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Populus trichocarpa

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Botanical Name :Populus trichocarpa
Family: Salicaceae
Genus: Populus
Section: Tacamahaca
Species: P. trichocarpa
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Malpighiales

Common Name :Black cottonwood; Western balsam poplar or California poplar

Habitat : Populus trichocarpa is native to western North America.

Description:
Populus trichocarpa is a deciduous broadleaf  large tree, growing to a height of 30-50 m and a trunk diameter of over 2 m, which makes it the largest poplar species in the Americas. It is normally fairly short-lived, but some trees may live for up to 400 years (Forbes 2006). A cottonwood discovered in Haines, Alaska set the national record at 101 ft (31 m) tall and 32.5 ft (9.9 m) around.

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The bark is grey and covered with lenticels, becoming thick and deeply fissured on old trees. The bark can become hard enough to cause sparks when cut with a chainsaw. The stem is grey in the older parts and light brown in younger parts. The crown is usually roughly conical and quite dense. In large trees the lower branches droop downwards. Spur shoots are common. The wood has a light coloring and a straight grain.

The leaves are 7-20 cm long with a glossy dark green upper side and glaucous light grey-green underside; larger leaves, up to 30 cm long, may be produced on stump sprouts and very vigorous young trees. The leaves are alternate, elliptic with a crenate margin and an acute tip, and reticulate venation (see leaf terminology). The petiole is reddish. The buds are conical, long, narrow and sticky, with a strong balsam scent in spring when they open.

Populus  trichocarpa has an extensive and aggressive root system, which can invade and damage drainage systems. Sometimes the roots can even damage the foundations of buildings by drying out the soil.

Cultivation:
It is also grown as an ornamental tree, valued for its fast growth and scented foliage in spring, detectable from over 100 m distance. The roots are however invasive, and it can damage the foundations of buildings on shrinkable clay soils if planted nearby (Mitchel 1996).

Branches can be added to potted plants to stimulate rooting

Medicinal Uses:
The gum from the buds was used in preparations for baldness, sore throats, whooping cough and tuberculosis. Some tribes placed the gum that exudes from the burls of cottonwood directly on cuts and wounds. Western balsam poplar has a long history of herbal use. It was commonly used by many native North American Indian tribes who valued it especially for its antiseptic and expectorant properties, using it to treat lung complaints, wounds, skin conditions etc. It is still commonly employed in modern herbalism with much the same uses.

The leaf buds are covered with a resinous sap that has a strong turpentine odor and a bitter taste. They also contain salicin, a glycoside that probably decomposes into salicylic acid (aspirin) in the body. The buds are antiscorbutic, antiseptic, balsamic, diuretic, expectorant, stimulant and tonic. They are taken internally in the treatment of bronchitis and upper respiratory tract infections. They should not be prescribed to patients who are sensitive to aspirin. Externally, the buds are used to treat colds, sinusitis, arthritis, rheumatism, muscular pain and dry skin conditions. They can be put in hot water and used as an inhalant to relieve congested nasal passages. The buds are harvested in the spring before they open and are dried for later use.

Although no specific mention has been seen for this species, the bark of most, if not all members of the genus contain salicin, a glycoside that probably decomposes into salicylic acid (aspirin) in the body. The bark is therefore anodyne, anti-inflammatory and febrifuge. It is used especially in treating rheumatism and fevers, and also to relieve the pain of menstrual cramps.

Native American tribes in the Pacific Northwest used P. trichocarpa for a variety of purposes. The inner bark was sometimes eaten but most of its uses were medicinal or practical. Because of its salicin content it was often used raw or in salves to treat a number of ailments including baldness, tuberculosis, rheumatism, and treating wounds. The wood, roots and bark were used for firewood, canoe making, rope, fish traps, baskets and structures. The gum-like sap was even used as a glue or as waterproofing.

Commercial extracts are produced from the fragrant buds for use as a perfume in medicines and cosmetics.

‘P. trichocarpa contains salicin, and has been used medicinally as an antipyretic, analgesic and to control inflammation.

Other Uses: It is used for timber, and is notable as a model organism in plant biology. Its full genome sequence was published in 2006.

P. trichocarpa wood is light-weight and although not particularly strong, is strong for its weight. The wood material has short, fine cellulose fibres which are used in the production of high-quality book and magazine paper. The wood is also excellent for production of plywood. Living trees are used as windbreaks.

Populus trichocarpa grows very quickly; trees in plantations in Great Britain have reached 18 m (59 ft) tall in 11 years, and 34 m (112 ft) tall in 28 years (Mitchell 1996). It can reach suitable size for pulp production in 10–15 years and about 25 years for timber production.

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/Populus_trichocarpa
http://www.herbnet.com/Herb%20Uses_AB.htm
http://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-california/plants/populus-trichocarpa
http://www.nazflora.org/Populus_trichocarpa.htm

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Herbs & Plants

Heleniuim autumnale

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Botanical Name :Heleniuim autumnale
Family : Asteraceae – Aster family
Genus :  Helenium L. – sneezeweed
Species : Helenium autumnale L. – common sneezeweed
Kingdom : Plantae – Plants
Subkingdom : Tracheobionta – Vascular plants
Superdivision : Spermatophyta – Seed plants
Division :  Magnoliophyta – Flowering plants
Class :  Magnoliopsida – Dicotyledons
Subclass : Asteridae
Order : Asterales

Common Name : Bitterweed,common sneezeweed and large-flowered sneezeweed

Habitat :Native to North America. This plant is found throughout the contiguous mainland United States and most of Canada

Description:
Helenium autumnale is a Herbaceous perennial flowering plant. The plant is 3-5′ tall, branching occasionally, with ridged stems. The alternate leaves are up to 5″ long and 2″ across, and clasp the stems. They have a prominent central vein and margins that are smooth or slightly serrate. Their shape may be lanceolate, oblanceolate, or oblong. The numerous composite flowers are yellow and 2-3″ across, with a spheroid disk that is quite prominent among the surrounding ray florets. The latter are broader at their tips than toward the base, and doubly notched, creating an interesting effect. They bloom for a month or more, often until late into the fall. The root system is shallow and fibrous.

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Cultivation:
Common sneezeweed is cultivated as a garden perennial. There are multiple named varieties varying in color and height. ‘Pumilum Magnificum’ is a yellow variety about two feet tall. ‘Bruno’, a reddish brown cultivar, ‘Kupfersprudel’, which is yellow/orange, and ‘Butterpat’, which is golden, all grow 3 to 3.5 feet tall. ‘Chippersfield Orange’ is up to 4 feet tall and is orange streaked with gold.

Medicinal Uses:
The flowers and leaves have been snuffed to cause sneezing and clear nasal passages, and to treat colds.  The plant parts and flowers have been used to treat intestinal worms. They have been thought to be poisonous to fish and insects.  The powdered leaves are sternutatory. An infusion of the leaves is laxative and alterative.  An infusion of the stems has been used as a wash in the treatment of fevers. The plant contains helenalin, a compound that has shown significant anti-tumor activity.

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/Helenium_autumnale
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=HEAU&photoID=heau_005_ahp.tif
http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/wetland/plants/sneezeweedx.htm

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Ailmemts & Remedies Pediatric

Impetigo

Definition:–

Impetigo is a highly contagious skin infection which is most commonly seen in babies as well as small children. It causes red sores that can break open, ooze fluid, and develop a yellow-brown crust. These sores can occur anywhere on the body but most often appear around the mouth and nose.

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….

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It can occur in adults but is seen far more often in children. Impetigo is contagious and can be spread to others through close contact or by sharing towels, sheets, clothing, toys, or other items. Scratching can also spread the sores to other parts of the body.

Symptoms:–
You or your child may have impetigo if you have sores:

*Small red spots typically appear on the skin of the face (especially around the mouth and nose), neck or hands, although any part of the body may be affected.The spots may be clustered or merge together. The centre of each one rapidly becomes a blister, which then bursts, oozing a typical golden fluid. Crusts form over the red spots, which may be itchy or slightly sore.

* The sores begin as small red spots, then change to blisters that eventually break open. The sores are generally not painful, but they may be itchy.

*That ooze fluid and look crusty. Sores often look like they have been coated with honey or brown sugar.

*That increase in size and number. Sores may be as small as a pimple or larger than a coin.

*In babies, impetigo often occurs in the nappy area.

*New crops of spots may appear over several days or weeks (if untreated) and the infection is easily spread to other parts of the body.

Causes:–
Impetigo is caused by one of two kinds of bacteria—strep (streptococcus) or staph (staphylococcus). Often these bacteria enter the body when the skin has already been irritated or injured because of other skin problems such as eczema, poison ivy, insect bites or scratches, or nappy rash (in babies), chickenpox, burns, or cuts. Children may get impetigo after they have had a cold or allergies that have made the skin under the nose raw.In these situations the bacteria can more easily penetrate the skin’s defences and establish an infection. However, impetigo can also develop in completely healthy skin.
Risk Factors
Factors that increase your chance for impetigo include:

*Age: preschool and school-aged children
*Touching a person with impetigo
*Touching the clothing, towels, sheets, or other items of a person with impetigo
*Poor hygiene, particularly unwashed hands and dirty fingernails
*Crowded settings where there is direct person-to-person contact, such as schools and the military
*Warm, humid environment
*Seasonal: Summer
*Poor health or weakened immune system
*Tendency to have skin problems such as eczema , poison ivy , or skin allergy
*Cuts, scratches, insect bites , or other injury or trauma to the skin
*Chickenpox
*Lice infections (like scabies , head lice , or public lice ), which cause scratching

Diagnosis:–
Doctors can usually diagnose impetigo just by looking at  child’s skin. Sometimes doctor gently remove a small piece of a sore to send to a lab in order to identify the bacteria. If you or your child have other signs of illness,  the doctor may order blood or urine tests

Treatment:–
Impetigo is treated with antibiotics. For cases of mild impetigo, a doctor will prescribe an antibiotic ointment or cream to put on the sores. For cases of more serious impetigo, a doctor may also prescribe antibiotic pills.

After 3 days of treatment, you or your child should begin to get better. A child can usually return to school or daycare after 48 hours of treatment. If you apply the ointment or take the pills exactly as prescribed, most sores will be completely healed in 1 week.

At home, you should gently wash the sores with soap and water before you apply the medicine. If the sores are crusty, soak them in warm water for 15 minutes, scrub the crusts with a washcloth to remove them, and pat the sores dry. Do not share washcloths, towels, pillows, sheets, or clothes with others and be sure to wash these items in hot water before you use them again.

Try not to scratch the sores because scratching can spread the infection to other parts of the body. You can help prevent scratching by keeping your child’s fingernails short and covering sores with gauze or bandages.

Call your doctor if an impetigo infection does not improve after 3 or 4 days or if you notice any signs that the infection is getting worse such as fever, increased pain, swelling, warmth, redness, or pus.

Prevention:–
f you know someone who has impetigo, try to avoid close contact with that person until his or her infection has gone away. You should also avoid sharing towels, pillows, sheets, clothes, toys, or other items with an infected person. If possible, wash any shared items in hot water before you use them again.

If you or your child has impetigo, scratching the sores can spread the infection to other areas of your body and to other people. Keeping the sores covered can help you or your child resist scratching them. Washing your or your child’s hands with soap can also prevent spreading the infection.

If your child has a cut or insect bite, covering it with antibiotic ointment or cream can help prevent impetigo.

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://www.bing.com/images/search?q=pictures+of+impetigo&id=66954188E428748C5C3FE74DC0B51F5FB5506A49&FORM=IGRE2
*http://www.everydayhealth.com/health-center/impetigo.aspx
*http://www.bbc.co.uk/health/physical_health/conditions/impetigo2.shtml

*http://www.lifescript.com/Health/A-Z/Conditions_A-Z/Conditions/I/Impetigo.aspx?gclid=CK-inOjLmKkCFcW8KgodIhWnwQ&trans=1&du=1&ef_id=S81NxKI5DCoAAIRd:20110603013319:s

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Ailmemts & Remedies

Ichthyosis

Definition:

Ichthyosis (plural ichthyoses) is a heterogeneous family of at least 28, generalized, mostly genetic skin disorders. All types of ichthyosis have dry, thickened, scaly or flaky skin. In many types there is cracked skin, which is said to resemble the scales on a fish; the word ichthyosis comes from the Ancient Greek (ichthys), meaning “fish.” The severity of symptoms can vary enormously, from the mildest types such as ichthyosis vulgaris which may be mistaken for normal dry skin up to life-threatening conditions such as harlequin type ichthyosis. The most common type of ichthyosis is ichthyosis vulgaris, accounting for more than 95% of cases

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Ichthyosis  is an inherited skin disorder in which dead skin cells accumulate in thick, dry scales on your skin’s surface. The scales of ichthyosis  can be present at birth, but usually first appear during early childhood. Sometimes ichthyosis  disappears entirely for most of the adult years, only to return later.

Types:
There are many types of Ichthyosis and an exact diagnosis may be difficult. Types of Ichthyosis are classified by their appearance and their genetic cause. Ichthyosis caused by the same gene can vary considerably in severity and symptoms. Some Ichthyosis don’t appear to fit exactly into any one type. Also different genes can produce Ichthyosis with similar symptoms. The most common or well-known types are as follows:

Genetic ichthyosisIchthyosis vulgaris
*X-linked ichthyosis
*Congenital ichthyosiform erythroderma (nbCIE)
*Epidermolytic hyperkeratosis (bullous ichthyosis, bCIE)
*Harlequin type ichthyosis
*Ichthyosis bullosa of Siemens
*Ichthyosis hystrix
*Ichthyosis lamellaris (lamellar ichthyosis)

Ichthyosis with additional characteristics:
*Carvajal syndrome
*CHILD Syndrome
*Conradi-Hünermann syndrome
*Darier’s disease
*Erythrokeratodermia variabilis (Erythrokeratodermia figurata variabilis, Mendes da Costa type erythrokeratodermia)
*IFAP syndrome (Ichthyosis follicularis)
*Keratitis-ichthyosis-deafness syndrome
*Netherton syndrome
*Neutral lipid storage disease (Dorfman-Chanarin syndrome)
*Refsum’s disease
*Rud syndrome
*Senter syndrome
*Sjögren-Larsson syndrome
*Tay syndrome (IBIDS syndrome, Trichothiodystrophy)

Non-genetic ichthyosisIchthyosis
*acquisita

Most cases of ichthyosis  are mild, but some are severe. Sometimes other skin diseases are associated with ichthyosis vulgaris, such as the rash-producing atopic dermatitis. No cure has been found for ichthyosis , and treatments focus on controlling the condition.

Symptoms:
In ichthyosis vulgaris, the skin cells are produced at the standard rate, but don’t separate normally as they reach the skin’s surface. This means skin cells aren’t shed as quickly as they should be, leading to a build-up of cells, which appear as scales. Just one or a few areas are usually affected, often the legs or lower body.


The face isn’t usually affected but, when it is, the scaling is usually limited to the forehead and cheeks. The scales are typically fine and white.

Most babies with ichthyosis vulgaris don’t have any sign of the condition when they’re newly born. But within the first year, skin abnormalities begin to develop.

The dry, scaly skin may then become a chronic, lifelong problem, although it can vary dramatically with age, weather and other factors. It often improves in the summer, for example, and also tends to get better with age.

Causes:
Ichthyosis vulgaris is characterized by chronic, excessive buildup of the protein in the upper layer of the skin (keratin). This buildup is a result of your skin’s natural shedding process being slowed or inhibited.


Ichthyosis vulgaris is most often caused by a genetic mutation, inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern. That means a child has to inherit only one copy of the affected gene to develop the disease. Children with the inherited form of the disorder usually have normal skin at birth, but develop scaling and roughness during the first few years of life. At times, ichthyosis vulgaris may disappear during the adult years, only to return later.

Ichthyosis not caused by genetic abnormalities, referred to as acquired ichthyosis, is rare. This type usually shows up in adulthood. It’s usually associated with other diseases, such as cancer, thyroid disease or chronic renal failure.

Complications:
Ichthyosis can affect more than the appearance of your skin; it can affect your skin’s ability to function normally. As a result, some people with ichthyosis may experience:

*Overheating. In rare cases, ichthyosis interferes with sweating. Skin thickness and scales prevent sweat from reaching the surface of your skin, which inhibits cooling.

*Secondary infection. Skin splitting and cracking may lead to infections, either on your skin or a wider infection in your body.

Diagnosis:
A physician often can diagnose ichthyosis by looking at the skin. A family history is very useful. In some cases, a skin biopsy is done to help to confirm the diagnosis. In a biopsy, a small piece of skin is removed and examined under a microscope. In some instances, genetic testing may be helpful in making a diagnosis. Diabetes has not been linked to acquired ichthyosis or ichthyosis vulgaris.

Ichthyosis is not more or less common in any ethnic group. As of now, there is no way to prevent ichthyosis since it is often of a genetic nature.

Treatments:
There are two main aims of treatment for ichthyosis:

•Keeping the skin moisturised and supple – the main aim is to prevent cracks from forming in the skin as these can allow micro-organisms to penetrate the barrier of the skin and so infection to establish. This is done using moisturising creams, and baths and lotions called emollients.

•Removing some of the layers of skin cells, either by mechanical means (rubbing gently with a pumice) or by treatments such as alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), which help to break up the chemical ‘cement’ that glues skin cells together.
There may be other treatments aimed at the cause of ichthyosis if this can be identified – for example correcting nutritional deficiencies, stopping or changing medication or treating hormonal problems.
Life Style & Home Care:
Although self-help measures won’t cure ichthyosis, they may help improve the appearance and feel of damaged skin.  These measures can be considered to help:

*Take long soaking baths to soften the skin. Then use a rough-textured sponge, such as a loofa sponge, to remove the thickened scales.

*Choose mild soaps that have added oils and fats. Avoid deodorant and antibacterial soaps, which are especially harsh on dry skin.

*After showering or bathing, gently pat or blot your skin dry with a towel so that some moisture remains on the skin.

*Apply moisturizer or lubricating cream while your skin is still moist from bathing. Choose a moisturizer that contains urea or propylene glycol — chemicals that help keep your skin moist. Petroleum jelly is another good choice. Cover the treated areas with plastic wrap to keep the petroleum jelly from staining clothes and furniture.

*Apply an over-the-counter product that contains urea, lactic acid or a low concentration of salicylic acid twice daily. Mild acidic compounds help your skin shed its dead skin cells. Urea helps bind moisture to your skin.

*Use a portable home humidifier or one attached to your furnace to add moisture to the air inside your home.

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://www.mayoclinic.com/health/ichthyosis-vulgaris/DS00734
http://www.beltina.org/health-dictionary/ichthyosis-treatment-severe-diagnosis.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ichthyosis
http://www.bbc.co.uk/health/physical_health/conditions/ichthyosis.shtml

Ichthyosis Causes Fish-Like Scales on Your Skin

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Polygala amara

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Botanical Name : Polygala amara
Family: Polygalaceae
Genus: Polygala
Species: Polygala amara
Order: Fabales
Common Name :Bitter Milkwort

Synonyms: P. amarella Crantz. P. austriaca. P. uliginosa.

Habitat :Europe, including Britain, south and east from Norway.  Grassland and damp mountain pastures, especially on chalk and limestone.

Description:
Polygala amara perennial herb  growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in).
It is hardy to zone 6. It is in flower from Jun to August. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Insects.
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The plant prefers light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and requires well-drained soil.The plant prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. and can grow in very alkaline soils.
It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade.It requires moist soil.

Cultivation:
Prefers a moderately fertile moisture-retentive well-drained soil, succeeding in full sun if the soil remains moist throughout the growing season, otherwise it is best in semi-shade. Dislikes shade according to another report.

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

Medicinal Uses:
Bitter;  Diaphoretic;  Diuretic;  Emollient;  Expectorant;  Galactogogue.

The herb is bitter, diaphoretic, diuretic, emollient, mildly expectorant, galactogogue. An infusion is used to treat stomach upsets, bladder and kidney disorders etc. The plant is harvested as it comes into flower and dried for later use

The plant is used primarily as a discharging agent, the effect being attributed to the saponines as well as the galtherin and its aglycon.  Due to its bitter constituents it is used as an appetite stimulant and a stomachic.  The Greek name Polygala means “plenty of milk” and explains its use as a galactogogue. This effect is said to be caused by the saponines.  The flowering stems, sometimes with the roots, are used medicinally.  When dry they have a distinctive bitter taste (the specific epithet amara means bitter).  It is used in the form of a decoction or powder to treat coughs, bronchitis and other infections of the upper respiratory tract, and digestive disorders.  It is also included in proprietary expectorant medicines. In folk medicine it is still recommended for nursing mothers but it has not been established whether the plant really is a galactagogue.  An infusion is used to treat stomach upsets, bladder and kidney disorders etc.

Known Hazards:Although no specific mention has been seen for this species, at least one member of this genus is said to be poisonous in large quantities.

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.herbnet.com/Herb%20Uses_AB.htm
http://species.wikimedia.org/wiki/Polygala_amara
http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Polygala%20amara

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