Introduction - What is an Ecosystem?

An ecosystem consists of the biological community that occurs in some locale, and the physical and chemical factors that make up its non-living or abiotic environment. There are many examples of ecosystems -- a pond, a forest, an estuary, a grassland. The boundaries are not fixed in any objective way, although sometimes they seem obvious, as with the shoreline of a small pond. Usually the boundaries of an ecosystem are chosen for practical reasons having to do with the goals of the particular study. The study of ecosystems mainly consists of the study of certain processes that link the living, or biotic, components to the non-living, or abiotic, components. Energy transformations and biogeochemical cycling are the main processes that comprise the field of ecosystem ecology. As we learned earlier, ecology generally is defined as the interactions of organisms with one another and with the environment in which they occur. We can study ecology at the level of the individual, the population, the community, and the ecosystem. Studies of individuals are concerned mostly about physiology, reproduction, development or behavior, and studies of populations usually focus on the habitat and resource needs of individual species, their group behaviors, population growth, and what limits their abundance or causes extinction. Studies of communities examine how populations of many species interact with one another, such as predators and their prey, or competitors that share common needs or resources. In ecosystem ecology we put all of this together and, insofar as we can, we try to understand how the system operates as a whole. This means that, rather than worrying mainly about particular species, we try to focus on major functional aspects of the system. These functional aspects include such things as the amount of energy that is produced by photosynthesis, how energy or materials flow along the many steps in a food chain, or what controls the rate of decomposition of materials or the rate at which nutrients are recycled in the system

Tulsi plant is known for its manifold medicinal benefits. Read about the varied uses of Tulasi plant.

Colors of India : Tulsi : Tulsi Benefits

Tulsi Benefits
Tulsi plant has a lot of significance for mankind, due to the manifold medicinal benefits it provides. Tulsi leaves are widely used in the preparation of Ayurvedic medicines. It is known to promote the longevity of life. The extracts obtained from the plant are extensively brought to use for curing various diseases such as the common cold, inflammation, malaria, heart disease, headaches, stomach disorders, kidney stones, heart disorders, and many more. The Indian basil Tulasi also aids in the purification of atmosphere. Tulasi plant serves as a fabulous repellant in fighting against flies, mosquitoes and insects. It is especially valuable in combating malarial fever. It is said that at the time of establishment of Victoria gardens in Bombay (now Mumbai), the workers became victims of mosquito bites and suffered from chronic malaria. Seeing the pitiable situation of the workers, some of the Hindu managers

recommended the plantation of Tulsi plant in the garden. On following their advice, fruitful results were obtained. Thus, holy basil Tulsi helped to abate the growth of mosquitoes and control malaria. There are numerous uses of Tulsi plant. The plant is increasingly finding its way in the Ayurvedic treatment of diseases. Tulsi leaves are widely used due to their healing power. It is a tonic for the nervous system and thus, helps a great deal in sharpening the memory. This aromatic plant supports the removal of phlegm and catarrhal matter from the bronchial tube. It also works wonders in preventing stomach disorders. The herb Tulsi is known to cure the respiratory disorders. The decoction prepared by mixing honey, ginger and Tulsi leaves is quite helpful in combating bronchitis, influenza and asthma. The leaves of Tulsi plant are extremely beneficial during the rainy season, when diseases like malaria and dengue victimize the country. Boil the tender leaves of Tulsi in tea and give it to the patient. The juice extracted from Tulsi leaves serves as the best remedy to bring down fever. Tulsi is an essential ingredient in the preparation of Ayurvedic cough syrups. It is highly useful in getting rid of cold and flu. Even, for sore throat, the leaves of medicinal plant Tulsi is of great value. Just boil the leaves of Tulsi in water and ask the patient to gargle with this decoction. Tulsi has the ability to strengthen the kidneys. For those suffering from the problem of renal kidney stones, the decoction prepared by mixing the juice of Tulsi leaves with honey, if taken sincerely for six consecutive months can oust these stones via the urinary tract. For maintaining healthy heart, Tulsi is of utmost value. It helps in lowering the level of cholesterol in blood. Thus, Tulsi plant serves as the most effective remedy to combat cardiac diseases.

Tulsi
Kingdom: Plantae Division: Magnoliophyta Class: Magnoliopsida Order: Lamiales Family: Lamiaceae Genus: Ocimum Species: O. tenuiflorum Botanical name: Ocimum tenuiflorum The Indian herbal plant Tulsi has a lot of significance in the Hindu religion. The term "Tulsi" is used in the context of one who is absolutely incomparable. Tulsi has a lot of reverence for the Hindus. Infact, people worship Tulsi everyday in the morning as well as evening time. This Indian basil basically grows in the warm and tropical regions. There are two main varieties of this aromatic plant, namely Shyama tulsi and Rama tulsi. Well, out of the two, the former one is of greater medicinal value. Rama Tulsi, on the hand, is primarily used for worship. In this section, we will cover the following aspects related to the holy basil Tulsi:

Tulsi Benefits Tulsi plant has a lot of significance for mankind, due to the manifold medicinal benefits it provides. Tulsi leaves are widely used in the preparation of Ayurvedic medicines. It is known to promote the longevity of life. The extracts obtained from the plant are extensively brought to use for curing various diseases such as the common cold, inflammation, malaria, heart disease, headaches etc.

Tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum), which is also known as holy basil, is a small, perennial shrub with either green or purple leaves, usually cultivated for medicinal purposes in India and South East Asia. Typically the leaves are dried to make either herbs or teas, some of which are used in the religious practices of Hinduism. To care for your tulsi shrub, especially if you plan on harvesting the leaves for tea or medicinal purposes, there are a few very important gardening techniques that you need to implement to keep the shrub healthy and growing.
Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions
Things You'll Need

Nutrient-rich soil Watering can Garden shears Tarp or garden bag

Suggest Edits 1.
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Refresh the planting soil around the tulsi shrub with nutrient-rich soil every spring. The tulsi plant thrives in tropical landscapes, so the soil that you use in your garden must contain of these same nutrients. If you are unsure of which soil is best for your tulsi plant, ask a staff member at your local gardening store for a soil that is dense in nutrients and free from most harsh chemicals.
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Water the planting soil around the tulsi shrub regularly. Ideally you will need to water the soil every other day to keep it moist, while avoiding flooding the soil. When you feel the soil, it should feel damp or muddy to the touch, but you should not see a layer of water resting on it. Remember that tulsi really needs to be grown in a warm, humid environment, so if you are not living in such an environment, you should do your best to mimic those conditions with light and water.
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Trim or clean dead or dying leaves from the tulsi shrub as frequently as you notice them. Because the tulsi shrub needs to be in a moist environment, the leaves can attract some mold, in which case you need to clean the leaves by wiping away the mold with a soft cloth. Also, the leaves can become brittle from not enough water or sun exposure, in which case you need to trim them away from the shrub with small gardening shears.
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Harvest your tulsi after it is fully grown (about 1 meter in height). According to Dr. Ralph Miller, co-author of "Tulsi Queen of Herbs: India's Holy Basil," this process can take several months in the right conditions.
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Protect your tulsi in the winter months. When the leaves have died back, you may want to cover your plant with a tarp or plastic bag to protect it from especially cold weather. Simply put the tarp on top of your tulsi shrub and secure the bottom of the tarp or bag by bunching it together at the bottom of the shrub. This will not work for every shrub, unfortunately, especially if you live in cold climates. If you live in climates that get no snow, there is a good chance that your tulsi shrub will survive the cold, winter months, and then bloom again in the late spring.

Azadirachta indica (Neem) isNeem has been used in a varietyi of ways both for personal and community health. Neem leaves, fruits, flowers and Bark contains antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antinflammatory and also acts as a contraceptive agent. Our indigenous knowledge and resources are made use of on an increasing scale as low-cost, effective ingredients for the realization of the lofty goal of Health for all. This native Indian tree has been identified on the five-thousand-year-old seals excavated from the Indus Valley Civilization. Today the margosa (Neem) is valued more highly for its capacity to exercise the demon of disease than the spirit of the dead, and an image of the folk goddess Sitala can often be seen suspended from a neem branch where she guards against small pox. Renowned for its antiseptic property, the neem tree is thought to be particularly protective of women and children. Delivery chambers are fumigated with its burning bark. Neem seed oil has been chemically tested as an external contraceptive, used by women as a spermicide. Neem is used in pyrexia, diabetes, urinary problems, filarial worms, respiratory disorders, dermatological disorders, gynecological disorders and by way of external use for eyes, piles and fistula, wounds, hair, dental hygiene and as fertility regulatory material and in addition to its uses in ophthalmic problems.

NEEM COMPONENTS Neem leaves are now known to contain nimbin, nimbinene acetylnimbinase, nimbandial, nimbolide and quercentin. Neem leaves help in the treatment of neuromuscular pains. Neem leaves are also reported to remove toxins, purify blood and prevent damage caused by free radical in the body by neutralizing them. Neem leaves are reported to be beneficial in eye disorders and/insect bite poisons. Tender leaves are effective in parasitic infections. A 10% aqueous extract of tender leaves has been found to posses anti-viral properties. Studies on plasma clotting time using Russells viper venom have proved that the leaf extract contains a clotting inhibitor. This justifies its use in the treatment of poisonous bites. Neem leaves have shown significant antiulcer activity and anti-inflammatory effect. Extract of Neem leaves have shown reduction in the frequency and seventy of stress-induced gastric mucosal lesions.

NEEM FRUIT & SEEDS Neem fruits are bitter, purgative, antihemorrhoidal and antihelminthic in nature. Neem seeds are also described as antihelminithic, antileprotic, antipoisonous. Azadirachtins from Neem seed kernel. A single low dose of azadirachtin immunized the kissing bug a transmitter of Chagas disease. NEEM BARK Neem bark is cool, bitter, astringent, acrid and refrigerant. It is useful in tiredness, cough, fever, loss of appetite, worm infestation. Nimibidin found in Neem bark is now known to be antipyretic and non-irritant, and it has found to be effective in the treatment of skin diseases such as eczema, furunculosis, arsenical dermatitis, burn ulcers, herpes labialis, scabies and seborrheic dermatitis. Nimbidin and sodium nimbidmate contained in Neem bark are reported to possess spermicidal activity. Extracts of bark have potent diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties. FLOWERS Neem flowers are used in balancing of the body heat and cough. They are astringent, antihelminthic and non-toxic.

Latest research information on neem

MEDICINAL USES OF NEEM Antibacterial Compounds: Recent reports focus on antibacterial activities in the mouth, specifically in gum disease and cavities, as well as preventing sexually transmitted diseases and as a vaginal contraceptive.

Antifungal Properties: The current research proved its antifungal properties which control fungi that can cause athletes foot, ringworm and Candida, the organism that causes yeast infections and thrush. Anti-Inflammatory: Nimbidin, a component of Neem, has been show to posses potent antiinflammatory and antiarthritis activity. Nimbiden suppresses the functions of macrophages and neutrophils involved in inflammation. Antioxidant Compounds: The process through which free radicals are created, is a normal function of the body but the resulting molecules are unstable and can damage other cells. A series of disorders, including cardiovascular disease, eye health, cataracts and macular degeneration, age-related neurodegeneration (decline of the brain cells and nervous system) and even cancer occurs due to high levels of free radicals. Neem protects against chemically induced carcinogens and liver damage by boosting antioxidant levels. Antiviral Compounds in Neem: Neem inhibits the growth of Dengue virus, a hemorrhagic fever related to Ebola, and interferes with the reproduction of the coxsackie B virus, one of a group of enteroviruses that are second only to the common cold as the most infectious viral agents in human beings. Cancer: Neems efficacy in killing cancer cells or boosting the bodys immune system to protect it from damage. Neem or its isolated compounds have shown impressive action against a wide variety of human cancer cell that include colon, stomach, lung, liver, skin, oral, prostate and breast. Potential Contraceptive Properties of Neem: Use of Neem as either a pre or post coital contraceptive, noting that it prevented proliferation of sperm cells in concentrations as low as 0.05 to 1%. Purified extracts of Neem contained immunomodulators that stimulate the cells and macrophages that terminate pregnancies. Fertility was regained after one or two cycles with no apparent impact to future pregnancies. The Sodium Nimbinate is the main component of the Neem oil acts as Spermicidal agent. So it is an ideal vaginal contraceptive, not only used in Traditional medicine, even in modern era so many products of Neem oil used as contraceptive purpose. It proves that only one ml. of Neem oil immobilized all the sperms with in 30 seconds. So it is safe adopted female contraceptive. The effect is mediated by its toxic and degenerative action on the sperm, rather than its hormonal effect. Neem has been shown to be a powerful, relatively inexpensive birth control agent for both men and women. Cotton soaked in Neem oil was kept in the vagina for fifteen minutes before intercourse. This killed the sperm. Neem oil based vaginal creams and suppositories are extremely popular in India. Nonirritating and easy to use, they are almost 100 percent effective. Neem extract reduces fertility in male -without hitting libido or sperm production. Neem leaf tablets taken for one month produced reversible male infertility but did not affect sperm production or libido. This is the first male birth control pill. Chewing a handful of Neem leaves every day prevents pregnancies. Diabetes: With its extremely bitter properties, Neem has been used in disorders caused by overeating sweets. Recent studies have focused that Neems hypoglycemic effect. One tablespoon (5ml) of Neem leaf juice daily on an empty stomach each morning for three

months. An alternative is to chew or take in powder form ten (10) Neem leaves daily in the morning. Because Neem has been found to reduce insulin requirements by upto 50 percent, without altering blood glucose levels, many of these pills are made of essentially pure, powdered neem leaves. (See also : Diabetes Complications and Relief from Exercise and Yoga, Dietary Management for Diabetics ) Immuno stimulatory Compound: Immuno stimulating properties of neem is most important benefit. It boosts both the lymphocytic and cell-mediated systems, including Killer T cells which are able to destroy microbes, viruses and cancer cells by injecting toxic chemicals into the invaders. Liver functions: It helps to protect the liver from damage, which in turn helps to cleanse the blood. Neem leaf minimize, chemically induced liver damage by stabilizing levels of serum marker enzymes and boosting levels of antioxidants, like those found in vitamin C and E and in natural carotenoids, which neutralize free radicals and prevent damage. Neuroprotective Effect: Antioxidant compounds in neem help to prevent brain damages, who had suffered a stroke by enhancing lipid peroxidation and increasing ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) in the brain. Oral Diseases: Another traditional use of neem has been to chew the neem sticks. It is still used to clean teeth in rural parts of India. Antimicrobial properties that help to reduce plaque and gingivitis. Dental Care: People used Neem twigs as tooth brushes for centuries. Neem twigs contain antiseptic ingredients necessary for dental hygiene and prevents tooth decay, periodontal diseases, Infections, tooth decay, bleeding gums and sore gums. Sexually Transmitted Diseases: Neem shows great potential to control sexually transmitted diseases. Neem provided 75% protection from the HIV virus. Stress: Low doses of Neem leaf extracts have sedative effects. The effect disappears at high doses, approximately 400 or 800 milligrams per kilograms of body weight. It also reduces anxiety and stress. Ulcers: Using Neem bark decreases 77% gastric acid secretion as well as gastric secretion volume 63% and pepsin activity 50%, due to its anti-inflammatory compounds, gastric damage is reduced. Arthritis: Neem has a long history of relieving inflamed joints. Neem not only helps in reducing inflammation but also suppress the pain. It is also useful in Rheumatism. Heart Disease: Major causes of a heart attack include blood clots, high cholesterol, arrhythmic heart action and high blood pressure. Its leaf extracts have reduced clotting, lowered blood pressure and bad cholesterol, slowed rapid or abnormally high heartbeat and inhibited irregular heart rhythms. (See also : Snake Gourd -A Tonic For The Heart ) Malaria: Malaria is quite common in India and throughout the tropics. Neem leaf extracts helps to prevent normal development of the malaria virus. Even though Neem may be

effective against the parasites that carry malaria, it has not been shown to prevent the malaria infection once its in the body. Dried margosa leaves are burned as mosquito repellent. Skin Diseases: Neem has been highly successfully against harmful fungi, parasites, and viruses. It has been most helpful in treating a variety of skin problems and diseases including psoriasis, eczema and other persistent conditions. Psoriasis is successfully treated with Neem oil. ( See also : Natural cures for fungus toenail infection ) Vitiligo: Vitiligo is believed to be an autoimmune disorder that causes patches of skin to lose its color. The dosage is of four grams of Neem leaves three times a day, ideally taken before each meal. Neem oil applied to the affected areas could aid in the reversal of discoloration. Viral Diseases: In India, Neem is also used to treat viral diseases such as smallpox, chickenpox. Neem has antibacterial characteristics as well. AIDS: Some of the best news is that Neem may help in the search for prevention or a cure for. AIDS. AIDS may possibly be treated by ingesting Neem leaf extracts or the whole leaf or by drinking a Neem tea.

1. The Issue
The United States and India are currently involved in a biopiracy dispute over the rights to a tree indigenous to the Indian subcontinent, the neem tree. While the neem tree has been used in India for over 2000 years for various purposes such as pesticides, spermicides and toothbrushes, a US company has been suing Indian companies for producing the emulsion because they have a patent on the process. The dispute is over the rights of companies to conduct research and development by using patents against the interest of the people who live at the source of the resource. To what extent can multinational companies claim and patent resources from the develping countries, like India? The movement around the issue of the neem tree and trade-related aspects of intellectual property rights (TRIPS) represents a challenge to the developing countries..

2. Description
Traits There are approximately 14 million neem trees (Azadirachta indica) in India. Access to neem products was very cheap (if not free) and easy to get. It is a tropical evergreen, related to the mahogany, that mainly grows in arid regions of India and Burma and Southwest Asia and West Africa. When temperatures do not drop below freezing, it may grow up to 50 feet tall. They are estimated to live up to 200 years. The neem tree has many versatile traits that can be traced back to the Upavanavinod, an ancient Sanskrit treatise dealing with agriculture. This treatise cites the neem tree as a cure for ailing soil, plants and livestock. The tree has been referred to as the 'curer of all ailments' and the 'blessed tree' by both the Hindu and

Muslim population in India. The leaves and the bark have been used to treat illnesses such as leprosy, ulcers, diabetes and skin disorder. It has also been used to make spermicides and pesticides. The neem tree is known as the tree for all seasons because of its versatility. Here is a list of its many uses:: 1)Medicine - Many ancient and traditional medical authorities Indian texts place neem as a vital resource for pharmacy. They mention the usefulness of the leaves, bark, flowers, seeds and fruit for treating several diseases such as diabetes, ulcers and skin disorders. For example, some people chew neem leaves in the morning for 24 days to protect the body from diseases like hypertension and diabetes. The juice of the neem tree (5ml) mixed with equal amounts of honey reduces oozing from ears and also removes inflammation. The ash of the dry neem leaves is used to remove urinary stones. (www.healthlibrary.com/ready/neem/chap3.htm). 2)Timber - The chemical in neem makes it resistant to termites, which is an extremely useful quality to have in construction. It is interesting to note that there is a new EPA regulation that bans certain chemically treated wood. 3)Toiletries - Neem twigs have been used by millions of Indians (including my parents) as an antiseptic tooth brush. Its oil is used for preparing soap and toothpaste. 4)Contraception - The oil of neem is a potent spermicide. 5)Fuel - The oil can also be used as lamp fuel. 6)Agriculture - Even dating back to the ancient Sanskrit treatise dating about 600 BC dealing with forestry and agricultural, the Upavanavinod, neem was seen as a cure for ailing plants and livestock. The cake, or residue, is fed to livestock and its leaves increase the fertility of soil. The most important, and controversial, is its use as a potent insecticide. It is effective against approximately 200 insects. Making pesticides emulsion does not take highly sophisticated equipment, as native peoples have been making it for over 2000 years. Indians have developed their own process of cracking off the top that would then be used on plants as a pesticide. Neem based pesticides, medicines and cosmetics have been produced by some laboratories in India, but there has not been an attempt to make ownership of the formula legal because Indian law does not allow agricultural and medicinal products to be patented. In 1971, a timber company in the United States figured out that the neem tree's usefulness in acting as a pesticide and began planting neem tree seeds. He received a patent on it and, in 1988, sold the patent to the US based company W.R. Grace. In 1992, W.R. Grace secured its rights to the formula that used the emulsion from the Neem tree's seeds to make a powerful pesticide. It also began suing Indian companies for making the emulsion.

The controversy over who has the rights to the Neem tree raised many questions. India claims that what the US Companies are calling discoveries are the actual stealing and pirating of the indigenous practices and knowledge of its people. The Indians and members of the Green Party in the European Union oppose big businesses owning the rights to living organisms, otherwise known as biopiracy, because they believe that the rights of poor farmers in developing countries will be harmed. Hypothetical Case The villager supplier of neem products ranging from pesticides to formulations for creams to cure skin disorders, Raju, was not the first in his family to use the "blessed tree" for as many purposes as possible. His family revered and know all of the tree's sacred qualities. While Raju did not know the exact word for the extract of the neem seed, Azadirachtin, he did know that it helped all the people in his village in one way or another. One day his life changed drastically. An American company called W.R.Grace patented the natural insecticide that had been used for generations by Indian farmers. The company was allowed to patent the process of making the insecticide because the Indian government did not patent agricultural or pharmeceutical products. This patent caused many problems for Raju because he could no longer use the traditional method of smashing the neem seeds, scooping the emulsion from the top, and selling it to local farmers as pesticide. This was the method he and his family had used for generations. He was told that he had to pay the company royalties for using their innovation because farmers in India did not hold a patent for the process. It just did not make any sense. The economy seemed to be overtaking his society. The worst part about it was that the community, his people, did not get any benefits from the patents. Raju often asks, how is it possible for American companies to come into our country, steal our knowledge and make money off of it? He was also concerend why the Indian government did not protect the neem emulsion through patents themselves. This is a question that many intellectual property disputes have to answer. Dispute There is an increasing awareness in India of the commodification of neem will lead to the expropriation by multinational corporations, like W.R. Grace (Shiva, Vandana "Piracy by Patent: The Case of the Neem Tree," in The Case of the Global Economy: and for a turn toward the local, edited by Jerry Mander and Edward Goldsmith, Sierra Club: San Francisco, 1996, p. 154). On Indian Independence Day in 1995, farmers in from Karnataka rallied outside the district office to challenge the demands for made by multinational corporations for intellectual property rights. As part of their protest, the farmers carried twigs and branches from the neem tree as a symbol of their collective indigenous knowledge of the properties of the neem (Shiva: 154). The United States, on the other hand, states that what they are doing will help the Indian economy. India is not against sharing its information about the Neem tree's virtues, but it is against countries and corporations that intend to stop India's present use of it.

Another issue is whether the neem tree is patenable, since it is a product of nature, which shows that it is not a result of innovation and discovery. The problem is that W.R. Grace does not have a patent on the tree itself, but rather on the process of making the emulsion. They believe that this process is a discovery because it entails manipulation yielding greater and better results. In other words, discovery seems to have both old and new definitions. The problem is over the use of novel scientific advances on traditional Indian techniques. According to Vandana Shiva, the director of the Research Foundation for Science, Technology and Natural Resource Policy in India, "corporate processes are supposedly novel advances on Indian techniques" (Shiva: 152). She goes on to state that the reluctance of scientists in India to patent agricultural and pharmaceutical inventions may be a result of their recognition that the bulk of work had already been accomplished by generations of anonymous, Indian experimenters (Shiva: 153). For example, "Dr. R P Singh of the Indian Agricutural Research Institute asserts: `Margosan - O is a simple ethanolic extract of neem seed kernel. In the late sixties we discovered the potency of not only ethanolic extract, but also other extracts of neem ...... Work on the neem as pesticide originated from this division as early as 1962. Extraction techniques were also developed in a couple of years. The azadirachtin - rich dust was developed by me" (http://www.healthlibrary.com/reading/neem/chap10.htm). Shiva also states that the discovery of the neem's properties and the means of processing the extract was not "obvious" but rather evolved through extended systematic development in nonWestern cultures (Shiva: 153). The World Trade Organization (WTO) is asking developing countries to open up to foreign direct investment from abroad and to liberalize their trade policies. There has been a restructuring of General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) into the WTO. This resulted in agreements on trade-related aspects of intellectual property rights (TRIPS) made during the Uruguay Round. These agreements created a trend towards a legal framework for intellectual property rights including a consensus to follow and establish patent laws in conjunction with those of the developed world. While this can be seen as a good sign for India, it still causes a problem because of the Indian government's reluctancy to issue patents on agricultural and pharmaceutical product. Also, there is a lack of knowledge of the legal process that surrounds intellectual property rights. Indian business owners argue that the lack of patents leads their technology to move to the developed world. India feels that by letting foreign companies control resources, they become more vulnerable to them. As a result, there has been a backlash on foreign investment and less joint ventures between India and the United States.

Kariyat

Tell a friend about this flower! File size 2106781 Original date 8/3/08 4:17 PM Resolution 3264 x 2448 Flash did not fire, Flash auto Focal length 6.33mm Exposure time 1/50s Aperture 3.5 Focus Distance Metering Multi-segment Mode Camera make SONY Camera model DSC-T20 Sensor type
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Photo: Thingnam Sophia Vubati Marathi:

Common name: Kariyat, Creat Hindi: Kirayat, Kalpanath Manipuri:

Oli-kiryata, Kalpa Tamil: Nilavembu Malayalam: Nelavepu, Kiriyattu Telugu: Nilavembu Kannada: Nelaberu Bengali: Kalmegh Oriya: Bhuinimba Konkani: Vhadlem Kiratyem Urdu: Naine-havandi Assamese: Kalmegh Gujarati: Kariyatu Sanskrit:

Kalmegha, Bhunimba Mizo: Hnakhapui Botanical name: Andrographis paniculata Synonyms: Justicia paniculata Family: Acanthaceae (Ruellia family)

Kariyat is an erect annual herb extremely bitter in taste in all parts of the plant. It grows erect to a height of 1-4 ft in moist shady places with smooth leaves and white flowers with rosepurple spots on the petals. Stem dark green, 0.3 - 1.0 m in height, 2-6 mm in diameter, quadrangular with longitudinal furrows and wings on the angles of the younger parts, slightly enlarged at the nodes; leaves glabrous, up to 8.0 cm long and 2.5 cm broad, lanceolate, pinnate; flowers small, in lax spreading axillary and terminal racemes or panicles; capsules linear-oblong, acute at both ends, 1.9 cm x 0.3 cm; seeds numerous, sub quadrate, yellowish brown. Medicinal uses: Since ancient times, Kariyat is used as a wonder drug in traditional Siddha and Ayurvedic systems of medicine as well as in tribal medicine in India and some other countries for multiple clinical applications. The therapeutic value of Kalmegh is due to its mechanism of action which is perhaps by enzyme induction. The plant extract exhibits antityphoid and antifungal activities. Identification credit: Prashant Awale

Uses Youve seen Aloe Vera listed as a ingredient in many of your personal care, Skin care and Cosmetic products. Its always been there. Simple. Ordinary. Trusted.

Theres a reason aloe vera is trusted in products you see every day. And that reason dates back thousands of years. Aloe vera is being used by human being for more than 5000 years now. The earliest civilizations revered this extraordinary botanical for its astonishing properties. Aloe vera uses are legendary and this information has been passed down through time, enhanced by scientific innovation and centuries of experience. There are several aloe vera uses, however some of health benefits are listed below.

Cleanses and supports your digestive system Infuses you with energy Hydrates your skin Soothes and promotes skin renewal Supports your immune system And so much more

Aloe Vera is packed full of the nutrients your body needs inside and out to feel GREAT and look AMAZING. Basically when you drink Aloe Vera it helps you in 3 Stages:
1. Cleansing and Detoxification:

It acts as a Natural Cleanser and cleanses the small intestines due to the presence of Saponins (a soapy substance present in Aloe Vera ) and it therefore detoxifies the body.
2. Removing Nutritional deficiencies of the body:

In the second stage Aloe Vera fulfils the nutritional deficiencies of the human body due to the presence of about 200 compounds in it (76 of them are Vitamins, Minerals and Amino Acids).
3. Therapeutic:

In the 3rd stage when the body is cleansed of the toxin and is given good nutrition (in bio available form), the body cures itself. It acts as a Natural Cleanser and cleanses the small intestines due to the presence of Saponins (a soapy substance present in Aloe Vera ) and it therefore detoxifies the body. In the second stage Aloe Vera fulfills the nutritional deficiencies of the human body due to the presence of about 200 compounds in it (76 of them are Vitamins, Minerals and Amino Acids). In the 3rd stage when the body is cleansed of the toxin and is given good nutrition (in bio available form), the body cures itself. Lots of people are already familiar with the many benefits of using Aloe Vera on the skin for rashes, cuts, bruises, sunburn and so on. But not so many people know about the health benefits of drinking aloe vera juice.
Aloe vera juice is completely safe and its very versatile. Its actually called an adaptogen because it literally adapts to the bodys needs.

Many of the Aloe vera uses & benefits of drinking aloe vera juice stem from the fact that it naturally contains so many different nutrients: vitamins, minerals, amino acids and other trace elements. These are all perfectly balanced in a proportion that is ideally suited for the body to utilise effectively for its own healing and repair. So its not quite true that aloe vera juice is a miracle cure. Its more that it contains so much nutrition thats vital for the body to heal itself Here, in no particular order, is a guide to the top ten health benefits of drinking aloe vera juice: 1. Detoxifies the body Aloe vera juice is a great natural aid to detox. With our stressful lives, the pollution around us and the junk foods we eat, we all need to cleanse our systems from time to time. Some people more often than others! Drinking aloe vera juice provides a fantastically rich cocktail of vitamins, minerals and trace elements to help our bodies deal with these stresses and strains everyday. 2. Healthy Digestion A healthy digestive system makes sure that we absorb as many of the nutrients as possible from the foods we eat. Aloe vera juice has natural detoxifying abilities; and one of the Aloe vera uses is that it seems to improve bowel regularity and increases protein absorption. It also helps to decrease the amount of unfriendly bacteria and yeast in our gut. Aloe vera has been shown to help reduce and soothe heartburn and other digestive problems. 3. Natural Immune Support Aloe vera is full of anti-oxidants natural immune enhancers which fight free radicals within our body. Free radicals are the unstable compounds produced as a side-effect of our metabolism. They are thought to cause various ailments, as well as contributing to the ageing process. Drinking aloe vera juice regularly gives the body a regular supply of anti-oxidants, which can boost and enhance the immune system. 4. Reduce Inflammation Aloe vera juice contains 12 substances which can slow down or inhibit inflammation, without any side-effects. Some people say that drinking aloe vera juice helps with their stiff, swollen or painful joints. 5. Collagen and Elastin Repair for Healthy Skin Drinking aloe vera juice adds a rich supply of raw materials to your diet, which can produce and maintain really healthy skin. The skin replaces itself every 28 days. Using the nutritional building blocks of aloe vera, the skin can use these nutrients daily to help combat the effects of ageing, therefore on eof the Aloe vera uses is that it is anti- aeging. Aloe vera also helps in soothing minor burns, cuts, scrapes and skin irritations. 6. Regulate Weight and Energy Levels Drinking aloe vera juice naturally allows the body to cleanse the digestive system. Our diets include many substances which can cause fatigue and exhaustion. Taken regularly, aloe vera juice ensures a greater feeling of well-being, allowing energy levels to increase and helps maintain a healthy body weight.

7. Daily Dose of Vitamins & Minerals Other Aloe vera uses includes supplying body with dialy dose of vitamins and minerals. Aloe vera juice contains vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, B12 (the aloe vera plant is one of the few plants in the world to contain vitamin B12), C, E, Folic Acid and Niacin. The human body cannot store some of these vitamins, so we need to supplement them regularly through our diet. The minerals found in aloe vera include Calcium, Sodium, Iron, Potassium, Copper, Zinc, Manganese, Magnesium, Chromium and more Plenty of good nutrition in aloe vera juice! 8. Amino Acids The human body requires 20 amino acids to build protein; 8 of these amino acids are essential which means the body cant make them itself. Aloe vera contains 19 of these amino acids, and 7 of the essential amino acids. So drinking aloe vera juice tops up your bodys daily supply. 9. Dental Health Aloe vera is extremely helpful for your mouth and gums. As well as its natural anti-bacterial and anti-microbial actions, it contains vitamins and minerals which promote cell growth and healing. There are some aloe vera toothgels available which contain a high level of pure aloe vera, which may help with bleeding gums and mouth ulcers. 10. Better than Nutritional Supplements Recent research has shown that adding good foods to our diets, rich in naturally occurring vitamins and minerals, is far better than adding supplements alone. The good news is that Aloe Vera juice is considered a food, rather than a manufactured supplement. So drinking aloe vera juice is probably better than taking supplements alone, because our bodies can absorb all the nutrients in aloe vera more easily, and utilise them more effectively. This guide is by no means exhaustive, and is not meant to diagnose or treat any specific condition or ailment. But we do hope it has given you a good overview of some of the possible health benefits of drinking aloe vera juice. If youre inspired to try some aloe vera drink, to see if it may have a beneficial effect on your health, then look no further! We have the finest Aloe Vera juice, gel and aloe vera drinks on the market. Sourced from the Worlds Leader in Aloe Vera and Bee hive Products, all our aloe vera drinks come with an unconditional 60-day money back guarantee. For information to purchase some aloe vera juice Click Here

Santalum album Linn. The sandalwood tree grows in Asia and East India. The aroma comes from the wood itself rather than the leaves or flowers. The warm soothing aroma of sandalwood can help you to relax your mind and open your heart to love. You can use the

healing aroma of the sandalwood tree to promote feelings of peace and serenity and also to ease various ailments of the digestive system. As it is an expensive oil, you are more like to come across it as incense sticks or in scented candles. Burning any of these can infuse your room or atmosphere with its healing aroma. We do however carry it in aroma (fragrance) oil at a very reasonable price. Sandalwood encourages the production of gastric juices, easing nausea, colic and gastritis. It stimulates the production of urine and causes muscles to contract, helping to flush excess liquids, like mucus and diarrhea, from the body. Its antiseptic properties help to fight infections. Sandalwood also improves dry and cracked skin by drawing natural oils through the soft tissues to the skins surface, making it a valuable ingredient in many toiletries. Sandalwood has long been thought of as an aphrodisiac. Burning incense can help to create a romantic mood. Sandalwood is a natural antiseptic and preservative, making it useful in soap, beauty creams and other toiletries. It also contains several beneficial compounds. Santalols, small molecules called santalols give sandalwood its distinctive aroma. They kill bacteria and also help you to sleep, as they are natural sedatives. Tannins, can help to stop bleeding, prevent infections, tighten loose tissues and protect and heal damaged skin. Sandalwood or chandana is used in Ayurveda, an Indian natural healing tradition. Burning aromatic sandalwood incense sticks will release natural antiseptics into the air. Breathing in the aromatic smoke from a sandalwood incense stick can help to lift melancholy and promote restful sleep. It subdues aggression and irritability, promotes compassion and openness and enhances meditation. Sandalwood is particularly good for stress relief, especially when combined with lavender or bergamot. Other Eastern woody fragrances such as cedar and frankincense add to the feelings of peace and calm that sandalwood can promote. Sandalwood is also an aphrodisiac, and can stimulate a sensual mood. Sandalwood essential oil is relatively expensive but if you do splurg, it can be used in weak dilutions. For example a few drops in a washbasin of hot water creates a steam inhalation to ease acne and cracked or dry skin. In a vaporizer or your bath it will dry up excess mucus, easing bronchitis, wet coughs, stuffy heads and diarrhea. You can use sandalwoods antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and mildly pain relieving properties to soothe rashes and itchy skin by mixing a few drops of essential oil in with your usual body lotion. The strong aroma given off by a sandalwood incense stick makes them a good tool to use during gentle visualization or meditation exercises, can add spice to more mundane tasks. Use the heady aroma of sandalwood to help your mind drift to more beautiful and spiritual surroundings. Light up a sandalwood incense stick or sandalwood aroma oil in your vaporizer when youre ready to start exercising, such as on an exercise bike, using your bowflex or during aerobics. As you exercise close your eyes and breathe in the heady aroma, letting your mind drift with its scent. After a few deep breaths, imagine that rather than being in your room or gym, youre cycling along a mountain path, perhaps in the mountains, under a warm summer sun.

Imagine the aroma coming from the beautiful trees that line your path. Youll find this passes your exercise time more quickly and for sure is much more enjoyable! The Magic and Mystic of Sandalwood. Sandalwood stimulates the base (seventh) Chakra, improving self identity and trust. In the Ayurvedic healing tradition, it promotes energy and enthusiasm, increasing your self-esteem and zest for life. Burn sandalwood during a full moon to increase spiritual vibrations inside your home. Burning sandalwood near your door welcomes your guests and attunes them to your homes positivity, encouraging them to leave their doubts and anger outside. Write a wish on a sandalwood chip and place it in an incense burner. Sandalwoods magical powers will enhance your meditations and increase the power of your wishes.

An international study to protect and repopulate the highly threatened Sandalwood tree has earned a team of scientists a Sri Lanka National Research Council Grant. The collaborative study between Curtin University, Sri Jayewardenepura University, Sadaharitha Plantations Ltd and Wescorp Sandalwood Pty Ltd aims to identify the geographical location and quality of sandalwood in Sri Lanka to propagate the highly poached natural medicine. Curtin PhD student and pharmaceutical scientist, Dhanushka Sugeeshwara Hettiarachchi, of Curtins School of Pharmacy, said the team would use silviculture, a process involving the control, establishment, growth, composition, health and quality of forests, to establish a healthy sandalwood population in Sri Lanka. Ethanol-pharmacologically sandalwood is a very important medicine in Sri Lanka. In Ayurvedic medicine, sandalwood is a key ingredient in topical and several paediatric formulations, Mr Hettiarachchi said. By introducing the plants to protected reserves and to the home gardens of rural villagers in Sri Lanka, people will have access to good quality sandalwood trees and this provides an important opportunity for rural communities to invest in agro-forestry as well as supporting their health needs. Mr Hettiarachchi said his role as a pharmaceutical scientist was essential in determining the quality of sandalwood required for propagation of high quality plant stock. Findings of this research will be shared with industry and respective government institutions. Also this grant is providing the funds to support a scholarship position for a forestry science graduate, which will add to the research outcomes for this project, he said.

Mr Hettiarachchi said the introduction of sandalwood as an agro-forestry crop in Sri Lanka would maintain the sustainability of natural sandalwood resources in both the perfume and traditional markets around the world. Sri Lanka has just come out of a civil war and rising food and fuel prices are pulling people away from any investments. For villagers, growing sandalwood in their own gardens will provide a secure, easy and economical investment opportunity, he said. Poachers are targeting all the natural sandalwood in Sri Lanka and if the propagation of good quality trees is not started soon, there will be the possibility of losing sandalwood forever from the hills of Sri Lanka. A few plantation companies have started growing sandalwood, but systematic identification of the quality of parent trees or suitable environments has not been examined. This will be the first time anyone is going to analyse the trees for their quality and start systemic propagation. Mr Hettiarachchi said the project had received in-kind support from Wescorp Sandalwood Ltd and Sadaharitha Plantations in Sri Lanka. The research group is led by world-renowned sandalwood scientist, Adjunct Professor John Fox, of Curtins Department of Environment and Agriculture and highly regarded Sri Lankan agro-forestry scientist, Dr Upul Subasinghe, of Sri Jayewardenepura University. The team presented two papers on seedling establishment and quality parameters of sandalwood at the International Forestry and Environment Symposium in Sri Lanka last year.