Orchids have been used as traditional healing
system, as well as in the treatment of a number of diseases since the ancient
time.
We bring you some of the most
beneficial Orchids used in traditional Asian medicine. We use these
orchids at our DIY perfume workshop, where you can use these perfume oils to
create your signature scent (www.PerfumeWorkshop.com).
There are approximately ten species of Acampe
across India, Southeast Asia, Sri Lanka and southern China. We will talk about
3 in detail. Orchids are well-known for decorative and aromatic values
rather than its medicinal properties. Three of the species mentioned
below are therapeutic orchids of Asia and has
been used for medicinal purposes since ancient times. They are:
1.
Acampe carinata
2.
Acampe praemorsa
3.
Acampe rigida Hunt
Acampe is a monopodial epiphyte plant, with a leathery textured leaves
and flowers blooming on short raceme.
Their scent is good on its own, but just like Rose, it blossoms much
better when mixed with variety of ingredients like spices, vanilla,
cinnamon, patchouli. we tried to mix it with woody scents like sandalwood, you
can try to find your own ways. These Orchids create an endless possibility
for perfumery. There are few perfume workshop around the world and
few specialize in Orchid fragrance oils. See if you can reach out to one of
them. If you are in Singapore, try JetaimePerfumery to make your scent. If you
are in a hurry and just want to buy a local Singaporean Souvenir for a friend,
you can buy orchid oils at www.Singapore-Memories.com
About the 3 therapeutic Orchids:
Acampe Carinata
It is commonly known as Kano Kato in India and Phaya Mue
lung in Thailand. Different part of this plant can be used for different
purposes.
In Thailand, it is widely consumed by people in the rural area to
strengthen their body. The root paste of the plant is use like an
ointment by eastern Indian to treat external wound from snake or scorpion
bites. Moreover, it is said that consumption of its leaves with one clove of
garlic for seven days aids to relief chest and epigastric pain.
Acampe Praemorsa
There are many other names that Acampe praemorsa are known
for. It is called Duanxucui Lan in Chinese, Mee ma long
pan for Myanmar, Chang saraphi noi in Thailand
and Parajivi in Nepali.
Acampe praemorsa is the most common orchids in peninsular of India
which grow on tree trunks in low-lying forest up to an altitude of 700m.
In India, the decoction of the plant’s roots (rasna) is a specific
remedy for rheumatism, treatments for neuralgia, syphilis and uterine disorder.
Rasna is sold as a substitute for Vanda tessellata which happen to be a native
orchid of Singapore.
Koya Tribe of India will grind the plants with egg white and calcium to
form a paste specially for fractured bones to promote healing effect. In
addition, the roots of the plants were powdered to treat rheumatism or for
cooling-purposes in Nepal.
Acampe rigida Hunt
Acampe rigida Hunt have short stem, usually unbranched and covered
by leaf bases. This species generally grows in lowland forest and can be found
on trees, shady cliffs, rocks. One can spot this flower when going on Lantau
island, Hong Kong.
It is also known as Duohuacui Lan, Changyejiawandai Lan, pa chio
lan in Chinese. More importantly, it is term as Heishanzhe for
Traditionally Chinese Medical (TCM). Its name in Thailand includes Chaang
sarapee, Ueang sarapi, Ueang jed poi.
Acampe rigida Hunt’s roots and leaves were recorded in Chinese medicinal
texts to relax muscles and joints, in which promotes blood circulation
throughout body. Additionally, it was used to treat traumatic injuries or
fractures. On the side note, the leaves and be used both fresh or dried and
easily stored by cutting into sections. Whereas in Thailand, it is
once again consumed to strengthen body. Other than for medical purpose, the
leaves are useful for Laos people to make into mats.
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