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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Viewed 394 Times - Last Visitor from Fairfield, CT on 04/19/2024 at 2:41 AM
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Comments (37)
Cheryl Rose
Soft perfection! Lovely title. Such a delight to view, Connie! Amazing capture! l/f/tw
Connie Handscomb replied:
You reward me with huge kindness, Cheryl; thank you! your support means the world! :))
Joni Eskridge
Beautiful Connie. Your description makes me want to go eat some ( :
Connie Handscomb replied:
Haha! oh ...you are braver than me, although we do have chrysanthemum tea every now & again; thank you so much, Joni!:))
Connie Handscomb
Jenn, thank you! for featuring this image in Bath and Spa Prints {unfortunately the avatar is still missing for the group} :))
Lisa Phillips
Your beautiful image has been featured in our group "Thoughts of Flowers". http://fineartamerica.com/groups/thoughts-of-flowers.html 2/26/16
Connie Handscomb replied:
Thank you so much, Lisa! the avatar for the group is not showing for me so I really appreciate your note :))
Judy Vincent
This is just gorgeous! Love the softness and yellow is my favorite color! L/F
Connie Handscomb replied:
I'm not sure I'll remember it's your favorite colour, Judy, but I will always remember your kindness; thank you so much!:))
Gabriella Weninger - David
I love the softness of this so GORGEOUS Image Connie... Stunning capture!!!
Henk Meijer Photography
The yellow shines golden, which makes it very pleasant to look at, Connie. L/F
Jeff Swanson
Outstanding work, Connie. L/F
Connie Handscomb replied:
I'm sorry, Jeff.. for late reply; looks like I started at the top on this one .. & lost those at the bottom, sheesh! thank you so much for your kind support :))