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Did you know that valerian (Valeriana officinalis) except a perennial herbaceous and flowering plant of the Valerian family is additionally a natural anxiolytic drug? Valerian could be a plant native to Europe and Asia, however, it can also grow in North America.
Flower's name originates from the latin word valere and it has a dual meaning: "Be healthy" or "Be strong". You can definitely see a connection to the therapeutic use of the plant, although it is claimed that it may also refer to its strong odor. Valerian is resistant to weather and disease. It is a shrub with a maximum height of 1.5 meters. The flowers are small pink to white, in an "umbrella" formation at the top of the plant, while the stem is tubular and fluffy. The root is fibrous with a strong aroma. Valerian blooms from May to August.
Ingredients of valerian flower
The part of the plant with the main and most important healing properties is no other than the route. Its main ingredients are sugars, starch, resins, essential oil, organic acids, nitrogen compounds, valeric acid, volatile oil, resin, and gum. Arguably it has a taste that is very intense, dry, and slightly bitter.
Valerian can be used in the following forms.
- Pills(similar to spirulina)
- Beverage
- Tincture
- Extract
- Capsules
- Candies
The medicinal uses of Valerian
Valerian is a plant whose use is known to the ancient Greeks. The Romans used valerian as a remedy for their digestive problems, as well as for cramps and to treat urinary tract discomfort. Roots are the part used for medicinal purposes. Generally, they are tender and have a small odor. Valerian's flower root should be consumed with caution and -undoubtfully- has numerous properties that are beneficial to the human body.
- Relieves menstrual cramps, cramps, fever, and stomach ulcers.
- Helps treat the flu and its symptoms. Its relaxing properties help relieve headaches.
- Helps fight stress.
- Helps with sleep disorders.
- It affects the central nervous system of the human body and relaxes the muscles and relieves stress.
- Helps combat "Attention Deficit Disorder" and "Chronic Fatigue Syndrome".
- Valerian root extract is used to minimize brain swelling in patients with developing Alzheimer's.
Mosquitoes
The configuration of the exterior of your home, and the design of the garden are very important since for a large part of the time every day we are in the garden of our home. There we spend beautiful family moments, relax and enjoy the green in a naturally fenced area. The design of the garden requires great care taking into account the various activities that are done in it in combination with the aesthetics and recreation it offers. The key points to consider when designing are:
????Your personal needs
The most important factor to consider is what you are looking for in your garden. Do you want an open garden for children to play, a more formed garden to enjoy from your gazebo, a tropical garden, or a Mediterranean one? Clarify it in your mind before you start designing it.
????The surrounding area
In order to be harmonious, a garden must be integrated into the wider natural environment. If you are next to a forest it is right for your garden to be integrated into the environment using coniferous trees. If your space is located in the sea it is necessary to choose plants and trees that thrive in the area.
????The peculiarities of the soil
To be sure that our garden can grow we need to know the specifics of the soil. For example, in an area where natural turf will be planted, the soil should be sandy to drain, but at the same time rich in nutrients. Also, the amount of water in the subsoil determines the type of plants that will be used. A chemical analysis of the soil helps us to understand if the soil needs to be enriched and if there will be, after planting, the ideal aeration at the roots of the plants.
????The choice of plants
Which plants and trees are ideal in coastal areas, which shrubs can be used for fences, which plants are ideal for tree lines in urban areas, next to swimming pools, interior walls, insulation are important questions that we must research before we start our design. The orientation of the house is also very important in terms of the type of plants we will choose, as well as where they will be planted so that it is healthy and flowering.
????Irrigation needs
The irrigation system is one of the most important factors in the design and configuration of a garden. A proper design of the irrigation system, which takes into account the specifications of the space, the needs of irrigation and takes advantage of the latest technology in the field can not only offer money savings in installation and management, but also water economy and proper use of irrigation.
Are you also "sweet-blooded" and mosquitoes do not leave you alone? Are your calves full of bite marks?
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Join the club of all of us who fill the house with mosquitoes and yet, we move around marked and scratched all day. If you are tired of the pharmacy solutions or you feel that nothing works, I have the most natural solutions that you will find in your kitchen or balcony. And I say goodbye to the itching and discomfort caused by mosquito bites with homemade and very simple solutions.
Ice cubes
An ice cube wrapped in a small towel can prove to be a miracle for mosquito bites. It numbs the spot and does not allow it to swell. Press it for 10 minutes (or as long as you can).
Teabags for mosquito bites
The tannin in tea absorbs toxins from the skin and relieves the irritation of the sting. Squeeze the used tea bag on the spot and wait for its miraculous action.
Baking soda paste
Make the easiest baking soda paste and a few drops of water, apply it immediately to the sting, and let it dry on its own. Baking soda neutralizes the pH of the spot and relieves itching.
Aloe (and) for mosquito bites
Although we have associated it with burning, aloe is just as beneficial in case of a sting. You can have it at home for such cases. Peel a squash, grate it and squeeze the juice. Rub a little on the area.
Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is the least acidic and neutralizes the pH of the infected area. It works like baking soda. Put a few drops on cotton and gently rub the spot.
I live in a location that experiences all 4 seasons with temps getting as high as 100 degrees and as low as -30 degrees. Though it has been several years since either extreme was seen. I want to find some vegetables that are easy to grow and start a fall garden so I can harvest my crops in a few months. I am not sure what to start with.
We have a lot of wild rabbits in our area. Mostly cottontails from what I have seen. Do I have to worry about them destroying my garden if I start one? If so, what are some ways to ensure I keep my crops safe from rabbits munching away at them?
I ???? orchids but totally dislike just having a stick when the orchids fall. Is there a faster way to make them grow?
My first time growing green beans. Any tips or advice for a beginner is greatly appreciated. ????
The land of lotus eaters may never be found, but the famous fruit of Greek mythology, the lotus, is today one of the tastiest and juiciest fruits we can plant in the garden and in a pot on our balcony. A small deciduous tree with a height that reaches 3 and 4 meters, the lotus produces characteristic orange-yellow fruits that are very pleasant to eat, after we let them ripen and soften.
Originally from Asia, persimmon is grown in the Far East, South America and many European countries. It has high nutritional value, as it is rich in antioxidants and has multiple benefits for our health. Due to the concentrated sugars it creates when ripe, the lotus fruit is eaten fresh and is also used to make unique homemade jams, pastries, creams and cakes.
Conditions the cultivation of lotus require in order to thrive:
The lotus needs rich, fertile soils, with relative soil moisture to be able to thrive and give good production. Enriching the soil with manure and compost before planting is very important for cultivation. The warm climates help in the cultivation of the lotus and in the production of quality fruits. In contrast, in colder regions, the fruit may have a lower sugar content.
Lotus cultivation is best avoided in areas with very strong winds, as it can cause the branches to break. It is worth noting that the cultivation of lotus presents the phenomenon of parenchyma. That is, a year of high production is followed by a year of lower production.
Distances required for the lotus planting:
Planting distances for lotus seedlings vary depending on the variety and soil type. Typical planting distances are 4 to 5 meters between plants and 4 to 5 meters between lotus planting lines. When transplanting lotus plants, special care is needed so as not to injure the sensitive root system of the plant.
Watering and fertilizing needs frequency:
The lotus has significant water needs and needs regular watering. Adequate watering is required during its growth, as well as the period when the fruits are tied. When the fruits ripen, be careful not to water them too much only when the soil is dry. The growth of the lotus takes place mainly in spring and early summer, during this period it is necessary to enrich it with nutrients.
It is therefore necessary to add a complete organic fertilizer with a high content of nitrogen and potassium in early spring and early summer. If you have planted the lotus in a pot, you put small amounts of fertilizer once a month from spring until the beginning of autumn.
Diospyros - Wikipedia
Cargillia R.Br. Cavanillea Desr. Ebenus Kuntze (nom. illeg.) Embryopteris Gaertn. Guaiacana Duhamel (nom. illeg.) Idesia Scop. Maba J.R.Forst. & G.Forst. Mabola Raf. Macreightia A.DC. Noltia Thonn. Paralea Aubl. Pimia Seem. Rhaphidanthe Hiern ex Gürke Ropourea Aubl. Royena L. Tetraclis Hiern
Clear your atmosphere and mind of harmful substances and negative energy. Put vivid shoots, beautiful leaves and colorful flowers in your space to chase away bad thoughts, gain beautiful images and be better organized on the threshold of winter and more. So decide now to detoxify your home with houseplants.
The breath of plants positively and directly affects the mood, passing through the body and soul a message of life, written by nature itself.
Generally
Plants perfectly support the role of each space, while effortlessly beautifying its environment. It is not difficult to perceive their power, as long as you touch the leaves and petals with your eyes or gently with your fingers. No matter how small their presence is immediately felt and makes the atmosphere lighter. And all this does not happen for no reason, since the human psyche perceives to the last cell of its organism the living green… nature itself, the wonderful flowers… life itself.
In living room and sitting room
Where you need to relax, but also to talk, to be with your family or friends, it is necessary to maintain somewhat tall plants, always depending on the size of the room. Such a space needs to acquire a welcoming style and this is perfectly achieved with the striking green forms of the chameleon or the centipede, but also of the philodendres or the seflera. Do not miss the flowers in the vases, to strengthen the bonds of family and friendship.
In the kitchen
Whether you are alone or not, plants are the best company for cooking, but also for all the usual activities in the kitchen. Here, the lively bouquets of cyclamen, but also of azalea, fit perfectly, as long as there is bright lighting. In shady corners, trust the "mini" swords with white flowers, which fly almost all year round. Near a window you can create a fragrant composition - in a comfortable container or in small pots - with aromatic plants. This way you will take advantage of their beneficial influence on the space, but also on your health, the atmosphere, but also on your cooking. In case the kitchen does not receive plenty of light, use baskets or fittings, items with decorative leaves.
In the bedroom
A cute fresh bouquet, even a single blooming orchid stem or even a small flowering plant, such as a sainfoin or a begonia, can make the difference. Its ideal position is on the toilet furniture, in front of the mirror, where its shape will be reflected and diffused throughout the space, thus enhancing its power. And remember flowers renew the environment, but also relationships. They make the atmosphere, but also our mood, all the time, working as they know, whether they are there for good night or for the beginning of a new day.
And do not be afraid that the bedroom is burdened with nighttime plant activity. A few small plants, even fresh cut flowers are not going to hurt you, as long as you ventilate the space in the morning, as you should do with any room.
Little secrets for immediate detoxification:
- No space should be left cold and faceless. Give life to it by breathing a plant. Prefer it from an expensive decorative item. The true value of greenery is really great and it does not go with the cost of buying it.
- As you walk, buy for yourself the red rose that you would like to be given. Do not forget that yourself is precious and deserves this beneficial energy, this ornament of incomparable beauty. The symbol of love fits perfectly in your hand and fits perfectly in a small vase in your personal space.
First, there are solutions to save if anywhere on the plant you can distinguish a little green. Specifically if its roots look alive, then you should remove all the dry branches and leaves and put the plant in a position that will have half the sun of what it normally needs.
Water it lightly and give it some time. In 3-4 weeks you are likely to start seeing signs of life. It is, however, very important to cut off all branches that do not produce leaves without leaving any out.
If all the branches have withered, there is still a chance that you can save your plant. Cut dead branches by a third. If you see that somewhere it is green, leave it. If not, keep cutting. Water only when the soil is dry – you'll know by touching it. If your plant makes it, you'll see little branches popping up in 1-2 months.
Taking care of plants in a daily life full of obligations and tension can become an activity of well-being, positive thinking and self-care. By combining gardening with mindfulness practices – the so-called mindful gardening – in the time that everyone has, you can offer yourself the break of calm and peace that you need.
After all, man's connection with nature is very strong, despite the fact that he spends most of his time between walls or in front of screens.
Mindful gardening increases feelings of hope and joy
Caring for plants with empathy, watching seeds sprout and flowers bloom is a reminder that in any situation and despite any difficulties plants move forward, grow, bear fruit. The joy and hope we feel as our plants bloom or put forth new shoots is the feeling of optimism that no matter what happens in life, we will move forward, we will "bloom".
It helps you live in the present
It's so easy to worry about obligations and future plans, or get stuck on past events! With mindfulness practices during plant care, with conscious breathing, observation and gratitude, the mind is trained to stay in the present, to notice what is happening now. Thus, he is freed from negative thoughts and feelings. The mind goes into a different flow, calms down as the thoughts calm down.
Mindful gardening for more joy and peace
It offers more energy
Nature is the best source of recharging. The next time you need another cup of coffee for strength and energy, try this mindful gardening practice:
Before starting the practice, rate your energy on a scale of 1 (low) to 10 (high).
Take a deep breath and let it out slowly.
Choose a plant in the garden or terrace and carefully observe its shape, leaves, flowers.
Feel the smells. Can you recognize them?
Touch the flower petals. How do you feel between your fingers?
Close your eyes and stroke the leaves. How are you feeling? Can you hear any sound as your hands run over them?
Notice any sensations that arise in your body and mind. Can you recognize her?
Take another deep breath and exhale slowly.
After completing this practice, rate your energy again.
Mindful gardening for more joy and peace
It helps you connect with yourself
Like every human being, you too feel many different emotions during the day: joy, sadness, anger, disappointment. All feelings need to be welcomed and acknowledged. This will only happen if we connect with our own selves, with our mind and soul. Gardening is an active way to practice mindfulness and look deep within yourself. It gives you the support you need to embrace all the emotions and live each moment as it is.
Mindful gardening is a practice that takes time, persistence and patience. It is a process of training in acceptance, a process that focuses on the present, the now. It is a practice that brings joy and peace, and plants are the best friends to help on this journey of self-awareness and empathy.