This seemingly innocent looking vine has earned many descriptive names, most of them not good. It's known as the arch nemesis of the cycling world and of pleasant dog walks. It's caused many flat tires and unhappy homeowners. Yet the medicinal value of this plant can hardly be overlooked.
It's amazing resilience has earned it a place under the heading of "noxious weed" for most states. The seeds can lay dormant in the soil for up to 20 years, all it needs are the right conditions to bring it to life. And the method of spreading its seeds is how it has earned its evil reputation. Those petite yellow flowers turn into a fruit hated by all, a small sticker, that impales itself into everything. The plant grows prostrate, flat on the ground, up to six feet long. Most people therefore don't hesitate to walk across it. But the stickers will stick into anything and go along for the ride. Then the sticker breaks open and the seeds that are carried along are spread to wait for the next good rain. Once established it is very difficult to eradicate and survives in drought and flood, sand and gravel, cold and heat. It's an extreme plant but has been found to have some interesting medicinal properties.
The Goat Head plant works primarily on the circulatory system. It has been found to be effective in treating hardening of the arteries, by bringing cholesterol down and lowering blood pressure. It has been shown to be helpful for mild heart disease by strengthening the heartbeat and slowing it. And as the crowning glory for this thorny wonder, it's attributed to be an aphrodisiac! It's been said to be nature's Viagra, due to the increase in blood flow it produces. If this is an old wives' tale or not, it does have some basis in scientific fact. So, although most people hate it, don't disregard it as a nasty, obnoxious weed. It does have some redeeming qualities.
Update on Expedition to the Amazon-
My fundraising site is up and running on Indie Gogo as "Community Connection" until February 12. I believe my vision of this being a community project will be held by many in my community and online also. The wisdom of the indigenous people of the Amazon is a connection that we all can share. I can't do this without you!!
http://www.indiegogo.com/Herbs-for-a-Hospital?a=373480
It's amazing resilience has earned it a place under the heading of "noxious weed" for most states. The seeds can lay dormant in the soil for up to 20 years, all it needs are the right conditions to bring it to life. And the method of spreading its seeds is how it has earned its evil reputation. Those petite yellow flowers turn into a fruit hated by all, a small sticker, that impales itself into everything. The plant grows prostrate, flat on the ground, up to six feet long. Most people therefore don't hesitate to walk across it. But the stickers will stick into anything and go along for the ride. Then the sticker breaks open and the seeds that are carried along are spread to wait for the next good rain. Once established it is very difficult to eradicate and survives in drought and flood, sand and gravel, cold and heat. It's an extreme plant but has been found to have some interesting medicinal properties.
The Goat Head plant works primarily on the circulatory system. It has been found to be effective in treating hardening of the arteries, by bringing cholesterol down and lowering blood pressure. It has been shown to be helpful for mild heart disease by strengthening the heartbeat and slowing it. And as the crowning glory for this thorny wonder, it's attributed to be an aphrodisiac! It's been said to be nature's Viagra, due to the increase in blood flow it produces. If this is an old wives' tale or not, it does have some basis in scientific fact. So, although most people hate it, don't disregard it as a nasty, obnoxious weed. It does have some redeeming qualities.
Update on Expedition to the Amazon-
My fundraising site is up and running on Indie Gogo as "Community Connection" until February 12. I believe my vision of this being a community project will be held by many in my community and online also. The wisdom of the indigenous people of the Amazon is a connection that we all can share. I can't do this without you!!
http://www.indiegogo.com/Herbs-for-a-Hospital?a=373480
I live in Twentynine Palms, California, a few miles from Joshua Tree National Park. I discovered a Goat Head plant growing in my backyard and was puzzled by the lack of thorns and flowers. Today I saw a Desert Iguana on the plant. Apparently the lizards eat the flowers, preventing stickers from growing. I like these lizards even more now>
ReplyDelete