POKOK MUNGGAI

Pada post kali ini, saya ingin berkongsi cerita mengenai pokok kelor atau nama saintifiknya Moringa oleifera. Informasi ini diberi oleh kakak lynz_an, iaitu salah seorang pembaca Blog ini yang sudi berkongsi mengenai khasiat dan kegunaan pokok kelor. Kita ikuti kisahnya..

“Daun kelor merupakan makanan kegemaran kedua ibubapa, nenek dan kebanyakan orang-orang tua bagi masayarakat kami (Melayu Bugis). Cara masakannnya biasanya disediakan seperti memasak sup sayur tetapi tidak menggunakan rempah dan boleh dicampur dengan sayuran lain (seperti terung, kacang panjang, kacang hijau atau beberapa jenis kekacang, jagung, buah labu, buah kelor dan daun kemangi).

Ia sangat sesuai dimakan ketika sakit tekak ataupun selesema dan bagi mereka yang ingin berdiet serta bagi menambah air susu ibu. Bagi masyarakat filipina (kebetulan saya mempunyai sahabat yang berketurunan bisaya & tagalog) mereka juga mempunyai hidangan yang hampir sama dan menurut mereka sayur ini sangat baik untuk kesihatan kulit dan peredaran darah. Ia juga sangat lazat dicampur dengan bubur nasi terutamanya bubur jagung atau ditumis (tetapi rasanya agak sedikit pelik).”

Menurutnya, kegunaan lain pokok kelor ini ialah:
Menguruskan Badan. Akar pokok kelor boleh direbus dan dikatakan dapat dijadikan herba bagi menguruskan badan. Menurut mereka ia sangat mujarab untuk menguruskan badan tetapi risikonya ialah jika mengambilnya dikatakan sukar untuk menambah berat badan semula. Sejauhmana kebenarannya saya kurang pasti.

Khasiat untuk mata. Caranya ialah menggunakan perahan daun kelor dan dititiskan ke mata. Biasanya ia diberikan kepada seorang kanak-kanak. Ia agak menakutkan sedikit kerana mata mungkin sedikit pedih tetapi ia dikatakan sangat baik untuk kesihatan mata.

Mencantikkan kulit. Caranya ialah menambahkan akar kayu kelor dalam pembuatan bedak muka (bedak sejuk) dan herba mandian. Ketika kecil saya pernah menggunakannya (campuran beras, kunyit hidup, akar kelor dll) untuk mandi dan ternyata ia dapat melicinkan kulit yang dapat dirasai sehingga 3 hari.

NEEM AS PEST CONTROL

Neem is an effective organic insecticide that can help control a wide variety of garden insect pests and powdery mildew. However, because it is relatively strong, gardeners should understand how it works and time its use carefully. Keep the beneficial insects around and do away only with the pests by using neem wisely.

Significance

1. Neem is a botanical insecticide made by extracting oil from the seeds of the neem tree. The neem tree is native to the Indian subcontinent, where it has been used for many purposes, including garden applications, spermicide and toothbrushes. Neem oil is used by gardeners to kill insects and is considered an organic insecticide.

Types

2. Neem is typically sold as one ingredient in organic insecticidal sprays that may include other organic compounds for optimum pest control. Some of these might be sold as concentrates that are then diluted for use in the garden. Another possibility is to buy pure neem oil and mix your own customized spray for the garden.

Function

3. Neem can be used to control a variety of garden insect pests. Aphids can be killed by spraying neem oil mixed into water on the top and bottom surfaces of leaves. Stink bugs, leaf-footed bugs and squash bugs are also potential victims for neem. Spider mites--most often seen on tomato plants--are also targets for neem. Finally, neem can help control powdery mildew on plants.

Time Frame

4. Because neem is an organic insecticide, its residue will last for a shorter time in the garden than that of other, stronger products. It also does not enter plants' systems as extensively as other chemicals. This means you need to apply neem more frequently than other insecticides. The exact interval for applications will depend on the severity of your insect infestation. You can spray it as often as you wish to control the number of bugs in the garden. Keep in mind, though, that it may take up to a week to see a reduction in the insect population after the first application of neem; give it time to work.

Warning

5. Although neem is an effective organic insecticide, it is almost too effective to use frequently in your garden. Neem is not selective in the insects it kills, and it will affect both the insect pests and the beneficial insects that reside in your garden. If you want to maintain a well-balanced organic garden, you'll want to make sure it's a friendly place for those beneficial insects. Before resorting to neem, try using other organic pest control methods, including hand-picking insects off plants and using row covers to keep pests from landing in the first place. However, if the bugs are out of control, use neem wisely to reclaim your garden.

WHICH TYPES OF CROPS ARE BEST SUITED FOR TREATMENT WITH NEEM INSECTICIDES?

Neem extracts are particularly suitable for use on vegetables and small scale field crops. If sufficient water and sprayers are available it is also possible to treat larger fields.

HOW DOES NEEM WORK, WHAT IS THE MODE OF ACTION AND HOW DOES IT AFFECT INSECTS?

Numerous insect species are repelled by active ingredients in the neem seed. As they find the taste and smell unpleasant they avoid the plants that have been treated with neem extracts. Other insects die some time after having eaten leaves or other parts of the plant treated with these substances. They alter the behaviour in some insects or reduce their ability to lay eggs. Other pest species are affected minimally or not at all by the neem substances, probably as a result of their hidden biology.

HOW IS THE NEEM INSECTICIDE APPLIED TO THE PLANTS?

The neem extract can be applied in two ways: When using a sprayer, the rough particles must first be filtered out of the mixture to prevent clogging the nozzle. This is done by covering a bucket or similar container with a coarse cloth or gauze through which the mixture is poured. The sprayer is filled with the filtered solution and spraying of the vegetable crops can begin.

If no sprayer is available the extract may be applied with a straw brush. In this case, it need not be filtered. A brush made with fine, flexible straw is simply dipped into the solution and shaken over the plants until all the leaves are moistened. The effect of the neem substance lasts between 3 to 6 days, regardless of how it was applied.

HOW OFTEN DOES NEEM HAVE TO BE APPLIED?

If and when spraying is necessary depends very much on the individual case and this can only be decided by the farmers or the appointed adviser. In general, it may be said that in areas of vegetable cultivation, where pests are a great problem, weekly spraying is necessary. If, on the other hand, infestation is only slight, treatments in intervals of 10 to 14 days are adequate. Often a single treatment of the plants is sufficient. Just as with chemical insecticides, the insect species and crop are important factors in deciding how often spraying should occur. According to scientific research the extract is not poisonous for humans, thus, it is not necessary to wait long between final spraying and harvesting.

WHICH PESTS CAN BE CONTROLLED WITH NEEM?

The neem extract does not have the same effect on all insect species. Some pest groups can be easily controlled. The feeding behaviour of other groups may be influenced or their ability to reproduce impaired, but this does not prevent direct damage to the plants. Some insects react minimally or not at all to the extracts.

Given below you will find more detailed information on the reactions of pests of neem extracts. It is important to note, however, that this is not intended as a precise description of the effects of neem extracts but as a guide which gives the user advice as to which pests may be controlled by application of neem.

HOW CAN NEEM POWDER HELP TO CONTROL STEM BORERS ON YOUNG PLANTS?

Stem borers on young corn and sorghum plants can be controlled relatively easily with crushed neem seeds (the powder normally used to mix with water). A small amount of powder mixed with sawdust or dry clay at a ration of 1:1 is placed in the funnel. 1 kg powder should be sufficient for 1500 - 2000 plants.

In this method, rainwater dissolves the substances in the neem seeds as it gathers in the funnel and washes out the powder. Where rainfall is irregular a liquid neem seed extract can be sprayed into the funnel.

This treatment should be repeated every 8 to 10 days during the sensitive growing phase. Thus, roughly three treatments are sufficient for protection against stem borers. This recommendation applies only for young plants before flowering and not for older plants.

WHAT IS THE ROLE OF NEEM IN GRAIN STORAGE?

Stored grain legumes can easily be infested with bruchids. These are small beetles whose larvae eat into the grain. The bruchids can be controlled simply by mixing the legumes with neem oil.

Neem oil is extracted from the neem seed kernels (oil content 40 – 50%). When used for storage protection it should be carefully pressed, either by machine or various other traditional methods. As only a very small amount of oil (30 ml oil per 100 kg grain) is required, pressing by hand is practicable. The seeds must first be shelled, by cracking the shells with a stone or gently pounding in a mortar and finally by winnowing to remove the shell particles.

If the crushed seeds are very hard and brittle they should be moistened and left to stand for several hours until they can be pressed together by hand. Crushing the seeds in a mill or mortar produces a rough, sticky mixture out of which can be pressed by kneading. Usually it is necessary to add a little water to make kneading easier.

By alternating kneading and pressing of the paste in a bowl the neem oil is released. Using this method it is possible to extract 150 ml oil from 1 kg powder. The legume seeds are treated with neem oil extracted in the following manner: The appropriate amount of neem oil is mixed with the legume seeds in a large bowl or similar container (3 ml per 1 kg grain); then the seeds may be stored in the usual way.

Neem oil is non-poisonous but very bitter, thus freshly treated legumes taste at first very sharp. This taste disappears, however, after 3 to 4 weeks

WHAT OTHER USES ARE THERE FOR NEEM OIL?

Apart from its previously described application for storage protection, neem oil has been a trusted remedy for a naturally healthy skin in the villages of India. Derived from the seeds of the neem tree it contains all the disinfecting and healing properties of the tree, in a concentrated easily usable form. For centuries, this therapeutic oil has provided protection and

Scientific studies have shown that Neem contains certain chemicals, which are unique. The primary chemicals are a mixture of 3-4 related compounds called limonoids. Neem seeds also contain a few chemicals that have sulphur. These phyto-chemicals add the characteristic smell to the neem oil. They also attach additional curative properties to the oil. It has a dark yellow color, turns solid at temperatures below twenty-three degrees Celsius, and does not dry out. The oil is composed mainly of glycerides of palmitin, stearin, oil and linol acids. It chemically resembles soy oil or olive oil. In the cold-pressed oil, there are also 10 to 20 percent of the total content of biologically active components, especially the limonoids. Bitter components contained in neem oil and certain sulfur compounds that give the oil its strong garlic scent, destroy the taste.

It is a completely natural total first aid tool for families. Due to its unique composition it has an almost magical effect on chronic skin conditions that fail to respond to conventional treatments. What makes neem oil outstanding in comparison to other remedies is that it is active against all three varieties of infectious organisms: Bacteria, Fungii and Viruses. The oil is known to provide a very effective germicidal action. Modern science has now confirmed the effectiveness of Neem oil in fighting infection. Scientific studies indicate that Neem has very powerful skin rejuvenating qualities and it is being hailed as the Oil of Wonder.

Many strains of bacteria are found to be resistant to the modern antibiotics. Neem oil has a seemingly endless range of antibacterial uses. This has prompted the development of neem as an anti-bacterial drug for these resistant strains, against which it has shown promising activity in the laboratory tests. Because of its antiseptic qualities, neem oil is also well suited for medicinal soaps and pharmaceuticals such as salves and creams. Neem oil is used in cosmetics for creams, lotions and shampoos.

It has a wide spectrum of action and can be safely used for a variety of skin conditions. Neem oil and many of its constituents have been successfully used against a wide range of bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. Neem oil has been reported to be effective against certain human fungi, which are even difficult to control, by modern synthetic fungicides. These include some Trichophyton, Epidermophyton, Microsporum, Trichosporon, Geotricum and Candida. Neem oil inhibited the growth of all the three strains of Mycobacterium in a concentration of 12.5 mg/ml.

Neem oil has consistently shown moderate to potent anti-bacterial activity against a wide range of Gram positive and Gram negative microorganism. The oil possess marked spectrum of anti-bacterial activity against Gram negative and positive microorganisms including M. tuberculosis, streptomycin resistant strain. Neem oil absorbs quickly into the skin and has good skin penetration. It’s compounds are non-irritating and are known to have a minimum of allergic reactions. It is neither too hot (ushna) nor too cold (sheetha) in potency (veerya) and subsides pitta and kapha dosha, promoting holistic health for mind, body and spirit.

If you are looking for a natural remedy for skin irritations, pure medicinal grade Neem oil could well be your answer.

IN WHAT OTHER WAYS CAN THE NEEM TREE BE USED?

Apart from its suitability to provide shade and for Afforestation the wood of the neem tree is very much in demand. The trunk and branches are ideal for building being both strong and rather resistant to termites. It is also used for firewood and in the making of charcoal.

There is an important point to remember when using neem for firewood: If, as is common practice in many countries, the branches and the top of the tree are regularly pruned, it will be some time before the trees again produce fruit as they will first try to re-establish branches. Thus the combined use of the neem tree for insecticide and firewood is only possible when the tree is left undisturbed for several years. In other words: In order to produce insecticide, the original branches should be left intact (fruit production begins in 3 – 4 years). Only trees that are at least 10 years old should be used for firewood and only after the younger trees, planted later, have begun to produce sufficient fruit.

SOME ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The neem tree (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) thrives almost anywhere in the tropical lowland, upto 800 m above sea level. It is resistant to extreme drought and grows where the annual rainfall is as sparse as 300 mm. Moreover, it grows very quickly and makes few demands on the soil fertility. The neem tree, therefore, grows in a wide variety of places. Hilltops and infertile, depleted land (e.g., Eroded hillsides) are as suitable as stony, flat land or hard laterite. The neem tree may be used to line avenues, to border roads or fields and in mixed cultivation with fruit trees. The average annual fruit yield from a mature neem tree is above 20 kg. Apart from insecticides, neem oil may be extracted from the seed. 30 kg neem seeds produce 6 – 8 kg oil. The resulting residue can be used to make insecticides in a similar way as from the whole neem seeds described earlier.

All parts of the neem tree can be utilized. Insecticidal substances are present in various parts of the tree; the highest concentrations are, however, contained in the seeds.

Azadirachtin, the most important insecticidal substance contained the plant, has, even in very small doses, a growth disrupting effect on many insect larvae, i.e. insects which eat this substance are unable to develop to the next larval / nymphal stage and die off. Other pests, such as grasshoppers, avoid or reduce feeding as a reaction to azadirachtin. As tests have repeatedly confirmed, due to its special mode of action, the neem extract is quite harmless for useful insects. Unlike synthetic pesticides, tests carried out over a longer period indicate that development of any resistance to the neem extract is in the short term unprobable. However, where intensive vegetable cultivation is practiced, the exclusive use of neem extract is inadvisable.

One great advantage of the neem extract is that even after repeated application on vegetable crops, it remains perfectly harmless for humans.

KEGUNAAN POKOK NEEM

The NEEM tree (Azadirachta indica) is a tropical evergreen tree native to India and is also found in other southeast countries. In India, neem is known as “the village pharmacy” because of its healing versatility, and it has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for more than 4,000 years due to its medicinal properties. Neem is also called ‘arista’ in Sanskrit- a word that means ‘perfect, complete and imperishable’. The seeds, bark and leaves contain compounds with proven antiseptic, antiviral, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer and antifungal uses. The Sanskrit name ‘nimba’ comes from the term ‘nimbati syasthyamdadati’ which means ‘to give good health’.

The earliest documentation of neem mentioned the fruit, seeds, oil, leaves, roots and bark for their advantageous medicinal properties. These benefits are listed in the ancient documents ‘Carak- Samhita’ and ‘Susruta-Samhita’, the books at the foundation of the Indian system of natural treatment, Ayurveda. Neem has a garlic-like odor, and a bitter taste. The various parts of this tree have many uses that aptly give neem its name in Sanskrit-“sarva roga nivarini”, meaning ‘the curer of all ailments’. Some of the most important documented uses of various parts of the neem tree are:

	Neem oil is extracted from the seeds of the neem tree and has insecticidal and medicinal properties due to which it has been used for thousands of years in pest control, cosmetics, medicines, etc. Please see neem oil & its uses for detailed information.
	Neem seed cake (residue of neem seeds after oil extraction) when used for soil amendment or added to soil, not only enriches the soil with organic matter but also lowers nitrogen losses by inhibiting nitrification. It also works as a nematicide.
	Neem leaves are used to treat chickenpox and warts by directly applying to the skin in a paste form or by bathing in water with neem leaves. In order to increase immunity of the body, neem leaves are also taken internally in the form of neem capsules or made into a tea. The tea is traditionally taken internally to reduce fever caused by malaria. This tea is extremely bitter. It is also used to soak feet for treating various foot fungi. It has also been reported to work against termites. In Ayurveda, neem leaves are used in curing neuromuscular pains. Neem leaves are also used in storage of grains.
	Twigs of neem are also used in India and Africa as toothbrushes. Nowadays toothpastes with neem extracts are also available commercially.
	Neem (leaf and seed) extracts have been found to be spermicidal and thus research is being conducted to use neem extracts for making contraceptives. Neem produces pain relieving, anti-inflammatory and fever reducing compounds that can aid in the healing of cuts, burns, earaches, sprains and headaches, as well as fevers.
	Neem bark and roots also have medicinal properties. Bark & roots in powdered form are also used to control fleas & ticks on pets.
	Neem has anti-bacterial properties that help in fighting against skin infections such as acne, psoriasis, scabies, eczema, etc. Neem extracts also help in treating diabetes, AIDS, cancer, heart disease, herpes, allergies, ulcers, hepatitis and several other diseases.
	There are many active constituents of Neem.

Neem oil, leaves and neem extracts are used to manufacture health and beauty care products. Some of such products are soaps, bath powders, shampoos, lotions and creams, toothpastes, neem leaf tablets to increase immunity, insect repellents, pet care products, etc.

Neem extracts have been approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for use on food crops. It has been proven in various research studies that Neem is non-toxic to birds, beneficial insects or humans and protects crops from over 200 of the most costly pests.

KAMBING

A TREE FOR SOLVING GLOBAL PROBLEM

MEDICINAL uses of neem:
ANTIPATHOGEN- effects are selective against parasites: INSECTS (eg Head Lice, Whitefly, Weevil, Caterpillars, Fleas, Moths), WORMS, FUNGI (eg Athletes Foot, Yeast Infection), BACTERIA (eg Leprosy, Tuberculosis) and VIRUS (eg Malaria, Flu)
IMMUNO-MODULATOR,
ANTICANCEROUS,
ANTIVIRAL,
ANTIFUNGAL,
ANTIALLERGEN,
ANTIDIABETIC,
CNS EFFECT,
ANTIHEPATOTOXIC (liver),
WOUND HEALING,
CARDIO-VASCULAR,
SKIN DISEASES (eg eczema, psoriasis),
ANTI-HEMORRHOIDS,
ANTI-PYRETIC (fever),
ANTI-HISTAMINE,
ANTI-ARTHRITIC,
ANTI-INFERTILITY,
CONTRACEPTIVE,
ANTI-OXIDANT,
ANTI-LEPROTIC,

AGRICULTURAL uses:
STORAGE OF GRAINS
WOOD
FISHERIES
PESTICIDE (kills Threadworms (Nematodes), repels Slugs and snails, but is beneficial for spiders, bees, wasps, ladybirds, birds, bats and earthworms)
ANTI-AFLATOXIN (toxin produced by fungus on many common commercial crops such as cotton)
FERTILISER

FORESTRY uses: Improvement of soil, Wind breaker, Mulching...

HOUSEHOLD: Pest repellent, Fuel, Soap...


THE VIDEO SOURCES ARE BOTH CANADIAN DOCUMENTARIES

1. The Nature of Things with David Suzuki (1994)
This 46-minute film focuses primarily on the use of neem as insecticide and the discovery of Azadirachtin:
Neem Trees are used for reforestation, because it can grow well in dry conditions and sheds leaves all year round.
Neem is mentioned in the Indian Vedas. Neem is beneficial for all human skin disorders, the skin of animals and plants and the skin of the Earth.
Neem sticks are used as tooth brushes, and neem extracts in toothpaste. Cavities & Periodontitis are caused by bacteria which are killed by neem (ANTIBACTERIAL). Neem is ANTI-INFLAMMATORY & ANTI-ULCEROGENIC (cures inflammation and ulcers).
Fed to livestock it is nutritious, medicinal and ANTHELMINTIC (expels parasitic worms).
It is part of sustainable agriculture as a fertilizer & pesticide. Totally non-toxic to plants, people, birds, fish.
In the fight against malaria, neem acts both as insect repellent & an ANTIMALARIAL (anti-viral oral treatment for infection and relief of symptoms).
Alternative to conventional pesticides (more effective, non-toxic, selective). There is no need for farmers to isolate active ingredients for synthesis. Neem contains hundreds of beneficial compounds complete with packaging. Why were attempts made by large pharmaceutical companies to restrict its use?

2. The Corporation (Mark Achbar 2003)

Vandana Shiva talking about freedom from intellectual property laws. Governments and corporations were restricting use of Neem, so people all over the world successfully fought back.


THE CHALLENGE NOW FOR NEEM- is against monoculture plantation projects that are funded by corporations. Neem has an invaluable role in the biodiversity of our Ecosphere. To grow it in isolation does not benefit other plants or the Neem Trees.. We must cultivate healthy Wild Neem Trees which live with other wildlife and help to support it. Large Corporate Neem Plantations damage land and produce inferior trees, while paying workers slave wages.
THE PROBLEMS WITH PLANTATION NEEM-
Neem's ability to hold water may cause damage to the water table,
The collection of nutrients on top soil may cause salination of the soil.
The neem trees do not have optimal conditions to mature properly and do not generate the same variety of active components.
The land is owned by corporations, who do not pay workers a fair wage.

www.earthworkstrading.co.uk is an excellent UK-based supplier of wild neem from Africa

other sources of information: "Neem: The Divine Tree : Azadirachta Indica" by Harbans Singh Puri - 1999

"A TREE FOR SOLVING GLOBAL PROBLEMS" -National Research Council,Washington,D.C. 1992.

BIOGAS TEH SERAI

Teknologi biogas hasil teh serai

Oleh LAUPA JUNUS
Gambar SAIFUL BAHARI ASHARI

Najwa Mohd. Nor menunjukkan sistem biogas yang digunakan untuk memproses serai mentah dan menghasilkan teh.

USAHLAH bertanya kepada sesiapa apakah khasiat dan manfaat Cymbopogon citratus kerana ramai akan terpinga-pinga?

Namun menyebut sahaja serai, ramai akan tersenyum kerana telah maklum bahawa herba tersebut sudah diketahui khasiatnya sejak turun temurun.

Serai biasanya digunakan dalam masakan bukan sahaja kerana khasiatnya tetapi juga aroma yang membuka selera.

Sebab itu, banyak syarikat industri kecil dan sederhana (IKS) memanfaatkan serai sama ada untuk dijadikan masakan atau rempah yang telah ditumbuk untuk kegunaan masakan.

Pada masa sama, penyelidikan untuk mencari khasiat serai terus dijalankan, bagi mencari kemungkinan sebatian aktif dalam serai boleh bertindak dalam melawan penyakit tertentu.

Manfaat serai

Menyedari serai mempunyai pelbagai kegunaan, sebuah syarikat tempatan, Rapat Nusantara Sdn. Bhd. memanfaatkan tanaman herba tersebut untuk menghasilkan minuman herba berkhasiat.

Produk yang mereka hasilkan ialah teh serai berjenama Citralife yang telah mula berada di pasaran sejak tahun lepas.

Syarikat tersebut terlibat dalam penanaman, pemprosesan, pengedaran dan pemasaran serai sejak 2008 lagi.

Menurut jurutera syarikat yang banyak memainkan peranan penting membangunkan produk mereka, Najwa Mohd. Nor, pihaknya telah terlibat dalam penanaman serai dengan hasrat mempopularkan teh daripada herba tersebut terutama kepada mereka yang mementingkan kesihatan.

Najwa berkata, peluang menceburkan diri dengan industri pemprosesan serai perlu dimanfaatkan selepas Azed Bina Sdn. Bhd. menerima geran daripada Kementerian Sains, Teknologi dan Inovasi (MOSTI) bagi sistem atau mesin biogas.

Azed Bina bekerjasama dengan Rapat Nusantara untuk memproses dan mengeringkan serai dengan teknologi hijau yang mesra alam.

Pada mulanya , ia hanya dimanfaatkan untuk industri biomas atau penjanaan tenaga daripada bahan terbuang.

Pihaknya mendapati, sistem tersebut boleh dimanfaatkan untuk menghasilkan produk serai dengan menggunakan pemanasan pada suhu 100 darjah Celsius.

Pada masa sama, mereka menjalankan kajian mengenai manfaat serai dan mendapati kandungan citral yang terkandung dalam herba tersebut boleh membantu dalam penjagaan kesihatan antaranya membantu mengurangkan kolesterol, membantu mengurangkan tekanan darah dan terdapat khasiat lain.

''Berdasarkan kandungan citral tersebut, kami menamakan jenama produk kami sebagai Citralife,'' ujarnya ketika ditemui di pusat pemprosesan serai di Jalan Enam, di Jalan Chan Sow Lin, Kuala Lumpur baru-baru ini.

Beliau berkata, kandungan citral dalam Citrallife agak tinggi iaitu 280 peratus berbanding kandungan semula jadinya dalam pokok serai.

Menurut Najwa, teknologi untuk memproses serai tersebut direka dan dibina sendiri oleh pihak syarikat.

''Sistem ini mampu memproses satu tan serai segar sehari untuk dijadikan minuman herba Citralife.

Serai segar perlu dibersihkan dan dipotong terlebih dahulu sebelum dikeringkan dan dikisar.

Sebanyak tiga tan serai segar diperlukan untuk menghasilkan 500 kilogram, serai kering.

''Pihak kami sendiri telah menjalankan ujian perbezaan antara serai segar dan kering (Citralife) di FRIM (Institut Penyelidikan Perhutanan Malaysia) Kepong, dan hasil ujian mendapati kandungan citral (agen yang mampu membunuh sel kanser) dalam serai kering tiga kali lebih tinggi berbanding serai segar.

''Orang yang minum jus serai segar juga tidak mendapat kesan yang sama sebagaimana mereka meminum Citralife,'' kata Najwa.

Kata Najwa, minuman serai ini merupakan tradisi orang Melayu yang makin dilupakan generasi muda.

Banyak khasiat dan kajian telah dijalankan terutama di negara-negara asing mengenai pengaruh serai dalam kesihatan manusia, terutamanya dalam penyakit kanser, darah tinggi, arthritis dan lain-lain.

Katanya, Citralife dihasilkan dalam dua bentuk produk iaitu uncang yang dijual dalam satu paket mengandungi 15 uncang teh berharga RM16 dan bungkusan 80 gram berharga RM12.

Najwa berkata, sejak berada di pasaran kira-kira setahun lepas, produk tersebut mendapat maklum balas menggalakkan daripada pengguna.

Pihaknya juga mendapat banyak respons yang baik daripada pesakit-pesakit darah tinggi, artritis dan beberapa pesakit kanser.

''Tidak disangka serai yang selama ini digunakan sebagai bahan ramuan dalam masakan mempunyai ubat untuk merawat pelbagai penyakit tanpa kita sedari,'' katanya.

Kini produk berkenaan memperoleh pensijilan halal daripada Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia (Jakim) dan sijil kategori makanan daripada Kementerian Kesihatan.

Mereka yang berminat untuk mendapatkan maklumat lanjut boleh menghubungi 03-79872080 atau layari http://lemongrassherbal.blogspot.com

BIOMANIS

Biomanis daripada pemanis semula jadi

satu botol Biomanis boleh digunakan untuk 400 gelas air.

TIDAK ramai yang mengetahui apakah pokok stevia, apatah lagi maklum akan khasiatnya. Namun segelintir daripada kita yang sukakan kemanisan tetapi bencikan kemudaratan mungkin memilih pokok ini sebagai pemanis.

Ini kerana stevia sudah mula dikenali sebagai alternatif kepada gula untuk pemanis dalam minuman.

Ada yang melabelkan 'gula sebagai racun', 'gula lebih bahaya daripada dadah', 'gula pembunuh senyap' dan macam-macam lagi.

Di sinilah stevia memainkan peranan kerana bahaya gula telah menampakkan impak dan kesan sangat positif kepada masyarakat.

Pengambilan makanan manis yang mengandungi tinggi kalori tanpa khasiat dan serat dalam jangka panjang mampu menyingkirkan beberapa vitamin dan zat galian dari dalam badan.

Melihatkan betapa seriusnya peningkatan pesakit diabetes ini, Perintis Dagangan Sdn. Bhd. (Perintis), sebuah syarikat yang telah lama terlibat dalam kajian dan pembangunan hasil pertanian ini telah mengeluarkan produk Biomanis iaitu sejenis pemanis semula jadi yang berasaskan 100 peratus ekstrak daun pokok stevia gred A+ dengan kadar kemanisan yang lebih tinggi berbanding gula tebu.

Bagaimanapun Biomanis ini tidak mengandungi kalori, lemak, kolestrol, protein, toksik, glukos dan karbohidrat.

Memandangkan Biomanis mempunyai kadar kemanisan yang tinggi berbanding gula, maka sebotol produk tersebut boleh digunakan untuk 400 gelas air. Sekotak Biomanis yang mengandungi lima botol ini boleh digunakan untuk tempoh setahun.

Pembelian sekotak Biomanis dilihat lebih praktikal berbanding penggunaan sebotol sahaja memandangkan tindak balas gula stevia pada badan mengambil masa untuk menolak segala stok glukos dan kalori yang terdapat pada darah yang telah lama berada di dalam badan.

Menurut Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Perintis, Norzana Rafie, selain daripada khasiat dan kelebihan semula jadi secara biologi yang terkandung di dalam Biomanis ini proses pembuatan produk ini disulam dengan beberapa khasiat dan kebaikan secara metafizik.

''Ini termasuk bacaan 30 juzuk al-Quran, ayat dan selawat syifa', doa-doa mustajab dan terbaik dari al-Quran dan hadis, Asma al-Husna dan banyak lagi,'' katanya.

Menurut beliau, ia bertujuan menambahkan keberkatan dan keberkesanan penggunaan produk ini sesuai dengan peranan Biomanis sebagai pemanis semula jadi terbaik.

Melalui beberapa ujian kadar gula dalam darah oleh beberapa doktor penasihat, Biomanis menunjukkan kesan yang amat menakjubkan kerana ujian ke atas kadar gula selepas dua jam menunjukkan kadar gula adalah sama seperti sebelum meminumnya.

Ini jelas membuktikan dengan menggunakan Biomanis dalam air, ia tidak menambahkan kadar glukos dan kalori dalam darah.

Semua orang yang mengamalkan Biomanis juga boleh membuat ujian darah sendiri sekiranya ingin mendapatkan pengesahan dan menambah keyakinan.

Biomanis dikatakan pemanis semula jadi paling mesra dengan pesakit diabetes, darah tinggi dan obesiti. Menurut satu kajian mendapati jumlah karbohidrat, kalori dan glukos yang terkandung di dalam gula tebu antara penyumbang kepada kenaikkan paras gula dalam darah.

Dengan menggantikan penggunaan gula tebu kepada Biomanis ini secara amalan yang konsisten dan berpanjangan, kita mampu menghentikan kemasukan kalori, karbohidrat dan glukos yang baru secara berlebihan dalam badan.

Lama-kelamaan lemak dan kalori yang dah lama tersimpan dalam badan akan terbakar untuk bekalan tenaga.

Memandangkan Biomanis tidak menghasilkan glukos maka ekstrak ini mempunyai potensi untuk menjadi agen antihiperglisemik untuk diabetes.

Pengambilan gula stevia yang konsisten dan kerap dalam menggantikan gula tidak akan memudaratkan memandangkan sifat daun stevia yang sifar segalanya.

Produk berkenaan dijual dalam botol dengan harga RM59.90 yang boleh digunakan untuk dua bulan setengah dan satu kotak besar yang mengandungi lima botol dijual pada harga RM200 sekotak boleh digunakan untuk tempoh setahun.

Memandangkan satu botol Biomanis boleh digunakan untuk 400 gelas air maka pelanggan hanya perlu membelanjakan kira-kira 10 sen sahaja untuk segelas minuman sekali gus berpeluang menikmati hidup yang lebih sihat dan menjauhi kesan bahaya gula.

Selain digunakan dalam minuman seperti teh, kopi atau minuman kegemaran lain, Biomanis juga disarankan penggunaannya ketika mengambil minuman berherba seperti teh misai kucing, mas cotek, tunjuk langit dan lain-lain bagi menambahkan keberkesanan herba tersebut pada badan.

Selain itu, sifat ekstrak daun stevia yang tahan pada suhu yang tinggi, terikat dan tidak terampai ini boleh digunakan di dalam masakan berempah dengan menambah secubit Biomanis ke dalam masakan bagi menambahkan keenakan masakan dan mengelakkan masakan bersantan dari cepat basi.

POKOK MORINGA

MORINGA TREE

LEAF – NUTRITION MEDICINE

FLOWER – MEDICINE

TREE – ALLEY CROPPING & EROSION CONTROL

SEEDS – WATER PURIFICATION & MEDICINE OIL

PODS – MEDICINE

BARKS – NUTRITION MEDICINE

MORINGA CONTAIN ( GRAM TO GRAM)

FRESH LEAVES

7 X MORE VITAMIN C DLM OREN

4 X MORE VITAMIN A DLM CARROT

2 X MORE PROTIEN DLM YOGURT

3 X MORE POTASIUM DLM PISANG

4 X MORE KALSIUM DLM SUSU

3X MORE IRON THAN IN SPINACH

DRY LEAVES

25 X MORE THAN IN SPINACH

0.75 X THE VITAMIN C AS IN ORANGES

15 X MORE POTASSIUM THAN IN BANANA

17 X MORE CALSIUM THAN IN MILK

10 X MORE VITAMIN A THAN CARROT

4 X MORE PROTIEN THAN IN EGG

MULTI VITAMIN DLM POKOK/DAUN MORINGA

VITAMIN A,B1,B2,C, CALSIUM. COPPER, CHROMIUM, IRON, MAGNESIUM, MANGANESE, FOSFORUS, POTASSIUM, PROTEIN & ZINC

MORINGA LEAVES CONTAIN ALL THE ESSENTIAL AMINO ACIDS :

ISOLEUCINE, LEUCIN, LYSINE, METHIONINE, PHENYLALANINE,THREONINE,THRYPTOPHAN, VALINE, ARGININE, HISTIDINE

MIRACLE TREE

TREE OF LIFE