POTENT PLANTS
BY JENNIFER RAICHEK
POTENT PLANTS
POTENT PLANTS
BY JENNIFER RAICHEK
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INTRODUCTION A HISTORY HERBAL MEDICINE TODAY
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ALFALFA BLACKBERRIES CATNIP SAGE MARJORAM FEVERFEW
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INTRODUCTION
Since the beginning of history humans and animals have sought healing from plants. Evidence suggests humans have used the healing power of plants as early as the Paleolithic age. Today, these plants are still used, and 50% of our medicine is derived from herbs. There are over 20,000 identified species of medicinal plants in the world with many species having yet to be discovered. These plants can be found in the wild or in your backyard. Common herbs, flowers, and berries serve all kinds of health purposes, and some are more effective than others. The effects from plants range from skin improvement, to curing a cough, to potential preventing cancerous tumors. The medicinal uses of herbs mentioned here are for educational purposes only. If you have a health problem you should see a qualified medical practitioner for diagnosis. Many herbs historically used for medicine are considered too toxic to use today for some of these herbs have caused deaths.
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A HISTORY
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Prehistory Archaeological evidence indicates that the use of medicinal plants dates back to the Paleolithic age of approximately 60,000 years ago. Before written times, the recipes and uses of plants were told orally. Plant samples have been gathered from prehistoric burial sites supporting the claim that Paleolithic people had knowledge of herbal medicine.
Ancient History
The Ebers Papyrus ca. 1550 BCE from Ancient Egypt
Written evidence of herbal remedies dates back over 5,000 years to the Sumerian culture in Mesopotamia. The Sumerians created small clay tablets with lists of hundreds of medicinal plants such as myrrh and opium. The Ancient Egyptians used the principles of medicinal plants and knew many herbal formulas. The Papyrus of Ebers, written around 1500 B.C., contains information on over 800 medicinal plants such as garlic, juniper, and aloe. The uses of these plants were also depicted in tomb illustrations and on medical jars containing traces of herbs. The Greek and Romans picked up the traditions of Mesopotamia and Egypt. The earliest known Greek herbals were those of Diocles of Carystus, written during the 3rd century B.C., and one by Krateuas from the 1st century B.C. These works are in poor condition with only a few fragments intact, however scholars have noted that there are large amounts of overlap with the Egyptian herbals. In Asia, mainly China, the book Pen Tsao contains the study of more than 300 plants. The Shennong Ben Cau Jing is an early Chinese medical text that lists 365 medicinal plants and their usage. Some seeds, likely used for herbalism, have been found in the archaeological sites of the Bronze Age China dating from the Shang Dynasty.
The Middle Ages During the Middle Ages the study of medicinal plants were through monks who planted and experimented with the Potent Plants  3
An 1850 Lithograph of Medicinal plants illustrating plants with powerful compounds. The upper right hand corner is decorated with Datura, hellbore, belladonna and other psychoactive members of the Solanaceae. Toxic fungi can be seen on the top center of the illustration and the surrounding borders illustrate various medicinal plants and their uses. The center image shows Socrates accepting a cup of Poison hemlock as his death sentence. Photo: National Library of Medicine.
Pen-Tsao-Ching, (5,000 A.C. – 3,000 A.C.)
species described in these previously mentioned classic texts in their monasteries. Much of their efforts were put towards translating the ancient Greco-Roman and Arabic works rather that creating or discovering new information. The monasteries became local centers of medical knowledge.
Early Modern Era When European colonizers arrived in America they were astounded by the knowledge natives had on plants. Writings on herbal medicines became available in English through the 15th, 16th, and 17th centuries. The first medicinal herb writing to be published in English was the anonymous Grete Herbal of 1526. Pharmacology rose in popularity in the 19th century as there became a greater understanding of the effects drugs have on the body. Traditional herbalism then fell to an alternative method of medicine.
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Animals Humans are not the only ones who use plants for their medical qualities. Much of our understanding of plants have been observed in animals throughout history. Zoopharmacognosy refers to the behavior in which non-human animals self-medicate by selecting and using plants, soils, insects, and psychoactive drugs to treat and prevent disease. The term was coined by Dr. Eloy Rodriguez, a biochemist and professor at Cornell University. The word derives from roots zoo, meaning “animal”, pharma, meaning “drug”, and gnosy, meaning “knowing”. Scientist have noticed that some species ingest non-foods such as clay, charcoal, and even toxic plants to ward off parasites or poisoning. A variety of species have been observed medicating with plants.
Cats and dogs serve as the most well known example. They ingest grass or other plant material to induce vomiting when sick. Jane Goodall witnessed chimpanzees eating particular bushes to make themselves vomit. They swallow whole leaves of Aneilema aequinoctiale, a rough-leaved plant that removes parasitic worms from their intestines. Apes have been observed selecting particular parts of a plants by taking the leaves off of stems and breaking the them open to suck out the juice. A female capuchin monkey in captivity was observed using tools covered in a sugar based syrup to groom her and her infants wounds.
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HERBAL MEDICINE TODAY
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Today Modern medicine began to move away from herbal treatments in the 19th century. Treatments based on evidence gathered using the scientific method became favored. However, plant-derived chemical compounds still remained an important part of medical treatment. At least 7,000 medical compounds in the modern pharmacopoeia are derived from plants. Leaves from the Ginkgo biloba tree have been a common treatment in Chinese medicine for thousands of years. In the U.S., many take ginkgo supplements in the belief that they will improve memory and sharpen thinking.
Other Countries Despite this medical shift, many people continue to use various forms of traditional or alternative medicine. The use of herbs to treat disease is almost universal among non-industrialized societies. In many developing countries a large proportion of the population relies heavily on traditional practitioners and medicinal plants to meet primary health care needs. In Pakistan, it is estimated that a 80% of the people depend on plants to cure themselves, and a 40% in China. Although modern medicine may be available in these countries, herbal medicines have often maintained popularity for historical and cultural reasons. At the same time many people in developed and technologically advanced countries have begun to turn to alternative or complementary therapies including medicinal herbs. In the United States it is estimated that 60% of the population uses medicinal plants to fight certain ailments. In Japan there is more of a demand for medicinal plants than of “official� medicines.More
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Right: The Native Medicinal Plant Research Program was established in 2009 to conduct research into and promote public understanding of medicinal uses of plants native to Kansas and the Great Plains. Here the program staff in botany and medicinal chemistry team up to harvest yarrow grown at the research garden for medicinal testing. Left: Panax ginseng is a medicinal plant species used and respected, among Chinese, Japanese and Korea for more than 5,000 years. Today, it is widely cultivated in China, Japan, Korea, Russia, India, the United States and Canada.
than two thirds of the world’s plant species come from developing countries.
Characteristics In many medicinal plants, variations of characteristics have been associated with varying soil traits. Attention must be paid to choose soil and growing strategies, to acquire adequate supplies of high quality products, keeping their safety and nutritional value. The use of drugs and dietary supplements derived from plants have accelerated in recent years. Pharmacologists, microbiologists, and botanists are searching the Earth
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for new species and phytochemicals. These may lead to the treatment of various diseases. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 25% of modern drugs used in the United States have been derived from plants.
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MEDICINAL KEY This section will delve into six of some of the most effective medicinal plants in the world. Use the icon system to identify the medicinal properties each plant treats.
CUTS & WOUNDS DIGESTIVE HEALTH MENTAL HEALTH COLDS & FEVERS HEART HEALTH ACHES & PAINS
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ALFALFA Medicago sativa
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Location Alfalfa is native to Asia but found commonly throughout the United Sates in fields or on roadsides. It is often cultivated as a crop.
Description Alfalfa is a deep rooted perennial plant of the pea family with small divided leaves. It’s flowers are purple and clover-like, grown in loose heads, 1/4 to 1/2 inches long. Alfalfa flowers from June to August and their stems grow to a height of 12 to 18 inches. It is used for fodder, pasture, and as a cover crop.
History Alfalfa was first discovered by the Arabs who called it the “father of all foods.” It has been recorded in Roman writings as early as 490 B.C. Alfalfa originated in south-central Asia and was first cultivated in Persia. It was introduced to Greece in about 490 B.C. as feed for their army’s horses. When alfalfa was introduced to Spain in the 8th century it too was cultivated as animal feed consumed in both fresh and dried forms. The first documented use of this herb by the Chinese dates back to the 6th century. Chinese healers used alfalfa to treat kidney stones and to relieve fluid retention and swelling. It did not reach North America until around the mid 1850s. Native Americans adapted alfalfa quickly for human use, as well as for animals.
Medicinal Properties
Cattle graze on alfalfa
The parts of alfalfa used include the flowering plant, leaves, petals, and sprouts. It is an antipyretic, diuretic, appetite stimulant, and hemostatic. Alfalfa sprouts and leaves help lower blood cholesterol levels. The saponins in alfalfa bind to cholesterol and prevent its absorption. Alfalfa also has been studied for its ability to reduce atherosclerosis, or plaque buildup, on the insides of artery walls. Alfalfa is used for livestock because of its high amount of vitamins, minerals, and protein. It is the only plant that supplies the full range of vitamins, from A, B complex, C, E, to K. It is a source of commercial chlorophyll and carotene, Potent Plants 13
and contains the anti-oxidant tricin. Since it is high in chlorophyll and nutrients alfalfa detoxifies the body, especially the liver. It is good for colon disorders, anemia, hemorrhaging, indigestion, vitamin or mineral deficiency, blood purifier, diabetes, ulcers, and arthritis. It can treat morning sickness, nausea, kidney stones, kidney pain and urinary discomfort. It is a powerful diuretic and is a liver and bowel cleanser which over time can help reduce cholesterol. Alfalfa tea is commonly used as a beverage and used medicinally. Fresh or dried leaf tea is used to promote appetite and weight gain.
Warning Recent reports suggest that Alfalfa sprouts may be associated with lupus, causing recurrence in patients in which the disease had become inactive. Consuming large quantities of Alfalfa may cause a breakdown of red blood cells, causing bloating in livestock. Alfalfa may lower blood sugar levels so they should be closely monitored with those who have diabetes.
TRICIN is an O-methylated flavone, a type of flavonoid. It is an anti-oxidant and causes smooth muscle relaxation.
Alfalfa sprouts
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BLACKBERRIES Rubus fruticosus
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Location The blackberry plant is a perennial, thorny, shrub or vine native to Eastern North America. It lives anywhere from Nova Scotia to Ontario, New York, Virginia and North Carolina. It is found just about anywhere from dry thickets, clearings, woodland margins, fence rows, open meadows, roadsides, and waste places.
Description
BLACKBERRY LEAF TEA Use this tea to help releive joints, muscle, and rheumatoid arthritis pain. Drink 2 cups per day for 1-2 weeks. Reduce your intake as symptoms decrease.
1/2 ounce blackberry leaves 1 ounce white-willow bark 1 ounce nettle leaves 1 ounce horsetail leaves
1. Prepare this mixture and boil a handful in 1 quart of water until about half of water has boiled of.
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The flowers are white with five petals, and bloom in April and May. Blackberry plants have biennial stems which means they produce a number of new stems from the perennial rootstock each year. These stems fruit in their second year and then die. The vines are long and very thorny and grow in groups or thickets. Blackberry vines branch out and can grow up to 15 feet or more in length. Thickets can extend to hundreds of square acres in an area and then die off after 2 to 3 years, but branches are usually retained in the thickets making them largely impenetrable. Blackberry Leaves are light green with 3 to 5 leaflets, the main vein on the back of each leaflet has thorns.
History Blackberries were believed to give protection against all ‘evil runes’ if gathered at the right time of the moon. Since ancient Greek physicians prescribed the herb for gout, the leaves, roots, and even berries have been employed as a medicinal herb. The most common uses were for treating diarrhea, sore throats, and wounds. In the 1st century C.E., Dioscorides recommended blackberries in a gargle for sore throats, a practice that remains today. In European folk medicine, the leaves have long been used for washing and staunching the bleeding of wounds. In parts of England, arching blackberry runners that had rooted at both ends were credited with magical properties. Children with hernias were pushed under these arches for a magical cure. Native Americans made fiber, obtained from the stem, it was used to make a strong twine. Another use was as a huge barricade around the village made of piles of the thorny canes, for protection from 4 and 2 legged predators. A purple to dull blue dye is obtained from the fruit. Native Americans have also used the long stems and leaves
and used in salads. Delicious blackberries are edible raw or made into jelly or jam. The root-bark and the leaves are an astringent, diuretic, tonic, and depurative. They make an alternative medicine for dysentery, diarrhea, hemorrhoids, and cystitis. The most potent part of the plant is its root. Orally, it is used to treat sore throats, mouth ulcers, and gum inflammations. The root of the blackberry plant contains high quantities of tannins. Tannins produce an astringent effect, particularly on the mucous membranes of the digestive tract. Blackberry root tea or tincture can be used for treating intestinal disorders. The leaves can be used in a water mixture to gargle with and also makes a good mouthwash. The presence of large amounts of tannins that give blackberry roots and leaves an astringent effect useful for treating diarrhea are also helpful for soothing sore throats. A medicinal syrup can be made from blackberry using the fruit and root bark in honey for a cough remedy. Blackberry root
for healing, while enjoying the young shoots peeled as a vegetable of sorts and the berries, either raw or in jams. The Chippewa used a tea to treat lung conditions while the Cherokee found that the root made an effective topical wash to relieve the discomfort of hemorrhoids.
Medicinal Properties
Warning There is not enough information available to know if blackberry in safe in large amounts used as medicine, however it is safe in amounts used as food.
Blackberries are both edible and medicinal. Used extensively by the Native American tribes, it had many other surprising uses. The leaf is more commonly used as a medicinal herb, but the root also has medicinal value. Young edible shoots are harvested in the spring to then be peeled
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CATNIP Nepeta cataria
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Location Catnip is native to parts of Eastern Europe, Asia, and the Himalayas. European settlers brought catnip to America and Canada in the late 18th century, introducing it to the Native Americans.
Description Catnip is a perennial from the mint family that grows 15-40 inches in height with oval or heart shaped leaves, and groups of white or blue flower clusters. When in bloom, between June and September, the flowers look like branched spikes and are strong smelling. Catnip is most commonly known as a harmless high for felines. However this plant has many healthy effects on the human body.
History Catnip has been used for over 2,000 years to treat a variety of medicinal issues. Both the Greeks and Romans cultivated the wild variety of catnip for their cats that were unable to resist its smell. While cats are drawn to the smell, rats, roaches, and termites are believed to be repelled by the plant. Catnip is a harmells high for cats. There are records of the use of catnip from 13 different Native American tribes. They primarily used this herb to treat children. Records from England and France show that catnip was used as a stimulating hot drink before black tea became popular. Catnip was used to treat everything from female infertility to headaches during the thirteenth century, it is still used by some practitioners to treat pain, flatulence, restlessness, and nervousness.
Medicinal Properties Although catnip is famous for making cats crazy, it has health properties that are great for humans ranging from curing headaches, to fevers, to anxiety, and to insomnia. Catnip can relieve cold symptoms and break a fever by Potent Plants  19
NEPETALACTONE is the active ingredient in the cat attractant. It belongs to a class of naturally occurring organic compounds known as a terpenoid.
promoting sweating. Catnip also helps stop excessive bleeding and swelling when applied to areas rather than ingested. This plant is also helpful in treating gas, stomach aches, and migraines. Catnip helps with toothaches by applying a few fresh torn up leaves to your gums and teeth to help relieve pain. It is a gentle yet potent sleep inducer for humans that calms and soothes the nervous system without affecting you the next day. Catnip with chamomile, is one of the most recommended herbs for use in children’s insomnia.
Warning Catnip can stimulate uterine contractions, so it should not be consumed by pregnant women. People with epilepsy should also avoid this herb. Long term, heavy use of catnip can affect the absorption of iron in the body over time.
Dried catnip
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SAGE
Salvia officinalis
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Location Sage is native to the Mediterranean region but now grows in a wide diversity of habitats and at almost all latitudes
Straining sage syrup
Description The sage plant is a small shrub, up to 70 centimeters in height. Its leaves have a sweet scent while its leaves are pungent tasting. Sage leaves are stalked, 3-5 centimeters in length and 1-2.5 centimeters in width, and the arrangement is distinctly arranged. Sage flowers are blue-violet and arranged in whorls. Its scientific name, Salvia officinalis, originates from the Latin word “salvere” which in English means “to be saved” or “to heal”.
History Sage dates back to ancient Greek and Roman times where it was used for numerous amounts of ailments such as insomnia, measles, seasickness, venereal disease, and worms. It is also believed that Charlemagne ordered sage to be grown in his gardens. In the 10th century, Arab physicians claimed that sage extended life to the point of immortality. Although sage has been linked to many cultures worldwide, it is believed to have originated in Syria and spread through the Mediterranean and then to the rest of the world through trade routes. The Chinese would trade three times the amount of their green tea with the Dutch for European sage.
Medicinal Properties Sage has many medicinal properties. It is used in medicine to help alleviate symptoms of digestive problems and mental disorders, such as Alzheimer’s and depression. Taking sage may help improve memory and information processing among people who suffer from mild Alzheimer’s disease. The essential oil obtained from sage has been found to have acetylcholinesterase (Ach) enzyme inhibition activities. This helps rise Ach levels in the brain which improves concentration and may play a role in the treatment methods for memory loss associated with the disease like Alzheimer’s. Patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease who were administered 60 drops of sage a day dur22 Potent Plants
ing a 4 month study showed significant cognitive improvement over control subjects. Sage is accredited with antibacterial, anti-fungal, antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent, carminative, diuretic, hypoglycemic, and estrogenic effects. When taken as a tea, sage has a calming effect on sweat glands and reduces perspiration. When used as a compress, cream, or infusion, sage leaves may benefit some dermatologic conditions. A study showed that sage extract was as effective as a hydrocortisone cream in reducing ultraviolet radiation-induced erythema. An herbal wash of its fresh leaves may have some benefit for sores and wounds. When used as a gargle or mouthwash, it can soothe the mucus membrane of the mouth and
SAGE HONEY COUGH SYRUP Use this cough syrup to soothe sore throats and coughs.
3/4 cup wildflower honey 1/4 cup water 1 teaspoon lemon juice 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
1. Stir all ingredients over medium heat until simmering. Remove from heat and let steep, covered, for 10 minutes. 2. Strain honey mixture and store in a sealed glass jar. Keeps in the refrigerator for up to 3 months.
throat, and can be beneficial for bleeding gums, mouth ulcers, and bad breath. Sage is used all over the world in many culinary dishes from Italy, to the Middle East, and to America. Sage was used as a preservative for meat before the invention of refrigeration. It has also been used as an insect repellant and perfume.
Warning Sage should not be consumed in large amounts because it contains the chemical compound thujone. If taken in large amounts sage can cause nervous irritation, convulsions and death.The herb should not be consumed during pregnancy.
Sage leaves
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MARJORAM Origanum majorana
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Location Marjoram originated in Egypt and Arabia. Today, it is commonly found in the Mediterranean region but grown in gardens around the world. It is also referred to as oregano.
Description Marjoram is an aromatic herb in the mint family. It is commonly used to flavor soups, sauces, salads, and meat dishes as a culinary additive. In can be used in a variety of forms for different uses including marjoram essential oil, fresh or dried marjoram leaves, or marjoram powder.
History Throughout history, marjoram has been used for a variety of ailments. Marjoram most likely originated in Greece. Ancient Greeks planted marjoram on the graves of their loved ones believing it would bring eternal peace and happiness to them. They made head wreaths of marjoram for wedding couples as a symbol of love, happiness, and honor. Greek physicians used marjoram for both internal and external uses. The herb was used as an anticonvulsant, for detoxification of narcotic poisoning and to treat edema. Romans used marjoram to increase sexual desire and Roman women used marjoram balm to smooth wrinkles. Singers have used marjoram for for voice preservation by drinking its leaves in tea.
Medicinal Properties
Marjoram Origanum majorana
Oregano Origanum vulgare
Wild Marjoram is considered Oregano. Both are from the Mint family. Oregano carries medicinal properties as well. Their differences are seen in the kitchen for Marjoram has a milder taste while Oregano has a sharp taste.
Marjoram has many health benefits, one of which is that is helps aid digestion. Drinking 2- 4 cups of Marjoram tea within 2 hours will relieve nausea, calm the stomach, eliminate flatuence, and increase digestive enzymes and saliva. This herb also protects against many common illnesses by acting as an antiseptic, antibacterial, anti-fungal, and antiviral agent. It helps with problems such as food poisoning, tetanus infections, malaria, the common cold, and measles. It can improve your cardiovascular health as well by lowering blood pressure, greatly reducing the risk of hypertension and resultant heart problems. It prevents the build up of cholesterol, reducing risk of hardened arteries. It also aids blood circulation by dilating the arteries when necessary. Potent Plants  25
Use this tea to help aid digestion.
Applied topically Marjoram can help toothaches, back aches, and sprains. Marjoram has a variety of psychological and neurological benefits such as relieving insomnia, reducing stress and calming anxiety.
1. Grind marjoram leaves into a paste
Warning
2. Use one teaspoon of ground Marjoram per 7 ounces of water and add hot water or tea.
Marjoram tea is not recommended for those with high blood pressure, to those who have undergone vascular accidents, or to those who have a fever. On hot summer days marjoram tea should be consumed carefully.
MARJORAM TEA
3. Boil the mixture for 15 minutes. Drink two to four cups of this tea over the span of two hours for digestive benefits. TIP: For a stronger Marjoram Tea add two teaspoons of Marjoram to a cup of 7 ounces of cold water. Let it soak for 24 hours and add honey.
Marjoram buds
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FEVERFEW Tanacetum parthenium
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Location Feverfew is native to Europe and the Balkan peninsula. It is said to have grown around the Greek Parthenon, thus the species name parthenium. Its common name comes from the Latin words febri fugia, which means “driver out of fevers.” Feverfew made its way to North and South America, where it is now naturalized.
Description Feverfew is one to three feet in height and has white flowers with ten to twenty oblong rays. The flower heads are one to two inches wide and occur in clusters. The leaves are divided into egg-shaped segments
History Feverfew was used by the ancient Greeks to promote contractions to expel afterbirth, and to lower fevers. Feverfew, as its name implies, was once commonly used to treat fevers for chills and malarial fever. It also has been used in confectioneries and wines, as an insect repellent, and to ward off disease. In medieval times people would plant feverfew around their homes. They said the smell would purify the atmosphere and keep the evil spirits away.
Medicinal Properties
Feverfew flowers have a musty smell that bees dislike and avoid. Do not plant feverfew near flowers that depend on bees for pollination.
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Feverfew leaves alleviate the pain of migraines, arthritis, joint inflammation, and more. It contains the substance parthenolide, which appears to lessen smooth muscle cells’ responsiveness to body chemicals triggering migraine muscle spasms. Doctors aren’t sure what causes migraines, but they know these severe headaches involve blood vessel changes. Feverfew relaxes tension in the blood vessels in the brain. Studies confirm feverfew’s effectiveness as a migraine remedy. Although some herbalists believe feverfew is most effective when used long term to prevent chronic migraines, some people find it helpful when taken at the onset of a headache. Besides vascular headaches, feverfew may relieve premenstrual headaches, which often are due to fluid retention and hormonal effects. Feverfew is reported to reduce fever and inflammation in joints and tissues. The main constituent of feverfew, par-
thenolide, has been credited with inhibiting the release of serotonin, histamine, and other inflammatory substances that make blood vessels spasm and inflamed. Parthenolide, the same substance that helps alleviate migraine headaches, has the overall effect of reducing pain and inflammation throughout the body. This is a result similar to taking a daily aspirin but without the side effects associated with daily aspirin use.
Warning The amount of parthenolide varies from plant to plant, so it is wise to know how much of this active ingredient a feverfew product contains before you buy it. One study of commercially available feverfew products found that most of them contained no parthenolide at all. They were dried herbs, and because parthenolide is volatile, it had evaporated. Look for a product that contains 0.2 percent parthenolide. Feverfew can also cause an stomach upset and if you chew the raw leaves daily it may irritate the mouth.
PARTHENOLIDE has the potential to target cancer stem cells.
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ENDANGERED
Over 50% of prescription drugs are derived from chemicals first identified in plants. Medicinal plants used for treatments of cancer, malaria and other remedies are being over used. A 2008 report from the Botanic Gardens Conservation International identified 400 medicinal plants at risk of extinction from over-harvesting, pollution, competition from invasive species, and deforestation. This is threatening the discovery of future cures for disease. Cures for things such as cancer and HIV may become extinct before they are ever found. The Yew trees bark is used for the cancer drug paclitaxel. Magnolias have been used as Chinese medicine for 5,000 years to fight cancer, dementia and heart disease. Plants such like these are endangered. Five billion people still rely on traditional plant based medicine as their primary form of health care. As a solution, China has created a community run medicinal plant reserve, while Uganda established a sustainable supply of low cost malaria treatments. By giving communities an incentive to preserve these plants for their health, income, and cultural traditions is a way to motivate people to conserve medicinal plant habitats.
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COMPILED & DESIGNED BY JENNIFER RAICHEK Massachusetts College of Art and Design, 2014 Typefaces: Prelo & Mrs. Eaves