www.malaysianherbals.com -- moringa oleifera-(115) முருங்கைக்காய்

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 Moringa Oleifera- முருங்கைக்காய்

You might want to memorize that name. Why? Because it is a plant that may very well change the world in the near future.  The interesting part about it though is Moringa Oleifera, or Moringa has been around for tens of thousands of years and used by civilizations for almost that long.  Not only does this tree provide a vast array of nutritional value, but it can also: produce fuel, enhance crop growth, produce livestock feed, purify water and produce medicine!

Moringa oleifera, known popularly as drumstick tree, is a tropical plant grown for its nutritious leafy-greens, flower buds, and mineral-rich green fruit pods. It is a well-recognized member in the Moringaceae family of trees, and thought to be originated in the sub-Himalayan forests of the Indian subcontinent. It possesses horseradish-like root and, hence, known to the western world as horseradish tree.

 Their young, tender seed pods are popular as murnga in Tamil, and malunggay in Philippines.Moringa is a drought tolerant, medium-sized, evergreen tree that prefers warm, frost-free climates to flourish. Its tender leaves and twigs can be harvested at any time from a well-established, 1.5 to 2 meters tall plant. Taller plants bear cream-white, small size flowers in clusters throughout the season, which subsequently develop into long slender dark-green, three-sided, edible seedpods with tapering ends. Each pod measures about 6-18 inches in length with constrictions at the seed nodes giving them a typical drumstick-like appearance. Inside, Fresh tender leaves, flowers, tender pods, and seed-kernels of  each pod features fleshy pulp and round pea-sized seed encased inside a wing-shaped coat (hull).

Health benefits of moringa

• Moringa plant possesses unique nutritional qualities that hold promise to millions of impoverished communities around the world who in need of nutritional supplements like protein, minerals, and vitamins.
• Moringa greens (leaves) are an excellent source of protein which is a unique feature for any herbs and leafy-greens in the entire plant kingdom. 100 g of fresh raw leaves carry 9.8 g of protein or about 17.5% of daily-required levels. Dry, powdered leaves indeed are a much-concentrated source of several quality amino acids.
• Fresh pods and seeds are a good source of oleic acid, a health-benefiting monounsaturated fat. Moringa, as a high-quality oilseed crop, can be grown alternatively to improve nutrition levels of populations in many drought-prone regions of Africa and Asia.
• Fresh leaves and growing tips of moringa are the richest source of vitamin A. 100 g of fresh leaves carry 7564 IU or 252% of daily-required levels of vitamin A! Vitamin A is one of the fat-soluble anti-oxidant offering several benefits, including mucus membrane repair, maintenance of skin integrity, vision, and immunity.
• Fresh moringa pods and leaves are an excellent sources of vitamin-C. 100 g of pods contain 145 µg or 235% of daily-required levels of vitamin-C. 100 g of greens provide 51.7 µg or 86% of daily-recommended intake values of this vitamin. Research studies have shown that consumption of fruits/vegetables rich in vitamin C helps the body develop immunity against infectious agents, and scavenge harmful oxygen-free radicals from the body.
• The greens as well as pods also contain good amounts of many vital B-complex vitamins such as folates,vitamin-B6 (pyridoxine), thiamin (vitamin B-1), riboflavin, pantothenic acid, and niacin. Much of these vitamin functions as co-enzymes in carbohydrate, protein, and fat metabolism.
• Furthermore, its greens (leaves) are one of the finest sources of minerals like calcium, iron, copper, manganese, zinc, selenium, and magnesium. Iron alleviates anemia. Calcium is required for bone mineralisation. Zinc plays a vital role in hair-growth, spermatogenesis, and skin health.

 are edible.Fresh moringa pods and greens can be readily available in the markets all around the season in the tropical and sub-tropical countries of South-East Asia, Philippines, Middle-Eastern, Africa, Caribbean, and in some Central American region. In the USA, the tree grows easily in the Southern states; however, only few owners grow them in their backyard. Its consumption in the USA is mainly driven by several thousand expatriated communities of Asian and African background who prefer M.oleifera in their diet.

Fresh leaves, pods, seed-kernels can be found in the farmers markets. Dry moringa leaf powder in bins, packs can be found in some specialized stores. At their nativity, moringa leaves are one of the inexpensive greens available in the markets. However, fresh pods and seeds command good price even in the native Asian and African markets.

While buying fresh pods; look for just tender, uniform, evenly full, green color pods. Avoid dry, shriveled, bent, twisted, or broken pods. Do not by over-mature big size pods as they feature tougher skin, bitter pulp and hard seeds and thus unappetizing.

At home, moringa leaf should be stored as any other greens. Pods can keep well for 1-2 days at room temperature, however, should be kept inside the refrigerator for extended shelf life.

Dried moringa leaf powder and capsules are also sold in the stores for their advocated health-benefits across Europe and North Americas.

Safety profile

Although moringa plant parts confer many health-benefiting qualities, it is advised to use them as a vegetable and not as medicine. Some traditional medicines and pharmaceuticals broadcast various healing properties of M.oleifera, which are yet to be approved by scientific and research medical fraternity around the world. Moringa root contains alkaloid spirochin, which is a potential neuro-paralytic toxin. Its leaves when eaten in large quantities may cause stomach upset, gaseous distension and loose-stools due to their laxative properties. 

Interesting Facts

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Moringa Oleifera leaves can prevent at least three hundred known diseases in the world.
– In many parts of the world, its used leaves are used for cleaning utensils and walls.
– Wood pulp of Moringa Oleifera tree is used for making newsprint also.
– Seeds of this tree are eaten like peanuts in Malaysia.

Cancer

Moringa Oleifera Kills 93% of Lung Cancer Cells in Vitro:Researchers have just discovered that a cold-water extract of moringa tree leaves kills up to 93% of human lung cancer cells (A549) in vitro after 48 hours, and also strongly inhibited their ability to grow and spread (stopping them from metastasizing).

After seven days, the moringa extract had actually wiped out virtually 100% of the lung cancer cell colonies. Researchers in this study also found the extract killed breast cancer and skin cancer cells, while other studies have shown moringa’s ability to suppress ovarian, colon, and liver cancer as well as myeloma and melanoma.

Moringa tree, also called the “miracle tree,” has been used for centuries in traditional and Ayurvedic medicine due to its many health benefits as an immune-booster, anti-fungal, antibacterial, antidepressant, anti-diabetes, pain and fever reducer and even relief from asthma.

In fact, it was even used by the ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans! Latest research has also uncovered potent anti-diabetes activity of this super-herb, which improved blood sugar profiles in diabetic rats and — amazingly — actually seemed to repair damaged insulin-producing cell islets on the diabetic rats’ pancreas tissue. If you can’t get it fresh, moringa pills are widely available, as well as new moringa juice products, i.e. from Zija

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www.malaysianherbals.com --licorice - Athi mathuram (114)-அதிமதுரம்

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அதிமதுரம்

Botanical name: Glycyrrhiza glabra    Family: Fabaceae (Pea family)

Common name: Licorice, Liquorice, Sweetwood • Hindi: jethi-madh, kubas-susa, mithilakdi • Kannada: atimadhura, jestamaddu • Malayalam: atimadhuram, erattimadhuram • Marathi: jashtimadh • Sanskrit: jalayashti, klitaka, madhu, madhu-yashtikam • Tamil: adimaduram • Telugu: athimathuram • Urdu: mulhatti, mulathi 

 Licorice is the root of the glycyrrhiza glabra plant, a legume that sprouts purple and blue flowers.

The licorice plant is native to Europe and parts of Asia. Licorice and licorice extract can be found whole, sliced, and in powder and liquid forms.

The root has a brown, bark-like exterior and yellow interior and is 50 times sweeter than sugar.

 For cosmetic purposes, licorice root can be used to reduce inflammation and to combat aging. It hydrates, soothes, and brightens skin, and helps reduce the appearance of age spots. A common herbal remedy in Asia for a variety of ailments, it is eaten and used as flavoring in Europe.

 You’ll find it in rejuvenating lotions and creams, acne products, makeup, eye treatments, soaps, skin-brightening products, and cleansers. It is also sold as a tea, cut in slices for chewing, and used as a flavor agent in candies, drinks, and tobacco products.

Other uses: Chewing on slices of licorice root is said to relieve sore throats, dry coughs, and help with respiratory problems

.The licorice plant is a perennial herb, growing up to 1 m in tall, with pinnate leaves about 7-15 cm long, with 9-17 leaflets. The flowers are 0.8–1.2 cm long, purple to pale whitish blue, produced in a loose inflorescence. The fruit is an oblong pod, 2-3 cm long, containing several seeds. The flavor of liquorice comes mainly from a sweet-tasting compound called anethole, an aromatic, unsaturated ether compound also found in anise, fennel, and other herbs. Additional sweetness in liquorice comes from glycyrrhizic acid, an anti-viral compound sweeter than sugar. Liquorice flavouring is also used in soft drinks, and in some herbal teas where it provides a sweet aftertaste. The flavour is common in medicines to disguise unpleasant flavours. 
Medicinal uses:  Liquorice may be useful in conventional and naturopathic medicine for both mouth ulcers and peptic ulcers. In traditional Chinese medicine, liquorice is commonly used in herbal formulae to "harmonize" the other ingredients in the formula and to carry the formula to the twelve "regular meridians" and to relieve a spasmodic cough.                                               (114)

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www.malaysianherbals.com- cannabis (113) -marijuana-கஞ்சா

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Cannabis -கஞ்சா செடி  புகை குடிப்பதற்குரிய கஞ்சாச்சருகுப் .பூஞ்சுருட்டு..     Cannabis, also known as marijuana (Spanish pronunciation: [maɾiˈwana]) among other names, is        a psychoactive drug from the Cannabis plant used primarily                             for medical or recreational purposes. The main psychoactive component of  cannabis is tetrahydrocannabinol , which is one of the 483 known compounds in the plant, including at least 65 other cannabinoids, including cannabidiol (CBD). Cannabis can be used by smoking, vaporizing, within food, or as an extract.  Some immediate undesired side effects include a decrease in short-term memory, dry mouth, impaired motor skills and reddening of the eyes. Aside from a subjective change in perception and mood, the most common short-term physical and neurological effects include increased heart rate, increased appetite and consumption of food, lowered blood pressure, impairment of short-term and working memory, psychomotor coordination, and concentration. Some users may experience an episode of acute psychosis, which usually abates after six hours, but in rare instances, heavy users may find the symptoms continuing for many days. A reduced quality of life is associated with heavy cannabis use, although the relationship is inconsistent and weaker than for tobacco and other substances. The direction of cause and effect, however, is unclear. Wikipedia Acute effects may include anxiety and panic, impaired attention and memory, an increased risk of psychotic symptoms, the inability to think clearly, and an increased risk of accidents. Cannabis impairs a person's driving ability, and THC was the illicit drug most frequently found in the blood of drivers who have been involved in vehicle crashes. Those with THC in their system are from three to seven times more likely to be the cause of the accident than those who had not used either cannabis or alcohol, although its role is not necessarily causal because THC stays in the bloodstream for days to weeks after intoxication.   http://www.sidhhaherbs.blogspot.com

www.malaysianherbals.com CATNIP(112)-Nepeta Cataria-மிண்ட் குடும்பம்

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CATNIP    -Nepet cataria --மிண்ட் குடும்பம்

It is commonly known as catnip, catswort, or catmint, is a species of the genus Nepeta in the family Lamiaceae, native to southern and eastern Europe, the Middle East, central Asia, and parts of China. It is also widely naturalized in northern Europe, New Zealand, North America, etc.[1][2][3][4] [5]The common name catmint can also refer to the genus as a whole. Catnip and catmint both receive their name from the intense attraction mostcats have towards them

Family: Lamiaceae

Botanical name: Nepeta catara

What is catnip?

Catnip is a perennial herb from the mint family Labiatae. It has a square, hairy stalk with typically green/grey coloured heart shaped leaves that have scalloped edges. Flowers grow in spikes, reaching 1/2 inch in length. It is best known for its ability to get cats high.

There are approximately 250 species of flowering plants in the family Labiatae, some of which include:

Nepeta cataria (catnip or true catnip): White flowers, grows up to 3 feet. This is the variety most cats enjoy.

Nepeta camphorata (camphor catnip): White flowers with purple dots, grows up to 18 inches.Camphor scent.

Nepeta parnassica (Greek catnip): White, pale pink flowers, grows up to 18 inches.

Nepeta cataria citriodora (Lemon catnip): White flowers, spotted with purple, grows up to 3 feet. The leaves have a lemony scent.

Nepeta mussinii (Persian cat mint): Purple flowers. This plant has smallish, grey/green leaves. It grows up to 15 inches high.

Native to Europe and Asia, catnip became naturalised in North America and Canada after being introduced by the colonists in the 1600s. The name Nepeta is believed to have come from the town of Nepete in Italy, and Cataria is thought to have come from the Latin word for cat.

Nepeta cataria is also known by the following names: cataria, catmint, catnep, catrup, cat's healall, cat's-play, true catnip, cat's wort, catswort, catwort, chi hsueh tsao, field balm, Garden Nep, Herba Cataria, Herba Catti, Nebada, Nep.

Catnip effects on cats:

The active ingredient that causes a high in cats is an essential oil called nepetalactone, which can be found in the leaves and stems of the plant. Other constituents include acetic acid, alpha and beta-nepetalactone, citral, nepetalactone, geraniol, dipentene, citronellol, nerol, butyric acid, valeric acid and tannins.

Nepetalactone causes a hallucinogenic effect. Some say the effects are similar to LSD; others say they are more similar to marijuana (some people claim that smoking catnip induces a high like that of marijuana, not that we recommend you try it). Because cats affected by catnip roll on the floor—which mimics a female in estrus—it has been suggested that the plant acts as an aphrodisiac, but this is unlikely, as males react the same way as females. What is probable is the cat is reacting to similar feel-good pheromones released during sexual courtship/activity. However, non-sexual behaviour—including playing, chasing, and hunting—can also be observed.The cannabis of the cat kingdom. Famous for making cats deliriously crazy.

 Catnip has health properties that are great for humans, too. Catnip can relieve cold symptoms (helpful if you're on a camping trip and don't have access to Nyquil). It's useful in breaking a fever as it promotes sweating. Catnip also helps stop excessive bleeding and swelling when applied rather than ingested. This mint plant (yep, another one) is also reportedly helpful in treating gas, stomach aches, and migraines. Catnip can stimulate uterine contractions, so it should not be consumed by pregnant women. It grows in the Northern Hemisphere

Around 50–66% of cats are affected by catnip, and to differing degrees. Kittens younger than eight weeks old aren't able to enjoy its effect; in fact, they show an aversion to it. The response to catnip is mediated through the olfactory system. When nepetalactone enters the cat's nasal passages, it binds to olfactory receptors located at the olfactory epithelium. This stimulates sensory neurons, which trigger neurons in the olfactory bulb to send signals to the brain. The response to catnip is inherited as an autosomal dominant gene, which means the gene only needs to be passed on from one parent.

It's not just domesticated cats who enjoy the effects of catnip; many other wild species of cats also enjoy it. Cats can smell 1 part per billion in the air. Males and females, fertile or desexed—there appears to be no one group more readily affected by catnip than another.

A typical response includes sniffing, chewing, licking, head shaking, and chin, cheek, and body rubbing (in that order). Additional responses may include stretching, drooling, jumping, licking, aggression, and hyperactivity. Sniffing that produces the high; it is believed that cats eat catnip to bruise the catnip, thereby releasing more of the nepetalactone. The high produced will usually last between five and ten minutes, followed by a one hour refractory period.

Interestingly, researchers say that nepetalactone is about ten times more effective at repelling mosquitoes than DEET, which is the active ingredient in most insect repellents. It was also discovered that catnip repels cockroaches!* Plants aren't alone in containing nepetalactone; some insects and ants also contain it. It's been speculated that this protects them from other insects.

Rats and mice are also believed to have a strong dislike of catnip and will avoid places where it grows.

Is catnip harmful to cats?

Catnip is not harmful to your cat. They won't overdose on it. Most cats know when they've had enough and will refuse any further offers.

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www.malaysianherbals.com -Sage- (111) Salvia officinalis - NEELAMULLI

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                            Sage -You may get a lot of pots in Malaysian 

flower nurseries

  SAGE- Salvia officinalis,

It was used as a preservative for meat before the advent of refrigeration (eminently useful: you never know when you'll be forced to hunt in the wild). 

Sage is an incredibly useful herb, widely considered to be perhaps the most valuable herb. It is anti-flammatory, anti-oxidant, and antifungal. In fact, according to the noted resourceWorld's Healthiest Foods, "Its reputation as a panacea is even represented in its scientific name, Salvia officinalis, derived from the Latin word, salvere, which means 'to be saved'." It was used as a preservative for meat before the advent of refrigeration (eminently useful: you never know when you'll be forced to hunt in the wild). Sage aids digestion, relieves cramps, reduces diarrhea, dries up phlegm, fights colds, reduces inflammation and swelling, acts as a salve for cuts and burns, and kills bacteria. Sage apparently even brings color back to gray hair. A definite concern when lost in the woods.

Salvia officinalis (sage, also called garden sage,

 or common sage) is a perennial, 

evergreen subshrub, with woody stems, grayish 

leaves, and blue to purplish flowers. It is a member 

of the family Lamiaceae and is native to the 

Mediterranean region, though it has naturalized in 

many places throughout the world. It has a long 

history of medicinal and culinary use, and in 

modern times as an ornamental garden plant. The 

common name "sage" is also used for a number of 

related and unrelated species.

Mexican sage

Give Mexican bush sage plenty of room. It grows and grows all summer long - and the foliage is attractive - but the real show doesn't start until autumn. As it flowers, the plant spreads outward and is subject to fall over and break off stems. Remove flower clusters as they age to reduce the weight on the stems. It might be a good idea to prune back your Mexican bush sage in early summer to promote a bushier habit and to keep it from getting so top heavy that stems break off.

Use Mexican bush sage in mixed hedges along with rosemary,butterfly bush and other salvias like blue anise sage orautumn sage. Its soft grayish foliage is attractive all summer long as an accent to the other shrubs that are blooming; then in the autumn when most of the other shrubs are getting tired, Mexican bush sage comes into its own.

Garden sage (Salvia Officinalis) is an aromatic herbal shrub that has green leaves with a silvery touch. It is also known as gulsham in Hindi, neelamulli in Tamil, neelambaramu in Telugu & marameeah in Arabic.

With a firm stem & deep purple flowers, the sage plant can achieve a height of two and a half to three feet. This herbal plant is also called kitchen & common sage.

Studies show sage leaves have beneficial organic compound contents. These include tannic, fumaric, caffeic & ursolic acids besides containing estrogenic substances & flavones.

Nonetheless, oil of this herb should be used in tiny amounts to avoid sage side effects.
Get Health Benefits of Sage

Many herbalists consider using this medicinal herb in treatments such as gingivitis, eczema, bad breath, canker sores and for clearing dandruff.

• In traditional medicines, the leaves are used as a poultice that is used externally for treating swelling, sprains, bleeding & ulcers.
• Sage herb leaves can be used to obtain sage tea benefits for treating sore throats and is also found to be of use for coughs. The sage flower petals are used to garnish salads.
• White sage oil is said to have antiseptic properties that is used to prevent infection and treat inflammation & wounds.
• In addition, the sage herb is also beneficial in treating symptoms associated with menopause.
• The sage plant is said to possess anti-bacterial, anti-viral & even anti-fungal properties that can be useful in treating various disease.
• Several studies have revealed benefits of sage in its effectiveness in fighting harmful microorganisms such as herpes simplex & influenza 2 viruses.
• Oil obtained from sage seeds can give dramatic results for inflammatory conditions and skin disorders.
• A combined sage infusion is used by natives to curb digestive problems and to enhance digestion.
• The sage herb also has shown anti-oxidant properties equal to that of alpha-tocopherol.
• Used as a dietary supplement, sage oil (use in low percentage) is said to improve short term memory. Sage tea can render a calming effect on your body.

Sage is used traditionally to stop excess salivation & perspiration. Sage seeds oil is observed to render mental clarity and is said to act as a stimulant for your nervous system.

Due caution is required to avoid sage side effects (such as convulsions) while using sage oil.

Thanks Penmai.com

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