Mustard

The botanical name mustard is 'Brassica nigra koch'. It is one of the oldest spices that has been used in medicine. It is derived from Latin word ‘mustum’ which means “must”.
About the plant:
There are two species of mustard and are native to Asia and Europe. These two species ‘alba’ and ‘nigra’ are further categorized into three different forms depending on these species. The three forms are white mustard (alba), brown mustard (nirga) and black mustard (nirga).
White mustard:
The leaves of this plant are small with dark green color. Flowers are grouped in clusters and the fruits are podded shaped. The seeds are arranged in these pods and are white in color.
Black mustard:
This is the highly used species in culinary due to its strong pungent smell. The seeds are red-brownish in color and are found in the pods.
Brown mustard:
This is similar to black mustard. The leaves are broad and the seeds are found in the pods with brown color.
Mustard is one of the natural sources of vegetable oil. Due to anti-inflammatory properties it is used in medicines.

Oat

Oat is one of the cereals with botanical name ‘Avena sativa’ belonging to the family of 'Poaceae'. It is an herbaceous plant with a straw like stem and is used in food industry. It is one of the natural resources of vitamin, minerals, carbohydrates that required for the body to maintain a good health. Since ancient times, oats have been used in human food and animal nutrition.


Medicinal purposes of oats:

• Oat plays an important role in reducing the cholesterol of the body.
• A diet based on oats is recommended to decrease the weight of the body.
• It is used to increase the height of the body. For this, add spoonful of oat powder to a glass of milk and is consumed in the morning. Regular intake may increase the height.
• Oat is used in case of nervous stress and heart diseases.
• Oat can be used for the people who want to quit smoking and play an important role in preventing cancer.

Other uses:

• Oat is used in making cosmetics, fibers, paper, etc.
• It acts fodder for animals and its stalks are used in making animal bedding.
• Used in the manufacture of oils, shoe dyes, pesticides, etc.

Sesame

Sesame is a tropical plant that is native to India. It is flowering plant having binomial name 'Sesamum indicum' and belongs to the family of 'Pedaliaceae'. The plant grows to a height of 1-2 meters with opposite leaves. The flowers are either white or violet in color and seeds are arranged in the pods. The seeds of sesame are highly nutritious. This plant has been used for both culinary uses as well as medicinal purposes. Due to its strong smell it is used in food items to give additional flavor to the dishes.



Uses of sesame:

• Sesame seed oil is used in many ayurvedic medicines for massages.
• Sesame seeds have high energetic value and are used in treating many human ailments.
• The oil which is prepared from sesame seeds is used in body massages and gives relief from body pains.
• Sesame seeds are used in making breads, buns, etc.
• Sesame flour is used in various dishes to add flavor.
• Sesame flowers are used in perfume industry due to its aromatic properties.

Chamomile

Chamomile is an herb that is used in the treatment of many human ailments. Chamomile is a common name for several plants. The two different species of the plant are German chamomile and Roman chamomile. Both of the plants provide same benefits to mankind. The flower part of the plant contains essential oils that are required for the treatment of many diseases. This plant can be used as an herbal remedy because it does not produce any side effects to the body.


Few of the uses of chamomile are as follows:
Cough and common cold:
Chamomile is used to treat common cold. Take teaspoon of chamomile flowers and add to a liter of boiled water. Leave the mixture for few minutes and then consume it. Inhaling the vapors gives relief from cold and sinus problems.
Skin disorders:
Chamomile can be used to cure skin diseases like burns, allergies, etc. The oil which is prepared from the leaves is applied over the infected region. Taking bath with water containing chamomile flowers gives glow to your skin.
Chamomile acts as good agent for muscle relaxation.

Lemon-Uses

Due to the antibiotic and anti-inflammation properties of lemon it is used in various medical treatments. Few of the uses of lemon are as follows,
Lemon-Culinary uses:

• Lemon is used to garnish food items, drinks, etc.
• Used as food preservative.
• Lemon fruits are used in making pickles.
• It is used with other ingredients to marinate meat and fish before cooking

Lemon-Health Care:

• Lemon oil is used in aromatherapy to treat hepatic conditions.
• Acne treatment:Lemon is used to cure acne. Apply lemon juice over acne and gently massage with fingers. Wash the face with cold water after 15 minutes. Regular application prevents acne problems.
• Skin Disorders:lemon is used in the treatment of skin diseases. Lemon juice applied to the skin gives lightness and glow to your skin. It is believed that the acid it contains prevents the production of melanin. Lemon is used as facial mask to refresh the skin.
• Hair Care:Lemon is used to control hair fall. For this, take two spoons of curd and add spoonful of lemon juice to it. Apply this mixture to the hair and scalp. Wash the hair with water after 15 minutes. Regular application helps in preventing hair loss, removes dandruff and gives strength to the hair.