The species consists of several varieties. Some only grow up to barely 4 inches tall, while others can reach a length of 15 feet. It does not require much space or nutrition, to root and grow.

Evening Primrose
Oenothera biennis
Evening Primrose Oil, or Primrose

Origin:
The seeds of a native American wildflower, containing 7 to 10 percent gamma-linolenic acid (GLA).

Dosage:
Capsules, oil and softgel; generally five 500-mg capsules per day. For RA, 540 mg daily to 2.8 g daily in divided doses.

Evening primrose oil may take up to six months to work.
~Arthritis Foundation.

An infusion can be made out of the entire plant, that would have astringent and sedative abilities and is/was considered, to have healing qualities for asthmatic coughs, gastro-intestinal disorders, whooping cough, and as a sedative pain-killer.

The seeds contain gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), a rare essential fatty acid. The oil of the seed is used to reduce the pains of premenstrual stress syndrome. Gamma-linolenic acid also shows promising qualities in the fight against breast cancer.

It is supposed to have a positive effect on prevention of the hardening of the arteries, heart disease, eczema, cirrhosis, rheumatoid arthritis, menopause, PMS, multiple sclerosis, and high blood pressure. It also aids in lowering cholesterol levels and is used in treating cirrhosis of the liver.

Oeno means wine in Greek. Oenothera biennis is edible and it is assumed that the root of the plant was used as a wine flavor additive in ancient times. Hence the name.

The young roots can be consumed as vegetables. They have a peppery flavor to them. The shoots can serve as a salad. The salad can be spruced up with the flowers, which are edible as well. They can be used as a garnish in the salad. The young seed pods can be steamed and the leaves cooked and served as greens.

The roots can also be used to make tea. This is said to be helpful in treating obesity. From the flower stems a ground powder can be made, which can be used as a facial mask to diminish reddened skin.

All in all, a very powerful plant with nothing but benefits to it. It is entirely edible and does not seem to have any negative effects. At least none, that I could find.

Even if we just use the beauty of this plant to spruce up our garden, it once shows again how loved we are by God. He constantly gives us beauty, wonders, miracles and blessings in everything. May we always be mindful of and thankful for them.

Psalm 68:19
Blessed be the Lord, Who daily loads us with benefits, The God of our salvation! Selah

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The latest research has found, that turmeric could be an effective enhancer of an enzyme that protects the brain against oxidative conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease. Turmeric could be used to diminish the progression of chronic and age associated neurodegenerative disorders.

Two teaspoons of turmeric contains 1.88 milligrams of iron, 0.08 milligrams of vitamin B, 0.96 grams of dietary fiber, 114.48 milligrams of potassium and 0.36 grams of manganese.

Tumeric
Curcuma longa, Curcuma domestica

Origin:

A yellow-colored powder ground from the roots of the lily-like turmeric plant. It is a common ingredient in curry powder. The turmeric plant grows in India and Indonesia and is related to the ginger family.

Dosage:
Capsules or spice. Capsule, typically 400 mg to 600 mg three times per day; or 0.5 g to 1 g of powdered root up to 3 g per day.

Claims:
Reduces pain, inflammation and stiffness related to RA and OA; treats bursitis. Known as a cleansing agent, tumeric often is used as a digestive aid in India.

What we know:
Traditionally used in Chinese and Indian Ayurvedic medicine to treat arthritis; the active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin, which is nontoxic.

Studies:
Several recent studies show that curcumin or turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties and modifies immune system responses. A 2006 study showed turmeric was more effective at preventing joint inflammation than reducing joint inflammation.

High doses of turmeric can act as a blood thinner and cause stomach upset. Do not take if you have gallstones or are taking blood-thinning medications.
~Arthritis Foundation.

There are lots of ways to apply and use Tumeric. Here are some of the findings, that I found on the net:
A puree of turmeric and Asian basil is applied as an antiseptic against insect bites and an ointment based on the spice, is used as an antiseptic in Malaysia.

Tumeric water is an Asian cosmetic applied to impart a golden glow to the complexion. I need to tell our oldest that. She likes to have a tan, but with her red hair and fair complexion, she always ends up with a sun burn. This might be a good and safe alternative.

Tumeric is very popular being served as a tea in Okinawa, Japan. It is also used to spice meat and vegetables. It lends itself very well to complement recipes that use rice, lentils and dry beans.

A large pinch gives salad dressing a nice yellowish color. It can spice up your meal, but try not to use too much of it, because it may give the dish a slightly bitter taste.

A large dose of God’s word gives life a wonderful color. It is the spice of life and you can never use too much of it.

Psalm 119:50
This is my comfort in my affliction, For Your word has given me life.

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The grass in our back yard is starting to grow and so are the flowers. Our back yard is adorned with all kinds of different flowers. Yeah I know, it would be more appropriate to call them weeds. They are so pretty though. The yellow, white and purple colors attract lots of small butterflies. They are dancing through the yard, visiting flower, after flower.

I can sit here and watch it for hours. Maybe I will. Maybe I ought to go outside and enjoy the soft breeze, the gorgeous colors and admire the ballet of the butterflies. I don’t. I make myself belief I do not have the time. I am covered up, overwhelmed. No time to waste.

Wow, stop right there. Who is overwhelming me? Who is covering me up? Who is simply not taking and making the time to relax and enjoy God’s blessings? That would be I, me and myself! Is all what I am currently doing so important?

The answer is: it is important, but no one is rushing me, but me. To be honest, there are neither any benefits, nor disadvantages to whether it gets done quick, or slow. I really do not have a valid reason to be working my head off, every waking moment. All it does is, it gets me to the point where I am nothing but tired. And that I am.

God does not put more on us, then we can bear. Realizing that, I am backing off and backing out from rushing myself. If it gets done, then that is great. If it does not get done, oh well… tomorrow is another day.

I am going to enjoy those small blessings and be grateful for them. I am going to watch the ballet of the butterflies.!

Matthew 6:34
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

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Here is one that is so cute. Both boys are playing, but you can see the contrast in them, when they get up. They cover a lot of ground and both ways, haha.

May the way they choose in their life, be the way of love.

Proverbs 10:12
Hatred stirs up strife, But love covers all sins.

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True. You can choose which piece you are going to eat. It can turn out to be delicious, bitter-sweet, or maybe even outright disgusting.

Pondering upon the day ahead, I came to the conclusion, that life is more like a jig saw puzzle. Every day, God gives me a piece of the puzzle.

Sometimes, I know exactly where it needs to go. Sometimes, I have to look closely and there are times when I don’t know where it fits at all. I need to wait and see. Given time, it will fall in place.

Forcing a piece to fit, will mess up the works. God is patient and allows for trial and error. Eventually, we will see our mistake and we may be in a position to correct it. As the days go by, the puzzle grows. No, I don’t know what the puzzle is going to look like, when it’s done. God does.

A day is like a piece of a puzzle. You never know, how or where it’s gonna fit.

It is up to me to seek it, knock and ask for help, when I get stuck. What I do know is, that every piece of the puzzle has it’s place and that we all start out with a corner as a solid foundation. One that was given to us freely.

Ephesians 2:20-22
20 having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, 22 in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.

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Thunder God Vine
Tripterygium wilfordii, Lei Gong Teng

Origin:
Root of a vine-like plant from Asia.

Dosage:
Extract; 30 mg daily

Claims:
Reduces pain and inflammation and treats symptoms of RA, lupus and other autoimmune diseases.

What we know:
Used in Chinese medicine for years, thunder god vine shows evidence of suppressing the immune system.

Studies:
A 2006 review of randomized clinical trials shows that thunder god vine improved symptoms of RA, but serious side effects occurred. This root can cause stomach upset, skin reactions, temporary infertility in men and amenorrhea (lack of menstruation) in women. It should not be used if you are taking immunosuppressive drugs, like prednisone.

The leaves and flowers of this plant are highly toxic and can cause death, so preparation should only be made from the root.
~Arthritis Foundation.

Other side-effects I found it can cause, are diarrhea, hair loss and headache. It also seems to decrease the bone-density in women, who take it longer then 5 years. Therefore, I would not recommend it, if you have, or are at risk of, Osteoporosis.

According to a study I found on the Internet, the compound Triptolide, which can be found in this vine, might provide a treatment for polycystic kidney disease (PKD).

Preparations are made only from the skinned root and can be used directly on the skin, to easy Rheumatoid Arthritis pain. Besides being helpful to the above mentioned diseases and conditions, it is also used to fight Multiple Sclerosis. This vine is also believed to have anti-cancer effects.

I am not too crazy about the use of this vine, since it can cause death. So, if you plan on using it, make sure to ONLY USE THE SKINNED ROOT! Anything else, even the skin of the root, is highly poisonous. The fact that the plant also functions as an insecticide says enough. Make sure to use gloves, or wash your hands thoroughly, after having handled this plant. Do both, just to be on the safe side.

Sin is a poison, which we deal with every day. We have to turn away from it, or it will cause death. God gives us the strength to do so and made provisions for us to have eternal life.

Romans 6:23
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

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We seem to constantly be running in to the same problem. How do you deal with people, who are totally irresponsible. Advice, concerns, solutions, opinions and even options of what would be best and needed, are all thrown in the wind.

Their energy, actions and efforts are all wasted on their own wants. No regard at all, for what is needed and who they hurt in the process. As a result, everyone they touch is being drained physically, emotionally, mentally and financially.

It would not be so bad, if they learned from their behavior. Unfortunately, that has not happened. Words are being given and promises being made, that it will not occur again. Therefore, with the hope that their word is good this time, many bend over backwards to see to their needs.

Those hopes have been and are constantly crushed. The only thing that changes, are their wants and those change faster then the wind. It is not always possible, to stay away from irresponsible people. Taking on the responsibility for seeing to their needs, does not cut the mustard either.

It does no good, to worry, be concerned and take on their responsibilities, when they can careless. It seems like that only enables them, to continue that kind of life. We can listen, give advice and pray for them. Most of all, we must have faith and turn it over to God. He knows all about it and has all the solutions and answers. All we need to do, is our part.

Prayers and faith. That will cut the mustard!

Matthew 17:20
So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.

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The zig-zag shaped outer rim of the leaves, as well as the stem, have tiny little needles. Slightly brushing against them, leaves you with tiny little itching and burning bumps. It usually does not last very long, but can be highly unpleasant. Should you happen to have an encounter with them, apply some vinegar on the burning skin. That will ease it almost instantly.

Stinging Nettle
Urtica dioica

Origin:
The leaves and stem of the stinging nettle plant, a stalk-like plant found in the U.S., Canada and Europe.

Dosage:
Tea, capsule, tablet, tincture, extract or whole leaf; capsules, up to 1,300 mg daily; tea, 1 cup, three times a day; tincture, 1 ml to 4 ml three times a day; nettle leaf applied directly to the skin.

Claims:
Reduces inflammation, aches and pains of OA.

What we know:
The antimicrobial, antioxidant, analgesic and anti-ulcer properties of stinging nettle have been studied in Germany and Turkey. Stinging nettle is high in potassium, calcium and magnesium and may be helpful for gout.

Studies:
A German study shows that hox alpha, a new extract of stinging nettle leaf, contains an anti-inflammatory substance, that suppressed several cytokines in inflammatory joint diseases. In a Turkish study, stinging nettle extract showed antimicrobial effects against nine micro-organisms, as well as anti-ulcer and analgesic activity. Stinging nettle root extract, combined with sabal fruit extract, was shown to be superior to placebo for treating prostate hyperplasia (a precancerous condition), and was well tolerated.

Nettle may interfere with blood thinners, diabetes and heart medications, and lower blood pressure.
~Arthritis Foundation.

Stinging Nettle is also known to purify the blood and it is said, rolling around in nettles reduces inflammations, caused by Rheumatoid Arthritis and Arthritis related diseases. I do not advice that, unless you are really desperate!

Nettles are an excellent source for iron, vitamins, minerals and protein. They can be used to make tea and as a vegetable. Beware to wear gloves picking them and putting them in pot, or pan. After being boiled or cooked, the sting is gone.

There are hundreds of recipes for cooking with nettles. If you are interested, I suggest doing a search on the Internet. You will be surprised to find a recipe, that suits your taste.

Sometimes, we find ourselves in a situation, where we don’t know what to do, or how to go about it. I suggest, besides prayer, doing a search in the Bible. You will be surprised to find scripture, that gives guidance and suits your needs.

God never leaves us hanging. He may require patience and faith from us, but He will never let us go without what we need.

Isaiah 58:11
The LORD will guide you always; He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.

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We have been cleaning up, cleaning out, redecorating etc. Right now, we are in the process of renovating the outside of the house. It had been put off so many times now, but we finally got around to it. Well, we had someone to get around to it. The boards got replaced and it is in the middle of getting a new, fresh, crisp coat of paint.

Since son-in-law is out of work, we hired him to do the painting. It is a massive job, but he likes doing it and makes quick and excellent work of it. Hopefully, he will find a good job soon. They need it with…. another baby on the way!!!

Yup, with God’s blessing, we will be the proud grandparents of three. We don’t know yet, whether number three is a boy, or a girl. It does not matter. As long as it is healthy and all goes well.

Everyone is happy, but concerned at the same time. They still don’t have a permanent place to live, which they can call their own home. Ray is out of work, which hopefully is not going to last much longer.

We should not be concerned. It is all in God’s hands and there is no better place. He knows all about it and will provide.

Psalm 65:9
You visit the earth and water it, You greatly enrich it; The river of God is full of water; You provide their grain, For so You have prepared it.

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It seems to give the same level of relief from pain and inflammation as over the counter remedies and prescription drugs, but without the side effects those medications can bring.upsetting the stomach, like the previous ones can do.

Boswellia has also been used to treat chronic back pain, for relief to many osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis pain, and sometimes intestinal problems as well.

See also Frankincense Supplement for additional information.

Indian Frankincense
(Frankincense, Boswellia, Boswellin, Salai Guggal) Boswellia serrata

Origin:
Gum resin from the bark of the Boswellia tree found in India.

Dosage:
Capsule or pill; typically 300 mg to 400 mg three times per day. Look for products with 60-percent boswellic acids, the active ingredient.

Claims:
Reduces inflammation and treats RA, OA and bursitis symptoms. Indian frankincense may treat symptoms of ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.

What we know:
May have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties but evidence is limited and effects are inconsistent.

Studies:
In a 2004 study, Indian frankincense was tested as a treatment for knee OA. Researchers recruited 30 people with knee OA and gave half the group a daily supplement containing 333 mg of Indian frankincense; others got placebo. People who took Indian frankincense reported less knee pain, better mobility and an ability to walk longer distances than those taking placebo.
~Arthritis Foundation.

Boswellia is available in pills, capsules, tablets, and a number of topical creams that can be applied directly to the affected area.

We already know God sees to all our needs. What we may not always be aware of is His provision for medicine as well. It literally grows by the way-side.

Ezekiel 47:12
Along the bank of the river, on this side and that, will grow all kinds of trees used for food; their leaves will not wither, and their fruit will not fail. They will bear fruit every month, because their water flows from the sanctuary. Their fruit will be for food, and their leaves for medicine.”

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