I realize that this is a dated thread. However, the last comment leaves a negative impression about herbal medicines. I have hypertension and an inquisitive and scientific mind and checked out Eric's conclusion that hawthorn is mutagenic. The mutagenic testing in the cited research paper was done with quercetin at 98% minimum purity purchased from Sigma Chemical Co. This study did not look at the many glycosylated forms of quercetin that are very prevalent with hawthorn. There are many publications that explain that hawthorn extract has many medicinal components. One recent summary goes into great detail about hawthorn's 49 distinct flavonoid compounds 5 hydroxycinnamic acids; six sugars; 10 organic or phenolic acids; 26 terpenes; and 56 essential oil constituents. Nature's pharmacy is awe-inspiring! I researched mutagenic testing on the hawthorn extract that is prepared for dosing patients. Sadly, I cannot find published data on the Ames test for hawthorn extract by itself. There is an interesting study where hawthorn is used in combination with valerian and passion flower. This study concludes that there are no harmful effects caused by the herbal mixture. The paper states " this extract does not posess any genotoxic or mutagenicity effect: both the Ames test and the micronuclei test presented negative results". Also, searching Pubmed shows many publications where hawthorn is safe and effective over the long term. I have the impression that Eric _OH dismisses ethnobotanical knowledge is being out of date and primitive. I disagree. I think that many of our ancestors were wise healers and lived long and productive lives with the help of herbal medicines. A 2012 review in Phytochemistry explains that many Indian tribes in numerous First Nations used hawthorn. The Meskwaki, Blackfoot, Ojibwa, Potawatomi, Okanagon, Okanagan-Colville, Iroquois, and Cherokee all used the berries and/or various decoctions of the shoots, roots, and bark of different Crataegus species. The Cherokee and Thompson also used decoctions of the bark as a heart medicine. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), hawthorn fruits are primarily used to improve circulation, remove blood stasis, and treat indigestion, diarrhea, abdominal pain, hyperlipidemia, and hypertension. In Europe, the fruits, leaves, and flowers were traditionally used in the treatment of heart problems for their antispasmodic, cardiotonic, hypotensive, and antiatherosclerotic effects. In summary, it appears to me that hawthorn is a great choice for treating hypertension. I hope to share personal experience once I wean myself off of Metoprolol with the help of my physician.

Calpat, Somewhere in the distant past I remember hearing something about oatmeal in planting holes. I have no idea if oatmeal has any properties that would resist bugs or disease in plants. But, it is high in iron. Perhaps this might be the reason for using it. I will give it a try in potted plants to see what happens. It sounds as though we are going to need a Kitchen Cupboard Forum. Just think of all the products we organic gardeners pull off the kitchen shelf for garden use. Cornmeal, baking soda, hot pepper, garlic, vinegar, molassess, milk,....etc. All very effective treatments for garden problems. My DH is grumbling that I feed the garden better than the family!

Bev, I feel for you. My worst allergies are in Jan. and Feb. due to cedar. A few years ago, I had sinus tumors (due to allergies) and surgery (after 4 years of it), and I feel a whole lot better now. Didn't even know I had allergies before that because no allergens could get in. I was just exhausted all the time. Never knew I was hardly breathing, as it happened gradually. I'd be willing bet the neti pot helps. After the surgery I had to use Afrin, then follow with a saline rinse (the applicator was just like afrin), then a nasal steroid. Had to do this for several months until I was healed. But, I can see how using a neti pot as a precautionary measure could do some good (if you're brave enough). Zyrtec D, is what I take and for me it works better than Allegra. My mom likes Allegra over Zyrtec. I occasionally use a store bought saline, just to get some relief. Have you tried that yet? And don't you think it is strange that humidity makes it worse? Here it's usually rain that gets me going. The humidity doesn't seem to be having a big effect on me. You'd think rain/humidity would stick all the pollen or whatever down. I'm not allergic to mold, according to my allergist, so that can't be it. Hope you feel better soon! Oh, and I eat local honey and all that bit. Don't know if it helps but it tastes good!

natal ~ I slather the almond oil all over my body, including my feet (extra slathering there LOL). My flare-ups have slowed down considerably, the last one being about 1 month ago. This was probably a contact dermatitis flare-up because DH and I were at a party and the majority of people were smoking. I could feel my throat starting to close and my eyes starting to sting. I left the party early (feigned a headache) and the next day I had a full-blown attack. I had to go to the doctor and she said it definitely was triggered by the cigarette smoke...gads!...I can't believe how many people still smoke! But that's a whole 'nother thread. Either way, I had to go on steroids, which cleared it up pretty quickly. Other than that one incident, I really can't remember the last time I had an outbreak. I do know that the evening I got home from the party I took a shower right away and slathered almond oil on my body and face, which seemed to soothe my skin tremendously. I am convinced the almond oil has really helped my skin condition immensely.