The Mother Nature has given us numerous bounties ... some we know of and some that are still concealed in the deep secrets waiting to be revealed and waiting to enhance our lives. Among these bounties is Jatropha, the physic nut. It is among the most popular herbs and the term Jatropha is in fact a "genus" covering some 175 plants together. The name originates from Greek words for Iatros meaning physician and trophe meaning nutrition. So physic nuts or Jatropha, from the kingdom plantae is being studied commonly for it can be put to numerous uses in our lives.

To start with, Jatropha is discovering great acceptance all over the world as a bio-doesel. The Jatropha seeds can be crushed to obtain the oil and this can be utilized as a bio-fuel. The residues can be used as fertilizer or as a feed for electricity generating plants. And this enables for a sustainable development. Not simply the seeds, however the plant as a whole is well matched to satisfy the growing environmental issues. And why just the bio-diesel, it can be utilized as aviation fuel, auto fuel and a host of other usages from other parts of the plants. The stems of this plant find usages in basket making, ornamental purposes, and tanning leather and getting dyes. The plant even finds use in medications for cough, balm ointments, toothpastes, cosmetics and is even utilized to produce excellent quality paper. The plant is, therefore, being put to practically every thinkable use possible.

Though it puts the concern of having a sustainable source of energy at hands to a back burner, yet it needs to be and cared for to permit a healthy plant growth. And it has actually been observed that the Jatropha plants tax our water resources. So, they are grown in locations with lots of rains. This cuts the burden on the water resources, enables water conservation and human effort too. Because the watering financial investment is only one time cost of time, cash, effort and resources, it is being accepted as a sustainable option worldwide.

But it is not all gift - gift about the plant. The Jatropha plant has harmful material. It has lectin, saponin, phorbol, toxalbumin curcin and is a trypsin inhibitor. In simple words, it can be harmful and in severe conditions, even deadly to consume unattended plant. The seeds have to be appropriately roasted and treated before being used in any consumable use. Since it has become possible to deal with the poisonous material, the plant consumption has also been rising. To meet the increasing needs, the plant has actually to be grown through various clinical approaches like in-vitro and ex-vitro propagation. This allows for rapid growth and for establishing illness and bug resistant ranges of the plant. And a healthy crop will mean more fuel and better environment on the whole.

It is in our hands to live in harmony with the nature, and it is our options that determine the outcome of the interaction we have with the nature. If we choose environment friendly items, we improve our lives. So, picking Jatropha can be the initial step in enhancing the wealth called environment.