In article
,
William Rose wrote:

In article ,
FragileWarrior wrote:

Bill Rose wrote in
:
[..]
I'm planning on experimenting with polk weed this year. I'm sure I'll
have some questions. The young leaves are supposed to be good in
salads but I have yet to quantify what young means. I want to be
cautious with these plants because they have a very bad reputation.

From everything I've seen on it, the young leaves (and I don't know what
that means either -- maybe pre-bloom?) need to be boiled in several
different pots of water to take away the toxins. Makes me nervous.
Perhaps it is one of those things you have to have someone who is
familiar with it do it with you the first few times, like mushroom
hunting.


What are your plans for the mugwort?

Not much. I'm just planting them, not using them. I want to see what
they look like and if I don't like them, they're gone.


I'm wondering how it would mix
with gentiana lutea to make a digestive. Maybe too much the same.


It'll be so bitter I don't know how you'll get it down! Gentiana lutea
is supposed to be one of the most bitter herbs of all, isn't it?

In France, they use it to make aperitif called Suze. Suze is more than
gentian but that is its' base. Above the Gorge du Tarn, there is a
mountain called Lozère. When we were there, the mountain was perfumed by
the gentian. (The smell is, to my nose, a cross between lilac and sage.)
We loved it. So homemade aperitifs or just its' perfume, I don't care. I
want it.

The culinary side of the pokeweed is ancillary to my interest in it's
effects on the lymphatic system. My wife survived a cancer in her leg
three years ago and the follow up radiation therapy fried the lymph node
near her groin. Now the top of her leg feels a hard as wood. I'm hoping
the pokeweed, or cleavers, or something will have some effect on it. I
check with our doctors to get feed-back from them and, if there is no
downside, then I'll try it to get an idea of the taste. I've just
started with the cleaver juice.

I'll also be playing around with better melon, astergalus, echinacea,
omega flax, purslane, english hawthorn, and prunella to name a few.
Along with work, that should pretty much take care of my summer.

It's been a pretty dry winter. I hope we have enough water to swim in
the river this year.

Have fun,
- Bill
Cloribus gustibus non disputatum (mostly)

Consider a post over in Sci.med.cardiology. There are a few folks from
Finland that may be of interest. Also a lot of religious advocates
nuff said. ) Liam lives in France.

Bill who loves Bitter Mellon, Purslane and Black thorn syrup when I can
find it. Pokeweed is just that here but like fiddle heads offer an
opportunity to learn more.

--

S Jersey USA Zone 5 Shade
http://www.ocutech.com/ High tech Vison aid
This article is posted under fair use rules in accordance with
Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, and is strictly for the educational
and informative purposes. This material is distributed without profit.

William Wagner wrote in news:not-to-
:

Bill who loves Bitter Mellon, Purslane and Black thorn syrup when I can
find it. Pokeweed is just that here but like fiddle heads offer an
opportunity to learn more.

Do you fry up the fiddle heads? What does that do to the plant? Does it
regenerate after the young heads are removed?

In article ,
FragileWarrior wrote:

William Wagner wrote in news:not-to-
:

Bill who loves Bitter Mellon, Purslane and Black thorn syrup when I can
find it. Pokeweed is just that here but like fiddle heads offer an
opportunity to learn more.

Do you fry up the fiddle heads? What does that do to the plant? Does it
regenerate after the young heads are removed?

Think Wild Asparagus. )

Bill

--

S Jersey USA Zone 5 Shade
http://www.ocutech.com/ High tech Vison aid
This article is posted under fair use rules in accordance with
Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, and is strictly for the educational
and informative purposes. This material is distributed without profit.

In article ,
FragileWarrior wrote:

William Rose wrote in news:rosefam-
:

The culinary side of the pokeweed is ancillary to my interest in it's
effects on the lymphatic system. My wife survived a cancer in her leg
three years ago and the follow up radiation therapy fried the lymph
node
near her groin. Now the top of her leg feels a hard as wood. I'm hoping
the pokeweed, or cleavers, or something will have some effect on it. I
check with our doctors to get feed-back from them and, if there is no
downside, then I'll try it to get an idea of the taste. I've just
started with the cleaver juice.


Cleavers seems to work pretty good for lymphatic problems. It wouldn't
hurt to try it if you get clearance from the doctors. I drink it in tea
with Stinging Nettles and Lemon Balm (all dried) and the tea is pretty
darned good. I let everything steep for six hours and drink it cold. I'm
getting quite a taste for it after using it for a few weeks now. The
herbalist at the local herb farm mixes it up for me.

If you have a doctor who will talk to you about herbal meds, good for
you! My doctor (a family member!) has never been interested in seeing
that side of things *at all*. I find that eastern doctors will entertain
herbal remedies much more readily than western doctors.

Let me know if you try cleavers and what results you get with it. Good
luck on your search! I think you must be pretty special to be searching
for remedies for your lady.

Actually it wasn't a doctor, it was a pharmacologist and he checked his
data base while we talked. He told me that as long as I was growing the
herbs myself, cleavers and bitter melon, he didn't see anything
contraindicative. Cleaver juice tastes a little like you would expect
Brussel sprout juice to taste:-( Not horrible but nothing to write home
about. 5ml - 15 ml, 3 times/day. Still working on the scheduling.

This is where I put my big toe in the sand and tell you that I am just a
big lunk, it's my lady who is special. Well, at least for the last 39
years. Yikes, that's a long time. Seems like just yesterday. I gotta go
make a margarita. Hasta luego.

- Bill
Cloribus gustibus non disputatum (mostly)

Jangchub wrote:
On Wed, 25 Apr 2007 16:11:52 GMT, Merry wrote:

I was just wondering what your definition of 'herb' was - it is actually
quite a debate in the herbalist world.
Merry - Chartered Herbalist

How did my definition fit in with this debate? Was my definition
accurate according to a herbalist?


Hi- Anyone's definition of a 'herb' is accurate - the trick is to know
what it is before you debate with them.
Merry

On Thu, 26 Apr 2007 01:13:17 GMT, Merry wrote:

Jangchub wrote:
On Wed, 25 Apr 2007 16:11:52 GMT, Merry wrote:

I was just wondering what your definition of 'herb' was - it is actually
quite a debate in the herbalist world.
Merry - Chartered Herbalist

How did my definition fit in with this debate? Was my definition
accurate according to a herbalist?


Hi- Anyone's definition of a 'herb' is accurate - the trick is to know
what it is before you debate with them.
Merry

Okay, so to reiterate my question; did my definition go along with the
debate we were having? Actually, I wasn't debating, I was reporting a
fact. A fact that says because someone on Usenet says it's so,
doesn't mean it's so. Because it is on a website which says it's so,
doesn't meant it's so. Use of any herb, whether medicinal or culinary
should be researched before hand.

I gave an example of a young man who heard he could trip on datura
seeds. And no, he was ignorant to any potential harm it could cause
and now he is catatonic for (most likely) the rest of his life at the
age of 17. I was told in a very spiteful way he must have known. He
didn't know. Many teenagers don't know and this is a very low
reported phenomena ongoing in the US. New Jersey, of all places, has
a huge outbreak of Datura seed use, Ipomoea seed use and Brugmansia
use to get high and halucinate. Gone are the days where orange
sunshine didn't kill you.

Jangchub wrote:

Okay, so to reiterate my question; did my definition go along with the
debate we were having? Actually, I wasn't debating, I was reporting a
fact. A fact that says because someone on Usenet says it's so,
doesn't mean it's so. Because it is on a website which says it's so,
doesn't meant it's so. Use of any herb, whether medicinal or culinary
should be researched before hand.

I gave an example of a young man who heard he could trip on datura
seeds. And no, he was ignorant to any potential harm it could cause
and now he is catatonic for (most likely) the rest of his life at the
age of 17. I was told in a very spiteful way he must have known. He
didn't know. Many teenagers don't know and this is a very low
reported phenomena ongoing in the US. New Jersey, of all places, has
a huge outbreak of Datura seed use, Ipomoea seed use and Brugmansia
use to get high and halucinate. Gone are the days where orange
sunshine didn't kill you.

I think the statement "Actually, I wasn't debating, .." says it all. I
am not questioning what you were saying. I was just wondering where you
were coming from.
Merry

On Thu, 26 Apr 2007 03:23:47 GMT, Merry wrote:

Jangchub wrote:

Okay, so to reiterate my question; did my definition go along with the
debate we were having? Actually, I wasn't debating, I was reporting a
fact. A fact that says because someone on Usenet says it's so,
doesn't mean it's so. Because it is on a website which says it's so,
doesn't meant it's so. Use of any herb, whether medicinal or culinary
should be researched before hand.

I gave an example of a young man who heard he could trip on datura
seeds. And no, he was ignorant to any potential harm it could cause
and now he is catatonic for (most likely) the rest of his life at the
age of 17. I was told in a very spiteful way he must have known. He
didn't know. Many teenagers don't know and this is a very low
reported phenomena ongoing in the US. New Jersey, of all places, has
a huge outbreak of Datura seed use, Ipomoea seed use and Brugmansia
use to get high and halucinate. Gone are the days where orange
sunshine didn't kill you.

I think the statement "Actually, I wasn't debating, .." says it all. I
am not questioning what you were saying. I was just wondering where you
were coming from.
Merry

For what purpose?

Jangchub wrote:

One of the best reference books is "A Modern Herbal." It used to be
in two volumes and is now in one volume full of fascinating
information.

Personally, while interesting, for sosmeone new to using herbs I'd
recommend something more recent. Rosemary Gladstar's A Family Herebal,
perhaps or Herbs for Pets, going back to the original post.

Peace,

Kate

Jangchub wrote:

I have not one idea what you are talking about. The fact is, I do
know a lot. I have been in the field of horticulture for decades. I
am retired now, but have given lectures on the dangers, and advantages
of herbs. All I did was simply say don't use herbs because someone
said an artemesia pillow helps with sleep. That is idiotic, at best.

I didn't say Mugwort helps with sleep - I said it promotes dreaming. The
caution would be that the dreams are not guaranteed to be pleasant.

Peace,

Kate

In article

..net,
William Wagner wrote:

Consider a post over in Sci.med.cardiology. There are a few folks from
Finland that may be of interest. Also a lot of religious advocates
nuff said. ) Liam lives in France.

Oh my god, Bill. Do all psychiatric patients with psychotic breaks get
their own computer preset to sci.med.cardiology? The loons in "wrecked
gardens" seem absolutely wholesome by comparison. I just have the
feeling I'm going to end-up buying beach front property on Mars.'nuff
said indeed :O

Who is this Liam of whom you speak?

Damn, out of limes.

- Bill
Coloribus gustibus non disputatum

Bill Rose wrote in news:rosefam-DAB6B5.07025526042007
@nnrp-virt.nntp.sonic.net:

In article
-
sjc.supernews
.net,
William Wagner wrote:

Consider a post over in Sci.med.cardiology. There are a few folks
from
Finland that may be of interest. Also a lot of religious advocates
nuff said. ) Liam lives in France.

Oh my god, Bill. Do all psychiatric patients with psychotic breaks get
their own computer preset to sci.med.cardiology? The loons in "wrecked
gardens" seem absolutely wholesome by comparison. I just have the
feeling I'm going to end-up buying beach front property on Mars.'nuff
said indeed :O

Who is this Liam of whom you speak?

Damn, out of limes.

- Bill
Coloribus gustibus non disputatum


Are you saying the mere mention of it drives people CRAZY?

In article ,
Bill Rose wrote:

In article

.net,
William Wagner wrote:

Consider a post over in Sci.med.cardiology. There are a few folks from
Finland that may be of interest. Also a lot of religious advocates
nuff said. ) Liam lives in France.

Oh my god, Bill. Do all psychiatric patients with psychotic breaks get
their own computer preset to sci.med.cardiology? The loons in "wrecked
gardens" seem absolutely wholesome by comparison. I just have the
feeling I'm going to end-up buying beach front property on Mars.'nuff
said indeed :O

Who is this Liam of whom you speak?

Damn, out of limes.

- Bill
Coloribus gustibus non disputatum

You have to have a news reader with kill filing otherwise carpal
finger due to the delete button often. Think of it like weeding after
a months vacation in June. Have to be Ruthless. Still some Gems
about. Liam is an Expat now living in France who had CABG like me.
Juhana Harju a name to look for in regards to nutrition and more. There
are others but removing the chaff from the wheat rules.

Jim, David, Matti,Jay1000 and a few other folks stop by sometimes.

I'd just monitor your query to get a flavor but your post suggesting
Theist not apply is like a moth and bright light )

Bill


Bill

--

S Jersey USA Zone 5 Shade
http://www.ocutech.com/ High tech Vison aid
This article is posted under fair use rules in accordance with
Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, and is strictly for the educational
and informative purposes. This material is distributed without profit.

On Thu, 26 Apr 2007 08:20:27 -0500, kate wrote:

Jangchub wrote:

I have not one idea what you are talking about. The fact is, I do
know a lot. I have been in the field of horticulture for decades. I
am retired now, but have given lectures on the dangers, and advantages
of herbs. All I did was simply say don't use herbs because someone
said an artemesia pillow helps with sleep. That is idiotic, at best.

I didn't say Mugwort helps with sleep - I said it promotes dreaming. The
caution would be that the dreams are not guaranteed to be pleasant.

Peace,

Kate

Is there a lick of evidence to support this claim? And no, I am not
talking about major scientific study, just some sort of proof. My
whold point was not to point out the artemesia, but to point out the
potential dangers of using herbs without fully researching the
potential side effects. That's all. Not rocket science and certainly
not a lecture. You weren't the one I aimed my comments to, but if it
appeared that way or if I'm wrong, I apologize.

I didn't say Mugwort helps with sleep - I said it promotes dreaming. The
caution would be that the dreams are not guaranteed to be pleasant.


Is there a lick of evidence to support this claim? And no, I am not
talking about major scientific study, just some sort of proof.

Well, it's certainly documented as I read about it for a homework
assignment and made the dream pillow (not well, I might add - sewing is
not a talent I possess.) I gave a couple pillows as presents, minus the
mugwort and used the one with mugwort myself. It certainly intensified
my dreams, which is probably why I rarely use it anymore - lol.

Off to the gardens,

Kate