Saturday, May 19, 2012

www.malaysianherbals.com (30) Tamarindus Indica புளியமரம்

                         புளியமரம்
Tamarind (Tamarindus indica)

It  is indigenous to tropical Africaparticularly in Sudan, where it continues to grow wild; it is also cultivated in Cameroon, Nigeria and Tanzania. In Arabia, it is found growing wild in Oman, especially Dhofar, where it grows on the sea-facing slopes of mountains. It reached South Asia likely through human transportation and cultivation several thousand years prior to the Common Era.[2][3] It is widely distributed throughout the tropical belt, from Africa to South Asia, Northern Australia, and throughout South East Asia, Taiwan and China.
In the 16th century, it was heavily introduced to Mexico, and to a lesser degree to South America, by Spanish and Portuguese colonists, to the degree that it became a staple ingredient in the region's cuisine.[4]
Today, South Asia and Mexico remain the largest consumers and producers of tamarind.

[edit]Description

The tamarind is a long-lived, medium-growth, bushy tree, which attains a maximum crown height of 12.1 to 18.3 metres (40 to 60 feet). The crown has an irregular, vase-shaped outline of dense foliage. The tree grows well in full sun in clayloamsandy, and acidic soiltypes, with a high drought and aerosol salt (wind-borne salt as found in coastal area) resistance.
Leaves are evergreen, bright green in color, elliptical ovular, arrangement is alternate, of the pinnately compound type, with pinnate venation and less than 5 cm (2 inches) in length. The branches droop from a single, central trunk as the tree matures and is often pruned in human agriculture to optimize tree density and ease of fruit harvest. At night, the leaflets close up.
The tamarind does flower, though inconspicuously, with red and yellow elongated flowers. Flowers are 2.5 cm wide (one inch), five-petalled, borne in small racemes, and yellow with orange or red streaks. Buds are pink as the four sepals are pink and are lost when the flower blooms.
The fruit is an indehiscent legume, sometimes called a pod, 12 to 15 cm (3 to 6 inches) in length, with a hard, brown shell.[5][6][7] The fruit has a fleshy, juicy, acidulous pulp. It is mature when the flesh is coloured brown or reddish-brown. The tamarinds of Asia have longer pods containing six to 12 seeds, whereas African and West Indian varieties have short pods containing one to six seeds. The seeds are somewhat flattened, and glossy brown.
The tamarind is best described as sweet and sour in taste, and is high in acidsugarB vitamins and, oddly for a fruit, calcium.

A tamarind seedling

Tamarind flowers
As a tropical species, it is frost sensitive. The pinnate leaves with opposite leaflets give a billowing effect in the wind. Tamarind timber consists of hard, dark red heartwood and softer, yellowish sapwood.
Tamarind is harvested by pulling the pod from its stalk. A mature tree may be capable of producing up to 175 kg (350 lb) of fruit per year. Veneer graftingshield (T or inverted T) budding, and air layering may be used to propagate desirable selections. Such trees will usually fruit within three to four years if provided optimum growing conditions.

[edit]Etymology

When British sailors first visited the coasts of Oman enroute to India, they enquired of the fruit - packed as dark brown slabs of sticky paste - in the markets that looked similar to the ripe dates from the area, they were told by the locals there that it was thamer hind; literally meaning "dates from India". This was recorded by the English as "tamarind".[citation needed]

[edit]Alternative names


Tamarindus leaves and pod
Globally, it is most numerous in South Asia, where it is widely distributed and has a long history of human cultivation. Many South Asian regional languages have their own unique name for the tamarind fruit. In Sanskrit, it is called tintidior "Aamlika". In Assamese, it is calledteteli. It is called tetul (তেঁতুল) in Bengali. In Oriya, it is called tentuli, in Hindi it is called imli (इमली); in Rajasthani it is known as Aamli(आम्ली); in Gujarati the amli, and Marathi and Konkani the chinch; in Kannada it is called hunase (ಹುಣಸೆ), Telugu chintachettu (tree) andchintapandu (fruit extract. In Tamil speaking regions as such in Tamil Nadu and northern areas of Srilanka the Tamarind is known as puli(புளி). In Malayalam it is called vaalanpuli (വാളന്‍പുളി) and In Pakistan in Urdu, it is known as imli. In Sri Lanka in Sinhala, it is called siyambala; In the Cook Islands in Cook Islands Maori Māori Kūki Āirani or Rarotonganis language Tamarindus is called tamarene. In Thailand it is called má kăam (มะขาม).
In Indonesia and Malaysia, tamarind is known as the asam (or asemJawa (means Javanese asam), which in the Indonesian and Malaylanguages, translates as Javanese sour [sic: fruit] (though the literature may also refer to it as sambaya). In the Philippines, tamarind is referred to as sampaloc, which is occasionally rendered as sambalog in Tagalog and sambag in Cebuano. The Vietnamese term is me. In Taiwan, it is called loan-tz. In Myanmar, it is called magee-bin (tree) and magee-thee (fruit). The tamarind is the provincial tree of thePhetchabun province of Thailand (in Thailand it is called ma-kham). In Laos it is called ໝາກຂາມ (maak-kham. In Malagasy it is called voamadilo and kily.
In Ghana, it is called dawadawa. In Malawi, it is called bwemba. In Turkey, it is called "demir hindi". In Nigeria (Hausa language),it is called "Tsamiya"
In ColombiaDominican RepublicMexicoPuerto Rico and Venezuela, it is called tamarindo. In the Caribbean, tamarind is sometimes called tamón.[2] In Trinidad and Tobago, however, it is also called "tambran".
Tamarind (Tamarindus indica) should not be confused with "Manila tamarind" (Pithecellobium dulce), which is a different plant native to Mexico and known locally as guamúchil. It is also of Fabaceae.

[edit]Cultivation

Seeds can be scarified or briefly boiled to enhance germination. They retain germination capability after several months if kept dry.
Although native to Sudan and tropical AfricaAsia and Mexico are the largest consumers and producers of tamarind.

Three-day-old tamarind seedling
The tamarind has also long been naturalized in IndonesiaMalaysia, the Philippines, and the Pacific IslandsThailand has the largest plantations of the ASEAN nations, followed by Indonesia, Myanmar, and the Philippines. In India, extensive tamarind orchards produce 275,500 tons (250,000 MT) annually. The pulp is marketed in northern Malaya. It is cultivated all over India, especially in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.
Commercial plantations throughout tropical Latin America include BrazilCosta RicaCubaGuatemalaMexicoNicaraguaPuerto Ricoand Venezuela.
In the United States, it is a large-scale crop introduced for commercial use, second in net production quantity to India, in the mainlySouthern states due to tropical and semitropical climes, notably South Florida, and as a shade and fruit tree, along roadsides and in dooryards and parks. Tamarind pulp is high in calcium, phosphorus, potassium, iron, thiamine, riboflavin, and niacin.
In traditional Asian medicines, tamarind is used to treat inflammation, arthritis pain, sore throats, sunstroke, certain kinds of poisoning, and drunkenness.

Tamarind Fruit in Food and Medicine: Indian Date Used for Flavor, Digestive Remedy, and to Relieve Pain | 

[edit]Basically there are three types of tamarinds - the East Indian, the West Indian and a third variety. While the East Indian variety of tamarind has long pods enclosing six to 12 seeds, the West Indian type of this species have comparatively shorter pods each having about four seeds. The pods of the third variety of tamarind enclose an exquisite rose color pulp. The West Indian variety of tamarinds are generally exported in a syrup form after removing the outer shell of the fruits, while the East Indian type is exported in a solid black mass of legumes along with their shells. The third type of tamarind is generally conserved in a syrup form.The tamarind leaves are occasionally used in sub-acid infusions, while a decoction prepared with the leaves is believed to eliminate worms in children. In addition, the decoction is also effectual in treating jaundiceand useful as an external wash for tender eyes and ulcers. In the West Indies, people prepare a punch with the fruit and blend it with a decoction prepared with borage to alleviate the burning sensation during urination. Tamarind whey can be prepared by stewing one ounce of the fruit pulp in one pint of milk and filtering the liquid. This serves as a cool laxative drink. Interestingly, the tamarind fruit has also been found to be useful in healing some types of sore throat conditions. In Mauritius, the Creoles blend salt with the tamarind pulp and use it as an ointment to treat rheumatism. In addition, they also prepare a decoction with the bark of the tamarind tree to treat asthma. The Bengalis, on the other hand, use the tamarind pulp to cure dysentery. Moreover, when food is scarce, they also use tamarind as a food by boiling the fruit pods in water or grinding them after removing the dark brown outer shell.

Thanks Herbs2000com

                                                                                                                                       (30)

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www.malaysianherbals.com-(29) பத்தாய்க்காய்-----------Parkia speciosa

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PETAI         Parkia speciosa


பத்தாய்க்காய்/      PETAI/        Yongchak

Plants parkia speciosa  is well-known in Southeast Asian countries just like Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Laos exactly where parkia speciosa is long along with vibrant green beans inside. The shape is comparable along with almond shape. Petai is sold in several forms just like sold in bunches, in pods, seeds or even petai seeds are loaded in plastic bag, plus some even purchased in the type of pickles in water, or perhaps in the type of frozen.
Benefits
1.Helps in constipation
2.Helps control diabetics
3.Promotes healthy heart
4.Rich in pottasium
5.Rich in calcium,iron and vitamin c
6.Helps a lot in depression
7 Helps in nicotin withdrawel- 
That is helps to stop smoking.



Friday, May 18, 2012

www.malaysianherbals.com-(28) அமுக்கரா செடி

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Withania somnifera   அமுக்கரா செடி



 அமுக்கரா வேர் என்றால் பொதுவாக எல்லோருக்கும் தெரிந்திருக்கும்.அதன் மகத்துவங்கள் கொஞ்ச நஞ்சமல்ல.
ஆண்மை பலத்திற்கும் பெண்மையின் தளர்ச்சியையும் நீக்க வல்லது.



 Although it's not botanically related to ginseng, ashwagandha is often called "Indian ginseng" due to its supposedly rejuvenating effects.It gives  back the lost energy to the  ladies who are weak and who are undergoing menapouse . 
This plant  grows as a short shrub (35–75 cm) with a central stem from which branches extend radially in a star pattern  and covered with a dense matte of wooly hairs . The flowers are small and green, while the ripe fruit is orange-red and has milk-coagulating properties. The plant's long, brown, tuberous roots are used for medicinal purposes.

[edit]Ashwagandha contains many useful medicinal chemicals, including withanolides, (steroidal lactones), alkaloids, choline, fatty acids, amino acids, and a variety of sugars. While the leaves and fruit have valuable therapeutic properties, the root of the ashwagandha plant is the part most commonly used in Western herbal remedies.

 Ashwagandha works by nourishing the nerves and improving nerve function to help you maintain calm during stressful situations. It provides an overall feeling of wellness through its high content of alkaloids like withanin and somniferin. In short, Ashwagandha rejuvenates and re-energises you.
Like other types of ginseng, the roots of the Ashwagandha plant have also been widely used to reduce inflammation, treat tumours, decrease stress, increase mental activity and invigorate the body. It also acts as an antioxidant

This herb's root plays an important part in Siddha medicines. In all the preparations for  hormone imbalance this root would be added.  The names of some of the medicines are "Agasthiar Thaathupushti Leyhiam" and " Agasthiar Manmatharathy Leyhiam" and" Agasthiar  Raja Leyhiam"
Besides that, it can also boost the immune system and improve memory. Hence Ashwagandha is one of the most highly valued herbs in the Siddha health system.
In addition, Ashwagandha is also held in high regard for its ability to increase vitality, energy, endurance and stamina, promote longevity and strengthen the immune system. Which is why, Ashwaganda is popular amongst people who do physical labour or exercise a lot to help the body adapt to physical stress.  
For a 2008 study, scientists tested ashwagandha's effects on human cartilage and found that the herb may help protect against inflammation and cartilage damage associated with osteoarthritis.
                                                  (28)
https://wordpress.com/block-editor/post/physicianpackiam.wordpress.com/43

www.malaysianherbals.com-(27) கல்யாண முருங்கை

Erythrina variegata (Indian Coral Tree)

kalyana murungai
                                                                கல்யாண முருங்கை

or Mulmurungai




  



அன்பர்களே!
திருமணத்தின் போது செய்யும் சடங்குகளில் முதன்மையானது முஹூர்த்தக்கால் நடுதல். அதில் கல்யாண முருங்கைக்கு அதிக முக்கியத்துவம் உள்ளது.
திருமணத்திற்குப் பின்பு எடை போடுவதைத் தடுக்க வல்லது.
The Indian Coral Tree and Flame of the Forest are fast disappearing from the city scape, say botanists.
“The garish red flowers of the Indian Coral Tree (Erythrina Variegata), popularly known as Kalyana Murungai or Mulmurungai, attracted a lot of birds due to its copious nectar. Today, these trees are not only rare but also show severe gall infestation. Its flowers and leaves are marred by the unsightly galls,” says Pauline R. Deborah, assistant professor, Department of Plant Biology and Plant Biotechnology, Women's Christian College.
These leaves are great to slim down one has to take it a few leaves just chew them like any leaf and no other smell, early morning on an empty stomach and they are wonderful and cut down your waist like never before....sunkan
 
Kalyana murungai, botanically known as Erythrina indica, is one of the most colourful indigenous trees of peninsular India.
Erythrina is from the Greek word erythros, meaning red in allusion to the colour of the bloom and indica refers to its country of origin. The trifoliate leaf was popular with the early Christians in India, as representing the Trinity.
Before the leaves emerge, coral trees display a spectacular show with bright crimson flowers in dense terminal clusters.
The pods that follow the flowers are cylindrical and constricted between the reddish brown seeds, which are familiar with children as soodu kottai.
The bark of the tree is antipyretic and used in the treatment of epilepsy, dysmenorrhoea (painful menstruation) and skin ulcers.
The leaves are laxative, diuretic, anthelmintic, galactagogue (agent inducing milk secretion) and emmenagogue (promoting menstrual discharge).
Being an excellent nitrogen fixer, it is planted in tea plantations and in fields.
When in bloom, the tree makes a gorgeous sight.

That the flowers contain much nectar is evidenced by the frequent visits of many species of birds; sunbirds, mynahs and babblers are usually to be seen, hurrying from flower to flower, chattering and twittering. With man, also, the tree is very popular, having numerous uses. From an infusion of the flowers a brilliant coloring matter can be obtained, which may be made into water-paint or into a dye. Cotton, prepared with alum, can be dyed a bright  yellow or orange.                                                                                                      (27)
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Wednesday, May 16, 2012

www.malaysianherbals.com -(23) பூவரசு Portia Tree

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Portia Tree

Thespesia populnea    பூவரசு

பூக்களின் அரசன்


Commonly known as the 
Portia Tree Common names vary according to the country and include "Indian tulip tree", "Pacific rosewood", "seaside mahoe" (in Florida),surina (the "elegant tree"), suriya (Sinhala), bebaru or baru baru (Malay), milo or miro (in many Polynesian languages), mako‘i(Rapanui), gangaraavi (Telugu), poovarasu (Tamil), and plaksa (Sanskrit).




Originally from the Old World, the Portia Tree was brought to Hawaii by early Polynesian settlers. The Tahitians considered it sacred and grew it near places of worship. Its name Thespesia means "divinely decreed" and was given by Daniel Solander who saw it in Tahiti as a member of Captain Cook's ship. It is mostly found along the coast. Its leaves turn yellow seasonally.

It is the host of the Cotton Stainer Bug (Dysdercus decussatus), and the plant was eradicated in many cotton-growing areas to eliminate this insect.

Uses as food: The fruits, flowers and young leaves are edible.

Morning the flowers are yellow but as the sun sets the flowers turn red. 


When small though it looks like a Banyan Fig it it is not.


Other uses: The timber is hard, termite-resistant, has an attractive grain and dark-red colour, and is naturally oily so it can be highly polished (thus it is also called Pacific Rosewood). But the timber is often twisted and rarely found in large pieces so it makes only small items. As the timber does not impart a flavour, it is often used to carve wooden food bowls and food utensils in Hawaii.

The tough fibrous bark is made into rope (Hawaii and elsewhere) but is not as good for this purpose as Sea Hibiscus is. The bark is also used to caulk boats (Malay). Cork is made from the inner bark.


A yellow dye is obtained from the flower and fruits, and a red one from the bark and heartwood.  
A yellow dye is nd a red one from theobtained from the flower and fruits, a bark and heartwood.
flower
branches, it casts welcome shade and in Hawaii were planted near homes for this purpose. In India, they were planted to provide shade in coffee and tea plantations.

Traditional medicinal uses: Ground up bark is used to treat skin diseases (India), dysentery and haemorrhoids (Mauritius). Leaves are applied to inflamed and swollen joints (South India). When cut, the young fruit secretes a yellow sticky sap used to treat ringworm and other skin diseases (South India). Roots are used as a tonic. There is some modern investigation of the plant's effects on high blood pressure.

Mangrove and wetland wildlife at
Sungei Buloh Nature Park
Mangrove and wetland wildlife at
Sungei Buloh Nature Park
seedsMain features:Mangrove associate. A spreading habit, grows to 10-12m tall.
Bark: Brown, corrugated. Scaly twigs.

Leaves: Small, heart-shaped, shiny green.

Flowers: Pale yellow without red stigma as in Sea Hibiscus. Last for only one day, turning maroon and dropping then.

Fruits: Capsule is a flattened leathery sphere with disc-like sepals. Green at first, turning brown then black as it ripens and dries. The capsule then opens releasing 8-15 black seeds.

Similar plant: Sea Hibiscus (Hibiscus tiliaceus): flowers appear similar, yellow with maroon eye and also turn dull orange with age, but have dark red stigma, and fall off the same evening or 
ripe fruit

Photo from
Peter Ng and Sivasothi
day after; leaves have slits on their underveins that secrete nectar; fruits and timber are different.

Status in Singapore: Common in suitable habitats.

World distribution: Native to the Old World, introduced and naturalised in the New World.

Classification: Family Malvaceae. World 1 mangrove associated species.
Other products extracted from the plant includes tannin, oil and gums (a dark red resin exudes from the bark). A fast growing shrub that grows into a small tree with spreading .

                                                                                            (23)
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