Kattar vazha,loobikka(ololikka),Koovalam

Koovalam(Aegle marmelose) -Considered as a Sacred plant and it has medicinal value. In Sanskrit it is called as Vilva.This tree is an old one pictured from Mazhuvancherril family, Vadayar. Koovalam fruits regulates digestive functioning in humans. Leaves can be used to cure diabetis, inflammation, Asthma and Cough. The leaves are used as remedy for diarrehea, intestinal parasites and dysentry. It is a good remedy for constipation.

Specially used for the poojas of Lord Shiva. The garland made of Koovalam leaves are very special to Lord Shiva. Koovalam tree is connected with our culture. The word Koovalam can be seen in lot of film song lyrics

"Oru kumbilil niraye koovala mottukal korthu menangu..."The song is from the film 'Fast Track'.

"Neela koovala poovukalo" from an old malayalam movie. "Koovala kankalil karimazhi ezhutham" from the movie 'Gajarajamandiram'. "Neela koovala poovukalo valittezhuthiya kannukalo" Lyrics of vayalar. "Ilayay piraviyundenkil koovalathilayay thalirkkum njan" from the movie Thattakam. "poovum prasaadavumilaneer kudavumaye kavil thozhuthu varunnavale thamara valaya kaiviralalolu koovala thila enne choodikku" I don't know the film. "Iruneermizhi than koovala malaril" from the film "Azhiyatha Bandhangal".

Ripe Ololikka or Loobikka or Lovalolikka -Ripe fruits are pure red in colour and sour. This fruit is used to make pickles and jam.

Scientific name:Flacourtia Jangomas

Family:Flacourtia peac

Picture is taken from Mazhuvancherril house, Vadayar.

Kattar vazha -In my child hood days I had heard a lot about this wonderful plant. In that days most of my friends used this leaves with coconut oil to nourish their hair. I have not yet tried these leaves. Recently most of the beauty related products contain the Aloe vera like soaps, shampoo and cosmetics. Aloe vera can be used as a moisturiser and in hair oils. It is considered as a lucky plant. This plant is used to enhance the beauty of the skin. In sanskrit it is called Ghritkumari.

The leaves contain a gel like substance and it a good moisturiser, heal wounds, burns and ulcers. The oil prepared with the kattar vazha gel and cocont oil is a good remedy for hair loss and the hair will become more black.

Some benefits of this lucky plant ..

1. It lightens the dark spots on the face
2. Prevents the ageing of the skin act as a skin nourisher.
3. Used in lip sticks, facial masks, Anti wrinkle creams, skin conditioners
4. Used for various skin disorders like Eczema, psoriasis and wounds.
5. Healing agent for dry and cracked skin
6. Medicine for liver and spleen disorders
7. Promotes hair growth
   
8. This plant is called as 'women's friend'- It regularises the mensus and eases the menopause troubles
9. It purifies the blood

To read more http://keralaarticles.blogspot.com/2007/09/aloe-vera.html
About a book explaining the healing powers of Aloe vera http://www.aloe-yourmiracledoctor.com/

You can buy an Aloe vera plant this moment itself from http://www.amazon.com/gp/homepage.html/103-4648619-5495030

From this time I had not even thought that this plant has such medicinal qualities. We have to watch the nature and nurture the nature to save our earth.

enjoy the life