nature'smagic

Lonly Road

2010-04-20T01:38:00.000-07:00

Squirs of Sky

2010-04-20T01:27:00.000-07:00

Out in the Road

The First Rain

Grass land In Acriycle

Rosy Minivet

Relaxing Face

2010-03-18T18:55:00.000-07:00

To by this painting call:

Philip; 9423581047

Price Rs: 200

Loops and Terns 2

2010-03-18T18:43:00.000-07:00

To Purchase this art

Call: Philip- 9423581047

Price of the art work: Rs: 200

Loops and Turns (Pin Tree)

2010-03-18T18:27:00.000-07:00

Hallo friends, It has been a very long time since I have bloged.

now I am planing to update blog on a regular bases.

This is one of my newiest art called Loops and turns, I am plaining to work more on this style and develop it with further works, as it is a style which I have developed on my on.

To Purchase this Art work

Call: Philip at: 9423581047

Appetizer Powder

2008-09-09T04:03:00.000-07:00

Appetizer Powder

Ingredients:
Content
Percentage
cost
uses
Awala
100gm
Rs.8
Helps in digestion, Useful in the treatment of acidity.
Pinpli
100gm
RS.16
Increases hunger, helps in digestion.
Hirda
250gm
Rs.10
Cleans the stomach.
Sunth
150gm
Rs.16
Increases heat in the body. Helps in increasing hunger. Helps in diluting acidity.
Saindhav mith
250gm
Rs.16
Increase salivation, and helps in digesting the food.

850gm
Rs.66

Procedure: Mix all the above mentioned ingredients together and take one teaspoon full, which should be diluted in one glass of water. Use this after a meal.

Uses: Appetizer, useful for constipation, and gas. It also helps in increasing hunger and proper digestion of food.

Method of use: you can simply take ¼ tsp after food or even sprinkle some powder on cut fruits before eating. We can add ½ tsp to any fruit juice that you make, it is especially good with lemon, musampi, and pineapple juice.

Stevia sp

2008-07-28T10:05:00.000-07:00

Stevia is a genus of about 150 species of herbs and shrubs in the sunflower family (Asteraceae), native to subtropical and tropical South America and Central America. The species Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni, commonly known as sweetleaf, sweet leaf, sugarleaf, or simply stevia, is widely grown for its sweet leaves. As a sugar substitute, stevia's taste has a slower onset and longer duration than that of sugar, although some of its extracts may have a bitter or licorice-like aftertaste at high concentrations.

With its extracts having up to 300 times the sweetness of sugar, stevia has garnered attention with the rise in demand for low-carbohydrate, low-sugar food alternatives.

Stevia also has shown promise in medical research for treating such conditions as obesity and high blood pressure. Stevia has a negligible effect on blood glucose, even enhancing glucose tolerance therefore, it is attractive as a natural sweetener to diabetics and others on carbohydrate-controlled diets.

History and use
For centuries, the Guaraní tribes of Paraguay and Brazil used Stevia species, primarily S. rebaudiana which they called ka'a he'ê ("sweet herb"), as a sweetener in yerba mate and medicinal teas for treating heartburn and other ailments. The leaves of the stevia plant have 30–45 times the sweetness of sucrose (ordinary table sugar).

Other studies have shown stevia improves insulin sensitivity in rats and may even promote additional insulin production, helping to reverse diabetes and metabolic syndrome.Preliminary human studies show stevia can help reduce hypertension.

Indeed, millions of Japanese have been using stevia for over thirty years with no reported or known harmful effects. Similarly, stevia leaves have been used for centuries in South America spanning multiple generations in ethnomedical tradition as a treatment of type II diabetes.

In Pune this Plant is available with our NGO (MPCC), to get this and other medicinal plants contact Mr. Cruz: 9370139009 or Philip: 9423581047
The Address of the Medicinal Plants Nursery
Queen Mary’s Technical Institute (QMTI), For Disabled Soldiers,

Park Road, Behind Kirkee RLY. STN
Renge Hells, Pune-20

HERBAL SKIN CLEANSER

2008-06-08T10:04:00.000-07:00

Ingredients
Content
Percentage
Cost
Uses
Till oil
3000 gm

It is absorbed quickly into the skin.
Owa
100 gm

Reduces arthrhitis and works on the circulatory system.
Dalchini
100gm

Has a good aroma
lakh
100gm

Gives strength to the joints
deodar
100gm

Helps control arthritis.
Chandan
100gm

Has a good fragrans.
Anant
100gm

Aromatic
Kutki
100gm

Aromatic
Daruhalad
100gm

Antibacterial.
Nagkesar
100gm

Blood purifier
Nagarmotha
100gm

Aromatic
Bhimsen Kapur
100gm

Blood purifier
Total
4100gm

Procedure:
Herbal skin cleanser is very good for the skin because it removes dead and dry skin. To make it mix all the above mentioned ingredients together, mix the powder in 4 times water and boil it till only half the amount remains. This should be sieved in a cloth to filter out a thin watery liquid. The residue which remains in the cloth should be removed and made into a paste by adding water. This paste should be then applied on the body for 10 minutes till it sets. Ones this sets it has to be washed out during a bath. The ingredients of the Herbal skin cleanser are same as massage oil.

Massage oil

2008-06-08T09:32:00.000-07:00

Ingredients
Content
Percentage
Cost
Uses
Till oil
3000 gm

It is absorbed quickly into the skin.
Owa
100 gm

Reduces arthrhitis and works on the circulatory system.
Dalchini
100gm

Has a good aroma
lakh
100gm

Gives strength to the joints
deodar
100gm

Helps control arthritis.
Chandan
100gm

Has a good fragrans.
Anant
100gm

Aromatic
Kutki
100gm

Aromatic
Daruhalad
100gm

Antibacterial.
Nagkesar
100gm

Blood purifier
Nagarmotha
100gm

Aromatic
Bhimsen Kapur
100gm

Blood purifier
Total
4100gm

Procedure:
Bring the best material from the market, wet it over night. Add the above mentioned ingredients in a vessel, containing 8 times the quantity and heat in on a flame. Make this decoction, and reduce the quantity to 1/3 of the total amount. After sieving and removing the heavy material, mix equal quantity of till oil. Now heat it on a gas burner till all the water content evaporates. After this add bhimsen kapur and switch of the gas.

Brahmi Lahim

2008-06-08T09:26:00.000-07:00

Indredins:
1. Brahmi fresh or dry powder (fresh is preferred over dry) 100gm
2. Honey in proportion till a paste is formed.

Brahmi lahim (Lahim= paste) is a very good brain tonic and helps in mental health. It helps in the proper functioning of the brain.
Preparation: is very simple we just have to mix the brahmi fresh juice or powder with honey, and take as one tsf ones a day every alternative days, for one month. Fresh brahmi leaf juice is always better than leaf powder because of its superior effects on the body.

Soya Milk

2008-05-21T04:07:00.000-07:00

Method: take 100gm of soaked Soya bean (for 700gm of Soya milk). The Soya bean should be soaked over night (12hours), remove the soft shell covering the bean as shown in the photograph.

Wash and remove the shell. Now wet grind the bean till it takes the form of a paste. Add 6 to 7 times water and boil this for 20 minutes. strain the milk in a cloth and remove the bean pulp (this can be made into a curry). The prepared Soya milk should be boiled for 5 minutes before use. Add sugar for taste, this milk can be used like normal cow’s milk in the preparation of tea.

Other Soya products include: Tofu, Soymilk, Textured vegetable protein (soy flour) , Soya oil, Soya sauce etc.

Benefits of Soya milk

Protein, Vitamins, and Minerals
soy protein
Soybeans are generally considered to be a source of complete protein, without any need for Protein combining. Although this is contested by some sources. A complete protein is one that contains significant amounts of all the essential amino acids that must be provided to the human body because of the body's inability to synthesize them. For this reason, soy is a good source of protein, amongst many others, for many vegetarians and vegans or for people who cannot afford meat.

The gold standard for measuring protein quality, since 1990, is the Protein Digestibility Corrected Amino Acid Score (PDCAAS) and by this criterion soy protein is the nutritional equivalent of meat and eggs for human growth and health. Soybean protein isolate has a Biological Value of 74, whole soybeans 96, soybean milk 91, and eggs 97.

Soy protein is similar to that of other legume seeds, but has the highest yield per square meter of growing area, and is the least expensive source of dietary protein.

Consumption of soy may also reduce the risk of colon cancer, possibly due to the presence of sphingolipids.

Lal Dantmanjan

2008-05-15T20:57:00.000-07:00

Ingredients:
Contents
percentage
cost
Uses
Suvarngourik
240gm
Rs.24
Reduces acidity, Mouth freshener.
Safed Kath
20gm
Rs.3
Makes the gums more stronger.
Saindhav meeth
120 gm
Rs 2.50
Secretes saliva, mouth freshener.
Snuth
120 gm
Rs 29
Destroys harmful bacteria, formed in the mouth. Works against cough.
Lavang
80 gm
Rs 32
Reduces mouth odor,
Mayphal
120 gm
Rs. 21
Fragranced
Kapur
40 gm
Rs. 12
Mouth freshener.

900 gm
Rs. 159

Bottles
9
Rs. 45

Labels
9
Rs. 9

Transport charge
1 Preson
Rs. 20

Labor
1 person
Rs.10

Total

Rs. 243

Benefit 10%

Rs.24

Total

Rs.267

Commission 15%

Rs.41

total

Rs.308

Procedure: Mix all the above mentioned ingredients together.
Uses: Strengthen the teeth, reduces the flow of blood from the gums.

Hare Wash

2008-03-13T21:15:00.000-07:00

Ingredients:
Content
Percentage
Uses
1 Shikekai Churn
700 gm
Nourishes the Hair, cleans the scalp.
2 Ritha
140 gm
Remove dust the hair
3 sugandhi Kachora
70 gm
Fragranced
4 Triphala churn
70 gm
To bring a glow
5 Nagar Motha
35 gm
Fragranced
Total
1015 gm

As per the proportion:
As per the proportion approximately 1 kg 15 gms of hair wash powder will be prepared. If this is divided into 100gms then it forms 10 packets. According to this 100 gms of hair wash will cost Rs 15.

Process: Combine the above mentioned ingredients as per proportion. Take warm water in a mug, mix the Hair wash powder according to the amount that you want to use. Use the solution to wash your hair.

Take sufficient quantity of hair wash powder, and mix it will with water so that it becomes a solution. The benefit of this solution is that it penetrates into the hair follicles and cleans it. Prepare this solution, the privies day night, and then use it the next day morning. Use the solution to watch your hair twice in the morning.

Aloe vera oil

2008-02-23T09:35:00.000-08:00

Aloe vera Jell nourishes the scalp. Reduces dandruff and promotes hare growth. The jell softens the hair follicles. The nutrients from the jell penetrates into the skip and promotes hair growth. The hair is a out growth of the body and contains dead cells. The meagre application of oils or any other hair product will not bring about a huge change if the underlying cause of the problem is lack of proper nutrition. One of the building blocks of good hair is amino acids and proteins lack of these nutrients can hamper hair growth.
Content
Percentage
Cost
Uses
Aloe Vera Jell
1 Lit.
Rs 10
cleanses the hear and nourishes the scalp.
Thil Oil
1 lit
Rs 90

Total
2 lit
Rs 100

Bottles
Number 10
Rs 50

Lables
10
Rs 10

Transport

Rs 40

Labour
1 person
Rs 10

Transportation cost
1 person
Rs 20

Total

Rs 230

10% Benefit

Rs 23

Total

Rs 258

15% Commission

Rs 39

Total

Rs 297

According to the above measurement 1000 ml of oil will be prepared. Fill this oil in 100 ml bottles, it becomes 10 bottles total. According to this 100 ml oil will cost Rs 30.
Take fully matured Aloe vera leaves. With a sharp knife cut the edges of the leaves. Cut the lower base of the leaf and wash the yellow latex out, because this latex is not good. Remove the green skin of the leaf. Extract the inner jell with the help of a spoon and grind it well in a mixer and filter it after which take thill oil and Aloe vera jell mix it and heat it till all moisture escapes, and the jell totally merges with the oil.

Face Pack

2008-02-20T20:47:00.000-08:00

This product is simple to make and is very effective in cleaning the skin. It is not only effective in cleaning but also rejuvenates the skin and promotes newer cell development. It increases blood supply to the skin, making the skin look fresh. It is a good disinfectant, dislodging all sorts of disease causing bacteria.
It shows its best effects when used once every alternative days. The best time to apply the cream is during the evening time. This is because it removes all the pollutants and disease vectors that may accumulate during the day. The night sleep causes the body to rest, and promotes fresher skin cells to form.
How to use: Take half teaspoon full of the powder; mix it with water so that it forms a thin paste. Apply this paste on your face and wait for 5 mts, then wash your face with fresh cool water.
Literature:
Contents
Persantag
Cost
Uses
1) Triphala churna

400 gm
Rs 16
To Increases the glow and clean the skin
2) Ananta Chrun
200gm
Rs24
Fragranced, Increases the blood supply to the skin. For farness.
3) Amba Hulda
20 gm
Rs 1.50
Disinfected, Distrusts, skin fragmentation, helps in removing pimples.
4) Wala
100 gm
Rs 24
Fragranced, Increases the blood supply to the skin. For farness. Skin glow
5) Chantan
100 gm
Rs 36
Fragranced, Increases the blood supply to the skin. For farness. Skin glow
6) Sugandhi Kachora
25 gm
Rs 4
Disinfected, Distrusts, skin fragmentation, helps in removing pimples.
Total
845 gm
Rs 105. 50

Plastic bags
Number : 16
Rs 5

Labels
“ 16
Rs 16

Transportation cost
1 person
Rs. 20
Labour
1 person
Rs 10

Total
Rs 156

Benefit
10%
Rs 16

Rs 172

Commission
15%
Rs 26

Total
Rs 198

All the names mentioned above are common names used in Maharashtra, and all the herbal medicine shops use these names to give the raw material.
The total cost and profit comes to Rs 208
As per above, Approximately 845 gms of face pack will be prepared. If it is divided into 16 packets, each will be of 50 gm. Thus each packet will cost Rs.13
Method Of preparation: Mix all the ingredients together.

A workshop with a difference

2008-02-09T19:14:00.000-08:00

Children love to learn especially when it involves, seeing, touching, smelling, and tasting those objects that they are learning. Herbal plants are the best medium by which this can be done.
I have been working and conducting workshops on medicinal plants in Pune city for the last few months. Out of all these work shops the most fruitful was with children. I say this because they just soak up information like sponge. They are very curious and question out many things that they hear. They ask such questions that would be difficult even for the most expert, in a topic to answer.
The uniqueness that gets children fascinated is when they are able to taste and smell those plants which they might be consuming unknowingly e.g. Japanese mint, which is used in their favorite mouth freshener chewing gums, and then they ask “ho” so this is the plant that they use for chewing gums. There are many such examples of plants that can be pointed out. I remember how I learned about the tomato plant looked like, when I had grown them on my terrace garden and mistakenly uprooted the plant, thinking that it was a weed. when I saw the tomato plant growing in a farm near Pune city that is when I understood that the plant that I had uprooted was a tomato plant. It is very important for children to know where there food comes from and which source. The suckal social foundation has been sponsoring for these work shops, which has brought a vast difference in schools.
The Medicinal Plants Conservation Centre- Rural Communes (MPCC-RC) has been working for the past one and a half years in promoting Home Herbal Gardens in Pune city. As per the above project, we have supplied potted and unpotted medicinal plants to various households, schools and different Institutions in and around Pune city. Training programs have been conducted where people are taught how to prepare simple home remedies.
to get more information log on to http://www.rcmpcc.org/ or call: 24270216, 24269418.

Philip Mathew

Shivan

2008-02-03T17:18:00.000-08:00

Scientific Name: Gmelina arborea
Common Name: Shivan, false teak.
Habit: a large tree
The roots are used in Des-mool Arishtum (wine). It can be used as a good avenue tree, and provides shade, the tree grows tall. It is a good fodder plant, and helps in increasing the milk production in cattle. Its whitish wood is used in furniture making. Its wood is one of the most costliest in the market and the reasons are because the wood is durable and light.

Satap

2008-02-03T17:15:00.000-08:00

Scientific Name: Ruta chalepensis linn.
Common Name: Garden rue, satap

It is used in fever or cold. A teaspoon full is given thrice a day for 1 day. For children bellow the age of 5 leaves of the plant is given to smell. The leaf produces a powerful smell. It can be easily cultivated as a garden plant and it has beautiful yellow flowers. The plant needs attention because it is getting rare.

Agnimantha

2008-02-03T17:13:00.000-08:00

Scientific Name: Premna corymbosa
Common Name: Agnimantha
Habit: Medium sized evergreen tree.
Best planted in gardens, for the leaves release a powerful smell.
The roots of Agnimantha is used in desmull arishtem. The leaf produces a mild lemony smell. It grows to become a tree.

Panacha owa

2008-02-03T17:09:00.000-08:00

Binomial Name: Plectranthus amboinicus
Common Name: Panacha owa

It’s main use is in the treatment of fever. Good for gastro intestinal disorders. It works against stomach ailments. It is used in making pakodas(A traditional Indian dish, which is eaten as snacks) because it reduces gas produced by chana dal.

Nirgandi

2008-02-01T18:19:00.000-08:00

Scientific Name: Vitex negundo
Family-Verbenaceae
Common Name: nirgandi
Nirgandi or nirgodi is mainly used in the preparation of aromatic oil, which is used in body massage. It is prepared by taking 1 time oil (thill oil) and 5 to 10 times portion of nirgodi. The crushed nirgodi leaves are heated in the oil till all the moisture content is removed from the leaves. The extracts from the leaves come out into the oil, giving it a olive green color. This oil after cooling is removed from the crushed leaf pulp by, straining it through a clothe. As shown bellow…

Process 2: with cushions

It is always good to heat the extracted juice first and remove a vast amount of water from the juice before adding the juice into the oil. What it actually does is that it reduces the moisture content in oil and helps in faster preparation.

The juice should be first strained in a mesh or a thin cloth so that the residue is collected in a mesh and then the residue can be removed. This process does not let any water stay in the oil.

While labeling the bottle use self adhesive tape for the purpose.
Take color print out for the label.
Process: take 1 ½ kg of nirgudi leaves for 1 litter of oil. Heat the oil in a pan and remove the extra water content. Make a juice of the nirgudi leaves. In the mixer or grinder, remove the pulp by squeezing it.

Avla

2008-02-01T18:07:00.000-08:00

Scientific Name: Phyilanthus emblica
Common Name: Avla
There is a sweet dish called “More Avla”, which is prepared mainly with grated Avla and resembles gajjer ke Halva.

Method; this dish is made as a health booster.
Take 1kg of properly grated avla and 1kg’s of sugar 100gm ginger and 20 pieces of Elachi.
Melt 1kg of sugar in 100ml of water till it thickens into a syrup, Add the grated avla into the warm sugar syrup and keep stirring till the water content in the pan reduces. After around 30 to 35 minutes, turn off the stove and let the preparation to cool.
Store the cooled preparation in air tight containers.
Eat one teaspoon daily for rejuvenating your health.

Mandukparni

2008-01-31T19:42:00.000-08:00

Scientific Name: Cantella asiatica
Common Name: Mandukparni
Othre use: Can be made into “Tumbli” to eat with rice.
Medicinal Use: Skin diseases, epilepsy, mental disorders, insomnia etc. Method of use: Fresh leaf juice is considered best and given as 1 tsf thrice a day. Also leaf powder is given as 1 tsf thrice a day with honey.

On The Top Of The World

2008-01-31T18:57:00.000-08:00

On The Top Of The World: A photograph of a 3 stripped squirrel, on top of Sinhaghad Fort.

Kaandvel

2008-01-31T18:50:00.000-08:00

Scientific Name: Cissus quadrangularis
Common Name: Kaandvel
Other uses: Also an interesting plant for rock gardens.
Medicinal use: for treatment of traumatic swelling
Method of use: fine paste of the stem is applied externally on the affected part.

Punarnava

2008-01-31T18:47:00.000-08:00

Scientific Name: Boerhaavia diffusa
Common Name: Punarnava
Medicinal use: Urinary tract disorders, urinary calculi, generalized oedema, cardiac problems.
Method of use: Roots are dried and powdered which is given as 1 tsf thrice day with warm water.

Lemon Grass

2008-01-30T08:56:00.000-08:00

Scientific Name: Cymbopogon citrates
Common Name: Gavati chaha

Other uses: for flavoring tea
Medicinal use: Respiratory and digestive problems.
Method of use: ½ cup infusion of fresh/ dried leaves taken internally 3 times a day for both conditions.

Anantmul

2008-01-30T08:50:00.000-08:00

Scientific Name: Hemidesmus indicus
Common Name: Anantmul

Other uses: Flavoring tea
Medicinal use: Skin diseases, asthma, general debility.
Method of use: The roots are dried and powdered which is given as 1 tsf twice a day for the given disorders.

Brahmi

2008-01-19T20:14:00.001-08:00

Scientific Name: Bacopa monnieri
Common Name: Brahmi
Sanskrit Name : Brahmi, Sarasvati

Medicinal Use: Epilepsy, mantal disorders, insomnia sterility and as a general tonic.
Method of Use: Fresh leaf juice is considered best and 1 tsf is taken internally thrice a day. If feish leaf juice is not available, leaf powder is given as 1 tsf thrice a day with honey.

2008-01-19T19:58:00.000-08:00

Botanical Name: Aloe vera
Common Name: Korphad
Sanskrit Name: Kumari Ghritakumari

Medicinal use: Jaundice, menstrual disorders, skin diseases, scalp disorders, burns, haemorrhoids.
Method of use: For jaundice and menstrusl disorders juice from the pulp of leaves is used as 1 tsf twice a day. For external use the juice from the pulp is applied on the given part.

Dispersing seeds

2007-12-11T21:46:00.000-08:00

The best method to disperse seeds is by a process called Pellet ting. That is to cover the seed with a layer of clay and disperse the seeds. This helps seeds to be protected from all sides, and protects it from its natural predators like birds and insects which feed on the cotyledons. The entire process is explained with photographs. Step 1. Take some earth and break it up into fine particles, as shown bellow.

Step 2. Mix the soil with water till it becomes like chapatti dove. Make small pellets of the mud, and punch these clay pellets on the seeds as shown in the photo.

Make sure that the seed is properly enclosed inside. You can disperse it wet or dry on the ground. The enclosed seed is well protected inside the clay casing.

A lady with a mission

2007-11-28T07:44:00.000-08:00

A lady with a mission that is how I will describe Mrs. Sudha Pai. She is 72 years young and has a beautiful flourishing garden in her house. It is a must see for all gardeners and environmentalist in Pune and else where. She does a lot to spread awareness among the inhabitance of Magarpatta city, and has taken solid steps towards managing the garbage generated by the many city. At the age of 70 she learned computers and now writes wonderful articles on garbage management and gardening. Here are some of her articles and photos from her garden.
By Philip Mathew

Garbage to Gardens

2007-11-28T07:13:00.000-08:00

GARBAGE to GARDENS… A creative approach to recycling
-- By Sudha Pai
What prompted me most to write this article is an advertisement which comes on almost all the T.V. channels ;It shows a filthy pile of garbage and a couple of children and a stray dog walking by the side of this pile, covering their noses and mouths saying ‘CHEE’. One is then seen asking the other whether he had had a bath with Lifebuoy soap. The whole world is seeing this existing reality!It is a well-known fact that none of the soaps or shampoos can be a solution to this existing grave garbage situation. Whenever you are out for a walk anywhere in any city each and every corner of the street has filthy and stinking garbage bins, overflowing and surrounded by stray dogs, cats, rats, birds and what not. To add to this, there are the little street urchins who put their little hands into this pile of rubbish looking for plastic bags and bottles. In the process, they are exposed to all kinds of infections, cuts and wounds. They too belong to our own society! We can’t afford to shut our eyes to this miserable situation and walk past, if at all we have any conscience within us.People are spending a lot of money on advertisements and on other social causes like Pulse Polio, bringing film stars etc. And while lots of donations are given to build hospitals; little thought has been given to the real problem, which is also the reason behind all other problems, which has to be tackled.For the last 58 years however we have not seen anything happening on this front. We too easily blame the government, politicians, corporators and every other public system we can point our fingers at. Fortunately we have not had any minister for garbage affairs, or else, the public would have by now beaten him up! With the increasing population things are only going from bad to worse.Now coming to the point, first of all we should stop complaining about and at the same time not ignoring this problem. We have to decide to do something worthwhile in our own individual capacity .We should create an awareness that we should do something for ourselves and thereby help our society, surroundings and ultimately the whole environment.The household garbage should be considered as our own personal problem and responsibility and it should be taken care of at that level. There is no need to form any groups, collecting donations, giving speeches, street shows etc. All one has to do is separate out the garbage into wet (e.g. kitchen waste & garden waste) and dry (e.g. plastic and other stuff) and then make constructive use of this wet garbage. I’m speaking from my personal experience and feel very happy about it. Some of my friends and neighbours in Magarpatta city, Pune are also following these methods and are very happy. They are able to achieve beautiful gardens in their premises.Lastly you may ask what one can do with the garbage that accumulates. First of all this garbage need not be thrown out of the premises at all. There are few effective methods by which this can be converted into very useful and excellent manure for all kinds of plants with no smell or odour emanating during the process. Unfortunately these products are not advertised on the T.V. channels. If these are advertised in the future, beautiful plants and flowers may replace the garbage pile in the background with healthy children walking by. The viewers would also feel a sense of pride and joy when they see this.I have been able to use my kitchen waste and garden waste very effectively by using these methods and can very proudly say that none of my household garbage has ever left my premises!I appeal to all my friends living on this planet, Mother Earth, who has given us everything starting from life itself, followed by pure air to breathe and pure water to drink and good grains, vegetables and fruits to eat and natural healthy surroundings to live in. Let us also reciprocate with our heart and soul and make this a better, healthier and happier place to live.I would love to share my experience of using all these recycling methods. Please feel free to contact me at sudhaspai@hotmail.com
Also, here are a few products, which have been used very effectively:
E. M. (Eco-friendly Microbes) SOLUTION (Japanese technology)
BIO-CULTURE
VERMICULTURE
Contact:
Mr. Shinji Takara
Representative, EM Research Organization
Contact:
Nirmala Lathi
Contact:
Bhawalkar Vermitech Pvt Ltd.
A-8 Rahul Society, Koregoan Park,
Pune - 411001
978 Sadashiv Peth, Madivale Colony,
Near Tilak road, Pune - 411030
A-1 Padma Park, PadmavatiPune - 411009
Tel: (020) 6054659
Tel: (020) 24474107
Tel: (020) 24226916,24225208
Email: Shinjitakara@hotmail.com

Email: bvpl@vsnl.com
This is available at all PMC wards

Instructions to follow are given in all booklets given with the products.

Garbage to Gardens

2007-11-28T07:10:00.000-08:00

GARBAGE TO GARDENS part 2
A creative approach to recycling by Sudha Pai
What we call wet garbage or waste is a very valuable misplaced resource. We do not have to go in search of it as we ourselves constantly generate it from our kitchens and gardens without being aware of it.

I would love to share my experience of using some products available in the market to convert the wet garbage very effectively in my garden.

Scientists working in this field have discovered various methods and have introduced these along with their respective products into the market for the benefit of humanity.tThis helps us solve our garbage problem which otherwise would be causing filth and stink around us. As more and more flats are coming up, more wet kitchen waste and unmanageable garbage would be created.

I am briefly explaining the three methods which I am practicing in my garden with very good results, namely Vermiculture, Bio-culture and EM process( Japanese Technology).

Vermicompost can be used for all plants especially on the ground. This does not need much watering as it honds moisture in the soil.

Bio-culture and the EM process are excellent for flat owners as they use up all the kitchen waste with less soil..By using these methods evry one of us will be able to make good use of our wet household garbage and can contribute to keep our surroundings clean and ultimately save the environment.
Please make use of any one or all three processes as it is for a social cause..

Shathavari Kalp

2007-11-23T01:44:00.000-08:00

Botanical Name: Asparagus racemosus willd.
Common Name: Shataawaree.

Is used as a general health tonic. It is especially good for people who are under weight. It is also good for women who are breast feeding, because it helps increasing lactation.

Method of use: It is made into what is known as a kulp that is in a dry powdery from, which is sweet because it is coated with sugar.
Step 1
The fresh rhizome is taken washed and used for the process. Take 100 grams of shataawaree + 100 gm of sugar. Valchini 5 gm. Dry fruit can be added but usually results and insect attack so it is best if dry fruits are added later on.
Step 2
Chop the 100gm of Shataawaree finely and boil it with 400ml of water, till it reduces to ¼ or 100ml, off the pan and allow it to cool down. Take the juice out and throw out the residue.
Step 3
Now mix 100grams of sugar into this liquid and stir it well. Heat it till all the watery liquid is removed, and in this process it takes the form of a paste. Heat it further till it becomes a thick and dense paste. Such off the pan and allow it to cool down, but keep stirring and the end result is that it becomes into a powder.

Step 4
After this, store it in a jar or any other air tight bottle. Now this has to be taken once or twice a day with milk. Add 1 teaspoon of powder for a glass of milk.
Taken it during the night time can give you good sleep.
Shataawaree tubers are used in pickling. It is pickled with lemon.

Vakand

2007-11-23T01:38:00.000-08:00

Common Name: Vakand
Botanical Name: Aquras calamas,

Leaves are used to prepare a herbal tea along with
Tulsi
Ginger
loung
Kali Miri ( Black Pepper)
Around half leaf is used for one cup of tea.

In the olden days grand mothers used to carry a small piece of rhizome of vekhand in their pockets. This was boiled and a tinch was applied on the forehead, to relax the muscles of the head.
Helps in controlling headache.
The dried and crushed rhizome is used in the treatment of skin disorders.
Vakand originates from the present day Iraq.

Citrus lamon

2007-11-12T19:33:00.000-08:00

Scientific Name; Citrus lamon or commonly known as lamon, Mimbu.

The juice of the fruit can be applied on the head it reduces dandruff and keeps the hear clean. It is also commonly pickled.

Hingan bet

2007-11-12T19:17:00.000-08:00

Scientific Name: Balanites aegyptica Common Name: Hingan bet

The dried fruit is soaked in water so that the hard shell or covering of the fruit comes out. After this rub the fruit pulp on the cloth. This acts like soap in water, and helps in washing clothes. It cam be a good alternative to chemical based sop. The fruits can be plucked and dried during the winter season and used as and when required. This tree is a dry area plant and growing predominantly in drier parts of the country. It is a xerophyte plant. In Maharashtra, it is found predominantly growing in the deccan plateau. The tree gets, it’s local name Hingan –bet, because Hingan means the trees and bet means island. These photographs where taken from a village called Jeur, which is around 70 km from Pune city.

Kawdi

2007-11-03T21:02:00.000-07:00

I happened to visit a place called Kawdi on Pune- Solapar highway, which is around 17 km from the main city and is just before Loni Kalbhor? It is a favourite place for Bird watchers from all over Pune city. Here are some of the photos.

Large Pied Wagtail

Small Blue Kingfisher

2007-11-03T20:49:00.000-07:00

Swallow

2007-11-03T20:41:00.000-07:00

2007-11-01T10:41:00.000-07:00

Stilk

2007-11-01T10:35:00.000-07:00

Bee-eater

2007-11-01T06:07:00.000-07:00

I got to take some photographs of small green bee-eater from the hills of Kondhwa.

cocoons

2007-11-01T05:52:00.000-07:00

An interesting caterpillar stays inside this cocoon. They build their cocoons inside a wall of twigs arranged together. These twigs are wound together with the help of a silk like fiber. Inside which the caterpillar pupates. The construction of the cocoon shows some level of intelligence where the small twigs are arranged in a wall and one is leveled at a distance while the opposite side the twigs are protruding outwards. When we open this cocoon it shows that the caterpillar inside is a tender one. And has now other protection. A species of moth builds its cocoon this way.

Hand drown

2007-10-19T07:54:00.000-07:00

Insect Vision
Insects have very good vision but they do not see and perceive objects like we do. Their eyes are known as compound eyes that is several small hundreds and thousands of simple eyes put together. Even though they cannot perceive a clear image, their eyes are extremely photoreceptive. That means they can see things in extremely dim light.

A white T-shirt sized XL
It is hand drown and costs Rs: 400
For buying this contact me on my e-mail: Philip_mathew85@yahoo.co.in
Or call me: 020-26815794

2007-10-08T03:21:00.000-07:00

I happened to photograph a pair of Mongooses which came to my society on Sunday 7 oct. I have seen them before this many times; they are regular visitors to my society.
Mongooses are believed to keep poisonous snakes away form the surroundings. Mongoose’s main food is insects and rodents like rats. They help to keep many of the pest species under control. (They are carnivores in nature)
This mongoose is commonly called as the Gray mongoose (Harpestes edwardsii) the common name comes from the gray colored coat of the animal. Some people keep mongoose as pets and can easily be domesticated and will learn some small tricks or so if you train them.
The word mongoose is derived from the Marathi word mangus.

Hay Friends

2007-09-22T21:47:00.000-07:00

Hay Friends,
During the last 3 months I have been monitoring and studying the biology and breeding behavior of the Baya waver Bird, which reveled some interesting facts and observations. I would like to share some of this information with all of you. In this process I got an opportunity to draw and paint different aspects of the bird.
Visit: www.eco-magic.blogspot.com or you can find a link to this blog on: www.kalpavriksh.org.
Hoping that you will enjoy this article.

Thanking you
Philip Mathew

Do write to me with your valuable commends and suggestions about this blog or any of the articles I write: Philip_mathew85@yahoo.co.in

COMMON GRAY HORNBILL

2007-09-21T11:02:00.000-07:00

Potter Wasp

2007-09-21T11:00:00.001-07:00

House sparrow (Passer domesticus)

2007-09-21T10:50:00.000-07:00

Mountain Goat

2007-09-15T10:42:00.001-07:00

Paradise fly catcher

2007-09-15T10:39:00.001-07:00

Fishing eagle

2007-09-11T09:33:00.000-07:00

The picture of a fishing eagle perching on a branch, copped from a photo.

Little Cormorant

2007-09-11T09:30:00.000-07:00

A cormorant drying its wings after a morning fishing trip. The bird has specialized oil glands which help the bird to be buoyant in the water. This is a rapid sketch of the bird. The Alanthus tree (maharuk) on which it was roosting has fallen down due to stem rot.

The Himalayan Silver Oak

2007-08-31T22:10:00.000-07:00

The Himalayan silver Oak can be found all over the western Himalayas. And forms a prominent tree epically in middle Himalayas. It gets its name silver oak, by the presence of silvery white powder present on the under surface of the leaf. The specimen of this tree was collected from a place called Chackratha in Daradoon district. In our Himalayan study tour.

Price: Rs: 200 with out frame
Contact: Philip_mathew85@yahoo.co.in
Tele: 020- 26815794 Mob-9423581047

Termite tunnels

2007-08-31T22:08:00.000-07:00

An internal view of the complex tunnels which comprise a termite nest. This drawing is done on a A3 sized paper.

Price: Rs: 100 with out frame
Contact: Philip_mathew85@yahoo.co.in
Tele: 020- 26815794 Mob-9423581047

Songs of Joy

2007-08-31T22:05:00.000-07:00

Songs of joy is an artistic expiration of people singing songs expressing joy and happiness. This painting is done in banner cloth with fabric paint.
Price: Rs: 400 with out frame
Contact: Philip_mathew85@yahoo.co.in
Tele: 020- 26815794 Mob-9423581047

Planting a tree

2007-08-03T05:36:00.000-07:00

Planting a Tree

We all some time or another have got an opportunity to plant a tree, but many of us do not know how a tree should be planted in the right way. Well it is not as difficult as we think. When I started planting trees I thought that it is absolutely essential to dig a big pit, remove the soil which already existed there refill the pit with red soil( literate soil ) mixed with cow dung manure and then plant the tree of your choice. Well this is what I used to do. Nothing but a huge waste of human energy, we really need not go through all this trouble if we want to grow a tree successfully. Many times we end up learning the wrong technique from books and so called experts. In reality we need not do all this if we had just observed how plants grow up in natural conditions. Under natural conditions a seed falls on the ground and when the conditions are right it starts growing, there is no digging of huge pits or holes on the ground and mixing soil with cow dung manure.

Well let me tell you how I plant trees now. It is not at all difficult, if you are planting a tree in an area where there is already a good amount of soil. (Like more than 1 ½ feet) There is no need of digging at all, just remove enough soil as to properly plant a sapling or seed on ground. In the case of a seed, just push one in the ground as deep as the size of a seed.

After purchasing a sapling from nursery, clean a patch of land by removing the surface vegetation and organic matter.

After this slit open the nursery bag as shown in the photo

Place it in the dug hole, and if the sapling fit in the dug hole that is more than enough. Make sure that the stem is not covered with more than 1 inch of soil. If this happens it can cause decay or rottening of the stem.

After doing this fill the gap around the sapling with soil.

With the help of a “HOE” clean the surrounding area (this is not for clearing the weeds but to demarcate the area.) for comfortable holding and digging, hold the “HOE” in a slanting position and while digging swing the “HOE” making sure that your arms move freely to wards the back.

After this make a small mud wall around the planted sapling so that the pored water does not spill out.

Cover the exposed part with dry leaf or mulched leaves. This is to prevent desiccation and drying up of the soil. It also promotes soil bacteria, detritus feeders and other organisms to dwell in it. The hygroscopic moisture content increases in the soil as soon as leaf mulch is added. Thus helping the plant to grow.

Finally water the sapling.

Advantages of mulching

Mulching is a process of maintaining a layer of partially decomposed leaf and vegetable matter on the surface of the soil. This is particularly helpful for plants because it reduces lose of moisture from the soil by reducing the amount of sunlight which directly falls on the ground. To understand this take a soil thermometer and check the soil temperature in a open field which is devoid of vegetation and bio-mass, then check a land with leaf mulch and finally check a patch under a tree or small shrub which contains a good soil bio-mass or mulch. You will find that there is a definite difference between the three scenarios. Not only will you find a definite temperature difference but also heat and moisture.

In the first scenario you will find that the soil is dry, hard, devoid of vegetation and will have a high soil temperature. And if you take the extra effort to dig the soil you will find that it is moist only after one feet, this is because intensity of the heat is not able to penetrate up to this depth (this is in the case of PUNE).

In the second scenario you will find that the soil moisture is high but because of the lack of vegetation the surface temperature to be high.

And in the final and third scenario because of the vegetation cover and soil bio-mass, temperature is low and the soil moisture high, decomposition and release of nutrients to be good and the soil color dark red, brown or black according to the different soil types.

This is why mulching is so important.

Cicada Pupa

2007-07-28T07:02:00.000-07:00

Cicadas are insects belong to the order Hemiptera, The same order as aphides, milibags, leafhoppers and spittlebugs. They have large compound eyes, a sound producing organ called tympanum and usually transparent, well-veined wings.
There are approximately 2,500 species of cicada around the world mainly distributed around the tropical and sub-tropical and temperate countries of the world. Many of the species are still not identified. Their presents can be easily regained due to their acoustic talents (sound producing skill). Many of the adult cicadas do not possess mouthparts infect most of the feeding is dun during the juvenile stage and as a adult it’s main function is to mate and reproduce. Recently while removing a plant for transplantation (Bamboo grass) I stumbled into a string looking creature after closer inspection I found that it was a pupa of a cicada which looked as though it was in its final stages of development. It was found barred 16cm inside the soil and measured 6cm long. It was reddish brown and blackish brown in color. The air breathing tracheal openings are also clearly visible on the abdominal segment. The entire pupa is covered with a lumines hard exoskeleton. Which help protect the delicate body of the developing cicada.

By Philip Mathew

Cicada Pupa

2007-07-26T09:52:00.000-07:00

Sisus qudrangularis

2007-07-07T03:11:00.000-07:00

Botanical Name: Sisus qudrangularis

Common Name: Hade sante
This plant gets its appropriate Botanical name from its quadrangle shaped stem, which is a phylloclade stem. Xerophytes are plants which need less water to grow. It is found in sub-tropical parts of the world. It grows in well drained soils, and is usually planted in soils mixed with sand.
Propagation: through stem cuttings, the stem is cut with one or two nodes space and should have at least 2 auxiliary buds.
I usually, push the cut stem into the soil, with one node inside the soil.

This is a medicinal plant and the use can be easily known from its local Marathi name: Hade sante: sante roge means arthritis. The stem of this plant is believed to have properties of strengthen the bones due to it’s high level of calcium content found in the plant.
The stem of this plant is crushed to extract the stem residue or the musillenagious juice. This juice is spread in a flat plate, where it is let to dry and the dried residue is scrapped from the plate into a bowl and a small content is consumed daily. This helps people with low calcium levels.

This painting is dun in hand made paper
Medium: water color
Size: hight-38 width-28 cm
Price: Rs. 400/- with out the frame.
For people who are from out side Pune city the painting will be send through courier. For more details contact :
Philip_mathew85@yahoo.co.in .
Or call me at: 9423581047.

Millipede:

2007-07-07T02:57:00.000-07:00

Millipedes are found in dark and damp places. Usually with a good amount of decomposing leaf or wood material. The cuticle is very tought and hard. The body is cylindrical, and is divisible into a head and a trunk. The trunk makes up the majority of the segmented body. Except the first three segment of the trunk (which has only one pare of legs) all the other segments have 2 pairs of legs in each pair of segment. Millipedes feed on decaying animal and plant matter; this shows how important these arthropods are in the ecosystem. When disturbed they crawl into a spiral with the head at the centre. They possess paired glands called stink glands which produce an unpleasant odor.

I observed this pare of millipede crossing a walk way in a garden on 26/6/2007 after 3 days of conduce rainfall. It was rusty red in color and has a dark brown head with an antenna of 7to8 segments which scan the ground for any obstacles. The eyes are compound and bulges out words. Compared to the rest of the body the eyes are very small. In the act of copulation the female moves with the male millipede on top of her body. The Anal circus deposits sperm into the female’s genital pouch while it moves. This is done to avoid competing males from mating with the female.

Scelifron wasp

2007-07-07T02:30:00.000-07:00

The Scelifron wasp

There are several species of this wasp genus found all over the world epically in tropical, sub tropical and desert ecosystem. The particular wasp that I observed is of metallic green to blue in color with a very thin outwardly protruding first abdominal segment. The thorax is well built and all the three thorasic segments fused well to form a rounded and upwardly bulging thorax. This wasp also has a powerful sting, which can give multiple stings to its victim. (The sting of a honeybee has barbs which hook on to its victim and detach. But the wasp’s sting does not have barbs).
This wasp feeds on nectar produced by flowers but hunts spiders which it paralyses before laying an egg on its victim, which later incubates on the body of the spider.

Habitat: Urban areas, forests, woodlands, and Savana ecosystems.

This wasp builds its nest on socket holes or any rounded, circular hole, like in crevices of wood, concrete, stone etc.
Before building a nest the wasp takes a survey of the prospective nesting areas for 1 or 2 days after which it checks out the hole and confirms that it is big and large enough for its, victim and for the development of its eggs.
Then the wasp goes out and hunts spiders. The wasp meticulously carries each spider in its jaws back to the hole. Layer by layer, it arranges its spider victims inside the hole with an egg laid on it. It covers the hole with a paste made by mixing mud with saliva to create a paste which hardens after application. Finally it applies a white colored substance over the nest to seal off completely.

The new observation is from Bhimashankar where I observed that these wasps ware congregating in a group of 14 individuals in a jute thread tided together out side a door way.

Acknowledgements:
1. I would like to thank my friend Mr. Nachiket Kelkhar for helping me identifying Scelifron wasp for me.

2. I would also like to thank Soman Sir for helping me understand some of the habits of the wasp.
References:
1. Many of the observations for the article was retrieved from my observations and notes.
2. I also used wikepedia webs site to get many of the taxonomical information.

sphecidae wasp

2007-07-06T20:39:00.000-07:00

This is a drawing of a sphecidae wasp and I found it hunting a cricket under a tree in the leaf litter. These wasps may be seen hunting on several orders of Insects like Orthoptera- (grasshoppers and crickets), Bliattaria (cockroaches), Isoptera (termites). It also feeds on beetle larva which it digs out from small crevices either from bark, earth or leaf litter. It also feeds on larva of Lepidoptera (Butterflies and moths) etc. I could make only one observation of this.

Contact me: philip_mathew85@yahoo.co.in

The Petioleoid Wasp

2007-07-06T20:30:00.000-07:00

The next wasp is the petioleoid wasp, which gets its name from the beautifully elongated petiole which is a segment just before the abdomen or gaster.
Petioleoid wasp belongs to the handsome group of wasps from the family- Vespidae. A good majority of the vespidae has a well shaped body with a hardened ketenes exoskeleton. The body in most of the vespidae is colored yellow and brownish red.
Vespoids are both solitary and social in nature. And has a well developed brain. Vespoids build very good and beautiful nests, which are engineering marvels, for e.g. I remember observing a very pretty and large nest of the paper wasp from Empress garden in Pune. The nest was attached to a branch of a tree and was hanging from there. The nest had a pendulous apex and the nest was oval in shape.
It was made completely with wood pulp, which was mixed with wasp saliva for hardening. It looks some what like this.

Vespidae generally as a group uses a wide range of nesting materials available in nature.
The nests of most species are constructed out of mud, but polistines and vespides use plant fibers, chewed to form a sort of paper (also true of some stenogastrines).

Here are some of the subfamilies….
Eumeninae: potter wasps
Euparagiinae
Masarinae: pollen wasps
Polistinae: paper wasps
Stenogastrinae
Vespinae: yellowjackets, hornets

The Vespidae are a large (nearly 5,000 species), diverse, cosmopolitan family of wasps, including nearly all the known eusocial wasps and many solitary wasps.