Breath Of Sunlight

by Connie Handscomb

Title

Breath Of Sunlight

Artist

Connie Handscomb

Medium

Photograph - Photography - Fine Art

Description

There is a morning inside you waiting to burst open into Light.
~ Rumi
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Chrysanthemum (Chrysanth; Mum)
Anaclysus pyrethrum
Family : Asteraceae

This colourful, ornamental bloom fills our vases regularly, but did you know of its medicinal benefits? The most medicinal parts of this plant are the flowers and leaves, which are used for many things, incl. viral and bacterial infections, sinusitis, colds, and skin irritations. It is anti-flammatory and antiseptic, has a host of supplements: Vitamin C, Vitamin A, B6, C, K, riboflavin and thiamine, calcium, magnesium, folate, iron, sodium, potassium, phosphorous, manganese, zinc, and copper. The antioxidants it provides helps to prevent and treat a number of diseases and disorders (eg conjunctivitis, ulcerative colitis, and migraines).

It is used in cooking (the Chinese mix the petals into a thick soup) and drunk as a tea (it is very popular in Chinese medicine, used to treat fever and sore throats). During hot weather, the tea cools the body to avert heat stroke. It is drunk during meals to aid digestion, particularly against oily foods. It increases blood flow to the heart, helps regulate blood pressure; eases anxiety and stress. There is research indicating some properties in the tea is beneficial for Parkinson's disease which help to prevent neuron degeneration.

This perennial plant has been used for centuries across Northeastern Europe and Asia for about 2,500 years.

Food and medicine aside, it is also used in celebrations such as the Festival of Happiness in Japan. White chrysanthemums represent Grace and Elegance. In North America, homes still surround themselves with mums which may relate back to old folklore which considers the plant to be a blessing and protection.

Sources:
Illustrated Encyclopedia of Magical Plants [S.Gregg]
The World Wide Web
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Taken in natural light ; uncropped ; and while this bloom is an energetic, vividly coloured one, I adjusted the exposure so it settled down to become a quiet pastel. Nature in all its natural splendour.

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♥ Heartfelt Gratitude to FAA groups for featuring this image :

Flower Mania
Thoughts Of Flowers
Bath and Spa Prints
Global Flowers Photography
Greeting Cards For All Occasions
10 Plus

Uploaded

February 19th, 2016

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