We were up late again last night so we slept in and my son stayed in his bed again.  I like that!  I decided to make banana bread because I had 3 bananas on the counter and they were getting really ripe.  I began the process then discovered I couldn't find my masher.  I hate using electronics (mixers and the like) to cook.  I much prefer to use the old fashioned man-power!  I even have an old-fashioned egg beater I never use!  LOL It took forever to find it then I got the batter done and couldn't find my bread pans.  Child-proofing is also mommy-proofing!  My daughter is calling the bread "cake" but hates bananas so she won't eat it but she wants it.  I'm going to see if I can make her some cookies or something today.  I think she'd like that.  I don't bake often, obviously, because I'm too busy.  I really do like this time off school to do such things.  My daughter is also helping me make eggs now.  She likes to try to copy me in scrambling them.  She does okay but I do finish it up for her.  My kids will very much know how to take care of themselves when they move out in a few decades!  I looked and there are still just a few actions that have not been discussed, two are in this current herb so I've put them below.  I think we are very near the time when the actions won't be discussed any more, just added to that first entry.  Of course, there are many ways to say the same thing as has been noted with a few already so that will have to be explained as we come across those.  The kids are fed and happily playing so I'm going to get off here and find a chore that needs doing.  The list is long so it won't take long...  LOL

On to the actions of Cayenne!

Anticatarrhals: eliminate/prevent the formation of excess mucous (Griffin, 1997, p. 7).

Sialagogues: Increases digestion of starches by increasing saliva (Griffin, 1997, p. 11).

Constituents: Capsaicinoids: capsaicin, dihyrocapsaicin, others; carotenoids (capsanthin, capsorubin, carotene), steroidal saponins –capsicidins in root and seed (Hoffman, 2003, p. 536). Chevallier (2016) adds flavonoids, volatile oil but differs with Hoffman on the capsicidins.  He says they are ONLY in the seeds. Capsaicin causes a cooling affect by first causing heat which desensitizes the hypothalamus gland which then cools the body (Heinerman, 1996, p. 127).

Have a great day!

I was up way too late last night.  My friend asked me to come over and my kids got all wired again so they didn't want to sleep.  The good thing was the slept all night and I didn't have to share my side of the bed with a micro-human!  Though, my daughter usually sleeps in the middle of the bed and she was right up against me all night.  At least we all got some good sleep! I got nothing done yesterday around the house.   My son went down for his nap and she asked me to color, even said please!  lol  We were coloring when he woke up crying from a tummy ache.  I wrapped him in a blanket to warm him up and he fell asleep with me rocking him and she fell asleep on my feet.  I didn't want to move him because I wanted to keep that blanket where it was.  The poor kid had a terrible gas bubble and man did I suffer for it!  LOL  At least it passed by the time he woke up and was a happy little boy again.   I didn't have any time to cook anything since he woke up at 6 so I threw in a pizza, great for such occasions!  Not very healthy, though.  Well, I have to get in there and get breakfast cooking. I leave you with a great herb below!

On to Cayenne!

Constituents: Capsaicinoids: capsaicin, dihyrocapsaicin, others; carotenoids (capsanthin, capsorubin, carotene), steroidal saponins –capsicidins in root and seed (Hoffman, 2003, p. 536). Chevallier (2016) adds flavonoids, volatile oil but differs with Hoffman on the capsicidins.  He says they are ONLY in the seeds. Capsaicin causes a cooling affect by first causing heat which desensitizes the hypothalamus gland which then cools the body (Heinerman, 1996, p. 127).

Therapeutic Actions: Stimulant, carminative, anticatarrhal, sialagogue, rubefacient, antimicrobial (Hoffman, 2003, p. 536). Chevallier (2016) adds in tonic, relieves muscle spasms (anti-spasmodic), antiseptic, increases sweating (there is a term for it but it’s evading me as I write this), and analgesic.

Indications: Stimulates blood flow, strengthens the cardiovascular system and nerves. Tones circulatory and digestive systems. May help with flatulent dyspepsia and colic. Wards off colds.  Externally, it can be used for lumbago and rheumatic pain. It can be used in moderation for unbroken chilblains. Gargle for laryngitis and is a good antiseptic wash. It has also been known to help with painful/itchy skin disorders – psoriasis, shingles, diabetic neuropathy and postmastectomy pain. (Hoffman, 2003, p. 536). Petersen, 2018, p 105, says for arthritis, rheumatism, and pain relief use externally - the infusion or ointment can be used here. For asthma, internal bleeding, blood pressure balance, circulatory problems, chills, colds, constipation, couch, cramps, dyspepsia, heart irregularities, hemorrhoids, lethargy, mucus, varicose veins and vomiting, Petersen says use the infusion, tincture or powder. For topical bleeding and wounds, you can use the infusion or powder. For cold extremities and chilblains, put the tincture on the affected area. Yep, that will work…  Just don’t get it in the eyes!!! For inflamed gums, put the powder in the area. For mouth ulcers, gargle the infusion or the tincture. If swallowing is a problem, make a lozenge 1-1.5 micrograms. For a toothache, put the tincture on a cotton ball and place it on the tooth.

Safety: Hoffman doesn’t mention any safety issues but I’d highly recommend washing your hands immediately after touching this because it is not compatible with eyes or children.  The proper way to dry these peppers is to hang them and let them dry in the sun.  Heinerman shared a funny story which was not so funny to those who experienced it.  The husband tried drying them in the microwave… The result was like filling the house with tear gas.  They got the kitchen cleared out then he went upstairs to nap and the fumes were “deadly”. They had to open the whole house and air it out. (Heinerman, 1996, p. 134)

Have a great day!

Been a busy day.  I got laundry going then we went to my VA appointment.  My daughter was more traumatized by me getting a pap than I was...  LOL They BOTH scream and cry when I visit the vampire.  They took 3 vials this time.  Yay.  I can't wait until my clinic gets a new location.  They have 2 doctors in my clinic over there and the exam rooms are tiny and hard for me to get a double stroller in with my little ones.  Doing this over video would also work since most of my visits are just me answering a bunch of questions to validate I'm doing well.  I did laugh when they asked if there was anything preventing me from taking care of myself.  I just looked at my kids and couldn't hold it in!  LOL  The dude who does inspections called in today so instead of driving around trying to find a shop that does them, I'll ask someone and see if there is a place around here and get it done on Monday when I get the other errands done.  I got the bathroom floor cleaned yesterday and scrubbed the dining room floor.  MUCH more to do.  I'm rewashing the clothes for storage.  If I can, I plan to get vacuum bags on Monday and put them in the shed.  My sister was going to come down and get these kids clothes for my niece so I don't want to give them away.

On to the constituents of Blessed Thistle!

Polyenes are antifungal agents, also called antimycotic (Ganora, 2009, p. 97).

Citral is the antiseptic property normally found in citrus oils. This constituent is the combination of two enantiomers which are gernaial and naral (Ganora, 2009, p. 136).

Cinnamaldehyde (phenylpropanoids) is an aldehyde particle where the aldehyde end is very polar and the other end is NOT polar. This means it's oil soluble but some small amount will dissolve in water. This property is antimicrobial (Ganora, 2009, p. 16, 68, 109, 139).

Constituents: Triterpenoids (alpha-amyrenone, alpha-amyrin acetate, alpha amyrine, multiflorenol acetate), lignans (trachelogenin, arctigenin, nortracheloside), and essential oils (para-cymene, fenchon)

Have a great day!

The last day of the semester!  Tomorrow starts my 2 weeks off. I got nothing done yesterday that I wanted to.   It was a strange day.  I do consider it a good day, though.  The kids behaved really well while we were out. My daughter fell asleep in the truck and went back to sleep in HER bed when I got her back in the house and my son didn't try to wake her up.  No, they were not overtaken by a doppleganger!  LOL  They are coloring right now which means they will begin eating the crayons soon or coloring on the walls and windows.  Well, I was half-right.  There are now little bits of pink crayon all over my living room floor.  I guess vacuuming is also on the list to do today.

On to the constituents of Blessed Thistle!  Two of these I have talked about before but Petersen added to it so I added them in. 

Cnicin (sesquiterpene lactone glycosides) is antimicrobial (Petersen 2018, p. 169).

Lignans tend to have antibacterial, antifungal, antimicrobial, anticancer, anti-viral, and antifeedant properties (Hoffman, 2003, p. 112-4, 143, 175; Petersen 2018, p. 169).

Polyacetylenes (Sesquiterpese lactone glycosides) are alcohol-solvent between 40-60% (Ganora, 2009, p. 44, 64, 85, 97, 98). Petersen adds they are anti-microbial (p. 169).

Absinthin, also seen as absinthiin, is a bitter principle and the main one in wormwood (Hoffman, 2003, p. 70).

Constituents: Triterpenoids (alpha-amyrenone, alpha-amyrin acetate, alpha amyrine, multiflorenol acetate), lignans (trachelogenin, arctigenin, nortracheloside), polyenes, and essential oils (para-cymene, fenchon, citral, cinnamaldehyde)

Have a great day!

Yesterday went much smoother.  Today I plan to work on the house a bit.  I'll work on herbariums today at some point but I want to get these floors washed and start working on the bathroom.  It will take time because it's become a storage place so I need to rewash the clothes and either put them in the shed or donate them.  Lots of organizing and cleaning needs to be done.  Yes, my 2 weeks off from school is not spent relaxing.  I'm still busy, just not with meeting the deadlines of my teachers.  Right now I'm waiting for my friend to let me know when she gets home so I can go get my truck inspected.  I also need to pick up my brother-in-law's hat.  I took a look at the constituents that I'll talk about tomorrow since 3 of them were listed in the actions section because that's how Petersen does it and I will talk about 2 again because she added some information then I'll update the list.  I'm going to end this here and see if I can get the floors done, at the very least, I should be able to do the bathroom floor.  The rest may need to wait until nap time.

On to the actions of Blessed Thistle.  There is only one I have not discussed yet but it's really just another way of saying one I have.

Antidiarrheal stops diarrhea (I know, self explanatory).  This would likely be useful if you suffer irritable bowel syndrome.

Constituents: Sesquiterpese lactone glycosides (cnicin, polyacetylene, absinthin), triterpenoids (alpha-amyrenone, alpha-amyrin acetate, alpha amyrine, multiflorenol acetate), lignans (trachelogenin, arctigenin, nortracheloside), flavonoids, polyenes, tannins, and essential oils (para-cymene, fenchon, citral, cinnamaldehyde) (Petersen, 2018, p. 170).

Have a great day!

I got my grade back for my paper!  I got a 97% on the paper, the overall grade for Pathophysiology is a 91% so I think that means I'm still on the Dean's list?  I got my statement from the VA today on how many days of education I have left and I don't know if I can swing that last semester.  It's 5k per class.  It would be 2 classes and it looks like I may only have a month worth of benefits left.  We'll see how this works out.  I have time.  I guess for now, the best thing to do is just buy the books and see what happens.  I have to leave to pick my friend's daughter up in about an hour so it's a good thing I'm just introducing another herb today.  Both her kids were here yesterday and it was really rough.  I have no idea how the people who have kid after kid do it!  Y'all are supper moms!  My kids kept me up until almost midnight because they were so excited they got to play with their friends. Our sons were really cute, playing and learning to share.  Hers even fed himself with no issues last night.  He did cry but his sister got him side-tracked every time he did.  My morning was spent having the tired pressure sensors changed out on my truck.  I was tired of the light being on and them playing Russian roulette as to which tire was going to yell at me.  They wanted to only change the one until I explained they are just taking turns.  LOL 

On the Blessed Thistle!  This herb is also called Holy Thistle.

Constituents: Sesquiterpese lactone glycosides (cnicin, polyacetylene, absinthin), triterpenoids (alpha-amyrenone, alpha-amyrin acetate, alpha amyrine, multiflorenol acetate), lignans (trachelogenin, arctigenin, nortracheloside), flavonoids, polyenes, tannins, and essential oils (para-cymene, fenchon, citral, cinnamaldehyde)- (Petersen, 2018, p. 170).

Therapeutic Actions: Antimicrobial (cnicin and polyacetylene), anticancer (lignans), anti-inflammatory, antidiarrheal, expectorant, antiviral (lignans), antibiotic, diuretic (Petersen, 2018, p. 169).

Indications: Primarily used for a bitter tonic to stimulate appetite and aid digestion. Also stimulates menstruation and is an abortifacient (Petersen, 2018, p. 168).

Safety: This is an abortifacient so do not use during pregnancy; mixed data on lactation – some say it increases milk production but there isn’t much science to support it. Increases stomach acid so avoid antacids and such (Petersen, 2018, p. 172).  Chevallier (2016) says it may cause vomiting (p. 191).

Have a great day!

Yesterday was NOT a fun one...  My friend's son cried about half the time, didn't want to play with the kids and seemed to only think playing was possible with me, would only quit crying if I was rocking him, and decided he would not feed himself.  I had to ride herd on him to make him eat and I'm not convinced he was full.  He kept giving me his daddy's smile to try to get me to feed him.  NOT happening. His mom and I had a talk about all that when she came to pick him up.  I told her he'd starve if he expects me to put the food in his mouth.  She explained why she did the things she did with him and I get it but now she has created a problem.  It's not that he can't use a fork or his hands, it's that he doesn't want to.  She has created a child that is completely dependent by choice and needs to break that, fast.  She has the idea of having the other lady watch him for her and I watch her daughter which I think can work.  I think the issue is the girls are so happy to see each other because it's been so long that they get loud and excited.  Once they get used to being together again, I think it will calm down.  Despite the age difference, my daughter got attached to hers.  Her daughter is either 8 or 9 and mine will be 3 next month.  My daughter laughs and screams and jumps up and down when she sees her daughter.  Both of her kids will be here today, her daughter will get here around dinner time.  We'll see how the day goes.  I got an 81% on my final for chemistry!  Overall grade is a 93% for the class.  I'm still waiting on my Ebola paper to get graded. 

On to the constituents of  Bladderwrack!

Phenolic compounds are compounds of simple phenols and polyphenols. They are found as glycosides which are more water-soluble than the other form which is aglycones. There is a list here of the various compounds and what their solubility is if it can be narrowed down to one solvent (Ganora, 2009, p. 45).

Phlorogucinol, also called phenolic ketones,  says examples of this are hyperforin and THC and are soluble in low-polarity solvents and solutions with a high percentage of EtOH. On page 67, she lists some derivatives and what their actions are.  Since they are all different, I won't list them here but having the reference here is a good thing for finding this data when I need it later.  (Ganora, 2009, p. 45, 55, 67, 127)

Mannite can be found as manna or mannitol. It is found in kelp and some edible Ash. It treats constipation and stimulates the gallbladder (Ganora, 2009, p. 76).

Sodium is in this book to discuss solubility of other substances. While important, the importance of sodium in the body is often over looked. Sodium is needed in almost every cell in the body. People run into problems with sodium because they are not properly absorbing it. Malabsorption of this vital nutrient needs to be addressed for proper health.  (Ganora, 2009, p. 82, 142).

Constituents: Phenolic compounds (fucols), mucopolysaccarides (algin), sulphuryl-, sulphonyl-, and phosphonyl-glycosyl ester diglycerides, polar lipids, trace metals (iodine), soda, bromine compounds

Have a great day!

My friend successfully spent the first night in her new home last night!  There are other complications but that's expected when leaving an abuser.  He will do anything to punish her for leaving.  For now, he hasn't found out where she lives but we all know it's a matter of time.  I don't think he wants a piece of what will happen if he doesn't stop.  Time will tell.  In the mean-time, I took that final yesterday.  Shockingly, all the multiple choice questions but one were in the quizzes I studies and the one that wasn't was easy because the other 3 were easy to eliminate.  I only answered one of the essay questions.  My son was crying at my feet so I had to end the test.  He needed a diaper and mommy cuddles. I know I got at least a 70% on it.  I'm currently only waiting on 2 grades, one for each class to know my final grades. It should be As in both unless I somehow screwed up that Ebola paper which I doubt I did.  I have begun working on those herbariums for second semester but I'll continue talking about those 10 for this semester until I have gone through all of them to give myself time to get ahead. I'll have my friend's son today and tomorrow and her daughter tomorrow evening so I don't know how much I'll get done but I will work on it as much as I can.

On to the constituents of Bladderwrack!

Mucopolysaccarides (Proteoglycans), often classified as glycoproteins, their carbohydrate chain is called glycosaminoglycns.  These often have sulfate groups and can lead to the amino groups that make up glucosamine (Hoffman, 2003, p. 47).

Coloring Principles means it's used in dye or as a dye.

Trace metals means while the plant doesn't absorb a lot of a particular metal, it does absorb enough to provide the human body with the trace amount it needs.  In commercial products, trace amount refers to that less than 2% in the product which is not normally reported because they are not legally bound to do so.

Constituents: Phenolic compounds (phlorogucinol, fucols), mucopolysaccarides (algin), sulphuryl-, sulphonyl-, and phosphonyl-glycosyl ester diglycerides, polar lipids, trace metals (iodine), mannite, soda, bromine compounds:  sodium

Have a Great Day!

I'm trying to have this exam done today but I'm not having any luck so far.  It's 1pm and I still have not had time to do any studying. I've gotten some housework done and some dishes together for my friend.  She will be spending the first night in her new home tonight.  I'm waiting on her to let me know when she's on her way back so I can get some cold items together for her. My son took a 5-minute nap.  I guess he was still hungry and didn't want his sandwich.  My daughter threw a fit over breakfast this morning. She wanted to watch a show on the tablet and I refused to turn it on until she ate.  She actually ate everything on her plate this time, proving her watching her show is a distraction.  She's learning some great words but food is needed.  The last of the things I ordered arrived yesterday but I do want to see if I can find some Tinkerbell wrapping paper and I will need more plates and napkins still.  She is going to love her birthday party!  LOL  We are going to have it about 2 weeks before her actual birthday but that's okay. 

On to the actions of bladderwrack!

Antihypothyroid is self explanatory in that if you have a hypothyroid, this is supposed to fix it.

Anti-aging can mean a few things.  Generally it helps keep a person looking young but some see this to mean it rebuilds the telomeres associated with aging.  I do not know if this is the second one or not as I have not seen any studies stating that.

Anti-fungal, also called fungicide, means it kills fungi.

Anticancer means it fights the spread of cancer.

Anticoagulant means it stops, prevents, or slows the formation of blood clots depending on the strength of the herb.

Antioxidant means it fights the oxidative effects within the body which cause free radicals.

Immunomodulatory means it controls the immune system function of one or more areas of the body.  Hoffman said (2003) on page 442, that this and immunostimulant are often used interchangeably which is incorrect. Immunomodulatory can also depress the immune function where needed.

Constituents: Phenolic compounds (phlorogucinol, fucols), mucopolysaccarides (algin), sulphuryl-, sulphonyl-, and phosphonyl-glycosyl ester diglycerides, polar lipids, trace metals (iodine) (Hoffman, 2003, p. 552). Petersen says volatile oil, cellulose, mucilage, mannite, coloring and bitter principles, soda and iodine, and bromine compounds – sodium and potassium (p. 115).

Have a great day!

Home stretch!  I have 3 modules left to study before I can take my test.  These other modules have gone pretty fast so I'm going to see if I can get this off my plate tomorrow but I'm not going to push myself.  My friend's daughter wanted to come hang out here while her mom moved stuff into their new house yesterday.  We were playing bubbles at the time so I just handed to bottle to her and let them play and I was able to get a small bit more studying done.  My daughter ate all her dinner then fell asleep at the table as a result of all the playing she did yesterday.  Then she woke up at 11 hungry again.  I gave her some carrots and she was able to sleep the rest of the night.  We still don't know when my friend can get into her house but I'm hoping it's soon.  She needs this. Time to go get breakfast done and such so I can get the studying done.

On to bladderwrack!

Constituents: Phenolic compounds (phlorogucinol, fucols), mucopolysaccarides (algin), sulphuryl-, sulphonyl-, and phosphonyl-glycosyl ester diglycerides, polar lipids, trace metals (iodine) (Hoffman, 2003, p. 552). Petersen says volatile oil, cellulose, mucilage, mannite, coloring and bitter principles, soda and iodine, and bromine compounds – sodium and potassium (p. 115).

Therapeutic Actions: Antihypothyroid, antirheumatic (Hoffman, 2003, p.551). Petersen says anti-aging, anti-bacterial/fungal, anticancer, anticoagulant, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, weight loss, and urinary tract tonic (p. 115).

Indications: The iodine in this seaweed is great for hypothyroid and goiter. Used internally and externally, it can help inflamed joints. (Hoffman, 2003, p. 551). Petersen, 2018, says the primary uses are thyroid disorders, iodine deficiency, lymphadenoid goiter, myxedema, obesity, arthritis, and rheumatism (p. 113).

Safety: may cause hyper- or hypo-thyroidism and possibly interfere with current treatments.  Prolonged use may prevent the absorption of a whole bunch of important things (Hoffman, 2003, p. 551). Petersen, 2018, says not to use with herbs that affect platelets as bleeding risk may be present (117).

Have a great day!