Species information

Scientific name:

Amorphophallus paeoniifolius (Dennst.) Nicolson

Common name:

elephant yam, elephant foot yam, whitespot giant arum, stink lily, telinga potato (English); suram, jimmikand (India); buk (Thailand); suweg, walur, eles (Indonesia)

Conservation status:

Not considered to be threatened.

Habitat:

Secondary forest or highly disturbed areas.

Key Uses:

Food, fodder, medicine.

Known hazards:

Tubers of wild plants are highly acrid and can irritate the mouth and throat on ingestion due to the presence of calcium oxalate crystals.

About this species

Elephant yam is a striking aroid with a flower spike crowned with a bulbous maroon knob and encircled by a fleshy maroon and green-blotched bract. The solitary leaf, which emerges after the flowering parts, resembles a small tree.

Amorphophallus paeoniifolius has been in cultivation throughout tropical Asia for centuries. The tubers are the third most important carbohydrate source after rice and maize in Indonesia. They are also consumed widely in India and Sri Lanka, although elsewhere they are seen as a famine crop, to be used when more popular staples, such as rice, are in short supply.

Elephant yam belongs to the same genus as the crowd-pulling titan arum (Amorphophallus titanum). It should not be confused with Dioscorea species, which are also known by the common name yam, but belong to a different plant family (Dioscoreaceae). In particular it should not be confused with elephant’s foot yam (Dioscorea elephantipes) from South Africa.

Medicinal Uses

Elephant yam has medicinal properties and is used in many Ayurvedic (traditional Hindu) preparations. The tubers are considered to have pain-killing, anti-inflammatory, anti-flatulence, digestive, aphrodisiac, rejuvenating and tonic properties. They are traditionally used in the treatment of a wide range of conditions including parasitic worms, inflammation, coughs, flatulence, constipation, anaemia, haemorrhoids and fatigue.

( www.kew.org/science-conservation/plants-fungi/amorphophal... )

(Explore #374: Oct 08, 2008)

From high up in the Similkameen Mountains, near Tulameen, BC, Canada

The rose hip and rose haw, is the pomaceous fruit of the rose plant, that typically is red-to-orange, but might be dark purple-to-black in some species.

Rose hips of some species, especially Rosa canina (Dog Rose) and R. majalis, have been used as a source of Vitamin C. Rose hips are commonly used as an herbal tea, often blended with hibiscus and as an oil. They can also be used to make jam, jelly, marmalade and wine. Rose hip soup, "nyponsoppa," is especially popular in Sweden. Rhodomel, a type of mead, is made with rose hips.

[edit] Health benefits

Particularly high in Vitamin C, with about 1700–2000 mg per 100 g in the dried product, one of the richest plant sources.[1]

Rose hips contain vitamins A, D and E, essential fatty acids and antioxidant flavonoids.

Rose hip powder is a remedy for rheumatoid arthritis.[2]

Rose hips from the dog rose have antioxidant values that far exceed other berries such as blueberries

As an herbal remedy, rose hips are attributed with the ability to prevent urinary bladder infections, and assist in treating dizziness and headaches[citation needed]. Rose hips are also commonly used externally in oil form to restore firmness to skin by nourishing and astringing tissue.[citation needed]

Brewed into a decoction, can also be used to treat constipation.[citation needed]

Rose hips contain a lot of iron, so some women brew rose hip tea during menstruation to make up for the iron that they lose with menses.[citation needed]

Usage

Rose hips are used for the creation of herbal tea, jam, jelly, syrup, beverages, pies, bread and marmalade, amongst others. [...]

The fine hairs found inside rose hips can be used as itching powder. [...]

[edit] By indigenous people

Rose hips were used in many food preparations by the indigenous peoples of the Americas.

Rose hips are used for colds and influenza. The Latin binomial for this herb is Rosa laevigata.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosehip

folkloric:

Saluyot being rich in vitamins and minerals generally promotes good health and well-being.

It is said to prevent wrinkles and promote youthful looking skin. treat inflammation and pain such as arthritis , headache, stomach ache and others. being rich in fiber helps to control blood pressure, cholesterol build-up, diabetes and prevents heart disease.

Saluyot leaves are rich in fiber and its slimy consistency when cooked is used to treat various digestive problems such as diarrhea, stomach ache, dysentery, constipation and ulcers.

It is also claimed that together with other herbs it can cure cancer.

source: medicalhealthguide

Dedicated to everyone who has Crohn's

This is my favourite picture of the Year so far. (April 8th, 2018)

Had an idea, went for it.

For my father.

"Suffering in the now for the excesses of the then. A political statement." - Jason Boisvert

"Au bout du rouleau" - Hugo Caron

"Thoughts and Prayers."

"Just make another controversial photo. ... I don't care, the theme doesn't matter, just get people talking about the title or something"

Michael Leans to Rock -

Indisputably, timberland is the greatest place to find magical bits and pieces. Examining in extreme an oddity I found on a leafy platter… hmm, there are three individual desserts at least from the same factory. I twiddle my thumbs idly, trying to look away from the sweet galore staring at me. “Leave us all alone,” the jiggling jellies screamed in unison. “We won’t melt in the hot weather.” What can I say? Temptation can gouge your palms more than sharp nails. Their pleas fueled my weakness until I can no longer stand. Hastily I reached out with left hand... the first spoon of mango pudding glided smooth like tofu into my tummy. Ooohhh, the pleasure they provide send me straight to paradise. The second ladle of banana custard with high-fiber prunes, my constipation in build up is loose. The third mouthful of banana cream with sliced peaches, their flavor so rich my sweet tooth grew into wisdom tooth. In a flash, every single one is gone. As soon as the madness of impulse subsides, self-reproach kicked in. Yes, I‘ve done some stupid act but no, wolfing down little egg cups of insect origin it isn’t an inhuman thing. Twenty five minutes too late, somebody in front took my pie away. That empty capsule I couldn’t get my hands on filled me with immense curiosity. What flavor was it? The remorse of slowness stains like mud on shoes and materialized behind as footprints following wherever I go.

...except for the free food the queen provided the poorest quarters in the city, she would also once a year gifts of gold and food to the one that was singled out as the poorest citizen within the town and its outskirts...

This recipient would be new every year since they got so much gold that they could support themselves for years...

For singling out of this person the queen had assembled a small board consisting of Her, Prince Albert, the town mage and also every city guilds chairman as well as some official minority groups leaders such as from the middle-esterling refugee population living in the capital...

Every year would start the same, the Wizard would say that he was the poorest citizen, anyhow as he argued, compared to the cost of running experiments that his budget would go on a big negative value every year, after this queen would grant him some gold to keep quiet for the rest of the meeting...

...then Prince Albert would complain about that his consumption of alcohol made him have large tabs on every pub and then stated that if he would pay every tavern what he owed them he would be on a minus so huge that even the states entire annual budget couldn´t stuff his holes in the budget, then the queen would given him a gold coin and he would excuse himself and vanish with the speed of drunk-light!!!

Then the meeting could start for real... this year an old miner living in an abandoned mine close to town was the one the board agreed on was the poorest person and should be granted the award, but the members of the board warned the queen, that he was a nutter, so she would better bring a whole army to keep safe...

The queen settled for three soldiers and Puffy iff her favorite dog...

...later that day a horse-drawn chart loaded with food and gold arrived to the abandoned mine...

the queen jumped off her horse, there was no one to be seen, when she peeked inside the main building, there was just a big abyss of a hole, she called down the hole:

- Is there anyone home, it is you majesty Queen Esmeralda, with a surprise...

then it just echoed for ever and ever, then she heard a faint voice:

- I will just be a jiffy, I am here digging, will be up quite soon...

...after a while a dirty old bearded man climbed the walls of the abyss like a mountain goat... very agile despite his ancient age...

- Hello Madam, I am...

oh what is my name now again?

yes nap, nappy, Napoleon, yes that is my name, Napoleon and some number I can´t remember!

Who are you my fair lady?

- Hi, Napoleon I am Esmeralda also with a number, Actually Esmeralda the first...

- Yes, first, one, one that is my number and one more number that is higher than the first, yes one plus three, I am four, no wait I am 1 and three that is 13, oh wait I am, oh I forgot what my first name was...

- Napoleon, the queen replied!

- Yes that is the guy, Napoleon number 13, who are you?

- I am ruling queen of t his queendom, eh I mean kingdom!

Step outside I have a small surprise for you!

- No you can´t be ruling this kingdom, because I am King, from here to the land of the forestmen, the barbarian, the middle-asterling emirates, I own it all...

- Oh (*giggle*)! You Majesty would you please step outside and look at the surprise I have brought you...

- ok, ok, ah it is daylight my poor eyes... oh I see now, your brought your King and Emperor three men and two horse to help me dig, I am very pleased my loyal subject... You will be rewarded later, or now, I will award the title: Earl of the eastern wall of my hole between 30 feet and 45 feet...

- Eh Well, your Majesty actually my gift isn´t my henchmen or beast of burden but what we have brought you on the chart over there, one chest of gold, a box of food, a chicken and a sack of cereal seeds...

- My subject, are you trying to make mockery out of me? I have gold, I am the richest man in the world, down my hole I have lumps of gold so huge that a dragon couldn´t lift a grain of them... you really disappoint me citizen, I hope the crate with food is fresh earthworms? since that is the only thing I eat, all other food just gives me constipation or was it the other way around, anyhow I eat only fresh squiggly earthworms...

- Eh, Well you majesty, no I have failed you, I have brought you nothing of value and as a self-punishment for the shame I have brought up on my self, will leave you to your work and retreat to my "prison-like" palace and no longer bother you your majesty...

I am so sorry!

- Well Subject citizen, I Napoleon the 14th forgive you, no need for you to punish your self, but, now leave me alone and get your stuff out of my property... Now I have more important things to do than to squabble and gossip with puny subject...

- Yes your majesty...!

the queen slowly backed away while bowing and kneeling respectfully, she picked up Spotty iff and she and her men mounted a rode away to the farm next door and gave the random family the gifts perhaps they were not the poorest but they surely needed the gifts more than Napoleon!

I grew up believing it was peanut butter and pills

That drove Elvis to his final destination.

Now, I've learned there are worse things in this universe that kill---

And the truth is he died from constipation.

His lower intestines, an illustration revealed,

Were twice as big as normal size.

And as such, packed more than a double normal yield.

A difficult situation to visualize.

Apparently, his colon was so abundantly packed,

It evolved into a substance much like clay.

God gives us only so much spare room-- that's a fact--

That it's best to empty the garbage every day .

So, for four or five months, as his autopsy showed--

No gastroenterologist in sight--

The King of Rock and Roll held on to his load.

As his 'Fecal Express' remained stopped at the light.

Officially, the record, says it was too many pills,

And a diet embarrassingly poor.

It wasn't, as some said, that "Rock and Roll" kills,

But a heart attack-- from straining, for sure.

The other morning, I had my own 'Elvis moment':

A "Jailhouse Rock" in my colon, sang: "Return to Sender".

When the situation was resolved, what I saw with my eyes,

Must have been, I was convinced, "The Devil in Disguise".

In any case, I'm sure most of you have "Suspicious Minds",

But I "Won't Be Cruel", and with a "Little Less Conversation"

about celebrity behinds...

I Think, this poem, I'll end here.

B. Kite -- 4/9/2023

is the miracle fruit...!

professor at CCNY for a physiological psych class told his class about bananas. He said the expression 'going bananas' is from the effects of bananas on the brain. Read on:

This is interesting.

After reading this, you'll never look at a banana in the same way again.

Bananas contain three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fiber. A banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy.

Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world's leading athletes.

But energy isn't the only way a banana can help us keep fit. It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet.

Depression: According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier.

PMS: Forget the pills - eat a banana. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood.

Anemia: High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia.

Blood Pressure: This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it perfect to beat blood pressure. So much so, the US Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit's ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke.

Brain Power: 200 students at a Twickenham (Middlesex) school ( England ) were helped through their exams this year by eating bananas at breakfast, break, and lunch in a bid to boost their brain power. Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert.

Constipation: High in fiber, including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives.

Hangovers: One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey. The banana calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system.

Heartburn: Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.

Morning Sickness: Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.

Mosquito bites: Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.

Nerves: Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system.

Overweight and at work? Studies at the Institute of Psychology in Austria found pressure at work leads to gorging on comfort food like chocolate and chips. Looking at 5,000 hospital patients, researchers found the most obese were more likely to be in high-pressure jobs. The report concluded that, to avoid panic-induced food cravings, we need to control our blood sugar levels by snacking on high carbohydrate foods every two hours to keep levels steady.

Ulcers: The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over-chronicler cases. It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.

Temperature control: Many other cultures see bananas as a 'cooling' fruit that can lower both the physical and emotional temperature of expectant mothers. In Thailand , for example, pregnant women eat bananas to ensure their baby is born with a cool temperature.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Bananas can help SAD sufferers because they contain the natural mood enhancer tryptophan.

Smoking &Tobacco Use: Bananas can also help people trying to give up smoking.. The B6, B12 they contain, as well as the potassium and magnesium found in them, help the body recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal..

Stress: Potassium is a vital mineral, which helps normalize the heartbeat, sends oxygen to the brain and regulates your body's water balance. When we are stressed, our metabolic rate rises, thereby reducing our potassium levels.. These can be rebalanced with the help of a high-potassium banana snack..

Strokes: According to research in The New England Journal of Medicine, eating bananas as part of a regular diet can cut the risk of death by strokes by as much as 40%!

Warts: Those keen on natural alternatives swear that if you want to kill off a wart, take a piece of banana skin and place it on the wart, with the yellow side out. Carefully hold the skin in place with a plaster or surgical tape!

So, a banana really is a natural remedy for many ills. When you compare it to an apple, it has four times the protein, twice the carbohydrate, three times the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals. It is also rich in potassium and is one of the best value foods around So maybe its time to change that well-known phrase so that we say, 'A banana a day keeps the doctor away!'

There's a lot happening here!

An echidna can't outrun anyone who wants to eat it. Those spines help. But it's a simple thing to tip one over and attack its soft underbelly. Echidnas have a superpower! Look at those hind claws. Surely they've been put on back-to-front? Yeah, nah. That superpower is the ability to dig straight down faster than anyone else with those exceptional claws. Now the spikes make sense.

Remember my brilliant Sabhran? His gait was exquisite. His perfection knew no bounds. He had a brother, in silhouette a fair match. Yet being just a smidgen shorter in the back he might lazily adopt a gait which would suggest constipation!

The echidna is a quadruped too. When you see one moving the gait is rolling, ungainly. Look here for the clues. The right forelimb and hindlimb are both extended to the rear; those of the left are synchronised to the front. Like Sabhran's bro' the echidna paces instead of trotting.

Zoom in! The external anatomy of the ear is more obvious in profile. There's tick clearly visible. Zoom in deeper and you'll see another two deeper within the ear.

“The beauty of a living thing is not the atoms that go into it, but the way those atoms are put together.”

Carl Sagan, Cosmos

Macro Mondays - theme: “Defining Beauty”

Common chicory (Cichorium intybus), is a bushy perennial herbaceous plant with blue, lavender, or occasionally white flowers. Various varieties are cultivated for salad leaves, chicons (blanched buds), or for roots (var. sativum), which are baked, ground, and used as a coffee substitute and additive. It is also grown as a forage crop for livestock. It lives as a wild plant on roadsides in its native Europe, and in North America and Australia, where it has become naturalized.

Chicory (especially the flower) was used as a treatment in Germany, and is recorded in many books as an ancient German treatment for everyday ailments. It is variously used as a tonic and as a treatment for gallstones, gastro-enteritis, sinus problems and cuts and bruises. (Howard M. 1987). Chicory contains inulin, which may help humans with weight loss, constipation, improving bowel function, and general health. In rats, it may increase calcium absorption and bone mineral density.

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Cykoria podróżnik (Cichorium intybus) – gatunek rośliny należący do rodziny astrowatych. Znany też jako podróżnik błękitny. Rodzimy obszar jego występowania to znaczna część Europy, Azji oraz Algieria i Tunezja w Afryce Północnej, ale rozprzestrzenił się szeroko i obecnie występuje na wszystkich kontynentach z wyjątkiem Antarktydy. Jest także uprawiany w Azji, Europie, Australazji, Afryce i Ameryce Północnej. W polskiej florze jest rośliną pospolicie występującą na całym obszarze. Cykoria podróżnik to roślina lecznicza, korzeń łagodnie pobudza wytwarzanie soku żołądkowego, żółci oraz ma działanie moczopędne. Jest stosowany w wielu mieszankach ziołowych do leczenia zaburzeń trawienia i przy ogólnym osłabieniu. Młode listki cykorii można wiosną dodawać do sałatek, ze względu na zawartość witamin C, B i mikroelementów.

This orange is on a tree in front of my house in Tucson, Arizona.

From Wikipedia:

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bitter_orange

Seville orange (or bigarade) is a widely known, particularly tart orange which is now grown throughout the Mediterranean region. It has a thick, dimpled skin, and is prized for making marmalade, being higher in pectin than the sweet orange, and therefore giving a better set and a higher yield. It is also used in compotes and for orange-flavored liqueurs.

Once a year, oranges of this variety are collected from trees in Seville and shipped to Britain to be used in marmalade. However, the fruit is rarely consumed locally in Andalusia

I can no longer eat anything made with Seville oranges:

Bitter orange may have serious drug interactions with drugs such as statins in a similar way to grapefruit.

I am not longer on statins, so I can eat tart citrus fruit and berries, such as cranberries. Yea!!

_____________________________.

Seen on www.ask.com

Q:

When are Seville oranges in season?

A:Seville oranges have a very brief winter season from December to February.

Seville oranges are a variety of sour oranges that are most commonly used for orange marmalade.

Seville oranges taste sour, tart and sometimes bitter. When the bitter flavor of Seville oranges is combined with sugar, the predominant flavor is oranges with a sharp, tangy taste. The bitterness of the Seville oranges eliminates the over-sweetness of most fruit preserves and contributes to an intensity of flavor in the marmalade. Seville oranges can be refrigerated for up to two weeks or frozen.

Seville orange plants are used more as a rootstock for other types of citrus than for cultivating its own fruits.

_____________________________________

Seasons/Availability

Seville oranges have a brief winter season.

Current Facts

The Seville orange, botanically classified as Citrus aurantium, is a sour orange variety commonly used for its oil extract. The Seville orange, also commonly known as bitter orange or sour orange has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat nausea, indigestion and constipation. The crushed fruit and macerated leaves will lather when mixed with water and is used as a soap substitute in the Pacific Islands. The Seville orange peel, when dried and concentrated, contains a chemical similar to ephedra and has been used in many modern weight-loss products.

Description/Taste

Although the Seville orange smells like a true orange, it does not have many other obvious award winning virtues. Its rough, thick and bumpy deep orange colored peel clings tightly to its pale orange translucent flesh, making it hard to peel. It is sour, tart, sometimes bitter and laden with seeds. It has two primary attributes: the peel contains fragrant essential oils and its flesh, when ripe is extremely juicy. The most common usage for the Seville orange is for the production of marmalade where it can use its peel and juice to its advantage; any sour and bitter flavors can be developed and enriched into elements of depth.

Applications

Seville oranges are most commonly used for orange marmalade. Use the zest and juice in flavored sugars or salts, syrups, cocktails, vinaigrette or marinades. Pair with fennel, bitter greens, chicories, olives, other citrus, fresh herbs, aged cheeses, seafood, rice, and Spanish spices. Seville oranges will keep, refrigerated, for up to two weeks.

Geography/History

Sour oranges are native to China. Trade routes brought them to Africa and the Mediterranean in the 10th Century. Cultivation of sour orange varieties led to the Seville orange of Seville, Spain in the 12th Century, where it would accrue its name. The Seville orange was the only orange variety in Europe for the next 500 years. It was also one of the first citrus varieties brought to the New World where it was naturalized in the Caribbean, South, Central and North America. When sweet oranges were introduced to America, sour orange trees would begin to shift their role as edible fruit to rootstock. Cross pollination of the sour and sweet orange trees also proved to create bitter fruits in sweet orange varieties which forced farmers to reduce production of sour orange trees.

Recipe Ideas

Recipes that include Seville Oranges. One is easiest, three is harder.

Dressing for Dinner Seville Orange Cupcakes with Seville Buttercream Icing

Simply RecipesSeville Orangeade

The Cottage SmallholderGilbert’s Seville Orange Gin

The British LarderRaw Salad of Fennel, Seville Orange, Chicory and Kohlrabi

HerbivoraciousPaella Cakes with Manchego and Candied Seville Orange Peel

The Cottage SmallholderEasy Seville Orange Marmalade

Eat Locally, Blog Globally Lavender Jelly with Orange-pith Pectin

Everybody Likes Sandwiches Bitter Orange Ice Cream

The British LarderRaw Salad of Fennel, Seville Orange, Chicory and Kohlrabi

The British Larder Seville Orange and Vanilla Bean Marmalade

Hide the other 2...

Arctic Garden StudioVin d’Orange

Hunter Angler Gardener CookCretan Olives with Seville Oranges

Recently Spotted

People have spotted Seville Oranges using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.

Produce Spotting allows you to share your produce discoveries with your neighbors and the world! Is your market carrying green dragon apples? Is a chef doing things with shaved fennel that are out of this world? Pinpoint your location annonymously through the Specialty Produce App and let others know about unique flavors that are around them.

IMG_7681 - Version 2

OK, marriage and celibacy are individual's choice and I made it a caption for this just because it contains thorns like this Aloe vera plant, LOL !! My aim is to say something about the goodness of Aloe vera. Its gel is one of the most potential natural medicines. The following is a list of good things it can do.

ஒன்றே பலவே உருவே அருவேயோ

என்றே அழைப்பதுன்னை என்றோ பராபரமே !!!

தாயுமானவர் பராபரக்கண்ணி

Moa nahele, Flat-stemmed whiskfern

Psilotaceae (Whiskfern family)

Indigenous to the Hawaiian Islands (Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi, Maui, and Hawaiʻi Island)

Photo: Hawaiʻiloa Ridge Trail, Oʻahu

The Hawaiian name Moa nahele literally means "forest chicken." Moa is chicken, referring to a chickens' comb, and reference to the fronds. Nahele is forest.

It is less common than Psilotum nudus in the islands, but still easy to find in the right environment.

Early Hawaiian children would play a simple game of moa nahele (lit., chicken vegetation). Plants in Hawaiian Culture explains how this game was played: “Two children sat or stood facing one another, each holding a branched stem of moa. These they interlocked and then slowly pulled apart until the branches of one broke. The other child, without broken branches, was the winner and announced his victory by crowing like a rooster (moa).” One of the names ʻoʻō moa in fact means "cock's crow."

Moa was also used in lei making by early Hawaiians.

Moa (Psilotum spp.) was used for kūkae paʻa (constipation) in newborn babies and elderly men and women. It was also mixed with other plants to treat akepau (tuberculosis, consumption), and various respiratory conditions. Additionally, extracts from moa were used as laxatives. The yellow spores (seen in photo) were used for diarrhea in infants and used like talcum powder to prevent chafing from loincloths.

Etymology

The generic name is from the Greek psilos, naked or smooth, alluding to the smooth aerial stems without leaves.

The specific epithet complanatum is from the Latin complanatus, flattened, in reference to flattened stems of this species.

nativeplants.hawaii.edu

DSC09660

Dandelions are demonised as one of the most pernicious weeds, but hold back on the mowing and you’ll find a whole range of garden wildlife depends on them for food, writes Kate Bradbury.

Wildlife: while in flower for most of the year, the dandelion’s peak flowering time is from late March to May, when many bees and other pollinators emerge from hibernation. Each flower in fact consists of up to 100 florets, each one packed with nectar and pollen. This early, easily available source of food is a lifesaver for pollinators in spring.

Bumblebees, solitary bees and honeybees all visit dandelions for food, along with hoverflies, beetles, and butterflies such as the peacock and holly blue. Goldfinches and house sparrows eat the seed. Yet most of us gardeners miss out on the spectacle of watching wildlife feast on our dandelions, because we wage such a war against them as weeds.

The young leaves are edible and loaded with vitamins and antioxidants, the roots can be ground into a (quite tasty) coffee substitute, and the flowers can be made into wine (just leave some for the wildlife). Historically, its sap was said to cure warts, while a tea made using its leaves was supposed to help calm stomach aches. Herbalists apparently still use dandelions to treat skin conditions, asthma, low blood pressure, poor circulation, ulcers, constipation, colds and hot flushes.

The oil produced from star anise contains thymol, terpineol and anethole, which is used for treating coughs and flu. Anise also helps improve digestion, alleviate cramps and reduce nausea. Consuming star anise tea after meals helps treat digestive ailments such as bloating, gas, indigestion and constipation.

Drinking one glass of water infused with the crushed seeds of star anise at night can increase one's sex drive!

Chmurka has tumor.

I am shocked, I feel nauseaus, I can't believe it, I...

On Friday I sensed something in Chmurka's tummy... I didn't know what it was, it was growing bigger. Yesterday something happened, and Chmurka had all the sympotms of constipation. Today I took her to the vet to heal it.

And then it turned out she has tumor.

Right in her stomach.

Like a small stone...

She will have surgery on Wednesday, noon.

The chances are 50 / 50.

It all depends what actually is inside her.

Chmurka is

the biggest love of my life

the most amazing hamster

the most wonderful person.

I can't live without her.

She is very tired now...

She was given injections, lots of water, glucose, painkillers, other medicine...

She was totally paralysed at the vet. She had to stay there for many hours.

She is sleeeping now...

Please please please pray for Her...

Giant Crocodile Lily, Euryale Ferox. The plant foxnut belongs to the family Nymphaeaceae. It is popularly known as “Makhana” in India. It grows in water and is found in India, Korea, Japan and Russia.

Fox nut plant does not have stem. It has large round leaves and produces bright purple flowers. The whole plant is covered with small thorns (kantaka) .The leaves of fox nut plant have green upper surface and purple shaded lower surface. This plant produces fruits which are about the size of a small orange. Each fruit contains 8-10 seeds which are of pea size.It is highly nutritious food that has been used as a snack all over and also used in different recipes especially in Indian cuisines. It can be had in the roasted or fried form. It can be stored for a longer time if kept in air tight containers. Chinese use it as a part of medicines as it has various medicinal properties too. They use to strengthen spleen and kidneys.

Fox nut and its beneficial attributes:

Fox Nuts are considered superior to dry fruits such as almonds, walnut, cashew nut and coconut in terms o sugar, protein, ascorbic acid and phenol content

It is high on anti oxidant and thus acts an anti-aging food, helping in preventing white hair, wrinkles, premature ageing etc.

It is high in fiber and so helps to avoid constipation. They help the body to flush out the waste and thus prevent the accumulation of toxins

It is also an aphrodisiac, thus helping in fertility issues like premature ejaculation, increasing the quality of semen and also helps women in overcoming infertility.

These nuts are low on saturated fats and Sodium and high on Magnesium, Potassium and helps in controlling high blood pressure and diabetes too.

It helps in controlling palpitation and insomnia as it has calming properties

It helps in reliving arthritis- numbness and pain in joints

As it is has astringent properties it also helps cure diarrhea and have better appetite.

It strengthens the body and reduces burning sensation and quenches thirst.

These nuts are a type of seed that could be included in the daily cereals or soup to maintain good health. Since it has good amount of protein it is considered apt snack for vegetarians. But, because it is neutral in taste, usually no one prefers to eat it raw.

I find this wild flower very attractive. Maybe I was a bee in a former life because bees like chickory, too! Next slides, please!

Webmd.com has this to say about this 'weed':

Chicory is a plant. Its seeds, roots, and dried, above-ground parts are used to make medicine.

In foods, chicory leaves are often eaten like celery, and the roots and leaf buds are boiled and eaten. Chicory is also used as a cooking spice and to flavor foods and beverages. Some coffee mixes include ground chicory to enhance the richness of the coffee.

How does it work?

Chicory root has a mild laxative effect, increases bile from the gallbladder, and decreases swelling. Chicory is a rich source of beta-carotene.

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I think he's got constipation! He's been acting strange for two days, walking slow with his back hunched, hiding under the bed all day long and only comes out for wet food or to go outside. He pooped a tiny bit today, but is still acting strange and goes back under the bed as soon as he comes inside. Going to vet tmrw to see what is wrong with the boy -____-

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Yuba last night at Naomi's rental house in Yubari. Recently, Yuba had a bought of bloody coughing which resulted in a trip to the vet. The vet wasn't concerned and thinks it may be related to constipation (the body is just a very complex hydraulic system) and gave Yuba more laxative and some medicine to heal the bleeding. Yuba really doesn't like taking medicine and it appears he and Naomi struggled a bit because you can see some dried medicine on his fur.

Of greater concern is Yuba's heart. Right now, it's fine but at his age, and more importantly weight, the vet was concerned he may develop heart disease. She recommended Yuba take some medicine to help prevent that. She also recommended Yuba loose weight. His weight a few years ago was 11kg and is now down to 8.5kg (and he lost 100g over the past month). At his age (he's over 15 now), we take his health very seriously and so will start him on his heart medicine.

Folkloric

· Entire fresh leaves are used externally for headache.

· Cooked with milk, leaves are used as poultices for certain kinds of ulcers.

· Seeds are purgative; also used as antirheumatic.

· Root-bark is purgative; also used for skin diseases and burns.

· Rheumatic arthritis, paralysis; epilepsy; distention of the uterus, prolapsus ani: drink dried root decoction or poultice Bai-hui pt (GV-20) with pounded seed or leaf material.

· Difficult partus, non-lowering of the fetus (during delivery): poultice Yungchuan Pt (K-1 pt) with pounded fresh leaves.

· Lymph node TB; facial paralysis: poultice with pounded seeds (seed coat removed). If the paralytic side is on the left side of the face, apply poultice on the left.

· Wound caused by piercing with pointed objects (nails, bamboo slats, bullet wound): use pounded fresh seed and apply as poultice.

· To increase the woman's secretion of milk, leaves are pounded and applied over the breast as poultice.

· Decoction of leaves reported to act as lactagogue and emmenagogue when administered internally.

· Skin ulcers: Boil pounded leaves and use as wash.

· Bark of castor plant also sued as dressing for ulcers and sores.

· Seed oil is laxative and vermicide; also used as ear drops to hardened cerumen. Also used for warts.

· For hemorrhoids, seeds are roasted, pounded, and applied to affected area. The oil is suitable for piles and anal fissures.

· Dosage: dried roots 15 to 30 gms in decoction.

· Seed paste applied to wounds and itch for 4-5 days.

· In Rhodesia, natives use the bark for dressing wounds and sores.

· Zulus use a paste of the root for toothaches; also, an infusion of leaves, applied orally or as an enema, for stomachaches.

· Leaf poultice used for boils.

· In French Guinea leaves are boiled and used as febrifuge.

· In Ayurveda, the leaf, root and seed oil used for inflammation and liver disorders.

· In China, crushed seeds used more frequently than the oil; a paste is applied to relieve scrofulous sores.

· Transvaal Sutos known to apply the powdered, roasted seeds to sores and boils in children.

· In Makran, oil used as ointment for sores.

· In Central Nigeria, seed variety is a popular contraceptive agent among the Rukaba women.

· Pulp is rubbed into the temples in headaches, into the palms of hands in palsy, into the urethra in stricture, and rubbed to the soles of feet of parturient women to hasten the birth of the child or to facilitate the expulsion of the placenta.

· Seeds are chewed in scrofula.

· Pulp is used for a variety of skin affections, dog bites, or whenever a lubricant is needed.

· Castor oil used as a mild purgative, adaptable to infants and young children. It is considered one of the most reliable cathartic for relief of obstinate constipation.

- Used as emmenagogue and galatagogue. Castor oil massaged over the breast after childbirth increases the flow of milk. (30)

- Warmed leaves coated with oil applied over the abdomen to relieve flatulence in children. Infusion of leaves used for stomachache. Fresh leaf juice used as emetic in narcotic poisoning; also considered useful in jaundice. Pounded leaves used for caries; also, applied over guinea-worm sores to extract the worm. Root decoction used for lumbago; paste used for toothache. (26)

- In Sindh ethnobotany: (1) given in hot milk to induce labor pains (2) applied intravaginally for opening the uterus mouth at the time of delivery (3) used for expulsion of plasma membrane after delivery, and (4) castor beans are used to decrease the postpartum size of the abdomen. (29)

Others

• As far back as 4000 BC, its slow burning seed oil was used to fuel lamps.

• Tañgan-tañgan is the source of the castor oil of commerce.

• Although best known for its medicinal properties for its use as a purgative, only a comparatively small amount of used for medicinal purposes. Its chief use is as lubricant for internal combustion engines, particularly aero-engines, for which it is suitable because of its high viscosity, retained at high temperatures, while non-solidifying at low temperatures.

• Castor oil is insoluble in light petroleum and other mineral oils. It can be used for making compound lubricating oil.

• Cosmetics: The seed oil of RC and its primary constituent, ricinoleic acid are used in the manufacture of skin-conditioning agents, as emulsion stabilizers and surfactants in cosmetics. In lipstick, castor oil is used at 81% concentration.

• Castor oil is also used in making "cognac oil," in a dressing for leather, in "fat-liqouring" in the leather industry, in the manufacture of artificial leather, cutting oils, linoleum, and as wool oil.

• Also used in retouching-varnishes and in the negative varnishes of photography.

• Castor oil is classified by the FDA as GRAS (generally recognized as safe) and effective as a stimulant laxative.

• Contraceptive: Used in making contraceptive jellies and creams. Also, used with a pinch of alum for contraception. In women, one castor seed a month after the menstrual cycle reported to prevent conception for that month. (30)

• Cake left after the castor oil is extracted from the kernels of castor seeds is used as fertilizer. In addition to its use as manure, it is also employed as fuel, for caulking timber, destroying white ants (termites) and other pests.

source: stuart xchange

It's spring. Things are blooming all over. I'm spending lots of time with my macro lens... and trying to find ways to capture petals and stems and leaves and whatnot... without having it look... you know... ordinary. It's a real challenge.

Meantime, I've discovered Ray Metzker. Holy macaroni. I had heard of him, but had never sat down with a whole bigass book of his photos before. Holy macaroni. I was literally bouncing in my chair, what I saw was so exciting.

He has lots to say, too. One of my favourite bits:

"Previsualization can lead to constipation very quickly."

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© David K. Edwards

Spinach 101: Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits

Written by Kris Gunnars, BSc — Updated on February 14, 2023

Nutrients

Vitamins & minerals

Plant compounds

Benefits

Downsides

Bottom line

Eating spinach may benefit eye health, reduce oxidative stress, help prevent cancer, and reduce blood pressure levels.

Spinach (Spinacia oleracea) is a leafy green vegetable that originated in Persia.

It belongs to the amaranth family and is related to beets and quinoa. What’s more, it’s considered very healthy, as it’s loaded with nutrients and antioxidants.

There are many ways to prepare spinach. You can buy it canned or fresh and eat it cooked or raw. It’s delicious either on its own or in other dishes.

This article explains everything you need to know about spinach and its health benefits.

Claudia Lommel/Stocksy United

Nutrition facts

The nutrition facts for 3.5 ounces (100 grams) of raw spinach are (1Trusted Source):

Calories: 23

Water: 91%

Protein: 2.9 grams

Carbs: 3.6 grams

Sugar: 0.4 grams

Fiber: 2.2 grams

Fat: 0.4 grams

Carbs

Most of the carbs in spinach consist of fiber, which is incredibly healthy.

Spinach also contains small amounts of sugar, mostly in the form of glucose and fructose (1Trusted Source).

Fiber

Spinach is high in insoluble fiber, which may boost your health in several ways (2Trusted Source).

It adds bulk to stool as food passes through your digestive system. This may help prevent constipation.

SUMMARY

Spinach is low in carbs but high in insoluble fiber. This type of fiber may benefit your digestion.

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Vitamins and minerals

Spinach is an excellent source of many vitamins and minerals, including (3):

Vitamin A. Spinach is high in carotenoids, which your body can turn into vitamin A.

Vitamin C. This vitamin is a powerful antioxidant that promotes skin health and immune function.

Vitamin K1. This vitamin is essential for blood clotting. Notably, one spinach leaf contains over half of your daily needs.

Folic acid. Also known as folate or vitamin B9, this compound is vital for pregnant women and essential for normal cellular function and tissue growth.

Iron. Spinach is an excellent source of this essential mineral. Iron helps create hemoglobin, which brings oxygen to your body’s tissues.

Calcium. This mineral is essential for bone health and a crucial signaling molecule for your nervous system, heart, and muscles.

Spinach also contains several other vitamins and minerals, including potassium, magnesium, and vitamins B6, B9, and E.

SUMMARY

Spinach is an extremely nutrient-rich vegetable. It packs high amounts of carotenoids, vitamin C, vitamin K, folic acid, iron, and calcium.

Plant compounds

Spinach contains several important plant compounds, including (4Trusted Source, 5Trusted Source, 6Trusted Source, 7Trusted Source, 8, 9Trusted Source, 10Trusted Source):

Lutein. This compound is linked to improved eye health.

Kaempferol. This antioxidant may decrease your risk of cancer and chronic diseases.

Nitrates. Spinach contains high amounts of nitrates, which may promote heart health.

Quercetin. This antioxidant may ward off infection and inflammation. Spinach is one of the richest dietary sources of quercetin.

Zeaxanthin. Like lutein, zeaxanthin can also improve eye health.

SUMMARY

Spinach boasts many plant compounds that can improve health, such as lutein, kaempferol, nitrates, quercetin, and zeaxanthin.

Raphanus sativus~

Radishes are suggested as an alternative treatment for a variety of ailments including cancer, coughs, gastric discomfort, liver problems, constipation, dyspepsia, gallbladder problems, arthritis, gallstones, kidney stones and intestinal parasites.

Yep, it's a Dodge "Swinger", maybe that unfortunate name might have been a contributing factor in this sad demise. "Sorry, officer, we left our stash in the Swinger's glovebox." It also stimulates a train of thought--all the truly unfortunate names given to cars over the years: the Ford "Mainliner", the Plymouth "Duster", the Datsun "Fairlady" (a name so horrendous the importer brought it in simply as the model number on the drawings: "240-Z"), the Chevy "Citation" ('Sir, I'm going to let you off with a 'warning' since your car already has such an unlucky name..."). The Ford "Pinto" (slang for 'penis' in Brazil, where they speak Portugese), still isn't as strange as the curiously-perverse Ford "Probe", which makes you wonder if perhaps the larger model might have been called the "Colonscopy Town Car." American car namers aren't the only idiots: Toyota introduced its Fiera, in Puerto Rico, fiera means ‘ugly old woman.’ The Rolls Royce has the "Mist" my German friends tell me, Mist means ‘dung, manure, or pile of shit"...but an expensive pile of shit, none the less.

The "Opel Ascona" refers to female genitalia, in Northern Spain and parts of Portugal. Buick launched the "LaCrosse" in Canada without realizing in French-speaking Quebec, the meaning is masturbating teenagers. The Honda "Fitta" in Scandinavia is also a euphemism for the female anatomy. The Mitsubishi "Pajero" in Spanish-speaking countries (again with the self-gratifying male), and the Mazda "LaPuta" is spanish for "whore", although in perhaps it referred to having a solid work ethic, who knows? When Isuzu produced the GIGA 20 "Light Dump"--, I worried that perhaps their new SUV might be the "Constipation", but I was wrong.

But as bad as these names are--just imagine those that might have been--imagine the Suzuki "Rollover", or the Plymouth "Flipper" (inspired by that cute dolphin everybody loves--introduced as an economy model "barracuda"). If Mazda thought the "Puta" would sell, how about a Cadillac "Pimp", or in the sporty small car market, a Honda "Tart", or a Saturn "Satyr". Well, it's obvious this is just too easy and too much fun--pile on--add your proposed disastrous car names on the "tags" section of this image.

Fast Car

peace and love with a sunny face

What is the significance of the olive tree, and olive oil, in

the Scriptures? Why were olive trees “shaken,” and why

were the berries “beaten,” and “trodden down”? Why were

kings and priests anointed with olive oil? What does olive

oil and the olive tree symbolize? There is far more mystery

and truth hidden about the humble olive than most begin to

imagine! Here is new insight into this remarkable plant, its

oil, its wood, its ancient usage, and its function and typology.

William F. Dankenbring

Olives in Islam By Najma Mohamed June 27, 2004

www.4islam.com/olives.shtml

Olives have been mentioned seven times in the Qur'an and their health benefits have been propounded in Prophetic medicine. The Prophet Muhammad (may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) is reported to have said:

Take oil of olive and massage with it – it is a blessed tree.

(Dārimi, 69:103)

The olive, like the date, holds great value in ancient and modern culture. In the Mediterranean culture “it has served as everything from money to medicines for several thousand years” (Zwingle, 1999).

The dove holding an olive branch in its mouth has become a universal symbol of peace. It is said to have originated in the story of Prophet Nūh (peace be upon him). The dove appeared as a sign that the flood, which had been sent as a punishment, would abate.The oil of this blessed tree has also been cited as a symbol of goodness and purity and is used up to this day in anointing ceremonies in the Greek Orthodox Church.The cosmetics industry, natural health practitioners and the culinary world are unanimous on the benefits of this delectable fruit, which bursts with flavor and health. The olive industry, which produced 460 million gallons of olive oil in 2000-2001, has grown tremendously as consumers world-wide are alerted to the benefits of this amazing fruit.Olive Facts

Olea europa, the botanical name of the olive, has its origins in Asia and spread to the Mediterranean basin 6000 years ago. The Mediterranean basin is the chief area of cultivation with Spain , Italy and Greece being the foremost olive-producing countries in the world. Olive production has also expanded to California , South Africa and Australia .

Olive production favors a winter-rainfall pattern. The olive tree is a hardy tree that grows to less than 10 meters . Temperatures below freezing are damaging to the trees. It is an evergreen tree with leaves that are pale green above and silvery below. The bark is pale grey and the flowers are numerous, small and creamy-white in color.The fruit of the tree is a drupe with fleshy fruit and a hard stone. The color of the fruit varies from green (unripe) to black (ripe) as it passes through its growth stages. As the tree ages, it produces more fruit.Olives are cultivated through grafting, the method routinely used to propagate fruit trees. The stem or bud of one plant is joined to the stem or bud of another to form a new plant. While it can take more than five years for a tree to start producing fruit, trees can be harvested annually and continue to produce fruits until they become old and hollow.

The manner in which olives are harvested depends on the type of olive, number of trees and the amount of time and money available. Several small-scale producers, often family-operated initiatives, continue to harvest olives by hand.

Uses and Benefits:From this ‘blessed’ tree hardly anything is wasted as the fruits are eaten or used to produce olive oil, the leaves possess medicinal value and the wood of the tree is highly valued for carpentry work. The Noble Qur’an refers to some of these uses:And a tree (olive) that springs forth from Mount Sinai, that grows (produces) oil, and (it is) relish for the eaters. ( 23:20 )By the fig and the olive,By Mount Sinai

By this city of all spiritulalies, Verily, We created man in the best stature.(95:1-4)

The oval-shaped olives, which are approximately 2 to 3 cm long, are preserved in salt solutions and sold as a condiment. Store shelves present an astounding array of olives from green and black varieties to stuffed olives. Even more mind-boggling is a perusal of the varieties of olive oil. Olive oil is produced through a process known as crushing and pressing. While machines have taken over most of the work, traditional methods of extracting oil are still in use. Different methods of crushing and pressing are used to extract olive oil.An olive contains 10-40% oil by weight. However, it also contains a bitter substance known as oleo-rubin, which is removed during processing. Zwingle (1999), writing for National Geographic on the wonders of olive oil, says that one finds “at one end, trillions of bitter little nubbins” and at the other golden liquid emerging.Once the olives are crushed, the paste is then ‘pressed’ to yield the golden olive oil. The best olive oil is extra virgin as it is pressed without heating or adding any chemical solvents. Olive oil is marketed in several different ways, such as “virgin”, “refined” or simply “olive oil”. These have been further refined by chemical processes and could also have some extra-virgin olive oil added to enhance its flavor and color.World olive oil consumption is rising at about 1.5% per year. The Mediterranean basin provides 99% of all olive oil.One of the by-products of this process, released once the olive oil has been extracted, is widely used in soap making. Panayiotis Sardelas, a Greek soap-maker, interviewed in the above-mentioned National Geographic feature (Zwingle, 1999) commented: “The old people know that this soap is better than chemical ones. It lasts longer than other soaps, and you can use it for everything.”

Olives in Medicine: The medicinal and cosmetic uses of olive products are truly astounding. The oil is extremely nutritious and is recommended by dieticians to “improve the balance of fats within the blood” ( Adams , 2001) as well as in lowering cholesterol levels.Since the 1950s, the benefits of the Mediterranean diet, rich in olive oil, have been extolled. While it has always been promoted as being beneficial in lowering cholesterol levels (Assmanm and Wahrburg), it is now increasingly being linked to lowering blood pressure.

A study by Dr. Ferrara and his colleagues of the Frederico II University of Naples, Italy (Ferrera et al., 2000) compared the effects of two similar low-fat diets on the blood pressure of hypertensive patients. One diet was enriched with extra virgin olive oil, high in monounsaturated fatty acids while the second was enriched with the same amount of sunflower oil with a high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids.The patients on the former diet, all hypertensive, showed significant reductions in their blood pressure, thereby indicating that a diet, rich in olive oil, is not only associated with lower levels of cholesterol, but with lower blood pressure as well.

www.oliveoilsource.com/page/blood-pressure

The DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) eating plan, which promotes a diet low in sodium and high in unsaturated fats, also recommends olive oil (National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, 2003).Another medical benefit of olive oil relates to the maintenance of a healthy digestive system. Oxford University ’s Institute of Health found that “olive oil may have a protective effect on the development of colorectal cancer” (Stoneham et al., 2000).Olive oil has traditionally been used to prevent constipation, assist in ‘cleansing’ of the gallbladder and in treating various ailments relating to the skin, such as burns, scratches and sunburn (Cook, 1934). Cook, writing in the 1930s, said that, “Those who recognize its wonderful medicinal properties and the many uses to which it can be put will never fail to keep a bottle of pure olive oil in the house.”Olive oil is also applied to the skin as it brightens the complexion, softens the skin and is used in the treatment of eczema and psoriasis (Khan). It is also used on the hair, especially problems relating to “dry hair and flaky scalp” ( Adams , 2001). Furthermore, olive oil is used for massage and as a carrier oil when blending essential oils.The leaf of the olive tree is commonly used by herbalists for its antiviral properties. It has been traditionally used to cool fevers by boiling the leaves and concocting a tincture that is then taken orally (Privitera). Olive leaf was not only used to treat severe cases of fever, but tropical diseases such as malaria as well. Today, olive leaf extract is available from natural health practitioners and taken orally in a tablet form. The Hebrew word for “olive tree” is es shemen, which literally means ‘tree of oil.” It is from a primitive root meaning “to shine.” It means “richness, anointing, fat, fruitful, oil, ointment, olive.” It is related to the word shemesh, “to be brilliant,” and which also is the Hebrew word for the “sun,” that brightly shining orb in the sky. Another Hebrew word for “olive” is zayith, meaning “an olive,” as “yielding illuminating oil.” Its related to the word ziv, meaning “to be prominent,” “brightness.” Ziv is the month of flowers, corresponding to Iyar, or our April-May. On the outside, the olive tree may seem like any other tree, rather ordinary in appearance and size – some might say even a little bit “ugly,” and at certain seasons of the year even a little “messy,” with olives littering the ground beneath the tree!The foliage of the olive tree is dense, and when it becomes old the fairly tall trunk acquires a unique pattern of twists and turns, protuberances and knots, on its bark and in its form, giving the tree a very interesting appearance. Says the Encyclopedia Judaica, “There are trees in Israel estimated to be 1,000 years old that still produce fruit. In old age the tree becomes hollow but the trunk continues to grow thicker, at times achieving a circumference of 20 feet” (“Olive,” vol.12, page 1363). Says the authoritative source, “It is an evergreen, and the righteous who take refuge in the protection of God are compared to it.”Interestingly, if the trunk is cut down, the shoots from its roots continue to grow, ensuring its continued existence. Olive wood is very hard, and beautifully grained. It is very desirable in the manufacture of smaller wooden objects, pieces of furniture, and ornaments. However, there is much more to the olive tree than almost anybody imagines.

History of the Olive Tree: The olive was one of the most valuable trees to the ancient Hebrews. It is first mentioned in Scripture when the dove returned to Noah’s ark carrying an olive branch in its beak (Gen.8:11). Since that time, the olive branch has been a symbol of “peace” to the world, and we often hear the expression, “extending an olive branch” to another person as a desire for peace.The olive also figures prominently on the seal of the United States of America. The seal pictures an olive branch with a cluster of thirteen leaves and thirteen olives. Why the number “thirteen”? Because the U.S. began with 13 colonies, and the Anglo-Saxon people of the United States are mainly descended from the “thirteenth tribe” of ancient Israel – the tribe of Ephraim, the youngest (“thirteenth”) son of the patriarch Joseph!When Israel conquered Canaan, the olive tree was a prominent feature among the flora of the land. It was described as a “land of olive oil” (Deut.8:8). The olive was a very important source of revenue to the early Israelites. It was tithed upon along with all the produce of the land (Deut.12:17).

Olive Oil and the Sanctuary Cakes of bread “anointed with oil” were among the sanctified offerings Israel made to God (Lev.8:26). The leaders of Israel offered to God in addition to rams and lambs and goats, “fine flour mixed with oil as a grain offering” (Numbers 7:19, 25, etc.). In addition, when the priests were separated for their priestly service, one young bull and two rams were taken, without blemish, “and unleavened bread,, unleavened cakes mixed with oil, and unleavened wafers anointed with oil,” were used in the ceremony of sanctification (Exodus 29:1-2). God told Moses regarding Aaron, his brother, “And you shall take the anointing oil, pour it on his head, and anoint him” (Exodus 29:7). The holy anointing oil itself was comprised of quality spices – myrrh, cane, cassia, and olive oil (Exo.30:23-25). The Tabernacle, the Ark of the Covenant, the Table of Showbread, the Lampstand (Menorah), the Altar, the Laver, and its foot, were all anointed with the same precious compound, as a holy oil of anointing (Exo.30:26-33).

The menorah in the Tabernacle – with its seven lamps – was lit with “oil for the light” (Exo.25:6). God told Moses, “Command the children of Israel that they bring to you pure oil of pressed olives for the light, to make the lamps burn continually” (Lev.24:2).The daily sacrifices were also accompanied with olive oil (Exo.29:40). When lepers were cleansed, a special sacrifice was made, together with “fine flour mixed with [olive] oil as a grain offering, and one log of oil” (Lev.14:10). A “log” was a little over a half a quart. At the cleansing ceremony, a lamb was slain as a trespass offering, and a log of oil, both waved as a wave offering before the Lord. The priest would pour some of the oil into his own left hand, then dip his right finger into the oil in his left hand, and sprinkle the oil seven times before the Lord, and of the rest of the oil in his left hand he would put some on the tip of the right ear of the leper being cleansed, and on the thumb of his right hand, and on the big toe of his right foot (Lev.14:13-18). The rest of the oil would be put on his head.The log of oil used in the ceremony cleansing the leper was the largest amount of oil called for in any religious rite. The rite symbolized the return to favor of the one healed, and the return of honor and joy. It is also symbolic of his restoration to life!

www.triumphpro.com/olive-tree-mystery.htm

Symbolism of the Olive: There is an ancient tradition that the “tree of life” in the Garden of Eden was an olive tree. According to the Apocalpyse of Moses, an apocryphal Hebrew book, when Adam fell ill Seth went to request the “oil of mercy” to anoint Adam and restore his health. His entreaty was refused, as it was destined for Adam to die, but the angel Michael told Seth that the oil would be granted to the righteous at the end of days. In a similar passage in the “Life of Adam” the oil is referred to as “the tree of mercy from which the oil of life flows.” Another reference to the “tree of life” in the Garden as an olive tree may be found in 4th Edras: “The tree of life shall give them fragrant perfume” (2:12, The Old Testament Pseudepigrapha, p.527).The same concept is preserved in the writings of the early church fathers, in Pseudo-Clement, which refers explicitly to “the oil of the tree of life.”In the book of James, we read that when a person is sick, they should call upon the elders of the church for prayer and anointing. James declared, “Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, they will be forgiven. Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much” (James 5:14-16). The oil represents holy anointing by the power of the Spirit of God. The apostle John wrote of God’s Spirit as an ‘anointing.” He declared: “But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him” (I John 2:27).Jesus Christ explained, “And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever – the Spirit of truth” (John 14:16). He added, “However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth” (John 16:13). The Spirit will tell us “things to come” (same verse).Oil, therefore, is a type of the Holy Spirit – as are water (John 7:37-39) and the wind (John 3:8; Acts 2:1-4).

www.contractorsales.biz/ces/Oliveoil.html

Folkloric

· For rheumatic pains of the legs and waist: use 3 to 6 gms of dried material in the form of decoction.

· Pounded fresh leaves may be applied as poultice for snakebites or may be used as insecticide.

· Poultice of leaves applied or rubbed on area of snake and insect bites.

· For sprains and bone pains: Oiled leaves or bark material are heated and applied to painful areas.

· Croton seed oil has been used as purgative.

· Seed oil used for treatment of schistosomiasis and other intestinal parasites.

· Roots, bark, seeds, and leaves considered a drastic purgative.

· Bruised root applied to carbuncles and cancerous sores.

· Testa used for fluxes.

· In Annam, bark used as a tonic.

· In Java and Kelantan, roots are finely shredded, mixed with water, and drunk by women as abortifacient.

· Diluted tincture of croton seeds used as a stimulant and applied in certain cutaneous affections, like eczema, ichthyosis and erythema.

· Seeds, while half-roasting over a lamp or candle flame, is inhaled through the nostril to relieve asthma.

· Croton oil is rubbed on the skin as rubefacient and counterirritant.

· Internally, croton oil us used as a powerful hydragogue, cathartic, and purgative. In excessive doses, it can cause severe purging, collapse and death.

· Liniment used as stimulant and applied to chronic rheumatism, neuralgia, glandular and other indolent swellings, chronic bronchitis and other pulmonary affections.

· Croton oil is used in dropsy, obstinate constipation, intestinal obstructions, and lead poisoning; as a preliminary laxative in leprosy; and as a revulsive in apoplexy. A few drops at the base of the tongue produces catharsis.

· As a blister, applied to the scalp in acute cerebral diseases, to the cord in spinal meningitis, to the chest in chronic bronchitis, and to the throat in laryngitis. Used in lock-jaw and mania.

· In Ayurveda, considered purgative; known as Kumbhini, used in the treatment of constipation after Sodhana (detoxification process) of seeds with Godugdha (cow's milk). (15)

- In Unani medicine, Croton tiglium seeds and Zingiber officinalis rhizome extract has been used in equal ratio as a paste formulation for the treatment of Safa (alopecia areata)

source: stuart xchange

Please view 'Constipation' On Black! And this is a semi-candid shot, this guy is a genius.

Regulates the Stomach, Liver, and Bowels

Cures Indigestion, Biliousness, and Constipation.

Made by Tarrant & Company,

Greenwich Street, New York City

-- U.S. National Library of Medicine

- Toronto, Ontario, Canada -

Well, I must have intimidated most of you by challenging you to come up with a title/caption for this photograph. The response was by all counts underwhelming ... regardless ... my hearty thanks to those that took a stab at it. By popular vote 'raym5,' more cordially know as Marie, is the winner with her three part title using the sign as a means of play on words - constitution, consternation and the ever popular constipation. Additionally, some contestants chose the upward pointing arrow, the gaping mouth, and the red (almost cowboy) hat for their title/caption selection. All those making a submission are invited for breakfast but Marie will get an extra magnum of champagne to accompany her petit déjeuner!

******************************************************************

Although several possible titles for this photo came to mind I thought it was time for one of my - now world famous - title/caption contests. As always, I want everyone to try and put a title/caption on this 'not so great' but arguably 'somewhat odd' photo of this poor, unwitting gentleman. The winner gets the now standard but clearly unparalleled prize of breakfast (served by me) on my dock during the sunrise at Keefer Lake.

A Keefer Lake sunrise photograph is included below as incentive ... for many more Keefer Lake sunrises check out my Flickr profile.

Leonotis leonurus

Common names: Lion's Ear, Lion's Tail, Wild Dagga

Family: Lamiaceae

Wild Dagga is smoked or made into a medicinal tea by the indigenous peoples of South Africa. Wild Dagga is good for inducing a deep meditative sleep, calming, relaxing and enhancing dreaming. Because of its euphoric effects, Wild Dagga is often referred to as a Cannabis substitute.

It is widely used in traditional medicine to treat many conditions.

Internal

For the treatment of cough, cold, influenza, chest infections, diabetes, hypertension, eczema, epilepsy, delayed menstruation, intestinal worms, constipation, spider bites and scorpion stings and as an antidote for snakebite.

External

For the relief of haemorrhoids, eczema, skin rashes and boils.

The species is also used in Eastern medicine as a euphoriant, purgative, and vermifuge.

On Explore June 17, 2008 #331

Today's story and sketch "by me" you see Pascagoula Gofish, in the township that was named after him by the early

inhabitants. One in particular, she being his first Earth Girlfriend, a Natchez Indian maiden named Naomi, she was

the tribes nutritionist and herbal "EMT" (Emergency,Metamucil,Trailmixer) she was the first herbalist to discover

"psyllium" a bulk forming fiber used as a laxative and propellant, she kept the tribe loose and happy, but that is a story for another time. But today we will write about that first meeting of Naomi and Pascagoula, it was on a Tuesday afternoon just as monster storm was approaching the area in the Gulf known as Mississippi, Pascagoula was busy watching his, (SRM), "Stormaugmented Reality Meter", which is a computer-generated content overlaid on a real world environment.

And that days environment was not so good, it was signaling a severe weather system "Hurricane coming soon".

Naomi first noticed the shinny Space ship, then was a bit startled when she noticed Pascagoula in a lawn chair looking

at a the "SRM" meter, he was like no one she had ever seen nice light grey complexion, and crystal clear black eyes.

The eyes were so beautiful to Naomi she walked up and began speaking in her native Natchezany language, lucky for

her Pascagoula could understand every known language in the universe, "It was not his first cruise to Earth",

but he had never seen an Earth girl who was so beautiful, they talked and talked about constipation and the approaching

Hurricane, Pascagoula and Naomi walked to her village to warn them about the upcoming disaster, and to all get into

a safe cave he had seen on there walk. The hurricane arrived and did massive damage, it wiped out the entire village, luckily Pascagoula had taken the precaution to load up the cave with his supply of moon pies. Pascagoula saved everyone,

and soon married Naomi, he became the official Natchez Weatherman, and lived happily with Naomi for many years.

Pascagoula has been a weatherman, the last four hundred years, but behind the scenes at fox TV channel 51

warning about Hurricanes, and selling Metamucil Moon Pies.

Till next time Taa ta the Rod Blog

Love is like weather, very hard to predict.

This is an old shed at Morpeth. When I lived at Raymond terrace many years ago the paint had faded and it looked a bit sad, fortunately it has been repainted and now looks like it did back in the old days.

Indian Root Pills in the early part of last century were supposedly a general cure all for such ailments as constipation, sallow complexion and general ill feeling, touted as the answer to everyone's problems, this product was sold right into the late forties.

Nørrebo, Copenhagen, Denmark

Project 365 ~ Dislikes

ODT - April 9 ~ Stressed

Warning...this stunt can be hazardous to your health and have serious side effects. Symptoms may be nauseau, nervousness, diarrhea, constipation, agiation, loss of hearing and vision, uncontrollable urges to use profane language and may lead to serious injury or ultimately death. Don't try this without consulting a professional.

I really get don't like it when I have to get in rush hour traffic... especially if it's raining. Besides it makes my driving and shooting a little more stressful.

Painting by Annibale Carracci

About six months ago, a friend was patiently listening to several of my complaints about aging and some of its annoying and irritating consequences. He asked me if black beans were a part of my diet. When I told him I couldn't recall the last time I had eaten black beans, he smiled. "Just what I figured," he said, seemingly glad that my answer was negative.

After a few more minutes listening to his praise about some of the immediate joys of black beans, I was a believer.

That was six months ago. Now, after consuming about seven ounces of black beans with my evening meal, I must say that I am a happier guy, a normal and regular guy with one major complaint about aging gone. It is so good to feel good.

Painting by Annibale Carracci (The Beaneater)

Synchronicity was in a great way for this picture between couple sun ☀️ and moonlight 🌙 , throned son, cristal light’s heals all the soul under nymphs...( thanks to Nymphaea by Claude Monet ) Cristal healing and echoes of consciousness.

Liberation of darkness is possible way with your pineal glands and you can compare them with a crystal light and follow the guidance through your dream.Other significant work for linking the throne to nymphaea could be a Jungian interpretation for Alchemist (following old Egyptian science)

It’s amazing how crystal light is a healing process for testing your body to sitting on a throne.However, it has only recently become clear that apomorphine can be utilized, with excellent results, to treat erectile dysfunction. It is a centrally acting, selective D1/D2 dopamine agonist, and activation of dopaminergic receptors in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus initiates a cascade of events, ultimately resulting in smooth muscle relaxation and vasodilatation within the corpora cavernosa, leading to penile erection. Crystal river and albedo was whiteness day for a throne of consciousness enlightenment

This discovery provides a likely explanation for the appearance of Nymphaea in the Luxor frescoes and in erotic cartoons ... The fact that temple drawings only depict use by the higher castes, such as priests and royalty, suggests that the masses did not benefit from this discovery. The Nymphaea story serves as a further illustration of how the effects of substances of plant origin were known even though the discoverers lacked the technology to explain them. The water lily was also used for other medicinal purposes, according to Lise Manniche in An Ancient Egyptian Herbal, including liver disease, poultices for the head, constipation and as an enema (1989, p. 134). She also notes that it was used in a magical spell to cause a "hated woman"'s hair to fall out. In Greco-Roman times, it was thought of as a cooling herb, and was thus used to bring down a fever.

Original article: www.thekeep.org/~kunoichi/kunoichi/themestream/egypt_wate...

© Caroline Seawright

The source is one: male and female are united. In alchemical images we see a throne from which streams of water flow into one flashback to primordial life’s hermaphrodite.

The Syrian love goddess who the Egyptians married off to Min, was depicted as a naked woman who stood on the back of a lion, carrying snakes and water lily buds. The buds are likely linked with her role as a goddess of sexuality and fertility. Votive offerings to Hathor included bowls with water lily motifs, again alluding to fertility, the renewal of life and rebirth. (A water bowl was also the hieroglyph for a woman, which A.H. Gardiner in Egyptian Grammar believes to represent the vagina, linking the fertility sign of the water lily in the bowl to female fertility in this case.) The Egyptian idea of sexuality was identified with creation. Being a flower of creation, the flower became linked to human fertility and sexuality. The images of women holding the flower may be hinting at her ability to bear children or that she was sexually desirable, and images of men holding the flower may hint at their potency. It could also be a way to ensure that the person painted would be fertile - and sexy - in the afterlife.

Contemporary reference to the role of water lilies and mandrakes (Nymphaea and Mandragora, respectively) in ancient Egyptian healing ... suggest the possible importance of these plants as adjuncts to shamanistic healing in dynastic Egypt. Although the usual interpretation of the water lily and the mandrake has been that of a part of ritual mourning ... it is argued that the dynastic Egyptians had developed a form of shamanistic trance induced by these two plants and used it in medicine as well as healing rituals. Analysis of the ritual and sacred iconography of dynastic Egypt, as seen on stelae, in magical papyri, and on vessels, indicates that these people possessed a profound knowledge of plant lore and altered states of consciousness. The abundant data indicate that the shamanistic priest, who was highly placed in the stratified society, guided the souls of the living and dead, provided for the transmutation of souls into other bodies and the personification of plants as possessed by human spirits, as well as performing other shamanistic activities. test was carried out to see if there were any narcotic effects of the blue water lily. There were no known psychotropic substance found in the flower itself. In The Mystery of the Cocaine Mummies Rosalie David ('Keeper of Egyptology, Manchester Museum') says that "we see many scenes of individuals holding a cup and dropping a water lily flower into the cup which contained wine". The assertion by Dr Andrew Sherratt, based on these depictions, is that he believes that when the flower was infused with wine, that the chemical content might change and become the ancient Egyptian party drug or a shamanistic aid. The lilies were flown from Cairo to England, and nineteen of them opened after the sun came out. The flowers were soaked in the wine, and after a few days, two volunteers - who claimed to know nothing about ancient Egypt - drank the lily-wine:Unfortunately the test was not up to scientific standards - there was no control group (where another set of volunteers would drink wine not infused with the lily, but told that it had been) - so it is rather difficult to know how much of the effects on the two were just from the alcohol and if any were from the lily infusion itself.The blue water lily was possibly also a symbol of sexuality - Dr Liz Williamson says that the flower "has a sort of Viagra effect". Women were wooed with the blue water lily. In certain erotic scenes from the Turin Papyrus, women are shown wearing very little apart from the white lily as a headdress.The blue water lily was possibly also a symbol of sexuality - Dr Liz Williamson says that the flower "has a sort of Viagra effect". Women were wooed with the blue water lily. In certain erotic scenes from the Turin Papyrus, women are shown wearing very little apart from the white lily as a headdress.

The blue water lily was possibly also a symbol of sexuality - Dr Liz Williamson says that the flower "has a sort of Viagra effect". Women were wooed with the blue water lily. In certain erotic scenes from the Turin Papyrus, women are shown wearing very little apart from the white lily as a headdress.

More recently, it has been discovered that this plant could have been used by the ancient Egyptians to help with erectile dysfunction. This would help explain why the plant was so intimately connected with sex and sexuality:

Nymphaea caerulea (blue lotus) and N. ampla, which has a white flower but a similar alkaloid content, grow along lakes and rivers, thrive in wet soil, and bloom in the spring. They belong to the water-lily family ... The isolation of the psychoactive apomorphine from Nymphaea species has offered chemical support to speculation that Nymphaea species may have been employed as hallucinogens in both the Old and the New World. The use of N. caerulea and of N. lotos in rites and rituals is depicted in the frescoes within the tombs, and in very early papyrus scrolls. The most important of these was the scroll of Ani (Book of the Dead). Nymphaea is mentioned and represented in several chapters of the book, always tied to magical-religious rites.

The water lily was also used for other medicinal purposes, according to Lise Manniche in An Ancient Egyptian Herbal, including liver disease, poultices for the head, constipation and as an enema (1989, p. 134). She also notes that it was used in a magical spell to cause a "hated woman"'s hair to fall out. In Greco-Roman times, it was thought of as a cooling herb, and was thus used to bring down a fever.The flower wasn't just used at parties, but it was used at funerals. As with many symbols of fertility, the blue water lily was also symbolic of rebirth after death. Tutankhamen's innermost gold coffin had blue water lily petals scattered over it along with a few other floral tributes. The Egyptians looked forward to their souls coming to life "like a water lily reopening", thinking that the deceased died as the water lily closed awaiting opening with the morning sun. The Book of the Dead has a spell to allow the deceased to transform into one of these flowers:

The goddess Qedeshet, standing on a lion, holding water lilies and a snake, the Syrian love goddess who the Egyptians married off to Min, was depicted as a naked woman who stood on the back of a lion, carrying snakes and water lily buds. The buds are likely linked with her role as a goddess of sexuality and fertility. Votive offerings to Hathor included bowls with water lily motifs, again alluding to fertility, the renewal of life and rebirth. (A water bowl was also the hieroglyph for a woman, which A.H. Gardiner in Egyptian Grammar believes to represent the vagina, linking the fertility sign of the water lily in the bowl to female fertility in this case.) The Egyptian idea of sexuality was identified with creation. Being a flower of creation, the flower became linked to human fertility and sexuality. The images of women holding the flower may be hinting at her ability to bear children or that she was sexually desirable, and images of men holding the flower may hint at their potency. It could also be a way to ensure that the person painted would be fertile - and sexy - in the afterlife.As we mentioned above, Aphrodite/Venus as the morning star is a central image for the albedo phase of the Great Work. Aphrodite was born from the foam that arose when the genitals of Uranus (cut of by Chronos, out of hate and jealousy) fell into the sea. The cutting of the genitals represents repressed and tormented love. The sea, symbol of the soul, however will bring forth the love goddess. Liberation will happen when we become conscious again of the contents of the soul. As Aphrodite is born from the sea, she is the guide through the fearful world of the unconscious (the sea, or the underworld). The alchemist descends into these depths to find the ‘prima materia’, also called the ‘green lion’. The color green refers to the primal life forces. Venus also has the green color. An important characteristic of Aphrodite is that she helps us in our human shortcomings. She gives ideals and dreams to fulfill. But she also gives frightening images in order to make man aware of his lower nature. "By her beauty Venus attracts the imperfect metals and gives rise to desire, and pushes them to perfection and ripeness." (Basilius Valentinus, 1679) Liberation can only happen by becoming conscious of the lower nature and how we transmute it.

In Jungian psychology Venus/Aphrodite is the archetype of the anima (in alchemy also the ‘soror’ or ‘wife’ of the alchemist). The anima is the collective image of the woman in a man. It is an image especially tainted by his first contact with his mother. The anima represents all the female tendencies in the psyche of a man, such as feelings, emotions, moods, intuition, receptivity for the irrational, personal love and a feeling for nature. She is the bearer for the spiritual. Depending on the development of the man she can also be the seductress who lures him away to love, hopelessness, demise, and even destruction.

Other alchemical images for albedo are baptism and the white dove, both derived from Christianity. Baptism symbolizes the purification of both body and soul by ‘living water’. ‘Living water’ was regarded as the creative force of the divine. It allowed the soul to be received into the community of the holy spirit. Thus baptism allows the purified soul to bring forth the resurrection of Christ in oneself. This is the ‘hieros gamos’, the ‘sacred marriage’ between the soul and Christ. Christ here represent our own inner divine essence.

There are many other symbols in alchemy for the second phase, or albedo: the white swan, the rose, the white queen, and so on. As lead is the metal of nigredo, silver is the metal of albedo, transmuted from lead. As silver is the metal of the moon, the moon was also a symbol for albedo. Alchemists also talk about the white stone or white tincture. They all means basically the same thing, although one has to understand them in the context in which they were written.

The union of Hermes and Aphrodite. The moon is above the retort, indicating this is the stage of Albedo. The sun above is the next stage of Rubedo. At the same time sun and moon are again the opposites to be united. Aphrodite has two torches. One pointing down, representing the lower passions to be transmuted. The upside down torch is the purified energies. Aphrodite is standing on a tetrahedron, the perfect three dimensional body, as all corners are equally distant from each other, resulting in a lack of tension.

Albedo, symbolized by Aurora, by the dawn, the morning star (Venus-Aphrodite), and by the sun rising up from the Philosopher's Sea.

Albedo is also represented by Aurora, the Roman goddess of the dawn. Her brother is Helios, the Sun. With a play of words aurora was connected with aurea hora, ‘the hour of gold’. It is a supreme state of conscious. Pernety (1758): "When the Artist (=Alchemist) sees the perfect whiteness, the Philosophers say that one has to destroy the books, because they have become superfluous."

Albedo is also symbolized by the morning star Venus/Aphrodite. Venus has a special place in the Great Work. In ancient times Lucifer was identified with the planet Venus. Originally Lucifer has a very positive meaning. In the Bible we find 2Petrus 1:19 "…till the day arrives and the morning star rises in your hearts". In Revelation 12:16 Christ says: "I am the shining morning star". Here Christ identifies himself with the Lucifer! We find the same in mystic literature. In ancient times Lucifer was a positive light being. It was just one man who changed all that: when a certain Hieronymous read a phrase from Jesaja 14:12 (Jesaja talking to a sinful king of Babylon): " How did you fall from heaven, you morning star, you son of the dawn; how did you fall to earth, conqueror of people". Hieronymous used this phrase to identify Lucifer with the dragon thrown out of heaven by Michael. By the interpretation of this one man, Lucifer was tuned from a shining light being into the darkest devilish being in the world.

We find Lucifer in alchemy associated with impure metals polluted by rough sulfur. It means that the light being Lucifer in ourselves is polluted by what the alchemists call ‘superfluities’, ‘dross’, caused by man himself.

Mercury and Lucifer are one and the same. One talks about Mercury when he is pure, it is the white sulphur, the fire in heaven. As ‘spiritus’ he gives life. As ‘spiritus sapiens’ he teaches the alchemist the Great Work. Lucifer is the impure Mercury. Lucifer is the morning star fallen from (the golden) heaven. He descended into the earth and is now present in all humans. Lucifer is Mercury mixed with impure elements. He dissolved ‘in sulfur and salt’, ‘is wrapped with strings’, ‘darkened with black mud’. Keep in mind we are always talking about our consciousness. Lucifer represents our everyday consciousness, all the (psychological and other) complexes have clouded our pure consciousness, Mercury.

The light of Mercury that appears to us as Lucifer, because of the distortion caused by the impurities, gives the impression of what the alchemists called ‘red sulfur’. The red sulfur of Lucifer, as traditional devil, is actually an illusion. It does not exist by itself because it is only an image, a distorted image of Mercury. We ourselves caused the impurities, the blackness that veils our true light being.

Red sulfur is the same as what is called Maya in eastern philosophies. Maya is the world of illusions, or the veil that prevents us from seeing and experiencing true reality, where the eternal light is. By the impurities of Maya, man has become ignorant. He has forgotten his origin and thinks he is in a world which in actuality is an illusion.Albedo - Whiteness

Je ne craignais pas de mourir

mais de mourir sans etre illumine.

(I was not afraid to die,

but to die without having been enlightened)

Comte de Saint-Germain, La Tres Sainte Trinisophie

The herald of the light

is the morning star.

This way man and woman approach

the dawn of knowledge,

because in it is the germ of life,

being a blessing of the eternal.

Haji Ibrahim of Kerbala

Lucifer, Lucifer stretch your tail,

and lead me away, full speed through the narrow passage,

the valley of the death,

to the brilliant light, the palace of the gods.

Isanatha Muni

Being deep in nigredo, a white light appears. We have arrived at the second stage of the Great Work: albedo, or whiteness. The alchemist has discovered within himself the source from which his life comes forth. The fountain of life from which the water of life flows forth giving eternal youth.

The source is one: male and female are united. In alchemical images we see a fountain from which two streams of water flow into one basin. Albedo is the discovery of the hermaphroditic nature of man. In the spiritual sense each man is a hermaphrodite. We can also see this in the first embryonic phase of the fetus. There is no sex until a certain number of weeks after conception. When man descended into the physical world his body entered a world of duality. On the bodily level this is expressed by the sexes. But his spirit is still androgen, it contains duality in unity. Its unity is not bound to space, time or matter. Duality is an expression of unity in our physical world. It is temporal and will eventually cease to exist. When male and female are united again, one will experience his true self. Conscious and unconscious are totally united.

Albedo happens when the Sun rises at midnight. It is a symbolic expression for the rising of the light at the depth of darkness. It is the birth of Christ in the middle of the winter. In the depth of a psychological crises, a positive change happens.

www.soul-guidance.com/houseofthesun/alchemy 2.htm

aka "Burns Supper" - en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burns_supper#The_Selkirk_Grace

Language 6 according to Albers (1929)

(Detail)

Miguel Ventura's piece for PND! show was an extremely complex installation with multiple meanings. From my position as curator and Pole I was interested in pink swastika as a meaningful object. The hate and evil symbol today was a symbol of hope in the time of Nazism beginnings. There is no dictatorship that begins his rule promising the terror - they always spread the vision of a better future and often believe that doing evil they are working for supreme good.

Below Miguel’s Ventura statement for the piece.

NILC and PINK NOT DEAD

The title of the piece I’m exhibiting is Language 6 according to Josef Albers 1929. This piece is a quasi-children´s play painting model kit which might be constructed in different ways. The original installation of this piece in mexico differs somewhat from the one created here. The color pink helps to underline the playful as well as perverting qualities of the elements of this installation. I have used diverse materials for its construction: the manufactured elements are made of a plastic material commonly used in Mexico for arts and crafts and didactic materials in schools, photographs of different projects of my work where I have used the color pink, historical photographs from my personal collection of german world war II soldiers in the process of relieving their bowels and videos. before I continue I must explain the words NILC which appear throughout this painting installation. NILC is an umbrella organization I have created to channel my artistic strategies and activities. The initials N-I-L-C stand for The New Interterritorial Language Committee, a title I appropriated from the Interterritorial Language Committee established by the British for the instruction of Swahili as a lingua franca in their East African colonies in the early XXth century.

The core of this piece is based on a painting by the German artist Joseph Albers, a pioneer of early Modernism and a precursor of many of the reductive strategies used by artists today. I have chosen this piece in light of the Mexican contemporary art scene which mimics prevalent international reductive strategies as part of a process of integration to a ‘global art world’. NILC´s contradictory and perverting philosophies view with suspicion and contempt these canonical values and reductive tendencies in contemporary art today which are a continuation of Modernist aesthetics as established by North American theorists in the 1950´s. These aesthetics tend to constrain and constipate the education and development of artistic expression today. Therefore the presence of the soldiers relieving themselves on the field. It is convenient for political and social reasons that these aesthetic ideals be continued and developed for they are part of a homogenizing power structure, therefore the use of the swastika in this piece. Yet our contemporary social and artistic structures feel somewhat ingrown and perverted at this time and constipation must be relieved. The swastika, used here as a symbol of an anarchic nature rather than its world war II nazi symbolism implies, is used to counteract this overwhelming and dominating power structure.

Garash Galeria, Mexico DF 2006

detail, documentaion photo by me

This is an image related to my Pink not Dead! art project.

Here is the link to one of the english language articles about the project:

PND! at Ping Mag

Below is the link to my Pink Blog you must be 18 years or older to enter:

pinknotdead.blox.pl/html

Detoxing is much more than a fad word or a trend, it is a time honored tradition that has benefitted countless generations. With modern medicine and food advances, we have discovered even more ways to detox the body, including using certain roots like ginger or fruits like lemon. Add the two together and you have a potent combination of amazing proportions. www.amazon.fr/Lose-Weight-Fast-Dan-Hild/dp/B0BQHT8R7J

The Lemon Ginger detox is a good starting point for anyone seeking to cleanse the body before undergoing more powerful detoxes. Natural, healthy, easy to do and quick to produce results, the lemon ginger detox should be the first stop on any weight loss journey.

This easy to understand and detailed guide explains every aspect of the lemon ginger water detox, from preparation to implementation. If you are looking for a way to get healthy and to lose weight, then this is the guide for you. Drinking lemon-ginger tea before bed may help improve mindfulness and hydration. It may also reduce indigestion, nasal congestion, and more.

If you have difficulty falling or staying asleep, you may be looking for ways to get more rest.

Drinking an herbal tonic, like lemon-ginger tea, could be a soothing bedtime ritual to help put the day behind you.

Lemon-ginger tea is exactly what it sounds like: a gentle herbal infusion of fresh lemon and ginger — with a bit of sweetener like honey or agave nectar, if you choose.

You might be wondering if lemon-ginger tea has any unique health benefits. While it may not make you sleepy, it might help you wind down and relax and provide other benefits.

This article examines six benefits of bedtime lemon-ginger tea and explains how to make it. 1. Soothes indigestion

If chronic indigestion or a heavy dinner keeps you up later than you would like, a cup of lemon-ginger tea may be a great tonicTrusted Source before you head for bed.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is a root long used in alternative and folk medicine for its ability to alleviate the delayed emptying of your stomach.

What’s more, lemon (Citrus limon) contains a plant compound called limonene that aids digestion by helping move food along your digestive tract — potentially easing the uncomfortable feeling of fullness.

While the amount of limonene in a given cup of lemon-ginger tea will vary, you might find that the combination of lemon, ginger, and water in lemon-ginger tea calms indigestion. 3. May reduce nasal congestion

The steam generated from your hot lemon-ginger infusion may help open up your nasal cavities — helping clear a stuffy noseTrusted Source. Drinking something warm also soothes a sore throat from mucus buildup.

Although these effects are mostly anecdotal and supported by folk medicine, they may be useful to keep in mind during cold and flu season or if you experience seasonal allergies.

Lemon-ginger tea won’t cure you of any of these, but it may help loosen up congestion, allowing air to flow through your nose a little easier. 4. May relieve constipation

Constipation can result from several factors, including dehydration and a diet that’s low in fiber.

When constipation stems from dehydration, relaxing in the evening with a warm cup of lemon-ginger tea may help since water helps stool pass through your digestive tract more easily.

If you feel chronically constipated, be sure you’re drinking enough fluids throughout the day, too.

Speak with a healthcare professional if you have:

trouble having a bowel movement

less than three times a week

blood in stool

5. May help fight inflammation

Gingerol, one of the plant compounds found in ginger, boasts anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Chronic inflammation is linked to conditions like metabolic syndrome, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and heart disease.

However, studies show mixed results on whether ginger has anti-inflammatory effects in people.

Plus, it’s worth keeping in mind that there isn’t enough research currently to know just how much gingerol is needed to achieve these effects — and how much of it you would actually get from drinking a typical cup of lemon-ginger tea. 6. Keeps you hydrated

When you drink lemon-ginger tea, you are, of course, drinking water — which means you’re hydrating your body.

This is important, because staying hydrated keeps vital organs, like your kidneys, gut, and heart, functioning properly.

How much water you need per day is affected by many factors, such as your medications, activities, and any health issues.

How to prepare lemon-ginger tea at home

Making lemon-ginger tea at home is easy. After all, you’re simply infusing water with fresh ginger and lemon.

Lemon-ginger tea

Makes one serving

Ingredients

1-inch (2.5-cm) piece of fresh ginger root, peeled

1/2 lemon, quartered and 1 fresh wedge for garnish

1 cup (237 mL) of water

honey or agave nectar, to taste

Directions

Combine the ginger and lemon with water in a small saucepan and allow to simmer on your stovetop. Let this steep for at least 10 to 15 minutes.

If you find the tonic too weak, consider grating in your ginger instead, or cutting the piece down into smaller chunks. You can also zest in some lemon peel if you want more lemony notes.

Stir in honey or agave nectar to taste, if you wish. Garnish with a fresh wedge of lemon.

You could also make a larger batch and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to warm it up again. To do so, multiply this recipe for a few days’ worth. www.healthline.com/nutrition/lemon-ginger-tea-before-bed