"Repotting and Gardening"
Repotting and gardening can be a tedious task to do and a exercise work out as well. It requires lifting, bending, standing, and walking. Gardening is a stress relief benefit and calorie burning activity. I like gardening because it alleviates my stress and it's peaceful. A good nurturing for the soul.
Recently, I had purchased several plants from vendors at a Farmer's Market and a Nursery. I try to buy edible plants that are hard to find in stores and gives me the healing benefit for my health.
Why is potting or repotting important to do?
Repotting helps keep houseplants healthy and expands more growth for the plant.
What materials and tools do I need?
A new bigger pot, new soil, and water (watering before transfering helps make the transfer easy and loosen up the roots and soil).
What edible plants am I repotting?
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| Wolf Berry Known as "Goji Berry" |
Goji berries are very expensive.
You would mostly see dried goji berries in health food stores costing in range of $16.99-$26.99).
Fresh goji berries are hard to find in supermarkets and health food stores.
I stumbled upon this goji berry plant at the Union Square Farmer's Market from one of the vendors - selling at $5 a pot. I was surprised to see the fruit plant on the shelves because I haven't seen any market selling it. I grabbed one real quick!
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| Fresh organic Goji Berries "The fruit of immortality" |
Why are Goji Berries important?
Wolf berry, known as Goji Berry, is a bright red fruit of the lycium babarum perennial tree shrub grown in Asia. In Chinese mythology, goji berry is the fruit of immortality. Today it is considered as the "longevity fruit." Goji berry is one of the most powerful healing plants that was used in two ancient medicines, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Traditional Tibetan Medicine over 2,000 years ago. The people in Tibet and Mongolia cherish the red berry for the medicare benefits.
Benefits of Goji Berry
"A report in a 2004 issue of The Journal of the the American Nutraceutical Association concluded that wolf berry juice has the high levels of antioxidants and showed beneficial immunomodulatory (immune-boosting) effects in mice."
- Rich in carotenoids
- Beta carotene
- Lycopenne
- Anti-Inflammatory
- Vitamin C
- B Vitamins
- Vitamin E
- Eye protection
- Protection against free radicals
- Promote muscle growth
- Enhance immunity
- Protect liver
- Improve sexual function and fertility
- Strength legs
- Promote weight loss
- Improve circulation
- Improve skin and hair health
- Protection against cancer
- Lower cholesterol levels
- Reduce blood glucose
- Antioxidants
What does it taste like?
Goji berry has a slightly sweet and sour taste.
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| Wolf Berry "Goji Berry" Repotted Mother Nature's Gift that keeps on giving |
Here is a mini documentary segment from the Medicine Hunter on goji berries...
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| Nagami Kumquat (Fortunella Margarita) |
The first time I saw a nagami kumquat was when I was in Phoenix, Arizona. A road trip driving from Flagstaff, Arizona to Phoenix airport with my friends. I told them we have to stop at the "True Food Kitchen" restaurant which Dr. Andrew Weil and Fox Restaurant Concepts owns. We could not leave the state of Arizona without eating at this restaurant. There was a garden elevated raised bed in front of the restaurant and the nagami kumquat was planted in the raised bed - from that point on I had to find out how can I taste or purchase a plant like that. Over a month ago I saw the plant in a local nursery in Long Island. The nursery was having a sale with a 40% off coupon on anything in the store. I bought the plant for just $32. A good deal!
Nagami Kumquat is a citrus fruit belonging to the Rutaceae family, in the genus, Fortunella. Kumquats are native to the South Eastern parts of China. They are known to be called "the little gems" of the citrus family. There are several varieties of kumquats. Kumquats look like tiny baby oranges. The Nagami or Oval Kumquat is a common variety in the United States. Nagami kumquat was introduced into Florida from Japan in 1885.
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| Nagami Kumquat Repotted |
What are the health benefits?
- Fiber
- Antioxidants
- Lutein
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin E
- Protection against free radicals
- B complex Vitamins
- Calcium
- Iron
- Potassium
- Zinc
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| Nagami Kumquat Mother Nature's Gift that keeps on giving |
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| Dwarf Curry, Holy Basil, and Vietnamese Coriander |
Dwarf Curry, Holy Basil, and Vietnamese Coriander
These herbs are unique and has excellent health benefits. The herbs are hard to find in your supermarkets. Most likely, you would have to venture out to ethnic stores. If you are lucky, it may pop up in your local Farmers' Market. I found the herbs at Union Square Farmers' Market.
Dwarf Curry has a strong curry aroma.
Holy Basil (Ocimum Sanctum) is a powerful herb native to India and known as "tulsi." It is sacred in the Hindu religious tradition and it is worshiped in the mornings and evenings by the Hindus. Holy basil is the most important herb in Ayurvedic medicine. In Hindu mythology, tulsi, symbolizes the Goddess Lakshmi. The herb has a strong aroma, can be used in cooking, and making teas. Holy basil was used centuries ago to treat a variety of medical aliments.
Healing power of Holy basil?
- Sharpen memory
- Helps the nerves
- Strengthen the stomach
- Fights fevers and colds
- Fights bronchitis
- Helps asthma
- Respiratory disorders
- Lowers cholesterol
- Reduces stress
- Mouth infections
- Skin disorders
- Bad breath
- Antibacterial
- Antifungal
- Anti-inflammatory properties
Benefits
- Helps the digestive system
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| Lavender and Mums |
I've planted more perennials at the side of the house. My local supermarket had 1 gallon lavender plants on sale for $3.99, of course I had to grab some quick! Mums were on sale too!
After all that repotting and gardening - I had to pour myself a nice glass of ginger wine...
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| Chill glass of Ginger Wine |
Thank you.
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