Same species, different properties

[Guest guest]

I was going through some old CHA digests and wanted to point out a major

missing element in the idscussion of why the same plant may have different

properties: many herbs get there properties not only from their inherent

constituents, but also the mycorrhzia which grow upon them. Roots may be the

most

notable examples of this but it also applies to other plant parts. There is a

whole

other set of constituents produced by fungii and bacteria inside and outside

of plant surfaces.

 

Some plants only grow with mycorrhzial associations, which may be transferred

during planting. Others, particularly seed propagated, may be simply less

effective if they do not have a source of colonization of traditional bacteria

and fungii. (Good plant gu?) Seeds however often carry their symbionts with

them.

 

There are also endophytes - microorganisms that live inside of plant leaves

such as fungi and bacteria. Two good books on the phenomenon are " Endophytic

Fungi

in Grasses and Woody Plants " ISBN 0-89054-213-9 $47 and " Phyllosphere

Microbiology " which addresses the biology and chemistry of plant surfaces,

including interactions between epiphytes and host plants. ISBN 0-89-54-286-4

$69.

Actually little research has been done except in the field of plant pathology,

but the associations have good and bad effects.

 

I am reminded of Nicole Maxwell, whose Amazonian travels led her to cyperus

grasses that variously enhanced fertility, had contraceptive properties and

enhanced fertility after an initial period of contraceptive use All three

grasses were found to be botanically the same, but they grew in different places

with different soil types and probably different endophytic associations.

 

Fungii associated with herbs we use may not survive boiling (although some

kinds do) but their chemicals probably survive. Bacteria of course can

recombine with compounds from dead bacteria.

 

And Jim Duke has pointed out that some Chinese herbs are deliberately grown

on soils that are high in selenium, for instance, in a way that enhances their

nutrient properties. Those might work transplanted to the West, other factors

and endophytes being similar, but not in the East.

 

Bottom line is that there is much wisdom in the traditions of prefering

certain herbs from certain locations. But those locations will need pollution

and

overharvesting protection.

 

Karen S. Vaughan, L.Ac., MSTOM

Creation's Garden

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