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Articles from Eric Smith | Selfgrowth.com
- Cedarwood Essential Oil - by Submitted on Jan 07, 2011 from Eric SmithCedarwood Essential Oil is from the genus Cedrus Specifically the Cedrus atlantica. Commonly referred to as Atlas Cedarwood. There are however various other Cedar and Juniper species used to produce Cedarwood Essential Oil but the preferred choice is the Atlas Cedarwood. The Cedrus atlantica ...
Views: 7161(1 vote) - Eucalyptus Essential Oil - by Submitted on Jan 07, 2011 from Eric SmithEucalyptus oil is amongst the most versatile of all Essential oils. Several species of Eucalypt have been used in the production of Eucalyptus oil with the most popular being Eucalyptus globulus. The Eucalypt belongs to the Myrtacea family. Australian Aboriginals have known of the health ...
Views: 2447(1 vote) - Frankincense Essential Oil - by Submitted on Jan 07, 2011 from Eric SmithFrankincense is derived from sap the Boswellia sacra tree of the Burseraceae family. The Boswellia is a Small to Medium sized tree reaching a height of around 7 to 8 metres. Frankincense is an extremely popular oil used by Aromatherapists around the world. This was prized oil as far back ...
Views: 2336(1 vote) - Geranium Essential Oil - by Submitted on Jan 07, 2011 from Eric SmithGeranium Essential Oil is derived from the leaf and stalk of the Pelargonium graveolens, from the Geraneaceae family. The graveolens species has a much rosier smell compared to the odoratissimum species, which has more of an apple scent. The Pelargonium graveolens is the most prized of the ...
Views: 4845(1 vote) - German Chamomile Essential Oil - by Submitted on Jan 07, 2011 from Eric SmithGerman Chamomile, Matricaria recutita, is from the family Asteraceae. German Chamomile grows naturally across Europe and Asia. It has been introduced to North America and Australia. In some areas it grows as a weed along road sides and in agriculture. The plant grows to about 60cm tall. It ...
Views: 2199(1 vote) - Healthy Lifestyle, Healthy Eating - Carrot - by Submitted on Jan 14, 2011 from Eric SmithThe Carrot is from the family Apiaceae with the botanical name of Daucus carota. Carrots are a common Root vegetable with a traditional orange colour. Though the orange variety is the typical favourite, there are white, purple and red varieties available. The vegetable of the carrot plant is a ...
Views: 2064(1 vote) - Healthy Lifestyle, Healthy Eating - Coconut - by Submitted on Jan 12, 2011 from Eric SmithWhen we think of coconut we probably first think of the desiccated coconut we use in cooking or coconut oil, which is often used in Sunscreen lotions or tanning oils. The humble little coconut actually has a very versatile list uses which help give it its popularity. The coconut is ...
Views: 2119(2 votes) - Healthy Lifestyle, Healthy Eating - Cucumber - by Submitted on Jan 14, 2011 from Eric SmithThe humble cucumber if from the family Cucurbitaceae and is botanically recognised as Cucumis sativus. The cucumber is a popular plant used extensively as a fresh food as well as pickles. Cucumbers are a vine that can be grown along the ground or trained along a trellis or other structure ...
Views: 2644(1 vote) - Healthy Lifestyle, Healthy Eating - Garlic - by Submitted on Jan 14, 2011 from Eric SmithNot a root vegetable, but grown underground just the same, Garlic is a nutritious vegetable of the Alliaceae family. Botanically recognised as Allium sativum, Garlic is closely related to Shallots, Onions, Leek and Chives. Garlic has been used for centuries for both Medicinal and edible ...
Views: 2021(1 vote) - Healthy Lifestyle, Healthy Eating - Lychee - by Submitted on Jan 14, 2011 from Eric SmithThe Lychee, a native of China, grows best in tropical and subtropical regions and can be found growing in many parts of the world these days. It is Botanically recognised as Litchi chinensis from the Sapindaceae plant family. The lychee tree can grow as tall as 20 Metres but more typically ...
Views: 2429(1 vote) - Healthy Lifestyle, Healthy Eating - Pomegranate - by Submitted on Jan 14, 2011 from Eric SmithA member of the Lythraceae family and Botanically named Punica granatum, the pomegranate is a deciduous tree growing to around 7 to 8 metres. The pomegranate is a native to areas around Southwest Asia. It has been grown for its fruit for centuries. Today it can be found growing today in many ...
Views: 1989(2 votes) - Healthy Lifestyle, Healthy Eating - Pumpkin (Winter Squash) - by Submitted on Jan 17, 2011 from Eric SmithPumpkin is from the plant family Cucurbitaceae of the genus Cucurbita pepo. It is a common genus and species with many cultivars including; Acorn squash, Delicata squash, Gem squash, Heart of gold squash, Pattypan squash, Pumpkin, Zucchini and many others. Some Pumpkins belong to other species’ ...
Views: 2027(1 vote) - Healthy Lifestyle, Healthy Eating - Radish - by Submitted on Jan 14, 2011 from Eric SmithThe Radish is a quick growing vegetable cultivated in many areas around the world. From the Brassicaceae family, which includes the Cabbage, Brussels sprouts, Broccoli and Cauliflower, the Radish is botanically recognised as Raphanus sativus. There are several varieties of radishes grown for ...
Views: 2584(1 vote) - Healthy Lifestyle, Healthy Eating - Red Kidney Beans - by Submitted on Jan 14, 2011 from Eric SmithThe Red Kidney Bean is recognised by its bright red or brown colour. Though they also come in Black and white varieties. They are from the Legume family of plants, Fabaceae. The Botanical name for the red kidney bean is Phaseolus vulgaris, which is also the name for pinto, navy and black beans. ...
Views: 2279(1 vote) - Helichrysum Essential Oil - by Submitted on Jan 07, 2011 from Eric SmithHelichrysum Essential Oil is derived from the flowers, of the Helichrysum italicum from the Asteraceae family. This species of Helichrysum is also known as angustifolium. There are several hundred species of Helichrysum. The Helichrysum italicum is the most common species used in Essential ...
Views: 2857(2 votes) - Is Organic a Healthier Choice? - by Submitted on Jan 28, 2011 from Eric SmithThere is a lot of Scientific study into the benefits of Organically grown food compared to food grown with conventional farming methods. Some studies indicate Organic is more nutritious while others show conventionally grown produce is. Better for us. I am going to look at it from a logical ...
Views: 2113(1 vote) - Jasmine Essential Oil - by Submitted on Jan 07, 2011 from Eric SmithJasminum grandiflora is a beautiful plant of the Oleaceae family. It was previously known as Jasmine officinale and is commonly known as Royal Jasmine or Spanish Jasmine. Jasmine is an evergreen shrub with a climbing habit. It has been known to grow up to 10 meters high. The Dark green leaves ...
Views: 2167(1 vote) - Lavender Essential Oil - by Submitted on Jan 07, 2011 from Eric SmithLavender Essential Oil is derived from the flowers, of the Lavandula angustifolia, from the Lamiaceae family, previously known as Lavandula officinalis. It is still recognised as officinalis by some horticulturalists. The Lavender Shrub grows to around one metre. It is an extremely popular ...
Views: 1972(1 vote) - Lemon Essential Oil - by Submitted on Jan 07, 2011 from Eric SmithLemon Essential Oil is expressed from the fresh skin of the Citrus limonum from the Rutaceae Family, also known as Citrus Limon. Lemon trees grow up to 6 metres in height. The fruit is born from slightly pink flowers. The fruit is bright green ripening to its brilliant colour of ...
Views: 1982(1 vote) - Synthetic Chemicals and their connection to childhood cancer - by Submitted on Jan 28, 2011 from Eric SmithCancer is a serious disease, especially in children. Disease related statistics place childhood cancer as the leading cause of death in children from Birth to 15 years old. Accidents do cause more deaths than cancer, but cancer is the most common childhood disease resulting in death. It is ...
Views: 1750(1 vote) - Lime Essential Oil - by Submitted on Jan 07, 2011 from Eric SmithOne of my most favourite oils, Lime Essential Oil is expressed from the fresh skin of the Citrus aurantifolia from the Rutaceae Family, also known as Citrus latifolia. Citrus oils have a lot in common with each other but also stand alone with their own unique properties. Lime trees grow up to ...
Views: 5401(2 votes) - Natures Answers - Yucca Schidigera - by Submitted on Aug 04, 2009 from Eric SmithThe Yucca schidigera is a member of the Agavaceae family. a plant native to the ranges from the south western part of Nevada and Arizona, central and southern California in the USA through to deserts of Mexico. The plant grows up to 5 meters in approximately 15 to 20 years. It has an erect or ...
Views: 2601(3 votes) - Nature Has The Answer - Aloe Vera - by Submitted on Aug 04, 2009 from Eric SmithThe Aloe Vera plant is a member of the Liliaceae family. It has cactus like features and was originally sourced from Africa. Like cactus plants, its long green thick leaves contain the water the plant needs to survive during long periods of drought. Aloe Vera resists dry, warm climates very ...
Views: 2324(1 vote) - Natures Answers - Sunflower Oil - by Submitted on Aug 04, 2009 from Eric SmithThe Sunflower is Botanically classified as (Helianthus Annuus) Sunflower oil is high in essential fatty acids. It helps to moisturise and condition the skin. Sunflower oil can be used as the primary oil within lotion, salt scrub, bath oil and massage oil formulations. It is also very useful ...
Views: 2286(1 vote) - Aromatherapy oils and their use in calming the effects of Autism - by Submitted on Jan 28, 2011 from Eric SmithAutism Autism is a neurological condition with several recognised characteristics. The main is Social Anxiety. Without guided support School and social activities can be difficult for those suffering Autism. Autistic children and adults are also known to have abilities more advanced than ...
Views: 4869(1 vote) - Health Lifestyle, Healthy Eating - Peas - by Submitted on Jan 17, 2011 from Eric SmithPeas are a common vegetable grown in many home gardens around the world. Botanically recognised as Pisum sativum. Varieties include “macrocarpon” (Snow peas or Snap peas) and “hortense” (Podded peas) from the family Fabaceae. Peas originated in areas around Turkey and Western Asia. Peas grow ...
Views: 1967 - Healthy Lifestyle, Healthy Eating - Acai Berry - by Submitted on Jan 12, 2011 from Eric SmithA Berry similar in size and colour of the Blueberry, the acai berry contains a large single seed in the middle of a fleshy pulp. Acai Berry is a Native to the Amazon Rainforest. A member of the Arecaceae family, the Acai Berry is Botanically recognised as Euterpe oleracea. The berry is born ...
Views: 2022 - Healthy Lifestyle, Healthy Eating - Alfalfa Grass - by Submitted on Jan 17, 2011 from Eric SmithAlfalfa grass is of the Genus, “Medicago” and the species is “satvia” it is from the Fabacea family of plants. Alfalfa grass can be used as high protein food for humans and livestock. It is recognised in agriculture as Lucerne. It is used as a stock feed and can be bailed for hay and used as ...
Views: 2621 - Healthy Lifestyle, Healthy Eating - Asparagus - by Submitted on Jan 11, 2011 from Eric SmithThe cultivation of Asparagus has a long history dating back to at least 2000 years when the Egyptians grew it for its health and medicinal properties. It also has connections to Ancient Rome and Greece. Asparagus is from the genus Asparagus and species A. officinalis. Asparagus is a unique plant ...
Views: 1820 - Healthy Lifestyle, Healthy Eating - Avocado - by Submitted on Jan 11, 2011 from Eric SmithPersea gratissima, better known as Avocado is a Tree from the plant family, Lauraceae. The tree and its fruit are both commonly referred to as Avocado. It Fruit has also been commonly named Alligator Pear and Butter Pear. The Avocado is native to Mexico and parts of South America. The fruit ...
Views: 1846 - Healthy Lifestyle, Healthy Eating - Barley Grass - by Submitted on Jan 12, 2011 from Eric SmithBarley grass is botanically recognised as Hordeum vulgare from the plant family Poaceae. As a member of the grain family it is grown extensively as a feed or fodder for livestock. It is also grown for its grain which is used both as a feed or fodder grain and for human consumption. Malted Barley ...
Views: 2266 - Healthy Lifestyle, Healthy Eating - Beetroot - by Submitted on Jan 12, 2011 from Eric SmithBeetroot, also referred to as simply Beet, is a root vegetable with the Latin name of Beta vulgaris. It is from the plant family Chenopodiaceae. A common vegetable in salads, the root of the Beetroot is deep red to purple in colour and is extremely high in many nutrients, minerals and ...
Views: 2289 - Healthy Lifestyle, Healthy Eating - Blueberry - by Submitted on Jan 12, 2011 from Eric SmithBlueberries are known botanically as Vaccinium of which there are several species. Blueberries belong to the Ericaceae family. The Cranberry and Bilberry are also from the Vaccinium Genus. The blueberry is a Perennial with dark blue berries. Blueberries are Native to North America and ...
Views: 1852 - Healthy Lifestyle, Healthy Eating - Bok Choy - by Submitted on Jan 17, 2011 from Eric SmithBok Choy (pak choi) or Chinese Cabbage as it is commonly known is a member of the Brassicaceae family. Botanically classified as Brassica rapa with sub species “chinensis” or “pekinensis”. The common form grown around the world is “chinensis” which is also commonly referred to as “White cabbage” ...
Views: 2065 - Healthy Lifestyle, Healthy Eating - Burdock - by Submitted on Jan 14, 2011 from Eric SmithBurdock is from the Asteraceae family of the Genus Arctium of which there are several species. The most common used is Arctium lappa. The plant grows on a basal stalk with large leaves resembling common dock. Burdock is often treated as a weed when it grows naturally along roadsides where wind ...
Views: 2377 - Healthy Lifestyle, Healthy Eating - Capsicum (Bell Pepper) - by Submitted on Jan 12, 2011 from Eric SmithThe Bell Pepper is from the plant family Solanaceae of the Genus ‘Capsicum’; it is a cultivar of the species ‘annuum’. Bell Peppers are a native of Mexico and closely related to the tomato. It is recognised as a vegetable but is officially a berry fruit. The common name of “Pepper” is ...
Views: 3001 - Healthy Lifestyle, Healthy Eating - Chickpeas - by Submitted on Jan 12, 2011 from Eric SmithHistorically Chickpeas have been used almost since recorded time began. They have recorded uses of Chickpeas in Italy and Greece since the Bronze Age. Chickpeas are believed to be one of, if not the oldest cultivated vegetables. There is evidence to suggest Chickpeas were used as far back as ...
Views: 2561 - Healthy Lifestyle, Healthy Eating - Common Stone Fruit - by Submitted on Jan 17, 2011 from Eric SmithStone Fruit or a Drupe as they are sometimes referred usually has a single seed in the centre of a fleshy (fruit) outer protective covering. Stone fruit are nutritious and typically rich in Antioxidant vitamins particularly Vitamin C. The flesh of Stone fruit is designed to protect the seed ...
Views: 2853 - Healthy Lifestyle, Healthy Eating - Goji Berry - by Submitted on Jan 11, 2011 from Eric SmithGoji berries or more traditionally referred to as Wolfberries are from the Solanaceae family and of the Botanical genus of Lycium the most recognised species is barbarum (Lycium barbarum). The Goji Berry is a close relative of the Tomato and the Potato. The Goji Berry is known to fight the ...
Views: 2629 - Healthy Lifestyle, Healthy Eating - Kiwi Fruit (Chinese Gooseberry) - by Submitted on Jan 12, 2011 from Eric SmithThe Kiwi Fruit or Chinese Gooseberry is botanically recognised as Actinidia deliciosa of the Family Actinidiaceae. Despite its commonly recognised name (Kiwi Fruit) it is a Native of China. There are many hybrids of the Kiwi Fruit all bred for their own individual characteristics. The fruit ...
Views: 2420 - Healthy Lifestyle, Healthy Eating - Lettuce - by Submitted on Jan 12, 2011 from Eric SmithLettuce is botanically recognised as Lactuca satvia from the family Asteraceae. It is perhaps, the world’s most popular green leaf salad vegetable. The milky solution that oozes from the crispy base end of lettuce was the rise of both the botanical (Latin) name for lettuce as well as the common ...
Views: 1972 - Healthy Lifestyle, Healthy Eating - Linseed (Flax) - by Submitted on Jan 12, 2011 from Eric SmithLinseed (or Flax as it is often known) is of the family Linaceae with the Botanical name of Linum usitatissimum. Archaeological digs have discovered flax fibres believed to be from around the year around 34,000BC. Historically Flax was cultivated around Ethiopia and Ancient Egypt. Flax grows ...
Views: 1997 - Healthy Lifestyle, Healthy Eating - Mint - by Submitted on Jan 17, 2011 from Eric SmithThere are many species of mint belonging to the Genus Mentha of the Lamiaceae family. All mints have a pleasant aroma, though some may be considered overly pungent. Mint is perennial in habit and is typically cut back hard at the end of its growing season. Mints are known to enjoy wet ...
Views: 2155 - Healthy Lifestyle, Healthy Eating - Mulberry - by Submitted on Jan 12, 2011 from Eric SmithThe Mulberry is from the Plant family Moraceae. It is botanically recognised, as Morus of which there are many species (sp.). It is thought to be up to 20 species of Mulberry. They are generally a sub-tropical tree grown commonly around Asia, Africa, America and Europe. The largest clusters ...
Views: 2395 - Healthy Lifestyle, Healthy Eating - Olive Oil - by Submitted on Jan 17, 2011 from Eric SmithOlive Oil is obtained from the fruit of Olea europaea of the Oleaceae family. Commonly known as The Olive Tree. One of the healthiest oils available it is perhaps the world’s most popular oil used commonly in cooking. In addition it is also used in Cosmetics and Soaps as well as in ...
Views: 2010 - Healthy Lifestyle, Healthy Eating - Parsnips - by Submitted on Jan 14, 2011 from Eric SmithThe parsnip is botanically recognised as Pastinaca sativa from the Apiaceae family. Often described as a white carrot. They are native to Europe, Asia and throughout the Mediterranean. They pre-date the potato and were often used in a fashion similar to potatoes today. Parsnips are thought to ...
Views: 2489 - Healthy Lifestyle, Healthy Eating - Pearl Barley - by Submitted on Jan 11, 2011 from Eric SmithPearl barley is barley that has had its hull and bran. Barley can not be eaten without the outer hull being removed. Pearl Barley has also had its bran layer removed. For Human Consumption, Pearl barley is the most common. It is faster to cook, less chewy and more readily digested. Pearl ...
Views: 2422 - Healthy Lifestyle, Healthy Eating - Potato - by Submitted on Jan 14, 2011 from Eric SmithThe Potato is from the Solanaceae family. It is botanically recognised as Solanum tuberosum. The Potato is closely related to Tomatoes, Nicotinia and Deadly Nightshade. The Potato has several varieties and is recognised as the fourth largest crop in the world. Potatoes have along history ...
Views: 2211 - Healthy Lifestyle, Healthy Eating - Red Lentils - by Submitted on Jan 14, 2011 from Eric SmithRed Lentils belong to the plant family Fabaceae. Red lentils are classified as Lens culinaris. The Lentil is Popular around Europe and a regularly consumed food throughout the Middle East and India. The Red Lentil is often used as a substitute for meat. There are several varieties of ...
Views: 2314 - Healthy Lifestyle, Healthy Eating - Rhubarb - by Submitted on Jan 17, 2011 from Eric SmithRhubarb is botanically recognised as Rheum rhabarbarum and is a member of the Polygonaceae family. The leaves of Rhubarb are toxic but they are also bitter. It is thought that for the amount needed to produce toxic effect one could not handle eating it at that level. Needless to say the leaves ...
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