I have the initial research for skullcap done so that will be posted tomorrow.  I plan to get the rest done today.  I'd like to get all the research done as quickly as possible so I can switch my focus. 

The last 2 plants I have in the house may be going out to the greenhouse soon.  I want to continue my book pictures with my own rosemary plant so I think I'll repot the extra one I bought and put it outside.  It will have to remain in a pot because the spring and fall here are too wet.  The cilantro can go right into the ground, though. 

Once I have the shelf cleaned off, I'll try one more time to get rosemary to root in here under the growlight. I think this time will work better since I have learned more.  Love and Light!

I wanted to make a post to let my readers now where I am at with my research.  I have started my skullcap research and should be able to get that posted in the next few days.  After that will be St. John's wort and white willow bark.  These are well-known herbs for a reason.

The issue I'm having is research for this blog is taking away time from my book.  Since this entire site is free (I feel you should not have to pay to access plant medicine as it is freely available in nature, learning how to use it should have some form of payment which my books explain in greater detail than this website does), I need to spend time making money.  We all need to pay bills and my books will do that but first I need to write them, then I need to publish them.

I will still do the above promised herbs.  After that, my posts will switch to growing updates as I do have herbs out there that I know others want to grow, and I will be sharing the constituents that I define while doing my research for my book.  I already have a few that I'm excited to share about what makes rosemary such an incredible plant. 

Thank you for understanding!  Love and Light!

This is what has been done so far.  No clue how well this will work but I'm expecting to learn a lot from this experience.  I did get my video on feeding my sour dough starter uploaded to my diet page.  If you'd like to see it, head on over there.  Love and Light.

I just wanted to check in with my readers.  I still have not gotten any research done on skullcap but the greenhouse is looking a bit better.  I have most of the dirt down now.  MOST of my herbs are in the ground as well but I couldn't get the dirt into the clay as well as I'd like so we'll see who well this goes.  I'll take pics when I can.  This is a real chore with having the kids outside with me.  They seem to like going and playing in the neighbor's yard...  even though they have a pool and a sandbox which is perfectly ready for their pleasure... 

The image above is me playing around with sour dough bread.  In this case, I made small breads shaped like burgers which made perfect sizes for little kids to eat easily.  Getting the flavor right so BOTH like it has been the trick.  I'll post a video of me feeding my sour dough starter when I get a chance.  I think I still need to get it transferred to my computer.  That will go up on my diet page.   Love and Light!

I put a dent in the work in the greenhouse yesterday.  It's still extremely slippery in there but there are some areas that are safe and I have plants in those areas now. Still a lot of work to do but I'm happy with what I got done.  Love and Light!

As you can see from the image above, I got the dirt I need to work into the clay in my greenhouse.  This means the days just got busy for me so I will be working on the next herb, skullcap, as I'm able to.  It's still flooded in the greenhouse but the amount of water in there is perfect for getting it soft enough to work the dirt in. 

I got a bag of manure so I can start my own compost pile so I can eventually rehabilitate the soil without having to spend so much money.  New experiences all around but I'm looking forward to this adventure!  Love and Light!

The image above is from the class lesson I attended.

I finally got the herbarium posted a few minutes ago.  Most people have oats in their homes.  A nice boost to the immune system sounds good right about now.

New herb tomorrow if I can get it researched in time.  I still need to go out and check to see how my avocado tree did in the greenhouse over night.  They don't like it cold and it was chilly last night! Love and Light!

On to the constituents of oats.  The ones I was able to find in the text are:

Oligosaccharide (Carbohydrate) is water-soluble, especially hot water. Molecularly, these are bonds of 10 or less monosaccharides.  Hoffman talk about how these are often prebiotics.  While these are not bioavailable to our bodies, they feed the microflora in the human gut which helps keep our system healthy.  These prebiotics can be anticarcinogenic, antimicrobial, hypolipidemic, and glucose-modulating (Hoffman, 2003, p. 41, 43; Ganora, 2009, p. 44, 63, 73, 77). (Oats)

Silicon: Hoffman questions the medicinal value of silicon as he was unable to find any studies discussing it as of the time he wrote this book.  He was unable to trace bioavailability (Hoffman, 2003, p. 14). (Oats)

Have a Great Day!

On to the constituents of oats.

Alkaloids are defined by Hoffman as "organic compounds with at least one nitrogen atom in the heterocyclic ring". This is the ONLY thing they all have in common. They are not usually soluble in water, nor are their salts. Most are also alkaline (Hoffman, 2003, p. 120-133, 152).

Alpha-tocotrienols:

Avenacosides:

Avenins (Prolamines, Proteins):

Aventic Acid A:

Aventic Acid B:

Beta-Glucan: a soluble polysaccharide, increases viscosity of food in the intestine which reduces glucose by delaying absorption
C-glycosyl Flavones:

Fat:

Fixed Oils are soluble in dietary oils and slightly soluble in ethanol.  Examples are omega-3s, EFAs, PUFAs, DHA, and EPA which can be found in olive oil, palm, oil, hempseed oil, walnut oil, avocado oil, flax oil, almond oil and coconut oil (Ganora, 2009, p. 44, 45, 46, 47, 64, 85).

Flavonoids: All polyphenolic plant pigments of a specific structure. There are over 4,000 of them. These are broken down into categories: Catechins, dihydrochalones, chalones, flavanones (dihydroflavones), flavones, isoflavones, anthocyanides, aurones, flavanols, and flavonols. This general property is immunomodulatory due to antioxidant/free-radical scavenging ability (Hoffman, 2006, p. 100-102, 152, 167, 170, 174).

Galactoarabinoxylans:

Gluten (Protein):

Kestose (Polysaccharide):

Minerals: This just means the plant/herb is a good source of at least one mineral.

Neokestone (Polysaccharide):

Oat gum (soluble polysaccharide) increases viscosity of food in the intestine which reduces glucose by delaying absorption.

Oligposaccharide:

Polysaccharides (Mucilage) activate the macrophages which initiates the body’s defenses against pathogens and cancer cells (Hoffman, 2003, p. 544).

Prolamines (Proteins):
 
Proteins are building blocks of the body. Proteins are listed on many pages and have many functions in the body.  These can be water-soluble but it depends on pH. They do break down over time in alcohol (Ganora, 2009, p. 11, 22, 24, 45, 65, 77, 92, 101).  Instead, I'm using my anatomy book. Proteins are the basic building blocks of the body and do so many things for us.  Really, just listing "protein" isn't very helpful. Though, i felt the need to list this because there are many break-downs of types of proteins, such as amino acids. (Marieb and Hoehn, 2019, p. 48) The difference in the 2 sources, the first is in how the plant uses it, the second is how the human body uses it. Sometimes they differ.  In this instance, they do not but the human body one was easier understood for those who don't have Ganora's book in front of them.

Saccharose (Polysaccharide):

Saponin can be antifertility, antihepatoxic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, capillary strengthening, cytotoxic, antitumor, insecticidal, antifeedant, molluscicidal, piscicidal, and plant growth inhibitors. These are listed under the heading "General Properties of Steroidal Saponins" (Hoffman, 2003, p. 81).

Silic Acid:

Silica:

Silicic Acid:

Silicon:

Spirostanol Glycosides (Avenacosides):

Steroidal saponins: are structured like triterpenoids but with 4 rings.  These are used as detergents and re in fire extinguishers and fish poisons but are safe for human consumption. They share many of the properties of the higher level, saponins (Hoffman, 2003, p. 81).

Sterols (Aglycone Glycosides) are often used to imply phytosterols in these books. They need to be careful, though because sterols are found in animals while the same molecule can be called a phytosterol because it is found in a plant. calling it a sterol when it's in a plant can cause confusion (Ganora, 2009, p. 92, 93).

Have a Great Day

The image above is from the class I attended.

There are no new actions in this listing so I will go straight to constituents with the next post. Love and Light!

On to oats.

Constituents: Petersen (2018) says protein, fat, fiber – most water-soluble fiber of all grains; beta-glucans lower cholesterol. She explains in depth how this works. Alpha-tocotrienols which inhibit hepatic hydroxymethylgluaryl coemzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase which also helps cholesterol. The above ground parts contain soluble oligosaccharides and polysaccharides (saccharose, kestose, neokestose, beta-glucans, galatoarabinoxylans, silic acid, steroid saponins, aventic acid A and B and flavonoids.  Bran: oat gum/beta-glucan, a soluble polysaccharide, increases viscosity of food in the intestine which reduces glucose by delaying absorption. Hoffman (2003) says proteins (prolamines known as avenins), c-glycosyl flavones, avenacosides (spirostanol glycosides), fixed oil, vitamin E, and starch (p. 532). Gladstar (2012) says silicon, sterols, flavonoids, starch, protein, calcium, silica, and B vitamins (p. 182). Chevallier (2016) says saponins, alkaloids, sterols, flavonoids, silicic acid, starch, proteins (gluten), vitamins (B), and minerals (calcium) (p. 175).

Therapeutic Actions: anti-inflammatory. Hoffman (2003) says nervine tonic, antidepressant, nutritive, demulcent, and vulnerary (p. 532). Gladstar (2012) says anti-inflammatory (p. 181).

Indications: Petersen (2018) breaks it down this way: Oat: acute/chronic anxiety, excitation, stress, neurasthenia syndrome, pseudoneurasthenia syndrome, weak bladder, connective tissue disorders, gout, kidney ailments, old age syndromes, opium withdrawal, nicotine withdrawal, rheumatism, skin diseases, tonic, and when used with other herbs, cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, metabolic disease, diseases/discomforts of old age, anemia, hypothyroidism, neuralgia, neuritis, hematoma, pulled muscles, sexual disorders, tobacco abuse, spasms, increasing milk production, increasing performance.  Topically, dry/itchy skin, weeping eczema, contact dermatitis, chickenpox, skin hydration. Also eaten as a cereal or a grain.  Oat bran: heart disease, diet of low-saturated fat/cholesterol, lower cholesterol, reducing postprandial blood glucose, blocks fat absorption, prevents gallstones, reduces colon cancer risk, treats irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), diverticulosis, inflammatory bowel disease. Oat fruit: hypercholesterolemia, gastrointestinal tract disorders, gallbladder disorders, kidney disorders, cardiovascular disorders, constipation, diarrhea, rheumatism, throat/chest complaints, physical fatigue, diabetes, neurasthenia, neurasthenia syndrome, prevent colon cancer, nicotine withdrawal, reduce uric acid levels, tonics, sedative, diuretic, opium withdrawal. Oat straw: topically for skin inflammation, irritation, injury, pruritus, seborrhea, warts, arthritis, paralysis, liver disorders. Folk medicine says tea for flu and cough, abdominal fatigue, bladder disorders, rheumatic disorders, eye ailments, frostbite, gout, impetigo, metabolic disorders, and a foot bath for chronically cold/tired feet (p. 140-1). Hoffman (2003) says oats “feed” the nervous system, especially stress, nervous disability, exhaustion with depression, relaxant/stimulant when used with other herbs, strengthens nervous system, and general debility (p. 532). Clark (2011) says beneficial to the nervous system, calms/relaxes the body, Topically, its used for skin irritation, chicken pox, eczema, hives, measles, herpes simplex, herpes zoster, shingles, and sprains/muscle aches (p. 46, 94). Gladstar (2012) says the green milky tops are great for the nervous system because of the nutrients they provide, relaxing stress, exhaustion, irritation, anxiety, multiple sclerosis (nerve endings which help fatigue, muscles, and nerve function), and hyperactivity. Oats combined with oatstraw strengthen bones and provide calcium. Oatmeal helps when ill and sooth skin – itchy, sunburn, facials (p. 181-2). Chevallier (2016) says rheumatism, itchy skin, leprosy, nutrition, muscle function, stamina, cholesterol, tonic, general debility, nervous conditions, antidepressant, increase energy levels, stressed nervous system, depression, nervous debility, insomnia due to nerves, and convalescence. Externally, cleansing and emollient, itchiness, and eczema (p. 175)

Safety: Avoid medicinal doses while pregnant (dietary amount is safe). Bran may interact with glucose tests. Bran can cause intestinal blockages in people who don’t chew well. It contains gluten so if you have this allergy, avoid consuming it. The fruit can cause increased defecations, irritation, and gas. If this happens, reduce daily intake until there are no symptoms and slowly increase. Oat flour has caused contact dermatitis is some. May decrease absorption of medications.  Take them 1 hour before consumption. Has Generally Regarded as Safe status (Petersen, 2018, p. 146-7).  Hoffman (2003) says there are no side effects (p. 532).

Have a Great Day!

The image above is from normanallan.com.

None of the unresearched items are in my books so I'm adding those to my list to research studies and will clarify those when I can. 

The next herb will be oats.  Love and Light!

On to the constituents of motherwort.

Alkaloids are defined by Hoffman as "organic compounds with at least one nitrogen atom in the heterocyclic ring". This is the ONLY thing they all have in common. They are not usually soluble in water, nor are their salts. Most are also alkaline (Hoffman, 2003, p. 120-133, 152).

Apigenin (Flavonoid), occasionally on leaves and in ferns, has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, diuretic, and hypotensive properties (Hoffman, 2003, p. 106).

Caffeic Acid (Phenolic Acids, Polyphenolic Acid): it has antioxidant, anticancer, antimicrobial, and cardioprotective properties (Ganora, 2009, p. 108). It adds synergy for antimicrobial, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects in herbs such as echinacea.

Diterpenes: Hoffman describes a specific diterpene so I'll just talk about Ganora. She says there are several categories and what they do depends on that category. Diterpenes, structurally, have 20 carbons. She says these are relatively stabile because of their size but a rare few may be volatile. They are usually constituents of oleoresins or resins. This means they are either water soluble or high-percentage alcohol soluble. it appears there are too many to specify any activity they may possess. She does say there are about 2,500 of them (Hoffman, 2003, p. 174; Ganora, 2003, p. 46, 68, 134, 139, 140).

Glycosides (Bitter, Flavonoids): are compounds that contain a sugar unit attached to a non-carbohydrate molecule (aglycone). The sugar makes them easier to absorb, making to aglycone more bioavailable than others. They are categorized by the sugar, aglycone, or the link between the 2. (Hoffman, 2003, p. 41, 48, 199).

Iridoids are monoterpenoid lactones that are often the basis for the bitter principle as they are the bitterest compounds meaning they stimulate the digestive system. Ganora calls these modified monoterpenoids (Hoffman, 2003, p. 66, 67; Ganora, 2009, p. 68, 134, 136).

Kaempferol (3,5,7,4-tetrahydroxyflavone) (Flavonoids): responsible for eliminating free radicals in plants caused by UV radiation of the sun.

L-Stachydrine (Alkaloid):

Labdane Diterpenes:

Leocardin (Labdane Diterpene):

Leonruin (Glycosides):

Leonuride (Iridoid):

Leonuinine (Alkaloid):

Leonuridine (Glycoside):

Leonurine (Iridoid):

Quercetin (Flavonoid) reduces allergy-induced inflammation, inhibits the growth of head and neck cancers, inhibits reverse transcriptase. Fallon says this has anti-thyroid properties. Cohen says it prevents gout. Pierre says it fights cancer and prevents heart disease.  Also, process cherries, such as those in a can, have twice as much as fresh cherries (Hoffman, 2003, p. 14; Fallon, 2001, p. 502; Cohen, 2007, p. 262; Pierre, 2005, p. 8-9).

Stachydrene (Alkaloid):

Tannins (Polyphenolic Acid) can damper some of the harsher effects of some constituents but excessive use of them can cause certain cancers. In lab studies, they can inhibit fungi, yeast, bacteria and viruses. They do inhibit some other cancers and are antioxidants. There are different kinds of tannins so the risks vary. They are present in plants to protect them in various ways, depending on location (Hoffman, 2003, p. 114-117, 201).

Volatile oil: Volatile just means they evaporate more quickly than other substances. If it says "volatile", you want to use the plant as fresh as possible and try not to warm it up in any way (Ganora, 2009, p. 52, 57, 61, 134, 139). Chevallier (2016) says volatile oils are what is extracted from the plant to make essential oils and are made of a lot of compounds, sometimes as much as 100 (p. 14).

Have a Great Day!