Funny how a Facebook conversation can lead to places.
I came across shimeji mushrooms on the store shelf yesterday, which got me curious as to whether I'd still dislike them. I stuck to the regular whites, sliced, though in the end as I was not in the mood for experimenting that day. The post regarding the above issues lead to various people's likes and dislikes (even one allergy), and this morning found a shared link to how awesome and innovative ways to use fungi.
How mushrooms could possibly save the world - a TED talk by Paul Stamets
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Perilla Frutescenes - Shiso
Perilla Frutescenes
“Shiso”/“Beefsteak Plant”
Aka Ao Shiso, Ji Soo, Perilla, Purple Perilla, Shiso, Wild basil, Wild red basil, Chinese basil, Purple mint, Rattlesnake weed, Summer coleus
Family: Lamiaceae
Shiso originated in East Asia, and was a traditional crop of China, India, Japan, Korea, and Thailand, a plant now scientifically verified as having numerous beneficial chemical properties. Introduced to America during 1800’s, it quickly became a naturalised weed in Southern USA.
Ideal environment is in full sun to partial shade, although it does well in shade in hotter summer climates as the scorching sun evaporates the flavoursome essential oils. They do well both in the ground and in pots.
Shiso will tolerate pH levels between 6.1 and 7.8 with it ideally neutral. They enjoy light to medium moist well-drained and rich soil.
They may become invasive if left to seed. They are drout and frost tender plants.
Leaf
Shape: Petiole, ovate
Margin: Serrated
Colour: Dark green – dark purple. Sometimes the leaves are so large and red that they remind one of a slice of raw beef, hence the name beefsteak plant
Surface: Bronze-metallic sheen, hairy
Size: 15cm
Arrangement: Opposing
Flavour: Mint/liquorice
Flower
Colour/s: Pink; Violet/Lavender; White/Near White
Inflorescence: Terminal spike, called hojiso; 25cm.
Size: 6mm
Shape: Tubular
Fruit
Calix left as a protection for seedpods. Dry seed head rattles, hence the name Rattlesnake Weed.
Plant Category: Annual herb
Growth characteristics: 45-60 cm; square stems
Potential horticultural use: foliage and aromatic. Flowers are attractive to butterfly yet the foliage is unappealing to most pest insects.
Horticultural limitations: Seeds are poisonous if ingested. Potentially invasive weed (listed as invasive in Pennsilvania)
Propagation methods: from seed; propagate indoors before frost. Allow seedheads to dry on plants; remove and collect seeds. Properly cleaned, seed can be successfully stored
Culinary: Raw, cooked, dried. Awesome with sashimi, pizza topping as a basil substitute, and canned pickled kkaennip can be found in Korea
Farmaceutical: antiasthmatic, antibacterial, antidote, antimicrobial, antipyretic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antitussive, aromatic, carminative, diaphoretic, emollient, expectorant, pectoral, restorative, stomachic and tonic. An infusion of the plant is useful in the treatment of asthma, colds, cough and lung afflictions, influenza prevention, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, constipation, food poisoning and allergic reactions (especially from seafood), and to restore health and balance. The stems are a traditional Chinese remedy for morning sickness and restless fetus in pregnancy, though some say the herb should be avoided by pregnant women.
Aromatic: The seed heads can be collected and dried for use in arrangements, potpourris and wreaths. The crushed plant also makes an effective insecticide.
Other: Perilla seed oil has been used in paints, varnishes, linoleum, printing ink, lacquers, and for protective waterproof coatings on cloth.
Folk lore: In Asia, centuries ago, ceremonies were conducted before harvesting the plant, it was considered to be alive and was held as sacred, sent by God as food and medicine to treat all ailments of man. Disrespect for the plant meant death, anyone caught stepping on the plant would himself be trampled to death!
“Shiso”/“Beefsteak Plant”
Aka Ao Shiso, Ji Soo, Perilla, Purple Perilla, Shiso, Wild basil, Wild red basil, Chinese basil, Purple mint, Rattlesnake weed, Summer coleus
Family: Lamiaceae
Shiso originated in East Asia, and was a traditional crop of China, India, Japan, Korea, and Thailand, a plant now scientifically verified as having numerous beneficial chemical properties. Introduced to America during 1800’s, it quickly became a naturalised weed in Southern USA.
Ideal environment is in full sun to partial shade, although it does well in shade in hotter summer climates as the scorching sun evaporates the flavoursome essential oils. They do well both in the ground and in pots.
Shiso will tolerate pH levels between 6.1 and 7.8 with it ideally neutral. They enjoy light to medium moist well-drained and rich soil.
They may become invasive if left to seed. They are drout and frost tender plants.
Leaf
Shape: Petiole, ovate
Margin: Serrated
Colour: Dark green – dark purple. Sometimes the leaves are so large and red that they remind one of a slice of raw beef, hence the name beefsteak plant
Surface: Bronze-metallic sheen, hairy
Size: 15cm
Arrangement: Opposing
Flavour: Mint/liquorice
Flower
Colour/s: Pink; Violet/Lavender; White/Near White
Inflorescence: Terminal spike, called hojiso; 25cm.
Size: 6mm
Shape: Tubular
Fruit
Calix left as a protection for seedpods. Dry seed head rattles, hence the name Rattlesnake Weed.
Plant Category: Annual herb
Growth characteristics: 45-60 cm; square stems
Potential horticultural use: foliage and aromatic. Flowers are attractive to butterfly yet the foliage is unappealing to most pest insects.
Horticultural limitations: Seeds are poisonous if ingested. Potentially invasive weed (listed as invasive in Pennsilvania)
Propagation methods: from seed; propagate indoors before frost. Allow seedheads to dry on plants; remove and collect seeds. Properly cleaned, seed can be successfully stored
Culinary: Raw, cooked, dried. Awesome with sashimi, pizza topping as a basil substitute, and canned pickled kkaennip can be found in Korea
Farmaceutical: antiasthmatic, antibacterial, antidote, antimicrobial, antipyretic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antitussive, aromatic, carminative, diaphoretic, emollient, expectorant, pectoral, restorative, stomachic and tonic. An infusion of the plant is useful in the treatment of asthma, colds, cough and lung afflictions, influenza prevention, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, constipation, food poisoning and allergic reactions (especially from seafood), and to restore health and balance. The stems are a traditional Chinese remedy for morning sickness and restless fetus in pregnancy, though some say the herb should be avoided by pregnant women.
Aromatic: The seed heads can be collected and dried for use in arrangements, potpourris and wreaths. The crushed plant also makes an effective insecticide.
Other: Perilla seed oil has been used in paints, varnishes, linoleum, printing ink, lacquers, and for protective waterproof coatings on cloth.
Folk lore: In Asia, centuries ago, ceremonies were conducted before harvesting the plant, it was considered to be alive and was held as sacred, sent by God as food and medicine to treat all ailments of man. Disrespect for the plant meant death, anyone caught stepping on the plant would himself be trampled to death!
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Gruerilla Gardening
Check out these acts of green vandalism in London, by Richard Reynolds.
Richard gets caught one time... the first time in 4 years he's asked to stop by the authorities.
I think it's a good reminder to ask yourself, what's really good for the community?
Richard gets caught one time... the first time in 4 years he's asked to stop by the authorities.
I think it's a good reminder to ask yourself, what's really good for the community?
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Mouldy Sunflowers
So much for putting away the sunflower seeds for stock.
Dad put the dry flowerheads in a plastic bag to store away in the shed... only to find them not entirely dry yet and covered in white smelly fluff! We decided to rescue the largest flowerhead and not worry about the smaller ones. They got washed, drained, and are currently layed out on the newspapers on the concrete.
I wonder how viable these seeds are as some of them had nothing in them at all.
It'll be my kind of irony to have seeds that went to the birds still viable, as they had plenty of time to dry out properly...
Dad put the dry flowerheads in a plastic bag to store away in the shed... only to find them not entirely dry yet and covered in white smelly fluff! We decided to rescue the largest flowerhead and not worry about the smaller ones. They got washed, drained, and are currently layed out on the newspapers on the concrete.
I wonder how viable these seeds are as some of them had nothing in them at all.
It'll be my kind of irony to have seeds that went to the birds still viable, as they had plenty of time to dry out properly...
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Self-healing Challenge
Wednesday
A friend of mine came over with a SCENAR device to treat the infected gum in the back of my mouth, and also for a minor splinter issue on my palm (from a palm tree). I was tapping with EFT to keep the pain at bay but it came to a point where I was running out of time to organise meets before I finished cert II and disappeared to the farm for a while, and I while I've been aware of SCENAR's healing properties, I decided to take the opportunity to find out for myself.
Of course, as self-healing doctrine goes, the pain in the back of my mouth disappeared as soon as I mentioned it to him on the phone *facepalm*. To ask for help is to already receive...
His usual method is to scan the back for blockage, and then focus on the actual area. So it turned turned out that because all the energies were concentrating on the gum, they wanted nothing to do with the palm for that moment.
The pains from both were gone by that night.
Thursday
I started to get a sniffly nose in the afternoon, and it turned into heavy flu symptom by night. Which is what I was distracted by instead of concentrating on finishing the next plant info. I went to bed with tissues blowing my nose, pondering on the irony of getting a treatment for one thing and receiving something different a day after.
Friday
While I did not feel like getting up, I decided to go to college anyway as I had an assessment piece to hand in. While not doing class-work, I tried to stay away from people as much as possible, and spent the afternoon on the grassy hill in the sun. The runny nose stopped by this time and had moved onto being a headache.
Checking the time that only an hour had passed, I rolled over for another bit of sunshine snooze.
...To have a sharp pain on my rib. As I flailed, three fingers got bitten consecutively, which left me no choice but to run to the bathroom and see what happened. It was an ant of some sort, which I probably could have guessed by the pain was a green ant but I had a teacher confirm it for me.
He got me some stingos and ice.
As I iced the back and the hand in a rather interesting position, I felt a bit of cramp and... rushed to the bathroom to confirm that yes, my period had started.
All I could do by this time was to keep moving in a zombie manner, trying to stay in the sun and also not throw up. I had nothing to throw up, which was probably a good thing I hadn't eaten much during the day anyway.\
A little bit of citrus helped. The banana I got given could not be finished; two bites taken and into the bin it went.
EVENTUALLY, I made my way to public transport, and zombied my way to my boyfriend's.
I was at his door by 5, in bed by 5:30. 9:30 I woke to find myself very sweaty and some headache. After a shower I had gone to bed (proper) and had a very good sleep.
Weekend
Efforts well paid off, I was able to enjoy a day at my friend's place on Saturday and at WWA on Sunday :) It's like god said, you think you can cure your body, cure this! And I could (although it felt like death in the middle of it)
Monday
Now back to our regular schedule... :)
A friend of mine came over with a SCENAR device to treat the infected gum in the back of my mouth, and also for a minor splinter issue on my palm (from a palm tree). I was tapping with EFT to keep the pain at bay but it came to a point where I was running out of time to organise meets before I finished cert II and disappeared to the farm for a while, and I while I've been aware of SCENAR's healing properties, I decided to take the opportunity to find out for myself.
Of course, as self-healing doctrine goes, the pain in the back of my mouth disappeared as soon as I mentioned it to him on the phone *facepalm*. To ask for help is to already receive...
His usual method is to scan the back for blockage, and then focus on the actual area. So it turned turned out that because all the energies were concentrating on the gum, they wanted nothing to do with the palm for that moment.
The pains from both were gone by that night.
Thursday
I started to get a sniffly nose in the afternoon, and it turned into heavy flu symptom by night. Which is what I was distracted by instead of concentrating on finishing the next plant info. I went to bed with tissues blowing my nose, pondering on the irony of getting a treatment for one thing and receiving something different a day after.
Friday
While I did not feel like getting up, I decided to go to college anyway as I had an assessment piece to hand in. While not doing class-work, I tried to stay away from people as much as possible, and spent the afternoon on the grassy hill in the sun. The runny nose stopped by this time and had moved onto being a headache.
Checking the time that only an hour had passed, I rolled over for another bit of sunshine snooze.
...To have a sharp pain on my rib. As I flailed, three fingers got bitten consecutively, which left me no choice but to run to the bathroom and see what happened. It was an ant of some sort, which I probably could have guessed by the pain was a green ant but I had a teacher confirm it for me.
He got me some stingos and ice.
As I iced the back and the hand in a rather interesting position, I felt a bit of cramp and... rushed to the bathroom to confirm that yes, my period had started.
All I could do by this time was to keep moving in a zombie manner, trying to stay in the sun and also not throw up. I had nothing to throw up, which was probably a good thing I hadn't eaten much during the day anyway.\
A little bit of citrus helped. The banana I got given could not be finished; two bites taken and into the bin it went.
EVENTUALLY, I made my way to public transport, and zombied my way to my boyfriend's.
I was at his door by 5, in bed by 5:30. 9:30 I woke to find myself very sweaty and some headache. After a shower I had gone to bed (proper) and had a very good sleep.
Weekend
Efforts well paid off, I was able to enjoy a day at my friend's place on Saturday and at WWA on Sunday :) It's like god said, you think you can cure your body, cure this! And I could (although it felt like death in the middle of it)
Monday
Now back to our regular schedule... :)
Pelargonium graveolens - Rose Geranium
Pelargonium graveolens
Rose Geranium
(syn: P. terebinthiaceum)
Family: Geraniaceae
Most of the plants commonly called geraniums are actually pelargoniums, and while both genera are members of the geranium (Geraniaceae) family. Rose geranium originated from South Africa. They were first sent to England in 1609 by the governor of Cape Colony, but were officially introduced in 1632 by botanist and plant hunter John Tradescant. Scented geraniums were popular in Victorian England and were widely grown until 1914 when fuel for greenhouses was banned during the war.
The genus Pelargonium gets is name from the resemblance of the shape of the fruit to the beak of a stork, pelargos in Greek. The species name graveolens refers to the strong fragrance of the leaves, meaning strong-smelling in Latin.
Rose geraniums are best where they can be touched and smelled. They do well in decorative settings. They may become a weed when uncontrolled or escaped, as they are highly adaptable and have invasive rhizomes. Place them in well-drained soil; pH 6-7; temperature 24°C to 29°C.
Remove flower buds if it starts to get scraggy.
Leaf
Shape: Hand-shaped
Margin: lobed
Colour: Light green – green, and may have a stripy pattern in some varieties.
Surface: Velvet-like, fine hairy
Size: 5-10cm
Flower
Colour/s: Pink - white
Inflorescence: Umbel-like
Scent: Rose
Season: Summer
Plant Category: Perennial scented bush
Growth characteristics: 1.3m high, 1m spread. Herbaceous when young and become woody with age.
Potential horticultural use: Wide use for ornamental.
Horticultural limitations: Potential weed.
Propagation methods: Seed (may self-sow); cuttings, root division.
Culinary: Fresh leaves can be added to jellies, fruit dishes, and cold plates for a mild flavour. To lightly flavour a pound cake or angel food cake, lay the leaves flat on a buttered and floured pan just before pouring batter. Discard the leaves after the cake is baked.
Farmaceutical: The leaves were used in Africa to stop diarrhoea, and an Italian study showed that scented geraniums stop bleeding. The essential oil is made into preparations to treat lice, ringworm, and shingles, usually accompanied by other herbs. The pharmaceutical industry utilises an antiseptic component of the essential oil called geraniol. Oil is also said to repel mosquitoes.
Aromatic: Refer to this link for more info on the essential oil.
Folklore: Doubt: “I haven’t made up my mind”
Rose Geranium
(syn: P. terebinthiaceum)
Family: Geraniaceae
Most of the plants commonly called geraniums are actually pelargoniums, and while both genera are members of the geranium (Geraniaceae) family. Rose geranium originated from South Africa. They were first sent to England in 1609 by the governor of Cape Colony, but were officially introduced in 1632 by botanist and plant hunter John Tradescant. Scented geraniums were popular in Victorian England and were widely grown until 1914 when fuel for greenhouses was banned during the war.
The genus Pelargonium gets is name from the resemblance of the shape of the fruit to the beak of a stork, pelargos in Greek. The species name graveolens refers to the strong fragrance of the leaves, meaning strong-smelling in Latin.
Rose geraniums are best where they can be touched and smelled. They do well in decorative settings. They may become a weed when uncontrolled or escaped, as they are highly adaptable and have invasive rhizomes. Place them in well-drained soil; pH 6-7; temperature 24°C to 29°C.
Remove flower buds if it starts to get scraggy.
Leaf
Shape: Hand-shaped
Margin: lobed
Colour: Light green – green, and may have a stripy pattern in some varieties.
Surface: Velvet-like, fine hairy
Size: 5-10cm
Flower
Colour/s: Pink - white
Inflorescence: Umbel-like
Scent: Rose
Season: Summer
Plant Category: Perennial scented bush
Growth characteristics: 1.3m high, 1m spread. Herbaceous when young and become woody with age.
Potential horticultural use: Wide use for ornamental.
Horticultural limitations: Potential weed.
Propagation methods: Seed (may self-sow); cuttings, root division.
Culinary: Fresh leaves can be added to jellies, fruit dishes, and cold plates for a mild flavour. To lightly flavour a pound cake or angel food cake, lay the leaves flat on a buttered and floured pan just before pouring batter. Discard the leaves after the cake is baked.
Farmaceutical: The leaves were used in Africa to stop diarrhoea, and an Italian study showed that scented geraniums stop bleeding. The essential oil is made into preparations to treat lice, ringworm, and shingles, usually accompanied by other herbs. The pharmaceutical industry utilises an antiseptic component of the essential oil called geraniol. Oil is also said to repel mosquitoes.
Aromatic: Refer to this link for more info on the essential oil.
Folklore: Doubt: “I haven’t made up my mind”
Monday, May 31, 2010
Thymus vulgaris - Thyme
Thymus vulgaris
"Common Thyme"
Family: Lamiaceae
Thyme, native to the Euroasian continent, was well-known since Assyrian time (2000BC). Ancient Greeks felt complimented when told they ‘smell like thymbra’ and in Egypt it was used as part of embalming the dead.
Thyme is a classic in herb gardens. They are excellent for ground cover or garden border, and be pruned into a low hedging or a classic knot formation. Maximum essential oil potency occurs in the summer months.
Thyme enjoys a well-drained, light soil with pH of 6-8, temperature of 13°C. They are low maintenance as long as they get full sun and are protected from cold during winter.
Leaf
Shape: Ovate
Margin: Smooth
Colour: Gray-green to green
Surface: Smooth
Size: 5-10mm
Arrangement: Staggered opposing.
Cycle: Evergreen perennial
Flower
Colour/s: White - lilac
Inflorescence: Terminal spike
Scent: Similar to the leaves
Shape: ovate
Plant Category: Creeping groundcover
Growth characteristics: 30cm x 30cm.
Potential horticultural use: Culinary/herbal gardens, ornamental, potted situations.
Horticultural limitations: As they have fine roots, transplanting requires extra care, and recommended to do so in autumn, months ahead of frost. Although they are hardy to up to -10°C, in cool temperature climates they may need extra protection fro cold winds. Clumps may die in the centre of the bush after 2-3 years, usually an indication of poor growing conditions such as too much moisture or interference from fallen objects such as leaf litter from other plants.
Propagation methods: Seed; germination period 3-4weeks. Root division. Cuttings - soft-tissue cutting, semi-hardwood cutting, and layering.
Culinary: Flavouring for soft cheeses and butters. Used for flavouring in cooking or raw sprinkles. When cookbooks refer to a ‘sprig’ they usually mean half teaspoon (2.5mL)
Farmaceutical: Antisceptic and antibacterial. Coughs, digestive aid, and sooth muscle aches. Stronger infusion used for mouth rinse; disinfect mouth, gums and throat. Anti-aging properties.
Aromatic: Rudyard Kipling: “wind-bit thyme that smells like the perfume of the dawn in paradise”. Culpeper mentioned it dispelling melancholy and nightmares. Thyme essential oils are available to use in baths for rheumatism, in liniments, and in massage oils.
Folklore: Domestic virtue: “I need a compatible partner”.
"Common Thyme"
Family: Lamiaceae
Thyme, native to the Euroasian continent, was well-known since Assyrian time (2000BC). Ancient Greeks felt complimented when told they ‘smell like thymbra’ and in Egypt it was used as part of embalming the dead.
Thyme is a classic in herb gardens. They are excellent for ground cover or garden border, and be pruned into a low hedging or a classic knot formation. Maximum essential oil potency occurs in the summer months.
Thyme enjoys a well-drained, light soil with pH of 6-8, temperature of 13°C. They are low maintenance as long as they get full sun and are protected from cold during winter.
Leaf
Shape: Ovate
Margin: Smooth
Colour: Gray-green to green
Surface: Smooth
Size: 5-10mm
Arrangement: Staggered opposing.
Cycle: Evergreen perennial
Flower
Colour/s: White - lilac
Inflorescence: Terminal spike
Scent: Similar to the leaves
Shape: ovate
Plant Category: Creeping groundcover
Growth characteristics: 30cm x 30cm.
Potential horticultural use: Culinary/herbal gardens, ornamental, potted situations.
Horticultural limitations: As they have fine roots, transplanting requires extra care, and recommended to do so in autumn, months ahead of frost. Although they are hardy to up to -10°C, in cool temperature climates they may need extra protection fro cold winds. Clumps may die in the centre of the bush after 2-3 years, usually an indication of poor growing conditions such as too much moisture or interference from fallen objects such as leaf litter from other plants.
Propagation methods: Seed; germination period 3-4weeks. Root division. Cuttings - soft-tissue cutting, semi-hardwood cutting, and layering.
Culinary: Flavouring for soft cheeses and butters. Used for flavouring in cooking or raw sprinkles. When cookbooks refer to a ‘sprig’ they usually mean half teaspoon (2.5mL)
Farmaceutical: Antisceptic and antibacterial. Coughs, digestive aid, and sooth muscle aches. Stronger infusion used for mouth rinse; disinfect mouth, gums and throat. Anti-aging properties.
Aromatic: Rudyard Kipling: “wind-bit thyme that smells like the perfume of the dawn in paradise”. Culpeper mentioned it dispelling melancholy and nightmares. Thyme essential oils are available to use in baths for rheumatism, in liniments, and in massage oils.
Folklore: Domestic virtue: “I need a compatible partner”.
What's a Farmacist?
In my plant intro sections you'll see a segment called 'farmaceuticals'. It's a section dedicated to herb's medicinal values that lists things it's been said they are good for. Some I've experienced because I've got easy access to them (like using Rosemary in my bath not only because they smell nice but because I'd like to think they're good for my scalp and skin). I get the name from Farmacists Desk Reference (FDR) by Don Tolman. I'd like to think of the name to mean Farm-assist. As in, we'll be helping the local farmers if we buy their produce! And you certainly won't find fresh fruits and veges in a pharmacist, no matter how much they try to convince you how good their pills in a bottle are.
In my personal opinion, fruits and veges are much more delicious and fun than pills in a bottle :)
While there are increasing medical research to back these up, through the analysis of the plant's chemical components, I believe subscribing to whole food signatures must come from an intuition. Like, you can take it or leave it that carrots are good for your eyes! It's been said plenty of times in folklore, when you chop a carrot horizontally it's got the exact pattern of an eye. However I can't advocate this as truth until I put the effort into refocusing my eye through the means of eating plenty of fresh carrots. And so I'd like to take this opportunity to remind you that if there's an information you want to take on board from my blog, it's entirely in your hands on what you do with it.
---
Since we're on the topic of Don, I have to share a side story of something I discovered today... While looking up "Don Tolman" in Google, the next option below was "Don Tolman Fraud". Curious I clicked and there were some interesting things said, from 'the concept of food telling me what it's good for is laughable' to 'he stole my $5000 (or somesuch), how can I get it back?" Don is an international jet-set speaker that makes money majorly from his courses, and more recently from turning his knowledge into a tangible thing that can be sold through a pyramid scheme. (He doesn't call it pyramid, but 2-tiered system is still a pyramid). Sometimes these things don't work out the way you want it, and most of the time sales pitches are annoying.
His head is full of years of specialised study, intensely funny to listen to live, and a real threat to the pharmaceutical industry because he asks the tough questions. It's really up to you to try his mad methods out before handing out judgments...
In my personal opinion, fruits and veges are much more delicious and fun than pills in a bottle :)
While there are increasing medical research to back these up, through the analysis of the plant's chemical components, I believe subscribing to whole food signatures must come from an intuition. Like, you can take it or leave it that carrots are good for your eyes! It's been said plenty of times in folklore, when you chop a carrot horizontally it's got the exact pattern of an eye. However I can't advocate this as truth until I put the effort into refocusing my eye through the means of eating plenty of fresh carrots. And so I'd like to take this opportunity to remind you that if there's an information you want to take on board from my blog, it's entirely in your hands on what you do with it.
---
Since we're on the topic of Don, I have to share a side story of something I discovered today... While looking up "Don Tolman" in Google, the next option below was "Don Tolman Fraud". Curious I clicked and there were some interesting things said, from 'the concept of food telling me what it's good for is laughable' to 'he stole my $5000 (or somesuch), how can I get it back?" Don is an international jet-set speaker that makes money majorly from his courses, and more recently from turning his knowledge into a tangible thing that can be sold through a pyramid scheme. (He doesn't call it pyramid, but 2-tiered system is still a pyramid). Sometimes these things don't work out the way you want it, and most of the time sales pitches are annoying.
His head is full of years of specialised study, intensely funny to listen to live, and a real threat to the pharmaceutical industry because he asks the tough questions. It's really up to you to try his mad methods out before handing out judgments...
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Rosemarinas officinalis - Rosemary
Rosemarinas officinalis
"Rosemary"
Family: Laminaceae
Well known in Western Europe, rosemary was around from ancient Greco-Roman times. Native to the Mediterranean coast, Rosemarinus means ‘dew of the sea’ in Latin which associates with this coastal habitat and the appearance of the flowers.
As rosemary have an attractive vertical line, it will do well in a decorative garden situation.
Rosemary enjoys a sunny, sheltered position. Some may survive the frost .
Soil type: Sharply drained, stony soils and requires little moisture. PH 5-8. Soil temperature 13-25°C.
Maintenance requirements: Little watering, hard pruning in summer after flowering.
Leaf
Shape: lanceolate
Margin: smooth
Colour: grey-green to green
Surface: short soft fur
Size: 3cm long, 3mm wide
Arrangement:
Cycle: perennial
Flower
Colour/s: lilac to dark blue
Inflorescence: tubular
Scent: same as leaves
Shape: bilobial
Fruit: Produces small black seeds.
Plant Category: Evergreen shrub
Growth characteristics: Up to 2m tall, has woody brances and strongly aromatic needle-like leaves
Potential horticultural use: Textile and scent gardens, culinary and medicinal gardens. Can be trained into a pattern against a wall (Tudor style) or pruned into a hedge or topiary.
Horticultural limitations: Does not enjoy excess moisture and humidity.
Propagation methods: From seed, germination 15-20 days. Easily asexually propagated from soft-tissue cuttings, semi-hardwood cuttings, and layering
Culinary: Classic for roasts, stews and casseroles. Add to marinades, vinegar, oil and dressings. Used sparingly to add spice to cakes, biscuits, sorbets and baked/stewed apples. Advocated by lamb-lovers. Popular Italian flavour.
Farmaceutical: Antiseptic and antibacterial properties. Use for memory improvement, energiser, colds and flu, fatigue and headache. Infusions used for skin and hair care. Essential oils used for massaging rheumatic and muscular pain. *Excess in medicinal dose taken orally during pregnancy may cause abortion.
Aromatic: Dried leaves for potpourri and insect-repellents.
Folklore: Symbol of rememberance, found at weddings, funerals and Christmas decorations. Protection from the evil eye.
"Rosemary"
Family: Laminaceae
Well known in Western Europe, rosemary was around from ancient Greco-Roman times. Native to the Mediterranean coast, Rosemarinus means ‘dew of the sea’ in Latin which associates with this coastal habitat and the appearance of the flowers.
As rosemary have an attractive vertical line, it will do well in a decorative garden situation.
Rosemary enjoys a sunny, sheltered position. Some may survive the frost .
Soil type: Sharply drained, stony soils and requires little moisture. PH 5-8. Soil temperature 13-25°C.
Maintenance requirements: Little watering, hard pruning in summer after flowering.
Leaf
Shape: lanceolate
Margin: smooth
Colour: grey-green to green
Surface: short soft fur
Size: 3cm long, 3mm wide
Arrangement:
Cycle: perennial
Flower
Colour/s: lilac to dark blue
Inflorescence: tubular
Scent: same as leaves
Shape: bilobial
Fruit: Produces small black seeds.
Plant Category: Evergreen shrub
Growth characteristics: Up to 2m tall, has woody brances and strongly aromatic needle-like leaves
Potential horticultural use: Textile and scent gardens, culinary and medicinal gardens. Can be trained into a pattern against a wall (Tudor style) or pruned into a hedge or topiary.
Horticultural limitations: Does not enjoy excess moisture and humidity.
Propagation methods: From seed, germination 15-20 days. Easily asexually propagated from soft-tissue cuttings, semi-hardwood cuttings, and layering
Culinary: Classic for roasts, stews and casseroles. Add to marinades, vinegar, oil and dressings. Used sparingly to add spice to cakes, biscuits, sorbets and baked/stewed apples. Advocated by lamb-lovers. Popular Italian flavour.
Farmaceutical: Antiseptic and antibacterial properties. Use for memory improvement, energiser, colds and flu, fatigue and headache. Infusions used for skin and hair care. Essential oils used for massaging rheumatic and muscular pain. *Excess in medicinal dose taken orally during pregnancy may cause abortion.
Aromatic: Dried leaves for potpourri and insect-repellents.
Folklore: Symbol of rememberance, found at weddings, funerals and Christmas decorations. Protection from the evil eye.
Zingiber officinale - Ginger
Zingiber officinale
Ginger
Family: Zingiberaceae
Originating in the jungles of South-East Asia, it was imported by Greeks and Romans to the North-West, and was taken by the migrants across the islands of Pacific as far as New Zealand and Madagascar. It was thought to be so valuable that Arab traders mislead rivals as to its origin by inventing a place called ‘Troglodyticall Arabia.’
Ginger is easy to grow from fresh rhizomes, suitable as a primary industry crop or in a home garden situation for its attractive foliage while waiting for the rhizome to develop. For agricultural purposes the plant is treated as an annual for harvest.
Ginger prefers warm, humid environment, and filtered sun or partial shade. 24°C in greenhouses. Grow them in a rich, moist but well-drained soil, with pH of 4.5-7.5. They do best in tropical zones.
Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Avoid strong winds and frosts.
Leaf
Shape: lanceolate
Margin: smooth
Colour: bright green
Surface: smooth
Size: 15 long, 1-3cm wide
Arrangement: alternate
Cycle: perennial.
Flower
Colour/s: Light green
Inflorescence: cones
Plant Category: Monocot with rhizome, aromatic bitter herb.
Growth characteristics: Fast-growing; up to 1m tall, 50cm wide
Potential horticultural use: attractive foliage, culinary
Horticultural limitations: does not tolerate cold well
Propagation methods: division of rhizomes
Culinary: Rhizomes used fresh, dried, cooked. Keeps well frozen.
Farmaceutical: Keeps the intestinal muscles toned. Treatment of nausea from motion sickness, morning sickness, chemotherapy and anesthesia; vomiting, headaches, chest congestion, cholera, colds, diarrhea, stomach ache, rheumatism and nervous diseases. Prevention of migraine, osteo-arthritis, and cancer activities. Relieves symptoms of abdominal bloating, rheumatoid arthritis, and acts as thrombotic and inflammatory agent. It also has depressant, diarrhoea and strong oxidant activity. Inhibitor of prostaglandin and thromboxane formation and has strong nutrient properties similar to that of bromelain for inflammation.
Aromatic: Essential oil, flavouring.
Pagan lore: sexuality, love, courage, money, prosperity.
Ginger
Family: Zingiberaceae
Originating in the jungles of South-East Asia, it was imported by Greeks and Romans to the North-West, and was taken by the migrants across the islands of Pacific as far as New Zealand and Madagascar. It was thought to be so valuable that Arab traders mislead rivals as to its origin by inventing a place called ‘Troglodyticall Arabia.’
Ginger is easy to grow from fresh rhizomes, suitable as a primary industry crop or in a home garden situation for its attractive foliage while waiting for the rhizome to develop. For agricultural purposes the plant is treated as an annual for harvest.
Ginger prefers warm, humid environment, and filtered sun or partial shade. 24°C in greenhouses. Grow them in a rich, moist but well-drained soil, with pH of 4.5-7.5. They do best in tropical zones.
Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Avoid strong winds and frosts.
Leaf
Shape: lanceolate
Margin: smooth
Colour: bright green
Surface: smooth
Size: 15 long, 1-3cm wide
Arrangement: alternate
Cycle: perennial.
Flower
Colour/s: Light green
Inflorescence: cones
Plant Category: Monocot with rhizome, aromatic bitter herb.
Growth characteristics: Fast-growing; up to 1m tall, 50cm wide
Potential horticultural use: attractive foliage, culinary
Horticultural limitations: does not tolerate cold well
Propagation methods: division of rhizomes
Culinary: Rhizomes used fresh, dried, cooked. Keeps well frozen.
Farmaceutical: Keeps the intestinal muscles toned. Treatment of nausea from motion sickness, morning sickness, chemotherapy and anesthesia; vomiting, headaches, chest congestion, cholera, colds, diarrhea, stomach ache, rheumatism and nervous diseases. Prevention of migraine, osteo-arthritis, and cancer activities. Relieves symptoms of abdominal bloating, rheumatoid arthritis, and acts as thrombotic and inflammatory agent. It also has depressant, diarrhoea and strong oxidant activity. Inhibitor of prostaglandin and thromboxane formation and has strong nutrient properties similar to that of bromelain for inflammation.
Aromatic: Essential oil, flavouring.
Pagan lore: sexuality, love, courage, money, prosperity.
Friday, May 28, 2010
Plant ID 1
One of the classes I'm taking at TAFE is Plant ID. We are given a set list to memorise plant's appearance, Common name and Binomial name (biological name). Our assignment was to present our flower-pressings of a couple of plants we chose for ourselves and wrote up info on them. That was fun! Microwaving leaves, pressing and changing tissues for weeks, gluing them onto the herberium board for presentation.
But... Xanthostemon chrysanthus... what? It's easier to understand what it means if you know that in Greek: 'xanthos' means 'yellow', 'stemon' means 'thread' referring to the plant's stemen, 'chrysos' means 'gold', and 'anthos' is 'flower'. It's commonly known as "Golden Penda" and, guess what, they have very yellow flowers when in season from summer to autumn.
The inate knowledge of Greek or Latin linguistic origin isn't available to all people though (myself included) and sometimes a more creative association needs to be excercised. Harpullia pendula "Tulipwood" - Harp, Pully, Pendulum... can you imagine pendulums of harps and tulips hanging from a tree getting pulled? They have pendula-like small orange fruits which help with association.
Please check out LOLPlant ID for more of the bizzar and entertaining ways I get to know plants better.
But... Xanthostemon chrysanthus... what? It's easier to understand what it means if you know that in Greek: 'xanthos' means 'yellow', 'stemon' means 'thread' referring to the plant's stemen, 'chrysos' means 'gold', and 'anthos' is 'flower'. It's commonly known as "Golden Penda" and, guess what, they have very yellow flowers when in season from summer to autumn.
The inate knowledge of Greek or Latin linguistic origin isn't available to all people though (myself included) and sometimes a more creative association needs to be excercised. Harpullia pendula "Tulipwood" - Harp, Pully, Pendulum... can you imagine pendulums of harps and tulips hanging from a tree getting pulled? They have pendula-like small orange fruits which help with association.
Please check out LOLPlant ID for more of the bizzar and entertaining ways I get to know plants better.
Introduction
Hi there, how goes?
My name is Mariko and I would like to take you on a journey of discovering herbs - everything from basic biology of what they look like, historical and cultural interests, cooking tips, spells, even ideal setting to grow them in! I'll occasionally throw in fruits and vegies for a bit of variety in this very tasty salad :) I'll share with you my experiences of using and growing them, and also handy tips on remembering those funky-sounding, sometimes intimidatingly long botanical names.
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I am currently studying Horticulture through TAFE which is keeping me in one spot for now. In the past I have gone adventuring with WWOOFing in Nimbin, NSW, and will be off on another very soon at a local Strawberry Farm for 2nd year in a row. Very excited to mix with back packers again and their adventuring! On the occasion I join my father in romping around the Glasshouse Mountains, especially Tibrogargan and waiting patiently for Beerwah to reopen to the public again. In quiet times I enjoy creating art which some are displayed here: http://guardienofthepyre.deviantart.com/ and have outings with other Deviants in Brisbane.
You can follow my environmental tweets @Eco_Fire
I look forward to hear from you your feedback, suggestions and discussions :)
Love and light always :)
My name is Mariko and I would like to take you on a journey of discovering herbs - everything from basic biology of what they look like, historical and cultural interests, cooking tips, spells, even ideal setting to grow them in! I'll occasionally throw in fruits and vegies for a bit of variety in this very tasty salad :) I'll share with you my experiences of using and growing them, and also handy tips on remembering those funky-sounding, sometimes intimidatingly long botanical names.
---
I am currently studying Horticulture through TAFE which is keeping me in one spot for now. In the past I have gone adventuring with WWOOFing in Nimbin, NSW, and will be off on another very soon at a local Strawberry Farm for 2nd year in a row. Very excited to mix with back packers again and their adventuring! On the occasion I join my father in romping around the Glasshouse Mountains, especially Tibrogargan and waiting patiently for Beerwah to reopen to the public again. In quiet times I enjoy creating art which some are displayed here: http://guardienofthepyre.deviantart.com/ and have outings with other Deviants in Brisbane.
You can follow my environmental tweets @Eco_Fire
I look forward to hear from you your feedback, suggestions and discussions :)
Love and light always :)
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