Organic Tea

Organic Tea

Organic produce is everywhere. We can buy organic vegetables, fruits, and even “organically raised” meat. Organic beverages such as tea and coffee are also available and they are very popular. But how can you be sure the organic tea you buy is really organic?

What is Organic Tea?
Organic varieties are grown without the use of chemical pesticides or fertilizers. The soil is enriched with natural compost and a layer of mulch retains the moisture while providing extra nutrients as it breaks down.
This growing method is more labor-intensive but produces superior quality tea. Tea competitions in China, Japan, and Taiwan have consistently chosen organic teas as the best teas of their class. These competitions are held “blind” so that the judges can only use taste, aroma and color as the judging criteria.
In addition to the improved flavor, the organic varieties are also higher in health promoting polyphenols and catechins. These are the antioxidants that provide many of the health benefits that tea is famous for. Scientific studies have shown that these compounds are found in higher concentrations in good quality tea.
Organic tea is also better for the tea farmer. Tea plants can live more than 100 years, and organic farming methods allow the tea plants to remain healthy for the duration of their lifespan.
Organic Black Tea
Organic black tea has the same dark-red brilliant color, savory aroma, and pleasant taste as other varieties of black tea.
What distinguishes organic varieties from regular black tea options is that it is free of pesticides and grown in an environmentally natural zone.
The growing, harvesting and processing, which occur on ecological tea plantations in Asia, follow the same methods of agriculture as other organically produced products.
That means the camelilia sinensis plant from which tea is made is free of any man-made chemicals, including synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, plant growth regulators, chemical food additives, etc.
Organic agriculture is a method of growing and processing that helps protect, rather than deplete, natural resources.

Organic foods are grown on land that has been free from the use of synthetic fertilizers, growth regulators, insecticides or herbicides for at least three years.
Instead of harmful chemicals, farmers use methods like composting, crop rotation, and inter-planting to control weeds and pests, replenish the soil and sustain the health of our planet.
A universal beverage, black tea is the most popular blend available today. It undergoes extensive oxidation that gives it its dark color and full-bodied flavor. When consumed on a regular basis, the health benefits of all black teas – whether organically grown or not – are said to include the following:
· Decreases risk of cardiovascular events
· Possible prevention of some cancers
· Possible reduction of heart attack and stroke
· Less than half amount of caffeine of coffee
In addition to black tea, there are a wide variety of other organic teas grown under the conditions described above.s means that the farmer has less expense in replacing tea plants.

Kombucha Tea
Organic Kombucha tea, also referred to as Mancurian Tea or Kargasok tea, is made with a live “starter culture” that is added to a mixture of black tea and sugar. It is then allowed to ferment for a week or more before it is ready to drink.

The tea is a sweet-tasting beverage that is known for a variety of health benefits that include helping to boost the body’s immune system, promoting healthy digestion, building stamina, and fighting a number of infections.
Though, the Food and Drug Administration has not approved organicKombucha tea for medicinal purposes, it has been recognized around the world for its health benefits for centuries.
Organic Kombucha Tea Recipe
· A suitable brewing container, about 5 litre or 1 gallon capacity
· A piece of muslin, kitchen towel or some other piece of clean porous material. A size that will cover the top of the brewing container with some overlap.
· A large elastic band to hold the material on the container.
· A thermometer (optional)
· 4 litres (plus a glass) of water (boiled and cooled or filtered)
· Tea (6 teaspoons loose or 6 tea bags), organic black, green or a mixture of both.
· 320g refined white sugar (ordinary household sugar).
· A healthy Kombucha culture that can be purchased from an online supplier
· 400ml of ready brewed organic Kombucha tea or 60ml (4 tablespoons) distilled vinegar (white, apple, cider or white wine vinegar). If you are using vinegar, it must be distilled -- not live, brewed or fermented.
· Suitable bottles (4 litres worth)
· A kitchen measuring jug

Coconut

Coconut

For thousands of years, coconuts have been an integral part of the diet in tropical climates, providing the nourishment needed to sustain a healthy life. Coconut milk, derived from the meat of the coconut, is the main ingredient for their ubiquitous curry sauces and desserts. Water from young coconuts is most commonly taken to quench thirst. Coconut oil is used not only for cooking, but also to nourish the skin and hair, and for body massage.
In this region, where traditional Ayurvedic medicine has prevailed for centuries, the coconut is highly respected for its medicinal qualities. Yet, it also has the reputation as an aphrodisiac because of its ability to stimulate the production of hormones in both the male and female. When used as body oil and blended with stimulating spices such as cayenne pepper, it acts as a carrier to circulate the blood and to stimulate the organs, while its aromatic scent enhances the senses. The highly mineral-charged coconut water acts to detoxify the kidneys, which indirectly affects its neighbors, the reproductive organs. Healthy kidneys are believed to promote a vibrant, healthy attitude, which expresses itself through the normal, healthy desire for sexual and emotional fulfillment. In a greater sense, this cycle is the silent call of nature to preserve the species. The coconut also has a symbolic meaning. Its very shape, with its three holes and long protective fibers, is compared to the human head and face, representing its importance as a basic food for mankind. Moreover, these three openings form a triangle, which represent the yin yang symbol of ancient religions.
After years of research, western medicine has just recently confirmed the profound healing properties of coconut, dispelling decades of misleading information that has been fed to the public. According to the results of these findings, coconut's unique form of saturated fat actually helps prevent heart disease, stroke, and hardening of the arteries. Unlike other oils and fats, coconut oil contains a large amount of the fatty acid known as lauric acid, which is the predominant fatty acid found in mother's milk. The lauric acid makes breast milk easily digestible, it strengthens the immune system and protects against viral, bacterial and fungal infections. Studies have shown coconut oil's effectiveness with HIV, SARS, Crohn's Disease, as well as other chronic illnesses. It detoxifies the liver, helps to build lipoproteins, fats and hormones and bile, which is necessary for digestion. Coconut's amazing healing properties are also attributed to reducing the risk of other degenerative conditions such as cancer, osteoporosis, and diabetes. The medium chain fatty acids help to create a healthy digestive tract, which in turn allows for better digestion and absorption of the nutrients in our foods. They also speed up metabolism providing an immediate source of energy while supplying fewer calories than other fats. It is the food of choice for those with hypothyroidism. Coconut oil helps protect against skin cancer and other blemishes and helps prevent premature aging and wrinkling. As a cooking oil, it is highly resistant to heat and spoilage. In fact, coconut oil has been called "the healthiest dietary oil on earth".
Most coconut oil sold in America is refined. The excessive heat, bleaching and chemical solvents used in the refining process creates a thick, yellowish-white product that is tasteless and odorless. Only the organic, extra virgin, expeller or hand pressed coconut oil retains its white color, light texture, and its mild taste and scent of fresh coconut.
Coconut oil is truly an ideal food: it is not hydrogenated, contains no trans fats and is very stable with a long shelf life. It is a wonderful substitute for butter or margarine and because it does not revert to trans fatty acids when heated, it is a healthy choice for cooking.
Coconut products you can purchase:
Coconut OilOrganic, unrefined, extra virgin, cold-pressed oil is the most superior quality and the best tasting.
Coconut WaterPackaged directly from the young coconut, its sweet taste satisfies thirst and sweet cravings and contains no fat. It provides the alkaline balance to an acidic condition, which is the primary cause of most illnesses. Coconut water works on a cellular level. It contains the most concentrated amounts of cytokinins than any other food source. These are the cell's DNA protective agents. When cytokinins are present, the cells can then replicate to form a perfect copy of its DNA. If they are not present, imperfect cells are formed resulting in future chronic illnesses.
Coconut MilkThis is a blend of coconut water and coconut cream resulting in a wonderful milk emulsion, containing 17 % fat. A word of caution: Look for canned coconut milk that does not contain some kind of binder, such as carrageen.
Coconut CreamThis is pressed out of the meat of the mature coconut. Compared to the coconut milk, it is higher in oil and in the healthy medium chain fatty acids, containing 22% fat. It is similar in taste, although not as sweet with a rich, thick texture making it ideal for pudding recipes.
Coconut Spreadit is made by grinding the dried flesh of mature coconuts. Because the meat of the coconut is so high in oils, the result is a delicious thick paste, very similar to sesame tahini and it is shelf stable. This spread contains over 60% medium chain fatty acids known for their antibacterial, antiviral, antiparasitical and energy giving properties.
Coconut Flakesnot all coconut flake products are the same. Most air-dried shredded and flaked coconut products found in conventional supermarkets have a weak coconut taste and contain additives such as propylene glycol, sugar and sulfites to preserve it. Always check the ingredients on the label even from health food stores. Freeze dried coconut flakes have a very sweet taste and contain no preservatives or chemical additives. They are freshly frozen to 20 degrees F below zero and then dried, retaining the nutrients.

THE TRUTH ABOUT OILS
Most vegetable oils sold in supermarkets and health food stores are highly refined. Their bland taste and clear appearance are what most people have become used to. Many health problems can be attributed to the use and overuse of these refined oils such as gall bladder and liver disorders, arthritis, tumors, heart disease, and obesity. Some researchers claim that childhood asthma is also attributed to excessive, poor quality oil. While an over consumption of oils can lead to problems, a diet without oils also poses a similar threat including gallstones, liver damage, dry hair, skin and nails and more.
The building blocks of fats are called fatty acids. These can be either saturated, monounsaturated or poly-unsaturated.
Saturated Fatty Acids- Except for coconut and palm oil, all others come mainly from animals. These animal fats are almost always highly refined and if eaten regularly can cause serious heart problems.
Monounsaturated Fatty Acids are found primarily in vegetable oils such as olive, almond, sesame, oleic sunflower and oleic safflower. They do not cause cholesterol to accumulate and they do not easily become rancid.
Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids are found mainly in vegetable oils such pumpkin seed, sesame, hemp seed, flax seed, sunflower, corn, and canola. It is also found in seafood. Specific polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as Linoleic acid (omega-6) and alpha-linoleic acid (omega-3), are called essential fatty acids (EFAs) and are necessary for healthy skin, hair, blood and thyroid. They also help breakdown cholesterol. Pumpkin seed, flax seed and hemp seed oils are high in omega 3.


Types of Oils
Unrefined: These oils are pressed under relatively low heats. Unrefined oils retain their vitamin E content, which preserves the oil from rancidity and also reduces free radical damage. (Free radicals have been linked to heart disease and cancer.) They also contain many nutrients not found in refined varieties, which like distilled water, lack vitality.
Refined Oils:
These oils are subjected to high heats, harsh chemicals and bleaching. The high temperatures transform the unsaturated fatty acids into a synthetic fat called 'trans-fatty acids'. These fats dangerously raise cholesterol levels and damage the immune system. Trans fats, listed as 'partially hydrogenated vegetable oil', can be found in margarine, shortening, fried foods and bakery products. Even worse, many restaurants re-use this oil for deep-frying. Partially hydrogenated oils are also not completely expelled by the body and may remain there in a rancid state. Refined oils have no taste, no color, and no nutrients, but they do have a long shelf life.


Oil Choices
The best choices are plant oils defined by their labels as: extra virgin coconut oil, unrefined sesame oil and extra virgin, cold pressed olive oil. Since pesticides often gather in oils, choose organic.
Olive, coconut, sesame, pumpkin seed and flax oils are the safest because they can be pressed at the lowest temperatures.
Because of a naturally occurring antioxident, sesame oil does not become rancid. Monounsaturated oils such as safflower,
canola, almond, apricot, walnut and avocado are usually always sold in a highly refined state. Purchase these only if unrefined
and organic.
Processing Methods
Heat and light damage oil. The lower the processing temperatures, the better the oil. Olive oil processed by stone pressing produces the best quality.
For other oils, the cold-pressed method processed without light and oxygen produces the highest grade. Expeller-pressed, as opposed to chemically extracted,
does not necessarily qualify an oil as superior since many of these expeller-pressed oils are first highly refined.
The best choices for cooking purposes are coconut, sesame and olive oils.
For non-cooking purposes, the best choices include olive, coconut, sesame, pumpkin seed, flax seed and hemp seed oils.
Storage
Proper storage of oil keeps it from going rancid. The less saturated the oil, the quicker it becomes rancid. Store in the dark or in opaque glass containers.
(Good quality oils are sold in dark colored bottles). Keep all oils refrigerated except for olive and coconut oil, which become solid when cooled.

How To Plant and Grow A Coconut

To start a coconut from the seed, it is best to have the outer fibrous husk intactGet a 3-gallon pot. Use high quality nursery soil mixed with 40% coarse sand. Add drainage rocks to the bottom of the potLay your coconut husk on the ground and see what way it wants to rest. Plant your coconut husk 1/2 way into the soil in the same positionYou can leave the pot in the sun or the shade. Water lightly to keep very lightly moist. Partial shade will likely be more successfulBe patient. The first time we started a coconut from seed it took 9 nine months to sprout. It is common for many palms to take many months to sprout. Don't over water as you'll rot them out

Your coconut will first split its husk at the bottom and send down some roots. It may take several months before your coconut also splits the top of the husk pushing up its first fronds. In other words, your coconut will be growing and you won't even know it until it splits the top.After your coconut spouts, your coconut can live in your 3-gallon pot for about 3-6 months. After that, plant it out or in another larger pot or directly into the soil. Incorporate lots of manure. Fertilize properly starting after sprouting 3 fronds.

Growing

If you plan to grow coconuts, better have patience, seven years of patience before you can expect to see any coconuts. The coconut palm, Cocos nucifera, is considered a "three generation tree," supporting a farmer, his children, and his grandchildren. Some trees, which can grow to a height of 60 to 100 feet, even survive all three generations. Cocos nucifera, nucifera meaning nut-bearing, has only one species that includes both the tall and the dwarf coconut tree, but many varieties exist within the species. Though the coconut is commonly considered a nut, botanically it is classified as a drupe and is the largest of all fruit seeds. The coconut consists of the thin, strong outer layer or skin called the epicarp, the thick fibrous layer called mesocarp, and the dark brown hard shell called the endocarp that encases the coconut flesh. Just beneath the endocarp is the testa, the thin deep brown layer that clings to the white coconut meat. The coconut palm is a striking tree with a tall slender trunk that keeps its same diameter from the base to the top. Beautiful, lacy fronds, about 25 to 35 of them, form an umbrella-like structure at the tree's zenith. The tree grows taller by forming new fronds that sprout from the top of the tree as the lower fronds die off. Coconuts grow from the center of the fronds, close to the trunk. Unique to the coconut palm, each tree blooms thirteen times a year and produces all stages of growth at the same time, from tiny new green nuts to fully ripened brown nuts that are ready to fall from the tree. Coconuts are persnickity about where they live. They cannot survive cold climates, and do poorly in temperate zones. Coconuts require the hot, humid weather of the tropical regions that stretch 25 degrees north to 25 degrees south of the equator all around the globe. There the sun shines steadily with plenty of rainfall to nurture the slow-growing coconut palm. To begin the growing process, purchase a coconut with its husk completely intact. Just like sprouting any seeds and legumes, the coconut must be soaked in water, only longer, two or three days. Next, prepare a pot that is large enough and deep enough for the coconut by putting big pieces of gravel or stones in the bottom to allow for good drainage. Add about two inches of sandy soil, then set the coconut on the soil with the pointed or bud end up. Add more soil until it covers about half the coconut. Then set the pot in a warm place such as a sunny window, near a warm oven, or on a radiator. The next step requires patience and diligence. Pour warm water over the coconut husk every day, making sure it does not dry out. The sprouting process is very slow, sometimes taking six months or longer. Until the sprout appears, the coconut is receiving its nourishment from the white meat inside. The coconut water within provides the nut with all of its moisture requirements. For a sprout to appear it must first pierce through one of the soft spots, often called eyes, of the coconut's hard inner shell and finally emerge from the large fibrous outer shell. When white roots begin to grow out, in about a year, the coconut can be planted in a large tub. Coconuts planted at home are unlikely to thrive or produce a coconut. Today the nuts are a highly cultivated crop, where once they were a source of survival for natives of the tropics, providing the family's support with only a few trees. Since commercially planted coconut palms are grown for maximum yield, some farmers use commercial fertilizer while others use a different method. With intercropping, an effective method of fertilization and land use, the farmer plants banana trees or other large crops among the coconut trees. After producing its crop, the banana trees are left to disintegrate, producing ideal compost to fertilize the soil. Coconuts come in many varieties. Some are grown for their higher oil content, while others are favored for their higher sugar content. Many growers prefer the dwarf varieties. Though they lack the dramatic appearance of the tall trees, they are far easier to harvest. The dwarfs, which have a shorter lifespan, about 40 to 60 years, are also less vulnerable to a yellowing disease that kills many of the tall trees. In agriculture, nothing is without its challenges. With all its advantages, the dwarf coconut palm also faces destruction from rodents. The creatures climb up the tree trunks and form communities under the protection of the feathery fronds, often putting a considerable dent in a farmer's crop. The farmers have tried to outwit the rats by putting metal bands around the tree trunks, but these have no effect on the rats that are already colonized in the trees.

How to grow sunflower

How to grow Sunflower

The typical image of a sunflower is a magnificent yellow flower that towers over flower beds and other flowering plants. But there is more to sunflowers than a row of stately blooms in the background. These striking specimens come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors that will fit any landscape. They are easy to grow from seed and will thrive in any sunny location.
Sunflowers (or Helianthus – the correct plant name) is one of the most popular summer flowers. It is native to both North and South America, but this easy-to-grow flower is often cultivated due to is friendly, large flower.
Not just being beautiful to look at, the sunflower is also useful; the seeds grown in the flower’s head are good parrot and bird seed, as well as being tasty for a hamster. The seeds are also home to the oil which many of us cook with.
Sunflowers can be found in two varieties; the dwarf and the larger variety. The larger variety averages a height of 6-10 foot in full sun.
The dwarf variety (named Dwarf Sungold) are easier to manage and grow to an average height of 24 inches.
Growing sunflowers, in general is quite easy. They need little maintenance and when planted out in the Spring, will flower in the summer. Re-appearing year after year they bring great hues of yellow to a sunny garden.
Growing to tall heights, the stems take on a lot of weight, and are therefore top-heavy. Sunflowers need to have a good start to ensure that they grow strong and healthy, ready to take on the job of supporting the flower head for years to come.
How do I grow strong sunflowers?
Ten tips for growing strong sunflowers:
1. Plenty of sun plus some shade.
2. Generous watering.
3. Planting out at the right time. Think about the weather, sunflowers don’t like the cold.
4. Plenty of space. Don’t crowd them. Each sunflower needs a lot of nutrients from the soil, planting several together will just mean each plant will get less nutrients.
5. Staking at the right time. Don’t let a sunflower struggle against the elements.
6. Good compost.
7. No interference. Once planted out, do not move them.
8. To keep them strong year after year continue this kind treatment while the plants are young every year.
9. Attention. Cut off dead leaves, and keep the area weed-free.
10. Do not use any pesticides, grass seed or other chemicals near the growing sunflowers.
A head start
Before you sow or plant any flower ensure you know how to care for it. Know how much attention it needs, the position it needs to thrive, any feeding required etc.
Can you give the plant what it needs to survive and grow into a strong flower?
Sowing the seeds
Sunflower seeds can be picked up very reasonably at all garden centres. The dwarf variety seeds are much smaller, so you will probably get more for your money by buying these. The ideal time to buy would be in the spring, a week or so before you intend to plant them.
If you’re buying the larger, more common variety, try your local pet store. Many sell sunflower seeds in whatever weight you like, you can buy a huge bag for around 60p! This way if your first attempt at growing them doesn’t work to plan you haven’t wasted a lot of money.
If you are growing the seeds in a greenhouse before planting them out you’ll need to sow them sometime in April. Make sure you don’t plant them too far down in the pot, just cover with about an inch of compost/soil.
If you intend to plant straight out in the garden, make sure that the early morning frosts are over, sunflowers will not tolerate the cold.
Early May is a good time, if it is slightly warmer than average for this time of the year, you can plant out a little earlier. If this is your first attempt at growing sunflowers try planting some in a greenhouse and some straight in the ground and see which works best in your garden.

Location
Tall sunflowers need to be planted against a wall or fence post for support. You’ll need to stake the plants was they become more established to save wind and rain damage, but planting against something is a good idea to make the stems stronger to hold the weight of the heavy sunflower heads. You can then tie the stem loosely to the post as it grows bigger for added support.
Make sure you plant the seeds no less that 24 inches apart to avoid crowding.
Sunflowers need sun. To make your sunflowers extra strong, plant them where they can benefit from both. If you’ve a spot in your garden where the sun covers it during the day, and then is shaded in the afternoon this would be perfect.
Try different spots with your seeds and see which works best for your garden.
Soil conditions, weather climates, positions and temperature all differ in gardens, so to make sure you grow the best sunflowers you can, experiment.
In July to September your flowers will be bright and strong. To keep them fresh, keep watering them every night. The air will be humid and the flower will need a drink! Be generous with your water, but try not to drown the plants. If you have a watering can with a rose attachment, sprinkle some water on the actual flower head to get the water in all the right places.
To ensure your sunflowers keep returning stronger and stronger, respond to what they need – a lot of sun, a lot of water, to be staked well and to be left to shine
Things to consider while Growing Sunflower Plants:First you need to consider the location for growing sunflower plants. You must ensure that the particular area gets ample sunlight. Before you begin planting these, consider the amount of sunlight and the direction of the wind. Sunflowers need the full strength of the sun so choose an area that gets steady sunlight for at least 6 hours. Always ensure you plant the sunflowers seeds at least one inch deep into the soil. You must also keep a distance of 6 inches between each seed. Avoid planting sunflowers just before the winter season. If you have to plant them in pots, ensure that you keep these pots on a windowsill that gets plenty of sunlight. Check out the germination of the seed before growing sunflower plants. Once you have purchased the seed packet, you must remember not all seeds are equal. Therefore you can wrap them in a moist paper towel for a few days and check out which seeds germinate first. You can then choose and plant the sprouted seeds. You also need to consider the soil for growing sunflower plants. Experts believe that sunflowers prefer soils that drain well. Soils that contain a lot of mulch also help in growing sunflower plants. Mixing some manure a few days before planting the seeds in the soil will help you grow these with ease. It is said that these plants can be grown in a variety of soils. This non-fussy plant therefore can be grown without worrying too much about the soil required for their growth. Sunflower plants need plenty of water as well. Ensure you water your sunflower plants on a daily basis to prevent them getting withered in the sun. This is also the basic reason why you must use a well-drained soil. Seedlings should be watered deeply for the initial months. This needs to be done so that they develop healthy roots. While growing sunflower plants you may at times need to keep a check on the height of the stems. Sometimes, these plants may grow really tall which would depend upon the variety you have used. Therefore, you might need to tie it up with the help of a string so that the stem does not snap off by a sudden gust of wind. If you are keen of having the tall variety, then plant them next to a fence, which can give it some support as it grows. Always remember while growing sunflower plants that you need to think about other plants in the garden as well. Tall sunflower plants can block the sunlight and the wind for other plants. This can be useful if you have planted varieties that require less sunlight and the shade provided by the sunflowers can be a blessing in disguise. While growing sunflower plants, you may come across the problem of weeds. You will need to be especially careful when these plants are still in their initial stages of growth. Another factor you would need to consider while growing sunflower plants are certain diseases that can harm your plant. Fungi cause certain diseases that can affect sunflower plants to a great extent. Downy mildew is one such disease, which is a kind of fungi that grows beneath the leaves. This can also cause the stem to blacken. Keep a daily check to keep beetles away. These are known to eat into the plant, damaging it in the process. Insects can pose to be a problem while growing sunflower plants. In that case, the most useful insect would be the bee; because they help in the process of cross-pollination. Some of the common insects found in sunflower plants are the sunflower midges, sunflower beetles, sunflower bud moth, gray sunflower seed weevil, sunflower stem weevil etc. Birds are bound to steal the seeds of this plant. Therefore if you wish to protect the seeds, you would need to use some cheesecloth as a protective cover for the flower heads. You would need to check the flower head to know when the harvest would begin. Here, the florets in the center should be shriveled. The heads should be turned to the bottom side. There would also be some lemon yellow color on the backside. Cut the seed and keep some of the stem attached to it. Hang this in a safe place away from insects and also keep it in a ventilated area. Use cheesecloth to cover it so that it can hold seeds that tend to fall down.Growing sunflower plants can be a relaxing and also a very fruitful hobby. Use these tips to grow healthy sunflower plants and watch your backyard transform from a normal garden into an amazingly beautiful haven.

Herbal Medication

Herbal Medication:
1. Lagundi leaves:
Boil 4 tablespoons of chopped dried leaves or 6 tablespoon of chopped fresh leaves in 2 glasses of water for 15 minutes
Dosage: Adults: 1/2 cup, 3 times a dayChildren's: (Babies) 1 teaspoon, (3 times a day)(2-6 yrs.) 2 tablespoons, 3 times a day(7-12 yrs) 1/4 cup, 3 times a day.
2. Oregano leaves
Boil 1 cup of chopped fresh leaves in 2 glasses of water for 15 minutes.
Dosage: Adults: 1/2 cup, 3 times a dayChildren's: (Babies) 1 teaspoon,3 times a day(2-6 yrs.) 2 tablespoons 3 times a day(7-12 yrs.) 1/4 cup, 3 times a day
3. Alagaw leaves
Boil 1 cup of chopped fresh leaves in 2 glasses of water for 15 minutes. Drain and squeeze in 2 calamansi. Put 1 tablespoon sugar.
Dosage: Adults: 1/2 cup every 4 hoursChildren: (Babies) 1 teaspoon every 4 hours(2-6 yrs.) 2 tablespoon, every 4 hours(7-12 yrs.) 1/4 cup, every 4 hours
BURNS
Herbal Medications for Small Burn Area:
1. Sabila leaves:
Wash leaves with soap, and water pound the leaves and extract juice.Apply juice on the burn area after soak­ing in warm salt solution once a day.
2. Atsuete leaves
Wash leaves with soap and water. Boil for 10 leaves in 5 glasses of water. Let it cool.Soak the burn area for 10 minutes, once a day.
CHICKEN POX
Herbal Medications:1. Balimbing leaves (for itchiness)
Crush or chop young leaves and extract the juice. Apply the juice on the skin or lesions to relieve itchiness, 3 times a day. Don't rub juice on the skin.
2. Lagundi leaves
Boil 4 tablespoons of chopped dry leaves or 6 tablespoons of chopped fresh leaves in 2 glasses of water for 15 minutes.
Dosage: Adults: 1 cup, every 4 hoursChildren's: (Babies) 1 table­ spoon, every 4 hours(2-6 yrs.) 1/4 cup, every 4 hours(7-12 yrs.) 1/2 cup, every 4 hours
ASTHMAHerbal Medications:
1. Talampunay leaves
Boil 2 dried leaves.Use as cigarette, every 6 hours.
2. Kalatsutsi leaves
Boil 2 dried leaves.Use as cigarette, one in morning and one in the evening.
3. Sampalok bark
Chop and boil a one-foot long piece of bark in 3 glasses of water for 10 minutes.
Dosage: Adults: 1 cup every after meal and at bedtimeChildren: 1/2 cup, 4 times a day (after meals and at bed­ time)Babies: 2 teaspoons, 4 times a day (after meals and at bedtime
4. Kulities leaves and flowers
Boil 5 chopped young stems with flowers and leaves in 5 glasses of water for 10 minutes.
Dosage: Adults: 1 cup, 4 times a dayChildren: 1/2 cup, 4 times a day2 teaspoons, 4 times a day

ACUTE AND CHRONIC CYSTITIS Herbal Medications:
1. Sambong leaves
Boil 1 cup of chopped fresh leaves in 2 glasses of water for 15 minutes.
Dosage: Adult: 1/2 cup, 3 times a dayChildren: (2-6 yrs.) 2 table-spoon 3 times a day (7-12 yrs) 1/4 cup, 3 times a day
2. Pandan leaves
Boil 1 cup of chopped fresh leaves in 2 glasses of water for 15 minutes.
Dosage: adults 1 cup 3 times a dayChildren: (2-6 yrs.old) ¼ cup 3 times a day(7-12 yrs.) 1/2 cup 3 times a day
3. Papaya leaves and green fruit
Boil 1 cup and chopped fresh leaves and 1 cup chopped green fruit in 4 glasses of water for 15 minutes.
Dosage: Adults: 1 cup, 3 times a dayChildren: (2-6 yr..) 1/4 cup times a day(7-12 yr..) 1/2 cup 3 times a day
4. Mais hair
Boil 2 cups of chopped fresh young hairs in 4 glasses of water for 15' minutes.
Dosage: Adults: 1 glass 3 times a dayChildren: (2-6 yr.s.) 1/2 cup 3 times a day(7-12 yr.s.) 1 cup 3 times a day
CONSTIPATIONHerbal Medications:
1. Kangkong leaves
Eat 2 cup of boiled leaves with meals. This maybe the part of a diet.
2. Malunggay leaves
Eat one cup cooked leaves with meals.
3. Papaya (ripe fruit)
Eat one big slice every morning for breakfast.
4. Kampanilya (yellow bell)
Boil 5 leaves in 2 glasses of water for 10 minutes.
Dosage: Adults: 1 glass, 2 times a day Children: (2-6 yrs.) 1 table­ spoon, 2 times a day (7-12 yrs.) 1 cup, 2 times a day
Why Aromatheraphy Effective?
Aromatherapy, which involves taking various essences at certain hours of the day is especially effective if applied along with correct diet, exercises and deep breathing.
Healing with essential oils works because it is in harmony with the principles of natural healing. Let's take camomile oil, for instance. This essence contains Azulene, a substance which is an effective anti-inflammation agent. It has a deep blue color. In color therapy, Blue is used to reduce inflammation. Essen­tial oils are `liquid vibrations', each one
of which has a particular correspondence with a particular color and sound. Cinnamon oil, for example, corresponds with the color orange, and it stimulates the heart and circulation.
Essential oils are plant hormones and they have a biodynamic and ionizing potential when used therapeutically to treat human dis­eases. They are highly concentrated and powerful, and should be used with great care and properly diluted.
SNAKE BITES
Herbal Medications:
1. Adelfa leaves and branch poultice
Pound 10 leaves and a piece of branch
Apply directly on the wound after it has been bled

2. Kamantigue flower poultice
Crush about 10 flowers
Apply directly on he wound as poultice after it has been bleed

ABSCESSES AND BOILS
Herbal Medications:
1. Alugbati leaves poultice
Crush 2 leaves. Apply as poultice, 2 times a day

2. Amarillo leaves poultice
Crush 3 leaves and two flowers
Apply as poultice, 2 times a day

3. Gumamela leaves and flowers poultice
Chop 5 leaves and 2 flowers
Apply directly on abscess or boil as poultice, 2 times a day

4. Langka juice or sap (milky juice from the tree trunk) compress
Get the milky juice from the trunk and mix with a little vinegar
Warm the mixture and use it for hot compress
Use small pieces of clean cloth or gauze as compress
Apply for 20 minutes, 2 times a day

5. Sambong leaves poultice
Chop 5 fresh leaves
Apply directly as poultice on abscess or boil 2 times a day

6. Charcoal poultice
Chop or powder charcoal, then wet with water and wrap in a handkerchief or a clean piece of cloth
Apply directly as poultice, 2 times a day.

SPRAINED ANKLE OR WRIST
Herbal Medications:
1. Sabila leaves poultice
Pound 2 to 3 fresh leaves
Apply directly or poultice on the ankle or wrist for 30 minutes 3 tiles a day
Use bandage to hold poultice in place.

2. Kamantiqui stems and leaves poultice
Pounds 2 stems with leaves
Apply directly or poultice for 20 minutes 3 times a day
Use bandage to hold the poultice in place

3. Kakawate leaves poultice
Crush 10 leaves
Apply directly or poultice for 30 minutes, 3 times a day
Use bandage to hold the poultice in place

4. Mayana leaves poultice:
Crush 10 leaves
Apply directly or poultice for 10 minutes 3 times a day

5. Kataka-taka leaves poultice
Crush 10 leaves
Apply directly as poultice for 30 minutes 3 times a day

DIABETES
1. Darak (now)
Boil the newly grounded darak
Filter the boiled liquid with a piece of cloth
Drink it like tea with sugar or honey

Herbal Medicine

Herbal Medicine
The growing popularity of medicine plants has caught the interest of local barangays, municipal/provincial governments, st. dent groups, civic organizations and the like Herbal medicine' gardens began to sprout barangays, school campuses and backyard. Contests also were conducted by civil groups. Even health clinics began prescribing medicines either in prepared formulations dosages from raw plants taken from the community. NSTA and its concerned agencies in itiated training programs in the regions wit a view to promoting the program to loc leaders and medical practitioners. NSTA target is to set up regional production plan for the manufacture of drugs out of these plants so that people in the regions will have easy access to cheap medicines.ANISE - the essence of this plant is used to cure asthma, colic in infants; impotence, migraine, palpitations and insufficiency of milk in lactating mothers. For asthma, three drops on a little amount of sugar, taken three times a day; for colic in infants, one drop per day for each year of the child's age, with a maximum of five drops per day. Don't exceed six consecutive days. For insufficiency of milk, take two drops of Anise essence on a little brown sugar, three times a day.BASIL - better known as a seasoning, Basil essence, is applied on insect bites (1 drop of essence) and snake bites. Three or four drops of essence on a little brown sugar three times a day, calms anxiety. Three drops of Basil essence is also a remedy for gout, mental strain, migraine, scanty menstruation, vertigo and epilepsy.
CARAWAY - the oil of this herb is good for dry pleurisy, rheumatism, loss of appetite, flatulence, lactation, gastric spasm, vertigo, worms and diminished amount of urine.
CAMOMILE - the essential oil is rubbed on gout, rheumatism afflicted parts of the body, boils, dermatitis, eczema, and herpes. Three or four drops of camomile es­sence on a little brown sugar, three times a day, between meals, alleviate anemia. Camomile also cures loss of appetite, conges­tion of the liver or spleen, convulsions, depression, slow intermittent fever, influenza, insomnia, migraine, facila neuralgia, stomach cramps, vertigo (3 drops of essence on brown sugar when the attack occurs), and teething troubles in children. CINNAMON - the essence of cinnamon is distilled from the leaves and bark of. the cinnamon tree and is used for coughs and irrita­tions of the respiratory organs, snake bites, spasmodic colic, diarrhea and flatulence. CLOVES - the essence of cloves, mixed with a 10 per cent alcohol solution, is rubbed on Lupus afflicted parts of the anatomy. It is used to cure scabies, sore throat, sinusitis, vertigo and wounds. It is also a remedy for asthma, diarrhea, dropsy, dyspepsia, flatulence, gout, measles, loss of memory, dental neuralgia, worms and diseases of the lungs such as bronchitis and pleurisy.
CORIANDER - the essence off coriander is a remedy for joint and rheumatic pains (mix warm olive oil, and 10 per cent coriander essence and rub on afflicted area), loss of appetite ( 1 drop of essence on brown sugar and taken half an hour before each meal), slow digestion (2 drops of essence on brown sugar after each meal), and flatulence.
EUCALYPTUS - oil from the leaves is used on burns and injuries, colds, sinusitis, rheumatism, asthma, bronchitis, diabetes, influenza, laryngitis, measles, and scarlet fever.
GARLIC - is a remedy for arteriosclerosis, asthma, hypertension, rheumatism and worms.
GINGER - the essence is extracted from the roots and applied externally for rheumatic pains, and as a gargle for sore throat. Internally, it is for loss of appetite, diarrhea, intestinal disorders, slow digestion and flatulence.
LAUREL - the essence of bay laurel is a remedy for rheumatism (mix with olive oil 10% of essential oil of laurel and rub on af­flicted area) and for slow digestion (3 drops on a little, brown sugar after each meal).
LEMON - the essence of lemon' is ap­plied on insect bites and stings (1 drop of es­sence), herpes (dab with cotton wool soaked in water with 2% lemon essence), brittle nails (soak nails for 15 minutes in warm olive oil with 10% essence of lemon), sore throat (gargle with lukewarm boiled water and 2% essence of lemon), warts, wounds (bathe with boiled water and 2% of lemon essence). Lemon essence is also good for preventing facial wrinkles (four drops of essence do brown sugar after every meal forestalls ageing). It is a remedy for anemia (5 drops of essence on brown sugar half an hour before meals), loss of appetite, arteriosclerosis (5 drops on brown sugar 3 or 4 times a day), by per viscosity of the blood, loss of calcium, fragile capillaries, dysentery, hypertension (3 drops of lemon essence on brown sugar after every meal), and infectious diseases. Other diseases cured by lemon essence include in­fluenza, jaundice, liver complaints (3 drops, of essence on brown sugar after every meal), 'lung problems such as bronchitis, asthma, pleurisy, malaria (5 drops of essence on brown sugar four times a day), and rheumatism (3 drops on a lump of brown sugar after every meal.ONION - the essence of onion is used externally for abscesses (bathe with the water in which an onion has been cooked), and boils and stings (dab with onion alcohol preparation). Raw onion is a remedy for the following: ageing, arteriosclerosis, asthma, bronchitis, colds, diabetes, diarrhea, flatulence, glandular imbalance, impotence obesity, and mental and physical 'strain.
PEPPERMINT - the essence of peppermint is a remedy for asthma, migraine, bronchitis, and is used as mouthwash. Used also for colic (4 drops of essence on brown sugar three times a day), flatulence, food poisoning, indigestion, liver ailments, migraine, palpitations, paralysis, and worm.
ROSEMARY - used for asthma, chronic bronchitis, colic (5 drops on a bit of brown sugar after meals; rub abdomen with 60% alcohol and 3% essence of rosemary), .general debility (4 drops on brown sugar before each meal), diarrhea, slow digestion, dizzy spells, dysmenorrhea, fainting spells, flatulence, heart trouble 'of nervous origin, liver ailments, migraine and rheumatism.TURMERIC (Yellow Ginger) - the essence of turmeric eases pain in the bones (rub with lukewarm sweet almond oil and 5% of oil of turmeric), anorexia (two drops of es­sence on a little brown sugar taken half an hour before meal), slow digestion and sluggish liver (2 drops of essence after a meal). The essential oil of turmeric must be used in moderation and with care for a fairly limited period.

Herbal plants

Herbal Plants

Ayurveda has, for several years, exalted the virtues of the vegetarian diet emphasizing on the benefits of green leafy vegetables. Although greens, like spinach have gained universal acceptance through the vastly popular Popeye, they have always been part of the staple diet recommended by Ayurvedic physicians. Greens are rich in fiber and antioxidants and contain natural pigments like lutein that keep several diseases, such as macular degeneration, at bay. Ayurveda recommends that greens be included as part of every individual’s daily diet to cure diseases and to keep them at bay.

The Ayurvedic method of cooking these vegetables is simple and easy to digest. Separate the edible leaves from the weeds and grass. Wash well. Chop and cook by adding ghee and a small amount of rock salt. Add a pinch of pepper powder for taste. Cook for 5–7 minutes only. If the leaves lack taste or have a bitter, astringent taste, cooked green gram (peeled) may be added towards the end and mixed well. Adding coconut to the greens makes them heavy to digest. It may be added only when the person has very good digestion.

1. Sili (pepper)
Get 1/2 kilo leaves of the plant and have it pounded fine. Apply the juice to the first or second degree burns.

2. Tanlad
Boil 1/4 kilo of tanlad roots. Drink 3 times a day. This is good for high blood pressure. Makes the blood normal.

3. Bawang
Skin 2 cloves of bawang. Put these in the mouth like candies. Eat it little by little. It is good for the heart. It makes a breathing normal.

4. Alagaw
Boil the leaves of alagaw. Drink it 3 times a day. This is good for Hika or Asthma.

5. Pepino
Eating pepino is good for diabetes. It helps the digestive system, too.

6. Carrot
Eat carrot to make your eyes.clearer.

7. Labanos
This is good for high blood pressure.

8. Malunggay
This is good for ulcers.

9. Roots of Malunggay
Boil the roots. Drink it. It is good for woman's menstruation.

10. Singkamas
The flowers of singkamas are good for vitamin C. It is a cure for manas.

11. Kamote leaves
Boil kamote leaves. Drink it regularly. It is good for diabetes.

12. Banana Juice
This is good for TB dis­ease. Collect banana juice from the banana plant (tree) in the morning during 4 days and drink it like tea, 3 times a day.

Fungi

FUNGI
Mushrooms, Puffballs, lichens, yeasts, and molds that grow on foods all belong to a special group of living things called fungi. Members of the fungi kingdom are neither plants nor animals. They absorb their food through networks of thin feeding threads.

Fungi were once thought to be plants, because many grow from the soil and do not move. Scientists now know that fungi and plants are very different. Unlike plants, fungi are not green and do not make their own food. Most fungi feed on dead animals and rotting plants. New fungi grow from tiny balls, called spores, which are released into the air.

Structure of a Mushroom
A mushroom has a stem, cap, and gills that produce spores. The cap is held above the ground so that escaping spores can be carried away by air currents. At the bottom of the stem are slender threads, or hyphae, that search for food.


Fungus Varieties

There are about 65,000 known types of fungi. They grow in soil, among leaf litter, on dead trees, and on living plants.


Mushroom Life cycle
1.Tiny spores released by a mushroom float away in the air.

2. A mass of hyphae grows under the ground from the spores.

3. above the soil, hyphae pack together to form a “button” mushroom.

4. A mushroom grows up and is soon ready to make new spores.
Fungi and Alga
A lichen is a joining of a fungus and a plantlike alga, which live together as one organism. The fungus protects the alga, and the alga makes food for the fungus. Lichens grow on rocks and tree trunks.

Poisonous Mushrooms
Some mushrooms contain poison to stop animals from eating them. This is why you
Should never pick mushrooms in the wild. No matter how colorful and pretty they look, they could be highly dangerous.