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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: 7165(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: 5405(2 votes) - 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: 4873(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: 4849(1 vote) - Healthy Lifestyle, Healthy Eating - Rocket - by Submitted on Jan 12, 2011 from Eric SmithRocket is a popular salad green from the Brassicaceae family. Botanically recognised as Eruca satvia it is native to areas around the Mediterranean through Portugal, Lebanon and Turkey. It is an annual, which can grow to a metre in height but is usually harvested when less than 20cm. Every ...
Views: 3792 - Organic Gardener – Make Your Own Budget Potting Mixture - by Submitted on Jan 28, 2011 from Eric SmithCommercially made potting mixtures are relatively cheap these days. They contain a unique blend of materials for holding plant roots and carry nutrients the plant needs for growth and sustenance. The downside is they often rely on inorganic materials and synthetic fertilisers. Home made ...
Views: 3054 - 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: 3005 - 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: 2860(2 votes) - 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: 2857 - Organic Gardener – A guide to trench composting - by Submitted on Jan 28, 2011 from Eric SmithThere are many ways to make compost. Typical green brown composts are made either in a compost bin or a heap on the ground. Compost does not always require the use of a surrounding container. Compost made in a heap is much easier to turn if and when required. If you have read my articles ...
Views: 2815 - Healthy Lifestyle, Healthy Eating - Silverbeet - by Submitted on Jan 17, 2011 from Eric SmithRecognised as a part of the Amaranthaceae family, Silverbeet or, Beta vulgaris cicla, as it is Botanically known, is often incorrectly called spinach. Spinach has a different Genus name of the same family. In many countries Silverbeet is more commonly recognised as Chard. Silverbeet can be ...
Views: 2810 - Healthy Lifestyle, Healthy Eating - The Adzuki Bean - by Submitted on Jan 17, 2011 from Eric SmithThe Adzuki bean, Vigna angulari, is an annual grown commercially for domestic consumption. Spelling variations also have the Adzuki bean listed as Azuki and Aduki – I have alternated between the different spellings throughout this article. Beans are high in soluble fibre, which can aid regular ...
Views: 2728 - 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: 2648(1 vote) - 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: 2635 - 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: 2624 - 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: 2604(3 votes) - 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: 2588(1 vote) - 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: 2564 - Organic Gardener - Using Home Made Compost - by Submitted on Jan 28, 2011 from Eric SmithNo garden is complete without a Backyard compost heap. It’s a great place to get rid of your old lawn clippings, leaves, shredded branches and cardboard and newspaper. Its always a good idea to work with 2 or 3 separate compost heaps. While one is full and in the process of becoming compost, the ...
Views: 2538 - 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: 2492 - 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: 2450(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: 2432(1 vote) - 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: 2426 - 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: 2422 - 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: 2398 - Organic Gardener – A Guide To Growing Carrots In Your Home Garden - by Submitted on Jan 28, 2011 from Eric SmithCarrots are amongst the most popular vegetables to grow in the organic home vegetable garden. Carrots are perhaps so popular because of how easy they are to grow and the versatility they provide in the kitchen. Carrots can be used for Juicing, Boiling, Steaming, In Casseroles, Stews and Soups, ...
Views: 2396 - 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: 2379 - 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: 2338(1 vote) - 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: 2327(1 vote) - The effect of Synthetic Chemicals on the Endocrine system - by Submitted on Jan 28, 2011 from Eric SmithWhat is the Endocrine System? The endocrine system is a collective of glands and the associated hormones they excrete. Hormones regulate several functions within the body including sexual development, development of the foetus in the womb and reproductive function. The endocrine system also ...
Views: 2327 - 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: 2318 - 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: 2292 - 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: 2291(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: 2282(1 vote) - Positive Steps to Reducing Stress in your Busy Lifestyle. - by Submitted on Jan 28, 2011 from Eric SmithWe probably all know what stress is, and may have suffered some symptoms of it in our lifetime. Stress is a Medical Problem that can be the cause of many other medical issues we face in our busy lifestyles. Stress can have a negative impact on your heart health and overall cardiovascular ...
Views: 2277 - 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: 2270 - 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: 2215 - 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: 2202(1 vote) - 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 ...
Views: 2179 - 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: 2170(1 vote) - 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: 2159 - Healthy Lifestyle, Healthy Eating - Thyme - by Submitted on Jan 17, 2011 from Eric SmithThyme has been used for centuries by many cultures. The Ancient Egyptians would use Thyme in their embalming rituals, other cultures including Greek and Roman would burn thyme for its aromatic perfume. One of its first recognised uses as flavouring was in cheese. Thyme is a common herb used ...
Views: 2125 - 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: 2122(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: 2117(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: 2069(1 vote) - 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: 2067 - Healthy Lifestyle, Healthy Eating - Watermelon - by Submitted on Jan 17, 2011 from Eric SmithThe Watermelon is a hard skinned Berry known as a pepo. Botanically recognised as Citrullus lanatus, it is a member of the Cucurbitaceae family, which also included Pumpkins, Zucchini and Gourds. Though officially a berry, watermelon is rarely recognised as such in the general ...
Views: 2047 - Healthy Lifestyle, Healthy Eating - String Beans - by Submitted on Jan 17, 2011 from Eric SmithString Beans are one of the most nutritious vegetables grown commercially for food. String Beans are high in B Group vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, and a rich source of vitamin C. String beans are also exceptionally high in Amino acids Phenylalanine, Isoleucine, Leucine, Valine, Methionine, ...
Views: 2046 - 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: 2030(1 vote) - 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 ...
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