Musk Dana

Also Known As : Abelmosco, Abelmosk, Ambretta, Ambrette Plant, Egyptian Alcee, Gandapura, Graine d'Ambrette, Hibisco, Hibiscus abelmoschus, Kasturidana, Kasturilatika, Ketmie Musquée, Latakasthuri, Latakasturi, Lata Kasturi, Lathakasthuri, Muskadana, Muskmallow, Musk-Mallow, Musk Seed, Okra, Target-Leaved Hibiscus, Tindisha.

Vegetarian

Taste Profile

Muskdana have a strong sweet, flowery fragrance like that of musk.

Usage Tips

Muskdana seeds are added to coffee for adding flavor. It is also used as a flavoring in liqueurs.
The seed when fried or roasted has a flavor similar to sesame seeds, hence it is sometimes used as a substitute to sesame seeds
The essential oil extracted from the seeds is used in traditional medicine like ayurveda to treat various conditions.

Description

Muskdana is the seed of the musk mallow plant which is an aromatic and medicinal plant. It belongs to the Malvaceae family and is native to India. Musk mallow is named due to the musk like fragrance of its flower. It is cultivated for its seeds, which are most popularly used in perfumes as a substitute to musk and it is also used to flavour foods.

Health benefits

Muskdana seeds are taken in a a tea form to relieve cramping. ⁽¹⁾
When the seeds are made into a paste with milk, and applied, it cures itching.⁽¹⁾
A decoction of the seeds when used as a gargle helps combat oral problems.⁽¹⁾
The seeds when chewed help freshen the breath.⁽¹⁾
The powder of the seeds when dissolved in water and taken with honey at night after meal helps in dealing with urinary problems.⁽¹⁾
The extract of the seeds helps kill worm infestation in the body.⁽¹⁾

Selection Guide

Always choose muskdana which is unbroken, free from insects and moisture.

Note

Muskdana has not been proven safe for use during the time of pregnancy and lactation.⁽²⁾ Myricetin is a chemical present in muskdana which may lower blood sugar.Hence, taking muskdana along with diabetes medications might cause very low blood sugar levels.⁽³⁾

Resource & Links

(1) https://www.healthbenefitstimes.com/musk-mallow/

(2) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abelmoschus_moschatus

(3) https://www.emedicinehealth.com/ambrette/vitamins-supplements.htm

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