Althaea officinalis Linn seeds/plants for sale

Althaea officinalis Linn.

Family: Malvaceae (Mallow Family)

Cashmerian name : Sazamool

Arabic name : Kasirul Munfiyat, Bazrul Khatmi, Gulkhairo

Chinese name : Ke zhi gen

English name : Sweet Weed, Mallards, Mortification Root,

French name : Guimauve

German name : Eibisch, Heilwurz, Ibischwurz, Sammetpappel

Hindi name : Khatmi

Marathi name : Khatmi

Persian name : Tukhme Khatmi (Fruits), Raisha Khatmi (Roots)

Sanskrit name : Gulkairo, Khatmi

Urdu name : Tukhme Khatmi

Medicinal use of Althaea officinalis Linn : The herb, not the white puffy confection roasted over a campfire—has been used for centuries as both a food and a medicine. It is alterative, antacid, antiinflammatory, antispasmodic, antitussive, aphrodisiac, demulcent, diuretic, emollient, expectorant, galactagogue, immune tonic, laxative, nutritive, rejuvenative and soothing. Althaea comes from the Latin ‘altho’ meaning ‘to heal’. Marshmallow’s demulcent qualities bring relief to bronchial asthma, sore throat, bronchial catarrh, pleurisy and when there is dry cough. Also useful in intestinal disorders like colitis, diverticulitis and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It is also used for irritation of the oral and pharyngeal mucosa and mild inflammation of the gastric mucosa. It also stimulates the immune system and production of white blood cells. It is a natural source of beta-carotene, amino acids, minerals and vitamins. Soothes infection and irritation from kidney and bladder stones.

Planting material available : Olive,Kiwi, Picanut,Hazelnut, and herbal seeds. 
more : http://jkmpic.blogspot.com

This herb has a high mucilage content (is highest in the root, about 11%), which calm inflammation, nourishes bone marrow, soothes and moistens the skin, and promotes tissue healing.

Recommended Dosage: Seeds : 3 to 5 g powder; Root : 5 to 7 g powder.
Contraindication : This herb has no known warnings or contraindications but diabetics need to take account of the sugar content.

Althaea officinalis Linn  is a very useful household medicinal herb. Its soothing demulcent properties make it very effective in treating inflammations and irritations of the mucous membranes such as the alimentary canal, the urinary and the respiratory organs. The root counters excess stomach acid, peptic ulceration and gastritis. It is also applied externally to bruises, sprains, aching muscles, insect bites, skin inflammations, splinters etc. The whole plant, but especially the root, is antitussive, demulcent, diuretic, highly emollient, slightly laxative and odontalgic. An infusion of the leaves is used to treat cystitis and frequent urination. The leaves are harvested in August when the plant is just coming into flower and can be dried for later use. The root can be used in an ointment for treating boils and abscesses. The root is best harvested in the autumn, preferably from 2 year old plants, and is dried for later use.

Description of the plant :
Plant : PerennialHeight : 120 cm (4 feet)Flovering : July to SeptemberHabitat of the herb : The upper margins of salt and brackish marshes, sides of ditches and grassy banks near the sea.

Edible parts of Althaea officinalis Linn : Leaves - raw or cooked. They are used as a potherb or to thicken soups. When used as a small proportion with other leaves, the taste and texture is acceptable, but if a lot of the leaves are cooked together their mucilaginous texture makes them unpalatable. The leaves can be eaten raw but are rather fibrous and somewhat hairy, though the taste is mild and pleasant. We have found them to be quite acceptable in salads when chopped up finely. Root - raw or cooked. When boiled and then fried with onions it is said to make a palatable dish that is often used in times of shortage. The root is used as a vegetable, it is also dried then ground into a powder, made into a paste and roasted to make the sweet "marshmallow". The root contains about 37% starch, 11% mucilage, 11% pectin. The water left over from cooking any part of the plant can be used as an egg-white substitute in making meringues etc. The water from the root is the most effective, it is concentrated by boiling until it has a similar consistency to egg white. A tea is made from the flowers. A tea can also be made from the root.

althaea officinalis seeds

Althaea officinalis Linn Roots, Leaves, Plants, Seeds & Flowers are available at :
The Jammu and Kashmir Medicinal Plants Introduction Centre
Ist street, Shaheed-e-Azemat Road, Nambalbal, Pampore PPR JK 192121
Mailing address: PO Box 667 GPO Srinagar SGR JK 190001
R&D/Plant Introduction Centre: Sonamarag
Ph: 01933-223705
Mob: 09858986794
e-mail: jkmpic@gmail.com
home: http://jkmpic.blogspot.com

Phytolacca acinosa seeds for sale

Phytolacca acinosa cashmerina

Family : PHYOLACCACEAE 

Habitat : Forest, Shrubberies, forest clearings, cultivated areas in forests, Valleys, hillsides, forest understories, forest margins and roadsides at elevations of 500 - 3400 metres. It is also found in cultivated land houses, moist fertile lands and as a weed.

Distribution : Temperate Himalaya: From Hazara Dovision to Kashmir to Gilgat,, to Bhuta, China, Afghanistan and Japan.

Botanical features : Perenial shrubby herb. Stem branched, dark green, fistular or solid, succulent. Leaves oblanceolate, entire, narrowed to short stalk. Flower clusters upto 15 cm, perianth segments 5, stamens 8-10. Fruit with 10-15  fleshy dark purple carpels.

Medicinal uses: Plants narcotic: Root oil used for pain in joints.

Other uses: Tender leaves of the variety with fistular stem cooke as a vegetable. fruit used as flovouring agent.  A red ink is obtained from the fruit.

Edible parts of Phytolacca acinosa : Leaves - they must be cooked, and are then used as a spinach. Only the young leaves should be used since the leaves become toxic with age. The young shoots are used as an asparagus substitute. They have an excellent flavour. Root - cooked. Must be leeched first. Only the white root of the white flowered form (if it exists!) should be eaten. See notes above.

Chemical constituents : Seed kernels yield a fatty oil. the fatty acid composition shows 8% of saturated and 92% of unsaturated acids. A toxic principle Phytolaccatoxin resembling picrotoxin is isolated from the seeds.

Medicinal use of  Phytolacca acinosa : The root is antiasthmatic, antibacterial, antidote, antifungal, antitussive, diuretic, expectorant, laxative and vermifuge. The plant has an interesting chemistry and it is currently (1995) being investigated as a potential anti-AIDS drug. It contains potent anti-inflammatory agents, antiviral proteins and substances that affect cell division. These compounds are toxic to many disease-causing organisms, including the water snails that cause schistosomiasis. The root is used internally in the treatment of urinary disorders, nephritis, oedema and abdominal distension. Externally, it is used to treat boils, carbuncles and sores. The roots are harvested in the autumn and dried for later use. All parts of the plant are toxic, this remedy should be used with caution and preferably under the supervision of a qualified practitioner.

Propagation of  Phytolacca acinosa : Seed - sow autumn or spring in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. If you have sufficient seed, it might be worthwhile trying an outdoor sowing in a seed bed in early spring. Grow the plants on in the seedbed for their first year and plant them out the following spring. Division in March or October. Use a sharp spade or knife to divide the rootstock, making sure that each section has at least one growth bud. Very easy, larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is better to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame until they are well established before planting them out in late spring or early summer.

Cultivation of the herb : In Kashmir, Valleys, hillsides, forest understories, forest margins and roadsides at elevations of 500 - 3400 metres. It is also found in cultivated land houses, moist fertile lands and as a weed.

Known hazards of  Phytolacca acinosa : The leaves are poisonous. They are said to be safe to eat when young, the toxins developing as they grow older. According to another report it is only a form with reddish purple flowers and a purple root that is poisonous.

Available in : 50,100, 200 seeds/Pkt

Vioble open pollinated Phytolacca acinosa seed/berries  are available at:

For more details about planting material:-

JK Medicinal Plants Introduction Centre

Ist Street, Shaheed-e-Azeemat Road, Nambalbal, Pampore PPR J&K 192121

Mailing address: PO Box 667 Srinagar SGR J&K- 190001

Ph: 01933-223705

Call us: 09858986794

e.mail: jkmpic@gmail.com, jkmpic@yahoo.in

web: http://jkmpic.blogspot.com

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
No: of seeds : 100 seeds/per packet
Available : January to December


More details: Jammu and Kashmir Medicinal Plants Introduction Centre
"Ginkgo House" Azizabad, Nambalbal, (Via Wuyan-Meej Road) Pampore PPR J&K 192121
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

Viola odorata-Banafsha

Price Rs. 550/-US$20 (25 Seeds)

Sweet Violet
Latin name : Viola odorata Cashmerina
Family : Violaceae (Violet Family)
Arabic Name : Farfeer, Banafsaj
Cashmerian Name: Nun Posh
Bengali Name : Banopa, Baga Banusa
Chinese Name : Zi Hua Di Ding
English Name : Sweet Violet, Sweet-Scented Violet, Garden Violet, Heartease
French Name : Violette Douce
German Name : Duftveilchen, Heckenveilchen, Märzveilchen.
Gujarati Name : Bahapa, Bahaphsa 

Hindi Name : Banaphsha

Marathi Name : Bugabanosa
Persian Name : Banafsha
Punjabi Name : Banafsha
Sanskrit Name : Neelapushpa
Urdu Name : Berge Banafsha (Leaf), Gul Banafsha (Flower)

Habitat : Shrubberies, forest clearings, rocky and shady areas; mud walls, hedgebanks.

Distribution : Gilgat (Azad Kashmir), Pakistan, IRAN, Kashmir, North Aferica, North and West Asia.

Botanical features : Perennial herbs with stout creeping rootstock, Leaves all radical, upto 3 cm diam., petiolate, stipules elongated, leafy. Flowers pinkish-blue or purplish, with long pedicels. Capsule 3-sided.

Medicinal use of Sweet Violet : Sweet violet has a long and proven history of folk use, especially in the treatment of cancer and whooping cough. It also contains salicylic acid, which is used to make aspirin. It is therefore effective in the treatment of headaches, migraine and insomnia. The whole plant is anti-inflammatory, diaphoretic, diuretic, emollient, expectorant, and laxative. It is taken internally in the treatment of bronchitis, respiratory catarrh, coughs, asthma, and cancer of the breast, lungs or digestive tract. Externally, it is used to treat mouth and throat infections. The plant can either be used fresh, or harvested when it comes into flower and then be dried for later use. The flowers are demulcent and emollient. They are used in the treatment of biliousness and lung troubles. The petals are made into a syrup and used in the treatment of infantile disorders. The roots is a much stronger expectorant than other parts of the plant but they also contain the alkaloid violine which at higher doses is strongly emetic and purgative. They are gathered in the autumn and dried for later use. The seeds are diuretic and purgative. They have been used in the treatment of urinary complaints are considered to be a good remedy for gravel. A homeopathic remedy is made from the whole fresh plant. It is considered useful in the treatment of spasmodic coughs and rheumatism of the wrist. An essential oil from the flowers is used in aromatherapy in the treatment of bronchial complaints, exhaustion and skin complaints.

Chemical constituents : Rhizomes contain glycoside-methyl salicylate, an alkaloid violine, a glycoside-violequarcitin which is identical to rutin, and saponin. Leaves and flowers contain methl salicylate.
Description of the plant:

Plant : Evergreen Perennial
Height : 10 cm (4 inches)
Flovering : February to April
Scent : Scented Perennial
Habitat of the herb : Fields, hedgerows and woodlands, especially on calcareous soils.

Edible parts of Sweet Violet : Young leaves and flower buds - raw or cooked. Usually available all through the winter. The leaves have a very mild flavour, though they soon become quite tough as they grow older. They make a very good salad, their mild flavour enabling them to be used in bulk whilst other stronger-tasting leaves can then be added to give more flavour. When added to soup they thicken it in much the same way as okra. Also used as a flavouring in puddings etc. A tea can be made from the leaves. Flowers - raw. Used to decorate salads and desserts. A sweet mild flavour with a delicate perfume, the flowers are an especially welcome decoration for the salad bowl since they are available in late winter. The flowers are also used fresh to flavour and colour confectionery. A soothing tea can be made from the leaves and flowers. A leaf extract is used to flavour sweets, baked goods and ice cream.

Other uses of the herb : An essential oil from the flowers and leaves is used in perfumery. 1000kg of leaves produces about 300 - 400g absolute. The flowers are used to flavour breath fresheners. A pigment extracted from the flowers is used as a litmus to test for acids and alkalines. Plants can be grown as a ground cover when spaced about 30cm apart each way. They make an effective weed-excluding cover.

Propagation of Sweet Violet : Seed - best sown in the autumn in a cold frame. The seed requires a period of cold stratification and the germination of stored seed can be erratic. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out in the summer. Division in the autumn or just after flowering. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions, though we have found that it is best to pot up smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a greenhouse or cold frame until they are growing away well. Plant them out in the summer or the following spring.

Cultivation of the herb : Fields, hedgerows and woodlands, especially on calcareous soils.
Known hazards of Viola odorata : None known
Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future/JKMPIC/International Info.Resource Centre

More details: Jammu and Kashmir Medicinal Plants Introduction Centre-JKMPIC
Ist street, Shaheed-e-Azemat Raod, Nambalbal, Pampore PPR JK 192121
Mailing address: POB: 667 GPO Srinagar SGR JK 190001
Ph: 01933-223705
Mob: 09858986794
e-mail: jkmpic@gmail.com, jkmpic@yahoo.in
home: http://jkmpic.blogspot.com

Solanum nigrum seed/plant for sale

Black Nightshade

Bot. Name: Solanum nigrum

Family : Solanaceae (Nightshade Family, Potato Family)

Arabic Name : Enab-us-Salab, Enab-us-Zaeb

Bengali Name : Gurkamai

Chinese Name : Huang shui qie, Long kui

English Name : Black Nightshade, Garden Nightshade, Petty Morel, Deadly Nightshade

French Name : Morelle noir

German Name : Schwarzer Nachtschatten, Giftbeere, Hundsbeere, Mondscheinkraut, Saukraut, Sautod

Gujarati Name : Piludi

Hindi Name : Makoi, Makoy, Mako

Kannada Name : Ganikayeagida, Ganikegida, ganike, Ganikesopu, Kage hanninagids

Cashmirian  Name : Kambae

Marathi Name : Kamoni, Ghati

Persian Name : Rubaah Turbuk, Angoor Shifa

Punjabi Name : Mako

Sanskrit Name : Kakmachi, Kakamachika

Urdu Name : Makoh, Mako

Medicinal use of Black Nightshade : The whole plant is antiperiodic, antiphlogistic, diaphoretic, diuretic, emollient, febrifuge, narcotic, purgative and sedative. It is harvested in the autumn when both flowers and fruit are upon the plant, and is dried for later use. Use with caution, see notes above on toxicity. The leaves, stems and roots are used externally as a poultice, wash etc in the treatment of cancerous sores, boils, leucoderma and wounds. Extracts of the plant are analgesic, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory and vasodilator. The plant has been used in the manufacture of locally analgesic ointments and the juice of the fruit has been used as an analgesic for toothaches.

Description of the plant:

Plant : Annual

Height : 60 cm (2 feet)

Flovering : July to September

Habitat of the herb : Uncultivated and waste land. It is a common garden weed.

Edible parts of Black Nightshade : Fruit - cooked. Used in preserves, jams and pies. A pleasant musky taste. Somewhat like a tomato, but much less pleasant, it improves slightly after a frost. Only the fully ripe fruits should be used, the unripe fruits contain the toxin solanine. The fruit contains about 2.5% protein, 0.6% fat, 5.6% carbohydrate, 1.2% ash. The fruit is about 9mm in diameter. Young leaves and new shoots - raw or cooked as a potherb or added to soups. This plant is cultivated as a leaf crop in some areas, but see the notes at the top of the page regarding possible toxicity.

Medicinal values :  The whole plant is alterative, antiperiodic, constipative, demulscent, diaphoretic, diuretic, emollient, expectorant, febrifuge, hepatoprotective, hydragogue, narcotic, sedative and tonic. It is effective in the treatment of cirrhosis of the liver , spleen  and is also credited with emollient, antiseptic and laxative properties. It has a protective effect on the liver and has shown hepatoprotective activity in cases of toxicity induced by drugs and chemicals. Useful in chronic enlargement of liver (hepatomegaly).

Also useful in heart diseases, skin diseases, piles, gonorrhoea, prostate swelling, and inflammatory swellings. Useful in cough and consumption.

Other uses of the herb : This species has been found to be effective in removing PCB's from the soil and detoxifying them. The plant is more effective in doing this if it is infected with the bacterial parasite Agrobacterium tumefaciens.

Propagation of Black Nightshade : Seed - sow spring in situ. The seed can also be sown in a greenhouse during the spring if required. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant out in late spring.

Known hazards of Solanum nigrum : There is a lot of disagreement over whether or not the leaves or fruit of this plant are poisonous. Views vary from relatively poisonous to perfectly safe to eat. The plant is cultivated as a food crop, both for its fruit and its leaves, in some parts of the world and it is probably true to say that toxicity can vary considerably according to where the plant is grown and the cultivar that is being grown. The unripe fruit contains the highest concentration of toxins.

Price Rs. 550/- 50 seeds pkt
Solanum nigrum plants and seeds are available at our Centre at : Sonmarg, Kashmir
For more details: Jammu and Kashmir Medicinal Plants Introduction Centre
POB: 667 GPO Srinagar SGR JK 190001
Ph: 09858986794, 01933-223705
e-mail: jkmpic@gmail.com, iirc@rediffmail.com, jkmpic@yahoo.in
home: http://jkmpic.blogspot.com