Jumat, 19 April 2013

Frankincense

Since farther back than anyone can remember Frankincense has been used for medicinal and religious purposes. Early Egyptians used Frankincense as part of their embalming process, the Greeks used it as an antidote to hemlock poisoning, and the Chinese used it for trading as well as for internal and external purposes. Today, Frankincense is used mostly for aroma therapeutics but many have also recognized it as an anti inflammatory, antiseptic, and a diuretic. Some medical research has been done showing a relationship between the possibility of Frankincense and the treatment of osteoarthritis and may have some anti cancer fighting agents.

Frankincense has also been shown to help with anxiety, disappointment, hysteria, emotional fatigue, nervousness, congestion, anti inflammatory, immune deficiency, insomnia, asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, aphrodisiac, emollient, indigestion, carminative, antiseptic, expectorant, sedative, tonic, and anti tumor.

Frankincense has been around since ancient times and is even mentioned in the Bible. The Jews offered up Frankincense in ceremonies. It seems that different regions use Frankincense for different reasons; the Chinese use Frankincense to treat leprosy, Egyptians used Frankincense to pain women’s eyelids, hair remover, and perfume. The main contribution of Frankincense is for respiratory distress and although it was once taken internally but no longer is but now is rather used as more of incense and when it is infused with vapors it can help laryngitis.

Frankincense comes from a tree called the Boswellia Thurifera which can be found in Africa and Arabia. To get Frankincense, they split the trunk of the tree and allow the resin to harden before it is harvested. Frankincense is commonly used in the practice of Wicca which is a religion that practices witchcraft. They use Frankincense for perfumes and believe that it corresponds well with certain days such as Sundays and Wednesdays. What Wicca’s call a solar spell is affiliated with Frankincense in the form of oil or herbs are used for spells and formulas that are related to solar issues.

These spells would be used for such purposes as physical energy, protection, success, and putting an end to specific legal issues. When you refer to Frankincense in the form of essential oils it is very expensive and is usually diluted with other oils or jojoba oil. These combinations are also used by the Wicca’s when casting spells. Some people prefer to substitute Rosemary for Frankincense.

Ironically enough never forget that Frankincense was one of the beautiful gifts that were brought to baby Jesus on the night of his birth by one of the three wise men. This is also used to increase menstrual flow, to treat syphilis, for unsightly scars and stretch marks, and breast cysts. Further it is used to treat acne, boils, and skin infections as well. Frankincense is one herb that is not edible and is not known for use in any recipe contrary to those who believe that Frankincense is used in Indian cuisine. It is not known to be used in any cuisine at all but it is extremely helpful for the practice of aromatherapy.

Burdock

Burdock is a plant that is related to the daisy family. It is also closely related to Echinacea, Dandelion, and Feverfew. Burdock is an herb but it is one that has been much neglected when it comes to getting attention. Back in ancient times the Greeks used the roots, the seeds, and the greens and used them for healing purposes. Throughout the Middle Ages Burdock was used for both food and medicine.

Today, Burdock is still used for such things as easing liver problems and digestive disorders. It was also found to be very effective for cleansing the skin for problems such as acne and also to assist in digestive problems. To this day throughout Europe the stalk and the greens are still eaten because they hold such valuable nutrition and vitamin values.

As more and more research is being done on Burdock many new and interesting discoveries are cropping up. A relationship is being examined between Burdock and its anti fungal and anti bacterial properties, and even more important it is showing signs of possibly being able to fight against tumors and could be a cancer fighting agent as well. Research has shown that since many of the cancer causing compounds are in almost all foods which are then eaten and stored in the human fat tissues that Burdock might very well be of help in fighting cancer because of the role that it can play in depleting these mutagens.

Burdock is also very helpful in strengthening the immune system when it has become weakened by environmental factors. When mixed with other herbs such as Dandelion and Ginger it can be a very powerful blood purifier. The most unique fact about Burdock is that it has a very high amount of inulin which is a natural occurring chemical within the body that mimics actions of insulin. Because of this, Burdock has been successful in helping combat hypoglycemia and pre diabetes conditions.

If you look for Burdock in the market you may find it called gobo instead as that is what some refer to it as. It is often combined with other vegetables or added to Tofu. Some boil Burdock while others sauté or deep fry it. Many have said it might not be such a good idea to look at Burdock before you eat it because you might change your mind about taking a bite.

It looks thick, dark, and woody but indeed the opposite is true when it comes to the taste. Burdock is well recognized as a health food because it has low calorie content and a high fiber intake. It is also loaded with potassium, iron, and calcium. People claim that Burdock tastes like nothing else. In other words it has a taste all of its own.

The best description that people can agree on when it comes to the flavor of Burdock is that it is sweet yet earthy, with a tender and crisp texture. It is often added to stews, soups, and stir fries. In the form of food, Burdock is highly nutritional and full of vitamins but in retrospect Burdock is also an effective herb for bringing the body back into balance.

Kamis, 18 April 2013

Diamond buying responsibly

We live in a time engulfed in greed and violence, where some will go to any lengths to make a profit or to contribute to their cause. This time, however, it is also one in which ethical consumerism and social responsibility is a growing trend. Just as certain foods and packaging are purchased because they are organic and recycled products, eco-friendly are preferred over those that are ecologically harmful, diamonds must be purchased with the understanding that they are 100% natural and conflict free.

I believe that every contribution to resolving or mitigating a problem, no matter how small, is a contribution nonetheless. This is not to say that all diamonds are blood diamonds, because most of the diamonds on the market are completely legitimate, however, it is important to make sure that you are buying from a dealer who investigated his sources and can confirm, in conformity with the guidelines established by the WFDB, that diamonds are conflict free.

In addition to conflict diamonds, there are other concerns that should be taken into consideration from a buyer before purchasing a diamond. Is the stone that you are buying all natural? Natural diamond is one that was created in the earth over millions of years of intense heat and pressure, brought to the surface in volcanic pipes, polished and sold to the end user without any enhancement of any kind. The market, however, contain simulants, synthetic and treated diamonds.

Simulants

Diamond simulants refers to the stones that are made to look like diamonds, but they do not possess the chemical composition or the quality of a diamond. Examples of this are Zircons or Moissonite. These features are in addition to diamonds, but one must look carefully and never assume that a rock that looks like a diamond or presented as a diamond, is actually a diamond.

Diamonds

Synthetic diamonds are diamonds that are not created in the traditional manner. These diamonds are basically “grown” from diamond particles in a laboratory. The particles are subject to conditions similar to those of traditional, natural formation, diamonds and are built layer by layer under pressure and intense heat. The process is dramatically shorter, taking a few hours to create a diamond instead of millions of years.

Treated diamonds

Treated diamonds are those that are created naturally but subjected to procedures which increase their color or clarity. For example, a diamond may be subjected to heat and pressure to bring out a better color. Only certain types of diamonds can benefit from this treatment, but it is important to make sure that the diamond you are buying is completely natural, so you pay for what you are getting.

To make sure you are getting what you are paying for and that diamonds are completely natural and without conflict, it is important that you deal with reputable dealers who have some credit and credibility in the field. Another important tool is to make sure that diamond is certified by an independent laboratory. Laboratories to disclose if a diamond has been treated or is natural and does not certify the fracture filled diamonds. More 0.38 carats of diamonds should always be certified and the buyer should insist on receiving the certificate.

In conclusion, the majority of diamonds on the market are good, however, when you buy a diamond, one should be careful and should develop a relationship of trust with his dealer. The buyer must ask questions, be satisfied with the answers and not rushed into decisions, because if the seller is trying to rush you, there is usually a reason.

White Gold explained

I think it’s important that the properties of white gold, limits and care needs are fully understood before buying an item of jewelry. This way you know what to expect and understand the best ways to care for your jewelry.

The most important thing to note is that gold is a naturally yellow metal; White Gold is not found in nature but is produced. Undergo a series of procedures to ensure that we see the brilliant white finish that we are used to and that appeals to us so much.

To get this color, gold is mixed with various white metal to produce an alloy; are commonly used silver and Palladium. The result of this alloy is of pale greyish-yellow colour. I like to think of it as mixing paint, no matter how much white paint added to yellow it is not possible to create a true white. To get the brilliant and bright white finish that made it so popular, white gold is rhodium plated. Rhodium is a metal bright white heavy duty nevertheless as with any form of plating, rhodium will wear over a period of time to reveal the pale greyish yellow metal underneath. The amount to which the plating wears off depends on what the item comes in contact with. For example, if it is exposed to chemicals like perfume, cleaning products or cream by hand, can wear more rapidly. You will then need to have white gold plated King rings from time to time; the time frame depends on the wearer. We always recommend that jewellery items are removed when doing any type of manual work, lifting, carrying or cleaning. This will prevent rumors being thrown out accidentally form or get scratched or damaged.

The material properties of gold, of any color, make sure that is a perfect choice for many items of jewelry. It is resistant and hard wearing relatively malleable enough yet for more complicated designs. One of the best things in my opinion is its versatility and allows the true colour of the gemstone stone shine through. There’s nothing more mesmerizing than a diamond ring set in white gold, like the fierce natural diamond shimmer is reinforced by thin white tones.

All the precious metals they need a certain amount of care and if they are looked after properly make fabulous jewelry items over the next few years. I hope this article has gone some way to explain the process to create white gold and the ways in which you can watch to ensure the stunning jewels as as the day after you purchased it.

Here at Chapelle jewellery we guarantee all our white gold jewellery for the first year so if you notice that the plating is visibly beginning to be consumed within the first year of purchase, we will arrange for it to be back for free. After the first year there will be jewelry white gold finish for a small fee. Please contact us for more information. Discover the range of white gold jewelry on offer at Chapelle jewellery.

The guide diamond settings in rings (part II)

A continuation of the first part of setup types, this article concerns the rest of popular culture which are:

Voltage regulation:

The voltage setting differs from all other diamond settings due to its daring and unusual style. If you are looking for a unique and modern style in their environment, diamond ring tension set is an ideal choice. This setting is very interesting and creative and worth a second look.

Against a background of tension, the pressure of the band is used to hold the diamond. The diamond is located in small grooves cut into the sides of the shank ring, so seems to float in midair between sides of the shank.

Since the bandwidth of a set-snap ring is created only for a specific diamond is produced only after the ring was purchased. The setting is such that it fits the diamond that is selected and cannot be changed or scaled back once it has been purchased. Although the voltage setting is pretty sure, diamond and setting can be damaged if the ring you are suffering from a sharp impact.
The voltage setting incorporates the security of both types of diamond settings-keep safe the prongs, as well as the smoothness of a voltage regulation.

Melée setting:

The word melée (pronounced “melly” or “meh-lay”) derives from the French word for a mixture and refers to many styles of tiny crystals that can beautify an engagement ring. The little Scrum-half stones have their own ways of setting that can alter the appearance of the ring.

An engagement ring can have anything from three to four Scrum-half stones up to a hundred. These small diamonds decorate the entire ring and cover the entire band to form a carpet of diamonds.

Pavé setting:

In an environment of Pavé, many small diamonds are closely together and are held in place with metal beads almost invisible, thus creating a surface sparkling with diamonds. This setting is also referred to as the bead, or more popularly as Micro-Pave setting, especially when the diamonds are small and closely set.

Channel setting:

The channel setting is more popular on eternity bands and smaller diamonds on the band wedding ring. In this setting, a row of diamonds are placed in a metal channel that holds them in place into a metal channel that holds them in place, creating the illusion of a continuous line of diamonds. Can be used with round or princess cut diamonds.

Shared with: setting tips

As understood from the name, this set contains a row of diamonds in place with spikes shared between two diamonds, and thus every stone a prominence. This setting is used primarily in the bands of eternity. Because the diamonds used in this setting are larger in size, this is one of the most important settings.

Setting the thread:

Similar to setting, bezel setting Flush set small diamonds directly to the band of the ring, then put them in a rut in the metal. This creates a sleek, low profile without sacrificing the elegance of a diamond band.

The design of our H.K. society (India) is one of the diamond-studded jewellery the leading manufacturers of Mumbai, India. We have over 8000 drawings with us in different classes of rings, earrings, pendants, bracelets and necklaces.

Senin, 15 April 2013

Reasons why organic foods can change the landscape of world food production

Let’s Face It. Organic foods are the biggest trend to hit the food scene in a long time. And promises to change the way we eat and the way we acquire our food forever. Not only does food more nutritious, but it also means nature can support our need for better food. Clearly is the better and healthier option. You may or may not know all about organic food, but definitely piques your curiosity. There are lots of reasons why organic foods can change the landscape of world food production. And of course, these reasons are for the better.

There are a lot of reasons why food can change the way we eat. When you take a close look at organic food, is actually better than your conventional food in every size imaginable. First, we should take a look at the largest point of contention: quality of food. In terms of quality, organic food is unquestionably is the product of superior quality. Its texture, color and other qualities to look for when choosing food is significantly better than their non-organic counterparts. Perhaps more importantly, taste and nutritional value of foods are significantly increased when they are cultivated the organic way.

There are also reasons why the food is considered to be a product of a more sustainable form of agriculture. This is mainly because the natural system of growth and reproduction for plants and animals are not compromised in any way. It has been said time and again that agriculture subsidies as artificial fertilizers, feeds, pesticides and antibiotics are damaging both plants and animals used as food sources. But beyond its effect harmful to living organisms cannot be understated what are its effects on the ecosystem. Not only are their residues deposited within the tissues of plants and animals, but these same residual poison natural resources needed to maintain life as water, soil and air. In organic farming, use of these artificial products is no longer needed, and that means great news for ecosystems.

Maybe you already know why the food is considered to be the best and healthiest. But the next question is: where can actually get them? At first glance, organic sounds obscure, i.e. you can admit that you’ll have a hard time acquiring them. But it is not always the case. In fact, getting organic food is becoming easier because more farmers are seeing the benefits of farming the organic way food. You can buy organic products on both markets and grocery stores. In fact, often there is a separate section for food. Add the number of specialist retailers of organic food, and all of a sudden your options are plentiful.

These are just some of the reasons why food is causing a huge commotion in the news and in the market. The meaning and the potential value cannot be denied or underestimated. It’s only a matter of time before the methods take our farms and products take over our benches and dining tables. And the world will be a better place because of it.

To decide on buying a fruit press

The decision to buy a fruit press can potentially be a very fun and investment worth it, especially if you have access to your apples or other fruits. Is a great way to use large amounts of fruit and there’s nothing like homemade cider, wine or fruit juice! Decide on which press to go to, however, will be the first hurdle to jump. Here are some things to consider:

Fruit type: the type of fruit you want pressure will determine in large part what they print, you should go for. If you plan only by pressing soft fruits in small amounts, of course a small print will be perfectly adequate. For the production of large quantities of wine, however, you can opt for a print with a larger tank, so you can press the grapes more at a time. If you’re going to produce cider and then pressing apples, you obviously want a bigger tank, but you can get a print with a apple grinder attached. Obviously it’s important to choose the right press initially as some presses will not be suitable for certain fruits but with that in mind, the easiest option is to go for a cider press that will be strong enough to squeeze the soft fruit like apples if you choose to.

Tub dimensions: as mentioned above, the type of fruit you want and how much pressure you intend to produce will be the main determinants of what size tank you get. As you can imagine, if you have a lot of apples to be used then it would be worth getting a print with a larger tub (can also be a double bath press) and on the other hand, if you only intend to produce a small amount of soft fruit juice, a small tabletop printing would be perfectly adequate.

Brand: As with any product, some brands are better than others. The main thing to consider is that obviously going for a reliable brand with a good reputation probably will serve you well. Play also true for most fruit presses that you get what you pay for. Of course, if you want to build your own print if you are so inclined, but following a good print design and using high quality components will be as important to a good brand.

As you can see, it is mostly common sense, but it’s certainly worth some thought and not only go to the first printing that catch your eye. As mentioned earlier, a good option for many people is to go for a strong print that can be used for both apples and berries, as is not the case with all the presses. In this way you are not just limited to small fruits. You can get a print with a apple grinder attached or you can always buy a grinder separately at a later time, if you decide that you want one. Anyway, it’s nice to be able to experience both pressing apples, grapes and other fruits, or at least have the chance to do so.