Garden therapy and orthotherapy

GARDEN THERAPY

ORTHOTHERAPY HERBS

Plants and flowers

A panacea for the mind and body


Whenever we feel lacking in energy and we happen to take a walk in a park in contact with plants and flowers, we go out regenerated without knowing why. In parks or gardens we are surrounded by flowers and plants so we are in contact with nature and this leads us to relax, to reflect. We feel well-being and this is because plants and flowers, with their mere presence, influence our moods and in some cases also have an excellent effect on our health. For example, the Rose and the Laurel strengthen the immune system, the Magnolia and the Linden induce peace, the Holly stimulates meditation, the Jacaranda facilitates resolve and determination in pursuing projects without distractions or dispersion of energy, giving concentration, clarity. , decision, mental speed, direction, Myrtle stimulates the digestive system. Garden therapy and horticulture are rapidly spreading all over the world and can also be practiced on the balcony of the house, where once you have discovered the characteristics of plants, flowers and their benefits on our health, you can choose what to plant based on to your needs. Furthermore, cultivating plants and flowers, for those who have never done it before, increases self-esteem as we take care of something whose growth depends entirely on us while increasing our sense of responsibility. At Villa Semperunagioia we practice Garden Therapy and Orthotherapy inspired by the clinical and therapeutic experiences taking place in hospitals and nursing homes. However, we obviously do it at a basic level, addressing ourselves not to full-blown patients, but to healthy people who feel the need, through these practices, to find moments of relaxation, tranquility and serenity. Applied in this way, these practices are useful to all those who want to engage in the prevention of diseases, as well as to people who have already emerged from an illness who want to face a targeted convalescence suited to their physical and psychological conditions.

One of the household chores we all have to dispose of is definitely grocery shopping. Often this commitment sees us in the supermarkets somewhat harried by time issues to choose products that we then pile into the bags that we laboriously carry home. To partially avoid this burden, eat fresh, wholesome produce and at the same time try our hand at fun new experiments, we can try growing some produce right at home. One example is Potatoes, the cultivation of which is possible throughout the year, but especially between late winter and early spring. They can be easily grown in a bin, in a bag or in a pot. 

In the former case, you need to take a garbage can of about 50 liters and poke holes in the base to prevent mold and mildew and promote water drainage. Now fill it about ¼ full with fertile potting soil, where you will need to place, spacing them out, sprouted potatoes cut in half widthwise and buds facing upward. Finally place the bin in a sunny spot, remembering to water frequently, but without overdoing the amount of water: the potting soil should always be moist. When you see the first sprouts appear, remember to cover them with another layer of potting soil. Slowly deep green seedlings will grow, and after about three months, when the leaves and stems have changed from green to yellow it will mean that the potatoes are ready. 

For growing Potatoes in a burlap sack you need to get one of about 10 liters, pierce it at the base for water drainage and fill it with some potting soil. Then arrange, spacing them apart, some sprouted potatoes cut into large pieces and cover them with another layer of potting soil. Again place the bag in a sunny spot, since light stimulates germination, water frequently to ensure the right amount of moisture for the potting soil, and after about 60 days, when the seedlings turn from deep green to yellow and the leaves are dry or wilted, the game is over. The best time to grow Potatoes using the burlap sack technique is from late March to late May. 

The last method considered is to grow Potatoes in the pot. 

We need to take a pot of about 50 liters and maximum 30 cm deep and use the usual technique, that is, fill it ¼ full of potting soil, bury some sprouted potatoes cut into pieces, of course with the sprouts facing upward, making sure to space them well apart. Again, the first leaflets will need to be covered with another layer of potting soil, you will need to water frequently to ensure the right degree of moisture, and at some point green seedlings will appear with white and pinkish flowers that are very pleasing to the eye. When, after 2 to 3 months, they will change color and will have turned from green to yellow, it will mean that our potatoes are ripe. All we will have to do is dig up our tubers, leave them in the sun a little bit to remove their moisture, and then they will be ready to be eaten. We consider the "home" cultivation of Potatoes to be an Sempreunagioia® activity because it allows us to try our hand at something unusual, peculiar, fun and that in the end gives us tasty healthy products to be consumed in the kitchen in a variety of ways.

What do you say? Have we tickled your resourcefulness?

Good luck!

Cinzia & Sergio

Sage (Salvia officinalis) is a plant of the Laminaceae family. It is a small evergreen shrub with quadrangular section branches, which can live spontaneously for over 15 years and in cultivation for 5 to 7 years. A peculiar plant of southern Europe, it grows in Italy in central-southern areas and in the islands. While it is cultivated both in the submontane hills and in the plains. Its name "Salvia" derives from the Latin salvus, that is, except and is indicative; in fact this plant has numerous diuretic, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. It has an estrogenic action that regulates the menstrual cycle, even in the case of amenorrhea and dysmenorrhea, reduces hot flashes and menopause disorders. It is a natural antispasmodic (relaxant) very useful in case of spasms of the digestive system, in case of irritable bowel. It treats fever, cough, cold as it has antiseptic and balsamic properties. It is also a valuable aid to combat water retention, headaches and rheumatism. It turns out to be an excellent ally in fighting diabetes as it lowers the blood sugar level. The infusion is obtained from the sage. Simply put a level spoonful of sage leaves in a saucepan with boiling water. Leave them to infuse for 5 minutes, filter and then you can drink them. Unfortunately, we must be careful because the leaves contain an essential oil that has an epileptic and toxic action for the nervous system even in small doses. It must therefore be used with caution and only for external use.

Symbol of femininity par excellence, Jasmine, real name Jasminum officinale, is a plant from the Middle East and South America, it blooms in late May-early June. It belongs to the Oleaceae family and can reach up to four meters in height. The flowers are composed of four / five petals of light pink or white or yellow color. An essential oil is obtained from Jasmine which is used to combat depressive states and anxiety. It facilitates sleep and relieves menstrual pains. From its flowers, soaps and anti-wrinkle creams are produced. It has healing properties, fights pimples and acne. It also has antiseptic and antibacterial properties, sedative in case of cough and cold can dissolve mucus. The jasmine infusion is excellent. It is prepared by infusing a couple of teaspoons of fresh or dried flower petals in a cup of hot water for four or five minutes. After filtering it, add honey or lemon to taste. Jasmine herbal tea is not suitable for pregnant women as there is a risk that it will increase contractions. There are three legends about the origin of Jasmine. The first narrates that the mother of all stars, Kitza, was preparing the golden robes for her children. A group of little stars, did not appreciate their clothes and began to complain making a bit of noise. The King of Spaces, Micar, entered the palace and, once he understood the situation, was furious. He chased them out of the firmament, tore off their clothes and threw them like pebbles in the mud of the earth. Kitza became inconsolable so the Lady of the Bersto Gardens, pitying, decided to help her. He removed the stars from the mud and transformed them into fragrant flowers. The second legend tells of a young gardener who stole a Jasmine plant from the garden of Cosimo I De Medici (the first to cultivate it in Italy, but opposed to its spread outside the Grand Ducal gardens) to give it to his girlfriend. She planted it and took care of it with such love that the plant grew and made many flowers with a very intense perfume. The two married and lived happily, so tradition has it that in Tuscany, every bride's bouquet includes a sprig of Jasmine as a lucky charm. The third legend is linked to Jasmine, a young Arab nomad who always covered her face to protect it from the sun's rays. One day she married a prince from a distant country and one day in the harem Jasmine discovered her face in the sun which, struck by her beauty, transformed her into a Jasmine, a plant that needs a lot of light for its vegetation.

In Greek its name is made up of two words, òros which means mountain and ganàos which means splendor. There are two legends that tell about its origin: the first is that this plant was cultivated in abundance by Aphrodite in her gardens at the foot of Mount Olympus, and the second tells the story of Amaraco, a prince of the island of Cyprus, creator of delight of perfumes. One day he managed to create the perfect perfume, but the ampoule that contained it broke and the prince died of regret. The gods took pity and decided to transform it into a plant that had the best perfume in the universe. We are talking about the oregano (Origanum vulgare) perennial herbaceous plant which in the spontaneous state is a mountain plant. It needs a temperate climate and the heat of the sun in order to have optimal growth. Its leaves are oval, opposite, whole while the pink flowers create apical inflorescences with a compound corymb and contain an essential oil that is precious for our health. Thanks to the presence of vitamins A and C and beta-caryophyllene (terpene), Oregano is a remarkable natural anti-inflammatory very useful for treating sore throats, gastro-digestive disorders and the whole organism. It is immunostimulating, therefore it stimulates our metabolism, providing the body with protection against various infections. It has aperitif properties, that is, it facilitates digestion by stimulating salivary and gastric secretions. Oregano contains omega 3 fatty acids that give it antioxidant properties because it fights free radicals (molecules) that damage our body. Toccasana for the respiratory tract thanks to carvacrol and other flavonoids helps prevent asthma attacks, improves liver functioning by promoting good secretion of gastric juices. Excellent ally in case of meteorism, gastrointestinal disorders. Oregano can be used in various ways: as a decoction (boil 1 teaspoon of dried oregano for 3 minutes to combat nervous tension); as an infusion (1 teaspoon of dried herb for a cup of boiling water is indicated for colds, headaches, gastrointestinal disorders, fights dandruff), as a poultice (heat the oregano leaves in case of a stiff neck); to gargle (decoction of oregano flowers purify the mouth and throat), to make fumigations and inhalations (sedative for cough and elimination of phlegm), in bath water or foot baths (deodorant and relaxing action), in the field cosmetic (gives elasticity to the skin and fights cellulite). Essential oil is an antiseptic that fights skin fungi (in particular athlete's foot) but is also an emmenagogue (promotes menstruation) therefore not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women. Excellent seasoning in our dishes, it is not recommended for people suffering from gastroesophageal reflux. A curiosity: it acts as a natural repellent against ants.
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