Category Nature

With tenacity, grace and character, the branches of the olive tree spread naturally

May 17, 2017, Posted in  Nature | Comments: 0

With an ideal climate for growth, olive trees have grown here in Corsica for thousands of years, already present in the Middle Ages, and were very much part of the original flora of the island, where picking wild olives was a regular tradition – a variety range consisting of Sabina, Biancaghja, Capannace, and Curtinese to mention but a few, also covering the whole region. With minimal requirements, olive trees can grow on rugged, dry, flat or even hilly land – ideal with the high temperatures this island can reach over the summer months, and with the lack of frost, the fruit fully ripens and matures on the trees, enabling a smooth delicious taste.

An extensive program of national replanting saw the day in 1956, resulting from an important freeze that had taken place, and in more recent tim...

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Girolata – a natural sanctuary

May 9, 2017, Posted in  Nature | Comments: 0

A world within its own, where nature settles and modestly/humbly dominates the exquisite surroundings, spreading her contagious cloak of natural shades. Unspoilt and protected, accessible usually by sea, but there is a path leading there, with around a four hour walk involved, either from the La Croix pass or the GR Mare e Monti. However, the boat trip is quite enjoyable, and a novelty in some ways, leaving from several towns: Ajaccio, Porto, Calvi, Galéria, Sagone Gulf and Cargèse. Girolata, which is a small village, belongs to the Osani municipality, and is registered with UNESCO world heritage, and around 30km from Porto.

And yes, visited of course...

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A few words on: The Corsican Donkey

April 5, 2017, Posted in  Nature | Comments: 0

augustin-chiodetti-corsican-donkey
 
Origin:
Their origin dates back several centuries, when they were already very present on the island. At that time, they were of remarkable assistance: pack-saddled, harnessed or ridden, in the stone quarries for agricultural work in very steep places, in order to connect distant hamlets, or going to separate agricultural farms.
Also used for the production of male/female mules.
 
 
Character:
Obedient, courageous, enduring and very resistant with safe feet, capable of climbing up and down very steep slopes.
 
 
Morphology:
Up to the 18th century, they didn’t exceed 90c at the withers, and the coat was grayish – then, they grew thanks to the Catalan donkey, and the coat became black.
Today, two types can be found:
– the pure Corsican, light grey with 1.17m at the withers
– black, descen...
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Mint – as a medicinal plant

March 22, 2017, Posted in  Nature | Comments: 0

We all know it, as it is very common – but, how much do we really know about mint ?
Mint has anti-oxidant properties that would reduce the arrival of cardiovascular diseases. Well known for assisting digestion, relieving nausea and pain, treating respiratory infections, gastroenteritis and eczema – also relieving gastrointestinal and biliary spasms or flatulence.
 
Internal use:
5-8g / 1L boiling water
(a pinch per cup, 1 cup morning + evening)
 
External use:
Mint calms. Applied as a poultice on a congested/engorged breast, with wheat flour. The infusion can be used for ulcers, and bruises – it is very effective against scabies. Balsam oil was very popular in the past (obtained by the maceration of the tips of the mint leaves in olive oil, for a month), and applied on wounds.
 
 
Source: ...
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‘U Cardu’ Milk Thistle as a medicinal plant

March 8, 2017, Posted in  Nature | Comments: 0

‘Silybum Marianum’, otherwise known as ‘Milk Thistle’ belongs to the Asteraceae (or Compositae) family. Easily recognisable by the bright marbled pale green and prickly leaves. This plant particularly likes dry and sunny places, often with an acid soil – very common in the Mediterranean area. The whole plant can be used. It protects the liver, and stimulates bile secretion. Hepatitis and jaundice can also be treated by the milk thistle, and it is often prescribed as a tonic.
Very effective in the following cases:
– internal and external haemorrhages, hypotension, hepatic insufficiency, asthma, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, and hay fever.
 
As an infusion:
– 1 tablespoon for 1/4L boiling water – 1 cup before each meal, for 15 days in order to help the liver
 
Milk thistle wine:
– 30g root an...
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