Sunday, February 5, 2012

Medicinal seeds india


Announcement
The  Jammu and Kashmir Medicinal Plants Introduction Centre-JKMPIC, is a pioneer institution to start cultivation of important indigenous medicinal plants and introduce many from other parts of the world. A preliminary study on cultivation of medicinal plants in Jammu and Kashmir was from this institution. Subsequently lot of work on cultivation and improvement was done on selected plants by different   scientists and a consolidated account on cultivation and utilization of these plants was published (Sheikh GULZAAR, 2002 & 2007).

Availability of  Seed/Planting material for research purpose only
(The following seeds  and planting material is available for distribution/purchase for Research institutions, universities, associations and NGOs)

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The Jammu and Kashmir Medicinal Plants Introduction Centre-JKMPIC specialises in seeds and plants that are the backbone of organic and permaculture systems. These include a wide range of open-pollinated, heirloom medicinal, fruit, herbal, vegetable seeds, rare edibles, living mulches, green manures and insectary plants for beneficial insects.

SEED QUALITY
We specialise in high quality seed with a guaranteed viability and purity and so we appreciate very much when gardeners let us if know they have an occasional problem with seed germination. This allows us to further improve our growing information and triggers additional germination testing to pinpoint any problems. Germination testing is carried out on a regular basis to check that the viability of seed is being maintained throughout the year.

OPEN POLLINATED SEEDS/Non-hybrid
Our seeds are nearly all open-pollinated and so are able to be grown again from seed you save yourself. Open-pollinated seeds are genetically diverse treasures that have been passed on from generation to generation. When you buy and plant open-pollinated seeds you are helping to protect this valuable resource for the future.

SEED SAVING
Saving open-pollinated (OP) seeds protects our global food heritage.Growing open pollinated seeds and saving some for next year's crop is a practical and economical option for home gardeners.

HEIRLOOM SEEDS
Most of our open-pollinated seeds are also considered heirloom or heritage seed. These are herb, flower and vegetable varieties that were bred and handed down by generations of gardeners and farmers. These varieties have stood the test of time, gardeners have saved them year after year because they were recognised for their superior qualities such as great flavour, good yield or disease resistance.

SEED PACKING
Our seeds are packed in simple plain paper, 90 mm x 145 mm, re-sealable packets with an inner cliplock plastic bag that is also resealable. Our intention is to avoid as much as possible glossy paper and full-colour printing due to its greater environmental impact. The paper packets can be composted. The inner cliplock bag helps greatly to maintain the seed's viability as it resists moisture far better than just a paper packet alone. Each Packet contains 50-100 seeds.

GROWING INFORMATION
Seed packets are printed with detailed growing information to help you with successful seed raising. In addition a free leaflet Successful Seed Raising Guide is provided with each seed purchase.

SEED TREATMENT
Please be aware that much of the seed retailed in South Asia  is chemically treated with fungicides. The JK Medicinal Plants Introduction Centre does not use chemical treatments, our organic solution to weevils is diatomaceous earth, the grey, powdery coating on some of our seeds. Sometimes a hot water seed treatment is worthwhile if you have been having persistent disease problems.

Effective 01/02/2012 / Due to the volatility of shortages in the seed markets, Prices can change on a semi daily bases. Please place your order we will notify you of higher or lower prices on your purchase date.

For more details:-
Sheikh GULZAAR
Head
The JK Medicinal Plants Introduction Centre
POB: 667 GPO Srinagar SGR JK 190001
R&D division : Sonamarag (Kashmir)
Ph: (Resi) 01933-223705
Mob: 09858986794

Monday, October 24, 2011

Kashmir Apple plants for sale

Apple,Walnut, Apricort,Cherry,Hazelnut,Kiwi, Pear, Plum,Alomond,Medicinal plants for sale

The JK Medicinal Plants Introduction Centre Srinagar is responsible for development of hundreds of well known medicinal/fruit/ornamental plants.  JKMPIC one  of  the premier institution  involved in production,  development, introduction, & manufacturing of  Medicinal, Fruit,  Ornamental Plants and seeds. 

Availability of  Seed/Planting material
(The following seeds  and planting material is available for distribution/purchase for growers, institutions, universities, associations and NGOs)

(A)
Aconitum heterophyllum                  
Abies pindrow                                  
Acacia melanoxylon
Atropa  belladona                                                                
Asparagus racemosus                    

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Buxus wallichiana                 

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ABOUT OUR SEEDS
The Jammu and Kashmir Medicinal Plants Introduction Centre-JKMPIC specialises in seeds and plants that are the backbone of organic and permaculture systems. These include a wide range of open-pollinated, heirloom medicinal, fruit, herbal, vegetable seeds, rare edibles, living mulches, green manures and insectary plants for beneficial insects.


SEED QUALITY
We specialise in high quality seed with a guaranteed viability and purity and so we appreciate very much when gardeners let us if know they have an occasional problem with seed germination. This allows us to further improve our growing information and triggers additional germination testing to pinpoint any problems. Germination testing is carried out on a regular basis to check that the viability of seed is being maintained throughout the year.

OPEN POLLINATED SEEDS/Non-hybrid
Our seeds are nearly all open-pollinated and so are able to be grown again from seed you save yourself. Open-pollinated seeds are genetically diverse treasures that have been passed on from generation to generation. When you buy and plant open-pollinated seeds you are helping to protect this valuable resource for the future.

SEED SAVING
Saving open-pollinated (OP) seeds protects our global food heritage.Growing open pollinated seeds and saving some for next year's crop is a practical and economical option for home gardeners.

HEIRLOOM SEEDS
Most of our open-pollinated seeds are also considered heirloom or heritage seed. These are herb, flower and vegetable varieties that were bred and handed down by generations of gardeners and farmers. These varieties have stood the test of time, gardeners have saved them year after year because they were recognised for their superior qualities such as great flavour, good yield or disease resistance.

SEED PACKING
Our seeds are packed in simple plain paper, 90 mm x 145 mm, re-sealable packets with an inner cliplock plastic bag that is also resealable. Our intention is to avoid as much as possible glossy paper and full-colour printing due to its greater environmental impact. The paper packets can be composted. The inner cliplock bag helps greatly to maintain the seed's viability as it resists moisture far better than just a paper packet alone.

GROWING INFORMATION
Seed packets are printed with detailed growing information to help you with successful seed raising. In addition a free leaflet Successful Seed Raising Guide is provided with each seed purchase. Or you can read more

SEED TREATMENT
Please be aware that much of the seed retailed in South Asia  is chemically treated with fungicides. The JK Medicinal Plants Introduction Centre does not use chemical treatments, our organic solution to weevils is diatomaceous earth, the grey, powdery coating on some of our seeds. Sometimes a hot water seed treatment is worthwhile if you have been having persistent disease problems.
For more details:-
Sheikh GULZAAR
Head
The JK Medicinal Plants Introduction Centre
POB: 667 GPO Srinagar SGR JK 190001
R&D division : Sonamarag (Kashmir)
Ph: (Resi) 01933-223705
Mob: 09858986794

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Ginkgo biloba seeds for sale

Ginkgo plants at: http://jkmpic.blogspot.com
The director, Jammu and Kashmir Medicinal Plants Introduction Centre JKMPIC, Sheikh Gulzaar planted Ginkgo biloba saplings in JKMPIC, North Kashmir here yesterday on Monday. While taking to media persons on the occasion, he said Ginkgo biloba  is a heritage tree of the country and as such is a protected plant. Until 2007, Ginkgo biloba plantation day was observed on March 21 “World Arboretum Day”. However, keeping in view the magnificent and majestic look and attachment and concern of the people of the country of Kashmir with this tree, Kashmir government decided to observe March 15 of every year as Ginkgo biloba  Plantation Day, since 2009.

The director said another advantage of pre-poning the date from March 21 to March 15 is that longer period for plantation. During last two years 12373 saplings of Ginkgo biloba  have been provided free of cost to the people for plantation in different areas of the country Jammu Kashmir Medicinal Plants Introduction Centre has established nurseries for propagation of Ginkgo biloba saplings and during current plantation season and 93373 saplings are available for distribution.

Sheikh Gulzaar said that anybody who is interested in plantation of Ginkgo biloba tree can contact the concerned Jammu and Kashmir Medicinal Plants Introduction Centre and obtain Ginkgo biloba  plants.

As per the un-authentic data of 1970, about 42000 Ginkgo biloba trees of different age groups and sizes were existing in thecountry . But with the passage of time, turmoil, development programmes and population explosion,Ginkgo biloba  trees have faced the brunt of greed like the forest and other plants had to face.

Under such circumstances, JKMPIC took the serious initiative for raising the Ginkgo biloba saplings for sustained efforts for annual plantation of saplings.

In order to determine the actual number of existing Ginkgo biloba  trees in the Kashmir , a preliminary census was initiated by the Jammu and Kashmir Medicinal Plants Introduction Centre from 2002 which was completed in 2009.

Ginkgo biloba Plants Sales office at:
Jammu and Kashmir Medicinal Plants Introduction Centre
POB: 667 GPO Srinagar SGR Jammu and Kashmir 190001
Ph: 01933-223705
Mob: 09858986794
e-mail: jkmpic@gmail.com, iirc@rediffmail.com
home: http://jkmpic.blogspot.com

Friday, June 10, 2011

Ashwgandha seeds for sale


Withania somnifera-Ashwagandha
Family : Solanaceae (Nightshade Family, Potato Family)
Common name : Asgandh
Genus : Withania
Cashmerian : Asgandh
Arabic  : Kaknaje Hindi
Bengali  : Ashwagandha
Chinese  : Cui mian shui qie
English  : Winter Cherry, Indian Ginseng
German  : Schlafbeere
Gujarati  : Asan, Asoda, Asgandha, Asundha, Ghodakun
Hindi  : Asgandh, Aksan
Kannada  : Hiremaddinegida, Kiremallinagida, Asvagandhi, Angaberu
Marathi  : Asagandha, Askagandha, Askandha
Persian  : Bari Behman
Punjabi  : Asgandh, Ashwagandha, Aksan
Sanskrit : Ashwagandha
Urdu  : Asgand Nagori
Tamil  :   Amukira 
Telgu  : Vajigandha, Pennerugadda

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), also known as Indian ginseng,  and  as Indian Winter Cherry is an important ancient plant, the roots of which have been employed in Indian traditional systems of medicine, Ayurveda and Unani. It grows in dry parts in sub-tropical regions. Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh are the major Ashwagandha producing states of the country.  It grows wild in the  in Kashmir valley also.

The estimated production of Ashwagandha roots in India is more than 1500 tonnes and the annual requirement is about 7000 tonnes necessitating the increase in its cultivation and higher production.

Ashwagandha, the Indian ginseng or winter cherry has been used as a quiet valuable herb in the Ayurvedic and indigenous medical system for over 3000 years. The roots, leaves and fruits (berry) possess tremendous medicinal value. A famous Ayurvedic rejuvenative botanical used in many tonics and formulas, Ashwagandha is the best rejuvenative that helps maintain proper nourishment of the tissues, particularly muscle and bones, while supporting the proper function of the adrenals and reproductive system.  

Medicinal use of Ashwagandha :
Ashwagandha is one of the most widespread tranquillisers used in India, where it holds a position of importance similar to ginseng in China. It acts mainly on the reproductive and nervous systems, having a rejuvenative effect on the body, and is used to improve vitality and aid recovery after chronic illness. The plant is little known in the West. The whole plant, but especially the leaves and the root bark, are abortifacient, adaptogen, antibiotic, aphrodisiac, deobstruent, diuretic, narcotic, strongly sedative and tonic. Internally, it is used to tone the uterus after a miscarriage and also in treating post-partum difficulties. It is also used to treat nervous exhaustion, debility, insomnia, wasting diseases, failure to thrive in children, impotence, infertility, multiple sclerosis etc. Externally it has been applied as a poultice to boils, swellings and other painful parts. The root is harvested in the autumn and dried for later use. Some caution is advised in the use of this plant since it is toxic. The fruit is diuretic. The seed is diuretic and hypnotic.

Chemical Constituents :
The methanol, hexane and diethyl ether extracts from both leaves and roots of ashwagandha were found. Alkaloid percentage in roots ranges from 0.13 to 0.31%. The roots of Withania somnifera are alterative, aphrodisiac, deobstruent, diuretic, narcotic, sedative and restorative in nature. The pharmacological activity of the root is attributed to the alkaloids and steroidals lactones. The total alkaloid content in the roots of Indian types has been reported to vary between 0.13 and 0.3, though much high yields (up to 4.3 per cent) have been recorded elsewhere. Many bio-chemical heterogeneous alkaloids, including choline, tropanol, pseudotopanol, cuscokygrene, 3- tigioyloxytropana, isopelletierine and several other steroidal lactories. Twelve alkaloids, 35 withanolides and several sitoindosides have been isolated from the roots of the plant have been studied.

A sitoindoside is a biologically active constituent known as withanolide containing a glucose molecule at carbon 27. Indian ginseng’s pharmacological activity has been attributed to two main withanolides, withaferin A and withanolide D.  Withaferin-A is therapeutically active withanolide reported to be present in leaves. In addition to alkaloids, the roots are reported to contain starch, reducing sugars, glycosides, dulcitol, withancil, an acid and a neutral compound. The amino acids reported from the roots include aspartic acid, glycine, tyrosine, alanine, glutamic acid and cysteine.

Ashwagandha as Medicinal Herb  : Ashwagandha is considered to be one of the best rejuvenating agents in Ayurveda. Its roots, seeds and leaves are used in Ayurvedic and Unani medicines. Ashwagandha root drug finds an important place in treatment of rheumatic pain, inflammation of joints, nervous disorders and epilepsy. Dried roots are used as tonic for hiccup, cold, cough, female disorders, as a sedative, in care of senile debility, ulcers, etc. Leaves are applied for carbuncles, inflammation and swellings. Leaf juice is useful in conjunctivitis. Bark decoction is taken for asthma and applied locally to bed sores. Ashwagandha and its extracts are used in preparation of herbal tea, powders, tablets and syrups.

Ashwagandha has anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-stress, antioxidant, mind-boosting, immune-enhancing, and rejuvenating properties. Ashwagandha root has also been noted to have sex-enhancing properties. Ashwagandha is mentioned in the ancient Kama Sutra as an herb to be used for heightening sexual experience. Ashwagandha has the ability to restore sexual health and improve overall vitality while promoting a calm state of mind. A 2002 laboratory study indicates ashwagandha stimulates the growth of axons and dendrites. A 2001 study in rodents showed ashwagandha had memory boosting ability. A 2000 study with rodents showed ashwagandha to have anti-anxiety and anti-depression effects.

The plant has been used as an aphrodisiac, liver tonic, anti-inflammatory agent, and more recently to treat asthma, ulcers, insomnia, and senile dementia. Clinical trials and animal research support the use of ashwagandha for anxiety, cognitive and neurological disorders, inflammation, and Parkinson's disease. Incorporation of ashwagandha in the diet may prevent or decrease the growth of tumors in human.

It helps in providing progressive, long lasting results for various health concerns like aging, anemia and slow growth, arthritis, fatigue, waning memory, sports fitness and stress-disorders. Pharmacological studies and research so far have indicated that Ashwagandha has  anti-tumour, anti-stress, antioxid boosting, haemopoeitic and rejuvenating properties. It is also an exceptional nerve tonic and nourishes the nerves and improves nerve function to maintain calm during stressful conditions. It also nourishes crucial mind and body connection and psychological immune response.

Ashwagandha Side Effects :  Ashwagandha does not have any significant side effects reported in the medical literature. Safety in pregnancy has not been fully established for Ashwagandha.

Ashwagandha Benefits :Ashwagandha benefits all parts of the body and can be used as a tonic or in oral form. Several studies have shown that Ashwagandha is useful in addressing the following health problems:

1) Osteoarthritis:  A study  in 2008 , scientists tested ashwagandha's effects on human cartilage and found that the herb may help protect against inflammation and cartilage damage associated with osteoarthritis.

2) Anxiety : In an animal-based study published in 2000, researchers found that ashwagandha had an anti-anxiety effect similar to that of lorazepam (a medication used to treat anxiety disorders). The herb also appeared to ease depression.

3) Type 2 Diabetes :  Ashwagandha may help normalize high blood sugar and improve insulin sensitivity, according to preliminary, animal-based research published in 2008.

4) Cancer : In a 2003 study, tests on human tumor cell lines revealed that ashwagandha may slow the growth of lung, breast, and colon cancer cells.Published in 2007, another study on human cells shows that ashwagandha may inhibit tumor growth without harming normal cells.

5) Anti-Oxident : Ashwagandha  used as an anti-oxidant, as studies have shown that it can eliminate free radicals from your immune system. Free radicals are the agents that cause the breakdown of your body’s tissue, alternatively known as aging.

6).Provide energy: Studies show that supplementing with ashwagandha can provide the energy needed to get through long workouts while also allowing for maximum recovery and cell re-growth.

7) General tonic: Ashwagandha is a tonic, which increases sperm count and sexual potency. In the rural areas  vegetable made out of this plant is given to tuberculosis patients. It also increases the iron content in the blood. 

Recommended Dosage : 6 to 10 g powder of root.

Contraindication :
Do not use if you are taking anxiety or anti-seizure medication. If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, speak with your doctor before taking Ashwagandha. Do not take Ashwagandha if you have leukemia and are being treated with cyclophosphamide (a “chemo” medicine). Your medicine may be causing these symptoms which may mean you are allergic to it: Feeling cold (decrease in body temperature) or upset stomach.

Description of the plant:
Plant: Evergreen Shrub
Height: 100 cm (3 1/4 foot)
Habitat of the herb : Open places, disturbed areas etc. An undershrub in stony places.

Edible parts of Ashwagandha : The seeds are used to curdle plant milks in order to make vegetarian cheeses.

Other uses of the herb : The fruit is rich in saponins and can be used as a soap substitute. The leaves are an insect repellent.

Propagation of Ashwagandha : Seed - sow early spring in a greenhouse. There is usually a high germination rate within 2 weeks. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots once they are large enough to handle and plant them out after the last expected frost. Consider giving the plants some protection, such as a cloche, until they are established and growing away well.

W. somnifera grows well in sandy loam or light red soil, having pH 7.5-8.0 with good drainage. It can be cultivated between 600-1200 m  altitude. The semi-tropical areas receiving 500-750 mm rainfall are suitable for cultivation of this rained crop. The crop requires dry season during its growing period. Temperature between 200C to 350C is most suitable for cultivation. Late winter rains are conducive for the proper development of the plant roots.

Land Preparation :
Ashwagandha is usually grown in fields which are not well covered by the irrigation systems. The field on which food crops cannot be taken profitably for the above reason may be used for Ashwangandha cultivation. The soil of the field selected for Ashwagandha cultivation is well pulverized by ploughing, disking and/or harrowing. The field may be then levelled by the application pata.

Planting : The crop can be sown either by broad casting or in lines. Live to line method is preferred as it in creases root production and also helps in performing intercultural practices properly. The seeds are usually sown about 1-3 cm deep in June- July in nursery. A light shower after shower after sowing ensures good germination. About 500-750 gm seeds are sufficient for 1 ha. field. Seeds can be treated, with Thiram or Indofil or Dithane medicinal plants - 45 (@ 3 gm/kg seed), before sowing to protect seedlings from seed borne diseases. The seedling after 25-35 days after sowing can be transplanted in the field marinating 60 x 60 cm. Spacing between the plants & the rows. It may be noted that since 'Asagnadh' is a rainy season Kharif crop, the time of sowing is decided by date of arrival of monsoon in that area.
Thinning and Weeding : The seeds sown by broadcasting or in the line in furrows should be thinned out by hand at 25-30 days after sowing to maintain a plant population of about 30-60 plants per square meter (about 3.5 to 6 lakh plants/hectare). The plant density to be used may depend on the nature and fertility of the soil. On the marginal land the population is kept high. If some fertiliser (N:P:K::20:20:0) is applied then the population should preferably be kept at a lower level. One hand weeding at an early stage is sufficient to enable the Ashwagandha plants to take over the growth of weed which get suppressed by its smothering effect.

Manures, Fertilisers and Pesticides : The medicinal plants have to be grown without chemical fertilizers and use of pesticides. Organic manures like, Farm Yard Manure (FYM), Vermi-Compost, Green Manure etc. may be used as per requirement of the species. To prevent diseases, bio-pesticides could be prepared (either single or mixture) from Neem (kernel, seeds & leaves), Chitrakmool, Dhatura, Cow's urine etc.
Irrigation : Light shower after transplantation ensures establishment of seedlings. There is no need of irrigation if rainfall is at regular intervals. Excessive rainfall/water is harmful to the crop. Life saving irrigations may be applied, if required.
Harvesting/Post Harvesting : plants start flowering and bearing fruits from December onwards. The crop is ready for harvest in January- March at 150 to 180 days after sowing. The maturity of crop is judged by drying out of leaves and yellow red berries. The entire plant is uprooted for roots which are separated from aerial parts by cutting the stem 1-2 cm above the crown. The roots are then either cut transversely into small pieces (7 to 10 cm) or dried as it is in the sun. About 650-800 kg roots can be obtained from 1 ha on drying it comes to 350-435 kg. Berries are hand plucked separately. They are dried and crushed to take out the seeds.

The dried roots, entire or transversely cut into smaller pieces, have to be further cleaned, trimmed and graded. The roots are beaten with a club which removes adhering soil and breaks off the thin, brittle lateral rootlets. Lateral branches, root crown and stem remains on roots are carefully trimmed with the help of knife.

Withania somnifera-Ashwagandha seeds : 100 seeds/Pkt
Withania somnifera-Ashwagandha plants are also available at:
Jammu and Kashmir Medicinal Plants Introduction Centre
POB: 667 GPO Srinagar SGR J&K 190001
Ph: 01933-223705
Mob: 09858986794
e-mail: jkmpic@gmail.com, iirc@rediffmail.com
home: http://jkmpic.blogspot.com

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Sage-Salvia officinalis seeds for sale

Sage-Salvia officinalis  
Family        :  Labiatae 
Hindi       :  Salvia, Sefakus
Malayalam  :  Salvi tulasi Cahmerian  :  Green leaf  
Bengali       :  Bui tulasi  
Panjabi       :  Sathi  
Arabic        :  Mayameeah  
Chineese     :  Shu wei cao  
Czech         :  Salvej  
Dutch         :  Salie  
French       :  Sauge  
German      : Salbei  
Italian         : Salvia  
Spanish       :Salvia


Sage is a native of Mediterranean area. It grows wild in the Dalmatian region of Yugoslavia. It is cultivated in Kashmir, Yugoslavia, Italy, Albania, Pakistan, Iran, Turkey, Portugal, Spain, Cyprus, England, Canada and USA.

Chemical constituents :  Volatile oil, resin, tannin and a bitter principle. The oil is composed of camphore, salvene, cineol and pinene. The fresh leaves provide appreciable amounts of vitamin A and C.

Medicinal use of Sage :
Sage has a very long history of effective medicinal use and is an important domestic herbal remedy for disorders of the digestive system. Its antiseptic qualities make it an effective gargle for the mouth where it can heal sore throats, ulcers etc. The leaves applied to an aching tooth will often relieve the pain. The whole herb is antihydrotic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent, carminative, cholagogue, galactofuge, stimulant, tonic and vasodilator. Sage is also used internally in the treatment of excessive lactation, night sweats, excessive salivation (as in Parkinson's disease), profuse perspiration (as in TB), anxiety, depression, female sterility and menopausal problems. Many herbalists believe that the purple-leafed forms of this species are more potent medicinally. This remedy should not be prescribed to pregnant women or to people who have epileptic fits. The plant is toxic in excess or when taken for extended periods - though the toxic dose is very large. Externally, it is used to treat insect bites, skin, throat, mouth and gum infections and vaginal discharge. The leaves are best harvested before the plant comes into flower and are dried for later use. The essential oil from the plant is used in small doses to remove heavy collections of mucous from the respiratory organs and mixed in embrocations for treating rheumatism. In larger doses, however, it can cause epileptic fits, giddiness etc. The essential oil is used in aromatherapy. Its keyword is "Tonic".

Other uses : Sage is one of the most popular expensive herbs in culinary preparations in the west. It helps counteract the harmful richness of foods like pork, goose, duck and oily fish. It also combines well with dairy foods, bean and pea soups. Dried and powdered leaves are mixed with cooked vegetables and sprinkled on cheese dishes. fresh  sage leaves are used in salads and sandwiches.

Description of the plant:
Plant : Evergreen Shrub
Height : 60-120 cm (2/4 feet)
Flovering : June to August
Scent : Scented Shrub

Habitat of the herb : Dry banks and stony places, usually in limestone areas and often where there is very little soil.

Edible parts of Sage : Leaves and flowers - raw or cooked. A very common herb, the strongly aromatic leaves are used as a flavouring in cooked foods. They are an aid to digestion and so are often used with heavy, oily foods. They impart a sausage-like flavour to savoury dishes. The young leaves and flowers can be eaten raw, boiled, pickled or used in sandwiches. The flowers can also be sprinkled on salads to add colour and fragrance. A herb tea is made from the fresh or dried leaves, it is said to improve the digestion. An essential oil obtained from the plant is used commercially to flavour ice cream, sweets, baked goods etc.

Other uses of the herb : The leaves make excellent tooth cleaners, simply rub the top side of the leaf over the teeth and gums. The purple-leafed form of sage has tougher leaves and is better for cleaning the teeth. The leaves have antiseptic properties and can heal diseased gums. An essential oil from the leaves is used in perfumery, hair shampoos (it is good for dark hair) and as a food flavouring. It is a very effective "fixer" in perfumes, and is also used to flavour toothpastes and is added to bio-activating cosmetics. The plant (the flowers?) is an alternative ingredient of "QR" herbal compost activator. This is a dried and powdered mixture of several herbs that can be added to a compost heap in order to speed up bacterial activity and thus shorten the time needed to make the compost. The growing or dried plant is said to repel insects, it is especially useful when grown amongst cabbages and carrots. It was formerly used as a strewing herb and has been burnt in rooms to fumigate them. A good dense ground cover plant for sunny positions, though it needs weeding for the first year or two. They are best spaced about 60cm apart each way.

Propagation of Sage : Seed - sow March/April or September in a greenhouse. Germination usually takes place within 2 weeks. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out in early summer. In areas where the plant is towards the limits of its hardiness, it is best to grow the plants on in a greenhouse for their first winter and plant them out in late spring of the following year.

Sage-Salvia officinalis seeds are available
No: of seeds : 100/packet
Available : January to December
Price: INR: 550/-US$12

More details:
Jammu and Kashmir Medicinal Plants Introduction Centre
POB: 667 GPO Srinagar SGR JK 190001
(Via New Delhi-India)

Ph: 01933-223705, 09858986794
e-mail: jkmpic@gmail.com, jkmpic@yahoo.in
home: http://jkmpic.blogspot.com