The Double-Edged Sword of Poke Root

Poke root (also known as pokeroot) refers to the root of Phytolacca americana, commonly called pokeweed, American pokeweed, or pokeberry. This is a tall perennial plant native to eastern North America, often considered a weed, with distinctive red-pink stems, large leaves, white flowers, and clusters of dark purple-black berries. It has a long history in traditional and folk medicine (especially among Native American communities and…

https://bloomhood.wordpress.com/2026/01/17/poke-root-benefits-and-risks/

Varieties of Cocoyam in Nigeria

Among the Igbos, cocoyam has remained one of the top staple foods after yam, cassava, potato as far as root tubers is concerned. Cocoyam can be boiled, roasted, pounded, turn into flour/chips depending on the variety and the leaves too offers great nutritional benefits and for overall well-being. Nigerian cocoyam primarily comes in three main types: A. White Cocoyam (Colocasia esculenta) also known as Old Cocoyam,

https://bloomhood.wordpress.com/2026/01/03/varieties-of-cocoyam-in-nigeria/

What the Christmas Tree Teaches Us About Life

Reflect on the deeper meaning of the Christmas tree and the life lessons it teaches about values, character, and what truly matters during Christmas

https://bloomhood.wordpress.com/2025/12/20/christmas-tree-life-lessons/

The Top 5 Most Effective Facial Care Practices for Healthy, Glowing Skin

Caring for your face doesn’t have to be complicated. With so many products and trends everywhere, it’s easy to get confused about what truly matters. But in reality, only a few essential steps make the biggest difference in keeping your skin healthy, glowing, and protected. These core practices form the foundation of any good skincare routine, no matter your skin type or age.

https://bloomhood.wordpress.com/2025/12/06/top-facial-care-practices/

Jatropha Tanjorensis (Ugu Oyibo): Benefits, Precautions & How to Use It

The Ugu Oyibo as we call it here can be itchy but edible. It is generally called Jatropha Tanjorensis Leaves (Hospital too far). Jatropha Tanjorensis other names are Catholic Vegetable, Independence Leaf, Chaya, Lobala leaf in some places, Ugu Oyibo (Igbo) and iyana ipaja (Yoruba), so on. It is a popular medicinal and edible leafy plant used across West Africa, especially Nigeria.

https://bloomhood.wordpress.com/2025/11/22/jatropha-tanjorensis-ugu-oyibo/

Bentonite Clay Benefits, Uses, and Safety Tips

Bentonite clay is a naturally occurring clay formed from volcanic ash.Its most active component is montmorillonite, a mineral that gives it a powerful ability to absorp impurities, toxins, oils, and heavy metals. In Nigeria, traditional forms of it are called: Ulo in Igbo or Calabash clay in some regions The version used for beauty treatments, detox, and healing is usually…

https://bloomhood.wordpress.com/2025/11/08/bentonite-clay/

Eat Healthy, Stay Healthy

In today’s fast-moving world, many people are quick to grab whatever food is easy and fast to prepare. From sugary drinks to processed snacks, our diets are becoming less about nourishment and more about convenience. Yet, what we eat every day is one of the most important choices that shape our health and future. The simple truth remains: when you eat healthy, you stay healthy.

https://bloomhood.wordpress.com/2025/10/25/eat-healthy/

Cloves: The Little Spice with Big Power

Cloves are small, nail-shaped buds that come from the Syzygium aromaticum tree. Their rich brown color and warm, sweet aroma make them easy to recognize. However, Cloves are more than just an aromatic spice; they are one of nature’s oldest and most trusted healers. From flavoring traditional meals to treating infections and even supporting beauty routines, cloves have remained a staple in homes and herbal medicine for centuries.

https://bloomhood.wordpress.com/2025/10/11/cloves/

🍕 Pizza Facts Nobody Asked For (but you’ll laugh anyway)

1. Pizza never judges you — only you judge how many slices you ate. 2. “One last slice” is a myth. There’s always “just one more.” 3. Pizza tastes better at 2 a.m. than at 2 p.m. and nobody knows why. 4. Pizza calories don’t count if it’s shared with friends. (Science-ish.) 5. Pizza crust doubles as a handle so your fingers don’t burn.

https://bloomhood.wordpress.com/2025/09/27/hilarious-pizza-facts/

Finding Light When Panic Clouds the Sky

A panic attack is not a flaw or a failure. It is a sign that something inside you is asking for help, rest, understanding. Be gentle with yourself. Celebrate every moment of calm. Celebrate every breath you take when it’s hard.

https://bloomhood.wordpress.com/2025/09/13/panic-attack/

Pomelo: The Giant Citrus with Great Benefits

I saw this fruit on my way to a friend's house. It was rare, I haven't seen it before. It looks like grape but bigger. And just like I would always do when I discover new things, I took pictures. Immediately, I made some searches using the image and found it's called Pomelo or Shaddock. Unfortunately, I couldn't find anyone around to ask what the local name is.

https://bloomhood.wordpress.com/2025/08/30/pomelo/

Hog Plum: Nature’s Tangy Fruit

The hog plum is more than just a tangy tropical fruit. It’s a botanical storyteller, carrying flavors, traditions, and remedies across continents.

https://bloomhood.wordpress.com/2025/08/16/hog-plum/

Homemade Castor Oil –  No Blender

For those who are familiar with castor oil, you must have experienced the wonderful benefits of this oil. Being ranked as the topmost oil with the highest rate of penetration through the skin is absolutely amazing. You can read my previous article on Castor bean, and I will be writing in full about the benefits of Castor oil later. For now, we will concentrate on how to make Castor oil without a blender.

https://bloomhood.wordpress.com/2025/08/02/making-castor-oil-without-a-blender/

Castor Bean: Beneficial but Fatal

The castor bean, scientifically known as Ricinus communis, is a plant with a long history of both usefulness and danger. Widely cultivated across the world, including Nigeria, it is known for its glossy seeds, which are the source of castor oil—an oil with a wide range of industrial and medicinal applications. However, behind its benefits lies a hidden threat: the presence of…

https://bloomhood.wordpress.com/2025/07/19/castor-beans/

10 Great Herbs that Fights Infection

Infections are a common part of life, caused by harmful microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. While modern antibiotics and antiviral medications are often used to fight infections, many people around the world still rely on natural remedies, especially herbs, to support healing. Herbs have been used for centuries for their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and immune-boosting properties. In this article, we…

https://bloomhood.wordpress.com/2025/07/05/herbs-that-treat-infections/

10 Foods That Never Go Bad – And Why

When we think about stocking our pantry or preparing for emergencies, shelf life matters. While most foods come with expiration dates, there are a few culinary marvels that seem to defy time.These are foods that—when stored properly—never go bad. In this post, we’ll explore some of these time-resistant foods, why they last so long, and how to keep them that way.

https://bloomhood.wordpress.com/2025/06/21/foods-that-doesnt-expire/

Achara on the Menu: Facts and Flavors”

😂 A Funny Story: "Uncle Kalu and the Stubborn Achara" Now, every village has that one uncle — the one who believes he can cook better than anyone, even with his "borrowed" apron and a permanent frown. In Umuahia, that uncle is Uncle Kalu. One dry season morning, Uncle Kalu announced with the confidence of a TV chef, "Today, I shall cook the best Ofe Achara this village has ever tasted!"

https://bloomhood.wordpress.com/2025/06/07/achara-elephant-grass/

Why Do You Hate?

I still remember the afternoon Mama Afi stormed into our classroom, her voice rising above the chatter of pupils during lunch break. Her daughter, Eno, had gone home crying—again. Not because she fell, not because she failed a test, but because someone in our class told her, "You don't belong here." I was in Primary Five. We were just children. But even then, we already knew how to hate.

https://bloomhood.wordpress.com/2025/05/24/why-do-you-hate/

Sleep Like You’re on Vacation

Discover the rising trend of sleep tourism and learn how to create a restful, hotel-level sleep experience right in your own home—no passport required.

https://bloomhood.wordpress.com/2025/05/10/recreate-the-sleep-tourism-trend-at-home/

Growing African Hair: Tips for Healthy and Thriving Hair

African hair, with its unique texture and curl patterns, can be beautiful, strong, and versatile. However, it also requires special care to promote healthy growth and minimize breakage. Whether you're looking to grow your hair long, or simply maintain its health, understanding your hair's needs is key to achieving your desired results. Here are some effective tips on how to grow African hair:

https://bloomhood.wordpress.com/2025/04/26/how-to-grow-an-african-hair/