FOUR-O-CLOCK FLOWERS

The name of this plant explains what time of the day to expect blooms to appear. They are prolific bloomers, and they emit a fragrance in the evening that will last all night. This plant has a root much like a carrot. Once it secures the root system, this plant will begin to spread on its own. It is a hardy plant that will grow in any soil condition be it dry in summer, or soaking wet during the rainy months.

Each flower will produce a seed that looks like a black peppercorn. Gather these and store to give to friends or grow some of these Four O'Clocks in different areas of your garden. Once it sets in, the plant will dominate your garden.

Butterflies love this plant and are not toxic unless eaten by mistake, or chewed on by young pets. Every part of the Four O' Clock is poisonous since they are a member of the nightshade family. This may cause vomitting , skin irritation, nausea, so do not plant it near the house, or playground areas where children could pick them by mistake.

THE INSULIN PLANT

Some time ago, a friend of mine introduced me to her sister who had this insulin plant in her 

backyard.  She told me how eating the leaves dsily  of this plant lowered her blood sugar.

I found it interesting because it seemed here in Asia, there are herbal cures for almost

all illnesses.   She gave me a cutting and I went home right away to find a nice semi-shaded

place for it in my garden.

The Insulin plant is clasified as  a Costus.  The scientific name is, Costus Igneus. 

This plant originated in India, and is used as an Ayuvedic  medicinal  cure for the 

common illnesses like colds, and flue,  diabetes, high cholesterol and fatty liver.  The leaves 

reduce inflammation, and promotes smooth airflow in the lungs, relieving muccus in patients 

with bronchitis, and Asthma. 

The leaves can be crushed and drank as tea, or eaten in a salad. The effect is to reduce

stress and damage to healthy cells, and is good for cancer patients undergoing chemo-

therapy. 

HOW TO PREPARE THIS COSTUS PLANT FOR LOWERING BLOOD SUGAR:

Crush dried leaves of the plant to make a powder. Have half a tsp of this powder twice

a day. 

You can also chew one fresh leaf, twice a day.

Tea can be made by boiling  2 cups of water, and dropping one leaf in the hot water. Let it 

seep in for about 10 minutes, then drink a cup of the tea, twice a day.

Flowers of the Costus Igneus plant:

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Various phyto chemical investigations reveal the presence of carbohydrates, terpenoids, proteins, alkaloids, tannins and amounts of trace elements along with flavonoids. 

Medicinal Uses 

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C.cuspidatus is known as Insulin plant. As it is having the virtue of the promoting insulin by human body. 

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Aqueous extract of this plant would prevent the formation of calcium kidney stones by the inhibitory effect on plant growth of calcium oxalate. 

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The dry leaves of this plant show significant control over blood sugar level in laboratory rats. 

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This plant is used for the reduction of post prandial blood sugar levels during fasting. 

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It is now accepted and widely used as an Ayurvedic medicinal herb. 

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It is possible to consume the leaves by drying and grinding the powder of the leaves. 

Pharmacological Activities [4] 

This plant has been proven to posses various pharmacological activities on diuretics, antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti cancerous

AGNES..A NEW HOPE

I am hoping again to revive my farm in Silang, after the last few years have brought me to a standstill. My farm has become a venue for weddings, parties, retreats, and just a place to meditate and pray. There have been many fruitful years, but as the time passed, so did many people, animal friends and pets. Time has been cruel. Losing Gloria, our dearest yaya who became part of our family , was painful. She and I planned and executed some of our projects in the garden and working side by side with our other employees has been both a joyful and fun experience. Our animal friends and pets, I remember them in a very intimate way, a personal relationship with God's creatures that has convinced me there must be an afterlife for them. Ariel, my faithful Belgian shepherd, who lived 10 years then unfortunately died suddenly. Hart, my little yello, brown and white furry cat with a perfectly shaped "heart" on her back begat an entire pride of little felines who guarded us from snakes and rodents. Then there were our goats, Ruffa Goattierez the most charming, and friendly goat we ever rescued from the butcher's block. Then there were the horses. Gretchen our sweet and lovely snow white pony who lived 35 years before she started to lack appetite and then she just wanted to go to the vast green pastures in the heavens. Gretchie was my daughter's first introduction to owning her own horse. She loved to take children for a ride, was always happy to snuggle and be hugged. SHe was a very gentle being. Lani, our Arabian horse, full of mischief and at the same time, obedient when ridden by her master. Alexandra, who was with us for a short time, was a polo pony who would have been my grandson's horse. And of course there was that gallant, robust Shazzie, who gave my children and other young riders confidence they could take a jump safely on his back. All these steeds are all there under the trees and in the bosom of our open fields except Lani. . These mighty beasts now passed on, are enriching the earth with their flesh and bones, but their spirit is running free in the garden. I feel them sometimes when the wind blows, I hear them neighing comforting me in my sadness. I miss them all! I have avoided going to the farm for several months, almost a year when Taal Volcano exploded earlier this year, Jan, 2020 spewing ash as far as 40 miles, and covering our town of Silang with a thick layer of fine sulphuric dust. We had to abruptly stop our plans for this year's launch of a new concept in "Do-It-Yourself" weddings for those who want a simple garden service and reception. Right after Taal calmed down, and we were able to clean up the gray ash, the entire world was faced with anew threat to life. These invisible microscopic viral monsters began to roam the earth looking for lives to consume, as it went from host to host, causing serious illness and even death to it's victims. Again we had to close down after the government imposed a 2 month lockdown. I knew we just had to wait till Almighty God's wrath passed. I started to reflect on my happiness in the early years when I first started the farm...I looked at photos from the early beginnings, and how my husband enjoyed building the cottages and planting vegetables with me. I started my poultry, and had my little duck pond. The days I spent reminiscing brought me to re-read the Dalai Lama's rules for a happy life that I kept in a box with my aging and dusty momentos.

The past few weeks, I have been praying for a sign whether or not I should go on with running the farm, I encountered a lady so devoted to Almighty Father in Heaven, who is willing to move in and live at the farm. She is eager to help me, and it has made me quite happy that she will grace us with her presence and help re-set the farm to make it productive again. I should also regain my enthusiasm to write regular posts, and this time I know with God's blessings, we can start again! Till next time...Peace, and Good Cheer Be Upon Us!