Daily Dose Of Interesting Information

[Visalakshi Ramani]

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# 46. LEMON GRASS.

Cymbopogon (lemongrass) is a genus of about 55 species of grasses.

Cymbopogon citratus is a tall perennial grass. Common names include lemon grass, lemongrass, barbed wire grass, silky heads, citronella grass and fever grass.

Lemongrass is commonly used in tea, soup, curry, poultry, fish, seafood. Lemongrass oil is used as a pesticide and a preservative. It has anti fungal properties too.

In Marathi, Lemon grass is known as Gavati Chaha (Gavat = grass; Chaha = tea) and is used as an addition to tea. Lemon grass is used in preparations like 'kadha,' -a traditional herbal 'soup' used against coughs, colds, etc.

Lemon grass has medicinal properties and is used extensively in Ayur Veda. It is supposed to help with relieving cough and nasal congestion.
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[Visalakshi Ramani]

# 47. LICORICE.

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is a herb with flavor, that has been used in food and medicinal remedies for thousands of years.

Known as "sweet root," licorice root contains a compound that is about 50 times sweeter than sugar! Small wonder that it is called as ATHI MADHURAM in Tamil!

Licorice root has been used in both Eastern and Western medicine to treat a variety of illnesses ranging from the common cold to liver disease.

This herb has long been valued as a demulcent (soothing, coating agent) and expectorant (rids phlegm and mucous from the respiratory tract). It is still used today for a variety of conditions, although not all its uses are supported by scientific evidence.

Licorice with the active ingredient of glycyrrhiza can have serious side effects. Another type of licorice, called DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice), doesn't seem to have the same side effects and is sometimes used to treat peptic ulcers and canker sores.

Whole licorice is still sometimes suggested for cough, asthma, and other respiratory problems. Topical preparations are used for eczema and other skin problems.

 

[sadasivam.sridharan]

திருமதி வி .ஆர் அவர்களுக்கு
நாட்டு மருந்துகளில் ஆடா தொடை என்பது மிகவும் முக்கியமானது ஆகும்.ஆடுகள் மேயும்பொழுது இந்த மூலிகை பக்கம் போகாது என்று கூறுவார்கள்.இந்த மூலிகை பற்றி தகவல் ஏதும் இருந்தால் தெரிவிக்கவும்.

 

[Visalakshi Ramani]

# 48. LIME FLOWER.

Also known as linden, the lime flower tree can grow to a height of 100 feet or more. The flowers and the herbal tea made from them have a sweet fragrance. The herbal tea has a pleasant taste and aids perspiration.

Lime flower has both tranquilizing and stimulating qualities. It is used to relieve headaches, indigestion, diarrhea and hysteria. This herb was once thought to be so effective at treating epilepsy that a person could be cured just by sitting beneath the tree.

Herbal tea helps to ease insomnia, relieve tension and anxiety, to calm children who are excitable or restless, and to reduce muscle tension.

It is also a pleasant tasting remedy for menstrual cramps, colic and cramps. Due to the bioflavonoids in lime flower and its relaxing qualities, this herb is good for lowering high blood pressure, easing arteriosclerosis, treating palpitations and coronary heart disease.

Benefits of taking this herbal remedy include reducing fever in children, and remove the congestion of blocked nasal passages.

Lime flower infusion can be added to a warm bath to encourage relaxation and to ease stress. It can be used as a compress for eye infections or be added to lotion to soothe dry skin and treat brown spots.

 

[Visalakshi Ramani]

ஆடாதொடை .

இது ஒரு குறுஞ் செடி இனத்தைச் சேர்ந்தது. நீண்ட முழுமையான ஈட்டி வடிவ இலைகளும், வெள்ளைப் பூக்களும் கொண்டது.

சிற்றூர்களில் வேலிகளில் வளர்க்கப்படும் இதன் இலை, பூ, வேர் என்ற மூன்று பாகங்களும் நல்ல மருந்துகளாகப் பயன்படும்.

1. இலைச் சாறும், தேனும் சம அளவு கலந்து தினமும் நான்கு வேளை உட்கொண்டால்; மூச்சுத் திணறல், ரத்தக் கோழை வெளிப்படுதல், இருமல் ஆகியவை குணம் ஆகும்.

2. இரண்டு தேக்கரண்டி இலைச் சாறுடன் எருமைப் பால் கலந்து, இரண்டே வேளை குடித்தால்; சீத பேதி, ரத்த பேதி குணம் ஆகும்.

3. பத்து இலைகளை அரை லிட்டர் நீரில் இட்டுக் கால் லிட்டராக சுண்டக் காய்ச்சி, தேனுடன் கலந்து, நாற்பது நாட்கள், இரண்டு வேளைகள் உட்கொண்டால்; காசம், சளி, ஜுரம், சீதள வலி,
விலாவலி குணம் ஆகும்.

4. ஆடாதொடை வேருடன் கண்டங்கத்திரி வேரைச் சம அளவு கலந்து, இடித்து சலித்து, அரை அல்லது ஒரு கிராம் பொடியைத் தேனில் கலந்து உட்கொண்டால்; நரம்பு இழுப்பு, ஜன்னி, காசம், ஈளை, இருமல், என்புருக்கி நோய், குடைச்சல் வலி குணம் ஆகும்.

5. ஊமத்தை இலையில் உலர்ந்த ஆடாதொடை இலைகளைச் சுருட்டிப் புகை பிடித்தால், மூச்சுத் திணறல் உடனே குணம் ஆகும்.

6. வேர்க் கஷாயத்தை கர்ப்பிணிப் பெண்களுக்கு பிரசவத்துக்கு ஒரு மாதம் முன்பிருந்து காலை மாலை அளித்தால் சுகப்பிரசவம் நிகழும்.

ஆடுகளுக்கு பிடிக்காவிட்டால் என்ன! மனிதர்களுக்கு இவ்வளவு நன்மைகள் செய்கின்றதே இது !

(நன்றி: தினகரன் ஹெல்த்)

 

[Visalakshi Ramani]

# 49. MARSHMALLOW.

Marshmallow (Althea officinalis) a herb has been used for more than 2,000 years as both a food and a medicine.

The Romans, Chinese, Egyptians, and Syrians used marshmallow as a source of food, while the Arabs used the leaves to reduce inflammation.

Both the root and leaves contain a gummy substance called mucilage. When mixed with water, it forms a slick gel that is used to coat the throat and stomach to reduce irritation. It is also applied topically to soothe chapped skin.
Very few scientific studies have looked at the effects of marshmallow in humans. Most of its suggested uses come from a long history of use in traditional healing systems.
1. Asthma
2. Bronchitis
3. Common cold
4. sore throat
5. Cough
6. Inflammatory bowel diseases.
7. Indigestion
8. Stomach ulcers
9. Skin inflammation
Marshmallow is found in southern and western Europe, western Asia, and the northeastern region of North America.

Its fleshy, upright stems reach a height of 3 - 4 feet. The pale yellow roots are tapered and long. The leaves are round, with irregularly toothed margins and three to five lobes.

A soft and velvety down covers the leaves and stem. The flowers have five reddish-white petals. The whole plant, especially the root, is filled with mild mucilage.

The leaves and roots of marshmallow are the parts used for medicinal purposes. Dried leaves may be used in infusions, fluid extracts, and tinctures.

 

[Visalakshi Ramani]

# 50. MINTS.

Mints are aromatic, perennial herbs. They have wide-spreading underground and overground stolons. Leaf colors range from dark green and gray-green to purple, blue, and sometimes pale yellow.[SUP]
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The flowers are white to purple. The fruit is a small, dry capsule containing one to four seeds.

Mentha grow best in wet environments and moist soils. Mints will grow 10–120 cm tall and can spread over an indeterminate area. Due to their tendency to spread unchecked, mints are considered invasive.

The leaf, fresh or dried, is the culinary source of mint. Fresh mint is usually preferred over dried mint when storage of the mint is not a problem. The leaves have a pleasant warm, fresh, aromatic, sweet flavor with a cool aftertaste.

Mint leaves are used in teas, beverages, jellies, syrups, candies, and ice creams. Mint sauce and mint jelly are widely used in various cuisines.

Mint is a necessary ingredient in a popular tea in northern African and Arab countries.Alcoholic drinks sometimes feature mint for flavor or garnish.

Mint essential oil and menthol are extensively used as flavorings in breath fresheners, drinks, mouth rinses, toth pastes, esserts, candies, chocolates and chewing gums.

The substances that give the mints their characteristic aromas and flavors are menthol, pulegone and R-carvone.

Mint was used to treat stomach aches, chest pains,whiten the teeth and as a diuretic.

Menthol and mint essential oil are also much used in medicine and in aromatherapy. Mint is also used in some shampoo products.Another common use is in insect bite treatments

Menthol is also used in cigarettes as an additive, because it blocks out the bitter taste of tobacco and soothes the throat.

 

[Visalakshi Ramani]

# 51. MUSK MALLOW.

Musk mallow is a herbaceous perennial plant. It can grow to a height of 80 c.m and has hairy stem and foliage.

The leaves are alternate and have five to seven lobes. The leaves on the lower stem are very shallowly lobed while those higher on the stems are deeply divided with lobes.

The flowers are produced in clusters and have five bright pink petals with a distinct musky odor.

The fruit contains 10–16 seeds individually enclosed in a mericarp covered in whitish hairs.

It is often grown as an ornamental plant for its attractive scented flowers, produced for a long period through the summer.
Several variation on flowers such as 'Alba' with white flowers, and 'Rosea' with dark pink flowers are available.
Leaves and flowers of musk mallow are common additions to "wild" salads. The seeds are also edible.

 

[Visalakshi Ramani]

# 52.WHITE MUSTARD.

White mustard (Sinapis alba) is an annual plant of the family Brassicaceae. It is sometimes also referred to as Brassica alba.

Grown for its seeds and as fodder crop or as a green manure, mustard is now wide spread worldwide, although it probably originated in the Mediterranean region.

The yellow flowers of the plant produce hairy seed pods, each containing about half a dozen seeds. These seeds are harvested just before the pods become ripe and burst.

White mustard seeds are hard round seeds, usually around 1 to 1.5 millimeters in diameterwith a color ranging from beige or yellow to light brown.

They can be used whole for pickling or toasted for use in dishes. When ground and mixed with other ingredients, a paste or more standard condiment can be produced.

The seeds have a pungent taste. White mustard with fewer volatile oils is considered to be milder than black mustard.[SUP]
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In Greece, the leaves of the plant leaves are eaten during the winter, before the plant blooms. The blooming season of this plant (February-March) is celebrated with the Mustard Festival.

 

[Visalakshi Ramani]

# 53. NUTMEG.

The nutmeg tree is a large evergreen native to the Moluccas (the Spice Islands) and is now cultivated in the West Indies.

It produces two spices — mace and nutmeg. Nutmeg is the seed kernel inside the fruit and mace is the lacy covering on the kernel.

Nutmeg has been credited with magical powers. A sixteenth century monk is on record as advising young men to carry vials of nutmeg oil for virility.

Tucking a nutmeg into the left armpit before attending a social event was believed to attract admirers. Nutmegs were often used as amulets to protect from boils, rheumatism, broken bones and other misfortunes.

In the Middle Ages carved wooden imitations were even sold in the streets. People carried nutmegs everywhere and many wore little graters made of silver, ivory or wood, often with a compartment for the nuts.

Nutmeg is usually associated with sweet, spicy dishes — pies, puddings, custards, cookies and spice cakes. It combines well with many cheeses and cheese sauces.

In soups it works with tomatoes, slit pea, chicken or black beans. It complements egg dishes and vegetables like cabbage, spinach, broccoli, beans, onions and eggplant.

It flavours Italian mortadella sausages, Scottish haggis and Middle Eastern lamb dishes. It is often included as part of the Moroccan spice . It is indispensable to numerous mulled wines and punches.


Used in small dosages nutmeg can reduce flatulence, aid digestion, improve the appetite and treat diarrhea, vomiting and nausea.

Nutmeg’s flavor and fragrance come from a poisonous narcotic which can cause hallucinations, vomiting, epileptic symptoms and large dosages can cause death.

 

[Visalakshi Ramani]

# 54. PARSLEY.

Parsley, or Garden Parsley for precision (Petroselinum crispum) is a species of Petroselinum in the family of Apiaceae. It is used s a herb and as a vegetable. Parsley is widely used in European, American and Middle Eastern cooking.

Curly leaf parsley is often used as a garnish. Parsley leaf can be used in the same way as coriander leaf, but has a milder flavor.

In central and eastern Europe and in western Asia, many dishes are served with fresh green chopped parsley sprinkled on top. Green parsley is often used as a garnish, with potato dishes, with rice dishes, with fish, fried chicken, lamb or goose, meat or vegetable stews.

Freshly chopped green parsley is used as a topping for soups , green salads or salads. Persillade is a mixture of chopped garlic and chopped parsley used in French cuisine.

Parsley is the most abundantly used herbs in Spanish cuisine. Its preferred uses are in paste and dressing.
Root parsley is very common in central and eastern

European cuisines, where it is used as a soup vegetable in many soups and in meat or vegetable stews and casseroles.

Some of the Medicinal uses of parsley:-
1. Can control high blood pressure.
2. Can be used as a diuretic.
3. Crushed leaf reduces itching due to insect bites.
4. Can be used as a breath freshener to remove the smell of garlic.

 

[Visalakshi Ramani]

# 55. BLACK PEPPER.

Black pepper (Piper nigrum) is a flowering vine in the family of Piperaceae. Its dried fruit is used as a spice.

The fruit peppercorn when dried, is approximately 5 millimeters in diameter, dark red when fully mature and has a single seed.

Peppercorns, and the powdered pepper derived from grinding them, may be described simply as pepper, or more precisely as black pepper, white pepper, or green pepper. Green peppercorns are simply the immature black peppercorns.

Black peppers are native to India and are extensively cultivated there. Currently the world's largest producer and exporter of pepper is Vietnam.


Dried ground pepper has been used since ages for both its flavor and as medicinal properties. Black pepper is the world's most treasured and traded spice. It is one of the most common spices and may be found on nearly every dinner table along with table salt.

Medicinal properties:-

1. Used to treat sore throat, throat congestion and cough

2. Has anti oxidant and anti carcinogenic properties.

"Pepper" was used in a figurative sense to mean "spirit" or "energy" at least as far back as the 1840s; in the early 20th century , this was shortened to 'pep'.

 

[Visalakshi Ramani]

# 56. White pepper.

White pepper consists of the seed of the pepper plant alone, with the darker colored skin of the pepper fruit removed. This is usually accomplished by a process known as retting.

The fully ripe peppers are soaked in water for about a week, during which the flesh of the pepper softens and decomposes.

Rubbing removes what remains of the fruit and the seeds are dried. Alternative processes are used for removing the outer pepper from the seed through mechanical or chemical methods.

White pepper is sometimes used in dishes like light-colored sauces and mashed potatoes where ground black pepper would visibly stand out.

They have a different flavor due to the absence of certain compounds present only in the outer fruit layer of the drupe and which are not found in the seeds.

 

[Visalakshi Ramani]

# 57 Green pepper.

Green pepper is made from the unripe drupes. Dried green peppercorns are treated in a way that retains the green color, such as treatment with sulfur di oxide or by freeze drying.

Pickled peppercorns are green unripe drupes preserved in lemon juice, vinegar or brine. Fresh green pepper drupes, largely unknown in the West, are used in some Asian cuisines.

Their flavor has been described as piquant and fresh, with a bright aroma.They decay quickly if not dried or preserved.

Green pepper stewed in fresh lime juice with salt is the a healthy and tasty pickle with the goodness of both the lemon and the pepper.

 

[Visalakshi Ramani]

# 58. PINK PEPPER

Orange pepper and Red pepper.

A product called orange pepper or red pepper consists of ripe red pepper drupes preserved in brine and vinegar.

Ripe red peppercorns can also be dried using the same color-preserving techniques used to produce green pepper.

Pink pepper from Piper nigrum is distinct from the more-common dried pink pepper corns which are the fruits of a plant from a different family called the Peruvian pepper tree.

 

[Visalakshi Ramani]

# 59. PEPPERMINT.

Peppermint is a hybrid mint- a cross between Water mint (Mentha aquatica) and Spear mint (Mentha spicata).

The plant, indigenous to Europe, is now widespread in cultivation throughout all regions of the world. It is found wild occasionally with its parent species.

Peppermint has a long tradition of medicinal use, with archaeological evidence placing its use at least as far back as thousand of years ago. Tea, Ice creams, tooth paste, confectionery and chewing gum are flavored using mint.[SUP]
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Peppermint can also be found in some shampoos and soaps, which give the hair a minty scent and produce a cooling sensation on the skin. Used in this way, it has been known to help with insomnia.

Peppermint flowers are large nectar producers and a mild, pleasant flavored can be produced if there is a sufficient number of plants and flowers.

Peppermint oil has a high concentration of natural pesticides, mainly menthone.

 

[Visalakshi Ramani]

# 60. MOUNTAIN PEPPER.

Tasmannia is a genus of woody ever green flowering plants, of the family of Winteraceae.There are 40 species of Tasmannia native to Australia, Borneo, New Guinea and Philippines.

The Winteraceae are associated with the humid southern hemisphere. The members of the family generally have aromatic bark and leaves, and are used to extract their essential oils.

The peppery-flavored fruits and leaves (esp. dried) of this genus are increasingly used as a condiment in Australia.

'Tasmanian pepper' or 'mountain pepper' was the original pepper bush used by colonial Australians. Introduced into cultivation in Cornwall, U.K., to become the 'Cornish pepper leaf' associated with Cornish cuisine.

It has large peppery berries which are also high in antioxidants. Wild strains of mountain pepper are rendered safe so that asafrole-free strains of mountain pepper have been selected for the spice trade.

Dorrigo Pepper or Tasmannia stipitata is also sold as a spice. It was the original pepper bush used in specialty native food restaurants in the 1980s. Dorrigo pepper is safrole free but has a strong peppery flavor.

 

[Visalakshi Ramani]

# 61. ROSEMARY.

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is a woody, perennial herb with fragrant evergreen leaves resembling needles. It is a member of the mint family along with many other herbs.

The name rosemary derives from the Latin name rosmarinus, which is from "dew" (ros) and "sea" (marinus), or "dew of the sea"
because in many locations it needs no other water than the sea breeze to thrive.

The fresh and dried leaves are used in traditional Mediterranean cuisine. They have a bitter, astringent taste and are highly aromatic.

When burned, they give off a distinct mustard smell and a smell of burning wood suitable for barbecues. Rosemary is rich in iron, calcium and Vitamin B6.

Rosemary extract has been shown to improve the shelf life and heat stability of omega 3-rich oils, which are prone to going rancid.

Rosemary, may lower the risk of strokes and degenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease. It is an anti cancer and anti inflammatory agent.

Rosemary enhances the performance of memory and secondary memory factors[SUP].[/SUP] Rosemary may have some anti carcinogenic properties.

Rosemary contains a number of potentially biologically active compounds, including antioxidants. Rosemary antioxidants levels are closely related to soil moisture content.

The market for these medicinal use of rosemary is currently small, but there is a market for rosemary antioxidants, and under the right conditions, rosemary production could be profitable and sustainable.

 

[Visalakshi Ramani]

# 62. SAFFRON. .

Saffron is a spice derived from the flower of the saffron crocus (Crocus sativus). A Crocus sativus flower bears three stigmas.

Together with the styles, the dried stigmas are used in cooking as a seasoning and coloring agent. Saffron, the world's most expensive spice by weight, is native to Southwest Asia.

Saffron has a bitter taste and a fragrance. It can impart a rich golden hue to dishes and textiles.Saffron has many medicinal uses.

Saffron helps in mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. It acts as an anti tumor agent. It inhibits the skin cancer in mice. Both saffron stigma and petals are said to be helpful in reducing depression.

Satiereal an extract of saffron stigma, may reduce snacking, enhance satiety and contribute to weight loss.

Saffron is effective in relieving symptoms of P.M.S.
Saffron may have a protective effect on the heart.

 

[Visalakshi Ramani]

# 63. SAFFLOWER.

Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius) is a highly branched,
herbaceous annuals resembling thistles with many long sharp spines on the leaves. Plants are 30 to 150 cm tall with globular flower heads and brilliant yellow, orange or red flowers.

Each branch has from one to five flower heads containing 15 to 20 seeds per head. Safflower can thrive in dry climates, but the plant is very susceptible to frost injury from stem elongation to maturity.

Safflower oil is flavorless and colorless and is similar to sunflower oil in nutrition values.It is used mainly in cooking, cosmetics, in salad dressing and for the production of margarine.

Safflower flowers are called as bastard saffron since they are used as a cheaper substitute for saffron.
Safflower seed is used as an alternative to sunflower seeds in bird feeders.

A pharmaceutical company is currently using transgenic safflower plants to produce human insulin as the global demand for the hormone grows. Safflower-derived human insulin is currently in trials on human test subjects.

 

[Visalakshi Ramani]

# 64. SPEARMINT.

Mentha spicata (Spear Mint or Spearmint) is a species of mint native to Europe and southwest Asia. It is an invasive species growing on wet soil.

It is a herbaceous perennial plant, growing 30–100 cm tall, with variably hairless to hairy stems and foliage.

The leaves are 5–9 cm long with a serrated margin. Spearmint flowers are produced in slender spikes, each flower pink or white,

Peppermints, Ginger mints and Apple mints are hybrids of spear mints.The name is due to the pointed leaf tips.

Spearmint is a flavor used in chewing gums and tooth pastes. It is used for flavoring milkshakes. Wrigley's spearmint of U.S.A; Excel gums of Canada; Eclipse gum of Australia and Freshen up gum of Brazil are popular spearmint gums.

Free dent spear mint chewing gum do not stick to the teeth and sugar free gums are also available.

 

[Visalakshi Ramani]

# 65.TURMERIC.

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a herbaceous perennial plant of the ginger family. Native of South Asia. Plants are gathered annually for and propagated from their rhizomes in the following season.

When not used fresh, the rhizomes are boiled for several hours and then dried in hot ovens, after which they are ground into a deep orange-yellow powder.

It is a spice widely used in curries, for dyeing fabrics and to color food as an alternative to the costly saffron. Has a slight peppery flavor and mustard smell.

Erode is the world's largest producer of turmeric in Asia. Erode is known as the "Yellow City" or "Turmeric City". Sangli a town in the southern part of Maharashtra is the second largest trading center for turmeric in Asia.

Turmeric is commonly called 'haridraa' or 'haldi' in India. Turmeric is known as "Manjal" and turmeric powder is known as "Manjal Thool" in Tamil. It is also known as "Manjal" in Kerala in Malayalam Language.

The uses of Turmeric are practically unlimited!

1. Is used as a curry base in all curry powders, Saambar powders and Rasam powders.

2. Specials dishes are cooked wrapped in fresh turmeric leaves to get a special flavor.

3. Is a food color used with Cheese, yogurt, salad dressing, butter and margarine.

4. Used in all savory dishes in the South India.

5. Turmeric can used just as ginger to make tender pickles.

6. Used to give a golden hue to the Boiled rice

7. Medical research includes treatment of Alzheimer's disease, Arthritis and cancer with turmeric.

8. Has anti inflammatory and anti microbial properties

9. Used to treat digestive disorders.

10. Is an essential component of all skin creams .

11. Has been used for centuries by Indian women to keep off superfluous and unwanted body hair.

12. Is a natural anti aging agent.

13. Improves skin tone, skin tan and has a sun screening effect.

14. Used in dyeing fabrics.

15. Is an ant repellent.

16. Is the most auspicious article needed for any puja, wedding and other ceremonies in India.

 

[Visalakshi Ramani]

# 66. VANILLA.

Vanilla is a flavor derived from orchids of the genus Vanilla native to Mexico."Vanilla", means little pod in Spanish[SUP]
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Vanilla is the second most expensive spice-second only to saffron. Despite its high cost, vanilla is highly valued for its flavor and is widely used in both commercial and domestic baking, aromatherapy and in perfumes.

There are three main commercial preparations of natural vanilla: Whole pod, powder and extract.

Vanilla flavoring in food may be achieved by adding vanilla extract or by cooking vanilla pods in the liquid preparation.

A stronger aroma may be attained if the pods are split in two, exposing more of a pod's surface area to the liquid.

Natural vanilla gives a brown or yellow color to preparations, depending on the concentration. Good quality vanilla has a strong aromatic flavor, but food with small amounts of low quality vanilla or artificial vanilla-like flavorings are far more common, since true vanilla is much more expensive.

Ice creams, chocolates, custards, caramel coffee and cakes are flavored with vanilla to enhance their original flavor.Cosmetic industry uses Vanilla to make perfumes.

In old medicinal literature, vanilla is an aphrodisiac. It cures fevers.The essential oils of vanilla are used in Aromatherapy.

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[Visalakshi Ramani]

# 67. WATER PEPPER.

Water-pepper or Water pepper (Persicaria hydropiper/ Polygonum hydropiper) is a plant of the family Polygonaceae.

It grows in damp places and shallow water. It is a cosmopolitan plant, found in Australia, New Zealand, temperate Asia, Europe, and North America. It has some use as a spice because of its pungent flavor.

The plant's leaves from the cultivar are used as a vegetable. The wild type is very pungent.

Wild water pepper produces oils that cause skin irritation, and the acids in its tissues make the plant unpalatable to livestock.

The seeds of the water-pepper may be added to wasabi.

 

[Visalakshi Ramani]

# 68. WINTER GREEN.

Wintergreen is a group of plants which remain green throughout the winter. Now the term 'ever green' is used to denote this characteristic.

Wintergreen berries are used medicinally. Native Americans brewed tea from the leaves to alleviate rheumatic symptoms, headache, fever, sore throat and various aches and pains.

During the American Revolution tea became scarce. Wintergreen leaves were used as a substitute for tea.

Wintergreen is a common flavoring in American products chewing gums, mints, candies, smokeless tobacco, dipping tobacco, snuff, tooth pastes and mouthwash.

Wintergreen oil can also be used in fine art printing applications to transfer a color photocopy image or color laser print to a high-rag content art paper, such as a hot-press watercolor paper.

The transfer method involves coating the source image with the wintergreen oil then placing it face-down on the target paper and pressing the pieces of paper together under pressure using a standard etching press.

Artificial wintergreen oil, methyl salicylate, is used in microscopy because of its high refractive index.

Wintergreen essential oil is obtained by steam distillation of the leaves of the plant following maceration in warm water.

Methyl Salicylate is used topically (diluted) or aroma therapeutically for muscle and joint discomfort,arthritis, obesity, headaches, rheumatism, inflammation, eczema and hair care.

Oil of wintergreen is also manufactured from some species of birch and Spiraea plants.