Yes, that is a good link, Ferfal is another who writes about the Argentina collapse and how it applies to America, if we keep on our path.
There is one here:
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/2181392/posts?page=1367#1367
Vickie posts them as she gets the updates.
Thank you for stopping to read this thread, you are welcome here.
http://www.herbsarespecial.com.au/isabells_blog/allspice-magnificent-aroma.html
Allspice ~ Magnificent Aroma ~ 16/09/07
(Pimenta dioica)
If I could give you a leaf sample to enjoy, via your computer, it would be an allspice leaf. Let me tell you about this wonderful spice tree. The leaves are glossy green and about the size and shape of gum tree leaves. Allspice is a small tree, but it could be pruned to shrub size by cutting and using the leaves continually.
Now when I take a leaf and crush it in my hand the very special aroma is released for me to enjoy. I love to take some deep breaths, to get the full sweet clove-aroma that the leaves share with me when they are crushed. The spectacular aroma can be experienced... clearing the head and the lungs... and releasing an energy surge in the body... this is what wonderful aromas can do for the human body.
The antioxidant-rich leaves can be made as a refreshing tea to enjoy, or to clear the head and lungs, relieve a cold, aid the digestion, settle an upset stomach, boost the immune system and act as a tonic. Use the leaves and the berries to flavour stewed apples and pears, in pies, meat roast, on the barbecue and in casseroles. Leaves have potential to be placed in cupboards to deter cockroaches.
Isabell Shipard
http://www.herbsarespecial.com.au/isabells_blog/sweet-fruit-root-a-dieting-wonder.html
Sweet Fruit Root ~ A Dieting Wonder ~ 23/09/07
(Polymnia sonchifolia)
A member of the daisy family, it is also called Apple of the Earth. And, although it is a root crop, the tuber tastes similar to a sweet, crisp apple. I enjoy digging the root, washing it under the garden tap and enjoying it fresh in hand. The plant is hardy and fast growing to 1-2 metres high, and in summer it has masses of yellow flowers that look like mini sunflowers. The large edible roots develop from the centre and can weigh from 500 grams to 2kg. These edible tubers can be removed from the bush by fossicking at the base of the plant. They are eaten fresh, made into juice, and added to savoury or sweet dishes.
Roots are 9% protein with a high content of essential amino acids; a very high content of potassium (2230mg per 100 grams of root); and also very high in calcium, magnesium and iron (in fact 4 to 5 times higher than most others foods in our daily diet). Sweet Fruit Root is a source of fructose that enhances digestion, particularly the digestion of carbohydrates and has a thermogenic effect, thus helping the body to burn calories. The tuber has inulin properties that are beneficial in stabilising sugar levels. It is an ideal food for people dieting and for diabetics.
Tubers are soothing and nourishing to the spleen, stomach, lungs, pancreas, kidneys and liver. Many people eat the tubers regularly as a food to give energy to the body, and as a strengthening tonic to the whole body.
Isabell Shipard
Sheep Sorrel ~ Antioxidant Rich, Cancer Preventative ~ 30/09/07
(Rumex acetosella)
Is a very special, easy to grow perennial herb, with attractive small arrow-shaped leaves, which look great as a garnish on a plate. The mild, sour flavour of the leaves add a pleasant lemon-like tang, and a few leaves can be most beneficial served with each meal... for you see, the leaves stimulate the salivary glands of the mouth, and for this reason, eating a few leaves at the commencement of a meal is most beneficial to digestion. Add leaves to toss salads, or try leaves on bread with butter and avocado.
Leaves are valued for powerful tonic and antioxidant action. A natural health practitioner, lecturing regularly on the Sunshine Coast, says this herb is one of the strongest antioxidant herbs we can use, and suggests we use it regularly to benefit our health. Antioxidants have the ability to zap out free radicals caused by foods we eat, pollutants, stresses, and provide a strong line of defence for the immune system.
Sheep sorrel leaves have been valued as a diuretic to remove excess fluid from the body, for urinary and kidney complaints, to strengthen the heart and for many other therapeutic uses. The leaves assist the body in throwing off viral infections. Leaves are very rich in vitamin C. No doubt the high vitamin C content is one reason the plant has been called one of the strongest antioxidant herbs we can use. Sheep sorrel has become very popular and a much sort after herb in the last few years, following the remarkable results of clearing the body of cancerous conditions when used in the Essiac mix . This herbal mix was pioneered by Canadian nurse Rene Caisse who heard of this miraculous mix, a traditional American Indian recipe. Rene has helped thousands of people back to health from cancer. Many people eat sheep sorrel leaves regularly as a cancer preventative.
Isabell Shipard
http://www.herbsarespecial.com.au/isabells_blog/sweet-leaf-bush-survival-food.html
Sweet Leaf Bush ~ Survival Food ~ 21/10/07
(Souropus androgynus)
Is my favourite salad green. The leaves taste similar to sweet, fresh garden peas, and for this reason even young children can be easily coaxed to eat their greens.
It is a perennial bush 1-2 m high, that will thrive in a warm position in the garden. It could also be grown in a large pot. This plant is a valuable survival food for every garden.
Research has shown protein of the leaves to be from 34-39%, and the calcium and potassium content are also very high. The leaves provide an excellent source of chlorphyll, which is a valuable blood building element and cell rejuvenator.
Sweet leaf has strong antioxidants. The plant has featured for treating diabetes, fatigue, anaemia, cardio-vascular diseases, increasing bone density and for cancer treatment. The herb has been a folk remedy for snoring and teeth grinding.
Isabell Shipard
http://www.herbsarespecial.com.au/isabells_blog/brahmi-brain-boost.html
Brahmi ~ Brain Boost ~ 28/10/07
(Barcopa monnieri)
Is a perennial ground cover, growing to 15 cm high. Very small leaves form along the creeping stems. The plant will thrive in shade, and will grow in pots, with the stems cascading over the pots, and this is handy as the stems are then easy to pick.
Brahmi is a traditional Indian herb and has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years, for a wide range of applications: blood cleanser, inflammations, skin conditions, fevers, hair loss, arthritis and rheumatism, back pain, asthma, coughs, allergies, insomnia, irritable bowel, depression, anxiety and stress, fatigue, constipation, and to normalise blood pressure and improve circulation.
In 1963 research in the plant identified 2 active molecules: Bacoside A (assists in the release of nitric oxide allowing relaxation of the aorta and veins, and blood to flow more smoothly through the body); and Bacoside B (a protein valued for nourishing nerve cells to the brain, and as a brain tonic, thereby aiding concentration, comprehension, memory and memory recall). It is a herb we can all take daily. I have it chopped over my breakfast of muesli, seasonal fruit, sprouts and kefir.
Isabell Shipard
http://www.herbsarespecial.com.au/isabells_blog/lemon-myrtle-get-the-benefits.html
Lemon Myrtle ~ Get the Benefits ~ 11/11/07
(Backhousia citriodora)
is a Queensland rainforest tree growing to 8 metres in height, although if regularly pruned it can be kept to bush size and is therefore suitable for home gardens. The leaves, growing to 10cm in length, are rich in lemon oil. Citral accounts for over 90% of the plants essential oil (note: lemons have approximately 3% citral).
The high levels of citral in the leaves is noteworthy, as citral is a component that has been found to relieve cramps, spasms, rheumatism, headaches, fevers and have an anti-cancer effect. Studies have shown that the citral can inhibit the growth of Helicobacter pylori, the pathogen that has been found to be a cause of ulcers and other gastroduodenal diseases. Lemon myrtle also has been found to be beneficial to muscles and connective tissue, for reducing cellulite, and to strengthen the immune system.
When the leaves are crushed in the hand, they release an amazing aroma of strong lemon, which is wonderful to inhale... and enjoy.
Lemon myrtle leaves are used fresh, dried, and ground, and used in bread, stuffing, with chicken, beef, fish and rice dishes, sauces, noodles, vegetables, barbecues, cheesecakes, biscuits, food on the barbecue, and as a refreshing tea served hot or chilled in summer. The lemon myrtle aroma combines well with basil, chilli, cilantro, cinnamon, cloves, coconut milk, galangal, garlic, ginger and turmeric. Add 2-3 leaves to your water bottle - just a great way to flavour water.
Other plants that have high levels of citral include lemon savoury, kaffir lime leaves, citronella, lemon grass, and citrus delight geranium that has leaves with intense lemon aroma. Just to crush the leaves of this geranium in the hand and inhale the delightful aroma is simply so special. These leaves are used for flavouring. They also press well and look wonderful on gift cards... and for the receiver of the card, the aroma can last for a long time, and build up energy in the body when inhaled. Get the benefits of lemon in your life.
Isabell Shipard