Natural Healers- Zingiber Officinale (Ginger)

  Also known as Adrak, Gin, Khing, Jeung and Shoga, ginger is known as a stomach-upset and nausea remedy. However, studies have shown that its volatile oils have anti-inflammatory properties akin to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (and if I have to use that phrase again, it will be shortened to NSAIDs. You have been warned).
  Ginger is probably the most widely available and used herbal remedy in the world, and is used daily as a food and medicine. It has played a part in Asian medicine for 2500 years, and in Indian and Persian medicine it was a treatment for arthritis.
  It has been used to treat allergies and asthma, arthritis, bursitis, fibrocystic breasts and lymphedema, as well as pain. Ginger also retards the production of cholesterol by the liver. Research has found that compounds in ginger decrease the activity of PAF (platelet-activating factor), that can contribute to the  risk of heart attack.
  Ginger has been an age-old remedy for morning sickness, and has been found to be more affective than some over-the-counter remedies for motion sickness. It also eases the nausea caused by some chemotherapies.
  The herb has been used for treating colds, flu and strep throat, and contains a chemical called  zingibain that dissolves parasites and their eggs.

  Ginger is best fresh, and obtained from young roots, which have a thinner purple-to-pink skin that doesn't need peeling. The more readily available roots you might pick up in a supermarket need to be peeled carefully, as the best of the resins and volatile oils in ginger are near or in the skin. You can try scraping it with a spoon, rather than peeling it with a knife or veg peeler.
  Ginger also makes a warming tea, which you can make by peeling and chopping about two inches of root, pouring a cupful of boiling water over it and then leaving it to steep for about 8 minutes. I suggest you put it in a tea pot or something, before you pour the boiling water on, or it could get messy.
  You can grow ginger in a container, having selected  a piece of (shop-bought) rhizome with a little green root bud. I have read a tip that you should suspend the piece over water, using cocktail sticks, until the root forms, but as I've never grown ginger, I can't tell you if it is a useful tip. I can tell you, however, that though ginger likes its environment moist, you can over-water it. It doesn't like direct sunlight, but rather, light shade. And, if you get frosts etc where you live, you will need to bring it indoors in the winter. You can harvest the root when it's one year old.

Be advised, it is a perennial (providing the cold doesn't get it and you don't over-water it). It does bear flowers and grows like a reed, up to nine feet tall. Just saying, that's all.
  And before you go, please also note, if you suffer from gallstones, consult your doctor before using ginger. Ginger should also not be used 2 weeks before any surgery. Daily consumption of ginger can interfere with the absorption of iron and fat soluble vitamins.

My thanks to Phyllis Balch's Herbal Healing, Jekka McVicar's Complete Herb Book, James Wong's Grow Your Own Drugs and Neal's Yard's Healing Food, and the A-Z Challenge for giving me the impetus to read them at last..

Natural Healers- Yarrow

  Also known as Woundwort, among many other names, Yarrow was traditionally used to staunch bleeding. It can also be used to help heal bruises, rashes and haemorrhoids.  Yarrow's teas and tinctures contain sterols and

triterpenes that stop inflammatory processes, restore circulation and accelerate healing. It also contains compounds that stop the action of pain-provoking hormones. Besides stopping pain, Yarrow  can kill many bacteria found on the human skin, enabling it to stop potentially painful infection.
  As a hot tea, it can reduce temperature and induce sweating. It can also help soothe digestion and ease diarrhoea. Its essential oil can be used in a bronchial chest rub, and the salicylic acid in it can help relieve headaches, menstrual cramps and arthritic pain.

  Excavation of a Neanderthal grave suggests that the use of Yarrow goes back to prehistoric times, and Greek legend refers to it in ointments in the Trojan War, where Homer tells of Achilles using Yarrow to staunch his soldiers' wounds.
  Traditional herbalist in Europe, India and China have used Yarrow to stop minor bleeding and to treat wounds and inflammation. It has also been traditionally used as a mild sedative to treat insomnia.
  Its anti-inflammatory properties make it a useful herb in treating diarrhoea, flatulence, gastrointestinal inflammation and stomach cramps. It is also claimed that Yarrow can treat blurred vision. Its essential oil is used in aromatherapy to relieve colds and flu.
  To grow Yarrow, sow the very fine seeds under (cool) protection in autumn, and overwinter. Germination is erratic. Harden off the plants in the spring. Plant eight to twelve inches apart, bearing in mind it will spread. Alternatively, obtain some rootstock from an established plant. It is advisable to plant this with care, as it is an invasive plant. Millefolium doesn't grow well in containers, so you may wish to consider a hybrid or shorter variety. It is drought tolerant.

  Yarrow is a good companion plant, as its roots' secretions activate the disease resistance of other plants near it. It also intensifies the medicinal properties of  herbs, and deepens their fragrance and flavour.
  The young leaves can be used in salads. One small leaf will accelerate the decomposition of a wheelbarrow of raw compost. Infused, it will make a copper fertiliser.
 Please note- Yarrow should only be taken in moderation and over short periods, as it may cause skin irritation or headaches and vertigo. It should not be taken if pregnant.

Natural Healers- Watercress

  Watercress is one of the most vitamin and mineral packed vegetables, and although its natural environment is a running stream, it can easily be grown in  the garden. There are two types- bronze-green and the more familiar dark-green. The bronze-green is hardier and has a slightly more pungent flavour.
  It has traditionally been given as a remedy for arthritis and upper respiratory tract infections, and a general spring tonic.

  More recently it has been investigated for properties against other diseases, including some cancers. It contains phenylethyl isothiocyanates and sulphurophanes, which destroy cancer cells and defend the body against carcinogens. Studies have shown that eating cruciferous vegetable (of the cabbage/broccoli family) can reduce the likelihood of colon, rectum and bladder
cancer.
  Watercress is rich in sulphur, an aid to protein absorption, blood purification and cell building, thus increasing skin and hair health. It also contains a digestive enzyme that helps the body utilize nutrients, and is a natural diuretic, being rich in potassium. The oils that give watercress its peppery taste also help fight colds, flu and bronchial ailments, and it is a natural antibiotic.
  Watercress can be grown in a trench or in shallow boxes. If you use a box, cover the bottom and sides with polythene to retain moisture. Fill the box with garden soil or potting compost.

  Alternatively, in the garden, dig a trench 9 inches wide and 2 feet long. Mix a bucketful of well rotted manure or garden compost with the soil in the bottom of the trench, leaving this about 3 inches below the surrounding soil level.
  In April/May (UK- that's spring) take a number of 4 inch shoots from plants bought from a supermarket or a greengrocer and plant them 6inches apart in the trench. Keep the trench well watered to ensure the plants root.  If in a box, cover it with a polythene bag to increase the humidity. (Alternatively, you can sow seed to gain your plants).
  Remove the flower heads as soon as they appear, and if the leaves begin to get small, feed the soil with a fertiliser. A late crop can be made in August if you've the means to protect it from cold and frost. You can start picking as soon as the plants are established. The more the tops are picked, the more cress will

grow.
  Aim to eat cress within five days of picking, as it quickly loses its nutrients.
 

Natural Healers- Valerian

  It's Valeriana Officinalis, we're talking about here. It is a perennial plant, native to Europe and Northern Asia and now naturalised in North America, that grows to a height of four feet (1.2M), with pink flower heads. The root is used in herbal medicine, for which it must be dried carefully. It tastes both sweet and spicy, as well as bitter, and has an unpleasant smell. Cats and rats, it seems, are attracted to the smell, and the Pied Piper of Hamlet is said to have carried some of the root. Consequently, it is used by some as a bait for rat traps.

  Valerian is a tranquiliser and calmative, used to treat restlessness, nervousness insomnia, menstrual problems, hysteria, headaches, and nervous stomach. It is also thought to be good for circulation and lowering blood pressure, soothing the digestive system and relieving some types of indigestion. It has also been used to treat IBS.
  An infusion of the root, sprayed on the ground, will attract earthworms. It's mineral rich leaves are good for composting. If planted near vegetables, it boosts their growth by stimulating phosphorus and worm activity.
  While it prefers to be near water, Valerian will grow just about anywhere, including deep shade. Seeds can be sown direct into the ground in the spring, but are you are better served planting them into pots or plugs, if you want to guarantee some plants. Press the seeds into the soil, but do not cover them. Plants should be spaced two feet (60cm) apart.

The complete root can be dug up in late autumn of the second and third year. It will need washing and the pale fibrous roots removed. You will then be left with the rhizomes, which are edible. They need to be cut into manageable sizes before being dried.
  To maintain the level of their oils, herbs need to be dried as quickly and as carefully as possible. The ideal place is warm, dry, dark and well ventilated- such as an airing cupboard, in an oven at low temperature and with its door ajar (check regularly that they're not over heating), a plate-warming compartment, or  a darkened spare room with the door opened. For roots, the oven is probably the best method, requiring a temperature of 50 to 60 degrees C. They will require regular turning, until they are fragile and break easily.
  A tea can be made by combining equal parts with fresh ginger root.

 NB Valerian should not be taken in large doses for a long period of time. As with any medicine, get advice from a professional

Natural Healers-Turmeric

 Turmeric is a perennial found in India and SE Asia. It grows from a knobbly rhizome to a height of three feet. Its leaves, as well as the root, can be used. It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat liver and gall bladder

problems, stop bleeding, and to ease chest congestion and menstrual discomfort.
  It is an important herb in Ayurvedic medicine, where it was seen as a symbol of prosperity and considered a cleansing herb for the whole body. It is used as the primary anti-inflammatory herb. Its principle chemical component is curcumin, its potent anti-oxidant action protecting against viral infections, cancer and arthritis, and protecting the liver, stimulating the gall bladder, and defending the body against free-radicals.
  The oil in turmeric can ease acute pain, its effectiveness being equal to that of steroids, but without the side-affects. Its use can benefit sufferers of arthritis, eczma, endometriosis, pain and tendinitis. It is a long-standing tradition in India to treat arthritis with turmeric.

  Turmeric may also help prevent atheroslerosis in people with diabetes, and relieve the discomfort caused by carpel tunnel syndrome, by deactivating the immune cells that might cause the inflammation. It is also thought to cause the death of some types of cancer cells. It has been used to treat inflammatory bowel disease and is thought to protect against heart disease and stroke by preventing the build up of plaque in the arteries.
  The curcumin in turmeric stimulates the immune system and may be useful in fighting and preventing cataracts, cirrhosis of the liver, gallstones, halitosis and periodontal disease, HIV/AIDS and indigestion.
  Curcumin reduces the build up of the protein amyloid-b in the brain. This substance causes free-radical damage and inflammation in the brain, and is one of the main causes of Alzheimer's Disease. Anti-oxidants in turmeric can help fight the damage.
  Turmeric can be used as a root, powder or as a tincture, and can also be made into a poultice. The root can replace ginger in recipes. The leaves can be used to flavour dishes, or to wrap around food during cooking. Curcumin, it should be noted, is best absorbed in the presence of oils.

One tablespoon of turmeric powder can be mixed into warm milk to treat painful joints or eczema.
 If you fancy trying to grow some, go here. 
There are plenty of instructional videos on Youtube.
  Turmeric should not be used as a treatment for long periods, as it can cause stomach problems. It is also not recommended for those with painful gallstones, acute colic, or very toxic liver disorders. It may also may reduce fertility and inhibit blood-clotting. If you are considering using turmeric as a treatment for an ailment, please check with your doctor and get the advice of a qualified herbal practitioner. Even natural remedies can have unforeseen side-affects!

Natural Healers- Sweet Potatoes

  It is thought that the Sweet Potato originated  in Central or South America, and had been domesticated in Central America at least 5000 years ago. Outside the tropics, sweet potatoes thrive only in the warmer temperate climates, and do best in a loose sandy soil that is well drained. They produce more pounds of food per acre than any other cultivated plant.
 One sweet potato contains more than a days worth of beta-carotene and nearly all your vitamin C requirement for the day. They release their carbohydrates slowly, making them  useful for glucose control. They also contain adiponectin, a hormone that works with this carbohydrate release to keep blood sugar levels steady. Sweet potatoes are also high in vitamins B6, B1, B2, vitamin D, and a good source of copper, iron and magnesium, and a good source of the all important dietary fibre. They also contain choline, a very important and versatile nutrient in sweet potatoes that helps with sleep, muscle movement, learning and memory. Also of note, the vitamins C and E in sweet potatoes have been shown to support eye health and prevent degenerative damage.
   The yellow potatoes with the brown skins have high potassium levels, which may help regulate the heart, andcombat stress.
 The ones with purple skin and flesh have high amounts of anthocyanin pigments, to support and protect the gut from IBS and ulcerative colitis. The ones with purple skin but yellow flesh, contain the highest amounts of antioxidants.

  Sweet potatoes' high beta-carotene content fights the free radicals  that cause the skin to age, as well as, with the high vitamin C content, boosting the immune system. It may also have anti-cancer properties, particularly in respect of prostate cancer.
  They are best eaten with their skins on, steamed or boiled, rather than roasted. Eating them with a little oil helps the body absorb all the antioxidants.

 Go here for comprehensive instructions on growing your own sweet potatoes

Natural Healers- Radishes

  Radishes were grown by the Egyptians and probably brought to Britain by the Romans. There are two main types- small summer varieties, and large winter ones, the roots of which can weigh half a pound or more. They can be eaten raw or cooked like turnips. Leaves, flowers and seeds can also be consumed, apparently, as well as the root, but as I've only eaten the root, I can't comment on the flavours of the rest of the plant.

  Radishes come in many shapes and colours and are available throughout the year. Root and leaf is rich in vitamins C and B, plus potassium and  magnesium, as well as trace elements.
 Being high in potassium, radishes can help fight hypertension, support a healthy liver and fight inflammation and congestion. The very hot black radishes are high in antioxidants that protect the bowel, whilst the essential oils in red, purple and white radishes
have antiseptic properties. Daikon radishes are  used in Chinese medicine to cool, and to soothe coughs and laryngitis, and are now thought to have anti-cancer properties.
  Radishes also stimulate the flow of bile, helping in the digestion of fat, as well as cleansing the gall bladder, liver and blood. In the past, they have been used to treat gall and kidney stones, and the juice from radishes was once a standard remedy for coughs, inflamed joints and all gall bladder problems.
   The summer radishes grow very fast to edible size and can be grown all year round under cold frames or cloches. They  do not need deep soil as they are in the ground for such a short time, though a little extra compost will improve the crop. Winter radishes, however, like a previously manured site.

  Summer radishes can be grown under glass from January in the UK, then in the open from March. They are a good catch crop, due to their fast growth, and can be placed between slower growing crops.
  Winter radishes should be sown from June to August, with attention being given to keeping the ground moist during dry weather. Go here if you need more inspiration about radishes.

The Querulous Cat

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Natural Healers- Peas

Rich in vitamin K and manganese, various trace elements, and enough vitamin C in one serving to give you half your daily requirement,  peas can also help boost iron stores and fight fatigue.

  They have good insoluble fibre content, which promotes a healthy digestive tract and helps guard against heart disease and stroke. Peas and pea shoots also contain antioxidants that inhibit H. Pylori.
  Mangetout, because of its edible pod, contains a substance that helps strengthen sperm and improve its fertility, and is higher in vitamin C and beta-carotene than normal peas. Garden peas, however, tend to be higher in  minerals than mangetout. Green peas contain lutein and may help to reduce the risk of cataracts and  macular degeneration.
  Peas are best eaten fresh and raw, straight from the pod, before their nutrient content begins to decline and their sugar turns to starch. Failing fresh, frozen is

you next best option, as the peas tend to be processed immediately after picking.
  You can use the pea shoots as an alternative to lettuce, or to add to a stir fry, as these contain much the same nutrients as the pods.
  Peas are best grown  on rich, well-drained soil, where the plot has been well dug at least three or four weeks before sowing. A couple of buckets of well rotted manure wouldn't go amiss, either. Peas can be grown in succession from May to October in the UK, if you choose the right varieties. The Autumn sown seed will then be ready for picking in May/June.

  If you're planning a number of rows, allow 2ft between rows, and remember that some varieties could reach up to 4ft high and therefore cast shade. They will also need support of some kind, either in the form of twiggy sticks or netting. If you don't get them off the ground before they start to fall over, they will fall victim to slugs.
  Your peas will need regular watering during dry spells.

Natural Healers- Onions

 The onion plant is widely distributed throughout the world, and whilst it has been suggested that it originates from Central Asia, no one knows for sure. Its high sulphur content enables it to act as a strong disinfectant, and may account
for it being hung outdoors to absorb the infection that was the plague. The Chinese, East Indians and Ancient Greeks and Romans revered onions.
  Onions contain many medicinal chemical compounds, with antibacterial, anti-inflammatory properties, whilst promoting heart and gut health. The sulphur compounds in onions are responsible for their antibacterial  and antiviral properties, and for their taste.  They are also good for quercetin, a

flavonoid that prevents blood clots and cholesterol sticking to arterial walls. It will also, eventually, raise levels of healthier cholesterol in the blood. Other compounds in onions provide the right food in the gut to encourage healthy bacteria, and may subsequently help prevent bowel cancer.
  The stronger flavoured the onion, the better, and it is best eaten raw, its properties diminishing the more you cook it. The red onion contains pigments that gives it an antioxidant boost. Even spring onions contain immunity boosting compounds.
  Onion is believed to ward off colds, induce sleep and cure indigestion. Fresh onion juice is antibiotic, diuretic, expectorant and antispasmodic, making it a useful treatment for coughs, colds and other chest and throat infections.
  Onions need a site in full sun and do best on light deep loam that has been well manured the previous autumn.  Japanese varieties can be sown from the end of August, to be thinned in the spring to 2inches apart, and pulled up in June.

A maincrop can be sown from seed on site, mid- August, to be transplanted in March into a bed with firmed soil. Seeds can also be sown into a bed in March.
  Onion sets can be planted out in March/April. Space the bulbs 6inches apart and cover so only the tips are showing. Once grown (usually around the longest day), onions should have their tops bent over to encourage ripening. Two weeks later use a fork to loosen the roots. A further fortnight later, lift the onions and spread them somewhere to dry.

The Rat and the Cat

  No, not another poem, or a whimsical story about a rat and a cat who become friends. No, this is about trying to outsmart one of the cleverer and more numerous animals on the planet.
  The Spring holiday began two weeks ago, with a sigh of relief and a long list. We got as far as digging some of the allotment before it started- the sound of scurrying above the bedroom. Maybe it's the sparrows, we hoped. We'd been seeing them roosting in our gutter. Sounds a bit heavy footed for birds, think I. We'll sort it out next week, says the OH, obviously unconcerned, and with no sense of urgency whatever. Hmm, think I. Well, I'm not going to look, as if I don't look, it can't be what I think it is, can it?
  A few days later, the P&J advises he's heard something in the roof of his bedroom and his other room (I can't really call it his playroom any more. He's seventeen soon). Dad is at work. The P&J and I are brave. We decide to go up into the attic to have a look. Our worse fears are confirmed. And it isn't a mouse. There's no damage, just droppings, and two obvious entrances in the insulation. We have an unwelcome visitor.

  My fears are confirmed even more when I come back from shopping and find a wood pigeon sharing the bird food with a brown rat. The rat scarpers into my neighbour's garden as I come through the gate. The pigeon carries on eating, oblivious.
  I relay the news to the OH and take him on a tour of the rat droppings. I show him where they're getting in. I relay to him what information I have gleaned from the internet. They are not going to go quietly, or voluntarily. And we need to empty the attic out.
  While I'm waiting for the weekend to arrive and the OH to ferry me around to get what we need to deal with the problem, I try a few recommendations from others who've had a similar problems. I try the sonic alarms. They might work, if you have enough of them, and nothing in your attic to get in the way of your sound beam. The cat didn't like them, and the activity did diminish, concentrating in the area over my bedroom. I threw a couple of bottles of peppermint around as well, while I was at it.
  The bird feeders have been removed. The sparrows are not amused and the wood pigeons are visibly panicking. Sunday, we do a thorough inspection and are of the opinion our visitors are getting in through the roof somewhere.
  I ring our local Pied Piper ( his name's Joe) for advice. He is very helpful and agrees we need to stop them/ it getting in before we do anything else. He advises us to use scrunched up chicken wire to block any holes.
  We get the ladder out. The OH holds on to it while I go up. I stuff the gaps under the tiles with chicken wire. I make carefully crafted cones of chicken wire to block access to the roof via the down pipes. We do all of the back and the bit above the  porch (very scary), before calling it a day, as the next bit needs cutting back first.
  We have an night of no visitors. Are we on the right track? I'm on tenterhooks next morning. Am I hearing things? There's no scurrying, but there are... sounds. Little bangs, mostly, and right in the eaves.
  We have coffee in the living room. The P&J reports he's heard nothing. Maybe we've cracked it. Then there is a thud on the widow sill. A brown rat has just landed there, evidently on his way down from the roof. He steadies himself before jumping off and running into my neighbour's garden. Has the little bugger been trying to get in, and that's what I'd been hearing?
  The rat is quite brazen. He's climbing the tree in my front yard and I'm only a few feet away from him. My brother-in-law advises me rats are very short sighted. This is to be proved a few hours later.
  I'm watching the rat from a bedroom window. He's found something to eat and is sat bold as brass in my front garden munching. Suddenly, Jemara the Cat wanders into the yard. She  freezes. She has seen him, but he hasn't noticed her. She slinks under the car. Rat is oblivious. Slowly, her body slunk low, and looking uncannily like a walking rug, the cat inches nearer. The rat looks up. Jemara freezes. Rat continues looking for more food. He looks up. Again, Jemara stops, statue still. I'm beginning to wish I could video this, she's that good. Never will my kids not understand what "still as a statue" means, if they could see that cat. It is open ground she's covering, and the rat is oblivious.

  Finally, when the cat is barely a foot away, the rat notices her and bolts. But Jemara knows he's there now. She sits waiting, carefully changing her position every now and then, watching. She was watching for him next day, and I expect she's watching tonight. She may be fifteen years old and have only two teeth in her head, but she's got her eye on Rat now.

  Today, we finished blocking holes. We also discovered a broken roof tile, which explains why the P&J wall socket went bang- water is getting into the wall. Another thing to sort out. The OH was very brave and went onto the roof to try and deny Rat any kind of access.
  The garden has been cleared of rubbish and the compost bins decommissioned. We are using the wormery, which is sealed top and bottom. When we're happy we've denied Rat all access, the traps are going down. I was told peanut butter or chocolate are the best baits. Chocolate, hey? A moment of bliss and then SNAP! In your dreams, Rat. You're not having any of my chocolate!

Allotment Tales- Natural Predators

  This was going to be a long(ish) detailed blog about natural predators and companion planting, but, unfotunately, there has been a mini-crisis in  that the OH's computer is having a hissy-fit which we're unable to cure. So I've managed to save his files onto a usb pen, and promised him I'll sort something out in the morning. Or maybe next week.
  So, I regret this is going to be a short round-up, which you'll have to further investigate yourselves. Sorry. It's late. And don't let me forget to tell you about Rat.
  Your main predators are:
  Birds (they feed on grubs, caterpillars, slugs and aphids). Encourage them with food tables, bird baths and nest boxes.
  Ground Beetles (they feed on eelworms,cutworms, insect eggs, other larvae). Encourage them with plenty of ground cover ( leaves, deep beds, green manure).  

Frogs and toads (they feed on slugs, woodlice and other small insects). They'd like a pond. Not necessarily in your

garden. Encourage a neighbour who's got more money than sense.
  Centipedes (they feed on lots of different insects and slugs). They like ground cover (see beetles).
  Hedgehogs (they feed on slugs, cutworms, woodlice, millipedes and wireworms). They are difficult to attract, so if one does come

visiting, encourage it to stay with extra food and water. And don't let your dog into the garden if you know the hedgehog's about.
 Hoverfly lavae (they like aphids). Plant marigolds and nasturtiums.
  Lacewings and ladybirds (they also like aphids) They like a good variety of planting. Ladybirds seem to quite like fennel, and frequently overwinter in mine.
  Nematodes (strictly speaking, not a predator, rather a parasite) See this article for information, including how to "make" your own nematode brew to tackle the slugs

  We could go into Plants, Companion on Monday, but as I'm back to work then, you might be lucky to get anything. I'll tell you about The Rat tomorrow. Promise.

Natural Healers- Mushrooms

Mushrooms have long been a staple in this household. I like mine well fried, preferably with a dash of wine or soy sauce. They go well with leeks and cashew nuts, not to mention walnuts, spinach and cherry tomatoes. Add a generous amount of honey to soy sauce when cooking your mushrooms to achieve a flavoursome dish to serve with buckwheat grains.

    Aside from their culinary uses, mushrooms can help with weight management (providing you don't cook them in half a pound of butter, or grill a slab of cheese over them), boost the immune system, fight cancer and viruses, and kill bacteria.
 They are a source of Vitamin D, Vitamin B (Riboflavin, niacin and pantothenic acid), antioxidants, Ergothioneine (a naturally occurring dietary antioxidant, which may have a positive affect on inflammatory diseases), the minerals selenium, copper and potassium, and betaglucans (which increase host immune defences) and polyphenals(which are thought to have an antioxidant affect).

 They contribute dietary fibre, can act as a prebiotic, are low in calories (depending on how you cook them!), and are gluten free.
 It should be noted that the amount of benefits bestowed by the humble mushroom does vary. For example, 100g of the much lauded Shitake mushroom may give you 2% of you daily iron intake, compared to 19% for the Chantrelle, which will also give you 52% of your vitamin D, compared to 4% for the Shitake. However, the Shitake will give you 15% of your Vitamin B6, the Chantrelle none.

 But don't let us worry about which is the best for us. Instead, why not vow to widen your mushroom experience, and try a few you haven't before. At the  end of the day, the nutritional value of the mushroom on your plate is largely irrelevant if you're eating a balanced diet overall. Let us be like the Hobbits of Tolkein's world, and just enjoy them. Particularly on
a wholemeal roll, with a drizzle of HP sauce.

 If you enjoyed this, why not use the links on your right to download my full length stories?

Ladders, Lofts and not Looking down

  Rats. They fought the dogs and killed the cats. Nicked the food from the bird's own table, and then pooed and weed in my loft. They appear only mildly annoyed by the sonic whatsits, but given the amount of junk in the attic, I'm surprised anything will reach them. 

  We've been doing The Inspection, inside and out, trying to see where the little buggers are getting in. Spoke to Joe at Somerset Pest Solutions, who gave some free advice, got some wire wool and some chicken wire and then got the ladder out. Yes, The Ladder. Someone has to hold it while one of us goes up, and it's usually me who goes up, as I will not be able to stop the ladder moving if the OH goes up. You know it makes sense.
  I do not like heights, but the job had to be done. The roof at the back looks sound, the doobries that go into the pointy bit of the tile to stop anything getting in were all present and correct. No signs of nibbling. No sign of rat. Put hand under tiles- no room there to even get a finger in. Blocked the down pipes with scrunched up chicken wire, to be on the safe side.

  Back into the attic. Torches and long poky stick, the lot. Finally found a possible entrance  near site of rat activity (ie poo). Definite nibbled hole. Ladder back out to the front of the house. Cut up chicken wire into small sheets. I'm back up the ladder again, not  looking down as ladder is now placed over the

front porch roof and there is a LOT of flex in said ladder. Wobble to the top. Most of these tiles have lost their doobries. I stuff the crumpled chicken wire into the  suspected entry point and into all the other tiles, whether they've got a doobrie or not. I don't want to have to go up again.
  Back down. Move ladder along a bit. More chicken wire. Blocked the down pipe, just in case. Do rest of roof tomorrow and see neighbour about access to our side wall and removal of ivy, which may also be giving our furry friends a route to the roof. Then the traps will go down, and we'll see just how much  Rattus Norvegicus likes peanut butter.
  As a reward for me being fearless and uncomplaining, the OH bought me an Alan Titchmarsh watering can. Well, you can't water your tomatoes with a medal, can you?

To be continued...

Natural Healers- Kale

  Both Kale and Rape Kale are descended from wild cabbage and are valuable winter vegetables, providing greens from December to April. They are not only extremely hardy, but many believe frost improves their flavour.

  Kale is best grown on well drained, previously manured loam, preferring an alkaline soil, as do most brassicas; lime(not the fruit!) should be added to the site the previous winter.
  Sow the seed half an inch deep in April (UK) and then thin the seedlings out to two inches apart. In July, replant them in their permanent bed, each plant about  two feet apart in either direction. Firm the plants in and water well until they are established. The leaves will be ready for cutting from Christmas onwards. Cut the centre of each plant first, to encourage fresh side-shoots.
  Rich in beta-carotene, vitamins K and C and foliate, Kale is also a rich source of chlorophyll and easily digested iron and calcium. It helps balance hormones and lower cholesterol. Its antioxidants and omega 3 fatty acids mean it has strong anti-inflammatory properties.
  It is therefore good for bone health, being also high in magnesium, and the antioxidants it contains are good for fighting diabetes, arthritis, stroke and heart disease- the latter two also being mitigated by its cholesterol lowering fibre. It can help repair DNA and has an anti-oestrogen effect that can arrest the spread of some cancers.

Kale juice is rich in sulphur, which can aid the healing of stomach ulcers, while its bitter flavour aids digestion and helps with lung congestion.
  Kale is a relatively new addition to my kitchen cupboard, but has now almost usurped spinach in my favoured stir fry ingredients. Its main benefit over spinach is that it keeps a lot longer and has a better flavour. Being a winter vegetable, it is more likely to have been grown locally, and is probably fresher. I will confess that I have never grown it, as I haven't had much luck with brassicas, and it never looked that interesting on other people's allotments. However, well chopped, it is a must-have anywhere you might use spinach or bog-standard cabbage (if there is such a thing)- stir-fries, curries, cooked with fried mushrooms and walnuts;

juice it with ginger and apple juice, or replace the basil and pine nuts in a pesto recipe with kale leaves (ribs removed) and walnuts. If you like you veggies, but have never tried this one, give it a go. Remember, if you want to boost your absorption of iron and calcium, serve it with lemon or other citrus fruit, and cook as briefly as possible to retain its nutrients.

Natural Healers- Immunity and Infection.

    This article is going to look- broadly- at plants that can protect our immune systems and fight infection.
  First off is Aloe Vera; this contains acemannan, which is effective against the herpes virus.The useful part of the plant is the gel, which can be obtained by breaking off a leaf, peeling it and scooping the gel out. As a drink, the gel can be blitzed in a food processor, with apple juice and drunk fresh.

 It soothes coughs and bronchial asthma and its antiseptic properties can help heal a sore throat. For the stomach, it balances the intestinal flora, can help with coping with IBS, and is a laxative. It blocks the formation of histamine to act as a remedy for allergic conditions. The salicylic acid it contains is useful for general aches and pains. A gargle is good for gingivitis.  For minor burns or cuts, break off a leaf and apply the gel. It speeds up the healing process, and can also be used to treat skin problems and sunburn.
  Asparagus helps with healthy gut flora, and has mild laxative and diuretic properties. It protects against the action of free-radicals, promoting a healthy immune response.
  Blackcurrants have similar anti-biotic properties to cranberries and can fight UTIs. Vitamin C and antioxidants make it a good tonic, and it retains its

beneficial qualities if made into a syrup or cordial.
  Chocolate. Oh, now I've got your attention. The same amount of antioxidants can be found in chocolate as can be found in red wine. Chocolate supports overall immunity and intestinal immunity. It can ease coughs- the theobromine in it is more effective than codeine. It also helps ease gastrointestinal upsets.
  Organic is best- your bog-standard chocolate has usually received at least 30 different pesticides before it gets to you; cacao nibs are also a good way of getting the goodness. And dark chocolate has more anti-oxidants.
  Dandelions are rich in antioxidants- see here for the previous blog, and here for garlic.
  Kiwi fruit and Mangoes are rich in vitamin C that boosts immunity. The average size mango carries two thirds of your daily requirement. It also contains compounds that are thought to be effective against prostate and skin cancer.
  Rocket also has high levels of vitamin C, and of beta-carotene. Digestion releases isothiocynates that protect against cancer. It stimulates digestion and protects against stomach ulcers, and may help to reduce the risk of macular degeneration. At one time it was used in cough syrup.
  Spelt is higher in vitamin B3 (Niacin) than standard wheat (Niacin aids energy metabolism). It has antibacterial properties, which help strengthen the body against disease. It also supports the adrenal glands and improves circulation, lowers LDL cholestrol levels and regulates blood sugar levels.
  Tea is a powerful anti-oxidant, anti bacterial and anti viral. The green and Oolong teas may have anti allergy properties and may help against eczema. Green tea is thought to protect against breast cancer, while both green and black tea may prevent some cancer cells forming. Use organic tea, green or black. Yes, it's those pesticides again,
  Papaya seeds have been found effective against E. Coli, salmonella and staphylococcus. They also appear to get rid of internal parasites. The juice of the papaya helps restore good bacteria in the stomach. The seeds are edible fresh or dry, and can add a peppery flavour to cooking. (Papain is a protein dissolving enzyme extracted from the unripe fruit. It is used for digestive complaints and pain relief and helps prevent ulcers)
  Peas are a good source of iron and vitamin C. A single serving supplies half your daily needs of vitamin C. Peas and pea-shoots also contain anti-oxidants that can inhibit H Pylori (which can cause ulcers and cancers). The glycodeli-A  contained in mange-tout may improve male fertility.

  Sweet potatoes are a traditional treatment for diabetes. They are high in beta-carotene and vitamin C and may provide anti-cancer benefits. Eat them with the skins on, boiled or steamed, and with a little butter or oil. The purple sweet potatoes can protect against IBS and ulcerative colitis.
  Of course this isn't an exhaustive list. If you want a longer one, may I suggest Jekka McVicar's Herb Book
and/or Neal's Yard's Healing Foods