Eastern Hemlock Tree Medicinal Uses

By Liliana Usvat

Blog 243-365

Scientific Name Tsuga canadensis

Favoured: Moist-Wet soil,sand, loam, partial shade to full shade,

Maximum Height: 30 m

Provides food & shelter for wildlife

The eastern hemlock can live for up to 800 years.

Eastern hemlocks (Tsuga canadensis)are shade tolerant and thrive in acidic soils in moist, cool environments (Rooney et al, 2000). They can be found in certain areas across the United States including northern Michigan, New England, New York, and Eastern Canada including most of the maritime provinces and Quebec (Godman & Lancaster, n.d.). Its presence has been noted as diminished in the Great lakes, St-Lawrence and Acadian regions (Fuller 1998). This species has an extremely slow growth rate and individual trees are long-lived. 

Eastern hemlock grows from sea level to about 730 m (2,400 ft) in elevation in the northeastern and northern portions of the range. Most commonly it is found on benches, flats, and swamp borders, provided the peat and muck soils are shallow (Aquic Haplorthods or Aerie Haplaquods). On the Allegheny

Plateau, especially in New York and Pennsylvania, most of the hemlock grows between 300 and 910 m (1,000 and 3,000 ft) (35). In the southern Appalachians the most frequent occurrences are at elevations of 610 to 1520 m (2,000 to 5,000 ft) and often are restricted to north and east slopes, coves, or cool, moist valleys (35). Outliers tend to be severely restricted by a combination of edaphic and climatic factors.

Medicinal Uses

First Nations people also harvested parts of eastern hemlock for traditional medicine. The inner bark was used to make poultice for wounds and the vitamin C rich leaves were used for tea (Nesom, 2012).

Leaves
Twigs with many needles used in tea to treat kidney ailments. Steam from tea used to treat rheumatism, colds, and coughs.

BarkUsed in tea to treat colds, fevers, diarrhea, coughs, and scurvy. Also has astringent properties. Bark poultice used for treating bleeding wounds.

NotesTannins in the twigs and leaves are believed to be responsible for all medicinal effects. Hemlock leaves contain some vitamin C. Bark may also be useful for tanning leather.

Ecological Significance of Eastern Hemlock

The Eastern Hemlock is an important component of the eastern deciduous and mixed forests. Individual trees are long-lived and have impacts on the structure, function and composition of a forest (Fuller 1998). It has effects on the hydrological process within a forest as it has year-round transpiration rates that are highest during the spring (Ford & Vose 2007). This affects the water flow through a forest ecosystem. In the winter months, the canopy of the tree shields the ground below from the snow, and provides a habitat for ruffed grouse, wild turkey and larger browsing fauna such as white-tailed deer.

Seedling Development

Despite the high frequency of cone crops and the long duration of cone production by individual trees, the viability of eastern hemlock seed is usually low. Germinative capacity commonly is less than 25 percent (36). In one locality only 2.1 viable seeds were produced per cone, 2.2 were destroyed by insects, and the remaining 8.0 seeds were empty (29)

Official State Tree of Pennsylvania

The hemlock (Tsunga canadensis) was designated official state tree of Pennsylvania in 1931.

Guava Tree Medicinal Uses

By Liliana Usvat
Blog 242-365

Other Names:  Bayabas



Guavas are plants in the Myrtle family (Myrtaceae) genus Psidium, which contains about 100 species oftropical shrubs and small trees. They are native to Mexico, Central America, and northern South America. Guavas are now cultivated and naturalized throughout the tropics and subtropics in Africa, South Asia, Southeast Asia, the Caribbean, subtropical regions of North America,Hawaii, New Zealand, Australia and Spain.

Medicinal Uses

Bayabas or guava is used in herbal medicine as antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, antioxidant hepatoprotective, anti-allergy, antimicrobial, anti-plasmodial, anti-cough, antidiabetic, and antigenotoxic.

•  Essential oils from guava leaves display anti-cancer activity in vitro.
• Extracts from apple guava leaves or bark are implicated in therapeutic mechanisms against cancer, 
• bacterial infections, 
• inflammation and 
• pain.
• Guava leaves are used in folk medicine as a remedy for diarrhea
• Guava leaves or bark are used in traditional treatments against diabetes.
• In Trinidad, a tea made from young leaves is used for diarrhea, dysentery and fever.

Guava Leaves Guava leaves are regarded as herbal treatment for several diseases due to their medicinal properties. The health benefits of guava leaves are given below.1. Aid in Weight Loss: leaves aid in weight loss by preventing the complex starches from being converted into sugars. For this purpose, the carbs must be broken down in the liver for use by the body and guava leaves prevent the transition of carbohydrates to usable compounds.

2. Beneficial for Diabetics: According to research conducted by the Yakult Central Institute in Japan, guava leaf tea can effectively lower blood glucose in diabetics by reducing the alpha-glucosidease enzyme activity. Moreover, it prevents the absorption of sucrose and maltose by the body, thereby lowering blood sugar levels. Drinking guava leaf tea for 12 weeks lowers the blood sugar levels without increasing insulin production.

3. Lower Cholesterol: Research has proved that drinking guava leaf tea for 3 months can lead to reduction in LDL or bad cholesterol and triglycerides without any adverse effect on good cholesterol. Besides, the guava leaves are a great liver tonic.

4. Treatment of Diarrhea and Dysentery: Guava leaves are herbal remedy for diarrhea and dysentery. For treating diarrhea, boil 30 grams of guava leaves with a handful of rice flour in 1-2 glasses of water and drink this concoction twice a day. In case of dysentery, cut the roots and leaves of guava plant and boil them for 20 minutes at a temperature of 90 degrees Celsius. Strain the water and drink in moderation until relieved.

5. Aids in Digestion: Guava leaf tea aids in digestion by stimulating digestive enzyme production. The powerful antibacterial agents kill bacteria in the lining of the gut and stop proliferation of toxic enzymes by bacteria. Guava leaves are particularly beneficial in case of food poisoning as well as soothing, vomiting and nausea. To relieve stomach ache, boil 8 pieces of guava leaves in 1.5 liters of water and drink thrice a day.

6. Treatment of Bronchitis: Guava leaf tea is effective in treating bronchitis by opening up the lungs, loosening mucus and soothing coughs.

7. Treatment of Toothaches, Sore Throats and Gum Disease: Due to their anti-inflammatory qualities, fresh guava leaves can relieve tooth ache, heal gum and mouth sores and treat sore throats when used for gargling. The antibacterial agent in these leaves protect the teeth and gums and therefore, guava leaves are used as an ingredient in toothpastes and mouth fresheners. Guava leaves can even be made into a natural paste at home for brushing the teeth and gums.

8. Beneficial in Dengue Fever: Guava leaves are considered a natural remedy for dengue fever. This is because guava leaf extract can increase the number of platelets in the blood and is not toxic at all. For this purpose 9 pieces of guava leaves should be boiled in 5 cups of water until 3 cups of water is left. After straining and cooling, a cup of this concoction should be given to the patient thrice a day.9. Prostate Cancer: Guava leaves can be beneficial in case of prostate cancer and enlargement.10. Reduction of Allergies: Guava leaves prevent the release of histamine. Moreover, the compounds found in guava leaves are effective in blocking all allergic reactions.

11. Sperm Production: Consumption of guava leaf tea has proven to be effective in increasing sperm production, thus helping with conception.

12. Treatment of Wounds and Infections: Guava leaves have great healing properties that can treat wounds such as cuts, impact abrasion etc. The antibacterial agents prevent infection and reduce inflammation of the uterus to accelerate the healing of wounds. Guava leaf tea can help in curing ear infections as well.

13. Treatment of Acne and Black spots: Acne and black spots are quite annoying as they adversely affect the appearance of your skin. Guava leaves are effective in eliminating acne and black spots from the skin. They contain an antiseptic that can kill acne causing bacteria. For this purpose, mash some guava leaves and apply it on the acne and dark spots. Rinse with water after sometime. This should be done daily until the skin is clear.

14. Removal of Blackheads: For the treatment of blackheads, blend the guava leaves with little water and use it as a scrub on your nose to remove blackheads.

15. Anti-ageing Benefits: Guava leaves contain antioxidants which destroy the free radicals that damage your skin, thus protecting your skin from ageing as well as improving skin tone and texture. A decoction of mature guava leaves can be applied on the skin for tightening it.

16. Relieves Itching: Skin itching can lead to serious problem if not treated immediately. Guava leaves are an instant cure for getting rid of itchiness as they contain allergy blocking compounds.

17. Natural Remedy for Hair Loss: To stop hair loss, boil a handful of guava leaves in a liter of water for around 20 minutes. After cooling, apply it on your scalp and massage rigorously.

Receipts

How to use Bayabas or Guava as an antiseptic and astringent

Preparation:

• Gather fresh bayabas leaves and wash with water.
• Boil one cup of Bayabas leaves in three cups of water for 8 to 10 minutes.
• Strain and let cool.
• To use as mouthwash, gargle
• To use as wound disinfectant, wash affected areas 2 to 3 times a day.
• Use as vaginal wash especially after child birth.

Fresh Bayabas leaves can also be chewed for the treatment of toothache and gum swelling.

To hasten wound healing, fresh Bayabas leaf poultice may be applied to the wound.

For diarrhea and control stomach parasites

• Gather fresh  Guava leaves,
• Boil chopped pieces of about 4 to 6 tablespoon for every 18 ounces of water.
• Strain and let cool.
• Drink ¼ cup of decoction every 3-4 hours until symptoms improve.

Bayabas Side Effects

Eating too much of Bayabas fruit can cause constipation.

Adaptation

Guavas actually thrive in both humid and dry climates, but can survive only a few degrees of frost. The tree will recover from a brief exposure to 29° F but may be completely defoliated. Young trees are particularly sensitive to cold spells. 

Older trees, killed to the ground, have sent up new shoots which fruited 2 years later. Guavas can take considerable neglect, withstanding temporary waterlogging and very high temperatures. 

They tend to bear fruit better in areas with a definite winter or cooler season. The adaptability of the guava makes it a serious weed tree in some tropical areas. The smaller guava cultivars can make an excellent container specimen.

Description

Growth Habit: Guavas are evergreen, shallow-rooted shrubs or small trees to 33 ft, with spreading branches. Growth in California is rarely over 10 - 12 feet. The bark is smooth, mottled green or reddish brown and peels off in thin flakes to reveal the attractive "bony" aspect of its trunk. The plant branches close to the ground and often produces suckers from roots near the base of the trunk. Young twigs are quadrangular and downy.

Flowers: Faintly fragrant, the white flowers, borne singly or in clusters in the leaf axils, are 1 inch wide, with 4 or 5 white petals. These petals are quickly shed, leaving a prominent tuft of perhaps 250 white stamens tipped with pale-yellow anthers.

Propagation:
 Guava seed remain viable for many months. They often germinate in 2 - 3 weeks but may take as long as 8 weeks. Since guavas cannot be depended upon to come true from seed, vegetative propagation is widely practiced. 

They are not easy to graft, but satisfactory techniques have been worked out for patch-budding by the Forkert Method (probably the most reliable method), side-veneer grafting, approach grafting and marcotting The tree can also be grown from root cuttings.

 Pieces of any roots except the smallest and the very large, cut into 5 - 10 inch lengths, are placed flat in a prepared bed and covered with 2 - 4 inches of soil, which must be kept moist. They may also be grown by air-layering or from cuttings of half-ripened wood. 

Pieces 1/4 - 1/2 inch will root with bottom heat and rooting-hormone treatment. Trees grown from cuttings or air-layering have no taproot, however, and are apt to be blown down in the first 2 or 3 years. 

One of the difficulties with budded and grafted guavas is the production of water sprouts and suckers from the rootstocks.

Harvest: In warmer regions guavas will ripen all year. There is a distinctive change in the color and aroma of the guava that has ripened. For the best flavor, allow fruit to ripen on the tree. The can also be picked green-mature and allowed to ripen off the tree at room temperature. Placing the fruit in a brown paper bag with a banana or apple will hasten ripening. 

Mature green fruit can be stored for two to five weeks at temperature between 46° and 50° F and relative humidity of 85 to 95 percent. 

Fruit that has changed color cannot be stored for any extended periods. It bruises easily and will quickly deteriorate or rot. Commercial juice varieties have rock hard inedible seeds, deep pink flesh and hard yellow rinds. They are not good for eating out of hand but have extremely high vitamin C content.

Warka Tree

By Liliana Usvat
Blog 241-365

Other Names : Ficus Vasta, Warka (Amargna), Maraito (Afargna), Daero (Tigrigna)

Warka Tree, a giant wild fig tree native to Ethiopia, traditionally used for public gatherings and school education. The Warka Tree is an archetype of the Biennale theme ‘Common Ground’

Description
 
It’s a big tree that can get up to 75 feet in height  and up to 60 feet in diameter in its trunk.
It has big leaves and its edible fruit is eaten during normal times but also during periods of scarcity when it’s an important food source for survival.
Not only people benefit from its fruit, but also wild animals like monkeys, birds and domestic animals too. The fruit can be eaten directly from the plant of after drying. 
 
The leaves are elliptical, reaching 25 x 20 cm, hairy, and rough to the touch.
 
Habitat

This tree can be found near rivers and into the savannah in Ethiopia, Somalia, Sudan, Saudi Arabia, and even in Uganda and Tanzania. Since this species hasn’t been domesticated, its disappearing slowly from the Ethiopian landscape because of its use as firewood.  These trees are a very important part of the ecosystem and culture of Ethiopia and its disappearance seems unavoidable. 

Additionally, it is found in dry savannah, and grows at elevations between 1,400m and 2,500m.

Sacred Tree

These huge trees not only provide food to humans and animals when they need it most, but their root system holds the soil in place and prevents erosion. Their shade is preferred by the people of villages to protect themselves from the sun during traditional public gatherings.
It is considered sacred by the Islamic cultures of the Wollo region and as a place for ritual praying and the wodajas, traditional ceremonies where the members of a community gather to pray, for example, for the crops to grow healthy or for rain during draught periods.

Propagation method

 
Propagates by cuttings, seedlings and wildlings. The seeds are produced in figs in large numbers. The can be extracted and dried. No treatment necessary and can be stored up to two months.

WarkaWater  Condensation-harvesting bamboo tower brings clean drinking water to Ethiopia

The Italian architects Arturo Vittori and Andreas Vogler of Architecture and Vision Studio/Office, have developed with the support of the Italian Cultural Centre in Addis Ababa and the EiABC
 
(Ethiopian Institute of Architecture, Building Construction and City Development), the project “Warka Water” – a water tower hand-made with natural materials. 
 
The 9 m tall bamboo framework has a special fabric hanging inside capable to collect potable water from the air by condensation.
 
This tower creates 25 gallons of drinking water per day from thin air. It’s basically an atmospheric water collector which gathers dew from the air. It’s called the WarkaWater:
 
Links

http://www.mnn.com/leaderboard/blogs/condensation-harvesting-bamboo-tower-brings-clean-drinking-water-to-ethiopia-video