"We are here to awaken from our illusion of separateness" -Thich Nhat Hanh
Thanks Karen
You have to read the above very slowly to grasp its understanding. The definition of separateness is the quality of being individual or also discreteness, distinctiveness, individuality, particularity, singularity. You can discuss the above quote many different ways. For example, for an alcoholic, it can be interpreted to say, "You are not alone as an alcoholic," or, "You are not unique." You might hear, "...look around this AA room (often the basement of a church) and awaken from the illusion of singularity." When an alcoholic listens at a meeting s/he can possibly hear his/her story being told by another alcoholic. This would allow him/her to realize that his/her story is not unique. There are common threads. Despite the fact that the stories are different there is a commonality.
None of us are unique. In this world there is always a commonality. Spiritually we are said to be linked to one other person in the world. Linked physically, mentally, psychologically and spiritually. This commonality does not even have to be with a person of the same sex.
Can you imagine two of you in this vast world? I hope the other me in a far away land is caring, compassionate and loving to all man... Wait...not only to mankind but every living thing in this world. Yes, this includes plants.
On December 8th, 1941, the President of the United States delivered a speech. He started with, "Mr. Vice President, Mr. Speaker, members of the Senate and the House of Representatives: Yesterday, December 7, 1941 - a date which will live in infamy - the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan..."
Sadly, sixty years later a new generation can echo President Roosevelt's words- a date which will live in infamy - September 11, 2001- the United States of American was suddenly and deliberately attacked by terrorists killing thousands of innocent people. I have visions of those coming into St. Vincent's ER engraved in my mind and heart. I worked feverishly hoping the staff, and volunteer physicians like me would save more and more lives. Unfortunately, with more time less and less survivors came through those doors which are now permanently closed. Life goes on...terrorism is real...memories of friends, patients, and firemen patients remain forever there...
Savor life today. Say an extra prayer.
There are not many hepatic herbs I have not discussed in this last week. I know I have not discussed Blackroot (Veronicastrum virginiana) nor Bloodroot (Sanguinbaria canadense).
Blackroot is also known by other common names like Beaumont Root, Bowman's Root, Brinton Root, Culver's Physic, Culver's Root and Whorlywort.
Blackroot is a perennial herb with slender stems growing up to 7 feet tall. Whorls of three or more narrow lance-shaped leaves circle the stem at its joints. Small white, pinkish, or blue flowers (June-September) cluster in spikes 3 - 8 inches long at the ends of the stems.
Historically (as you I love the history of herbs), the famous Puritan leader, Cotton Mather sought a remedy for his daughter's tuberculosis in 1716. This herb-- black root is what was he asked for, and his request is the first recorded use of the name. Unfortunately, she died sometime later. The American Indians used Blackroot first, while the Seneca Indians used it to induce vomiting.
In regard to liver disease, Blackroot's root has the ability to increase the flow of bile from the liver. Herbalists employed dried blackroot in the treatment of liver disorders and for chronic indigestion and other conditions thought to arise from liver dysfunction.
Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis) is a perennial, herbaceous flowering plant native to eastern North America from Nova Scotia, Canada southward to Florida, United States. It is the only species in the genus Sanguinaria, and is included in the family Papaveraceae and most closely related to Eomecon of eastern Asia. It is in the Family Papveracea. Some may know it as
bloodwort, red puccoon root, and sometimes pauson. In Britain it is referred to as Greater Celandine. I love the flowers of this plant. The flowers are produced from March to May, with 8-12 delicate white petals and yellow reproductive parts. Plants do sometimes produce toxins Bloodroot is one of these plants.
Bloodroot produces morphine-like benzylisoquinoline alkaloids, primarily the toxin sanguinarine. The alkaloids are transported to and stored in the rhizome. Comparing the biosynthesis of morphine and sanguinarine I have found there are other plants in this Family that produce other alkaloids which also can be toxins. This herb has been used in recent times. Unfortunately not everyone understands herbology. I do not know all about herbology. This is a learning process.
The following below was documented.
In 2005, "folk healer" Dan Raber (of Georgia, United States) was arrested and charged with causing severe bodily harm and practicing medicine without a license for dispensing bloodroot paste to nine women with various ailments including breast cancer, causing severe disfiguring destruction of their skin and underlying tissue (as well as failing to successfully excise their tumors). Lois March, M.D. of Cordele, Georgia, was also charged as an accomplice and had her medical license permanently revoked for her role in assisting Raber's unlicensed treatment by prescribing massive amounts of opiate pain medication to his customers in order to allow them to continue their bloodroot treatment despite the severe burning pain and disfigurement it caused. (this is from Wikopedia)
Despite the above the FDA allowed commercial use of sanguinarine and bloodroot extracts of sanguinarine in toothpastes as an antibacterial or anti-plaque agent
I have not seen many reports of Bloodroot used in the treatment of liver disorders. Even though it is listed as a cholangogue with the other herbs discussed, more is to be found. I do know that the FDA conclusion as stated above is still very controversial.
The photograph is of Bloodroot. I didn't want to include Blackroot as it is not as pretty as Bloodroot. Plant beauty, like people is in the eyes of the beholder.
Until tomorrow...
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