SHAGBARK HICKORY

SHAGBARK HICKORY scalybark hickory Carya ovata (Miller) Koch

Shagbark hickory is the best known and most valuable of the hickories in this state. It is common in deep, moist soils throughout New York though rare in the higher Catskills and Adirondacks, and is not reported from the pine barrens of Long Island. In the forest it is a tall straight-branched tree but in open fields and along hedgerows where it often grows it usually forks near the ground into stout ascending limbs. The wood is very heavy, tough, elastic, close-grained, and is used chiefly for handles, vehicles, agricultural implements, and fuel. The fruit is important for wildlife.

Bark - light gray in color, smooth and seamy, becoming shaggy with age and peeling off into long strips which are loose at both ends and attached in the middle, thus giving rise to the name "shagbark hickory."Twigs - covered with numerous light dots, extremely tough and pliable, reddish brown to gray in color. Winter buds - large, ovate, blunt-pointed, with papery, dark brown, loose bud scales, the outer scales much darker, persistent through the winter; terminal bud usually more than 1/2 inch long. Leaves - alternate compound, 8 to 14 inches long, with 5 to 7 leaflets, the 3 upper ones being by far the largest. Fruit - a smooth, white, 4-angled nut, enclosed in a thick, round husk that splits into 4 sections as the nut falls after heavy autumn frosts. Kernel - large, sweet. Distinguishing features - large terminal bud; 5 to 7 leaflets, outer 3 much larger; bark peeling in long plates.

AMERICAN HOPHORNBEAM

AMERICAN HOPHORNBEAM ironwood Ostrya virginiana (Miller) Koch

American hophornbeam is closely related to the American hornbeam and is rather generally distributed throughout New York State on dry, gravelly, and stony soils of slopes and ridges, sometimes taking possession of woodlots in central New York to the exclusion of other species. The tree is slow-growing and is rarely found larger than 10 inches in diameter. The wood is very heavy, hard, and strong, hence the name "ironwood." It is used for tool and implement handles and for levers, and makes excellent fuelwood when seasoned.

Bark - thin, very markedly flaky; light grayish brown in color, broken into narrow, flattish pieces, loose at the ends.Twigs - fine, reddish brown in color, smooth, and shiny; a very easy winter character for identification of the tree, particularly of young saplings. Winter buds - terminal bud absent as in birches and elms; lateral buds small, light reddish brown in color, bending away from the twig. Leaves - alternate, simple ovate, 3 to 5 inches long, doubly and finely serrate on margin. Fruit - a small, seed-like nutlet, enclosed in an inflated, sac-like bract. Bracts - in clusters 1 to 2 inches long, resembling hops, hence the name "hophornbeam." Fruit usually falls before winter. Distinguishing features - shreddy bark; shiny, reddish-brown twigs; papery fruit like a hop.

AMERICAN HORNBEAM

AMERICAN HORNBEAM blue-beech, ironwood, water beech Carpinus caroliniana Walter

American hornbeam is a small-sized, bushy tree, found frequently along watercourses and the edges of swamps generally throughout the state. It is rarely more than 6 inches in diameter. The wood is very heavy, hard, strong, close-grained, and is occasionally used for mallets on account of its hardness.

Bark - smooth, thin, dark bluish gray in color, close-fitting, with smooth, rounded lengthwise ridges that resemble tensed muscles. Twigs - very slender, dark red in color, and shining. Winter buds - terminal bud absent; lateral buds small, often angled in cross-section, narrowly ovate, pointed, covered with many reddish brown scales. Leaves - simple, alternate, ovate, 2 to 4 inches long, finely and doubly serrate on margin. Fruit - a small prominently ribbed nutlet, 1/3 inch long, enclosed in a 3-lobed leaf-like bract. Bracts with their enclosed nutlets are in long, drooping clusters which ripen and fall before winter. Distinguishing features - "muscles" in bark; fruit a nutlet enclosed in 3-part "dress."

HONEY-LOCUST

HONEY-LOCUST sweet-locust Gleditsia triacanthos Linnaeus

Honey-locust, while native in western New York only, has been widely introduced as a hedge and ornamental tree, and is hardy and scattered through the state except in the mountains. The wood is hard, strong, coarse-grained, but not so durable in contact with the soil as is the black locust. Its habit of growing in open rather than forest situations gives its wood a knotty character.

Bark - on young branches smooth, grayish brown in color, with age becoming roughened into firm, broad, blackish ridges with edges that curve outwards. Twigs - rather stout, smooth, glossy, zigzag; usually bearing stiff, sharp-branched thorns 3 to 4 inches long (lacking in most horticultural varieties), above leaf base (node). Winter buds - terminal bud absent; lateral buds very small, not easily seen. Leaves - alternate, simply or, more usually, doubly compound, 6 to 8 inches long; if singly compound, with 18 to 28 leaflets; leaflets usually even in number, elliptical, 1 1/2 to 2 inches long; if doubly compound, with 4 to 7 pairs of secondary leaf stems. Fruit - a flat pod, usually twisted, reddish brown in color, 10 to 18 inches long, 1 1/2 inches wide, 2 to 3 in a cluster, ripening in late autumn but staying on the tree well into winter; each pod containing 10 to 20 brown oval seeds, 1/3 inch long. The fleshy part of the pod is sweet, hence the name "honey-locust." Distinguishing features - branched, stout thorns; usually doubly compound leaves, with elliptical leaflets; large, reddish brown pod.

BLACK LOCUST

BLACK LOCUST yellow locust, white locust Robinia pseudoacacia Linnaeus

Black locust is not a native of the state, but was a great favorite with early settlers as a dooryard tree from where it has escaped to form dense thickets along the roadside in many sections of the state. In favorable locations, its spread by means of root suckers is very rapid. It grows with exceptional rapidity on well-drained fertile soils, and in such locations seems better able to survive attacks of the locust borer which in some sections has rendered the tree worthless. The wood is very strong, heavy, hard, and extremely durable in contact with the soil. As a post wood it has no equals and is also used for ties and fuelwood, and was used for insulator pins on pole lines.

Bark - rough even on young trunks, yellowish brown in color, becoming deeply furrowed into distinct, thick, rounded ridges, which are not scaly. Twigs - slender, brittle, reddish to greenish brown in color; generally bearing short stiff spines 1/4 to 1/2 inch long, in pairs at base (node) of leaves. Winter buds - terminal bud absent; lateral buds very small, in a cavity below leaf scars, rusty brown in color, covered with down. Leaves - alternate, compound, 8 to 14 inches long, with 7 to 19 entire leaflets arranged along a central stem; leaflets usually odd in number, short-stalked, oval in shape, 1 1/2 to 2 inches long. Fruit - a pod, flat, smooth, brown in color, 2 to 4 inches long, containing 4 to 8 small brown or black seeds, ripening in September. Pods hang on into the winter and are finally torn off by the wind in halves with seeds attached, the dried pod acting as a sail to carry the seed considerable distances. Distinguishing features - compound leaves with oval leaflets; small, downy buds depressed in bark; short stiff spines; papery pods.

AMERICAN LARCH

AMERICAN LARCH tamarack, hackmatack Larix laricina (Du Roi) Koch

American larch is a forest tree of the swamps. In the mountainous sections of the state, it is frequently found well up the slopes, but is confined to cold swamps in eastern, central, and western New York. The wood is very heavy, hard, and strong, light brown in color, and durable in contact with the soil. It is used for fence posts, telegraph poles, and railroad ties.

Bark - smooth, light gray in color on young trunks; with age becoming roughened with thin reddish brown scales.Twigs - slender, smooth, glossy brown in color, with short lateral wart-like branches. Winter buds - scattered along last season's twigs and at the ends of short lateral branches, small, rounded, reddish brown in color, shining. Leaves - borne singly on twigs of last season's growth; on spurs of older twigs in clusters of 10 or more, flat, slender, pale green in color, about 1 inch long, falling off in the autumn of the first year. Fruit - a cone, 1/2 inch long, borne on short curving stalks, maturing in autumn of the first year, chestnut brown in color, standing upright from the twigs, staying on the tree for several years. Cone scales - concave in shape. Seeds - in pairs, winged, light brown in color, 1/8 inch long, ripening in early autumn. Distinguishing features - many needles in cluster, dropping in autumn; small stiff cone on incurved stalk. 28a. European larch (Larix decidua Miller), which is one of several species that are difficult to distinguish, has been planted for many years on lawns and more recently in forest plantations. It has infrequently naturalized.   Its cones are 1 to 1 1/2 inches long, standing out from the twig. It grows on well-drained soils much more rapidly than the American larch.

THE HAWTHORNS

THE HAWTHORNS thornapple Crataegus Linnaeus

Hawthorns comprise a large group of small-sized trees. More than a score of varieties are common in New York State. The differences are chiefly in flower and fruit and it seems advisable in this publication to call attention to the general characteristics of the group without going into the minute differences that separate the many species. The very small size of the trees, generally less than 20 feet, makes them of no commercial value. In fact, some members of the group may be regarded as a serious pest, because of the rapidity with which they seed up old pastures, shading out available pasturage or making costly the preparation of the land for forest planting.

Bark - generally dark brown to gray in color, scaly.Twigs - stiff, zigzag, armed with large, generally unbranched thorns 1 1/2 to 2 inches long. Winter buds - round, chestnut brown in color; terminal bud usually present but no larger than lateral buds. Leaves - simple, alternate, 3 to 4 inches long, 2 to 3 inches wide, serrate on the margin; in some species leaves more or less ovate, others from 5- to 9-lobed. Fruit - berry-like, in a cluster, each fruit the size of a small cherry; when mature in early autumn, usually red, with from 1 to 5 nutlets in center of fleshy covering; highly prized by birds in winter. Distinguishing features - stiff thorns, 1 1/2 to 2 inches long; berry-like fruit, usually red.

BALSAM FIR

BALSAM FIR Abies balsamea (Linnaeus) Miller

Balsam fir is a medium-sized forest tree generally distributed in deep, cold swamps throughout the state. The wood is light, soft, coarse-grained, not durable, pale brown in color, and is of little value as a source of lumber. It is cut along with spruce for pulpwood, and is desirable as a Christmas tree. Balsam pillows are made from the needles.

Bark - smooth, grayish brown in color, dotted with balsam blisters containing fragrant oily resin; in old trees becoming somewhat roughened with small scales.Twigs - smooth with age, grayish in color. Winter buds - small, almost spherical, glossy, clustered at end of twigs. Leaves - borne singly and twisting so as to appear 2-ranked as in the hemlock, flattened rather than 4-sided as in the spruces, dark green in color above, pale below with 2 broad white lines, 3/4 inch long, blunt, not stalked, aromatic when crushed, persistent from 2 to 3 years. Fruit - an erect cone, 2 1/2 to 4 inches long, rounded at the top, ripening the autumn of the first year, purplish green in color. Cone scales - longer than broad, somewhat fan-shaped, falling the winter following maturity of cone and leaving only the erect central stalk to which they were attached. Seeds - in pairs, winged, dark brown in color, 1/4 inch long, ripening in September. Distinguishing features - needles without stalks; blisters in bark; cone erect and falling apart when ripe.

SLIPPERY ELM

SLIPPERY ELM red elm Ulmus rubra Muhlenberg

Slippery elm is a medium-sized forest tree of stream banks and low fertile slopes and is common south of the Adirondacks. The wood is hard, heavy, strong, coarse-grained, and fairly durable in contact with the soil. This tree is not an important commercial species but is used for fence posts, ties, barrel staves and hoops.

Bark - grayish brown in color, more or less deeply furrowed, the ridges tending to lift more along one edge than in the American elm; layers of outer bark reddish brown in color, shows no alternate layers of brown and white as in the American elm; inner bark, next to the wood, whitish, strongly mucilaginous (like glue), giving the name "slippery elm." Twigs - light gray in color, hairy, somewhat rough, characteristically mucilaginous when chewed. Winter buds - terminal bud absent as in American elm; lateral buds 1/4 inch long, dark chestnut brown in color, covered at tip with long, rusty hairs. Leaves - alternate, simple, oval, 5 to 7 inches long, oblique at the base, margin doubly serrate; at maturity thick, dark green in color above, decidedly rough to the touch, paler and white-hairy below; midrib and parallel veins prominent. Fruit - flat-winged, but not notched at the end, 1/2 to 3/4 inch long, containing one seed; in clusters, maturing in late May or early June when the leaves are about half grown, falling soon thereafter. Distinguishing features - inner bark chewy, without alternate layers of brown and white; leaf base oblique, rough above and below; twigs chewy; buds tipped with rusty hairs.

AMERICAN ELM

AMERICAN ELM white elm Ulmus americana Linnaeus

American elm is one of the most beautiful, graceful, and best known forest trees in New York. It occupies a wide range of sites, though typically a tree of the bottomlands, and grows to be one of the largest trees in the state. (The Gowanda elm had a basal circumference of 39 feet.) The wood is heavy, hard, strong, tough, coarse-grained, difficult to split, and light brown in color; largely used for veneer, barrel staves and hoops, crates and wheel hubs. The graceful symmetry of the crown makes the elm highly prized for ornamental planting. However, this species has nearly disappeared from our parks and streets because of the lethal Dutch Elm disease.  Improved resistant strains have been developed and planted ornamentally and in the wild in hopes that this majestic species can regain its former widespread occurence.

Bark - dark gray in color, divided by irregular up-and-down furrows into broad flat-topped ridges, rather firm or occasionally in old trees flaking off; inner bark in alternate layers of brown and white.Twigs - slender, smooth, reddish brown in color, not mucilaginous (like glue) when chewed. Winter buds - winter twig obviously ends in leaf scar, hence larger bud near end of twig not truly terminal; lateral buds somewhat smaller, ovate, pointed, light reddish brown in color, smooth, 1/8 inch long. Leaves - simple, alternate, 4 to 6 inches long, oblique at the base, margin doubly serrate, at maturity dark green in color above, lighter beneath, midrib and parallel veins prominent; upper surface of leaf somewhat rough to the touch, although not so pronounced as in slippery elm. Fruit - flat, winged, deeply notched at the end, 1/2 inch long, containing one small seed; in clusters, ripens in early May as the leaf buds unfold, falling soon thereafter. Distinguishing features - zigzag twigs; inner bark not mucilaginous, having alternate layers of brown and white; leaf slightly rough on upper side only; with oblique base.

CUCUMBER TREE

CUCUMBER TREE Magnolia acuminata Linnaeus

Cucumber tree, so called because of its cucumber-like fruit, is the only magnolia that is at all common in this state outside of Long Island. In rich woods, on moist slopes, and along stream courses, from the central part of the state westward and southward, it is found locally. The wood is light, soft, close-grained, brittle, and light yellowish brown in color. It resembles that of yellow poplar and besides wood-carving, has much the same uses. Because of its yellowish green flowers, its large leaves, its rapid growth, and its red seeds, it is often grown in lawns and parks.

Bark - grayish brown in color, with long narrow furrows separating into rather loose, scaly, flat-topped ridges. Twigs - brittle, brown in color, smooth or shiny, aromatic odor. Winter buds - terminal bud oblong, somewhat curved, thickly covered with pale, silky hairs, pointed, about 1/2 inch long; lateral buds smaller, blunt, also hairy. Leaves - alternate, simple, ovate, pointed at the tip, 4 to 10 inches long, entire margin. One of the few species of the state that has an entire-margined leaf. Fruit - a cone-like or cucumber-like, cylindrical mass, often curved, about 2 1/2 inches long, containing a large number of scarlet, pea-like seeds which dangle from the ends of short, white threads when ripe in the early autumn. Distinguishing features - smooth margin of large leaf; aromatic odor of twigs; oblong terminal bud; branching like that of pear tree, fruit like cucumber.

BUTTERNUT

BUTTERNUT white walnut Juglans cinerea Linnaeus

Butternut is a close kin to the black walnut though not so valuable a timber tree. It produces attractive wood and edible nuts, but branches freely and seldom reaches a large size. It is common in moist soils, especially along fences and roads throughout the state, but is infrequent in the higher Adirondacks. The wood is light, soft not strong, coarse-grained, light brown in color, fairly durable, and easily worked and polished. It is used for interior trim, furniture, and fence posts. Many butternut trees are infected with a canker disease.

Bark - smooth on young trunks and branches, light gray in color; on older trunks deeply divided into long, broad, flat-topped, whitish ridges.Twigs - stout, brittle, greenish-gray in color, often hairy, easily identified by a dark-brown furry growth, or "mustache," found just above most leaf scars; chambered pith dark brown as contrasted with the light brown chambered pith of the black walnut. Winter buds - terminal bud pale, downy, blunt-pointed 1/2 to 3/4 inch long, flattened, longer than wide; lateral buds smaller and shorter. Leaves - alternate, compound, with 11 to 17 practically stemless long-pointed leaflets, margins serrate as in black walnut; leaves up to 2 1/2 feet in length; leaf stalk, hairy where it joins stem. Fruit - a rather large nut, 1 1/2 inches long, tapering at the end, black with fine cut ridges, enclosed in a sticky, green husk usually in clusters of 3 to 5, ripening in October of the first season. Kernel - sweet, oily, but somewhat difficult to extract. The butternut has the advantage of curing without removing the outer husk. Distinguishing features - "mustache" above "monkey-faced" leaf scars; dark brown, chambered pith.

AMERICAN BEECH

AMERICAN BEECH Fagus grandifolia Ehrhart

American beech has perhaps the widest distribution of any forest tree in the state and for that reason, no doubt, is one of the best known. In the Adirondacks and Catskills, it forms an important part of the hardwood forest, but is almost equally common throughout the rest of the state. Though the tree is of large and stately size, the wood is less valuable than that of many of its associates in the woodlot section of the state, with the result that it has been left standing. Because of its heavy shade, it has also excluded more valuable trees. Beech bark disease, which is a fungus that grows on injuries caused by a scale insect, infects and kills large numbers of beech trees in the northeast. The wood is heavy, hard, strong, tough, and close-gained, and is excellent as fuelwood. It also is used largely in the acid-wood industry, for baskets and crates, and to some extent for furniture.

Bark - smooth, close, steel gray in color, easily recognized by this character. Twigs - slender, zigzag, smooth, shining reddish brown in color becoming gray on older twigs. Winter buds - terminal bud present, slender, 3/4 inch long, sharp-pointed, covered with light brown scales; lateral buds not much smaller than terminal bud. Leaves - simple, alternate, 3 to 4 inches long, ovate, coarsely toothed on margin, bristle tipped; at maturity very thin, dull green in color above, pale green beneath. Fruit - a stalked burr, covered with soft, curving prickles, containing a nut. Burrs - usually in pairs, open up to let the nuts fall in the early autumn, remaining on the tree into the winter. Nut - triangular, pale brown in color, shining, with sweet edible kernel. Distinguishing features - smooth gray bark; coarse, sharp teeth on leaf margin; "cigar-shaped" buds.

BASSWOOD

BASSWOOD linden, whitewood Tilia americana (Ventenat) Linnaeus

Basswood is a moderately common forest tree in New York State. It has rapidity of growth and a wide range of uses for its lumber. It does best in the deep, moist soils of the woodlot sections but is generally distributed except in the high Adirondacks and Catskills. The wood is soft, even-grained, light, and fairly strong, and used for boxes, crates, cheap furniture, woodenware, and paper pulp; often used as a substitute for white pine.

Bark - on young stems smooth, dark gray in color; on older trunks firm but easily cut, becoming furrowed into rather narrow flat-topped ridges; on still older trunks furrows deeper, ridges more rounding and broader, surface scaly.Twigs - rather slender, smooth, bright red or greenish in color or covered by a gray skin, zigzag, slightly mucilaginous when chewed; fibers of bark on twigs very tough, may be used as rope. Winter buds - terminal bud absent; lateral buds large, smooth, sometimes lopsided or humped, bending away from the twigs, dark red or sometimes green in color. Leaves - simple, alternate, heart-shaped, 5 to 10 inches long, sharp-pointed, coarsely serrate along margin; leaf base is asymmetrical. Fruit - a nut, round, woody, about the size of a pea, borne singly or in clusters, with a common stalk, attached midway to a leafy bract, ripening in late fall but sometimes remaining on the tree into the winter. The bract acts as a sail to scatter the seed. Distinguishing features - often found in clumps; usually large, heart-shaped leaf; hump-backed bud on zigzag twig; fruit a pea-like nut attached to a slender

BIGTOOTH ASPEN

BIGTOOTH ASPEN large-toothed aspen Populus grandidentata Michaux

Bigtooth aspen is a medium-sized, rapid-growing, short-lived tree that develops best on deep moist soils, but is more common on dry, upland, sandy or stony sites, where it rapidly covers slashes and burns. Here it provides habitat for wildlife that use early successional cover. The wood is similar to that of quaking aspen and is used for excelsior, pulp, woodenware, crates, and boxes.

Bark - resembles that of quaking aspen, though small branches are of a more pronounced yellow color. The lower trunk is generally more deeply furrowed than is that of quaking aspen.Twigs - stout, round, reddish or yellowish brown in color in early winter, often pale and downy as contrasted with those of quaking aspen which are shiny. Winter buds - usually larger than those of quaking aspen, terminal bud present; lateral buds generally bending away from twig, dull, dusty-looking, light chestnut brown in color. Leaves - alternate, simple, 3 to 6 inches long, roughly triangular with square base, blunt apex, coarsely toothed margin in direct contrast to the finely serrate margin of quaking aspen. Fruit - very similar to that of quaking aspen. Seeds - spread by wind. Distinguishing features - coarse teeth on leaf with square base; twigs downy.

WHITE ASH

WHITE ASH Fraxinus americana Linnaeus

White ash is a valuable and rapid-growing tree in the woodlots of New York State. It is common throughout New York and is found up to an altitude of 2000 feet in the Adirondacks. It prefers to grow in rich moist woods, and is common on abandoned agricultural lands. The wood is heavy, hard, strong, close-grained, and tough. Large quantities of it are used for agricultural implements, tool handles, oars, furniture, and sporting goods. In some locations, especially open edges and roadsides, branch dieback and tree mortality are common.

Bark - dark grayish brown in color, deeply furrowed with narrow flat-topped firm ridges which on older trunks are somewhat scaly; ridges in some instances tend to run together, enclosing diamond-shaped fissures.Twigs - very stout, smooth, shining, grayish brown in color, brittle, flattened at leaf bases (nodes); leaf scar is notched. Winter buds - plump, blunt-pointed, dark brown or nearly black in color; terminal bud 1/5 inch long, larger than lateral buds; last pair of lateral buds almost on level with terminal bud. Leaves - opposite, compound, 8 to 15 inches long, with 5 to 9 leaflets; leaflets sharp-pointed, 3 to 5 inches long, with slightly and sparsely serrate margins; borne on short stems, by this characteristic may be distinguished from black ash leaflets, which are stemless. Fruit - a winged seed, 1 to 2 inches long, broadly paddle-shaped with the wing occupying the position of the blade; borne in long, open, drooping clusters, ripening in September, often not dropping off until early winter. Distinguishing features - thick twigs; compound leaves with stemmed leaflets; brown buds; ashy-gray, older bark. 3a. Green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica Marshall var. lanceolata (Burkhausen) Sargent) is frequently confused with white ash. The former has narrower leaflets with more noticeable serrations which extend farther toward the base; the leaflets are greener beneath; the terminal bud is more pointed; and the leaf scar is not notched. It has the same uses as white ash.

                                        Turmeric Plant

Other names : Kunyit, Haridra, Haldi, Halada, Manjal, Zirsood, terre merite, Holdi, Indian Saffron, curcuma, Pasapu, Arishina are the other related names used for the Turmeric Kunyit, Haridra, Haldi, Halada, Manjal, Zirsood, terre merite, Holdi, Indian Saffron, curcuma, Pasapu, Arishina are the other related names used for the Turmeric

Description : The plant of Turmeric is a herbaceous perennial, which is 60 -90 cm high. It has a short stem. It has large leaves oblong and up to one meter long. Flowers of the turmeric appear on a spike like the stalk. Its flowers are yellow white in colour. They are sterile and donot produce viable seed. The lamina is green above and pale green below, and is 30 -40 cm long and 8 -12 cm wide. Approximately 30 flowers are produced in a spike. Inflorescence is a central spike of 10 -15 cm in length. Its pant looks like the ginger pant.

Location : It is the widely cultivated tropical plant of India, which is grown from sea level to 1200 meter MSL. It is widely grown in the Sanjay Gandhi National Park of India.

Cultivation methods : Turmeric plant is panted in the month of September to October. It grows in light black, black clayey loams, and red soils in irrigated and rainfed conditions. The rhizomes are planted 5 7 cm deep. This crop is planted by the small rhizomes with one or two buds. It is harvested after 9 -10 months of planting. The lower leaves turn yellow and fall with age.

Medicinal uses : It is taken as the blood purifier and is very useful in the common cold, leprosy, intermittent, affections of the liver, dropsy, inflammation and wound healing. The rhizome of the turmeric plant is highly aromatic and antiseptic. It is even used for contraception, swelling, insect stings, wounds, whooping cough, inflammation, internal injuries, pimples, injuries, as a skin tonic. Sweetened milk boiled with the turmeric is the popular remedy for cold and cough. It is given in liver ailments and jaundice.

Other uses : The powered rhizome of this plant is used as an condiment and as an yellow dye. Its is used to colour and flavour the foodstuff. It is used in the preparation of medicinal oils, ointments and poultice. It is even used in the cosmetics.

Cultural Importance : For thousand of years it has been used in the Hindu religious ceremonies. It is the common belief among the the Hindus that Turmeric improves fertility. The dry turmeric root is considered as the symbol of purity and prosperity. It is used in Indian rites and rituals. Turmeric mixed in water is poured on the God and Goddesses. The dried turmeric roots in betel leaves are given to the women during the ceremonies as they are considered as fertile and bring good luck. Turmeric power is applied on the main entrance of the Indian Houses. The priests in the temples put tilak on the forehead with the turmeric power. Married women in India has to put Sindur a vermilion paste (mixture of turmeric with camphor).

                                        Teak Tree

Other names : Saka, Burma teak, Rangoon teak, moulmein teak, gia thi, jati sak, kyun, mai sak, rosawa and tekka are the other names used for the Teak tree.

Description : Teak is tall evergreen tree. It has yellowish blonde to reddish brown wood. It attains the height of about 30 meter. The fruit is a drupe. It has bluish to white flowers. It produces the large leaf similar to the tobacco leaf. The bark is whitish gray in colour. It is generally grown straight with the uneven texture, medium lusture and the oily feel. The upper surface of the tree is rough to touch and the inner surface has hairs. The fruit is enclosed by the bladder like calyx, which is light brown, ribbed and papery.

Other species : Tectona grandia, Tectona hamiltoniana, and Tectona philippinensis are the other related species of the Teak tree.

Location : Teak is well grown in all the parts of India. It is also found in the Gir National Park, Satpura National Park, Pench Tiger Reserve in India.

Cultivation methods : The new plants can also be propagated from cuttings. It is usually planted when the four to six weeks old. Plough the land thoroughly and level it. The best season to plant the teak is monsoon, most probably after the first shower. Carry out weeding operations regularly. Teal requires loamy soil rich in humus and having the right content of moisture with good drainage. It grows well in hilly and dry areas. It requires a dry tropical climate for its growth. It flowers in february and March.

Medicinal uses : Teak also holds the medicinal value. The bark is bitter tonic and is considered useful in fever. It is also useful in headache and stomach problems. Digestion may be enhanced by the teak wood or bark. .

Other uses : It is used in the furniture making, boat decks and for indoor flooring. It is widely used to make the doors and house windows. It is resistant to the attack of termites. Its wood contains scented oil which is the repellent to insects. The leaves yield the dye which is used to colour the clothes and edible. Teak is probably the best protected commercial species in the world. 

                                           Cork Tree

Other names : Akas Nim, Nim Chameli, Betati Nim, Mini Chameli, Karkku, Kat Malli, Kavudi are some of the other names used for the Cork Tree.

Description : It is a tall deciduous tree. It grows up to 25 meter. The leaves are pinnately compound. Flowers in corymbose, long tubular, white and fragrant. The fruit is a capsule. It flowers at night and shed flowers early in the morning. It has corky bark. It has straight trunk and has few branches.

Other Species : Phellodendron amurense, Phellodendron chinense, Phellodendron japonicum, Phellodendrum lavallei, Phellodendron sachalinense, Phellodendron wilsonii are the other related species of the Cork tree.

Location : Cork tree widely grows in the Central India. It is mostly found in the tropical forests. It can be found in the Sultanpur National Park in India.

Cultivation methods : Cork tree can grow in variety of soils. It requires full sunlight for its growth.

Medicinal uses : Stem and roots of the Cork tree have great medicinal value. Its dried flower is a good lung tonic. It is also used in the cough diseases.

Other uses : Its flowers are used in the rituals. Its bark is used to produce yellow dye.

                                            Sal Tree

Other names : Shala, Sarai, Sargi, Salwa, Sakhu, Sakher, Shal, Kandar and Sakwa are the other names used for the Sal tree.

Description : Sal is a large sub deciduous tree. It is up to 30 meter high. Sal tree is seldom completely leafless. It has large leathery leaves and yellowish flowers. They have tough texture. Young trees have a linear crown, which becomes rounder and flatter with aging. The sapwood is whitish in colour, thick and is less durable. The heartwood becomes dark brown to black in colour on exposure. The wood pores are filled with resin.

Location : Sal tree are found in Assam, Nepal, Bengal and on the bank of the Yamuna river. In Haryana Sal can be found in the Morni Hills and the Kalesar forests. Sal tree grows in North East and Central India up to 1700 meter elevation. It is widely grown in the foothills of the Himalayas. Sal trees are also found in the Bandhavgarh National Park, Corbett National Park and Dudhwa national Park in India.

Cultivation methods : Sal tree requires well drained, moist and sandy loam soil. It can grow in type type of temperature. It is mostly propagated through cuttings. In dry conditions it sheds it leaves from February to March. New leaves appear in the month of April and May. The flowers mature into fruit in summers and the seeds ripen in June -July.

Medicinal uses : The resin is used in the indigenous system of medicine as an astringent and detergent and is given in diarrhea and dysentery. It is also used as an ingredient of ointments for skin diseases and in the ear troubles. It is also used in the foot care cream. The fruits of the Sal tree are used in the treatment of excessive salivation, epilepsy, and chlorosis. The powered seeds have insecticides properties. The powered seeds are even used to treat dental problems. It cleanses the skin of oily secretion and is used as the cleanser for washing hair.

Other uses : The leaves of the Sal tree are used by the tribal people for preparing rice cakes and for smoking. The leaves are used to make platters, bowls, small baskets and many more. Distilled leaves produce an oil which is used in perfumery. It is also used in flavouing chewing gums and tobacco. Its dried and fallen leaves are used as fertilizers. It is used for caulking ships and boats. The oil that comes out from its seed is edible and is known as Sal butter. It is often used in cooking and for the burning in the oil lamps. The seeds of the Sal tree are used for fat extraction. Its oil is even used for adulterating ghee. Tribal people give marriage invitation in the form of folded Sal leaves, with the little bit of turmeric and rice inside it.

Cultural Importance : Sal tree is worshiped among the Buddhist and Hindus in India. It is mentioned in many scriptures that the Buddha was born and died under the Sal tree. A branch of the tree bend down to support his mother Maya and as soon as he held on the tree, the baby appeared. Sal tree has special significance in the festivals and marriages of Adivasi. A pole of the Sal tree is considered very important and unless the bridegroom sits on the altar made of tree of Sal, the marriage has no meaning. It also holds great value in the lives of the indigenous populance of Chotanagpur plateau. It is the main attraction of the festival of Sarhul, which means Sal Blossoms Festival. The whole festival revolves round the Sal tree. 

                                      Kikar Tree

Other names : Cape Gum, Cassie, Piquants Blancs, Cassie Piquants Blancs, Cockspur Thorn, Deo-Babool, Doorn Boom, Kaludai, Karroo Thorn, Kikar, Mormati, Pahari Kikar, Pahari Kikar and Udai Vel are the other names used for the Kikar.

Description : Kikar is the small thorny tree. It grows to the height of 7 – 12 meter. It has yellow round head flowers which are nectar less. The bark is red -brown to blackish and rough. The leaves are light green and fern like up to 120 mm long and 50 mm wide. Flowers are 10- 15 mm in diameter, which grow in cluster between 4 -6 and are sweetly scented.

Other Species : Acacia campbellii, Acacia dekindtiana , Acacia eburnea sensu auct, Acacia horrida sensu auct, Acacia inconflagrabilis, Acacia karoo, Acacia minutifolia, Acacia natalitia, Acacia pseudowightii, Acacia roxburghii, Mimosa eburnea are the other realted species of Kikar.

Location : It is widely found in the State of Haryana in India. It can also be found in the Ranthambore National Park of India.

Cultivation methods : It is mainly grown in the cold temperature. It can be grown in any type of soil. It requires water for seed germination.

Medicinal uses : 

Other uses : The bark and seeds are the source of tannin. The various parts of Kikar are useful in Diarrhoea. The leaves and the bark are useful in arresting secretion or bleeding. The pods help remove catarrhal matter and phlegm from the bronchial tubes. The gum allays any irritation of the skin and soothes the inflamed membranes of the pharynx, alimentary canal and genito-urinary organs. Fresh pods of babul tree are effective in sexual disorders like spermatorrhoea, frequent night discharges, loss of viscidity of the semen and premature ejaculation.

Cultural Importance : It is widely used for fire work and timber. It is introduced and cultivated for erosion and fuel wood. Flowers are used for ornamental purposes, leaves serves as fodder for goats, also used in fencing and hedges. It is honey bee species. Its wood is used for the paper production. Its is also sometimes used as the gum. 

                                          Khair Tree

Other names : Karangali, Kodalimurunkai, Lal Khair, Lal Khair, Rat Kihiriya, Sundra, Sadra, Karugali, Karamgali, Kachu, Kaggli, Karnali, Khadirah, Red Cutch are some of the other names used for the Khair tree.

Description : It is the moderate size deciduous tree. It has rough bark which is dark gray brown in colour. It grows up to the height of 15 meter. The leave are 8 -10 cm long. It has short curved stipular spines and rough grayish brown bark. The flowers are pale yellow in colour. They start appearing in the month of June -August. Fruits ripen in January to March and remain in the tree for long. The young parts are dark brown to purple in colour. The tree has tough texture from outside.

Other Species : Acacia sundra, Mimosa sundra are some of the related species of Khair tree.

Location : It grows throughout India from the Himalayas to the South of India. Khair tree is widely grown in Gir Wildlife Sanctuary, Corbett National Park and Ranthambore National Park in India.

Cultivation methods : It is mainly propagated through the stumps or seeds. The seeds are mostly shown in the month of June. It is planted on sandy and black cotton soil. The seeds germinate in the monsoons. Khair should be sown on mounds at least 61 to 76 cm in height so that the seedlings do not remain submerged in water for a long period; a few weeks' submersion is not fatal. Irrigation is necessary for the plant. Cuttings should be made from the well developed seedlings. The root and shoot should be 23 31 cm and 2.5 to 5.0 cm respectively.

Medicinal uses : Khair tree is very useful in the dental problems. It gives relief in dry cough. It is also given in stomatis, Anaemia, Leprosy, Bronchitis, Pruritus, Diarrhoea, Polyuria. Its wood contains catechin, catechutanic acid and tannin. It is used externally for ulcers, boils and eruption of the skin. The juice of the fresh bark is given in haemoptysis. It is used to treat painful throat and cough.

Other uses : The pale yellow mucilaginous gum exudes from the tree yield one of the beast substitutes for true gum arabic. The wood extracts are used for tanning and dying Khaki. Its wood is used as the raw material in the raw industry. Its wood is used in ship building. Its wood is even a food for bees. It is even used as the fire for yagna. The wood of Khair is used in making the plough and the pounding log for rice.

Cultural Importance : The Khair tree signifies endurance and strength.

                                  Indian Tulip Tree

Other names : Portia tree, Pacific Rosewood, Suriya (Sinhala), Poovarasu, Plaksa, Sea side Mahoe are the other names used for the Indian Tulip tree. It is also known as the Scarlet Bell tree, Flame of the forest and Fountain tree. 

Description : Indian Tulip Tree attains the height of 40 feet or more. It is a very large tree. It has heart shaped leaves and the cup shaped flowers. It is a fast growing, evergreen tree. It is very bushy when it is young but thins out with the age. Each flower is white – yellow in colour and has maroon eye that ages to purple. The flowers bloom year round and lasts for three days. The major branches of the tree grow straight, with the thick corrugated bark. They are Its barks are stringy and light grey in colour. Its fruit is the round capsule which is about one inch across. Its seeds are greyish brown in colour. 

Other Species : Hibiscus tilliaceus, H. pernambucensis , H. elatus are the other related species of the Indian Tulip Tree.

Location : Indian Tulip tree is found in the lower dry forests to the wet forests. Deep, rich, well-drained soils of forest coves and lower mountain slopes. It is widely grown in the Eravikulam National Park in India.. 

Cultivation methods : Indian Tulip trees are easily propagated through the seeds. It requires a deep rich soil for its cultivation. It must be taken care that the inner part of the seed is not destroyed. The seeds are germinated within 14 28 days. Tulip plant can also be propagated with the cuttings. It is also grown in the pots. It sheds its leaves in the month of February. New leaves appear in the month of April and March. 

Medicinal uses : The bitter inner bark of the Indian Tulip tree is used as diuretic and stimulant. Its raw green bark is also chewed as an aphrodisaic. Its tea is used in the treatment of indigestion, dysentery, rheumatism, coughs and fevers. In India its bark was used to treat the skin diseases, and haemorrhoids. Its leaves are applied to the inflamed and swollen joints. It is also used in the treatment of ringworm. Its roots are used as the tonic. 

Other uses : The fruits, flowers and young leaves are edible. The tough fibrous bark is made into rope in several areas. The bark is also used to caulk boat. Even the cork is made from the inner bark. The yellow dye is obtained from its fruits and flowers and the red one from the bark. Its parts are also used in the making of gum, oil and tannin. Its timber is also used to make the papers. Its wood is used to make bowls, paddles and other carved objects. 

                                   Indian Rosewood

Other names : aguru (Sanskrit), Bombay Rosewood (English), dalbergia (Arabic), nakku katti (Tamil Nadu), ostindisches Rosenholz, pradu-khaek, pradu-khaek, shinshapa (Sanskrit), shisham (Hindi), shishu (Bengali), shisu (Bengali), sisam (Hindi), sisham (Nepali), sissai (Hindi), sissau (Nepali), sisso (English), sisso (Tamil), sissoo (English), sissoo (Arabic), sissoo (Hindi), sissu (Hindi), sisu (Bengali), sisu (Spanish), sisuitti (Tamil), skuva, sonoswaseso (Javanese), tali, yette (Tamil) are some of the other names used for the Indian Rosewood.

Description : Indian Rosewwod is a erect deciduous tree. It grows to the height of 25 meter and 2-3 meter in diameter. It has leathery leaves which are up to 15 cm long. The flowers are whitish pink in colour. Its crown is oval in shape. The fruit is brown and pod like in shape. The fruit is dry and hard. The sapwood is white to pale brown in colour and the heartwood is golden to dark brown in colour.

Other Species : dalbergia nigra, dalbergia latifolia are the other known species of the Indian Rosewood.

Location : Indian Rosewood mainly grows on the banks of the river below 900 meter elevation. It is widely found in the Indian Stat of Haryana. It can also be found in the Periyar National Park, Bandipur National Park and Sariska Tiger Reserve in India.

Cultivation methods : Indian Rosewood is mostly propagated through the root suckers and seeds. It requires fertile well drained soil. Seeds are soaked in water for 48 hours before sowing. Seeds are germinated in three weeks. Young Rosewood needs full sunlight. It requires dry to wet soil. Young plants are well watered until established. Flowers occur from October to February

Medicinal uses : Indian Rosewood holds many medicinal properties. Rosewood oil stimulates new cell growth, regenerate tissues, and heps minimize lines and wrinkles. It helps balance both dry and oily skin. It can prove useful against acne.

Other uses : It is the important fuel wood and is also used for shade and shelter. Its wood is used for the making furniture, doors, windows, ship floors, plywood, skis, musical instruments, carvings etc. Because of durability Rosewood is often used in the martial art weaponary, particulary as the shaft of spears and in the gun staves. Its oil is used in Perfumes.

Cultural importance : Many people grow Rosewood because they believe harvesting the wood denudes the rain forests. 

                                      Indian Mahogany

Other names : Mahogany, West Indian Mahogany, Spanish mahogany, Madeira redwood, acajou, caoba, caoba de Santo, cheria mahogany, Cuban mahogany, American mahogany, True mahogany, small leaf mahogany, Dominican mahogany are some of the other names of Indian Mahogany.

Description : Indian Mahogany grow up to the height of 30 -40 feet. It is fast upright growing tree with abroad rounded symmetrical crown. It is 20 -30 feet in spread. The fruit is a large greenish brown capsule, splitting into 5 parts relwasing flat, long winged, light brown seeds. Its wood is red brown in colour. Both the male and the female flowers are produced on the same plant. The bark is smooth dark brown in colour. The leaves are pinnate which are 12 -25 cm long, with four to eight leaflets.

Other Species : Swietenia humilis , Swietenia candollei, Swietenia fabrilis, Swietenia mahagoni, Swietenia macrophylla are the other related species of the Indian Mahogany.

Location : India Mahogany is found in almost all the parts of India. It can also be found in Thattekkad Wildlife Sanctuary, Kaziranga National Park and Corbett National Park in India.

Cultivation methods :Indian Mahogany is mostly propagated through seeds. It requires partial shade or full Sun for its growth. It needs water periodically. It looses its leaves at the end of the winter. The new leaves start growing after two three weeks. The new leaves are reddish purple in colour, which turn yellow green afterwards.

Medicinal uses : The bark extracts are used as an astringent for wounds. It is used to cure malaria, anemia diarrhea, fever, dysentery and depurative. The leaves contain several limonoids; seven phragmalin limonoids of swietephragmins A-G as well two other different types of 2-hydroxy-3-O-tigloylswietenolide and deacetylsecomahoganin.

Other uses : Its wood is used in making furniture, fixtures, musical instruments, inlay, boat, caskets and many more. Its wood is a very popular material for drum making. 

                                     Eucalyptus Tree

Other names : Tailapatra, Sugandhapatra, Tailaprana, and Nilgiri Taila are the other names used for the Eucalyptus.

Description : Eucalyptus is a tall evergreen tree. It attains the height of more than 300 feet. Leaves of the tree on juvenile shoots are opposite, sessile, cordate-ovate and covered with a bluish white bloom. The adult leaves are alternate, lanceolate and are 6-12 inches long and 1-2 inches broad. It flowers are cream in colour. The appearance of its bark varies with the age of the tree. Its bark consists of long fibers and can be can be pulled off in long pieces. Stems of the seedlings and coppice shoots are quadrangular. Flowers are in cymose panicles. The fruit is a capsule.

Other Species : Eucalyptus abdita, Eucalyptus acies, Eucalyptus apiculata, Eucalyptus albopurpurea, Eucalyptus alligatrix, Eucalyptus ammophila, Eucalyptus amplifolia, Eucalyptus andrewsii are the other related species of Eucalyptus. There are 700 species of Eucalyptus.

Location : It is widely grown in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Gujrat, Haryana, Mysore, Kerala and in the Nilgiri Hill. It grows well in deep, fertile, well drained loamy soil with adequate moisture. It is also found in Nagarhole National Park and Bandipur National Park in India. .

Cultivation methods :Eucalyptus grown in well drained sandy soil. It is propagated through seeds, soft wood cuttings and semi hard wood cuttings. At the time planting it must be taken into account that ts roots are not broken. It needs water before and after planting. It requires full sunlight.

Medicinal uses : Eucalyptus is known for its use either as an essential oil or leaf tea for its ability to relieve congestion and ease breathing in colds. It oil is also used as the pain reliever foe sore and overextended muscles. The essential oil of Eucalyptus contains cineole, a potent antiseptic that helps in killing the bacteria and fungi. It helps in increasing cardiac action. It is taken in all types of fever. It helps in purifying the blood. It lowers the blood sugar. It brings relief to the patients of Asthma and bronchitis. It is the excellent topical remedy for aching joints and rheumatism. It helps in improving the blood circulation.

Other uses : Eucalyptus is used as the pulpwood in the manufacture of the paper as well as raw material. It is used as the poles for the construction of huts and houses. It is used in making plywood, doors and windows. 

                                       Brahmi Pla

Other names : Bacopa, Babies tear, Bacopa monnieri, Hespestis monniera, Nirbrahmi, Indian Pennywort, Jalanevari and water hyssop are the other names that are used for Brahmi. In English it is commonly called as the 'Herb of Grace'.

Description : Brahmi is the small creeping herb with the numerous branches. It grows to a height of 2 -3 feet and its branches are 10 -35 cm long. It has oval shaped leaves that are 1-2 cm long and 3- 8 mm broad. Leaves are formed in pairs along the stems. Small- tubular, five petaled flowers are white- purple in colour. Its stem is soft, succulent, and hairy with the glands. Roots emerge out of the nodules and directly go to the soil. The fruit is oval and sharp at apex.

Other Species : Herpestis monniera, or Moniera cuneifolia is the other specie of Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri).

Location : Brahmi is found in marshy areas near streams and ponds throughout India especially in the North eastern regions. It is found at an elevations from sea level to altitudes of 4,400 feet. It is found in `Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Bihar, Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Foot hills of Himachal Pradesh & Uttaranchal. It is also widely grown in the Bandhavgarh National Park in India.

Cultivation methods :Brahmi is propagated by seed, cuttings and also by the root division. Before establishing the plant cutting the field should be ploughed properly ans must be made free of weeds. The cuttings should be 4-5 cm long and must contain roots and leaves. Hand weeding is required in every 5 -20 days. It grows faster in the high temperature (33- 42 Degree celcius) and humidity (65 -80%). It prefers wet spots. It is grown in the pots in the house garden. It can grow in both the sun and shade. It requires water from time to time as its roots are shallow. It also requires regular organic fertilizer for its growth. It gives flowers ans fruit in the summer season. It requires moderate to high lightening to grow well.

Medicinal uses : Brahmi is used in traditional Indian medicines for centuries. for the treatment of bronchitis, chronic cough, asthma, hoarseness, arthritis, rheumatism, backache, fluid retention, blood cleanser, chronic skin conditions, constipation, hair loss, fevers, digestive problems, depression, mental and physical fatigue and many more. It is used to treat all sorts of skin problems like eczema, psoriasis, abscess and ulceration. It stimulates the growth of skin, hair and nails. Brahmi posses anticancer activity. It is taken to get relief from stress and anxiety. According to the Ayurveda Brahmi has antioxidant properties. It has been reported to reduce oxidation of fats in the blood stream, which is the risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Brahmi is considered as the main rejuvenating herb for the nerve and brain cells.

Other uses : Brahmi is rich in Vitamin C and can be used in the salads, soups and sandwiches. Brahmi oil restores and preserves the memory. In India it is given to the infants to boost memory power intelligence.

Cultural importance : Brahmi is the name derived from the Lord Brahma. It is said that the use of Brahmi for the memory goes back 3000 years or more in India. Brahmi represents the creative energy of this earth

                                       Ashwagandha

Other names : Indian Ginseng, Ajagandha, Clustered Wintercherry, Kanaje, Orovale, Samm Al Ferakh, Strychnos, Withania are the other names used for the Aswagandha. It has derived its name from the Sanskrit work meaning 'Horse smell

Description : Ashwagandha is an evergreen shrub that grows up to the height of 0.5 m to 1.5 m. It is covered by the leaves all round the year. The flowers are hermaphrodite (they have both the male and the female organs) and are greenish yellow in colour. Its fruit and berries are orange -red in colour. Its roots are whitish brown in colour. Aswagandha is a small woody shrub and flowers all the year round.

Other Species : Withania coagulens and Withania simonii are the other related species of the Ashwagandha.

Location : Ashwagandha is grown in all the parts of India. It is grown in India as the crop and can also be grown in the Kitchen garden. One can find this medicinal plant in the Sariska Tiger Reserve, Ranthambore National Park and Eravikulam National Park in India. It is also found in various Botanical gardens in India. It is found in the woodland garden, cultivated beds and dappled shade.

Cultivation methods :Ripe red fruits of the plant are dried in the warm and well ventilated space. After some days the berries are separated, washed and dried up properly. Its seed can be shown in the early spring, they get germinated within two weeks, prefers light sandy, medium loamy and well drained soil. It grows more in the sunlight than in the shade.

Medicinal uses : Ashwagandha is a very useful herb. It reduces stress, strengthen the immunity and nervous system. It helps in enhancing the mental functioning. It is useful in sexual and general weakness. It gives vitality and vigour and helps in building greater endurance. It is used to cure diseases like rheumatism, leprosy and arthritis. The leaves and the root bark of the pant are abortifacient, adaptogen, antibiotic, aphrodisiac, diuretic, narcotic and tonic. It is also used to tone the uterus after the miscarriage. The fruit and seeds are diuretic. All the parts of the plant are used in the herbal medicines. According to the Ayurveda studies Ashwandha increases health and longevity. It is also sometimes used to treat the memory loss. In cases of cancer Ashwagangha acts as the adjuvant.

Other uses : Ashwagandha is used as the substitute of the soaps. The leaves are an insect repellent. Aswaganda mixed with the almond oil and rose water is used as the facial toner. Ashwagandha is taken with the milk, with sugar or honey as it promotes deep sleep.