Malaysian Herbs (132)-Chamomile

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Chamomile is an herb that belongs to the Asteraceae (daisy or sunflower) plant family and is grown around the world. It forms a daisylike flower with small white petals, a yellow center, and a thin stem, and can grow nearly 3 feet high.

Chamomile has been used as a traditional medicine for thousands of years to calm anxiety and settle stomachs. People in ancient Rome, Greece, and Egypt used dried chamomile flowers and their essential oils as a medicinal herb.

Today, two types of chamomile are still commonly used as an herbal medicine: German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla), the most widely used, and Roman or English chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile).

Chamomile comes in many forms. You can find it in capsules, tablets, liquid extracts, oils, or skin creams and ointments.

In the U.S., chamomile is best known as an ingredient in herbal tea.

Chamomile is definitely one of the most popular wild medicinal plants that can be eaten. The two main types are the more popular German chamomile and the lesser known Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile). Although they belong to different species, they are used to treat the same health ailments in herbal pharmacy. Both are used to calm frayed nerves, help in soothing various stomach problems, reduce muscle spasms, and to treat several skin conditions. The German variety grows in many countries.

Most of us immediately think of thyme, rosemary, or parsley when it comes to herbs. However, when asked about herbal tea, generally, the first one to come to mind is chamomile. Its bright apple scent and light flavor are well-known throughout the world.

         Hamomile, also spelled camomile, any of the various daisy-like plants of the aster family (Asteraceae). Chamomile tea, used as a tonic and an antiseptic and in many herbal remedies, is made from English, or Roman, chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) or German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla). Several species are cultivated as garden ornamentals, especially golden marguerite, or yellow chamomile (Cota tinctoria).

Many members of the genus Anthemis, containing more than 100 species of Eurasian herbs, are also known as chamomile. They characteristically have yellow or white ray flowers and yellow disk flowers in compact flower heads. Mayweed, or stinking chamomile (A. cotula), is a strong-smelling weed used in medicines and insecticides.

Culinary or Medicinal Uses

Many people enjoy chamomile tea as a caffeine-free alternative to black or green tea and for its earthy, somewhat sweet taste. It’s also full of antioxidants, powerful compounds that may play a role in reducing your risk of certain diseases.

Chamomile tea is also soothing and relaxing, and many people use it to aid digestion and sleep.

May promote digestive health

Proper digestion is extremely important for your overall health.

While chamomile may help with digestion and gastrointestinal health, there’s little research supporting this.

Some older animal studies found that it may help control diarrheaTrusted Source and prevent stomach ulcersTrusted Source. Despite these findings, more human research is needed to confirm chamomile’s role in digestion.Nevertheless, there are many anecdotal claims that drinking chamomile tea is soothing to the stomach. Many traditional medicine practices promote its use for digestive ailments like nausea, and gas.

May protect against certain types of cancer

The antioxidants found in chamomile tea have been linked with a lower incidence of certain types of cancer.Chamomile contains the antioxidant apigenin. In test-tube studiesTrusted Source, apigenin has been shown to fight cancer cells, especially those of the breast, digestive tract, skin, prostate and uterus. 

Additionally, one study of 537 people observed that those who drank chamomile tea 2–6 times per week were at a lower risk of developing thyroid cancer than those who did not drink chamomile tea.

These findings are promising, but more high-quality, human research is necessary to make a conclusion regarding chamomile tea’s role in cancer prevention.

May benefit blood sugar control

Drinking chamomile tea could aid in lowering blood sugar levels. Its anti-inflammatory properties may prevent damage to the cells of your pancreas. Having a healthy pancreas is extremely important because it produces insulin, the hormone responsible for moving sugar from your blood into cells.

One studyTrusted Source looked 50 participants with diabetes. They found that drinking chamomile tea twice per day for 4 weeks was linked to improved blood sugar control, lipid profiles, and kidney function.

While chamomile tea isn’t a replacement for medication if you have diabetes, it may be a useful addition to your management plan.

May benefit heart health

Chamomile tea contains flavones, a class of antioxidants. According to research, flavonoids may improve cardiovascular health by reducing LDL, also known as “bad” cholesterol.

One older study

Trusted Source found that people with diabetes who drank chamomile tea had reductions in their triglyceride (blood fat) and LDL levels. However, more research is necessary to prove just how effective it is for improving heart health.

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Malaysian Herbs (133) Arugam pul

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 Arugam Pul

Cynodon dectylon is a botanical name for Bermuda grass. Tamil name Arugampul. This grass carries plenty of therapeutic properties, clinical values, and health benefits.

It is rich in minerals and protein. Arugampul Siddha Ayurveda treatment is very popular in Tamil Nadu. The experiments are going on to treat arugampul for cancer disease.

Arugampul is strongly anti-viral and anti-bacterial loaded with nutrients like calcium, phosphorous, potash, potassium, sodium, manganese, protein, enzymes, carbohydrates, fiber, flavonoids, and alkaloids which augments several health benefits.

Bermuda grass extract is a wonderful detoxifier. It removes harmful toxins from the body. It is the best remedy for relieving acidity. In Siddha Ayurveda, powdered arugampul with honey is given to reduce body weight.

Arugampul,

scientifically termed Cynodon dactylon, is a highly prized ayurvedic plant for its impressive medicinal properties. It is a weed that is widely grown in tropical climate regions like Bermuda, North America, Africa Savanah, India, and other tropical countries. The leaves are greyish-green in color and sword-like with rough edges. Bermuda grass grows in any type of extreme climate and it is drought resistant.

In India, Arugampul is considered very sacred and most favorite to Lord Ganesha and is offered to Him during auspicious days. Also, it is highly esteemed and used extensively in Ayurveda and Siddha medicine for more than a thousand years for its impressive medicinal properties. 

Properties of Arugampul

Arugampul is strongly anti-viral and anti-bacterial loaded with nutrients like calcium, phosphorous, potash, potassium, sodium, manganese, protein, enzymes, carbohydrates, fiber, flavonoids, and alkaloids which augments several health benefits.

Benefits of Arugampul

1. Regulates Blood Sugar levels

Consuming arugampul juice helps stabilize blood sugar levels. It has potent hypoglycemic effects which help in managing diabetes-related disorders when taken with few neem leaves. To prevent blood sugar spikes and to stabilize blood glucose levels, consume arugampul juice regularly on an empty stomach.

2.Relieves Diuretic Condition

Consuming this juice early in the morning helps one detoxify his/her body from toxins and also gets rid of water retention. This is also useful in treating urinary tract infections. It is an effective natural remedy to treat kidney stones and urinary tract infections. It functions well as a good diuretic by flushing out toxins, getting rid of excess water, and clearing out kidney stones.

3. Relieves acidity

Arugampul juice is highly praised for its potent alkaline properties. It works well by increasing the alkaline level and lowers acidity. Bermuda juices aid in treating acidosis, lowering internal inflammation, and battling gut infections.

4. Builds Immunity

Arugampul contains Cynodon Dactylon Protein Fractions or CDPF in short. This is a protein compound responsible for improving immunity. Durva grass is also called as energizer or immunity booster.

5. Skin Problems

Skin conditions such as eczema, and fungal infections can be treated when one applies a paste made from arugampul grass. Drinking its juice in conjunction also helps in detoxifying thereby preventing further worsening of skin condition. The antiseptic and anti-inflammatory nature of arugampul juice is responsible for this. It also guards the skin against harmful UV rays.

6. Treats Anemia

Arugampul consists of more than 65% chlorophyll, which helps step up the production of red blood cells and hemoglobin, which helps arugampul to relieve anemia.

7. Relieves lung Problems

Consumption of arugampul juice helps clear congestion in the chest or lungs. It is helpful in conditions such as Bronchial disorders and Asthma. Also, regular consumption helps fight cold and sinusitis conditions.

8. Menstrual Problems

Arugampul juice is helpful in conditions such as PCOS. It is also helpful in relieving pain and headaches accompanied during menstruation.

9. Eye problems

Arugampul juice when applied to eye infections is helpful in alleviating its symptoms. This should be done after medical consultation.

10. Oral Hygiene

Arugampul juice helps fight bad odor. When this grass is chewed, it helps strengthen teeth and cures bleeding gums.

11.Weight loss

Hunger pangs are easily managed when one consumes, arugampul juice. It can help withstand hunger for more than three hours, thereby preventing binge eating and weight gain. Hence arugampul juice is good for weight loss.

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Maaysian Herbs(131)-திரு நீற்றுப் பச்சை

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திரு நீற்றுப் பச்சை

         Sweet basil, is an herb in the Lamiaceae (mint) family

native to the tropical regions of Africa and Asia. The fragrant edible leaves are great in soups, stews, and other meat dishes. 

The name "basil" comes from the Latin basilius, and the Greek βασιλικόν φυτόν (basilikón phutón), meaning "royal/kingly plant", possibly because the plant was believed to have been used in production of royal perfumes. Basil is likewise sometimes referred to in French as "l'herbe royale" ('the royal herb'). The Latin name has been confused with basilisk, as it was supposed to be an antidote to the basilisk's venom.

The plant has been mainly utilized in traditional medicine for the treatment of respiratory disorders. In the present article, effects of O. basilicum and its main constituents on respiratory disorders, assessed by experimental and clinical studies.

basilicum leaves have a strong antioxidant effect due to the existence of some constituents such as eugenol and vicenin . In addition, this plant showed anti-inflammatory properties due to the presence of citronellol, limonene, and eugenol in its leaf .

Introduction

Respiratory diseases mainly include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, pneumonia, pulmonary fibrosis, and lung cancer (Ferkol and Schraufnagel, 2014). These diseases affect a large number of people every year and reduce a person’s level of performance in daily activities, and they are the most common cause of referral to general practitioners worldwide . The rate of respiratory dysfunction due to pulmonary diseases depends on the disease type and severity . In the last decades, environmental agents such as pollutants and diet as well as individual factors such as genetics and epigenetics resulted in a rise in the prevalence of inflammatory, allergic, malignancy, and immunodeficiency disorders. These factors may result in a cascade of destructive and inflammatory mechanisms creating the pathological symptom of allergic diseases including asthma . Early diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and monitoring of the respiratory disorders as well as the development of new therapeutics to alleviate such pathological mechanisms and restore the balance of the immune system are required for curing respiratory diseases. Inflammatory obstructive respiratory diseases are treated mainly by two types of drugs, including relieving drugs that reduce airway obstruction and preventive drugs that reduce lung inflammation .

Noteworthy Characteristics

Ocimum basilicum, commonly called basil, is a native of Africa and Asia. Tradition has it that basil was found growing around Christ's tomb after the Resurrection, and consequently, some Greek Orthodox churches use it to prepare holy water and pots of basil are set below church altars. In India, basil was believed to be imbued with a divine essence, and oaths were sworn upon it in courts. A number of varieties exist today, ranging from a tiny-leafed Greek basil to robust 2-foot-high plants with large succulent leaves. Some varieties have deep purple leaves. While flowers are typically small and whitish, some can be pink to brilliant magenta. Leaves can be dried for later use. Basil is extremely frost sensitive.

Food (Herb and Spice)

[Others]: Fresh or dried leaves commonly used in cooking for their fragrance and flavour, especially in tomato-based dishes like pizzas and sphaghetti. Fresh leaves can can be blended with other ingredients to make pesto sauce used in Italian cooking. Seeds become gelantinous when soaked in water, used in Asian drinks and desserts. Essential oils from plant reported to have anti-oxidant and anti-microbial properties. Fresh leaves said to have slight numbing effect when chewed, and used to relieve sore throats. Also eaten or drunk as tea to relieve stomach gas and stomach cramps. Essential oils widely used in cosmetics, perfumes and soaps. Ancient Egyptians used oils in embalming fluids for mummies.

Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is one of the most important crops with essential oils as well as polyphenols, phenolics, flavonoids and phenolic acids. This annual plant belongs to mint family, and indigenous to tropical regions. Basil leaves also has tremendous pharmaceutical benefits and it is common to use in rice, meat, stews and soups. Traditionally, it has been used in kidney problems, as a haemostyptic in childbirth, earache, menstrual irregularities, arthritis, anorexia, treatment of colds and malaria. Basil has been shown positive effects against viral, fungal, bacterial and some infections. Basil leaves have been used in treatment of fevers, coughs, flu, asthma, bronchitis, influenza and diarrhea. Basil Seed Mucilage, commonly known as basil seed gum. Basil seed mucilage can be considered as thickening, stabilizing, fat substitute, texurizer, surface-active and emulsifying hydrocolloid. The most important pharmacological uses of basil are anti-cancer activity, radioprotective activity, anti-microbial activity, anti-inflammatory effects, immunomodulatory activity, anti-stress activity, anti-diabetic activity, anti-pyretic activity, anti-arthritic activity, anti-oxidant activity, as a prophylactic agent and in cardiovascular disease.

Sweet basil, with it's wonderful aroma and flavor, is one of the most popular and widely grown herbs in the world. In the West, basil is associated with Italian cooking, so you may be surprised to find that basil originated in the far eastern countries of India, Pakistan and Thailand. Basil is an annual herb to 2-3 ft tall with green stems (usually woody at the base) that are square in cross section. 

Basil has opposite leaves, 5.1-10.2 cm long, oval and slightly toothed. The tiny purple or white flowers arranged in flattened whorls that encircle the stems, one whorl above another. There are so many uses for basil that every herb gardener will want to have a plant or two. It is an attractive plant that works well in vegetable, herb and flower gardens. Basil has a warm, resinous, clove-like flavor and fragrance. 

The flowers and leaves are best used fresh and added only during the last few minutes of cooking. Basil works well in combination with tomatoes. Finely chopped basil stirred into mayonnaise makes a good sauce for fish. Use as a garnish for vegetables, chicken and egg dishes.

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Malaysian Herbs (130) - NEELI CHEDI-நீலிச்செடி

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Avuri--NEELI-நீலிச்செடி

 Indigo plant (Indigofera tinctoria

A small, well-branched shrub belong to the pea family, True indigo plants were traditionally used to produce indigo or blue dye. Now with synthetic dyes gaining popularity, True indigo plants are not in demand anymore. They are now seen in the wild, in empty plots, roadsides, hillsides and open areas.

These plants can grow to a height of 1-2 meters with well-branched, woody stems and small, green, pinnate leaves. The leaves are 8-10 cms long with 9-13 small, oppositely-placed leaflets.

The plants flower copiously, producing blue or violet flowers very similar to those of peas or beans. The flowers are borne on long racemes that are 3-5 cms long. These flowers then turn into green and then brown pods that are 3-4 cms long. Each seedpod contains 5-10 small seeds that are about 1.5mm in diameter.

True indigo plants have medicinal uses as well, the leaves are used in treatment of wounds, ulcers, sores, hemorrhoids, and skin diseases. An infusion of the leaves can treat nerve disorders, epilepsy, asthma, bronchitis, liver and kidney ailments, fever and spleen infections.

Roots are used to treat worm infections, toothache, gonorrhea, kidney stones, insect and scorpion stings. Twigs of True indigo plant are used as toothbrushes after crushing it lightly to bring out the fibers. Leaves are also used in cosmetic preparations such as skin conditioners and masking agents.

The color “indigo” is named after several plants in the genus Indigofera. These varieties of indigo plants are famous for the natural blue colors obtained from the plant leaves used to make a natural dye. Some indigo plant varieties are used medicinally, while others are ornamental and beautiful.

Making Dye from Indigo plants

The blue dyestuff is formed by fermenting the leaves with caustic soda or sodium hydrosulfite. Many different indigo plants are used to make the blue pigment. True indigo, also called French indigo (Indigofera tinctoria), natal indigo (Indigofera arrecta), and Guatemalan indigo (Indigofera suffruticosa). 

These varieties of indigo were the main important industry in India. The indigo cultivation for dye slowed after synthetic indigo was developed. Now these indigo dye is typically used by craftspeople. 

While even blue is produced by synthetic indigo, natural indigo contains impurities that give beautiful color variations. The shades of blue you get from the dye depends on where the indigo plant was grown and in what weather. Several indigo plant varieties have been used medicinally, however, true indigo is the most commonly utilized varieties and was popular with the Chinese to clean the liver, detoxify the blood, reduce inflammation, alleviate pain, and reduce fever.

Some indigo plants, however, like creeping indigo (Indigofera endecaphylla), are
slightly toxic. These indigo plants poison grazing livestock. Other indigo plant varieties, when consumed by humans, can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and even death.

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