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Rosary Pea
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Binomial Name(s): Abrus precatorius
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Fabales
Family: Fabaceae
Subfamily: Faboideae
Tribe: Abreae
Genus: Abrus
Species: A. precatorius
Popular Name(s): Jequerity, Crab's Eye, Precatory Bean, Tento Muido, Cain Ghe, Graines Reglisse, Weesboontje, Rakat, Hint Meyankoku, Hung Tou, Jequerit, Liane Reglisse, Ma Liao Tou, Paratella, Paternoster
Parts Used: Seeds, leaves
Habitat: Throughout Central India
Description
Rosary Pea is a twining herb, with long, pinnate-leafleted feathery leaves. Its flowers are rose to purple in color, growing at the end of a stalk. On the other hand, fruits are short pods, containing hard, shiny, scarlet and black seeds. The herb is also identified as Gunja in Sanskrit and some Indian languages. Native to Indonesia, the plant is mostly found in the tropical and subtropical areas of the world. If proper care is not taken while growing it, the plant might becomes weedy and invasive in the areas where it has been introduced.
Plant Chemicals
(+)-abrine, Abraline, Abrasine, Abricin, Abrin, Abrisin, Abrusgenic-acid, Abrusgenic-acid-methyl-ester, Abruslactone, Abrussic-acid, Anthocyanins, Ash, Calcium, Campesterol, Choline, Cycloartenol, Delphinidin, Gallic-acid,, Glycyrrhizin, Hypaphorine, N,n-dimethyl-tryptophan, N,n-dimethyl-tryptophan-metho-cation-methyl-ester, P-coumaroylgalloyl-glucodelphinidin, Phosphorus, Pectin, Pentosans, Picatorine, Polygalacturonic-acids, Precasine, Precatorine, Protein Trigonelline
Uses & Benefits of Rosary Pea
Rosary pea roots are used for treating gonorrhea, jaundice and haemoglobinuric bile.
The oil extracted from seeds of the herb is said to promote the growth of human hair.
The herb is also used as an abortifacient, laxative, sedative and aphrodisiac.
The leaves of Rosary pea are used to make tea, which is known to be useful in treating fevers, coughs and colds.
The white seeds of the herb are used in the Siddha medicine, to make oil that is regarded as an equivalent of the present-day Viagra.
The seeds of Rosary pea have anodyne, antimicrobial, diuretic, emetic, expectorant, febrifuge, hemostat, purgative, and refrigerant properties.
The seeds, after being converted to vermifuge paste, can be applied topically, in case of sciatica, stiffness of shoulder joints and paralysis.
In some traditional medicines, the herb is used to treat scratches, sores and wounds caused by dogs, cats and mice.
The paste of its roots is often used in the treatment of abdominal pains and tumors.
The juice derived from the paste of the leaves and seeds of rosary pea can be used to treat grey hair.
Caution
The seeds of Rosary pea are highly poisonous. In the powdered form, they have been known to disturb the uterine functions and also prevent conception in women.
If consumed raw, the seeds can result in nausea, vomiting, severe abdominal pain and diarrhea, and burning in throat, initially. Later on, ulcerative lesions of mouth and esophagus might result.
Eye damage, conjunctivitis and even blindness might result from coming in contact with an infusion of the seed extracts.
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Malabar Nut
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Botanical Name(s): Adhatoda Vasica
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Subclass: Asteridae
Order: Lamiales
Family: Acanthaceae
Genus: Justicia
Species: J. adhatoda
Popular Name(s): Adulsa
Parts Used: Leaves, Roots, Flowers and Stem Bark
Habitat: The plant grows in plains & in lower Himalayan ranges upto 1000 m above sea level.
Description
Malabar nut is a small evergreen, subherbacious bush. The leaves are 10 to 16 cm in length, minutely pubescent and broadly lanceolate. When the leaves are dried, they appear dull brownish green in color and taste bitter. The inflorescence is dense, short pedunculate, bractate and spike terminal. The corolla is large and white, with lower lip streaked purple. The fruit is a 4-seeded small capsule. The stomata in the plant are elongated and oval in shape. The plant has been used in India for over 200 years. It is commonly cultivated in the tropics in the country.
Plant Chemicals
The chief alkaloid present in the leaves of Malabar nut is a quinazoline alkaloid, vasicine; the yield of the alkaloid from different samples in India ranged from 0.541 to 1.105 per cent on dry basis. Vasicine is accompanied by l- vasicinone, deoxyvasicine and maiontone. Some minor alkaloids viz. Vasicol, adhatodinine and vasicinol also present. The roots of the plant contain vasicinolone, vasicol, peganine, hydroxy oxychalcone and glucosyl oxychalcone. The flowers of the plant contain b-sitosterol-D-glucoside, kaempferol, glycosides of kaempferoland and queretin.
Uses & Benefits of Malabar Nut
The leaves of Malabar nut are rich in vitamin C and carotene and yield an essential oil.
The shrub is the source of a drug well known in indigenous systems of medicine for its beneficial effects, particularly in bronchitis.
Its leaves, flowers, fruits and roots are extensively used for treating cold, cough, whooping cough, chronic bronchitis and asthma.
The leaves are known to moderate the hypotensive activity, by lowering the blood pressure.
They assist in conditions like uterine involution, menorrhagia (excessive menstural bleeding), post-childbirth hemorrhage and uterine stimulant activity.
The fresh juice obtained from leaves of Malabar nut has been used to treat tuberculosis. Its local use gives relief from pyorrhea and bleeding gums.
The leaves of this plant are, sometimes, also used as insecticides.
Antispasmodic properties are also associated with the plant. It helps in easing pain.
Caution
Consumption of Malabar nut has been contraindicated during pregnancy, except at the time of the birthing process, due to its anti-implantation properties.
The herb possesses oxytocic properties, which stimulate contractions of the uterus and also have abortifacient effects.
Larger doses of this plant material can cause diarrhea, irritation of the alimentary canal and vomiting.
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Aloe Vera
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Botanical Name(s): Aloe Barbadensis, Aloe Indica, Aloe Barbados, Aloe Vera
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Liliopsida
Order: Asparagales
Family: Aloaceae
Tribe: Abreae
Genus: Aloe L.
Species: Aloe vera
Popular Name(s): Aloe, Indian Alces, Kumari, Ghirita, Gawarpaltra, Barbados Aloe, Curacao Aloe, Lu Hui
Parts Used: Flowers, Roots
Habitat: South and South Western India
Description
Aloe Vera is a stem-less or very short-stemmed plant, growing approximately 80-100 cm tall, spreading by offsets and root sprouts. The leaves are lanceolate, thick and fleshy, green to grey-green, with a serrated margin. The flowers are produced on a spike up to 90 cm tall, each flower pendulous, with a yellow tubular corolla 2-3 cm long. The tissue in the center of the aloe leaf contains a gel which yields aloe gel or aloe vera gel.
Plant Chemicals
The Aloe Vera plant is essentially a cactus plant, which is composed of mainly water and 75 different ingredients. These include vitamins, minerals, enzymes, sugars, anthraquinones and many more. Carboxy-peptidase is an important enzyme, which produces an anti-inflammatory effect, after rendering bradykinins inactive. Found in the sap are phenolic compounds, such as lsobarbaloin, Anthrone-C-glycosides and Barbaloin-lO. Various essential amino acids and antioxidant vitamins A, C and F are derived from this plant. Sallcylic acid, calcium, zinc, manganese, magnesium are some of the compounds present in the aloe vera plant as well.
Uses & Benefits of Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is useful for treating X ray burns, dermatitis, cutaneous and disorders of skin.
The drug from its juice is tonic and used in jaundice, ameneorrhoea, atonic and piles.
Aloe Vera gel has the remarkable ability to heal wounds, ulcer and burns.
The acid present inside Aloe Vera is used as an effective pain killer.
It is used to make antiseptic, which can kill mold, bacteria, funguses and viruses.
Aloe Vera is known to be highly beneficial for skin. It prevents the growth of acnes and is used as a beauty product to enhance skin growth.
Both oral intake and tropical dressings of Aloe Vera encourage healing of any kind of wound on the skin, burn or scald. It also speeds up the convalescing period after recovery.
Aloe Vera can be tried on blisters, insect bites, rashes, sores, herpes, urticaria, athlete’s foot, fungus, vaginal infections, conjunctivitis, sties, allergic reactions, and dry skin.
Topical used of this plant includes sunburn, frostbite, shingles, screening out x-ray radiation, psoriasis, preventing scarring, rosacea, warts, wrinkles from aging, and eczema.
According to some studies, oral consumption of Aloe Vera works effectively to soothe conditions like heartburn, arthritis and rheumatism pain and asthma.
Studies have also suggested that it is has a very positive effect on lowering blood sugar levels in diabetics.
Caution
Use of Aloe Vera over a long period of time can result in loss of potassium, hematuria, albuminuria and fluid imbalance in the body.
Oral intake of Aloe Vera supplements might result in abdominal cramps and diarrhea in some cases.
Aloe Vera should not be consumed during pregnancy, menstruation, breast-feeding, and also in case of an inflamed intestinal disorder.
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Indian Echinacea
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Botanical Name(s): Andrographis Paniculata
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Lamiales
Family: Acanthaceae
Genus: Andrographis
Species: A. paniculata
Popular Name(s): Creat, Kariyat
Parts Used: Whole plant leaves
Habitat: Cultivated throughout India
Description
Indian Echinacea is a traditional Indian herb, historically used as support for a healthy immune system. The main compound found in the herb is a diterpene lactone called andrographilide B. It grows vertically to a height of 30-110 cm. The plant thrives in moist and shady places, and grows along glabrous leaves and white flowers, with rose-purple colored spots on the petals. Its stems are dark green in color and have a height of 0.3 - 1.0 m and a diameter of 2-6 mm. Indian Echinacea is found in isolated patches in the tropical Asian countries. It is a versatile medicinal herb, known for its many positive uses for human health.
Plant Chemicals
Bitter diterpenoid lactones, especially deoxy-andrographolide, andrographolide and ncoandrographolide have been isolated from the whole plant and leaves.
Diterpene dimers
Flavonoids, which are available in the roots.
The main active constituents and marker compounds (considered to be the andrographolides and andrographis extracts) are often standardized to these compounds.
Uses & Benefits of Indian Echinacea
Indian echinacea has been found to be an effective anti-biotic, anti-viral, and anti-parasitic and immune system stimulant.
It is used in viral hepatitis, children's bowel complaints, gastric acidity; drug induced liver damage, liver congestion and flatulence.
The herb is being increasingly used as treatment for cold. Reasonably good evidence tells us that it can reduce the severity of cold symptoms. It may also help prevent the occurrence of colds.
It is also known to promote digestion and serves to protect the liver and the gall bladder. It kills the intestinal worms and supports the intestine.
Indian echinacea promotes a healthy heart by preventing blocked arteries and blood clots. It has a bitter taste, which has a cooling effect on the body, good enough to bring down a temperature.
In case of a loss of appetite in children, the plant is used to promote hunger. It is also used as a febrifuge, stomachic, tonic, alterative, anthelmintic, antispasmodic etc.
The plant is capable of working as an expectorant, serving to promote mucus discharge from the respiratory system.
Indian echinacea is a known to be a relaxing herb, though it may not have the same effect as that the accepted herbal sedatives, valerian roots, hop, skullcap, etc.
Caution
Indian echinacea plant contains some toxic materials, though the level of toxicity is very low.
In some instances, consumption of the plant has resulted in dizziness and heart palpitations.
Allergic reactions are also associated with the plant, as put forward by some studies.
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Custard Apple
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Binomial Name(s): Annona squamosa
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida (Dicotyledons)
Subclass: Magnoliidae
Order: Magnoliales
Family: Annonaceae (Custard-apple family)
Subfamily: Maloideae
Tribe: Abreae
Genus: Annona L. (annona)
Species: Annona squamosa L. (sugar apple)
Popular Name(s): Sugar Apple, Sweetsop, Kaner'apra, Pomme Canelle, Tapotapo, Fun Li Chi, Anon, Anona Blanca, Ati, Ates
Parts Used: Annona seeds, Annona leaves, Annona bark
Habitat: Throughout India
Description
Custard apple is a tropical branched tree or shrub, indigenous to the Amazon rainforest. It grows around 3 meters to 8 meters in length. The leaves are thin and oblong, while the flowers are greenish - yellow. The conical fruit, with a purple knobby skin, is very sweet and eaten fresh or can be used for milkshakes, ice- creams and even sherbets. The fruit is juicy and creamy-white and looks like a giant raspberry. The plant is native to both America and India. It is popularly known as ‘Sharifa’ in India.
Custard apple tree does not require much care and will do well if watered regularly, along with enough light for it to grow. It grows well in hot dry climates and adjusts in any kind of soil, a job that is a little difficult for other plants in its family. If you have sowed the plant’s seeds, it will bear fruits in 2 to 3 years. The fruits are generally conical or round in shape and will take around 3 to 4 months to ripen.
Plant Chemicals
squamocenin (1), annotemoyin-2 (2), reticulatain-2 (3), squamocin-I (4), squamocin-B (5), squamocin (6), motrilin (7), squamostatin-D ( 8 ), squamostatin-E (9), cherimolin-1 (10), cherimolin-2 (11) from the ethyl alcohol extract of A. squamosa L. Squamocenin is a new acetogenin, Annotemoyin and reticulatain-2.
Uses & Benefits of Custard Apple
The bark of custard apple tree can be used to stop diarrhea in children and adults. In addition, the plant is effective to treat diabetes.
Its fruit is used to make a hair tonic in some parts of India.
The plant bears some amazing medicinal qualities, like serving as an insecticide, antiovulatory and abortifacient.
The grounded seeds can be applied on hair, to get rid of lice. However, make sure that it does not come in contact with ice or else, it can irritate the eye, leading to blindness.
Custard apple can treat burning sensation, as it is an effective coolant.
It is used to produce sugar wine apple and is the perfect plant for indoors.
The crushed leaves of the tree are used to treat hysteria (fearful state of mind) and fainting spells.
The treatment of ulcer, wound, dysentery and other ailments is also done by its concentrated leaf extract (in which the leaf is boiled and its essence is extracted).
Caution
The good part of custard apple tree is that its remains disease free most of the time; however, it is susceptible to fungus and wilt.
Ants can create problems for the fruit, by producing mealy bugs on it.
The roots of the tree are quite powerful and can cause abortions; hence, expecting mothers should take care while eating the herb.
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Hawaiian Baby Woodrose
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Botanical Name(s): Argyreia Nervosa
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Solanales
Family: Convolvulaceae
Subfamily: Faboideae
Genus: Argyreia
Species: A. nervosa
Popular Name(s): Elephant Creeper Seeds, Original Argyreia Seeds, Elephant Climber, Woolly Morning Glory, Cordon Seda, Coup D’Air, Liane A Minguet, Liane D’Argent, Samudrasokh, Silver Morning Glory
Parts Used: Seeds, wood
Habitat: Hills, 900m and above in India
Description
A perennial climbing vine, Hawaiian baby woodrose is a liana, with a length extending up to 10 m. The plant has large, heart-shaped leaves and white trumpet-shaped flowers. The large furry seeds grow in seedpods. The vine can be up to 10 m in length. The petals are about 6 cm long, with shallowly lobes and pinkish-purple color. The plant’s fruit is spherical and yellowish-brown with a diameter of 20 mm. Hawaiian baby woodrose is originally from the Indian subcontinent, but has now been introduced to various other countries, like Hawaii, Africa and the Caribbean. It is known as Samandar-ka-pat in Hindi, Bastantri in Sanskrit, Candrapada in Kannada and Telugu, Marikkunni in Malayalam and Samuttirappaccai in Tamil.
Plant Chemicals
(+)- tannin, potassium, calcium, phosphate
Uses & Benefits of Hawaiian Baby Woodrose
Hawaiian baby woodrose is useful for healing wounds and increasing blood pressure to the effective parts.
The roots of the plant are helpful in the treatment of gonorrhea, rheumatism, diseases of nervous system, obesity, hoarseness, syphilis, anemia, diabetes, tuberculosis and general debility.
The herb is also very useful in vitiated conditions, like kapha and vita, emaciation, ulcers, anorexia, dyspepsia and latulence.
Hawaiian baby woodrose helps in digestion, throat-related problems and also strengthens the body.
The herb increases the sperm count and decreases the inflammation in the uterus.
It is also helpful in resolving urine related problems.
Hawaiian baby woodrose is anti-inflammatory in action and a cardiac supporter.
Other ailments where the herb is used for treatment include bronchitis, strangury, seminal weakness, nervous weakness, cerebral disorders, arthritis and leucorrhoea.
Caution
Consumption of the seed of Hawaiian baby woodrose may result in stomach discomfort within an hour or two of its consumption. The effect will be mild when only a few seeds are taken, but can progress to intense and prolonged nausea, along with vomiting. After vomiting, the sensation will subside rapidly.
When consumed in higher doses, the herb can lead to a sensation of dryness in mouth and over skin.
Another curious effect that Hawaiian baby woodrose is likely to cause is the itching and tingling sensation in the muscles, which can make it physically impossible for a person to get sleep.
The seeds can induce labor or cause miscarriage in pregnant women.
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Jackfruit
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Botanical Name(s): Artocarpus Heterophyllus
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Rosales
Family: Moraceae
Subfamily: Asteroideae
Tribe: Artocarpeae
Genus: Artocarpus
Species: A. heterophyllus
Popular Name(s): Jakfruit, Jaca, Nangka
Parts Used: Seeds, fruit, leaves
Habitat: Rainforests of India
Description
The largest tree-borne fruit in the world, jackfruit (artocarpus heterophyllus) is grown on a species of tree in the mulberry family. The evergreen trees are large, often reaching a height of above 20 m. The jackfruits can sometimes weigh over 75 lbs. however, the average sized fruits are 1-2 feet long, and 9-12" wide. The exterior of the fruit is green-yellow, with small spiky knobs, while the flesh is custard yellow, with a banana-like flavor. The leaves are oblong, oval or elliptic, usually 4 to 6 inches in length and leathery, glossy and deep green in color.
There are two varieties of jackfruits: one that is small, fibrous, soft, and mushy and the carpels are sweet, with a texture like that of a raw oyster. The other variety is crisp and crunchy, but not very sweet. Jackfruits are believed to have originated in the rain forests of the Western Ghats in India. They are vegetated in other parts of India, South-east Asia, East Indies, Philippines, Brazil and Surinam also. Jackfruit is known as kanthal in Bangla, panasa in Sanskrit, katahal in Hindi, pala in Tamil and chakka in Malayalam.
Plant Chemicals
(+)- all-trans-lutein (24-44%), all-trans-beta-carotene (24-30%), all-trans-neoxanthin (4-19%), 9-cis-neoxanthin (4-19%), 9-cis-violaxanthin (4-10%)
Uses & Benefits of Jackfruit
The leaves of jackfruit tree are useful for curing fever, boils and skin diseases. When heated, they prove useful in curing wounds.
The latex of the fruit is helpful in treating dysopia, opthalmities and pharyngitis.
The latex can also be mixed with vinegar to heal abscesses, snakebites and glandular swellings.
The wood of jackfruit tree is widely used in manufacturing musical instruments, furniture, doors, windows and roof constructions.
The seed starch is useful in relieving biliousness, while the roasted seeds are regarded as aphrodisiac.
To heal ulcers, the ash of jackfruit leaves is burnt with corn and coconut shells and used either alone or mixed with coconut oil.
The root of jackfruit tree forms the remedy for skin diseases, fever and diarrhea.
The heartwood of the tree is used by Buddhist forest monastics in Southeast Asia, for dying the robes of the monks to light brown color.
In China, the pulp and seeds of jackfruit are considered as a cooling and nutritious tonic. The fruit is useful in overcoming the influence of alcohol on a person’s body system.
Caution
The wood of jackfruit tree has sedative properties, due to which its pith can result in abortion.
Jackfruit can increase coagulation.
People who are allergic to birch pollen can show signs of allergy towards jackfruit.
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Ashwagandha
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Botanical Name(s): Withania Somnifera
Kingdom: Plantae
Subkingdom: Tracheobionta
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Subclass: Asteridae
Order: Solanales
Family: Solanaceae
Subfamily: Asteroideae
Genus: Withania
Species: W. somnifera
Popular Name(s): Withania, Winter Cherry, Indian Winter Cherry, Indian Ginseng, Ashgand, Achuvagandi Ashgandh, Ajagandha, Kanaje Hindi, Samm Al Ferakh
Parts Used: Roots, leaves
Habitat: Cultivated throughout drier parts of India
Description
Also known as Indian ginseng or Indian winter cherry, ashwagandha is used in Indian traditional systems of medicine, namely Ayurveda and Unani. It is a stout shrub that reaches a height of about 170 cm (5 to 6 ft). The erect branched shrub is berry-like in shape and size and bears greenish or lurid yellow flowers and red fruits. The plant is grown in various parts of India like Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat and Maharashtra. It is also cultivated in Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka.
Plant Chemicals
(+)- withanine, somniferine, somnine, somniferinine, withananine, anhydrine, methanol, hexane, diethyl ether, alkaloid (0.13-0.31%), choline, tropanol, pseudotopanol, cuscokygrene, 3-tigioyloxytropana, isopelletierine, withaferin-A, starch, glycosides, dulcitol, withancil, aspartic acid, glycine, tyrosine, alanine, glutamic acid, cysteine.
Uses & Benefits of Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is beneficial in stress related disorders, like arthritis, hypertension, diabetes, general debility, etc.
It works as a rasayan that helps in preventing early aging and rejuvenates the whole body.
The herb is considered as an adaptogen that stimulates the immune system and improves the memory.
Ashwagandha increases the white blood cell count and prepares the body to produce antigens against different infections and allergies.
Since it has excellent healing properties, it is greatly effective in healing wounds and injuries.
Due to its good penetrating powers, the herb promotes calmness and mental satisfaction.
Ashwagandha helps in increasing the number and quality of sperms.
It revitalizes the body and decreases untimely fatigue that is caused due to weak body strength, which results from accumulation of negative energies in the body.
Due to presence of vata-suppressant properties, ashwagandha relieves stress and helps in nurturing nervous system.
It provides nourishment to the brain for better functioning and greater ability to work.
Since the herb is a powerful aphrodisiac, it assists in enhancing sexual powers and promotes long-lasting endurance.
Ashwagandha seeds are used to thicken milk in India.
It helps in improving mental ability and mental concentration, gaining retaining power and increasing the production of bone marrow.
The herb works as a powerful immune booster that helps in fighting any foreign invasion in the body.
Since ashwagandha possesses the properties that suppress kapha, the plant gives good results in leucorrhoea.
It is used as a liver tonic and anti-inflammatory agent that treats asthma, ulcers, insomnia and senile dementia.
Incorporation of the herb in the diet prevents or decreases the growth of tumors in humans.
The use of ashwagandha is significant in anxiety, cognitive and neurological disorders, inflammation and Parkinson’s disease.
Caution
Do not take ashwagandha, if you are suffering from congestion.
In case you are pregnant or breast-feeding, do not use the herb, as the complications are unknown.
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Asparagus
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Botanical Name(s): Asparagus Racemosus, Asparagus Sarmentosus, Asparagus Gonoclados, Asparagus Adscendens
Family Name: Liliaceae
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Asparagales
Family: Asparagaceae
Genus: Asparagus
Species: A. racemosus
Popular Name(s): Wild Asparagus, Asparagus Root, Satavari, Shatamuli
Parts Used: Tuberous Roots
Habitat: Found in the jungles around 8,000 feet altitude throughout India, especially Northern India.
Description
Also known as Satawari, Asparagus means ‘one who possesses a hundred husbands’. A much-branched spinous under-shrub with tuberous, short rootstock, it has numerous fusiform succulent tuberous roots. The plant contains odd little pine-needle-like leaves that are uniform, small and shiny green. The plant bears white flowers on short, spiky stems in summers, while in winters, blackish-purple, globular pulpy berries can be seen. It is a creeper, about 1 to 2 meters tall and the root is taken up in gravelly, rocky soils, high up in piedmont plains. The amazing herb is commonly found throughout India and the Himalayas. It is known as the ‘Queen of Herbs’ in Ayurvedic system of medicine, since it promotes love and loyalty.
Plant Chemicals
(+)- steroidal saponins, rhamnose moieties, sarsasapogenin, alkaloids, proteins, starch, tannin, isoflavones including 8-methoxy-5,6,4’-trihydroxyisoflavone 7-0-beta-D-glucopyranoside, asparagamine, racemosol, polysaccharides.
Uses & Benefits of Asparagus
Asparagus is used as an anodyne, aphrodisiac and galactogogue.
The roots are useful in nervous disorders, dyspepsia, tumors, scalding of urine, throat infections, tuberculosis, cough bronchitis and general debility.
It helps with nervousness, pain, restless sleep, disturbing dreams and people with weak emotional and physical heart.
The herb is useful for treating anorexia, insomnia, hyperactive children and people who are under-weight.
Asparagus is considered as a rejuvenating female tonic for overall health and vitality.
Satawari is used for treating sexual debility, infertility in both the sexes, and menopausal symptoms and increases milk secretion during lactation.
The herb is useful in pregnancy for threatened abortion.
It is useful for the treatment of ulcerative disorders of stomach and Parinama Sula, clinical entity akin to the duodenal ulcer diseases.
The paste of fresh leaves is used to apply on the burning sensation of the skin in smallpox and bullae.
The fresh juice of the roots, mixed with honey, helps in reducing the burning sensation pain in tumors, due to pitta.
Asparagus proves to be an effective demulcent for the dry and inflamed membranes of the lungs, stomach, kidneys and sexual organs.
The herb is also an extremely nutritious tonic for women from menarche to menopause.
Since it increases the urinary output, it is beneficial in urinary stones and Dysurea.
Asparagus is anabolic to uterus and thus, helpful in uterine hypoplasia in young girls.
It improves uterine growth, mitigates dysmenorrheal and menorrhagia, augments fertility and imparts anabolic properties.
The herb works as a rejuvenative to improve eyesight, when consumed for a prolonged duration.
When taken with a cup of saffron milk, asparagus is good for post-menopausal women.
It curbs the intensity of the bronchospasms and decreases the frequency of paroxysms.
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Neem
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Botanical Name(s): Azadirachta Indica
Family Name: Meliaceae
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Order: Sapindales
Family: Meliaceae
Genus: Azadirachta
Species: A. indica
Popular Name(s): Indian Lilac, Margosa Tree
Parts Used: Leaves, Flower, Oil, Seed
Habitat: Grows throughout India
Description
A fast-growing tree, neem (azadirachta indica) can reach a height of about 15 to 20 meters (115-131 ft). The trunk is short, straight and has a diameter of 1.2 m (about 4 ft), wherein the branches spread out widely. Young leaves are reddish to purple in color and turn into dark green pinnate leaves on maturity. The white and fragrant flowers are arranged auxiliary in drooping panicles, about 25 cm in length. The smooth olive-like drupe fruit is elongated-oval to nearly roundish in shape. Neem is grown in tropical and semi-tropical regions of India, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Malaysia and Pakistan. It is also known as ‘Divine Tree’, ‘Heal All’, ‘Nature’s Drugstore’, ‘Village Pharmacy’ and ‘Panacea for All Diseases’ in India.
Plant Chemicals
(+)- azadirachtin, nimbinene, 6-desacetylnimbinene, nimbandiol, nimbolide, p-sitosterol, salannin, gedunin, azadirone, nimbin, nimbidine, nimbicidine, nimbinol, sitosterol glucocide1, quercetin, n-hexacosanol, nonacosane, moisture, proteins, fat, fiber, carbohydrates, minerals, calcium, phosphorus, iron, thiamine, niacin, carotene, gedunin, 7-deacetoxy-7a-hydroxy gedunin, 17p-hydro.xy-azadiradione, 17-epiazadiradione and nimbiol.
Uses & Benefits of Neem
Neem products have medicinal properties that prove to be anthelmintic, antifungal, anti-diabetic, antibacterial, antiviral, anti-fertility and sedative.
All parts such of the tree, such as seeds, leaves, flowers and bark, are used in preparing various different medical preparations.
Its oil is used for preparing cosmetics, like soap, shampoo, balms, creams, etc, which prove handy for skin care, such as in treatment of acne, for keeping the elasticity of skin, and so on.
Patients suffering from chicken pox are recommended to sleep on neem leaves.
It is known to neutralize more than 500 pests worldwide, including insects, mites, ticks and nematodes, by affecting their behavior and physiology.
The gum of neem tree is used as a bulking agent to prepare special purpose food for diabetic patients. Its twigs are commonly used for cleaning teeth.
A decoction can be prepared from the roots of neem tree and ingested to relieve fever.
The paste of neem leaves is applied on skin to treat acne.
Neem leaves extract is helpful in treating malaria and purifying blood.
Various parts of the tree are used to protect stored roots and tubers from potato moth.
Neem is used in vitiated conditions of pitta, hyperdipsia, leprosy, skin diseases, eczema, leucoderma, pruritus, intermittent fever, wounds, ulcers, burning sensation, tumors, tubercular glands, anorexia, vomiting, dyspepsia, intestinal worms, hepatopathy, cough, bronchitis, inflammation and fatigue.
Fresh neem leaves are mixed with grains and cereals before storing them, ensure that the latter do not get spoilt.
In Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, neem leaves are used to prepare a dish called Ugadi Pachhadi, a type of curry prepared with neem blossoms.
The flowers of neem are mixed with and bella (jaggery or unrefined brown sugar) and offered to friends and relatives, as a symbol of sweet and bitter events in the upcoming New Year.
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Water Hyssop
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Botanical Name(s): Bacopa Monniera
Family Name: Scrophulariaceae
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Lamiales
Family: Plantaginaceae
Genus: Bacopa
Species: B. monnieri
Popular Name(s): Herpestis Monnieria, Thyme leaved Gratiola, Brahmi, Bacopa, Babies Tear
Parts Used: Whole Plant
Habitat: Grows in marshy places and cultivated throughout India
Description
A small perennial creeping herb, water hyssop has numerous branches that are succulent and rooting at the nodes. The branches are about 10 to 30 cm long. The leaves are oblong, petiole, punctuate, decussate, sessile and fleshy. The small and white flowers are axillary, solitary with peduncles and the tips are purple. The seeds are oblong, truncate and longitudinally ribbed, with transverse striations in between the ribs. Fruits and flowers appear in summers. The annual creeping plant is found throughout India, including the Northeastern Region. It is commonly known as bengsaga and brahmi in Hindi; mandukiparni, manduki, brahmi and saraswati in Sanskrit; thulakudi in Bengali; karivanna in Marathi; khandabrahmi in Gujarati; vallarikiri in Tamil and mandukabrahami in Telugu.
Plant Chemicals
(+)- brahmine, herpestine, hydrocotyline, saponins, monnierin, hersaponin, bacoside A, bacoside B, bacopasides, D-mannitol, betulic acid, ß-sitosterol, stigmasterol, heptacosane, octacosane, nonacosane, triacontane, hentriacontane, dotriacontane, nicotine, 3-formyl-4-hydroxy-2H-pyran, luteolin and its 7-glucoside, a-alamine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, serine and its esters, pectic acid, fatty acids, tannin, volatile oil, ascorbic acid, thankunic acid, asiatic acid, brahamoside, brahminoside, brahmic acid, isobrahmic acid, betulinic acid, wogonin, oroxindin, sterols.
Uses & Benefits of Water Hyssop
Water hyssop is commonly used as a brain tonic to improve mental alertness and enhance learning and academic performance.
The herb has antioxidant, cardiotonic and anticancer properties.
It improves intellect, memory, consciousness, mental acuity, mental clarity and longevity.
Water hyssop calms the mind and promotes relaxation.
The herb is used to remedy skin problems, such as eczema, psoriasis, abscess and ulcerations.
It is also believed to stimulate the growth of skin, hair and nails.
Water hyssop is very effective in treating bronchitis, asthma, hoarseness, arthritis, rheumatism, backache, leprosy, leucoderma, constipation, hair loss, fever and digestive problems.
The herb increases protein synthesis and activity in brain cells and decreases anxiety, restlessness and senility.
It is useful in nervous exhaustion and nervous deficit, caused due to injury and stroke.
Since water hyssop is bitter in taste, it is used in salads and soups, as a cooked lea vegetable and is pickled as well.
The herb is largely used in inflammations, tumor, splenomegaly, dysmenorrhoea and general debility.
It is used as a blood cleanser and considered good for the heart. The leaves are useful as a diuretic and aperient.
Caution
Pregnant and nursing women should consult a health care professional before using water hyssop, even though no effects have been found on the consumption of this herb by them.
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Bamboo
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Botanical Name(s): Bambusa Vulgaris, Bambusa Arundinacea, Bumbusa Apous, Bumbusa Orientalls, Bumbusa Spinosa, Bambusa Nutans
Family Name: Gramineae
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Poales
Family: Poaceae
Subfamily: Bambusoideae
Genus: Bambusa
Species: B. vulgaris
Popular Name(s): Bambou, Bambu, Bambu Comun, Bambu Verde, Daisan-Chiku, Gemeiner Bambus, Golden Bamboo, Grand Bambou
Parts Used: Bamboo leaves, Bamboo Exudate, Banshalochan, Tabasheer.
Habitat: Throughout India, in areas up to 2100 m in elevation
Description
Bamboo, botanically known as bambusa vulgaris, can be described as an open, clump-type bamboo species having lemon yellow culms, with green stripes and dark green leaves. The plant can grow up to a height of 12 meters, with an 8 cm thickness. New culms shoot up in mid-summer and attain full height in less than 60 days. The plant is native to the Himalayas, but is now cultivated widely throughout tropical Asia and America. It is also present in the regions ranging from Sierra Leone to South Nigeria and other African territories. Since common bamboo enjoys plenty of moisture, keeping it well watered is a necessity for a healthy plant. It has been considered as one of the fastest growing plants on Earth.
Plant Chemicals
(+)- cellulose (41-44%), pentosans (21-23%), lignin (26-28%), ash (1.7-1.9%), silica (0.6-0.7%). Per 100 g of young shoots for green stem cultivators contain water (90g), protein (2.6g), fat (4.1g), carbohydrates (0.4g), fiber (1.1g), calcium (22.8mg), phosphorus (37mg), iron (1.1mg) and ascorbic acid (3.1mg). per 100 g os young shoots for yellow stem cultivators contain water (88g), protein (1.8g), fat (7.2g), fiber (1.2g), calcium (28.6mg), phosphorus (27.5mg) and iron (1.4mg).
Uses & Benefits of Bamboo
Bamboo is used in manufacturing a number of products, like building materials, carpentry, farming, forestry, hunting and fishing apparatus, fuel and lighting, household, domestic and personal items, pulp and paper.
The culms of bamboo are largely used in constructional work, tool handles, weapons, furniture, musical instruments, handicrafts, stakes, pots, etc.
The leaves are sweet and have astringent, cooling, emmenagogue, opthalmic, vulnerary, constipating and febrifuge properties.
The leaf sheaths of bamboo are urticant. They are used in food for criminal poisoning.
The young new shoots of bamboo are eaten in Asia. Bamboo plants are especially cultivated to produce these shoots.
Bamboo shoots are planted as ornamental or boundary markers and used in supporting banana plants.
Bamboo extract is used to treat various inflammatory conditions.
Its sprouts are acrid, bitter and laxative and are helpful in inflammations, ulcers and wounds.
Split stems of bamboo are used for making baskets, fences, roofs and roof tiles.
In India, bamboo is used for making paper, since it provides good quality paper pulp.
Stem sheaths of bamboo are used as covers for beehives.
The bamboo resin (tabasheer, banshalochan) has astringent, acrid, sweet, cooling, expectorant, constipating, cardiotonic, haemostatic, aphrodisiac, and diuretic properties. It is used to treat infantile epilepsy.
Bamboo is used as an abortifacient for kidney troubles.
Caution
Bamboo should not be used by pregnant and breastfeeding women, unless so prescribed by their doctor
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Basil
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Botanical Name(s): Ocimum Sanctum
Family Name: Lamiaceae
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Lamiales
Family: Lamiaceae
Genus: Ocimum
Species: O. basilicum
Popular Name(s): Basil, Common Basil, French Basil, Garden Basil, Sacred Basil, Holy Basil, Tulsi, Royal Herb, Luole, Sweet Basil.
Parts Used: Leaves, Seeds.
Habitat: Found throughout India
Description
The term ‘basil’ has been derived from a Greek word ‘basileus’, which means ‘king’. It is a tender, low-growing herb that reaches a height of 1 to 2 feet. The stem of the plant bears many leaves, having a characteristic purple hue or coloration. The flowers are peculiar, in having two lips. The flower color can vary from pure white to pure red, with a slight purple tinge in some flowers. Basil is native to India, Iran and other tropical regions of Asia and has been grown there for more than 5,000 years. It is now cultivated throughout the world, as a flavoring herb in many cuisines. It plays a major role in cuisines of Italy, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodian and Laos. The herb comes in a number of varieties, like the sweet basil, holy basil, lemon basil and African blue basil.
Plant Chemicals
(+)- volatile oil (linalool, methyl chavicol), methyl cinnamate, cineole, citronellol, geraniol, myrcene, pinene, ocimene, terpineol, E-beta-caryophyllene.
Uses & Benefits of Basil
Fresh basil forms a common ingredient in cooked recipes across the world.
Basil oil has potent antioxidant, anti-cancer, anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties.
Basil has been known to decrease the occurrence of platelet aggregation and experimental thrombus in mice.
In India, it has been traditionally used for the supplementary treatment of stress, asthma and diabetes.
Basil serves as an herbal remedy for diseases related to the brain, heart, lungs, bladder and kidneys.
The herb is mixed with borage to make a tea that heightens vitality. Steaming basil tea is also used for treating patients with fever.
Basil tea is utilized in the internal as well as external treatment of eye problems. It is used as eyewash and the tea is also drunk to treat eye disorders.
Dried basil leaves are used in a snuff, as a remedy for colds.
The herb has been used as an antidote for poison since ancient times.
It is commonly used in cosmetics as a toning body rub, when mixed with sea salt and vegetable oil.
Basil is used for treating disorders of the digestive and nervous systems and reducing the incidence of flatulence in affected individuals.
The herb is helpful in all kinds of cramps in the stomach. It is also used to treat colic, indigestion, nausea, vomiting, intestinal worms, physical tiredness, depression, short-term and long-term anxiety and insomnia.
Herbal remedies made from sweet basil are used in the treatment of epilepsy, migraine and whooping cough.
Sweet basil is applied on insect bites as an external herbal ointment.
The herb is used in malaria, catarrh, bronchitis coughs, headaches, lung problems, abdominal distention, arthritis, nasal congestion, nerve tissue strengthening, sinus congestion, and gastric disorders.
It purifies the air, clears the lungs, and proves to be an effective heart tonic
Basil also lowers blood sugar levels and its powder is used for treating mouth ulcers.
Caution
Intake of basil seeds in large quantities is harmful for the brain.
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Bhringaraj
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Botanical Name(s): Eclipta Alba
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Asterales
Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Eclipta L.
Species: Eclipta prostrata (L.)
Popular Name(s): Babri, Galagara, Gunta-kalagara, Kaikeshi, Karisha-langanni, Karisirang-kanni, Kesharaji, Kesuri, Kesuria, Kesutti, Maka, Mochkand
Parts Used: Herb, roots, leaves
Habitat: Throughout India & Southwestern America
Description
Bhringaraj is a creeping and moisture-loving herb. It has a short, flat or round stem and small white flowers on a long stalk. It grows 3" tall; the leaves are opposite and lance shaped. The roots of the pant are well developed, cylindrical and grayish in color. Floral heads are solitary, white in color, achene compressed, narrowly winged and 6-8 mm in diameter. The plant grows commonly in moist places all over the world, as a weed.
Plant Chemicals
The extract obtained from Bhringaraj plant contains an alkaloid called ecliptine. This extract is resinous in nature. The leaves of the plant contain a rich amount of protein. The chief constituents of Bhringaraj are coumestan derivatives like wedololactone[1.6%], demethylwedelolactone, desmethyl-wedelolactone-7glucoside and other constituents are ecliptal, ß-amyrin, luteolin-7-O-glucoside, hentriacontanol, heptacosanol, stigmasterol. It is known for its anticancer, antileprotic, analgesic, antioxidant, antimyotoxic, antihaemorrhagic, antihepatotoxic, antiviral, antibacterial, spasmogenic, hypotensive and ovicidal properties.
Uses & Benefits of Bhringaraj
Bhringaraj is the main herb for the hair care and cirrhosis in Ayurveda. It is believed to maintain and rejuvenate hair, teeth, bones, memory, sight, and hearing.
It works to rejuvenate kidneys and liver. As oil, it treats graying and balding, makes the hair darker, and promotes deep sleep. It also improves complexion.
In Ayurveda, the root powder is used for treating hepatitis, enlarged spleen and skin disorders. Mixed with salt, it relieves burning urine sensation. Mixed with a little oil and applied to the head, the herb relieves headache.
Bhringraj is also used in to prevent repeated miscarriage and abortion. It is also used to relieve post-delivery uterine pain. The leaves of this herb are used to reduce uterine bleeding.
The extract taken of its leaves is mixed with honey and given to infants, for the expulsion of worms. Bhringaraj is also given to children in case of urinary tract infections.
Fumigation with Bhringaraj is considered to bring about relief in piles.
Bhringaraj oil is has anti-aging properties, as it has a rejuvenating effect on the body. It is also given as a general tonic in cases of debility.
Bhringaraj is used extensively by Ayurvedic practitioners, for treating skin diseases and eye infections.
Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, the herb is also used for treating hyperacidity.
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Indian Frankincense
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Botanical Name(s): Boswellia Serrata
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Sapindales
Family: Bruseraceae
Genus: Boswellia
Species: Sapindales
Popular Name(s): Indian Olibanum Tree, Luban, Gond, Shallaki, Guggal
Parts Used: Bark, Gum Resin
Habitat: Found in the dry, hilly areas of India
Description
Indian frankincense is botanically known as boswellia serrata. The most important derivative of the herb is the boswellia gum resin. When the tree trunk is tapped, a gummy oleoresin is exuded, which is fragrant, transparent, and brownish yellow in color. A purified extract of this resin is used in modern herbal preparations. Indian frankincense has been found to improve blood supply to the joints and restore integrity of vessels weakened by spasm. The herb has been used in the Indian Ayurvedic medicine since thousands of years. Traditionally, the gum resin from the plant has been used to treat diabetes, skin and blood diseases, fever, cardiovascular disorders, neurological disorders, rheumatism, dysentery, diseases of the testes, and some other disorders. It is mostly found in the western and central part of India, most notably in Rajasthan & Madhya Pradesh.
Plant Chemicals
Cardinene, Camphene, Olibanol, Dipentene, Pinene and Phellandrene
Uses & Benefits of Indian Frankincense
The bark of Indian frankincense is sweet, cooling and tonic. It is good in vitiated conditions of Pitta, cough and asthma.
The herb is useful in fevers, urethrorrhea, diaphoresis, convulsions, chronic laryngitis and jaundice.
It is also known to be useful in treating arthritis. The active ingredient contained in the resin, boswellic acid, is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent. It is also said to possess pain-relieving properties. These two properties make the plant effective against rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
The plant extract has the effect of a mild sedative. This is rather a side effect of the plant, but works well as a pain reliever in many conditions.
According to some studies, the extract from Indian frankincense has properties that tend to make it effective for lowering cholesterol levels in the blood and liver. Overall body cholesterol levels are brought down by this medicinal herb.
Some studies have also figured out the immune boosting properties of this herb.
The medicinal herb has been used to treat Crohn’s disease and colitis quite effectively. Its extract has been successfully used to treat Asthma. It also helps relax bronchial passageways.
The oil made from Indian frankincense is a very effective one, which can calm and soothe the whole body and mind. It works to reduce all the aches and pains in the body and also clears the lungs. This herbal oil acts as a skin tonic.
Caution
Indian frankincense has very mild side effects, which include diarrhea, dysentery, pulmonary disease, and ringworm.
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Buckwheat
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Botanical Name(s): Fagopyrum Esculentum
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Caryophyllales
Family: Polygonaceae
Genus: Fagopyrum
Species: F. esculentum
Popular Name(s): Buckwheat
Parts Used: Buckwheat, Bucwheat Hulls
Habitat: Native to Central and Northern Asia
Description
The name 'buckwheat' or "beech wheat" comes from the triangular seeds of the herb, which resemble the much larger seeds of the beechnut from the beech tree. Buckwheat is a short season crop that does well in poor acidic soils, but the soil must be well drained. Too much fertilizer, especially nitrogen, will greatly reduce yields. In hot climates, it can be grown only by sowing late, so that it will bloom in cooler weather. Buckwheat is sometimes used as a green manure, as a plant for erosion control, or as wildlife cover and feed.
Plant Chemicals
Salicylaldehyde (2-hydroxybenzaldehyde) is a characteristic component of buckwheat aroma. 2, 5-dimethyl-4-hydroxy-3(2H)-furanone, (E,E)-2,4-decadienal, phenylacetaldehyde, 2-methoxy-4-vinylphenol, hexanal and (E)-2-nonenal, decanal are other compounds that account for the aroma of the herb. Starch, proteins, minerals, and antioxidants are the other compounds find in it.
Uses & Benefits of Buckwheat
Medicinal Uses
Buckwheat, best taken as tea or tablet, is used for a wide range of circulatory problems. Its most important quality, in terms of pain relief, is that the material conforms to the exact contours of the head and neck, providing a compliant passive support. The plant contains rutin, a medicinal chemical that serves to strengthen the capillary walls and reduce hemorrhaging instances in people suffering from high blood pressure. The chemical also increases microcirculation in patients of chronic venous insufficiency. D-chiro-inositol, contained in buckwheat, is also supposed to be beneficial in type-2 diabetes. A protein found in the plant binds the cholesterol tightly. The protein is being studied for its effects on reducing plasma cholesterol in people who suffer from its excess.
Culinary Uses
Buckwheat seed is also used for making flour. It is similar to the sunflower seed, with a single seed inside a solid outer hull. The starchy endosperm is used to make flour. The seed coat is green or tan in color, which accounts for the dark color of buckwheat flour. This black wheat is used to make a variety of dishes in various countries of Western Asia and Eastern Europe.
Filing Upholstery
Buckwheat hull is used to fill a range of upholstered goods, such as pillows and zafu. The hull is durable, and as compared to the synthetic drills, it reflects less heat. In fact, buckwheat hull has, sometimes, been marketed as an alternative natural fill in pillows, for those who suffer from allergies.
Producing Beer
Buckwheat has been used as a gluten-free substitute grain in beer. It can be used in the same way as barley, to produce malt that can form the basis of a beer-brewing mash, which doesn’t contain gliadin or hordein. The beer made from buckwheat is suitable for coeliacs or others, who are sensitive to certain glycoproteins.
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Calamus
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Botanical Name(s): Acorus Calamus
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Liliopsida
Order: Acorales
Family: Acoraceae
Genus: Acorus
Species: A. calamus
Popular Name(s): Sweet flag, Sweet Root, Bach
Parts Used: Dried Rhizome
Habitat: North Temperate and subtropical regions up to 2200m altitudes in Himalayas
Description
Calamus is found all over the world. It is a semi-aquatic perennial, which is cultivated in damp marshy places in India and Burma. The plant is big in size, with leaves in the shape of sword and yellow-green in color. Calamus is quite common in Manipur and the Naga Hills of India and is found on the edges of lakes and streams. The root of the plant has anodyne, aphrodisiac, aromatic, carminative, diaphoretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, febrifuge, hallucinogenic, hypotensive, sedative, stimulant, stomachic, mildly tonic and vermifuge properties.
Uses & Benefits of Calamus
Calamus is a greatly valued herb in Ayurveda, as its stimulating aroma rejuvenates the brain and the nervous system. It is also effective against digestive disorders.
The root of the plant is internally used to treat bronchitis, sinusitis etc. It has the wonderful power of stimulating and normalizing the appetite. In small doses, it also serves to reduce stomach acidity. Larger doses increase stomach secretions.
The plant is externally used to treat skin eruptions, rheumatic pains and neuralgia.
It is also believed to remedy arthritis, cancer, convulsions, diarrhoea, dyspepsia, epilepsy etc.
Chewing the root of calamus helps fight tobacco addiction. It kills the taste for tobacco over time.
The root is also used to make a type of tea. Warm calamus tea works to soothe sore throat, when drunk warm or gargled with.
A homeopathic remedy is made from the roots of the plant, which is used to treat flatulence, dyspepsia, anorexia and disorders of the gall bladder.
It serves as a nauseant, stomachic, anthelmentic, stimulants, emetic, expectorant, carminative, antispasmodic and nervine sedative.
Due to its aroma, calamus is also used to make essential oil. The calamus essential oil is much valued in the perfume industry.
The herb was added to wine in Europe. The root of the plant is also one of the possible ingredients of absinthe.
The northern Native Americans use the herb for medical purposes as well as a stimulant. The root is believed to be used as entheogen among them. However, higher doses can be hallucinogenic.
Steaming the root of calamus throughout the home is believed by many to cure certain types of sickness.
Teton-Dakota warriors used to chew the roots of this herb to make a paste, which they rubbed on their faces. They believed it would prevent excitement and fear, while facing an enemy.
Caution
Large doses of the distilled essential oil made from calamus can cause mild hallucinations.
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Cardamom
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Botanical Name(s): Elettaria Cardamomum
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Liliopsida
Order: Zingiberales
Family: Zingiberaceae
Genus: Elettaria Maton
Species: Elettaria cardamomum (L.) Maton
Popular Name(s): Cardamon, Malabar Cardamom, Elachi
Parts Used: Seed
Habitat: Commonly found in South India
Description
Cardamom is an evergreen, perennial ginger-like plant, with thick rhizomes and erect stems, bearing pointed leaves. White flowers with a pink to violet striped lip are born in a loose spike in summers, followed by pale green to beige, 3-celled capsules or pods, containing 15-20 aromatic seeds. The small, brown-black sticky seeds are contained in three double rows, with about six seeds in each row. The seeds are pungent, warm and aromatic. Elettaria and Amomum are the two main genera of the ginger family that are named as forms of cardamom. Elettaria is commonly called cardamom, green cardamom, or true cardamom, whereas Amomum is commonly known as black cardamom, brown cardamom, Kravan, Java cardamom, Bengal cardamom, Siamese cardamom, white or red cardamom.
Plant Chemicals
a-pinene, b-pinene, sabinene, myrcene, a-phellandrene, limonene, 1,8-cineole, y-terpinene, p-cymene, terpinolene, linalool, linalyl acetate, terpinen-4-oil, a-terpineol, a-terpineol acetate, citronellol, nerol, geraniol, methyl eugenol and trans-nerolidol.
Uses & Benefits of Cardamom
Cardamom is used internally for indigestion, nausea, vomiting and pulmonary disease with copious phlegm.
It can be used with a laxative to prevent stomach pain, griping, as well as flatulence.
Cardamom seeds are chewed to sweeten the breath and to detoxify caffeine, in people taking excessive amounts of coffee. They are also used as a spice in cooking and as a flavoring in other medicines.
The oil made from cardamom seeds is very good for digestive system. It functions as a laxative and soothes colic, wind, dyspepsia and nausea. It also works to warm the stomach and helps with heart burn.
In South Asia, green cardamom is extensively used to treat infections in teeth and gums. It is also used to prevent throat troubles, congestion of the lungs, pulmonary tuberculosis and inflammation of eyelids.
Cardamom is also brought in used to kidney stones and gall stones.
The culinary uses of cardamom are enormous, notably in India. In a variety of dishes, the seeds are bruised and fried before the main ingredients. In Scandinavia, cardamom is often used in baking dishes.
Cardamom species, in a different genus Amomum, are used to make traditional Indian medicines.
Among the other species and varieties of cardamom, Amomum villosum is used in making some traditional Chinese medicine, which can treat stomachaches, constipation, dysentery, and other digestion problems.
‘Tskao’, a variety of cardamom cultivated in Yunnan and China, is used for both medicinal purposes and a spice.
Caution
Pregnant women as well as those who are breastfeeding need to exercise caution while consuming cardamom.
In case you plan to give cardamom to children, it is advisable to consult a health care provider beforehand.
Always buy cardamom oil from reputed pharmacies only. Otherwise, you can end up with a fake version of the same.
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Papaya
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Botanical Name(s): Carica Papaya
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Violales
Family: Caricaceae
Genus: Carica L.
Species: Carica papaya
Popular Name(s): Paw Paw, Kates, Papaw
Parts Used: Leaves, Fruits, Roots
Habitat: Throughout India
Description
Papaya is a small, unbranched tree, with a single stem growing to 5-10 m tall, with the spirally arranged leaves. The lower trunk is conspicuously scarred with the leaf. The leaves are large, 50-70 cm diameter and deeply palmate lobed, with seven lobes. The fruit of the plant is cultivated by tropical people, as a breakfast fruit. The plant is native to the tropics of the Americas. In Mexico, it was cultivated many centuries before the emergence of the Mesoamerican classic cultures. In India, papaya is cultivated throughout the country and is known for its medicinal properties.
Plant Chemicals
The fruit calories, protein, carbohydrate, fiber, ash, Ca, P, Fe, Na, K, beta-carotene equivalent, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, and ascorbic acid. The leaves calories, protein, fat, carbohydrate, fiber, ash, Ca, P, Fe, Na, K, beta-carotene equivalent, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, and ascorbic acid, as well vitamin E. Leaves contain the glycoside, carposide, and the alkaloid, carpaine. Fresh leaf latex contains water, caoutchouc-like substances, pectinous matter and salts, malic acid, papain, fat, and resin. The seeds are reported to contain protein, fatty oil, carbohydrate, crude fiber, ash, volatile oil, a glycoside, caricin, and the enzyme, myrosin. The fatty oil of the seeds contains saturated acids (palmitic, stearic, and arachidic) and unsaturated acids (oleic and linoleic).
Uses & Benefits of Papaya
Papaya contains many biologically active compounds. Two important compounds are chymopapain and papain, which are supposed to aid in digestion. The level of the compounds varies in the fruit, latex, leaves and roots.
It has been used for treating digestive problems and intestinal worms. The softening qualities of papain have been taken advantage of, in the treatment of warts, corns, sinuses, and chronic forms of scaly eczema, cutaneous tubercles, and other hardness of the skin, produced by irritation. Papain also is used to treat arthritis.
The sinapisms prepared from the root of the plant are believed to be beneficial in treating the tumors of uterus.
In the Asian countries, the latex of the plant is smeared at the mouth of the uterus, while the root infusion is used for syphilis in Africa.
The latex is also used in curing psoriasis and ringworm in Cuba. It is also used as a local antiseptic in many parts of the world.
The leaves of papaya tree are used for treating nervous pains and elephantoid growths. The infusion of its roots is said to reduce urine concretions.
Dietary papaya reduces urine acidity in humans. The flowers from the plant are used in treating jaundice.
Papaya latex, also used as dyspepsia cure, is applied to burns and scalds externally.
Caution
Internally, papaya latex can cause severe gastritis. Some individuals are also allergic to its pollen, fruits and the latex.
The acrid fresh latex can become the cause of severe conjunctivitis and vesication.
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Indian Senna
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Botanical Name(s): Cassia Augustifolia
Family Name: Caesalpinaceae
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Fabales
Family: Fabaceae
Subfamily: Caesalpinioideae
Tribe: Cassieae
Genus: Cassia
Species: Angustifolia
Popular Name(s): Tinnervelly Senna, Cassia Senna, Locust Plant, Rajavriksha, Fan xia ye
Parts Used: Pods, stems, leaves
Habitat: Cultivated in dry lands of Southern & Western India, and indigenous to Arabia.
Description
A small erect shrub, Indian senna attains a height of about 2 to 3 feet. Its stem is pale green, smooth and erect. The spread out branches possess around 4 to 5 pairs of leaves. These leaves are pale yellowish-green in color, elongated spear shaped with pointed apex, about 1 to 2-inch in length and about 0.2 to 0.3-inch in breadth. The plantar surface is shiny green and dorsal surface is yellowish green. The plant has small yellow flowers. The brown pod contains 5 to 7 seeds that are dark brown in color.
Indian senna is native to India, Arab and tropical African countries. It is cultivated in India, Pakistan, Egypt and Sudan. In India, it is found throughout the year in South, mainly the districts of Tinnevelly, Madurai, Tiruchirapally and Mysore. It is commonly known as Indian Senna in English, Sanaya and Hindisana in Hindi, Swarn Patri in Sanskrit, Nat ki Sana and Sonamukhi in Gujarati, Nilavaka and Chinnukki in Malayalam, Nelavrika and Sonamukhi in Kannada and Nilapponnai in Tamil.
Plant Chemicals
(+)- flavenol (isorhamnetin, kaempfeol), anrathquinone (rhein, emodin), sennoside A, sennoside B, menitol, sodium potassium tartarte, salisilic acid, crisophenic acid, volatile oils, resins, calcium oxalate.
Uses & Benefits of Indian Senna
Indian senna decreases pita and allows free movement of vata in the body.
The herb stimulates liver for proper secretion of enzymes in the body.
It helps in lowering bowels and increasing the peristaltic movement of the intestines.
Indian senna purifies blood and restores the metabolic imbalance lost due to indigestion.
The powder made from crushing leaves and fruit is helpful in treating constipation and indigestion.
It is useful in relieving people from the condition of osteoarthritis, gout and rheumatoid arthritis.
The herb is used as an expectorant, wound dresser, antidysentric, carminative and laxative.
Indian senna is handy in treating loss of appetite, hepatomegaly, spleenomegaly, malaria, skin diseases, jaundice and anemia.
The herb has purgative, anthchiintic, antipyretic, cathartic, laxative, vermifuge and diuretic properties.
Caution
The laxatives that contain high dose of Indian senna can result in abdominal cramping and diarrhea.
When Indian senna is consumed in high doses, the anthraquinones present in it may change the urine color to red, pink or brown.
Prolonged use of Indian senna leaves can reduce the potassium levels in the body that can lead to muscle weakness and dangerous changes in heart rhythm.
The leaves, when taken for a long period of time, can result in aching joints, weakened bones or muscles, weight loss and decreased appetite.
Consuming the herb on a regular basis can cause clubbing at the ends of the fingers.
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Indian Laburnum
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Botanical Name(s): Cassia Fistula
Family Name: Caesulpinaceae
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Subclass: Rosidae
Order: Fabales
Family: Fabaceae
Subfamily: Caesalpinioideae
Tribe: Cassieae
Sub-tribe: Cassiinae
Genus: Cassia
Species: C. fistula
Popular Name(s): Indian Laburnum, Purging Fistula, Golden Shower, Amaltas, Canafistula, Gurmala, Baton Casse, Chacara, Samyaka, Klober
Parts Used: Fruits, leaves, bark
Habitat: Grows in valleys up to 1200 m in the Himalayas.
Description
Also known as the ‘Golden Tree’, Indian laburnum is a medium-sized tree that grows to a height of about 10 to 20 meters. The tropical ornamental tree has hard reddish and heavy wood. Its long and deciduous leaves have pinnate leaflets, with 3 to 8 pairs in each leaf. The flowers are bright and yellow, 20 to 40 cm in length, with five petals of equal shape and size. The fruit is long, while the legumes are around 30-60 cm long and 1.5-2.5 cm broad. It has a pungent odor and several seeds that are poisonous.
Commonly known as the ‘Golden Shower tree’, Indian laburnum is the national tree of Thailand. It is also the state flower of Kerala, a state in South India. It is spread all across Southern Asia, right from southern areas Pakistan to Myanmar and through India to Sri Lanka. The tree is known as bendra lathi or dhanbaher in Hindi, amaltas in Urdu, bahava in Marathi, aragvadha or chaturangula in Sanskrit and konrai in Tamil.
Plant Chemicals
(+)- anthraquinones, crude protein, crude fat, crude fiber, carbohydrates, fistulic acid, rhein, rheinglucoside, galactomannan, sennosides A and B, tannin, phlobaphenes, oxyanthraquinone substances, emodin, chrysophanic acid, fistuacacidin, barbaloin, lupeol, beta-sitosterol, hexacosanol.
Uses & Benefits of Indian Laburnum
The roots of Indian laburnumare useful in treating skin diseases, alleviating burning sensations and curing syphilis.
The bark is rich in tannin and thus, used in ailments like boils, leprosy, ringworm affection, colic, dyspepsia, constipation, diabetes, strangury and cardiac problems.
The leaves are helpful in treating skin diseases, burning sensation, dry cough and bronchitis.
The fruits of Indian laburnumare handy in curing flatulence, colic, dysentery, inflammations and intermittent fever.
Since its flowers have cooling, purgative and emollient properties, they are used in vitiated conditions of pitta, leprosy and skin diseases.
Indian laburnumis employed as a remedy for tumors of the abdomen, glands, liver, stomach and throat.
The herb proves useful for treating cancer, convulsions, delirium, diarrhea, dysuria, epilepsy, gravel, hematuria and pimples.
The fruits are employed in treatment of cardiac disorders, strangury, opthalmopathy and general debility.
Indian laburnumhas anti-oxidant, hypoglycemic, Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitor, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, laxative, mild estrogenic, anti-tumorous, cholesterol lowering, pain relieving and fever reducing actions.
Caution
The leaves and bark of Indian laburnum can cause vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain and cramps, when consumed in large doses.
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Cassia Tora
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Botanical Name(s): Cassia Tora
Family Name: Caesulpinaceae
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Subclass: Rosidae
Order: Fabales
Family: Fabaceae
Subfamily: Caesalpinioideae
Tribe: Cassieae
Sub-tribe: Cassiinae
Genus: Cassia
Species: S. tora
Popular Name(s): Foetid Cassia, Tora, Sickle Senna, Wild Senna, Sickle Pod, Coffee Pod, Tovara, Chakvad, Ringworm Plant
Parts Used: Leaves, seeds, roots
Habitat: Grows in warm moist soil throughout tropical parts of India.
Description
An annual foetid herb, with a height of 30 to 90 cm, Cassia Tora is mainly found in the states of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, in India. It has pinnate leaves, which are about 10 cm long. Each leaf has three pairs of leaflets that are opposite, ovate, oblong and oblique at the base. The yellow-colored flowers are bearded in the axel of the leaves. The flowers comprises of five petals, each about half inch in diameter.
The seeds of Cassia Tora are rhombohedral and brown in color, about 30 to 50 in number. The plant bears flowers in the rainy season and fruits in the winter. The cassia tora is also known as Charota an Chakvad in Hindi, Chakunda in Bengali & Oriya, Kawaria in Gujarati, Chakramandrakam in Malayalam, Takala in Marathi, Chakramarda & Dadmari in Sanskrit, Tagarai in Tamil and Chinnakasinda in Telugu.
Plant Chemicals
(+)- rhein, aloe-emodin, chrysophanol, 7% resins, cathatrine, calcium, iron, phosphorus, 1,3,5-trihydroxy-6-7-dimethoxy-2-methylanthroquinone, beta-sitosterol, naptho-alpha-pyrone-toralactune, chrysophanol, physcion, emodin, rubrofusarin, cchrysophonic acid-9-anthrone, tricontan-1-0l, stigmasterol, b-sitosteral-b-D-glucoside, freindlen, palmitic, stearic, succinic and d-tartaric acids uridine, quercitrin, isoquercitrin.
Uses & Benefits of Cassia Tora
Cassia Tora is used as a coffee substitute and has a maturing and anodyne action.
It is very useful in treating skin diseases like ringworm and itching or body scratch and psoriasis.
The alcoholic or vinegar maceration of pounded fresh leaves is used externally to treat eczema and dermatomycosis.
Decoction of the fruit of Cassia Tora is used in the treatment of fever.
Since the herb acts as a kapha and vata dosha suppressant, it acts as a nerve tonic.
It is consumed in worm infestation and cures the infection occurring in the body.
Cassia Tora acts as a liver stimulant, mild laxative and heart tonic.
The herb helps the body in maintaining the normal level of cholesterol.
Its paste is used for treating skin ailments and also for getting rid of chronic diseases.
Cassia Tora proves worthwhile in treating piles and hemorrhoids as well as relieving the pain caused on excretion.
Its powder proves useful in combating indigestion, toning up heart muscles and purifying blood.
The juice extracted from its leaves is used in case of skin ailments, rashes and allergies. It is also used as an antidote in case of various poisonings.
The leaves ad seeds of Cassia Tora are useful in leprosy, flatulence, colic, dyspepsia, constipation, cough, bronchitis and cardiac disorders.
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Castor
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Botanical Name(s): Ricinus Communis
Family Name: Eeuphorbiaceae
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Subclass:
Order: Malpighiales
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Subfamily: Acalyphoideae
Tribe: Acalypheae
Sub-tribe: Ricininae
Genus: Ricinus
Species: R. communis
Popular Name(s): Palma Christi, Ricin, Wonder Tree, Krapata, Djarak, Reer, Arandi, Mexico Seed, Vatari, Eranda, Rendi, Bofareira.
Parts Used: Leaves, seeds, roots, oil, fruit
Habitat: Common in distributed areas and wastelands.
Description
An herbaceous annual plant, castor grows to a height of 3 to 10 feet. The long-stalked glossy leaves are 15 to 45 cm in length with 5-12 deep lobes. The leaf color can vary from dark green with a reddish tinge to dark reddish purple and bronze. The stout stem and spiny seed pods may vary in pigmentation. The male flowers are yellowish-green in color, having prominent creamy stamens, while the female flowers bear prominent red stigmas at the tips of the spikes. The sorryering perennial shrub is known to grow very fast.
The spiny greenish capsule fruit of castor is capsule-shaped and contains large, oval, shiny, bean-like highly poisonous seeds. Though castor is native to south-eastern Mediterranean Basin, Eastern Africa and India, it is spread widely throughout the tropical regions. Castor is known as arandi in Hindi, divel in Gujarati, errand in Marathi, aavadam in Telugu, aamanakku in Tamil and aralenne in Kannada.
Plant Chemicals
(+)- fatty oil (42-55%), proteins (20-25%), lectins (0.1-0.7%), ricin D (RCA-60: severely toxic, RCA-120: less toxic), pyridine alkaloids, ricinoleic acid (12-hydroxy-oleic acid 85-90%), tocopherols (Vitamin E).
Uses & Benefits of Castor
Castor plant is extensively used as a decorative plant in parks and other public places.
It is a harmless purgative and very effective in treating rheumatic and skin disorders.
A decoction of the roots of this plant is used in the treatment of lumbago and sciatica.
Castor leaves are used as an external application to boils and swellings.
The leaves, when heated in coconut oil, can be applied on guinea-worm sores, to extract the worms.
The castor seeds are used in making jewelry, particularly necklaces and bracelets.
A poultice of the seeds is applied to the scrofulous sores and boils that result from tuberculosis of lymph nodes.
Castor oil is massaged over the breasts of women, after childbirth, to increase the milk flow, since it stimulates the mammary glands.
The leaves of the plant are also used to foment the breasts.
Regular use of castor oil promotes hair growth and cures dandruff.
Take 30 to 60 grams of castor oil orally with 250 to 375 grams of lukewarm milk to cure constipation. It starts acting after an hour.
Chewing one castor seed daily, for a period of seven days after menstruation, makes a woman sterile.
Massage castor oil into your body before bathing, once in a week, to keep the skin healthy and have a sound sleep.
Apply castor oil on hands and feet, before going to bed, to keep them soft.
In Brazil, castor oil is used for producing bio-diesel in poor rural areas.
Applying the castor oil over the eyebrows and eyelashes keeps them well groomed.
Caution
Castor oil should also not be consumed in cases of abdominal pain or intestinal infections, like appendicitis, enteritis or inflammation of the small intestine and peritonitis.
People suffering from kidney infection should avoid castor oil, as it serves as a purgative.
Castor oil, when taken in large doses, can lead to abortion in early months of pregnancy.
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Cedarwood
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Botanical Name(s): Cedrus Deodara
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Pinopsida
Order: Pinales
Family: Pinaceae
Genus: Cedrus Trew
Species: Cedrus deodara (Roxb.) G. Don f.
Popular Name(s): Deodar, Himalayan Cedar
Parts Used: Rhizomes
Habitat: Grows wild in damp deciduous forests
Description
Cedarwood is a plant that is up to 50 m high and up to 3 m in diameter. It has the shape of a pyramid and is crown conical when young, with leader and branches drooping at the end. On the other hand, the older trees are more rounded. The branches are horizontally arranged, while the ends of the shoots are pendulous. The needles are blue-green, about 30 in a cluster, 3-5 cm long, and acuminate. Flowers appear in September and October. These plants need plenty of room to spread. Large specimens of this plant have trunks, almost 3 feet in diameter and spread across 50 feet. In India, the plant is mostly found in the western Himalayan belt, at an altitude of 3500 to 12000 feet. Its range extends to the Hindukush area, where it grows extensively.
Uses & Benefits of Cedarwood
The bark of cedarwood proves to be a good remedy in remittent and intermittent fevers, diarrhea and dysentery. The powder is used in the treatment of ulcers.
The inner wood of the plant is aromatic and is thus, used to make incense. The inner wood is also distilled to make essential oils.
The essential oil obtained from this plant is used as insect repellant on the feet of horses, cattle and camels, as insects avoid venturing close to it.
Cedarwood possesses anti-fugal properties and has shown limited potential in controlling fungal deterioration of species, during storage.
The outer bark and stem of the tree are used for making astringent.
The biomedical actions of the plant are believed to be carminative and antispasmodic. It creates sweating and urination.
The Ayurvedic functions of the plant promote digestive function, remove toxins from the bowel, alleviate coughing, and cure skin disorders, such as eczema and psoriasis.
As it possesses aromatic properties, cedar oil is often used in aromatherapy. It has a characteristic woody whiff, which can change slightly in the course of drying out.
The resins of the herb are used as anti-obesity agent. They are also effectual in clearing the respiratory tract and reducing cough and cold.
Cedarwood (deodar) is also used as a building material, as it is durable and rot-resistant. It has fine close grain, which can sustain high polish.
Historically, cedarwood was used in construction of temples and landscape around temples. The famous houseboats of Kashmir and India are also made of deodar. During the colonial era, it was extensively used for construction of barracks, public buildings bridges, canals & railway cars.
Caution
The essential oil from cedarwood should be used with extreme care and avoided during pregnancy, as is the case with almost all essential oils.
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Gotu Kola
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Botanical Name(s): Centella Asiatica
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Apiales
Family: Appiaceae
Genus: Centella L.
Species: Centella asiatica (L.) Urb.
Popular Name(s): Indian Pennywort, Artayniya-e Hindi, Jal Brahmi, Brahmi, Brahma-manduki
Parts Used: Whole Plant
Habitat: Grown in waterlogged places throughout India
Description
Gotu kola is a perennial plant native to India and other tropical countries. Its appearance changes, depending on growing conditions. In shallow water, the plant puts forth floating roots and the leaves rest on top of the water. In dry locations, it puts out numerous small roots and the leaves are small and thin. The stems of the plant are slender, with creeping stolons, interconnecting one plant to the other. The rootstock consists of rhizomes, which grow vertically downwards. The rhizomes have a cream color and are covered with root hair. The flowers of the plant range from pinkish to red in color.
Plant Chemicals
Indocentelloside, brahmoside, brahminoside, asiaticoside, thankuniside and isothankuniside are the glycosides found in the plant. The corresponding triterpene acids obtained on hydrolysis of these glycosides are indocentoic, brahmic, asiatic, thankunic and isothankunic. These acids, except the thankunic and isothankunic, are also present in free form in the plant, apart from isobrahmic and betulic acids. The presence of mesoinositol, ‘centellose’ (a new oligosaccharide), kaempferol, quercetin and stigmasterol, have also been reported. The main active ingredients found are Bacoside A and B.
Uses & Benefits of Gotu Kola
Gotu kola is used in treatment of leprosy and known to ameliorate the symptoms of the disease and improve general health of the patient. There are several studies that have established the healing properties of the herb, explaining its traditional use in treating leprosy.
This herb is a mild adaptogen. It is also mildly anti-bacterial, anit-viral, anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcerogenic, anxiolytic, a cerebral tonic, a stimulant that helps in circulation, a diuretic, nervine and Vulnerary.
When eaten in raw form, as a salad leaf, it helps maintain youthfulness. A decoction of juice from the leaves is believed to relive hypertension.
Open sores can be effectively treated by a poultice of the leaves of Gotu kola.
The herb works as a brain tonic and stimulates hair growth. It also revitalizes the brain and the nervous system, besides increasing attention span and concentration.
It possesses anti-oxidant properties, works for venous insufficiency and is also used in Thailand for detoxifying opium.
When the root of the herb is ingested with milk and liquorices, it is very effective in arresting dysentery.
The leaves of gotu kola can be used to treat all types of fevers. Pepper, ocimum sanctum and the leaves of the plant are to be grinded and consumed twice a day, for the purpose.
In India, the herb is extensively used for its therapeutic properties for improving memory.
Caution
Excess doses of gotu kola might cause headaches and transient unconsciousness. So, it is advisable not to drive or operate machinery, after consuming it.
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Chicory
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Binomial Name(s): Cichorium Intybus
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Asterales
Family: Asteraceae
Tribe: Cichorieae
Genus: Cichorium
Species: C.intybus
Popular Name(s): Endive, Succory
Parts Used: Chicory flowers
Habitat: Cultivated throughout India
Description
Chicory is a bushy perennial herb with blue or lavender flowers. The roots are baked, ground, and used as a coffee substitute and additive in the plant's Mediterranean region of origin. It is grown in complete darkness, to keep new leaves tender and pale. The plant species is native to Europe, from where it was transported to other parts of the world, and grows in abundance there. Today, the herb is found growing wild in the fields of North America and also in the temperate zones of the world. Fully grown chicory herb reach up to a height of about 3 to more than 5 feet. Commercially, the plant is widely cultivated in parts of Europe, as the roasted root of the herb serves as an additive in coffee.
Plant Chemicals
11 to 15% inulin (a polysaccharide), 10 to 22% fructose, lactucin, lactucopicrin, some tannin, a fatty and a volatile oil, trace amounts of certain other compounds. The polysaccharide, inulin, undergoes chemical conversions to form a compound called oxymethylfurfurol.
Uses & Benefits of Chicory
Bruised leaves of chicory are often used for the treatment of inflammations and can be applied over swellings. They are also used for the treatment of headaches and provide relief from arthritic pains and swellings.
Regular and frequent use of chicory roots, in the form of liver tonic, is found to be beneficial for women suffering from premenstrual syndrome (PMS). It helps by maintaining a balance in the hormone level of the body and alleviating the symptoms associated with the condition.
Consumption of the herb, as a “bitter” salad consisting of sorrel, chicory and dandelion, helps to improve the liver functions and is believed to discourage the growth of Candida.
One of the major functions of chicory is to increase the body’s ability to absorb calcium. This mineral is very essential to maintain strong teeth and healthy skeletal system.
Two fibers, raftilin inulin and raftilose oligofructose, present in the herb are fermented by the bacteria in the large intestine, increasing the body’s ability to absorb calcium and certain other minerals.
Therapeutically, the herb is very important for the proper functioning of the urinary system, as it helps to detoxify and cleanse the urinary tract.
Certain herbal remedies containing chicory are also available for treating disorders like gout and rheumatic pains.
The herb is also used as a mild laxative agent and helps to treat children affected by constipation and other digestive conditions.
Supplements of chicory, when taken in the diet, also aid in the proper metabolism of cholesterol in the body.
Apart from the effects mentioned above, the herb is also taken internally, for loss of appetite, jaundice, gallstones, gout, and rheumatism.
Caution
Although there are no serious side effects associated with the consumption of chicory, occasional cases of food allergy have been reported.
In the rare occasion of any skin irritation, it is best to consult a physician or a doctor.
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Quinine
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Binomial Name(s): Cinchona Officinalis
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Gentianales
Family: Rubiaceae
Genus: Cinchona
Species: C. officinalis
Popular Name(s): Peruvian Bark, Quinine Bark.
Parts Used: Quinine Isolated From Bark.
Habitat: Cultivated in Nilgiri Hills
Description
Quinine is a genus of tropical evergreen trees and shrubs, with rather large laurel-like, entire, opposite leaves, and white or pink fragrant flowers arranged in clusters. Though its common name is quinine, not all species of Cinchona can be used to produce quinine; in fact, many contain virtually no quinine at all. This herb is native to Amazon Rainforest vegetation and is renowned for its innumerous health and therapeutic benefits. It is particularly found in the eastern slopes of the Amazon area of the Andes. Apart from this, quinine is also found in the northern zone of the Andes, towards the eastern slopes of the central and western ranges. Because of its usefulness in the curing diseases and ailments, the herb is now cultivated in many tropical areas, for commercial purpose.
Plant Chemicals:
Aricine, caffeic acid, cinchofulvic acid, cincholic acid, cinchonain, cinchonidine, cinchonine, cinchophyllamine, cinchotannic acid, cinchotine, conquinamine, cuscamidine, cuscamine, cusconidine, cusconine, epicatechin, javanine, paricine, proanthocyanidins, quinacimine, quinamine, quinic acid, quinicine, quinine, quininidine, quinovic acid, quinovin, and sucirubine
Uses & Benefits of Quinine
Quinine is an anti-fever agent and is used for the prevention and cure of malaria.
Its bark is an important constituent in herbal medicines and is used as a tonic and a digestive stimulant for the cure of conditions like indigestion, gastro-intestinal disorders and also as an appetite stimulant.
Certain forms of folk medicine in the southern zone of America use the herb for curing different types of cancer, like breast cancer, liver cancer, mesenteric cancer and cancer of the spleen and other glands. Besides this, they also use it for the treatment of common cold, amoebic infections, dysentery, dyspepsia, diarrhea, fever, lumbago, malaria, pneumonia, sciatica, varicose veins, hangovers and even typhoid.
In the European herbal medicine systems, quinine bark is used as an antispasmodic, antimalarial, antiprotozoal, a bitter tonic and as a fever reducer. It is also used for treating irregular heartbeats, anemia, leg cramps and also as a bactericidal and an anesthetic in some conditions.
Many people use quinine as a good throat astringent and its powdered form is often used in tooth powders, because of its astringency.
In general, the herb can classified as an excellent analgesic, anesthetic, antiarrhythmic, antibacterial, antimalarial, antimicrobial, antiparasitic, antipyretic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antiviral, astringent, bactericide, cytotoxic, febrifuge, fungicide, insecticide, nervine, stomachic and a tonic.
Caution
The quinine bark contains certain naturally occurring substances called quinine alkaloids, the consumption of which may lead to numerous side effects. In fact, drugs containing quinine are strictly prescription drugs and should be sold only under the recommendation of a health practitioner.
Always look for the warning signs and contraindications, while using higher levels of quinine alkaloids.
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Cinnamon
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Botanical Name(s): Cinnamomum verum
Family Name: Lauraceae
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Laurales
Family: Lauraceae
Genus: Cinnamomum
Species: C. verum
Popular Name(s): Tvak, Dalchini, Daruchini Karuva, Vazhana, Tamalapatra.
Parts Used: Bark
Habitat: Indigenous to India and Sri Lanka.
Description
Cinnamon is the inner bark of a tropical evergreen tree. The cinnamon trees are about 10 to 15 meters high. The light brown, papery bark and leathery leaves are ovate-oblong in shape, with a length of 7 to 18 cm. The green flowers are arranged in panicles and have a distinct odor. The tree bears purple berries with a single seed. Cinnamon has a fragrant perfume and a sweet and aromatic taste. The tree is native to Sri Lanka, but grows plentifully in Malabar, Cochin-China, Sumatra, Eastern Islands, Brazil, Mauritius, India and Jamaica. The spice is known as dal-chini, darchini or dhall cheene in Hindi and karuvappadai in Tamil.
Plant Chemicals
(+)- cinnamaldehyde (65-80%), lesser percentages of other phenols and terpenes, eugenol, trans-cinnamic acid, hydroxycinnamaldehyde, o-methoxycinnamaldehyde, cinnamyl alcohol and its acetate, limonene, alpha-terpineol, tannins, mucilage, oligomeric procyanidins, gum, mannitol, trace amounts of coumarin.
Uses & Benefits of Cinnamon
Since it is delicate in flavor, cinnamon is used in dessert dishes.
It is widely used in cakes and other baked recipe, along with milk and rice puddings, chocolate dishes and fruit desserts, especially apples and pears.
The spice is used in Indian curries and forms a part of the garam masala.
Cinnamon is also used to spice mulled wines, creams and syrups.
Consuming half teaspoon of the spice each day helps in reducing blood sugar, cholesterol and triglyceride levels by as much as 20%.
It is used to treat nausea, flatulence and diarrhea.
Chewing and swallowing a small pinch of powdered cinnamon is helpful in treating cough accompanied by spitting of whitish phlegm. The remedy is also helpful to people having cold feet and hands at night.
The spice is significant in treating loss of appetite and indigestion.
It is used in flatulent dyspepsia, dyspepsia with nausea, intestinal colic and digestive atony associated with cold and debilitated conditions.
Cinnamon helps in relieving vomiting, due to its mild astringency.
The spice has the ability to stop medication-resistant yeast infections.
It reduces the proliferation of leukemia and lymphoma cancer cells.
Cinnamon has an anti-clotting effect on blood.
Smelling cinnamon boosts cognitive function and memory.
People suffering from arthritis should be given half a teaspoon of cinnamon powder, mixed with one tablespoon of honey every morning, before breakfast. It relieves the pain and the patient becomes capable of walking without pain within one month.
The spice is commonly used in Middle Eastern and North African dishes for flavoring lamb tagines or stuffed aubergines.
In Mexico, cinnamon is often drunk with coffee and chocolate and brewed as a tea.
Caution
Cinnamon should not be consumed by women who are still breastfeeding their child.
The spice is known to cause unwanted effects in sensitive individuals.
It can prove to be toxic, if taken in large doses.
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Zedoary
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Botanical Name(s): Curcuma Zedoaria
Family Name: Zingiberaceae
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Liliopsida
Order: Zingiberales
Family: Zingiberaceae
Genus: Curcuma
Species: C. zedoaria
Popular Name(s): White Turmeric, Kachur
Parts Used: Rhizomes
Habitat: Weed found all over India.
Description
Zedoary, also known as white turmeric, is a rhizome with a thin brown skin and a bright orange, hard interior. Its smell is similar to that of turmeric and mango. The perennial herb has a warm-spicy, woody and camphoraceous cineolic odor and bears yellow shiny flowers, with red and green bracts. The ovate leaves possess purple-colored spots and are 1 to 2 feet long, narrowing at the base. The fruits are triangular and ovate in shape while the seeds are oval or spear shaped.
Zedoary plant is native to India and Indonesia. However, it is widely used as a spice in the West today. It is also found in sub-tropical regions of eastern Nepal. Because of its mango-like fragrance, zedoary is called amb halad in many Indian languages (amb means mango). Some other common names are kachur in Hindi, karchur in Sanskrit, shatkachuro in Gujarati and Meitei Yaingang in Manipuri. Though zedoary is cultivated throughout India, it is mainly found in eastern Himalayan region and Karnataka.
Plant Chemicals
(+)- germacrone-4, 1,8-cineole, 5-epoxide, germacrone, furanodienone, curzerenone, zederone, dehydrocurdione, curcumenol, isocurcumenol, curcumenone, curmanolide A, curmanolide B.
Uses & Benefits of Zedoary
Since zedoary is anti-inflammatory, its paste is used on inflammation, wounds, skin ailments and pain.
The herb serves as a body stimulant and purifies blood.
It is very effective in treating respiratory disorders, tones up uterus and works as an aphrodisiac agent.
Zedoary improves digestion, improves liver condition and normalizes body temperature.
The herb, when taken in powdered form, helps in regularizing menstruation.
In the juice form, it is used to treat urine-related disorders and urinary tract infections.
Zedoary is used as a gastro-intestinal stimulant in flatulent colic and prevents stress ulceration as well.
It helps in curing dyspepsia, colic, vomiting and cough.
The herb proves useful in case of abdominal cramps, amenorrhea-abdominal pain and rheumatic pain. It is also used in anti-periodic pills.
Zedoary is used as anti-venom for the Indian Cobra.
It is used in the manufacture of liquors, stomach essences, bitters, perfumes and cosmetics.
In India, the herb is either cooked fresh or used in preparing pickles. In Indonesia, it is ground to paste and used in curries.
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Cydonia Oblonga
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Botanical Name(s): Cydonia Oblonga
Family Name: Rosaceae
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Rosales
Family: Rosaceae
Subfamily: Maloideae, Spiraeoideae
Genus: Cydonia
Species: C. oblonga
Popular Name(s): Quince Seeds, Cydonian Apple, Elephant Apple, Maja Pahit, Pineapple Quince, Vilvam, Quitte, Bedana, Coing
Parts Used: Seeds
Habitat: Native to southwest and Central Asia.
Description
A small deciduous tree, Cydonia Oblonga, also known as quince, is often related to apples and bears and has a pome fruit just like them. The temperate tree is 5 to 8 meters tall and 4 to 6 meters wide. The fruit is green, with dense grey-white pubescence when immature and turns to bright golden yellow on maturity. The strongly-perfumed fruit is pear-shaped and 7 to 12 cm in length and 6 to 9 cm in breadth. The simple alternately arranged leaves are 6 to 11 cm in length, with an entire margin and fine white hair. The flowers are white or pink, with five petals in each flower and are produced in the spring. The quince is native to Persia, but was also cultivated in Greece and Turkey. Today, the herb is cultivated throughout the world. Turkey produces a quarter of the world’s total production of quinoa and thus, ranks first.
Plant Chemicals
(+)- oxalic acid, citric acid (13.6%), malic acid, quinic acid (72.2%), shikimic acid, fumaric acid, ascorbic acid, 3-caffeoylquinic acid, 5-caffeoylquinic acis, polymeric procyanidins.
Uses & Benefits of Cydonia Oblonga
Cydonia Oblonga is used to prepare a variety of recipes. It is used to make jam, jelly and quince pudding.
The fruit can be eaten in the raw as well as cooked form.
If the fruit smells very strong, it can added in small quantities to apple pies and jams to enhance their flavor.
The popular jam called marmalade is made using quince and its name has been derived from ‘marmelo’, the Portuguese word for the fruit.
Cydonia Oblonga is also used in making a type of wine.
In the Balkans, the fruit is used to prepare brandy.
The dried pits of quince are used in treating sore throat and relieving cough.
A teaspoon of quince jam, when dissolved in a cup of boiling water, helps in relieving intestinal discomfort.
It is used for treating digestive disorders and gastrointestinal inflammation.
Cydonia Oblonga is used as an infusion to treat diarrhea and hemorrhage of the bowel.
In the form of a topical lotion, quince is used to soothe eyes.
It is also used as a compress or poultice for injuries, inflammation of the joints, injuries of the nipples and gashed or deeply cut fingers.
In Iran, quince seeds are used as a remedy for pneumonia and lung disease.
Quince is eaten in sandwiches, with cheese (traditionally manchego cheese) or fresh curd.
In Argentina, Chile, Mexico, Spain, Uruguay and Venezuela, a dish known as dulce de membrillo is prepared by cooking the quince into a reddish jello-like block or firm reddish paste.
In Syria, a dish called kibbeh safarjalieh is prepared by cooking quince in pomegranate paste with shank meat and kibbeh (a Middle Eastern meat pie with burghul and mince meat).
The seeds of Cydonia Oblonga are used in the cosmetic industry and for medicinal cosmetics.
Caution
Prolonged use or large internal doses of Cydonia Oblonga might lead to gastric irritation.
Never ever bit into a quince, its taste might put you off the fruit completely.
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Nut Grass
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Botanical Name(s): Cyperus Rotundus
Family Name: Cperaceae
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Liliopsida
Order: Poales
Family: Cyperaceae
Genus: Cyperus
Species: C. rotundus
Popular Name(s): Coco Grass, Purple Nut Sedge, Red Nut Sedge, Mustaka.
Parts Used: Rhizomes
Habitat: Weed found all over India.
Description
Nut grass is a perennial shrub that attains a height of up to 40 cm. it has a dark green thin stem and the leaves are long and sharp, with a width of 1/6 to 1/3 inch. While the flower stem has a triangular cross-section, the flower is 2 to 8 inch in length, has three-stamina and a three-stigma carpel. It is also bisexual. The plant bears flowers in summer and fruits in winter. It has tuberous roots or rhizomes that are fragrant. The plant is native to Africa, southern and central Europe and southern Asia. It is found throughout India. Common Indian names of the herb are motha and nagarmotha in Hindi, mustak in Sanskrit and motha in Gujarati.
Plant Chemicals
(+)- aromatic oil (0.5-0.6%), stable oil, alkaloids, minerals, vitamins, calcium, phosphorus, sodium, carbonates, sesquiterpene hydrocarbons, epoxides, ketones, monoterpene, aliphatic alcohols, cyperene, seniline, cyperenone, sesquiterpenes cyperone, luteolin, auresidin, cyperene-1, cyperene-2, muskatone, patchoulenone, rotuno, kobusone, isokobusone, selinene, saponon-olenolic acid-3-0 neohesperidoside (I).
Uses & Benefits of Nut Grass
The paste of nut grass is used in treating skin related ailments like scabies and eczema and helps in relieving itching.
The paste is used in increasing the size of the breasts. It also purifies the breast milk, improves eyesight and helps in eye related ailments.
The extract from the roots is instilled into eyes in conjunctivitis, to reduce the pain, redness and ocular discharges.
Nut grass, when taken in powdered form, improves digestive system, removes worms from the gastro-intestinal tract, curbs infection and purifies blood.
The powder is massaged to reduce the subcutaneous fat deposition in case of obese people.
It normalizes the menstrual disturbances and breast discomfort and maintains normal body temperature.
Nut grass proves useful in diseases like psychosis and epilepsy and mental diseases.
The herb helps in healing wounds and uterine contraction and provides strength to the body.
It is used as a diuretic to treat ulcers and as an emmenagogue and an ingredient in warm plasters.
The herb proves to be a keen stimulant in appetite, digestion and digestion of ama.
Nut grass is an effective remedy for distaste, vomiting, diarrhea, colitis and dyspepsia.
It is considered the best herb for treating any type of fever.
The root is often used for developing high memory.
Nut grass is beneficial in treating cough and asthma, since it alleviates the kapha.
The herb harmonizes liver, spleen, and pancreas. It helps in curing thirst, bronchitis, dysuria and poisonous affections.
It is often used as an insect repellent for perfuming clothing.
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Datura
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Botanical Name(s): Datura Stramonium
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Solanales
Family: Salanaceae
Genus: Datura L.
Species: Datura stramonium L.
Popular Name(s): Jimson Weed, Stink weed, Mad Apple, Thorn Apple Stramonium, Dhatura Tatula, Datura Seeds
Parts Used: Seeds, Flowers, Leaves
Habitat: Common in Northwestern Himalayas and foot hills on dry slopes up to 1800 m altitude.
Description
Datura is 30 to 150 cm tall, with erect, forking and purple stems. The leaves are large, 7 to 20 cm long and have irregular teeth a la oaks. The flowers are one of the most distinctive characteristics of datura. They open and close, at irregular intervals, during the evening. The native range of the plant continues to remain ambiguous. It is believed that the birds carry the seeds of the datura and spread it in their droppings. The seed lies underground for a long time and germinates whenever the soil is disturbed.
Plant Chemicals
Datura leaves contain the same alkaloids as Belladonn, though in smaller proportions. The mid-rib and footstalk of the leaf contain a far larger proportion of alkaloids than the blade. The alkaloid consists chiefly of hyoscyamine, associated with atropine and hyoscine (scopolamine). Malic acid is also present.
Uses & Benefits of Datura
datura is internally used in relieving the spasm of bronchitis in asthma. It is also used in the treatment of Parkinsonism and Hemorrhoids. Its leaves, applied after roasting, are useful in relieving pain.
The bitter narcotic plant relieves pain and encourages the healing process. The plant has a very long history of being used as herbal medicine.
Its leaves, flowering tops and seeds have anodyne, antiasthmatic, antispasmodic, hallucinogenic, hypnotic, mydriatic and narcotic properties. The seeds of the plant are the most active medicinally.
datura is internally used for treating giddiness, dry mouth, hallucinations and coma.
Externally, the plant is used as a poultice in treating fistulas, abscesses wounds and severe neuralgia.
Traces of scopolamine are also found in the plant, which is a potent cholinergic-blocking hallucinogen that has been used to calm schizoid patients.
Its leaves, containing hyoscyamine and atropine, can be used as an immensely powerful mind-altering drug.
The seeds of datura are analgesic, anthelmintic and anti-inflammatory and as such, they are used in the treatment of stomach and intestinal pain that results from worm infestation, toothache, and fever from inflammations.
The juice of its fruit is applied to the scalp, to treat dandruff and falling hair.
The growing plant works as an insect repellant, which protects neighboring plants from insects.
Caution
Datura is very poisonous and should be used with extreme caution. It is to be used only under the supervision of a qualified practitioner, as the difference between a medicinal dose and toxic dose can be very small.
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Indian Gooseberry
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Botanical Name(s): Emblica Officinalis
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Euphorbiales
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Genus: Phyllanthus L
Species: Phyllanthus emblica L.
Popular Name(s): Phyllanthus Emblica, Emblica, Amla
Parts Used: Fruit
Habitat: Northern and South Western India
Description
The bark of Indian gooseberry, also known as amla, is gray in color and peals in irregular patches. Its feathery leaves, which smell like lemon, are of linear oblong shape and size 10 to 12 mm in length and 3 to 6 mm in width. The flowers of this herb are monoecioius, having greenish-yellow color. They grow in auxiliary clusters and start appearing at the beginning of spring season. The fruit is almost spherical in shape, light-greenish yellow in color and appears to be very hard. Its taste is sour and bitter.
Plant chemicals
The active ingredient that has significant pharma-cological action in the plant has been designated 'phyllemblin' by the scientists in India. The other ingredients contained in the herb are gallic acid, tannins, pectin, and ascorbic acid (Vitamin C).
Uses & Benefits of Indian Gooseberry
Indian gooseberry is one of the richest known sources of vitamin 'C'. As such, it proves to be an effective medicine against scurvy. Powdered dry herb is mixed with an equal quantity of sugar and consumed thrice daily with milk, to remedy scurvy.
It is considered to be a good remedy against heart diseases. It serves to tone all the vital organs of the body and builds health by eradicating the harmful disease-causing elements from the body.
The herb has amazing revitalizing effects on the body. It helps prevent aging and maintain strength in the old age. It also enhances the immunity of body against diseases.
Indian gooseberry is known to be excellent in preserving eyesight. It is also beneficial in treating conjunctivitis and glaucoma, by reducing intraocular tension.
It serves as a very valuable remedy for enriching hair growth and pigmentation. The oil prepared by using this herb is excellent for hair health and prevents graying.
The dried fruit of this plant is very useful in treating diarrhea and dysentery. It is also used to treat acute bacillary dysentery.
Due to its high vitamin C content, Indian gooseberry proves to be very effective in controlling diabetes. The juice obtained from its fruit, when consumed regularly, stimulates the pancreas and capacitates them to secrete insulin. This reduces the sugar level in blood.
The culinary uses of Indian gooseberry are many. In South India, its fruit plant is used to make pickle. Tender varieties of the fruit are used to prepare dishes as well. In some parts of the country, it is traditionally consumed after meals.
The herb is also used in shampoos, hair oils, inks and dyes.
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Ephedra
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Botanical Name(s): Ephedra Vulgaris
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Gnetophyta
Class: Gnetopsida
Family: Ephedraceae
Genus: Ephedra
Species: Ephedra distachya L
Popular Name(s): Somlatha
Parts Used: Dried Branch
Habitat: Drier regions of temperate zone and alpine Himalayas at altitude of 2700m to 3600m.
Description
Ephedra is a shrub that grows about 25 cm to 50 cm high. It belongs to the family Ephedraceae and is found on sandy seashores, in temperate climates of both hemispheres. The plant has stamens and pistils on separate flowers. Its fruit has two carpels, with a single seed in each one of them. They are erect, with small leaves. The herb has green stems belonging to a range of species that is native to Central Asia.
Plant chemicals
The active compound contained in ephedra is ephedrine (naturally occurring amphetamine like compound), which works to stimulate fat burning in the body and provides more energy.
Uses & Benefits of Ephedra
Ephedra is widely used for acute muscular and bronchial asthma. It is also used as a headache reliever.
The herb is very often used as an antibiotic, antiseptic, immune stimulator, depurative, digestive, and blood purifier. It also helps produce sweat.
It promotes the natural ability of the body to fight invading diseases through a natural antibiotic called echinacoside. The benefits of this antibiotic contained in the plant have been compared to penicillin.
In China, ephedra is known as Ma huang. It is a popular remedy for chills, cough and wheezing. The Chinese also combine it with rehmannia, for treating kidney disorders.
In the west, the herb is used to remedy asthma and hay fever. It is also brought in use to prevent the onset of colds and flu.
It proves effective in raising blood pressure, cool down fevers and alleviate rheumatism.
Ephedra can also be used for losing weight. However, it is important to note here that its dose, for weight-loss, generally exceeds the prescribed safety limit, i.e.150 mg per day.
The herb is used to help the white blood cells in the body to produce an infection-fighting substance known as interferon.
It is believed that the herb was traditionally used by Zen monks in China, to promote calm and concentration during meditation.
Caution:
While ephedra is considered to be a weight-loss drug, the doses recommended for losing weight mostly exceed the usual prescribed limit.
Side-effects, such as high blood pressure, rapid heart beat, nervousness, irritability, headache, urination disturbances and insomnia, can be experienced, especially when the herb is consumed as a recreational drug.
When consumed at higher levels, it can result in cardiac arrhythmias. It is also considered to be highly addictive.
Anxiety, headaches, restlessness, high blood pressure, and even insomnia, may also be experienced on consuming a very high dose of ephedra.
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Flax Seeds
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Binomial Name(s): Linum Usitatissimum
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Linales
Family: Linaceae
Genus: Linum L.
Species: Linum usitatissimum L.
Popular Name(s): Linsed
Parts Used: Flax Seeds, Flax Seed Oil, leaves & roots
Habitat: Cultivated throughout India
Description
Flax seeds, as the name suggests, are the seeds of flax plant, which is a member of the genus Linum in the family Linaceae. They are known for producing a vegetable oil known as linseed oil or flaxseed oil. It is one of the oldest commercial oils. In fact, the solvent-processed flax seed oil has been used as a drying oil in painting and varnishing, for centuries. Flax seeds are edible and suitable for human consumption. They are also one of the most concentrated plant sources of the omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid. These seeds come in two basic varieties - brown and yellow.
Plant Chemicals
Flax contains fat, protein, dietary fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, moisture, phenolic acids, flavonoids, lignans and ash. The chemical composition of flax can vary, owing to certain factors such as genetics, growing environment and seed processing. As the oil content increases, the protein content of the seed decreases.
Uses & Benefits of Flax Seeds
Flax seeds are internally used in case of constipation; functional disorders of the colon - resulting from the misuse of laxatives; and irritable colon.
The seeds improve digestion, help stabilize blood glucose levels, fight tumor formation and enhance cardiovascular health.
Flax contains anti-inflammatory properties. As such, it helps to reduce inflammation in conditions such as asthma, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, migraine headaches, and osteoporosis.
Consumption of flax also promotes bone health, due to the presence of Omega-3 fatty acids.
Flax seeds protect against heart diseases, by reducing the formation of blood clots. They are also effective in fighting cancer and diabetes and reduce the risk of colon cancer by protecting colon cells from cancer causing toxins and free radicals.
Flax is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty polyunsaturated fatty acids, which help to lower blood pressure, in effect preventing and controlling high blood pressure.
It is effective in fighting against the growth of prostrate cancer in men. This is especially true when flax consumption is combined with a low-fat diet.
Caution
Cramping and a laxative effect may be experienced on consuming flax seeds. Therefore, it is advisable to start with a small amount. Those suffering from irritable bowel syndrome can strongly react to flax.
The oil contained in flax seeds is highly saturated, in effect making it prone to oxidation, unless stored in the right way. It is also recommended to store flax seeds away from heat. However, the high level of antioxidants present in the seeds prevents the process of early oxidation.
High doses of flax seeds can have an adverse effect on the hormonal balance of the body.
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Ginger
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Botanical Name(s): Zingiber Officinale
Family Name: Zingiberaceae
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Zingiberales
Family: Zingiberaceae
Genus: Zingiber
Species: Z. officinale
Popular Name(s): Root Ginger, Ardrakam, Shunthi, Adrak, Sunth, Black Ginger, Race Ginger, African Ginger, Jamaica Ginger, Sheng Jiang.
Parts Used: Fresh and dried rhizomes
Habitat: South East Asia and throughout India.
Description
A deciduous perennial herb, ginger flourishes in most parts of southern Asia, Jamaica, Nigeria and the West Indies. The creeping herb has thick, branching rhizomes and sturdy, upright stems, with pointed lance-like leaves that are 15 to 30 cm in length. It produces yellow-green flowers, with a deep purple lip and yellow marking. The fruits resemble fleshy capsules. Ginger grows well in fertile, moist and well-drained soil. The plant is cultivated in Florida, California and Hawaii, China, India and tropical regions. In India, the herb is called aadrak in Bengali and Urdu, adrak in Gujarati, shunti in Kannada, allam in Telugu, inji in Tamil and Malayalam, alay in Marathi and aduwa in Nepali.
Plant Chemicals
(+)- volatile oil (zingiberene and arcurcumene, beta-bisabolene and arcurcumene, neral and geranial, D-camphor, beta-phellandrene, geranial, neral and linalool, (E)-alpha-farnesene, mixture of cis- and trans-beta-eudesmol), shogaols (6-shogaol, 8-shogaol, 10-shogaol), gingerols (6-gingerol, 8-gingerol, 10-gingerol), bisabolene, zingiberene.
Uses & Benefits of Ginger
Ginger forms one of the main spices for preparing pulse and lentil curries and other vegetable preparations.
The herb serves as a stimulant and carminative and is used in dyspepsia and colic.
It is known to have blood thinning and cholesterol lowering properties, due to which it is used in treating heart diseases.
Ginger tea is considered a good remedy for colds.
The herb helps in treating arthritis, diarrhea, motion sickness, diabetes, bronchitis and rheumatism.
It is a remedy for nausea caused due to seasickness, morning sickness and chemotherapy.
Around 3 to 4 leaves of Tulsi, when taken along with a piece of ginger, on empty stomach, cure congestion, cough and cold.
It is safe to take ginger during pregnancy for relief from nausea.
Dried ginger root is powdered and made into capsules and sold in pharmacies in the West.
In India, ginger paste, when applied to the temples, relieves headaches.
Burmese boil the mixture of a local sweetener made from palm tree juice and ginger and consume it to prevent flu.
In China, a drink is made by cooking sliced ginger in water with brown sugar or cola to treat common cold.
Caution
People with inflammatory skin complaints, ulcers of the digestive tracts and high fever should not consume ginger.
Ginger oil should be avoided during pregnancy.
Powdered ginger can cause heartburn, bloating, gas, belching and nausea.
Unchewed fresh ginger, when taken in large quantities, can have bad reactions on people with inflammatory bowel disease and blocked intestines.
Ginger can also affect blood pressure, clotting and heart rhythms.
The herb should not be given to children below 2 years of age.
It should be taken after consultation, since it can irritate sensitive skin.
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Guggul
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Botanical Name(s): Commiphora Mukul
Family Name: Burseraceae
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Sapindales
Family: Burseraceae
Genus: Commiphora
Species: C. wightii
Popular Name(s): Commiphora, Mukul, Balsamodendrom Mukul, Indian Bedellium Tree, Moql, Moqle-arzagi.
Parts Used: Whole Plant
Habitat: Rocky tracks of Western India and Eastern Himalayas.
Description
Guggul is a yellowish resin, which is secreted by a small, thorny mukul myrrh tree called commiphora mukul. The shrub reaches a maximum height of 4 to 6 feet and bears thorns on its branches. The leaves are small similar to those of neem. The flowers are red and the fruit is oval in shape and pulpy in nature. The gum resin excreted by the bark of the plant is called guggul. The plant is grown throughout the north India. The herb has been playing a major role in the traditional medicine of India. It is also known as guggul gum, guggal, gugglesterone, gugulu and gum gugal.
Plant Chemicals
(+)- resin, essential oil, guggulsterones, E stereoisomers, Z stereoisomers, gugulipid, myrrhanol, alpha-camphorene.
Uses & Benefits of Guggul
Guggul possesses strong disinfecting properties and is a weight loss and fat burning agent.
It lowers elevated serum cholesterol and triglycerides, while maintaining or improving the HDL to LDL ratio.
The herb increases white blood cells count and reduces the risk of coronary artery disease.
Guggul was historically used for a condition called medoroga, a disease similar to the modern atherosclerosis.
Studies report that it increases the production of thyroid hormone. Since this hormone breaks down cells of protein, fat and carbohydrates, this herb is believed to be promoting weight loss.
The herb is used as an anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving herb by many Indian herbal doctors.
Guggul is useful in arthritic pains and helps in reversing the degenerative changes that occur in joints and bones.
The herb is widely used in diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, gout, osteoarthritis, sciatica, paralysis, hemiplegia, lymphadenopathy, etc.
Since it acts as a blood purifier, it is widely used in skin diseases.
Guggul helps in promoting the production of red blood corpuscles (RBC) and improving the action of white blood corpuscles (WBC).
It helps in strengthening the digestive system, easy secretion of digestive juices, works as an appetizer and avoids indigestion and constipation.
The herb is beneficial in hemorrhoids and colitis and relieves from hyperacidity and belching.
Regular use of guggul helps in improving sexual ability, sperm count and sperm quality.
Guggul helps in treating leprosy and eczema. Its extract also helps in fighting tumors.
The herb is useful in menstrual disturbances and painful menses.
Caution
Guggul extract can generate side effects like headache, nausea, diarrhea, anorexia, abdominal pain and skin irritation in some individuals.
Thyroid patients should consult a doctor before using guggul extract.
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Gudmar
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Botanical Name(s): Gymnema Sylvestre
Family Name: Asclepiadaceae
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Gentianales
Family: Asclepiadaceae
Genus: Gymnema
Species: G. sylvestre
Popular Name(s): Periploca of the woods, Gudmar, Gurmari, Gurmarbooti
Parts Used: Whole Plant and Leaves
Habitat: Grows in tropical forests of the central and southern parts of India.
Description
Gudmar was initially known as meshashringi in Sanskrit, which means “ram’s horn”. The plant can be described as a large, pubescent, woody climber. its leaves are elliptic, opposite or ovate. The small flowers are yellow and in umbellate cymes. The follicles are terete, lanceolate and up to 3 inches in length. The plant is native to the tropical forests of southern and central India. It is known as gurmar and merasingi in Hindi and meshashringi, vishani and madhunashini in Sanskrit. The medicinally active parts of the plant are the leaves and the roots. It came to be known as "destroyer of sugar" in ancient times.
Plant Chemicals
(+)- gymnema saponins I-IV, gymnemic acids I-IX, acylated (tigloyl, methylbutroyl, etc) derivatives of deacylgymnemic acid (DAGA), 3-O-glucuronide of gymnemagenin (3, 16, 21, 22, 23, 28-hexahydroxy-olean-12-ene), gymnemosides A-F, triterpene saponins, dammarene saponins, flavones, anthraquinones, hentri-acontane, pentatriacontane, a and ß- chlorophylls, phytin, resins, d-quercitol, tartaric acid, formic acid, butyric acid, lupeol, ß-amyrin related glycosides and stigmasterol.
Uses & Benefits of Gudmar
When used for an extended time period, gudmar reduces blood sugar levels.
It forms one of the ingredients in the manufacture of all natural medication for diabetes, apart from cinnamon, chromium, zinc, biotin, banaba, huckleberry and bitter melon.
Extracts of the herb are believed to treat problems like hyperglycemia, obesity, high cholesterol levels, anemia and digestion.
Gudmar suppresses the taste of sweet foods and consequently reduces the desire to eat.
Its root is made into a paste or powder and applied to the wounds of snakebites.
The herb controls and regulates weight, promotes healthy blood lipid levels, controls sugar craving and curbs sweet tooth.
Gudmar is useful in hepatosplenomegaly, dyspepsia, constipation, jaundice, halminthiasis, cardiopathy and amenorrhoea.
Chewing fresh leaves of gudmar paralyzes the taste for sweet and bitter substance for some time.
Caution
Caution should be taken while consuming gudmar with pharmaceutical medication (oral hypoglycemics or insulin) for diabetes.
Researchers are not very sure whether this herb is purely safe for pregnant women and during lactation.
Having gudmar may raise systolic blood pressure.
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Annual Hibiscus
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Botanical Name(s): Abelmoschus Moschatus
Family Name: Malvaceae
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Malvales
Family: Malvaceae
Genus: Abelmoschus
Species: A. moschatus
Popular Name(s): Ambrette Seeds, Hibiscus Abelmoschus, Musk Mallow, Musk Okra, Ornamental Okra, Yorka Okra, Galu Gasturi, Bamia Moschata
Parts Used: Seeds, Seeds Oil
Habitat: Common in distributed areas and wastelands.
Description
Annual hibiscus is an erect, annual or biennial, hirsute shrub. The soft, herbaceous plant trails to 2 meters in diameter, with soft hairy stems. The lower leaves are ovate and acute, while the upper leaves are palmately 3 to 7 lobed. The bright yellow and large flowers are usually solitary and auxiliary. The capsules are ovate, acute and hispid. The seeds are sub-reniform, black and musk-scented. Due to this strong musk aroma, annual hibiscus seeds are known as grani moschi. In India, the plant is grown widely over the Deccan regions, the hilly regions of Karnataka and at the foothills of the Himalayas. The plant is known as latakasturi, gandapura and kasturilatika in Sanskrit and kasturidana and muskadfana in Hindi.
Plant Chemicals
(+)- macrocyclic musks, 5(Z)-tetradecen-14-oide, 7(Z)-hexadecen-16-olide, linoleic acid, a-cephalin, phosphatidylserine, plasmalogen, phosphatidylcholine plasmalogen, ketone, ambrettelide, a lactone of ambrettolic acid, trans-2-trans-6-farnesyl acetate, ambrettolide, cis-2-cis-6-farnesyl acetate, cis-2-trans-6-farnesyl acetate, ethyl hexadecanate, ethyl laurate, trans-2-trans-6-farnesol.
Uses & Benefits of Annual Hibiscus
Annual hibiscus is used as a stimulant and anti-spasmodic in curing snakebites, stomach and intestinal disorders.
It helps in treating ailments such as cramps, loss of appetite, headaches, stomach cancer, hysteria, gonorrhea and respiratory disorders.
Annual hibiscus forms an ingredient in vermouths, bitters and other food products.
The herb is used in relieving spasms of the digestive tract, poor circulation and aching joints.
It is used in the manufacturing of cosmetics like perfumes, soaps, detergents, creams and lotions.
Annual hibiscus is considered as an insecticide also.
The herb is used by the Arabs for flavoring coffee.
Its seeds are crushed and steam distilled to produce a volatile oil called musk seed oil or ambrette seed oil.
The seeds are known to be antiseptic, cooling, tonic, carminative and aphrodisiac.
The leaves and roots of annual hibiscus are helpful in curing gonorrhoea and venereal diseases.
Its seeds are used as an inhalation, when suffering from hoarseness and dryness of throat.
The unripe pods, leaves and new shoots of the herb are consumed as vegetables.
The plant’s root mucilage provides sizing for paper. On the other hand, the flowers are sometimes used to flavor tobacco.
Annual hibiscus is also used in making traditional herbal liquor called Benedictine.
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Ginger Lily
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Botanical Name(s): Hedychium
Family Name: Zingiberaceae
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Zingiberales
Family: Zingiberaceae
Genus: Hedychium
Species: Hedychium coccineum, Hedychium coronarium, Hedychium gardnerianum, Hedychium spicatum
Popular Name(s): Hedichium, Kapur Kachri, Garland Flower, Kahili Ginger, Spiked Ginger Lily
Parts Used: Rhizomes
Habitat: Grows in Sub Tropical Himalayas.
Description
Ginger lily is a perennial attractive plant that reaches a height of up to 6 feet (120 to 180 cm). It is a smallish hardy ginger with green leaves measuring 30 cm or more. The flowers are large and beautiful, in orange and white color. They have a heavy sweet fragrance and can grow in all conditions, from full sun to filtered shade. Some species of ginger lily are grown as ornamental plants. The plant is native to tropical Asia and the Himalayas. It is also known as takhellei in Manipuri. One of its species, white ginger lily (Hedychium coronarium) is the national flower of Cuba, where it is known as “Flor de Mariposa”. A farmer’s house is not complete without a white ginger in the garden. Hedychium is common in Brazil, where it is considered an invasive weed.
Plant Chemicals
(+)- essential oil (ethyl ester of p-methoxy cinnamic acid, d-sabirene cineole, sesquiterpenes, pentadecane methyl paracumarine acetate), starch, resins, organic acids, glycoside (sitosterol, -D-glycoside), albumen, saccharine.
Uses & Benefits of Ginger Lily
Ginger lily is digestive, stomachic and vasodilator.
It is used in treating nausea, halitosis, vomiting, diminished appetite, hiccups and local inflammation.
The rootstock is carminative, emmenagogue, expectorant, stimulant, stomachic and tonic.
The rhizomes of ginger lily are used in treating asthma and internal injuries.
The rhizomes are powdered and used as an antiseptic agent and as a poultice for various aches and pains.
Ginger lily is also helpful in treating liver complaints, indigestion and poor circulation due to thickening of the blood.
Its rootstalk is used in treating bronchitis and alleviating pain.
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Bitter Oleander
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Botanical Name(s): Holarrhena Antidysenterica
Family Name: Apocynaceae
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Popular Name(s): Connessi Bark, Kurchi Bark, Dysentery Rose Bay, Tellicherry Bark, Coneru
Parts Used: Seeds, bark
Habitat: Grows in dry forests of India.
Description
Bitter oleander is a deciduous shrub or a small tree. It has a rough, pale brownish or grayish bark. The leaves are opposite, subsesile, elliptic or ovate-oblong and membranous. The white flowers are in terminal corymbose cymes, while the seeds are light brown or smoky in color. The fruit is thin and cylindrical, with two follicles attached together at distal ends. The herb grows throughout India, up to an altitude of 4,000 feet, with special abundance in the sub-Himalayan tract. It is considered as one of the most valuable medicinal products of India. It is known as katuja and vatsaka in Sanskrit; kura, kora, kureya and kurchi in Hindi; and kodagasan and kodusige in Kannada.
Plant Chemicals
(+)- conessine, conamine, conkurchine, connessimine, kurchine, conarrhinine, holarrhinene, isoconcessimine, conessidine, holafrine, holarrhetine, holantosines A and B, holarosine B, holantosines E and F, holacine, holacimine, holarricine.
Uses & Benefits of Bitter Oleander
The bark of bitter oleander has astringent, anti-dysenteric, anthelmintic, stomachic, febrifugal and tonic properties.
The herb is used in the treatment of amebic dysentery and diarrhea.
The seeds are used in curing fever and cold. Their powder is used in dressing the oozing wounds.
The decoction of the skin of the herb is used to clean wounds and promote healing.
The paste of the skin of bitter oleander is applied on boils.
The herb is helpful in augmenting digestion and appetite.
It works well in ano-rectal problems, like proctitis, painful defecation, retal swellings, etc.
Because of its styptic property, bitter oleander assists in arresting the bleeding piles.
The skin of bitter oleander bark, when grated in cow’s milk, helps in treating painful, difficult micturition and urinary stones.
The seed powder proves to be a household remedy for intestinal worm infections in children.
The plant is used in the Ayurvedic preparation known as "Kutajarishta".
In case of skin troubles, the bark of bitter oleander is mixed with cow urine. It is then applied on the affected parts.
The herb has proven to be useful in treating rheumatoid arthritis and even osteoporosis.
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Common Henbane
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Binomial Name(s): Hyocyamus Niger
Kingdom: Plantae
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Solanales
Family: Solanaceae
Genus: Hyoscyamus
Species: H. niger
Popular Name(s): Henbane Henbane, Niger Seed, Bird Feed, Black Henbane
Parts Used: Seeds
Habitat: Low-lying ground near the sea and Lower Mountain slopes.
Description
Common henbane is an annual/biennial plant growing to a height of 1m. The plant requires a well-drained soil, but cannot grow in the shade. It can tolerate maritime exposure and flowers from June to August, with the seeds ripening from August to September. The scented flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by insects. Commonly known as the stinking nightshade or henbane, the plant species has been used as a medicinal herb for centuries together and has innumerous therapeutic values. Originated in parts of Eurasia, common henbane is currently distributed worldwide and is even cultivated for commercial purpose.
Plant Chemicals
Hyoscyamine, scopolamine, and other tropane alkaloids
Uses & Benefits of Common Henbane
Common henbane is mostly used for the curing diseases with increased cerebral activity, but non-inflammatory in nature. Hence, the herb is regarded as an excellent cure for conditions like hysteria, deliriums and so on.
The herb is also used for the cure of involuntary spasms, restlessness and muscle twitches.
It is used as a nutritious bird feed. Besides, conditions like gastric or intestinal cramps, and diarrhea can be treated by the regular use of this herb.
Common henbane seeds have narcotic, anodyne and mydriatic properties and so, can be effectively used as a sedative in case of nervous infections.
The seeds also provides cure for asthmatic conditions, cough, myalgia and toothache.
Individuals suffering from intense sleeplessness can also resort to the herb.
Common henbane is often used internally for the treatment of whooping cough and motion sickness.
Some other uses include the cure of childhood convulsions, convulsions during labor and even during the puerperal state.
Common henbane is also used for the treatment of symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.
Another major use of the herb is in the cure of retention or urinary incontinence and paralysis of the bladder.
Caution
The consumption of common henbane causes certain side effects in some humans. This mainly includes flushed skin, restlessness, hallucinations and dilated pupils.
Less common side effects include hyperpyrexia, convulsions, tachycardia, hypertension, ataxia and vomiting.
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Jatamamsi
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Botanical Name(s): Nardostachys Jatamansi, Nardostachys Grandiflora
Family Name: Valerianaceae
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Dipsacales
Family: Valerianaceae
Genus: Nardostachys
Species: N. grandiflora
Popular Name(s): Muskroot, Indian Spikenard, Jatamanshi, Jatamashi, Balchar, Nard, Nardin.
Parts Used: Rhizome, Rhizome Oil
Habitat: Found in India, Nepal and Bhutan
Description
Jatamamsi is a perennial herb that is propagated by cuttings of the underground parts. The plant grows to a height ranging from 10 to 60 cm and has stout and long woody root stocks. The long, sessile and oblong-ovate leaves are 15 to 20 cm in length. While the flowers are rosy, slightly pink or blue in dense cymes and one, two or five in number, the rhizomes are thick, fragrant and covered with brown fibers. The plant bears 1/3-inch long fruits that are oval in shape and have a sharp apex. Jatamamsi grows in the Alpine Himalayas, at an altitude of 3000-5000 meters and is cultivated in areas ranging from Punjab to Sikkim and Bhutan. The herb is known as jatamamsi in Hindi, Sanskrit and Gujarati.
Plant Chemicals
(+)- volatile essential oil, resin, sugar, starch, bitter extractive matter, gum, ketone, jatamansone, jatamansic acid, jatamansone semicarbazone, lupeol, malliene, calarene, terpenic coumarin - jatamansin, oroselol, dietheniod bicyclic ketone – nardostachone, sesquiterpene ketone - jatamansone.
Uses & Benefits of Jatamamsi
Jatamamsi can be used internally as well as externally.
It is a well-known brain tonic and imparts a sense of calm and peace to mind.
The herb is mixed with cold water to form a paste and reduce burning sensation, inflammation, pain and improving skin texture.
Since it is fragrant, jatamamsi powder is used as a deodorant in case of excessive sweating.
The powder also helps in treating mental retardation and mental disorders, regularizing digestion in the body, regularizing respiratory tract and suppressing general body weakness.
The decoction of the herb is poured on the affected areas in ailments associated with burning and in erysipelas.
The medicated jatamamsi oil is extremely beneficial for smooth, silky and healthy hair.
Jatamamsi is useful for urine-related problems and maintaining the circulatory system.
The herb increases appetite, relieves the phlegm in cough and asthma, proves useful in hepatitis and treats enlargement of the liver.
It is used as an adjunct in the treatment of sexual debility and impotence.
Jatamamsi relieves symptoms like vertigo, seizures etc. in fever.
Since it exerts a cleansing effect on the uterus, it is used in menstrual ailments like dysmenorrheal and inflammation of the uterus.
The herb stops fermentation and gas in the stomach.
Jatamamsi is considered as one of the best herbs for treating epilepsy.
It reduces hyperactivity, restlessness and aggressiveness in hyperactive children.
Caution
Jatamansi, when consumed in large doses, causes vomiting and diarrhea with abdominal pain, nausea, colic and urinary problems.
Consult a healthcare professional before using jatamansi during pregnancy and lactation.
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Common Walnut
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Botanical Name(s): Juglans Regia
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Fagales
Family: Juglandaceae
Genus: Juglans
Species: J. regia
Popular Name(s): Persian Walnut, English Walnut
Parts Used: Walnut, Persian Walnut, European Walnut, Akhrot
Habitat: Cultivated in Himalayas and the Khasi hills
Description
Common walnut refers to the original walnut tree of the Old World, comprising of Asia, Africa and Europe. The tree is native to the region stretching from the Balkans, eastward to the Himalayas and Southwest China. The largest forests where common walnut trees are found are in Kyrgyzstan. It is a large deciduous tree, with a height ranging from 25- 35 m. Its trunk is up to 2m in diameter. Commonly, these trees have a short trunk and broad crown, though taller and narrower versions are seen in denser forests. This plant species require a lot of sunlight to grow. The bark of common walnut is smooth and olive brown in color when young. It assumes a silver grey color as it ages, with scattered broad fissures and a rougher texture. The leaves of the plant are alternately arranged and are 25-40 cm in length.
Plant Chemicals
Amino acids, Ash, Crude protein, Dietary fiber, Oil content and Starch
Uses & Benefits of Common Walnut
The cotyledons of common walnut tree are used in the treatment of cancer. The plant has long been used as a folk remedy for treating cancer. Recent researches conducted on some extracts from the plant have shown anti-cancer properties as well.
The seeds are antilithic, diuretic and stimulant. They are used internally for remedying low back pain, frequent urination, weakness of legs, chronic cough, asthma, constipation (due to dryness) or anaemia and stones in the urinary tract. They are used to make a paste and externally applied to areas of dermatitis and eczema.
The leaves of the plant are alterative, anthelmintic, antiinflamatory, astringent and depurative. They are internally used for treating constipation, chronic coughs, asthma, diarrhoea, dyspepsia etc. The leaves are used to cure skin ailments as also to purify the blood. They are also known for remedying strumous sores.
The rind of the plant is anodyne and contains properties of an astringent. It is used for treating diarrhea and anemia. The oil obtained from its seeds is anthelmintic and is used in the treatment of menstrual problems and skin ailments.
The seed from the plant is eaten raw and is also used widely in confections, cakes, ice cream etc. It has a delicious flavor, making it suitable to be used in a range of sweet dishes.
The seed is also used to obtain edible oil used for cooking. However, it cannot be stored and has to be used the very moment it is obtained, as it can go rancid very quickly.
Common walnut is used in making flower remedies for Bach’s flower essence therapy.
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Lemongrass
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Botanical Name(s): Cymbopogon Citratus
Family Name: Poaceae
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Liliopsida
Order: Poales
Family: Poaceae (Gramineae)
Subfamily: Panicoideae
Tribe: Andropogoneae
Genus: Cymbopogon
Species: 55 species of grasses
Popular Name(s): Barbed Wire Grass, Silky Heads, Citronella Grass, Fever Grass, Hierba Luisa
Parts Used: Leaves, roots
Habitat: Tropical grasslands
Description
Lemongrass is a thick, tropical and long grass that is native to India and an important ingredient in the Asian cuisine. Its thin, grass-like, grey-green leaves grow up to 6 feet in the tropics, and about 3 feet in more northerly climates. The plant has leaves at the top and a solid portion, several inches long, at the root end. The lower portion is sliced or pounded. It is known with a variety of names, including barbed wire grass, lemongrass, fever grass, silky heads, citronella grass, and hierba luisa.
Lemongrass has dense fibrous roots, with ringed segments and short underground stems. The blades of the grass reach 90 cm in length and 0.5 cm in breadth. The plant emits lemon-like odor and a citrus taste. It can easily be grown from seed or a stalk, with a few roots attached and immersed in water. This can further be transplanted to the garden. Today, lemongrass is grown throughout Southeast Asia, Southern India, Sri Lanka, Central Africa, Brazil, Guatemala, the US and the West Indies, for its medicinal and culinary benefits.
Plant Chemicals
Lemongrass comprises of volatile oil (0.4%), 65- 85% citral (a composition of isomers, geraniol and neral), geraniol, geranic acid, nerolic acid, myrcene (12% to 25%), diterpenes, methylheptenone, citronellol, linalol, farnesol, other alcohols, aldehydes, linalool, terpineol, minor fragrant components. Nonvolatile components of C. citratus consist of luteolins, homo-orientin, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, p -coumaric acid, fructose, sucrose, octacosanol, Flavonoids luteolin and 6-C-glucoside.
Uses & Benefits of Lemongrass
Lemongrass is commonly used in cuisine of Asian countries, like Thailand and Vietnam, as it provides an aromatic flavor to the dish. In addition, it also balances the spicy hot chilies used in these cuisines.
The herb is used in detoxifying the digestive organs of the body, like pancreas, liver, kidney and bladder.
It stimulates digestion and blood circulation in the body and hence, keeps gastric and indigestion problems at bay.
Indians use lemongrass as citronella (an element) in making scents for soaps, perfumes and candles. The same component is also used as mosquito repellant.
The sweet smelling oil obtained from lemongrass is of significant use in aromatherapy, as it helps in relieving stress and tension from the body.
The plant is used in Brazil to treat nervous disorders, stomachache, diarrhea, vomiting, fever, flu and headaches.
Lemongrass is used in herbal teas and other nonalcoholic beverages in baked goods, and in confections.
The antiseptic and astringent properties of the plant are also used by some people to cleanse oily skin and help close pores.
A few drops of lemongrass oil can be used to combat greasy hair and as a deodorant to curb perspiration.
Caution
People suffering from skin allergy should avoid the excessive use of lemongrass, as it can boost the signs of allergy.
It should not be taken internally by children, pregnant women and even breast feeding mothers or people suffering from liver or kidney disease.
Avoid any contact of the herb with the eyes, in any form, as it can irritate the eyes as well as the respiratory tract, in sensitive people.
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Liquorice
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Binomial Name(s): Glycyrrhiza Glabra
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Fabales
Family: Fabaceae
Subfamily: Faboideae
Tribe: Galegeae
Genus: Glycyrrhiza
Species: G. glabra
Popular Name(s): Calamus, Mulethi, Sweet Liquorice, Sweetwood
Parts Used: Root
Habitat: Cultivated in Northern and Southern India
Description
Liquorice plant is a legume (related to beans and peas) that is native to southern Europe and parts of Asia. It is an herbaceous perennial, growing to 1 meter in height, with pinnate leaves about 7-15 centimeters long and having 9-17 leaflets. The flowers are 0.8-1.2 centimeters long; purple to pale whitish-blue in color, and produced in a loose inflorescence. It is mostly found growing wild in the southern zone of Europe and also in parts of Asia. However, today, the plant is cultivated in other parts of the world for commercial purposes. Besides being used as a flavoring in tobacco, confectionary, beverages, jams and marmalades, liquorice is also used for curing a number of ailments and diseases. It is particularly known for its use as an antiviral agent, in slowing down the progression of HIV infection.
Plant Chemicals
Glycosides (glycyrrhizin and glycyrrhizinic acid)
Plant sterols (sitosterol, stigmasterol)
Above 30 flavonoids and isoflavonoids, including liquiritin and its derivatives
Uses & Benefits of Liquorice
Liquorice is widely used in curing peptic ulcers. A particular form of the species, called DGL, is preferred for treating ulcers, as this form removes the glycyrrhizin from it. However, the presence of this compound may cause high blood pressure in some individuals.
The plant species has dermatological uses as well. Similar to hydrocortisone, it helps to fight eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis. It also hastens the healing process of cold sores and reduces the pain associated with them.
Severe respiratory conditions, like asthma, sore throats, coughing and bronchitis, can be treated using liquorice.
The herb helps to maintain a balance in the estrogen levels in the body, as high levels of this hormone can cause menstrual problems.
Proper support to the adrenal glands is provided by liquorice, which is very essential to overcome the effects of stress and fatigue. The compound glycyrrhizic present in the plant species helps to block the breakdown of cortisol in the body. This helps to fight stress and combat the effects of chronic fatigue syndrome.
The herb is also used to treat hepatitis, in both chronic and acute stage and is particularly beneficial in the treatment of hepatitis B and C patients.
Recent research and studies have indicated that it can slow down the progression of HIV to AIDS, by triggering the chemical compound interferon aka the body’s virus fighting agent.
Liquorice proves to be useful in irritable conditions of mucous membrane of the urinary organs.
It has proved beneficial in treating sore throat, cough and anorexia and persistent low fever.
Caution
Pregnant women should keep their intake of liquorice less than what is usually prescribed as a medicine. Studies indicate that a high intake may lead to the sudden rise in blood pressure levels or cause hormonal imbalance that may, in turn affect the fetus.
Individuals with high blood pressure should use liquorice carefully. They also need to monitor their BP levels regularly, to check if there is any sudden elevation.
Precautions should be taken by people with heart conditions, while taking liquorice, as the potassium depletion caused by its consumption may prove hazardous for them.
Individuals suffering from hypokalemia or low potassium levels should take necessary precaution while using the herb.
Another high-risk group comprises of people with kidney conditions, particularly the elderly.
Women on oral contraceptives are also sensitive to liquorice consumption.
Liquorice is strictly prohibited for those with cirrhosis and gallbladder disease.
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Manjishta
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Botanical Name(s): Rubia Tinctoria
Family Name: Rubiaceae
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Gentianales
Family: Rubiaceae
Tribe: Rubieae
Genus: Rubia
Species: R. cordifolia
Popular Name(s): Indian Madder, Manjit Gandari, Manchatti, Manjishta.
Parts Used: Root, Fruit.
Habitat: Found in the Himalayas and the hill stations of India
Description
A perennial herbaceous climber, manjishta grows to a height of 1.5 meters. The woody based stem is long, rough and grooved. Its evergreen leaves are in whorls of four, about 5 to 10 cm in length. They are long, variable, cordate, rough above and smooth beneath. The flowers are small, about 0.3 to 2.5 cm long black and greenish-black in color. The plant bears red to black berries that are globose, fleshy, smooth and shining, with two small seeds. The roots are reddish, cylindrical, and flexuous, with a thin red bark and 4 to 8 cm length. Manjishta can be found throughout India, at a height above 3,500 meters.
Plant Chemicals
(+)- resinous and extractive matter, gum, sugar, coloring matter, yellow glucoside, manjistin, xanthine, garancin, orange red alizarin, anthroquinones, pentacyclic triterpenes, quinines, cyclic hexapeptides, diethylesters, xantho-purpurin, glucose, sucrose, ruberythric acid, alizarin, purpurin, purpurin carbohydrate, quinizarine, christofin, anti-tumor cyclic hexapeptides: RA-V and RA-VII.
Uses & Benefits of Manjishta
Manjishta is widely used both internally and externally.
It is a potent blood purifier and anti-diarrhoeal.
The herb is an appetizer, digestant, vermicide, and even destroys ama.
Manjishta is recommended in skin diseases associated with edema and oozing.
The herb is used in wounds and ulcers dressing, to dry them up and make them heal promptly.
Its decoction is used to wash the chronic wounds that are then dressed up with the external extract.
The roots’ powder, when mixed with ghee, is beneficial for the treatment of acne.
The paste of manjishta’s root removes freckles and discoloration of the skin.
When used with honey, the herb heals inflammation and gives the skin an even tone and smoothness.
It is good for treating gastrointestinal ailments like loss of appetite, dyspepsia and worm infestations.
Manjishta is used in a number of skin disorders, like erysipelas, eczema, acne, scabies and allergic manifestations.
The herb controls irritation of nerves and pacifies the mind.
The cold infusion of manjishta improves menstrual bleeding and relieves the pain in dysmenorrheal.
It is useful in post-natal ailments since it stimulates and cleanses the uterus.
It is an effective medicament for hoarseness of voice.
Since it is anti-diabetic, it is used for treating urinary calculi.
This herb is also used to cleanse and regulate liver, spleen, pancreas, and kidneys.
The fruit is useful in hepatic obstructions.
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Marigold
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Botanical Name(s): Calendula Officinalis
Family Name: Asterceae
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Asrerales
Family: Asteraceae
Tribe: Calenduleae
Genus: Calendula
Species: R. cordifolia
Popular Name(s): Pot Marigold, Garden Marigold, Holigold, Mary Bud, Pot Marigold, Calendula, Caltha, Ganda, Gols Bloom, Gold Bloom, Ruddes.
Parts Used: Dried marigold flowers, dried marigold petals, leaves and roots.
Habitat: Cultivated in gardens in India
Description
An annual herbaceous plant, calendula blooms at the start of almost every calendar month. The basal leaves are spathulate and stalked, while the pale green stem leaves are lanceolate, alternate and sessile. The plant bears flowers in bright yellow, red and orange colors. The fruits are rough and curved achene. The plant is cultivated in the kitchen gardens around India, for the flowers that are dried for broth. Marigold is native to Egypt and the Mediterranean, but has become naturalized in the temperate regions of the world. It can be found throughout India and is widely grown in the Valley of Flowers in Ranthambore National Park. The plant is known as zergul in Hindi.
Plant Chemicals
(+)- flavonol glycosides, triterpene oligoglycosides, oleanane-type triterpene glycosides, saponins, sesquiterpene glucoside, bitter glycosides, sterols, flavonoids, mucilage.
Uses & Benefits of Marigold
Marigold is useful in stomach upsets, ulcers, menstrual problems, eye infections, inflammations and wound healing.
The plant is antiseptic. Its flower, when rubbed on the affected part, relieves pain and swelling caused by a wasp or bee.
The flowers are also used to make a lotion for sprains and wounds.
The water distilled from marigold flowers is good for sore eyes, while the infusion of fresh flowers is beneficial in fever.
Marigold is used to treat alopecia, bladder and kidney problems, blood in the urine and uterine bleeding.
Bright yellow and orange flowers are used for making garlands and decorate religious places.
The leaves are used as a part of salads.
The plant is used for abdominal cramps and constipation.
Marigold is good for treating bedsores, chapped lips, leg ulcers, persistent ulcers, bruises and varicose veins.
It is used during aromatherapy, as a skin treatment.
Marigold cream treats hemorrhoids and infant bums to help fight diaper rash.
The flower is boiled to extract a yellow dye.
It serves as an excellent mouthwash after tooth extraction.
Caution
Pregnant and breast-feeding women should avoid using marigold.
Combining other herbs with marigold can alter its action or produce unwanted side effects. Consult your health practitioner before using any prescription.
Marigold carries a risk of allergic reactions. Consult your doctor in case you experience any.
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Chamomile
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Botanical Name(s): Matricaria Chamomilla
Family Name: Compositae
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Asterales
Family: Asteraceae
Tribe: Anthemideae
Genus: Matricaria
Species: M. recutita
Popular Name(s): Matricaria, Anthemis, Ground Apple, Roman Camomile, Garden Camomile, Low Camomile, Whig Plant, German Chamomile, Wild Chamomile, Amerale, Bayboon, Babunnej, Kami-Ture, Manzanilla Dulce, Papatya, Blue Chamomile, Hungarian Chamomile, Scented Mayweed.
Parts Used: Chamomile flowers, Chamomile stalks, Whole Plant.
Habitat: Grows as a weed all over dry parts of India
Description
Known by different names, chamomile is a perennial low-growing plant native to Europe and Western Asia. The branched stem of the plant is erect, smooth and grows to a height of 15 to 60 cm. The long and narrow leaves are bipinnate or tripinnate. The solitary, terminal flower heads consist of white ray florets that are furnished with a ligule and yellow disc florets. They bloom in early to mid summer and have a strong, aromatic fragrance. Chamomile has now been introduced to temperate North America and Australia as well. The Roman Chamomile has a stronger fragrance as compared to the German Chamomile.
Plant Chemicals
(+)- alpha-bisabolol, choline, galacturonic-acid, glucose, 2,4-dihydroxybenzoic -acid, 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic-acid, 3,4-dihydroxycinnamic-acid, 3-carene, 3- hydroxy -2-methylidene-butyric-acid-angelate, 4-hydroxy-3-methoxy-be nzoic-acid, 4-methoxybenzoic-acid, 6-3-dimethoxyquercetin, 6,7-dimethoxyquercetin, 6-hydroxy-luteolin-7-glucoside, 6-methoxykaempferol, alpha-bisabololoxide-a, alpha-bisabololoxide-b, alpha-bisabololoxide-c, alpha-bisaboloneoxide-a, alpha- muurolene, ap igenin glucosides, ascorbic-acid, axillarin, azulene, betacaryo-phyllene, beta-damascenone, bisabolene, borneol, bornyl-acetate, caffeic-acid, calamene, capric-acid, caprylic-acid, caryophyllenepoxide, catechin-tannins, chamazulene, chamomilla-esters, chamomillol, chlorogenic-acid, chrysoeriol, chrysoeriol-7-glucoside, chrysosplenol, chrysosplentin, cis-caryophyllene, cis-en-yn-dicycloether, epsilon-1-(2,6-dimethylphenyl) -2-buten-1-one, ethyl- benzoate, ethyl-decanoate, ethyl-palmitate, ethyl-phenyl acetate, eupaletin, farnesene, farnesol, furfural, galactose, gallic-acid-tannin, gentisic-acid, geraniol, herniarin, hyperoside, isoferulic-acid, isorhamnetin, isorhamnetin -7-glucoside, jaceidin, kaempferol, linoleic-acid, luteolin, luteolin glucosides, matricarin, matricin, niacin, o-coumaric-acid, p-coumaric-acid, palmitic-acid, patuletin, pectic-acid, perillyl-alcohol, polyacetylene, quercetagetin-3,5,6,7,3',4'-hexamethylether, quercetagetin-3,6,7,3',4'-pentamethylether, querce-tagetin, tetrameth ylether, quercetin, quercetin-3-galactoside, quercetin-7-glucoside, quercetrin, quercimeritrin, rhamnose, rutin, salicylic-acid, sinapic-acid, spathulenol, spinacetin, tannin, thiamin, thujone, trans-alpha- farnesene, trans-en-yn-dicycloether, triaconta ne, umbelliferone, xanthoxylin, xylose.
Uses & Benefits of Chamomile
Chamomile is stomachic, tonic, anodyne, anti-spasmodic, laxative, diaphoretic, analgesic, carminative, anti-inflammatory and sedative.
It is used for nervousness, headaches, anxiety and hysteria.
The herb benefits cramps and spasms.
One tablespoon of chamomile powder steeped in a cup of boiling water, with two slices of ginger, is very effective in alleviating menstrual cramps and other pains.
Chamomile tea is also useful for minor digestive problems like acid indigestion and gas, weak stomach, stomach pains, lack of appetite and colic pain.
It also proves effective against intestinal parasites like worms.
Chamomile, when taken regularly, regulates the bowels.
The plant is very useful in aching muscles, hay fever, asthma, morning sickness, eczema, sore nipples and exhaustion.
The herb is used as a mouthwash to relieve the pain of a toothache.
It is used to treat insomnia and other nervous conditions, when taken as a strong tea.
Chamomile flowers are made into a salve and used on hemorrhoids and wounds.
The flowers are added to bath for relaxing tired, aching muscles and feet, and softening the skin.
Applying chamomile as an external wash or compress treats skin inflammations, sunburns and burns.
Chamomile relieves diaper rash and serious leg ulcers.
Caution
Any person allergic to ragweed should not use the chamomile herb, since it is a relative of the former.
The plant contains coumarin. Thus, it should be taken with care, to avoid potential drug interactions.
In rare cases, large doses of chamomile can cause nausea and vomiting.
In rare cases, rashes may occur due to chamomile use.
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Indian Mulberry
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Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Subclass: Asteridae
Order: Rubiales
Family: Ruiaceae
Genus: Morinda L.
Species: Morinda citrifolia L.
Popular Name(s): Noni, Dibri-Apra, Patjé, Mengkudu
Parts Used: Fruits, Leaves & Roots
Habitat: Grows in shady forests as well as on open rocky or sandy shores
Description
Indian mulberry, which is commonly known as Noni, is a bush that is mostly found in the tropical regions of the world, such as Hawaii and also in some parts of India. In India, the powdered extracts from roots, leaves and fruit of the plant have been traditionally used as a sedative and for many other medicinal purposes. The plant can grow up to 9 m tall, and has large, simple, dark green, shiny and deeply veined leaves.
Plant Chemicals
The fruit of Indian mulberry contains a number of phytochemicals, including lignans, oligo- and polysaccharides, flavonoids, iridoids, fatty acids, scopoletin, catechin, beta-sitosterol, damnacanthal, and alkaloids.
Uses & Benefits of Indian Mulberry
Indian mulberry is used for treating a number of ailments, such as joint pains, immune problems, pain relief, cellular regeneration, and more.
Its fruit contains a number of enzymes (proteins) and alkaloids that are believed to play a pivotal role in promoting good health.
Some recent studies conducted on Indian mulberry have suggested that it is capable of inhibiting the formation and growth of cancer cells. It activates the immune system of the body and has shown promise in helping combat leukemia, which is induced by retrovirus infection.
Some preliminary researches have suggested that the herb may possess an ability to take back the cancerous cells to a non-cancerous state.
The fruits from the plant are edible and consumed orally in some places. However, they don’t have a nice taste or smell. The fruits are eaten as famine foods, thought they are a staple food of choice, in raw or cooked form, in places such as Samoa and Fiji.
The bark of Indian mulberry plant produces a reddish-purple and brown colored dye, which is used in making batik. The tree is extensively grown for the purpose of obtaining dye in Java.
In Hawaii, a yellowish dye was extracted from the roots of the plant, which was used to dye cloth.
Various parts Indian mulberry are used for medicinal purposes, such as containing fever, and also as a tonic. Eye problems, skin wounds, gum and throat problems, respiratory problems, constipation, stomach pains and post delivery pains are treated using its leaves, flowers, fruit and bark.
Heated leaves of the plant are applied to the chest, in order to relieve coughs, nausea and colic.
The juice of the leaves from Indian mulberry is brought in use to treat asthma in Philippines.
The fruit of Indian mulberry is consumed for remedying lumbago, asthma and dysentery in India and China.
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Moringa
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Botanical Name(s): Moringa Oleifera
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Subclass: Asteridae
Order: Capparales
Family: Moringaceae
Genus: Moringa Adans
Species: Moringa oleifera Lam.
Popular Name(s): Horse Radish Tree, Drumstick Tree, Sahijan
Parts Used: Roots, Seeds and Leaves
Habitat: Found through out India
Description
Moringa tree is mainly grown in semi-arid, tropical and sub-tropical areas. While the best type of soil for this tree is dry and sandy, it can also tolerate poor soil such as that found in coastal areas. The tree is native to the Himalayan foothills in Northwestern India. Moringa is widely cultivated in areas such as Africa, Central and South America, Sri Lanka, India, Mexico, Malaysia, and the Philippines. It is believed to be one of the most useful trees in the world. Its leaves are highly nutritious, being a significant source of beta-carotene, Vitamin C, protein, iron and potassium. The leaves are cooked and used as spinach. The tree has a medium height, extending to 15-20 feet. The fruits are 6-8 inch long, brown in color and have six visible veins. The leaves are 1-2 feet long and leaflets are in pairs of 6 to 9, with a width of 1/4 inches. The seeds of Moringa Oleifera are triangular in shape and astringent in taste.
Uses & Benefits of Moringa
The bark, sap, roots, leaves, seeds, oil and flowers of moringa are used in traditional medicine in several countries.
The thickened root of the plant has been used as horseradish in the past. This practice is now discouraged, as the root contains alkaloids, which can prove fatal on ingestion.
The leaves of the plant serve culinary purposes. They are used as the greens in salads and also as pickles for seasoning.
The leaves of moringa can also be used for scrubbing utensils and cleaning walls.
The bark of the plant, which leads a coarse fiber, can also be used for the purpose of tanning.
Due to its high nutritional value, moringa has been used to reduce malnutrition, specifically among infants and nursing mothers, in developing tropical countries. The leaves of the plant are consumed fresh and also stored as dried powder for months.
Medicinally, the herb has been used for both treating and preventing certain medical conditions. However, there is not much scientific evidence to back these claims. In India, it is used to make a variety of Ayurvedic medicines.
It is considered to posses properties of an antibiotic, according to some scientific researches.
The plant has also been used as an antibiotic for treating venomous bites and other conditions. It is also used to remedy rheumatism.
The seeds of moringa are used to obtain oil, which can be used to cook a variety of dishes.
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Mucuna Pruriens
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Botanical Name(s): Mucuna Pruriens
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Fabales
Family: Fabaceace
Tribe: Phaseoleae
Genus: Mucuna
Species: Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC.
Popular Name(s): Cowitch, Cowhage Plant, Kavach, Kapikachhu, Atmagupta Naikaranam, Kawanch, Kewach
Parts Used: Roots, Seeds and Leaves
Habitat: This herb is an annual climbing shrub found in the tropics of India.
Description
Mucuna Pruriens is an annual, climbing shrub with long vines that can reach over 15 m. It bears white, lavender, or purple flowers and pods that are covered in loose orange hair, which can cause a severe itch. The young plant is covered with fuzzy hair, but as it grows older, the hair disappears. The leaves of the plant are tripinnate, ovate, reverse ovate, rhombus shaped or widely ovate.
Plant Chemicals
The main plant chemicals found in velvet bean include alkaloids, alkylamines, arachidic acid, behenic acid, betacarboline, beta-sitosterol, bufotenine, cystine, dopamine, fatty acids, flavones, galactose d, gallic acid, genistein, glutamic acid, glutathione, glycine, histidine, hydroxygenistein, 5-hydroxytryptamine, isoleucine, l-dopa, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, lysine, mannose d, methionine, 6-methoxyharman, mucunadine, mucunain, mucunine, myristic acid, niacin, nicotine, oleic acid, palmitic acid, palmitoleic acid, phenylalanine, prurienidine, prurienine, riboflavin, saponins, serine, serotonin, stearic acid, stizolamine, threonine, trypsin, tryptamine, tyrosine, valine, and vernolic acid.
Uses & Benefits of Mucuna Pruriens
The root of Mucuna Pruriens is used as a remedy in facial paralysis and nervous disorders.
The decoction of its roots purifies blood; cures rheumatism, asthma, cough and stone in the bladder; and improves vitality. It is also used for treating fevers, edema, and elephantiasis.
In Central America, the seeds of the plant were roasted and grounded to make coffee.
In Brazil, Mucuna Pruriens is still grown as a food crop by indigenous people in Guatemala. The seeds are used internally, for treating Parkinson's disease, edema, impotence, intestinal gas, and worms.
The plant is considered to posses the qualities of an aphrodisiac, nerve tonic and diuretic.
Mucuna Pruriens is also brought in external use. It is locally applied to ulcers.
The herb has a long history of being used in the Indian Ayurvedic medicine. It has been used for remedying worms, dysentery, diarrhea, snakebite, sexual debility, cough, tuberculosis, impotence, rheumatic disorders, muscular pain, sterility, gout, menstrual disorders, diabetes, and cancer.
It is used as an important forage, fallow, and green manure crop. As the plant belongs to the legume family, it is used for producing fertilizer and improving soil quality, with the help of nitrogen-fixing bacteria.
Mucuna Pruriens is an extensively-used fodder plant in the tropical countries. The whole plant is fed to the animals as silage, dried hay or dried seeds.
The seeds of the plant have been found to posses anti-depressant properties, on consumption.
The leaves of Mucuna Pruriens are dried and smoked sometimes.
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Mulberry
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Botanical Name(s): Morus Alba
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Urticales
Family: Moraceae
Tribe: Moreae
Genus: Morus L.
Species: Morus Alba L.
Popular Name(s): White Mulverry, White Mulberry, Silk Worm Mulberry and Sang Zhi
Parts Used: Bark, leaves and roots
Habitat: Native to warm temperate and subtropical regions of Asia, Africa and North America, with the majority of the species native to Asia
Description
Mulberry is the name given to a genus of 10-16 species of deciduous trees. The tree is fast growing when young, but soon become stagnant and rarely goes beyond 10-15 m in height. The leaves are alternately arranged, simple, often lobed (more commonly lobed on juvenile shoots than on mature trees) and serrated on the margin. The fruit is 2-3 cm long, red to dark purple on ripening, edible and sweet (with a good flavor), in several Mulberry species. The plant species is native to China, while it is extensively cultivated in the other parts of the world as well.
Plant Chemicals
Amino acids identified in the free form are phenylalanine, leucine, valine, tyrosine, proline, alanine, glutamic acid, glycine, serine, arginine, aspartic acid, cystine, threonine, sarcosine, gamma-amino-butyric acid, pipecolic acid, and 5-hydroxy pipecolic acid. The leaves are a good source of ascorbic acid. Volatile constituents found in steam-distillates of the leaves are: n-butanol, beta-gamma-hexenol, methyl-ethyl acetaldehyde, n-butylaldehyde, isobutylaldehyde, valeraldehyde, hexaldehyde, alpha-beta-hexenal, acetone, methyl-ethyl ketone, methyl-hexyl ketone, butylamine, and acetic, propionic, and isobutyric acids. Leaves also contain calcium malate, succinic, and tartaric acids, xanthophyll and isoquercitrin (quercetin 3-glucoside) and tannins; adenine, chorine, and trigonelline bases are present in young leaves
Uses & Benefits of Mulberry
Mulberry fruit is used to treat weakness, dizziness, tinnitus, fatigue, anemia, and incontinence.
Its leaves are used to promote sweating, and the branches and bark help lower blood pressure.
It can help treat chronic diseases of the digestive tract, improve digestion, stimulate the appetite, promote gastric juice secretion and eliminate constipation.
White mulberry leaves are used as feedstock for silkworms. They are also cut as food for livestock, such as cattle and goats, especially in areas that experience dry season, restricting the availability of fodder.
The fruits of Mulberry plant are eaten raw and also used to make wine, by drying them.
The fruit has much significance in traditional Chinese medicine, which uses it to treat prematurely graying hair. It is also used to purify blood and treat constipation and diabetes in Chinese medicine.
The bark is used to remedy cough, wheezing, edema, fever, headache, and red, dry and sore eyes. It also promotes urination.
The leaves of the plant work to stimulate the nervous system and help in maintaining proper functioning of the digestive tract. It also has a positive effect on the respiratory and cardiovascular system, as well as the uterine system.
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Indian Lotus
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Botanical Name(s): Nelumbo Nucifera
Family Name: Nelumbonaceae
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Proteales
Family: Nelumbonaceae
Genus: Nelumbo
Species: N. nucifera
Popular Name(s): Sacred Water Lotus, Sacred Water Lilly, Pink Lotus, Nelumbo Lutea, Bean of India
Parts Used: Petals, seeds, leaves, roots
Habitat: Found in ponds and swamps
Description
An aquatic perennial, Indian lotus is the national flower of India and Vietnam. The roots of the plant are firmly planted in the soil of the pond or river bottom. The leaves can be seen floating on the top of the water surface. Lotus grows to a height of about 150 cm, with a 3-meter horizontal spread. The leaves can be as large as 60 cm in diameter, while the showy flowers can be up to 20 cm in diameter. The fruits are a conical pod, with seeds contained in holes in the pod. The lotus flower can be seen in hues of pink and white. It is native to Greater India and commonly cultivated in water gardens. It is known as kamala, svetakamala and pankaj in Sanskrit; kanwal in Hindi; kanwala in Unani; tamara in Malayalam; tamarai in Tamil; nelumbo in French; indische lotosblume in German and nilufer in Persian.
Plant Chemicals
(+)- nuciferine, romerin, nerenyuferin, neferine, lotusine, isoliensinine, quercitin, flavonoids, isoquercitin, leukodelphinidin, myristic acid, palmatic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, protein, fat, carbohydrate, starch, moisture, sucrose, calcium, phosphorus, iron, ascorbic acid, aspirin, Vitamin B, Vitamin C.
Uses & Benefits of Indian Lotus
Lotus is helpful in controlling the burning sensation, due to its cold potency.
The plant helps in improving the skin texture and complexion.
It improves mental condition and regularizes the peristaltic movements.
It treats urine related problems and maintains the body’s normal temperature.
The leaf paste is applied to the body in case of fever and inflammatory skin conditions.
The young leaves of lotus are taken with sugar to treat rectal prolapse.
The leaves are also used in treating sunstroke, diarrhea, dysentery, dizziness and vomiting of blood.
The stamens are mixed with jaggery and ghee to treat hemorrhoids.
The leaves and flowers are useful in many bleeding disorders.
Lotus flowers are prescribed to promote conception.
The flower stalk, mixed with other herbs, is used to treat bleeding from the uterus.
The petals alleviate thirst and inflammations while the seeds are powdered and mixed with honey to treat cough.
Lotus, when taken with ghee, milk and gold, is considered a general tonic to promote strength, virility and intellect.
Its flowers, seeds, young leaves and roots (rhizomes) are widely used in cuisines across the globe.
Lotus petals are used for garnishing and the leaves are used for wrapping food.
The distinctive lotus seed heads that resemble the spouts of watering cans are sold throughout the world for decorative purposes and dried flower arranging.
Lotus rootlets are used in pickles, along with rice vinegar, sugar, chili and/ or garlic.
The stamens are dried and made into a fragrant herbal tea.
In Asia, lotus is popular with salads, prawns, sesame oil and coriander leaves.
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Coral Jasmine
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Botanical Name(s): Nyctanthes Arbortristis
Family Name: Oleaceae
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Lamiales
Family: Oleaceae
Genus: Nyctanthes
Species: N. arbor-tristis
Popular Name(s): Night Flowering Jasmine, Parijat, Harsinger, Queen of the Night, Tree of Sorrow
Parts Used: Flowers, leaves, seeds.
Habitat: Cultivated in gardens across India
Description
Coral jasmine, commonly known as night jasmine, is an indigenous small tree, with a gray or greenish, rough and flaky bark. The shrub grows to a height of 10 meters. The simple leaves are opposite, with an entire margin about 6 to 12 cm long and 2 to 6.5 cm wide. The flowers are fragrant with a five-to-eight lobed corolla and orange-red centre, often seen in a cluster of two to seven. The petals are snowy white with dewdrops sitting on them. The fruit is flat, brown and heart-shaped to rounded-capsule, around 2 cm in diameter with two sections, each containing a single seed. Coral jasmine is native to Southern Asia, stretching across Northern Pakistan and Nepal through Northern India to Southeast Thailand. It is known as harsinghar and paarijat in Hindi; shephali, prajakta or prajakt in Sanskrit; shiuli in Bengali; pavazha malli in Tamil; singarei in Manipuri; paarijatam in Malayalam and ganga shiuli in Oriya. It is also referred to as the “tree of sorrow”, since the flowers lose their brightness in daytime.
Plant Chemicals
(+)- d-mannitol, tannin, glucose, glycerides of linoleic acid, oleic acid, lignoceric acid, stearic acid, palmitic acid and myristic acids, f3-stiosterol, tannic acid, methyl salicylate.
Uses & Benefits of Coral Jasmine
Coral jasmine is antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anthelmintic, expectorant, bitter, tonic, febrifuge and a mild purgative.
The flowers are bitter astringent, ophthalmic, stomachic and carminative.
Night Jasmine is very useful in treating constipation in children.
The leaves are used in Ayurvedic medicine, to treat sciatica, arthritis, fevers, rheumatism and various painful conditions.
Its leaves are also blend into a paste and used in skin related troubles, especially ringworm.
The fresh leaves are boiled in mustard oil and used externally for treating ringworm.
The leaf juice is mixed with common salt to treat intestinal worms.
Coral jasmine is used in the treatment of fungal skin infection, dry cough, and bronchitis and as an antidote for snakebites.
The seeds are crushed and the aqueous paste is applied externally on the piles. They are also useful in treating baldness, scurvy and affections of the scalp.
The decoction of night jasmine flowers is used in treating gout.
Patients with gynecological problems are advised to take 3 fresh night jasmine leaves, with 5 black peppers.
The decoction of its seeds is used as a hair tonic. Washing hair daily with this tonic helps to get rid of dandruff and lice.
Coral jasmine is also used to treat anxiety, restlessness, headaches, gastritis, hepatitis, diarrhea, vertigo and dysmenorrhoea.
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White Lotus
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Botanical Name(s): Nymphaea Lotus, Nymphaea Nouchali
Family Name: Nymphaeaceae
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Nymphaeales
Family: Nymphaeaceae
Genus: Nymphaea
Species: N. lotus
Popular Name(s): Tiger Lotus, Wild Pond Lily, Egyptian White Water Lily, Sweet-Scented Pond Lily, Sweet Scented Water Lily, Toad Lily, Pond Lily, Water Lily, Cow Cabbage, Sweet Water Lily, Water Cabbage, Blue Lotus, Blue Water Lily, Sacred Blue Lotus, Blue Lily of the Nile.
Parts Used: Flowers, Roots, Leaves, Stem.
Habitat: Throughout warmer parts of India, in tanks, ponds and ditches
Description
A species of water lily, white lotus is a perennial plant growing to a height of 45 cm. Also known as tiger lotus, it grows in clear, warm, still and slightly acidic waters. The lily pads can be seen floating on water, while the blossoms rise above the water. The flowers are white in color sometimes, with a pink tinge. The leaves vary from green to red-brown, with a number of purple spots. Tiger lotus is native to the Nile and is grown in various parts of East Africa and Southeast Asia. It is often used as an aquarium plant.
Plant Chemicals
(+)- apomorphine, nuciferine, phytosterols, bioflavonoids, phosphoiesterase, glucose, fructose, sucrose, mannitol, galacturonic acid, raffinose, amoni acids.
Uses & Benefits of White Lotus
White lotus was used in ancient Egypt, as a key to good health, sex and re-birth.
The plant is an aphrodisiac for both men and women and a general remedy for all kind of illnesses.
Continued use of tiger lotus enhances sexual vigor and general good health.
It is a tonic richer than ginseng, pain reliever richer than arnica, circulation stimulant richer than ginkgo biloba and sexual stimulant richer than Viagra.
The flowers of white lotus are used for preparing tea that creates a warm, euphoric glow.
The dried flowers are smoked by themselves or mixed with other herbs to add flavor to smoking mixtures.
The effects of tiger lotus are enhanced when soaked in wine or other alcohol.
The plant is effectively used to increase memory and create a feeling of euphoria and ecstasy, without the use of narcotics.
Its rhizomes are cooling, sweet, bitter and tonic and used in diarrhea, dysentery, dyspepsia and general debility.
White lotus is used internally in treatment of gastrointestinal disorders and jaundice.
The leaves are used in cutaneous, subcutaneous parasitic infection, eye treatments and pregnancy.
The seeds are used in sauces, condiments, spices and flavorings.
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Poppy
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Botanical Name(s): Papaver Somniferum
Family Name: Papaveraceae
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Ranunculales
Family: Papaveraceae
Genus: Papaver
Species: P. somniferum
Popular Name(s): Poppy Seeds, Aphium Opium Poppy, White Poppy, Posta, Plant of Joy, Mawseed, Common Garden Poppy
Parts Used: Seeds, Flowers.
Habitat: Cultivated on large scale in India, at altitude of 1500m - 2100m
Description
The term papaver somniferum means the “sleep bringing poppy”, which refers to the narcotic property of some of the opiates. Also known as opium poppy, it is an annual plant reaching 3 to 5 feet height. It bears brilliant white, pink, purple and red flowers, grown on a central bulbous pod. When scratched, the pod produces milky latex called opium, which contains a variety of opiates, including codeine and morphine. The leaves are alternate, simple, clasping and toothed. Fruits are like a capsule, with an expanded disc at the top and over small holes. Minute seeds are dispersed through the small holes. Poppy is widely grown as an ornamental flower throughout Europe, North America, South America and Asia. Australia, Turkey and India are the major producers of opium poppy. Live opium poppy plants and seeds are sold widely by seed companies and nurseries in the western world, including the United States.
Plant Chemicals
(+)- morphine, thebaine, codeine, oripavine. moisture, 4.3–5.2; protein, 22.3–24.4; ether extract 46.5–49.1; nitrogen-free extract, 11.7–14.3; crude fibre, 4.8–5.8; ash, 5.6–6.0; calcium, 1.03–1.45; phosphorous, 0.79–0.89%; iron, 8.5–11.1 mg/100 g; thiamine, 740–1,181; riboflavin, 765–1,203; and nicotinic acid, 800–1,280 mg/100 g; carotene is absent, iodine, 6 mg/kg; manganese, 29 mg/kg; copper, 22.9 mg/kg; magnesium, 15.6 g/kg; sodium, 0.3 g/kg; potassium, 5.25 g/kg; and zinc, 130 mg/kg; lecithin, 2.80%; oxalic acid, 1.62%; pentosans, 3.0–3.6%; traces of narcotine and an amorphous alkaloid; and the enzymes diastase, emulsin, lipase, and nuclease. Poppyseed oil cakes are estimated to have 88 feed units per 100 kg, 27.5% digestible crude protein and 25.6% digestible true protein. Per 100 g the seed is reported to contain 533 calories, 6.8 g H2O, 18.0 g protein, 44.7 g fat, 23.7 g total carbohydrate, 6.3 g fiber, 6.8 g ash, 1448 mg Ca, 848 mg P, 9.4 mg Fe, 21 mg Na, 700 mg K, a trace of b-carotene equivalent, 0.95 mg thiamine, 0.17 mg riboflavin, and 0.98 mg niacin.
Uses & Benefits of Poppy
Poppy is widely used for medicinal purposes, in the form of poppy-based drugs like morphine, codeine, narcotine, laudenine, papaverine and other alkaloids.
Poppy-based medicines are considered the most effective way of relieving severe pain.
It is a stimulant that induces euphoria and helps get rid of anxieties, tensions, fears and inhibitions.
Poppy seeds contain cough suppressant and analgesic properties and are often recommended to relieve minor pains.
The plant is used to treat intestinal stomach spasms and respiratory spasms triggered by asthma attacks.
It is used to remedy bladder, bruises, cancer, cold, catarrh, colic, conjunctivitis, diarrhea, dysentery, enteritis, fever, flux, headache, hemicrania, hypertension, hypochondria, hysteria, inflammation, insomnia, malaria, mania, melancholy, nausea, neuralgia, otitis, prolapse, rheumatism, snakebites, sprains, swelling, toothaches, tumors, ulcers and warts.
Opium poppy is used to treat cancers of the skin, stomach, tongue, uterus, spleen, breast, ear, nose and vagina.
It is frequently administered to relieve pain and calm excitement.
The plant provides two main food ingredients, namely, poppy seed and poppy seed oil.
The seeds do not contain opium and are extensively used in baking and sprinkling on rolls and bread.
Poppy seeds are a source of a drying oil that is used for manufacturing paints, varnishes and soaps.
Its oil cakes serve as a fodder for cattle.
Caution
A high dose of opium poppy is highly addictive and can decrease respiration.
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Africa Rue
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Botanical Name(s): Peganum Harmala
Family Name: Nitrariaceae
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Sapindales
Family: Nitrariaceae
Genus: Peganum
Species: P. harmala
Popular Name(s): Harmal, Syrian Rue, Esphand, Harmel, Isband, Peganum, Steppenraute, Ozallaik, Yuzerlik.
Parts Used: Seeds
Habitat: Native to sub tropical regions of India
Description
Africa rue is a bushy herbaceous perennial shrub that can grow to a height of 1 meter, but is usually around 0.3 meter high. If the soil is dry, the plant roots can reach a depth of 6.1 meters. The leaves are fleshy, spiky-looking, linear and short pointed, while the seeds are small and brown. The capsules have three chambers, measuring about 1 to 1.5 cm in diameter and contain more than 50 seeds. The white flowers bloom in the months of May and June. They are about 2.5 to 3.8 cm in diameter with five petals each. Africa rue is native from the eastern Mediterranean region to India. It has now spread to New Mexico, Arizona, California, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Texas and Washington.
Plant Chemicals
(+)- Seeds contain harmane (0.16%), harmine (0.44%), harmaline (0.25-0.79%), harmalol (3.90%), tetrahydroharmine, vasicine (0.25%), vasicinone (0.0007%), alkaloids (stem-0.36%, leaves-0.52%, roots-2.5%).
Uses & Benefits of Africa Rue
Africa rue is an analgesic and anti-inflammatory agent.
An active ingredient of Africa rue, harmaline is a central nervous system stimulant. Hence, the herb is used in treating depression.
Since it has anti-bacterial activity, the smoke of the herb is used to kill algae, bacteria, intestinal parasites and molds.
The root of the herb is applied on the head, to kill lice.
The seeds are used in the powdered form, to get rid of tapeworms and treat recurring fevers.
The decoction of Africa rue is used for treating laryngitis.
Its seeds are used in the treatment of skin cancer and subcutaneous cancers.
The seed extracts are also effective against various tumor cell lines, both in vitro and in vivo. They are also used for fragrance and killing insects.
The leaf decoction is used in rheumatism.
The herb serves as a useful medicine in hysterical affections, coughs, croupy affections, colic and flatulence.
Africa rue is used as a devil repellant and protection against evil eyes.
The plant helps in baldness, period pains and worms. It also increases the volume of breast milk production.
Caution
Africa rue is an abortifacient. Thus, when taken in large quantities, it can reduce spermatogenesis and male fertility.
Higher doses can result in nausea, vomiting and stomach cramps. In some people, psychedelic effects like visual and auditive distortions and mystical phenomena can also be seen.
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Long Pepper
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Botanical Name(s): Piper Longum
Family Name: Piperaceae
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Piperales
Family: Piperaceae
Genus: Piper
Species: P. longum
Popular Name(s): Indian Long Pepper, Indonesian Long Pepper, Dried Catkins, Pippali, Pipal, Tippli, Pihal, Javanese Long Pepper
Parts Used: Fruit, Root and Stem.
Habitat: Mostly deciduous to evergreen forests.
Description
Long pepper is a slender aromatic climber, with a large perennial woody root and jointed stems thickening at the nodes. The dark, dentate leaves are ovate and heart-shaped, about 2 to 3 inches in length, with broad rounded lobes at the base. The flowers are monoceous and male and female flowers are borne on different plants. The fruits are ovoid, yellowish-orange, minute, and drupe around 1 inch in diameter. The spikes are red when ripe and turn to black on drying. The plant bears flowers in rains and fruits in early winters. The herb is cultivated in Assam, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh in India, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Sri Lanka and South Asian regions. Long pepper is also known as pipal and pipar in Hindi, hippali in Kannada, kandanthippili in Tamil, pippali rasayana, magadhi, kana and ushana in Sanskrit, pippal in Gujarati and pepe di Marisa in Italian.
Plant Chemicals
(+)- volatile oil, resin, piperine, piperlongumine, piplasterol, pipperin, pippalartin, piplartine, sylvatin, sesamin, diaeudesmin, piperlonguminine, piperlingumine, pipermonaline, piperundecalidine, brachyamide A, brachyamide B, brachystine, sterols, glycosides.
Uses & Benefits of Long Pepper
Long pepper helps in expelling out the mucus accumulated in the respiratory tract.
It strengthens the nervous system, improves the gastrointestinal condition and normalizes the peristaltic movements.
The herb serves as a good digestive agent.
Its oil and paste is applied on wounds and skin-related ailments.
Long pepper helps in suppressing pain and reducing inflammation.
The herb helps maintain the normalcy of the digestive tract and tones up the urinary tract.
Its fruits are used for respiratory tract diseases like cough, bronchitis and asthma.
It benefits in anorexia, indigestion, flatulence, abdominal pain, hyperacidity, piles, paralysis of the tongue, diarrhea, cholera, chronic malaria, viral hepatitis, diseases of the spleen and tumors.
It is given with amalaki, to treat anemia.
The decoction of the plant is used in sciatica and hemiplegia.
The herb is mixed with honey to control hiccups.
Long pepper is used as an aphrodisiac, since it boosts the reproductive system.
It is used as a sedative in insomnia and epilepsy.
The infusion of the herb’s root is used after childbirth, to induce the expulsion of the placenta.
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Podina
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Botanical Name(s): Mentha Arvensis, Pipertia
Family Name: Lamiaceae
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Lamiales
Family: Lamiaceae
Genus: Mentha
Species: M. piperita
Popular Name(s): Field Mint, Corn Mint, Japanese Mint, Wild Mint, Pudina.
Parts Used: Whole Plant, Oil.
Habitat: Found through out India.
Description
Podina is an herbaceous perennial herb that grows to a height of 10 to 60 cm. This downy herb has running rootstocks and a rigid branching stem. The lanceolate oblong leaves are simple and sharply toothed, paired in opposites with minute hair. They are 2 to 6.5 cm in length and 1 to 2 cm in width. The pale purple flowers (sometimes white or pink) are found in clusters at the stem where each flower measures 2 to 4 mm in length. The plant is native to the temperate regions of Europe, western and central Asia (eastern Siberia and east of the Himalayas) and North America. It is commonly known as pudina in Hindi.
Plant Chemicals
(+)- volatile oil, carvone, limonene, 1,8-cineole, trans-carveol, linarin, pulegone, menthol, menthene, menthenone.
Uses & Benefits of Podina
Podina is used as a carminative and an expectorant.
The plant is highly effective in treating headaches, rhinitis, cough sore throat, colic, prurigo and vomiting.
It serves as a good blood cleanser, since it is antiseptic and anti-bacterial.
Podina plays a significant role in alleviating swollen gums, mouth ulcers and toothaches.
Crushed and bruised pudina leaves are used in treating insect bites.
The decoction and infusion of its leaves and stems helps in fever, stomachaches, dysmenorrheal and diuresis.
Fresh leaves of podina are crushed and sniffed for dizziness. Crushed leaves are also applied on the forehead and temple, to cure headaches.
For toothaches, boil 6 tablespoons of pudina leaves in 2 glasses of water, for 15 minutes. Strain and cool the water. Divide it into two parts and take each part after 3 to 4 hours.
Boil 6 tablespoons of chopped leaves in 2 glasses of water, for 15 minutes. Cool and strain. Divide the decoction into 3 parts and consume three times a day. This will help in treating coughs.
For treating arthritis, take some fresh leaves and heat on low flame. Pound them and apply on the painful joints or muscles, when still warm.
Soak 2 tablespoons of chopped leaves in a glass of hot water for 30 minutes and strain. Use the infusion as a mouthwash.
The menthol extracted from the plant is used in preparing balms.
It is used as a flavoring agent in many culinary preparations.
Caution
Mint oil is not safe for infants and children, especially when applied around the nose, as it can cause serious breathing problems.
The oil should not be used by pregnant and breast-feeding women and people with liver disease or damage, asthma and gall bladder conditions, like inflammation, gallstones or a blocked bile duct.
When applied directly on the skin, mint oil can allergic skin reactions, flushing, headache and vocal cord spasms.
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Psyllium Husk
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Botanical Name(s): Plantago Ovata Husk
Family Name: Plantaginaceae
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Lamiales
Family: Plantaginaceae
Genus: Plantago afra
Species: P. psyllium
Popular Name(s): Indian Plantago, Ispaghula, Fleam, Spogel Seeds, Isabgol, Sand Plantain, Flea Seed
Parts Used: Husk, Seed.
Habitat: Mediterranean region and commercially grown in Northwestern India.
Description
Psyllium seed husk is a portion of the seeds of the plant plantago ovate. The husk covers the seeds that form a part of many foods. Psyllium husk is a natural, water soluble, gel-reducing fiber that becomes mucilaginous when wet. The plant contains 70% soluble and 30% insoluble fiber. It is native to India and Pakistan. The annual crop is cultivated in the Northwestern region of India. Rajasthan alone accounts for 60% of the world’s production of psyllium. It is cultivated in over 50,000 hectares in Mehsana, Banaskantha and Sabarkantha districts of Gujarat and Jalore, Pali, Jodhpur, Barmer, Nagaur and Sirohi districts of Rajasthan. It is commonly known as ispaghula and isabgol.
Plant Chemicals
(+)- monomeric arabinose, xylose, rhamnose, galacturonic acid, semi drying fatty oil, aucubin.
Uses & Benefits of Psyllium Husk
Psyllium husk is used to relieve chronic constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, diverticular disease and diarrhea.
It has diuretic, emollient and cooling properties.
The husk can be used whole, in its natural state, or dried, chopped or powdered for easy consumption.
It can be combined with clay and taken as a detoxification drink.
Psyllium husk is used as a regular dietary supplement to improve and maintain regular GI transit.
It also helps in lowering cholesterol and controlling diabetes.
They are used in inflammatory conditions of mucous membrane of gastrointestinal and genitourinary tracts.
The plant is used in the treatment of amoebic and bucillary dysentery.
It increases the stool weight and the level of stool moisture.
The husk is used in fecal incontinence from liquid stools or diarrhea and helps with the management of hemorrhoids.
It treats ulcerative colitis, anal fixtures and Crohn’s disease.
It is often recommended after anal or rectal surgery and during pregnancy.
Psyllium husk enhances the sensation of fullness and reduces hunger cravings.
To improve digestion and intestinal tract health, take one psyllium husk capsule per day.
Incorporating psyllium husk and other sources of fiber, like guar gum and oat bran, into the diet aids weight loss.
Using psyllium as a poultice helps to reduce skin irritation, boils, abcesses and inflamed eyelids.
Caution
Regular exposure to psyllium dust can result in allergic reactions like anaphylaxis.
If taken with inadequate amount of water, the husk can obstruct gastrointestinal tract, especially in those people who have had prior bowel surgeries or anatomic abnormalities.
Diabetic patients should avoid psyllium husk, if they have problems keeping the blood sugar levels under control.
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Indian Kino
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Binomial Name(s): Abrus precatorius
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Fabales
Family: Fabaceae
Subfamily: Faboideae
Tribe: Dalbergieae
Genus: Pterocarpus
Species: P. marsupium
Popular Name(s): Malabar Kino
Parts Used: Heart Wood, Leaves and Flowers
Habitat: Found in the Western Ghats, in the Karnataka-Kerala region
Description
Indian kino, botanically known as Pterocarpus Marsupium, is a medium to large; deciduous tree that can grow up to 30 meters tall. It turns the water blue as soon as it comes in contact with it. The plant species is native to India, Sri Lanka and Nepal. It was particularly found in certain areas of the Western Ghats, in the Karnataka-Kerala region. The herb is known by different names in different regions, like Piasal (in Orrisa), Malabar, Benga and Bijiyasal (in western Nepal) and so on. The leaves, bark, and gum of Indian kino is used for curing a number of ailments. Because of its medicinal properties, the plant species is cultivated for commercial purpose in many parts of the world. Be it for treating skin conditions or serving as an astringent, the herb is popular for its diverse health benefits.
Plant Chemicals
Epicatechin, pterosupin, liquiritigenin, isoliquiritigenin, marsupol, marsupinol, carpusin, epicatechin, pterostilbene, kinotannic acid, beta-eudesmol, kinoin, kino-red
Uses & Benefits of Indian Kino
Indian kino has many therapeutic and medicinal properties and is used in treating conditions like elephantiasis, diarrhea, leucoderma, rectalgia, cough, dysentery, and grey hair.
The crushed leaves of the plant are used externally for the treatment of boils, sores and certain types of skin diseases.
Consumption of the herb helps to lower the lipid and glucose levels of the body.
It leads to the significant reduction in the blood sugar levels, in diabetic patients.
One of the major effects of Indian kino in human body is that it helps to prevent cell proliferation and induces apoptotic effect in tumor cell lines.
It is also used as an astringent and helps to cure dental problems, like toothache.
The herb also has anthelmintic properties and is a bitter acrid and an anodyne.
Indian kino prevents the leakage of electrolytes, caused by herbicide-induced oxidative damage.
The herb cures ailments like leprosy, leucoderma, rectalgia, constipation, hemorrhages and even rheumatoid arthritis.
Indian Kino exhibits strong antihyperlipdemic properties and helps in reducing total cholesterol, LDL, VLDL and serum triglyceride levels in the human body. It, however, does not cause any change in the HDL cholesterol levels.
The herb also has antimicrobial properties and is used to act against certain types of bacteria and virus.
Another vital function of the herb is that it has scavenging properties, which work against mitochondrial lipid peroxidation.
Caution
Indian kino does not cause any allergic reactions or any other side effects on consumption.
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Kudzu
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Botanical Name(s): Pueraria Tuberosa
Family Name: Fabaceae
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Fabales
Family: Fabaceae
Subfamily: Faboideae
Tribe: Phaseoleae
Genus: Pueraria
Species: P. tuberosa
Popular Name(s): Indian Kudzu, Red Indian Kudzu, White Indian Kudzu, Siali, Dari.
Parts Used: Tubers.
Habitat: Found in dry deciduous to moist deciduous forests
Description
Pueraria Tuberosa, commonly known as kudzu, is a climber with woody tuberculated stem. It is a climbing, coiling and trailing vine with large tuberous roots. The tubers are globose or pot-like, about 25 cm across and the insides are white, starchy and mildly sweet. Leaves are trifoliate and alternate, while the leaflets are egg-shaped, with round base and unequal sides. They are 18 cm long and 16 cm wide and are hairless above. Flowers are bisexual, around 1.5 cm across and blue or purplish-blue in color. The fruit pods are linear, about 2 to 5 cm long and constricted densely between the seeds. They have silky, bristly reddish-brown hair. Seeds vary from 3 to 6 in number. Common names of kudzu are shimiabatraji in Bengali; badar, bankumra, bedarikand, bolaikand, patalkand and dedarikand in Hindi; badra, bhadra, dari, pitham, vendari and virdari in Marathi; saloha, salar, siali and sural in Punjabi; bhukushmandi, gajavajipriya, gajeshta, gandhaphala, ksriravalli, srigalika, shukla and vidarika in Sanskrit; darigummadi and kubayatige in Telugu; and buinkakarkara, handiphuta and katoka in Oriya.
Plant Chemicals
(+)- carbohydrates, crude fiber, crude protein, ether extr, ß-sitosterol, sucrose, glucose, fructose.
Uses & Benefits of Kudzu
Kudzu tubers reduce dryness of the body and ease bowel movement. They are very helpful in relieving constipation.
The herb acts as rasayana and slows down the ageing process.
It strengthens body and boosts its immunity.
Kudzu is used for the treatment of dysuria, cough, rheumatism, erysipelas and malarial fever.
The roots are used as a demulcent and refrigerant in fevers. They are used as cataplasm for swellings of joints.
The herb is an aphrodisiac, emetic and a general tonic.
Kudzu rejuvenates the male reproductive system and increases both quality and quantity of semen that increase its count and mobility.
The herb reduces vata and normalizes kapha, which increases shukra dhatu. This shukra dhatu helps in increasing hard erections, libido and sexual energy.
It acts as a galactogogue and is very useful for nursing mothers.
Including this herb in your diet rejuvenates skin and increases fairness and glow.
Kudzu is widely used in skin diseases that cause discoloration.
It revitalizes the whole body and increases muscle bulk.
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Pomegranate
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Binomial Name(s): Punica Granatum
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Subclass: Rosidae
Order: Myrtales
Family: Lythraceae
Genus: Punica
Species: P. granatum
Popular Name(s): Anar
Parts Used: Seeds, Flowers
Habitat: Commonly cultivated as ornamental and fruit tree in southwest zones of Asia
Description
Punica granatum, commonly known as Pomegranate, is a species of fruit-bearing deciduous shrub or small tree, growing to 5-8 m height. The leaves are opposite or sub-opposite, glossy, narrow, oblong, entire, 3-7 cm long and 2 cm broad. The flowers are bright red, with five petals each. Native to the southwest zones of Asia, the plant species was originally cultivated in the Caucasus region in ancient times. Pomegranate was later introduced in parts of Latin America and California by the early Spanish settlers, during the year 1769. There, the plant species was mainly used for the purpose of juice production. Today, pomegranate is widely cultivated in North India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan and parts of the Middle East. The cultivation of the fruit usually takes place during the months of September to February in the Northern Hemisphere, while in the Southern Hemisphere; it is from March to May.
Plant Chemicals
Pomegranate is a rich source of potassium and antioxidant polyphenols. These polyphenols mainly include hydrolysable tannins called punicalagins. Polyphenols catechins, gallocatechins, and anthocyanins such as prodelphinidins, delphinidin, cyanidin, and pelargonidin are other phytochemicals present in the plant species.
Uses & Benefits of Pomegranate
Pomegranate is great for curing a number of ailments and diseases. The juice of its fruit helps to reduce the risk of strokes, heart diseases and heart attacks. It prevents the formation of Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) or “bad” cholesterol, through its antioxidant properties and hence, helps in the clearance of blood clots in the arteries.
Many women claim that the extracts of the fruit helps to overcome feelings of weakness or malaise during and after menopause.
The fruit is a rich source of vitamins and is particularly high in vitamin A, C E and folic acid.
Regular intake of pomegranate juice helps to reduce the possibility of developing Alzheimer’s disease by the elderly.
It also helps to strengthen the normal human defense mechanism and prevents the occurrence of certain types of cancer. This is mainly because of the fact that the fruit contains high amounts of antioxidants called flavenoids, which are believed to counteract the actions of cancer-causing radicals and thereby promote good health.
Another major health benefit of pomegranate is that it helps to prevent and control anemic conditions like weakness, dizziness, fatigue and hair loss, as it provides support to the blood by supplying it with iron.
A decoction of its seeds is used to treat syphilis. The juice helps treat jaundice and diarrhea. Even the juice of its flower is used to treat nosebleeds.
The fruit pulp and seeds of pomegranate are stomachic.
It also helps to cure conditions like diabetes, osteoarthritis and atherosclerosis.
The antioxidants present in pomegranate contribute to the antiviral properties in the fruit.
Curing skin inflammation and similar type of skin conditions is yet another beneficial effect of consuming pomegranate on a regular basis.
Caution:
Certain allergic reactions may occur due to consumption of pomegranate. Serious reactions like difficulty in swallowing, skin rashes, wheezing and swelling of the lips, mouth, throat or tongue may also occur at times.
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Pomegranate Seed Oil
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Botanical Name(s): Punica Granatum
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Myrtales
Family: Puniacaceae
Subclass: Rosidae
Genus: Punica L.
Species: Punica granatum L.
Popular Name(s): Pomegranate, Pom
Parts Used: Pomegranate Oil
Habitat: Cultivated all over India
Description
Pomegranate is a species of fruit-bearing, deciduous shrub or small tree that grows up to 5-8 m tall. The leaves are opposite or sub-opposite, glossy, narrow, oblong, entire, 3-7 cm long and 2 cm broad. The flowers are bright red, with five petals each. The fruit is between an orange and a grapefruit in size. Punica Granatum is extensively cultivated throughout Armenia, Azerbaijan, the Middle East, Afghanistan, Pakistan, North India, the drier parts of Southeast Asia, Peninsular Malaysia, the East Indies, and tropical Africa. In the Northern Hemisphere, the season for pomegranate fruit is from September to February. In the Southern Hemisphere, the season stretches from March to May.
Plant Chemicals
The fatty acids present in Punica Granatum are Icosanoic- 0.4% , Linoleic- 7.1% , Linolenic (Conjugated)- 4.4% , Linolenic(Alpha)- 0.4% , Oleic- 5.7% , Palmitic- 3.0% , Punicic- 71.5% , Stearic- 2.1%
Uses & Benefits of Pomegranate Seed Oil
Pomegranate is well known for antioxidant properties. It helps in preventing the formation of skin cancer by reducing the frequency of lesions and limits the occurrence of tumors as well.
Pomegranate seed oil is extensively used in cosmetic products to revitalize dull or mature skin.
The oil adds moisture to the skin and consists of natural estrogenic properties. It is anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial, improving skin elasticity and protecting the skin as well.
It provides relief from minor skin irritations, such as dry skin, eczema, psoriasis and sunburned skin. The oil obtains its strong anti-inflammatory properties from the conjugated fatty acids present in it.
Pomegranate seed oil also helps in reducing swelling and easing muscular aches and pains.
Some studies have also shown that the oil works to stimulate Keratinocyte proliferation, thereby promoting regeneration and strengthening of the epidermis.
Pomegranate is one of the few plants that are a source of conjugated fatty acids. It also contains an abundant amount of punicic acid, which has been called a “super CLA”. Its effect is more potent than the ordinary CLA. Studies suggest that this may support the immune system and build the natural ability of the body to fight against ailments like human cancer, obesity, diabetes and heart diseases.
Phytoestrogens, which are similar to the estrogens produced naturally by the human body, are also contained in pomegranate seed oil. Using pomegranate seed oil has served to ease the symptoms associated with menopause and pre-menopause, such as mood swings, hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness and diminished appetite.
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Quince
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Botanical Name(s): Cydonia oblonga
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Rosales
Family: Rutaceae
Genus: Cydonia
Species: C. oblonga
Popular Name(s): Bael, Apple Wood, Holy Fruit Tree
Habitat: Found all over deciduous forests in India.
Description
Quince is a small deciduous tree, growing 5-8 m tall and 4-6 m wide, related to apples and pears. Just like the two, it has a pome fruit, which is bright golden-yellow when mature, pear-shaped, 7-12 cm long and 6-9 cm broad. Quince is the only member of the genus Cydonia and native to Southwest Asia in the Caucasus region, which experiences warm temperature. The immature fruit of the plant is green in color, with dense grey-white pubescence. As the fruit matures, its color changes to yellow and it develops a hard and heavily perfumed flesh.
Uses & Benefits of Quince
Quince is used in treating diarrhea, dysentery, and constipation. It has aromatic, astringent, cooling, and febrifuge properties and acts as a tonic for heart and brain.
The dried pits of its fruit are used to remedy soreness of throat and relieving cough. The pits are soaked in water and the solution is consumed like a cough medicine. It is commonly used for children and is 100% alcohol free.
Quince is commonly grown in the central and southern areas of Europe, where the summers are hot enough for the fruit to ripen. It is used for making a juice in Germany, known as Quittensaft.
In the Balkans, quince is used for making brandy.
Quince tree is planted as a symbol of fertility, love and life in countries like Slavonia and Croatia.
In Malta, the fruits of quince are used to make jams. It is also believed that a teaspoon of quince jam, dissolved in a cup of boiling water, relieves intestinal discomfort. Quince is used to make jam in Lebanon as well.
In Iran, Quince is called ‘Beh’. It is used raw as well as in jams. The seeds of the plant are used to treat pneumonia and lung disease.
Quince seeds are boiled and then ingested to remedy Pneumonia in Afghanistan.
In Pakistan, quince fruits are stewed together with sugar until they assume a bright red color. The resulting stewed quince, known as muraba in local language, is preserved in jars and consumed like jam.
The powder made from quince leaves helps in reducing digestion-related problems, like indigestion and diarrhea. It also works to promote appetite, nourishes heart and helps against blood clotting, in case of injuries and hemorrhages.
Quince helps in relieving inflammation of the internal organs, especially of the uterus.
Quincy juice proves to be very effective against diabetes and urinary problems. It also helps against respiratory disorders like cough, cold and asthma.
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Rhubarb
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Botanical Name(s): Rheum Emodi
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Caryophyllales
Family: Polygonaceae
Genus: Rheum
Species: R. rhabarbarum
Popular Name(s): Himalayan Rhubarb, Indian Rhubarb, Thuzna, Revat Chinni
Parts Used: Seeds
Habitat: Grown throughout the valleys in Himalayan region at altitude of 3200m -5200m.
Description
Rhubarb is a group of herbaceous perennial plants that grow from thick short rhizomes, comprising the genus Rheum. The large, somewhat triangular leaf blades are elevated on long, fleshy petioles. The flowers are small, greenish-white, and borne in large compound leafy inflorescences. Though the leaves of rhubarb are toxic, the plant, especially its stalk, has medicinal uses. In the past, the tender stick of rhubarb (dipped in sugar) comprised of an affordable sweet for children in parts of United Kingdom and Sweden. Rhubarb is still consumed in this way in Western Norway.
Uses & Benefits of Rhubarb
Rhubarb is used as purgative and astringent tonic. Its stimulating effect, combined with aspirin properties, renders it especially useful in atonic dyspepsia.
The herb can be used as a strong laxative. Its roots have been used as a laxative for about 5000 years. They have an astringent-like effect on the mucous membranes of the mouth and nasal cavity.
The root and stem of the plant are rich in anthraquinones, such as emodin and rhein. These substances are cathartic and laxative, which is also the reason why rhubarb acts a slimming agent.
The root of the plant is also used in traditional Chinese medicine. It was also used in the medieval Arabic and European prescriptions.
Rhubarb is used for making jams and sauce. It is also cooked with strawberries or apples as a sweetener or with stem or root ginger, to make various types of jams and sausages.
It is also used to make a strong dye, which creates a golden hair color and is suitable for those who have light brown or blondish hair. Simmer 3 tbsp of rhubarb root in 2 cups of water, for about 15 minutes. Leave overnight, and strain in the morning. First, test on a few strands of hair to see the effect, and then pour through the hair for a rinse.
The leaves of the plant are used to make an effective organic insecticide for leaf-eating insects, such as cabbage caterpillars, aphids, peach and cherry slug etc).
Caution
The leaves of the plant contain poisonous substances such as oxalic acid, which is a nephrotoxic and corrosive acid. The oxalic acid content of the plant may vary, though the typical value is around 0.5%. Its leaves should not be cooked with soda, which increases its poison content
It is believed that another unidentified toxin is present in the leaves. It might be anthraquinone glycoside, also known as senna glycosides. It also makes the consumption of rhubarb leaves harmful.
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Rose Petals
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Botanical Name(s): Rosa Centifolia
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Rosales
Family: Rosaceae
Genus: Rosa
Species: R. centifolia
Popular Name(s): Red Rose, Pink Rose
Parts Used: Red Rose petals, Pink Rose petals, Rose oil, Rose leaves, Rose buds, Rose Calyx, Rose roots.
Habitat: Cultivated throughout India
Description
Rose plants are usually shrubby, in appearance with long drooping canes and grayish green leaves. The flowers are round and globular, with thin overlapping petals that are highly scented. The shrub is erect, with a height of 3 to 6 feet. The branches are closely covered with nearly straight prickles. The shoots of the plant are also erect. The leaves are unequally pinnate and there are 5 to 7 leaflets, which are oblong or ovate. The flowers of rose plant, which account for the petals, are large and pinkish or red in color. The flowers vary in hues, form and size. There are 100 documented varieties of flowers from this plant.
Plant Chemicals
The petals contain volatile oil, tannic acid, coloring matter, saccharine matter, mineral salts, and salts of malic and tartaric acids, etc. In addition to substantial proportions of vitamin C, rose petals contain other chemical amalgams, which comprise 11 per cent of pectin and three per cent of a mix of malic and citric acids. Researchers are of the opinion that the presence of malic acid and citric acid are the reason behind the laxative and diuretic effects.
Uses & Benefits of Rose Petals
Rose petals are rejuvenating and prove to be a tonic.
They are used to treat internal asthma, high blood pressure, bronchitis, slow circulation, diarrhea, dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation), cough, fever and fluid retention, indigestion, insomnia, palpitation, stress and urinary tract infections.
Due to their strong and pleasant fragrance, rose petals are used for making essential oils and perfumes.
They are ingested as a tea to provide a comforting effect and diminish body temperatures during high fevers.
The tea also effectively cleanses toxins and heat from the body.
The infusion prepared from the rose petals is used to alleviate cold and flu symptoms.
The infusion is also effective in treating sore throats, runny nose and congested bronchial tracts.
The petals effectively combat infections in the digestive system and restore the normal and essential bacteria in the intestines.
They have a diuretic effect and hence, are beneficial in relieving excessive fluids from the urinary bladder.
Rose petals help to get rid of the waste and toxic substances in the body, through the kidneys.
They alleviate problems of insomnia, depression, fatigue and comfort tetchiness.
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Safed Musli
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Binomial Name(s): Chlorophytum Borivilianum
Kingdom: Plantae
Class: Monocotyledons
Series: Coronarieae
Family: Liliaceae
Genus: Chlorophytum
Species: C. borivilianum
Popular Name(s): Safed Moosli, Shaqaqule, Dholi Musli, Khiruva, Shedheveli, Swetha Musli, Taniravi Thang
Parts Used: Seeds and roots
Habitat: Northern and western India
Description
Safed Musli is a medicinal plant, with small, usually white flowers, produced on sparse panicles up to 120 cm long. In some species of the plant, the panicle also bears plantlets, which take root on touching the ground. Since times immemorial, the tuber root and rhizome of the plant have been used for the purpose of curing human ailments and infections. Its use as an effective aphrodisiac agent has opened up channels for its commercial cultivation in a number of regions around the world. Its unparalleled therapeutic and medicinal properties have made it a key ingredient in the preparation of a number of Ayuvedic formulations. It is also gaining increased importance as a health-tonic, which boosts the general immune system of the body. The herb grows naturally in the central zones of India, as the temperature and climatic conditions prevailing there are suitable for its growth. Sandy loam soil, with suitable drainage system, is perfect for the growth of Safed Moosli. Due to its diverse medicinal benefits, the plant has been recognized as the sixth most important herb by the Medicinal Plants Board, to be preserved and protected.
Plant Chemicals
Safed Musli contains carbohydrates (35-45%), fiber (25-35%), alkaloids (15-25%), saponins (2-20%), and proteins (5-10%).
Uses & Benefits of Safed Musli
Safed musli is a very popular aphrodisiac agent, with no side effects. It is often prescribed for enhancing male potency and overcoming signs of fatigue. It is particularly used for individuals with low sperm count and low libido.
It is also regarded as an energy booster in asthmatic conditions. The roots of the herb are also used to strengthen the general immune system of the body.
The tuber roots of the plant have been used since ancient times, to prepare nutritive tonic for sexual weakness and is used in Ayurvedic medicines even today.
Safed musli proves useful as a nutritive tonic for both the mother and the fetus, during pregnancy and is also used to replenish the body fluids during the post-partum stage.
The herb improves the quantity and flow of breast milk, in feeding mothers.
It has many health promotional benefits. It is used to control and prevent obesity and its side effects.
The activities of vitamin C and antioxidant enzymes are also enhanced by the use of this plant species.
Research has indicated that the plant species is used for curing diabetes and arthritic conditions.
Safed musli is also beneficial in the treatment of natal and postnatal problems.
Its regular use causes increase in the level of High Density Lipoprotein (HDL or good cholesterol) and decrease in the plasma and hepatic lipid profiles.
Apart from rejuvenating the reproductive system, the herb prevents premature ejaculation and is also used in chronic leucorrhoea.
Caution
There are no known side effects of Safed Musli, if taken under prescribed doses. Higher doses may, however lead to gastrointestinal upset.
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Sandalwood
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Binomial Name(s): Santalum Album
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Santalales
Family: Santalaceae
Genus: Santalum
Species: S. album
Popular Name(s): Sandalwood, Chandana, White sandalwood, Yellow Sandalwood, Chandan, Chandanam, Srigandha
Parts Used: Wood and Oil
Habitat: Grown primarily in India
Description
Sandalwood can be described as the fragrant woods yielded by trees in the genus Santalum. The stem grows 20 to 30 feet high, is heavy and straight-grained and varies in color. It is white when young, and yellow and orange in color when old. Its oval leaves are covered with a whitish bloom; its small flowers are varying in color. The plant species is normally found in the dry peninsular areas of India, right from the peaks of the Vindhya to the southern zones of Tamil Nadu and Mysore. Apart from this, it is also found in some other states within the country, like Madhya Pradesh, Utter Pradesh, Orissa and Rajathan. The species have been utilized since ancient times for curing a number of ailments and diseases. It is very popular as an essential oil and its fragrance is also of great significance. For such reasons, cultivation and trading of this plant species have been done throughout the ages and the species has been exploited to such an extent that it is almost on the verge of getting extinct.
Plant Chemicals
Santalol (a-santalol, b-santalol)
Hydrocarbons (santene, aand b santenes and nor-tricycloekasantalene)
Alcohols (teresantalol and santenol)
Aldehydes (nor-tricycloekasantalal and isovaleraldehyde)
Ketones (santalone and l-santenone)
Acids (teresantalic acid and a-and ß-santalic acids)
Uses & Benefits of Sandalwood
Sandalwood is very beneficial for treating gastric irritability and any other kind of gastric ailments. A mixture of about 22 grams of a watery emulsion of the wood with rice water, sugar and honey is used for treating this condition. The wood is also used in the treatment of dysentery.
Since ancient times, sandalwood paste has been used to relieve headache and control the body temperature during fever.
The paste is also as a remedy for prickly heat and prevents excessive sweating during adverse environmental conditions. To control profuse sweating, a mixture of dry sandalwood powder and rose water can be applied over the area.
Sandalwood paste is also used for healing inflamed skin.
Certain eruptive and inflammatory skin conditions like erysipelas, itchy eruptions like prurigo and certain other inflammatory diseases of the face can be healed by using an emulsion or a paste of the wood.
Sandalwood oil is very helpful in curing scabies and even for the removal of pimples.
The oil of sandalwood is useful in the treatment of gonorrhea and is also used for treating dysuria and cystitis.
The wood as well as the oil of the plant has been employed since ages as an expectorant, diuretic and a diaphoretic. The oil of the plant is particularly beneficial against infections by Eberthella typhosa and Escherichia coli.
Sandalwood essential oil helps to moisturize and hydrate ageing, dry or flaky skin as well as to relieve itching and inflammation. Its astringent action balances oily skin conditions.
The oil also helps to clear up a dry cough and boosts the digestive system, especially helpful in diarrhea. It is used to treat general chest complaints as well.
Caution
Excessive use of sandalwood can result in allergic reactions, photoallergy, dermatitis, itchy skin, and depigmented macules, in some individuals.
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Reetha
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Botanical Name(s): Sapindus Mukorossi
Family Name: Sapindaceae
Kingdom: Plantae
Subkingdom: Tracheobionta (Vascular plants)
Division: Magnoliophyta (Flowering plants)
Class: Magnoliopsida (Dicotyledons)
Subclass: Rosidae
Order: Sapindales
Family: Sapindaceae (Soapberry family)
Tribe: Andropogoneae
Genus: Sapindus (Soapberry)
Species: Sapindus Mukorossi (Chinese soapberry)
Popular Name(s): Soapnut, Soap Nut, Soapberry, Soap Berry, Washnut, and Wash Nut, Ritha, Aritha, Dodan, Doadni, Doda, Kanma and Thali
Parts Used: Soapnuts, Soapnut Shells, Soapnut Shells Powder
Habitat: Temperate to Tropical regions throughout North India and Nepal in hills and plains in deep clayey loam soil with areas experiencing nearly 150 to 200 cm of annual rainfall.
Description
An attractive medium sized deciduous tree, Reetha (Sapindus mukorossi), stands up to 20 m in height, with gray smooth bark and pinnate leaves. The tree bears leaves in 5-10 pairs, with large drupes. The trunk of the tree is straight and cylindrical, going 13-16 ft in height and has an umbrella-like hemisphere measuring about 16 ft in diameter. The tree is ever-growing and in 70 years of existence, it can attain a height of up to 82 ft and a girth of up to 9-16 ft. The size of the leaflets tapers towards the tip of the rachis.
The flowers on Reetha plant grow during the summer season and are small in size and greenish white in color. The fruit appears in July and August and ripens by the months of November and December. This ripened fruit is then either sold in the market as soap nut or collected for seeds, as they tend to germinate easily. The dried fruit has a soapy texture and is used to prepare quality shampoos, detergents and a substitute for washing hands. Moreover, the plant is soft and green when it is fresh.
Plant Chemicals
3-O-agr-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1?2)-[agr-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1?3)]-ß-D-glucopyranosyl (21,23R)-epoxyl tirucalla-7,24-diene-(21S)-ethoxyl-3ß-ol (1) and 3-O-agr-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1?2)-[agr-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1?3)]-ß-D-glucopyranosyl (21,23R)-epoxyl tirucall-7, 24-diene-(21S)-methoxyl-3ß-ol (2).
Uses & Benefits of Reetha
Reetha is used as the main ingredient in soaps and shampoos for washing hair, as it is considered good for the health of hair. The trend of washing hair with soapnut (reetha) is still followed in many local households.
The jewelers in India use this plant to bring back the lost brightness of ornaments made of precious metals like gold, silver, etc.
The herb is also used in the treatment of extra salvation, migraine, epilepsy and chlorosis.
It has been placed as a popular herb in the list of herbs and minerals in Ayurveda and is used as an important ingredient in cleansers and shampoos. In addition, it is used for the treatment of eczema, psoriasis, and for removing freckles.
Reetha is also used for removing lice from the scalp, as it has gentle insecticidal properties.
The plant is known for its antimicrobial properties that are beneficial for septic systems.
It is an important herb that is used in the treatment of contaminated soil. Moreover, it has also been used for washing and bleaching cardamoms, further helping in improving the latter’s color and flavor.
Caution
Reetha has no adverse effects, but direct contact with the eyes should be avoided.
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Soapnut
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Botanical Name(s): Sapindus Trifoliatus
Family Name: Sapindaceae
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Sapindales
Family: Sapindaceae
Genus: Sapindus
Species: S. trifoliatus
Popular Name(s): Small Soapnuts, Reetha, Soapberry, Washing Nuts.
Parts Used: Fruits, Soapnut Shells.
Habitat: Grows wild in South India
Description
Sapindus Trifoliatus, also known as Soapnut, is a large tree found in South India, with a height of up to 25 meters. The compound leaves are alternate and pinnate, about 25 to 30 cm long. The leaflets are elliptic-lance shaped, smooth with tipped points and slightly oblique based. They are often found in pairs of 2 or 3 and are 8 to 18 cm long and 5 to 7.5 cm wide. The greenish-white flowers are terminal with velvety panicles. They can be seen in the months of November, December and January. The fruit is velvety when young and turns hard and smooth on maturing.
Soapnuts are commonly known as phenil, risht and rishtak in Hindi; kekru in Manipuri; phenil, rinthi and ritha in Marathi; punalai, punthi and puvanti in Tamil; cavakkaay, pasakkottamaram and uruvanchi in Malayalam; kunkuduchettu and phenilamu in Telugu; amtalakaayi, norekaayi and togate mara in Kannada; ritha in Bengali, Konkani and Oriya; phenil and reetha in Urdu; aritha in Asamese; arithi, aritho and arithu in Gujarati; hrishtah, phenaka, phenil, rishtah, rishtak, rita, sarishta and urdhvashodhanah in Sanskrit.
Plant Chemicals
(+)- saponin A, saponin C, sapindosid A, sapindosid B, emarginatoside-B, emarginatoside-C, carrageenan, histamine, serotonin, zymosan, type II cyanolipids, fatty acid, oleic acid, arachidic acid, 11-iecosenoic acid, cisvaccenic acid, 13-eicosenoic acid.
Uses & Benefits of Soapnut
Soapnut is used for curing eczema, treating psoriasis and removing freckles.
It serves as an excellent hair tonic and thus, is a popular ingredient in the preparation of Ayurvedic shampoos and cleansers.
The herb is also used for removing lice from the scalp, since they have gentle insecticidal properties.
The crushed seeds are widely used for making soaps and shampoos. They are antibacterial, antifungul, stomachic and spermicidal.
Regularly washing your skin with soapnuts prevents many skin diseases and makes skin gentle.
The seeds are used in the treatment of hemicrania (migraine).
A thick watery solution of soapnut is used for the relief of hysteria and epilepsy.
Soapnuts are popular alternative to the laundry detergent among those trying to live in an environment-friendly style.
The fruit has emetic, tonic, astringent and anti-helmintic properties that are used for treating asthma.
The roots and bark are considered as a mild expectorant and demulcent.
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Sarsaparilla
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Botanical Name(s): Smilax regelii
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Liliales
Family: Smilacaceae
Genus: Smilax
Species: S. regelii
Popular Name(s): Indian Sarasaparilla, Anantamool
Parts Used: Root
Habitat: Found in Central India
Description
Sarsaparilla is a woody wine that can grow up to a height of 50 m. It has small flowers and black, blue or red fruits, in berry-like form, which are eaten by the birds. It is a member of the lily family and is native to the tropical and temperate parts of the world, such as South America, Jamaica, the Caribbean, Mexico, Honduras, and the West Indies. Its long, tuberous rootstock produces a vine, which trails on the ground and climbs by means of tendrils growing in pairs from the petioles of the alternate, orbicular to ovate, evergreen leaves. The small, greenish flowers grow in auxiliary umbels.
Plant Chemicals
Sarsaparilla's main plant chemicals include acetyl-parigenin, astilbin, beta-sitosterol, caffeoyl-shikimic acids, dihydroquercetin, diosgenin, engeletin, essential oils, epsilon-sitosterol, eucryphin, eurryphin, ferulic acid, glucopyranosides, isoastilbin, isoengetitin, kaempferol, parigenin, parillin, pollinastanol, resveratrol, rhamnose, saponin, sarasaponin, sarsaparilloside, sarsaponin, sarsasapogenin, shikimic acid, sitosterol-d-glucoside, smilagenin, smilasaponin, smilax saponins A-C, smiglaside A-E, smitilbin, stigmasterol, taxifolin, and titogenin. Majority of sarsaparilla's pharmacological properties can be attributed to the plant steroids sarsasapogenin, smilagenin, sitosterol, stigmasterol, and pollinastanol; and the saponins sarsasaponin, smilasaponin, sarsaparilloside, and sitosterol glucoside.
Uses & Benefits of Sarsaparilla
Sarsaparilla is also used to treat venereal diseases, herpes, arthritis, gout, epilepsy, insanity, chronic nervous diseases, abdominal distention, intestinal gas, debility, impotence and turbid urine.
Its root has been used by the indigenous populations of Central and South America since centuries, for conditions such as sexual impotence, rheumatism, skin ailments, and as a general tonic for physical weakness.
The tribal people in Peru and Honduras have long used the plant for curing headaches, joint pain and common cold.
Many traditional medicine practitioners use the plant root, both internally and externally, for treating leprosy and skin problems such as psoriasis and dermatitis.
European physicians use sarsaparilla root as a tonic, blood purifier, diuretic, and sweat promoter.
Sarsaparilla has been used worldwide for treating gout, syphilis, gonorrhea, wounds, fever, cough, scrofula, hypertension, digestive disorders, and cancer.
Today, the herb is available extensively in the form of tablets, capsules and tincture products. Most of the plant root being used to produce herbal medicines comes from cultivation projects in Mexico and Latin America as well as China.
It is combined with other herbs in the naturopathic and herbal medicine practices, for its tonic, detoxifying, blood-purifying and lymph-cleansing properties.
The plant root is one of the ingredients in a range of herbal remedies prepared for skin disorders, libido enhancement, hormone balancing, and sports nutrition formulas.
Caution
There is no known toxicity or side effects that have been documented for sarsaparilla. However, ingestion of large doses of saponins may cause gastrointestinal irritation.
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Senega Roots
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Botanical Name(s): Polygala Senega, Polygala Vulgaris
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Fabales
Family: Polygalaceae
Genus: Polygala
Species: P. amarella
Popular Name(s): Seneca snakeroot
Parts Used: Roots
Habitat: Cultivated in India
Description
Polygala Senega has a perennial branching root, from which several erect, simple, smooth, round, and leafy stems annually rise, around nine inches to a foot in height. The stems are occasionally tinged with red or purple at the end, but are green near the top. The leaves are alternate or scattered, lanceolate, pointed, smooth, and bright green on the upper surface. The outer three sepals in the flower of the plant are generally green and small in shape. In contrast, the inner two sepals are bigger in size and bright blue in color. They can also be in white, mauve or pink in color. Fresh senega root has a pleasant smell, similar to that of wintergreen. This fragrance is so because it contains approximately 0.1 % methyl salicylate. However, the active ingredient in the herb is a complex mixture of triterpenoid saponins. The concentration of triterpenoid saponins may range from 8 to 16%. Northern senega, which grows in the northwestern states of United States, is considerably larger than the regular variety. It is also darker in color.
Plant chemicals
Seneca snakeroot contains a series of saponins, constructed from the 2, 3, 27-trihydroxy-oleanane 23, 28-dioic acid triterpene skeleton (presenegenin). A variety of methoxy-cinnamate esters are attached at the internal sugar of the C-28 chain. These saponins have been named senegins ?-?V and senegasaponins A-C, which can be analyzed by HPLC. Several other species of Polygala contain distinct, but very similar saponins based on the same sapogenin. An extensive series of ester oligosaccharides, senegoses A-O, have been isolated from P. senega var. latifolia.
Uses & Benefits of Senega Roots
Senega root makes a persistent stimulant, which mainly influences the respiratory membranes, though the influence also extends to other mucous membranes, all the secretory organs, the uterus and the circulation.
The herb promotes a smooth flow of saliva, stimulates expectoration, and causes an odd irritating sensation in the feces. It is chiefly used as an expectorant in old coughs, asthma, and respiratory debility. The stimulant action of the root on the bronchial mucus membranes facilitates the coughing up of mucus from the chest. This makes wheezing easy.
The plant is believed to possess sweat-inducing and diuretic properties. The leaves are also used for preparing tea.
Caution
Consumption of the herb in large doses can lead to a nauseating feeling. It is best used when combined with a large part of relaxing and demulcent agents.
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Shankapushpi
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Botanical Name(s): Convolvulus pluricaulis
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Solanales
Family: Gentianaceae
Genus: Convolvulus
Species: MIcrophyllus
Popular Name(s): Sankh Pushpi, Shankhini, Kambumalini, Samkhapushpi, Sankaphuli
Parts Used: Entire plant and juice
Habitat: Found in India and Burma
Description
Shankhapushpi is a perennial herb that seems like morning glory. Its branches are spread on the ground and can be more than 30 cm long. The flowers are blue in color (5mm) and the leaves, which are elliptic in shape (2mm), are located at alternate positions with branches or flowers. Known as Aloe weed in English, the herb is commonly found in India, especially in the state of Bihar. All the parts of the herb are known to possess therapeutic benefits. It is believed to be the only herb that is capable of enhancing all the aspects related to brain power, such as learning, memory and the ability to recall. However, its popularity stems from its ability to treat insomnia effectively.
Plant Chemicals
Various chemical compositions, such as glucose, sucrose, glycosides, alkaloids and various acids etc, are found in the plant.
Uses & Benefits of Shankapushpi
Primarily, shankhapushpi is used as a brain tonic. It is one of the best and prominent natural medicines that help in improving memory. The whole plant of shankhapushpi is used in medical treatment. Its consumption also prevents memory loss.
The herb is also used as one of the most important ingredients in the treatment of disorders/syndromes, such as hypertension, hypotension, anxiety neurosis, stresses etc.
It is also beneficial in rejuvenation therapy and works as psycho-stimulant and tranquilizer.
The extract from shankhapushpi helps in reducing the level of cholesterol in blood, including triglycerides, phospholipids and fatty acids.
The herb is helpful in fighting ulcers that are formed in the body due to glycoprotiens and mucous secretions, improving the nerve tissues and bone marrow quality.
The studies on shankhapushpi have also put forward that it is beneficial in remedying hypothyroidism.
It is also one of the best herbs that are used for enhancing beauty and helps in nourishing all the layers of skin.
The herb serves to induce a feeling of calm and peace, promotes good sleep and brings relief in anxiety and mental fatigue. It brings a significant reduction in anxiety levels and neuroticism occurring due to varied stress levels.
Shankhapushpi has an invigorating effect on overall health and promotes health and weight gain.
It also helps in removing certain types of fatty acids that are harmful for the body.
Not much research has been published in the western medical literature on shankhapushpi. There is one study on the herb, which throws light on its anti-ulcer properties and its helpfulness in alleviating the symptoms of hyperthyroidism, by reducing the activeness of a liver enzyme.
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Black Nightshade
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Botanical Name(s): Solanum Nigrum
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Solanales
Family: Solanaceae
Genus: Solanum L.
Species: Solanum nigrum L.
Popular Name(s): Makoy, Deadly Nightshade, Garden Nightshade, Kakamachi
Parts Used: Fruits, whole plant
Habitat: Grown as a weed in all the dry parts of India
Description
Black nightshade is a short-lived perennial herb that is native to Eurasia. Its erect, angular, branching stem grows 1 to 2 feet high and may be glabrous or covered with inward-bent hair. The leaves are alternate, dark-green, ovate, and wavy-toothed or nearly entire. Its fruit is a many-seeded, pea-sized, purple or black berry. The herb has been used in early Ayurvedic practices, when it was combined with other ingredients to make herbal medicine for heart disease. Early Ayurveda had also stated that the berries from the plant could be eaten safely, though they are now believed to be poisonous. The herb seems to have been only used by the Greeks on inflamed parts, as a local application.
Uses & Benefits of Black Nightshade
Medicinal:
The juice of black nightshade is sometimes used to treat fever and alleviate pain.
Its fruit is used as a cosmetic; as rubbing its seeds on the cheeks helps remove freckles. Children extensively eat the mature fruit. It has been used for diabetes as well.
In Northern India, the boiled extracts of its leaves and fruits are used to alleviate the discomfort caused by liver-related ailments, even in jaundice.
The leaves of black nightshade plant strongly promote perspiration, when ingested in small amounts. They work to purge the bowels the next day.
The juice of the herb or an ointment prepared from it is externally applied to cure certain skin problems and tumors.
A decoction of the stalk, leaves, and roots of black nightshade is beneficial for wounds and cancerous sores.
Its berries are poisonous, but boiling them is believed to destroy the toxic substances and make them safe to be used for preserves, jams, and pies.
An infusion of the plant is used as an enema in infants suffering from abdominal upsets.
Freshly prepared extract of the plant is effective in treating cirrhosis of the liver and also works as an antidote to poisoning by opium.
Culinary:
In India, black nightshade berries are grown and eaten by local people. The dish is more common in Northern Tamil Nadu, Southern Andhra and Southern Karnataka. However, the plant is not cultivated for commercial purposes.
In Ethiopia, ripe fruits of black nightshade are eaten by children during normal times, while all the affected people eat fruits of the plant during famines. The leaves are also collected by women and cooked in salt water. They are then consumed like any other vegetable.
It is known that farmers in the Konso Special Woreda use it as source of food, until their maize crops are ready for harvesting, since the plant matures before maize. The Welayta people of the adjacent Semien Omo Zone do not remove this weed appearing in their gardens. Instead, they cook and eat the leaves of the plant.
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Kantakari
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Botanical Name(s): Solanum Xanthocarpum
Family Name: Solanaceae
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Solanales
Family: Solanaceae
Genus: Solanum
Species: S. xanthocarpum
Popular Name(s): Yellow-Berried Nightshade, Choti Katheri, Kantkari, Kateli
Parts Used: Fruits, Whole Plant.
Habitat: Throughout India
Description
Kantkari, botanically known as Solanum Xanthocarpum, is a very spiny diffused herb, with a height of up to 1.2 meters. The young branches are densely covered with minute star-shaped hair, while the mature branches are zigzag, covered with yellow, sharp shining prickles and spread close to the ground. The midribs and other nerves of the leaves have sharp yellow prickles and grow up to 10 cm in length. The purple flowers, that are 2 cm long with five petals, can be seen in small bunches, sometimes opposite to the leaves.
Kantkari plant bears glabrous, globular drooping berries as fruits, yellow or pale in color, with green veins. The plant is cultivated throughout India. The herb is also known as Kantakari and Nidigadhika in Sanskrit; Kateli, Katai and Ringani in Hindi; Kantakari in Bengali; Bhuiringani in Marwai; Bhoyaringani in Gujarati; Pinnamulaka, Nelamulaka and Vankuda in Telugu; Kandankattiri in Tamil and Malayalam; Bhejibegun and Ankranti in Oriya; Kandyali, Mahori and Warumba in Punjabi; and Rengnie, Bhat-khataya and Rangaini Janum in Bihar.
Plant Chemicals
(+)- solanocarpine, carpesterol, solanocarpidine, potassium nitrate, fatty acid, diosgenin, sitosterol, isochlorogenic acid, neochronogenic acid, chronogenic acid, caffeic acid, solasodine, solasonine, solamargine, quercetin, apigenin, histamine, acetylcholine.
Uses & Benefits of Kantakari
Kantkari is useful in treating worms, cold, hoarseness of voice, fever, dysuria, enlargement of the liver, muscular pain, spleen and stone in the urinary bladder.
Nasal administration of kantkari is beneficial in migraine, asthma and headache.
Its dried fruit is used in making cigarettes. The smoke from these cigarettes is held in the mouth cavity, to treat dental infections.
The juice of the berries is used in curing sore throat.
The fumigation of kantakari is helpful in piles.
The herb is made to a paste and applied on swollen and painful joints to reduce the pain and swelling in arthritis.
Roots and seeds are used as an expectorant in asthma, cough and pain in chest.
The decoction of the root is given with honey, to treat cough.
The root is ground to a paste and mixed with lemon to cure snake and scorpion bites.
Its stem, flowers and fruits, being bitter and carminative, are used for relieving burning sensation in the feet.
Kantakari fruits also facilitate seminal ejaculation, alleviate worms, itching, and fever and reduce fats.
The fruit works as an aphrodisiac in males.
Its seeds are helpful for treating irregular menstruation and dysmenorrheal in females.
The herb is beneficial in the treatment of cardiac diseases associated with edema, since it is a stimulant to the heart and a blood purifier.
Caution
Kantkari should not be taken during pregnancy.
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Baheda
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Botanical Name(s): Beleric, Belliric Myrobalan, Baehra
Family Name: Combretaceae
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Myrtales
Family: Combretaceae
Genus: Terminalia
Species: T. bellirica
Popular Name(s): Beleric Myrobalan, Bibhitaki, Bahera, Bahira, Bilhitak, Baheda, Vibhidhaka, Bastard Myrobalan, Bedda Nut.
Parts Used: Fruit.
Habitat: Grown throughout India.
Description
Beleric is a large deciduous tree found throughout India, in areas up to an altitude of 1,000 meters. The tree takes a height of 30 meters, while the bark is brownish grey in color. The alternate, broadly elliptic leaves are clustered towards the end of the branches. They are 10 to 12 cm in length and 7 to 14 cm in breadth. The simple, solitary flowers are in auxiliary spikes, with offensive odor. They blossom in the month of May. The fruits are ovoid grey drupes and the kernels are sweet, but narcotic. The tree is found in abundance in Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Maharashtra. It is known as vibhitaki, karshaphala and kalidruma in Sanskrit and bahera in Hindi.
Plant Chemicals
(+)- ?-sitosterol, gallic acid, ellagic acid, chebulagic acid, galloyl glucose, fatty acid, protein, oxalic acid, tannin, palmitic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, galactose, glucose, ethyl gallate.
Uses & Benefits of Baheda
Beleric is a rejuvenative and laxative. It proves beneficial for hair, throat and eyes.
Beleric seed oil or fruit paste is applied on swollen and painful parts.
The seed oil gives excellent results in skin diseases and premature graying of hair.
Fruit pieces are baked and chewed for cough, cold, hoarseness of voice and asthma.
Beleric fruit is powdered and used to dress wounds to arrest the bleeding.
Beleric fruits and kernels are used in making medicated hair oil, used to alleviate pain and burning sensation, boost hair growth and impart black color to the hair.
The paste of the fruit is applied on eyelids, in case of conjunctivitis.
The herb is used in various eye ailments, such as myopia, corneal opacity, pterigium, immature cataract, chronic and acute infective conditions.
Beleric helps in loss of appetite, flatulence, thirst, piles and worms.
The ripened fruit acts as an astringent and anti-diarrheal.
The decoction of the kernels is used in case of excessive thirst and vomiting.
Beleric plant alleviates cough, relieves blocked phlegm, controls bleeding in the sputum and eases bronchospasms.
It prevents ageing, imparts longevity, boosts immunity, improves mental faculties and enhances the body resistance against diseases.
It helps in lowering cholesterol and blood pressure.
Caution
It is best to avoid belerica during pregnancy, as there is some evidence of the herb being unsafe during pregnancy and breast-feeding.
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Haritaki
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Botanical Name(s): Terminalia Chebula, Terminalia Reticulata
Family Name: Combretaceae
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Myrtales
Family: Combretaceae
Genus: Terminalia
Species: T. chebula
Popular Name(s): Black Myrobalan, Chebulic Myrobalan, Hardh, Ink Tree, Harar, Hardad, Indian Gall Nut
Parts Used: Fruit, Root, Bark.
Habitat: Grown throughout India
Description
The deciduous Haritaki tree grows at an altitude of 1,800 meters. The round tree is crowned and braches spread out, with a diameter of 1.5 to 2.5 meters. The long ovate leaves are acute, in opposite pairs about 10 to 20 cm long. The flowers are dull white with spikes and can be found at the end of the branches. The fruit is hard and yellowish green in color. Each fruit has a single seed that is light yellow in color. The tree can be found in the sub Himalayan tracks, from Ravi to West Bengal and in the deciduous forests of Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Assam and Maharashtra. It is known as haritaki, abhaya and pathya in Sanskrit; harad in Hindi; hirada in Marathi; alalekaayi in Kannada; kadukkai in Tamil; horitoky in Bengali; xilikha in Assamese and karakkaya in Telugu.
Plant Chemicals
(+)- tannic acid, chebulinic acid, gallic acid, resin, anthraquinone, sennoside, mucilage, chebulin, terchebin, palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, arachidic acid, behenic acid.
Uses & Benefits of Haritaki
Haritaki has laxative, rejuvenative, purgative, astringent and dry properties.
The paste of its fruit is effective in reducing swelling, hastening the healing process and cleansing the wounds and ulcers.
The paste gives relief to the eyelids, in case of conjunctivitis.
Gargling with haritaki decoction helps in stomatitis, oral ulcers and sore throat.
It serves as a good astringent for loose gums, bleeding and ulceration in gums.
The herb is used in preparing ‘Triphala’ that is used for hair wash, brush teeth in pyorrhea and treat bleeding gums.
Regular consumption of haritaki powder, fried in ghee, promotes longevity and boosts energy.
It responds well to gastrointestinal ailments, tumors, ascites, piles, enlargement of liver-spleen, worms and colitis.
Powdered haritaki, mixed with jaggery, works well in gout.
Its powder, when mixed with honey and ghee, is an effective remedy for anemia.
Haritaki is combined with sunthi powder and given with hot water to lighten asthma and hiccups.
Its decoction, when taken along with honey, is of great help in hepatitis and obesity.
The herb improves memory and is salutary in dysuria and urinary stones.
Haritaki helps in improving appetite and helps in digestion.
It is a good nervine and helps in nervous weakness and nervous irritability and promotes the receiving power of the five senses.
Since it is anti-inflammatory and astringent, it is helpful in urethral discharges like spermatorrhea and vaginal discharges like leucorrhea.
Caution
Haritaki should be sparingly used by lean individuals and pregnant women.
It should be avoided in severe debility, mental depression, while fasting and vitiated pitta conditions.
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Guduchi
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Botanical Name(s): Tinospora Cordifolia
Family Name: Meninspermaceae
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Ranunculales
Family: Menispermaceae
Genus: Tinospora
Species: T. cordifolia
Popular Name(s): Gulanshe Tinospara, Gulancha Tinospara, Tinospara, Giloy
Parts Used: Stem.
Habitat: North and South India
Description
Guduchi is a glabrous climbing shrub with a succulent stem and papery bark that is creamy white to grey in color. The shrub shoots out aerial roots, usually on neem and mango trees, which could be as long as 30 meters. It bears heart-shaped leaves. The yellow flowers are axillary and long-stalked racemes. The fruit is pea-sized, subglobose drupe and red colored on maturity. Flowers can be seen in June, while fruits occur in November. Guduchi is found in deciduous and dry forests throughout India. The herb is known as guduchi and amrutha in Sanskrit, and giloy and gurcha in Hindi.
Plant Chemicals
(+)- diterpene, tinosporone, tinosporic acid, cordifolisides A to E, syringen, berberine, giloin, gilenin, crude giloininand, arabinogalactan polysaccharide, picrotene, bergenin, gilosterol, tinosporol, tinosporidine, sitosterol, cordifol, heptacosanol, octacosonal, tinosporide, columbin, chasmanthin, palmarin, palmatosides C and F, amritosides, cordioside, tinosponone, berberine, ecdysterone, makisterone A, 20 ?-hydroxyecdysone, nonacosan-15-one, ?-sitosterol, magnoflorine, tembetarine, syringine, glucan polysaccharide, syringine apiosylglycoside, isocolumbin, palmatine, tetrahydropalmaitine, jatrorrhizine.
Uses & Benefits of Guduchi
All parts of guduchi plant are used for various medicinal purposes.
The plant oil is effective in reducing pain and edema and in gout and skin diseases.
The herb accords longevity, enhances memory, improves health, and bestows youth, betters complexion, voice, energy and luster of the skin.
It is helpful in treating digestive ailments such as hyperacidity, colitis, worm infestations, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, excessive thirst, and vomiting and even liver disorders like hepatitis.
Fresh juice of guduchi, when mixed with rock candy, speeds up the recovery in hepatitis patients.
It helps in remedying ailments like raktapitta, anemia, cardiac debility, diabetes, sexual debility and splenic disorders.
The starch of the plant serves as a household remedy for chronic fever, relieves burning sensation and increases energy and appetite.
The decoction of guduchi, mixed with nimba and vasa, eases the itching and oozing.
It benefits general weakness, dyspepsia, impotency, dysentery, secondary syphilis, tuberculosis, jaundice, constipation, leprosy, general debility, cutaneous rashes and condylomata.
Guduchi helps in getting rid of renal caliculi and reduces blood urea level.
The decoction of guduchi and sunthi is a good combination for treating gout and rheumatic disorders.
Guduchi juice, when taken with cow’s milk or lodhra, is effective in combating leucorrhea.
The juice is mixed with cumin seeds and consumed to reduce the burning sensation caused due to pitta.
The root of guduchi is a strong emetic and used for bowel obstruction.
Caution
Diabetic patients are advised to use guduchi with caution, since it can lower blood sugar levels.
In case you are about to undergo a surgery, stop consuming guduchi two weeks beforehand, since it can interfere with blood sugar control during the surgery.
It is better to avoid guduchi during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
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Indian Valerian
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Botanical Name(s): Valeriana Wallichii
Family Name: Valerianaceae
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Dipsacales
Family: Valerianaceae
Genus: Valeriana
Species: V. wallichi
Popular Name(s): Valerian Jatamansi, Taggar, Tagara, All-heal, Amantilla, Baldrian, Great Wild, Valerian Phu
Parts Used: Rhizomes.
Habitat: Temperate zone of North Western Himalayas up to an altitude of 3000 meters.
Description
Indian valerian is an erect, perennial plant that grows to a height of 4 feet with pinnate, divided and heart-shaped leaves. Pink or white flowers are found in clusters on the leaf top. The roots are a hairy and spindly mass that is collected in the autumn from two-year old plants. The rhizomes are greenish-brown in color and hard and tough internally. The herb is cultivated in Belgium, England, Eastern Europe, France, Germany, the Netherlands, the Russian Federation and the United States of America. The medicinal plant is inhabitant to the Himalayas in Nagar, Minapin Glacier and Bultora Glacier in India. The herb is known as gilgiti valerian in Hindi and, mushk bala and risha wala in Urdu.
Plant Chemicals
(+)- Maalioxide, 2-Acetyl-Pyrrole, 7-Epideacetylisovaltrate, 8-Epikessanol, Acetoxy-Valepotriatum, Alpha-Curcumene, Alpha-Kessyl-Alcohol, Alpha-Methyl-2-Pyrrolyl-Ketone, Beta-Carotene, Caffeic-Acid, Capronic-Acid, Catalase, Dihydrovalepotriatum, Eremophilene, Gamma-Linolenic-Acid, Kaempferol, Kanokosides, Kessane, Kessene, Kessyl-Glycol, Kongol, Linoleic-Acid, Myrtenyl-Acetate, Myrtenyl-Isovalerianate, Oleic-Acid, Oxydase, P-Coumaric-Acid, Palmitic-Acid, Peroxidase, Quercetin, Saccharose, Valepotriatum, Valerenal, Valerenol, Valerenolic-Acid, Actinidine, Acetic-Acid, Acevaltrate, Allo-Aromadendrene, Alpha-Fenchene, Alpha-Kerzylalcohol, Alpha-Valene, Aluminum, Ascorbic-Acid, Azulene, Baldrianic-Acid, Baldriatannic-Acid, Beta-Bisabolene, Beta-Elemene, Beta-Ionone, Beta-Phellandrene, Beta-Pinene, Beta-Sitosterol, Beta-Sitosterol-Stearate, Beta-Valene, Borneol, Bornyl-Acetate, Bornyl-Butyrate, Bornyl-Formate, Bornyl-Isovalerianate, Calcium, Camphene, Carbohydrates, Caryophyllene,Chatinene, Chlorogenic-Acid, Choline, Chromium, Cobalt, Deacetylisolavtrate, Delta-Cadinene, Didrovaltrate, Eugenyl-Isovalerate, Fat, Faurinol, Faurinone, Fiber, Formic-Acid , Fructose, Gamma-Terpinene, Gamma-Valene, Glucose, Gum, Homodivaltrate, Homovaltrate, Hydroxyvalerinic-Acid, Iron, Isoeugenyl-Isovalerate, Isovalerianic-Acid, Isovaleric-Acid, Isovaleroxy-Hydroxy-Didrovaltrate, Ledol, Limonene, Maaliol, Magnesium, Manganese, Myrcene, Myrtenol, N-(Beta-(P-Hydroxyphenyl)-Ethyl)-Actinidine, Niacin, P-Cymol Patcholyl-Alcohol, Phosphorus, Potassium, Protein, Raffinose, Resin, Riboflavin, Selenium, Silicon, Sodium, Terpinolene, Thiamin, Tin, Tridecen-(1)-Pentain(3,5,7,9,11), Valechlorine, Valenol, Valepotriates, Valerenic-Acid, Valerenone, Valerianine, Valerianol, Valerianolic-Acid, Valerianone, Valeric-Acid, Valerine, Valerosidatum, Valeroside-A, Valtrate, Valtrate-Isovaleroxyhydrin, Zinc.
Uses & Benefits of Indian Valerian
Indian valerian is anodyne, antispasmodic, aromatic, calmative, carminative, diuretic, expectorant, nervine, relaxant, sedative, stimulant and tranquilizer.
The herb has a remarkable influence on the cerebro-spinal system, hypochrondriasis, hysteria, insomnia, migraines, nervous unrests and nervous tensions, neuralgia and neurasthenia.
It is useful in treating anxiety, breathlessness, epilepsy, giddiness and fainting fits.
The herb lowers blood pressure, palpitations of the heart and even strengthens the heart.
Indian valerian is useful in curing gastrointestinal conditions like diverticulitis, irritable bowel, nervous dyspepsia, nervous stomach, stimulates digestion, and stomach cramps.
It proves helpful in treating head congestion and loosens phlegm in different coughs and lung congestion.
Indian valerian comes handy in menstrual cramps and muscle spasms, aids liver function and relieves pain.
The root corrects tremors, reduces excitement and irritability, lowers high blood pressure and calms the nervous system.
Caution
Indian valerian should not be taken for longer periods of time, since it can cause mental depression in some people.
If consumed in excess, the herb can result in a stimulating effect rather than a relaxing effect. It can also cause heaviness and pain in the head stupor.
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Khus Khus
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Botanical Name(s): Vetiveria Zizanoides
Family Name: Poaceae
Kingdom: Plantae (Plants)
Subkingdom: Tracheobionta (Vascular Plants)
Superdivision: Spermatophyta – Seed plants
Division: Magnoliophyta (Flowering plants)
Class: Liliopsida (Monocotyledons)
Subclass: Commelinidae
Order: Cyperales
Family: Poaceae (Grass family)
Genus: Vetiveria Bory (vetivergrass)
Species: Vetiveria zizanioides (L.) Nash (vetivergrass)
Popular Name(s): Khas Khas, Cuscus and Vetivert
Parts Used: Roots and Essential oil
Habitat: Cultivated in plains and low hills of India
Description
Vetiveria zizanioides, also known as khas khas, khas or khus grass, is native to India. It is a densely tufted grass, with long, thin and rigid leaves and can grow up to 1.5 meters high. The grass grows well in rich marshy soil that is found throughout the plains and lower hills of India, especially on the riverbanks. The plant is different from the other grass forms, in that instead of having mat-like root systems, it befits in growing downwards and can grow up to 2-4 meters in depth. The plant is well known for its oil that is used in medicine and perfumery. Along with this, Khas Khas is also used for cooling purposes, flavoring sharbats, and making mats, hand fans etc. Today the plant is cultivated in the North Indian states of Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Punjab and in the South Indian states of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.
Plant Chemicals
Its main chemical components are benzoic acid, vetiverol, furfurol, a and b-vetivone, vetivene and vetivenyl vetivenate. The chemical components of the oil obtained from the plant is benzoic acid, furfurol, vetivene, vetivenyl vetivenate, terpinen-4-ol, 5-epiprezizane, Khusimene, a-muurolene, Khusimone, Calacorene, ß-humulene, a-longipinene, ?-selinene, d-selinene,d-cadinene, valencene, Calarene,-gurjunene, a-amorphene, Epizizanal, 3-epizizanol, Khusimol, Iso-khusimol, Valerenol, ß-vetivone, a-vetivone, vetivazulene.
Uses & Benefits of Khus Khus
Khus khus is a boon for farmers in warm climates, as it prevents soil erosion. As the plant grows exclusively downward, it helps to block the runoff of surface water and conserves soil. Hence, it is used to create boundaries for rice paddies.
The fragrant essential oil obtained from the plant root is quite famous throughout the world. It is used in high-end perfumes, for its fixative properties.
The mats made from khus khus plant are hung in the house, to cool rooms during summer. Moreover, they even add a pleasant aroma in the house, when sprinkled with water occasionally.
The herb is tied in a muslin cloth and added to the earthen pots filled with water, to lend its distinctive flavor and aroma to it.
It has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effects that provide relief from inflammations in circulatory system and nervous system.
Khus khus is used to create a tonic bath, which is the reason why it is often included in high quality soaps. In addition, it finds an application in combat lice as well.
It is a boon for individuals suffering from rheumatism, arthritis, gout, muscular aches, dryness and cracking of skin etc.
The oil obtained from khus khus has sedative effect and aids in the treatment of emotional outbursts, such as anger, anxiety, epileptic and hysteric attacks, restlessness, nervousness, etc.
Caution
The oil obtained from khus khus is known to be safe, non-toxic, non-irritant and non-sensitizing.
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Cape Periwinkle
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Botanical Name(s): Vinca Rosea (Catharanthus roseus)
Family Name: Apocynaceae
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta (Flowering plants)
Class: Magnoliopsida (Dicotyledons)
Order: Gentianales
Family: Apocynaceae
Tribe: Alsloniae
Genus: Catharanthus
Species: C. roseus
Popular Name(s): Rose Periwinkle, Madagascar Periwinkle, Sadabahar, Old Maid
Parts Used: Seed, Root, Whole plant, Leaf
Habitat: Grows throughout India and found as an escape in waste places and sandy tracts
Description
Cape periwinkle is an attractive, evergreen shrub, bearing graceful pink or white salverform flowers. The plant is native to southeastern and eastern Madagascar. It gained world recognition after the European colonists exported it as an ornamental plant. Cape periwinkle can grow in the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. The glossy leaves of the plant are oval to oblong in shape and arranged in opposite pairs, with a pale midrib and a short petiole. The flowers usually have five petal-like lobes in it.
The blooms of the wild periwinkle are a pale pink, with a purple "eye" in the center. The plant can grow very well in poor and well-drained soils and will suffer if the soil is very healthy or too fertile. You have to pinch back the buds early in the season, to encourage branching and a fuller plant. Madagascar periwinkle doesn't need deadheading - the flowers drop off when they finish blooming. The plant has been a boon in the treatment of many ailments, especially leukemia occurring in children. However, it can be easily infected by phytoplasmas that causes the leaves to reduce in size.
Plant Chemicals
It contains more than 70 alkaloids mostly of the indole type. It has medicinal importance owing to the presence of alkaloids like ajamalicine, serpentine and reserpine vinblastine.
Uses & Benefits of Cape Periwinkle
The Chinese used Cape periwinkle for making herbal medicine that was used in the treatment of numerous diseases, like diabetes, Hodgkin's disease and malaria.
The plant possesses chemical substances like vinblastine and vincristine, which help in the treatment of leukemia in children and lymphoma.
The group of alkaloids present in it can be potentially used in the treatment of cancer. However, the alkaloids have certain side effects on the body.
The root bark of Cape periwinkle has been used traditionally for its calming effect and its ability to reduce blood pressure, as it contains the alkaloid Alstonine.
It is also used in the treatment of menstrual problems, constipation and asthma.
Caution
Cape periwinkle is poisonous in nature and hence, it should not be ingested and smoked. The plant is reported to cause poisoning in grazing animals.
Though the plant has been used in the treatment of cancer by doctors, it has yielded undesirable side effects.
It can be hallucinogenic, if consumed orally. In addition, it can also cause kidney or nerve problem. Hence, only low dosage of the plant should be taken, that too under the supervision of doctor.