KENCUR

Kencur or commonly known in the scientific world as Kaempferia galanga L. In Indonesia is known in various regional names such as ceuku (Aceh), tekur (Gayo), kaciwer (Karo), cakue (Minangkabau), Cekur (Lampung), kencur (Java), cikur (Sunda), Kencor (Madura), batako (Manado), watan (Minahsa), (Gorontalo), cakuru (Makassar), Ceku (Bugis), niche (Bali), cekur (Sasak), sokus (Roti), Sukung (Timor), suha (Seram), assuli (Ambon), Onegai (Buru), Bataka (Ternate, Tidore), ukap (Irian).

This plant is expected to come from Tropical Asia region. Most people suspect that the origin kencur is Indo-Malaysian region. But other literature sources to make sure that kencur plant origin is from India and subsequently cultivated by the countries in various parts of southeast Asia, southern China, to Australia.

In Indonesia alone, kencur first present in the Maluku, because at that moment spices in Indonesia is based in Maluku. Kencur cropping center is still concentrated in Java, especially Central Java and East Java. One of the central areas of greatest kencur today is Boyolali (Central Java), which in 1992 contained kencur planting area covering 703 hectares with a production of 1,301 tons of wet logs.

Kencur (Kaempferia galanga L.) is widely used as raw material for traditional medicine (herbal medicine), fitofarmaka, cosmetics, food and beverage flavoring, spices, sauces and mixed materials, cigarette in the cigarette industry. Empirically kencur used as an appetite enhancer, a bacterial infection, cough, dysentery, tonic, expectorant, colds, stomach aches. Essential oil in the rhizome kencur sinnamat containing ethyl and methyl p-methoxycinnamate are widely used in the cosmetics industry and is used as an asthma medication and anti-fungal. The many benefits of kencur enable the development carried out intensive cultivation adjusted to the desired end product. Production, quality and content of active ingredients in the rhizome kencur determined by the varieties used, the way the growth of aquaculture and the environment.

Kencur main product is the rhizome which can be used as a medicinal plant material (botanicals) Traditionally, industrial raw material for beverages and spices. Priangan (West Java) kencur leaves are commonly used as raw salad.

Chemical Substances

Almost all parts of the kencur plant contain essential oils. Chemicals that have been widely studied is the rhizome, which contain essential oils 2.4% -3.9%, also cinnamal, aldehide, p-cumarik motile acid, ethyl ester and pentadekan.

In other literature mentioned that the rhizome kencur contains sineol, paraeumarin, anisic acid, gum, starch (4.14%) and minerals (13.73%). The chemical content is very useful for medications, especially cough, abdominal pain and drug transpiration. Based on laboratory analysis, the essential oil in the rhizome kencur contains more than 23 types of compounds. Seven of which contain aromatic compounds, monoterpena, and sesquiterpene.

Chemical constituents present in the rhizome kencur are: starch (4.14%), minerals (13.73%), oil astiri (0.02%), cineol, kanil metal acid, penta independence, cinnamic acid, ethyl aster, sinamic acid, borneol, kamphene, paraeumarin, anisic acids, alkaloids, and gums

Types of Kencur

Based on the type leaves, there are 2 types of kencur namely:

1.   Kencur broadleaf, which is characterized by the shape of its leaves are wide and large, nearly circular and relatively very short petiole. Kencur type of this is currently the most widely planted by farmers. Cultivars (clones) kencur broadleaf is Boyolali, Boro, Kalipare, Ketawang, Arjosari, Corporal and Bogor.

2.   Kencur narrow-leaved, which is characterized by the shape of its leaves are elongated and slim narrow and relatively long petiole than kencur broadleaf species.

The Composition of the Body

Kencur is included in the small herb life cycle of a season or several seasons. Body composition kencur plant consists of:

1.   The roots and rhizomes

A finely branched roots stay attached to the tubers and roots called "rhizome". Rhizome kencur partly overground. Rhizomes generally spherical shape, the central part is white and yellowish brown edges and fragrant. Kencur rhizomes are in the soil and forked branches huddled with parent rhizome in the middle. Epidermis brown and white inner aqueous pungent smell. Young rhizomes yellowish white with a water content of more and older overgrown rhizome root rhizome segments yellowish-white segment.

2.   Stem and Leaf

Kencur plant has a very short pseudo-stem, formed from the stem-leaf midrib overlap. The kencur leaves grow single, widened and leveled almost flush with the ground surface. The number of leaves varies between 8-10 strands and grow opposite each other. Elliptical leaf shape extends to circular, the size of leaves 7-12 cm long and 3-6 cm wide, as well as fleshy bit wide.

3.   Flowers and Fruit

Kencur flowers out in the form of granules half sitting on the end of the crop in between the leaves. Flower color white, purple to violet and each flower stalk flower numbered 4-12. Kencur white flowers fragrant leaves composed of four crowns. Leaved flower stalk small round 2-3 cm, unbranched, can grow more than satiu stalk, stem length of 5-7 cm is round and segmented sections. Pistil protruding upward size of 1 - 1.5 cm long, funnel-shaped short stalk juice. Kencur fruit including fruit segmented box 3 with ovaries are located sinking, but difficult to produce seed.

Conditions of Growth

For growth kencur optimum required land with altitude 50-600 m. The temperature annual average of 25-30 °C, the number of wet months 5-9 months per year and dry month 5-6 months, rainfall per year in 2500 - 4000 mm, the intensity of sunlight is full (100%) or shaded to 25-30% until the plant is 6 months old, soil drainage is good, the texture of clay to sandy clay loam, slope <3%, with the type of soil latosol, regosol, association between latosols-andosol, regosol-latosol and regosol-litosol, with soil acidity from 4.5 to 5.0 can be added or agricultural lime (kaptan / dolomite) to raise the pH to 5.5 to 6.5. In addition, the land must also be free of diseases, especially bacterial wilt.

          

Efficacy Kencur Plant

Efficacy kencur plants that can be used as a traditional medicine as follows:

1.   Inflammation of the Stomach

2.   Children Ear Inflammation

3.   Influenza in infants

4.   Cold

5.   Headache

6.   Cough

7.   Diarrhea

8.   Eliminate Dirty Blood

9.   Streamlining menstruation

10. Eye sore

11. Sprain

12. Eliminate Tired

13. Treating heartburn in the stomach

14. Tetanus

15. Tempeh Bongkrek Poisoning

16. Vomiting

17. Mushroom Poisoning

18. Acne

19. Migraine

20. Pegal-rheumatic

21. Kidney stones

22. Asthma Drugs

23. Tetanus

24. Slimming

YAM

In everyday life, called yam is a tuber (cormus) of the plant yam (Pachyrrhizus erosus). Yam plants belong to the tribe of legumes or Fabaceae. Yam is a tuber vegetables that come from the roots resemble potatoes, but it's great as brown turnip. In America these plants are known as xicama or jicama. In English, the yam tuber known as yambean. In Indonesia, the tuber known as yam or jicama, whereas in Java called Besusu.

Yam is usually consumed in the fresh form alone or as part of a salad, pickles, preserves, salads, cocktails, or juice. When eaten raw, it has a mild flavor with a crunchy texture, not like raw pears. Yam can be eaten raw, sprinkled with salt and lime juice. The addition of honey and lemon juice into the yam is believed to prevent ulcers. Yam also be used in stir-fry to serve as a side dish. For adults it is recommended to take 2 to 3 cups of vegetables to eat every day.

Besides as food, yam tuber traditionally also very well known in the world of beauty, which as a beauty mask for whitening and refreshing the skin. Yam is not just a skin whitening, antioxidants exist in food is to be able to prevent anticancer and other degenerative diseases. Can also be used to help overcome hemorrhoids and fever. In today's modern life, masks yam has been marketed in the form of powder or paste ready to use.

Yam Morphology

Yam is an annual plant that can reach lengths of 4-5 m, while its roots can reach 2 m. Spread and twisted trunk, with fine hairs that point downward.

Pinnate compound leaves leaf litter 3; stemmed 8, 5-16 cm; wide egg round leaflets, with a pointed end and a large-toothed, hairy on both sides; child leaves a big tip, lozenge, 7-21 × 6-20 cm.

Flowers gathered in bunches at the end or in the armpit leaves, alone or in groups of 2-4 bunches, up to 60 cm long, brown hair. Tube bell-shaped petals, browned, about 0.5 cm long. White crown bluish purple, bald, ± 2 cm long. Stalk flattened, with the tip slightly rolled; anthers form a ball, under the tip of the stalk pistil, stalk pistil beneath the stigma beards. The pods form a line, flattened, 8-13 cm long, hairy, 4-9 seeded grains.

Yam Cultivation

Historically, the plant yam comes from the Central and South America, in particular Mexico area. Yam plant was originally considered as drugs by the Aztecs, mainly due to the benefits of the seeds. Furthermore, by the Spanish, yam spread to the area of ​​the Philippines. Arrival of the Spanish to Asia in the 17^th century that had a big hand in spreading the yam plant, up to the rest of Asia and the Pacific. Yam plants into Indonesia from Manila via Ambon. Starting from Ambon, yam then cultivated throughout the country. Yam production centers today is Java, Madura, and in some other areas, particularly in the lowlands. Varieties are widely cultivated in Indonesia is the elephant yam and Badoer yam. The difference between the two types is the yam harvest time. Elephant yam varieties can be harvested when the plant enters the age of four to five months. Badoer yam varieties have a longer harvest time. This type can only be harvested when the plants aged seven to eleven months. In practice cultivation, yam plants are often planted on the sidelines of the pepper plant. This is because the roots of yam plants have the ability to symbiosis with Rhizobium which can tie up nitrogen from the air. With a wide range of climatic conditions, particularly the wet tropics, yam can adapt and grow well. The existence of yam plants that can fix nitrogen makes the supply of nitrogen for plants pepper fulfilled, so it does not need the addition of nitrogen from the outside (in the form of urea).

Yam tubers can not stand low temperatures, so easily damaged. Therefore, the tubers should be stored in a dry place a maximum temperature of 16 °C. Storage of tubers at the appropriate temperature and humidity will make yam hold up to about 2 months.

Yam Chemical Content And Pharmacological Effects

According to the literature, the pharmacological effects of yam tubers are sweet, cool, cool, cool and nutritious. Chemical content yam is pachyrhizon, rotenon, vitamin B1 and vitamin C. yam tubers contain protein, phosphorous, iron, vitamin A, B1 and C. The yam leaves contains saponins and flavonoids. While the seed yam contains saponins, flavonoids and essential oils. Yam contains vitamin C, flavonoids and saponins which is a natural sunscreen to prevent skin damaged by free radicals. Additionally, phenolic substances in yam quite effectively inhibit the formation of melanin, so that the pigmentation due to hormones, sunlight, and acne scars can be prevented and reduced. Although the edible tuber, yam plants containing organic toxins are fat soluble that rotenone in large numbers. It is concentrated in the top of the leaves, stems but the rate is much lower in the roots. Several studies have found that it is associated with the development of Parkinson's disease. However, the roots are peeled will be safe for human consumption, including among children. Rotenone works at the cellular level, by inhibiting some metabolic enzymes such as dehydrogenase in mitochondria. This poison is often used to kill insects or fish. Part of yam seeds and leaves contain toxins. Therefore, to avoid poisoning the amount of use of the two parts of the plants need to be considered.

Yam is naturally high in fiber, while the fiber is important for a healthy diet and can help reduce levels of blood pressure, prevent and relieve constipation. However, too much fiber in a short time can cause gastrointestinal side effects. It is specifically can cause abdominal pain and constipation can be if a sudden increase in fiber intake in the diet. To reduce the likelihood of this happening, especially when low-fiber diet at first, do it gradually to increase fiber intake. Dietary fiber soften with cooking, will make the fiber more digestible.

Yam Nutrient Content Of Substances And Phytonutrients

Bulbs is the most widely consumed of yam plants. The inside of the bulb contains sugar, starch, and oligosaccharides known as inulin. Uniquely, inulin can not be immediately diasup by the body as a source of sugar, but need to process further breakdown by the enzyme inulinase. Inulin nature is very useful for applications of products for people with diabetes mellitus as well as being low-calorie diet. Yam tubers are often consumed because they give a fresh effect. This effect arises because the water content in the tubers are quite high, around 86 to 90 percent. The high water content can replace body fluids, so that we feel refreshed. In addition, the yam also contains high mineral. The minerals contained in the yam is the most dominant phosphorus, iron, and calcium.

In a study of 100 grams of yam containing the nutrient content as follows: 0.04 mg Vitamin B1, 20 mg Vitamin C, 0.04 mg Vitamin B1, 0 IU Vitamin A, 85g Water, 55 kcal Energy, 1 mg Iron, 1.4 g protein, 0.2 g fat, 12.8 g carbohydrates, 15 mg calcium, 18 mg phosphorus.

The main content of yam is water, which is 85 grams per 100 grams of tubers. Energy levels are quite low (55 kcal/100 g) allows the yam to be consumed as food that is good for implementing a low-calorie diet and diabetes mellitus. The content of vitamin C are fairly high (20 mg/100 g), allows the yam is used as a potential source of antioxidants to counteract free radicals attack the causes of cancer and degenerative diseases.

Yam Benefits

According to the literature that records the experience from generation to generation from various countries and regions, these plants can cure diseases as follows:

a.   Treating Hemorrhoids. 

b.   Treating Fever. 

c.   Diabetes Mellitus. 

d.   Treating Thrush. 

e.   Menopause Effects (For Natural phytoestrogens). 

f.    Blood Cholesterol Levels. 

g.   Stomach Acid interference. 

h.  Beriberi Disease. 

i.    Keep The Immune System. 

For the treatment, yam can cope with various diseases such as diabetes, fever, eczema, ulcers, and hemorrhoids. In addition to bulbs, other plant parts that can be used as medicine are the roots, seeds, and stems. For people with diabetes, can be shredded yam, filtered, and then taken twice daily melting section.

Although yam has a pharmacological effect as a remedy for various ailments such as fever, skin diseases, and abdominal pain, this plant is also dangerous because it contains a toxin in the seeds and leaves. Use of seeds and leaves part needs to be aware in order to avoid poisoning. Not only in the field of health and food, yam is also applied to the field of cosmetic industry. The roots or tubers yam cold powder used as an ingredient for skin care, thus becoming the face look more fresh, smooth, and white. Benefits as cosmetics, make yam identical with skin whitening effect. Yam in the form of herb mask, since time immemorial it has been believed to sublimate, whiten, and remove spots or stains on the face.

The main content of the yam is vitamin C, which in the yam tubers are vitamin C content of 40% and the rest is water and fiber. This is one of the yam tuber with the highest vitamin C content. To that end, yam can routinely consume sufficient vitamin C daily.

Similarly to the skin, vitamin C at yam is needed to regenerate skin cells, repair damaged skin cells and replacing them with new cells. Regenerate skin properly will avoid premature aging are usually marked with wrinkles and dark circles around the eye area. Yam use for beauty is often treated as a mask and scrub to get rid of scars and black spots on the skin of the face and body. From the description of the yam above, many benefits that impact both on the skin, include:

1.   Eliminate the black stains on the face. 

2.   Provide cooling effect. 

3.   Whiten face. 

How to make a mask of yam not difficult. Here are the steps. Prepare yam and wash thoroughly. Peeled and shredded. Squeeze the grated and the capacity of the water in the bowl and discard the waste. Let stand a few minutes before the results of juice. Let it settle to the bottom of the container. Discard the remaining water and sediment grab it. The precipitate that is used as a yam mask. When sediment much, the rest can be stored in containers hygienic bag after dry deposition and powder.

How to use a yam mask. Clean your face first. Apply precipitate yam on face and neck using a mask to help brush evenly. Let stand about 30 minutes or until the mask dries. Once dry, clean and dry face mask with a soft towel or that has been moistened with warm water.

How To Select And Store Yam

Yam generally available at any time on the market. Choose a color yam with firm, round and of medium size. Avoid wrinkled yam, or tubers with a cutting surface, cracks and skin bruising.

Once at home, yam can be stored like potatoes and also have a very good shelf life and keep well in a cool, dry, dark place for about 2-4 weeks. Exposure to temperatures below 10 °C will change color and texture. Also, storage extend the conversion of starch into sugar, which makes it less used in savory dishes.

Yam is often used in cooking as a crunchy texture even when exposed to heat. Yam can be sliced ​​into stick-shaped, because it will not discolor when exposed to air. Yam is also delicious made for a refreshing snack simply sprinkled with chili powder, lemon or lime. Yam can also be stir-fried or grilled, like radishes to soften but retain their natural flavor.

SHALLOT

Shallot or known by the scientific name Allium cepa L. is one of the members of the familia Liliaceae. Shallot have been known and used by people for thousands of years ago. Shallot plants thought to have come from the Central Asian region, namely the regions of India, Pakistan to Palestine. The Egyptians had known since 3200-2700 BC, the Ancient Greeks since 2100 BC, and Israel found since 1500 BC. Countries in Western Europe, Eastern Europe, and Spain are new to the shallot around the eighth century. From this and shallot spread to the Americas, East Asia and Southeast Asia.

Shallot is a multipurpose vegetable tubers, can be used as a spice in cooking, vegetables, flavoring dishes, as well as traditional medicine as an antiseptic effect and alisin aniline compounds it contains. The active ingredients of shallot essential oil consists of sikloaliin, metilaliin, kaempferol, quercetin, and floroglusin.

The Characteristics Shallot

This plant is an annual herbaceous plant with a height of 40-60 cm. Not trunked, layered bulbous, whitish red, perforated, straight shape, pointed tip, but the average length of ± 50 cm ± 0.5 cm wide, thick and fleshy and contain food supplies consisting of the holes are coated leaves to become bulbs, green.

Plants have root fibers, the hollow cylinder-shaped leaves. Tubers are formed from the base of the leaves together and form stems that change shape and function, enlarged and form a layered bulbs. Shallot bulbs are formed of layers of leaves enlarged and united. Shallot bulbs is not a true tubers such as potato or taro.

Shallot flower is compound interest that stemmed cylindrical-shaped bunches with 50-200 flowers. Has a length of ± 40 cm, green, six stamens, white stem, green anthers, pistil stuck at the base of the flower, the crown ovoid shape, pointed tip, middle white striped. At the tip and base of the stalk shrinking and bulging middle section, shaped like a pipe with holes in it. Stalk bunches of flowers is very long, higher than the leaf itself and reaches 30-50 cm. Fruit will actually formed of three leaves of a fruit called carpel, which formed three rooms and in each room there are two candidates for the seed.

Fruit is round with a blunt tip. Seed shape slightly flattened, triangular and black. Shallot seeds can be used as a generative plant propagation material.

Condition Of Growth

Shallots can be planted well in lowland and highland. Shallots requires a climate of high humidity in the early growth and dry conditions and high temperatures, which is an average of 30 °C. Shallots can be grown well in upland areas, but generally better in low-lying areas up to a height of 30 meters above sea level due to high air temperatures. The height of the ocean surface range from 0-800 meters. Shallots including vegetable plants that are not resistant to rain. The optimum rainfall of 100-200 ml/month.

Shallot crop more developed in the lowlands dry climate with temperatures rather hot and sunny weather. Although shallots do not like a waterlogged but the shallot crop requires a lot of water in the formation of tubers. Shallot developed seasonally dry season (April to October) resulting in production and prices fluctuate throughout the season.

This plant requires fertile soil, many containing humus, loose, and good air exchange, and not stagnant. Favored land is the land of sandy sediment and clay.

Substances Contained In Shallots

Shallot proved to be extremely rich in substances that are useful for our body. To benefit from this shallot, let us know more about the content of this festive shallot. The following important the contents contained in shallot bulbs:

1.   Saponin. Substances contained within this shallot could help to thin the phlegm when you cough disease. Sputum must be diluted because of the dense phlegm would interfere with breathing and also make a sore throat when coughing. Shallot substance is a herb that is very effective as a cough medicine.

2.   Flavonglikosida. Substances contained in shallot is very effective to kill the bacteria, so people often use substances contained within shallot for the treatment of wounds and infections that are not inflamed. Substance of the shallot is very effective as a cure wounds.

3.   Essential Oil. Essential oils contained in the shallots, the benefits are:

a.   Essential oils of shallot has a distinctive aroma, if inhaled can eliminate the headache also restore consciousness when fainting or travel sickness land, sea, or air. Shallot essential oil is very suitable to carry on the way, because the essential oils of shallot serves as preventive medicine carsick, sea or air.

b.   Shallot essential oil is also useful for massage while removing wind from the stomach and blood circulation. When you catch a cold or exposed to other diseases caused by blood circulation is not smooth like menstruation is not smooth in women, massage with essential oils of shallot can be done.

c.   Additionally shallot essential oil is also beneficial to cure blisters on the nipple nursing mothers and shallot essential oil is also a foam to treat hemorrhoids. Shallot essential oil is the best medicine to treat hemorrhoids.

4.   Sikloaliin. Sikloaliin substances shallot is very powerful to lower the body temperature. Sikloaliin shallot substance has the same content with other content on shallot, which metialiin, quercetin, kaemfreol, and floroglusin. Fifth shallot substance is a drug for fever or body temperature very powerful. So the shallot sikloaliin substances can be used to cure fever. Sikloaliin substances shallot is a type of drug known as a full drug tremendous heat.

5.   Floroglusin. Floroglusin substance in shallot bulbs in addition to lower body temperature, shallot floroglisin substances could also prevent the emergence of cancer cells in the body. Floroglusin substance in shallot bulbs is a good cancer-preventing drugs.

6.   Dihidroaliin. These substances shallot dihidroaliin help smooth urination for those who have problems with urination. Based on clinical trials, dihidroaliin substance in shallots can overcome the problem of the content of urine disease. Dihidroaliin shallot substance is widely used by people who have problems with urination.

7.   Peptide. Peptide in shallot is very useful also to reduce blood sugar levels, so that the shallots you can also treat diabetes or diabetes. Peptide in shallot by experts made into a diabetes drug.

8.   Vitamins and Minerals. It has been ascertained that all the shallots contain protein, fat, calcium, phosphorus, iron, vitamin B1 and C which are useful for the human metabolism. If the body's metabolism smoothly then your body will be healthy. So by consuming lots of shallots, you will receive your intake of vitamins and minerals is sufficient for our body. In shallot there are many substances that are required by the body as calories, protein, fat, calcium, and others.

9.   Pectin. Pectin is generally present in the primary cell walls of plants, especially the sidelines between the cellulose and hemi cellulose. Pectin compound also serves as an adhesive between the cell wall with one another. Section between the two walls of the adjacent cell is called lamela middle. As a constituent of plant tissue, pectin substances responsible for the majority of hardness and texture of fruits and vegetables. Network softening of fruits during ripening, the destruction of stability Icoloid fruit concentrates changes are often caused by changes in pectin substances. As an additive, pectin is gelling and thickening invaluable.

Pectin consists mainly of various carbohydrate compounds. compound consists primarily of polysaccharides consisting of D galacturonic acid units linked by 1-4 glucoside bond, galacturonic acid is a derivative of galactose.

The content of nutrients in 100 grams of shallot: Energy 39 kcal, protein 0.3 g, fat 0.2 g, carbohydrates 10.2 g, calcium 36 mg, phosphorus 40 mg, iron 0.8 mg, Vitamin A 0 IU, vitamin B1 0.03 mg, vitamin C 15 mg, water 88 g.

Benefits Of Shallot

Although the shallot has a pungent aroma, it can even make out the tears, it smells indicate that the medicinal compounds in shallots. Aroma arises because of the wide variety of sulfur amino acid that becomes the primary photochemical on shallot.

Phytochemicals most in shallot is allisin and diallyl sulfide. Both of these minerals are very useful for lowering blood pressure, lowering blood sugar, lowering blood cholesterol levels, and as antibiotics.

Because it contains flavonglikosida, he considered anti-inflammatory, bacterial killer, while the content of saponin dilute phlegm. He also has a number of other substances that are efficacious reduce heat, warm, facilitate the issuance of wind from the stomach, launched in urination, prevent blood clotting, reduce cholesterol and blood sugar levels. According to recent research, shallots can also prevent cancer because the content of sulfur. It tuber layer contains substances such as protein, fat, calcium, phosphorus, iron, vitamin B1 and C.

Benefits of the shallot that makes phenomenal in the medical world is the ability to fight against cancer and other dangerous diseases. It can also be a source of powerful antioxidant to fight free radicals in the body.

1.   Cancer Prevention. 

2.   Lower Risk Prostate Cancer.

3.   The Esophagus And Stomach Cancer. 

4.   Set the Sleep and Mood. 

5.   Better For Heart. 

6.   Addressing Flatulence In Children. 

7.   Relieves Cough. 

8.   Controlling Blood Pressure And Cholesterol Levels. 

9.   Coping With Difficult Bowel Movements. 

10. Reduce The Risk Of Diabetes.

11. Lower the fever.

12. Smooth circulation of blood in the baby's body. 

Benefits of the shallot is very diverse, in addition to health shallot is also beneficial in terms of beauty. Here are the benefits of shallot for beauty:

1.   Prevent premature aging. 

2,  Preventing and treating acne, 

3.   Brighten face. 

4.   Coping with black spots. 

Health Risks Of Shallot

Although it is not very serious, eat onion can cause problems for some people. Carbohydrates in shallots can cause gas and bloating, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Shallots, especially if consumed raw, can worsen heartburn in people who suffer from chronic heartburn or gastric reflux disease, according to a 1990 study in the American Journal of Gastroenterology.

Consuming some shallots or increase the consumption of onion can interfere with blood-thinning drugs, according to the University of Georgia. Shallots contain high amounts of vitamin K, which can lower blood function.

Shallot also allows for a food intolerance or allergy to shallots, but cases are rare, according to an article in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. People who have allergies shallot may experience redness, itchy eyes and rashes if shallot contact with the skin. People with intolerance to shallots may experience nausea, vomiting and other stomach discomfort.

TURMERIC

Turmeric is one of spices and medicinal plants native to the South Asian region. These plants then have spread to areas of Malaysia, Indonesia, Australia and even Africa. Almost everyone Indonesia and India and the Asian nations in general been consuming this spice plants, both as a culinary spice supplement, herb or to maintain health and beauty.

Turmeric is known in Latin as Curcuma longa Linn / Curcuma domestica Val. Familia is a plant or parts of the Zingiberaceae. Turmeric has a variety of regional names that differ are: Sumatra: Kakunye (Enggano), Kunyet (Adoh), Yellow (Gayo), Kunyet (Alas), Hunik (Batak), Odil (Simalur), undre, (Nias), Turmeric (Lampung), Turmeric (Malay), Kunyir (Sunda), Turmeric (Central Java), Temo koneng (Madura), Kunit (Banjar), Henda (Ngayu), Turmeric (Olon Manyan), Cahang (Dayak Panyambung), Dio (Panihing), Kalesiau (Kenya), Turmeric (Tidung), Turmeric (Sasak), Huni (Bima), Kaungi (East Sumba), Kunyi (West Sumba), Kewunyi (Savu), Koneh, (Flores), Kuma (Solor), Kumeh (Alor), Kunik (Roti), Hunik turmeric (Timor), Uinida (Talaud), Kuni (Sangir), Alawaha (Gorontalo), Kolalagu (Buol), Pagidon (Toli-Toli), Kuni (Toraja), Kunyi (Ujungpandang), Kunyi (Selayar), Unyi (Bugis), Kuni (Mandar, Kurlai (Leti), Lulu panicle (Babar), Ulin (Corella), Tun (Kayi), unin (Ceram), Kunin (East Seram), unin, (Ambon), Gurai (Halmanera), Garaci (Ternate), Rame (Kapaur), Kandeifa (Nufor), Nikwai (Windesi), Mingguai (Wandamen), Yaw (Arso). Name foreigners: Saffron, turmeric (UK) , Kurkuma (Netherlands), Curcuma, Safran des Indes, Terre-merite, Souchet des Indes (French), Curcuma, Kurkuma, Indischer Safran, Gelbwurz Turmeric (Germany), Haldi, Manjal Zard chub (India), Kha min chan, Khamin heluong, Kha min, Wanchakmadluk (Thailand).

Types of Turmeric

1.   Yellow Turmeric

This turmeric is frequently used and easy to find. Turmeric is also the commonly used as a spice in cooking to add a distinctive flavor to dishes. Examples are used to make yellow rice distinctive and delicious taste.

2.   White Turmeric

White turmeric is generally have the white meat. That is why often referred to as white turmeric. White turmeric is not included in Curcumae descent as having a white color. Therefore his trademark white and transparent.

3.   Red Turmeric

Actually, the red saffron almost same as the yellow saffron but the color is more reddish. Turmeric is also commonly used as a spice in the kitchen and can treat various diseases either mild or severe.

4.   Black Turmeric

Black turmeric is one of the rare plants that are all so very difficult to find nowadays. Turmeric is quite a lot of demand because it can treat cysts and also can make us become ageless. Black turmeric basically has the same shape as turmeric in general it's just flesh blue-black or purple-black.

Conditions of Growth

Turmeric plant can grow well in areas that have full or medium light intensity, so that this plant very well live in open places or little shade. Best growth is achieved in the regions with rainfall 1000-4000 mm / year. When planted in the area of ​​rainfall <1000 mm / year, the irrigation system must be arranged and organized well enough. Turmeric cultivation can be cultivated throughout the year. The best growth was at the beginning of the rainy season planting. Air temperature optimum for this plant is between 19-30 °C.

Turmeric thrives in loose soil, the soil dug well will produce abundant tubers. The type of soil is desired light soils with high organic matter, sandy clay soil that is free of puddles / slightly alkaline.

Turmeric grows well in lowland (starting <240 m above sea level) to the highlands (> 2000 m). Optimal production + 12 tonnes / ha achieved at an altitude of 45 m above sea level.

Chemical Subtances

The content of chemical substances contained in turmeric is as follows:

a.   kurkuminoid dye which is a compound consisting diarilheptanoid 3-4% of Curcumin, dihidrokurkumin, desmetoksikurkumin and bisdesmetoksikurkumin.

b.   2-5% volatile oil consisting of sesquiterpenes and derivatives fenilpropana turmeron (aryl-turmeron, turmeron alpha and beta turmeron), kurlon kurkumol, atlanton, bisabolen, seskuifellandren, zingiberin, aryl kurkumen, humulen.

c.   Arabinose, fructose, glucose, starch, tannins and resins

d.   Namely iron minerals magnesium, manganese, calcium, sodium, potassium, lead, zinc, cobalt, aluminum and bismuth (Sudarsono et.al, 1996).

Benefits of Turmeric

Turmeric for health benefits has not indisputable, it has a wide range of healthy nutrients that the human body needs.

1.   Anti-Inflammation (inflammatory)

Volatile oil content in turmeric has demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity which is significant in a variety of experimental models and research. Even more powerful than essential oils, this is due to yellow or orange pigment of turmeric, called curcumin. Curcumin is considered the primary pharmacological agent in turmeric. In many studies, the anti-inflammatory effects of curcumin has been shown to comparable drugs hydrocortisone and phenylbutazone as an anti-inflammatory like Motrin. Unlike the drugs, which are associated with significant toxic effects (ulcer formation, decreased number of white blood cells, intestinal bleeding), curcumin does not produce toxicity.

2.   Rheumatoid Arthritis (chronic joint inflammation)

Clinical studies have shown that curcumin in turmeric also exerts very powerful antioxidant effects. As an antioxidant, curcumin is able to neutralize free radicals, chemicals that may be in the body and cause damage to healthy cells and cell membranes. This is important in many diseases, one of which is arthritis, where free radicals are the cause painful joint inflammation and damage to the joints.

The content of turmeric which can give the effect of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory explain why many people with joint disease was very relieved when taking this herb. In a recent study of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (chronic joint inflammation), curcumin compared with phenylbutazone will produce comparable improvement in such a short duration of morning stiffness in the joints and reduces swelling.

3.   Prevention of Cancer

This allows the content of the antioxidant curcumin to protect colon cells from free radicals that can damage DNA. This process is very useful especially for the large intestine where cell turnover is quite rapid, occurring approximately every three days. Because of cell replication is often the case, the DNA mutations in colon cells can cause the formation of cancer cells much faster. Curcumin also helps the body to destroy cancer cells, so they can not spread throughout the body that can make the damage worse. Curcumin main ways of doing this is to improve liver function.

Other mechanisms conducted by curcumin (forming substances, yellow/orange in turmeric) that could protect against the development of cancer is by inhibiting protein synthesis is considered a role in tumor formation and prevent the development of additional blood supply necessary for cancer cell growth. Turmeric is more potent than the leaves of lemongrass and possible benefits as well as benefits of soursop leaves in eradicating the cancer.

4.   Increase Antioxidants

The content of curcumin is a powerful antioxidant that can neutralize free radicals because of its chemical structure. Besides curcumin also enhances the activity of antioxidant enzymes in the body itself. In this way, curcumin provide resistance/kill free radicals.

5.   Improve Liver Function

Research conducted with the object of study rats were conducted to evaluate the effect of turmeric on the liver's ability to detoxify xenobiotics (toxic) chemicals, the levels of two enzymes detoxify the liver is very important (UDP glucuronyl transferase and glutathione-S-transferase) was significantly increased in mice fed eating turmeric compared to those without. The researchers commented, "The results show that turmeric can increase detoxification system in addition to anti-oxidant"

6.   Reduce the Risk of Leukemia

Research presented at the conference held in London leukemia, provides evidence that eating foods spiced with turmeric can reduce the risk of leukemia.

Is Prof. Moolky Nagabhushan of the Loyola University Medical Center, Chicago, IL almost 20 years of doing this study. In his study he said that the curcumin in turmeric can:

•    Inhibits mutagenicity polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) (carcinogenic chemicals created by burning carbon-based fuels including cigarette smoke)

•    Inhibit radiation chromosomal damage

•    Prevent the formation of harmful heterocyclic amines and nitroso compounds, found in processed foods, such as processed meat products contain nitrosamines.

•    Inhibits multiplication of leukemia cells in cell culture

7.   Protection cardiovascular (disease associated with blood vessels)

Curcumin may prevent the oxidation of cholesterol in the body. Because the oxidized cholesterol can damage blood vessels and accumulate in plaques that can cause heart attack or stroke, prevent oxidation of cholesterol can help to reduce the development of atherosclerosis and heart disease.

Turmeric is a source of vitamin B6 are necessary to keep homocysteine ​​levels from getting too high. B6 intake is one of the high intake of vitamin B6 was associated with a reduced risk of heart disease.

In a study published in the Indian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology, when 10 healthy volunteers consumed 500 mg of curcumin per day for 7 days, not only do the lower the level of blood oxygenation that lowers cholesterol by 33%, but total cholesterol they fell 11.63%, and their HDL (good cholesterol) increased by 29%! (Soni KB, Kuttan R).

8.   Prevent Alzaimer

Numerous studies show that curcumin, biologically active constituents in turmeric, can prevent Alzheimer's disease by activating a gene that encodes a protein production of antioxidants. A study published in the Journal of Biochemistry Italy (December 2003) discusses the role of curcumin in the induction of pathways oxygenase heme, protective system, when triggered in the brain tissue, causing the production of bilirubin antioxidant becomes stronger, which protects the brain against oxidative (free radical) and injury. Oxidation is thought to be major factors in aging and lead to neurodegenerative disorders including dementia such as Alzheimer's disease. Another study conducted jointly by the Italian team and the United States and presented at the annual conference of the American Physiological Society in 2004 in Washington, DC, confirmed that curcumin plays an important role induce gene, called hemeoxygenase-1 (HO-1) in the astrocytes of the hippocampus region of the brain.

9.   Prevent Depression

Depression is also associated with decreased function of brain-derived neurotrophic and shrinking of the hippocampus, a brain area involved in learning and memory, because the content of turmeric has a function to help it make the process neurotrophic can provide anti-depressant effect.

Side Effects and How to Avoid It

1.   Disorders of the stomach

Because of its spicy nature, consume turmeric in the long term can cause stomach upset. To help avoid these side effects, while taking turmeric supplements, choose supplements using an enteric coating which dissolves in the small intestine so it does not interfere with the stomach.

2.   Stimulate the womb

Turmeric is known as uterine stimulant that can encourage menstrual flow. Pregnant women and nursing mothers need to be careful not to use too much turmeric.

3.   Hard absorbed by the body

Turmeric has a tendency difficult to be absorbed by the body. If you want to buy a turmeric supplement, be sure to choose containing piperine as one of the active ingredients. Piperine will help facilitate the absorption of turmeric so the body will get the maximum benefit.

4.   Bleeding

Turmeric is known to inhibit platelet clumping which can prevent blood clots. But it turns turmeric can also trigger bleeding. It is important to take the right dose to avoid these side effects. When selecting turmeric supplements, select the products listed and contains additional natural nutrients so the many benefits you will get. It is important to avoid turmeric if you are using anticoagulant drugs.

5.   Reduce the effects of chemotherapy

Research has shown that turmeric may have an effect on chemotherapy, so you should not use turmeric supplements while undergoing chemotherapy. One of the best ways to avoid side effects and to get the health benefits of turmeric is by taking supplements that are made from natural ingredients and are free of chemicals.

Turmeric Stains

The content in turmeric is curcumin that cause stains that are naturally bright yellow. Unfortunately, curcumin is insoluble in water as a permanent ink marker that does not react to water. Thus, washing using water alone will not be effective to remove the stain of turmeric. Hot water will only make the stain more attached so the more difficult to remove. The most effective way of removing stains turmeric is as follows:

1.   Apply a stain remover or detergent products that have been specifically designed to remove stains directly on the stained. Remember to always check the usage instructions on the product label and also check the care label on clothing or objects stained. You should first test the techniques you would do in a small part hidden to avoid damage.

2.   Allow the detergent on the stained for 10 minutes before patting it with a clean cloth. Do not rub the stain in order not widespread. Avoid the use of tissue paper that can leave fiber flakes on your sofa or rug.

3.   Continue to apply detergent and pat stained section until the stain is gone.

4.   For the clothes, rinse the parts that have been cleaned with water. For carpet or sofa, do not make it wet, pretty pat with clean water or as directed treatment.

5.   As much as possible dry naturally. You can also leave them in direct sunlight. Sunlight potent bleach works as a natural and highly effective at removing stains remaining turmeric, so open the curtains to maximize the incoming sunlight to dry the house sofa.

You could also try other cleaning products are more potent to remove the stain of turmeric is more stubborn, but first check the product user guide and test the product on a small hidden part before using it to deal with the stain of turmeric in a wider area.

Key to remove the stain of turmeric is handled as early as possible. If allowed to dry turmeric stains, the stains will soak into the fabric fibers and become more difficult to remove.

Usage As Spices

Turmeric is almost always used in traditional dishes seasoning Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and India. Turmeric elliptical like the ring finger, husk-groove grooved and very thin. Dark yellow with a distinctive aroma and a slightly bitter taste. The yellow color is what is used as a natural coloring agent in foods and fabrics. Typically used to color rice/sticky yellow curry and coconut curry spice mix. Turmeric is also used to reduce the sharp smell of the seafood and mutton.

GARLIC

Garlic has the Latin name Allium sativum Linn. Word all means odor and sativum means cultivated. Local name: garlic (Malay), lasun (Aceh), dasun (Minangkabau), lasuna (Batak), handak onions, bacong landak (Lampung), onions (Java), bodas onions (Sunda), babang pole (Madura), kasuna (Bali), kasihong onions (Dayak), lasuna kebo (Makassar), lasuna pute (Bugis), pia mapoti (Gorontalo) bawa bodudo (Ternate), incuna (Nusa Tenggara), kalfeo foleu (East).

These plants come from mainland Asia and is grown in Indonesia, is a bulbous herb plant cloves layered or tiered. Garlic grows cluster and stand up to a height of 30-75 cm. Having a pseudo-stem is formed from the stem-leaf midrib. Leaves resemble the shape of a ribbon, flattened and elongated. Each bulb consists of a number of child onion (cloves) and every clove wrapped in a thin white skin. Root consists of fibers of small amounts to many. There are varieties of garlic that produce flowers, but some are not. Small flowers, the color pink.

Every 100 grams of garlic bulbs containing 4.5 grams of protein, 0.20 grams of fat, 23.10 grams of carbohydrate, 0.22 mg vitamin B1, 15 mg of vitamin C, 95 calories of calories, 134 mg of phosphorus, 42 mg calcium, 1 mg of iron, and 71 grams of water. Garlic also contains the active substance awcin, awn, enzymes alinase, germanium, sativine, sinistrine, selenium, scordini, nicotonic acid.

The mineral content contained in garlic, such as selenium and several enzymes such as allinase, peroxidase, myrosinase, and others. Of the various contents contained in garlic, which is the highest sulfur content of other minerals. The sulfur compounds of garlic gives a lot of drug efficacy is also responsible for the pungent smell produced this spice. The smell of garlic is formed by the action of the allinase enzyme on alliin sulfur compounds. This enzyme is inactivated by heat, so when you cook garlic, aroma produced not as strong as the smell of raw garlic.

Garlic became very famous because of drug efficacy alicin content. Garlic when crushed or cut or injury, garlic activates the enzyme allinase, which transform alliin into allicin. Allicin content can be broken in a few hours at room temperature and in a few minutes during the cooking process.

Allilcin have antimicrobial effect against many viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites. In addition to the content allilcin, garlic also contains anjone.

Ajoene is a compound derived from garlic produced allicin. Anjone has the advantage of greater chemical stability when compared allicin. Several clinical trials anjone has anti-thrombotic, anti-microbial and lowering cholesterol. Ajoenes has proven: it has antithrombotic (anticlotting) activity in human platelet suspension; has antitumor activity, antifungal, disable the human gastric lipase, sulfhydryl enzyme involved in the digestion and absorption of dietary fat; functions as an antioxidant by inhibiting leukocyte interactions that mediate the release of superoxide anion.

Ajoene potent as aspirin in preventing blood clotting platelets sticky and red making it useful for preventing heart attacks and strokes.

Garlic also contains two compounds S-allylcysteine ​​and S-allylmercapto-L-cysteine ​​is useful for inhibiting tumor growth.

Conditions of Growth

Lowland garlic plant growing in almost all soil types, but the best on medium textured soils (clay to sandy loam). Suitable soil pH is 5.6 to 6.8 and good drainage. Although garlic is generally heat-resistant, but it can only grow well in areas that have cold temperatures (<25 °C in certain months). The cold temperature is required especially during tuber formation and enlargement plant. In Indonesia, the best planting time for garlic lowland that is in May, June or July.

Benefits of Garlic for Health

Owned properties of garlic are also useful for diseases related to the circulatory system and the heart. Efficacy of garlic to lower cholesterol, prevent coronary heart disease and many types of diseases are able to be prevented and cured by using garlic. Here are some diseases that can be cured by garlic

1.   Toothache

2.   Gas stomach

3.   Increase metabolism

4.   Curing constipation

5.   Against Cancer

6.   Lowering blood pressure

7.   Lowering Cholesterol

8.   Drug hemorrhoid

9.   Cough asthma and colds

10. Bruises and injuries sharps

11. Wound because of a sharp object rusty

12. Pinworms and stomach worms

Benefits of Garlic For Beauty

In addition to health benefits, garlic is also beneficial for beauty are:

1.   Natural Acne Medication

2.   Smooth Skin

3.   Prevent Aging

4.   Eliminate Blackheads

Side effects

Garlic cause fewer side effects, but high doses can cause upset stomach or bowel disorders, such as burning sensation in the mouth or stomach, heartburn, gas, nausea, vomiting, body odor, and diarrhea. It can even pose a great risk of postoperative bleeding that where this is particularly the case when used raw garlic. Additionally, the smell can be regarded as a less savory side effects.

Usage As Spices

Garlic including the type of seasoning that comes from the tubers. Are the main ingredients in the kitchen Asia. Garlic gives savory flavor in dishes with a strong aroma.

GINGER

Scientific name Zingiber officinale, is the name given by William Roxburgh from the Greek word zingiberi, from Sanskrit, singaberi. Local name: Halia (Aceh), Bahing (Batak Karo), Jae (Java), Ginger (Sunda), Jhai (Madura), Jae, Jahya (Bali), Sipodeh (Minang), Jahi (Lampung), Melito (Gorontalo), Lia (Flores), Goraka (Ternate), Late (East), PESE (Bugis), Lali (Papua). Foreign names: Ginger (UK), Khan Jiang, Chilang (China), Gingembre (France), Gengibre (Spain), Ingefaera (Sweden), Imbir (Russia), Sanyabil (Arabic), Zensero (Italy). Familia or parts of plants: Zingiberaceae.

Ginger is thought to have originated from India. But some are believed ginger comes from the China. From India, ginger was taken as the spice trade to Southeast Asia, China, Japan and the Middle East.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is a wild plant in a fields who had higher levels of soil rather wet (humid) and plenty of sunshine gain, such as Southeast Asia, Brazil and Africa. Currently Ecuador and Brazil became the world's largest supplier of ginger. Ginger including chronic herbaceous plant species. The characteristics of this plant among other things has erect stems, fibrous roots and bulbous with horizontal rhizomes. Medium large-small ginger rhizome plants is largely determined by its variety. Ginger rhizome rather thick-skinned tubers fibrous wrap meat and have a brown color with a distinctive aroma. Stem ginger is a pseudo-stem with a height of 30 to 100 cm. Elliptic leaf shape and not so wide. Pinnate leaves with a length of 15 to 23 mm and a width of 8 to 15 mm. The flowers are oval and have 2 sex and have 1 stamens and 3 pistils of flowers. Ginger flower has a length of 35 to 50 mm and a width of 15 to 18 mm. Scaly peduncle much as 5 to 7 pieces. Yellowish green flowers. Lips flowers and anthers purple. Ginger flowers appear in axillary in a sitting position. Ginger is a plant of tropical and subtropical regions suited to be planted in the lowlands to the highlands (1500 meters above sea level).

Substances contained in ginger (Zingiber officinale) primarily rhizomes, between Iain: essential oils, resins, mineral, sineol, fellandren, camphor, borneol, zingiberin, zingiberol, gingerol. zingeron, lipidas, aminos acid, niacin, Vitamin A and protein.

Pharmacological effects of ginger is increase appetite, strengthen the stomach, laxative fart, sweat bullets, facilitating blood circulation, lowering cholesterol, Antiemetic, anti-inflammatory, anti-cough, and improve digestion. This is possible because lenders inflame the lining of the stomach and intestines by oil released ginger rhizome.

Conditions of Growth

Ginger plant requires a relatively high rainfall, which is between 2500-4000 mm / year. At the age of 2.5 to 7 months or more ginger plants need sunlight. In other words ginger planting is done in the open so it gets sun all day. The optimum air temperature for the cultivation of ginger between 20-35 ° C.

The most suitable ginger plant grown on arable land, fertile and humus. Good soil texture is sandy loam, sandy clay and soil laterik. Ginger plant can be grown on soil acidity (pH) of approximately 4.3 to 7.4. But the soil acidity (pH) optimum for ginger is 6.8 to 7.0.

Ginger grows well in tropical and subtropical regions with altitude 0-2000 m above sea level. In Indonesia are generally planted at an altitude of 200-600 m above sea level.

Used parts and Utilization

Rhizome is part of the ginger plant that is very useful in the treatment of disease. Here are some diseases that can be cured by a ginger plant.

1.   Rheumatism

2.   Breathlessness (Asthma)

3.   Eczema

4.   Nerves facial pain

5.   Prevent Impotence

6.   Toxicity Shrimp

7.   Pain and Sprain

8.   Aches

9.   Headaches

10. Cough

11. Diarrhoea or vomiting

12. Colds

13. Vertiligo (white patches on the skin due to a lack of pigment).

14. Esophageal Worms Bracelet

15. Back Pain

16. Beautiful breasts and plump

Usage As Spices

Old fresh ginger is usually used for stir-fry dishes. Fry dishes, especially seafood, and wedang, because pungent thus neutralizing the rancid aroma. Ginger powder is widely used to add flavor to cakes and biscuits, syrup and powdered spice mix. Candied ginger is used to mix the cake, and ice cream topping because it tastes sweeter. Pickled ginger is used as a complement to grilled or baked dish because it tastes fresher and less spicy.