[Latin Name] Hypericum perforatum

[Plant Source] From China

[Appearance] Brown fine powder

[Specifications] 0.3% Hypericin

[Particle size] 80 Mesh

[Loss on drying] ≤5.0%

[Heavy Metal] ≤10PPM

[Pesticide residue] EC396-2005, USP 34, EP 8.0, FDA

[Storage] Store in cool & dry area, keep away from the direct light and heat.

[Package] Packed in paper-drums and two plastic-bags inside.

[What is St. John's wort]

St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) has a history of use as a medicine dating back to ancient Greece, where it was used for a range of illnesses, including various nervous disorders. St. John’s wort also has antibacterial, antioxidant, and antiviral properties. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, it has been applied to the skin to help heal wounds and burns. St. John’s wort is one of the most commonly purchased herbal products in the United States.

In recent years, St. John’s wort has been studied extensively as a treatment for depression. Most studies show that St. John’s wort may help treat mild-to-moderate depression, and has fewer side effects than most other prescription antidepressants.

[Functions]

1. Anti-depressive and sedative properties;

2. Effective remedy for the nervous system, relaxing tension, and anxiety and lifting the spirits;

3. Anti-inflammatory

4. Improve capillary circulation

Mrs.Vahchef is very fond of cooking and her Recipes are very unique and fit for busy women specially working women

This is a very aromatic sambar recipe prepared with pumpkin and served with rice and idly.

INGREDIENTS:

Chana dal 1 tsp
Coriander seeds ½ tsp
Pepper corn 10 nos
Dry red chillies 4-5 nos
Coconut(grated) 1 tsp
Oil 4 tbs
Mustard seeds ½ tsp
Fenugreek seeds 5 nos
Curry leaves 1 spring
Green chillies 4 nos
Pumpkin(pieces) 1 cup
Turmeric powder ½ tsp
Salt To taste
Tamarind juice 1 cup
Toor dal, 1 cup
Coriander leaves(chopped) 1 tbs

METHOD:

1. Take a pan and add chana dal, coriander seeds, pepper corn, dry red chillies and dry roast and transfer into blender, add finely grated coconut, little water and make smooth paste.

2. Heat oil in a pan and add mustard seeds, fenugreek seeds, curry leaves, green chillies, pumpkin pieces, and saute it.

3. To it add turmeric powder, salt and mix it, cook for 2-3 mins with lid on it.

4. Add tamarind juice, little water and mix it, later cook with lid on for 3-4 mins.

5. Add boiled toor dal, smooth paste, salt, simmer it for 3-4 mins.

6. Atlast add coriander leaves and switch off flame.

7. Now pumpkin sambar udupi style is ready to serve.

Eric Pollet (University of Strasbourg)

Presentation given at the Final PLASTiCE conference Bioplastic Opportunities in Central Europe which was held on September 23-24 at Polymer Technology College in Slovenj Gradec. More information: www.plastice.org