www.malaysianherbals.com-EUCALYPTUS TREE (57) நீலகிரி மரம்

EUCALYPTUS OBLIQUA

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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 Banks,botanist, on the Cook expedition in 1770. It was subsequently introduced to many parts of the world, notably California, Brazil, Ecuador, Colombia, Ethiopia, Morocco, Portugal,South Africa, Uganda, Israel, Galicia and Chile. On the order of 250 species are under cultivation in California.In Portugal and alsoSpain, eucalypts have been planted in pulpwood plantations. Eucalyptus are the basis for several industries, such as saw milling, 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 a number of industries, from fence posts and charcoal to cellulose extraction for biofuels. Fast growth also makes eucalypts suitable as windbreaks and to reduceerosion.

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 tableand 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 zon                     

An 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 (euglobals, macrocarpals 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 andpossums. 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 andpossums. 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 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 used 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.

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…

Eucalyptus leaves and gumnuts form a full-frame background.

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www.malaysianherbals.com-South African Leaf -(107) NAN HUI YE

 NAN HUI YE 

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South Africa leaves

Summary : South Africa leaves the effectiveness of heat-clearing and detoxifying, feature heat and cooling blood, apply to lowering blood pressure, diabetes, wind-heat or blood-hot skin, and itching of the skin.

South African Plant or Pokok South Africa

That's the name of the plant’s cutting given by a two Chinese patients or rather cancer survivors. From just a small cutting, it grew to a considerable size, standing guard to the side entrance on the right, and on the left is the Momordica charantia plant, climbing the tall decorative plant. The other cutting - with me not really appreciating its value at that time - died on being neglected.



Just before Ramadan this year, i.e. since August 2008, I have been suffering a severe nagging pain in the left hip and had tried various remedies to no avail. Thought of it as possible bone metastasis. Then one day, a guy mentioned to DH that he heard people talking in the coffee shop, about one plant named "Pokok South Afrika" that is said to be good for all sorts of pain and chronic illnesses. Well, DH was excited and showed the plant to the man. He said the practice is by soaking three to four leaves in hot water, covering them and drinking the water after a while.



What we did was, we soaked 6 leaves in a mug of boiling hot water. Covered them for a while. DH drank the water and I ate the leaves. It was like making full use of the limited leaves. After five days, red spots appeared on our thighs. DH panicked and stopped, in spite of me telling him that it was probably healing crisis.

Well, I continued, but taking three to four young leaves with my rice. I chewed the bitter leaves with some rice and gravy at the beginning of my breakfast or lunch. After swallowing the leaves, after the bitterness cleared (not as bitter as Andrographis paniculata or Hempedu bumi leave, slightly less bitter than Elaphantos scaber or Daun tutup bumi), there is a subtle sweetness and what was more pleasing to me was the fact that the leaves took care of my appetite or craving.

In the past, after eating nasi lemak, I will be craving for a sandwich or whatever I saw other people were eating, but with the leaves, not only I was satiated by half pack of nasi lemak, but that was all, in fact for the rest of the day if I chose not to eat. No hunger pang, no craving. And yes, I forgot, the nagging pain is now just 10%, or rather I am not bothered by the pain anymore. That was after taking the leaves for a week. However, after the fasting month, I had also continued my twice a week jogging in the campus. That probably helped too.



Lilly Chew told me that the leaves from Pokok South Afrika is a "cure all." Saw Har, the other survivor who gave me the cutting, told me that she knew one lady who had cancer of uterus or ovary, and while waiting for op day, had taken the leaves regularly and pre-op ultra sound showed that the tumour had regressed and the op was cancelled. I am sure, that lady had other healing practices.

We usually hear such fantastic story about others who tried recommended remedy. I really don’t know whether it is truly a cure. Well, placebo is also a cure, what I called “faith at work.” What I know is that I can’t afford to wait for its therapeutic trials whether in animal or in human, but what I knew from taking the leaves is that it works for me. I guess those recommended herbs that are bitter, are good for us survivors. The bitter the better. Probably the bitter chemical inhibit the growth factor for tumour or cancer. ANY ONE KNOWING THE SCIENTIFIC NAME, PLEASE HELP!

Well, so much for medicinal herbs. By the way some of the shrubs and trees in my garden are turning into other live forms.

Labels: Pokok South Africa, South African plant

   
                   

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www.malaysianherbals.com-Mulberry Plant (56)-Silkworm Tree

MULBERRY TREE    -zetarra marugatze arbolean

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Morus, a genus of flowering plants in the family Moraceae, comprises 10–16 species of deciduous trees commonly known as mulberries growing wild and under cultivation in many temperate world regions.

Mulberry tea reduces sugar and cholesterol levels in your blood. It adjusts the blood pressure to normal level and reduces the risk of liver cancer.

The leaves, fruits and stems of mulberry trees have been used for over 5,000 years. Varieties include wild, white, black and red mulberries. They grow all around the world. The edible berries are both tasty and nutritious, and the leaves can be eaten as a vegetable or brewed into a tea. The leaves of the mulberry tree, are used to make a tea. The tea has the ability to block the absorption of sugars, which makes it healthy for diabetics.

Mulberry tea helps to flush fluids and toxins out of the body. It is considered a diuretic. Also, it helps with weight loss because of its ability to block the absorption of sugars.

The mulberry most resembles a raspberry but is so soft that harvesting is difficult. It must be eaten on the day it is picked but doesn't pack or travel well, so the only reliable way to enjoy the mulberry's unique, fresh flavour is to grow your own.

It is usually grown as a standard tree, often with the lower branches removed. The tree grows to an incredible age and becomes beautifully gnarled and twisted over the years, which makes it a favourite with children for climbing.

It may lean and with a mature spread of 9m (30ft) it is unsuitable for the small garden, unless you are happy to be in total shade.

The mulberry will succeed in all but the coldest areas but prefers a position in full sun. Pliny the Elder described it as "the wisest of trees" because it comes into leaf and flower after all risk of frost has passed and drops its leaves in early autumn before the onset of cold weather.

Being self-fertile it crops every year. In northern gardens, young plants may suffer in a cold wind and an alternative method of growing is to train it as an espalier against a sunny south-facing wall.

The mulberry will thrive in most soils providing the drainage is good, with heavy crops even where the ground is poor and infertile. A neutral to slightly acid soil with a pH of between 5.5 and 7 is ideal.

A mulberry tree may be grown in a large container but will eventually outgrow the available root space. When planting, use a soil-based compost and position the tree so that the finished level is 7cm-10cm (3in-4in) below the top of the container. This will allow for an annual 2cm-3cm (1in) layer of fresh compost.

A bare-root tree may be planted in winter, but the roots are brittle so take care when back filling with compost. Use your fist rather than your foot to firm the soil. Container-grown trees may be planted at any time of the year but avoid purchasing plants that are pot bound with a tangled mass of roots.

Take semi-ripe cuttings in summer, pulling off this year's growth with a small heel of older wood. Root in a gritty, free-draining compost.

The simplest method of propagation is to root a large hardwood cutting (a "truncheon") in late autumn. Select a three-year-old branch that is as thick as your wrist and up to 1m (3ft) long. Drive it into the ground at least 30cm (1ft) deep.

The top of the branch is cut at an angle to prevent rain water lying on the cut surface. It can be rooted where it is to be grown. Where more than one is being propagated, space at least 60cm (2ft) apart. The following winter ease the rooted plant out of the ground without damaging the roots.

For the first two years after planting, make sure that the mulberry is never short of water. Until the plant is established the roots are slow to spread and will benefit from 10cm (4in) of bark or compost mulch. An annual, early summer application of Growmore at 60g per square metre scattered over the root zone will encourage strong growth. A high-potash liquid feed of tomato fertiliser in early August will strengthen the branches.

Once established, little pruning is necessary. Mulberries bleed if pruned when the sap is rising, so remove broken, dead or damaged branches in early winter. Prune young trees in late summer when the growth has settled down. Remove any low branches and those crossing into the centre of the tree back to the main trunk.

Old branches can be brittle and a heavy crop may cause them to crack or break. Use forked sticks as props to support the main branches from summer onwards.

Fruit ripens over a period of weeks during late August and early September. Birds love mulberries and netting is recommended to ensure that the crop is not eaten before you can harvest it.

The simplest method of harvesting is to spread a cotton, plastic or fine-mesh sheet on the ground and shake the tree every other day. There will be leaves, twigs, debris and the occasional unripe berry mixed in with the ripe fruit. Either pick out the fruit by hand or put everything into a tub of water. The ripe fruit will sink and the debris may be skimmed off the surface.

When ripe fruit falls on the surface of a patio it will make unsightly stains (one good reason why you should not plant a mulberry over a patio). Beware of carrying squashed fruit into the house on shoes. If the tree is planted as a specimen in a lawn, the grass must be kept short at harvest time so the fruit is easy to spot.

http://youtu.be/rdm5ARzrFbc

Turning cocoon into silk rope for five generations

ISTANBUL - Anatolia News Agency

The business of the silkworm, which is to produce ropes from cocoons, is being made using traditional methods by a local of Hatay, despite modern technology. Hasan Büyükaşık has been in the business for years, as the fifth generation in a facility in the garden of his house

Hasan Büyükaşık, a local of the southeastern province of Hatay, has been recently been getting involved with his father’s business of producing silkworm with traditional methods. Büyükaşık, 78, produces silk products in his garden facility with his wife and children, and exports them to countries from the U.S. to China. 

Speaking to the Anatolia news agency, Büyükaşık said silkworm producers began working every spring, when berry trees begin to blossom. He said they put the cocoon on a ground and that worms are born after a 19-day incubation period.

Then worms begin to spin the cocoon and finish it in 10 days. “It is a super naturalistic thing. Some worms remain in the cocoon that they spin and some leave it. We put the cocoons that are in a good condition in hot water and try to get the ropes from it with the help of a specially made broom. We can get a nearly 1,700-meter-long silk rope from one cocoon, then we process it and get colorful ropes using madder. These valuable ropes turn into dresses, scarves or sheets,” Büyükaşık said. 

He said that when he was a child there was always a furnace in the garden of every house but that this is now history because of developing technology. “I am in love with this business. It has been continued in my family for five generations and I have never left it,” he said. 

Despite modern technology, Büyükaşık’s business has always used traditional methods in the garden of his house. His eight children and wife also work with him to produce the silk. “In the past, I used to weave the silks at a bench in the garden of my house. We have improved our business over time and established a big facility next to my house. Along with my eight children and wife, I also employ nine people. Overall, we have produced ropes from nearly six tons of cocoons. We hope this year will be even more productive,” he said. 

Büyükaşık said they sold most of their products in Turkey, although they exported 20 percent of their products to foreign countries, from the U.S., to Italy, and China.

Just as the silkworm, we also have a story for the silk. When they hatch out, silkworms look like a coil of brown or black feathers. In time the colour fades and bleaches. Also they moult and a soft skin comes out. These silkworms, which are as small as a pin live five ages throughout their six-weeks life. Each age lasts seven-eight days; then they sleep one-two days. Silkworms sleep four times in their short lives. They get mulberry leaves when they wake up. Each silkworm is

called “alaldy” when they wake up. In the last “alaldy”, they start to cocoon. When the insect raises its head as if looking for something, which means the silk production is beginning. In the meantime branches of trees such as oak and pine are plunged in the earth and the silkworms try to find a place for themselves among these branches with a good rustling. The production is about to begin.

  

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www.malaysianherbals.com-Coconut-Cocos nucifera,(55)-தென்னைமரம்

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Cocos nucifera. 

Coconut trees grow in warm weather.

Coconut water nutrition facts

Coconut water is actually the juice in the interior cavity or endosperm of young, tender coconut. Its water is one of the nature’s most refreshing drinks, consumed worldwide for its nutritious and health benefiting properties.

The water is actually obtained by opening a tender, green, healthy, and undamaged coconut. Inside, it's clear liquid is sweet, and sterile and composed of unique chemicals such as sugars, vitamins, minerals, electrolytes, enzymes, amino acids, cytokine, and phyto-hormones. In general, young and slightly immature coconuts gathered from the coconut tree after they reach about 5-7 months of age for the purpose of reaping its drink.

Coconut water is now one of the fastest growing beverages in the United States and United Kingdom.”

There is a well wind blowing across the United States and Europe that should do us much good. That is if we avail ourselves the opportunities it brings to our threshold. This wind interestingly provides us an antidote to our tight grip on crude oil. It has to do with the unexpected spike in the demand for coconut fruits in the West that has so far outstripped global supply.

Coconut water is now one of the fastest growing beverages in the United States andUnited Kingdom. This is not unconnected to its great taste, nutritional value and natural hydration qualities. There are currently 250 companies that have a beverage with coconut water content.

இளநீர்
-
Young Fruit Water

Reports reveal that in the U.S., coconut water in the drinks category is already worth over $350million while in the U.K.; it is projected to be worth £100million by 2014. New Nutrition Business in its 2012 report disclosed that the number of coconut water beverage launched in Europe quintupled from seven to 36 brands between 2009 and 2011.

Back home in Nigeria, the demand for coconut has surpassed the production capacity for decades. While national consumption is on the increase, the production of coconut appears to be limited to the south-west with the local demand being hinged on its oil and nuts.

With growing population and coconuts mostly consumed in the northern part of the country, Nigeria has resorted to importing the fruit from neighbouring countries such as Benin, Togo and Ghana. At present, the Nigerian market absorbs over 50 per cent of coconuts got from Ghana.

One cannot but ponder on this craze that is steadily wearing on the world. In some cultures, the coconut tree is widely referred to as the tree of life. They see it as having an overwhelming versatility where each element of the tree is useful in some facet; be it the oil extracted from it acting as natural skin and hair moisturisers or the fruit being a great source of potassium higher than that of banana.

Various claimed benefits attend the coconut water which includes high potassiumthat helps prevent strokes, heart attack, hydration and hangovers. It is also acclaimed to help prevent cancers and heart diseases and aids slimming, help raises metabolism, boosts immune system and reduces heartburn. The benefits are non-stop.

The foregoing provides a background into why coconut fruits are increasingly becoming the favourite overseas. Athletes and fitness fanatics are copiously downing coconut water for its high potassium and mineral content that promises fast, natural hydration

Granted that coconut with its derivatives have become a highly sought-after commodity in the international market and it can be produced in Nigeria, there is only but one option available to Nigeria- she should as a necessity and urgency begin strategics on means to adequately reap from this God’s gift to humanity.

We can’t continue singing about our desire to diversify from a mono-economy and not make the most of opportunities like this when they present themselves. Many like the former education minister, Oby Ezekwesili, have wished that our oil reserve dried up so that the country can become interested in other sectors. I don’t see that as the stimuli we really need.

With this stupendous desire for coconut- which can be comfortably produced in Nigeria- government doesn’t need another inducement to jolt her from the extreme reliance on oil. The high demand for coconut is enough for government to be distracted from crude oil by venturing into a new vista that will be greatly rewarding to the country.

Found throughout the tropic and subtropic area, the coconut is known for its great versatility as seen in the many domestic, commercial, and industrial uses of its different parts. Coconuts are part of the daily diet of many people. Coconuts are different from any other fruits because they contain a large quantity of "water" and when immature they are known as tender-nuts or jelly-nuts and may be harvested for drinking. When mature they still contain some water and can be used as seednuts or processed to give oil from the kernel, charcoal from the hard shell and coir from the fibrous husk. The endosperm is initially in its nuclear phase suspended within the coconut water. As development continues, cellular layers of endosperm deposit along the walls of the coconut, becoming the edible coconut "flesh".^[4] When dried, the coconut flesh is called copra. The oil and milk derived from it are commonly used in cooking and frying; coconut oil is also widely used in soaps and cosmetics. The clear liquid coconut water within is a refreshing drink. The husks and leaves can be used as material to make a variety of products for furnishing and decorating. It also has cultural and religious significance in many societies that use it.

தென்னை மட்டை

In countries like Indonesia, the Philippines and Brazil, known as the world’s largest producers of coconut, their governments sensed an economic opening in coconut and have since acted swiftly. They had initiated and are now implementing policies that would encourage and boost local production of the produce.

We can take a cue from them on this- after all Malaysia is today the world’s largest producer of palm trees as a result of the lessons they took from us in the 70s. Nature has made it incumbent on us to grow coconuts by granting us the land type and climatic condition that support its production. We should then  not disappoint nature by not taking to the plough.

COCONUT  AND COCONUT OIL

                                                   தேங்காய்-தேங்கெண்ணை

It’s a rich moisturizer, it’s cheap, it’s versatile, it’s antimicrobial, anti fungal  and antibacterial, has a decent amount of antioxidants, and it smells like baked goods.

  Coconut fibres-தேங்காய்நார்
 Coconut fiber which is considered as the natural fiber which is taken from the coconut husk and tanned and compressed into the bales. These coconut fibers are used for car seat fillers, rope, furniture cushion, rope, mats, rugs, mattresses and many other uses. It can also be personalized according to requisite client requirement. 
 

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