green tips

It's Twice or More Polluted Inside Homes: The Handy Guide to Your Green Homelife

6:35 PM



Our home is our comfort zone.  But according to the Environmental Protection Agency of the United States of America, indoor air is two (2) to ten (10) times more hazardous than outdoor air.

Also, the Philippine Department of Health conducted a study of houses in different Barangays of Metro Manila through its agency Environmental and Occupational Office. Findings showed that the homes has the presence of:

1. Lead – An ingredient found in insecticides, agricultural pesticides (in fruits and vegetables), pipes, paints, toys;

2. Nitrogen Dioxide - Produced by cigarette and tobacco smoking;

3. Sulfur Dioxide (The base of Sulfuric Acid) - An ingredient found in fertilizers, pigments, dye, drugs, 
explosive, detergent, preservatives especially dried fruits;

4. Benzene – An ingredient in detergents, plastics;

5.  Carbon Monoxide - Produced from cooking, processing of chemical products and from exhausting gases out of engines of vehicles and machineries.  

Aside from those mentioned above, The Eco-Living Handbook by Sarah Callard and Diane Millis showed that the electrical equipment that we enjoy at home also produce pollution from electromagnetic frequencies, ionizations, and statics.

I invite you to journey with me as I uncover how pollution invade our homes. Awareness is the first step. Let us resolve to improve air through a green and friendly environment together!

And as we go through our day-to-day routine, we have what we call necessity. But there are those that, which are not.

I.                     Cooking.    Burning of natural gas, oil, kerosene, coal, firewood, which release carbon monoxide. But we need to cook to survive.

Here are our Green Tips while cooking:
 
A.   Have good ventilation in the kitchen

1.           Open kitchen windows and the kitchen door while cooking to allow natural air to circulate;
2.            Use exhaust gadgets in the kitchen on stoves, walls, etc.  to help drive out the smell of combustion and cooking of food  faster;

B.     Stove fire should be bluish in color. Chefs say that slow fire is the best way of cooking.

C.    Do not use charcoal indoor.

II.                   Tobacco Smoking.  It is common knowledge that smoking cigars, cigarettes and pipes is detrimental to the lungs of the smoker and the second- hand smokers. Nitrogen dioxide cause lung cancer.

The best solution is to stop smoking.  But if one cannot help but smoke, it is suggested that it is done in open space away from the family and second-hand smokers.  

Our Green Tips to strengthen and cleanse the respiratory system are:
1.      Food for the Lungs

      According to Dr. Bernard Jensen in his book Food that Heals; garlic, onion, grapes, honey, pineapple, and green leafy vegetables are good for the lungs.  Celery/ papaya juice and carrot juice are also helpful. Organic products are most beneficial because they are chemical-free and pesticide-free. It may be costlier but hospital bills and medicines cost much more.

      2.         Herbals for Cancer, Tumour, and Respiratory Diseases

      Among these Herbals are Green Tea, Ashitaba, Damong Maria, Dokudami, Guaybano, Holy Basil, Lagundi, Neem, Peppermint, and Serpentina. (For uses and recommended intake of these Herbals, check out https://herbalandherbs.wordpress.com/.

       Cancer affects the patient and the family because it drains emotionally and financially.   We experienced this with my father. How I wish no family would experience such trial again.

       3.       Deep breathing exercise also clears the lungs of bad air.  It is most beneficial when done in front of plants or under trees.

      Deep breathing is the process practiced while singing, where air is inhaled to fill up the stomach, then exhaled little by little.  Deep breathing is done in any exercise like Taichi, Pilates, gym workout and Pinoy Laughter Yoga.

All these remedies come from Mother Nature.  Thus, let nurturing the ecology be a challenge to us all. 

 Get the complete eBook at Amazon! Check out the Table of Contents and the eBook's first THREE chapters for FREE!

Serpentina

SERPENTINA: The Herb For Diabetes, Liver, Heart Disease, Kidney, Colds And Flu

10:48 PM

SERPENTINA (ANDROGRAPHIS PANICULATA):
THE HERB FOR DIABETES, LIVER, HEART DISEASE, COLDS AND FLU



Serpentina is a medicinal herb dubbed as the ‘King of Bitters’. Despite its bitter taste, it is widely sought after by diabetics because of its efficacy to lower blood sugar. This herb can be taken by itself or mixed with food to lessen the bitterness.

I once suffered from diarrhea. Aware of the potency of Serpentina, I took it by making tea (5 leaves of Serpentina to 1 cup of water) thrice a day. I had to eat a little chocolate in between sips just to finish a cup of it! The following morning my stomachache was history. I also noticed that I was healed from my cold and nasal congestion when I ate Serpentina leaves with honey. Because of this, Serpentina makes it to my go-to list for stomachache, common cold and asthma remedies. Some customers amusingly narrate to us how much they enjoy eating this fresh ‘Bile of the Earth’ together with their family. Happy customers, too, relate unbelievable healing results from stroke, insulin and lung infection.


This herb is popularly known in the Philippines as Serpentina but its name in the ‘List of Philippine Medicinal Plants’ is Sinta.  It is known scientifically and internationally as Andrographis Paniculata. This traditional medicine is native to Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia, which is used as a cooling herb for fever and flu. Indian tribes also use Serpentina as treatment for liver problems and cancer in their Ayuverdic medicines. Serpentina’s popularity is not limited to its Southeast Asian roots though. It is also regarded as a remedy for common colds in Scandinavian regions. 

Get your Serpentina at https://herbalandherbs.wordpress.com/ at Php60-80/seedling bag.

The many names of Serpentina, Andrographis Paniculata and Sinta, boil down to one and the same herb, which belong to the Acenthaceae family. It is not to be confused with Serpentina Ravoulis though because this herb belongs to the Apocynacea family, which is used as tranquilizer and cure for mental disorders, venom and reptile bites.

There are many scientific studies about Serpentina. Some notable studies are as follows: 
In 1911, Dr. Fougere studied on the ‘Bitter Principle’ (pure bitter extract) from the herb.  According to his research, this ‘Bitter Principle’ protects the liver.

In 2006, a research was conducted to study the extract from this herb. One of its discoveries is one of the major constituents of this ‘Bitter Principle.’ It is an active ingredient, now scientifically identified as Andropholide, which is both anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant.

Serpentina’s Andropholide property is supported by Philippines Medicinal Plant studies. It is said to be anti-diarrheal, anti-pyretic, anti-infective, anti-bacterial, anti-typhoid, anti-fungal, anti-hepatoxin and anti-cancer.

Chinese studies show that it also prevents blood from clotting. It also prevents reclogging of arteries post-angioplasty. It is said to lower blood pressure as well.   

Research also supports the uses of Serpentina in Ayurvedic medicine as protection against hyperglycemia (for diabetics) and control of renal disease (kidney).  

Studies also support that 6 grams of Serpentina is as effective as an Acetaminophen, which is taken for 2 to 5 days for cold, fever and sore throat.

To reap all these benefits, our common healing practice is to eat five (5) big leaves of fresh Serpentina or six (6) small leaves, thrice (3x) a day. It may also be taken as tea but the infused leaves should be eaten as well three (3x) a day.  You may start with a few leaves as it takes a while to get used to it.
Despite all its virtues, there should be some caution in taking Serpentina, especially, among the following:

1. Should not be taken by patients taking aspirin or any blood thinner medication since Serpentina is also a blood thinner.  

2. Pregnant and lactating mothers should avoid this since Serpentina is an abortifacient. While there is no actual study on adverse effects on lactating mothers, it is better not to risk.

3.  Individuals with Auto-immune diseases like multiple sclerosis, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, etc. should avoid taking this.


If Serpentina is taken regularly and continuously, it is important to note also that it should be limited to only three (3) months for adults and one (1) month for children, whether in capsule or fresh form. It has side effects like swollen lymph glands, serious allergic reactions and elevation of liver enzymes. Too much of everything is unsafe.


Get your Serpentina at https://herbalandherbs.wordpress.com/ at Php60-80/seedling bag.

Serpentina plants are very easy grow. Just make sure the plant gets sunlight for 3-4 hours, and that the leaves and soil are watered daily. Serpentina bears a pod that contains tiny seeds which pop and grow anywhere where there is soil - even cemented fences and floors with holes! Serpentina plants for sale are available in our garden.

If you are not anywhere near us, you can get Serpentina in capsule form and still get the same benefits mentioned above.  


Monitoring your blood sugar is important if you want to manage your diabetes. Testing your blood glucose will help you evaluate how your current diet, lifestyle, and medication affect you. It will even show you if your Serpentina intake is working for you! Don't let diabetes control your life. Manage your diabetes with the right glucose analyzer now! 

Sources:

WebMD.com, Dosage and Caution on Andrographis Paniculata
Wikepedia, Description and Studies on Andrographis Paniculata
Examine.com, Background of Andrographis Paniculata
www.Stuartxchange.com/sinta.html, Philippine Medicinal Plant, Sinta


halamang gamot

HOLYBASIL (TULSI) – THE AIR PURIFIER, ENERGIZER, STRESS BALANCER, BEAUTIFIER

3:38 AM



Holy Basil is also known as Tulsi. This herb was discovered more than 3,000 years ago in India, where the plant was used for worship by the Vaishavitic traditions of Hinduism.  In the ancient times, it was also used in Greece and Rome.  It is scientifically known as Ocimum Sanctum or Ocimum Tenuiflorum belonging to the Lamiceae family.

This herb is grows in Asia, England, United States, Brazil, and Africa where it has different names like Basilic Saint, Basili Sacre and many more.

Holy Basil is related to Basil scientifically called Ocimum and the ‘Thai Basil’ known as Ocimum Basilicum.

Tulsi is also called ‘incomparable one’ because of it medicinal and herbal value such as:

      1.   Air Purifier and Energizer – Tulsi releases a special kind of essential oil which frees the air from bacteria and substances that cause diseases.  It also releases ozone which contains 3 atoms of Oxygen (O3) compared to the atmospheric Oxygen that produces 2 atoms of Oxygen (O2) per molecule.  These are the findings of a study at S. V. University, Trupati, India, as reported in the issue of ‘Gujarat Samachar’ dated March 25, 1988.



Get your Holy Basil at https://herbalandherbs.wordpress.com/ at Php60-80/seedling bag.

 These properties of Tulsi give great energy to the lungs.

Outdoors, this herb releases essential oil and ozone (O3) reaching up to 200 meters away.  Its electrical energy keeps the air fresh.  To care for this plant, it is important to keep it moist and exposed to the sun daily. Once these requirements are met, some pots can be placed indoors for the family’s protection from pollution and diseases.  At night, it should be brought outside for overnight exposure.  I do this at home.

       2.       Stress Balancer – Tulsi contains a compound called Adaptogen which is associated with mental clarity.   When stress occurs, the response from the body is to’ fight or flight’.  Then, adrenaline glands automatically produce stress hormones. With the presence of Adaptogen in Tulsi, the hormone level of Corticosterone is lowered to help balance the stressful situation. 

Drinking of Tulsi decoction (boiled) or chewing fresh leaves daily relieves mental stress according to Dr. Narendra Singh, Assistant Director of Pharmacology in King George Medical College, Lucknow, India.

       3.       Beautifier – Some of the easy ways to use this herb are:

To have a clear skin:  In sitting position, inhale deeply in front of a Tulsi plant and hold your breath.  The aroma inhaled purifies the blood.  The aromatic herb is astringent but pleasant.

Also,   chewing a few leaves purifies the blood and makes the skin color glow.  The taste is like chili and black pepper.

4.       Medical Properties – A valuable research was made on Tulsi by Dr. Upendrari, a physician from Ahmadabad, India. According to Dr. Upendrari’s research, Tulsi can be used to treat cancer, heart disease, kidney, skin and mental retardation.  It was given state honor by Gujarat government.

 5.       Repellant – The strong aroma repels mosquitoes especially mosquitoes causing malaria. It also repels insects, snakes and scorpions.

Get your Holy Basil at https://herbalandherbs.wordpress.com/ at Php60-80/seedling bag.

Here are some herbal preparations:


A.      Eat 5 leaves of Tulsi a day as protection from many diseases.

B.      For Cough and Colds:
a.       Boil one (1) cup of  water;
b.      Mix 11 fresh leaves of Tulsi;
c.       Add 3 black pepper seeds, a small ginger and a pinch of salt;
d.      Keep boiling until it becomes half a cup. Divide into 3 portions to be taken morning, afternoon and night.

C.      Fever, malaria, and other ailments: Take 11 fresh leaves and 4 black pepper seeds. 

D.      Strength, memory and impressive personality: Ground fresh Tulsi leaves and squeeze the juice.  For children use 5 to 7 leaves, for adults use 25 to 100 leaves depending on the constitution, capacity and disorders. 

          Tulsi leaf juice can be taken in the morning at 2 to 3 spoonful on an empty stomach or divided   
           3 times a day.


CAUTION:

Tulsi leaves can be used regularly for four (4) weeks. But note that these cannot be taken under the following circumstances below.

1.       Do not use for pregnant and breast feeding women.
2.       Do not use 2 weeks before surgery.
3.       Do not use when taking aspirin or medications related to slow blood clotting.

Holy Basil is also used for food especially in the Thai Phat Kaphrao, a dish of meat, seafood and stir-fried rice.  Tulsi also has a preservative property that lessens spoilage when exposed to the aroma.
Holy Basil or Tulsi is such a blessing.  It is an ancient plant with great relevance to our challenging modern lifestyle.

Get your Holy Basil at https://herbalandherbs.wordpress.com/ at Php60-80/seedling bag.

EM-EM
The Gardener, MBA

Sources:

     1.       medicine hunter.com,  Holy Basil/Tulsi-Adaptogen
     2.       rxlist.com and webmd.com,  Holy Basil/Tulsi
     3.       Wikipedia, Holy Basil Tulsi
     4.       Yash Rai, Holy Basil/Tulsi (a Herb)

Elixir of Life pp. 16 -17
Common Uses pp. 27 – 29,  32
Tested Therapeutic Applications pp. 52, 54
The Beautifier p. 55
Colds, Cough and Other Respiratory Diseases p. 90
Diseases of…  Other Miscellaneous Diseases p. 116

NAVNEET Publication (India) Ltd., Ahmadabad and Mumbai, India
     5.       Botannica’s Annuals and Perennials, Ocimum p. 608, San Diego, California, Laurel Glen Publishing

Palawan

CAPTURING A PART OF PALAWAN – Puerto Princesa and the Underground River!

2:08 AM



In mid-July, my high school classmates (PWU, Taft Ave., Manila) invited me to go to Palawan.   I immediately said yes because it is my dream to see this clean and green place.  Our classmate, Dra. Grace, an OB Gyne, who is based there arranged for our hotel and tour.

I travel light.  I travel green with my herbal and herbs.  I brought with me small quantities of my  homemade toiletries such as Gugo Shampoo, Aloe Vera Rinse, Aloe  Sanitizer, Citronella-Mint oil/Mosquito Repellant,  and Citronella-Mint Deodorant.  (Check out How to Make Gugo Shampoo, The Versatile Citronella, Aloe Vera: The Added Value, and Herbal and Herbs in Personal Care: Aloe Vera, Mints & Citronella).  

For food, I prepared a sandwich made of homemade tuna belly with mushroom and carrots in olive oil mixed with Basil, Oregano, Kuchai Leek, and Ashitaba. I also brought fresh Ashitaba leaves since it is good for the immune system, respiratory and digestive systems. And for drink, I brought some dried Tarrragon leaves. I placed these leaves in my water container for calmness and sweet taste.  (Check out Ashitaba & The Other Angelica Herbals All Over The World and Herbal Tea & Juice).

In August 8, 2013,   my classmates Lily Jane (from California), Regie, Rose and I took the plane to Palawan.   Our hostess welcomed us with gifts!



As soon as we reached the hotel, Lily Jane and I decided to contract a tricycle to bring us to the churches.  Boyet, the driver, was like a tourist guide showing to us important spots.  He was also our cameraman, and seemed amused to see two matured women acting like high school girls.  


First, we went to Immaculate Concepcion Cathedral. Right beside it is the American POW Memorial and Garden.  The Americans were imprisoned there and burned to death during the Japanese occupation.  


We also went to the Iglesia ni Kristo Church, and finally, to the San Miguel Arkangel Church located behind our hotel. 

In our short trip, I did not see anyone smoking nor did I see any wrapper, paper, plastic  nor cigarette butts on the streets.

For dinner, we went to a well-known restaurant serving authentic Vietnamese cuisine.  The place is just a simple hut.  They served us their version of lumpia (eggroll with vegetables) and another type filled with vegetable and shrimps.  They also served us their own dried rice noodles (I thought these were coconut shreds) with togue (mungbean sprouts), cucumber, Java Mint and Beef.  It did not have soup no sauce, just vinegar with garlic to add more flavor. (Side note: When I got home, I also tried my own version.  Instead of Vietnamese rice noodles, which is not available in my kitchen, I used sotanghon.  My family liked the authentic taste with Java Mint included.  A discovery!)



The next day, we went to one of The Seven Wonders of the World known as the Underground River.  It is located at Cabayungay, Sabang, which is more or less two hours away from the city.   Along the way, the mountains were verdant with tall trees showing how cooperative the Palawenos are with nature.  I can only hope other provinces would do same.








                     
The sand in Sabang pier is fine and colored cream and it felt so good to go barefoot. We rode a motor boat over the South China Sea.  The smooth rhythm of the sea waves together with the gentle wind was like a natural massage.


At the Underground River Park, there is a monkey that enjoyed posing for pictures.  But we were warned not to bring out  any food.  Any smell of food or sound of plastic might attract a troop 20 to 40 monkeys





We walked through a wooden path surrounded with big trees.  Some of these are:

1.       Ipil Tree (Fabacea Intsia Biyuga) -  This has bigger leaves compared to the Ipil-Ipil.
2.       Pahutan (Mereangifera Altissima Blanco) - This is the food of the monkeys.  The fruit of this tree is a mango variant, which is edible but not popular to residents because of its medicine-like taste.
3.       Bitanog/Dangkalam (Catophyllum Inophyllum Guttiferaea) – A huge tree as seen below.



We also saw a small crocodile-like animal.  Actually, it is a Monitor Lizard or Bayawak (Varonus Salvator) which is common at the park.  These are endangered species scavenging for mammals, birds, eggs, fruits, etc.  The largest size Is 2 meters.




It drizzled as we entered the cave of the Underground River.



Water continuously fell from the roof of the cave but all passengers are provided with hard hats and life vests. Our Boat Captain, who calls himself “Joy to the World,” is also our humorous tourist guide. As we entered, we saw stalactites hanging downwards from the roof of the cave.  These lime rock formations grow at  0.2 meters per year.

It was dark inside but we had a male volunteer holding the flashlight focusing on the creative formations.  Inside the enchanting cave, there is what they call The Cathedral, which has a big candle-like stalagmite that stands at the entrance.  There were rocks forming many images like The Holy Family, angels, saints, and church-like structures. They have rock formations that looks like corn, vegetables,   garlic, onions, bread and many more, which they call Supermarket.  There were also formations like a music bar, a sexy woman and more to the imagination.








We noticed there are writings on the wall by American soldiers.  They were the brave soldiers who explored the cave when natives believed there were evil spirits inside. It was only in 1971 when the authorities decided to appreciate its great wonder.

There are also 100,000 bats and swallows that inhabit the underground river. They peacefully co-exist since swallows wake and make their Nido bird’s nests during the day while bats work at night.



Our next destination was the Ugong Rock, where a cave of stalactites and stalagmites can be touched. At the end of this cave is a zip line.  They call it spelunking.  Our tour companions, Liza and her family (from LA) and Faif (from Singapore) did the spelunking while we cheered.

That night, we had a sumptuous dinner at a seafood restaurant called Ugong Rock with Dr. Grace.  Her husband, Ed, just joined us for picture-taking. 








The next day, we went shopping for pearl necklaces and bracelets, toys, kasuy (cashew), and many delicacies!  Palawan is noted for pearls such as expensive South Sea Pearls, Fresh Water pearls and cultured Mikimoto pearls.



On our final day, we went to the Mitra Farm, where there are horses, cows, zip line and an organic vegetable farm.  We also visited Baker’s Hill, which sells crinkles, kasuy, hopia, and delicacies.  There were stores selling pizza, banana cue, fruit juices and a restaurant where we had halo-halo (boiled banana, milk, crushed ice and custard and more) as well. The place has many flower decorations and a  refreshing garden, where visitors take turns to pose for pictures.







We were, indeed, blessed with good weather.  Special thanks to the prayers of the Sisters of the Augustinian Recollect and Scuola Figlie di Maria Immacolata of Paranaque, and churchmates. Even our flight with Philippine Air Lines was wonderful with its famous soft landing!

Finally, I was able to capture a part of the world-renown, Palawan - may this wonder-of-a-place together with its responsible and environment-friendly people, be our inspiration.

*Photos courtesy of Lily Jane Makanas-Pacheco