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Wednesday, September 5, 2012

India aims to grow Sea buckthorn in 1 mn hectare by 2020

Srinagar : Taking a cue from China, India today embarked on a major national initiative for commercial cultivation of sea buckthorn, a medicinal plant found in upper Kashmir Himalayan region.

The move includes a pledge by India to bring an area of one million hectare under the crop`s ambit by 2020 to reach the level achieved by the neighbouring country. "We are nowhere near to the three major sea buckthorn cultivation countries. For instance, compared to China which has 1.1 million hectares under sea buckthorn cultivation, we are negligible with just only 11,500 hectares of land for this purpose," Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh said at a workshop here.

Mongolia has 30,000 hectares while Russia is cultivating the valuable plant in the 47,000 hectares, he said. It is for the first time the government has focused attention on the commercial cultivation of sea buckthorn plants, which has oval shaped and flame-coloured fruits which are highly nutritious and are a very good source of vitamins, trace minerals, amino acids, and antioxidant.

The plant is extensively used by China in its traditional medicines and for other purposes, he said while announcing the launch of national sea buckthorn initiative.

Ramesh added that agencies like the Indian Council for Forestry Research, Jammu and Kashmir Medicinlal Plants Introduction Centre, CSIR, ICAR, DBT and National Horticulture
Board working on various aspects of the plant will be now under the leadership of Defence Institute of High Altitude Research (DIHAR), which is a nodal laboratory for research and activities on the multi-purpose plant.

"An over arching national objective of the initiative will be to bring one million hectares of land area under
sea buckthorn cultivation by 2020," Ramesh said while exhorting the DIHAR to prepare an action-plan within next two months as a part of the Green India Mission.

To begin with, in the first phase, Leh,Kargil, Sonamarag, Ramban in Jammu and Kashmir, Lahul Spiti and Kinnaur in Himachal Pardesh and Chamoli in Uttarakhand will be targeted for cultivation, later to be extended to Arunanchal Pradesh in the next five years.

Priority for cultivation will be on riverbanks and hill slopes, Ramesh said at the workshop, a first of its kind which saw participation from locals, representatives from research institutions and various stakeholders, including farmers, to promote it on commercial basis.

Stressing that the project success depends on community participation, the Union Minister said that women`s self groups will be mobilised to scale up the initiative in the focus area.

Sea buckthorn seed/planting material are available at:
JK Medicinal Plants Introduction Centre-JKMPIC
"Ginkgo House", Azizabad, Via Wuyan-Meej Road, Pampore PPR JK 192121

Ph: 09858986794, 01933-223705
e-mail: jkmpic@gmail.com
home: http://jkmpic.blogspot.com

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Conium maculatum and breast cancer

Conium maculatum  : 1-2 m. tall umbellifer, leaves 2 pinnate, segments toothed. flowers white.

English name: Hemlock
Family : Apiaceae (formerly Umbelliferae)
Distribution : C. maculatum is native in temperate regions of  Europe, Kashmir, Pakistan,  as well as North Africa.

Ecological notes : Grows in waste places

Status : Not common

Hemlock-Conium maculatum is a very poisonous plant that has a long history of medicinal use, though it is very rarely used in modern herbalism. It is a narcotic plant that sedates and relieves pain. The plant contains coniine, an extremely toxic substance that can also cause congenital defects

The whole plant is analgesic, antispasmodic, emetic, galactofuge and sedative. It is a traditional folk treatment for cancer and was formerly widely used internally in very small doses to treat a variety of complaints including tumours, epilepsy, whooping cough, rabies and as an antidote to strychnine poisoning. It is still used externally, usually in ointments and oils, in the treatment of mastitis, malignant tumours (especially breast cancer) anal fissure and haemorrhoids. The  Conium maculatum leaves and stems should be harvested when the first fruits are forming, since they are then at their most active medicinally. The fruits are gathered either when fully ripe, or before they turn from green to yellow, and are then dried. Because of the extremely toxic nature of this herb, it is seldom employed nowadays. Use with extreme caution and only under the guidance of a qualified practitioner. See also the notes above on toxicity. A homeopathic remedy is prepared from a tincture of the fresh plant, harvested when in flower. It is used for treating complaints such as dizziness, coughs, insomnia, exhaustion, arteriosclerosis and prostate problems.


Min. seeds: 100 seeds per packet
Open-pollinated.Organic.No GMOs
__________________
JK Medicinal Plants Introduction Centre-JKMPIC
"Ginkgo House", Azizabad, Via Wuyan-Meej Road, Pampore PPR JK 192121
Ph: 09858986794, 01933-223705
e-mail: jkmpic@gmail.com
home: http://jkmpic.blogspot.com



Monday, September 3, 2012

Premature ejaculation and Ginkgo biloba leaves

Ginkgo biloba leaves: This contains flavonoids which improves the blood circulation in the brain and the body’s vascular network. It aids in relaxation and allows blood to flow to the genital area.
Ginkgo biloba leaves are available at:

The Jammu and Kashmir Medicinal Plants Introduction Centre
"Ginkgo House", Azizabad, Nambalbal, Pampore PPR JK 192121
Ph: 09858986794
e-mail: jkmpic@gmail.com
home: http://jkmpic.blogspot.com

Wild Garlic-Allium ursinum seed

Buy Kashmir Wild Garlic Seeds
Wild Garlic-Allium ursinum seeds for sale
Ramsons, Allium ursinum — also known as buckrams, wild garlic, broad-leaved garlic, wood garlic, bear leek, and bear's garlic — is a wild relative of chives native to Europe and Kashmir.

Min. seeds : 100 seeds/per packet
Open-pollinated.No GMO's,Untreated.

For more details:-
JK Medicinal Plants Introduction Centre-JKMPIC
"Ginkgo House", Azizabad, Via Wuyan-Meej Road, Pampore PPR JK 192121
Ph: 09858986794, 01933-223705
e-mail: jkmpic@gmail.com
home: http://jkmpic.blogspot.com

Thursday, August 2, 2012

Lavatera cashmeriana seeds for sale


Buy Lavateera cashmeriana seeds
Bot. name : L. cashmerina
Qashmerian name : Sazposh/Sazmool

Bot. features : KASHMIR TREE MALLOW'. Bright pink 2" flowers with darker veins, July to September. Tall branching perennial to 5 feet. Endemic to the Kashmir Himalayas, 7500 to 10,000 feet. Medicinal. Hardy to Wisconsin. Nick seed to germinate in 1 - 3 weeks.

Habitat : Kashmir Himalaya, Gilgat, Pakistan
Part used : Leaf, flowers,roots

Medicinal uses : A known medicinal herb used in many medicinal preparations. It is supposed to be used in throat problems. The herb is given as a mild laxative. The roots are collected in large quantities and sold as crude drug in Himalayian region.

Minimum 25 seeds. Packed for 2012
Open-pollinated.Organic. No GMO's
(For R&D purpose only) 

JK Medicinal Plants Introduction Centre-JKMPIC
"Ginkgo House", Azizabad, Via Wuyan-Meej Road, Pampore PPR JK 192121
Ph: 09858986794, 01933-223705
e-mail: jkmpic@gmail.com

Digitalis and Taxus baccata


Medicines From Plants

By Johan Simith

Foxglove leaf and foxglove leaf extract have long been used as a herbal remedy to treat heart problems. Taxol was discovered when scientists representing the National Cancer Institute in the United States performed a survey of plants looking for new chemotherapy drugs. By destroying so many natural habitats around the world humans are almost certainly denying themselves the opportunity to find many new medicines in plants.

Scientists have identified many medicinal chemicals in plants, and there are probably many more still to be discovered. Digitalis, which strengthens and slows the heartbeat, is found in foxgloves. Taxol, which is used as an anti-cancer drug, is found in yew trees.

Digitalis and Foxgloves

Digitalis is obtained from the leaves of the foxglove plant and is a type of cardiac glycoside. Cardiac glycosides are drugs prescribed to treat atrial fibrillation and congestive heart failure. Digitalis is generally prescribed in a form known as digoxin.

The common foxglove has the scientific name Digitalis purpurea. Foxgloves are tall plants with rows of beautiful, tubular flowers ranging in color from purple to white. The flowers frequently bear spots.
Although digitalis is a helpful drug it must be used in the correct dose. It’s dangerous if too much is ingested. In addition to digitalis, foxglove contains other chemicals which are biologically active and are toxic to humans and animals. The entire foxglove plant is poisonous.

How Does Digitalis Work?

In atrial fibrillation, the heartbeat is rapid and irregular. The inefficient pumping of the heart increases the risk of a stroke. Digitalis helps treat atrial fibrillation by increasing the action of the parasympathetic nervous system on the heart. One job done by this division of the nervous system is to slow the heartbeat
In congestive heart failure, the heart is unable to pump enough blood around the body. As a result, blood may back up in the blood vessels, causing fluid to leave the blood and enter the tissues. Fluid may build up in the lungs, the arms and legs, the digestive tract and the liver. This fluid buildup is called edema. Digitalis increases the amount of calcium in the heart cells. Increased calcium leads to a stronger heartbeat. Since digitalis strengthens the contraction of the heart, the heart can pump more blood and edema is reduced.

Digitalis Toxicity

A patient taking digitalis has to be monitored carefully. A dose of digitalis that can cause digitalis toxicity is not much larger than a therapeutic dose. Someone suffering from digitalis toxicity may experience loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. There may be confusion, an irregular heartbeat and vision problems. Vision may be blurred and objects being viewed may have a yellow tinge, a condition known as xanthopsia. The person may also see halos of light around objects. In addition, he or she may experience depression and hallucinations.

Taxol and Yew Trees

Taxol was discovered in the bark of the Pacific Yew tree in the 1960’s. Its name is derived from Taxus brevifolia, the scientific name for the Pacific Yew. Taxol is most abundant in yew bark but is present in the needles as well. Recently taxol has also been found in a number of fungi.

At first the use of taxol was controversial, since removing the bark from yew trees to extract the taxol kills the trees. In addition, Pacific Yew trees are slow growing and new trees cannot quickly replace trees killed for taxol extraction. Nowadays taxol is obtained by a cell culture method that doesn't involve killing yew trees.

How Does Taxol Work?

Taxol is used to treat several different cancers, including breast cancer, ovarian cancer and one type of lung cancer (non-small cell lung cancer). It’s also used to treat AIDS-related Kaposi’s sarcoma. Taxol, which is also known as paclitaxel, is used on its own or it is used in combination with other chemotherapy drugs.

Just before a cell divides its nucleus divides, a process known as mitosis. Structures called microtubules play an important role in mitosis. Microtubules form during mitosis, and once mitosis has finished they break down. Taxol stops microtubule breakdown, thereby interfering with the process of mitosis. When mitosis is inhibited cell division is inhibited too.

Cancer cells multiply rapidly compared to most body cells and so they have a high rate of mitosis. Therefore taxol effectively acts as an anti-tumor drug.

Taxol Side Effects

Unfortunately taxol can also prevent the division of normal cells in the body that divide rapidly, such as the bone marrow cells that produce blood cells. One of the side effects of taxol may be a low red blood cell count (resulting in anemia), a low white blood cell count (which can lead to increased infections) or a low platelet count (which can lead to an increased risk of bruising and bleeding).

There may be additional side effects, but not everyone will experience them, or the side effects may be minor. It’s impossible to predict ahead of time how severe the side effects will be for a particular patient, but quite often people find taxol treatment less unpleasant than other chemotherapy treatments. Additional medications can often relieve the side effects that do appear.

The most common side effects of taxol treatment include low blood counts, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, temporary hair loss (until the taxol treatment is topped), mouth sores, muscle or joint pain, numbness and tingling. Other possible side effects are fluid retention in the feet, ankles or abdomen and nail darkening.

Some people have an allergic reaction to taxol, but this is usually not due to the taxol itself but due to the substance used to dissolve the taxol so that it can enter the bloodstream. Taxol is not water soluble. Doctors generally prescribe steroids to reduce the chance of an allergic reaction when taxol is given to a patient.

Mr. Sheikh Gulzaar is a research writer in Jammu and Kashmir Medicinal Plants Introduction Centre. More details: http://jkmpic.blogspot.com  was established in 1993. The institution also provides planting materils of all herbs, and Taxus baccata, Digitalis purpurea, Ginkgo biloba, Podophyllum hexandrum, Lavatera cashmeriana, Origanum vulgare, Phytolacca acinosa, Rheum emodi, Sambucus nigira, Saussurea costs, Solanum  nigrum, Hyoscyamus niger. 






Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Pyrethrum-Chrysanthemum cinerariaefolium, plants/seeds for sale

The plant is economically important as a natural source of insecticide. The flowers are pulverized and the active components called pyrethrins, contained in the seed cases, are extracted and sold in the form of an oleoresin.

Pyrethrum (Chrysanthemum cinerariaefolium, Family Asteraceae) is a perennial African plant with daisy-like appearance and white, pink or red flowers. The same species is also known as Pyrethrum roseum, Chrysanthemum coccineum, Tanacetum coccineum, or simply, the Painted Daisy. The flower is good for use as a long-lasting cut flower. The plant will re-bloom in late summer if pruned.

This is applied as a suspension in water or oil, or as a powder. Pyrethrins attack the nervous systems of all insects, and inhibit female mosquitoes from biting. When not present in amounts fatal to insects, they still appear to have an insect repellent effect. They are harmful to fish, but are far less toxic to mammals and birds than many synthetic insecticides and are non-persistent, being biodegradable and also breaking down easily on exposure to light. They are considered to be amongst the safest insecticides for use around food.

Pyrethroids are synthetic insecticides based on natural pyrethrum: an example of one is permethrin. A common formulation of pyrethrin is in preparations containing the synthetic chemical piperonyl butoxide: this has the effect of enhancing the toxicity to insects and speeding the effects when compared with pyrethrins used alone. These formulations are known as synergized pyrethrins.

Pyrethrum plants and seeds are available at:
The Jammu and Kashmir Medicinal Plants Introduction Centre
"Ginkgo House", Azizabad, Via Wuyan-Meej Road, Nambalbal, Pampore PPR JK 192121
Ph: 09858986794/01933-223705
e-mail: jkmpic@gmail.com
home: http://jkmpic.blogspot.com/
 

Saturday, June 23, 2012

Salvia officinalis seeds for sale

Sage Seeds-Salvia officinalis :Extrakta has a higher essential oil content (1.5-2%) and is higher yielding than common sage. Use fresh or dried to flavor chicken, sauces and dressings. Perennial plants grow to 2.5 feet tall. They have fragrant gray-green leaves and attractive blue flower spikes in early summer.

Packet is 1/2 gram, about 50 seeds.
Open-pollinated. Untreated. No GMO's

More details: The JK Medicinal Plants Introduction Centre
"Ginkgo House", Azizabad, Pampore PPR JK 192121
Ph: 09858986794/01933-223705
e-mail: jkmpic@gmail.com
home: http://jkmpic.blogspot.com

Sunday, June 17, 2012

Salvia sclarea leaves/seeds for sale

Clary has been perceived both as a weaker version of sage (Salvia officinalis) and also as a significant herb in its own right. An antispasmodic and aromatic plant, it is used mainly to treat digestive problems such as wind and indigestion. It is also regarded as a tonic, calming herb that helps relieve period pain and pre-menstrual problems. Owing to its oestrogen-stimulating action, it is most effective when levels of this hormone are low. The whole plant, and especially the leaves, is antispasmodic, appetizer, aromatic, astringent, balsamic, carminative, pectoral and tonic. It is useful in treating disorders of the stomach and kidneys and is a valuable remedy for complaints associated with the menopause, particularly hot flushing. It should not be prescribed for pregnant women. The leaves can be used fresh or dried, for drying they are harvested before the plant comes into flower. The seed forms a thick mucilage when it is soaked for a few minutes in water. This is efficacious in removing small particles of dust from the eyes. The essential oil is used in aromatherapy. Its keyword is "Euphoric".

Propagation of Clary : Seed - can be sown in situ during spring. Alternatively seed can be sown in August/September to overwinter, it will then produce larger plants Thinnings can be transplanted. The seed remains viable for 3 years.

More details about Salvia sclarea leaves/seeds

Head, JK Medicinal Plants Introduction Centre
POB: 667 GPO Srinagar SGR JK 190001
Ph: 09858986794
e-mail: jkmpic@gmail.com
For more details: http://jkmpic.blogspot.com

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Lepidium meyenii-Maca seeds for sale

Maca seeds
Latin name: Lepidium meyenii
Synonyms: Lepidium mayenii
Family: Cruciferae
Medicinal use of Maca : Maca is a little known herbal remedy and high energy food. It is growing in popularity due to its energizing effects, fertility enhancement and aphrodisiac qualities. Other traditional uses include increasing energy, stamina and endurance in athletes, promoting mental clarity, treating male impotence, and helping with menstrual irregularities and female hormonal imbalances including menopause and chronic fatigue syndrome.The roots are antifatigue, aphrodisiac, nutritive, immunostimulant, steroidal and tonic. Maca, as with all crucifers, contains glucosinolates and isothiocyanates which have been shown to exhibit anticarcinogenicity by blocking formation of endogenous or exogenous carcinogens and so preventing initiation of carcinogenesis. Naturally occurring and synthetic isothiocyanates are among the most effective chemopreventive agents known. A wide variety of isothiocyanates prevent cancer of various tissues including the rat lung, mammary gland, oesophagus, liver, small intestine, colon, and bladder. Non-published data suggests Maca has this same effect. Surprisingly, there is no apparent traditional use of Maca in the treatment of cancer. In traditional Peruvian herbal medicine, Maca is used as an immunostimulant and in the treatment of anaemia, tuberculosis, menstrual disorders, menopause symptoms, stomach cancer, sterility and other reproductive and sexual disorders as well as to enhance memory. A chemical analysis conducted in 1981 showed the presence of biologically active aromatic isothiocyanates, especially p-methoxybenzyl isothiocyanate, which have reputed aphrodisiac properties. Initial analysis of Maca indicate that the effects on fertility are a result of the glucosinolates. Alkaloids are also present, but have not yet been quantified.(263). There are reports that this plant can cure many problems of infertility.

Habitat of the herb:
Barren steppes, tundra and alpine plains, usually in limestone and clay soils, 3800 - 4800 metres.

Edible parts of Maca:
Root - cooked. Sweet and pleasantly flavoured. They can be slowly baked. After being dried they are cooked in water to make a sweet aromatic porridge that is called "mazamorra" in S. America. The nutritional value of dried Maca root is high, resembling cereal grains such as maize, rice and wheat. It has 59% carbohydrates, 10.2% protein, 8.5% fibre and 2.2% lipids.(263) It has a large amount of essential amino acids and higher levels of iron and calcium than potatoes.(263) Maca contains important amounts of fatty acids including linolenic, palmitic and oleic acids. It is rich in sterols and has a high mineral content as well. The root resembles a small pear in both size and shape and is up to 8cm in diameter. The dried root contains about 13 - 16% protein and is rich in essential amino acids. The fresh root is unusually high in iodine and iron. The root does also contain small amounts of alkaloids, tannin and saponins. The dried roots store well, 7 year old roots still had 9 - 10% protein. Dried roots are brown, soft and sweet with a musky flavour, they retain their flavour for at least 2 years. Young leaves - raw or cooked. A hot cress-like flavour.

Propagation of the herb: 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 their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division in spring.

Maca Seeds
Our Price: 2500/- 50 seeds per Pack
Availability: Usually Ships in 7 to 10 Business Days
More details:
Jammu and Kashmir Medicinal Plants Introduction Centre
Silk Road (Kashmir China Road), Sonamarag, JK
POB: 667 GPO Srinagar SGR JK 190001
Mob: 09858986794
Ph: 01933-223705
e-mail: jkmpic@gmail.com
More details : Maca seeds

Monday, June 11, 2012

Jalil Ahmad Andrabi

On January 29, 1996, Jaleel Andrabi, a senior lawyer and prominent human rights activist, had just come back from Geneva, where he had spoken out against the rights violations in Kashmir.

The same day, a vehicle had driven up to his house. Two men walked up to the door and said their father had been set afire by the Army at Pulwama, that he had survived and been admitted to a hospital in Srinagar. They said their mother and sister were waiting outside, and wanted to consult him (Jaleel) on what could be done legally.

Andrabi asked them to meet him in the High Court. Just then, his brother Manzoor, who had gone to the doctor, returned. He told Andrabi that the only people waiting outside were three armed men. At this, the men left hurriedly in a taxi. The family made a note of the registration number—JKT 1988.

The next day, the same people came knocking at the door. By now, Andrabi was apprehensive. Andrabi’s wife was the one who went to speak to the men at the door.

As she was telling the men that they should come to court to meet her husband, Andrabi went up to the attic with a camera. The men saw him clicking photographs, and started gesticulating. But neighbours had gathered by now and the men had to flee. The next day, Andrabi released their pictures to the newspapers

In the days following the two visits, Andrabi spent much of his time at the High Court, arguing a case where he had sought to ensure that people detained in the state were not taken to jails outside J&K. The state had appealed the order and it had come up before a division bench of the High Court.

Andrabi had asked his brother Arshid Andrabi to accompany him to court. At lunch, Andrabi pointed to the man sitting on an adjacent table, a “notorious” Ikhwani (surrendered militant working with the security forces) named Sikandar. Andrabi told Arshid the man had been shadowing him for some time. He said if he could be followed to the High Court there was no way he could be safe in the state, he needed to leave for a while.

“He stayed in Delhi for over a month. He met the press, talked to a few embassies, I think he annoyed the
Buy Howthorn seeds
government further,’’ says Arshid. In March, Andrabi came back to the Valley to be with his family for Eid.

On the day of Eid, 8 March, 1996, while heading home with his wife, his Maruti car was allegedly stopped by an Army contingent led by Major Avatar Singh near Parraypora on Airport road.

They seem to have been waiting for Andrabi. There were three vehicles parked there, a one-tonne Army truck that had ferried the 20 or so Armymen accompanying the officer, their officer’s jeep and a private vehicle, the family said.

Andrabi was asked to get out of the car and taken into custody. His wife, who could not drive, was left behind. She waved down an autorickshaw and tried to give chase, but the vehicles were moving too fast. The same evening, a case of abduction was filed at a nearby police station.

The High Court Bar Association moved a petition in the state High Court the next morning. The Army and the BSF filed replies denying Andrabi had been picked up by their men.

On 27 March, 19 days after the abduction, a college student named Abid Hussain, a resident of Kursu Rajbagh, a locality that lies by the Jhelum, went to the banks of the river early in the morning. According to his deposition, he saw a body floating down the river. It got entangled with the lines of two boats anchored ahead and drifted towards the bank. Soon, more people gathered there and pulled the body ashore. The upper half of the torso was covered with sackcloth tied around the waist by a rope. As soon as the sackcloth was removed, most of the men there were able to identify the body—Jaleel Andrabi had lived in that neighbourhood for over a decade at one point of time.

Andrabi had been shot in the head and his body bore marks of injuries that suggested he had been beaten and tortured. The post-mortem suggested he had died about two weeks before the body was found.

Arshid was among the people called to identify the body. Soon after Andrabi’s body was found, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was formed by the J&K Police; it did not take them long to connect Sikandar Ikhwani to the abduction.

On 5 April 1996, just about a week after Andrabi’s body had been found, seven more bodies were found at Pampore. Among the dead was Sikandar Ganiae, the Ikhwani. When the police spoke to Sikandar’s widow, Hameeda, she told them that Sikandar and his associates had been summoned by another Ikhwani, Muhammed Ashraf Khan alias Umer, to an Army camp in Rawalpora, headed by a man named Major Avtar Singh of 35 Rashtriya Rifles.

Six months later, the police were finally able to trace Umer. His statement was recorded before a magistrate and it implicated Major Avtar Singh in the murder of not just Jaleel Andrabi, but also Sikandar and his associates. According to Umer, in March 1996, Avtar Singh and Sikandar picked up a man dressed in a suit-and-tie and brought him to the camp. They were accompanied by “Suken, Balbir Singh, Waid, Doctor who was an Army Doctor and Mushtaq Haider etc.’’

Umer goes on to state that the man in the suit argued with these men, questioning why he had been abducted and brought to the Army camp. He was beaten up and locked in a room. Shortly after, Avtar Singh came and told Umer that the man they had picked up was a famous advocate named Jaleel Andrabi, who works against the Army. The same evening, Umer said, he heard cries and shouts from the room where Andrabi was confined. Then there was the sound of a gunshot.

For the first few days after Andrabi was shot, Umer said, the Ikhwanis did not turn up at the camp. A worried Avtar Singh sent him along with Suken and Balbir Singh in search of Sikandar. They located him and told him to report to the camp. The next day, Sikandar came to the camp accompanied by three men and a driver. They were told to leave their weapons at the gate on the pretext that the commanding officer was expected on a visit. They sat down to drink with Avtar Singh, and after an hour or so, were asked to come into the dining room. Umer, who claimed to be standing on the verandah, saw Avtar Singh, the Army Doctor and the other men named earlier overpower Sikandar and his colleagues and tie them up with ropes. They then shut the dining room door. The next day Sikandar and his colleagues were found dead.

On 10 April 1997, the SIT set up by the J&K police filed its report before the court, naming Avtar Singh. The court directed the Union government to impound the Major’s passport or prevent him from being issued one. The court also asked for the service files of the Major within four weeks.

In 2000, the SIT finally told the court what should have been verified much earlier—that Avtar Singh was still in Ludhiana. Soon after, despite the court orders, Avtar Singh was able to obtain a passport and leave the country ad settled in California (USA).

Major Avtar Singh left India after allegedly murdering Andrabi in March 1996. He went to America via Canada. He was arrested by police in California in February last year following a complaint of domestic violence by his wife.

Sunday, June 3, 2012

Cannabis sativa plant/leafs for sale

Cannabis sativa : C. indica
Regional Syn : (S) Bhang (E) Hashish, Marijuana (H),
(B) & (G) Bhang, Charas, Ganja.(Kashmiri) Bhanga
Part Used : Plant, Leaf.
Constituents : Cannabinol, Cannabidiol, Canbigerol,
Canabidiolic acid, Resin.
Action/Uses : Intoxicating, stomachic, antispasmodic,
narcotic, analgesic, stimulant, aphrodisiac, sedative.
Used in; large doses causes mental exaltation, hallucination, loss of memory. 


Availability of  Seed/Planting material for research purpose only
(The following seeds  and planting material is available for distribution/purchase for R&D institutions, universities, associations and NGOs)

OPEN POLLINATED SEEDS/Non-hybrid
Our seeds are nearly all open-pollinated and so are able to be grown again from seed you save yourself. Open-pollinated seeds are genetically diverse treasures that have been passed on from generation to generation. When you buy and plant open-pollinated seeds you are helping to protect this valuable resource for the future.

No of seeds 25 seeds/per packet
(Dried leaves/plants are also available

For more details:
Or
PO Box No: 667 gpo Srinagar SGR JK 190001
R&D Centre’s : Sonamarag, Ramban, Pampore.
Mob Ph: Head (09858986794
Office : 01933-223705

Asparagus racemosus seeds for sale

Asparagus racemosus
Regional Syn : (S) Shatavari (H) Satavari, Shahakul
(B) Satamuli (G) Satavari (T) Kilwari
(Per) Satavari (Kashmiri) Wan Gaazar.
Part Used : Root, Leaf.
Constituents : Asperagin, Mucilage, Saccharine matter.
Action/Uses : Refrigerant, demulcent, aphrodisiac, galactagogue,
tonic, antidiarrhoeal,antispasmodic.
Used in; Root; worms, applied on maggot wounds.

Availability of  Seed/Planting material for research purpose only
(The following seeds  and planting material is available for distribution/purchase for R& D institutions, universities, associations and NGOs)

Our seeds are nearly all open-pollinated and so are able to be grown again from seed you save yourself. Open-pollinated seeds are genetically diverse treasures that have been passed on from generation to generation. When you buy and plant open-pollinated seeds you are helping to protect this valuable resource for the future.

No of seeds 100 seeds/per packet
Asparagus racemosus root/seed/leaves for available at :

For more details:
The Jammu and Kashmir Medicinal Plants Introduction Centre
“Ginkgo House”, Azizabad, Via Wuyan-Meej Road, Nambalbal, Pampore PPR JK 192121
Or
PO Box No: 667 GPO Srinagar SGR JK 190001
R&D Centre’s : Sonamarag, Ramban, Pampore.
Mob Ph: Head (09858986794
Office : 01933-223705

Aconitum heterophyllum roots for sale


Buy Aconitum heterophyllum
Aconitum heterophyllum-Atees
Famil : Ranunculaceae
Other name : Patis
Commercial name : Atish
Qashmerian name : Patis
Dogri : Patees
Hindi : Atish/Atis
Balti  : Manglu
English name : Aconite, Monk’s hood, Wolfs bane.
Urdu ; Atees
High altitude perennial, leaves stem clasping, margin toothed. Flowers hreenish purple borne in a spike like cluster.
Distribution : Gilgat, Mirpur (AJK/Pakistan), Kishtwar, Gulmarag, Phalgham, Bani, Poonch, Bhadarwah, Margan top, Sarthal, Bani Chorwan, Machhal
Habitat : Alpine and sub-alpine meadows
Part used : Root/leaves

Chemical constituents : Heterastine, heterophyllisine, heterophylline, heterophyllidine, heterallisine, atisine, atidine, f-dihydroatisine, isoatisine, hetisine, hetidine and hetisinone.

Medicinal use of Aconitum heterophyllum :  The dried root is analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antiperiodic, aphrodisiac, astringent, cholagogue, febrifuge and tonic. It is used in India in the treatment of dyspepsia, diarrhoea and coughs. It is also used in Tibetan medicine, where it is said to have a bitter taste and a cooling potency. It is used to treat poisoning from scorpion or snake bites, the fevers of contagious diseases and inflammation of the intestines. The root is best harvested in the autumn as soon as the plant dies down and is dried for later use. This is a very poisonous plant and should only be used with extreme caution and under the supervision of a qualified practitioner.

Availability of  Seed/Planting material for research purpose only
(The following seeds  and planting material is available for distribution/purchase for R& D institutions, universities, associations and NGOs)
Aconitum heterophyllum plants/seeds/roots are available

OPEN POLLINATED SEEDS/Non-hybrid
Our seeds are nearly all open-pollinated and so are able to be grown again from seed you save yourself. Open-pollinated seeds are genetically diverse treasures that have been passed on from generation to generation. When you buy and plant open-pollinated seeds you are helping to protect this valuable resource for the future.

No of seeds 25 seeds/per packet

For more details:
The Jammu and Kashmir Medicinal Plants Introduction Centre
“Ginkgo House”, Azizabad, Via Wuyan-Meej Road, Nambalbal, Pampore PPR JK 192121
Or
PO Box No: 667 gpo Srinagar SGR JK 190001
R&D Centre’s : Sonamarag, Ramban, Pampore.
Mob Ph: Head (09858986794
Office : 01933-223705


Jammu and Kashmir train/timetable




Saturday, June 2, 2012

Crataegus oxyacantha berries for sale

Buy Howthorn berries
Howthorn
Bot. name : Crataegus oxyacantha
Family: Rosaceae (Rose Family)
Habitat : Pulwama, Sonamarag, Gulmarag, Pampore, Kishtwar, Dawar, Naranag (Kashmir Himalaya), Murree (Azad J&K), Gilgat (Pakistan), Afghanistan, IRAN, W. Siberia.
Status : Common
Ecological notes : Prefers open forest areas
Part used : Ripe fruits
Ethnomedicinal uses in Himalaya : Used as a harmless, mild heart tonic, used in making herbal tea, Leaves sometimes used to adulterate tea.
Medicinal use of Hawthorn : Hawthorn is an extremely valuable medicinal herb. It is used mainly for treating disorders of the heart and circulation system, especially angina. Western herbalists consider it a "food for the heart", it increases the blood flow to the heart muscles and restores normal heart beat. This effect is brought about by the presence of bioflavonoids in the fruit, these bioflavonoids are also strongly antioxidant, helping to prevent or reduce degeneration of the blood vessels. The fruit is antispasmodic, cardiac, diuretic, sedative, tonic and vasodilator. Both the fruits and flowers of hawthorns are well-known in herbal folk medicine as a heart tonic and modern research has borne out this use. The fruits and flowers have a hypotensive effect as well as acting as a direct and mild heart tonic. They are especially indicated in the treatment of weak heart combined with high blood pressure, they are also used to treat a heart muscle weakened by age, for inflammation of the heart muscle, arteriosclerosis and for nervous heart problems. Prolonged use is necessary for the treatment to be efficacious. It is normally used either as a tea or a tincture. Hawthorn is combined with ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) to enhance poor memory, working by improving the blood supply to the brain. The bark is astringent and has been used in the treatment of malaria and other fevers. The roots are said to stimulate the arteries of the heart.

"Ginkgo House", Azizabad, (Via Wuyan-Meej Road), Pampore PPR JK 192121
Or
POB: 667 GPO Srinagar SGR Jammu and Kashmir 190001
Ph: 09858986794/01933-223705
e-mail: jkmpic@gmail.com
home :http://jkmpic.blogspot.com

Human rights situation in Kashmir

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HR groups file petition for re-probe into unmarked graves

Srinagar, June 02 : In  Kashmir, two human rights Groups filed a petition in State Human Rights Commission seeking re-investigation in 2,683 FIRs related to unidentified dead bodies buried in different unmarked graves in Kupwara, Baramulla and Bandipora in North Kashmir.

In the petition filed by International Peoples Tribunal on Human Rights and Justice in Kashmir (IPTK) and Association of Parents of Disappeared Persons (APDP), it has been submitted that the HRC should re-investigate these 2,683 FIRs to ascertain how many bodies are buried in the graves as per these FIRS.

“Besides, we have asked that the HRC direct for identifying the places of burial of these unidentified people registered in these 2,683 FIRs registered in 28 different police stations. Ascertain what procedures have been followed for the burial of these unidentified persons and also investigate what identification profile has been maintained for these unidentified persons registered in these 2683 FIRs by the concerned police’, Convener, IPTK, Khurram Parvez, told media men.

He said: “In the report from the inquiry conducted by the Police Investigation Wing of SHRC, the Police have stated that there are only 464 unidentified graves in north Kashmir. However, the records recently acquired through the RTI procedure suggests that there are 2,683 FIRs filed in various Police Stations of Baramulla, Kupwara, and Bandipora.”

It merits mentioning here that, the HRC of  Kashmir, which is also hearing a petition related to unmarked mass graves in occupied Kashmir including Poonch and Rajouri on May 28, gave final opportunity to the authorities to file their reports within a month about the presence of such graves in Poonch and Rajouri areas of the  Kashmir, failing which the Commission shall order an independent and impartial enquiry into the issue by next date.

Unmarked graves in Kashmir

Viola-Odorata seed
Police say 2,683 FIRs about unmarked graves in Kashmir registered

Srinagar, June 02 In Kashmir, after the human rights commission, now police have disclosed to have registered 2,683 FIRs about unidentified bodies in unmarked graves in three districts.

The number of FIRs registered by police is 500 more than the figure given by the human rights commission.

The disclosure was made in response to an RTI (right to access information) application filed by the Association of Parents of Disappeared Persons (APDP) and International People’s Tribunal on Human Rights and Justice in the disputed territory.

“These are damning disclosures,” Khuram Parvez of IPTK said.

He said this shows how the authorities have been sitting on this information for many years, and trying to obfuscate the truth.” The police said that of the 2,683 FIRs, the largest number — 492 — were registered at Handwara police station. This was followed by Kupwara (396), Trehgam (326), Lalpora (298) and Vilgam (155). All these police stations are in Kupwara district.

In Baramulla district, 110 FIRs have been registered in Sopore police station, and 103 in Baramulla.

The number of unidentified bodies given by the police is 527 more than what was revealed in an independent investigation by the commission.

UN deplores India’s response to human rights abuses

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Geneva, June 02  The Human Rights Council of the United Nations has deplored that India has been dodging the implementation of the recommendations for repeal and review of the draconian law Armed Forces Special Powers Act.

A statement from the UN said that India’s human rights record was reviewed by the UN Human Rights Council under the mechanism of the Universal Periodic Review, early this week in Geneva.

The review was marked by a general lack of acceptance of human rights challenges in India and a mere reiteration of domestic laws, policies and constitutional provisions by the Indian Government. The statement said answers of the government did not address the critical issues related to gaps in implementation of laws and enjoyment of rights by the people.

Miloon Kothari, the Convenor of the Working Group on Human Rights in India maintained that by employing a defensive and largely self-righteous position at the Human Rights Council the Government of India had once again lost the opportunity to constructively engage with the UN human rights system and in accepting the enormous   human rights challenges it was faced with. Vrinda Grover, a human rights lawyer and member of the Group expressed serious concern at India’s misleading response to the Human Rights Council and said India was   camouflaging the systematic impunity enjoyed by its armed forces for human rights abuse in the Northeast of   the country and Jammu and Kashmir.

Friday, June 1, 2012

Phytolacca acinosa in India


Phytolacca acinosa seed/fruit/whole plant/root/leaf for sale
Family: Phytolaccaceae (Pokeweed Family)

Other Names : Phytolacca decandra, American cancer, American nightshade, American spinach, bear's grape, cancer-root, coakum, garget, inkberry, inkweed, pigeonberry, poke, pokeberry, pokeroot, pokeweed, red-ink plant, skoke berry,
Virginia poke.

Medicinal use of Phytolacca acinosa: The root is antiasthmatic, antibacterial, antidote, antifungal, antitussive, diuretic, expectorant, laxative and vermifuge. The plant has an interesting chemistry and it is currently (1995) being investigated as a potential anti-AIDS drug. It contains potent anti-inflammatory agents, antiviral proteins and substances that affect cell division. These compounds are toxic to many disease-causing organisms, including the water snails that cause schistosomiasis. The root is used internally in the treatment of urinary disorders, nephritis, oedema and abdominal distension. Externally, it is used to treat boils, carbuncles and sores. The roots are harvested in the autumn and dried for later use. All parts of the plant are toxic, this remedy should be used with caution and preferably under the supervision of a qualified practitioner.


Habitat of the herb:
alleys, hillsides, forest understories, forest margins and roadsides at elevations of 500 - 3400 metres. It is also found in cultivated land houses, moist fertile lands and as a weed.


Edible parts of Phytolacca acinosa :
Leaves - they must be cooked, and are then used as a spinach. Only the young leaves should be used since the leaves become toxic with age. The young shoots are used as an asparagus substitute. They have an excellent flavour. Root - cooked. Must be leeched first. Only the white root of the white flowered form (if it exists!) should be eaten. See notes above.


Other uses of the herb : A red ink is obtained from the fruit.


Propagation of Phytolacca acinosa : Seed - sow autumn or 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 their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. If you have sufficient seed, it might be worthwhile trying an outdoor sowing in a seed bed in early spring. Grow the plants on in the seedbed for their first year and plant them out the following spring. Division in March or October. Use a sharp spade or knife to divide the rootstock, making sure that each section has at least one growth bud. Very easy, larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is better to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame until they are well established before planting them out in late spring or early summer.


Cultivation of the herb herb: Valleys, hillsides, forest understories, forest margins and roadsides at elevations of 500 - 3400 metres. It is also found in cultivated land houses, moist fertile lands and as a weed.


Phytolacca acinosa
seed/plant/leaves for sale (Open-pollinated.Untreated.NO GMO's

For more details:-
Sheikh GULZAAR
Head
The JK Medicinal Plants Introduction Centre
POB: 667 GPO Srinagar SGR JK 190001

R&D division : Sonamarag (Kashmir)
Ph: (Resi) 01933-223705
Mob: 09858986794
e-mail: jkmpic@gmail.com
home: http://jkmpic.blogspot.com

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Salvia sclarea seeds/plants for sale

Clary has been perceived both as a weaker version of sage (Salvia officinalis) and also as a significant herb in its own right. An antispasmodic and aromatic plant, it is used mainly to treat digestive problems such as wind and indigestion. It is also regarded as a tonic, calming herb that helps relieve period pain and pre-menstrual problems. Owing to its oestrogen-stimulating action, it is most effective when levels of this hormone are low. The whole plant, and especially the leaves, is antispasmodic, appetizer, aromatic, astringent, balsamic, carminative, pectoral and tonic. It is useful in treating disorders of the stomach and kidneys and is a valuable remedy for complaints associated with the menopause, particularly hot flushing. It should not be prescribed for pregnant women. The leaves can be used fresh or dried, for drying they are harvested before the plant comes into flower. The seed forms a thick mucilage when it is soaked for a few minutes in water. This is efficacious in removing small particles of dust from the eyes. The essential oil is used in aromatherapy. Its keyword is "Euphoric".

Propagation of Clary : Seed - can be sown in situ during spring. Alternatively seed can be sown in August/September to overwinter, it will then produce larger plants Thinnings can be transplanted. The seed remains viable for 3 years.

Salvia sclarea seeds for sale (Open-pollinated.Untreated. NO GMO's.

For more details about Salvia sclarea cultivation
Head, JK Medicinal Plants Introduction Centre
POB: 667 GPO Srinagar SGR JK 190001
Ph: 09858986794
e-mail: jkmpic@gmail.com
For more details: http://jkmpic.blogspot.com

Thursday, May 24, 2012

Saw palmetto seeds for sale

Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) is a low-growing palm like tree with sharp, saw loke leaf stalks and deep red berries that grows in warm climates.

Price Rs. 2500/-50 seeds per packet
Other packages : 100, 200 seeds/per packet

OPEN POLLINATED SEEDS/Non-hybrid
Our seeds are nearly all open-pollinated and so are able to be grown again from seed you save yourself. Open-pollinated seeds are genetically diverse treasures that have been passed on from generation to generation. When you buy and plant open-pollinated seeds you are helping to protect this valuable resource for the future.
 
The Jammu and Kashmir Medicinal Plants Introduction Centre
"Ginkgo House", Azizabad, Via Wuyan-Meej Road, Nambalbal, Pampore PPR JK 192121
Mob: 09858986794
Ph: 01933-223705
e-mail: jkmpic@gmail.com
home: http://jkmpic.blogspot.com

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Third Front in Offing in the off-stream camp

SRINAGAR: In a significant development that could shake the political skeletons of Pro-freedom politics in the state of Jammu & Kashmir, Kashmir Media Watch through its reliable sources has learnt that most probably a Third Front’ of pro-freedom camp is quite high on agenda in the off-stream political heads and is likely going to be actualised soon reports Kashmir Media Watch.

Pertinently, these developments come at a time when one of the main factions of Hurriyat (Hurriyat M) is witnessing tremendous internal strife after the controversial statement of Professor Abdul Gani Bhat with reference to United Nations Resolution and its contemporary relevance and applicability to the Kashmir imbroglio.

Kashmir Media Watch has also received inputs that prominent pro-freedom leaders like Azam Inquilabi, Shabir Ahmad Shah, Engineer Hilal Ahmad War, Nayeem Ahmad Khan, Javid Ahmad Mir, Hakeem Rashid, Mohammad Yousuf Naqash et al are going to be the prominent faces of the said ‘Third Front’.

It is to be reminded here that for quiet sometime now, there have been quite hectic political to float a pro-freedom Third Front in Jammu and Kashmir which as per the analysts is a consequence of the inertias of the two Hurriyat Factions and their failures to yield any positive results. The Third Front is hence expected to act as a more dynamic platform than the other two factions of Hurriyat.
 
The political analysts also suggest that finally for the first time in the pro-freedom history of Kashmir the ‘Third Front‘seems to be taking a concrete shape.

Friday, May 18, 2012

Lemon Balm-Melissa officinalis for sale

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Lemon Balm
Bot. name: Melissa officinalis
Family: Labiatae or  Mint Family
Parts used : Whole plant/Leaves
Chemical composition : The main chemical components are trans-ocimene, cis-ocimene, 3-octanone, methyl hepenone, cis-3-hexenol, 3-octanol, 1-octen-3-ol, copaene, citronellal, linalool, b-bourbonene, caryophyllene, a-humulene, neral, germacrene-D, geranial, geranyl acetate, d-cadinene, y-cadinene, nerol and geraniol.

Common Uses : Beauty , Cardiovascular, Colds, Depression, Herpes, Hypertension, Insect Bites, Nausea, Pregnancy,Sore Throat, Sunburns

Properties : Anodyne, Antispasmodic, AntiViral, Aromatic, Cardic tonic Cordial, Carminative, Diaphoretic/sudorific, Digestive, Emmenagogue, Febrifuge, Hypotensive, Nervine, Sedative, Stomachic, Uterine Tonic,Vermifuge.

Medicinal use of Lemon Balm : Lemon balm is a commonly grown household remedy with a long tradition as a tonic remedy that raises the spirits and lifts the heart. Modern research has shown that it can help significantly in the treatment of cold sores. The leaves and young flowering shoots are antibacterial, antispasmodic, antiviral, carminative, diaphoretic, digestive, emmenagogue, febrifuge, sedative, and tonic. It also acts to inhibit thyroid activity. An infusion of the leaves is used in the treatment of fevers and colds, indigestion associated with nervous tension, excitability and digestive upsets in children, hyperthyroidism, depression, mild insomnia, headaches etc. Externally, it is used to treat herpes, sores, gout, insect bites and as an insect repellent. The plant can be used fresh or dried, for drying it is harvested just before or just after flowering. The essential oil contains citral and citronella, which act to calm the central nervous system and are strongly antispasmodic. The plant also contains polyphenols, in particular these combat the herpes simplex virus which produces cold sores. The essential oil is used in aromatherapy. Its keyword is "Female aspects". It is used to relax and rejuvenate, especially in cases of depression and nervous tension.

Description of the plant
Plant : Perennial
Height : 70 cm (2 feet)
Flovering : June to October
Scent : Scented
Edible parts of Lemon Balm : Leaves - raw or cooked. A pleasant lemon-like aroma and flavour, they are used mainly as a flavouring in salads and cooked foods. A lemon-flavoured tea can be made from the fresh or dried leaves. A bunch of the leaves can be added to china tea, much improving the flavour, the leaves are also added to fruit cups etc. They are used as a flavouring in various alcoholic beverages including Chartreuse and Benedictine.

Other uses of the herb : The growing plant is said to repel flies and ants. It is also rubbed on the skin as a repellent, though the essential oil would be more effective here. An essential oil is obtained from the plant (the exact part is not specified, it is probably the entire plant and especially the flowering stems). It is used medicinally. The whole plant is very pleasantly aromatic, the aroma lasting for a long time after the plant has been harvested. It is therefore a very useful ingredient in pot-pourri.

Propagation of Lemon Balm : Seed - sow spring or autumn in a cold frame. Germination can be slow. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle and plant out into their permanent positions when the plants are at least 15cm tall. If there is plenty of seed it can be sown in an outdoor seed bed in April. Plant out into their permanent positions the following spring. Division in spring or autumn. Very easy, larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring. Cuttings in July/August.

Cultivation : Planting is usually 40,000 plants/Ha. with propagation from seed or cuttings. The plants have a life of 10 years but are usually replaced every five years with crop rotation to rejuvenate the soil. Propagation in the northern hemisphere is from April to July.

Harvesting period : In the first year the crop is in August, thereafter two crops are experienced. The first in June and the second in August.

Harvesting methods : Usually by hand on a clear warm day as the leaves will turn black if harvested wet. For good appearance leaves should not be left in the sun.

Pre-Treatment : Weed control is recommended (Pank). It has been reported that, in Egypt, irradiating seeds has an effect on growth, essential oil content and composition. The quantity of herb was reduced but the oil content was increased, with the irradiation dosage varying the proportion of the constituents.

Preservation and Storage : The oil should be stored in filled sealed containers, out of light and kept cool. The oil is subject to oxidation.

Lemon Balm -Melissa Officinalis seeds/leaves are available at :
The Jammu and Kashmir Medicinal Plants Introduction Centre
Meet to us at :"Ginkgo House", Azizabad, Nambalbal, (Via Wuyan-Meej Road), Pampore PPR JK 192121
Or
Jammu and Kashmir Medicinal Plants Introduction Centre
POB: 667 GPO Srinagar SGR JK 190001
Mob: 09858986794
Ph: 01933-223705
e-mail: jkmpic@gmail.com
home: http://jkmpic.blogspot.com