Monday, August 16, 2010

ASHITABA/TOMORROW'S LEAF

Common names:  Tomorrow's Leaf, Ashitaba, Chinese Angelica, Ming Re Ye 明日葉
Botanic name: Angelica keiskei
Family: Apiaceae

Genus: Angelic

How the plant got its name:
Ability of the herbal plant to grow very fast symbolic by its name Ashitaba, means "tomorrow's leaf". Harvesting a leaf at the break of day results often in a new sprout growing over night, being visible the following morning.

Medicinal uses:
  • Ashitaba known to purify blood and circulation, cleanse the colon, relieve muscle, joint, and nerve discomfort and enhance lung function. 
  • Powerful antioxidants, nutrients, and energetic properties.
  • Ashitaba improves skin ("Ashitaba exfoliates the dead skin that causes a dull complexion and / or clogged pores".
  • Also, herb heals scrapes, cuts, insect bites, acne, and ulcers and hair quality. Reduces cell damage and increases blood circulation to the skin thus producing wrinkle free skin and hair grows thicker (fuller and stronger) with a color shine and preventing dry or brittle hair.
How to eat the Ashitaba leaves:
  1. The dried Ashitaba plants can be used to make tea. 
  2. Use your Ashitaba plants as a healthy ingredient in soups.

Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ashitaba
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/588995/ashitaba_chinese_herbal_medicinal_and.html?cat=68
http://www.ehow.com/how_5675823_use-ashitaba-plants.html

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

DAUN PUDINA / MINT LEAVES


Nama tempatan/Common names:  Daun Pudina, Peppermint
Nama botani/Botanic name:  Mentha Piperita
Spesis/species:  Mentha
Keluarga/Family: Lamiaceae

Kegunaan
  1. Selain digunakan dalam masakan, daun pudina juga ada digunakan sebagai teh untuk minuman.
  2. Kesemua jenis pudina boleh bertindak sebagai perangsang dan membantu penghadaman serta mengurangkan flatulens.
  3. Ia juga bersifat sebagai antiseptik, antiparasit dan anti virus.
  4. Pemakanannya boleh meransangkan tubuh badan mengeluarkan peluh.
  5. Daun pudina juga digunakan untuk membuat ubat sapu untuk merawat selesema, sakit kepala, kekejangan otot dan sakit-sakit badan manakala minyak yang diperbuat daripada daun pudina boleh menghilangkan rasa loya serta kejutan dan mempertingkatkan konsentrasi.
Sumber: http://pkukmweb.ukm.my/~ahmad/tugasan/s3_99/s_norazian.html