Guiana Chestnut Tree Medicinal Uses

By Liliana Usvat
Blog 166-365
(Guiana Chestnut Tree - at Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden Miami Florida, USA)

Pachira aquatica is a tropical wetland tree of the mallow family Malvaceae, native to Central and South America where it grows in swamps. It is known by the common names Malabar chestnut, Guiana chestnut, provision tree, saba nut, monguba (Brazil), pumpo (Guatemala) and is commercially sold under the names money tree and money plant. 

 

It is very often called Money Tree and is one of the feng-shui plants. It is supposed to be the plant that will bring good luck and money into your home. 

 

It has five leaves on each branch, symbolizing the 5 fundamental Feng Shui elements : Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, Earth. Often they are grown as a clump of 5 intertwined trees.

 

Before modern medicine developed laboratory drugs, our ancestors all over the world used herbs and weeds for health. In many parts of the world today, they are the only treatment available and sometimes work better than manufactured drugs. Many plants exhibit the "Doctrine of Signatures" which is a concept that there is some physical characteristic about a plant that signals what it could be used for on the physical body.

The genus name is derived from a language spoken in Guyana. The species name is Latin for "aquatic". It is classified in the subfamily Bombacoideae of the family Malvaceae. Previously it was assigned to Bombacaceae.

Pachira aquatica in fruit.
The fruit, a nut is of a brownish colour and can measure up to 12 inches (300 mm) in length and 2.5 inches (64 mm) in diameter. Seeds grow within until such time as the nut bursts, sending the seeds forth and propagating. The nut is edible and often eaten raw or roasted, with a flavor similar to a European chestnut; it may also be ground and made as a hot drink. The fruit is not eaten.
 
The name "money tree" seems to refer to a story of its origin, where a poor man prayed for money, found this "odd" plant, took it home as an omen, and made money selling plants grown from its seeds.

Medicinal Uses

Provision Tree bark is highly regarded as a blood tonic. A tea made by boiling its bark is used to help anemia, low blood pressure, fatigue and to generally build strength. 

TIME OF YEAR

 Flowers late fall or early winter, fruits in the spring

ENVIRONMENT: 

Does best in areas of periodic flood, or if water heavily often. It does not like dry wind, may endure temperatures briefly down to 28F.

METHOD OF PREPARATION: 

Seeds edible when the pod cracks open, raw or cooked or ground into flour. Seeds raw taste similar to peanuts. Roasted or fried they taste similar to chestnuts.  Young leaves and flowers edible cooked, usually by boiling.

Reforestation

By Liliana Usvat
Blog 165-365

Common techniques currently used for afforestation in the Mediterranean basin consider the pre-existing vegetation (mainly shrubs) as a source of competition for trees, and consequently it is generally eliminated before planting. This is a wrong method.

It has been demonstrated that woody plants can facilitate the establishment of understory seedlings in environments that, like the Mediterranean area, are characterized by a pronounced dry season. the usefulness of shrubs as nurse plants for afforestation of two native conifers, Pinus sylvestris L. (Scots pine) and Pinus nigra Arnold (black pine).

Two-year-old seedlings were planted in four microhabitats: (1) open interspaces without vegetation (which is the usual method used in afforestation programs), (2) under individuals of Salvia lavandulifolia,

  Salvia lavandulifolia

 (3) under the north side of spiny shrubs, and (4) under the south side of spiny shrubs. Pine survival
   Pine

was remarkably higher when planted under individuals of the shrub S. lavandulifolia (54.8% for Scots pine,

  (Scots pine)

81.9% for black pine) compared with open areas (21.5% for Scots pine, 56.8% for black pine

   black pine

; p < 0.05).

The survival of both pines was also higher when planted on the north side of spiny shrubs, although the survival on the south side was similar to that found in open areas. 

Pine growth was not inhibited when planted in association with shrubs. This pattern appears to result from the combination of abiotic conditions imposed by the presence of a nurse shrub, which leads to improvement in seedling water status and therefore reduced summer mortality by drought.

The results show that the use of shrubs as nurse plants is a technique that offers both economic and ecological advantages, in terms of savings in labor and plant material and reduced and even negligible impact on the pre-existing vegetation.

Here is a video of forest  destruction and a tentative of forestation.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tpGBB190BPE&feature=player_embedded

Mango Tree Useful for Forestation and as a Medicinal Plant

By Liliana Usvat
Blog 164 -365

 
Mango grows in any kind of soil and produces the fruit that may either be licked, eaten or slurped.
Mango is a good tree to consider for plating large areas of land, a tree that is useful  and can prevent landslides that we saw that are happening in the world.

More Mango trees can be planted in parks and public spaces. Public Garden should include Mango in the garden architectures of cities in warm areas.

• Dried mango flowers are used in the treatment of diarrhea, chronic dysentery and some problems of the bladder.

Mango (Mangifera sp) is a fruit that grows in tropical regions throughout the world. It serves as the main food of many people in tropical countries and is often called the king of tropical fruits. Mangoes are eaten fresh or are used in making desserts, preserves, and some other foods. The fruit is an excellent source of vitamins A and C.

Mangoes were first cultivated about 4,000 years ago in India and the Malay Archipelago. In the 1700's and 1800's, European explorers brought mangoes from India to other tropical countries. Today, farmers grow mangoes in Brazil, India, Mexico, and the Philippines. In the United States, mangoes grow in Florida and in Hawaii.

The mango tree is an evergreen that grows about 70 feet (21 meters) tall. It has long, slender leaves and small, pinkish-white flowers. The fruit develops from the ovaries of the blossoms and ripens about five months after the flowers bloom.

Mangoes are evergreen trees that are drought tolerant and love sunshine.  Here are some great tips for growing and caring for Mango Trees:

• Are accustomed to hot and dry climates so plant in full sun and do not over water. A good rule is to water a newly planted tree every three days for the first month, once a week for the next two months, and only during extended dry spells after that.
• Be careful of over watering while fruit is developing as this can cause the fruit to burst.
• Tropical plant that can become temporarily dormant at temperatures of 40 degrees or below and will be damaged or die at 32 degrees or below.  Be sure to cover during frost with coverings staked to the ground as this allows the heat from the ground to keep the tree warm.
• Pruning is not recommended for amateurs and should only be done with sterilized blades.
• Mango seeds do not produce the same quality fruit as the tree they originate from.  If you eat a particularly flavorful mango, its seed will not produce the same delicious fruit.  For this reason, many mango trees are grafted.

- See more at: http://www.tropicalfloridagardens.com/2011/05/24/tips-for-growing-and-caring-for-mango-trees/#sthash.L5SzIYij.dpuf

 Mango is a good tree that is used in Agroforestry

Mangoes are evergreen trees that are drought tolerant and love sunshine.  Here are some great tips for growing and caring for Mango Trees:

• Are accustomed to hot and dry climates so plant in full sun and do not over water. A good rule is to water a newly planted tree every three days for the first month, once a week for the next two months, and only during extended dry spells after that.
• Be careful of over watering while fruit is developing as this can cause the fruit to burst.
• Tropical plant that can become temporarily dormant at temperatures of 40 degrees or below and will be damaged or die at 32 degrees or below.  Be sure to cover during frost with coverings staked to the ground as this allows the heat from the ground to keep the tree warm.
• Pruning is not recommended for amateurs and should only be done with sterilized blades.
• Mango seeds do not produce the same quality fruit as the tree they originate from.  If you eat a particularly flavorful mango, its seed will not produce the same delicious fruit.  For this reason, many mango trees are grafted.

- See more at: http://www.tropicalfloridagardens.com/2011/05/24/tips-for-growing-and-caring-for-mango-trees/#sthash.L5SzIYij.dpuf

Why Agroforestry

In many areas of the world, forests are more than just wildlife habitat or recreation sites. Many communities and families rely on local forests for the food they eat, the wood they use to keep their houses warm and the products they sell to support themselves. Without proper education, though, these life-giving forests are often degraded faster than natural restoration can occur, leaving the surrounding areas with poorer water quality, increased air pollution and a dwindling forest.

Agroforestry is a growing practice around the world in which forests are cared for by local residents, who also sustainably harvest fruits, nuts and sometimes the trees themselves. With proper management and reforestation practices, these forests and their “farmers” flourish, reaping benefits from each other.

One such project is Sangarédi, Guinea, and surrounding villages. Alcoa Foundation, American Forests and Association Guinéenne d’Eveil au Développement Durable are planting 28,000 trees with 2,500 volunteers in villages around Sangarédi, Guinea.

Cultural significance

The mango is the national fruit of India and the Philippines. It is also the national tree of Bangladesh. In India, harvest and sale of mangoes is during March–May and this is annually covered by news agencies. "Frooti" is an Indian mango drink 

The Mughal emperor Akbar (1556-1605 AD) is said to have planted a mango orchard having 100,000 trees in Darbhanga, eastern India. The Jain goddess Ambika is traditionally represented as sitting under a mango tree.

In Hinduism, the perfectly ripe mango is often held by Lord Ganesha as a symbol of attainment, regarding the devotees potential perfection. Mango blossoms are also used in the worship of the goddess Saraswati.

No Telugu/Kannada New Year's Day called Ugadi passes without eating ugadi pachadi made with mango pieces as one of the ingredients. In Tamil Brahmin homes mango is an ingredient in making vadai paruppu on Sri Rama Navami day (Lord Ram's Birth Day) and also in preparation of pachadi on Tamil New Year's Day.

 Medicinal Uses

• The leaf of the mango plant is known to be very effective in controlling diabetes and blood pressure. Boil three to four mango leaves in water and allow the mixture to ferment overnight. Crush the leaves and drink this infusion first thing in the morning.
• Suffering from hair fall or grey hair? Try mango seed oil. An excellent source of essential fatty acids, vitamins and minerals, the mango seed kernel has great moisturizing properties. You don’t need to go looking for the oil in the market. Just remove the outer coat of the mango seed and add them to a jar of coconut, til (sesame) or mustard oil.  Place the jar in sunlight for a few days. Use this concoction regularly for long, black and thick hair.   
• few qualities of this amazing fruit
•  Increases immunity: According physicians, a normal size Mango is more nutritious than butter or almonds. It strengthens and invigorates all the nerves, tissues and muscles in the brain, heart and other parts of the body. It cleans the body from within and helps to improve immunity. 
  • Provides protection against cancer: Mangoes are rich in dietary fibre, vitamins, minerals, and poly-phenolic flavonoids (an antioxidant compound). It has been found that mangoes have qualities that can protect against colon, breast and prostate cancers as well as from leukaemia.
  • Helps maintain good vision: Mangoes are an excellent source of Vitamin-A and flavonoids like beta-carotene, alpha-carotene and beta-cryptoxanthin. Together, these compounds are antioxidants and can help in improving and maintaining good vision. The carotene content in the fruit helps to protect the body from lung cancer.
  • Aids control of blood pressure:  Fresh mangoes are a good source of potassium. Nutritionists say that 100 g of the fruit provides 156 mg of potassium and just 2 mg of sodium. Potassium is an important component of the cell and body fluids. It also helps to control the heart rate and blood pressure.
  • Improves skin and complexion: Packed with Vitamin A, mangoes help by providing the body with an  essential nutrient  to maintaining healthy skin and complexion as well as the integrity of the mucus membranes.
  • Protects from heart disease: Mangoes are also a very good source of vitamin-B6 (pyridoxine), vitamin-C and vitamin-E. Vitamin C helps the body develop resistance against infections and scavenges harmful free radicals. Vitamin B-6 or pyridoxine is required for GABA hormone production (a hormone required to maintain muscle tone) within the brain. It also helps to control homocystiene levels within the blood, which in turn helps to protect the heart from CAD (coronary artery disease) and stroke.
  • Prevents anemia: The fruit contains moderate amounts of copper. Copper is an essential co-factor for the proper function of many vital enzymes, including cytochrome c-oxidase and superoxide dismutase. Copper is also required for the production of red blood cells.
   TRADITIONAL REMEDIES
  Heat Stroke
  Boil raw mangoes in water till cooked. Extract the juice, and mix with sugar, water, salt and a pinch of cumin seeds. Drink this consistently in the hot summer, especially when you suffer a heat stroke or get prickly heat.
  
  Digestion
  Aamchur or sun-dried raw mango powder is great to aid the digestive system. Eating one or two small tender mangoes in which the see is still not fully formed, with salt and honey is an effective medicine for summer diarrhea, dysentery, piles, morning sickness, chronic dyspepsia and indigestion.
  
  Blood Disorders
  Raw mangoes increase the elasticity of the blood vessels, and help the formation of new blood cells. It aids absorption of food iron. It increases resistance against TB, anemia, cholera and dysentery.
  
  Bilious Disorders
  The acids contained in the green mangoes increase the secretion of bile and act as an intestinal antiseptic. Have it with honey and black pepper daily. This paste is also good for toning the liver.
  
  Eye Disorders
  Mango Milkshakes are very good for the eyes, due to Vitamin A. Night blindness, dryness of the eyes, itching and burning of the eyes.
  
  Loss of weight
  Mango with milk, or preferably, Soya milk gives an ideal mixture of sugar and protein for under-weight people. Consuming this three times a day for a month will lead to better health, weight gain and vigor.
  
  Diabetes
  The tender leaves of the mango tree are used to prevent and control early symptoms of diabetes. Soak the fresh leaves in water overnight and squeeze them in water before straining it the next morning. Alternatively, these leaves should be dried, powdered and preserved. Take half a teaspoon of this powder twice a day.
  
  Spleen enlargement, dysentery and diarrhea
  The mango stone should be dried and powdered. (you may do the same with the jamun seeds). Mix this powder with a big tablespoon of curd to cure spleen enlargement, dysentery and diarrhea.
  
  Throat disorder
  The mango bark is very effective in the treatment of diphtheria and other throat diseases.
  
  Gum inflammation
  Boil two tablespoons of mango flowers and tender buds in two cups of water and use as a mouth-wash regularly to cure the infammation of the gums
  
  Skin disorders
  The gum of the mango tree and the resinous substance exuded from the stem end of the fruits can be mixed with lime juice and use to heal coetaneous infections and scabies.
  
  So, amazingly, almost every part of the mango tree is used to cure common diseases. So, here, like the coconut tree, we have a mango tree which has immense practical use in our daily lives.

Not only do they provide excellent shade but some of the tastiest and most popular fruit in the world. - See more at: http://www.tropicalfloridagardens.com/2011/05/24/tips-for-growing-and-caring-for-mango-trees/#sthash.L5SzIYij.dpuf

Not only do they provide excellent shade but some of the tastiest and most popular fruit in the world. - See more at: http://www.tropicalfloridagardens.com/2011/05/24/tips-for-growing-and-caring-for-mango-trees/#sthash.L5SzIYij.dpuf