Semester 3, Week 5, Day 3

2 days down and I have not gotten much done.  I read the requirements and some of the text book last night for chemistry. Both discussion posts are about what I THINK about a topic...  I need to learn more before I can comment and my classmates have all put something into Nat 503 already!  I will need to be creative.  It's easiest to be first. You don't need to worry about talking about the same things your classmates did.

We replaced the toilet yesterday, finally!  No more excuses to not potty train!  She will be 3 in 3 months.  It needs to get done.  I sat her on the toilet this morning and her little seat slipped out from under her so I will replace that seat as soon as we are done with breakfast, which is cooking. She's afraid of it right now.  I put her back in a diaper for now but we will get back at it when she feels secure again.  Her bathroom toy also has decided not to work.  I changed the batteries and the piano still is not working.  That was the whole reason I bought it.  She likes piano!  She likes music in general.  I'm still looking for a good MP3 player that is toddler-proof.  If any of my readers know of one, message me!  I was using an old phone and the battery swelled up twice it's size so that ended.  Hubby went back on the road last night after we climbed into bed. He had to get the lawn mowed before he could leave so he had a busy afternoon yesterday!  On the bright side, DE does work on the ants so I'm going to get more today while I'm out and put some on as many ant hills as I can find. These things need to stay out of my house and the kids need to be able to enjoy their yard.  They have a sand box they can't use because the ants would make it their home.  Changes need to be made. 

The next herb I want to talk about is chickweed.  I really enjoyed learning about this one and if you have spare time, I think it's a fun one.  There is a lot of information on this one over in the herbarium but I love the plants that are medicinal and nutritive.  In fact, I love dual use things.  If you can eat it and make yourself better with a strong tea? great stuff!

Active Constituents: Mills and Bones (2010) list flavonoids, phenolic acids, triterpenoid saponins, phytosterols, carotenoids, and lipids.

Chickweed is an important herb because it contains a wide range of nutrients in addition to its medicinal constituents. It is high in vitamin C, vitamin A, and vitamin B, and the minerals calcium, iron, potassium, copper, sodium, phosphorus, and zinc. The presence of both copper and iron is particularly useful, because the body requires a certain amount of copper to assimilate iron. It also contains a saponin that accounts for the expectorant action, some mucilage, resin, and glycosides that have a mild antiseptic action when heated. (Class Lesson, Herb 502)

            Hoffman (2003) Saponin glycosides; coumarins and hydroxycoumarins; flavonoinds; carboxylic acids; triterpenoids; Vitamin C (150-350mg/100g)

Therapeutic Actions: Demulcent, astringent, refrigerant, anti-ulcer (peptic), gastrointestinal inflammation.

          Alterative, antirheumatic, antiscorbutic, antiseptic (mild), demulcent, diuretic (mild), emollient, expectorant, laxative, nutritive, pectoral, and refrigerant (Class Lesson, Herb 502)

            Hoffman (2003) says antirheumatic, vulnerary, and emollient.

That's it for now.  I need to eat and get us out of here so I can get back here and get things done!  Have a great day!