- Joined
- Sep 27, 1999
- Messages
- 3,164
My son have gotten to the botanical gardens, quite abit this summer.
Here are some pics. I try to pass on some plant id-ing and usage. Even though he is only 4, I think the idea that nature is cool will stick.
Wild Ginger (Aristolochiaceae)
Wild ginger, can be used as a spice for food, take for indigestion, colds and coughs. Make a tea out of the
Horsetail Grass (Equisetum arvense)
The plant contains several chemicals which can be used medicinally. It is rich in the minerals silicon (10%), potassium, and calcium, which gives it diuretic properties. It is prescribed to care for conjunctive tissues (cartilage, tendons, and bones) and also polyps, epistasis, and bleeding. The buds are eaten as a vegetable in Japan in spring time.
It was also once used to polish pewter and wood (gaining the name pewterwort) and to strengthen fingernails. Also as an abrasive: it was used by Hurdy-Gurdy players to dress the wheels of their instruments by removing resin build up. (Ref: La Vielleuse Habile, Jean-Francois Bouin, 1761, page 19.)
In herbalism it is used to treat kidney and bladder problems, gastro-enteritis, and prostate and urinary infections. Externally it is used for chilblains and wounds.[1] There is controversey whether humans should digest it over a long time! (from wikipedia)
Also collected Elderberry(Sambuccus Mexicannas) and California Buckeye for friction fire making. It will help me test my new Koster Nessie, coming soon.
Here are some pics. I try to pass on some plant id-ing and usage. Even though he is only 4, I think the idea that nature is cool will stick.
Wild Ginger (Aristolochiaceae)
Wild ginger, can be used as a spice for food, take for indigestion, colds and coughs. Make a tea out of the
Horsetail Grass (Equisetum arvense)
The plant contains several chemicals which can be used medicinally. It is rich in the minerals silicon (10%), potassium, and calcium, which gives it diuretic properties. It is prescribed to care for conjunctive tissues (cartilage, tendons, and bones) and also polyps, epistasis, and bleeding. The buds are eaten as a vegetable in Japan in spring time.
It was also once used to polish pewter and wood (gaining the name pewterwort) and to strengthen fingernails. Also as an abrasive: it was used by Hurdy-Gurdy players to dress the wheels of their instruments by removing resin build up. (Ref: La Vielleuse Habile, Jean-Francois Bouin, 1761, page 19.)
In herbalism it is used to treat kidney and bladder problems, gastro-enteritis, and prostate and urinary infections. Externally it is used for chilblains and wounds.[1] There is controversey whether humans should digest it over a long time! (from wikipedia)
Also collected Elderberry(Sambuccus Mexicannas) and California Buckeye for friction fire making. It will help me test my new Koster Nessie, coming soon.
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