Pollen Grains and Plant images on the Shroud of Turin.

Shroud of Turin.

During a 1999 conference of the prestigious Missouri Botanical Society in St Louis, Missouri, Avinoam Danin, a botany professor at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and a leading authority on the flora of Israel, along with Uri Baruch, a pollen specialist with the Israel Antiquities Authority, reported that the combination of pollen spores lodged in the Shroud’s surface, as well as floral images mysteriously “imprinted” on the face of the cloth, could only have come from plants growing in a restricted area around Jerusalem. How floral images came to be on the cloth is as big a mystery as are the body images.

Pollen identification is a common method used in criminal forensics to determine where an object has been geographically. Max Frei, a Zurich criminologist, had previously identified a total of 58 different pollens on the Shroud. These pollens are native to areas around 1) the Dead Sea and the Negev, 2) the Anatolian Steppe of central and western Turkey, 3) the immediate environs of Constantinople, and 4) Western Europe. Danin and Baruch confirmed much of Frei’s work. They also confirmed some previous floral image identifications by Oswald Sheuermann, a German physicist, and Alan Whanger, a professor at Duke University.

Cautionary Note: Some of the pollen identification has been challenged because of inaccurate chain of evidence record keeping. And image identification of the flowers is highly subjective. We must keep in mind that image identification is made from photographs of the Shroud. The cloth has stains, dirt, bloodstains and wrinkles that introduces visual anomalies. Photographic film, due to grain limitations, may not perfectly capture subtle details. Enhancement of contrast and brightness of the photographs, which is necessary, also may distort the picture.

Even so, the evidence is compelling and warrants important consideration when weighed with other evidence.

Significant Identification:

The most important plants that Danin and Baruch identified and reported on are:

Chrysanthemum coronarium: This is one of the most prominent plant images on the Shroud. This image is clearly visible. It is not a very strong geographical indicator in that it is a widespread Mediterranean species. It is, however, a good temporal indicator since it blooms between March and May. This suggests that the image was formed at that time of year.

Zygophyllum dunosum: This is the second most prominent floral image on the Shroud. The phonologic stage of bloom, as seen on the Shroud, indicates that it was cut or picked sometime between December and April. This plant grows only in the Sinai, a small area of Jordan adjacent to Israel, Jerusalem, and an area of Israel south of Jerusalem.

Gundelia tournefortii: In addition to faint imagery, there are also a very significant number of pollen spores for this species on the Shroud. Such large quantities of pollen grains, of this otherwise insect-pollinated plant, can only be explained by physical contact with the Shroud. Gundelia blooms in Israel between March and May. This plant also grows throughout Turkey, Syria, northern Iran, northern Iraq, and in northern Israel. The southernmost edge of its growing region is Jerusalem.

Cistus creticus: Numerous pollen grains tend to confirm a fuzzy image of this plant on the Shroud’s surface. This is considered a very high geographic indicator since it only grows in Israel along the Mediterranean coast areas and the higher elevations east of the coast, but only as far in that direction as the old city of Jerusalem.

Capparis aegyptia: This plant grows only in Israel, Jordan, and the Sinai. According to Danin and Buruch, “Flowering buds of this species begin to open about midday, opening gradually until fully opened about sunset. Flowers of this species, seen as images on the Shroud, correspond to opening buds at three to four o’clock in the afternoon.”

The last four plants on the Shroud are significant because, as Danin and Baruch report, “[the assemblage] occurs in only one rather small spot on earth, this being the Judean mountains and the Judean Desert of Israel, in the vicinity of Jerusalem.”

http://www.shroudstory.com/faq-pollen.htm

Precious Oils ~ A Study of the Fragrances of the Bible~Flowers~Rose of Sharon חבצלת chabatstseleth

by preciousoils in Precious Oils

“The Rose of Sharon” is a flower of uncertain identity mentioned in English language translations of the Bible. The word in question is the Hebrew word חבצלת chăḇaṣṣeleṯ, which has been uncertainly linked to the words בצל beṣel, meaning ‘bulb’, and חמץ hāmaṣ, which is understood as meaning either ‘pungent’ or ‘splendid‘ (The Analytical Hebrew and Chaldee Lexicon). The name first appears in 1611, when it was used in the King James Version of the Bible. According to an annotation at Song of Solomon 2.1 by the translation committee of the New Revised Standard Version, this is a mistranslation of the Hebrew word for “crocus”. Different scholars have suggested that the biblical “Rose of Sharon” is one of the following plants:

* A “kind of crocus” (“Sharon”, Harper’s Bible Dictionary) or a “crocus that grows in the coastal plain of Sharon” (New Oxford Annotated Bible);

* Tulipa montana, “a bright red tulip-like flower . . . today prolific in the hills of Sharon” (“rose”, Harper’s Bible Dictionary);

* Tulipa agenensis, the Sharon tulip, a species of tulip suggested by a few botanists; or

* Lilium candidum, more commonly known as the Madonna lily, a species of lily suggested by some botanists, though likely in reference to the “lily of the valleys” mentioned in the second part of Song of Solomon 2.1.

* Hibiscus syriacus is a widely cultivated ornamental shrub in the genus Hibiscus whose common names includes Rose of Sharon (especially in North America).

The Hebrew word chabatstseleth, rendered “rose” (“autumn crocus”), is supposed by some to mean the oleander, by others the sweet-scented narcissus, the tulip, or the daisy; but nothing definite can be affirmed regarding it.

The “rose of Sharon” is probably the cistus or rock-rose, (Cistus landaniferus – also known as Labdanum or Rock Rose). Several species abound in Israel and the Middle East. (Do not confuse labdanum with laudanum; they are two different substances. Laudanum is the name for a number of opium preparations originally obtained from alchemists.)

Cistus Creticus Incanus.

Cistus is a small, sticky shrub native to the Mediterranean and Middle East. The essential oil is produced by steam distillation of the leaves. It is pale yellow-orange with a strong, sweet, dry-herbaceous aroma. Its odor effect is generally perceived as warming and restorative. Cistus oil is used in many skin care blends. Blend it with German Chamomile to treat inflamed skin conditions. Blend with Green Myrtle for care for aging skin (suggested by Dr. Kurt Schnaubelt in Advanced Aromatherapy). It is excellent for mature skin care and for firming and toning. Blends well with: Bergamot, chamomile, clary sage, cypress, frankincense, lavender, juniper, oak moss, opopanax (sweet myrrh), patchouli, pine, sandalwood, vetiver. Besides the steam distilled oil from the leaves and twigs of the cistus plant you can also find a solvent extracted labdanum absolute from the crude resin of the plant on the market, this is very thick and should be warmed in the palm of your hands before blending in oils.

Safety Data: Avoid while pregnant.

Roses are the Community of Israel, in Jewish thought and symbolism.

The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose. It shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice even with joy and singing: the glory of Lebanon shall be given unto it, the Excellency of Carmel and Sharon, they shall see the glory of the LORD, and the Excellency of our God. Isaiah 35:1&2

Symbolically, The Rose of Sharon as crocus says “youthful and gladness;” as a red tulip-like flower says “declaration of love;” and as a Madonna Lily, purity and sweetness.

Flowers of the Field, Rose of Sharon, Lily of the Valley . . . mysterious plants found in Scripture. While the true meaning of what the actual flowers were during the ancient days, we know when we speak “of love” that a rose, is a rose, is a rose . . . . . . Is a rose.

Copyright 2008 Precious Oil ~ A Study of the Fragrances of the Bible by Apothecary Cynthia Hillson page 29

Aromatherapy.

Aromatherapy History. Aromatherapy is a healing art which roots lying in antiquity. It traces back more than 6000 years, since ancient Egyptians, Greeks, Persians, Romans and probably Chinese used to burn scented flowers and herbs and enjoy aromatic bath, massage and skin care for curative and cosmetic purposes.

AromatherapyEssential Oils. Essential Oils are volatile parts of aromatic plants extracted by steam distillation or expression. Essential Oils uses includes massage, bath, candles, inhales, room and body perfume, hair shampoo, facial and skin care etc. Essential Oils properties cover a wide range of natural healing, relaxing and uplifting attributes.

Base Oils and Hydrosols. Except Essential Oils, Base Oils and Hydrosols are natural substances which are also used in Aromatherapy. Base or Carrier Oils are vegetable oils that are used in massage, skin care and many recipes. Hydrosols or Floral Waters are byproducts of the productive procedure of essential oils and are used in combination with Essential and Carrier Oils in various Aromatherapy blends and recipes. Read carrier oils attributes and floral water attributes and get informed which one to use in order to enhance your treatment.

AromatherapyAromatherapy Recipes. Read how you can promote your body, skin and hair health, how to lift up your mood, how to relax, how to relieve pain and much more with Aromatherapy. This section is growing, so come back and check for new recipes from time to time.

Aromatherapy Benefits. Although some doctors doubt the efficiency of Aromatherapy, medical researches have scientifically proved that Aromatherapy may produce both psychological and physiological effects. Aromatherapy benefits includes stress and headache relief, sleep improvement, mood boosting, hormones’ regulation, muscles’ relaxation, immune system’s stimulation, blood circulation, skin diseases’ healing etc.

 Buying Guide and Aromatherapy Safety. Entering into an aromatherapy shop can make you feel like walking into an aromatic paradise. However, due to great variety of aromatic products, choosing the best aromatherapy is not as easy as you might think. These buying tips can help you save money and avoid confusion. Although essential oils can be used by everyone, some precautions must be observed carefully. Inexperienced individuals should consult a qualified aromatherapist before trying to make any blend. Keep in mind that pure essential oils are very potent substances and must always be diluted with base oil before being applied to skin.

Cistus Incanus : The power of the Rock Rose

Cistus Incanus is one of Europe richest polyphenol plants.

The herb has the age-old reputation for supporting the immune system.

Cistus Incanus Tea Only the high concentration of polyphenols from the richly

abundant leafs in small pieces are used, no wood or blending.

1. A food supplement with no side effects

2. High concentration of polyphenols

3. The highest quality nutritional supplement

4. Support your immune system with this powerful antioxidant

5. Helps cleanse your body from toxin overload and enhance your body’s natural resistance to colds and flu

6. Richly abundant leaf, no wood or blending / pure plant content

7. Free from gene manipulated contents

8. Nominated as Europe’s PLANT OF THE YEAR OF THE YEAR 1999

9. Renowned by many Media Reports

What is Cistus Incanus?

The use of the Cistus Incanus has a long history and can be traced back to the 4th century BC. In the Middle East, northern Africa and the European Mediterranean region the Cistus Incanus was enjoyed as a wellness tea for breakfast and indeed right throughout the day as a drink for relaxing after a strenuous day. When guests arrived, it was common to offer a freshly boiled pot of the Cistus tea. The knowledge of the benefits of this tea were passed on late into the middle Ages.

Why is it called the Pink Rock Rose?

It is so because it is a small pink rockrose, a small aromatic bush. Their flowers resemble single, old-fashioned roses (although they are unrelated) and because they prefer to grow in rocky, well-drained soil. They are evergreen strongly woody shrubs, varying in height from two to over eight feet and from three to more than six feet across. Some sprawl on the ground, while others are open, erect and rangy. These are not plants for formal, highly structured gardens. Even with moderate pruning, Rock Roses have a wild, undomesticated look in the landscape. They bloom most heavily in the spring, with some species beginning as early as March. Each flower lasts only a few hours but many kinds bloom so profusely that the entire plant is covered with hundreds of new blossoms each day. Colors range from white and many shades of pink and lavender-pink in Cistus to white and yellow in Halimium. Flowers of some rockroses also have a showy red to maroon spot or blotch at the base of each petal, offering stunning contrasts to the numerous bright yellow stamens at the center.

What are Polyphenols?

Certain plant compounds containing groups of ‘phenols’ and which also contain certain antioxidant characteristics. They are very powerful antioxidants, present in several different botanicals. Polyphenols are now known to be the called the ‘Vitamins of the 21st Century’. Some of them are referred to ‘OPC’s’, ‘Proanthenols’, and Proanthocynanidis’. Super-antioxidants, also known as proanthocyanidins, pycnogenols, or OPCs, fit into this category. Research indicates that a class of polyphenols has antioxidant characteristics with potential health benefits. Like vitamins, they play a central part in our health.

Where else do you find Polyphenols?

Polyphenols can be found in fruit, vegetables, red wine, green tea but the highest concentration of Polyphenols is only found in the CISTUS INCANUS.

Antioxidants are thought to be vital for maintaining good health, but why?

Antioxidants deactivate the free radicals in our system by attaching themselves to these cells

before they can do any harm. A diet high in anti-oxidants may reduce the risk of many diseases, including heart disease and certain cancers.

What are antioxidants?

Antioxidants is a word frequently used in the media but does anyone really know what it is? Here is a simple, illustrated definition that while based on science is not in the usual scientific terminology that few of us understand. Antioxidants are a classification of several organic substances, period. Antioxidants are substances that protect cells from being damaged by oxidation, which is a chemical reaction.

Antioxidants can help the body protect itself against free radicals. They are found in certain foods. These include Vitamins A, C and E.

When your car's metal oxidizes (or rusts), it's reacting with oxygen in the air. Unfortunately, your body's molecules are vulnerable to oxidation too. This causes you to produce free radicals that contribute to signs of aging and numerous health issues. Well, there's a way to help reduce your "rusting" process.

What are free radicals?

Free radicals are unstable, destructive molecules that lack electrons. They form naturally from normal metabolic processes such as breathing, but their production can rise beyond optimal levels due to:

• Obesity

• Poor diet

• Overly strenuous exercise

• Stress

• Smoking

• And many other factors

What the Immune System Does?

The immune system is the body’s defence against infectious organisms and other invaders. Through a series of steps called the immune response, the immune system attacks organisms and substances that invade our systems and cause disease.

CISTUS INCANUS / POLYPHENOLS

The Cistus Incanus has the age-old reputation for supporting the immune system. Giving our immune system an enormous boost as a food supplement. They support the body-own defense and immune system.

Cistus incanus from northern Crete they is unique that produces the laudanum with traditional way and is the most strong.

Notes in perfumery.

Fragrance pyramid.

Notes in perfumery are descriptors of scents that can be sensed upon the application of a perfume. Notes are separated into three classes; top/head notes, middle/heart notes, and base notes; which denote groups of smells that can be sensed with respect to the time after the application of a perfume. These notes are created carefully with knowledge of the evaporation process and intended use of the perfume. However, each class of notes is not as easily sensed at a certain time they can alter the smells of another note class. For instance, the presence of a certain base or heart notes will alter the scent perceived when the top notes are strongest, and likewise the scent of base notes in the dry-down will be often be altered depending on the smells of the heart notes.

The idea of notes are used primarily for the marketing of fine fragrances. They are used less occasionally by perfumers to roughly describe scents or the perfumery process to layman.

Top notes
Perceived immediately upon application of a perfume, top notes consist of small, light molecules that evaporate quickly. They form a person's initial impression of a perfume and thus are very important in the selling of a perfume. The scents of this note class are usually described as "fresh," "assertive" or "sharp." The compounds that contribute to top notes are strong in scent, very volatile, and evaporate quickly. Citrus and ginger scents are common top notes. Also called the head notes.

Although not as saliently perceived, the heart and base-notes contribute much to the scent in the top notes.

Middle notes
The scent of a perfume that emerges just prior to when the top notes dissipate. The middle note compounds form the "heart" or main body of a perfume and emerge in the middle of the perfume's dispersion process. They serve to mask the often unpleasant initial impression of base notes, which become more pleasant with time. Not surprisingly, the scent of middle note compounds is usually more mellow and "rounded." Scents from this note class appear anywhere from two minutes to one hour after the application of a perfume. Lavender and rose scents are typical middle notes. They are also called the "heart notes".

Base notes
The scent of a perfume that appears close to the departure of the middle notes. The base and middle notes together are the main theme of a perfume. Base notes bring depth and solidity to a perfume. Compounds of this class are often the fixatives used to hold and boost the strength of the lighter top and middle notes. Consisting of large, heavy molecules that evaporate slowly, compounds of this class of scents are typically rich and "deep" and are usually not perceived until 30 minutes after the application of the perfume or during the period of perfume dry-down. Some base notes can still be detectable in excess of twenty-four hours after application, particularly the animalic notes.

The perfume of labdanum belong in Base notes.