German MPs vote to legalise cannabis for medicinal purposes

Germany’s lower house of parliament has passed a law legalising the use of cannabis for medicinal purposes.

People with serious illnesses such as multiple sclerosis and chronic pain, or a lack of appetite or nausea, could be offered marijuana under the law.

Patients will only have the right to be treated with cannabis “in very limited exceptional cases” and they will not be allowed to grow their own cannabis, according to the bill.

The health minister, Hermann Gröhe, said: “Those who are severely ill need to get the best possible treatment and that includes health insurance funds paying for cannabis as a medicine for those who are chronically ill if they can’t be effectively treated any other way.”

A health ministry spokeswoman said cannabis would only be used as a last resort. She said a scientific study would simultaneously be carried out to assess the effects of cannabis use in such cases.

Until now, patients had only been able to access cannabis for medicinal purposes by special authorisation –which had made it complicated. Now they will be able to get a prescription from their doctor and a refund for the upfront cost from their health insurance, she said.

The spokeswoman said the law was likely to take effect in March after a procedural reading by the upper house of parliament.

Until state-supervised cannabis plantations are set up in Germany cannabis will be imported.

Other countries that allow cannabis to be used for medical purposes include Italy and the Czech Republic.

German MPs vote to legalise cannabis for medicinal purposes

70 Medicinal Herbal Plants You Should Grow In Your Organic Garden

Herbal plants have played an important rule in medicine for many years. Some common herbal plants such as ginger, peppermint, lavender, thyme, chamomile, dandelion and garlic are well known for us, they made great remedies that support your health and treat many ailments.

According to World Health Organization, more than 80% of people all over the world still use herbal plants and natural remedies as their primary health care tools. And day by day, more and more new drugs are derived from herbal plants as well.

So if you want to improve your health with natural ingredients, it’s better to grow the herbs by yourself, in your garden, as the freshest, most potent medicinal herbs are best than the dried ones you buy from market. Here are some easy-to-grow herbs you can get into your organic garden.

1. Chamomile


2. Chives


3. Dill


4. Onions


5. Garlic


6. Bidens


7. Burdock


8. Chickweed


9. Jewelweed


10. Plantain


11. Self heal


12. Elderberry


13. Cleavers


14. Couch grass


15. Hawthorn


16. Marsh Mallow


17. Sweet Hops


18. Sheep Sorrel


19. Anise Hyssop


20. Calendula


21. Lemon Balm


22. Mulberry


23. Rose


24. Seabuckthorn


25. Dandelion


26. Elecampane


27. Goji Berry


28. Goldenrod


29. Soopallallie/Buffalo Berry


30. Lemongrass


31. Marigold


32. Marjoram


33. Mint


34. Oregano


35. Parsley


36. Sage


37. Tarragon


38. Thyme


39. Turmeric


40. Aloe


41. Calendula


42. Camellia


43. Cedar


44. Chestnut


45. Echinacea


46. Stinging Nettle


47. Juniper


48. Lavender


49. Lemon


50. Fig


51. Ginko


52. Cinnamon


53. Anise Hyssop


54. Fennel


55. Ginger


56. Hibiscus


57. Hot Peppers


58. Shepherd’s Purse


59. Linden


60. Olive


61. Passionflower


62. Pine


63. Pomegranate


64. Rose


65. Rosemary


66. Saffron


67. Walnuts


68. Willow


69. Witchhazel


70. Marjoram

Make Your Own Remedies with Natural Herbs For Whatever Ails You

Instead of taking medicines directly, try herbal remedies first, sometimes a simple herb offers a safer alternative.

Garlic, a powerful agent to help you fight against many diseases, from combating colds, easing sinus congestion to lowering high blood pressure. It’s recommended to eat 1-2 cloves fresh garlic a day.

Catnip, works greatly to ease an upset stomach, also good at reduce stress and anxiety. You can make catnip tea by pouring a cup of boiling water over a few fresh leaves. Steep for 10 minutes and add a teaspoon raw honey to taste.

Cranberry, this is a good choice if you suffer from chronic health issues, cranberry is very beneficial for chronic prostatis. Make cranberry juice and drink half cup twice a day to get a relief.

Echinacea, a famous immune system enhancer, has been widely used to treat colds, cough and upper respiratory infections. Add 1 teaspoon dried echinacea root in a cup boiling water, steep for 10 minutes before strain. Have 3 cups a day to relieve the symptoms of colds.

Ginger, widely used as a natural remedy for easing morning sickness, nausea, upset stomach and vomiting. Have a cup of ginger root tea helps relieve the symptoms of colds too, simply added 1 teaspoon fresh ginger root in a up of hot water, steep for 10 minutes, strain and mix in a teaspoon of honey if you like. Drink 2-3 cups a day.

Keep reading to find out more healing benefits of herbal plants:

26 Natural Uses of Aloe Vera For Health, Beauty and Household

Top 9 Health Benefits of Cinnamon

14 Natural Herbs and Oils That You Can Use to Treat Arthritis

Get The Best Of Natural Living Ideas At Seekingfit.com

70 Medicinal Herbal Plants You Should Grow In Your Organic Garden

The DEA’s New War On Kratom, An Ancient Medicinal Plant

When you search for photos of kratom on Google Images, you see a long series of trees, leaves, and small piles of green powder. Everything seems innocuous enough, but the DEA would tell you a different story. Through their eyes this is the new devil’s weed, a drug that poses so much of an “imminent hazard” to the public that it warrants the use of their emergency scheduling powers.

On or shortly after September 30^th, the DEA will make use of those powers to classify kratom as a Schedule 1 drug, alongside the likes of heroin, LSD, and MDMA. History is in the making, as this will be the first time the agency has used emergency scheduling to ban a plant.1 The move has been officially cited as “temporary,” lasting two years (with a one-year extension option available) before the DEA and FDA will jointly decide on a permanent classification.2

For many this may seem like a fringe issue, a ban on something they’ve never heard of and don’t care about. While that outlook is understandable, it is important for everyone to understand the larger effects this ban will have on society and our communities. As kratom activists have been arguing for the past several weeks, once the law is in place we are likely to see a large uptick in opiate overdoses, a wave of people returning to prescription drugs they had previously given up, and an overall increase in many other’s chronic pain.

But how did we get here, and how are these things related?

Kratom – What It Is

To start, there are a few things about the herb that are notoriously misreported in most media coverage. To understand kratom in this precise moment, one has to wade through a veritable sea of misinformation being dispersed by many with a vested interest in banning it.

Kratom is the name given to the leaves of the Mitragyna Speciosa tree, a close relative of the coffee tree that is native to Southeast Asia. It is not a drug synthesized out of the leaves, rather, it is the leaves themselves, either fresh, dried or powdered. It has a long history of use in Asian cultures, where it has been used for thousands of years as a valuable and beneficial medicine. The leaves have traditionally been chewed fresh straight off the tree, or brewed and drank as a tea. It’s use in the U.S. began and spread via the internet, with users appearing to have grown steadily since the mid-to-late 2000’s.

Kratom is not a traditional opiate, but it does activate the mu-opiod receptors in the brain, thus stimulating senses of pain relief and well-being.3 While these effects are real, they are relatively mild in strength when compared to synthetic drugs like Vicodin and Percocet. Many users say they prefer kratom to those drugs because of the relative lack of inebriation it brings, while still giving them relief from anxiety and pain. Staggering numbers of testimonials from users across the internet serve to back these claims – people from all walks of life, from teachers to mothers, veterans and police, all say that kratom helps provide relief from their various ailments while letting them live a functional and productive life.

For many that have been following the fight (since the DEA published their letter of intent on August 30^th), the real problem appears to be clear: that kratom works too well, for too many things, and is thereby a threat to pharmaceuticals. To be clear, this is merely a logical inference, not a declaration of that industry’s guilt. It’s no secret Big Pharma does spend massive amounts on lobbying – 8 times more than the NRA, as Business Insider recently reported – so the idea that they might be involved is far less than a conspiracy.4 But whether or not their aggressive lobbying is in play can, for now, be put aside. The fact remains that kratom has gotten thousands of people relief from various conditions, and has done so independently of pills. It doesn’t take an MBA to realize kratom is a competitor, a substance whose growing use must be alarming to all those competing.

The Battle For Kratom (and Our Natural Rights)

Little-known as it is, the fight for kratom is truly an enigma of modern times. In 2016, and with all the progress that’s been made by the medical marijuana communities, it is puzzling to think that the DEA still believes – and has – the power to outlaw a plant from nature.

The studies carried out on kratom point not to an imminent hazard, but instead to a potential source of relief for addiction and chronic pain conditions. There is virtually no way to overdose on the plant (like marijuana), and the DEA’s claim that 15 deaths caused by kratom were actually caused by users taking cocktails of drugs that happened to include kratom. With the medical and scientific literature on the side of the herb, many are left wondering why an agency based neither in science or health has the authority to make life-altering decisions in both fields.

Opponents of the ban are surprisingly numerous, vocal, and influential. Thousands of people connecting online have made serious inroads towards delaying or halting the ban altogether, with a Whitehouse.gov petition currently at more than 130,000 signatures (the 2^nd most popular petition on the site). Over 15 Congressional representatives have now signed on to a letter demanding that the DEA delay the scheduling and give due process for the act by allowing a period of public comment.

Two groups, the American Kratom Association (AKA) and the Botanical Education Alliance (BEA) are currently working as representation for the kratom community, moving forward on many activist initiatives. Awareness and opposition amongst the general public, celebrities and other public figures is growing everyday, but any move towards a delay is not expected from the DEA until September 30^th at the earliest.

Sources:

1

“Lists Of: Scheduling Actions, Controlled Substances, Regulated Chemicals.” (n.d.): n. pag. Rpt. in U.S. Department of Justice, DEA, Office of Diversion Control. N.p.: n.p., n.d. Deadiversion.usdoj.gov. Web. 22 Sept. 2016. <http://www.deadiverson.usdoj.govschedules>.

2 U.S.A. Drug Enforcement Administration. Office of the Federal Register.Federalregister.gov. N.p., 31 Aug. 2016. Web. 22 Sept. 2016. <https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2016/08/31/2016-20803/schedules-of-controlled-substances-temporary-placement-of-mitragynine-and-7-hydroxymitragynine-into>.

3

Prozialeck, Walter C., PhD., Jateen Jivan K., BS., and Shridhar Andurkar V., PhD. “Pharmacology of Kratom: An Emerging Botanical Agent With Stimulant, Analgesic and Opiod-Like Effects.” Journal of the American Osteopathic Association 112 (2012): 792-99. Jaoa.org. Web. 22 Sept. 2016.

4

Brodwin, Erin. “A Searing New Report Claims Opiod Drugmakers Spent 8 times as Much as the NRA on Lobbying.” Business Insider. N.p., 19 Sept. 2016. Web. 22 Sept. 2016. <http://www.businessinsider.com/news-ap-report-opiod-drugmakers-outspent-nra-lobbying-2016-9>.

The DEA’s New War On Kratom, An Ancient Medicinal Plant

Lemon and Parsley- Medicinal Pair That Dissolves Kidney Stone Naturally

Lemon and Parsley- Medicinal Pair That Dissolves Kidney Stone Naturally

All-party group calls for legalisation of cannabis for medicinal uses

Cannabis should be made legal in Britain for medicinal uses, according to a cross-party group of MPs and peers who led an inquiry into the drug’s potential to help patients.

The recommendation from the group chaired by Lady Meacher would put the UK in line with at least 11 other European countries and 24 US states where laws already allow people to use the drug to alleviate chronic pain and other symptoms.

In a report published on Tuesday, the group calls on the government to introduce a system that grants people access to cannabis for medical reasons, and to decriminalise the growing of small amounts at home for the same purposes.

The group took evidence from more than 600 patients and medical professionals on the use of cannabis as a medicine and commissioned a consultant neurologist, Prof Mike Barnes, to review published research on the drug’s potential to alleviate medical problems.

His review found “good evidence” that cannabis can help with chronic pain, muscle spasms often associated with multiple sclerosis, the management of anxiety, and nausea and vomiting, particularly when caused as a side-effect of chemotherapy.

The inquiry heard that scores of patients had sought out cannabis to relieve their symptoms even though it was illegal, and that users often found it impossible to get expert medical guidance or supervision as to how they should take the drug. The report claims 30,000 people in the UK use cannabis as a medicine, but adds that the figure could be as high as 1 million, according to the campaign group End Our Pain.

“In Professor Barnes’s report we now have irrefutable evidence that cannabis is an effective medicine for very large numbers of people,” Meacher told the Guardian. “These are people who are suffering the most appalling chronic illness involving severe neuropathic pain, interminable nausea, and anxiety, and all these conditions can be helped, not in every case, but in many cases where prescribed medicines do not work or because there are such appalling side-effects that the person is worse off with prescribed medicine than without.

“About 30,000 patients in the UK currently risk arrest and in some cases are being arrested for buying their medicine from illegal drug dealers, and that is an appalling state of affairs,” Meacher added. “This money goes to drug dealers and terrorists, and we could avoid putting this money into the hands of these people by legalising cannabis for medicinal uses.”

The report, Access to Medicinal Cannabis: Meeting Patient Needs, from the all-party parliamentary group for drug policy reform, challenges the government’s classification of cannabis under schedule 1, which is reserved for drugs that have no recognised medicinal uses. Under the scheme, the production, possession and supply of cannabis, along with LSD and mescaline, is allowed only for research and other special purposes.

Caroline Lucas, the co-leader of the Green party and an author of the report, said: “The case for legalising the production and use of medicinal cannabis is overwhelming. Doing so would give immediate relief to people in pain, and the evidence from around the world shows that it can be done without increasing drug-related harms.”

David Nutt, formerly the government’s chief drugs adviser and now a professor of neuropsychopharmacology at Imperial College London, said it was “outrageous” that the government had “dragged its heels” over legalising cannabis for medicinal uses. The pursuit of patients who used the drug to alleviate pain and other symptoms caused harm and wasted vast amounts of taxpayers’ money in police and court time, he added.

“Cannabis has been a medicine for more than 4,000 years, and in the UK was in the pharmacopoeia until 1971 when the USA forced us to remove it as part of the war on drugs. Now, over 200 million Americans have access to medicinal cannabis whereas we do not,” Nutt said.

Mark Ware, a medical cannabis researcher at McGill University in Montreal, said that if the UK was serious about legalising medicinal cannabis, it would do well to learn from the Canadian legal framework.

“We have encountered many of the issues that the UK will inevitably face,” he said, citing the supply of quality-controlled cannabis with a choice of varieties and routes of administration, education on using the drug, and health risks. “Medical cannabis access is an issue that should be faced head-on, openly and collaboratively,” he said. “It is not an issue that patients or health professionals can afford to ignore.”

All-party group calls for legalisation of cannabis for medicinal uses

12 Medicinal Plants Worth Your Garden Space & Grown Easily

Plants have been used for thousands of years for medicinal purposes. The medicinal plants including flower plants and herbs are easy to grow at home. They can treat a wide range of illnesses without any major side effects. It is very important to have medicinal plants around the house cause you never know when you might need them.

12 Medicinal Plants You Can Grow In Your Medicinal Garden

Lemon Balm

A relative of mint, lemon balm is a versatile medicinal herb that helps relieve anxiety, insomnia, wounds, herpes, insect bites, flatulence, and an upset stomach. It also speeds the healing of cold sores.

Thyme

The active principle in thyme, thymol, is a strong antiseptic. If you suffer from coughs, congestion, indigestion, or gas, consider using this medicinal herb.

Aloe Vera

It can be gown under normal conditions because it just needs moist soil and sun exposure. It can cure burns, wounds, eczema, skin allergies naturally. Its juice useful for digestive problems and appetite.

Peppermint

Pepeprmint are naturally high in manganese, vitamin A and vitamin C. Its leaves help soothe and relax the muscles. Infused peppermint leaves are used to reduce irritable bower syndrome, against upset stomachs, inhibit bacterial growth and treat fevers

Echinacea

Medicinal herbs echinacea has the capacity to raise the body’s resistance to bacterial and viral infections by stimulating the immune system. It also has antibiotic properties that helps relieve allergies.

Basil

You must have used basil lot many times in food but have you ever tried it to heal flatulence? It has the power to treat cuts, lack of appetite, stomach gas and scrapes.

Calendula

It grows in almost any type of soil condition. It doesn’t matter whether soil is nutritionally poor, very acidic or very alkaline, just as long as it’s moist. It is useful in skin disease, bites, sore eyes, sprains, fevers and chronic infections.

Coriander

Coriander has many medicinal properties and is known for very good digestion. It has anti-diabetic and antibacterial properties, good for Anemia and menstrual irregularities.

Rosemary

Rosemary is the great reviver. This perennial woody herb stimulates energy and optimism and sharpens memory and concentration by bringing more oxygen to our brain.

Pot Marigold

It grows in almost any type of soil condition. It has no problem with nutritionally poor, very acidic or very alkaline soils, just as long as it’s moist. It is useful in skin problems, the deep-orange flowered pot marigold variety is applied externally to bites, stings, sprains, wounds, sore eyes and varicose veins.

Lavender

Lavender is well-known for its fragrance, it also has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. In ancient Greece, Rome and the Middle East, lavender was used as an antiseptic. It has also been used to treat anxiety, migraines, insomnia and depression.

Sage

Sage-infused tea is an effective herbal remedy to reverse greying of hair, reduce fever, and calm anxiety from brain and nervous disorders. It can also be used to treat gastric ailments, stress, treat infections of the mouth and throat.

Sources:

1) http://theselfsufficientliving.com/list-of-medicinal-plants-to-grow-in-your-garden/

2) http://nurserylive.com/32-medicinal-plants-to-keep-at-your-home-always

3) http://www.naturallivingideas.com/medicinal-herb-garden/

Read:

12 Medicinal Plants Worth Your Garden Space & Grown Easily

41+ Medicinal Uses & Benefits of Coconut Oil

A large number of research studies on coconut oil has revealed health benefits that affect our entire body, inside and out. Coconut oil’s main fat is lauric acid, a medium-chain fatty acid that positively affect our cholesterol levels. It is a great source of vitamins E and K, and iron, and has both antimicrobial and antifungal properties. It has many health benefits, medicinal uses, and some other uses.

41+ Medicinal Uses &amp; Benefits of Coconut Oil

-Boosts energy and endurance, enhancing physical strength.
-Helps protect against kidney disease and bladder infections.
-Helps dissolves in kidney stones.
-Act as a chemical barrier on the skin to ward off an infection.
-Reduces symptoms associated with eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis.
-Maintains a natural chemical balance of the skin.
-Softens skin and helps relieve dryness.
-Prevents wrinkles, sagging skin, and age spots.
-Keep healthy looking hair and complexion.
-Protect skin from ultraviolet radiation coming from the sun.
-Helps control dandruff.
-Cure liver disease.

Read: DIY Homemade Toothpaste Reverses Gums Disease & Whitens Teeth Naturally

-It is lower in calories than all other fats.
-Good for thyroid function.
-Coconut oil has no harmful side effects.
-Is completely non-toxic to humans.
-Repair and heal damage tissue.
-Boost immune system function.
-Improves digestion and bowel function.
-Relieves pain and irritation caused by hemorrhoids.
-Help in reducing inflammation.
-Helpful in gallbladder disease.
-Relieves in Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and stomach ulcers.
-Kills fungi and yeasts that cause ringworm, athlete’s foot, diaper rash, and other infections.
-Kills tapeworms, lice, and other parasites.
-Provides a nutritional source of quick energy.
-Helps to prevent obesity and overweight problems.
-Coconut oil improves cholesterol ratio reducing a risk of heart disease.

Read: Chia Seeds: REVERSE Depression, Reduce Blood Sugar Spikes, Fight Cancer & Boost Energy

-Helps to prevent periodontal disease, toothache, and tooth decay.
-Best as a protective antioxidant.
-Protect from harmful free radicals that promote premature aging and degenerative disease.
-Does not deplete the body’s antioxidant reserves like other oils do.
-Improves utilization of essential fatty acids and protects them from oxidation.
-Helps to in chronic fatigue syndrome.
-Kills viruses that cause influenza, herpes, hepatitis C, SARS, AIDS.
-Kills bacteria that cause ulcers throat infections, urinary tract infections, gum disease and cavities, pneumonia and other diseases.
-Reduce health risks associated with diabetes.
-Helpful malabsorption syndrome and cystic fibrosis.
-Improves calcium and magnesium absorption and supports the development of healthy bones and teeth.
-Protect against osteoporosis.
-Improves digestion and absorption of other nutrients including vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.

Read: Why Diabetics Love Quinoa? How to Prepare Quinoa For Diabetics?

-Coconut oil improves insulin secretion and stabilize of blood glucose.
-Relieves stress on pancreas and enzyme systems of the body.
-Reduces epileptic seizures.
-Protect the body from breast, colon, and other cancers.
-Soften and deodorize your feet.
-Coconut oil can prevent nose bleeding
-Improvements in menstruation regarding pain
-May relieve acid reflux and indigestion when taken with each meal

Sources:

–http://www.swansonvitamins.com/blog/natural-health-tips/using-coconut-oil

–http://healthimpactnews.com/2011/80-uses-for-coconut-oil/

–http://greatist.com/health/genius-ways-to-use-coconut-oil

-http://everydayroots.com/coconut-oil-uses

41+ Medicinal Uses & Benefits of Coconut Oil

13 Medicinal Benefits of Guava and Guava Leaves

The guava fruit is a tropical fruit and native to the Caribbean. Its skin is thin, light yellow and blushed with pink. It  has a pleasant flavor reminiscent of fresh strawberries and pears.

Gauva Nutrition Value

This popular fruit is a powerhouse of nutrients. It is rich in vitamin A & C, also contains vitamins B2, E, K, fiber, calcium, copper, foliate, iron, phosphorus and potassium. Guava high in vitamin C, the amount is four times more than an orange, and 10 times more vitamin A than a lemon.

Health Benefits of Eating Gauva Fruit Daily

Improve Eyesight

Guava and its leaves are extremely good sources of vitamin-A, which is boost our vision health. Eating gauva slow down the appearance age related cataracts, macular degeneration disease and improve our eyesight.

Treats Constipation

Guava is richest sources of dietary fiber in comparison to other fruits and which makes it extremely beneficial for your digestive health. Guava seeds, if ingested whole, serve as excellent laxatives too, helping the formation of healthy bowel movements.

Beneficial in Pregnancy

Guavas is good in folic acid, or vitamin B-9, which is beneficial in pregnancy, since it can help in developing the baby’s nervous system and protect the newborn from neurological disorders.

Controls Diabetes

Chinese has used guava for the treatment of diabetes, because guava juice has hypoglycemic effect and useful in the treatment of diabetes mellitus. Its rich fiber content and low glycemic index benefit diabetic people.

High Blood Pressure

Guava, being high in fiber and hypoglycemic in nature, helps reduce blood pressure. It reduce cholesterol in the blood and prevents it from thickening, thereby maintaining the fluidity of blood and reducing blood pressure.

Good For Brain

Brain is vital organs of our body, and keeping it healthy should be necessary. Guavas contain vitamin B3, B6, also known as niacin and pyridoxine, which helps in improving blood circulation to the brain and boost brain activity.

Prevent Hair Loss

Gauva leaves can prevent loss. Just boiled its leaves with water and massaged onto the scalp to put a stop to hair loss. Make sure the water is cool before applying it to the scalp.

Acidity

Guavas alkaline in nature and used in the treatment of acidity and hyperacidity. Drinking guavas juices are helpful in releasing of toxins from the body, especially from the stomach and from colon and its maintain alkalinity inside our body.

Lowers Risk of Cancer

Guava contain compounds like lycopene, quercetin, vitamin C which is beneficial in treatment of cancer. These compounds work as potent antioxidants that help neutralize free-radical damage in the body, which can cause cancer.

Relaxes Nerves & Muscles

Gauva is also good source of magnesium, it is the important mineral which usually has to be extracted from food as the body are not able to make them. Magnesium help the body to keep nerves relax and calm.

Cough and Cold

The iron and vitamin C content in guava helps prevent colds and protect from viral infections. It also reduces mucus, cure cough and keep respiratory tract infection free.

Immunity Booster

Guava is great source of vitamin C provides a huge boost in antioxidants, which are the major lines of defense against the proliferation of free radicals in the body.

Sources:

1) https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/fruit/health-benefits-of-guava.html

2) http://www.stylecraze.com/articles/amazing-benefits-of-guava-for-skin-hair-and-health/

3) http://www.top10homeremedies.com/kitchen-ingredients/top-10-health-benefits-of-guava-and-guava-leaves.html

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13 Medicinal Benefits of Guava and Guava Leaves