Litsea cubeba , Litsea , Yarkiang/tayar (Nyishi)

Litsea cubeba 

Common Name:- Litsea

Family:- Lauraceae 

Vernacular Name: - Yarkiang/tayar (Nyishi)

General_Information 

          Litsea cubeba is a deciduous to evergreen shrub or small tree growing upto 15 metres tall or more. The short bole is straight. The plant is often used in traditional medicine, and is also a source of food flavourings, essential oil and timber. It is cultivated commercially, particularly in China, Japan, Indo-China and Java, for its essential oil.

           This essential oil is traded internationally. The tree can be used as a pioneer species when restoring native woodland and, with its range of uses, would be a good choice when establishing a woodland garden.

#Edible_Uses

          The fragrant flowers are eaten or used as a flavouring for tea by Asian countries. The fruits are eaten as a vegetable side dish, such as salad or chutney by many tribes of ArunachalPradesh. The fruit, bark and leaves are often used by the Karen people of N. Thailand as a curry ingredient in a dish called 'Kaeng Nuea'. The roots are cooked as a flavouring in foods.

#medicinal_value 

          Litsea cubeba is a medicinal valued plant. Every parts of the plant has some medicinal value. Countries like China, Japan & other Asian countries use this plant in their traditional medicine. The roots, branchlets, leaves, and fruits are all used in traditional medicine for treating internal health problems, such as swelling and pain. Research has shown the presence of several alkaloids in various parts of the plant.

           Recent studies have found that the essential oil may be useful in the treatment of cardiac arrhythmia.The leaves are used for treating skin diseases. In aromatherapy, the oil is applied as a cooling agent against acne and dermatitis, and to relieve anxiety and stress

#copied

The essential oil has demonstrated antifungal properties against several pathogens including Alternaria alternata; Aspergillus niger; Candida albicans; Fusarium spp; Helminthosporium spp.

All plant parts of Litsea cubeba are applied medicinally and have antiparalytic, anticephalalgic, antihysteric, carminative, spasmolytic and diuretic properties. The fruit is used in decoction for the treatment of vertigo, paralysis and in post-partum preparations. Traditionally the Dayak Kenyah people of East Kalimantan use the fruits and bark as oral and topical medicine for babies as well as for adults. It is applied in cases of fever, stomach-ache, chest pain and as a tonic. It is also an antidote to treat drunkenness.

#otherUses 

          Onecof the best species for reforestation. Grown as shade tree in plantations. It can be planted as a wind-break in tea plantations. A fast growing pioneer species, usually gregarious in open areas, found along the edge of tropical rain forests and the edges of both lower and upper montane forests. It can be used at the early stages in reforestation projects, and would make a good choice when establishing a woodland garden.

Reference 

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