Some cool Pain Relievers images:
Interesting graffiti
Image by slworking2
"It’s the east coast…
NO… it’s the west coast
It’s public schools. It’s asbestos.
It’s MenthoLAted. It’s techno.
It’s sleep, life, & death.
Speed, coke, & meth.
Hay fever pain relievers.
Orax sex & smokers breath!"
Abandoned Mount Laguna Air Force Station
Image by larry&flo
Corn Lily or False Hellebore
Veratrum californicum
Pioneer Trail near Lake Bowman Road
www.americantrails.org/nationalrecreationtrails/trailNRT/...
Habitat: Wet meadows, creek beds, and drying swamps and marshes.
Toxicity/Edibility: The alkaloids in this plant make it extremely toxic to humans, livestock, and even insects. Ingestion has caused birth defects in animals, and losses in honeybee populations.
Medicinal uses: Historically, corn lily was used as a pain reliever and anti-convulsive (for epilepsy). Native Americans concocted an effective a birth control tea from the roots. Today it is used pharmaceutically to slow the heartbeat and lower blood pressure.
Comments: Because the leaves resemble those of corn stalks and edible "skunk cabbage," corn lily has been eaten mistakenly with fatal results–the alkaloids paralyzing the respiratory system. Native Americans used the juice to poison darts for warfare, and the powdered root made an effective insecticide.
