Saturday, February 23, 2013

Malaysian Herbs-Couroupita guianensis(Cannon Ball Tree)(59) நாகலிங்க மரம்

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நாகலிங்க மரம்

இந்தியாவிலும் மலேஷியாவிலும் பல இடங்களில்
இம்மரங்கள் உள்ளன. Couroupita guianensis
Couroupita guianensis
The name "Cannon Ball " comes from the fruits, big as cannon balls, hanging on special branches along the trunk. This large deciduous (sheds leaves annually ) tropical tree, 75" tall and an interesting asset to Amazon rain forest, is listed as a rare tree and flower in India. The leaves, up to 6" long, are simple with serrate margin; it flowers bloom in yellow, reddish and pink flowers with mesmerizing fragrant (This fragrance attracts snakes at the first place hence they don't prefer to plant them outsides mainly expect in the premises of Lord Shiva's Temple) . These are 3" to 5" waxy aromatic smelling, pink and dark-red flowers growing directly on the bark of the trunk. The tree bears, directly on the trunk and main branches, large sphere woody fruits; they look like big rusty cannonballs hanging in clusters, like balls on a string.


Couroupita guianensis


whose common names include Ayahuma and the Cannonball Tree, is an evergreen tree allied to the Brazil nut (Bertholletia excelsa), and is native to tropical northern South America and to the southern Caribbean. In India it has been growing for the past two or three thousand years at least, as attested by textual records, hence it is possible that it is native to India also. It's rare, but also found in Bangladesh. It is known as নাগকেশর(Nagakeshar) or নাগালিংগম(Nagalingam) in Bengali. It's part of the family Lecythidaceae and grows up to 25 m (82 ft) in height. The "Cannonball Tree" is so called because of its brown cannon-ball-like fruits. The majority of these trees outside their natural environment have been planted as a botanical curiosity, as they grow very large, distinctive flowers. Its flowers are orange, scarlet and pink in color, and form large bunches measuring up to 3m in length. They produce large spherical and woody fruits ranging from 15 to 24 cm in diameter, containing up to 200 or 300 seeds a piece. Both the fruit and the flower grow from stalks which sprout from the trunk of the tree. Cannonball Tree flowers are found on thick tangled extrusions that grow on the trunk of the tree; these are found just below the foliage branches, and right down to just above ground level. The extrusions however, can range from two to six feet in length.

The trees are grown extensively in Shiva temples in India. In Hindi it is called Shiv Kamal and also known as "Kailaspati". It is called the Nagalingam tree in Tamil. The flowers are called Shivalinga flowers in Hindi; Nagalinga Pushpa in Kannada; Nagamalli flowers or Mallikarjuna flowers in Telugu. Hindus revere it as a sacred tree because the petals of the flower resemble the hood of the Naga, a sacred snake, protecting a Shiva Lingam, the stigma. The Cannonball Tree possesses antibiotic, antifungal, antiseptic and analgesic qualities. The trees are used to cure colds and stomach aches. Juice made from the leaves is used to cure skin diseases, and shamans of South America have even used tree parts for treating malaria. The inside of the fruit can disinfect wounds. The fruit emits an unpleasant odor and can be used as an insect repelent just by rubbing it to the skin or clothes.






 Cannon ball trees usually carry 'CAUTION' signs posted on the trunks to advise people not to stand close to and directly under the fruits as one can get hurt as they drop off by themselves. The fruit contains small seeds in a white, unpleasant smelling white jelly, which are exposed when the upper half of the fruit goes off like a cover. The long dangling fruity branches give the tree an unkempt appearance. The hard shells are used to make containers and utensils.  
Cannon ball flowers are considered of special significance in Buddhist culture in Sri Lanka. In Andhra Pradesh  [a state in India] , it is called Nagamalli/ Nagalingam/Nagalinga  flower.
Cannon Ball  flowers are offered to worship one of the important deity of India, Shiva. The reason is there will be   a small bump at the center of the flower  resembling Lord Shiva's Lingam and the pollen hood shaped like a multi hooded snake over the linga . This rare flower can be used only for offering to Lord Shiva 


A large deciduous tropical tree 90' tall and indigenous to the Amazon rainforest.
The leaves, up to 6" long, are simple with serrate margin; it flowers in racemes; the yellow, reddish and pink flowers are stunning fragrant.
These are large 3" to 5" waxy aromatic smelling, pink and dark-red flowers, growing directly on the bark of the trunk (cauliflory).
Pollination is done by bees and bats.
The tree bears, also directly on the trunk and main branches, large globose woody fruits; they look like big rusty cannonballs hanging in clusters, like balls on a string.
The fruit contains small seeds in a white, unpleasant smelling edible jelly, which are exposed when the upper half of the fruit goes off like a cover.
The long dangling fruity branches give the tree an unkempt appearance.
The hard shells are used to make containers and utensils.


Couroupita guianensis, whose common names include Ayahuma and the Cannonball Tree, is an evergreen tree allied to theBrazil nut (Bertholletia excelsa), and is native to tropical northern South America[citation needed]; and to the southern Caribbean. InIndia it has been growing for the past two or three thousand years at least, as attested by textual records[citation needed]; hence it is possible that it is native to India also. It's rare, but also found in Bangladesh. It is known as নাগকেশর(Nagakeshar) or নাগালিংগম(Nagalingam) in Bengali.
It's part of the family Lecythidaceae and grows up to 25 m (82 ft) in height. The "Cannonball Tree" is so called because of its brown cannon-ball-like fruits. The majority of these trees outside their natural environment have been planted as a botanical curiosity, as they grow very large, distinctive flowers. Its flowers are orange, scarlet and pink in color, and form large bunches measuring up to 3m in length. They produce large spherical and woody fruits ranging from 15 to 24 cm in diameter, containing up to 200 or 300 seeds a piece.



Cannonball Tree flowers do not have nectar, so these flowers are mainly visited by bees in search of pollen; outside the native range of habitat, carpenter bees are considered to be the principal pollinators. Both the fruit and the flower grow from stalks which sprout from the trunk of the tree. Cannonball Tree flowers are found on thick tangled extrusions that grow on the trunk of the tree; these are found just below the foliage branches. The extrusions however, can range from two to six feet in length. The flowers are attached to an upwardly bent, white fleshy disk. The flowers have six petals, which are large, orange-red, and strongly perfumed. In pollination, fertile stamens can be found in a ring around reduced style and stamens. The sterile pollen is located in the anthers. As a bee enters to pollinate the flower, its back rubs against the ring with fertile pollen; this allows the bee to carry the fertile pollen to another flower. The differences in the pollen was noticed by French botanist Antoine Porteau in 1825. The differences in the pollen are as follows: the pollen of the ring stamens is fertile, while the hood pollen is sterile.

Fruits and dispersal

The tree gets its common name from the large, spherical fruits it produces. The fruit falls from the tree and cracks open when it hits the ground when mature, often causing the sound of a small explosion. The fruit emits an unpleasant aroma when exposed to the air. Individual seeds within the "ball" are coated with hair, which is thought to protect the seed when it is ingested and may also help in the passage of the seed through the intestines. The cannonball tree and its fruit are thought by some to be remnants of the last ice age, like the "hedge apple" or "osage orange" of north America. The fruit is thought to be an adaptation provided for the giant ground sloth, a long extinct species. Today instead of seeds being dispersed by the large extinct mammal, the fruit simply rots around the base of its mother tree. Like coconut palms, the trees should not be planted near paths or near traffic-filled areas, as the heavy nut is known to fall without notice.

Religious significance in Asia

The trees are grown extensively in Shiva temples in India. In Hindi it is called Shiv Kamal and also known as "Kailaspati". It is called the Nagalingam tree in Tamil. The flowers are called Shivalinga flowers in Hindi; Nagalinga Pushpa in KannadaNagamalli flowers or Mallikarjuna flowers in TeluguHindus revere it as a sacred tree because the petals of the flower resemble the hood of the Naga, a sacred snake, protecting a Shiva Lingam, the stigma.
In Sri Lanka, Thailand and other Buddhist countries the tree is often planted at Buddhist temples. It is here mistaken as the Sala tree, Shorea robusta, the tree under which the Buddha died and under which the previous Buddha Vessabhu attained enlightenment.

Medicinal uses

The Cannonball Tree possesses antibiotic, antifungal, antiseptic and analgesic qualities. The trees are used to cure colds and stomach aches. Juice made from the leaves is used to cure skin diseases, and shamans of South America have even used tree parts for treating malaria. The inside of the fruit can disinfect wounds and young leaves ease toothache[citation needed]. The fruit emits an unpleasant odor and can be used as an insect repelent just by rubbing it to the skin or clothes.
 physicianpackiam


  

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Malaysian Herbs-Commiphora wightii- (58) gugulu

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Guggul

Guggul is sought for its gummy resin, which is harvested from the plant's bark through the process of tapping. In India and Pakistan, guggul is cultivated commercially. The resin of the guggul plant, known as gum guggulu, has a fragrance similar to that of myrrh and is commonly used in incense and perfumes. It is the same product that was known in Hebrew, ancient Greek, and Latin sources as bdellium.

Guggul can be purchased in a loosely packed form called dhoop, an incense from India, which is burned over hot coals. This produces a fragrant, dense smoke. The burning coals that let out the smoke are then carried around to different rooms and held in all corners for a few seconds. This is said to drive away evil spirits as well as remove the evil eye from the home and its family members.


Other Names: Gukkulu, Salaitree, Indian Bedellium, Rata-dummula, Guggula, Moql, Gugal, Mukul, Aphalatana, Mokhil, Bai- jahundana, Mogla, Duk, Maishakshi, Gugal, Maisatchi Kungiliyam, Gugara, Kou-shikaha, Guggul, Gum-gugul, Gukkal
Additional Info: The plant is indigenous to India. It excretes a resin, which, when fresh, is wet, fragrant, and characterized by golden hue. When diluted with water the substance forms an emulsion, when exposed to sun it melts, and may be burnt in fire. It is commonly applied as an alternative to costly myrrh.
Commiphora wightii is a flowering plant in the family Burseraceae. The guggul plant may be found from northern Africa to central Asia, but is most common in northern India. It prefers arid and semi-arid climates and is tolerant of poor soil.
amphora wightii (Guggal, Guggul, or Mukul myrrh tree) is a flowering plant in the family Burseraceae. The guggul plant may be found from northern Africa to central Asia but is most common in northern India. It prefers arid and semi-arid climates and is tolerant of poor soil.
It is a shrub or small tree, reaching a maximum height of 4 m, with thin papery bark. The branches are thorny. The leaves are simple or trifoliate, the leaflets ovate, 1–5 cm long, 0.5–2.5 cm broad, irregularly toothed. It is gynodioecious, with some plants bearing bisexual and male flowers, and others with female flowers. The individual flowers are red to pink, with four small petals. Wikipedia


Guggul has been a key component in ancient Indian  Siddha, Ayurvedic system of medicine. But has become so scarce because of its overuse in the two habitats in India where it is found — Gujarat and Rajasthan that the World Conservation Union (IUCN) has enlisted it in its Red Data List of endangered species.
Guggul produces a resinous sap known as gum guggul. The extract of this gum, called guggulipid, guggulipid, or guggulipid, has been used in Ayurvedic medicine, a traditional Hindu medicine, for nearly 3,000 years in India.[1] The active ingredient in the extract is the steroid guggulsterone, which acts as an antagonist of the farnesoid X receptor, once believed to result in decreased cholesterol synthesis in the liver. However, several studies have been published that indicate no overall reduction in total cholesterol occurs using various dosages of guggulsterone, and levels of low-density lipoprotein ("bad cholesterol") increased in many people.

Cultivation and other uses

Guggul is sought for its gummy resin, which is harvested from the plant's bark through the process of tapping. In India and Pakistan, guggul is cultivated commercially. The resin of the guggul plant, known as gum guggulu, has a fragrance similar to that of myrrh and is commonly used in incense and perfumes. It is the same product that was known in Hebrewancient Greek, and Latin sources as bdellium.
Guggul can be purchased in a loosely packed form called dhoop, an incense from India, which is burned over hot coals. This produces a fragrant, dense smoke. The burning coals that let out the smoke are then carried around to different rooms and held in all corners for a few seconds. This is said to drive away evil spirits as well as remove the evil eye from the home and its family members.

Endangerment and rescue

Because of its medicinal properties, guggul has been overharvested in much of its habitat and has been listed on the IUCN Red List of threatened species. Several efforts are in place to address this situation. India's National Medicinal Plants Board launched a project in Kutch District to cultivate 500 to 800 hectares (1,200 to 2,000 acres) of guggal while a grass-roots conservation movement, led by IUCN associate Vineet Soni, has been started to educate guggal growers and harvesters in safe, sustainable harvesting methods.

Highly effective in the treatment of rheumatism, obesity, neurological and urinary disorders, tonsillitis, arthritis, and a few other diseases. The fumes from burning guggul are recommended in hay- fever, chronic bronchitis, and phytises. The gum resin is bitter, acrid, astringent, thermogenic, aromatic, expectorant, digestive, anthelmintic, anti-inflammatory, anodyne, antiseptic, demulcent, carminative, emmenagogue, haematinic, diuretic, lithontriptic, rejuvenating and general tonic. Guggulipid is hypercholesteremia. [MEDICINAL PLANTS by P. P. Joy, J. Thomas, Samuel Mathew, Baby P. Skaria]
physicianpackiam


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Sunday, February 17, 2013

Malaysian Herbs-EUCALYPTUS TREE (57) நீலகிரி மரம்

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EUCALYPTUS OBLIQUA

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In many places in Malaysia, we can find Eucalyptus Trees. Only that we do not use it in our daily needs.



  Eucalyptus was first introduced from Australia to the rest of the world by Sir Joseph Bankshttp://botanist, on the Cook expedition in 1770. It was subsequently introduced to many parts of the world, notably California, Brazil, Ecuador, Colombia, Ethiopia, Morocco, PortugalSouth Africa, Uganda, Israel, Galicia, and Chile. On the order of 250 species under cultivation in California. In Portugal and also Spain, eucalypts have been planted in pulpwood plantations. Eucalyptus is the basis for several industries, such as sawmilling, pulp, charcoal, and others. Several species have become invasive and are causing major problems for local ecosystems, mainly due to the absence of wildlife corridors and rotations management.


 Eucalypts have many uses which have made them economically important trees, and have become a cash crop in poor areas such as Timbuktu, Africa, and the Peruvian Andes despite concerns that the trees are invasive in some countries like South Africa Best-known are perhaps the varieties karri and yellow box. Due to their fast growth, the foremost benefit of these trees is their wood. They can be chopped off at the root and grow back again. They provide many desirable characteristics for use as ornament, timber, firewood, and pulpwood. It is also used in many industries, from fence posts and charcoal to cellulose extraction for biofuels. Fast growth also makes eucalypts suitable as windbreaks and to reduce erosion.
Eucalypts draw a tremendous amount of water from the soil through the process of transpiration. They have been planted (or re-planted) in some places to lower the water table and reduce soil salination. Eucalypts have also been used as a way of reducing malaria by draining the soil in Algeria, Lebanon, Sicily] elsewhere in Europe, in Caucasus (Western Georgia), and California.[ Drainage removes swamps which provide a habitat for mosquito larvae, but can also destroy ecologically productive areas. This drainage is not limited to the soil surface because the eucalyptus roots are up to 2.5 m (8.2 ft) in length and can, depending on the location, even reach the phreatic zone                     

Essential oil extracted from eucalyptus leaves contains compounds that are powerful natural disinfectants and can be toxic in large quantities. Several marsupial herbivores, notablykoalas and some possums are relatively tolerant of it. The close correlation of these oils with other more potent toxins called formylated phloroglucinol compounds (euglobalsmacrocarpals and sideroxylonals)[14] allows koalas and other marsupial species to make food choices based on the smell of the leaves. For koalas, these compounds are the most important factor in leaf choice.
Eucalyptus flowers produce a great abundance of nectar, providing food for many pollinators including insects, birds, bats and possums. Although eucalyptus trees are seemingly well-defended from herbivores by the oils and phenolic compounds, they have insect pests. These include the eucalyptus longhorn borer Phoracantha semipunctata and the aphid-like psyllids known as "bell lerps", both of which have become established as pests throughout the world wherever eucalypts are cultivated.







Eucalyptus flowers produce a great abundance of nectar, providing food for many pollinators including insects, birds, bats and possums. Although eucalyptus trees are seemingly well-defended from herbivores by the oils and phenolic compounds, they have insect pests. These include the eucalyptus longhorn borer Phoracantha semipunctata and the aphid-like psyllids known as "bell lerps", both of which have become established as pests throughout the world wherever eucalypts are cultivated.






Fire hazard


Eucalyptus trees bent over due to the high winds and heat of the October 2007 California wildfires. They are located in the San Dieguito River Park of San Diego County and leaning west
Eucalyptus globulus plantEucalyptus oil is highly flammable (ignited trees have been known to explode,[8][16] bushfires can travel easily through the oil-rich air of the tree crowns.[17][18] Eucalypts obtain their long-term fire survivability from their ability to regenerate from epicormic buds situated deep within their thick bark, and lignotubers,[19] or by producing serotinous fruits.
In seasonally dry climates oaks are often fire-resistant, particularly in open grasslands, as a grass fire is insufficient to ignite the scattered trees. In contrast, a eucalyptus forest tends to promote fire because of the volatile and highly combustible oils produced by the leaves, as well as the production of large amounts of litter which is high in phenolics, preventing its breakdown by fungi and thus accumulates as large amounts of dry, combustible fuel. Consequently, dense eucalypt plantings may be subject to catastrophic firestorms. In fact, almost thirty years before the Oakland firestorm of 1991, a study of eucalyptus in the area warned that the litter beneath the trees builds up very rapidly and should be regularly monitored and removed. It has been estimated that 70% of the energy released through the combustion of vegetation in the Oakland fire was due to eucalyptus In a National Park Service study, it was found that the fuel load (in tons per acre) of non-native eucalyptus woods is almost three times as great as native oak woodland.

Eucalyptus essential oil has many uses, and almost as many health benefits. Used appropriately and with care, eucalyptus oil can be an excellent addition to your alternative medications. It has a wide range of actions; being useful for muscle aches and pains, rheumatoid arthritis, and poor circulation; bronchitis, colds, coughs, sinusitis, sore throats, flu, and asthma; burns, blisters, cuts, insect bites, and as an insect repellent; as well as headaches and neuralgia.
CAUTION: Never take eucalyptus oil internally. Although eucalyptus is used as a flavoring ingredient in some cough drops, medications, and foods; the pure essential oil is toxic in even small doses. In addition, it should not be used at all on anyone with high blood pressure, heart disease, or epilepsy; and should never be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Eucalyptus oil should always be used diluted in a base oil like almond, coconut, or olive to prevent skin irritation; and should be kept away from eyes and mucus membranes. As long as these restrictions are followed, it is quite safe to use externally. Although there are many possible uses, it is most effective for the following:

Eucalyptus Oil For Insects

Bites:
 To ease the itching and irritation of insect bites, mix at the rate of 10 drops of eucalyptus oil to a tablespoon of carrier oil. Apply a drop or two of this mixture to bites, massaging in a circular motion and extending a bit past the bite itself.

Pure Essential Eucalyptus Oil - 4 oz.
யூகலிப்டஸ் மிக உயரமான மரமாகும். இந்தியாவில் நீலகிரி, ஆனை மலை, பழநி மலைத்தொடர் ஆகிய இடங்களில் வளர்க்கப்படுகிறது. பழங்குடியினரால் பல காலமாகப் பயன்படுத்தப்பட்டு வரும் எண்ணெய். இது சிறந்த நுண்ணுயிர் எதிரியாகும்.
சாம்பல் நிற சதைப்பற்று கொண்ட இலைகள் மிகுந்த எண்ணெய் சுரப்பிகளைக் கொண்டவை. இலைகளும், வேர்களும் மருத்துவ குண நலன்கள் கொண்டவை.


நறுமணம் கொண்ட இலைகளிலிருந்து பெறப்படும் எண்ணெய் எளிதில் ஆவியாகக் கூடியது.
இதை அழகிற்காகவும், காற்றின் வேகத்தைத் தடுப்பதற்காக சாலை ஓர மரங்களாகவும் வளர்க்கிறார்கள். இதன் எண்ணெய்க்காகவும், ரெசினிற்காகவும், மரத்திற்காகவும் பெருமளவு பயிரிடப்படுகிறது. உலகிலுள்ள மிக உயரமான மரங்களில் இவ்வகை ஒன்று. இதன் இலைகள் விறைப்பாகவும், தோல் போலவும் பல வடிவங்களில் இருக்கும். இதன் மலர்கள் பம்பர வடிவில் சிவப்பு, வெள்ளை அல்லது மஞ்சள் நிறத்தில் கொத்துக் கொத்தாக இருக்கும்.
கப்பல் கட்ட, தரைபோட, கருவிகள் செய்ய இம்மரங்கள் பெரிதும் பயன்படுத்தப்படுகின்றன. இதன் பசை போன்ற ரெசின் வயிற்றுப் போக்கை கட்டுப்படுத்துகிற மருந்தாக உபயோகப்படுத்தப்படுகிறது. ஒப்பனைப் பொருள்கள் செய்வதிலும், சோப்புகள் தயாரிப்பிலும் உபயோகிக்கப்படுகிறது.
காயங்களில் பாக்டீரியாக்களினால் ஏற்படும் சீழ்வடிதலைக் தடுக்கும். உடலில் வெப்பமுண்டாக்குவதால் மார்பு சளி, கோழை சம்பந்தப்பட்ட நோய்களைத் தீர்க்கும்.
ப்ளேவனாய்டுகள், டேனின் மற்றும் ரெசின்கள் இருப்பதால் மாத்திரை, டிங்க்சர், வடிநீர் முதலியன தயாரிக்கப்படுகின்றன.
அழகுக்கூடும்…
physicianpackiam

Eucalyptus leaves and gum nuts form a full-frame background.


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