Month: October 2010

Rheum officinale

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Botanical Name: Rheum officinale
Family: Polygonaceae (buckwheat)
Genus: Rheum
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Caryophyllales
Species: R. officinale
Parts Used :Rhubarb Root
Taste/smell: Bitter, sour, astringent.
Common Name: Chinese Rhubarb

Habitat: : Rheum officinale is native to E. Asia – Tibet. It grows in the hills and forest understories at elevations of 1200 – 4000 metres in western China;

Descr isiption:
Rheum officinale is perennial herb ,growing to 2 m (6ft) by 1.5 m (5ft).
It is hardy to zone 7. It is in flower from Jun to July, and the seeds ripen from July to August. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Wind.

You may click to see the picture

The plant prefers medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, requires well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay soil.The plant prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils..It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade.It requires moist soil.

Cultivation:
Prefers a deep, fertile, moderately heavy, humus rich, moisture retentive, well-drained soil in sun or semi-shade. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Plants can be grown in quite coarse grass, which can be cut annually in the autumn. Hardy to about -20°c. A very ornamental plant, it is closely related to R. australe. Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus. Cultivated as a medicinal plant in China. Plants at the Cambridge Botanical Gardens in September 1993 were growing well in the shade of a woodland garden, though they were not succeeding when planted closely to the trees. Plants in this genus seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits.

Propagation :
Seed – best sown in autumn in a shaded cold frame. The seed can also be sown in spring in a cold frame. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse or cold frame for their first winter, planting them out in the spring. Division in early spring or autumn. Divide up the rootstock with a sharp spade or knife, making sure that there is at least one growth bud on each division. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is better to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame until they are well established before planting them out in late spring or early summer.

Edible Uses
Edible Parts: Stem.

Leaf stem – cooked or raw. Rather medicinal. One report says that the plant contains 1.3% rutin. It does not specify which part of the plant, though it is likely to be the leaves.

Medicinal Uses

Anticholesterolemic; Antiseptic; Antispasmodic; Antitumor; Aperient; Astringent; Cholagogue; Diuretic; Stomachic; Tonic.

Rhubarb has a long and proven history of herbal usage, its main effect being a positive and balancing effect upon the whole digestive system. It is one of the most widely used herbs in Chinese medicine. The root is anticholesterolemic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antitumor, aperient, astringent, cholagogue, demulcent, diuretic, laxative, purgative, stomachic and tonic. The roots contain anthraquinones, which have a purgative effect, and also tannins and bitters, which have an opposite astringent effect. When taken in small doses, it acts as an astringent tonic to the digestive system, whilst larger doses act as a mild laxative. The root is taken internally in the treatment of chronic constipation, diarrhoea, liver and gall bladder complaints, haemorrhoids, menstrual problems and skin eruptions due to an accumulation of toxins. This remedy is not prescribed for pregnant or lactating women, nor for patients with intestinal obstruction. Externally, the root is used in the treatment of burns. The roots are harvested in October from plants that are at least six years old, they are then dried for later use. A homeopathic remedy is prepared from the dried root. This is used especially in the treatment of diarrhoea in teething children.

When rhubarb is roasted or boiled long enough, the purgative property is largely destroyed, while the astringency remains. Rhubarb is generally employed in combination with other laxatives, rendering it more effective. The powder is applied to indolent ulcers. Applied to burns it relieves pain and swelling. Rhubarb extracts have also cured upper digestive tract bleeding. One hospital studied three kinds of alcoholic extracted tablets of rhubarb for a period of 10 years. Employing a double-blind method, patients in each of the three groups, showed an efficiency of over 90% in curing the bleeding. An extract from the roots is used in doses of 0.2-0.5g in digestive complaints and as an appetite stimulant. Small doses stop diarrhea, large doses work as a purgative. Tinctura rhei is excellent for stomach complaints.

Other Uses
Ground cover.

Plants can be grown for ground cover when spaced about 1.8 metres apart each way.

Known Hazards:
Although no specific mention has been seen for this species, the leaves of some if not all members of this genus contain significant quantities of oxalic acid and should not be eaten in any quantity. Oxalic acid can lock up certain minerals in the body, especially calcium, leading to nutritional deficiency. The content of oxalic acid will be reduced if the plant is cooked. People with a tendency to rheumatism, arthritis, gout, kidney stones or hyperacidity should take especial caution if including this plant in their diet since it can aggravate their condition.

Disclaimer : The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplement, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care pr

Resources:
http://www.viable-herbal.com/singles/herbs/s500.htm
http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Rheum+officinale
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rheum_officinale

http://www.herbnet.com/Herb%20Uses_RST.htm

Rhubarb leaves poisoning – All Information (umm.edu)
Chinese Peony (Paeonia lactiflora) (findmeacure.com)
Huang Lian (Coptis chinensis) (findmeacure.com)
Phellodendron Amurense (findmeacure.com)

Tags China, Flower, Gardening, Herbalism, Herbs, Home, Plant, Traditional Chinese medicine

Featured

Stop Dengue in its Tracks

Post author By Mukul
Post date October 4, 2010
No Comments on Stop Dengue in its Tracks

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Dengue fever is caused by the Aedes egypti mosquito. Culex and Anopheles mosquitoes (which cause diseases like malaria and filaria) are nocturnal — that is, they emerge and bite at night. They can be effectively kept at bay by using mosquito nets while sleeping at night. Aedes egypti, however, is a daytime urban insect. It cannot live above 1,220m or fly more than a hundred metres. It is easily identifiable — its body is striped like that of a tiger. It lives in houses and breeds in stagnant water. This could be in flower vases, old tyres, upturned bottle caps, and even water that collects on leaves and plants.

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Eradication of their breeding grounds is, therefore, a Herculean task, which cannot be achieved by the government alone. Citizens need to do their bit, awaken their civic sense and keep their neighbourhood garbage free. At home, flower vases, water cooler trays, and all sorts of open containers — including broken mugs and bottle caps — should be emptied.

The government often uses frogs or sprays of insecticides to reduce the population of Aedes egypti in populated areas. The sprays need to be used every eight to 10 days to interrupt the cycle of virus transmission. Also, people must leave their doors and windows open so that the insecticide can penetrate indoors, into the nooks and crannies where the mosquitoes rest. We often close all openings to prevent the “harmful chemicals” from entering inside. This negates the effects of spraying.

Once an infected mosquito bites, there is an asymptomatic incubation period of five to six days. After this, dengue sets in abruptly with headache and high fever. There is pain behind the eyes and on moving the eyes. Severe body ache makes it difficult for the person to move, giving dengue the nickname “back breaking” fever. There may be rashes on the skin and inside the mouth. There may also be bleeding into the conjunctiva of the eyes, making them appear blood shot.

After three or four days, the temperature returns to normal. But this is only a temporary respite; the fever returns a few days later with all the previous symptoms but in a milder form. Dengue is, therefore, also called “saddle back” fever.

Unfortunately, there is no specific treatment for dengue. There is no vaccination (as yet) to prevent infection or specific antiviral medication to combat the condition. Affected persons have to ride out the disease with supportive treatment, hoping for the best. Treatment is symptomatic with paracetamol for lowering the fever and fluids for hydration. Aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents like brufen must be avoided. Blood transfusions may have to be given if there is bleeding and shock.

The first attack of dengue usually takes a few weeks to completely recover from. Overall, the disease has a five per cent mortality. It is especially dangerous in children. The dangerous form, called dengue haemorrhagic fever, which is accompanied by shock and bleeding, occurs with subsequent infections with the virus, especially if they are of a different “serotype”.

Humans are infective during the first three days when the virus is multiplying in the blood. During this period, it’s important they lie inside a mosquito net all day and night. This is to prevent them from infecting other members of the household.

The diagnosis is made by excluding other causes of fever. Blood tests may show a low white cell count and platelets. There are, however, some confirmatory tests, like complement fixation, Elisa and an increasing number of antibodies.

Dengue is a self-limited disease. The severity of the symptoms depends on the serotype of the virus, immunological status of the host and, to some extent, genetics.

Herbal products — such as fresh leaves and extracts of neem and tulasi — are being investigated for their anti viral and immune boosting properties. The results are not conclusive. Claims and counterclaims about the efficacy of herbal products are difficult to evaluate. Double blind control studies have not yet been done to prove or disprove their efficacy.

One can prevent mosquito bites to a certain extent by wearing long-sleeved clothing, sleeping inside a mosquito net, and using mosquito meshes for windows and doors. Water should not be allowed to stagnate in containers in and around residential areas. Adding a handful of rock salt or pouring kerosene into stagnant water prevents mosquitoes from breeding.

Remember, no vaccine or specific treatment exists — the only way to escape dengue is to prevent being stung by these pesky insects.

Source: The Telegraph (Kolkata, India)

Tags 2001: A Space Odyssey (film), Aedes aegypti, Aedes albopictus, American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, Anopheles, British National Party, Cavelossim, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Chagas disease, Conditions and Diseases, Dengue fever, Fever, Health, India, Infectious Diseases, Mosquito, Mosquito net, Viral

Herbs & Plants

Pseudolarix amabilis

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Botanical Name :Pseudolarix amabilis
Family: Pinaceae
Genus: Pseudolarix
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Pinophyta
Class: Pinopsida
Order: Pinales
Synonyms : P. fortunei. Mayr. P. kaempferi. Gord.

Common Name :Golden Larch

Habotat : It is native to eastern China, occurring in small areas in the mountains of southern Anhui, Zhejiang, Fujian, Jiangxi, Hunan, Hubei and eastern Sichuan, at altitudes of 100-1500 m. Golden Larch is sometimes known under an old scientific name Pseudolarix kaempferi, but this may cause confusion with Larix kaempferi, the Japanese Larch.

Description :
It is a deciduous tree reaching 30-40 m tall, with a broad conic crown. The shoots are dimorphic, with long shoots and short shoots similar to a larch, though the short shoots are not so markedly short, lengthening about 5 mm annually. The leaves are bright green, 3-6 cm long and 2-3 mm broad, with two glaucous stomatal bands on the underside; they turn a brilliant golden yellow before falling in the autumn, whence the common name. The leaves are arranged spirally, widely spaced on long shoots, and in a dense whorl on the short shoots.
CLICK & SEE THE PICTURES
It is hardy to zone 6. The flowers are monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and are pollinated by Wind.

The cones are distinctive, superficially resembling a small globe artichoke, 4-7 cm long and 4-6 cm broad, with pointed triangular scales; they mature about 7 months after pollination, when (like fir and cedar cones) they disintegrate to release the winged seeds. The male cones, as in Keteleeria, are produced in umbels of several together in one bud.

The plant prefers light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils.The plant prefers acid soils. and can grow in very acid soils.
It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade.It requires moist soil.

Cultivation :
Best grown in a warm sheltered site on a deep fertile soil with a pH between 5 and 6 and an annual rainfall of around 1000mm. Plants dislike dry winds and soils that dry out readily. Slow-growing. A difficult tree to grow well in cool temperate regions, if planted out when small it is easily scorched and can be killed by temperatures of -5°c. In Britain good trees are only found in the southern part of the country. Plants prefer a continental climate with hot summers – they are then much hardier and tolerate cold winters. Best planted out when 30 – 80cm tall, it needs to be kept weed free until established and might require winter protection for its first few years. There are several named forms, selected for their ornamental value.

Propagation:
Seed – sow late winter in a cold greenhouse. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.

Medicinal uses:
Golden Larch is one of the 50 fundamental herbs used in Chinese herbology, where it is called j?n qián s?ng .The stem bark is used in the treatment of ringworm. The bark shows fungicidal activity against the parasitic Epidermophyton and Trichphyton fungi that cause ringworm.

Other Uses:
Golden Larch is a very attractive ornamental tree for parks and large gardens. Unlike the larches, it is very tolerant of summer heat and humidity, growing very successfully in the southeastern United States where most larches and firs do not succeed. In Europe growth is most successful in the Mediterranean region with notable specimens in northern Italy; further north in Britain it will grow, but only very slowly due to the cooler summers there.

The wood is used for furniture, boat building, and bridges.

Disclaimer:
The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.

Resources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pseudolarix
http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Pseudolarix+amabilis
http://www.mobot.org/gardeninghelp/images/low/A166-1014030.jpg

Tags China, Deciduous, Gardens, Keteleeria, Larix, Ornamental plant, Plant, United States

Herbs & Plants

Psilopeganum

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Botanical Name : Psilopeganum sinense Hemsl.
Family: Rutaceae
Genus: Psilopeganum
Hemsl.
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Sapindales
Species: P. sinense

Common Name :Rue nude ,Naked rue
Chinese name: Bare rue

Habitat :t is native to the Three Gorges Reservoir area, in the Hubei province of central China, where it has become endangered.Grows in Badong, Xingshan, Yichang, Sichuan: Jiangjin, Wushan, Beibei, Nanchuan, Wuxi, Wulong. Grows well at Altitude 100-500
A specimen exists at the New York Botanical Garden.

Description:
Psilopeganum is a genus of flowering plants.It is a monotypic genus, with only a single species: Psilopeganum sinense Hemsl. It is endemic genera of seed plants .

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Medicinal Uses :
P. sinense is one of the 50 fundamental herbs used in traditional Chinese medicine.

Resources:
http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=zh-CN&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.plant.csdb.cn%2Fsdb%2Fteyou%2FTyp186.htm

http://www.hb.xinhuanet.com/zhuanti/2007-04/15/content_9792353.htm

http://translate.google.com/translate?js=n&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&layout=2&eotf=1&sl=zh-CN&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hb.xinhuanet.com%2Fzhuanti%2F2007-04%2F15%2Fcontent_9792353.htm

Tags Biology, China, Garden, Hubei, Monotypic taxon, New York Botanical Garden, Rutaceae, Traditional Chinese medicine

Herbs & Plants

Platycladus orientalis

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Botanical Name : Platycladus orientalis
Family: Cupressaceae
Genus: Platycladus
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Pinophyta
Class: Pinopsida
Order: Pinales

Species: P. orientalis

Common Name :Chinese Arborvitae or Biota

Etymology:
The Common Name ‘arborvitae’ is from Latin, ‘tree of life’, and is based on its association with long life and vitality in Buddhist thought in China. This is probably based on the tree’s unchanging evergreen nature in the cold dry climate of northwest China, and its longevity; some of the larger specimens planted around Buddhist temples in China are said to be in excess of 1,000 years old. It is called ce bai in Chinese.

Habitat : Platycladus orientalis is native to northwestern China and widely naturalised elsewhere in Asia east to Korea and Japan, south to northern India, and west to northern Iran.

Description:
Oriental arborvitae is a densely branched evergreen conifer. It is a small, slow-growing tree, to 15-20 m tall and 0.5 m trunk diameter (exceptionally to 30 m tall and 2 m diameter in very old trees). The foliage forms in flat sprays with scale-like leaves 2-4 mm long. The cones are 15-25 mm long, green ripening brown in about 8 months from pollination, and have 6-12 thick scales arranged in opposite pairs. The seeds are 4-6 mm long, with no wing.
CLICK & SEE.. THE PICTURES
Cultivated specimens are usually grown as a smaller, bushier shrub. It tends to have several to many stems, but can be trimmed to a single leader, creating a treelike form. The overall shape is conical, with the crown becoming more irregular and spreading with age.

Although generally accepted as only member of its genus, it has been suggested that the closely related species Microbiota decussata could be included in Platycladus, but this is not widely followed. Other fairly close relatives are the genera Juniperus and Cupressus, both of these genera being graft-compatible with Platycladus. In older texts, Platycladus was often included in Thuja, but it is only distantly related to that genus. Differences from Thuja include its distinct cones, wingless seeds, and its almost scentless foliage.

Cultivation:
You may click to see : Detail of cultivation of Platycladus orientalis;

Medicinal Uses:
In Chinese herbology Platycladus orientalis is one of 50 fundamental herbs.

Other Uses:
It is very widely used as an ornamental tree, both in its homeland, where it is associated with long life and vitality, and very widely elsewhere in temperate climates. The wood is used in Buddhist temples, both for construction work, and chipped, for incense burning.

Resources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Platycladus
http://www.cirrusimage.com/tree_oriental_arborvitae.htm
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Daniel_Fuchs.CC-BY-SA.Platycladus_orientalis.jpg