Melissa officinalis-Lemon Balm for sale

Buy Lemon Balm

Lemon Balm
Bot. name: Melissa officinalis
Family : Labiatae or  Mint Family
Parts used : Whole plant/Leaves
Chemical composition : The main chemical components are trans-ocimene, cis-ocimene, 3-octanone, methyl hepenone, cis-3-hexenol, 3-octanol, 1-octen-3-ol, copaene, citronellal, linalool, b-bourbonene, caryophyllene, a-humulene, neral, germacrene-D, geranial, geranyl acetate, d-cadinene, y-cadinene, nerol and geraniol.

Common Uses : Beauty , Cardiovascular, Colds, Depression, Herpes, Hypertension, Insect Bites, Nausea, Pregnancy, Sore Throat, Sunburns

Properties : Anodyne, Antispasmodic, AntiViral, Aromatic, Cardic tonic Cordial, Carminative, Diaphoretic/sudorific, Digestive, Emmenagogue, Febrifuge, Hypotensive, Nervine, Sedative, Stomachic, Uterine Tonic,Vermifuge.

Medicinal use of Lemon Balm : Lemon balm is a commonly grown household remedy with a long tradition as a tonic remedy that raises the spirits and lifts the heart. Modern research has shown that it can help significantly in the treatment of cold sores. The leaves and young flowering shoots are antibacterial, antispasmodic, antiviral, carminative, diaphoretic, digestive, emmenagogue, febrifuge, sedative, and tonic. It also acts to inhibit thyroid activity. An infusion of the leaves is used in the treatment of fevers and colds, indigestion associated with nervous tension, excitability and digestive upsets in children, hyperthyroidism, depression, mild insomnia, headaches etc. Externally, it is used to treat herpes, sores, gout, insect bites and as an insect repellent. The plant can be used fresh or dried, for drying it is harvested just before or just after flowering. The essential oil contains citral and citronella, which act to calm the central nervous system and are strongly antispasmodic. The plant also contains polyphenols, in particular these combat the herpes simplex virus which produces cold sores. The essential oil is used in aromatherapy. Its keyword is "Female aspects". It is used to relax and rejuvenate, especially in cases of depression and nervous tension.

                                                                                                                         Description of the plant
Plant : Perennial
Height : 70 cm (2 feet)
Flovering : June to October
Scent : Scented
Edible parts of Lemon Balm : Leaves - raw or cooked. A pleasant lemon-like aroma and flavour, they are used mainly as a flavouring in salads and cooked foods. A lemon-flavoured tea can be made from the fresh or dried leaves. A bunch of the leaves can be added to china tea, much improving the flavour, the leaves are also added to fruit cups etc. They are used as a flavouring in various alcoholic beverages including Chartreuse and Benedictine.

Other uses of the herb : The growing plant is said to repel flies and ants. It is also rubbed on the skin as a repellent, though the essential oil would be more effective here. An essential oil is obtained from the plant (the exact part is not specified, it is probably the entire plant and especially the flowering stems). It is used medicinally. The whole plant is very pleasantly aromatic, the aroma lasting for a long time after the plant has been harvested. It is therefore a very useful ingredient in pot-pourri.

Propagation of Lemon Balm : Seed - sow spring or autumn in a cold frame. Germination can be slow. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle and plant out into their permanent positions when the plants are at least 15cm tall. If there is plenty of seed it can be sown in an outdoor seed bed in April. Plant out into their permanent positions the following spring. Division in spring or autumn. Very easy, larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring. Cuttings in July/August.

Cultivation : Planting is usually 40,000 plants/Ha. with propagation from seed or cuttings. The plants have a life of 10 years but are usually replaced every five years with crop rotation to rejuvenate the soil. Propagation in the northern hemisphere is from April to July.

Harvesting period : In the first year the crop is in August, thereafter two crops are experienced. The first in June and the second in August.

Harvesting methods : Usually by hand on a clear warm day as the leaves will turn black if harvested wet. For good appearance leaves should not be left in the sun.

Pre-Treatment : Weed control is recommended (Pank). It has been reported that, in Egypt, irradiating seeds has an effect on growth, essential oil content and composition. The quantity of herb was reduced but the oil content was increased, with the irradiation dosage varying the proportion of the constituents.

Preservation and Storage : The oil should be stored in filled sealed containers, out of light and kept cool. The oil is subject to oxidation.

Lemon Balm -Melissa Officinalis seeds/leaves are available at :
The Jammu and Kashmir Medicinal Plants Introduction Centre
Meet to us at :"Ginkgo House", Azizabad, Nambalbal, (Via Wuyan-Meej Road), Pampore PPR JK 192121
Or
Jammu and Kashmir Medicinal Plants Introduction Centre
POB: 667 GPO Srinagar SGR JK 190001
Mob: 09858986794
Ph: 01933-223705
e-mail: jkmpic@gmail.com
home: http://jkmpic.blogspot.com

Angelica glauca for sale

Angelica glauca

English name : Glaucous archangel
Distribution : UK, US, Pakistan, Kashmir Himalaya and Netherlands.
Chemical constituents : Comarins, isoimperatorin, prangolarin, ter-methoxy peucedarin hydrate, Dimeric iigusticum lactone
Parts used : Root
Ethnomedical use : Stomachic carminative
1-2m, tall glaucous perennial, leaves pinnately divided, leaflets ovate toothed, glaucous beneath. Flowers purplish white, rays more than 20.
Angelica Qashmir seeds for sale (Open-pollinated.Untreated. NO GMO's
More details: http://jkmpic.blogspot.in

Ferula assafoetida plants for sale

Ferula assafoetida
Cultivation of Ferula assafoetida in the Kashmir Himalayas

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Ferula assafoetida, family Apiaceae/Umbelliferae
Hindi-Hing;Kannada-Hingu;Telegu-Inguva;Tamil-Perungayam/Perunkayam;Malayalam-Kayam/Perungkayam
Ferula assafoetida is an herbaceous, monoecious, perennial plant . It grows to 2 meters high with a circular mass of 30–40 cm leaves. Stem leaves have wide sheathing petioles. Flowering stems are 2.5–3 meters high and 10 cm thick and hollow, with a number of schizogenous ducts in the cortex containing the resinous gum. Flowers are pale greenish yellow produced in large compound umbels. Fruits are oval, flat, thin, reddish brown and have a milky juice. Roots are thick, massive, and pulpy. They yield a resin similar to that of the stems. All parts of the plant have the distinctive fetid smell.

Asafoetida is dried latex (oleo-gum-resin) exuded from the living rhizome, rootstock or taproot of Ferula assafoetida or other Ferula species.

The major supply of asafoetida to India is from Afghanistan and Iran.In India it is grown in Kashmir and in some parts of Punjab.Therefore it is possible to plan cultivation of this plant not only in Kashmir but also in Himachal Pradesh, Uttaranchal, North Bengal, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh and other areas having identical environmental situation.India is the major consumer of this spice.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asafoetidawww.indianspices.com/html/s062hasf.htm

For more details about planting material.
Jammu and Kashmir Medicinal Plants Introduction Centre
"Ginkgo House" Azizabad, Pampore PPR JK 192121
Ph: 09858986794, 01933-223705
e-mail: jkmpic@gmail.com
home: http://jkmpic.blogspot.com

Saffron cultivation in Kashmir and Kishtwar of Western Himalaya

Buy Saffron Bulbs

Saffron Cultivation
Family: Iridaceae (Iris Family) Distribution : Native of S. Europe and West Asia.Iran, Spain, Greece, Morocco, Azerbaijan, Spain, and Italy. Cultivated in disputed region of Kashmir and Kishtwar of Himalaya, Greece, Heerat (Afghanistan), The cultivation of saffron also in the Americas was begun by members of the Schwenkfelder Church in Pennsylvania. In recent decades cultivation has spread to New Zealand, Tasmania, and California. Despite numerous cultivation efforts in such countries as Pakistan, India, Austria, England, Germany, and Switzerland, only select locales continue the harvest in northern and central Europe. Among these is the small Swiss village of Mund, in the Valais canton, whose annual saffron output amounts to several kilograms. Microscale cultivation occurs in Tasmania,China, Egypt, France, Israel, Mexico, New Zealand, UAE, Turkey (especially Safranbolu), California, and Central Africa.

Botanical features : Corms of walnut size with fibrous scales remaining upto 30 cm deep in soil. Flowers stalkless with a long slender corolla tube and 6 equal perianth lobes of deep blue-violet colour. Stamens 2; style 3-lobed deep brick-red.

Medicinal use of Saffron:  Saffron is a famous medicinal herb with a long history of effective use, though it is little used at present because cheaper and more effective herbs are available. The flower styles and stigmas are the parts used, but since these are very small and fiddly to harvest they are very expensive and consequently often adulterated by lesser products. The styles and stigmas are anodyne, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, appetizer, carminative, diaphoretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, sedative and stimulant. They are used as a diaphoretic for children, to treat chronic haemorrhages in the uterus of adults, to induce menstruation, treat period pains and calm indigestion and colic. A dental analgesic is obtained from the stigmas. The styles are harvested in the autumn when the plant is in flower and are dried for later use, they do not store well and should be used within 12 months. This remedy should be used with caution, large doses can be narcotic and quantities of 10g or more can cause an abortion.

Other uses : Dye obtained from flower petals is used to flavour and colour food material. Corms/bulbs have been used as a scarcity food. Despite its high cost, saffron has been used as a fabric dye, particularly in China and India. In India It is the favoured colouring for the cloth of Indian swamis who have renounced the material world. It is in the long run an unstable colouring agent; the imparted vibrant orange-yellow hue quickly fades to a pale and creamy yellow. Even in minute amounts, the saffron stamens yield a luminous yellow-orange; increasing the applied saffron concentration will give fabric of increasingly rich shades of red. Clothing dyed with saffron was traditionally reserved for the noble classes, implying that saffron played a ritualised and status-keying role. It was originally responsible for the vermilion-, ochre-, and saffron-hued robes and mantles worn by Buddhist and Hindu monks. In medieval Ireland and Scotland, well-to-do monks wore a long linen undershirt known as a léine, which was traditionally dyed with saffron.In histology the hematoxylin-phloxine-saffron (HPS) stain is used as a tissue stain to make biological structures more visible under a microscope.

There have been many attempts to replace saffron with a cheaper dye. Saffron's usual substitutes in food—turmeric and safflower, among others—yield a garishly bright yellow that could hardly be confused with that of saffron. Saffron's main colourant is the flavonoid crocin; it has been discovered in the less tediously harvested—and hence less costly—gardenia fruit. Research in China is ongoing.In Europe saffron threads were a key component of an aromatic oil known as crocinum, which comprised such motley ingredients as alkanet, dragon's blood (for colour), and wine (again for colour). Crocinum was applied as a perfume to hair. Another preparation involved mixing saffron with wine to produce a viscous yellow spray; it was copiously applied in sudoriferously sunny Roman amphitheatres—as an air freshener.

Edible parts of Saffron :  The flower styles are commonly used as a flavouring and yellow colouring for various foods such as bread, soups, sauces, rice and puddings. They are an essential ingredient of many traditional dishes such as paella, bouillabaisse, risotto milanese and various other Italian dishes. The styles are extremely rich in riboflavin. Water soluble. Yields per plant are extremely low, about 4000 stigmas yield 25g of saffron. Saffron is the world's most expensive spice, it takes 150,000 flowers and 400 hours work to produce 1 kilo of dried saffron. About 25 kilos of styles can be harvested from a hectare of the plant. Fortunately, only very small quantities of the herb are required to impart their colour and flavour to dishes. Because of the cost, saffron is frequently adulterated with cheaper substitutes such as marigold flowers and safflower. The flower styles are used as a tea substitute. Root - cooked. The corms are toxic to young animals so this report of edibility should be treated with some caution.

Propagation of Saffron :  Seed - according to some reports this species is a sterile triploid and so does not produce fertile seed. However, if seed is obtained then it is best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. Stored seed can be sown in the spring in a cold frame. Germination can take 1 - 6 months at 18°C. Unless the seed has been sown too thickly, do not transplant the seedlings in their first year of growth, but give them regular liquid feeds to make sure they do not become deficient. Divide the small bulbs once the plants have died down, planting 2 - 3 bulbs per 8cm pot. Grow them on for another 2 years in a greenhouse or frame and plant them out into their permanent positions when dormant in late summer. It takes 3 years for plants to flower from seed. Division of the clumps in late summer after the plant has died down. The bulbs can be planted out direct into their permanent positions.

Buy saffron corms, plant them in pots or directly in the soil from June to September and they will bloom in the following October.

Crocus sativus corms/bulbs
The corms are available from June to September (Every Year)
Packaging : 100,200,500,1000 corms

Order them from now on

For more details:
The Jammu and Kashmir Medicinal Plants Introduction Centre
"Ginkgo House" Azizabad, (Via Wuyan-Meej Road), Pampore PPR JK 192121
(Via New Delhi-India)
Mob :+91-9858986794
Ph: +91-1933-223705
e-mail: jkmpic@gmail.com
home: http://jkmpic.blogspot.com

Asparagus officinalis seeds for sale

Click here Buy Asparagus seeds

Asparagus officinalis

Family : Asparagaceae

English name : Asparagus/Mary Washington

Distribution : (Under research)

Status : Not common

“Ginkgo House” Azizabad, Via-Wuyan-Meej Road, Pampore (Planted)

Asparagus officinalis is a perennial growing to 1.5 m (5ft) by 0.8 m (2ft 7in).

It is in flower in August, and the seeds ripen from Sep to October. The flowers are dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required) and are pollinated by Bees.The plant is not self-fertile.

It is noted for attracting wildlife.

Medicinal use of Asparagus : Asparagus has been cultivated for over 2,000 years as a vegetable and medicinal herb. Both the roots and the shoots can be used medicinally, they have a restorative and cleansing effect on the bowels, kidneys and liver. The plant is antispasmodic, aperient, cardiac, demulcent, diaphoretic, diuretic, sedative and tonic. The freshly expressed juice is used. The root is diaphoretic, strongly diuretic and laxative. An infusion is used in the treatment of jaundice and congestive torpor of the liver. The strongly diuretic action of the roots make it useful in the treatment of a variety of urinary problems including cystitis. It is also used in the treatment of cancer. The roots are said to be able to lower blood pressure. The roots are harvested in late spring, after the shoots have been cut as a food crop, and are dried for later use. The seeds possess antibiotic activity. Another report says that the plant contains asparagusic acid which is nematocidal and is used in the treatment of schistosomiasis.

Medicinal Properties : Asparagus is a bitter, restorative, and cleansing herb that acts on the kidneys, bowels, and liver. It contains asparagusic acid, which is nematocidal (destroys unsegmented internal parasitic worms).

The herb is used medically for

cystitis

pyelitis

kidney disease

rheumatism

gout

and edema from heart failure

Asparagusic acid contained in asparagus is used to treat schistosomiasis.

Asparagus spears are steamed and served as hot or cold vegetables or pureed/finely chopped in soups.

Edible parts of Asparagus: Young shoots - raw or cooked. Considered a gourmet food, the shoots are harvested in the spring. We find them very acceptable raw in salads, with a hint of onion in their flavour. They are normally boiled or steamed and used as a vegetable. Male plants produce the best shoots. Do not over-harvest the plant because this would weaken it in the following year. The shoots are a good source of protein and dietary fibre. Roasted seeds are a coffee substitute.

Other uses of the herb : The plant contains asparagusic acid, which has nematocidal properties.

Propagation of Asparagus : Seed - pre-soak for 12 hours in warm water and then sow in spring or as soon as the seed is ripe in early autumn in a greenhouse. It usually germinates in 3 - 6 weeks at 25°C. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in a sunny position in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer. Division in early spring as the plant comes into growth.

Minimum 50 seeds. Packed for 2012

For more details:

Sheikh GULZAAR

Head

The JK Medicinal Plants Introduction Centre

POB: 667 GPO Srinagar SGR JK 190001

“Ginkgo House”, Azizabad, (Via Wuyan-Meej Road), Pampore PPR JK 192121

Ph: 09858986794, 01933-223705

e-mail: jkmpic@gmail.com

home: http://jkmpic.blogspot.com

Himalayan Winter Cherry seeds

Bot. name: Withania somnifera
Sanskrit Name: Ashwagandha Balada, Vajini, Pushtida, Vataghni
Hindi name : Ashwagandha
Urdu name : Asgandh
English Name: Winter Cherry
Family Name: Solanaceae
Parts used: Leaves, roots, seeds
Always buy organic!

Medicinal uses of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) :Ashwgandha has long been considered as an excellent rejuvenator, a general health tonic and a cure for a number of health complaints. It is a sedative, diuretic, anti-inflammatory and generally respected for increasing energy, endurance, and acts as an-adaptogen that exerts a strong immunostimulatory and an-anti-stress agent.

Ashwagandha is taken for treating cold and coughs, ulcers, emaciation, diabetes, conjunctivitis, epilepsy, insomnia, senile dementia, leprosy, Parkinson’s disease, nervous disorders, rheumatism, arthritis, intestinal infections, bronchitis, asthma, impotence and a suppressant in HIV/AIDS patients.

According to Indian Herbal System (Ayurveda), Ashwagandha is considered one of the most important herbs and the best adaptogenic. It contains constituents like cuseohygrine, anahygrine, tropine, and anaferine, glycosides, withenolide with starches and amino acid. Withanolide consists of steroidal molecules which is said to fight inflammation.

Ashwagandha stimulates the immune system, combats inflammation, increases memory, and helps maintain general health and wellness. Ashwagandha is known to increase the production of bone marrow, semen, and acts anti-aging. Ashwagandha anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory agents are approved in several studies. Its steroidal is much higher than that of hydrocortisone which is a common treatment in cancer cases.

Diseases like TB, chronic upper respiratory diseases and HIV have been added to the list of Ashwagandha due to its strong immunostimulatory activity, and it is recognized as a blood tonic, especially in gynecological disorders including anemia and irregular menstruation.

Patients with anxiety can also benefit from Ashwagandha. During clinical trials, 30 sufferers of anxiety were given 40ml of Ashwagandha twice a day and after 30 days, all anxiety symptoms including panic attacks and paranoia had virtually disappeared.

Ashwagandha effects on the Brain Chemicals:

    GABA-mimetic activity having anxiolytic effect.
     Inhibiting Cholinesterase and thereby retaining Acetylcholine for longer time.
    Slowing down of tolerance of the analgesic effects of morphine.
    Induction of axon and dendrite outgrowth, there by resulting in neuritis regeneration and synaptic     reconstruction.

Ashwagandha Immunostimulatory effect:

    Immunity stimulating effect through Macrophages.
    Raised antibody titer against Bordetella pertusis strains (Combats Diphtheria).
    Protective effect in Cyclophosphamide induced myelosuppression.
    Beneficial in Ageing and Copper induced lipid peroxidation.
    Ashwagandha helping in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Ashwagandha as an adaptogenic and Anti-Stress agent:

    Respected as Ginseng in Chronic stress models.
    Protective effect in stress induced neuronal degeneration.
    Helping to achieve better state to fight against stress.
    Prevents stress related ulcer.

Ashwagandha Rejuvenative and Reproductive action:
    Increases libido and sexual function.
    Supports female reproductive system, and increases ovarian weight and folliculogenesis.
    Ashwagandha is approved as a greatest rejuvenative herb in Indian Herbal System.
    Useful in treating arthritis, diabetes and hypertension.
    Ashwagandha is a potent inhibitor of angiogenesis and it is respected for its phytochemical

 Ashwagandha in Cancer Patients:

    Acts as anti-carcinogenic.
    Growth inhibitor of human tumor cell lines.
    Counteracting mutagenic effect.
    Ashwagandha possesses anti-proliferative agent.
    Respected as a natural source of potent radiosensitizer in chemotherapy.
    Recommended in Ascitic Sarcoma.
    Useful in Melanoma induced metastasis.
    Supports DMBA induced Squamous cell carcinoma.
    Enhances cellular immune response to mitogens.
    Reversing Paclitaxel induced Neutropenia.

 Ashwagandha in Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease:

    An L-dopa in an herbal formulation found in Ashwagandha.
    Enhances memory through cholinergic channels.
    Stabilizes mood, improves learning ability.

Ashwagandha as a Free Radical Scavenger & Antioxidant:

     Increases the three natural antioxidants in brain.
    Stimulates Immune system through Nitric oxide production in Macrophage.
    Dose dependent free radical scavenging and protective effect on DNA cleavage.
    It has a good effect in Iron overload and Lead toxicity.
    Prevents Neuroleptic induced extra pyramidal side effects.

Ashwagandha on Anxiety and Depression:

    Ashwagandha is comparable to Bacopa Monnieri in anxiety and depression
    Anxiolytic effect comparable to Lorazepam.
    Antidepressant effect comparable to Imipramine.
    Found nontoxic in doses up to 100 mg per kg of body weight.
    As calming, anticonvulsant and antispasmodic effect.
    Able to stimulate endocrine glands.

 Ashwagandha as a Cardiovascular Protector

    Able to protect Cardiovascular system against ischemic and reperfusion injury.
    Beneficial in Focal ischemia.
    Supports anti-atherogenic activity in polyherbal formula.
    Possesses a mild hypoglycemic, diuretic and an anti-hypercholesterolemic agent.
    Supports Streptozotocin induced diabetes.
    Withania somnifera-Ashwagandha

Withania somnifera seeds/Leafs/Roots are available for personal use only
For more details: http://jkmpic.blogspot.com

Paeonia emodi plants for sale

Paeonia emodi

The diverse Agro-climatic conditions of Kashmir valey offer great potential for growing a variety of fruits, flowers and medicinal plants like Apple, Cherry, Kiwi, Hazel Nut, Plum, Olive, Paeonia emodi, Strawbery, Pecan-nut, Walnut, Almond, Howthorn, Pear, Lukat,Saffron,Chinar- Platanus orientalis, Oak-Quercus robur,  Malus communis, Prunus armeniaca, Prunus serotina, Cedrus deodar,  Ginkgo biloba, Wild Cherry, Sweet Chestnut Cypress  cashmiriana, Aesculus Hippocastanum, Sorbus cashmeriana, Cataegus oxyacantha Linn, Saussurea costus, Viola odorata Linn, Atropa belladona Linn, Urtica dioica Linn, Salix alba Linn, Geranium wallichianum, Amaranthus caudatus Linn, Allium victoralis Linn, Althaea officinalis Linn, Colchicum lutem, Crocus yellow, Iris ensata, Mallow-Malva Sylvestris.

The Hazelnut orchard of around 13000 trees are planted  in Jammu and Kashmir Medicinal Plants Introduction Centre's R&D Centre near Sonamarg in North Kashmir . Initial planting began in 1998 and the trees are now well established and producing quality nuts for the worldwide marketplace. More than 30,000 plants are ready for sale purpose.
For more details: http://jkmpic.blogspot.com
e-mail: jkmpic@gmail.com
Ph: 01933-223705
Mob: 09858986794