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Healing Herbs, Plants and Flowers

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Healing Herbs, Plants and Flowers

Information of Healing Herbs and Plants. Lore myth and usage. Also a few other things grown here and there.

Website: http://www.naturalark.com/herbindex.html
Location: EveryWhere You Look....
Members: 45
Latest Activity: Feb 12, 2014

Herbalism is a traditional medicinal or folk medicine practice based on the use of plants and plant extracts. Herbalism is also known as botanical medicine, medical herbalism, herbal medicine, herbology, and phytotherapy. The scope of herbal medicine is sometimes extended to include fungal and bee products, as well as minerals, shells and certain animal parts. Pharmacognosy is the study of medicines derived from natural sources.

Traditional use of medicines is recognized as a way to learn about potential future medicines. In 2001, researchers identified 122 compounds used in mainstream medicine which were derived from "ethnomedical" plant sources; 80% of these compounds were used in the same or related manner as the traditional ethnomedical use.

Many plants synthesize substances that are useful to the maintenance of health in humans and other animals. These include aromatic substances, most of which are phenols or their oxygen-substituted derivatives such as tannins. Many are secondary metabolites, of which at least 12,000 have been isolated — a number estimated to be less than 10% of the total. In many cases, substances such as alkaloids serve as plant defense mechanisms against predation by microorganisms, insects, and herbivores. Many of the herbs and spices used by humans to season food yield useful medicinal compounds.

Similarly to prescription drugs, a number of herbs are thought to be likely to cause adverse effects. Furthermore, "adulteration, inappropriate formulation, or lack of understanding of plant and drug interactions have led to adverse reactions that are sometimes life threatening or lethal

In the written record, the study of herbs dates back over 5,000 years to the Sumerians, who described well-established medicinal uses for such plants as laurel, caraway, and thyme. Ancient Egyptian medicine of 1000 B.C. are known to have used garlic, opium, castor oil, coriander, mint, indigo, and other herbs for medicine and the Old Testament also mentions herb use and cultivation, including mandrake, vetch, caraway, wheat, barley, and rye.

Indian Ayurveda medicine has used herbs such as turmeric possibly as early as 1900 B.C. Many other herbs and minerals used in Ayurveda were later described by ancient Indian herbalists such as Charaka and Sushruta during the 1st millennium BC. The Sushruta Samhita attributed to Sushruta in the 6th century BC describes 700 medicinal plants, 64 preparations from mineral sources, and 57 preparations based on animal sources.

The first Chinese herbal book, the Shennong Bencao Jing, compiled during the Han Dynasty but dating back to a much earlier date, possibly 2700 B.C., lists 365 medicinal plants and their uses - including ma-Huang, the shrub that introduced the drug ephedrine to modern medicine. Succeeding generations augmented on the Shennong Bencao Jing, as in the Yaoxing Lun (Treatise on the Nature of Medicinal Herbs), a 7th century Tang Dynasty treatise on herbal medicine.

The ancient Greeks and Romans made medicinal use of plants. Greek and Roman medicinal practices, as preserved in the writings of Hippocrates and - especially - Galen, provided the pattern for later western medicine. Hippocrates advocated the use of a few simple herbal drugs - along with fresh air, rest, and proper diet. Galen, on the other hand, recommended large doses of drug mixtures - including plant, animal, and mineral ingredients. The Greek physician compiled the first European treatise on the properties and uses of medicinal plants, De Materia Medica. In the first century AD, Dioscorides wrote a compendium of more than 500 plants that remained an authoritative reference into the 17th century. Similarly important for herbalists and botanists of later centuries was the Greek book that founded the science of botany, Theophrastus’ Historia Plantarum, written in the fourth century B.C.

Middle Ages

The uses of plants for medicine and other purposes changed little in early medieval Europe. Many Greek and Roman writings on medicine, as on other subjects, were preserved by hand copying of manuscripts in monasteries. The monasteries thus tended to become local centers of medical knowledge, and their herb gardens provided the raw materials for simple treatment of common disorders. At the same time, folk medicine in the home and village continued uninterrupted, supporting numerous wandering and settled herbalists. Among these were the “wise-women,” who prescribed herbal remedies often along with spells and enchantments. It was not until the late Middle Ages that women who were knowledgeable in herb lore became the targets of the witch hysteria. One of the most famous women in the herbal tradition was Hildegard of Bingen. A twelfth century Benedictine nun, she wrote a medical text called Causes and Cures.

Medical schools known as Bimaristan began to appear from the 9th century in the medieval Islamic world among Persians and Arabs, which was generally more advanced than medieval Europe at the time. The Arabs venerated Greco-Roman culture and learning, and translated tens of thousands of texts into Arabic for further study. As a trading culture, the Arab travellers had access to plant material from distant places such as China and India. Herbals, medical texts and translations of the classics of antiquity filtered in from east and west. Muslim botanists and Muslim physicians significantly expanded on the earlier knowledge of materia medica. For example, al-Dinawari described more than 637 plant drugs in the 9th century, and Ibn al-Baitar described more than 1,400 different plants, foods and drugs, over 300 of which were his own original discoveries, in the 13th century. The experimental scientific method was introduced into the field of materia medica in the 13th century by the Andalusian-Arab botanist Abu al-Abbas al-Nabati, the teacher of Ibn al-Baitar. Al-Nabati introduced empirical techniques in the testing, description and identification of numerous materia medica, and he separated unverified reports from those supported by actual tests and observations. This allowed the study of materia medica to evolve into the science of pharmacology.

Avicenna's The Canon of Medicine (1025) lists 800 tested drugs, plants and minerals. Book Two is devoted to a discussion of the healing properties of herbs, including nutmeg, senna, sandalwood, rhubarb, myrrh, cinammon, and rosewater.[17] Baghdad was an important center for Arab herbalism, as was Al-Andalus between 800 and 1400. Abulcasis (936-1013) of Cordoba authored The Book of Simples, an important source for later European herbals, while Ibn al-Baitar (1197–1248) of Malaga authored the Corpus of Simples, the most complete Arab herbal which introduced 200 new healing herbs, including tamarind, aconite, and nux vomica. Other pharmacopoeia books include that written by Abu-Rayhan Biruni in the 11th century[citation needed] and Ibn Zuhr (Avenzoar) in the 12th century (and printed in 1491), The origins of clinical pharmacology also date back to the Middle Ages in Avicenna's The Canon of Medicine, Peter of Spain's Commentary on Isaac, and John of St Amand's Commentary on the Antedotary of Nicholas. In particular, the Canon introduced clinical trials, randomized controlled trials, and efficacy tests.

Alongside the university system, folk medicine continued to thrive. The continuing importance of herbs for the centuries following the Middle Ages is indicated by the hundreds of herbals published after the invention of printing in the fifteenth century. Theophrastus’ Historia Plantarum was one of the first books to be printed, but Dioscorides’ De Materia Medica, Avicenna's Canon of Medicine and Avenzoar's pharmacopoeia were not far behind.




People on all continents have used hundreds to thousands of indigenous plants for treatment of ailments since prehistoric times. Medicinal herbs were found in the personal effects of Ötzi the Iceman, whose body was frozen in the Swiss Alps for more than 5,300 years. These herbs appear to have been used to treat the parasites found in his intestines. Anthropologists theorize that animals evolved a tendency to seek out bitter plant parts in response to illness.

Indigenous healers often claim to have learned by observing that sick animals change their food preferences to nibble at bitter herbs they would normally reject. Field biologists have provided corroborating evidence based on observation of diverse species, such as chimpanzees, chickens, sheep and butterflies. Lowland gorillas take 90% of their diet from the fruits of Aframomum melegueta, a relative of the ginger plant, that is a potent antimicrobial and apparently keeps shigellosis and similar infections at bay.

Researchers from Ohio Wesleyan University found that some birds select nesting material rich in antimicrobial agents which protect their young from harmful bacteria.

Sick animals tend to forage plants rich in secondary metabolites, such as tannins and alkaloids. Since these phytochemicals often have antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal and antihelminthic properties, a plausible case can be made for self-medication by animals in the wild.

Some animals have digestive systems especially adapted to cope with certain plant toxins. For example, the koala can live on the leaves and shoots of the eucalyptus, a plant that is dangerous to most animals. A plant that is harmless to a particular animal may not be safe for humans to ingest. A reasonable conjecture is that these discoveries were traditionally collected by the medicine people of indigenous tribes, who then passed on safety information and cautions.

The use of herbs and spices in cuisine developed in part as a response to the threat of food-borne pathogens. Studies show that in tropical climates where pathogens are the most abundant, recipes are the most highly spiced. Further, the spices with the most potent antimicrobial activity tend to be selected. In all cultures vegetables are spiced less than meat, presumably because they are more resistant to spoilage

Discussion Forum

Tree Magic 4 Replies

Started by Dept of PMM Artists & things. Last reply by Dept of PMM Artists & things Feb 10, 2014.

Gothic Gardening: The Secret Names of Plants by Rev. Carol A. Ingle AKA Raven 2 Replies

Started by Dept of PMM Artists & things. Last reply by Dept of PMM Artists & things Jan 31, 2014.

Stocking Your Herbal Medicine Cabinet: Top 12 Herbs and Their Uses 3 Replies

Started by Dept of PMM Artists & things. Last reply by Dept of PMM Artists & things Jan 31, 2014.

Roses. By Kirt A White

Started by Dept of PMM Artists & things Jan 25, 2014.

Witch of the Old World Book of Herbs by LADY ABIGAIL 1 Reply

Started by Dept of PMM Artists & things. Last reply by Dept of PMM Artists & things Jan 22, 2014.

Belladonna by Christine Narducci 1 Reply

Started by Dept of PMM Artists & things. Last reply by Dept of PMM Artists & things Jan 22, 2014.

WORMWOOD by Bre Geier 1 Reply

Started by Dept of PMM Artists & things. Last reply by Dept of PMM Artists & things Jan 22, 2014.

An overlooked herb by Mitchell Eyre

Started by Dept of PMM Artists & things Jan 17, 2014.

Dragons Blood and Dragons Blood Tree (April Correspondence) by Regi 1 Reply

Started by Dept of PMM Artists & things. Last reply by Dept of PMM Artists & things Jan 14, 2014.

Herbs and magic by Michelle Clarke

Started by Dept of PMM Artists & things Jan 14, 2014.

Southernwood Artemisia abrotanum by ~*~ Airwolf LoP Ministry Founder/Owner~*~

Started by Dept of PMM Artists & things Jan 12, 2014.

Herbs and Their Uses

Started by Dept of PMM Artists & things Jan 10, 2014.

Basil by Ken Plenty Ken Plenty 2 Replies

Started by Dept of PMM Artists & things. Last reply by Dept of PMM Artists & things Jan 9, 2014.

Herbal Hair Care – 11 Herbs That Work Wonders for your Hair by Aparaitia

Started by Dept of PMM Artists & things Jan 9, 2014.

The Gray Witches Grimoire Herb of the Day: Jimson Weed.

Started by Dept of PMM Artists & things Jan 9, 2014.

Apple Banishing Spell by Marti Finizio

Started by Dept of PMM Artists & things Jan 9, 2014.

Magic rose petal bath by Donna Morgan

Started by Dept of PMM Artists & things Jan 7, 2014.

Turkey Posole by Diane Baker

Started by Dept of PMM Artists & things Jan 7, 2014.

Bittersweet; Poison by LADY ABIGAIL

Started by Dept of PMM Artists & things Jan 7, 2014.

Comment Wall

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Comment by Dept of PMM Artists & things on December 17, 2011 at 10:44am

FOR SPIRITUAL AND PSYCHIC STIMULATION

In a clean jar with a lid add the following herbs:

cinnamon---dream magick
nutmeg--good luck
allspice--healing
ginger--lunar magick
basil--protection
fennel seed--spiritual healing
garlic--spiritual purification
marjoram--spiritual protection
sage--spiritual purification
cloves--protection
mustard seed--protection

Comment by Dept of PMM Artists & things on December 16, 2011 at 9:13pm

Some simple herbal remedies from    http://www.moonsmuses.com/magicgarden.html

 

* To reduce a fever; try a `Yarrow` bath.
* To help wounds heal; try a `Comfrey` compress.
* To ease the pain of sore muscles, try a hot `Ginger` compress.
* For upset stomach; Sip `Peppermini` tea.
* To sooth a dry cough; try `Marshmallow` root tea.

~ Source June 2ooo Issue 'Natural Health'

Comment by Dept of PMM Artists & things on December 13, 2011 at 12:39pm

by poena_vemula  Lets discuss some herbal therapies that are/were effective for us or those close to us. This slave would like this to be an open forum for what worked to help us build up each others knowledge about the healing properties of herbs. This slave will start:

Tea Tree Oil: when mixed with aloe vera gel to a 6% dilution makes a great acne treatment.

Lavender oil: in an ointment (petroleum jelly works too) to a 5-10% dilution works well to heal wounds faster and fight off infection. The pure oil even cured it from an ingrown toenail infection preventing surgery on the toenail.

Poke root: Phytolacca Americana, has cured it of a wart and has potent antiviral properties. Caution, internal use is not recommended unless skilled in the use of this herb. 1-2 drops of a 1:2 tincture is this slave's limit. More than that can induce vomiting, a mild dizzy narcotic effect and in large doses can be fatal. However is quite safe when used topically.

Comment by Dept of PMM Artists & things on February 4, 2011 at 1:11pm
Acerola is a plant native to Southern and Central America. It produces small edible fruits which strongly resemble cherries, leading to the common alternate names of Barbados Cherry, Puerto Rican Cherry, and West Indies Cherry. The fruits are widely consumed in South America in fresh and preserved forms. Products of the acerola tree have been adopted by consumers in other nations as well, and it is used as an ornamental shrub in the Southern regions of the United States.
Comment by Dept of PMM Artists & things on January 21, 2011 at 5:34pm

"Kissing under the mistletoe is first found associated with the Greek festival of Saturnalia and later with primitive marriage rites. Mistletoe was believed to have the power of bestowing fertility, and the dung from which the mistletoe was thought to arise was also said to have "life-giving" power. In Scandinavia, mistletoe was considered a plant of peace, under which enemies could declare a truce or warring spouses kiss and make-up. In some parts of England the Christmas mistletoe is burned on the twelfth night lest all the boys and girls who have kissed under it never marry.

Comment by Dept of PMM Artists & things on January 9, 2011 at 1:09pm

The Magic of Basil

To attract love and money, bring the magic of Basil into your home. It's amazing what something as simple as fresh basil can do.

  • Grow basil in your garden and around the house.
  • Place pots of fresh basil by your front entrance and around the perimeter of your home.

  • If it's not possible to grow basil, then place fresh basil in a vase in a prominent spot in your kitchen, replacing it weekly or as soon as it starts to spoil.
  • Cook with it, and incorporate it into spell work by placing it in a vase on your altar
Comment by Dept of PMM Artists & things on October 18, 2010 at 8:41pm
FOLK NAMES: Flower of Immortality, Huauhtli (Aztec), Love-Lies Bleeding, Red ****scomb, Velvet Flower
GENDER: Feminine
PLANET: Saturn
ELEMENT: Fire
DEITY: Artemis
POWERS: Healing, Protection, Invisibility
RITUAL USES: The amaranth was used in pagan burial rituals. It was also once outlawed by Spanish colonial authority in Mexico because it was used by Aztecs in their rituals.
MAGICAL USES: A crown of amaranth flowers worn on the head speeds healing. To make sure that you are never struck by a bullet, pull up a whole amaranth plant (including roots) preferably on a Friday during the Full Moon. leave an offering to the plant and then fold it, roots and all, in a piece of white cloth. Wear this against your breast and you'll be 'bullet-proof.'
The dried amaranth flowers have been used to call forth the dead, and are also carried to 'cure the affections', i.e. to mend a broken heart.
A wreath of amaranth worn confers invisibility.
Comment by Dept of PMM Artists & things on September 16, 2010 at 4:37pm
Apples are a delicious fruit that we have been eating for quite awhile, though high in sugar they will indeed keep many doctors away.

* Apples have Pectin in them, which can lower bad cholesterol, and bring down your blood pressure. Eating 1 or 2 a day can have up to a 16% drop.
* Despite their higher sugar content, the pectin in apples may supply galacturonic acid to your body, lowering your need for insulin. A good trick for handling diabetes. (My coworker eats them frequently and hasn't had to have her doctor prescribe her insulin yet.)
* In studies, apples have shown strong evidence at lowering the possibility of certain cancers; Lung, Breast, Colon and Liver to be exact. This is due to the nutrients in the skin of the apple as well as the high levels of the flavonoids quercetin and naringin.
* Apples are one of several fruits that may benefit people who are Overweight. Several studies have shown that women who eat certain fruits, apples included, lost almost 10% more weight then women who didn't eat fruit.
Comment by Dept of PMM Artists & things on August 24, 2010 at 1:28pm
Colic This is a very painful abdominal condition is due to spasm of the muscles of the intestines. It usually results from irritation of the sensitive mucous lining by hard particles of food, excessively strong laxatives, or certain micro-organizms in cases of infection. It is literally a 'cramp' in the intestines, and is soothed by those sweet aromatic remedies and help to relax the painful 'knots' in the muscles. Chamomile, Cinnamon, Caraway, Cardamon and Fennal all make very pleasant and effective drinks, and are mild enough, in weak infusion, to give to very young children. If lactating mothers take a fairly strong infusion of the last three herbs mentioned above, it will help to stimulate milk supply and some traces of the oils will be passed on to the baby via the breast milk helping the baby' digestion naturally. although these are mild, I would recommend speaking to the childs physician before giving them any type of herbal remedy. And it is not recommended to give an infant any type of herbal remedy without consulting a dr. Chamomile is in the "ragweed" family and so if your allergic to that you are allergic to chamomile. Infants should not ingest anything that can cause a allergic reaction, that is why the Dr. will say no honey, peanuts, egg whites etc before a baby is a year old, and when you start them out, introduce it a little at a time. so always be cautious
Comment by Dept of PMM Artists & things on May 10, 2010 at 3:28pm
Harvard School of Public Health, one cup of collard greens contains 357 milligrams of calcium, but a cup of milk has 306. Collard greens also are one of the leafy greens with calcium that is more absorbable. (Some greens like spinach contain oxalic acid which interferes with absorption of calcium).

In addition to calcium, Collard greens contain Vitamin K which plays a role with calcium in keeping bones healthy and strong. Three proteins in bone depend upon Vitamin K to function. Collard greens are a member of the cabbage family. The leafy vegetable has been a regular part of American cooking in the South, aka ’soul’ food for decades. (They were also popular with the ancient Greeks and Romans). In the South, they are often cooked with black eyed peas. A Collard Greens Festival has been held for several years in East Palo Alto celebrating Southern African-American culture.

In Portugal, soup is made with the greens, potatoes, onions, garlic, salt, savoy cabbage, and pork sausage, although tofu could be substituted for the pork.

Kevin Gianni has a video for Vegetable Wraps with Collard Greens and Tahini Sauce.
Chef Keith Snow provides some video tips for washing and cooking them Southern Style.

The vegetable is usually planted in the early spring. In the South it can also be planted in midsummer and harvested in fall or early winter.
 

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Patchwork Merchant Mercenaries had its humble beginnings as an idea of a few artisans and craftsmen who enjoy performing with live steel fighting. As well as a patchwork quilt tent canvas. Most had prior military experience hence the name.

 

Patchwork Merchant Mercenaries.

 

Vendertainers that brought many things to a show and are know for helping out where ever they can.

As well as being a place where the older hand made items could be found made by them and enjoyed by all.

We expanded over the years to become well known at what we do. Now we represent over 100 artisans and craftsman that are well known in their venues and some just starting out. Some of their works have been premiered in TV, stage and movies on a regular basis.

Specializing in Medieval, Goth , Stage Film, BDFSM and Practitioner.

Patchwork Merchant Mercenaries a Dept of, Ask For IT was started by artists and former military veterans, and sword fighters, representing over 100 artisans, one who made his living traveling from fair to festival vending medieval wares. The majority of his customers are re-enactors, SCAdians and the like, looking to build their kit with period clothing, feast gear, adornments, etc.

Likewise, it is typical for these history-lovers to peruse the tent (aka mobile store front) and, upon finding something that pleases the eye, ask "Is this period?"

A deceitful query!! This is not a yes or no question. One must have a damn good understanding of European history (at least) from the fall of Rome to the mid-1600's to properly answer. Taking into account, also, the culture in which the querent is dressed is vitally important. You see, though it may be well within medieval period, it would be strange to see a Viking wearing a Caftan...or is it?

After a festival's time of answering weighty questions such as these, I'd sleep like a log! Only a mad man could possibly remember the place and time for each piece of kitchen ware, weaponry, cloth, and chain within a span of 1,000 years!! Surely there must be an easier way, a place where he could post all this knowledge...

Traveling Within The World is meant to be such a place. A place for all of these artists to keep in touch and directly interact with their fellow geeks and re-enactment hobbyists, their clientele.

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