Chitraka

Plumbago or Chitraka is commonly known as Ceylon Leadwort, Doctorbush, Leadwort, Ceylon Lead Root, White leadwort and Fire plant. It is called Chitra, Chita Chitrak in Hindi, Safed-sitarak in Bengali, Boga Agechita in Assamese, Telhidak in Manipuri, Koduveli, Vellakkoduveli in Malayalam, chittiramoolam Karimai  in Tamil, Chitramulika in Kannada. In Sanskrit it has several names i.e. Chitraka, Agni, Dahana, Vyalah, Pathinah, Darunah, Agnikah, Jyotiskah, Vallari, Vahni, Pali, Pathi, Katu, Sikhi,, Dvipi, Chitrabhanu, Pavakah, Chitrakah, Agnimali, Sardula, Citrapali, Krusanu etc. In Oriya we call it Chitamula.

Its Botanical name is Plumbago zeylanica.

 

Plumbago is a perennial shrub that reaches about 6 feet in height with green branches, stems somewhat woody. Leaves are alternate, ovate or oblong, flowers are white, in axillary and terminal elongated spikes. They are bisexual. The Calyx is densely covered with stalked, sticky glands. Roots are light yellow coloured when fresh, reddish brown when dry. They are acrid and pungent in taste. It is distributed as a weed throughout the tropical and subtropical countries of the world. It is native to SE Asia. It is a fast growing plant, but it can be easily controlled by pruning.  The flowering occurs from September to November. The plant is propagated by cuttings, division of older plants or by seed. The plants require frequent fertilizers and after flowering the plants should be cut back to let them grow vigorously. There are two varieties of Chitraka white and red called Sweta (white) Chitrak and Rakta (red) Chitraka.  Rakta Chitraka is comparatively rare.

It grows wild in India and has been used by rural and tribal people for hundreds of years as a traditional system of medicine. Chitraka enjoys an important place among medicinal herbs in India since ancient times. In Ayurveda Chitrak has been mentioned as having pungent, astringent, diuretic and germicidal properties. Plumbago is considered for its invasive medicinal properties such as anti-cancer activity, anti-fertility activity, anti-inflammatory activity, anti-microbial activity and anti-oxidant activity.

The root and root bark and seeds are used medicinally as a stimulant, caustic, digestive, antiseptic, anti-parasitic and anti-diarrheal. Chitrak is used in treating intestinal troubles, dysentery, leucoderma, inflammation, piles, bronchitis, itching, diseases of the liver, and consumption. The leaves of this herb work well for treating laryngitis, rheumatism, diseases of the spleen, ring worm, scabies. Chitrak root helps improve digestion and it stimulates the appetite.  Before use, the roots of Chitraka are purified in lime water. The roots are commonly used internally but seldom externally. In the form of an external paste, it is used in filariasis, depigmentation of the skin and generalized swelling all over the body. On applying its paste, boils appear on the skin and they burst open giving out the impurities. In rheumatic joints, its paste is beneficial. The powdered root is occasionally taken as a snuff to relieve headache. The root of the plant is made into a paste and applied to the skin to treat abscesses, carbuncles, ulcers and scabies, syphilitic ulcers, varicose ulcers and ringworm. Prostate cancer cell growth is inhibited by plumbagin, a constituent of this medicinal herb Plumbago. In Africa, a cold infusion of the root is used to treat influenza and black water fever.
 

It has benefits in nervous and female reproductive system. It is also used in hemorrhoids, rheumatism. Orally or internally, Chitraka is used in a vast range of diseases. One must use Chitraka in small doses with caution, as the root and seeds of the Chitraka contains potent medicinal properties. It has to be taken in small doses, otherwise paralysis and death could result.

Chitraka should not be used to treat any symptoms unless under the supervision of a physician or qualified herbalist because of the potent ingredient of the plant which may prove hazardous to those who have liver and kidney disease besides causing paralysis that can lead to death. It is very hot and sharp in its properties. This plant is not safe for use during pregnancy being internally as an irritant to the uterus. The root and leaves of the plant is not recommended for use during a pregnancy which can cause an abortion. The root is potentially toxic.  A large dose of the roots is not recommended, for it can cause death from respiratory failure and powerful poison.

Crepe Myrtle

Lagerstroemia speciosa is a larger form of the more commonly grown Lagerstroemia indica (Crepe myrtle).It has got its name Crepe myrtle because of the flowers which look as if made from frilly and delicate crepe paper. It is also called Cuddle Tree, Banabá and also Pride of India, Queen’s Flower, Queen Crepe Myrtle, and Giant Crepe myrtle. It is called Jarul and Arjuna in Hindi, Bandhara and Taman in Marathi, Ajhar in Assamese, Jarol in Manipuri, Kadalai and Pumaruttu in Tamil, Challdhole-dasa, Holematti, Nirbendeka in Kannada, Nirventeak in Malayalam, Varagogu in Telugu and Syandana, Tinisa and Kramuka In Sanskrit. In Oriya we call it patali.

Its Botanical name is Lagerstroemia speciosa.

It’s a genus of around 50 species of evergreen trees and shrubs native to the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. This tropical flowering tree is known for its colorful and long-lasting flowers. it is a large ,erect, bulky tree with rigidly twiggy, broom-like branches and a dense, sinewy trunk with pale bark which can grow up to 50' feet. Its bark is spotted and often peels. This bark is valued as a quality timber and some species has been used to make bridges, boats, furniture and railway sleepers. The leaves are opposite, simple, with shape of elliptical-ovate to rectangular with entire margins, and vary from 5-20 cm. They turn vivid red right before they drop in the winter. Flowers bloom in summer and autumn in panicles of crinkled petals with a crepe-like texture ranging from white through pink, lavender and near red. The fruit is a capsule, green and succulent at first, then ripening to dark brown or black dryness. It splits along six or seven lines, producing teeth and releases numerous small winged seeds.

Indian Postal Department has issued a postal stamp to commemorate this flower which is rightly called the pride of India both for its beauty and invaluable ayurvedic property.

In India, Crepe Myrtle has been used to cure diabetes in Ayurvedic medicine for a long time. Its seeds are narcotic; bark and leaves are purgative; roots are astringent, stimulant and febrifuge (fever removing). Decoction of dried leaves is used in diabetes. Various researches on it has proved true the belief that this plant contains high levels of corosilic or colosilic acid, a substance known as one of the many treatments for diabetes mellitus. Recent studies and laboratory test showed that it’s active ingredient, corosolic acid is a potent compound that has insulin like effect to lower glucose in the body; it can delay absorption of carbohydrates and is effective in treating diabetes. Crepe Myrtle is rapidly becoming known as natural herbal insulin, and what makes it ideal is that, the herbal preparation may also be taken orally without any need of injection or anything painful, without any risk of adverse side effects. Decoction of bark is orally taken in a dose of 200 ml to 300 ml per day for diabetes and altered bowel habit. However, caution is advised against taking it by self medication. Always consult with a qualified doctor before taking any medication and replacing insulin injection.

It has many other potential medicinal benefits also which include antibacterial functions of its seed extracts mixed with a water extract of the same which manifest anti-oxidative functions. Another is the significant protection that Crepe Myrtle seems to exhibit to treat HIV-infected cells. This has ellagic acid constituents which is also an important preventive for treatment of HIV-AIDS. Besides the treatment of these two major diseases it helps regulate blood pressure, fights obesity, aids the digestive system; it is good for the kidneys and helps ease urination. The leaves contain a high concentration of dietary fiber and minerals like of zinc and magnesium, both important for daily dietary needs. Cooked, they provide plenty of fiber, a major requirement in maintaining good health and helpful in weight loss. The roots are useful for astringent purposes. Oily skin if treated with a concoction of crepe myrtle can become clean and dry. The roots provide a diuretic effect, also it is detoxifying in the process. The stem bark serves as a febrifuge (fever reducer) by means of infusion or decoction. The stem bark l also works to stimulate the body and stop bleeding of minor cuts. The petals being externally applied on wounds heal it. Its seeds also can be used for an antibacterial preparation, containing powerful anti-oxidants.

The leaves can be boiled and taken daily as tea and in fact is used to make an herbal tea in the Philippines and Japan.

Wash the leaves in water. Cut them into smaller pieces for convenience. Boil the leaves with cup of water) for 30 minutes. Drink like tea. In the Philippines--where the tree is called known by the Tagalog name of banaba; it is drunk daily as a tea. There banaba is considered as a traditional herbal substitute for insulin and a cure for diabetes since hundreds of years.

It is an anti-inflammatory agent for ulcers and sore, altered bowel habit and motion, antiseptic and cleaning agent in case of piles, fistula. Slurry of fruit is externally use for fistula - in - ano. Powder of roasted fruit is used to brush teeth which is an agent for dental health meant to obtain white and strong teeth. In the Andamans, the fruit is used as a local application for aphthae of the mouth.

Crepe Myrtle Fruit

The tree in its full bloom

Bauhinia

Bauhinia is a genus of more than 200 species of flowers. Red bauhinia is also called Butterfly tree, Pink butterfly tree, Purple bauhinia, Purple butterfly tree, Purple orchid tree. It is called Kanchanar and Kaniar in Hindi, Rakta chandan in Marathi, Koiral in Bengali, Og-yokin Assamese, Mandaram, Chuvanna mandram, Kongu, Malayakatti and Kongumandaram in Malayalam, Nilattiruvatti in Tamil, Devakanchan in Kannada. In Oriya we call it Kanchan. It’s Botanical name is Bauhinia variegata Linn. (Bauhinia purpuria Linn.) 

This large sized deciduous tree grows up to 10-12 meters in height. Leaves compound with 2 leaflets are deeply notched at the tip. The flowers are followed by 12-inch-long, slender, brown, flat seedpods containing 5-10 seeds which persist on the tree throughout the winter. The flowers are found in many variants. The five-petaled flowers are 7.5-12.5 cm diameter, generally in shades of red, pink, purple, orange, or yellow, and are often fragrant. The tree begins flowering in late winter and often continues to flower into early summer. The petals of Purple orchid tree are narrower than that of Orchid Tree (Bauhinia variegate). On the other hand, the petals of Bauhinia variegata are broad and overlap. This is the month of October and I found these first blooms of the season on the tree.

Its bark, flowers, root have numerous medicinal uses. The Plant pacifies diarrhea, skin diseases, rectal prolapse, diabetes, inflammations, worms, tumors, hemorrhoids, menorrhagia hemoptysis and cervical lymphadinopathy. It is useful in catarrh, infection of children, boil, glandular and swelling In Scrofulathe decoction of Kanchanar bark added with Sunthi(Zingiber Officionale Rosc.) powder. It cures scrofula. Decoction of Kanchanar and Triphla (mixture of harida  i.e.Terminalia chebula, bahada i.e.Terminalia bellirica and amla i.e. Emblica officinalis added with Pippali (Long pepper or Piper longum) powder is beneficial in treatment of Goiter. The powder of kanchanar flower added to with honey cures Hemorrhagic disorders. Theflower is used with sugar as a laxative. The Powder of Kanchanar root is effective if given with butter milk is useful in treatment of Hemorrhoids. Decoction of Kanchanar bark is useful in leprosy, skin diseases, diarrhea, and boil.

 

At home often we use this as a delicacy. My mother prepares a tasty dish of its flowers. The petals are washed. 6 or 7 petals together are dipped in a batter of sunned rice spiced with turmeric powder, salt and chili powder and is fried on a pan. It tastes awesome when taken with hot rice. Try that.

Bougainvillea

Paper flower or Bougainvillea is one of the most popular flowers planted in office premises, parks and housees. It’s called Booganbel inHindi and Marathi, Cherei in Manipuri, Baganbilas in Bengali, Kathigala Puvvu in Telugu. In my area we call it kagaz phool. Its Botanical name is Bougainvillea glabra. It has got its name after a French explorer named Louis de Bougainvillea.

Bougainvillea is a popular woody shrub. It grows to the height of 10 -15 feet. It’s good for hedge. It’s a climber shrub having very rich foliage and sharp thick thorns on its slender branches. Its colour range is white, pink, red and orange yellow which bloom all year. The leaves are ovate, rich green or variegated, colourful bracts surrounding small tubular flowers. The woody trunk tends to be twisted.

This time there was abundant flowers in my front porch. The scene was tempting for any photo lover and nature lover. I took a lot of snaps. The tree in full bloom is really a feast of colour.


Moonbeam

The Moonbeam flower is also known as Wax Flower and Crape jasmine in English. It’s called Chandni in Hindi Nandiyavattai in Tamil, Nandivardhana in Telugu. We call it Tagara in Oriya. The glossy bright green leaves and white, waxy flowers of the plant are quite beautiful. The waxy blossoms are white five-petaled pinwheels that bloom in small clusters on the stem tips. A shrub very common in India it grows to a height of 6 ft. It is widely seen in almost all Indian gardens. They bloom in spring but flowers appear almost throughout the year.

In Botanical nomenclature it is known as Ervatamia coronaria(Tabernaemontana coronaria).

Periwinkle, Vinca

It is also called Sadabahar in Hindi, Shavam Naari in Malayalam, Sadaphuli in Marathi and so sweetly called Nayantara in Bengali. In my mother tongue Oriya we call it Sadabihari or Sadabasant means that eternal bloom or always in bloom or eternal spring. Beautiful name! Its Botanical name is Catharanthus roseus.

This is one flower which can be found all over India. The flower is hypotensive, sedative and is used in case of nosebleed, bleeding gums, mouth ulcers and sore throats. It is also used internally for loss of memory, hypertension, cystitis, gastritis and enteritis.

White periwinkle

Lantana

Lantana is also known as Spanish Flag or West Indian Lantana, Rainbow flower, Red (Yellow, Wild) Sage is a species of flowering plant in the verbena family. Lantana is called Samballei, Nongballei in Manipuri , Raimuniya in Hindi, Unnichedi and Arippu in Tamil , Tantani and Ghaneri in Marathi, Nata hu gida in Kannada, Pulikampa in Telugu, Chaturangi, Vanachhedi in Sanskrit . It has a beautiful name in Odia; Naga-airi which means ‘enemy of the serpent’.

 

Its Botanical name is Lantana camara.

Common lantana is a hairy, spiny, pungent smelling tropical shrub which grows to 6 ft high and may spread to 8 ft in width with some varieties able to climb on support like a vine. The leaves are ovate, acuminate, toothed and 2-5 in long by 1-2 in wide. Stems and leaves are covered with rough hairs and emit an unpleasant scent when crushed. The small flowers are held in clusters (called umbels) that are typically 1-2 in across. The flowers come in many colours like  white, yellow, orange, pink, red etc. In addition to that the flowers usually change in color as they age. A lantana may look orange from a distance but the flower-head is examined closely may be found of singular white color, also yellow and red flowers that blend when viewed from afar. The fruits are ovoid and turn purple-black in color when they are mature. It grows in thickets, wastelands and is also grown as an ornamental plant in some gardens. When we were kids we sometimes used to eat the ripe fruits for fun. They do no taste bad. But later we learnt their leaves and the unripe berries are toxic. Livestock and pets become ill after eating it. How come! I never felt it! It has great medicinal use. It is used as a remedy for whooping cough, inflamed mucous membrane, for chronic inflammation of the skin, Sprains, Coughs, colds, fevers, jaundice, chest diseases and rheumatism. The decoction made out of the leaves and also stems  is used to alleviate chronic inflammation of the skin or wash eczema. It’s a good mouth wash for ulcers of the mouth.

Lantana fruits