Used externally for burns and irradiated skin, bruises, soreness, and skin ulcers. I love to use it for cracked, dry skin, eczema, diaper rash, and garden hands. It can help reduce bleeding and is wonderful for sore nipples and varicose veins! In other words, this salve is good for almost everything! And is a must-have in my healing cupboard.
3 cups dried calendula/ marigold petals
1 cup extra virgin olive oil, grape seed oil, or almond oil
2 ounces grated beeswax or beeswax pastilles
Optional: frankincense essential oil, 5 drops; tea tree oil, 5 drops
Cheesecloth
Heavy pot
Spoon
Measuring cup
Rubber band
Heat flowers in oil to a simmer (about 20 minutes).
Let the oil flower mixture set over night (the longer it sets, the stronger the salve).
Next, using cheese cloth over a clean cup or jar, strain the oil flower mixture (you will now have a lovely golden infusion).
In a double boiler, heat oil infusion and grated beeswax until melted and pour into clean jars and let cool, then seal (store in a cool dark place).
Magical uses: Being an herb of the sun, calendula can be used to remove negative energy. Oil can be used to consecrate tools, and the petals can be used as part of incense for divination.
The plant can be used in any ritual to honor the sun, as part of a sacred bath, incense, or strewing herb as well as to produce a yellow dye for and altar cloths for use in sun-honoring rituals. For protection, hang garlands of calendula over entry doors to prevent evil from entering.
Essential oils have been used for thousands of years in various cultures for medicinal and health purposes. Essential oil uses range from aromatherapy, household cleaning products, personal beauty care, and natural medicine treatments.
The particles in essential oils come from distilling or extracting the different parts of plants, including the flowers, leaves, bark, roots, resin and peels. In ancient times, Jews and Egyptians made essential oils by soaking the plants in oil and then filtering the oil through a linen bag.
Essential oil benefits come from their antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. These healing oils are rapidly growing in popularity because they act as natural medicine without any side effects. Ready to harness the power of the world’s most proven therapeutic compounds? In this list, Dr. Axe talks about 101 ways to use these amazing essential oils.
As Natural Remedies
essential oil natural remedies
Want some stylish ideas on how to wear essential oils with you without having to rub it on your skin every time? Check out our Eupterrae store’s EF Designs!
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Do you like free stuff? Actual quality free stuff…
Hello!
My name is Charlene, merry meet. If you have been browsing Eupterra’s pages for a while, you have probably discovered that I am a fan of organic, all-natural, raw/paleo food, medicine, and personal care orientated items. (I do hope you have enjoyed many of my articles)
What you may not know is, I am also a hunter and a sucker for freebies, too 🙂
Since I have been doing this for a while and apparently have gotten rather successful at it (from $20 Android Turbo smartphones to free Abercrombie sweaters), by popular demand I have put together a list of some hard-to-find, but really great quality freebie offers centered around something useful in the green/all-natural department and a couple of fan-favorite deals. Let’s just say I have found this to be a way to try something out that is new, get something real cheap (if not free!) that I like for a while, or just buy gifts for people (you didn’t hear me say that). Check them out, and read below if you want to hear my thoughts on the “system”:
This one is popularly liked for clear reason; Disney movies have a tendency to be good, but expensive and over-priced. But Disney is known as a leader in hospitality 🙂 If you click the picture above and its link, you can join the Disney Movie Club to get 4 movies for just $1! Simply pick your movies, join the club, and build your library. That is all it takes, enjoy!
Kiwi.com is becoming a pretty big deal. It allows travelers to find and book the cheapest flights possible. With an extensive database of low-cost flights and traditional airlines, interactive maps, and guaranteed arrival, you can more easily fly with less stress. Due to its success and rapid growth, Kiwi has actually been featured by Business Insider, The New York Times, USA Today. Want to see nature’s wonders? Now, you might get to Hawaii on the cheap! Just click above.
A good wrinkle reducing cream? Yes, they are out there, and they do actually work to a certain extent. Here is one good one that provides a free trial, and promotes natural cellular regeneration. Called Naturacel, I find this great as a gift and as a product.
Grocery gift cards, aren’t they nice? No matter how good you are at homesteading, urban gardening, or foraging through the woods, you inevitably have to go to the store, right? Well, here is a chance to get some of those necessities covered. Check it out, one of my faves!
Here is another one. Upon taking a survey, you can potentially win a gift card for $1,500 for groceries. Wouldn’t that be a lot! Also, it is mobile friendly.
~~~
The logic behind my success, and why consumerism is not a bad thing
To explain how I got to be so good at hunting for freebies, especially ones that are truly good quality, here are my thoughts on how I developed a mindset in what to look for and some thoughts on how our culture of consumerism isn’t as self-destructive as it appears made out to be:
Most of us live in a capitalist system, or are connected to it by respective countries. After the advent of mass production technologies, the largest and pre-dominant corporations among us have as you may have noticed encouraged the development of a consumerism-centric culture to market and employ all sorts of snagging techniques to get you, the consumer, to buy something from them. Let’s face it, you may have realized this by now, it’s rather hard to resist (Superbowl ads and their cult following, Amazon – how easy is Prime, Walmart – nuff said, Chipotle – gosh, I’m hungry, Coca-Cola – even 3rd world countries in Africa have billboards advertising Coke seriously, etc.).
Now some of this has been really good for us (let’s not forget Ford Motors and the Model T car making automobile ownership accessible to many Americans), but sometimes it kind of feels like we are being taken advantage of – being pressured to buy all the time! Rather than debate ethically how “bad” this might be, I think it wise to point out the bright side of this bombardment of sell, sell, sell tactics…
These companies have deep-pockets. Deep enough that they have no qualms about giving away a lot of “free samples” to get you to buy. When I say a lot, I mean A LOT!
Think about this…how many times have you gone to the grocery store and purposely hit up all the “free sample” stations? Uh-huh, you can be shameless here. The point is, even your local farmer, rancher, winery, deli counter, (insert producer here) is doing it. And the reason why…Marketing. They want to market new, or refresh your memory of their product.
So, to take advantage of this online, you can search for almost any high quality deal out there and get a sample of what they have to offer. The question is knowing the best places to look, and that is the hard part; hence, my above compiled list. Sometimes, it is a matter of timing – like AT&T stores will sometimes host big giveaways if you just know to keep tabs on when. Most of the time, it just boils down to a huge amount of digging.
Know somebody who wants to lose weight in your family healthfully?
All these and more can all be gotten for a heck of a deal, and you know what, you should not feel bad about it. Not. One. Cent.
Why?
Because consumerism is built to take advantage of you, the consumer, by employing such a plethora of marketing and advertising techniques that somehow, someway you will eventually be convinced to buy from them. It is just a matter of time and your specific individual desires and needs. Those companies/producers know eventually they will get a return for their samples and efforts – aka profit.
This doesn’t have to be a bad thing, nor does it mean that you can’t take control of yourself. In fact, this gives us, the consumer, a democratic voice. Yes, that is right, capitalism and democracy go hand-in-hand on the free market for this one – what you choose eventually determines the next course headed in by profit chasing corporations. That is, we – together – can be the ultimate influence on our environment…
Ethical/Conscious Consumerism
Here me out on this one. When one chooses to buy, let’s say a new flatscreen TV or a new grass-fed beef to grill, the “producer” or company earns a profit. They want profits. So, if they notice you buying only the cheapest, most likely to break item without care or concern for the sweat-shop labor that probably produced it, then they will respond as “the consumer wants more of these” and produce more of the same kind. However, what if people chose something different? What if you chose to buy quality, long-lasting, hand-made, sustainable/fair trade goods that inevitably had a positive impact on the world in terms of: jobs had, bio-degradable/less landfill space occupying, more effective medicines/less side-effects, healthier for you food, less disease causing pollution/pathogen methods, and more humane practices for animals.
Maybe even a boost to your local economy?
The companies would respond in kind, right? They would respond by producing what you the consumer wants: a better world.
Don’t believe me? Let’s take a look at some natural examples, as I am so fond to do, of this principle in action. What did Darwin call it – survival of the fittest!
Ex. A – Bees & Flowers
Bees and a large variety of other insects select flowers to collect pollen and drink nectar on. What flowers they choose end up propagating more seeds (plants can’t easily propagate themselves). Those plants go on to dominate the next generation in terms of numbers of offspring. Thus, if one plant produces extra large amounts of nectar or really beautiful attractive flowers, the bees will come en masse to those ones and perhaps not pay as much attention to the rest. A choice? The bees have as consumers in essence directed what flowers the flowering plants will produce more of over time.
Perhaps this explains why we have such a wide-selection of wonderful flowers everywhere…they are all trying to advertise and market to us!
Ex. B – Seeds & Beaks
In one of Darwin’s famous examples of presenting evolution through natural selection, he provided the case study of the Galapagos Island finch. Or should I say, finches. Although the Galapagos Island bird population started as just one species, in order to get access to all the different kinds of seeds more easily across the islands, the bird’s beaks adapted to the shape best fit for each seed. Thus, the birds became many different kinds of finches, albeit rather related to one another. Thus, the choice of specializing as consumers of seeds produced caused a change in the species itself.
What kind of conclusion may we be drawing from this? Could we say that nature is…
*gasp!
…a consumerism-centric system?
Whoa!
Well, maybe nature is not consumerist in the sense that capitalism is, but there is definitely a relationship between consumers and producers. The same relationship we see in human civilization today. The difference is, unlike our animal counterparts, we are actually sentient. We can make choices much more thought-out then our furry, feathered, scaly, slimy, buzzy brethren friends.
If we choose to make our world a better place today by employing conscientious consumerism that takes into account the ethics, methods, and long-lasting effects of the goods and services we desire on top of the quality of those same things that we need, can you imagine 7 billion people choosing for society to change for the healthier and more sustainable way?
We can do this everyday 🙂
Capitalism and consumerism need not be mankind’s destructive legacy. We do not have to suffer in thought of a bleak future caused by our ignorant actions to rape our planet, drain our resources, pollute ourselves to disease and misery, and replace our jobs in every single way. We can in fact use it to our greatest advantage, a weapon that would be our greatest strength.
The choice is yours, I only encourage you to choose sustainably~
~~~
For more information on how to benefit your local economy, check out Northern Indiana’s Purple Porch Farming Co-ops message on how local farming co-opoeratives really help make a difference in your part of the world:
Foods to Improve Vaginal Health and the Practice of Vaginal Steaming
Corde lisse performance
When it comes to our health, nutrition reigns all-important.
When it comes to the delicate balance of vaginal health, this could not be more true.
Vaginal health is something many women struggle with at some point in their lives as part of the natural cycle of development, maturity, and finally menopause. Yeast and bacterial infections, urinary tract infections, and a host of irritations can be unpleasant, painful, and uncomfortable. About 75% of women get at least one yeast infection during their lifetime, and if you have ever suffered one, you know that it is a real nuisance and can disturb quite a few areas of your life.
You are not alone!
Foods and drinks have a different effect on the body’s pH; some promote your health and vigor, while others are not so supportive of it. Not surprisingly, what we eat also has an effect on the vagina and vaginal health. Often, the key to improving your intimate well-being lies in what you put on your plate.
An emphasis on Nutrition
Here is a list of some common foods that will help you strengthen and preserve your vaginal health:
Natural yogurt and other probiotics
Eating probiotics plays an important role in maintaining the vaginal pH at its slightly acidic level, and warding off yeast infections. Probiotics, also referred to as the ‘good’ or ‘beneficial’ bacteria, keep your gut healthy, thus supporting the well-being of the whole body and balancing the body’s pH.
The best sources include fermented foods like natural yoghurt (Greek yogurt), miso, kimchi, sauerkrauts and kefir (you can also use kefir to cleanse your colon). When buying your yogurt, make sure to go for the one that contains live and active cultures and avoid sugary and flavored yogurts that will do little for your vaginal health.
The jury is still out on the benefits of drinking kombucha (a beverage made by fermenting tea) if suffering from a yeast infection. While some hail this drink for its probiotic effects, others advise not to consume it while fighting a yeast-overgrowth due to the sugar and yeast it contains (these two are food for organisms – such as a candida – that cause yeast infections).
Cranberry juice
Pure cranberry juice is well known for its beneficial effect on the bladder. It both prevents and relives the symptoms of urinary tract infections (UTI). Cranberries acidify the urine and balance the pH of the vaginal area. They contain acidic compounds that don’t get broken down when they travel though the digestive system, so they can fight the bacteria that cause urinary infections.
Most store-bought cranberry juices unfortunately contain way too much sugar to serve its healing purpose. Your best bet is to either look for pure, unsweetened cranberry juice or eat fresh cranberries. Unsweetened cranberries do taste tart and many people find them unpalatable. Try mixing them in your yogurt or sweeten them with honey which will not disturb your vaginal pH.
For a more convenient form of getting cranberries into your diet, check out Nature’s Bounty supplement with Vitamin C, an extra bonus!
This is definitely one way to get around that tart taste and still get the fruity compounds you need.
Garlic for vaginal health
Garlic
Garlic is known for its antimicrobial and antifungal properties. For best results, eat this ancient remedy raw and try to avoid these 6 common mistakes when using garlic as a medicine. If you suffer from a yeast (candida) infection, a garlic vaginal suppository (garlic pessary) is recommended – it effectively kills the yeasts and soothes the symptoms of the infection, which include itchiness and soreness. As odd as it might sound, you simply insert a clove of fresh, peeled garlic into your vagina and leave it overnight. You can design a sort of a tampon by wrapping the garlic in a gauze or cheesecloth before inserting it. Repeat the treatment for three consecutive nights.
The active ingredient in garlic is called allicin – it is responsible for garlic’s potent smell and its healing effect. True, consuming and using a lot of raw garlic might temporarily give you a distinct odor, but this is not a lot to put up with in exchange for a healthy and vibrant vagina.
Fresh fruits and vegetables
Fresh fruits and vegetables are a part of a balanced diet that also supports your vaginal health. Certain vitamins and minerals found in fresh veggies and fruits are particularly good.
Vitamin C is a well-known immune system booster. Citrus fruits, guava, strawberries, kiwifruit, green and red peppers and broccoli are all rich in vitamin C.
Leafy greens should be consumed in abundance. They help with the circulation and prevent vaginal dryness. Try to eat plenty of spinach, kale, cabbage, salad, Swiss chard, collards and other leafy greens. If you find it hard to eat them by themselves, mix them in a smoothie or sautéed them.
Avocado is another wonder of nature that stimulates vaginal health and also helps with the libido. Avocados contain B6 and potassium and support healthy vaginal walls.
Seeds and nuts
Adding nuts to your daily nutrition is a positive step to improving your wellness and overall health since nuts are both a source of protein and healthy fats. Vitamin E prevents vaginal dryness and can be found in sunflower seeds, almonds, walnuts and hazelnuts, as well as in the oils derived from these nuts. Almonds and pumpkin seeds are also rich in zinc. This essential mineral regulates the menstrual cycle and helps combat itching and other symptoms of dryness.
Flaxseed is another super-food that is good to include in your diet on a regular basis. Rich in phytoestrogens and omega-3 fatty acids, it helps to boost estrogen levels and stops vaginal dryness. It is important to consume ground flaxseed in order to enjoy their benefits.
Water
Agua! The mucous vaginal membranes require plenty of water. To function properly, they need to stay well-hydrated. The best way to achieve this is by drinking sufficient amounts of water. At least six to eight 8-ounces glasses of water should be drank each day (~1.5 to 2 liters). Water helps to lubricate your vagina and also diminishes the smell of your private parts.
Foods to avoid
If vaginal health is your priority, steer clear of certain foods. Products that disturb vaginal (and body) pH and contain nutrients bacteria and yeast feed on should be avoided, especially while you are trying to heal an infection. The main offenders include:
sugars
alcohols (these also contain sugars)
wheat
Often, the best way to treat a candida infection is to starve the yeast – these organisms are very fond of sugary environments, therefore a strict low carb diet is recommended. Yes, I know, we must avoid binge-ing on the ice cream 🙂 Some also advise skipping foods that contain yeasts, such as beer and bread.
Yeast love sugar!
Generally speaking, if you want to enjoy a healthy vagina, you should stick to a balanced diet, avoid processed and sugar-rich foods and eat plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits. Also, avoiding activities such as douching, panty perfume, and wearing not-so-breathable underwear and, of course, always practicing safe-sex and regular visits to the gyno help a bunch, too!
Did you know that you can cleanse and detox your vagina? Detoxing your vagina may sound odd but women, especially among the Asian cultures, have been doing it for centuries to regulate their menstrual cycles, reduce stress, fight infection, clear hemorrhoids, and aid fertility.
What is V-Steam?
Vaginal steam baths, popularly dubbed the V-steam baths, aim to cleanse, detox and tone up your vaginal lips, vaginal walls, cervix, and uterus. You sit over a pot or bowl of herbal infused steam that rises into the vagina.
Although vaginal steaming became popular in the recent years and is now being offered by some more progressive spas and holistic health clinics, this treatment is no novice to the world of health and beauty. It has been known for centuries in Central and South America as ‘bajos’, and as ‘chai-yok’ in Korea. While there is still no scientific evidence to support V-steam benefits, this age-old technique has been widely used by Korean women as stress and infertility remedy. It is now being rediscovered once again.
Health benefits of Vaginal Steaming
Vaginal steaming is supposed to help in the treatment of the following conditions and problems according to traditional medicine:
Bladder and yeast infections
Vaginal cysts
Hemorrhoids
Infertility
Irregular and painful periods
Uterine fibroids
Perennial tears
Scarring from caesarian section
Recovery from hysterectomies and laparoscopies
Similar to other forms of steaming, vaginal steaming too helps with stress and anxiety reduction. If you just think about how you feel after taking a soothing herbal sauna, this last benefit rings true.
Check out this book (only $2.99 on Kindle!) on how to perform a vaginal detox through steaming to learn more:
Healing Through Vaginal Steaming
For an herbal pouch used in this steaming detox, check out this Yoni steaming (aka Vaginal steaming) pouch at Eupterra’s page.
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Although this isn’t exactly herbal, it is a homeopathic remedy I thought I would share. Whoever thought scorpion venom could be a drug and an oil!
Aiming a Sting at the King
Can our planet’s scorpions actually hold a key to the cure for cancer?
scorpion venom to treat cancer
According to the most recent and advanced cancer research studies, the native Caribbean practice of using scorpion venom to treat cancer cells and tumors shows serious promise.
Who knew what so many of our indigenous ancestors had as tricks up their sleeve 🙂 Way to go ethnobiologists!
In our medical communities continuous effort to find ways of effectively treating cancer with methods involving better results and lesser side-effects than traditional radiation and chemotherapy, the exploration into biomedicine’s discussion of envenomation (or using venom as medicine in low doses) brings new possibilities to the table.
Read on for how these studies are unfolding, and be sure to check out a special video by Danielle Dufault at Canada’s Animalogic channel.
What is a cure in small doses; is a poison in bigger doses and vice versa.
That is what an old saying tells us and its validity is confirmed once again.
A new homeopathic drug made of blue scorpion venom cures many types of carcinoma in humans, according to Cuban scientists.
Blue scorpion (Rhopalurus Junceus) lives on Cuba and it was named after its blue tail at the end of which is scorpion’s infamous sting.
Its body color is actually orange-red, so this scorpion is also sometimes called the red scorpion. The idea that came from the natives
Scientists from this Caribbean island started examining scorpion’s venom in September 1997, encouraged by the findings that the natives have for centuries been using that substance for tumor treatment.
In comprehensive and thorough research, scientists concluded that venom’s compounds have analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor effects that prolong the life expectancy of carcinoma patients, alleviate the pain and sometimes even reduce tumor tissue.
“It took us fifteen years to scientifically prove the beneficial effects of scorpion venom. As we came to realize, the native’s beliefs in the healing properties of this venom proved to be correct”, doctor Guevara Garcia, one of the researches, said.
The result of this research is a drug called Vidatox 30 CH produced by a Cuban company Labiofam. It is believed that this drug reduces the spreading of cancer cells and prolongs patient’s life expectancy.
Vidatox 30 CH
Which diseases does this drug effect?
Researchers claim that Vidatox enhances life quality of people suffering from breast, liver, spleen, lung, brain, cervix, prostate and other types of cancer.
This drug has been tested on patients from Europe, USA and Cuba, and no severe side effects have been reported.
The venom contains low molar mass proteins which can prevent tumor cell occurrence and spreading.
According to Cuban doctors that support Vidatox treatment in oncology, active ingredients of scorpion venom block certain cell enzymes and prevent angiogenesis, i.e. the creation of new blood vessels inside tumors.
Without new blood vessels, tumor cannot be fed and there is a potential that the tumor will die.
Such effects have been confirmed during laboratory testing on tumor cells in Mexico.
Drug production
The venom is taken from living scorpion that is electrically stimulated to release two to three drops of venom. The drug is produced by taking five to six doses of venom using the aforementioned procedure.
Collected venomous fluid is diluted in distilled water and venom concentration in solution depends on the cancer type and the patient’s condition.
This drug is applied orally and during the treatment patients have to obey special diet instructions created for better absorption of drug’s active compounds.
Cuba is famous for scorpion usage in therapeutic purposes since the beginning of the 20th century.
At that time, scorpion oil came into use. That oil was considered useful against urinary retention, bacterial infections, tumors, and inflammations.
Venom or cure?
Scorpions, as other venomous animals, use their venom for catching prey, for the defense and the subjugation of partners during mating.
Scorpion’s venom contains numerous compounds, some of which target the nervous system.
Each of 1500 scorpion species has slightly different venom which is powerful enough to kill scorpions prey, usually small animals.
Twenty five species, including blue scorpion, have venom that is also dangerous for people.
The most dangerous one is considered to be Arizona scorpion that injects large amounts of venom into his victims.
Consequences of scorpion sting include:
Pain similar to that of a bee sting. Within an hour or two the pain subsides and numbness, tingling and sensitivity to touch appear. In more severe cases, the pain can spread to chest areas and backs.
Swelling. Usually only around the sting area. In severe cases, in cases of people that are more sensitive to scorpion bite, swelling can spread on face, tongue and throat.
Increased body temperature, cramps, vomiting, enhance saliva and tear excretion. These consequences appear in cases when highly venomous scorpions inject large amounts of venom.
Death. Very rare consequence, at least in cases of healthy adults. Those in danger of death are: people with allergies, children or people with weakened health that are stung by one of the most venomous species.
Although the scorpion’s sting can be deadly, homeopathic drug Vidatox has not exhibited any negative side effects on the health of patients.
Is it possible that eating wild honey created from the pollen of certain types of flowers can make a person feel a bit “under the influence”?
In this article, we look into the effects of rhododendron pollen in the medicinal honey called “deli bal” frequently found in regions of the Black Sea.
Watch as a group quest to “hunt” mad honey with members of a tribe in Nepal to find out!
The story of “hallucinogenic honey” starts in Turkey. It is a dark, reddish honey, known as deli bal in Turkey. It contains an ingredient from rhododendron nectar called grayanotoxin, which is a natural neurotoxin. In small quantities, it brings on light-headedness and sometimes, hallucinations.
In the 1700s, the Black Sea region traded this potent produce with Europe, where the honey was infused with drinks to give boozers a greater high than alcohol could deliver. Wow!
Remember Absinthe and its famous wormwood infused properties…
When over-imbibed, however, the honey can cause low blood pressure and irregularities in the heartbeat that bring on nausea, numbness, blurred vision, fainting, potent hallucinations, seizures, and even death, in rare cases.
Nowadays, cases of mad honey poisoning crop up every few years—oftentimes in travelers who have visited Turkey.
If there are rhododendrons everywhere, why is mad honey found only in Turkey?
Mad honey is most common in the region fringing the Black Sea — the biggest honey-producing region in Turkey. Yet, it is produced from rhododendrons, and these plants grow in vast areas, all over the world!
Because:
Though, there are more than 700 different species of rhododendron in the world, only two or three include grayanotoxin in their nectars. (says Dr. Süleyman Turedi, who studies deli bal’s effects, doctor at the Karadeniz Technical University School of Medicine in Trabzon, Turkey.): Rhododendron ponticum and Rhododendron luteum.
The mountains around the Black Sea provide the perfect habitat for these flowers to grow in monocrop-like swaths. Bees arrive in these fields, where there are no other flowers, so no other nectar gets mixed in. It results a pure, potent honey.
Why are the Turks producing it?
Because they are using it as medicine.
Hallucinogenic or “mad” honey is used in the indigenous Black Sea area to treat hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and some different stomach diseases. And, some people use deli balto improve their sexual performance.”
The honey is taken in small amounts, sometimes boiled in milk, and consumed just before breakfast. This means it is considered medicine and taken likewise, not on toast or with tea.
Is it legal?
It is legal in Turkey. And we can also find it over the internet. Hallucinogenic honey is expensive and hard to be sure it’s the real thing. The beekeepers who produce it typically only sell it in a closed circle.
After how much mad honey are we poisoned?
If anybody eats more than 1 spoonful of hallucinogenic honey including grayanotoxin, is at risk of mad honey poisoning! And if we refer to fresh honey, than we should eat even less than 1 teaspoon.
Science facts:
“Many plants of the Ericaceae family, Rhododendron, Pieris, Agarista and Kalmia, contain diterpene grayanotoxins. Consuming the honey made from these plats may result in intoxication specifically characterized by dizziness, hypotension and atrial-ventricular block.
Symptoms are caused by an inability to inactivate neural sodium ion channels resulting in continuous increased vagal tone.
Grayanotoxin containing products are currently sold online, which may pose an increasing risk. In humans, intoxication is rarely lethal, in contrast to cattle and pet poisoning cases.
Scientific evidence for the medicinal properties of grayanotoxin containing preparations, such as honey or herbal preparation in use in folk medicine, is scarce, and such use may even be harmful.” (according to www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
~~~
Want to learn more about honey’s medicinal uses, check out Honey in Ayurveda.
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As much as I talk about there being so much in nature’s bounty to help mitigate if not cure a person of the many ailments we can have with far fewer side-effects, there are some things that are just too much to be left to the less potent and subsequently slower acting natural remedies. Here is where high-tech conventional medicine shines in all its fast-acting synthetic glory.
These are the times in which herbs are just not enough:
~~~
Anaphylaxis (an-a-fi-LAK-sis) is a serious, life-threatening allergic reaction most commonly experienced in reaction to foods, insect stings, medications and latex.
If you are allergic to a substance, your immune system overreacts to this allergen by releasing chemicals that cause allergy symptoms. Typically, these bothersome symptoms occur in one location of the body. However, some people are susceptible to a much more serious anaphylactic reaction. This reaction typically affects more than one part of the body at the same time.
Anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock requires immediate medical treatment, including an injection of epinephrine and a trip to a hospital emergency room. If it isn’t treated properly, anaphylaxis can be fatal.
Certain people are more at risk of anaphylaxis. If you have allergies or asthma and have a family history of anaphylaxis, your risk is higher. And, if you’ve experienced anaphylaxis your risk of having another anaphylactic reaction is increased.
Accurate diagnosis and successful management of allergies is essential. An allergist / immunologist, often referred to as an allergist, has specialized training and experience to diagnose the problem and help you develop a plan to protect you in the future.
Symptoms
Symptoms of anaphylaxis typically start within 5 to 30 minutes of coming into contact with the allergen to which you are allergic. In some cases it may take more than an hour for you to notice anaphylactic symptoms.
Warning signs typically affect more than one part of the body and may include:
• Red rash, with hives/welts, that is usually itchy
• Swollen throat or swollen areas of the body
• Wheezing
• Passing out
• Chest tightness
• Trouble breathing
• Hoarse voice
• Trouble swallowing
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Stomach cramping
• Pale or red color to the face and body
• Feeling of impending doom
Diagnosis
To diagnose your risk of anaphylaxis or to determine whether previous symptoms were anaphylaxis-related, your allergist / immunologist will conduct a thorough investigation of all potential causes. Your allergist will ask for specific details regarding all past allergic reactions. Treatment and Management
The best ways to manage your condition are:
• Avoid allergens that trigger your allergic reactions
• Be prepared for an emergency
If you are at risk of anaphylaxis, carry autoinjectable epinephrine (adrenaline). This is a single dose of medication that is injected into the thigh during an anaphylactic emergency.
It is important for you, family members and others in close contact with you to know how to use the autoinjector.
Complete an Anaphylaxis Action Plan and keep on file at work, school or other places where others may need to recognize your symptoms and provide treatment.
Important Reminder
If you think you are having an anaphylactic reaction, use your autoinjectable epinephrine and call 911 immediately. Your life depends on this. Don’t take an antihistamine or wait to see if symptoms get better.
For all women out there interested in tidbits the natural world has to offer on pregnancy, fertility, and helping with conception especially at a later age, here is a detailed account chock full of good info to read on a real-life woman’s attempt and how she became pregnant in very quick time.
By using specific blends of essential oils, doing yoga stretches, and eating a healthy diet, women (and men – it doesn’t hurt for them to join in on this) can increase their fertility and virility by a lot, naturally.
DISCLOSURE: Please note these statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. I am not a doctor. I am simply sharing my experiences.
My husband and I were beyond shocked to find out that we were pregnant already. I mean, I’m 34 1/2 and the internet & doctors act like that’s ancient. They said “at that age,” it could take up to 2 years. And while I didn’t think it would take that long, I didn’t think it would take a matter of weeks. So here’s how it happened.
First I need to give a disclaimer. My husband (Ryan) and I have never tried to get pregnant before now. As far as we know, we didn’t have any fertility issues. However, we are still SHOCKED that it happened so fast. I got pregnant in just 1 cycle. Especially since I was 34 and 1/2 when it happened. Not that 34 is old, but a woman’s chances of getting pregnant start declining quickly at 35.
Ryan & I agreed a long time ago that we were going to have 2 kids. We didn’t really discuss it much because we agreed and we knew it would happen when it should happen. Then we got married.
Two months later, I injured my back. The next 3 years were full of hospitals and surgeries. We were ready for baby #1 but I was not strong enough or healthy enough to carry a pregnancy. So we chose adoption. The adoption process was a little over a year and a half, which relatively speaking for adoptions, was quick. But at the time it felt like an eternity. Lots of disappointments and lots of sleepless nights. Now I know it was all because we were waiting on our perfect match, our son Morrison!
So after 3 years of surgeries and almost 2 years of the adoption process, we were tired. My plan was to still have 2 kids and they would be 2 years apart. Ryan’s plans had changed. He decided we were done.
When Morrison turned 1, I started suggesting (or….ummmmmmm……nagging) that it was time for baby #2. I was much healthier, stronger, and felt able to carry a pregnancy. For over a year, Ryan didn’t change his mind. Then one day he did!
The night Ryan told me he was ready, it was past my fertile time of my cycle. I had my period about a week later and then I was pregnant that month. A woman in her 30s has about a 15% chance of getting pregnant in a single cycle (source). And by doing these things, I was in that 15% chance in the first month trying.
ESSENTIAL OILS
When Ryan came home and said he was ready, I ran straight to the computer and ordered & rush shipped just about every essential oil listed in the fertility section of my Essential Oils Pocket Reference ( <<<—- Yep that’s the book I send to your for free when you sign up as a wholesale member with a premium starter kit with Young Living!). Young Living oils are the only oils I ever use and especially when I’m dealing with something as sensitive as my reproductive system. And I’m sure not going to gamble planning a family using adulterated essential oils that, well, just don’t work as well.
According the the Essential Oils Pocket Reference, essential oils and products for fertility in women are:
Clary Sage
Ylang Ylang
Sage
Anise Seed
Fennel
Yarrow
Geranium
Dragon Time – (blend of fennel, clary sage, marjoram, lavender, yarrow, jasmine)
Acceptance – (blend of almond oil, coriander, geranium, bergamot, frankincense, sandalwood, blue tansy, neroli, ylang ylang)
SclarEssence – (blend of coriander, ylang ylang, bergamot, jasmine, geranium)
Lady Sclareol – (blend of coriander, geranium, vetiver, orange, clary sage, bergamot, ylang ylang, sandalwood, Spanish sage, jasmine, Idaho tansy)
EndoFlex – (blend of sesame seed oil, spearmint, sage, geranium, myrtle, German chamomile, nutmeg)
Progessence Plus- (“This is the first-ever PURE progesterone serum to enter the market. It supports balanced hormone levels. Pure, USP-grade, super-micornized progesterone from wild yam infused into pure, therapeutic-grade essential oils, creating a smooth, revitalizing serum that is easily absorbed into the skin.”* Blended with copaiba, sacred frankincense, cedarwood, bergamot, peppermint, rosewood, clove, coconut oil, vitamin E.)
Prenolone Plus Body Cream – (“This cream is a broad-spectrum hormone supplement that helps boost insufficient levels of estrogen and progesterone in both men and women.”* Blended with ylang ylang, clary sage, geranium, bergamot, fennel, sage, and yarrow.)
Believe me, once you do get pregnant, you’ll need those 11 oils to help you with a healthy pregnancy to combat everything from morning sickness to stretch marks.
Pregnancy Routine
I did this routine twice a day:
I rubbed Prenolone Plus Body Cream on my lower back and abdomen (about 1/2 – 1 teaspoon total, a small amount).
I put a roller ball on my Progessence Plus bottle. I rolled it on my neck (front and back) and on the Vita Flex points on my feet. I followed a U-shape. I started at my big toe, rolled up to my ankle along the outside of my foot, across my ankle bone, then along the outside of my foot to my little toe (see video below).
I used 1-2 essential oils topically and I varied which ones I used. I used whichever oils from the above list that “spoke” to me. I used Dragon Time during my period (some women prefer to use this the week before their period). The oils I used most were sage, ylang ylang, geranium, EndoFlex, and Lady Sclareol. I would fill my palm with carrier oil and then add 3-4 drops of essential oil (usually just 1 oil or blend, but sometimes would mix 2 oils together). I would rub that on my lower abdomen, lower back, and neck. I would also dab a little oil (neat) where I wear perfume on my neck and wrists (I like Lady Sclareol for that. It’s my all time favorite smelling blend.)
YOGA STRETCHES
I did these stretches twice a day – in the morning when I woke up and before bed. I held each stretch for 10 deep breaths. The routine takes about 15-20 minutes.
I am not a yogi. I am not flexible. I don’t work out much beyond gentle stretches and walking. These are easy, gentle stretches that anyone can do!
Cobra Pose (If you are able to straighten your arms and arch your back more, go for it! Given my back history, my arch was about as deep as the picture below.)
Cobbler’s Pose (heels together)
Lotus Pose (ankles crossed)
Supported Bridge Pose
Legs on the Wall Pose
Crescent Lunge (10 breaths each leg)
Cat / Cow Stretch (arch and release your back)
Side Stretch (10 breaths each side)
Child’s Pose
Pigeon Pose (10 breaths each side; My hip flexors are not as flexible as I would like. I placed a small pillow under the hip of the bent leg to level my hips.)
DETOX
About 5 months before becoming pregnant, I did a thorough whole body detox. I did not do this in anticipation of getting pregnant, but I’m sooooo glad I did it! I have no doubt that resetting my body and giving myself a clean slate to start with was very influential to becoming pregnant so quickly. I highly recommend a good detox program before trying to conceive.
NUTRITION
Nutrition, of course, is also important. I eat a whole food diet and follow the Weston A. Price diet laid out in The Nourishing Traditions book. Grass-fed & pasture raised meats, raw milk, fermented foods, eggs, lots of good fats, and of course fruits & vegetables. Some food I try to eat every day (preconception and during pregnancy):
Eggs from my local farm (I like boiled eggs and keep a bowl of them ready to go in my fridge for a snack.)
Avocados
A smoothie made with homemade kefir, greens like spinach or kale, gelatin, nuts, and fruit of choice
Fermented cod liver oil (I like the cinnamon flavor. Fermented cod liver oil is full of vitamin A, D, DHA, and EPA.)
Liver pills (Gram for gram, liver is the most nutritious part of the animal. Get them from grass-fed cows. Lots of vitamin A, B, folate, and iron.)
Homemade bone broth
Probiotics (I drink homemade kefir and kombucha regularly, which has probiotics in it. So normally, I don’t take a probiotic supplement unless I didn’t have any probiotic rich foods or drinks that day. But while trying to conceive and while pregnant, I added a probiotic supplement daily in addition to my fermented foods.)
~~~
Beats going through expensive fertility treatments and the cost of IVF, doesn’t it?
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability of a man to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for his sexual needs or the needs of his partner. Erectile dysfunction is sometimes called “impotence”.
The term “erectile dysfunction” can mean the inability to achieve erection, an inconsistent ability to do so, or the ability to achieve only brief erections.
Ayurveda defines Erectile dysfunction or ED as follows.
This means even though a man has a strong desire to perform sexual act with a cooperative partner, he cannot perform sexual act because of looseness (absence of erection) of his phallus (penis). Even if he tries with great determination, he will suffer from tiredness, excessive perspiration, and frustration in his performance.
Physiology of erection
The two chambers of the penis (corpora cavernosa,) which run through the organ are filled with spongy tissue. The corpora cavernosa are surrounded by a membrane called the tunica albuginea. The spongy tissue contains smooth muscles, fibrous tissues, spaces, veins, and arteries. The urethra, which is the channel for urine and semen, runs along underside of the corpora cavernosa.
Due to sensory or mental stimulation, or both, the erection begins. Due to impulses from brain and local nerves the muscles of corpora cavernosa relax and allow blood to flow in and fill the spaces of spongy tissue.
The flow of blood creates pressure in the corpora cavernosa, making the penis expand. The tunica albuginea helps trap the blood in the chambers, thereby sustaining erection. When muscles in the penis contract to stop the inflow of blood and open outflow channels, erection recedes.
In Ayurveda, physiology of erection and ejaculation is described as follows
Vrishunow basthimedram cha naabhyuuru vankshnow gudam
Apaanasthaanamantrasthaha shukra mootra shakrunti cha
The “apaanavayu” is one of the five types of vayu is located in the testicles, urinary bladder, phallus, umbilicus, thighs, groin, anus, and colon. Its functions are ejaculation of semen, voiding of urine, and stool.
Shushruta explains the process of erection and ejaculation as “When a man has desire (iccha) to have sex, his response to touch increases (Vayu located in skin causes flow of signals from skin to brain, thus causing sensation of touch). This causes arousal or “harsha”. Arousal or Harsha intensifies actions of vayu and at this moment highly active vayu liberates the “teja “or heat of pitta. Thus tejas and vayu increase body temperature, heartbeat, and blood flow.
Ayurveda’s take on the Causes of ED
Erection requires a sequence of events. Erectile dysfunction can occur when any of the events is disturbed. Nerve impulses in the brain, spinal column, around the penis and response in muscles, fibrous tissues, veins, and arteries in and around the corpora cavernosa constitute this sequence of events. Injury to any of these parts which are part of this sequence (nerves, arteries, smooth muscles, fibrous tissue ) can cause ED.
On lowered level of testosterone hormone:
The primary male hormone is testosterone. After age 40, a man’s testosterone level gradually declines. About 5% of men that doctors see for erectile dysfunction have low testosterone levels. In many of these cases, low testosterone causes lower sexual interest, not erectile dysfunction as the whole male body responds to testosterone.
On over-exertion:
Physically and mentally: Working for long hours in an office, experiencing mental stress at office and home, short temperedness, and insufficient sleep cause erectile dysfunction.
These causes are explained in ayurveda as “shoka chintaa, bhaya, traasaat …. ” which means that erectile dysfunction or impotence occurs due to grief, fear, anxiety, and terror/trauma.
Strained relationship with sexual partner:
Erectile dysfunction also occurs when there is a disliking towards sexual partner. Ayurveda describes this as “naarinaamarasamjnatwaat…” means disliking for your spouse or women.
Diseases that cause erectile dysfunction:
Neurological disorders, hypothyroidism, Parkinson’s disease, anemia, depression, arthritis, endocrine disorders, diabetes, diseases related to the cardiovascular system also become reasons for erectile dysfunction.
Apart from these, the imbalance in tridoshas also cause impotence or erectile dysfunction.
Consumption of medicines, drugs, and tobacco:
Using antidepressants, tranquilizers, and antihypertensive medicines for a long time, addiction to tobacco especially smoking, excessive consumption of alcohol, addiction to harmful illegal substances also cause erectile dysfunction.
In Ayurveda texts, these causes have been said in brief as “rukshamannapaanam tathoushadham” – “dry food , drinks, and medicines” causing impotence or erectile dysfunction. Modern medicine has certainly backed this up in much more detail over the course of numerous studies.
Trauma to the pelvic region:
Accidental injury to pelvic region and surgeries for the conditions of prostate, bladder, colon, or rectal area may lead to erectile dysfunction.
These causes are mentioned as abhighata (trauma), shastradantanakhakshataha (injury from weapons, teeth and nail) in Ayurveda.
Other reasons:
Obesity, past history of sexual abuse, and old age also are causes of ED. Ayurveda describes the cause of impotence or erectile dysfunction due to old age as follows “diminution of – tissue elements, strength, energy, span of life, inability to take nourishing food, physical and mental fatigue lead to impotence”
Remedies for ED
ED is treatable at any age. The total treatment in for impotence is called “ Vajikarana therapy”. As this therapy increases the strength of a man to perform sexual act, like a horse, it is called ‘Vaajikarana’. (‘ Vaaji’=Horse.)
Vaajikarana therapy leads to
Balanced feelings and emotions.
Increased strength.
Potency to produce healthy offspring.
Increased span of erection.
Eligibility for Vajikarana therapy.
The vajikarana therapy should be administered to persons who are between 18 to 70 years of age.
These therapies should be administered only to a self-controlled person. If this therapy is administered to a person who does not have self-control, he could develop a far higher sex drive than desired.
Psychotherapy
Decreasing anxiety associated with intercourse with psychologically based treatment helps to cure ED. The patient’s partner can help with the techniques, which include gradual development of intimacy and stimulation. Such techniques also can help relieve anxiety when ED from physical causes is being treated as well.
This form of treatment is illustrated in Ayurveda – It has been said “A woman who understands a man and is liked by him, along with an erotic environment acts as best aphrodisiac.”
Drug Therapy
Numerous herbal preparations are mentioned in Ayurveda to treat ED or impotence. It has been said that people who are wanting to develop an increased rhythm to their intimate routines have to consume these preparations regularly to replenish the energy, vigor, stamina, and strength they expend. These preparations also supply the nutrients which are necessary for production of semen. It is good to note, each of these herbs treats a different aspect that could be the cause of ED. It is best to discover first what an individual’s cause is before then taking the subsequent herb for it.
These include:
Panax Ginseng (Red Ginseng) – overall helper
Rhodiola Rosea – endurance booster
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) – testosterone booster (note – if your testosterone is already high, increasing it further will not have much effect on ED)
L-Arginine – circulation booster
Horny Goat Weed – energy booster
Overall Ayurveda tips to overcome ED
Consuming herbal preparations to rejuvenate the reproductive organs.
Massaging the body with a herbal oil which gives a relief from physical exertion and also acts as aphrodisiac.
Practicing Yoga and Meditation to overcome mental exertion and to cope up with stress.
Sleep at least for 8 hours a day.
Avoiding the consumption of alcohol, tobacco, drugs, etc.
Exercise regularly.
Avoid hot, spicy, and bitter foods.
Favor fruits, milk products, and nuts for energy.
Add a little ghee in your diet.
Give a gap of four days between two consecutive intimate acts (this timing appears to help many men alone).
Ayurveda recommends foods for people according to their primary body type. The reason this is done is because it is believed foods can be both healing and the source of imbalance and difficulties. By eating foods according to our Ayurvedic body type, the belief is that we will accumulate less Ama, or waste, in the body.
In Ayurveda, people are classified according to three principles: vata, kapha, and pitta. It’s important to understand that although we may be dominant in one principle, we actually have all three present in our body. The others are in a smaller ration. Most people will actually be a combination of two of these principles, with the third only playing a minor role. But because we all contain the three, any of them can get out of balance.
So, let’s see what body type are you!
Pitta
Characteristics of Pitta dominant body types
determination
strong willed
good digestion
initiative
energy
passionate about many things
Ayurveda’s Pitta constitution is calmed by cooling foods, such as fresh fruit and vegetables. Bitter green vegetables like watercress, parsley, collards, and most greens suit pitta. Fruits that suit pitta body types include sweet berries, sweet apples and apricots, coconut, figs, mango, sweet oranges and pineapples, plums, watermelon, pomegranates, and prunes.
Other cooling foods include most dairy products, though sour cream, hard cheeses, and yoghurt don’t really suit pitta due to their being too high in fat, salt, or sourness. But dairy that suits pitta includes milk, cottage cheese, soft cheeses, and ice cream.
Grains that suit pitta body types include barley, basmati rice, and wheat (unless you are allergic or gluten sensitive).
Pitta body types generally like a lot of protein, and they probably need a little more than the other Ayurvedic body types. Spices that are cooling in nature are also important. These include coriander, cumin, mint, parsley, dill, and fennel. Garlic should be avoided though as it is too heating.
In terms of sweets, Pitta body types should use maple syrup, barley malt, brown rice syrup, and honey that is 6 months or less old, preferably raw.
Things that can imbalance Pitta body types:
excess heat, hot climates, and hot times of day
humidity
vacations and times when there is increased mobility
excess oil in the diet
too many hot foods, including spicy foods. But this can also mean too many cooked meals
excess caffeine, salt, red meat and alcohol
Vata
Characteristics of people with a dominant Vata body type:
flexibility
quick mind
creative
always on the go – mentally and physically
Dietary choices that support vata aim at grounding this energy-in-motion. Routine is also very helpful, though not naturally something vata body type people will create. Vata people benefit from meditation, warmth, soothing music, taking breaks, and resting (again, not a natural vata inclination!).
With regards to food, vata body types should include warming spices, including ginger and cloves, anise, cayenne, cinnamon, garlic, horseradish, caraway, mint, mustard seeds, parsley, cooked onion, paprika, rose water, vanilla, tarragon, thyme, and rosemary.
People with the vata body type should minimize raw food, including salad, though salads should not be eliminated completely as they provide valuable nutrients. Vata should ground the salad with a dressing made from oil and vinegar, and be aware of the weather at the time of eating it. Being more sensitive to cold, vata’s should have salads on warmer days.
Icy cold drinks are not balancing for vata – in fact quite the opposite. Sugar also throws vata types off balance, though vata are lucky in that they can enjoy other sweets.
Vata generally love fruit, and it suits their ayurvedic constitution. The exceptions are apples, pears, cranberries, watermelon, and dried fruit. Vata types should go for sweet and moist fruit, like mangoes, nectarines, bananas, coconut, fresh figs, peaches, and strawberries.
Cooked grains like oatmeal, basmati rice, and brown rice, are very grounding for the vata ayurvedic constitution. Beans (legumes), on the other hand, are not! Beans are cold, dry, and heavy – not the attributes that support vata.
Things that can imbalance vata dominant body types include:
a lot of travel, especially by plane
loud noises
constant stimulation
drugs, sugar, and alcohol
cold climates (especially extremely cold ones) and cold food
frozen and dried food
Kapha
Characteristics of people with a kapha dominant body type:
strength
stamina
endurance
groundedness
calm
fluid
Kapha body types are not suited to a high protein diet like the Atkins diet. Not only should they avoid too much fat, but also, excessive heavy protein. The kapha quality is already heavy, and although this doesn’t sound great, it is what provides Kapha body types with a wonderful stability and strength.
Kapha should have light and low fat protein. Beans, with the exception of soy and soy products, are great for kapha. Soy milk is preferable to dairy though, for kapha. Beans help move kapha’s energy, and digestive system, a bit. Barley is also excellent. In terms of meat, chicken and turkey suit kapha.
Kapha body types should have plenty of vegetables, including bitter vegetables, peppers, broccoli, brussel sprouts, cauliflower, eggplant, lettuce, onions, potatoes, mushrooms, corn cobs, peas, beets, and celery.
Dairy is heavy and cooling, and it does not suit the Kapha ayurvedic body type. Light and crispy food, like corn tortillas and popcorn, suit kapha. Kapha people should make sure they have variety in their diet, as kapha body types have a danger of falling into a rut more than others.
Asian and Latin American style meals are great for kapha. They are spicy and light, free of dairy, and have plenty of vegetables in them.
Things that can imbalance Kapha body types:
inertia
too much fat in the diet, including oil we cook with!
dairy products
not enough stimulation and challenge
not enough variety
not enough exercise
too much bread, iced foods and drinks, and sweets
Understanding one’s self can have a major impact on the quality of your health and life.
For more on body types and Ayurveda or Ayurveda cook books, click here.
Scientists have recently unravelled one of the secrets of a plant used in traditional Chinese medicine. The Chinese skullcap – known as Huang-Qin – is traditionally used for fever, liver, and lung problems.They have discovered that the plant uses a special pathway to make chemicals with potential cancer-fighting properties.
They say it is a step towards being able to scale up production to make new drugs.
Prof Cathie Martin, of the John Innes Centre in Norwich, is lead researcher of the study, published in Science Advances.
Working in collaboration with Chinese scientists, her team deduced how the plant, Scutellaria baicalensi, synthesises the chemicals, known as flavones.
Flavones are found widely in the plant kingdom, giving some plants vivid blue flowers.
Image copyright: Qing Zhao, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Image caption: The root is thought to have anti-viral properties
“Understanding the pathway should help us to produce these special flavones in large quantities, which will enable further research into their potential medicinal uses,” said Prof Martin.
“It’s exciting to consider that the plants which have been used as traditional Chinese remedies for thousands of years may lead to effective modern medicines.”
Ancient remedy
Previous lab research suggests that flavones have anti-cancer properties, offering hope that they may one day lead to effective cancer treatments.
Commenting on the study, Dr Alan Worsley of Cancer Research UK, said: “This paper answers a very interesting biological question about how these plants are able to make particular molecules, but the study doesn’t look at whether the molecules can be used to treat cancer.
“Instead it looks at how this compound is made in nature, which may allow scientists to make more of it in the lab and be able to research its potential uses.”
This herb is a member of the mint family and native to China.
In traditional Chinese medicine, the root was used in combination with other plants to treat fever and other ailments.
With more concern being had for conventional medicine, there is increasing scientific interest in ancient medicinal plants and their traditional remedies.
A good example of this – in 2015, Tu Youyou was awarded the Nobel Prize for Medicine for her work on artemisinin, an antimalarial drug derived from the sweet wormwood plant, Artemisia annua. The fever-reducing properties of the plant were first recognised in the 4th Century by Chinese physicians.
Ever been not a fan of the taste of some medicines? Well, nature has a reply to that!
Medicinal syrups, herbal style~
Follow below for a step-by-step guide to making herbal medicinal syrups you can enjoy and heal yourself with. For more information on this, visit Eupterra Foundation!
Herbal syrups are a great way to administer not so pleasant tasting herbs to young ones and bothered adults alike, or a great way to let your favorite herbs come to life in beverages and food dishes. Finding a nice combination of herbs can leave you with a tasty concoction perfect for many occasions and recipes! Herbal syrups make great additions to teas, desserts, bubbly beverages and cocktails, or all on their own by the spoonful.
Syrups can be prepared with sugar or honey. If prepared with honey, my preferred method, herbal syrup can be soothing and coating to the digestive tract membranes it comes into contact with, such as the throat. Besides being absolutely great for you, who doesn’t love a good honey coat when it’s cold outside? For proper preservation and a shelf stable syrup, it is recommended to use a ratio of 1:1 (tea to honey). However, you can cut back to 2:1 or 3:1. If you use less sweetener to tea parts, you will need to keep your syrup refrigerated and use quickly. You can also add some tincture to help preserve your syrup longer, as well as give an extra boost.
The best thing about syrups is that like tea or tinctures, you can formulate with any combination of herbs to create a preparation for your needs. While elderberry syrup is the most popular, I also love to have individual or combinations of ginger, thyme, elecampane, chamomile, peppermint, marshmallow root, schisandra berry, echinacea root, elder flower, hawthorn berry, holy basil, and hop flower syrups around!
How to Make Herbal Syrups
Ingredients
These two ingredients are good for helping with the mild mood changes we all experience from time to time. This syrup goes great drizzled on top of dessert, spooned into tea or hot toddies, or taken by the spoonful throughout the day.
Ashwagandha
Damiana
Honey
Water
Directions
First make a very strong decoction, using 1 oz of herb per 16 oz of water. Warm over low heat, bring to a simmer, cover partially, and reduce the liquid down to half the original volume.
When you have 8 oz of liquid, add 8 oz of honey.
Warm the mixture over low heat, stirring well. *Do not heat above 110 degrees.*
Optional: Add 1 part tincture or brandy to 3 parts syrup for a boost and longer shelf life.
Pour syrup into bottles and label. Store in the refrigerator, where it will last for up to six months.
Here is a quick “how-to” on how to make an essential oil herbal healing salve. The step-by-step process shows you how to make an herbal salve with herbs that you can forage or are able to grow in your garden. The best part about it is that you can use any number of herbs, it doesn’t have to be the exact ones that I shown here to best suit your needs.
The first step in the process is to make an herbal oil infusion. There are a few different ways to do this, but the first thing you need are herbs. This particular salve used plantain leaves, comfrey leaves, yarrow leaves and flowers, lavender flowers and lemon balm leaves.
Once you have your herbs, you need to dry them. Hang them upside down for several weeks, use a drying screen. It’s important to make sure that your herbs are completely dry before you make your oil infusion or else mold can form and it will go rancid.
Now it’s time to make your infused herbal oil. There are a couple of ways to do this, the first is to simply put your dried herbs in oil and let it sit for several weeks. You can use several different types of oil, but olive oil is the most common. If you need your infused oil sooner, or if you want to use coconut oil which is usually solid at room temperature, you can gently heat the herbs in the oil over a double boiler or in a slow cooker on low heat.
Crush up your dried herbs a bit and put them in your vessel, then cover with oil. The more oil you make, the more salve you can make. Heat for several hours, making sure that it doesn’t get too hot and cook the herbs. I did this in the evening and turned off the heat before bed, letting the herbs continue to steep overnight.
Strain it with a sieve and cheesecloth into a bowl that you will be able to use as a double boiler.
Use the cheesecloth and squeeze every last bit of oil into the bowl. Now that you have your herbal infusion, it’s time to gather the rest of the necessary ingredients.
Beeswax (or carnauba wax for vegans), essential oils of your choice, and some sort of vessel to put your finished salve in (such as these tins) is all that you’ll need. Use about 1 ounce of beeswax (one small stick) and lavender and lemon essential oils, to accentuate the lavender flowers and lemon balm in the salve.
Now everything comes together quite quickly. Put your bowl of herb infused oil onto a pot of boiling water, double boiler style. Cut your wax into chunks and add it to the warm oil.
Add drops of the essential oils you chose, such as 12 drops of lavender and 6 drops of lemon. Once the oil heats up the wax should melt fairly quickly. When it’s completely melted, take the bowl off the heat (it’s probably hot!) and carefully pour it into your tins or vessel of choice.
This batch that I made yielded two 4 ounce and two 2 ounce containers. I like to make various sizes so that I can stash them in different places such as my purse or the car. Once the tins are full let them sit undisturbed for a few hours to solidify.
It’s pretty amazing what we can make at home with just a few simple ingredients and a bit of time.
This salve is good for minor cuts, scrapes, bruises, bites, stings, rashes and dry skin. I use it on my hands and feet all the time. Not only does it have astounding healing powers with all of the medicinal herbs that it contains, but it smells divine!
Herbs are commonly used within Wicca and Magick due to the essences they contain, it is believed that herbs are considered sacred as they have their own energy and identity such as genders and elements, it is often considered good practice to grow your own herbs as then you have your own energy running through a plant you have nurtured and brought to life since its seed form.
Herbs can be used in many different ways, particularly in spell work, one of the most popular and shown methods is using herbs within sachets, this is because you effectively create a wearable, portable charm which can be worn, carried or placed depending on the contents and intended spell. Other methods include burning the herbs as a form of incense, drinking tea brewed from the herbs, using them in baths in pure or oil form and lastly smoking.
The good thing about the herbs used in Wicca is that many of them are in lurking in your kitchen right now! The herbs and spices found within a spice rack are commonly used when practicing Wicca and for use in spells, not only does this make certain aspects of Wicca easier for those starting out, it also makes material gathering that little bit cheaper plus most are very tasty on food!
All of the herbs and spices mentioned here are easily accessible from any good supermarket, some of the rarer herbs can easily be found from any Wicca shop or from various online stores such as eBay and Amazon.
Below are number of common and slightly rarer herbs which can be found in most kitchen cupboards:
– Garlic: Most commonly used in spells that are protection based, garlic has great healing power within the body as it has both antifungal and viral properties.
– Dill: A multiuse herb used in protection, love, money and lust spells, typically used in baths or hung in the doorway of your home.
-Cumin(both seeds and powder): A strong herb used for protection particularly against evil spirits, commonly used with frankincense.
– Bay leaves: Said to once be chewed on by the priestesses of Delphi to induce visions, bay leaves are considered to bring on visions and ward off evil.
– Cayenne pepper: Typically used to make or break a hex, or used in love or rejection spells, this is a very powerful spice with varying effects, can also be used to treat joint pains and high blood pressure.
– Nutmeg: Commonly used in spells focusing in wealth, health and good luck, it is also believed to boost psychic powers, toxic in large doses.
– Rosemary: Popularly used as incense, this herb is typically used for exorcisms and used in love and healing potions, drinking this herb in the form of tea can heighten the senses.
– Star Anise: Used for protection against evil and keeping nightmares at bay, a very powerful herb in smell that is great for incense, used in protection and purification spells.
– Thyme: Has 3 main uses, is either burned as incense for purifying areas, worn to boost clairvoyance and used in many health or healing potions and rituals.
– Vanilla beans: Considered a very powerful aphrodisiac, vanilla beans are popular choices for a variety of different love and seduction spells, it is also considered to boost brain activity.
– Ginger: Typically consumed before performing rituals or spells to boost their effectiveness and power, ginger is commonly used in love and power potions.
–Pamela Taylor, Wicca Witch of the West: A Beginner’s Guide to Wicca, Spells, Herbs, Runes, and Rituals
There are many herbal treatments that are safe and effective for use with children of all ages. Here I will deal with the childhood illnesses and problems I am most often asked about. The most important factor in dealing with any illness, whether acute or chronic, is diet. A proper diet goes a long way to alleviating problems and illnesses that stem from inadequate nutrition. Were you aware that medical studies are proving that diet can profoundly affect illness in children? It has also been proven that a lot of dietary factors are responsible for worsening such problems as Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), hyperactivity, asthma, and others. A child who is getting what his or her body needs through good nutrition is going to develop more normally, be less prone to illness, and the duration of common illnesses is shortened.
Remember too that our children today are under a lot of stress, just as us adults are. Peer pressures, pressures in the classroom, dealing with separation anxieties and broken marriages are just some of the things creating stressful situations for our youngsters. This stress can manifest itself in many mysterious physical and mental ailments. Teaching your children when young how to meditate and relax is an important building block for their young lives, and is a useful tool that they will carry with them through adulthood.
ANXIETY, STRESS, EXCITABILITY
Externally, these problems can be alleviated with a warm herbal bath at bedtime. Combine a handful of lavendar and a handful of chamomile in one quart of water. Bring to a boil, cover, and let steep for 15 to 20 minutes. Strain, then add the liquid to a warm bath for the child. This is good for colicky infants as well. Allow the child to bathe and relax in the warm water. Internally, a cup of the infusion of chamomile and/or scullcap can be very beneficial and calming.
CHICKENPOX
Chickenpox usually strikes in young children, but older ones do get it as well. To relieve the itching that usually makes the pox so unbearable, you can make a decoction of chickweed, comfrey, and rosemary. Apply the warm mixture with a clean cloth. Don’t rub, as this will irritate the sores and can cause them to leave scars, but gently pat the solution on. Allow to air dry. This can be applied several times per day to relieve the itching. Internally, the child may benefit from a mild infusion of echinacea, catnip, chickweed, and yarrow. After the illness, and after any illness, the child’s digestive system will benefit from acidophilus, or a cup of yogurt, to aid getting the beneficial bacteria in the digestive system back in balance.
COLDS
Most of the same herbs used to treat colds in adults can also treat colds in children. You will want to reduce the dosages, however, or make milder infusions than normal. Steam or inhalant therapy can also help, using essential oils of lavendar, tea tree, eucalyptus, and/or peppermint. Make sure the child is getting plenty of vitamin C in their daily diet for the duration of the cold.
COLIC
Colic is torture for the baby and the parent. There are easy ways to alleviate the problem, however. Give the baby a small amount of peppermint, chamomile, or catnip infusion in a bottle at the first sign of distress. It also helps to give the baby a warm bath that has lavendar essential oil added. The vapors have a calming, soothing affect on baby and parent. Breastfeeding mothers will want to add some fennel to their diet for a couple of days to help alleviate the colic.
COUGH
Coughs in children are common, and usually accompany many of the normal childhood illnesses. A cough that continues for several days, or increases in severity, should be immediately checked by a physician to rule out other diseases. A mild infusion of mullein and coltsfoot usually helps the mild cough. Horehound and/or ginger can be added if a stronger combination is needed for older children. The child can also benefit from chest rubs of tea tree oil or peppermint oil. Both should be diluted in olive or sesame oil, and remember to do a patch test first to determine sensitivity. Inhaling the vapors of the essential oil of lavendar, and/or a warm bath that includes lavendar oil, can also help clear a cough. Cut back or eliminate dairy products in children that have a lot of mucous with their coughs, as dairy often adds to the production of mucous.
CRADLE CAP
Cradle cap usually appears in the first month of an infant’s life. Make a decoction of calendula and comfrey root. Rinse the baby’s head with the warm solution each night, allowing it to air dry on the scalp. It may take a few days for this to clear up the problem. You can also massage olive oil into the scalp each night, washing it away thoroughly with a mild soap and water each morning. Leaving the oil on the scalp continually can actually increase the problem.
DIAPER RASH
This is a common problem that is easy to deal with. It is usually caused by irritating diapers, prolonged contact with wet or dirty diapers, or even a reaction to the soap used to wash cotton diapers. Some foods and juices ingested by the infant can raise acid levels in the urine and stool, causing a skin reaction. Wash the baby thoroughly and dry thoroughly at each diaper change. Use plain mild soap and water, as some of those baby wipes can irritate, due to the chemicals in them. Leaving the diaper off for a while each change can also help clear up the rash. You can apply a cream made of calendula and/or aloe vera. You can also add to that mixture comfrey and/or chickweed. Remember that problem will not go away with herbs alone. You also need to determine the cause and eliminate it.
DIARRHEA
Diarrhea can cause dehydration rapidly in small infants and very young children. It can be treated with a mild infusion of meadowsweet, rosemary, and/or red raspberry. If diarrhea continues for more than three days, or is accompanied by blood in the stool, or severe cramping, seek emergency medical care immediately.
HYPERACTIVITY, ADD
There is strong evidence that chemicals such as heavy metal pollutants, dietary allergies such as to wheat, corn, dairy, etc., and artificial colorings, preservatives, or flavorings, play a role in these problems. As such, you will want to treat by supporting both the nervous system and the liver, aiding in detoxification. A treatment plan should consist of chamomile, gotu kola, scullcap, red clover, milk thistle, and gingko biloba. A daily supplement of flax seed and/or grape seed oil has also shown to be beneficial. The herbal bath above can help, as well as inhaling or massaging with a calming essential oil such as lavendar. And most important, look at changing the diet to one that supports the body. Natural diet is best. Eliminate foods that could cause an allergic reaction, and add them back to the diet one at a time, watching for any changes in the child’s behavior. Be sure the child gets adequate amounts of zinc and B-complex vitamins as well.
IMPETIGO
Internally give a combination of echinacea, chickweed, and astragalus 3 to 4 times per day. Reduce the child’s intake of dairy, red meats, and peanut butter, as all have been shown to irritate this illness. Wash the sores carefully with an infusion made of calendula several times per day.
INFLUENZA
Flu can be treated internally with boneset, fenugreek, peppermint, echinacea, and mullein. Eucalyptus or tea tree oil can be inhaled to open blocked sinus passages, or rubbed on the chest to help open the bronchial tubes. Additional vitamin C and zinc are also beneficial.
LICE
Lice can be treated by placing drops of tea tree oil on a fine toothed comb, and comb the hair thoroughly every day for two weeks. Wash the hair nightly with a mild shampoo that has oil of thyme and tea tree oil added. Alternatively, you can mix together 4 cups of apple cider vinegar, 4 cups of water, 1/2 ounce oil of thyme; use nightly as a shampoo.
MEASLES
Measles is usually treated herbally in the same manner as chicken pox. Eye strain and discomfort is common with the measles, so keep the child in a darkened room. A mild infusion of eyebright may be used to ease discomfort in the eyes. This can be used as a wash for the older child, or for young children you can soak a clean cloth in the eyebright infusion and apply as an external compress over the eyes.
MUMPS
Mumps can be treated internally with a combination of echinacea, clover, chamomile, and peppermint. Externally, fresh chopped ginger applied as a compress can alleviate the pain of the swelling. Gentle massage of the swollen areas with chamomile oil is also beneficial. Inhaling eucalyptus oil also helps.
TEETHING
Teething pain can be soothed by giving a chamomile and/or lemon balm infusion internally. Mix a teaspoon of powdered slippery elm bark with a little water to make a paste, and rub it gently on the gums.
TONSILLITIS
Tonsillitis can be treated with echinacea, mullein, chamomile, and sage internally. A gargle of salt water, honey and lemon (if the child is over the age of three), or sage infusion can greatly ease the discomfort.
When over-imbibed, however, the honey can cause low blood pressure and irregularities in the heartbeat that bring on nausea, numbness, blurred vision, fainting, potent hallucinations, seizures, and even death, in rare cases.
Witches Of The Craft® 
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