

==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: Re: lonicera japonica and mirabilis jalapa (four o'clock)

From: "D.L." <danlowe@ciudad.com.ar>

Date: Fri, 2 Feb 2001 02:55:12 -0300

--------

Sent to the herblist by daniela lowe <danlowe@ciudad.com.ar> :



Hello everyone, how are you all?

I do hope that for those who are in winter, aren't suffering it too much!

I am also interested in the medical applications of lonicera japonica, as it

is too , in my  country a wild flower , found in my area... Here it is not

that invasive, but you can find it climbing around pine trees or eucaliptus.

Can anybody enlarge my poor knowledge about this herb.?

And I am also interested in getting more info about mirabilis jalapa, which

also grows every summer in my garden and reseeds alone. I made some

investigation around it, and find out that is antimicrobial, antifungal ,

antibacterial, and antiviral. But couldn't find out, in which ways it is

prepared, or what is it it's toxicity range. Some days ago, cleaning my

garden, I accidentally smell one leave, and puajjjj!!!!!! it smells awful,

kind of pungent smell, which made my nose burn inside! So, it was then when

I decided to go to the net and try some investigation, and found out that it

really had many ethnobotanical uses.



I thank you in advance and wish you all a happy day.



Be Happy!



Danielita.

Buenos Aires

Argentina.



"Lo que mata no es la humedad, sino la repeticin" (analoga a Freud)



> Lonicera japonica (Japanese Honeysuckle) is an invasive weed where I live.

> I even have some in my yard that is taking over.  I understand that it has

a

> plethora of medicinal properties.  I have been looking for information on



> Mostly what I am looking for is info on possible hazards, either

immediately

> or over time.  If you have any great things to say about its medicinal

> properties, I would love to hear them, too...:)

>

thank you!



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: Re: lonicera japonica and mirabilis jalapa (four o'clock)

From: Henriette Kress <hetta@saunalahti.fi>

Date: Fri, 02 Feb 2001 12:36:06 +0200

--------

Sent to the herblist by Henriette Kress <hetta@saunalahti.fi> :



"D.L." <danlowe@ciudad.com.ar> wrote to herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu:



>I do hope that for those who are in winter, aren't suffering it too much!

>I am also interested in the medical applications of lonicera japonica, as it



All I know about the Loniceras is, the berries are quite toxic. 

Some use the flowers of some species, but I'd be careful there, and

-not- use just any old Lonicera flower in my tea.



Cheers

Henriette



-- 

hetta@saunalahti.fi     Helsinki, Finland      http://ibiblio.org/herbmed

Medicinal and Culinary herbFAQs, jpegs, database, neat stuff, archives...



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: Flavors

From: Susan Marynowski <sumar@GNV.IFAS.UFL.EDU>

Date: Sat, 03 Feb 2001 14:00:20 -0400

--------

Sent to the herblist by susan marynowski <sumar@gnv.ifas.ufl.edu> :



In the recent discussion of cranberry, someone said that they drank pure

cranberry juice (without sugar) and that it was "bitter."  Cranberry is

actually a "sour" flavor!  This has prompted me to write about the flavors,

which I believe are a doorway to understanding the plants and their

actions. As a perpetual student, this will be a review for me and hopefully

interesting for the newer herbalists on the list.



Many traditions categorize plant medicines based on their flavors. Flavors

are a great way to understand plants because they relate to the chemical

composition of the plants, and therefore the actions of those plants. The

Chinese have a 5-flavor system, while the Ayurvedic tradition honors 6

flavors. Native Americans also had flavor categories for plants, as did the

ancient Greeks and other lost western traditions. Not every herb fits

neatly into these categories, and some herbs have more than one flavor, but

this is a great start to understanding plant chemistry. There can be many

subdivisions and nuances in flavor, but here's just a basic description of

some of the flavors of plants, from a multi-ethnic perspective.



PUNGENT: Also called "acrid" or "spicy," herbs with this flavor are warm or

hot and drying in energy. Pungent plants usually contain volatile oils.

Many of our favorite essential oils come from pungent plants. They are

excellent digestive herbs ("carminatives") and blood purifiers and they

move poor circulation and dispel conditions of cold and mucus. They often

move energy from the inside of the body to the outside of the body

("diaphoretic"), opening the pores and allowing sweating to occur. They are

relaxing and also possess antimicrobial activity. They have a direct effect

on the lungs and the colon. Great bunch of plants for "cold" colds without

fevers! Think of herbs in the mint family (marjoram, rosemary, thyme,

lavendar, mints), ginger, herbs in the Apiaceae family (angelica/dong quai,

fennel, coriander, cumin, dill, anise), prickly ash, cayenne, black pepper,

garlic.



SWEET: The sweet flavored herbs are warm-to-neutral and moist in nature.

This kind of sweetness is the full flavor of complex carbohydrates and

other macronutrients, not the empty sweetness of pure sugars (which are

cooling in nature). These herbs/foods tend to build, harmonize, strengthen,

tonify, and nourish the body, especially for those with a lack of energy or

weak blood. They have an inward and consolidating action. These plants

actually form the bulk of most diets around the world (e.g., grains,

beans). It is now believed that the polysaccharides (long-chain

carbohydrates) in mildly sweet herbs and foods are the reason for their

long-term nourishing and immunostimulant effects. In excess, however, sweet

(esp. empty sweets) can cause congestion and lethargy and dampen (quell)

the digestive fires. Examples of sweet herbs include ginseng, jujube dates,

cinnamon, licorice, astragalus. (While classified as a bitter herb,

echinacea also contains these immunostimulating polysaccharides.)



SOUR: The understanding of sour herbs is divided among different

traditions. Some of the sour herbs are warming and moistening. This warming

group tends to gain its flavors through the presence of organic acids and

bioflavonoids. These foods cleanse the body of toxins and promote

digestion. Some are cardiac tonics. They stimulate digestion by directly

affecting the liver and galbladder. Sour herbs are high in vitamins (e.g.,

Vitamin C = ascorbic acid). Examples of these warming sour herbs/foods

include citrus, berries (blackberries, cranberries, strawberries, etc.),

plums, peaches, pineapple, hibiscus ("red zinger"), rose hips, hawthorn

berry, vinegar.



ASTRINGENT: Astringent herbs (also called "sour" by the Chinese) are

typically cooling and drying and condensing. They gain their flavor from

the presence of chemical constitutents called tannins. These herbs are most

useful for tissue contraction and fluid absorption, such as in stopping

excess perspiration, loss of fluids, diarrhea, or excess mucus secretion or

bleeding. They are especially tonifying to the mucous membranes of the

digestive tract, urinary tract, uterus, and kidneys. In excess, astringent

herbs can actually harm digestion by coating the mucus linings of the

digestive tract, just as tannins act to toughen the flesh when tanning

hides. Examples include blackberry leaf, raspberry leaf, strawberry leaf,

schizandra, black walnut hulls.



BITTER: The bitter herbs are generally cooling and drying in nature. The

bitter flavor comes from chemical components such as alkaloids and

glycosides. Bitter herbs are detoxifying, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial,

and antiviral in action. They stimulate the secretion of bile, which

stimulates the digestion and normal bowel elimination. They also help clear

the blood of cholesterol. This taste stengthens the hearts and small

intestines and cleanses the blood. Bitter is America's least favorite

flavor, with the notable exception of coffee, with its stimlulating

alkaloid, caffeine. Bitter to excess can cause too much cooling and drying.

If bitter herbs are being used for more long-term digestive treatment, they

often are balanced with warming "carminative" pungent herbs. Examples

include dandelion, gentian, turmeric, any of the berberine-containing

plants (goldenseal, barberry, etc.) 



SALTY: The salty taste is generally cold in energy. It stabilizes and

regulates fluid balance and also has a softening effect, such as on

hardened lymph nodes, tight muscles, constipation, or tumors. Salty herbs

have an effect on the kidneys, adrenals, and bladder and they can improve

elimination and bowel action. Salty herbs also help control gas and coughs.

A craving for salt is often a sign of adrenal exhaustion. In excess, plain

salt can be irritating and heating to the body, causing water retention and

high blood pressure. Herbs high in mineral salts, however, will not cause

these complications. Examples include nettles, plantain, seaweeds

(considered warming in some traditions). 



I recommend that you and your herbal friends to get together during the

cold of winter and have an herb tasting. Have one or several friends be the

hosts, who prepare the "mystery" infusions ahead of time. Then, just like

tasting fine wines, you can taste and describe and discuss the flavors (one

at a time!) and try to guess what effects the plants would have and perhaps

even identify the plants from their flavors. This is a great exercise for

even experienced herbalists, and for new herbalists helps to develop the

refined sense of taste needed to begin to know and understand the plants.

The bitter flavor, in particular, is one for which we should all cultivate

a better appreciation!



Now for the person who thought that cranberry was bitter: If you aren't

sure what bitter tastes like, start with some turmeric from the spice rack,

or make some strong yarrow tea, which is mildly bitter. Graduate to some

goldenseal or boneset tea to really get a hit of bitter. Or try some

Swedish bitters before a meal to stimulate digestion. Then compare the

flavor of straight cranberry, and you will know the difference between sour

and bitter. Sour makes your cheeks pucker, while bitter hits the back of

the tongue in a very satisfying way!  Cheers!  --Susan



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: Re: Flavors

From: Vera Gillen <Vgillen@mb.sympatico.ca>

Date: Sat, 03 Feb 2001 15:48:25 -0600

--------

Sent to the herblist by Vera MacInnis <vgillen@mb.sympatico.ca> :



Thank you Susan for your review on "Flavors" - I found it very

informative and interesting. I have never thought of associating

flavors with the effects on the body.  Thank you again!



Vera



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: Re: Flavors

From: dpotocki <dpotocki@erols.com>

Date: Sun, 04 Feb 2001 10:56:41 -0500

--------

Sent to the herblist by dpotocki@erols.com :



For Susan:



Thanks for the excellent tutorial on herbal flavors/actions. These terms

pop up on the list in a more individual sense periodically, but your

total look at the meanings is very enlightening. If we do an herbal

tasting, do you suggest any particular type of vessel? :-)  I prefer

[old-fashioned] porcelain tea cups...IMHO, hot teas seem to taste

especially dreamy in them. Any truth to or reason for this???



Donna



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: Rheumatoid arthritis pain

From: "Pat Elder" <pat@continuitypress.com>

Date: Sat, 3 Feb 2001 15:51:12 -0500

--------

Sent to the herblist by Pat Elder <pat@continuitypress.com> :



Hi!



Does anyone have suggestions for an herb remedy and/or mixture for

alleviating joint pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis?



Thank you.



Best wishes,

Pat

"I care not much for a man's religion whose dog and cat are not the better

for it." Abraham Lincoln



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: Re: Rheumatoid arthritis pain

From: "Sharon Herr" <sherr@NYCAP.rr.com>

Date: Sat, 3 Feb 2001 18:34:40 -0500

--------

Sent to the herblist by Sharon Herr, RD <sherr@NYCAP.rr.com> :



Hi Pat,



You  might find the following articles helpful.



Ernst E, Chrubasik S. Phyto-anti-inflammatories. A systematic review of

randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trials.Rheum Dis Clin North Am.

2000 Feb;26(1):13-27, vii. Review.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ui

ds=10680191&dopt=Abstract

Urtica dioica, evening primrose oil, blackcurrant seed oil, borage seed

oil - beneficial in rheumatoid arthritis

Harpagophytum procumbens (acute low back pain and osteoarthritis), willow

bark extract (osteoarthritis), Phytodolor (contains Populus tremula,

Fraxinus excelsior and Solidago virgaurea)- for pain in rheumatic diseases

Tanacetum parthenium (feverfew) (there is a study in 1989 that

showed no benefit from feverfew for rheumatoid arthritis patients)

Mixture of Withania somnifera, Boswellia serrata and Curuma longa

(osteoarthritis)

Mixture of white willow bark, black cohosh, sarsaparilla, guaiacum resin and

poplar bark (osteoarthritis)



Full-text

Belch JJ, Hill A. Evening primrose oil and borage oil in rheumatologic

conditions. Am J Clin Nutr. 2000 Jan;71(1 Suppl):352S-6S. Review.

http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/full/71/1/352S?maxtoshow=&HITS=10&hits=10&RE

SULTFORMAT=&titleabstract=evening+primrose+oil&searchid=QID_NOT_SET&stored_s

earch=&FIRSTINDEX=



Full-text

Altern Med Rev 2000 Dec;5(6):576-580. Fish Oil-Monograph.

http://www.thorne.com/altmedrev/.fulltext/5/6/576.html



Full-text Gaby AR. Alternative treatments for rheumatoid arthritis. Altern

Med Rev.

1999 Dec;4(6):392-402. Review.

http://www.thorne.com/altmedrev/.fulltext/4/6/392.html



Full-text

Michael L.Natural Medicine and Pain Relievers: A Review. August 2000.

http://www.nat-med.com/archives/pain.htm



 Adam O. Anti-inflammatory diet in rheumatic diseases. Eur J Clin Nutr. 1995

Oct;49(10):703-17. Review.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ui

ds=8536649&dopt=Abstract

Table 2:

Limit arachidonic acid <50 mg/day with lacto-vegetarian diet

Include soybeans and possible fish oil supplements

Avoid animal fat, prefer plants fats rich in omega-3 fatty acid

High calcium, low phosphorus diet (+ vitamin D if bed-bound)

Avoid loss of vitamins and trace elements during storage and preparation,

possible selenium supplement



Sharon Herr, RD

sharon@onlineRD.com

Herb-Drug Interaction Handbook

http://www.onlineRD.com/herb



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: R: seeking advice for no more bcp

From: "marco valussi" <marcobabi@libero.it>

Date: Sun, 4 Feb 2001 08:32:49 +0100

--------

Sent to the herblist by Marco Valussi <marcobabi@libero.it> :



The importance of taking Vitex after the luteal phase has already been

stressed.  It woul be useful to know what kind of cramps you have; when do

they start, how long do they last; does the onset of menstruation stop them

or do they carry on, etc.  Some herbalist might want to understand if they

are 'congestive' or 'acute', if they correlate to more general congestive

symptoms in the pelvic area or not.  Endo would be seen by some as part of a

congestive pattern, and circulating herbs could be used (cinnamom springs to

mind due to its circulating, warming, antispasmodic, slightly astringent

properties, but also ginger, or hawthorne and ginkgo for their gentle plus

antiinflammatory action).

Other typical plants that can be used for cramps and pain are Viburnum

opulus/prunifolium, Anemone pulsatilla, Piscidia, ecc.

I always put a liver remedy, usually Milk Thistle, in the prescription,

because of the fundamental buffering action the liver can have on hormonal

levels (metabolising oestrogen), on metabolites in general and on the

production of sex-hormone-binding proteins.

 But if the cramps are that bad and if you suspect endo it really is the

case to consult a ND, herbalist, TMC practitioner, etc.  The treatment can

be long and IMO you need to be monitored, especially if you desire to come

off the pill.



<<If you're dealing with endometriosis, it's recommended that you refrain

from

using commercial disposable tampons or pads (as they contain dioxin, which

is thought to contribute to the problem) >>



Do you have any epidemiology data on this?  AFAIK the dioxin issue is a

hoax, but I might be wrong, and the problem with tampons (not pads) could be

that it worsens an already present pattern of retrograde menstruation

coupled to abundant menses (and perhaps to an immunological imbalance).



<<Evening primrose oil is another great supplement for the EFAs, and it also

seems to have some hormonal balancing effects.>>



Do you have refs on this effect?  Might not the beneficial action of EPO

and/or GLA-containing oils in endo be due to their antiinflammatory and

immunomodulating actions (due to influence on AA and prostaglandins

pathways)?



<<You might also consider using a wild yam/progesterone cream during your

luteal phase. Too much estrogen in the body can cause all kinds of wacky

problems, and if you can balance your progesterone, then estrogen balancing

will often follow.>>



Perhaps so, but progesterone creams are just progesterone creams,

progesterone given transdermally instead of orally (the wild yam in it is

there, I strongly believe, just for image).  Just like the pill can hardly

be conceived as a balancing remedy, I fail to see how a progesterone dose

can be seen as balancing.  The vitex can do that on its own, without

imposing an artificial hormonal baseline.



Cheers



Marco



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: R: R: seeking advice for no more bcp

From: "marco valussi" <marcobabi@libero.it>

Date: Sun, 4 Feb 2001 21:41:51 +0100

--------

Sent to the herblist by Marco Valussi <marcobabi@libero.it> :



<<What is your opinion on using black cohosh for perimenopausal symptoms?  A

friend of mine went for a regular checkup with her gynocologist this week,

and

also saw the nurse practitioner, who recommended flaxseed oil, soy

isoflavones,

and black cohosh.  She told me other details (various vitamins, etc.), but I

don't remember them all.  While on the one hand I'm glad to see that a

conventional doctor's practice is getting involved in use of herbs for

women, on

the other hand I wasn't very sure about the program she prescribed.>>



Well, black cohosh has a very good record for reduction of perimenopausal

symptoms, from personal experience and from other herbalists experience, and

there has been a good number of clinical trials showing that it helps

reducing the discomfort, reduction measured on international scales

(Kupperman Index and Menopause Rating Scale).  It is particularly indicated

in case of arthritic and pelvic dull pain, and it always finds its place in

a recipe for menopause and osteoporosis.  I have had one bad experience, and

I know other herbalists who had the same, with black cohosh causing bad

headaches, but it dosn't seem to be a tipical reaction.



Cheers



Marco



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: Re: R: R: seeking advice for no more bcp

From: May Terry <mterry@snet.net>

Date: Tue, 06 Feb 2001 18:32:02 -0500

--------

Sent to the herblist by May Terry <mterry@snet.net> :



marco valussi wrote:



> <<What is your opinion on using black cohosh for perimenopausal symptoms?

>

> Well, black cohosh has a very good record for reduction of perimenopausal

> symptoms, from personal experience and from other herbalists experience, and

> there has been a good number of clinical trials showing that it helps

> reducing the discomfort, reduction measured on international scales

> (Kupperman Index and Menopause Rating Scale).  It is particularly indicated

> in case of arthritic and pelvic dull pain, and it always finds its place in

> a recipe for menopause and osteoporosis.  I have had one bad experience, and

> I know other herbalists who had the same, with black cohosh causing bad

> headaches, but it dosn't seem to be a tipical reaction.



Thanks, Marco.  Just a couple more questions: can it be taken every day of the

menstrual cycle, and should it be taken with vitex?  Is it safe to use

long-term?



May

--

Here first she bathes,and round her body pours

Soft oils of fragrance and ambrosial showers.

The winds, perfumed, the balmy gale conveys

Through heaven, through earth, and all the aerial ways.

                                -Homer



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: seeking advice for no more bcp

From: Astrid9787@aol.com

Date: Mon, 05 Feb 2001 13:39:40 EST

--------

Sent to the herblist by erica <astrid9787@aol.com> :



hi everyone...



i'm the woman who has written before regarding candida. i am now knee deep into the anti-candida diet as well as taking several herbal compounds to kill off the the yeast (plus eating cultured vegetables and milk to replenish the good guys)...i know i'm on the right track.



i am supposed to visit the gynecologist this afternoon. the reason for the visit is to get more birth control pills. i have never met this doctor (i'm new in town) and didn't plan on discussing my candida issues with her as i am well aware that the majority of the allopathic medical community shuns yeast overgrowth in otherwise healthy individuals. all i wanted to do is have a quick exam and have her give me the prescription.



i've been on the pill off and on (mostly on) since i was 16. the reason i have been on it is because of severe mentrual cramps and acne flare-ups. my hormones/thyroid have been tested and they both appear to be in normal range. the cramps and bad skin run in the family. my thought is that they stem from an imbalance in the body. my lifestyle up until recently left a lot to be desired....smoking, drinking, diet high in carbohydrates, recreational drug use, the birth control pills, frequent rounds of antibiotics for cystitis, etc...these all contributed to my imbalance. i've given up all of those vices except for the birth control pills.



i've tried many homeopathic remedies to relieve cramps and none of them have worked (typical otc remedies like tylenol don't work....the cramps are too severe). i'm afraid that i won't be able to find any natural methods of relieving the cramps. can any of you offer any advice? like i said....the cramps are severe. they run from my middle section all the way down to my thighs. they don't come in waves, either....they are continuous. several traditional docs have said that they think i may have endometriosis. 



i have used vitex/chaste berry, but i'm not sure i used it correctly. i took it continuously throughout my cycle. is that the way i should take it?



i know there are several herbs that have the ability to relieve cramps. would anyone have a suggestion for a potent compound i could use as a tea?



thanks for any advice you might have. oh, and by the way....i'm cancelling my gynecologist appt.



have a great one!

erica



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: Re: seeking advice for no more bcp

From: Elizabeth Scotten <timelesstree@earthlink.net>

Date: Mon, 05 Feb 2001 16:06:49 -0500

--------

Sent to the herblist by Elizabeth Scotten <timelesstree@earthlink.net> :



Hi Erica,



Congrats on the willpower with the Candida diet!  I can relate to the

Candida, the pill, and the severe menstrual cramping, endometriosis

included. There are several things that helped me, and maybe they will be

helpfull to you?  I have always suffered from severe cramping, (7 day

duration), suicidal PMS, heavy bleeding, and nausea revolving around my

menses. When i was 24, i went on the pill as a last resort. It really helped

me, but after a few years, i started to feel strange about being on the pill

for so long, and i started delving into herbalism. My chiropractor

recommended flax seed oil, vitamin e, and b vitamins. These strengthen the

uterus as well as the pelvic area. I also went on the candida diet and

started taking a herbal blend made by Witches Kitchen (nci) and vitex.

Another good blend is put out by Crystal Star (nci) called "Women's Strength

and Endo Tea". I started taking a teaspoon of the vitex along with the other

blend every morning, about a month before i went off of the pill. After

three months i stopped taking it. My cycle changed drastically to minimal

pms, minimal cramping, and only a 3 day menses time.  I find that every 3

years or so i have to go back to that regimen, but it made a HUGE difference

for me!  I also highly recommend Rosemary Gladstar's "Herbal Healing for

Women" book. it has really helpful recipes for uterine tonics, among other

things!



Good Luck!  -bek

-- 

timelesstree@earthlink.net

<http://www.timelessremedies.com/>



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: Re: seeking advice for no more bcp

From: "Kerry's Herbals" <jclarke2@uswest.net>

Date: Mon, 5 Feb 2001 15:24:29 -0600

--------

Sent to the herblist by Kerry L. <jclarke2@uswest.net> :



Some more ideas - first, the vitex should be taken during the luteal (from

ovulation to onset of menses) phase of your cycle.



If you're dealing with endometriosis, it's recommended that you refrain from

using commercial disposable tampons or pads (as they contain dioxin, which

is thought to contribute to the problem) and non-organic meats and dairy

(which contain artificial hormones, also thought to contribute to

endometriosis).



Flaxseed oil, as was already mentioned, is a great way to increase your EFA

intake, which can help endo. Evening primrose oil is another great

supplement for the EFAs, and it also seems to have some hormonal balancing

effects.



Motherwort is a great herb to use for cramping, PMS symptoms, and general

emotional well-being. Valerian can be used for acute menstrual pain, as can

skullcap or cramp bark.



You might also consider using a wild yam/progesterone cream during your

luteal phase. Too much estrogen in the body can cause all kinds of wacky

problems, and if you can balance your progesterone, then estrogen balancing

will often follow.



Good luck!



Kerry

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

http://www.KerrysHerbals.com

Miracle Salve, herbal tinctures, essential oils and more!



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: R: R: R: seeking advice for no more bcp

From: "marco valussi" <marcobabi@libero.it>

Date: Mon, 5 Feb 2001 20:11:39 +0100

--------

Sent to the herblist by Marco Valussi <marcobabi@libero.it> :



<<Thanks, Marco.  Just a couple more questions: can it be taken every day of

the

menstrual cycle, and should it be taken with vitex?  Is it safe to use

long-term?

May>>



You're welcome May 8-)

As far as dosage goes, there are at least two schools of thought.  The

Germans (who have done most of the studies) have used mother tinctures

(1:10) at drop dosages (5-40 drops daily), while traditionally the dosage

for 1:5 tinctures was around 3-6  ml daily.  It can be taken during the

whole cycle, although someone might want to try a black cohosh/vitex

compartimentalization: the first during the firts pat of the cycle, the

second in the luteal phase.  You do not have to take with Vitex, though; it

will depend on the situation.  IMO it is safe in the long term; in Germany

they give a limit of 6 months.

Obvioulsy not to be used during pregnancy, unless you want to help delivery.



Hope this was of help



Cheers

Marco



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: Re: R: seeking advice for no more bcp

From: May Terry <mterry@snet.net>

Date: Tue, 06 Feb 2001 08:48:21 -0500

--------

Sent to the herblist by May Terry <mterry@snet.net> :



marco valussi wrote:



> Sent to the herblist by Marco Valussi <marcobabi@libero.it> :

>

> The importance of taking Vitex after the luteal phase has already been

> stressed.

> Just like the pill can hardly

> be conceived as a balancing remedy, I fail to see how a progesterone dose

> can be seen as balancing.  The vitex can do that on its own, without

> imposing an artificial hormonal baseline.



Marco (and others),



What is your opinion on using black cohosh for perimenopausal symptoms?  A

friend of mine went for a regular checkup with her gynocologist this week, and

also saw the nurse practitioner, who recommended flaxseed oil, soy isoflavones,

and black cohosh.  She told me other details (various vitamins, etc.), but I

don't remember them all.  While on the one hand I'm glad to see that a

conventional doctor's practice is getting involved in use of herbs for women, on

the other hand I wasn't very sure about the program she prescribed.



May

--

Here first she bathes,and round her body pours

Soft oils of fragrance and ambrosial showers.

The winds, perfumed, the balmy gale conveys

Through heaven, through earth, and all the aerial ways.

                                -Homer



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: Re: seeking advice for no more bcp

From: "Kerry's Herbals" <jclarke2@uswest.net>

Date: Tue, 6 Feb 2001 08:16:21 -0600

--------

Sent to the herblist by Kerry L. <jclarke2@uswest.net> :



> The importance of taking Vitex after the luteal phase has already been

> stressed.



Just want to clarify that it should be taking *during* the luteal phase,

rather than after.



> <<If you're dealing with endometriosis, it's recommended that you refrain

> from

> using commercial disposable tampons or pads (as they contain dioxin, which

> is thought to contribute to the problem) >>

>

> Do you have any epidemiology data on this?  AFAIK the dioxin issue is a

> hoax, but I might be wrong, and the problem with tampons (not pads) could

be

> that it worsens an already present pattern of retrograde menstruation

> coupled to abundant menses (and perhaps to an immunological imbalance).



Ack! Did I write dioxin? Sorry, I meant to write chlorine (used as a

bleaching agent). I'm thinking

about too many things at once, I guess. No, I don't have any epidemiological

data on this statement. It's just one of the things I picked up in an herbal

reference I have (_The Woman's Book of Healing Herbs_ by Sari Harrar and

Sara Altshul O'Donnell)



> <<Evening primrose oil is another great supplement for the EFAs, and it

also

> seems to have some hormonal balancing effects.>>

>

> Do you have refs on this effect?  Might not the beneficial action of EPO

> and/or GLA-containing oils in endo be due to their antiinflammatory and

> immunomodulating actions (due to influence on AA and prostaglandins

> pathways)?



Again, no references other than various herbal books. I know EPO is often

recommended for various hormonal related ailments, such as PMS, sore nipples

associated with ovulation and menses, and cycle-related low milk supply. I

don't know the effects that prostaglandins have on the body, but I imagine

they do have some effects on the hormones.



>

> <<You might also consider using a wild yam/progesterone cream during your

> luteal phase. Too much estrogen in the body can cause all kinds of wacky

> problems, and if you can balance your progesterone, then estrogen

balancing

> will often follow.>>

>

> Perhaps so, but progesterone creams are just progesterone creams,

> progesterone given transdermally instead of orally (the wild yam in it is

> there, I strongly believe, just for image).  Just like the pill can hardly

> be conceived as a balancing remedy, I fail to see how a progesterone dose

> can be seen as balancing.  The vitex can do that on its own, without

> imposing an artificial hormonal baseline.



True, you're probably right. I've had good experience using progesterone

cream to even out my hormones during my cycle. My progesterone/estrogen

levels were out of balance and my luteal phase was too short, due in part to

the fact that I was nursing my 19 month old. My luteal phases were

consistently about 8-9 days. After one month of using the progesterone

cream, my luteal phase increased to about 12 days and I was able to

conceive. So I recommended it as one of several alternatives that she might

try to regulate her hormones a bit, based on anecdotal evidence that it

seems to help. I've read somewhere (sorry, can't recall where) that an

estrogen imbalance (too much) can be corrected by increasing progesterone

levels during the luteal phase. That was my reasoning behind suggesting the

progesterone cream. But again, you're probably right in that the vitex would

accomplish the same thing.



Kerry



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: Re: R: seeking advice for no more bcp

From: rja86@webtv.net (Renee and Jerry)

Date: Tue, 6 Feb 2001 09:38:58 -0800 (PST)

--------

Sent to the herblist by Renee <rja86@webtv.net> :



Regarding pms/pain, I take a formula from Ian Shillington's list (that I

make myself now). I take it on the 18 day after the start of my latst

period, though to start.

MY PMS is better, and my periods come regular, (first time in years).

It doesnt help the horrendous cramps I have though for 2 day.  



Recipe:

Chaste Tree berry  (1pt)

Wild Yam (1pt)

Dong Quai (1pt)

Licorice (1/2 pt)

Damania (1/4 pt)

He also adds hops,  in one of the recipes. I didn't.

I added Ginseng (red) for energy, and Milk Thistle, (1/4pt) and Blue

Cohosh, (1/2 pt)

Hope it helps



Take good care.



Love,  

Renee and Jerry



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: R: Good herb/drug interaction references

From: "marco valussi" <marcobabi@libero.it>

Date: Wed, 7 Feb 2001 09:11:33 +0100

--------

Sent to the herblist by Marco Valussi <marcobabi@libero.it> :



Although not strictly only a herb/drug interaction text, I found De Smet,

PAGM, Keller, K, Hansel, R and Chandler, RF  Adverse effects of herbal drugs

Voll. 1, 2 and 3 extremely useful.  It is one of the few texts which

actually discusses at length the reasons for adverse effects and drug

interactions, thereby giving the reader the opportunity to check and

evaluate the existing references, and decide on relevancy (for instance you

can select those studies done on animals, or those in vitro, from the

epidemiological studies, etc.).  Each chapter discusses a single plant or a

group of plants characterized by high % presence of a specified chemical,

and is divided in botany, chemistry, pharmacology and uses,

pharmacokinetics, adverse reaction profile (general animal data, general

human data, allergic reactions, organ/system specific reactions, drug

interactions, mutagenicity and carcinogenicity).  And don't forget M. Moore

booklet on this (available for free at his site).  Although slightly

idiosyncratic, as most of his (great) texts, it gives precious insights from

a different perspective.

Perhaps, if you are into

ess oils, the purchase of the  Balacs and Tisserand Ess Oil Safety is

indicated.

I also think that a good textbook of clinical pharmacology is a very useful

tool in order to be able to evaluate critically what we read, for instance

to understand the problems with in vitro and in vivo animal models, etc.

The experimental data are always amenable to interpretation, depending on

the way we look at them; I have just finished responding to an article by an

MD who claimed that Nettle should be a Pharmacy Only remedy, because,

according to 'scientific data'. it is dangerous in pregnancy.  Obviously

only a critical analysis of the presented 'data' can, as it did, reveal the

weakness and inconsistencies of such a position.  It was a very useful

exercise though.



Cheers



Marco



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: Good herb/drug interaction references

From: "Kerry's Herbals" <jclarke2@uswest.net>

Date: Thu, 8 Feb 2001 17:04:28 -0600

--------

Sent to the herblist by Kerry L. <jclarke2@uswest.net> :



Anyone have a recommendation on a few good books that list herb/drug

interactions and contraindications? I have _Herb Contraindications and Drug

Interactions_ by Francis Brinker, but it seems kind of incomplete, and I'd

like to have a few different ones on hand.



Thanks for any suggestions!



Kerry

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

http://www.KerrysHerbals.com

Miracle Salve, herbal tinctures, essential oils and more!



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: Black Cohosh (WAS Re: seeking advice for no more bcp)

From: Susan Marynowski <sumar@GNV.IFAS.UFL.EDU>

Date: Wed, 07 Feb 2001 09:16:06 -0400

--------

Sent to the herblist by susan marynowski <sumar@gnv.ifas.ufl.edu> :



Interesting that Marco mentions the problem with Black Cohosh and

headaches. Another "energetic" factor in herbs (besides flavor and

"temperature" and organ system affected) is their direction of action.

According to the Chinese, Black Cohosh has an UPWARD direction of action,

so while it will help to relieve pelvic symptoms by its upward directional

quality, it is not the best herb for people who suffer from PMS or

menopausal headaches or head rushes as part of their hot flashes. This

action can be balanced, however, by other herbs in a formula.



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: PMS Formula (WAS Re: seeking advice for no more bcp)

From: Susan Marynowski <sumar@GNV.IFAS.UFL.EDU>

Date: Wed, 07 Feb 2001 09:18:26 -0400

--------

Sent to the herblist by susan marynowski <sumar@gnv.ifas.ufl.edu> :



Renee and Jerry: How do you prepare the PMS formula you described? Is it a

water infusion (tea) or alcohol tincture? Pardon my ignorance, but

what/where is Ian Shillington's list? Thanks for the info.



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: Re: PMS Formula (WAS Re: seeking advice for no more bcp)

From: rja86@webtv.net (Renee and Jerry)

Date: Wed, 7 Feb 2001 10:23:25 -0800 (PST)

--------

Sent to the herblist by Renee <rja86@webtv.net> :



I make it in a tincture form with 100 proof vodka.  I put it all

together in one jar to make.

The list I am on is called herbal_remedies, and the formulas are in the

files.

:)



Love,

Renee



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: Herbal Flavors & Energetics

From: Susan Marynowski <sumar@GNV.IFAS.UFL.EDU>

Date: Wed, 07 Feb 2001 09:30:56 -0400

--------

Sent to the herblist by susan marynowski <sumar@gnv.ifas.ufl.edu> :



After our recent discussion on flavors, I wanted to mention that several of

us in the North Florida area have arranged for Peter Holmes to present a

lecture and weekend intensive training here on HERBAL ENERGETICS &

DIAGNOSTICS on March 30-April 1, 2001. The workshop will cover the

energetics of herbs, energetics of disease and imbalance, and differential

diagnosis and herbal prescribing. If anyone lurking on the list is

interested, please contact me off list for more details.



FYI, Peter Holmes is trained/experienced in both Chinese and Western

medical herbalism (UK trained) and is the author of "The Energetics of

Western Herbs: Treatment Strategies Integrating Western and Oriental Herbal

Medicine" (2 volumes, $100). I highly recommend these books (nci). He

presents a very clear and careful discussion of energetics and then takes

on the huge task of energetically describing the "western" materia medica.

While not perfect, it is the best of such books I have seen and appeals

very much to my personal taste for an eclectic herbalism that draws upon

many of the wonderful traditions of the world. Since we have "lost" much of

our western energetic tradition, here is a way to begin reclaiming some of

that tradition, as the work includes informative research on the ancient

Greek energetic system of herbs and diagnosis. Happy reading!



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: newbie seeks advice

From: JmeLuvsHerBoys@aol.com

Date: Thu, 8 Feb 2001 02:09:36 EST

--------

Sent to the herblist by Jami <Jmeluvsherboys@aol.com> :



Hi.  I am 22 and just getting interested in herbal therapy, I mentioned to 

several of my friends about my interest and they all want to know what is 

good for weight loss.  All have children, and 1 is middle aged.  I have done 

some research through the web, but not come up with anything real solid.  I 

am wondering, what herbs will help boost metabolism with the least side 

effects.  Thanks for all the help, and I just want to add that being a part 

of this list is very enlightening.  I really enjoy all the great ideas.  Oh I 

almost forgot.  Something I could add to a tea would be best.  Thanks again.



Merry Part and Blessed Be, 



Jami



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: Re: newbie seeks advice

From: Herbgrow30@aol.com

Date: Thu, 8 Feb 2001 12:26:40 EST

--------

Sent to the herblist by herbgrow30@aol.com :



In a message dated 2/8/01 3:38:40 AM Eastern Standard Time, 

JmeLuvsHerBoys@aol.com writes:



<< Hi.  I am 22 and just getting interested in herbal therapy, I mentioned to 

 several of my friends about my interest and they all want to know what is 

 good for weight loss.  All have children, and 1 is middle aged.  I have done 

 some research through the web, but not come up with anything real solid.  I 

 am wondering, what herbs will help boost metabolism with the least side 

 effects.  Thanks for all the help, and I just want to add that being a part 

 of this list is very enlightening.  I really enjoy all the great ideas.  Oh 

I 

 almost forgot.  Something I could add to a tea would be best.  Thanks again.

 

 Merry Part and Blessed Be,  >>



HI Jami -



One of the things I find inmy practice is that clients often come in looking 

for that "quick fix" to weight loss...some magic herb that will shed the 

pounds off.  Won't happen.  We use lifestyle counsling, referrals for 

exercise programs (mild at first and working up), and diet counseling.  We 

are finding that by eliminating white flour and sugar, alcohol, salt, and MSG 

and adding in more natural foods like vegetables and fruits; nuts and seeds, 

people will shed the pounds.  Also we found that when one starts to loose 

they have more incentive to keep up with their program.  



Some herbalists use Kelp to boost metabolism, but if one has hypertension or 

a tendency to retain water I do not use kelp on them.



Hope this helps -

Mary



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: Re: newbie seeks advice

From: "Kerry's Herbals" <jclarke2@uswest.net>

Date: Thu, 8 Feb 2001 12:41:56 -0600

--------

Sent to the herblist by Kerry L. <jclarke2@uswest.net> :



>

> Hi.  I am 22 and just getting interested in herbal therapy, I mentioned to

> several of my friends about my interest and they all want to know what is

> good for weight loss.



Another good dietary suggestion would be to eliminate dairy. It is very high

in fat, and frankly, not that good for you. Humans weren't meant to drink

the milk of other mammals.



JMO



Kerry



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: Re: newbie seeks advice

From: "Stephen Pointer" <stephen.pointer@zoom.co.uk>

Date: Sat, 10 Feb 2001 08:20:22 -0000

--------

Sent to the herblist by Stephen Pointer <stephen.pointer@zoom.co.uk> :



Hello



I have heard it said (but have not tried myself) that the body stores water

when a person is eating foods that they are sensitive to, to dilute the food

when it is digested.  If you have allergy testing and elimiate these foods

from your diet the body will stop storing water to dilute the foodstuffs.



As to what herbs boost metabolism you should look at your relationship with

the digestive fire (Agni), please see

http://www.ayurveda.com/info/foodcomb.htm   the best thing you can do is eat

something sweet before a meal (such as honey and ginger) to get the

digestive juices flowing.



Kind Regards

Steve Pointer



> Hi.  I am 22 and just getting interested in herbal therapy, I mentioned to

> several of my friends about my interest and they all want to know what is

> good for weight loss.  All have children, and 1 is middle aged.  I have

done

> some research through the web, but not come up with anything real solid.

I

> am wondering, what herbs will help boost metabolism with the least side

> effects.  Thanks for all the help, and I just want to add that being a

part

> of this list is very enlightening.  I really enjoy all the great ideas.

Oh I

> almost forgot.  Something I could add to a tea would be best.  Thanks

again.



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: Neem

From: "Eleanor K. Sommer" <eksommer@gator.net>

Date: Thu, 8 Feb 2001 08:53:02 -0500

--------

Sent to the herblist by Eleanor K. Sommer <eksommer@gator.net> :



I am new to this list and I have a question about neem (Azadirachta

indica). I have harvested leaves and twigs from a friend's tree in south

Florida. To make a tincture, I used 100 proof vodka, but I am wondering if

I should have used a higher percent alcohol. I also added a little glycerin

after decanting because this remedy is significantly bitter (after the

flavor lesson, I hope this is correct!). I am also not clear on where

strongest medicinal value is: leaves, twigs, stems, bark?



This tincutre makes an effective gargle for sore throats and a mouth rinse

for any number of ailments such as canker sores or infected gums. It's also

just a great rinse after flossing (about 40-80 drops in 2 ounces of  warm

water). Neem oil (external use only) repels insects very well -- actually

I've used the tincture and infusion for this too. I have heard that a

neem-based lotion is good for psoriasis, but I do not have personal

experience with using it this way.



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: Tincture times

From: "Kerry's Herbals" <jclarke2@uswest.net>

Date: Thu, 8 Feb 2001 17:11:22 -0600

--------

Sent to the herblist by Kerry L. <jclarke2@uswest.net> :



How often do you all let your herbs tincture for? In various herbal

references, I've seen recommendations for anywhere from 10 days (Michael

Moore) to 6 weeks (Aviva Romm) and everything in between. I've seemed to

have good results with around 3 weeks, especially since I use mostly dried

herbs. Also, for those of you who work with glycerin tinctures, do you let

them tincture for the same amount of time as the alcohol? My common sense

tells me that glycerin doesn't extract as well or as efficiently as alcohol,

so I've been letting my glycerin tinctures sit for about 4-5 weeks.



Thoughts?



Kerry

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

http://www.KerrysHerbals.com

Miracle Salve, herbal tinctures, essential oils and more!



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: Re: Tincture times

From: Elizabeth Scotten <timelesstree@earthlink.net>

Date: Sat, 10 Feb 2001 14:13:45 -0500

--------

Sent to the herblist by Elizabeth Scotten <timelesstree@earthlink.net> :



on 2/8/01 6:11 PM, Kerry's Herbals at jclarke2@uswest.net wrote:



> Sent to the herblist by Kerry L. <jclarke2@uswest.net> :

> 

> How often do you all let your herbs tincture for?



I always do 6 weeks.  It seems to me that if it takes the body's cells to

renew themselves about 6 weeks then a six week tincture might be a good idea

too. (i'm also kind of superstitious)



-bek



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: Neti & Thyme infusion?

From: Barbara <amber@io.com>

Date: Thu, 8 Feb 2001 19:28:02 -0600 (CST)

--------

Sent to the herblist by barbara <amber@io.com> :



Hey Ya'll,



I've been meaning to post this question for a while.



Does anyone know if it is safe to use a light infusion of thyme with Neti

pot?  I have seen other herbal preparations used with Neti pots, like

goldenseal tincure (makes sense to me since goldenseal is suppose to be

helpful with reducing inflammation in the sinuses) and almond oil (I do

not want to try this).



It has been so stressful for me over the last six months I am not

surprized that I have found myself in ENT  Drs. office with acute sinus

problems that have returned.  Now I feel like experimenting with thyme

because of antimicrobial/antiseptic properties.  I know the Neti pot is

to be used with water/solution that heated to  body temperature.  



This ENT Dr. is new to me but I liked him because he okayed the use of  

the Neti pot to try to reduce allergy symptoms.  Dr. Bittar asked me

what tradition the Neti was from.  I think Dr. Bittar is middle

eastern.  Dr. Bittar thought my sinus problems were from allergies.  I

thought my sinus problems are from Tx seasonal cedar fever, which cause me

problems almost every year between Dec. & Feb.  (like lots of other

Texans)



News -(cancer recovery)  



My mother (I posted about her post-cancer radiation induced damage

around Christmas) I think she is going to live, but she is still having a

tough time in care facility.  She was on oxygen and life support for about

3 months.  Now she is in a care facilty with fistulae(s) of the colon

healing.  If I were caring for her  I would be giving her slippery elm

marshmellow tea made with cooled of astralagus decoction because she can

not eat solid food for a while.  My mother has permanent damage of the

ureters according to her main Dr. 

 

My oncologist just reminded me that in six months I will join a select

group of people, the 35% of women that survive ovarian cancer for 5 years

:)



Barbara



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: sinus infections

From: Herbmednurse@aol.com

Date: Thu, 8 Feb 2001 23:16:55 EST

--------

Sent to the herblist by herbmednurse@aol.com :



any suggestions out there for sinus infections?  This is the second one I've 

had in a year, I've never had them before this.  It started out as a slight 

sore throat, feeling crummy, and not much else.  Now, I have a horrible 

face-ache with tenderness and pain over the sinuses.  Went to the doc today, 

and wonder if there is something I can do to alleviate this and hopefully, 

prevent another occurrence.

thanks in advance,

phebe



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: Re: sinus infections

From: May Terry <mterry@snet.net>

Date: Thu, 08 Feb 2001 23:39:15 -0500

--------

Sent to the herblist by May Terry <mterry@snet.net> :



Herbmednurse@aol.com wrote:



> any suggestions out there for sinus infections?  This is the second one I've

> had in a year, I've never had them before this.  It started out as a slight

> sore throat, feeling crummy, and not much else.  Now, I have a horrible

> face-ache with tenderness and pain over the sinuses.  Went to the doc today,

> and wonder if there is something I can do to alleviate this and hopefully,

> prevent another occurrence.



I put two drops each of thyme EO and eucalyptus EO in a 1.5 ounce plain saline

bottle, then use that as a nasal spray several times a day.



May

--

Here first she bathes, and round her body pours

Soft oils of fragrance and ambrosial showers.

The winds, perfumed, the balmy gale conveys

Through heaven, through earth, and all the aerial ways.

                                -Homer



To unsubscribe send a blank email to leave-herb-97361G@franklin.oit.unc.edu



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: Re: sinus infections

From: Christa-Maria <cmaria@triton.net>

Date: Fri, 09 Feb 2001 09:30:42 -0600

--------

Sent to the herblist by cmaria@triton.net :



Hi Phebe,

I've just been through one of those sinus ordeals and my remedy and

relief has been, lot's of Vit.C, Echinecea to get to help the infection

clear up, some swear by goldenseal, Echinecea works for me.

But to have relief for my face I use Yarrow.

Make a strong tea from in and while it's steaming, steam my face in it.

Than dip a washcloth into the tea and put it on my face, repeat a few

times..also  sniff up some of that tea into my nostrils, it clear the

nose and helps with sinus pain...the rest of the tea, I put into my

bathwater...

C-M



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: Re: sinus infections

From: "rufus p firefly" <merkaba7@iprimus.com.au>

Date: Sun, 11 Feb 2001 12:16:06 +1000

--------

Sent to the herblist by rufuso p firefly <merkaba7@iprimus.com.au> :



sinus blockage



to clear youir sinuses try this old remedy



1 teaspoon of medicinal glyercine



i teaspoon of sea salt ( not shaker salt !)



1 teaspoon of bicarb of soda



mix all togehter in about 1.5 liters of warm water and snuffle it up each

nostril about 4-5times til u feel it run down the back of your throat



goodbye sinus :)



- if u eat a lot of dairy or have lots of car pet in the house or dust or

pollen - then u can maybe expect the sinus to return



look at your diet and your environment



hope this helps



love and light



rufus



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: Re: sinus infections

From: "Jimmie" <wolfclan@home.com>

Date: Fri, 9 Feb 2001 11:20:06 -0500

--------

Sent to the herblist by Jimmie <Wolfclan@home.com> :



Phebe,



are you near any Birch Trees?  If you are, find a tree with a growth that

looks like a big black scab or eruption coming from the bark. Gently, so as

not to harm the tree, use a sharp knife or an even safer method, a screw

driver and a hammer and gently chip this growth away.  Let it dry for a day

or so and then take a piece of the light brown/yellow substance, from the

inside, about the size of a pea, light it and inhale the smoke, after about

7 attempts of this, you will feel the sinus relax almost immediately.



This medicine won't be found in any book, but many of the medicines I use to

help other people heal with, are not either, that doesn't discount their

abilities.  My Uncle and teacher talks about the Spiritual side of these

medicine's healing abilities, but am not so sure that this is the place to

discuss that.  :-)



Respectfully,

Jimmie

ps, if you are not in an area with these trees, contact me at

Wolfclan@home.com and we'll see what I can do to help you out, I hate to see

people suffering needlessly.



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: Re: sinus infections

From: "Cylise (cyli)" <cyli@tiny.net>

Date: Fri, 9 Feb 2001 16:02:00 -0600

--------

Sent to the herblist by Cylise <cyli@tiny.net> :



I can find lots of birch trees here in the northland.  Also many fungi on them. 

 Is this a shelf fungus, a rounded fungus, or more like a big stain (the way 

lichens grow on oaks and stones.)?  I'm pretty sure some of the shelf fungi are 

a bit mind altering, as some of my campfires have been a tad more mystical than 

the usual staring into the flames and meditating kind I get with pine.  Then 



again, most of my birch fires are in a very mellow location that's pretty 

conducive to meditation anyway.



Is this to be simply burned and one leans over it, inhaling, or is it to be 

smoked in a onnie or pipe or with papers?  



> 

> are you near any Birch Trees?  If you are, find a tree with a growth that

> looks like a big black scab or eruption coming from the bark. Gently, so as not

> to harm the tree, use a sharp knife or an even safer method, a screw driver and

> a hammer and gently chip this growth away.  Let it dry for a day or so and then

> take a piece of the light brown/yellow substance, from the inside, about the

> size of a pea, light it and inhale the smoke, after about 7 attempts of this,

> you will feel the sinus relax almost immediately.

> 



rbc: vixen.  Fairly harmless.   Most of the time.



http://www.visi.com/~cyli



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: Re: sinus infections

From: "Jimmie" <wolfclan@home.com>

Date: Fri, 9 Feb 2001 18:45:46 -0500

--------

Sent to the herblist by Jimmie <Wolfclan@home.com> :



----- Original Message -----

From: "Cylise (cyli)" <cyli@tiny.net>



> Is this to be simply burned and one leans over it, inhaling, or is it to

be

> smoked in a onnie or pipe or with papers?



Inhaled slowly and deeply through the nostrils, about the size of a pea will

do. It gets very hot, no flame, but a white-hot ember, use caution and a

glass ashtray or Abalone Shell...tingles a bit...smells pretty good, doesn't

offer any of the afore mentioned hallucination, sorry.  ;-)



Jimmie



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: Re: sinus infections

From: "Joanie MacPhee" <macphee@net1plus.com>

Date: Fri, 9 Feb 2001 13:59:59 -0500

--------

Sent to the herblist by macphee@net1plus.com :



what kind of birch?

paper, white, grey, yellow,black, river?

 

>are you near any Birch Trees 



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: Re: sinus infections

From: "Jimmie" <wolfclan@home.com>

Date: Fri, 9 Feb 2001 15:00:04 -0500

--------

Sent to the herblist by Jimmie <Wolfclan@home.com> :



Yellow and white seem to the most plentiful, but it will grow on other trees

as well...the size of eruption which yeilds the most medicine is baseball

and larger, have seen twenty lb chunks before.  Just be sure not to get the

fungus that grows on dead birch trees, am not sure what that would do to

someone and am not willing to find out.



Jimmie

----- Original Message -----



> Sent to the herblist by macphee@net1plus.com :

>

> what kind of birch?

> paper, white, grey, yellow,black, river?



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: Re: sinus infections

From: Barbara <amber@io.com>

Date: Sat, 10 Feb 2001 08:37:44 -0600 (CST)

--------

Sent to the herblist by barbara <amber@io.com> :



On Thu, 8 Feb 2001 Herbmednurse@aol.com wrote:



> Sent to the herblist by herbmednurse@aol.com :

> any suggestions out there for sinus infections?  This is the second one I've 

> had in a year, I've never had them before this.  It started out as a slight 

> sore throat, feeling crummy, and not much else.  Now, I have a horrible 

> face-ache with tenderness and pain over the sinuses.  Went to the doc today, 

> and wonder if there is something I can do to alleviate this and hopefully, 

> prevent another occurrence.



I am reading a lot trying to cope with my sinus problems, which include

returned nasal polyps.  This is kind of scary because I am a cancer

survivor and I hate it when the word tumor-like is used.  But the doctor

says my nasal polyps are benign.  I have had one surgery in the past to 

remove polyps.  I was fine for more than two years then I started to take

Fosomax.  After taking Fosomax for 6 months my nasal polyps returned as

big, itchy growing things that hurt a little bit.  At that time I started

taking increased vitamin C and astralagus, dandelion and burdock

decoctions.  In each case the 2 fast growing polyps left within 3 days of

taking the higer vitamin C doses.  I also immendiately started making

myself relax and do things to increase my immune strength, like Fire

Breath Yogic techniques, other breathing exercises, making sure I was

eating correctly and getting enough sleep, and drank lots of fluids.



I also refused to take more Fosomax.  Before the polyps returned my

oncologist really wanted me to take Fosomax.



Once I realized I was sick with acute sinus problems this fall, I

had to wait a couple of week before I could go see the ENT DR. I started

drinking herbals teas with antiseptic, antimicrobial or antibiotic

properties (thyme, lapacho, ginger, burdock).  I also used a heating pad

applied across my sinuses for a couple of hours a day to reduce pain and

loosen the junk and bring it out.  (This technique is suppose to work for

congested lungs too, if you place the heating pad over the lungs. I

learned about this technique from a chiropractor.)



Warm washes with salt water in Neti pot( 2X/day), and drinking lots and

lots of hot herbal teas have helped I think.  The warm drinks help reduce

the symptoms and there are herbs that are recommended for self-treating

colds amd allergies by various authors, though I am not sure if there are

many herbs specifically recommended for sinus infections. Generally

fighting infections can be helped by increasing water intake. At least one

of my books says if you know you have a sinus infection *Go to the Doctor*

or most references  say see allergic rhinitis, or hay fever or something

like that.



Echinacea Goldenseal is recommended pretty widely for sinus infections

though it is very unpopular in this forum.  (Where I live this is the

right time of year to plant to plant echinacea seeds.  I have not found

any seeds for goldenseal.)



Andrew Chevalier does say boneset and cayenne are particularly helpful for



respiratory infections.  For allergic rhinitis with mucus he says make an

infusion with Eyebright, plantain, goldenrod, and boneset. Also for

general treatment of rhinitis make an infusion of nettles and elder

flower.  I have seen nettles recommended to treat allergy problems in many

places, including on this list.  I am starting to try to ID the various

neetles that are coming up in my yard now.



Or for yellow/green mucus and sinus congestion use 1 tsp. of each

tincure of the following 3X/day with warm water:  Echinacea, Marshmellow,

elder flower and thyme.



Some people get relief from allergies by boosting their quercitin &/or

bioflavenoid levels.  I try to cook with fresh onions 3-4 times a week to

get the quercitin I want.  You can also get quercitin from rinds of

oranges and citrus fruits, cranberries, grapes, some peppers, some green

and black teas.  Bioflaveniods, like grape seed extract, are said to have

anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties.



Many folks get releif from allergies by increasing their omega 3 intake -

tuna, makeral, salmon, flax seeds, cod liver oil.



This is getting so long.  Gotta go.



Barbara



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: RE: sinus infections

From: "Leppihalme, Miikkali" <leppihalme@quartal.com>

Date: Mon, 12 Feb 2001 10:57:15 +0200

--------

Sent to the herblist by Miikkali Leppihalme <leppihalme@quartal.com> :



Jimmie, thanks for your inspiring input on the sinus infection thread. I got

interested because my lifemate has a sinus infection almost every winter.

Sometimes her MD tells her just to take a load of antibiotics, sometimes it

needs puncturing.



> are you near any Birch Trees?



We are definitely near birches. Birch is the most common deciduous tree in

Finland. If it weren't that we live in the coniferous forest zone and if

thus there weren't a wealth of pines or spruces around, there'd be nothing

but birches. :)



> If you are, find a tree with a growth that

> looks like a big black scab or eruption coming from the bark.



I've seen black eruptions on a birch, some kinds of polyporus. I have never

used polyporus for medicine. I'm a bit nervous about this advice. Are there

many kinds of black scabs that grow on birch? If there is, how can I be sure

it's the right kind? Do you know where I could find a picture of the one you

use? Do you have a scientific name for it so I could find a picture of it?



> light it and inhale the smoke, after about

> 7 attempts of this, you will feel the sinus relax

> almost immediately.



Do you mean after about seven inhalations? Right away? Does this treatment

address the symptoms or the disease?



> This medicine won't be found in any book, but many of the 

> medicines I use to help other people heal with, are not either,

> that doesn't discount their abilities.



Most of the treatments discussed on this list are rare. Some are used by

skillful herbalists (which are rare) and some can be found in good books

(which are rare as well). Thanks again for sharing your knowledge.



> My Uncle and teacher talks about the Spiritual 

> side of these medicine's healing abilities, but am

> not so sure that this is the place to discuss that.



The spiritual side is, in my opinion, an elementary part of herbalism. It

has been discussed on this list in the past. Maybe it's off-topic,

especially if it has the religious aftertaste. Henriette? Comments?



If you wish to respond to my message, off-list on on-list, all the same, I

will be delighted.



-

M



leppihalme@quartal.com



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: Re: sinus infections

From: "Jimmie" <wolfclan@home.com>

Date: Mon, 12 Feb 2001 08:51:15 -0500

--------

Sent to the herblist by Jimmie <Wolfclan@home.com> :



----- Original Message -----

From: "Leppihalme, Miikkali" <leppihalme@quartal.com>



> I've seen black eruptions on a birch, some kinds of polyporus. I have

never

> used polyporus for medicine. I'm a bit nervous about this advice. Are

there

> many kinds of black scabs that grow on birch? If there is, how can I be

sure

> it's the right kind? Do you know where I could find a picture of the one

you

> use? Do you have a scientific name for it so I could find a picture of it?



I've been around this medicine for 5 years now, gathered it for three and

have never witnessed a different kind of growth on "live" birch trees.  I

don't have a scientific name for it, as a matter of fact, there are a few

medicines out there that the dominat society has yet to find and catalog

that are very scarce.



Miikkali, I appreciate your apprehension.  Please investigate the material

inside before using it. Light brown, yellowish color. Break it apart into

smaller pieces and let it dry for a day or two, <so it will ignite>  After

it has dried, take a lighter or a match touch it to a small piece of

Skitaagun.  You will see a tiny ember appear and a small whisk of smoke

rising up, put the medicine in the ashtray, then cup your hand over the

ashtray to funnel the smoke in the crook of your hand, between your fore

finger and thumb.  Inhale slowly and deeply, seven consecutive times through

the nose.  It treats the symptom, the pain stemming from an engorged or

inflamed sinus.  Its by no means a cure.  It has a sweet smell of wood, very

pleasant to be honest.  The Skitaagun will burn entirely to ash with just a

small amount of oil left. Use as often as needed.



As for your location, I would bet that you have a wealth of Skitaagun by the

sounds of it.  I would leave the medicine to grow until you need it as it

will grow "stale" after harvesting,  for lack of a better term and turn very

dark brown and almost impossible to light.



Which in thinking back, also leads credence to the issue brought out in the

book, "The Shaman's Apprentice" of keeping medicines alive and in their

natural state until needed as with many medicines, their effects

dramatically decrease after they are gathered and continue to break down in

the decomposing process.



As for the Spiritual side of healing medicines, in my opinion, as is my

people's for the past 40 thousand years or so, life is sacred, all life.

There is so much more going on in this world than we can see with our

physical eyes.  I treat the medicines I gather, as I would any form of life

that I have to consume to sustain my family and myself. When I find the

medicine I need to gather, I sit and pray, I explain that I am here to help

others, and need them for their gift.  I only take what I need and leave the

rest.



I do grow what I can, sweet grass and tobacco, but the rest of the medicines

I use, I either travel many thousands of miles for, or trade from people I

know who follow the same path of respect and reverence for life.  In my

belief, the Medicine returns the favor of my reverence and humility into

helping those who come seeking an alternate path to "conventional" medicine.

I do nothing; I am only the middleman in the process, the helper of healing,

not the healer.  The medicine heals. Creator heals.  I remember this,

always.



Jimmie



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: Re: sinus infections

From: Christa-Maria <cmaria@triton.net>

Date: Mon, 12 Feb 2001 10:24:22 -0600

--------

Sent to the herblist by cmaria@triton.net :



Jimmie is right, it's exactly what I have learned in the teachings from

my  Odawa Elders, too. ( Odawa, Great Lakes Anishnaabeg native

Americans)

NOne of them ever would dream of taking a plant for healing without:

Putting tobacco into the 7 directions

( East, thanking the light to come every day to nurture the plant)

(south, thanking the warmth  of the South that nurtured the plant

(West, remembering the West for the ancestral wisdom of having nurtured

the plant)

( North, thanking the spirit of strength of the elements ( hard to

translate this from Odawa) to nurture the plant.

Mother Earth for giving it life

The creator for the creation

The spirit of the plant within.

apologizing for taking this plantfriend to the surroundings

asking that only the 'good' will come into the body as medicine.

 Think of it...

could there be a better ecological, safe practice than that, to gather

herbs?

When first taught to use birch medicine for Arthritis.

It was:  " Find a birch that is 4 large mans hands in circumference, is

as white as possible has as few as possible 'thunderbirds' in it, but

the bottom of that birch should be kneehigh gray and rough bark.,

harvest some of that bark on the hottest, muggiest day of the year...Dry

and use the 'corky' inside bark for medicine..

That's how it goes in native land.

Observation is the most important item to be taught.

The 'gall'. Jimmie talks about is different from the Thunderbirds of the

birch and different from fungus that will grow on it.

Birch is the tree of the Thunderbird, because it will provide safety

when seeking shelter under it in a thunderstorm.

In the 25 years I have studied with the Odawa Elders an people who know,

I have never seen ONCE, bad effects from any medicine they took that was

gathered the old ways.

That despite the void of  using latin names.

Despite ever using doses accurate down to the mililiter.

There is lot's in the woods the natives still know, but to translate it

into 21st century allopathic medicine is another matter and I hope it

never happens..for than it would get standardized and messed with beyond

belief.

Aho

C-M



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: Re: sinus infections

From: May Terry <mterry@snet.net>

Date: Mon, 12 Feb 2001 16:59:51 -0500

--------

Sent to the herblist by May Terry <mterry@snet.net> :



"Leppihalme, Miikkali" wrote:



> > If you are, find a tree with a growth that

> > looks like a big black scab or eruption coming from the bark.

>

> I've seen black eruptions on a birch, some kinds of polyporus. I have never

> used polyporus for medicine. I'm a bit nervous about this advice. Are there

> many kinds of black scabs that grow on birch? If there is, how can I be sure

> it's the right kind? Do you know where I could find a picture of the one you

> use? Do you have a scientific name for it so I could find a picture of it?

>

> > This medicine won't be found in any book, but many of the

> > medicines I use to help other people heal with, are not either,

> > that doesn't discount their abilities.

>

> Most of the treatments discussed on this list are rare. Some are used by

> skillful herbalists (which are rare) and some can be found in good books

> (which are rare as well). Thanks again for sharing your knowledge.



This is true, but you can't prescribe purely by descriptions or even pictures.

There'd be a lot of dead patients if everyone did it that way.



May

--

Here first she bathes, and round her body pours

Soft oils of fragrance and ambrosial showers.

The winds, perfumed, the balmy gale conveys

Through heaven, through earth, and all the aerial ways.

                                -Homer



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: RE: sinus infections

From: "Leppihalme, Miikkali" <leppihalme@quartal.com>

Date: Tue, 13 Feb 2001 09:18:25 +0200

--------

Sent to the herblist by Miikkali Leppihalme <leppihalme@quartal.com> :



> > Most of the treatments discussed on this list are rare. 

> > Some are used by skillful herbalists (which are rare)

> > and some can be found in good books (which are rare as well).

> > Thanks again for sharing your knowledge.

> 

> This is true, but you can't prescribe purely by descriptions 

> or even pictures. There'd be a lot of dead patients if everyone

> did it that way.

> 

> May



I'm not a practising herbalist. I don't prescribe.



-

M



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: Re: sinus infections

From: May Terry <mterry@snet.net>

Date: Tue, 13 Feb 2001 07:34:20 -0500

--------

Sent to the herblist by May Terry <mterry@snet.net> :



"Leppihalme, Miikkali" wrote:



> > > Most of the treatments discussed on this list are rare.

> > > Some are used by skillful herbalists (which are rare)

> > > and some can be found in good books (which are rare as well).

> > > Thanks again for sharing your knowledge.

> >

> > This is true, but you can't prescribe purely by descriptions

> > or even pictures. There'd be a lot of dead patients if everyone

> > did it that way.

> >

> > May

>

> I'm not a practising herbalist. I don't prescribe.

>

> -

> M



I understand.  I was just concerned about Jimmie's discussion of the sinus

treatment.



May

--

Here first she bathes, and round her body pours

Soft oils of fragrance and ambrosial showers.

The winds, perfumed, the balmy gale conveys

Through heaven, through earth, and all the aerial ways.

                                -Homer



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: Re: sinus infections

From: "Jimmie" <wolfclan@home.com>

Date: Tue, 13 Feb 2001 09:36:17 -0500

--------

Sent to the herblist by Jimmie <Wolfclan@home.com> :



From: "May Terry"

> I understand.  I was just concerned about Jimmie's discussion of the sinus

treatment.



Thank you for clarifying as to whom this was directed too, I was unsure

myself in how it was written.



I have never known of anyone overdosing on Skitaagun, as a matter of fact, I

have never known of anyone dying from Natural Medicines unless the attempt

to harm was present.  What I mean by Natural Medicine, is one that is taken

in its natural state as Creator has placed it here, not by turning it into a

tincture or steeping it to increase it's potency.  There are medicines out

there that can cause fatality, or abortion, I don't dismiss that.  I won't

prescribe let alone talk about them here, nor will I ever unless I am

looking that person in the eye.  I have taken a vow to never harm another

person with any medicine, and in offering my advice as a middleman in the

healing process, it is that and only that.  Take it for what it is, or leave

it for what it is.  I didn't realize a disclaimer was necessary here among

likeminded individuals.  So with that, I'll sit back with my coffee here and

reflect upon this.



Jimmie



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: Re: sinus infections

From: May Terry <mterry@snet.net>

Date: Tue, 13 Feb 2001 20:53:23 -0500

--------

Sent to the herblist by May Terry <mterry@snet.net> :



Jimmie wrote:



>  I didn't realize a disclaimer was necessary here among

> likeminded individuals.  So with that, I'll sit back with my coffee here and

> reflect upon this.

>

> Jimmie



Many of us on this list are at least relative newcomers to the study of herbs.

I personally think that disclaimers can't hurt %^)



May

--

Here first she bathes, and round her body pours

Soft oils of fragrance and ambrosial showers.

The winds, perfumed, the balmy gale conveys

Through heaven, through earth, and all the aerial ways.

                                -Homer



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: Re: Sinus Infections and Birch Fungus (many questions)

From: "Joanie MacPhee" <macphee@net1plus.com>

Date: Sat, 10 Feb 2001 10:27:39 -0500

--------

Sent to the herblist by macphee@net1plus.com :



Hmmm...I still am not sure what this is..I did not get the image of a

fungus, though.

Is it a fungus or mushroom, Jimmie? or a gall? or a gummy sap? or what?

And also, g, I have never heard of any shelf fungus on birch being

psychoactive...where did you get this info? Joanie



>Do you have links to photographs of the fungus you refer to?  I live amid

>birch forests and have several trees on my property.  However, I 've only

>seen a shelf like fungus, which I've been told is used more for

>psycho-active effects than for sinus relief.



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: Re: Sinus Infections and Birch Fungus (many questions)

From: "Jimmie" <wolfclan@home.com>

Date: Sat, 10 Feb 2001 13:03:46 -0500

--------

Sent to the herblist by Jimmie <Wolfclan@home.com> :



From: "Joanie MacPhee"

> Hmmm...I still am not sure what this is..I did not get the image of a

> fungus, though.

> Is it a fungus or mushroom, Jimmie? or a gall? or a gummy sap? or what?

> And also, g, I have never heard of any shelf fungus on birch being

> psychoactive...where did you get this info? Joanie



Joanie,



If you've ever seen a burl on a tree, it look similar to that, except a burl

has the same color bark as the tree.  Skitaagun is completely black on the

outside, very coarse like an oak's bark. The inside material is hard and

pulpy, light brown to yellow in color.  Its not a mushroom, its not an

eruption of sap, its a growth.  If you had a white birch tree in your yard

with Skitaagun, it makes the tree look horrible because of the contrasting

color of the medicine.  Removing it will not harm the tree if you are

careful to refrain from going past the tree's inner layer of bark  In other

words, please don't use a hatchet.



For people with colds and sinus infections, it's my most popular remedy.



As for my mention of psychoactive properties, I was merely adding that

Skitaagun didn't pose any of those qualities.  I am a staunch advocate of

sobriety with the use of medicines.



Jimmie



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: Sinus Infections and Birch Fungus (many questions)

From: Slow Lrnr <gudrun@alaska.net>

Date: Sat, 10 Feb 2001 21:09:22 -0600

--------

Sent to the herblist by gudrun@alaska.net :



At 12:01 AM 2/10/01 -0500, you wrote:



>Subject: Re: sinus infections

>From: "Jimmie" <wolfclan@home.com>

>Date: Fri, 9 Feb 2001 11:20:06 -0500

>

>Phebe,

>

>are you near any Birch Trees?  If you are, find a tree with a growth that

>looks like a big black scab or eruption coming from the bark.



Jimmie,



I'm not Phebe, but I have a long history of sinus infections and 

incapacitating headaches when the weather is changing.  This is backed up 

by CT scans, sinus X-Rays, and a history of three failed surgeries 

performed while I was in the military and had to let military doctors treat 

me.  The surgeries were completely botched.  I can no longer SCUBA dive and 

I've made a public spectacle of myself on some airplane flights where the 

cabin wasn't pressurized correctly. I'll spare you the details; I can only 

hope I never see those people again.



Do you have links to photographs of the fungus you refer to?  I live amid 

birch forests and have several trees on my property.  However, I 've only 

seen a shelf like fungus, which I've been told is used more for 

psycho-active effects than for sinus relief.  I've even been desperate 

enough to try datura, but have decided that's not a real smart idea.



>Gently, so as

>not to harm the tree, use a sharp knife or an even safer method, a screw

>driver and a hammer and gently chip this growth away.  Let it dry for a day

>or so and then take a piece of the light brown/yellow substance, from the

>inside, about the size of a pea, light it and inhale the smoke, after about

>7 attempts of this, you will feel the sinus relax almost immediately.



Again, any photos or references?  This sounds interesting and I would like 

to try it.



>This medicine won't be found in any book, but many of the medicines I use to

>help other people heal with, are not either, that doesn't discount their

>abilities.  My Uncle and teacher talks about the Spiritual side of these

>medicine's healing abilities, but am not so sure that this is the place to

>discuss that.  :-)



If you don't think this is appropriate for this list, would you be willing 

to e-mail, or perhaps bring this discussion to alt.folklore.herbs, where I 

lurk but only rarely post?  Right now, I'm lucky enough to have a 

compassionate physician who is willing to give me sufficient pain relief to 

tolerate the headaches I get when I have an infection while I have to deal 

with changing pressure - either from storm fronts or from flying on poorly 

pressurized airplanes.  But I'd like to fix the underlying problem.



I 've had three failed sinus surgeries (by military doctors) and, although 

I trust my present ENT surgeon completely, I am not optimistic that a 

fourth surgery could help me because I have so much scar tissue.  I 've 

told him that I 'm trying various herbal remedies, and he's asked me to let 

him know if anything actually works.  I think that because he is so good at 

what he does, he doesn't feel threatened by other approaches like less 

confident doctors seem to.  Unusual in an  MD.



Right now, I 'm using oil of oregano orally and am irrigating my sinuses 

with salt water and goldenseal  (which makes me feel guilty because of its 

status.)  None of this is covered by my health insurance, so I can only 

afford it for a while before I have to return to allopathic medicine -- the 

pain really is intolerable.



>Respectfully,

>Jimmie

>ps, if you are not in an area with these trees, contact me at

>Wolfclan@home.com and we'll see what I can do to help you out, I hate to see

>people suffering needlessly.



There are many birch trees up here, and I feel confident if I could just 

see the fungus you are talking about once, I will recognize it.  If I find 

it, I am more than willing to share - for nothing except the postage to 

mail it.



Thank you very much for bringing up what is, for me, a new approach. I 

would just like to be able to find/identify the right fungus.



g.

gudrun@alaska.net



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: Re: Sinus Infections and Birch Fungus (many questions)

From: zilersh <zilersh@corecomm.net>

Date: Sun, 11 Feb 2001 03:35:43 -0500

--------

Sent to the herblist by zilersh <zilersh@corecomm.net> :



While you are waiting for the information on the birch, try a teaspoon of honey

on your tongue. this is what I use for my sinuses.



Georgia

http://www.psoriasis-hope.com



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: Question about alcohol

From: Deborah <breatheahora@qwest.net>

Date: Sat, 10 Feb 2001 13:34:03 -0700

--------

Sent to the herblist by Deborah <breatheahora@qwest.net> :



I'm not quite sure whether this group will have any insights or ideas about 

this situation but I would be open to any that might be offered.



A friend of mine has severe respiratory insufficiency as a result of muscle 

weakness from polio. He has always been mildly impaired but with the onset 

of Post-Polio-Syndrome he has seen a rapid, frightening degeneration of 

respiratory endurance. He becomes short of breath very quickly and uses a 

BiPap machine for sleeping. I wrote a while back inquiring about boswellia 

which has helped him a great deal but he seems to need to increase his 

dosage as time moves on.



This is a person who has had very bad luck with allopathic medicine and is 

financially strapped so alternative practitioners are not easy to access.



Anyway, he and I have both observed that with considerable amounts of 

alcohol his breathing improves markedly. This makes no logical or rational 

sense to me, given that alcohol is a depressant.



Does anyone have any ideas as to why this might happen? I wouldn't have 

believed it had I not witnessed it myself. His breathing problems didn't 

disappear but they were so improved as to be strikingly different. By the 

way, the alcohol was tequila, if that might make any difference.



Thank you.



Deborah



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: Re: sinus infections (birch polyporus)

From: "Antti Hovi" <ahovi@latkk.helsinki.fi>

Date: Tue, 13 Feb 2001 15:59:42 EETDST

--------

Sent to the herblist by antti hovi <ahovi@latkk.lpt.fi> :



>Are there many kinds of black scabs that grow on birch?...

>Do you have a scientific name for it...



In the following I try to help you to identify your birch polyporus. 

I do not know much about its use in traditional medicine.



I think Jimmie and Miikkali are referring to Inonotus obliquus (in 

Finnish: pakurikp, in Swedish: Sprngticka, in Estonian: must 

pssik, in English (?).  



Inonotus obliquus has been used in Finland for inflammations, 

gastric ailments and problems in stomach and intestines. Only some 

years ago it was sold as a commercial extract, but not anymore, I 

guess it was not selling enough. 



At the moment I did not find anything of its traditional use in 

Finland, but perhaps Miikkali knows, I think name pakurikaapa is 

quite familiar in traditional medicine here. I do not know about 

inhaling smoke of Inodorus obliquus.



Growth or canker rot is not a fungus fruit body, looks coal, black, 

coarse. Inside cinnamon brown, can live decades. More common in the 

north.



Please check these sites (pictures): 

http://www.loodus.ee/el/9903/kaseseened.html

An Estonian site presents 3 nice fotos of birch polypores: musta 

taeliku (Phellinus nigricans, sysikaapa), tuletaula (Fomes 

fomentarius, taulakaapa)-used for ignating fires and must pssik 

(Inonotus obliquus, pakurikaapa).

Phellinus nigricans is mixed in literature often with Inonotus 

obliquus, although it looks totally different and more like 

Phellinus igniarius (arinakaapa). 

I think you mean Inonotus obliquus. 

Estonian text says that it grows also in USA and is used at least as 

a tea. Estonian language comes most near Finnish in the world, but I 

do not understand much of it. Perhaps you Miikkali are better in 

Estonian?



Also check a close foto (also other polyporus, like ganoderma):

http://raija.hem.netlink.se/sienet/fi/sivut/Inonotus_obliquus.htm

and

http://health.pon.net/nmh.html         (nci)



many other pictures in net, one (4H-forest health protection):

www.invitational.uiuc.edu



Antti Hovi

antti.hovi@helsinki.fi



 



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: RE: sinus infections (birch polyporus)

From: "Leppihalme, Miikkali" <leppihalme@quartal.com>

Date: Tue, 13 Feb 2001 16:17:50 +0200

--------

Sent to the herblist by Miikkali Leppihalme <leppihalme@quartal.com> :



Thank you, Antti, for a wealth of information!



> At the moment I did not find anything of its traditional

> use in Finland, but perhaps Miikkali knows



I remember having read something about the traditional uses but it slips my

mind. Got to check my books once I get to them.



> Perhaps you Miikkali are better in Estonian?



Not very good, but anyway, "must pssik" means "black polyporus".



-

M



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: Re: sinus infections (birch polyporus)

From: "Jimmie" <wolfclan@home.com>

Date: Tue, 13 Feb 2001 09:46:28 -0500

--------

Sent to the herblist by Jimmie <Wolfclan@home.com> :



----- Original Message -----

From: "Antti Hovi"

I think Jimmie and Miikkali are referring to Inonotus obliquus (in

Finnish: pakurikp, in Swedish: Sprngticka, in Estonian: must

pssik, in English (?).



I am impressed!  You Finish really have it going on. Very nice shot and

correct in your assumption Antti.  Remember now, no axes!  :-)



Respectfully,

Jimmie



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: Re: sinus infections (birch polyporus)

From: Christa-Maria <cmaria@triton.net>

Date: Tue, 13 Feb 2001 09:43:27 -0600

--------

Sent to the herblist by cmaria@triton.net :



Hi Antti,

You wrote:

....<Growth or canker rot is not a fungus fruit body, looks coal, black,



coarse. Inside cinnamon brown, can live decades. More common in the

north.>>



That's right, that's how it looks like.

But the 1,3 pictures you send did not show this correctly.

First one looks like what we call here 'shelf mushroom or Artist fungi',

third one was a mushroomsite. AND as you said, this 'growth' is not a

fungi.

Guess you just all have to come to Michigan, so we can show you..<g>

C-M



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: source for ephedra seed

From: "Pat Elder" <patelder@preferred.com>

Date: Tue, 13 Feb 2001 11:51:24 -0500

--------

Sent to the herblist by Pat Elder <pat@continuitypress.com> :



Does anyone know of an on-line or mail order source for ephedra seed? Thank

you!



Best wishes,

Pat Elder

"I care not much for a man's religion whose dog and cat are not the better

for it." Abraham Lincoln



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: RE: source for ephedra seed

From: "Anna Ingre" <ingrea@rain.com>

Date: Fri, 16 Feb 2001 14:28:55 -0800

--------

Sent to the herblist by anna b ingre <ingrea@rain.com> :



Ephedra nevadensis  (Mormon Tea)  and Ephedra viridis (green ephedra, joint

fir, desert tea, Mormon tea) are available from Richter's seeds for $1.75

per packet.  http://www.richters.com



Anna Ingre

 www.lyricgarden.com  A newsletter/ezine devoted to the passions and

pleasures of gardens and gardening - poetry, art, and of course gardening.



 <

 <

 <Sent to the herblist by Pat Elder <pat@continuitypress.com> :

 <

 <Does anyone know of an on-line or mail order source for ephedra

 <seed? Thank

 <you!

  <



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: Re: source for ephedra seed

From: Joan Russell <joanr@mindlink.net>

Date: Fri, 16 Feb 2001 15:13:14 -0800

--------

Sent to the herblist by joanr@mindlink.net :



Anna Ingre wrote:

 

> Ephedra nevadensis  (Mormon Tea)  and Ephedra viridis (green ephedra, joint

> fir, desert tea, Mormon tea) are available from Richter's seeds for $1.75

> per packet.  http://www.richters.com



I keep finding conflicting information on the properties of these two

species of ephedra.  I haven't found seed of the Chinese ephedra

(Ephedra sinica or sinensis), the true ephedra, according to my

information.  One person told me the Chinese won't let it out of the

country, although you would think it would sneak out somehow!  Another

person told me it couldn't me grown in North America..................Joan



*************************

joanr@mindlink.net

My Country Garden

http://mycountrygarden.net



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: RE: source for ephedra seed

From: "Pat Elder" <patelder@preferred.com>

Date: Fri, 16 Feb 2001 22:08:16 -0500

--------

Sent to the herblist by Pat Elder <pat@continuitypress.com> :



The Ephedra sinica was the form I was looking for. We live in Allergy City.

:) Isn't it a shame the government can now control our allergies. :)



Best wishes,

Pat

"I care not much for a man's religion whose dog and cat are not the better

for it." Abraham Lincoln



-----Original Message-----

From: Joan Russell [mailto:joanr@mindlink.net]



>>I keep finding conflicting information on the properties of these two

>>species of ephedra.  I haven't found seed of the Chinese ephedra

>> (Ephedra sinica or sinensis), the true ephedra, according to my



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: Re: source for ephedra seed

From: OakCamp@aol.com

Date: Mon, 19 Feb 2001 14:43:53 EST

--------

Sent to the herblist by oakcamp@aol.com :



In a message dated 2/16/01 2:28:49 PM Central Standard Time, 

patelder@preferred.com writes:



<< Does anyone know of an on-line or mail order source for ephedra seed? Thank

 you! >>



Horizon Herbs

PO Box 69 Williams, OR 97544-0069

phone 541/846-6704

fax: 541/846-6233

e mail: herbseed@chatlink.com

website: http://www.chatlink.com/~herbseed



HTH,



Barb Birkinbine

Oak Camp Herb Farm, OCIA cert organic



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: R: alcohol measurement

From: "marco valussi" <marcobabi@libero.it>

Date: Wed, 14 Feb 2001 23:36:11 +0100

--------

Sent to the herblist by Marco Valussi <marcobabi@libero.it> :



It all depends how precise you want to be.  Since a tincture is not a simple

idroalcoholic mixture, the usual method, the Gay-Lussac centesimal

alcoholometer (sp?) cannot be used, and you need something of this sort: a

glass ball for 500 ml, connected by a glass tube to a refrigerant, which

terminates into a sharp glass tube inserted into a beuta (the classic lab

conical-shaped-with-long-neck container), which is itself immersed into a

glass beaker with water and ice.

How to proceed: 25 ml of the idroalcoholic mix is diluted up to 100 ml with

water and is poured into the glass ball.  After having added  a small

quantity of Mg oxide to neutralize the volatile acids, you distill it

collecting at least 90 ml into the beuta.  Warm it up to 20 oC, then add

enough water (at 20 oC) to 100 ml.  Now you measure the density of this

liquind with an alcoholometer.  Ther value you obtain, multiplied by 4,

gives you the % in volume of alcol of the mixture you analyzed.



But if you do not need to be so precise you can use the alcoholmeter from

the beginning



Hope this wasn't too confusing



Cheers

Marco



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: alcohol measurement

From: "Adrianta Surjadhana" <surya@mail.wima.ac.id>

Date: Thu, 15 Feb 2001 08:22:44 +0700

--------

Sent to the herblist by adrianta <surya@mail.wima.ac.id> :



Hi Everybody :



I like to get information about how to measure alcohol concentration in

a solution/tincture or drink.

Has anybody know a method to determine it ?

thank you very much



adrianta



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: Re: alcohol measurement

From: "Kerry's Herbals" <jclarke2@uswest.net>

Date: Fri, 16 Feb 2001 15:21:58 -0600

--------

Sent to the herblist by Kerry L. <jclarke2@uswest.net> :



>

> I like to get information about how to measure alcohol concentration in

> a solution/tincture or drink.

> Has anybody know a method to determine it ?

> thank you very much

>



I'm not sure if I understand your question. Are you talking about a

commercial preparation? Couldn't you just call the company and ask what

concentration they use? Standard concentration is 60%, but it also depends

on the herb/part of herb used.



I apologize in advance - I have a feeling I'm not "getting" what you're

asking.



Kerry



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: Re: alcohol measurement

From: awilloby@enternet.co.nz

Date: Sat, 17 Feb 2001 10:41:23 -0800

--------

Sent to the herblist by awilloby@enternet.co.nz :



> Hi Everybody :

Hi Adrianta

 

> I like to get information about how to measure alcohol concentration in

> a solution/tincture or drink.

> Has anybody know a method to determine it ?

> thank you very much



You can buy an alcohol measuring device from a shop which sells 

supplies for making home brewed wine and beer.  It is a capillary 

tube, graduated in % alcohol, with a funnel at the top.  You pour 

the liquid into the funnel, let it run through the tube until there are 

no air bubbles, then quickly invert it.  The more alcohol, the less 

the capillary action, and therefore the lower the level of liquid in the 

tube.  However, it doesn't work with fizzy drinks (because bubbles 

form in the tube) and it may be inaccurate with herbal preparations 

which contain other substances, e.g. suspended solids, glycerin, 

etc, because it is designed to work with a mixture of alcohol in 

water.  But it may be worth a try.



Cheers



Alan

Alan Willoughby

Outdoor Training & Assessment Services Ltd

PO Box 296, Tauranga, New Zealand

Phone/fax 64 7 5443087  Mobile 025 809 816

Visit us at http://www.farmindex.co.nz/education.cfm?contentid=11499



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: Re: alcohol measurement

From: "Kerry's Herbals" <jclarke2@uswest.net>

Date: Fri, 16 Feb 2001 17:09:36 -0600

--------

Sent to the herblist by Kerry L. <jclarke2@uswest.net> :



> It all depends how precise you want to be.  Since a tincture is not a

simple

> idroalcoholic mixture, the usual method, the Gay-Lussac centesimal

> alcoholometer (sp?) cannot be used, and you need something of this sort: a

> glass ball for 500 ml, connected by a glass tube to a refrigerant, which

> terminates into a sharp glass tube inserted into a beuta (the classic lab

> conical-shaped-with-long-neck container), which is itself immersed into a

> glass beaker with water and ice.



See, I *knew* that question was too deceptively simple, and I wasn't

"getting" it. Wow, so so very much I don't know! :-)



Kerry



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: Re: alcohol measurement

From: NEHrbSup@aol.com

Date: Sat, 17 Feb 2001 19:24:40 EST

--------

Sent to the herblist by Peter Byram <nehrbsup@aol.com> :



In a message dated 02/16/2001 3:26:41 PM Eastern Standard Time, 

surya@mail.wima.ac.id writes:



<< I like to get information about how to measure alcohol concentration in

 a solution/tincture or drink.

 Has anybody know a method to determine it ? >>



The easiest method is to go to the local wine and beer brew supply store and 

ask for a "Proof & Tralle's Scale"  also known as a "US Custom's House 

Hydrometer"  They cost about 10 dollars and  display proof of the substance 

they are immersed in on one scale and percentage of alcohol on another.  

Really quite simple and they are a breeze to use.  You might need a graduated 

cylinder that is 3/4 to 1 inch in diameter and 10 -12 inches high (local 

Nature Company or similar store) to be able to read the thing because they 

are about a foot long overall and if the percentage of alcohol is high the 

hydrometer will sink all the way down into the solution.  I use these for all 

of my tinctures so that I can get an accurate reading of finished product 

alcohol content and put it on the labels just in case the FDA or similar folk 

show up here some day and want to rattle my cage a bit about having 

improperly represented the alcohol content of my tinctures.  



Hope this helps.

peter



Peter Byram



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: Re: alcohol measurement

From: hetta@saunalahti.fi

Date: Fri, 23 Feb 2001 22:13:05 +0200 (EET)

--------

Sent to the herblist by Henriette Kress <hetta@saunalahti.fi> :



NEHrbSup@aol.com kirjoitti:

> surya@mail.wima.ac.id writes:

> << I like to get information about how to measure alcohol concentration in

>  a solution/tincture or drink.

>  Has anybody know a method to determine it ? >>

> 

> The easiest method is to go to the local wine and beer brew supply store and 

> ask for a "Proof & Tralle's Scale"  also known as a "US Custom's House 

> Hydrometer



Problem is, hydrometers don't work for tinctures. You can try it yourself: put some powder, say, orange juice concentrate, or coffee, into a known % alcohol -- 32 % vodka would do nicely. 



Then try your meter. It's not 32 % anymore. 



Me, I just put "60 %" on my bottles, that's close enough for me. Even if the actual from a 1:2 95 % is anything between 40 and 80 % ... depending on how wet the herb was to start with.



Cheers

Henriette



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: Re: alcohol measurement

From: "Adrianta Surjadhana" <surya@mail.wima.ac.id>

Date: Sat, 24 Feb 2001 08:09:44 +0700

--------

Sent to the herblist by adrianta <surya@mail.wima.ac.id> :



Dear all :



I thank for all the suggestions and advice for alcohol measurements

I will try it out and report to you all which method works best.

regards



adrianta



hetta@saunalahti.fi wrote:



> Problem is, hydrometers don't work for tinctures. You can try it yourself: put some powder, say, orange juice concentrate, or coffee, into a known % alcohol -- 32 % vodka would do nicely.

>

> Then try your meter. It's not 32 % anymore.

>

> Me, I just put "60 %" on my bottles, that's close enough for me. Even if the actual from a 1:2 95 % is anything between 40 and 80 % ... depending on how wet the herb was to start with.

>

> Cheers

> Henriette

>

> ---

>



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: Echinacea and children

From: "Daphne Saul" <dtstsz91@hotmail.com>

Date: Thu, 15 Feb 2001 15:26:19 

--------

Sent to the herblist by Daphne Saul <dtstsz91@hotmail.com> :



I recently caught wind of a news announcement that children should not use 

echinacea....something about it interfering with growth(?).



Does anyone know anything about this?  Have any thoughts you'd like to 

share?



I and several others I know have been giving our children echinacea.  I need 

all the information I can get.



Thanks in advance!



Daphne S



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: Re: Echinacea and children

From: Henriette Kress <hetta@saunalahti.fi>

Date: Mon, 26 Feb 2001 11:59:29 +0200

--------

Sent to the herblist by Henriette Kress <hetta@saunalahti.fi> :



"Daphne Saul" <dtstsz91@hotmail.com> wrote to herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu:



>Sent to the herblist by Daphne Saul <dtstsz91@hotmail.com> :

>

>I recently caught wind of a news announcement that children should not use 

>echinacea....something about it interfering with growth(?).



That's a new one. If you can find any further details I'd be interested.



Cheers

Henriette



-- 

hetta@saunalahti.fi     Helsinki, Finland      http://ibiblio.org/herbmed

Medicinal and Culinary herbFAQs, jpegs, database, neat stuff, archives...



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: Re: Echinacea and children

From: "Steve and Christine Wilson" <scwilson@bigpond.net.au>

Date: Wed, 28 Feb 2001 13:53:07 +1100

--------

Sent to the herblist by Christine <scwilson@bigpond.net.au> :



Hello,



I would like to know if anyone can let me know what they consider or their

experience has been regarding dosage for herbal tinctures I have acess to

1:2 tincture here some people have 1:3 and some 1:5 and 1:10  MOst books

seem to sugest anywhere from 1-5 mls . I am talking about treating adults

only in this case. Some herbalists say drop dosage and others say what ever

works for you. I'd like some opinions on mls verses drops  . Also how many

herbs do people put together .

Is there a well recognised limit .



Regards christine



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: Re: Echinacea and children

From: Henriette Kress <hetta@saunalahti.fi>

Date: Wed, 28 Feb 2001 09:01:43 +0200

--------

Sent to the herblist by Henriette Kress <hetta@saunalahti.fi> :



"Steve and Christine Wilson" <scwilson@bigpond.net.au> wrote to

herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu:



>I would like to know if anyone can let me know what they consider or their

>experience has been regarding dosage for herbal tinctures I have acess to

>1:2 tincture here some people have 1:3 and some 1:5 and 1:10  



Unless you also give 

  1) plant + plant part tinctured,

  2) menstruum % 

and 

  3) fresh or dry

dosage doesn't make sense.



Which is a beef I have with a lot of the herbal professional journals.

They contain nicely done formulas, sure, but never the full information.

Shrug. It's not important, unless the plant(s) are low-dose ones, but

it'd be nice if others would recognize the fact, too.



So. Your dosages. Check on your bottles, because you buy yours. If you

make yours, check for dosage in the materia medica where you got your

ratios and menstruum percentages from. I like Michael Moore's:

http://chili.rt66.com/hrbmoore/HOMEPAGE - go for the manuals, and know

that he thinks you know that fresh plant is tinctured at 1:2 95 %, so he

omits the 95 %.



As for how many tinctures in a formula - I sometimes have to restrain

myself on the tea formulas, but tinctures, well, I rarely go over five.



Cheers

Henriette



-- 

hetta@saunalahti.fi     Helsinki, Finland      http://ibiblio.org/herbmed

Medicinal and Culinary herbFAQs, jpegs, database, neat stuff, archives...



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: Re: Echinacea and children

From: Marcia V Grossbard <ngbard@juno.com>

Date: Wed, 28 Feb 2001 10:16:50 -0500

--------

Sent to the herblist by marcia v grossbard <ngbard@juno.com> :



On Wed, 28 Feb 2001 13:53:07 +1100 "Steve and Christine Wilson"

<scwilson@bigpond.net.au> writes:

> Sent to the herblist by Christine <scwilson@bigpond.net.au> :

Some herbalists say drop dosage.  I'd like some opinions on mls verses

drops . 



I would guess that drops that are 1/8 of a dram bottle and can probably

be measured, but may not be quite in the metric domain.  A ml,

Milliliter, is 1/1000 of a dram and can be measured metrically and might

be quite similar to the drop.   Hopefully this is clear.

Marcia



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: Loquat leaves

From: Cha123chi@aol.com

Date: Thu, 15 Feb 2001 19:08:42 EST

--------

Sent to the herblist by cha123chi@aol.com :



Hello listmembers!



I'm hoping someone can tell me about what a tea made of the leaves of the 

Loquat (Eriobotrya Japonica) does for you.



Story:  A friend was diagnosed with excessive, deadly iron levels in his 

blood & the only thing the doctor could think to do was operate.  (Who knows 

on what.)  My friend told his mother (from the Philippines).  She went into 

her back yard, gathered some dried loquat leaves, made tea & told him to 

drink, drink, drink.  When he went back to the doctor, his blood iron levels 

were "normal".  Doctor said "don't know what or how, but keep doing 'it'."



Story:  My husband is cranking on the 3rd week of his cold & I'm into the 2nd 

week of my flu.  More leaves from Momma.  I drank 1 cup of tea last night & 1 

cup this morning.  This is the first day I've felt almost 100% "me" ... and 

it seems like it happened literally overnight.  I really feel great!



What's with this stuff???  Anyone?  (And my father would just LOVE to find a 

redeeming excuse for his trees besides perches for migrating birds that eat 

the fruit & poop their "thanks".)



TIA,

Susi



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: Re: Loquat leaves

From: Elizabeth Scotten <timelesstree@earthlink.net>

Date: Thu, 15 Feb 2001 20:12:01 -0500

--------

Sent to the herblist by Elizabeth Scotten <timelesstree@earthlink.net> :



 

> I'm hoping someone can tell me about what a tea made of the leaves of the

> Loquat (Eriobotrya Japonica) does for you.



From what you said about it i think i'll look into it further!  I've used

loquat for cough with great success. Most Chinese herb shops carry the syrup

and when nothing else seems to work it is most effective.



Be Well - bek



-- 

bek@timelessremedies.com

http://www.timelessremedies.com



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: Re: Loquat leaves

From: Marcia V Grossbard <ngbard@juno.com>

Date: Thu, 15 Feb 2001 21:46:44 -0500

--------

Sent to the herblist by marcia v grossbard <ngbard@juno.com> :



>  

> > I'm hoping someone can tell me about what a tea made of the leaves 

> of the

> > Loquat (Eriobotrya Japonica) does for you.

I have enjoyed the canned fruit of loquat, which was reminiscent of

peaches, nectarines and apricots, and probably not directly related, but

all being yellow have to be good sources of vitamin A which is supportive

to resistance.  Now is the pit like an almond?  I do not recall. Might it

be a mild source of amygdalin which has had some discussion as a

protective material in small quantities and a possible toxin in larger

quantities.  And how about the leaves of peaches, nectarines and

apricots, do they ever make it into tea mixtures, and would they have

herbal value?



Something to consider, interesting,

Marcia



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: Ovarian Cyst

From: Susan Marynowski <sumar@GNV.IFAS.UFL.EDU>

Date: Fri, 16 Feb 2001 09:09:56 -0400

--------

Sent to the herblist by susan marynowski <sumar@gnv.ifas.ufl.edu> :



Greetings, list friends. Well now I have a health dilemma of my own. I had

an ultrasound yesterday that showed that I have a large ovarian cyst. Large

being about the size of a grapefruit. I've never had anything like this

before, so am sort of in a daze and also beginning to study up on ovarian

cysts. Because of the size, they want to look at it (laparoscopically) and

remove it (probably through an incision) and perhaps remove other parts if

it gives any signs of being cancerous. I am 41 and have not gone through

menopause yet, so that is in my favor. If it is cancerous, I would

certainly want it removed ASAP, but I'm also not one to jump at surgery if

I don't need to.



I know that smaller ovarian cysts can be managed with hormonal balancing

(herbs or pharmaceuticals), but I am wondering if anyone knows if it is

possible to manage a larger cyst in this way? I feel that the pelvic

fullness abates after menstruation, so I am going to at least have another

ultrasound in a week after my period is over to see if the cyst shrinks.

False Unicorn Root and Vitex are two herbs that have come to mind right

away for hormonal balancing. I have always had moderately bad PMS, but have

never treated it. What else should I be considering at this point? Any and

all suggestions and stories would be most welcome.  -Susan



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: Re: Ovarian Cyst

From: "Jimmie" <wolfclan@home.com>

Date: Fri, 16 Feb 2001 13:20:49 -0500

--------

Sent to the herblist by Jimmie <Wolfclan@home.com> :



 >Any and all suggestions and stories would be most welcome.  -Susan



Stay calm and positive and don't allow it to stress you out.  Prayer never

hurts either....



Sending some prayers your way....



Jimmie



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: Re: Ovarian Cyst

From: Tsadi@aol.com

Date: Fri, 16 Feb 2001 14:56:10 EST

--------

Sent to the herblist by tsadi@aol.com :



i've had really good luck working directly with a chinese herbalist (licensed 

in california). took two weeks and the cyst was gone...

heal well!

elizabeth



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: Re: Ovarian Cyst

From: Henriette Kress <hetta@saunalahti.fi>

Date: Mon, 26 Feb 2001 11:59:12 +0200

--------

Sent to the herblist by Henriette Kress <hetta@saunalahti.fi> :



Susan Marynowski <sumar@GNV.IFAS.UFL.EDU> wrote to

herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu:



>I have always had moderately bad PMS, but have

>never treated it. What else should I be considering at this point? Any and

>all suggestions and stories would be most welcome.  -Susan



Liver herbs. Although it seems that I say "liver herbs" all the time,

these days ... 



So do a little Berberis, a little Mahonia, a little yellow dock, if

you're "hot" -- or a little dandelion, a little burdock, a little

cleavers, if you're "cold".



Cheers

Henriette



-- 

hetta@saunalahti.fi     Helsinki, Finland      http://ibiblio.org/herbmed

Medicinal and Culinary herbFAQs, jpegs, database, neat stuff, archives...



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: american school of herbalism in santa cruz

From: Astrid9787@aol.com

Date: Fri, 16 Feb 2001 13:29:14 EST

--------

Sent to the herblist by erica <astrid9787@aol.com> :



i'm wondering if anyone knows anything about this school. i am interested in taking a few courses there and would love to hear from people who are familiar with what they offer.



thanks!



e



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: Heart Murmur

From: "c'anne" <excargo@onemain.com>

Date: Fri, 16 Feb 2001 14:32:34 -0500 (EST)

--------

Sent to the herblist by excargo@onemain.com :



I've received the following from an acquaintance.  What is a heart "murmur"

and are there general protocols that can be applied for such conditions?



C'Anne



About the heart murmur. I have had it since I was pregnant with XXXXX;

however, I didn't know much about it other than it was functional and I

might experience some shortness of breath so I didn't think anything of it

when I couldn't walk up hills without shortness of breath etc; however about

10 years ago they said it was gone so I never thought anything of it, but

remember when I went through all that tiredness, and memory loss etc and

they found out I was going through menopause.  I was told that is why I had

those symptoms.  Now they are saying I have a heart murmur that could cause

those symptoms and it is pretty significant and may not be functional. I had

no idea that the symptoms of coughing and shortness of breath, migraines,

and tiredness were symptoms of a heart problem so they are sending me to a

heart specialist next week where they will do a echocardiogram and other

tests....



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: Re: Heart Murmur

From: Christa-Maria <cmaria@triton.net>

Date: Wed, 21 Feb 2001 19:39:16 -0600

--------

Sent to the herblist by cmaria@triton.net :



Heart murmurs run in our family. The Doc could hear it before my

daughter was even born in utero. We were told it would go away and that

seldom those things were of serious nature.

Often a mitralvalve problem is present and surfaces in later years.It

easily can be dedected via an echocardiogram.

I have an electrical problem with my heart and found cal/magnesium to be

very helpful to control an irregular heartbeat.But that's me. Any

heartcondition needs to be diagnosed by a qualified cardiologist. Herbs

can help with some of the side effects, but not cure a heart that has a

structural problem.

C-M



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: Re: Heart Murmur

From: "Eleanor K. Sommer" <eksommer@gator.net>

Date: Thu, 22 Feb 2001 08:05:09 -0500

--------

Sent to the herblist by Eleanor K. Sommer <eksommer@gator.net> :



I have had a heart "murmur" since I was a child. It was later diagnosed as

mitrovalve prolapse of which there are varying types and degrees (some just

lifestyle threatening, others life threatening). I recommend an excellent

book and a great clinic (specializing in MVP). The book is called

Confronting Mitral Valve Prolapse Syndrome by Lyn Frederickson, MSN. The

clinic is in Birmingham AL located at Baptist Medical Center Montclair

Birmingham. I cannot locate the phone #, but if you contact them, they will

send you information on MVP plus diet and exercise. I was prescribed

beta-blockers for a while, but they made me lethargic. Finally I embarked

on a regular exercise and meditation program, nixed the caffeine (and

hidden caffeine) in my life, and manitained a high fluid level which

elminates some of the pain involved in MVP (not all people have pain with

it though!) Now when I have pain associated with MVP (which is rare) I use

valerian root and/or scullcap to relax the symptoms. Hope this helps!



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: Loquat

From: Cha123chi@aol.com

Date: Fri, 16 Feb 2001 17:35:43 EST

--------

Sent to the herblist by cha123chi@aol.com :



Hello listmembers!



I'm hoping someone can tell me about what a tea made of the leaves of the 

Loquat (Eriobotrya Japonica) does for you.



Story:  A friend was diagnosed with excessive, deadly iron levels in his 

blood & the only thing the doctor could think to do was operate.  (Who knows 

on what.)  My friend told his mother (from the Philippines).  She went into 

her back yard, gathered some dried loquat leaves, made tea & told him to 

drink, drink, drink.  When he went back to the doctor, his blood iron levels 

were "normal".  Doctor said "don't know what or how, but keep doing 'it'."



Story:  My husband is cranking on the 3rd week of his cold & I'm into the 2nd 

week of my flu.  More leaves from Momma.  I drank 1 cup of tea last night & 1 

cup this morning.  This is the first day I've felt almost 100% "me" ... and 

it seems like it happened literally overnight.  I really feel great!



What are the medicinal properties of this tea???  Anyone?



(And my father would just LOVE to find a redeeming excuse for his trees 

besides perches for migrating birds that eat the fruit & poop their "thanks" 

in passing ... so to speak.)



TIA,

Susi



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: Re: Loquat

From: "Pamela Quayle" <herbgatherer@hotmail.com>

Date: Sun, 18 Feb 2001 08:15:22 -0500

--------

Sent to the herblist by Pamela Quayle <herbgatherer@hotmail.com> :



>

> I'm hoping someone can tell me about what a tea made of the leaves of the

> Loquat (Eriobotrya Japonica) does for you.

>

I have no experience with loquat, but you might try Jim Duke's website for a

list of activities, uses and references - good research starting point.



http://www.ars-grin.gov/duke/../cgi-bin/duke/ethnobot.pl



pamela



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: RE: Loquat

From: Anna Jacus <goosefoot@email.com>

Date: Tue, 20 Feb 2001 15:08:00 -0500 (EST)

--------

Sent to the herblist by Anna Jacus <goosefoot@email.com> :



Susi (Cha123chi@aol.com) wrote: I'm hoping someone can tell me about what a

tea made of the leaves of the Loquat (Eriobotrya Japonica)...A friend was

diagnosed with excessive, deadly iron levels...My friend told his mother

(from the Philippines). She...made [loquat] tea...When he went back to the

doctor, his blood iron levels were "normal". Doctor said "don't know what or

how, but keep doing 'it'."



I can't explain the loquat leaves, but I can tell you that certain bacteria

find iron highly nourishing. When an infection invades the body, our liver

protects us by gathering up the iron and storing it. This prevents the

bacteria from enjoying the extra nutrition that would further strengthen

their numbers.



If the loquat helps remove iron from the body during times of infection, it

is helping weaken the bacteria and easing the burden on the liver. Under the

duress of a lengthy illness, the liver may be burdened with huge loads of

stored nutrients.



How to find nutrients that are bioavailable to the body, yet unavailable to

invading organisms is an interesting problem for healers.



Thank you for sharing your story about the loquat. What an excellent plant!



Anna



-----------------------------------------------

FREE! The World's Best Email Address @email.com

Reserve your name now at http://www.email.com



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: aconite/atropa

From: Hal Huff and Jane Elworthy <hal.huff@on.aibn.com>

Date: Fri, 16 Feb 2001 22:05:37 -0500

--------

Sent to the herblist by Hal Huff N.D. <hal.huff@on.aibn.com> :



Can anyone give me contact information for a manufacturer who produces

dependable tinctures of aconite / atropa belladonna / gelsemium / pulsatilla.

etc.  i.e. some of the more powerful herbs that the eclectics frequently used.

Gaia (the company, not the planet ecosystem) no longer produces aconite.

Thanks

Hal Huff ND



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: Re: aconite/atropa

From: "Sabra Way" <sabraway@hotmail.com>

Date: Thu, 22 Feb 2001 08:01:58 -0800

--------

Sent to the herblist by Sabra Way <sabraway@hotmail.com> :



Have you tried Herbal Apothecary in the UK?

Address: 

120 High St.

Syston

Leicester

England

1E7 8GC



Sabra



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: RE: aconite/atropa

From: Anna Jacus <goosefoot@email.com>

Date: Thu, 22 Feb 2001 16:34:24 -0500 (EST)

--------

Sent to the herblist by Anna Jacus <goosefoot@email.com> :



Sent to the herblist by Hal Huff N.D. <hal.huff@on.aibn.com> :



Can anyone give me contact information for a manufacturer who produces

dependable tinctures of aconite / atropa belladonna / gelsemium /

pulsatilla. etc.  i.e. some of the more powerful herbs that the eclectics

frequently used.



I bought some good quality pulstilla last year from

http://www.juniperridge.com/

salalberry@yahoo.com, 1-800-205-9499



(no commercial interest)



Anna



-----------------------------------------------

FREE! The World's Best Email Address @email.com

Reserve your name now at http://www.email.com



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: Re: aconite/atropa

From: "Thomas Mueller" <tmueller@bluegrass.net>

Date: Fri, 23 Feb 2001 02:05:02 -0500 (EST)

--------

Sent to the herblist by tmueller@bluegrass.net :



>Can anyone give me contact information for a manufacturer who produces

>dependable tinctures of aconite / atropa belladonna / gelsemium / pulsatilla.

>etc.  i.e. some of the more powerful herbs that the eclectics frequently used.

>Gaia (the company, not the planet ecosystem) no longer produces aconite.

>Thanks

>Hal Huff ND



What do you do with these more powerful herbs?  I believe herbal practitioners

including NDs may use herbs that would be dangerous to use as home remedies.

Also, some of the more powerful herbs are made into homeopathic remedies.



I see Blessed Herbs carries yellow jessamine (Gelsemium sempervirens) root as

dried herbs but apparently not as tincture.  Is this herb too dangerous to use

as a home remedy?



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: Re: aconite/atropa

From: "Sabra Way" <sabraway@hotmail.com>

Date: Fri, 23 Feb 2001 08:05:13 -0800

--------

Sent to the herblist by Sabra Way <sabraway@hotmail.com> :



Gelsemium, in Canada, is considered to be a class 3 herb and therefore  has

restricted access.  In Vancouver the local apothecary will only dispense it

to Clinical or Medical herbalists. It has a very  narrow window of safe

dosage. As well, there are several contraindications for its use and

toxicity symptoms that should be observed. I would not consider it to be a

'home use' herb.



Sabra



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: Re: aconite/atropa

From: Henriette Kress <hetta@saunalahti.fi>

Date: Mon, 26 Feb 2001 11:59:15 +0200

--------

Sent to the herblist by Henriette Kress <hetta@saunalahti.fi> :



"Thomas Mueller" <tmueller@bluegrass.net> wrote to

herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu:



>I see Blessed Herbs carries yellow jessamine (Gelsemium sempervirens) root as

>dried herbs but apparently not as tincture.  Is this herb too dangerous to use

>as a home remedy?



YES.



If you have to ask "how do I..." with ANY of these herbs - don't. Not on

your own, anyway. With somebody who's used them on himself or on clients

- sure.



Cheers

Henriette



-- 

hetta@saunalahti.fi     Helsinki, Finland      http://ibiblio.org/herbmed

Medicinal and Culinary herbFAQs, jpegs, database, neat stuff, archives...



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: New to all this!

From: "Patricia Goodwine" <goody46@hotmail.com>

Date: Tue, 20 Feb 2001 13:09:15 -0500

--------

Sent to the herblist by Patricia Goodwine <goody46@hotmail.com> :



Hi there, I am very new to this. I am going to college to become a massage

therapy, and I am doing a presentation on herbs. I am so overwhelmed by

all the information I have found, that I have no idea where to start. If

anyone has any suggests, I would be open to hearing them. Thank you.

Patricia.



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: Re: New to all this!

From: "Amy Cook" <acook@in4web.com>

Date: Thu, 22 Feb 2001 07:59:48 -0500

--------

Sent to the herblist by Amy Cook <acook@in4web.com> :



Patricia.



Herbs is quite a broad subject!  Can you narrow down your topic to focus on

a specific aspect of herbs?



Amy



> Sent > Hi there, I am very new to this. I am going to college to become a

massage

> therapy, and I am doing a presentation on herbs. I am so overwhelmed by

> all the information I have found, that I have no idea where to start. If

> anyone has any suggests, I would be open to hearing them. Thank you.



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: Re: New to all this!

From: Marcia V Grossbard <ngbard@juno.com>

Date: Thu, 22 Feb 2001 17:41:27 -0500

--------

Sent to the herblist by marcia v grossbard <ngbard@juno.com> :



 Hi there, I am very new to this. I am going to college to 

> become a  massage therapist, and I am doing a presentation on herbs.

What does your audience of future massage therapists and professor want

to know about herbs?

Cooling?  Warming?  Something for a sauna or facial sauna?  Aromatherapy

essential oils that are herbal?  Refreshing or relaxing teas for after

treatment?  If someone else were assigned this presentation, what would

you want to learn from him/her, that you might be able to take to the job

with you.

 

If you have access to many herbal books, this should be a book report

with a really good bibliography and footnotes, with a mini hand-out for

the class( an outline of your talk,e.g.). Although many list members turn

their noses up at the Herbal PDR, but with its indexes and lists of herbs

for different problems, it could be an excellent starting place for

helping you finding more info in other sources, even if you never mention

it. Also check herbal websites.



 Use good judgment about herbs that might have toxicity in certain

situations, and remember that in essential oils, an ounce is a sample of

a truckload of herbal material reduced to approximately one 50 gallon

drum or even smaller, so that the botanical capabilities are multiplied

greatly. And if you are working in a bright sunny area, some of these can

stimulate photosensitivity. 



Brainstorm about titles, and that might get you started on gaining a

focus.  "The masseuse with the herbs," I put out for your destruction or

embellishment or hitch-hiking.



Good luck,

Marcia



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: Re: New to all this!

From: May Terry <mterry@snet.net>

Date: Thu, 22 Feb 2001 18:13:41 -0500

--------

Sent to the herblist by May Terry <mterry@snet.net> :



If I were you, I'd focus on herbs that can be easily and safely used by the lay

person, especially for first aid and simple complaints such as stuffy nose,

sore back, etc.  You can find a lot of information on the net on such uses;

look on Henriette's site or do a search at:

http://www.healthy.net/search/Search.asp



Emphasize that special caution needs to be taken with pregnant women, and

encourage people to see their health care practitioner if they are dealing with

illness beyond a head cold.  Give them sources to look into if they want to

know more than very simple stuff.



Good luck,

May

--

Here first she bathes, and round her body pours

Soft oils of fragrance and ambrosial showers.

The winds, perfumed, the balmy gale conveys

Through heaven, through earth, and all the aerial ways.

                                -Homer





==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: Saw palmetto

From: "Cindy Lee" <texasbluebonnets@home.com>

Date: Thu, 22 Feb 2001 23:38:01 -0600

--------

Sent to the herblist by Cindy Lee <texasbluebonnets@home.com> :



Can women take Saw Palmetto?



Cindy Lee



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: Re: Saw palmetto

From: "Sabra Way" <sabraway@hotmail.com>

Date: Fri, 23 Feb 2001 07:53:05 -0800

--------

Sent to the herblist by Sabra Way <sabraway@hotmail.com> :



Yes, Women can use Saw Palmetto. I believe becasue it is one of the 'hot'

herbs currently and marketed solely for men its other valuble uses are

overlooked.



Similar to use in men SP can be used in cystitis and to imcrease urinary

output. It also is thought to have an anabolic action. So for those who wish

to gain weight or are recoving from an illness where debilitation has

occured it can be useful. It is also thought to enlarge women's breasts,

because of its estrogenic action. I don't why someone hasn't thought of

marketing it for that given North America's obsession with large breasts.



Sabra



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: Re: Saw palmetto

From: "Steve and Christine Wilson" <scwilson@bigpond.net.au>

Date: Sat, 24 Feb 2001 10:21:36 +1100

--------

Sent to the herblist by Christine <scwilson@bigpond.net.au> :



HI All,



Saw Palmetto, can be used as a reproductive system stimulent, general tonic,

endocrine agent , Thought also to be pregestogenic.



Often used for Menopausal symptoms



Regards christine



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: Re: Saw palmetto

From: Marcia V Grossbard <ngbard@juno.com>

Date: Fri, 23 Feb 2001 11:44:14 -0500

--------

Sent to the herblist by marcia v grossbard <ngbard@juno.com> :



> Sent to the herblist by Cindy Lee <texasbluebonnets@home.com> :> 

> Can women take Saw Palmetto? Cindy Lee



Probably no harm.  What benefits are being sought here?  Seasoning? 

Using up old tea?

Specific medicinal action?

Curiously,

Marcia( with fibroids and uterine hyperplasia)



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: Re: Saw palmetto

From: "Thomas Mueller" <tmueller@bluegrass.net>

Date: Sat, 24 Feb 2001 03:46:53 -0500 (EST)

--------

Sent to the herblist by tmueller@bluegrass.net :



> Can women take Saw Palmetto?



> Cindy Lee



As far as I know, saw palmetto is quite nontoxic.  John Lust, in The Herb Book,

cites respiratory benefits and use as a general tonic, not gender-specific.  



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: Re: Saw palmetto

From: "Pamela Quayle" <herbgatherer@hotmail.com>

Date: Sat, 24 Feb 2001 07:51:23 -0500

--------

Sent to the herblist by Pamela Quayle <herbgatherer@hotmail.com> :



> Can women take Saw Palmetto?



There is a nice little book called Saw Palmetto by David Winston - a

practicing herbalist and teacher.  He details uses for women as well as men.



pamela



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: Re: Saw palmetto

From: Marcia V Grossbard <ngbard@juno.com>

Date: Sun, 25 Feb 2001 19:41:27 -0500

--------

Sent to the herblist by marcia v grossbard <ngbard@juno.com> :



On Sat, 24 Feb 2001 10:21:36 +1100 "Steve and Christine Wilson"

<scwilson@bigpond.net.au> writes:

> Sent to the herblist by Christine <scwilson@bigpond.net.au> :

> 

> HI All,

> 

> Saw Palmetto, can be used as a reproductive system stimulent, 

> general tonic,  endocrine agent , Thought also to be pregestogenic.



pregestogenic?  Meaning to enhance pregestational conditions prior to

starting a pregnancy?

> 

> Often used for Menopausal symptoms

Like hot flashes, painful intercourse?



Would it interfere with an allopathic premarin/provera cycling pattern?



Marcia



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: Re: Saw palmetto

From: "Steve and Christine Wilson" <scwilson@bigpond.net.au>

Date: Mon, 26 Feb 2001 13:03:35 +1100

--------

Sent to the herblist by Christine <scwilson@bigpond.net.au> :



HI Marcia,



> > Saw Palmetto, can be used as a reproductive system stimulent,

> > general tonic,  endocrine agent , Thought also to be pregestogenic.



> pregestogenic?  Meaning to enhance pregestational conditions prior to

> starting a pregnancy?



Sorry that was progesterogenic which refers to the plants  supposed ability

to increase levels of progesterone.



> > Often used for Menopausal symptoms

> Like hot flashes, painful intercourse?



> Would it interfere with an allopathic premarin/provera cycling pattern?



Yes it could possibly there is not much research  this area. But you would

either

be on HRT or choosing an alterantive method . I could not immagine anyone

doing both .



Regards Christine



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: Re: Saw palmetto

From: Marcia V Grossbard <ngbard@juno.com>

Date: Mon, 26 Feb 2001 08:00:29 -0500

--------

Sent to the herblist by marcia v grossbard <ngbard@juno.com> :



On Mon, 26 Feb 2001 13:03:35 +1100 "Steve and Christine Wilson"

<scwilson@bigpond.net.au> writes:

> Sent to the herblist by Christine <scwilson@bigpond.net.au> :

> 

> HI Marcia,

> 

> > pregestogenic?  Meaning to enhance pregestational conditions prior 

> to  starting a pregnancy?  

Sorry that was progesterogenic which refers to the plants  supposed 

> ability  to increase levels of progesterone.

> 

> > Would it interfere with an allopathic premarin/provera cycling 

> pattern?

 Yes it could possibly there is not much research  this area. But you 

> would  either  be on HRT or choosing an alterantive method . I could

not imagine 

> anyone  doing both . 

THEN, a capsule a day might be strong enough to create complications with

HRT, in other words, because it might increase the value and power of

prescription progesterone ( provera for me).  But perhaps it might help

someone who is dealing with too much estrogen ( premarin and other

prescription meds and/or produced "naturally" by some kind of a disease

process).   If I remember correctly, SOMEBODY NEEDS TO KNOW THIS.  Thank

you for responding and sharing,

Marcia



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: Re: New to all this

From: dpotocki <dpotocki@erols.com>

Date: Fri, 23 Feb 2001 10:12:59 -0500

--------

Sent to the herblist by dpotocki@erols.com :



> Hi there, I am very new to this. I am going to college to become a

massage

> therapy, and I am doing a presentation on herbs. I am so overwhelmed

by

> all the information I have found, that I have no idea where to start.

If

> anyone has any suggests, I would be open to hearing them. Thank you.



Have you considered narrowing down the research by looking at how herbs

(specific or otherwise) would affect massage therapy; how absorption

through the skin takes place and how constituents then enter into the

body's metabolism, etc.;  how/why/and perhaps which herbs might be

better to treat certain problems than others and how no one herb would

fit all situations; the role of herbal aromatherapy in

massage--relaxation, mood changes etc.; when and how certain herbs might

best be applied through massage rather than through tinctures or teas or

other oral ingestion methods. It still would be a pretty big project,

but narrowing it down to fit your professional goal might be a nice

start. Several examples would be helpful to your audience, too, as I

assume many of the others in the class are majoring in the same field.

:-) Hobbs has some nice information which is broken down into basic

principles. Good luck...sounds like fun!



Donna



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: breast milk from non-pregnant woman

From: Astrid9787@aol.com

Date: Fri, 23 Feb 2001 12:36:34 EST

--------

Sent to the herblist by erica <astrid9787@aol.com> :



hi...



i was asked by someone for advice on what to do about breasts producing milk (non-pregnant). i guess it might not be milk...she wasn't specific as to what the discharge looked like, but she did refer to it as milk.

she has several problems that seem to be hormonally related, but could by thyroid. any suggestions? she's had several tests done by allopathic doctors and nothing appears to be wrong.



thanks!

erica



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: tendonitis

From: "Cindy Lee" <texasbluebonnets@home.com>

Date: Sun, 25 Feb 2001 23:47:49 -0600

--------

Sent to the herblist by Cindy Lee <texasbluebonnets@home.com> :



I have been diagnosed with Severe tendonitis of the shoulder. ( Have had

MRI's )  My Orthopedic has me going to physical therapy, and taking anti

inflamitorys ( yes, I know, I dislike that too, but at this point the pain

is not an option )

The physical therapists do an ultrasound tye of massage with some sort of

anti inflamitory lotion on my shoulder and it does help for a while. So it

made me wonder if there is anthing herbal that I can use as a rub to help

with this?



any offers of salves or anything will be greatly appreciated.



 thanks



cindy



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: Re: tendonitis

From: Marcia V Grossbard <ngbard@juno.com>

Date: Mon, 26 Feb 2001 07:50:43 -0500

--------

Sent to the herblist by marcia v grossbard <ngbard@juno.com> :



On Sun, 25 Feb 2001 23:47:49 -0600 "Cindy Lee"

<texasbluebonnets@home.com> writes:

> Sent to the herblist by Cindy Lee <texasbluebonnets@home.com> :

> 

> I have been diagnosed with Severe tendonitis of the shoulder. > The

physical therapists do an ultrasound tye of massage with some  sort of

anti inflamitory lotion on my shoulder and it does help for a while.  So

it  made me wonder if there is anthing herbal that I can use as a rub to 

> help  with this? 

 

Perhaps they will share the ingredients, and you can consider if they are

warming or cooling or salicylate.   If they are salicylate, perhaps you

can get willowbark incorporated into an ointment.

Or just add the tincture to an otc lotion.   Turmeric (anti-inflammatory)

can be boiled or "water-fried" and incorporated into an ointment, but it

WILL STAIN clothes, body, countertops, fixtures, and is

anti-inflammatory. But perhaps you can get Ginger, also

anti-inflammatory, in an essential oil, and add it stingily to an

ointment ( by the toothpick tip to the tablespoon of ointment, because if

you are looking for a warming anti-inflammatory, this is a good idea, but

not to the extent that you give yourself a chemical burn).



Good luck and good health to you and yours,

Marcia



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: Re: tendonitis

From: "Amy Cook" <acook@in4web.com>

Date: Mon, 26 Feb 2001 08:25:28 -0500

--------

Sent to the herblist by Amy Cook <acook@in4web.com> :



The PT most likely is using a gel-based lotion that serves to prevent the

ultrasound from burning the underlying tissue.  I'm not sure if this lotion

must have a gel-like consistency to be effective for burn prevention.  If

so,you'd have to find something herbal with that consistency.  K-Y jelly or

aloe vera gel probably have a similar consistency (as a base for the

lotion).



Amy



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: Re: tendonitis

From: May Terry <mterry@snet.net>

Date: Mon, 26 Feb 2001 17:38:31 -0500

--------

Sent to the herblist by May Terry <mterry@snet.net> :



Cindy Lee wrote:



> I have been diagnosed with Severe tendonitis of the shoulder. ( Have had

> MRI's )  My Orthopedic has me going to physical therapy, and taking anti

> inflamitorys ( yes, I know, I dislike that too, but at this point the pain

> is not an option )

> The physical therapists do an ultrasound tye of massage with some sort of

> anti inflamitory lotion on my shoulder and it does help for a while. So it

> made me wonder if there is anthing herbal that I can use as a rub to help

> with this?



I had ultrasound treatments for a herniated disk in my back, and I asked the PT

what the cream was.  He said it's a cortisone cream, and its purpose is to keep

the skin from being irritated.  The ultrasound is what's helping, not the

cream.



I make a combination arnica/St. John's Wort massage oil that helps with all

kinds of joint/muscle pains.  I know you can get arnica salve in any natural

foods type store; I'm not sure about the SJW.



Hope you feel better soon,

May

--

Here first she bathes, and round her body pours

Soft oils of fragrance and ambrosial showers.

The winds, perfumed, the balmy gale conveys

Through heaven, through earth, and all the aerial ways.

                                -Homer



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: Re: tendonitis

From: Marcia V Grossbard <ngbard@juno.com>

Date: Mon, 26 Feb 2001 18:50:15 -0500

--------

Sent to the herblist by marcia v grossbard <ngbard@juno.com> :



 Sent to the herblist by May Terry <mterry@snet.net> :> 

> Cindy Lee wrote:> 

> > I have been diagnosed with Severe tendonitis of the shoulder.  

> I had ultrasound treatments ... and I  asked the PT what the cream

was... a cortisone cream to keep the skin from being irritated.  The

ultrasound is what's helping,  not the> cream.



May terry: I make a combination arnica/St. John's Wort massage oil that

helps  with all

> kinds of joint/muscle pains.  I know you can get arnica salve in any

natural foods type store; I'm not sure about the SJW.



Marcia: SJW  either tincture or Essential oil can be added to an ointment

by the drop and "whipped" in with a stick.



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: Re:Saw Pallmetto

From: "Cindy Lee" <texasbluebonnets@home.com>

Date: Sun, 25 Feb 2001 23:49:48 -0600

--------

Sent to the herblist by Cindy Lee <texasbluebonnets@home.com> :



> Would it interfere with an allopathic premarin/provera cycling pattern?

> 

> Marcia

> ---



and I add to that, would it interfere with prescription estrogen? 



Cindy Lee



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: Fw: tendonitis

From: "brosta" <brosta@supanet.com>

Date: Tue, 27 Feb 2001 08:06:02 -0000

--------

Sent to the herblist by Julia M Brown <brosta@supanet.com> :



Hi Cindy, l find TigerBalm (red one) a good rub for tendentious, my Dr told

me to take zinc/copper, and aspirin , because l can't tolerate

ani-inflamortories. A heat pad and acupuncture helped as well.

Julia (York U.K.)

"Make today the best you've ever had".



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: Re: Fw: tendonitis

From: May Terry <mterry@snet.net>

Date: Tue, 27 Feb 2001 09:51:21 -0500

--------

Sent to the herblist by May Terry <mterry@snet.net> :



brosta wrote:



> Hi Cindy, l find TigerBalm (red one) a good rub for tendentious, my Dr told

> me to take zinc/copper, and aspirin , because l can't tolerate

> ani-inflamortories.



Aspirin *is* an anti-inflammatory, and a rather good one.  However, with

consistent use it can irritate the stomach, though it's nowhere near as bad (in

my experience) as NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatories).  If I were you, I

might try herbals.



May



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: Re: Fw: tendonitis

From: "brosta" <brosta@supanet.com>

Date: Wed, 28 Feb 2001 14:17:07 -0000

--------

Sent to the herblist by Julia M Brown <brosta@supanet.com> :



Hi May, l only need to take one aspirin a day so l don't worry about it,

large amounts could upset your stomach. They are doing new trials on aspirin

and are finding it does more good than harm to most people over 12 years

old. lf you could tell me of a herb that will work as well, l would like to

try it please.

Julia (York U.K.)

"Make today the best you ever had".



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: Re: Fw: tendonitis

From: May Terry <mterry@snet.net>

Date: Wed, 28 Feb 2001 10:56:52 -0500

--------

Sent to the herblist by May Terry <mterry@snet.net> :



brosta wrote:



> Hi May, l only need to take one aspirin a day so l don't worry about it,

> large amounts could upset your stomach. They are doing new trials on aspirin

> and are finding it does more good than harm to most people over 12 years

> old. lf you could tell me of a herb that will work as well, l would like to

> try it please.

> Julia (York U.K.)



Hi Julia,



What is this one aspirin a treatment for?  I have heard that dosage used for its

blood-thinning properties, but never for arthritic or joint problems.



White willow bark and meadowsweet are both sources of natural salicylates, and

I've heard from many people (including a friend with lupus erythematosus) that

willow helps more than many times the equivalent in salicylate in pure form in

aspirin.



Good luck,

May



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: Re: Fw: tendonitis

From: "Daphne Saul" <dtstsz91@hotmail.com>

Date: Wed, 28 Feb 2001 16:18:35 

--------

Sent to the herblist by Daphne Saul <dtstsz91@hotmail.com> :



They are doing new trials on  aspirin .... lf you could tell

me of a

herb that will work as well, l would

>like to try it please.> Julia (York U.K.)



Does willow bark ( tincture? capsule? tea?) feel like a good

idea?   It

is the original substance from which aspirin was derived.  (One

can

always read about it in books and web pages.)



Stinging Nettles has pain-killing, anti-inflammatory qualities, also.







==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: Re: Fw: tendonitis

From: "Daphne Saul" <dtstsz91@hotmail.com>

Date: Wed, 28 Feb 2001 16:25:41 

--------

Sent to the herblist by Daphne Saul <dtstsz91@hotmail.com> :



"White willow bark and meadowsweet are both sources of natural

salicylates, and

I've heard from many people (including a friend with lupus

erythematosus) that

willow helps more than many times the equivalent in salicylate

in pure form in

aspirin."



Also...



If it's not for longterm use, you might try Greater Horsetail ( Equisetum 

hyemale).  It is full of silica, which helps w/ connective tissue 

regeneration.



It could disturb thyamine metabolism.  Has not been put through the ringer 

of testing, yet...:)



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: Re: Fw: tendonitis

From: "Robin Dorey" <rdorey@mtdata.com>

Date: Wed, 28 Feb 2001 11:14:19 -0400

--------

Sent to the herblist by robin dorey <rdorey@mtdata.com> :



Hi Julie,



I too have tendonitis in my shoulders.  sometimes I can hardly shift my car

and it's an automatic shift!!  I finally went to the chiiropractor and

besides the usual electric treatment told me to ice it!!  The heat was

continuing the inflammation and pain.  The ice would numb the pain and

reduce the inflammation.  Not herbal but it worked.  I used an "old" bag of

frozen veggies so it moulded to my shoulder.  On for 6-7 min and off for the

same time three times per session twice a day.  It worked beautifully.  so

try ice/cold not heat.  Just what worked for me.  Robin in western Mass

where I wish our cold winter was over but not yet:(



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: Re: Fw: tendonitis

From: Marcia V Grossbard <ngbard@juno.com>

Date: Wed, 28 Feb 2001 10:31:27 -0500

--------

Sent to the herblist by marcia v grossbard <ngbard@juno.com> :



On Wed, 28 Feb 2001 14:17:07 -0000 "brosta" <brosta@supanet.com> writes:

. They are doing new trials on  aspirin .... lf you could tell me of a

herb that will work as well, l would 

> like to try it please.> Julia (York U.K.)



Does willow bark ( tincture? capsule? tea?) feel like a good idea?   It

is the original substance from which aspirin was derived.  (One can

always read about it in books and web pages.)



Good luck and good health to you and yours,

Marcia



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: Re: Fw: tendonitis

From: rja86@webtv.net (Renee and Jerry)

Date: Wed, 28 Feb 2001 11:05:44 -0800 (PST)

--------

Sent to the herblist by Renee <rja86@webtv.net> :



Meadowsweet and white willow bark I was told had asprin-like compounds.



Take good care and have a great day.



Love,  

Renee and Jerry



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: Re: Fw: tendonitis

From: Henriette Kress <hetta@saunalahti.fi>

Date: Wed, 28 Feb 2001 22:03:30 +0200

--------

Sent to the herblist by Henriette Kress <hetta@saunalahti.fi> :



rja86@webtv.net (Renee and Jerry) wrote to herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu:



>Meadowsweet and white willow bark I was told had asprin-like compounds.



To put it a bit more exactly: meadowsweet and willow bark (and birch

bark, and aspen bark, and alder bark, and...) contain salicylic acid.

The barks are harsh on the stomach, the meadowsweet is not. Tea is best,

tincture less so. Use the flowering tops, or, if that's unavailable, the

leaf, green seeds, or the root. Except, whenever you can dig up the

root, you'll have greens available, so get them instead. Not that it

isn't a weed wherever it grows, but you get the same zing for a -lot-

less work.



Aspirin contains acetylic salicylic acid. The name salicylic acid comes

from willow (Salix). The name aspirin comes from meadowsweet (Spirea

ulmaria, nowadays Filipendula ulmaria).



Aspirin was synthesized in 1899 by some chemists at Bayer's facilities.

They were aiming for salicylic acid.



Cheers

Henriette



-- 

hetta@saunalahti.fi     Helsinki, Finland      http://ibiblio.org/herbmed

Medicinal and Culinary herbFAQs, jpegs, database, neat stuff, archives...



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: R:  fluid measures

From: "marco valussi" <marcobabi@libero.it>

Date: Tue, 27 Feb 2001 17:03:16 +0100

--------

Sent to the herblist by Marco Valussi <marcobabi@libero.it> :



OK, drops vs ml.  There isn't an exact measure, the relationship depends on

size of the dropper orifice and on the viscosity of the fluid (and certain

other physical values of the

liquid, but it is less relevant).  This is not academic: in Europe we have

at least two sizes, and they measure drops of double (half) the size ot the

other.



Thus: 1 ml of distilled water makes up 20 drops from a dropper with a

circular orifice, diameter 3 mm.

Obviously tinctures have a different density from water, and they will

correspondigly have a different relation ml/drops, although I wouldn't worry

that much, unless you are taking some heroic preparations!  In any event, if

you prefere working with weights,  while you need 20 drops

to make 1 gram of water, you need from 45 to 60 drops of a tincture to make

1 gram of it, and 40 to 50 drops of a fluid extract to make 1 gram of  it.



Any clearer?



marco



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: Spilanthes

From: "H.A.C. Le Poole" <hlepoole@planet.nl>

Date: Wed, 28 Feb 2001 10:20:23 +0100

--------

Sent to the herblist by h.a.c. le poole <hlepoole@planet.nl> :



Does any one have direct experience with or knows of reliable publications

on the possible immunostimulating effect of Spilanthes acmella (tooth ache

plant)?

Rik Le Poole

The Netherlands



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: Re: Spilanthes

From: "Jimmie" <wolfclan@home.com>

Date: Wed, 28 Feb 2001 09:52:57 -0500

--------

Sent to the herblist by Jimmie <Wolfclan@home.com> :



Rik,



I know you can mix it with Echinacea to enhance its effectiveness.  It works

on all types of infections, even viral in nature.

I know John Mason has a book called "Growing Tropical Plants" that lists

uses of this wonderful medicine.



Good luck in your search

Jimmie



> Sent to the herblist by h.a.c. le poole <hlepoole@planet.nl> :

>

> Does any one have direct experience with or knows of reliable publications

> on the possible immunostimulating effect of Spilanthes acmella (tooth ache

> plant)?

> Rik Le Poole

> The Netherlands



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: at home

From: Astrid9787@aol.com

Date: Wed, 28 Feb 2001 14:35:25 EST

--------

Sent to the herblist by erica <astrid9787@aol.com> :



hello,



how would i go about putting loose herbs into gelatin capsules? do i put them in the capsules as is, or do i need to get them powdered? if i can't find them anywhere in powder form, how can i do that process myself? 



thanks!



erica



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: Re: at home

From: "Heidi Scholes" <hscholes1@earthlink.net>

Date: Wed, 28 Feb 2001 14:53:51 -0500

--------

Sent to the herblist by Heidi Scholes <hscholes1@earthlink.net> :



Easiest way I know is to put them in a coffee grinder.

Heidi



<astrid9787@aol.com> wrote:

> how would i go about putting loose herbs into gelatin capsules? do i put

them in the capsules as is, or do i need to get them powdered? if i can't

find them anywhere in powder form, how can i do that process myself?

>



==========

To: herb@franklin.oit.unc.edu

Subject: Re:   was Echinacea and children, now fluid measures

From: Marcia V Grossbard <ngbard@juno.com>

Date: Wed, 28 Feb 2001 15:44:43 -0500

--------

Sent to the herblist by marcia v grossbard <ngbard@juno.com> :



On Wed, 28 Feb 2001 10:16:50 -0500 Marcia V Grossbard <ngbard@juno.com>

writes:

> Sent to the herblist by marcia v grossbard <ngbard@juno.com> :

> 

My apologies to the LIST.  I made a big mistake. I read through what I

said three times, and still 

GOOFED BIG TIME.

 

> I would guess that drops that are 1/8 of a dram bottle and can 

> probably be measured, but may not be quite in the metric domain. This

much was correct.

What followed needs correction.



 A ml,  Milliliter, is 1/1000 NOT OF A DRAM, BUT OF A LITER which is 

about 1 quart and 1/2 approximately in English fluid measure.  A liter is

1000 milliliters, and is metric and might be equivalent to two or three

drops.



My apologies again and thank you to Kevin for pointing out this error.



Marcia



