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waverider
76 Posts |
 Posted - 02/13/2011 : 09:03:59
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| Cause, You're right it's hard to identify PS from photos. But once you grow some of your own from the Australian seeds, you'll be able to recognize it in the wild with no problem from then on. It will probably be jumping out at you all over the place in the UK because I know it grows very prolifically there. Just not during the summer. |
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Brigid
68 Posts |
Posted - 02/13/2011 : 12:40:23
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Hi Cause,
I've read that Petty Spurge was used as a Victorian garden border. I can see why. The leaves are delicate, shaped like little tear drops, with a nodding habit from the main stems. They're a bright, yellowy spring green, and when the light falls on them, they're really beautiful.
They're hard to get started, just make sure to keep the soil damp but not soggy. Beautanicals recommends the soil being 1/3 perlite or vermiculite to aerate it, 1/3 sand and 1/3 potting soil. My hardiest plant however was in just potting soil. I propped my tiny seedlings up with tooth picks and forked twigs, and still half died. I started them in a very hot summer and realized I had to keep an air conditioner on to keep them alive. I have two unheated rooms here in New England, and they're thriving at those temps. As others have said, once they get to be about 2 inches (5 cm) tall, you can feed them a dilute plant food. Just be careful that the leaves don't get too big for their little stems from the food: they can flop over and die from that. Some of us have had about a 50% success rate, so plant more than you'll need, and don't worry if some die off. Beautanicals suggested starting them in an eastern or somewhat less-bright window and switching them when they're a couple of inches to a brighter window (but no direct southern sun). I think others haven't done that and have been fine, and of course it depends on your situation.
Good luck!
quote:
Originally posted by waverider
Cause, You're right it's hard to identify PS from photos. But once you grow some of your own from the Australian seeds, you'll be able to recognize it in the wild with no problem from then on. It will probably be jumping out at you all over the place in the UK because I know it grows very prolifically there. Just not during the summer.
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cause
4 Posts |
Posted - 02/13/2011 : 14:54:04
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Thanks Waverider and Brigid, I have no doubt that I've been trampling over this plant for years but never knew its merits.
I'm in Devon England and its very fertile with prolific wild strawberries and garlic growing along the roadsides, but to my shame many of the 'weeds' in my garden I would struggle to name.
I do try to identify some but many could be confused with similar ones (which is why I don't pick wild mushrooms), so the correct route will be the seeds.
Thanks for the growing info. If I can get at least one going strong I'll head for the hills to find others. |
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ruby
13 Posts |
Posted - 03/05/2011 : 01:54:48
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I am wondering how long the plants need to grow before they produce sap? I planted my Petty Spurge seeds in October and they are now about 4-5" tall (got the seeds from Beautanicals). But I just crushed some leaves and don't see any sap yet.
How long might I have to wait for that?
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Alexis Fecteau
12 Posts |
Posted - 03/05/2011 : 11:32:29
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quote:
Originally posted by ruby
I am wondering how long the plants need to grow before they produce sap? I planted my Petty Spurge seeds in October and they are now about 4-5" tall (got the seeds from Beautanicals). But I just crushed some leaves and don't see any sap yet.
How long might I have to wait for that?
Hi,
My experience was that I waited til they were about 8" tall, that being said, as long as there are plenty of leaves, I would say at least 60-80 leaves. The way to get the sap is to pluck a leaf off with tweezers. A very small amount of sap will come from the stem, usually - and unfortunately - the most sap comes from the part of the stem that remains on the plant. Just use the tweezers to get that sap and apply.
You only need a very very small amount, the amount that comes out will be enough, just spread it around.
Does that help? Your plants, if grown indoors and not misted a couple times a day may be taking much longer to grow.
Alexis Fecteau |
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SheilaInAus
7 Posts |
Posted - 03/09/2011 : 21:04:55
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Hi All, I've been reading this thread for a week now. I found it after researching another Euphorbia (The Australian Blushwood tree Hylandia dockrillii from North Queensland) that has an extract being trialed in animals to dissolve skin and solid cancer tumours. It will soon be released to vets in Australia. Phase 1 human trials on skin cancers begin later this year. Tumours are injected with the drug and melt away in a few days to two weeks. Unfortunately there is no indication it acts systemically as a cure so for those with metastasis it will perhaps prolong life if tumours are accessible by injection.
I have a lot of links but don't know how to post them so I'll try to type one or two.
http://www.cairns.com.au/article/2011/01/20/145405_local-news.html
On the qbiotics media site go down to the video from "Sunday Night, channel 7" to see this used on dogs, cats and a horse. Brilliant!
http://www.qbiotics.com/?gclid=CIuykNL_nqICFQcYewodnxa8yA#/media/
I have started using PS on an AK on my leg but after 2 days there is no reaction. I normally have lots of PS in my garden but I sprayed the courtyard area a few weeks ago as it was getting overrun with weeds and grass. I'm confused why people say it is a cold climate plant as it is summer here and I have some under the edge of the house and a few weeks ago we had over 40C/105f for over a week. Also the areas where it grows are sheltered from rain so very dry. It seems to like growing next to buildings and among rocks and paving.
I've put some seed trays under some plants hoping to spread it round more. I have looked at many photo's online and it is definitely PS. It has the distinctive seed pods and flowers.
I have a USB microscope and am taking 10x and 60x pics of the skin although nothing is happening yet. |
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Alexis Fecteau
12 Posts |
Posted - 03/12/2011 : 20:59:45
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Hi Sheilainaus
If you're having no reaction either on the suspect area or redness of the surrounding skin, and if the plants are growing in an area that is clearly inhospitable to Euphorbia Peplus, I would presume you are not using the correct petty spurge (Euphorbia Peplus) and suggest you order the known seeds from Beautanicals or another reputable shop.
There are over a hundred types of petty spurge/milkweed, and some look nearly the same as the correct one.
I've never heard of anyone not even getting a reaction of the surrounding skin, especially after 2 days. That is normally enough time to nearly eradicate a good sized bcc.
Good luck
Alexis Fecteau |
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SheilaInAus
7 Posts |
Posted - 03/12/2011 : 23:43:41
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Hi Alexis, I did get redness where I accidentally got some next to the spot. Also I had burning of the tongue and lips after chewing my nails even though I had washed my hands well. I must remember to use tweezers as I'm risking rubbing my eyes and doing damage. I'm aware of Beautanicals and will use them if this doesn't work. I know that legs take longer to react and I'm thinking of trying it on my elbow too but I'm not sure if I can keep using the same few plants as I know they can lose their potency.
Sheila in Australia 3:43pm |
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Alexis Fecteau
12 Posts |
Posted - 03/13/2011 : 01:58:39
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Hard to guarantee that you have the correct sap/plant regardless of the possible effects you've had.
I would recommend simply removing that variable from the equation and ensure the correct seeds from the start, then logically proceed from there. I also suggest that when you grow the plant from seed, you allow it to grow 50-60 leaves minimum before harvesting sap, shouldn't take more than 6-8 weeks.
Alexis Fecteau |
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SheilaInAus
7 Posts |
Posted - 03/13/2011 : 10:05:27
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Thanks for your concern. As I have been out or it's been raining heavily for two days I haven't reapplied the sap. I checked some Australian sites and it does grow year round here. In fact Beautanicals is in a much hotter area in Queensland than where I live south of Sydney, with mild winters there compared to colder ones here. I find it interesting that the Queensland variety from Beautanicals needs cool weather overseas. Very strange. If I can get a photo tomorrow I might try to post it as it's so easily recognisable. If there's anything similar I'd love to see a photo or description that distinguishes between the two. Anyway I only have mild AK's and possibly a tiny BCC on my nose which I want identified before I touch it so there's no urgency.
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Brigid
68 Posts |
Posted - 03/13/2011 : 17:08:31
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Hi Sheila,
This is fantastic about the Hylandia. I love it when people post about clinical trial of plants that we can grow ourselves. Thank you!! You might also try posting it on some other part of this large website. A little poking around will give you an idea where.
Please keep us updated on new developments with these trials.
quote:
Originally posted by SheilaInAus
Hi All, I've been reading this thread for a week now. I found it after researching another Euphorbia (The Australian Blushwood tree Hylandia dockrillii from North Queensland) that has an extract being trialed in animals to dissolve skin and solid cancer tumours. It will soon be released to vets in Australia. Phase 1 human trials on skin cancers begin later this year. Tumours are injected with the drug and melt away in a few days to two weeks. Unfortunately there is no indication it acts systemically as a cure so for those with metastasis it will perhaps prolong life if tumours are accessible by injection.
I have a lot of links but don't know how to post them so I'll try to type one or two.
http://www.cairns.com.au/article/2011/01/20/145405_local-news.html
On the qbiotics media site go down to the video from "Sunday Night, channel 7" to see this used on dogs, cats and a horse. Brilliant!
http://www.qbiotics.com/?gclid=CIuykNL_nqICFQcYewodnxa8yA#/media/
I have started using PS on an AK on my leg but after 2 days there is no reaction. I normally have lots of PS in my garden but I sprayed the courtyard area a few weeks ago as it was getting overrun with weeds and grass. I'm confused why people say it is a cold climate plant as it is summer here and I have some under the edge of the house and a few weeks ago we had over 40C/105f for over a week. Also the areas where it grows are sheltered from rain so very dry. It seems to like growing next to buildings and among rocks and paving.
I've put some seed trays under some plants hoping to spread it round more. I have looked at many photo's online and it is definitely PS. It has the distinctive seed pods and flowers.
I have a USB microscope and am taking 10x and 60x pics of the skin although nothing is happening yet.
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SheilaInAus
7 Posts |
Posted - 03/13/2011 : 22:21:17
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Hi Brigid,
There is a thread about the Blushwood tree which I added to a few topics under this. Unfortunately it probably won't be a home remedy as they are using just one molecule out of the seed and the tree only grows in a tropical or sub-tropical climate so far. It grows easily from a cutting and takes a couple of years to produce fruit. I doubt it would be allowed to be grown overseas in case it turns into a pest, though if anyone finds out how to extract and use the active ingredient I suspect it will find it's way overseas.
Injecting it into tumours presents all sorts of problems too. Like finding the tumour and sterilizing the extract. I guess if my life was at stake and there was no other viable option I might try anything. |
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ruby
13 Posts |
Posted - 03/16/2011 : 18:50:45
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I did my first time treatment of 2 spots with Petty Spurge - 1x a day, 3 days in a row. I noticed within an hour or two after applying the sap that I felt unusually tired, especially in my eye area. I also felt a heaviness in my forehead.
I treated one spot on my face near my ear lobe and one on my arm and was very careful not to get the sap anywhere near my eye. Also washed my hands a couple times after touching the plant (but never had the sap on my fingers). Each day of treatment I felt this. Its atypical for me, and I wondered why I so tired. I thought it could be the Petty Spurge.
Today I started a second round after the scabs came off to see if there would be any more basal cell left to treat, and again, I felt the tiredness and a 'drawn' feeling around my eyes and forehead. Definitely I attribute it now to the Petty Spurge.
Its good to note it, as it might be something to be cautious about.
quote]Originally posted by annieh
quote:
A post by Kanga re
Euphorbia Peplus - Systemic and or side effects?
reads in part:
> Also do any users report any other possible side affects of the treatment, as it appears from my observation that substances from the sap can enter the bloodstream and could therefore cause other systemic side effects?
> In particular has any user noted any psychological effects such as acute anxiety, mood alteration, or depression when using the treatment? I appreciate that any such observations may make a very tenuous connection with the treatment, but not a lot is known about the effects of this "drug".
Kanga, after using petty spurge a lot in the past few months, I can say for sure that for me, during the days of using it, I feel very tired.
Perhaps the tiredness is due to all my body's efforts going into my immune system that is working overtime to work on the skin cancers that have been "highlighted" by the petty spurge.
Because of the fatigue I feel when using it, I only use petty spurge for three days at a time, max, and then have some rest days before continuing the treatment. (I learned to do this from reading these forums).
I also wonder if the way I feel is due to other substances in the petty spurge plant, that my body is reacting to as if to a toxin; OR I wonder if it is the variation in sap quality from one plant to another, or the time of day it is picked making the sap stronger/weaker ...
[/quote] |
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Alexis Fecteau
12 Posts |
Posted - 03/16/2011 : 18:55:18
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Those are interesting side effects, tell me, how did the sap work on the suspected BCCs?
Alexis Fecteau |
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ruby
13 Posts |
Posted - 03/17/2011 : 01:14:35
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I had good results topically. The 2 BCC spots (which had been biopsied 6 months earlier) went through the stages many describe here, and ended up with a scab, which then fell off.
Just in case there is more left behind, I'm re-treating them. |
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Alexis Fecteau
12 Posts |
Posted - 03/17/2011 : 04:05:13
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Excellent, glad it is working. I plan to grow more plants shortly and retreat where I had Moh's surgery to make sure all the cancer cells are gone.
Alexis Fecteau |
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SheilaInAus
7 Posts |
Posted - 03/18/2011 : 06:52:13
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I have had some reaction to PS on my elbow but the one on the knee seems to be the same. My elbow AK has become red and inflamed and a little itchy. I've also started to use it on the many small AK's an my left hand.
My main problem is getting enough of the sap as my plants are small. I've received seeds in the post and tomorrow I will plant some in pots where I can have more control of their environment. I guess it will be a couple of months till they are big enough to use.
To save on postage I also bought purple carrot seeds from Beautanicals as their medicinal properties are more powerful than the regular orange variety.
http://www.purple-carrots.com/ |
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Alexis Fecteau
12 Posts |
Posted - 03/24/2011 : 19:42:21
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Hi Marie, Here is my response to the email again. I'll repost here to make sure you received it:
Hi Marie,
Yes it will scab up and if it's a small spot, only putting sap on it for 3 days or so, 2x a day or so will take care of it. It will scab up if the spot contains any cancer or pre-cancerous cells as far as I understand it, and it appears to also find cells nearby that may be suspect.
Make sure you have the correct plant though, I suggest getting it from that Beautanicals place to ensure you have the absolutely correct Euphorbia Peplus as there are a number of similar plants in both name and appearance.
I think its only $3-4 plus shipping for 30 seeds if I remember correctly. Will take about 6 weeks to germinate them and grow them to reasonable size, depending of course on how much you'll need.
Good Luck
Alexis Fecteau |
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Grace
5 Posts |
Posted - 04/30/2011 : 19:34:48
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Hello everyone, I have been reading here for a while and finally decided to join and post. I ordered the PS seeds and am trying desperately to get them to sprout here in hot FL. Trying indoors.
Would anyone be able to give advice for dealing with family members who are pounding you with "you have to trust the doctors" stuff? It is so difficult to get them to stop nagging - especially my scientist son. I have a supportive husband thank heavens.
Also, why is it that this is believed to NOT work on melanomas? Any ideas? |
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Brigid
68 Posts |
Posted - 05/01/2011 : 00:08:43
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quote:
Originally posted by SheilaInAus
I have had some reaction to PS on my elbow but the one on the knee seems to be the same. My elbow AK has become red and inflamed and a little itchy. I've also started to use it on the many small AK's an my left hand.
My main problem is getting enough of the sap as my plants are small. I've received seeds in the post and tomorrow I will plant some in pots where I can have more control of their environment. I guess it will be a couple of months till they are big enough to use.
To save on postage I also bought purple carrot seeds from Beautanicals as their medicinal properties are more powerful than the regular orange variety.
http://www.purple-carrots.com/
I've been reading about purple carrots, too. Orange carrots are so twentieth century,has the kids say. Seriously, they sound great for anyone with sc. Thanks for the post!
You only need to cut a leaf off a stem to get a drop of white sap. You don't have to cut a branch. (I thought you did.) But if you have to wait a couple of months for new plants, don't worry. These spots for the most part grow slowly. Some people have posted here that spots on the legs take longer to get a reaction.
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anivoc
668 Posts |
Posted - 05/01/2011 : 00:13:06
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quote:
Originally posted by Grace
Hello everyone, I have been reading here for a while and finally decided to join and post. I ordered the PS seeds and am trying desperately to get them to sprout here in hot FL. Trying indoors.
Would anyone be able to give advice for dealing with family members who are pounding you with "you have to trust the doctors" stuff? It is so difficult to get them to stop nagging - especially my scientist son. I have a supportive husband thank heavens.
Also, why is it that this is believed to NOT work on melanomas? Any ideas?
Welcome Grace..
First melanoma..
Unlike Basal cell, and Actenic keratosis AK Melanoma is deadly serious .. There are reports of people who claim to have beaten a melanoma with bloodroot paste but unfortunately Melanoma is just much more aggressive so resorting back to traditional methods is probably the best course of action.
Squamous can be deadly but much less than melanoma.
In regards to friends and family worrying about self treating it is tough.
The proof of the pudding is right here on this BBS. Next time someone gives you a hard time, if they are really concerned tell them to come here and spend a few hours reading the post. If they are willing to invest that much time and come away still skeptical then agree to at least see a doctor and get their opinion. Your scientist son may find that he can be of help here.
I have gone both ways, traditional and alternative and it's six of one half dozen of another results. Both have eradicated lesions and in both cases I have had re-occurrences.. no guarantees either way but I feel I ma better off treating these on my own at this juncture.
Good Luck! |
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waverider
76 Posts |
Posted - 05/01/2011 : 18:53:25
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Hi Grace,
If you haven't planted all your seeds yet you might want to germinate some of them indoors first. After I got bad results with my first crop (only three sprouted, I think) I used the method described on this page:
http://www.robsplants.com/seed/baggy.php
I did not find it necessary to put the bags in the refrigerator, just keep them inside at room temp was enough. Now I have no trouble getting PS to grow and have probably 90+% success with the Australian seeds by germinating them indoors. There are other germination methods described elsewhere that are variations on this same theme.
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Grace
5 Posts |
Posted - 05/02/2011 : 08:35:57
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Woot! Happy dance! Jumping up and down! Spinning in circles! Uncontrollable happiness! Yippee! Yahoo! High five!!!!
MY SEEDS SPROUTED!!!!!! |
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Grace
5 Posts |
Posted - 05/02/2011 : 08:39:18
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| Note: Planted in a clay pot that is enamel coated on the outside, Miracle Gro potting mix, on the wet side of damp, 3 days outside in FL 90 degree heat, moved indoors to kitchen counter (no sun), SPROUTED day 2 of inside!, moved to bedside table East facing morning sun but still in A/C so cool. |
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Trout19
1 Posts |
Posted - 05/02/2011 : 09:10:26
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First time poster, but I've been following PS for a while. After Mohs surgery several years ago(BC came back after that ordeal) I was looking for an alternative. I ordered my seeds in February and got started. I live in south Texas, so this environment is not the greatest for growing PS. It's taken several months for my little plants to be servicable, but I finally got a chance to treat a spot on my forehead that was confirmed BC... I treated using SoFlo's method - went 4 days.... and now everything looks much better. There is still a little redness, but all signs of the cancer are gone. I'll work on the nose next.
I found that my plants grew very slowly down here. Even in April, the night time lows are often in the 70s. I started putting my plants in the fridge at night, then moving them to a low-light/non-direct light during the day. I think they still may get too hot, as a few have died, but some are fighting through. The fridge did seem to help a lot.
Thank you for all the info on this board. Right now this seems like a miracle cure. Just a little discomfort and wearing some band-aides for a week or so and the BC is gone. I've got several more to treat, but yea! so far...
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Irene
18 Posts |
Posted - 05/02/2011 : 11:17:00
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Latest batch I am growing: I just threw a bunch of seeds in a 6" diameter pot with indoor potting soil and watered well. Put them near the window with a northern exposure (it's the only window I have that provides enough light). Now 6 weeks later they are 6 - 8 inches tall.
I think they like to grow in larger pots rather than in small containers and in clumps/bunches (supporting each other) rather than alone, and they like to stay fairly wet. In other words, don't let them dry out between waterings, don't make them sit in too much sun (although I had several volunteer plants last year that looked quite happy outside, in the spaces between patio stones in the full sun.)
I've got plenty of seeds for those who need them.
Irene
Image Insert:
81.04 KB |
Edited by - Irene on 05/03/2011 17:46:44 |
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Grace
5 Posts |
Posted - 05/02/2011 : 18:36:50
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Just a note on my condition. Two spots on chest, one BCC, one SCC confirmed by biopsy. Suspicious mole on back - impossible to reach so thank heavens for hubby. A lot of spots suspicious to me - I think a BCC on side of nose. Can't wait to start treating but gotta wait for my babies to grow. I hope it doesn't take 3 months but it looks like that is about the time frame.
Currently using hemp oil ointment - will see how that goes. Itches when put on a known spot, no reaction at all to a healthy one and takes a LONG time to work.
Darn that "awesome tan" from my 20's!  |
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Alexis Fecteau
12 Posts |
Posted - 05/02/2011 : 19:19:59
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For those growing the spurge, I would recommend misting them every day if indoors, or just putting outside at night. I did a control experiment with one plant indoors and one out and the outdoor one did substantially better and grew much larger. The only difference was that I moved one of them outdoors 3 days sooner, it stayed stronger, grew larger, and flourished. All did well after putting them outside, but the one that went out first was by far the largest and healthiest.
Alexis Fecteau |
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Brigid
68 Posts |
Posted - 05/03/2011 : 23:29:51
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This is PS for giants, judging by the leaves, Irene! LOL I've got at least 10 babies growing in one pot from where the seeds dropped, all pointed in the same direction. 3 that also planted themselves in another pot and a couple that dropped down from the mother plants in the old pots. The plant neonate ward. For anyone growing them for the first time, about 1/2 of mine survived, so plant more than you need. And yes, they really like cool weather, the outdoors, or if indoors in summer heat, an air conditioner.
I started round 4 of treating my face today. One cut leaf yielded a HUGE amount of sap today, and the stinging began for real after 1/2 an hour. (Usually takes much longer.) Maybe b/c the areas from round 3 are still pretty tender and pink. Talking and smiling are challenging for now, but that passes. Fingers crossed.
Treated my leg about 3 weeks ago, 5 consecutive days. Probably a bcc, but it wasn't biopsied. It's still very red with one small darker red spot within the larger red area. Does anyone know what that means?
quote:
Originally posted by Irene
Latest batch I am growing: I just threw a bunch of seeds in a 6" diameter pot with indoor potting soil and watered well. Put them near the window with a northern exposure (it's the only window I have that provides enough light). Now 6 weeks later they are 6 - 8 inches tall.
I think they like to grow in larger pots rather than in small containers and in clumps/bunches (supporting each other) rather than alone, and they like to stay fairly wet. In other words, don't let them dry out between waterings, don't make them sit in too much sun (although I had several volunteer plants last year that looked quite happy outside, in the spaces between patio stones in the full sun.)
I've got plenty of seeds for those who need them.
Irene
Image Insert:
81.04 KB
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Grace
5 Posts |
Posted - 05/05/2011 : 20:28:49
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Thanks for the awesome picture of your PS Irene! I hope mine gets that big! It's about the same size pot and I am misting as recommended on this thread. Only been a few days since I first saw the sprouts and they are about 3" high so far.
Drumming fingers on desk waiting, waiting....lol. |
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Irene
18 Posts |
Posted - 05/05/2011 : 20:42:10
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Just for the record Grace, I never mist my Petty Spurge plants.
Just lots of light and good air circulation and not much direct sunlight on them.
I do add a little liquid fertilizer for house plants now and again.
Irene
quote:
Originally posted by Grace
Thanks for the awesome picture of your PS Irene! I hope mine gets that big! It's about the same size pot and I am misting as recommended on this thread. Only been a few days since I first saw the sprouts and they are about 3" high so far.
Drumming fingers on desk waiting, waiting....lol.
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Edited by - Irene on 05/05/2011 20:47:38 |
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ruby
13 Posts |
Posted - 05/08/2011 : 10:38:34
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I did a second round with the petty spurge and there was more to treat.
Because I'm finding I'm sensitive to the tiny drop of sap, I'm diluting it now so that I don't have as much of a reaction.
By the way, If there's anyone in the Northern AZ or Las Vegas area ( 2 hours away) who needs Petty Spurge to use right away, I have a couple extra plants that I can pass along. |
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Brigid
68 Posts |
Posted - 05/08/2011 : 14:21:20
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I can relate to treating an increasingly large area. I've thought about diluting the sap, too. I'd read that it's stronger in spring, and this seems true for one of my plants. (Some cut leaves are yielding a drop the size of 4 normal drops.) I've resisted the urge to dilute the sap, since some previous posters have said not to, but it may work for you. Would you post to the listserv a month after you've finished your treatment and let us know how the diluted sap worked? (Although, I'm pretty sure we shouldn't generalize from one person's experience to another, since there are different kinds of BCCs, and we all have different immune systems, diets, etc.) Still, if it works for you, I'd really like to know: with so many areas to treat, I'd love to dilute the sap.
Happy Mother's Day to all.
quote:
Originally posted by ruby
I did a second round with the petty spurge and there was more to treat.
Because I'm finding I'm sensitive to the tiny drop of sap, I'm diluting it now so that I don't have as much of a reaction.
By the way, If there's anyone in the Northern AZ or Las Vegas area ( 2 hours away) who needs Petty Spurge to use right away, I have a couple extra plants that I can pass along.
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SoFl
79 Posts |
Posted - 05/13/2011 : 08:38:47
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quote:
Originally posted by Brigid
This is PS for giants, judging by the leaves, Irene! LOL I've got at least 10 babies growing in one pot from where the seeds dropped, all pointed in the same direction. 3 that also planted themselves in another pot and a couple that dropped down from the mother plants in the old pots. The plant neonate ward. For anyone growing them for the first time, about 1/2 of mine survived, so plant more than you need. And yes, they really like cool weather, the outdoors, or if indoors in summer heat, an air conditioner.
I started round 4 of treating my face today. One cut leaf yielded a HUGE amount of sap today, and the stinging began for real after 1/2 an hour. (Usually takes much longer.) Maybe b/c the areas from round 3 are still pretty tender and pink. Talking and smiling are challenging for now, but that passes. Fingers crossed.
Treated my leg about 3 weeks ago, 5 consecutive days. Probably a bcc, but it wasn't biopsied. It's still very red with one small darker red spot within the larger red area. Does anyone know what that means?
quote:
Originally posted by Irene
Latest batch I am growing: I just threw a bunch of seeds in a 6" diameter pot with indoor potting soil and watered well. Put them near the window with a northern exposure (it's the only window I have that provides enough light). Now 6 weeks later they are 6 - 8 inches tall.
I think they like to grow in larger pots rather than in small containers and in clumps/bunches (supporting each other) rather than alone, and they like to stay fairly wet. In other words, don't let them dry out between waterings, don't make them sit in too much sun (although I had several volunteer plants last year that looked quite happy outside, in the spaces between patio stones in the full sun.)
I've got plenty of seeds for those who need them.
Irene
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This is a great looking plant. Do you mind describing the type of soil, and any amendments or fertilizers you used?
Also, regarding diluting the sap, I have found that on most of the things I've treated on myself (well over 30 successful treatments to date now) I definitely don't want to dilute the sap. The only problem whatsoever I've had with this treatment is that a couple of spots required re treatment. After I started treating a little more thoroughly however, I haven't needed to re treat.
I have found PS to be extremely predictable. The only thing about it for me is that is has different levels of activity on different parts of the body. My legs are the least sensitive to it, for example.
Anyway, I use the sap full strength always now. There is a variability in the strength due to individual plants and time of harvest as well. I haven't totally pinned that down. The good news for people having difficulty growing them is that I have found that plants which have had to struggle tend to have the most potent sap.
A big healthy leafy plant like the one in your pic will make a lot of sap, but maybe not quite as strong as one struggling to survive.
Also, they always die so you have to use it or lose it.
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SoFl
79 Posts |
Posted - 05/13/2011 : 08:45:03
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quote:
Originally posted by Grace
Thanks for the awesome picture of your PS Irene! I hope mine gets that big! It's about the same size pot and I am misting as recommended on this thread. Only been a few days since I first saw the sprouts and they are about 3" high so far.
Drumming fingers on desk waiting, waiting....lol.
The problem you are going to have in south florida is getting them past that 3 inch high stage. There is something about cold weather which jumps them over that dwarf stage and into full blown maturity.
The only time I have been able to do that in south florida is starting them in nov, dec, jan (dec best), and leaving them outdoors on cold nights.
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SoFl
79 Posts |
Posted - 05/13/2011 : 08:54:01
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quote:
Originally posted by ruby
I am wondering how long the plants need to grow before they produce sap? I planted my Petty Spurge seeds in October and they are now about 4-5" tall (got the seeds from Beautanicals). But I just crushed some leaves and don't see any sap yet.
How long might I have to wait for that?
please read earlier in the forum. Leaf crushing is not the way to go. If you take a pair of sharp scissors (the sharper the better) and snip off one leaf at it's stem, one drop of sap will come out of the stem. That's what you want. I quickly hold out a flat blade stainless dental tool and let the drop of sap fall onto that. Sometimes after a few more seconds you'll get a little bit more. |
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Grace2Go
64 Posts |
Posted - 05/13/2011 : 13:13:10
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quote:
Originally posted by SoFl
quote:
Originally posted by Grace
Thanks for the awesome picture of your PS Irene! I hope mine gets that big! It's about the same size pot and I am misting as recommended on this thread. Only been a few days since I first saw the sprouts and they are about 3" high so far.
Drumming fingers on desk waiting, waiting....lol.
The problem you are going to have in south florida is getting them past that 3 inch high stage. There is something about cold weather which jumps them over that dwarf stage and into full blown maturity.
The only time I have been able to do that in south florida is starting them in nov, dec, jan (dec best), and leaving them outdoors on cold nights.
I live in the south and have had no luck growing the PS plants past about 3". I've thought about trying them indoors near an AC vent, but I don't think they'd get enough light. We have dark screens on the windows, which is great for helping keep the heat out in summer, but not good for letting enough in for plants. Not just the PS plants, but any plants requiring much sunlight.
In retrospect, I suppose it's just as well that the PS plants haven't worked out for me, since my BCC has spread up very close to my eye.
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ruby
13 Posts |
Posted - 05/13/2011 : 13:55:19
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I will have to delay my testing since I will be away from my home for at least a month.
But on my next trial, I will report back.
I feel very cautious now about using full strength sap because I feel the effects in my eyes. I don't know how the sap is circulating in my system- if it gets in the bloodstream, but I feel an irritation in my eyes from full strength sap when I put a small drop on my arm.
Since we are all experimenting with this, for myself alone, I have decided I need to be careful.
On my last round of treatment, always getting the tiredness and some feeling of pricking irritation in my eyes, I also got a silent migraine, which was a disturbance in my visual field (I discovered what this was when I looked up the symptoms). I've never had this before in my life, so I didn't know if it was brought on by the petty spurge, but it was rather coincidental.
As much as I want to just push through with the regular treatment, I feel its better to err on the side of caution for myself. |
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Brigid
68 Posts |
Posted - 05/13/2011 : 15:06:56
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SoFl,
Your advice welcome. You recommend bandaging with crushed leaves in water--right after applying full-strength sap or when sap has dried? Location just over upper lip and on nostrils makes bandages hard (talking and eating difficult). I also get a variety of different symptoms each time I treat. On round 4 now. So glad it's worked for you. Hopeful.
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Irene
18 Posts |
Posted - 05/13/2011 : 15:19:56
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Have never heard of crushed leaves being effective! Just the sap - use it fresh. I only ever bandaged to hide the sore, not to treat. At home I'd take the bandages off.
Perhaps the very first day you might want to bandage to keep from touching the spot and spreading the sap.
I tried to stop the sap from touching the 'good' skin by putting polysporin around the spot before treating it - BAD CHOICE! The sap went into the polysporin and a much larger area got affected than need be.
Irene
quote:
Originally posted by Brigid
SoFl,
Your advice welcome. You recommend bandaging with crushed leaves in water--right after applying full-strength sap or when sap has dried? Location just over upper lip and on nostrils makes bandages hard (talking and eating difficult). I also get a variety of different symptoms each time I treat. On round 4 now. So glad it's worked for you. Hopeful.
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Edited by - Irene on 05/13/2011 15:27:17 |
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Grace
5 Posts |
Posted - 05/13/2011 : 19:59:43
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Just checking in. My seeds are doing well. They have about 4-6 leaves on each plant but they are still little seedling guys. They get bigger everyday and are doing fine. I hope they get past the 3" mark. Question. How does the sap affect healthy skin nearby? I was under the impression that it didn't affect the healthy skin, only the cancer area.
Thanks for this forum! |
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Alexis Fecteau
12 Posts |
Posted - 05/13/2011 : 21:45:54
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The sap will affect the healthy skin. Healthy skin will get slightly irritated, become pink, and should recover immediately upon completion of the treatment. I overdid the treatment on a spot and was concerned with the skin coming off a healthy area but it immediately recovered when I stopped the treatment, while killing all the cancerous cells.
My understanding of the process, or at least what I've read is that the spurge creates a buildup of hydrogen peroxide in the cells, while healthy cells are able to process and flush the peroxide, cancerous cells don't have the mechanism/enzyme/proteins to do so and therefore cause cell apoptosis or cell death.
Alexis Fecteau |
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Jul
6 Posts |
Posted - 05/14/2011 : 19:40:02
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I have been following the posts and I am ready to try the PS on several spots, but have a few questions. I just realized my plant has already started seeding and I am wondering how long i will have until it dies and there is no more sap ( I live in South FL). I am concerned about starting treatment and running out of plant/sap. Also how much sap will I need to apply each time for a dime size surface area bcc? Also how often should I apply and should I cover or not cover the area with a band-aid or leaf and a band-aid? Also can you treat several spots at once or is it better to treat one at a time?
Thank you so much |
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Irene
18 Posts |
Posted - 05/14/2011 : 20:33:36
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Pretty much all of this has been covered several times in the forum - just re-read the earlier posts and you will get the benefit of getting answers from quite a few people - all of us have similar, yet different experiences.
I for example don't think you should use anything but fresh sap. I don't cover a treated area as my skin just heals better when it gets lots of air.
My plants continued to grow and flower and throw seeds (Litterally!) through the house for months - so as long as you continue to water it, don't worry about it dying all of a sudden. Not a bad idea to throw a few new seeds in a new pot to always have some nice young plants on hand.
You only need a tiny droplet of sap to treat an area - the size of a match stick head would treat 3 - 4 such large spots as you describe.
Some people experience extreme fatigue when treating themselves with Petty Spurge - hence treating just one spot, or two little spots at a time might be best. For your very first time, I'd never treat more than one tiny spot as you don't know the extend of the reaction you will get.
One thing for sure, I have never read a post of anyone having severe problems with the treatments. Do be very careful around your eyes with the stuff though - reports are that one can go blind if the sap gets into your eye(s), and the sap is quite mobile on the skin. So no eye treatment, no lids, nothing close to the eyes!
Irene
quote:
Originally posted by Jul
I have been following the posts and I am ready to try the PS on several spots, but have a few questions. I just realized my plant has already started seeding and I am wondering how long i will have until it dies and there is no more sap ( I live in South FL). I am concerned about starting treatment and running out of plant/sap. Also how much sap will I need to apply each time for a dime size surface area bcc? Also how often should I apply and should I cover or not cover the area with a band-aid or leaf and a band-aid? Also can you treat several spots at once or is it better to treat one at a time?
Thank you so much
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Jul
6 Posts |
Posted - 05/15/2011 : 10:18:06
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Thank you for your help Irene. I started treatment on a dime size spot on my ear just above the ear lobe. I followed the advice of SoFL and treated with sap then covered with the leaf and a bandage. I did this before bed. The spot began itching almost immediately. In the middle of the night the area was very painful and throbbing and I could not sleep so i removed the leaf and just covered with a clean bandage. This morning I applied new sap and leaf and covered again with bandage. I will see how it goes. I would rather use the leaf during the day and not at night so I can sleep. I will definetely treat only one spot at a time because they are mostly all on my face and all my spots are large and I am concerned that they might spread to other areas nearby.
One more question. When the PS spreads and reveals more cancer in areas around the original do you continue to put PS on just the original spot or do you use it on the new spots as well?
Julia |
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Petty Spurge Herb sap for skin cancers
