Bixa orellana / Achiote / Bixaceae (Anatto family)

Information

This product is not sold or intended for the purpose of human consumption or cosmetic use. Any information provided about this product on this website, including any links to external websites, are solely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and must not be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the product. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease." The use and application of this product, based on the historical and scientific context provided in the product descriptions and articles, is solely at the customer's risk. This product is a botanical specimen of ethnographic value and interest only and is delivered with no express or implied fitness for any purpose. The product descriptions are compiled from sources we deemed to be reliable up to the date it was written but may contain omissions or errors in fact, or become outdated. It outlines the documented history of uses but should no way be construed to make any medical claims about the ability or efficacy of any of these plants to treat, prevent or mitigate any disease or condition. Although a plant may have a long history of being used for a particular purpose, scientific evidence proving its efficacy for that purpose may be lacking.

Other Names

Achiote, Anatta, Annato, Annotta, Aploppas, Arnotta, Arnotto, Lipstick tree, Orellana, Orlean, Orleana Rocou, Roucou, Bija, Bijol, Foucou, Latkhan, Sendri, Achuete, Atsuwete.

Description

Throughout the Rainforest, the Indigenous Tribes have used the Annatto seeds as a body paint and as a fabric dye. Although mostly only the seed paste or seed oil is used today, the Rainforest Tribes have used the entire plant for health purposes for centuries.(1)

Contents

Bixaghanene, Bixein, Bixin, Bixol, Crocetin, Ellagic-acid, Ishwarane, Isobixin, Norbixin, Phenylalanine, Salicylic-acid, Threonine, Tomentosic-acid, Tryptophan.
Annatto seeds contain 40 to 45% cellulose, 3.5 to 5.5% sucrose, 0.3 to 0.9% essential oil, 3% fixed oil, 4.5 to 5.5% pigments, 13 to 16% protein, as well as alfa- and beta-carotenoids and other constituents.
Annato also contains tannins, ethereal oils, saponins, mustard oil-like substances and mono- and sesquiterpenes. Annato oil is extracted from the seeds and is the main source of the pigments, Bixin and Norbixin, which are classified as carotenoids. Bixin is used as a colorant in foods.(1)

Historical

The name Achiote derives from the Nahuatl word for the shrub, achiotl. It is also known as Aploppas, and its original Tupi name urucu. It is best known as the source of the natural pigment annatto, produced from the fruit. Annatto can also refer to the plant itself.(2)
Annatto has been traced back to the ancient Mayan Indians who employed it as a principal coloring agent in foods, for body paints and as a coloring for arts, crafts and murals. Annatto is used by Brazilian healers and curanderos of the Peruvian Amazon to prepare various remedies. Much has been done in the laboratory validating annatto's traditional uses and finding new ones.(1)
The Machiguenga and other native peoples of the Amazon first used achiote as a bright red paint for adorning the face and hair. Achiote is cooked with sap from the rubber tree to make a durable latex paint that sticks to the skin for several days. The Machiguenga believe that different varieties of achiote can be used to paint the face for different purposes: as a disguise to dispel illnesses, as makeup to attract a girlfriend or boyfriend , as snake repellent, or as war paint to be fierce in battle.(3)

Plant Description

Bixa is a profusely fruiting shrub or small tree that grows 5 to 10 meters in height. It grows throughout South and Central America, the Caribbean, and can be found in some parts of Mexico as well. It is also cultivated in Southeast Asia, where it was introduced by the Spanish in the 17th century.
Approximately 50 seeds grow inside of prickly reddish-orange heart shaped pods at the end of the branches. The trees are literally covered by these brightly colored pods and one small Bixa tree can produce up to 600 pounds of seeds.

References

(1) Annatto, Raintree Plant Database
(2) Achiote, Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
(3) The Living Eden, *Manu*, Useful Plants, by Glenn Shepard Jr., Medical Anthropologist and Ethnobotanist

Bixa orellana / Achiote / Bixaceae (Anatto family)

Information

This product is not sold or intended for the purpose of human consumption or cosmetic use. Any information provided about this product on this website, including any links to external websites, are solely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and must not be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the product. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease." The use and application of this product, based on the historical and scientific context provided in the product descriptions and articles, is solely at the customer's risk. This product is a botanical specimen of ethnographic value and interest only and is delivered with no express or implied fitness for any purpose. The product descriptions are compiled from sources we deemed to be reliable up to the date it was written but may contain omissions or errors in fact, or become outdated. It outlines the documented history of uses but should no way be construed to make any medical claims about the ability or efficacy of any of these plants to treat, prevent or mitigate any disease or condition. Although a plant may have a long history of being used for a particular purpose, scientific evidence proving its efficacy for that purpose may be lacking.

Other Names

Achiote, Anatta, Annato, Annotta, Aploppas, Arnotta, Arnotto, Lipstick tree, Orellana, Orlean, Orleana Rocou, Roucou, Bija, Bijol, Foucou, Latkhan, Sendri, Achuete, Atsuwete.

Description

Throughout the Rainforest, the Indigenous Tribes have used the Annatto seeds as a body paint and as a fabric dye. Although mostly only the seed paste or seed oil is used today, the Rainforest Tribes have used the entire plant for health purposes for centuries.(1)

Contents

Bixaghanene, Bixein, Bixin, Bixol, Crocetin, Ellagic-acid, Ishwarane, Isobixin, Norbixin, Phenylalanine, Salicylic-acid, Threonine, Tomentosic-acid, Tryptophan.
Annatto seeds contain 40 to 45% cellulose, 3.5 to 5.5% sucrose, 0.3 to 0.9% essential oil, 3% fixed oil, 4.5 to 5.5% pigments, 13 to 16% protein, as well as alfa- and beta-carotenoids and other constituents.
Annato also contains tannins, ethereal oils, saponins, mustard oil-like substances and mono- and sesquiterpenes. Annato oil is extracted from the seeds and is the main source of the pigments, Bixin and Norbixin, which are classified as carotenoids. Bixin is used as a colorant in foods.(1)

Historical

The name Achiote derives from the Nahuatl word for the shrub, achiotl. It is also known as Aploppas, and its original Tupi name urucu. It is best known as the source of the natural pigment annatto, produced from the fruit. Annatto can also refer to the plant itself.(2)
Annatto has been traced back to the ancient Mayan Indians who employed it as a principal coloring agent in foods, for body paints and as a coloring for arts, crafts and murals. Annatto is used by Brazilian healers and curanderos of the Peruvian Amazon to prepare various remedies. Much has been done in the laboratory validating annatto's traditional uses and finding new ones.(1)
The Machiguenga and other native peoples of the Amazon first used achiote as a bright red paint for adorning the face and hair. Achiote is cooked with sap from the rubber tree to make a durable latex paint that sticks to the skin for several days. The Machiguenga believe that different varieties of achiote can be used to paint the face for different purposes: as a disguise to dispel illnesses, as makeup to attract a girlfriend or boyfriend , as snake repellent, or as war paint to be fierce in battle.(3)

Plant Description

Bixa is a profusely fruiting shrub or small tree that grows 5 to 10 meters in height. It grows throughout South and Central America, the Caribbean, and can be found in some parts of Mexico as well. It is also cultivated in Southeast Asia, where it was introduced by the Spanish in the 17th century.
Approximately 50 seeds grow inside of prickly reddish-orange heart shaped pods at the end of the branches. The trees are literally covered by these brightly colored pods and one small Bixa tree can produce up to 600 pounds of seeds.

References

(1) Annatto, Raintree Plant Database
(2) Achiote, Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
(3) The Living Eden, *Manu*, Useful Plants, by Glenn Shepard Jr., Medical Anthropologist and Ethnobotanist

Areca catechu / Betelnut / Palmaceae (Palm family)

Information

This product is not sold or intended for the purpose of human consumption or cosmetic use. Any information provided about this product on this website, including any links to external websites, are solely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and must not be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the product. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease." The use and application of this product, based on the historical and scientific context provided in the product descriptions and articles, is solely at the customer's risk. This product is a botanical specimen of ethnographic value and interest only and is delivered with no express or implied fitness for any purpose. The product descriptions are compiled from sources we deemed to be reliable up to the date it was written but may contain omissions or errors in fact, or become outdated. It outlines the documented history of uses but should no way be construed to make any medical claims about the ability or efficacy of any of these plants to treat, prevent or mitigate any disease or condition. Although a plant may have a long history of being used for a particular purpose, scientific evidence proving its efficacy for that purpose may be lacking.

Other Names

Bettlenut, Paaku, Pinang, Areca nut, Cau (Vietnamese), Supari (Bengali)

Description

A handsome tree cultivated in all the warmer parts of Asia for its yellowish-red fruits the size of a hen's egg, containing the seed about the size of an acorn. For a long time, Betel chewing has been the preferred drug in large parts of Asia, but nowadays, the smoking of Tobacco is becoming increasingly popular among the indigenous populations. A Betel quid traditionally consists of at least three ingredients. The nuts of the Betel palm, together with Lime (Calcium hydroxide) and possibly other ingredients are wrapped in the aromatic leaves of Piper betel, the Betel-pepper.

Contents

Areca Nut contains a large quantity of tannin, also gallic acid, a fixed oil gum, a little volatile oil, lignin, and various saline substances. Four alkaloids have been found in Areca Nut - Arecoline, Arecain, Guracine, and a fourth existing in very small quantity. Arecoline is the primary active ingredient responsible for the central nervous system effects which are roughly comparable to those of nicotine, which has a similar chemical structure. Arecoline is known to be an agonist of muscarinic acetylcholine M1, M2 and M3 receptors.(3)

Historical

Betelnuts have been used for thousands of years. The practice is thought to have started in south-east Asia and there is archaeological evidence to support this view. The Spirit Cave site in Thailand yielded palaeobotanical remains of Areca catechu and Piper betel (traditional consumption is a combination of Areca catechu, Piper betel, and edible lime), since found at the same location, it is circumstantial evidence for the practice of Betel chewing in prehistoric times. These remains are between 7,500 and 9,000 years old. If the dating is accurate, this would make Betel one of the earliest known psychoactive substances to be used in the world.
Printed references related to Betelnut chewing go back to hundreds of years before the common era. In Pali, a story dating from about 500 BCE describes a princess giving a present of Betel to her lover. Somewhere around 430 BCE, Theophrastus described use of the nuts as a component of the Betel morsel. Areca catechu is mentioned in Sanskrit under the name "Guvaka", and in Chinese texts dating from 150 BCE it was called "Pinlang" (a Malayan name). In Persia there were 30,000 shops that sold Betelnut in the capital town during the reign of Khosrau II (King of Persia from 590 to 628). Arabs and Persians who visited the Hindustan area of India in the 8th and 9th centuries found the habit deeply rooted. Ali al-Masudi, an Arab historian who travelled through India in 916, described the chewing of Betelnut as a national custom. There were even those who voluntarily ascended the funeral pyre comforted by Betelnut. People who did not use betel nut were socially isolated.(1)

Today, chewing betel nut is an important and popular cultural activity in many Asian countries. Betelnuts are also used as an offering in Hinduism. In India (the worlds largest consumer of Betelnut), the nuts are cut into small pieces with a special instrument. The practice of using Betelnut is often called Betelnut chewing, but the nuts are not just placed in the mouth and chewed. They are usually dried and broken down into smaller pieces (sometimes into a powder) and mixed with edible lime to aid in the absorption of their active ingredients, arecaine and arecoline. Rather than being chewed, the mixture is put between the cheek and tongue and left there, sometimes overnight.(1)

In addition to the well known stimulant properties, the seed is used medicinally in numerous internal and external preparations. The husks, shoots, buds, leaves, and roots also have local medicinal uses. The fibrous fruit husks stripped from the seed have many uses, including as a home fuel source. The trunks of culled trees are used for crude construction; the fallen fronds are used in making alcohol; the spathes and leaf sheaths are used in wrapping, packing, and as hats and sandals. The inflorescences and flowers are used ceremonially in diverse cultures.(2)

Health Warnings

Betel Nut and chemicals in Betel leaves may cause skin color changes, dilated pupils, blurred vision, wheezing/difficulty breathing, and increased breathing rate. Tremors, slow movements, and stiffness have been reported in people also taking anti-psychotic medications. Worsening of spasmodic movements has occurred in patients with Huntington's disease. Seizure has been reported with high doses. "Cholinergic" toxicity symptoms from Betel use may include salivation, increased tearing, lack of urinary control (incontinence), sweating, diarrhea, and fever. Other problems may include confusion, problems with eye movement, psychosis, amnesia, stimulant effects, and a feeling of euphoria. Long-term users may form a dependence on the effects of Betel, and discontinuing use may cause signs of withdrawal, such as anxiety or memory lapse. Betel chewing has been shown to have a harmful effect on the gums. The nut may cause the teeth, mouth, lips, and stool to become red stained. Burning and dryness of mouth may occur. Regular Betel use may increase the risk of cancers of the liver, mouth, stomach, prostate, cervix, and lung, and type 2 diabetes.(4)

Plant Description

Areca catechu is a medium-sized and graceful palm tree growing straight to 20 m tall, with a trunk 20-30 cm in diameter. The leaves are 1.5-2 m long, pinnate, with numerous, crowded leaflets. Yellowish-red fruits the size of a hen's egg, containing the seed about the size of an acorn, conical shape with flattened base and brownish in colour externally; internally mottled like a nutmeg.(5)

Legal Remarks

This product is illegal or somehow problematic to send to the following countries. Click on the country link for further information.

• Finland
• Norway

References

(1) Betel Nut Information, a1b2c3.com
(2) Document: Areca catechu (betel nut palm), Species Profiles for Pacific Island Agroforestry, George W. Staples and Robert F. Bevacqua
(3) Arecoline, Wikipedia
(4) Betel nut (Areca catechu L.), MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institude of Health
(5) Areca catechu, Wikipedia

Articles

Any information provided about products on this website, including any links to external websites, is purely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and should never be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the products.

Areca catechu - Wikipedia

Related Products

Edible Lime (Calcium Hydroxide)

Areca catechu / Betelnut / Palmaceae (Palm family)

Information

This product is not sold or intended for the purpose of human consumption or cosmetic use. Any information provided about this product on this website, including any links to external websites, are solely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and must not be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the product. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease." The use and application of this product, based on the historical and scientific context provided in the product descriptions and articles, is solely at the customer's risk. This product is a botanical specimen of ethnographic value and interest only and is delivered with no express or implied fitness for any purpose. The product descriptions are compiled from sources we deemed to be reliable up to the date it was written but may contain omissions or errors in fact, or become outdated. It outlines the documented history of uses but should no way be construed to make any medical claims about the ability or efficacy of any of these plants to treat, prevent or mitigate any disease or condition. Although a plant may have a long history of being used for a particular purpose, scientific evidence proving its efficacy for that purpose may be lacking.

Other Names

Bettlenut, Paaku, Pinang, Areca nut, Cau (Vietnamese), Supari (Bengali)

Description

A handsome tree cultivated in all the warmer parts of Asia for its yellowish-red fruits the size of a hen's egg, containing the seed about the size of an acorn. For a long time, Betel chewing has been the preferred drug in large parts of Asia, but nowadays, the smoking of Tobacco is becoming increasingly popular among the indigenous populations. A Betel quid traditionally consists of at least three ingredients. The nuts of the Betel palm, together with Lime (Calcium hydroxide) and possibly other ingredients are wrapped in the aromatic leaves of Piper betel, the Betel-pepper.

Contents

Areca Nut contains a large quantity of tannin, also gallic acid, a fixed oil gum, a little volatile oil, lignin, and various saline substances. Four alkaloids have been found in Areca Nut - Arecoline, Arecain, Guracine, and a fourth existing in very small quantity. Arecoline is the primary active ingredient responsible for the central nervous system effects which are roughly comparable to those of nicotine, which has a similar chemical structure. Arecoline is known to be an agonist of muscarinic acetylcholine M1, M2 and M3 receptors.(3)

Historical

Betelnuts have been used for thousands of years. The practice is thought to have started in south-east Asia and there is archaeological evidence to support this view. The Spirit Cave site in Thailand yielded palaeobotanical remains of Areca catechu and Piper betel (traditional consumption is a combination of Areca catechu, Piper betel, and edible lime), since found at the same location, it is circumstantial evidence for the practice of Betel chewing in prehistoric times. These remains are between 7,500 and 9,000 years old. If the dating is accurate, this would make Betel one of the earliest known psychoactive substances to be used in the world.
Printed references related to Betelnut chewing go back to hundreds of years before the common era. In Pali, a story dating from about 500 BCE describes a princess giving a present of Betel to her lover. Somewhere around 430 BCE, Theophrastus described use of the nuts as a component of the Betel morsel. Areca catechu is mentioned in Sanskrit under the name "Guvaka", and in Chinese texts dating from 150 BCE it was called "Pinlang" (a Malayan name). In Persia there were 30,000 shops that sold Betelnut in the capital town during the reign of Khosrau II (King of Persia from 590 to 628). Arabs and Persians who visited the Hindustan area of India in the 8th and 9th centuries found the habit deeply rooted. Ali al-Masudi, an Arab historian who travelled through India in 916, described the chewing of Betelnut as a national custom. There were even those who voluntarily ascended the funeral pyre comforted by Betelnut. People who did not use betel nut were socially isolated.(1)

Today, chewing betel nut is an important and popular cultural activity in many Asian countries. Betelnuts are also used as an offering in Hinduism. In India (the worlds largest consumer of Betelnut), the nuts are cut into small pieces with a special instrument. The practice of using Betelnut is often called Betelnut chewing, but the nuts are not just placed in the mouth and chewed. They are usually dried and broken down into smaller pieces (sometimes into a powder) and mixed with edible lime to aid in the absorption of their active ingredients, arecaine and arecoline. Rather than being chewed, the mixture is put between the cheek and tongue and left there, sometimes overnight.(1)

In addition to the well known stimulant properties, the seed is used medicinally in numerous internal and external preparations. The husks, shoots, buds, leaves, and roots also have local medicinal uses. The fibrous fruit husks stripped from the seed have many uses, including as a home fuel source. The trunks of culled trees are used for crude construction; the fallen fronds are used in making alcohol; the spathes and leaf sheaths are used in wrapping, packing, and as hats and sandals. The inflorescences and flowers are used ceremonially in diverse cultures.(2)

Health Warnings

Betel Nut and chemicals in Betel leaves may cause skin color changes, dilated pupils, blurred vision, wheezing/difficulty breathing, and increased breathing rate. Tremors, slow movements, and stiffness have been reported in people also taking anti-psychotic medications. Worsening of spasmodic movements has occurred in patients with Huntington's disease. Seizure has been reported with high doses. "Cholinergic" toxicity symptoms from Betel use may include salivation, increased tearing, lack of urinary control (incontinence), sweating, diarrhea, and fever. Other problems may include confusion, problems with eye movement, psychosis, amnesia, stimulant effects, and a feeling of euphoria. Long-term users may form a dependence on the effects of Betel, and discontinuing use may cause signs of withdrawal, such as anxiety or memory lapse. Betel chewing has been shown to have a harmful effect on the gums. The nut may cause the teeth, mouth, lips, and stool to become red stained. Burning and dryness of mouth may occur. Regular Betel use may increase the risk of cancers of the liver, mouth, stomach, prostate, cervix, and lung, and type 2 diabetes.(4)

Plant Description

Areca catechu is a medium-sized and graceful palm tree growing straight to 20 m tall, with a trunk 20-30 cm in diameter. The leaves are 1.5-2 m long, pinnate, with numerous, crowded leaflets. Yellowish-red fruits the size of a hen's egg, containing the seed about the size of an acorn, conical shape with flattened base and brownish in colour externally; internally mottled like a nutmeg.(5)

Legal Remarks

This product is illegal or somehow problematic to send to the following countries. Click on the country link for further information.

• Finland
• Norway

References

(1) Betel Nut Information, a1b2c3.com
(2) Document: Areca catechu (betel nut palm), Species Profiles for Pacific Island Agroforestry, George W. Staples and Robert F. Bevacqua
(3) Arecoline, Wikipedia
(4) Betel nut (Areca catechu L.), MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institude of Health
(5) Areca catechu, Wikipedia

Articles

Any information provided about products on this website, including any links to external websites, is purely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and should never be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the products.

Areca catechu - Wikipedia

Related Products

Edible Lime (Calcium Hydroxide)

Ellateria cardamomum / Cardamom / Zingiberaceae (Ginger family)

Information

This product is not sold or intended for the purpose of human consumption or cosmetic use. Any information provided about this product on this website, including any links to external websites, are solely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and must not be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the product. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease." The use and application of this product, based on the historical and scientific context provided in the product descriptions and articles, is solely at the customer's risk. This product is a botanical specimen of ethnographic value and interest only and is delivered with no express or implied fitness for any purpose. The product descriptions are compiled from sources we deemed to be reliable up to the date it was written but may contain omissions or errors in fact, or become outdated. It outlines the documented history of uses but should no way be construed to make any medical claims about the ability or efficacy of any of these plants to treat, prevent or mitigate any disease or condition. Although a plant may have a long history of being used for a particular purpose, scientific evidence proving its efficacy for that purpose may be lacking.

Other Names

Lesser Cardamom, Green Cardamom, True Cardamom, Cardamome, Petite Cardamome, Kardamom, Cardamomo, Amomum, Amomom, Ilaychi, Punjabi Ilaichi, Nepali Alaichi, Ela, Ellka, Tamil Elakkai, Malayalam Elakkay, Kannada Elakki, Telugu Yelakulu, Elaichi.

Description

Cardamom, often named as the "Third most expensive spice in the world" (after Saffron and Vanilla) is a most pleasantly scented spice. It is the dried, unripened fruit of the perennial Elettaria cardamomum. Enclosed in the fruit pods are tiny, brown, aromatic seeds which are slightly pungent to taste. Cardamom pods are generally green.
The part used is the fruit, or better said the seedpods from the fruit. The aromatic extract contains many essential oils, some of which have a smell like that of Camphor.

Scent

Cardamom has an intensely aromatic grapefruit-like, floral, soapy, sweet fragrance. It is surely aromatic, containing some green-woody and Menthol undertones and is similar to Ginger, with a hint of Camphor.

Aromatic Properties

Uplifting, refreshing and invigorating, ideal for treating feelings of weakness and fatigue. The aroma helps clearing a nervous mind. Associated with the Earth element, it reminds of life`s true abundance when we feel deprived of opportunity or generosity.

Contents

The content of essential oil in the seeds is strongly dependent on storage conditions, but may be as high as 8%. In the oil were found �-terpineol 45%, myrcene 27%, limonene 8%, menthone 6%, �-phellandrene 3%, 1,8-cineol 2%, sabinene 2% and heptane 2%. (Phytochemistry, 26, 207, 1987)
Other sources report 1,8-cineol (20 to 50%), �-terpenylacetate (30%), sabinene, limonene (2 to 14%) and borneol.

Synergic Combinations

Cardamom blends well with Bergamot, Black Pepper, Cajeput, Eucalypt, Fennel, Geranium, Ginger, Juniper, Lemon, Myrtle, Frankincense, Peppermint, Pine, Rosewood, Tea Tree, Thyme.

Historical

This ancient herb has had many traditional uses. Ancient Egyptians are known to have chewed Cardamom as a tooth cleaner; The Greeks and Romans used it as a scent in perfume. Its exotic qualities have suggested it could be used as a stimulant and aphrodisiac. Seeds have been chewed to relieve flatulence and indigestion as well as for bad breath. The Vikings discovered it in Constantinople about a thousand years ago. They introduced Cardamom to Scandinavia where it remains popular to this day.
Throughout the Arab world, Cardamom is one of the most popular spices, with Cardamom coffee being a symbol of hospitality and prestige. It used to be second in expense to Saffron, and is known in India as "Queen of Spices".
The spice is also very popular in the Scandinavian countries where it is used more extensively than Cinnamon.
Cardamom and related spices were used by the Romans, and it remains popular in baked products in Scandinavian and Baltic countries.

Plant Description

It is a pungent aromatic herbaceous perennial plant growing to 2-4m in height. The leaves are alternate in two ranks, linear-lanceolate, 40-60cm long, with a long pointed tip. The flowers are white to lilac or pale violet, produced in a loose spike 30-60cm long. The fruit is a three-sided yellow-green pod 1-2cm long, containing several black seeds.

Anacardium occidentale / Cashew / Anacardiaceae (Sumach Family)

Information

This product is not sold or intended for the purpose of human consumption or cosmetic use. Any information provided about this product on this website, including any links to external websites, are solely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and must not be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the product. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease." The use and application of this product, based on the historical and scientific context provided in the product descriptions and articles, is solely at the customer's risk. This product is a botanical specimen of ethnographic value and interest only and is delivered with no express or implied fitness for any purpose. The product descriptions are compiled from sources we deemed to be reliable up to the date it was written but may contain omissions or errors in fact, or become outdated. It outlines the documented history of uses but should no way be construed to make any medical claims about the ability or efficacy of any of these plants to treat, prevent or mitigate any disease or condition. Although a plant may have a long history of being used for a particular purpose, scientific evidence proving its efficacy for that purpose may be lacking.

Description

The Cashew (Anacardium occidentale; syn. Anacardium curatellifolium A.St.-Hil.) is a tree in the flowering plant family Anacardiaceae. The plant is native to northeastern Brazil. Cashew nuts are the kidney-shaped seeds that adhere to the bottom of the cashew apple, the fruit of the cashew tree. Cashew nuts are delicious and highly nutritious. They contain "significant amounts of anti-oxidants"(1).

Contents

100g Cashew nuts contain: 30g carbohydrates, 43g fat and 18g protein. They are a significant source of iron, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc and selenium.(2)(3)

Historical

The first western people sighting the Cashew tree was by the Portuguese. They invaded Brazil in the 1500's. Portuguese seamen brought the seeds of the cashew nut tree from Brazil to be planted by the early settlers along the east coast of Africa. The trees took root and thrived. It was not long before cashew trees were growing wild along the entire coast of Mozambique. They spread to Kenya and Tanzania.
Uncared for and uncultivated, the ripe nuts were primarily harvested by the African natives. Later, they were sold to the Portuguese traders who in turn disposed of them to merchants who then shipped the nuts to India where they were shelled. Today Cashew nuts are produced in around 23 countries around the world, with Vietnam, India, Brazil and Nigeria being the top exporters.

Plant Description

It is a small evergreen tree growing to 10-12m (~32 ft) tall, with a short, often irregularly-shaped trunk. The leaves are spirally arranged, leathery textured, elliptic to obovate, 4 to 22 cm long and 2 to 15 cm broad, with a smooth margin. The flowers are produced in a panicle or corymb up to 26 cm long, each flower small, pale green at first then turning reddish, with five slender, acute petals 7 to 15 mm long.
What appears to be the fruit of the Cashew tree is an oval or pear-shaped accessory fruit or false fruit that develops from the receptacle of the Cashew flower. Called the cashew apple, better known in Central America as "marañón", it ripens into a yellow and/or red structure about 5–11 cm long. It is edible, and has a strong "sweet" smell and a sweet taste. The pulp of the cashew apple is very juicy, but the skin is fragile, making it unsuitable for transport. It is often used as a flavor in agua fresca.
The true fruit of the Cashew tree is a kidney or boxing-glove shaped drupe that grows at the end of the pseudofruit. Actually, the drupe develops first on the tree, and then the peduncle expands into the pseudofruit. Within the true fruit is a single seed, the Cashew nut. Although a nut in the culinary sense, in the botanical sense the fruit of the Cashew is a seed. The seed is surrounded by a double shell containing a dermatogenic phenolic resin, urushiol, a potent skin irritant toxin also found in the related poison ivy.(3)

Legal Remarks

This product is illegal or somehow problematic to send to the following countries. Click on the country link for further information.

• Australia

References

(1) Document: Health benefits of nuts: potential role of antioxidants, Rune Blomhoff, Monica H. Carlsen, Lene Frost Andersen and David R. Jacobs Jr, British Journal of Nutrition (2006)
(2) Cashew nuts, Health 24
(3) Cashew, Wikipedia

Michelia champaca / Champaca / Magnoliaceae (Magnolia Family)

Information

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Other Names

Champaka, Champak, Champac, Champa, Sampige, Shamba.

Description

Michelia champaca is an evergreen tree, native to South and Southeast Asia. It is best known and cultivated for its strongly fragrant yellow or white flowers. The flowers are used in Southeast Asia for several purposes. They are floated in bowls of water to scent the room, as a fragrant decoration for bridal beds, and for garlands and hair ointments. The flower is the main scent present in the commercial "joy" perfume, and is sometimes commonly called the "joy perfume tree".

Scent

Champaca has an intense, intoxicating, sweet, floral aroma that acts as a fragrant magnet. On warm humid nights, the scents can easily be enjoyed several hundred feet away. Even just driving by in your car, you will notice the scent immediately.

Aromatic Properties

Champaca emits a unique warm fragrance which promotes a peaceful state, reducing stress and allowing one to relax and breathe easily. It is especially useful for moments of tranquil contemplation. Champaca's nature is to remind us of the Divine in all things.

Contents

The essential oil of Champaca contains 1-Linalol, Eugenol, Methyl-Eugenol, Methyl- and Ethyl-Ethers. It is one of the most expensive in the world because it requires many flowers to produce.

Synergic Combinations

Blends well with Rose, Frangipani, Jasmine, Ylang Ylang, Neroli, Sandalwood and other floral scents.

Historical

Champaca is an important flower in many Southeast Asian countries such as Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia and India. It is used in Ayurveda, ceremonies and massages, and is often planted near temples. It is considered sacred to the god Vishnu. In Bali the flowers are put in water, which is used in house cleansing and praying rituals. An extract of the flowers is used in perfumes, incense sticks, aromatherapy, cosmetics, soaps, food flavors. All parts of the plant are used in alternative medicine for a variety of ailments.

Plant Description

Champaca is a tree related to Magnolia. It has alternate, lanceolate leaves to over 20 cm long that are slightly curved. The flowers are fragrant, a mustard yellow colour, and in each flower the ovaries are free from one another. The central stalk or receptacle elongates and bears the developing fruits along it. When fully developed each individual fruit is about 2.5 cm long, with a reddish tinge and whitish pustules; this follicle opens to release orange-red seeds.

Related Products

Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata)
Sandalwood (Santalum album)