SUMMER SOLSTICE 2010

WEEKLY VIEW
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Plant info
St Johns Wort,Hypericum Perforatum-devil-chaser,


The young maid stole through the cottage door,
And blushed as she sought the Plant of pow'r;--
'Thou silver glow-worm, O lend me thy light,
I must gather the mystic St. John's wort tonight,
The wonderful herb, whose leaf will decide
If the coming year shall make me a bride.

St. John's Wort was considered potent against faeries,and was thought to be able to strip a witch of her will.
St.John's wort was in great request, and hence it was extensively worn as an amulet(bracelet)when not only witches by common report peopled the air, but evil spirits wandered about on no friendly errand.
The red sap of this plant resembles blood. "If anyone trod on the plant after sunset a fairy-house would appear and carry them about. Used on Midsummer, when picked under certain conditions and while uttering certain words, for divination"
In England, it was the ancient custom on St. John's Eve to light large bonfires after sundown, which served the double purpose of providing light to the revelers and warding off evil spirits. This was known as 'setting the watch'. People often jumped through the fires for good luck. In addition to these fires, the streets were lined with lanterns, and people carried cressets (pivoted lanterns atop poles) as they wandered from one bonfire to another. These wandering, garland-bedecked bands were called a 'marching watch'. Often they were attended by morris dancers, and traditional players dressed as a unicorn, a dragon, and six hobby-horse riders. Just as May Day was a time to renew the boundary on one's own property, so Midsummer's Eve was a time to ward the boundary of the city.
Medicinal
Remedies For:

Anxiety

Depression

Inflammation of the skin

Blunt Injuries

Wounds and Burns

Recurrent Ear infection

Vitiligo

Being tested for AIDS.
Antispasmodic, astringent, expectorant, nervine, vulnerary, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial.
Modern medical research has shown that Hypericum can be as effective as prescription antidepressants for mild to moderate depression. However, unlike prescription antidepressants, Hypericum's side effects are few and mild. The standardized extract of St. John's Wort (containing 0.14 percent hypericin) has significant support in the treatment of mild to moderate depression.

Taken internally, St. Johns Wort has a sedative and pain reducing effect, which gives it a place in the treatment of neuralgia, anxiety, tension and similar problems. It is especially regarded as an herb to use where there are menopausal changes triggering irritability and anxiety. In addition to neuralgic pain, it will ease fibrositis, sciatica and rheumatic pain.
Externally it is a valuable healing and anti-inflammatory remedy. As a lotion it will speed the healing of wounds and bruises, varicose veins and mild burns. The oil is especially useful for the healing of sunburn.
The calming properties of St. John's Wort have been useful in treating bedwetting, insomnia, and other nervous conditions, as well as some form of melancholy. An oil extract of the herb can be taken for stomach ache, colic, intestinal problems, and as an expectorant for the congestion in the lungs. A tea made from the flowers is good for anemia, headache, insomnia, jaundice, chest congestion, and catarrh. A tea made from the herb has been used for uterine cramping and menstrual difficulties. The oil extract also make a good external application for burns, wounds, sores, bruises, and other skin problems.
St. John's Wort is also being tested as an AIDS drug. There are evidence of its antiviral actions. Anecdotal reports have claimed hypericin is beneficial for persons with HIV virus. There are also reports that hypericin extract works synergistically with AZT against HIV. Further clinical research is in progress in this area.
PLEASE SEEK MEDICAL EXPERTS ADVICE (Doctor-GP) BEFORE TAKING ANY PLANT.

Solstice Stroll



I had a really enjoyable stroll round Swanholme Lakes Nature Reserve today having got up for the Summer Solstice.
It was nice seeing the wildflowers brightening the place up,




Some From Paul J





Fun Competion Time

These next pictures are Taken from every Bench/viewpoint in Swaholme Lakes Nature Rserve,On Summer Solstice Day 2010, See if you know which Bench/Viewpoint each picture was taken from.
They are all from looking STRAIGHT FORWARD.
If the Rangers read this I wonder how many the Rangers will get right !!

















So folks Comment or EMAIL in your answers