Asparagus

Other names : Shatwar, sootmooli, halyan, Satavari, Asparagus root, Wild

Aspargus are the other names used for the Garden Asparagus. Satavari means
who posses hundred husbands.

Description : Garden Asparagus grows to a height of 3 feet. It is an herbaceous

perennial and is well known for its edible young shoots. It has fleshy roots and
fern-like feathery foliage. Its roots grows 3 feet down in the soil. Young shoots
are green succulent and tender. It has smooth and green stems which are 4-6
feet tall. It has green slender branches which appear more like the leaves than
the branches. It produces male and female flowers on the separate plants.
Flowers are greenish, bell shaped, which grows in the group of 1 to 3. Round
bright red berries are produced on the female plants and each berries contains
several black seeds.

Other Species : Asparagus aethiopicus, Asparagus africanus, Asparagus

declinatus, Asparagus falcatus, Asparagus flagellaris, Asparagus scandens,
Asparagus umbellatus, Asparagus plumosus, Asparagus macowanni, Asparagus
asparagoides. Garden Asparagus is known to have more than 250 species all
over the world.

Location : Garden Asparagus found throughout India especially in the Northern

India. It is widely grown in the jungles at an altitude of 8,000 feet. It is mainly
grown in the gardens. It can also be found in the Kouchibouguas National Park,
Narnala Wildlife Sanctuary and Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary in India.

Cultivation methods :It is mostly propagated through seed, which are allowed
to grow for a year. It is mostly planted in the spring season. The plant prefers
acid, neutral, and alkaline soil. It grows in semi shade or no shade. The pant is
placed in the trench which is 12 -18 inches wide and six inches deep. The roots
are spread out uniformly, with the crown bud side up, in an upright, centered
position, slightly higher than the roots. It requires water regularly especially when
it is young. Young shoots come out in early spring. It flowers in August and the
seeds are ripen from September to October.
Medicinal uses : The roots of the plants are prescribed for the diarrhea and
dysentery. They are useful in the nervous disorders. dyspepsia, and tumors,
scalding of urine, throat infections, tuberculosis, cough, bronchitis and general
debility. It is used in the treatment of the rheumatism and edema due to heart
failure. The fresh juice taken in small dose acts medicinally as the diuretic and
laxative. It an excellent form of folic acid, which is used in blood cell formation
and prevention of liver diseases. It is also a good source of potassium, which
helps in muscle recovery and prevents cramping. It is rich in Vitamin C, Thiamin,
B6 and fiber. It contains rutin, which strengthens capillary walls, and GSH, which
is the cancer fighter.

Other uses : The delicate flavour of Asparagus make it favourite among the
vegetable lovers. They are normally boiled or steamed. There are so many
vegetable recipes made out the Garden Asparagus. Its young shoots are taken
as the raw salad. It contains low calorie. It has no fat at all.

Peepal
Other names : Bo tree, Bodhi tree, Sacred tree, Beepul tree, Pipers, Pimpal,
Jari, Arani,Ashvattha, Ragi, Bodhidruma, Shuchidruma, Pipalla, Ashvattha and
the Buddha tree are the other names used for the Banyan tree.

Description : Peepal is a large, fast growing deciduous tree. It has a heart

shaped leaves. It is a medium size tree and has a large crown with the wonderful
wide spreading branches. It shed its leaves in the month of March and April. The
fruits of the Peepal are hidden with the figs. The figs are ripen in the month of
May. The figs which contain the flowers grow in pairs just below the leaves and
look like the berries. Its bark is light gray and peels in patches. Its fruit is purple in
colour. It is one of the longest living trees.

Other Species : Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam, Artocarpus incissus L.,

Artocarpus nobilis Thw. Are some of the other species of the Peepal tree.

Location : Peepal tree is grown throughout India. It is mainly grown in State of

Haryana, Bihar, Kerala and Madhya Pradesh. It is also found in the Ranthambore
National Park in India.

Cultivation : Peepal tree is easily propagated through the seeds or through the
cuttings. It can grow in any type of soil. Young peepal needs proper nourishment.
It requires full sunlight and proper watering.

Medicinal uses : This tree of life has also got the medicinal value. The juice of
its leaves extracted by holding them near the fire can be used as the ear drop. Its
power bark has been used to heal the wounds for years. The bark of the tree is
useful in inflammations and glandular swelling of the neck. Its root bark is useful
for stomatitis, clean ulcers, and promotes granulations. Its roots are also good for
gout. The roots are even chewed to prevent gum diseases. Its fruit is laxative
which promotes digestion and checks vomiting. Its ripe fruits are good for the foul
taste, thirst and heart diseases. The powered fruit is taken for Asthma. Its seeds
have proved useful in urinary troubles. The leaves are used to treat constipation.

Other uses : People in India collect the Peepal leaves, clean them, dry them and
than paint them with the gold acrylic in order to preserve them for years. From
the bark of the Peepal tree reddish dye is extracted. Its leaves are used to feed
the camels and the elephants. When the leaves are dried they are used for the
decoration purpose.

Cultural importance : Peepal tree has the great importance in India especially
among the Buddhist who regard Peepal tree as the personification of Buddha.
Lord Buddha attained enlightenment mediating under the Peepal tree. It is
regarded as the sacred tree and the people uses its leaves for the religious
purposes. According to the Buddha – 'He who worships the Peepal tree will
receive the same reward as if he worshiped me in person'. The Peepal tree has
its own symbolic meaning of Enlightenment and peace. People tie threads of
white, red and yellow silk around it to pray for progeny and rewarding
parenthood. Hindus in India holds the great spiritual regard for the Peepal Tree,
they regard it as the tree beneath which Vishnu was born.

Other names : Cape aloe, Aloe curacao, Barbadoes aloe, Venezuela aloe,
Indian alces, Ghirita, Lu hui, Star Cactus are the other names used for the Aloe
Vera. It is also called miracle plant, Burn plant, medicine plant and first-aid-plant.

Aloe Vera
Description : Aloe Vera grows to a height of 12 to 16 inches. It has a fibrous root
system. It does not have stems. It has thick freshly leaves with sharp points,
which are up to 18 inches long and 2 inches wide at the base. Its leaves are even
long and triangular in shape. The tissue in the center of the Aloe leaf contains a
gel which yields the aloe gel. Its leaves are rich in water that is why it can survive
for years. These leaves have spiky margins and are blotched creams. It is the
member of the Lilly family. The roots of the pant are thick and fibrous. The fruit is
the triangular capsule containing numerous seeds.

Other species of Aloe Vera : There are more than 200 species of Aloe Vera.
Aloe Barbadensis Miller, Aloe Saponaria, Aloe Chinensis, Aloe Variegata, Aloe
Forex, Aloe Lalifolia and Curacao Aloe are some of the known species of Aloe
Vera.

Location : Aloe Vera is cultivated throughout India. It is commonly found in

Mumbai, Gujrat and South India. It mainly grows in the tropical and sub tropical
areas. It grows well on sandy and well drained soil. It is widely grown in the
Ranthambore National Park in India.

Cultivation methods : Aloe Vera plant is propagated through the seed. It prefers
a well drained sandy soil in sunny location. Aloe Vera needs the temperature of
above 40 degrees. They should be potted in the spring season and watered
carefully until established. It grows in the arid climate. They should be watered
regularly in the summers. But over watering can kill the plant. It also grows in
partial shade. It reaches the maturity inn four years when the leaves are
harvested.

Medicinal uses : Aloe Vera is the herbal plant, used to heal the burn marks.
Aloe Vera cures the skin diseases. It can also be used to remove dandruff from
the hair. Aloe Vera is taken internally for the stomach disorders. The leaves of
Aloe Vera is used for the treatment of facial edema or swelling. Its fluid is
beneficial in reducing the inflammation and pain. Aloe Vera is used in cosmetics
and even in the food industry. Curacao aloe acts as laxative, which is used
against constipation. The fresh juice of its leaf blades can be applied directly to
the ulcers, burns, sunburns, and fungal infection. Organic Aloe Vera juice
reduces acidity. It prevents from fungus, influenza virus, measles, and high
fever.

Other uses : Aloe Vera is a very popular potted plant. It is grown in houses for
the decoration. The leaf sap is used to make a soothing and healing moisturizing
cream, which is good for the dry skin. It is used in the making of anti wrinkle
cream. It is even used in the preparation of shampoos.

Cultural Importance :Aloe Vera has been mentioned several times in the sacred
scriptures. It is believed to have been used for the preservation of the body of the
Jesus Christ. It is called as the plant of immorality. It is also mentioned in the holy
book of Bible. It has been used by the tribal people as a medicine for the
century.

Tulsi

Other names : It is known as Holy Basil in English and Tulasi in Sanskrit. Other
names used for the Tulsi are Manjari, Krishna Tulsi, Trittavu, Tulshi and Thulsi.

Description : Tulsi is a heavy branched having hair all over. It attains the height
of about 75 – 90 cm. It has round oval shaped leaves which are up to 5 cm long.
The leaves are 2- 4 cm in length. Its seeds are flat. Its flowers are purple –
creamish in colour. The Tulsi with the green leaves is called the Shri Tulsi and
one with the reddish leaves is called the Krishna Tulsi. Its seeds are yellow to
reddish in colour. Leaves of Tulsi contains very essential oil.

Other species : Ocimum canum (Ram tulsi or Kali Tulsi), Ocimum basilicum,
Ocimum Kilmand, Ocimum scharicum are the other related species of the Tulsi
(Ocimum Sanctum).

Location : Tulsi is widely grown in the Gir Wildlife Sanctuary and Sasangir
National Park in India. Tulsi grows wild in tropics and warm regions.

Cultivation methods : Tulsi seeds germinate easily. The seeds are mainly sown
in the spring season. They are watered from time to time and germinated in one
to two weeks. Tulsi prefers rich soil for its growth. It requires full sunlight. It is
mainly grown in the temperate climate.

Medicinal uses : Tulsi has got the great medicinal value. Tulsi is taken as the
herbal tea. The oil extracted from the Karpoora Tulsi is mostly used in the herbal
toiletry. Its oil is also used against the insects and bacteria. The Rama Tulsi is
the effective remedy for the Severe acute Respiratory Syndrome. Juice of its
leaves gives relief in cold, fever, bronchitis and cough. Tulsi oil is also used as
the ear drop. Tulsi helps in curing malaria. It si very effective against indigestion,
headache, hysteria, insomnia and cholera. The fresh leaves of Tulsi are taken by
the million of people everyday. For over the centuries Tulsi (the queen of herbs)
has been known for its remarkable healing properties.

Other uses : Many people wears the Tulsi beads, which is said to have certain
physical and medicinal properties. Its wood is considered as more powerful than
any other gem that helps in protecting one from the negative influences. One can
also buy several handicraft jewellery items made of Tulsi wood.

Cultural Importance : Tulsi is the sacred plant dearer to the Lord Vishnu. Tulsi
symbolises purity. It is considered as the holy plant in the Indian Subcontinent.
Tulsi got its name from Tulasi Devi, who was one of Lord Krishna's eternal
consorts. In India people grow Tulsi as the religious plant and worship it. Its
leaves are used in temples for the worship purposes and also on the several
occasions such as marriage. A Hindu house is considered incomplete without the
Tulsi plant in the courtyard. Tulsi is belived to promote longevity and life long
happiness. Hindus perform special Tulsi puja in the Kartik month which starts
after Sharad Poornima. It is the time of the Tulsi vivah (marriage). On this day
Tulsi is decorated and coloured as a bride.Even today people in India maintain a
potted Tulsi plant. The womens water the plant, light up the diya near it and
worships it daily. The stems, leaves, seeds and even the soil is considered as
holy. According to the ancient texts Tulsi is glorified as the one who helps in
bringing people closer to the divine.

Other names : Kunyit, Haridra, Haldi, Halada, Manjal, Zirsood, terre merite,
Holdi, Indian Saffron, curcuma, Pasapu, Arishina are the other related names
used for the Turmeric Kunyit, Haridra, Haldi, Halada, Manjal, Zirsood, terre
merite, Holdi, Indian Saffron, curcuma, Pasapu, Arishina are the other related
names used for the Turmeric \

Turmeric
Description : The plant of Turmeric is a herbaceous perennial, which is 60 -90
cm high. It has a short stem. It has large leaves oblong and up to one meter long.
Flowers of the turmeric appear on a spike like the stalk. Its flowers are yellow
white in colour. They are sterile and donot produce viable seed. The lamina is
green above and pale green below, and is 30 -40 cm long and 8 -12 cm wide.
Approximately 30 flowers are produced in a spike. Inflorescence is a central
spike of 10 -15 cm in length. Its pant looks like the ginger pant.

Location : It is the widely cultivated tropical plant of India, which is grown from
sea level to 1200 meter MSL. It is widely grown in the Sanjay Gandhi National
Park of India.
Cultivation methods : Turmeric plant is panted in the month of September to
October. It grows in light black, black clayey loams, and red soils in irrigated and
rainfed conditions. The rhizomes are planted 5 7 cm deep. This crop is planted
by the small rhizomes with one or two buds. It is harvested after 9 -10 months of
planting. The lower leaves turn yellow and fall with age.

Medicinal uses : It is taken as the blood purifier and is very useful in the
common cold, leprosy, intermittent, affections of the liver, dropsy, inflammation
and wound healing. The rhizome of the turmeric plant is highly aromatic and
antiseptic. It is even used for contraception, swelling, insect stings, wounds,
whooping cough, inflammation, internal injuries, pimples, injuries, as a skin tonic.
Sweetened milk boiled with the turmeric is the popular remedy for cold and
cough. It is given in liver ailments and jaundice.

Other uses : The powered rhizome of this plant is used as an condiment and as
an yellow dye. Its is used to colour and flavour the foodstuff. It is used in the
preparation of medicinal oils, ointments and poultice. It is even used in the
cosmetics.

Cultural Importance : For thousand of years it has been used in the Hindu
religious ceremonies. It is the common belief among the the Hindus that Turmeric
improves fertility. The dry turmeric root is considered as the symbol of purity and
prosperity. It is used in Indian rites and rituals. Turmeric mixed in water is poured
on the God and Goddesses. The dried turmeric roots in betel leaves are given to
the women during the ceremonies as they are considered as fertile and bring
good luck. Turmeric power is applied on the main entrance of the Indian Houses.
The priests in the temples put tilak on the forehead with the turmeric power.
Married women in India has to put Sindur a vermilion paste (mixture of turmeric
with camphor).