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Abelmoschus moschatus - Latakasturi
Latakasturi (Abelmosk, ambrette seeds, annual hibiscus, Bamia Moschata, Galu Gasturi, muskdana, musk mallow,[1] musk okra, musk seeds, ornamental okra, rose mallow seeds, tropical jewel hibiscus, Yorka okra) is an aromatic and medicinal plant native to India in the Malvaceae family. The fruit is a rich source of dietary fiber. The plant, which has many health benefits, is used as an ingredient in medicines for heart ailments and respiratory diseases like asthma. Patients suffering from urinogenital and eye-related ailments benefit from the healing properties of the herb.
Characteristics
The seeds have a sweet, flowery, heavy fragrance similar to that of musk (hence its specific epithet moschātus, scientific Latin for ‘musk’).
Despite its tropical origin, the plant is frost-hardy.
Uses of the plant
- Musk mallow seed oil was once frequently used as a substitute in perfumes for animal musk
- Different parts of the plant have uses in Ayurveda herbal medicine.
- In industry the root mucilage provides sizing for paper; tobacco is sometimes flavoured with the flowers.
- The leaves and roots are helpful in treating gonorrhea and venereal diseases.[2]
