Put your thinking caps on and give this article by Tom Matrullo (his blog is called IMproPRieTies and is very insightful-- but has nothing to do with herbalism) a quick read.
Well, no way you'll give it a quick read, as you'll need to go over it a couple of times. But it explains perfectly well why I have no interest in signing a record contract.
The word has been out for a while now. Not as many people are singing it's praises, and plenty of doubt has been cast around. Is Hormone Replacement Therapy as safe as they thought?
I'v seen quite a few semi-biased articles like this one recently, as well as read some good books on the subject. I particularly like Before the Change by Anne Gittleman if you're looking for a recommendation.
While the jury may still be out on HRT, the facts have already been weighed in:
"The Women's Health Initiative study found that menopausal women taking hormones for an average of five years had higher rates of heart attack, stroke, breast cancer and blood clots (and lower rates of colon cancer and broken bones)."
So as women around the country (and the world) evaluate their options, they are sure to be presented with botanical therapies.
Michael McGuffin, president of the American Herbal Products Association expressed these thoughts to those women and physicians wishing to make the switch:
"The message is not 'You should trade your silver bullet for my silver bullet.' We aren't saying that instead of HRT, a woman should use botanicals. We're advising a holistic approach that involves diet and exercise, and yes, there are botanicals that have a significant historical record and have undergone significant historical scrutiny."
It will be interesting to see what happens next. We have an excellent opportunity as health professionals to blast through the hype and present a good, solid method for helping women thought this period in their lives. And no, it won't be in the form of a magic pill this time.
Have you heard about the Banned Books Project yet? Definitely worth a look...
An excellent article with this title was posted on the Chaords Everywhere I Look weblog. Here's the first two points:
Don't call yourself a patient. You're a client (under the care of another) or a partner-in-health or whatever funky name.
You can read the entire thing here. Now if I only knew who this person was!
Since this is all over the news, at least online, I feel it needs a response. I love all the attention that our industry has been getting... sort of. On one hand, it brings us lots of attention. On the other hand, it's an opportunity for ignorant individuals to gain the spotlight and divert attention to their own causes.
Last week, the National Institutes of Health (notice the "dot-gov", as in government) announced their plans to study the following botanicals:
From the NIH website,
The goal of the [1.5 day] workshop is to assess the current state of research on the mechanisms of action responsible for the cardiovascular effects of several widely used herbal dietary supplements, and the evidence for their clinical efficacy. At the conclusion of the workshop, attendees will develop recommendations for future research.
Various speakers during the exhaustive 1.5 day event include:
OK. So that's got me a little concerned. I'd like some representation from my industry, if for no other reason than to be there to report back on the overall tone of the meeting.
For the curious, I'm providing a link to the entire 1.5 day workshop agenda. Here's a condensed version:
(Thirty minutes, again. They must be quick learners.)
Then Garlic gets put under the spotlight. For pretty much the rest of the day.
Wow. Ten lectures. And the day isn't even over. Time for Ginko!
Whew! I'm glad they didn't try to pack in seven more speakers. That's it for the first day, now we'll head for round two!
Cross what ever you have two of folks, or you might need a prescription next time you want to make guacamole.
Harold Slyvester posted tipped us off to this little tidbit over on the AHG forums area. Thanks, Harold!
Jenny Thompson of the Heath Sciences Institute has written up a great e-Alert. Sitting around with the ubiquitous boob-tube on, I can't help but take pause when the pharmaceutical ads (which happen at the rate of seven gazillion a minute, it seems) talk about side-effects in similar proportion to those found in placebo or sugar pills.
Wait a minute. Sugar pills causing nausea, headache, vomiting, irregular heart beat? Is something going on here I'm not being told?
Jenny thinks so. Take a minute to read the full article. And wake up!
According to this story posed in Canada's The Globe and Mail: Breaking News, Canadians can no longer buy Kava Kava (Piper mythesticum).
Why?
Health Canada officials say there is strong evidence to suggest that it can cause liver damage in some users. There have been four such cases reported in Canada, said Ms. Ho.
Four cases. I feel the need to bring perspective in to this discussion. First, a quote from Christopher Hobbs on Kava - Elixer of the Pacific.
Moderate use does not appear to be particularly harmful, and it should be remembered that kava has been an important social, ritual, and health drink in several Pacific Island cultures for centuries.
So on one hand, we have an entire population of people using the herb in moderation for many hundreds of years; and on the other, four cases of liver damage.
Of course, living up to the high-standards of what we've come to expect from our media, the journalist didn't bother to mention how much Kava was taken, in what form, pre-existing conditions... none of that.
You gotta love Canada. They've still got Chaprral (Larrea tridentata) banned, even though the the FDA lifted their ban years ago. Similar situation, same number of people, and when the dust settled, it was discovered that the people all had advanced liver disease, specifically contraindicated in Larrea.
I suppose that when this dust settles, Piper will be vindicated as well.
In the meantime, remember that Kava was used on infrequent occasions by the native peoples. Today, small (and I mean small) amounts, like an ounce, should be a sufficient dose. How does it impact your liver? Well, according to a study done by Dr. Jerry Cott, former Chief of the Psychopharmacology Research Program at the National Institute of Mental Health:
"If the incidence of liver toxicity for kava is correct, then according to German researchers it is very similar to that of conventional pharmaceutical anti-anxiety and antidepressant prescription drugs. These are generally considered to be acceptable (though small) risks..."
In fact, Dr. Hyla Cass says in her article Kava: Is It Safe? that
"...you are far likelier to suffer from liver damage by taking the prescription anti-anxiety drug, Valium, as you are kava, yet it is taken by millions daily with little question-and with no major adverse publicity. The over-the counter pain medication, acetominphen (Tylenol), also has a high incidence of liver toxicity, especially when combined with alcohol."
Posted by Evo Terra at 02:58 PM
Now this was kinda fun! No, it really has nothing to do with herbalism, but all work and no play will make Jack a dull boy, right? And that goes for Evo's, too!
Online polls telling you what kind of thing you are seem to be all the rage these days in the blogging community. I've resisted the temptation (no pun intended) until BeleifNet came out with Belief-O-Matic. Take the test and find out where you stand.
Here are my top five results for all the world to see:
Time to put on my rant hat for a minute, folks. I just read this story and have to get some things aired out in the open. Maybe I'm not seeing this from the perspective the government wants me to, but I kinda pride myself on that.
Here's the headline: Power Lines Probably Risky
Read that again. Probably risky. Let's see here. Exposure to massive amounts of electromagnetic radiation, the likes of which were never apart of our (or any things) evolutionary past, just might not be the best thing for us. Well. If that isn't a solid "maybe", I don't know what is!
And how did they (this time the California Department of Health Services
) come to this iron-clad conclusion? Nothing like an eight-year study costing seven million dollars to do the trick!
Here's an example of just how far they stick there necks out after eight years and seven million bucks:
"To one degree or another, all three of the DHS scientists are inclined to believe that EMFs (electric and magnetic fields) can cause some degree of increased risk of childhood leukemia, adult brain cancer, Lou Gehrig's disease and miscarriage..."
How do I sign up for one of these studies? Just think what we could do with eight years and seven gazillon dollars! Probably come up with something better than "to one degree or another", don't you think?
Lectures, classes, speaking engagements… whatever you want to call it. To date, I've prepared and presented talks on two subjects. They are:
The first, Medicine in Your Own Back Alley consists of 15 medicinal plants that can be readily found in the Central Arizona area, many of them in Phoenix proper. This is a "work in progress" that will eventually become a published book. I've selected these plants because they are often neglected in the more popular herbal works. Since it was these plants that drew me into a herbal medicine years ago, I thought it fitting that I'd focus in on them.
The contents are:
Those hyperlinked have already been prepared. The working title for that chapter is Learn to Love Those You Hate, as they have each been labeled as " nuisances " by some.
Three plants takes about 20 minutes, there are usually 5-10 minutes of questions… more for larger groups. Pick and chose your plants if you like…
For Living Medicine, Ethnobotany of the Sonoran Desert Peoples, I take a different approach and focus on the indigenous uses of the plants, hence the term ethnobotany in the title. I tend to wait until close to the engagement to determine which plants to bring, as fresh samples have proven helpful to students in the past. I usually spend most of this lecture comparing and contrasting how the plants were used in the past with how we use them today.
Some good candidates that are almost always available are:
Want more information, or have a topic you'd like me to cover? Drop me an email.
Koo-run-DARE-uh. You gotta make sure and trill the "R" sound for the appropriate effect. One of my favorite words for healer. It's a Spanish name, still in use today in Latin America and describing local native healers, all of whom incorporate herbal medicine in their art.
I've been fortunate enough to meet a curendera by the name of Francisco from near the Mexico-US border in Arizona. He spoke to us (I was with a group of student herbalists) via a translator and healer in her own right, Mimi Kamp of Bisbee, AZ. A truly amazing journey, where we learned of his craft as we walked through the desert.
I recently read a story on the origin of the word. In Costa Rica there is a volcano called Rincon de la Vieja, or Old Woman's Place. Many many moons ago the area was ruled by a chief named Curubande. The chief had a daughter, Princess Curubanda (think Victor and Victoria,) who was madly in love with a prince from an enemy tribe.
Failing to keep their affair secret, the chief captured the prince, whisked him off to the top of the volcano and tossed him over the side. Insane with grief (and slightly budding of child), the princess abandoned her former life and went to live near the last spot her dead lover walked the earth. When the baby was born she sacrificed the child to the volcano, wanting the child to be with it's dead father.
Nuts as she was, she became a great healer, using the healing mud and ash from the volcano and the plants that grew around the mountain to heal the sick. People from all around the land would come to consult with the princess, who simply became known as "the curendera."
Plant name: Xanthium strumarium - Cocklebur
Botanical Description: You (or your dog) can’t miss this plant, especially when the seeds are ripe. Large and broad leaves, light and bright green in color in an alternate pattern with irregular lobes and relatively inconspicuous teeth. Stems turn maroon to black when mature, with an elliptic or egg shaped fruit clusters growing nestled around the stem. These are the part you can’t miss, as “nature’s Velcro” covers these fruit with small hooks that grab on to socks, hair, and anything else they can latch onto. The patience of Job is required on any animal that wanders too near.
Taxonomy: Asteraceae family
Ethnobotany: Used by various native american tribes to relieve constipation, diarrhea and vomiting. Indigenous Chinese applications as headache remedy, assist with cramping and numbness of the limbs, ulcers and sinus problems.
Plant Herstory: Not a lot of information is provided about how the ancients used or viewed the Cocklebur. It is assumed the plant originated in Central America, though it’s first description comes from Europe.
Cultivation: Are you nuts? Hell hath no fury like a farmer scorned.
Wildcrafting Information: Ubiquitous in predominantly wet areas. Not a marsh plant, but one that thrives on the fringes of what land was recently underwater. Springs, washes, receding lake shallows.
Collecting: Collect the ripened brown fruit and dry however you feel so inclined. If you are using the leaves, be sure not to use an immature plant, as they are quite poisonous. Once the plant has put out fruit, regardless of color, this toxicity is reduced.
Preparation Methods: Make a decoction of the crushed dried fruit, thought I haven’t any idea how to get this plant down to a powder. As such, I just use the whole fruit whole, two or three pods to a cup of water. The Eclectics describe whole-plant infusions as well.
Pharmacology: Xanthostrumarin, linoleic acid, vitamin c.
Actions: Alterative, analgesic, astringent, diuretic, emetic, antispasmodic, reduces phlegm, antibacterial, antifungal, hemostatic, sudorific, sialagogue.
Indications: Many references describe a specific indication for “the fear of water.” They might want to brush up on their Latin, for “hydrophobia” is another word for Rabies. Good for UTI’s, especially with marked sensitivity in the urethra and bladder. Useful for stuffy noses accompanied by thick nasal discharge and a sinus headache.
Side-effects: Some texts note the plant as a liver irritant, though most toxicity reports are on cattle and other grazing animals; that I doubt dine on the ripened fruit too often.
Contraindications: 2B (Uterine vasoconstrictor, more than 6-8 burrs a day can cause potential placental separation.)
Administration and Duration of Use: 2-3 pods as infusion or decoction, the whole plant as a strong infusion 2-3 ounces, to 2X a day.
Regulatory Status: Unknown at the time of writing.
Resources:
Plant name: Tribulus terrestris - Puncture Vine
Botanical Description: A ground hugging vine with many reddish branches spreading radially from a central point. Small opposite leafs appear on all parts of the stems, branching into three to seven leaflets per leaf. These green oblong leaflets are 3 – 7 cm long and their numbers usually form a sparsely covered “matt” along the ground. The fruits make this plant easy to identify (hopefully before you step on one.) When mature, they are a light brown “nut” around a centimeter in diameter, flattened but still round with evil looking, tire eating and child yelping spines, two of which are 2 – 3 cm and are accompanied by several smaller spikes. When the seeds are not yet ripe, the fruit looks much the same, but is light green and look to be covered with a soft down (looks can be deceiving.)
Taxonomy: Zygophyllaceae family
Ethnobotany: Commonly used in folk medicine as diuretic and against colic pains, hypertension and hypercholesterolemia in Turkey. Known as "bhakra" in Isslamabad and regarded as a tonic and aphrodisiac.
Plant Herstory: Puncture vine came to the North American continent by hitching a ride on cattle imported from the Mediterranean. It has colonized much of the land, finding it's true niche in the Southwest. Lucky us. It reportedly arrived in California in the early 1900's mixed with soil slated for railroad construction. Government agencies have been actively waging biological warfare against the puncturevine since the 1960's. Two imported species of weevil, Microlarinus lareynii and M. lypriformis, lay their eggs on the immature fruit. The impending larvae feed on the green fruit before they harden and get a chance to wreak havoc. This is a relatively fast-breeding species that may produce two or three generations in single season. For a fascinating (no, I'm being serious) of how this whole process started and ended, see the website for UC - Riverside listed in the References section.
Cultivation: You obviously have never encountered this species.
Wildcrafting Information: Everywhere bare feet are sure to trod. Sidewalk cracks seem to be the favored incubator of this jewel. If you live in the Southwest, you know where to find it.
Collecting: Collect the immature seed heads in early spring. If you wait too long, you'll be stuck (no pun intended) with a woody caltrop that resists even the toughest of coffee grinders. The pods should be formed, but the spikes still somewhat flexible. If it hurts when you pick them, you waited too long. Dry them in a jar with the lid off to allow the moisture to evaporate. Once the seed pods have been separated, dry the arial parts of the plant in bundles.
Preparation Methods: Grind the dried seed heads anyway you like. I like an electric coffee grinder. Continue grinding until you've reached a fine powder. Add ground seeds and whole dried plant to hot water to 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of seed/plant mix for an infusion. You can also tincture, 1:5 @ 60%.
Pharmacology: Saponins - glucopyranosyl galactopyrans, ruscogenin, hecogenin, diosgenin; Polysaccharides; Sterols - sitosterol, campesterol; Flavonoids - kaempferol, kaempferol glycosides, quercetin; Fatty acids - palmitic, stearic, oleic, lineleic acids; Tannins; Potassium salts
Actions & Indications: Lipid lowering in arteriosclerosis. Essential hypertension. Adrenal cortex hyperfunctions from stress, with elevated lipids, uric acid, blood sugars with stomach hypersecretions. Dysuria with partial impotence. Gout, for the hyperuricemia. Impotence/frigidity, with dysuria. Thick, frontal headaches after meals. Blood serum levels: cholesterol elevations. Blood serum levels: hyperlipidemia, in general. Blood serum levels: LDL, VLDL elevated.
Note: There is a substantial amount of research going on in Indonesia regarding the effectiveness of this plant in male libido, impotence, infertility, and sperm motility. Oddly, most Asian studies seem to center on cardiovascular and hepatoprotective qualities of this plant.
Side-effects: None cited.
Contraindications: VASOPRESSOMIMETlC (seems to be a unique Michael Moore term, as no others references are available.)
Administration and Duration of Use: The infusion to two times a day, 30-40 drops of the tincture b.i.d.
Regulatory Status: Unknown at the time of writing.
Resources:
At this time, it's simply too hot to think about walking in the desert. There isn't much to look at right now, as it's been pretty bone dry and most of the plants have dropped their leaves to conserve water.
As cooler weather prevails in late October and November, we should start seeing some new colors. Nothing is officially planned yet, but look for walks in the following areas:
Keep in mind that what we see completely depends on the amount of rain we get this fall. No rain, probably little or no flowers. However, the Jojoba, Algerita and Desert Hackberry (just to name a few) will be out as always.
Walk and Talks are a chance for you to see the medicinal side of our desert. I'll share with you the names of many medicinal plants along the way and relate how they were used traditionally as well as how we continue to use the plants today.
These classes do fill up quickly, so be sure and email me today with your interest. Fees for this class are $25.00 per person, group discounts apply for parties four or more. Tours last approximately four hours.
Plant name: Olea europea - Olive tree
Botanical Description: Olive trees are classified as “evergreen”, but are quite unlike pines, junipers or other needle-bearing tress one commonly considers in that genera. The wood of the Olive is very pale and green, with thin and thornless branches. The leaves are two-tone, being dark green on top and more towards the grey side underneath and of an oblong or lanceolate shape (~2 inches long.) Flowers are off white, numerous and fragrant. Flowers are followed by dark purple (nearly black) fruits the size (and somewhat shape) of a thumb. Look for the messy purple stains on the sidewalk.
Taxonomy: Oleaceae family
Ethnobotany: Historically, medicinal use of olive leaf has been for treatment of fevers and for the topical treatment of wounds or infection. As a poultice, it was also used to treat skin rashes and boils. In the native peoples of current day Ethiopia, a water suspension of the crushed bark is used to combat malaria.
Plant Herstory: This plant has been a part of western civilization at least since the first Olympic games in Greece, where the victor was crowned with Olive leaves. The oil is mentioned in the original texts of the bible for it’s many uses, but oddly enough never as a food. The Maasai have traditionally used the beautiful wood to carve ceremonial objects or to use as trade.
Cultivation: This native tree of the Mediterranean region is widely cultivated worldwide in tropical areas and warm-climate areas. Phoenix enjoys (?) widespread distribution of this plant in landscaping and city-sponsored beautification projects.
Wildcrafting Information: I would suggest using extreme caution when harvesting any part of this tree for internal use. Many cities, nurseries and private citizens spray Olive trees with chemicals to control pollination. This practice is considered both normal and safe, but the following information gives me pause.
There are two chemical spray methods used to control olive fruiting. One, fruit control is accomplished via use of Olive Stop, an auxin-derivative compound that is applied at the time of flower budding to abscise flowers and subsequent fruit before they develop. Application timing is critical for effective control. Two, anti-gibberellin growth retardants which act to slow or stop growth depending on the application concentration, that are sprayed onto the tree before flowering to prevent flower development. Embark and Maintain are brand name examples of current anti-gibberellin growth retardants that are used by local professional maintenance companies. Application timing with this method is less critical, therefore it is often preferred. However, long-term effects of an annual use of anti-gibberellin growth retardants as a strategy to stop flowering will eventually cause a decline in tree vigor, increased sensitivity to environmental stress, and eventual death. (ASU Life Sciences Dept.)
I’m pretty sure that means I don’t want to eat it.
Collecting: Since the tree constantly is in leaf, the leaves are easily collected at any time, dried either on the stem in bundles or in flats.
Preparation Methods: A decoction of the dried leaves for internal uses. Let me know if you know of a good method for preparing fresh Olive oil, an excellent base for oils, lotions and salves.
Pharmacology: Secoiridoids: oleuropein, hydroxytyrosol. Flavonoids: hesperidin, rutin, apigenin, apigenin-4'-O-rhamnosylglucoside, apigenin-7-O-glucoside, quercetin, quercetin-3-O-rhamnoside, luteolin, luteolin-4'-O-glucoside, luteolin-7-O-glucoside, kaempferol, chrysoeriol, and chrysoeriol-7-O-glucoside.
Actions: Anti-complementary, anti-microbial, antioxidant, hypocholesterolaemic, hypoglycaemic, hypoinsulinaemic, hypotensive, hypouricaemic, vasodilator.
Indications: Diabetes, diarrhea, edema, gastrointestinal colic, hemorrhoids, herpes, high blood pressure (hypertension), intestinal disease, respiratory tract infections, stomach disease, urinary tract infection
Side-effects: Olive leaf can be irritating to the stomach lining and should be taken with meals.
Contraindications: 2B, 2C
Administration and Duration of Use: The amount of olive leaf is not well established for human use. To make a tea, steep 1 teaspoon of dried leaves in 1 cup of hot water for 10–15 minutes.
Regulatory Status: Unknown at the time of writing.
This is a great cold and flu remedy, helping with expectoration, coughs, fevers and the general process of getting well. And kids like the taste!
Strain the mixture into another pan using a cheese cloth and strainer (a press if you have one.) Once the liquid is separated, add the honey and brandy at a low heat setting, stirring with a wooden spoon.
Pour the syrup into dark glass bottles. Green wine bottles work nicely and can be stored in the refrigerator. I keep a 2 oz brown, blue or green bottle out and handy during the winter months.
Welcome, everyone!
I'm Evo Terra, an herbal therapist and educator located currently in Phoenix, Arizona. I've been pondering for some time now exactly how I was going to do this: get A Simpler Way up online. I decided to combine my love of herbalism with my newfound passion for blogging.
I suppose many folks interested in herbalism don't know what blogging is. But that's OK, as I’d be willing to wager that there are a fair number of avid bloggers out there who don't know what the heck an herbalist is, either! We'll call it a learning experience for both sides then!
One more note before we get started: I'm no designer. I would like to thank my close friend David for providing his talents in creating my logo. Thank you very much, David. You are quite simply the most talented designer and artist I've yet to meet. I'm happy to count you as a friend.
Also thanks to Robyn of Ain't Too Proud to Blog for turning me onto hostmatters. The installation of Moveable Type went very smoothly. Good choice, and go Sooners! I'll probably be turning to you again in the future as my neophyte MT skills could use a little honing.
Well... since we're up and live, let's get started!
First my loving wife. "Sean called and wants to know if you're riding together tomorrow." she said.
"Nope." Said I. "Starting tomorrow, I'm taking the bus."
A look of incredulity crept over her face. "What?" She quizzically asked, followed by the obligatory "Why?"
I offered a variety of reasons, from the 4000-mile trip we had just taken on my leased car to the much more meaningful environmental benefits of mass transit. But that look of perceived insanity never left her eyes. And she turned introspective.
"You're not going to do that when NJ starts school, are you?" He's almost 10 now, and completely capable of getting himself ready and off to school in the mornings. He did it all last year, unbeknownst to her because she left for work in the wee hours. The conversation remains unresolved.
Our friends across the street had another perspective. "What the hell is wrong with your car?"
"Nothing," I said... unless you count the miles I racked up last week.
"How long are you going to do this?" they asked. I didn't have an answer. I really don't know. I wasn't aware that these decisions had to have an end-date.
From the 72 year-old man who lives a few doors down, a man who can recall the impact of the great depression yet now lives in ample luxury, "Are you all right?"
Now how do answer that? I just laughed and continued walking. Somehow, I knew I wouldn't be able to explain it to him if I had wanted.
One of my employees who lives near my house came in today and offered me a place in her and her husbands car on their way to work. I politely declined, stating that I already had one abandoned carpool buddy, and that I actually enjoyed the time I had to read and think for that extra hour in the mornings.
That's the amazing thing about the bus. Here you are surrounded by people and you never, never talk to them. Oh, maybe you'll make a comment to the bus driver, or maybe someone new comes on and asks where this bus is headed or when the next one leaves, but none of the idle, worthless, crappy chit-chat that takes up your carpooling time with the people that you know. Some first-and-only-time bus riders are taken aback by the "comatose" people on the bus, but I don't see them that way at all. When I've asked a question, or made a comment to someone, they've always replied in a very civil tone, and never once looked at me like I was breaking some sacred taboo by emitting words from my mouth.
There's one guy on the bus who doesn't share in the need for quiet and solitude like the rest of us. He talks non-stop. To whoever is sitting next to him. If no one will talk back to him (which they normally stop doing after a few minutes), he talks to the bus driver, who, oddly enough, seems to enjoy the exchange as they converse for the entire route occasionally. A few days ago, it was my turn to be on the receiving end of his conversation.
"Where do you work?" he asked. I told him and politely inquired the same of him, falling right back in to the meaningless idle chatter we are all brought up to expect from others as true conversations.
He then asked "What do you do?" where I responded again.
"I'm the eBusiness Manager for the company. Basically, I'm my team is responsible for all of the company's Internet-related activities."
A few seconds ticked by while he absorbed this information. It obviously wasn't the answer he was expecting. "I'm a file clerk." He said, pausing and looking away for just a moment before his gaze swung back to me and continued with "Why are you riding the bus?"