Resplendent and Unusual Flowers

Flowers are some of nature’s most wonderful creations – they usually look amazing, most of them emit very pleasing scents, and best of all, they’re where honey comes from! We use them for decoration, as romantic gestures and to signify freedom and love (the 60’s “Flower Children”). Not all flowers are the same, some have very unique patterns, some bloom very rarely and some don’t even look like flowers at all. Join me on a trip to discover the strangest and prettiest flowers from around the world.

Beehive ginger (Zingiber spectabile) is a member of the ginger family. Native to Southeast Asia, it’s mainly grown as an ornamental plant, but also used as a medicinal herb. Research shows that the plant has antimicrobial properties and a high concentration of enzymes that can prevent colon cancer.

Chinese lantern (Physalis alkekengi) found in Southern Europe and throught the east across Asia, the Chinese lantern got its name from the bright orange cover of the fruit which resembles a paper lantern. The fruit itself has antibacterial properties and possible beneficial properties for people suffering from chronic liver disease.

Black cat flower (Tacca chantrieri) this unusual plant is one of the only plants in the world to have black flowers. The big flowers (up to 12 inches across) have even longer “whiskers”, giving it its colloquial name. It is native to the tropical regions of Southeast Asia.

Waxplant (Hoya) is a large family of evergreen creepers native to Southeast Asia and Australia. They gained the name “Waxplant” thanks to their flowers. The flowers always grow in bunches (called spurs), have five thick triangular petals that look as though they were carved out of wax. Most waxplants have an appealing scent and abundant nectar.

Titan arum (Amorphophallus titanum) is the world’s largest flower, whose blossom has a very unusual scent – that of rotting flesh. The titan produces this smell to attract flies, rather than bees, for pollination.

Quirky fact: its name comes from the Ancient Greek amorphos (misshapen) and phallos(penis)

Candy Cane Sorrel (Oxalis versicolor) is native to South Africa, and got its name thanks to its beautiful blossom, which resembles a candy cane.

Snake Gourd (Trichosanthes cucumerina) is a vine native to Southeast Asia and Northwestern Australia. Used as a vegetable, a medicine and even in the construction of traditional didgeridoos.

Kakabeak (Clianthus) is a member of the legume family, and got its name from the shape of its flowers, which resemble the beaks of the New Zealand Kākā parrot.

American ghost orchid (Dendrophylax lindenii) is a leafless orchid that grows in the Bahamas, Cuba and Florida. The plants anchor themselves to trees and the roots themselves are photosynthetic.

Blue Zebra primrose (Primula acaulis ‘Zebra Blue’) is a subspecies of primrose with a distinct blue and white pattern on the petals and a yellow center that enjoys a prolonged flowering period.

Balloon flower (Platycodon grandiflorus) got its name thanks to the way its petals grow before blooming. The petals are fused together, swelling up like a balloon before fully blooming. It’s known for its root’s anti-inflammatory properties, used to treat coughs and colds. 

Passion fruit (Passiflora edulis) is a creeping vine that is endemic to South America. The flowers are magnificent and the fruits are popular worldwide.

Yellow lady slippers orchid (Cypripedium calceolus), the name comes from the Ancient Greek cypripedium meaning “Shoe of Venus”.

Jade vine (Strongylodon macrobotrys), endemic to the forests of the Philippines, it is related to beans and is pollinated by bats. A stem can reach a length of 3 meters (10 feet) and carry up to 75 flowers. 

Monkey orchid (Dracula simia) is an orchid species, native to the rainforests of Ecuador. It can bloom year-round and has the scent of a ripe orange.

Fritillaria tubiformis is a member of the Fritillaria family, found mainly in temperate regions like the Mediterranean and western North America. The name comes from the latin word fritillus, meaning “dice-box” and refers to the checkered pattern on the petals.

Japanese camellia (Camellia japonica), a member of the Camellia family (where tea comes from), Japanese Camellia has several subspecies, with various shapes and colors. And in case you were wondering - yes, you can make tea from it as-well.

Hairy toad lily (Tricyrtis hirta) is native to Japan, found mostly in shaded rocky areas.

Columbine magpie (Aquilegia) are found in the Northern Hemisphere, mainly in meadows and woodlands. The flowers are reported to be very sweet but should be consumed in moderation. The seeds, however, are extremely poisonous.

Queen of the Night (Selenicereus grandiflorus) got its name because it blooms only once a year, for a single night. It’s a type of cactus, native to Central and South America, where it’s also known as the Vanilla Cactus, thanks to its lovely scent.

Angel’s trumpets (Datura) are a very poisonous plant (flowers and seeds in particular), found in northern Africa and the Americas. The plants are so dangerous, they’re illegal in some countries

10 Foods to Promote Prostate Health

While awareness about cancer should be shared by both of the sexes, a number of surveys show that women are generally more aware and knowledgeable about their risk for certain cancers than men. However, there are a number of cancers that men should know about and actively care for, one of them being prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer is a form of cancer that develops in the male reproductive system and unfortunately spreads slowly. For the latter reason, many men may not know of their risk for prostate cancer until later in life, and it may be too late. Besides consulting your doctor and scheduling regular prostate exams, there are a number of nutrients in the foods that we eat that may help prevent and even treat issues in the prostate.

Incorporate some or all of these foods into your diet to keep your prostate health in check.

1. Brazil Nuts

These large and delicious nuts are so good for prostate health because they are rich in a nutrient called selenium, which has been associated with a reduced risk of prostate cancer. Just one ounce of Brazil nuts contains almost ten times the recommended daily value for selenium in your diet, which bodes very well for the state of your prostate. The nuts are also a good source of zinc, which is another mineral essential to prostate health, and amino acids which are a great source of protein.

2. Broccoli

Broccoli is a member of the cruciferous family, a family of vegetables shared with cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and kale. Cruciferous vegetables contain high amounts of sulforaphane and indoles, which are plant-based nutrients that have remarkable anti-cancer and cleansing properties. In scientific trials, it was found that eating broccoli more than once a week could reduce the probability of contracting the later (and more serious) stages of prostate cancer by nearly 45 percent. The healthiest way to consume broccoli (to maximize its nutrient content) is to steam or sauté the broccoli for about 5 minutes (and no more).

3. Cayenne

The cayenne pepper is known for being hot and spicy, but it is also an excellent source of prostate healthy nutrients. The cayenne pepper is made hot due to a high concentration of a substance called capasaicin, which is renowned for its ability to reduce pain, but also helps kill off cancer cells. In studies, capasaicin has demonstrated an ability to cause cancer cells to 'commit suicide', by attacking the energy-making portion of the cell (the mitochondria). Capasaicin is also known for its cardiovascular benefits as a strong antioxidant, as preventive treatment for stomach ulcers, and as an effective balancer of blood sugar levels.

4. Green Tea

This super food is noted for its numerous health benefits, one of them being the ability to fight off several forms of cancer, including prostate cancer. Green tea contains compounds called catechins, the most important of them being EGCG which notably lowers the levels of dangerous biomarkers attributed to cancer. The nutrients in green tea may also help men who have pre-cancerous prostate lesions, one of the first signs of more serious prostate complications, including cancer. To maximize the effect of green tea, it is recommended to consume about three cups daily.

5. Mushrooms

 

Mushrooms are great for prostate health, but Asian mushrooms are particularly good. The shiitake mushroom, for instance, contain a certain substance called lentinian, which has demonstrated miraculous anti-cancer properties. Asian mushrooms also contain a potent antioxidant called L-ergothioneine, which has the ability of protecting cells throughout the body from cancerous invasion.

6. Pomegranates

Not only does this succulent red fruit taste wonderful, it is also noted for being high in antioxidants and a nutrient called ellagitannin, which especially promotes prostate health. Some studies show that pomegranate can even slow the reproduction of prostate cancer cells and can even kill them off. Pomegranates are also noted for their ability to interfere with the growth of new blood vessels, which usually nourish prostate tumors. If you don't have the actual fruit available (it is seasonal at the end of summer and into the early fall), pomegranate juice is an accessible and tasty way to get all of the fruit's nutrients.

7. Pumpkin Seeds

Yes, as evident from this list, stocking up on seeds and nuts is never a bad thing, especially when it comes to delicious pumpkin seeds. Pumpkin seeds have been proven to benefit men with benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), which is a condition affecting men 50 and old where the prostate gland swells and enlarges. This swelling and enlargement is caused by the over stimulation of prostate cells by testosterone and other hormones, and the oil of pumpkin seeds has been shown to prevent the effect of these hormones on prostate health.

8. Salmon

Another super food noted for its healthy qualities, salmon also supports prostate health because it is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids. New research has found that the omega-3 in fish (not only salmon, although it is the most popular fish) can slow the development of prostate tumors in men who have the disease, and can prevent the disease from developing at all for those who don't. Indeed, a study published in "Clinical Cancer Research" reported that eating fish or salmon once a week could reduce a man's chance of developing prostate cancer, even if he has a genetic predisposition to contracting the disease.

9. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are rich in a nutrient called lycopene, which is a potent antioxidant that has proven itself to promote and enhance prostate health. Surprisingly, unlike a number of other fruits and vegetables, tomatoes nutritional benefit increases when they are processed, as opposed to fresh. When the tomatoes are cooked into a paste, soup, sauce or made into a juice, the lycopene content is more easily absorbed by the body. Eating just one serving of tomatoes a day, either in your Bloody Mary or even on pizza, can protect against DNA damage that could set the stage for the development of prostate cancer.

10. Turmeric

Turmeric has been used as a medicinal herb for centuries, and is also an excellent way to enhance prostate health. The spice is used to fight off inflammation, colds, asthma, and when combined with a calciferous vegetable like broccoli or kale, is effective in preventing and even treating prostate cancer. Turmeric is usually added to curries and spicy dishes due to its bitter and peppery flavor, but adding a dash of it to your cooking could not only add the needed spice to your meal, but also dramatically improve your prostate health.

FAREWELL ZAHIR UL ISLAM 24 Oct'14

      A fare well lunch was arranged by Karachi chapter of 55th PMA Long Course in the honour of the out going DG ISI Lieutenant General Zahir ul Islam, who is retiring in the first week of November 2014. General Zahir has the honour to belong to 55th PMA Long Course and visa versa. He wore uniform with us on 12th May 1975 and systematically and gradually all retired from the colour service at their own retiring date. He has the now the honour to be the last from 55th PMA Long Course to hang his uniform for good. It was really humble of him to take out time for this farewell lunch from his very hectic schedule. 

      As usual Wasif arranged us all for for this lavish and delicious lunch which had never ending courses. Whenever I placed my spoon thinking that it is the last course but than see the steward bringing another course. It was also observed that the General enjoyed his food and, against his earlier habit, never said no to any dish served. May be it is a sign that he has started settling down for his post retirement life.

      After the lunch, Wasif addressed the audience and delivered a speech which covered the sentiments of all present and presented memento as token of affection and long brotherhood to General Zahir ul Islam from the Karachi chapter of 55th PMA Long Course.

Here are few glimpses of the occasion. My apologies for the low quality prints as my camera developed fault and I have to hurriedly use my cell phone camera. Anyhow, more are likely to be pasted in due course as the camera photos are in progress.

WISH YOU BEST OF LUCK YOUNG MAN

Common But Deadly Plants

1. Oleander (Nerium Oleander)

It may look like an attractive flowering shrub, but don't be fooled! Oleander is one of the most poisonous of all commonly grown garden plants, and though it's especially toxic to children it is often planted in school yards. It is a hearty bush and grows on many different continents, and with beautiful, fragrant blossoms, it is tempting to include it in any garden... Just don't even think about touching it or tasting the leaves or stems.

A small child can experience symptoms after handling just one leaf from the plant, though typically it takes more contact for severe reactions to take place. Upon consumption, the poison causes intestinal issues like vomiting, diarrhea (sometimes bloody), excess salivation, and cramping/pain. It can also cause a racing, irregular heart rate, poor circulation, tremors, seizures, coma, and death.

In India, there are many cases of people consuming mashed Oleander seeds to attempt suicide.

2. Manchineel (Hippomane Mancinella)

The flowering plants are considered among the most poisonous trees in the world and are native to Florida, the Bahamas, the Caribbean, Central America and northern South America. The Spanish name is "manzanilla de la muerte: which means "little apple of death."

In fact, it's not just the fruit (which does in fact resemble little apples) that is poisonous, but the entire tree is toxic to humans and animals. The tree oozes a white sap when it rains, so standing beneath the tree can cause blistering of the skin. Burning the tree releases extremely toxic fumes which can cause blindness and respiratory problems when humans come into contact with the smoke. Consumption is generally fatal, and it's, by all accounts, an agonizing death.

It is common for locals to mark the tree with signs or a red X on the trunk to keep people away. The sign on the tree above reads: "Warning! The leaves, bark, and fruits of these trees contain a caustic sap which may be injurious if touched. Columbus described the small green fruits as 'death apples.' The trees are common along the Caribbean shores. Avoid contact with any part of this tree!"

3. Deadly Nightshade (Atropa Belladonna)

This plant goes by many names, including Belladonna, Devil's Berries, and Death Cherries. Both the leaves and the berries are extremely toxic, and children have been known to die from eating just two berries.

One of the most toxic plants in the Western Hemisphere, consumption of Deadly Nightshade leads to delirium, hallucinations, dilated pupils, sensitivity to light, blurred vision, tachycardia, loss of balance, staggering, headache, rash, dry mouth and throat, slurred speech, urinary retention, constipation, confusion, hallucinations, delirium, and convulsions. Without receiving the antidote,sufferers will eventually die due to the plant's disruption of their body's involuntary activities such as sweating, breathing, and heart rate.

4. Castor Beans

Castor oil has long been used to aid digestion. While it has a foul taste and consistency, it is not harmful when ingested, yet you may be surprised to learn that just one bean from the plant that is used to make castor oil can be fatal to an adult in minutes.

That's because when they make castor oil they remove a lethal compound called ricin, making the oil safe to consume. While usually fatal, if consumption of the castor bean doesn't kill you, you can look forward to symptoms like nausea, emesis, diarrhea, tachycardia, hypotension and seizures, often persisting for up to a week.

5. Water Hemlock (Cicuta)

Water Hemlock grows in temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, mainly North America and Europe, usually appearing in marshy areas like wet meadows and along stream banks.

Called “the most violently toxic plant in North America," it is the plant's roots that contain the deadly sap that, when touched or eaten, causes grand mal seizures and death.

6. English Yew (Taxus Baccata)

One of the most deadly trees in the world, these evergreens are common in the forests of Europe. With the exception of the berries, all of the tree is toxic, and the Yew was once used by early herbalists to induce abortions. Sadly, the result was often fatal to both mother and child.

Consumption of the Yew in even tiny amounts causes cardiac issues that result in death. It is quick-acting and there is no antidote.

7. Rhubarb

While some people enjoy eating the stems of this plant in desserts like Rhubarb Pie, eating Rhubarb leaves can be fatal.

Eating large amounts of raw or cooked leaves causes difficulty breathing, burning of mouth and throat. Symptoms set in within an hour of eating the leaves and lead to convulsions, internal bleeding, coma, and death.

8. Daphne

Native to Europe, Asia, and north Africa, this broad species of plants has fragrant flowers and highly poisonous berries.

Commonly planted in baskets and other planters, even a handful of these red or yellow berries can cause burning of the mouth and intestinal tract, followed by coma and usually, death.

9. Dumb Cane (Dieffenbachia)

A common shade-loving household plant, Dumb Cane is a tropical plant that is among the most poisonous plants in the world.

Chewing on any part of this leafy plant causes intense pain in the mouth and throat, excessive salivation, and in rare cases, severe swelling of the throat that can lead to strangulation.

10. Jimson Weed (Datura Stramonium)

The very first plant poisoning death in the United States is credited to this little weed: Jimsonweed. The Jamestown, VA settlers used jimsonweed to poison British soldiers, who then spent 11 days in a state of insanity until they came to their senses (and didn't remember a thing). Turns out those soldiers got off easy; symptoms such as abnormal thirst, vision distortions, delirium, incoherence, and coma are often fatal.

Also called devil's trumpet, angel's trumpet, devil's weed, stinkweed, locoweed, and hell's bells, people who attempt to consume this weed recreationally for the hallucinogenic properties often get more than they bargain for because it's nearly impossible not to overdose. In South Africa, they call them "mad seeds."

Keep Your Allergies under Control the Natural Way

If you're suffering from allergies, your immune system must be weak. Seasonal allergies usually break out when your immune system mistakes non-toxic subtances (plant pollens, grass, dust) for toxic ones, and responds by producing chemical substances called histamines. The release of histamines causes allergic reactions such as sneezing, nasal congestion, asthma, itchy eyes and more. Here are 6 natural ways to revitalize your immune system:

1. Manage your stress

Allergies have a tendency to worsen and last longer when the body is under a lot of stress. Stress causes the release of proinflammatory cytokins, thereby weakening our immune system. In order to relieve stress, get at least 8 hours of sleep during the night, try to meditate or practice other relaxing activities (yoga, pilates) and avoid eating processed foods.

2. Keep your sinuses clean

It is highly recommended by doctors that you make your own sinus rinse following this recipe.

3. Add zinc to enrich your diet

If you suffer from zinc deficiency, you're more likely to develop allergies. Eat zinc-rich foods like garlic, pumpkin seeds, seame, green peas, asparagus, lamb, scallops and yogurt.

4. Finish every meal with a cup of green tea

Green tea contains catechin - a type of antioxidant that reduces allergy symptoms and deactivates histamines. Drinking a cup after every meal will help prevent allergies.

5. Fight allergies with Quercetin

Quercitin is a plant pigment found mostly in fruit and vegetables such as apples, berries, broccoli and onions. The flavonoids found in it can help fight excessive histamines and decrease allergy symptoms.

6. Repair your mucous membranes with Vitamin A

Enrich your diet with Vitamin-A foods such as carrots, green onions, parsley, sweet potatoes and apricots. It will make your skin less susceptible to allergies and also make you look younger.