Month: July 2011

Categories
Herbs & Plants

Trifolium hybridum

[amazon_link asins=’B01CYWHPFY,B01BU14DQO,B01DO2V4WI,B014G8HOKU,B0007JQYMW,B0716RXVTW,B014FXR244,B000VI86AC,B071S5VM54′ template=’ProductCarousel’ store=’finmeacur-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’11b2bee3-3e97-11e7-8b61-2fc4acbf1222′]

Botanical Name :Trifolium hybridum
Family: Fabaceae
Genus: Trifolium
Species: T. hybridum
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Fabales
Synonyms : Trifolium elegans. Trifolium hybridum elegans
Common Name : Alsike clover

Habitat :Originating in mainland Europe, it has become established as an introduced plant in the British Isles and throughout the temperate regions of the world.

Description:
Trifolium hybridum is a perennial   plant,   growing to 0.6 m (2ft). It is in flower from Jun to September. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Insects.It can fix Nitrogen….

CLICK & SEE THE PICTURES…
The stalked, pale pink or whitish flower head grows from the leaf axils, and the trifoliate leaves are unmarked. The plant is 1–2 feet (30–60 cm) tall, and is found in fields and on roadsides – it is also grown as fodder (hay or silage). The plant blooms from spring to autumn (April to October in the northern hemisphere).  Despite its scientific name, alsike clover is not of hybrid origin. The plant gets its common name from the town of Alsike in Sweden.

The plant prefers light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, requires well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil.The plant prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils..It cannot grow in the shade.It requires moist soil.

Cultivation :
Succeeds in a moist, well-drained circum-neutral soil in full sun. Succeeds in poor soils. Closely related to T. repens. It grows well in an apple orchard, the trees will produce tastier fruit that stores better. It should not be grown with camellias or gooseberries because it harbours a mite that can cause fruit drop in the gooseberries and premature budding in the camellias. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby. Buttercups growing nearby depress the growth of the nitrogen bacteria by means of a root exudate.

Propagation
Pre-soak the seed for 12 hours in warm water and then sow in spring in situ. If the seed is in short supply it might be better to sow it in pots in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out after the last expected frosts. Division in spring.

Edible Uses:
Edible Parts: Flowers;  Leaves;  Tea.

Leaves and flower heads – raw or cooked. Boiled, or after soaking for several hours in salty water. A delightful and healthful tea is made from the dried flower heads[183]. They are usually mixed with other teas. The dried flower heads and seeds can be ground into a nutritious flour.

Medicinal Uses  :
A cold infusion of the plant has been used as a wash on the breasts of a nursing mother in order to increase the milk flow.

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/Trifolium_hybridum
http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Trifolium+hybridum
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=TRHY

http://chestofbooks.com/flora-plants/weeds/Fodder-Pasture-Plants/Alsike-Clover-Trifolium-Hybridum-L.html

Related articles
Categories
Ailmemts & Remedies

Ocular Histoplasmosis

Definition:
Ocular histoplasmosis is  an eye disease that is a leading cause of vision loss, due to the spread of spores of the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum (histo) from the lungs to the eye where they lodge in the choroid (a layer of blood vessels that provides blood and nutrients to the retina).

click to see the pictures

There the spores cause fragile, abnormal blood vessels to grow underneath the retina. These abnormal blood vessels form a lesion known as choroidal neovascularization (CNV). If left untreated, the CNV can turn into scar tissue and replace the normal retinal tissue in the macula (the central part of the retina that provides sharp central vision. If these abnormal blood vessels grow toward the center of the macula, they may affect a tiny depression called the fovea (the region of the retina with the highest concentration of special retinal nerve cells, called cones, that produce sharp, daytime vision). Damage to the fovea and the cones can severely impair, and even destroy, straight-ahead vision. Since the syndrome rarely affects side, or peripheral vision, the disease does not cause total blindness.

It’s a common problem in the USA, particularly in a region now known as the ‘Histo belt’, which includes Arkansas, Kentucky, Missouri, Tennessee and West Virginia, where as many as 90 per cent of the population have had the infection.

Symptoms:
Many patients with histo spots in their eyes have no symptoms. Others may experience the following:

*Distorted vision..
*Blind spots
*Scars in the retina, ranging in severity

Causes:
Histoplasmosis is caused by a fungus commonly found in the dust and soil of the Mississippi-Ohio River Valley region.  Approximately 62% of the adult population living in this region are carriers. It affects men and women equally.

Histoplasmosis is contracted by inhaling dust that carries the fungal spores. Its effect on the body can vary widely in severity from one person to another.  Many carriers have no symptoms at all, but those with mild exposure may experience flu-like symptoms and mild respiratory infections. Histoplasmosis is more likely to become a serious problem in people who already have a weakened immune system.

The fungus may affect the eye by causing small areas of inflammation and scarring of the retina. These are called “histo spots” and may be found in both eyes. Their affect on vision depends on the location of the scars.  Scarring in the peripheral area of the retina may have little or no impact on vision, while a central scar affecting the macula may cause a prominent blind spot.

Most people with histo spots in the retina are totally unaware of their presence unless the central vision is affected. Studies indicate that only about 5% of those with histo spots are at risk of losing vision. Scientists have been unable find a link between the patients with minor histo spots and those who develop a severe loss of their central vision.

The syndrome is thought to be linked to hypersensitivity to Histoplasma capsulatum, rather than a direct exposure of the eyes to the micro-organism, but some experts have found DNA or genetic material from the fungus in a layer of the eyeball known as the choroid, and suspect fungal spores may lodge here and cause problems.

Risk Factors:
Some people go on to develop symptoms – usually of lung disease, although the fungus may spread to other organs – known as disseminated histoplasmosis and this can be fatal.

Very rarely the organism can spread to the eye to cause acute ocular histoplasmosis, which needs urgent treatment with antifungal medicine.

Ocular histoplasmosis can cause blindness, although it mostly affects central vision and rarely involves peripheral vision so total blindness is rare. Anyone who has lived in an area where they may have been exposed to histoplasmosis and develops eye problems must be checked for the condition.The loss of vision in POHS is caused by choroidal neovascularization.

Diagnosis:
Ocular histoplasmosis is detected with a dilated examination of the retina using ophthalmoscopy. It is usually diagnosed based on its distinctive appearance and characteristics. Fluorescein angiography is required for diagnosis and follow-up of patients with POHS.

Treatment:
Treatment requires careful consideration of FA findings and few cases may respond to corticosteroids and laser photocoagulation. A vitreo-retinal specialist should be consulted for proper management of the case.

Presumed ocular histoplasmosis syndrome and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) have been successfully treated by the drug Bevacizumab (trade name Avastin, Genentech/Roche). Ophthalmologists are using Avastin “off-label” to treat AMD and similar conditions since research indicates that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is one of the causes for the growth of the abnormal vessels that cause these conditions. Some patients treated with Avastin had less fluid and more normal-appearing maculas, and their vision improved. Avastin injections into the affected eye have been used by retina specialists since early 2005. Thus there is no long term 10 to 15 year follow up data for possible late complications. Early treatment is critical to maintaining vision.

Other treatments include Ranibizumab (trade name Lucentis) which is approved by the FDA for intraocular use. Lucentis uses a smaller molecule compared to Avastin and according to GenenTech, the smaller molecule helps lower the systemic toxicity of the drug, thereby lowering the overall risks compared to Avastin. However, Lucentis costs approximately $1,600 per injection compared to less than $100 per injection for Avastin. Research has shown  that Avastin and Lucentis to be equally effective in the treatment of POHS and AMD.

To get the best effect, the whole area affected by ocular histoplasmosis has to be treated.

Once a person has ocular histoplasmosis, they have it for life.

Regular eye exams and routine use of an Amsler Grid to monitor central vision is recommended for anyone with histo spots.

Click to learn more

Disclaimer: This information is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advise or help. It is always best to consult with a Physician about serious health concerns. This information is in no way intended to diagnose or prescribe remedies.This is purely for educational purpose

Resources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Presumed_ocular_histoplasmosis_syndrome
http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=24114
http://www.stlukeseye.com/Conditions/histoplasmosis.html
http://www.bbc.co.uk/health/physical_health/conditions/ocularhistoplasmosis.shtml

Related articles
Enhanced by Zemanta
Categories
Herbs & Plants

Clematis occidentalis

[amazon_link asins=’B00DX5KZPO’ template=’ProductCarousel’ store=’finmeacur-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’fe78a5ad-3e98-11e7-b425-5783e7cfde22′]

[amazon_link asins=’B00VU08G78,B01AYACYZE,B01BXXX00O,B06XD9DTBH,B01G5ZC8U8,B000PXTBW0,B00SLOBC8G,B000PD59N0,B01FPIOT6C’ template=’ProductCarousel’ store=’finmeacur-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’5408f14c-3e99-11e7-90ad-5f070bed3824′]

Botanical Name : Clematis occidentalis
Family: Ranunculaceae
Genus: Clematis
Species: C. occidentalis
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Ranunculales

Common Name :  western blue virginsbower, Purple clematis

Habitat : Clematis occidentalis is native to much of southern Canada and the northern United States. There are three varieties: var. occidentalis is limited to the eastern half of the species’ range, var. grosseserrata to the western half, and var. dissecta is endemic to Washington.

Description:
The plant varies somewhat in appearance. Generally they produce vines and climb on surfaces. The leaves are divided into three thick, green leaflets, which may have lobes or teeth. The flower has no petals, but petallike sepals which are usually either deep purple-blue in western populations or reddish purple in eastern plants. White flowers are rare.

CLICK TO SEE….>..….(01)......(1).……..(2).…....(3).……...(4).………(5).…..
Height: vine; stems 3-6 feet long
• Flower size: 1-1/2 to 2 inches long
• Flower color: reddish purple
• Flowering time: April to June

Medicinal Uses:
A poultice of the pounded, dampened leaves of blue clematis has been applied by the Okanagan-Colville Indians to the feet to treat sweaty feet. They also made a tea of leaves alone or the stems and leaves and used it as a hair wash to prevent gray hair. The Navajo Indians used a cold tea of the plant as a lotion on swollen knees and ankles. The Thompson Indians used the plant as a head wash and to treat scabs and eczema. Most effective when taken at early onset of migraines. Also for cluster and general headaches.
Blackfoot used boiled leaves applied to skin where ‘ghost bullets’ had been removed by shaman; smudge from stem used to revive people who had fainted from being near ‘ghosts’; infusion of plant given to horses as a diuretic.  The Flathead used a decoction of entire plant used as wash for sores and itches, or boiled plant rubbed on affected areas; decoction of stem and leaves used as hair restorer or shampoo, sometimes combined with Pterospora andromedea. Kootenay-infusion used as hair wash, believed to make the hair grow longer.  Montana Indians used a decoction of leaves as a headache remedy; root used as a stimulant to revive fallen race horses.  Okanagan used the leaves and branch mashed and steeped or boiled in water to make a hair wash, said to prevent gray hair; if used every day for a month, said to kill ‘germs’ in hair roots.  Stoney used a wash from stems used as eye wash; feathery achenes used as swabs to stop bleeding.  Thompson used a decoction of plant used as wash for head and neck scabs.

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/Clematis_occidentalis
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=CLOCO&photoID=clve3_3h.jpg
http://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/clematis_occidentalis.shtml
http://www.herbnet.com/Herb%20Uses_C.htm

Related articles
Enhanced by Zemanta
Categories
Herbs & Plants

Clausena anisata

[amazon_link asins=’1500351989,B01JYO1650,B00A9YGYB6,B01JYG8UHK,B00UNYJQW6,1586036998,B01JPNUNAE,B01J8SWAFW,B01JYDR5T2′ template=’ProductCarousel’ store=’finmeacur-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’18655b44-3e9e-11e7-81ae-cd6c9c00f94a’]

[amazon_link asins=’6131595232′ template=’ProductCarousel’ store=’finmeacur-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’7a19106b-3e9d-11e7-8f99-cfdc0e45522a’]

Botanical Name:Clausena anisata
Family: Rutaceae
Subfamily: Aurantioideae
Genus: Clausena
Species: C. anisata
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Sapindales

Synonyms: Clausena abyssinica (Engl.) Engl. ,Clausena inaequalis (DC.) Benth.

Common names: Horsewood (E) Maggot killer (E) Muvengahonye (S) Muvhunambezo (S)

Engl: Horsewood, maggot killer

African vernacular names:
Kwere: Mkomavikali Massai: Ol matassia Pare: Mkwingwimi
Shona: Runga honya Venda mudede Xhosa: Umukambi, isifuta, isitutu
Zigua: Mjavikali Zulu: Nukamdida, umsanga
Philippines: nampi (Tagalog)

Habitat : India, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Africa; in the Western_Ghats- throughout.

Description:
Shrub or small tree. The plant, a tropical shrub or tree up to 10 meters high is growing in and on the margins of evergreen forests. Leaves pinnately compound with 10-17 alternate or subopposite leaflets and a terminal leaflet.

CLICK & SEE THE PICTURES

Trunk\bark :  Bark reddish brown, scaly; blaze pink.

Branchlets : Young branchlets terete, grey pubescent.

Leaves :  Leaves compound, usually imparipinnate, sometimes paripinnate, cluster at twig ends, alternate, spiral, 13-26 cm long; rachis terete, grey pubescent, sometimes glabrescent; petiolule 0.2 cm long; leaflets 7-13 pairs, 2.5-8 (-12) x 1.3-3.5 (-6.5) cm, generally increase in size towards apex, ovate with unequal sides, apex acuminate with retuse tip, base asymmetric, margin entire to crenulate, chartaceous, glandular punctuate, usually grey pubescent on nerves and midrib on both surfaces, sometimes glabrescent; midrib raised above; secondary_nerves 7-11 pairs; tertiary_nerves broadly reticulate.

Flowers :  Inflorescence axillary racemes; flowers white, tetramerous. Flowering time is August – November…

Fruit& seed : Berry, globose, 1.3 cm across; seeds oblong.

Constituents:

Carbazole alkaloids are the major constituents of Rutaceous plants together with
coumarines and phenylpropanoids which are named clausamines. Their chemical
structure was determined by spectroscopic data and MS. They belong to the class of
1-oxygenated-3-methoxy-carbazoles having a prenyl side chain or an analogous
moiety at C-4.
In Cl. anisata nine carbazole alkaloids extracted by acetone could be found.
Among them:
Clausamine D is a colourless powder, structure formula C20H21NO3,
Clausamine E is a colourless oil, C20H21NO4
Clausamine G is a yellow oil, C20H21NO5 (4)
From the alcoholic extract of the stem bark of C. anisata contains the two alkaloids
clausenol and clausenine. Their structure was 1-hydroxy-6-methoxy-3-
methylcarbazole and 1,6-dimethoxy-3-methyl carbazole, respectively. The
molecular weight of clausenol was 227(m/z), the structure formula C14H31NO2 (1).
In Nigeria four coumarins could be found from the root bark, among these
chalepin and imperatorin (5).
Steam distillation of fresh leaves yields sweet smelling, brownish-yellow oil. Its
major component is estragole, not anethole. It is 1 ½ times more toxic than the
crude oil

Medicinal Uses:
Plant parts used:  The root, the stem bark, the fresh leaves

The pounded roots, with lime and Guinea grains, are applied to rheumatic and other pains in Nigeria, where also the leaves are considered anthelmintic.   In some parts of Africa it is considered a cough remedy.  Recent research has shown the root methanolic extract indicates

This species is used in treating an uncommonly wide range of ailments and conditions. Decoctions of the leaves or roots are taken for gastro-intestinal disorders, fever, pneumonia, headache, hypotension, sore throat and sinusitis, venereal diseases, as an aphrodisiac and anthelmintic, as a tonic for pregnant women, and as a tonic for infants to prevent rickets and to control convulsions. Root decoctions and infusions are also taken for whooping cough, malaria, syphilis and kidney ailments, irregular menses, threatening abortion, skin diseases and epilepsy, and given to women before and after parturition to ease delivery and to expel blood from the uterus, and later to boost milk production. Roots are chewed to combat indigestion.

Crushed leaves are used as an antiseptic and analgesic, and are applied to open wounds, mouth infections, otitis and abscesses, also burns, haemorrhoids, rheumatism and general body pains. Crushed leaves are also used to treat wounds in domestic animals, and as a snake-bite antidote. Dried leaves are widely used as an arthropod repellent, such as a filling material for mattresses and pillows against fleas, lice and bedbugs. The fruits are sweet and readily eaten by people and other animals. Stem bark is pounded and used as rope.

that the herb possesses hypoglycaemic activity, though not as strong as insulin; and thus lends credence to the suggested folkloric use of C. anisata root in the management and/or control of adult-onset, Type-2 diabetes mellitus in some communities of South Africa.

 

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://www.zimbabweflora.co.zw/speciesdata/species.php?species_id=133210
http://www.biotik.org/india/species/c/clauanis/clauanis_en.html

Click to access mp09clausenaanisata.pdf

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clausena_anisata

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

Related articles
Enhanced by Zemanta
Categories
Health Problems & Solutions

Some Health Quaries & Answers

‘My child is too thin’ :

Q: My daughter is two years old and very thin. She is picky about her food and I feel she does not eat enough. Her weight is only 9kg. Is it a good idea to give her appetite stimulating tonics?
[amazon_link asins=’B01AGTWIYA,B010MEP5C6′ template=’ProductCarousel’ store=’finmeacur-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’1ce4bf20-25de-11e7-9a45-cdfd63a00584′]
A: Normally, a child weighs triple its birth weight at the end of the first year and adds 2kg the next year. So your daughter may be in the normal range. It is better to try to discover why she does not eat and treat the cause rather than use tonics. Appetite stimulants can have severe side effects. Some of them contain large amounts of iodine, steroids or cyproheptadine (a banned chemical). They are best avoided.

What you can do is reduce her milk intake to 400ml a day. Give half after breakfast and the rest at tea time. Figure out what she likes to eat.

Also, get her dewormed; your paediatrician will tell you how. And remember, some children are just difficult when it comes to food.

Digital spasms :

Q: I get sudden painful spasms in my fingers and toes, especially at night. I am 34 years old.

[amazon_link asins=’B003DRD3PG,B002BSH3HC’ template=’ProductCarousel’ store=’finmeacur-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’4e718818-25de-11e7-99a0-6f0d6dd9d061′]

A: Calcium deficiency can cause this. If you are not on calcium supplements, starting them may help. Consult a physician to help with the diagnosis and dosage of calcium.

Pressure pills :

Q: Is there a natural way to reduce blood pressure? Currently I am on a lot of medication for it.

[amazon_link asins=’B016Z9EH6W,0307986357′ template=’ProductCarousel’ store=’finmeacur-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’7de200d5-25de-11e7-94d2-2b753a89614d’]

A: You can reduce your dependence on tablets by achieving ideal body weight (height in metre squared multiplied by 23), walking an hour a day, reducing salt intake to 2.5gm a day, avoiding salted snacks, sleeping at regular hours and reducing stress with yoga and meditation.

Fit and fine :

Q: My son is one and a half years old and has had fits twice. The doctor says it is “fever fits”. I am worried that he may become epileptic. What is a fever fit?

A: A febrile seizure (fever fit) usually occurs in children under the age of 5 during an episode of fever. Only one third of the affected children have a second seizure. A certain percentage of children will develop epilepsy but the incidence is not greater in those who have had febrile seizures. Also, these children do not develop mental retardation nor is their intelligence affected. But a febrile fit can be frightening to watch. To prevent such seizures, fever has to be tackled immediately. Buy a digital thermometer and check the temperature by placing it in the child’s armpit (remember, your hand is not a thermometer). If the temperature is greater than 100°F, give the child 10mg/kg of paracetemol. Remove the child’s clothes and sponge him down with tap water. Turn the fan on full speed. After four hours check the temperature again. If it has risen, repeat the above process. Contact your doctor.

Feet first

Q: I have cracked feet. Not only does it look ugly, when water enters the cracks they become painful and inflamed.

 

A: You could try soaking your feet in hot water to which rock salt and liquid soap have been added. After 10 minutes, scrub the foot gently with a small plastic brush. Then apply baby oil. After a few weeks, you will see a vast improvement.

Source : The Telegraph ( kolkata, India)

Related articles
css.php