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Russian olive.

(Elaeagnus angustifolia L.)

According to a recent study published in the International Journal of Pharmacognosy & Chinese Medicine, 68 plants are used as traditional and folk medicine in the Guldara district in the province of Kabul, Afghanistan (MH, 2017, pp 3,4).

One of the plants located in this area is the Russian olive.

The concentrated essence of the fruits, seeds, roots and bark of the plant is taken orally for the treatment of sunburn, skin wounds, peptic ulcer and dysentery (MH, 2017, pp 3,4).

MH, A. (2017). Medicinal plants are traditionally used in Guldara district of Kabul, Afghanistan. International Journal of Pharmacognosy & Chinese Medicine, 1(3). https://doi.org/10.23880/ipcm-16000118

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Elaeagnus angustifolia

Scientific classification

Kingdom:

Plantae

Clade:

Tracheophytes

Clade:

Angiosperms

Clade:

Eudicots

Clade:

Rosids

Order:

Rosales

Family:

Elaeagnaceae

Genus:

Elaeagnus

Species:

Binomial name

Elaeagnus angustifolia

Synonyms[1]

Elaeagnus argentea Moench (1794)

Elaeagnus caspica (Sosn.) Grossh. (1949)

Elaeagnus dactyliformis Schltdl. (1857)

Elaeagnus erivanensis Fisch. ex Schltdl. (1857)

Elaeagnus hortensis M.Bieb. (1808)

Elaeagnus igda (Servett.) Tzvelev (2002)

Elaeagnus iliensis (Musch.) Musch. (1966)

Elaeagnus incana Lam. (1779)

Elaeagnus inermis Mill. (1756)

Elaeagnus litoralis (Servett.) Kozlowsk. (1958)

Elaeagnus moorcroftii Wall. ex Schltdl. (1860)

Elaeagnus orientalis L. (1767)

Elaeagnus oxycarpa Schltdl. (1860)

Elaeagnus songarica (Bernh. ex Schltdl.) Schltdl. (1860)

Elaeagnus spinosa L. (1756)

Elaeagnus tifliensis Vis. (1842)

Elaeagnus tomentosa Moench (1794)

Elaeagnus turcomanica Kozlowsk. (1954)

Elaeagnus angustifolia, commonly called Russian olive, silver berry, oleaster, or wild olive, is a species of , native to Asia and limited areas of eastern Europe. It is widely established in North America as an introduced species.

Elaeagnus angustifolia is a thorny tree growing to 35 feet (11 metres) in height. Its stems, buds, and leaves have a dense covering of silvery to rusty scales. The leaves are alternate, lanceolate, 4-9 centimetres (- inches) long and 1-2.5 cm (-1 in) broad, with a smooth margin. The plants begin to flower and fruit from 3 years old. The highly aromatic flowers, produced in clusters of one to three, are 1 cm long with a four-lobed creamy yellow calyx; they appear in early summer and are followed by clusters of fruit, a small cherry-like drupe 1-1.7 cm (- in) long, orange-red covered in silvery scales. The fruits are about 1 cm wide and sweet, though with a dryish, mealy texture.

The species is established and reproduced primarily by seed, with some vegetative propagation also occurring. The branches have thorns that can be 2-7 cm (- in) long.

The first scientific description of Elaeagnus angustifolia was by Carl Linnaeus under its present name in 1753. Its common name comes from its similarity in appearance to the olive ( Olea europaea), in a different botanical family, the Oleaceae.

The native range of oleaster trees is from Ukraine and Turkey in the west and then eastwards through southern Russia and Central Asia into China. In the eastern Mediterranean this includes the East Aegean Islands, Lebanon, Syria, Palestine, and Israel. Further east in Asia the native range stretches into Afghanistan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and the nations of the Caucasus. In India they are found in the western Himalayas. There is a disjunct population in Myanmar and Assam in eastern India. They grow natively in Mongolia and in China they are found in the north-central, southeast, Inner Mongolia, Manchuria, Qinghai, and Xinjiang.

Russian olive invading a rare ciénega in New Mexico, United States

The shrub possesses a very high level of nitrogen fixation(Page 6) and salinity tolerance [1] enabling it to grow on bare mineral substrates and poor, eroded soils and environments.

The caterpillars of the high altitude alpine moth Lachana alpherakii use it as a host plant. The fruit is readily eaten and the seeds disseminated by many species of birds.

Invasive behavior

The species was introduced into North America by the late 19th century, and was both planted and spread through the consumption of its fruits (which seldom ripen in England), by birds, which disperse the seeds. Russian olive is considered to be an invasive species in many places in the United States because it thrives on poor soil, has high seedling survival rates, matures in a few years, and out-competes the native vegetation. It often invades riparian habitats where the canopy of cottonwood trees has died. Its quick-spreading root system can make it pest-like.

Dried oleaster fruit (senjed) among other fruits as part of haft mēwa, an Afghan dish

It is widely grown across southern and central Europe as a drought and cold-resistant ornamental plant for its scented flowers, edible fruit, attractive yellow foliage and black bark. It was grown in England by John Parkinson no later than 1633.

In Iran, the dried powder of the fruit is used mixed with milk for rheumatoid arthritis and joint pains. There is evidence supporting beneficial effects of aqueous extract of Persian olive in reducing the symptoms of osteoarthritis with an efficacy comparable to that of acetaminophen and ibuprofen.

It is one of the seven items used in Haft-sin, a traditional table setting of Nowruz, the traditional Persian spring celebration. The dried fruit, known locally as senjed, is one of seven served in its own syrup in a fruit salad called haft mēwa eaten during Nowruz in Afghanistan.

E. angustifolia contains the alkaloids harmine, harmane, and harmol in the roots and shoot, as well as calligonine in the bark.

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Elaeagnus angustifolia Scientific classification Kingdom: Plantae Clade: Tracheophytes Clade: Angiosperms Clade: Eudicots Clade: Rosids Order: Rosales Family: Elaeagnaceae Genus: Elaeagnus Species: Binomial name Elaeagnus angustifolia Synonyms [1] Elaeagnus argentea Moench (1794) Elaeagnus caspica (Sosn.) Grossh. (1949) Elaeagnus dactyliformis Schltdl. (1857) Elaeagnus erivanensis Fisch. ex Schltdl. (1857) Elaeagnus hortensis M.Bieb.

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REFLECTIVE ANALYSIS.   DOMAIN 1 - CLINICAL EXPERT.

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REFLECTIVE ANALYSIS.   DOMAIN 1 - CLINICAL EXPERT.

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Having read Competency Standard 3.1, I now know I must use clear and effective communication in my nursing practice to ensure the patient understands what I am saying, and the details of the planned care (Migrant & Refugee Women's Health Partnership, n.d.).

This understanding will be essential to me in my nursing practice, because not assessing the need for or engaging an interpreter for a patient who is deaf or with limited English ability may be a breach of my duty of care (Migrant & Refugee Women's Health Partnership, n.d.).

I have developed my understanding of the importance of a risk assessment while performing my nursing practice. In a situation where an interpreter was not available, I understand the important of a risk assessment to determine whether the consultation is continued without an interpreter or the consultation is rescheduled (Migrant & Refugee Women's Health Partnership, n.d.).

(n.d.). Migrant & Refugee Women's Health Partnership. https://culturaldiversityhealth.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Culturally-responsive-clinical-practice-Working-with-people-from-migrant-and-refugee-backgrounds-Jan2019.pdf

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World Health Organisation -  Social Determinants of Health. Social Inclusion & Non-Discrimination.

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World Health Organisation -  Social Determinants of Health. Social Inclusion & Non-Discrimination.

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Social inclusion and non-discrimination are very important aspects of the WHO social determinants of health ("Social determinants of health," 2019), which can have a significant effect on a Afghan refugees’ successful opportunity to access the Australian healthcare system ("Social determinants of health snapshot," n.d.).

Because the Afghan culture often relies on their own social support network, it can be difficult for them to confidently access and progress through the Australian healthcare system. This factor along with the elements of discrimination ("Quick guide to discrimination law," n.d.) can have a negative impacted on an Afghan refugees ability to access the Australian healthcare system (Metro South Health, n.d.).

Individuals with strong social networks outside their family will benefit from practical and emotional support and networks to aid with finding work or economic and material hardship. This social inclusion can lead to improved mental and physical health which in turn, could result in increased life expectancy and lowering their morbidity ("Social determinants of health snapshot," n.d.).

Social determinants of health. (2019, May 30). World Health Organization (WHO). https://www.who.int/health-topics/social-determinants-of-health#tab=tab_1

Social determinants of health snapshot. (n.d.). Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/australias-health/social-determinants-of-health

Quick guide to discrimination law. (n.d.). Australian Human Rights Commission. https://humanrights.gov.au/education/employers/quick-guide-discrimination-law

(n.d.). Metro South Health. https://www.metrosouth.health.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0023/242249/community-profile-afghan.pdf

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The social determinants of health (SDH) are the non-medical factors that influence health outcomes. They are the conditions in which people are born, grow, work, live, and age, and the wider set of forces and systems shaping the conditions of daily life. These forces and systems include economic policies and systems, development agendas, social norms, social policies and political systems.

The SDH have an important influence on health inequities - the unfair and avoidable differences in health status seen within and between countries. In countries at all levels of income, health and illness follow a social gradient: the lower the socioeconomic position, the worse the health.

The following list provides examples of the social determinants of health, which can influence health equity in positive and negative ways:

Income and social protection

Education

Unemployment and job insecurity

Working life conditions

Food insecurity

Housing, basic amenities and the environment

Early childhood development

Social inclusion and non-discrimination

Structural conflict

Access to affordable health services of decent quality.

Research shows that the social determinants can be more important than health care or lifestyle choices in influencing health. For example, numerous studies suggest that SDH account for between 30-55% of health outcomes. In addition, estimates show that the contribution of sectors outside health to population health outcomes exceeds the contribution from the health sector.

Addressing SDH appropriately is fundamental for improving health and reducing longstanding inequities in health, which requires action by all sectors and civil society.

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WHO's work on social determinants of health

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Common health issues of Afghan refugees in Australia.

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Common health issues of Afghan refugees in Australia.

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According to the Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide, Anaemia, Iron Deficiency and Other Blood Conditions are common health issues found among Australian refugees ("Anaemia, iron deficiency, and other blood conditions » Australian refugee health," n.d.).

Further to this vitamin B12 deficiency has been detected in Afghan refugees in Australia, predominately in cases where there is insufficient access to food (Benson et al., 2013, p. 1).

When vitamin B12 deficiency is indicated, supplementation is recommended. However, it has been suggested that dietary B12 intake after settlement in Australia is usually sufficient and it is unlikely that ongoing supplementation is required. Patients and their families should be advised of the importance of the principles of healthy eating to improve vitamin B12 levels ("Anaemia, iron deficiency, and other blood conditions » Australian refugee health," n.d.).

Anaemia, iron deficiency, and other blood conditions » Australian refugee health. (n.d.). https://refugeehealthguide.org.au/anaemia-iron-deficiency-and-other-blood-conditions/

Benson, J., Phillips, C., Kay, M., Webber, M. T., Ratcliff, A. J., Correa-Velez, I., & Lorimer, M. F. (2013). Low vitamin B12 levels among newly-arrived refugees from Bhutan, Iran and Afghanistan: A multicentre Australian study. PLoS ONE, 8(2), e57998. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0057998

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There are food security risks in many refugee-source countries, as prolonged food deprivation and inadequate access to nutritious food and clean water are common. After arrival in Australia there still may be issues of food insecurity, poor access to healthy foods and consequent under-nutrition. Specific issues include: low weight and/or height-for-age in children, vitamin deficiencies, iron deficiency and anaemia. As well as the potential for under-nutrition, there are increasing problems with dyslipidaemia and obesity and the associated risks of developing non-communicable diseases (NCDs chapter 14). The period of early settlement is a window for health promotion about nutrition.

Anaemia (defined as a low blood haemoglobin concentration with 'normal' ranges depending on gender, age and pregnancy status) has been reported in adults from refugee-like backgrounds in Australia. The prevalence is estimated at 7-20%, but is greater in young children (23-39%) (see prevalence tables for more information). Anaemia is a major cause of, or a contributor to, morbidity and mortality worldwide. In some settings up to 50% of patients with anaemia are iron deficient. Iron deficiency in children from refugee backgrounds in Australia and New Zealand ranges from 17% (36/216) to 33% (113/343).

Iron deficiency anaemia occurs after iron stores become severely depleted. As well as the common causes in the Australian population such as pregnancy, breast feeding, menstrual blood loss, inadequate iron intake, and gastrointestinal blood loss, chronic infections such as hookworm, strongyloidiasis, Helicobacter pylori infection and chronic malaria can contribute. Iron deficiency, even without associated anaemia, may cause fatigue and hence affect productivity. Women of reproductive age and children are at particular risk of iron deficiency and iron deficiency anaemia because of greater iron requirements. It is important that women have adequate iron stores during their reproductive years, as iron deficiency in pregnancy increases maternal and perinatal mortality, and can cause cognitive and motor delays in children. Side effects of iron supplementation include gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, constipation or abdominal pain as well as the potential for overdose in children. In view of the high prevalence of anaemia and iron deficiency in people from refugee-like backgrounds, the fact that iron deficiency is easily treated, as well as published evidence for possible improvements in symptomatic fatigue in women and for psychomotor development in children, we recommend screening for anaemia with full blood examination (FBE) in all patients and to consider excluding iron deficiency by determining serum ferritin concentrations in women of child-bearing age, children, and those with fatigue. FBE, rather than purely haemoglobin (Hb), is recommended because red cell characteristics may be useful in determining the type of anaemia, and differential white cell concentrations (e.g. eosinophils) are included.

Other haematological conditions

Congenital neutropenia. Neutrophil concentrations below normal Australian reference ranges occur in 25-50% of persons of African descent and in some groups from the Middle East. This is not a pathological condition but rather reflects a different 'normal' range. If the person seems well and has no associated clinical features like fever, gingivitis or skin infections, no further investigation is indicated.

Eosinophilia is defined as an absolute eosinophil count exceeding 0.6 x 109 eosinophils/mm3 and is apparent on FBE. Eosinophilia in this population may indicate the presence of a parasitic infection (see schistosomiasis, strongyloidiasis, and other intestinal parasites). Note: single-cell intestinal parasites (e.g. giardia) do not cause eosinophilia. Other causes of eosinophilia include allergies and medications.

Inherited anaemias. These include thalassaemias, G6PD deficiency and haemoglobinopathies. These are more common in people from Africa, Asia and the Middle East. Carriers are usually asymptomatic but often have mild microcytic hypochromic anaemia.

Lead toxicity. Elevated serum lead concentrations have been reported in up to 7-25% of people of African refugee-like background and in children from the Thai-Burma refugee camps especially in those aged < 6 years, although rarely to a level requiring chelation therapy. Screening for lead toxicity in Australian refugee populations is not recommended routinely but should be considered if there are symptoms of lead toxicity such as learning, memory, behavioural or cognitive dysfunction in children and when anaemia is unexplained.

Coeliac disease. Although there are no Australian data available in people from refugee-like backgrounds, the rates of coeliac disease in North Africa and the Middle East are apparently similar to rates in Western countries. The disease is rare in Sub-Saharan Africa and in East Asia.

Vitamin B12 deficiency has been reported in refugees from Bhutan, Iran, Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa in Australia especially when there is poor access to food. This does not necessarily correlate with symptoms or even with macrocytosis, and the significance of such apparent deficiency, the requirements for replacing borderline deficiency, the effects of post-migration diets and possible impacts on long-term health in those from refugee-like backgrounds are currently unclear.

Folate deficiency is uncommon in those from refugee-like backgrounds in Australia but should be considered in new arrivals with food insecurity. As folate deficiency is uncommon in Australia due to the availability of fresh foods and vegetables, and the fortification of some foods, testing is not recommended.

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Anaemia, Iron Deficiency, and Other Blood Conditions

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There are food security risks in many refugee-source countries, as prolonged food deprivation and inadequate access to nutritious food and clean water are common. After arrival in Australia there still may be issues of food insecurity, poor access to healthy foods and consequent under-nutrition.

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The handshake ("guide to Afghan greetings," n.d.).

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A short common verbal greeting used by Muslims across the world is Salaam or Salaam Alaikum, which means "Peace be upon you" in Arabic ("Salaam (disambiguation)," 2022).

The custom of prolonged enquiries then follows, and it should also be noted, that it can be impolite to use a direct question to greet people in Afghanistan.

A common type of greeting is the handshake and the physical greeting of placing your right hand over your heart with a gentle nod will show both respect and sincerity during your exchange ("guide to Afghan greetings," n.d.).

Salaam (disambiguation). (2022, November 28). Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Retrieved August 24, 2024, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salaam_(disambiguation)

A guide to Afghan greetings. (n.d.). Afghanaid. https://www.afghanaid.org.uk/a-guide-to-afghan-greetings

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Kabuli Pulao.

The dish consists of steamed rice mixed with sauté carrots and raisins and marinated lamb, garnished with almonds and pistachios. Saffron may be added to either the rice, sauce or the garnishes ("Kabuli pulao," 2024).

The high quality and price of “Kabuli pulao” ingredients makes it a festive and important dish in Afghanistan (Seddiq, 2023).

As people in Afghanistan have became wealthier and the dish more common, the name has changed from Kabuli Palau to Qabili Palau. This is to reflect the Dari name for well accomplished (Qabili) and the idea that only a skilled chef could balance the complex flavours of the dish ("Afghanistan's national dish - Kabuli Palau — Home | Afghan culture unveiled," 2020).

INGREDIENTS

2–4 tbs char masala

2 tps cumin seeds

700 g lamb

350 g carrots, julienned

250 g raisins

125 ml sesame oil

2  onions, sliced

4 garlic cloves, chopped

Pinch of salt

2 tbs sugar

3 cups rice

INSTRUCTIONS – link to recipe below.

https://afghancooks.com/kabuli-pulao-recipe/

Kabuli pulao. (2024, August 11). Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Retrieved August 23, 2024, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kabuli_pulao

Seddiq, M. (2023, August 30). Kabuli pulao recipe - Afghan national dish. Afghan Cooks. https://afghancooks.com/kabuli-pulao-recipe/

Afghanistan's national dish - Kabuli Palau — Home | Afghan culture unveiled. (2020, February 17). Afghan Culture Unveiled. https://www.afghancultureunveiled.com/humaira-ghilzai/afghancooking/2013/10/kabuli-palau-afghanistan-national-dish.html

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Health of refugees and humanitarian entrants in Australia, Mental health ("Health of refugees and humanitarian entrants in Australia, mental health," n.d.).

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Mental Health self reporting by Afghani refugees to Australia.

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Mental Health self reporting by Afghani refugees to Australia.

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The number of Afghan humanitarian entrants who had self-reported a mental health condition in 2021 was 1.113 (6.6%). After standardisation for age, the rate of self-reported mental health conditions among Afghan humanitarian entrants was lower than the rest of the Australian population (7.3% and 10.6% respectively).

Across all age groups of the Afghan humanitarians, self-reported mental health conditions, females reported more commonly than males. There were more than 1 in 5 female Afghan humanitarian entrants in the 50–59 and 60–69 age groups, who had reported living with a mental health condition. ("Health of refugees and humanitarian entrants in Australia, mental health," n.d.).

Health of refugees and humanitarian entrants in Australia, mental health. (n.d.). Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/cald-australians/health-of-refugees-and-humanitarian-entrants/contents/case-study-humanitarian-entrants-born-in-afghanist/mental-health#