Holy basil - Ocimum tenuiflorum

Holy basil is a plant originated from India and is used in mainly Ayurvedic medicine. It is considered a sacred plant by the Hindus and is often planted around Hindu shrines. It comes in red and green varieties, both with a strong, pleasant aroma The Hindu name for holy basil, Tulsi, means "the incomparable one." 

Medicine is made from the leaves, stems, and seeds. holy basil has been used for centuries to treat a variety of medical conditions including cold, influenza, flu, diabetes, asthma, bronchitis, earache, headache, stomach upset, heart disease, fever, viral hepatitis, malaria, and so on

In cooking, holy basil is often added to stir-fry dishes and spicy soups because of its peppery taste. Cookbooks sometimes call it "hot basil."

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Golden Pothos, Devil's Ivy - Epipremnum aureum

The Epipremnum aureum or Devil's Ivy, or golden pothos is a vine of the family of the Araceae native to the Solomon Islands. When planted in gardens, the vine gets huge and gets support from aerial roots. I've seen Devil's ivy climbing to nearby trees to almost it's top(about 10m high) but in pots, the Devil's ivy are stunted with smaller leaves. The glossy leaves are dark green and variegated with irregular patterns. Although it grows in almost any condition ranging from low shade to sunny, the plant will thrive in bright indirect light. All parts of this plant are poisonous if ingested.

I'm using it as a light barrier

Similarly to Peace Lily, golden pothos is efficient at removing indoor pollutants such as formaldehyde, xylene and benzene

It is a very hardy plant that loves regular watering. Be sure to let the soil dry out between waterings. Fertilize sparingly when the leaves start becoming yellowish. Mine is in the garden and grows vigorously even without fertilizing. The golden pothos occasionally blooms to get green spaths.

Propagation is very easy and can be done by cuttings.

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Gardening To Relieve Stress

Don't be like him

Who isn't stressed? Our busy and competitive lifestyle often put a big deal of stress on us. Some people take a cigarette or a drink to try to relieve stress but they are doing themselves more harm. After one tedious day sitting at your office desk, the best way to get unstressed is by doing some physical exercises. Walk, jog, run, swim, cycle or go to the gym. Did you ever wonder if you could save time by exercising and making something rewarding at the same time?

You've guessed right. Gardening is the solution. As I always say, the fruits of gardening are not only what you get in your plate. If you see your garden as a chore, you won't get the stress out. However if you enjoy gardening, the personal satisfaction you get is one step in getting stress out of your life. Dig, chop, weed, sow.... The list is long. Doing these tasks will do only good to you and your body.

Gardening makes you bend and lift things many times. Be sure to do it right. I usually squat while weeding or planting. If you don't squat, you might put strain to your lower back. If you can't squat, place one knee on the ground(have a pair of knee-pads) and switch knee regularly.

Be cautious when lifting heavy objects. Always sit down, grab the object and use your legs to lift up. Do not bend nor twist your body. If something is too heavy for you, seek help. This advice is not only for elder gardeners!

If your doctor doesn't want you to do these activities, have a walk in your garden. Look at the plants, their colors, their smell... Pick up some flowers to put on your table.

Gardening is an excellent way to relieve stress for all ages but remember to do it safely.

More Gardening Tips

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