BERBERIS ARISTATA (HIMALAYAN BERBERRY), (SUMBAL)

Berberis Aristata is a thorny shrub belonging to the family Berberidaceae and the genus Berberis. It has yellow root. The flowers are yellow and in corymbose racemes. The fruits are oblong-ovoid or ovoid, bright red berries.

It is widely found in Northern Areas of Pakistan, Mansehra, Balakot, Galyat, Swat and North Waziristan in KPK, Kashmir, Murree and Kotli Sattian hills in Punjab, and also found in different areas of Balochistan.

Berberis Aristata is known as "Sumbal" in local language of Kotli Sattian. Sumbal can treat fatal diseases, including Cancer, Brain tumor, Diabetes, Thyroid glands, Infertility and Arthritis. 

MARPHOLOGY DESCRIPTION

It is a dynamical bush. The old plant is seven to eight feet tall, and It is full of thorns and branches spread around, each thorn is in set of three thorns. Trunk diameter of old plants becomes three to four inches, and the roots are eight to ten feet deep in the ground. This root is used as a herb, its skin is peeled off from the root and then dried in the shade and it’s taste is bitter and colour is yellow. Sumbal flowers flourish in the form of bright yellow clusters, leaves are oblong and sharp-edged, flowers are dispersed after a few days and they are replaced with little green berries, ripening blackish. Its leaves and flowers are eatable with bitter taste. It is used as a treatment of the mouth and throat diseases, and the Powder of Sumbal Root is good for healing cancer patients.

THE FLOWERING AND FRUITING SEASON

Flowering in Berberis Aristata starts from the first fortnight of March and remains in progress up to the end of April. The peak flowering season under Solan conditions was recorded to be from 8-25 April. The fruit start ripening from the second week of May and continue to do so throughout June. They can be retained on the shrub after ripening for quite a long period, but they fall off soon after the onset of rains. The fruiting season, therefore, ends abruptly with the commencement of the rainy season.

The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by insects and self. The plant is self-fertile.

The small fruits with their seeds are sweet, with a blend of acid. They are slightly bitter and the bitterness is due to the seeds. The taste and flavour of the fruits is good.

SUMBAL HERB NAMES IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES

Botanical name : Berberis Aristata
English name : Tree Turmeric, Indian Berberry, Himalayan Berberry
Urdu name : Darhald (Root), Zarishk (Berries), Rassaut (Root bark extract), Sumbal, Sumbloo

Arabic name : Ameerbaarees
Persian name : Filzahra (Root), Zarishk (Berries)

Baloch name : Zaril, Koroy
Pashto name : Zarilragay, Koroy
Kashmiri name : Rassashud (Root bark extrat), Kaw Dach Mool (Root)
Punjabi name : Rassaut, Sumlu

Pahari name : Sumbal
Chinese name : Huang Lian

German name : Indischer Berberitze

French name : Epine-vinette d’lnde

Hindi Name : Rasaut (Root Bark Extract), Darhald (Root), Zarishk (Berries)

Nepali Name : Chutro

Cancer (All Types):

Mix the Sumbal and the Turmeric powder in same weight. Fill the mixture in double zero sized capsules. Take one capsule after morning and evening meals, with milk. Cancer of every type will be controlled within a month.

1. Mouth or Breast Cancer: Mix the Kushta Sunkh (کشتہ سنکھ), Sumbal and Turmeric powder in same weight. Use a double zero sized fill capsule 3 times a day, after meals with Dhamasa soaked water.
2. Soak the small piece of Sumbal in a bowl of water in the evening, and drink in the morning, before meal. Similarly soak in the morning and drink in the evening.
   
   

   Brain Tumor:

   Take Siris tree bark, Kushta Sunkh, Sumbal and Turmeric Powder in the same weight. Add sum sugar and fill in double zero sized capsules. Diabetic patients may exclude sugar. Take one capsule thrice a day, after meals with Dhamasa soaked water. Continue it for 3 to 4 months for complete health.

   Cancerous Sore:

   Use half filled double zero sized capsule of Sumbal Powder thrice a day with fresh water or milk. The sore will be healed within 20 days.

   Mouth Disease:

   Sumbloo can also be used in mouth or sore throat. Hust keep small piece of Sumbloo in mouth and sleep. The bitter Sumbal water goes through mouth and throat and patient is healed within a night.

   Toothache:

   Take half-filled double sized capsule of mixed powder of Sumbal, Galingale (پان کی جڑ) and Jujube (عُناب) in same weight, twice a day, after meals.

   Pawn Ribs or Neck Pain:

   Take half-filled, double zero sized capsules of Sumbal powder, twice a day, after meals.
   Best Toothpaste: Mix Sumbal Powder equal to half the quantity of a good toothpaste, Now use it like a toothpaste.

   Thyroid Glands:

   Mix the Kushta Sunkh, Turmeric, Sumbal and Arsenic Powder No. 2 in the same weight and fill it in double-zero sized capsule. Take one capsule twice a day, with milk, for two to three months. You can also keep a small piece of Sumbal in mouth at night will also help healing Thyroid.

   Chronic Wounds:

   Just sprinkle the Sumbal powder on chronic wounds, to cure them, and also take a small quantity of it twice a day, with water or milk.

   Diabetes:

   Take small quantity of Sumbal twice a day with milk. You can also drink Sumbal soaked water twice a day before meals. To get rid of diabetes, soak a small piece Sumbal in a bowl of water at night and drink in morning. Similarly, soak in morning and drink before night meal.

   Arthritis:

   Take small quantity of Sumbal powder with milk, at night. Pain will be relieved within two or three days.Boil the two or three pieces of Sumbal, and drink. The joint pain will be removed.

   Infertility:

   Fill the double zero sized capsule with Kushta Sunkh, turmeric and Sumbal powder in equal weight, and take thrice a day with milk, for at least six months.

   Broken Bones:

   Mix Sumbal Powder in white part of eggs and apply on broken bone. Also bind strongly if possible. the bone will rejoin in 20 days.

   Hepatitis:

   Soak one piece of Sumbal in a bowl of water in the evening and drink in the morning before meal. Again do the same in the morning and drink in the evening before evening meal.

   Enlargement of Liver or Spleen:

   Prepare green tea of Sumbal and take before meals, twice a day.

   Stomach Worms:

   Take a small quantity of Sumbal powder early morning with water to get rid of Stomach Worms, within two to three days. You can repeat the process if needed.

   Diarrhea and Cramps: Mix Sumbal and dried Ginger powder in same weight and take thrice a day with milk or water.

   Side Effects :  Sumbal is safe for use but because of the berberine it contains, it must not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women and should not be administered to newborns.

   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Reference : Watt (1889)
                      Healthy Manners
   
   Research : Anjum Satti

PHYSICAL CONFIGURATION OF KOTLI SATTIAN

The different areas of the Subdivision Kotli Sattian vary greatly from each other. The highest point in the Subdivision is at Phofandi Peak, which is over 7,035 ft above sea level. The lowest point is on the River Jhelum near Pattan, which is only 1,587 ft above sea level. 

The Subdivision posses a unique position on account of its strategic location, climate, environment and scenery produce a general characteristics. The shortest and safest route that connects the Federal Capital to the sensitive frontiers of Kashmir is through this subdivision. The high walls of mountains on the northeast side, protects the Federal Capital as a fortress. As the homeland of most of the in-service and retired forces personnel, it stands surety to the well-being of the motherland. The Federal Capital, to some extent, depends on this area for water supply, construction materials, fruits, vegetables, poultry and much of the labour force.  

Reference : A HANDBOOK OF KOTLI SATTIAN

SATTI SISTERS - PAKISTAN TABLE TENNIS PLAYERS

Raheela Anjum (now Raheela Kashif) and Naila Anjum are daughters of proud Satti tribe from Kotli Sattian in Rawalpindi district, who donned the Pakistan colour. They ruled at National table tennis horizon for a decade during the 1990s. They went to play in the Tokyo championship, Japan. Both sisters also represented Pakistan in Asian games. That was the golden era of table tennis in Pakistan.

Raheela went to the Barcelona Summer Olympics (1992) in Spain to represent Pakistan. She won the bronze medal for Pakistan at 8th SAF games, Nepal (1999) in women's single and silver medal in women's double. She is gold and silver medalist in Asian Games, National Games, Pakistan Master Cup and many other tournaments. Raheela started playing professionally at the age of 12, and became national championship, a year after in 1990. She is 3 Times National Champion, Silver Medalist SAF Games 2004, Bronze in SAF Games Sri Lanka, Silver Medalist SAF Games 2016, 4 Gold Medals in National Championship 2000, 3 Gold Medals in National Championship 2016.

Naila moved to United States after getting married and settled there, but Raheela is still playing for last 27 years as there are no fresh players to replace her. Raheela Anjum of the 90s is now known as Raheela Kashif, after getting married to Kashif Shahzad.

Raheela Kashif, Shabnam Bilal and Maliha Khursheed participated in World Championship in March 2016 and qualified for semi finals. Later on, Raheela Kashif qualified for the quarter-finals of the women’s singles table tennis competitions of the Fourth Islamic Games in Baku, Azerbaijan in March 2017. The duo of Shabnam Bilal and Raheela Khalif - members of the Pakistan women's team who bagged silver Medal in 2016, are both over 45. They were also part of the Pakistan team that clinched silver at the 2004 edition in Islamabad.


International Table Tennis player Raheela Kashif introduced an indoor table tennis facility as Islamabad Table Tennis Training Club in Islamabad to enable the beginners with learning the sport and develop ultimate skills of game enabling them to perform at National Level.

ZAFAR ULLAH SATTI - TALLEST MAN OF THE WORLD (1998-2003)

Zafar Ullah Satti of Pakistan was the world's tallest person of the time (1998-2003) at 2.28m (7ft 7in). He was born in Narrar, Kahuta in Rawalpindi district of Pakistan. He began to experience phenomenal growth when he was about 14 years old, growing at an alarming two centimeters a day.

He became the world's tallest person in 1998 after the death of Haji Mohammad Alam Channa, who was reported to be 7 ft 8 inches tall.

He was recruited as a basketball player but his career was cut short after a few months. Satti weighed 150kg, and he had to use a walking stick to support his huge frame. He also worked for AWC.

Zafarullah Satti said in an interview during his visit to Malaysia in 2000, "I want to tell the people, especially those in authority, to give fair treatment to people like us who are not like normal people. "We are also human, and we want to live a life like any normal person would,"

In addition, he said although he liked the attention that people gave every time he appeared in public, his life could be lonely at times.

Zafarullah Satti died at the age of 30, on 23 February 2003 of cancer in a hospital in Islamabad, and is buried in his native graveyard at Narrar (Katara) in Kahuta, Rawalpindi.

VICE ADMIRAL (R) MUHAMMAD SHAFIQ SATTI - HILAL-E-IMTIAZ (M) - SITARA-E-IMTIAZ (M)

Muhammad Shafiq Satti was retired as Vice Chief of Naval Staff from Pakistan Navy. At present he is a Rector of Bahria University, Islamabad.

He was commissioned in the Operations Branch of Pakistan Navy in June 1977. The vice admiral has served on many important command and staff appointments including 2nd in command of a destroyer, command of Naval Air Wing and Naval Aviation. His major staff appointments include deputy director at JSHQ, director maritime affairs at NHQ, DDG PMSA, drafting authority, directing staff at National Defense University, chief inspector (Navy) and deputy chief of naval staff (Projects-2).

His professional courses include naval command and staff course from Indonesia and armed forces war course from National Defense University (NDU), Islamabad. He holds MSc (War Studies) degree from Quaid-i-Azam University.

In recognition of his services, he has been awarded Sitara-e-Imtiaz (Military) and Hilal-e-Imtiaz (Military).

PINE SAP, RESIN AND TURPENTINE

Sap is a fluid transported in xylem cells (vessel elements) or phloem sieve tube elements of a plant. These cells transport water and nutrients throughout the plant. It's more of a liquid, like honey or less viscous than honey. Sap is the sugary secretion from plants as well as trees. Sap is known as "Jaygun" in local language of Kotli Sattian.

Sap is not to be confused with latex, resin or cell sap; it is a separate substance, separately produced, and with different components and functions.

Sap is like the lifeblood of a tree. It helps carry nutrients through the tree to where they are needed most. Roots are constantly pulling in water, minerals and other nutrients that need to be spread throughout the tree, especially to the leaves. Leaves, meanwhile, are producing simple sugars and need a way to transport through the tree fibers and get rid of their waste products. Sap is used to carry these compounds to where they are needed. It moves much slower than blood does, and is of a much thicker consistency.

                          Pine Sap is dripping out after trimming the tree in Kotli Sattian

                               

Pine resin or pitch is the secretion from pine trees caused by cuts in the tree trunk or from broken limbs. The trees secrete the resin to seal up any cuts or damage to the tree.
In polymer chemistry and materials science, resin is a "solid or highly viscous substance" of plant or synthetic origin that is typically convertible into polymers. They are often mixtures of organic compounds, principally terpenes. Many plants, particularly woody plants, produce resin in response to injury. The resin acts as a bandage protecting the plant from invading insects and pathogens.

                                                               Pine Resin 
                                                     

Pitch: think of an intermediate between a liquid and a complete solid. Pitch is like that crystallized honey you find in your pantry after it’s been there for quite a while.

Difference between Sap and Resin

Sap is more of a liquid that is less viscous than honey. Resin is a sticky solid form of secretion that is highly valued for their chemical properties and associated uses. Sap is made of sugar and water carried in the xylem and phloem cells of the trees. Resin is a liquid found in the outer cells of the trees.

Turpentine, a substance characteristic of pine trees and other conifers, is composed of a mixture of resins and volatile oils. Turpentine is the volatile oil distilled from pine resin, which itself is obtained by tapping trees of the genus Pinus. 

Turpentine (also called spirit of turpentine, oil of turpentine, wood turpentine and colloquially turps). It is mainly used as a solvent and as a source of materials for organic synthesis.

Turpentine oil is made from the resin of certain pine trees. It is used as medicine. Don't confuse turpentine oil with gum turpentine, which is the resin. Turpentine oil is applied to the skin for joint pain, muscle pain, nerve pain, and toothaches.

 TURPENTINE USES, BENEFITS & DOSAGE
                                   
 USES OF STICKY PINE SAP

 By : Anjum Satti

DURNOYAN - KOTLI SATTIAN

Durnoyan is situated 5 km west of Kotli Sattian. It is linked with a metal road. The village is composed of many small settlements, which are scattered on the slopes facing east and west down towards the Khads. A ridge stands in the center which raises up to Patriata, the highest point of the region.

The top village is named Burj, which means "The Memorial". The Burj was erected by The British Empire in memory of the great soldiers, who took part in the first World War (1914 - 1918), and gave their lives in the battlefield.

The village itself is a Patwar Circle and a union council as well. A small bazar exists at Burj, from where roads are extended to Kotli, Murree, Patriata and Lehtrar via Biaga.

The village covers an area of 2,174 acres. Thirty-six percent of the land is cultivated. There are 1.292 acres of uncultivated. This is due to the rough and steep terrain. The main crops of wheat, maize and potato are sown in small patches of land.

CLIMATE OF KOTLI SATTIAN

The climate of the Subdivision Kotli Sattian differs considerably on account of differences in altitude and relief on the heights. The climate is cold in winter and mild in summer. In depths and valleys, it is mild in general. On the whole, the subdivision experiences cool and mild summers and cold winters.

Precipitation in winter is normally in the form of snow and sleet. Hailstorms are frequent during the winter and they also occur often during the monsoon season. But the precipitation during the summer is mostly in the form of rain. The subdivision receives a very high amount of rainfall averaging 60.53 inches with the mean annual number of rainy days at 89.3. The rainfall is received both from the monsoon and western disturbances.

July is the wettest month of the year receiving 14.26 inches of rain with a mean number of rain days at 15. It is followed very closely by August, which receives an average rainfall of 14 inches. The driest month of the year is November which receives only 0.87 inches of rainfall with only 1.7 days of rain.

Murree is the rainiest place of Pakistan with mean annual rainfall of about 1,484 mm (164cm). Kotli Sattian is geographically a part of Murree and Kahuta Hills. It was declared a subdivision in 1990 by breaking up 40 villages out of both subdivisions. Patriata is located on almost border of Murree and Kotli Sattian subdivisions. Patriata is the highest point of Murree Hills which consequently is the highest point of Punjab as well. Patriata hills (Including some parts of Kotli Sattian subdivision) are the rainiest region of Pakistan.

SIMLY DAM

The Simly Dam is about 80 meters high earthen embankment dam on the Soan River, 30 kilometers east of Islamabad, Pakistan.  It was developed by the Capital Development Authority, Planning for the dam began in 1962 and it was not completed when expected in 1972 due to project delays. It was completed in 1983.

Simly Dam lies between Islamabad and Kotli Sattian. The water of this dam is stored and supplied to the Federal capital for drinking purposes. The water stored in this dam is fed by melting snow and the natural springs of Murree and Kotli Sattian hills. Angling and boating are also allowed on the lake, but you need to have permit for fishing from Capital Development Authority, Islamabad. 

The dam is tucked away in a nice sleepy area, where there are hardly any passer byes leave aside tourists. It is such a shame that this place could be developed into such a beautiful little family picnic abode but probably since it is outside the jurisdiction Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) limits, therefore CDA does not seem to be interested in developing it.

There is only one guest house in Simly Dam, operated by CDA, Islamabad. Before you plan to stay here, you need to have permission to stay and visit this beautiful guest house from CDA head office located in Islamabad.

About 100 meters before the Simly Dam, a road leads to Patriata via Karor and Bunn.

The Kotli Sattian region is quite favourable for the construction of dams for small purposes. However, the government does not initiate any plan in this region. Lakes can be easily constructed with nominal cost and labour. The natural fountains and streams connected with these fountains have ample water, which is always pure and fresh. The gift of nature can be stored in small dams and lakes and thereafter the pure water be supplied to the Islamabad. Moreover, such constructive stops on the part of the government will enrich the beauty of the region and consequently prove the best tourist spots, adjacent to Islamabad and easily approaching to all.

Photo by : Khizer Bajwa

ICE NEEDLES IN KOTLI SATTIAN

Needle ice is a phenomenon that occurs when the temperature of the soil is above 0 °C (32 °F) and the surface temperature of the air is below 0 °C (32 °F). The subterranean liquid water is brought to the surface via capillary action, where it freezes and contributes to a growing needle-like ice column.

                                             ICE NEEDLES IN KOTLI SATTIAN HILLS

GEOLOGICAL FORMULATION OF KOTLI SATTIAN

The mountainous tract is a part of Siwalik terrains which is formed of anticline. Mr. Wynne, in his Geology of Neighborhood of Murree Hill Station- Vol. III, page 66, has given a very good description of geological formation of Murree and it's surroundings. Relying on the referred books, the geological data of the subdivision is prepared.

Kotli Sattian is on the eastward side of Murree hill station and on the northward side of Kahuta. The syn-clinical areas of undulations seem to rise toward the eastward. Steady low dips in the opposite direction, are visible from Murree hill station in the precipitous flanks of some of the distant hills on this side of the Jhelum river, as in that supporting the Plateau of Narrar and others.

The mountains of the subdivision are largely composed of MIOCENE sandstone and EOCENE MUMMULITIC limestone. This zone has undergone very recent folding and faulting, including early PLEISTOCENE thrusting. In the earlier, territory zone strike-faults have disrupted anticlines and brought in massive PERMO-CARBONIFEROUS limestone's forming the higher ridges.

The most important rocks with which the hilly tract is made, consists of limestone, shale, sandstone and clay-stone. The sandstone of the Murree formation is medium to course-grained purple and greenish grey in colour. The clay-stone is thickly bedded. The coarse grained, greenish grey sandstone is soft and rich in iron contents. The purplish or reddish brown sandstone is hard and compacted. The grey sandstone, coated with purple tinge due to oxidation and quartz occasionally intersect the rocks, especially the clay-stone, which is massive and break with colloidal fracture. Some of the straits yield excellent building material and are quarried for road construction. Others, on exposure, decompose and crumble away.

The Narrar Hill (Panjpeer) is wholly composed of a hard white sandstone. Thin flakes of white calcareous matter and hollow nodules filled with clay are generally seen in these rocks. While in the beds of streams, especially towards the south, concentrations of coarse limestone are commonly met with small beds of fine conglomerates, which are also to be found here and there. Mixed or alternating with the sandstone, are often extensive beds of red bluish clay or shale. These, alone with the more or less decomposed sandstone gives character to the soil of the subdivision.

Reference : A HANDBOOK OF KOTLI SATTIAN    

                                                      Panjpeer (Narrar) Rocks

LEHTRAR - KOTLI SATTIAN

Lehtrar is a revenue estate and situated on the Rawalpindi-Kotli Sattian Road. Lehtrar is located 29 km from Islamabad, and 17 km from Kotli Sattian town. It is exactly situated on the foot slopes of Panjpeer Ridge and forms a narrow valley.

The etymology of the word “Lehtrar”, it is supposed that the word is comprised of two words “Lohi” and “Tarer”, which means the cooking slabs. Such slabs are still found in the village.

Lehtrar Bala covers 935 acres of land, of which approximately 50% of the land is being cultivated. The principal crops in the valley are wheat, maize and pulses. The weather remains moderate. The ample water is available through springs. Therefore, the soil is suitable for growing fruit trees and vegetables.

Lehtrar has a small bazar located on the main road serving the goods for local need. Almost all amenities of basic scale are available. The average household size is 5.8% and literacy rate is 87%.