Delta-9 is the quintessential form of THC that has been the subject of scientific trials for all the things from a number of sclerosis to reminiscence retrieval Based on Piomelli, as a result of delta-8 and delta-9 THC have such the same molecular structure, the two compounds would theoretically produce comparable medical benefits, but there is no strong knowledge to show that is true.
An Update On Real-World Programs Of CBD vs THC For Anxiety
The fats in hemp oil have quite a lot of effects on the body. They’re key components of cell membranes and hormones, and also have anti-inflammatory effects. Folks rarely use hemp seed oil for recreational or therapeutic functions because it has little to no CBD or THC. In accordance with Piomelli, one of find out this here the reasons hashish is mostly thought-about nontoxic is because its advanced mixture of compounds forms a sort of checks and balances system. Although some plants are bred to include increased quantities of THC, there’s only a lot THC a plant can make,” he mentioned.
But in current months, 14 states — Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Idaho, Iowa, Kentucky, Mississippi, Montana, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont and Utah — have blocked the sale of delta-8, citing lack of analysis into the compound’s psychoactive results. However, not all states see the compound as a well being concern. A section that would have banned delta-8 in Texas was struck from a state bill in Could, maintaining delta-8 THC authorized in Texas.
Updates On Methods For Difference Between CBD And THC
One of the fundamental differences between CBD and THC is how they behave in your mind, says Deepak Dsouza, MD, professor of psychiatry on the Yale College School of Medication, New Haven, Connecticut. Your body produces hashish-like compounds called endocannabinoids, and CBD and THC mainly mimic or amplify the effects of your natural supply.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) argues that as a result of CBD is an ingredient in an authorized drug (Epidiolex, a synthetic type of CBD oil used to deal with rare genetic seizure disorders in children), it may’t be marketed as a nutritional supplement. The FDA also says it’s illegal so as to add CBD to food merchandise (for humans and animals) and market the edibles across state traces.
Medical trials are the gold normal of medical research and to this point, just one very small medical trial has been conducted on delta-8 THC. In 1995, Mechoulam and his colleagues administered the compound to eight pediatric most cancers sufferers two hours before each chemotherapy session. Over the course of eight months, none of those sufferers vomited following their cancer therapy, the research discovered. Newer research has additionally tested cannabis’ potential to curb nausea in cancer patients, with promising outcomes, nevertheless, other chemicals within the cannabis plant could also be at play.
There are marked variations in how the federal authorities regulates THC and CBD. The FDA is at present weighing the most effective methods to observe CBD merchandise. Whereas THC continues to be lined below the Managed Substances Act (CSA), CBD was removed due to the 2018 Farm Invoice. Now it is up to the FDA to resolve methods to regulate the sale of CBD merchandise.
Hemp seeds are also a wealthy supply of protein and magnesium. Due to their fiber content material, they also promote digestive health. Hemp seed oil comes from the seeds of the hemp plant. Whereas marijuana and hemp are both Cannabis sativa crops, they are totally different varieties. Just because THC comes from a plant that does not kill folks doesn’t mean THC alone is safe. We do not know that until we check it.
Rapid Solutions In Difference Between CBD And THC – The Options
Raw CBD oil hasn’t been processed after extraction from the plant. It may comprise the CBD precursor, CBD-acid (CBDA), which some research suggests might have its own well being benefits. CBD concentrate has been filtered and processed to extend its potency. This class includes full-spectrum CBD oil, which comprises the other cannabinoids and compounds discovered within the plant, including THC; and broad-spectrum CBD oil, which has been additional processed to remove the THC.
However shoppers who wish to use CBD oil have to do their very own due diligence to ensure that the product they purchase accommodates what the label says it does. The CBD boom—along with spotty regulation—has led to multiple dubious products finding their solution to drugstore and gasoline station shelves. CBD and THC are having a second, and the drumbeat in favor of their benefits is barely rising louder.
THC, nevertheless, might be addicting. Almost 30 percent of marijuana users experience marijuana use dysfunction. This dysfunction often travels with other substance use issues, behavioral issues, and disability, and is essentially untreated, in response cbd vs thc oil to a examine in a 2015 issue of JAMA Psychiatry. Twice as many men as women will be recognized with marijuana use disorder, and youthful age teams are much more likely to expertise the dysfunction than individuals older than forty five.


10mg – 80 capsules
Card X is Cardarine, also known as GW 501516. Cardarine is often miscategorized as a selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM) which can make it difficult to find. SARMs are for stimulating activity in tissues, similar to anabolic steroids, although SARMs do not affect all tissues. Cardarine functions as a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) which regulates body functions, which helps prevent disease and obesity. Card X was synthesized in a lab specifically to counteract harmful processes enacted by your organs. So, how did this supplement come about, and why does it get miscategorized so frequently?


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Data To Be Presented on Gamida Cell Natural Killer (NK) Cell Therapy Candidate GDA-201 at the International Society for Cell & Gene Therapy 2023 Annual Meeting
Gamida Cell Ltd. (Nasdaq: GMDA), a cell therapy pioneer working to turn cells into powerful therapeutics, today announced that an oral presentation highlighting Gamida Cell’s investigational natural killer (NK) cell therapy candidate GDA-201 will be shared at the International Society for Cell and Gene Therapy (ISCT) 2023 Annual Meeting. The meeting takes place May 31-June 3 in Paris, France.
Additionally, a poster will be presented with data from Gamida Cell’s pre-clinical NK cell therapy candidate GDA-501, an engineered intrinsic NK cell with a CAR modification targeting the HER2 protein.
"The data being presented at ISCT add to the body of evidence demonstrating the power of our nicotinamide (NAM) technology to enhance and expand cells," said Ronit Simantov, M.D., Chief Medical and Scientific Officer of Gamida Cell. "The unique, active phenotype of NAM-NK cells and the high levels of potency and cytotoxicity observed support the strong potential of GDA-201 as a cell therapy for cancer."
Additional details about the presentations are as follows:
Title: GDA-201: Phenotypic and Functional Characterization of Cryopreserved Nicotinamide-Expanded Allogeneic Natural Killer Cells Demonstrate an Activated and Non-exhausted Phenotype
Abstract Number: 36
Presentation Date: June 2, 9:15-10:15 am CET
Presenting Author: Yona Geffen, Ph.D.; Vice President of R&D at Gamida Cell
Highlights: This study investigated the phenotype and function of GDA-201, NK cells expanded using Gamida Cell’s proprietary NAM technology. NAM-NK demonstrated increased expression of lymphoid homing marker CD62L and decreased levels of lineage exhaustion markers CD57 and CD161 compared with NK cells expanded in the absence of NAM. Batch-to-batch variability of 18 batches of cryopreserved formulation of GDA-201 from 18 donors demonstrated an overall variability of ≤25% in critical parameters including viability, phenotyping and cytotoxicity.
Title: GDA-501 HER2 Chimeric Antigen Receptor Natural Killer Cells: Dual Cytotoxicity in Solid Tumors Mediated via HER2 and TRAIL
Abstract Number: 1225
Presentation Date: June 1, 6-7:30 pm CET
Presenting Author: Julia Rifman, Ph.D.; Senior Project Manager at Gamida Cell
Highlights: GDA-501, an expanded, enhanced and engineered NAM HER2-CAR NK cell, showed high levels of TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) expression, suggesting possible meditation of target cell apoptosis. Compared with non-engineered NK cells cultured with NAM, GDA-501 cells displayed increased cytotoxicity against HER2+ tumor cells. When TRAIL was neutralized on GDA-501, a decrease in cytotoxicity was observed. These data suggest that the cytotoxic effect of GDA-501 may be mediated by dual mechanisms: HER2 binding by the HER2-CAR and apoptosis mediated by TRAIL.
Note: Gamida Cell announced it would discontinue the development of GDA-501 in March 2023.
GDA-201 is an intrinsic NK cell therapy candidate being investigated for the treatment of hematologic malignancies. Preclinical studies have shown that GDA-201 may address key limitations of cultured NK cells by increasing cytotoxicity and in vivo retention as well as proliferation in the bone marrow and lymphoid organs. Furthermore, these data suggest GDA-201 may improve antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) and tumor targeting of NK cells. A multicenter Phase 1/2 study of GDA-201 for the treatment of non-Hodgkin lymphoma is ongoing (NCT05296525).
GDA-201 is an investigational cell therapy candidate, and its safety and efficacy have not been established by the FDA or any other health authority.
About Gamida Cell
Gamida Cell is a cell therapy pioneer working to turn cells into powerful therapeutics. The company’s proprietary nicotinamide (NAM) technology leverages the properties of NAM to enhance and expand cells, creating allogeneic cell therapy products and candidates that are potentially curative for patients with hematologic malignancies. These include Omisirge®, an FDA-approved nicotinamide modified allogeneic hematopoietic progenitor cell therapy, and GDA-201, an intrinsic NK cell therapy candidate being investigated for the treatment of hematologic malignancies. For additional information, please visit www.gamida-cell.com or follow Gamida Cell on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Omisirge® is a registered trademark of Gamida Cell Inc. © 2023 Gamida Cell Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including with respect to the potentially life-saving or curative therapeutic and commercial potential of GDA-201. Any statement describing Gamida Cell’s goals, expectations, financial or other projections, intentions or beliefs is a forward-looking statement and should be considered an at-risk statement. Such statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions including those related to clinical, scientific, regulatory and technical developments and those inherent in the process of developing and commercializing product candidates that are safe and effective for use as human therapeutics. In light of these risks and uncertainties, and other risks and uncertainties that are described in the Risk Factors section and other sections of Gamida Cell’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on May 15, 2023, the accompanying prospectus and other filings that Gamida Cell makes with the SEC from time to time (which are available at www.sec.gov), the events and circumstances discussed in such forward-looking statements may not occur, and Gamida Cell’s actual results could differ materially and adversely from those anticipated or implied thereby. Although Gamida Cell’s forward-looking statements reflect the good faith judgment of its management, these statements are based only on facts and factors currently known by Gamida Cell. As a result, you are cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements.


It rained for three whole days, and this morning the worms were up.
As I walked to work, the sidewalk was treacherous with undulating invertebrates. I had never seen earthworms like these; they were huge, luxuriant, some nearly a foot in length. They were so massively majestic that more than once I caught myself on the verge of bellowing Shai-Hulud! in round, reverent tones.
Why do they do it? What is it about rain that makes these wriggling subterranean burrowers burst forth to journey along the surface? What do they seek? Or do they even know?


The purpose of antimicrobial drugs is to combat diseases that can be of bacterial, viral and parasitic origin. But when they are misused or overused, these microorganisms can mutate genetically causing resistance to these drugs. Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is a serious global threat to human and animal health, affecting food safety, food security and the economic well-being of millions of small and large-scale agricultural productions.
AMR is considered a multisectoral problem of great importance worldwide, which is why health organizations such as the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the World Organization for Animal Health and the World Health Organization created the “One Health” approach. This approach is implemented to have a better coordination and elaboration of programs that comprise the interface between human and animal health, food production and agro-ecological environments, with the purpose of preventing and being prepared for future threats, such as zoonotic diseases, food safety and AMR.
AMR is considered a major threat to modern medicine and to the sustainability of an effective response to the threat of infectious diseases. For such reason the World Health Assembly, in May 2015, adopted the Global Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance, where five objectives were established : (i) to have better communication and education on antimicrobial resistance with the aim of creating understanding and awareness of the issue; (ii) to strengthen this knowledge through surveillance and research; (iii) to reduce the incidence of infections by implementing effective biosecurity, hygiene and infection prevention measures; (iv) to optimize the use of antimicrobial drugs in human and animal health; and (v) to intensify sustainable projects and investments for the development of new drugs, vaccines and diagnostic means.
This resolution commits the member countries to develop national and multisectoral action plans with a “One Health” approach, which is why in Ecuador the National Plan for the Prevention and Control of Antimicrobial Resistance was established to fight AMR and to have national action plans harmonized with the global action plan.
In order to establish a national plan, it is of vital importance to know the consumption data of antibiotics generally used in infectious diseases, both in humans and animals. Ecuador does not have this information, so it is hypothesized that the indiscriminate and inappropriate use of antibiotics has caused serious consequences such as increased morbidity and mortality of patients suffering from infectious processes, as well as an increase in the cost of health care due to the search for options that can combat infectious diseases with antibiotics that do not present resistance and that do not determine a high cost.
The Ecuadorian State has been working against AMR since 2017, through the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, executing the National Plan for the Prevention and Control of Antimicrobial Resistance. The focus is the rational use of antimicrobials and effective sanitation measures to reduce the incidence of infections, involving health technicians from Health, Agriculture, Environment, Aquaculture and Fisheries, with the aim of integrating and working together to seek mechanisms to help mitigate AMR. This, through analysis and research work in the laboratory and in the field with activities that help to socialize and raise awareness of this problem to all those involved, especially those who are linked to food, animal health, environment and human health.
The Agency for Phytosanitary and Zoosanitary Regulation and Control AGROCALIDAD is responsible for regulating the registration of companies and products for veterinary use, for which it has issued Technical Manual 003. This manual makes special mention to the use of Colistin, as part of the formulation of products for veterinary use and consumption, since it represents a risk to public health as an antibiotic of restricted use in human medicine, which is generally used in multi-resistant diseases. For this reason, AGROCALIDAD prohibits the manufacture, formulation, importation and distribution of products containing Colistin.
AGROCALIDAD is also working on a proposal for the restriction of antimicrobials that are used as growth promoters. The aim is to eliminate the indiscriminate use of antibiotics by prohibiting the registration, importation, manufacture, formulation, and marketing of these active ingredients generally used in the animal production chain.
In conclusion, although advances in medical research are promising in the field of prevention and treatment of AMR, global actions are required to reduce the dissemination and mitigate the negative effects of resistant bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites that affect living beings in different ecosystems. The commitment of governments and the support they receive from the different actors in the commercialization chain (private companies, laboratories, distributors, users) play an important role in the fulfillment of actions to reduce the inappropriate prescription of antimicrobials, increase immunization against pathogens, disease prevention and control measures, and strengthen pharmacovigilance of resistant pathogens in human, agricultural and veterinary medicine.
Veterinarians, as the main actors in animal health, have a fundamental role to play in the fight against antimicrobial resistance, for which they must encourage their proper use under prescription, promote good hygiene, biosafety, and vaccination practices, and promote the correct diagnosis of infectious diseases in animals.
 Resistencia a Los Antimicrobianos. OPS/OMS | Organización Panamericana de la Salud. (n.d.). Retrieved January 31, 2023, from https://www.paho.org/es/temas/resistencia-antimicrobianos.
 CCNASWP / Fiji calls for closer collaboration as FAO/WHO regional meeting gets underway in Nadi. Home | CODEXALIMENTARIUS FAO-WHO. (n.d.). Retrieved January 31, 2023, from https://www.fao.org/fao-who-codexalimentarius/en/
 Publications. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. (2016). Retrieved December 22, 2022, from http://www.fao.org/publications
 Ministerio de Salud Pública del Ecuador, Plan Nacional para la prevención y control de la resistencia antimicrobiana; Quito, Viceministerio de Gobernanza y Vigilancia de la Salud,, 2019, Disponible en: . (2019, November 18). Retrieved from https://www.salud.gob.ec/msp-presento-plan-nacional-para-la-prevencion-y-control-de-la-resistencia-antimicrobiana-ram-2019-2023/.
 Agrocalidad prohíbe El Uso del Antibiótico Colistina en animales. AGROCALIDAD. (2019, February 25). Retrieved December 25, 2022, from https://www.agrocalidad.gob.ec/agrocalidad-prohibe-el-uso-del-antibiotico-colistina-en-animales/
 Resistencia Antimicrobiana en producción animal. OPS/OMS | Organización Panamericana de la Salud. (n.d.). Retrieved December 20, 2022, from https://www.paho.org/es/panaftosa/resistencia-antimicrobiana-produccion-animal .


EIMR Scientific Advisory Committee
Environmental Interactions of Marine Renewables 2022
The Scientific Committee is again chaired by Professor Ben Wilson of University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI). The committee will decide the overall shape of the conference programme and select presentations on the basis of submitted abstracts and invitations to key speakers.
The composition of the Scientific Committee may vary but at the time of writing, members are as follows:
- Ben Wilson (The Scottish Association for Marine Science, UHI, chair)
- Raeanne Miller (Aquatera)
- David Woolf (HWU)
- Ian Davies (Marine Scotland Science)
- Anne Marie O’Hagan (University College Cork)
- Rory O’Hara Murray (Marine Scotland Science)
- Erica Knott (NatureScot)
- Elva Bannon (Wave Energy Scotland)
- Maurizio Collu (University of Strathclyde)
- Benjamin Williamson (Environmental Research Institute, UHI)
- Beth Scott (University of Aberdeen)
- Andrea Copping (Pacific Northwest National Laboratory/ University of Washington)
- Joe Onoufriou (Marine Scotland Science)
The committee will decide the overall shape of the conference programme and select presentations on the basis of submitted abstracts and invitations to key speakers.
Abstract and ePoster submissions are now closed for 2022.


To help keep students safe and lower the risk of spreading germs and disease it is important to take precautions and stay informed.
- Avoid close contact with other people.
- Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
- Practice other good health habits: Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.
- Get vaccinated.
- Stay home when you are sick.
Benefits of flu vaccination:
- Flu vaccination can keep you from getting sick with the flu.
- Flu vaccination can reduce the risk of flu-associated hospitalization for children and adults.
- Flu vaccination is an important preventive tool for people with chronic conditions.
- Flu vaccination helps protect women during and after pregnancy.
- Flu vaccine can be life-saving in children.
- Flu vaccination has been shown in several studies to reduce severity of illness in people who get vaccinated but still get sick.
- Getting vaccinated yourself may also protect people around you, including those who are more vulnerable to serious flu illness, like babies and young children, older people, and people with certain chronic health conditions.


Your Skin & Ageing
Genetic disposition can have an effect on how our skin appears to age at varying life stages, along with lifestyle factors of alcohol, diet, drugs, environmental pollutants, sun exposure, smoking and stress. Illness, medication and trauma can undoubtedly also have a large impact.
Skin has more resilience and strength in our youth as the cells multiply to replenish with vigour. As we age, body processes slow down, with less replacement cell growth and sebaceous gland secretion affecting suppleness and tone. Early signs commence with the appearance of slight line creases which eventually become larger (forming wrinkles) and the skin begins to sag. This is more noticeable on the face as facial skin tissue is far thinner and more sensitive than other body areas.
Mid 20’s to 30’s Faint, small fine lines appear - usually around the eyes and mouth known as expression or laugh lines.
Mid 30’s to 40’s The lines deepen and become more noticeable. Additional fine lines form around the nose and mouth and corners of the lips. Skin tone is softer and less taut.
Mid 40’s to 50’s The lines deepen to wrinkles and the skin begins to sag. This is more noticeable on the neck as it has less fat cells and sebaceous glands. The skin appears drier, often with flakey patches and requires more hydration.
Mid 50’s to 60’s The skin becomes drier, thinner and sags further due to the lack of elastin. Collagen production and sebaceous gland secretion slows further. Skin loses the ability to retain moisture and bone density may affect the underlying structure.
Over 65 Noticeable structural changes appear and rejuvenating elastin and collagen production is virtually non-existent. Natural protection lowers, circulation is impaired, skin repair is slower and damage (age) spots are evident.


This formula includes high-quality protein and balanced fibre for optimum digestibility. It also has Omega 3 fatty acids to help the coat and skin stay healthy. Bone and joint support is very important for adults of large breeds so they can support their large frames.
- Food Type: Dry food for dogs
- Suitable for adult dogs of maxi breeds (above 15 months) (26-44 Kg)
- Strengthens the skeletal system
- Highly digestible
- Supports coat and skin health
- Consult a vet before altering your pet’s diet
- Always have fresh water available for your pet
- Never exceed recommended feeding quantities unless prescribed by a vet
HUFT Tip: Pet parents often start their large breed babies on calcium supplements without first consulting a vet. The truth is that too much calcium can do just as much damage as too little. Excess calcium can be deposited on the bone tissue and possibly lead to skeletal deformities. This is why we always recommend that you consult a vet before you start your pet on any supplement.
Feeding requirements will vary based on your pet’s level of activity, environment and age.


How ethical is shark cage diving? It's a difficult question to answer but normally, the answer starts with the words 'It depends on how it's done....'
Offering a truly sustainable alternative to the adrenalin-fuelled baiting practices of most shark cage diving companies, Marine Dynamics in Gansbaai, South Africa allows you to see a wide variety of large marine creatures in a sympathetic way, with each trip lead by a marine biologist.
Multi-award winning and Fair Trade accredited, we'd particularly recommend their visit to the Dyer Island Reserve: the channel between Dyer Island and Geyser Island attracts whales, blue and mako sharks, Great Whites, as well as dolphins, rays and a host of bird life.
You'll be particularly impressed by the work of the Dyer Island Conservation Trust who are directly funded by the cost of your trip. https://www.dict.org.za/


By now you may have heard of arginine, but what the heck is it? Well, arginine is gaining some traction as a potential treatment for heart issues which is notable because millions of Americans suffer from some variety of cardiovascular disease. Arginine shows up in foods such as seeds and nuts, grains and wheat, and fish and red meat. It helps to relax arteries, maintain your immune and hormone functions, assist your kidneys in removing waste from your body, and even support your body during the healing of wounds.
When arginine enters your body, it turns into nitric oxide which is a neurotransmitter that improves your circulation. It may also help reduce blood pressure in certain cases and help those who suffer from leg cramping and intermittent claudication to increase their walking distances. According to information from the Mayo Clinic “there is good scientific evidence that dietary supplementation with arginine may help people with coronary artery disease, angina, or clogged arteries, due to its effects on blood vessels.”
If you suffer from a condition that you think would benefit from an arginine supplement, discuss your options with your healthcare provider or reach out to our in-house nutritionist who is more than happy to answer your questions and provide you with suggestions for your situation. Our arginine products contain NO milk, egg, fish, peanuts, shellfish, soybeans, nuts, wheat, yeast, gluten, corn, rice, sugar, artificial sweeteners, flavors, colors, or preservatives ensuring that it can be taken by anyone that needs it. Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed!


Petrified Forest National Park was first established as a National
Monument on December 8, 1906, when Teddy Roosevelt signed the proclamation. Congress
passed a bill that elevated the monument into a national park in 1962.
The ''Petrified forest" is a spectacular region of fossil logs in the Painted Desert in Arizona. The famous petrified forests occur in the colorfully banded sequence of rocks called the Chinle Formation. The transformation from wood to stone occurred about 200 million years ago during the end of the Triassic Period of the Mesozoic Era. These trees lived in a region which had a moist and probably warm climate. Washed from upland areas where they grew, the logs accumulated on delta flats where they were buried by sands and silts, and by layers of volcanic ash, derived from volcanoes further to the west. The volcanic ash was the source of the silica which helped to mineralize the logs after they were covered in sediment. The logs were replaced by silica, colored with oxides of iron and manganese and are generally very well preserved. The trees belong generally to three species of conifers of the family Araucariaceae. The family is still around today, with modern representatives such as the rather strangely named, because it is extremely prickly, "Monkey Puzzle" tree. The most common of the fossil trees in the Petrified Forest is Araucarioxylon arizonicum. Some of the logs, although broken into segments, represent substantial trees which would be over 50 meters tall when they were alive. Some trees have been replaced so perfectly that the annual growth rings and cell walls show clearly, as seen in the samples below.
Back to fossils


Like in humans, hormonal disorders plague dogs too, and demand attention, treatment, and care. Hormones are chemical messengers that trigger and regulate physiological reactions inside the body and contribute towards maintaining an ideal condition in the body (homeostasis) which, in turn, ensures balanced metabolism, highly desired for a good health. Here is a brief attempt to understand hormonal disorders in dogs, their causes, remedy, and care.
The question itself has the answer. It’s either too much or inadequate secretion of hormones. Accordingly, the over-secretion situation is prefixed as Hyper (hyperthyroidism) while the opposite one is prefixed as Hypo (hypothyroidism).
Hormones are secreted by glands in the dog’s body as shown in the picture above and are released into the bloodstream for distribution across desired organs. There could be different factors affecting the functioning of the glands like autophagy, tissue degeneration, lack of nutrition, development of nodules or tumors, and so on.
Both the conditions lead to disruption in the functioning of some or the other organ or organ system in the body of a dog, which is sometimes recognizable immediately and sometimes at a later or delayed stage. Likewise, the consequences could be simple or complex and so could be the treatment.
|Endocrine Gland||Hormone(s) Produced||Function|
|Pituitary gland (anterior lobe)|
|Corticotropin(adrenocorticotropic hormone)||Stimulates the production and secretion of hormones by the adrenal cortex|
|Growth hormone||Promotes growth of the body and influences the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids|
|Follicle-stimulating hormone||Stimulates the growth of follicles in the ovaries and induces the formation of sperm in the testes|
|Luteinizing hormone||Stimulates ovulation and the development of the corpus luteum in the female and the production of testosterone by the testes in the male|
|Prolactin||Stimulates the mammary glands to secrete milk|
|Thyroid-stimulating hormone||Stimulates the production and secretion of thyroid hormones by the thyroid gland|
|Pituitary gland (posterior lobe)|
|Antidiuretic hormone; also known as arginine vasopressin||Causes the kidneys to conserve water by concentrating the urine and reducing urine volume; also has lesser role in regulating blood pressure|
|Oxytocin||Stimulates the contraction of smooth muscle of the uterus during labor and facilitates ejection of milk from the breast during nursing|
|Parathyroid glands||Parathyroid hormone||Raises the blood calcium concentration by promoting absorption of calcium by the intestine, mobilizing calcium salts from bones, and increasing the ability of the kidney to recover calcium from urine; also lowers phosphate by enhancing its excretion by the kidneys|
|Thyroid hormones (T3 and T4 )||Increase the basal metabolic rate; also regulate protein, fat, and carbohydrate metabolism|
|Calcitonin||Participates in calcium and phosphorus metabolism; tends to have the opposite effects of parathyroid hormone|
|Aldosterone||Helps regulate salt and water balance by retaining sodium (salt) and water and excreting potassium|
|Cortisol||Has widespread effects throughout the body; involved in the response to stress; active in carbohydrate and protein metabolism; helps maintain blood sugar level, blood pressure, and muscle strength|
|Epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine||Released in response to stress; stimulates heart action and increases blood pressure, metabolic rate, and blood glucose concentration; also raises blood sugar and fatty acid levels|
|Insulin||Lowers blood sugar level; affects the metabolism of sugar, protein, and fat|
|Glucagon||Raises blood sugar level, thus opposing the action of insulin|
|Estrogen||Controls female reproductive system, along with other hormones; responsible for promoting estrus and the development and maintenance of female secondary sex characteristics|
|Progesterone||Prepares the uterus for implantation of the fertilized egg, maintains pregnancy, and promotes development of the mammary glands|
|Testosterone||Responsible for the development of the male reproductive system and secondary male sexual characteristics|
Common Hormonal Disorders in a Dog
Scientifically the infections are called alopecia (early stage hair loss) and dermatosis (Later stage hair loss).
Causes: The diseases are caused by an imbalance in the reproductive hormones called estrogen (female) and androgen (male). The hormones are produced in male and female dogs by adrenal gland.
Diagnosis and Treatment
One should reach out to a veterinarian for diagnosis and explain to him or her about the thorough history of the dog’s health, including symptoms and consequences. The pet owner must mention any possible incidents that might have triggered the skin infection.
The diagnosis starts with a thorough physical examination of your dog. If required, the vet may recommend a biochemical profile, including a complete blood count, a urinalysis, or skin biopsy. At times, X-ray, ultrasonography, laparoscopy or imagining is required too if there is some internal complications emerge in the skin.
Medications for treatment are suggested based on the diagnostic report. In some cases, the vet may prescribe compounding medicines based on the condition of the pet. Surgery and radiotherapy are also suggested in extreme condition.
Cushing disease is categorized into two categories: 1. hyperadrenocorticism resulting from excessive secretion of cortisol by adrenal glands; 2. Panhypopituitarism caused due to low secretion of anterior pituitary hormones by pituitary gland also sometimes called as the master endocrine gland.
The disease is common in dogs but not in other species. Dog breeds like Miniature Poodles, Dachshunds, Boxers, Boston Terriers, and Beagles are at increased risk. Middle-aged and older dogs are more prone to the disease.
Causes: In most affected dogs (85 to 90%), the cause is a small, benign pituitary tumor. In the remaining 10 to 15% of dogs, the cause is a tumor of the adrenal gland itself. The tissue of the
Diagnosis and Treatment
A series of laboratory tests might be required to conclude the causes due to a high percentage of false-positives in the test results. A gap of 3 to 6 months is required, at times, between two subsequent tests. Additional tests are conducted to know whether the disease is caused by a tumor of the pituitary gland or the adrenal gland.
The influence of the drug should be monitored regularly as a reduced level of cortisol can result in reduced appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea.
The thyroid gland is a 2-lobed gland in the neck that secrets 2 iodine-containing hormones (thyroxine), viz., T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (tetraiodothyronine), which are essential for running the vital metabolic activities in a smooth manner. The hormones are required in the right condition. Hypothyroidism is a situation where the gland fails to produce an adequate amount of the hormone which, in turn, reduces the metabolic rate. This hormonal disorder is common in dogs aging 4 to 10 years. The reverse condition is known as hyperthyroidism.
Symptoms of Hypothyroidism
Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is much more common in cats than in dogs.
The inflammation or shrinkage of the tissues of thyroid gland is responsible for hypothyroidism. In rare cases, cancer or congenital defects can trigger the health issue in a pet. Tumor or thyroid cancer in some cases is related to over secretion of throxine hormone. A prolonged medication to check hypothyroidism or intake of antibiotics for dogs can also cause hyperthyroidism.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Observing the symptoms and correlating them with clinical findings based on tests of blood and stool samples, a veterinarian recommends a medication or a mixture of medications along with the right dog nutrition to help the dog successfully recover from the thyroid related issues. Sometimes, vets recommend thyroid medication for dogs based on a specific condition of the pet. If you notice your pet suffering from any of the symptoms over a period, must go for a thyroid test with a recommendation from your vet.


Relly Brandman is a graduate student in the Chemical and Systems Biology Department at Stanford. This department was originally called the Molecular Pharmacology Department and it still has a tradition of being very closely connected to pharmaceuticals and therapeutics. Relly's work with Folding@home is very much in this tradition.
Relly is interested in studying the ribosome tunnel as a target for novel antibiotics. There are already several antibiotics which target the ribosome tunnel (you may have already taken some, such as Erythromycin). However, these drugs appears to be easily circumvented by the bacteria -- they have evolved around the drugs and have become drug resistant. Indeed, drug resistance in bacteria makes sense -- as the drugs we take exit our bodies in urine, and sit in the sewers where they interact with bacteria. The bacteria which survive are the ones that aren't affected, and this causes a selective pressure towards antibiotic resistance -- evolution at work!
Relly's project (joint with Guha Jayachandran) is to first predict and understand existing antibiotic behavior, and then predict novel antibiotics. This is part of a Stanford University BioX grant, with two experimental groups. If successful, we should be able to find novel types of antibiotics, which should hopefully be very useful in dealing with the major problem of drug resistance.
Copied from: Meet FAH team member: Relly Brandman
(Vijay Pande's blog)


Gelatin methacrylate, commonly known as GelMA, which can be UV cross-linked to form hydrogels for biological 3D printing and tissue engineering. It has been used for endothelial cell morphogenesis, cardiomyocytes, epidermal tissue, injectable tissue constructs, bone differentiation, and cartilage regeneration etc. It can also form microspheres or bio-capsules for drug delivery and cell encapsulation. GelMA has been filtered but has not been sterilized.
How to dissolve GelMA in aqueous media for 3D cell culture or 3D biofabrication
- Warm up aqueous media to 37 or 50 oC.
- Place GelMA into aqueous media (PBS or other aqueous media) at a desired concentration (10, 20, or 30% w/v).
- Stir GelMA media at 200 – 500 rpm at 37 - 50 oC for 1-3 h until GelMA samples are dissolved completely.
- Centrifuge them at 5000 – 8000 rpm at 37 - 50 oC for 5 min and then filter them through sterile 0.22/0.45 µm syringe filters (with PES membrane, 25 mm diameter) at 50 oC (please warm the syringes and filters as well before filtration) to sterilize GelMA solutions.
- Mix cells with warm sterile GelMA solutions containing 0.1 - 0.5% LAP or I2959 in the biosafety hood at a desired cell concentration of 100,000 - 1,000,000 cells/mL.
- Photo-crosslink cell-contained GelMA solutions via exposure to light (365 nm for I2959 or 405 nm for LAP) with an intensity of 0.5 - 50 mW/cm2 for 0.5 - 5 min.
- Transfer cell-laden GelMA gels into tissue culture flasks with each well containing enough culture media.


Have you ever been scuba diving and asked yourself, "What was that?” The PADI Fish Identification Specialty course at PRO SCUBA CENTER provides you with the fish identification basics so that next time, you know the answer.
You’ll find you enjoy your dives even more when you recognize the creatures that you see. The fun part about this course is you can use the skills you learn on every scuba diving vacation because once you learn the main fish families and characteristics it will help you decipher the species you see all over the world.
For example, a butterfly fish in the Caribbean has a similar shape to a butterfly fish in Southeast Asia, but their colors and markings may be wildly different. If you know what fish family it belongs to, it becomes much easier to look up the local name or at least be able to intelligently ask the local scuba instructor what you saw. That works better than asking about a “yellow thingy with a funny tail fin.”
You gain hands-on (okay, eyes-on) experience in looking for and identifying the fascinating fish you see underwater. You’ll learn:
Your Next Adventure
As you learn about fish survey techniques with PRO SCUBA CENTER you may also want to brush up on your underwater photography skills so that you can document and capture images of the species you’re encountering.
For more information about this or other PADI courses contact PRO SCUBA CENTER.


Thanks to the support of our Partnership and contributions from the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board, Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority and the City of Kyle, sampling is currently underway in the Plum Creek watershed to better understand the complexity and primary sources of bacteria loading in Plum Creek.
A 12-month bacterial source tracking study will be examining the DNA signature of fecal bacterial found in Plum Creek.
HERE IS WHERE YOU COME IN!
We need fecal samples from a variety of animal species (including Homo sapiens) in the watershed to refine our DNA library. Lucas Gregory, a research scientist with the Texas Water Resources Institute and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, will be leading a team to collect samples.
We need volunteers to allow the team access to collect fecal samples from the following:
Human – Wastewater Treatment Facility (8)
Human – Septic System (8)
Feral Hogs (10)
Various small and medium mammals (10)
NOTE: Sampling will be completed discretely and your privacy will be protected. Due to laboratory processing times, sampling needs to take place on Mondays.
SO, IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE A PART OF THIS CRITICALLY IMPORTANT STUDY TO SHAPE THE FUTURE OF WATERSHED PROTECTION IN PLUM CREEK, PLEASE RESPOND TO THIS EMAIL WITH:
(1) YOUR NAME
(2) BEST WAY TO CONTACT YOU
(3) TYPE OF SAMPLE YOU COULD PROVIDE
Thank you so much for your continued support!
Plum Creek Watershed Partnership


The condition known as swimmer’s itch—or cercarial dermatitis for a more technical-sounding name—can affect people who swim or wade in warm open water in most places around the world. It’s much more common in freshwater bodies like lakes and ponds, but it can occur in salt water, too. It’s not a particularly serious condition, but it’s definitely a nuisance. So, here’s what you need to know about swimmer’s itch.
Cause of Swimmer’s Itch
Cercarial dermatitis is an allergic reaction to infection by a parasite that burrows into the skin. Gross, huh? These parasites normally live in waterfowl, wading birds, and migrating birds, as well as some mammals, like raccoons, beavers, and muskrats.
Their eggs are released via an infected bird’s feces, and if they end up in the water, larvae hatch. These need to develop in snails. Once they do, the parasites exit the snail and swim around looking for a host. They will enter a human if the opportunity presents itself, but they can’t live for long or continue their life cycle in a human host.
The parasites causing swimmer’s itch are acquired in warm water, so it’s most common during summer months. You can’t spread the rash or the infection to another person or animal.
Swimmer’s Itch Symptoms
The condition presents as a red rash. It may be a patchy pinpoint rash, or look more like pimples or blisters. And it’s tingly or itchy, but usually not severely so. The rash typically only appears on skin that was directly exposed to the water, and not covered by your swimsuit or any accessories.
The itching of swimmer’s itch can begin within minutes of infection. The rash isn’t usually far behind, often appearing within a few to 12 hours, and reliably within 48 hours. Expect cercarial dermatitis to last a few days, and sometimes up to seven days.
Treating Swimmer’s Itch
Usually, no treatment is required. The parasites can’t live in a human host, so they die off while in the skin and are flushed out. See your doctor if the rash and/or itching persists for days or are severe, or if there’s pus or other signs of infection.
Symptoms are manageable with standard treatments for rash, itching, and allergic reactions. Try a cold compress on affected areas, a topical anti-itch application, a topical or oral antihistamine, bathing in Epsom salt or colloidal oatmeal, or a corticosteroid. Refrain from scratching, as this can inflame the rash and lead to secondary infections.
About Swimmer’s Itch Prevention
Chlorinated water is safe from the parasites that cause swimmer’s itch. But if you swim in warm fresh or salt water where there are mollusks and birds or host mammals, you’re at risk of contracting the infection.
There’s no way to know if water is infested with these parasites, unless of course you know that people have gotten infected after swimming in a particular body. In such cases, refrain from wading or swimming in that water.
The more time you spend in the water, the greater your chances of coming into contact with parasites if they’re in there. Also, the more skin you have exposed, the higher the risk of infection. The risk is also greater in the warmest shallow water, so swimming out to deeper water reduces your chances of catching swimmer’s itch. Wearing waterproof sunblock may also help keep the parasites out of your skin. Always rinse off thoroughly and towel dry after getting out of the water, too.


The Impact of the HiSeq on Rare Variants
Are you at risk? It seems as if the number of lives that are affected by cancer, either directly or indirectly, is increasing exponentially with each passing year. Thankfully, this alarming rate of growth has also led to an increased interest and funding of cancer research. The advancements scientists are able to make today are due in large part to Next-Generation Sequencing platforms, such as Illumina’s HiSeq system. The HiSeq has been a significant addition to laboratories across the globe, including MR DNA. These high-throughput sequencers, such as the HiSeq, provide the ability to sequence genes at a greater depth than ever before and at a cost lower than ever before.
The team of scientists at MR DNA are able to pair their expertise in targeting the human exome with the cutting edge technology of the HiSeq in order to pinpoint those rare and potentially cancer causing variants that would otherwise remain undetected. Again, because of the high-throughput capabilities of the HiSeq, not only can the proper depth of coverage be achieved, but more samples can be placed on each run, thus making whole exome sequencing more affordable. As laboratories such as, MR DNA, remain committed to providing DNA sequencing at a low cost, and the ever evolving advancements in technology, you can be sure to see more publications and news headlines involving affordable whole exome sequencing


Hemp extracts containing cannabidiol (CBD) are more and more used to cut back anxiety and stress and to advertise basic well-being. Studies have discovered that CBD therapy significantly reduces the danger of diabetes in mice. The Journal of Scientific Investigation revealed a study saying that CBD has an anti-inflammatory effect on our health, so it helps to decrease the amount of sebum produced by our bodies. Because of its anti-inflammatory role, CBD is a very promising therapeutic agent for a wide range of inflammatory and pain-related issues.
Nervousness and depression is available in many kinds, event, and responses. That is useful because low-grade, chronic irritation usually is a part of atherosclerosis, the disease behind strokes, heart assaults and artery problems. A 2006 research discovered that CBD treatment significantly decreased the incidence of diabetes in non-overweight diabetic mice from an incidence of 86 p.c in non-treated mice to an incidence of 30 p.c in CBD-handled mice.
It signifies that, as an alternative of a psychoactive effect that THC brings, CBD oil, quite the opposite, reduces symptoms like euphoria, anxiousness, brief-time period memory impairment. Regardless of many cigarette warnings for respiratory, cardiovascular, reproductive and digestive system problems, a lot of people are hooked on cigarette.
The efficiency of a tincture generally signifies that a shopper would solely need to take two to a few teaspoons of the substance a day. Improving the looks of the skin, particularly decreasing the signs and signs of acne and eczema , are the great CBD Oil Wholesale benefits of standard CBD oil use. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) says that CBD might assist alleviate most cancers signs and most cancers therapy uncomfortable side effects.
Preliminary research recommend that CBD might have protective results on the center, and may scale back infarct size (variety of coronary heart muscle cells that die during a heart attack) by means of anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory actions. Particularly, a research by the American Epilepsy Society 22 examined the effects of cannabidiol on epilepsy amongst a gaggle of patients who were immune to the conventional remedy choices for the condition.
Based on CNS Neuroscience and Therapeutics, CBD or cannabidiol was thought of as a promising drug that might help with numerous neurodegenerative issues. Those who used cannabis saw an amazing discount in their symptoms and pain, whereas these using conventional strategies didn’t see much of an improvement.
Whether or not it’s controlling anxiousness, assuaging depression, lowering muscle weak spot, or many different issues, CBD oil is emerging as a viable possibility for patients who have been unable to take standard medication as a result of dangerous unintended effects or the high cost of the prescriptions. In a 2011 examine, scientists wished to review the consequences of CBD on folks with UNHAPPY.


The Community Cancer Research Foundation is bringing to area patients the latest research advances in diagnosis, treatment and prevention of cancer. Through trials sponsored by the Foundation local patients have been among the first to benefit from treatments that have helped to improve survival, and are less invasive. In its quest to improve cancer care, the Foundation also established the Cancer Resource Centre, providing valuable support resources to patients and their families. Through its many community outreach programs for the public and educational programs for area medical professionals, the Foundation brings awareness to the issues affecting cancer care.
The Foundation sponsors research trials at the three hospitals of the Community Healthcare System: Community Hospital in Munster, St. Catherine Hospital in East Chicago and St. Mary Medical Center in Hobart. As part of the Community Healthcare System, the Foundation helps support the area's largest cancer treatment and research programs with its established links to the National Cancer Institute and major research cooperatives around the globe. More than 30 trials are available, offering local patients access to treatments for breast, lung, ovarian and colon cancers, lymphoma, adult leukemia and multiple myeloma.
Making Strides in Cancer Care... in Our Community
- Enrolled area women in the largest national best cancer prevention trial, which established a new treatment option for women at high risk.
- Participated in the National PET Registry evaluating the use of PET scans for cancer care. The data collected through the registry validated the importance of PET scans and led Medicare to increase its payment coverage for these tests.
- Enrolled area cancer patients in a study for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer, which has since become the standard of care, improving survival.
- Enrolled area women with Her2 positive breast cancer in studies evaluating medications found to improve survival.
- Contributed hundreds of tissue and blood specimen samples to help increase knowledge of the makeup of cancer and how different proteins are expressed on cancer cells. This data is being used to develop medications that target cancer more effectively, causing fewer side effects.
- Enrolled patients in a study evaluating a medication for metastatic lung cancer found to improve disease-free survival.
- Provide genetic screening for women diagnosed at high risk for breast cancer through the hospitals of the Community Healthcare System.
- Assisted with Bone Marrow Transplant Registry drive securing nearly 500 new donors.


A meat thermometer is an essential safety tool in the kitchen. Foods such as fish, chicken, beef, or pork, require safe internal temperatures to prevent the spread of foodborne illnesses that linger in undercooked meat. By checking your food’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer, you can ensure the food you serve is safe.
Meat thermometers are a great tool in the kitchen, but you may have wondered whether they work for human body temperatures. If you fall ill and can’t find your thermometer, it seems logical that a meat thermometer could be used instead. The question is, can you use a meat thermometer to take your temperature?
1. How Do Meat Thermometers Work?
Image Courtesy to Christina Xu
Meat thermometers are built to measure the internal temperature of different meats. Although they can read lower values, they are primarily designed to pick up temperatures between 130°F-200°F.
Digital and dial meat thermometers
Digital and dial meat thermometers have a pointed metal rod that is inserted into the center of the meet. This metal rod contracts as the meat heats up, which causes the digital or dial readout to display a temperature reading.
Digital thermometers display the temperature to one decimal which gives a detailed, accurate reading.
Dial displays are often round and sometimes measure in increments of 5°. This accuracy works for meats but is not as detailed as a digital display reading.
Infrared meat thermometers
Infrared thermometers work by measuring the infrared light emitted from an object. A detector called a thermopile senses this infrared radiation then displays the information as a temperature reading.
Infrared thermometers aren’t recommended for meats because only surface temperature is recorded. To get an accurate internal temperature, you need to cut open the meat and point the thermometer into the center.
2. How Do Body Thermometers Work?
Body thermometers are designed and calibrated to measure normal human body temperatures. Although they can pick up on a wide range of temperatures, they are designed to accurately read temperatures between about 60°F-110°F.
Digital & glass thermometers
For many years, digital and glass thermometers have been the common at-home thermometers. Digital thermometers contain what amounts to a small computer that senses changes in temperature and registers the information in degrees. Glass thermometers were filled with mercury or alcohol that expanded and moved up a manually printed scale on the thermometer.
Temperatures are taken by inserting the curved metal or glass end of the thermometer under the armpit and in the rectum or ear.
Of these thermometers, digital is by far the most commonly used today. They are usually accurate to within one decimal point and register temperatures quickly.
Infrared, thermal, and no-contact thermometers
With the contact concerns of Covid-19, infrared and thermal thermometers have become more commonplace and are the preferred method of measuring body temperature. These thermometers work the same as general use infrared thermometers; however, they are not the same in terms of accuracy. They are typically pointed at the forehead to register radiant heat.
Medical-grade infrared thermometers can be specially calibrated to account for changes in human skin which can affect readings. There are also infrared thermometers approved by the FDA, which enforce higher quality standards during the manufacturing process.
3. Why Meat Thermometers Don’t Work on Humans?
Can you use a meat thermometer to take your temperature? Unfortunately, not. Although meat thermometers can measure temperatures within human range accurately, they are unsuitable for use on the human body for several reasons, including:
Different temperature ranges
Meat thermometers are designed to pick up on the safe internal temperatures for meats, while body thermometers are best at registering normal human body temperatures. Meats need to reach between 145°F-165°F for safe consumption. A healthy human body rests at 98.6°F, with a relatively small variation in temperature when fighting an illness. You want to use a thermometer designed to pick up the correct temperature range for your body to get an accurate reading.
Aside from infrared thermometers, meat thermometers are not designed for the human body. Meat thermometers have a pointed metal end meant to pierce the skin on meat and get an internal temp. Body thermometers are curved to protect sensitive body parts. Using a meat thermometer on a human body could be a painful experience.
Calibration refers to configuring a thermometer to pick up and translate information accurately. To calibrate means to remove anything that might cause inaccuracy in a reading. Meat thermometers are calibrated to read internal meat temperatures accurately. Human thermometers are calibrated to be more sensitive and accurate in picking up body temperatures.
Inaccurate infrared guns
Infrared thermometers seem like they could be used for human temps, but this is still not a great choice. The calibration and accuracy of general use thermometers to take a human temperature is a factor. While infrared thermometers might give a decent reading, unless designed, calibrated, and approved for human use, the readings can not be as trustworthy as a thermometer intended for the human body.
FDA approval & medical grade
If getting an accurate body reading is important to you, there is no substitute for using an FDA-approved or medical-grade thermometer. Meat thermometers don’t undergo the same process as FDA-approved thermometers. They are not held to the same standards during production or testing.
There are also sanitary concerns about using a meat thermometer to take your temperature. Meat thermometers are stuck into meat which can carry bacteria and pathogens. Unless you can be 100% sure you’ve killed any cross-contamination, you may not want to put this near your body, especially your mouth.


Trenton: DEP DISCOVERS GLOBALLY RARE ORCHID IN STOKES STATE FOREST
DEP DISCOVERS GLOBALLY RARE ORCHID IN
STOKES STATE FOREST
Biologists with the Department of Environmental Protection’s Office of Natural Lands Management have confirmed a new occurrence of a globally rare orchid, the small whorled pogonia, within Sussex County’s Stokes State Forest.
Consisting of just a single plant found on stony ground in a forested area of Stokes, this is just the third occurrence of this rare orchid known to exist in the state. The other known occurrences are also in Sussex County.
The small whorled pogonia (Isotria medeoloides) is listed as endangered in New Jersey and as threatened by the federal government. It grows up to 10 inches tall and features a whorl of four to five leaves that encircle the stem. The orchid showcases one or a pair of grayish-green flowers that bloom in May and June.
“While small and inconspicuous, this plant’s presence indicates a healthy and thriving forest ecosystem,” said New Jersey Parks and Forestry Director Olivia Glenn. “I’m thrilled that biologists discovered this elusive orchid in a state park where we can monitor, manage and protect this rare find.”
Historically, the small whorled pogonia’s range comprised 21 eastern states and parts of Canada. However, the orchid has never been a common species and typically grows in small populations. It prefers drier upland sites, usually in mixed deciduous forests.
Martin Rapp, a biologist with the DEP’s Office of Natural Lands Management, found the new population on June 6 while surveying potential sites that could support small whorled pogonia.
The small whorled pogonia does not appear above ground every year and may remain dormant underground for years. Because the orchids emerge inconsistently, biologists carefully monitor the known occurrences annually. They revisit sites where the orchid once grew to attempt to confirm its presence.
“Small whorled pogonia previously occurred in Bergen, Hunterdon, Passaic and Sussex counties, but the orchid has not appeared on many of these sites in decades,” said Bob Cartica,
Administrator of the Office of Natural Lands Management. “That’s one of the mysteries of this orchid – suitable habitat exists throughout its range, but populations of small whorled pogonia are rare.”
Research indicates that small whorled pogonia, like many other orchids, depend on soil organisms to thrive, especially fungi. In the case of this species, fungi not only provide nutrients for the orchid but they also help break the dormancy cycle prompting the orchid to emerge from the soil.
In addition to the surveys for previously known populations, biologists will survey Stokes and other state properties for new populations of small whorled pogonia. Because the orchid is listed as a federally threatened species, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service provides matching funding to conduct the surveys.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service identifies human impact, including collection and habitat destruction, as the primary threat to small whorled pogonia and other orchid populations. The most effective strategy in ensuring the continued existence of small whorled pogonia is to maintain the integrity of the forest that supports it.
The Office of Natural Lands Management includes the Natural Heritage Program, the Natural Areas Program and the New Jersey Natural Lands Trust. The office works to identify and track endangered and rare plant populations as well as rare and unique ecological communities. The office also manages public open space acquired by the Natural Lands Trust and designated State Natural Areas.
Located in the extreme northwestern corner of the state, the nearly 16,500-acre Stokes State Forest encompasses a portion of Kittatinny Mountain and straddles the Appalachian Trail, north of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.
Want to get noticed ?
Advertise with the Trenton post call 609-310-6397


Oaxaca, There and Back
By Jeremy Spath
Tuesday, September 15, 7:00 pm
Location: Auditorium in the San Francisco County Fair Building, 9th Ave and Lincoln Way, San Francisco MAP
Jeremy Spath's talk will cover plants and habitats visited on road trips taken from his home in Leucadia, Ca. to Oaxaca in southern Mexico, and back. Oaxaca is the highest center for plant diversity in Mexico, and this talk will focus on its succulents, but also include other favorite plants, such as cycads, terrestrial bromeliads, and the occasional pachycaul tree.
Jeremy began his plant career nearly ten years ago at the San Diego Botanic Gardens in Encinitas, Ca. While at the gardens he was exposed to many different plant groups but was most attracted to succulents, cycads, bromeliads, palms and bamboos. Working with the plants at the garden, he felt an urge to travel into the field to study the plants he loved to grow, and he has been hooked since the first trip. To him, seeing plants in the wild felt like meeting old friends for the first time.
Jeremy left the botanic gardens to launch his landscape design company, Water's Path Landscape Design. Additionally, Jeremy works part time for Rancho Soledad Nursery in Rancho Santa Fe, Ca. overseeing seed propagation and succulent hybridization.
Jeremy spends most of his days working with plants, but is happiest in the field, since to him, nature is truly the best landscaper.
The featured growers for the September meeting will be Andy Siekkinen and Marilyn Mangle.
What to bring:
For the Show & Tell table, we will feature terrestrial bromeliads on the succulent side (Hechtia, Dyckia, Puya, Deuterocohnia, etc.), Cleistocactus and Borzicactus on the cactus side, and anything else looking good that you would like to share.
Please bring baked goodies, fruit, snack food or a beverage if your last name begins with the letters I to M, and any other members who would like to contribute this month.


When I first started sourcing and retailing Snails, I was always having quarrels and dissatisfaction from my customers especially from those in South-West Nigeria prominently those in Lagos.
I was always accused of giving them something different from what they ordered for. And back then I’ll feel bad and on many occasions I felt like quitting.
What’s the reason for their Complaints you might want to ask? I’ll tell you.
Being a proper South-South boy, I’ve traveled all the Southern states except Edo (I’ve only traveled through the state not to the state).
I’ve seen all the Snails from there in fact I’ve bought Snails from Farmers in all the states and even that of Southeast, but little did I know that the sizes of Snails we describe as large or Jumbo here is a child’s play when you compare to what they’ve and are used to in the west (Edo inclusive).
The Species we have in the south especially this picked f I’m the wild are not as big as what’s obtainable in the west so back then when clients order for Jumbo I’ll get those big Snails and send to them not knowing that what I know as Jumbo is different from theirs and I’ll be accused of cheating them not knowing that I was merely operating from the Realm of ignorance. But like they say, ignorance is not an excuse before the law and in this case before my customers. So at the end I lost valuable customer😭😭 .
Instead of seating back to cry or be depressed, went out to seek knowledge and ways to solve this problem…yes that’s why I’m an Enterprenuer, I solve my problem(s) and sell the solutions.
I have visited farms, traveled to Benin and lived in Ibadan for 4months now and done research. I can boldly tell the difference between the two sub-Species of the most market viable Snails Species… Archachatina marginata (AM)
The Archachatina marginata (AM) is sub divided into;
1. Archachatina marginata var Ovum (AMO) also called Western Species or (Benin Snails by many)
2. Archachatina marginata var suturalis (Southern Specie)
(1) Achatina Marginata Var Ovum (Giant African Land Snail Or Big Black Snail). This is the largest species of land snails.
They are commonly found within the western part of Nigeria (Edo, Ondo, Oyo, Ogun, Lagos State). This snails grow faster and bigger but lays less amount of eggs (20-40) eggs a year and this eggs are laid in clutches of between 4-14 eggs at a time. The eggs are yellow in color with dark blotches and an incubation period of about 40 days.
They lay 4-5 times a year). This species of snails are very fragile and record high mortality in the southern part of Nigeria but has better survival rate when raised in the western part of Nigeria.
Because of their large Sizes, which can weight between 100g-800g (average is 350g-450g for the Jumbo). They’re the most preferred Snails Species amongst buyers and Snails lovers, but scarce and arguably expensive hence only few can afford it.
(2) Achatina Marginata Var Suturalis (also known as Gaint African Land Snail Is Found In The Warm Water Forest Of The Niger Delta). They lay between 40-60 eggs a year and also lay 4-5 times a year.
They are commonly raised in the southern part of Nigeria but also have a good track record in other parts of Nigeria.
From my years of farming and interactions, they have proved to be the best species for production. Their eggs hatch faster and also have a higher percentage of hatching.
They grow large but not as big as their Var Ovum counterpart and command market value as well.
The above described species are the two most common species of snails farmed in Nigeria and they command good market value/price.
They’re most recommended for those intending to farm snails at commercial quantity.
Currently Nigeria as a country doesn’t yet produce enough snails to feed it’s ever growing population, hence the snails market is still very much untapped, also the international market is available for the taking too. So the best time start or Invest in Snails Farming was yesterday, the next is now.
So now you know, the next time you want to get jumbo snails, be sure of which species to avoid quarrels.


Corticosteroids have a long history of use in the United States. Most are now available in generic forms, including:
Corticosteroids can come in the form of:
- eye drops
- lotions, creams, ointments, or gels
- nasal or mouth sprays
A doctor will prescribe different forms of corticosteroids, depending on the problem. For example, they may prescribe a cream, lotion, ointment, or gel to treat skin conditions.
Long-term use of corticosteroids can have side effects that include:
- weight gain
- mood disorders, including depression
- high blood pressure
- liver damage
Long-term corticosteroid use can cause the adrenal glands to stop producing the hormone cortisol. After stopping corticosteroid use, it may take some time for the body to start making cortisol at a normal rate.
Short-term use of corticosteroids is safer, but there are still risks. For example, these drugs can cause changes in sleep, mood, and appetite.
There are also signs that short-term use can have more serious side effects. A 2017 study involving 327,452 adults who received a prescription for corticosteroids found that within 30 days of using them, there was an increase in the risk of sepsis, blood clots, and bone fractures.


Dr Mark O'Donnell B.D.S
Monday - Thursday
Tuesday and Friday mornings
News - April 2017
New study identifies successful method to reduce dental implant failure
The American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID) estimates that the value of the American and European market for dental implants will rise to $4.2bn by 2022.
Dental implants are a successful form of treatment for patients, yet according to a study published in 2005, 5-10% fail. When failure occurs, the implant must be removed.
The reasons for failure are several: mechanical problems; poor connection to the bones in which they are implanted; infection; or, rejection. The main reason for dental implant failure is peri-implantitis. This is the destructive inflammatory process affecting the soft and hard tissues surrounding dental implants. This occurs when pathogenic microbes in the mouth and oral cavity develop into biofilms, which protects them and encourages growth. Peri-implantitis is caused when the biofilms develop on dental implants.
A research team from the University of Plymouth developed and evaluated the effectiveness of a new nano-coating for dental implants to reduce the risk of peri-implantitis. The results of their work are published in the journal Nanotoxicology.
In the study, the research team created a new approach using a combination of silver, titanium oxide and hydroxyapatite nano-coatings. The application of the combination to the surface of titanium alloy implants successfully inhibited bacterial growth and reduced the formation of bacterial biofilm on the surface of the implants by 97.5%.
Not only did the combination result in the effective eradication of infection, it created a surface with anti-biofilm properties which supported successful integration into surrounding bone and accelerated bone healing.
Oral health key to understanding humanity's past, study says
A research team from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) and the University of Arkansas in the US has released a study that challenges conventional wisdom about human health and the evolution of nutrition in the Stone Age.
The findings, published in PLoS One, looked at the oral health of the Hadza tribe in Tanzania – some of the last known hunter-gatherers – as their lifestyle changes from foraging for wild food to an agricultural-based diet.
Anthropologists have long held that Neolithic humans transitioning thousands of years ago from hunting and gathering to farm-based diets often suffered from tooth decay and gum disease. This contributed to suggestions that humans are better off with a wild-food based diet.
However, research by professors Alyssa Crittenden and Peter Ungar, and dentist John Sorrentino suggests that may not be the case. Crittenden said: "Our results show that a person's sex and where they live really influences how healthy their teeth are”.
By studying the Hadza tribe, the research team showed oral health was greatly influenced by gender, residence, and behaviour. Men living in the bush suffered greatly from tooth decay and other oral health issues, likely because they use their teeth as tools to make hunting instruments and smoke more tobacco. However, Hadza men living in the village who have transitioned to an agricultural diet have healthier teeth and gums. Women living on wild-food diets in the bush had the best oral health and women living on agricultural diets in villages had the worst teeth.
Root canal treatments overhauled through new device to detect untreated bacteria
A new method of detecting bacteria during root canal treatments could reduce the need for follow up appointments and prevent treatments from failing, according to a study published in the Journal of Dental Research. A team of researchers from King’s College London, who developed a device called SafeRoot state that it enables rapid bacterial detection inside the root canal, ensures the procedure has been successful and reduces the need for tooth extraction or surgery.
Root canal treatments remove bacterial infections from the root canal space, while retaining as much of the natural tooth as possible. Most procedures require one or two visits to the dentist.
The first appointment is used to remove infected material in the tooth, and to administer an antibacterial treatment. During the second appointment, dentists visually assess the canal to check if the infection has been removed, but this process cannot guarantee that treatment has been successful. Each visit involves drilling and the removal of part of the tooth.
The team say their device was created to detect any existing bacteria once the root canal treatment has been completed. Using conventional sterile endodontic paper points which are routinely used in root canal treatments, the process is performed during the treatment, preventing any impact on clinical treatment time and minimising additional clinical steps.
"The resilient nature of bacteria, combined with often complex root canal structures, make disinfection challenging, leading to a considerable number of persistent infections", explained Professor Francesco Mannocci, Professor of Endodontics from the Dental Institute at King's College London.


Partners of KIELTYKA GLADKOWSKI, Małgorzata Kiełtyka and Jakub Gładkowski, took part in the elections to Life Science Cluster Program Council, as its members.
Krakow Life Science Cluster was established in 2006 as a cooperation network of institutions and companies from the southern Poland macroregion, which combined common goals and a vision for the development of an innovation ecosystem in the field of biotechnology and life science. The main goals of the Life Science Cluster are as follows:
Activity within the LifeScience Krakow Cluster includes two interdependent value chains, derived from the field of biotechnology and life sciences:
The coordinator of the project is Life Science Cluster Foundation, established in 2013 as an independent entity dedicated to the development of the Cluster. The Foundation’s activities focus on goals defined from the perspective of (a) Bio-Region and (b) Cluster Partners. The Foundation is a tool enabling the Cluster Partners to increase the effectiveness of operations, and local authorities to effectively implement the sectoral policy of knowledge-based economy development.
The Program Council is an advisory body aimed at setting out and giving opinions on the specific directions of activity of Life Science Cluster Foundation.
The main tasks of the program council are:
Active participation in the Life Science Cluster provides opportunities for KIELTYKA GLADKOWSKI to master its specialisation within life sciences, biotech, digital health and pharma law and thus provide specialised assistance to clients, particularly in cross border cases.


Facts regarding canine influenza virus (CIV)
CIV is a relatively new virus (first discovered in 2005)
It has been recently confirmed in one dog from a doggie daycare in Providence
Because it is a new virus, nearly 100% of dogs who are exposed are susceptible to infection.
CIV is easily transmitted via:
aerosols, droplets and direct contact with respiratory secretions
direct contact with contaminated objects (dishes, toys)
people moving between infected and uninfected dogs – people in kennels, day care facilities can potentially carry it home to their own pets!
Most dogs will contract the disease from close contact of infected dogs.Mainly from kennels, grooming, dog parks, and daycare.
Approximately 80% of dogs will show mild signs, similar to kennel cough. A small percentage will develop more severe illness.
clear nasal discharge that progresses to thick yellowish-green mucus
loss of appetite
Treatment starts with a visit to your veterinarian. She can then diagnose the disease and treat with appropriate medication and supportive care.
Vaccinations for CIV are available. Initially, it is a series of 2 injections, 2 to 4 weeks apart. Boosters then are given yearly.
We currently recommend that all dogs going to day care, kennels, and those who are frequently groomed receive the CIV vaccine.


Inno-Prostate Tea is specially formulated from 100% organic medicinal plants to help protect the prostate gland and the male reproductive system. It is rich in antioxidants and other natural products that maintain the male reproductive system in a healthy state and prevent prostate inflammation.
Inno-Prostate Tea may:
- Help prevent prostate enlargement
- Shrink enlarged prostate
- Provide relief from prostate inflammation and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
- Help maintain normal prostate, bladder, and kidney functions
- Improve urinary problems associated with an enlarged prostate and inflammation.
- Help cleanse, nourish, and strengthen the male reproductive system
- Help restore sexual function, healthy stamina, and libido
Ingredients: Prunus Africana, Serenoa repens, Urtica dioica, and proprietary plant extracts.
Quantity: 15 tea bags
Directions: Steep one tea bag in boiled water for 10-20 minutes. For best results, drink two times daily.
Disclaimer: The Food and Drug Administration has not evaluated these statements. Individual results may vary. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Use only as directed. Advice on the treatment or care of an individual patient should be obtained through consultation with a trained healthcare practitioner.
**Results may vary from person to person as various external and internal factors may influence each person’s experience while using this product. Some people may see immediate results, while others have achieved excellent results within 4-6 weeks. We suggest you continue using the product for at least 30 to 50 days to assess the benefits of taking this tea supplement. Allow it to build up within your system and thus becomes effective. Even after feeling better, you may find it beneficial to continuously take a smaller dose for ongoing maintenance and good prostate health.


Our entire country is experiencing sickness due to an elevated risk of seasonal flu and the 2009 H1N1 virus. Serving as both a hospital and a school for children, we are paying special attention and keeping abreast of H1N1 along with the rest of the world. To help you and your family with resources you can put to use, we’ve attached a few websites with hyperlinks that come from federal as well as local resources. Please add any additional resources you’ve found in our comments section.
World Health Organization
South Dakota Department of Health
Minnesota Department of Health
Iowa Department of Health
Sioux Falls Flu Information
Keeping Your Family Safe
Before travelling, be sure to check out this map: National Map of H1N1 Occurences
Here is a story KELO-TV of Sioux Falls recently did on our preparations for flu seasons:
The spread of 2009 H1N1 virus is thought to occur in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing by people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something – such as a surface or object – with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue are all signs of H1N1. Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea. People may be infected with the flu, including 2009 H1N1 and have respiratory symptoms without a fever. Severe illnesses and death has occurred as a result of illness associated with this virus. While most people who have been sick have recovered without needing medical treatment, hospitalizations and deaths from infection with this virus have occurred.
CDC laboratory studies have shown that no children and very few adults younger than 60 years old have existing antibody to 2009 H1N1 flu virus. The information analyzed by CDC supports the conclusion that 2009 H1N1 flu has caused greater disease burden in people younger than 25 years of age than older people. Those infected with seasonal and 2009 H1N1 flu may be able to infect others from 1 day before getting sick to 5 to 7 days after. This can be longer in some people, especially children and people with weakened immune systems and in people infected with the new H1N1 virus.
Take these everyday steps to protect your health:
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
If you are sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.) Keep away from others as much as possible to keep from making others sick.
Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures. Be prepared in case you get sick and need to stay home for a week or so; a supply of over-the-counter medicines, alcohol-based hand rubs (for when soap and water are not available), tissues and other related items could help you to avoid the need to make trips out in public while you are sick and contagious.
Employees who are well but who have an ill family member at home with 2009 H1N1 flu can go to work as usual. These employees should monitor their health every day, and take everyday precautions including washing their hands often with soap and water, especially after they cough or sneeze. If soap and water are not available, they should use an alcohol-based hand rub. If they become ill, they should notify their supervisor and stay home. Employees who have an underlying medical condition or who are pregnant should call their health care provider for advice, because they might need to receive influenza antiviral drugs to prevent illness. Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. CDC recommends that when you wash your hands — with soap and warm water — that you wash for 15 to 20 seconds. When soap and water are not available, alcohol-based disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers may be used. You can find them in most supermarkets and drugstores. If using gel, rub your hands until the gel is dry. The gel doesn’t need water to work; the alcohol in it kills the germs on your hands.
If you or your child should get sick, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.) Stay away from others as much as possible to keep from making others sick. Staying at home means that you should not leave your home except to seek medical care. This means avoiding normal activities, including work, school, travel, shopping, social events, and public gatherings. If you have severe illness or you are at high risk for flu complications, contact your health care provider or seek medical care. Your health care provider will determine whether flu testing or treatment is needed.
If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care. In children, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
- Fast breathing or trouble breathing
- Bluish or gray skin color
- Not drinking enough fluids
- Severe or persistent vomiting
- Not waking up or not interacting
- Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
- Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
Germs can be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. Droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person move through the air. Germs can be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets from another person on a surface like a desk, for example, and then touches their own eyes, mouth or nose before washing their hands. To prevent the spread of influenza virus, it is recommended that tissues and other disposable items used by an infected person be thrown in the trash. Additionally, persons should wash their hands with soap and water after touching used tissues and similar waste.
To prevent the spread of influenza virus it is important to keep surfaces (especially bedside tables, surfaces in the bathroom, kitchen counters and toys for children) clean by wiping them down with a household disinfectant according to directions on the product label. Linens, eating utensils, and dishes belonging to those who are sick do not need to be cleaned separately, but importantly these items should not be shared without washing thoroughly first. Linens (such as bed sheets and towels) should be washed by using household laundry soap and tumbled dry on a hot setting. Individuals should avoid “hugging” laundry prior to washing it to prevent contaminating themselves. Individuals should wash their hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub immediately after handling dirty laundry.
Eating utensils should be washed either in a dishwasher or by hand with water and soap.
For more information about H1N1, visit http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu.


TRANSCRIPT OF TEXT OF VIDEO
WILD AND EDIBLE PLANTS III: ALASKAN TREASURES
Hello and welcome. This is my third video on wild plants in Alaska. This one is about medicinal plants. I must admit, I had a hard time selecting from the many plants I could discuss.
I’ve selected four. However, if you have questions about any other Alaskan plants, please ask in the comments, and I will answer if I can.
Quote: “To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.”
A group of us in my online company, Wealthy Affiliate, has been reading Napoleon Hill’s “Think and Grow Rich.” In the book, Mr. Hill emphasizes the importance of a mastermind group.
It is made up of people who are supportive of your cause and who can contribute their own information and interpretations to the whole.
Our Plants Class is a good example of such a group. We gathered for a common cause, we pooled our knowledge, and we celebrated in learning new information.
This mutual joining together resulted eventually in the publishing of a plant book containing our findings.
Quote: “Herbalism is based on relationship – relationship between plant and human, plant and planet, human and planet.”
“Using herbs in the healing process means taking part in an ecological cycle.” (Wendell Berry)
The first plant on my list is devil’s club. (Latin: Echinopanax horridum or Oplopanax horridus) This plant is the only Alaskan member of the ginseng family. It inhabits the woods.
Devil’s club is a very prickly shrub with long stems, heavy with sharp spines. The stems can be sprawling or erect – I’ve seen some a good nine feet tall. The odor of the plant is sweet and very pleasant.
Its very large leaves are shaped somewhat like maple leaves with seven to nine sharply pointed lobes. The underside of the leaves is covered with fine spines.
Flowers are small and whitish; later they form into bright red, flattened, and shiny berries, gathered together in a pyramidal spike.
“Panax” is the part of the name linked to ginseng. Panax comes from the Greek word for “panacea,” or cure-all. Devil’s club has antifungal, antiviral, antibacterial, and antimycobacterial properties.
Ginseng is best known as an energy booster. Traditional Alaskan Native uses of devil’s club indicates it follows the same role. Isn’t it interesting that Alaskan Natives use the plant for the same purposes as traditional Oriental users?
Various parts of the plant were used for different purposes. Many Alaskan Natives believe devil’s club to be a source of healing and spiritual powers. Here are some of the ways it was used:
Stems and branches were cut into pieces and boiled into tea to treat fever. Haida Indians rubbed berries on their heads as treatment for lice and dandruff, and to make their hair gleam.
The white pulp of the inner stem could be chewed as a laxative. It was also used both internally and externally for a treatment for staph infections, or as a remedy for venereal disease.
The root, baked until dry and the pulp broken up in the hands, could provide relief for swollen glands, boils, sores, and other infections. Leave on for three or four hours only, as it can burn.
Tea from the inner bark of the root was also used for tuberculosis, coughs, colds, stomach troubles, and fever. Take in small doses or it acts as a stimulant.
A tincture from the inner, cambium layer of the stem – lime green in color – can be used to regulate blood sugar levels. The plant has other uses as well.
Quote: “True medicine comes from the earth, not from a lab.”
Quote: “Nature itself is the best physician.” (Hippocrates)
Now let’s collect some yarrow (Achillea borealis). We’ll take every part of the plant that’s growing above ground. This hardy perennial can be found growing in almost any kind of soil.
Its alternate, very feathery, slightly hairy leaves led to the common name of milfoil, or thousand-leaves.
Yarrow has been used as a medicinal since the Trojan Wars. Its Latin name, Achillea, comes from the Greek hero, Achilles. Yarrow was used by his soldiers to help stop wounds from bleeding.
It’s very effective. If you cut yourself and can find any yarrow growing nearby, just wrap some of the leaves around the wound. You will be surprised at how fast the bleeding stops.
There is also the legend that Achilles’ mother dipped him in a yarrow bath when he was a baby as a way to protect him from injury. When she dipped the baby, she held onto one heel. Achilles later died of a wound to his heel.
Quote: “Mother Earth’s medicine chest is full of healing herbs of incomparable worth.” (Robin Rose Bennet)
Yarrow can be used as a tea remedy for severe colds, or, if you make a tea and add a bit of Tabasco sauce, go to bed and cover up, it will break a fever. One of our class members found the tea to be a great remedy for a hangover.
It’s used to soothe menstrual cramps, unstuff sinuses, increase appetite, relieve stomach cramps and gas, among other uses.
We gathered yarrow every summer. I dried mine on the same hanging window frame in my living room that I used to dry other herbs, such as my rose petals.
When the yarrow was dry, I’d strip the flowers and feathery leaves from their stems and store the dried plant in a large, square, clear plastic container.
When I opened the jar to extract some of the herb, my fingers met with a soft, fluffy mass that was a delight to touch. The texture of the plant made its use even sweeter.
Quote: “Lose yourself in nature and find peace.” (Ralph Waldo Emerson)
Our third plant is fireweed (Epilobium angustifolium). In Britain it’s called the great willow herb.
This plant is another perennial with a long, single stem from 1 ½ to 8 feet tall. Leaves are alternate, long and narrow, smooth on top and paler green underneath, and grow all along the stem.
The large, showy flowers grow in spikes at the end of the stem.
Fireweed is both an edible and a medicinal and is useful from the time it first appears and even after its dried stalks fall to the ground.
When it first emerges from the ground, it’s a red shoot. Gather a cup or two and chop into bite-sized pieces. Marinate in vinegar and oil, adding a clove of chopped garlic, minced onion, and a few mint leaves. Chill and serve.
You can gather very young shoots and boil, or the plants when still very young and up to 6 inches tall. Add to salad or, when very small, cook in boiling, salted water. Use leaves, green or dried, to make tea.
A stem from a grown plant, cut in half lengthwise, can be placed on an infection to keep the wound from healing too quickly and to draw out infection.
Once the stalks have fallen, they can be split into narrow strands and woven into a strong twine. At one time this twine was used to make fishnets.
Quote: “A weed is a plant whose virtue is not yet known.” (Ralph Waldo Emerson)
Fireweed honey is a treat. Here’s a recipe:
10 cups sugar
2 ½ cups water
1 tsp alum
18 pink clover blossoms
30 white clover blossoms
18 fireweed blossoms
Put sugar and water in pan. Add alum; stir over high heat. Bring to a rolling boil and boil six minutes. Remove from heat and add blossoms, stirring in well. Strain; pour into hot sterilized jars; seal.
We Alaskans say that when the fireweed is in full bloom, summer is almost over. Early or late winter can be predicted according to the fireweed blooming cycle.
Quote: “The plants have enough spirit to transform our limited understanding.” (Rosemary Gladstar)
Our last plant is a tree, the cottonwood, or balsam popular. The cottonwood (Populus balsamifera) is a member of the willow family.
As it is so often true of us, young and old species of cottonwood can look very different and are sometimes mistaken for distinct species. When young, the tree can be 40-50 feet tall, with a symmetrical shape.
With age, the tree’s limbs become very thick, irregular, and crooked, and start to point downward.
Bark of the young trees is smooth and green. Furrows increase with age. Bark of the mature trees has dark grey ridges and deep furrows.
In winter or early spring, brown, very resinous and fragrant buds form on the end of branches. With the advance of spring, male and female catkins grow on separate trees.
In summer the seed capsules split and a cottony mass bursts out, thus giving the tree its name of cottonwood.
Notice that the cottonwood is in the willow family. Cottonwood, like its willow cousin, contains the natural aspirin glycosides salicin and populin, used to reduce pain and inflammation.
Quote: “If plants can provide food for our survival, they surely can provide medicines to cure our diseases.
Let’s go herbal.” (Thorangini)
Gather the cottonwood buds when they are fully formed and before they open, to make Balm of Gilead. This recipe is from Janice Schofield’s book, “Discovering Wild Plants.
Janice says the salve can be used for piles, burns, cuts, diaper rash, and assorted skin irritations. Here’s the recipe:
Balm of Gilead
1 cup balsam poplar (cottonwood) buds
1 ½ cups lard (Oil and beeswax may be substituted for the lard)
1 dropper liquid vitamin E
Boil buds and lard in top of double boiler. Heat (covered) over boiling water for two hours, then strain and squeeze through a muslin cloth. Return strained oil to pan; add vitamin E; stir well. Pour into containers, cool, and cap.
Quote: “A man doesn’t plant a tree for himself. He plants it for posterity.” (Alexander Smith)
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