Halloween from All Hallows’ Eve... from Samhain

Samhain, The Origins of Hallowe’en

Samhain, the origins of Halloween, an ancient Gaelic festival that dates back to 2,000 years ago, traditionally celebrated from October 31 to November 1, as the Celtic day began and ended at sunset. It has a strong Celtic pagan origins and there is evidence it had been an important date since, the Neolithic passage tomb of Mount of Hostages at the Hill of Tara built between 3,350 and 2500 BCE, is aligned with the Samhain sunrise. Believed to be a luminal and disorienting time, when the boundary between this world and the Otherworld or fae (fairy) world are opened and easily be crossed by Aos Si, ‘spirits’ and/or ‘fairies.’ In which, at this time these supernatural entities had been propitiated or appeased with food and drinks to avoid divine retribution and ensuring  that people and livestock survived the winter.

The souls of the dead were also imagined to revisit their homes, thus honored with a feast by setting a place at the table for them. Such tradition is most fitting as it is a season or time of “dying” in nature has come. These visiting souls may give blessing or will wreak revenge to those who wrong them. Hence, mumming and guising, impersonating spirits, souls, ghost or fairies was also believed to protect one from them. It also involved people going house-to-house in disguise or costume, usually reciting songs, verses in exchange for food. As Peeve (2007) suggested the guisers personify old spirit of winter, demanding reward in exchange for good fortune [1].  

Other traditions in this festivity include divination rituals and games concerning death and marriage. It is big in food traditions that include nuts and apples, in which apples were strongly associated with the Otherworld and immortality, while hazelnuts were associated with divine wisdom.   In the 19th century, Sir John Rhys and Sir James Frazer [2] suggested that it was the “Celtic new Year.”

Similar festivals have been held at the same time of year in other Celtic lands and other religion, a few examples are listed below:

Hop-tu-Naa

Another similar celebration is Hop-tu-Naa, and even predating Halloween. It is a Celtic Festival of the original New Year’s Eve or Oie Houney and oldest unbroken tradition in the Isle of Man celebrated on 31st of October. Traditions includes children going house to house carry a carved turnip lantern, sing songs and hoping to receive sweets and money. Another tradition is divination, since it is a New Year prophesying, weather prediction and fortune-telling seems to be a usual pattern. With a bountiful harvest food tradition, like toffee and ‘mrastyr,’ and food practices, like leaving left-overs to faeries, were naturally developed.

Calan Gaeaf

Calan Gaeaf is the name of the first day of winter in Wales, and observed on the 1st of November. The night before is Nos Dalan Daeaf, a time when spirits are believed to be around and abound. Traditions revolved with food, like ducking apple, and divination. A curious fun tradition was when the people dance around a village fire, writing down there name on rocks and place them in and around the fire. When the fire starts to die, everyone would and must run home, whereas if they stayed a headless woman would devour their souls.

Kalan Gwav

Another name for first day of winter is Kalan Gwav, traditionally celebrated on the night of 31st October and 1st November in Cornwall. Traditions surrounding this festival are rich with food traditions, like giving of large red apples to children, and divination rituals mostly concern to death and marriage. In the sixth century, the celebration takes a more liturgical feast day of St. Allan or St. Allen, and later known as Allhallowtide and Allantide. The origins of the name Allantide probably stem from the same namesake of Hollantide and Hallowe’en itself.

All Saints’ and All souls’ Day

Ronald Hutton (1996) points out, that according to a Roman Catholic bishop in the 8th century that the church had celebrated All Saints or All Hallows on 20th of April, another reported that it was on 13th of May, even before it was switch to the 1st November and made official in 835 AD by Western Christianity [3]. It was in the 9th century that on November 1 celebrates All Saints’ Day, while November 2 became All Souls Say. Strong traditions have been praying to the saints for good fortune, leaving food for the dead and collecting soul cakes.

A Seasonal Marker

Dropping all the superstitious and supernatural beliefs on this celebration, what we have is a date marker. Samhain is about half way between the autumn equinox, 21st of September, and the winter solstice, 21st of December.

The Coligny calendar or peg calendar is likely related to Samhain, as its year is divide in to two: Samonios represent the beginning of summer while the Giamonios the beginning of winter season. In Irish literature, it was one of the four Gaelic seasonal festivals of the year: Samhain on November 1, Imbolc on February 1, Bealtaine on May1 and Lughnasadh on August 1.

  

Citing Sir J.G. Frazer (1890), May 1 and November 1 are of little important to European crop-growers or farmers, but of great importance to herdsmen, early Celts were mainly pastoral people [2]. Dividing the year at May 1 and November 1 marks when to take the herd to upland summer pasture and when to lead them back and some were slaughtered for the winter, respectively.  But for farmers it still marks a celebration of a safely gathered harvest and all preparations completed for the long winter coming.

Festival marked an end of a season, in medieval Ireland it signal the end for trade and warfare, as it is wise not to go to war in the winter. It also was an ideal date for tribal gatherings, of royalty and warriors. And as Hutton’s (1996) suggested Samhain may not have been associated with supernatural but such gatherings - it is a popular and ideal setting for confabulation of elaborated Arthurian tales of extraordinary heroes and villains [3].

The only sense of spiritual awe have been stemmed from the ability of individual, families and communities to prepare themselves from bounty to scarcity, life and death, basically it the synopsis of a cycle we called life. And with this life there are uncertainties, events beyond our control, and our ancestors believed in superstitious ideas and its rituals help them cope as it provide comfort and something to blame when things go bad. But there is a costly price to pay for this illusion and that would be truth and facts, and the ability to discover real answers and solutions.

Superstitious and supernatural beliefs have been part of human history as an attempt to explain the unknown, as human’s first attempt it is also the worst explanation. In 21st century, humans have been able to provide better explanations that have been backed with observable evidence on how nature works. A life of reason and rationality is way better for humanity, as individual and/or society, than on believing in ghouls and ghosts and magical thinking. Don’t feel guilty in celebrating Halloween, as mentioned; it is always part of humanity, its creativity and celebratory spirit or attitude. It’s just supernatural are just entertaining confabulations, so nothing to be scared, and just enjoy.

What are your favorite holiday and/or festival? It would bring inspiration to write an informative synopsis about it. If you have other questions, inquiries and requests regarding Halloween please post it down below and do not forget to follow. However, if you find this article lacking, please share your thoughts; reactions, suggestions and corrections are welcome. And maybe follow? I t would truly help this blog post better content. Thank you!

As always enjoy Hallowe’en! Trick or Treat!?!

References

1. Peddle, S. V. (2007). Pagan Channel Islands: Europe's Hidden Heritage. London, United Kingdom: Robert Hale.

2. Frazer, J.G. (1890). The GoldenBough: A Study in Magic and Religion. London, United Kingdom: Macmillan and Co.

3. Hutton, R. (1996). Stations of the Sun: A History of the Ritual Year in Britain. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

4. The Editors of Encyclopedia Britannica. (2013). Encyclopedia Britannica. [Website]. Retrieved from https://www.britannica.com/topic/Halloween. Retrieved on 2017, October 13.

10 Basic Household Tools

A set of basic household hand tools are essential in repair and maintenance, craft and handicraft and decoration projects. These are simple tools that are practical to keep and a starting point in building up a more comprehensive or specialized tool set based on a hobby, utility and/or occupation.

Basic tools are usually used more often and receive most wear, purchasing the best quality one could afford is a realistic and economical, not only it could do a job more easily with less effort and time spent, but also it provide more safety. With quality products and basic tool care one will enjoy long-term benefits.

1. Hammer

A general-all purpose hammer, a simple tool that pounds in nails. Whether choosing a traditional or modern hammer, preferred and practical features would be a medium weight, head weight of 16-20 oz., a smooth face, a straight rip claw and a comfortable handle [1]. Additional features to watch out for modern type are a nail starter, and ergonomic designs of handles and an anti-vibration design.

2. Flat-head Screwdriver

A flat-head or slotted flared tip screwdriver is the most common type, used on screws that have a single vertical slit. The driver head should fit snugly into the screw slot without slipping when turning the screw with the tool. Screws and this tool come in variety of sizes and lengths. A basic standard size would be a flared tip of 1/4"-inch by bar handle length of 4-inch (1/4” x 4”) but 8-inch length would have additional reach and be more practical [2]. Additional feature would be an insulated soft-grip handle, vanadium steel bars and sanded tips.

3. Philip Screw Driver

This is a screwdriver with an “X” or cross-shaped head [2]. This tool comes in four basic sizes labeled from #0 to #4, with #0 being the smallest. The most common size would be #2, preferred length would be 8-inch and make sure to buy the one with a flat or blunt tip.

4. Pliers

Pliers a simple lever and come in three basic types: locking, adjustable and non-adjustable [3] used to extend and increase the strength of hand grip, and suited to a particular task. A first practical pliers to have, classified under the nonadjustable pliers, is an 8-inch needle nose pliers with wire cutter, useful in electrical works. Then, 10-inch adjustable tongue-and-groove pliers or a wrench pliers of the same length would be the next thing to invest since it is useful in plumbing works. An insulated soft handle would also be a comfortable feature.

NTS: Never ever use them to grab your or someone else nose.

5. Wrench

A wrench is a versatile turning tool used to provide grip and mechanical advantage in applying torque [4]. Preferred traditional model is a 10-inch adjustable wrench or spanner with jaw width of 1 ¼ inches or higher or wider, smooth thumb turn, smooth and stable jaw. An open-end head and movable smooth jaw that delicately accommodate different sizes of a fastener, from a bulky hose, bike seat adjustment to small fastener on a toy. An alternative modern model would be an 8-inch adjustable wrench with a wide 1 5/8 inch jaw capacity and slimmer jaw to fit in tight spots.

NTS: Heavy wrenches, like hammers, could double as self-defense weapon, just in case, if one really needs to hit a nut or two of a sawbag.

6. Utility Knife and Blades

Utility knife is a cutting tool used for general or utility purpose.  A basic model would be with a retractable blade, non-slip handle and tool-free blade change. An additional feature to look for are additional compatible blades like an 8-inch general purpose saw blade to cut wood, drywall saw blade to cut drywall, and 6-inch hacksaw to cut metal and plastic pipes.

7. Tape Measure

A tape measure, hence the name, is a measuring tool to measure distance. A preferred feature would be about 25-foot with a blade lock and a tang that hooked but doesn’t snag or cause too much abrasion. And the blade would ideally be at least 1 inch wide to keep it from collapsing when extended up to nearly 8 feet. Always check for accuracy and readable marking.

8. Square

A 12-inch speed square is a versatile measuring and layout tool to create an accurate square, make basic measurement and mark lines, use as a protractor, and use as a fence for crosscutting. In addition, the diagonal edge has marking for laying out rafter, roof trim and stair angles [4].  This was invented in 1925 by Albert J. Swanson, who also founded Swanson Tool Company, Inc, so it is just practical to secure a speed square from Swanson, which will provide a pocket sized blue reference book describing the tools functions.

9. Level

A level is a device used to determine something to a horizontal surface or plane. An ideal model would be a 9-inch torpedo level. Before purchasing this item, always check for accuracy.

10. Flashlight

This is a versatile item in your tool set. Any sturdy flashlight would do, but a hands-free, with tillable head would be ideal for repair or any project that requires an extra hand. 

Is this simple set of basic hand tools sufficient and efficient for household use? Please share your thoughts and post your comments below. Questions, requests, reactions, suggestions and corrections are all welcome. And do not forget to follow to help this blog create better content.

Thank you!

As always keep it simple, be prepared and enjoy!

References

1. The Family Handy Man. (n.d.). Choosing the Best Hammer. [Blog Post]. Retrieved from https://www.familyhandyman.com/tools/choosing-the-best-hammer/view-all/

2. DIY Author. (2009, August 18). Choosing the Proper Screwdriver. [Blog Post]. Retrieved from http://www.diybyexample.info/2009/08/choosing-the-proper-screwdriver/

3. Kelsey, J. (n.d.). Choosing and Using Pliers. [Blog Post]. Retrieved from https://www.thisoldhouse.com/ideas/choosing-and-using-pliers

4. Kinkead, E.B., Sehbai, D.S. & Tunney, C.J. (Eds.). (1972). Modern Century Illustrated Encyclopedia (Vols. 9). Australia: McGraw-hill Far Eastern Publishers.

5. Kelsey, J. (n.d.). Choosing and Using Squares. [Blog Post]. Retrieved from https://www.thisoldhouse.com/ideas/choosing-and-using-squares

Simple Hair Care

Some say hair specifically head hair is a woman’s crowning glory and made most women obsess with their hair, hairstyle, hair care services and products. This addiction to hair vanity seems came from the backward era of stereo-type gender roles, when women are only valued for their reproductive ability and overtly feminize looks, like an chattel, emphasizing on long shiny hair, fair- flawless complexion and hourglass fertile figure.  However, this obsession on the appearance of healthy hair and hairstyle is not only confined with women but also men, and hair care product is a growing multi-billion industry.

Do not let other dictate what to do with your hair, especially when they have something to gain from that directives. There also institutions that tyrannically demand a certain hairstyle to be maintained like academia. Such policies and aggressive marketing strategy, especially the one that deguise as suggestion, should be challenge and not taken leniently, such help develop critical thinking, self-autonomy, independence and confidence. One could just politely inquire for rational explanation and decline or follow intutionatize rules, then later politely ask for justification and negotiate a compromise. Such tip toeing would help not to offend ‘sensibility’ but still hold at bay questionable imperatives.

Anatomy and Physiology of Hair

In general, hair is a thread like substance of protein filament that grows out of the skins. It composed of a root and shaft. The root is like a soft bulb that lies in the dermis beneath the epidermis or skin in a container called a follicle. The shaft is the part that is seen outside the skin. It has color, which varies on the melanin (pigment) production. Oil glands, which also beneath the epidermis, keep the skin moisturize and soft, but also keep the hair soft and flexible. Hair varies from thick to thin, coarse to fine, straight to curly, long to short [1].

Hair grows by producing new cells in the root and then pushing them out, the shaft of the hair is made up of these cells. It has a specific growth cycle with three stages: Anagen (active phase), catagen (transition period) and telogen (resting phase). All three occur simultaneously; one strand may be in the anagen while another is in the telogen [2]. Each stage has a specific length of time, and it varies from person to person. Different hair color and follicle shape affects the timing of these phases. However, the average rate of hair growth is about 1 centimeters (cm) every 28 days or 1.25 cm (0.5 inches) a month, or about 15 cm (6 inches) per year [3]. 

Normally, about 90% of our hair follicles are in anagen phase, 10-14% is in telogen phase and 1-2% in catagen. Thus, about fifty to a hundred hairs are shed daily from normal scalp. But when the body is subjected to extreme stress, it could induce the hair to enter prematurely in telogen phase and begin to fall, causing a noticeable hair loss [4]. There are also other factors and disorders that causes hair loss and inhibit hair growth, if you would like to know more about such subject matter please comment below and will create a condense informative article.

General Simple Hair Care

1. Keep it neat daily and protect it from harsh elements. Depending on the type of hair, combing daily would help spread the oil evenly and keep hair soft and flexible. Avoid abusing your hair.

2. Choose a hairstyle that efficiently works for you. Find a reliable and trust-worthy hair care professional and a dermatologist, just in case.

3. Choose hair items and products carefully, even the simple and basic hair brush, hair bands and bobby pins.

4. Frequency of shampooing and conditioning depends of oiliness of scalp, and environmental exposure. Choose a natural or organic hair products, if not available or accessible one could always dilute a solution with water, or neutralize harsh chemical with diluted vinegar spray on one's hair 30 minutes before shampooing. 

5. Hot oil treatment once a month, this is a tried and tested French care hair routine. One doesn’t need break the bank to go to a hair salon every month. Secure the brand of hot oil that had worked for you and do it yourself every month. All natural hot oil is a freshly squeezed coconut milk or "gata." NTS: Not coconut oil but fresh and warmed coconut MILK.

4. Don’t rely heavily on hair products like hair relaxing, straightening and the likes. Chemicals that alter damage hair and scalp, if one could avoid it completely.

5. Eat healthy food, hair is made up of new cell grow so supply your body with healthy protein to promote growth and maximize vitamin intake by taking it at the right time.

Finally, hair is not just a part of one’s anatomy but also unique identity, individuality and autonomy. Linda Rodin a New York photographer celebrates herself by embracing her gray hair and never even once dyed to hide it, still she exudes confidence and simple elegance.

Is this health and fitness article aggressively interesting? If you want to hear more honest opinions on health and fitness or is there a health issues you are curious about please post let us know your questions, inquiries and requests in the comment section below, and do not forget to follow. If you find this article lacking, please share your thoughts, all reactions, suggestions and corrections are welcome. And maybe follow to help this blog post better content. Thank you!

As always keep it simple and enjoy!

References

1. Kinkead, E.B., Sehbai, D.S. & Tunney, C.J. (Eds.). (1972). Modern Century Illustrated Encyclopedia (Vols. 9). Australia: McGraw-hill Far Eastern Publishers

2. Braun-Falco, O., Plewig, G., Wolff, H.H., & BurgDorf, W.H.C. (1996). Dermatology (Second Edition). Italy: Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg. 

3. Huang, S.J. (2017, September 10). The Definition if the Anagen Phase of Hair Growth. [Blog File]. Retrieved from https://www.verywell.com/what-is-the-anagen-phase-of-hair-growth-1069411

4. Brannon, H. (2017, February 28). The Telogen Phase of the Hair Cycle. [Blog File]. Retrieved from https://www.verywell.com/telogen-phase-1069283

Cooking Oil - An Introduction

Cooking oil is known and commonly used product in the 21st century. In general, oil is any neutral substances, chemically non polar, viscous liquid at ambient temperatures and is both hydrophobic, means it repels water, and lipophilic, it attracts or love fats [1]. There are many types of oil and classified according to source and to its application, the cooking oil belongs to the latter classification.

There are two sources of oil, organic oil and mineral or crude oil. Ideally, organic oils would imply that it originate from plants, animals, or other organisms. Unfortunately, for mineral or crude oil is also organic and not from minerals, as it originate from fossilized organic materials. The misnomer stems from the process this type of organic oil have been extracted, similar to minerals it is mined through drilling.

Classification of Oil - According to Application

The common uses of oil, aside from cooking, are for fuel, lubrication, cooling, manufacturing, medicines, cosmetics and painting, and religious rites. Amongst the applications, cooking plays an important part of daily activity as it is a source and support nourishment, needed to survive and thrive. 


Cooking Oil

Cooking includes frying and baking, yet this class of oil is also used as flavouring. There are a wide variety of cooking oil sources from plants, animals and synthetic fat. Plant sources, also called vegetable oil, are from seeds, flowers and fruits of plants.  Animal sources are either from animal parts, like lard; or animal product, like butter from churned cream or milk. While synthetic oil, known as a fat substitute, is from a specific type of sucrose polyester blend and known to used in manufacturing chips.

First, focusing on the different types of vegetable oil, its characteristic, heat tolerance and ideal application, would help narrowing down on what vegetable oil to by for certain type of cooking technique. It is important to match the oil tolerance with the temperature a cooking technique employs to achieve a desired product and more important safe and healthy.

Characteristics of Cooking Oil

Fatty acids

Generally a fatty acid is made up of a straight chain of an even number of carbon atoms with hydrogen and carboxyl group at opposite end. If the carbon to carbon bonds are all single the acid is saturated, while if double or triple, it is unsaturated and more reactive. Monounsaturated contains one double bond, while polyunsaturated contains more than one double bond [2].

Oils high in monounsaturated fats store longer than those high in polyunsaturated fats, while, the shelf life of oils high in saturated fats is longer than high in unsaturated. Low in polyunsaturated fats is less reactive and more stable. However, always consider the best before date that are on the product labels. The variety of oil stability will aid in choosing which oil one could stock in greater quantity, compare to which oil to keep in smaller quantity.

The characteristic of stability, oils with high saturated or monounsaturated fats are general ideal for frying food than high in polyunsaturated fats.

Fatty acid is an important component of living cells, as it is a source of fuel for most animals. With its effect on human health have some controversial as in the 1950s promotes low in saturated fats is healthier, but new studies and review have challenged that claim. A discussion on the different health benefits of fatty acids and discovering which cooking oil is deem healthiest would be on another separate article after presenting all the different cooking oils.    

Smoke point, Flash point and Fire point

These cooking oils characteristic pertains to temperatures. The smoke point is the temperature at which oil start to burn, having burnt flavor in the food, and the degradation of essential nutrients. The flash point is above the smoke point, is the temperature at which oil vapors will ignite but inability to remain lit. While the fire point is when enough oil vapors will ignite and sustain a burn [3]. The longer the oil has been heated, there lower these temperature points become.

The variation of cooking oil’s smoking point is due to the refining process. The more impurities and free fatty acids remove, the higher the smoking point. Refined version of the oil is more ideal for frying compare to unrefined cooking oil type.

Cooking oil is an essential part in food preparation and it is valuable to be aware of the different variety and it’s characteristic. Information would help which cooking oil would be ideal for certain cooking method and food preparation.  Moreover, knowledge on cooking oil shelf life would be economically beneficial. Besides, all oils degrade in response to heat, light and oxygen, so the general proper storage would be a cool, dark, and dry place.

Is this an interesting topic? If you want to know more about cooking oil please follow this blog so you won’t miss a post. And if you have questions, inquiries and requests about cooking oil leave a comment below. However, if you find this article lacking, please share your thoughts, any reactions, suggestions and corrections are welcome. And maybe follow to somehow help this blog post better content. Thank you!

As always enjoy learning!

References

1. Kinkead, E.B., Sehbai, D.S. & Tunney, C.J. (Eds.). (1972). Modern Century Illustrated Encyclopedia (Vols. 9). Australia: McGraw-hill Far Eastern Publishers

2. The Editors of Encyclopedia Britannica. (2013). Encyclopedia Britannica. [Website]. Retrieved from https://www.britannica.com/science/fatty-acid . Retrieved on 2017, October 12.

3. Gunstone, F.D. (Ed.). (2011). Vegetable Oils in Food Technology: Composition, Properties and Uses (Second Edition). United Kingdom: Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Cleaning with Distilled -White Vinegar

The increasing advocacy for environmental friendly and safe cleaning products advance the use of alternatives especially natural and good grade products as cleaning and disinfecting products.  However, it has been discourage to rely on natural products as alternative for disinfectant, as they have been tested and founded out that are less effective than the commercial household disinfectants. An exception is vinegar, as Dr. Rutala (2000) concludes undiluted acidic solution is effective against Salmonella typhi and Escherichia coli [1].   And to be more specific, since are a number of types of vinegar, white or distilled vinegar.

White or distilled vinegar is compost of 5% to 8% acetic acid in water and has a pH of 2.4 to 2.6, making it the most acidic among vinegars [2]. Since distilled vinegar is production is inexpensive compare to other vinegar. Its acidity, availability, accessibility and affordability would make white vinegar the right vinegar for cleaning.

Other Uses of Distilled Vinegar in the Kitchen

As an alternative disinfectant, a cleaner, and a deodorizer

1. Disinfect cutting board

Bacteria like Salmonella typhi and Escherichia coli and high microbial load have been commonly associated with food poisoning and proper food hygiene has been an important part to thwart such preventable illnesses. Just in case, one run out of 3.0% hydrogen peroxide and/or bleach, undiluted distilled vinegar is an effective alternative. After scrubbing clean cutting boards with soap and water, soak it by spraying undiluted white vinegar, and let it sit for 15 minutes, before rinsing and drying.   

2. Clean, disinfect and neutralize chemicals residue on vegetable and fruits

Vegetables and fruits bought in the store or from the backyard garden are riddled with contaminants from soil humus to agricultural pesticide residue to fruit polish. As a precaution wash clean and soak with vinegar solution or spray undiluted white vinegar, then let it sit for 15-20 minutes, would help decrease microbial load and chemical residues.  

3. Shine dishware and glassware

Cloudiness and dullness in dishware and glassware may be cause by lime and minerals in the water. Easy solution is to soak items in a shallow pan or tub with 4 liters of hot-warm water and 500 ml of vinegar. The acidity of vinegar can dissolve some minerals.

4. Clean burnt pots and pans

Cooking especially frying meats and reducing sauces could lead to unfortunate a burnt residue in precious pot and/or pan. Easy and gentler solution is to boil just enough water to cover the pan or pot surface and 250 ml of vinegar together. Let it simmer for 5 minutes, remove from heat, transfer to sink and add 1-2 tablespoons of baking soda. Expect a reaction, if the water is bearable may start scrubbing, may add baking soda and proceed to normal cleaning. May repeat procedure until burnt stains are satisfying removed.    

5. De-clog and deodorize drains

Oils, soaps residue and other organic material clogs and stinks a sink. Inexpensive solution is drain clog water, pour 1/2 cup of baking soda followed by 1 cup of vinegar in to the drain. As chemical reaction subsides flush with hot water. Test by flushing cold water and repeat if necessary. Vinegar reduces odor-causing bacteria thus help in eliminating stinky sink smell. 

6. Dissolve and clean stains on faucet and showerheads

Remove soap scum, brines, water stains, and water-mineral stains on plumbing fixture vinegar solution. For stained faucets spray it with vinegar, cover with kitchen paper towel and spray the cover until soak through. Let it sit overnight or 2-4 hours, then clean as normal, may repeat until satisfied. To unclog showerheads, fill a plastic bag with one part water and one part vinegar. Place the showerhead inside, subsequently letting the vinegar bag dangle but secure it with rubber band or the likes. Let it soak overnight or 2-4 hours.

Solution and concentration in these cleaning tips are modeled from distilled or white vinegar, if one is using a different types might need to alter concentration. Keep separate containers of vinegar for cooking, for cleaning food and food items and another for general domestic cleaning, if possible, this is to prevent cross contamination.

With conscious effort to be short and simple, other uses will be featured in another post. If interested to learn more uses of this common, inexpensive and versatile culinary ingredient, vinegar, please do watch out for it.

Is this cleaning tip interesting? If you want to know more about this vinegar and its other non cooking uses or any cleaning hack please post your questions, inquiries and requests in the comment section below, and do not forget to follow. If you have tried these cleaning tips please share your experience and its result. And if you find this article lacking, please share why and please do post reactions, suggestions and corrections. And maybe follow to somehow help this blog post better content. Thank you!

As always keep safe and enjoy!

References

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (Last Updated February 2017.). Guidelines for Disinfection and Sterilization in Healthcare Facilities, 2008.  Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/infectioncontrol/guidelines/disinfection/

2. Kinkead, E.B., Sehbai, D.S. & Tunney, C.J. (Eds.). (1972). Modern Century Illustrated Encyclopedia ( Vols. 9). Australia: McGraw-hill Far Eastern Publishers.

Ginger: Zingy Vibes

Ginger  - Common Ginger, Luya, or Cooking Ginger

BOTANICAL NAME

Zingiber officinale

PLANT TYPE

Perennial Herb

SUN EXPOSURE

Full Morning Sun, Semi or Full Afternoon Shade

SOIL TYPE

Well-drained loamy or sandy soil; Moist soil

SOIL pH

5.5-6.5

FUN FACTS               

           

Ginger plant is known for its spicy aromatic swollen underground stems, called rhizome, which usually grow about 1.5-2.5 cm thick, whereas for the annual stem could grow up to 1-5 feet tall by 5 feet wide, at a fast rate. This is a flowering plant has a cone-shaped flower head with pale-yellow to yellow-green (or chartreuse) color. The alternatively arranged mid-green leaves are long and narrow. Ginger is in the family Zingiberaceae, to which turmeric also belong. This warm-climate plant had originated in the tropical rainforest in Southern Asia.

Culinary Uses

Ginger is best known as a hot, pungent, zingy-sweet, aromatic spice. This spice is produced from the rhizome or underground stem; hence the spice is sometimes referred as ginger root. The underground part of the ginger has a distinctive thickened and branched, from brown to tan-colored outer layer, and knotty is texture, appearing somewhat like a swollen hand. This skin is usually removed prior to cooking or consuming reveal a yellow, soft, juicy and fibrous meat.

The pungent principles in ginger rhizome are the non-volatile phenolic compounds gingerol, gingeridione and shogaol as many described a zingy sweet aromatic and lemon-like scent. A dried rhizome is twice as pungent as the fresh ones [1], could be grated and stored for later use. The rhizomes are widely used in many areas of the world as food and beverage flavoring and seasoning. It is a culinary ingredient added to create a mild-hot spicy flavor to dishes such as curries, chutneys, stir-fry, and soup-based like ‘Tinolang Manok’. The very young rhizomes are ideal eaten raw in salads, pickled in vinegar, and cooked in syrup and made into sweetmeats or candies, like ‘shoga no sato zuke.’ While dried powdered ginger root is used as flavoring in cakes and pastries, like gingerbread and cookies. They are also commonly used in beverage like beer, wine, coffee and tea, like ‘salabat’ [2]. Ginger oil, the oleoresin, an essential oil obtained from rhizomes is used to flavor in essences candies and beverages, like ginger beer and ginger ale.

The young leaves and shoot are slightly spicy can be eaten as a potherb or pureed, then used in hot sauces and dips. The leaves can also be used to wrap food whilst it is cooked bringing a fresh mint-like flavor.  

Medicinal Uses

The Ginger rhizomes or root, fresh or dried is commonly used in Eastern Herbal treatments, as evident in Chinese medicine used it as an ingredient about half of all of its prescriptions. As mentioned above, the root is rich in non-volatile phenolic compounds, as well as volatile oils responsible for it zingy sweet  aroma that stimulates the production of saliva and somehow promotes appetite believing it also aids in digestion and promotes bile flow from the gall bladder into the duodenum, or the first section of the small intestine. It is used as a folk medicine that helps control nausea and vomiting, which include morning and motion sickness but no conclusive evidence that it helps alleviate chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting [3]. While a warm ginger-broth believed to be carminative (stimulate flatulence) hence used to relieve indigestion and colic. It is also believed to be a stimulant, diaphoretic (induces perspiration), expectorant, and emmenagogue (stimulate menstrual flow). However, there is no clear evidence that ginger is not effective treatment for dysmenorrheal or menstrual cramps [4], and cause miscarriage or harm during pregnancy.

 Externally, the crushed root topically applied is due to analgesic and rubefacient quality, it warms and increases blood flow and helps calms the nerves, relieves spasms, cramps, pains and sprains [1].

Ginger is recognized as generally safe but the topical use of ginger may cause allergic reaction result as a skin rash [5]. Ginger can also cause heartburn and other similar side effects, particularly in powdered form [5]. Large quantities of unchewed fresh ginger may result in intestinal blockage and inflammatory bowel disease [5]. If an individual has already developed gallstone, it is advice to stay away from it, as it may stimulate the bile and cause some adverse pain [6]. It may have drug interaction with warfarin and aspirin, anticoagulants, and nifedipine, a cardiovascular drug [5]. Thus, it is advice to exercise some precaution.

NTS: This blog initially declined to present any medicinal uses of the plants as most are unfounded claim. For safety reason, felt compelled to provide the general proven and unfounded effects with the hopes that reasonable precaution would be taken when utilizing the plants. Moreover, this blog cannot take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of the plant. Always seek advice from a professional before using for medicinally purpose.

Other Uses

Ginger oil, an essential oil obtained from rhizomes is commonly used as an ingredient in perfumery, cosmetics and medicines.

PLANTING

Preparation

      A greenhouse if in seasonal zones; or a semi-shade or shady corner in a tropical zone

      Large 36-inch deep container

      Broken pottery for drainage

      Well-drained loamy or sandy soil; or a potting soil mix of one part sad and one part compost; sanitize and free form pest, fungus and parasites

Propagation

By Division

Part to cut:

      A firm rhizome, an underground stem, sometime referred as ginger root;choose the part that has bumpy bud eye

Length of cutting:

      About an inch thick or thumb size

When to plant:

After soaking the cut root in warm for 24 hours

Rhizome Depth:

An inch deep, with the bud eye pointing up, then water lightly

Rhizome & Plant Spacing:

12-15 inches apart

Days to Sprout:

14-21 days

When to transplant:

Plant directly on soil or a large container

By Cutting

Ginger has been successfully propagated at Kew, London using intermodal cuttings, but specifics on what and how to cut, length of cuttings and days it took for roots to grow were not shared. It has been noted that the cutting method produced vigorous plants.

CARE AND CULTIVATION

Care Level:

EASY

Watering:

Water as needed

In the tropics, water daily preferably when the soil is cool, in the morning or cooled down, in the late afternoon

When ginger producing rhizomes, about 3 months in, reduce water to allow soil to dry slightly at the time of production. This is to ensure a healthy rhizomes, then ensure that the soil remain moist, may add mulch.

Growing Notes:

Full sun in the morning but shady during hot afternoons

A mildly acidic soil for healthy growth and rhizome production

If using a store-bought potting soil, fertilize in a regular schedule every two, six or eight weeks. Fertilize with nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium rich compost mix, and calcium nitrate to prevent tip rot. Avoid fertilizing before a rainstorm.

Since ginger rhizomes develop under the soil, adequate coverage is require to protect the rhizome from elements above, guard against soil erosion.

Provide shelter from strong wind and rainfall          

Bring the container-grown ginger indoors when temperatures drop to about 50 degree Fahrenheit (10 degree Celsius)

Flower Blooming:     

From March to August, ginger produces clusters of white and pink flower bud that bloom into a cone-shaped flowering head of pale-yellow, yellow or chartreuse in color with a purplish lip that has yellowish dots and striations

Flowering stems are rare

Companion plants:

Shrubs in the legume family like red clover, peas a or beans

Lemongrass

Tumeric

Galagal

Cardamom

Cilantro – at the edge

Chili peppers – at the edge

Kaffir lime

Pests and Diseases:

Tip rot – indicates calcium deficient soil, therefore calcium additive may be necessary

Common garden snails – crushed egg shell around the plants

Root knot nematodes – pre-planting preparation sanitize soil

Mealy bug

Red spider mite

HARVEST

Days to Harvest:

About eight to 10 months of growing season, when leaves and stalks begin to turn yellow or wither [1]

Storage:

In a plastic bag refrigerated or frozen

Dried, grated and/or powdered dry

Cooked in sugar until soft, crystallized ginger

It is ‘Tinolang Manok’ time!

Is this plant interesting? If you want to know more about this plant or any plants please post your questions, inquiries and requests in the comment section below, and do not forget to follow. If you find this article lacking, please share why and do post reactions, suggestions and corrections. And maybe follow to somehow help this blog post better content. Thank you!

As always enjoy all plants and gardening!

References

1. Bown, D. (1995). Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. London: Dorling Kindersley.

2. Hardon, A. (2001). Applied Health Research Manual: Anthropology of Health and Health Care. New Jersey, US: Transaction Publishers.

3. Ernst, E. & Pittler, M. (2000, March 1). Efficacy of ginger for nausea and vomiting: a systematic review of randomized clinical trials. British Journal of Anesthesia, 84(3), 367-371.

4. Pattanittum, P., Kunyanone, N., Brown, J., et al. (2016). Dietary supplements for dysmenorrhoea. Cochrane Library Database (Systematic review). Retrieved from http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD002124.pub2/abstract

5. National Center For Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH).  (n.d.). Ginger. [Blog post]. Retrieved From https://nccih.nih.gov/health/ginger . Retrieved on 2017, October 6.

6. University of Maryland Medical Center. (n.d.). Ginger. Retrieved from http://www.umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/ginger . Retrieved on 2017, October 6.