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Welcome to Our Monthly Newsletter
This month's topics are:
COVID-19
- Adaptogens for Long COVID
AREA RUGS
- Permanent Stains on Area Rugs and Wall-to-Wall Carpets
MISCELLANEOUS
CONSIGNMENT RUGS FOR SALE REMINDER
AUGUST DISCOUNT SPECIAL
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ADAPTOGENS FOR LONG COVID
Adaptogens for long COVID sufferers (long haulers) are being touted by some nutritionists, wellness purveyors, and medicinal philosophers as the answer to the almost endless list of life-altering symptoms that a sizeable number of people who have survived COVID-19 are experiencing. Not the least of these include debilitating fatigue, shortness of breath, and difficulty thinking.
WHAT ARE ADAPTOGENS?
Adaptogens are natural substances that are believed to stimulate the body's resistance to physical, environmental, and emotional stressors. Adaptogens include items such as herbs, mushrooms, foodstuffs, etc. that are supposed to help our bodies adapt to stressful situations, thus mitigating the bodily damage that comes from stress.
We know some of these adaptogens came from folk medicines that came before modern science and others from secret Soviet military scientific research of the mid-20th century.
Today, wellness gurus can be found thwarting even current evidence-based medicine with extraordinary claims for these adaptogens. They include energy-healing crystals and supplements and they have become the magical spices of the ‘wellness world!’ Who better to sell them to than long COVID sufferers?
SECRET SOVIET MILITARY SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH OF THE MID-20th CENTURY
Soviet scientists in the middle of the 20th century, looking to find an edge to benefit Russian soldiers during World War II, began to study investigations of Asian folk medicines, particularly the woody vine known as Schisandra chinensis, which was used by Nanai hunters who lived in parts of modern Russian and China.
The Nani used Schisandra as a tonic to invigorate the body and mind. Thus, Soviet pilots and submariners were given Schisandra to boost their energy and calm their nerves. It was thought this tonic could help the bodies of these soldiers to better adapt to the stresses of war.
Soviet scientists studying adaptogens described them as substances that must abide by a number of rules:
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Rule #1 - An adaptogen must have a NON-SPECIFIC ACTIVITY. This means it must help a person to adapt to a wide variety of stressors, including physical, chemical, and biological agents.
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Rule #2 - An adaptogen must have a NORMALIZING INFLUENCE. This means that it can increase what needs to go up in one person and decrease what must needs to go down in another.
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Rule #3 – Adaptogens must DO NO HARM.
The Soviets spent decades researching Schisandra, as well as other adaptogens, resulting in over 1500 studies. Unfortunately, most of these studies are not listed in the major searchable databases of scientific papers. Researchers in the field found the quality of those Soviet studies was lacking and the diagnoses used were somewhat questionable.
According to Web MD, Schisandra is considered an adaptogen, a class of natural substances. The chemicals in Schisandra also improve liver function and might increase energy, which can improve endurance and coordination. People use Schisandra for menopause, exercise performance, pneumonia, and many other purposes, but there is no good scientific evidence to support any use.
ADAPTOGENS TODAY
Please continue reading here for more information about adaptogens including types of adaptogens, problems with adaptogens, as well as whether or not adaptogens should be used for long COVID relief.
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In This Issue
Consignment Rugs for Sale Reminder-We have added more rugs!
Adaptogens for Long COVID
Permanent Stains on Area Rugs and Wall-to-Wall Carpets
Make Room for Rugs!
Assistance Dogs
AUGUST Discount Special
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PERMANENT STAINS ON AREA RUGS AND WALL-TO-WALL CARPETS
WHAT ARE PERMANENT STAINS?
Permanent stains on area rugs and wall-to-wall carpets are the result of soiling from spots or spills that have, for various reasons, become permanent. They cannot be completely removed by either do-it-yourself or professional means.
HOW DOES SOILING FROM SPOTS & SPILLS BECOME PERMANENT STAINS?
There are several reasons why spots and spills can become permanent:
- Carpet and rug fibers act as wicks. Liquid spilled on the fibers will be drawn up to the fiber tips as they dry. If the material is not removed quickly and the tips are allowed to air dry, the stain will be concentrated on the top of the fibers and this can cause permanent staining.
- A spill can become absorbed by the fibers of the carpet or rug and, just like a dye, it can permanently discolor (or bleach out) or recolor those fibers.
- An earlier spill may have caused an irreversible chemical change to the fiber or its dye.
Although most carpet fiber produced today has stain-resistant qualities (some built into the fiber itself), no carpet is stain-proof!
You can avoid damage to your carpets and rugs from permanent stains by having a soil and stain protector applied after a professional cleaning.
TYPES OF SOILING THAT CAUSE PERMANENT STAINS
#1 - PET STAINS -- URINE, FECES, VOMIT
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URINE
Urine is undoubtedly the #1 cause of permanent stains on area rugs and wall-to-wall carpets. Pet urine that is allowed to accumulate can actually be detrimental to the environmental quality of the home. The odor from the urine as well as the stain it leaves behind contributes to the damage.
What Causes Urine Odor?
The odor found in urine saturated area rugs and wall-to-wall carpets comes from the bacterial action which takes place under the rugs or carpeting. Urine left unattended can permeate the fibers and go into the back of the carpet or rug and even into the pad and the floor below. As it dries, urine becomes microscopic urine salts. These attach to the backing of the carpet or rug until times of high humidity, when they will be reactivated and become food again for bacteria causing the return of the urine odor.
Procedure for Urine Odor Removal from Wall-to Wall Carpeting.
For urine-saturated wall-to-wall carpet, it is usually more cost-effective to remove and replace the carpet and pad rather than to attempt odor removal. It is important as well to clean and/or sand and seal the floor under the carpet or rug before replacement.
Procedure for Urine odor Removal from Area and Oriental Rugs
On the other hand, odor in area and oriental rugs can be completely removed as long as there is not a glued-on backing holding the fibers to the rug (such as in tufted rugs).
Area and oriental rugs can be brought to our cleaning plant for odor removal, which will completely remove the urine salts by dissolving and thoroughly rinsing them out of the rug. Unfortunately, urine stains cannot, as a general rule, be removed successfully, though they can sometimes be lightened. (See our article on Urine Decontamination.)
What Causes Urine Stains?
Different types of fibers react to urine differently. On some, stains will almost immediately become visible. Others may not show stains at all. Although a professional decontamination for urine and a thorough cleaning may lighten some visible stains, urine stains, in general, are permanent.
Below are some reasons why:
- The urochrome pigment in urine can produce a strong yellow coloring and subsequent stain.
- The age, diet, and medications taken by the pet (or human) can also color the urine and stain the carpet or rug.
Other Urine Issues
Urine stains and odors are not only unappealing, but there are also other issues to be dealt with concerning urine:
- If not cleaned up quickly, urine can make dyes in the fibers unstable, causing either a bleaching effect or color bleeding.
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Urine left to accumulate can lead to a condition known as dry rot which causes cellulosic fiber (such as the cotton in the urine-saturated oriental and area rugs) to disintegrate.
- The presence of urine in a carpet or rug sends an irresistible invitation to moths to settle in.
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FECES
Although solid feces are much easier to clean up than urine, loose feces or diarrhea can be just as difficult as urine and can also be detrimental to the quality of the home environment.
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VOMIT
Cat owners seem to be the target of vomit stains, much more so than dog owners. But dogs, children, and adults often contribute as well. Stomach acids, medicines, and food dyes can cause permanent stains as well.
#2 - DRINK SPILLS
Certain types of fibers, such as wool, cotton, silk, and some nylons are particularly susceptible to permanent staining from coffee, tea, wine, etc. Be aware of hot liquids, especially. Of course, bleach and household chemicals (see below) can cause permanent staining as well.
#3 - ACNE CREAMS, MEDICATIONS, SUNSCREENS & CHLORINATED WATER IN POOLS
These types of chemicals can cause color changes or bleaching action on different textiles.
In the acne medicines, the chemical causing these color changes is Benzoyl Peroxide, a strong bleach and color remover. Interestingly, though, it does not become fully activated until the moisture in the carpet or rug is increased. This is often the case during a professional carpet cleaning, or, in the case of sunscreens, children and adults sitting on the carpet while still wet from the pool!
Chlorine from the pool water can also be a culprit.
#4 - SOME HOUSEHOLD CHEMICALS
Please continue reading here for other types of soiling that can become permanent stains as well as how to avoid permanent stains.
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MAKE ROOM FOR RUGS!
If you ever find yourself in the enviable position of having to make room for rugs in your home, this article is for you. With so many homeowners replacing some or all of their wall-to-wall carpets with hardwood, ceramic tile or other hard flooring, the task of choosing just the right rug for any area in your home can be a bit overwhelming.
There are so many reasons for wanting area rugs in your home—comfort, beauty, and harmony are just a few. Or maybe just filling up floor space!
Choosing even one rug can be a daunting task when so many sizes, colors, and designs abound with such differences in construction and quality. If you need to fill several areas… Well, this lovely problem is then compounded!
If you can match the size, color, and design you want in a rug with the type, construction, and quality you need for a certain area in your home, you are ready to make room for rugs. Even if you only need 1 or 2 rugs, here are some ideas to help you get started:
LET'S MAKE ROOM FOR RUGS!
Entryway
This area will most likely need a durable rug on a non-slip pad. Because it might have to go under a door, the thickness of the rug and pad may be a concern. A long entry hall could use a brightly colored, large design to break up the monotony of the long walls. Small entry areas may require more muted colors and designs to blend in and give the appearance of a somewhat larger area. Since entries and halls typically have less light, a lighter-colored rug may work best in an entry.
Living Room
Furniture placement, either on or off a rug, is of most importance here. Also, make sure you won't be blocking any heating or air vents. Most rugs will be shown best if they can be placed a short distance from the walls. The fun part comes when choosing colors and designs to complement or contrast the furniture and/or paintings or other objects on the walls and in the room.
Dining Room
To make room for rugs in this room, there is a special requirement. The rug must be large enough so that the chairs can be moved in and out without touching the floor to protect the floors and the edges of the rug. The minimum size of a rug under a table and chairs in a dining room is 8x10. The larger the table, the larger the rug. For utmost protection, choose a rug with edges that are securely constructed. Since most of the rug will be under the table, an all-over design may work best to bring out the beauty of the rug while possibly choosing a rug with just one major color may provide harmony and calm.
Bedroom
Here you can go all out with an extra thick and luxurious rug! This may also be the perfect place for a beautiful oriental rug, especially since eating, drinking, and shoes don't usually happen here. Some people enjoy intense color while others may prefer something warm, subtle, and more restful for the bedroom. If your bedroom is large, you may want to focus on each side of the bed with a small handmade rug, and/or a rug in front of the bed.
Bathroom
This area might be better left to synthetic rubber-backed machine-made rugs that can be washed in the washing machine and hung to dry. A rug made of wool, whether machine-made or handmade must be kept completely dry in order to avoid damage from mold and mildew. That is because wool fiber can hold up to 30% of its weight in water and still feel dry. Nonetheless, the beauty of an oriental rug (as long as you are aware of any problems that may arise from dampness and humidity) would be a welcome addition to brighten any bathroom.
Stairs
Rugs on stairs help to dampen sound. A staircase with nice wooden floors will always be beautifully enhanced by an oriental or oriental-style machine made rug running up the middle of the stairs. Proper installation by a professional is a must.
Kitchen
Yes, you can even make room for rugs in the kitchen! An oriental rug can be the focal point that breaks up the monotony of the cabinets and can bring the colors of the kitchen together in harmony. Caution: A rug that is used in front of the sink may be prone to damage from food and drink spills. This is not an ideal place for a wool rug or an oriental and the rug will need cleaning more often, (although a stain protector applied after cleaning would be helpful.)
Office
Just the right rug can bring an atmosphere of comfort to an office area and an invitation to relax and enjoy your work. Do not place a rug directly under a desk chair unless it is a very tightly woven handmade rug or an extremely durable machine-made rug.
Other Areas
If you have rugs that you may not want to walk on, hang them over banisters, on library tables, over sofas, as bedspreads, etc.
Don't forget your walls for hanging beautiful rugs. For more information on hanging rugs, please read here.
CARE FOR YOUR RUGS
For more information on this subject as well as how ABC cares for your rugs, as well as a unique way to shop for rugs, please continue reading here.
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ASSISTANCE DOGS
Assistance dogs include service dogs, guide dogs, hearing alert dogs and alert/seizure dogs. They come from a variety of breeds such as Labrador retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and shelter dogs as well..
Assistance dogs transform the lives of their human partners with physical or mental disabilities by serving as companion helpers, aides, best friends, and close members of the family.
INTERNATIONAL DOG ASSISTANCE WEEK
The observance of International Assistance Dog Week (IADW), founded in 2009, is growing worldwide. Each year for one week, beginning on the 1st Sunday in August, organizations, dog food companies, and veterinarian groups join to engage the public in giving well-earned acknowledgement to the trained canines that provide improved and safer lives for individuals with disabilities.
This week of observance is a time when assistance dogs, these selfless heroes of service and rehabilitation, are recognized for their hard work. They are on the job 24/7, often helping people with disabilities lead independent lives. And they don't ask for much -- a scratch behind the ear will do!
There are approximately 50,000 certified assistance dogs of several breeds at work in the United States. National rules stipulate they must be trained to perform specific tasks that are directly related to the limitations of their assigned partner. The training can take months or even years.
MARCIE DAVIS, IADW, and WORKING LIKE DOGS
Marcie Davis of Santa Fe, New Mexico, worked hard to establish and sponsor IADW. She wrote ‘Working Like Dogs: The Service Dog Guidebook,’ hosts the online radio show, ‘Working Like Dogs,’ and handles all the responsibilities involved in running a consulting firm. A paraplegic for over 40 years and having partnered with service dogs for over 20 years, she has first-hand knowledge about the value of assistance dogs.
Marcie's website, www.workinglikedogs.com contains a wealth of practical information about working dogs around the world, including disability assistance dogs, service dogs, comfort dogs, and other working dogs, as well as those who raise and train them. Here can be found service dog training programs, therapy dog requirements, products for assistance dogs, and much more.
SOME MEMORABLE ASSISTANCE DOG STORIES
In honor of the International Assistance Dog Week, here is a selection of dogs, some famous and some less so, who have made headlines, saved lives, and licked the competition!
BARRY DER MENSCHENRETTER (People Rescuer)
In the treacherous Swiss Alps, the tradition of rescue dogs began as early as the 1700s. Though many dogs were known for their rescue of humans, none was so celebrated as Barry. Barry was a breed of dog that predates the modern St. Bernard. Barry was lighter built than the modern breed.
During his career in the early 1800s, Barry saved more than 40 people. No rescue was as famous as his rescue of a young boy he found trapped, partially frozen, and asleep in an ice cavern. Barry licked the boy to warm him and wake him. The dog then got the boy to cling to his back and the two made their way to The Great Saint Bernard Hospice, where Barry lived and was trained. At the hospice, one dog has always been named Barry in honor of the great rescuer.
TOGO THE SLED DOG
Togo, the Siberian Husky, showed courage, leadership, and loyalty, though he started his life as a sickly pup and was then repeatedly rejected for the sled because he was too rowdy. When he was given away as a pet, Togo jumped through a glass window to return to his musher. He repeatedly broke out of his kennel to follow the sled. At long last, at 8 months old, he was finally given a chance on the team, and it turned out he was a natural leader.
In 1925, in response to an epidemic, 20 mushers were given the task of relaying diphtheria serum more than 600 miles to Nome, Alaska. The heroic feat was a test for man and beast in January with temperatures at 40 below zero and whiteout conditions. Then 12 years old, Togo led his sled 365 miles round trip across ice, up a mountain, and a swim through ice floes, during which he saved the team's lives.
Although the well-known and heroic sled dog, Balto, received most of the fame for completing the last leg of the trip, it was Togo whose work is generally acknowledged as the hardest. His owner and musher, Leonhard Seppala, was crushed that Togo's feat of courage and endurance was less recognized than Balto's.
BOBBIE, THE DETERMINED DOG
Bobbie, the Scottish Collie, gained fame after 1923 for his breathtaking 3,000-mile trip to find his family. Bobbie's family members, who were from Oregon, were visiting Indiana when Bobbie got in a dog fight and ran off. Despite a long search, he could not be found, and his family returned to Oregon.
But six months later, the dog, straggly and worn, found his family in Oregon, having trailed them back home, covering 2551 miles over mountains and deserts. The story is not only a triumph of the dog's spirit, but also the kindness of human strangers. Bobbie was helped and nursed by many along his way.
He was honored in newspaper articles across the country. A book was written about his travels, and he starred as himself in a silent film, The Call of the West. He received letters and gifts as well.
WILLOW, THE LAST OF THE ROYAL CORGIS
Although Buckingham Palace refused comment, word went out in April of 2018 that the last of the line of royal corgis, Willow, had died. Willow was believed to be the 14th generation of royal corgis, beloved by Queen Elizabeth since she was gifted the original corgi, Susan, by her parents on her 18th birthday.
Queen Elizabeth is believed to have bred and raised more than 30 corgis throughout her life. The queen stopped breeding corgis in 2002, worrying that a young dog would be left behind after her death, according to the New York Times.
Originally bred as cattle herding dogs, the corgi's short legs made it a natural to weave in and out around cattle's hooves. Queen Elizabeth once remarked that the dogs were small and happy in groups so "one can have quite a lot of them."
9/11 WONDER DOGS
To find out about some of these hero dogs, please continue reading here.
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