Pumpkins

Not just for carving!

What is a pumpkin?

Since it is the result of a seed-bearing structure of a flowering plant, a pumpkin is classified as a fruit. It is rich in vitamins and minerals and is also low in calories. The leaves, seeds, and juices are used for its health benefits. It’s also that thing you probably carve for Halloween!

Is it considered a gourd?

Gourds are a hard-shelled durable fruit that is grown for ornament, utensils (bottles or containers), food, medicine, musical instruments, artistic media, and other general interests when the fruit is dried. A pumpkin is not a gourd, but it is related to it. Pumpkins, along with gourds and squash, are in the Cucurbitaceae family, which contains over 700 species. 

What are some health benefits associated with it?

Beta-carotene: Not only does it give pumpkins its bright orange appearance, but it is also a powerful antioxidant. The body is able to ingest beta-carotene and convert it to Vitamin A, which helps with immune function, vision, cellular communication, and the creation of white blood cells. Beta-carotene can also reduce the chances of getting cancer. It offers protection against asthma and heart disease, delays aging and body degeneration. 

Seeds and pulp: They help control diabetes by helping the tissues and intestine absorb glucose and balance the levels of glucose in the liver. Currently, pumpkin is being studied to hopefully become an anti-diabetic medication to lower the risk of having type 2 diabetes. The pumpkin seeds and pulp are also high in Vitamin C and beta-carotene, which helps the immune system. Vitamin C is necessary for the biosynthesis of collagen and neurotransmitters and is involved in protein metabolism. 

Fiber: Pumpkins are a good source of fiber. Fiber is a necessity because it helps slows the rate of sugar absorption into the blood and allows for regular digestion and healthier bowel movements. If individuals can ingest the required amount of daily fiber (~25-30g), then they can reduce their chances of getting colon cancer. 

Potassium: Potassium reduces the risk of stroke, protects against a loss of muscle mass, preserves bone mineral density, and helps regulate high blood pressure. 

What are some different ways that I can consume a pumpkin?

One can make a pumpkin puree and use either the pumpkin puree or canned pumpkin to replace oil and butter in a baking recipe. Cook the seeds with a little bit of salt, make a fruit smoothie or make a pie. For the most health benefits, avoid using canned pumpkin pie mix because of all the added sugars and syrups which is usually right next to the canned pumpkin which only contains pumpkin in it. 

Are there any warnings/ side effects when eating a pumpkin?

Currently, not much research has been conducted to determine the medicinal amounts of pumpkin during pregnancy, so consult with a physician before consuming it. Pumpkin also might affect how well the body gets rid of lithium, which can cause some serious side effects.

Sources:

https://www.fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org/pumpkins-fruit-vegetable-difference-two

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/279610.php

http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/gardens-gardening/your-garden/help-for-the-home-gardener/advice-tips-resources/gardening-help-faqs/questionid/274/afmid/4462.aspx

https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminA-HealthProfessional/

https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminC-HealthProfessional/

https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-810/pumpkin

Picture Sources:

http://www.exploreminnesota.com/travel-ideas/minnesota-pumpkin-patches-fall-family-adventure/

http://www.amishgourds.com/store/page/441664

https://www.shape.com/healthy-eating/diet-tips/pumpkin-health-benefits

https://timetoleave.earth/abc-reveals-when-its-the-great-pumpkin-charlie-brown-will-air/

Vegetables

"Kids, eat your veggies!" 

What is the definition of a vegetable?

A vegetable is a plant that is used as food, or the part of a plant, such as a root, stem, or flower, that is used for food. 

https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/vegetable

How can you tell between a vegetable and a fruit?

A fruit is a seed-bearing structure that develops from the ovary of a flowering plant, and a vegetable (as stated before) is all the other parts of the plants, such as the stem, leaves, flowers, and roots. 

What are some examples of vegetables?

Some examples of vegetables include: celery, asparagus, broccoli, lettuce, radishes, peas, cabbage, carrots, and many more! 

What are some specific health benefits?

Celery: 

Contains apigenin (currently being studied for its anti-cancer properties), which reduces inflammation and restores immune balance. Also, the University of Maryland Medical Center says that celery seeds help with arthritis, gout, muscle spasms, high blood pressure, colds, flu, and water retention. 

 Broccoli:

It is known as a good source of Vitamin K and C, folic acid, potassium, and fiber. Vitamin K is essential for the functioning of many proteins involved in blood clotting. Folic acid helps maintain new cells in the body. Vitamin C builds collagen for the formation of tissues and bones and is also an antioxidant.

Carrot:

If broccoli isn’t your thing, carrots are also a good source of fiber, vitamin K, potassium, and antioxidants. Its orange color comes from beta-carotene which is an antioxidant that is converted to Vitamin A in the body. Vitamin A promotes good vision, preventing one’s vision from getting worse. Carrots are also beneficial in lowering cholesterol levels. 

Radish:

Radishes help clean out the liver and stomach (detoxifying it). There are a variety of different types of radishes with different health benefits, for example, the black radish (along with its leaves) has been used to combat jaundice because it can get rid of excess bilirubin. Radishes also provide the body with potassium, which helps lower blood pressure and individuals who suffer from hypertension. Red radishes contain Vitamin E, A, C, B6, and K, and its high with antioxidants. They also help keep the body hydrated because of its high water content. 

How many vegetables should an individual have in a day? 

Is there such a thing as having too many vegetables?

There is such thing as eating too many veggies. Many of the veggies described above have fiber, and even though the body can handle more of the recommended amount (25 grams per day) of fiber, too much can disturb the stomach. For example, the individual could experience digestive distress, gas, bloating, and severe constipation. Also, if your stomach is trying to process all the plants being consumed, other foods become less healthy because the stomach is not properly digesting those other foods. Basically, eating too many veggies can cause the body discomfort and if one consumes too many carotenoids they can alter their skin coloration. 

REMEMBER: Eat your veggies, just don't go crazy! 

Sources: 

https://www.livescience.com/33991-difference-fruits-vegetables.html

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/270678.php

https://www.healthyeating.org/Healthy-Eating/All-Star-Foods/Vegetables/Article-Viewer/Article/91/health-benefits-of-broccoli

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods/carrots#section5

https://food.ndtv.com/food-drinks/10-incredible-radish-benefits-the-power-source-of-potassium-vitamin-c-and-fiber-1397076

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/servings-of-vegetables-per-day#section2

https://www.thedailymeal.com/healthy-eating/yes-it-possible-eat-too-many-vegetables

                

Picture sources:

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/492229434246987231/

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/servings-of-vegetables-per-day#section2

http://www.todayifoundout.com/index.php/2012/02/if-you-eat-an-excessive-amount-of-carrots-your-skin-will-turn-an-orangishyellow-shade/

http://delightfullyfull.com/veggie-trayn/

Marijuana plant

What is marijuana?

Marijuana comes from the plant Cannabis sativa. When using marijuana for medicinal purposes, the whole, unprocessed plant is used. The same ingredients are in the medicinal and recreational marijuana, but when marijuana is used in health care, it is grown to have fewer chemicals that cause the feeling of euphoria. 

How is it used for medicinal purposes?

There are cannabinoids, an active chemical in medical marijuana, which is similar to the chemicals in the body that impacts appetite, memory, movement, and pain. Research suggests that cannabinoids can reduce anxiety, inflammation, kill cancer cells, slow tumor growth, relax tight muscles in people with MS. 

What are the health benefits of medical marijuana?

Although there have not been much research studies with medical marijuana, it has been used to treat cancer, Crohn’s disease, muscle spasms, appetite loss, nausea, and pain.

Is marijuana always good?

There is recreational marijuana that is a greenish-gray mixture of dried flowers, also from the Cannabis sativa. Individuals smoke or consume recreational marijuana to receive a feeling of euphoria or the sensation of being “high.” 

Is it addictive?

Marijuana is addictive. Research data suggests that 30% of marijuana users have some degree of marijuana use disorder, which is a form of addiction in severe cases. 

What are some side effects of using marijuana for non-medicinal purposes?

The side effects of using marijuana are bloodshot eyes, depression, dizziness, fast heartbeat, hallucinations, and low blood pressure. It can also adversely impact judgment, coordination, and IQ if the drug is taken during the teenage years while the brain is still developing. 

Is medical marijuana approved by the FDA?

Since there hasn’t been much research done with medical marijuana, the FDA has not approved the drug. There have been two man-made cannabinoid medicines that have been approved by the FDA called dronabinol (Marinol) and nabilone (Cesamet), which are also used to treat nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy. 

Which states have legalized medical marijuana?

Medical marijuana is legal in 29 states and the District of Columbia, and a few have legalized recreational marijuana. 

Sources:

https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/medical-marijuana-faq#1-3

https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/marijuana/what-marijuana

https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/marijuana/marijuana-addictive

https://www.healthworkscollective.com/how-medical-marijuana-industry-impacting-big-pharma/

https://www.marijuanabreak.com/medical-marijuana-legal-states

Cinnamon

"Cinnamon, Not Just For Rolls!"

What is cinnamon?

Cinnamon comes from the bark of a small evergreen tree native to Sri Lanka, called Cinnamomum verum. Most of the cinnamon comes from Indonesia, China, Vietnam, and Burma. The farmers shave the outer and inner bark off of the trees and then dry it. When the inner bark is thoroughly dried is when the recognizable cinnamon curled sticks are formed.

Here is a video on how we get cinnamon sticks!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x0mSpoth6xU

What is cinnamaldehyde?

            Cinnamaldehyde is an aldehyde that gives cinnamon its flavor and odor. The essential oil of cinnamon bark is about 90% cinnamaldehyde which is found naturally in the barks of certain trees.       

How was it first discovered?

            Cinnamon has been used for centuries in both Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine to ease flu and indigestion. It has calcium, fiber, iron, manganese, and essential oils that helps give it its healing properties.

What was the story of the “secret of thieves?”

Four thieves would rob houses of individuals that were infected with the bubonic plague. The robbers had created a similar concoction of that used in the attire (bird masks) of the physicians visiting their patients. Some accounts say that the thieves used garlic, cloves, and CINNAMON in their masks to help keep them from getting infected with the plague. 

What are some benefits of cinnamon?

Cinnamon is high in antioxidants which protect the body from oxidative damage and is also used to help with digestive inflammation.

 This spice has also been known to reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering LDL cholesterol levels (bad cholesterol) and stabilizing blood markers in people with type 2 diabetes. With this form of diabetes, individuals could experience insulin resistance and with the help of cinnamon, insulin resistance can be reduced which allows the hormone to continue its work of transporting sugar in the blood to cells in the body. 

It also interacts with a variety of digestive enzymes to reduce the amount of sugar that goes into the bloodstream, since the carbohydrates are not being broken down as fast. 

Cinnamon mixed with honey has been known to help with acne. With 3 tablespoons of honey and a teaspoon of cinnamon, one can apply to the face, which will stop the acne-causing bacteria and restore moisture to the face. The “mask” is left in for about 10 minutes. Remove if a burning sensation begins and also use caution when applying cinnamon to the face. 

What else is cinnamon good for?

Cinnamon has also been found useful for other tasks besides in an individual’s health:

            Bug repellent: For many, cinnamon is used an air freshener for its delicious smell, but for animals, such as ants and moth, it will draw them in the opposite direction. Cinnamaldehyde is also used as a fungicide and has been proven effective on over 40 different crops just by applying it to the roots of the plant. 

            Lip plumper: Individuals have been known to use this spice to enhance the size of their lips. One simply places Vaseline directly onto the lips and pats on the cinnamon making the lips tingly which causes the enhancement.       

            Breath freshener: Chew on a few cinnamon sticks or gargle warm cinnamon water to help with bad breath. 

                        

Use caution when using cinnamon on the body!

Sources: 

https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/cinnamaldehyde#section=Top

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/cinnamon-comes-from_n_4963435

http://blog.hannasherbshop.com/2012/03/15/the-history-and-healing-of-thieves-essential-oil/

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/cinnamon-beauty-benefits_n_3857058

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/10-proven-benefits-of-cinnamon

The Ethnobotany of the Cherokee Indians

"All you need are wild plants and a Medicine Man"

Who were the Cherokees?

The Cherokees were a Native American tribe that was the most socially and culturally advanced when it came to communicating with the European explorers in the 16^thcentury. They were able to create their own government and society that relates to much of current civilizations. Cherokees were also involved in the Indian removal, due to the discovery of gold on their homelands. 

What types of plants did they use for medicine/health purposes?

Cherokee tribes used Hummingbird Blossoms, cattails, mint, mullein, wild ginger, wild rose, and many others for their medicinal purposes. 

What is a Medicine Man?

A Medicine Man is a priestly healer and spiritual leader of the Native American tribes who believed that physical nature might be brought under the control of man, in the presence of a Medicine Man.

https://www.warpaths2peacepipes.com/native-american-culture/medicine-man.htm

In other words, a Medicine Man is a doctor for a Native American tribe that performs rituals to heal a sick or injured person as opposed to what a traditional doctor does today. 

What are the specific benefits of the medicinal plants used?

Hummingbird Blossom (aka Buck Brush):

The Cherokee healer would make a weak decoction of the roots, for diuretic (an increase in the passing of urine) purposes, to stimulate kidney function. Along with kidney aid, the Hummingbird Blossom also helped with inflamed tonsils or lymph nodes. 

Cattail:

Cattails are mostly used as a preventative medicine. Although the mature leaves and seed head of the cattail are not edible, the rest of it is and is used for the recovery of illnesses. The roots are high in starch content and can be prepared similarly to potatoes, while the pollen from the male plants is a good source of protein. When boiled or mashed, one can apply to the skin to treat burns or sores, and the seed blooms can also be used to prevent skin irritations on infants. 

Mint:

When in water and ingested, the mint can help with digestion; when in bath water, it can help relieve itchy skin. Also, Cherokee healers used an infusion of leaves and stems to lower high blood pressure. 

Mullein (kind of like a Tobacco plant):

In order to soothe asthma attacks and chest congestion, Cherokee healers would recommend that the individual inhale the smoke from smoldering mullein roots and leaves. When the roots were turned into a warm decoction, they could be used to help swollen feet or reduce the swelling in joints. Today, some people take mullein through oral use for breathing conditions, such as for coughs, asthma, colds, etc. Also, it has been known to be used for the flavoring of some alcoholic beverages. 

Wild Ginger:

In teas, wild ginger is known to help stimulate digestion. The Cherokees also believed that it could help treat stomach and intestinal problems. Another tribe, the Meskwaki, would pulverize the wild ginger stems to treat ear infections. 

Wild Rose:

Wild roses are a rich source of Vitamin C and are also used as a reliable preventative and cure for the common cold, and to help relieve sore throats. It is also used to stimulate the bladder and kidneys. 

Sources: 

http://www.cherokee.org/About-The-Nation/History/Facts/Our-History

http://www.cherokee.org/About-The-Nation/Culture/General/Cherokee-Medicinal-Herbs

https://www.manataka.org/page3025.html

https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-572/mullein

The Opium Poppy

“What matters most is what’s on the inside!”

What is an Opium Poppy?

The opium poppy gets its name from the chemical compounds called opioids, which are the chemicals that create a class of drugs. Poppies are small flowers with a milky sap and rounded seed capsules that contain alkaloids.

What is Morphine? And what does it do?

Morphine is a pain reliever that is used to treat moderate to severe chronic pain. Chronic pain is when an individual will continue to feel pain after the cause of the pain has been gone for several months. Morphine is such a powerful painkiller that people have been known to get addicted very quickly.

When and who discovered Morphine?

In 1803, Morphine was discovered by Frederich Serturner in Germany and was one of the first drugs to be isolated from a plant. He was an uneducated 21-year-old pharmacist’s assistant. He was very curious about the opium poppy so, in his spare time, he would conduct experiments to isolate the organic alkaloid compound. Once the compound was removed, the poppy flower had no effect on animals, but the compound itself made the animals sleepy. Through further experiments, he discovered pain relieving properties that existed within the compound. Therefore, the alkaloid compound within the opium poppy is responsible for the Morphine we have today. 

What was the big deal with Frederich Serturner’s discovery?

Due to Serturner’s discovery of isolating organic alkaloids from a certain plant, scientists were able to repeat his technique and create aconitine from monkshood, quinine from Peruvian bark, and many other drugs. 

The Opioid crisis:

Pharmaceutical companies assured those in the medical field that opioids would not be addictive to their patients, so doctors began prescribing these painkillers at much higher rates. At that time, no one was afraid to overuse these painkillers, which led to the realization that it was actually very addictive. Morphine and heroin both contribute to the high number of victims in the opioid crisis. Studies show that every day, more than 115 people in the U.S. die after overdosing on opioids. Therefore, always use caution when using any opioid drugs and reach out for help when necessary. 

**Fun Facts:

-       The name “Morphine” came from the Greek god “Morpheus,” the god of dreams. 

-       It takes more than 2.5 acres of poppies to produce about 20 lbs of raw opium.

-       Afghanistan is the world capital for opium.  

Sources:

https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/ethnobotany/medicinal/index.shtml

https://talbottcampus.com/history-of-morphine/

https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/chronic-pain-syndrome-overview#1

https://www.acepnow.com/article/facts-opium-poppy/

https://pixabay.com/en/pink-poppy-poppy-flower-flowers-864472/

https://www.keepcalm-o-matic.co.uk/p/its-not-about-what-s-on-the-outside-what-matters-most-is-what-s-on-the-inside-that-counts/

https://www.drugabuse.gov/drugs-abuse/opioids/opioid-overdose-crisis

The health benefits of roses in rosewater

Rose Water

" There is so much more to roses than meets the eye! " 

Imagine when you were a little kid, back when there was such a thing as having a wild imagination and creating things out of the most random of objects. When I was young, I use to put flower petals, grass, and water in a plastic cup to create "potions" with my friends. Now seeing that you can boil water with rose petals and make teas, perfumes, and healthy products that can help with inflamed skin, colds, and many other things is pretty cool! 

Who first created rose water?

            Greece has been known to be the origin of using roses for their fragrance and extracts, but in the late 7^thcentury A.D., evidence shows that Iran was responsible for the creation of rose water. Avicenna was the Muslim physician who was credited with extracting the rose water out from its petals. Distillation became a popular technique used in the Middle East that was brought to Europe by the Crusaders. Once individuals started to realize that roses were able to treat conditions such as eye disease, rose water traveled to Egypt, Greece, China, and India because of its remarkable healing properties. 

What is rose water?

            Rose water is when rose petals are either cooked or distilled in pure drinking water. When doing this, it is crucial to make sure that organically grown roses are used, meaning that there are no chemicals or insecticides that are on the plant that could cause harm to the individual using the rose water.

What health benefits does rose water have?

            Since I have eczema, I thought it was fascinating to know that rose water is known to treat conditions like eczema and rosacea. Rose water has antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe irritated skin and helps protect skin cells from being damaged. Not only does rose water benefit inflamed skin, but it can also be used for fragrances, herbal tea, treating cuts, stress, depression, and cold-like symptoms, such as a sore throat, stomachache, or a headache, and can also work as an anti-aging product. 

What are other forms of rose water?

            Although rose water has been shown to be a very effective form, there are other forms of the same product that can be created as well. Rose oil is when the flower is distilled to create an oilier product that can keep the skin moisturized for many hours. If preferred for culinary purposes, dried petals or buds are often used in foods or drinks. 

How can you apply the water to get the best results?

            When applying the rose water, one could rub it directly on the irritated parts of the skin, place it on a cloth and place the cloth on his/her forehead to help with headaches. You could also use it as a body spray, or just drink it. These are only some of the ways to apply rose water. 

Do specific roses have these health benefits?

            Rose water comes from Rosa damascene, a species of rose that contains terpenes, glycosides, flavonoids, and anthocyanins which are the organic compounds that give rose water its healthy composition. 

Word of caution:

Be sure to test whether or not you are allergic to roses touching the surface of your skin before applying to the entire body or ingesting it. Also, if you are not the one freshly growing the roses, be sure to purchase roses from a reliable source that would not put potentially harmful chemicals on the roses. 

Works Cited:

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320216.php

http://www.therosewater.jp/origin-rose-water/

https://www.britannica.com/biography/Avicenna

https://theherbalacademy.com/how-to-make-and-use-rose-water/

https://www.mnn.com/health/fitness-well-being/stories/7-reasons-drink-rose-water