Part 1:Introduction to cholesterol:Those with high cholesterol, usually along with other factors such as high blood pressure, are at an increased risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) which can cause cardiovascular incidents such as Myocardial Infarction. Hence those with high total cholesterol readings or high LDL (low density lipoproteins) are often recommended to go on a low cholesterol diet (usually reducing saturated fat) and/or put on medication such as statins (Ibrahim and Jialal, 2020). This seems limited. Contrary to what I had presumed, a diet which supports lowering of cholesterol is not one which is itself is low in cholesterol but high in foods which support the body's functioning and promotes cardiovascular health. Dietary cholesterol does not seem to present...
This essay looks at some of the history and use of Papvarum somniferum (opium poppy, or literally ‘sleep-inducing’ poppy) and other medicinal members of the Papaveraceous family which has grown to forty genera and around 800 species (Mingli et al., 2008). These include Papvara rhoeas (common poppy, corn poppy, field poppy), Eschscholzia californica (Californian poppy) and Corydalis ambigua (Yan Hu Suo) and other Corydalis’s (Wearn, n.d.) (Plants for our Future, n.d.). Papvarum somniferum is the most powerful narcotic of the family whose derivatives include morphine, oxycodone, codeine, and heroin. Parts used are the seed capsules and the flowers. Opium is extracted from the unripe seed head by scarifying it to release an alkaloid latex renowned for its hypnotic, sedative, diaphoretic, astringent,...
So we (Coed Cariad members and I) made an all round feel good soothing tonic last year on the 3rd of July 2023. We also made a lovely heal all balm. They were foraged from the surrounding site. And as you can see from the list we were surrounded by the healing bounty of mother nature. It was an absolute pleasure foraging all the wild and wonderful things with this motley group of young adventurers. Coed Cariad: All round feel good/soothing tonic1/4 teaspoon as needed (up to 4 daily), can add to warm water or drinks. Infusion of herbs and vegetable glycerine: Lemon balm (melissa officinalis), lime flower (tilia europaea), selfheal (Prunella vulgaris), meadow sweet (filipendula ulmaria), cramp bark (Viburnum...
Herbal Tool Box Balms: A balm/salve is basically infused oils &/or essential oils and beeswax: Ratios: (turns out to be pretty important!) 7 to 1 ratio of oil to beeswax ensures that the salve has enough body to stay solid in the container during a normal summer but not absolutely rock hard. Use the smaller 6:1 ratio of beeswax if you are in an air conditioned environment or you are making salve for winter. & the percentage of essential oils is also important as many can be irritant. (note: this can apply when creating bath oils) Essential Oil Blend Percentage Essential Oil Amount Carrier Oil Amount 0.5% 1 drop 2 teaspoons 2 drops 1 tablespoon 10 drops 100 ml...
Recommended books: A Herbal Book of Making and Taking By Christopher Hedley and Non Shaw is as it says. Found at the amazing publishers of aeon books: https://health.aeonbooks.co.uk//product/herbal-book-of-making-and-taking/94121 The incredibly useful Hedgerow medicine with great pictures and chapters which focus on the plants around us here in the UK is a must. There other book Wayside medicine is very interesting but unfortunately as the plants are not popularly used currently the research and uses seem a more scant in this book. This little pocket guide called Herbs and Healing Plants of Britain and Europe (Collins Nature Guide) Paperback is what really helped me to know the plants all around me. Its is accessible, easy to use with some information as to their...
