www.malaysianherbals.com cashew nut tree- (86) Anacardium occidentale,முந்திரிப்பழம்

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Cashew Apple-முந்திரிப்பழம்

Have you ever seen  this tree? It’s amazing! You have eaten these nuts hundreds of times but never thought about how they actually “come” to our world. The cashew apple is rich in nutrients and contains five times more vitamin C than an orange. It is eaten fresh, cooked in curries, or fermented into vinegar as well as an alcoholic drink.

Nigeria was the world's largest producer of cashew nuts with shell in 2010. Cashew nut production trends have varied over the decades. African countries used to be the major producers before 1980s, India became the largest producer in 1990s, followed by Vietnam which became the largest producer in mid 2000s. Since 2008, Nigeria has become the largest producer. Cashew nuts are produced in tropical countries because the tree is very frost sensitive; they have been adapted to various climatic regions around the world between the latitudes of 25°N and 25°S.


The tree is large and evergreen, growing to 10-12m (~32 ft) tall, with a short, often irregularly shaped trunk. The leaves are spirally arranged, leathery textured, elliptic to ob ovate, 4 to 22 cm long and 2 to 15 cm broad, with smooth margins. The flowers are produced in a panicle or corymb up to 26 cm long, each flower is small, pale green at first, then turning reddish, with five slender, acute petals 7 to 15 mm long.The largest cashew tree in the world covers an area of about 7,500 square metres (81,000 sq ft), it's located in Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil.

The cashew nutshell liquid (CNSL) or cashew shell oil (CAS registry number 8007-24-7) is a natural resin found in the honeycomb structure of the cashewnut shell and is a byproduct of processing cashew nuts. It is a raw material of multiple uses in developing drugs, antioxidants, fungicides, etc. It is used in tropical folk medicine and for anti-termite treatment of timber. Its composition varies depending on how it is processed.

இம்மரமானது தென்னமெரிக்காவின் வடக்குப் பகுதியை பூர்வீகமாகக் கொண்டிருப்பினும், பின்னர் 1560- 1565 ஆண்டளவில்போர்த்துக்கீசரால் இந்தியாவில் உள்ள கோவாவுக்கு எடுத்து வரப்பட்டு, பின்னர் தென்கிழக்கு ஆசியா, மற்றும் ஆப்பிரிக்காவுக்கு பரம்பல் அடைந்தது

இம்மரம் பிரேசிலின் வடகிழக்குப் பகுதியை பூர்வீகமாகக் கொண்டிருந்தாலும், இன்று வெப்பமண்டலநாடுகள் பலவற்றில் இது வளர்க்கப்படுகிறது. வியட்நாம், நைஜீரியா, இந்தியா, பிரேசில்,இந்தோனீசியா ஆகிய நாடுகளில் இது அதிகம் பயிரிடப்படுகிறது. தமிழ்நாட்டில் புதுக்கோட்டை,விழுப்புரம் மற்றும் கடலூர் மாவட்டங்களில் அதிக அளவில் முந்திரி பயிரிடப்படுகிறது.

முந்திரிக்கொட்டை[தொகு]

இதை கப்பல் வித்தான் கொட்டை என்றும் கூறுவர்.வணிகத்திற்காக வந்த பிற நாட்டினர் இதன் சுவையால் ஈர்க்கப் பட்டு கப்பலை விற்று இதை உண்டதாக கூறுவர்.போலிப் பழத்திற்கு வெளியே, சிறுநீரக வடிவில் காணப்படும் உண்மைப்பழமானது கடினமான ஒரு வெளி உறையையும், உள்ளே ஒரு விதையையும் கொண்டிருக்கும். அந்த விதையே பொது வழக்கில் முந்திரிக்கொட்டை என அழைக்கப்படுகின்றது. இது ஒரு தாவரவியலாளர்களின் பார்வையில் உண்மையான கொட்டை இல்லாவிட்டாலும் கூட, சமையல்சார் நிலையில் கொட்டை எனவே அறியப்படுகின்றது. இந்த முந்திர்க்கொட்டையைச் சூழவுள்ள கடினமான இரட்டை ஓட்டில் ஒவ்வாமையைஉருவாக்கக் கூடிய, தோலில் நமைச்சலைத் தரக்கூடிய சில பதார்த்தங்களைக் கொண்டுள்ளது. சரியான முறையில் வறுத்து பதப்படுத்தப்படும்போது, இந்தப் பதார்த்தங்கள் சில அழிவடைந்துவிடும். ஆனாலும் பதப்படுத்தலின்போது மூடிய அறைக்குள் அதன் புகை வெளியேறுமாயின் நுரையீரலுக்கு பாதிப்பை ஏற்படுத்தலாம்.  

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www.malaysianherbals.com-(85)(Matricaria chamomilla)

Matricaria chamomilla)

Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)

Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) is one of the important medicinal herbs native to southern and eastern Europe. It is also grown in Germany, Hungary, France, Russia, Yugoslavia, and Brazil. It was introduced to India during the Mughal period, now it is grown in Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Jammu, and Kashmir. The plants can be found in North Africa, Asia, North and South America, Australia, and New Zealand. Hungary is the main producer of plant biomass. In Hungary, it also grows abundantly in poor soils and it is a source of income for poor inhabitants of these areas. Flowers are exported to Germany in bulk for distillation of the oil.

In India, the plant had been cultivated in Lucknow for about 200 years, and the plant was introduced in Punjab about 300 years ago during the Mughal period. It was introduced in Jammu in 1957 by Handaet al. The plant was first introduced in alkaline soils of Lucknow in 1964–1965 by Chandra et al. There is no demand for blue oil as such at present in India. However, flowers of chamomile are in great demand. Presently, 2 firms, namely, M/s Ranbaxy Labs Limited, New Delhi and M/s German Remedies are the main growers of chamomile for its flowers.

History

Chamomile is one of the more familiar medicinal herbs, with a high profile in literature and a long history of use. This plant’s popularity is well-deserved.

Chamomile’s earliest recorded use goes back much further: according to Eber’s Papyrus, dated to 1550 BC, ancient Egyptians used the herb to honor the gods, embalm the dead and cure the sick. In Europe, the medicinal use of Chamomile has been recorded since the 1^st century AD.  Today, Chamomile remains a top-selling herb in the tea marketplace.

Chamomile is an herb that people have used for centuries. People in the United States probably know it as a tea to calm an upset stomach or to help with sleep. Two types of chamomile are used for good health: German chamomile (Matricaria retutica) and Roman (or English) chamomile (Chamaemelum Nobile).

YOU MAY ORDER THIS TEA FROM AGASTHIAR SIDTHA VAIDYA NILAYAM

German chamomile is used and studied the most. A German governmental organization (Commission E) has approved its use on the skin to reduce swelling and fight bacteria and as a tea or dietary supplement for stomach cramps.

You can buy chamomile as dried flower heads, an infusion (tea), liquid extract, tinctures (concentrated in alcohol), and in creams and ointments.

What is chamomile used for?

People use German chamomile to treat irritation from chest colds, slow-healing wounds, abscesses, gum inflammation, and skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, chickenpox, and diaper rash. For these conditions, you use chamomile in an infusion or bath, or as a tincture, which is a concentrated extract mixed with alcohol. People use Roman chamomile as a tea to treat an upset stomach, sleeping problems, or menstrual pain.

Limited studies have been done on chamomile. With a hectic lifestyle and work pressure more and more people fall prey to stress. High-stress levels lead to anxiety.

When your mind senses some abnormal situation, the body releases adrenaline into the bloodstream. Adrenaline is the ‘fight and flight hormone that transmits nerve impulses throughout the body and increases heart rate, contracts blood vessels, and dilates air passages preparing the body to tackle the situation.

Stress is the most common cause of anxiety leading to the release of adrenaline. However, there may be other physical problems too that can be termed as causes of anxiety.

Given below are some of the best herbs that can help combat anxiety and reduce stress.

Important Anti-anxiety Herbs

Chamomile is one of the safest herbs for anxiety. It has soothing effects and relaxes different parts of the brain. It helps in releasing stress and controls insomnia.

Here are 9 amazing health benefits of chamomile tea.

• 1. Treats Cuts and Wounds – Chamomile tea was used by the Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians as a salve for wounds to expedite healing. In a recent study, rats given chamomile-flavored water healed faster than those who were not given the elixir. It worked especially well for burn wounds. This is because Matricaria chamomilla has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant effects.

• 2. Helps with Diabetes – Some research has shown that chamomile can help those suffering from diabetes. It also helps with hyperglycemia.

• 3. Antibacterial – The antibacterial effects of drinking chamomile tea can help to prevent and treat colds while protecting against bacterial-related illness and infection.

• 4. Calms Muscle Spasms – One study from England found that drinking chamomile tea raised urine levels of glycine, a compound that calms muscle spasms. Researchers believe this is why chamomile tea could prove to be an effective home remedy for menstrual cramps as well.

• 5. Soothes Stomach Ache – Further adding to chamomile benefits, the herb is wonderful for soothing an upset stomach. Helping to soothe and relaxes the muscles and lining of the intestines, chamomile can help with poor digestion and even with those suffering from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

• 6. Promotes Sleep – Drinking chamomile tea soothes the nervous system so that you can sleep better. It has been used as a solution for insomnia for centuries.

• 7. Natural Hemorrhoid Treatment – Chamomile ointment can help to relieve hemorrhoids.

• 8. Fights Cancer – It’s very likely that chamomile tea can help reduce cancerous cells, although research is still ongoing to see exactly how chamomile reverses abnormal cellular growth.

• 9. Promotes Healthy Skin – With its anti-inflammatory and anti-septic properties, chamomile helps in clearing up skin irritations such as eczema, acne, and allergies.

Chamomile known as a ‘tisane’ is any non-caffeinated herbal concoction made by pouring hot water over the leaves, stems, and roots of plants. You can make your own chamomile tea with other plants like lavender or tulsi to vary the flavor or drink it alone.

The pollen found in chamomile preparations may cause allergic reactions. If you are allergic to ragweed pollen, you may not be able to use chamomile. Chamomile may interfere with blood thinners (anticoagulants).

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate dietary supplements in the same way it regulates medicine. A dietary supplement can be sold with limited or no research on how well it works.

Always tell your doctor if you are using a dietary supplement or if you are thinking about combining a dietary supplement with your conventional medical treatment. It may not be safe to forgo your conventional medical treatment and rely only on a dietary supplement. This is especially important for women who are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Calendula Chamomile Facial Toner provides aromatherapy and helps increase circulation, which in turn increases collagen production. Great for Normal / Dry Skin Types. Calendula is used for its soothing and healing properties and to assist with circulation and collagen growth. Chamomile contains active Flavonoid and Essential Oil compounds, which are particularly advantageous in the care of sensitive skin. While Lavender stimulates the growth of new skin cells, tones balance the skin and promote relaxation.

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www.malaysianherbals.com-curry leaf- Murraya koenigii-(84) கறிவேப்பிலை

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curry leaf- Murraya koenigii- கறிவேப்பிலை

Curry Leaf is native to India and is used in delicious Indian, Asian and Thai dishes throughout the world. Believe it or not, murraya is from the citrus family (Rutacaea). It has been used for centuries in Siddha and Ayurvedic medicine for its antidiabetic, antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.  

Its leaves are used in many dishes in India and neighboring countries.

Description

The leaves are pinnate, with 11-21 leaflets, each leaflet 2–4 cm long and 1–2 cm broad. They are highly aromatic. The flowers are small, white, and fragrant. The small black shiny berries are edible, and  their seeds are also edible.

The species name commemorates the botanist Johann König.

Uses

The leaves are highly valued as seasoning in southern and west-coast Indian cooking, and Sri Lankan cooking, especially in curries, usually fried along with the chopped onion in the first stage of the preparation. They are also used to make thoran, vada, rasam and kadhi. In their fresh form, they have a short shelf life, and they don't keep well in the refrigerator. They are also available dried, though the aroma is largely inferior.

The leaves of Murraya koenigii are also used as a herb inSiddha and  Ayurvedic medicine. They are believed to possess anti-diabetic properties.

Although most commonly used in curries, leaves from the curry tree can be used in many other dishes to add flavor. In Cambodia, Khmer toast the leaves in open flame or roasted it to a crunch and crushed it into a soured soup dish called Maju Krueng.

In the absence of Tulsi leaves, curry leaves are used for rituals and pujas.

The curry tree is a tropical to sub-tropical tree in the family Rutaceae, which is native to India and Sri Lanka. Its leaves are used in many dishes in India and neighbouring countries. 

Fresh leaves from this tree are an indispensable ingredient in Indian cooking. The leaves are almost unknown in the West because they lose most of their flavour when dried. They have a distinct, spicy curry-like flavour and odour.

The tree prefers warm temperatures with full sun to partial shade. It highly ornamental and very successful as a potted specimen.

• Great for use in indian cuisine or other food dishes
• Distinctive spicy curry-like flavour and smell
• Spicy but not hot
• Leaves can be eaten raw for medicinal purposes.
• Fast-growing

Curry leaves aid in digestion.Now research has shown that it is very effective to treat diabetes.An enzyme called pancreatic alpha amylase which presents in the digestive system helps to break down the starch to simple  sugar glucose. Curry leaves contain  special compounds that inhibits this enzyme. 

Drink curry leaves tea for beautiful hair

Actress Anna Friel
drinks curry tea to do so, says it has benefited her

Talk about trying out different things in the name of vanity! The buzz is that actress Anna Friel has started drinking a tea made of curry leaves in order to preserve the natural colour of her hair. The 36-year-old did do after she felt sick on seeing some grey strands in her tresses. That promoted her to do some research on natural methods for preserving hair. She thus came upon the idea to have the unusual brew for her brunette locks. A site quoted her as saying, "I felt sick recently because I found one or two grey hair and I read that curry leaves help to maintain your hair colour, so I mix them with hot water and drink it as a tea."

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