The Miracle Herbs: Plantain

The Miracle Herbs: Plantain

Plantain (Plantago major) is another perennial herb found throughout lawns in the United States.   Yet Plantain is considered a common and noxious weed by some and a miracle plant by others.

(Please note: Consult your physician before using any herbal or alternative medicines.)

Native Americans carried powdered roots of Plantain as protection against snakebites or to ward off snakes. Plantain has been used as a panacea in some Native American cultures and with some very good reasons. Many of its active constituents show antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, as well as being anti-inflammatory and antitoxin. The leaves, shredded or chewed, are a traditional treatment for insect and animal bites and the antibacterial action helps prevent infection and the anti-inflammatory helps to relieve pain, burning, and itching. There is some investigation ongoing to study its affects on lowering blood sugar.

 Plantain is both edible and medicinal. The young leaves are edible raw in salad or cooked as a herbal additive and are very rich in vitamin B1 and riboflavin. The herb has a long history of use as an alternative medicine dating back to ancient times. Plantain contains the glycoside Aucubin. Aucubin has been reported in the Journal of Toxicology as a powerful anti-toxin. This chemical is found in many modern day components including: Ascorbic-acid (Vitamin C), Baicalein (an anti-inflammatory), Benzoic-acid (a food preservative), and Citric-acid (a natural preservative).

Plantain is easily cultivated and normally likes any soil and a sunny location.  It is an important food plant for the caterpillars of many species of butterflies and many types of birds enjoy the seed heads.  Plantain grows from a short, tough rhizome and has a large number of long, yellowish roots. It grows in a rosette form and has large oval, dark green, leaves about 4 to 10 inch long with ribbed veins. The flower stalks are tall and slender with dense flower spikes.  Each tiny flower is brownish and bell-shaped with four stamens and purple anthers, and they bloom most of the summer.

Seeds: Plantain seeds contain up to 30% mucilage which swells in the intestines, acting as a bulk laxative and soothing irritated membranes. The seeds are used in the treatment of parasitic worms. Distilled water made from the plant seeds makes an excellent eye lotion.

Leaves: The leaves and the seeds can be used medicinally as an antibacterial, antidote, astringent, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, diuretic, expectorant, laxative, and an ophthalmic. Medical evidence exists to confirm uses as an alternative medicine for asthma, emphysema, bladder problems, bronchitis, fever, hypertension, rheumatism and blood sugar control. 

Root uses: A tonic from the roots is used in the treatment of a wide range of complaints including diarrhea, gastritis, peptic ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, hemorrhoids, cystitis, bronchitis, sinusitis, coughs, asthma and hay fever. The root is said to be used as an anti-venom for rattlesnake bites

 Harvest: Gather fresh young edible leaves in spring. Gather Plantain after flower spike forms to dry for later herb use. Harvest roots in late summer or fall.

 Extracts of the plant have antibacterial activity and it is a safe and effective treatment for bleeding, it quickly stops blood flow and encourages the repair of damaged tissue. The heated leaves are used as a wet dressing for wounds, skin inflammations, cuts, stings and swellings and is said to promote healing without scars. Poultice of hot leaves is bound onto cuts and wounds to draw out thorns, splinters and inflammation. Plantain also causes a natural aversion to tobacco and is currently being used in stop smoking preparations.

Healing salve:  In large non-metallic pan place 1 pound of entire Plantain plant chopped, and 1 cup Coconut oil, cocoa butter, Shea Butter, palm oil or any other natural vegetable butter. Cover and cook down on low heat till all is mushy and green. Strain while hot, cool and use for burns, insect bites, rashes, and all sores.  This is great for mosquito bites. Note: Can be used as night cream for wrinkles, but I’ve never tried this.

 Plantain has been called Man's Foot because it grew wherever their feet touched the ground – there is a reference to this in Longfellow’s poem, “Hiawatha.”   

Precautions:

 Plantain is good for injuries because of its coagulating properties, (blood thickener), but those with blood disorders, those who are on blood thinner medications, or prone to blood clotting, should not use Plantain internally. If harvesting it yourself, make sure to get your plants from an area that has not been sprayed with any chemicals or pesticides, and make sure that you have correctly identified the plant before consuming.

The leaves are actually edible and somewhat similar to spinach, though slightly more bitter. They can also be used in salads or other culinary uses.

 Where to Find:

We dry and freeze and prepare plantain leaves from our Amen Ankh Urban farm.

Most people are able to find plantain in their own yards but if you live in an area where your yard is sprayed with chemicals or fertilizer, dried plantain leaves can also be ordered at the Amen Ankh Farm or online- http://www.gofundme.com/amen-urban-farm . Our pre-made  remedies, are prepared right at the Amen Pr Ankh. We make a plantain leaf first aid ointment for Children, also Plantain tincture, and plantain and goldenseal pre-made salves (natural Neosporin). If you can’t find Plantain in your area, We have the seeds to plant Plantain (even though your neighbors might think you are crazy!)

Herbal Uses:

The leaves can also be made into a tea or tincture, and this is said to help with indigestion, heartburn and ulcers when taking internally.

Externally, Plantain has been used for insect and snake bites, and as a remedy for rashes and cuts. I use it in making my Homemade Healing Salve, which we use as a natural antibiotic ointment on cuts and bruises.

 The natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of plantain leaf make it great for healing wounds, and for itching or pain associated with skin problems. A tea made from Plantain leaf can be sprayed on mosquito bites to ease the itch.

I also make and use the Tea, salve and poultices for every day cuts, scrapes and bug bites.

When we are bitten by mosquitoes, stung by bees, or come in contact with spiders or other insects, I use a salve containing plantain leaf (or just chew the leaves and apply to the bite) to help ease the reaction. I also used a plantain salve and poultice when my son was bitten by a brown recluse and continued this daily for about 2 weeks and his skin never decayed at the bite.

 A tea, tincture or salve made with plantain also greatly eases the itch of poison ivy, oak or sumac and I keep it on hand for this reason.

 A tea or infusion of plantain leaf can be poured into the ear for ear infections (as long as the ear drum has not burst) to east the pain and shorten duration of ear infections.

 I also make a lotion with plantain, calendula and coconut oil and it is extremely helpful for any skin irritation, including mosquito bites, eczema, psoriasis, chicken pox, rashes and sores.

There is unconfirmed information that a plantain infusion, taken internally, it can help protect the body from the effects of chemotherapy and that a plantain infusion can improve blood sugar. While taking plantain in these situations would generally be considered safe, one should still check with an attending physician before doing so.

DISCLAIMER: The above statements are not from the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure or prevent any disease. We recommend that you consult with a physician from the American Medical Association especially when using prescribed medications or treatments. This notice is required by the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act.

Ever used plantain or another herb that grows in your back yard?

Pease Tell me about it in a comment below!


Amen Par Ankh (Sacred House of Life) and Amen Ankh Farm; is a spiritual center to become balanced physically, emotionally and spiritually and to Realize your fullest capacities of life, health, prosperity and strength. We provide Life Coaching, gentle yoga, classes, Energy work Courses, Gifts, and Accessories, Cultural Ceremonies, Workshops and special Events.
Contact Us and become a member as We Celebrate the Cycles of Life!
Email: amen.parankh@gmail.com , Call: 816-304-7240 sign-up for courses and support: http://www.gofundme.com/amen-urban-farm , information: http://emwot.ws/Amen_ParAnkh , http://amen-parankh.blogspot.com/ ,
Amen Par Ankh is a place of peace and healing through connection with nature and the cycles of life.
Here we can truly come together and create and build something to share together. It is our intention that this spiritual center becomes a sacred space for personal discovery with quiet reflection and time for internal work, but is also an active space for expressions of our life. Dua (Thank you!) ♥.
We offer: Ceremony, Counseling, Coaching, Cleansings, & Classes

Moringa Documentary original in English

Herbal (plant) medicine

The Moringa Tree, with all its edible leaves, flowers, and pods are one of most power packed, nutritious trees in the world. Many cultures, like Amazonian Indian tribes, with no written languages, depended on oral communication from generation to generation, to convey information and traditions which were also rich in plant stories. Since ancient times and continuing to current days, people from all over the world have grown or collected plants for the prevention and treatment of diseases. Moringa Oleifera is one of the best examples. People have long known that botanical medicine provided a complete, safe system of healing and prevention of diseases. This is the most ancient form of healthcare known to humankind.

Botany

Moringa/Maungai is a small tree growing as high as 9 meters, with a soft and white wood and corky and gummy bark. Leaves are alternate, usually thrice pinnate, 25 to 50 centimeters long. Each compound leaf contains 3-9 very thin leaflets dispersed on a compound (3 times pinnate) stalk. The leaflets are thin, ovate to elliptic, and 1 to 2 centimeters long. Flowers are white and fragrant, 1.5 to 2 centimeters long, on spreading panicles. Pod is 15 to 30 centimeters long, pendulous, three-angled, and nine-ribbled. Seeds are three-angled, and winged on the angles.

Distribution

• Planted throughout the Philippines in settled areas at low and medium altitudes.

• Introduced from Malaya or some other part of tropical Asia in prehistoric times.

• A common backyard vegetable and a border plant.

• Now pantropic.

Propagation

• Propagation by seeds and stem cuttings.

• Mature malunggay cuttings should be 2 cm or more in diameter and not less than 80 cm (30 inches) in length. Mature cuttings are preferred as they sprout earlier and grow faster.

• The only pests known to attack malunggay are mites of the Tetranychus spp.

Parts utilized

Flowers, leaves, young pods

Properties

• Root has the taste of horseradish.

• Considered galactagogue, rubefacient, antiscorbutic, diuretic, stimulant, purgative, antibiotic, antifungal.

• Anti-inflammatory, antitumor activities on mice studies.

• Antioxidant, anti-aging, anti-ulcer.

• Estrogenic, anti-progestational, hypoglycemic, antihyperthyroidism, hypocholesterolemic, anti-hyperthyroid, antispasmodic.

• Considered abortifacient and emmenagogue.

• Purported to be beneficial for decreasing blood pressure, relieving headaches and migraines, reducing inflammatory and arthritic pains, anti-ulcer, anti-tumor. Purported to be beneficial for decreasing blood pressure, relieving headaches and migraines, reducing inflammatory and arthritic pains.
 

Constituents

• Root yields an essential oil, pungent and offensive in odor.

• Studies of MO leaves have yielded phytochemicals to which are attributed hypotensive effects and anti-cancer properties.

The root bark has sex hormone-related properties.

• Root bark contains alkaloids.

Uses

Nutritional

• Flowers, young leaves and young pods eaten as a vegetable inn the Philippines, Malaya, and India.

• In Malaya, seeds also eaten as peanuts.

• Roots are used as seasoning because of it horseradish flavor.

 • Young leaves are a rich source of calcium, iron, phosphorus and vitamins A, B and C.

 • High in HDL (high density lipoproteins); a source of amino acids, omega oils, antioxidants.

• Young fruit yield a high amount of protein and phosphorus, a fair source of calcium and iron,

• Comparative content: Gram for gram, 7 times the vitamin C in oranges, 4 times the calcium and twice the protein in milk, 4 times the vitamin A in carrots, 3 times the potassium in bananas.

 • 100 gms or 1 cup of cooked malunggay leaves contain 3.1 g protein, 0.6 g fiber, 96 mg calcium, 29 mg phosphorus, 1.7 mg iron, 2,820 mg beta-carotene, 0.07 mg thiamin, 0.14a mg riboflavin, 1.1 mg niacin, and 53 mg of vitamin C. (Dr. Lydia Marero of the Food and Drug Research Institute -FNRI)

 Folkloric

 - Decoction of leaves used for hiccups, asthma, gout, back pain, rheumatism, wounds and sores.

 - Young leaves, usually boiled, used to increase the flow of breast milk.

- Pods for intestinal parasitism.

 - Leaves and fruit used for constipation.

 - Decoction of boiled roots used to wash sores and ulcers.

 - Decoction of the bark used for excitement, restlessness.

 - In India pounded roots used as poultice for inflammatory swelling. Flowers used for catarrh, with young leaves or young pods.

 - In Nicaragua decoction of roots used for dropsy.

 - Roots have been used as abortifacient. In India, bark is used as abortifacient.

 - Decoction of root-bark used as fomentation to relieve spasms; also, for calculous affections.

 - Gum, mixed with sesamum oil, used for relief of earaches. Same, also reported as abortifacient.

 - In Java, gum used for intestinal complaints.

 - Roots chewed and applied to snake bites.

 - Decoction of roots is considered anti scorbutic; also used in delirious patients.

 - Juice of roots is used for otalgia.

 - Bark used as rubefacient remedy.

 - Decoction of roots is use as gargle for hoarseness and sore throat.

 - Leaves used as purgative.

 - Chewing of leaves used in gonorrhea to increase urine flow.

 - Fresh roots used as stimulant and diuretic.

 - Seeds for hypertension, gout, asthma, hiccups, and as a diuretic.

- Rheumatic complaints: Decoction of seeds; or, powdered roasted seeds applied to affected area.

 - Juice of the root with milk used for asthma, hiccups, gout, lumbago.

 - Poultice of leaves applied for glandular swelling.

 - Pounded fresh leaves mixed with coconut oil applied to wounds and cuts.

 - The flowers boiled with soy milk thought to have aphrodisiac quality.

 - Root is rubefacient and plaster applied externally as counter irritant.

 - In West Bengal, India, roots taken by women, for permanent contraception (Studies have shown total inactivation or suppression of the reproductive system).

Others

• Dye: In Jamaica the wood is used for dyeing blue color.

• Oil: known as Ben oil, extracted from flowers can be used as illuminant, ointment base, and absorbent in the enfleurage process of extracting volatile oils from flowers. |With ointments, the oil allows longer shelf life without undergoing oxidation.The oil, applied locally, has also been helpful for arthritic pains, rheumatic and gouty joints.

Breastfeeding women

• Malunggay leaves and pods are helpful in increasing breast milk in the breastfeeding months. One tablespoon of leaf powder provide 14% of the protein, 40% of the calcium, 23% of the iron and most of the vitamin A needs of a child aged one to three. Six tablespoons of leaf powder will provide nearly all of the woman's daily iron and calcium needs during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Studies

• Moringa preparations have been cited often in scientific literature as antibiotic, anti- inflammatory, hypocholesterolemic and hypoglycemic. However, many of the reports are not placebo-controlled randomized clinical trials.

• Anti-Inflammatory / Anti-tumor: Anti-inflammatory and Anti tumor Activities of Seeds Extracts of Malunggay—A study showed the crude ethanol extract of dried seeds inhibited the carrageenan-induced inflammation in the hind paw of mice by 85% at a dosage of 3 mg/g body weight;  the mature green seeds by 77%. The crude ethanol extract also inhibited the formation of Epstein-Barr virus-early antigen (EBV-EA) induced by 12-0-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA). At a dosage of 100 ?g/ml, the extract inhibited EBV-EA formation by 100% suggesting its antitumor-promoting activity. <Abstract:http://www.stii.dost.gov.ph/pjsweb/data/anti tumor_of_malunggay.htm>

• Ovarian Cancer: Possible Role of Moringa oleifera Lam. Root in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer: A hormonal etiology of epithelial ovarian cancer has been long suspected. Study suggests M Oleifera can interfere with hormone receptor-related and neoplastic growth-related cytokine pathways through centrally acting mechanisms.

• Asthma: Antiasthmatic activity of Moringa oleifera Lam: A clinical study: Study showed improvement in forced vital capacity, FEV1, and peak expiratory flow rate. It suggests a usefulness for MO seed kernel in patients with asthma.

• Antibiotic: 50 years ago, a study yielded Pterygospermin, a compound that readily dissociates into two molecules of benzyl isothiocyanate which has been shown to have antimicrobial properties. Unfortunately, many of the reports of antibiotic efficacy in humans were not from placebo controlled, randomized clinical trials. Recent studies have demonstrated possible efficacy against H. pylori.

• Hormonal properties / Abortifacient: Biochemical observations and histologic findings have been correlated with the anti-implantation action of aequous extracts, one possible explanation for its use as an abortifacient. source

• Antiurolithiatic: Study showed lowering of stone forming constituents in the kidneys of calculogenic rats with the use of aqueous and alcoholic extracts of MO suggesting antiurolithiatic activity.

• Antimicrobial / Water Purifyiing: Study of MO seeds paste for water purification yielded a steroidal glycoside, strophantidin, a bioactive agent in the seed. The seed paste was found effective in clarification and sedimentation of inorganic and organic matter in raw water, reducing total microbial and coliform counts by 55% and 65% respectively, in 24 hours, compared to alum with 65% and 83% reduction.

• Antipyretic / Wound Healing: Study of the ethanolic and ethyl acetate extracts of MO showed significant antipyretic activity in rats; the ethyl acetate extract of dried leaves showed significant wound healing on rat wound models.

• Analgeic: Previous studies have shown analgesic activity from the leaves of MO. This study on the alcoholic extract of MO seeds showed potent analgesic activity comparable to that of aspirin dose of 25 mg/kg BW.

• Hepatoprotective / Antioxidant: Study concluded that the alcoholic extracts of MO produced significant hepatoprotective and antioxidant activity, the aqueous extracts of the fruit less than the alcoholic extract.

• Anti-Ulcer: Study of M oleifera extract showed ulcer by protection by modulating 5-HT secretion through EC dell via 5-HT3 receptors in the gastrointestinal tract.

• Anthelmintic: In a comparative study of the anthelmintic activity of M oleifera and V negundo against Indian earthworm Pheritima posthuma, dose-dependent activity was observed with M oleifera showing more activity than V negundo.

• Comparison with Atenolol: Study comparing the effects of M oleifera with atenolol in adrenaline-induced rats on serum cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose level, heart and body weight showed the M oleifera leave extract made significant changes in each cardiovascular parameter.

• Hepatoprotective: Study in acetaminophen-induced liver disease in mice showed that leaves of MO can prevent hepatic injuries by preventing the decline of glutathione level.

• Antioxidant / Hypolipidemic / Anti-Atherosclerotic: Study showed lowering of cholesterol levels and reduction of the atherosclerotic plaque formation. Results indicate MO possesses antioxidant, hypolipidemic and antiatherosclerotic activities and has therapeutic potential for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases.

• Chemomodulatory / Chemopreventive: Study showed the possible chemopreventive potential of Moringal oleifera against chemical carcinogenesis.

• Anti-Diabetic: Study of the aqueous extract of MO leaves in STZ-induced sub, mild, and severely diabetic rats produced lowering of blood glucose levels, significant reduction in urine sugar and urine protein levels. Study validates scientifically claims on MO as ethnomedicine in the treatment of diabetes mellitus.

 In the news

• In Leyte, extracted malunggay juice is mixed with lemonsito juice to make ice candies or cold drinks, making it more plalatble and agreeable to children who detest vegetables.

 Because of its high vitamin A, C, and E content, all potent antioxidants, malunggay is a very effective in removing unstable free radicals that is damaging to molecules and pro-aging.

For the men: The fruit could increase the sperm count !

For increasing breast milk: One rounded tablespoon of leaf powder provides 14% of protein requirements, 40% of calcium, 23% of iron, and the daily vitamin A needs of a child aged one to three. Six rounded tablespoons of leaf powder will provide the woman's daily iron and calcium needs during pregnancy and breast-feeding.

 Recent uses and preparation:

Constipation: Eat one or two cups of the cooked leaves at supper time, with plenty of water.

 Wound wash: Apply crushed leaves directly to the wound, maintaining cleanliness duriing the process.

• Biofuel source

• Moringa oil extracted from the seed of the malunggay plant is now being tapped as source of biodiesel. It is gaining preferable status over Jatropha as a source of biofuel. All parts of the malunggay plant are used whereas Jatropha is left with poisonous waste after oil extraction. Also, malunggay needs only one to two years for seedling maturation compared to Jatropha's three to five years. The math of malunggay's commercial potential is attractive: Seeds are bought at P10 per kilo, and a hectare of malunggay seedlings can harvest 20,000 kilos in 2 years with a potential profit of P200,000. (Philippine Star)

Toxicities

ª Root bark contains 2 alkaloids, as well as the toxic hypotensive moringinine.

ª Has dose-dependent negative inotropic effect, in isolated frog heart study.

• Niazinin A, niazimicin and niaziminin A and B isolated from the ethanol extract produced hypotensive, bradycardic and negative inotropic effects in experimental animals.

• The bark may cause violent uterine contractions that can be fatal. Chronic high-dose use may cause liver and kidney dysfunctions.

• In frequent or large doses, Interior flesh of the plant can cause toxic nerve paralysis from the alkaloid spirochin. source

Superstitions

Malunggay ingestion is avoided in the immediate period after a family member's death. In the superstitions-laden isms of rural Tagalog life, as a malunggay branch or twig will shed off all its leaves within a few hours of being snapped off a tree, ingesting malunggay might bring death to a relative. Avoiding its use is strongly advised during the ritual of nine days of prayers after a death.

Availability

Wild-crafted. Garden and back-yard cultivation, Commercial production of oil extracted from flowers.

 Malunggay capsule (Natalac) - containing 250 mg dried young malunggay leaves, one to two capsules daily.

 

OTHER IMAGE SOURCE / Public Domain / File:Moringa oleifera Blanco1.125.png / Flora de Filipinas / Francisco Manuel Blanco (OSA), 1880-1883 / Modifications by Carol Spears / Wikipedia OTHER IMAGE SOURCE / Close-up Flower / File:Moringa Oleifera.jpg / Muhammad Mahdi Karim / 21 October 2007 / GNU Free Documentation License / Creative Commons Attribution / Wikipedia

Additional Sources and Suggested Readings

http://www.moringatoday.com/MoringaResearch.html

(1)

Possible Role of Moringa oleifera Lam. Root in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer / Chinmoy K Bose MD / Medscape General Medicine / Published online 2007 February 6.

 (2)

 Anti-inflammtory and Antitumor Activities of Seeds Extracts of Malunggay

(3)

 Antiasthmatic activity of Moringa oleifera Lam: A clinical study

 (4)

Moringa oleifera: A Review of the Medical Evidence for Its Nutritional, Therapeutic, and Prophylactic Properties. Part 1. / Trees For Life Journal / TFLJournal.org / Jed W Fahey, Sc.D. / Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Dept of Pharma and Molecular Sciences.

(5)

Possible Role of Moringa oleifera Lam. Root in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer / Chinmoy K. Bose, MD, PhD, / MedGenMed. 2007; 9(1): 26. Published online 2007 February 6 /

(6)

Effect of Moringa oleifera Lam. root-wood on ethylene glycol induced urolithiasis in rats / doi:10.1016/j.jep.2005.11.004 / Journal of Ethnopharmacology Vol 105, Issues 1-2, 21 April 2006, Pages 306-311

(7)

Studies on Traditional Water Purification Using MO seeds / African Study Monographs, 15(3):135-142, Nov 1994

 (8)

Antipyretic and wound healing activities of moringa oleifera lam. in rats / Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences / 2006 | Vol 68 | Issue : 1 | Page : 124-126

 (9)

Analgesic activity of seeds of Moringa oleifera Lam./ 2008 | Vol 2, Issue : 2 , pg108-110 / DOI: 10.4103/0973-8258.41182

(10)

Hepatoprotective Activity of Moringa oleifera Lam. Fruit on Isolated Rat Hepatocytes / PHCOG MAG.: Research Article/ Vol 4, Issue 15 (Suppl), Jul-Sep, 2008

 (11)

Malunggay—Recent uses / Philippine Inquirer. Monica Feria. Oct 6, 2007

(12)

Malunggay oil as biofuel / Philippine Star. Helen Flores. April 11, 2008

 (13)

 Malunggay's Medicinal Magic / Ernesto Ordoñez / Philippine Daily Inquirer. October 12, 2007

(14)

Comparative Studies on Anthelmintic Activity of Moringa Oleifera and VitexNegundo / Trapti Rastogi et al / Asian J. Research Chem. 2(2): April.-June, 2009

 (15)

Nutritional evaluation of Moringa Oleifera leaves and extract / Abd Elmoneim Osman Elkhalifa et al / Ahfad Journal, Dec, 2007

 (16)

 Useful Plants of the Philippines, Vol 1. A Scientific Guide to Modern Botanical Medicine / Rummel D J /2005

 (17)

Comparison of Moringa oleifera Leaves Extract with Atenolol on Serum triglyceride, Serum Cholesterol, Blood glucose, heart weight, body weight in Adrenaline Induced Rats / Naznin Ara et al / Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences 15 (2) 253-258 December, 2008

 (18)

Moringa oleifera induced potentiation of serotonin release by 5-HT(3) receptors in experimental ulcer model / Debnath S, Biswas d, Ray K, Guha D / Phytomedicine. 2011 Jan 15;18(2-3):91-5. Epub 2010 Jul 16.

Moringa oleifera Lam prevents acetaminophen induced liver injury through restoration of glutathione level /

Fakurazi S, Hairuszah I, Nanthini U / Food Chem Toxicol. 2008 Aug;46(8):2611-5. Epub 2008 Apr 25.

 (19)

The in vitro and ex vivo antioxidant properties, hypolipidaemic and antiatherosclerotic activities of water extract of Moringa oleifera Lam. leaves / Chumark P, Khunawat P, Sanvarinda Y, Phornchirasilp et al / J Ethnopharmacol. 2008 Mar 28;116(3):439-46. Epub 2007 Dec 23.

 (20)

Chemomodulatory effect of Moringa oleifera, Lam, on hepatic carcinogen metabolising enzymes, antioxidant parameters and skin papillomagenesis in mice / Bharali R, Tabassum J, Azad MR / Asian Pac J Cancer Prev. 2003 Apr-Jun;4(2):131-9.

 (21)

Effect of Moringa oleifera Lam. leaves aqueous extract therapy on hyperglycemic rats / Jaiswal D, Kumar Rai P, Kumar A, Mehta S, Watal G / J Ethnopharmacol. 2009 Jun 25;123(3):392-6. Epub 2009 Apr 5.
 

DISCLAIMER: The above statements are not from the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure or prevent any disease. We recommend that you consult with a physician from the American Medical Association especially when using prescribed medications or treatments. This notice is required by the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act.

Amen Par Ankh (Sacred House of Life) and Amen Ankh Farm; is a spiritual center to become balanced physically, emotionally and spiritually and to Realize your fullest capacities of life, health, prosperity and strength. We provide Life Coaching, gentle yoga, classes, Energy work Courses, Gifts, and Accessories, Cultural Ceremonies, Workshops and special Events.
Contact Us and become a member as We Celebrate the Cycles of Life!
Email: amen.parankh@gmail.com , Call: 816-304-7240 sign-up for courses and support: http://www.gofundme.com/amen-urban-farm , information: http://emwot.ws/Amen_ParAnkh , http://amen-parankh.blogspot.com/ ,
Amen Par Ankh is a place of peace and healing through connection with nature and the cycles of life.
Here we can truly come together and create and build something to share together. It is our intention that this spiritual center becomes a sacred space for personal discovery with quiet reflection and time for internal work, but is also an active space for expressions of our life. Dua (Thank you!) ♥.
We offer: Ceremony, Counseling, Coaching, Cleansings, & Classes

MIRACLE WILD HERBS - DANDELION

While many people think of the dandelion as a weed, herbalists know it as valuable herb that can be used as a food and medicine.

 

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)

Hundreds of species of dandelion grow in Europe, Asia, and North America. Dandelion is a perennial that can grow to a height of nearly 12 inches. Dandelions have deeply notched, toothy, spatula-like leaves that are shiny and hairless. Dandelion stems are capped by bright yellow flowers. The grooved leaves funnel rain to the root.

Dandelion flowers open with the sun in the morning and close in the evening or during gloomy weather. The dark brown roots are fleshy and brittle and are filled with a white milky substance that is bitter and pungent.

Dandelion is a rich source of vitamins A, B complex, C, and D, as well as minerals such as iron, potassium, and zinc. Dandelion leaves are used to add flavor to salads, sandwiches, and teas. The roots are used in some coffee substitutes, and the flowers are used to make wines.

Parts Used:

Dandelion leaves act as a diuretic, increasing the amount of urine the body produces. The leaves are used to stimulate the appetite and help digestion.

Dandelion flowers have antioxidant properties. Dandelions may also help improve the immune system.

Traditionally, dandelion roots and leaves were used to treat liver problems. Native Americans also boiled dandelion in water and took it to treat kidney disease, swelling, skin problems, heartburn, and upset stomach.

In traditional Chinese medicine, dandelion has been used to treat stomach problems, appendicitis, and breast problems, such as inflammation or lack of milk flow.

In Europe, it was used in remedies for fever, boils, eye problems, diabetes, and diarrhea.

Today, the roots are mainly used as an appetite stimulant, and for liver and gallbladder problems. Dandelion leaves are used as a diuretic to help the body get rid of excess fluid.

Herbalists use dandelion root to detoxify the liver and gallbladder, and dandelion leaves to support kidney function.

Medicinal Uses and Indications:

Traditionally, dandelion has been used a diuretic, to increase the amount of urine the body produces in order to get rid of excess fluid. It has been used for many conditions where a diuretic might help, such as liver problems and high blood pressure. However, there is no good research on using dandelion as a diuretic in people.

Fresh or dried dandelion herb is also used as a mild appetite stimulant and to improve upset stomach. The root of the dandelion plant may act as a mild laxative and has been used to improve digestion. There is some very preliminary research that suggests dandelion may help improve liver and gallbladder function, but the study was not well designed.

Some preliminary animal studies also suggest that dandelion may help normalize blood sugar levels and lower total cholesterol and triglycerides while raising HDL, "good," cholesterol in diabetic mice. But not all the animal studies have found a positive effect on blood sugar. Human studies are needed to see if dandelion would work in people.

A few animal studies also suggest that dandelion might help fight inflammation.

Available Forms:

Dandelion herbs and roots are available fresh or dried in a variety of forms, including tinctures, liquid extract, teas, tablets, and capsules. Dandelion can be found alone or combined with other dietary supplements.

How to Take It:

Eating dandelion in food is safe for a child.  Ask your doctor before giving dandelion supplements to a child, so your doctor can help you determine the dose.  Some traditional doses include:

•Dried leaf infusion: 1 - 2 teaspoonfuls, 3 times daily. Pour hot water onto dried leaf and steep for 5 - 10 minutes. Drink as directed.

•Dried root decoction: 1/2 - 2 teaspoonfuls, 3 times daily. Place root into boiling water for 5 - 10 minutes. Strain and drink as directed.

•Leaf tincture (1:5) in 30% alcohol: 30 - 60 drops, 3 times daily

•Standardized powdered extract (4:1) leaf: 500 mg, 1 - 3 times daily

•Standardized powdered extract (4:1) root: 500 mg, 1 - 3 times daily

•Root tincture (1:2) fresh root in 45% alcohol: 30 - 60 drops, 3 times daily

Precautions:

For these reasons, you should take herbs with care, under the supervision of a health care provider. The use of herbs is a time-honored approach to strengthening the body and treating disease. Herbs, however, contain components that can trigger side effects and interact with other herbs, supplements, or medications.

Dandelion is generally considered safe. Some people may develop an allergic reaction from touching dandelion, and others may develop mouth sores.

If you are allergic to ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigold, chamomile, yarrow, daisies, or iodine, you should avoid dandelion.

In some people, dandelion can cause increased stomach acid and heartburn. It may also irritate the skin if applied topically.

People with kidney problems, gallbladder problems, or gallstones should ask their health care provider before eating dandelion.

Possible Interactions:

Dandelion leaf may act as a diuretic, which can speed up how fast drugs leave your system. If you are taking prescription medications, ask your health care provider before taking dandelion leaf. If you are currently being treated with any of the following medications, you should not use dandelion without first talking to your health care provider:

Antacids -- Dandelion may increase the amount of stomach acid, so antacids may not work as well.

Blood-thinning medications -- Theoretically, dandelion is a blood thinner, so it may increase the risk of bleeding, especially if you already take blood-thinners such as aspirin, warfarin (Coumadin), or clopidogrel (Plavix).

Diuretics (water pills) -- Dandelion may act as a diuretic, increasing the amount of urine to help your body get rid of excess fluid. If you also take prescription diuretics or other herbs that act as diuretic, you could be at risk for an electrolyte imbalance.

Lithium -- Animal studies suggest that dandelion may make the side effects of lithium worse. Lithium is used to treat bipolar disorder.

Ciproflaxin (Cipro) -- One species of dandelion, Taraxacum mongolicum, also called Chinese dandelion, may lower the absorption of the antibiotic ciproflaxin from the digestive tract. Researchers don' t know whether the common dandelion would do the same thing.

Medications for diabetes -- Theoretically, dandelion may lower blood sugar levels. If you take medications for diabetes, taking dandelion may increase the risk of low blood sugar.

 Alternative Names:

Lion's tooth; Priest's crown; Swine's snout; Taraxacum officinale

•Reviewed last on: 1/2/2011

•Steven D. Ehrlich, NMD, Solutions Acupuncture, a private practice specializing in complementary and alternative medicine, Phoenix, AZ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

Supporting Research

Auerbach: Wilderness Medicine.5th ed. New York, NY: Mosby; 2007.

Blumenthal M, Goldberg A, Brinckmann J. Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs. Newton, MA: Integrative Medicine Communications; 2002:78-83.

Cho SY,Park JY, Park EM, et al. Alternation of hepatic antioxidant enzyme activities and lipid profile in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats by supplementation of dandelion water extract. Clin Chim Acta. 2002;317(1-2):109-117.

Clare BA, Conroy RS, Spelman K. The diuretic effect in human subjects of an extract of Taraxacum officinale folium over a single day. J Altern Complement Med. 2009 Aug;15(8):929-34.

Davies MG, Kersey PJ. Contact allergy to yarrow and dandelion. Contact Dermatitis. 1986;14 (ISS 4):256-7.

Hu C, Kitts DD. Antioxidant, prooxidant, and cytotoxic activities of solvent-fractionated dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) flower extracts in vitro. J Agric Food Chem. 2003;51(1):301-10.

Hudec J, et al. Antioxidant capacity changes and phenolic profile of Echinacea purpea, nettle (Urtica dioica L.), and dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) after application of polyamine and phenolic biosynthesis regulators. J Agric Food Chem. 2007;55(14):5689-96.

Jeon HJ, Kang HJ, Jung HJ, Kang YS, Lim CJ, Kim YM, Park EH. Anti-inflammatory activity of Taraxacum officinale. J Ethnopharmacol. 2008 Jan 4;115(1):82-8.

Kim HM, Shin HY, Lim KH, el al., Taraxacum officinale inhibits tumor necrosis factor-alpha production from rat astrocytes. Immunopharmacol Immunotoxicol. 2000;22(3):519-30.

Kisiel W, Barszcz B. Further sesquiterpenoids and phenolics from Taraxacum officinale. Fitoterapia. 2000;71(3):269-73.

LaValle JB, Krinsky DL, Hawkins EB, et al. Natural Therapeutics Pocket Guide. Hudson, OH:LexiComp; 2000: 420-421.

Mascolo N, et al. Biological screening of Italian medicinal plants for anti-inflammatory activity. Phytotherapy Res. 1987:28-29.

Miller L. Herbal Medicinals: Selected Clinical Considerations Focusing on Known or Potential Drug-Herb Interactions. Arch Intern Med. 1998;158:2200-2211.

Petlevski R, Hadzija M, Slijepcevic M, Juretic D. Effect of 'antidiabetis' herbal preparation on serum glucose and fructosamine in NOD mice. J Ethnopharmacol. 2001;75(2-3):181-184.

Schutz K, Carle R, Schieber A. Taraxacum--a review on its phytochemical and pharmacological profile. J Ethnopharmacol. 2006;107(3):313-23.

Sigstedt SC, Hooten CJ, Callewaert MC, Jenkins AR, et al. Evaluation of aqueous extracts of Taraxacum officinale on growth and invasion of breast and prostate cancer cells. Int J Oncol. 2008 May;32(5):1085-90.

Swanston-Flatt SK, Day C, Flatt PR, Gould BJ, Bailey CJ. Glycaemic effects of traditional European plant treatments for diabetes. Studies in normal and streptozotocin diabetic mice. Diabetes Res. 1989;10(2):69-73.

 

Sweeney B, Vora M, Ulbricht C, Basch E. Evidence-based systematic review of dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) by Natural Standard Research Collaboration. J Herb Pharmacother. 2005;5(1):79-93.

 Trojanova I, Rada V, Kokoska L, Vlkova E. The bifidogenic effect of Taraxacum officinale root. Fitoterapia. 2004;75(7-8):760-3.

Zhi X, Honda K, Ozaki K, Misugi T, Sumi T, Ishiko O. Dandelion T-1 extract up-regulates reproductive hormone receptor expression

DISCLAIMER: The above statements are not from the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure or prevent any disease. We recommend that you consult with a physician from the American Medical Association especially when using prescribed medications or treatments. This notice is required by the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act.

Amen Par Ankh (Sacred House of Life) and Amen Ankh Farm; is a spiritual center to become balanced physically, emotionally and spiritually and to Realize your fullest capacities of life, health, prosperity and strength. We provide Life Coaching, gentle yoga, classes, Energy work Courses, Gifts, and Accessories, Cultural Ceremonies, Workshops and special Events.
Contact Us and become a member as We Celebrate the Cycles of Life!
Email: amen.parankh@gmail.com , Call: 816-281-7704 sign-up for courses and support, information: http://amen-parankh.blogspot.com/ ,
Amen Par Ankh is a place of peace and healing through connection with nature and the cycles of life.
Here we can truly come together and create and build something to share together. It is our intention that this spiritual center becomes a sacred space for personal discovery with quiet reflection and time for internal work, but is also an active space for expressions of our life. Dua (Thank you!) ♥.
We offer: Ceremony, Counseling, Coaching, Cleansings, & Classes

PAR ANKH- HOUSE OF LIFE

Par Ankh –Means “House of Life: It is a space that is intended as a meeting place, for sharing, learning, Healing and relaxation- dedicated to aetheric or aesthetic expression.

Par Ankh or "House of Life" was, an Ancient Kemetic (Egyptian) learning institution- "mystery school" where one acquired knowledge of medicine, mathematics and geometry. Also the studied the stars and spiritual doctrine. Of all the teachings of the House of Life, The code of MAAT (a code of behavior from students such as respect for others) included, loyalty to the masters, the love of others, protection of the weak, the gift of speech and the eternal quest for knowledge would be enforced. The Par Ankh offers activities, that aide the student in looking within themselves to find the power of the Great Divine Neteru and reconciling all parts of your being in accordance with nature and their own internal cycles.

The Amen Par Ankh is Kansas City's Sacred center where we come together as a community to celebrate life, Nature- Neteru -spiritual cultivation, the cycles of life and the gift of abundance, as we work to restore Maat as the standard of our existence. Amen Par Ankh is a place for life that we engage in on every level at every moment.

We look to the economic development of our people and the healing and well-being of everyone and everything, by fostering and reconnecting to the Neteru. As Amen Par Ankh we have been charged expressly with the proper teaching and returning of our descendents of those having travailed through the Maafa (slave trade, colonialism, imperialism and corporatocracy) We who were uprooted and displaced from the motherland of Afrika and the Americas, through what is perpetual trauma to return back to our indigenous traditions by way of our ancestor's traditions. Currently we are the Seba, founders and head of Amen Par Ankh which is a purely and unapologetically Kemetic Spirituality and ecology based on ancient tenets. We welcome all good hearted earth sovereigns to assist us in our endeavors towards family development and nation building.

We are full-fledged practitioners of the Kemetic way of life. What a beautiful thing indeed!

Contact Us Sba Sasteh and Sba Adenike to become a member, as We Celebrate the Cycles of Life!

Amen Par Ankh (Sacred House of Life) and Amen Ankh Urban Farm; is a local Urban Farm nestled around a Spiritual Center in the heart of midtown Kansas City, Missouri. Contact Us and become a member as We Celebrate the Cycles of Life!Email: amen.parankh@gmail.com , amen.ankh@live.com Call: 816-304-7240 sign-up for courses and support: http://www.gofundme.com/amen-urban-farm , information: http://emwot.ws/Amen_ParAnkh , http://amen-parankh.blogspot.com , Look for us on FaceBook & Twitter. We celebrate the Cycles of Life, Wellness and Balance in our everyday existence on earth. We assist in Wellness for Physical Fitness, Mental Health, and Spiritual Attainment - to realize the fullest capacities of life, health, prosperity and strength. We provide Whole Life Coaching, Energy work, A Par Ankh Reading Room, Org-Ankh Electric food Boxes, an Herbal Tea House & Juice bar, Outdoor Experiences, classes such as Cultural Head-wrapping, Natural Hair Braiding, beading and Lox twisting, ASCAC (The Association for the Study of Classical African Civilization), Art Healing Mandalas, Jewelry Making, Gentle Yoga, Canning and preserving food, Health and Wellness Study Courses, Gifts, Accessories, Cultural Ceremonies, Workshops and special events. Amen Par Ankh means sacred House of Life. We acknowledge creation. We provide a space for your own personal discovery with quiet reflection and time for internal work, as well as an active space for expressions of our original ways of life.Ceremony, Counseling, Coaching, Cleansings, & Classes Amen Ankh Urban Farm is an urban agricultural enterprise with the goal of achieving environmental justice and sustainability by Healthy local food production and improving local neighborhood access to healthy Foods. We run Aquaponic Systems of farm raised fish, Herbs and micro-greens. We sell Org-Ankh Electric Food Boxes! We also provide Farm-a-See tours of successful Local Farmers.We grow selected local indigenous Herbs, Fruits, Vegetable and plant life of the Three Sisters: Corn, Beans, and Squash and cruciferous vegetables: Cabbage, and Kale, With Wheat Grass and other Sprouts, Herbs: Basil, Sage, Chives, Rosemary, Parsley, Peppers and Moringa nutritional drink supplements, -From our foods we produce Baked Goods, cosmetics, & liniments to provide Healing and Sovereignty: Through the inspiration of Kujichagulia (Self determination) All Original people.Dua (Th-ankh you!) ♥.

BASIL & BES their Spiritual Metaphysical and Aromatherapy properties

BASIL BES- their Spiritual,and Aromatherapy properties



BES

Aromatherapy

Holy Basil - Tulsi

Basil is BES!

We often fail to recognize the multi dimensions of ourselves in nature. Nature/ Neteru provides all of the healing and balance that our spiritual, mental, and body needs to thrive. Spending time around The sun, water, the breeze of fresh air, nature and living things can keep us centered and balanced in an urban environment. To have plants, herbs and flowers around us in our environment as living entities, in our homes, around our children, and to visit the sick, can keep us connected to the the healing, nurturing, aspects of life.

Basil is a symbol of fertility and is also known as the symbol for love because the leaves resemble hearts (Akoma). The Basil (plant spirit) is also a protector of family, and burning basil oil will help to clear negativity from the home and bring blessings and happiness to a new home. Basil creates a sympathetic vibration and is often worn to assist in clashes with other people. Wear basil oil to protect you in crowds. The scent of basil causes sympathy between two people and is used to mend lovers' quarrels. Basil is used also to ensure fidelity between lovers. Basil stimulates the conscious mind to invoke happiness. Use it in a ritual bath to bring new love in, or to free yourself of an old love. Opens the heart meridian-clears energy movement between the heart and the hands.

Basil aroma is also associated with clairvoyance, used to enhance visions and direction, and to promote honesty and positive outcomes and development.

Characteristics: There are many varieties of basil, and basil can include many color variations, but basil can easily be identified by its large, thin oval and easily bruised leaves. Basil, is in the same family as peppermint and is used to season sauces, soups, salads and pasta dishes all around the world.

Flavor: Basil is sweet, peppery and offers a slight anise-like aftertaste. Basil pairs with: tomato, garlic, onion, cilantro, mint and fennel.Basil also offers many important health benefits.

Medicinal Uses: One of the primary medicinal uses for basil is for its anti-inflammatory properties, making basil an ideal treatment for people with arthritis. Basil has strong antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. It is traditionally thought to stimulate the appetite and ease stomach upset. In Chinese medicine, basil is thought to support kidney function and ease gum ulcers. In classic Indian medicine, basil has been used to treat everything from earaches and itching to malaria, arthritis and anorexia. Like tarragon, one of basil’s major volatile oils is estragole that blocks enzymes in the body that cause swelling.

Basil, especially as an extract or oil, is known to have exceptionally powerful antioxidant properties that can protect the body from premature aging, common skin issues, age-related problems and even some types of cancer. The herb also contains the flavonoids orientin and vicenin, which are plant pigments that shield your cell structures from oxygen and radiation damage.

Both fresh basil and basil oil have strong antibacterial capabilities. In fact, basil has been shown to stop the growth of many bacteria, even some that had grown resistant to other antibiotics. Basil can be applied to wounds to help prevent bacterial infections. So, by adding basil oil to your salad dressings, you can help ensure your vegetables are safe to eat.

Basil oil can be used to assist in constipation, stomach cramps and indigestion as well as the cold, flu, asthma, whooping cough, bronchitis and sinus infections. It is also a great source of magnesium, an essential mineral that helps the body’s blood vessels relax, which can improve blood flow.

DISCLAIMER: The above statements are not from the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure or prevent any disease. We recommend that you consult with a physician from the American Medical Association especially when using prescribed medications or treatments. This notice is required by the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act.

Bes and Basil

I noticed the similarities of names of Bes and Basil. Our Ancestors have often hidden our knowledge in children's stories and characters to engage our memories to hold onto and "Re-Member" wisdom. The similarities in the spiritual properties found in the old knowledge of herbs and their medicinal and healing applications were often the only remedies for people with no access to doctors or hospitals. These characters represent our mother wisdom that was passed down from generation to generation.

Found in Wikipedia: Bes (pron.: /bɛs/; also spelled as Bisu) is a Kemetic (Ancient "Egyptian") Icon, symbolized as a protector of households, and in particular, of mothers and children and childbirth. Bes later came to be regarded as the defender of everything good and the enemy of all that is bad. While past studies identified Bes as a Middle Kingdom import from Nubia, more recent research indicates that he was present in Egypt since the start of the Old Kingdom. Mentions of Bes can be traced to pre-dynastic Nile Valley cultures; however, his form appears to be found all over the world.






Bes is the spiritual protector, promoter and healer of the home and family. He/She encourages fertility and watches over and teaches parents and children in their growth and development. Bes holds all of the wisdom and knowledge of the earth. She knows the cycles of time and the seasons. She knows the healing properties of all herbs. She is familiar with the gardens, forests, animals, insects, lakes, rivers, mountains and caves. She knows the prayers, chants, lyrics, limericks, lullabies, bedtime stories, dances, mathematics, letters, formulas, recipes, and words of power. Bes epitomizes the Shaman healer of the Nome or Klan. He is chemistry and physics. She represents the Sage, guardian and spiritual intuitive energy to ward off hostile energy from your family, life, home, office or wherever it is present. Bes controls The weather, the rain, and the wind, the earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Bes is Majic. He loves gold and can draw wealth and prosperity to the home. You can find this symbolic image of Bes all over the world. The earliest images of Elves, Trolls, Leprechauns, Fairies and Gnomes from all over the world were Black. The people are all characteristic and symbolic of our ancient Ancestors -the Twa and Khoisan (also known as "Pigmy") Mother and Father, with their history and wisdom of nature and the universe.

Here is an excerpt of a great find of manuscript below:

On the extreme right of the façade: A Pygmy in the court of Egypt.

Pepy II's letter to Herkuf

A fourth, unnarrated, campaign to the land of Yam must have taken place, during which Harkhuf sent a letter to the young king Pepi II to inform him, particularly, that he was bringing back a pygmy, which resulted in the rest of the inscription. In fact, Pepi II wrote a letter in reply to that of Harkhuf, who was so proud of it that he had the text inscribed on the façade of his tomb in Aswan. Since little space remained, he had to prepare a space for it at the extreme right of the façade. Thus, the only complete royal letter dating from the old Kingdom has reached us.:

“ Seal of the king Himself. Second year of His reign, third month of the season akhet, fifteenth day. Royal decree (to) the Sole Companion, Lector-Priest, chief of interpreters, Harkhuf.

I have acquainted myself with the words of your letter, which you addressed to the king in the palace to inform him that you travelled in peace to the land of Yam, with the army, which accompanied you. You said in your letter that you were bringing back all sorts of presents, important and beautiful, which Hathor, lady of Imaou, gave for the ka of the king of Upper and Lower Egypt, Neferkare- may he live eternally and forever! You also say in your letter that you will bring back a pygmy (for) the dances of the God and coming from the land of the inhabitants of the horizon and similar to the pygmy which the treasurer of the God, Bawerded brought back from Punt in the time of the king Isesi. cartouche of king Djed-Ka-Re (Isesi)

You also say to My Majesty: never before has such a (pygmy) been brought back by any of those who have visited the land of Yam. It is said that, each year, you accomplish that which your royal Lord wishes and praises. You pass your days and your nights thinking of doing that which your Lord wishes, praises and commands. So My Majesty will act such that the numerous and excellent honours which are yours shall also please the sons of your son for eternity and that men will say, when they hear what my Majesty has done for you “ is there any parallel to that which was done for the Sole Companion Harkhuf when he came back from the land of Yam, because of the diligence with which he carried out that which his Lord wished, praised and commanded.?”

Come back, then, to the north, to the Residence. Leave (everything) and bring with you the pygmy which you have brought from the land of the inhabitants of the horizon, alive, in good health and strong so that he may dance for the God and make cheerful and rejoicing the heart of the king of Upper and Lower Egypt, Neferkare- may he live eternally!

If you come with him in the ship, set well-advised men about him on both sides of the boat and take care that he does not fall in the water. If he lies down to sleep during the night, have wise men to sleep beside him in his tent; go and check, ten times in the night. Because My Majesty wishes to see this pygmy more than all the tributes of Sinai or Punt.

If you reach the Residence and the pygmy is with you, alive, in good health and strong, My Majesty will do great things for you, more important than those which were done for the treasurer of the God, Bawerded, in the time of the king Isesi, according to the desire which My Majesty has to see this famous pygmy. Orders have been sent to the chief of the new town, Sole Companion and steward of the priests to command that victuals be taken by his care in every warehouse town and in every temple, without exception.
https://www.inkling.com/read/traditions-and-encounters-jerry-bentley-5th/chapter-3/harkhufs-expeditions-to-nubia

Zwarte Piet/ Pieten(Black Pete) is depicted annually, as a profound Character who has deep roots in traditional Dutch and Netherlands folklore. He appears in The Netherlands as a Spanish Moor (common to southern Holland in the 1500s), in caricature, as a Black man, with gold earrings and colorful period costumes of a Moor.

The story goes that Zwarte Piet chose to work with Saint Nicholas as his engineer and magical accompaniment. Since the 18th century in Holland, he has been depicted as a companion to Saint Nicholas in all of his holiday travels. Zwarte Pieten is today commonly depicted as a black person in the colorful pantaloons, feathered cap and ruffles of a Renaissance Moor, This character and tradition was later recorded in a children's book published in 1850. Zwarte Pieten is often portrayed as a mischievous but rarely mean-spirited character, the character is believed to have been derived from Bes the spirit pagan after his traditions. Nowadays, Zwarte Pieten has become a much more respected assistant of Saint Nicholas, often humorous, self-determined, magical and playful. 

Wikipedia:

Zwarte Piet (pronounced ['zʋɑrtə pit], translated to "Black Pete") is the companion of Saint Nicholas (Dutch: Sinterklaas from which the American figure of Santa Claus is derived,) in the folklore of the Low Countries. In its modern form, the character is commonly depicted as a blackamoor, with blackface make-up, and dressed in stylized colorful Renaissance attire, akin to Maures in European heraldry, and similar to Moorish characters in the "Moors and Christians" Iberian folk festivals commemorating the Reconquista.

Currently, the media is presenting articles about the many Black people who are protesting the public displays of Zwarte Piet by Dutch people wearing "blackface" and Moorish styled costumes. So now the Dutch, meet Globalization –We now exist in a global world and that means we have to expand our knowledge about other cultures and peoples that make up diverse societies. The festival of Black Pete does, appear to be the glaring elephant in the room in the face of the invasion of South Africa by the Dutch!.. I now reflect back as a child living in Germany, people were so fascinated by us as a family, when they saw us in public, at Shopping districts. They would sometimes approach me as a child, and touch my skin… Seeing us must have brought back childhood memories of Black Pete. Understanding that the depiction of Moors and Moorish people in Europe has been slanted as one of servitude, now that there are more Black citizens in Europe, due to the colonization of Africa and the rest of the world, We now see people of African descent living as equals and in authority, all over Europe.

The History of the Moors in Europe goes back to a successful harmony of rulership for almost 1000 years.
Yet, Black Twa /Khoisan were actually the first to populate early Europe. Their presence was still in existence, living as Original peoples, as Twa Khoisan, up to their discovery by Nazis, after WWII. The Nazis gave these remaining Original Europeans the choice of sterilization or incarceration in a death camp.

Actually, Black Pete was a free man who voluntarily worked with "Sinterklaas." He had the upper hand over his counterpart and was the essential agent in the success of this operation for children. Yet the perpetuation of the depiction of servitude, (which reinforces the idea that Black people should be always in that role,) together with the notorious and horrible history and tradition of black-face in the US, means that it is time to revisit some of the old traditions and change them. It does matter that the tradition of black-face was most prominent and therefore most hurtful in the United States.

Black-Face was worn by Caucasian men, in the United States in the late 19th through the 20th Centuries of the U.S. For more than 100 years, an act of domestic terrorism against people of African descent, was cast as the laws of Jim Crow. The United States actually created domestic State laws against people of African descent, as a backlash to the reconstruction period, after the domestic Civil War of 1891.


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Civil_War
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Names_of_the_American_Civil_War
The American Civil War was a war fought in the United States from 1861 to 1865, between the North and the South. The Civil War is the most studied and written about episode in U.S. history. Primarily as a result of the long-standing controversy over the enslavement of black people, war broke out in April 1861
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blackface
But as with all things, we must find the balance between honoring what is important and adapting to the needs to respect the human dignity of all. If we wish to remember or honor the tradition of "Black Pete", then let him be portrayed by willing black actors/celebrants and as the willing friend of Sinterklaas that he is, and not a comic figure, slave or buffoon. I know that he has been portrayed by Dutch for countless generations in black face, as a celebration for children, of a long forgotten historical person, most likely a Moor. However, the time for black face anywhere has come to an end.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/11/15/black-pete-arrests_n_6163926.html


Amen Par Ankh (Sacred House of Life) and Amen Ankh Farm; is a spiritual center to become balanced physically, emotionally and spiritually and to Realize your fullest capacities of life, health, prosperity and strength. We provide Life Coaching, gentle yoga, classes, Energy work Courses, Gifts, and Accessories, Cultural Ceremonies, Workshops and special Events.

Contact Us and become a member as We Celebrate the Cycles of Life!

Email: amen.parankh@gmail.com , Call: 816-281-7704 sign-up for courses and support: http://www.gofundme.com/amen-urban-farm , information: http://emwot.ws/Amen_ParAnkh , http://amen-parankh.blogspot.com/ ,

Amen Par Ankh is a place of peace and healing through connection with nature and the cycles of life.

Here we can truly come together and create and build something to share together. It is our intention that this spiritual center becomes a sacred space for personal discovery with quiet reflection and time for internal work, but is also an active space for expressions of our life. Dua (Thank you!) ♥.

We offer: Ceremony, Counseling, Coaching, Cleansings, & Classes