The Undesigned Chapter, XIII ; ...Let the Good Herbs Roll

(Hi-Tec ) Recom. XVIII  [II / 2014 ] ; The plants , Pt 2a

”...For human society I was obliged to conjure up the former occupants of these woods. Within the memory of many of my townsmen the road near which my house stands resounded with the laugh and gossip of inhabitants, and the woods which burden it were notched and dotted here and there with their little gardens and dwelling, though it was much more shut in by the forest than now.

...Here, by the corner of my field, still nearer to town, Zilpha, a black woman had her little house, where she spun linen for the townsfolk, making the Walden Woods ring wither shrill singing, for she had a loud and notable voice. At lenghts , in the war of 1812, her dwelling was set on fire by English soldiers, prisoners on parole, when she was away, and her cat and dog, and hens were all burned up together. She led a hard life, and somewhat inhumane. One old frequenter of these woods remembers, that as he passed her house one noon he heard her muttering to herself over her gurgling pot - - 'Ye are all bones, bones!', I have seen bricks amid the oak copse there. ...”

; Thoreau, Walden (...chpt. Former inhabitants and winter visitors)

”I rise with my red hair /

And I eat men like air."

; by Sylvia Plath, (1932-1963, feminist, some anarcho-poetist,

...sentences of a poem, apparently)

”I must acknowledge that I have been unsuccessful in obtaining a specimen of the animal, but I have found it's traces in all directions. …in the following pages I design to investigate the notices of werevolves ; …instances of persons thus efflicted, who were believed by others, and who believed themselves, to be transformed into beasts and who, in the paroxysms of their madness, committed numerous murders, and devoured their victims...”

; ...from The Book of Werevolves (by Sabine Baring-Gould, p. 1865),

”You shall not pass !”

; Gandalf to that creature of the flame, whip and the shadow 
, on a bridge of Kházad-Dum,; ...from Tolkien's LOTR, the 1^st part (...didn't care to check that from exact word, though...)

; ...Concerning the herbs, perhaps it should be at first acknowledged that I've not any particular understanding, nor any professional, neither practical, knowledge from the herbal healing/plants as medicinery. On earlier chpt's we've fx presented some good natural plants, occasionally and randomly. So this time, inspired from my various cultivations, I thought it quite proper offering some examples of herbs I've sown and grown on (...my very limited, about 10 x 6 m) garden yard. From some of these I've relative much experience (indeed), but some others I've just recently cultivated and mostly from the fun of it, say. ; ...So, on this chapter about plants I mostly thought using my own (limited) familiarity from, but, as well some ideas and advices the gardening books plus other renown advisories would offer (...It is no bad idea check of these elsewhere too, I really don't claim to posses too profound a knowledge.). 

 

For the starters few aspect(s) noted: ...Personally I ain't not too sure whether it might've been from my change on favoring mostly vegetables-oriented diets, or from the now regular habit of chewing the various green herbs (...ao, some from of these here presented), but ever since – for about a year or couple since – I've not much suffered any typical flus, sore throats, et sim [...Knock, knock (on wood), for not to spell me any bad fortunes...]. I seriously believe the green herbs to contain many important vitamins, so called 'immunologic boosters' (or whatsoever) and the various substances that can serve as good aid in protecting from the most common illnesses and/or infections. ; ...On the other hand, I don' t believe for any 'miraculous' cures offered by any singular plants (...while I know some to posses that, very certainly.) 

 Likewise, I think the ingredients of the natural herbs and plant probably best at their original (natural) appearance, and, are probably more effective than (fx) in form of the bought pills and other stuffs - Often expensive, and even more often, pure rubbish. ; Albeit, wouldn't prevent me of to buy any stuff that'd be of my interest of the herbal medicinery shop, in case I'd happen find that necessary (...from reasons whatsoever. Fx, I've not any idea what part of Cone-flowers are the used part, probably wouldn't care for all the trouble of finding out by myself. Currently I only have those as my garden decoration. However, on that purpose (for the better healths) they actually serve  quite as well – it seems proven the flowers from to have lot influence on mental well-being and moods.) ; Also, as I know that the existence of the active 'elements' on plants can vary a lot by its situation, it is not even very wise experiment without a better knowledge - (Fx), of the most plants leaves are the used part, but in the Rhubarb (Rhea rhubarbarum) the leaves actually contain toxic and it's the stalks that are eaten as a popular delicacy. 

; Likewise - as the reader also might've noticed priorly - I'm not at all enthusiasted about the popular imported (often tropical) 'super-plants', adverted/claimed from being so beneficial and w. good healing powers (...etc.). But, (it's not uncommon) that those good qualities may be compromised due from transport time, or maybe it's exaggerated of their actual characteristics - and most of all; (sometimes) the trade might drive plants over-collect and also, at least indirectly, the forest destruction. ...Soforth, this post under (your) lens aims show that equally useful and beneficial plants one can easily grow on one's own soil. Or, alternatively on pots (if wish to use a little more care and time on them).

In short, without too many words, we at begins also notive the herbs on the human usage having had an ages-old history. ...It's probably older than are even the human civilizations, for happened one time bop to my attention fx this (from the Wikip., viewed 13.5.2013) :

”The use of plants as medicins predates written human history. [...the use of herbs and spices] ...in cuisine developed in part as a response to the threat of food-borne pathogens.”, and: ”A large amount of archeological evidence exists which indicates that humans were using medicinal plants during the Paleolithic, approximately 60,000 years ago. (Furthermore, other non-human primates are also known to ingest medicinal plants to treat illness.)” 

 ; ...Soforth, of that one can fx infer that certain herbs (/spices) probably would even turn out quite beneficial to any people having a meat containing diets, fx. I mean, (that said) even without any referencing for those modern 'boosters' of the mentioned 'food-borne pathogens' (/bacteria) – say, the accumulation of chemicals, pesticides used, at least formerly, a lot, on agricultural production of the foods, ...and fx; the fat. (The latter is mentioned just due because often herbs also have the good effect from improving digestation and accelerating metabolic rate. )

Another aspect (to mention) also that term 'herb' has a wider array of meanings. Basically it's a term that could fit for most majority of the plants. In the common sense usually the herbs – either they're culinarily used some or not – are green plants that are knwon from some beneficial effect, one way or the other. Often, while not always, they're most usable prior the plants blooming (At some cases, fx from the actual Menthes, it's advised abstainíng from the plants picking postward flowering because from harmful side-effects/subtances them develop). Most also favor the nutrient-poor soil - but not always, and for some exceptions there are fx the Basil, or, Borage...Borage actually is mentioned from tolerate most any kind soil. (Also, of course, as there are several popular garden flowers used in the various herbal purposes – like fx the Cone-flower(s) and Bergamot at this list – those often appear require more fertilized soils.) ; ...And, more usual than not, also many require lot sunshine and warmth, as the (majority from) now popular garden herbs by earliest did originate from the warmer regions (Often, but not always, from the Mediterranean climatic areas, etc.)

; ...Various of these (examples selected by me) here are about plants that were well renown already during antique times. (Tells particularly of the very strong tradition the use of herbs.) ...From their good healing properties it's fx said that some from the most famous antique medicinal herbals, De Materia Medici Libri Quinque - written Greek army physician Dioscorides (ca 40 – 90 A.D.) - contains descriptions from some 500 plants which have the healing effect. 

(Anecdote; It's also said that the doctors – in the modern sense quacks and healers – of the roman armies regularly had a copy from Materia Medici carried along them.) Likewise, it was obligatiory from to have alongside fx some Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) at the medicine bag –because of the plants usefulness on scars and wounds. And indeed, it really has surprising healing powers, even though the plants internal uses aren't recommended acc. any more modern knowledges. Actually, on it's past importance in the medicinery is little hard to believe, as the plant nowadays grows along every road- or wayside, virtually everywhere here.)

; Pic on the right (above) : Roman army doctors ; '...Together they can kill more than a couple diseases and an attack squadron in combined.' (Coscinny-Uderzo, 'Asterix Chez les Helvetes', p. 1970)

; From the plants below listed, and fx regularly cultivated by me, at least the Saviour, Hyssop and Borage - in particular - were already commonly used by the antique times. 
 

Lacy Phaselia (Phaselia tanacetifolia)

; ...The plant on the right here just for the decorations (...it not has any actual medicinal properties, or uses as a herb, at least acc. my knowing). But, Lacy Phaselia appears a most enchanting flower which lovely blooms. ...Appears it also mentioned to a favorable plant for uses at soils improvement, and due that it's sometimes grown at the fields during occasional years. I actually picked the seeds for these grown by myself from the city-field and noticed it very easy to grow at one's own garden. Originating from Mexico its said, but the plant tolerates cold quite well. And also is most favored by variety of bees - as it provides a lot of nectar. (Blooms well-lastingly, for most of the summer. Singular flowers for about a Month's time, or nearly so.)  

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About the quotes (above) referred ; …Of the Thoreau's part, I actully recall, at the first reading, from had wondered why he tells that episode...For reading Henry David one wouldn't much consider him for any 'emancipatorist' and also I don't think that he'd told the story just due because from any patriotic intentions either (...the man likely possessed some of those too, I think). Actually, it sounds little peculiar also due he rarely seems devoted any from his sentences for some 'rumour and gossip-sounding stories'', but in a certain way, I feel that episode has little bit of similarity to that popular fairy-tale from Hänsel and Gretel, imprisoned at the gingerbread-house by the evil witch. ...Of course that's purely interpretative and really I merely wonder whether he might've been interested if the woman's personnel maybe had some aspects from an 'herbs-woman'-tradition (Like, for example the Jean Barét, 1740-1807, of whom I recently read, and who also must've had some background from that. So it's not necessary too far out think for the Zilpha like that too. Thoreau certainly had lots to do with the plants, ao.) ; ...The more usual explanation is that Thoreau must've heard a lot of stories about the 1812 war as a kid (and his recalls are from that basis), of course, sounds lot more likely. Yet, the other 'former inhabitants' he mentions on that by name all are men. (...Not necessary too surprising either, the actual peculiarity of the story is in particular from that the woman living on her own out there, in the woods...But probably not quite useful speculating this much on it...)
 

; ...Wouldn't possibly have quoted the paragraphs from Baring-Gould's werevolves-book from because of its (said) merits - Seems it fx written that Baring-Gould did plagiarize most on his book on those old 'folk-horrors' (et sim.), from some contemporary dissertations and studies (about wevervolves). ...But, I think, on basis of these few paragraphs, seems him been also quite capable to create some atmospheres and mysticism. So it's quoted, shortly. (While the book was really popular at it's times, it's really mostly typical rubbish, let it be said too. But the werevolves still lived very intensively in the popular imagination while their "ages" were vanishing on that 19th century.) ; Tolkien...is quoted due it's a continuing serie on these chapters (...The professor also wrote some most enchanting wolves-tales too, fx that legend about the Beren and Luthíen.)

(; ...Relating for our recent begun serie about the Riders, appears worth mentioning that this particular post has no part on that – unless you'd wish imagine it to some cure for that former presented.)

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The Plants (Herbs) :

; First on our list is the Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus - on the pic left. Precisely, is sbp/.var sativa, ie by some of it's common names the French Tarragon). ; ...Tarragon is today best known for a popular culinary herb, used fx w. fish and vegetable foods (such as the ratatouille).  But, esp. around the 1700s it was amongst the plants that were believed for most beneficial on health, and likely, almost for some miraculous good remedy to most ailments. (...I guess, hence it's latin name, for it seems refer to some old mythologies from the dragons, or smtgh similar. The stronger the symbolical association(s), the stronger plants healing capacities also were supposed for to be. - Albeit, I've also seen that mentioned from having origin from some other source.) ;

 Whatsoever the reasons behind that naming the more 'modern knowledge' doesn't quite confirm the plants 'miraculous' capacities as a remedy. (Although, it's recommended from '...stimulating appetite and having diuretic and digestive properties').  ; But - like most people - I actually grow the tarragon due it's good uses as the kitchen herb. ...Also, it has a rather unique taste (Also goes well, a habit I occasionally maintain, to chew a few leaves in the morning - almost goes for some substitute of the toothbrush.) 

The only problem w. it here in the North appears that - as the plant needs lot of sunshine and is not very frost-tolerant - so it's difficult overwinter in the garden. I've therefore mostly cultivated the tarragon on the pots, permits fx a longer growing season. (...At these latitudes the plant doesn't bloom either, like noticeable of the picture. Formerly - probably still today - it was more commonly grown the var .cultivar - which overwinters easily and also fx can be increased of seeds for it flowers. But, while it's basically the same plant, appears that not nearly so tasty, and after a fewsome years it starts lose its taste.)

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; ...Then, also grown at pots during the past summer, were these few additional examples from, ao, popular culinary herbs, namely the (Summer) Saviour (Satureja hortensis - white flowerings on left below, hope the pic gives some idea, it's flowers being quite small...), and the Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis - ...the one with the blue flowers) - Both also very warm-demanding, and both also very Mediterranean plants via their cultural/traditional histories. - I cultivated these at the same clay-pot just for some experiment (...as I supposed them perhaps to grow better on that, the Saviours fx should here be sowed in the open no sooner than from early May, Hyssop a bit later even).  ; The experiment proved it's worth, as the Hyssops sown in the garden fx didn't grow nearly so well - Albeit, I didn't consider it for so large a plant and the pot of my using actually proved slightly little for the both. (...So I collected the Saviours from it already around early from August - just prior the bloomings like is the advice for most herbs, and now only the Hyssops still growing  on my pot. (The bees also just love the plant - like noticeable on pic below.)

; ...Without going too lenghty on to the honorable cultural histories of these two plants, it can be noted that Saviour actually carries quite 'controversial' associations and 'myths' adjoined. Along from been popularly grown already since the antique, it has been fx claimed, somewhat, to an aphrodisiac (...from hence it's name, satureja apparently must refer for the satyrs) - albeit I've not recognized anything of that part to belong for it's many benefits. ...But, also belongs to the plants that were commonly cultivated on monasteries past the Middle-ages (...Ao reasons, due because it's other characteristical qualities - and this I can confirm - as it's for a herb surprisingly appetite-filling. Seems it, maybe due that had some usability in past the during fastening periods, regular on the monasteries....And not from that preceding mentioned reason, ...obviously :)

I've had saviours grown in the garden for sometime, the plant can also be easily dried for uses on winter-seasons too. It has quite 'peppered aroma' which is not perhaps for eveyone's liking but I think that for tasty and usable.

; ...Of the hyssop I've not any similar experience or any 'self-gained knowledge', as I've only grown the plant during this past summer, not earlier. But it's fx mentioned for a quite strong herb, fx it's even said that the epileptics should avoid the Hyssop-oil - for it can affect harmfully on them (...the hyssop-oil contains smtgh called Thujone, which is a strong neural-stimulant. However, certain other plants also contain that chemial substance, more or less.). To the contrary, in the regular culinary uses hyssop leafs seem fx said usable w. cooked meats or poultry. Of medicinal uses it was in the past most often recommended to the coughs and fx bronchitis. ; ...And, of it been formerly well-known for amongst some of the holiest plant(s), or about it's importance at the biblical narrative, (Borgen) seems, quite frankly, to notice that (some centuries old) tradition been based on mistranslation (...The word in the original text and interpreted to mean Hyssop, actually was used to refer for  complerely different plant.) ; Seems it belongs at the lamiaceae (ie for the Mint-family, many from the species very common as herbs, as other famous herbs at the genera contain fx Salvia and Lavender. Not to mention the Rosemary. And, in the Near East there exist several related plant from Hyssops, but only Hyssopus officinalis, apparently, tolerates milder climates, so it been since long brought for the European continental area).

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; And, of these 'Mediterranean, antique', traditional plants I also cultivated Borage (Borago officinalis -...pic from flower to the right). Renown for it's good qualities too and also it was very popular medicinal plant during the antique, (fx) said been very praised of it's healing capacity, acc the most old sources (...little similarly than what was said about that Hyssop, possibly. Been believed as curing almost everything, from the actual basis and from imagined.) ...However, as quite much was noted of the previous some,  I only cite of the BNG that nowadays (oil made from Borage seeds) : 

 "...thought to be effective in regulating the menstrual cycle, lowering blood pressure and cholesterol as well as helping to reduce the inflammations and improve mobility of the joints. The use of green herb, however, is no longer advised." ; ..So, I've personally actually only used the flowers (for salads, snacks etc.),  of my own few cultivated plants which feels like a good idea on its uses. (It's also mentioned very easy multiplying,  a few sown plants effectively can displace other plants at your other garden cultivation.)

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; ...Further yet, we then also have another Mexican plant - or, grows there too, but the Northern parts of S.America (Peru, Ecuador, Chile and Bolivia), apparently, are regions where it grows in the natures too. Namely it's Tagetes minuta, ie the Southern Marigold (or, from it's other common there seems also be fx Stinking Roger, and Black mint. Don't know which the most usual.) 
On this basis we may also notice that it's the least usual of my selections here, or the least 'traditional' herb from been used here in the Europes. ; However, acc. to one study (...referred on below Wikip-entry, that I quickly viewed) it has a long history as an accompanying crop-plant in the S. American old agricultural cultivation, and ao, it says on that: "...given that generations of South America have used T.minuta as a beverage and conditioner, it seems that use in moderation causes no ill effects." (; ...those sentences discuss the claimed views that the plant can appear as allergen for some people, and/or even from more harmful side-effects, it sometimes past was said/might have caused - Personally I've not noted any of that, albeit I've only cultivated and eaten the plant only during the past summer seasons time.) ; ...Additionally, seems it also fx noticed to appear also for invasive plant on some regions (Or at least some tagetes-spec. are) - This anyway fx seems listed at some pages by the Invasive Species Compendium  (...whatever it means by precise features and organization, esp). However, the same source above referred (from the 1993, though) that I shortly checked, fx seems claim about the plant as weed also merely originated from misunderstanding it's role as the shade providing and as some 'secondary cultivation species', at the local peasants/farmer's cultivation fields. ...Anyhow, I don't suppose the plant very easily turning for an invasive spec. on any temperate climate zones due it's so much sunshine and warmth-dependent (None from my cultivations hadn't flowered until the late from August and I suppose them won't, as the summer temperatures by night dropping already. ) (; ...even though of the subtropics and tropical climatic areas that of course might differ...at least where grown elsewhere than where appears for native species).


; ...Seems the species lately having gained some (plenty) appreciation as a pest-evicting plant, and that's actually why I myself acquired some seeds from this too. (B-t-w; I soon discovered it's fame on that basing on real claim: Where-ever I placed my 'Mexican marigolds', either on the pots or directly to the garden soil, any aphids and other bunch of little insects seemed disappear from the nearby plant too - In fact, the traditional manner seems been use the plant along w. fx the Tomatoes, Egg-plants, Chilis and Potato...at least partly just for that purpose. But there are also some plant it seems noted not suitable to plant with, mainly the legumes or resembling genera. However, the past summer wasn't particularly problematic from pests generally, either. ) 
; ...But no matter how effective it's uses on organic farming, fx (...in comparison for the most other species from tagetes-genera/family fx, which, of course, have lately again become many popularly famed esp. due lot species have uses at the pests prevention.). In difference for most of those, the T.minuta also has a most enhancing scent, a sufficient reason from itself to growing it. The scent is of course little difficult describe by any word, but usually it is said to smell like a nice combination from anis, menthe and tarragon, about (...which I think for quite correct characterization).

; ...Also don't too have much of an idea about it's (actual) medicinal qualities (Although I believe there are some and maybe plentyful). However, while checking little of the plant I discovered it being, fx, an integral part on some traditional Peruvian food, Ocopa. So, I've mostly used the plant on making some of it. (...Albeit, w. slightly altered recept, since I at the time had no eggs or cheese, and as I don't like the very spicy stuff - ie the chili-peppers - I actually replaced those with some mediterranean salsa at my own version. Made a tasty potato-delicacy at this little modified form too, at least I liked the result.)

; ...As it's also a rather warmth-dependent plant (and not much frost-tolerant, unlike fx the Lacy Phaselia) here in the North it has to be sown and seedligns pregrown already from the April. Actually I sowed those of my own late from March ...and then I little wondered and worried whether they will grow, for not much growth took place until the midst of May. However, once the sunlight was adequate enough them took on for a very rapid growth. Also the plant needs not too a much fertilization, I added that about couple times in during early summer, but in fact even it wouldn't probably been necessary during an early growth. As the plants grow for larger, fertilizing slight more often may be necessary. Likewise, if growing the plant(s) at the pots. ...They're said to grow for about 80 cm tall, but mine are actually about a meter tall now, 'though I probably planted them a little too dense on my garden. (Flowers are small and not very noticeable its said, but thats a minor disadvantage considering its other good qualities).

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; (Pic left from) the Purple Coneflower (Echinaceae purpurea) - here accomp. by some from the lovely little bees that paid visits for my garden specimens at the late from summer. I've grown them for about couple years now and finally them flowered very impressively this year. ; ...As for some kind comparable for the so called Human Be-in(s), the bumble-bees seemed like my efforts from growing these so much that they earnestly arrangered sort of an Insect-Be-in's at these flowers of mine. Often couple or even more of the little bees on the singular flower-head. (Indeed, the flowers develop very impressive large centres.) So, by nowadays I'm having more of trust to an Insect trust, if you happen understand the joke I'm playing with on this... (Yeah, I have the more trust on the insects than for human race by this age...)

; More seriously, like said priorly, I've not too much of a familiarity from its herbal qualities. Esp. as my own specimen appear represent regular garden-shop sales. There are fx varieties that represent lot starker red, while the pink apparently the color closer for it's natural varieties. Also there are various species of the close genera. ...So, from the coneflowers as herbal-remedies it suffices to me from citing a few sentences about it's said properties (from the BNG, at this case too): "...[while was] established over recent years as one of the most widely known immune-boosting herbal supplements, the medicinal profession has now raised some doubts as to Echinacaeae's usefulness and recommends a more targeted approach."

; The plant originates from the N.Americas, and belongs to the Daisy-family (asteraceae) of plants. Here, as likely elsewhere of Europes too, it's been cultivated only since from the 1800s, first at the noble yards, but later as a more regular garden decoration. (Requires a little sandy, quite well-ferlized soil and relative much sunshine to strive well.)

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; Bergamot (Monarda didyma) ; The genera was named after Nicholás Monardes (1493-1588), Spanish botanist, and physician.

...(Perhaps interesting) is to note Monardes often mentioned for an important personnel considering the spread of knowledge about and from the 'New World'-plants, at the time recent discovered. At first majority of those were of course 'specialities' intended collected as luxuries for royals and other nobility, but this mentioned botanist is fx also said from had brought to general knowledge the plant(s) known as the genera from nicotinea, ie him can be said, at least indirectly, influenced for the European peoples to adopt a habit of smoking. (...Acc. my recall Mann at the 1493 would've written smtgh on Monardes...But I didn't find any of that, however the book has lot from the early tobacco-trade and history, on the p. 51-). ; And also interesting notice that acc. the referred bio Monardes seems from have lived to as old age as 95 years. Rather surprising - considering that it's the 16th century we're talking about, ie when he lived - Anyhow, the last of his publications seem date for over a decade earlier, for 1574.)
 
; ...my Bergamots in the garden, likewise as from the preceding example, I sowed a couple years ago, and, their seeds too were of a regular garden-shops packet. (So I'm not that too sure about how well these plants contain actual 'healing capasity', thse species are sometimes adverted by. Actually all the sold Bergamot-varieties have in time been lot hybridized for uses as garden flowers. There is also fx the larger (about 1.5 m tall) and more impressive varieties known as Monarda x hybrids. ; ...Yet, anyway it's said that by origin the plant became more widely known by Europeans due that the indians used to make (so called) Oswego-tea from it (...the name derives from the Indian-tribe of whom the white settlers on N. America by earliest learned of it's qualities). The tea is made of the dried flowers and leaves. I've prepared that few times from my own sowed plant, though I'm not quite that confirmed from it's usability on coughs et similar - but notice also what above said. However, its enchanting flowers are also perfectly edible and can be used as the decoration of the salads, etc.  

; Briefly before the closing is noted, it also requiring lot of sunshine (...my good cookbook mentions about smtgh like the best place for it having 'full-day sunlight but a few hours shade'.) Likewise than the preceding also are very much visited by the bees - for example, now that most petals are almost dropped from the flowers, bumble-bees still seem regularly to drop by for the nectar from the remaining few.

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; And yet another noteworthy representative of the herbal plants - appears the Common Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum). ; It's also (fx) a plant that has a very old cultivation history. I kind of recalled it too grown among the important crops of that already thousands years past agricultural begins on the Fertile crescent. ...But seem my sources instead say (although, its also from the 1990s) that more regular Buckwheat-cultivation actually, possibly, did begin at the China, and only about a 1000 y. ago. Or, at least it was a common crop by then and also there are non-cultivated form(s) of the plant growing in the wild natures.  
 ...As I've also not any experience from that either, it shall then also suffice to us from cite a few words (of BNG): "Archeological evidence suggests that Buckwheat was grown as a crop by the Scythians in the early Iron Age [...ca 600 B.C.]. ...The leaves contain fagopyrum and rutin, a glycoside which strenghtens capillary walls, and are used in the folk medicine as a venous tonic and to reduce the risk of arteriocherosis."  

(...Priorly we've devoted some words for the plant as crop, see that too if wish. But I didn't actually know it having a history from folk/traditional medicinery, too.)  So at this year, just for an interesting experiment, I also sowed a few seeds from this plant on my yard. I noticed it very easy to cultivate, though requires a lot from warmth too - here the sowing is advised done as late as May/early June (It's very frost vulnerable.). 

It's also said that the Buckwheat remained here a (relative) popular crop until the WW-times. In the former (so called) slash'n-burn agriculture it was often favored as the last species at the crop circulation (...due from the reasons following...) After the nitrogen-rich fertilizers became the most favored agricultural solution, and as the Buckwheat actually grows best on (relative) nutrient-poor soil, most farmers abandoned it. Now it has gained on popularity, by somewhat. ; As a crop it doesn't provide a very protein-rich seed (compared for the wheat, even), so never was favored as any main species to be sowed. However, grows very effectively and fast even w. a very little/almost without much fertilization, like was noted. Plant every manner recommmendable on cultivation. Has nice, enchanting heart-shaped leaves. ...Guess I'll plant a whole small field of it at the coming summers, just for the fun of it, even that I don't use it for any herbal purposes myself (Though I occasionally buy the flours from the shop.)

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; Last (but not least), we have the Ground Ivy (Glechoma hederaceae) here. I've not too many words on it, and presented also as some exception for it grows - as on most from the European region - also as the native species. Some growing in my garden were in fact relocated from the nearby urban ditch-side (...not any recommended place to pick from to uses as herb, though), where the plant favors fertile, slight moisturic place. ...Makes it then also for quite an ideal species to use as ground-cover species at the perennial-yard. It has a wide leaves that fx overwinter green, so it starts to grow in the Spring-time early and also blooms already from around begins of the June, or even earlier.

; ...fx a herbal tea is quite possible to make from ground ivy (...albeit taste is a bit strong, almost 'smoky' and not for liking by the most.) In the past it, however, seems had lots of uses as popular folk remedy. The beer, ao, was commonly flavoured w. Ground ivy, prior the Hops were found more practicable for that. Also was fx used to '...treat the throat and chest infections, digestive complaints and fevers. ...externally on poultices and rinses for slow-healing wounds and other skin problems.'  

; Likewise several from the former mentioned, a proud member of the lamiaceae-genera. Here maybe represented just because it's nice to know about how some very regular plants can have very interesting qualities - I don't have any herbal uses or it, as my main intention for mentioning this was probaly mostly from it's uses as the gardening plant. 

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 ...Sort of selection, herbs et similar, mostly from some good traditional plant that are easy to grow at one's own garden yard. Could've selected from dozens and dozens other quite practical and plants recommended on various herbals, but, I'm only learning from these by now and of a relative limited experience - the selected probably comprise of some I've by most recent grown. [ ...Concerning any usual infections and flus, my advice actually relies on the common folk wisdom; the Black Currant-tea (Ribes nigrum) is the best remedy I'm aware of. ...And to make things correct we here even offer an adjustment to it's BNG- entry that says it from it's berries: '..eaten raw, are not really very nice.' What an opinion ! In fact they're delicious.]

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; ...Now Minnie might here offer you some cake - After our lenghtysome but yet quite superficial (and hopefully also adequote versatile) views for some plants, usual as herbs. 

...For the closing of it, I'd then also like to point out that it's the Donald whose changing moods and tempers have always felt closest for my own. He's my real-time super-hero (...sorry, no attentions offered for any of that 'panties-bunch'. Besides, Donald's played that role too, as the Duck Avenger/Super-Duck). 

; It's actually sad how these modern times and the entartainment industry-days have underrated the great importance by Donald, concerning fx the intellectual and educational progress of our cultures and civilizations. Think about it, certainly no-one ever has tried so many professions than Donald (..fx, some stories from Donald as a punpkin-farmer, by Barks and Rosa, are amongst my very favorites).

And, indisputably he's always on the top of it: Always at his best in the middle of those everyday disasters and bottlenecks. ; Even the gods seem everafter playing against Donald, yet somehow strangely them also seem favoring him. ; Even a 'divine intervention' couldn't probably have much effect on Donald's inherent optimism and strive for the better (World). He never pretends anything - except from the circumstances favoring - and while he's often/sometimes naughty, he's never boring. ...So please, stop downplaying that great character of Donald's, for the sake of the yet unborn generations, for the sake of good times, etc...Of course, even if there weren't Donald we'd always have Goofy, but it's not nearly the same thing, ya know...

;  ...Of the witches and brews, more man-eaters in the follow-up: ...We provide next time MeL from Bourneo and Signorina del tutti con fazzio de Sanguivenere (from spaghette-mountains).

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MSW Book Recommendation #40 : ...from the yellow fever and malaria (histories)

”I looked, and there was a white horse! Its rider had a bow; a crown was given to him, and he came out conquering and to conquer. […] And out came another horse, bright red; its rider was permitted to take peace from the earth, so that people would slaughter one another; and he was given a great sword. […] I looked, and there was a black horse! Its rider held a pair of scales in his hand, [...] I looked and there was a pale green horse! Its rider’s name was Death, and Hades followed with him; they were given authority over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword, famine, and pestilence, and by the wild animals of the earth.” ; Revelations , 6: 2-7 - The Holy Bible (...transl./source is from internet version for the Bible, though.I mention this 'cause the transl. often might (but slight) differ, check fx from your own, just in case...)

”a-noph-e-les ([pronounciation]), n., pl. -les. any mosquito of the genus Anopheles, certain species of which are vectors of the parasite causing malaria in man. [ - NL – Gk anôphelês useless, hurtful, harmful, equiv. to an- AN- + ôphelê(ein) (to) help + -ês adj. suffix]” ; Webster's (Unabridged Encyclopedic Dictionary of the English Language, 1994 ed.)

”In the 1770s, the geopolitical significance of differential immunity in the Atlantic American world shifted. Formerly, it had helped stabilize the distribution of territory among the various imperial powers, especially protecting the Spain's empire in the Americas. It continued to do so, as the example of Fort San Juan in Nicaragua showed. But now, by 1770s it also helped insurgents in other quests to change the imperial order. Political dynamics evolved in such a way that many people born and raised in the Americas sought to upset the status quo. […] A generation later, slaves in St. Domingue and Creole elites in South America also chose revolution. So did Cubans at the end of the nineteenth century. Historians for generations have brilliantly illuminated this age of revolution. One thing that has escaped their spotlight is the role of mosquitoes in making the revolutionaries victorious.” ; (McNeill, p. 193)

Mosquito Empires. Ecology and War in the Greater Caribbean, 1620-1914.  
by J.R. McNeill
(371 p. ; Cambridge Univ. Press, ...2000s)  /

(...And, an accompanying read):

The Making of a Tropical Disease. A short History of Malaria. 
by Randall M. Packard.
(John Hopkins Univ. Press., 2007)

[Recommendation(s) III / 2014] 

...I may be mistaken, but (acc. my parish Sunday School education) I thought one from the riders, on that apocalypse/revelation myth, was named after the drought. Or, that maybe specifically was just some among those many 'prophesied' catastrophic events (such as earthquakes, fx). Anyway, the revelations chapter - quoted on above – is quite open to various interpretation (...Appears it, though, often said/noted that one never should start the reading of Bible from that part...) ; But, I only follow my instincts and soforth, happens it so that my own recall about the riders was on the following manner: War, Drought (/flood, ...notice the duality of this – At many places the flood also plays the role for return of fertility, in form of long-awaited rains, etc.), Disease(s) and the Grasshoppers (/Famine). ...And, if I now look that very carefully, seems to me the first verse actually referring for 'the Zizaine' (...to use the Coscinny/Uderzo-terminology, I guess the word from that on english would be smtgh like the Quarrel-maker, or whatever is the correct term...)

...Anyway, we'll devote a suitable chapter for each (of the riders) at following chapters. (Except from the drought, I suppose us not adequote familiar with the mentioned conditions. I guess, that particular post or text should therefore concern the global warming.)

; (Our) main recommendation at this (McNeill), perhaps was selected partly due from my youthful interest on the war history et sim. I used to read all kinds of that stuff, albeit I was not very devoted, or at least not too enthusiastic from. ...As I nowadays think most military history as boring as the asphalt, the book selected not for any reprentative of that. But, it is quite renown history-book. Actually, the Mosquito Empires appears, acc. my judgement, a better sort of example from good (academic) history writing, occasionally even brilliant. Also there (probably) weren't been any particular studies of this, prior the book.

Personally I was mainly interested from the role of 'Yellow Jack' (the yellow fever) and its effect on humanity's fates during some past centuries. More generally, not-so-long-ago-in-the-pasts, the yellow fever often was seen for some mystical, deadly harvester lurking along w./byside the spreadage of human civilizations and the agricultural developments. Even while there's always been, and still are, some equally little understood, or sometimes more widespread diseases.  (Actually, us humans don't even still know so much from the microbes and viruses, while it appears we have a general belief for the modern sciences capacities of solving those problems.)

...Although the reader of the book might perhaps occasionally wonder, whether the emphasization on subject - these pestilences spread by certain mosquitoes - somewhat diminishes the role of some other things. (Like appears typical for most histories focused on some topic.). - I-O-W, I fx find not difficult to believe that Toussaint-L'Ouverture and/or Simon Bolivar (1788-1830) at their guerilla-fights against the imperial powers were well familiarized for the effects of that 'Yellow Jack', along w. malaria, to the European troops and took most benefit out of disease-seasons, tactically and intentionally. (Preceding meaning the revolutions of St.Domingo/modern day Haiti on 1790-1804, and S. American Venezuela, around early from 1800s.). Yet, from some other courses of events, the major role played by contagious insect(/mosquito)-spread diseases is, a bit more questionable an aspect, at least feels to me so. (The Cuban revolution at late from 1800s, and fx the US colonies revolting against Brits on the 1700s, ao.)

...But, I leave that for anyone to think about for themselves. Interested can make his/her own conclusions, and so I only quote a few paragraphs in the following, about aspects I did interest myself on and from. The first discusses the level of (great) mortality rates the epidemics from yellow fever in past were found causing (before effective vaccination to the disease was invented, from around 1920/-30s):

”Six well-documented yellow fever outbreaks, albeit minor ones, give credence to reports of high case mortality. In 1853, yellow fever attacked the British garrison on Bermuda: of 829 infected, 360 died (43 per cent). [...repr. var, other examples, from btw y. 1856-1995.] ...For comparison, in the days before effective prevention, case mortality rates for smallpox ranged about 20 to 50 percent, and for bubonic plague as much as 80 percent.

In addition, many of the historical date, especially those used in the book, come from populations including large proportions of military men or indentuded servants. In an ordinary epidemic, whether of yellow fever or anything else, many people avoided inflection by fleeing. For example, in the 1793 yellow fever outbreak in Philadelphia some 20,000 Philadelphians, between a third and half of the city's population, left the city. But in the Caribbean, soldiers, sailors, and indenturd servants – and, of course, slaves – were not normally at liberty to flee in the face of epidemics, so fewer of them did so and more stood their ground and took their chances. They could not reduce their risk of exposure.” (;p. 37-8. ...B-t-w, an interesting p-o-w to mention, is that there's mentioned been epidemies (on Philadelphia) prior and after that famous year 1793 – while the said year appears most well-documented and the mosquito's relation to disease became later discovered part on its basis. But, it's said from some (minor) epidemies also fx on years 1797, -98, -99.)

; ...Also, an interesting 'parallel' view for these aspects I discovered while reading the Personal Narrative by great Alex von Humboldt (; Here fx on our book recom. no 36) . McNeill not refers on this at his book – actually it's only some told story, not any actual sources mentioned and from overally different aspects. Humboldt also only inpassing mentions this, but the quote refers to an aspect usual on many famous past disease histories as well: Often in the past the changing of locations for higher grounds was found as the only escape from falling victim of the infection. (...The quote also tells of the early era of that ecological devastation from the S.American hardwoods, as the mahogany and brazil-wood nowdays contain most declined tree-species. - Along w. several less-better known, or trees that've until more recently been less favored at the human industries/uses):

”Our host had visited the new world with an expedition which was to form establishments for felling wood for the Spanish navy on the shores of the gulf of Paria. In the forest of mahogany, cedar and brazil-wood, whick border the Caribbean Sea, it was proposed to select the trunks of the largest trees, giving them in a rough way the shape adopted to the building of ships, and sending them every year to the dockyard near Cadiz. White men, unaccustomed to the climate, could not support the fatigue of labour, the heat, and the effect of the noxious air [X] exhaled by the forests. The same winds which are loaded with perfume of flowers, leaves and woods, infuse also, as we may say, the germs of dissolution into the vital organs. Destructive fevers carried of not only the shipcarpenters, but the persons who had management of the establishment; and this bay, which the Spaniards named Golfo Triste (Melancholy Bay), on account of the gloomyand wild aspect of it's coasts, became the grave of European seamen. Our host [...] withdrew from the coast to the mountains of Cocollar.”[; from Humboldt's PN / X: ...prior the discovery of mosquitoes role at the spread of these diseases it was generally believed, for most from 1800s, 'the bad air' of swampy areas and wetlands as the main cause for (these) diseases. (Malaria as a word literally, or by origin, means 'bad air' or smtgh close for that). ...But, another aspect worth mention that through 1800s - at least until the emergence of chemistry and modern microbiology, ao - the previous belief about the disease causes was the so called miasma-theory. Acc. to that ('the main medical explanation ever since the Hippocrate') it was assumed the dead bodies, or other deceased matter, for main causes to sudden spread of epidemies. And, (also it was believed) for most vulnerable to those 'the degraded', or morally 'weak' – which actually generated some difficulties for explanators at the time, due that (ao) on the above referred Haitian revolt-example most of the victims were French elite-troops - whom should've been most resistent to disease(s) acc that belief. So, actually a specific research on yellow fever was carried afterwards by French just because of their disaster on both military and political fronts.(...to the contrary, freedom and at least partial - meant by that (somewhat) limited, or perhaps of the future prospects still uncertain, but some self-gained -  independency for the revolters... -...in time these events were to have a lot (political) influence and worldly consequence ) ]

; ...Finally, there's this quote about the diseases emergence(s) for epidemics/disease outbreaks and the mosquitos, and it's relation for the human agricultural development from since the late 16^th centurys (McNeill devotes several more chapters for this, of course):

”The ecological changes wrought by the plantation economy in the greater Caribbean after the mid-seventeenth century created creole ecologies that improved prospects for searing epidemics of both yellow fever and malaria, but especially yellow fever because it's linkswitch with sugar economy. The sugar plantation economy had three main pillars: the slave trade made as a source of labor, the plantation as a unit of production, the port city as the organizer of exports. All three combined to improve conditions for the vector of yellow fever [ie Aedes Aegypti, a mosquite-spec.] ...Sugar's demographic and ecological revolutions assisted in the establishment of malaria as well, but here they were less crucial. Anopheline mosquitoes already existed in the Caribbean before Columbus. The plasmodia probably arrived soon after 1492. Sugar's changes led to more deforestation, erosion, silting and swamps, of some help in the anopheline breeding. More important, sugar brought more people and indirectly, more livestock, on which the anophelines might feed. Rice cultivation proved much more supportive for anophelines, but outside South Carolina and Surinam its extent remained modest.”(;p. 61-2 / ...The emergence of the sugar-cane 'industry'in the past is often noted having had a major influence at the spread of malaria. And, of course there's lots more interesting said from the causes of past epidemics, fx about the varying role of domestic animals keeping and maintenance. That sometimes having served as an effective preventation, but also vice versa.)

; ...Then, we also have this accomp. book (Packard) at this recommendation. I have even briefer words from that, but that so just because I suppose the malaria-research must appear quite rapidly advanced field of science, by nowadays. ...So, I've not very precise idea from how that's currently, fx there might by now have been developed some effective vaccination against at least some strains of malaria (The malaria exists on several separate forms of Plasmodia, carried by several various mosquitoes – which always has also made it more difficult a disease to eradicate, if compared for the yellow fever, fx.) But, anyhow, the book draws a good picture from the malaria's historic past and of the combat against it, 'the burden of humanity' - like the malaria-disease often is been described.

And, (perhaps) most importantly reader also learns that, as a strongly socially-relating disease, malaria's return during late 1900s to various parts of warmer tropics had strong-connections w. the inadequote developmental help and poor health care-systems. And, that the eradication programs were at the time left half-away; The disease once been succesfully, almost completely, eradicated of most regions of warmer temperate zone where it was priorly extant, but not nearly so effectively of the many tropical regions (Where it, also due the warmer climate, always has remained by somehat more difficult eradicate, though.  But, in then past it wasn't quite that way, for during some former centuries malaria also used to exist as lot more common disease on Northern temperate zones, too – I recently fx noticed that actually Finland was still until the late from 1800s, a far northest coutnry in the world where there has existed recurrent malaria-epidemics (...Albeit on a quite limited sense, and mainly due because the housing-conditions at the time permitted the malaria-carrying vectors from remaining active even during the cold season.) 
 

...There are of course various other good books one could view from malaria. (On his book 1493, Charles Mann fx, seems rely, along w. Packard, to a malaria-history by Webb, p. 2009). And probably, also more specifically mosquito-related researches and books there are. But, to put it brief, Packard also every manner recommendable reading for an interested. Could've had selected it as the main recom here, but, like said I merely was interested on the yellow fever, it's past influence and socio-cultural histories. 

(In case it wasn't mentioned earlier on this, quite obviously the rider on this post was The pestilence.)

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- (Pic) ; Sweet Mock-orange (Philadelphus coronaria) ...I don't guarantee the specific species-name of the flower (...most genera from here are actually local bred species as they tend suffer severely of the frosts at coldest winters.)  ...felt somehow proper here as on above text there was some references for that famous Philadelphia yellow fever epidemic.)

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- (Pic) ; 'The Bad Vixen of Babylon, The evil hexen from the Bibschenburg'. (...I recently read, of the movie catalog, that this Fritz Lang's classic already contains all the elements later scifi films have since used. It's a great movie, also concerning the general mood and spirit from it's era.)

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The Great Protein-Bar test

Merlin (sees for both directions...Guess we'd lot to thank the makers of that great comics-serie.)

 

'Trickster [pron.: trik/stær] , n. 1. a deceiver; cheat; fraud […] 3. a supernatural figure in various guises and typically engaging in various activities, important in the folklore and mythology of many primitive peoples and usually considered as a culture hero.'

Webster's (Unabridged Encyclopedic Dictionary, 1994 ed.)

”The Devil is in the details.”

(A common saying/idiom.)

; ...I guess (I'm at first obliged to say), that I had findings from this decided already prior actual realization of it (...meaning realization of this test, of course). But, dear reader, doesn't necessary at all downplay the value of these results about my finding(s). For if thinkin' these days of ours, lifes-on-the-fast-lane, and all the continuosly surfacin' new researches and 'quasi'-researches (I see not so much a difference btw those...) targeted for to fuel the (seemingly) endless markets from these sugarine-filled 'snacks' and protein-bars, the conclusions are as pitiless as they are obvious: Seems like all these calorine-calculated studies and lab-made researches about the products health value were done w. same manner as this...the results decided before the tests even were made? (Think about it, doesn't mean only food products, you often read all kinds of things 'discovered' about the medicine-industries as well, fx.).

 (...That above said w. my highest respect towards all those institutions devoted on/for the health, medicine and the common good welfare, of course.)  

 

 ; The bad alternative (the 1st week) : Protein-bars (...and the 'shake' or by whatever name we should describe that smoothie-stuff.)

; …Anyway, for this test I selected a bunch from these (sometimes, lately) lot marketed (so called) protein-bars, plus the smooth drink. As the adverted claim is that them would make as good help for your recovery of the physical stresses after exercise, I planned a weekly scheduel with some jogging and biking, and decided to find out whether the claim would be true or false. I readily agree that a week or two week-period is all too short time for any reliable finding – but that had to suffice for this test. (Besides, it commonly said that all too often all too short periods of tests are more of norm that exception on fx medical industry, etc. Besides, otherways I'd had to have eaten these 'boosters' for some additional weeks...and I didn't see any reason for that suffering.) 

 

; To some comparison, on the second week I had the 'alternative diet'. It consisted mostly the fruits, and the orange-juice (for some alternative to that 'protein smoothie'), and, from some walnuts (But actually...I left the walnuts untouched until the end of my second week from test, simply because didn't feel for any need to eat those post any of my exerces.) ; During these test weeks I (mostly) ate otherways regularly, breakfast and couple meals a day (usually veggies, but also meat, fish). Also, I calculated the price of the fruits (incl. the walnuts) so that it didn't exceed the price of the bars eaten on former week.

; My scheduel of the exercise and physical movement during both of the weeks was as following:

1st day: 30 km biking

2nd: 10 km jogging

3^rd: Day rest

4^th: 5 km jogging

5^th: 10 km jogging

6^th: Day rest

(Sunday, rest)

; The only noticeable difference in between the first week (w. protein-bars) and the 2^nd (w. fruits-oriented diet) was that on the second week I ran the 10 km routes at the different order (...meaning that the latter route on first week I ran at the second earlier, on the day after the biking-day.) Otherways, I jogged and biked almost exactly similar distances, and almost for similar tracks and paths. In short, there was not any meaningful differences between the exercises during my first and second week. Concerning the other aspect/circumstances meaningful at this, it can be noted that the weather was probably a bit warmer during the 1^st week, all in all. Yet, while it was slightly colder towards the end of second week (raining), there also was sunnier days. Soforth, all things being equal I can say there was not any meaningful difference that'd had any effect for the result(s).

; ….The results ? Well, to put the plain truth for some words - and as was expected (like I said on begins of this) - I didn't find any benefit of eating those protein-bar 'snacks for some recovery. In comparison for the fruit-filled recoveries, I only felt that the "protein"-alternatives made stomach feel weighty and almost like having had it filled w. bunch of stones. (...The only exception possibly being the 'smooth-drink' - that didn't feel so much of a burden for stomach. I ate that after the 2^nd day jogging, and for the alternative week had this bowl (in the pic below) filled w. some banana- and kiwi-slices. Also, on that particular case the the fruits alternative obviously was not only better and more relaxing, but also lot more tastier choice.) Besides, the fruits felt on every manner more tasty and enjoyable food for consumed after the physical exercise (I even had my jawbones tired from chewing the protein-bars.).

; ...So, I discovered that there certainly wasn't any need to some 'extra-proteins' for the recovery (I didn't feel particularly tiresome on begins from either weeks. On the latter part from both of the weeks I was tired - possibly my scheduel should've had some additional resting days in btw the jogging days. Or, perhaps the distances should've been slight shorter, maybe only for 6-8 km per days.)

 - For some final judgements, or as results, I must say that (obviously) the only reason for advert people that protein-filled junk (...as I think of it), is (very apparently) not their better health, but to 'teach' people for select certain kind of dietary choices. ; Basically, those protein-bars seem consist not only from the soya(-protein, sometimes other protein-sources, apparently), but from the additional sugarines – just like the regular snack-bars (...or quite, seems it's often made of the fructoses, though), and from some other sweeteners/flavourers (...fx, cacao, sucrose from various sources - like fx cocoa, or likely smtgh else possibly varying btw any particular examples) 

- So: Designed not for any need of better recovery, but to make you fatter, to tempt the consumers sweet-tooth, and (apparently) to adjust them consuming even more of the protein-rich foods (I-O-W: the meats). 

 

; As I have nowadays kept my vegetable-rich (and less of meats) diet for some time now, it is of course possible that fx my stomach becoming 'heavy' of those protein-bars might have merely resulted from my own diet. Anyhow, doesn't falsify the results of this test. I didn't feel any better recovered at the second week (...w. fruits eaten afterwards), but I certainly felt at least as well recovered, and, also felt happier. (I've actually felt so ever since I considerably reduced the eating of meats, the greatest benefit from the vegetable diet – It also makes you feel mentally better.) 

 

So, (so called) protein-bars ? Clearly, not for your better health, but to guide you towards certain kinds of behaviours. ... I-O-W; Once you get used to regularly eating snacks filled w. lot proteins (and fat and sugarines), you'll likely eat more of that on the other meals too. If I then only think for all that meats consumption, generally still on the rise globally (...I suppose,) and I only feel sorry for all the 'common consumers' cheated w. these newly popularized products. (; G-U-J.)

; ... And the good alternative (the 2nd week): Fruits (...plus some veggies too - there's sweet pepper along pears, peaches and kiwi, ao.)

P.S. (As noticeable, here's not much said from the usual diet I kept during the exercise weeks, but I ate quite similar meals during both weeks – fx meat during maybe 2-3 of the days. However, it's also worth mentioning that the proteins (et sim.) make only some part at the good necessary diets (vitamins, et sim, are quite as important). ...But to address that part of the problem (/the various other problems that'll emerge from increased consumption of these kind of 'snacks'), would've made it all far too lenghty a story, and I only had time to write few pages worth.

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; ...This lovely Bee-beetle on Oxeye-flower (leucanthemum vulgare, pic to the right) happened to bop for my camera-lens during these summery (June) days. (We've probably had the pic from the species priorly, but, here's then another one. It seems nicely fit for the flower, like a decorative jewel on a coats button...or smtgh like.)

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...few words on the Rye (and from some other god-forsaken weeds)

Weed ([Pron;] wéd) ; "n. a useless or troublesome plant in cultivated land, a plant springing up where not wanted in a garden etc. ; any useless or troublesome intrusive thing, [...]” 

- Cassell's Concise English Dictionary (ed. 1894-1995)

Merlin (...here showing what the miracles the weeds have potential to...)

[Mulskinner Eco-product Recom. XIX  ; II / 2014)] ; Rye (-bread)

; Some of my best friends these days are commonly known for weeds. In case of having followed this blog (even a little), the reader might've had noticed many so called weeds, that I've earlier given some attention for (as the natural herbs, or otherwise luxuberant, often also undervalued, delicacy). Acc. my recall we've so far presented alongside here at least the Plantain, also White-dead Nettles (that lamium album), and likewise there was fx an exemplary of the typical cultivated traditional plant, the Cornflower (C. cyanus) - It  unproblematically also has all the qualities fit for that criteria (...of the weed). ...Possibly there were several others too and fewsome others now prensented at this post.

However, it's very questionable about any plant what makes the weed (/smtgh for a). It varies a lot what makes weed (for) a weed, also depending, a lot, about on which part of the world we happen find ourselves inhabiting. Also, the above reference from an 'intrusive thing', at that above quote, is very much dependant from criteria related for our human efforts, especially concerning the cultivation of soils, the preferred uses of plants, etc. Yet, personally I think that (above quoted definition from dictionary) quite satisfactory, what comes for the home-gardening...only that I also find there's a multitude weeds whose good qualities fx are often praised in the many herbals, modern and old. Additionally, it's completely dependant of their ecological importance and characteristics, whether various trees and shrubs also happen/can be described for to fit on that criteria about 'weed'.


Certain plants are often considered for weed due because they have strong roots, and, for that reason them tend turn for harms of farmers at the cultivation fields (Resultatively are often tried desperately keep away, fx via uses of the herbicides. ; ...fx, the Creeping thistle, Cirsium arvense makes a typical example. It's quite difficult to try eradicate, and  personally I've fx discovered the plant having a habit from growing everafter at my home-garden despite efforts to dig it's roots off. However, doesn't spread via seeds that effectively, making it probaly a bit less a 'troublemaker' than the flower most of us would automatically recognize to a typical 'weed', ie the Dandelion. It has the strong rooting, also grows on almost any places and only rare plants also spread so effectively via from seeds than it. However, from our traditional medicinalist  perspective we then find every-other herbal book, old and new, unanimously praising it's good qualities, contains lot C-vitamin, ao. Besides, the many hymenopteran species and other insects pay frequent visits on the Dandelions.) 

; And, basically, also fx Pennygrass (Thlaspi arvense) makes an example of similar kind, typical weed, often growing as the most usual 'road-side weed'. But, it's not nearly similarly disfavored plant as the preceding examples, probably for it also provides us with a nice, lovely flowerings without having too many from those "intrusive" characteristics, for it fx blooms here already around the end of the April, soon disappearing fom view, closely prior the turn of June. Yet, like many from the (so called) weeds, it has spread on these Northern regions of Europe only after the 1700s. 

; ...The firmest ecological prediction is that the warming climates shall bring alongside many resembling examples of similar 'weeds', some practically harmless of our human-point-of-view, but also some/many that most likely would turn out for the troublesome species.  ...The additional firmest ecological 'foresight' then makes us also mention that the most typically the invasive plant(/weeds) also love the human disturbed soils for their favored environments of spreading - so typical examples are, fx the wasteland(s), roadsides, field-sides, disturbed forest-floor - the latter most often resultively from the forest-cuts and leaving the land open and available on adaptive newly arrived plants for to colonize.  (The obvious positive-side of this 'coin', or noticeable from this often quite little considered 'ecological monster', appears that native uncultivated forests are environments where it is usually more difficult for those newly arrived 'weeds' to spread on and for. Albeit, it being not always so simple,  as there's also various foreign plants making the general exeption(s), some that are usually known as the actual invasive species. And this aspect, of course, not nearly happens similarly at the various places of the world, but the general rule is quite apparent; The more of a human disturbance any area has seen, the more of the accompanying non-endemic species tend have made their way for the region(s), alongside that.)

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; But, as the discussion at this was from the 'weeds' for positive value, a few words on the Rye, (Secale cereale) - our recommended eco-plant this time. In the past it was most commonly cultivated plant, and still is, nowadays even said for some time made a return to favored crop. Of course not generally it is known as any weed. Yet, I find it also stated that the cultivation of the rye likely (or so it seems at least believed), by earliest did originate of the plants been found growing at the cultivated wheat-fields. After some time - during hundreds or thousands years (who knows, but probably during a briefer period) - the early farmers took it's seeds also for cultivation...and so we've now for long since had (for a few millenia or smtgh like?) this most beneficial crop in uses of agricultures. 

At the North Europe, rye was in the past more important, due because it tolerates little colder conditions than the most other grain crops. Still during the 19th century, rye was most favored crop on cultivation especially at the Northest parts/regions of fennoscandia, as it's cultivation offered better chances for to avoid occasional/regular threats of the starvation (...in case of the cold weathers spoiling the expected harvests. Yet, from the 25 percent probability, or perhaps slightly more often, so happened. Also made the production and sale of tar to a favored alternative manner of livinghood.) 

; ...About it's good qualities I need not much of an ascertaining. Even that I consider myself not for any great favorer of the (so called) 'North-baltic diet', I've eaten rye ever for as long as I remember, since from the earliest childhood. A most traditional bread, and a most healthysome. (From it's good qualities, the modern study fx tends emphasize it's grains contain significantly large amount protein, and also many vitamins. As well, is sometimes adverted from acting as some pre-remedy in the digestative organs (stomach), possibly even can have effect as good preventive from the cancers development). ; So here's a well-baked piece of rye. The recipe is not the most traditional, or even precisely the one of a 'pure' rye-bread...This even contains some wheat-flour used (I found the recipe from an old kitchen book). Anyway, most delicious bread, acc. my own judgement. Also worth mentioning maybe is that the rye-bread remains fresh only rather short-while after baking(before it tends turn to a bit hard to chew), so, it's best eaten on the day baked and day after, about.

 (Above; Self-baked piece of the rye-bread. Was very tasty, I dare to tell you...)

Ingredient(s): (ca) 9 dl rye-flour (regular goes fine), 6 dl wheat flour, 2 tsp salt, 2 dl syrup (dark), 20 g margarin/vegetable oil, yeast (about 50 g, regular), 5 dl milk. ; Preparement: First pour wheat and rye-flours, salt (+ poss. addit. spices) and margarin/oil for a bowl. Grind the yeast for that. Next warm up the milk for a bit (about lukewarm, 37 C) and that along too. If using blender machine (or sim), the advice says to 'mixturize' the ingredients about 15 min, alternatively by hand for about 20 min (; ...But I actually think ca 10 to 15 minutes is quite enough, you'll soon notice that it's physically quite an effort, actually can make you even sweat...However, it's important that the dough is well-prepared.) Then, aside (under cloth) for about an hour. After that, divide for two parts, bake for suitable pieces and let them be (under cloth again) for yet another hour or so. Oven for 250 C (But when baking them reduce the heat to 175). Finally, with little wooden stick (or w. fx fork) pick small holes to the cover of breads. In the oven for an hour and eaten soon after. (One can also use oven-plates for breads, but I've not noticed it too necessary.)

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...From the fewsome important other plant(s) on this post, we have few words here on the Willows and the (Stinging-)Nettles. Both actually are very commonly termed or treated like typical weeds.  Willows are usually considered for trees or bushes that prefer the moisturic ground, (very) gregariously growing alongside the ditches and riversides, ao. ...But it's actually little misleading view, I think. At least as the most commonly known willow species here (apparently Goat willow, Salix caprea), often grows on a bit dryer grounds too. Actually, the most magnicifiently flowering older willow-trees one often can see at the other kind of environment(s), fx on old hillside-meadows, edges of boreal forests, ao. In short, places where the it usually grows a bit more slowly, and scarcely. Of course, it's mostly or largely due from  the human practices, as from many places growing smaller coppices the shrubs are regularly cut down, so the fast-growing willows grow there even on more fast pace...just like the (typical) weeds often - but not always - do.

; But for me, like most people, actually the willow flowering always marks the first sign of the Spring. And, the flowering of Maples tells of the begins of Summer. ...However, at this particular year it was rather confusing: After the record-breaking warm winter season, felt on March like the Willows would - kind of - been confused too and their flowering began relatively late. Comparably, due from warm weeks on the late April, the blooming of Maples began surprisingly early (at the moment when writing this), leaving only few weeks, maybe 1-2 weeks, in btw. Not the most usual 'spring cycles' of their flowerings, I think (...although I've not followed that anyhow longterm). 
 

(; Above and below, some willow-flowers, at the bloom around midst of April, this year.) 

; Willow's blooming, like from almost any plants,  are most lovely just during the few days from the flowers having opened. Often also are more easily observable compared to many other trees (for the latter mentioned usually grow more tall.) 

; Willows (salix) twigs and stem have the greatest flexibility and so it belongs to the plants that've had most countless human uses, making of various tools, bows and arrows, criss-crossing weawings made for baskets (et sim.), etc. If we then also mention that willow(s) seem traditionally been a trees consecrated for the Moon-goddess (in the pre-christian beliefs), that'd probably more than I at first planned to say on this.   


; ...But whether or not you'd expect more words devoted for it's lovely flowerescence and otherways great ecological importance (here North at least), can't possibly leave unmentioned from it also had (some) important role in the early developments of modern medicinery. Namely at the findings about usability of the contained salicin. While the uses of willow's bark been long past known at many herbalist traditions, the first pioneering efforts at the 1700s were made by some English vicar, Edward Stone. A little later, around early 1800-20s, the German and French chemists created the synthetic substance we now know as the salicine acid. ...Ie, the drug nowadays esp. known from it's great usability as the pain killer. It's story is quite comparable to some resembling (if not strickly similar) remarkably beneficial drugs (for human kind), whose discovery by origin was based at the plants qualities. (Robbins's book - of which the above remarks on willow and the acetylic salicine viewed - also seems mention some 'eighty million aspirin tablets are taken each day worldwide'. The book also discusses willow's (and it's good relates, aspen/poplars) uses at the nowadays popular eco-system services, namely it's good qualities of filtering toxic substances/wastes from ground, ie on treating water pollution. ; The Man Who Plants Trees, p. 59-62  and 129-136).

; At first, considered this featuring only willow for the natural plant accompanying the post, but since there's been several at most previous posts, we'll have some additional plant here too. (I don't have overwhelmingly much to say about it actually). 

The Nettles (U.dioica) are renownly plants w. many practical uses and were held in high esteem in the past actually. ; Prepared for the foods, as their nutrient-value seems noted comparable for spinach. The fiber manufactured from the nettles was in (prehistoric) pasts the most widely used plant material for making of clothes (..and later on, at least in the far North, or parts of it). As well the nettles-fiber was widely used for (making of) fish-nets. As well, the nettles have had most various uses in the old herbal medicinery. I've not familiarized w. those espesific, but E.Hoppe's renown herbal-classic, or 'gardening seasonal calender' (Året om i Örtagården, 1982) seems fx mention that from the nettles-root some liquids also were made on preparation of stuff 'cooked' to improve the hairs growth. (...Not meant enjoying that internally though, but via scrubbing on the head-scalp.) ; So I couldn't resist the idea from having the above comics-loan accomp. this post...just for the fun of it. [; W-G.]

 

The (stinging-) Nettles, springtime growth, near on ground.

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