Strange Days

Turns out "mania" can be contagious.

Yucca Plant

A couple of years ago we realized how prolifically the Yucca plant grows here in Kansas. We had them all over the fields next to our house. Isaiah and I did a study on them and found out that most of the plant is edible, it makes an excellent shampoo and there are moths that rely on the plant for survival. I hope we have Yucca near our next home!
Cassava-based dishes are widely consumed wherever the plant is cultivated. Some of these dishes have regional, national, or ethnic importance.[12] Cassava must be cooked properly to detoxify it before it is eaten.
Cassava heavy cakeCassava can be cooked in various ways. The soft-boiled root has a delicate flavor and can replace boiled potatoes in many uses: as an accompaniment for meat dishes, or made into purées, dumplings, soups, stews, gravies, etc.. Deep fried (after boiling or steaming), it can replace fried potatoes, with a distinctive flavor. Foufou is made from the starchy cassava-root flour. Tapioca (or fecula) is an essentially flavourless starchy ingredient produced from treated and dried cassava (manioc) root and used in cooking. It is similar to sago and is commonly used to make a milky pudding similar to rice pudding. Boba tapioca pearls are made from cassava root. It is also used in cereals for which several tribes in South America have used it extensively. It is also used in making cassava cake, a popular pastry. Cassava is used in making eba a popular food in Nigeria. It also soaked in cold water to make gari.
The juice of the bitter cassava, boiled to the consistency of thick syrup and flavored with spices, is called cassareep. It is used as a basis for various sauces and as a culinary flavoring, principally in tropical countries. It is exported chiefly from Guyana.
Frozen cassava leaves from the Philippines sold at a Los Angeles marketThe leaves can be pounded to a fine chaff and cooked as a palaver sauce in Sierra Leone, usually with palm oil but vegetable oil can also be used. Palaver sauces contain meat and fish as well. It is necessary to wash the leaf chaff several times to remove the bitterness.
You can Eat the petals, buds, or flowers directly from the field, or in a salad (the flowers have a clean, mild taste somewhat reminiscent of snow peas), or cooked into a soup or stew.4 Yucca flowers and fruits about to be made into a soupHarvest the fruits one to three weeks after the plants flower. Just reach up and pull or cut them off. Leave those that would require a ladder to the insects -- it's not worth the risk to life and limb to use a stepladder on desert sands. The longer you wait, the less bitter they will be, but if you wait too long the seeds will dry and become hard, and the seedpods will start to crack open. The photo shows flowers and fruits about to be made into a soup (there's some Anaheim pepper in the pot also). The cut fruits look a lot like okra, but actually have more of a consistency like potatoes when cooked.
http://www.wikihow.com/Eat-Yucca
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cassava
http://eatmoreherbs.com/zine/yuca.html

Other uses
Native American tribes in the southwestern United States and Northern Mexico found numerous uses for the yucca, dating back hundreds of years. Several tribes, including the Western Apaches on the Fort Apache Reservation in Arizona, use the plant today. The most common use seems to be for hygiene. Roots of the yucca baccata are pounded to remove extracts that are made into shampoo and soap. The Apaches also use yucca leaf fibers to make dental floss and rope. Historically, Western Apaches mixed ground juniper berries with yucca fruit to make a gravy. They also made a fermented drink from juniper berries and yucca fruit pounded to a pulp and soaked in water. Other Native American groups used yucca soap to treat dandruff and hair loss .

Native Americans also used yucca plants for a variety of other non-medical purposes, including making sandals, belts, cloth, baskets, cords, and mats. Such uses can still be found today among Hopi, Papago, and Ute Indians. The Zuni used a mixture of soap made from yucca sap and ground aster to wash newborn babies to stimulate hair growth. Navajos would tie a bunch of yucca fibers together and use it as a brush for cleaning metates.

The primary medical use of yucca is to treat arthritis and joint pain and inflammation. Native Americans used sap from the leaves in poultices or baths to treat skin lesions, sprains, inflammation, and bleeding. Constituents of the yucca are used today to treat people with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis . The plant's medical properties are found in saponins, precursors of cortisone, which prevent the release of toxins from the intestines that restrict normal cartilage formation. Saponins are produced naturally in the body by the adrenal glands. It is believed yucca works best for arthritis when taken over an extended period of time.
Yucca extract is used to treat a variety of other conditions, including migraine headaches, colitis, ulcers, wounds, gout, bursitis, hypertension (high blood pressure), and high LDL cholesterol (also called bad cholesterol). Liver, kidney, and gallbladder disorders are also treated with yucca extract.
A number of commercial uses for yucca extract have been found, including adding it to root beer, alcoholic beer, and cocktail mixers as a foaming agent. The bittersweet dark brown extract is also used as an additive in ice cream and other foods.
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_g2603/is_0007/ai_2603000747/

Yard Saling

I took all of the kids yard saling with my mom in law today. We were going on 3-4 hours of sleep so there was a little bit of drama from Emma but she did pretty good. Noah loves the morning and Isaiah likes going out so they were both happy.

For The Healing of Our Bodies

Several years ago I realized that almost every plant labeled "weed" is actually growing prolifically as a gift from God. These are the miraculous plants given to us for the healing of our bodies."Ezekiel 47:12
And on the banks, on both sides of the river, there will grow all kinds of trees for food. Their leaves will not wither, nor their fruit fail, but they will bear fresh fruit every month, because the water for them flows from the sanctuary. Their fruit will be for food, and their leaves for healing.”
These "weeds" are actually am untapped wealth of medicinal and nutritional resources!
Here are a few of my favorites that grow locally.
Cleavers, Stick Weed

Uses & Scientific Evidence For:
The dried or fresh herb is said to have anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, astringent, diaphoretic, stimulant, laxative and diuretic properties. It stimulates the lymphatic system and has shown to be beneficial in skin related problems. Cleavers has cooling properties as well. Cleavers makes an excellent facial wash as it tightens the loose and sagging skin caused by wrinkling. This plant works very well in treating eczema, psoriasis, seborrhea, acne, boils and abscesses, arthritis and gout. Cleavers is also useful in treating swollen lymph glands, or congested glands and congestion in the breasts. The cooling properties of Cleavers makes is useful in reducing fevers and resolving infections associated with skin eruptions such as measles and chickenpox. It also works in soothing tonsillitis, hepatitis, cystitis and arthritis. This herb stimulates liver function and improves digestion and absorption. Externally the fresh leaves can be applied to cuts and wounds, or to help stop bleeding and enhance healing. The leaves also soothe burns, sunburn, acne and other skin inflammations. Bathing in the juice of the plant works to soothe and heal varicose ulcers. In 1947, French researchers discovered and extract of Cleavers to be effective in lowering blood pressure, by thinning the blood.

Cleavers act as a purifying tonic that cleanses and rids the body of toxins in several ways. It is said to act on the lymphatic system and be effective in removing and draining poisons and trapped bacteria from the lymph glands and help relieve glandular fever, swollen or enlarged lymph glands, adenoids and tonsillitis. Furthermore; Cleavers acts as a diuretic and as such the herb promotes in increased urine flow and helps to rid the kidneys and bladder of gravel and stones, helps clear the urinary tract of various infections, alleviates prostate disorders and treats other acute and inflammatory urinary diseases.
http://www.herbalremedies.com/cleavers-information.html

Plantain

Plantain Medicinal Properties and Herbal Use
Plantain is edible and medicinal, the young leaves are edible raw in salad or cooked as a pot herb, they 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. Being used as a panacea (medicinal for everything) in some cultures, one American Indian name for the plant translates to "life medicine." And recent research indicates that this name may not be far from true! The chemical analysis of Plantgo Major reveals the remarkable glycoside Aucubin. Acubin has been reported in the Journal Of Toxicology as a powerful anti-toxin. There are many more highly effective constituents in this plant including Ascorbic-acid, Apigenin, Baicalein, Benzoic-acid, Chlorogenic-acid, Citric-acid, Ferulic-acid, Oleanolic-acid, Salicylic-acid, and Ursolic-acid. The leaves and the seed are medicinal used as an antibacterial, antidote, astringent, antiinflammatory, antiseptic, antitussive, cardiac, demulcent, diuretic, expectorant, haemostatic, laxative, ophthalmic, poultice, refrigerant, and vermifuge. Medical evidence exists to confirm uses as an alternative medicine for asthma, emphysema, bladder problems, bronchitis, fever, hypertension, rheumatism and blood sugar control. A decoction of the roots is used in the treatment of a wide range of complaints including diarrhoea, dysentery, gastritis, peptic ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, haemorrhage, haemorrhoids, cystitis, bronchitis, catarrh, sinusitis, coughs, asthma and hay fever. It also causes a natural aversion to tobacco and is currently being used in stop smoking preparations. Extracts of the plant have antibacterial activity, 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, malignant ulcers, cuts, stings and swellings and said to promote healing without scars. Poultice of hot leaves is bound onto cuts and wounds to draw out thorns, splinters and inflammation. The root is said to be used as an anti-venom for rattlesnakes bites. Plantain seeds contain up to 30% mucilage which swells in the gut, acting as a bulk laxative and soothing irritated membranes. The seeds are used in the treatment of parasitic worms. A distilled water made from the plant makes an excellent eye lotion.
http://www.altnature.com/gallery/plantain.htm
Dandelions

Dandelion Herbal use and Medicinal Properties
The whole plant is used as a medicinal herb internally and externally.
External Uses
The fresh juice of Dandelion is applied externally to fight bacteria and help heal wounds. The plant has an antibacterial action, inhibiting the growth of Staphococcus aureus, pneumococci, meningococci, Bacillus dysenteriae, B. typhi, C. diphtheriae, proteus. The latex contained in the plant sap can be used to remove corns and warts.

Internal Uses

Dandelion is also used for the treatment of the gall bladder, kidney and urinary disorders, gallstones, jaundice, cirrhosis, hypoglycemia, dyspepsia with constipation, edema associated with high blood pressure and heart weakness, chronic joint and skin complaints, gout, eczema and acne. As a tonic, Dandelion strengthens the kidneys. An infusion of the root encourages the steady elimination of toxins from the body. Dandelion is a powerful diuretic but does not deplete the body of potassium.
Research is revealing that the many constituents of Dandelion including Taraxacin, Taraxacoside, Inulin, Phenolic acids, Sesquiterpene lactones, Triterpenes, Coumarins, Catortenoids and Minerals, mainly Potassium and calcium, are very valuable in curing a number of disorders and illnesses. Dandelion is traditionally used as a tonic and blood purifier, for constipation, inflammatory skin conditions, joint pain, eczema and liver dysfunction, including liver conditions such as hepatitis and jaundice.
Other Uses
When placed in a paper bag with unripe fruit, the flowers and leaves of Dandelion release ethylene gas ripening the fruit quickly. A liquid plant food is made from the root and leaves. A dark red dye is obtained from Dandelion root. A cosmetic skin lotion made from the appendages at the base of the leaf blades distilled in water, is used to clear the skin and is effective in fading freckles.
http://www.altnature.com/gallery/Dandelion.htm

Stinging Nettle

The following is a concise reference of the ailments stinging nettle treats:

*Congestion
Coughs
Tuberculosis
Bronchitis
Lung congestion
Laryngitis
Consumption
*Joints/muscles
Arthritis
Rheumatism
Gout
Bursitis
Tendonitis
Loss of muscular power
Paralysis
*Allergies
Hay fever
Seasonal allergies
Asthma
Hives
*Neurological disorders
Sciatica
Neuralgia
MS
*Spring tonic
*Circulation
*Hair
Loss of
Restores color
Scalp Conditioner
Dandruff
*Stones
Gravel from bladder
Kidney stones
Increase urine output
*Internal bleeding
Excessive menstruation
Hemorrhoids
Ulcers
Lungs/stomach
Bleeding piles
Diarrhea/dysentery
*External bleeding
Nose bleeds
Other
*Skin complaints
Eczema
Acne
Insect bites
Chicken pox
*Urinary Tract Infection
Bladder infection
*Women’s complaints
Increase lactation
PMS
Menopause
Prenatal/eases labor
*Anemia/fatigue
*Burns and scalds
*Enlarged prostate
*Pelvic decongestant
*Parasites
*Goiter/scrofula
*Debility
*Blood purifier/builder
*Metabolic disorders
*Fever/cold
*Ague
*Lupus
*Bladder infections
*Lowers blood sugar
*Raises blood pressure
*Gingivitis
*Scurvy
*Celiac disease
*Weight loss
http://www.herballegacy.com/Vance_Medicinal.html
Use gloves to pick them and boil them for eating. They are delicious!

Common Cattail

Uses and Parts Used:
Root:
Pounded roots used as a poultice for burns and sores.
Seed down:
Fuzz from flowers also used to treat burns and sores and to prevent chafing in babies. Young flowers can be ingested for diarrhea.
Nutritious food:
The cattailís every part has uses. It's easy to harvest, very tasty, and highly nutritious. It was a major staple for the American Indians, who found it in such great supply, they didn't need to cultivate it. The settlers missed out when they ignored this great food and destroyed its habitats, instead of cultivating it.
http://www.wildmanstevebrill.com/Plants.Folder/Cattails.html

It's such a beautiful day!

I love this weather! I love my studly man, my sweet kids and the ability to enjoy them!

My 10 Favorite Books For The Christian Wife

Bible, by The Almighty God
Created To Be His Helpmeet, by Debbie Pearl
Youth Aflame, by Winky Pratney
The Five Love Languages, by Dr. Gary Chapman
To Train Up A Child, by Mike and Debbie Pearl
Little House On The Prairie, by Laura Ingalls
Humility, by Andrew Murrey
Intimate Friendship With God, by Joy Dawson
Etiquette, by Emily Post
Homekeeping Handbook, By Martha Stewart

Dr. Seuss quote

“I have heard there are troubles of more than one kind. Some come from ahead and some come from behind. But I've bought a big bat. I'm all ready you see. Now my troubles are going to have troubles with me!”

New Blog

I decided that with a new school year beginning it would be nice to have a blog devoted solely to that topic. Thus my new blog There's No Place Like Home.
As with anything worthwhile, homeschooling is an emotional and controversial subject. I'm sure that my opinions will upset some people but I am hoping that my blog will encourage and aid more people than it upsets.

Emmas 4th Birthday (and her self done due)

Time 4 Learning!

I’ve been invited to try Time4Learning for one month in exchange for a candid review. My opinion will be entirely my own, so be sure to come back and read about my experience. Time4Learning can be used as a homeschool curriculum, for afterschool enrichment and for summer skill sharpening. Find out how to write your own curriculum review for Time4Learning.

Had a really great birthday party for my Emma! Will post pictures soon.~

Rolling Hills Museum and Zoo