Funny isn't it. Oleander grew like wild fire in my home town and there weren't many yards without at least one. We always knew it was poisonous but I have never heard of anyone being affected (except for that man whose wife made tea for him out of the leaves - and he survived!!). As far as I know it's never been publicly ostracised up home, and I know you can buy the plants here in Canberra.
There you go Daft Bat. If this doesn't cure your cold then it will certainly give it a run for the money.
My husband is from Puglia, Italy, where his family still live, his sister's husband is an olive grower. So far my brother in law's trees are not affected by a killer disease thought to be spread by a deeadly bacterium imported in on Oleanders. Oleanders are prolific in Italy, they line most of the motorways. I pray the local authorities are able to control the bacterium spread by insects or my B-I-L will lose his livelihood, sadly many farmers from Lecce south have lost their ancient trees which are irreplaceable.
Certainly is a worry, Bay Horse. Most of the olive trees in Puglia are around 600yrs old and older, they ARE the landscape, a landscape of outstanding beauty. http://www. telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/italy/11051625/Bacteria-destroying-Puglias-precious-olive-groves-could-ruin-Italys-oil-industry.html
Then again vicks rubbed into the souls of your feet before bed-wear socks- does wonders for babes & I've even tried it on my footsies. Another gem I nearly forgot, warm tea made with Ginger for tummy aches. bliss! p.s. Philippa, it was the red Tiger balm I meant for yuk, not yellow. The label is yellow
For cuts etc I use a Chinese ointment Ching Wan Hung, it's a light brown colour and clears up an infected cut quite quickly. It reminds me of Basilica (probably incorrect spelling) Ointment my mother used, it was recommended by a Chinese friend who is a Nursing Sister. And before anyone asks, yes I have heard of the guy named Wun Hung Lo
I wonder! Not far from the club flying field where my son flies his radio controlled model planes there used to be an Olive field/grove. Earlier this year it disappeared and we heard it had been infected with a disease and so destroyed, I wonder if it is the disease you had in mind Mealymoo. Funnily enough I've noticed that there are a fair few Oleanders in nearby Campbelltown, I'm not suggesting they are responsible though. The Olive trees were very visible on a hill not far from the flying field, looked for all the world like a giant Caterpillar on the crest of the hill.
Very well could be the same disease, Findem. Olive trees are exceptionally hardy, as I mentioned most of the ones in Puglia have been there for over 600yrs; up till now the only enemy olive trees were known to have was frost, and southern Italy doesn't get frost.
I suffered from travel sickness as a child and ginger helped, but wasn't a cure, I like ginger flavoured foods and drinks and eat or drink it when I feel a little bilious and it does help.
I love the way you guys refer to it as 'elevenses'. We just say 'ya want a cuppa, tea or coffee luv?'
'Elevenses' too close to lunches for me, more acceptable between 9.30-1030. depending on what time my day started.