Blogs from Naples, Campania, Italy, Europe - page 2

The use of plants in the treatment of diseases began in prehistoric times. Herbal practices date back to about 3,000 years ago, and have been found in Egyptian papyrus and in Chinese manuscripts. Theophrastus and Dioscorides, were the two most important works created in Ancient Greece. Pliny the Elder and Galen are important works created in Ancient Rome. This Greco-Roman tradition came up to the Middle Ages, when it was integrated with Arabian medicine. During the Renaissance, the knowledge of medicinal plants spread, partly due to the invention of printing and the development of the scientific method. In the nineteenth century, with the development of contemporary medicine, many of the bioactive compounds occurring in plants began to be artificially reproduced in the laboratory. As a result, many preparations of modern synthetic pharmacology derive from plant mol ... read more

ENGLISH NAME : The Artichoke Thistle LATIN NAME : Cynara Cardunculus ITALIAN NAME : Carciofo NICKNAMES : The Cardoon IMPORTANT PARTS OF PLANT : leaves SYMPTOMS TREATED : it reduces cholesterol, it helps with water retention, it increases bile excretion and improves digestive problems ADDITIONAL PROPERTIES : It is a perennial herb with blue to purple flowers. It is a naturally occurring species but it is cultivated in many forms, including as the Globe Artichoke CONTAINS : antioxidants, fibre, vitamins, minerals OTHER INTERESTING INFORMATION : it tastes like a bitter artichoke. It is often served as a simple side dish, or put in a stew or tangine. The stalks are commonly used traditional Christmas meals, such as in Italy, Spain and France. WHERE IT GROWS : Abundantly in the Mediterranean. It is in season from November ... read more

ENGLISH NAME : Elecampane LATIN NAME: Inula Helenium ITALIAN NAME : Enula NICKNAMES : Horse-heal, Heal, Elfdock, Medicinal Elecampane, Horseman's herb STORY BEHIND NAMES: Inula : Comes from the Greek 'Ineo' which means 'I purge', which refers to the plant's medicinal properties Helenium : Greek mythology tells the story of Helen of Troy who wept as she was taken away by Prince Paris. From her tears it is said that the Elfdock plant grew, and the kidnapping triggered the great Trojan wars. The name Hellena was passed on and over time became distorted to 'Helenium.' Elecampane: In Christian beliefs, this plant became a symbol of healing of the soul after having confessed one's sins. This was because Horse-heal's medicinal powers were so effective it was said to mirror God's mercy in the forgiveness of sins. Hence ... read more

The last 3 days in Italy were spent in Naples, with our home base at Hotel Rex. It was another one without an elevator, but the air conditioning was glorious, as was the breakfast and location - practically right on the sea. Our train ride from Rome included a transfer in Caserta, and some major confusion on my part. It was a pretty small station, and the signs above each platform stayed blank with a scrolling message in Italian. After typing out the message in bits and pieces, my translator app told me that from August 8th through August 29th, all trains between 2 stations (I assumed the one I was at was affected since there were no details on the platforms) were suspended and replaced with buses. After attempting to speak with a few employees ... read more

As I watched an armed policeman arrest a four-year-old girl for not having tattoos, a young mother next to me reached into a pram and lit her baby’s cigarette. All around us it seemed like the cast of ‘The Sopranos’ were having a boozy reunion. Naples is certainly a place with ‘character’. Statistically Naples isn’t dangerous but most people like their cities to feel organised. Naples is a warren of tenement blocks, and between them people, scooters, cars, market stalls and bars compete for the same living space. The old town is hive of scruffy, littered, graffitied streets. It’s chaotic, but, if you can get beneath the grimy surface, you can love Naples. Example time! Strolling around we spotted a bar; ‘Antica Cantina Sepe’. It operated out of a tiny shop and on the ... read more