Cox 2 herbs

I got this in my in box today

Need to know if you have any information about Jaramla, (Phyllanthus amarus) I am trying to get it growing, but am having a hard time getting it germinate. What I have read it is suppose to be able to use as a pain reliver instead of aspirin.
So did a little google searching and came up with the below study, not a fan of animal studies (that is for another post)

Phyllanthus amarus has anti-inflammatory potential by inhibition of iNOS, COX-2, and cytokines via the NF-B pathway

http://archive.mail-list.com/hbv_research/msg04786.html

This got me thinking about Cox 2 inhibition herbs. Thought I would write about their benefits. Of course I don't believe in "magic bullets" but these herbs along with a wellness lifestyle, nutrition and exercise can be a great asset!

Green Tea: Has Salicylic acid created from salicin (first found in White Willow) German scientists added acetic acid to salicylic acid and discoverd it chemically buffered the highly irrating effects of the isolated compound- the Aspriin Century began. Ayurveda employed green tea for many medical conditions including fever. The constituents polyphenols (GTP) and antioxidents may be useful in prevention of arthritis. The Napralert Database reports that green tea has 51 anti-inflammatory compounds. Long term consumption of Green tea has been shown to inhibit ulcers that might be triggered by NSAID use. The phytochemical Database reports that green tea has 15 anti ulcer phytonutrients second only to Ginger (17).
Barberry: Contains Berberine which has been used for its ant-inflammatory effects. Catawba Indians in North america used barberry to treat peptic ulcers. In bulgaria and Eastern Europe, root extracts of the Berberidacea species where used in chronic inflammatory disorders. A study in Japan of found Chinese Goldenthread and it's constituent berberine where found to supress colon carcinogenesis and to inhibit Cox 2 without inhibiting Cox 1. In other words berberine according to studies has been selected as a Cox 2 inhibitor. Berberine has many benefits across a spectrum of diseases, I still believe in the wisdom of the whole herb approach. Research at Bulgarian Academy of sciences tested the anti-inflammatory capabilities of a full spectrum extract of barberry vrs 5 of it's other active fractions. The total herb extract demonstrated the greatest anti-inflammatory effect. The study also showed that the full spectrum total herb extract was most effective in reducing the inflammation associated with arthritis. The fractions were not as effective.
Holy Basil: The Hindi name tulsi means "matchless" which shows it's importance and status in Ayurvedic medicine. This herb is said to be sacred to the goddess Lakshmi and her divine husband Vishnu the Hindu deities responsible for maintaining balance in life and creation. Ocimun sanctum holy basil (not the same as culonary basil Ocimum basilicum) contains a phytonutrient ursolic acid specifically recognized for it's Cox 2 inhibitory effects. Studies are being conducted on this constuent ursolic acid and oleanolic acid examining it's Cox 2 and cancer preventing effects. Just like green tea, this herb has anti ulcerative effects. There has also been scientific confirmation that holy basil is antimutagenic, radioprotective (protect DNA of body from mutating power of radiation) this could be from sun, radiation therapies et it does not protect us from the exposure rather offers a way to strengthen our defense mechanisms to better withstand it since radiation has a cumulative effect on the body, and has anti tumor effects in human skin, it has also been shown to increase the enzyme called glutathione S trasferase (detoxifying enzyme) activity.
Turmeric: A whole book could be written about this herbs benefits! I have had great success with my massage clients and this herb. Very beneficial with inflammatory conditions such as arthritis. There has been studies that show curcumin and major phytochemical in the root directly inhibited the activity of Cox 2. It has been shown that phytonutrients in turmeric inhibit the mechanism that creates the blood supply needed for tumor growth. Some studies show that turmeric is a colon cancer and skin cancer suppressor. Both topically and orally turmeric is a strong anti-inflammatory The precise way curcumin and turmeric inhibit cox 2 is the subject of continued study. All I know is my clients say it works great for their inflammatory conditions. I prefer the use of the whole herb turmeric, not isolated cucumin (when isolated it is now a pharmaceutical chemical) extract (too much can easily be taken, causing problems having the exact opposite effect of the full spectrum herb turmeric) The combined constituents of the whole herb of turmeric are a natural ant-oxidant have and work synergistically together.
Rosemary: Rosemary is great for just about everything! I have a special relationship with this plant. She talked to me the day my Grandmother passed, I took some with me to the hospital knowing my Grandma was already gone (even though I was not officially told) The herb symbolizes remembrance and to this day I think of Grandma every morning when I go outside and sit by rosemary. I used to gratefully pick a bit off on my way to school before every test for luck, rosemary has traveled with me to every house I have ever lived ( 4 in the last 6 years). Apply rosemary topically for aching muscles. Ursolic acid is also in rosemary possessing a Cox 2 inhibitory effect. Studies have shown that rosemary inhibits the processes that are known to fuel tumor growth. You may want to read my post on rosemary wine as well. I could and will spend a lifetime with this herb and still will never fully understand her, such a deep love and appreciation I have for this plant.
Ginger: In Ayurvedic medicine this herb is known as vishwabhesaj, or the universal medicine. Ginger is another one of my favorites, I used it frequently as a child, I suffered from many stress induced stomach problems. Ginger was my ally again during my pregnancy with Ella. Ginger has about 477 constituents and actions and 500 compounds, Let's just say it is also a Cox 2 inhibitor, it is the opposite of Celebrex (celebrex having only one molecule, designed to do one thing) Ginger also has anti-ulcer effects. Ginger has powerful cox 2 inhibitors and demonstrates 56% inhibition of inflammatory prostaglandins (creation of prostaglandins appears to be mainly a function of cox 2 activity). Ginger along with feverfew contain melatonin, a hormone secreted by the pineal gland and metabolically related to serotonin. So our brain and ginger express the same hormone! Melatonin is structurally related to and internationally recognised NSAID known as indomethacin, and Japanese research confirmed that ginger has at least 4 prostaglandin inhibitors more powerful than indomethacin.
Other herbs with Cox 2 inhibitor benefits:
Baikal Skullcap: Laabiatae, scultellaria Baicalensis
Japanese Knotweed: Polygonacea, Polygonum Cuspidatum
Oregano: Origanum, Vulgare Lamiaceae
Feverfew: Asteraceae, Tanacetum Parthenium
Hops: Cannibinacea, Humulus Lupulus
Omega 3: compliments herbal inhibitin of inflammatory Cox 2

Resource for this post: Beyond Aspirin Thomas M Newmark and Paul Schulick 2000

Purple Moi Kava Kava

Last year I ordered some Purple Moi Kava Kava from Nuka Hiva Trading Co. Great place! http://www.nukahivatrading.com/kava.htm I also ordered a variety called Isa.

As a massage therapist I run into a lot of people with chronic lingering back, neck and shoulder pain. Last year I made up a large batch of tincture of the Purple Moi & Isa variety (I noticed Purple Moi is no longer on their web site :(. I really didn't get a chance to use much of it myself because shortly after I became pregnant and I am now nursing. So I started giving some away for people to try. The overall interesting responses I received were great. All of the people who tried Purple Moi had similar responses. Chronic pain is often accompanied by mild depression, you really just don't feel like doing and enjoying anything. The people who tried it said they immediately felt like doing the things they needed to do to take care of their pain such as exercising! While the Purple Moi Kava Kava did not take the pain completely away, it did give them the emotional boost they needed to accomplish their goals, most reported it definitely took the "edge off" the pain as well. The dose was a few drops up to 20 drops depending on the person. Some were couch potatoes or people who went to work only, then went straight home to watch TV. The important thing to note is that these people had tried Kava and said "there was just something about this one" that gave them a little extra boost. Overall all mood was drastically improved, many felt like setting future goals and had more hope for recovery. Of course this is not a study, several factors could contribute to these responses, the interesting thing is most reported this mood shift immediately after taking the Kava, within minutes.

Ocean Spray's Uses

Ocean Spray Holodiscus discolor

This lovely plant is native to the Pacific Northwest. It sways in the wind and as it moves it truly reminds you of the ocean spray. A member of the Rose Family I feel a deep connection to this plant. The blooms are really beautiful this time of year. Although you would not normally associate this tall shrub with other roses, Darcey's blog and Kiva's blog posts about wild roses got me to thinking about this plant again. You may not recognize this plant when it's not in bloom. I Makes a nice garden border plant because it gets very tall. The coast is my home away from home, I had the opportunity to live there a few years back until lack of jobs and money forced us to move. Now it is only a 2 hour drive from my house so I enjoy frequent day and weekend trips.

The benefits of the flower essence of this plant are interesting.

Medicinal, Food & Wildlife Qualities Of The Flower Essence of Ocean Spray

Symptom

Covering over deep grief and taking care of daily life as if everything is fine. This may be such an ingrained way of being that you don't even realize you are doing it. Deep skin issues, like eczema, or respiratory problems can be an indicator that this essence would be helpful.

Action

Ocean spray Flower Essence allows old grief and sorrow to surface and be released. Supports living in your own jubilant Presence.

Henriette has some real nice posts about flower essences on her blog including how to make them, they are very simple to make! Check out her link below

http://www.henriettesherbal.com/blog/index.php?s=flower+essence&submit=Search

reference: http://www.treefrogfarm.com/floweressences/oceanspray.html

Native Americans Found this herb useful in many ways.

Medicinally the Lumi tribe of Washington used Ocean spray blossoms used for diarrhea, Infusion of inner bark used as an eyewash, poultice of leaves applied to sore lips, poultice of leaves applied to sore feet.

Makah used a decoction of bark taken as a tonic by convalescents and athletes.

Chehalis used an
infusion of seeds taken for smallpox, black measles and chicken pox.

Navajo, Ramah used a
Decoction of leaves taken for influenza.

Okanagan-Colville use the
bark dried, powdered, mixed with Vaseline and used on burns as a dressing.

Sanpoil use the
powder of dried leaves used for sores.

Squaxin used the
seeds as a blood purifier.

Many other tribes made uses of the hard fire resistant wood. The branches were used as tongs, to make arrows, fishing hooks, drum hoops, digging sticks, toys for children, teepee post holders, bows for children and more.

Resource:

http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=HODI

A Few False Lily of the Valley

False lily of the Valley Maianthemum dilatatum

False Solomon's seal is a perennial. It grows from rhizomes, it will take over your yard if you let it.

Native Americans ate the young greens, fleshy rhizomes, and the ripe berries of this plant. The rhizomes were cooked after being soaked to get rid of their disagreeable taste. The rhizomes were also utilized as a poultice, and brewed to make a tea to treat rheumatism, sore back, and kidney ailments. The berries were eaten raw, though they do not taste very good. I have also read that the smoke from the leaves was inhaled for head aches. I don't think it has modern uses, I have read conflicting info on these plants and some say they are toxic. I have not spent a lot of time studying these plants, I think they are simply beautiful and a wonderful addition to the woods out here in the Pacific Northwest.

False Solomon's seal is so named because its leaf stalk resembles that of Solomon's seal (Polygonatum multiflorum). However, Solomon's seal has bell-shaped flowers hanging individually along the leaf stalk. Solomon's seal is thought to have gotten its name either from markings on the rhizomes resembling a 6-pointed star, or from the hanging flowers resembling a seal on a document.

Feathery False Lily of the Valley or Feathery False Soloman's seal (top)
Feathery False Solomon's seal. Flower's are on top. The berries are edible, but bitter. It is called false as it has none of the medicinal properties of the eastern Solomon's seal. It did have uses to the Native Americans in this region (Pacific Northwest) but as far as I know it is not used in modern herbalism. I plan on doing more research on these plants just to get to know them, they sure are beautiful!

On my way to the Sandy River her in Oregon there are cliffs that border the road. The Feathery False Solomon's seal hangs from them with it's beautiful flowers, often surrounded by moss and ferns. The smaller False Lily of the Vally is common along the rivers edge.

Resource http://nature.berkeley.edu/comtf/html/host_of_the_month_archive.html

The Ultimate Authority About Plants

Using Plants & Our Intuition

To a certain degree, we rely on other people's accounts, books, tradition ext to inform us about plants. For example, we can't all be botanists, but we can benefit from taking their findings to heart. In the same way, we often look to teachers, various leaders, and gurus to tell us about the right thing to do when it comes to our bodies and using plants. While this input from experts is undeniably valuable, our own sense of the truth by what the plants tell us, our intuition and prayers, and what our own bodies tell us is ultimately the most important piece in processing the information we take in from external sources. In the end we will decide what resonates with us and what a particular plant is telling us.

We need only take a brief look at history to remember that even the most respected teachers and leaders were all wrong about something at some point in time. This is the beauty of learning, experiencing, and evolving. While we sometimes wish we could just let someone else decide for us what is good for us & true, this is clearly not a wise option. Great news! We can confidently devote ourselves to making up our own minds about what a plant is teaching us, taking everything that we are told by others as truth with a grain of salt.

This does not mean that we discount the information we receive from teachers or outside sources. It simply means that we can stop to question it before we decide whether or not we agree with it. All the information we receive is useful in the process of helping us make up our own decisions. As we allow ourselves to process the things we learn, measuring them alongside our own inner sense of the truth, and our own experiences, we find that making our own decisions about healing & plants is joyful, and a excellent learning experience that makes us grow.

Listen to your body, listen to the plants. Follow your instincts yet be safe. If fasting, doing a colon cleanse or any other method that is stated “necessary” by others does not resonate with your body, don’t do it, don’t try to make others do it. Sharing your knowledge is wonderful, pushing it down others throats and stating it as "fact" is a whole different story. The more I know the more I realize I don’t know, and that we are all different with amazing bodies and energy that need different healing methods.That is why I love herbalism, the plants & people have constant lessons and miracles to teach me.

Dream Pillows

Dream Pillows

Dream pillows have been around for many many years, it was common place for our grandmothers to stitch up a headache pillow to erase the pain of headaches or have a dream pillow on every bed filled with natures bountiful herbs and flowers. Maybe I am posting this because of my lack of sleep LOL. Moving, new baby, really could use some sweet dreams!

Materials:
a.. 100% Cotton or Silk Fabric 5" x 5" (or slightly larger if you wish)
b.. Mesh bag for herbal insert (muslin is a perfect type of fabric for this project)
c.. Herbs & Flowers:1 part Rose Petals, 1 part Dried Chamomile, 1 part Dried Lavender
d.. Essential Oils : choose any of the following - Yarrow, Sandlewood, Jasmine, Geranium, Basil, Lavender, Peppermint or Rose. 5-7 drops.
e.. Needle & Thread
f.. Velcro
g.. Pillow stuffing
Directions:

1. Cut your fabric into 2 pieces, one for the top of the pillow, the other for the bottom.

2. Sew the pieces together with the wrong side of the fabric on the outsides.

3. Sew 3 sides together then turn inside out so right sides are now showing.

4. Fill mesh bag with a mixture of the flowers and herbs as well as a few drops of essential oil. Insert into a mesh bag, tie off with a string.

5. Place inside your pillow form and fill with pillow stuffing...don't over-pack as it needs air circulation to release some of the scents.

6. Finish pillow off by adding velcro to the open end of the pillow, this will allow you access to change the herbs and flowers when needed or to wash the pillow itself. Its best to keep the pillow in a flat shape not round. It will be inserted into a regular pillowcase for a sensational nights sleep.

Love and Happiness

Maidenhair for grace, beauty and love

Meadowsweet to cheer the heart

Anise to keep nightmares away, and

Sage for peace, wisdom and healing.

Place it on or by your pillow.

Prophetic Dreams #1
Sage for peace, wisdom and healing

Wormwood for psychic powers

Mugwort for prophetic dreams, and

Sweet Woodruff for refreshment.

Place it on or by your pillow.

Protection and Peace

Club Moss for power, strength, protection

Solomon's Seal for protection

Burdock to cast away negativity, and

Maidenhair for grace, beauty and love.

Place it on or by your pillow.

Prophetic Dreams #2

3 ounces of Mugwort, dried
2 ounces of Lavender flowers, dried
1 ounce of mint, dried
1 ounce of rose buds or petals
To be use on the 3 days of the full moon.


Healing Blend

2 ounces Eucalyptus, dried
1 ounce Sage, dried
1 ounce Rosemary, dried
1 ounce thyme, dried
3 drops of Eucalyptus oil

Headache Blend

2 ounces of Lavender flowers, dried
2 ounces of bergamot, dried
2 ounces of mint, dried
2 drops of lavender essential oil


Nightmare Prevention

2 ounces Basil, dried
2 ounces Pennyroyal, dried
1 ounce Mugwort, dried
1 ounce Thyme, dried
3 drops of Lavender essential oil

Hops Sleep Blend

2 ounces Hops, dried
2 ounces of chamomile, dried
1/2 ounce Eucalyptus leaves, dried
1 ounce Lemon Balm
1 ounce Orris Root powder
3 drops Lemon Balm essential oil


Sweet Lavender Blend

2 ounces Lavender, dried
1/2 ounce Bay leaves, dried, crushed
1 ounce Lemon Thyme, dried
1 ounce Rosemary, dried
1/2 ounce Lemon Balm, dried
1 ounce Orris Root powder
3 drops Lavender essential oil


Restful Sleep

1/4 cup lavender flowers
1/4 cup mugwort
1/4 cup sweet hops


Sleep Inducing

1/2 cup sweet hops
1/2 cup mugwort
1/8 cup sweet marjoram

Peaceful Slumber

1/4 cup roses or rose petals
1/4 cup rosemary
1/4 cup lavender flowers
1/4 cup sweet hops


Relaxing Dreams

1/2 cup Mugwort
1/2 cup lavender flowers


Convalescent Rest

2 tbsp lavender flowers
2 tbsp catnip
2 tbsp lilac or mimosa blooms
2 tbsp mugwort
2 tbsp marjoram
1 tsp mint (any pleasing variety)
2 tbsp heliotrope blossoms (optional)


Pleasant Dreams

1 cup mugwort
1/2 cup rose petals
1/2 cup chamomile
1/3 cup lavender flowers
1/3 cup catnip
2 tbsp mint

Sweet Dreams

1/4 cup mugwort
1/2 cup rose petals
1/4 cup rosemary
2 tbsp mint
6 whole cloves or clove stems
2 tbsp mimosa flowers (optional)


Romantic Evening Dreams

1/2 cup rose petals
1/2 cup rosemary
1/4 cup lavender flowers
2 lemon verbana leaves, crushed
1 tsp mint
4 whole cloves
1 small piece of cinnamon stick,
1 inch long, broken up
3 mimosa flowers (0ptional), for a slightly more sensual mixture

Sensual Dreams

3 cups rose petals
2 cups rosemary
1 cup lavender flowers
1 tbsp mint
Small pinch ground cloves (less than 1/2 tsp)
Even smaller pinch commercial chili powder
2 lemon verbana leaves, crushed
1 piece cinnamon bark, 1 inch long, broken up


Amorous Dreams

2 tbsp sweet hops flowers
2 tbsp calendula petals
2 tbsp rose petals
2 tbsp jasmine flowers
1 tbsp catnip
1 tbsp marjoram
2 tsp lemon verbana leaves
2 tsp lavender flowers
2 tsp mint

Romance Novel Dreams

2 cups rose petals
4 cups calendula flowers
4 cups rosemary
1 cup lemongrass, cut in short pieces
1 cup sweet woodruff
1/2 mugwort
1 tbsp mint
1 tbsp marjoram
1 tsp fennel seed
1 lemon geranium leaf (Such as Mabel Grey)
1 piece cinnamon bark, about 1/2 " long broken
Tiny pinch of commercial chili powder (optional), if you want even more
complexity and action


Traveler's Comfort

1/2 cup mugwort
1/2 cup rose petals
1/4 cup lavender flowers
1/4 cup marjoram
1 tbsp passionflower, leaves or petals


Vacation Bliss

1 cup rose petals
1 cup mugwort
1/2 cup hops flowers
1/2 cup lemon verbana leaves
1 tbsp lemon grass, cut in pieces about 1/2" long
1 tbsp jasmine flowers
1 tbsp chopped mimosa flowers
1 tbsp mint
2 whole cloves
1 small piece dried orange peel2 tbsp marjoram (optional)

Prophetic Dreams

1/2 cup thyme
1/2 cup vervain
1/2 cup rose leaves (R. eglanteria) or fragrant rose petals
1/2 cup peppermint
1/2 cup mugwort
1/4 cup marjoram
1/4 cup mimosa flowers
1/8 cup sweet woodruff
Note that the above recipes make 5-6 dream pillows a piece.

Headache Pillow warm or cold

3 parts Lavender, the flower heads, dried
1 part Eucalyptus.
1-2 cups Rice
Stretchy velvet(crushed velvet)
You can make it long to be wrapped around the Neck or just about a foot long
to be placed on the forehead.
All you do is make a tube rectangle on the sewing matching,leaving room for
it to be opened. Mix the herbs together with the rice and pour into the
tube. Sew top on.
You can zap this in the microwave for about 100 on defrost(med) or keep it
in the freezer. Just mush it around to get the natural scents to come out.
Reference: some of these recipes were sent to me a while back by off another list, the sender wrote author unknown but appreciated!

Soluble Oxalates in Wild foods

Well I am back in internet land! I wanted to bring up this topic because now is the time many people collect wild foods. Let me first point out this article is about soluble oxalates, not calcium oxalate crystals, found in skunk cabbage, jack in the pulpit - these are a real problem and I will discuss these in a future post. Once you start collecting wild foods you will inevitably run across this topic. You will hear statements ranging from "don't eat to much of those" to "You could die! Fear Fear!!!". In this post I will explain what oxalates are so you can make an informed decision when collecting wild foods.

What exactly are oxalates?

Oxalates or oxalic acids are naturally occuring and found in almost every thing that is living. They are water soluble as sodium oxalate or potassium oxalate salts. They are found in greater quanity in some plant families such as wood sorrel (oxalidaceae) buckweat (polygonaceae) and goosefoot family (chenopodiaceae).
Some of the specific plant that have higher concentrations are sorrels, rhubarb, spinach, wild spinach, docks, Japanese knotweed, black tea, & cocoa to name a few. High concentrations of oxalates are often accompanied by higher concentration of calcium.
Oxalates are a normal part of the diet and amino acid and asorbic acid metabolism.

Where the problem began.

The old literature such as the classic book Poisonous Plants of the United States and Canada by John Kingsbury warns against soluble oxalates. People tend to site this literature word spreads, an it becomes fact, oxalates are bad news. What should be considered is the book is a primarily a review of animal research, with these facts applied to humans. Even the author states in his book "Oxalate poisoning (even in animals) is fundamentally complex and poorly understood" This is my opinion, I am not a fan of animal studies. We (humans) are not cattle or sheep, in physiology or diet habits. Do you eat pounds of grass each and every day? Would you want to even if you had the time? Most of us have a very diverse diet. You can see where the focus on cattle and sheep for data on calcium deficiency in metabolism, comparing this to humans & there complex physiology and metabolism, there is a problem. As far as I know, there have been no verified cases of toxic intakes of the naturally occurring soluble oxalates in humans.
Most dietary oxalates are excreted in the feces. It is true that Oxalates can bind with calcium in the digestive tract making both the calcium and the oxalates unavailable for absorption. However, calcium and oxalate blocking or absorbtion is a complex metabolic process, to specifically say oxalates block all calcium absorbtion would be incorrect. The body is extreamly adaptive over time, and will find a way to absorb calcium to spite stomach contents.
Most documented poisoning can be attributed to rhubarb leaf consuption this is now attributed to anthroquinones, per once rhubarb has about the same amount of oxalates as spinach. In fact, the stalks have more oxalates than the leaves, (rhubarb crisp yummy!)
We convert excess vitamin C into oxalates that get filtered through the kidneys and come out in the urine. High intake of vitamin C results in greater oxalate production than any healthy consumption of vegetables high in oxalates.
If you have a abnormal physiological propensity for kidney stones, chronically undernourished in calcium, vitamin D and Phosphorus, or in the middle of a fast (hard on kidneys) I would watch my consumption of high oxalate foods.

Other than that you can see I think soluble oxalates are not a danger. Enjoy your wild foods!
Referance Wild Foods Adventurer Volume 6 number 3