Miscellany

    The Victoria Falls or Mosi-oa-Tunya (the Smoke that Thunders) is a waterfall situated in southern Africa on the Zambezi River between the countries of Zambia and Zimbabwe, and each country has a national park to protect them and a town serving as a tourism centre. (Position is at latitude (DMS) 17° 55' 31.0506", longitude (DMS) 25° 51' 27.399"). The falls are, by some measures, the most enormous waterfall in the world, as well as being among the most unusual in form, and having arguably the most diverse and easily seen wildlife of any major waterfall site. Victoria Falls is one of Africa's major tourist attractions, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Flood and dry season flow rates

     The Zambezi basin above the falls experiences a rainy season from late November to early April, and a dry season the rest of the year. The river's annual flood season is February to May with a peak in April, The spray from the falls typically rises to a height of over 400 metres (1,300 ft), and sometimes even twice as high, and is visible from up to 50 km (30 miles) away. At full moon, a "moonbow" can be seen in the spray instead of the usual daylight rainbow. During the flood season, however, it is impossible to see the foot of the falls and most of its face, and the walks along the cliff opposite it are in a constant shower and shrouded in mist. As the dry season takes effect, the islets on the crest become wider and more numerous, and in September to January up to half of the rocky face of the falls may become dry and the bottom of the First Gorge can be seen along most of its length. At this time it becomes possible (though not necessarily safe) to walk across some stretches of the river at the crest. It is also possible to walk to the bottom of the First Gorge at the Zimbabwean side. The minimum flow, which occurs in November, is around a tenth of the April figure. 

The Victoria Falls Gorges 

The principal gorges are

First Gorge: the one the river falls into at Victoria Falls.

Second Gorge: (spanned by the Victoria Falls Bridge), 250 m south of falls, 2.15 km long (270 yd south, 2350 yd long).

Third Gorge: 600 m south, 1.95 km long (650 yd south, 2100 yd long).

Fourth Gorge: 1.15 km south, 2.25 km long (1256 yd south, 2460 yd long).

Fifth Gorge: 2.55 km south, 3.2 km long (1.5 mi south, 2 mi long).

Songwe Gorge: 5.3 km south, 3.3 km long, (3.3 mi south, 2 mi long) named after the small Songwe River coming from the north-east, and the deepest at 140 m (460 ft), at the end of the dry season.

Batoka Gorge: The gorge below the Songwe is called the Batoka Gorge (which is also used as an umbrella name for all the gorges). It is about 120 kilometres (75 mi) long (the straight line distance to its end is about 80 kilometres (50 mi) east of the falls) and takes the river through the basalt plateau to the valley in which Lake Kariba now lies.

Reference: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victoria_Falls

edit @ 2 Feb 2009 22:14:57 by kawinwong

   

                                        โดย วนิษา   เรซ ผู้เชี่ยวชาญด้านอัจฉริยภาพจาก ม.ฮาร์วาร์ด 

    ผู้หญิงสมัยนี้ อยากสวย ฉลาด และสุขภาพดี ทุกคนจึงพากันดูแลรูปร่าง  ด้วยการออกกำลังกาย เคร่งครัด เรื่องอาหารการกิน แต่ไม่เคยมีใครสนใจว่าจะดูแลสมองอย่างไรให้มีสุขภาพดี ทั้งที่สมอง  เป็นอวัยวะที่ตัดสินใจทุกเรื่องของชีวิต  เราจึงควรเอกเซอร์ไซส์สมองให้ไบรท์ด้วยเทคนิคง่าย ๆ ต่อไปนี้

     1.จิบน้ำบ่อย ๆ  (Drink water very often)

     สมองประกอบด้วยน้ำ 85 %  เชลล์สมองก็เหมือนต้นไม้ที่ต้องการน้ำหล่อเลี้ยง ถ้าไม่มีน้ำต้นไม้ก็เหี่ยว ถ้าไม่อยากให้เชลล์สมองเหี่ยว ซึ่งส่งผลให้การส่งข้อมูลช้า กลายเป็นคนคิดช้าหรือคิดไม่ค่อยออก  แต่ละวันจึงควรดื่มน้ำบ่อย ๆ

     2.กินไขมันดี  (Enjoy good Omega 3)

     คนไม่ค่อยรู้ว่าสมองคือก้อนไขมัน  ซึ่งจำเป็นต้องมีไขมันดีไปทดแทนส่วนที่สึกหรอ  แนะนำให้กินไขมันดีระหว่างวัน จำพวกน้ำมันปลา    สารสกัดใบแปะก๊วย    ปลาที่มีไขมันดีอย่าง ปลาแซลมอน นมถั่วเหลือง วิตามินรวม  น้ำมันพริมโรสเป็นน้ำมันดี ที่ทำให้เชลล์ชุ่มน้ำ  ส่วนวิตามินซีกินแล้วสดชื่น

     3.นั่งสมาธิวันละ 12 นาที  (Meditation 12 min a day)

     หลังจากตื่นนอนแล้ว ให้ตั้งสติและนั่งสมาธิทุกเช้า วันละ 12 นาที  เพื่อให้สมองเข้าสู่ช่วงที่มีคลื่น Theta ซึ่งเป็นคลื่นที่ผ่อนคลายสุดๆ  ทำให้สมองมี Mental Imagery   สามารถจินตนาการเห็นภาพและมีความคิดสร้างสรรค์ ( ถ้าทำไม่ได้ตอนเช้า )  ให้หัดทำก่อนนอนทุกวัน

     4.ใส่ความตั้งใจ (Program the brain: have specific intention)

     การตั้งใจในสิ่งใดก็ตาม เหมือนการโปรแกรมสมองว่านี่คือสิ่งที่ต้องเกิด  ระหว่างวันสมองจะปรับพฤติกรรมเราให้ไปสู่เป้าหมายนั้น   ทำให้ประสบความสำเร็จในสิ่งต่าง ๆ เพราะสมองไม่แยกระหว่างสิ่งที   ่ทำจริงกับสิ่งที่คิดขึ้น ทั้งสองอย่างจึงเป็นเสมือนสิ่งเดียวกัน

     5.หัวเราะและยิ้มบ่อย ๆ (Laugh and Smile)

     ทุกครั้งที่ยิ้มหรือหัวเราะ จะมีสารเอ็นโดรฟินซึ่งเป็นสารแห่งความสุข  หลั่งออกมาเท่ากับเป็นการกระตุ้นให้มีความอยากรักและหวังดีต่อคนอื่นไปเรื่อยๆ

     6.เรียนรู้สิ่งใหม่ทุกวัน (Learn new thing everyday)

     สิ่งใหม่ในที่นี้หมายถึง สิ่งต่างๆที่เกิดขึ้นในชีวิตประจำวัน เช่น  กินอาหารร้านใหม่ ๆ รู้จักเพื่อนใหม่ อ่านหนังสือเล่มใหม่  คุยกับเพื่อนร่วมงานและเรียนรู้วิธีการทำงานของเขา เป็นต้น เพราะการเรียนรู้สิ่งใหม่ทำให้สมองหลั่งสารเอ็นโดรฟิน และโดปามีน  ซึ่งเป็นสารแห่งการเรียนรู้ กระตุ้นให้อยากเรียนรู้และ สร้างสรรค์    ไปเรื่อยๆเมื่อมีความสุขก็ทำให้มีความคิดสร้างสรรค์

     7.ให้อภัยตัวเองทุกวัน (Forgive yourself, reduce brain stress)

     ขณะที่การไม่ให้อภัยตัวเอง โกรธคนอื่น โกรธตัวเอง  ทำให้เปลืองพลังงานสมอง การให้อภัยตัวเอง เป็นการลดภาระของสมอง

     8.เขียนบันทึก Graceful Journal (Write graceful journal, good things in life every day) 

     ฝึกเขียนขอบคุณสิ่งดี ๆ  ที่เกิดขึ้นแต่ละวันลงในสมุดบันทึก เช่น ขอบคุณที่มีครอบครัวที่ดี   ขอบคุณที่มีสุขภาพที่ดี ขอบคุณที่มีอาชีพที่ทำให้มีความสุข เป็นต้น  เพราะการเขียนเรื่องดีๆ ทำให้สมองคิดเชิงบวก      พร้อมกับหลั่งสารเคมีที่ดีออกมา ช่วยให้หลับฝันดี ตื่นมาทำสมาธิได้ง่าย  มีความคิดสร้างสรรค์
           

     9.ฝึกหายใจลึก ๆ (Deep breath)

     สมองใช้ออกชิเจน 20-25 % ของออกชิเจนที่เข้าสู่ร่างกาย การฝึกหายใจเข้าลึก ๆ  จึงเป็นการส่งพลังงานที่ดีไปยังสมอง ควรนั่งหลังตรงเพื่อให้ออกชิเจนเข้าสู่ร่างกายได้มากขึ้น  ถ้านั่งทำงานนาน ๆ  อาจหาเวลายืน เดินยึดเส้นยืดสายเพื่อให้ปอดขยายใหญ่  สามารถหายใจเอาออกชิเจนเข้าปอดได้เพิ่มขึ้นอีก 20 %   การมีสมองที่ดีก็เหมือนทักษะทุกอย่างในโลกที่เรียนรู้ได้  แต่จะเก่งหรือไม่นั้น ขึ้นอยู่กับการฝึกฝน ถ้าเราดูแลและฝึกฝนสมองให้ดีคุณภาพชีวิตก็จะดีตาม

edit @ 29 Jan 2009 19:36:15 by kawinwong

             

Herb  

    Herbs have a variety of uses including culinary, medicinal, or in some cases even spiritual usage. General usage differs between culinary herbs and medicinal herbs. In medicinal or spiritual use any of the parts of the plant might be considered "herbs", including leaves, roots, flowers, seeds, resin, root bark, inner bark (cambium), berries and sometimes the pericarp or other portions.

 

Culinary herbs

    Culinary use of the term "herb" typically distinguishes between herbs, from the leafy green parts of a plant, and spices, from other parts of the plant (including seeds, berries, bark, root, fruit, and even occasionally dried leaves). Culinary herbs are distinguished from vegetables in that like spices they are used in small amounts and provide flavor rather than substance to food.

    Some culinary herbs are shrubs (such as rosemary, Rosmarinus officinalis), or trees (such as bay laurel, Laurus nobilis) – this contrasts with botanical herbs, which by definition cannot be woody plants.

 

Medicinal herbs

    Plants contain phytochemicals that have effects on the body. There may be some effects even when consumed in the small levels that typify culinary "spicing", and some herbs are toxic in larger quantities. For instance, some types of herbal extract, such as the extract of St. John's-wort (Hypericum perforatum) or of kava (Piper methysticum) can be used for medical purposes to relieve depression and stress. However, large amounts of these herbs may lead to poisoning, and should be used with caution. One herb-like substance, called Shilajit, may actually help lower blood glucose levels which is especially important for those suffering from diabetes.

    Some herbs are used not only for recreational and culinary purposes, but also for medicinal purposes; one such herb is cannabis.

 

Religious herbs

    Herbs are used in many religions – such as in Christianity (myrrh (Commiphora myrrha), ague root (Aletris farinosa) and frankincense (Boswellia spp)) and in the partially Christianized Anglo-Saxon pagan Nine Herbs Charm. In Hinduism a form of Basil called Tulsi is worshipped as a goddess for its medicinal value since the Vedic times. Many Hindus have a Tulsi plant in front of their houses.

 

Botanical herbs

    In botanical usage a herb or herbaceous plant is any non-woody plant, regardless of its flavour, scent or other properties. A botanical herb cannot therefore be a woody plant such as a tree or shrub.

edit @ 29 Jan 2009 19:38:26 by kawinwong

 

Thai herbs

Chili: "Phrik" in Thai
    Chili is an erect, branched, shrub-like herb with fruits used as garnishing and flavouring in Thai dishes. There are many different species. All contain capsaicin, a biologically active ingredient beneficial to the respiratory system, blood pressure and heart. Other therapeutic uses include being a , carminative and anti flatulence agent, and digestant.

 

Cumin: "Yi-ra" in Thai
    Cumin is a small shrubbery herb, the fruit of which contains a 2-4% volatile oil with a pungent odour, and which is used as a flavouring and condiment. Cumin's therapeutic properties manifest as a stomachic, bitter tonic, carminative, stimulant and astringent.

 

Garlic: "Kra-thiam" in Thai
    Garlic is an annual herbaceous plant with underground bulbs comprising several cloves. Dried mature bulbs are used as a flavouring and condiment in Thai cuisine. The bulbs contain a 0.1-0.36% garlic oil and organic sulfur compounds. Therapeutic uses are as an antimicrobial, diaphoretic, diuretic, expectorant, anti flatulence and cholesterol lowering agents.

 

Ginger: "Khing" in Thai
    Ginger is an erect plant with thickened, fleshy and aromatic rhizomes. Used in different forms as a food, flavouring and spice. Ginger's rhizomes contain a 1-2% volatile oil. Ginger's therapeutic uses are as a carminative, antinauseant and antiflatulence agent.

 

Galanga: "Kha" in Thai
    Greater Galanga is an erect annual plant with aromatic, ginger-like rhizomes, and commonly used in Thai cooking as a flavouring. The approximately 0.04 volatile oil content has therapeutic uses as carminative, stomachic, antirheumatic and antimicrobial agents.

 

Hoary Basil: "Maeng-lak" in Thai
    Hoary Basil is an annual herbaceous plant with slightly hairy and pale green leaves, eaten either raw or used as a flavouring, and containing approximately 0.7% volatile oil. Therapeutic benefits include the alleviation of cough symptoms, and as diaphoretic and carminative agents.

Kafffir: "Ma-krut" in Thai
    The leaves, peel and juice of the Kaffir Lime are used as a flavouring in Thai cuisine. The leaves and peel contain a volatile oil. The major therapeutic benefit of the juice is as an appetizer.

 

Galingale: Krachai in Thai 
    This erect annual plant with aromatic rhizomes and yellow-brown roots, is used as a flavouring. The rhizomes contain approximately 0.8% volatile oil. The plant has stomach ache relieving and antimicrobial properties, and therapeutic benefits as an antitussive and antiflatulence agent.

 

Lemon Grass: "Ta-khrai" in Thai
    This erect annual plant resembles a coarse gray-green grass. Fresh leaves and grass are used as flavouring. Lemon grass contains a 0.2-0.4 volatile oil. Therapeutic properties are as a diuretic, emmanagogue, antiflatulence, anti flu and antimicrobial agent.

 

Lime: "Ma-nao" in Thai
    Lime is used principally as a garnish for fish and meat dishes. The fruit contains Hesperidin and Naringin , scientifically proven antiinflammatory flavonoids. Lime juice is used as an appetizer, and has antitussive, anti flu, stomachic and antiscorbutic properties.

 

Marsh Mint: "Sa-ra-nae" in Thai
    The fresh leaves of this herbaceous plant are used as a flavouring and eaten raw in Thai cuisine. Volatile oil contents give the plant several therapeutic uses, including carminative, mild antiseptic, local anesthetic, diaphoretic and digestant properties.

 

Pepper: "Phrik-Thai" in Thai
    Pepper is a branching, perennial climbing plant from whose fruiting spikes both white and black pepper are obtained. Used as a spice and condiment, pepper contains a 2-4% volatile oil. Therapeutic uses are as carminative, antipyretic, diaphoretic and diuretic agents.

 

Sacred Basil: "Ka-phrao" in Thai
    Sacred Basil is an annual herbaceous plant that resembles Sweet Basil but has narrower and often times reddish-purple leaves. The fresh leaves, which are used as a flavouring, contain approximately 0.5% volatile oil, which exhibits antimicrobial activity, specifically as a carminative, diaphoretic, expectorant and stomachic.

 

Shallot: "Hom,Hom-lek,Hom-daeng"in Thai
    Shallots, or small red onions, are annual herbaceous plants. Underground bulbs comprise garlic-like cloves. Shallot bulbs contain a volatile oil, and are used as flavouring or seasoning agents. Therapeutic properties include the alleviation of stomach discomfort, and as an antihelmintic.

Chinese herbs  

    Chinese herbs have served as the foundation for "Traditional Chinese Medicine", or TCM, for over 5,000 years. The fundamental idea of living in harmony with nature and the environment forms the basis for the use of Chinese herbs as well as the traditional Chinese approach to health. Knowledge of the healing power of Chinese herbs and herbal remedies has been passed down from generation to generation, and today represents one of China’s greatest gifts to mankind.

    

    The isolation of China throughout history plays a role in the general lack of understanding about Chinese herbs by other world civilizations. However, since the opening of China in 1972, knowledge of the ancient healing powers of Chinese herbs has been gradually spreading to western countries. Chinese herbs are now experiencing a rapid increase in usage and popularity. Health-conscious consumers are concerned about the concentration of synthetic chemicals in western diets, medicines, and the general environment. Chinese herbs are being welcomed by progressive western consumers who are seeking natural, healthy and balanced alternative remedies.

    Traditional Chinese Medicine is very different from the western scientific approach we are accustomed to. Chinese medical experts promote a healthful balance of yin and yang – two forces present in all of nature. When yin or yang forces or qi/energy levels are off-balance in the body and spirit, health problems arise. Chinese herbs and herbal remedies are used to help realign an individual’s yin or yang balance in order to improve overall well-being. Chinese herbal formulas include hundreds of popular organic ingredients that work in harmony to produce the desired effects in a person’s body. These ingredients are primarily of plant origin, and may include roots, bark, seeds, flowers and leaves. Each organic ingredient typically has unique characteristics (i.e. yin/yang balancing, qi/energy boosting, etc.) that are reinforced and harmonized in comprehensive ancient Chinese herbal formulas that have been passed down through the years. For each formula sold at Chinese Herbs Direct, we provide a brief description of the formula itself and its typical actions, as well as a listing of the formula’s herbal ingredients and their unique characteristics. If you'd like to understand more about a particular Chinese herb, websites such as the Chinese Herbs Dictionary and the Chinese Medicine Sampler may be useful resources.

edit @ 17 Jan 2009 18:44:43 by kawinwong

Herbal Medicine

    In the 20th century much has been learned from the herbal lore of native peoples and much of the scientific medicine has been derived from this lore. Many of the drugs used today are derived from plant material in fact about 25% of the prescription drugs issued today in the US contain at less one ingredient that has been derived from plant material. 

    The World Health Organisation noted that of about 120 plant-dervived pharmaceutical medicines around 74% are used in modern medicine in ways that directly correlate to their traditional uses by native cultures. Extensive research is currently being carried out by major pharmaceutical companies on plant material collected from rainforests and other places to test their medicinal value.

    Many people are starting to turn more and more to herbal cures for what ails them. It should be noted that care should be taken when dealing with herbal remedies and that too much can result in side effects. Any herbal supplements should also be obtained from a reputable source.

edit @ 17 Jan 2009 21:21:16 by kawinwong

Aromatheraphy

 

    Aromatheraphy is the art and science of treating human illness with essential oils.

These volatile essences of plants and flowers have been used for healing for many

Thousand of years, allied with touch, taste and smell. The history of Aromatheraphy

is a history of humanity is relationship with the natural world and our own five senses.

What is Aromatheraphy?

    Aromatheraphy is a modern name for the ancient knowledge of healing and improving

Health using fragrant, natural ingredients. These ingredients, called essential oils, are

Found in herb, plants, flowers, fruits and the bark, roots or resin of some
trees.

    Essential oils give the aroma to the plant, but they also contain dozens of complex chemicals that seem to do everything from beautifying skin of speeding healing to putting you to sleep or numbing a headache

    By them each day, every time you peel a pomelo, the essential oil squirts out of the tiny pockets in the peel and, because it is so volatile, instantly, evaporates into the air releasing its bittersweet, tangy, citrus smell. And whether you notice or not, the pomelo oil has a refreshing but relaxing effect. 

    When you take flowers to someone who is ill in hospital you are using Aromatheraphy to help them feel better. The essential oils that give the smell to a bouquet of jasmine, roses, geranium and lavender, for instance, all contain chemicals that relax the nervous system and instantly improve spirits.

    When you use pure essential oils though, the beneficial properties are more concentrated, and have a greater effect on both mind and body than you get from just sniffing a bunch of flowers. So learning how you can use these Essential oils with give you the means to be healthier, happier and more in control of every area of you life.

edit @ 17 Jan 2009 22:12:02 by kawinwong