Kagati, कागती, नीबु, Citrus limon ~ NepalAyurveds.com

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Kagati, कागती, नीबु, Citrus limon

यो सर्वत्र लगाउन सकिने कागतीलाई ३-४ वर्षमा फलाएर खान सकिन्छ । अम्लरसको परिपूर्ति गर्ने ताजा कागती रस स्वास्थ्यलाई एकदम फाइदा पुऱ्याउँछ । ठन्डा पानीसँग गुलियो रस मिसाई खाँदा दिमाग चिसो गर्छ, शरीरलाई शान्ति दिन्छ । मन तातोपानी नुनसँगै खाँदा गर्मी दिन्छ । गर्मी रुघा-खोकीमा बेसार, नुनपानीमा सेवन गरौँ । कागतीले भोक जगाउँछ, खाना

पचाउँछ, मुटुलाई बल भर्छ, रगत शुद्ध गर्छ, छालाको रोग ठीक गर्छ, गर्मी दोषलाई राम्रो गर्छ, थोरै-थोरै सेवनले दिमागी खुराक दिने काम गर्छ । मोटोपन कोलेस्टोलमा प्रातः उठ्नासाथ १०-१५ थोपा कागती रस र १ लिटर मनमन तातोपानीसँग पिउँदा एकदम लाभ पुऱ्याउँछ। कागती रसले पाचकको काम गर्छ, हैजा भगाउँछ । घर-घरमा ५-७ बोट लगाएर सबैले सदुपयोग गर्नुपर्ने कागती कुनै पनि जातिको व्यापक बनाऔँ । भरसक स्थानीय कागती सानोखालको राम्रो मानिन्छ । अचेल कागती काँढापानीको महत्त्व बढ्दै गएको छ ।

परिचय
कागती, जसलाई नीबु वा साइट्रस लिमोन पनि भनिन्छ, एक प्रमुख खट्टा फल हो। यो विश्वभर प्रसिद्ध छ र स्वास्थ्यका लागि धेरै फाइदाजनक मानिन्छ। नेपालमा यसको खेती सजिलै गरिन्छ र घरघरमा यसको प्रयोग विभिन्न रूपमा हुने गर्छ। कागतीको रस, बोक्रा, पात र फूल सबै औषधीय गुणले भरपूर हुन्छन्।

उपलब्धता
नेपालको तराई, पहाड र हिमाली क्षेत्रमा कागतीको खेती गरिन्छ। विशेष गरी सानोखाल, काँढापानी, झापा, मोरंग, सुनसरी, चितवन आदि जिल्लामा यो धेरै पाइन्छ। विश्वभर यो भारत, चीन, मेक्सिको, स्पेन, अमेरिका लगायत देशहरूमा पनि उत्पादन हुन्छ।

भौतिक गुण

कागतीको बोट सानो देखि मध्यम अग्लो हुन्छ।
यसको पात हरियो, चम्किलो र सुगन्धित हुन्छ।
फल पहिले हरियो र पाकेपछि पहेंलो रंगको हुन्छ।
यसको स्वाद खट्टो हुन्छ र सुगन्ध तीव्र हुन्छ।

औषधीय गुण

पाचक: कागतीले भोक बढाउँछ र खाना पचाउन मद्दत गर्छ।
रक्तशुद्धिकरण: यसले रगतलाई शुद्ध गर्छ।
ज्वरनाशक: यसले तातो र ठण्डा लगायतका ज्वरहरूमा लाभदायक हुन्छ।
छालाको रोग: कागतीको रसले छालाका विभिन्न रोगहरू (एक्जिमा, दाग) नाश गर्छ।
मानसिक स्वास्थ्य: यसले दिमागलाई शान्त पार्छ र एकाग्रता बढाउँछ।

फाइदा

कोलेस्ट्रोल नियन्त्रण गर्छ।
पेटको गैस, एसिडिटी र अपचमा राम्रो असर गर्छ।
शरीरको प्रतिरोधात्मक शक्ति बढाउँछ।
विटामिन सी को प्रमुख स्रोत हो।

प्रयोग विधि

रस: ताजा कागतीको रस निकालेर पानी, नुन वा हल्का गुलियो मिसाई खान सकिन्छ।
चिया: कागतीको रस चियामा हाल्नाले स्वास्थ्यमा राम्रो असर पार्छ।
बाह्य प्रयोग: छालामा लगाउन, घाउमा रस लगाउन वा केही औषधीय मिश्रणमा प्रयोग गर्न सकिन्छ।

उत्पादन र संरक्षण

कागतीको बोट ३-४ वर्षमा फल्न थाल्छ।
फल पाकेपछि तत्काल तोड्नुपर्छ वा ठीकसँग भण्डारण गर्नुपर्छ।
यसलाई लामो समय सम्म राख्न चाहिन्छ भने रस निकालेर फ्रिजमा राख्न सकिन्छ वा सुकाएर पनि प्रयोग गर्न सकिन्छ।

निष्कर्ष
कागती एक बहुउपयोगी फल हो जसले स्वास्थ्यलाई धेरै प्रकारले फाइदा पुर्याउँछ। यसको खेती गर्न सजिलो छ र यो घरघरमा उपलब्ध गराउनुपर्छ। विभिन्न रोगहरूबाट बच्न र स्वस्थ रहन यसको नियमित प्रयोग गर्नुपर्छ। स्थानीय स्तरमा कागतीको महत्त्व बढाउँदै जानुपर्छ र यसको व्यापक उपयोग गर्ने प्रचलन बढाउनुपर्छ।

Lemons, known as "कागती" or "नीबु" in Nepal, are vibrant yellow fruits celebrated worldwide for their distinctive sour flavor and myriad uses. Scientifically termed Citrus limon, lemons belong to the Rutaceae family and are believed to have originated from a hybrid between the citron (Citrus medica) and the bitter orange (Citrus aurantium). Today, they are cultivated globally, thriving in regions with warm, temperate climates.

Availability in Nepal and Other Countries

In Nepal, lemons are widely grown across various regions, from the Terai plains to the mid-hills, due to the country's favorable climatic conditions. The fruit is integral to Nepalese cuisine and traditional medicine, making it a staple in many households. Internationally, major lemon-producing countries include India, Mexico, Argentina, and the United States, particularly in states like California and Florida. These regions provide the warm temperatures and well-drained soils that lemon trees require to flourish.

Physical Properties

Lemon trees are evergreen, typically reaching heights of 10 to 20 feet. They possess thorny branches and bear glossy, dark green leaves. The fragrant white flowers can bloom throughout the year, often resulting in trees adorned with both blossoms and fruit simultaneously. The fruits themselves are oval, measuring approximately 2 to 3 inches in length, with a bright yellow, textured rind encasing a juicy, segmented interior.

Medicinal Properties

Lemons are renowned for their high vitamin C content, which bolsters the immune system and aids in preventing scurvy—a condition historically significant among sailors. The fruit's juice exhibits astringent and antibacterial qualities, making it effective as a gargle for sore throats and as a natural disinfectant. Additionally, despite their acidic nature, lemons have an alkalizing effect on the body post-digestion, which can be beneficial in managing rheumatic conditions. The bioflavonoids present in lemons also contribute to strengthening blood vessels, potentially reducing the risk of varicose veins and easy bruising.

Advantages and Uses

The versatility of lemons extends across culinary, medicinal, and household applications:

Culinary Uses: Lemon juice adds zest to beverages, marinades, and dressings, while the zest itself enhances the flavor of baked goods and desserts. In Nepalese cuisine, lemons are often used to add a tangy flavor to dishes and beverages.
Medicinal Uses: Consuming lemon-infused water can aid digestion and promote hydration. Lemon juice mixed with honey is a traditional remedy for colds and sore throats. Additionally, applying lemon juice to the skin can help treat acne due to its antibacterial properties.
Household Uses: Lemon juice serves as a natural cleaner and deodorizer, effective in removing stains and polishing metals. The zest can be used in DIY cleaning products, and the fruit's natural acidity makes it a useful preservative

Using Methods

Incorporating lemons into daily routines can be achieved through various methods:

Tincture: Freshly chopped lemon zest can be infused in grain alcohol for several weeks to create a tincture used for its potential health benefits
Tea: Combining lemon juice with honey in hot water creates a soothing tea, often consumed to alleviate cold symptoms.
Decoction: Boiling lemon juice with ginger and honey produces a decoction believed to aid digestion and boost immunity.
Salve: Infusing lemon peel in oil and combining it with beeswax can create a salve used for skin applications.
Syrup: Simmering lemon juice with sugar results in a syrup that can be used in culinary recipes or as a remedy for sore throats.
Infused Oil: Lemon peel infused in olive oil over several weeks produces a flavorful oil suitable for cooking or topical use.

Harvesting and Preservation

Lemon trees typically begin bearing fruit within 3 to 4 years of planting. The fruits are ready for harvest when they reach a size of 2 to 3 inches and display a bright yellow color. Handpicking is the preferred method to avoid damage. Post-harvest, lemons can be stored at room temperature for about a week. For extended freshness, refrigeration is recommended, with lemons placed in the crisper drawer or in sealed containers to maintain moisture. Alternative preservation methods include submerging lemons in water-filled jars, which can keep them fresh for up to three months, or preserving them with salt, allowing for storage of up to a year.

Conclusion

Lemons are a remarkable fruit, offering a plethora of benefits that span culinary delights, medicinal remedies, and practical household applications. Their widespread availability in Nepal and across the globe underscores their importance in various cultures and traditions. By understanding the diverse uses and proper handling of lemons, individuals can fully harness the potential of this versatile citrus fruit in their daily lives.

Reference

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