Uganda: 'Eviction Has Reduced Us to Beggars' Nov 14, 2009
"When you go up where we were (in Mount Elgon), the air is fresh, we had water, we had medicinal plants which can treat many diseases that cannot be treated by the muzungu (white person). "Now, we cannot go to get the medicine up there because the rangers will not allow us to pass over the park boundary," she complains. According to Uganda's state minister for tourism, Serapio Rukundo, there have been some instances of what he calls "maladministration" but, overall, communities are benefitting... (allAfrica.com)
Sinagua history at Walnut Canyon Nov 14, 2009
"I grew up using a lot of medicinal plants," she says. "I still use a lot of the plants.". (AZCentral -- Travel)
SPIEGEL Interview with Umberto Eco, Susanne Beyer and Lothar Gorris, Spiegel Online Nov 12, 2009
In fact, there is a dizzying array: lists of saints, armies and medicinal plants, or of treasures and book titles. Think of the nature collections of the 16th century. (Harper's Magazine)
Forest Service excavates fort along Trail of Tears Nov 9, 2009
Rare species of mushrooms, herbs and medicinal plants used centuries ago by American Indians are still growing there. "This is a sacred place," Bass said. (Pine Bluff Commercial, AR)
AFRICA: Turning to traditional medicines in fight against malaria Nov 4, 2009
BN Prakash, a researcher with the Foundation for the Revitalization of Local Health Traditions, based in Bangalore, said Africa could draw on experiences in India where medicinal plants have been used with great success in the control of malaria-related deaths. "Research in India has shown a 5-10 times reduction in malaria-related deaths among communities who use traditional medicinal plants like Guduchi [tinospore coeditdia], a local medicinal plant found in India," said Prakash ... Another... (AlertNet)
Losing your tongue Nov 2, 2009
"Once a language dies, the knowledge dies with it. Take for example medicinal plants. A tree bark may prevent cancer, AIDS, etc., but the name of the tree (and the associated knowledge) typically is lost when the language becomes extincta loss to all humanity.". But, as Aristar points out, if linguists have enough left of a language, they can reconstruct relationships going back many thousands of years, showing how we are all related; and they can put this together with genetic and... (EurekAlert!)
5 nuggets of knowledge about tea Oct 28, 2009
According to Peterson Field Guide of Medicinal Plants, goldenrod tea can aid in digestion and soothe stomach cramps, coughs and colds. It is also said to bolster the effectiveness of antibiotics and can help treat and prevent bladder infections and kidney stones. (Gaylord Herald Times, MI)
How to Make Herbal Remedies Oct 21, 2009
Some common medicinal plants and herbs that can be used in include. Cloves of garlic. (Suite101.com)
Africa: Lawyers in Neoliberalism [analysis] Oct 18, 2009
It is involved in facilitating commodification of education and health; water and energy; customary land and traditional medicinal plants. It is involved in drafting intellectual property laws to protect modified seed plasma and herbal medicines, the knowledge of which is looted from peasants and pastoralists of the Fourth World. (allAfrica.com)
Leafy surroundings Oct 12, 2009
In tending the plots, we gleaned much information about medicinal plants, palms, local trees etc. The professor botanist even took pains to run a crash course of sorts for the motley bunch. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
Top Five Herbal Remedies Found in M... Sep 25, 2009
Here is a selection of medicinal plants that are already found in many kitchens. Ginger. (Suite101.com)
Lesotho: Compensation Victory for Displaced Villagers Sep 25, 2009
The 22 families were relocated to Matala, reportedly with assurances they would be compensated for lost property and such communal resources as pastoral land, medicinal plants and fuel, among others. Another Ha Matala villager, Anna Moepi Mahaosaid the Ombudsman's latest decision had brought some light into their lives, which she claimed had been turned upside-down following the relocation. (allAfrica.com)
American Botanical Council's HerbClip Service Boasts 4,000 Summaries and Reviews of Herbal Literature Sep 17, 2009
Founded in 1988 the American Botanical Council is a leading international nonprofit organization addressing research and educational issues regarding herbs and medicinal plants. ABC's members include academic researchers and educators, universities and libraries, health professionals and medical institutions, botanical gardens and arboreta, government agencies, members of the herb, dietary supplement, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries, journalists, consumers, and other interested parties... (PR Newswire)
Endocannabinoids, Closely Related To Active Ingredients In Cannabis Plant, Can Promote Pain Sep 15, 2009
The first mention of cannabis as a medicinal plant was in the Chinese book of medicinal plants Shennong bencao jing , which is almost 5000 years old. The Chinese emperor Shennong is said to have recommended cannabis resin as a remedy for various illnesses. (Science Daily)
Okinawan nursing students complete international tour (227) Sep 7, 2009
Yamamoto led the unit on medicinal plants, microbiology lab, and a tour to the National Tropical Botanical Gardens where the students got to see plants they studied. Following the presentation of diplomas, the students returned the favor, performing a variety of dance and song from Okinawa. (Lihue Garden Island, HA)
For the environment Sep 1, 2009
MEDICINAL PLANTS TOUR, of plants and trees used as natural remedies, 1 p.m. Sept. 19, Foster Botanical Garden; reservations required, admission fee to garden; 522-7066. SIERRA CLUB is looking for new hike/outing leaders (information, Stan Oka, 429-9814, or Deborah Blair, 955-4168), and for people willing to sign up as new Facebook friends; information, 538-6616. (Honolulu Advertiser)
* FEATURE : Malaysias Penan battle to survive in a non-forest world Aug 31, 2009
Even the settled Penan still retain a deep connection to the jungle, foraging for rattan, medicinal plants, fruits, and sago palm. Wild game are hunted with finely crafted blowpipes and poison darts. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Business)
Acai What is it and Where Does it... Aug 27, 2009
Several Amazonian tribes have medicine men or women who are healers that work with medicinal plants from the rainforest and have for centuries, through tradition, realised the Acai Brazilian berry has medicinal purposes. We now know the Acai berry has natural antioxidant properties, which has been claimed useful in naturally controlling cholesterol. (Suite101.com)
So Tom and Prncipe: The Forest is the Pharmacy Aug 25, 2009
The study collected information on 325 medicinal plants and more than 1,000 medicinal recipes from some 40 respected healers, midwives and grandmothers. The plants were identified, classified and compared to similar plants studied elsewhere. (allAfrica.com)
Malaysia's Penan tribe ups anti-logging campaign Aug 23, 2009
Even on land that has been logged in the past, Penan can still forage for sago which is their staple food, medicinal plants, and rattan and precious aromatic woods which are sold to buy essential goods. "Oil palm is worse because nothing is left. If they take all our land, we will not be able to survive," the Long Belok headman said. (Yahoo! Asia News)
Elderhostel brings travelers to Arctic Aug 16, 2009
Campers get to participate in activities traditional to the area -- set-net fishing, canning salmon, collecting medicinal plants, making fireweed honey and, of course, hunting for mammoth ivory along the beach. The campers also go into town to look at local art and go shopping at the AC -- a cultural experience that is shocking for many. (Anchorage Daily News)
Antibacterial and phytochemical screening of Anethum graveolens, Foeniculum vulgare and Trachyspermum ammi Aug 6, 2009
and Trachyspermum ammi L. are widely used traditional medicinal plants to treat various ailments. To provide a scientific basis to traditional uses of these plants, their aqueous and organic seed extracts, as well as isolated phytoconstituents were evaluated for their antibacterial potential. (BioMed Central)
* As trees fall in Amazon, tribes are unheard Aug 6, 2009
A specialist in medicinal plants, Mapulu said that a root she used to treat diarrhea and other ailments had become nearly impossible to find because the forest flora had changed. The grass they use to bind together the essential beams of their huts has also become difficult to find. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
New ship offersthe perfect balance of style Aug 1, 2009
The treatment uses an alchemy of expert touch, medicinal plants, Rose Quartz and a pure 24-karat gold leaf mask to speed up cell renewal. Guests who experience it will also be able to enjoy a special cocktail inspired by the treatment itself. (MSNBC -- Travel)
Turkmen leader operates on patient Jul 23, 2009
But officials recently suggested that Mr Berdymukhamedov's book on medicinal plants should become a handbook for health workers. Bookmark with. (BBC News -- Asia-Pacific)
Ingredients for success Jul 11, 2009
He had stumbled across a word, ramuan, which referred to a carefully selected blend of medicinal plants that were consumed back in the days when high-tech dermatology or the Atkins diet were not available. He observed: This beautiful word has been used in Malaysia for centuries. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
A democratic dark spot Jul 9, 2009
The tribes' myriad models of human sustainability, including their world views and ancestral knowledge of medicinal plants, have been steadily disappearing since the 1960s as the land is plundered by militarized commerce and West Papuan history is erased by a 48-year-and-counting ethnocide. To confuse any attempts at global awareness, Indonesia has officially changed West Papua's name four times since occupying the region in 1963, right after West Papua declared its independence under United... (Asia Times Online)
Celebrity Cruises' Celebrity Equinox to Raise a Few Eyebrows Jul 2, 2009
The treatment, which uses an alchemy of expert touch, medicinal plants, Rose Quartz and a pure 24-karat gold leaf mask, speeds up cell renewal and results in a rebalanced, nourished, brighter and more clarified skin texture and complexion. The new ship will offer "red carpet make-up" application after every facial in its line-up, featuring a natural touch of Colorscience mineral powder and lip gloss to keep skin and lips glowing. (PR Newswire)
Outdoors calendar Jun 25, 2009
By Independent Record - 06/25/09. The deadline to submit an event for Thursday s outdoors section is Monday. (Helena Independent Record)
Eagle, thou art an eagle, stretch out your wings and fly K Aggrey May 31, 2009
Our forests are full of medicinal plants which we can identify and use. What of the sugar cane for sugar, and apio, molasses as animal feed. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Keith Sutton: Wild Eats May 30, 2009
A mutual friend in college introduced Billy and me, and I remember with great fondness sitting on her porch near the community of Possum Trot and listening as she described how to use the variety of edible and medicinal plants she gathered from the woods surrounding her home ... Larry was a botanist with a keen interest in edible and medicinal plants ... Many excellent field guides to edible and medicinal plants also are available, and if you're lucky, you might find a foraging enthusiast who... (ESPN -- Outdoors)
Laguna man ponders mountains history May 16, 2009
The Laguna people soon learned of the healing power of Mount Taylor when they discovered medicinal plants in various places on the mountain, according to the history. Reeder stated that the town of Paguate got its name from Laguna lore. (Grants Cibola County Beacon, NM)
News Scan Briefs: Logic That Feels the Noise May 15, 2009
Bug Off The capability to seek out medicinal plants was thought to be limited to creatures with advanced brains; for instance, chimpanzees harboring intestinal worms swallow bristly leaves to scrape the parasites from their guts. Now researchers at Wesleyan University and their colleagues find that woolly bear caterpillars (Grammia incorrupta) also self-medicate when ill. (Scientific American)
Key role as ecotour guides May 11, 2009
Various members of the tribe taught us about their use of medicinal plants, and led us on a rain forest canopy walk and on an iguana "hunt," where the iguanas were captured, photographed, and released unharmed. The Mayans also showed us around their village and taught us about their culture. (Boston Globe -- Editorial)
Getting schooled on vacation May 7, 2009
They could identify animals by their dung, read the stars, rhyme off names of medicinal plants and dish tips on surviving in the bush. They even learned to cook bacon over a traditional bush fire. (Globe and Mail)
Indigenous peoples to discuss climate Apr 20, 2009
In Borneo, climate change on the island in Southeast Asia is being blamed on the loss of traditional medicinal plants. And in Mexico, Mayan farmers in the highlands are having to find new ways to irrigate their crops because of a shortened rain season. (Anchorage Daily News)
Indigenous peoples at world summit to share climate change observations, coping techniques Apr 20, 2009
Borneo: The Dayak have documented climate variations based on observations of bird species, rising water levels, and the loss of traditional medicinal plants. Mexico: Highland Mayan milpa farmers have a shortened rain season, unseasonal frost and unusually large daytime temperature changes, forcing them to find alternative sources of irrigation and crop variations. (EurekAlert!)
Social Education Fire Apr 19, 2009
Mr Nketsiah said there was the need to preserve forest reserves in order for the nation to maintain and develop wildlife species as well as medicinal plants to facilitate national development. He expressed appreciation to GNAT for initiating the programme and hoped that it would not be a nine day's wonder but develop it to benefit more children and the country as whole. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Advice To The New Ghanaian President Apr 17, 2009
We must invest by financing research in bio-technology, medicinal plants, new energy sources, electronic and information technologies. A minimal investment of say $40 million can hire 100 top Ghanaian Scientists at globally competitive salaries for 2 years. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Use Of Native Southern African Plants In Veterinary Medicine Apr 8, 2009
"In the United States, medicinal plants aren't used as much for animals, except as alternative health care for pets and other companion animals," Gehring said. "In developing countries, they are very much being used as primary care. Native plants are what people have access to.". (Science Daily)
Drug Tourism: Down the Amazon in Search of Ayahuasca Apr 8, 2009
One of the most popular lodges, Blue Morpho, is run by Hamilton Souther, a California native who moved to Peru in 2001 to learn about medicinal plants from local Indians. After receiving the title of master shaman, Souther set up Blue Morpho, a collection of charming thatch-roof huts, nature trails and a ceremonial roundhouse where Souther offers ayahuasca sessions for a mostly U.S. crowd. (Time.com)
* Meet your farmers and know your food Mar 14, 2009
Li Yan-sen (l) is learning to share his years of experience in cultivating native medicinal plants such as Chinese mahogany and ailanthus prickly ash. Nature has great wisdom. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World Business)
AfDB Group Approves U.S.$ 47 Million for Congo Basin Conservation Mar 13, 2009
Moreover, the forest itself is a source of wealth through the carbon sequestration market, the development of timber forest products (various forest products, firewood, charcoal, creeping plants, medicinal plants, etc. and non-timber forest products such as honey, resins, oils and butter, game, various high nutritional value products. (allAfrica.com)
Annual fertilization not always necessary Mar 13, 2009
I base this on commentary by Zohar Amar in HaMa yan, guidance from the Central Conference of American Rabbis, and notes from Dukes Medicinal Plants of the Bible. White willow should grow fine in Athens. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Home & Garden)
INTERVIEW-Brazil moves to oust foreign NGOs in Amazon Mar 11, 2009
The government accuses some groups of industrial spying, undermining the culture of native Indians and biopiracy -- stealing medicinal plants for pharmaceutical purposes ... Foreign scientists visiting Indians, who harbor knowledge of medicinal plants useful to pharmaceutical companies, must now get their credentials validated by a national authority. (AlertNet)
Andrew Zuckerman 24; brought varied interests to Laos school Mar 10, 2009
"A lot of his interests were starting to come together. He was interested in medicinal plants and was working to see how the Laos people could benefit from growing poppy plants for medicinal purposes.". Mr. Zuckerman demonstrated a unique curiosity that extended from the Beat poets and jazz to Eastern and Native American philosophy, according to his godmother, Cooper Wright of Manhattan. (Boston Globe)
Flowering Plants of Sri Lanka Mar 6, 2009
Results of a recent World Bank biodiversity project, on conservation and sustainable use of medicinal plants in Sri Lanka, show that the country "holds more than 3,350 flowering species," of which "500 of these native flora" are utilized in traditional medicine. Twenty-three per cent of these flowering species are endemic to the country. (Suite101.com)
Edible Bog and Wetland Plants Feb 24, 2009
Plants for a Future: Edible and Medicinal Plants for a Healthier World. Permanent Publications, 1997. (Suite101.com)
Botanical Garden celebrates 150th with going green message Feb 18, 2009
Topics deal with issues including medicinal plants, the population crash of honeybees, climate changes and the role of nature in children s growth ... He teaches ethnobotany and hosts television specials about his search for medicinal plants in jungles, deserts and high-altitude areas. (Park Hills Daily Journal, MO)
Indian medicines made safer from patent piracy Feb 11, 2009
Gupta said that a study conducted in 2000 showed that 80 per cent of the 4,896 medicinal plants that were patented under the USPTO were on plants of Indian origin ... Thus, the country has lost over 15,000 patents of medicinal plants to the West ... Patents have been granted by the European Patent Office (EPO) on the use of over 285 traditional Indian medicinal plants such as papaya, Indian long pepper, kali tulsi, pudina, ginger, aloe, isabgol, aaonla, jira, soybean, tomato, almond, walnut and... (domain-B)
India logs over 2 lakh traditional medical formulations Feb 10, 2009
India, till now, has lost over 15,000 patents of medicinal plants to the West ... In the past, patents have been granted by the European Patent Office (EPO) on the use of over 285 Indian medicinal plants such as papaya, Indian long pepper, kali tulsi, pudina, ginger, aloe, isabgol, aaonla, jira, soybean, tomato, almond, walnut and methi ... He added that in a study conducted in 2000, 4,896 patents were granted by US PTO on medicinal plants, 80% on which were on plants of Indian origin. (Times of India)
Medicinal plants are becoming extinct- says FORIG Feb 8, 2009
Kumasi, Feb 7, GNA - The Forestry Research Institute of Ghana (FORIG) has expressed its worry over the high rate at which medicinal plants in the country were becoming extinct ... He was speaking at a day's project workshop to brainstorm on the conservation and the utilization of medicinal plants in Ghana at Fumesua near Kumasi at the weekend ... He said the project looks at the critical importance of medicinal plants in poor communities where relatively cheap western medicines remain... (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Peru mayor urges legalizing drugs, report says Feb 8, 2009
"They are medicinal plants rejected by science because of the false belief that they are drugs.". It has been demonstrated, he told Peru 21, that those plants can help some diseases, including some eye treatments, anxiety and depression. (CNN -- World)
38% of U.S. Adults Use Alternative Treatments Feb 7, 2009
Mark Blumenthal is founder and executive director of the American Botanical Council, an independent, nonprofit research group that says it's dedicated to helping people live healthier lives through the responsible use of herbs and medicinal plants. He said he views the use of CAM is a positive trend. (MEDLINEplus)
