~ Herbs ~

[MysteRy]

Liquorice

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.

[MysteRy]

Manjishta

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.

[MysteRy]

Marigold

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.

[MysteRy]

Chamomile

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.

[MysteRy]

Indian Mulberry

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.

[MysteRy]

Moringa

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.

[MysteRy]

Mucuna Pruriens

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.

[MysteRy]

Mulberry

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.

[MysteRy]

Indian Lotus

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.

[MysteRy]

Coral Jasmine

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.

[MysteRy]

White Lotus

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.

[MysteRy]

Poppy

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.

[MysteRy]

Africa Rue

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.

[MysteRy]

Long Pepper

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.

[MysteRy]

Podina

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.