My Herbal Notebook

E. K. Sommer    July 25, 2009    2 Comments   

A recent visit to the Silver Glen Springs in the Ocala National Forest, left me wondering once again at the obliviousness of human beings when it comes to our environment—the environment that keeps us alive. The air we breathe, the water we drink, the land on which we build our homes and cities, and the forests we take for granted require our support and understanding. More about that below, but first, I want to share the bounty of Florida summer wetland wildflowers that we saw on the road to the springs.

Edibles Along the Road
While would not, of course, have picked any of these plants, we did see a number of native species on the road to the Silver Glen Springs. including swamp hibiscus (Hibiscus grandiflorus), pickerel weed (Pontederia cordata) in full bloom, duck potato (Sagittaria lancifolia), star rush (Rhynchospora colorata) and the beautiful white blossoms of loblolly bays (Gordonia lasianthus).

Before sampling any wetlands plants, be sure the areas where you gather them are free from pollutants or pathogens and that you are gathering the plants legally—not, for instance, inside the Ocala National Forest!

Malvaceaes (Hibiscus spp.) are renowned for their immensely demulcent properties, and the flowers and leaves were used in that way by native people to relieve sore throats and soothe the bowel and kidney.

Pickerel weed seeds can be eaten right off the plant, dried, or boiled as a grain for cereal. Dried seeds were ground and used by native people for flour. In her book, I Eat Weeds, Phyllis Bowers writes that she uses the young leafstalks, gathered in early summer before the leaves uncurl. Chop the young leafstalks and add to salads or boil for 10 minutes and serve as a potherb.

Native people as well as European settlers enjoyed “duck potatoes” roasted or boiled. These wetland plants are harvested in the late fall when the leaves have died off. Herbalist Doug Elliott notes that they can be raked from bottom and gathered as they float to the surface.

Degradation of Florida Springs
We are part of a connected system, but as Daniel Goleman reminds us in Ecological Intelligence, human beings are hardwired for responses to immediate stimuli, not to long term changes such as climate change. We will react quickly when a snake crosses our path, but we are languid when it comes to minute changes in temperature. This unfortunate biology puts us in peril and should alarm us enough to use our brains and intellect to noodle out the consequences of our actions regarding our environment. The overused example of the frog in the slowly heating pot of water is still the most apt example of our folly. The frog could jump out but does notice the increase in temperature until it is too late.

Regardless of what springs I visit, boats crowd the mouths as close as possible. Propellers disrupt river grasses, oil and gasoline leak into the streams and cause damage to creatures and flora from microscopic to macroscopic and change the natural chemical balance of the water. But all that those who motor up the river care about is there recreational activity. Little thought goes to the effect of their actions. It should be a privilege to visit the springs and we should do so with reverence and care, leaving our polluting machines well away. How about rowing up to the springs? Or only allowing boats with electric motors to venture close these endangered watersheds.

My friend Lynne and I wandered down the boardwalk at Silver Glen toward the boils, where the water system erupts from its deep underground journey,  literally boiling up through the sand. On this short walk, we encountered two disparate families.

A seven-year-old of the first family we encountered excitedly told us all about the boils, where they were and what they were for. She wanted to be sure we saw all of them! She was bossy and well-informed. Her father was slightly embarrassed at her loquacity and forwardness, but we thought she was adorable and that it was great that she knew so much.

A bit later another family wandered down the boardwalk. They were louder and more boisterous. Despite the sign that clearly said “Restricted Area,” the children jumped off the boardwalk and began splashing and playing in the boil area. The parents were concerned about whether or not the children had hurt themselves jumping from the boardwalk and whether they were “playing nice.” The parents and the children were oblivious to fact that they were trampling through a special habitat. I wanted to say something, but did not intervene. I wished that I had had ranger’s badge and could have ordered them out of the boil. This family is not alone in its ignorance and obliviousness.

Clearly some educational materials aimed at children are vital to protecting this natural resource. The seven-year-old had retained and understood enough information about the springs to know they are special. The other family just needed the opportunity to learn and understand as well. Teaching children about the importance of preserving our natural environments is self-sustaining proposition. They will teach their parents and their own children when the time comes. Spending funds to educate youngsters are dollars well spent.

Posted in Duck potato, Late Spring, Malvaceae, Noxious and weedy plants, Opuntia (Cactus), Pickerel weed, Portulaca pilosa, Springs, Spurge Nettle, Summer herbs and plants

E. K. Sommer    July 9, 2009    No Comments   

A friend called after he had just gotten over a miserable summer cold, and he asked me what my first line of defense would have been—for next time, he said. “Would you put together a little ‘cheat sheet’ for me? I know there must be stuff I could have taken right away to reduce the symptoms.”

Well, there are. But then again, some of those symptoms are important. A little fever is the body’s way of burning up the viruses. Mucus helps rid the body of foreign invaders. Undoubtedly there are sound reasons for suffering through the symptoms of a cold. That said it is also one of the most agonizing parts of normal human existence. It is quite humiliating to be so thoroughly conquered by such tiny invisible enemies. And the heat and humidity of a Florida summer makes it all the worse.

Colds start differently for different people. With my husband it is sneezing. For me it is a telltale sore throat.

I like to begin with Echinacea as the first main line of defense and add other remedies as support and for specific symptoms. Despite its ups and downs in the media, Echinacea is a reliable and credible herb for colds. While Echinacea purpurea is a Florida native, it is not the strongest or most effective of the Echinacea species. E. angustifolia has, to date, been shown to be the most effective species, with the best results coming from the use of all parts of the plants, flowering tops, seeds, and roots. E. angustifolia will grow here after a fashion, but it prefers cooler climates and must be stratified for the best germination. But that said, E. purpurea has a long history of traditional use among native people, and there is wisdom in using plants that grow locally. Christopher Hobbs reports that Echinacea roots were chewed raw by some native people to fight colds. Research shows that Echinacea species have antiviral, bactericidal, and immunostimulant properties. Herbalist James Duke tells us that Echinacea contains a chemical called properdin, which increases the body’s defense system against viruses and bacteria.

Use roots and flowering tops of plants that are at least three years old, preferably five. Dig up the roots in the fall or early winter and “comb” out the dirt. These plants have stringy roots and are a bear to clean. They have a thick, gnarly crown where plenty of dirt accumulates. Personally, I see no need to be overly fastidious, as you are going to put the plant in 100 proof vodka, but you will want to rinse out the grit. And you may wish to clean more thoroughly if you are planning to dry the herb and use it for infusions.

At the first sign of symptoms, take 20 to 40 drops of tincture or 1 cup of infusion every 3 to 4 hours. You can do this for several days, even up to a week or more. Some studies have shown that after the first few days, the efficacy of Echinacea to reduce cold symptoms decreases.

Tea made with fresh ginger root (Zingiber officinale), although not native, is the other herb that I call into action at the first sign of a cold. Ginger root has specific constituents that are effective against rhinoviruses (sesquiterpines), and other constituents reduce fever, suppress coughing, and dispel nausea.

Other Florida natives to call into action at the onset of a cold are yarrow leaf and flowers (Achillea millefolium) and elderberry flowers (Sambucus canedensis). These should definitely be part of your first-aid kit for colds. Both flower into the summer, and both can be taken as strong teas or tinctures. Teas are great, especially for colds, but having tincture on hand for appropriate herbs is helpful when the plants or flowers are not available.

Elderflower has many talents including actions as an antiviral, a diaphoretic, and a decongestant. Sipping hot elder tea raises fever, which is sometimes beneficial to burn out pathogens. (Please note that elderflower should not be used if a fever is dangerously high.) At that point you want to be reducing fever. Despite our body’s natural defenses, it can go overboard and end up causing as much harm as healing.

While yarrow’s status as a native continues to be debated, it is well naturalized in Florida, can be found growing at many old homesteads, and has recorded use among native people. Among yarrow’s many actions is its ability to reduce fever and inflammation and provide astringent relief to swollen mucous membranes. Use the flowers and upper leaves.

Mullein flowers (Verbascum virginiana), a relative of V. thaspus, bloom well into the Florida summers. These pretty yellow blossoms are easy to gather and tincture; they pop right off the stalk. Filling a quart jar does, however, take some time, and it is necessary to find a generous stand. But you can easily make 8 or 16 ounces of mullein tincture from a handful of plants. Look for them in open, sunny fields, along the sides of roads, or even in your garden. Use mullein when your cold has descended into your chest and/or your sinuses are running. The leaves are a mild expectorant and the flowers have significant decongestant and slight antihistamine properties.

Take any of these flower remedies as a tea (1 cup) or tincture (20-40 drops) form 3 to 4 times daily.

Healing Mist
Vaporizing with steam is gentle way to open sinuses and reduce swelling. Bring a pot of water to a boil, add a dried mint of your choice, and simmer gently with a lid on for 10-15 minutes. If you are committed to using native plants, look around your yard for the first stalks of horsemint (Monarda punctata), Florida’s version of bergamot (M. didyma). Horsemint will typically appear in late summer.

Remove the pan from the stove and place it on top of a folded towel on a table. Use another towel to make a tent and inhale the steam. Come up for air once now and then, and be careful at the start: hot steam can burn your already sensitive nose.

Coughs and Sore Throats
If coughing and a sore throat are present, look to slippery elm (Ulmus rubra), elderberries, and osha (Ligusticum porteri).

Osha Root Complex Syrup, a product made by Herbs Etc. is a must for me when I have a cold. Osha grows high in the Rocky Mountains and so is not available for wildcrafting or cultivation here in Florida. However, one or two teaspoons of this light syrup, which also contains cherry bark (Prunus serotina), white pine bark (Pinus strobus), bloodroot (Sanguanaria canadenses), spikenard (Aralia racemosa), and balsam poplar (Populas balsamifera) and will quash a cough in minutes, dry up sinuses for a short time, and produce a mild sensation of relaxation: the perfect remedy for taking at bedtime when you have a wicked cold.

Gargle with neem (Azadirachta indica) tincture, sage tea (Salvia officinalis), or salt water. Neem trees are native to the Indian subcontinent, but grows quite well in south Florida. North of Orlando it succumbs to frost, but may be grown in a large pot and protected during the winter freezes. Large established trees planted in the ground may be able to withstand light frosts. I have often thought about building a removable “greenhouse” around a neem tree, taking it apart in the summer, and waiting for the tree to mature. Gargling with neem is safe, but neem has aspirin-like chemicals and should never be given to children with fevers or taken by people who are allergic to aspirin. Pregnant women should avoid internal use of neem. Neem oil should never be taken internally.

Some Not-So-Herbal Remedies
Short-term use of zinc lozenges helps mitigate sore throats and speed cold recovery. Note that creating an imbalance of micro minerals in your body is not advisable. Take zinc lozenges as directed on the package and do not exceed recommended dose.

Sore throats can also benefit from one vitamin A gel cap per day for up to a week (do not exceed 10,000 IU per day). Bit down hard on the gel cap and release the liquid down your throat. Swallow the capsule. Try not to eat or drink for about 20 minutes following this treatment.

And traditional Tiger Balm, is still my favorite heating soother for a sore chest due to a rattling cough.

So Tom, I hope this helps!

Posted in Cold Remedies

E. K. Sommer    May 27, 2009    No Comments   

Bidens spp. are abundant “pest” weeds in Florida and indeed all over the world. There are more than 40 native species in the United States alone and over 230 worldwide. These weedy plants thrive in warm climates and have traditions of medicinal and edible use wherever they are found. The botanical name, which describes the shape of the fruit (seed) comes from the Latin “bis” meaning two and “dens” meaning tooth. The bane of any hiker, Bidens is zoochorous, that is, it evolved to hitchhike on the fur of animals (and our socks).

The dried leaves of various species have been used as a tobacco substitute, called “Fakahatchee Gold,” according to Daniel Austin in Florida Ethnobotany. Medicinal uses included treatment for colds and flu, hepatitis, bacterial infections, inflammation, and urinary tract infections. The Cherokee people used B. bipinnata to expel worms and chewed on the leaves to soothe a sore throat. In Florida the Seminole people used Bidens species, probably B. mitis, according to Austin, for a variety of complaints including headaches, high fever, and diarrhea.

B. pilosa, which is not native but is often confused (and in some texts synonymous) with B. alba, reportedly has constituents that can depress the central nervous system and lower blood sugar. Because Bidens species seem to contain an amazing number of chemicals with biological activity, various species are the subjects of ongoing research, including use as an antimalarial drug (B. pilosa). Bidens species contain some powerful chemical constituents and should not be used medicinally without the advice of a skilled herbalist or traditional healer. Observers note that Bidens is left alone by most insects save the dainty sulphur (Nathalis iole), which may absorb some of the potent compounds to discourage its own predators.

However, occasional snacking on Bidens is a fine idea. The flowers and tender young leaves and of B. alba can be added to salads, and the more mature leaves can be boiled or steamed as a pot herb. (Note that the yellow centers are coarse and some people prefer to pluck the petals for salads.) A mild tea can be made from the flowers, which purportedly also make an interesting wine.

Posted in Bidens spp., Wild Salads

E. K. Sommer    April 3, 2009    No Comments   

What a lovely walk Max and I had today! A little warm for early April, but there was a pleasant breeze and a clear blue sky. Lots of birds and butterflies. And plenty of snacks. Tasty asparagus tips (the leading ends of Smilax spp), delicious lavender dayflowers (Tradescantia ohiensis), and lemony sour wild sorrel leaves (Rumex spp).

I couldn’t resist also nibbling on some of the sugar snap flowers in the garden, even though I know that for every flower I eat, I’ll have one less pea pod!

I shared some cleavers with Max, who loves the stuff, and I think it is probably as good for his lymphatic system as it is for mine, although I can get the nutrients better from the tincture I made. (Neither one of us mind the fuzzy leaves.)

The chickasaw plums (Prunus angustifolia) and black cherries (Prunus serotina) are out although still green, and the sand blackberries (Rubus cuneifolius) are plumping up and soon we will be competing with the birds for these yummy treats.

After years of trying to pull them out of my garden, I finally decided to cultivate them instead, and the fencing and activity keep the birds and rabbits away so I am assured of at least a small harvest of these small tart wild blackberries.

Posted in Early Spring, Musings, Opuntia (Cactus)