The image above comes from my class lesson.

I decided to change things up a bit. If people do a search for an herb and only get the things I have not talked about previously, they get an incomplete list (even though the complete list in available on the introduction page of the herb) so I will be providing a complete list here from now on. I will still be updating the word document for a full listing (until I find a better alternative).  I will put "(new)" next to the terms that are introduced with the herb so those who have read the previous posts will know the new information.

I started a batch of bread last night but didn't record it.  Turned out that was for the best.  It will take two days to make this bread and it's turning into a fiasco.  I can't find my digital scale and the recipe involves weighing everything in grams. My regular scale doesn't do grams so I converted it all and I don't have bowls big enough for this much bread.  We will be eating it for weeks if I can get it made!

Breakfast is done, sort of.  My son doesn't want his hashbrowns and he's still hungry.  He will have to eat them if he wants food. Love and Light!

On to the actions of damiana!

Antidepressant just means it helps people deal with their depression.

Aphrodisiacs helps stimulate sexual desire.

Diuretics increase urination by helping elimination through the kidneys and bladder.  They help eliminate toxins from the blood and reduce edema and swelling from the waist down (Griffin, 1997, p. 9).

mild Laxatives: There are 3 kinds.  Stimulants promote bile and increase digestion. Basically, your stomach works better so the stuff comes out of you correctly.  Lithotriptics dissolve kidney and/or gallstones.   Lubricants moisten the system and help firm things up for expulsion (without being gross).  (Griffin, 1997, p. 10)

Nervines: These calm and nourish the nervous system, promote mental clarity, and relieve spasms, pain and congestion. There are 2 types: warming helps with chronic issues, insomnia being a good example. Cooling helps with anger, hypertension, and migraines (Griffin, 1997, p. 10).

mild Purgatives: irritants and weaken the digestive system, tone the bowel system with prolonged use (Griffin, 1997, p. 11). Obviously, these are great for those rare occasions when vomiting is a needed action.

mild Stimulant is an "action that quickens and enlivens the physiological activity of the body". These can target particular parts of the body or systems such as the circulatory, reproductive, cardiovascular, digestive, respiratory, urinary, musculoskeletal, nervous and skin. Even bitters can be stimulants. (Hoffman, 2003, p. 345, 519-21).

Stomachic is another way of saying it helps stimulate the digestive system.

Thymoleptic (new) is a drug classification meaning it treats depression

Tonics:  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.

Constituents: Flavonoids, terpenoids, saccharides, and cyanogenic glycosides (triacontane, beta-sitosterol, hexacosanal, 5-hydroxy-7,3,4-trimethoxyflavone, arbutin, tannins, resins, hydroquinone glycosides and luteolin 8-C-E-propenoic acid) (Petersen, 2018, p. 127). Mills and Bone (2010) say essential oils, resins, and tannins as well as a trace amount of cyanogenic glycoside (tetraphyllin B) (p. 358). Chevallier (2016) says volatile oil (cryophylene, thymol, cadinene), flavonoids, hydroquinones (arbutin), and tannins (p. 144).

Have a Great Day!

The image above comes from my class lesson.

This is a plant I'm sure most have never heard of but it's quite interesting in the things it's used for.

The children are playing and I need to get breakfast cooked before they realize their tummies are empty.  I got this and echinacea both updated and posted in the Virtual Herbarium listing.  I still have so much to do!  It seems like the more I do, the more there is to do.  Time to get some work done! Love and Light!

On to damiana.

Constituents: Flavonoids, terpenoids, saccharides, and cyanogenic glycosides (triacontane, beta-sitosterol, hexacosanal, 5-hydroxy-7,3,4-trimethoxyflavone, arbutin, tannins, resins, hydroquinone glycosides and luteolin 8-C-E-propenoic acid) (Petersen, 2018, p. 127). Mills and Bone (2010) say essential oils, resins, and tannins as well as a trace amount of cyanogenic glycoside (tetraphyllin B) (p. 358). Chevallier (2016) says volatile oil (cryophylene, thymol, cadinene), flavonoids, hydroquinones (arbutin), and tannins (p. 144).

Therapeutic Actions: Antidepressant, thymoleptic, mild purgative, stomachic, and aphrodisiac (Petersen, 2018, p. 125). Mills and Bone (2010) say nervine tonic, tonic and mild laxative (p. 358). Chevallier (2016) says tonic, nerve tonic, aphrodisiac, mild stimulant, mild antidepressant, and mild laxative and diuretic (p. 144).

Indications: Constipation, bedwetting, boost mental/physical capacity, depression, nervous dyspepsia, sexual disturbances, anxiety neurosis, use as an aphrodisiac seems to be proven in lab tests (Petersen, 2018, p. 126-8). Mills and Bone (2010) say depression, anxiety (especially sexual), sexual inadequacies, nervous dyspepsia, constipation, nervous debility, impotence, fragidity, stomach pains, aphrodisiac, and invigorator (p. 358). Chevallier (2016) says as a tonic, it is restorative for the nervous system, aphrodisiac, depression, nervous exhaustion, anxiety, premature ejaculation, impotence, restores the reproductive organs, painful/delayed menstrual cycle, menstruation-related headaches, diuretic, urinary antiseptic, cystitis, urethritis, and a mild laxative (p. 144).

Safety: When taken in excess, it can cause tetanus-like convulsions and symptoms common in rabies.  This was a dosage of 200g (Petersen, 2018, p. 129). Mills and Bone (2010) say there has been no evidence of harm during pregnancy but studies are lacking in this area as well as lactation (p. 358).

Have a Great Day!

While I didn't get any feedback on my video yesterday, I didn't get any complaints either so today I decided to turn my capstone presentation into a video and share that before starting a new herb tomorrow.  I do have damiana ready to go and am working on another. I'm making progress in the kitchen and my starter should be ready for me to make a bread of some sort tomorrow so we shall see if it's good enough in there to record it!

To me, this video is quite important because it describes the content of my book in a way typing words to you cannot.  Enjoy, Love and Light!

I had a bunch of things written here but my children have decided you don't need to know that.  Here is the link to the lights if you're interested: https://www.thehiddenharvestcompany.com

The image above comes from the images I got while studying this herb in school.  It comes from the class lesson.

I recorded a video yesterday and will share that as my blog post tomorrow if I can figure out how that works.  Eventually, they will be under a paid page but I'd like to see what kind of interest there is.  The subscription will also give access to my books so it will be worth it once it's up. 

The children are already fed and getting into things.  I need to get the rest of these constituents done then head to the post office. The kids will be happy to go bye-bye today. Love and Light!

On to Milk Thistle!

Cholesterol: I discussed this yesterday but Ganora had a lot of pages so I decided to break it up.  Cholesterol effects the fluidity of the membrane of the cells.  This means too much and the cells cannot be nourished but too little and anything can enter, even if it isn't supposed to (Ganora, 2003, p. 92, 125, 144, 145, 146, 167).

Silydianin is part of the silymarin complex (Ganora, 2009, p. 66, 113).

Oleic acid is a monounsaturated (Unsaturated Fatty Acid) fat. This is found in olive, canola, peanut, palm fruit, corn and cottonseed oils. It is also in other natural oils in minor amounts. Used in the diet, it reduces inflammation and the chances of getting some cancers. It is also cardio protective and helps the function of the immune system as well as reducing LDL cholesterol (Ganora, 2009, p. 64, 86, 87).

Constituents: sitosterol

Have a Greay Day!

The image above comes from the images I got while studying this herb in school.  It comes from the class lesson.

Sorry I didn't post anything yesterday.  I got a bit busy and ended up exhausted. I got started working on that room.  I asked hubby what he wanted me to do with the majority of the stuff in there and since he doesn't use it, he said to get rid of it.  A lot of it is games that don't even work on modern systems so I took a bunch of bags to the dump today.  I still have a LOT to get rid of like old computer parts. It will be done!  Hubby is getting ready to head back out, a load up to Denver. The kids are playing with their holiday loot. All is good!  Love and Light!

On to milk thistle constituents!

Flavolignan is a hybrid compound caused by a flavonoid and lignan combining.  It is antioxidant and hepatoprotective (Hoffman, 2003, p. 108, 584; Ganora, 2009, p. 31, 55, 66, 107, 113).

Silymarin is composed of silybin, silydianin, 2,3-dehydro-derivatives, taxifoline, and silychristin.
The compound has antihepatoxic properties. Hoffman also mentions studies that show this compound is effective in treating liver disease and it has been used for centuries as a liver tonic. Ganora adds this compound is the strongest hepatoprotective and hepatoregenerative compound known to man that is also a lipid antioxidant and protects the cell membranes of the liver. It is very soluble in ethanol, ethyl acetate, and acetone.  Most sources say use the seeds but Ganora states the leaves have more of this compound but the seeds can be ground and added to food (Hoffman, 2003, p. 108, 177, 584; Ganora, 2009, p. 31, 66, 113).

Silybin is a component of silymarin and used to carry the name itself. The compound has antihepatoxic properties (Hoffman, 2003, p. 108, 114; Ganora, 2009, p. 31, 66, 113).

Silychristin is a component of silymarin and used to carry the name itself. The compound has antihepatoxic properties (Hoffman, 2003, p. 114; Ganora, 2009, p. 66, 113).

Cholesterol is best known by people for being "bad" because it is high. This is actually vital for cell structure and is found in every cell in the body. It serves as a hormone precursor in the adrenal glands, testes, and ovaries. The liver uses it as a precursor to bile, used in digestion. Ganora adds that, like humans, these are in the plant's cells. (Hoffman, 2003, p. 84, 170-1, 300-2; Ganora, 2003, p. 18, 46, 69, 79, 86, 87, 89, 90, 92, 125, 144, 145, 146, 167).

Campesterol: Hoffman just lists this as a phytosterol that is unique to higher plants. Ganora adds this is one of the three major phytosterols. These contribute to the hormone processes in the body, including sexual hormones (Hoffman, 2003, p. 143; Ganora, 2009, p 145).

Constituents: silydianin, oleic acid, and sitosterol

Have  Great Day!

The image above comes from the images I got while studying this herb in school.  It comes from the class lesson.

Breakfast is done.  I still need to wash dishes but bellies are full! I still have a bit of laundry to get finished and it feels like I have gotten nothing done around the house though I know I have.  I still have not hit that back room but I did get trash bags yesterday so guess what's coming soon...  I still need to get the crib up for sale. At some point, I want to get out to the shed and see if I can find the floor...  It's best to do that during a nap time.  Not a bad day so far despite not getting much sleep last night. Love and Light!

On to the remaining actions of milk thistle!

Choleretic means it promotes the secretion of bile.

Chemoprotective simply means it protects against cancer

Anti-Allergenic means it helps with allergies. I find it interesting that a plant with this property is also in a family that causes allergies.

Hepatic Trophorestorative: Trophorestorative means it restores vital organs. In this case, it means it restores the liver.

Constituents: Flavolignans (Silymarin is composed of silybin, silydianin, and silychristin), ficed oil (oleic acid, palmitic acid), sterols (Cholesterol, campesterol, stigmasterol, and sitosterol), mucilage (Hoffman, 2003, p. 584). Mills and Bone (2010) say flavolignans (silybin, silychristin, silydianin, and 2,3-dehydro- derivatives).  All these flavolignans are known as silymarin (p. 594). Chevallier (2016) says flavonlignans, bitter principles, and polyacetylenes (p. 137).

Have a Great Day!

The image above comes from the images I got while studying this herb in school.  It comes from the class lesson.

Sorry this has taken so long to get posted.  I had to research the herb and my internet is not cooperating so I'm on a hotspot.  I'll get the herbarium uploaded as soon as I get this up.  Been a long day already and it's not even dinner time! Love and Light!

On to Milk Thistle!

Constituents: Flavolignans (Silymarin is composed of silybin, silydianin, and silychristin), ficed oil (oleic acid, palmitic acid), sterols (Cholesterol, campesterol, stigmasterol, and sitosterol), mucilage (Hoffman, 2003, p. 584). Mills and Bone (2010) say flavolignans (silybin, silychristin, silydianin, and 2,3-dehydro- derivatives).  All these flavolignans are known as silymarin (p. 594). Chevallier (2016) says flavonlignans, bitter principles, and polyacetylenes (p. 137).

Therapeutic Actions: Hepatic, galactagogue, demulcent, cholagogue, antihepatoxic (Hoffman, 2003, p. 584). Mills and Bone (2010) say hepatoprotective, hepatic trophorestorative, antioxidant and choleretic (p. 594). Chevallier (2016) says liver protective, chemoprotective, anticancer, anti-allergenic, and increases breast milk production (p. 137).

Indications: Liver tonic and gallbladder conditions – hepatitis and cirrhosis. Increases flow/secretion of bile from both organs. May treat uterine problems. Promotes breast milk production (safe for pregnancy and lactation).  (Hoffman, 2003, p. 584). Mills and Bone (2010) say this is used to treat liver damage from toxicity, chronic inflammatory liver disease and hepatic cirrhosis.  Also useful for gallbladder problems like jaundice, hepatitis and gallstones (p. 594). Kennedy (2007) calls this a potent detoxifier (p. 206). Chevallier (2016) says the flower heads were eaten in a traditional fashion after being boiled and “eaten like an artichoke” in the spring to clear the body after winter, enhance breast milk production, and depression.  Today it’s used for the liver – metabolism and renew cells. It treats hepatitis, jaundice, and liver stress such as alcohol and chemotherapy (p. 137).

Safety: No side effects or interactions noted (Hoffman, 2003, p. 584). Mills and Bone (2010) say there is no counterindications for pregnancy or breastfeeding but there is a potential allergy to the Comopsitae family which may result in anaphylaxis in rare cases (p. 594).

Have a Great Day!

The image above comes from the images I got while studying this herb in school.  It comes from the class lesson.

Since we do Solstice instead of Christmas, the kids opened their presents when daddy got home last night.  My daughter got the car haulers she has been eye-balling for a year and my son proceeded to steal it once he discovered she had it.  She has not had a chance to play with it because it is not far from him.  She favors the easel I bought her anyway.  It has a chalk board on one side and dry erase/magnetic on the other.  Both side have a clip where she can hand a paper and draw with a crayon.  She also got a new magnetic doll (Ariel from Little Mermaid) and won't let the doll out of her sight.  She did finally play dress-up with it when she finished breakfast this morning. They have been playing all day and didn't want to take the time to eat lunch.  They will open the presents from Grandma on Christmas to give the newness of their current presents time to wear off.  They will love what she got them as well.  Love and Light!

On to the constituents of Spearmint!  There is only one that Petersen called out that I have not discussed previously (see the file attached in the margin for the rest).

Carvone has carminative and antiseptic actions used is liqueurs, soaps, perfumes and candy flavorings (Hoffman, 2003, p. 65).

Have a Great Day!

The image above comes from the images I got while studying this herb in school.  It comes from the class lesson.

I was asked yesterday to discuss discuss a really good herb and I realized I have not mentioned which herbs will be fully researched and ready for publication by the end of 2020. Those herbs are rosemary, thyme, oregano (marjoram will be discussed with is as they are close), ginger, garlic, cayenne, basil, and cilantro/coriander. I have more dual use herbs on my list and I have already discussed some of these here but these are the deep dive that will result in a book.

They may end up getting split up due to length but the amount of information you will get as a result will be worth the price charged.  I want my books to cost less that $30 and I can't change the cost of printing so that means I have to keep the length in check to keep the price down.  I refuse to go black and white with the images and that makes it more expensive as well. 

Hubby is on his way home and my son is already up. I need to work on breakfast and get the day started.  Love and Light!

On to the actions of spearmint!

antimutagenic simply means it helps reduce or prevent (depending on strength) the amount of mutation cells endure.

Constituents: essential oils (carvone - terpene derivative), resins, tannin, esters – alcohol with acid which is either acetic, butyric, or caprylic acid (Petersen, 2018, p. 176).

Have a Great Day!