School for Spiritually Gifted

06/22/2024

04/30/2024

Burdock

Burdock has been used for centuries to treat a variety of ailments. Traditionally, it has been used as a:

"Blood purifier" to clear the bloodstream of toxins
Diuretic to help eliminate excess water by increasing urine output
Topical remedy for skin problems such as eczema, acne, and psoriasis
Medicinal uses of burdock have also been reported, in treating chronic diseases, such as cancers, diabetes, and AIDS.

Extracts of burdock root are found in a variety of herbal preparations, as well as homeopathic remedies. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), burdock is often used with other herbs for sore throat and colds.

In Japan and some parts of Europe, burdock is eaten as a vegetable. Burdock contains inulin, a natural dietary fiber, and is also used to improve digestion. As a root vegetable, it possesses considerably stronger antioxidant activity than common vegetables and fruits. In fact, recent studies confirm that burdock has prebiotic properties that could improve health.

Despite the fact that burdock has been used for centuries to treat a variety of conditions, few scientific studies have examined its effects. Preliminary studies suggest topical application of burdock leaves may help treat burns.

Plant Description
Burdock is native to Europe and Northern Asia, and is now widespread throughout the United States, where it grows as a w**d. In Japan and parts of Europe, it is cultivated as a vegetable.

A member of the daisy family, burdock is a stout, common w**d with burrs that stick to clothing or animal fur. The plant grows to a height of about 3 to 4 feet. It has purple flowers that bloom between the months of June and October. Burdock has wavy, heart-shaped leaves that are green on top and whitish on the bottom. The deep roots, which are used medicinally, are brownish-green, or nearly black on the outside.

What is It Made Of?
Burdock consists primarily of carbohydrates, volatile oils, plant sterols, tannins, and fatty oils. Researchers are not sure which active ingredients in burdock root are responsible for its healing properties. But the herb may have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial effects. Recent studies show that burdock contains phenolic acids, quercetin, and luteolin, which are all powerful antioxidants.

Available Forms
Burdock products consist of fresh or dried roots. Burdock supplements can be purchased in different forms, such as:

Dried root powder
Decoctions (liquid made by boiling down the herb in water)
Tinctures (a solution of the herb in alcohol, or water and alcohol)
Fluid extracts

04/30/2024

Stinging Nettle

Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica and the closely related Urtica urens) has a long medicinal history. In medieval Europe, it was used as a diuretic (to rid the body of excess water) and to treat joint pain.

Stinging nettle has fine hairs on the leaves and stems that contain irritating chemicals, which are released when the plant comes in contact with the skin. The hairs, or spines, of the stinging nettle are normally very painful to the touch. When they come into contact with a painful area of the body, however, they can actually decrease the original pain. Scientists think nettle does this by reducing levels of inflammatory chemicals in the body, and by interfering with the way the body transmits pain signals.

General Uses
Stinging nettle has been used for hundreds of years to treat painful muscles and joints, eczema, arthritis, gout, and anemia. Today, many people use it to treat urinary problems during the early stages of an enlarged prostate (called benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH). It is also used for urinary tract infections, hay fever (allergic rhinitis), or in compresses or creams for treating joint pain, sprains and strains, tendonitis, and insect bites.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
Stinging nettle root is used widely in Europe to treat BPH. Studies in people suggest that stinging nettle, in combination with other herbs (especially saw palmetto), may be effective at relieving symptoms such as reduced urinary flow, incomplete emptying of the bladder, post urination dripping, and the constant urge to urinate. These symptoms are caused by the enlarged prostate gland pressing on the urethra (the tube that empties urine from the bladder). Some studies suggest that stinging nettle is comparable to finasteride (a medication commonly prescribed for BPH) in slowing the growth of certain prostate cells. However, unlike finasteride, the herb does not decrease prostate size. Scientists aren't sure why nettle root reduces symptoms. It may be because it contains chemicals that affect hormones (including testosterone and estrogen), or because it acts directly on prostate cells. It is important to work with a doctor to treat BPH, and to make sure you have a proper diagnosis to rule out prostate cancer.

Osteoarthritis
The leaves and stems of nettle have been used historically to treat arthritis and relieve sore muscles. While studies have been small, they suggest that some people find relief from joint pain by applying nettle leaf topically to the painful area. Other studies show that taking an oral extract of stinging nettle, along with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), helps people reduce their NSAID dose.

Hay fever
One preliminary human study suggested that nettle capsules helped reduce sneezing and itching in people with hay fever. In another study, 57% of patients rated nettles as effective in relieving allergies, and 48% said that nettles were more effective than allergy medications they had used previously. Researchers think that may be due to nettle's ability to reduce the amount of histamine the body produces in response to an allergen. More studies are needed to confirm nettle's antihistamine properties. Some doctors recommend taking a freeze-dried preparation of stinging nettle well before hay fever season starts.

Other
Preliminary animal studies indicate that nettle may lower blood sugar and blood pressure. However, more research is needed to determine whether this is also true in humans.

Plant Description
Stinging nettle is the name given to common nettle, garden nettle, and hybrids of these plants. Originally from the colder regions of northern Europe and Asia, this herbaceous shrub grows all over the world today. Stinging nettle grows well in nitrogen-rich soil, blooms between June and September, and usually reaches 2 to 4 feet high.

Stems are upright and rigid. Leaves are heart shaped, finely toothed, and tapered at the ends, and flowers are yellow or pink. The entire plant is covered with tiny stiff hairs, mostly on the underside of the leaves and stem, that release stinging chemicals when touched.

What's It Made Of?
Stinging nettle products are usually made from the leaves and stems, and sometimes the roots. Root preparations are used to relieve symptoms of BPH.

Available Forms
Stinging nettle is available as dried leaf, freeze-dried leaf, extract, capsules, tablets, and as root tincture (a solution of the herb in alcohol), juice, or tea. It also comes in the form of an ointment or cream that can be applied to the skin. The root appears to have different pharmacological effects than the leaves.

How to Take It
Pediatric
Although stinging nettle is available in many combination formulas to treat colds, asthma, and allergies in children, a specific safe and effective dose for children has not yet been established. Talk to your doctor before giving stinging nettle to a child, so the doctor can determine the proper dose.

Adult
Stinging nettle is used in many forms, including as teas, tinctures, fluid extracts, and creams.

Precautions
The use of herbs is a time-honored approach to strengthening the body and treating disease. However, herbs can trigger side effects, and can interact with other herbs, supplements, or medications. For these reasons, you should take herbs with care, under the supervision of a health care provider.

Stinging nettle is generally considered safe when used as directed. Occasional side effects include mild stomach upset, fluid retention, sweating, diarrhea, and hives or rash (mainly from topical use). It is important to be careful when handling the nettle plant because touching it can cause an allergic rash. Stinging nettle should never be applied to an open wound.

Because nettle can alter the menstrual cycle and may contribute to miscarriage, pregnant women should not use nettle.

DO NOT self treat with nettle for BPH. See your doctor to receive a diagnosis and to rule out prostate cancer.

There is some evidence that stinging nettle may raise blood sugar and interfere with diabetes management. There is also evidence that it can lower blood sugar. Patients with diabetes should monitor their blood sugar closely when using stinging nettle.

Stinging nettle can have a diuretic effect. If you have kidney or bladder issues, speak with your provider.

Possible Interactions
Antiplatelet and anticoagulant drugs (blood thinners)
Stinging nettle may affect the blood's ability to clot, and could interfere with blood-thinning drugs, including:

Warfarin (Coumadin)
Clopidogrel (Plavix)
Aspirin
Drugs for high blood pressure
Stinging nettle may lower blood pressure, so it could strengthen the effects of these drugs:

ACE inhibitors: Captopril (Capoten), Elaropril (Vasotec), lisinopril (Zestril), fosinopril (Monopril)
Beta-blockers: Atenolol (Tenormin), metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL), propranolol (Induran)
Calcium channel blockers: Nifedipine (Procardia), amlodipine (Norvasc), verapamil (Calan, Isoptin)

04/30/2024

Dandelion

While many people think of the dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) as a pesky w**d, it is chock full of vitamins A, B, C, and D, as well as minerals, such as iron, potassium, and zinc. Dandelion leaves are used to add flavor to salads, sandwiches, and teas. The roots are used in some coffee substitutes, and the flowers are used to make wines.

In the past, dandelion roots and leaves were used to treat liver problems. Native Americans also boiled dandelion in water and took it to treat kidney disease, swelling, skin problems, heartburn, and upset stomach. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), dandelion has been used to treat stomach problems, appendicitis, and breast problems, such as inflammation or lack of milk flow. In Europe, dandelion was used in remedies for fever, boils, eye problems, diabetes, and diarrhea.

So far, there have not been any quality scientific studies on dandelion. Today, the roots are mainly used to stimulate the appetite, and for liver and gallbladder problems. Dandelion leaves are used as a diuretic to help the body get rid of too much fluid.

Plant Description
Hundreds of species of dandelion grow in the temperate regions of Europe, Asia, and North America. Dandelion is a hardy perennial that can grow to a height of nearly 12 inches. The plants have deeply-notched, toothy, spatula-like leaves that are shiny and hairless. Dandelion stems are capped by bright yellow flowers. The grooved leaves funnel rain to the root.

Dandelion flowers open with the sun in the morning and close in the evening or during gloomy weather. The dark brown roots are fleshy and brittle and are filled with a white milky substance that is bitter and slightly smelly.

Parts Used
Dandelion leaves act as a diuretic, increasing the amount of urine your body makes. The leaves are used to stimulate the appetite and help digestion. Dandelion flower has antioxidant properties. Dandelion may also help improve the immune system.

Herbalists use dandelion root to detoxify the liver and gallbladder, and dandelion leaves to help kidney function.

Medicinal Uses and Indications
Most scientific studies of dandelion have been in animals, not people. Traditionally, dandelion has been used as a diuretic, to increase the amount of urine and eliminate fluid in your body. It has been used for many conditions where a diuretic might help, such as liver problems and high blood pressure. However, there is no good research on using dandelion as a diuretic in people.

Fresh or dried dandelion herb is also used as a mild appetite stimulant, and to improve upset stomach. The root of the dandelion plant may act as a mild laxative and has been used to improve digestion. Preliminary research suggests that dandelion may help improve liver and gallbladder function. But this study was not well designed.

Preliminary animal studies suggest that dandelion may help normalize blood sugar levels and lower total cholesterol and triglycerides while raising HDL (good) cholesterol in diabetic mice. But not all the animal studies have found a positive effect on blood sugar. Researchers need to see if dandelion will work in people.

A few animal studies also suggest that dandelion might help fight inflammation.

Available Forms
You can find dandelion herbs and roots fresh or dried in a variety of forms, including tinctures, liquid extract, teas, tablets, and capsules. Dandelion can be found alone or combined with other dietary supplements.

How to Take it
Pediatric

Ask your doctor before giving dandelion supplements to a child so the doctor can determine the dose.

Adult

Ask your doctor to help determine the right dose for you.

Precautions
The use of herbs is a time-honored approach to strengthening the body and treating disease. However, herbs can trigger side effects and interact with other herbs, supplements, or medications. For these reasons, you should take herbs under the supervision of a health care provider.

Dandelion is generally considered safe. Some people may have an allergic reaction from touching dandelion. Others may get mouth sores.

If you are allergic to ragw**d, chrysanthemums, marigold, chamomile, yarrow, daisies, or iodine, you should avoid dandelion.

In some people, dandelion can cause increased stomach acid and heartburn. It may also irritate the skin.

People with kidney problems, gallbladder problems, or gallstones should consult their doctors before eating dandelion.
Possible Interactions
Dandelion leaf may act as a diuretic, which can make drugs leave your body faster. It also interacts with a number of medications that are broken down by the liver. If you are taking prescription medications, ask your doctor before taking dandelion leaf. Medications that may interact with dandelion include:

Antacids: Dandelion may increase the amount of stomach acid, so antacids may not work as well.

Blood-thinning medications (anticoagulants and antiplatelets): It is possible that dandelion may increase the risk of bleeding, especially if you already take blood thinners such as aspirin, warfarin (Coumadin), or clopidogrel (Plavix).

Diuretics (water pills): Dandelion may act as a diuretic, causing your body to produce more urine to get rid of excess fluid. If you also take prescription diuretics, or other herbs that act as diuretics, you could be at risk of electrolyte imbalances.

Lithium: Lithium is used to treat bipolar disorder. Animal studies suggest that dandelion may worsen the side effects of lithium.

Ciproflaxin (Cipro): One species of dandelion, Taraxacum mongolicum, also called Chinese dandelion, may lower the amount of the antibiotic ciproflaxin that your body absorbs. Researchers do not know whether the common dandelion would do the same thing.

Medications for diabetes: Theoretically, dandelion may lower blood sugar levels. If you take medications for diabetes, taking dandelion may increase the risk of low blood sugar.

Medications broken down by the liver: Dandelion can interact with a number of medications. To be safe, ask your doctor before taking dandelion if you take any medication.

04/29/2024

How to Use Protective Herbs

Once you’ve selected the protective herbs that resonate with you, there are a variety of methods that you can use to incorporate them into your daily routine.

Burning - Burning herbs (such as sage, rosemary, or bay leaves) is a popular method of cleansing and purifying spaces. It is believed to banish negative energy and evil spirits, and promotes positive energy and harmony. Simply light the herb and allow the smoke to fill the room, making sure to ventilate the space well.

Carrying - Carrying herbs with you is a simple way to keep their protective properties close at hand. You can carry a small pouch filled with your chosen herbs, wear them in a talisman or amulet, or simply tuck them into your pockets or purse.

Wearing - Wearing herbs is a similar method to carrying them, but involves wearing the herb as a piece of jewellery or a sachet. This can be done by stringing herbs together to create a necklace or bracelet, or by placing a sachet of dried herbs in a locket. Wearing herbs is believed to create a protective shield around the person wearing them.

Bathing - Adding herbs to your bath is another popular method of using them for protection and is believed to cleanse the aura. This can be done by placing a sachet of herbs in the bathwater, or by brewing a strong tea of protective herbs and adding it to the bath.

Sprinkling - Sprinkling herbs around your home or workplace is a popular method of using them for protection. This can be done by placing a small dish of dried herbs in a room, sprinkling dried herbs around the perimeter of a space, or by using a spray bottle to mist a protective herb infusion. Sprinkling herbs is believed to create a protective barrier around an area.

Drinking - Drinking herbal teas or tinctures made from protective herbs is another method of using them for protection. This can be done by brewing a strong tea or tincture of protective herbs and drinking it regularly. Drinking herbs is believed to strengthen the aura and protect against negative energy.

04/29/2024

Popular herbs for protection

Sage - Sage is probably the most well-known herb for protection. It is believed to have the ability to cleanse and purify spaces, as well as banish negative energy and evil spirits. It’s most commonly burned as a smudge, or added to a bath.

Rosemary - Rosemary is another popular herb for protection. It is believed to be able to purify and protect spaces, as well as enhance memory and mental clarity. Rosemary can be burned as incense, carried as a protective amulet, or added to a bath.

Lavender - Lavender is a versatile herb that is known for its calming and soothing properties. It can dispel negative energy and promote peaceful and harmonious energies. Lavender can also be added to a bath, carried as a sachet, or burned as incense.

Basil - Basil is an herb that is often associated with love. It is believed to repel negative energy and attract positive energy and good fortune. Basil can be carried as a protective amulet, or used in cooking to infuse food with protective energy.

Bay leaves - Bay leaves are believed to have the ability to protect against negativity and bring good luck and fortune. They can be burned as incense, or added to a bath.

St. John's Wort - St. John's Wort is a herb that is often associated with protection and banishing negative energy. It’s thought that it can ward off evil spirits and protect against harm. St. John's Wort can also be burned as incense.

Garlic - Garlic is a powerful herb that is used to protect against evil spirits and malevolent magic. It can be carried as a protective talisman or used within cooking to infuse food with protective energy.

Rue - Rue is a herb that is often used for purification. It is believed to have the ability to repel negativity and promote healing and spiritual growth.

Angelica - Angelica is believed to dispel negativity and promote positivity and good fortune. It can be burned as incense, carried as a protective talisman, or added to a bath.

Mugwort - Mugwort is a herb that is often associated with protection, divination, and astral travel. It is believed to have the ability to transform negative energy into positive energy and promote prophetic dreams.

Black Cohosh - Black Cohosh is a herb that can dispel negative energy. It is thought to have the power to banish evil spirits and protect against harm.

04/29/2024

Angel numbers

01/24/2024

What history doesn’t teach

2506 likes, 41 comments. “What do you think about the lost civilizations on this planet?”

01/16/2024

Which of your emotions do you feel more on a daily basis?