Plant ID

Introduction: "When the clock strikes twelve @ noon there is an amazing aroma very appetizing coming from the Kitchen!! " this is the story of most of the South Indian homes. The tadka/seasoning is what creates this amazing aroma, which includes mustard seeds, and curry leaves along with asafoetida. So lets learn about the amazing health benefits of Curry leaves. The Curry tree (Murraya koenigii) is a tropical to sub-tropical tree in the family Rutaceae (the rue family, which includes rue, citrus , and satinwood ), and is native to Asia . Its leaves are used in many dishes in the Indian subcontinent . Often used in curries , the leaves are generally called by the name "curry leaves", although they are also actually "sweet neem leaves" in most Indian languages. The fresh leaves are valued as seasoning in the cuisines of South and Southeast Asia. [4] They are most widely used in southern and west coast Indian cooking , usually fried along with vegetabl...

What is Ajwain?   The traditional Indian herb ajwain ( Trachyspermum ammi) , which is also called carom, ajowan, and bishop’s weed, is both a culinary and a medicinal plant.   Ajwain (Carom) Introduction: Growing up in India, we have used the leaves and seeds of Ajwain in our cooking for sure. What reminds me most is when we had a cough, our moms would immediately go to the garden, pick few leaves wash them, add salt and few peppercorns and asked us to chew on it. The taste of that combination was so good I just loved that home remedy!!!! Other names for Ajwain  leaf include karpooravalli (Tamil), Indian Borage, Indian Coleus, Cuban Oregano, Spanish Thyme, Mexican Mint, Mexican Thyme, False Oregano, Pathar choor ( in Hindi), Navara ( in  Malayalam), Panikoora (Kerala), Pan-Ova, and Omavalli. The leaves have a fresh herbal taste, reminiscent of thyme. You can also use the seeds in cooking, which resemble cumin seeds and have hints of...

  T ulsi - The Holy Basil   Introduction     Tulsi, the plant that has been regarded sacred by Hindus for many years has a special place in my life. Since childhood, I have always come across Tulsi in our homes. Tulsi is offered to Hindu Deities at homes and at temples. Tulsi is also popular for its medicinal values. The magical and soothing smell of tulsi has such calming effects on anyone in stress or strain. The ingestion of these leaves either in the form of a concoction or chewing them as is can bring some instant relief for many minor ailments.   Mythological significance: The name  Tulsi  with  Vrinda  (a synonym of the Tulsi plant) and in this legend,  Tulsi is   distinct   from Lakshmi . She was daughter of  Kalanemi , an asura. Vrinda was very pious and a great devotee of god  Vishnu .  Jalandhara  , a demon born from lord Shiva's rage, married her. After Jalandhara took control of the three realms...