Category Nature

Direction —-> the natural pools at the Aïtone Forest

November 7, 2016, Posted in  Nature | Comments: 0

                                                                            Piscine naturelle d'Atone CORSE               
 
 
Far from the coast and its beaches, direction the natural pools of Aïtone situated in the eponymous forest. Spreading out to no less than 4000 hectares, the Aïtone forest literally plunges you into the heart of the Corsican countryside – between chestnut groves, beeches and also laricio pines (known to be the most beautiful from the ‘Island of Beauty’). Furthermore, it is not impossible to meet up with cows, or even wild pigs in complete freedom ! You may also have the possibility of coming across the Corsican nuthatch, a small bird generally perched on the laricio pine trees.
Now, to reach the natural pools, two solutions are possible:
– either by the chestnut trail from the village of Evisa
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Lime Tea – ‘U Tigliolu’ as a medicinal plant

November 2, 2016, Posted in  Nature | Comments: 0

corsica-guide-le-tilleulVery easy to find, the linden tree grows just about everywhere, many of us already use the flowers regularly as an infusion. And although this is quite a common choice, I think it’s necessary to remind just how useful it can be – i.e. for fevers, chills and insomnia.
 
For internal use as a decoction:
2g of dried flowers with around 300ml of water (really depending on the size of your cup too), but those of you who are used to drinking infusions, will obviously know just how much you should use. Bring cold water and flowers to the boil, and continue to boil for around 10m – filter if necessary. Drink several infusions per day.
 
 
 
Source: Corsica Guide © 
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The Fig Tree ‘Fica’ as a medicinal plant

October 28, 2016, Posted in  Nature | Comments: 0

corsica-guide-fica-figuierBoth the fruit and the leaves have digestive and draining properties.

Also known for their anti-inflammatory, emollient, expectorant and soothing characteristics. Used for respiratory congestion, coughs, gastritis and digestive disorders – the leaves possess anti diabetic virtues.
 
Use :
As a decoction against the blockage of airways:
macerate 80g-100g in 1L of boiling water for 20min. Strain, and drink throughout the day until you see the symptoms improving.
Against coughs as a gargle: idem, with two gargles per day until symptoms have greatly improved.
 
 
Source: Corsica Guide ©
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Direction —> Lakes Melo and Capitello

October 17, 2016, Posted in  Nature | Comments: 0

lake-melo-capitello-muntagne-corseSo, how does one arrive there ?

It is indeed in the heart of the island that these two lakes are nested. We start off by taking the direction to Corte, then through the valley of the Restonica for around 15k, arriving near the shepherds huts at Grotelle – at this point, it’s time to start climbing.

In order to reach Lake Melo, you need to count around 1h, and it’s an easy walk too.

After passing by the old shepherd hut at Melo, there are two choices for you to take; to your left is flatter and easier, but also a little longer. If you choose to the right, it’ll be shorter but requires more endurance (ladder and rope), the view here being very pretty...

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Wild garlic ‘Agliu salvaticu’ as a medicinal plant

September 23, 2016, Posted in  Nature | Comments: 0

corsica-guide-ail-des-ours

Another medicinal plant to add to our collection (which is growing constantly). Notice how pretty they all are too.

Wild garlic belongs to the family of alliaceous plants. Found usually in shaded and moist areas. The bulbs and the more aery parts are used. Possessing properties that resemble those of the common garlic, it lowers blood pressure and prevents arteriosclerosis, relieves stomach aches and facilitates digestion in general. It is also used to treat diarrhoea, colics due to indigestion and even stimulates the appetite. Along with all the above, it is also used as a vermifuge. Garlic purifies and removes toxins from our body, and has a very positive effect on circulation.

When used as a spice: the leaves are finely cut and added to soups, sauces and salads.
When used as a tincture...
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