Thoughts For A Better Nation

During the course of the coming year I plan to use this space to put forth my ideas on how we can make Our Nation more responsive to the needs of its Citizens and a better stewardship over The Nation's Budget.  It is no secret that I am a Independent Candidate for the Tennessee 4th Congressional District in 2014 and this space will allow me to put forth my positions in plain English for interested voters to review.

Herb of The Day – Serpentwood

Herb of The Day – Serpentwood (Rauvolfia serpentine)

 

Serpentwood has a 4,000 year history of use in the treatment of snake and insect bites and other ailments.  It is not ornamental, aromatic, or palatable.  The only way to grow it in North America is in a greenhouse.  Yet this plant is the medical source for 30 medically significant alkaloids, most noticeably Reserpine which is used to treat high blood pressure.  In our look into the World of Herbs we will not only touch on the tasty and spicy, but those that provide the building blocks for better health.  In this case, Serpentwood is a pharmacy with roots.

Herb of The Day – Lady’s Bedstraw

Herb of The Day – Lady’s Bedstraw (Galium verum)

Historically, this plant along with Goose Grass has seen wide spread use as a bedding material.  Tradition suggests that it was this Herb that Mary used to line the manger for her newborn son.  Pillows stuffed with Lady’s Bedstraw are reported to help ease their user to sleep.  Another suggested use is as a soak for tired achy feet; both fresh and dried flower head are steeped in hot water for a soothing soak.  Although hot water is not an herb it is of and in itself a soothing soak.  I have not personally tried it as a soak.  Let’s go back to its oldest use, bedding; burlap bags stuffed with Lady’s Bedstraw and a small amount of dried Pyrethrum flowers makes the best dog bed ever.  Your pet will have the comfort of bedstraw and the flea, tick, and other insect repellent from the Pyrethrum.  Cultivation is by root division and seed.  The plant will quickly fill its allotted area.

 

 

Herb of The Day – Catnip

 

Herb of The Day – Catnip (Nepeta cataria)

Cats are not the only species attracted by this member of the mint family, people have enjoyed it for over 2000 years of history and undoubtedly prior to any written mention of the plant specifically.  Thanks to European colonization the plant is now distributed world-wide.  Tea made from the dried leaves and flowering heads has been suggested as a cure for most everything at some point in its history.  It does in fact work well as a digestive aid, and a sleeping aid.  Often catnip is mixed with peppermint, spearmint, and chamomile for a pleasant night cap tea.  Leaves sewn in a cloth bag also makes a great toy for your cat.  Fresh leaves, in moderation, can also make a trendy addition to a tossed salad.  Catnip more than any other mint species I have cultivated is invasive so care should be taken in choosing a site.  It does grow well in containers, but must be overwintered in a garden bed. It’s in ground planting site is sufficient in all but the harshest of winters.  Perennial

 

 

 

 

Herb of The Day – Cascara Sagrada [Buckthorn]

Herb of The Day – Cascara Sagrada [Buckthorn] (Rhamnus puriana)

This species of Buckthorn is found abundantly in the forests of Oregon, Washington, & British Columbia.  It’s Spanish name Cascara Sagrada means “sacred bark.”  Before commercial laxatives were readily available the bark of the Buckthorn was used by millions.  It works perfectly; no synthetic medicinal preparation can equal the mild and speedy action of Buckthorn.  The active ingredient(s) are two types of anthraquinone.  One increases the movement in the large intestine, while the other type, a sugar derivative, is absorbed in the digestive tract and acts to stimulate the nerves controlling the large intestine.  A mild one-two punch if you will.  I know of no culinary uses for this plant because of its laxative action.  The bark which can be stripped in the Spring and Fall must be aged for a year before it can be effectively used.  Slowly boil 1 teaspoon of bark in 1.5 pints of water for 30 minutes.  Allow to cool in a covered container.  Dose: Drink 1 Tablespoon of ‘cold’ solution per day as needed.

Herb of The Day - Bloodroot

Herb of The Day – Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis).

More than just a pretty flower, this herb was discovered by American Indians who used it for among other things to cure skin cancer.  Its effectiveness in helping to destroy skin cancer has been validated by modern medical research.  The plant got it’s common name due to the red-orange sap that flows from the plant if you pluck a leaf or cut a root.  This sap contains Sanguinarine which is the active ingredient, and can also be used as a dye for cloth or as ‘War Paint’ worn by The Lakota (Sioux) and other Native Americans.  It was The Lakota living along Lake Superior who first used the plant to treat skin cancer.

Happy Holidays

Here, I am not trying to be Politically Correct.  Rather, I am wishing you all a Happy Thanksgiving (now past), a very Merry Christmas, Happy Hanuka, and a Happy New Year!  I know that I missed a few holidays, but this will cover me for the next two months. :-)

Spring is around the corner

Hi,
I thought I might update the blog with my latest activities.  In addition to doing a photo-shoot at Brad Paisley's H2O Frozen Over finale at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville on 2/26, I have been hard at work getting my garden ready for Spring.  I have planted several 'cool weather' veggies and just generally sprucing up my mountaintop home land.

Uncle Rick's Hat

Life is sometimes a struggle,

But if you get a good grip and hold on fast you can overcome almost any obstacle in your path.  Nature proves that in many ways!  Do not despair or lament on your short-comings, or give up when the going gets tough.  Rather, rejoice in your triumphs and bask in the light of your successes!