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The Tea plant is used in several different Asian cultures Including, Chinese, Japanese, Indian, and Thai cultures in the form of tea ceremonies. For example in ancient Japan, tea ceremonies were used as a way of serving green tea in a peaceful and graceful manner. CAMELLIA SINENSIS (TEA PLANT) The active compounds present in the tea plant include caffeine (which promotes alertness and deters pests), Tannins (which discourage herbivores), flavonoids (antioxidants) and Theanine (an amino acid that promotes relaxation). All of these compounds belong in the phenolic group except caffiene which is an alkaloid. The tea Plant can be used to treat illnesses like the flu as the compounds present give it antioxidant properties. when its consumed in the form of a tea beverage. This beverage also gives alertness and relaxation. USES CULTURAL This plant does contain compounds that can be toxic if ingested in large amounts. Caffeine can cause nervousness, insomnia, and increased heart rate if consumed in large amounts. Tannins can bind to proteins and interfere with nutrient absorption and consuming a large amount can lead to digestive problems, such as vomiting. The levels of these compounds can vary depending on the type of tea. For example, green tea has lower caffeine levels compared to black tea. ACTIVE COMPOUNDS This plant is native to Southeast Asia and can be found in a range of habitats including forests, hillsides, and mountains. The best growth conditions use warm and humid environments with partial shade. The preferred soil type of the plant is in soils with a pH between 4.5 and 6.0. In commercial areas, it is grown on plantations in rows or terraces. TOXICITY HABITAT 340

Resources : ZHANG X, CAO X, XIA Y, BAN Q, CAO L, LI, S (2022) CSCBF5 DEPLETION IMPAIRS COLD TOLERANCE IN TEA PLANTS, PLANT SCIENCE JOURNAL, 325, HTTPS://WWW-SCIENCEDIRECTCOM.MYACCESS.LIBRARY.UTORONTO.CA/SCIENCE/ARTICLE/PII/ S0168945222002886?VIA%3DIHUB CHEN, M. (2020). THE TEA PLANT LEAF CUTICLE: FROM PLANT PROTECTION TO TEA QUALITY. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE, 11, 1845. HTTPS://WWW-NCBI-NLM-NIHGOV.MYACCESS.LIBRARY.UTORONTO.CA/PMC/ARTICLES/PMC85 19587/ N.C. COOPERATIVE EXTENSION, "CAMELLIA SINENSIS," PLANTS, NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY, 2019, HTTPS://PLANTS.CES.NCSU.EDU/PLANTS/CAMELLIA-SINENSIS/. PARMAR, N., RAWAT, M., & KUMAR, J. V. (2016). CAMELLIA SINENSIS (GREEN TEA): A REVIEW. GLOBAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY, 10(2), 109-112. ALL IMAGES USED WERE FROM CANVA 341

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References: H;, B. Z. R. M. H. (2018, July) Toxicological effects of camellia sinensis (Green Tea): A Review. Phytotherapy research : PTR. U.S. National Library of Medicine. Koch, W., Zagórska, J., Marzec, Z., and Kukula-Koch, W. (2019, November 24) Applications of tea (camellia sinensis) and its active constituents in cosmetics. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland). U.S. National Library of Medicine. Lang, A. (2021, January 20) Camellia sinensis leaf extract: Benefits, uses, and side effects. Healthline. Healthline Media. Li, X. (2014) Camellia sinensis. Camellia Sinensis - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics. Science direct. 343

Citations 1.Khan N, Mukhtar H. Tea and health: studies in humans. Curr Pharm Des. 2013;19(34):6141-7. doi: 10.2174/1381612811319340008. PMID: 23448443; PMCID: PMC4055352. 2.Miller K, Black Tea: Health uses and risks. September 21, 2022. [https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/black-tea-uses-and-risks] 3.Harler, Campbell Ronald. "tea production". Encyclopedia Britannica, 6 Apr. [2022, https://www.britannica.com/plant/tea-plant. Accessed 15 January 2023]. 4.Coffee and tea warehouse.com, the history of tea. 2005-2016. [http://www.coffeeteawarehouse.com/tea history.html#:~:text=The%20history%20of%20tea%20dates,resulting%20brew%2C%20and%20drank%20some.] Images, Canva. Fancy some Tea? TAJREEAN HABIB Ahh the smell of brewing tea, a luxury which all people crave. Camellia sinesis commonly known as the tea plant has dominated the world by its popularity as a drink. Harvested tea leaves from this plant can be incorporated to brew black tea. Tea is known to contain caffeine as well as other antioxidants and stimulants (2). Drinking tea is a good habit since from ancient times it is known for having several health benefits. Recent data shows that tea has cancer-preventive effects; and is also favourable for its antidiabetic and anti-aging properties (1). Moreover, various studies have concluded that polyphenolic compounds present in tea are associated with beneficial effects in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases (1). However, there are some minor side-effects arising from over consumption of this beverage. Some of these health problems include headaches, anxiety, insomnia, high blood pressure and anemia (2). Thus, is it important to control the amount of tea one should consume. Now let us find out about where the leaves that makes our beloved drink grows from. The natural habitat of the tea plant is considered to be an area starting from Nagaland, Manipur, and Lushai hills along the Assam-Myanmar frontier in the west all the way to China, as far as the Zhejiang province in the east; and also to the south through the hills of Myanmar and Thailand into Vietnam (3).The production and cultivation of the tea plant are now done by large commercial operations. The history of tea dates back almost 5000 years ago in Ancient China (4). According to legend, Emperor Shen Nung discovered tea when a leaf from a tree landed into his pot of boiling water giving off an aromatic scent that intrigued the emperor (4). After drinking the boiling water infused with the leafs flavour the emperor was very satisfied. From the 4th through the 8th century the popularity of tea in China grew rapidly as it was consumed more for being a refreshment rather than for its medicinal properties (4). Later throughout the centuries tea was imported and traded across nations making it popular around the world as well. In the early historical periods tea was a luxury for the rich, but now anyone can afford to drink tea. 344

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SO WHAT'S THE TEA? Tea is the world’s second most popular beverage just after water, but its story and properties are not necessarily well known. On this page, the details of tea and its tales of origin in China will be explored. True tea is grown and picked from the leaves of the plant Camellia sinensis.1 From those leaves, six main types of teas are produced: black, green, white, oolong, yellow, and dark, where different production processes produce end products with various colors and flavours.2 Environmental differences in the growth conditions also play a large factor in the differing flavours.1 Real teas are processed at different oxidation levels, where oxygen reacts with cellular components of the plant to alter its appearance and taste.1 Black tea and oolong tea undergo the most intense oxidation processes, yellow tea undergoes very minimal oxidation before being dried, green tea and white tea do not go through the process of oxidation.1 Tea plants are at least three years of age before being hand picked for harvesting use, and harvests occur twice a year during the spring and summer, referred to as the ‘first flush’ and ‘second flush’ respectively.1 The newer top two leaves and buds are picked, as they are more tender and stimulates growth of more leaves.1 In Chinese folklore, different types of teas are correlated with different human characteristics: Black tea—mild and reserved; rather ladylike, Oolong tea: warm and persistent; perseverance, Dark tea: wisdom of elderly.2 Tea was originally consumed in the form of soup, then was later dried and processed for enriched flavours.2 Although it is impossible to trace the exact origin of tea, it is commonly agreed upon that tea originated from the Southwest region of China, where there are still 1000 year old wild tea trees growing in the Yunnan province.2 The first individual that was said to discover the medicinal effects of tea was Shen Nong—the father of herbal medicine and agriculture in China, although his method of discovery was uncertain.2 Two main legends were told, with the main one being: a few leaves fell into a pot of water he was boiling while resting under a tree, and he felt rejuvenated and refreshed after drinking the rather sweet and flavorful water.2 The Chinese character for tea is 茶, which has very interesting components: the top part of the character, ⺾, means ‘grass’, the lower part is ⽊, meaning ‘wood’, and the segment in the middle is ⼈, which means ‘people’.2 This essentially signifies the harmony between people and nature.2 Nowadays, tea production is mostly concentrated in regions like Fujian, Anhui, and Hainan.1 Active compounds that are present in tea include: polyphenols, caffeine (catechins), theanine, and so on, with polyphenol and caffeine levels being the highest in green tea, and theanine levels being the highest in white tea; black and dark teas have lower polyphenols, as they are more deeply processed.3 Apart from its antioxidant properties, tea is also used as a: diuretic stimulant, astringent to heal wounds and promote heart health, body temperature and blood sugar regulator, digestion promoter, and even improves mental processes.4 346

R E F E R E N C E S How Is Tea Grown? The Story of Tea From Harvest to Cup. Sencha Tea Bar. Accessed April 3, 2023. https://senchateabar.com/blogs/blog/how-is-teagrown#:~:text=Tea%20harvesters%20work%20by% 20ha Liu T. Chinese Tea. Cambridge University Press; 2012. Accessed April 3, 2023. https://books.google.ca/books? hl=en&lr&id=q9NYpm7vX8C&oi=fnd&pg=PA1&dq=chinese+tea&ots=2iLT7L5 uT_&sig=Y367hlznxdaQcFWurpBUH4dzJ_w&redir _esc=y#v=onepage&q=chinese%20tea&f=false Xu J, Wei Y, Huang Y, Wei X. Regulatory Effects and Molecular Mechanisms of Tea and Its Active Compounds on Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. Published online February 11, 2023. doi:https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jafc.2c07702 Zhang K, Chopade PR, Louie J. ChemInform Abstract: Coupling of Vinyl Aziridines and Phenyl Isocyanate. ChemInform. 2008;39(41). doi:https://doi.org/10.1002/chin.200841126 1. 2. 3. 4. 347

Tea Tree Melaleuca alternifolia Geographic Range and Habitat: The Tea Tree plant is native to Australia, more specifically the states of Queensland and New South Wales, and is also found in parts of Malaysia (Saje 2022). This small shrub plant is found in swampy areas along the coast of these Australian states and along the streams in the area. They grow in dense and impenetrable thickets in the marshes and are usually the dominant species if present. It can even grow up to 300 meters in altitude (Ecosostenibile 2023)! Active Compounds: The majority of the components of tea tree oil, which there are nearly 100 of them, are monoterpenes and alcohols related to these monoterpenes. A major component of tea tree oil, making up 40% of the total composition of the oil (Yasin et. al., 2021), is terpinen-4-ol. Terpinen-4-ol has been shown to prevent inflammation and have an antimicrobial effect. Along with this compound, there is terpinene (anti-inflammatory) and α-terpinene (antioxidant) (Rudbäck et. al., 2012, Yasin et. al., 2021), which are the second and third most concentrated compounds in the oil. Properties of Tea Tree Oil: The active compounds in tea tree oil allow it to act as an antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antiprotozoal, anti-tumor, and antimicrobial agent (Yasin et. al., 2021, ATTIA 2015) Dermatologic Uses: Tea tree oil is a versatile component of the tea tree plant and can be used for superficial treatment of the following: acne vulgaris, seborrheic dermatitis, wound healing, wheal regulation, and chronic gingivitis (Pazyar et. al., 2012). Research shows that tea tree oil can also treat dandruff, athlete's foot, lice, and nail fungus (Mayo Clinic 2020). Toxicity, Hazards, and Warnings: On the surface of our skin, tea tree oil has been shown to cause: skin irritation, allergic contact dermatitis (rash), itching, burning, redness, dryness, scaling, and stinging (Mayo Clinic 2020). Internally, tea tree oil is toxic if ingested at high concentrations. Symptoms can include confusion, lack of muscle control, and a decrease in consciousness (Mayo Clinic 2020). History of the Tea Tree: It is believed that the indigenous Bundjalung people of eastern Australia used the tea tree plant as medicine in several ways. They would boil the leaves in water and breathe in the vapours to treat sore throats and coughs as well as inhale the oil vapours. Additionally, they would place the leaves onto small wounds, abrasions, and bug bites to heal them (ATTIA 2015). In the 1920s and 1930s, the oil was produced by harvesting the leaves from the bushes by hand and then distilling them immediately there in mobile wood-fueled fire bush stills. During WW2, tea tree oil was an essential item for Australian soldiers to have with them. The first plantations were established in the 1970-80's (ATTIA 2015). Below is a mobile fire bush still. 348

References: A;, P. N. Y. R. B. N. K. (2012, September 24). A review of applications of Tea Tree Oil in dermatology. International journal of dermatology. Retrieved April 7, 2023, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22998411/ About Australian Tea Tree Oil. All about Australian Tea Tree :: Australian Tea Tree Industry Association (ATTIA) :: (n.d.). Retrieved April 7, 2023, from https://teatree.org.au/teatree_about.php Better Rest, brighter mood. Saje Natural Wellness. (n.d.). Retrieved April 7, 2023, from https://www.saje.com/ca/ingredient-garden-tea-tree.html Ecosostenibile. (2023, February 22). Melaleuca alternifolia: Systematics, habitat, cultivation. Un Mondo Ecosostenibile. Retrieved April 7, 2023, from https://antropocene.it/en/2023/02/22/melaleuca-alternifolia-2/ Grosfield, L. (2020, November 3). Grow your own tea tree. Hobby Farms. Retrieved April 7, 2023, from https://www.hobbyfarms.com/grow-your-own-tea-tree/ Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2020, November 14). Tea tree oil. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved April 7, 2023, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-tea-tree-oil/art-20364246 Rudbäck J;Bergström MA;Börje A;Nilsson U;Karlberg AT; (2012, January 17). Α-terpinene, an antioxidant in tea tree oil, autoxidizes rapidly to skin allergens on air exposure. Chemical research in toxicology. Retrieved April 7, 2023, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22250748/ USA, K. (2022, March 15). Tea tree oil: The skin benefits you need to know. Kidskin. Retrieved April 7, 2023, from https://kidskin.com/blogs/news/tea-tree-oil-the-skin-benefits-you-need-to-know Wikimedia Foundation. (2023, March 10). Melaleuca alternifolia. Wikipedia. Retrieved April 7, 2023, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melaleuca_alternifolia#:~:text=the%20leaf%20arrangem ent.-,Distribution%20and%20habitat,streams%20and%20in%20swampy%20places. Yasin, M., Younis, A., Javed, T., Akram, A., Ahsan, M., Shabbir, R., Ali, M. M., Tahir, A., El-Ballat, E. M., Sheteiwy, M. S., Sammour, R. H., Hano, C., Alhumaydhi, F. A., & El-Esawi, M. A. (2021, October 4). River tea tree oil: Composition, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities, and potential applications in agriculture. MDPI. Retrieved April 7, 2023, from https://www.mdpi.com/2223-7747/10/10/2105 349

Basic Background Common name: tea tree plant (1) Scientific name: Melaleuca alternifolia (1) Origin: Native to Australia (1) Habitat: grows in swampy areas in the southeast coast of Australia (9) Other Uses: natural antibacterial surface cleaner (can lower the risk of food borne disease and help kill bacteria) (5) fight dandruff because of anti-fungal properties - use 5% shampoo (6) can also help with itchy scalp (3) help clean and heal piercings (3) aromatherapy - immune system booster, eases anxiety, clears congestion, gets rid of bacteria in the air, and more! (7) TEA TREE PLANT History Indigenous Bundjalung people of eastern Australia used it in traditional medicine for various things, such as cold and coughs!(1) One of the areas where tea trees are grown in abundance today is called Bungawalbyn which translates to 'healing ground' (1) Acne help unclog pores (4) help reduce inflammation (4) help reduce formation of acne bacteria (4) fewer side effects than other acne treatments (note: some people may have a sensitivity - so be careful!) (4) Tea tree oil produced by steam distilling the leaves (9) major active compounds: terpinen-4- ol, γ-terpinene, α-terpinene, α-pinene, cineole and linalool. Also contains contains terpenes, sesquiterpenes, and hydrocarbons (8) antiseptic, anti-bacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory and antiviral (1) terpinen-4-ol (a major component) disrupts bacterial and fungal cell membranes (antimicrobal) (2) wound healing properties (may be helpful with eczema!) (2) super concentrated - so use carefully (try to dilute) possible side effects: itching, skin irritation, stinging, burning, redness, and dryness (3) *for corresponding citations please refer to work cited page* Australian Tea Tree plant (1) 350

Work Cited (1) About Australian Tea Tree Oil. All about Australian Tea Tree :: Australian Tea Tree Industry Association (ATTIA) :: (n.d.). Retrieved April 7, 2023, from https://teatree.org.au/teatree_about.php (2) Carson, C. F., Hammer, K. A., & Riley, T. V. (2006). melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil: A review of antimicrobial and other medicinal properties. Clinical Microbiology Reviews, 19(1), 50–62. https://doi.org/10.1128/cmr.19.1.50-62.2006 (3) Forbes Magazine. (2022, December 2). 10 tea tree oil uses backed by experts. Forbes. Retrieved April 7, 2023, from https://www.forbes.com/health/body/tea-tree-oil-uses/#footnote_1 Free design tool: Presentations, video, social media | CANVA. (n.d.). Retrieved April 7, 2023, from https://www.canva.com/ (4) Hammer, K. A. (2015). Treatment of acne with Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca) products: A review of efficacy, tolerability and potential modes of action. International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents, 45(2), 106–110. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2014.10.011 (5) Sadekuzzaman, M., Mizan, M. F., Kim, H.-S., Yang, S., & Ha, S.-D. (2018). Activity of thyme and tea tree essential oils against selected foodborne pathogens in biofilms on abiotic surfaces. LWT, 89, 134–139. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lwt.2017.10.042 (6) Satchell, A. C., Saurajen, A., Bell, C., & Barnetson, R. S. C. (2002). Treatment of dandruff with 5% tea tree oil shampoo. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 47(6), 852–855. https://doi.org/10.1067/mjd.2002.122734 (7) Tea tree oil - recipes with uses & benefits of Essential Oils. Tea Tree Oil - Recipes with Uses & Benefits of Essential Oils. (n.d.). Retrieved April 7, 2023, from https://www.newdirectionsaromatics.ca/blog/recipes/discover-purifying-ways-to-heal-with-teatree.html#:~:text=When%20diffused%2C%20Tea%20Tree%20Essential,It%20also%20eliminates%20a irborne%20bacteria. (8) Tea tree oil. Tea Tree Oil - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics. (n.d.). Retrieved April 7, 2023, from https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/tea-treeoil#:~:text=The%20major%20active%20ingredients%20of,effects%20are%20apparent%20against%20 E. (9) U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Tea tree oil. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Retrieved April 7, 2023, from https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/tea-treeoil#:~:text=Background,killer)%20and%20an%20herbal%20medicine. *Images from ATTIA (n.d) and canva* 351

Terebinth (Pistacia Terebinthus) The Terebinth tree has many edible parts including the leaves, oil, and seeds. In the Middle East, other parts of the tree are also used in spices (Özcan, 2004) . Terebinth contains the phenolic compound Tannis in abundance. The entire tree can produce an odor from its resin which can be used as an essential oil (GinerLarza, E, 2002). Terebinth also more commonly known as Cyprus Turpentine originated from the Hebrew word for "God is in the tree". The word also has ties to the old IndoEuropean language (Easton, 1897). Turpentine can be used for many medicinal purposes including the treatment of chronic bronchial infections, streptococcal, urinary and renal infections. It can also be used to treat cancer (Bourlière, 1969), (Bown, 1995). Food Compounds & Properties Origin Health History Cultural Significance Commodity Terebinth was present in the hanging gardens of Babylon which is also the world's first garden (Dalley, 1993). Terebinth plays a significant role in Christianity and Judaism. It plays a role in many rituals including sacrifices (Cruz, 2022) Terebinth is a deciduous tree, so it prefers moist habitats. It is mostly found in Europe and the Mediterranean. The tree prefers open wood and calcareous soils (Polunin, 1980), (L., 2007). This plant can be used for many medicinal purposes including the treatment of chronic bronchial infections, streptococcal, urinary and renal infections. It can also be used to treat cancer (Bourlière, 1969), (Bown, 1995). Habitats (Imagepluss, 2009) (Microsoft office) (Microsoft office) (Microsoft office) (Microsoft office) (Microsoft office) (Microsoft office) (Microsoft office) (Microsoft office) 352

Badem, A. (2021). Some traditional terebinth dishes in Turkey and their health effects. Bourlière, F. (1969). Polunin, O.—Flowers of Europe. A field guide. London, Oxford University Press. 1969. Revue d'Écologie (La Terre et La Vie), 23(3), 371-371. Bown, D. (1995). The Royal Horticultural Society encyclopedia of herbs & their uses. Dorling Kindersley Limited. Cruz, A. (2023, April 8). The terebinth tree and cultural prostitution. Evangelical Focus. Retrieved April 7, 2023, from https://evangelicalfocus.com/zoe/16065/the-terebinth-tree-and-cultural-prostituti on Dalley, S. (1993). Ancient Mesopotamian gardens and the identification of the hanging gardens of Babylon resolved. Garden History, 1-13. Easton, M. G. (1897). Eastons Bible Dictionary: A Dictionary of Bible Terms. Giner-Larza, E. M., Máñez, S., Giner, R. M., Recio, M. C., Prieto, J. M., Cerdá-Nicolás, M., & Ríos, J. (2002). Anti-inflammatory triterpenes from Pistacia terebinthus galls. Planta medica, 68(04), 311-315. Imagepluss. Terebinth Tree Vintage Vector Image. Vector Stock . Accessed April 7, 2023. https://www.vectorstock.com/royalty-free-vector/terebinth-tree-vintage-vector-1901 3509. L. (n.d.). plants for a future. Pfaf Plant Search. Retrieved April 7, 2023, from https://pfaf.org/User/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Pistacia%2Bterebinthus Lineartestpilot. (n.d.). Freehand drawn black and white cartoon history book. 123RF. Özcan, M. (2004). Characteristics of fruit and oil of terebinth (Pistacia terebinthus L) growing wild in Turkey. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, 84(6), 517-520. Polunin, Oleg. Flowers of Greece and the Balkans. Oxford University Press, 1980. Roomyana. (n.d.). Cartoon drawing: ancient Zikkurat. Architecture of Babylon, Assyria, Mesopotamia. Dreamstime. 353

Silybum marianum WARNINGS Milk thistle contains a compound called potassium nitrate that can be toxic to livestock like cows and sheep. You should also watch out for milk thistle’s prickly leaves and flowers (Hajeski, 2015)! HABITAT Native to Asia and Southern Europe, milk thistle can now be found globally, growing in gardens, pastures, wastelands, or really anywhere with dry, rocky soil (Hajeski, 2015). CULTURE Milk thistle has been well-used across the ages. An ancient Celtic symbol, a treatment for baldness from Ancient Greece to the Middle Ages, and a representation of nobility in the language of flowers (Hajeski, 2015). HEALTH BENEFITS In seed shells of milk thistle lies silymarin, the primary complex responsible for thistle’s healing properties (Hajeski, 2015). Harvested from the dried seeds (Jiang et al., 2022), silymarin contains flavonolignans like silybin, and flavonoids like quercetin, that contribute to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties (Wang et al., 2020). Silymarin’s oldest-known and most well-studied healing effects occur in the liver. Its ability to protect, repair, and help detoxify the liver can assist healing in cases of cirrhosis, fatty liver disease, gallstones, hepatitis, and poisoning (Hajeski, 2015). FOOD Beneath its spiky exterior, milk thistle is edible and tasty! After removing the spikes, leaves can be boiled and added to your favourite salad. The roots and peeled shoots can be cooked for a delicious green dish. Too bitter? Try soaking the plant parts overnight before cooking (Hajeski, 2015). DRINK Milk thistle is purported to prevent or treat hangovers, which might be true, given its positive effects on the liver. Some people take a milk thistle tablet before and after a night of drinking. Alternatively, here’s a morning smoothie recipe to try if you know someone feeling hungover (Hajeski, 2015): - 2 cups almond or other non-dairy milk - ½ tsp vanilla powder - 1 tsp dried milk thistle seeds - ½ cup oats - 1 banana Blend and enjoy! (NCCIH, 2020) (Spengler, 2018) (Shekhawati, N.D.) 354

References Milk Thistle Page Information: Hajeski, N. J. (2015). Chapter Two: Medicinal Herbs. In S. T. Hitchcock (Ed.), Complete Guide to Herbs & Spices: Remedies, seasonings, and ingredients to improve your health and enhance your life (pp. 140-141). National Geographic. Jiang, G., Sun, C., Wang, X., Mei, J., Li, C., Zhan, H., Liao, Y., Zhu, Y., & Mao, J. (2022). Hepatoprotective mechanism of Silybum marianum on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease based on network pharmacology and experimental verification. Bioengineered, 13(3), 5216-5235. https://doi.org/10.1080/21655979.2022.2037374 Wang, X., Zhang, Z., & Wu, S-C. (2020). Health Benefits of Silybum marianum: Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, and Applications. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 68(42), 11644-11664. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jafc.0c04791 Images: NCCIH: National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. (2020, August). Milk Thistle. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/milk-thistle Shekhawati Herbs and Minerals. N.D. Dried Brown Milk Thistle Seeds, Shekhawati Herbs. IndiaMart. https://www.indiamart.com/proddetail/milk-thistle-seeds-23113872830.html Spengler, T. (2018, August 23). What Is the Meaning of the Thistle? Garden Guides. https://www.gardenguides.com/12347673-what-is-the-meaning-of-the-thistle.html Editing: Google Drawings Kaleido AI GmbH. (2023). https://www.remove.bg/upload 355

EDIBLE USES -- It could be eaten directly, added to meals as ingredients, or consumed in the form of tomato ketchup.(François-Xavier, 2022) Main Uses: Lycopene: an antioxidant. Lycopene helps reduce chronic diseases such as cancer and some cardiovascular diseases. (Shah et al., 2021) Active Compound: Tomatine: An alkaloid rich in tomato leaves, roots and stem, causing digestive issues. There are also some researches indicating tomatoes worsen people's arthritis symptoms. Toxicity: (Nozukue et al., 2004) (Versus Arthritis, 2021) How Tomatoes Govern Our World? Scientific Name: Solanum Lycopersicum Common Name: Tomato Plant Tomato was first found in Peru in a plant called wild cherry tomato. Then it spread to Mexico and got improved through artificial selection. In Europe, tomatoes were thought to be toxic because of their bright colour and similarity to the deadly nightshade.(Bergougnoux, 2014) The various species of tomatoes were produced using open pollination under the auspices of farms or small collectives in the 19th century. History of Tomato: Aphid eats the vines and the fruits of tomatoes. Tomatoes increase the density of glandular trichomes in response for defence. Pest: (Nenaah and Gomah, 2011) -- By Xinyue Mao Tomatoes are nonwoddy dicot. Their seeds are small and hidden within fruits. (Organic.com, 2022) 356

References: "Are Tomatoes Bad for Arthritis?" Versus Arthritis. Aug 25, 2021. Web. Mar 27, 2023 <https://www.versusarthritis.org/news/2021/august/are-tomatoes-bad-for-arthritis/>. Bergougnoux, Véronique. "The History of Tomato: From Domestication to Biopharming." Biotechnology advances 32.1 (2014): 170-89. MEDLINE. Web. François-Xavier Branthôme. "Consumption: 2021 in the Wake of 2020." Tomato news, Mar, 25 2022, Web. Mar, 28 2023 <https://www.tomatonews.com/en/consumption-2021-in-the-wake-of2020_2_1618.html#:~:text=The%202020%2F2021%20marketing%20year,result%20of%20the%20 previous%20year>. Gelpi, J.M, Beautiful Golden Retriever Dog Breed, Canva.com, accessed March 31, 2023, <https://www.canva.com/> groworganic.com. "Why are My Tomato Flowers Falling Off and Not Making Fruit? ." June 12, 2022. Web. Mar 27, 2023 <https://www.groworganic.com/blogs/articles/why-are-my-tomatoflowers-falling-off-and-not-making-fruit?page=1#Comments-386945122417>. Kozukue, Nobuyuki, et al. "Dehydrotomatine and Α-Tomatine Content in Tomato Fruits and Vegetative Plant Tissues." Journal of agricultural and food chemistry 52.7 (2004): 2079-83. MEDLINE. Web. Nenaah, Gomah. "Individual and Synergistic Toxicity of Solanaceous Glycoalkaloids Against Two Coleopteran Stored-Product Insects." Journal of pest science 84.1 (2011): 77-86. CrossRef. Web. Panduratin A, a Possible Inhibitor in Metastasized A549 Cells through Inhibition of NF-Kappa B Translocation and Chemoinvasion - Scientific Figure on ResearchGate. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Chemical-structure-of-tomatine_fig1_252325307 [accessed 4 Apr, 2023] Shah, Kabita, et al. "Bioactive Compounds in Tomato and their Roles in Disease Prevention." Fundamental and Applied Agriculture 6.2 (2021): 1-224. CrossRef. Web. "Tomatoes." agricultural marketing resource center. 2021. Web. Mar, 28 2023 <https://www.agmrc.org/commoditiesproducts/vegetables/tomatoes#:~:text=By%20the%20time%20commercial%20production,in%20th e%20U.S%2C%20behind%20potatoes>. Verheggen, François J., et al. "Tomato-Aphid-Hoverfly: A Tritrophic Interaction Incompatible for Pest Management." Arthropod-plant interactions 3.3 (2009): 141-9. CrossRef. Web. 357

TUMERIC Scientific Name: Curcuma Longa Common Name: Tumeric Curcumin is the active compound that is found in turmeric. It has anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Oxidants are reactive molecules which are called free radicals. (Gunnars 2021) Anti oxidants can help protect the body from free radicals, due to its chemical structure. Medicinal Uses Edible Uses Active Compounds Cultural significance Habitat/Geographic Range Hazards/Warnings Turmeric can be used as a remedy for fighting illnesses. It can be used to aid against heart disease, cancer, arthritis, respiratory infections, depression, and pain relief. (Gunnars 2021) Inflammation is when the body will respond to an irritant in the body. Turmeric has antiinflammatory properties, which means it reduces the swelling and pain in the body. (Gunnars 2021) Turmeric is an edible substance that can be consumed through cooking, drinks, supplements, and can serve as a colouring dye. (Woodcock 2022) It can be incorporated into food as a spice for better seasoning in cooking. This allows it to be used when making curry, rice, beans, meats, and vegetables. Turmeric can be added to drinks such as turmeric tea, juices, and smoothies. (Woodcock 2022) It can also be taken as a supplement. Turmeric can be served as a colouring dye which will give off a yellow colour. It can be used to wash fruits and vegetables. Turmeric is a spice with a lot benefits, however certain people should avoid this substance. People that are pregnant, have had kidney stones, or gallstones should not take turmeric. (Woodcock 2022) Anyone that is allergic to turmeric, ginger or any other members of that family should keep away from turmeric. It will also have side effects. Some of them would be getting rashes, headaches, or diarrhea, can also cause stomach pain. (Woodcock 2022) Make sure to talk to your healthcare provider to ensure turmeric is beneficial to you. Figure 3: Tumeric root with tumeric powder Figure 2: A bowl of turmeric powder and supplements (Shmerling 2021) Figure 5: A map highlighting South Asia (Wikidiversity 2012) Figure 1: The chemical structure of curcumin (Wikipedia 2023) Turmeric plays a role in the traditions used in Hinduism. In weddings turmeric paste is used to make a necklace dyed yellow, and it is given to the bride. (Foster 2017) This necklace has a symbolism of a couple getting married. (Foster 2017) At temples and at home, Hindu worshippers use turmeric paste in religious ceremonies. At temples, turmeric paste will be put on the statues of the Hindu dieties. Figure 4: Turmeric is used to create this Hindu deity (Devalla 2020) Most of the turmeric being grown can be found in Southeastern India, and Indonesia. Soil with good quality, and an abundant amount of rain will help produce this. (Encyclopaedia Britannica) Figure 6: The root of the tumeric plants (Entertainment Times 2023) 358

Reference List: Made on Google docs https://docs.google.com/document/d/1mt Oaf-0mG3afe4a2teOxqUcq_ulTjPTdcKFe0cn3xs/edit? usp=sharing 359

Curcuma longa, commonly known as turmeric (Sharifi-Rad et al., 2020). Active compound: curcumin (chemical structure is shown above), a phenolic compound, found primarily in the rhizomes (underground horizontal stems) of the plant (Sharifi-Rad et al., 2020). Is native to many regions across Southeastern Asia, including India and China (Sharifi-Rad et al., 2020). Is known to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial properties. Is used in the pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic industries (among others; see chart below) (Sharifi-Rad et al., 2020). Used prominently in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicines. In Ayurvedic practices, turmeric is thought to relieve gas, improve digestion, dispel arthritis, strengthen the body's energy, and is even used as an antiseptic (Rathaur et al,, 2012). The FDA considers curcumin to be generally safe with a maximum intake of 12 g/day (Kocaadam & Sanlier, 2015). Above this, there are concerns about enzyme inhibition and DNA impairment, but more studies are needed to support this. Studies have shown prospective applications for turmeric: Metabolic syndrome, which increases the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes, has promise to be combatted by curcumin and its anti-diabetic properties (Vafaeipour et al., 2022). Transcriptomic analysis suggests that turmeric is promising as a cancer-preventing agent (Einbond et al., 2018). Turmeric Turmeric varies in its region of cultivation: Javanese turmeric, locally known as Temulawak, has been used to treat stomach disorders, constipation, lack of appetite, and arthritis. among many other ailments (Rahmat et al., 2021). The geographic range of Javanese turmeric is more specific to Indonesia (see adjacent figure ). The Golden Spice DID YOU KNOW? In the Hindu religion, turmeric is considered sacred. Turmeric paste is dyed on a string and tied around the bride's neck by the groom. This "holy thread" is called the mangalsutra (Chembolli, 2020). DID YOU KNOW? In Indian culture, the Haldi ceremony - where turmeric is applied to the skin of the bride and groom - is done to ensure that they are blessed with health before the wedding (Chembolli, 2020). 360

References * All images were retrieved from the journal articles themselves or from Canva * Chembolli, L. (2020). Cultural dermatoses: Turmeric allergy (Mangalsutra dermatitis and kumkum dermatitis) – a case report. Journal of Skin and Sexually Transmitted Diseases, 2(1), 49–51. https://doi.org/10.25259/jsstd_10_2020 Einbond, L. S., Manservisi, F., Wu, H.-au, Balick, M., Antonetti, V., Vornoli, A., Menghetti, I., Belpoggi, F., Redenti, S., & Roter, A. (2018). A transcriptomic analysis of turmeric: Curcumin represses the expression of cholesterol biosynthetic genes and synergizes with simvastatin. Pharmacological Research, 132, 176–187. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phrs.2018.01.023 Free design tool: Presentations, video, social media | CANVA. Canva. Retrieved April 6, 2023, from https://www.canva.com/ Kocaadam, B., & Şanlier, N. (2015). Curcumin, an active component of turmeric (curcuma longa), and its effects on health. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 57(13), 2889–2895. https://doi.org/10.1080/10408398.2015.1077195 Rahmat, E., Lee, J., & Kang, Y. (2021). Javanese turmeric (Curcuma xanthorrhiza roxb.): Ethnobotany, Phytochemistry, biotechnology, and Pharmacological Activities. EvidenceBased Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2021, 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/9960813 Rathaur, P., Raja, W., Ramteke, P., & John, S. A. (2012). Turmeric: The Golden Spice of Life. International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, 3(7), 1987–1994. https://doi.org/10.13040/ijpsr.0975-8232.3(7).1987-94 361

Sharifi-Rad, J., Rayess, Y. E., Rizk, A. A., Sadaka, C., Zgheib, R., Zam, W., Sestito, S., Rapposelli, S., Neffe-Skocińska, K., Zielińska, D., Salehi, B., Setzer, W. N., Dosoky, N. S., Taheri, Y., El Beyrouthy, M., Martorell, M., Ostrander, E. A., Suleria, H. A., Cho, W. C., … Martins, N. (2020). Turmeric and its major compound curcumin on health: Bioactive effects and safety profiles for food, pharmaceutical, biotechnological and medicinal applications. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 11. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2020.01021 Vafaeipour, Z., Razavi, B. M., & Hosseinzadeh, H. (2022). Effects of turmeric (Curcuma longa) and its constituent (curcumin) on the metabolic syndrome: An updated review. Journal of Integrative Medicine, 20(3), 193–203. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joim.2022.02.008 362

Turmeric can be used in all contexts of life. You can try using it in: Cosmetics: Applying turmeric, whether it be in its organic form or in a serum, will give your skin a glowing tone as well as help remove acne and improve skin complexion. (Gopinath & Karthikeyan, 2018) Food: Turmeric is a staple ingredient in most Indian cuisine. It has a slightly bitter, earthy taste. Turmeric is the primary component of curry powder and an essential yellow food coloring used in many Indian dishes, such as curries, pickles, and rice. (Turmeric - Curcuma Longa | Plants | Kew, n.d.) Health: Anxiety, arthritis, metabolic syndrome, oxidative and inflammatory disorders, and high cholesterol are among the ailments that turmeric assists in treating. Moreover, it could aid in the control of inflammation and muscular soreness brought on by exercise, which would improve recovery and performance in athletes. According to Ayurveda, turmeric can also be applied to bleeding wounds to prevent any infections. Most of these advantages result from its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Even those without known medical issues may benefit from a relatively low complex dose. (Hewlings & Kalman, 2017) Scientifically known as Curcuma, Turmeric is a spice that comes from the underground stems, also known as rhizomes, of the Turmeric Plant. People have used turmeric for over 2500 years! (Turmeric - Curcuma Longa | Plants | Kew, n.d.) General Info Uses of Turmeric Hazards & Warnings: Overconsumption of anything is considered dangerous and turmeric is no exception. Overconsumption can result in diarrhea, headache, rash, and yellow stool. It may also cause hives and abdominal pain. (Turmeric Benefits, 2022) It's crucial to be aware that consuming turmeric-containing meals or beverages might leave yellow stains on teeth due to the powerful pigment of curcumin, the active compound of turmeric. Cultural Significance: In India, turmeric's vivid, orange-yellow rhizomes are associated with good fortune. For good luck, they are frequently hung in kitchens and occasionally tied to pots. Given that turmeric is associated with fertility, prosperity, and luck in Hinduism, it is frequently used in weddings and other festive occasions. Turmeric dye is very popular during the Hindu festival of Holi, which people celebrate by dousing themselves in vibrant colors. Habitat: Turmeric is usually not found in the wild and is mostly cultivated in heated greenhouses at 18 °C. This figure shows the geographic range of turmeric. It originates from India and has spread around the world! Fun Fact! Turmeric will change color depending on the pH of the solution. RED in alkali and YELLOW in acidic solution! 363

References: 364

The plant itself reaches up to 1 meter in height and it has a deep golden-orange colour. The beautiful colour is what must have caught the human eye and allowed humans to start experimenting with it. Turmeric's active ingredient is Curcumin which is what gives the gorgeous colour pigment to the plant. Turmeric is a versatile spice in many countries but is most popular in South Asia, the Middle East, and the Far East in both vegetarian and non-vegetarian culinary preparations (Govindarajan et al). TUMERIC Spices have been utilized to make food more flavourful and pleasant. They add taste and aroma to many dishes. Turmeric or its scientific name, Curcuma Longa, is a flowering plant that has a long history of being a popular spice (Govindarajan et al). It is native to India and Indonesia. Curcuma Longa is a tropical plant that thrives in humid, warm conditions with plenty of rain. Turmeric should be stored at a temperature between 20 and 30 degrees celsius. Turmeric is a herbaceous plant that has fleshy and thick rhizomes (underground stem). The active ingredient, Curcumin, serves as an antioxidant, antiinflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, and anti fungal. While Turmeric has long been used for its colouring, taste, digestive effects, and has gained great significance in Indian ayurveda, which has been a treatment for a variety of diseases. However, consuming significant amounts of Turmeric and Curcumin in supplement form for an extended period of time might induce stomach pain (Govindarajan et al) . In India, turmeric goes beyond just the use of medicine, it is used for many wedding traditions like the Haldi ceremony. This ceremony involves using turmeric before marriage to ensure that the bride and groom have clear skin because it is known for its medical and antibacterial properties (Govindarajan et al). 365

References Govindarajan, V. S., & Stahl, W. H. (1980). Turmeric— chemistry, technology, and quality. Critical Reviews in Food Science & Nutrition, 12(3), 199-301. Free design tool: Presentations, video, social media | CANVA. (n.d.). Retrieved April 7, 2023, from https://www.canva.com/ 366

Many people use turmeric rhizome, a yellow spice produced from Curcuma longa L., a member of the Zingiberaceae family. The plant has the characteristics of being elongated and frequently containing short-branched and rich turmeric rhizomes (Gupta, 2013). Many families use it in cooking as turmeric adds colour and taste to dishes, particularly in most South Asian cuisine, in meat and non-meat-related food arrangements. In many places, it is utilized as curry powders, pastes, mustard blends, pickles, and turmeric tea (Gupta, 2013). Turmeric improves health and beauty appearance. To enhance the impression of skin and help the imperfections to disappear, turmeric paste is placed on the face and skin (Gupta, 2013). Turmeric provides healing treatments for dental issues. For example, gargling with turmeric water offers immediate comfort in the mouth, and using turmeric that's roasted and powdered on sore teeth reduces inflammation and pain (Gupta, 2013). Individuals with gingivitis and periodontitis can be treated using a paste consisting of turmeric and lower portions of additional ingredients (Gupta, 2013). There are therapeutic benefits in Ayurvedic practices, mostly in many South Asian countries. In Ayurveda medicine, it's used as a medication for a number of respiratory problems, including asthma, bronchial hyperactivity, and allergy, as well as for liver disorders, rheumatism, diabetic wounds, sinusitis, and more. Tumeric is used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat illnesses related to stomach pain (Prasad, 2011). The actions of turmeric contain antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antioxidant, antiseptic, cardioprotective, hepatoprotective, nephroprotective, radioprotective, and digestive activities (Prasad, 2011). T U R M E R I C R H I Z O M E U S E S O F T U R M E R I C : Turmeric has been utilized widely in numerous Indian ceremonies for centuries for religious rituals like weddings (Gupta, 2013). In some regions of India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, turmeric paste is placed onto the bride and groom's skin prior to the wedding in specific ceremonies (Prasad, 2011). This makes the skin look more radiant and deters unwanted bacteria from entering the body (Prasad, 2011). C U L T U R A L S I N I F I C A N C E : H A B I T A T : T O X I C I T Y : A C T I V E C O M P O U N D : Tropical Asia regions are major producers of this kind of herbaceous perennial plant (Gupta, 2013). This spice has an advantage for many medications because there is a lack of severe toxicity. It is a common household spice with a long history of being secure (Gupta, 2013). There are many chemical components found in turmeric spice. This includes polyphenols, sesquiterpenes, diterpenes, triterpenoids, sterols, and alkaloids, but the main one is curcumin making up 2-5% of turmeric (Gupta, 2013). (Canva, 2023) (Canva, 2023) (Canva, 2023) (Canva, 2023) (Canva, 2023) (Canva, 2023) (Prakash, 2019) (Srivastava, 2021) (Jackson-Kinman, 2017) 367

References: Gupta, S. C., Sung, B., Kim, J. H., Prasad, S., Li, S., & Aggarwal, B. B. (2013). Multitargeting by turmeric, the golden spice: From kitchen to clinic. Molecular Nutrition & Food Research, 57(9), 1510–1528. https://doi.org/10.1002/mnfr.201100741 Prasad, S., & Aggarwal, B. (2011). Turmeric, the golden spice: From traditional medicine to modern medicine. In Herbal Medicine, 263–288. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92752/#:~:text=13.5.&text=In%20Ayurvedic%20practices%2C%20turmeric%20is,diss olving%20gallstones%2C%20and%20relieving%20arthritis Editors of Canva Designs. (2023). Canva Designs [Images]. https://www.canva.com/design/DAFOMCAAM2M/sIpRagwMlssDNCIelTfI4Q/edit Prakash P. (2019). Haldi ceremony starts with the turmeric paste being applied to the skin by your family. [Online Image] Haldi paste recipe for Indian weddings — The Tamarind Tree. https://www.thetamarindtree.in/blog/haldi-recipe-wedding Srivastava, K. (2021) Turmeric is being applied to the skin to solve any skin issues. [Online Image]. 8 Turmeric Face Pack For Glowing Skin | Be Beautiful India. https://www.bebeautiful.in/all-things-skin/everyday/turmeric-face-pack-for-glowing-skin Jackson-Kinman, M. (2017). Turmeric in its ground form and the turmeric. [Online Image] Ayurveda and Herbs: The Benefits of Turmeric are Golden - California College of Ayurveda. https://www.ayurvedacollege.com/blog/ayurveda-and-herbs-benefits-turmeric-are-golden/ 368

Happy Valentine's Day Turmeric Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a herb from the same family of plants as ginger [2]. It grows widely in South and South East Asia [2], and has been used for centuries as a spice in many delicious foods, like curries and rice dishes. Turmeric is prepared by collecting the rhizome (which is a stem that grows underground and works like a root) of the Curcuma longa plant, drying it, and grinding it to get a yellow-orange powder [2] Turmeric doesn't just taste good! It's been used in traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic medicine for hundreds of years [4], and is known to reduce inflammation, fight infections, and neutralise free radicals (harmful waste products of metabolism in our bodies) [4]. How does it do all this? It's because it contains something called Curcumin! Curcumin is a polyphenol [4] (a type of chemical), and has been found to be useful in preventing and treating a variety of illnesses, while also having no harmful side effects in normal doses (upto Turmeric is also very culturally significant! In India, 12g/day) [2]. it is used in religious ceremonies, as a part of weddings, and to dye clothes [3]. The yellow-orange spice, Turmeric [1] The Curcuma longa rhizome, from which Turmeric is derived [1] Turmeric being prepared [1] A wedding ceremony involving Haldi (turmeric) in India [1] 369

References CANVA. Canva. (n.d.). Retrieved April 2, 2023, from https://www.canva.com/ Kocaadam, B., & Şanlier, N. (2017). Curcumin, an active component of turmeric (Curcuma longa), and its effects on health. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 57(13), 2889–2895. https://doi.org/10.1080/10408398.2015.1077195 Rajanala, S., & Vashi, N. A. (2018). haldi ceremony—Historical use of turmeric. JAMA Dermatology, 154(5), 543. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamadermatol.2018.0363 Sharifi-Rad, J., Rayess, Y. E., Rizk, A. A., Sadaka, C., Zgheib, R., Zam, W., Sestito, S., Rapposelli, S., Neffe-Skocińska, K., Zielińska, D., Salehi, B., Setzer, W. N., Dosoky, N. S., Taheri, Y., El Beyrouthy, M., Martorell, M., Ostrander, E. A., Suleria, H. A. R., Cho, W. C., … Martins, N. (2020). Turmeric and its major compound curcumin on health: Bioactive effects and safety profiles for food, pharmaceutical, biotechnological and medicinal applications. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 11. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2020.01021 1. 2. 3. 4. 370

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References Hewlings, S. J., & Kalman, D. S. (2017). Curcumin: A Review of Its Effects on Human Health. Foods, 6(10), 92 Prasad, S., & Aggarwal, B. B. (2011). Turmeric, the Golden Spice From Traditional Medicine to Modern Medicine. Springer Netherlands. 372

(Kodoth. 2019) Curcuma Rhizoma and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Authors : Peijie Zuo (Charlotte) BIOB38 Project Page from a book What is Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)? Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a medical system originating from China that has been practiced for centuries. TCM includes a range of practices, such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, cupping therapy, dietary therapy (Xia et al. 2005). Herbal Medicine: In TCM, herbs are an integral part of the treatment process. TCM practitioners use a wide variety of herbs, either alone or in combination, to treat various health conditions and promote overall health and wellness (Xia et al. 2005). Holistic Approach: TCM is based on a holistic approach to health, which means that it takes into account the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of a person. It is is effective with conditions, including chronic pain, digestive disorders, menstrual disorders (Xia et al. 2005). Curcuma Rhizome: also known as turmeric root, it is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the ginger family, Zingiberaceae. The plant has bright green leaves and rhizomatous root system. The root is commonly harvested for culin medical use, with active compound: curcumin • Origin and Distribution Curcuma Rhizome is native to the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asian that required temperature of 20 to 30 degree Celsius.With great diversity at around 40 to 45 species. • Characteristics in culinary and medicinal uses Food Additive: Turmeric is edible by fresh or boiled in water. They are commonly ground into deep orange-yellow powder used as food colouring and flavoring agent in many Asian cuisines (Kodoth. 2019) Medicinal property: it has been used for medicinal purpose for centuries in TCM, Ayurveda and other medical systems. BACKGROUND of TCM Introduction of Curcuma Rhizoma Historical Usage of Curcuma Rhizoma Modern Discovery related to Curuma Rhizoma Daily use of Curcuma Rhizoma Curcuma in Cancer Therapy Main Reference Autor: Kodoth Prabhakaran Nair, Springerlink (Online Service. 2019. Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) and Ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) - World’s Invaluable Medicinal Spices : The Agronomy and Economy of Turmeric and Ginger. Editorial: Cham: Springer International Publishing. Jakubczyk K, Drużga A, Katarzyna J, Skonieczna-Żydecka K. 2020. Antioxidant Potential of Curcumin—A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials. Antioxidants. 9(11):1092. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox9111092. Xia Q, Zhao KJ, Huang ZG, Zhang P, Dong TTX, Li SP, Tsim KWK. 2005. Molecular Genetic and Chemical Assessment of Rhizoma Curcumae in China. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 53(15):6019–6026. doi:https://doi.org/10.1021/jf0508495. Zhou Y, Xie M, Song Y, Wang W, Zhao H, Tian Y, Wang Y, Bai S, Zhao Y, Chen X, et al. 2016. Two Traditional Chinese MedicinesCurcumae RadixandCurcumae Rhizoma: An Ethnopharmacology, Phytochemistry, and Pharmacology Review. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2016:1–30. doi:https://doi.org/10.1155/2016/4973128. Curcuma Rhizoma has a long history of use in TCM. It is known as Yu Jin, and recorded in ancient Chinese medical text, as a powerful herbs with bitter and pungent taste and a warning nature (Zhou et al. 2016) Examples of Turmeric used in TCM: • Promoting Blood Circulation: Turmeric is used in TCM to promote blood circulation and reduce blood stasis. It is often used to treat menstrual disorders, such as irregular periods and menstrual cramps, as well as to reduce pain associated with blood stagnation. • Reducing inflammation: Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties and is often used in TCM to reduce inflammation in the body. It is used to treat conditions such as arthritis, asthma, and allergies. (Zhou et al. 2016) Spice in Cuisine Turmeric Latte Turmeric Smoothies Natural Food colouring Supplement (tablets / capsules) Curcumin have shown some effective in inhibit the growth and spread of cancer cell, and induce cancer cell death. Curcumin may also enhance the effects of chemotherapy by increase the sensitivity of cancer cell to chemotherapy. Curcumin as antioxidant can reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, which are common side effects of cancer treatment. (Jakubczyk et al. 2020) Note: Turmeric has low bioavailability, it will be absorbed better when consumed with black pepper (Kodoth. 2019) (Kodoth. 2019) (Kodoth. 2019) 373

TURMERIC History and Origin of Turmeric Everyday Uses of Turmeric Toxicity/Hazard/Warnings of Turmeric Medicinal Uses & Indian Ayurvedic Medicine Curcuma longa Cultural Significance 5 Interesting Facts about Turmeric Turmeric, also known as the 'golden spice' is a widely used spice that comes from the root of the curcuma longa plant (Prasad, S., & Aggarwal, 2011). The common name is turmeric and curcuma longa is the scientific name (Buescher & Yang, 2000). Turmeric is native to Southern Asia and is most commonly found in the monsoon forests located in India (Sopher,1964). The major active compound in turmeric is curcumin (Akter et al, 2019). Turmeric has been incorporated into many cultural traditions. For example, turmeric is made into a paste that is applied to the bride and groom before their wedding day at the Haldi ceremony to bring beauty in the Indian culture (Hussein,2010). Turmeric is also used in pooja ceremonies in temples and applied on the wedding thread used in Hindu wedding ceremonies (Chembolli, 2020). Turmeric is consumable as it is used in cooking and it also does not cause irritation to the skin. However, at a higher dosage, like taking multiple pills containing turmeric can be hazardous as it can cause a rise in body temperature (Balasubramanian et al, 2016). Turmeric is known for its medicinal properties as it has been used in the Indian Ayurvedic system for over 6000 years (Rathaur et al, 2012). It has anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral and antibacterial properties (Gupta et al, 2020). It has been incorporated in treatments for conditions such as alzheimer, dementia, and liver disease (Mishra & Palanivelu, 2008). Turmeric not only has health benefits but can also be used in cooking and cosmetics. It is incorporated in many South Asian and Middle Eastern dishes like curry (Hutchins-Wolfbrandt & Mistry, 2011). The vibrant yellow colour is favored by cosmetic companies for it's glowing effects and so it is used in face creams, facial masks, soaps, and toothpaste (Nwaekpe et al, 2015). . Turmeric's active compound, curcumin has anti-inflammatory properties that can be used to help treat arthritis, and joint pain (Rathaur et al, 2012). Turmeric helps calm skin irritants such as acne and can be used to treat wounds (Verma et al, 2018). Turmeric contains brightening properties and can be mixed with yogurt to create a facial mask (Tripathy et al, 2021). Turmeric is known as ‘Indian Saffron’ as it was used as a substitute to the high-priced spice saffron (Gohari et al, 2013). Curcumin, a phenolic active compound gives the yellow colour to turmeric (Rathaur et al, 2012). 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. (Prabakaran, 2012) (Allen, 2018) (Clovera, 2020) (Pustynnikova, 2016) (Canva, 2023) (Kinney, 2022) (Mondloch, 2018) (Carrico, 2011) (Rao, 2022) (Canva, 2023) (Ridings, 2011) (Molecular structure of curcumin, n.d.) 374

Sahadeva 1 References Allen, L. (2018). Metal Ganesha statue with turmeric and offerings. [Photograph]. iStock. https://www.istockphoto.com/photo/metal-ganesha-statue-with-turmeric-and-offerings-g m939260736-256819280 Akter, J., Hossain, M. A., Takara, K., Islam, M. Z., & Hou, D. X. (2019). Antioxidant activity of different species and varieties of turmeric (Curcuma spp): Isolation of active compounds. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part C: Toxicology & Pharmacology, 215, 9-17. Balasubramanian, S., Roselin, P., Singh, K. K., Zachariah, J., & Saxena, S. N. (2016). Postharvest processing and benefits of black pepper, coriander, cinnamon, fenugreek, and turmeric spices. Critical reviews in food science and nutrition, 56(10), 1585-1607. Buescher, R., & Yang, L. (2000). Turmeric. In IFT BASIC SYMPOSIUM SERIES (Vol. 14, pp. 205-226). Carrico, H. (2011). India. [Map]. Flickr. https://www.flickr.com/photos/8724323 @N06/5772279863 Chembolli, L. (2020). Cultural dermatoses: Turmeric allergy (mangalsutra dermatitis and kumkum dermatitis)–A case report. Journal of Skin and Sexually Transmitted Diseases, 2(1), 49-51. Clovera, G. (2020). Close-up image of woman applied beauty face mask with cucumber slice on the eyes and relaxing. [Photograph]. iStock. https://www.istockphoto.com/photo/close-up 375

Sahadeva 2 -image-of-woman-applied-beauty-face-mask-with-cucumber-slice-on-the-eyes-and-gm12 77965825-377032048 [Diagram of molecular structure of curcumin]. (n.d.). ChemSpider. http://www.chemspider .com/Chemical-Structure.839564.html Gohari, A. R., Saeidnia, S., & Mahmoodabadi, M. K. (2013). An overview on saffron, phytochemicals, and medicinal properties. Pharmacognosy reviews, 7(13), 61. Gupta, H., Gupta, M., & Bhargava, S. (2020). Potential use of turmeric in COVID‐19. Clinical and experimental Dermatology, 45(7), 902-903. Hussein, N. (2010). Colour of life achievements: Historical and media influence of identity formation based on skin colour in South Asia. Journal of Intercultural Studies, 31(4), 403-424. Hutchins-Wolfbrandt, A., & Mistry, A. M. (2011). Dietary turmeric potentially reduces the risk of cancer. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 12(12), 3169-73. Chicago. Kinney, K. (2022). Raw organic turmeric root with powder and medicine herbal vitamin supplement pill capsules. [Photograph]. iStock. https://www.istockphoto.com/photo/raw-organicturmeric-root-with-powder-and-medicine-herbal-vitamin-supplement-pill-gm1370262811 -439846598 Mishra, S., & Palanivelu, K. (2008). The effect of curcumin (turmeric) on Alzheimer's disease: An overview. Annals of Indian Academy of Neurology, 11(1), 13. 376

Sahadeva 3 Mondloch, V. (2018). Joint pain. [Photograph]. Flickr. https://www.flickr.com/photos/ 141560841@N08/42122969581 Nwaekpe, J. O., Anyaegbunam, H. N., Okoye, B. C., & Asumugha, G. N. (2015). Promotion of turmeric for the food/pharmaceutical industry in Nigeria. American Journal of Experimental Agriculture, 8(6), 335-341. Prabakaran, P. (2012). Thaali. [Photograph]. Flickr. https://www.flickr.com/photos/karan photos/7947992224 Prasad, S., & Aggarwal, B. B. (2011). Turmeric, the golden spice. Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects. 2nd edition. Pustynnikova, A. (2016). Pumpkin and carrot soup with cream and parsley. [Photograph]. iStock. https://www.istockphoto.com/photo/orange-curcumin-turmeric-pills-with-powder -and-shadow-gm1308865960-398740557 Rao, S. (2022). Haldi paste applied on the groom’s face. [Photograph]. Pexels. https://www.pexels.com/photo/haldi-paste-applied-on-the-groom-s-face-12135859/ Rathaur, P., Raja, W., Ramteke, P. W., & John, S. A. (2012). Turmeric: The golden spice of life. International Journal of pharmaceutical sciences and research, 3(7), 1987. Ridings, L. (2011). Monsoon forest. [Photograph]. Flickr. https://www.flickr.com/photos /fantommst/5892045491 Sopher, D. E. (1964). Indigenous uses of turmeric (Curcuma domestica) in Asia and Oceania. Anthropos, (H. 1./2), 93-127. 377

Sahadeva 4 Tripathy, S., Verma, D. K., Thakur, M., Patel, A. R., Srivastav, P. P., Singh, S., ... & Utama, G. L. (2021). Curcumin extraction, isolation, quantification and its application in functional foods: A review with a focus on immune enhancement activities and COVID-19. Frontiers in Nutrition, 8, 747956. Verma, R. K., Kumari, P., Maurya, R. K., Kumar, V., Verma, R. B., & Singh, R. K. (2018). Medicinal properties of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.): A review. Int. J. Chem. Stud, 6(4), 1354-1357. 378

TURMERIC lSClENT1FlAME-F curcuma longa **ÉÉaoÉ¥¥¥¥¥ IHAB.IT#-T-:/ Native to South ASIA, specifically India as it is responsible for IÑ⑧⑥q¥☒I☒¥$#¥¥ producing almost all of the turmeric harvested 91069114 , and consumes 80% Of it? IACTNECOMPOUT-t.TVMerle's most important active compound is OURCUMIN? curcumin gives tumeric yellow stain? WHYSHOWDT-incoRPORATE.gg?;IY,eY?0MYut-?# , ↳ ANTI-INFLAMMATORY 1 AM☒¥ Tvmenc's active compound, carcumin, gives the plant it's anti-inflammatory properties? Due to these properties, it is used as a botanical supplement to manage chronic inflammatory ailments like asthma, chronic obstructive airways disease CCOPD), rheumatoid d arthritis and gastroIntestinal problems? ↳ ANTIOXIDANT PROPERTIES : →/ www.NIINCORPORAT# T-TIWTOMYUFC-7.TV mene has the ability to scavenge free EDIBLE! radicals and boost antioxidant enzymes:/ Cstmenc has been added as a spice for thousands ↳ ANTIMUTAGENIC, ANTIMICROBIAL& . Ofyears in carries' ! , ↳Tan be found1h "me"' 's one of the stars of mona, +ramona,÷%É÷¥÷¥÷É¥yµ¥ MEDICINAL! µLTURANCt many supplements t pins as a form Of traditional medicine! medicine system, Ayurvedic practices- It has been. . ÷⑤ Used qogmgy,,! for centuries to increase energy of the body,relieving gas, improving digestion + as ↳ parts of Asia {•ps•Fµq apply turmeric an antiseptic? water to help create a ÷÷:÷÷!•:^gqzm¥÷÷÷!,÷÷ii%m.,;m•q,E: .aaa•s...:÷;orai•T iij-j.gg ;É••:Fi.q.m•a.•£ñ •← "win is also usedin many complexion? prewedding ceremonies ↳ can also be applied as It is believed to make a paste to +ne couple's skin 910W - remove naif! and keep pathogens away before the big day in many South Asian countries' ! 379

References Encyclopedia Britannica. Turmeric. In: Britannica.com. https://www.britannica.com/plant/turmeric. Accessed April 7, 2023. National Centre for Biotechnology Information (US); StatPearls Publishing. Enternal Nutrition. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing, 2022. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92752/. Accessed April 7, 2023. 380

Turmeric is often not considered toxic even when consumed in high amounts but recent research studies shows that turmeric and its active compound curcumin can cause apoptosis. Apoptosis means cell death in multi-cellular organisms (Thongrakard et al., 2014). ! FUN FACT: Turmeric takes 9 months to fully grow just like a baby! "Yellow gold - Turmeric" Turmeric's scientific name is “Curcuma longa” and the active compound in turmeric is curcumin (http://www.facebook.com/toriavey, 2015). Did you know ? Turmeric plays a huge role in the poultry feed for its beneficial anti-microbial and anti-oxidant properties. Turmeric was first discovered in the pots discovered in Delhi region of India dating back to 2500 BCE (http://www.facebook.com/toriavey, 2015). Turmeric belongs to the ginger family and appears to be ginger-like growing upto three feet in height (http://www.facebook.com/toriavey, 2015). Turmeric is called "yellow gold" as it has a lot of health benefits, it is anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-cancer and anti-microbial (http://www.facebook.com/toriavey, 2015). Turmeric is used as a spice, pigment and a big part of Ayurvedic medicine with origins in India. Ayurveda is the natural ways of healing in Indian tradition (http://www.facebook.com/toriavey, 2015). FIGURE 1 : Turmeric powder Turmeric paste was used to treat various skin conditions from small-pox to chicken pox for its anti-inflammatory properties (http://www.facebook.com/toriavey, 2015). Turmeric also plays a major role in Hindu cultural practices in India and is considered sacred. There is a wedding tradition where the bride wears a necklace soaked in turmeric during her wedding day turmeric is called "Mangala sutra" which is considered very scared (http://www.facebook.com/toriavey, 2015). Figure 3 - A Women wearing "Mangala sutra" Figure 2 - Turmeric powder 381

References: (1) Thongrakard, V., Titone, R., Follo, C., Morani, F., Suksamrarn, A., Tencomnao, T., & Isidoro, C. (2014). Turmeric Toxicity in A431 Epidermoid Cancer Cells Associates with Autophagy Degradation of Anti‐apoptotic and Anti‐autophagic p53 Mutant. Phytotherapy Research, 28(12), 1761–1769. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.5196 (2) http://www.facebook.com/toriavey. (2015, March 9). History of Turmeric | The History Kitchen | PBS Food. PBS Food. https://www.pbs.org/food/the-history-kitchen/turmeric-history/ (3) Figures 1,2 & 3 were taken from Canva elements. https://www.canva.com/design/DAFfMdY_V3k/m2a6ZFJLv6GcUQAF p6WBSw/edit. 382

VALERIAN VALERIANA OFFICINALIS INCORPORATING VALERIAN INTO YOUR LIFE Valerian or Valeriana Officinalis belongs to a genus of flowering plants within the Caprifoliaceae family. It is a flowering perinneal plant. It is native to Asia and Europe and has been naturalized in North America. There are about 200 species of Valerians but Valeriana Officinalis is the most commonly used. Valerian root is known to be used for treating sleep disorders such as insomnia and as a sedative. Valerian tea obtained from valerian root has many known benefits such as assisting with premenstrual symptoms, sleep quality and anxiety. Active Compound Toxicity Habitat The active ingredient in valerian root extract is called Valerenic Acid. Valerenic Acid has been identified as a GABA receptor modulator. Through this regulation of GABAenergic activity valerenic acid has a sedative effect on animals. Toxicity and major side effects with Valerian are extremely rare. However some mild symptoms associated with toxicity which will resolve themselves within 24 hours are: lightheadedness, hand tremor, chest tightness, mydriasis, fatigue and abdominal cramps. At very high doses the symptoms include: dry mouth, increased somnolence, cognitive decline and vivid dreams. This plant originated in Asia and Europe and is now found in North America as well. Valerian grows best in sandy loam soils and will have a tendency of growing in meadows and grasslands. Valerian plants require an adequate water supply. Medicinal Uses The main use is as a sleep remedy. It has also been commonly used as a treatment for nervous disorders such as hysteria, anthelmentic, antispasmodic, diaphoretic, diuretic and emmenagogue. It has been used as a sedative for the treatment of anxiety and epilepsy. Another know use is as an analgesic and cerebral stimulant. It also has some less known uses for low-grade fevers and rheumatis. History The word Valerian comes from the latin word Valere and this means to be in good health. Valerian has been used medicinally for over 2000 years now. At first it was used as a treatment for brain disorders in the late 16th century. It is very well known in Indian traditional medicine as a medicinal herb that functions as a sleep remedy. It is now available as a tea and also comes in over the counter medications. References 1.Bernäth, J. (1997). Cultivation of valerian: 4 : Valerian The Great Valeriana. Retrieved from https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.1201/9780203734483-4/cultivation-valerianjen%C3%B6-bern%C3%A4th 2. Freitas, C., Khanal, S., Landsberg, D., & Kaul, V. (2021). An alternative cause of encephalopathy: Valerian root overdose. Cureus. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.17759 3. Khatkar, S., Lather, A., & Khatkar, A. (2021). Valerenic and acetoxyvalerenic acid. Naturally Occurring Chemicals Against Alzheimer's Disease, 117–125. https://doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-12-819212- 2.00045-1 4. Nandhini, S., Narayanan, K. B., & Ilango, K. (2018). Valeriana officinalis: A review of its traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology. Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical and Clinical Research, 11(1), 36. https://doi.org/10.22159/ajpcr.2018.v11i1.22588 5. Padmavathi, P., Sankar, R., & Kokilavani, N. (2013). Effectiveness of valerian tea on premenstrual syndrome among adolescents in a selected school at Erode. International Journal of Health Sciences & Research, 3(6), 66-70. 6. Shinjyo, N., Waddell, G., & Green, J. (2020). Valerian root in treating sleep problems and associated disorders—a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Evidence-Based Integrative Medicine, 25. https://doi.org/10.1177/2515690x20967323 7. Valerian, common (Valeriana officinalis) essential oil. Aliksir. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://aliksir.com/en/plant-extracts/huiles-essentielles/common-valerian-valeriana-officinalis-essential- oil.html 8. Valeriana officinalis. Valeriana officinalis (All-heal, Garden Heliotrope, Garden Valerian, Valerian) | North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/valeriana-officinalis/ 1 1 2 2 2 2 4 4 4 4 4 2 4 4 4 4 4 4 5 6 2 3 3 3 383

The pink water lily or the hairy water lily (Nymphaea pubescens) is one of the 60 species of water lily found around the world. The genus name of the water lily, Nymphaea, is the Latin word for water lily. The naming was inspired by the nymphs of Greek mythology, minor goddesses of nature and the crafters of nature’s wild beauty. The stems and leaf undersides of the flower are covered in fuzzy little hairs, hence the species name ‘pubescens’ which means ‘downy’ or ‘hairy’. H A B I T A T The water lily holds much cultural significance in South Asia, growing abundantly and lauded for its beauty. It is often used as a symbol representing purity, worship, love, and life. It holds special importance in Bangladesh, where my parents are from. White water lilies or ‘Shada shapla’ in Bengali are the national flower of Bangladesh, and are featured in the national emblem, currency, and in several memorials. According to my mother, the flower’s affinity with water makes it a symbol of life in Bangladesh, while also representing Bangladesh’s abundant rivers and waterways. Nymphaea pubescens has a wide variety of uses, ranging from cultivation to medicine. It is a very popular plant to grow, appreciated for its beautiful leaves and flowers, while also being relatively low maintenance. It is also readily cooked and consumed in several countries, both as food and as medicine. Traditional medicine uses it to treat a variety of illnesses, such as diabetes, diarrhea, dysentery, fevers, hemorrhages, indigestion, and insomnia. In modern medicine, a study found that the flower extracts from the plant inhibited acetylcholinesterase, and acetylcholinesterase inhibitors are used in the treatment of Alzheimer's. In this study, the active compounds that helped with the inhibitory activities were determined to be gallic acid (phenolic) and kaempferol (flavonoid). It also suggested that consuming the edible parts of the plant could help with memory function, which could be very beneficial when incorporated into our lives. In terms of toxicity, all parts of the Nymphaea pubescens are safe to consume, and are quite delicious cooked! These aquatic flowers are large and fragrant, often growing over 10cm, and can be found in white and pink varieties. The leaves vary in size and shape, with soft heartshaped leaves underwater and large lily pads floating above. Oblong fruits mature under the water, growing to around 2-5 cm. The flower is also a night bloomer, preferring to open at night while remaining closed during the day. Native to South and Southeast Asia, plants are commonly found in shallow and slowmoving freshwater lakes and ponds. It can also be found in parts of Australia and Papua New Guinea. These fragrant flowers need full sun and temperatures above 23°C to flourish, and prefer less acidic waters. Pink Water Lily A B O U T A P P E A R A N C E U S E S C U L T U R A L S I G N I F I C A N C E 384

WILLOW TREE Scientific name: Salix babylonica Active compound: Salicin, salicylic acid The genus name of the willow tree "Salix" comes from the latin words sal, meaning "nearby" and "lis, meaning "water". (Kowen, 2019) The willow tree has an important place in the history of medicine and in literature. Historical Perspective This species in the is known to alleviate fevers and pain, toothaches, some menopause symptoms, high blood pressure and high blood pressure. The most therapeutic parts of the tree are the bark, shoots, the flowers and the leaves. Old civilizations used to collect and leave them to dry and either directly eat them or make tea out of these parts. Some of these old civilizations were Babylonians, Summerians (Mesopotamia), Egyptians, the Chinese and the Greeks. For instance, Chinese used the shoots of the tree as a potent antiseptic to treat wounds and for haemmorraghes. (Mahdi, 2006) - Kowen. (2019). A symbol of healing with feminine vitality: The willow. 상징과 모래놀이치료, 10(1). https://doi.org/10.12964/jsst.19003 - Mahdi, J. (2006). The historical analysis of aspirin discovery, its relation to the willow tree and antiproliferative and anticancer potential. Paediatric Anaesthesia., 39(2), 147–155. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2184.2006.00377.x - Salicin Skin Benefits, Compared to Salicylic Acid | Plamed Group. (2021, July 20). Plamed. https://www.plamed.cn/salicin-skin-benefits-compared-to-salicylic-acid/ -Seated Willow-Branch Bodhisattva Avalokiteśvara (Yōryū Kannon bosatsu). (n.d.). Saint Louis Art Museum. Retrieved April 4, 2023, from https://www.slam.org/collection/objects/43232/ - Weeping Willow - Salix Babylonica | Deciduous Trees. (n.d.). Cold Stream Farm. Retrieved April 2, 2023, from https://www.coldstreamfarm.net/product/weeping-willowsalix-babylonica/ -Canva. (2023). Canva. Canva.com; Canva. https://www.canva.com Even though the parts of the tree had been used for centuries at this point, the discovery of the active compound of this tree was in 1800's. The early extracts of the willow tree was found to have high levels of tannin. After further developments in purification techniques, in 1828, Buchner successfully managed to remove the tannins and obtain salicin. Salicin was later on purified into its crystalline form in 1829 by a French pharmacist called Henri Leroux which was used to cure rheumatism. The pure form of salicylic acid from the tree was acquired in 1835 from the purification of salicin. (Mahdi, 2006) Today, this active compound is used to make aspirin. Symbolism of the Willow Tree The willow tree has many symbolic meaning from many different cultures. In Buddhism, the willow represents mercy and compassion, associated with the Goddess of Mercy, Avalokiteśvara, known for her ability to answer to any wish and heal the mankind with the water of immortality. Since the willow tree is found near water, in Buddhism, it is generally associated with life, and water, soothing emotions and induce healing. In Korea, the willow tree is associated with fertility, femininity for it has soft and long features and strength for its ability to flourish near water. (Known, 2019) The painting shown to the left is a Korean piece, depicting Avalokiteśvara holding a willow branch. ZEYNEP DAVUTOGLU 385

The active compound, salicin can be converted into salicylic acid which has many uses such as: Topical gel or wash used to treat acne due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties Treatment of pain and inflammation in the body. Salicylic acid from willow bark is the biological inspiration for acetylsalicylic acid which is the active compound in aspirin Indole-3-Butryic acid can be extracted from white willow bark and used to stimulate plant root growth Salix alba White Willow 01 02 03 04 Active Compounds Uses Toxicity Cultural Significance Geography and Habitat: White Willow bark contains: Salicin - Anti-fungal and anti-bacterial resin that also promotes flowering Indole-3-Butyric acid -Hormone that promotes root growth Tannins Salicin: May cause mild allergic reactions or interfere with other drugs such as NSAIDs. Indole-3-Butyric acid: Toxic if swallowed and may act as an irritant Tannins: May interfere with nutrient absorption, liver damage, and kidney damage.May also cause esophegeal or nasal cancer after long-term exposure 1 White willow has a long history of medicibal uses that date back to ancient civilizations. Ancient Chinese, Egyptians, and Greeks all utilized the bark of White Willow to treat pain, fevers, and inflammation The ancient Chinese viewed White Willow as a symbol of renewal, growth, and immortality Before modern practices, the tannins in White Willow were used to tan leather White Willow is found in wet areas, typically adjacent to large bodies of water. White Willow is native to Europe and Central Asia 1 2 3 4 1 2 7 5 6 3 7 7 3 386

References 1) Vlachojannis, J.; Magora, F.; Chrubasik, S. Willow Species and Aspirin: Different Mechanism of Actions. Phytotherapy Research 2011, 25 (7), 1102–1104. 2) Emsherbals. White willow (Salix alba) bark, cut and sifted, wild harvested.https://emsherbals.com/products/white-willow-salix-alba-bark-cut-and-sifted. 3) Willowbark.https://www1.udel.edu/chem/C465/senior/fall00/HerbalSupplements/Willob ark.html. 4) Salicylic acid topical: Uses, side effects, interactions, pictures, warnings & dosing. https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-18-193/salicylic-acid-topical/salicylic-acidforacne-topical/details. 5) Salicylic Acid Safety Data Sheet Revision Date 09/06/2022 version 6.https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/CA/en/sds/SIAL/105910 6) Indole-3-Butyric Acid Safety Data Sheet - Carlroth.com. https://www.carlroth.com/medias/SDB-4143-IEEN.pdf?context=bWFzdGVyfHNlY3VyaXR5RGF0YXNoZWV0c3wzMTYxMTV8YX BwbGljYXRpb24vcGRmfHNlY3VyaXR5RGF0YXNoZWV0cy9oNzEvaDY4LzkwNzQ zNjA5NDI2MjIucGRmfDMyOWUzN2I2ZDM3Mzg1NDU4Nzc0OWY3YThiNTI1Y24 NjA2NTA2YTU3ZjI0YjM4YTQzZDU2N2E1OTAxMWM2YWY. 7) White Willow–A study. https://themeaningofwater.com/2019/05/03/white-willow-astudy/. 8) Free design tool: Presentations, video, social media | CANVA. (n.d.). Retrieved April 7, 2023, from https://www.canva.com/. Images Cerave salicylic acid cleanser for Rough & Bumpy Skin: Fragrance Free: Walmart Canada. https://www.walmart.ca/en/ip/cerave-salicylic-acid-cleanser-for-rough-bumpy-skinfragrance-free/6000199756542. Government of Canada, C. C. for O. H. and S. How to work safely with - hazardous products using the "Skull and crossbones" pictogram. https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/chemicals/howto/skull.html. Liu Jue Liu Jue is the co-managing editor of The World of Chines; Jue, L. Discover the fascinating symbolism of trees in ancient China. https://www.theworldofchinese.com/2022/03/chinese-trees-and-their-meanings/. R/Europe - the best map of Central/Eastern Europe and parts of Asia that I've ever seen. https://www.reddit.com/r/europe/comments/65b7j9/the_best_map_of_centraleastern_europ e_and_parts/. Salicin. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salicin. White Willow–A study. https://themeaningofwater.com/2019/05/03/white-willow-a-study/. 387

Zhou, James. White willow bark extract salicin 15%-98%. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/white-willow-bark-extract-salicin-15-98-jameszhou?trk=pulse-article_more-articles_related-content-card. 388

α-Thujone Poisonous to many living organisms, associated with killing intestinal worms³ 1,8 Cineole Associated with antiinflammatory properties, as in reducing swelling and pain³ WARNING! FUN FACT! Physical Features Woody plant about 2 meters tall Main stem with smaller branches developing from its sides¹ Stem and bottom surface of leaves covered with trichomes¹ Historical Significance South African tribes often boiled the leaves in water and injected this fluid into children's bowel to treat constipation and kill intestinal worms.² Other uses also include inserting fresh leaves into the nose to clear congestion.² Commonly, the roots, stems, and leaves were dried and crushed to be used in herbal teas to treat fever, loss of appetite, and sooth the body.² These compounds exist in low amounts in the plant, allowing for its medicinal properties. However, concentrated forms can be toxic! A common side-effect is skin irritation.⁴ To date, research is ongoing to see if certain parts of the plant have more healing properties.³ In South Africa, many of the traditional practices continue to be followed.² Around the world, African wormwood has gained popularity as a natural remedy broadly for fevers, digestive issues, and body aches.¹ It often sold as essential oils or in a grounded form. Active Compounds The healing properties of African wormwood come from a variety of compounds, with two major ones being α-thujone and 1,8 cineole.³ Trichomes are small, white, hair-like bristles, which makes the African wormwood plant look faded green. Current Day Uses Exists in liquid form that is extracted from the leaves of the plant.⁶ Dried form is less concentrated and typically contains all plant parts.² Scientifically known as Artemisia afra, it is common throughout South Africa, and can also be found in Eastern and Northern regions.¹ African wormwood grows in damp regions, such as by sides of streams and edges of forests.¹ AFRICAN WORMWOOD Figure 1. Artemisia afra⁵ Figure 2. African wormwood essential oil⁶ Figure 3. African wormwood in a jar⁷ 389