Nature’s medicine

Sitting on my desk is a bismuth crystal. As a crystal admirer, I especially love this one because of its use in the discovery of a medication that is commonly used in many households today. It is a rainbow-colored, crystalline, metallic element that’s atomic No. 83 on the Periodic Table of Elements. You may have even used the medicine yourself. It is commonly known as Pepto-Bismol.

Used to reduce upset stomachs and diarrhea, Pepto-Bismol is an example of how nature has been studied and developed into the modern world of medicine we know today.

Nature is all around us, with a history of discoveries to help us be healthier and fight old and emerging diseases.

Another example is aspirin, a pain reliever, fever reducer and anti-inflammatory medication. Its origin comes from the bark of a willow tree. A fun historical fact about the medicinal properties of willow bark is that Lewis and Clark used willow tea during their famous expedition. Even pesky weeds can be medicinal, such as a common local familiar weed, chickweed, used for various skin conditions.

Most people have had sinus infections, strep throat and wound infections their own immune systems can’t fight themselves. It is very common to see a health care provider and get on a medicine called an antibiotic. This medication we know today originated from mold. Yes, think of the mold on bread and you have the right idea.

In 1944, Alexander Fleming, professor of bacteriology, was knighted for his discovery of what he named penicillin, a fungus that inhibits growth of bacteria. His extraordinary achievements revolutionized our medical world today. As healthy as I try to be, sometimes even Nurse Wendy needs to use antibiotics.

Perhaps the next time you look at a Willow tree or you’re in a rock shop, you can think about how ordinary people in our history studied nature and turned simple elements into medicine.

Band-Aid Talk

Health Tips

• Google “bismuth crystal” and see what it looks like and where it lives on the Periodic Table of Elements.

• Drink at least eight, 8-ounce glasses of water a day.

• Cry if you feel like crying. If you feel like screaming, then scream. Then take a deep cleansing breath.

Note: Medicine warning labels for aspirin and Pepto-Bismol states that children and teenagers should not use this medicine if they have a fever or flu-like symptoms due to the risk of a serious illness called Reye’s syndrome.

Wendy DeGraffenried is a registered nurse, tai chi instructor, creative designer of Alaska Transplant Clothing Co. and school nurse at Wasilla Middle School.