Carum carvi seeds for sale

Caraway plant

.Carum carvi

Synonyms: Apium carvi

Family: Umbelliferae

Cashmerian name : Bala Zur

Urdu name : Zeera

English name : Zeera

Shina name : Phuljo-zeera

Ladakhi name : Konayat

Distribution : Dawar, Sonamarag, Kargil, Pampore

Ecological notes : Prefers well drained soils

Status : Not common

Medicinal use of Caraway : Caraway has a long history of use as a household remedy especially in the treatment of digestive complaints where its antispasmodic action soothes the digestive tract and its carminative action relieves bloating caused by wind and improves the appetite. It is often added to laxative medicines to prevent griping. The seed is antiseptic, antispasmodic, aromatic, carminative, digestive, emmenagogue, expectorant, galactogogue and stimulant. It can be chewed raw for the almost immediate relief of indigestion and can also be made into infusions. The seed is also used in the treatment of bronchitis and are an ingredient of cough remedies, especially useful for children. The seed is also said to increase the production of breast milk in nursing mothers. The seed is harvested when fully ripe, then dried and stored in a cool, dry place out of the sunlight. The essential oil can be extracted from the seed and has similar properties. A tea made from the seeds is a pleasant stomachic and carminative, it has been used to treat flatulent colic. The seed is used in Tibetan medicine where it is considered to have an acrid taste and a heating potency. It is used to treat failing vision and loss of appetite.

Edible parts of Caraway : Seed - raw or cooked. A spicy flavour, it is used as a flavouring in confectionery and bread, also as a flavouring in salads, vegetables etc. It is high in protein and fat. The seed is often chewed after a meal in order to sweeten the breath and also to relieve heartburn after a rich meal. Per 100g, the seed contains 333 calories, 10g water, 20g protein, 14.5g fat, 50g carbohydrate, 12.5g fibre, 6g ash, 689mg calcium, 568mg phosphorus, 16.2mg iron, 258mg magnesium, 17mg sodium, 1351mg potassium, 5.5mg zinc, 363 IU vitamin A, 0.383mg thiamine, 0.379mg riboflavin, 3.61mg niacin. An essential oil from the seed is used as a flavouring in ice creams, candy, soft drinks etc. It is an essential ingredient of the liqueur kümmel. Root - cooked. Used as a vegetable like parsnips. Stronger in taste than parsnips, but liked by many. A delicious vegetable. Leaves - raw or as a flavouring in soups etc. The young leaves are much less spicy than the seeds and are a good salad, having a mild parsley-dill flavour. They give an aromatic tang to salads. Older leaves can be cooked as a spinach. The crushed seeds are brewed into a tea. It has a soothing effect on the digestion.

Other uses of the herb:An essential oil from the seed is used in perfumery, for scenting soap, as a parasiticide etc. Twenty-five kilos of seed yield about 1 kilo of essential oil. The essential oil yield of the seed from plants cultivated in Poland is up to 10.33%.

Propagation of Caraway: Seed - it is best sown in situ as soon as it is ripe in late summer and early autumn. The seed can also be sown March/April in situ, though in areas with cool summers the plants might not produce a crop of ripe seeds. Plants are very sensitive to root disturbance and should not be transplanted.

Carum carvi seeds are availableonly for research purpose

More information : http://jkmpic.blogspot.com

e-mail R&D plant introduction centre : jkmpic@gmailcom

Ph: 09858986794/01933-223705

Mailing address: The Jammu and Kashmir Medicinal Plants Introduction Centre

POB: 667 GPO Srinagar SGR JK 190001

Himalayan medicinal /fruit seeds for sale

Sea Buckthorn seed/plants for sale

Himalayan Berry
Herb : Sea Buckthorn
Latin name : Hippophae rhamnoides
Family : Elaeagnaceae (Oleaster Family)
Local name : Kashmir Himalayan berry, Leh berry, Sea buckthorn, Siberian pineapple, Sea Berry, Sandthorn or Swallowthorn

Medicinal use of Sea Buckthorn : The twigs and leaves contain 4 - 5% tannin. They are astringent and vermifuge. The tender branches and leaves contain bio-active substances which are used to produce an oil that is quite distinct from the oil produced from the fruit. Yields of around 3% of oil are obtained. This oil is used as an ointment for treating burns. A high-quality medicinal oil is made from the fruit and used in the treatment of cardiac disorders, it is also said to be particularly effective when applied to the skin to heal burns, eczema and radiation injury, and is taken internally in the treatment of stomach and intestinal diseases. The fruit is astringent and used as a tonic. The freshly-pressed juice is used in the treatment of colds, febrile conditions, exhaustion etc. The fruit is a very rich source of vitamins and minerals, especially in vitamins A, C and E, flavanoids and other bio-active compounds. It is also a fairly good source of essential fatty acids, which is fairly unusual for a fruit. It is being investigated as a food that is capable of reducing the incidence of cancer and also as a means of halting or reversing the growth of cancers. The juice is also a component of many vitamin-rich medicaments and cosmetic preparations such as face-creams and toothpastes. A decoction of the fruit has been used as a wash to treat skin irritation and eruptions.

Description of the plant:
Plant: Deciduous Shrub

Height : 6 m (20 feet)
Flovering : April

Distribution : NWFP, Gilgat (Pakistan), Sonamarag, Pulwama, Kargil (Kashmir), China, NWFP (Pakistan)
Edible parts of Sea Buckthorn: Fruit - raw or cooked. Very rich in vitamin C (120mg per 100g) and vitamin A, they are too acid when raw for most peoples tastes, though most children seem to relish them. Used for making fruit juice, it is high in vitamins and has an attractive aroma. It is being increasingly used in making fruit juices, especially when mixed with other fruits, because of its reputed health benefits. The fruits of some species and cultivars (not specified) contain up to 9.2% oil. The fruit is very freely borne along the stems and is about 6 - 8mm in diameter. The fruit becomes less acid after a frost or if cooked. The fruit is ripe from late September and usually hangs on the plants all winter if not eaten by the birds. It is best used before any frosts since the taste and quality of frosted berries quickly deteriorates.

Other uses of the herb : Very tolerant of maritime exposure, it can be used as a shelter hedge. It dislikes much trimming. A very thorny plant, it quickly makes an impenetrable barrier. Sea buckthorn has an extensive root system and suckers vigorously and so has been used in soil conservation schemes, especially on sandy soils. The fibrous and suckering root system acts to bind the sand. Because the plant grows quickly, even in very exposed conditions, and also adds nitrogen to the soil, it can be used as a pioneer species to help the re-establishment of woodland in difficult areas. Because the plant is very light-demanding it will eventually be out-competed by the woodland trees and so will not out-stay its welcome. The seeds contain 12 - 13% of a slow-drying oil. The vitamin-rich fruit juice is used cosmetically in face-masks etc. A yellow dye is obtained from the fruit. A yellow dye is obtained from the stems, root and foliage. A blackish-brown dye is obtained from the young leaves and shoots. Wood - tough, hard, very durable, fine-grained. Used for fine carpentry, turning etc. The wood is also used for fuel and charcoal.

Propagation of Sea Buckthorn : Seed - sow spring in a sunny position in a cold frame. Germination is usually quick and good although 3 months cold stratification may improve the germination rate. Alternatively the seed can be sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe in the autumn. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow on in a greenhouse for their first winter. Plant out in late spring into their permanent positions. Male seedlings, in spring, have very prominent axillary buds whilst females are clear and smooth at this time. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, June/July in a frame. Difficult. This is the easiest method of vegetative propagation. Cuttings of mature wood in autumn. Difficult. The cuttings should be taken at the end of autumn or very early in the spring before the buds burst. Store them in sand and peat until April, cut into 7 - 9cm lengths and plant them in a plastic tent with bottom heat. Rooting should take place within 2 months and they can be put in their permanent positions in the autumn. Division of suckers in the winter. They can be planted out direct into their permanent positions and usually establish well and quickly. Layering in autumn.

Sea Buckthorn seed/plants are available at:
The Jammu and Kashmir MedicinAL Plants Introduction Centre
POB: 667 GPO Srinagar SGR JK 190001
(R&D plant introduction centre)
Silik Road, Sonamarag, Kashmir
Registerd office: Ist street, Nambalbal, Pampore PPR JK 192121
Ph: 09858986794, 01933-223705
e-mail: jkmpic@gmail.com
home:http://jkmpic.blogspot.com

Dandelion plants/seeds for sale

Latin name: Taraxacum officinale
Cashmerian : Hand, Handri
Ladakhi : Shaanma
Dogri: Dudhli
Hindi : Dulaal
Synonyms: Taraxacum vulgare
Family : Compositae
Distribution : Throughout Gurez, Tilel, Dachigam, Dubjan, Sonamarag, Gulmarag.Widely distributed in temperate and cold regions of the world.
Habitat : Grasslands,lawns, roadsides, pavements, vegetable fields,weed of crop fields
Ecological notes : Abundant in grasslands.
Cultivation of the herb : A very common weed of grassland and cultivated ground.
Status : common
Chemical constituents : Bitter crystalline principal-Taraxacin and taraxacerin; Phytosterols-Taraxasterol and Homotaraxasterol; Saponins.
Medicinal use of Dandelion : The dandelion is a commonly used herbal remedy. It is especially effective and valuable as a diuretic because it contains high levels of potassium salts and therefore can replace the potassium that is lost from the body when diuretics are used. All parts of the plant, but especially the root, are slightly aperient, cholagogue, depurative, strongly diuretic, hepatic, laxative, stomachic and tonic. The root is also experimentally cholagogue, hypoglycaemic and a weak antibiotic against yeast infections.

Roots : The dried root has a weaker action. The roots can be used fresh or dried and should be harvested in the autumn when 2 years old. The leaves are harvested in the spring when the plant is in flower and can be dried for later use. A tea can be made from the leaves or, more commonly, from the roots. The plant is used internally in the treatment of gall bladder and urinary disorders, gallstones, jaundice, cirrhosis, dyspepsia with constipation, oedema associated with high blood pressure and heart weakness, chronic joint and skin complaints, gout, eczema and acne. The plant has an antibacterial action, inhibiting the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, Pneumococci, Meningococci, Bacillus dysenteriae, B. typhi, C. diphtheriae, Proteus etc. The latex contained in the plant sap can be used to remove corns, warts and verrucae. The latex has a specific action on inflammations of the gall bladder and is also believed to remove stones in the liver. A tea/coffee made from the leaves is laxative.

Flowers : Flowers used to make wines.
Other uses : A common vegetable relished in Kashmir Himalaya after cooking the throwing off the bitter water extract. Considered to be very good for ladies after child birth.
Description of the plant : Plant: Perennial
Height : 45 cm (1 foot)
Flovering: April to May
Scent : Scented Perennial
Edible parts of Dandelion : Leaves - raw or cooked. When used in salads, they are rather bitter, though less so in the winter. Tender young leaves are considerably less bitter than older leaves. The leaves are often blanched (by excluding light from the growing plant) before use. This will make them less bitter, but they will also contain less vitamins and minerals. A very nutritious food, 100g of the raw leaves contain about 2.7g. protein, 9.2g. carbohydrate, 187mg Calcium, 66mg phosphorus, 3.1mg iron, 76mg sodium, 397mg potassium, 36mg magnesium, 14000iu vitamin A, 0.19mg vitamin B1, 0.26mg vitamin B2, 35mg vitamin C. Root - raw or cooked. Bitter. A turnip-like flavour. Flowers - raw or cooked. A rather bitter flavour, the unopened flower buds can be used in fritters and they can also be preserved in vinegar and used like capers. Both the leaves and the roots are used to flavour herbal beers and soft drinks such as "Dandelion and Burdock". The roots of 2 year old plants are harvested in the autumn, dried and roasted to make a very good coffee substitute. It is caffeine-free. A pleasant tea is made from the flowers. They are also used to make wine - all green parts should be removed when making wine to prevent a bitter flavour. The leaves and the roots can also be used to make tea.

Other uses of the herb : The flowers are an 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. A liquid plant feed can be made from the root and leaves. A low quality latex, which can be used for making rubber, can be obtained from the roots of this plant. A magenta-brown dye is obtained from the root. The plant releases ethylene gas, this stunts the growth of nearby plants and causes premature ripening of fruits. A distilled water made from the ligules (thin appendages at the base of the leaf blades) is used cosmetically to clear the skin and is particularly effective in fading freckles.

Propagation of Dandelion : Seed - sow spring in a cold frame and either surface-sow or only just cover the seed. Make sure the compost does not dry out. Germination should take place within 2 weeks, though 2 weeks cold stratification may improve germination. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle, choosing relatively deep pots to accommodate the tap root. Plant them out in early summer. Division in early spring as the plant comes into growth.

Dandelion seed/plants are available at:
Chenab Industries
POB: 667 GPO Srinagar SGR JK 190001
(R&D Plant Introduction Centre at Sonamarag)
Admin. office : Ist street, Nambalbal, Pampore PPR JK 192121
Ph: 09858986794, 01933-223705
e-mail: cikashmir@gmail.com,jkmpic@gmail.com
home: http://jkmpic.blogspot.com

Gingko and hear disorders

Ginkgo seedling at JKMPIC-Kashmir

Gingko biloba - Although not a cycad, Ginkgos also have an ancient lineage dating back to the Jurassic era, and make superb companion plants for cycads.  In prehistoric times it grew world-wide but today its natural range is limited to only two small areas in China.  

Once thought to be extinct they were found growing in monasteries in China where they had been carefully preserved over the centuries.  The leaves, taken as a tea, help to improve the memory.  A medium-sized tree with unique, fan-shaped, lime green leaves that turn pure gold in fall.

Two-year old organic per saplings, US$25/INR 1250/- (Open-polinated and organic)
Calibar : 2
Min. order: 25 saplings
Delivery : By AIR
Tax/Courier/Fright charges : Nill
Payment: Cash Deposit/DD/WUM only to:
Seed/Ginkgo tea leaves are also available
Plants are available in Polybag/without polybag

Ginkgo biloba seed/plant/leaves are available at:
The Jammu and Kashmir Medicinal Plants Introduction Centre
PO Box 667 GPO Srinagar SGR JK 190001
(Via New Delhi-India)
e.mail: jkmpic@gmail.com, jkmpic@yahoo.in
home: http://jkmpic.blogspot.com

Gingko biloba saplings for sale

Gingko biloba -  Although not a cycad, Ginkgos also have an ancient lineage dating back to the Jurassic era, and make superb companion plants for cycads.  In prehistoric times it grew world-wide but today its natural range is limited to only two small areas in China.   Once thought to be extinct they were found growing in monasteries in China where they had been carefully preserved over the centuries.  The leaves, taken as a tea, help to improve the memory.  A medium-sized tree with unique, fan-shaped, lime green leaves that turn pure gold in fall. 

Two-year old organic per saplings, US$25/INR 1250/-
Calibar : 2
Min. order: 10 saplings
Delivery : By AIR
Tax/Courier/Fright charges : Nill
Payment: Cash Deposit/DD/WUM only to:
Seed/Ginkgo tea leaves are also available
The Jammu and Kashmir Medicinal Plants Introduction Centre
Ist street, Shaheed-e-Azemat Road, Nambalbal, Pampore PPR J&K 192121
Ph: 09858986794,01933-223705
e-mail: jkmpic@gmail.com
home: http://jkmpic.blogspot.com