Category: Uncategorized

Author: Lorena Tran

Throughout history, willow has been commonly used as a pain reliever. Ancient Egyptians used extracts of willow leaves to treat nonspecific pains, while ancient Greeks used willow to lessen pains during childbirth[1]. Sumerians also used willow leaves to treat inflammatory and arthritic conditions. More recently, Native American tribes use willow to treat fevers, headaches, and arthritis[2].

In the 1900s, the active compound of willow, salicin, was modified to create aspirin. Because salicin is very similar to the active compound in aspirin, willow bark powder or extract could potentially be substituted for aspirin to relieve mild pain[3]. This notion has not been thoroughly studied, but researchers found that willow bark extract can treat lower back pains, joint pains associated with arthritis, fever, and general body aches[2, 3].

Sources:

[1] Desborough MJR, Keeling DM. The aspirin story – from willow to wonder drug. British Journal of Haematology. 2017 Jun;177(5):674-683.

[2] Montinari MR, Minelli S, De Caterina R. The first 3500 years of aspirin history from its roots – A concise summary. Vascular Pharmacology. 2019 Feb;113:1-8.

[3] Shara M, Stohs SJ. Efficacy and Safety of White Willow Bark (Salix alba) Extracts. Phytotherapy Research. 2015 Aug;29(8):1112-6.

Author: Lorena Tran

Chamomile tea, which is made from dried chamomile flowers, was first used as a calming drink by the ancient Egyptians, Romans, and Greeks. Since then, the plant has been used in native traditions around the world to induce calm. Chamomile has also been used to treat muscle spasms and fever. In the Middle Ages, Europeans used chamomile essential oil for this, while African folk remedies use the chamomile flower[1].

Research in modern times shows that chamomile’s calming properties have the potential to treat many conditions. Studies have found that chamomile reduces the physical and mental effects of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), a series of symptoms that commonly affect women during their periods. In particular, chamomile tea reduces stress and anxiety, as well as diminishing cramp-related pain[2]. In addition to PMS, studies suggest that chamomile could aid in treating mental health conditions. Chamomile extract capsules were found to decrease

symptoms of General Anxiety Disorder[3] and improve mood[4], suggesting that chamomile may have antidepressant properties.

Sources:

[1] Das M. Chamomile: Medicinal, Biochemical, and Agricultural Aspects. CRC Press, 2015.

[2] Khalesi ZB, Beiranvand SP, Bokaie M. Efficacy of Chamomile in the Treatment of Premenstrual Syndrome: A Systematic Review. Journal of Pharmacopuncture. 2019;22(4):204-209.

[3] Sarris J. Herbal medicines in the treatment of psychiatric disorders: 10-year updated review. Phytotherapy Research. 2018 Jul;32(7):1147-1162.

[4] Amsterdam JD, Li QS, Xie SX, Mao JJ. Putative Antidepressant Effect of Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) Oral Extract in Subjects with Comorbid Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Depression. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. 2020 Sep;26(9):813-819.

We have all had the familiar feeling of hearing shocking statistics and seeing unsettling photos of environmental destruction and feeling so small in the face of such an enormous issue. On this blog we have shown you how to make small and easy everyday changes to your life to create a greener lifestyle, but have you ever wondered how to be a part of environmental change that’s bigger than yourself? In this post I hope to show you some ways you can take legislative action by pressuring your policy makers to make changes for the betterment of our planet! 

The first piece of legislation I would like to bring to your attention is the Mississippi River Restoration and Resilience Act (MRRRI). The Mississippi river is a crucial piece of the Iowa ecosystem in more ways than many realize. The river not only serves a critical role for wildlife by serving as a habitat for over 780 species and as a migratory corridor for 60% of North American birds, but many are shocked to hear how ingrained it is in our society and economy. The Mississippi river provides drinking water to 20 million people in 50 cities. It is also the center of a $500-billion-per-year natural resource and recreation-based economy employing 1.5 million workers. 

The MRRRI Act plans to provide funds to increase climate resiliency and improve water quality by working with state governments, local governments, native tribes, and nonprofit organizations to reduce flood risk by restoring floodplains, riverine wetlands, delta and coastal wetlands and backwaters. This act will also improve drinking water and protect wildlife habitats by reducing polluted runoff in the river. MRRRI also aims to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species in the river system. It’s for all these reasons that the MRRRI is a great piece of legislation that you can support by telling our Iowa representatives that this is important to you with just a few clicks at this site!

Another great way to have your voice heard is calling on the Des Moines city council to vote yes for an all-electric incentive for new buildings. We all know the harmful effects of fossil fuels, from their production of greenhouse gasses destroying the ozone layer to their oil spills and explosions polluting waterways. This is why Des Moines has already made a commitment to reaching net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by the year 2050. If the Des Moines city council votes yet on this all-electric incentive, a new tax abatement structure would be put in place that reduces or eliminates the property taxes owners pay on new construction or major building rehabilitations for years. An all-electric requirement would mean that the building’s heating and cooking appliances would no longer be able to use natural gas to qualify for tax breaks in the future. This is another great way to get involved in pushing Iowa into a more sustainable future. Let the Des Moines city council know how you feel here!

This post would not be possible without the Iowa Environmental Council. Be sure to check out their website for more updates on legislation you should be aware of!  

Sources:

https://www.iaenvironment.org/get-involved/take-action

https://mccollum.house.gov/MRRRI

https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2021/11/18/des-moines-property-tax-abatement-all-electric

Images:

https://www.kevinkochdriftlessland.net/kevins-nature-blog/upper-mississippi-river-national-fish-wildlife-refuge-savanna-district

https://who13.com/news/metro-news/des-moines-makes-progress-in-24-7-carbon-free-electricity-goal/