Sophia

by Connie Handscomb

Canvas Print

$70

Framed Print

$88

Art Print

$23

Poster

$23

Metal Print

$76

Acrylic Print

$84

Wood Print

$56

Throw Pillow

$28

Duvet Cover

$135

Shower Curtain

$70

Bath Towel

$44

Tote Bag

$29

Weekender Tote Bag

$59

Zip Pouch

$28

Portable Battery Charger

$48

Greeting Card

$5.98

iPhone Case

$27

Beach Towel

$44

Round Beach Towel

$89

Weekender Tote Bag

$59

Coffee Mug

$15

Title

Sophia

Artist

Connie Handscomb

Medium

Photograph - Photography - Fine Art

Description

You're the face of all races
The voice of the ages
The arms of love.
You're the hands of a compass
Guiding us, guiding us, guiding us home.
~ Naneki Elliott [fr. Mornings With Mother Mary]

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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.

The word chrysanthemum is from the Greek chrysos, meaning gold, and anthemom, meaning flower.

Sophia is a goddess of wisdom by Gnostics. In Orthodox and Roman Catholic Christianity, Sophia (aka Hagia Sophia - Holy Wisdom) is an acknowledgement of the second person of the Holy Trinity.

Sources:
Illustrated Encyclopedia of Magical Plants [S.Gregg]
The World Wide Web

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Captured in natural sunlight ; unedited ...... displayed in monochromatic subtle black and white ... nature in all its splendour :))

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♥ Heartfelt Gratitude to FAA groups for featuring this image :

Art District
Black And White Photography
Creative Black And White Fine Art Photos.