Saturday 29 June 2019

BETONY WOOD — (Betonica OJicinalis.)

The common Betony Wood had many leaves rising from the root. Which are somewhat broad and round at the end? It is roundly dented about the edges, standing upon long foot stalks, from among which rise up small, square, slender, but upright hairy stalks. There is with some leaves thereon, to a piece at the joints, smaller than the lower. Whereof are set more than a few spiked heads of flowers like lavender. Hence it is thicker and shorter for the most part, and of a reddish and purple color, spotted with white spots both in the upper and lower part.

Also, the seeds being contained in the husks that hold the flowers are blackish, somewhat long and uneven. The roots are a lot of white thread strings; the stalk perished, but the roots with some leaves thereon, abide all the winter. The whole plant is somewhat small.
It growth is normally in woods and delighted, in shady places.  It flowers comes in July, after when the seed is swiftly ripped, yet in its prime in May. The herb is appropriated to the planet Jupiter, and the sign Aries. Antonius Mum, physician to the Emperor Agustus Ctesar, wrote a peculiar book of the Virtues of this herb.

Use of Betony Wood

It is among other virtue said of it, that it preserved the liver and body of man from the danger of epidemical diseases. It also helps in from witchcraft also and supports those that loathe or cannot digest their meal. Moreover, those who have weak stomachs or sour belching and continual rising in their stomach using it closely either green or dry. Either the herb or root, or the flowers in broth, drink, or meat, or made into conserve syrup, water, electuary, or powder. As everyone may beat frame themselves unto, or as the time or season required; taken any of the aforesaid ways.
It supports in the jaundice, falling sickness, the palsy, convulsions, shrinking of the sinews, the gout, and those that are inclined to dropsy, those that have continual pains in their heads, although it turn to frenzy. The powder mixed with pure honey is no less available for all sorts of coughs or colds, wheezing, or shortness of breath, distillations of thin rheum’s upon the lungs, which caused consumptions.
The decoction made with mead and a little pennyroyal. It is good for those that are troubled with putrid agues, whether quotidian, tertian, or quartan and to draw down and evacuate the blood and humors. That by falling into the eyes, do hinder the sight. The decoction thereof made in wine, and taken, killed the worms in the belly, opened obstructions both of the spleen and liver. It cured stitches and pains in the back or sides.
The torments and griping pains of the bowels and the wind cholic, and mixed with honey purged the belly. It helped to bring down women’s courses, and is of special use for those that are troubled with the falling down of the mother. The pains thereof, and caused an easy and speedy delivery of women in child-birth. It helped also to break and expels the stone, either in the bladder or kidneys. The decoction with wine gargled in the mouth eased the toothache.
It is suggested against the stinging or biting of venomous serpents, or mad dogs, being used inwardly and applied outwardly to the place. A dram of the powder of betony, taken with a little honey in some vinegar, doth magnificently refresh those that are over wearied by travel. It stayed bleeding at the mouth and nose, and helps those that evacuate blood, and those that are bursten or have a rupture, and is good for such as are bruised by any fall or otherwise.
Moreover, the green herb bruised, or the juice affect to any inward hurt, or outward green wound in the head or body. It will speedily heal and close it up: as also any veins or sinews that are cut; and will draw forth a broken bone or splinter, thorn or other things got into. It is no less profitable for old and filthy ulcers; yes, though they are fistulous and hollow. But some do advice to put a little salt to this purpose, being applied with a little hog’s lard. Further, it helped a plague or sore and other bile’s and pushes.
Betony Wood fume of the decoction while it is warm received by a funnel into the ears, eased the pains of them, destroys the worms, and cured the running sores in them: the juice dropped into them doth the same. The root of Betony Wood is displeasing both to the stomach and taste.  Whereas, the leaves and flowers, are having their sweet and spicy taste, are comfortable both to meat and medicine.
These are some of the many virtues Antonius Musa, an expert physician, for it was not the practice of Octavius Caesar to keep fools about him appropriates to betony. It is a very precious herb that is certain, and most fitting to be kept in a man’s house. So, hence it is both in syrup, conserve, oil, ointment, and plaster. The flowers are usually conserved. 

Friday 21 June 2019

The grey-backed shrike (Lanius tephronotus)

The grey-backed shrike (Lanius tephronotus) is a species of bird in the family Laniidae. It is found in Bangladesh, Pakistan,Among the shrikes, they breed at the highest altitude. They are partial migrants, with some populations moving south in winter. They breed in summer from late May to early July. The nest is built in a bush and about 3 to 5 eggs are laid. 
The eggs are incubated by the female alone and incubation is begun even before the complete clutch is laid. The chicks hatch after 15–18 days and are taken care of by both the parents until the fledge after about two weeks. India (Uttarakhand), Nepal, Bhutan, China and Yunnan. 

The Hot Arssmart

The hot Arssmart is called also Waterpepper, or Culrage. The mild Arssmart is called dead Arssmart Persicaria, or Peachwort, because the leaves are so like the leaves of a peach-tree; it is also called Plumbago. This has broad leaves set at the great red joint of the stalks; with semi-circular blackish marks on them, usually either bluish or whitish, with such like seed following. The root is long, with many strings thereat, perishing yearly; this has no sharp taste (as another sort has, which is quick and biting) but rather sour like sorrel, or else a little drying, or without taste. It grows in watery places, ditches, and the like, which for the most part are dry in summer.

It flowers in June, and the seed is ripe in August. As the virtue of both these is various, so is also their government ; for that which is hot and biting, is under the dominion of Mars, but Saturn challenges the other, as appears by that leaden colored spot he hath placed upon the leaf.

It is of a cooling and drying quality, and very effectual for putrefied ulcers in man or beast, to kill worms, and cleanse the purified places. The juice thereof dropped in, or otherwise applied, consumes all cold swellings, and dissolved the congealed blood of bruises by strokes, falls, &c. A piece of the root, or some of the seeds bruised, and held to an aching tooth, takes away the pain. The leaves bruised and laid to the joint that has a felon thereon, takes it away.

The juice destroys worms in the ears, being dropped into them; if the hot Arssmart be strewed in a chamber, it will soon kill all the fleas; and the herb or juice of the cold Arssmart, put to a horse, or other cattle's sores, will drive away the fly in the hottest time of Summer a good handful of the hot biting Arssmart put under a horse's saddle, will make him travel the better, although he were half tired before. The mild Arssmart is good against all impostures and inflammations at the beginning, and to heal green wounds.

All authors chop the virtues of both sorts of Arssmart together, as men chop herbs for the pot, when both of them are of contrary qualities. The hot Arssmart grows not so high or tall as the mild doth, but has many leaves of the color of peach leaves, very seldom or never spotted; in other particulars it is like the former, but may easily be known from it, if you will but be pleased to break a leaf of it cross your tongue, for the hot will make your tongue to smart, but the cold will not. If you see them both together, you may easily distinguish them, because the mild hath far broader leaves.

Sunday 16 June 2019

Ginkgo Tree - Traditional Medicine Tree

This family includes a single species, which now survives in the wild in only a small area in China. Ginkgo is a common ornamental in North America. Trees are dioecious with separate sexes, some trees being female and others being male. Sadly, all other species are being extinct. It is found in fossils dating back 270 million years. Ginkgo is practically pest free, defiant to storm damage, and casts dense shade.
This tree was widely cultivated in human history used in traditional medicine and source of food.  Male plants produce small pollen cones with sporophylls, while female plants do not produce cones. It has significant importance in Japanese culture. It is the official tree of the Tokyo, and the symbol of Tokyo is a ginkgo leaf. Even in Thailand Ginkgo seeds are served with boiled coconut flesh as a dessert.
The ginkgo's stubbornness may be seen in Hiroshima, Japan, where six trees growing between one to two kilometers from the 1945 catastrophic atom bomb explosion. Although about all other plants and animals in the region were killed. But the ginkgos, even charred, survived and were soon healthy again, among other hibakujumoku (trees that survived the blast).
Gingko is a durable street tree, which provides sufficient overhead space to accommodate the large size branch or two seemingly forming its own tree on the trunk. But this does not detract from its usefulness as a city tree unless the tree will be growing in a restricted overhead space. Ginkgo tolerates most soil, including compacted, and alkaline.
The tree is easily transplanted and has a vivid yellow fall color which is second to none in brilliance. However, leaves fall quickly and the fall color show is very short. Unlike the species, the tree does not set fruit.

Ginkgo biloba or Maidenhair Tree

The Ginkgo biloba is commonly known as Ginkgo or Maidenhair Tree. It has long been cultivated in China. In some planted trees are at ancient temples are believed to be over 1,500 years old  The Ginkgo’s fan-shaped leaves are unlike those of any other tree. The woody pegs covering the branches identify it in the winter.
Deciduous tree is usually with a single straight trunk, up to 30 m tall and 100 cm diam.; crown rounded or irregular. Bark Gray, with short, irregular furrows. The twig Gray, bearing stubby, woody short shoots protruding up to 1 cm from the branch at regular intervals, each bearing a cluster of leaves and often a pollen cone or seed.
The leaf is slightly leathery, fan-shaped, with a pattern of radiating veins (not seen in any other tree). The blade is 5–10 cm broad, light green turning golden and falling each winter. The Pollen cone Borne on short shoots, catkin- like. Naked seeds are more often than not only developing from a pair of ovules. This can found at the tip of a slender stalk borne on short shoots. They are appearing plum-like, almond-shaped, and yellow to orange, about 2.5 cm long. Thus the outer coating soft and giving off a foul odor are when ripe.

Habitat and Range

Gingko is a common ornamental in temperate climates. Thus many unconfirmed reports of naturalization in the U.S. Millions of years ago members of the ginkgo family were common around the world. But they now occur in the wild in only a small area in China. The name, meaning “silver seed,” is from Chinese.
Various tissues of the plant are toxic or are used medicinally, primarily in naturopathic and Chinese traditional medicine. Ginkgos are popular for growing as penjing and bonsai kept artificially small and tended over centuries.
Apart from being striking landscape trees in general, Ginkgos are very resistant to air pollution and are usually planted in cities. However, the female plants are unwanted, due to the unlikable odor given off by the ripe seeds. The oldest and one of the largest Ginkgos in North America was planted in 1789. This can be seen at Longwood Gardens in Pa.; its trunk exceeds 4 m in girth Seed autumn leaf. If you want to grow Ginkgos then it is easy to propagate from seed.
Health Benefits of Ginkgo Tree
Ginkgo biloba or maidenhair tree sometimes referred to as a living fossil. The modern research primarily focuses on ginkgo extract, which is made from the leaves. These days, Ginkgo supplements are associated with many health claims, mainly focus on brain function and blood circulation. It is used in the treatment of peripheral vascular disease and ’cerebral insufficiency’. Gingko biloba is a pharmaceutical treatment there is the potential to mask active treatment. However, the tree has a characteristic bitter taste that is difficult to mask.
  1. Ginkgo biloba contains powerful antioxidants, which fight the harmful effects of free radicals and may be behind most of its health claims.
  2. Ginkgo biloba treats Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. The chances of it helping seem to increase when used alongside conventional treatment.
  3. Ginkgo treats respiratory diseases because of its anti-inflammatory.
  4. Ginkgo’s anti-inflammatory gives it the potential to treat depression and may help in anxiety. Though this is likely due to its antioxidant content.
  5. Ginkgo has the ability to increase blood flow and reduce inflammation; an effective treatment for some types of headaches.
  6. Ginkgo may improve mental performance in healthy people.
  7. The supplementing ginkgo may increase blood flow to the eyes but not necessarily improve vision.
  8. Ginkgo can increase blood flow by promoting the dilation of blood vessels. This may have applications for the treatment of diseases related to poor circulation
  9. Ginkgo has the ability to reduce inflammation caused by a variety of conditions.
  10. Ginkgo may help treat both the physical and psychological symptoms of premenstrual syndrome.
  11. Ginkgo improves symptoms of sexual dysfunction due to its impact on blood flow. 

Potential Side Effects

It’s important to talk to your doctor before including ginkgo in your regimen. The risk associated with taking ginkgo is relatively low but in some cases, it can be caused by serious harm. Here are some possible Side Effects of Ginkgo.
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Dizziness
  • Headaches
  • Stomach pain
  • Rash/allergic reaction
  • Bleeding, such as subdural haematoma and hyphaema
General Information of Ginkgo Biloba
  • Scientific name: Ginkgo biloba ‘Autumn Gold’
  • Pronunciation: GINK-go bye-LOE-buh Common name(s): ‘Autumn Gold’ Maidenhair Tree, ‘Autumn Gold’ Ginkgo
  • Family: Ginkgoaceae
  • Origin: not native to North America
  • Height: 25 to 50 feet
  • Spread: 25 to 35 feet Crown uniformity: symmetrical canopy with a regular (or smooth) outline and individuals have more or less identical crown forms
  • Crown shape: oval Crown density: moderate
  • Growth rate: fast
  • Texture: medium
  • Leaf type: simple
  • The margin of Leaf: lobed
  • The shape of Leaf: fan-shaped
  • Leaf venation: parallel; palmate
  • Leaf type and persistence: deciduous
  • Length of Leaf blade: 2 to 4 inches
  • Leaf color: green
  • Fall color: yellow
  • Fall characteristic: showy
  • Flower color: green
  • Flower characteristics: pleasant fragrance; inconspicuous and not showy; spring flowering
  • Trunk/bark/branches: grow mostly upright and will not droop; showy trunk; should be grown with a single leader; no thorns Pruning requirement: needs little pruning to develop a strong structure
  • Breakage: resistant Current year twig color: brown; gray
  • Current year twig thickness: medium; thick
  • Light requirement: a tree grows in part shade/part sun; the tree grows in full sun
  • Soil tolerances: clay; loam; sand; acidic; Foliage of ‘Autumn Gold’ Maidenhair Tree. occasionally wet; alkaline; well-drained
  • Drought tolerance: high
  • Aerosol salt tolerance: moderate
  • Soil salt tolerance: poor
  • Roots: surface roots are usually not a problem
  • Winter interest: the tree has winter interest due to unusual form, nice persistent fruits, showy winter trunk, or winter flowers
  • Outstanding tree: the tree has outstanding ornamental features and could be planted more
  • Invasive potential: little, if any, the potential at this time
  • Verticillium wilt susceptibility: not known to be susceptible
  • Pest resistance: no pests are normally seen on the tree
How to Grow Ginkgo Tree?
Ginkgo may grow very slowly for a number of years after planting. But after that, the tree will then pick up and grow at a rapid rate, particularly if it receives an adequate supply of water and some fertilizer. Make sure you do not overwater or plant in a poorly-drained area. Get grass away from several feet around the trunk to help the tree become established.

The ginkgo tree is very tolerant of urban soils and pollution, Ginkgo could be used more in USDA hardiness zone 7 but is not recommended in central and southern Texas or Oklahoma due to summer heat. It is adapted for use as a street tree, even in confined soil spaces. Some early pruning to form one central leader is essential.


Read More - Spectacular Golden Chains of Laburnum
Source: - 1, 2

Saturday 15 June 2019

The black-winged stilt (Himantopus himantopus)

The black-winged stilt (Himantopus himantopus) is a widely distributed very long-legged wader in the avocet and stilt family (Recurvirostridae). The scientific name H. himantopus was formerly applied to a single, almost cosmopolitan species. It is now normally applied to the form that is widespread in Eurasia and Africa and which was formerly regarded as the nominate subspecies of Himantopus himantopus sensu lato. The scientific name Himantopus comes from the Greek meaning "strap foot" or "thong foot".Most sources today accept 2–4 species. It is sometimes called pied stilt, but that name is now reserved for the Australian species, Himantopus leucocephalus.

Saturday 1 June 2019

Five Important Spices of Life

You are stressed out and the nasal congestion troubles you, your tooth aches and indigestion plagues your system. You are definitely feeling out of sorts but not sick enough to visit the doctor, you feel; or perhaps you want to give good, old fashioned herbal therapy a chance. Fear not; relief may be as close to hand as your kitchen cabinet. The spices that add taste, color and aroma to your food are potential healers that can provide excellent cures for the worst of our physical troubles.

Clove

A strong analgesic property makes cloves a reliable home remedy for toothaches, earache, and sore throat; it also helps decrease infection due to its antiseptic properties. To sooth, an aching tooth put a couple of whole cloves into y our mouth and bite on them gently to release the oil. Now move them to the painful tooth and keep for 10-15 minutes. A glass of hot milk poured over four crushed cloves and steeped for 10 minutes can be consumed as an instant antidote for cold and flu.

While chewing a clove with a crystal of rock salt eases expectoration and relieves irritation in the throat. Regular use of cloves stimulates sluggish circulation and hence promotes digestion and metabolism whereas the anesthetic action of the spice helps in dealing with stomach pain and stops nausea. Clove is also an anti-fungal, so add it to a foot bath for athlete’s foot.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is one of the most powerful of healing spices. It contains an antimicrobial substance, which makes it useful for treating respiratory infections. Tea mode with half a teaspoon of cinnamon, a pinch of black pepper and honey delivers a soothing effect on a sore throat and chronic cough. Taken along with ginger, it works wonders in vomiting and diarrhea. Just add a stick of cinnamon and freshly grated ginger to a cup of hot water, stir strain the mixture and drink for immediate relief.
 
A compound in cinnamon, like those found in cloves, also appear to improve insulin function, significantly lowering blood sugar. The sweet spice contains antioxidants that help lower levels of bad cholesterol and can even help prevent blood clots the reason it is good for our heart. High in fiber, cinnamon reduces heartburn, increases digestive fluid secretion and alleviates intestinal gas. More good news for women; including this spice in your diet will also ensure less painful cycles.

Black Pepper

Black Pepper, often called the “king of spice” is rich in antioxidant and antibacterial properties, making it beneficial for digestive disorders. To ease indigestion or bloating, take one-fourth teaspoon of pepper powder in a cup of warm milk. Finely powdered pepper and salt may be massaged over the gums to relieve inflammation.

Tea, prepared with a few finely ground peppercorn and some sugar candy can be helpful in the treatment of influenza and fever; a three-day course of 20 grams pepper powder boiled in milk with a pinch of turmeric powder can bring relief from the chronic cold. Combination of onion juice, black pepper, and honey is an effective home remedy for asthma patients and one of the most effective ayurvedic asthma cures while adding a tablespoon of pepper powder and a pinch of turmeric in a cup of hot milk is a good aspirin alternative for headache. And last but not least, have a cup of green tea with a slice of lemon and a pinch of black pepper to reduce a high temperature.

Turmeric

The benefits of turmeric include a long list of treatments for different health conditions such as infections, fever stomach disorders, jaundice and liver problems. The golden spice has unique pain relieving qualities paste prepared from turmeric and lime is commonly used as an antidote for swelling due to inflammation.

Traditionally turmeric is considered a cleanser for the entire body and is believed to increase energy and help metabolism. Turmeric is a natural antibiotic and an effective remedy for colds and throat irritations. Half a teaspoon of fresh turmeric powder mixed in 30ml of warm milk, taken once or twice daily, is a useful prescription for these conditions.

Gargling with half a teaspoon of salt and one teaspoon of turmeric added to a glass of hot water helps relieve inflammation in the throat whereas one teaspoon of honey mixed with a half teaspoon of turmeric can help ward off pharyngitis. In case of a cold, smoke from burning turmeric may be inhaled to provide relief from nasal congestion. Besides being employed as antiseptic for cuts, bruises, and scrapes, turmeric is also used to improve skin tone and reduce tan by grinding it into a paste and rubbing it on the skin.

Cardamom

Basically a warm spice, cardamom also helps in cleansing the body thanks to its detoxifying properties. Good appetite stimulant, it aids digestion, relaxes spasms and relieves acidity. Green cardamom has a unique taste and rich flavors, which kills the germs and bacteria that cause bad breath; just peel off some pods, and eat the seeds to freshen up your mouth.

Its larger black variety is a proven remedy for gastrointestinal problems or diarrhea is toddlers; cook some cardamoms, mint leaves and anise seeds in water and give the decoction to the child (these are also the basic ingredients of gripe water).

Cardamom can be beneficial for those suffering from respiratory allergies. When you have a sore throat, try the following recipe; cook six cardamoms, four cloves, half teaspoon of water for five minutes, add a glass of milk, bring to boil and sweeten with honey. This drink works wonders in relieving cold, flu and even fatigue.