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Asian Herbs |
 The use of herbs in cooking and for medicinal purposes has been a part of many cultures through the ages.
In the old days one would go no further than the kitchen to get cures for common ailments. Fresh or dried herbs and spices were items in our home apothecary.
Many herbs are still being used because they are effective and safe, and have gentle action on the body systems. Much of the knowledge of the usefulness of herbs is a legacy of another time.
Indian and Chinese influences in this region cannot be denied and the art of healing is a manifestation of the extent of their influences.
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| Be it for culinary, medicinal or aromatic reasons, growing a herbal garden can be a rewarding hobby. It is relatively easy to grow tropical herbs, as most of them need less care than flowering plants. These are the popular Asian medicinal plants and outlined their therapeutic value so that you can consider including them in your own herb garden. |
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Selection of Asian Herbs
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Turmeric rhizome
Curcuma Zangais or Turmeric rhizome, a close relative of the ginger, is bright orange. The fresh leaves and rhizomes are used both in cooking and as remedies. |
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Holy Basil
Holy Basil or tulsi in Indian culture and Kemangi in Malay, it should not be confused with Thai Basil (Ocimum americanum or O. canum), which has an anise-like taste. |
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Elephantopus scaber Linn
Other name is called Prickly-leaved Elephant’s Foot is a common garden weed. The whole plant, including leaves, is used either fresh or dried. |
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Centella Asiatica
Centella Asiatica is also popularly known as Gotu Kolo, Indian Pennywort and Pegaga of Malay. |
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Murraya koenigii
Murraya koenigii or curry leaves, like many herbs, are not limited to their culinary use. The leaves, bark and root of the curry leaf tree are used in traditional medicine as a tonic, stimulant and natural remedy. |
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Plectranthus barbatus
Plectranthus barbatus or Coleus indicum is also known as Indian Borage or Cuban Oregano and Daun bangun-bangun in Malay. In the Caribbean the leaves are boiled to make an infusion, which is blended with honey to make a tonic for coughs and colds.
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Andrographis paniculata
In India Andrographis paniculata is called Nilavembu or Hempedu bumi in Malay, is used to treat dysentery, gastroenteritis, tonsillitis, pneumonia, infected wounds, and pulmonary tuberculosis. |
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Cymbopogon citratus
Cymbopogon citratus or lemongrass, known by Thai ‘Ta-Khrai’ or ‘Serai’ by Malay, is the common edible variety that resembles a coarse pale-green grass with a strong lemony aroma. |
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Phyllanthus niruri
Phyllanthus niruri or Pokok dukung anak in Malay is precious village herb and is traditionally used by Malays to treat jaundice. It is quite common to find this herb among weeds in the garden. |
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Piper betel
Piper betel or Sirih in Malay, leaves taken with gambir treat diarrhea. As poultice it helps to relieve abdominal pain, coughs and asthma. Leaf sap is applied to soothe oral sores and ulcers. |
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