For centuries, women have been known to give much importance to their physical appearance, in particular to their face. The purpose is two fold - to be marked out in a large gathering and the other being a psychological boost to their self-esteem and confidence. Yet another universal fact is it is the beauty of the women that turns the men on and they can not think of a pleasant and enjoyable life without them. On the dressing table of a modern women, you may find an array of various cosmetic items, besides jewelry that are being used by them to enhance their beauty and aura. Among the make-up items available on the market, the most indisputable one is the Lipstick that comes with various colors to suit the gals and women's needs. Since it is easy to carry, you can say there is no beauty-conscious woman on earth who does not carry a lipstick in her vanity bag. This is quite true of Indian women from urban and semi urban areas. Since talking involves quick moving of lips as in the case of quick-witted and yapping women, attractive and color-coated lips never fail to get the attention of curious men, including the coots!
Have you ever thought about how lipsticks are made and what chemicals go into their production? There are lipsticks that are carcinogenic as well as non-carcinogenic. The latter, you will be surprised to know, are made from lipstick seeds cultivated in the cultivable lands inhabited by the Adivasis (tribes) of Andhra Pradesh, South India. The plants are called ''Annatto'' and are widely grown in places like Rampachodavaram, Chaparai, and Maredumilli and the seeds of this plant variety are extensively used in the making of lipsticks; from health point of view, they are safe and free from cancer causing chemicals. The plants grown in this particular region have spiky red and brown pods.
The small farmers, who have no idea about the use of this kind of millet, are quite excited as they give them regular yearly income from a few acres of land. “Jabra'' seeds, as Annatto is referred to in local parlance, can be harvested three times in a year and they possess additional medicinal properties. Hence, there is a great demand for these seeds across the globe. On top of it, the seeds are natural color agents widely used in the food industry as well.
Among the
wild turmeric and tobacco grown in the Eastern ghat areas of South India, Annatto is the most common backyard plant in
Maredumilli, Rampachodavaram, and Chaparai Agency areas and others.
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Annatto plant seeds, India krishijagran.com
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The seeds are known to have healing properties and and are used in treating headache, eye ailments, digestive
disorders, weak bones, neural tube defects and
respiratory problems. The plant’s seed extract is also put to use as a natural coloring agent in cheese,
food preparations, bakery products and sweets across the world.
The unfortunate fact is though these rare and wonder seeds are in great demand across the globe, there has been a lack of well-coordinated organized agency to fix the uniform price for the seeds on the international and local markets. Part of the reason is the plants are grown in tribal lands. So, they sell the seeds to either the Girijan Cooperative Corporation (GCC) or businessmen, or exchange them in shandies. The jabra seeds as they are known locally cost Rs, 60/- to Rs.100/- a kilo. The small farmers believe that if the government comes forward and regulates a uniform price, for the Annatto plant seeds, it will not only improve their income but also help them bring more lands under the cultivation of ''Jabra seeds''
So, young ladies when your lips work over time for any reason whatsoever and get dry, need not worry, wet your catchy lips with a lipstick made from Jabra seeds. Your are assured of good and healthy lips free from dangerous chemicals.
Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) – Information on Bixa orellana.
National Horticulture Board (NHB), Government of India.
