Datura

Names of Datura in different languages

 Datura or Hindu Datura is also known as thorn weed, thorn-apple, devil s-apple, apple-of-peru, jamestown weed or jimson weed, mad apple, stinkweed etc.

 -It is called Sadahdhatura, Dhaturo in Hindi

- Dhattura in Bengali, Gujrati and Marathi

- Sagol hidakin Manipuri

- Ummetta, Dutthuramu, Tella Vumetta, Tellaoomatie Etc. in Telugu

- Vellum Mattai, Cokkitakam, Emanamam,  Kanakariyam, Okaticceti, Oomathu, Simaiyumattai,    Ummattangani  in Tamil

- Unmatta, Matulam, Hummatu, Ummam and Malayalam

- Unmatta, Bilidatthoora, Kariummatti, Madaguniki etc. in Kannada

- In Sanskrit it is called Dhustura,  Kanakvyah, Shivapriya, Devika, Ghantapushpa, Harava, Kahalapushpa, Kantaphala, Kharadushana, Matula, Shivashekhara, Shyama etc.

- Gozmasal And Tatoola in Pesrian.

- Qunain, Tukhm Dhatura Safaid in Urdu.

 -We call it Dudura in Oriya.

 The Botanical name is Datura stramonium(Syn : Datura alba Nees, D. fastuosa L. var alba) (Solanaceae family)

Medicinal Properties of Datura 

The plant has aphrodisiac, narcotic and antispasmodic, intoxicating, emetic , anticancer, anthelmintic, spasmogenic, antiviral, nematicidal, antideptic, anticholinergic properties.

Rain Flowers

Fairy Lily or White Rain Lily is also known as August rain lily, White zephyr lily, Peruvian swamp-lily, Zephyr flower, Autumn zephyr lily ,Autumn Rain-Lily, Flower-Of-The-Western-Wind, , Zephyr Lily and so sweetly called Rain flower .

Rainlily has nearly 70 species known in botanical nomenclature as Zephyranthes and Habranthus. All of them are flowering bulbs that share common names of rainlily, fairy lily, rainflower and zephyrlily. These flowers are commonly called rain lilies because they often bloom after it rains.

Rain lily flowers in spring, summer or fall, depending on species and garden conditions but especially after a shower. But most of these plants are spring or summer flowering. Each six-petalled, funnel-shaped flower is found atop a stem that ranges in height from 2 inches to more than 12 inches. This white cultivar of a flower is usually found in pink and also yellow forms. Leaves are a deep glossy green and measure 3 mm wide. The leaf-like bract is 1.8 to 4 cm. Each bulb produces clusters of dark-green, strap-like fleshy leaves up to 12 inches long. Bulbs rapidly form large clumps and can display up to 20 flowers at once. They grow best in sunny atmosphere (partial shade is also good) and they require a medium wet soil. The plant is drought tolerant and heat tolerant.

White Rain Lily can be grown more than any other species of Zephyranthes. Its Botanical name is Zephyranthes candida. The genus is native to the south eastern United States and South America. They look nice as garden or lawn borders like border of a saree. The White Rain Lily tolerates drought, heat and clay soils forming clumps about 12 inches tall and wide. In the early fall, it is covered with large white flowers. Plants are evergreen in winter.

 

Pink Rain lily Buds

The pink variety is called pink rain lily or rose pink zephyr lily and bears the Botanical name Zephyranthes rosea.    It is native to Central America and the West Indies. It is most favoured of the genus. This rain lily produces bright-pink, funnel-shaped flowers all summer long. I have got one or two of them in my flower pot in my inner yard this July after monsoon shower. See them here.

The yellow variety is called Yellow Rain Lily, Yellow Fairy Lily, and Yellow Zephyr Lily. Its botanical name is Zephyranthes citrina (or sometimes sulphurea).The one-inch, lemon yellow flowers of this rain lily spring forth in late summer.

Rain lilies are easy to grow, don’t need much care, have a broad adaptability and beautiful flowers make it a gardener’s always favourite. They do well in pots, but not indoors. Keep the soil moist and feed monthly with a slow-release bio-fertilizers (cow dung is best) throughout the summer.

Most of these species when the flowers fade, they develop small capsules that contain plantable seeds. These shiny black seeds can be collected when the capsules mature and turn yellow and begin to split. Sow fresh seeds on a moist soil and lightly cover for a bit of warmth. In two to six weeks it will sprout. Under ideal conditions, seedlings will flower in eight to 12 months.

All the lilies of this species are a delight to the eyes. Make them a border for your lawn.  No looker can help admiring them.

Bakul

Spanish Cherry is also known as Bullet-wood Tree and Indian Medaller. It is a very popular and fragrant flower and in India in every language it has more than one name. It is called Bakul, Bolsari,Tendu, Maulsari in Hindi, Kirakuli in Urdu, Bohl and Bokul in Bengali, Bakuli in Marathi, Barsoli in Gujrati, Bakulam, Elangi, Makuram in Malayalam, Kalhale, Kesara, Mugule, Pagademara, Ranjal, Pokkalathu in Kannada, Kesara, Parijatamu, Nemmi, Pogada in Telugu, Alagu, Ilanci, Kesaram, Magilam in Tamil. There are a lot of names given to this fragrant beauty in Sanskrit like Sinhakeshara, Anangaka, Bakulah, Chirapushpa, Dhanvi, Dohala, Kantha, Gudhapushpaka, Karuka, Keshara, Madhugandha, Madhupanjara, Madhupushpa, Mukula. In Oriya we call it Baula Phula. Its Botanical Name is Mimusops Elengi.

This is a large glabrous evergreen tree with 50 feet in height & 1 meter circumference. The bark is thick and dark brownish or greyish black in colour. The wood inside the bark is hard and heavy and it is reddish grey on the outside and dark red on the inside. The Leaves are glossy, dark green, smooth and elliptic and are 2 to 4 inch long and 1 to 2 inch wide. Yellowish, white and very fragrant flowers are of one inch diameter. Flowering occurs in April and May. Fruits One inch long and oval fruit is green, astringent and with milk when unripe. It turns yellow and it tastes astringent and sweet. Fruition occurs in rainy season. The fruit contains one and occasionally two oval, brown and shiny seeds. Fruits are eaten fresh.

Various parts of the tree have medicinal properties. The bark, flowers, fruits and seeds are acrid, astringent, cooling, anthelmintic (killing or ejecting intestinal worms), tonic, and febrifuge. It is used in the treatment and maintenance of oral hygiene. Rinsing mouth with water solution made with bakul helps in strengthening the teeth. It also prevents bad breath and helps keep the gums healthy. Make powder of the flowers and apply it on the skin to make it smooth. The squash of these flowers cures infertility in women. It is also useful for treatment of cystorrhoea, leucorrhoea, menorrhaggia, urethrorrheoa, bleeding disorders of other organs like uterus (Metroragia). It is used for treatment of diarrhoea, dysentery. intestine (colitis) etc. Seeds and dried flowers are used in constipation. Extract of flowers is used against heart diseases. The flowers possess expectorant properties and when smoked relieve asthma. The flowers of this tree are mixed with oil and used to make perfumes.

This wonderful tree of the Indian subcontinent is a valued variety because it provides a dense shade which keeps the vicinity cool and during the months from March to July it fills the air around with the heady fragrance of its flowers. In the morning the fragrant flowers drop to the ground. People living in their proximity love to collect them as they retain their sweet fragrance for hours after they drop.  They are offered in temples throughout the country.

Bakul Tree

The tree always invokes in my memory the scene of my maternal uncle’s village which has a unique location. It is situated on a mountain top. We go their climbing the mountain because it had no motorable road (recently 10 yrs ago it has been made). It’s really a picture of antiquity. May be because of being a natural fort the king used it as his residential citadel. See the photos I have given here. The palace is also there which is going to ruins to my pain and dismay.

The entrance of my mother's village (name:Balarampur). This stone pandal is sacred on which annual festival of Dola Purnima is celebrated

The ancient palace in ruins

The geographical wonder is that on the top of the mountain there is water source (one pond and five wells) to feed 100 houses which comprises this little ancient fairytale village. There is temple of Lord Jagannath there. In front of the temple there is a huge bakul tree. It is the regular council seat of the village elders where they pass their time in sleepy languor far from the madding crowd.

The temple and the trees around it

I haven't been there since years but I still remember the cool fragrance and the sacred surrounding. It instills a strange peace which permeates into your body, mind and memory for all your life.

I wish such peace pervades this dear earth. Amen!

Kadamba

Kadam or kadamb is also known as burr flower tree and wild cinchona. In Hindi it is called Kadamba. It is called Vellaikkatampu in Tamil, Rudrakskamba and kadambakamu in Telugu, Katambu and Attu tekku in Malayalam, Kaduavalatige in Kannada and kadam in Bengali and Assamese. It has numerous names in Sanskrit like Vrattapushpa, Nipa, Lalanapriya, Kadambari, Madadhya, Sindhupushpa, Karnapurak, Kadamba, Halipriya, Sisupala, Gandhavatpushpa, Pravrishenya, Manonnati, Kutsitanga, Pulaki, Kaadambarya, Girikadambaka, Raajakadamba, Meghaagamapriya.

 In Oriya we call it Kadamba too. Its botanical name is Neolamarckia cadamba (Anthocephalus indicus).

Kadamb is a deciduous tree which grows throughout India, especially at low levels and in wet places. It grows rapidly in first 6-8 year and produces golden ball of flowers. It is seen widely in the Western Ghats, in Plains and in wet places everywhere. It has a straight stem about 20 m high and up to 2 m girth with a beautiful contour of drooping branches. The leaves are around 30 cm long and 10-15 cm broad, ovate, with prominent veins. The bark is dark grey in colour, roughish with longitudinal fissures peeling off in thin scales. Yellow to orange small fragrant flowers up to 55 mm diameter bloom which appear like solid, hairy orange balls. The fruits, round like small balls, hard, yellow when ripe are sweet and sour in taste. Seeds are small and muriculate.

Three kinds of kadamb are mentioned in ancient Indian scriptures namely, dhara kadamba (described above), dhuli kadamba – which blooms in the spring and bhumi kadamba – which has smaller flowers.

 Kadamba is one of the most useful herbs mentioned in all ancient Sanskrit scriptures and ayurvedic texts. The great sage and the greatest name in Indian Ayurveda i.e. Charaka has categorized it as an analgesic and its fruit pulp as a purifier of seminal fluids. Susruta, another great ayurvedic physician has cited it as a detoxifier and anti diarrhoeal. The bark, leaves, fruits, roots have great medicinal value and is used for curing ulcer, fever, vomiting, inflammation of eyes, urinary retention, cough, diarrhoea, burning sensation. Externally, the wounds and ulcers are dressed with its leaves (slightly warmed) to alleviate the pain, swelling and for cleansing and better healing of wounds. The paste of its bark applied externally is benevolent in conjunctivitis. Internally, the decoction of its bark skin is an effective remedy for diarrhoea, dysentery and colitis. The juice of the bark skin combined with cumin seeds and sugar alleviates vomiting. The excessive thirst in fevers is quenched with its fruit juice. Kadamba is the best panacea for cough. The decoction of roots is useful in urinary ailments. Menorrhagia is effectively controlled with the fresh juice of its leaves or their decoction. The fruit juice augments the quantity of breast milk in lactating mothers and also works well as a lactodepurant.  Kadamba is rewarding in skin diseases as it improves the complexion of the skin. In burning sensation of the body and fever, the bark skin is commonly used. The bark skin and the fruits are salubrious in general debility. Root and Flower are abortifacient because fruit of Kadamba added with honey, one-fourth in quantity, if taken for three days after the stoppage of the menstrual flow along with hot water, produces sterility in woman. Brushing teeth with twig of this plant is beneficial for oral hygiene. If the cattle are suffering from some disease, keep the flowers and leaves in the cattle shed; the disease will not affect the cattle. Additionally, leaves are useful in the treatment of snake-bite. the leaves also when taken for a period ranging from 4-10 months cures diabetes because it has composition of cadambine and dihydroconchonine, two types of alkaloids that cures diabetes.

Ancient Indian literature celebrates the beauty of this flower and tree in numerous poems and epics. In the famous epic poem Meghadutam (cloud messenger) of Kalidas, the greatest Sanskrit poet describes,

‘Where you should stay for rest near mountain Nicha,

In your contact Kadambas will bloom in thrill of joy

There, the aromatic fragrance for the pleasure of courtesans

Reveals the unstrained city youths staying in the mansions.’

It’s famous in all Vaisnavite poems and epics also because of its association with Lord Krishna. Jayadev, famous poet of Orissa in his immortal epic poem Gita Govindam based on Krishna Lila or divine play of Krishna has described how he hid the sarees of the maidens of Gokul when he found them bathing naked in the waters of river Yamuna. The maids when came out of water found their clothes hanging from the branches of kadamb tree where Krishna was playing his flute.

In one famous Odissi Vaisnavite song I remember, where in it is described that-, ‘When music on flute was played in the grove of kadamb; Radha’s (the divine beloved of Krishna) peak of fortitude broke down.’

How beautiful and enchanting!

Physically, emotionally, culturally in numerous ways we are closely bound to these beautiful green gifts of the Divine to man and the earth, i.e. the trees. Let’s value them and preserve them to make our Earth livable and beautiful.

Kadamb Tree





Peacock Flower

Peacock Flower or Red Bird of Paradise is also known as Mexican Bird of Paradise, Pride of Barbados, Dwarf Poinciana, Barbados Flower-fence, and Paradise Poinciana. This glorious and beautiful tropical flower is called Sidhakya in Sanskrit, Guletura in Hindi, Sankasur in Marathi, Radhachura and Krishnachura in Bengali, Ratnagandhi in Telugu, Mayirkonrai in Tamil, Kenjige in Kannada, Settimandaram and Rajamalli in Malayalam. In Oriya we call it in a totally separate name, because in Oriya Krishnachura is a bigger variety and the tree is also equally huge which is popularly known in Hindi as Gulmohar. This dwarf variety is called Godibana in Oriya. In my village and locality we call it paikra flower. Its botanical name is Caesalpinia pulcherrima.

Its exact origin is unknown due to its widespread cultivation. But it’s one of the most popular trees in tropical countries. In India it is found in almost all parts and is highly prized and planted because of its ornamental aspects. It is widely grown in domestic and public gardens and has a beautiful inflorescence in yellow, red and orange. The blooming season is from May to August. It grows up to 3 m, having 20-40 cm long bipinnate leaves. It retains its leaves throughout the year, and blooms continuously. The flowers are bowl shaped and have five crinkled, unequal yellow, orange or red petals. It has 6-12 cm long fruits which are pods. The fruits when ripe they split apart showing the little brown beans inside. It has medium water requirements and the plant is drought tolerant. It grows very well in open sunlight but if it gets partial shade it has no problem. It tolerates hard pruning, so do the needful to shape as a tree or a shrubby bush. There are no serious pests or disease problem for this plant.

Although it is chiefly valued and cultivated for its ornamental use it has various medicinal properties also. It has properties which is anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antimicrobial, antifungal, analgesic, antioxidant, antibacterial. The leaves are reported to be purgative and the flowers are reported to be tonic. In many regions decoction of roots is used to cure fevers; infusion of the bark is used as mouth-wash and beneficial in mouth ulcers; Infusion of leaves used for colds, fevers, skin ailments, renal stones, malaria, bronchitis and is reported to be abortifacient. The flower is dried and powdered and is also used as an insecticide. In ayurveda the leaves, flowers are used for fever, jaundice, colic, flatulence, malignant tumours. In Amazon region the juice from the leaves is said to cure fever, the juice from the flower is said to cure sores, and the seeds are said to cure bad cough, breathing difficulty, and chest pain.

Plant this tree. It will add amazing look to your garden and will look best as a hedge plant. All you have to care for is pruning its excess growth otherwise it is always fine. It can also be kept inside as an apartment plant and pruned to a smaller size. It really gives little trouble to the gardener.

Why this one only? Plant a tree; it will never fail you.

White Crinum Lily- The Pristine beauty

Now it is rainy season here in my area (Orissa). These flowers have very sweet and mild fragrance. They bloom in rain. They bloom just in the evening like Four o'Clock flowers. Our front yard pavement sides are filled with their fragrance in the evening. Can anyone tell its name?



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Ok! Let me tell you all about this pristine beauty. It's white Crinum Lily.Crinum Lily is also known as Poison Lily, Seashore Lily, Grand crinum lily, Poison Bulb, Giant Crinum Lily, Spider Lily. In Hindi it is called Nagadamini and Sudarsana. In Oriya we call it just Lily.

My father with a couple of Crinum Lily in our premises

I asked my father who is quite a living repository of knowledge of herbs and plants and quite a good gardener. He told me that it is banua Lily means wild lily. Its botanical name is Crinum asiaticum.

Crinum is a genus of about 180 species of perennial plants. The genus name Crinum originates from the Greek word Krinon, which means white lily, referring to the white or whitish flowers which most species produce. They are found in tropical and subtropical areas worldwide. Crinum Lily is a fast growing, large perennial herb. It grows from a bulb. The flowers are shaped like tubes that open into a crown of narrow petals. The flowers are white and are arranged in clusters on the top of thick, succulent stems. The thick flower stalks emerge from the bases of the plants. There is usually only one 2-3 foot stalk per plant. At the end of each stalk, a cluster of flower buds form which opens into a cluster of mild but very sweet fragrant flowers. It prefers bright sunlight but will grow in part shade also, it needs average watering. Crinum lilies do well in dry soils and are fairly drought tolerant. Plant these in pots or better directly in the garden soil where they will quickly root to form new plants. It is grown as an exotic ornamental plant for its attractive form and flowers.

The plant is not edible and is poisonous. All parts of crinum lily may cause severe discomfort if swallowed. The sap of the plant can cause skin irritation. But it has traditional medicinal uses like poultice for sores, chaps or aches in any part of the body.  Paste of mashed leaves are used for treatment of piles. A mixture of leaf paste and honey is often applied to wounds .  

Globe Amaranth

Globe Amaranth is also known as Gomphrena and Bachelor’s buttons. It is called Gul-e-makhmal in Hindi and Urdu, Chengkruk in Manipuri, Vadamalli in Malayalam. In Oriya we call it Godi  Manika.  Its Botanical name is Gomphrena globosa.    

 

 

Globe Amaranth is a tropical annual flower with small, pinecone-shaped, delicate flowers. It is an all-time flower-gardening favourite. It is one of the most useful blossoms around.  It seems to have it all, it thrives in all conditions, it blooms nearly nonstop, great for cutting and drying, and it attracts butterflies. It can grow up to two feet with newer, smaller varieties that has a bushy appearance. The branched stems are erect and stiff. The leaves are opposite, oblong, 4-6 in long, and woolly-white when young, becoming sparsely white-hairy as they age. Flowers are globular in shape, but actually consist of numerous individual flowers. The flowers are about an inch in diameter and have a wide variety of colour range like purple, magenta, crimson red, pale mauve, off-white and even golden hue.  But the most common colour found is magenta. Globe amaranth tolerates poor soil. Average to fertile garden soil is fine. Plant requires full sun and excellent drainage. It’s a very long lasting plant. That’s why in some cultures and beliefs it is regarded as a symbol of unfading love.

These plants are not only loved for their ornamental applications, but also for their use as a food source, dye and medicine. Some varieties of amaranth are grown for their seeds which are a very palatable, easy to cook, high protein food having a pleasant taste. Some varieties of amaranth are grown for their edible greens leaves.

Champak

Champak or Golden Champa is called Atigandhaka, Bhringmohi, Champaka, Hemanga, Hemapuspaka, Deepapushpa in Sanskrit, Champa in Hindi and Bengali, Amariyam in Tamil, Kendasampige in Kannada, Chembakam in Malayalam, Campangi in Telugu and Sonchampa in Marathi. In Oriya we call it Champa too. Its Botanical Name is (Magnolia) Michelia champaca.

It’s a tall, evergreen tree, usually up to 30 m high. Leaves are ovate to lanceolate, coriaceous. The flowers are yellow or orange, wonderfully fragrant, solitary; Fruits are 5-10 cm long, ripe capsules ovoid or ellipsoid, with woody valves. Champak tree bears large numbers of small cream yellow and orange yellow blooms over a long period. The trees bloom once during the monsoon and again in spring. When fully in bloom, the trees are covered with thousands of golden yellow flowers which reigns the air all around with a powerful and diffusive fragrance.

It’s a member of the magnolia family and a native of the temperate Himalayan region. However, it is now found distributed throughout tropical and subtropical Asia. In India the flowers are collected for perfumery, decorative, ornamental, religious purpose.

The flowers from this tree are used to make the world famous most expensive perfume 'Joy'(Jean Patou 1935). Champak absolute blends well with most oils. The floral extracts are also used for aromatherapy and for meditation; its uses are similar to that of Ylang Ylang. This beautiful, heavenly scented flower is used often in worship. The tree is often found in temple precincts in India.

Planting a Champak or Michelia tree either indoors or in backyard really makes your home and the whole atmosphere always scented and peaceful. Michelia, the name has been given after the Florentine botanist Pietro Antonio Micheli (1679–1737).    

 

Different parts of the plant, flowers and seeds etc. are used for various medicinal purposes. The Flowers are bitter, demulcent, antipyretic, diuretic; useful in scabies, leprosy and gonorrhoea; mixed with sweet oil applied in eczema. Decoction of flowers or oil of the seeds considered useful in flatulence. Fruits are beneficial in dyspepsia and in renal disease. Champa oil from flowers finds application in gout. Seeds and fruits are applied for healing cracks in feet. Dried root and root bark are employed to clear bowels and in menstruation troubles. It’s a natural Coolant. It is used to cure Urinary tract infection, Leprosy, Cough, Abdominal disorders, Amenorrhoea, Dysmenorrhoea, Loss of appetite, Anorexia, Cardiac debility, Burning sensation in skin, skin diseases, Inflammation Amenorrhoea, Dysmenorrhoea, Worm infestation, Fever, General weakness, Toxicity.

As children we were often warned not to go near Champak tree. Elders frightened us with a warning that there might be snakes in it being attracted with its extremely fragrant flowers. It was baseless. I found it later. The flower with its colour, petals, fragrance is simply heavenly. Plant a champak tree in your front or backyard; wait and let it come to bloom; then see the change all around it. The whole vicinity seems perfumed.

Yellow Oleander

Names of Yellow Oleander in different languages

Yellow oleander is also known as Mexican oleander, Cook tree, Milk Bush Tree, Dicky plant, Be-still tree, Exile tree, Lucky nut etc.

- It is called Peeli kaner, Kaneil, Zard kunel in Hindi

- Kolkaphul, Haldi karobi, China karobi in Bengali

- Sammulhimar, Diffuli in Assamese

- Utonglei in Manipuri

- Bitti, Pilvalakenhera, Kanher in Marathi

- Pila-kanera in Gujrati

- Kanir in Punjabi

- Pachaiyalari, Alari, Tiruvachippu, Manjataleri, Ponnarali in Tamil

- Manja areli, Pachcha areli in Malayalam

- Pachaganeru, Erra Ganneru, Jannerat in Telugu

- Kadukasi, Kanagilu, Kharjaher, Kanogaluin Kannada

- In Sanskrit it is called Ashvaghna, Ashvamaraka, Ashvantaka, Hayamaara, Divyapushpa, Haripriya, Ravipriya, Shatakunda, Karavira, Viraka, Gauripushpa, Siddhapushpa etc.

- We call it Kaniar in my mother tongue Oriya.

The Botanical name is Cascabela thevetia (L.) (Syn.Thevetia peruviana) (Apocyanaceae family)

The Plant structure of   Cascabela thevetia

It is an average height tree which grows to about 10 to 15 feet high.  The leaves are linear and of 13 - 15 cm in length.  The flowers are beautiful bright yellow coloured, twisted (there are white and orange variants too). They look like bright yellow bells. Tips of leaves are slender, pointy and of a deep green shade. The fruits are globular, four-sided, fleshy and of 4 to 5 cm diameter.  Yellow Oleander fruit is green when unripe, then turns a bright, earthy red, and finally it becomes black, the inside of which turns a glossy, dark brown stone, which is often called the "lucky nut." The plant is basically grown as an ornamental tree everywhere both in gardens, roadside and at temple precincts for offerings.

All parts of the plant, especially the kernels of the fruit, the seeds are poisonous. Ingestion of any part of the plant could result in death. The common presenting symptoms are numbness, vomiting, abdominal pain, burning of the mouth, nausea, and diarrhea.  Other features seen are occasional convulsions, drowsiness, coma, and cardiac arrhythmia.

Propagation of Yellow Oleander Plant

It contains a milky sap or latex. That makes its propagation easier. You can propagate it from seeds in spring. It Can also be propagated from cuttings in spring-early summer with semi-ripe cuttings of terminal shoots.

Medicinal Properties of Yellow Oleander

The plant has emetic, febrifuge, antiperiodic, abortifacient, antimicrobial, purgative and laxatives properties.

Ayurvedic and Folk Medicinal use of Yellow Oleander

-All parts of the plant are very poisonous. The foliage is not grazed and being poison avoided by livestock. The kernels with a soap base is used as insecticide. The bark and seeds are used to rat poison in rural areas.

-Despite being very poisonous, oleander seeds and leaves are used for various health disorders like asthma, malaria, ringworm, epilepsy, heart conditions, amenorrhoea, venereal diseases, leprosy, indigestion, skin problems and warts, and even cancer.

-Decoction of the bark or leaf in regulated doses is taken to loosen the bowels.

-Because it is an emetic and febrifuge, decoction of the leaves is said to be an effective cure for malarial fever and intermittent fevers, jaundice, intestinal worms.

-The latex is used to alleviate toothache of decayed teeth.

-The juice of the bark is used to treat ulcers and chronic sore.

-It is also applied to soften hard corns and calluses in the feet.

-Infusion of the roots is used in the treatment of snake-bites.

-Water in which the leaves and bark have been soaked is taken to cure amenorrhoea.

-The seeds are used for treatment of dropsy and rheumatism.

-The seed powder is sometimes used to alleviate hemorrhoids.

-The oil obtained from the kernel is applied to treat skin disorders and is used for soap making.

-The paste made of the roots are made into a plaster for treatment of tumors.

-Very slight amount of the fruits are used in ointments and creams.

                                                             Fruit of Yellow Oleander

N.B. All the above is solely for informational purpose and NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE ANY KIND OF MEDICAL ADVICE. A REGD. AYURVEDIC/MEDICAL PRACTITIONER SHOULD ALWAYS BE CONSULTED FOR IT.

Holy Basil

Basil, Sweet basil or Holy basil in India is the most sacred plant in every Hindu household. Every traditional Indian home has at least one plant of Holy basil growing in their yard, which they use for both medicinal as well as religious purposes. It is called Ramtulasi in Hindi, Sabje in Gujarati, Sabza in Marathi, Tirunittru in Tamil, Khubkalam  in Bengali, Kattu tulasi in Malayalam. In Oriya we call it Tulasi too.Its Botanical name is Ocimum basilicum.

Tulsi has been revered in India for over five thousand years, as a healing balm for body, mind and spirit, and is known to bestow an amazing and diverse healing properties resulting in a number of health benefits.

Basically a tropical herb, Holy basil has a strong pungent taste and a distinctive sweet aroma that makes it a favourite for various culinary preparations as well. Sweet basil, with its wonderful aroma and flavour, is one of the most popular and widely grown herbs in the world. Basil is an annual herb to 2-3 ft 0.6-0.9 m tall with slender but woody, green stems. Basil has with hairy stems and simple opposite green leaves, oval and slightly toothed. The tiny purple or white flowers arranged in flattened whorls that encircle the stems, one whorl above another. 

There are two main types of cultivated in India. Sri or Lakshmi tulsi or gaya tulsi has green leaves and Krishna tulsi has purple leaves. In Oriya we call it Dhala tulasi and Kala Tulasi.

It is a principal herb of Ayurveda, the ancient traditional holistic health system of India. It is regarded in Ayurveda as a kind of "elixir of life” and is known as “The Incomparable One", "The Mother Medicine of Nature", and "The Queen of Herbs”. It is believed to promote longevity. Tulsi’s extracts are used in ayurvedic remedies for common colds, headaches, stomach disorders, inflammation, heart disease, various forms of poisoning, and malaria. Tulsi leaves are a nerve tonic and also sharpen memory. They promote the removal of the catarrhal matter and phlegm from the bronchial tube. The juice of tulsi leaves can be used to bring down fever and is used any seasonal cold. Water boiled with basil leaves can be taken as drink in case of sore throat. This water can also be used as a gargle. A decoction of the leaves, cloves and common salt gives immediate relief in case of influenza. In case of renal stone the juice of basil leaves and honey, if taken regularly for 6 months expels them via the urinary tract. Basil juice is beneficial in the treatment of ringworm and other skin diseases. Its leaves, dried in the sun and powdered, mixed with mustered oil is used as toothpaste for brushing teeth. It is beneficial in counteracting bad breath and for massaging the gums to prevent and cure pyorrhoea and other teeth disorders. For centuries, the dried leaves of tulsi mixed with grains is used to repel insects while preserving them. Tulsi is considered to be an adaptogen having anti-stress elements in it. It has antioxidant properties helpful in promoting immune system function. Recent studies suggested Tulsi to be an effective treatment for diabetes by reducing blood glucose levels. The same study showed significant reduction in total cholesterol levels with tulsi so beneficial in heart disease.

In Vaishnavite cult this flower and plant is revered greatly because it is believed to be the favourite flower of Lord Vishnu.

 

The Sacred pot with Holy basil in it to be worshipped called ' Chaura' in our inner yard

Tridax Daisy

Tridax daisy is also commonly known as coat buttons. It is called Jayanti veda, Ekapushpi, Vranaropani in Sanskrit, ghamra in Hindi, Kambarmodi in Marathi, Gaddi Chemanthi in Telugu,Thata poodu in Tamil. In Oriya we call it Bishalya karani.

This weed can be found in fields, meadows, roadsides in areas with tropical or semi-tropical climates. The plant bears daisy-like yellow-centered white or yellow flowers with three-toothed ray florets. It’s a spreading annual herb which can grow up to 20 cm in height. The leaves are serrate or dentate, acute, fleshy, toothed and generally arrowhead-shaped. Flower is in the head, long stalked and whitish. Its seeds are numerous, small with tuft of silky hairs on one side for wind dispersal. The fruit is a hard achene with brush-like hair all over it and at the bottom it holds a  feathery, plume like white pappus.

This weed or rather say herb is known for several potential , powerful and effective therapeutic activities like antiviral, antibiotic efficacies, wound healing activity, insecticidal and anti-inflammatory activity, healing ulcers, anal fistula, and haemorrhoidsThe leaf juice has antiseptic, insecticidal and parasiticidal properties. . In tribal areas in India the leaf juice is used to cure fresh wounds, to stop bleeding.

In some countries (in USA) it has been listed as a noxious weed and a pest. But in India we know it as an invaluable herb having numerous ayurvedic properties. The name itself is suggestive of that medicinal property. In Indian mythology the Ramayana we have read that when Laxman swooned with Indrajit’s warhead (known as Shaktibheda), as per advice of Sushena ,the greatest physician of Lanka, Hanuman went flying to the mountain Gandhamardan to fetch bisalyakarani. The juice of that herb cured Laxman . And from early childhood we have been taught and know that the juice of its leaves when applied to a fresh wound stops bleeding and heals the wound very quickly. In Cuttack, the biggest commercial city having 1000 year old rich culture and history in Orissa; there is a lane called Bisalyakarani Lane where an ayurvedic product of the same name bishalyakarani is produced.

Tidax daisy bud

 

The matured fruit of tridax daisy ready to disperse in wind