Category Archives: Nature

Under The Sea - Extraordinary Eyes
Nature, Observation

Under The Sea: Extraordinary Eyes

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It is not surprising that eyes are one of the most intricate and complex parts of the body, given that they developed over 540 million years ago.

What might come as a surprise is that, despite all land animals having evolved in unique ways from fish millions of years ago, it would seem that it is fish’s eyes that are the most diverse and highly adapted on the planet.

There are many things which distinguish the eyes of a fish from our own. One of the most notable differences is the size of the eye itself. Fish eyes are, in general, proportionally much larger than other species. This is because fish need to be able to see in low light conditions.

Another unique quality of fish is that they don’t have eyelids. Eyelids serve the purpose of keeping out debris and keeping our eyes moist. However, the nature of a fish’s habitat means that their eyes are kept moist without the need of eyelids.

Unsurprisingly, the eyes of fish differ significantly between species. Fish use their vision in different ways, depending on what they eat and where they live. Those that live near the sea surface in clear water have very different eyes to those that live in caves, or in the deep dark depths of the ocean where there is very little light.

About the only thing all fish eyes have in common, is the substance of the lens.

Here are two examples of evolution at its very best, two completely unique eyes that are perfectly adapted to each fish’s living and feeding habits:

The Four-Eyed Fish (Anableps anableps)

This little fish has a slightly misleading name. It doesn’t actually have four eyes, it only has two. But they are so highly developed that they provide the same benefits of having four eyes.

The Four-Eyed fish lives at the surface of the water and has large protruding eyes.

It’s eyes point upwards which allows it to see the insects that it feeds on, and keep an eye out for aerial predators.

However, surely this would leave it vulnerable to marine predators that could attack it from below? And this is where Four-Eyes gets its name from…

Incredibly, each eye is split vertically by a membrane to form two pupils, and the lens changes in thickness to allow visibility in both air through one half and water through the other. This allows the fish to see both above and below the water at the same time!

Barreleye (Macropinna microstoma)

Another example of extreme evolution of the eyes is unquestionably the Barreleye fish. This species typically lives at the depth of the ocean where sunlight is replaced by complete darkness.

This fish gets its name from its barrel shaped eyes. Looking at the image, the nostrils are easily confused for the eyes. The eyes are luminous tubular shapes within the fish’s head. These help to collect light and enable the fish to see in dark conditions.

One of the most remarkable features about the Barreleye fish is that it’s head looks transparent. This is because of a fluid-filled shield that covers the head – allowing the eyes to absorb light and have visibility.

For many years it was thought that the Barreleye fish could only see a very narrow tunnel vision directly above it’s head. But more recent research has shown that the fish can rotate it’s eyes within it’s transparent shield to be able to look upwards to spot prey, and then forward to see what’s ahead of them. The ability to look upwards without moving it’s body allows it to surprise its prey.

It is only within the last ten years that there has been any significant research on the Barreleyed fish. In 2004 scientists from Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute used remotely operated vehicles to record it in its natural habitat. This was a really groundbreaking piece of research as there had been no previous knowledge of that it’s head was transparent. As any records of having caught the fish showed that by the time it reached the surface, the fluid-filled shield had shattered.

It does make you wonder, have we only just begun to uncover what’s really out there? There must still be so much to learn and many more weird and wonderful examples of evolutionary genius to be discovered?

This article is contributed by Steph McLean. She works for Lenstore.co.uk, an ecommerce retailer which sells contact lenses online. She has a strong interest in science, in particular biology and the nature of evolution.

Sage - Salvia Officinalis
Edible Plant, Medicinal Plant

A Sage In The Garden: Salvia officinalis

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Name

 

Common sage
Common sage (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The genus name, Salvia, comes from the Latin verb “salvare” (to save but also to cure).

Salvia officinalis (garden sage, common sage) ...
Salvia officinalis (garden sage, common sage) – Lamiaceae; Flower Français : sauge officinale Latina: Salvia officinalis – Lamiaceae (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The specific name, officinalis, refers to this plant’s medicinal use.

Also Known as

  • sage
  • common sage
  • garden sage
  • golden sage
  • kitchen sage
  • true sage
  • culinary sage
  • dalmatian sage
  • broadleaf sage

 

Medicine Uses

Parts Used

leaves

Actions

antimicrobial, astringent, antiseptic, decongestant, antimicrobial, antifungal, antiviral, expectorant, tonic, digestive, antioxidant, rejuvenative, diuretic, phytoestrogenic, antihydrotic, carminative, cholagogue, vasodilator

Systems

Digestion

  • enhances appetite and digestive function
  • facilitates assimilation of fats
  • calms tension and colic
  • alleviates bloating and wind
  • decreases blood sugar levels
  • reduces excessive salivation, as in Parkinson’s disease

Mental and emotional

  • decreases anxiety
  • raises mood

Respiratory system

  • good for catarrh, common colds and upper body infections

Immune system

  • beneficial in the treatment of cold, flu, fevers, sore throats and chest infections
  • effective against candida, herpes simplex type 2 and influenza virus II
  • great for arthritis and gout

Urinary system

  • removes toxins via the kidneys

Reproductive system

  • decreases excessive lactation
  • ideal for menopausal problems such as night sweats and insomnia
  • balances hormones and it is antispasmodic for irregular and painful periods

Externally

  • apply as antiseptic lotion for cuts, burns, insect bites, skin problems, ulcers and sunburn
  • gargle for sore throats
  • mouthwash for inflamed gums and mouth ulcers
  • apply leaves to reduces toothache
  • use poultice for sprains, swellings and ulcers

Caution

  • may be toxic in large dosage or over a prolonged period
  • avoid in pregnancy and breast-feeding
  • avoid with epilepsy

 

Medicinal Plant

Health Benefits Of Tea Tree Oil

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Tea Tree Oil
Tea Tree Oil (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Tea tree oil is extracted from the leaves of a native Australian plant. The reason for it’s name is that for generations before Westeners arrived the local aboriginal peoples were using the plant as an alternative to tea, where they found that the infusion produced was helpful for soothing sore throats and colds.

Like so many “herbal remedies”, studies have indeed found medically-relevant benefits to using tea tree oil – most notably it’s ability to fight micro-organisms such as bacteria, viruses and fungi. Infact, the anti-septic nature of the oil perfectly explains how it was able to help sore throats by not only providing a gentle soothing to the afflicted area but also in killing the bateria that were causing the problem in the first place.

These days tea tree oil is most commonly bought bottled rather than in plant form and is generally applied externally. Bearing in mind the nature of the oil, and it’s proven effects, tea tree oil can be beneficial in many health problems caused by microbes.

One perfect example is in the fight against fungal infections such as athlete’s foot and ringworm where regular topical application of the oil can fight the spread of the infection as well as rapidly bringing the overall effects to an end.

Tea tree oil has also been used for generations to clean wounds. In the case of scrapes and cuts, whilst the oil may sting a little, it’s been shown to kill of any micro-organisms that have gained entry. In this way teat tree may well prevent infection as well as speed up healing.

Twice-daily application of tea tree oil is a common and effective solution to acne and juvenile zits. Whilst it is unlikely to eliminate the problem all together, as part of your skin-care regime it can assist in soothing the skin, removing dirt from pores and, most importantly of all, reducing the inflammation that causes spots in the first place making for clearer and more comfortable skin.

Warts are caused by an infection of the HPV virus and in some cases it appears that the anti-septic properties of tea tree may help in killing off the virus and encouraging the now unwanted wart to drop off. The general advice on how to remove warts with tea tree oil is to apply a decent volume of the thick oil at night, before covering the area with a bandaid or bandage in order to prevent it drying out. Over a few weeks of treatment many people see significant improvements in the size and number of their warts.

Lastly it’s worth mentioning that the strong eucalyptus smell of the tea tree oil can he helpful for relieving the congestion experienced with colds and flu. By dabbing a little of the oil on a handkerchief or the pillow, or adding it to boiling water and inhaling the fumes, most people find their nose clears rapidly and they are able to breathe normally for a period of time.

 

This article was submitted by Richard Adams who writes extensively about wart control solutions and cryotherapy.

Achieving a Greener Home
Sustainable Living

5 Tips for Achieving a Greener Home

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More and more of us are considering the ways we can make our home a little more environmentally friendly, from big changes to little alterations in what we buy and who we buy them from. If you are trying to make your home a greener place, you may feel a little overwhelmed with where to start. With this in mind, start by reading through these 5 tips and you will soon be on your way to eco-friendly living!

Research your Cleaning Products

Some of the biggest household brands are far from environmentally friendly and on top of this are also tested on animals. Take your first step towards a greener home by looking into ethical and environmentally friendly alternatives; Ecover do a fantastic range of cleaning products from washing up liquid to laundry powder but there are plenty of other ranges that you could try.

Apply for a Water Saving Kit

Many companies now offer free water saving kits that not only help to conserve water but can also reduce your water bills for those on a meter. The kits can be applied for online and include all kinds of interesting contraptions such as tap inserts that save 70% of the water that normally flows out of the tap, a shower adaptor and a shower timer. Some companies even offer a free fitting service so you can save water without lifting a finger!

Read up on Recycling

Most homes will now have a recycling bin or box outside the front of their home that is collected on a regular basis, but do you really know what you can and can’t put in them? Different areas have different rules so it’s worth checking with your local council. Many new bins now come with a magnet that can be stuck to the fridge outlining everything that can be recycled as a handy reminder. Some flats now receive special bags to put their recycling in, so why not purchase a secondary kitchen bin to make it as easy as possible to separate waste from recycling?

Solar Energy

There is no denying that the installation of solar panels and heat pumps is an expensive job, but there are ways you can get a little help with going green in this way. Government funding is in place in the form of the Feed in Tariff which gives homeowners generating energy through solar panels regular cash payments for their efforts. To get an idea of pricing, there are comparison sites for solar companies set up to help you find the best deal.

Teach the Family

It’s all well and good putting effort into making your home a greener place, but if the rest of the household are not following suit your hard work could be in vain. Take the time to discuss the changes you are trying to make with your partner, children or housemates and explain why it’s so important to make them. With children, perhaps consider a reward system for their efforts such as a star chart to help them really embrace the changes.

From applying for a free water saving kit to installing solar panels, no change is too big or small so start with some of these tips and feel great about doing your bit for the environment!

Sophie has recently set up Greenkind and tries her best to keep her home as green as possible, helping others to do the same by offering advice and information on the website.

eco house
Sustainable Living

How to Easily Transition Your Home into an Eco-Friendly Environment

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Many people have transitioned their home and environment into a more eco-friendly space. There are a few reasons why they are doing this, with the main one being that it helps to protect the environment for our future generations. That’s our children and grandchildren.

But, it also can help save money and help our health. And who can’t use a little extra cash in their pockets, or a few less issues with their health?

So, if you are considering taking the steps in turning your home into a greener environment, read on for some ideas to make the transition a smooth one.

Furnishing with an Organic Flair

I am first going to tackle one of the biggest areas that can be addressed. In fact, it’s big enough that you might want to take this in baby steps. I am talking about the furnishings within the home. To switch everything out for natural and organic would be put a big dent in the wallet to do all at once. So, that is why I recommend a slow transition in getting rid of the allergen traps.

Carpet is notorious for trapping dirt and stains. However, it’s also a haven for dust mites and other allergens. If you are considering a change in flooring, you might want to opt for a hard surface such as bamboo, which is good for both allergens and the environment.

Window treatments are also a home for allergens. If you are not wanting to launder them on a regular basis, you might want to switch draperies out for blinds that will not trap allergens.

One last area I want to discuss in this section is bedding. Mattresses, sheets, and comforters are not only capable of trapping allergens, but also created with chemicals…unless, you go with organic. I have a friend who is getting serious about going green, and is expecting a baby as well. The nursery was the first room they tackled, with an organic baby crib mattress, all natural sheets, bamboo flooring, and blinds. So, the baby will not be breathing in chemicals as  they sleep.

Cleaning up Naturally

One way to remove chemicals from your environment is to clean with natural products. You will notice that the shelves at stores are filling up with natural products, including a variety of cleaning products.

You shouldn’t have a hard time finding them at all. However, if you prefer to go completely natural and save money at the same time, make your own. Just look in your kitchen pantry for ingredients that work well for cleaning, such as lemon juice, white vinegar, salt, club soda, and so much more.

There are websites that are dedicated to all natural cleaning products that will provide ‘recipes’ for a multitude of cleaning needs from windows to laundry.

A Little R and R

Of course I need to address recycling, which is the first ‘R’ and far more popular and easy to do than when it first started. Many cities have bins available for you to recycle and have curbside pickup available. It doesn’t get much easier than that.

The second ‘R’ is to reuse. If you can reuse something, it can help save money, as well as the environment. The following are 5 ideas on how to reuse:

  1. Shopping Bags – the plastic bags you get from the store can be used for storing items, or as a small trash bag
  2. Cleaning Rags – use washable cloth cleaning rags over paper towels
  3. Borrow – rather than purchasing something you won’t need forever, see if you can borrow it
  4. Jars – emptied food jars can store many other items
  5. Garbage – make into compost for a natural fertilizer

I am sure you will be able to find many other items around the home that you can creatively use in other forms. It’s all about putting less waste into our world.

Energize that Transition

Simply turning down the heat will help reduce your energy budget, that’s common knowledge. However, are you aware of how much? For every degree you dial it down, you will save on average of 2% on your energy bill. Good enough reason to put a sweater on, right?

Another option is solar power. A solar-powered generator allows for currents of electricity to reach a battery ‘bank’, to be stored. They say the most resourceful form is the flat panel. These work especially well for larger roofs in sunny areas. While this is an area growing in popularity, it also takes a bit of research to know how to do it right.

In Closing

There are several ways you can transition your home and environment into an eco-friendly area, and I have mentioned just a few. Do some research to see what you can do to ease your transition and get a great start on a healthier future for your children and grandchildren.

 

As a successful freelance writer and Internet marketer, Mark Harris enjoys researching for new material for future projects. His latest series of articles on going green was inspired when he was visiting www.ecohomeinspired.com. Mark is married and lives in White Rock, B.C. on Canada’s stunning west coast. When he is not working, he enjoys time on the local beaches, kayaking, and hiking.

recycling
Sustainable Living

Twenty Ways to Use a Plastic Bag

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After going shopping, you probably have loads of plastic bags that you do not know what to do with. Some of you would throw the bags away and some of you would store them because you have nothing else to do with them. Instead of throwing the bags away and leaving them lying around, then try using them for something useful. Here are 20 ways you can use a polythene bag.

1. Plastic bags are inexpensive and are great for packaging items safely and securely.

2. When you are crushing food, such as biscuits, put that item in a plastic bag so it catches the crumbs.

3. If you feel like being creative, then try making a kite or a toy parachute out of polythene bags.

4. It can be used as a bin bag and it is good for collecting fruit and vegetable peelings.

5. If you take your lunch to school or work, then you can take it in a plastic bag.

6. You can take the bags with you when you go shopping and you can reuse them instead of having to use new ones.

7. If you have a protective cast for any reason, then a plastic bag can stop it from getting wet when you have a shower or a bath.

8. They can be used a disposable gloves when you a dealing with unpleasant items.

9. Keep some in the car to store wet and muddy shoes and clothes to stop your car getting dirty. You can also use them to store a wet umbrella.

10. Another reason to keep them in the car is so they can be used as sick bags if necessary.

11. When you are traveling, put any liquid items, such as perfume, shampoo and toothpaste, in a plastic bag to stop any of them leaking over clothes.

12. You can just use them generally to store items.

13. If you have a cat, then you can place them in the bottom of a cat litter tray so it is easy for you to clean up quickly.

14. You can use polythene bags to store leaky bottles or jars in order to save the mess in your cupboards.

15. They can potentially be used as a cheap way to insulate your home.

16. Place your shoes in a plastic bag when they’re in a suitcase to prevent your clothes from smelling.

17. You can also use a plastic bag as a laundry bag so your clean and dirty washing is separated.

18. Lay them down on the floor when you are painting or decorating so they catch any bits of paint or other materials.

19. You can cover clothing items in your wardrobe to prevent them getting dusty.

20. If your pillows are feeling flat, then you can use polythene bags to pad them out.

In a way, this is your own type of recycling because you are reusing the bags instead of throwing them away.

Sustainable Harvesting
Philosophy, Plants, Procurement, Sustainable Living

Sacred Earth: Sustainable Harvesting

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There are few but essential things to keep in mind when gathering live plants:

1. Gather the plant in the right time, for instance when it’s blooming, producing fruits, or accumulating resources in the root.

2. Make sure to not over harvest an area. Some plants prosper after being harvested while others can’t survive losing some of the same species. You have the responsibility to research and study each plant before collecting.

3. Obey the law of natural selection, taking only the plants and trees that are struggling to thrive and will probably die as a result of insufficient sunlight caused by tough competition. Remember: predators eat the weakest preys, so that the remaining prey population become stronger and healthier.

The bottom line is that Mother Nature provides all the necessities of life to each and every being but if we want to continue to receive her gifts, we have to respect and appreciate her abundance.

As you collect any material from the landscape such as wood from living or dead trees, it is a good practice to give thanks for the gifts you have been given.

 

Lavender-flower
Medicinal Plant

The Healing Properties and Preparation of Lavender

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Lavender  (Lavandula spp.) is a flowering plant genus found in the Mint family (Lamiaceae). There are 39 species of lavender. It is native to southern Europe, North Africa, and the south-western regions of the Asian continent.

The lavender plant is cultivated for a number of reasons. The plant is commonplace in gardens because of its durability and beautiful appearance. Moreover, lavender has a beautiful and distinct scent. Most importantly however, the plant is versatile and has a number of different uses, ranging from culinary to medicinal.

Appearance

When looking for lavender, there are a few characteristics which are easily identifiable. Firstly, lavender grows as a small shrub.

It has leaves which are a medium grey color and appear to be quite linear. They also appear to be covered with ‘puff’.

The easiest characteristic to identify in lavender is the violet and sometimes blue flowers associated with the plant. They are found growing compactly in spikes.

A lavender plant can be anywhere from 30cm to 70cm tall.

If you are interested in harvesting lavender, the best time to do this is in the morning because that is the period when the flowers have an abundance of active substances.

 

Benefits

Lavender has a number of benefits for the human body, both internal and external. Lavender flowers have antiseptic, calming, and cicatrizing properties. These characteristics emerge because of mineral substances, tannin, and essential oils. In terms of internal relief, lavender has been known to cure digestive problems, headaches, asthma, dizziness, and heart problems. Finally, it is used as a relief for depression.

For headaches or anxiety, lavender tea and infusions are the best method for relieving your ailment. For colds or fever, lavender vinegar is effective. If you are afflicted with acne or have weak, damaged hair, lavender oil is useful. In addition, the oil can be used to cure insomnia, clear nostrils, and disinfect wounds.

Preparation

Here are some preparation methods for various mixtures containing lavender:

  • Lavender vinegar: Can be used for colds or simply as an insecticide. To make lavender vinegar, combine lavender flowers with juniper petals, sage leaves, mint, rose, and savory in one liter of vinegar. Allow the mixture to macerate for seven days. After this, filter out the plants and top the remaining mixture off with some vinegar until it once again levels at one liter.
  • Lavender tincture: Can be used for throat afflictions or as a mouthwash. Combine 200g of lavender flowers with one liter of alcohol. Add 500ml of distilled water to the compound. Leave this mixture to soak for four days, occasionally stirring. Finally, filter out the lavender and use as necessary.
  • Lavender tea: Used for stress and headaches. Also has applications for light wounds and minor burns. Combine two teaspoons of lavender flowers with one cup of hot water. It must be drunk while it is hot. If you would like to sweeten your tea, honey is recommended. Additionally, if the tea is being used for cuts or burns, utilize five or six teaspoons of lavender flowers for a stronger mixture.
  • Lavender oil: Arguably the most useful of all lavender mixtures. Combine 20g of lavender flowers which have been dried with approximately 20ml of alcohol. Put this mixture in a medium sized jar and add 200ml of olive oil. Stir the ingredients well. Place the mixture in a steam bath and let it boil for two hours. Stir every fifteen minutes. Once you have completed the steam bath, cover the mixture for two days, after which you can filter it through gauze. Finally, the mixture must be left in a cool, dark place. If you are using lavender oil for skin afflictions, it is recommended that it is applied once a weak, preferably in the evening, to freshly cleaned skin. After being left on the skin for 20 minutes, it should be washed off with warm water.

These are just a few of the mixtures which can be made from the lavender plant.

Apart from the medicinal uses of lavender, the plant can also be used in cooking and baking, as well as in various cosmetic applications. However, if you keep in mind the few mixtures provided as well as the method in which you can identify the lavender plant, you will always be capable of utilizing the healing benefits of lavender to help you in your everyday life.

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Malva-neglecta
Edible Plant, Medicinal Plant

Malva neglecta

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Name

The genus name Malva means “soft” in latin due to its externally and internally soothing properties.

Specific name neglecta stand for “neglected”.

Also Known as

  • Common Mallow
  • Buttonweed
  • Cheeseplant
  • Cheeseweed
  • Dwarf Mallow
  • Roundleaf Mallow

 

 

Identification Keys

  • perennial herbaceous
  • arises from a long, slender taproot
  • can creep along the ground or grow upright
  • crinkled, rounded to heart-shaped, toothed, slightly hairy, long-stalked basal leaves
  • alternate leaves are similar to the basal leaves
  • leaves have five to seven shallow lobes
  • the leaf is notched where it connects to the leaf stalk
  • white to pale-pink or lavender flowers
  • five-petaled, long-stalked flowers arise from the leaf axils
  • the flower has a bushy column of many stamens and one pistil in the center
  • pink lines run the length of the petals
  • the petals are notched at the tips
  • fruits are round and flat like a wheel of cheese

Habitat

  • lawns
  • fields
  • disturbed habitats
  • edge habitats
  • parks
  • sunny and partly shaded habitats such as gardens and parks
  • roadsides

Look-alikes

  • Althea officinalis is larger and hard to confuse with this small plant
  • Glechoma hederacea leaves resemble Malva neglecta’s but their upper surfaces are hairy and smell minty and the stems are square

Poisonous Look-alikes

  •  none

 

Food Uses

Parts Used

flowers, fruits/berries, leaves

Main Uses

Potherb, Salad

Nutrition

  • vitamin C, iron, calcium, copper

Cooking

  • leaves, flowers, and fruits, which cook in about 10 minutes, impart a pleasant, mild flavor to stews, grain dishes, and casseroles
  • thicken soups slightly.
  • fine raw, in salads.
  • devour the fruits right off the plants

Recipes

 

Harvesting

Harvesting Season

  • early spring to late fall
  • all year where winters are very mild.

Harvesting Methods

  • Hold down the stems with one hand and strip of leaves, flowers, and fruit with the other.

 

althea macaroni
Cooking, Edible Plant

Althea Macaroni

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You can make a dish tastier than conventional “macaroni and cheese” using healthier ingredients.

Preparation time

30 minutes

Cooking time

40 minutes

Ingredients (6 serves)

  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 5 yellow Allium cepa (onions), sliced
  • 2 cups Althea officinalis leaves
  • 6 cloves of Allium sativum (garlic), finely chopped
  • bacon
  • 1 tsp. all-purpose spice seasoning
  • 3 cups of milk
  • 3 tbsp. mellow (light-colored) miso
  • 2 tbsp. Maranta arundinacea (arrowroot)
  • 1/2 tbsp. salt
  • 1 10-oz. package of mozzarella, diced
  • a pinch of Cayenne hot pepper
  • 1 lbs. whole-grain macaroni
  • 1-3/4 cups dried bread crumbs
  • 2 tbsp. oil
  • 10-oz. grated cheddar

Preparation

  • Sauté the onions in the olive oil 15 to 20 minutes, or until lightly browned.
  • Add the Althea officinalis leaves, garlic, bacon, and all-purpose seasoning and sauté another 5 minutes
  • Meanwhile, puree all sauce ingredients in a blender.
  • Stir the sauce into the sauté and transfer to a large, oiled baking dish.
  • Stir the oil into the bread crumbs and spread on top of the mixed ingredients.
  • Spread the cheddar on top.
  • Bake in a preheated 180 °C oven 40 minutes or until bubbly.