Pokeberries and Castor Oil Used in Natural Remedies

Native Americans used this perennial herb as a salve and a cure for rheumatism, but there are many other uses for pokeberries. Many animals and birds gorge themselves on the berries, which are toxic to people. In fact, the berries, roots, leaves, and stems are all toxic to humans. This doesn’t prevent some people from ingesting the tender spring leaves, though. They pick the young leaves and then boil them at least two times to remove any toxins. The greens are then made into a traditional spring dish called “poke sallet.”

Pokeberries were used to cure all manner of ills from boils to acne. Today, new research points to pokeberry use in cancer treatment. It is also being tested to see if it can protect cells from HIV and AIDS.

Pokeweed is a nutritional powerhouse, but be careful, it can also be toxic to humans if it’s not prepared correctly.  This voluptuous weed is extremely high in vitamin A, and also has significant amounts of vitamin C, iron and calcium.  Additionally, pokeweed contains a unique antiviral protein that may inhibit the growth of some herpes simplex viruses and even HIV!

Pokeweed is one of the first plants to sprout in the springtime.  Because of that, its traditionally eaten to get people through the early spring, along with other “weeds” like chickweed and nettles. It also has lymphatic cleansing properties and helps the body with “spring cleaning.  The best time to harvest pokeweed for food is before the plant reaches knee height (well before it flowers). When you weed your garden, pokeweed is one you might skip over, so you can enjoy its benefits.

How to make poke sallet (poke “salad”)

1. Start two pots of water on the stove (covered), one the size to fit the poke that you have harvested, one at least 3 times this size
2. Coarsely chop poke shoots
3. When water has come to a boil in the small pot, and is close to or is boiling in the big pot, add poke to small pot. Stir, so that all poke is submerged
4. Cook for approximately 2 minutes, or until water returns to a boil
5. Place lid over small pot in such a way that it stops greens from escaping as you pour offwater, or use colander to drain water, then put greens back in small pot
6. Pour already boiling water from big pot over poke in small pot, cook for approximately 2 minutes, or until water returns to a boil
7. Repeat steps 4 and 5 one to three more times, depending on flavor preference, and tolerance of (and desire for) the lymphatic cleansing and poison ivy relieving effects of pokeweed
8. Optional: add salt and the traditional combo of bacon grease and molasses

After processing in such a manner, greens should still be bright green and appear vital.  Enjoy!

Reforestation Peru

In the Peruvian Andes, Indigenous communities are reviving ancient knowledge and water practices to protect their way of life and restore vulnerable mountain ecosystems. 

During the Quenua Ryami Festival, Indigenous communities in the Cusco region of Peru plant tens of thousands of quenua seedlings a day on the steep slopes of the Andes. Quenua trees are fast-growing, resistant to cold winters and can survive altitudes of up to 4,500 metres above sea level.

In addition to regulating the climate and preventing erosion, what makes these trees so invaluable is their ability to store and filter the water that feeds springs and wetlands downstream. As climate change disrupts rainfall patterns in the Andes, the trees are helping residents and ecosystems to become more resilient. 

Although climate change is a relatively new challenge, Indigenous communities have long understood the importance of carefully managing water in this rugged landscape. The Incas developed an ingenious system of qochas or ponds to regulate their water supplies. Some of the ponds were designed to capture water during the short rainy season for use in dry periods. Other ponds allowed water to seep slowly through the soil, recharging aquifers and keeping vegetation for livestock green.  

This system is now being revived to complement the communities’ tree-planting efforts. “It’s a beautiful practice that contributes to reforesting the headwaters of the Cusco mountains and ensures access to water for agriculture during the dry season.” 

He hopes his project, which is ongoing, shows positive solutions to water issues and amplifies the ancient knowledge of Indigenous people in the fight against climate change.

Glyphosate

The poison that calcify the Pineal gland in oeiole and creates environmental damage to the forest fish and animals.

Glyphosate is an herbicide. It is applied to the leaves of plants to kill both broadleaf plants and grasses. The sodium salt form of glyphosate is used to regulate plant growth and ripen specific crops.

Glyphosate was first registered for use in the U.S. in 1974. Glyphosate is one of the most widely used herbicides in the United States. People apply it in agriculture and forestry, on lawns and gardens, and for weeds in industrial areas. Some products containing glyphosate control aquatic plants.

What are some products that contain glyphosate?

Glyphosate comes in many forms, including an acid and several salts. These can be either solids or an amber-colored liquid. There are over 750 products containing glyphosate for sale in the United States.

How does glyphosate work?

Glyphosate is a non-selective herbicide, meaning it will kill most plants. It prevents the plants from making certain proteins that are needed for plant growth. Glyphosate stops a specific enzyme pathway, the shikimic acid pathway. The shikimic acid pathway is necessary for plants and some microorganisms.

You can be exposed to glyphosate if you get it on your skin, in your eyes or breathe it in when you are using it. You might swallow some glyphosate if you eat or smoke after applying it without washing your hands first. You may also be exposed if you touch plants that are still wet with spray. Glyphosate isn't likely to vaporize after it is sprayed.

What are some signs and symptoms from a brief exposure to glyphosate?

Pure glyphosate is low in toxicity, but products usually contain other ingredients that help the glyphosate get into the plants. The other ingredients in the product can make the product more toxic. Products containing glyphosate may cause eye or skin irritation. People who breathed in spray mist from products containing glyphosate felt irritation in their nose and throat. Swallowing products with glyphosate can cause increased saliva, burns in the mouth and throat, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Fatalities have been reported in cases of intentional ingestion.

Pets are at risk if they touch or eat plants that are still wet with spray from products containing glyphosate. Animals exposed to products with glyphosate may drool, vomit, have diarrhea, lose their appetite, or seem sleepy.

Glyphosate binds tightly to soil. It can persist in soil for up to 6 months depending on the climate and the type of soil it is in. Glyphosate is broken down by bacteria in the soil.

Studies that are financed by chemical companies are false information for profit of the few people making g money out of this poison.

Stop using it.