippocrates, who lived 460 to 370 B.C. and is considered the father of western medicine, was said to have used garlic to treat cancerous tumors. He recommended garlic for pneumonia and other infections, digestive disorders, as well as using it as a diuretic and a substance to improve menstrual flow.



History of Garlic in the Far East. Although highly regarded as a medicine in eastern cultures, garlic was not used as a food. The Buddhists avoided eating it as did some Hindus.

The ancient Indians valued the medicinal properties of garlic and thought it to be an aphrodisiac. But it was not considered to be suitable food for the upper classes, who detested its strong odor. It was also forbidden by monks, who believed it to be a stimulant that aroused passions. Widows, adolescents and those who had taken up a vow, or were fasting, could not eat garlic because of its stimulant quality.

This attitude changed with the centuries and by the period of Muslim rule, garlic, ginger and onion were, and continue to be, an indispensable part of cuisines of South Asia.

Garlic also has a history of use in Ayurvedic medicine. This ancient Indian healing system used garlic as a medicinal plant which could warm the body, improve blood circulation, and cure digestive problems.

History of Garlic in the Middle Ages. In the Middle Ages, garlic was thought to combat the plague and was hung in braided strands across the entrances of houses to prevent evil spirits from entering. We also know that monks chewed on garlic cloves to protect themselves from the plague.

Many cultures have used garlic for what they considered its magical powers, perhaps owing to its reputation as a preventative medicine. European folk beliefs considered garlic as a substance that could protect against demons, werewolves, and vampires. Garlic could be worn, hung in windows, or rubbed on chimneys and keyholes.

History of Garlic in Western Cultures. Garlic was used as a medicine against plagues that struck London in the 17th century and France in the 18th century.

In New England, during colonial times, garlic cloves were used against smallpox, rheumatism, intestinal worms and whooping cough sufferers.

Louis Pasteur recognized its antiseptic properties in 1858, and Albert Schweitzer used garlic for dysentery.

For many years, garlic was shunned as a food by the western cultures such as England and America because of the odor it left behind. In seventeenth century England, garlic was considered unfit for ladies and anyone who wished to court them. It was avoided in America until the 20th century, when a huge influx of immigrants allowed garlic to slowly gained a foothold in the American palette.



Garlic Achieves Popularity in the 20th Century. Although initially used almost exclusively in ethnic working-class neighborhoods, by 1940 America had finally embraced garlic, recognizing its value not only a seasoning, but as a major ingredient in recipes.

In World War II. garlic was dubbed "Russian penicillin" because it was used by the Russian army to fight infections on the battlefield. It was also widely used as an antiseptic to prevent gangrene during both World Wars.

Today, garlic is recognized worldwide as an extremely nutritious addition to any diet. Over a thousand papers on garlic health benefits have been published since 1950.
http://www.antioxidants-for-health-a...of-garlic.html

also at the bottom of this link are pages for basil | cloves | cilantro | cinnamon | cayenne | cumin
fennel | fenugreek | ginger | parsley | oregano | peppermint
rosemary | sage | thyme | turmeric
http://www.antioxidants-for-health-a...of-spices.html

http://wildwoodsurvival.com/survival...lic/index.html

xxoo

[makwaiskwew]

Parsley
(Carum Petroselinum, Linn.)

Parsley Proverbs & Folklore.
Much of the folklore surrounding parsley can be probably attributed to a look-alike plant called fool's parsley that is actually deadly.

The Ancient Greeks simply associated parsley with death as it was supposed to have sprung from the blood of Archemorus, whose name meant 'Forerunner of Death.' Homer tells of chariot horses being fed parsley by warriors prior to battle in hopes of making the animals more fleet of foot. Victors at funeral games, athletic contests held in honor of a recently deceased person, were crowned with parsley. The saying 'to be in need of parsley' was their way of saying that someone was terribly ill and not expected to survive. It was never served at the dining table because it was held sacred to oblivion and the defunct.

Greek gardens often had borders of parsley and rue which led to the saying "Oh! we are only at the Parsley and Rue" to signify when an undertaking was in contemplation and not fully acted upon.

The Romans did not generally eat parsley either but they did wear garlands of parsley on their heads during feasts to ward off intoxication. Parsley was kept away from nursing mothers because it was thought to cause epilepsy in their babies.

With this already black reputation, it was little wonder that even the low germination rate of parsley seeds was given an ominous folklore. It was said that the reason for the slow and unreliable germination of parlsey is that the seed goes nine times to the Devil and back before coming up. The ungerminated seeds are the ones that the Devil keeps for himself. In some areas, the belief went even further claiming that only if the woman was master of the household would parsley start to grow.

Ironically, at Roman weddings, wreaths of parsley were given to protect against evil spirits.

English Parsley Folklore.
Apparently it wasn't just the Ancients who attached odd folklore to parsley; the people in old England had their own set of parables and folklore surrounding the plant which also appear to have differed between the regions of the country.

Parsley was also associated with death in England. A common saying was 'Welsh parsley is a good physic' - 'Welsh parsley' signified the gallows rope. In Surrey and in other southern English counties it was said, "Where parsley's grown in the garden, there'll be a death before the year's out."

While certainly not as dramatic as a death sentence, it was believed if someone cut parsley that they would be later crossed in love.

Transplanting parsley would appear to be an equally unfavorable activity. In Devonshire, it was believed that to transplant parsley was to commit offense against the 'guardian genius' who presides over parsley beds. The evil transplanter or a member of his family was thought to be punished within a year. (No specifics were given as to what sort of punishment could be expected.) And, in Hampshire, peasants feared giving away any parsley as it would bring ill-luck upon them.

One woman in Morwenstow claimed that one of her children sickened after an "unfortunate undoing of the parsley bed."

In Suffolk, it was thought sowing Parsley seed on Good Friday would ensure the herb coming up "double".

Early Medicinal Uses of Parsley.
Pliny (23 - 79 AD) mentioned parsley as a cure for ailing fish and listed it as a popular flavoring for broths and sauces. He also made mention of a curled variety. In Tudor times through to recent years, parsley was thought to be a remedy for baldness.Parsley was once thought to be effective against poisons. One of our sources suggested that parsley's ability to conteract the strong smell of garlic as a possible source for this belief and usage.

Charlemagne was said to have favored cheese flavored with parsley seeds.
Gerard, author of Herball or Historie of Plants(1597), grew both the smooth and curled leaf varieties and described the curled variety as "fannes of curled feathers."

Nicholas Culpepper (1616 - 1654), a physician-astrologer, said "it brings urine and women's curses", referring to parsley's diuretic effect and the belief it could both bring on and relieve the discomforts associated with a woman's monthly cycle.

Tournefort (1656 - 1708), despite being perhaps the greatest European botanist of his century, believed parsley to contain an acrid and corrosive salt that when wet with water and left in contact with a glass that the glass will become extremely fragile and easily broken.

The Gardener's Dictionary, published in 1805 by Phillip Miller, identified parsley as being fatal to small birds. It goes on to say that parsley can injure the sight and aggrevate or even cause epilepsy.

Farmers once thought that parsley prevented a number of diseases in sheep and would plant fields of it to keep their flock healthy. Parsley, with it's strong aroma, would unfortunately attract an overabundance of rabbits and hares which would come from long distances to eat the parlsey leaving many farmers to fence in their fields of parsley.

Seeing the dilemma of the farmers, gardeners planted carnations with their parsley in hopes of providing the rabbits and hares an alternative. Unfortunately, the parsley was still eaten and the carnations simply ruined.

Additional Parsley Information.
Thankfully, in spite of its connections with death and suffering, along the way, someone figured out that parsley was quite tasty and worthy of growing. Along with this historical look at the origins and early uses of parsley, Our Herb Garden has guides on Growing Parsley and Parsley Companion Planting.
http://www.ourherbgarden.com/herb-history/parsley.html
http://www.doityourself.com/stry/parsley
http://www.herbalist.com/wiki.detail...ry/11/start/0/
http://www.theherbspiral.com/supps/h...es/Parsley.htm

xxoo

[makwaiskwew]

Well since this threads inception it has certainly taken it,s own course....while I initially wanted it to be about foods and medicine that comes from source(well everything does) but I have been thinking of how we've evolved and how everything changes. While our ancestors gathered and knew the medicines and foods that were given freely in abundance for the benefit of our race, science has had it,s benefits too in the knowledge of plants and species. I have shared this link elsewhere this week but would like to share it here as well. I still advocate that everything we need has been supplied for us naturally And if I am repeating anything from the IS archives...please let me know and feel free to share it with us here.

Vitamins and minerals
All vitamins can be found in a bottle, but do we know where to look for them in their natural sources?

When most people think of vitamins they think of a pill, or several pills, as their source. If you asked about the "natural" source of specific vitamins you would probably hear that you can find vitamin C in an orange or vitamin D from the sun. To refresh our memories, or perhaps to learn this for the first time, let's take a look at the basic vitamins, what they do for us and where, in nature, they can be found.

Please note that this is provided as information only, and is in no way meant to help with any self-diagnosis. As

with everything health related, if you believe you may have a deficiency or wish to know how much of a vitamin you should be taking, see your physician.

Vitamin A and beta-carotene: Vitamin A aids in maintaining good vision, such as preventing night blindness and cataracts, as well as reducing the risk of heart attacks and some forms of cancer. Beta-carotene is a

compound that makes up the red, orange and yellow pigments in plants that, when in the body, is converted into vitamin A. Excellent natural sources of vitamin A are raw carrots, sweet potatoes, winter squash, spinach, and cantaloupe.

Vitamin B1 - thiamine: Helps convert blood sugar to energy, forms red blood cells, maintains skeletal muscle. Sources are pork, sunflower seeds, whole grains, beans, seafood.

Folate: A B vitamin called folic acid, aids in metabolism and all of the body's biological reactions. It has recently been found to be especially important in pregnancy, as it aids in development of the fetus while preventing neural tube defects such as spina bifida and incomplete brain formation. sources are beans, spinach and other leafy greens, wheat germ, oranges, and mushrooms.

Vitamin B2 - Riboflavin: Aids in production of body energy. The more active you are the more B2 you need. It also protects against cancer and anemia. Sources of B2 are milk, yogurt, chicken, leafy green vegetables, fruit and almonds.

Vitamin B3 - Niacin: Required for proper metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and protein, as well as production of digestive acid. It is also essential for healthy skin, proper blood circulation and the functioning of the central nervous system. Sources are chicken breast, canned tuna, Brewer's yeast, peanut butter, beans, and sunflower seeds.Vitamin B5 - pantothenic acid: Vitamin B5 has been found to help fight depression, reduce stress, metabolize carbohydrates, fats and proteins, and aid in the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. Its presence is needed to produce healthy red blood cells, antibodies, cholesterol and Vitamin D. Sources are organ meats, fish, grains, egg, peanuts and peas.

Vitamin B6 - Pyroxidine: Often hailed as a wonder vitamin as it aids in the treatment of many disorders, such as: PMS, carpal tunnel syndrome, depression, nervous disorders, hyperactivity, diabetes, kidney stones, asthma, skin problems, acne, schizophrenia, and maintains a strong immune system. Sources are bananas, chicken, baked potatoes, chick peas, fortified cereals, oats, and peanuts.

Vitamin B12: Increases energy, reduces stress, improves memory, and aids the digestive system and strengthens the immune system. Sources are fresh fish, dairy products, beef and pork, and eggs.

Vitamin C: Vitamin C is known for fighting colds and cancer as well as enforcing strong teeth, healthy gums, and prevention of heart disease and cataracts. Sources of vitamin C are strawberries, melons, citrus fruit, broccoli, brussel sprouts, red peppers and cranberry juice.

Vitamin D: Builds and maintains strong bones and teeth as it aids in calcium absorption. It is also believed to aid in treatment of psoriasis, tuberculosis and cancers. Sources are the sun (5-10 minutes, 3 times per week), egg yolks, fatty fish, fortified milk, and liver.

Vitamin E - tocopherol: Protects cells from damage caused by destructive oxygen molecules (free radicals), aids in prevention of certain cancers, cataracts, and heart disease and improves the immune system. Sources are vegetable oil, mayonnaise, peants, whole grains, wheat germ, sunflower seeds, sweet potatoes and yams.

Vitamin K: Vitamin K plays an important function in blood clotting, maintaining healthy bones as well as aiding in the healing of fractures. Sources are leafy green vegetables, fruits, beets, potatoes, eggs, seeds, dairy products, meats, and is also made by bacteria in stomach.

Vitamn P - bioflavinoids: Vitamin P is a group of bioflavinoids that includes hesperidin, citrin, rutin, quercetin, calechin, flavone, and flavonals. They protect the capellary lining which is made up of the tiniest blood vessels in the body, as well as aid in the absorption and processing of Vitamin C. Sources are fruits, as bioflavinoids are actually a group of colored substances that are found in fruit skin and the pulp of the fruit.


Food Sources
of Mineral Nutrients

Here is a list of good food sources for a number of important minerals that are an essential part of good nutrition.

Calcium
Almonds, figs, beans, carrots, pecans, raisins, brown rice, apricots, garlic, dates, spinach, sesame seeds, brazil nuts, cashews, papaya, avocados, celery.

Chromium
Brewers yeast, clams, cheese, corn oil, whole grains.

Copper
Soy beans, Brazil nuts, bone meal, raisins, legumes, seafoods, black strap molasses.

Iodine
Kelp, dulse, beets, celery, lettuce, Irish moss, grapes, mushrooms, oranges.

Iron *
Kelp, raisins, figs, beets, soy beans, bananas, asparagus, carrots, cucumbers, sunflower seeds, parsley, grapes, watercress.

Magnesium
Honey, almonds, tuna, kelp, pineapple, pecans, green vegetables.

Manganese
Celery, bananas, beets, egg yolks, bran, walnuts, pineapples, asparagus, whole grains, leafy green vegetables.

Phosphorus
Mushrooms, cashews, oats, beans, squash, pecans, carrots, almonds.

Potassium
Spinach, apples, tomatoes, strawberries, bananas, lemons, figs, celery, mushrooms, oranges, papaya, pecans, raisins, pineapple, rice, cucumbers, Brussels sprouts.

Sodium
Turnips, raw milk, cheese, wheat germ, cucumbers, beets, string beans, seafoods, lima beans, okra, pumpkins.

Sulphur
Bran, cheese, eggs, cauliflower, nuts, onions, broccoli, fish, wheat germ, cucumbers, turnips, corn.

Zinc
Mushrooms, liver, seafood, soy beans, sunflower seeds, brewers yeast.

NaturoDoc Note: Iron has been found to be problematic for people who have high levels from their diet and environment. Many mineral supplements are now formulated without iron because of its inflammatory and toxic effects on some people.
http://www.naturodoc.com/library/nutrition/food.htm
http://www.essortment.com/vitamins-n...ces-48370.html
http://www.fitwise.com/vitamins_and_minerals.asp

xxoo

[makwaiskwew]

OK...I debated on putting Cannabis here however seeing as it,s debated everywhere else...what the heck...lol.
can·na·bis/ˈkanəbis/
Noun:
A plant (Cannabis sativa, family Cannabaceae) used to produce hemp fiber and as a mildly psychotropic drug.
A dried preparation of the flowering tops or other parts of this plant, or a resinous extract of it (cannabis resin).

While the debates go on and on over it,s legality I believe each has the right to make their own choices when using medicinally or for social entertainment. Just be informed.

General Remarks
There are marked differences in the knowledge on the medical uses of cannabis and cannabinoids in different diseases. For nausea and vomiting associated with cancer chemotherapy, anorexia and cachexia in HIV/AIDS, chronic, especially neuropathic pain, spasticity in multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injury there is strong evidence for medical benefits. For many other indications, such as epilepsy, pruritus and depression there is much less available data. However, the scientific evidence for a specific indication does not necessarily reflect the actual therapeutic potential for a given disease.

Clinical studies with single cannabinoids or whole plant preparations (smoked cannabis, cannabis extract) have often been inspired by positive anecdotal experiences of patients employing crude cannabis products. The anti-emetic, the appetite enhancing, relaxing effects, analgesia, and therapeutic use in Tourette's syndrome were all discovered in this manner.

Incidental observations have also revealed therapeutically useful effects. This occurred in a study with patients with Alzheimer's disease wherein the primary issue was an examination of the appetite-stimulating effects of THC. Not only appetite and body weight increased, but disturbed behaviour among the patients also decreased. The discovery of decreased intraocular pressure with THC administration in the beginning of the 1970s was also serendipitous. Additional interesting indications that have not been scientifically investigated, but remain common problems in modern medicine may benefit from treatment with cannabis or cannabinoids. For this reason, surveys have been conducted questioning individuals that use cannabis therapeutically. They were conducted either as oral non-standardized interviews in the course of investigations of state or scientific institutions (House of Lords Select Committee on Science and Technology in the UK, Institute of Medicine in the USA) on the therapeutic potential of cannabis or as anonymous surveys using standardized questionnaires.


Nausea and Vomiting
Treatment of side effects associated with antineoplastic therapy is the indication for cannabinoids which has been most documented, with about 40 studies (THC, nabilone, other THC analogues, cannabis). Most trials were conducted in the 1980s. THC has to be dosed relatively highly, so that resultant side effects may occur comparatively frequently. THC was inferior to high-dose metoclopramide in one study. There are no comparisons of THC to the modern serotonin antagonists. Some recent investigations have shown that THC in low doses improves the efficacy of other antiemetic drugs if given together. In folk medicine cannabinoids are popular and are often used in other causes of nausea including AIDS and hepatitis.


Anorexia and Cachexia
An appetite enhancing effect of THC is observed with daily divided doses totalling 5 mg. When required, the daily dose may be increased to 20 mg. In a long-term study of 94 AIDS patients, the appetite-stimulating effect of THC continued for months, confirming the appetite enhancement noted in a shorter 6 week study. THC doubled appetite on a visual analogue scale in comparison to placebo. Patients tended to retain a stable body weight over the course of seven months. A positive influence on body weight was also reported in 15 patients with Alzheimer's disease who were previously refusing food.


Spasticity
In many clinical trials of THC, nabilone and cannabis, a beneficial effect on spasticity caused by multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injury has been observed. Among other positively influenced symptoms were pain, paraesthesia, tremor and ataxia. In some studies improved bladder control was observed. There is also some anecdotal evidence of a benefit of cannabis in spasticity due to lesions of the brain.


Movement Disorders

There are some positive anecdotal reports of therapeutic response to cannabis in Tourette's syndrome, dystonia and tardive dyskinesia. The use in Tourette's syndrome is currently being investigated in clinical studies. Many patients achieve a modest improvement, however some show a considerable response or even complete symptom control. In some MS patients, benefits on ataxia and reduction of tremor have been observed following the administration of THC. Despite occasional positive reports, no objective success has been found in parkinsonism or Huntington disease. However, cannabis products may prove useful in levodopa-induced dyskinesia in Parkinson disease without worsening the primary symptoms.


Pain
Large clinical studies have proven analgesic properties of cannabis products. Among possible indications are neuropathic pain due to multiple sclerosis, damage of the brachial plexus and HIV infection, pain in rheumatoid arthritis, cancer pain, headache, menstrual pain, chronic bowel inflammation and neuralgias. Combination with opioids is possible.


Glaucoma
In 1971, during a systematic investigation of its effects in healthy cannabis users, it was observed that cannabis reduces intraocular pressure. In the following 12 years a number of studies in healthy individuals and glaucoma patients with cannabis and several natural and synthetic cannabinoids were conducted. cannabis decreases intraocular pressure by an average 25-30%, occasionally up to 50%. Some non-psychotropic cannabinoids, and to a lesser extent, some non-cannabinoid constituents of the hemp plant also decrease intraocular pressure.


Epilepsy
The use in epilepsy is among its historically oldest indications of cannabis. Animal experiments provide evidence of the antiepileptic effects of some cannabinoids. The anticonvulsant activity of phenytoin and diazepam have been potentiated by THC. According to a few case reports from the 20th century, some epileptic patients continue to utililize cannabis to control an otherwise unmanageable seizure disorder. Cannabis use may occasionally precipitate convulsions.


Asthma
Experiments examining the anti-asthmatic effect of THC or cannabis date mainly from the 1970s, and are all acute studies. The effects of a cannabis cigarette (2% THC) or oral THC (15 mg), respectively, approximately correspond to those obtained with therapeutic doses of common bronchodilator drugs (salbutamol, isoprenaline). Since inhalation of cannabis products may irritate the mucous membranes, oral administration or another alternative delivery system would be preferable. Very few patients developed bronchoconstriction after inhalation of THC.

Dependency and Withdrawal
According to historical and modern case reports cannabis is a good remedy to combat withdrawal in dependency on benzodiazepines, opiates and alcohol. For this reason, some have referred to it as a gateway drug back. In this context, both the reduction of physical withdrawal symptoms and stress connected with discontinuance of drug abuse may play a role in its observed benefits.


Psychiatric Symptoms
An improvement of mood in reactive depression has been observed in several clinical studies with THC. There are additional case reports claiming benefit of cannabinoids in other psychiatric symptoms and diseases, such as sleep disorders, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorders, and dysthymia. Various authors have expressed different viewpoints concerning psychiatric syndromes and cannabis. While some emphasize the problems caused by cannabis, others promote the therapeutic possibilities. Quite possibly cannabis products may be either beneficial or harmful, depending on the particular case. The attending physician and the patient should be open to a critical examination of the topic, and a frankness to both possibilities.


Autoimmune Diseases and Inflammation
In a number of painful syndromes secondary to inflammatory processes (e.g. ulcerative colitis, arthritis), cannabis products may act not only as analgesics but also demonstrate anti-inflammatory potential. For example, some patients employing cannabis report a decrease in their need for steroidal and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Moreover there are some reports of positive effects of cannabis self-medication in allergic conditions. It is as yet unclear whether cannabis products may have a relevant effects on causative processes of autoimmune diseases.


Miscellaneous, Mixed Syndromes
There are a number of positive patient reports on medical conditions that cannot be easily assigned to the above categories, such as pruritus, hiccup, ADS (attention deficit syndrome), high blood pressure, tinnitus, chronic fatigue syndrome, restless leg syndrome, and others. Several hundreds possible indications for cannabis and THC have been described by different authors. For example, 2,5 to 5 mg THC were effective in three patients with pruritus due to liver diseases. Another example is the successful treatment of a chronic hiccup that developed after a surgery. No medication was effective, but smoking of a cannabis cigarette completely abolished the symptoms.

Cannabis products often show very good effects in diseases with multiple symptoms that encompassed within the spectrum of THC effects, for example, in painful conditions that have an inflammatory origin (e.g., arthritis), or are accompanied by increased muscle tone (e.g., menstrual cramps, spinal cord injury), or in diseases with nausea and anorexia accompanied by pain, anxiety and depression, respectively (e.g. AIDS, cancer, hepatitis C).

There are studies and case reports in the link below
http://www.cannabis-med.org/english/...use.htm#depend
The Emperor Wears No Clothes: The Authoritative Historical Record of Cannabis and the Conspiracy Against Marijuana
.If and when you really want to get serious about sorting out all the information, and misinformation, about the cannabis plant, its real dangers and beneficial uses, and much of the conspiracy to demonize marijuana in the United States and elsewhere, then there is certainly one book that absolutely must be on your personal list of resources; Jack Herer’s wonderful and widely respected tomb “The Emperor Wears no Clothes”.

In this book, now heading into its 12th edition printing, Jack Herer, widely known as the “Emperor of Hemp”, makes a very strong case for why the marijuana plant should be reconsidered as an easily renewable resource for food, energy, fabric, and medicine. Throughout its sixteen chapters, Herer points to not only myriad reasons why this plant should be immediately decriminalized, but also lays out the history of how an intentional government propaganda campaign had forcefully driven the courts to criminalize it in the first place.

Herer, born in New York City, and initially a Goldwater republican, actually started out as an avid prohibitionist, and reportedly even threatened to leave his first wife after finding out that she had smoked pot. Herer was a military policeman in the Korean War. Not exactly the stereotype of what one would expect for someone that ended up with such an insatiable passion for marijuana legalization. But that was destined to take a radical change. In 1967, Jack met a girl he liked that talked him into trying marijuana, and that was the beginning of his complete reinvention of himself, and his views about cannabis, and the willingness for the U.S. government to freely and intentionally misinform its own people.

This book, since its 1985 debut, has been updated to the eleventh edition, with the twelfth edition currently in the works to include the latest updates. Updates to current laws, by the way, that can at least in some significant part be attributed to the efforts of Mr. Herer in writing this useful and informative book. That’s also likely a big part of why this book has already sold over 700,000 copies. So if you really want the honest scoop on the history of marijuana in this country, replete with source citations throughout, this one is definitely a must have informational resource for you.
Here is a link for Jack Herer's Book
The Emperor Wears No Clothes
http://www.onlinepot.org/grow/jack1.htm

And also
Hemp Vs Cotton Debate
The most commonly seen modern hemp product is clothing. Hemp clothing is warmer, softer, more absorbent, extremely breathable and significantly more durable than clothing made from cotton; looks like linen, feels like flannel, and wears two to three times longer than other fabrics. Almost half of the agricultural chemicals used on US crops are applied to cotton. Using over 275 million pounds of pesticides annually (in the U.S), along with fertilizers, growth regulators and biocides, cotton is one of the world's most environmentally destructive crops. Hemp, in contrast, is the most environmentally positive of crops, one that actually leaves the soil in improved condition. Hemp grows tall and thick, shading and mulching the ground while its deep taproots break up and aerate the soil. This contributes to healthy microbial life and nutrient content in the soil, and the shading eliminates competing weeds. It is also naturally resistant to most insects, molds, and other pests.
http://www.squidoo.com/hemp_Clothing_Bags_Accessories

Most certainly this is not the first post on this. There have been many discussions on IS.
Just put cannabis in the search engine and you will find some other good links and discussions. For what ever reason the link I added earlier keeps changing and not giving search results...anyways
I finally figured out how to do a search here

I guess the last thing I want to add is to use discretion with your source
How to Tell if Your Weed is Laced *Guide*

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thee have been many threads asking if their weed was laced. I decided to make a short guide to explain the common question about the effects and side effects of laced weed.

Why would anyone lace Marijuana?

These are in order from most plausible to least possible reasons.

-To sell their weed at higher prices, claiming its more potent
-To get you addicted
-To fuck with you
-By accident
-To experiment on you

Other drugs are more expensive then Marijuana, why would my deal ever do this?

For example a bag of heroin is .1g in my area and is worth about 10$. A gram of dank is around 15-20$. Lets say the dealer has some low mid grade marijuana. 1g of mids go for 5$ or so around here, so if he laced 1g of mids with a bag of heroin and sold it as dank at 20$ he would be making profit.

The marijuana with laced with heroin will still give a more intense high then any dank to user with no opiate tolerance. Even .02g of smoked heroin can produce base line or mild effects which can be confused with really strong weed.

What are some common things Marijuana is laced with?

-Heroin
-Meth
-PCP

If you purchase blunts or joints they may also contain MDMA or Crack.

What are the effects and side effects of some of these drugs?

Heroin
-Numbness in parts of your body
-Warmth or change in body temperature
-Strong feelings of euphoria
-Loosing feeling in parts of your body
-Decrease in abillity to feel pain

Side Effects
-Organ damage and or failure
-Suppression of the respiratory system-Brain Damage
-Death

Meth
-Euphoria
-Feelings of hyperactivity
-Restlessness
-Inability to sleep

Side Effects
-Brain Damage
-Seizures
-Heart Failure
-Heart Attack

PCP
-Disorientation
-Confusion
-Inability to gather your thoughts
-Minor hallucinations
-Anger

Side Effects
-Brain Damage
-Suicidal tendencies
-Stroke
-Hypertension

Is there anything else to watch out for?

Recently there has been a very dangerous chemical compound going around which has been found in marijuana. This compound is Tetrahydrocannabinol. In 2008 alone this chemical was responsible for over 24,000 deaths in the US alone.

Some symptoms include:


•nausea
•coughing, asthma, upper respiratory problems
•difficulty with short term memory
•racing heart, agitation, feeling tense
•mild to severe anxiety
•panic attacks in sensitive users
•headaches
•dizziness, confusion
•lightheadedness or fainting (in cases of lowered blood pressure)
•paranoid & anxious thoughts more frequent
•possible psychological dependence
•clumsiness, loss of coordination
•can precipitate or exacerbate latent or existing mental disorders

What do I do if my Marijuana is laced?

You know more about yourself then anyone else does. Nearly 50% of all weed is laced these days, you do not want to risk your life just to get high for a few hours. Make the right choice.

http://forum.grasscity.com/apprentic...d-*guide*.html

xxoo

[makwaiskwew]

Borage
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HmrIOzzFv-Q
---Synonym---Burrage.
---Parts Used---Leaves and flowers.
---Habitat---The Common Borage is a hardy annual plant coming originally from Aleppo but now naturalized in most parts of Europe and frequently found in this country, though mostly only on rubbish heaps and near dwellings, and may be regarded as a garden escape. It has long been grown freely in kitchen gardens, both for its uses as a herb and for the sake of its flowers, which yield excellent honey.
---Description---The whole plant is rough with white, stiff, prickly hairs. The round stems, about 1 1/2 feet high, are branched, hollow and succulent; the leaves alternate, large, wrinkled, deep green, oval and pointed, 3 inches long or more, and about 1 1/2 inch broad, the lower ones stalked, with stiff, one celled hairs on the upper surfaces and on the veins below, the margins entire, but wavy. The flowers, which terminate the cells, are bright blue and star-shaped, distinguished from those of every plant in this order by their prominent black anthers, which form a cone in the centre and have been described as their beauty spot. The fruit consists of four brownish-black nutlets.
[Top]

---History---In the early part of the nineteenth century, the young tops of Borage were still sometimes boiled as a pot-herb, and the young leaves were formerly considered good in salads.

The fresh herb has a cucumber-like fragrance. When steeped in water, it imparts a coolness to it and a faint cucumber flavour, and compounded with lemon and sugar in wine, and water, it makes a refreshing and restorative summer drink. It was formerly always an ingredient in cool tankards of wine and cider, and is still largely used in claret cup.

Our great grandmothers preserved the flowers and candied them.

Borage was sometimes called Bugloss by the old herbalists, a name that properly belongs to Anchusa officinalis, the Alkanet, the Small Bugloss being Lycopsis arvensis, and Viper's Bugloss being the popular name for Echium vulgare.Some authorities consider that the Latin name Borago, from which our popular name is taken, is a corruption of corago, from cor, the heart, and ago, I bring, because of its cordial effect.

In all the countries bordering the Mediterranean, where it is plentiful, it is spelt with a double 'r,' so the word may be derived from the Italian borra, French bourra, signifying hair or wool, words which in their turn are derived from the Low Latin burra, a flock of wool, in reference to the thick covering of short hairs which clothes the whole plant.

Henslow suggests that the name is derived from barrach, a Celtic word meaning 'a man of courage.'

Gerard says:
'Pliny calls it Euphrosinum, because it maketh a man merry and joyfull: which thing also the old verse concerning Borage doth testifie:
Ego Borago - (I, Borage)
Gaudia semper ago. - (Bring alwaies courage.)
Those of our time do use the flowers in sallads to exhilerate and make the mind glad. There be also many things made of these used everywhere for the comfort of the heart, for the driving away of sorrow and increasing the joy of the minde. The leaves and floures of Borage put into wine make men and women glad and merry and drive away all sadnesse, dulnesse and melancholy, as Dios corides and Pliny affirme. Syrup made of the floures of Borage comforteth the heart, purgeth melancholy and quieteth the phrenticke and lunaticke person. The leaves eaten raw ingender good bloud, especially in those that have been lately sicke.'

According to Dioscorides and Pliny, Borage was the famous Nepenthe of Homer, which when drunk steeped in wine, brought absolute forgetfulness.

John Evelyn, writing at the close of the seventeenth century tells us: 'Sprigs of Borage are of known virtue to revive the hypochrondriac and cheer the hard student.'

Parkinson commends it 'to expel pensiveness and melanchollie.' Bacon says that it 'hath an excellent spirit to repress the fuliginous vapour of dusky melancholie.' Culpepper finds the plant useful in putrid and pestilential fever, the venom of serpents, jaundice, consumption, sore throat, and rheumatism.'

[Top]

---Cultivation---Borage flourishes in ordinary soil. It may be propagated by division of rootstocks in spring and by putting cuttings of shoots in sandy soil in a cold frame in summer and autumn, or from seeds sown in fairly good, light soil, from the middle of March to May, in drills 18 inches apart, the seedlings being thinned out to about 15 inches apart in the rows. If left alone, Borage will seed itself freely and comes up year after year in the same place. Seeds may also be sown in the autumn. Those sown then will flower in May, whereas those sown in the spring will not flower till June.

---Part Used Medicinally---The leaves, and to a lesser extent, the flowers. Gather the leaves when the plant is coming into flower. Strip them off singly and reject any that are stained and insect-eaten. Pick only on a fine day, when the sun has dried off the dew.

---Constituents---Borage contains potassium and calcium, combined with mineral acids. The fresh juice affords 30 per cent, the dried herb 3 per cent of nitrate of potash. The stems and leaves supply much saline mucilage, which when boiled and cooked likewise deposits nitre and common salt. It is to these saline qualities that the wholesome invigorating properties of Borage are supposed to be due. Owing to the presence of nitrate of potash when burnt, it will emit sparks with a slight explosive sound.---Medicinal Action and Uses---Diuretic, demulcent, emollient. Borage is much usedin France for fevers and pulmonary complaints. By virtue of its saline constituents, it promotes the activity of the kidneys and for this reason is employed to carry off feverish catarrhs. Its demulcent qualities are due to the mucilage contained in the whole plant.

For internal use, an infusion is made of 1 OZ of leaves to 1 pint of boiling water, taken in wineglassful doses.

Externally, it is employed as a poultice for inflammatory swellings.

---Preparation---Fluid extract. Dose, 1/2 to 1 drachm.

The flowers, candied and made into a conserve, were deemed useful for persons weakened by long sickness, and for those subject to swoonings; the distilled water was considered as effectual, and also valuable to cure inflammation of the eyes.

The juice in syrup was thought not only to be good in fevers, but to be a remedy for jaundice, itch and ringworm. Culpepper tells us that in his days: 'The dried herb is never used, but the green, yet the ashes thereof boiled in mead or honeyed water, is available in inflammation and ulcers in the mouth or throat, as a gargle.'

http://botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/b/borage66.html
http://www.diet-and-health.net/Naturopathy/Borage.html

xxoo

[rabana]

got a lovely huge bee-covered borage in the garden right now.

we were talking salad a while back here's a thread salad salad alla time salad

[rabana]

here's michael's tea thread http://indigosociety.com/showthread....Home-made-teas

[makwaiskwew]

I've got a few more things to add too but got caught ramblin around here...lol...The kids said thanks too Rabana...xxoo

[makwaiskwew]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0VXiE...eature=related

Arctostaphylos, from the Greek, 'arktos (arktos), "bear" (into Latin as the "bear constellations", hence "north"), stafulh (staphyle), "grapes"
uva-ursi, from the Latin uva, "grape, berry of the vine", ursi, bear; "bear's grape"
Bearberry, an English rendering of the Latin
Other common names include Arberry, Bear's Grape, Crowberry, Foxberry, Hog Cranberry, Kinnikinnick, Mealberry, Mountain Box, Mountain Cranberry, Mountain Tobacco, Red Bearberry, Sagakomi, Sandberry, Upland Cranberry, Uva-Ursi, Melbær, Mjølbær (Nor), Hede-Melbærris (Dan), Sianpuolukka (Fin), Sortulyng (Is), Immergrüne Bärentraube (Ger), Grainnseag (Gaelic)

Taxonomy: Kingdom Plantae, the Plants
Division Magnoliophyta, the Angiosperms (flowering plants)
Class Magnoliopsida, the Dicotyledons
Subclass Dilleniidae
Order Ericales
Family Ericaceae, the Heaths, with Bog Rosemary (Andromeda polifolia var. glaucophylla), Leatherleaf (Chamaedaphne calyculata), Bog Laurel (Kalmia polifolia), Labrador Teas (Ledum spp.), and the blueberries, bilberries, and cranberries (Vaccinium spp.).
Genus Arctostaphylos, Bearberry and Manzanitas
Taxonomic Serial Number: 23530
Also known as Arbutus uva-ursi, Arctostaphylos adenotricha, Uva-Ursi uva-ursi

Identification:
Description: A prostrate, evergreen shrub with trailing stems, 2"- 8" tall.
Bark thin and exfoliating.
Leaves dark green, leathery, 1/2"-1" long, like a spatula in form, being rounded at the apex and tapering gradually towards the base to a very short stalk. Edge smooth and slightly rolled back, the young leaves fringed with short hairs. Upper surface dark, shining green, the veins deeply impressed, the lower side a paler green, with the veins prominent and forming a coarse network. No distinctive odor, but a very astringent and somewhat bitter taste.
Flowers rose/white, bell shaped, and borne in terminal racemes.
Fruit bright red berrylike drupes, 1/4"-1/2" in diameter; each containing five (sometimes four) individual nutlets.
Stems trailing, much-branched, short, and woody; covered with pale brown bark, scaling off in patches, and forming thick masses, 1'-2' long. The long shoots rise obliquely from the stems for a few inches and are covered with soft hairs.
Roots can extend to a depth of 4'-6'.
Chief constituent of Bearberry leaves is a crystallizable glucoside named Arbutin. Other constituents are methyl-arbutin, ericolin (an ill-defined glucoside), ursone (a crystalline substance of resinous character), gallic acid, ellagic acid, a yellow colouring principle resembling quercetin, and probably also myricetin. Tannin is present to the extent of 6%-7%.

Distribution: Northern Europe; Northern North America, south in mountains

Habitat: Often a dominant understory species in open pine forests under Jack Pine (Pinus banksiana), also in the understories of White Spruce (Picea glauca), Black Spruce (Picea mariana), Paper Birch (Betula papyrifera), Quaking Aspen (Populus tremuloides), and some eastern deciduous forests.
Soils: Wide range of soil textures, although commonly found on well-drained soils with relatively low amounts of clay and silt. Frequently occurs on sandy soils, shallow soils, soils on rock outcrops, and rapidly drained coarse-skeletal soils.
Common on dry, nutrient-poor soils. Leaves seem to be retained longer on plants growing on sandy, nutrient-poor soil than on plants growing on a site with better nutrient availability.
Shade-intolerant species often found in open pine forests. Grows best in high light situations and becomes very rare when shade becomes intense. In the open, forms a compact and intricate mat; under a canopy, long, thin trailing stems creep along the forest floor. Shoots are more upright under partial shade than in the open.

Fire: A shade-intolerant endurer of fires that stores seed in the soil. A sprouting species best suited to short fire cycles with low fuel buildup and low fire intensities. It possesses latent buds on the horizontal stems and dormant buds on the stembase or root crown that allow sprouting of surviving plants.
In boreal forest, regenerates from surviving basal sprouts following fire and replaces itself at a fairly rapid rate. Reinvades burned sites from adjacent, unburned plants or by seed. The seeds have been reported to survive fire in the upper soil and be stimulated to germinate by heat from the fire.
When rooted in mineral soil, it can survive moderate fire. However, when rooted in organic soil layer, a fire that removes this soil will kill the plant. If the duff and soil are moist and not completely consumed by fire, some root crowns may survive. Rooted stolons under rocks, moist logs, or in other protected microsites may also survive. Bearberry plants are sufficiently resistant to ignition to inhibit fire spread in light, flashy fuels.

Associates: Trees: Paper Birch (Betula papyrifera), White Spruce (Picea glauca), Black Spruce (Picea mariana), Jack Pine (Pinus banksiana), Quaking Aspen (Populus tremuloides)
Shrubs:
Herbs:
Ground Covers:
Mammals: The low-quality fruit spoils slowly, lasting through winter when other fruits are gone. Black Bear eat fruits in the autumn, but they are especially important to bears in the early spring.
Birds: Fruits eaten by songbirds, gamebirds, including five species of grouse and Wild Turkey.

History: Native Americans used alone or with tobacco and other herbs. When mixed with tobacco, it was referred to as Kinnikinnick, from the Algonquin for "mixture." Used as a smudge or smoked in a sacred pipe, carrying the smoker's prayers to the Great Spirit.
Native Americans used Uva Ursi tea to treat inflammation of the urinary tract, urethritis, kidney stones, and cystitis. Cheyenne used the tea to treat back sprains. Some Native American tribes powdered the leaves and applied them to sores. Other tribes drank it to treat venereal diseases. The berries were also made into a tea that was used to ward off obesity.
Used in the 13th Century by the Welsh "Physicians of Myddfai," described by Clusius in 1601, and recommended for medicinal use in 1763 by Gerhard of Berlin and others. First appeared in the London Pharmacopoeia in 1788, though probably in use long before.
Early settlers of the Americas used the leaves taken internally as an astringent to treat nephritis, kidney stones and other diseases of the urinary system. This herb is relatively safe, however large doses may cause nausea, and it has the strange side effect of turning the urine green.

Uses: Smoking the leaves as a tobacco substitute is the most widely mentioned human use of Bearberry.
Medical uses of Bearberry leaves were recognized by early Romans, Native Americans, and settlers. Bearberry leaves are used still used medicinally in Poland and other countries. The most important medical use of the leaves is for treating urinary tract disease. They can also be used to make a highly astringent wash and as a vasoconstrictor for the endometrium of the uterus.
The berrylike drupes have dry, insipid, and tasteless flesh when raw but are useful emergency food. Native Americans fried them or dried them and used them in pemmican. The fruit is also used in jelly, jam, and sauces.
In Scandinavia, Bearberry is used commercially to tan leather.

Reproduction: Reproduction primarily asexual. After the second year, the stems (stolons) produce adventitious, feeding roots at the nodes which seldom grow deeper than the duff layer. If a stem is severed from the original plant, roots develop which penetrate into mineral soil. When plants are growing in sandy soil or loose duff, the creeping stems often grow under the surface. The resulting clonal pattern is generally compact.
Seed: The berrylike red drupes persist on the plants through winter and are dispersed by animals and gravity. Seeds have hard seedcoats and dormant embryos, and may be stored in the soil. Seedling growth is slow for the first 3 years, then increases. During the first year, root growth exceeds shoot growth. Bearberry plants which originated naturally as seedlings appear to be rare.
Flowers waxy-looking, in small, closely-crowded, drooping clusters, of 3-15 flowers, at the ends of the preceding year's branches, appearing in early summer, May-June, before the young leaves. The corolla, about 2/3" across, is urn-shaped, reddish white or white with a red lip, transparent at the base, contracted at the mouth, which is divided into four to five short reflexed, blunt teeth, which are hairy within. There are ten stamens, with chocolate-brown, awned anthers.
The berry, which ripens in autumn, is about the size of a small currant, very bright red, smooth and glossy, with a tough skin enclosing an insipid mealy pulp, with five one-seeded stones.
Largely wind pollinated.

Propagation: By seed, scarification and stratification are required -- The embryos are dormant and surrounded by a hard seed coat. They can remain viable for 3 years. Scarification with acid is usually necessary, the amount of time being variable for the seed. This is then followed by warm and cold stratification.
Stem cuttings taken in the fall are described as the best method of establishment. Propagation by root cuttings has been done successfully. Good seed crops occur at 1 to 5 year intervals. Seedling establishment is difficult and time consuming. Seed is available commercially.

Cultivation: Prefers sandy or gravelly soil.
Useful in erosion control plantings. Well suited to coarse-textured soils low in nutrients. Growth is good on gentle to steep sites.
Attractive garden ground cover on sunny, sandy banks, along rock walls, and other sunny places in urban areas.
Moderately drought resistant.
Branches with fruit are used for fall and Christmas decorations.
Available from nurseries.
Propagation by layering or rooted cuttings is relatively easy.

Links: Den virtuella floren, Naturhistoriska riksmuseet, Stockholm
Fire Effects Information System (FEIS)

http://www.rook.org/earl/bwca/nature...touvaursi.html
http://www.wildcrafting.net/forage/

Thats it for today xxoo

[sshenry]

Bumping because I can

[leila]

borage is cool. just got some seeds started.....used to come up here wild, volunteer style but it hasnt come back....so starting some seeds.

[chandan20]

sore throat through viral infection comes along with flu, fever or running nose. In this case antibiotics does not respond and it gets disappear on its own or a person can also take some natural

sore throat remedies

, which respond within few hours or may take a night

This ad goes away when you register.

[Nespese]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vn1ym5r7pqg

xoxo

[Gryneos]

Just wanted to add a site that I use sometimes to look up herbal info (like if I don't have my books handy.) Pretty easy to remember, too: Botanical.com