by Arshdeep Kaur Longia | Aug 17, 2021 | Student's Column
Hello there, I am Peepal (the sacred fig). I would like to show you a picture of mine.
How was it? Adorable, right? I flourish in mother nature’s lap. She keeps me alive and makes me able to let you breathe the purest air.
Now, here’s another picture of mine.
😔I feel sad looking at myself like this. What inference did you draw from it?
Does this place look like a worshipping spot?
Why am I left unattended when I equally and constantly serve humanity?
I am said to be worshipped in this way. Do you know why I am worshipped? Trimurti resides in me; Brahma the roots, Vishnu the trunk and Shiva the leaves. Visnu was born under me and Buddha attained enlightenment under me. But, this is the wrong way of doing it.
Let me take you to the topic of discussion.
What is worship?
To show a strong feeling of admiration, respect or love for a God. But in today’s society modern worship has made its place like worshipping celebrities, cricket teams, etc.
Worshipping Nature
In a recent blog of ’15 Sacred Trees Native to India’, we mentioned the reason for worshipping trees and their importance. We hope you all gave it a read. Ancient scriptures do mention the worship of trees but in a decent manner.
It’s not something new about the fact that people in India worship trees. But have you ever seen them polluting the same?
Leaving the pooja articles, packets, polythenes and flowers scattered leaves a bad impression on the viewers. This all compiles up into waste. A bad lesson for children to take away. We place photographs of our gods around it and sometimes some idols also. But these are left behind unattended due to many reasons. This is called disrespect. The packets left behind fly away which come under the feet. Stray animals rest there which makes the place look more dirty.
Moreover, food is also offered as prasad to the trees which is many times left as it is. The food is also getting disrespected. We don’t even notice that the smallest of the waste thrown piles up and it begins to look like a junkyard. It’s too late when we realize that.
Our elders taught us how to worship but never told us to pollute the worshipping place. We misinterpreted what was told. There is a specific way for puja which avoids harming the environment and we all know it how.
Type in your views in the comment box below.
by Arshdeep Kaur Longia | Jun 18, 2021 | Gardening
Special days, special memories. We all wish to make our special days last forever. Is there any special way to do it?
People tend to celebrate occasions through parties, vacations and some through social work like donating blankets, clothes and blood. I have one of my close friends donating blankets and grocery items to streetside beggars and blind homes and even donating blood on their birthday every year. This is indeed a good practice to make each birthday more meaningful.
But, is there any more creative way that can benefit us as well as our upcoming generations? Is there any way of saying thanks to nature or showing gratitude for providing us with such incredible life resources? Is it possible to involve our surroundings in our celebrations?
So many questions but the answer lies with the colour green. Give it a thought, while we provide you with a new gifting idea.
Giving An Opportunity To Plants
From birthdays to anniversaries, we always fall short of gifting options. Indeed, we all have so much to choose from.
We bet you must not have ever thought of gifting plants to your loved ones on special occasions. You read that right, plants can be the best and memorable gifts to someone. It is surely an out of the box idea. The materialistic gifts start depreciating with time whereas plants become our companions and stay for a longer period if taken care of properly and sometimes these even become a legacy.
There are numerous and uncountable varieties of plants to choose from and so are their benefits. One plant can give birth to several plants. Let us help you scroll through the reasons for the same.
Gift A Plant
1. Pleasure & Prevention:
Gifting someone a living plant means you are handing them the responsibility of taking care and keeping it alive. The person receives immense pleasure when it grows out to be a healthy plant. Growing something enhances self-esteem and boosts confidence.
Also, living plants restrict the occurrence of Sick Building Syndrome (SBS), a very common issue nowadays. Its symptoms include anxiety, headache, dizziness, and lack of concentration. Place one on your child’s table.
2. Gift a plant For mental wellness:
In this time of stress and anxiety, people often don’t find emotional balance. We know there is no guidebook on how to manage stress and also be productive at the same time. Greenery is said to reduce stress and make one more productive. We can ensure that the person can function with a clear head by giving them plants that enhance the mood and lower down the stress level. The presence of a plant in the room or at the desk can help considerably in making the air fresher.
Caring for plants like watering them, fertilizing and watching them bloom is one of the great pleasures. It makes you feel alive and psychologically healthy. The satisfaction achieved from watching your plants grow ultimately leads to happiness and elation.
3. Feng Shui :
Every plant has its Feng Shui energy which invites positive vibes to the place. The colour green is said to be associated with healing. So, gifting plant heals your near and dear ones.
- Peace lily
- Lucky bamboo
- Boston fern
- Areca palm
- Jade
- Golden Pothos (money plant)
- Snake plant
- Rubber plant
- Orchid
- Citrus trees
4. Aesthetic Value:
While gifting a plant to your loved ones you will add a lot of aesthetics to their lives. Plants add a lot of vitality and brightness to the surroundings and lots of layers in the décor as well. They definitely add up to the aesthetic value of the place, be it the garden, indoors, balcony or office. Gift a plant to beautify someone’s place.
5. Value for Life:
Gifting a plant is very beneficial for human beings and could be a great nutriment to the other species. As we know many insects like bees, butterflies, and beetles etc survive on flowers and plants. So be a contributor for some little lives.
6. Air purifiers
The most important value of some plants is that they purify air. NASA recommended air purifier plants not only produce oxygen but also remove volatile pollutants like benzene, formaldehyde and xylene, thus reducing the carbon footprint of a place. Adding this small practice of gifting plants to others will be a great initiative to boost this chain of creating a purified and clean environment around us.
Find out more: https://parijaigenus.com/radiation-free-homes-and-offices-10-indoor-plants/
Here are some plants:
- Peace lily
- Aloe vera
- Pothos plant
- Spider plant
- English ivy
- Bamboo palm
- Sansevieria
- Red-edged dracaena
- Aglaonema
7. Gift a plant to give a push to the economy
Sounds strange? But let me tell you in one sentence ‘The more we make the environment green, the purer air we will inhale, the more fresh air we get, the more we become healthy and so goes on with our country’s growth’. We need to be healthy for productivity and creativity and these factors are directly involved in improving the country’s economy.
Karamveer Singh from Longowal planted a sapling on his 23rd birthday
8. Gift a plant without any reason
Not only for gifting, saplings can be planted on a special occasion. Like planting a tree on your birthday, anniversary, on a success celebration etc.
Moreover, planting a tree gives shade and fruit at a later stage. Give a thought and list all that we borrow from our nature. So, “Gift A Plant, Gift A Life”.
9. Gift a plant to yourself on a occasion
Planting a “Triveni” is the best gift one can gift to themselves on a birthday or special occasions to make it more memorable. Plant atleast 1 tree in your lifetime to give back to mother nature.
Is it not our responsibility to maintain and spread the positive and clean the negative?Here, you need to ponder a lot.
The Bottom line: Gift a plant on every occasion.
We are definitely sure that now there exist enough reasons for gifting a plant. Go give it a try and share your experiences with us in the chat box and also if you have more reasons besides the ones mentioned above, do share those also.
Every Corner Needs A Plant
by Arshdeep Kaur Longia | May 2, 2021 | Gardening
Looks of Spider Plant
Spider plant, also known by the names, spider ivy and ribbon plant, is an easy to grow houseplant.
Its long and narrow leaves can reach a length measuring upto 20-45 cm and approx. 6-25 millimeters.
These are perennial plants with indefinite life span, which also end up out living their owners, provided these are nurtured properly. Thanks to their longevity, they end up becoming the legacy.
Spider Plant Uses
- The NASA Clean Air Study claimed that spider plant is an effective air purifier and helps eliminate air toxins like xylene (Sources- petroleum, coal tar, smoke) and formaldehyde (Sources- paints, coatings, glues, permanent press fabric, pesticides, fertilizers). Thus, reducing indoor pollution.
- The plant finds its use in various traditional medicines. Its tubular roots are consumed to treat bronchitis, bone fractures and burns. Its leaves are consumed in kenya.
- It can be used as an indoor plant not only because it purifies air but also it enhances the indoor beauty due to its decorative value.
- Spider plants can also be planted in gardens as well as in hanging pots at a partially shady place. It spreads beautifully on the ground and works as a cover to prevent soil erosion .
Care
Plants love well drained soil so does the spider plant. The fully grown plants can tolerate drought for a while as well but not for very long.
The most suitable temperature for its good development is 18-32 degree Celsius. It cannot withstand frost.
Plants prefer the soil to dry between waterings to avoid root rot, so does the spider plant. Excess watering can produce brown leaf tips, which can also be due to buildup of chemicals present in water. You may use filtered water in that case. Water stress can also arise due to insufficient watering.
Belonging to the tropical rainforest, spider plants prefer humidity which keeps brown tips at bay. So, you can also place it in a bright bathroom of yours.
These require partly shaded sites and if grown indoors they love highly bright spots. Forbid direct sunlight to prevent scorching of leaves and enhance the striping on the leaves.
The fertilizing task can be done in summer and spring twice a month. Plant growth is slow in winter and autumn so fertilizer doesn’t find the need. Over-fertilization should be avoided to prevent brown leaf tips.
This task requires the plantlets of the plant. These are the miniature replica of the spider plant. So, these are easy to propagate.
Though the spider plants do not require repotting often but the task should be done in spring which is considered as an ideal time. If the roots start peeping out of the soil, then it’s time for some action.
Pests
These plants are hardy when it comes to pest attack. But yes, they are susceptible to some infestations, like spider mites, aphids, mealy bugs and whitefield may damage the plant. The plant can be saved using an insecticide mixed with vinegar if it worsens, otherwise, misting it with water will do the job. Spraying neem water on any plant can help save plants from bugs.
So, what are you waiting for? Hurry up and clean your indoor air with this NASA approved air purifier and give a pure breathing experience to your family.
Every Corner Needs A Plant
by Arshdeep Kaur Longia | Apr 13, 2021 | Health and Immunity
Air On Sale! Shocked?? You heard that right.
Once upon a time, there was an era, when Mother Earth, was respected & worshiped as “Dharti Maa”, who nurtured us like her children. Supreme health is what people enjoyed earlier with nature’s boons. But soon, some smart and intelligent humans began exploiting our resourceful Earth. Their exploitative power and dominance lead to greed. Food, water, air, and shelter started diminishing and their distribution is now imbalanced and unequal.
We are currently struggling to live in a world, which has everything ready to be sold. From canned foods, to ready to use curries or gravies, to dehydrated food products. Food is so expensive and not worth the value and nutrition that used to be earlier in the world today. Why have we made a ready-made world? Because no one has the so-called “Time” to invest. We are paving the way for health hazards by consuming these products.
Food and water have been sold for many years. The packaged drinking water quenches thirst while on the run so well. But have you ever stopped and thought that you actually “paid for drinking water”. The element that nature provides us unconditionally and free of cost.
Air Arrested!
Surprisingly, now air with different aromas also has a price tag. The air was the only thing that was available free to us. But now even that seems a luxury.
How can a necessity be a luxury?
Our planet has life because of air, water, and food. Firstly, we polluted the natural, clean and fresh air and then we invented air purifiers. We have polluted our environment by means of industrialization and now finding an alternative to escape its hazardous effects.
The means of our survival-air is now on “SALE“.
How much are you ready to spend to inhale some fresh air?
Have a look at how air is being sold in China.
We are not saving the Earth for generations to come. We are being selfish in the now, not thinking of our future generations.
Why don’t we think of giving a better environment by planting trees? Is doing that too difficult?
It can save us from the cost of buying air purifiers and bottled air in the ages to come. Don’t you agree?
Health nowadays is the major concern more than a career. We should give a thought to whether there are enough resources left for the newborns to survive, as ‘survival‘ is now a challenge. We all are sitting on a ticking time bomb. The choice is ours, whether to stop this timer and survive or let it explode to destroy this amazing life. We still have time before it’s already too late and impossible to reverse the damage. Together we can put an end to this business of selling air. We cannot spend the rest of our life with masks on because trees are the solution and saviours, not masks and bottled air.
Start the initiative from your own place. ‘Vertical gardens’ or ‘green walls’ are a solution to less horizontal space. The living greens in the wall will help reduce the carbon footprint around your place and maintain the internal temperature.
GET A QUOTE
Lend A Hand To Release Air
Let’s give Earth its original wealth and prosperity back and make our lives a little easier, healthier, and happier. Question yourself, how many trees are required for breathing fresh and cleaning the polluted air? Analyse, introspect and do your part, contribute to Mother Nature what you took away from it. Don’t wait for anyone else to start, you be the initiator.
“Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam“- the whole world is one family. Let us make it feel like a home to everyone and even the animals. Animals, both wild and domesticated they cannot buy air.
So, are you ready to step ahead? Do share your valuable views in the comment box.
Edited by- Ms. Seema Sheriff (Relationship coach and content writer by passion)
by Arshdeep Kaur Longia | Mar 29, 2021 | Health and Immunity
I am back with the rest of the sacred trees which I promised you in my last blog of
“15 Sacred Trees Native to India“.
Sorry for keeping you waiting. Go on now, give a read to all the trees left and add the knowledge to your hat.
List of Sacred Trees:
8. Banana (Musa acuminata)
Banana tree symbolizes Lord Vishnu and its fruit is offered to Goddess Lakshmi and Vishnu for a prosperous life. Conforming to ancient scriptures, the tree is regarded as Devaguru or planet Jupiter. As a matter of fact, banana is the only plant whose leaves, flower, fruit and stem have medicinal properties. Its leaves represent regeneration and growth and are tied to pillars, hung at the entrance to mark an auspicious occasion. They are also used as plates to serve food or prasad.
BENEFITS:
Banana peel
- The unripe banana peel has more antioxidants than a ripe banana which is due to the presence of ‘phenolics’.
- The ‘lutein’ present in the peel reduces oxidative stress and neutralizes free radicals in the body.
- Extracts of banana peel have anti-inflammatory properties. It is also enriched with bioactive compounds such as carotenoids and polyphenols.
- According to a 2015 study, banana peels have shown antimicrobial activity against P. gingivalis , the gingivitis causing bacteria .
- Peels can be added to soil to increase fertility.
Banana fruit
- Bananas are a rich source of vitamin B6 and manganese.
- The fruit is rich in iron, thus helpful for anaemic people.
- Keeps in check high blood pressure.
- It is Known as the brain tonic as it is rich in potassium and also maintains heart health.
- It helps neutralize acid in the stomach and provides relief from ulcers and improves digestive health.
Banana stem
- Heals gastric issues
- Aids in weight loss
- Detoxifies and improves digestion
Banana flower
- Supports menstrual wellness
- Controls diabetes
- Keeps infections at an arm’s length
- Prevents cancer and heart diseases
- Has anti-ageing power
- Its leaves and trunk are used to serve food and as welcoming gates respectively.
9. Sandalwood (Santalum album)
Sandalwood is widely used to manufacture perfumes and is also considered to be a holy and sacred tree. The wood is made into a paste which is considered pure and then used in worshipping Lord Shiva and Vishnu. This paste is used to decorate icons of deities and calm the mind during the prayer. It is distributed to devotees for applying on their forehead. It is also heard that Goddess Lakshmi lives in the sandalwood tree. Sandalwood oil has a soft, warm and precious-wood scent.
Sandalwood oil has been used with other therapies to manage:
- common cold
- urinary tract infections
- liver and gallbladder problems
- manage anxiety
- support wound healing
- guard against skin cancer
- fight bacteria
- digestive problems
- muscle problems
- hemorrhoids
- scabies
10. Parijaat tree, Kintoor (Nyctanthes arbor-tristis)
This tree is said to be found in Kintoor, Uttar Pradesh and is estimated to be 1000 to 5000 years old. This unique tree is believed to have been brought by Krishna from heaven. 
Parijaat is associated with Mahabharata and is heard to be growing on Kunti’s ashes.
11. Plumeria (Plumeria rubra)
Plumeria is the symbol immortality as it blooms even after being uprooted. It is considered to be one of the holiest of trees amongst Hindus and is planted near temples. It is sacred to the God of Love, Kamadeva. It is also called Indian magnolia, frangipani and champa.
Health Benefits of Frangipani essential oil:
- Maintains a healthy skin
- Lowers headache
- Has Antioxidant activity
- It is used as a remedy for diarrhoea and itch in India.
- Bark is used for fever, hard tumors and gonorrhoea.
- Shoots and flowers are used to treat Malaria.
12. Tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum)
The holy basil is respected, used as an immunity booster and is one of the best herbs available for medicinal purposes. The leaves of this easily available plant are rich in phytonutrients, Eugenol (a bioactive compound that has anti-microbial, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties and reduces stress and plasma glucose levels, vitamins, and minerals.
Recent studies have indicated that this sacred tulsi can help slow down the growth of HIV cells and inhibit development of certain carcinogenic cells. It protects you from cold, cough and viral infections too.The leaves can be infused with the morning tea.
13. Kadamb (Neolamarckia cadamba)
It is believed that Goddess Durga resides in the Kadamba forest. Also, lord Krishna carried out his childhood activities and played flute under this tree.
Karam-Kadamba is a famous harvest festival, celebrated on the eleventh lunar day of the Bhadra month. A twig from this tree is brought home and worshipped in the courtyard . Later in the day, young ears of grain which are the fruit-bearing spike of a cereal, are distributed among the loved ones.
BENEFITS:
- The inflorescences and fruit of the sacred Kadamb can be consumed by humans.
- The fresh leaves are fed to cattle.
- The extract of the leaves are used as a mouth gargle.
- ‘Attar’, an Indian perfume obtained from Kadamba flowers.
- It sheds large amounts of leaf and non-leaf litter which improves soil quality on decomposition.
14. Kunda ( Jasminum multiflorum)
Kunda gets its beauty from the beautiful white flowers and is sacred to Vishnu. The flowers (star jasmine)are used in many religious ceremonies and worship of gods and goddesses in Manipur. It is an essential part of the marriage ceremonies and the flowers are used as garlands in the ceremony. 
Its aromatic flower is commonly used in perfumes and incense sticks.
15. Cannabis (Cannabis sativa)
Cannabis, commonly called bhang (a mixture of buds, leaves and flowers of female cannabis plant), consumption has been an age old tradition in Hindu religion. Its mention has been found in Hindu texts also. It is associated with lord Shiva and is considered to be sacred. It is distributed as prasad during the popular Hindu festival called Shivratri and Holi and is offered to Shiva. It is mixed with nuts, spices and boiled with milk or rolled into balls for consumption. But, mythology does not encourage Shiva worshippers to get high and also there is no textual evidence for this.
Bhang finds its uses in various ayurvedic medicines. Below given are some of its benefits:
- Reduces stress and anxiety
- Treats digestion related issues
- Treats nausea, vomiting and fever
- May reduce pain
The takeaway of Sacredness
Trees are worshiped for what is revealed or signified through them or for being abode of some supreme power.
Mother nature and its elements have their own value and benefits. They are worthy of respect and care. The trees or plants which are associated with gods should not be considered sacred alone but also the non-historical greens should be considered sacred. So, plant a tree and give back to nature for its unconditional love.
Do share more remedies and valuable information in the comment box.
How was it? Adorable, right? I flourish in mother nature’s lap. She keeps me alive and makes me able to let you breathe the purest air. 