Plants as Fuel

Coal oil and gas are the chief fuels used for heating and cooking. All had their origin in green plants that live on the earth long ages ago. Peat which is formed in the same way as coal was developed in an earlier stage.

Wood continues to be used for heating and cooking in many parts of the world, and it is popular for use in open fire places.Charcoal, a wood product is an important fuel in many countries. Our charcoal from ipil-ipil wood is exported to Japan.

Plants that Provide Shelter

In the Philippines most residential houses are made chiefly of wood from lumber of the timber of forest trees. Typical houses built in farms,barrios and even in large towns or some cities,bamboos and nipa shingles are used. There are houses now made which are processed from the trunks of coconut trees. Some materials from plants which are used in making sheds or nuts are cogon grass,palm leaves and even banana leaves.

Calcium

It is necessary for the development of strong bones and sound teeth, normal blood clotting and prevention of rickets; it regulates activity of muscles and nerves.

A person deficient in calcium has the following symptoms:

1. The growth of a person is stunted.

2. There is defective structure of teeth and bones called rickets in infants and children.

3. There is softening of bones in adults.

4. There is tetany in very low blood calcium.

Vitamin A

It is necessary to new cell growth. It helps fight infection. It is essential for the healthy skin, good blood, strong bones and teeth, kidneys,bladder,lungs and membranes.It seems to help delay senility and extended longevity.

Symptomes of Vitamin A Deficiency:

* Deficiency in Vitamin A,could be noted in skin and eyes of a person beside retarding his growth and giving him low resistance to diseases.

* A person deficient in Vitamin A,could be detected through the dryness of his skin,scaly skin,and the pre-mature wrinkling of the skin.

* Deficiency of Vitamin A,affects the eyes of a person in the following ways:

a.Inability to see in dim light

b.Eyes sensitive to bright light

c.Severe blindness deficiency

Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)

*It is vital to collagen formation, the connective substances in all cells.

*It fights toxic effects of smoke and pollution.

*It helps in healing in production of red blood cells,preventing hemorrhaging in fighting bacterial infections and regulating cholesterol.

*Its need id increased by physical stress.

The following symptoms characterize deficiency in Vitamin C:

* In case of a baby- the baby refuses to move an d cries when lifted in severe deficiency,blood comes out from the ear, mouth and stomach.

* An adult person shows loss of weight and anemic. A woman develops black patches before and after menstruation and feels general weakness.

Plant Substances for Relief

For Coughs

* Kamias - infusion in the solution formed by pouring 1boiling water in a container were the kamias leaves are placed. The container is then covered and left for ten minutes or more. The solution formed is then strained and used immediately. The solution which is drank like tea may be flavored with sugar or honey.

* Malunggay - Decoction is the solution formed by boiling the leaves of malunggay in water. The solution is strained and cooled before using.

* Mango - Tea made out of mango leaves.

Tobacco (Nicotania tabacum)

Secure several pieces of green tobacco leaves.Pound them.Squeeze to produce the juice.Place juice in a container.Apply the juice on the boil followed by the pounded leaf.Cover with a piece of clean cloth to hold the pounded tobacco leaf.The boil softens and breaks in a few days.

Once you stop using tobacco products, your blood pressure, pulse rate and skin temperature will return to normal within 20 minutes. Within eight hours, high levels of carbon monoxide in your blood will return to normal and, within a few weeks, your circulation will improve, your sense of taste and smell will improve, and you will have fewer colds and more energy.

Smokeless tobacco is not a harmless alternative to smoking. It is just as hazardous to your health as cigarettes. Protect your health; avoid all tobacco products.
The risk of developing lung cancer is 10 times greater for smokers than for non- smokers. Also, breathing second-hand smoke (someone else’s smoke) can be as dangerous as smoking.