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| Herbal
plants and medicinal properties |
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WATERCRESS
Botanical name:- Nasturtium officinale
Indian name:-Jal-halim or Jal-kumbhi
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| The
Watercress is a perennial, aquatic herb, with hollow angular
stems, and many branches. It has dark green, shining leaves
divided in to several leaflets. It has a pleasant and pungent
flavor. Watercress is a native of Europe. The Greeks regarded
it as a psychic stimulant and the Romans used it with vinegar
as a remedy for mental disorders. It also used as a remedy for
headaches and biliousness. An analysis shows this vegetable
consists of moisture, protein, fat and carbohydrates. Its vitamin
and mineral contents are calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron,
sodium, potassium, vitamin A and C, thiamine, riboflavin and
niacin. |
| Properties:-Watercress
is beneficial in the treatment of anemia. A cup of its fresh
juice with a teaspoon of lime juice and a pinch of common salt
can be taken every morning for a month in the treatment of this
condition. The herb is considered as an excellent food remedy
for chest troubles. Watercress is one of the best sources of
iodine. It is very important to correct the functioning of the
thyroid glands. Another uses of this herb is piles and skin
disorders |
WOOD
APPLE
Botanical name:- Feronia limonida
Indian name:- Kaith
Wood apple is a whitish spherical fruit, with a hard woody pericarp
and aromatic pulp. The tree has feather- like leaves and reddish
flowers. Wood apple is indigenous to south India. It consists
of 6.2% moisture, 7.1% protein, 3.7% fat, 1.9% minerals and
5% fibre. Its vitamin and mineral contents are calcium, phosphorous,
iron, carotine, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin and vitamin.
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| Properties:-
The pulp of the raw fruit is useful in arresting secretion or
bleeding. the ripe fruit is refreshing, aromatic digestive and
a tonic. It is useful in preventing and curing scurvy and in
relieving flatulence. The gem that stem exudes has a smoothing
effect on the skin and mucous membranes. Mashed seedless of
the pulp raw fruit is beneficial in the treatment of dysentery,
diarrhoea and piles. |
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