Common Horsetail aka Equisetum arvense

 

I am working with common horsetail today. Equisetum arvense, aka "horsetail," is known for its high silica content, which supports bone health, strengthens connective tissue, and promotes the growth of hair, skin, and nails. While most allopathic (conventional) diuretics flush minerals, especially potassium, magnesium, and sodium, along with excess water, horsetail acts as a mild diuretic while replenishing minerals, particularly potassium and silica. 

It is frequently used for urinary tract infections, bladder irritation, and kidney stones. Its astringent and wound-healing properties also make it a good choice for healing wounds, controlling bleeding, and reducing inflammation when applied topically. It is sometimes used to help osteoporosis, arthritis, or brittle nails due to its ability to help the body utilize calcium more effectively. 

30+ years ago, one of my herbal medicine instructors taught me how she used horsetail to keep her long hair after 60! I learned that horsetail is an ingredient in some of the popular hair growth formulas. The high silica content helps fortify hair follicles and hair strands from breakage and splitting, contributes to collagen production for healthy skin and scalp, which leads to healthy hair growth, and is believed to increase blood flow to the scalp, which helps nourish hair follicles. It also has antioxidants that lower inflammation and oxidative stress, which can contribute to hair loss. 

Raw horsetail should not be taken continuously because it contains small amounts of an enzyme called thiaminase. Thiaminase breaks down vitamin B1 (thiamine), which hinders its absorption. Studies in grazing animals show that consuming green or dried horsetail at about 20 % of dietary intake can cause thiamine deficiency in 2–5 weeks. But hold on, heat and alcohol destroy thiaminase, so a tea, syrup, or properly made tincture will not have active thiaminase. It is still recommended you take a break for a week or two every 2-4 weeks. As always, do your own research and check for contraindications. -Wendy aka Mama Asbell

Garlic Mustard Alliaria petiolata

Garlic Mustard, Alliaria petiolata, is a wild edible you can forage. It should not be confused with look-alikes. It was frequently grown as a pot herb and can be eaten fresh in salads or added to dishes to add flavor. It has been used to treat scurvy (antiscorbutic). Some say it has higher vitamin C than oranges! It is helpful to asthmatics, can be used as an antiseptic, and can be used to treat wounds and bug bites. It can also induce sweating to help cleanse the body's pathways or combat a fever. It is also a vermifuge. You can boil the leaves and stems in water, allow the water to cool, and pour it over where there are earthworms. Because it irritates their skin, they will surface, making it easy for you to collect them and invite me to go fishing! :-D I foraged this plant on a mountain hike while camping in WV. The next morning, this plant went into our omelets along with some Canadian Wood Nettle.

Cleavers aka Galium aparine

Cleavers, Galium aparine, are known for their lymphatic, diuretic, and anti-inflammatory (cooling) properties. Research shows Galium aparine stimulates the transformation of lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell, indicating potential immune-enhancing and cancer-fighting properties.  Cleavers have been used in Western herbal medicine for centuries and are still highly valued. 

Some of the conditions it can be used for:  Swollen lymph nodes, tonsillitis, mastitis, lymphedema, eczema, psoriasis, acne, abscesses, minor wounds, general immune enhancement, possible support in cancer prevention, fatigue, toxin buildup, post-illness recovery, and has had some limited, less documented use for mild anxiety and irritability.

How to Detox from CT Scan Iodine

 It was asked in one of my groups, so I am sharing my answer here:

"Iodine contrast leaves the body in most people within 24-48 hours. In people with kidney issues, it can take two weeks. The iodine is excreted in urine, so plenty of hydration along with herbs that support the kidneys, liver, and lymphatic system. I recently had a CT. I used milk thistle and burdock root. Other good choices would be dandelion root, red clover, nettles, etc. I worked up a good sweat, have been eating plenty of fiber, and have been exercising. You can also treat the symptoms of your reaction (hives/rash-antihistamine herbs like nettle), but you should notify your doctor and let them know you are having a reaction, if you have not done so."

Bird Flu

I was asked if I would treat the bird flu the same as any influenza. This is my answer. -Wendy

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"The different ways the bird flu attacks the human body by "tricking" the immune system is very interesting. While the seasonal flu has mechanisms that moderate immune activation, the bird flu causes a dysregulated, hyperinflammatory response by bypassing normal immune checkpoints. In some ways it acts similarly to the Swine Flu.

The bird flu also directly infects endothelial cells/inner lining of the lung which can cause pulmonary edema and ARDS. And, it can reproduce in more organs besides the lungs which is why I think there are cases of organ failure.

For prevention, I'd do the normal things like avoiding crowds, washing hands, good nutrition, supplements, immune-stimulating herbs, staying hydrated, daily sunshine, exercise, etc.

For the early infection, I'd look to reduce the viral load, inhibit viral replication, regulate cytokine signaling, and work to protect the lungs. It depends on what is available, but Boneset, Chinese Skullcap, Quercetin, Green Tea, Turmeric with black pepper, Astragalus root, and licorice root are some I might consider.

Cytokine control and lung protection would be my concern as it progressed. I might go with Berberine, Andrographis, Black Seed Oil, Pomegranate peel or another rich tannin source.

If I saw symptoms of a cytokine storm starting, I'd use grape leaves. I save a couple of 5-gallon bucketfuls from my vines every year. The chickens, goats, and rabbits are happy to get what we don't use. Grape leaves contain resveratrol. Resveratrol is a powerful anti-inflammatory that can reduce the overproduction of cytokines. It is also an immune modulator and a strong anti-oxidant which will help protect tissue damage from inflammation.

I have chronic Epstein Barr Virus and frequently use L-lysine to get a handle on it when it reactivates in my system. Because of that, I am aware of how L-lysine limits L-arginine which is an amino acid that viruses need to thrive. It's pretty amazing to watch this work on a virus. So, I would probably use that during the first two phases.

During the convalescent phase, I'd be focused on healing the lung tissue and rebalancing the immune system. Again, Astragalus, Ginger, NAC, Licorice, and Turmeric with black pepper are options I might choose. -Wendy"

Alternative Cancer Treatment, Cytokine Storm Modulators Thread

On FB, I shared a post from a friend which was a headline of ivermectin, fenbendazole, and menbendazole being used for cancer. I have a feeling it will be flagged sooner or later. So...

I am putting a few of the comments here so people interested in taking charge of their own health can glean from it what they find useful.

One friend commented that is a shame no one told her about this while her boyfriend was fighting cancer. I replied:

"Doctors don't share it. I think it is more the medical industry as a whole than the doctors...the doctors are told what they can and can not use. If one chooses differently than their protocol, they are on their own and have to pay out of pocket. I know many who are going through this right now."

Another friend shared: "Dr. William Makis, MD has a wealth of knowledge on cancer treatments. I wish more people were open to effective alternative treatments." (Wendy's note: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-jg6FhqGl7M copy and paste. You can find other videos for Dr. Makis too.)

I responded: "Many aren't open to it. Ever since a few years ago, I have had more and more people seek me out...some who were very closed-minded about any and all forms of alt med."

Another friend shared he has used it in his dogs since the 90s. I replied: "Most people think it is only for animals. It has been used to treat parasites in people since at least the 70s. I read about the history in the 90s and remember Vietnam was mentioned in one article. It was/is used in adults and children. Besides parasites/cancer, it is also effective in calming cytokine storming. For anyone reading along, grape leaves can also calm a cytokine storm."

He stated he used it with the C germ and he was well in two days.

I shared: 

"I took it and it helped me.

I know of a woman whose sister was in such bad shape they had called the family in to say goodbye...and you know they were limiting visitors at this time, so it was bleak. The woman helped her sister with Iverm over the next few days, and her sister made a rapid and unexpected recovery. 

If one learns how to calm the cytokine storm, they can ease the suffering and increase survivability in a number of illnesses.

There is research showing that doxycycline with ivermectin combined are very effective.

Not Iverm related, but storming related: When Clint had the germ of a few years ago, he started having issues breathing. He was taking herbs. He'd get better and then go back down. The pulse ox showed his O2 levels were getting too low. I asked him to go to the ER to be checked out. They admitted him. Based on his lung scans, they said he was just starting with c-pneumonia and was going to go downhill. They predicted at least a 5-day stay, probably longer. They released him a little over 24 hours later and said they didn't know why, but he wasn't getting worse...he was getting better! His lung scans had improved in a big way. The herbs he was taking stopped the cytokine storming response." We learned a lot from this visit. 1. We confirmed C-germ diagnosis. 2. Scans showed what I suspected in his lungs. 3. Drs verified the pulse ox was correct. 4. We learned the herbs were working. I am as certain as I can be (without going through it again) that upping the dosage and frequency will work better. A long-time practicing clinical herbalist and naturopath have also agreed with me on this.

For those reading along who are interested in learning what natural things will suppress cytokine storming, research curcumin (chemical in Turmeric), luteolin (celery, broccoli, chrysanthemum, etc), peperine (black pepper), and resveratrol (Japanese Knotweed, Grape leaves, etc). Grape leaves contain resveratrol (and also some helpful flavonoids). People eat grape leaves in Greek dishes, so even the most hesitant person regarding plant medicine should feel comfortable giving them a try when needed. I harvest at least 2 5-gallon buckets of grape leaves and dry them every year. I grind some and put them into a mixed greens powder and use them in soups, stews, smoothies, capsules, etc. If we don't use all of the leaves I harvested, the rabbits and chickens enjoy them.

Also, for those following along, keep in mind: Dosages and frequency are important in herbal medicine. There are maintenance dosages and therapeutic dosages. Those dosages on the bottles on the shelves in stores, I call those "low liability" dosages. Most of the time, they are very low dosages. 

If herbal medicine has not worked for you in the past, it could be the diagnosis was off, the herbs were "dead," or the dosage/frequency was too low."

"For many of you, this one is probably in your yard or close by. Pine needles contain abundant resveratrol and other chemicals which also inhibit cytokine storms. They also inhibit cellular attachment and viral replication of coronaviruses like Covid-19. Pine needles also work very well against other respiratory viruses like colds and influenzas. Make sure you are using Pinus spp and not the Yew aka Taxus. As always, do your own research and make your own decisions."

A good starting point for research:

https://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&as_sdt=0%2C47&as_vis=1&q=ivermectin%2C+fenbendazole%2C+and+menbendazole+cancer+research&btnG= (copy and paste)

You can also search PubMed.

When reading research, it is important to understand WHO, HOW, and WHY. This may be helpful: 

Herbal Medicine, Research, and the Risk of Inference Errors: Why Context Matters https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3YlUfHcFxho (copy and paste)

Tramates Versicolor aka Turkey Tail Mushroom

 

I've been taking Trametes versicolor aka Turkey Tail Mushroom off and on longer than some of my children are old. A long time ago, I shared my usage of it along with other mushrooms for EBV with the now-late renowned herbalist Stephen Buhner. He put my results on his website so my experience could help others. 

This humble little mushroom is an immune modulator that bolsters our immune systems. It can lower blood sugar, support gut health, lower blood pressure, lower inflammation, protect the liver, promote wound healing, etc. It is taken along with ginko to protect brain health in Alzheimer's patients. It inhibits tumor growth and detoxifies the body. Called Yun Zhi, it has been and is used frequently in Chinese medicine. This fungus is available free if you know what to look for, where to find it, and how to make use of it.

There are no deadly look-alikes to Turkey Tail. Turkey tail is relatively easy to correctly ID if you know what to look for to rule out the others. I found mine growing on the side of a log in a forest. I harvested 1/3 of it and left the rest to keep growing which is the common practice for wildcrafting. When foraging anything, always learn about look-alikes which can be deadly. 

FYI: The second picture is what it looks like after I blend it with a little ethyl alcohol in my blender. I added more alcohol after that process which you see in the third picture. Why blend it? The blending macerates the marc (herb) so the menstruum (liquid) can extract more of the medicinal properties. Knowing the chemistry of which menstruum will extract what plant properties is a key to successful herbalism. 

Do your research and remember to check for contraindications for existing health issues you may have. Happy herbaling!

indigenous knowledge of native plant medicines Quote

"Over 200 drugs that have been or still are listed in the Pharmacopoeia of the United States or the National Formulary were first used by American Indians, but neither reference acknowledges this fact. Thus, the tremendous benefits we've derived from indigenous knowledge of native plant medicines go largely uncredited." M. Kat Anderson USDA NRCS

Pluchea odorata

 

Pluchea odorata aka Marsh Fleabane, a member of the Aster family, grows in areas with salt or brackish water...like in the yard of my home along the beautiful York River. It has many medicinal properties. It is an antispasmodic, diaphoretic, vulnery (heals wounds), antiseptic, vasodilator, mild stimulant, anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, antifungal, antiviral, etc. Research also shows it can disrupt cancer cell reproduction. In French traditional medicine, it is known as a cure-all. It is used in Central America to treat cancer. Some people do not like the medicinal smell, but I don't mind it. I've worked with some smelly herbs, and this one is pleasant in comparison. FYI, "odorata" in the name can mean a good smell or a bad one.

Willow to Aspirin

A lot of people know that aspirin was developed from Willlow aka Salix spp. If you use the inner bark as a tea, it can take six hours for the body to convert it to salicylic acid to give pain relief. However, the Native Americans figured out that if you burned the branches and leaves and made a tea from the ashes, the combination of the thermal breakdown and alkaline ash, sped up the conversion of salicin to salicylic acid. They would also inhale the smoke because inhalation is a faster delivery system than digestion.

One of my herbal medicine heroes...

Aunt Molly Kirby, as she was affectionately known by all, was the "doctor" to the people in the Coosa River area of Alabama. If it were not for her hiring and teaching a 7-year-old boy named Arthur Lee "Tommie" Bass, a lot of the knowledge of medicinal herbs would have been lost. She needed him because she was too old to climb the mountains to get the medicine. His education continued when he befriended a Cherokee woman who shared their medicine. He was hired by the pharmaceutical industry to get plants for their medicines and learned even more from that. It all started with Aunt Molly passing on her vast knowledge of how to help people with plants.

Magnolia Medicine

 

 

   

  

Magnolia virginina aka Sweet Bay Magnolia was widely used as medicine among Native Americans and early Americans. It is still used for various ailments today. You can find it for sale on the internet. Magnolia spp grows all around the world.

Tommie Bass, the now deceased highly sought-after Alabama herbalist, said more people came to him for Magnolia spp to treat arthritis, joint pain, and gout than any other plant. He said it did not work for everyone, but it did work for many. In fact, medical doctors in the early 1800s considered it a very effective treatment for rheumatism and arthritis.

The bark contains two polyphenols: magnolol and honokiol. Magnolol is an antihistamine. By reducing the histamine release, magnolol can help alleviate symptoms associated with allergies, such as inflammation, itching, and swelling. Magnolol supports the body's natural production of adrenal steroids which gives it antispasmodic effects. Honokiol is a muscle relaxer that appears to be five times more effective at relieving anxiety than some Rx medications. That's impressive!

Magnolol and honokiol relax bronchial muscles, making it easier to expel mucus, thus contributing to its expectorant properties. These help reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract, assisting with conditions like asthma or bronchitis. Magnolol and essential oils in Magnolia virginiana help stimulate the respiratory system to expel mucus. The alkaloids in the tree work as bronchodilators to ease breathing. These things can make it a good option for respiratory ailments.

The leaves are used as a vulnery meaning it helps heal wounds. The antimicrobial properties promote healing and prevent infection. The leaves were used as a poultice.

The Native Americans used the largest leaves of Magnolia to wrap their food. They also used the leaves as a spice to flavor their foods like gravies. The Rappahannock used it as a mild stimulant. The bark is a chief food for beavers, so it was also known as the Beaver Tree. In Japan, they use the leaves as a dish to grill foods on.

In China, Magnolia obovata, is used in over 200 patent medicines. One paper I read said many of the Chinese in America buy Magnolia bark and extracts available because they know how valuable the tree is for medicine. While you can use different species of Magnolia, the chemical compounds may vary by species.

One of my favorite quotes on herbal medicine...

I listened to and took notes on a recording of Tommie Bass. He said the following, and it capture exactly how I feel about herbal medicine. 

"If I went into telling you every medical value of every plant and herb, there wouldn't be a [video] tape long enough to hold all the good values of the herbs God gave us to heal us and keep us healthy." Tommie Bass 1908-1996 He is worth researching and so is Aunt Molly Kirby, the medicine woman who started his education.

Asters

I spent yesterday morning foraging and the rest of the day preparing what I harvested for drying. I found salt marsh and frost asters at my place. I took a drive to a forest I am allowed to go into and found calico asters on the edges of trails. I was pretty tickled to find that! I harvested over a bushel of four different varieties of asters for making tea from the leaves and flowers. The leaves are full of nutrition and can be eaten in salads or soups. Asters can treat digestive issues, fevers, earaches, and more. The New England Aster is highly sought by herbalists and tea lovers because it is nervine and calmative which can help with anxiety, panic attacks, and insomnia.

Prunella vulgaris

Prunella vulgaris aka Selfheal, Heal All, is one of the more versatile plants to have in your arsenal and many cultures have made good use of it. In some areas, it grows as commonly in yards as the dandelion. It can be used internally and externally. It is antibacterial, antibiotic, antimutagenic, antioxidant, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antiviral, astringent, bitter, carminative, diuretic, febrifuge, hemostatic, hypotensive, immunostimulant, kidney tonic, liver stimulant, stomachic, vasodilator, vermifuge and more. This is a very useful herb to know and grow. As with any herb, always research look-alikes and learn to properly identify, and learn any contraindications.

Goldenrod Better For You than Green Tea

Today's foraging harvest was goldenrod. My girls learned from me as we harvested and prepared it. Goldenrod is NOT what gives you allergies. It is insect-pollinated (heavy, sticky pollen). It is ragweed and other wind-pollinated plants that cause hayfever, etc. Goldenrod HELPS allergies. It also treats pain, sore muscles, colds, flu, and contains powerful saponins and antioxidants that we need for good health. Goldenrod tea is higher in antioxidants than vitamin C and green tea. The flowers and leaves can be used for tea, linaments, oil infusions, tinctures, etc. The tender leaves in the spring can be used in a salad or soups. Goldenrod is anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, and has some antibacterial properties. It has been used for diabetes, enlarged prostates, liver problems, gout, arthritis, muscle strains and sprains, skin wounds, fungal infections, kidney issues, etc. It took us 30 minutes to pick and prepare enough of this natural medicine to last us a couple of years. We made a linament and a tincture. I have more drying in my attic for teas and a salve that I will make at a later date.

What I do for sinus and ear infections...

I wrote this for a friend who has an entire family sick with sinus/ear infections. I am not a medical doctor, but I am an experienced certified medicinal herbalist mother of seven who uses natural medicine extensively for our family, pets, and livestock. Use my method at your own risk. My love to all!

"If xxx can handle the sinus rinsing, she can do 1.5 to 2 saline packets (it burns sometimes, but it kills the crud and pulls it out) with 5 drops of tea tree oil (which is antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal). We also use garlic juice which has the same properties. Grapefruit seed extract can also be used. 

If the salt dries her passages out, Xlear makes one with xylitol. That moisturizes the sinuses and the xylitol also has antimicrobial properties. 

It can take a few days of consistent rinsing if the infection has gone on for a while. It also helps reduce the congestion so I can sleep for a while. 

I have children who can not handle the sinus rinsing. They lay face up with their head hanging off the edge of the bed a little, drip drops of the saline + tea tree oil into their sinuses, and let it work its way through. 

We rinse (or do the drip method) 4-5 times a day at first and then keep doing it at least once a day 2-3 days past when we are breathing easier. I never need to use antibiotics for family sinus infections because this always clears them up. 

Garlic juice can be dripped into the ear to help that too. 

I dislike the sinus rinsing. It is abnormal, but it works, so I do it. The more I have done it, the easier it has become."

Heating Pad Thieves (How I am treating my injured knee at home)

Pretty Penny the Poodle, and Marty the 13.75-year-old rescued Chihuahua who has enjoyed her nearly four years of being free from a crate.

I got up for less than a minute, and these two took the opportunity to steal the heating pad!

I slipped in mud while carrying two cattle panels across a steep ditch earlier this month. My knee grew as big as a softball, but it is responding very well to what I am doing for it. From online medical diagnosis flow charts and talking with my friends who are nurses, I believe I have a torn meniscus. If it was not responding to what I am doing for it, I would go to a doctor for imaging. 

Btw, I am not anti-doctor as some claim. I am anti-germy doctor's offices. Many years ago, I grew very tired of coming home with confirmation of what I had already figured the issue was plus something "extra" that ran through my family. 

I am almost always contacted and asked how I am treating something at home. The following is to answer that question, but remember I am not a medical doctor. With that in the forefront of your mind, this is how I am treating my knee injury at home. I took triple the doses of an OTC joint formula. A doctor shared years ago that this can be done for a week for most people. Two days of that and rest really helped with the pain level. Half of the inflammation is still there, so I am using castor oil spread around the joint wrapped in plastic wrap with a heating pad to reduce it. At night, I use my comfrey salve and wrap it with plastic to keep it from ruining my sheets. I use a heating pad on it for at least an hour at night. I have a vibrating heating knee brace I can wear too. This helps stimulate blood flow which helps speed healing. #amazonaffiliate "As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.” 

Just so ya know, when I took the heating pad back to treat my knee, I was given some very dirty canine looks! :-)

Mushroom: Russula emetica aka The Sickener

I have used mushroom tinctures off and on for 20+ years. I have also been learning to identify the ones that grow near my home. While I do not know a great deal about mycology, I know not to sample these pretty ones. Both the scientific and common names tell you exactly what to expect. Emily found this one in our forest.

Kombucha Making Station

My house stays too cool for the kombucha to ferment.

To get around that, I put my 1-gallon glass jars on a continuous-run (no auto shut off) heating pad which is set on low.

I added the thermometers to the jars so I could keep an eye on the temperature.