Sunday, October 13, 2024

Show 207: Kudzu and Tansy

 

Listen to "Show 207: Kudzu and Tansy" on Spreaker.

In this episode I discuss two of my favorite edible and medicinal plants.  Both are considered weeds these days, but they are tasty and extremely useful medicinally.... and both dangerous in their own way. 




Get your Magic Mind subscription here:  https://www.magicmind.com/JUDSONCARROLL20 
You get up to 48% off with my code:  JUDSONCARROLL20

Email: judson@judsoncarroll.com

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/southern-appalachian-herbs--4697544/support

Read about The Spring Foraging Cookbook: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2024/01/the-spring-foraging-cookbook.html
Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CRP63R54


New today in my Woodcraft shop:
https://judsoncarrollwoodcraft.substack.com/p/wild-cherry-salt-bowl-1

Medicinal Weeds and Grasses of the American Southeast, an Herbalist's Guide
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2023/05/medicinal-weeds-and-grasses-of-american.html

Available in paperback on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C47LHTTH

and

Confirmation, an Autobiography of Faith
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2023/05/confirmation-autobiography-of-faith.html

Available in paperback on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C47Q1JNK


Visit my Substack and sign up for my free newsletter:
https://judsoncarroll.substack.com/


Read about my new other books:

Medicinal Ferns and Fern Allies, an Herbalist's Guide https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/11/medicinal-ferns-and-fern-allies.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BMSZSJPS

The Omnivore’s Guide to Home Cooking for Preppers, Homesteaders, Permaculture People and Everyone Else: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/10/the-omnivores-guide-to-home-cooking-for.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BGKX37Q2

Medicinal Shrubs and Woody Vines of The American Southeast an Herbalist's Guide
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/06/medicinal-shrubs-and-woody-vines-of.html

Available for purchase on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2T4Y5L6

and

Growing Your Survival Herb Garden for Preppers, Homesteaders and Everyone Else
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/04/growing-your-survival-herb-garden-for.html

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09X4LYV9R


The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Bitter Herbs: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/03/the-encyclopedia-of-bitter-medicina.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B5MYJ35R

and

Christian Medicine, History and Practice: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/01/christian-herbal-medicine-history-and.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: www.amazon.com/dp/B09P7RNCTB


Herbal Medicine for Preppers, Homesteaders and Permaculture People: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2021/10/herbal-medicine-for-preppers.html

Also available on Amazon: www.amazon.com/dp/B09HMWXL25

Podcast:  https://www.spreaker.com/show/southern-appalachian-herbs

Blog: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/

Free Video Lessons: https://rumble.com/c/c-618325 Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/southern-appalachian-herbs--4697544/support.

Wednesday, October 9, 2024

Medicinal Ferns and Fern Allies: Asplenium ruta-muraria, Rue Fern, Rue Spleenwort, Wall Rue etc.

 


Asplenium ruta-muraria, Rue Fern, Rue Spleenwort, Wall Rue etc.

This is another Spleenwort, with that goes by many names. Spleenworts were so named because they were traditionally used in herbal medicine for the health of the spleen. In the British tradition, this one is usually called Wall Rue. This one is a favorite of mine due to an ancient King of England, who is also a Catholic Saint…. And my ancestor! Yes, my gggg (etc) grandfather, King Edward the Confessor, was said to have the miraculous power of touching the throat of a person infected with “scrofula”. Wall Rue is also a cure for this condition, and closely associated with him. Scrofula was called called “the king’s evil.” Scrofula is a condition involving swollen and infected glands in the neck. Although, “the king’s evil” has also been associated with gout. In the middle ages, in England, if one did not access to the king, Wall Rue would be used to cure this debilitating condition. Much earlier though, the ancient Greeks considered it to be a veritable cure-all.

Brother Aloysius writes of its use in German Folk Medicine:

Wall Rue (Asplenium ruta-muraria) - Recommended for jaundice, pneumonia, coughing, pain in the loins, gravel, bladder complaints, asthma, scurvy, lung disorders and intestinal blockages.

Mrs. Grieve tells us:

The Wall Rue, named by some old writers Salvis vitae, also White Maidenhair, is a small fern, only 2 to 3 inches high, growing in tufts and embedded in the crevices and joints of walls. It is much the colour of Garden Rue, its wedge-shaped pinnules being like those of the Rue, and also its slender stalks of a pale-green colour.

It was considered good for coughs and ruptures in children. One of its old names, 'Tentwort,' refers to its use as a specific for the cure of rickets, a disease once known as 'the taint.' It was also used to prevent hair from falling out.


Culpepper says:

'This is used in pectoral decoction. The decoction being drunk helps those that are troubled with coughs, shortness of breath, yellow jaundice, diseases of the spleen, stoppings of the urine, and helps to break the stone in the kidneys.... It cleanses the lungs, and by rectifying the blood causes a good colour to the whole body. The herb boiled in oil of camomile dissolves knots, allays swellings and drys up moist ulcers. The lye made thereof is singularly good to cleanse the head from scurf and from dry and running sores, stays the shedding or falling of the hair, and causes it to grow thick, fair and well-coloured, for which purpose boil it in wine, putting some smallage-seed thereto and afterwards some oil.'


Plants for A Future states:

The fronds are astringent, deobstruent, emmenagogue, expectorant and ophthalmic. A distilled water made from the fronds has proved of benefit in the treatment of many eye complaints. The plant is also considered to be useful in the treatment of coughs and ruptures in children. It was at one time used as a herbal remedy for rickets and its tannin content renders it suitable for stopping bleeding from small wounds. The fronds are harvested in late spring and dried for later use.

Although we have found no reports of toxicity for this species, a number of ferns contain carcinogens so some caution is advisable. Many ferns also contain thiaminase, an enzyme that robs the body of its vitamin B complex. In small quantities this enzyme will do no harm to people eating an adequate diet that is rich in vitamin B, though large quantities can cause severe health problems. The enzyme is destroyed by heat or thorough drying, so cooking the plant will remove the thiaminase.


This article is an excerpt from 

Medicinal Ferns and Fern Allies, an Herbalist's Guide https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/11/medicinal-ferns-and-fern-allies.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BMSZSJPS

PS. New today in my Woodcraft shop: 

Mother and Toddler set special order (substack.com)

https://judsoncarrollwoodcraft.substack.com/p/mother-and-toddler-set-special-order


New Book: 

The Spring Foraging Cookbook: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2024/01/the-spring-foraging-cookbook.html
Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CRP63R54

Read about my other new books:

A Daily Catholic Devotional Reflections on the Daily Mass readings July-December, 2024
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2023/12/a-daily-catholic-devotional-reflections.html

Medicinal Weeds and Grasses of the American Southeast, an Herbalist's Guide
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2023/05/medicinal-weeds-and-grasses-of-american.html

Available in paperback on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C47LHTTH

and

Confirmation, an Autobiography of Faith
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2023/05/confirmation-autobiography-of-faith.html

Available in paperback on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C47Q1JNK

and

Medicinal Shrubs and Woody Vines of The American Southeast An Herbalist's Guide

Read about Medicinal Shrubs and Woody Vines of The American Southeast An Herbalist's Guide: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/06/medicinal-shrubs-and-woody-vines-of.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2T4Y5L6: by Judson Carroll


Visit my Substack and sign up for my free newsletter: 

Read about my new other books:

Medicinal Ferns and Fern Allies, an Herbalist's Guide https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/11/medicinal-ferns-and-fern-allies.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BMSZSJPS

The Omnivore’s Guide to Home Cooking for Preppers, Homesteaders, Permaculture People and Everyone Else: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/10/the-omnivores-guide-to-home-cooking-for.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BGKX37Q2

Medicinal Shrubs and Woody Vines of The American Southeast an Herbalist's Guide
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/06/medicinal-shrubs-and-woody-vines-of.html

Available for purchase on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2T4Y5L6

and

Growing Your Survival Herb Garden for Preppers, Homesteaders and Everyone Else
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/04/growing-your-survival-herb-garden-for.html

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09X4LYV9R


The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Bitter Herbs: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/03/the-encyclopedia-of-bitter-medicina.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B5MYJ35R

and

Christian Medicine, History and Practice: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/01/christian-herbal-medicine-history-and.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: www.amazon.com/dp/B09P7RNCTB


Herbal Medicine for Preppers, Homesteaders and Permaculture People: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2021/10/herbal-medicine-for-preppers.html

Also available on Amazon: www.amazon.com/dp/B09HMWXL25

Podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/show/southern-appalachian-herbs

Blog:

https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/

Free Video Lessons: https://rumble.com/c/c-618325

Disclaimer

The information on this site is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease or condition. Nothing on this site has been evaluated or approved by the FDA. I am not a doctor. The US government does not recognize the practice of herbal medicine and their is no governing body regulating herbalists. Therefore, I'm just a guy who studies herbs. I am not offering any advice. I won't even claim that anything I write is accurate or true! I can tell you what herbs have "traditionally been used for." I can tell you my own experience and if I believe an herb helped me. I cannot, nor would I tell you to do the same. If you use any herb I, or anyone else, mentions you are treating yourself. You take full responsibility for your health. Humans are individuals and no two are identical. What works for me may not work for you. You may have an allergy, sensitivity or underlying condition that no one else shares and you don't even know about. Be careful with your health. By continuing to read my blog you agree to be responsible for yourself, do your own research, make your own choices and not to blame me for anything, ever.

Sunday, October 6, 2024

Show 206: FEMA fails in WNC, Japanese Maple, Jewelweed and Chickweed

 

Listen to "Show 206: FEMA fails in WNC, Japanese Maple, Jewelweed and Chickweed" on Spreaker.


In this episode I discuss 3 interesting medicinal plants, two of which are also excellent wild edibles.  I also tell you how FEMA and Se. Thom Tillis are failing western North Carolina in the wake of Hurricane Helene. . 




Get your Magic Mind subscription here:  https://www.magicmind.com/JUDSONCARROLL20 
You get up to 48% off with my code:  JUDSONCARROLL20

Email: judson@judsoncarroll.com

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/southern-appalachian-herbs--4697544/support

Read about The Spring Foraging Cookbook: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2024/01/the-spring-foraging-cookbook.html
Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CRP63R54


New today in my Woodcraft shop:
https://judsoncarrollwoodcraft.substack.com/p/wild-cherry-salt-bowl-1

Medicinal Weeds and Grasses of the American Southeast, an Herbalist's Guide
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2023/05/medicinal-weeds-and-grasses-of-american.html

Available in paperback on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C47LHTTH

and

Confirmation, an Autobiography of Faith
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2023/05/confirmation-autobiography-of-faith.html

Available in paperback on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C47Q1JNK


Visit my Substack and sign up for my free newsletter:
https://judsoncarroll.substack.com/


Read about my new other books:

Medicinal Ferns and Fern Allies, an Herbalist's Guide https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/11/medicinal-ferns-and-fern-allies.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BMSZSJPS

The Omnivore’s Guide to Home Cooking for Preppers, Homesteaders, Permaculture People and Everyone Else: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/10/the-omnivores-guide-to-home-cooking-for.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BGKX37Q2

Medicinal Shrubs and Woody Vines of The American Southeast an Herbalist's Guide
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/06/medicinal-shrubs-and-woody-vines-of.html

Available for purchase on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2T4Y5L6

and

Growing Your Survival Herb Garden for Preppers, Homesteaders and Everyone Else
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/04/growing-your-survival-herb-garden-for.html

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09X4LYV9R


The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Bitter Herbs: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/03/the-encyclopedia-of-bitter-medicina.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B5MYJ35R

and

Christian Medicine, History and Practice: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/01/christian-herbal-medicine-history-and.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: www.amazon.com/dp/B09P7RNCTB


Herbal Medicine for Preppers, Homesteaders and Permaculture People: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2021/10/herbal-medicine-for-preppers.html

Also available on Amazon: www.amazon.com/dp/B09HMWXL25

Podcast:  https://www.spreaker.com/show/southern-appalachian-herbs

Blog: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/

Free Video Lessons: https://rumble.com/c/c-618325 Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/southern-appalachian-herbs--4697544/support.

Sunday, September 29, 2024

Show 205: Hedgenettle, Knotweed, Johnsongrass and Stachys

 

Listen to "Show 205: Hedgenettle, Knotweed, Johnsongrass and Stachys" on Spreaker.

In this episode I discuss 4 interesting plants, including two varieties of Stachys, Japanese Knotweed and Johnsongrass.  I also give you an update on the situation in western NC following the hurricane.  



Get your Magic Mind subscription here:  https://www.magicmind.com/JUDSONCARROLL20 
You get up to 48% off with my code:  JUDSONCARROLL20

Email: judson@judsoncarroll.com

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/southern-appalachian-herbs--4697544/support

Read about The Spring Foraging Cookbook: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2024/01/the-spring-foraging-cookbook.html
Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CRP63R54


New today in my Woodcraft shop:
https://judsoncarrollwoodcraft.substack.com/p/wild-cherry-salt-bowl-1

Medicinal Weeds and Grasses of the American Southeast, an Herbalist's Guide
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2023/05/medicinal-weeds-and-grasses-of-american.html

Available in paperback on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C47LHTTH

and

Confirmation, an Autobiography of Faith
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2023/05/confirmation-autobiography-of-faith.html

Available in paperback on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C47Q1JNK


Visit my Substack and sign up for my free newsletter:
https://judsoncarroll.substack.com/


Read about my new other books:

Medicinal Ferns and Fern Allies, an Herbalist's Guide https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/11/medicinal-ferns-and-fern-allies.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BMSZSJPS

The Omnivore’s Guide to Home Cooking for Preppers, Homesteaders, Permaculture People and Everyone Else: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/10/the-omnivores-guide-to-home-cooking-for.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BGKX37Q2

Medicinal Shrubs and Woody Vines of The American Southeast an Herbalist's Guide
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/06/medicinal-shrubs-and-woody-vines-of.html

Available for purchase on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2T4Y5L6

and

Growing Your Survival Herb Garden for Preppers, Homesteaders and Everyone Else
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/04/growing-your-survival-herb-garden-for.html

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09X4LYV9R


The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Bitter Herbs: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/03/the-encyclopedia-of-bitter-medicina.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B5MYJ35R

and

Christian Medicine, History and Practice: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/01/christian-herbal-medicine-history-and.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: www.amazon.com/dp/B09P7RNCTB


Herbal Medicine for Preppers, Homesteaders and Permaculture People: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2021/10/herbal-medicine-for-preppers.html

Also available on Amazon: www.amazon.com/dp/B09HMWXL25

Podcast:  https://www.spreaker.com/show/southern-appalachian-herbs

Blog: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/

Free Video Lessons: https://rumble.com/c/c-618325 Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/southern-appalachian-herbs--4697544/support.

Wednesday, September 25, 2024

Medicinal Ferns and Fern Allies: 4 short entries

 


Adiantum venestum

This cousin of the other Maidenhair ferns grows in very remote places and at high elevations, mostly in Asia. It does not have much documentation in herbal medicine, but is known to be astringent, diuretic, emetic, expectorant emenagogue. It has traditionally been used externally for headaches and scorpion stings and to treat wounds.



Arthromeris wallichiana

The root of this fern is antiseptic and used topically for wounds and for skin infections.



Asplenium bulbiferum

I have not found any medicinal uses for this fern, but it is one that has been traditionally eaten as a wild food. No toxicity has been reported, and it is considered to be a delicacy.



Asplenium rhizophyllum, Walking Fern

Little information has been documented about the medicinal use of the this fern, But, Plants of The Cherokee tells us that it was used as an ingredient in two medicinal formulas:

For when their breast swells. An infusion of four plants is used four times before noon, for four days, to cause vomiting: horse-balm (Collinsonia canadensis), Walking Fern, Wild Ginger (Asarum canadense) and Sharp Lobed Hepatica (Hepatica acutiloba). The whole plant is used in every case except the first plant, in which the leaf or root tea is used.

Walking Fern was also used in the formula for “Dreaming of Snakes”. Apparently, such dreams were believed to cause both mental and physical illness when the person dreamed he was bitten by a poisonous snake. The formula consisted of a decoction of Rattlesnake Fern, or Virginia Snakeroot and the bark of the Tulip Poplar. This would be applied both externally, in the place where the person dreamed he was bitten, and taken internally as a tea. An incantation was recited and the area was breathed upon by a native healer. The tea would cause the patient to vomit.


Photo credits:

Adiantum venestum By Kembangraps - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3473138

Arthromeris wallichiana DSC_0161.JPG (3008×2000) (googlegroups.com)

Asplenium bulbiferum By Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=64996880

Asplenium rhizophyllum, Walking Fern By Choess - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=22853796


This article is an excerpt from 

Medicinal Ferns and Fern Allies, an Herbalist's Guide https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/11/medicinal-ferns-and-fern-allies.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BMSZSJPS

PS. New today in my Woodcraft shop: 

Mother and Toddler set special order (substack.com)

https://judsoncarrollwoodcraft.substack.com/p/mother-and-toddler-set-special-order


New Book: 

The Spring Foraging Cookbook: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2024/01/the-spring-foraging-cookbook.html
Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CRP63R54

Read about my other new books:

A Daily Catholic Devotional Reflections on the Daily Mass readings July-December, 2024
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2023/12/a-daily-catholic-devotional-reflections.html

Medicinal Weeds and Grasses of the American Southeast, an Herbalist's Guide
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2023/05/medicinal-weeds-and-grasses-of-american.html

Available in paperback on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C47LHTTH

and

Confirmation, an Autobiography of Faith
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2023/05/confirmation-autobiography-of-faith.html

Available in paperback on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C47Q1JNK

and

Medicinal Shrubs and Woody Vines of The American Southeast An Herbalist's Guide

Read about Medicinal Shrubs and Woody Vines of The American Southeast An Herbalist's Guide: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/06/medicinal-shrubs-and-woody-vines-of.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2T4Y5L6: by Judson Carroll


Visit my Substack and sign up for my free newsletter: 

Read about my new other books:

Medicinal Ferns and Fern Allies, an Herbalist's Guide https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/11/medicinal-ferns-and-fern-allies.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BMSZSJPS

The Omnivore’s Guide to Home Cooking for Preppers, Homesteaders, Permaculture People and Everyone Else: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/10/the-omnivores-guide-to-home-cooking-for.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BGKX37Q2

Medicinal Shrubs and Woody Vines of The American Southeast an Herbalist's Guide
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/06/medicinal-shrubs-and-woody-vines-of.html

Available for purchase on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2T4Y5L6

and

Growing Your Survival Herb Garden for Preppers, Homesteaders and Everyone Else
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/04/growing-your-survival-herb-garden-for.html

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09X4LYV9R


The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Bitter Herbs: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/03/the-encyclopedia-of-bitter-medicina.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B5MYJ35R

and

Christian Medicine, History and Practice: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/01/christian-herbal-medicine-history-and.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: www.amazon.com/dp/B09P7RNCTB


Herbal Medicine for Preppers, Homesteaders and Permaculture People: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2021/10/herbal-medicine-for-preppers.html

Also available on Amazon: www.amazon.com/dp/B09HMWXL25

Podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/show/southern-appalachian-herbs

Blog:

https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/

Free Video Lessons: https://rumble.com/c/c-618325

Disclaimer

The information on this site is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease or condition. Nothing on this site has been evaluated or approved by the FDA. I am not a doctor. The US government does not recognize the practice of herbal medicine and their is no governing body regulating herbalists. Therefore, I'm just a guy who studies herbs. I am not offering any advice. I won't even claim that anything I write is accurate or true! I can tell you what herbs have "traditionally been used for." I can tell you my own experience and if I believe an herb helped me. I cannot, nor would I tell you to do the same. If you use any herb I, or anyone else, mentions you are treating yourself. You take full responsibility for your health. Humans are individuals and no two are identical. What works for me may not work for you. You may have an allergy, sensitivity or underlying condition that no one else shares and you don't even know about. Be careful with your health. By continuing to read my blog you agree to be responsible for yourself, do your own research, make your own choices and not to blame me for anything, ever.

Sunday, September 22, 2024

Show 204: Indian Cucumber, Jimson Weed and Bittersweet

 

Listen to "Show 204: Indian Cucumber, Jimson Weed and Bittersweet" on Spreaker.

In this episode I discuss one of my favorite wild edible plants and how to use it in everything from pickles and cold soup to curries and gin.  Then, I finish the discussion on the solanum family, which are powerfully medicinal plants that are also hallucinogenic and poisonous.




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Read about The Spring Foraging Cookbook: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2024/01/the-spring-foraging-cookbook.html
Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CRP63R54


New today in my Woodcraft shop:
https://judsoncarrollwoodcraft.substack.com/p/wild-cherry-salt-bowl-1

Medicinal Weeds and Grasses of the American Southeast, an Herbalist's Guide
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2023/05/medicinal-weeds-and-grasses-of-american.html

Available in paperback on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C47LHTTH

and

Confirmation, an Autobiography of Faith
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2023/05/confirmation-autobiography-of-faith.html

Available in paperback on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C47Q1JNK


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Read about my new other books:

Medicinal Ferns and Fern Allies, an Herbalist's Guide https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/11/medicinal-ferns-and-fern-allies.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BMSZSJPS

The Omnivore’s Guide to Home Cooking for Preppers, Homesteaders, Permaculture People and Everyone Else: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/10/the-omnivores-guide-to-home-cooking-for.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BGKX37Q2

Medicinal Shrubs and Woody Vines of The American Southeast an Herbalist's Guide
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/06/medicinal-shrubs-and-woody-vines-of.html

Available for purchase on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2T4Y5L6

and

Growing Your Survival Herb Garden for Preppers, Homesteaders and Everyone Else
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/04/growing-your-survival-herb-garden-for.html

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09X4LYV9R


The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Bitter Herbs: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/03/the-encyclopedia-of-bitter-medicina.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B5MYJ35R

and

Christian Medicine, History and Practice: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/01/christian-herbal-medicine-history-and.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: www.amazon.com/dp/B09P7RNCTB


Herbal Medicine for Preppers, Homesteaders and Permaculture People: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2021/10/herbal-medicine-for-preppers.html

Also available on Amazon: www.amazon.com/dp/B09HMWXL25

Podcast:  https://www.spreaker.com/show/southern-appalachian-herbs

Blog: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/

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Wednesday, September 18, 2024

Medicinal Ferns and Fern Allies: Asplenium adiantum-nigrum, Black Maidenhair Fern, Male Black Fern or Black Spleenwort

 


This species has often been considered both a variety of Maidenhair fern and a Spleenwort.

Dioscorides tells us:

Asplenon has many leaves (similar to the creatures called centipedes and millipedes) growing round

about out of one root. It grows on walls and shady rocks or pebble stones — stalkless, flowerless, seedless, [its leaves] cut-in like those of fern, yellowish and rough underneath, but green above. The leaves (boiled with vinegar and taken as a drink for forty days) are able to reduce the spleen, but you must also rub the spleen with the leaves pounded into small pieces with wine. It helps slow painful urination, hiccups and jaundice, and breaks stones in the bladder. It is thought to be a cause of barrenness (used alone or hung about one with the spleen of a mule) but they say that to cause barrenness it must be dug up when the night is moonless. It is also called scolopendrium, splenium, hemionion, pteryx, lonchitis, aturius, phrygia, phrygitis, or philtrodotes, while the Magi call it the blood of a weasel.


Gerard wrote of Spleenworts:

Spleenwort being that kind of Fern called Asplenum or Ceterach, and the true Scolopendria, hath leaves a span long, jagged or cut upon both sides, even hard to the middle rib; every cut or incisure being as it were cut half round (whereby it is known from the rough Spleenwort) not one cut right against another, but one besides the other, set in several order, being slippery and green on the upper side, soft and downy underneath; which when they be withered are folded up together like a scroll, and hairy without, much like to the rough bear-worm wherewith men bait their hooks to catch fish: the root is small, black, and rough, much plaited or interlaced, having neither stalk, flower, nor seeds.

Rough Spleenwort is partly like the other Ferns in show, and beareth neither stalk nor seed, having narrow leaves a foot long, and somewhat longer, slashed on the edges even to the middle rib, smooth on the upper side, and of a swart green colour; underneath rough, as is the leaves of Polypody: the root is black; and set with a number of slender strings.

This greater Spleenwort hath leaves like Ceterach, of a span long, somewhat resembling those of Polypody, but that they are more divided, snipped about the edges, and sharp pointed: the root is fibrous and stringy. This grows on the rocks and mountainous places of Italy, and is the Lonchitis aspera maior of Matthiolus and others.

This kind of Spleenwort is not only barren of stalks and seeds, but also of spots and marks wherewith the others are spotted: the leaves are few in number, growing pyramid or steeplewise, great and broad below, and sharper toward the top by degrees: the root is thick, black, and bushy, as it were a crow's nest.

The Place.

Ceterach groweth upon old stone walls and rocks, in dark and shadowy places throughout the West part of England; especially upon the stone walls by Bristol, as you go to Saint Vincent's Rock, and likewise about Bath, Wells, and Salisbury, where I have seen great plenty thereof.

The rough Spleenwort groweth upon barren heaths, dry sandy banks, and shadowy places in most parts of England, but especially on a heath by London called Hampstead Heath, where it groweth in great abundance.

The Names.

Spleenwort or Miltwaste is called in Greek and Latin Asplenium, and also Scolopendria: of Gaza, Mula herba: in shops, Ceterach: in High Dutch, Steynfarn: in low Dutch, Steynvaren, and Miltcruyt: in English, Spleenwort, Miltwaste, Scalefern and Stonefern: it is called Asplenium, because it is special good against the infirmities of the spleen or milt, and Scolopendria of the likeness that it hath with the bear-worm, before remembered.

Rough Miltwaste is called of divers of the later writers Asplenium sylvestre, or wild Spleenwort: of some, Asplenium magnum, or great Spleenwort: Valerius Cordus calleth it Strutiopteris: and Dioscorides, Lonchitis aspera, or Rough Spleenwort: in Latin according to the same author, Longina, and Calabrina: in English, Rough Spleenwort, or Miltwaste.

The Temperature.

These plants are of thin parts, as Galen witnesseth, yet are they not hot, but in a mean.

The Virtues.

A. Dioscorides teacheth, that the leaves boiled in wine and drunk by the space of forty days, do take way infirmities of the spleen; help the strangury, and yellow jaundice, cause the stone in the bladder to moulder and pass away, all which are performed by such things as be of thin and subtle parts: he addeth likewise that they slay the hicket, or yexing, and also hinder conception, either inwardly taken, or hanged about the party, and therefore, saith Pliny, Spleenwort is not to be given to women, because it bringeth barrenness.

B. There be empirics or blind practitioners of this age, who teach, that with this herb not only the hardness and swelling of the spleen,but all infirmities of the liver also may be effectually, and in very short time removed, insomuch that the sodden liver of a beast is restored to his former constitution again, that is, made like unto a raw liver, if it be boiled again with this herb.

C. But this is to be reckoned among the old wives' fables, and that also which Dioscorides telleth of, touching the gathering of Spleenwort in the night, and other most vain things, which are found here and there scattered in old books: from which most of the later writers do not abstain, who many times fill up their pages with lies and frivolous toys, and by so doing do not a little deceive young students.


Culpepper wrote of Spleenworts in general:

Description. This is a small plant, consisting only of leaves, which spring from a fibrous root: they are about three or four inches long, hardly half an inch broad cut into small roundish segments, which stand not opposite ot one another, but alternately; they are of a greenish colour on the upper side, and brownish, and full of dusty seed underneath, generally crumpled or folded inward, in shape somewhat like the insect Scolopendra, whence it takes one of the names.

Place. It grows as well upon stone walls, as moist and shadowy places, about Bristol, and other the west parts plentifully; as also in Framlingham Castle, on Beaconsfield church in Berkshire, at Stroude in Kent, and elsewhere.

Time. It abides green all the winter.

Government and virtues. Saturn owns it. It is generally used against infirmities of the Spleen. It helps the stranguary, and wasteth the stone in the bladder, and is good against the yellow jaundice and the hiccough; but the juice of it in women hinders conception. Matthiolus says, that if a drachm of the dust that is on the backside of leaves be mixed with half a drachm of amber in powder, and taken with the juice of purslain or plantain, it helps the gonorrhea speedily, and that the herb and root being boiled and taken, helps all melancholy diseases, and those especially that arise from the venereal disease. Camerarius says, That the distilled water thereof being drank, is very effectual against the stone in the reins and bladder; and that the lye that is made of the ashes thereof being drank for some time together, helps splenetic persons. It is used in outward remedies for the same purpose. This is one of the five capiliary plants, ex re nomen habens, having its name from its good effect, in curing diseases of the spleen, taking away the swellings thereof, and hindering its too great largeness, whence likewise it is called Miltwaste: it likewise opens obstructions of the liver, helps the jaundice, and is very good for the rickets in children.


Mrs. Grieve wrote briefly:

The Black Spleenwort is a small fern growing in rather circular masses, either on walls, where its fronds are only from 3 to 6 inches long, or on shady hedgebanks, where its oblong-triangular, evergreen fronds may attain as much as 20 inches in length. The pinnae are alternate, slanting upwards; the pinnules thick, leathery, shiny, irregularly wedge-shaped. It is rather variable in form; when on exposed walls, it is more rigid and pointed and yellowish-green, instead of dark green. The sori are abundant, swelling over the edges of the pinnules. This is a very hardy and ornamental fern. Its stalks are polished and dark chestnut-brown in colour.

It is sometimes called Black Maidenhair, and has medicinal virtues similar to other Maidenhairs, a decoction of it relieving a troublesome cough and proving also a good hair wash.


Jon K’eogh wrote of the Irish tradition:

Ceterach, or Miltwaste

It has a temperate nature. The juice of the leaves taken in vinegar for forty days every morning, cures all obstructions of the spleen and liver. It is also very good against painful urination, stone in the bladder, jaundice, fevers and rickets in children.

Rough Spleenwort, lonchitis

It has a hot dry nature. Either internally or externally applied, it is very good for obstructions or swelling of the spleen. It is also beneficial for wounds, as it protects them from inflammation.


Plants for A Future states:

The plant is bitter, diuretic, laxative and ophthalmic. It is taken internally to treat diseases of the spleen, jaundice and ophthalmia. It is said to produce sterility in women. A decoction or syrup made from the fronds is emmenagogue, expectorant and pectoral. It is used to relieve troublesome coughs.

Although we have found no reports of toxicity for this species, a number of ferns contain carcinogens so some caution is advisable. Many ferns also contain thiaminase, an enzyme that robs the body of its vitamin B complex. In small quantities this enzyme will do no harm to people eating an adequate diet that is rich in vitamin B, though large quantities can cause severe health problems. The enzyme is destroyed by heat or thorough drying, so cooking the plant will remove the thiaminase.


This article is an excerpt from 

Medicinal Ferns and Fern Allies, an Herbalist's Guide https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/11/medicinal-ferns-and-fern-allies.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BMSZSJPS

PS. New today in my Woodcraft shop: 

Mother and Toddler set special order (substack.com)

https://judsoncarrollwoodcraft.substack.com/p/mother-and-toddler-set-special-order


New Book: 

The Spring Foraging Cookbook: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2024/01/the-spring-foraging-cookbook.html
Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CRP63R54

Read about my other new books:

A Daily Catholic Devotional Reflections on the Daily Mass readings July-December, 2024
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2023/12/a-daily-catholic-devotional-reflections.html

Medicinal Weeds and Grasses of the American Southeast, an Herbalist's Guide
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2023/05/medicinal-weeds-and-grasses-of-american.html

Available in paperback on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C47LHTTH

and

Confirmation, an Autobiography of Faith
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2023/05/confirmation-autobiography-of-faith.html

Available in paperback on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C47Q1JNK

and

Medicinal Shrubs and Woody Vines of The American Southeast An Herbalist's Guide

Read about Medicinal Shrubs and Woody Vines of The American Southeast An Herbalist's Guide: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/06/medicinal-shrubs-and-woody-vines-of.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2T4Y5L6: by Judson Carroll


Visit my Substack and sign up for my free newsletter: 

Read about my new other books:

Medicinal Ferns and Fern Allies, an Herbalist's Guide https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/11/medicinal-ferns-and-fern-allies.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BMSZSJPS

The Omnivore’s Guide to Home Cooking for Preppers, Homesteaders, Permaculture People and Everyone Else: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/10/the-omnivores-guide-to-home-cooking-for.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BGKX37Q2

Medicinal Shrubs and Woody Vines of The American Southeast an Herbalist's Guide
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/06/medicinal-shrubs-and-woody-vines-of.html

Available for purchase on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2T4Y5L6

and

Growing Your Survival Herb Garden for Preppers, Homesteaders and Everyone Else
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/04/growing-your-survival-herb-garden-for.html

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09X4LYV9R


The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Bitter Herbs: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/03/the-encyclopedia-of-bitter-medicina.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B5MYJ35R

and

Christian Medicine, History and Practice: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/01/christian-herbal-medicine-history-and.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: www.amazon.com/dp/B09P7RNCTB


Herbal Medicine for Preppers, Homesteaders and Permaculture People: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2021/10/herbal-medicine-for-preppers.html

Also available on Amazon: www.amazon.com/dp/B09HMWXL25

Podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/show/southern-appalachian-herbs

Blog:

https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/

Free Video Lessons: https://rumble.com/c/c-618325

Disclaimer

The information on this site is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease or condition. Nothing on this site has been evaluated or approved by the FDA. I am not a doctor. The US government does not recognize the practice of herbal medicine and their is no governing body regulating herbalists. Therefore, I'm just a guy who studies herbs. I am not offering any advice. I won't even claim that anything I write is accurate or true! I can tell you what herbs have "traditionally been used for." I can tell you my own experience and if I believe an herb helped me. I cannot, nor would I tell you to do the same. If you use any herb I, or anyone else, mentions you are treating yourself. You take full responsibility for your health. Humans are individuals and no two are identical. What works for me may not work for you. You may have an allergy, sensitivity or underlying condition that no one else shares and you don't even know about. Be careful with your health. By continuing to read my blog you agree to be responsible for yourself, do your own research, make your own choices and not to blame me for anything, ever.

Show 207: Kudzu and Tansy

  Listen to "Show 207: Kudzu and Tansy" on Spreaker. In this episode I discuss two of my favorite edible and medicinal plants.  Bo...