Tag: Korea

Artemisia keiskeana

Botanical Name:Artemisia keiskeana
Family:Asteraceae
Subfamily: Asteroideae
Genus: Artemisia
Tribe: Anthemideae
Order:Asterales

Other Names :An Lu,Wormwood Keyzke

Habitat : Prevalent in E. Asia – China, Japan, Korea and eastern Russia the Far East (south of the Amur Region, Maritime Territory). Growing on slopes of hills, forests, occasionally on the slopes, on the ledges of the rocks.

Description:
Artemisia keiskeana is a perennial herbaceous plant 20-50 cm rhizome robust, branched, with creeping stems. Part of the stems is creeping, rooting tip, the rest-ascending, leafy, erect, pubescent, up almost naked. Leaves are simple, oval in outline, green top, bottom, light green, the lower petiolate, upper sessile, base cuneate, with three – seven broadly sharp blades or in the upper sessile leaves with three short, sharp teeth. Baskets on long stalks almost spherical, in short racemes; achene plano-convex, ovoid, dark brown, smooth. It is in flower from Aug to November, and the seeds ripen from Sep to November. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Insects.

click to see the pictures

click to see the pictures>...(1)......(2) (3) .…..(4)...

The plant prefers light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and requires well-drained soil.The plant prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils..It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade.It requires dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Cultivation:
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in many parts of this country. This species is closely related to A. dracunculus. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Easily grown in a well-drained circumneutral or slightly alkaline loamy soil, preferring a warm sunny dry position. Established plants are drought tolerant. Plants are longer lived, more hardy and more aromatic when they are grown in a poor dry soil. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer.

Propagation:
Seed – surface sow from late winter to early summer in a greenhouse, making sure that the compost does not dry out. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant out in late spring or early summer. Division in spring or autumn. Basal cuttings in late spring. Harvest the young shoots when about10 – 15cm long, pot up in a lightly shaded position in a greenhouse or cold frame and plant them out when well rooted. Very easy.

Edible Uses: Leaves are edible.Young leaves and shoot tips – cooked. The leaves contain about 5.6% protein, 1.2% fat, 9.5% carbohydrate, 2.6% ash.

Composition
Figures in grams (g) or miligrams (mg) per 100g of food.

Leaves (Fresh weight)
•0 Calories per 100g
•Water : 0%
•Protein: 5.6g; Fat: 1.2g; Carbohydrate: 9.5g; Fibre: 0g; Ash: 2.6g;
•Minerals – Calcium: 0mg; Phosphorus: 0mg; Iron: 0mg; Magnesium: 0mg; Sodium: 0mg; Potassium: 0mg; Zinc: 0mg;
•Vitamins – A: 0mg; Thiamine (B1): 0mg; Riboflavin (B2): 0mg; Niacin: 0mg; B6: 0mg; C: 0mg;

Medicinal Uses:
The seeds have a reputation for correcting sexual impotence in men and amenorrhea in women. An infusion of the seeds also is used for post-partum pain.

Decoction of seeds in the traditional Tibetan medicine used for impotence, amenorrhea, postpartum pain, with bruises,

prophylactically in abscess. Experiments have revealed cholagogue properties of the plant.

Other Uses:The stalks are used for thatching.

Known Hazards:Although no reports of toxicity have been seen for this species, skin contact with some members of this genus can cause dermatitis or other allergic reactions in some people.

Disclaimer:
The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.

Resources:
http://fitoapteka.org/herbs-p/4078-101030-artemisia-keiskeana
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Artemisia_keiskeana
http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Artemisia%20keiskeana
http://www.herbnet.com/Herb%20Uses_AB.htm

Argyi wormwood(Artemisia argyi) (findmeacure.com)
Sweet Wormwood(Artemisia annu) (findmeacure.com)
Smearwort(Aristolochia rotunda) (findmeacure.com)
Artemisia Gentileschi (thehistoryofart.wordpress.com)
Heuchera americana (findmeacure.com)
Foliage Followup, February 2011 (allandrewsplants.wordpress.com)
Anza Borrego Wildflower Bloom Update 4/21/11 (naturalhistorywanderings.com)
Antimalarial trees in East Africa threatened with extinction (eurekalert.org)
Ma Jia Zi (Paliurus ramosissimus) (findmeacure.com)
What are some disadvantages of clearcutting (wiki.answers.com)

Tags Botanical name, Far East, Garden, Herbaceous plant, Korea, Plant, Seed, Wine tasting descriptors

Herbs & Plants

Chinese honeylocust(Gleditsia sinensis)

Post author By Mukul
Post date September 23, 2010
No Comments on Chinese honeylocust(Gleditsia sinensis)

Botanical Name :Gleditsia sinensis
Family: Fabaceae
Subfamily: Caesalpinioideae
Genus: Gleditsia
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Fabales
Species: G. sinensis

Common Name :In China, it has the name zào jiá. However, its English name includes Chinese honey locust (or Chinese honeylocust), soap bean and soap pod.

Habitat : E. Asia – China. Dry valleys in W. China, 1000 – 1600 metres. Along valley streams or on level land.

Description:
Chinese honeylocust is a deciduous tree, growing to 12 m (39ft 4in) at a medium rate.
It is hardy to zone 5. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Insects.It can fix Nitrogen.

CLICK & SEE THE PICTURES
The plant prefers light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and requires well-drained soil.The plant prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils..It cannot grow in the shade.It requires dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.It can tolerate atmospheric pollution.

Cultivation:
Easily grown in a loamy soil, requiring a sunny position. Succeeds in most soils[200]. Tolerates drought once established and atmospheric pollution. Rather tender when young, it grows best in S. Britain. A tree at Cambridge Botanical Gardens was 13 metres tall in 1985. Trees have a light canopy, they come into leaf late in the spring and drop their leaves in early autumn making them an excellent top storey tree in a woodland garden. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby.

Propagation:
Seed – pre-soak for 24 hours in warm water and then sow in spring in a greenhouse. The seed should have swollen up, in which case it can be sown, if it has not swollen then soak it for another 24 hours in warm water. If this does not work then file away some of the seed coat but be careful not to damage the embryo. Further soaking should then cause the seed to swell. One it has swollen, the seed should germinate within 2 – 4 weeks at 20°c. As soon as they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual deep pots and plant them out into their permanent positions in the summer. Give the plants some protection from the cold for their first few winters outdoors

Medicinal Uses :

Anthelmintic; Antibacterial; Antifungal; Antipruritic; Antitussive; Astringent; Emetic; Expectorant; Febrifuge; Haemostatic; Laxative;
Skin; Stimulant; VD.

A decoction of the leaves is used for washing sores, including syphilitic skin diseases. The stem bark is anthelmintic and febrifuge. The fruit is antibacterial, antifungal, antitussive, astringent, emetic, expectorant, haemostatic and stimulant. It is used in the treatment of bronchial asthma with sticky phlegm, epilepsy and apoplexy with loss of consciousness. Overdosage can cause poisoning of the entire body, haemolysis of the blood. The seed is emetic, expectorant, decongestant and purgative. They have been used in the treatment of cancer of the rectum. The root bark is anthelmintic and antifebrile. The thorns on the plant are antipruritic. They are used in the treatment of acute purulent inflammation, dermatopathies and tonsillitis. They should not be used by pregnant women. The plant has been used in the treatment of lockjaw, stroke, acute numbness of the throat and epilepsy, but the report does not make clear whether the seed or the thorns of the plant are used.
Antidote Takeda; Congestion Hunan; Dysentery Hunan; Emetic Woi.4; Epilepsy Hunan; Expectorant Hunan, Takeda, Woi.4; Laxative Hunan; Lockjaw Hunan; Numbness Hunan; Purgative Woi.4; Soap Uphof; Stroke Hunan; Tumor Hartwell.(From Dr. Duke’s Phytochemical and Ethnobotanical Databases🙂

It is one of the alleged “50 fundamental herbs” used in traditional Chinese medicine. Gleditsia sinensis has been used in China for at least 2000 years as a detergent.

The thorns of Gleditsia sinensis LAM. (Leguminosae) have been used in traditional medicine for the treatment of inflammatory diseases including swelling, suppuration, carbuncle and skin diseases in China and Korea. In this study, we investigated the mechanism responsible for anti-inflammatory effects of Gleditsia sinensis thorns in RAW 264.7 macrophages. The aqueous extract of Gleditsia sinensis thorns (AEGS) inhibited LPS-induced NO secretion as well as inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression, without affecting cell viability. Furthermore, AEGS suppressed LPS-induced NF-kappaB activation, phosphorylation and degradation of IkappaB-alpha, phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). These results suggest that AEGS has the inhibitory effects on LPS-induced NO production and iNOS expression in macrophages through blockade in the phosphorylation of MAPKs, following IkappaB-alpha degradation and NF-kappaB activation.

Other Uses
Soap; Tannin; Wood.

The pod is used as a soap substitute. The seed is used. Tannin is obtained from the seedpod. Wood – strong, durable, coarse-grained. Used for general construction.

Known Hazards: The plant contains potentially toxic compounds.

Resources:
http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Gleditsia+sinensis
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18556161
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gleditsia_sinensis

Tags Acupuncture, Allergy, Alternative Medicine, Amino acid, Ancient Greek medicine, Ayurveda, Garden, Health care, Health insurance, Home, Korea, Medicine, Plant, Seed, Traditional Chinese medicine, Water, Wine tasting descriptors

Herbs & Plants

Da Ji (Euphorbia pekinensis)

Post author By Mukul
Post date September 22, 2010
1 Comment on Da Ji (Euphorbia pekinensis)

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Botanical Name :Euphorbia pekinens
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Genus: Euphorbia
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Malpighiales
Species: E. pekinensis

Habitat : E. Asia – China, Japan, Korea, Manchuria .Grassy places in lowland and mountains, C. and S. Japan

Description:
It is perennial plant growing to 0.6 m (2ft). It is in flower from May to July. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Insects.

click to see….>.....(1)..………(2).……
The plant prefers light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and requires well-drained soil.The plant prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils..It cannot grow in the shade.It requires dry or moist soil.

Cultivation:
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in most parts of this country. It is a polymorphic species. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Prefers a light well-drained moderately rich loam in an open position. Succeeds in dry soils. Hybridizes with other members of this genus. The ripe seed is released explosively from the seed capsules. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer or rabbits. This genus has been singled out as a potential source of latex (for making rubber) for the temperate zone, although no individual species has been singled out.

Propagation :
Seed – sow spring in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.

Medicinal Uses:
Antibacterial; Diuretic; Purgative; Vasodilator.

It is one of the 50 fundamental herbs used in traditional Chinese medicine.

Da Ji is classified as a toxic herb in Chinese medicine and so is only prescribed for relatively serious diseases. It is considered to be one of the 50 fundamental herbs and is used as a cathartic to purge excess fluids in conditions such as pleurisy and ascites and for the treatment of kidney problems, especially nephritis. Research has shown that it is therapeutically useful in the treatment of ascites and nephritis, but it does produce significant side-effects. It should only be used under the supervision of a qualified herbalist. The root is antibacterial, diuretic, emetic, emmenagogue, purgative and vasodilator. It is used in the treatment of oedema, fullness of the chest, sticky sputum, epilepsy, carbuncle and tubercle. When used in conjunction with liquorice (Glycyrrhiza species) the diuretic and purgative actions are inhibited. Another report says that the plant is incompatible with liquorice because it neutralizes their medicinal effects. Externally, it is applied to inflamed sores to reduce swelling.

Known Hazards : The sap contains a latex which is toxic on ingestion and highly irritant externally, causing photosensitive skin reactions and severe inflammation, especially on contact with eyes or open cuts. The toxicity can remain high even in dried plant material. Prolonged and regular contact with the sap is inadvisable because of its carcinogenic nature.

Resources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Euphorbia_pekinensis
http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Euphorbia+pekinensis
http://species.wikimedia.org/wiki/Euphorbia_pekinensis
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Euphorbia_pekinensis.JPG
http://ko.wikipedia.org/wiki/%ED%8C%8C%EC%9D%BC:Euphorbia_pekinensis_2.JPG

Tags Biology, China, Flora and Fauna, Flower, Korea, Perennial plant, Plant, Traditional Chinese medicine

Herbs & Plants

Tartarian Aster

Botanical Name :Aster tataricus
Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Aster
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Asterales
Tribe: Astereae
Species: A. tataricus
Common Name : Tartarian Aster

Habitat :Aster tataricus is native to Siberia.Grows in E. Asia – China, Japan, Korea, Siberia. It can be grown in zones 3-9, but must have full sun and moist soil. Subalpine meadows and wet places, C. and S. Japan. Marshy areas in mountains.

Description:
It is a perennial plant, growing to 6 feet tall. It is harvested in the spring or the fall. It is hardy to zone 3. It is in flower from Sept. to October. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Bees, flies, beetles, lepidoptera, self.The plant is self-fertile.

The plant prefers light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and requires well-drained soil.The plant prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils..It cannot grow in the shade.It requires moist soil.

Cultivation :
Succeeds in most good garden soils, preferring one that is well-drained and moisture retentive. Prefers a sunny position, but also succeeds in partial shade. Plants are hardy to at least -15°c. Plants can suffer from mildew when growing in dry conditions. This species is cultivated in China as a medicinal herb. Most species in this genus seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits. Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus.

Propagation:
Seed – surface sow in spring in a cold frame. Do not allow the compost to become dry. Pre-chilling the seed for two weeks can improve germination rates. Germination usually takes place within 2 weeks at 20°c. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. Basal cuttings in the spring. Harvest the shoots when they are about 10 – 15cm long with plenty of underground stem. Pot them up into individual pots and keep them in light shade in a cold frame or greenhouse until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the summer. Division in spring or autumn. Very easy, larger divisions can be planted straight into their permanent positions whist smaller clumps are best potted up and kept in a cold frame until they are growing away well.

Edible Uses
Edible Parts: Leaves.

Medicinal Uses:
Antibacterial; Antifungal; Antitussive; Cancer; Expectorant.
It is one of the 50 fundamental herbs of Traditional Chinese medicine. The root is known in traditional Chinese medicine as zi wan or Radix Asteris Tatarici. Bensky (1993) states that the root is bitter and slightly warm.

Compiled from many sources, the known chemical compounds found are: epifriedelinol, friedelin, friedel-3-ene, astersaponin, quercetin (flavonoid), lachnophyllol, lachnophyllol acetate, aurantiamide acetate, anethole, astersaponins (A, B, C, D, E, F, G), asterprosaponin, hederasaponin (shionosides A, B), asterin, cyclochloro-tine, (astin A, B, C), astertarone (a triterpenoid), pentapeptides (likely antibacterial), beta-amyrin (possibly sedative), oleic acid, an aromatic acid, carotene, oleic acid (an omega-9 fatty acid), stigmasterol, beta-sitosterol, spinasterol triterpenes similar to cholesterol, but unsaturated), shionone (triterpene), suberone (ketone of suberic acid; peppermint fragrance).

This species has been used for at least 2,000 years in traditional Chinese medicine. The root contains triterpenes and triterpene saponins, and is a stimulant expectorant herb for the bronchial system, helping to clear infections. It is antibacterial, antifungal, antitussive, expectorant and stimulant. It has an antibacterial action, inhibiting the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, Bacillus dysenteriae, B. typhi, Pseudomonas and Vibrio Proteus. The root is taken internally in the treatment of chronic bronchitis and tuberculosis and is often used raw with honey in order to increase the expectorant effect. The root is harvested in the autumn and can be dried for later use. The plant contains the triterpene epifriedelinol, which has shown anticancer activity, and is used as a folk cure for cancer.

Resources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aster_tataricus
http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Aster+tataricus
http://www.highfallsgardens.net/newsletters/Preliminary%20Research%20on%20Aster%20tataricus.pdf

Tags China, Garden, Health care, Home, Japan, Korea, Perennial plant, Plant, Traditional Chinese medicine

Herbs & Plants

Kozo(Broussonetia kazinoki)

Post author By Mukul
Post date June 23, 2010
No Comments on Kozo(Broussonetia kazinoki)

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Botanical Name : Broussonetia kazinoki
Family : Moraceae
Genus : Broussonetia
Synonyms : Broussonetia kaempferi – non Siebold.&Zucc.,Broussonetia monoica – Hance.,Broussonetia sieboldii – Blume.

Common names:
•chu (Source: F ChinaEng ) – Transcribed Chinese
•kozo (Source: F JapanOhwi ) – Japanese R?maji

.
Habitat: E. Asia – C. and S. Japan, Korea. Forest margins, low mountains and near houses.
Woodland Garden; Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade

Description:
A decidious Tree growing to 4.5m.
It is hardy to zone 7 and is frost tender. It is in flower in August, and the seeds ripen in September. The flowers are monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant)The plant is not self-fertile.

CLICK & SEE THE PICTURES
The plant prefers light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, requires well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. The plant prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It requires dry or moist soil. It can tolerate atmospheric pollution.

Cultivation
Easily cultivated in a warm sunny position in any soil of reasonable quality, thriving on poor sandy or gravelly soils. Tolerates atmospheric pollution. The young growth in spring, even on mature plants, is frost-tender and so it is best to grow the plants in a position sheltered from the early morning sun. Often cultivated in Japan for the fibre in its bark, the tree is coppiced annually for this purpose. Some plants are monoecious whilst others are dioecious. Male and female plants must usually be grown if seed is required.

Propagation
Seed – no pre-treatment is required. Sown in the autumn or spring in a greenhouse, germination usually takes place within 1 – 3 months at 15°c. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter, planting them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 8 – 12cm long with a heel, July/August in a frame. High percentage. Cuttings of mature wood of the current season’s growth, November in a frame. Root cuttings in winter. Layering in spring

Edible Uses
Edible Parts: Flowers; Fruit; Leaves.

Fruit – raw. A sweet taste. The fruit comprises a ball about 1cm in diameter with small edible fruits protruding – there is not much edible flesh but it has a lovely flavour. Prolonged ingestion of the fruit is said to weaken the bones. Leaves – cooked and used as a vegetable. Flowers. No more details.

Medicinal Uses
Tonic.
The fruit is used as a tonic to increase vision and sexual potency.

Other Uses
Fibre.

A fibre from the bark is used in making paper, cloth, rope etc. It is inferior to B. papyrifera.

Disclaimer:The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.

Resources:
http://www.pfaf.org/database/plants.php?Broussonetia+kazinoki
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Broussonetia_kazinoki_x_Broussonetia_papyrifera
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Broussonetia_kazinoki
http://www.ars-grin.gov/~sbmljw/cgi-bin/taxon.pl?312597

Tags Deciduous, Flower, Fruit, Gardening, Home, Japan, Korea, Plant, Root, S. Japan, Seed, Sowing

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