Crouch Writing Gallery
  • Crouch Writing Gallery
  • A Day in the Life of a Mom-Herbalist
  • My Spiritual Healing Journey
  • Non-Fiction
  • Fiction
  • Poetry
  • Herbal List
  • Lemurian Diet
  • Virtual Herbarium
  • About Me
  • Contact
  • Book Membership

A Day in the Life of a Mom-Herbalist

This daily blog has been about the struggles of juggling motherhood with being a full-time student for the first eight months of its existence.  I still share some of my life now that I've graduated but I also share information each day on herbs that I've learned along this journey.   While my herbariums are listed for free membership, I provide four fields from them in my blog: Constituents (the active ingredients of the herbs), the therapeutic actions (Examples are expectorant and stimulant), indications (colds, skin rashes, emphysema, etc), and safety information. More information can be found in the herbariums but these are the most important educational fields.  I also share scientific studies to help educate people who think there are no studies showing herbs work.

Membership to this site is free.

Ashwagandha Constituents Day 2

1/31/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture
The picture above came from a class I attended.

Sorry there was no post yesterday.  I wasn't kidding when I said things are crazy around here right now.  I started trying to vacuum the floor around 10 am and finally got it done around 5pm. 

Tomorrow will be the last day for this herb.  I have to make myself more ashwagandha tea today.  I can say the stress is getting better.  This is a good thing.  Love and light!

On to constituents of ashwagandha.

Steroidal Alkaloids: Some of these are very toxic and can cause death. They have complex nitrogen structures and are broken into 2 categories of solanum and veratrum (Hoffman, 2003, p. 74, 131, 205; Ganora, 2009, p. 72, 154).  

Withanolides A-Y (steroidal Lactone): Anti-cancer, inhibit the growth of cancer cells. Hoffman says anti-tumor and antibiotic activities (Hoffman, 2003, p. 84).

Have a Great Day!
0 Comments

Ashwagandha Constituents

1/29/2020

1 Comment

 
Picture
The image above is from my class lesson.

I made some ashwagandha tea yesterday with my lab sample.  I made enough for a couple of days according to Winston's instructions.  I did get the herbarium posted as well so you can look at the various ways of using this herb.  I'm not keen on the flavor but I can say it tastes much better than bladderwrack (kelp)! Love and Light!

On to the constituents of ashwagandha.

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).
Amino Acid (Protein) can be very water soluble. The issue here is amino acids vary greatly on pH. Some are water soluble, some are alcohol soluble.  Temperature can also have an effect.  (Ganora, 2009, 12, 21, 44, 45, 65, 101, 103, 104, 107, 114, 133, 154).
Anaferine (Steroidal Alkaloid):
Anahydrine (Steroidal Alkaloid):
Beta-sitosterol (Phytosterols), also seen as B-sitosterol, is in a lot of higher plants. It is essential in cell membranes. It seems to have antihyperlipoproteinemic activity. Ganora adds this constituent accounts for around 70% of phytosterols, which of course means sterols that are found in plants.  (Hoffman, 2003, p. 84, 143; Ganora, 2009, p. 145).
Chlorogenic Acid (Phenylpropanoids): is found in coffee and is responsible for its anti-diabetic activity.  It "slows intestinal absorption of glucose", "decreases the liver's output of glucose" and strengthens the pancreas in the way the beta cells work.    (Ganora, 2009, p. 65, 108).  What all this means is you can drink coffee WITHOUT the added sweeteners and it can even be decaf and it will help with your diabetes. This actually makes sense to me (and Ganora mentions studies where this is proven) because coffee is a bitter.
Choline:  While Ganora says it's on that page, I don't see it there. (Ganora, 2009, p. 93). I looked it up on Dr. Axe and he gives it an easy-to-understand run-down.  The liver can create some of this micronutrient it needs more from food. It is used by the liver, brain, nervous system, and the metabolism. This is a B Vitamin (Petersen, 2018, p. 155-6).
Cuscohygrine (Pyrrolidine Alkaloid):
Iron: is a mineral that is vital for human health.  While some don't know but most do, not having enough iron in the body will cause anemia. Too much is considered toxic. There must be a proper balance of this mineral in the body to maintain health.  While Ganora mentions this mineral, she discusses blockers of it so I'm leaving the reference here even though I didn't use it (Ganora, 2009, p. 8, 82).
Isopelletierine (Steroidal Alkaloid):
Pseudo-eithanine (Steroidal Alkaloid):
Pseudo-Tropine (Steroidal Alkaloid):
Scopoletin (coumarin) is common in the Nightshade family, poppies and grapefruit (Ganora, 2009, p. 65, 110).
Sitoindosides:
Somniferinine (Steroidal Alkaloid):
Somine (Steroidal Alkaloid):
Somniferine (Steroidal Alkaloid):
Steroidal Alkaloids:
Steroidal Lactones:
Tropine (Steroidal Alkaloid):
Withaferin A (Steroidal Lactone):
Withananine (Steroidal alkaloid):
Withanine (Alkaloid):
Withanolides A-Y (steroidal Lactone):

Have a Great Day!
1 Comment

Ashwagandha Actions

1/28/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture
The image above is from the class lesson.

My daughter ate her breakfast!  The small things we celebrate. 

I'll get this herbarium up today.  It's just really crazy around here right now.  Love and Light!

On to the actions of ashwagandha that have not been previously discussed. The complete list with definitions is in the virtual herbarium.

Rejuvenatives: Renews the function of the body and mind back to optimum (Griffin, 1997, p. 11)

Thyroid stimulant means it stimulates the function of the thyroid, mainly the production of T3s and T4s.

Have a great day!
0 Comments

Ashwagangha

1/27/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture
The image above is from the class lesson.

This is a very interesting herb and has left me asking myself, "why am I not using this?".  Now I need to find my lab sample.

Been a busy day and I don't think it will slow down any.  Love and Light!

On to ashwaghandha

Constituents: Petersen (2018) says steroidal lactones (withaferin A and withanolide D) and steroidal alkaloids (isopelletierine, anaferine, somniferine, somnine, somniferinine, withananine, pseudo-withanine, tropine, pseudo-tropine, 3-a-gloyloxytropane, choline, cuscohygrine, isopelletierine, anaferine, anahydrine) (p. 185-6). Balch (2010) says alkaloids, beta-sitosterol, chlorogenic acid, scopoletin, withaferin, amino acids, choline (p. 103). Chevallier (2010) says alkaloids, steroidal lactones (withanolides), and iron. The withanolides are strongest in the leaves and these are anti-cancer by inhibiting cancer cell growth (p. 152). Winston (2007) says steroidal lactones (withanolides A-Y), sitoindosides, withaferins, and alkaloids (somniferine, withanine, and anaferine) (p. 34, 158).

Therapeutic Actions: Aphrodisiac, emmenagogue, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial (Petersen, 2018, p. 186). Balch says anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, immunomodulator, and immune stimulating (p. 103). Chevallier (2010) says adaptogen, anti-cancer, tonic, and mild sedative (p. 152). Bown (1995) says astringent, warming, sedative, rejuvenative, and aphrodisiac (p 371). Winston (2007) says adaptogen, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-spasmodic, diuretic, immune amphetic, diuretic, immune amphoteric, nervine, anthelmintic, and thyroid stimulant (p. 158).

Indications: Arthritis, anxiety, chronic liver disease, insomnia, tuberculosis, tumors, inflammation, emaciation, fibromyalgia, hiccups, Cognitive function, infertility, menstrual disorders, cancer, cardiovascular damage, cholesterol and blood lipids, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, neuro-protection in stroke, osteoporosis, Parkinson’s, anemia, aging. Topically, backache, hemiplegia, and ulcers (Petersen, 2018, p. 184, 186-191). It’s good for strength and vitality, nourishes/strengthens the nervous, adrenal, thyroid, immune function, and decreases inflammation. Good for libido, chronic pain, vigor, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Also helps with sleep (Groves, 2016, p. 50-51).  Balch says rejuvenates and energizes the nervous system, may prevent or help with stress-related illnesses and stress-related reduction in Vitamin c and cortisol as well as increases physical endurance and sexual function (p. 103). Chevallier (2010) says chronic stress, anxiety, tension, male fertility, muscle strength, mental function, arthritis, immune function, fatigue, psoriasis and other chronic inflammatory illness, and anemia. The root is best for strengthening and calming, powdered. Berries help with convelescence (p. 103). Bown (1995) says debility, reproductive and nervous systems, convalescence, nervous exhaustion, insomnia, geriatric complaints, wasting diseases, failure to thrive, impotence, infertility, joint/nerve pain, multiple sclerosis and usually given in milk with raw sugar or honey (p. 371). Winston (2007) says stamina, prolonged life, mental stimulation, vigor, sexual prowess, malnutrition, paralysis, coughs, edema, cognitive function, asthma, infertility, rheumatism, gastric ulcers, fevers, lower back pain, lumbago, arthritis, dyspepsia, decubitus ulcers (bed sores), boils, glandular swelling, alcoholism, low sperm count, debility, prevent osteoporosis, muscular wasting, heavy menstrual bleeding, convalescence, chills, colds, uterine tonic, syphilis, typhoid fever, diarrhea, infections, eruptive diseases, conjunctivitis, endocrine function, thyroid, testes, adrenal glands, stress-induced insomnia, headaches, anorexia, irritability, nervousness, cancer, chronic fatigue immune deficiency syndrome, autoimmune diseases, polymyositis, fibromyalgia, and neck pain (p. 158-60). Heinerman (1996) says sports injuries, inflammation, arthritis, cancer tumors, mental health such as anxiety, panic attacks, mood phobias, delusions, depression, hallucinations, agitation, alcoholic paranoia, schizophrenia, learning enhancement, and memory retention (p. 35-6).

Safety: Petersen (2018) says in thyroid tests it suppresses TSH and increases T3 and T4 values. Do not use with sedatives or anxioletics or stomach ulcers. It may also be abortifacient, reduce male sexual function though it has been used for enhancing sexual function in the historical days. It may also have adverse effects in patients with hypotension. At prescribed doses, it’s well tolerated (p. 193). She continues on page 194 the American Herbal Products Association has this listed as class 2b, not safe for pregnancy. Groves (2016) says there may be allergic reactions with those who have allergies to nightshades but is generally safe (p. 51).

Have a Great Day!
0 Comments

Reishi Constituents Day 2

1/26/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture
The image above is from the class lesson.

I got a question on another common name of a mushroom on one of my social media platforms, asking if it was the same mushroom.  The answer was that it was not the exact same one, in fact id does LOOK like a reishi and has similar healing properties.

I bring this up because we often confuse plants with others thinking we are getting the same healing properties then throw our hands up in frustration when the plant we are using isn't working "as indicated".  In his entry for the mushroom I was asked about, he talked about DNA testing. This is something important to talk about.

Fungi, like plants, are now undergoing DNA testing so they can be properly identified and classified. This is why the ginkgo tree is the only one in its category.  Genetically, it has no living relatives. It's also why there are so many plants in the Lamiaceae family that seemingly don't belong there.  It's called the "mint family" but rosemary is part of that family, clearly NOT a mint but it is related, especially when you look at the chemical make-up of the plant.  This is also why botany is an important class for an herbalist to take.  Understanding related plants help an herbalist use related plants in cases where a plant cannot be used due to some form of contraindication.  Love and Light!

On to the constituents of reishi

Adenosine
Amino Acid):

Ascorbic Acid (Organic Acid), also called Vitamin C, is essential for health in both plants and humans and is found in all plants to some degree.  Hoffman calls it a “reducing agent” and says it chelates metals.  It also protects other antioxidants such as Vitamins A and E as well as fatty acids.  Flavonoids and vitamin C are co-dependent for absorption. Ganora adds this is soluble in water but better in neutral or basic solutions. Ganora mentions some studies have suggested the isolated form of vitamin C could cause oxidation instead of reduce it.  It is best to use this in the more natural forms where the synergistic effects are greatest (Hoffman, 2003, p. 167; Ganora, 2009, p. 44, 51, 63, 81).

Behenic
Acid:

Beta
-D-Glucan (Immunemodulating Polysaccharide): This is hot water-soluble.  Ganora adds these are mostly found in the medicinal mushrooms (reishi, shitake, maitake) but can occur in some grains such as oats as well as brewers yeast. It is know to prevent oncogenesis, tumor growth, and metastasis. (Petersen, 2018, p. 57; Ganora, 2009, p. 78, 80).

Betaine
: (Ganora, 2009, p. 101).

Erogone:

Ergosta
-7,22-dien-3b-ol:

Ergosterol
(Sterol):

Ergosterols
(Sterol):

Ganoderic
Acid (Bitter Triterpenoid, Lanostane-type Triterpenoids):

Ganoderenic
Acid (Lanostane-type Triterpenoids):

Ganolucidic
Acid (Lanostane-type Triterpenoids):

Hentriacontane
:

Lactones
, also called cyclic esters, is a cell structure.  This makes up the structure of coumarins (Ganora, 2009, p. 18, 29, 31, 58, 110, 116, 146).

Lanostane-Type Triterpenoids
:

Ling Zhi-8 Protein
:

Lucidenic Acid (Lanostane-type Triterpenoids):

Lucidone
(Lanostane-type Triterpenoids):

Lucidumol
A (Triterpenoinds):

Lysozymes
:

Nonadecanoic Acid
:

Protease:

Pyrophosphatidic Acid
:

Riboflavin
:

Stearic Acid
(Lipid) is a straight-chain acid that is also called n-octadecanoic (Hoffman, 2003, p. 55; Ganora, 2009, p. 64, 86, 93).

Tetracosane:

Tretracosanoic Acid:

Triterpenoids:

Have a Great Day!
0 Comments

Reishi Constituents

1/25/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture
The image above is from the class lesson.

Breakfast is done and I'm going to resume going through this cookbook.  I'm learning so much about nutrition!  My to-do list hasn't gotten much shorter but I'm getting better adjusted to the new schedule of not having school and trying to write and continue my learning and spiritual expansion.  It really is a lot but it's getting easier to juggle. 

I'll do one more day of reishi then move on to the next herb.  I'll announce that one tomorrow. Love and Light!

On to the constituents of reishi.

Adenosine
(Amino Acid):

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).

Amino Acid (Protein)
can be very water soluble. The issue here is amino acids vary greatly on pH. Some are water soluble, some are alcohol soluble.  Temperature can also have an effect.  (Ganora, 2009, 12, 21, 44, 45, 65, 101, 103, 104, 107, 114, 133, 154).

Ascorbic
Acid (Organic Acid),

Behenic
Acid:

Beta
-D-Glucan (Immunemodulating Polysaccharide):

Beta-sitosterol (Phytosterols)
, also seen as B-sitosterol, is in a lot of higher plants. It is essential in cell membranes. It seems to have antihyperlipoproteinemic activity. Ganora adds this constituent accounts for around 70% of phytosterols, which of course means sterols that are found in plants.  (Hoffman, 2003, p. 84, 143; Ganora, 2009, p. 145).

Betaine
: (Ganora, 2009, p. 101).

Carbohydrates
are very water-soluble. They evaporate from alcohol and most are oil-phobic (Ganora, 2009, p. 44, 49, 63, 73).

Choline:
  While Ganora says it's on that page, I don't see it there. (Ganora, 2009, p. 93). I looked it up on Dr. Axe and he gives it an easy-to-understand run-down.  The liver can create some of this micronutrient it needs more from food. It is used by the liver, brain, nervous system, and the metabolism. This is a B Vitamin (Petersen, 2018, p. 155-6).

Erogone
:

Ergosta
-7,22-dien-3b-ol:

Ergosterol
(Sterol):

Ergosterols
(Sterol):

Ganoderic
Acid (Bitter Triterpenoid, Lanostane-type Triterpenoids):

Ganoderenic
Acid (Lanostane-type Triterpenoids):

Ganolucidic
Acid (Lanostane-type Triterpenoids):

Hentriacontane
:

Lactones


Lanostane-Type Triterpenoids
:

Ling Zhi-8 Protein
:

Lipids
are primarily only soluble in alcohol (best used as a tincture rather than a tea). This group is so vast, it gets a whole chapter in Hoffman which means I don't think it can be broken down to only one action or so. They are part of all biological membranes, provide fuel and store energy, store vitamins and hormones, provide immunological coatings for cells, provide water-proof coatings, and carry vitamins such as A, D, E, and K in the blood. Yes, these are fat cells but this proves why some fat is needed (Hoffman, 2003, p. 54-61, 166).

Lucidenic
Acid (Lanostane-type Triterpenoids):

Lucidone
(Lanostane-type Triterpenoids):

Lucidumol
A (Triterpenoinds):

Lysozymes
:

Nonadecanoic Acid
:

Palmitic Acid (Fixed Oil)
is an unsaturated straight-chain acid with one unsaturated bond. Ganora adds this is a source of Omega-7. She lists this fat under saturated fats.  I didn't think this was possible, but she explains this constituent acts as both depending on the situation  (Hoffman, 2003, p. 56; Ganora, 2009, p. 64, 86, 87, 93, 94).

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

Protease
:

Pyrophosphatidic Acid
:

Riboflavin
:

Stearic Acid
(Lipid)

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).

Tetracosane
:

Tretracosanoic Acid
:

Triterpenes
are oil-soluble as well as high percentage alcohol soluble. These tend to make great essential oils and are used for steam therapies, like making a peppermint oil and using that to help with congestion through steam, as an example. Reading this section, this can get pretty complicated so I'll only add a bit more if requested. While most triterpenes are NOT water soluble, the glycoside triterpenoids are which is why it's important to know which is which (Ganora, 2009, p. 45, 46, 68, 134, 140, 141, 142, 144).

Triterpenoids
:
 
Have a Great Day!
0 Comments

Reishi Actions

1/24/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture
The image above is from the class lesson.

The day is racing away from me today.  I'm cooking lunch right now and my son is mad at me because it's taking too long.  My mother sent my son a birthday card with a bit of money to buy something for the kids so he has a new police car and the batmobile.  She wanted Frozen bedding.  Happy kids and I keep hearing a siren...  He is mad the wheels don't come off the police car, though.  My son is a redneck already!  Love and light!

On to the actions of reishi mushrooms that have not been previously discussed.

Anticonvulsive means it works against shaking such as seizures and Parkinson’s Disease.

Anti-obesity is another way of saying it helps the body burn fat and increase the metabolism.

Cardiac Tonics help clean the heart and make it function better.

Hypercholesterolemic means it helps the body reduce bad cholesterol and return to normal/healthy levels.

Hyperglycemic means it raises blood sugar. 

Hypolipemic means it reduces the amount of lipids in the body which are fat cells.

Immune Amphoteric: enhances cells that make up white blood cells.

Nourishing is the same as nutritive which means it provides vitamins and/or minerals.

Tonics (tonifying) are called "nutritive" and clean the blood in a way that helps the body harmonize (Griffin, 1997, p. 11). They help the lymphatic system work better as well.  I think they are considered nutritive because when you have a bunch of crud trolling your system, it's difficult to absorb the nutrients your body requires.  If you clean up your system a bit, the body can better absorb those things it requires.

Warming is a property in Chinese medicine and is used when the ailment is considered cold.  A good way to think of this is when a person has the chills related to a cold, this property would be used.

Have a great day!
0 Comments

Reishi Musrooms

1/23/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture
The image above is from the class class lesson.  They come in different colors, the red variety being from Japan.

My daughter only ate her eggs this morning because they had cheese on them...  I think my son was a big help there...  His plate was empty then hers was, pretty quick actually. 

I was quite pleased with the mushroom book I used for this research.  I also discovered it has lichten in it!  I'm almost done with the appendices.  There are a few actions to discuss tomorrow and I imagine the same will go for the constituents as well.  I'll have the herbarium posted at some point today. Love and Light!

On to reishi mushrooms!

Constituents: Polysaccharides (beta-D-glucan – water-soluble), triterpenoids (lucidumol A, ganoderic acid), adenosine, germanium, sterols (ergosterol), riboflavin, ascorbic acid, amino acids (Petersen, 2018, p. 57).Rogers (2011) breaks these down as below:
            Fruiting body: carbohydrates, amino acids (adenosine), steroids (ergosterola), protease, lysozymes, lipids, triterpenes, alkaloids, Vitamin B2 and C, beta-glucans and minerals such as zinc, manganese, iron, copper, and germanium (p. 175).
            Mycelium; sterols, alkaloids, lactones, erogone, polysaccharides, triterpenoids, lanostane-type triterpenoids (ganoderic acid, ganoderenic acid, ganolucidic acid, lucidenic acid, lucidone)
            Spores: choline, betaine, palmitic acid, stearic acid, ergosta-7,22-dien-3b-ol, tretracosanoic acid, behenic acid, nonadecanoic acid, ergosterol, beta sitosterol, pyrophosphatidic acid, hentriacontane, and tetracosane (p. 175).
Winston (2007) says immunostimulaing polysaccharides (beta-glucans), bitter triterpenoids (ganoderic acid, ganoderenic acid) and ling zhi-8 protein (p. 232).

Therapeutic Actions: Adaptogen, analgesic, anti-allergic, anticancer, anticonvulsive, antihistamine, antimutagenic, anti-obesity, antioxidant, antitumor, antiviral, Astringent, cathartic (especially the juice), demulcent, emollient, hypercholesterolemic, hypertensive, hyperglycemic, hypolipemic, hypotensive, immunostimulant, laxative (can be purgative), sedative, vulnerary, and vermifuge (Petersen, 2018, p. 59). Rogers (2011) says astringent, adaptogen, warming, nourishing, detoxifying, and tonifying (p. 174). Rogers has pages of summaries that expand on more actions based on scientific studies. They go from page 175-184. Winston (2007) says this is a bitter and warming. He adds adaptogen, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral, cardiac tonic, hepatoprotective, hypocholesterolemic, immune amphoteric (enhances cells that make up white blood cells), and nervine (p. 232).

Indications: Aging, attitude sickness, Alzheimer’s, asthma, blood pressure (reduction), bronchial disease, cancer (breast, colon, prostate), cardiovascular disease, chemotherapy, cholesterol, prevent fatigue, gastric ulcers, chronic hepatitis, herpes zoster pain, HIV, enhance immune system, inflammatory disease, insomnia, kidney tonic, liver disease, longevity, neuralgia (post-herpetic), neurasthenia, obesity, poisoning, tumors, reduce stress, uterine fibroids inflammation, viral infections – support and prevent, yeast infections (Petersen, 2018, p. 59).  Rogers (2011) says traditional uses include liver ailments (chronic hepatitis), lung conditions (asthma, bronchitis), nephritis of the kidneys, nerve pain, hypertension, gastric ulcers, and insomnia (p. 174). He continues that is has also been used to stimulate sexual prowess/endurance. It helps with endocrine and hormone levels (p. 175). Winston (2007) says it restores the heart (Chinese medicine), prolonged life, improved cognition, helps downregulate the immune system to help with autoimmune illnesses, cancer, asthma, allergic rhinitus, hepatitis B/C, autoimmune hepatitis, improves cholesterol, triglycerides, inhibits blood clotting, lowers blood pressure, angina, arrhythmia, prevents arteriosclerosis, improves adrenocortical function, relieves stress, and altitude sickness (p. 234-5).

Safety: Unknown on whether it’s safe for pregnancy or lactation to avoid. In rare cases, may cause dry mouth, throat, sinuses, itchiness, upset stomach, nosebleeds, bloody stools – extended use id 3-6 months. (Petersen, 2018, p. 62). If you experience diarrhea using this, Rogers (2011) says to add some vitamin C, ginger, or pineapple to your regimen.  Do not use before surgery, do not use during a heavy period, and use with caution if taking ACE inhibitors (p. 185). Winston (2007) says to avoid if you have an allergy to mushrooms or if using blood thinners (p. 235).

Have a Great Day!
0 Comments

Pau d'Arco Constituents

1/22/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture
The image above is from the class lesson.

This is the last day for this herb.  Reishi mushrooms will be tomorrow. 

Much to get done today.  I made some spiritual progress last night but I'm not ready to share it yet.  I will have a video soon but I have not looked into video editing software yet.  Love and Light!

On to the constituents of pau d'arco.

1,4 naphthoquinone

alpha-lapachone: is not very water-soluble (Mills and Bone, 2010, p. 529).

anthraquinones

beta-lapachol: is not very water-soluble (Mills and Bone, 2010, p. 529).

beta-lapachone: is not very water-soluble (Mills and Bone, 2010, p. 529).

dehydro-alpha-lapachone

deoxylapachol

Lapachol is not very water-soluble (Mills and Bone, 2010, p. 529).

Napthaquinones

Carnosol (Diterpene): Antioxidant and antimicrobial (Oliveira, Oliveira, Conceicao, and Leles, 2016).

Coumarin (Coumarins) is hepatoxic is rats and dogs but not humans.

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).

Furanonaphthoquinones

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).

naphthoquinone

naphthofurandiones

xyloidone

Have a Great Day!
0 Comments

Pau d'Arco Actions

1/21/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture
The image above is from the class lesson.

There was only one action for pau d'arco that had not been previously discussed.  I think this one alone is reason to use this herb even though it has so many great qualities.  The complete list is also in the virtual herbarium as an appendix.  I'll be doing that with all the others once I find time.  It will make it quicker do do the books on these herbs once I'm ready to do the deep dives.

I made chocolate pancakes for my children this morning and they hated them.  My children are odd.  They got french toast instead.  Off to get my chores done.  Love and Light!

On to pau d'arco!

Immune-enhancing is the same as immunostimulant.

Constituents: Napthaquinones (lapachol), anthraquinones, coumarins, flavonoids, iridoids, carnosol (Chevallier, 2016, p. 139). Mills and bone (2010) say naphthoquinone (the 1,4 type, especially beta-lapachol, beta-lapachone, xyloidone (dehydro-alpha-lapachone), alpha-lapachone, and deoxylapachol), naphthofurandiones (furanonaphthoquinones), iridoids, and small quantities of anthraquinones. Lapachol is not very water-soluble (p. 529).

Have a Great Day!
0 Comments
<<Previous
    These pages are also linked on the Herbal Lists page but this is the list of things that get discussed more frequently so I added the link here.
    Constituents

    Indications

    Nutrients

    Side Effects

    Therapeutic Actions

    Find me on Gab Social

    Archives

    March 2021
    November 2020
    September 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019

    Categories

    All

    RSS Feed

HOME

ABOUT

CONTACT

Proudly powered by Weebly
Most recently updated on June 20, 2020.  All rights reserved.
  • Crouch Writing Gallery
  • A Day in the Life of a Mom-Herbalist
  • My Spiritual Healing Journey
  • Non-Fiction
  • Fiction
  • Poetry
  • Herbal List
  • Lemurian Diet
  • Virtual Herbarium
  • About Me
  • Contact
  • Book Membership