Blackberry

Blackberry

What distinguishes the blackberry from its raspberry relatives is whether or not the torus (receptacle or stem) 'picks-with' (i.e. stays with) the fruit. When picking a blackberry fruit, the torus does stay with the fruit. With a raspberry, the torus remains on the plant, leaving a hollow core in the raspberry fruit.

The term 'bramble', a word meaning any impenetrable thicket, has traditionally been applied specifically to the blackberry or its products,[2] though in the United States it applies to all members of the Rubus genus. In the western US, the term caneberry is used to refer to blackberries and raspberries as a group rather than the term bramble.


The usually black fruit is not a berry in the botanical sense of the word. Botanically it is termed an aggregate fruit, composed of small drupelets. It is a widespread and well-known group of over 375 species, many of which are closely related apomictic microspecies native throughout Europe, northwestern Africa, temperate western and central Asia and North and South America.
Depending upon cultivar type, blackberry bush can be classified into erect, semi-erect, and trailing types. Erect type bush generally features cane thorns, and spreads by root suckers (which send cane shoots) along the hedgerows, whereas, trailing shrubs require trellis to support growth, and spread by fresh shoots known as canes or primocanes. In the second year, these primocanes become floricanes. White or pink flowers appear in the floricanes.

Technically, blackberry is an aggregate fruit consisting of small drupelets arranged in circular fashion. Each drupelet composes of juicy pulp with single tiny seed. Each berry measures about 3-4 cm in length containing about 80-100 drupelets.

Loganberries and phenomenon-berries are hybrids between blackberry and red raspberry. Several other bramble berries such as boysenberry, nessberry, youngberry, marionberry etc., are hybrids of dewberry, blackberry, and wild raspberry cultivars.

Health benefits of Blackberries

As in other kinds of bush berries, blackberries too are packed with numerous plant nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, anti-oxidants, and dietary fibers that are essential for optimum health.

The berries are very low in calories. 100 g provide just 43 calories. Nonetheless, they are rich in soluble and insoluble fiber (100 g whole berries consist of 5.3 g or 14% RDA of fiber). Xylitol, a low-calorie sugar substitute in the fruit fiber which absorbs slower than glucose inside the gut. It, thus, help in steadying blood sugar levels.

Blackberries compose significantly high amounts of phenolic flavonoid phytochemicals such as anthocyanins, ellagic acid, tannin), quercetin, gallic acid, cyanidins, pelargonidins, catechins, kaempferol, and salicylic acid. Scientific studies show that these antioxidant compounds may have potential health benefits against cancer, aging, inflammation, and neurological diseases.

Fresh berries are an excellent source of vitamin-C (100 g of berries contain 23 mg or 35% of RDA), which is a powerful natural antioxidant. Consumption of fruits rich in vitamin C helps develop resistance against infectious agents, counter inflammation, and scavenge harmful free radicals from the human body.

They carry adequate levels of vitamin A, vitamin E, and vitamin K (16% of RDA/100 g). In addition, they are rich in several other health promoting flavonoid poly-phenolic antioxidants such as lutein, zea-xanthin, and ß-carotene in small amounts. Altogether, these compounds help act as protective scavengers against oxygen-derived free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) that play a role in aging and various disease processes.

Blackberries have an ORAC value (oxygen radical absorbance capacity, a measure of anti-oxidant strength) of about 5347 µmol TE per 100 grams.

Further, blackberries contain a good amount of minerals like potassium, manganese, copper, and magnesium. Copper is required in the bone metabolism as well as in production of white and red blood cells.

They contain moderate levels of B-complex group of vitamins. It contains very good amounts of pyridoxine, niacin, pantothenic acid, riboflavin, and folic acid. These vitamins work as co-factors for enzymes that help metabolize carbohydrates, proteins, and fats inside the human body.

Preparation and serving methods

Fresh blackberries can be eaten out-of-hand directly from the bush. If you are purchasing from the stores, they best used immediately.

To prepare, do not wash them until you are ready to use. Just rinse in a bowl of cold water, swish around to remove surface dirt. Gently lift them out of water and pat dry using an absorbent towel. This method will also help bring them back to normal room temperature, increases their flavor and enrich their taste.


Here are some serving tips

• Blackberries make a delicious addition to fruit/vegetable salads. They can be added in ice creams.

• Pureed, the berries can be added in sorbets, coulis (thick French sauce), etc.

• Pureed, and sieved, added in juice, jams, jellies, syrup, and sorbet preparations.

• They add special flavor to muffins, bread, pie, pastry, crumbles, tarts, and puddings.

Read More

Nopal, Prickly Pear, Cactus

Nopal
For over 12,000 years fresh Nopal cactus has been consumed for its legendary qualities.
Only recently, in the last 20 years, has modern science truly been interested in the investigation of Nopal's nutritional properties.
Nopal Verde is the prickly pear cactus 'vegetable' variety of the Nopal Opuntia ficusindica species. Known as green Nopal and the traditionally consumed ancient variety, Nopal cactus is the modern name used for consumption as a food and a supplement. This original and authentic variety of the Nopal prickly pear; requires the climate and soil type that is unique to its birthplace - the high volcanic mountains of Mexico – where the ground is rich in nutrients. The ancient Mexican cultures, living in the high mountain volcanic regions, originally adopted the Nopal prickly pear cactus as a holistic food.

treasured this high mountain variety and they believed that Nopal cactus was a supreme plant and food among its kings and warriors.

known in botany asOpuntia ficus indica or OFI, is the vegetable and fruit variety of the Opuntia Spp species with a 12,000 year historical record. Originating in the volcanic region of Mesoamerica now known as Mexico, Nopal OFI has been offering mankind this staple food and nutritional plant for thousands of years and therefore, many thousands of years before the Aztecs migrated to this Mesoamerican region.

Nopal (cactus) Recipes for diabetes, obesity and skin problems

The cactus is a plant with many medicinal properties. Besides being a great source of fiber, calcium, antioxidants, minerals and vitamins, it contains elements that help both the intestine and blood to keep working in order and with good condition, plus it is one of the best natural remedies to treat and prevent diabetes and hypoglycemia, because the cactus increases insulin levels and sensitivity, which manages to balance the level of blood sugar, preventing the formation of bad fats that accumulate in the body, causing overweight and other health problems.

The nopal cactus is a plant usually green and oval shaped. It has different sizes depending on the type, and its skin is covered with thorns. It grows wild in desert regions and rather warm or cold. It has an important ecological role as it stops the deforested land degradation, i.e., infertile land becomes fertile land.

Here are some recipes that will help to cure diabetes, hypoglycemia, skin problems and obesity. Remember it is important to avoid eating junk food, refined or fried foods, as these only fill the body with toxins and unnecessary fats.

Nopal juice for Diabetes, hypoglycemia, and skin problems

Take it while fasting every day to see results.

Ingredients

1. A medium cactus, fresh
2. A glass of pure water
3. Juice of one lemon
4. One tablespoon of chia or flaxseed (optional)
5. A little honey

Preparation

1. Place everything in blender and blend a few minutes. Without strain, drink slowly, chew if necessary.
2. Once you drink this juice, do not eat anything else until an hour later. Drink another glass just before the main meal of the day.

Nopal shake against overweight

Ingredients

1. One cup of alfalfa
2. A medium cactus
3. A glass of fresh and natural carrot juice           

Preparation

Drink a half liter of this juice a day, a glass at noon and one in the afternoon after eating. You must drink two liters of pure water a day to remove fats and toxins. Do not eat anything fried, salty or sugar and refined or processed foods throughout the day. Drink this juice daily until you see results

Nopal salad to lose weight and cure skin problems

Ingredients

1. 3 medium cactus
2. Fresh Tomato (red)
3. Half onion
4. Two cloves of garlic
5. Salt, little
6. Extra virgin olive oil
7. Two juicy lemons

Preparation

In a saucepan put all finely chopped vegetables with olive oil.

Put them into the fire a few minutes, no need to cook much, season with salt.

Eat as a main dish for lunch.

Nopal juice to lower sugar and combat obesity

Ingredients

1. A medium cactus
2. A glass of water
3. A well-sanitized sprig of parsley
4. One tablespoon of chia(Salvia hispanica) or flaxseed(seed of flax plants)

Preparation

Blend all in blender and sip without strain.  

Read More

Jambolan Plum

Jambolan
Other Names

Badijamun, Black Plum, Duhat, Eugenia cumini, Eugenia jambolana, Indian Blackberry, Jaman, Jambol Tree, Jambolan, Jambolan Plum, Jambolao, Jambose, Jambosier, Jambu, Jambul, Jamelongue, Jamelonguier, Jamum, Java Plum, Jumbul, Kavika Ni India, Mahajambu, Mesegerak, Phadena, Plum, Prune de Java, Rajajambu, Rose Apple, Syxygii Cumini Cortex, Syzygium cumini, Syzygium jambolanum, Syzygium jambos.

Fruits are eaten raw and may be used to make tarts, sauces and jam. Palatibility of astringent fruits may be improved either by soaking in salt water, or pricking/rubbing with a little salt and leaving as such for an hour.

Black berry (Syzgium cumini Linn.) is always appreciated for the color, flavor and taste of its fruit. It is very large tropical tree that belongs to Myrtaceae family and known by synonyms jambolan or black plum (Eugenia jambolan Linn. ).When sucked, it changes the color of the tongue to purple due to its coloring properties.


Besides these properties, its usefulness in treatment of diabetes is also praised by the people and health benefits of the fruit are appreciated by all. Colored jelly is prepared adding a commercial jelling agent with the fruit flash.

Squash is also prepared extracting juice after cooking the crushed fruits and combining it with sugar, water, citric acid and sodium benzoate (preservative).


Jambolan is a tree. The seed, leaf, bark, and fruit are used to make medicine.

Jambolan is widely used in folk medicine for diabetes.

It is also used for digestion disorders including gas (flatulence), bowel spasms, stomach problems, and severe diarrhea (dysentery).

Another use is treatment of lung problems such as bronchitis and asthma.

Some people use jambolan as an aphrodisiac to increase interest in sexual activity, and as a tonic.

In combination with other herbs, jambolan seed is used for constipation, diseases of the pancreas, stomach problems, nervous disorders, depression, and exhaustion.

Jambolan is sometimes applied directly to the mouth and throat to reduce pain due to swelling (inflammation). It is also applied directly to the skin for skin ulcers and inflammation of the skin.

Jambolan seed and bark contains chemicals that might lower blood sugar, but extracts from jambolan leaf and fruit don't seem to affect blood sugar. Jambolan also contains chemicals that might protect against oxidation damage, as well as chemicals that reduce swelling.

It is a fairly good source of mineral salts (calcium = 15 mg; potassium = 55 mg; magnesium = 35 mg; phosphorus = 15 mg; sodium = 26.2 mg/100 g fruit) and vitamin C (18 mg/100 g of fruit).

It provides 62 Kcal energy per 100 g of edible fruit

It contains fairly good amount of carotene (48 ug/100 g), folic acid (3 mg/100 g).

A decoction of the bark and powdered seeds is believed to be very usefil in the treatment of diarrhea, dysentery and dyspepsia.

Table Skirts black, White & 16 Other Colors, Poly Knit 14' x 29" Shirred Pleated
Table Skirts black, White & 16 Other Colors, Poly Knit 14' x 29" Shirred Pleated
Buy Now


The antibiotic activity of black berry extract has been widely studied and found useful against a number of microbial agents.

The fruit is also considered to be stomachic, carminative, anti scorbutic and diuretic.

Vinegar made from black berry fruit is administered in cases of enlargement of spleen, chronic diarrhea and urine retention.

For ringworm treatment, water diluted juice is used as lotion.

A decoction of bark is used in cases of asthma and bronchitis and are gargled or used as mouthwash for the astringent effect on mouth ulcerations, spongy gums, and stomatitis.

JAMBOLAN USES & EFFECTIVENESS What is this?
Possibly Ineffective for:
Diabetes (jambolan leaf). There is some evidence that drinking jambolan tea prepared from 2 grams jambolan leaves per liter of water does not improve fastingblood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. However, research in animals suggests that the seed and bark might lower blood sugar, but this effect has not been shown in people. Other research suggests that jambolan seed might also lower cholesterol in people who have high cholesterol due to diabetes. But again, this benefit has not been shown in people.

Insufficient Evidence for:
Bronchitis.
Asthma.
Severe diarrhea (dysentery).
Intestinal gas (flatulence).
Spasms.
Stomach problems.
Increasing sexual desire (aphrodisiac).
Constipation, in combination with other herbs.
Exhaustion, in combination with other herbs.
Depression, in combination with other herbs.
Nervous disorders, in combination with other herbs.
Pancreas problems, in combination with other herbs.
Skin ulcers, when applied to the skin.
Sore mouth and throat, when applied to the affected area.
Skin swelling (inflammation) when applied to the skin.
Other conditions.

JAMBOLAN SIDE EFFECTS & SAFETY
Jambolan is POSSIBLY SAFE for most people when taken by mouth in usual medicinal amounts.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Not enough is known about the use of jambolan during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Diabetes: Jambolan seed and bark extracts might lower blood sugar levels. Monitor blood sugar levels closely if you have diabetes and take jambolan.

Surgery: Jambolan might lower blood sugar levels. There is some concern that it might interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgery. Stop using jambolan at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Read More

Berberis

Berberis (/ˈbɜrbərɪs/) is a large genus of deciduous and evergreen shrubs from 1–5 m (3.3–16.4 ft) tall
 found throughout the temperate and subtropical regions of the world (apart from Australia). Species diversity is greatest in South America, Africa and Asia; Europe and North America have native species as well. The most well-known Berberis species is the so-called European barberry, Berberis vulgaris, which is common in Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, and central Asia. Many of the species have spines on the shoots and along the margins of the leaves

Description

The genus Berberis is characterised by dimorphic shoots, with long shoots which form the structure of the plant, and short shoots only 1–2 mm (0.039–0.079 in) long. The leaves on long shoots are non-photosynthetic, developed into three-spined thorns 3–30 mm (0.12–1.18 in) long; the bud in the axil of each thorn-leaf then develops a short shoot with several normal, photosynthetic leaves. These leaves are 1–10 cm (0.39–3.94 in) long, simple, and either entire, or with spiny margins. Only on young seedlings do leaves develop on the long shoots, with the adult foliage style developing after the young plant is 1–2 years old.

Many deciduous species, such as Berberis thunbergii or B. vulgaris, are noted for their attractive pink or red autumn color. In some evergreen species from China, such as B. candidula or B. verruculosa, the leaves are brilliant white beneath, a feature valued horticulturally. Some horticultural variants of B. thunbergii have dark red to violet foliage.

The flowers are produced singly or in racemes of up to 20 on a single flower-head. They are yellow or orange, 3–6 mm (0.12–0.24 in) long, with six sepals and six petals in alternating whorls of three, the sepals usually colored like the petals. The fruit is a small berry 5–15 mm (0.20–0.59 in) long, ripening red or dark blue, often with a pink or violet waxy surface bloom; in some species, they may be either long and narrow, but are spherical in other species.

Some authors regard the compound-leaved species as a separate genus, Mahonia. Mahonia and Berberis sensu stricto are best regarded as one genus. There are no consistent differences between the two groups other than the compound leaves, and studies suggest that the simple-leaved group is very likely polyphyletic

Berberis vulgaris herb health benefit plant
Berberis vulgaris, also known as barberry, has been used in the Middle East, Europe, China, and India for healing purposes. For medicinal purposes, Berberis vulgaris has been studied in terms of its fruit and also in terms of its root. When evaluating research studies with Berberis vulgaris, it is important to note the distinction between fruit extract and root extract. Often Berberis vulgaris is mentioned without making a distinction between the fruit and the root. The Berberis vulgaris root has a yellow color which indicates content of berbamine and berberine. Berberine is isolated as a main alkaloid from the roots and bark of Berberis vulgaris.

The Berberis plant

Berberis vulgaris is a shrub growing up to 8 feet in height common to most areas of temperate Europe and the Northeastern regions of the United States. It produces a fruit (Fructis Berberidis) that can be harvested in early autumn.

Berberis chemicals
Substances in the Berberis vulgaris plant include carbohydrates, organic acids, some vitamins, poliphenolic compounds, pectin, tannin, and minerals, jatrorrhizine, palmatine. Berberis vulgaris also has berbamine and  berberine. Berberine is a plant alkaloid with a long history of medicinal use in both Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine. It is present in Hydrastis canadensis (goldenseal), Coptis chinensis (Coptis or goldenthread), Berberis aquifolium (Oregon grape), Berberis vulgaris (Berberis vulgaris), and Berberis aristata (tree turmeric). The berberine alkaloid can be found in the roots, rhizomes, and stem bark of the plants.

Berberis health benefit
Extracts from Berberis vulgaris fruit appear to have natural antihistamine and anti-allergy potential. See allergy for a list of herbs and nutrients that could potentially be helpful in reducing allergy symptoms.

Extract of Berberis vulgaris herb may have beneficial effects on both the cardiovascular and neural system suggesting a potential use for treatment of hypertension, tachycardia and some neuronal disorders, such as epilepsy and convulsion. Traditionally Berberis vulgaris has been used for liver and gastrointestinal disorders along with anti-parasitic, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal activity.
 Berberis vulgaris fruit extract has anti-hypertensive potential.

Dosage and Administration:

Barberry is not recommended for children as there has not been enough research on the plant to warrant any form of dosing information. For adults, it can be used in many different ways and in variety of forms such as a tisane, dried herb, tablet, tincture or capsule.

As a tea: Whole or crushed berries that are steeped in 2/3 cups of boiling water for 10-15 minutes is the preferred method of administration. 2 to 4 grams of dried root or 1 to 2 tsp can also be used.

As a tincture: ½ to 1-1/2 tsp. or 250 to 500 milligrams of dry extract three times daily.

As an ointment: 10% barberry extract applied to the skin three times a day.

The dosage and method of delivery will depend on the condition being treated. Some conditions, like digestive problems, benefit from ingestion of the herb, while skin conditions may benefit more from the topical application of a salve. A doctor or herbalist can give the best advice on dosage.

Potential Side Effects of Barberry

As with other herbs containing berberine, barberry should not be used by pregnant women because it is a uterine stimulant. No studies have been done on the safety of barberry in nursing women and therefore it is probably best to avoid using barberry while nursing.

Used in appropriate doses, barberry has no reported side effects. In excessive doses it may cause nosebleed, diarrhea and vomiting. It may also cause kidney problems. Pain during urination, blood in the urine and low back pain are symptoms of kidney problems and should be reported to a doctor immediately.

Barberry may interact with other medications, so it is important for patients to advise their doctor if they are taking barberry. Patients who are under the care of a doctor and taking prescribed medications should not take barberry until they have discussed it with their doctor. Before taking barberry as a remedy, patients should discuss the medical condition and therapeutic benefits with a doctor or herbalist.

Read More

Black Nightshade

Description
Black nightshade is a short-lived perennial herb that is native to Eurasia. Its erect, angular, branching stem grows 1 to 2 feet high and may be glabrous or covered with inward-bent hair. The leaves are alternate, dark-green, ovate, and wavy-toothed or nearly entire. Its fruit is a many-seeded, pea-sized, purple or black berry. The herb has been used in early Ayurvedic practices, when it was combined with other ingredients to make herbal medicine for heart disease. Early Ayurveda had also stated that the berries from the plant could be eaten safely, though they are now believed to be poisonous. The herb seems to have been only used by the Greeks on inflamed parts, as a local application.
Uses & Benefits of Black Nightshade

• The juice of black nightshade is sometimes used to treat fever and alleviate pain.
• Its fruit is used as a cosmetic; as rubbing its seeds on the cheeks helps remove freckles. Children extensively eat the mature fruit. It has been used for diabetes as well.
• The boiled extracts of its leaves and fruits are used to alleviate the discomfort caused by liver-related ailments, even in jaundice.
• The leaves of black nightshade plant strongly promote perspiration, when ingested in small amounts. They work to purge the bowels the next day.
• The juice of the herb or an ointment prepared from it is externally applied to cure certain skin problems and tumors.
• A decoction of the stalk, leaves, and roots of black nightshade is beneficial for wounds and cancerous sores.
• Its berries are poisonous, but boiling them is believed to destroy the toxic substances and make them safe to be used for preserves, jams, and pies.
• An infusion of the plant is used as an enema in infants suffering from abdominal upsets.
• Freshly prepared extract of the plant is effective in treating cirrhosis of the liver and also works as an antidote to poisoning by opium.

Benefits of Black Nightshade Juice

The juice from the plant was used by the ancient Arab physicians for burns and ulcers, and the fresh, bruised leaves eased the pain of inflammation in such ailments as gout, and rheumatism. The juice has been used for ringworm, gout and with vinegar for earache.

The plant grows to about 2 feet tall and can have a foot spread, with the flowers appearing from July to September, giving way to berries in autumn which begin green and then turn black when ripe. The whole plant is harvested in autumn and dried for later use.

In Asia the plant has been used to treat intermittent fevers such as malaria, and to reduce inflammation. It promotes sweating too and is used as a diuretic and to moisture and soften the roughest of skin. It also has sedative and narcotic properties and is a purgative.

Leaves and Roots Benefits

  The leaves, stems and roots can be applied externally as a poultice or used as a wash for skin problems. Extracts from the plant have been shown to have anti-spasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties. The juice of the fruit has been used to stop the pain of toothache, and analgesic ointments are made from the plant which are applied locally. In Ayurvedic medicine it is used in combination with other herbs for heart diseases. In Iran it has been used for centuries as a diuretic, while the ancient Greeks used it to reduce inflammation, externally. It has also been used in remedies for cirrhosis of the liver as an antiseptic (juice from the leaves and fruit) and as a laxative- but don’t be tempted to use it- try senna instead! The plant IS poisonous except in Asia, parts of Africa and Indonesia where it is used as food.

Read More

Cordia myxa

Cordia myxa is a species of flowering plant in the borage family, Boraginaceae. It is a medium-
sized broad-leaved deciduous tree. Common names include لسوڑا, Lasura, Assyrian Plum, Pidar, Panugeri, Naruvilli, Geduri, Spistan, and Burgund dulu wanan. It is found growing primarily in Asia, as well as, across the globe especially in tropical regions having the right type of geophysical environment. In the Indian subcontinent, it is seen coming up naturally and growing abundantly from Myanmar in the East to Afghanistan in the West. Its habitat starts at about 200 m above mean sea level in the plains and ascends right up to a height of about 1500 m in the hills.

Keeping in view the numerous utilities of the plant it is widely cultivated in the arid zone too. The species is indigenous to China and is widely cultivated in lower plains and tropical regions. Though this plant flourishes well in deep clayey loam and sandy soils, it does still better in areas experiencing nearly 100 to 150 cm of annual rainfall.[1]

Lasura is a fairly fast growing species. It matures in about 50 to 60 years by when its girth at the breast height is about 1 to 1.5 m. Its bole (main trunk) is generally straight and cylindrical, attaining a height of nearly 3 to 4 m. The branches spread in all directions by virtue of which its crown can be trained into a beautiful inverted dome like an umbrella. When fully grown up, the total height of the tree comes to nearly 10 to 15 m. In less favorable climate and or unfavorable environment, however, it has a lesser growth and may attain a somewhat crooked form. In still worse environment it can even remain stunted like a shrub.

The bark of lasura is grayish brown in color with longitudinal and vertical fissures. The tree can be easily identified from a distance by observing the fissures which are so prominent in the bark of the main bole of a tree approaching maturity.

The leaves of lasura are broad, ovate, alternate and stalked with the spread being 7 to 15 cm x 5 to 10 cm. In matter of external appearance these are glabrous above and pubescent below. The young leaves tend to be hairy. The fresh foliage is quite useful as fodder for cattle — more so during grass famines. These are also used for wrapping biddies and cheroots.

Lasura tree flowers during March-April. The inflorescence, mostly terminal, is, white in color. Individual florets are nearly 5 mm in diameter. At places these are somewhat hairy and white. Being a deciduous plant, the species bears male and female flowers on the same tree. The calyx part of an independent flower is about 8 mm long and glabrous, but not pubescent. It splits irregularly at the opening of its bud into flower. The filaments are hairy.

The fruit of lasura start appearing during July-August. It is a kind of a drupe, light pale to brown or even pink in color. The appearance tends to darken when ripening sets in. Being full of viscid glue like mucilage, the pulp is somewhat translucent. When fully ripe the pulp becomes quite sweet in taste and is fully enjoyed by children. The pulp in a half ripe fruit can even be used as an alternative to paper glue in office work.

The half ripe lasura fruit makes a tasty broth which is hot in effect as per Ayurveda practitioners. The fruit makes an excellent pickle too which is not so hot. In fact the preserve is quite affective against indigestion.

The ripe fruit are full of vitamins and regular use is supposed to be helpful in good growth of hair. Lasura preparations are, thus, good for people whose constitution might have tendency to go baldy. In addition to fruit, lasura bark and roots are also very effective as a local remedy against cough, cold and various other ailments connected with indigestion and throat problems.

For the purpose of regeneration the ripe lasura fruit are picked from the trees during May-June. The sowing is generally done in polythene bags during June-July. One or two years old plants raised in nursery are transplanted in the field during monsoon.

The lasura tree yields, high quality wood constituting a very good quality timber. It is grayish brown in color and weighs nearly 15 to 18 kg per cubic foot. It is moderately hard, though not very durable for outdoor work. It planes well to a smooth surface and takes good polish. It is generally used for making ornamental furniture, house posts, beams, scantlings, planks, dugout canoes, boats, tea boxes, cart shafts, axles, yokes, well-curbs, agricultural implements, combs, gun stocks, naves, spokes, etc. It is also used for making quality toys, bowls and wooden utensils for kitchens for handling sour recipes. Since the wood, being light and yet reasonably strong, it is in great demand for ornamental woodwork. It accordingly sells at an attractive price of Rs 1000 to Rs 1500 per cubic foot.

Nutritional Value of Lasura
According to a study published in a report titled, “Nutritional Value of some Nonconventional Plant Foods of India,”Cordia myxa( lasura) contains the following composition:

2% Protein

92% Carb
2% Fat
2% Fiber

Per 100g:
394kcal
6mg Iron
275mg Phosphorous
55mg Calcium



Health Benefits of Cordia myxa
Cordia species have been used in medicinal remedies for centuries. According to the book, “Indian Herbal Remedies,” the man regarded as the father of surgery in India, Sushutra, prescribed Cordia fruits as a coolant and astringent, to be used for biliousness, cough and internal haemorrhage. The bark paste was used for treatment on spider bites and eruptive boils. In Unani medicine, the fruit supplemented purgatives as a way of counteracting their bad side effects. Other properties of the fruit include acting as a demulcent, expectorant, diuretic and antihelmintic.

Lasura has a number of well-documented health benefits:
--A 2001 study published in “Nutrition” found that Cordia myxa fruit acted as an anti-inflammatory, remedying the effects of an inflamed colon, liver and plasma.
--According to a study published in “Phytotherapy Research,” Cordia myxa decreased blood pressure, thus acting as a potent hypotensive agent.
--A 2005 study published in the “Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Education and Research” affirmed the fruit’s traditional use as a diuretic.
--According to a 2007 study published in the “Nigerian Journal of Natural Products and Medicine,” the liver-protecting abilities displayed by the leaves of Cordia dichotoma were comparable to sylmarin, a well-known drug prescribed for liver damage.
--A 2009 study published in “The Internet Journal of Pharmacology” found that Cordia dichomtoa fruits possess significant anti-ulcer properties.
--A 2009 study published in “Pharmacology Online” found that the leaves contain potent analgesic, cytotoxic and anti-bacterial activity.
--A 2011 study published in the “International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research” affirmed lasora fruit’s traditional use as an antidiabetic.

Read More