Toona ciliata is a large tree that loses its leaves every year. It is a member of the Mahogany family (Meliaceae Juss. ), which includes important woods like African mahogany and American mahogany. This tree is also called Indian Mahogany, Toon, Tuna, Red cedar, Surian, Australian Red Cedar, Burma Cedar, Lud, Toona Tree, Indian cedar, Moulmein cedar, Australian-cedar, Toon tree, red toon, Queensland red cedar, Sandal neem, and Chinese mahogany. Because of its pretty leaves and fragrant flowers, Toona ciliata is often used as a decorative tree in parks and gardens. The plant comes from tropical parts of eastern and…
Author: Sylvia
Kalantas also spelled calantas, scientifically known as Toona calantas, is an evergreen tree belonging to the Meliaceae family, which includes other well-known trees like mahogany and neem. The plant is native to Southeast Asia, including the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand. Few of the popular common names of the plants are Philippine mahogany, Red cedar, Kalantas (also spelled calantas), Toog and Philippine-cedar. Toona Calantas is extensively cultivated in the Philippines for its valuable wood, which is resistant to decay and insects. Its wood is used for building houses, furniture, and boats due to its durability. The tree also produces edible…
Kenaf, which has the formal name Hibiscus cannabinus, has been used as a fiber crop in Africa for more than 6,000 years. It is now grown in many warm and subtropical parts of the world, such as Asia, Australia, and the Americas. This plant is a part of the mallow family, which also includes cotton, okra, and hibiscus, which are all well-known crops. Kenaf is grown not only for its fiber, but also for its oil. It is also used as a food item and a medicine plant. The leaves of the plant are sold in local shops, while its…
Cornus sanguinea, also called common dogwood or red dogwood, is a member of the Dogwood family (Cornaceae Bercht. & J. Presl). This beautiful plant is native to temperate parts of Europe, Turkey, the Caucasus, and Western Asia. It can be found as far east as the Caspian Sea. With its wide spread, it’s no wonder that the common dogwood is a highly sought-after ornamental plant. In fact, it is so popular that it goes by many names, including bloody twig, Blood twig dogwood, Dogberry, Dogwood, Pegwood, Red dogwood, Flowering Dogwood, Pacific Dogwood, Cornelian Cherry Dogwood, Red Osier Dogwood, Gray Dogwood,…
Ammannia baccifera, also called Blistering Ammannia, is a beautiful water plant in the family Lythraceae J. St.-Hil. This exotic plant is from warm and subtropical Asia and Africa, but you can now find it in many places, like Greece, Australia, China, and parts of Europe. In India, it can be found in Darjeeling, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu, among other places. This plant is known for its striking beauty and many uses. It is also known as Tooth cup, Blistering joy weed, and Red Rotala. It has been used for hundreds of years to treat skin diseases and to get rid…
The Indian Acalypha, which has the scientific name Acalypha indica, is a “wonder herb” that has been used for hundreds of years in traditional treatment. It is a small plant with branches that is in the family Euphorbiaceae Juss. and the genus Acalypha. This perennial plant is from Eastern and Southern Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, India, and South East Asia. It has spread to other parts of the world, such as the islands in the Indian Ocean, Central America, and Samoa. Indian nettle, Indian copperleaf, three-seeded mercury, Indian acalypha, Indian mercury, Copperleaf, and Poiret’s copperleaf are all names for the…
Melothria pendula, which is also called Guadeloupe cucumber or growing cucumber. This plant is in the same family as cucumbers, melons, and pumpkins, which is called Cucurbitaceae Juss. It started in Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, and South America, but has now spread to other parts of the world, including parts of East Asia, Africa, and North America. Melothria pendula is also called Creeping Cucumber, Drooping Melonette, Guadeloupe Cucumber, Little Cucumber, Squirting Cucumber, Wild Cucumber, Small Wild Cucumber, Meloncito, Diversely-Leaved Melothria, Climbing Cucumber, and Speckled Gourd. Melothria pendula is a plant whose name comes from the Greek word Melothron, which…
Symphytum tuberosum, which is also called Tuberous Comfrey, is a fascinating perennial plant in the same family as borage and forget-me-nots. This plant came from Europe and western Asia, but now it is also in North America. Tuberous comfrey, also known as Tuber comfrey, tuberous-rooted comfrey, Creeping Comfrey, Knit bone, blue Comfrey, Heal-all, Gum Plant, Boneset, Slippery Root, Ass’s Ears, Russian Comfrey, Healing Herb, Black wort, Bruise wort, Wall Comfrey, True Comfrey and Quaker Comfrey, is a very useful herb that has been used in traditional medicine in many ways. The word “Symphytum” comes from the Greek word “sumfuton,” which…
The scientific name for Buffalo Spinach is Enydra fluctuans. It is a perennial herb in the family Asteraceae Bercht. & J. Presl, which is one of the largest flowering plant groups. In this family are plants like sunflowers, daisies, and chrysanthemums, which are all well-known. The plant is native to warm Asia and Africa and has Indo-Chinese roots. It grows in the wild and is sometimes grown in South-East Asian countries. It is very common in Bangladesh, Malaysia, China, and the rest of South East Asia and Tropical Africa. This plant is mostly found in the north-eastern part of India,…
The American chestnut, also called Castanea dentata, used to be a huge, beautiful tree that ruled the woods in the eastern United States. This big tree with leaves that fall off was an important part of the environment from Georgia to Mississippi and even as far north as southern Maine and southern Ontario. The genus name of this tree comes from the Latin name for a tree that grows in large numbers in the town of Castania in Thessaly. This tree is also known as the American chestnut, toothed chestnut, and American sweet chestnut. Its name, which means “toothed,” comes…
The breathtakingly beautiful Strongylodon macrobotrys, known by its popular names Jade vine or Emerald vine is actually a plant species that belongs to the distinguished pea family, Fabaceae (Leguminosae). With close relations to kidney and runner beans, this rare and exotic plant is native to the tropical rainforests of Philippines, particularly Catanduanes, Luzon, and Mindoro, where it elegantly crawls up towering trees for searching sunlight. Tragically, this stunning plant is on the brink of extinction due to the rampant deforestation that has ruined its natural environment. However, thanks to careful cultivation in the Philippines and in nurseries and gardens across…
The sea apple is a beautiful tree with the formal name Syzygium grande. It is a member of the Myrtaceae Juss. family, which is also called the Myrtle family. People all over the world love this tree, which is native to Borneo, Andaman Islands, Cambodia, Bangladesh, Brunei, China (Sichuan, Chongqing, Guizhou, Yunnan and Hubei), Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Sumatra, and India. It is no wonder, given its numerous common names, including Sea Apple, Kilat Jambu, Jambu Ayer Laut, Jambu Laut, Jambu Air Laut, Jembah, Keriang Batu, Jambu Jembah, Kerian Ayer, Kerian Acheh and Ubah.…
Technology, medication, natural methods, role-playing, and changing how one responds are all ways to overcome phobias. For people with a strong fear of flying, computer models have become a popular method to help overcome their fear. By sitting in a seat resembling an airplane and wearing a headset with real-life images, patients experience a realistic virtual flight that helps reduce their fear. People with agoraphobia, or the fear of certain locations, can take medication like selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs), or natural methods like getting enough sunlight, working out daily, and eating foods high in tryptophan. Social phobia can be…
A humidifier can be helpful in reducing snoring as it adds moisture to the air and helps clear congestion and mucus in the lungs. Exercising the tongue can also help reduce snoring by strengthening the muscles in the tongue that play a role in the position of the airways during sleep. Tongue rolling, vowel sounds, lip purse, and mouth contraction are exercises that can be done to strengthen these muscles. Nasal strips can be used to dilate nasal tubes, and in cases of allergies, sinus diseases, or nasal polyps, surgery may be an option. Some medications and alcohol can relax…
If you struggle to fall asleep or are easily disturbed by background noise, consider using white noise to help you relax. Unlike other sounds, white noise is a blend of all audible frequencies, creating a gentle, soothing hum that can block out distractions and make a space feel more peaceful. It may even help you sleep better and reduce anxiety by filling in gaps between thoughts. White noise can be beneficial not only for adults but also for infants and young children. There are various ways to incorporate white noise into your routine, such as using a white noise machine,…
To fully enjoy the taste and smell of food, there are several things you can do. Before you eat, stir your food to release more aromas and savor the taste by chewing slowly. Eating different foods separately can also help your taste buds stay fresh. Additionally, using essential oils like jasmine, peppermint, or vanilla can stimulate your frontal lobes, making you more awake and aware. Keeping food in its original shape can also improve its taste, as research has shown the brain makes a connection between how food looks and how it tastes. Describing different smells with words can help…
Letting go of useless information, learning a poem a day, using your hands when you talk, regular exercise, talking to other people, getting enough sleep, and managing stress are all ways to improve memory and cognitive function. University of Illinois research suggests that forgetting things that aren’t important can make room for more important information, helping improve problem-solving and overall memory. Learning poetry or important information like phone numbers can strengthen memory muscles. Using signs with your hands when speaking can free up space in the mind, making it easier to remember things. Aerobic exercise increases blood flow to the…
Drinking red wine, which contains resveratrol, a powerful antioxidant, can protect your hearing from damage caused by free radicals. If you don’t want to drink alcohol, you can still get the benefits of resveratrol by drinking purple grape juice or snacking on red grapes. It is also important to protect your hearing from loud noises, such as fireworks, by wearing ear protection. Humming can also help protect your ears by strengthening the muscles around your eardrum and providing an extra layer of protection. When listening to music, it is best to choose larger over-ear headphones, which block out noise and…
Blueberries, green leafy vegetables, oily seafood, and starchy breakfast foods are all great for improving memory and cognitive function. Drinking 500-600 ml of blueberry juice or eating blueberries every day can help improve learning and memory in older adults with early memory loss. Eating leafy greens like spinach, kale, and broccoli can also help improve memory due to their high folate content. Consuming oily fish like salmon, sardines, and mackerel twice a week can improve cognitive function and memory while lowering the risk of dementia in older people. If you don’t like fish, taking a daily fish oil supplement can…
Polyphenols found in plants, particularly green tea, may help protect against Parkinson’s disease by preventing nerve cells in the brain from breaking down. Parkinson’s disease affects movement and balance by decreasing dopamine levels, which are responsible for coordinating movement. In addition to drinking green tea daily, it is important to avoid exposure to industrial solvents like PERC found in dry-cleaning, glues, paints, and carpet cleaners as they increase the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. Eating raspberries, strawberries, and chocolate frequently can also help protect brain cells due to their high anthocyanin and flavonoid content. Researchers in the UK have discovered…
Laughing may not always be the best way to get rid of stress, as experts suggest that crying can be a more honest and effective reaction. Tears can wash away anxiety-inducing hormones and provide a sense of relief. Additionally, crying lets those around you know that you might need help, giving them the opportunity to offer assistance. It’s also important to face your fears instead of avoiding them, as pushing down worry can make it worse and last longer. Australian scientists found that chewing gum can reduce stress and improve focus. Autogenic Training, a technique created in the 1930s, involves…
Belly fat is not only bad for your physical health, but it can also hurt your brain, especially for people over 60 with a high BMI and a bigger waist. Fat deposits in the belly shrink the hippocampus, which is the brain’s memory center, and damage the connections between brain cells. Women can improve their brain power and memory by talking to friends on the phone often. High amounts of B vitamins, such as folic acid, vitamins B6 and B12, can stop brain shrinkage in older people showing early signs of Alzheimer’s disease. A proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy MRI scan…
Trying new things, such as ice-skating, can lead to personal growth and happiness. Listening to music has been shown to lower stress and improve mental and emotional health, especially if it’s your favorite kind of music. Learning to say “no” to people who drain your energy can be empowering and lead to more respect from others. Singing, whether alone or in a group, can boost serotonin levels and lower stress, making you feel better and more relaxed. Spending time with a pet or even a furry toy can reduce stress and increase endorphins, the brain’s “feel-good” hormones. Drumming can be…
Distraction can help alleviate pain, according to researchers. Engaging in activities that capture your attention, such as listening to music, reading a book, or having a conversation, can help you tolerate pain better. Distraction can be particularly useful for individuals who are anxious about pain. Furthermore, research has found that individuals who meditate regularly experience less pain as a result of their improved ability to concentrate on the present moment. Carpal tunnel syndrome sufferers may benefit from taking pyridoxine, or vitamin B6, although it is necessary to consult with a doctor before taking any new supplements. A recent study conducted…
Regular eye tests can help detect diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and certain types of cancer that affect eyes. Researchers in Salt Lake City suggest that occasional 24-hour fasts can lower the risk of heart disease and diabetes. Men tend to avoid visiting doctors due to the misconception that signs are not worth worrying about, which can cause treatable problems to worsen. Older people of both sexes should see their dental hygienist regularly, as gum disease can be linked to heart disease, asthma, and other illnesses. Also, gum disease can cause inflammation and lead to osteoporosis in…
Through styles, colors, and cuts, people have used their hair for hundreds of years to show who they are and how they feel. It is the only part of the body that grows so quickly, about 6 mm a month on average. This makes it a noticeable trait that changes over time. Societies have also used hairstyles to show power, position, and whether or not someone is married, among other things. Also, hair loss, whether it happens on purpose or not, has been linked to big changes in life, like taking up a spiritual path or feeling like a loser.…
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children under the age of two should avoid screens, including TV, as it can hinder their brain growth. Instead, parents should encourage toddlers to play and engage with them in activities like cooking. Research in the UK shows that a two-year age gap between siblings can improve their academic performance as parents can give enough time to the elder child before caring for the younger one. Learning new skills that challenge the brain, like juggling or drawing, helps grow white and gray matter in the brain. Physical exercise, such as walking, swimming, and…
Eating curry, particularly turmeric, can improve memory and thinking due to the presence of curcumin, an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory chemical. Having a slightly higher body mass index (BMI) of around 27 is associated with a higher likelihood of living past the age of 70, according to Dutch research. Becoming a flexitarian by reducing red meat intake and replacing it with fish, poultry, nuts, legumes, low-fat dairy, and whole grains can lower the risk of early death by 7-19%. Apples, which contain polyphenols that act as antioxidants, can help prevent damage caused by free radicals. Extra-virgin olive oil, which contains polyphenols,…
To avoid damaging your hair, it’s best to brush it gently and not too often. Using natural plant dyes like henna or chamomile can be a healthier option than commercial hair dyes, which have been linked to a slight increase in cancer risk. For excessively greasy hair, a leave-in herbal conditioner made with stinging nettle, chamomile, rosemary, fruit vinegar, and water can help regulate the scalp. Coal tar shampoos, salicylic acid, and tea tree oil can be effective in treating hard-to-treat dandruff caused by Malassezia globosa. Flaxseed oil can help reduce scalp irritation and inflammation, and taking zinc and iron…
Scientific research found a strong link between teenage acne and milk consumption. The hormones in milk are believed to be the cause, so avoiding milk and milk products and getting enough calcium from other sources can help reduce acne. Laser therapy, which was initially used to treat wrinkles and sun damage, can also be used to treat severe acne. This therapy can go deeper into the skin and stop the overproduction of sebum while encouraging the growth of new collagen. Aloe vera gel is beneficial for keeping skin moisturized and can be grown at home or purchased from a natural…