Hollycock or Altea

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The hollyhock is one of the many known varieties of hibiscus. The medicinal properties of all are very similar. These plants contain large amounts of mucilage, a substance that gives it emollient properties, ie softening of lumps and tumors. They also contain oxalic acid that refreshes, are diuretic and help to remove bile.
Uses: In cases of constipation and inflammation of the intestine, crush 3 to 5 roots of hollyhock, cook in one liter of water for about 10 minutes and let cool. Then apply it as a warm enema to stimulate bowel movement.
For chronic respiratory conditions such as colds and bronchitis, inflammation of the stomach (gastritis), inflammation of the bladder (cystitis) and burning during urination, cook 4 roots per liter of water for 10 minutes and drink 3 cups per day. In the absence of roots, hollyhock leaves and flowers can be used in a ratio of 4 tablespoons per liter of water. In both cases it must be taken before meals.
For oral problems such as irritation of the lining of the mouth, gums, sore throat or inflammation of the larynx and tonsils, prepare an infusion with 8 tablespoons of hollyhock leaves per liter of water, boil for 5 minutes. Allow cooling and use it to rinse your mouth or gargle depending on the affected area.
It also has external use. In cases of tumors or inflammation, and kidney inflammation, for example, in case of sore lower back. Prepare a concoction of 8 tablespoons of hollyhock leaves in a liter of water, cook for 5 minutes and apply it with a cloth as hot as tolerated, to the affected area 3 or 4 times a day for 20 minutes each time.
For inflammation of the prostate, you can use it to do sitz baths. Prepare and infusion with 6 tablespoons of hollyhock flowers per liter of water.

Plantain

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From this plant, plantain, there are more than 120 known species. It grows in all climates and places generally, these are plants that love water and damp places.
Natural medicine appreciates this plant because it has wonderful curative powers in diseases of the respiratory system, such as chronic cold, cough and bronchial asthma. It is also very useful in cases of skin problems like pimples and blackheads. It is used for diarrhea and gastric inflammation in both the stomach and intestines. It is useful for inflammation of the kidneys and for hemorrhoids.
Preparation for different uses:
For respiratory ailments and to help expel the mucus present in chronic colds and bronchitis, Take plantain leaves and pound them in a mortar to extract the juice. This juice is then mixed with 2 tablespoons of honey and taken one spoonful every three hours.
To cleanse and purify the blood and thus heal skin problems like pimples and blemishes, prepare an infusion as follows: cut the plantain leaves very finely, and add 6 tablespoons in a liter of water and boil for 5 minutes. You can sweeten it with sugar or honey and drink 3 times a day.
To help decrease swelling of kidneys and the digestive system, the same infusion is prepared and taken hot or cold until you notice improvement.
In case of chronic tonsillitis, a more concentrated infusion is prepared, using twice plantain leaves in the same amount of water. Allow the infusion to cool a little and gargle with warm liquid every 2 hours. Heat each time you intend to use so that it’s always be warm.
Plantain infusion is also very effective against conjunctivitis or pink eye. Prepare an infusion with 5 tablespoons chopped plantain leaves in 1 liter of water. Cool completely and continuously wash your eyes until the water runs out. Repeat the washing several times a day and conjunctivitis will disappear on that day.

Natural Remedies: Chamomile

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Chamomile is one of the safest herbs available to most people. It has relaxing effects which can help combat all kinds of conditions such as stress, menstrual cramps and in some cases even infections.

This herb is usually taken as tea but can also be ingested through supplements or applied in gel or cream form. In fact, it is also extremely affordable and readily available since most of the supermarkets in Panama sell in its different presentations.

There are two types of chamomile, one from Romania and the other from Germany but both equally effective. This natural herb is popularly known for its relaxant and antispasmodic effects but also has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. It is so safe, to the point that it that can be ingested for long periods of time without causing problems.

In particular chamomile can help in the following ways:

• Can aid in those who suffer from insomnia.

• Treats gastrointestinal problems such as heartburn, flatulence or nausea.

• Relieves discomfort caused by rashes and burns.

· Fights general eye inflammations and infections such as conjunctivitis.

• Helps to heal ulcers in the mouth and keeps gums healthy.

• Can reduce menstrual cramps

It is important to consider that although it is a fantastic herb, there is limited scientific evidence on individual results may have for each person.

Flaxseed

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In folk medicine flax or linen is used for the cleaning and inflammation of the urinary system: kidneys, ureters and bladder also helps in inflammation of the stomach, intestines and to help relieve the dropsy. It is very useful for the respiratory system in cases of bronchitis, hoarseness, dry and painful cough. It is also used in cases of stomach ulcers and hemorrhoids.
Use:Asanti-inflammatory, especially in casesof gastric inflammationandurinary problemslikekidney painor burning during urination, cook two tablespoons offlax seedsin a quartof water for 15minutes.Takea cup3 times dailybefore meals.
It also promotesbowel movements.In case of constipation, soak two tablespoons offlax seedsin a cup ofcold waterovernight. Strain the liquidand drinkin the morningbefore breakfast.
Flaxseedcan also be crushedin a mortarto prepare poultices. Thesepoulticesare usefulfor swellingfrom bumps andboils.Is prepared asfollows:
Prepare a pastewith 2or 3tablespoons of flaxseedpowder anda cup ofhot water,mix welltodesired consistencyand letcool alittleto atolerabletemperature. It should be applied,still hoton the affected part.
The samepoulticeis used to treatrespiratory ailmentssuch as bronchitis, dry coughandhoarseness, applied on the chest andleaving it therefor an hourwhile the patientrests.
For hemorrhoids, you can prepare a sitz bathwithlinseeds or flaxseed. Boil3 tablespoonsofflaxseedin a literof water for 5minutes.Allowcooling andthen the patientshould sitonthe liquidfor 5minutes.

Use:Asanti-inflammatory, especially in casesof gastric inflammationandurinary problemslikekidney painor burning during urination, cook two tablespoons offlax seedsin a quartof water for 15minutes.Takea cup3 times dailybefore meals.

It also promotesbowel movements.In case of constipation, soak two tablespoons offlax seedsin a cup ofcold waterovernight. Strain the liquidand drinkin the morningbefore breakfast.

Flaxseedcan also be crushedin a mortarto prepare poultices. Thesepoulticesare usefulfor swellingfrom bumps andboils.Is prepared asfollows:

Prepare a pastewith 2or 3tablespoons of flaxseedpowder anda cup ofhot water,mix welltodesired consistencyand letcool alittleto atolerabletemperature. It should be applied,still hoton the affected part.

The samepoulticeis used to treatrespiratory ailmentssuch as bronchitis, dry coughandhoarseness, applied on the chest andleaving it therefor an hourwhile the patientrests.

For hemorrhoids, you can prepare a sitz bathwithlinseeds or flaxseed. Boil3 tablespoonsofflaxseedin a literof water for 5minutes.Allowcooling andthen the patientshould sitonthe liquidfor 5minutes.

Pampas Grass

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A British friend of mine has mixed memories of pampas grass from his years in the UK. He remembers dried stalks and heads in vases on the floor in relative’s homes, but he also remembers trying almost everything to get rid of one that was established in the middle of the front lawn of a house he owned, and was killing off the grass for yards around it. His efforts were entirely fruitless, and then he discovered that another one (presumably from discarded seeds from the original) was growing in the compost heap!

The fields of pampas grass that used to be seen from the Corredor Sur have now gone, ploughed up to make way for golf courses, housing developments and the new sewage system, but you can still see the odd clump growing around the edge of fields and alongside roads. Perhaps now it is time for Panamanian gardeners to discover this native plant.

Pampas grass gets its name from the South American Pampas, but is native to all of south America and extending north towards North America. Pampas grass can reach a height of around 10 – 15 feet, growing in dense tussocks with long, thin, evergreen leaves around the edge and tall stems with feathery heads growing from the center. Pampas grass was introduced to Europe, North American and Asia in the nineteenth century as an ornamental grass.

Pampas grass does not require much attention once planted, especially in a wet climate like ours, but, as my friend can attest, it should be planted on its own, surrounded by gravel, concrete or an otherwise empty bed, since its root system will overpower anything else growing nearby. The sharp edged leaves can serve as a deterrent if you are plagued by stray cats or dogs invading your garden. Overall though, they provide a beautiful year round fixture in the garden and can serve to really set off a few smaller brighter blooming flowers to make a small garden look much more than it actually is.

Grow your own papaya

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It has always struck me as a little strange that here in Panama the supermarket shelves are stuffed full of ‘Fresa’ and the freezers with strawberry ice cream. You might be able to find papaya, banana or mango shakes in some specialist outlets, but if anyone is making ice creams with these delicious local fruits, I have yet to find them, and they certainly aren’t available in any major supermarket.

I love papaya ice cream, but I have to make it myself, and that got me thinking, why not grow papayas myself and make the ice cream (and smoothies and fruit salads) using fruit from my own small garden.

Papayas can be rather fragile plants, but on the other hand, they can be grown very cheaply using the seeds from a store-bought fruit. Seeds should be planted directly into garden soil somewhere that they will received direct sunlight for at least 6 hours every day. Soil should be well mixed with compost and the seeds should be covered with about half an inch of compost. Since they can be so fragile, you might think that growing them in seed pots to start with would be a good idea … but don’t, the roots are easily damaged and transplanting healthy seedlings from pot to garden could very well kill them. Plant far more than you intend to keep, then as they start growing, you can thin them out by keeping the healthiest. Do bear in mind that papaya plants are sexed, and you will need to keep one or two male plants (which don’t produce fruit) if you are to get fruit from your female plants.

Papaya plants will start flowering when they have reached about a meter in height, and male plants will flower before the females. You can recognize male plants from their flowers, which will have thin stalks and several blooms, whereas female plants have a large single bloom on a short stalk.

Watering papaya plants is a knack, that you will only acquire with practice, they do need lots of water, especially during the dry season. However, because of their fragile roots, they can easily be damaged by too much water. Get it right though and you can expect a great crop of wonderful, tasty papayas, while the plants, which can easily reach twenty feet tall make an interesting feature in the garden and can provide some pleasant shade.

How to Grow Palm Trees

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Here in Panama, palm trees are extremely popular both as landscaping plants and as cash crops for farmers. Coconut and banana palms can be seen almost everywhere. For those who just want some height and shade in their garden, they make an excellent option, well suited to the local climate, resistant to storm winds and giving even the smallest suburban garden a tropical ambiance.

Planting and growing a palm is not that difficult. The first step is to determine how much space you have is and how large a plant you can fit. You might have to do a little research and talk to your local garden center to determine what would be best for the space you have available, the light and the soil conditions in your garden. Palms vary in size from relatively small Windmill and Sago Palms, to giants like Royal Palms and Queen Palms, that when fully grown can reach heights of fifty feet.

Once you’ve selected your palm and got it home, you will need to dig a hole approximately 30% larger than the root ball. Once you have the palm in the hole, backfill the remaining space with well sifted soil from the pile you dug out. Probably best to add some compost to the soil at this point, both to provide nutrients for the plant and also to help trap water (but not too much, as most palms like a soil that drains well), sand would help with drainage and should certainly be mixed in with the soil.

Some palms have curved trunks, so you should try to ensure it is as vertical as possible before tramping down the loose soil around it. Unless planted in a very sheltered location, you should stake the palm to keep it upright until the roots have become established.

Water the tree thoroughly, especially if it is planted on a slope. You should continue to water it daily, especially in the dry season or if it is sheltered from rain. Once established, a palm does not require much attention, just clear the dead fronds as they die off from the bottom of the tree and a palm will provide some height and shade to your garden for many years.

Parsley

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Parsley is most commonly known for being used as a garnish for plates in restaurants. For that reason, people don’t realize how really nutritious and beneficial for the health it is. They don’t notice that it is a wonderful food, packed with lots of nutrients, presented with a delicious taste and vibrant green color.

There are two parsley varieties, the Italian flat leaf parsley and curly parsley. Italian parsley has a less bitter taste and more aromas, than the curly parsley. There is another type of parsley that is cultivated to use its roots, it’s called turnip-rooted (or Hamburg), it resembles burdock and salsify. This plant Latin name is crispum of Petroselinum and belongs to the family of Umbelliferae.

Another good way to include valuable nutrients in your diet, like the ones in parsley, is to drink green juices. These juices are made from fruits, herbs and raw vegetables. They are very easy to make and add minerals and vitamins to your diet. It is a widely known fact that part of the vegetable nutrients are lost with high heat, that it why it is best to eat them raw to consume all of the nutrients. This way you will take in all of the benefits they provide.

Green juices can be made in either a blender or a juicer. There are two trends of thought with green juices. The ones, who defend the use of a blender, say that you can liquefy the vegetables, fruits and herbs until they are broken into very small pieces, and then drink the entire thing, taking all of the nutrients in. The ones, who defend the juicer alternative, say that the body wastes time digesting the pulp, so it’s best to extract the juice, separate it from the pulp and only take in the valuable liquid nutrients.

Rosemary

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Rosemary is the common name, but the scientific name is Rosmarinus officinalis. It is a plant from the Mediterranean region; belonging to the Labiatae family. Etymology: the name comes from the Latin ros (dew) and marinus (marine), because of its fragrance and the fact that it grows in the coastal cliffs. It is a shrub, a perennial woody type that can reach 2 m in height, the leaves dark on one side and silver on the other and are aromatic. It has flowers they are pale blue and are born in mid-summer.

It is widely used in cooking, but because of its strong taste and aroma covers the other spices and herbs, it should be used in small amounts. It is better to use it alone or in mixtures with only a few ingredients, for example with thyme, garlic, etc. Used in small amounts, it goes very well with bay leaf, onion, pepper and thyme. It can be used in tomato sauce. You can obtain oil from the tender stems, it is best during or immediately after flowering. Rosemary is also used to embellish bottles and to flavor vinegars. Fresh rosemary is a little bitter, so it’s better to use it dry. It goes great with lamb, roast, fish or game.

Italians use it when cooking rice. It is also used for seasoning meats such as lamb, stews and soup. Because of its bitter taste, resins and a rough texture, they should be chopped finely or use twigs so you can remove them before serving. You can use it in powder to season jams and biscuit, but only in small amounts. Rosemary is used to flavor oils, either fresh or pickled sprigs.

You can also make candy from rosemary, boil half pound of sugar with one pound of flowers for two or three minutes. You can add it to salads and jellies. In Italy it is also used in charcuterie. You can put few branches of rosemary in olive oil this way you’ll flavor the oil so you can use it to season all kinds of food, it goes great with black olives. Another recommendation is to put a few branches in the fire when you are grilling, it will add great taste to the meat.

Benefits of ginger

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Ginger is a very popular spice for use in the kitchen. On the other hand it has medicinal benefits and has been used for that purpose for thousands of years. There are some cases in which ginger has shown to be more effective than drugs prescribed by a doctor, according to some studies. Ginger is an herb. It grows in the lowlands of the tropic. It is an articulated tuber, it has a hand form. This tuber is known as rhizomes comp. The main characteristic of this plant is the sour and spicy taste and the strong aromatic taste. The rhizomes are white inside and dusky yellow outside. With long leaves, like the ones from corn just sprout from the ground, they wrap the stem in its sheath. The flowers are supported by slated scales in which they are arranged, they have conical spikes and are very beautiful.

It has a nutty fruit. It is perennial, herbaceous and measures up to 1mt in height. The rhizomes are meaty and thick, they have knots. The flowers are gathered in a dense spike, located at the end of the stem. They have purple and yellow lips and are sessile.

This is its chemical composition: essential oil (0.5 to 3%) containing terpene derivatives;c ream (5 to 8%), bitter principles and phenolic ketone (zingerone, gingerol, shogaol) and other substances.

It has to be dried after harvesting and the process is as follows: the rhizomes need to be collected before the new shoots are formed. Old rhizomes lose their medicinal benefits. After that you need to wash them, scrap them and dry them in the sun.

Ginger shouldn’t be used by menopause women who suffer from hot flahes or people with high fever, because it tends to elevate the body’s temperature. In pregnancy it should be used in small amounts and only after doctor’s approval. You can get ginger in two forms: young and mature. The young ginger is harvested in the spring and has a milder flavor than the mature variety.