Introducing Herbie Herb & the Plant-its…
they’re out of this world!

Hello!
I’m Herbie Herb,
And, these are the plant-its,
We love to hoe,
And, sow,
So… without further ado,
We welcome you, again,
To our lil’ Garden Of Edan.

Herbie Herb?
Sound absurd?
Plant-its,
I wonder if anyone,
Gets it?

Ahh, well…
We’ve already begun,
Besides,
Since man’s first day,
Under our same sun,
There’s been a quest,
To conquer the taste test,
Everyone tries.

Pray tell,
Have you heard of basil?
The blood of Archemorus,
Gave us,
Parsley… really.
This god is not alone,
Pluto’s love of Minthe,
Resulted in Persphone,
Creating mint,
Then, there’s catnip,
It’s been along on every trip,
And, back to the most ancient age,
There’s been sage.

It’s on every history page,
The power of the Sun, Earth, water, and air,
Over Man… and how he’ll share.

Let my body fill,
With chlorophyll,
Please pass,
The wheatgrass,
Liquid sunshine,
Does me fine,
And, sorrel…
Just as well,
What can I say,
About burnet?
For over 5000 years,
Chives have saved lives,
So, how about three cheers,
For Herbie Herb,
And, the plant-its?

Eat ‘em up,
Eat ‘em up,
Rah! Rah! Raw!

lyrics
Are you going to Scarborough Fair?
Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme.
Remember me to one who lives there.
She once was a true love of mine.

Tell her to make me a cambric shirt,
(a hill in the deep forest green)
Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme;
(tracing of sparrow on snow-crested brown)
Without no seams nor needle work,
(blankets and bedclothes the child of the mountain)
Then she’ll be a true love of mine.
(sleeps unaware of the clarion call)

Tell her to find me an acre of land,
(on the side of a hill a sprinkling of leaves)
Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme;
(washes the grave with silvery tears)
Between the salt water and the sea strand,
(a soldier cleans and polishes a gun)
Then she’ll be a true love of mine.
(sleeps unaware of the clarion call)

Tell her to reap it with a sickle of leather,
(war bellows blazing in scarlet battalions)
Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme;
(general order their soldiers to kill)
And gather it all in a bunch of heather,
(and to fight for a cause they’ve long ago forgotten)
Then she’ll be a true love of mine.

Are you going to Scarborough Fair?
Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme.
Remember me to one who lives there.
She once was a true love of mine.

NOTES
Simon and Garfunkel made this old folk song a pop hit in the 1960′s on the soundtrack to The Graduate and the album, “Parsley, Sage, Rosemary & Thyme.” They combined the song with, “Canticle,” and turned it into an anti-Vietnam war song.

Here is some more information on the song:
(From http://www.geocities.com/paris/villa/3895/)

A Dedication to Sandra from Bert, July 10, 1999

The history of Scarborough and its fair
This English folk song dates back to late medieval times, when the seaside resort of Scarborough was an important venue for tradesmen from all over England. Founded well over a thousand years ago as Skarthaborg by the Norman Skartha, the Viking settlement in North Yorkshire in the north-west of England became a very important port as the dark ages drew to a close.

Scarborough and its surroundings
Scarborough Fair was not a fair as we know it today (although it attracted jesters and jugglers) but a huge forty-five day trading event, starting August fifteen, which was exceptionally long for a fair in those days. People from all over England, and even some from the continent, came to Scarborough to do their business. As eventually the harbor started to decline, so did the fair, and Scarborough is a quiet, small town now.

The history of the song
In the middle ages, people didn’t usually take credit for songs or other works of art they made, so the writer of Scarborough Fair is unknown. The song was sung by bards (or shapers, as they were known in medieval England) who went from town to town, and as they heard the song and took it with them to another town, the lyrics and arrangements changed. This is why today there are many versions of Scarborough Fair, and there are dozens of ways in which the words have been written down.

The lyrics
The following lyrics comprise most of the more well-known verses as they are commonly sung. A small handful of them were sung by Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel on their 1966 album ‘Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme,’ which popularized the song. Paul Simon learned the song from Martin Carthy, a famous folk singer in the UK, while he was on tour there. Despite using his arrangement of the song, Simon didn’t even mention Carthy?s name in the credits of the album.

Are you going to Scarborough Fair?
Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme
Remember me to one who lives there
For once she was a true love of mine

Have her make me a cambric shirt
Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme
Without no seam nor fine needle work
And then she’ll be a true love of mine

Tell her to weave it in a sycamore wood lane
Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme
And gather it all with a basket of flowers
And then she’ll be a true love of mine

Have her wash it in yonder dry well
Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme
where water ne’er sprung nor drop of rain fell
And then she’ll be a true love of mine

Have her find me an acre of land
Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme
Between the sea foam and over the sand
And then she’ll be a true love of mine

Plow the land with the horn of a lamb
Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme
Then sow some seeds from north of the dam
And then she’ll be a true love of mine

Tell her to reap it with a sickle of leather
Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme
And gather it all in a bunch of heather
And then she’ll be a true love of mine

If she tells me she can’t, I’ll reply
Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme
Let me know that at least she will try
And then she’ll be a true love of mine

Love imposes impossible tasks
Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme
Though not more than any heart asks
And I must know she’s a true love of mine

Dear, when thou has finished thy task
Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme
Come to me, my hand for to ask
For thou then art a true love of mine

Explanations of the lyrics
The narrator of the song is a man who was jilted by his lover. Although dealing with the paradoxes he sees himself posed to in a very subtle and poetic manner, this was a folk song and not written by nobles. The courtly ideal of romantic love in the middle ages, practiced by knights and noblemen, was loving a lady and adoring her from a distance, in a very detached manner. There was hardly a dream and sometimes not even a wish that such love could ever be answered.

As a version of the song exists which is set in Whittington Fair and which is presumed to be equally old, it is puzzling why the lieu d’action of the song eventually became reverted to Scarborough. A possible explanation is that this is a hint from the singer to his lover, telling how she went away suddenly without warning or reason. Scarborough was known as a town where suspected thieves or other criminals were quickly dealt with and hung on a tree or ? la lanterne after some form of street justice. This is why a ‘Scarborough warning’ still means ‘without any warning’ in today’s English. This would also account for the absence of any suggestion of a reason for her departure, which could mean either that the singer doesn’t have a clue why his lady left, or perhaps that these reasons are too difficult to explain and he gently leaves them out.

The writer goes on to assign his true love impossible tasks, to try and explain to her that love sometimes requires doing things which seem downright impossible on the face of it. The singer is asking his love to do the impossible, and then come back to him and ask for his hand. This is a highly unusual suggestion, because in those days it was a grave faux-pas to people from all walks of life for a lady to ask for a man’s hand. Yet it fits in well with the rest of the lyrics, as nothing seems to be impossible in the song.

The meaning of parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme
The herbs parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme, recurring in the second line of each stanza, make up for a key motive in the song. Although meaningless to most people today, these herbs spoke to the imagination of medieval people as much as red roses do to us today. Without any connotation necessary, they symbolize virtues the singer wishes his true love and himself to have, in order to make it possible for her to come back again.

Parsley (Petroselinum crispum)
Parsley is still prescribed by phytotherapists today to people who suffer from bad digestion. Eating a leaf of parsley with a meal makes the digestion of heavy vegetables such as spinach a lot easier. It was said to take away the bitterness, and medieval doctors took this in a spiritual sense as well.

Sage (Salvia officinalis)
Sage has been known to symbolize strength for thousands of years.

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
Rosemary represents faithfulness, love and remembrance. Ancient Greek lovers used to give rosemary to their ladies, and the custom of a bride wearing twigs of rosemary in her hair is still practiced in England and several other European countries today. The herb also stands for sensibility and prudence. Ancient Roman doctors recommended putting a small bag of rosemary leaves under the pillow of someone who had to perform a difficult mental task, such as an exam. Rosemary is associated with feminine love, because it’s very strong and tough, although it grows slowly.

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
According to legend, the king of fairies dances in the wild thyme with all of the fairies on midsummernight; that’s the best known legendary appearance of the herb. But the reason Thyme is mentioned here is that it symbolizes courage. At the time this song was written, knights used to wear images of thyme in their shields when they went to combat, which their ladies embroidered in them as a symbol of their courage.

This makes it clear what the disappointed lover means to say by mentioning these herbs. He wishes his true love mildness to soothe the bitterness which is between them, strength to stand firm in the time of their being apart from each other, faithfulness to stay with him during this period of loneliness and paradoxically courage to fulfill her impossible tasks and to come back to him by the time she can.

lyrics

Archemorus,
This Greek was no geek,
Spilling his blood,
For our food.

Keep the forerunner of death…
Distant,
While you freshen your breath,
In an instant.

Put flatulence out of existence!

Good for your digestive system,
And, it’ll clear your skin,
Calm your nerves and help emotion,
With lots of vitamin A and C,
It’s easy to see,
Why it helps me.

Petroselinum,
Is good for my cranium,
Minerals, iron and antioxidants,
Help make up for my culinary accidents.

It gives me the strength of a Roman Gladiator,
If drinking too much… I’ll still feel O.K. later,
It fortifies and energizes…
More benefits than one realizes.

Put flatulence out of existence!

Just in case, they’re ingestin’,
Your poison,
Let your guests,
Know they’re the most,
Don’t hesitate,
To put parsley on the plate.

Put flatulence out of existence!

Wear it as a crown,
Or, gobble it down,
Petroselinum Crispum,
Is good for one.

NOTES
Parsley is a great plant for every gardener to grow! It winters well in almost all climates. After a freezing rain, you can eat it as though it were an ice cream treat — a Parsley Popsicle. Another favorite is with orange cheese (the more orange color usually the more anti-oxidants) and a cracker. It can also be grown inside (in case you like to eat it first thing in the morning to get fresh breath.)

Parsley has long been thought to be an antidote for poisons. Greeks and Romans would put a piece on the plates of guests as a sign of trust. Perhaps this is why people leave it on their plates today… so as not to offend their host. However, the breath freshening and flatulence reducing qualities are much more likely to be appreciated. So, eat it up.

“The Greeks’ fear stemmed from parsley’s long association with death. According to legend, the plant first sprouted in the blood of Archemorus, the old fertility king, whose very name means “forerunner of death.” Wreaths of parsley were laid on Grecian tombs; the expression De’eis thai selinon, “to need only parsley,” was a euphemistic expression equivalent to “one foot in the grave.” Throughout the centuries, the association lingered on, changing to suit the deities of the day. The Romans dedicated the herb to Persephone and to funeral rites; tradition held that it grew in abundance on Ogygia, the death island of Calypso; and early Christians consecrated it to Saint Peter, guardian of the gates of heaven.”

“Parsley’s long association with death led naturally to an association with evil, a fact that did not increase its popularity among medieval home gardeners. Dire consequences awaited those who were not fully aware of its powers. Virgins could not plant it without risking impregnation by Satan; a male head of household could plant it safely only on Good Friday, so that the Devil might have his share with impunity. Germination was slow because the seeds had to travel to hell and back two, three, seven, or nine times (depending on sources) before they could grow.”

– Dr. Berenbaum, University of Illinois Entomology Department

lyrics

Salvia Officinalis (Sage)

I engaged a sage,
Asking the savant,
If I could be Her servant?

I needed official advice,
On Salvia Officinalis:
“What is this…
Some sort-a spice?”

She told me to draw near,
And, hold these thoughts dear:
“Ancients from the earliest age,
Knew the power of sage,
Prompting the question,
Does it bring immortality?
(Well, at least,
It helps with beast digestion…
Really.)”

“Charlemagne knew,
What he could gain,
Planting it in every garden.”

“Salvia is to heal,
Give ya a better feel,
Many an age,
Would use it as bandage,
Toothbrush for an American Indian,
Or, with bear fat to rub in the skin.”

“Protect yourself,
Increase your mental wealth,
Your thinking capacity,
Memory…
Really.”

“Why do you think they call a sage — a Sage?

lyrics

What was that I was going to tell you?
Oh, yes. Don’t forget to eat your rosemary,
It will help you remember a thing or two,
And, it’s good for your soul… very!

Chorus
Rosemary,
Keep those evil spirits away,
Oh, Rosemary,
Please keep those spirits at bay.

The “Dew Of The Sea,”
Just may cure me,
For as I recall,
It’s a cure-all,
Be an aromatherapist,
And, take a whiff,
A smell you can’t resist,
While giving your headache,
A break.

Chorus

Clean your breath,
Calm a cough,
What the heck,
It’s good luck,
Can make you well,
Or, break a spell,
Break a sprig off,
For some mind depth.

Chorus

Sheltered the Virgin Mary,
And, the Holy Family,
Fleeing to Egypt,
Escaping the army… barely,
For her cloak,
A good fit –
Color change invoke.

Chorus

It will grow no taller than Christ,
And, live no longer than his life,
But, it’s properly priced,
To relieve worries and strife.

Chorus

NOTES
Rosemary has long been associated with the Virgin Mary. Some stories have Mary cloaking the rosemary bush with her coat changing the color of the flowers from white to blue. Others believe she hung Jesus’ clothes on what she thought was a rosemary bush, but was actually sunshine. Still others believe the bush gave the Holy Family protection and shelter as they fled to Egypt. The folklore that followed included the ideas that rosemary would grow no taller than Jesus, nor outlive his 33 year life span.

Rosemary is rich in calcium, vitamins A and C.

lyrics

Isis,
In time of crisis,
Have pity,
Bless me with Tai-iti.

Find out how invigorating,
Less they use it for embalming,
Have you ever tried,
Thyme dried?
Increases the intensity,
Up to a factor of three.

Use as an antiseptic,
To help protect,
Or, for goodness sake,
Treat your headache,
Is your name due to your smoky flavor,
Or, mummification posture?

Essential for a Creole meal,
And, a Jamaican Jerk,
Thwart a wart,
Or, right a bite,
Removing the sting,
Helping everything,
From your teeth and gums,
To your eyes and lungs.

Sooth a bruise,
You just can’t lose,
A nice salve to have,
For poultice practice,
Special anti-fungal,
Or, parasite fight.

Thymus,
“You give me courage,”
And, I encourage,
All of us,
To try it… you’ll be thankful you ate,
In the nick of time.

Appreciate!

Before it’s too late –
It’s time for thyme,

lyrics

As long as there’s been damsels in distress,
Basil’s powers have been put to the test,
Should I share a sprig with you,
You’ll fall in love… there’s nothing you can do,
And, would you believe,
That you’ll never leave?

Ahhh… sweet, sweet basil,
It’s hard to get my fill,
Ahhh… sweet, sweet basil,
Blurt, “St. Josephwort,”
Yell, “Krishnamul,”
Call it what you will.

You can use the stuff,
For a headache snuff,
Or, to help time pass,
Instead of gas,
And, your love will love,
Holding you above,
All others.

So, if you have any druthers,
I’m here to tell ya,
It’ll cure your nausea,
It’s the right thing to take,
For a stomach ache,
Though I can appreciate,
The debate,
Is it good for love or hate?
Protector or danger?
Give you breath,
Or, cause your death?
Fear not,
Don’t let it be a stranger.

In case you forgot,
Ocimum Basilicum –
Smell royally…
Enjoy totally.

Methyl,
You’re so special,
You’re so cool,
You make me hot,
So, why not,
Quit being a fool,
And, get a re-fill,
Of methyl…
I think I will!

Methyl cinnamate,
Tastes great,
Gives my mouth a thrill,
Eating basil.

Methyl sulfonyl methane,
Is critical to remain,
Without enough sulfur,
I’ll surely suffer.

Methyl salicylate,
Turns to a fire state,
Setting off a spark,
In the dark.

Menthyl acetate,
I won’t hesitate,
’cause I don’t need to catch my breath,
With your respiratory aftermath.

Methyl Jasmonat,
Try some… why not?
You, yew, you,
Creating defense proteins… more than a few.

I’m a proponent,
Of the anti-oxident component,
And, it’s evident,
From these plants I benefit.

NOTES
From Basil Herb Information
by Holistic Online
Active Compounds: Volatile oils (up to 28 percent methyl cinnamate)

From University of California’s Glomerular Response Archive
by Brett A. Johnson and Michael Leon
Name: methyl cinnamate
Chemical Formula: C10H10O2
strawberries, balsamic

From Basil
By Innvista
Volatile oil (1% including estragol, linalool, linalool, eugenol, methyl chavicol and small quantities of methyl cinnamate, cineole, and other terpenes)

Letter from Dr. Janson
I recently returned from the meeting of the American College for Advancement in Medicine in Reno, Nevada. Many speakers reported their research on various treatments in alternative medicine, including nutrition and dietary supplements. The speakers presented information on supportive cancer therapies, immune support, toxic metals, athletic performance, and more.

The health potential of MSM One of the reports was about the dietary sulfur supplement called MSM, or methyl sulfonyl methane. This was presented by Dr. Ronald Lawrence of the UCLA School of Medicine. Sulfur is an essential mineral, it is a component of antioxidant defense systems, and it has many therapeutic uses. It is present in the B-vitamin thiamine, and in several amino acids. MSM is an organic form of sulfur present in all living things. Sulfur is part of the liver detoxification systems, as it is often added to toxic molecules as a way of eliminating them. You may have heard about the benefits of DMSO, but one of the drawbacks of DMSO is its strong garlic-like odor residue, and local skin irritation where it is applied topically.

MSM is a derivative of DMSO, having the benefits without the odor or skin irritation. It is usually taken as a pill or powder, and it is both tasteless and odorless. MSM has been effective in treating the pain and swelling of arthritis-both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Other rheumatic disorders, such as lupus (SLE) with joint pain and inflammation may respond to supplements of MSM. Research is ongoing on the use of MSM for allergies, asthma and diabetes.

MSM inhibits the cross linking of collagen and therefore is useful to reduce hardening of connective tissue with age. One suggestion is to take it to prevent the signs of aging in the skin. The typical doses of MSM range from 500-1000 mg daily as a maintenance or preventive level, and up to 5000 mg daily as a treatment for allergies, arthritic disorders and fibromyalgia syndrome with a reduction of the dose after a period of a few days to a few weeks. Some people appear to benefit if they stay on MSM at a range of 2000 to 4000 mg daily. Taking it for only a day or two is probably ineffective-at least several days to several weeks of supplementation are necessary to see benefits.

From Bastyr University’s Mentha piperta
Historical Uses
Mints have been used worldwide for centuries as medicinal and culinary herbs. M. piperita does not have the same history in the Western world because it is a hybrid and was not grown in England until the mid 1700′s. M. piperita is native to the Mediterranean region and may have been cultivated as long ago as the time of the ancient Greeks and Egyptians. Due to its penetrating odor, it has been used as a stimulant and nerve tonic. M. piperita can also be used in treating mouth sores, nausea and impaired digestion. M. spicata, spearmint, also has a pungent volatile oil but is reputed to be less powerful and may be better suited for children and for treatment of general upper respiratory infections.

Constituents
Volatile oils-menthol, menthone, menthyl acetate, menthofuran, limonene, pulegone, cineol and azulenes; flavonoids-methoside and rutin; carotenes-tannins, betaine and choline.

Medicinal Actions
Stimulant, antispasmodic, carminative, diaphoretic, antiseptic, antiemetic.

Medicinal Uses
M. piperita is commonly used for the effects from its volatile oils, mainly menthol. The digestive system benefits greatly from these effects through a number of mechanisms. One way M. piperita works is that the menthol relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter (also known as the cardiac sphincter) to release pressure from the stomach. Another way M. piperita acts on the GI tract is by inhibiting the hyperactivity of intestinal smooth muscle through blocking the influx of calcium into the muscle cell. This helps to regulate the intestines by normalizing muscle function and facilitating the expiration of gas, improving such conditions as irritable bowel syndrome.

M. piperita stimulates digestive secretions through its bitter and choleretic properties. The bitter principle enhances pancreatic secretions and the choleretic effects stimulate the flow of bile and increase the solubility of bile. These effects may stimulate the release and shrinkage of gallstones (M. piperita may be contraindicated in some cases of gallstones. If gallstones are present or if there is a history or symptoms of gallstones, consult a doctor before use.) (Please note that gallstones may be asymptomatic.)

The antiseptic and diaphoretic qualities of M. piperita make it valuable in the treatment of colds and flu. Warm peppermint teas will encourage perspiration and recovery. The volatile oils are antiseptic and antiviral. M. piperita also reduces the catarrh from head colds.

Topically, peppermint oil may be used as a counter irritant to produce analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. The oils stimulate nerve perception of cold while pain perception is decreased. To the skin this feels like an initial sensation of cool, followed by warmth. This treatment is useful in musculoskeletal conditions, headaches and toothaches.

Peppermint oil may also be used topically as a chest rub for coughs and asthma. The oil will help ease breathing through relaxing the smooth muscles of the bronchioles.

Even though the use of peppermint can be quite safe, allergic reactions have been experienced. The most common reaction is contact dermatitis, although other signs such as bradycardia and muscle tremors have been noted. These reactions have a higher incidence of occurrence if the oil is used in conjunction with a heating pad.

The use of M. piperita oil for infants and young children may be contraindicated because of an increased risk of choking due to laryngeal spasms. Use by individuals with a predisposition to heartburn and LES reflux is also contraindicated because the oil will most likely worsen the condition. Even though in most cases M. piperita is safe to use, the volatile oil can be quite toxic. Consult a practitioner before use.

From the University of Illinois’ Herbs and Herbal Remedies
WINTERGREEN Have you ever used Ben-Gay? If you have, you are acquainted with the soothing quality of wintergreen’s active ingredient which is methyl salicylate. It is found in the leaves and berries. Sioux, Penobscot, Nez Perce, and other Indian tribes used a tea made from the leaves for a variety of ailments, as did many settlers. For aching muscles and joints, it is applied as a poultice. The familiar wintergreen flavor is now produced synthetically.

BIRCH Birch trees were enormously useful. Canoes were made from the bark, birch beer from the branches, and an infusion from the leaves. They drank the active ingredient, methyl salicylate prepared as a tea. They used it for fevers, kidney stones, and abdominal cramps. Birchweiser beer anyone?

From Methyl Jasmonat
By Simon Cotton, Uppingham School, Rutland, UK
Paclitaxel (taxol), obtained from yew trees, is the most important anticancer drug in existence; it is difficult to produce enough paclitaxel to satisfy demand, since it is widely used to treat breast cancer and ovarian cancer in particular. One promising method for its production involves cell cultures from the yew tree. Scientists have discovered that adding methyl jasmonate to the cell cultures greatly increases the amount of paclitaxel produced.

Another promising use for methyl jasmonate lies in prolonging the shelf-life of fresh fruit. It has been shown to reduce chilling injury as well as preventing the growth of mould on strawberries and grapes, as well as stopping bananas from turning brown. The role of methyl jasmonate is again believed to involve the production of defence proteins, which encourage formation of fungicides and antibacterial agents.

From Herbal Remedies Newsletter Issue 216
by Deb Jackson
Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM). Although scientific research on MSM is limited, 55,000 studies have been published on the closely related dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). Stanley Jacob, M.D., of Oregon health Sciences University, Portland, a pioneer in researching both MSM, has found MSM very effective in reducing muscle and joint pain, interstitial cystitis (a type of very painful bladder inflammation). According to Jacob, MSM also eases symptoms of scleroderma, a chronic degenerative disease that scars skin, joints, and connective tissue. By weight, MSM is 34 percent sulfur. Dosage: 1,000-2,000 mg daily.

S-adenosyl-L-methionine. Better known as SAMe (pronounced “sammy”), this nutrient plays a central role in a process biochemists call methylation. By donating “methyl groups,” containing carbon and hydrogen, to 40 major chemical reactions, SAMe promotes the building of new cells and essential processes in existing cells. Because of these fundamental roles in health, SAMe has been shown helpful in treating depression, controlling inflammation and pain, and speeding healing. Dosage: 200-400 mg daily.

From Alt.Folklore.Herbs
By Andy & Sharon
One of the most popular liniments for muscle-, head- and backache is Tigerbalm.

Tradition will have it that the Mongolian Horsemen from Genghis Khan, roaming the plains of central

Europe, had a very effective ointment against saddle and back ache. Part of this ointment came from the Siberian Birch Tree. A mixture was made out of lard, camphor and birch tree oil. For ages this ointment was in use and got quite famous.

At the end of the last century many products were replaced by synthetic components. The useful part of the birch oil (methyl salicylate) and the camphor oil (the crystals) were available in synthetic form. This made the ointment cheap and within reach for everyone.

From Salicylate-containing Herbs
By Integrative Medical Arts Group
introduction:
Salicylates have long been known as water soluble compounds derived from a number of plants, particularly Willow (Salix spp.) and Meadowsweet (Spirea spp.) with analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory properties. Following the identification of salicin as the active principle of Willow bark, and the subsequent synthesis of acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin), the use of natural salicylates has declined.

chemistry of salicylates:
Plant salicylates occur as phenolic glycosides, most commonly salicin, which is the glycoside of salicyl alcohol, or the related populin (benzoyl alcohol glycoside). Methyl salicylate, derived from Gaultheria spp. (Wintergreen) also exists as a glycoside. The properties of naturally derived salicylic acid are similar to those of aspirin, which basically involve the inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis by inactivation of COX1. However, the natural form presents important differences in bioavailability and pharmacokinetic properties from pharmaceutical aspirin due to both the glycoside linkage and the absence of the acetyl group.

Common salicylate-containing herbs:
o Betula lenta (Sweet Birch)
o Betula pendula (White birch)
o Filipendula ulmaria (Meadowsweet)
o Gaultheria procumbens (Wintergreen)
o Populus balsamifera (Balsam Poplar)
o Populus nigra (Black Poplar)
o Populus candicans (Balm Of Gilead)
o Salix alba (White Willow)
o Viburnum prunifolium (Black Haw)

From Peppermint
By Viable Herbal
Peppermint is more than just a candy flavor. This herb promotes healthy digestion by soothing and comforting the stomach. Peppermint is frequently used in herbal teas and capsules. The essential oil of this plant contains menthol, which also displays healthful powers, and is often found in throat-soothers and topical vapor rubs.

Official Latin Name: Mentha piperita

Historical Uses:
The historical information presented here is for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Peppermint is also known by the names Mint, Balm Mint, Curled Mint, Lamb Mint, and Brandy Mint. The plant is found throughout Europe, in moist areas, along stream banks and in waste lands. Mint is one of the most ancient of all medicinal herbs. Ancient Athenians would rub the leaves of mint on their arms to improve their endurance. The Greeks and Romans crowned themselves with Peppermint at their feasts, and adorned their tables with its sprays. They also flavored both their sauces and their wines with its essence. Two species of mint were used medicinally by the ancient Greek physicians, but some writers doubt whether either was the modern Peppermint, though there is evidence that Mentha piperita was cultivated by the Egyptians. It is mentioned in the Icelandic Pharmacopoeias of the thirteenth century, but only came into general use in the medicine of Western Europe about the middle of the eighteenth century. Today, the United States is the most important producers of Peppermint and Peppermint oil. The primary chemical constituents of Peppermint include essential oils (menthol, menthone, methyl acetate, limonene, pulegone), tannins, flavonoids, choline, and potassium. Peppermint leaves contain about 0.5-4% volatile oil that is composed of 50-78% free menthol and 5-20% menthol combined with other constituents.

Peppermint is an excellent carminative, having a relaxing effect on the muscles of the digestive system, combats flatulence, and stimulates bile & digestive juice flow. It is used to relieve intestinal colic, flatulent dyspepsia and associated conditions. The volatile oil in Peppermint acts as a mild anesthetic to the stomach wall, which allays feelings of nausea and the desire to vomit. This herb has long been known to relieve nausea & vomiting of pregnancy, and travel sickness. Peppermint is also used in the treatment of ulcerative conditions of the bowels. It is a traditional treatment of fevers, colds and influenza.

As an inhalant, this herb is used as temporary relief for nasal catarrh. Where headaches are associated with digestion, Peppermint may help. As a nervine, it eases anxiety & tension. In painful menstrual periods, it relieves the pain and eases associated tension. Externally, it is used to relieve itching, inflammations, and a variety of respiratory conditions. Peppermint oil is also a great expectorant.

From The Chemistry of Garlic Health Benefits
An Interview with Professor Eric Block, Ph.D.
by Richard A. Passwater, Ph.D.
More stable products are formed when allicin and its “cousins” stand at room temperature for a few hours or days. A good example of this situation is macerate of garlic, a product formed when garlic is chopped (“macerated”) with salad oil or other edible oils. Macerate of garlic is a rich source of “naturally-formed” garlic-derived compounds having the scientific names ajoene, methyl ajoene, and dithiins. These products are stable enough to be stored at room temperature for more than a year, for example when dissolved in an edible oil.

From MadSci Network: Neuroscience
Re: is the cooling sensation of mint related to the hot sensation of chili?
Date: Sat Dec 29 23:55:48 2001
Posted By: Robin Cooper, Faculty, neurobiology, Univ. of Kentucky
Area of science: Neuroscience

Question: is the cooling sensation of mint related to the hot sensation of chili?

Sorry it took me a while to get back on this one. It was a busy month. This is really an interesting question. We see a lot of advertisements on TV about how cool some mint favored gums or breath fresheners are implied to be so cool as to freeze the people.

The mint flavor one is commonly refereeing to is a wintergreen mint. There are a number of chemicals associated with the mint flavor. One in particularly is methyl salicylate and methanol.

The methyl salicylate is even known to give off sparks of light when you bites down on a candy containing it. For more info on that topic see – http://www.madsci.org/posts/archives/dec99/945895598.Ch.r.html

Now for the cool feeling one gets from such a chemical. I did not know anyone examined this topic until I found a reference on this www site http://members.aol.com/doder1/mint1.htm

Which stated, “Anatomy. Menthol (a crystalline alcohol obtained from peppermint oil) tricks heat-sensing organs (thermoreceptors) of the tongue and skin into sending messages to the brain that the sensation tastes and feels “cool” (Feldman 1991:192).”

I tried to track down the reference to Feldman 1991 but I could not find any related scientific article, but I did find another one below. It basically states that methyl salicylate can alter cutaneous nociceptors. These are a type of pain receptor. So, I am still at a loss in how the cooling effect come about.

Somatosens Mot Res 1989;6(3):253-74
Methyl salicylate as a cutaneous stimulus: a psychophysical analysis. Green BG, Flammer LJ.
Monell Chemical Senses Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104. “Two experiments were performed to examine the perceptual effects of methyl salicylate on hairy skin in humans. In the first experiment, the sensitivity to methyl salicylate (prepared in an ethanol and water vehicle and applied via filter paper) was measured in a paradigm that required subjects to report both the perceived intensity and the perceptual quality of the sensations they experienced. The results indicated that methyl salicylate could be reliably detected at concentrations between 3 and 12%.

Peak perceived intensities increased with increasing concentration, and the dominant sensation quality reported was “burning”. The second experiment, which measured the effect of methyl salicylate on the perception of temperature change, revealed that the compound enhances the perception of warming but does not affect the perception of cooling. For most subjects, methyl salicylate produced a hyperalgesia to heating.

Overall, the data suggest that methyl salicylate probably produces its sensory effects via stimulation and/or sensitization of a population of cutaneous nociceptors.”

The hot sensation of Chili also effects cutaneous nociceptors. In fact the active compound in chili is capsaicin. There are many reports on its effects. It is known to activate cutaneous nociceptors. In fact, over year of use of capsaicin the C- pain fibers in mammals are killed so the hot taste is not even sensed. In short to answer this part of the question, capsaicin gives a hot feeling or a burning sensation by activating the pain sensory neurons.

It appears that both of the compounds wintergreen and capsaicin do have some relation with cutaneous nociceptors. How wintergreen produces the cooling effect I do not know. If your interested in what the compounds do that you put in your mouth one should check out the chemical data sheets for such compounds and their toxic effects. Below I copied the data sheet for methyl salicylate.

All the best,
Robin Cooper

From Purdue University
Simon, J.E. 1990. Essential oils and culinary herbs. p. 472-483.
In: J. Janick and J.E. Simon (eds.), Advances in new crops.
Timber Press, Portland, OR.

Basil oil. Sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) is a popular culinary herb and a source of essential oils (ITC 1986) extracted by steam distillation from the leaves and flowering tops and used to flavor foods, in dental and oral products, and in fragrances. There are several types of basil oil on the world market European, French, or sweet basil; Egyptian; Reunion or Comoro; Bulgarian; and Java (Heath 1981). The European basil oils, considered to be the highest quality, contain methyl chavicol d-linalool and to a lesser extent 1,8-cineole, plus many other compounds (Guenther 1985, Simon et al. 1984). Egyptian basil oil is similar to the European, except that the concentration of d-linalool is lower and methyl chavicol is higher. Reunion or Comoro contains little d-linalool, but has a very high concentration of methyl chavicol (Lawrence et al. 1972, Simon et al. 1984). Bulgarian basil oil is rich in methyl-cinnamate and Java basil oil is rich in eugenol (Heath 1981). From an evaluation of the entire USDA collection plus other commercial and wild sources, we observed a wide range of chemical variation within O. basilicum and other species (O. canum, O. sanctum, O. gratissimum, and O. kilimandscharicum). We have identified chemotypes that represent each of the commercial types of basil oil. Promising lines are being screened for chemical stability, vigor, and uniformity. The characteristics of the population has continued to improve under mass selection. Isolation blocks serve as seed sources. We are currently developing a new line rich in methyl cinnamate (Simon et al. 1990).

Dimethylglycine DMG

From: Herbs, Vitamins and Amino Acids for Sexual Health
by 1st Chinese Herbs
Unless your major is college was chemistry, chances are you don’t remember learning about methyl donors. A methyl donor is simply any substance that can transfer a methyl group [a carbon atom attached to three hydrogen atoms (CH3)] to another substance. Methylation is a biochemical process that is essential to life, health, and regeneration of body cells. Vitamins, hormones, neurotransmitters, enzymes, nucleic acids (DNA and RNA), and antibodies depend on the transfer of methyl groups to complete their synthesis. Scientists suspect that proper methylation of DNA may prevent the expression of harmful genes, such as cancer genes. It’s quite likely that our body’s ability to methylate declines with age, contributing to the aging process, and therefore supplementation may well be beneficial. The research in this area is still very early and no firm answers are yet available.

Methyl donors help in the production of several brain chemicals and hence have an influence on sexual enjoyment, mood, energy, wellbeing, alertness, concentration, and visual clarity.

From Nutraceutica Health Information System, 1998
MSM
Methyl-Sulfonyl-Methane

Traditional Uses
Assists in the protection of cell membrane Relieves pain and reduces inflammation Improves stiff and painful joints, hair, skin , nails, back problems, scar tissue Maintenance of the immune system Benefit in supporting against the ravages of stress

Mode of Action
MSM is a preferred dietary source of sulfur for many important compounds in the body. It acts as an analgesic. It passes through cellular membranes including the skin.

It dilates blood vessels and increases blood flow. It is a cholinesterase inhibitor (cholinsterase is an enzyme that stops excessive passage of nerve impulses from one cell to another.)

From Herb & Supplement Guide: MSM
By Cathy Wong, N.D.,
Alternate name & form: Methyl Sulfonyl Methane, Dimethyl Sulfone (DMSO2)

MSM (Methyl Sulfonyl Methane) is a compound normally found in foods. It contributes sulfur, which helps with the strength of collagen in the joints.

It is related to DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide), an alternative treatment for arththritis. Approximately 15% of the DMSO applied to the skin or taken orally results in MSM. MSM may be safer than DMSO, and it does not have the unpleasant side effects of bad breath and body odor.

Sources
MSM occurs naturally in cow’s milk, meat, seafood, fruits, and vegetables, although there is no dietary requirement for MSM. MSM is also found in capsule or tablet forms. It is also available in creams and lotions, although MSM is not believed to be absorbed through the skin.

Dosage
A typical dose of MSM ranges from 250 mg to 2,250 mg daily.

Therapeutic Uses
Arthritis – MSM may reduce pain of osteoarthritis. MSM is often combined with glucosamine in arthritis formulas. Preliminary research suggests it may help with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
interstitial cystitis – MSM has been proposed as a treatment for interstitial cystitis, although further research is needed.
snoring – one small study found that MSM resulted in “quieter snoring”
cancer prevention
scleroderma
excess stomach acid
allergies
constipation

Safety
MSM is naturally found in foods, and is not believed to be toxic. However, it’s safety in pregnant and nursing women, children, and people with liver and kidney disease is not known.

From THE TRUTH ABOUT CHOLESTEROL
NATURALLY LOWERING CHOLESTEROL WITH HERBS AND SUPPLEMENTS.
by Dr. Deborah Baker-Racine, 2004

Reducing Homocysteine Levels
The good news is…elevated homocysteine levels, whether due to nutrient deficiencies or defective genes, can easily be normalized in virtually all cases, simply and inexpensively, using a combination of nutritional supplements. The most effective defense against homocysteine buildup is a combination of vitamins B-6 and B-12, folio acid and trimethylglycine (TMG). So you have a way to naturally lower cholesterol.

There are three biochemical pathways used by the body to reduce homocysteine. In one pathway TMG donates a methyl group which detoxifies homocysteine. In this reaction, TMG is reduced to DMG (dimethylglycine), that familiar-product sold as a supplement for its energizing effects. In the other routes, folic acid, B12 and B6 convert homocysteine into nontoxic substances. Some people can’t utilize one or another of these pathways. That is why a combination of all these nutrients is most effective for lowering homocysteine. In some people vitamin B may not be efficiently converted to its active co-enzyme form, pyridoxyl-5-phosphate. In that case supplementing with pyridoxyl-5-phosphate would be necessary. There we go again… good health depends on nutrition and yet many medical types insist nutrition has nothing to do with overall health!

Trimethylglycine
Trimethylglycine (aka TMG) is the biochemical term for betaine. TMG is able to donate methyl groups (a methyl group is one carbon molecule and three hydrogens… very, very important to our chemistries) to biochemical events and in the case of homocysteine this leads to the increased production of S-adenosyl-methionine (SAM or sometimes it is written SAMe) which is the bioactive form of the amino acid methionine? also a methyl donor. SAM has been used successfully to treat problems such as cirrhosis of the liver, depression, osteoarthritis and Fibromyalgia.

Methyl groups are thought to protect cellular DNA from mutation, a process which is also helped by good antioxidants. As people age, they often do not have enough available methyl groups to safeguard DNA. Abnormal methylation patterns are found in many people with cancer. Eating foods that contain methyl groups such as beets, green leafy vegetables and legumes is helpful, but these must be eaten in relatively large quantities several times a week. Therefore, dietary supplements such as TMG may often be necessary to provide the body with sufficient protective methyl groups.

Betaine comes from beet sugar and is extracted through a very complex process. Don’t think the betaine HCL you see in digestive supports is the same thing..it isn’t. It has not been shown that betaine HCL is a methyl donator… although it may be. It is very acidic and for long term use, would not be a good plan.

There are essentially two ways to lower homocysteine levels. One, the most common, would be to add methyl groups to it to convert it to methionine or SAMe.

This is accomplished, as mentioned, through TMG (which as its name suggests, has three methyl groups on each glycine molecule – glycine is another amino acid. They are transferred to homocysteine, but need the help of folic acid, vitamin B12, and zinc.

Another methyl donor of importance is choline and this remethylation of homocysteine does NOT need co-factors. One hitch, though, is that this process is only active in the liver and kidneys… so to protect the whole body, in particular the brain one should be sure to take a complex with all factors present.

lyrics

I thought I had a hint,
About mint,
But, I didn’t.

What do I know?
Turns out Pluto,
Had a falling out,
Over the nymph, Minthe,
Once found out about…
Pluto’s wife, Persephone,
Couldn’t leave it alone,
On the world’s stage,
She flew into rage,
Turning Minthe,
Underneath,
A lowly plant,
To be trod upon,
And, well…
No matter how much rave or rant,
Pluto could not undo the spell,
But, the pain he did lessen,
So, that if you should happen,
To stamp or tramp,
Her smell would grow.

What did I know?
I thought I had a hint,
About mint,
But, I didn’t.

You never fail,
To cure a stomach ail,
Your oil, menthol,
Is essential for all,
A new testament,
To hedyosmon,
A treatment,
For Human.

NOTES
From Peppermint
By Gernot Katzer

Main constituents
The essential oil of peppermint (up to 2.5% in the dried leaves) is mostly made up from menthol (ca. 50%), menthone (10 to 30%), menthyl esters (up to 10%) and further monoterpene derivatives (pulegone, piperitone, menthofurane). Traces of jasmone (0.1%) improve the oil’s quality remarkably.

In the New Testament, the mint is called hedyosmon (see also pomegranate). This compound means “the sweet smelling one” (see licorice for more information) and “smell”, related to English odour, cf. Latin olere “to smell.”

Upon suggestion,
Try aroma ingestion,
And, don’t be afraid,
To put your hands on,
Medicine can masquerade,
Right under your nose,
So, let it happen,
Expose.

Chemicals fill the air,
As I mist their limbs,
Antiseptics –
Naturally happen,
Preventive care,
As I pick their bounty.

(I could go on ad nauseum,
But, you see,
That’s one of the things they do for me –
Take feelings like nausea… and cure ‘em.)

Hands-on the experience,
Is of essence,
To be complete,
It is the essence,
… doesn’t even compete,
With a pill…
Never will.

So, call me touched,
When it comes to livin’,
But, if ya ask me,
It makes sense,
To make sense,
Of your scents…
Completely.

I gotta get to know,
What I’m plantin’,
Ya, call me touched,
When it comes to livin’,
Part of the cycle,
With what I sow,
From the time I till,
Until…

NOTES
Usually when I think of herbs, I think about eating them. But, they do more for me than taste good. Certainly, most are beautiful to the eye.

How about touch? Many herbs have antiseptic qualities. By handling them, you automatically cleanse your hands and help eliminate germs and bacteria. Of course, there are many other external uses of herbs including bandages, salves, compresses and poultices.

Just by being in the same area as live herbs can be of benefit. There is a whole discipline devoted to the study of how scents help you — aromatherapists.

As for sound, you really have to listen close to hear them growing. But, many plants do make music in other ways (such as the quaking aspen.)

So, why not let plants touch all our senses? Heehe… or, why not touch plants with all our senses?