Herbal seeds for sale

The  Jammu and Kashmir Medicinal Plants Introduction Centre-JKMPIC, is a pioneer institution to start cultivation of important indigenous medicinal plants and introduce many from other parts of the world. A preliminary study on cultivation of medicinal plants in Jammu and Kashmir was from this institution. Subsequently lot of work on cultivation and improvement was done on selected plants by different   scientists and a consolidated account on cultivation and utilization of these plants was published (Sheikh GULZAAR, 2002 & 2007).

Availability of  Seed/Planting material for research purpose only

Medicinal/fruit seeds  and planting material is available for distribution/purchase for Research institutions, universities, associations and NGOs)

More details: http://jkmpic.blogspot.com

Ginkgo biloba Tea

Properties : helps reduce blood hypertension, is lipid-lowering, enhances blood flow, diminshes damage to the brain cells due to oxygen shortage, blocks free radicals, improves memory.

Ginko biloba improves memory and brain function and helps to preserve general health and vitality. Research and clinical studies show promise for the use of Ginkgo biloba extracts for improving memory and helping with some of the symptoms of Alzheimers disease.

The remarkable effects of ginkgo biloba on brain function and circulation have made this venerable tree one of the most extensively studied and widely used botanicals in the world. Millions of Americans and Europeans now enjoy the benefits of ginkgo for memory, cognitive function, circulatory disorders, and conditions of the eyes and ears. No other known circulation enhancer, natural or synthetic, can increase blood flow not only to healthy areas of the brain, but also to areas already damaged by disease. In addition, ginkgo's powerful antioxidant effects have earned it an international reputation as an "anti-aging" herb among young and old alike.

Gingko Biloba has been used in TCM to improve the heart and lungs function, to relieve coughs, asthma, and allergic inflammations. Scientists think this function, along with a potential ability to dilate blood vessels, accounts for its record of use in treating asthma in China for thousands of years. Ginkgo biloba leaves extract has been shown to dilate blood vessels, and improve cognitive function. Ginkgo has been extensively researched for its possible benefits to the elderly. Studies indicate ginkgo has the ability to increase circulation which can lead to enhanced memory.Ginkgo is a powerful antioxidant and contributes to the oxidation of free radicals which are believed to contribute to premature aging. Antioxidants also protect the eyes, cardiovascular system and central nervous system. It may also help control the transformation of cholesterol to plaque associated with the hardening of arteries.

Gingko biloba's beneficial effect on improving blood circulation may have positive benefits for sexual dysfunction. In one open clinical trial involving 60 patients having erectile dysfunction, 50% of the patients regained potency after six months of treatment with Ginkgo Biloba. Ginkgo is slow acting, taking four to eight weeks before benefits may be noticed. Improvements are gradual, but continue for up to a year or more.

Ginkgo and Cerebral Brain Disorder Research : In a multicenter, double-blind, Ginkgo versus placebo trial involving 166 patients, Ginkgo biloba extract is found to be effective against cerebral disorders due to aging 3 months after treatment and continued to increase during the following months. Taillandier J, Ammar A, Rabourdin JP, Ribeyre JP, Pichon J, Niddam S, Pierart H. Presse Med. 1986 Sep 25;15(31):1583-7. French.

Ginkgo improves Cognitive Function : Ginkgo biloba extract has been reputed to ameliorate cognitive decline in the elderly and slow cognitive deterioration in patients with dementia of the Alzheimer's type. Ginkgo remains as one of the most popular plant extracts to alleviate symptoms associated with a range of cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia and age-related amnesic conditions. Ginkgo is known to contain a range of chemically active components that have antagonistic effects on platelet-activating factor, free-radical scavenging activity (antioxidant) and direct effects on the cholinergic neurotransmitter system. In a 30-day randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial in which 61 participants were administered with various neuropsychological tests before and after treatment. Statistical analysis indicated significant improvements in speed of information processing working memory and executive processing attributable to the Ginkgo Biloba Extract. Stough C, Clarke J, Lloyd J, Nathan PJ. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol. 2001 Jun;4(2):131-4.

Ginkgo reduces oxidative free radicals in Alzheimer's disease : The role of amyloid beta-peptide (Abeta) in the free-radical oxidative-stress model of neurotoxicity in Alzheimer's disease (AD) has received much attention recently. Treatment of the cells with Ginkgo biloba extract significantly reduce the levels of hydrogen peroxide related reactive oxygen species. Among the Ginkgo active components tested, kaempferol and quercetin provided maximum attenuation. Smith JV, Luo Y. J Alzheimers Dis. 2003 Aug;5(4):287-300.

Gingko reduces Leg Pain associated with Intermittent Claudication : Because of its effects on the circulatory system, ginkgo may also ease the leg pain that arises from intermittent claudication and similar disorders. One study even found that ginkgo performed as well as a leading prescription medication for treating intermittent claudication.

Ginkgo improves Antidepressant-induced Sexual Dysfunction : Ginkgo has also been used to treat impotence, especially when associated with antidepressant therapy. In an open trial ginkgo biloba was found to be 84% effective in treating antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction predominantly caused by selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs, N = 63). Women (n = 33) were more responsive to the sexually enhancing effects of ginkgo biloba than men (N = 30), with relative success rates of 91% versus 76%. Ginkgo biloba generally had a positive effect on all 4 phases of the sexual response cycle: desire, excitement (erection and lubrication), orgasm, and resolution (afterglow). Patients exhibited sexual dysfunction secondary to a variety of antidepressant medications including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRIs), serotonin and nonrepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRIs) monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOIs), and tricyclics. Dosages of ginkgo biloba extract ranged from 60 mg qd to 120 mg bid (average = 209mg/d).

Ginkgo as Antioxidant : Ginkgo is an antioxidant, giving it the ability to help rid the body of free radicals and thus lessen the risk of chronic degenerative diseases. Also due to the antioxidant activity of ginkgo, it may help treat macular degeneration and decrease the damaging effects of radiation, chemotherapy, and certain medications. Enhanced cell death and elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a major role in aging. Several neurodegenerative diseases are associated with increased oxidative stress and cell death in neuronal tissue. Antioxidative treatment has neuro-protective effects. Mice were treated daily with 100 mg/kg Ginkgo Extract for two weeks showed significant reduction in ROS induced cell death.

Ginkgo biloba Indication : Symptomatic treatment of mild to moderate cerebrovascular insufficiency (demential syndrome in primary degenerative dementia, vascular dementia and mixed rorms of both) with the following symptoms:

memory deficit disturbance in concentration, depressive emotion condition, dizziness and headache, Improve pain-free walking distance in people with peripheral arterial occlusive disease, i.e. intermittent claudication, Raynaud's disease, acrocyanosis and post-phlebitis syndrome

Treatment of inner-ear disorders, i.e. tinnitus and vertigo of vascular and involutive origin

Ginkgo Supplement Health Benefits : Ginkgo biloba improves capillary circulation and acts as a blood thinner, which improves circulation to all of the tissues and organs such as the brain and heart.

Ginkgo biloba interferes with PAF (platelet activating factor) which has been shown to possibly cause asthma, heart disease, hearing disorders and skin disorders like psoriasis.

Ginkgo biloba helps stop the damage to our organs and tissues by free radicals. It is a good antioxidant and free radical scavenger.

How can I make tea from the leaves?

After picking the green leaves (late summer/early fall), shade-dry them on a screen, allowing good air circulation from the bottom and the top. Best condition is one that will dry the leaves quickly but not overheat them. Never dry leaves in the sun. To test that the leaves are thoroughly dried, "snap" a leaf stem to make sure.

You may also dry them in your microwave. Put some leaves between two paper towels and microwave for 60 seconds on high. If crisp, the leaves are dry, otherwise microwave further at 15 seconds intervals.

When the leaves are dried, put them in a paper bag inside a plastic bag, and store them in a cool, dark place - in a tinted glass jar is best.

Ginkgo plant/seed/leaf available in Jammu and Kashmir Medicinal Plants Introduction centre

More details:  jkmpic@gmail.com, jkmpic@yahoo.in
Ph: 9858986794, 01933-223705
home: http://jkmpic.blogspot.com

11th August 2OO8 The Bloody Day of Kashmiri Nation

By Er. Bilal Ahmad

“Sincerely supreme sacrifice makes one supreme.”   
Sheikh Aziz 
 (Father of Jehad-e-Kashmir) 

was a supreme. His sacrifice led to a mass uprising which attracted global attention.

In a A symbolic march by Kashmirs to march towards north (Muzaffarabad) when they are harmed in the south (Hindu Jammu) has caused more lives for Kashmiris. It is indeed a shame for human civilization that India continues to be engaged in genocide of Kashmiris. As part of Indian strategy to kill Kashmiris in a sustained manner under different guises, some more Kashmiri Muslims were murdered by India in the background of the Hindus fascist fight for Sri Amarnath illegal land deal. After direct fire on Muzaffarabad marchers, at least eight persons, including a most senior Hurriyat freedom fighting leader of Jammu and Kashmir, Shaikh Abdul Aziz (Father of Jehad-e-Kashmir), were killed as they were marching towards the Line of Control in Baramulla district leader and a boy were killed by Indian security forces in Srinagar district on August 15 a couple of days ahead of Indian independence day.

Following the killing of six protestors including most senior Sheikh Abdul Aziz, the authorities imposed curfew in Srinagar and other parts of Kashmir. However, the freedom fighters have reiterated their resolve to continue their mach, come what may. Economic terrorism unleashed by Hindus in Jammu region by blocking the movement of goods between Jammu and Kashmir have caused serious economic problems and this economic terrorism is resented by Kashmirs who have suffered badly and decided to mach to Muzaffarabad to show their anger. Economic terrorism is been used by USA and the Western powers against third world nations, now especially Iran, to cripple their economies. India has thought out similar strategy to make Kashmiris to bend completely and bow down to Indian military dictates. Economic blockade is a crude manifestation of the decades_ old policy of making Kashmir economy fatally dependent on others. Notwithstanding arrests by police in different parts of Kashmir,

Kashmiris in thirty hundred thousands marched towards North Kashmir to participate in the Muzaffarabad March to protest against the economic blockade of the Valley. In North Kashmir, the march to Muzaffarabad commenced from Sopore Fruit Mandi after people defied restrictions. Sopore Fruit Mandi was besieged early morning by police and CRPF men and five trade union leaders were detained and tyres of decorated fruit laden trucks were deflated by the troopers. After arrest of leaders, announcements were made through Public Address System (PAS) asking people to join the Muzaffarabad March_. Thousands of people again joined march with women lined up on roadside yelling pro freedom and pro_Pakistan slogans. They were seen serving water and food packets to the protestors and praying for their safety. After the protestors reached Baramulla, the processionists boarded buses, trucks, scooters to move towards Muzaffarabad. Amidst pro−freedom, pro−Pakistan and anti−India slogans, the protestors, who were led by Huriyat leaders, Sheikh Abdul Aziz and Shabir Ahmad Shah reached chahal, Uri, some 20 kms from Uri. They could not move ahead as the army had dug up trenches to prevent people and vehicles from moving ahead. When the protestors tried to march ahead, they were fired on by the troopers, causing injuring to at least 20 persons including Sheikh Abdul Aziz. Aziz received bullet injury in his abdomen and was rushed to nearby hospital, where from he was referred to SMHS hospital, where he succumbed. Meanwhile, thousands of people were on streets till late night at Sangrama, Delina, Sheeri, Hyderbugh, Zumgum, and Pattan. They were waiting for the sunrise to recommence their _Muzaffarabad March_. There have been thousands of known and unknown Kashmiri martyrs who have laid down their sacred lives in their freedom struggle, much more than what the India had lost dung their independence fight under British rule. Sheikh Abdul Aziz was a pro−Pakistan Kashmiri leaders fighting for the cause of gaining sovereignty back from occupying India. Muzaffarabad is legally a part of Kashmir, now the capital of Azad Kashmir with an independent premier administrated by Pakistan and which would be a part of new Kashmir when it becomes free from Indian military occupation.

Kashmiris have been at the receiving end since their nation was annexed by it neighbor India and hardships are nothing new to them either. Also, now this is not something new to the now fragile economy of Kashmir that it has been subjected to, over the last six decades. The backdrop in which the economy of Kashmir traveled along the time path included a focus on making Kashmir prone to dependency cult, intentionally pursued by New Delhi; priority setting as per the whims of policy planners at New Delhi. The horticulture, floriculture and other commodity sectors have suffered losses that have varied ramifications and most of the growers cannot possibly sustain these losses. These commodities are flooding the already saturated and impoverished local market of Kashmir. The acute hardships faced by people in valley by scarcity of essential commodities, life saving drugs and medicine, even kids_ items, by the economic blockade does call for a new thinking based on self reliance. Of course, now it looks the popular uprising is not going to end until the Kashmirs obtain freedom and independence from India. First of economic terrorism must end followed by state military terrorism. It is noteworthy that in this regard JKLF Chairman Muhammad Yaseen Malik went on a hunger strike unto death but fortunately freedom fighting leaders like Geelani persuaded him to end his long hunger strike. Geelani also reminded him saying, _We differ with the idea of fast unto death as it is not an Islamic way and that we must pray to the almighty for the continuity and eternity of the unity we have showed this time_. Besides, no one will care in India even if entire Muslim community in Kashmir goes on hunger strike until death. India promotes genocide in Kashmir, after all and death of Kashmiris and other Muslims in any manner is welcome to New Delhi. But it is time the Governor of Jammu Kashmir NN Vohra considers recommending to New Delhi to grant independence to Kashmir so that the Kashmiris do not have to stave and die like this and let them live with honor and resources. Any further day in decision−making in favor of Kashmiris could be disastrous for both Kashmiris and India. The Kashmirs do have the efficient leadership, resources and the capacity to govern their own nation in a peaceful manner. About the author: Er. Bilal ahmad can be reached at: bilal2009@gmail.com