From the origin of a flower's name to its distinctive characteristics and rich mythology, flowers are infused with symbolism and meaning. Our Flower Meaning Guide is designed to unravel these hidden mysteries, uncover these floral gems and open you up to a whole new language - the language of flowers.

The goodness and healing properties of herbal plants were explored by people since ages. The study of herbal medicinal plants, known as Ayurveda was practiced in India. Use of plants for medication and treatment dates back to the Vedic period. Today, implementation of traditional methods to treat body ailments has become a profession. This has further boosted its commercial production and the rate of consumption has considerably increased.

Cranesbill contains tannins which are astringent and provide antiseptic and anti-inflammatory benefits because these tannins are able to cause proteins to lose their tertiary structure and secondary structure. They have anti-diarrhoeal effects, can form a protective layer over mucosa and skin and thereby they have a vasoconstricting effect on smaller vessels, which produces a loss of fluid in the skin.

Now, you know that it is a popular herb and the roots of this plants are mainly used for medicinal purposes. In Sanskrit, ashwagandha means the smell of horse, as the roots of this plant have a pungent smell. The Latin meaning of 'somnifera' is 'sleep inducing' and this indicates the sedative properties of this herb. The properties of this herb have been compared to ginseng and, in fact, this herb is also referred to as the Indian ginseng. Even though, the stems and leaves of this plant are also said to have medicinal properties, it is the roots that are widely used for health purposes. This herb is available in the form of extracts, capsules, teas and tinctures.

Houston Farmers Market in the Heights and Bayou City Farmers Market at 3000 Richmond are both featuring fresh herbs this Saturday. Both markets are open from 8 a.m. until noon.

Oil and kale hit the saut on medium high, followed a few seconds later by the garlic, carrot and apple. Add vermouth and sear off the alcohol, season and sweeten. Cook for only a minute or 2, or until the carrots and apple has slightly softened.

The word Cajun began in 19th century Acadie (now Nova Scotia) when the Acadians began to arrive. The French of noble ancestry would say, "les Acadiens", while some referred to the Acadians as, "le 'Cadiens", dropping the "A". Later came the Americans who could not pronounce "Acadien" or "'Cadien", so the word, "Cajun" was born.

Manayupa