Methylene Blue – A bolt from the Blue

Many of us who studied chemistry in school will remember the ubiquitous bottles of methylene blue — a dark blue, ink-like substance used in various reactions, tests, and as a staining agent. What might come as a surprise is that methylene blue was the first synthetic pharmaceutical ever created. It was first produced as a dye by a German chemist in 1876 and quickly found use as a medicine.

Initially used to treat methemoglobinemia (a blood disorder), methylene blue later became a treatment for conditions such as malaria, urinary tract infections, cyanide and carbon monoxide poisoning, septic shock, neurodegenerative disorders, and psychiatric conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Its historical use also contributed to the development of other widely-used antimalarials and antidepressants.

Modern research has focused on methylene blue’s ability to enhance mitochondrial function. Mitochondria, often called the powerhouses of cells, convert glucose and oxygen into energy. Dysfunction in these structures is thought to contribute significantly to degenerative and age-related diseases.

Because of this, methylene blue is being investigated for its potential in treating Alzheimer’s disease, as well as ischemic brain injury (such as stroke), traumatic brain injury, Parkinson’s disease, and other neuro-degenerative conditions. Its key mechanism appears to be enhancing mitochondrial efficiency, which improves energy production, blood flow, and cellular repair.

Additionally, methylene blue may boost levels of vital brain chemicals like dopamine and serotonin, which can elevate mood and support mental well-being.

As a powerful antioxidant and enhancer of energy metabolism, methylene blue could help combat age-related changes throughout the body, potentially helping us look younger and stay healthier longer.

Recent attention has also turned to its antimicrobial properties, with promising implications in the fight against COVID-19 and other bacterial and viral infections.

Caution: Methylene blue should not be used if you are taking antidepressant medications. It may stain the tongue and cause temporary discolouration of urine and stool.

Arnica – Sprains and bruises

The healing properties of Arnica are widely known and it has been used since the 11th century. Arnica Montana grows in the mountainous regions of central Europe, where shepherds reported that sheep and goats would eat Arnica after a fall.

Even the most severely injured animal would soon be back on their feet fully recovered. The shepherds themselves then tried Arnica Montana and, finding it helped to speed recovery from injuries they spread the word of its success, which has been confirmed by scientific research.

Arnica improves the local blood supply and accelerates healing ❤️‍🩹 taken internally or used topically.

Arnica is taken internally only as a homeopathic remedy, mainly after injury; sprains; bruising; after operations; visits to the dentist; childbirth.

Arnica cream or gel is best known as an effective treatment for sprains and bruises; aches and pains after physical pursuits such as cycling and gardening and for rheumatism and arthritis.

arnica gel

Arnica montana

Passiflora – Anxiety and stress

Stress is an increasingly common factor in modern day lives and impacts both physically and mentally causing sleeping and nerve problems, anxiety and irritability.

The need in these situations is for a mild but effective sedative that will not cause drowsiness or addiction even if taken long term. A number of herbs work effectively on the central nervous system but some like opium are not suitable for long-term use.

Passiflora has traditionally been used as sedative and to help with mild depression. Beauty is, it has no side effects or contra-indications and can safely be taken long-term alongside medication.

passiflora incarnata

Passiflora Incarnata – Passion Flower

History

The passion flower is well known to the natives of South American as a herbal remedy. The plant was also often used in Brazilian medicinal folklore. The passion flower was mentioned by a Spanish doctor, Monardes in Peru in 1569.

The passion flower began to be used as a herbal remedy in the second half of the last century. It is well known as a sedative.

The remedy’s cardio-tonic properties were recognised in France and in Switzerland. During the First World War passiflora was used as a nerve sedative to treat shell-shock.

Forty years later it was introduced to Europe as an ornamental plant, long before the passion flower was included in Europe’s treasury of medicinal plants. Botanists were fascinated by this climber’s inflorescence.

In his book De florum cultura, published in 1633! the Jesuit Ferrari saw in the various parts of the flower all of the instruments of the Passion of Christ:-

The three-lobed leaves represent the spear, the tendrils the scourge, the three styles the nails of the cross, the stigma represent the sponge steeped in vinegar, the corona at the centre of the blossoms resemble the Crown of Thorns, the ovaries on a stalk represent the chalice, the five stamens the five wounds and the stemmed androgynophore is the cup or according to other interpretations the post to which Christ was bound during the flagellation.

The Jesuits also gave the passion flower its Latin name passiflora incarnata, which is made up of the words passio or ‘suffering’ + flos + the ‘flower’ + incarnata which means ‘to make flesh’ re-incarnation respectively.

Habitat and Cultivation 

Over 400 species of the Passiflora family are to be found in primarily tropical habitat. The plant can sometimes be found growing wild. The main areas of cultivation are in India, Florida, Italy and Spain.

Botanists and plant lovers were responsible for the worldwide dissemination of the plant, so today species of the plant can be found in all tropical and subtropical parts of the world. Some species are less sensitive to cold weather and can survive European winters provided it is growing in a frost-free area.


Organic Passiflora incarnata is available at Remedies in-store in different applications, tincture drops, tablets, homeopathic pillules and oral sprays to relax.

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