Asia Herbs

Pegaga Aquatic

Scientific name : Centella asiatica (L.)
Urban.
Common name : Asiatic Pennywort, Gotu
Kola
Local name : Pegaga

Family : Umbelliferae

Pegaga Nyonya

Centella asiatica, also known as gotu kola, is an annual herb native to India, Australia and Asia.  The leaves and stems of the gotu kola plant are used as medicine. Its leaves are eaten as a vegetable and it is also an important herb in the traditional medicine systems of those places. Research has revealed support for several of Centella asiatica's purported health benefits. 

There are 3 types of pegaga: 
1.   Pennywort Centella asiatica, 
2.   Merremia emarginata 
3.   Hydrocotyle spp. 

Pegaga Village

Asian species known to be able to cure various types of diseases. Some cultivars are popular in this country is pennywort Mistress, pennywort village and pennywort Salad.

In Malaysia, pennywort is very popular among the country's three main races, namely Malays, Chinese and Indians. For the Malays, he's eaten fresh as a salad, the Chinese used as a beverage cooler body, while the Indians, used as a tonic brainpower. In pennywort Madagascar in dry, milled and used to treat leprosy, asthma, Syphilis, bronchitis and skin lesions. Currently pennywort widely used as ingredients in the preparation of drugs and cosmetics in the European countries, the USA and Japan.

Scientists are able to determine chemical composition of Centella asiatica or gotukola contains various alkaloids, triterpenes, sterols, tannins, and glycosides. Recently three new compounds centellin, asiaticin, and centellicin were isolated from this herb. Consult your doctor for guidance in the safe and appropriate use of Centella asiatica.

Small-sized leaves usually hug the ground and have a short petiole stem; however, large leaves can have a petiole up to 20cm long. When plants are grown in the shade, they tend to have large leaves and very long petioles. This petiole stem can have a pink/purple tinge. Pink flowers 5mm across, usually set 2 to 4, side by side, as an umbel, developing from the stem nodes. Flowers are so small (and often hidden underneath leaves) that, generally, the flower is not noticed at all. It is only under a microscope that the flower’s beauty is seen. Although gotu kola belongs to the umbel family of plants, now classified as Apiaceae, there is very little resemblance to other umbel plants: like parsley, dill, fennel and coriander. Seeds, of gotu kola, form in flat, oval capsules, usually containing two tiny, brown, kidneyshaped seeds.

Gotu kola (Centella asiatica) has been used to treat many conditions for thousands of years in India, China, and Indonesia. It was used to heal wounds, improve mental clarity, and treat skin conditions such as leprosy and psoriasis.

Some people use it to treat respiratory infections such as colds, and in the past it was used for that in China. It has been called "the fountain of life" because legend has it that an ancient Chinese herbalist lived for more than 200 years as a result of taking gotu kola.

Pegaga (Centella asiatica Linn.) is widely consumed as herb in different parts of the world. Pegaga is generally used in health food and cosmetic products. In Malaysia, it is commonly consumed as vegetable or ‘ulam’ amongst the Malays and as a cooling drink by the Chinese. The interest on herbal beverages such as pegaga drink is because of its pharmacological activity. The pharmacological activity is attributed to its phytochemical constituents such as asiaticoside and antioxidant property. Currently, several pegaga based herbal products have been developed and marketed by Small and Medium Industries (SMI). They are marketed as herbal drink, cosmetic products and herbal preparation in the form of capsule, tablet and powdered products. Pegaga have also been developed into herbal confectionary.

Throughout history, gotu kola has been used for a wide range of health problems, which have included:

Venous insufficiency and varicose veins
When blood vessels lose their elasticity, blood pools in the legs and fluid leaks out of the blood vessels. That causes the legs to swell (venous insufficiency). Several small studies suggest gotu kola may help reduce swelling and improve blood flow. In a study of 94 people with venous insufficiency, those who took gotu kola saw their symptoms improve compared to those who took placebo. In another study of people with varicose veins, ultrasound tests showed that people who took gotu kola has less leakage of fluid.

One study also found that people who took gotu kola before flying had less ankle and leg swelling than those who didn't take it.

Wound healing and skin lesions
Gotu kola has chemicals called triterpenoids. In animal and lab studies, these compounds seem to help heal wounds. For example, some studies suggest that triterpenoids strengthen the skin, boost antioxidants in wounds, and increase blood supply to the area. Based on these findings, gotu kola has been applied to the skin, or used topically, for minor burns, psoriasis, preventing scars after surgery, and preventing or reducing stretch marks.
You can find gotu kola in many creams for wound healing. Ask your health care provider if one is right for you.

Anxiety
These same chemicals -- triterpenoids -- seem to decrease anxiety and increase mental function in mice. One human study found that people who took gotu kola were less likely to be startled by a new noise than those who took placebo. Since the "startle noise" response can be a way to tell if someone is anxious, researchers think that gotu kola might help reduce anxiety symptoms. But the dose used in this study was very high, so it's impossible to say how gotu kola might be used to treat anxiety.

Scleroderma
A single study of 13 women with scleroderma found that gotu kola decreased joint pain and skin hardening, and improved finger movement.

Insomnia
Gotu kola acts as a sedative when given to animals in tests. Because of that, it is sometimes suggested to help people with insomnia. But no human studies have been done to see whether it works and whether it's safe.

Gotu kola’s constituents have a strong blood purifying action, and help to lower serum cholesterol levels; this could be mainly due to the action of Beta-sitosterol. The plant saponins help the function of the immune system, by assisting in breaking down the walls of diseased cells, making microbes easier to kill. It seems likely, that it is this same action that has been seen in research, which works to kill the leprosy bacteria by dissolving the waxy, protective substance around the bacteria.

Rheumatoid arthritis, an auto-immune disease, is inflammation affecting the synovial membranes. Cartilage and tissue, surrounding the lubricating fluid in the joints, can be destroyed. The body replaces this damaged tissue with scar tissue, causing the spaces between the joints to become narrow, to develop folds and to fuse together. There is stiffness, swelling, anemia, weight loss, and often crippling pain, with loss of mobility to carry out normal activity, which means the quality of life becomes greatly reduced. Gout can be classed as another form of arthritis, which attacks the smaller joints of the feet and hands, depositing crystallised uric acid salts in the joints causing swelling, redness, a sensation of heat and extreme pain. People, who wished to be free of these painful, debilitating diseases, have taken the herb. After a period of weeks to months, they usually experience a lessening of pain and disability: some report a complete cure.

Uses in traditional medicine

To treat dizziness, boil the leaves with green beans then leave it overnight in the open. Eat the leaves and beans with some sugar the next morning. When the leaves are boiled with onions and drunk, it is effective for treating rheumatism, water boiled with the roots is taken as tonic.

To treat typhoid, pound the leaves finely and apply to the forehead. Water in which the roots have been soaked is used for bathing by mothers after childbirth. The roots when boiled are sometimes used by Malays as a decoction or douche to treat vaginitis and vaginal thrush.

Ayurvedic medicine recommends pegaga for treating asthma, anaemia and other blood disorders, to reduce inflammation and fever. It consider the herb a “balancing” tonic, that increases energy while it relaxes the body, it is held to be effective in combating insomnia and making one calm for yoga and meditation.

According to scientific study, it is also said to improve intelligence and memory retention. The study reveal that tablets made from this plant when taken orally over 12 weeks by mentally retarded children, produced significant capabilities in them Madasiatic acid and brahmic acid have been isolated from the plant.

Daun Dewa called Gynura segetum (Lour) Merr or Gynura pseudochina (L) DC. belonging to the plant family Compositae or Asteraceae. This plant is known by local names beluntas china, Daun Dewa or samsit.

Classification

Division: Spermatophyta

Sub Division: Angiospermae

Class: Dicotyledoneae

Nation: Asterales

Ethnicity: Asteraceae (Compositae)

Marga: Gynura

Type: Gynura pseudochina (Lour.) DC

This plants said to have originated from Burma and China are classified in herb plants, with a height of 30 - 45, growing up straight, short trunk and soft, pentagon-shaped, oval cross-section, smooth-haired and purple-green. Young stems green, if a bit old branched lot.

This single-leaved plants, scattered around the stem, short-stemmed, rounded shape ovate to elongate, pointed tip, edges uneven, tapered base, pinnate leaves bones. Leaves mostly clustered at the bottom, somewhat rare in the tip of the stem, position the criss-cross. Both leaf surfaces smooth haired, white color. The color of the leaf surface dark green, light green bottom. Leaves about 20 cm long and 10 cm wide.

Compound interest is growing at the end of the stem, hump-shaped yellow (flower heads), hairy, calyx cup-shaped green, needle-shaped stamens. Seed, needle-shaped, about 0.5 cm long, brown. The roots of this plant is the root fibers, flaxen forming tubers as a food reserve.

Daun dewa for practitioners of herbal medicine.This plant can be used in circumstances or in fresh and dried. Apart from leaves, tubers of this plant can also be used as a drug. Twin advantages of this plant is not only used as a drug, can also be as a vegetable in the form of vegetables.

Chemical nature:

The content of the known chemicals, including: flavonoids, phenolic acid, chlorogenic acid, kafeat acid, p-kumarat acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid and vanillic acid. Gynecology and the benefits of flavonoids compounds, saponins, and essential oils is indicated to reduce blood cholesterol. Essential oils in plants is thought to stimulate blood circulation, is also analgesic and anti-inflammatory. Essential oils and flavonoids also act as antiseptic. Other compounds contained in the daun dewa are alkaloids, tannins and polyphenols.

Pharmacological EFFECTS:

This plant is: anti-coagulant (blood clot melt), stimulate circulation, stop bleeding, remove heat, cleanse toxins, anti-carcinogen and anti mutagenitas, diuretic. In the pharmacology of Chinese called this plant has a distinctive flavor and properties of neutral. Based on the results of empirical research and experience it is known that this plant is an anticoagulant, antikarsinogen, antimutagenitas, blood circulation, stop bleeding, blood thinners and diuretics (urine laxative). It is also known that all parts of this plant can be used to treat breast tumors and burns.

PLANT PART USED:

This pharmacological effect is obtained from the use of whole plants.

Leaves, is useful for: injuries hit, circulation, stop bleeding (coughing up blood, vomiting blood, nosebleeds), breast swelling, throat infection, did not come menstruation, and bitten by venomous animals.

Bulbs, useful for: remove a blood clot (haematom), swelling, bone's fracture, bleeding.

Propagation daun dewa and the plant is easily done, to grow with adequate fertilizer and regular watering.

Planting Daun Dewas can be done as follows:

a. Root crops can be planted immediately, within a few days, on the bulb will grow saplings.

c. If the plant is old, from the plant stalks arise chicks. If the height reached 15 cm, cut and replanted.

Fertilization should use organic fertilizers, such as manure or compost.  Fertilizers are given 3-7 days before planting soil by stirring in the planting hole. Watering plays an important role on the performance of the leaf. Therefore, it should be done routinely every day. Weeding or eradication of weeds and grow pests (weeds) should be done routinely.

Here are some diseases that can be cured by the Daun dewa:

1. Swelling of acne (acne vulgaris)  

Pulverized daun dewa to taste, then put on the pimple, then cover with a cloth or plaster.

 2. Coughing and vomiting of blood, bleeding and swollen breasts.

Prepare 15 grams of leaves of daun dewa plant which have been washed, boiled in 3 cups water until the remaining half. Drinking after a cold, half a cup three times a day.

3. Prevent strokes and heart attacks

Take 10 grams of fresh leaves of the fresh daun dewa, washed, finely crushed, then add half a glass of water. Filter pulp, and drink every afternoon. Or it could be eaten raw 1 a day.

4. Bitten by venomous animals

Take 10 grams of tubers daun dewa, finely crushed. Put on the body part bitten beasts, then wrapped with a cloth or plaster.

5. Diabetes

Take 5 leaves of fresh daun dewa plant, brewed with 110 cc of water. Drink once a day as much as 100 cc.

6. Rheumatism

Take 30 grams of fresh daun dewa, wash and then boiled. Mash and squeeze with a little water. Drinking every day. Alternatively, provide 30 grams of fresh leaves of deciduous plants god, red ginger 10 grams, and 30 grams of mustard roots sky. Put it in 600 cc of water, and boil until the remaining 300 cc of water. Filter with a clean cloth, drink.

Or wash and 10 grams of fresh leaves of daun dewa, peeled and ate them raw 1 a day. Another way mashed tubers 10 grams, add ½ cup of boiled water, strain and squeeze, Drinking juice every afternoon.

7. Burns and slash

Mashed tubers of daun dewa, add a little brown sugar to the dough like a salve. Apply to the burn or cut wounds, and dressing.

8. Seizures in children

Take 30 grams of whole plant parts of daun dewa, wash. Mash and squeeze any excess water. Add 1 shot of warm wine, stir, and drink well 1 time a day.

9. Bruises and colds

Grandson net 10 gram tuber of daun dewa then mash until smooth, add 1 shot of yellow wine and heat for 1 minute. Drink at once one time a day.

 10. Warts and Wounds Cantengan

Rinse  five leaves of daun dewa and mash until smooth. Apply on the wound and dressing. Replace medicine and bandaged - 2 times a day.

11. Late period

Rinse all parts of the plant 25 grams of fresh leaves of the daun dewa, mashed, and then squeeze the water. Add 1 shot of warm wine, stir, and drink well 1 time a day.

12. Prevention and treatment of tumors and cancer

Rinse 3-4 leaves of daun dewa, wash thoroughly, then eat them raw as fresh vegetables.

There has a lot of the benefits we can get from the leaves of daun dewa.

Nutmeg is actually the seed of a tropical fruit thought to have originated in New Guinea (the same fruit that gives us mace, actually!). The seeds are light brown on the outside, oblong-shaped, and about an inch long. Inside, there are densely packed layers of starchy tissue and fragrant oil.

The spice tree is a large evergreen plant that thrives well under tropical climates. A fully-grown tree reaches about 50-60 feet in height and is the source of nutmeg and mace, two valuable spices. The nutmeg fruit, in fact, is a drupe, about the size of an apricot, which when ripen splits up to reveal single centrally situated oval shaped hard kernel known as "nutmeg spice." The seed is closely enveloped by crimson-red colored lacy or thread like arils known as "mace." Both spices have a similar warm, sweet aromatic flavor.

Nutmeg tree yields up to three times in a season. Once harvested from the tree, the outer coat or husk is removed and discarded. Just underneath the tough husk is the golden-brown color aril, known as "mace," enveloping nutmeg kernel. Mace is gently peeled off from the kernel surface, flattened into strips, dried, and sold either as whole or finely ground. The nutmeg kernels are then dried under sun for several days to weeks. At larger commercial set-ups, this process is done rather more rapidly over a hot drier machine until the whole nutmeg rattles inside the shell.

The shell is then broken and shriveled nutmeg kernel is taken out. Finally, nuts are dipped in limewater in order to prevent insect infestation and seed germination.

Health benefits of nutmeg

In fact, since ancient times, nutmeg has been used as a remedy for various ailments or to improve health in general. Here are some of the health benefits that nutmeg provides.

1. Brain Tonic

During ancient times, Roman and Greek civilizations used nutmeg as a type of brain tonic. This is because nutmeg can effectively stimulate your brain. As a result, it can help eliminate fatigue and stress. If you are suffering from anxiety or depression, nutmeg may also be a good remedy. Nutmeg can also improve your concentration so you can become more efficient and focused at work or at school.

2. Pain Relief

Nutmeg is also an effective sedative. In fact, nutmeg is a staple in ancient Chinese medicine. The Chinese used the spice to treat inflammation and abdominal pain. Use nutmeg if you are suffering from aching joints, muscle pain, arthritis, sores and other ailments. To relieve the pain, apply nutmeg oil to the affected areas.

3. Indigestion Relief

If you suffer from digestion-related problems like diarrhea, constipation, bloating, flatulence and so on, nutmeg can effectively offer you relief. Nutmeg oil relieves stomachaches by removing the excess gas from your intestines. Nutmeg can also boost your appetite.

4. Bad Breath Treatment

Because of its antibacterial properties, nutmeg can also effectively treat halitosis or bad breath. As you probably know, bad breath is usually caused by a build-up of bacteria in your mouth. Nutmeg can rid your mouth of these bacteria. This is the reason why nutmeg is a common ingredient in many brands of toothpastes. Nutmeg can also be used to treat gum problems and toothaches.

5. Liver and Kidney Detox

Detoxification is an important factor of good health. Diet, pollution, stress, tobacco, medication and other external substances can lead to the build-up of toxins in your organs. The liver and kidney are two of the organs where this toxic build-up usually develops. As a tonic, nutmeg can clean your liver and kidney and remove these toxins. If you are suffering from a liver disease then nutmeg can also be beneficial. Nutmeg is also effective in preventing and dissolving kidney stones. When your liver and kidney are successfully detoxified, they can perform their function better.

6. Skin Care

If skin care is one of your priorities then you might want to incorporate nutmeg into your regimen. Nutmeg can actually help you achieve smoother and healthier skin by helping you treat several skin problems. A scrub made from nutmeg powder and orange lentil powder can help you remove blackheads, a type of acne characterized by pores clogged with excess oil and dead skin cells. If you suffer from acne marks, nutmeg can also help make your scars less noticeable. What you need to do is mix some nutmeg powder with some honey to make a paste, which you will then apply to the acne marks.

7. Sleep Aid

If you have difficulty sleeping at night, drink a cup of milk with some nutmeg powder. This will help you achieve relaxation and will induce sleep.

Although nutmeg is said to counteract stomach distress from gas, do not try any home remedies without first consulting your physician. Nutmeg is also an astringent and stimulant, as well as a purported aphrodisiac.

Matricaria chamomilla, commonly known as chamomile, German chamomile, Hungarian chamomile, wild chamomile or scented mayweed, is an annual plant of the composite family Asteraceae.

Many have noted that Chamomile has a distinctly apple like taste and aroma and in fact the word Chamomile as we have come to know it comes from the ancient Greek word Kamai-melon or ground apple. In Spanish the name for Chamomile is pronounced Manzanilla or "little apple."

Chamomile is used in many traditional remedies today included but not limited to a cure for the common cold, inflammation of the skin, bronchitis, fever and the liver. It is also an appetite stimulator and is also good for gallbladder complaints. One herbal medicine guide has even claimed that you won't have nightmares if you drink chamomile tea before bed.

Chamomile was called the "Plant's Physician in the past because they claimed that it was such a good companion plant. It's been said that if you plant chamomile near a sickly or drooping plant that 9 out of ten times the plant will recover.

Chamomile Tea is one of the most popular herbs in the world and is available in many different forms. The most prominent way in which this herb is relished is as a tisane, or herbal tea, its non-caffeinated herbal concoction made by pouring hot water over the leaves, stems, and roots of plants. You can make your own chamomile tea with other plants like lavender or tulsi to vary the flavor, or drink it alone.

Chamomile has many health benefits, especially for digestion. Chamomile can be used to treat abdominal pain, inflammation of the intestine, and as a sleeping pill (sedative). Moreover, it can be used to make herbal tea, by adding 2 tablespoons of dried chamomile flowers per cup of tea. To cope with abdominal pain (inflamed), it is recommended to drink a cup of chamomile tea every morning without breakfast for 2 or 3 months.

Chamomile is a popular herbal remedy. Available in two varieties – German and Roman – chamomile is used as an anti-depressant in addition to its use as a disease alleviator. 

Here are the top five health benefits of chamomile.

One of the top uses of chamomile is for muscle relaxation. It can be used as a balm or a tablet. Alternately, one can brew one’s own chamomile tea. Two to three cups a day is ideal to de-stress and keep muscles relaxed. It also calms muscle spasms during menstrual cramps.

In addition to the above benefits, chamomile is considered to be good for preventing the escalation of diabetic ailments. Chamomile oil is a good remedy for skin ailments and also helps improve skin quality. For stomach ailments, muscle spasms, and help in falling asleep, use about one tablespoon of dried herb per cup of water. Pour boiling water over the herbs and allow to steep for about 5 minutes. Strain and enjoy.

Cautions

Some people have serious allergic reactions (including anaphylaxis) to chamomile. If you are allergic to other plants in the same family such as daisy, ragweed, aster, chrysanthemum, or marigold you should use caution when using chamomile.

Chamomile should be avoided during pregnancy because it may act as a uterine stimulant and therefore increase the chance of abortion.

People with bleeding disorders or on blood thinners should avoid chamomile, as it contains coumarin and may increase the chance of bleeding.

The hibiscus is commonly known in Asia as the shoe flower because it is used to polish shoes. The other names are sorrel, rosemallow and China rose. Hibiscus flowers are the big showy blossoms that grow nearly everywhere in warm, tropical climes. Hibiscus flowers are busy members of the mallow family, there are hundreds of different hibiscus species.  The hibiscus is an evergreen bush that is found commonly in warm and tropical regions.  There are over two hundred species in this family. The flowers are large and brightly colored, shaped like a horn or trumpet, and some species will change color as they age. The pistil and stamens often protrude dramatically from the horn of the flower, adding to it's reputation as a showy blossom.The flowers do not have any scent however.  Hibiscus flowers can be used for decoration, for paper, and as a food product.

There are a variety of colors ranging from bright red to light blue. People often graft plants to get flowers with double colors and increased number of petals.

The Chinese herbal remedies use hibiscus for various treatments. Chinese women make a dye out of flower extract and apply it to the eyebrows and the hair. The flowers are crushed and applied to the hair before taking a shower. This is believed to help remove dandruff and increase hair growth. The flower and leaf extract is mixed with herbal oil and sold.

Hibiscus is used for making ayurvedic and herbal medicines. Ayurveda uses hibiscus parts like leaves, flowers and roots to cure headaches, swelling, menstrual cramps, hair care, colds, venereal disease, induce short term infertility and stimulate menstruation. It is also used as a laxative. People use the hibiscus flowers to make chutneys, soups and curries.

For cooking hibiscus flowers are most commonly use in herbal teas. It has a reputation for a cooling affect on the body. The Pharoahs used hibiscus tea, and today it's still common as a toast in Egyptian weddings. The flowers have a tangy citrus flavor, to make the tea you'll need to boil hibiscus flowers for about 30 minutes, add sugar, and chill. If you're using the large red hibiscus flowers the tea will have a beautiful crimson color. Hibiscus tea is popular in cocktails in the Caribbean, and it can be used to enhance non-alcoholic fruit drinks. Hibiscus flowers can also be used in salads, as an edible garnish, and in candies. Hibiscus tea helps in reducing blood pressure. It can be included in the daily diet of high BP patients. It also helps in decreasing the cholesterol level. The antioxidants and high level of vitamin C in the hibiscus flower protects the body against diseases and gives the skin a special glow. It is also known for its diuretic properties.

There are no serious side effects caused by hibiscus use. Pregnant and lactating mothers should avoid hibiscus intake because it is known to stimulate menstruation. It is always safe to use home made herbal preparations of hibiscus.

But the most popular and conspicuous use for hibiscus flowers is decorative. Tucked behind a pretty girls ear, or set out as a decorative center piece, the large colorful blooms are ubiquitous in warm weather vacation spots. Hibiscus flowers do not require water, the blooms will stay viable until they're time has passed, with or without watering. Hibiscus flowers last only one day, maybe a bit longer if kept in the fridge, but new blossoms are usually just an arm's length away and they do continuously produce a lot of blooms.

Growing Hibiscus

Growing hibiscus is not an arduous task. The occasional gardener can grow hardy hibiscus with good success by following a few simple suggestions. The first task for growing hibiscus is to select an appropriate site. The plant site should have adequate sunlight. The sunlight should be fully available for at least 6 to 8 hours a day.

The second growing condition that needs to be addressed is the soil. Hibiscuses are quite adaptable to soil types. Providing a location with highly organic soil will greatly enhance growth and flower production. To increase organic matter, it may be advisable to mix sphagnum peat moss into the planting soil. After planting, the soil needs to be kept moist constantly for the first year or two. When they are fully established, they can accommodate some drought or excessive moisture.

The hibiscus tree is a rapidly growing tree that needs yearly pruning to promote new growth and prolific flowering. Pruning allows you to remove dead or diseased wood and shaping gives you an elegant tree that you can enjoy for years. Young hibiscus trees can be trained to grow in a box hedge shape if regularly maintained. 

Hardy hibiscus plants are not as prone to insect or disease problems. They may have occasional outbreaks of spider mites and Japanese beetles. Controls for these pests may be purchased at the local garden center. Growing hibiscus is a task that is very rewarding, especially when the first filmy, light bloom presents itself in your garden.

Nowadays, people like to shape a Hibiscus Tree. Here is a simple step to do that.....

Step 1

Wipe the blades of your pruning shears with alcohol. Sanitizing hand gel works great and you can find it in grocery stores.

Step 2

Select a long and out-of-proportion branch. Look a third of the way down the branch until you spot a leaf node that is aimed in the direction you want the new growth to grow.

Step 3

Prune off the branch just above this leaf node. Leave 1/4-inch of wood between the cut and the eye.

Step 4

Move on to the next branch, following the above steps, until the hibiscus tree is shaped the way you desire.

Step 5

Trim diseased or dead wood. Follow the branch back until you locate live wood. Keep following the branch down until you notice the next visible leaf node and prune the branch off 1/4-inch above that node.

Simple tips & warnings

Hibiscus are tropical plants and require moisture. Water frequently enough that the dirt in the pot doesn't dry out.

Feed your hibiscus every other week with a fertilizer for acid-loving plants.

Prune hibiscus during the early spring for best results, although new growth can be lightly pruned to retain shape throughout the season.

Hibiscus trees will do well outdoors on a patio or deck for the summer months, but bring the plant inside before frost to winter until the next spring.

Misai Kuching is a herbaceous shrub, which grows to a height of 1.5m. The leaves are arranged in opposite pairs. There are simple, green,and glabrous with a lanceolate leaf blade and a serrate margin. The leaf apice is acuminate with an acute leaf base. The petiole is relatively short, about 0.3cm in length and reddish purple in color. The stem is quadrangle, reddish in color, erect and branches profusely.

The flowers are borne on verticils about 16cm in length. The terminal inflorescence is borne on a maroon pubescent. Bracts are green minute (1-2mm), caudiform in shape and two bracts normally holds a cluster of 5 flowers. The flowers are campanulate in shape, white bluish in color with long farexerted filaments, making the flowers look like cat's whiskers.

Cynarin, luteolin, cynardoside (luteolin-7-O-glycoside), scolymoside, and chlorogenic acid are believed to be artichoke's active constituents. The most studied component, cynarin, is concentrated in the leaves.

" Bitter Gourd " or " Bitter Melon" or " Momordica charantia " is a tropical and subtropical vine of the family Cucurbitaceae, widely grown for edible fruit, which is among the most bitter of all vegetables. English names for the plant and its fruit include bitter melon or bitter gourd, and karela from the Indian name of the vegetable.

The original home of the species is not known, other than that it is a native of the tropics. It is widely grown in India, Southeast Asia, China, Africa, and the Caribbean.

Description
The herbaceous, tendril-bearing vine grows to 5 m. It bears simple, alternate leaves 4-12 cm across, with 3-7 deeply separated lobes. Each plant bears separate yellow male and female flowers.

The fruit has a distinct warty looking exterior and an oblong shape. It is hollow in cross-section, with a relatively thin layer of flesh surrounding a central seed cavity filled with large flat seeds and pith. Seeds and pith appear white in unripe fruits, ripening to red; they are not intensely bitter and can be removed before cooking. However, the pith will become sweet when the fruit is fully ripe, and the pith's color will turn red. The pith can be eaten uncooked in this state, but the flesh of the melon will be far too tough to be eaten anymore. Red and sweet bitter melon pith is a popular ingredient in some special southeast Asian style salad. The flesh is crunchy and watery in texture, similar to cucumber, chayote or green bell pepper. The skin is tender and edible. The fruit is most often eaten green. Although it can also be eaten when it has started to ripen and turn yellowish, it becomes more bitter as it ripens. The fully ripe fruit turns orange and mushy, is too bitter to eat, and splits into segments which curl back dramatically to expose seeds covered in bright red pulp.

Bitter melon comes in a variety of shapes and sizes. The typical Chinese phenotype is 20 to 30 cm long, oblong with bluntly tapering ends and pale green in color, with a gently undulating, warty surface. The bitter melon more typical of India has a narrower shape with pointed ends, and a surface covered with jagged, triangular "teeth" and ridges. Coloration is green or white. Between these two extremes are any number of intermediate forms. Some bear miniature fruit of only 6 - 10 cm in length, which may be served individually as stuffed vegetables. These miniature fruit are popular in Southeast Asia as well as India.

Culinary uses

Bitter melons are seldom mixed with other vegetables due to the strong bitter taste, although this can be moderated to some extent by salting and then washing the cut melon before use.

Bitter melon is often used in Chinese cooking for its bitter flavor, typically in stir-fries (often with pork and douchi), soups, and also as tea.

It is also a popular vegetable in the cuisines of South Asia and the West Indies. In these culinary traditions, it is often prepared with potatoes and served with yogurt on the side to offset the bitterness, or used in sabji. Bitter melon is stuffed with spices and then fried in oil, which is very popular in Punjabi Cuisine. It is a popular food in Tamil Nadu and referred as Pagarkai slangily called as Pavakkai. Bitter Gourd is popular in the cuisine of South Indian state of Kerala. They use it for making a dish called thoran mixed with grated coconut, theeyal and pachadi. This is one common medicinal food for diabetics. In Karnataka, the term used for bitter gourd is haagalakai and used in preparation of a delicacy called gojju. In Andhra Pradesh, it is called as " Kaakarakaaya ". Popular recipes are curry, deep fry with peanuts (ground nuts) , 'Pachi Pulusu', a kind of soup made up of boiled Bitter Melon, fried onions and other spices.

Bitter melon is rarely used in mainland Japan, but is a significant component of Okinawan cuisine, it is credited with Okinawan life expectancies being significantly higher than already long Japanese ones. Bitter melon oil contains Eleostearic acid, which is shown to prevent angiogenesis, which is implicated in the growth (but not the incidence) of cancer.

In Indonesia, bitter melon is prepared in various dishes, such as stir fry, cooked in coconut milk, or steamed.

In Vietnam, raw bitter melon slices consumed with dried meat floss and stuffed to make bitter melon soup with shrimp are popular dishes. Bitter melons stuffed with ground pork are served as a popular summer soup in the South.

It is prepared in various dishes in the Philippines, where it is known as Ampalaya. Ampalaya may also be stir-fried with ground beef and oyster sauce, or with eggs and diced tomato.

A very popular dish from the Ilocos region of the Philippines, pinakbet, consists mainly of bitter melons, eggplant, okra, string beans, tomatoes, lima beans, and other various regional vegetables stewed with a little bagoong-based stock.

The young shoots and leaves may also be eaten as greens; in the Philippines, where bitter melon leaves are commonly consumed, they are called dahon (leaves) ng ampalaya.

The seeds can also be eaten, and have a sweet taste; but are known to cause nausea.

In Nepal bitter melon is prepared in various ways. Most prepare it as fresh achar (a type of pickle). For this the bitter gourd is cut into cubes or slices and saut?ed covered in little oil and a sprinkle of water. When it is softened and reduced, it is minced in a mortar with few cloves of garlic, salt and a red or green pepper. Another way is the saut?ed version. In this, bitter gourd is cut in thin round slices or cubes and fried (sauteed) with much less oil and some salt, cumin and red chili. It is fried until the vegetable softens with hints of golden brown. It is even prepared as a curry on its own, or with potato; and made as stuffed vegetables.

In Pakistan bitter melon is available in the summertime, and is cooked with lots of onions.
A Malaysian-style bitter melon dish, cooked with sambal, onion, and red bird's-eye chili peppers

A traditional way to cook bitter melon curry is to peel off the skin and cut into thin slices. It is salted and exposed to direct sunlight for few hours to reduce its bitterness. After a few hours, its salty, bitter water is reduced by squeezing out the excess by hand. Then it's rinsed with water a few times. Then fried in cooking oil, with onions also fried in another pan. When the onions have turned a little pink in color, the fried bitter melon is added to them. After some further frying of both the onions and bitter melon, red chili powder, turmeric powder, salt, coriander powder, and a pinch of cumin seeds are also added. A little water can be sprinkled while frying the spices to prevent burning. Then a good amount of tomato is added to the curry, with green chillies, according to taste. Now the pan is covered with a lid, heat reduced to minimum, the tomatoes reduce, and all the spices work their magic. The curry is stirred a few times (at intervals) during this covering period. After half an hour or so, the curry is ready to serve, with soft hot flatbreads and yogurt chutney.

Another dish in Pakistan calls for whole, unpeeled bitter melon to be boiled and then stuffed with cooked ground beef. In this dish, it is recommended that the bitter melon be left 'debittered'. It is either served with hot tandoori bread, naan, chappati, or with khichri (a mixture of lentils and rice).

Medicinal uses
Bitter melons being fried in Kaohsiung, Taiwan.

Bitter melon has been used in various Asian traditional medicine systems for a long time. Like most bitter-tasting foods, bitter melon stimulates digestion. While this can be helpful in people with sluggish digestion, dyspepsia, and constipation, it can sometimes make heartburn and ulcers worse. The fact that bitter melon is also a demulcent and at least mild inflammation modulator, however, means that it rarely does have these negative effects, based on clinical experience and traditional reports.

Though it has been claimed that bitter melon’s bitterness comes from quinine, no evidence could be located supporting this claim. Bitter melon is traditionally regarded by Asians, as well as Panamanians and Colombians, as useful for preventing and treating malaria. Laboratory studies have confirmed that various species of bitter melon have anti-malarial activity, though human studies have not yet been published .

In Panama bitter melon is known as Balsamino. The pods are smaller and bright orange when ripe with very sweet red seeds, but only the leaves of the plant are brewed in hot water to create a tea to treat malaria and diabetes. The leaves are allowed to steep in hot water before being strained thoroughly so that only the remaining liquid is used for the tea.

Laboratory tests suggest that compounds in bitter melon might be effective for treating HIV infection. As most compounds isolated from bitter melon that impact HIV have either been proteins or glycoproteins lectins), neither of which are well-absorbed, it is unlikely that oral intake of bitter melon will slow HIV in infected people. It is possible oral ingestion of bitter melon could offset negative effects of anti-HIV drugs, if a test tube study can be shown to be applicable to people [4]. In one preliminary clinical trial, an enema form of a bitter melon extract showed some benefits in people infected with HIV (Zhang 1992). Clearly more research is necessary before this could be recommended.

The other realm showing the most promise related to bitter melon is as an immunomodulator. One clinical trial found very limited evidence that bitter melon might improve immune cell function in people with cancer, but this needs to be verified and amplified in other research. If proven correct this is another way bitter melon could help people infected with HIV.

Folk wisdom has it that ampalaya (Momordica charantia Linn.) helps to prevent or counteract type-II diabetes. A recent scientific study at JIPMER, India has proved that ampalaya increases insulin sensitivity. Also, in 2007, the Philippine Department of Health issued a circular stating that Ampalaya as a scientifically validated herbal medicinal plant, can lower elevated blood sugar levels. It is sold in the Philippines as a food supplement and marketed under the trade name Ampalaya Plus and the like. The study revealed that a 100 milligram per kilo dose per day is comparable to 2.5 milligrams of the anti-diabetes drug Glibenclamide taken twice per day.
Bitter melon transformed into capsule form and sold as a food supplement.

Bitter Melon contains four very promising bioactive compounds. These compounds activate a protein called AMPK, which is well known for regulating fuel metabolism and enabling glucose uptake, processes which are impaired in diabetics. "We can now understand at a molecular level why bitter melon works as a treatment for diabetes," said David James, director of the diabetes and obesity program at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research in Sydney. "By isolating the compounds we believe to be therapeutic, we can investigate how they work together in our cells."

Bitter melon contains a lectin that has insulin-like activity. The insulin-like bioactivity of this lectin is due to its linking together 2 insulin receptors. This lectin lowers blood glucose concentrations by acting on peripheral tissues and, similar to insulin's effects in the brain, suppressing appetite. This lectin is likely a major contributor to the hypoglycemic effect that develops after eating bitter melon and why it may be a way of managing adult-onset diabetes. Lectin binding is non-protein specific, and this is likely why bitter melon has been credited with immunostimulatory activity - by linking receptors that modulate the immune system, thereby stimulating said receptors.

Various cautions are indicated. The seeds contains vicine and therefore can trigger symptoms of favism in susceptible individuals. In addition, the red arils of the seeds are reported to be toxic to children, and the fruit is contraindicated during pregnancy.