Mas Cotek:- Ficus Deltoidea.

Mas Cotek:- Ficus Deltoidea.Other Names:- Serapat, sempit-sempit, agoluran (Sabah), tabat barito ( Indonesia), Mistletoe fig ( English)Parts used:- Leaves, fruits, stems and rootsMas Cotek plants grow wild in the eastern peninsular Malaysia and it is popular among traditional medical practitioners. The trees can be found in the jungle in Kelantan, Terengganu, Sabah, Sarawak and Kalimantan. In its natural state the tree live-in support of the bigger trees to receive the required sun light. It can also be found in between tree stems and large rocks which are exposed to an appropriate amount of sun.. Morfologi Characteristics Mas Cotek can grow 2-3 m high and normally grows up to 2 m after planting for 8 month in the farm. The different shapes of the leaves represents different variety some having rounded shape and also elongated egg shape. The color at the top of the leaf is shining green while under it, the surface color is golden yellow with black spots in between the leaf veins ( v shaped).Mas Cotek plant species are male and female. The leaves of female species are big round in shape while the male species are small, round and long in shape. Traditional PracticesAmong the traditional practices, Mas Cotek has been used for regulating blood pressure, increasing and recovering sexual desire, womb contraction after delivery, reducing cholesterol, reducing blood sugar level, treatment to migraine, toxin removal, delay menopause, nausea, joints pains, piles pain and improving blood circulation.
Mas Cotek Cultivation
Soil Condition and Environment
Mas Cotek requires structured soil condition and good drainage characteristics. The plant usually needs minimal amount of water but in dry weather condition adequate supply of water will be necessary.
Planting
By adopting good farming practice, Raza Bio manages the Mas Cotek plantation in a chemical free environment.
Best approach in planting Mas Cotek on large scale farm is to adopt the plantation in stages. Propagation of new plants are carried out using stem cuttings to preserve the original plant breed; it’s algorithm and it’s fingerprint. The young stems are transferred to the farm after a duration of 7-8 weeks in the nursery.
The optimum planting density is 4,200 plants per hectare. The plants are normally spaced 1.2 meters apart and 2 meters in between rows.. Mas Cotek plants are normally grown inside poly bags and shredded coconut husk are used as the plant media. Such practices will significantly reduce the trees exposed to nematode worms from attacking the plant roots ( a common type of disease to Mas Cotek )
Organic fertilizers are given initially and for every 6 months thereafter.
Regular weeding control is very important. Plastic sheets are used to give the plants adequate cover from competing weeds. and to ensure adequate moisture retention to the soil.
Harvesting
The leaves and fruits are harvested after planting for 6 month and continues for the following 4-5 months onwards. The harvested herbs are given proper drying process and to the natural sunlight. The herbs are dried to an optimum moisture content of 10-15%.

Five Most Common Medicinal Plants And Herbs

Plants have always played an essential role in our lives. They cleanse and give us air to breathe, beautify our surroundings, supply us with food and shelter and provide cures for our many ailments. It is best to know the value of each plant and acknowledges that most plants and
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herbs transcend their use in our kitchen counters and some can now be found inside medicine cabinets. Usual forms of medicinal remedies come in infusions, decoctions, tinctures, syrups, infused oils, essential oils, ointment and creams.Medicinal plants and
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herbs contain substances known to modern and ancient civilizations for their healing properties. Until the development of chemistry, and particularly, of the synthesis of organic compounds in the 19th century, medicinal plants and
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herbs were the sole source of active principles of curing man's ills. The genetic material of old and newdocument.
herbs and plants are coveted for their potential in discovering, combining, manipulating and synthesizing new medicine. Thus, even if people are not aware of, or the pharmaceutical industry does not stress the points, medicinal plants and
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herbs continue to be the source of proven medicaments and of new and revolutionary drugs. Here are five of the most common
document herbs that pack a mean punch - basil, oregano, peppermint, rosemary and tarragon.

BASIL (Octimum basilicum)is used to treat stomach cramps, vomiting, fever, colds, flu, headaches, whooping cough, and menstrual pains. It is also used to reduce stomach acid, making it an effective treatment for ulcers, and valuable addition to any recipe using tomatoes for those with sensitive stomachs. Externally, it can be used in other countries to eliminate worms from the intestines and the oil from basil leaves is applied directly to the skin to treat acne.

OREGANO (Origanum vulgare)is used to promote perspiration as a treatment for colds, flue and fevers. A tea of oregano is often used to bring on menstruation and relieve associated menstrual discomfort. It is also used in baths and inhalations, and by drinking the infusion, clears lungs and bronchial passages. Internally and externally, it can help alleviate dry itching skin. The essential oil is used to treat viral infections, respiratory ailments, and muscle aches. Pregnant women would not ingest large amounts of oregano.

PEPPERMINT (Mentha piperita) has been in existence for a long time. Peppermint tea helps with indigestion and relaxes the muscles of the digestive tract. Its chief therapeutic value lies in its ability to relieve wind, flatulence, bloating and colic, though it has many of the applications. Studies have shown that peppermint relieves colon
spasms and helps to cure ulcers and eases nervous headaches. Its main menthol, has antibacterial properties. Externally, the essential oil is used in balms and liniments to stimulate hot and cold nerve endings and increase local blood flow.

ROSEMARY (Rosmarinus officinalis)is a stimulant of the circulatory system. It is used to treat bites and stings externally. Internally, it is used to treat migraines, bad breath, and to stimulate the sexual organs. It is also used to treat nervous disorders, upset stomachs, and is used to regulate the menstrual cycle and ease cramps. Mixing the crushed leaves generously into meats, fish and potato salads prevents food poisoning while using it in antiseptic gargles relieves sore throat, gum problems and canker sores. The essential oil is used in aromatherapy as an inhalant and decongestant, and to enhance memory. Rosemary is also used in lotions to ease arthritis and muscle pain.TARRAGON (Artermisia dracunculus) is widely used as a herb in cooking. In France, it is sometimes known as "herbe au dragon", because of its ability to cure serpent bites. While tarragon stimulates the digestion, it is reputed to be a mild sedative and has been taken to aid sleep. With its mild menstruation-inducing properties, it is take if periods are delayed and its root has traditionally been applied to aching teeth. Clearly, document
herbs have taken on a new role. They're not only used for decorating and adding spice to our food but, taken in the appropriate dose and form, can be as effective as drugs in curing illnesses, without causing pain in your pocket.

Article Source: http://www.ArticleJoe.com

Ulam Raja @ Cosmos caudatus Kunth.

Other name: Wild cosmos (English)
Scientific name: Cosmos caudatus Kunth.
Family: Asteraceae

ULAM RAJA came to this region from tropical America via the Philippines. Spaniards who sailed across the Pacific used it as a vegetable for their long journey. Growing roughly a meter high, it has bright green leaves that are 20cm to 30cm long. These spread into five main leaflets each and in turn into smaller segments, looking like mini conifers when they are held upright. Mature plants produce pink and yellow eight-petal flowers that are about 2cm across.

Taste & smell: Its refreshing taste is reminiscent of unripe mango that leaves behind, instead of sweet and sour, a bitter aftertaste. The leaves explode with a strong fragrance when they are shredded by hand or pounded.

Uses as food: Prepared as ulam with other raw greens and eaten with dips like sambal, cincaluk or budu. It is also used in nasi ulam. Ulam raja is a very good source of natural antioxidants and rich in minerals such as calcium, phosphorous, iron, magnesium and potassium. It also has a relatively high vitamin content (especially vitamins B1, B2 and C).

Uses as traditional medicine: It is used for the cleansing of blood and to strengthen muscles and bones (because of its high calcium content).

Places to buy: Ulam raja can be found in most wet markets where Malays sell vegetables including the pasar tani -- there are nearly 250 such "farmer market" sites in Malaysia. If you live near Kuala Lumpur, the evening market in Chow Kit off the junction of Jalan Raja Alang and Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman is the place to go.

Way to grow: This herb is propagated using seeds obtained from ripened fruit that are 1cm to 3cm long. It grows easily as organic greens because it is resistant to pests, does not need much care and grows well in well-drained, relatively-fertile soil (a flower pot is adequate).

Pegaga @Centella asiatica

Centella asiatica (L.) is a polymorphous, creeping plant, rooting at nodes, with sometimes significant tap root, cylindrical and glabrous stems. Other names of centella asiatica include Hydrocotyle asiatica, gotu kola, Indian pennywort(English), Mandukaparni(India), pegaga(Malaysia) and Di Chien Tsao, Man Tien Hsing and Zhi Xue Cao (China). This plant is indigenous to the warmer regions of both hemispheres, especially abundant in the swampy areas of India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka up to an altitude of approximately 700 metres.
Centella asiatica is also indigenous to China, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Western South Sea Islands, Australia, Madagascar, Southern and Middle Africa, Southern United States and in insular and continental tropical America.

Traditionally, in Madagascar and East Africa, this plant, dried and crushed, has been used in the treatment of leprosy, bronchitis, asthma, syphilis, and as a wound healing agent. The Indian however, traditionally regard this plant as a potent brain tonic and shows remarkable properties in terms of treating senile decay and loss of memory, whilst it is also alleged to enhance verbal articulation. In Chinese folk medicine, a decoction of this herb is used for the treatment of colds, sunstroke, tonsilitis, pleurisy, urinary tract infections, infectious hepatitis, jaundice, and dysentery; as an antidote for arsenic poisoning, toxic mushroom and as an external poultice for snake bites, scabies, traumatic injuries, and herpes zoster. Sometimes considered as a sedative, this plant has been known to be tonic in Malaysia. Today Centella asiatica is the active ingredient of many drugs and cosmetic preparations in Europe, U.S.A. and Japan in the field of skin care.

Source: IDS(Sabah), 1998 in ‘Developing the Non-Timber Forest Products in Sabah: Issues and Challenges’.

Misai Kuching (Orthosiphon Stamineus)

Misai Kuching (Orthosiphon Stamineus) is a medicinal herb found mainly throughout South East Asia and tropical Australia. It is believed to have antiallergic, antihypertensive, antiinflammatory and diuretic properties. It is used as a remedy for arteriosclerosis (capillary and circulatory disorders), kidney stones, diabetes and nephritis.
It is trusted for many centuries for treating ailments of the kidney, bladder stone, urinary tract infection, liver and bladder problems, diabetes, rheumatism and gout. It is also used to reduce cholesterol and blood pressure.


Misai Kuching has a mild diuretic action, so it is very useful for flushing the kidneys and urinary tract. It also relieves spasms of the smooth muscle in the walls of the internal organs, making it valuable for gallbladder problems. Researchers have found it to be mildly antiseptic as well.
Misai Kuching (misai kucing) is also known as Kumis Kuching (kumis kucing) or Remujung. Other names for Misai Kuching are Orthosiphon Stamineus Benth, Orthosiphon Aristatus, Orthosiphonblaetter, Indisher Nierentee, Feuilles de Barbiflore, Java Tea, Javatee, Kidney Tea, Koemis Koetjing and Yaa Nuat Maeo.
The plant is from the family of Lippenblütengewächse /Lamiaceae / Labiatae.

Kacip Fatimah

Labisa Pumila, commonly known as Kacip Fatimah is the female version of Tongkat Ali. Kacip Fatimah is a small woody and leafy plant that grows and can be found widely in the shade of forest floors. The leaves are about 20 centimetres long, and they are traditionally used as a kind of tea by women who experience a loss of libido

Extract from these herbs are usually ground into powder substances and are made into capsules and pills. A concoction made from boiling the plant in water is given to women in labour to hasten delivery of their babies. After childbirth, it may still be consumed by mothers to regain their strength. In other medicinal preparations, it can treat gonorrhoea, dysentery and eliminate excessive gas in the body.
Traditionally, it is used for enhancing vitality, overcome tiredness and help to tone vaginal muscles for women. Kacip Fatimah, the women’s tongkat ali has been used for generations in Borneo in maintaining the figure, health and vitality of women. Kacip fatimah is the female Tongkat Ali and for centuries -it has been used in Borneo to restore womenhood.100% herbal & 100% safe Points to ponder before making the right Kacip Fatimah choice-
The claimed uses of Kacip Fatimah include: [1]
Helps established a regular menstrual cycle when periods fail to appear for reasons like stress, illness or when the pill is discontinued
Prevents cramping, water retention and irritability for those with painful periods.
Balances, builds and harmonizes the female reproductive system to encourage healthy conception
Supports healthy vaginal flora to prevent irritation and infections.
Alleviates fatigue, smooths menopausal symptoms and promote emotional well being.
Prolong energy during Playtime.
Helps to solve the problems related to constipation
Tightens vaginal skin and walls.
Anti-dysmenorrhoea; cleansing and avoiding painful or difficult menstruation
Anti-flatulence, drive away and prevent the formation of gas.
Firming and toning of abdominal muscles.
As the plant contain phytoestrogen, it is not to be taken by pregnant women and periods of menstruation...........From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Tongkat Ali or Pasak Bumi

Eurycoma longifolia Jack (a.k.a. Tongkat Ali or Pasak Bumi) is a flowering plant in the family Simaroubaceae, native to Indonesia and Malaysia. The author abbreviation Jack in the scientific name of the plant refers to the Scottish botanist William Jack.
Eurycoma longifolia Jack is a small evergreen treelet growing to 15 m (49 ft) tall, with spirally arranged, pinnate leaves 20-40 cm (8-16 inches) long with 13-41 leaflets. The flowers are dioecious, with male and female flowers on different trees; they are produced in large panicles, each flower with 5-6 very small petals. The fruit is green ripening dark red, 1-2 cm long and 0.5-1 cm broad.

Uses
Eurycoma longifolia has become popular for its alleged testosterone-enhancing properties. It has therefore been included in some herbal supplements for bodybuilders. Historically, South East Asia has utilised the herb for its suggested antimalarial, antipyretic, antiulcer, cytotoxic and aphrodisiac properties.
Some scientific studies suggest that it enhances sexual characteristics and performance in animals.[2][3][4] However, most of these studies were conducted by the same researchers, so more research is needed.
In other studies, fractions of Eurycoma longifolia Jack extract have been shown to induce apoptosis in breast-cancer cells[5] and to be cytotoxic to lung-cancer cells.[6]
The British Journal of Sports Medicine published the results of a scientific study in 2003, which showed that Eurycoma longifolia caused increased muscle strength and size when compared to a placebo.[7] This may demonstrate the anabolic properties of Tongkat Ali but again more research is needed. Some athletes and body builders now use Tongkat Ali extract in the hope that it will act as a testosterone-booster, to improve muscle size, strength, and performance without drugs.
This testosterone-enhancing herb can be used to build libido, as well as combating fatigue. Tongkat Ali has been shown in studies to increase testosterone levels in males up to 93%. In a study from the Reproductive Research Center in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, men between the ages of 31-52 regularly took Tongkat Ali. Results indicated increased testosterone levels; thus improving libido, energy as well as muscle mass. [8]
Tongkat ali is sold in various extract ratios, with 1:50, 1:100, and 1:200 being most common. It should be noted that a higher extract ratio does not necessarily mean that an extract is more potent. At a higher extraction ratio, some of the active ingredients may even be lost, as the focus if often reflective of a pursuit of patent rights than achieving efficacious end product.
On the other hand, some products on the market do not state any specific extract ratio, and then it may be anything between 1:2 and 1:10. Furthermore, buyers should be aware that tongkat ali is one of the most expensive herbals sold internationally. Thus, capsules or tablets that combine tongkat ali with other ingredients and do not indicate definite quantities of each ingredient may contain just minuscule amounts of tongkat ali. The market demand for Tongkat Ali is growing, and even though plantations are being created every year, demand still outweighs supplies. Trees in their native habitat are rather scarce, and are further endangered by the common practice of wild harvesting.........From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia