MAY29, 2018 – REDLEAF EXOTICS

This weekend, I stepped into a unknown world of carnivorous plants. I visited the infamous, yet undiscovered, world of Redleaf Exotics on Moffat Street in Bushwick, Brooklyn with my friend, Christopher. I have admired the plants grown by Domonick Gravine for some time. We all know the Venus fly trap (Dionaea species), but I have never seen a variety of the Pitcher Plants (Nepenthes species). He has been collecting, growing, and sowing seeds of these plants for some time in a greenhouse in the back of his home.

Carnivorous plants enjoy a worldwide distribution and are grown best in either greenhouses or in sunlight with a spraying mist. These are typically bog plants – his are grown on sphagnum moss. I have never seen such a variety of plant species nor have I seen them grown in the wild. There were North American pitcher plants (Sarracenia), but mostly the tropical pitcher plant (Nepenthes). I could see why Domonick grows these plants – they are the monarchs of the carnivorous world. 

I admire his zeal and enthusiasm as his knowledge of these plants were beyond reproach. These plants represent the extremes of evolution. As I become more intrigued, I have read the few books on carnivorous plants. I read that there are lower and upper pitcher plants; the largest single pitcher plant held 3 1/2 quarts of water. 

Domonick is living his dream. He will soon move Redleaf Exotics to Tennessee on his 14 acres. You can always order them on his website: www.redleafexotics.com

This visit was beyond my wildest dreams. I am blessed and grateful to have experienced it.

Until tomorrow...

MAY 28, 2018 – A COOL SUMMER DRINK

Last summer, while sitting on my garden terrace, I wanted a cool drink to enjoy. I started to review some books for the best cold and refreshing drink. Of course I prefer any herbal iced tea – especially from the mint family. 

I found a recipe for coconut water lemonade. It is refreshing and very easy to make. It involves 4 cups of coconut water, a few sprigs of fresh mint, 1/3 cup of fresh lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of unrefined brown sugar, and 2 tablespoons of water kefir grains.

Directions:

1. Combine 2 cups of coconut water, the sugar, and the mint in one pot. Heat for 3 minutes.
2. Add the remaining 2 cups of coconut water and kefir grains.
3. Pour into a mason jar and cover with a lid. Place in a closet (or dark area) for 2 days.
4. Strain it after 2 days, add your lemon juice, recover tightly, and let side for 1 day.
5. Uncover and add some sugar if not sweet enough. I usually add stevia (or truvia).

This recipe is better explained in David Perlmutter's Brain Maker.

Until tomorrow...

MAY 26-27, 2018 – KEFIR

You may have heard of Kefir, but don't know anything about it. Some have touted that this is the secret to longevity. It originated in an area between Europe and Asia. It was made from camel's milk; however, today in a green market, it can be made from cow's, goat's, or sheep's milk. Kefir grains are a yeast/bacteria mixture held together by milk.

I have tasted Kefir many times. I would describe the taste as slightly sour as well as effervescent like a bubbly champagne. I find its taste superb.

The kefir after the fermentation process can be kept refrigerated for up to one year. You could strain it for a second fermentation if you wish.

I prefer to add fresh berries to mine. There are many recipes you can find.

Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

Until tomorrow...

MAY 25, 2018 – WATER

We all need to drink more water. I believe if you are going to use tap water from your house, it should be filtered. I prefer a Daulton filter. Lately, I have been drinking boxed water for which I have a subscription. Water that is in plastic is not healthy for your body. Additionally, there is too much plastic waste killing the environment.

There are many prices and sizes for filters. You have to pick the one that best suits your household needs as well as your financial budget. I know that many rent in NYC, but I still recommend buying a filter for both the kitchen and shower head. Whichever one you get, I recommend changing it every year and cleaning it weekly.

Until tomorrow...

MAY 24, 2018 – WORMWOOD

Wormwood (Artemesia) is often  associated with its effectiveness in eradicating parasites. It is also associated with its use in a variety of cancers.

It is well written and documented its good use in celebrating Samhain – the Celtic Festival – and the Wiccan Sabvbat. This happens to coincide with Halloween. I have studied Wiccan practices among the Green Men. It is no coincidence that wormwood is used at this time as this is when there is a thin veil between the living and the dead.

Wormwood is one of the major ingredients when questioning the dead. What is used is red ochre, burnt myrrh, the juice of fresh wormwood, evergreen, and flax. It is used when trying to contact the dead along with myrrh and cypress.

To me, wormwood is a magical herb that is used in witchcraft. If you ever have tried wormwood, you better be ready for the bitterness of this herb. I have seen it used as an oil to rid the area of unwanted spirits.

The last piece of witchcraft information on wormwood is this: It can be used interchangeably with two other herbs – mugwort and sagebush – for battle against the demons or dark side.

Until tomorrow...

MAY 23, 2018 – IMPOTENCY

Impotency is a common problem among men. It is well documented and well researched. There are many causes for a man's impotence. It can be medical or psychological. Once your physician identifies the problem, you must find the cause. Once the cause is known, it can be treated. There are many drugs for sexual dysfunction such as Viagra, Levitra, and Cialis. There are no specific drugs for impotence. 

Throughout history, Mayan men have never had impotence. The reason for this is their ingestion of an herb in a tea form. The herb is Corn Silk.

It makes a huge difference in the sexual performance of Mayan men. The amount varies, but most men take 3 glasses of this tea daily. It prevents impotency by being a gentle urinary tract detoxifier and keeping the genitourinary tract clean.

Until tomorrow...

MAY 22, 2018 – BEGONIA

There are more than 150 species of begonia. They show up everywhere. Some streets in NYC have begonias flowing out of pots. It is a hearty plant and grows in almost all places.

Yesterday, I saw a begonia that I have never seen before. It was similar to the white begonias I plant on my terrace except the leaves had dots on them. I couldn't wait to take a photo of this plant. It is appropriately called the Polka Dot Begonia (Begonia maculate var wightii). There were a variety of polka dots on all the leaves making it appear as if the flowers were crying white tears.

I am now in search of seeds. It was just captivating.

Until tomorrow...

MAY 21, 2018 – LOVE PLANTS

There are many plants in the shape of hearts. As an herbalist, I have noticed it more as the years pass by. 

Perhaps love is like a window,
Perhaps an open door,
It invites you to come closer,
It wants to show you more.

There are many shapes in the structures of flowers that can be seen. All orchids look life faces. I have noticed this while I stitch them on a canvas. Sometimes we even see a heart. This is seen in the rope like flowers of the Amarranthus caudatus, or the Love in Puff (Cardiospermum halicacabum).

Perhaps the best example is the Bleeding Heart (Dicentra spectabilis). There is always a story of how the bleeding heart was named. It is the heart of the princess that will bleed for the prince for the rest of her days. It is a great story. The Hearts a Burstin (Euonymus Americus) reminds me of the song 'June is Bustin Out all Over' from Oklahoma.

Notice the flowers this summer and find a heart.

Until tomorrow...