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.

The Honduran Emerald (Amazilia luciae)

The Honduran Emerald (Amazilia luciae) is a little-known hummingbird in the family of Trochilidae. The bird is endemic to dry forest of Honduras. The bird natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry forest and subtropical or tropical dry shrubland. Monroe the Birds of Honduras, summarized what was then known about the species and nothing has been added since. So far, eleven specimens have been collected at various localities from Santa Barbara in the west to Catacamas.

It is speculated that A. luciae was apparently a forest inhabitant and maybe common locally. Honduran Emerald is threatened by habitat loss and deforestation. The hummingbird restricted distribution in dry forest fragments and increasing human pressures on this habitat. The species was originally described in1867by George Lawrence.

In 1983, the AOU Check-list of North American Birds gives the habitat of A. luciae as Unidentified, localities usually in the humid lowlands. Though, plotting the collecting localities on a habitat map of Honduras reveals that all sites where A. luciae has been taken lie in or close to arid and mixed scrub and thorn forest. It is common inhabitant of arid thorn forest and scrubs in the upper Rio Aguan Valley Department of Yoro.

Like other hummingbirds it is a medium-sized hummingbird. It has a straight bill that is only slightly decurved. Normally the bill is blackish above and red below with a dark tip. The plumage pattern is simple, green upperparts that become more bronze toward the tale, blue throat, gray belly, forked tail that is bronzy green. Females are like males, but overall duller in coloration.

Approximately six kilometers west-northwest of Coyoles there were at least six emeralds found in one hour. As few flowers were evident, and all emeralds appeared in response to imitations of Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl calls. The Honduran Emerald seemed slow to respond and frequently appeared well after a mobbing band of other birds. This is mainly White-bellied Wrens and White-lored Gnatcatchers had formed. Emeralds normally perched 1.5 to 8 m up in bare trees and bushes and sat for up to 30 sets before losing interest.

There was a pygmy-owl did appear one emerald stayed with it for more than a few minutes. Moreover, the other bird species at the site included Cinnamon Hummingbird Black-headed Trogon, Elegant Trogon, Northern Beardless Tyrannulet, Brown-crested Flycatcher, and Green Jay.  At that site, emeralds were seen on the morning of 8 June 1988. At least 12 to 15 individuals Emerald were present in a small of area 200 x 200 m. However, at the second site, emeralds fed at numerous flowering plants.

Numerous birds also made prolonged insect-catching flights, mainly around the trunks of organ pipe cacti. One bird which was forty minutes strongly defended territory of about 10 x 10 m against the two other emeralds which infrequently came by to feed on Pithecelobium. Also, other bird’s characteristic of the Olanchito site included those listed for Coyoles, plus Thicket Tinamou, Spot-bellied Bobwhite, Striped Cuckoo, Lesser Ground-Cuckoo, Fork-tailed Emerald, and Arremonops sp., referred to Green-backed Sparrow by Monroe in1968.

At both sites, we found arid conditions like the upper Aguan valley. Therefore, most thorn forests had been cleared for grazing and what little remained was very dry and with few birds of any species apparent. From close-range observations of at least 15 emeralds, that A. luciae is slightly smaller than A. rutila and in posture and habits varies little from other Middle American Amazilia. Nevertheless, sexes appear to differ only slightly, mainly in the intensity and extent of the gorget. Honduran Emerald is considered solitary, like most hummingbirds. Individuals congregate in areas with a high density of nectar resources.

In life the maxilla is blackish, the mandible pinkish-red with a dark tip. The bill appears relatively long and slightly decurved. A white post-ocular spot and smaller pre- ocular spot lend the species a characteristic facial expression. The upperparts are deep emerald green and the upper tail-coverts and the tail is bronzer with a blackish sub terminal band on the outer rectrices.

Remiges are dark brown. Seen in the right light, the gorge flashes solidly turquoise but most of the time the underparts appear pale grayish, with dark mottling on the throat and upper chest. At rest, the wings fall slightly short of the distinctly cleft tail. Feet are dark gray. One bird (apparently singing) appeared in very fresh plumage.

A second, relatively dull female bird had the outer two primaries and several secondary’s very worn and faded in contrast to the newer and darker remiges; no rectrix molt was noted on any birds. The most commonly heard vocalizations were a hard, slightly metallic ticking call, often steadily repeated “chik, chik-chik, chik, chik. Also, a hard slightly buzzy chattering given in flight ‘zzchi’ and ‘chik chi zzhi’ reminiscent of the calls of Chestnut-collared Swift.

On returning to a perch, an emerald defending its feeding territory often uttered a dry, quiet gruff warbling, possibly the song, or at least a whisper song. During intra-specific chasing we heard a hard-buzzy chatter ‘chirr-rr-irr-rr-rr-rr-rr’ and a high sharp ‘siik’ given in pursuit. Moreover, an association with arid interior valleys explains the restricted range of A. luciae.

Hence, the given the pressures to convert much land to agricultural practices, A. luciae may be a threatened species. The actual distribution of the Honduran Emerald is still partly known. Within dry forests, the bird species has only ever been seen from interior valleys on the Caribbean Slope. An estimated population of 250 to 999 individuals is speculative, but the source is unknown.

Useful Herbal Remedies

It is very important for everyone to know how to make a first aid box with useful Herbal Remedies. You may find, as many others have, that herbs become an enthusiasm. Gradually but surely, they take over the entire house. First, it’s only a small space in the bathroom closet; then, a cupboard in the kitchen is cleared.

Next, the entire basement is given over to your herbal wares; and abruptly, the cars are parked in the driveway because the garage is filled with bottles of odd-looking preparations. About this time, your family may be saying, “No more.” But let’s suppose you’re a long way from there and you just want to organize a small kit of useful Herbal Remedies.

What Do You Need for Herbal Remedies?

To make herbal remedies first aid kit, assess the needs of yourself and your family, and any situations that could arise requiring first aid. Do you have young children? What maladies are people in your family prone to? A good kit consists of items that can be used for a variety of purposes. The most basic first aid kit will include the following:

• All-purpose/burn salve (burns, sunburns, cuts, wounds)
• Aloe vera gel normally burns, sunburns, cuts, wounds
• Antifungal salve (cuts, wounds)
• Cold care capsules (colds, sluggish digestion, infections)
• Echinacea tincture (boosting immunity, colds, flu, infections)
• Eucalyptus essential oil (congestion [added to steams], achy muscles, insect repellent, cuts and abrasions, warts, cold sores)
• Garlic oil (ear infections, parasites, colds)
• Green clay powder (splinters, disinfecting wounds, poultices for poison oak/ivy, skin infections)
• Kloss’s Liniment (splinters and slivers, poison oak/ivy)
• Lavender essential oil (headaches, minor burns, and sunburn, insect bites, congestion)
• Licorice root tincture (sore throats, bronchial inflammation, herpes simplex I and II)
• Garlic–Mullein Flower Oil (ear infections, pain)
• Peppermint essential oil (digestive problems, burns, mouthwash, stimulant) 76 Making Your Own First Aid Kit
• Rescue Remedy flower essence (trauma, both emotional and physical can be used externally and internally for adults, children, and pets
• St. John’s wort salve (burns, sunburn, swellings, pain, bruises, achy muscles)
• St. John’s Wort Oil (burns, pain, nerve damage, depression, anxiety)
• Also, tea tree essential oil (congestion added to steams], achy muscles, insect repellent, cuts and abrasions, warts, cold sores, toothaches)
• Valerian tincture (pain, insomnia, stress and nervous tension, achy muscles)

Many of herbs work nicely for minor emergencies. Moreover, to your preferred medicinal teas, stock an assortment of powdered herbs for diverse purposes. Also, they are easy to mix for poultices and to encapsulate as required. Hence, keep your herbal first aid kit in a place that’s readily available to you and your family.

Further, the baskets, sewing boxes, small suitcases, travel pouches, cosmetic bags, and fishing tackle boxes make immense containers for first aid kits. Hence, be sure everything is clearly labeled so that others can use it. You might even wish to create a small first aid book that you keep near your remedies so that others can decipher what to use.

Herbal Remedies from Your Kitchen

Though not everyone has a medicine chest full of medicinal herbs, everyone does have a kitchen. And, generally, that kitchen is filled with medicinal plants. Indeed, many of my favorite medicinal plants have sneaked into the household via the kitchen door, ushered in by the Mistress of Spices, their healing spirits camouflaged in culinary garb.

Most of your favorite kitchen herbs double as well-known healers, respected throughout the ages by various cultures. Many are still used in herbal remedies and even pharmaceutical preparations. Think of how we tend to associate the flavor of certain herbs with assured foods basil with tomatoes, cloves with meat, horseradish with German food. Actually, these herbs were most often used with those foods for medicinal reasons, not for flavor.

For example, basil aids with the digestion of the acids in tomatoes; cloves and other spices helped preserve meat in the days before refrigeration and prevented flies from laying eggs in it. Further, horseradish, long associated with rich, oily cuisine, stimulates the digestion of oil.  Following is a cornucopia of kitchen medicines. See other useful and medicinal kitchen herbs and spices.

1.   Basil

A much-loved tonic for melancholy and low spirits, basil has antispasmodic properties that make it useful for headaches. It is commonly used to treat stress-induced insomnia and tension and nervous indigestion, and it is a well-known aphrodisiac.

2.   Black pepper

Considered one of the great tonics in traditional Chinese medicine, black pepper is warming, energizing, and stimulating. It is indicated for slow circulation, poor digestion, and “cold type” problems such as flu, coughs, and colds. Some people find it an irritant. Jethro Kloss, a famous herbalist of the early 1900s, publicized it as a toxic substance. However, most people tolerate it well.

3.   Cardamom

With a divinely sensual flavor, cardamom, which belongs to the same family as ginger, stimulate the mind and arouses the senses. It has long been careful an aphrodisiac, in part because of its irresistible flavor. In Ayurvedic medicine, cardamom is considered one of the best digestive aids. It is frequently combined as an anticatarrhal (combating inflammation of the mucous membranes) in formulas for the lungs.

4.   Chives

Chives are alike to garlic, though not as potent, so people sensitive to garlic can often like chives’ medicinal and culinary offerings. Like garlic, chives have antiseptic properties, and they also help in the digestion of rich foods and protect the respiratory system.

5.   Cinnamon

Highly valued in traditional Chinese medicine as a warming and stimulating herb, cinnamon is used to boost vitality, stimulate circulation, and clear congestion. It is a well-respected digestive aid, has powerful antiseptic actions as well, and is indicated for poor digestion, colds, and flu. With its pleasingly spicy flavor, cinnamon is often used in medicinal formulas to mask the flavor of less tasty herbs.

6.   Cloves

Clove oil is most famous as an analgesic for toothaches, but the entire clove bud, powdered and applied directly to the gum, is as effective. Aside from its analgesic properties, clove is stimulating, warming, and uplifting. It is used for sluggish digestion and nausea.

• Dill

Dill is one of the most well-known of traditional English remedies for infant colic, extolled in medicinal writings and nursery songs alike. Dill’s warming and comforting qualities are indicated for gas and colicky digestion. This herb is also an old folk remedy for hiccups.

7.   Horseradish

What better natural remedy is there for sinus congestion and head colds? This is my number one favorite. The root is rich in minerals, including silica, and in vitamins, including vitamin C. Its warming antiseptic properties make it the herb of choice for asthma, catarrh, and lung infections. Horseradish is also prized as a digestive aid and is especially useful as a complement to heavy, hard-to-digest meals.

8.   Marjoram and Oregano

This is very calming and soothing herbs. Both marjoram and oregano are used for nervousness, irritability, and insomnia due to anxiety and tension. They are great to drink as a tea either in combination or singly when you’re feeling edgy or to calm butterflies in the stomach. These delicious herbs also have antispasmodic properties that can be used advantageously for digestive and muscular spasms.

9.   Parsley

This superb garnish should never be left slighted on the side of a platter. It may be, in fact, the most nourishing item on your dinner plate. Also, it is rich in iron, beta-carotene, and chlorophyll. Parsley is used to treating iron-poor blood, anemia, and fatigue. It will enhance immunity and is indicated when you are prone to infections.

The main herb for bladder and kidney problems, it is a safe, effective diuretic. Parsley is used for serving to dry up a mother’s milk during the weaning process. Also, it is effective as a poultice for mastitis or swollen, enlarged breasts. Because of this, you should not use parsley in any quantities when nursing, as it may slow the flow of milk.         

10.                Rocket (Arugula)

Imagine the delight when you discovered that arugula, one of much favorite salad green, was a famous sexual stimulant and tonic. I’m not sure whether to indulge more or be more temperate in my servings.

11.                Thyme

This is the best herb we have for stimulating the thymus, a major gland of the immune system. Thyme is a great pick-me-up when you have low energy. Its antispasmodic properties are useful for lung problems and for convulsive coughs, such as whooping cough.

It’s an excellent remedy for sore throats (combined with sage), head colds (combined with horseradish), and stiffness related to chills. Thyme also helps stimulate the body’s natural defenses and, combined with echinacea, boosts the immune system.

12.                Turmeric

This is one of the best herbs for immune health. It is often overlooked because of the huge popularity of echinacea. But, for many centuries, it has upheld its reputation for its immune-enhancing properties and is highly regarded for its anti-tumor and antibiotic activities. In East Indian medicine, it is valued as a blood purifier and metabolic tonic.

Turmeric is used to regulate the menstrual cycle and relieve cramps, reduce fevers, improve poor circulation, and relieve skin disorders. Though, it is highly valued as a first aid treatment for boils, burns, strains, swelling, and bruises. Also, Read - Herbs and Foods

Time Limit – Human Experiences to Guide Future Generations

Historians interpret the past in several different ways. For some Time Limit, it is a repository of substantial human experiences to guide future generations to avoid certain mistakes and make a correct judgment about ensuing or prevalent issues. From the knowledge of the past, nations could learn how to establish social and political institutions to serve society.

When a change is in order, state institutions must adapt themselves according to the new needs for they’re optimal utility. But sometimes change is resisted and the past is glorified to such an extent that it becomes an obsession with nations. They become blinded to the present and hence unable to assess and analyzed they’re present conditions under the changing circumstances.

Some historians believe that the past becomes a burden when it is preserved as a sacred heritage as this prevents change in society. People remain so intoxicated with the grandeur of the past that they are oblivious to the present day challenges. According to the French philosopher, Descartes, those who travel and spend time outside they’re country become strangers to they’re own society. Similar, those who pay too much attention to the past become incapable of understanding the present.

Historians present the example of the United States which appeared on the map of the world as a new country carrying no burden of the past. It inherited no grand, old monarchy, aristocracy or feudalism. Here lay an opportunity to construct culture right from the beginning with fresh energy and vitality.

However, with the passage of time, the past crept in with values of imperialism, genocide, violations of human rights, overthrowing other sovereign states and other acts of exploitation and oppression. Within a short span of time, the American past, in turn, became as burdensome as that of the other old world countries.

When the French revolution wiped out monarchy and laid down the foundation of a new society, the conservative classes of England felt threatened as they were concerned about losing they’re status. Edmund Burke refuted the revolution in his book Reflection on the French Revolution, arguing that it destroyed centuries-old traditions of the French society, creating a void which would only lead to disorder and chaos.

What he meant was that building a new culture is not an easy task. In the absence of values and institutions, society confronts disturbance and anarchy. He convinced the reader that as a traditional society, England should keep it’s traditions intact as they have evolved over a long period of time. His ideology appealed to the ruling classes who resisted change.

Newly independent countries of Asia and Africa remain in a dilemma whether to get rid of they’re colonial and pre-colonial past and rewrite the history with a fresh perspective, making independence the focal point or to adjust the past with the present. Therefore, while some reject the colonial past of history, others retain it as a part of history and integrate it with they’re mainstream of historical narratives.

A group of historian argues with the concept that nations can learn from the past. According to them, there is a difference between the past and present-day cultures so the past can neither be revived nor repeated, society has to solve it’s problems in it’s present-day context and not in the light of experiences.

History has a limit as it does not cover each and every event that happened in the past. In it’s early phase, the chronicles of rulers and the privileged classes were recorded as they were regarded as history makers. Political events were emphasized instead of society and culture while other classes were either marginalized or ignored.

David Hume, the English philosopher, and historian present a new angle in documenting history by highlighting the role of commerce in history. He discussed the contribution of merchants and traders in reshaping history. Another breakthrough was made by German historians at the University of Gottingen who unfolded the rule of guilders, peasants, and workers in creating history.

Although history has broadened it’s scope it still has Time Limit when interrupted by ideology alone.  When history is written under such a framework, it has to be distorted to justify it. Consequently, it loses it's credibility. Read More – Qutub Minar – Most Imposing Monuments in India

House Wren vs Carolina Wren

Many birders confused about the difference between Carolina Wren vs House Wren. They have close resemblance make them difficult to identify.

Carolina Wren

Carolina Wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus) is a beautiful small bird having rusty upperparts, cinnamon underparts, and a different white eye-stripe. The Wren is about 4.9 to 5.5 in long, with an 11 in wingspan and a weight of about 18 to 23 g. The male and female birds are identical in plumage. However, the male is every so often slightly larger. Carolina Wren is a stocky and large-headed sparrow size bird with a bold white stripe above the eye.

And it is warm rusty brown above and buffy cinnamon below dark brown bars on wings and tail and white chin, throat and upper breast. It is a large wren; the second largest in the United States species after the cactus wren. The bird preferred habitat is in dense cover in forests, farm edges and suburban areas. Carolina Wren song is a bold “teakettle, teakettle, teakettle.

The bird songs can be confused with the Kentucky warbler. When Carolina Wren finding a mate, he tries to make pairs and maintain a territory and stay together for several years. The diet consists of invertebrates, such as beetles, grasshoppers, true bugs, katydids, spiders, ants, bees, wasps, small lizards, frogs, vegetable, and fruit pulp and various seeds.

Carolina Wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus) is a beautiful small bird having rusty upperparts, cinnamon underparts, and a different white eye-stripe.

House Wren

The House Wren (Troglodytes aedon) is a small songbird of wren family. The bird is generally a dull grayish-brown with darker barring on the wings and tail. The bird eyebrow line is faint, the bill is thin and slightly de-curved, and the tail is longish and often kept cocked. Hence, the bird is overall a brown, darker above and lighter below and pale streak above the eye.

It has a light eye ring and there back wings have dark narrow dark barring long bill, yellow at the base and black at the tip. Narrow black barring on tail, hence the bird song is an energetic, flutelike melody of gurgling outbursts.  This is the most widely distributed bird in the Americas. It's taxonomy is highly complex and some subspecies groups are often considered separate species.

An adult bird size is 4.3 to 5.1 in long, with a 5.9 in wingspan and weigh about 10 to 12 g. The House Wren is rich bubbly songbird and commonly heard during the nesting season but rarely afterward. This bird mainly eats insects such as butterfly larvae, spiders and snails. The House wrens rarely attend mixed-species feeding flocks. As a birdwatcher, you should know the Carolina Wren vs House Wren Source: Wikipedia

The House Wren (Troglodytes aedon) is a small songbird of wren family. The bird is generally a dull grayish-brown with darker barring on the wings and tail.

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