gout

Shasta daisy is a member of the family Asteraceae ⁄ Compositae or Aster family of the genus Leucanthemum Mill. or daisy containing the species Leucanthemum ×superbum (Bergmans ex J.W. Ingram) Bergmans ex Kent. [maximum × lacustre] or daisy. The plant was cultivated in 1890 by Luther Burbank; by crossing a Japanese daisy with an American daisy he created the whitest flower in a garden that reflected moonlight and named it after the snow-capped mountain Mt. Shasta.

Shepherd’s Purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris), is a common weed in the Mustard family. It is not native to North America, but was introduced by Europeans and has since naturalized to all states in the U.S. and provinces in Canada. Shepherd’s Purse is common along trails, sidewalks and roads; in disturbed areas; in lawns; and as a volunteer in gardens.

Gaillardia is a member of the family Asteraceae ⁄ Compositae or Aster family of the genus Gaillardia Foug. or blanketflower containing the species Gaillardia ×grandiflora Van Houtte [aristata × pulchella] or blanketflower.  The plant is native to the western hemisphere and is one of more than two hundred plants documented by the Lewis and Clark expedition.

Pineapple is a member of the family Bromeliaceae or Bromeliad family of the genus Ananas Mill, also known as pineapple P, containing the species Ananas comosus (L.) Merr. or pineapple P.  The plant is native to Brazil where it is known as ananas, the Brazilian Tupi Indian word meaning "excellent fruit"—this term is used throughout the world.

Colchicum belongs to the family Liliaceae or Lily family of the genus Colchicum L. or colchicum P that contains two species. Colchicum autumnale is also known as autumn crocus or meadow saffron. It is an early fall blooming perennial and is used in areas where summer flowers are fading.

The pear is a member of the family Rosaceae, or rose family. The genus contains four species and is native to the area of the Caucasus. The Aryan tribes introduced the pear to other parts of Europe and Northern India. There are more than 1000 varieties of pears existing today and they are rich in nutrients. Cultivating and grafting of the plant was developed in Greece in approximately 300 B.C.E.

Gout is a form of arthritis that is caused when too much uric acid crystallizes and makes deposits in the joints. Gout causes swelling, redness, tenderness, and severe pain in joints. The attacks often spring about rather suddenly and occur more often at night than in the day compared to arthritis or Rheumatoid Arthritis, which eases into aches and pains throughout the day.

The first time I encountered the stinging nettle, I was unaware. I met its dark green leaves at a friend’s house (a friend who has a definite imp on her shoulder) and she asked me to touch them. Unsuspectingly and whole-heartedly I did, to a hand that felt it had just been stung by a million different bugs. Admittedly, it’s not very painful, but it does leave you with a buzzy feeling of ants walking down your veins. However, the rather prickly exterior of this plant hides many benefits within.