Not only stunning but also helpful and trustworthy. The bulb of this flower has medicinal properties and is used against asthma, bronchitis,constipation and respiratory diseases.

Native to the tropical regions of Mexico, Belize and Guatemala, the Golden Thryallis blooms all year round and is a fast growing plant that grows up to 4-5 feet tall.

On Monday, Dr. Rosita Arvigo delivered a compelling presentation to more than 25 Chaa Creek Guests on her apprenticeship with Don Elijio Panti – Belize’s last Maya Shaman.

Today’s Belize Photo of the Day is the Oregano which is scientifically known as Coleus aromaticus benth. This Eurasian herb is a member of the mint family and has a peppery flavor with a mild hint of sage and thyme. If taken in excess, the herb releases a pungent chemical that can numb one’s tongue.

Today’s Belize Photo of the Day is the Piper Auritum which is commonly known as False kava or Hoja Santa. The Piper Auritum is native to Central and South America and the West Indies and can be found on forest edges. The above picture was shot at Chaa Creek’s private 365 acre nature reserve.

The year 2012 has spurred interest in the Maya people and the outlook toward this enigmatic civilization grows each day as we approach the winter solstice of 2012. In the Maya Heartland of Belize, the Maya are very much in our presence and we honor their hard work and dedication in contributing to Belize’s rich heritage.

Today’s Belize Photo of the Day is the Brazilian Red Cloak and it is scientifically known as Megaskepasma erythorochlamys. The ‘Brazilian Cloak’ is a herbaceous shrub that is very showy and fast growing. Being an exhibition of beautiful red/scarlet terminal flowers, this plant never fails to thrill its viewers.

Today’s Belize Photo of the day is the Century Plant and its scientifically known as the Agave Americana. The Century Plant is originally from Mexico but is cultivated as an ornamental plant globally. It has been naturalized in many regions and grows wild in Europe, South America, India, and Australia.

There are animals and insects in all shapes and sizes, looking for food, crawling, flying, hunting and being hunted…Much better than any cinema! I have a cohune tree to thank for my thatch roof on my house, four rosewood posts to keep the house from falling, Iguana wiss keeps the sticks strapped together forever! Dry season is finally over and some rain has finally come! The jungle smells damp and is coming back to life. I have been planting seeds, flowers and trees, getting dirty in the mud!

The Maya belief system centred on concepts of cycles and balance, and this was especially true for health, which was maintained by a balanced diet, mind and relationship with the natural and spiritual worlds. As with some Eastern approaches to health, the Maya believe in a universal life-force known to them as ch’ulel. Ch’ulel is essentially a spiritual force permeating and driving everything that exists, and a principal goal of a healer is to balance ch’ulel in the body and align it with the natural and spiritual world.