Rains and Greens-4

Puliyarila-A common Herb from Kerala.  Its used in Ayurvedic medicines.  I liked its pattern.  It looked so attractive after the rains.
Scientific name: Oxalis Corniculata
Its used as a medicine for digestive problems.

Chathura mulla

A herb used in Ayurvedic medicines

Botanical name:Myxopyrum spilacifolium

Its stem is crushed and boiled with coconut oil is used as a medicine to Migraine in sidha medicines.

Maruthua mala

Maruthua mala is near Kanyakumari. We can see this on the way to Kanyakumari. The legend behind this mountain is it is a part of the Gandhamadana mountain carried by Hanuman which have a lot of medicines which saved Lakshmana during the war. This mountain still contains a lot of medicinal and herbal plants.
Lal bagh flower show pictures and details from my friend

Picture courtsey:kanyakumari.net.in

Erukku

A plant is favourite of Sri Mahadeva, this plant is very common in Siva temples. Attractive and peculiar flowers. Its milky juice in the stem and leaves is used as a medicine for leprosy.

Mailanchi

Mailanchi plant
Mailanchi leaves

A shrub very common in Kerala. Its good for the skin and makes hair more attractive. It is the main ingredient of henna. Its a custom in Kerala to apply Mailanji paste on the bride's hand. 'Mailanchi kalyanam' is very special for muslims. Hindus also celebrate mehndi in a colurful way.

Mehndi has now became an instant ritual. We can have it from lady's shops as small cones. But I like the traditional one prepared at home. In my childhood it was a day long process. First we have to collect mailanji leaves, after washing it thoroughly we will make this a paste using 'Ammikkallu'. We can add stem of 'Plavila' for better colouring. After that everyone will draw one's own design in their hand. After one hour we can wash the hands. Then the most interesting portion of the story begins..comparison of colour ...It was very natural and also funny having some friends with a ball of mailanji paste.

In some areas of Kerala Mailanchi is planted as hedges. Its a soothing to see a green fence with lot of cosmetic and medicinal use.

Malayalam name:Mailanchi

English name:Henna

Scientific name:Lawsonia Insermis

Sanskrit:Nakharanjaka

Hindi:Mehndi

Medicinal use of Mailanchi
Dashapushpam

Athachamayam