‘What Will We Do If We Don’t Experiment On Animals?’

By Dr. Ray and Jean Greek.

In this book there are examples of pharmaceutical drugs,

which have been deemed safe for human use after extensive animal testing,

but which were later found to cause serious side effects in humans:

Amrinone: For treating heart failure [...]]]> THINK YOUR ‘DRUG’ IS SAFE?

‘What Will We Do If We Don’t Experiment On Animals?’

By Dr. Ray and Jean Greek.

In this book there are examples of pharmaceutical drugs,

which have been deemed safe for human use after extensive animal testing,

but which were later found to cause serious side effects in humans:

Amrinone: For treating heart failure led to 20% of patients developing thrombocytopenia (lack of  blood clotting), despite a comprehensive program of animal studies. Some patients died.
Chloramphenicol: Antibiotic caused life-threatening anemia in humans. The tiny amount  consumed from ingesting a hamburger made from a treated cow will cause death in some people, unless they get bone marrow transplant.
Clioquinol: Anti-diarrhea- passed tests in rats, cats, dogs and rabbits was pulled off the shelves in 1982 after it caused blindness and paralysis in humans.
Diethylstilbestrol: Synthetic estrogen- designed to prevent miscarriage, but did just the opposite by in-creasing the rate of spontaneous abortions, premature births & neonatal deaths. No human trials were done.
Eraldin: Heart drug- withdrawn in 1975 after causing serious side effects in an estimated 7,000 victims, 23 of whom died. It had been tested for 6 years in mice, rats, dogs and monkeys.
Floxin: This antibiotic progressed through animal testing, only to cause seizures when used by humans.
Isuprel: Used to treat asthma- proved devastatingly toxic to humans in the amounts recommended based on animal studies. In Great Britain alone, 3,500 asthmatics died from using the medication.
Manoplax: Heart drug- had been tested on rats, mice, rabbits, cats and guinea-pigs, was withdrawn worldwide in 1993 after analysis of patients showed that those taking it were at increased risk of  death.
Methysergide: Treatment for migraine led to severe scarring of  heart, kidneys and blood vessels in the abdomen, although scientists have been unable to reproduce these effects in animals.
Opren: Treatment for rheumatism/arthritis killed 61 people and caused 3,500 adverse reactions. Withdrawn in 1982, the drug had been tested on monkeys for nine years with no adverse side effects.
Phenylpropanolamine (PPA): In cold remedies, banned in US after it was linked to causing 500 strokes.
Primacor: Given when heart isn’t pumping enough, worked in rats, but increased deaths in humans 30 %.
Ritodrine: Prescribed to avert premature labor, induced pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs).
Suprofen: Arthritis drug withdrawn from market when patients suffered kidney toxicity. Prior to its release, researchers said: “Excellent safety profile. No cardiac, kidney, central nervous system side effects.”
Tamoxifen: Used to treat breast- cancer has been implicated in uterine cancer, blood clots, memory loss, absence of periods, and eye damage such as cataracts.
Zomax: Arthritis drug killed 14 people and caused many more to suffer adverse side effects.

Is it any wonder that our Medical system is the leading cause of death/injury?

It never ceases to amaze me how many people are addicted to legal drugs. They come to me and say, “I want to get off these drugs! I want to go natural.”  Some people I’ve known are taking 12 different drugs a day! They started with one [...]]]> How many prescription ‘DRUGS’  are you taking?

It never ceases to amaze me how many people are addicted to legal drugs. They come to me and say, “I want to get off these drugs! I want to go natural.”  Some people I’ve known are taking 12 different drugs a day! They started with one problem- took a drug for it. In a few years they had ‘other symptoms’, for which they took another drug. And so on and so forth, for year after year, until now their kidneys are shutting down, their lungs are compromised, they’re weak and their color isn’t good. They can’t sleep at night, they get indigestion, headaches, muscle aches- the list goes on and on.  And then they ‘develop’ another condition, which of course is caused by the original drug they took in the first place. I can trace all of these symptoms back to the drugs they take. And God only knows what reaction the ‘mix of drugs’ is having on each other! Do drugs mix? Does anybody know? And then I read ‘warnings’ from the medical community, such as-  “Don’t take such and such an herb, because it might create adverse side-effects with such and such drug.” Yes, it might, but what about all the DRUGS? Does anybody care?  There are ‘at least’ 106,000 deaths a year from non-error, adverse effects of drugs.

(- B. Starfield, MD, Johns Hopkins University)^.

And these are only the ones that are reported!

If you make a decision to ‘go natural’, you must first of all, wean yourself off the drugs (my opinion). Find a medical doctor to assist you, when you’re ready. This is no easy task- the longer you’ve been on the drugs, the longer and harder it will be to detox off them. With some people, I honestly believe that it might be too late-  too much damage has already been caused by the drugs.  Most drugs will cause the same condition (that you took them for) to get worse + more! They, of course, interfere with the body’s innate wisdom and the healing process.

ASK GRANNY EARTH

Some useful information on natural products that can help with chronic sinusitis:

1.  APPLE CIDER VINEGAR (ACV)-  is made into cider from the juice of apples.  When this cider is exposed to air for a few weeks, it ferments into alcohol.  This is called hard cider.  Once the hard cider ferments (again) [...]]]>

ASK GRANNY EARTH

Some useful information on natural products that can help with chronic sinusitis:

1.  APPLE CIDER VINEGAR (ACV)-  is made into cider from the juice of apples.  When this cider is exposed to air for a few weeks, it ferments into alcohol.  This is called hard cider.  Once the hard cider ferments (again) into acetic acid, it then becomes vinegar.  The process is known as acetous fermentation.  Vinegar contains many enzymes, minerals, and vitamins such as:  potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, chlorine, phosphorus, iron, silicon, many trace minerals, bioflavoniods (vitamin P), beta-carotene, vitamin C, E, B1, B2 and B6, tannins, malic acid, tartaric acid, propionic acid, acetic acid, pectin (fiber), and amino acids.  ACV has the reputation of improving metabolism, inhibiting growth of unfriendly bacteria in the digestive tract, being a tonic to help with arthritis, high blood pressure, cholesterol, colds, constipation, diabetes, indigestion, sore throats and general well being, plus weight loss.   It promotes blood circulation and fights infection.  When using medicinally, purchase only organic, unfiltered, unpasteurized, naturally fermented ACV.  You can identify it by the sediment on the bottom of the bottle called-  “mother of vinegar”.   Recommended dose is 2 tsp. in a glass of water 3 times a day.  A useful book on organic vinegar is:  Apple Cider Vinegar:  Miracle Health System, by Paul C. Bragg, N.D., Ph.D.

2.  VITAMIN- C (Ascorbic Acid):  An important function of vitamin C is in the formation/ maintenance of collagen, the basis of connective tissue, which is found in skin, ligaments, cartilage, vertebral discs, joint linings, capillary walls, bones and teeth.   Vitamin C is an antioxidant vitamin and also protects the fat-soluble vitamins A and E as well as some of the B vitamins.  It acts as a detoxifier to reduce heavy metals in the body, and is also an immune stimulator.  Individual needs for Vitamin C may differ, but Linus Pauling recommended between 2,500 and 10,000 mg. per day in divided doses.

3.  VITAMIN B complex- The B vitamins are water-soluble, thus they are needed daily to support their many functions.  The B vitamins are the catalytic spark plugs of the body; they function as coenzymes to catalyze many biochemical reactions including the conversion of carbohydrates into glucose and the metabolizing of fat and protein.  The B complex vitamins are also important for normal functioning of the nervous system, bringing relaxation or energy to individuals who are stressed or fatigued.  During World War II they were referred to as ‘the moral vitamins’.   B vitamins are not stored by the body, and diet soda, sugar, coffee and alcohol deplete them from the system, so they need to be taken daily.

4.  NIACINAMID (B-3)- Niacin (as nicotinic acid) is a vital precursor for the coenzymes that supply energy to body cells.  It stimulates circulation, reduces cholesterol levels in the blood and is necessary for proper brain function.  Niacin is also needed for the synthesis of the sex hormones and corticosteroids.  Taking 50-100 mg. per day is a good insurance level.  For treatment of specific conditions up to 2-3 grams per day are not uncommon.  The other B vitamins should also be supplied so as not to create an imbalanced metabolic condition.

5.  ECHINACEA ROOT (Echinacea augustifolium): Used for infections and to purify the blood and lymph.  Echinacea increases the white blood count and T lymphocyte activity to clear away wastes and infection from the system.

6.  OREGANO OIL- (Origanum vulgare):  Has powerful bacteria and fungi killing properties as well as being a painkiller and anti-inflammatory.  Oregano oil contains carvacrol and thymol (phenols), which are the fungicidal and worm-expelling properties.  Cass Ingrm, D.O., author of,  The Cure is in the Cupboard, says “oil of oregano destroys all varieties of fungi/yeasts, regardless of where they  hide”.

7.  GINGER- (Gingiber officinalis): Traditionally known for aiding digestion, removing accumulations and settling the stomach, Ginger also stimulates immunity, reduces infection and helps with colds, coughs and influenza.

8. FENNEL SEED- (Foeniculum vulgare):  Has the multiple uses of increasing urination, aiding the digestive process, promoting expectoration (by opening the chest to resolve phlegm and wheezing) and stimulating the immune system.  To make an infusion, drop one teaspoon of the seeds into 1½ cups of boiling water.  Turn the heat down, and simmer (covered w/lid) for 10 –15 min.  Strain and drink with a little honey, after or between meals.  Fennel has a pleasing Licorice taste to it.

Ask Granny Earth

I’m not sure about taking herbs for diseases or serious conditions.  Can you give me a reason a person should switch to herbs instead of prescription or over the counter drugs?  And what’s the big deal about tinctures and tonics?

First let me say- ‘I am not against modern medicine; it has saved [...]]]>

Ask Granny Earth

I’m not sure about taking herbs for diseases or serious conditions.  Can you give me a reason a person should switch to herbs instead of prescription or over the counter drugs?  And what’s the big deal about tinctures and tonics?

First let me say- ‘I am not against modern medicine; it has saved many lives.’ I am against the abuse of drugs, whether legal or illegal, and of treating ‘symptoms’ of conditions, rather than treating the underlying cause. It has been the experience of many people, that drugs cause side-effects, while herbs heal the condition that is causing the problem in the first place. It never ceases to amaze me how folks take prescription, or over the counter drugs without learning or caring about the side-effects.

To address your first question: Why Herbs? The main benefits of taking herbs include:

1.  Herbs cleanse and purify the body of harmful toxins without causing side effects.

2.  Herbs regulate and tone the organs, and body systems to achieve normal functions.

3.  Herbs provide energy needed for the body to create a healing environment within itself.

4.  Herbs act to stimulate the body’s immune system, promoting its ability to fight infection and rid itself of toxins.

Herbal healing is not new. Natural remedies were the main treatment for illness and disease in this country up until 100 years ago when (history tells us) the American Medical Association (AMA) dictated their demise.

Approximately 50% of the drugs used today are derived from a plant source, or contain a chemical imitation of a plant compound (Aspirin is a chemical imitation of ‘Salicin’ from the bark of the White Willow Tree. Digitalis, a heart medicine, was originally discovered as a component of Digitalis purpurea, better known as Foxglove). Prior to WW 11, herbal medications were listed side-by-side with chemical drugs in the U.S. Pharmacopia, the official listing of accepted medicines in this country.

The use of herbs, for the treatment of diseases, dates back to ancient Egypt. The Papyrus Ebers, an ancient Egyptian text written in 1500 BC, contains references to more than 700 herbal remedies. The Chinese have practiced herbal medicine for 5000 years. They are specifically noted for their knowledge and use of Ginseng and Ginkgo, to name a few. They believe that the regular use of herbs prolong life. Hypocrites (ancient Greece- “the Father of Medicine”), was the first man to practice medicine as an art. He believed and taught that in nature there was strength to cure disease using herbs and diet as the basis of treatment. The medical inheritance of ancient Egypt passed first to Greece, and then to Rome. The Roman Empire used herbal remedies extensively. For example: Mandrake (May Apple) herb was used as an anesthetic.

Present day herbalists believe in natural healing, and seek to help people build good health using Nature’s plants. Herbs are considered to be food as well as medicine, because they are pure nutrition. When herbs are ingested, the body begins cleansing, regulating, and purifying itself. Unlike chemically concentrated drugs that produce side effects, herbs realign the body’s defenses enabling it to heal itself without any toxic side effects. Most herbs do not produce instant miracle cures, but rather offer a way to put the body in tune with its own natural healing wisdom.

What’s the big deal about Tinctures?  A tincture is a liquid extract, usually made with alcohol and water using a ratio of 1:4. They are alternative to capsules, they are concentrated, and work well for immediate absorption into the system. They can also be made using vinegar and/or glycerin. It is important to let the herbs soak in the liquid ‘menstrum’ during the new to full moon phase and to shake at least once daily. I believe in Tinctures, because you can make them yourself, you can combine certain herbs for specific conditions, they compliment each others actions, they enter your system immediately, and they last indefinitely.

Tonics (definition): any substance that balances the biochemical and physiological events that comprise body systems. Balance means health or wellness. Illness is a departure from the optimum state, or imbalance. A substance that helps to maintain an optimum state, or that moves a system back toward the optimum state is a tonic. The optimal state is one of balance of all processes underlying a body system or function.

Tonics are ‘bi-directional’, that is they are capable of both increasing and decreasing the activity of body processes, according to the body’s wisdom for what it needs to heal. In other words, a Tonic works synergistically with the body, giving it what it needs to heal itself. A tonic can be made using one (tonic) herb for a specific purpose, or several to get a more balanced combination. I usually use between 5 – 10 herbs in a Tonic, depending on the desired effect I’m striving to achieve.

ASK GRANNY EARTH

I am plagued with headaches quite often. They are usually in the front of my head and most often between my eyes. Do you have any idea what might be causing them, or what herbs would help to take the pain away?

The cause of your headaches could be anyone of [...]]]>

Headaches

ASK GRANNY EARTH

I am plagued with headaches quite often. They are usually in the front of my head and most often between my eyes. Do you have any idea what might be causing them, or what herbs would help to take the pain away?

The cause of your headaches could be anyone of numerous conditions. But remember, you body is always trying to communicate to you via pain. Try to listen to what your body is telling you. If you are not used to doing this, here’s a hint: Drink a cup of relaxing tea, such as Chamomile and lie down in a quiet, familiar place. Take deep breaths in through your nostrils (expanding your abdomen) and exhale out through your mouth. Do this slowly at least 5 times and then ask your body what it is trying to tell you. Learning to listen to your body’s wisdom may take you some time, patience and practice, but keep at it: it does have a message for you.

One of the most common causes of headaches is:
Stress and Tension. These are rather abstract words, which we have gotten so used to hearing that we assume we know their meaning, but really don’t. They have to do with the mind, body, and emotions. Look for ways that you might allow yourself to be put under pressure (stress) either at work or in your personal life. Look for times when you stuff your feelings, rather than being assertive, confronting, or honest about how and what you’re feeling. Many times we perceive simple or normal situations in ways that cause us fear or anger, because of unresolved psychological issues from the past.

In this case our perception is tainted by past experiences. Our perception of life’s events is what causes us stress and tension. Just think of the words STRESS, PRESSURE and TENSION. They all can be used to describe our emotions or they can be used to describe physical (or mechanical, as in structural steel) situations. There is a relationship here. Emotional stress, pressure and tension can cause physical problems, i.e., pain.

Some other causes could be digestive disorders, spinal misalignment, exposure to chemicals, or allergies. Finding the exact cause and treatment for these will take some investigation on your part. But, don’t give up- there’s a reason for your headache. Migraine headache is different than what we consider to be ‘ordinary’ headaches. Mosby’s Medical Dictionary defines migraine as “a recurring vascular headache characterized by severe pain, visual disturbances, nausea, chills, and extreme fatigue.” The standard and accepted herbal remedy for migraine is Feverfew taken at the first sign of an impending attack. If Feverfew cannot be taken immediately and the migraine is in full force, then make a tea of Skullcap and/or Rosemary. Drink at least 4 or 5 cups a day.

For all other headaches- you might want to try any one (or a combination) of the following herbs in the form of a tea: Lavender, Linden flower, Vervain, Peppermint, Chamomile, Elder flower, Marjoram, Thyme, Valerian, and Passion Flower.

A friend was visiting me the other day and she complained of a really bad headache. I opened a jar of Lavender flowers and told her to smell and inhale deeply several times. This began to ease her pain. I then made her a pot of tea with the following herbs: Feverfew, Linden and Mint. She added some honey and drank one cup full in a matter of about 5 minutes. She had a surprised look on her face. I said “Well?” She commented that it tasted good. I said, “WHAT ABOUT YOUR HEADACHE?” To which she replied, “Oh yeah, it’s gone!” Ain’t life grand?

Lavender (Lavandula officinalis)- Effective in treating stress headaches, Lavender is also antidepressant and strengthens the nervous system.
Peppermint (Mentha peperita)- Relaxes the muscles of the digestive system, thereby relieving gas and colic. Peppermint is also a nervine and is used to treat anxiety.
Linden Flower (Tilia Americana)- Valuable in the treatment of nervous tension, Linden is used to treat some forms of migraine. It can also prevent the development of arteriosclerosis and hypertension.

Don’t be too up-tight about making herbal teas. Put some water in a pan (glass or enamel), bring it to a boil and add the cut-up herbs (fresh or dried). Turn the heat to low and simmer for 5 – 15 minutes. Strain, add honey and drink. If you need measurements, try this: about 2 or 3 cups of water and a pinch or two or three of each herb.

Sorry, but that’s about as specific as I can be. Lighten up, let yourself just enjoy!

Ask Granny Earth

What’s all the commotion and hoopla I’m hearing lately about these Hawthorn berries? Is the Hawthorn tree what we mountain folks call “Thorn Tree”?

Well, to answer your second question, first: Yes, Hawthorn Tree (Crataegus oxyacantha) is one in the same that’s known in these parts as Thorn Tree. [...]]]>

Hawthorn Berry

Ask Granny Earth

What’s all the commotion and hoopla I’m hearing lately about these Hawthorn berries? Is the Hawthorn tree what we mountain folks call “Thorn Tree”?

Well, to answer your second question, first: Yes, Hawthorn Tree (Crataegus oxyacantha) is one in the same that’s known in these parts as Thorn Tree.

For those of you who have never seen the Hawthorn Tree, it’s not very big, usually only about 10-20 feet tall and its gray branches are endowed with long, hard and pointy “thorns”. It is my understanding that the Indians used these thorns as needles to stitch their animal skin clothes and tee pees.

Once you see and identify the Hawthorn, you’ll not likely forget it. It blooms in late spring with white blossoms, which turn into berries in the fall of the year. It is these red berries, which are so highly prized among the experienced herbalist.

This year, in these parts, the Hawthorn berries were not as plentiful as they usually are. My naturalist friend Wess (we call him Yule Gibbons) from up Markleysburg way, says this is because there was a late spring frost that damaged most of the blossoms. I did go over to my friend Jo Ann’s farm last Tuesday (Oct. 16th), and managed to pick enough for a small batch of syrup. However, ideally one should start picking around the beginning of October, as they fall to the ground by the second week. After they’ve fallen, its just too hard to pick them off the ground, as then you have to search for them under the leaves. It’s a very tedious job, of course. But, if one needs them medicinally, it would be worth doing.

So what’s all the hoopla about Hawthorn berries? It has been used as a valuable medicinal herb since the Middle Ages. Today, Western herbalists consider it literally to be a “food for the heart”, because it increases blood flow to the heart muscles and restores normal heartbeat. Much research has been done confirming this and more. The bioflavonoids in Hawthorn are strongly antioxidant, helping to prevent/reduce degeneration of the blood vessels. It is also used to treat angina and coronary artery disease. This herb is a valuable remedy for high blood pressure or low blood pressure. It’s action is to work with the body’s innate wisdom to regulate and restore the blood pressure to normal. And there’s more!

Combined with Ginkgo, Hawthorn enhances poor memory. It works by improving the circulation of blood within the head, thereby increasing the amount of oxygen to the brain. Hawthorn berry has a long and reputable history for treating heart disease with no adverse side effects.

So you see, for anyone suffering from heart or circulatory problems Hawthorn berry is a must. If you want more in-dept information and research documentation check out: www.hawthornberry.com. The owner is a local man from Hopwood, near Uniontown. He healed himself of a bad heart condition ten years ago using Hawthorn berries and has been propounding its miracles ever since.

Once again Mother Nature has come to the rescue with her wonderful, healing plants!

‘Growing Old’

The following story was written by an anonymous college student; in memory of “Rose”.

The first day of school our professor introduced himself and challenged us to get to know someone we didn’t already know. I stood up to look [...]]]> “We do not stop playing because we are old- we grow old because we stop playing.”

‘Growing Old’

The following story was written by an anonymous college student; in memory of “Rose”.

The first day of school our professor introduced himself and challenged us to get to know someone we didn’t already know. I stood up to look around, when a gentle hand touched my shoulder. I turned around to find a wrinkled little old lady beaming up at me with a smile that lit up her entire being. She said, “Hi handsome. My name is Rose. I’m eighty- seven years old. Can I give you a hug?” I laughed and enthusiastically responded, “Of course you may!” She gave me a giant squeeze. “Why are you in college at such a young, innocent age?”, I asked. She jokingly replied, “I’m here to meet a rich husband, get married, have a couple of children and then retire and travel.” “No, seriously,” I asked. I was curious what may have motivated her to be taking on this challenge at her age.

“I always dreamed of having a college education and now I’m getting one!” she told me. After class we walked to the student union building and shared a chocolate milkshake. We became instant friends. Every day for the next three months we would leave class together and talk non-stop. I was always mesmerized listening to this “time machine” as she shared her wisdom and experience with me. Over the course of the year, Rose became a campus icon and made friends wherever she went. She loved to dress up and reveled in the attention bestowed upon her from the other students. She was really living it up.

At the end of the semester we invited Rose to speak at our football banquet. I’ll never forget what she taught us. She was introduced and stepped up to the podium. As she began to deliver her prepared speech, she dropped all of her 3 x 5 note cards. Frustrated and a little embarrassed, she leaned into the microphone and simply said, “I’m sorry, I’m so jittery. I gave up beer for Lent and this whiskey is killing me! I’ll never get my speech back in order, so let me just tell you what I know.” As we laughed, she cleared her throat and began: “We do not stop playing because we are old- we grow old because we stop playing. There are only four secrets to staying young, being happy and achieving success:

• You have to laugh and find humor every day.
• You’ve got to have a dream.
• You must always find the opportunity to change.
• Have no regrets.

“When you lose your dreams, you die. We have so many people waling around who are dead and don’t even know it! There is a huge difference between growing older and growing up. If you are nineteen years old and lie in bed for one full year and don’t do one productive thing, you will turn twenty years old. If I am eighty-seven years old and stay in bed for a year and never do anything, I will turn eighty-eight. Anybody can grow older. That doesn’t take any talent or ability. The idea is to grow up by always finding the opportunity in change. As far as regrets; the elderly rarely have regrets for the things that we did, but rather for things we did not do. The only people who fear death are those with regrets.”

Rose concluded her speech by courageously singing “The Rose”. She challenged each of us to study the lyrics. At the years end, Rose finished the college degree she had begun all those years ago. One week after graduation, rose died peacefully in her sleep. Over two thousand college students attended her funeral in tribute to the wonderful woman who taught by example that it’s never too late to be all you can possibly be.

These words have been passed along in loving memory of ROSE;
‘Remember, growing older is mandatory, growing up is optional.’

~ Ladybug, ladybug, fly away home, Your house is on fire and your children will burn. ~

I remember hearing somewhere that our Pennsylvania winters are good for killing off some of the insects that would normally survive, flourish and multiply next spring- like those Ladybugs! Turns out that ladybugs go into a dormant state in the fall, [...]]]> LADYBUGS

~ Ladybug, ladybug,
fly away home,
Your house is on fire
and your children will burn. ~

I remember hearing somewhere that our Pennsylvania winters are good for killing off some of the insects that would normally survive, flourish and multiply next spring- like those Ladybugs! Turns out that ladybugs go into a dormant state in the fall, called ‘diapause’. These clever little creatures, sensing that winter is coming, gather into little ladybug groups and look for the warmest, most protected place to hideout in until spring. Many of them find their way into our homes and while they do seem harmless enough, they’ve been known to bite. Its not because they’re aggressive- they’re just seeking out moisture and their bite doesn’t seem to be harmful. They do however exude a yellow-orange body fluid when they sense danger, which is actually their ‘blood’. This defense mechanism is called ‘reflex bleeding’. It has a foul odor and can permanently stain walls and carpeting.

Whether or not they bed-down in our homes or outside in a shed or hollow log, the ladybug family slowly begins their ‘diapause’ state. This is where their oxygen levels go down and their muscles and reproductive organs atrophy (just what I needed to know!). They synthesize glycerol in their cells, which keeps them from freezing during this dormant stage of their life. Glycerol is what’s in the antifreeze we put in our cars. Pretty clever, aren’t they? The freezing point of glycerol is so low that their cells don’t freeze and in the spring they reconstruct them from stored fat. (Dr. James Lashomb, professor of entomology (study of insects), Rutgers University.)

There are over 450 species of ladybugs and they’re beneficial because they eat other bugs that we don’t want, such as aphids. That pesky species that plagues us in the fall and is beginning to ‘come alive’ now (the one that’s more orange/brown than red ), is the Asian Lady Beetle (Hippodamia covergins), imported into this area from the Orient, by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. During the 1970’s and early 1980’s tens of thousands of these Asian lady beetles were intentionally released by USDA’s Agricultural Research Service in an effort to control insect pests that injure trees. The Pecan industry has indeed benefited from this invasion, as the lady beetles have nearly eliminated the injurious pecan aphids. They also have made a favorable impact on fruit orchards, Christmas tree, ornamentals, small grains and many other agricultural crops as well. This program was eventually discontinued, because studies showed that the lady beetle was not surviving in the U.S.(Ohio State University). You could’ve fooled me!

While they can be a nuisance in our homes, you might be interested to know that they don’t carry disease, they don’t eat wood, or human food; they only eat aphids and other soft-bodied insects.
If you want to keep these little critters out of your home, here are some tips;

1. Seal all cracks around windows, doors, siding, utility pipes and other openings.
2. Use weather stripping or silicone caulk for small cracks and foam, or fiberglass for larger openings.
3. Install tight-fitting door sweeps, or thresholds at all exterior entry doors.
4. Around garage doors, install a rubber seal rather than vinyl, which seals poorly in cold weather.
5. Install insect screening over attic and exhaust vents- replace damaged window screens.

In case a few do get in, the best way to deal with them is by vacuuming them into your shopvac. Insert a knee-high nylon stocking into the extension hose and secure it in place with a rubber band. As soon as the vacuum cleaner is turned off, remove the stocking so that they can’t escape. As you remove it, the rubber band closes around the stocking, which you can then discard.
Or…how about letting the Lady Bugs go back outside- to eat more aphids?
– Granny Earth, N.D.