UEA International Student Ambassadors

This is Hawk's Beard, a species of  Crepis.  In Chinese folklore and medicine a plant of the same Tribe ( Cichorieae ) as the  Crepis  called the  Youngia japonica  was used to cure illnesses such as diarrhoea and colds. Recently, the antiviral compounds of  Y. japonica  have been proven. I feel with every advancement in technology we take a step further away from the nature around us, isolating ourselves from what we depend on. Hopefully discoveries like this will lead to the realisation of the importance and potential uses of what is around us. Crepis,  now that I know what it looks like, litters the ground of the UEA campus. It too could possibly hold antiviral compounds  that can be utilised through as simple methods as home brews of tea. Next time you are feeling under the weather, do a simple internet search about what is in your garden. It could save you a hefty prescription fee! Also, notice how diverse t...

It's not quite Spring yet but it's already a little warmer in the daytime these days! And a little brighter :) It's been the coldest January in 37-ish years and it's almost over. The bulbs we planted in our little garden haven't come out yet (it's still too early) so sometimes I get a small bunch at the florist near Iceland at the top of St Stephen's. Defo one of my favourite places in Norwich. Go home and give them a little bath in the sink then pop them into an assortment of wine bottles. Gerbera Daisies! Daffodils! Irises! Roses! Carnations! Cheers, Maggie UEA Malaysian Student Ambassador