Lilac Medicinal Use

By Liliana Usvat
Blog 259-365

Scientific Name Syringa vulgaris

For deforested mountains and hills here is an idea for planters Lilac. Tourism will bloom in the areas where there are lilacs.

One of the best places in the world to get a first-hand look at the different varieties is at the annual Lilac Festival in Rochester, where more than 1,200 lilac bushes — and 600 varieties — are on display on 155 acres. “The Lilac Festival has been a yearly event since the early 1900s. It was a single-day event a long time ago, but in the ’70s we went to a full week festival,

History

Lilacs — both Syringa vulgaris and S. × persica the finer, smaller "Persian lilac", now considered a natural hybrid — were introduced into European gardens at the end of the sixteenth century, from Ottoman gardens, not through botanists exploring the Balkan habitats. The Holy Roman Emperor's ambassador, Ogier Ghiselin de Busbecq, is generally credited with supplying lilac slips to Carolus Clusius, about 1562.

 Well-connected botanists, like the great herbalist John Gerard, soon had the rarity in their gardens: Gerard notes that he had lilacs growing “in very great plenty” in 1597, but lilacs were not mentioned by Shakespeare, and John Loudon was of the opinion that the Persian lilac had been introduced into English gardens by John Tradescant the elder.

Tradescant's Continental source for information on the lilac, and perhaps ultimately for the plants, was Pietro Andrea Mattioli, as one can tell from a unique copy of Tradescant's plant list in his Lambeth garden, an adjunct of his Musaeum Tradescantianum; it was printed, though probably not published, in 1634: it lists Lilac Matthioli. That Tradescant's "lilac of Mattioli's" was a white one is shown by Elias Ashmole's manuscript list, Trees found in Mrs Tredescants Ground when it came into my possession (1662): "Syringa alba".

In the American colonies, lilacs were introduced in the eighteenth century. Peter Collinson, F.R.S., wrote to the Pennsylvania gardener and botanist John Bartram, proposing to send him some, and remarked that John Custis of Virginia had a fine "collection", which Ann Leighton interpreted as signifying common and Persian lilacs, in both purple and white, "the entire range of lilacs possible" at the time.

Trivia

In a sign of its complete naturalization in North America, it has been selected as the state flower of the state of New Hampshire, because it "is symbolic of that hardy character of the men and women of the Granite State".

Medicinal Use

In medicine it has been used successfully in the treatment of malaria and in American is given as a vermifuge.”

Lilacs can be steeped to make a tonic that reduces fever and to get rid of internal parasites. Skin burns or wounds are soothed and heal well when a paste or gel made from lilacs is applied.

Some modern herbalists use the essential oil of lilac to treat skin ailments such as rashes, sunburns and minor cuts and scrapes.

The bark, branches and foliage contain bitter glycoside. Folk medicine uses flowers for kidney diseases. Lilac flowers mixed with lime flowers are used as the sudatory and anti-malaria remedy. 

Buckleberry or Cirrhopetalum

By Liliana Usvat
Blog 258-365

Cirrhopetalum, abbreviated as Cirr in hortcultural trade, is a genus of epiphyte orchids (family Orchidaceae, subfamily Epidendroideae). 

Buckleberry at Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens.

Cirrhopetalum Elizabeth Ann Buckleberry

Description

• The inflorescence of this clone hold a ring of 8 to 10 flowers , which measuring up to 9" long . It grows intermediate to warm with consistent humidity in moderate light as phalaenopsis orchids.
• Can produce amazing specimen plants when grown in baskets.
• Likes to grow in a reasonably cool, humid shady place.  Needs frost protection.

Culture: 

Having already stated that these plants are epiphytes, we will realize that they need good drainage. They do not do well (for any length of time) in pots. I like to have them hanging on plaques of bark or cork; they can be tied to thin branches; the more robust plants like B. dayanum and B. Elizabeth Ann ‘Bucklebury’ FCC/AOS need stout supports. 

They do well in open baskets and very shallow, saucer-like pots with additional holes in them. A fine to medium loose mix works well. They grow throughout the year with only some species (from the Himalaya regions, Myanmar and Western China as well as some Pacific islands with higher elevations) needing a few weeks of drier rest after the new growths have matured.

 During active growth, all enjoy regular watering and weak fertilizer, high humidity, medium light and warm temperature: winter absolute minimum: 16–18°F.

Bulbophyllums and their allies do not like to have their roots disturbed – leave them alone unless the mix (if there is any) becomes stale. Then, you must rescue them quickly. I thought that just letting them dry will help but no – they die in soggy, old mixes. Please note: they dislike any strong chemical applications.

History: 

During the 18^th century, many newly discovered and interesting plants were sent to Europe, among them were a good number from the French islands off the East Africa coast (Mauritius, Réunion and Madagascar); therefore the French plant scientist Louis-Marie Aubert Du Petit-Thouars, born 1758, decided to go there with his brother, to explore the flora of these islands. He could not go travelling during the French Revolution, but managed in 1792 to find a ship that would take him to these islands in the Indian Ocean.

In 1802 the brothers returned to France where Louis subsequently published several treatises and books (with drawings) about the plants he found there. Contained in some of his writings, were the first descriptions of “Phyllorkis”, which Thouars later re-named “Bulbophyllums”.

Food Forest Principles and Guava Tree

By Liliana Usvat

Blog 257-365

If you want to plant trees here are some Permaculture  principle and one tree you might consider the Guava Tree good for its beauty and for the health benefits.

Twelve Permaculture or Food Forest design principles

1. Observe and interact: By taking time to engage with nature we can design solutions that suit our particular situation.

1. Catch and store energy: By developing systems that collect resources at peak abundance, we can use them in times of need.

1. Obtain a yield: Ensure that you are getting truly useful rewards as part of the work that you are doing.

1. Apply self-regulation and accept feedback: We need to discourage inappropriate activity to ensure that systems can continue to function well.

1. Use and value renewable resources and services: Make the best use of nature's abundance to reduce our consumptive behavior and dependence on non-renewable resources.

1. Produce no waste: By valuing and making use of all the resources that are available to us, nothing goes to waste.

1. Design from patterns to details: By stepping back, we can observe patterns in nature and society. These can form the backbone of our designs, with the details filled in as we go.

1. Integrate rather than segregate: By putting the right things in the right place, relationships develop between those things and they work together to support each other.

1. Use small and slow solutions: Small and slow systems are easier to maintain than big ones, making better use of local resources and producing more sustainable outcomes.

1. Use and value diversity: Diversity reduces vulnerability to a variety of threats and takes advantage of the unique nature of the environment in which it resides.

1. Use edges and value the marginal: The interface between things is where the most interesting events take place. These are often the most valuable, diverse and productive elements in the system.

1. Creatively use and respond to change: We can have a positive impact on inevitable change by carefully observing, and then intervening at the right time.

One of the trees used in permaculture is Guava Tree . Here are some infomation about this tree.

Guava Tree

For centuries now, guava trees have been gracing the tropical regions of Mexico and Central and South America with their robust charm and spice. With their thick limbs outstretched, they have long provided shade for the inhabitants of the Amazon, as well as exotic colors and some of the finest tropical fruits you can imagine. The tropical guava (Psidium guajava), native to southern Mexico and Brazil, became a favorite among early explorers who transported guava trees to countries like Asia, Africa, Egypt, Guam, and Palestine. It was not until 1847 though, that the first guava made its debut in the United States, where it quickly set root in the southern tip of Florida. Although guava fruit is considered minor in terms of commercial trade—India remains the largest producer—it continues to be one of the main sources of nutrients in the tropics. 

Guava trees need warm climates. They do best in areas with full sun. The fruit may be round, ovoid, or pear shaped and is 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) in diameter. Its thin skin is bright yellow in color, sometimes tinged with red. The flesh is white or orange-pink depending on the variety, and contains many small, hard seeds. The guava is characterized by a strong, sweet odor.

Health Benefits of Guava Tree

HEALTH BENEFITS

The bark is thin and papery, brown in color with a greenish white skin below. The bark possesses healing properties.

The leaves emit a fragrant smell when crushed and are evergreen.. They also possess healing qualities.

• A decoction of the bark and leaves treats diarrhea and dysentery. This has been used by the ancient tribes of the Amazon rain forests as well as Indians.
• The decoction and infusion has also been used to treat vomiting, nausea, stomach ailments, menstrual problems, vertigo.
• Chewing the tender leaves cures halitosis and bleeding gums. It is believed that if tender leaves are chewed before consuming alcohol one does not develop a hangover.

• A infusion of the flowers is used to treat injuries, ulcers and skin problems.
• Applying mashed flowers is believed to heal eye injuries and relieve conjunctivitis and eye strain from being in the sun.
• The decoction of the leaves is used as a gargle for relieving painful throat and mouth swelling. It is also applied externally to relieve vaginal discharge and irritation.
• The decoction also relieves fever, boils and diabetes, worms and leucorrhea.

AGEING: Ageing is the most common problem in our busy life. Ageing is mostly caused to natural factor like increase in age. But due to pollution, UV radiation and smoke ageing process has been stimulated at an early age and it is faster than natural. The main cause of ageing is free radical produced in our body due to high oxidative stress caused due to pollution. But antioxidants have proven to destroy these free radicals to slow the ageing process.

ANTITUMOR PROPERTY: Guava contains high amount of lycopene (5204 microgram) which is carotenoid phytonutrients. Lycopene has an anti-tumor property. Lycopene protects from oxygen free radicals as it actively fights to neutralize it. So eating guava will help to fight prostate cancer.

CONSTIPATION: Guava is one of the riches sources of dietary fiber. Its seeds, if ingested whole or chewed, serve as excellent laxatives. These two properties of guava help forming bowels, retaining water and clean your intestines and excretory system thoroughly. It is said that single constipation can lead to seventy two types of ailments. It is absolutely true. Every way to your total health goes through proper digestion and more importantly, proper excretion. Guava ensures both of these.

COUGH & COLD: Juice of raw and immature guavas or decoction of guava-leaves is very helpful in giving relief in cough and cold by loosening cough, reducing mucus, disinfecting the respiratory tract, throat and lungs and inhibiting microbial activity due to its astringent properties. Guava is one of richest in vitamin-C and iron which are proven to be preventive against cold and viral infections. In some areas in India, roasted ripe guava is used as a remedy against extreme cases of cough and cold and congestion.  

DIABETES: Guava contains good amount of dietary fiber. It is found that eating fiber rich food to reduce sugar spikes in diabetes patient.

DIARRHEA & DYSENTERY: Guava is very rich in astringents which binds up loose bowels in diarrhea. These astringents are alkaline in nature and have disinfectant and anti-bacterial properties, thus help cure dysentery by inhibiting microbial growth and removing extra mucus from the intestines. Further, other nutrients in guava, such as vitamin-C, Carotenoids and potassium strengthens and tones up the digestive system and disinfect it. Guava is also beneficial in gastroenteritis due to reasons stated above. E

EYE HEALTH: Guava contains good amount of Vitamin A. As Vitamin A is antioxidants, so it becomes highly preferred food to be consumed to improve eye health. Due to high antioxidants guava protect eyes from free radicals. Also it effective to prevent retinal damage caused due to free radicals. Thus it improves eye vision and protect from cataract or macular degeneration.

HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE: Guava helps reduce cholesterol in blood and prevents it from thickening, thereby maintaining fluidity of blood and reducing blood pressure. Studies have shown that food stuffs which lack fiber (such a refined flour) add to blood pressure, due to quick conversion to sugar. Guava, being very rich in fiber and hypoglycemic in nature, helps reduce blood pressure.

IMMUNITY: Guava is an excellent source of Vitamin C. It contains 228 mg of Vitamin C which is equal to 338% of RDA required in the daily diet. With a high amount of Vitamin C, it is an antioxidants that increases the immune system function. It increases immunity to protect against common diseases like cough, cold and flu. It also increases immune system function to protect from infections.

INCREASE BLOOD PRODUCTION: Guava contains vitamins like Vitamin E, K, niacin, folate, pantothenic acid, Vitamin B6 and minerals like copper, manganese and magnesium which are important for blood formation. Also due to rich Vitamin C, guava increases body capacity to absorb iron.

MAINTAIN BLOOD PRESSURE: Guava contains good amount of potassium. Potassium is required to maintain sodium level. Also high potassium is required to maintain fluid level i.e. to balance electrolyte. Thus it helps to maintain high blood pressure, and it reduces the risk of stroke and heart attack.

PROTECT FROM CANCER: Guava is a rich source of antioxidants, phytonutrients and flavonoid that make it highly beneficial to protect from cancer. Guava contains high amount of Vitamin C which protects from oxygen free radicals. Free radicals are produced due to oxidative stress. These free radicals damage DNA of cells which turns it into a cancer cell. But antioxidants neutralize these free radicals and acts as a shield to protect DNA from free radicals. Also it contains high amount of lycopene which have anti-tumor property. As we know the main cause of cancer is free radicals and damage caused to DNA of cells. Guava contains antioxidants that protect from free radicals and lycopene prevents tumor growth. So with both these nutrient guava becomes healthiest food to prevent cancer. Lycopene is effective to protect from prostate cancer. Guava is effective to protect from colon, breast, mouth, skin, stomach, oral cavity and lung cancer.

SCURVY: Guava can outdo many other fruits, including orange and other citrus fruits, when it comes to concentration of vitamin-C, whose deficiency causes scurvy and which is the only remedy to it. It contains five times the vitamin-C in oranges. 

SKIN CARE: Guavas can help improve your skin texture and avoid skin problems more than the best of beauty creams or skin toner gels can do. This is chiefly due to the abundance of astringents in its fruits (more in immature ones) and in leaves. You can benefit from it either by eating the fruits (this help tighten your muscles apart from your skin) or by washing your skin with the decoction of its immature fruits and leaves. It will tone up and tighten the loosened skin. In addition to the astringents, guava is very-very rich in vitamin-A, B, C and potassium which are very good anti oxidants and detoxifiers and keep your skin glowing and free from aging, wrinkles and other disorders.

WEIGHT LOSS: Guava is very helpful for those who want to lose weight without compromising with their intake of proteins, vitamins and fiber. Guava, being very high in roughage and very rich in vitamins, proteins and minerals, but with no cholesterol and less digestible carbohydrates, is very filling and satisfies appetite very easily. Just have a medium sized guava in the lunch and you will not feel hungry till night. But ironically, it helps gaining weight in lean and thin people. This is probably due to its richness in nutrients, which keeps your metabolism right helping proper absorption of nutrients.

Links

http://superforest.org/2010/02/geoff-lawton-permaculture-in-action-greening-the-desert/