Javanese Tamarind (Caesalpiniaceae) The Delicacy and Herbs Plant
Javanese Tamarind (asam jawa in Indonesian) is categorized in Caesalpiniaceae family. It can be found in lowland plain, and sometimes are planted by street as shelter.
Tamarind has sour taste, sometimes used as spices for certain traditional recipes like asem-asem or sayur asem (sour tamarind soup), and prominently used as part of Jamoo ( Javanese traditional medication). Tamarind is developed by seed.
Some disease that can be reduced and healed by tamarind are ulcer, pimple, menstruation pain in girls, dry cough (by drinking with combination of other herbs), while itches and pussy wound can be healed by applying it on the open wound.
Hibiscus for herbs, beauty, and medication
- White Hibiscus
Hibiscus, or rosemallow, is a large genus of about 200–220 species of flowering plants that is in native to warm temperate, subtropical and tropical regions throughout the world. Many species are grown for their showy flowers or used as landscape shrubs.
Hibiscus is also a primary ingredient in many herbal teas and medication.
Not only that, Hibiscus has been so close to ancient cultures and society.
- One species of Hibiscus, known as Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus), is extensively used in paper making.
- Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) is used as a vegetable and to make herbal teas and jams (especially in the Caribbean). In Latin America, the drink is known as Jamaica and is quite popular. It is made from calyces of the roselle plant. In Egypt and Sudan, Roselle petals make a tea named after the plant, karkade.
- In Polynesia these fibers (fau, purau) are used for making grass skirts. They have also been known to be used to make wigs.
- In India, the Hibiscus is used as an offering to Goddess Kali and Lord Ganesha in Hindu worship.
