What a day it has been....  We got up, got breakfast, then went to spend my paycheck.  I got the flapper for the toilet but have not put it in yet.  I did NOT find the stuff to get the other toilet back in working order so I will leave the water off in there for now. I went to find a backpack for my son and that was also a strike-out. I walked that stare for what felt like forever and never found one a little boy would like. Then we went and got produce and the electric paid.  The kids were getting into EVERYTHING I was putting in the cart and I was looking forward to getting out of there so we came straight home and got a late launch.  After the kids were happy and I finally got my lunch ate, we went to Wal-Mart to finish our shopping.  My daughter then decided to lay a certain way and got her finger caught under the wheel of the cart.  Yeah.  To say the entire store heard her cry in pain is an understatement.  By the way, that particular store is not set up for wounded customers.  I just wanted some ice and a paper towel.  The bathrooms are all converted to the air machines and the water is a nice warm temp, not something to put a bleeding finger under. They have no ice except what is there for purchase.  The greeter had some paper towel so I was able to wrap it and put pressure on it to stop the bleeding.  One of the deli people brought out a first aid kit so I was able to put some goop on there and put a bandaid on there as well.  The manager let them open a bag of ice to put on her finger.  I gave her the option of continuing with the shopping or going home.  She wanted to go home so we did.  She quit crying before we got to our vehicle.  Once home, she fell asleep on the way, I held her and kept a bit of ice on there and she's okay now.  While holding her, her brother decided to get his head stuck between the couch and the window so I had to move the couch to get him unstuck.  I'm thinking about going back over there to get this done so I can do some school work tomorrow once dinner is done.  On the bright side, they loved their lunch of fruit and veggies.  Love and Light!

On to the constituents of fennel!

Estragole is an aromatic phenylpropanoids that is oil soluble. At one point phenylpropanoids were considered carcinogenic but there is no real evidence of that (Ganora, 2009, p. 65, 139).

Constituents: Essential oil (fenchone), fatty oil, albumin, sugar, alpha-pinene, beta-myrcene, beta-pinene, camphene, para-cymen, volatile oil (methylchavicol), b-myrcene, a-phellandrene, sabinene, y-terpinene, and terpinolene

Have a Great Day!

The day has been long already but I did wake up before the children today and managed to read almost a page in my toxicology book before my daughter woke up.  My cat Odie was the alarm bell there because he meowed to her to get her to pet him.  He loves the kids but goes and hides once he's had all the love he can stand. He's my oldest cat.  The agenda today is to put clothes away and get some reading done.  My son has other plans.  He has eaten breakfast, had a snack and seems to want his lunch already.  I guess he had a rough night.  Once I get that reading done, I can get that essay written and maybe pass that quiz.  It would be nice!  That is really my most challenging class this semester.  I also view it the most important of the classes this semester. I think I've said that before but I'm sure I'll say it about a hundred more times before school ends.  Love and Light!

On to the constituents of fennel!

Anethole has spasmolytic properties and is hepatic regenerative in rats. Ganora adds this is carminative (Hoffman, 2003, p. 94; ganora, 2009, p. 65, 109).

Alpha-pinene: Hoffman says this is used in the manufacture of camphor, insecticides, perfume bases, and synthetic pine oil and that is can cause skin eruptions, delirium, ataxia, and kidney damage (Hoffman, 2003, p. 64).

Bergapten has been used to treat vitiligio and psoriasis and is phototoxic in lime peel extracts and essential oils (Hoffman, 2003, p. 95, 210; Ganora, 2009, p. 111, 119).

Constituents: Essential oil (estragole, and fenchone), fatty oil, albumin, sugar, alpha-pinene, beta-myrcene, beta-pinene, camphene, para-cymen, and safrole, volatile oil (methylchavicol), b-myrcene, a-phellandrene, sabinene, y-terpinene, and terpinolene (p. 396).

Have a Great Day!

I got more sleep last night!  I'm counting down the days for me to be able to fix the toilet...  Sad, I know.  The water bill was double this month.  Between the toilet issues and my daughter wanting to play in the faucet, it's getting "expensive".  I put it in quotes because I know a lot of people would LOVE to have my water bill.  A friend sent a video to me and asked my thoughts.  I listened and realized there was a whole lot of "you NEED to" and it made me wonder if there are any people out there who think we have the right to think for ourselves. Noone NEEDS to do anything. Should we do something? Of course. It feels like some want to back us into a corner and bend us to their will.  I think we should run from these people. If it were good, there would be no need to use terminology that implies force. I think if I can take anything from my Health and Wellness class, while they teach coaching, at no point is the coach to make the client feel they NEED to do anything.  I fully agree with that.  I also think that's why there is so much negativity in the world.  People feel forced and are not happy where they are. This increases sickness and mental and emotional health issues as well.  While I think people need to do what makes them happy, the word "should" needs to be used in place of the word "need".  If we are miserable where we are, doing what we are doing, perhaps we should make some changes. If the people I served with could hear me speak now, they would not recognize me because I have allowed the happiness that is my life to change me.  I don't feel like I have completely broken out of that "need" matrix but I do feel I'm on my way.  I still say I "need" to do this and I "need to do that" and I realize in doing that, I'm forcing myself instead of motivating myself.  I should change that.  Interesting the difference changing a word can make...  Love and Light!

On to the actions of fennel!

For oestrogenic, I just put "see estrogenic" because it's the same word, different spelling.

Narcotic:  This is not in any of my books but looking through multiple dictionaries, the consensus is a psychoactive compound that induces sleep. 

Constituents: Essential oil (Anethole (intestinal stimulant), phenolic ether (antiseptic), estragole, and fenchone (internal anesthetic)), fatty oil, albumin, sugar, alpha-pinene, beta-myrcene, beta-pinene, bitter fenchone, camphene, limonene, para-cymen, and safrole. Has beta-carotene, Vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, and iron (Petersen, 2018, 90, 91). Chevallier (2016) says volatile oil (anethole, fenchone, and methylchavicol), flavonoids, coumarins (bergapten), and sterols. The seeds have a lot more fenchone and are a lot more bitter (p. 212). Weiss & Fintelmann (2000) say the anethole and fenchone give the flowers their pigment (p. 75). Mills & Bone (2010) says the essential oil contains anethole and fenchone as well as estragole, a-pinene, limonene, camphene, b-pinene, b-myrcene, a-phellandrene, sabinene, y-terpinene, and terpinolene (p. 396).

Have a Great Day!

I was awake before 4 again.  I got woken up by my daughter screaming "mommy" in her sleep.  I wrapped my arms around her and got her all settled down.  I laid there thinking and have realized diet is one of the biggest factors.  We don't eat bad by society's standards, in fact, we eat fabulous compared to those who live at McDonald's but we need to eat more live foods.  Monday can't get here fast enough so I can go buy more fresh foods.  Those things don't last long around here.  I can't wait to be able to garden!  It will make things so much easier. The kids are both happily playing.  I tried something new with corn last night and it was a huge failure.  At least they tasted it.  Of course, they probably felt tricked into it because they normally love it. While I have already had to yell at my daughter, I can say the day has started well.  My son came to bed and fell back asleep in my arms, then my daughter rolled over and climbed into my other arm.  She noticed her brother was still sleeping and said "awww cute!"  I'm telling you, laying there with my kids in my arms, there is nothing better.  The little things are what's most important. Love and Light!

On to fennel!

Constituents: Essential oil (Anethole (intestinal stimulant), phenolic ether (antiseptic), estragole, and fenchone (internal anesthetic)), fatty oil, albumin, sugar, alpha-pinene, beta-myrcene, beta-pinene, bitter fenchone, camphene, limonene, para-cymen, and safrole. Has beta-carotene, Vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, and iron (Petersen, 2018, 90, 91). Chevallier (2016) says volatile oil (anethole, fenchone, and methylchavicol), flavonoids, coumarins (bergapten), and sterols. The seeds have a lot more fenchone and are a lot more bitter (p. 212). Weiss & Fintelmann (2000) say the anethole and fenchone give the flowers their pigment (p. 75). Mills & Bone (2010) says the essential oil contains anethole and fenchone as well as estragole, a-pinene, limonene, camphene, b-pinene, b-myrcene, a-phellandrene, sabinene, y-terpinene, and terpinolene (p. 396).

Therapeutic Actions: expectorant and anti-inflammatory (Hoffman, 2003, p 551). Petersen (2018) says anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory due to anethole. Chevallier (2016) says it relieves gas, mild expectorant, and is anti-inflammatory (p. 212). Weiss and Fintelmann (2000) say this is a carminative and a mild expectorant as well as antispasmodic and mild narcotic properties (p. 75). Mills and Bone (2010) says carminative, spasmolytic, galactagogue, possible oestrogenic, antimicrobial, and expectorant (p. 396).

Indications: Petersen (2018) says lactation, promote menstruation, dysmenorrhea, facilitate birth, increase libido, upper respiratory infections, coughs, bronchitis, cholera, backache, bedwetting, dyspepsia, flatulence, stomach cramps, rheumatism, bloating, loss of appetite, vision, and colic in infants (p. 88, 92). It’s also used as food flavoring and the oil is used to prevent fungus growth on stored produce. It has been used for centuries in Greece, Rome, Europe and China for abdominal cramps, stimulate digestion, dyspepsia, and stimulate lactation (p. 89). Chevallier (2016) says bloating, stomach pain, stimulate appetite, diuretic, anti-inflammatory, kidney stones, cystitis (when combined with urinary antiseptics), sore throats, colic, teething (low doses in children), breast milk productions, sore eyes, conjunctivitis, weight loss, longevity, and may help with menopause (p. 212). Weiss and Fintelmann 92000) say dyspepsia, diarrhea, in infants; It can be used as an eye wash, eye compress for blepharitis and conjunctivitis (p. 75).  Heinermann (1996) says breath sweetener, breast milk sweetener, stimulate breast milk flow, stimulate appetite, eye strain, colic and hyperactivity (p. 230-1).

Contraindications/Safety: May cause photo dermatitis.  Avoid excessive sunlight. May increase anticoagulant effects.  Some varieties of this herb have really strong anticoagulant properties. May also cause allergies though this herb is generally considered safe as long as it is used within proper guidelines. Anethole may be allergenic and insecticidal, may also be estrogenic and toxic (Petersen, 2018, p. 90).  On page 92, she says it’s classified as safe as long as used as directed. Mills & Bone (2010) say it’s safe unless allergic to the species. Use during pregnancy only with professional advice (p. 396).

Have a Great Day!

I was awake at 0400....  again...  I did discover the issue with the toilet in the master bathroom.  I should just be able to replace the flapper and the running, annoying noise will stop. I got that last herbarium posted last night.  I got NOTHING done for school yesterday.  The kids kept me so busy.  My son simply did NOT want to be have.  I did manage to get the clothes mostly done.  Last load should come out of the dryer in just a few minutes.  Both kids have also sat on the potty already this morning.  My daughter actually pushed my son out of the way so she could be the first to sit.  Still didn't go but the fact she WANTED to sit is a good thing at this point.  She will be 3 in just a few days.  This needs to happen.  If I could keep a functioning toilet, that would help.  I have the water turned off to the toilet they are sitting on until I can call a plumber or try the product a friend suggested.  I found 2 of my daughter's vehicle magnets in there yesterday so who knows what's clogging it up in there.  I get paid Monday.  We'll see how well I can spread those pennies.  I have bills, things I need for school, and I need to buy groceries.  It will all work out but I really hate the stress.  It would be better if this were next month when I have a bigger check.  Oh, I also took more toys they don't use any more out to the shed so there is less stuff in here!  This makes me happy.  Time to get me some lunch, the kids are happily eating and I'd like to be as well.  I also have a lot of school work to do.  Love and Light!

On to the constituents of black cohosh!

Actein has strong anti-HIV properties. It also has antiestrogenic, pro-apoptoic effects on breast cancer, meaning it causes breast cancer cells to dismantle, modulates LH (luteinizing hormone),  and helps balance hormones and fight hot flashes in menopausal women (Ganora, 2009, p. 69, 141).

27-deoxyactein: Ganora says this is actually called 23-epi-26-deoxyactein and is quite often misnamed. It has antiestrogenic, pro-apoptoic effects on breast cancer, meaning it causes breast cancer cells to dismantle, modulates LH (luteinizing hormone),  and helps balance hormones and fight hot flashes in menopausal women (Ganora, 2009, p. 69, 141).

Constituents: Triterpene glycosides (cimifugine, racemoside, cimiracemosides) isoferulic acid, phytosterin fukinolic acid, long-chain fatty acids

Have a Great Day!

I got my son down for a nap.  I needed that.  This lack of sleep is killing me.  My kids ate breakfast then 3 hours later were acting all crazy.  I cooked them each a hot dog, thinking they weren't THAT hungry.  They both devoured their hot dog then another one.  I was going to have a sandwich and forgot to take bread out of the freezer and they were still hungry so I threw a pizza in the oven.  They ate half of their slice!  I don't know what got into them this morning but wow!  I need to get dinner figured out and fast since it will need to thaw.  The asparagus last night didn't go over well with the kids but boy did it hit the spot with me!  I'll think on a different way to make it and see how that goes over with the rest of it.  With wanting to do a fresh food diet, it's vital to figure out what will get them to eat each veggie.  I have all but one of the herbariums in the page updated. I will have the last one done pretty quick. This gives me five more herbs to talk about before I cut to the discussions to give me more time to work on the rest of the herbs.  There are enough left that they will last me the rest of the semester. Again, once I'm done with the herbs from my lab kits, I'm open to suggestions of what other herbs people want to hear about. I've already filled in the first day of the constituents of black cohosh below (as usual) and I'd like to make a note here.  This herb is on the endangered list so if you purchase any products with this herb, please make sure it's from a cultivated source.  This plant is very important, especially for those suffering from menopause symptoms. It would be tragic if we woke one day and the plant didn't exist any more. Love and Light!

On to the constituents of black cohosh!

Triterpene glycosides are water-soluble.  Hoffman adds this is one of three main categories of saponins (Hoffman, 2003, p. 74; Ganora, 2009, p. 46).

Cimicifugoside is a potent/selective nucleotide transport inhibitor at the site of plasma membranes (Hoffman, 2003, p. 82).

Formononentin is one of the most common isoflavones and is estrogenic (Hoffman, 2003, p. 106, 143). Sounds like circular reporting, sorry about that!

Constituents: Triterpene glycosides (actein, cimifugine, racemoside, cimiracemosides) isoferulic acid, phytosterin fukinolic acid, sugars, long-chain fatty acids, and 27-deoxyactein

Have a Great Day!

After being asked what herbs were good for something, it occurred to me my Herbal List page was missing something.  I share the constituents, actions, indications and safety information on the herbs I discuss but only list the actions and constituents on that the Herbal List page.  There is now a list there of the indications.  These are, of course, in the herbariums that you can see with free membership (need to request an invite until I either upgrade the page or they get their update done which will allow you to set it up yourself) but this way you can see the list without having to go searching through the blog posts.  I have not tried to do a search here so I don't know if it's efficient or not (do I have a search feature? I'll have to look). The kids are fed but not happy.  My son is hanging on to my foot as I type complaining about something.  I'll get to him in a second. I once again, didn't get any reading done yesterday.  My daughter was very needy.  Those two teeth fell out but she still has to go under to remove that broken tooth.  She still has pain from that.  I just can't wait to get this past us so she can be her happy self again.  On the bright side, with those other teeth out, she is able to eat a carrot!  I'm running low now....  It's her favorite vegetable.  She doesn't know it yet but she'll be trying something new soon.  I bought asparagus last time I went shopping.  I also have some fresh green beans in there.  I think she will be happy but I'll be getting her some brussel sprouts next week which will REALLY make her happy.  I''m still trying to decide what the make her the day of surgery.  She is going to get pampered, of course!  It will be a week from tomorrow so I'm counting down.  Okay, time to cuddle my son.  Love and Light!

On to the actions of black cohosh!

Abortifacient can cause a spontaneous abortion of a baby.

Aphrodisiac helps stimulate sexual desire.

Appetite stimulant obviously stimulates the appetite. These are used when a person isn't eating enough, of course. 

Estrogenic is an action that is typically used during menopause when the female body isn't producing enough estrogen to maintain balance within the system.

Constituents: Triterpene glycosides (actein, cimicifugoside, cimifugine, racemoside, cimiracemosides) isoferulic acid, salicylic acid, volatile oil and tannins (Hoffman, 2003, p. 539). Petersen (2018) says phytosterin fukinolic acid which inhibits neutrophil elastase (important in anti-inflammatory action), isoferulic, caffeic acid and salicylic acid, sugars, tannins, long-chain fatty acids, triterpene glycosides (acetein, cimicifugoside) and 27-deoxyactein (p. 50). Chevallier (2016) says triterpene glycosides (actein, cimicifugoside), isoflavones (formononentin) and isoferulic acid (p. 79).

Have a Great Day!

Breakfast is done.  I need to get dishes done.  I have laundry going. I looked at my grades from my interview yesterday and am trying to decide where to focus today.  I got a 74 on my interview.  I lost points, among other things, because my kids were present.  Apparently the instructor didn't read my introduction in that first week because they are ALWAYS present unless I can luck out and they both take a nap, a bigger miracle being they nap at the same time.  I also forgot to mention a few things so I'm going to write a script.  Also, the feedback form provided by the class didn't line up with the interview process so I got docked for "not understanding the form". My solution? I'm going to write a script for the things I need to say up front and draw up a feedback form that actually makes sense.  I will not be happy if I end up failing because I committed the crime of being a MOM. I looked at the graduation page and, even though they keep sending me e-mails, I can't actually apply until I have all my grades in. It will cost $50 per degree/certificate.  I will be adding the certificate of herbal safety since the classes for my masters includes those that are required for this certificate. In all, it will cost the same to graduate as it did for my bachelors.  Not a bad deal!  I'm gong to go get those dishes done then decide where today's focus should be.  Love and Light!

On to black cohosh!

Constituents: Triterpene glycosides (actein, cimicifugoside, cimifugine, racemoside, cimiracemosides) isoferulic acid, salicylic acid, volatile oil and tannins (Hoffman, 2003, p. 539). Petersen (2018) says phytosterin fukinolic acid which inhibits neutrophil elastase (important in anti-inflammatory action), isoferulic, caffeic acid and salicylic acid, sugars, tannins, long-chain fatty acids, triterpene glycosides (acetein, cimicifugoside) and 27-deoxyactein (p. 50). Chevallier (2016) says triterpene glycosides (actein, cimicifugoside), isoflavones (formononentin) and isoferulic acid (p. 79).

Therapeutic Actions: Emmenagogue, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, antirheumatic, alterative, nervine, hypotensive (Hoffman, 2003, p. 0539). Emmenagogue helps the female reproductive system and the anti-spasmodic action really helps focus on those menstrual cramps. Petersen (2018) says abortifacient, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, appetite stimulant, and emmenagogue (p. 50). Chevallier (2016) says anti-inflammatory, sedative, antirheumatic, estrogenic, and expectorant (p. 79).

Indications: Relaxant and normalizes the female reproductive system. Painful or delayed menstruation. Relieves cramps. May also treat arthritis, rheumatic pain, osteoarthritis, and muscle pain. Neurological pain to include sciatica, and neuralgia. May help with tinnitus. Menopause – hot flashes, headache, vertigo, heart palpitations, ringing in the ears, and psychological issues like irritability, sleep problems, and depressive mood (Hoffman, 2003, p. 539).  Ulbricht (2010) includes vaginal dryness in the symptoms of menopause that can be treated with this herb. She sates the evidence is mixed but 6 months of use may be effective (p. 129). Petersen (2018) says this is used for menopause symptoms (hot flashes, mood changes, diaphoresis, palpitations, vaginal dryness), premenstrual syndrome (PMS), dysmenorrhea, nerves, dyspepsia, rheumatism, fever, sore throat, cough, and a mild diuretic. Skin conditions are acne, mole and wart removal, rattlesnake bites, and rejuvenation of the skin (p. 48). Petersen (2018) also lists medicinal uses on page 50 which are: anxiety, arthritis, back pain, breast pain/inflammation (mastitis), breast cysts, dyspareunia, dysmenorrhea, menopausal symptoms, polycystic ovarian syndrome, premenopausal symptoms, sedation, and vaginal atrophy.

Safety: As long as it’s used as directed, it’s safe. Don’t use it during pregnancy except to assist with birth (Hoffman, 2003, p. 540). Ulbricht (2010) says high doses may cause headache, dizziness, perspiration, or visual disturbances (p. 130). Mills and Bone (2000) extrapolate on the higher doses by saying 5g of the herb or 12g of the extract fluid cause nausea, vomiting, violent headache, vertigo, joint pain, red eyes, weak pulse, visual and nervous disturbances (p. 271). Petersen (2018) says it’s likely safe to use up to 6 months consecutively (p. 49). Petersen (2018) says the Commission E says there are no contraindications but it may be unsafe during pregnancy due to hormonal effects and it’s menstrual and uterine stimulation.  It may also be additive to the effects of the drug Tamoxifen and may increase the toxicity of doxorubicin and docetaxel if doing chemotherapy (p. 51).  It may also interact with drugs that are metabolized by CYP3A4 enzyme.  It may also interact with other hypotensive agents (lowering blood pressure). The American Herbal Products Association has this listed as Class 2b (Petersen, 2018, p. 52).

Have a Great Day!

I had thought I'd need to switch over to posting discussions as of tomorrow but I got black cohosh ready to go and will try to get a few more ready today and tomorrow.  I have not uploaded the new version yet and will get that done today. The kids are both up and I'm not happy I'm up but here I am.  I had to cut off my hair yesterday.  I got tired of the kids trying to rip it out.  I'm thinking about cutting my daughter's hair as well since she doesn't like me brushing her hair. I really don't want to cut either of their hair but at their age, it's probably best.  My son dropped his orange juice behind the couch this morning. Fortunately it was a sippy cup.  Poor kid was trying to move the couch so he could get to his drink!  I feel like I'm starting to return to being a bit negative but I'm so tired! When my husband was home, I tried to get extra sleep.  I know I can use vitamins and such to boost my energy but I just need good sleep.  I may have to use herbs and vitamins for now.  I know the stress of school has impact on this. Just a little over 3 months and I'll have my degree.  One thing I realized is I'll need to compile a list of scientific databases I'll have to pay to get access to since I won't have the free access with school.  I'm hoping to buy all the books I'll need while I'm getting the extra money from school but you never know what you're getting in these books until they get here.  Oh, I forgot to tell you guys, the rest of the historical books I ordered are here.  I'll have to go back and review which ones I've already talked about so I can explain the ones I have not mentioned yet.  I know I didn't explain the Ancient Egypt one yet.  I don't see me using that one much but I will need to read it to add it to any book entries that would apply.  All of them are listed in the references section, though. Love and Light!

On to the constituents of oregano!

Ganora doesn't have these but since these are in the oil, I looked through The Chemistry of Aromatherapy by Bowels. While one of the remaining constituents was in there, she stated the therapeutic effects were unknown.  This would explain the nice long list of constituents I have that I cannot break out to you guys yet.  I'm hoping, once I get into book writing, the scientific sources I find can illuminate this topic.

Constituents:   beta-bisabolene, caryophyllene

Have a Great Day!

Since I have already done those three actions for oregano, I started the constituents today. Both kids are up, I'll be cooking breakfast as soon as I'm done here.  I did get a few more paragraphs read in toxicology last night, not much progress, though.  This those tests being a one-shot deal, not being able to read the books is quite likely to bring my grade down.  Maybe I should try sitting on the kitchen counter to read...  The life of a mom!  Hubby is now training a new driver on how to drive truck and such. He's not keen on sharing his little bit of living space but he complains a bit about the bad drivers out there so it's good he's able to do something about that. My son, two days in a row, has put on my shoes and gone to to door, trying to reach the knob saying he's going to go find Daddy.  My daughter did something similar when she was his age.  This last time I had her watch him leave and she was waving and saying "bye Daddy, see you soon!" so she's getting more adjusted to this way of life.  I'm going to get off here.  I just remembered I have to wash dishes before I can cook breakfast...  Love and Light!

On to the constituents of Oregano!

Carvacrol is in many plants of the Lamiaceae family. It is a strong antiseptic and has anti-fungal and anthelmintic properties as well (Hoffman, 2003, p. 65; Ganora, 2009, p. 135).

Thymol is antiseptic and anti-fungal but may irritate gastric mucosa. Ganora adds this is a very effective anti-microbial. (Hoffman, 2003. p. 66; Ganora, 2009, p. 15, 56, 68, 135).

Constituents:   beta-bisabolene, caryophyllene

Have a Great Day!