सानो मिठो कागती, मधुकुक्कुटिका, Citrus limetta ~ NepalAyurveds.com

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सानो मिठो कागती, मधुकुक्कुटिका, Citrus limetta

यो कागती समान बोट किन्तु फलको स्वाद गुलियो हुन्छ । गुण-धर्म र उपयोग : यसको फल ठन्डा, कफकारक, वातनाशक, तिर्खानिवारक, रक्तवृद्धिकारक, रक्तस्राव रोक्ने हुन्छ । फलको बोक्राले वमन रोक्छ । यसको बीज खराब स्वादको हुन्छ । बीजले आन्द्रा सङ्कुचन गर्छ । पाकेको फल रसले ज्वर ठीक गर्छ, रगत बढाउँछ, पाचनप्रणाली व्यवस्थित पार्छ । ३-५ थोपा रसले यल निकाल्छ, ३-५ ग्राम बाक्लो पाकरस, १-२ फल मनमन तातो पानीसँग ३-५ पटक रसिलो गराउँछ ।

परिचय

सानो मिठो कागती (Citrus limetta) नेपालमा पाइने एक प्रकारको सुगन्धित र मिठो स्वाद भएको

फल हो। यसलाई अङ्ग्रेजीमा "मोसाम्बी" (Mosambi) वा "स्वीट लाइम" (Sweet Lime) भनिन्छ। यो कागतीजस्तै देखिने भए पनि यसको स्वाद मीठो र रसिलो हुन्छ। यो नेपालका तराई, पहाड र हिमाली क्षेत्रमा पाइने गर्छ। यसको फल, पात, बोक्रा र बीज विभिन्न औषधीय गुणले भरपूर छन्।

नेपाल र अन्य देशमा उपलब्धता

सानो मिठो कागती नेपालको तराई, मध्य पहाड र केही हिमाली क्षेत्रमा उत्पादन हुने गर्छ। यो भारत, पाकिस्तान, बंगलादेश, थाइल्याण्ड, इन्डोनेशिया, ब्राजिल, मेक्सिको र अमेरिकाका केही भागमा पनि पाइन्छ। नेपालमा यो फल विशेष गरी घरघरमा बगैंचामा लगाइएको पाइन्छ।

भौतिक गुणहरू

यसको बोट सानो वा मध्यम आकारको हुन्छ।
पातहरू हरिया, चम्किला र कागतीजस्तै हुन्छन्।
फल गोल वा अण्डाकार हुन्छ, छाला पहेँलो वा हरियो-पहेँलो रंगको हुन्छ।
गुदी रसदार, मिठो र हल्का खट्टो स्वादको हुन्छ।
बीज सानो, सेतो वा क्रीम रंगको हुन्छ।

औषधीय गुणहरू

सानो मिठो कागतीमा विटामिन सी, फ्लेवोनोइड, एन्टिअक्सिडेन्ट, फाइबर र खनिज पदार्थहरू प्रचुर मात्रामा पाइन्छ। यसका प्रमुख औषधीय गुणहरू यसप्रकार छन्:

ठण्डा गुण: शरीरलाई चिसो पार्छ, तिर्खा शान्त गर्छ।
कफनाशक: कफ, सर्दी, रोगनाशक गुण रहेको छ।
वातनाशक: पेटको वायु समस्या हटाउँछ।
रक्तवर्धक: रक्तशुद्धि गर्छ, एनिमिया रोक्छ।
पाचनशक्ति बढाउने: पेटको अम्लीयतालाई नियन्त्रण गर्छ।
ज्वरनाशक: पाकेको फलको रसले ज्वर घटाउँछ।

फाइदाहरू

शरीरमा पानीको कमी पूरा गर्छ।
इम्युनिटी बढाउँछ।
पेटको गैस, अपच, अल्सर र डायरियामा फाइदा गर्छ।
त्वचा निखार्छ, मुहाँसे रोक्छ।
मुटु रोग र डायबिटिज नियन्त्रण गर्न मद्दत गर्छ।

प्रयोग विधि

फलको रस: ३-५ थोपा रसले यल (पिनवर्म) निकाल्छ।
बाक्लो पाकरस: ३-५ ग्राम बाक्लो पाकरस पेट दुखाइमा उपयोगी।
तातो पानीसंग: १-२ फलको रस तातो पानीमा मिसाएर ३-५ पटक सेवन गर्नाले पाचन प्रणाली सुधार्छ।
बोक्राको चूर्ण: वमन रोक्न मद्दत गर्छ।

उत्पादन र संरक्षण

यो बोट बीज वा कलमबाट रोपिन्छ।
फल पाकेपछि तत्काल तोड्नुपर्छ किनभने यो धेरै समय टिक्दैन।
फलहरू सुकाएर वा रस निकालेर ज्याम, मर्बेड वा अचार बनाउन सकिन्छ।
फलहरू चिसो र सुख्खा ठाउँमा भण्डारण गर्नुपर्छ।

निष्कर्ष

सानो मिठो कागती नेपालमा सजिलै पाइने एक उपयोगी फल हो। यसले स्वास्थ्यलाई धेरै फाइदा पुर्याउँछ र विभिन्न रोगहरूको उपचारमा प्रयोग हुन्छ। यसको खेती गरेर नेपालीहरूले आफ्नो आर्थिक अवस्था सुधार्न सक्छन्। यसैले यसको उचित प्रयोग र संरक्षण गर्नुपर्छ।

Citrus limetta, commonly known as sweet lime or 'सानो मिठो कागती' in Nepali, is a citrus species renowned for its sweet-tasting fruit, which resembles common limes but lacks their typical tartness. This fruit is cherished not only for its refreshing flavor but also for its medicinal properties and versatility in culinary applications.

Availability in Nepal and Other Countries

In Nepal, sweet lime is cultivated in various regions, particularly in areas with suitable climatic conditions. The country's diverse topography allows for the growth of different citrus varieties, including sweet lime, which thrives at elevations ranging from 500 to 1400 meters above sea level. However, domestic production has not yet met the market demand, leading to imports from neighboring countries like India.

Globally, sweet lime is grown in several countries with tropical and subtropical climates. It is popular in India, Pakistan, Egypt, and parts of the Mediterranean region. The fruit's adaptability to various soil types and climates has contributed to its widespread cultivation

Physical Properties

The sweet lime tree is evergreen, reaching heights of 4 to 8 meters. It has a rounded canopy with dense foliage. The leaves are glossy, dark green, and elliptic, emitting a citrus fragrance when crushed. The flowers are small, white, and aromatic, typically blooming in clusters.

The fruit is round to slightly oblong, measuring 5 to 7 centimeters in diameter. When ripe, the thin, smooth rind transitions from green to yellow. The pulp is pale yellow, juicy, and notably sweet, lacking the acidity found in other citrus fruits. Each fruit contains numerous seeds, which are small, ovoid, and white.

Medicinal Properties

Sweet lime possesses several medicinal properties:

Cooling Effect: The fruit has a natural cooling effect, making it beneficial for alleviating thirst and reducing body heat.
Digestive Aid: It helps in managing digestive disorders, promoting healthy digestion, and relieving constipation.
Blood Purification: Regular consumption is believed to purify the blood and enhance its quality.
Anti-hemorrhagic: The fruit can help stop bleeding and is used in traditional remedies for this purpose.
Antipyretic: The juice is used to reduce fever and provide relief from associated symptoms.
Expectorant: A few drops of the juice can aid in expelling phlegm, providing relief from coughs.

Advantages and Uses

Sweet lime offers numerous advantages and is utilized in various ways:

Nutritional Benefits: Rich in vitamins C and A, it boosts the immune system and promotes skin health.
Hydration: Its high water content makes it an excellent choice for hydration, especially in hot climates.
Culinary Uses: The fruit is consumed fresh, juiced, or used in salads, desserts, and beverages.
Traditional Medicine: Beyond the medicinal properties mentioned, sweet lime is used in traditional remedies for ailments like jaundice and respiratory issues.

Using Method

Sweet lime can be consumed and utilized in various ways:

Fresh Consumption: The fruit can be peeled and eaten raw, providing a refreshing snack.
Juice: Extract the juice and consume it fresh. For therapeutic purposes, 3-5 drops can be taken to expel phlegm, or 3-5 grams of thickened juice can be used.
Infusion: Slices of the fruit can be added to warm water and consumed to aid digestion.
Culinary Preparations: Incorporate the juice or zest into dishes for added flavor.

Harvesting and Preservation

Proper harvesting and preservation are crucial for maintaining the fruit's quality:

Harvesting: Sweet limes are typically harvested when they attain a yellowish color and are firm to the touch. In Nepal, citrus fruits like sweet lime are harvested when fully ripe, as they do not ripen further post-harvest.
Storage: While citrus fruits can be kept at room temperature for a few days, refrigeration is recommended for longer storage. They should be stored in the refrigerator's vegetable drawer, avoiding plastic bags or airtight containers to prevent mold or softening. Mesh bags that allow air circulation are suitable. Regular inspection is advised to use fruits that are beginning to soften.
Processing: The fruit can be processed into juices, marmalades, or dried products to extend shelf life.

Conclusion

Citrus limetta, or sweet lime, is a versatile fruit cherished for its sweet flavor and numerous health benefits. Its cultivation in Nepal and other countries not only provides nutritional value but also contributes to the agricultural economy. Embracing the growth and consumption of sweet lime can lead to better health outcomes and support sustainable agricultural practices.

Reference

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