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

To begin with, is finding great acceptance all over the world as a bio-doesel. The jatropha curcas seeds can be crushed to get the oil and this can be used as a bio-fuel. The residues can be utilized as fertilizer or as a feed for electrical power generating plants. And this allows for a sustainable development. Not just the seeds, however the plant as a whole is well matched to meet the growing environmental concerns. And why simply the bio-diesel, it can be used as air travel fuel, auto fuel and a host of other usages from other parts of the plants. The stems of this plant discover uses in basket making, ornamental purposes, and tanning leather and getting dyes. The plant even discovers use in medicines for cough, balm ointments, tooth pastes, cosmetics and is even used to produce excellent quality paper. The plant is, therefore, being put to almost every conceivable usage possible.

Though it puts the worry of having a renewable source of energy at hands to a back burner, yet it needs to be supported and taken care of to permit for a healthy plant development. And it has been observed that the jatropha curcas plants tax our water resources. So, they are grown in locations with lots of rains. This cuts the concern on the water resources, permits water preservation and human effort too. Because the irrigation financial investment is only one time cost of time, cash, effort and resources, it is being accepted as a sustainable alternative worldwide.

But it is not all gift - goodie about the plant. The Jatropha plant has harmful content. It has lectin, saponin, phorbol, toxalbumin curcin and is a trypsin inhibitor. In easy words, it can be hazardous and in severe conditions, even deadly to consume neglected plant. The seeds have to be effectively roasted and dealt with before being utilized in any consumable use. Since it has become feasible to treat the toxic content, the plant intake has actually also been increasing. To meet the increasing demands, the plant has actually to be grown through different scientific methods like in-vitro and ex-vitro proliferation. This allows for rapid development and for developing disease and insect resistant varieties of the plant. And a healthy crop will imply more fuel and better environment on the whole.

It is in our hands to reside in harmony with the nature, and it is our choices that determine the outcome of the interaction we have with the nature. If we select environment friendly items, we enhance our lives. So, choosing jatropha curcas can be the primary step in improving the wealth called environment.