Parwal, Patol, or Pointed-gourd (Trichosanthes dioica) plant is used for medicinal purposes for treating several diseases according to Ayurveda. Parwal is a very healthy option in vegetables and this is used to make many Ayurvedic medicines. Parawal is a good vegetable to manage constipation and is also an excellent source to maintain blood sugar levels in diabetic patients.

Classification

• Kingdom- Plantae
• Division- Magnoliophyta
• Class- Magnoliopsida
• Order- Cucurbitales
• Family- Cucurbitaceae
• Genus- Trichosanthes
• Species- dioica

 Names

SANSKRIT NAMES: Patola, Panduka, Kulaka, Rajeya, Tikta, Panduka, Karkashachchhada, Panduphala, Rajiphala, Amritaphala, Beejagarbha, Pratika, Kushthaha, Kasabhanjana, Meki, Pargavi, Parvara

• PUNJABI: Parwal, Palwal
• HINDI: Parwal, Parvar
• TELUGU: Adavi-patola, Kommupotla
• ENGLISH: Wild Snake-gourd, pointed gourd
• BENGALI: Patol
• ORIYA: Patal
• GUJRATI: Potala, Patal
• KANNADA: Kadupodavalu, Kaadu-padavala
• MALAYALAM: Patolam, Kattupatolam
• TAMIL: Peyu-padal, Kombu-pudalai
• URDU: Parora
• MAITHILI: Paror
• UNANI: Parwal

Distribution

It is majorly cultivated in warmer regions of India, specifically in U.P, Bihar, Assam, and West Bengal for fruits. It is found in tropical regions of Asia and Australia as well.

Parts used

Medicinally: Roots, leaves, and fruits.

Food: Fruits

Ayurvedic Properties and Action on the body

• Taste (Rasa): Bitter
• Characteristics (Guna): Light, dry
• Potency (Virya): Hot
• Post Digestive Effect (Vipaka): Pungent (Katu)
• Effect on Tridosha – Balances Kapha and Pitta

Action on the body:

• Pain-relieving
• Good for hair
• Wound cleaning, wound healing
• Improve the taste
• Digestive stimulant
• Digest ama/toxins
• Downward movement of wind
• Cathartics, promote the production of bile juice
• Anti-thirst, anti-parasitic, blood purifier
• Good for the heart, reduces inflammation, reduces phlegm
•  Curing skin lesion, curing fever
• Strength promoter, Improve the potency, removes toxins from the body

Ayurvedic Medicines containing Parval/Patol

Punarnvadi kwath: It is effective in the management of viral hepatitis.

Patolavrisha Kwath: Patolavrisha kwath is formed by boiling leaves of patol and adusa. This decoction is very beneficial in antra-vriddhi (Hernia).

Patoladi kvath: It is beneficial in the treatment of various skin disorders.

Jatyadi ghrita:  It contains leaves of Patol herb along with many other constituents. It is beneficial in wounds, burn injuries, boils, deep cuts, and used as an ointment. 

Patolakaturohinyadi Kashayam: It purifies the blood and removes toxins. It prevents aging of the skin, helps in indigestion, and protects the liver. It is very effective for the treatment of viral infections like jaundice. 

Chemical constituents

This fruit contains various free amino acids, vitamin B-3, vitamin B-2, vitamin C, vitamin B-1, and 5-hydroxytryptamine. Its root contains Colocynthin and trichosanthin; the Plant contains Cucurbita-5 and 24-dienol.

Medicinal Properties of Roots, Leaves, and Fruits

Roots

• Roots are antipyretic and have purgative action.
• These roots are beneficial in jaundice, extreme generalized edema, and ascites.

Leaves

• Anti-pyretic (reduces fever)
• Laxative/purgative (activates or facilitates the emptying of the bowels
• Promotes the discharge of bile, facilitating it downward
• Relieve constipation
• It expectorates sputum by the air passages, used to treat coughs
• Act as anthelmintic
• To treat Alopecia areata juice of patola leaves is applied to the scalp for        continuous 21 days
• Decoction or kwath of leaves is very helpful in case of excessive cough. The decoction is formed by boiling pointed gourd leaves 6g and dry ginger powder (sonth) in one glass of water for 10 minutes on low flame. After filtering the decoction with the help of a sieve, this can be taken twice a day.
• In raktpitta (numerous bleeding disorders that occur due to excessive intake of spicy, fermented, hot, acidic, and sour food), juice of pointed gourd leaves should be taken in a dose of 8-10 ml with honey or water.
• The juice of leaves works as a tonic. Consumption of this juice removes the blood impurities and toxins, thus helps in the management of skin diseases.
• Juice of leaves acts as antipyretic, helpful in edema, alopecia, and cases of enlargement of the liver. Leaves and fruits are used for treating alcoholism and jaundice according to charak Samhita.

Fruit

• The parwal vegetable, which we get from market is the fruit of the plant.
• The edible part of fresh Parwal contains approximately- water-92%, protein- around 2%, fat – around 0.3%, fiber- 3%, carbohydrate -2.2%, minerals- 0.5%, vitamin C- around 29mg/100g, carotene -around 153 mcg/100g, sodium-2.6mg/100g, Magnesium -9mg/100g, sulphur – 16mg/100g ,potassium -83mg/100g, copper -1.1mg/100g.
• The ripe fruit is sour and sweet. Act as Tonic, aphrodisiac, expectorant and removes toxins from the body and purifies the blood.

Other uses

To manage hyperacidity, take leaves of pointed-gourd, turmeric powder, and fruit rind in equal parts and make the powder. 3 to 6 gm. of dose should be taken with the fresh juice of ginger and 3 ml of papaya latex twice a day.

1. In some alternative medicine the fresh juice of the unripe fruit is generally used as a coolant and laxative medicine.
2. In spermatorrhoea the fruit is used as a remedy.
3. In primary biliary cholangitis, a decoction/kwath of pointed gourd leaves and coriander leaves in equal parts is given. When pointed gourd is given with other herbs can be prescribed in snakebite and scorpion sting.

DESCRIPTION

Almonds are the edible seeds of, more commonly called the almond tree. They are native to the Middle East, but the US is now the world’s largest producer of almonds. The almonds you can buy in stores usually by removing the shell, and revealing the edible nut inside. They are sold in the market either raw or roasted. These are the most popular nuts in the United States. Almonds become famous for their versatility and health benefits.  Almonds have extensively benefited heart health, diabetes, and weight management. 

NUTRIENTS VALUE

• Carbs in Almonds – Almonds are a good source of fiber and lower glycemic index than other nuts making them a good choice for people on low-carb diets. 
• Fats in Almonds – Almonds are high-fat foods, providing about 22 percent of the daily amount of fat in a single ounce. Most of the fat found in almonds is monounsaturated fat, which has cardio-protective properties. 
• Protein in Almonds – Almonds are a good source of protein, containing small amounts of all the essential and non-essential amino acids. 
• Micronutrients in Almonds – Almond contains 37% of vitamin E, 8% calcium, and 6% of iron. Vitamin E has antioxidant properties and supports immune function. Calcium play important role in maintaining the structure of teeth and bones. 

BENEFITS

• Help in digestion – Almonds are a great source of fiber. Eating a handful of almonds or drinking a glass of almond milk can prevent constipation. Almonds help to promote healthy bacteria in your gut which helps in digest your food and fight off illness.
• Moisturizing skin – For people with dry, flaky skin, a cream or lotion that contains almonds cure these symptoms by providing healthy fats which help to keep skin supple. Almonds also help in glowing skin by giving a punch of vitamins A and E in the body.
• Protect from heart disease – Vitamin E present in almonds can keep your heart well. Increase intake of high vitamin E in the diet is linked with lower rates of heart disease. 
• Add Shine to Dull Hair – In winter dry air left brittle hair, apply oil which is rich in almond helps to strengthen hair and add texture. When you use hair products rich in almond oil, the fats absorb into your hair, keeping each strand of your hair strong and shiny.
• Promote Healthy Cells – Almonds are not packed with healthy fats and protein, but they are also rich in antioxidants. These plant compounds protect your cells from oxidation and premature aging.
• Low cholesterol – Almonds are one of the best foods that naturally lowering cholesterol. Most studies revealed that eating almonds can lower LDL or “bad” cholesterol levels. They are also quick and convenient, so you will never have to rely on vending machine food for a snack.
• Reduce the risk of diabetes – Start your day with a bowl of cereal sprinkled with almonds in your breakfast. Eating almonds with cereal slows down the absorption of the carbohydrates in the cereal, this effect from the protein and fats in almonds lower the risk for developing high blood sugar and diabetes.
• Lower blood pressure – Almonds are rich in magnesium which helps to lower your blood pressure. Low magnesium levels in your body can put you at risk for high blood pressure. Add magnesium-rich foods to your diet like almonds can protect you from blood pressure.
• Almonds can aid in weight regulation – The consumption of almonds has been reduced by BMI and waist measurements. In addition, almond is full of protein, and fiber boosts feelings of fullness and delays the return of hunger. Almonds actually contain about 20% fewer calories than the labels state.
• Good for skin – Good fats support maintain healthy skin, but almonds actually help to maintain healthy skin when it comes to skin aging. People who eat Almond continuously decreased wrinkle severity and width compared to the non-almond eaters.

ALMOND SIDE EFFECTS

• Constipation – Almonds are rich in fiber though this is good, but excess intake of fiber can lead to constipation and cause gastrointestinal issues if not combined with enough water intake. Gastrointestinal symptoms caused by excess intake of almonds are bloating, gas, diarrhea, and stomach cramps.
• Decreased nutritional absorption – The excess fiber in almond can bind with minerals like calcium, magnesium, zinc, and iron and interfere with their absorption in the bloodstream. 
• Allergy – Almonds may cause oral allergy syndrome in some people. The symptoms include an itchy mouth, swelling of the tongue, scratchy throat, and, mouth, and lips. Almond may cause much severe allergy reaction called anaphylaxis. 
• Renal stone – Almonds are rich in intestinal soluble oxalates, which may contribute to renal failure and kidney stones.
• Increase toxins in the body – Almonds, especially bitter in versions, can cause cyanide poisoning. In bitter almonds the HCN level forty times higher as compared to sweet almonds. After enzymatic hydrolysis, hydrocyanic acid may lead to breathing issues, choking, nervous breakdown, and even death. Therefore they are a strict prohibition for pregnant and lactating women.

What is Goji Berry?

The Goji berries are often known as wolfberries and they are native to Asia.

 are very tiny red in color and packed with antioxidants also it shows powerful medicinal properties.

The not only add a pop of color in your plate but they are really great and also full of flavor which is delicious in taste.

You can buy Goji  berries in both powdered or dried form. In Addition, they are added with many supplements and also juice blends. Also They are added to variety of food recepies.

BOTANICAL DESCRIPTON-

SCIENTIFIC NAME- Lycium barbarum 

FAMILY- Solanaceae 

COMMON NAME- Goji berry, Gajju berry, Wolfberry, Chinese Wolfberry,

 Chinese boxthorn, Himalayan goji, Tibetan goji, mede berry, barbary matrimony vine, matrimony vine.

It is a deciduous woody shrub.

Height of the Shrub– It ranges from 1 to 3 metres (i.e. 3 ft 3 in to 9 ft 10 in) high. The shrub has weak arching branches, and the side branches are often reduced to short and leafless spines.

Leaves- It forms on the shoot mostly in an alternating arrangement or in bundles of up to 3.Green in color, scarcely fleshy when fresh, usually lanceolate or spearhead- shapes, sometimes they are with rounded tips.

Length of Clustered leaves are up to 25 mm in length; the single alternate leaves are up to 55 mm long. 

The flowers–  grows in groups of 1 to 3  in the leaf axils, with pedicles 6–15 mm in length. The calyx, eventually ruptured by the growing berry, is a whitish tube crowned by 5 or 6 radial triangular sepals, shorter than the tube, 10–12 mm long and 3–4 mm wide, sometimes 2–lipped, strongly curved.

Sepals –whitish on lower side or facing towards the branch and deep mauve in the top.

The pistil is 8 to 11.5 mm long. The Anthers are longitudinally dehiscent.

Fruit- It is bright orange-red, ellipsoid berry 1to 2cm(0.39 to 0.79 inch) in diameter.

 The calyx which is fruiting is split deeply once or twice. The number of seeds in each berry varies widely based on cultivator.

Fruit size-  ranging from 10 to 60. 

Seeds – 2 mm long, 1 mm wide, yellowish, compressed with a curved embryo.

How is it been Used?

It is used Traditionally as an Asian Cuisine. In case of Young wolfberry the leaves and shoots are harvested commercially as a leaf vegetable.

In the early 21st century- the dried goji berry has been marketed as a health Food or for healthy diet. They were also included in many snack foods, seed oil, ground wolf berry seeds and food supplements.

GOJI BERRY ARE HIGHLY NUTRITIOUS-

These berries are enriched with Protein, Fat, Carbs, Fiber, Sugar, Iron, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Potassium, Zinc, Thymine, Copper, good Iron Content, also enriched with Antioxidants.

• It helps to reduce the inflammation and also protects against chronic conditions like cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. 

MEDICINAL BENEFITS OF GOJI BERRY-

• ANTIOXIDANTS- They are enriched with antioxidants and thus protects your body from harmful free- radicals.
• ANTIAGEING BENEFITS-  According to some studies these berries helps to delay the ageing process and also 
• protects them against aging caused by DNA damage.

EYE PROTECTION-  It protects your eyes and believed to protect against age- related eye diseases. They contains high levels of healthy antioxidants, especially the zeaxanthin.

These antioxidants can also stop damage caused by:

• UV light
• free radicals
• oxidative stress.

It Provides immune system support-

They contains healthy antioxidants. They are are known for their immune-boosting qualities and their ability to fight harmful free radicals and inflammation.

These berries contain very large amounts of Vitamins  A and C, Vitamins A and C are vital for building immunity and preventing illnesses, ranging from the common cold to cancer

It Protects against cancer

High levels of antioxidants, including vitamin C, zeaxanthin, and carotenoids, that are responsible for  up fighting cancer cells. These antioxidants slows down the growth of tumor, reduces inflammation, and help to remove harmful substances from the body.

According to one research in animals it was concluded that these berries may inhibit tumor growth and boost the effectiveness of cancer treatments.

Promotes healthy and glowing skin

These Berries contain beta-carotene, which is an essential plant phytochemical. It is well known for its ability to promote healthy skin.

Beta-carotene is used as an ingredient in skin creams that helps to improve skin health, Reduce skin irritation, manage the effects of the sun, manage the impact of aging

It Stabilizes blood sugar

These berries may be helpful in controlling the release of sugar into the blood.

One research shows that these berries balance insulin and glucose levels in the blood thus Good choice for Diabetics.

In the same study it was found that it helped to increase HDL Levels in people with Type 2 diabetes.HDL is known as good cholesterol.

It Improves depression, anxiety and Sleeplessness.

According to some studies it is found that drinking goji berry juice could improve your energy levels, changes your mood, and improves digestive health.

DESCRIPTION

Date palm scientific name Phoenix dactylifera, family arecaceae. Date palm trees is the oldest cultivated fruit tree which is known as dates and it is sweet and highly nutritious fruits. The major producers of date palm trees are countries in the Middle East and others countries are Africa and Iran is the largest exporter. Date palm trees tree cultivated in dry zones having irrigation facilities. Date farming have successful cultivation in regions that have prolonged hot and dry summers, moderate winters climatic conditions with no rain during the fruit ripping period. The date palm tree grow about 65 to 70 feet in height, cylindrical in trunk and columnar growing straight with the same girth to the top. Date palm fruits are one to four centimeters long with 2.5cm in diameter and oblong in shape. Its fruit are one seeded and are fleshy. Date palm tree are well adapted to desert environment conditions. Fruit yield gets affected by fruit cracking and checking, due to moisture presence so it required low humidity at fruit development stage. Saline soil is required for its growth. In India people show interest in cultivation of date palm tree. In India already there are many dates farms establishes in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Rajasthan.

OTHER NAMES

• Hindi name – khajur
• English name – date 
• Punjabi name – khajura 
• Kannad – kharjura
• Tamil nadu – tati panai
• Malayalam – intappana
• Marathi – khajura
• Nepal – miti pama 
• Gujrati – tada ni khajura 

NUTRITIONAL CONTENT IN DATE PALM

Dates are a concentrated source of healthy nutrients. Just 2 dates (48 grams) provides

• Calories: 133
• Carbs: 36 grams
• Fiber: 3.2 grams
• Protein: 0.8 grams
• Sugar: 32 grams
• Fat: 0 grams
• Calcium: 2% of the Daily Value (DV)
• Iron: 2% of the DV
• Potassium: 7% of the DV
• Copper: 19% of the DV
• Vitamin B6: 7% of the DV
• Magnesium: 6% of the DV

HEALTH BENEFITS

• Rich in disease-fighting antioxidants – The date provides various kinds of antioxidants to treat different diseases. Dates are rich in antioxidants including, carotenoids, flavonoids, and phenolic acid.  Carotenoids is very beneficial for your heart health and also reduces the risk of eye-related disorder. Flavonoids is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, it is useful to reduce the risk of diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease. Phenolic acid also has anti-inflammatory properties and helps to reduce the risk of some cancers and heart issues.
• Bones – Dates palm rich in copper, selenium, and magnesium that keep your bone healthy and prevent bony related disease and disorders. Date palm rich in vitamin K which helps to regulate coagulation of blood and helps metabolize your bones. People suffering from osteoporosis are more likely to suffer from bony fractures. Dates can help to strengthen your bone and make it strong.
• Promote brain health – Each date contains choline, vitamin B that is good for the learning and memory process especially in Alzheimer’s disease.  Regular consumption of dates in your diet lower the risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. Dates also helpful in reducing inflammation and preventing plaque formation in the brain.
• Control diabetes – Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common diseases in this period of life. Research shows that dates are helpful to reduce blood sugar and fat levels in body. It works by increase the production of insulin and also help reduce the rate of absorption of glucose from the intestine. This can help to reduce the risk of diabetes in people.
• Improves skin – Dates are an excellent source of vitamin C and D which helps to maintain your skin elasticity and keeps your skin smooth and healthy. Dates also have anti-ageing properties and prevent the accumulation of melanin in skin.
• Improve heart health – Dates may improve your heart health. Dates have antioxidant properties that help to prevent the built up of cholesterol and other substance in and on the artery walls, and prevent cardiac diseases.
• Date helpful in men’s – It Improve sexual health in men. Some studies states that dates can enhance your sexual stamina. It also help to increase sperm counts. In Dates flavonoids and estradiol antioxidants are present which have positive effects to increase sperm count and sperm quality.
• Date helpful in females – Date Promote Natural Labor, Eating dates in the later stage of pregnancy promotes cervical dilation and lowers the need for induced labor. Dates mimic the action of oxytocin and bring natural contraction of uterine muscle during labor. Dates also have a compound called tannin which help to facilitate uterine contractions during labor. Dates prevent Piles during pregnancy piles are the commonest problem during pregnancy due to poor intake of fibers and dates are an amazing source of fibers. They may help to reduce the risk of piles during pregnancy.
• Sweet tooth – Dates are the sweetest fruit with natural sugar content in it. It can reduce your cravings for unhealthy sweet products and sugar. It is a great substitute of white sugar.

What is Black Currant?

Black currant is a natural plant, whose fruits and seeds are used as herbs. It is originally found in Europe and parts of Asia. Falseb extracts are used in various health conditions.

Where is black currant used?

Black currant is a plant found in many parts of Europe and regions of North Asia, which is famous for its fruit. Its scientific name is Ribes Nigrum and belongs to the Grossulariaceae family. People mostly use it to make medicines from its oil, leaves, fruits and flowers. Black currant seed oil contains a chemical known as gamma linolenic acid – GLA.

Use of oil in black current means:

For diagnosis of menopause signs, for resolution of premenstrual symptoms, for reducing menstrual pain and for firmness of the breast.

Enhance immunity

Use of Falseb fruit:

To get relief in cough

Use of dried leaves of Falseb in Alzheimer’s disease

In arthritis

In joint pain

Gout

Arthritis

Diarrhea

Colic

Hepatitis and other liver diseases

Fainting and dizziness

In inflammatory disorders in the mouth and throat

Additional usefulness of dried leaves of Falseb:

Cough, cold and whooping cough at the table

To eliminate urin infection

To increase the amount of urine

Bladder stones

As a healthy alternative to tea

You will be surprised to know that many people apply this leaf directly on the face. By this, skin wounds heal and if insects have bitten, then it is also relieved. If we talk about food items, this fruit is used to make liquor and to increase the taste in other things. And the fruit of black currant comes to use directly.

How does it work as a medicine?

How much this medicine works in particular has not been found till date. You can talk to your pharmacist or doctor for more information. It is believed that Falseb seed oil contains a chemical known as gamma linolenic acid – GLA.

According to some research, this acid is helpful in increasing immunity, and gives our body more strength to fight against diseases. Falseb leaves and oil are also helpful in reducing inflammation in the body.

Read more: Just spend 5 rupees to get a cold, cough, try these 13 home remedies

Precautions and warnings related to Black Current

What to keep in mind before using Falseb?

Talk to your doctor, pharmacist or pharmacologist if you:

Pregnant is either breastfeeding her baby. Because when you are through the stomach or you are breastfeeding, during that time you should eat the same medicines as the doctor tells you.

• Taking any other medicines. Then, whether you take any medicines that you can buy without prescription.

• Allergic to any of the ingredients of Falseb or if you have Allergy from any other medicine or medicine.

Suffers from any other disease, symptom or disease.

And is allergic to any food, dye, preservative or animal. Drug achievement and others on shopping

Fewer rules apply than medicines. More study is required to claim the safety of medicines.

How safe is it to use black current?

Falseb is mostly safe when it is used in food, either when the black currant fruit and oil are used correctly in the right amount in medicines.

Special warranties and warnings:

During pregnancy and lactation: If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, use of Falseb is not safe or there is no patient available for it. Therefore, choose the right one, avoid using Falseb.

In case of bleeding: Falseb slows down the formation of blood. It may be used to increase bleeding and the injury trend may take longer.

Low blood pressure: When the black current is not used properly, it reduces the blood pressure. According to many reports, blood pressure can be further reduced if the victims of low blood pressure choose the black current.

Surgery: As mentioned earlier, the black current slows down the formation of blood, hence excessive use of black current can increase blood flow during surgery. So if you use black current in any way, then stop using it before two weeks of any surgery.

Read more: Types of cough and care in such identified young children

Side effects

What are the side effects of black currant?

The acid found in black currant – GLA can harm you many times, such as:

• Headache

Diarrhea

Gas Troubles and Discomfort

Not everyone feels the same side effects. There may be some side effects not mentioned here. If you want any information about the side effects or you want to find out before the use of Black Current, then you must take the help of your doctor or pharmacist.

Read more: Benefits and Disadvantages of Asparagus – Health Benefits of Asparagus (Shatavari Powder)

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Diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity

What Is Star Fruit?

• The carambola or the Star Fruit is a sweetish and sour fruit that is having the shape of a 5-point star giving its name as a Star Fruit.
• It is having an edible skin and the flesh has a mild, sour flavor that makes it popular in a numerous dishes.
• This fruit is yellowish or green in color. It comes in two main types: a smaller, sour variety and a larger or sweeter one so choose according to your taste.
• It a Fruit Mentioned in Bhavprakasha Samhita Purvakhanda, Mishraka gana, Amradi phal varga (Group of fruit items like mango)
• It is native to Malayan peninsula and cultivated in South east asia- India, Philipiness, Indonesia, Malaysia,Pacific island, china, Sri lanka and Bangladesh.

BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION-

It is a small, slow-growing evergreen tree having a short-trunk or a shrub. Branches- Drooping; the wood is white initially and then turns reddish.

Shape- It is having a bushy shape with many branches that produces a broad, rounded crown.

Leaves-They are compound; soft, medium- Greenish and spirally arranged around the branches in an alternate fashion.

The pinnate leaves having a single terminal leaflet and 5 to 11 nearly opposite leaflets,

Length of leaf- 15–20 cm and leaflets are 3.8 to 9 cm in length

Shape is ovate or ovate-oblong. The top sides of leaves having smooth surface and the undersides are finely hairy and whitish. 

 leaflets are light reactive i.e. they tend to fold together at night, also sensitive to abrupt shock & when shaken they tend to close up also.

Flowers- Lilac or purple-streaked, downy, flowers are produced in the axils of leaves at the end of twigs. They are arranged in small clusters on the ends of the branches or may be on the larger stems and trunk, each cluster is attached to the tree with red stalks. 

Shape– Bell-shaped, Perfect flowers

Length of flower – 6 mm wide approx having 5 petals that have recurved ends. 

Fruit- Showy and shape is oblong and longitudinal 5 to 6 angled and 6.35 to 15 cm long and up to 9 cm wide.

It is having a thin, skin is waxy 

Color- Orange-yellow 

These juicy fruits are yellow inside when ripe and have a crisp texture and In a cross-section cutting are star-shaped.

Odor of fruit- Like an oxalic acid that varies between plants from strong to mild and the taste varies from very sour to mild sweetish.

Seeds- Fruit having up to twelve seeds 6–12.5 mm in length. 

Shape- flat, thin and brown 

Some cultivated variety produce fruits which is having no seeds. 

BOTANICAL NAME- Averrohoa carambola

FAMILY- Oxalidaceae

SANSKRIT SYNONYMS- Brihadamla, Rujaraka, sralam

COMMON NAME-  Carambola, Star fruit

Hindi- Karmal

Kannada- Kamaraakshi, Kamarak, Kamarike, Daarehuli, Dhaarehuli

Bengali name- Kamaranga

Manipuri- Heinoujom

Malayalam- Caturappuli

Tamil- Tamarattai

Mizo- Thei-her-awt

Urdu- Kamrakh

Malaysian name-maha

Indonesian name- Demak

Nutrient Found in Star Fruit-

It is a decent source of various nutrients like very rich in fiber and Vitamin-C, carbs , Protein, Vitamin B5, Folate, Copper, Potassium and Magnesium

It is very nutritious as it is low in calorie and enriched with fiber and Healthy Plant Compounds.

It is an excellent source of plant compounds- quercetin, gallic acid, and epicatechin making it more healthier.

MEDICAL BENIFITS-

Anitioxidants- The compounds found in this fruit is having a powerful antioxidant properties and rich in flavanoids thus providing various health benefits –

Liver Disorders– It reduces fatty liver risk and cholesterol 

Anti-Cancerous- It helps to prevent liver cancer

Inflammation-  the sugars in star fruit may reduce inflammation  

Sunburns and Hangover- It is used all over the world as a home remedy for hangovers and sunburns. 

Common Cold- It works well on coughs, fever, ulcers and sore throats.

Flowers of sweet star fruit is helping hand in case of Cough in children.

Diabetes- It is also effective to combat the diabetes. 

Stomach ulcers- Its leaves can be used to treat stomach ulcers, pus-filled skin inflammations and boils. 

Digestive system- It improves your digestion thus giving relief from digestive issues like indigestion, bloating etc. 

Vitamins A, B and C present in this fruit helps to keep the metabolism of the body steady and strong, star fruit also has thiamine, riboflavin, and niacin in very small concentrations.

Eczema-  It contains an antimicrobial agent which fights the microbial bacillus cereus, E.coli, salmonella typhus, etc. thus curing cures eczema.

Weight loss- As the fruit contains low calories and high fiber content making it a great choice for anyone trying to lose weight.

Heart Health- It is a good source of vitamin B9 (folic acid), which helps reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke, and it also contains vitamin C and vitamin B5.

 It is having low amounts of all essential minerals but is especially rich in copper.

Star fruit lowers cholesterol levels and adds the bulk and moisture to the faeces.

Sore Eyes- This fruit is been used to treat sore eyes. If you are looking to up the magnesium content in your diet, then eat food rich in vitamin B6 along with star fruit.

Breast feeding Mothers- This ‘magic’ fruit is given to the lactating mothers as this fruit is believed to stimulate the flow of milk. 

FRUIT DECOCTION- The decoction of its leaves and roots (prepared separately or in combo) helps to cure headaches, ringworm, and chicken pox. 

Nausea- To  get cure from nausea and indigestion, eat a half  piece of the fruit and repeat the dose after 3 hours 

Be Careful ad safe while consuming this Fruit –

• Kidney disorders- As the fruit containing High Oxalate content  may cause adverse effects in some people. Try to avoid or consult your doctor before trying this fruit as the fruit can damage your kidney. 
• It interferes with absorption and also the metabolism of several natural minerals like calcium, magnesium, etc.
• Star fruit toxicity- It may cause neurological problems such as confusion, seizures, and even death.
• If you are taking some sort of prescription drugs should also proceed with caution as it may alter the way a drug is broken down and used by your body.

Raspberry is a fruit that you have often seen growing in the mines around you or on the sides of the roads. Raspberries are very beneficial for our health. Raspberry looks orange in color and small tomato-like. Raspberry is a small plant. There is a thin covering on top of its fruits. Raspberries are also called Makoy, Kakmachi, Bhatkaiya at some places.

Raspberry plant is troublesome for farmers in one way because this plant grows like weeds hence making it difficult for raspberry crops to grow. Raspberries are of two types, black and orange. The black colored fruit is also smaller than the orange colored fruit. Its branches of tree are about one to one and a half feet long. Rasbhari is also known as Ficellis peruviana in science.

Medicinal Properties Of Raspberry:

Raspberry is very beneficial for stomach diseases, digestive system, enhancing appetite, beneficial for liver, to relieve inflammation, for piles, cough, hiccups, respiratory disease, for stomach, white spots and cancer.

Nutrients in Raspberry 

Raspberry die Many nutrients are found in polyphenols, carotenoids, vitamin A, calcium, phosphorus, phytochemical, antioxidants, and calcium, phosphorus, iron, vitamin A, vitamin C, carotene, etc. are also found in raspberry leaves.

Amounts per 1 cup (123g)

Raspberries contain many nutrients like – Carbohydrate (14.7 g), Protein (1.5 g), Fat (0.8 g), Cholesterol (0 g), Fiber (8.0 g), Vitamin A (40.6 IU), Vitamin K (9.6 mcg ), Sodium (1.2 mg), potassium (186 mg), calcium (30.7 mg), magnesium (27.1 mg) and iron (0.8 mg). – Raspberries Nutrition

Benefits of Raspberry

1. Beneficial Raspberry in Diabetes:

People who are suffering with diabetes adopt many measures to get rid of. Raspberries are very beneficial for such patients. To control diabetes, take a little raspberries. boil one or two raspberries in cups of water. Let it boil till the water reduces in half.

You should consume this water daily in the morning. By doing this, diabetes can be eradicated. one can take seeds of raspberry and make them dry in the sun or in the shade. After the seeds dry, make them finely. Now by taking one spoon of this powder in the morning, you can get rid of diabetes.

2. Beneficial raspberry in lung cancer:

Many people have lame cancer due to which they are very upset. Raspberry is very beneficial for such people because polyphenol and caritenoid are found in raspberries which help us in fighting cancer.

3. Beneficial raspberry for eyes:

In today’s time, due to less sleep and more work, people get diseases related to the eyes. People who are suffering with eye disease should consume raspberries because vitamin A is found in raspberries.

4. Beneficial raspberry for bones:

If you have a bone related problem, you can make bones healthy with the help of raspberries as it contains pectin which maintains the right amount of calcium and phosphorus in the body.

5. Beneficial Raspberry in Digestion:

Nowadays it is seen that people have a lot of indigestion problems but now it is very easy to get rid of this problem because raspberry is a fruit that is found everywhere and is very beneficial for digestion. If you consume raspberries every morning, then you can strengthen your digestive system along with correcting your digestive system.

6. Beneficial Raspberry in vaat pitta cough:

Raspberry is very beneficial for those who are addicted to smoking because its continuous intake helps us in getting rid of vata-bile phlegm.

7. Beneficial raspberry in inflammation or pain:

Many people get inflamed due to fatigue or due to insect bites. Raspberries are effective in reducing swelling from different parts of the body. You can use raspberries even if there is pain in your body. You can get rid of swelling and pain by consuming raspberries daily.

8. Beneficial Raspberry for Kidney:

Raspberry is very beneficial for people who have kidney problems. If you are also having problems related to kidney, then you can make raspberry vegetable and consume it. By consuming its vegetable, all diseases related to the kidney will be cured.

9. Beneficial raspberry for heart:

Many people have very weak heart, but with the help of raspberries, you can make your heart strong because some phytochemical are found in it which is very beneficial for our heart. If heart rate drops, then one can improve your heart rate by taking  a decoction of almanac of Raspberry.

10. Beneficial raspberry in the liver:

You can use raspberries in case of liver related problems. All the liver related problems are eliminated by using raspberry. You can also get rid of liver related problems by taking raspberry vegetable.

Some Effective Benefits of Raspberry Fruit

1. Beneficial in jaundice: In today’s time, the human body has weak immune system due to which it is prone to number of diseases. To get rid of jaundice, you should take a few leaves of raspberries. Now wash them thoroughly so that the dirt gets removed from them. Now finely grind these leaves. Now extract the juice from these finely ground leaves and drink this juice in a quantity of three or four spoons in water. Jaundice will be cured by doing this.
2. Beneficial in the skin: Due to the increasing pollution in the present day, the skin becomes dry and lifeless and many diseases related to the skin occur. Your skin will not be dry with the use of raspberries.
3. Beneficial in sleep: In today’s era, people did not have sound sleep which is the reason for dark circles. If you also have sleeplessness, then boil the root of raspberry plant in water and make a decoction. You can drink this decoction with sugar or gud. This will fix your sleeplessness problem.
4. useful  in cough and cold: In  cough or cold, one can take raspberries. You can reduce all these problems by using raspberry.
5. Beneficial in arthritis: If you are suffering from arthritis or if the arthritis is not curing then you can use raspberry because it contains nutrients that help us get rid of arthritis, so you get raspberries. Must be consumed.
6. Beneficial in losing weight: Raspberry is very beneficial for those who have been troubled by their increasing weight. Raspberries contain very few calories that help us to gain weight. Raspberries send us nutrients for one day’s supply, so that you do not gain weight and you do not go hungry.
7. Beneficial in Cholesterol: Many people are aware of the negative component. People try many ways to avoid them but nothing makes a difference but by eating raspberries, you can easily control the amount of bad cholesterol.
8. Beneficial in blood pressure: Now people have a lot of tension due to work, due to which people have a problem of blood pressure. You can reduce this problem with just raspberry fruit because raspberries contain many nutrients that reduce high blood pressure.

Side Effects Of Raspberry In:

1. If you think of eating wild raspberries then no one is advised to eat wild raspberries.
2. Raw raspberries are harmful: don’t eat unripe raspberries because raw raspberries are toxic in natureand can be harmful to health.
3. Harmful to raspberries: If you are allergic to the rest of the berries, you should not eat it without any advice. You should consult a doctor once before consuming it.
4. For pregnant women: Raspberry can also be harmful for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, so it is important to consult a doctor before consuming it.

If you have a bone related problem, you can make bones healthy with the help of raspberries as it contains pectin which maintains the right amount of calcium and phosphorus in the body.

There is nothing better tha a bowl of fresh blueberries to munch on. These plump and sweet little berries are so yummy that they are sometimes referred to as nature’s candy. Blueberries are well known for their vast and dynamic health benefits. It has amazing antioxidant properties and is a notable anti-inflammatory agent, so, including blueberries in your diet is super beneficial.

Blueberries have nourishing and soothing effects on the brain due to its pitta pacifying nature. It is very useful in age-related memory loss, has anti-inflammatory effect on your nerves, and is beneficial in Alzheimers. Its so good for nervous systems healthy functioning there is a saying about it 

“When it comes to brain protection, there is nothing quite like blueberries. Call the blueberry the brain berry.”

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES OF BLUEBERRY

• Blueberries have Kashaya Rasa(astringent taste) and they pacify Pitta dosha. This property of blueberry is used for wound healing and reducing blood sugar levels. Because of its Pitta pacifying property, it is ideal for summer. It provides a cooling effect on the body and is beneficial in eye disorders which are associated with Pitta dosha. 
• Balya, brumhani – Provides nourishment to the body and boosts immunity. Blueberries are one of the fruits and vegetables with highest antioxidant amount, which prevent free radical formation that can damage cellular structures. Due to these antioxidant properties blueberries have potential cancer-prevention properties, protective effects against diseases like dementia, urinary tract disorders, heart issues, and eye disorders.
• Vrishya  – Good for reproductive health, act as aphrodisiac.
• Vatahara  – Useful in neurological disorders
• Improves digestion – The astringent properties of blueberry are able to stop diarrhea and helps in difficult digestion. Its loaded with anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce the symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease.
• Improves nervous system functioning – Blueberries increase blood flow to the brain, improves memory and attention to required task.  Improvements in brain functioning helps fight the natural decline that occurs during the aging process. Increase in the no. of new neurons with blueberry consumption slows down this aging process.
• Improves reproductive health – Increases vitality and is an aphrodisiac.
• Anti inflammatory – Blueberries show effective results in treating wounds and skin disorders. Even Mouthwashes made of blueberry  dried leaves helps reduce mouth ulcers and due to its anti inflammatory properties it reduces the size of pimples, facilitates wound healing and is very useful in other inflammatory conditions or disorders caused by pitta aggravation. Tea made from the dried leaves of blueberries can be used in sore throat and inflammation of the mouth/mouth ulcers.
• Good for heart – Blueberries are rich in anthocyanins, which have can significantly reduce the risk of developing heart disease. Other benefits of blueberries on the heart include increased flexibility of the blood vessels, reduced  inflammation, and reduced platelet aggregation.
• Improves circulation – Extract of blueberries helps in improving micro-circulation, which is very useful for the capillaries supplying the eyes and mucous membranes of the digestive system and pulmonary system. Good capillaries circulation throughout the body helps people suffering from arthritis, water retention, varicose veins, and hemorrhoids. 
• Useful in kidney stones – Blueberries contain hippuric acid which acidifies urine, that further prevents harmful bacteria from developing in body and helps in removing calcium oxalates from body that lead to kidney stones if they get accumulated in body.