Toothache Plant (Spilanthes acmella) UPDATED PICS!

My Spilanthes seeds are finally coming up nicely. I was beginning to think I'd dreamed the whole Planting of the Spilanthes, but there they are, nice as pie, and thriving (so far).

A member of the Asteraceae family, Spilanthes acmella is an East Indian tropical native (USDA Zone 10-11!) but I'm giving her a try here in Zone 7 anyway, with a strong feeling she will behave as an annual. Normally she should be spaced 24 to 30 inches and should reach somewhere between 12 and 15 inches in height. I've babied her like no other plant in my garden, and so far so good. Once again in my seed paranoia I planted way too many, so I've also thinned her several times and plan to try and transplant some of the babies on the next round. We'll just have to see how that goes. She's reported to enjoy high humidity and regular watering in well-drained soil, so planting her in one of my raised beds in this crazy Alabama weather is definitely in our favor! She blooms all summer into early fall, loves full sun, is heat and frost tolerant, and requires only low maintenance {two thumbs up!}. I bought my Spilanthes seeds (along with a whole bunch of other herbs) from www.sandmountainherbs.com.

Her common name is a dead giveaway, but here goes anyway! Chewing the flower buds and/or leaves (which have a peppery flavor) produces a numbing effect that can ease toothaches and gum pain. I once heard Rosemary Gladstar say in a live webcast that Spilanthes is her favorite herb for teething babies, and tooth pain in general. It also stimulates the salivary glands to produce more saliva, and may function as a simple tonic for healthy gums. I have some guinea pigs ... I mean family members who suffer from gum disease, so they're going to be trying Spilanthes this year! :D

Harvest Spilanthes leaves and flower buds as needed. The dried flower buds are great in teas! I like to use a 1:1 mix of catnip and spilanthes tea for fussy, teething babies and children. It's not too shabby as a mild sedative for worn out parents, either. It's also yummy with Lemon Balm and Ginger.

A Spilanthes tincture is said to ease toothache from a decayed tooth with remarkable efficiency!

Here's some info on Spilanthes I snatched from www.mountainroseherbs.com: A mouth rinse of spilanthes extract can be used daily to promote gum health, and chewing as little as a single bud of the plant can numb the mouth and reduce the pain of toothache for up to 20 minutes depending on the sensitivity of the person. The most promising research into the use of spilanthes, though, is in its antibacterial properties. So far, in vitro testing has shown that the plant's extract has strong effect against E.coli, pseudomonas, salmonella, klebsiella pneumonae and staphylococcus albus (sorry, no link for that one .. you'll have to google it), as well as inhibiting the growth of candida albicans.

I think that's one very interesting and beautiful flower, don't you? I wish I could mail out some of my extra plants to my readers, but I just don't think she'd make the trip. I'm sure I can find some locals to share with!

POST ADDITION!

08/03/08

I've recently started a jar of Spilanthes tincture and thought I'd share my method with you in case you're curious: Loosely fill a glass jar (I am tincturing a pint of spilanthes but do use quarts sometimes for tinctures, especially yarrow) with "arial", or above-ground Spilanthes plant material (leaves, stems, blooms) and cover with 100 proof vodka. Cap and label, then wait six weeks. Strain (or don't, it's up to you), and your tincture is ready for use! Besides being a famous toothache remedy, Spilanthes tincture enhances immune system function and is anti-fungal, anti-bacterial & is used to treat candida.

I did take a bite out of one, though, and joyously report that it did, in fact, numb my mouth! :D

Making Herbal Tea

I thought you might enjoy (and benefit from!) this video of one of my very favorite herbslists, John Gallagher of www.learningherbs.com, teaching how to make herbal tea from his own kitchen! Enjoy!

Stop! Thief!

Say, what's that there in your mouth, big fella?

I've been missing eggs now for over a week, and I've thought my hens were striking. So here we have two scenarios:

1. The snake was eating the eggs, and
2. The hens went to lay elsewhere or just said "Screw this," because there was a freakin' SNAKE in their nests. If I came into work every day to find a snake in my chair, I'd strike, too. Wouldn't you?

If you're worried about what happened to the snake, stop reading right now!

I really hate to say it, but I called my brother-in-law to come dispatch the intruder. He said it was a "chicken snake" (a pretty generic term for non-poisonous snakes - a.k.a. rat snakes - who loiter around farms killing mice and stealing eggs) but wasn't interested in the whole catch-and-release procedure. I'm sure the snake was doing a fine job keeping the mouse population under control (I would have gladly let him stay if he'd left my eggs alone), but I'm not keeping hens for reptile food production, and we have another setter just two nests down from where I found him. She should be hatching soon - maybe this weekend (I'll post pics!) - so I just couldn't take the chance. :(

Transatlantic Sessions

"Originally recorded for a BBC television program ... this collection of modern and traditional acoustic music celebrates the Scots-Irish influence on both sides of the big pond with charm, grace, and melancholic beauty." ~Alanna Nash

I will be posting other Transatlantic Sessions featuring different performers, as well as miscellaneous other music and video clips from time to time. Darrell Scott just happens to be one of my all time favorites. Enjoy!

You'll Never Leave Harlan Alive, with Darrell Scott and Karen Matheson

How To Make Your Own Herbal Preparations

Here you will find a few simple, easy-to-follow instructions for creating your own indispensable herbal preparations at home. Please remember that these are basic recipes and can be personalized, modified, or otherwise tweaked to your heart's content. You have some friends out there in your yard who are just waiting to help make you feel better, so have fun educating yourself on your local plant life and get to work!

Have you ever read about using an herb and wondered what the words infusion, decoction, or tincture meant? Have you thought about making your own remedies but don't know where to start? All natural, herbal rememdies need not be expensive or hard to make. With a few basic tools and ingredients and the right instructions, you can easily make fresh, effective preparations at home that you'll feel good about. Remember that many medicinal plants can also be eaten! Herbs will prevent sickness as well as assist with illness if they are used in the daily diet.

It is true that many medicinal plants taste unpleasant. Many also require an extraction method to draw out their active constituents. This is where preparations are invaluable! As you will see, the methods are not as difficult as they sound. Remember to never use aluminum ware when preparing any herbal medicine. Aluminum can react with the chemicals in the herb and affect the end product. It is also known to accumulate in the body over time and has been implicated in Alzheimer’s disease. Use stainless steel, Pyrex, earthenware, or enamel, free from chips and cracks.

Safety first! Only buy herbs from trusted, reputable, reliable sources, and always check botanical plant names to be sure you are buying the correct plant material. Many different plants share the same common names. Start with simples, or one herb at a time, before trying herbal combinations. This makes it much easier to eliminate herbs you might be allergic or sensitive to, or those you might simply dislike. It will be very difficult to pinpoint an herbal allergy from a tea containing five different herbs! Do your homework and make intelligent, informed choices. Organic is best. If you are wildharvesting, remember this: Never harvest from roadsides where plants have been contaminated by vehicle exhaust and road maintenance weed killers, and harvest ethically by never taking all of one plant species from any location. Leave some for Mother Nature and for others.

If you are using fresh herbs in your preparations, double the quantity of the amount stated for dried herb(s). Water used in herbal preparations should be free from fluoride and chlorine. Make sure you have a small accurate scale on hand when making herbal preparations.

TEAS

Whether for health or simple pleasure, herbal teas are gentle, soothing, beneficial, and enjoyable any time of day. They are also a wonderful substitute for caffienated colas and coffee. Mix flavors and have fun creating your own blend!

Basic Tea Recipe

1 T. dried herbs

½ pint water

Place herbs into a clean non-reactive metal or enamel pot with a lid. Bring water to a boil. Turn off the heat and pour the water over the herb(s). Cover the pot and let steep for 5 to 10 minutes. Strain in a non-aluminum strainer and drink. Honey, lemon, or milk can be added if desired.


INFUSIONS

An infusion is stronger than a tea and will extract glycosides, alkaloid salts, and water-soluble vitamins. Infusions are intended for immediate use. Store for a maximum of 24 hours in a cool place. Nourishing herbs packed with vitamins and minerals and perfect for infusions include oatstraw, nettle leaf and red raspberry leaf.

Basic Infusion Recipe

1 oz of dried herbs

1 pint boiling water

Pour water of herbs. Steep for 10 to 20 minutes then strain and drink. Sweeten if needed.

DECOCTIONS

This method is used for hard woody substances such as roots, bark, and stems whose constituents are water soluble and non-volatile. Decoctions are intended for immediate use. Store for a maximum of 72 hours in a very cool place. Decoctions extract mainly mineral salts and bitter principles.

Basic Decoction Recipe

1 oz of dried herb or root

1 pint water

Cut or crush herb or root and add to water. Simmer with the lid off until the volume of water is reduced by ¼, so ¾ of a pint remains. Cool, strain, and take in divided doses according to the herb’s use. Sweeten if needed.

TINCTURES

Tinctures extract the chemical constituents in alcohol, cider vinegar (white vinegar is synthetic and defeats the purpose, I think), or vegetable glycerin. Alcohol is most effective and therefore the most commonly used. Vinegar or vegetable glycerin can be used where there is a reason not to use alcohol, such as for children. Tinctures are invaluable, as water will retrieve only some of the medicinal properties. You can certainly use 90% or higher alcohol for any tincture, but to save money, find out the required alcohol concentration for each herb. For example, garlic requires only 25% alcohol, while Chaste Tree berries require 75%.

Tinctures are extremely useful, quick, easy, simple to dispense, and will last indefinitely if stored correctly. They are also great for when an infusion or decoction is too bitter to drink.

Basic Tincture Recipe

1 to 2 oz of powdered or chopped herb

1 pint of alcohol such as vodka or Everclear, or cider vinegar, or vegetable glycerin

Mix herb with liquid. Keep the tincture in a tightly closed jar in a warm spot (but not in the sun), for approximately 2 weeks. Shake the tincture 2 to 3 times every day. Strain through a coffee filter, folded cheesecloth, or muslin. You may need to strain your tincture two or even three times to remove all the herb.

Store your tincture in a dark bottle or cabinet. Half a pint of tincture should equal the medicinal potency of 1 oz of the fresh herb, so approx. 1 t. will equal the medicinal strength of 1 cup of infusion. Dilute at least 1 t. of tincture in ¼ cup of water.

Another tincture formula is to add 1 part herb to 5 parts of alcohol.

POULTICES

A poultice is an effective way of applying herbs directly to the skin. The fresh leaves can be bruised and mashed, or powdered or dried herbs can be used. Pour over just enough boiling water to wet the mixture. Ground linseed, white bread, or bran can be added to give the poultice bulk and help retain the warmth. Apply the mixture wrapped in a cloth (cheesecloth, old cotton sheet sections, etc.) over the area and cover with another hot, wet cloth. Replace the cloth with another when it cools. Repeat this process keeping the poultice hot. Poultices are useful for drawing inflammation to the surface or easing painful joints. Wash the poulticed area with chamomile infusion to ease any inflammation.

SYRUP

Syrups are very useful for cough mixtures.

Basic Syrup Recipe
1 pint decoction of herb of your choice

1 cup honey

Vegetable glycerin, for preservation (optional)

Prepare your decoction of choice. Add honey to decoction and simmer 10 minutes. Vegetable glycerin can be added to help preserve the syrup using 4 T. of glycerin to every 8 T. of syrup. Honey has some natural preservative action of its own.

OINTMENTS AND SALVES


This is a useful method of applying herbs topically. The herb is held in suspension and a certain amount of absorption of active constituents occurs through the skin. The ingredients making up the bulk of the ointment can also have therapeutic value. For example, beeswax has natural antibacterial properties.

Basic Ointment/Salve Recipe

4 oz good quality cold-pressed oil (olive, sweet almond, etc.)

½ oz bees wax

8 oz fresh herb(s) or 4 oz dried herb(s)

Slowly heat oil over a pot of hot water or in a double boiler over med-low to low heat. Add herbs and heat gently for ½ to ¾ of an hour. Do not allow the oil to boil; it can cause your infusion to lose important healing properties. (If you do allow it to boil, carefully discard the oil and start over.) Strain through muslin or cheesecloth, squeezing the herb to extract all the oil, being careful not to burn yourself. Add the beeswax, varying the amount depending on how firm the final ointment needs to be, and stir gently until the wax is melted. Pour into sterile, labeled jars and cool before putting on the lid.

Note: Tinctures or essential oils can be used instead of the fresh or dried herbs. Use 1 ½ t of tincture or oil to 4 oz of oil, stir before pouring tincture into sterile jars, so the tincture does not settle on the bottom.

HYGIENE

Cleanliness is important when preparing herbs for medicines, particularly if you intend to store the preparation. Sterilize all jars and bottles. This can be done by boiling them and their lids separately for 20 minutes or putting them in an oven and heating them to 350 F for one hour.

Don't let any of the recipes daunt you; they are much easier than they look. You'll be surprised how much fun it is to make your own remedies, and practice makes perfect!

Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only! I am not responsible for any accidents, miscalculations, or other mishaps whatsoever that may occur from your own herbal preparations. Be smart! Be safe!

Herbs for Arthritis

I'm feeling particularly lazy as of late, so I'm just going to (once again) copy and paste something I've already written on the subject of treating arthritis naturally. I believe poor nutrition is at the root of almost every health problem today, and never recommend any herb or natural treatment as a "cure all" or "quick fix". The foundation of good herbalism is treating people as a whole and providing good, current information (as current as possible .. sometimes it seems herbal info changes daily) and guidance to positively change your *lifestyle* in the name of overall good health. If your diet is awful and you aren't properly hydrated, then I would be suprised if you weren't having some problems. Many people treat their animals better than they do themselves. Think about it. Would you get a puppy and feed him sugary sweets and Big Macs, and never give him water? Why do we do this to ourselves? Doesn't make sense, does it?

Anyway, here is the pasted information. There's a lot of it, but don't let it scare you. There are a lot of herbs out there and many, many different natural therapies for just about whatever ails you. Unfortunately, the same things don't always work for everyone, so there may be some trial and error in store for you. It's worth it. It's also worth your trouble to find a good local, professional herbalist or natural health practitioner (your local chiropractor might have some suggestions) and have an evaluation. You didn't ruin your health overnight, and you aren't going to 'fix' it overnight, either.

The best nutrition is found in whole, properly cooked foods, but if you’re like most Americans and aren’t eating a balanced, healthy diet, then supplementation might be for you. Only buy fresh supplements with no added dyes, flavors, stimulants, etc., from reliable, reputable sources. It is also important to note that more does not mean better, and natural does not mean safe! Take recommended daily doses of vitamins and supplements only unless advised otherwise by your trusted healthcare professional. Become and remain vigilant about monitoring what you put into that body of yours. It’s the only one you have.

Poor nutrition isn’t just a third world problem. Most of us find it difficult in this hectic day and age to pay close attention to what we are consuming, especially when we can drive through for fast food or open a box and have dinner in minutes. Regardless, a proper diet including good fats, adequate protein and the vitamins, minerals, and complex carbohydrates found in vegetables and whole grains has proven to be successful in treating many diseases, including each type of arthritis. I also cannot say enough about the importance of an adequate, clean water intake. At least 64 oz every day will decrease fluid retention (oh yes it will) and help with inflammation and increase important (good) fluids surrounding joints, easing movement (among a host of other dramatic health improvements it provides).

According to The Complete Guide To Natural Healing, toxins absorbed from the intestines promote joint inflammation. In cases of food allergies or intolerances, intestinal irritations and malnutrition, foods are not fully digested, and the intestinal lining begins to "leak" toxins, allergens and partially digested proteins into the bloodstream. Here are some guidelines to prevent this from occurring:

**Avoid constipation.

**Support the growth of beneficial bacteria with acidophilus supplements.

**Eat a high-fiber diet low in commercial, non-organic animal products, chemical additives and pesticide-treated foods.

**Avoid any foods that cause adverse reactions.

**Consider taking herbs that support liver function, including licorice, burdock, milk thistle, and red clover, and herbs that aid the intestines, including peppermint, aloe vera, alfalfa, ginger and marsh mallow.

**For some, an enema can reduce pain by releasing toxins and buffering intestinal acids. Discuss this with your healthcare professional. Hyperacidity, in addition to intestinal toxins, has been linked to acute inflammations. Try an enema using 2 cups of clean water. Or, combine 1 qt. of clean water or fresh, warm chamomile tea with 1 tbsp. of sodium bicarbonate (never use an enema if you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant without consulting your physician!).

Try eliminating nightshade plants, including peppers, tomatoes, eggplant and potatoes from your diet to make sure you aren’t sensitive to them. Foods affect arthritis symptoms differently from person to person so it is worth the effort to discover if any of them are causing symptomatic flare-ups for you.

Also try systematically eliminating refined, processed sugars and flours. Eliminate each suspect food for about six weeks to determine if there are any symptom changes. Record your progress.

If you are not pepper-sensitive, regular use of cayenne pepper in the diet has been shown to ease arthritic pain.

Herbs and Herbal Teas for Arthritis (my next post will be "How To Make Your Own Herbal Preparations" with instructions on making herbal teas.)

~Stinging Nettle a.k.a. Nettle, or Common Nettle (Urtica dioica): Rich in vitamins and minerals including Vitamin A, Vitamin C, potassium, calcium, sulfur and magnesium, Stinging Nettle has many anti-inflammatory effects. It also helps the kidneys excrete uric acid, which builds up in cases of gout. Drink at least 3 cups daily. Nettle tea may be drunk long term.
~Alfalfa a.k.a Lucerne (Medicago saliva): Literally packed with nutrients; vitamins, minerals, proteins and good fats for increased overall health.
~Chickweed (Stellaria media): A very mild, gentle laxative which aids in overall cleansing of the body.
~Devil's Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens): An anti-inflammatory, analgesic, digestive stimulant.
~Horsetail (Equisetum arvense): Contains silica, vital in rebuilding bone and strengthening and regenerating connective tissue. Simmer 2 teaspoons of dried horsetail in 1 cup of water for about 15 minutes. Drink 2-3 cups a day.
~White Willow Bark (Salix alba): Contains salicin, a natural pain reliever which is used to make aspirin, but does not irritate the stomach.
~Wild Yam Root (Dioscorea villosa): Is an anti-inflammatory and can help reduce pain. It also has mild diuretic properties to gently cleanse the body of toxins and waste.
~Yucca: Contains saponins which help aid digestion. An impaired digestive system may result in excess histamine production, which may leads to increased inflammation and pain in some people.

Bromelaine is an anti-inflammatory food enzyme from the pineapple plant. Also available in pill form, bromelaine is good for pain reduction and has been shown to help with connective tissue disorders over time.

Boswellin (Boswellia serrata) is a natural and safe herb for optimum joint health. Also available in pill form, it contains the active constituent Boswellic Acid, a pyrazoline derivative shown to be very effective in supporting healthy joints.

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center website (www.umm.edu), Omega 3Fatty Acids from natural sources like fish (such as tuna or salmon, twice a week), broccoli, spinach, kale, roasted walnuts and pumpkin seeds, and seaweed eaten regularly can reduce inflammation and increase blood flow. Omega 3s may also be found in fresh, high-quality, certified mercury-free supplements. Rancid fish oil has been scientifically linked to serious health problems.

Vitamin C helps repair and maintain cartilage and bones, but PLEASE NOTE: Study results appearing in the June 2004 issue of Arthritis & Rheumatism showed that the long-term use of supplemental Vitamin C may worsen the severity of osteoarthritis (a different disease process than rheumatoid arthritis) of the knee. Osteoarthritis sufferers should never take more than the daily recommended dose of Vitamin C. Good sources of Vitamin C are broccoli, cantaloupe, grapefruit, green bell peppers, fresh orange juice, oranges, red peppers, strawberries, tomatoes, tropical fruit juices, and tropical fruits such as papaya and mango. Keep in mind that the Vitamin C in your fresh squeezed orange juice is susceptible to oxidation, so only squeeze as much as you’re going to drink immediately.

Vitamin A is an antioxidant and helps with bone formation. Foods containing Vitamin A include eggs, milk, butter, sweet potatoes, canned pumpkin, raw carrots, cantaloupe, mango, spinach, broccoli, kale, collards, and butternut squash.

Vitamin E is an antioxidant reportedly as effective in long term pain relief as NSAIDS (Advil, Ibuprofen). Food sources include dry roasted nuts, olive oil, avocado, peanut butter and fortified cereals. PLEASE NOTE: If you have high blood pressure or are taking blood thinners/anticoagulants, be sure to consult your physician before starting supplemental doses of Vitamin E.

According to Dr. John M. Ellis, the master vitamin in processing amino acids, B6, helps to support the structure and function of the muscles. Vitamin B6 has also been shown to be effective in relieving the pain, stiffness and locking of finger joints. Foods rich in Vitamin B6 include fish, meats, poultry, avocados, and bananas.

Make sure you get folic acid, also known as folate, or Vitamin B9, every day. Good sources of folic acid are: dried peas and beans, oranges, orange juice, green vegetables, and whole grains.
Vitamin B12 helps to maintain a healthy blood supply and stimulates osteoblasts, a type of bone cell that generates not red blood cells but bone. You can meet the Recommended Daily Allowance mainly by consuming foods with added B12 (such as low sugar fortified cereals) or by taking a supplement containing B12. B12 in crystalline form (look for the word “cyanocobalamin” on the supplement label), is better absorbed.

Glucosamine Sulfate (GS) is a naturally exisisting amino sugar important in the biochemical synthesis of glycosylated proteins and lipids (glycosaminoglycans, which are a major component of joint cartilage). GS improves flexibility of joints, rebuilds lost cartilage, prevents further deterioration of joints, alleviates stiffness & is scientifically tested. It generally takes about 3 months to notice progress and up to 6 months for real benefit, so be persistent. Liquid form (if you can find it) is best. Look for “Glucosamine HCL” or “Glucosamine Sulfate” on the package. Since glucosamine is usually derived from shellfish, those allergic to shellfish may wish to avoid it.

MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) is an organic sulfur compound which occurs naturally in some primitive plants and is present in small amounts in many foods and beverages. MSM supplies sulfur and in a double blind study showed that patients with osteoarthritis found pain relief within 6 weeks.

Chondrointin Sulfate rebuilds cartilage and eases joint discomfort.

Manganese Ascorbate is a mineral essential to forming connective tissue/cartilage, and helps keep bones strong.

Spending time in water relieves strain on joints! Swimming, water aerobics and aqua jogging (running in water) are very effective for any type of arthritis. They can restore joint mobility and help you lose weight (and reduce any unnecessary load on your joints) if you are overweight.

One of the secrets to any natural therapy is patience and persistence, which is why they don't work for those who expect immediate results and give up too soon. It often takes weeks or even months to see results, but in the long run you will be making positive changes in your health and saving money.


***This information is for educational purposes only and not meant to prescribe, diagnose, treat or prevent any disease. It should not substitute the advice or recommendations of your physician or health professional, nor should it replace prescription medications without proper supervision. You are encouraged to seek professional medical advice from a qualified medical practitioner, naturopath or local professional herbalist before making dietary changes or beginning a new supplement program.