Dates/Khajur
Also known as
Latin : Phoenix dactylifera
English : Dates
Sanskrit : Kharjurah
Hindi : Khajur
Marathi : Khajura
Tamil : Periccankay
Telugu : Karjurakaya
Malayalam : Ittappana
Kannada : Kajjuri
How it looks�It is a tall palm growing up to 36 m in length with its trunk covered by the bases of petioles. The leaves are pinnate as in all palms but the lower
ones are modified
into spines and the flowers are in spadices. The fruits are oval, reddish or yellowish brown berries with fleshy sweet pulp and hard single furrowed seeds.
What we use�Leaves, flowers, fruits, seeds
What it does�Leaves � aphrodisiac, hepato protective
Flowers � purgative, expectorant, hepatic, febrifuge
Fruits � cooling, aphrodisiac, tonic, diuretic, anti-anaemic
How we use it�
In
cough, and respiratory disorders�Make a paste of dates, raisins, pepper, saunph seeds, honey and ghee and lick a tsp of this preparation twice a day to
expectorate phlegm and
calm respiratory spasms.
In
dryness of mouth�At the end of long duration of an illness, the mouth becomes dry, sore making swallowing and talking difficult. In such cases, make a paste of
dates and raisins
and coat the mouth with it. Hold the same paste in the mouth for a few minutes and eat it with honey and ghee.
In
hiccups�Powder the seeds of dates, mix it with pepper powder and lick it with honey to arrest hiccups.
In
excessive bleeding�Dates are cooling and bestow blood and are therefore ideal in bleeding conditions. Paste the fruit with honey and eat twice a day.
In
constipation�Soak dates in hot milk for a few hours and then take the preparation at bed time to free bowel movements. Dates soaked in water make excellent
diuretics.
As a
nervine tonic�Dates and raisins pasted with honey are excellent in nervous disorders and can be taken as a general rejuvenator.
In
forgetfulness�Dates are also reported to be used in cases of memory disturbance.
