Our recent warm spell has been an absolute blessing. Working on setting up the vegetable and herb beds is making me eager for spring, but I know better than to start planting just yet!
Dear Donndez – I’m working on a report for school about Benjamin Franklin. One of the things I need is how he died, but I can’t seem to find anything. Do you know? – Kari S., Belin
Dear Kari – I’m not surprised that you’re confused about Franklin’s death since this little detail is usually avoided by historians. When he became ill, Franklin was a firm believer in scientific practice and would only have a physician who practiced scientific medical techniques. From historical notes it appears he developed bronchitis, which causes people to have difficulty breathing and to cough up mucous that goes from white to green if the infection worsens and becomes pneumonia. His doctor did not believe that things like Echinacea were valid since herbs were not scientifically based, so he did not give Franklin any natural antibiotics.
During that time period physicians regularly cut people to make them bleed into a bowl. They believed this would clean out “dirty blood” and heal them. Using this method, Franklin’s doctor started bleeding Franklin regularly. As the infection got worse, the doctor said Franklin had an abscess in his lungs which was causing him to cough up ugly green goo and cut him some more to try to get rid of the bad blood.
When people bleed too much, they become lethargic (lie down and have no desire to do anything), are weak, and their skin is sweaty, cool and extremely pale. Between the loss of blood and the infection in his lungs worsening, Benjamin Franklin passed away.
Good luck on your report, Kari. I’ve heard your school is one of the good ones. Let me know what happens!
Dear Donndez – Is it true the yucca plants that grow wild out here can be used for shampoo? – Stephanie D., Truth or Consequences
Dear Stephanie – At one time the Pueblo peoples used the roots from the yucca for shampoo and for washing their clothing. I have not personally tried it, but from what I hear, this natural shampoo makes hair shiny, manageable and thicker. An article from Mother Earth News is a great source in the “how to’s” for this. If you try it, send me a note about the results!
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