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Depending on the species, plants use numerous strategies to cope with drought. Most plants use short-term methods to curtail water usage and conserve energy during occasional dry spells. Some plants have developed long-term methods to endure hot, dry conditions. Drought-tolerant plants, such as those native to desert regions, have special adaptations that enable them to withstand long periods of drought and thrive where other plants cannot survive.
Certain types of concealer are great for achieving pink undertones in black skin. Find out about a great concealer to use for pink undertones in black skin with help from a 30-year beauty industry veteran in this free video clip.
Peppermint oil has a variety of different stimulating and regenerative properties when it comes to hair. Find out about using peppermint oil for long hair with help from a certified clinical herbalist in this free video clip.
Eating a wild rose hip always requires you to keep a few important things in mind. Eat a wild rose hip with help from a licensed Naturopathic Doctor and a Registered Nurse in this free video clip.
Milk thistle tea doesn't require a trip down to the coffee shop in order to enjoy. Make milk thistle tea with help from a coffee shop owner in this free video clip.
In the same way animals breathe in oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide, plants rhythmically take in water and release water vapor. Water is absorbed through the root system. The water then transports nutrients up the plant, through the stem or trunk, and the deposits fuel growth throughout the plant. Having completed its work, the water is released back into the atmosphere through the leaves in a process called transpiration.
As people have come to depend on their mobile communication devices, cellphones have become a ubiquitous sight in modern society. However, cellphone use and the workplace don't always mix. In particular, using mobile phones in a manufacturing setting can lead to a variety of problems, and can even be dangerous.
Mice may be cute, but when they move in with you they are pests. A population of mice is especially troublesome in an office. Mice are unsanitary. If a client should happen to see mice, it may be the last time you see that client. Mice are nocturnal animals, so it is likely you will detect signs of an infestation before you spot one of the rodents. Mouse droppings and small holes chewed in bags or boxes of food are two indications that you have mice. A musty odor or small nests made of shredded paper in hidden spots in…
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, or Chinese hibiscus, is a common ornamental shrub grown for its large, showy flowers. It is also used to treat a variety of ailments in the traditional herbal medicine of Latin America, the Caribbean and eastern Asia. The active component of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis is found in the sap of the flowers, which are processed and administered in several ways.
Dirt of any color does not make a suitable foundation for a raised patio in your yard. Working with dirt as a foundation will initially create a smooth foundation on which to build a patio. Over time, however, the dirt will settle and prove to be a highly inept patio foundation.
Stinging nettles produce a skin irritant that is transferred through the small spines on the plant's leaf and stem surfaces. The painful rash and stinging sensation caused by the irritant lasts 12 hours or longer. Nettles primarily grow as a weed or wild plant in lawns, gardens and along trails. While often treated as a weed, the leaves of the nettle are also used as a cooked green similar to spinach. Protect yourself from the sting of the nettle when hiking, harvesting or pulling weeds.
Wolfberry and goji berry are two common names for Lycium barbarum, a perennial species of fruit-bearing plant cultivated for its small, reddish-pink berries. Wolfberries are also cultivated as an ornamental plant, as the ripe berries and silvery foliage add visual interest to late-summer gardens when most other plants have finished blooming. Wolfberries are easy to grow in most gardens: They propagate reliably from seed and quickly experience significant growth with minimal care. However, they require well-draining soil with a moderate amount of organic matter to truly thrive.
The marshmallow plant (Althaea officinalis) is an upright perennial herb valued for its healing properties. Known by many other names -- including marshmallow root, march mallow root, white mallow root and sweet weed -- the plant is native to most European countries, particularly Britain, and is found in the United States from Massachusetts to Virginia. Because marshmallow thrives in moist areas, plants grow well in salt marshes, wet meadows, near the sea, river banks and alongside ditches. In moist soil conditions and under full sun, marshmallow root is easy to grow, particularly in gardens.
Peppermint oil, also known as Mentha x piperita, has many different uses; it's used for various holistic health remedies, to get rid of garden pests, and as an ingredient for topical lotions. This oil comes in capsule or liquid form. Mix peppermint oil with water to use for a spray bottle.
Tribulus terrestris is a type of plant that frequently grows as a weed along roadways and fields throughout much of the United States. Its common names are goat’s head and puncture vine. Although more research is necessary to determine the medicinal properties and risks of using this weed as a medicinal herb, some people take it to increase libido, lift the mood and build muscle strength. You can prepare Tribulus terrestris in the same manner as certain varieties of medicinal herbs.
When purchasing ink cartridges for your printer, you want to save money and purchase only those you need. One way to save money with your at-home printer is to print in black and white, saving you from purchasing pricey colored cartridges. Printing in black is especially useful when making copies or printing out newsletters or papers in bulk. Change your Officejet Pro L7680 settings to print only in black and white regardless of the content on the screen.
Helichrysum petiolare, commonly known as the curry plant, strawflower or licorice plant, is a member of the aster family. It grows wild throughout much of California. This hardy plant, native to Asia, appears in numerous colors -- not blue, though. Windex, which manufactures several types of cleaners, is best known for its blue coloration. While it is not likely to harm a curry plant, Windex does not deliberately suggest using its products on plants.
Native to North America, the evening primrose is a delicate yellow flower that is used globally as a health supplement. Evening primrose oil contains high amounts of vitamin E along with gamma-linolenic acid, which is an omega-6 fatty acid with anti-inflammatory properties. The effectiveness of primrose oil is disputed by medical experts. A handful of studies have shown the supplement has medicinal properties. However, study results have been mixed and the studies have been small and poorly designed. Always consult a health care professional before taking supplements or using alternative medication.
Peppermint is one of the oldest herbs used for medicinal purposes on the planet. It has applications in everything from aromatherapy to sunburn pain relief to skin oil production control. Use a small amount in your after dinner beverage to help ease digestive discomfort or blend it with a light, mild carrier oil and use it as a conditioner for your hair. The pleasing aroma and medicinal benefits will keep you reaching for it when your scalp itches or your hair needs a little conditioning boost.
The Chaos Blast is a move that appears in several of the "Sonic" games from Sega. It allows you to take out every nearby enemy within a given radius. A variation of the Chaos Blast, called the Knight of Chaos, appears in "Sonic & the Black Knight" for the Nintendo Wii and sports a similar function. You can use it only when playing as Shadow the Hedgehog on certain levels and only after you have acquired Shadow's Ddraig Goch, a sword that you receive once you collect two Katanas, two Orichalcum, two Dragon Eye Stones and two Medals of Lancelot.
Rose hip oil is valued for its moisturizing qualities, as well as its high levels of vitamins A, E and C. You can make your own rose hip oil at home, resulting in an orange amber-colored liquid that quickly absorbs into your skin.
Mosses are a type of primitive plant with branchlike threaded stems that spread by way of windblown spores. Mosses are often found in lawns and on trees and roofs where there is a lot of moisture. Terrariums are a kind of self-contained habitat that, when cared for, can grow a variety of plants that like high humidity and moisture. Making the correct environment for moss is fairly simple; moss is resilient and will survive in most wet conditions.
Foxglove, Digitalis spp., is a versatile plant that can be beautiful in a garden or in a container on a balcony. It's a biennial, meaning that it flowers in its second year and then self-seeds before dying off. These tall plants produce spikes of trumpet-shaped flowers. There are many varieties with flowers that range in color from white to pink, yellow, red and purple, all of which attract hummingbirds and butterflies.
Epsom salt, or magnesium sulfate, is an alkaline chemical compound that is safe and can aid the body in many ways, according to the Epsom Salt Council. A study conducted by the University of Birmingham noted that Epsom salt's magnesium is easily absorbed through the skin and directly beneficial to the body. Benefits include the relief of sore muscles and joints, increased ability to flush toxins, and relief from joint problems. This useful chemical salt is believed to have earned its name from the English town of Epsom where it was originally discovered.
An epsom salt mix can make a great fertilizer for tomatoes. Learn how to use an epsom salt mix as fertilizer with help from a garden teacher and expert in this free video clip.
Tribulus terrestris, commonly known as goatheads or punctureweeds, are considered a noxious weed by some and a valuable medicinal herb by others. The plant is found throughout the United States and drops sharp, pronged seed heads. Although those tough seed pods are often harvested for their fertility -- and libido-boosting substances -- any part of the plant can be used for this purpose. Fortunately for those seeking the valuable weed, it is not in short supply.
Red leaf clover is also known as red clover and is often grown as a perennial legume or as a winter annual. The flowers at the end of the plant stems have been used for medicinal purposes. While red clover is generally hardy, it is susceptible to weed growth. Proper weed management is essential to growing healthy, weed-free red clover.
The stinging nettle is aptly named -- the fine hairs on the plant cause intense burning and stinging sensations if you touch them. Red welts appear that can take several hours to go away. Stinging nettle is a weed, but it has value too as a food and medicine.
Epsom salt is the common name for the compound magnesium sulphate -- a chemical containing magnesium, sulfate and oxygen. Despite its name, Epsom salt doesn't contain sodium. Magnesium is a mineral that is important for many systems of the human body -- especially the nerves and muscles. It's also beneficial to aquarium fish suffering from maladies such as dropsy, constipation and swim bladder disorder. Epsom salt may be added to fresh water fish tanks to alter the chemistry of the water.
The first step to starting rose hips gardening is deciding why you actually want to grow rose hips. Learn about self-starting rose hips gardening with help from a landscape designer and horticulture writer in this free video clip.
Radishes are a favorite salad vegetable in many homes, especially if you are eager for quick results in the garden. Radishes sprout and grow quickly and are ready to use when the roots are less than 1 inch in diameter. Like many vegetables, your radishes will benefit from regular fertilizing. However, if you are growing vegetables organically, you may prefer to brew a yeast-activated compost tea rather than using commercially prepared fertilizers. By adding yeast to the compost tea, beneficial bacteria and fungi are encouraged to grow, enhancing your garden soil.
Red clover (Trifolium pratense) is a short-lived perennial grown as a pasture legume and for hay. Though both early-flowering and late-flowering varieties are used, the early-flowering type, called medium red clover, is generally recommended, because it produces more hay. Red clover can be seeded in grass sod and provides excellent grazing forage. Though reed clover is often seeded as soon as the snow melts, it can suffer frost damage from unusually cold weather.
A large slope can be challenging for planting. If the slope is greater than 25 degrees, you will definitely need some extra support and terracing structures to make the planting area level to allow rainwater to penetrate the root area of the tree without running off the slope and washing away soil. You may need to consult an engineer or landscape architect, depending on the steepness and complexity of the job. If the slope is less than 25 degrees, just arranging the soil to meet the top of the root ball may suffice. Arborvitae prefers well-drained soil, and it is…
Myrica nagi is more commonly known as the box myrtle in the United States. It is an evergreen shrub or small tree that may be found in Malaysia, across the Himalayas and into parts of China and Japan. The plant favors temperate to subtemperate zones and produces a flavorful and edible drupe. All parts of the tree, including the roots, can be used for some purpose.
Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi), also called red bearberry and kinnikinnick, is an evergreen shrub that grows wild in cold climates throughout North America, Europe and Asia. It works well as a groundcover and makes an attractive addition to sand dunes or other seaside areas. The leaves and berries may also have medicinal properties.
The stinging nettle, or Urtica dioica, is also called burn weed, for good reason: when you brush against this perennial herb, it causes a painful, burning sting that can last for days. Although the plant has value in herbal medicine and as a food source, it is a persistent weed in open fields, gardens, grassy areas, riverbanks and disturbed areas. The plant has hairs on its leaves that contain chemicals that irritate and burn the skin when contact is made. If you get stung, you can reduce the pain and itching with some common materials.
If you're looking for a humane method to discourage mice from infiltrating your home, you may want to give peppermint oil a try. Mice are naturally repelled by the scent of peppermint oil -- it simply isn't a scent that appeals to their strong sense of smell. Peppermint oil is easy to administer using cheap and widely available cotton balls. It's important to select a high-quality and pure grade of peppermint oil for best results.
"Call of Duty: Black Ops" is a first-person shooter with several modes of play, including a zombie hunting mini-game. In the level Kino Der Toten, players can find three meteorites. By collecting all of them, they unlock an Easter egg song, "115" by Elena Siegman. The meteorites are located in the same places each play through, meaning that players can reliably activate this Easter egg as long as they reach their destination.
DNA markers are DNA sequences of a gene which are located in the plant chromosomes. Every plant has its own unique DNA markers, which make it easy to distinguish it from any other plant. DNA markers help researchers study the genetic makeup of different organisms and classify them. They are able to classify plants according to the DNA markers using various techniques.
Deodorants often contain aluminum, which can be harmful to your skin. Luckily, you can use baby powder as an alternative. Baby powder will reduce moisture, and keep you fresh and dry. For best results, use baby powder that is talc-free.
The Inuit, the people of Northern Canada, use many materials as medicines; some of these ingredients include snow, lemming skins, stones and seal oil. The Inuit also use a number of medicinal plants, including trees, berries, mosses and algae. In many cases, the use of these plants has been validated by scientific research. Common ailments include mouth infections, cuts and burns, diarrhea and general illnesses such as colds. However, there are many different groups of Inuit and not all of them use all of these plants.
The sweetgum tree is one of the oldest flora specimens on record. Many of them extinct, the oldest recorded sweetgum tree is 55 million years. The presence of an American species of sweetgum was first recorded in 1519. Spanish soldiers attended a ceremony with Cortez and Montezuma during which the amber liquid from the sap was used. Sweetgum trees provide a low-grade lumber, are used as a stock tree in reforestation, but the medicinal properties are efficacious and ancient.
Stinging nettle, or urtica dioica, has many interesting effects on the human body. The plant's herb, leaf and root are used internally for urinary disorders and externally for rheumatic ailments. Nettle also is recognized for its astringent and diuretic properties, according to Applied Health. Nettle contains vitamin B1 and its young leaves often are eaten in salads or stews.
First used by the Mazatec tribe of northern Oaxaca in southern Mexico as medicinal treatment and divination tool, Salvia divinorum contains the active ingredient Salvinorin A that creates hallucinogenic effects. Though first recorded by American Jean B. Johnson in 1938, it was not until 1962 that a specimen of the plant was obtained for study. Increased use of the herb, which can be ingested, vaporized or inhaled, and its psychological effects to the user are cause for concern.
The gemstone commonly known as "jade" is actually two separate gems: jadeite and nephrite. These two stones, known as "yu" by the Chinese, were first discovered approximately 7,000 years ago. Jade was found most often in China, before its mines were depleted, but it is also found in Myanmar, Central America, Brazil, Canada and India. Despite the depletion of its mines, China remains renowned for its intricate jade jewelry. Jade is known for its beauty, strength, and metaphysical and healing properties.
Grown in Europe, Asia and North America, Valerian root has a long history of use in herbal medicine. Used alone or combined with other herbs, Valerian root is usually used as a sedative or sleep aid, although research has shown that it may be helpful with a variety of other conditions. Like many herbal medicines, how you take Valerian root has a profound effect on how well it functions as an alternative medicine.
The Savannah River watershed extends from the Appalachians to the Atlantic, but the lower Savannah River basin begins in Allendale County in South Carolina. Human activity has reduced the size of the watershed and threatened or endangered species that live in it. A May 2010 assessment by the Natural Resource Conservation Service notes there are 38 plants and 26 animals either listed as endangered or threatened or candidates to be listed.
Cherinol is a brand name of chokecherry extract produced by the North American Herb and Spice Company in Buffalo Grove, Illinois. The chokecherry, Prunus virginiana, is indigenous to North America and grows throughout most of the continent. The fruit of this shrub is known to contain compounds that are beneficial in preventing cancer and cardiovascular disease through its ability to remove free radicals. However, consumption of raw, unripened chokecherries has been associated with poisoning.
Red Clover, scientific name Trifolium pratense, is native to Europe, Asia and Africa and is naturalized in many other parts of the world. Herbalists use the flower heads, dried or fresh, to create herbal compounds. Use of the herb in the recommended dosages causes no known health hazards or side effects.
Slippery elm tea is made from powdered elm bark and has been used as an herbal remedy by many Native American tribes for years. The bark can also be made into a salve to treat burns, rashes and boils. The tea is typically used to treat sore throats, diarrhea, coughs and stomach pain. Slippery elm bark has mucilage in it and when mixed with water (as in tea) it makes a coating that soothes the stomach or the throat. As an herbal remedy, slippery elm tea is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration so use caution when taking…
