Tamil Name: கரீ வேப்பை The Murraya Koenigii is also known as curry tree. This tropical to sub tropical tree belongs to the family of Rutaceae and is native to Sri Lanka and India. The leaves are used as an additive in many Indian dishes. This small tree grows up to 13 to 20 feet tall and has a trunk with a diameter of 40cm. The leaves have 11 to 21 leaflets and each of these leaflets are 2 to 4 cm long. The flowers of the curry tree are small and have a sweet fragrance. The berries of the plant are black and edible. The seeds of the plant are poisonous and should not be consumed. The leaves of the tree are used as a seasoning in southern as well as western coast Indian delicacies. They are important to make dishes like Vada, Rasam, Kadhi and Thoran. They live for a very short span and cannot be stored in the refrigerator. In the modern day, dried curry leaves are available though the aroma of the leaves is much less. In some rituals curry leaves are used for holy rituals. The flowering starts from the mid of April and usually ends in the middle of May.
Tamil Name: சாரணவேர் Boerhaavia diffusa is an herb found in Ayurveda and other traditional medicines. Historically, Boerhaavia diffusa has been used for its anti-diabetic and diuretic properties. In different areas of the world, Boerhaavia diffusa has also been used for pain relief, anti-inflammation, and treating indigestion. Boerhaavia diffusa is a tropical crawling root plant, with bioactive compounds in both the leaves and roots. There have not been any human studies conducted on Boerhaavia diffusa, but animal evidence suggests it is an effective diuretic, and can suppress the proliferation of immune cells. This can be harmful in some cases, like during flu season, but beneficial if the immune system is hyperactive. Boerhaavia diffusa also has an anti-proliferative effect on some cancer cells, which means it prevents them from spreading. This anti-cancer effect comes from the isolated bioactive purnavarine. Boerhaavia diffusa also has anti-oxidant properties. Boerhaavia diffusa’s anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative mechanisms are plausible explanations for _Boerhaavia diffusa’s potent anti-diabetic effects, which rivals the potency of standard drugs like Glibenclamide and Metformin. Further research is needed to confirm this relationship.
Tamil Name: மயிர் கொன்றை Plants belonging to the family Leguminoceae have wide folklore medicinal uses. Caesalpinia pulcherrima Swartz vernacularly known as Guletura is widely distributed in India and its leaves, flower, bark, and seeds are used in Indian medicine. The plant is considered as a tonic, stimulant, and emmenagogue.
Tamil Name: துலுக்க சாமந்தி Calendula is a plant. The flower is used to make medicine. Calendula flower is used to prevent muscle spasms, start menstrual periods, and reduce fever. It is also used for treating sore throat and mouth, menstrual cramps, cancer, and stomach and duodenal ulcers. Calendula is applied to the skin to reduce pain and swelling (inflammation) and to treat poorly healing wounds and leg ulcers. It is also applied to the skin (used topically) for nosebleeds, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, inflammation of the rectum (proctitis), and inflammation of the lining of the eyelid (conjunctivitis). Don’t confuse calendula with ornamental marigolds of the Tagets genus, which are commonly grown in vegetable gardens.
Tamil Name : புன்னை Rich, tropical tamanu oil is wonderfully healing to skin and makes a great hot oil treament for hair. Tamanu oil soothes and softens skin while it works to reduce foot and body odor. Tamanu oil is the traditional oil used by Polynesian women for promoting healthy, clear, blemish-free skin. Facial oil treatments with tamanu could help clear acne and fade acne scars in those who have a dry, chapped facial skin type, however it is a bit too heavy for those with sensitive facial skin. Hawaiian Tamanu nut oil hydrates dry skin and has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce the swelling of rashes, insect bites, and sunburns. Tamanu oil also possesses significant antimicrobial, antibacterial, and anti-fungal qualities. These healing properties make it effective on scabies, ringworm, and athletes foot, and jock itch. It is also used on babies to prevent diaper rash and skin eruptions. The rich, nutty scent makes the oil pleasant to use and even helps eliminate body and foot odors. Tamanu reaches its full healing potential when applied to serious skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, and diabetic sores.
Tamil Name: பாப்ாலி இலை Papaya, a tropical plant believed to have originated in southern Mexico and Central America, is now cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. C. papaya is cultivated for its edible ripe fruit; its juice is a popular beverage, and its young leaves, shoots, and fruits are cooked as a vegetable. The fruits are a source of flavoring used in candies, jellies, preserves, and ice cream. Shallow cuts on the surface of fully grown but unripe fruits cause a milky sap or latex to ooze that is collected, dried, and termed “crude papain.” Papain has many industrial uses, as well as milk-clotting (rennet) and protein-digesting properties. Nearly 80% of American beer is treated with papain, which allows the beer to remain clear upon cooling. Papain is most commonly used commercially in meat tenderizers and chewing gums. Cosmetically, papain is used in some toothpastes, shampoos, and facial creams.
