Pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L. Millsp.)

 

Pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L. Millsp.) is a grain legume crop that is crucial for food and nutrition security in the subtropicalregions of Asia and Africa

Pigeonpea is one of India's most important pulse crops and a major source of dietary protein. It plays a vital role in ensuring the country's food and nutritional security.

Pigeonpea is an important source of proteins, carbohydrates, B-group vitamins, and certain minerals. India contributes over 90% of the pigeonpea production in the world where it is mostly consumed as dehusked splits or dhal. In African countries and Latin America, it is mainly consumed as canned peas.

Pigeon pea is one of the most multipurpose grain legumes in the tropical and subtropical world. It is highly resilient to climate change due to drought tolerance. It ranks sixth following common beans, chickpeas, field peas, cowpeas, and lentils globally. 

Pigeon pea is an excellent source of high-quality protein, essential amino acids, and minerals. 

Furthermore, pigeon pea is endowed with valuable water-soluble vitamins such as thiamin, ascorbic acid, riboflavin, and niacin. 

With low levels of saturated fat and sodium and being cholesterol free, pigeon peas emerge as a nutritious dietary choice. 

Pigeon peas are rich sources of bioactive compounds with various potential health properties, including anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, and antidiabetic effects.

 Pigeon peas can be consumed in diverse forms, including whole seeds, split seeds (known as dhal), vegetables using green seeds, and fresh pods.

Legumes like pigeon peas in diets offers all essential amino acids, vitamin B, vitamin C (ascorbic acid), carotenoids, magnesium, and iron.

Apart from this high nutritional value, pigeon pea is used as a traditional medicine in India, China, the Philippines, and some other nations.. It is used for curing measles, smallpox, chicken pox, sickle cell anemia, fever, dysentery, hepatitis, and malaria . \

Pigeon pea has a good number of health-promoting bioactive compounds, like phenolic compounds, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, and phytic acid. These compounds have countless useful properties like anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, and antidiabetic effects

Pigeon pea holds promise as a significant source of water-soluble vitamins such as thiamin, ascorbic acid, riboflavin, and niacin

Notably, it is abundant in vitamin A and contains higher levels of vitamin C compared to ordinary peas and beans 

Additionally, they collaborate with enzymes involved in metabolic pathways, facilitating the production of essential nutrients such as energy, carbohydrates, proteins, and fats

vitamins contribute to the maintenance of nervous system functions

Pigeon pea serves as a notable source of essential minerals including potassium, magnesium, sulfur, calcium, iron, and phosphorus 

Additionally, pigeon peas contain zinc, which is essential for maintaining the body's immune system 

Calcium, another vital mineral present in pigeon peas, enhances bone strength, supports dental health, aids muscle function, regulates blood clotting, facilitates nerve transmission and promotes the activity of digestive enzymes

Bioactive compounds, which are usually found in small quantities compared to macronutrients, play a crucial role in various food items

 In pigeon pea, the main bioactive compounds identified so far are broadly classified into the flavonoids, phenolics, and stilbenes groups 

The high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis of ethanol leaves extract revealed seven flavonoids including pinostrobin, orientin, naringenin, apigenin, apigenin-6,8-di-C-α-L-arabinopyranoside and pinostrobin chalcone, and two stilbenes, namely, pinostrobin, orientin, naringenin, apigenin, and pinostrobin chalcone 

The proximate compositions such

as moisture, protein, fat, carbohydrate, ash and dietary fiber

of pigeon pea is shown in Table 1 (Oke 2014., Eltayeb et al.

2010., Olalekan and Bosede 2010., Adamu and Oyetunde

2013., Kunyanga et al. 2013). The pigeon pea seed is made

up of 85% cotyledon, 14% seed coat, and about 1% embryo.

It is a rich source of protein, carbohydrates, minerals and

vitamins. It’s protein content ranges between 20-22% CHO

between 51.4 – 58.8%, Crude fibre between 1.2 – 8.1% and

lipid between 0.6 – 3.8% (Faris 1990).

Carbohydrates: The starch and non-

The proximate compositions such

as moisture, protein, fat, carbohydrate, ash and dietary fiber

of pigeon pea is shown in Table 1 (Oke 2014., Eltayeb et al.

2010., Olalekan and Bosede 2010., Adamu and Oyetunde

2013., Kunyanga et al. 2013). The pigeon pea seed is made

up of 85% cotyledon, 14% seed coat, and about 1% embryo.

It is a rich source of protein, carbohydrates, minerals and

vitamins. It’s protein content ranges between 20-22% CHO

between 51.4 – 58.8%, Crude fibre between 1.2 – 8.1% and

lipid between 0.6 – 3.8% (Faris 1990).

Carbohydrates: The starch and non-

Bay Leaf / Teejpatta (Laurus nobilis))

 

Bay leaf has a sharp and bitter taste.

 The difference in fragrance and aroma is due to the presence of essential oils in leaves and other parts of the plant.

 It has flavonoids, tannins, eugenol, citric acid, carbohydrate, steroids, alkaloids, triterpenoids, and essential oils. 

Antioxidant properties were discovered in the extract of bay leaf to have phenolic compounds. Each of these chemical constituents varies depending on the type of species.

In Urdu, it is known as teejh pat.In India, specifically in Hindi, it is called teejpatta.

Bay leaf  also known as a good and main source of vitamin A and many minerals. 

One ounce of bay leaf gives :-

1)54 calories, 

2)1–1.2 g protein, 

3)12–13 g carbohydrates, 

4)a trace of fat, 

5)1–1.5 mg of iron (Fe), 

6)51–53 mg of calcium (Ca),

7) 2000–3000 IU of vitamin A, 

8)14–15 mg of vitamin C, and

9) a small amount of potassium. 

 In bay leaf, compounds like eugenol (11%–12%), methyl eugenol (9%–12%), and elemicin (1%–12%) are significant for the spicy aroma of bay leaves, and for determining effective quality of bay leaf, these are used as significant influencers 

1)Poultice of bay leaves is used for the treatment of rheumatism and neuralgia

2)Traditionally, it has been used for the treatment of gastrointestinal problems such as impaired digestion, flatulence, eructation, and epigastric bloating and used as diuretic and has many analgesic effects

3)Traditionally, it has been used as herbal medicine against number of diseases such as rheumatism, sprains, indigestion, earaches, and to enhance perspiration

Lavender Oil and honey collected by bees from Lavender flowers

 

Lavender oil, obtained from the flowers of Lavandula angustifolia (Family: Lamiaceae) by steam distillation, is chiefly composed of linalyl acetate (3,7-dimethyl-1,6-octadien-3yl acetate), linalool (3,7-dimethylocta-1,6-dien-3-ol), lavandulol, 1,8-cineole, lavandulyl acetate, and camphor. Whole lavender oil and its major components linalool and linalyl acetate are used in aromatherapy. The major components of lavender oil were identified as 51% linalyl acetate and 35% linalool measured by gas chromatography and gas chromatography-linked Fourier Transform Infrared analysis.

Lavender oil is used for aromatherapy . 

Lavender has been suggested as an excellent natural remedy to treat insomnia and improve the sleep quality

Lavender honey contains tyrosine, a precursor to dopamine and norepinephrine, which promotes relaxation and mood balance. Regular intake before bed can ease anxiety and support deeper sleep cycles without drowsy side effects.

Lavender Tea:
Lavender tea can be made at home by following these easy steps:-
Tips for making Lavender tea at home.
1. Boil 200-250ml water in a teapot.
2. Add a few lavender flowers to it.
3. Let the flowers steep in the water for about 5 minutes. You can steep them longer (as per your requirement).
4. Remove the flowers from the tea by filtering or straining the liquid into a cup.
5. You can enjoy lavender tea once or twice a day to get rid of the symptoms of menstrual pain.

Note: It is advisable to avoid the excessive consumption of Lavender tea as it might cause certain side effects like nausea and vomiting

Crowfoot Grass :

 

Crowfoot Grass : 

Crowfoot grass scientific name is Dactyloctenium aegyptium. Is a densely bunched grass belonging to the Poaceae family. It is a nutritional-rich grain, used traditionally as a famine food in Africa and given to women suffering from bellyache after childbirth.

The whole plant of crowfoot may treat gastrointestinal disorders, kidney diseases, ulcers, backache, and smallpox. It also has potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and antimicrobial activity

The leaves of this grass are crushed and chewed raw or paste in water is applied topically . In some African tribes, seed extraction and decoctions are used orally after childbirth to relieve bellyache. Crowfoot can be used as a detoxifier and anti-allergic. It also treats jaundice, immune deficiency, wounds, fever, and biliary and urinary disease

Desmodium gangeticum (Shalparni)

   

 Shalparni is bitter as well as sweet in taste. 

Shalaparni (Desmodium gangeticum DC.) is mentioned in Ayurveda belongs to Fabaceae family and is one of the most frequently used herb in Ayurveda. 

 Root system of Shalaparni consists of poorly developed tap root. T.S. of mature root shows cork, 3-7 layers of thin-walled, tangentially elongated cells, having a few prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate; cork cambium single layered. Phytochemical screening showed the presence of carbohydrate, protein, saponin, alkaloid, glycosoid and reducing sugar. 

Moisture content in root of Shalaparni was found to be 6.17%. Total Ash value was 5.16% and Acid insoluble value was 0.8%. Extractive value was 2.00% and 6.04% of alcoholic and aqueous extract respectively.

The root of this plant is one of the constituents of the famous Ayurvedic preparation called Dasmoola (Dasmoolarista is a tonic ) 

Shalparnia helps to manage fever due to its antipyretic property. 

It is also useful for respiratory problems like bronchitis as it helps to relax the respiratory passages and decreases inflammation due to its bronchodilator and anti-inflammatory properties. This allows free flow of air to respiratory passages and eases breathing.

According to Ayurveda, Shalparni is beneficial for male sexual health as it helps to manage problems like premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction due to its Vrishya (aphrodisiac) property.

Taking Shalparni powder along with water regularly helps in improving male sexual health.

Shalparni helps to manage piles by reducing inflammation at the anal site due to its astringent and anti-inflammatory properties.

 Taking Shalparni powder along with water manages piles due to its Pitta balancing and Shothhar (anti-inflammatory) properties.

Shalparni is also beneficial in wound healing as it prevents infections and reduces inflammation due to its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. 

Applying Shalparni leaf paste on the scalp reduces dandruff as well as hairfall due to its antifungal properties. 

As per Ayurveda, applying Shalparni leaf powder along with rose water on the forehead is a remedy for managing headache.

Chimpanzees in Nigeria have also been known to swallow leaves of the plant Desmodium gangeticum (called ‘shalaparni’ in India) to get rid of parasites that bother the animal’s skin

Shalaparni, through its active compound Gangetin, demonstrated potential as a dual-acting therapeutic agent for RA and depression by targeting shared inflammatory pathways. .

Medicinal Plants :

 

Medicinal Plants:- 

 Mulethi, 

Shatavari 

Kalihari, 

Shwet Musali, 

Guggulu, 

Manjishtha, 

Kutki, '

Atees, 

Jatamansi, 

Ashwagandha, 

Brahmi, 

Tulsi, 

Vidarikand,

 Pippali, 

Chirata, 

Pushkarmool

Pandanus / Kevda / Screw tree

 

Kevda plant well known for the fragrant kewra essence, used in sweets, traditional medicine and also in temples has survived in the Indian subcontinent for at least 24 million years and is a living survivor from India's ancient tropical forests.

Pandanus is mainly restricted to tropical and subtropical regions. However, fossil evidence from Europe and North America, dating back 85–66 million years, indicates that its ancestors once had a much wider distribution across the Northern Hemisphere. As global climates cooled after about 34 million years ago, these plants gradually disappeared from many regions and became restricted to the tropics.

Kevda or Ketaki is used to make perfumes and its flowers are famous in India for its fragrance. It was considered to be one of the finest scents India offered by the Moghul emperors.

A perfumed oil and fragrant attar are both extracted from the flower and used as medicines as well as scents. Its oil is used to treat headaches, earaches and rheumatic pains.

Kewra water is an extract that is distilled from pandanus flowers. It is a transparent liquid, almost similar to rose water. Although pandanus trees grow almost everywhere in tropical Asia, kewra water is still mainly a Northern Indian flavouring that is not used anywhere else. 

In Western cooking, kewra water makes a fine alternative to the flower essences like rose or orange essence. It can be substituted with kewra essence, which is more concentrated.