Tomatoes are very well known fruits that are cooked as vegetable. They can be eaten raw as salad or cooked. They taste excellent and are of full of nutrition. They are rich in vitamins and minerals. Tomatoes are major dietary source of carotenoid lycopene.

By ? (Tomatoes)[ CC-BY-SA-2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

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The red colour of tomatoes is due to presence of red pigment lycopene which is one of the most powerful natural antioxidants. Lycopene improves the skin's ability to protect against harmful UV rays. According to a German study, lycopene is twice as powerful as beta-carotene thus checking the growth of cancer cells. The bioavailability of lycopene increases after cooking. Scientific studies confirm eating tomatoes lowers risk of certain cancers, ultraviolet light-induced skin damage, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and development of other chronic diseases.

Tomatoes are known as Tamatar in Hindi. Their Ayurvedic action on body is to increases vata, pitta and kapha. They nourishes all body tissues (except reproductive system). Ayurveda contraindicates tomatoes in acidity, sciatica, kidney and gall stones, and arthritis, vata and pitta dosha.

Tomatoes are good for digestive system, stimulation of bile flow, purification of blood and evacuation of bowels (raw tomatoes). Their use is recommended in diabetes.

Health Benefits of Tomatoes

Tomatoes are good for whole body. Eating fresh tomatoes increases haemoglobin level. They are good source of vitamin A, C and E. Vitamin A is required by our eyes for good vision. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that improves body immunity to fight recurrent infections. Vitamin E is also an antioxidant that is good for skin.

Tomato juice is very beneficial in diabetes. The juice added with juice of karela and cucumber is effective in management of diabetes. This juice should be drink empty stomach every morning.

Tomatoes are good for heart. They reduce cholesterol levels and helpful in lowering blood pressure. Tomato juice in combination of Arjun bark is an effective home remedy for heart palpitation. When heart beat exceeds from 72 to 150, one spoon arjun bark powder in one glass tomato juice. Regular drinking of this juice normalises heart beats.

For glowing skin drinking tomato juice mixed with carrot and beetroot juice is helpful.

In heart burn, one glass of tomato juice added with one lemon juice is beneficial.

Tomatoes removes toxins from body. This detoxifying properties is perhaps due to presence of chlorine and sulphur. According to some studies, 51 mg of chlorine and 11 mg of sulfur in 100 grams of tomato have a vital role in detoxification process.

Tomatoes are very nutritious. They are rich in flavonoids and phenolic acids, phytoalexins, protease inhibitors, glycoalkaloids and carotenoids, especially lycopene and b-carotene.

Tomatoes are powerful antioxidant due to presence of three high-powered antioxidants viz. beta-carotene, vitamin E, and vitamin C.

Tomatoes help maintain strong bones.

Tomatoes makes bone strong due to presence of calcium and Vitamin K.

Who should not eat Tomatoes?

Tomatoes contain Oxalic acids (5.3 mg/ 100 g). Oxalic acids are organic crystals which bind with calcium and other minerals to form stone in the urinary tract. Therefore it is better to be avoided by people with risk of stone development.

Tomatoes are acidic in nature therefor they should be consumed moderately. Avoid using tomatoes in ulcers and gastro duodenal diseases.

Plumbago zeylanica is a large perennial shrub, found throughout India in wild state and occasionally cultivated in gardens. This shrub is available in three different coloured flowers (White, red and blue). White variety is used as Chitrak. It is a medicinal herb that is used in treatment of variety of diseases in Indian traditional system of medicine. It is known by many names like Chitrak (Ayurveda), Sheetraj Hindi (Unani) and Chittramoolam (Siddha). In Ayurveda, Chitrak is commonly used medicinal herb for treating digestive weakness, piles, constipation, cough, muscular pains, rheumatism etc.

Forest & Kim Starr[ CC-BY-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

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General information

Latin name:Plumbago zeylanica

Family:Plumbaginaceae

Scientific classification

Kingdom:Plantae Division:Magnoliophyta Class:Magnoliopsida Order:Ranunculales Family:Plumbaginaceae Genus:Plumbago Species:P. zeylanica

Vernacular names

Sanskrit:Chitrak English:White Leadwort, Ceylon leadwort, plumbago Assamese:Agiyachit, Agnachit Bengali:Chita Gujarati:Chitrakmula Hindi:Chira, Chitrak Kannada:Chitramula, Vahni, Bilichitramoola Kashmiri:Chitra, Shatranja Malayalam:Vellakeduveli, Thumpokkoduveli Marathi:Chitraka Oriya:Chitamula, Chitoparu Punjabi:Chitra Tamil:Chitramoolam, Kodiveli Telugu:Chitramulam Urdu:Sheetraj Hindi, Cheetah

Plant description

Subscandent perennial herb or under shrub with green branches, stems somewhat woody, spreading, terate, striate, glabous. Leaves alternate, ovate or oblong, petiole narrow, amplexicaul at the base and often dilated into stipule like auricles. Flowers white, in axillary and terminal elongated spikes, bisexual. Calyx densely covered with stalked, sticky glands. Corolla white, very slender, tubular. Stamen 5, free. Ovary superior, 5-gonous, one celled, ovule one, basal. Roots are light yellow coloured when fresh, reddish brown when dry, straight unbranched or slightly branched with or without secondary.

Flowering and fruiting: September to December

Part Used: Root, root bark, seeds

Principal constituent: plumbagin

Ayurvedic Properties and Action on body

Rasa (Taste):Katu (pungent)

Guna (Characteristics):Laghu/Light, Ruksha/Dry, Tikshna/Sharp

Virya (Potency):Ushna/Hot

Vipaka (Post Digestive Effect):Katu/Pungent

Action:Shoth-har, Dipana, Grahi, Pachana, Kapha-Vata- har, Arsh-har, Shula-har

Important formulations:Citrakadi Vati, Citrak-haritaki, Citrakadi churna

Medicinal uses of Plumbago zeylanica or Chitrak

The roots of Plumbago zeylanica or Chitrak is used in Ayurveda for treatment of various diseases related to digestive system like impaired or weak digestion, grahni, piles, abdominal pain, skin diseases etc. The plant has anti-inflammatory, anti-plasmodial (activity against parasites of the genus Plasmodium), antimicrobial, blood sugar lowering and lipid lowering properties. The whole plant in paste form is applied topically in all kind of skin diseases.

Another Ayurvedic name of this herb is Agni, which means fire. Perhaps this is due to its extreme hot nature that can be lethal in high concentration. Some of the warning and caution are listed further. The roots are purified as per Ayurvedic text before using medicinally. The root powder works on Bones, plasma, blood and reproductive system.

Piles

In piles, the pulverised root powder is taken in dose of 1-2 grams with butter milk, thrice a day.

Atisaar, diarrhoea

In diarrhoea or loose motion the root powder is given to patient three times a day in dose of 1-2 grams.

Skin diseases, kustha

In skin diseases 1-3 grams of root power is given, three times a day with cow's urine.

Obesity

In overweightness root powder is given in dose of 1-2 grams with honey.

Filarial swelling, opens abscesses, skin diseases and ulcers

The root paste is applied externally on affected body parts.

Arthritis

Prepare a medicated oil by boiling chitrak roots and sarpgandha in mustard oil. Apply at affected areas.

Dermatitis

Prepare paste of roots with water and apply at affected areas.

Scabies

Prepare paste of bark and leaves of Plumbago with turmeric and apply externally on affected areas.

Contraindications and Side-effects

• Plumbago zeylanica suppresses ovulation, implantation and can cause abortion.
• Plumbago zeylanica is contraindicated in pregnancy.
• Always use in recommended doses and never overdose.
• The main principal constituent, Plumbagin in low dose stimulates CNS and muscles. It also causes sweat, secretion of bile and urine. In high dose it causes paralysis and proves lethal.

Cassia fistula is grown as ornamental tree and is easily identifiable by its beautiful yellow flowers that grow on long pendulous racemes. This tree is native to India. It flowers during hot weather from April to May. After flowering fruits are developed in form of cylindrical pods. These are initially green and later turn black. The tree propagates through mature seeds.

In India, Cassia can be seen growing along the roadsides, in parks and gardens. It is state flower of Kerala (India) and national tree of Thailand. Cassia fistula is used in traditional medicine system of Sri Lanka, Burma and India. In Ayurveda, this tree is used for treating constipation, fever, digestive troubles and skin diseases. Its fruit pulp along with some other herbs is cooked in water to prepare decoction which is used to treat fever and related complications.

Taxonomic Classification

• Kingdom - Plantae
• Subkingdom – Tracheobinota
• Super Division - Spermatophyta
• Division - Mangoliophyta
• Class – Magnoliopsida
• Sub Class - Rosidae
• Order - Fabales
• Family - Fabacae
• Genus - Cassia
• Species - fistula

Vernacular names

• Sanskrit:Kritamala, Vyadhighata, Shampaka, Shamyaka, Nrpadruma, Kritamalaka,
• Rajavriksha
• Bengali:Sondaalee, Sonaalu
• English:Indian Laburnum, Purging Fistula, Pudding pipe tree
• Gujrati:Garmaalo
• Hindi:Amaltaas, Girimaal
• Kannada:Kakke, Kakkemar
• Malayalam:Konna
• Marathi:Baahvaa
• Oriya:Sunaari
• Punjabi:Amaltaas, Kaniyaar, Girdnalee
• Tamil:Konnai
• Telugu:Rela
• Urdu:Amaltaas

English:Indian Laburnum, Purging Fistula, Pudding pipe tree, Golden shower, Golden pipe tree

Cassia fistula is medium sized deciduous tree, 6 to 9 m tall with bright yellow flowers in long pendulous racemes, and long cylindrical blackish-brown pods of 25 to 50 cm in length and upto 3 cm in width;found wild and also commonly planted as ornamental tree in most parts of the country up to an altitude of 1200 m.

Ayurvedic Properties and Action of Bark on body

Rasa (Taste):Tikta/Bitter

Guna (Characteristics):Guru/Heavy

Virya (Potency):Cold

Vipaka (Post Digestive Effect):Katu/Pungent

Effects on Tridoshas (Humor):Pacifies Vata and Pitta

Medicinal uses of Purging Cassia

Cassia fistula has liver protecting, inflammation reducing, cough suppressing, wound healing, anti-microbial and constipation curing properties.

Scientific studies confirms the liver protecting properties of leaves. One such study done on rats with paracetamol induced hepatotoxicity, the leaves exhibited significant liver protective effect by lowering the serum levels of transaminases (SGOT and SGPT), bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Studies also confirms the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of Cassia fistula and thus supports the traditional use of this tree in treatment of rheumatism, gout etc.

For medicinal purpose, all parts of tree viz. roots, bark, leaves, fruits are used. The fruit pulp is a medicine for curing constipation. The fruit pulp is consumed in the evening after meals in dose of 5-10 grams to get relief from intestinal worms and constipation. This also gives relief in indigestion, abdominal gas and strengthens intestine. The leaves are also laxative. For curing constipation, tender leaves are cooked and eaten as leafy vegetables. The leaves are rubbed on skin in case of severe itching. The decoction is given to treat fever, inflammation and bacterial infections.

Distension of abdomen due to obstruction to passage of urine and stool

Eating 5 grams fruit pulp with sugar and water once a day is helpful.

Skin eruptions, ring worms, eczema, irritation

Prepare paste of leaves and bark. Apply at affected areas.

Abdominal pain due to gas

Prepare paste of fruits pulp and apply around naval.

Detoxifying gastrointestinal tract (kostha)

For removing toxins from gastrointestinal tract extract pulp of cassia pod. Take 5-10 grams of this pulp with hot milk.

Rheumatism

Traditional remedy is to roast 12-24 grams leaves of cassia fistula in mustard oil and take twice a day.

Gout (Vata rakta)

In gout, the roots (5-10g) are boiled in a glass of milk and taken twice a day for few days.

Skin diseases

In skin diseases, cassia fistula leaves paste is applied externally.

Visarpa

In Ayurveda, erysipelas is known as visarpa. It is a skin condition in which large raised patches appear on skin. This is recurrent bacterial infection. A traditional remedy using Amaltas is, to prepare a leaves paste and mix that with ghee. This mixture is applied topically at affceted body part.

Constipation

For constipation, the fruit pulp 10-15 grams is soaked in half litre water at night. Next morning the pulp is mashed. This is filtered and filtrate is taken orally to get relief from constipation.

Chronic cough

For cough 12-24 grams ghee is prepared from the decoction of fruit pulp and taken twice a day.

Curcuma angustifolia plant is known by many vernacular names such as Tikhur, Thugasheeri, Tvakshira (Hindi, Sanskrit), Indian Arrow root (English), Shotti (West Bengal), haledo (Sikkim), Koova powder (Malayalam) and Koova podi (Tamil). It belongs to family Zingiberaceae and Genus Curcuma. In India, this is mainly cultivated in Bihar, West Bengal, Maharashtra and South India (Kerala, Tamilnadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh). The roots of plant are processed to obtain an edible starch (available as tikhur, shotti in market) which has properties similar to arrowroot and corn starch. This starch is used as food and also as a medicine.

Scientific classification

Kingdom:Plantae – Plants

Subkingdom:Tracheobionta – Vascular plants

Superdivision:Spermatophyta – Seed plants

Division:Magnoliophyta – Flowering plants

Class:Liliopsida – Monocotyledons

Subclass:Zingiberidae

Order:Zingiberales

Family:Zingiberaceae – Ginger family

Genus:Curcuma L. – curcuma P

Species:Curcuma angustifolia Roxb. – East Indian arrowroot

Common names:

Ayurvedic:Tvakshira, Tvakshiri Unani:Tikhur, Tabaasheer Siddha:Ararut-gaddalu

How Starch is extracted

Curcuma angustifolia is also known as East Indian arrowroot as the roots provides an easily digestible starch. For extraction of starch, the rhizomes are washed, peeled and kept in sufficient amount of water for overnight. Next these are grinded to get smooth paste. The paste is kept in a vessel and is allowed to settle. Then the excess water lying above the precipitate is drained and the residue is washed by adding water. The process is repeated to remove all the impurities till pure white starch is obtained which is sun dried to get starch powder. The completely dried starch is stored in bottles for future use.

Traditional Medicinal uses

In some parts of India Curcuma angustifolia/East Indian arrowroot is used as weaning food for babies. The starch which is obtained from the rhizomes is given to babies three-four times a day after boiling in water or milk. This preparation is given as a traditional food for babies. Sometimes it is used as replacement of mother's milk.

The starch has cooling effect on body. It gives relief in irritation and inflammation. It is given to heal peptic ulcers and in treatment of dysentery. It is also used as tonic and nutritious food in weakness, chronic diseases, jaundice and excessive thirst.

Garden Cress or Water Cress is an annual herb belonging to mustard or cruciferae family. The botanical name of cress is Lepidium sativum. It is cultivated throughout India as a salad plant. Its leaves and seeds are very nutritious and offer seeral health benefits. The seeds are used in treatment of gout, hiccups, diarrhoea, skin diseases and asthma.

" Img 0717 garden cress". Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons.

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Overview of herb

Scientific classification

Kingdom:Planate

Division:Magnoliophyta

Class:Magnoliopsida

Order:Brassicales

Family:Brassicaceae

Genus:Lepidium sativum

Vernacular names

• Sanskrit:chandrika, Raktabija
• Assamese:Halim, Halim-shak
• Bengali:Chand Shura, Halim
• English:Common Cress, Cress, Watercress
• Gujrati:Aseriya, Aseliyo
• Hindi:Chansur, Halim, Aselio Kannada:Allibija, Kapila
• Kashmiri:Alian
• Malayalam:Asali
• Marathi:Ahaliva, Haliv
• Oriya:Chandasara, Chandasura
• Punjabi:Holan, Taratej
• Tamil:Allivirai, Ativerai
• Telugu:Adityalu, Aadalu, Adiyalu, Addi
• Urdu:Halim
• French:Cressan alenois, Passerage cutivee
• German:Gartenkresse
• Italian:Agretto, cressione
• Russian:Kress-Salat
• Spanish:Lepido, Mastuerzo

Ayurvedic Properties and Action on body

In Ayurveda, the seeds of plant are known as Chandrashoor. It is included in a group known as Chaturbeeja. The group Chaturbeeja, includes four seeds (Methi/Trigonella foeneum, Kalajaji/Nigella sativa Yavani/Trachyspermum ammi and Chandrashoora/ Lepidium sativum ) and possess several medicinal properties such as anti-inflammatory and analgesic.

Rasa (Taste):Tikta/Bitter, Katu (pungent)

Guna (Characteristics):Laghu/Light, Ruksha/Dry, Tikshna/Sharp

Virya (Potency):Ushna/Hot

Vipaka (Post Digestive Effect):Katu/Pungent

Action:Reduces Vata and Kapha, Improves strength, stamina

In Ayurveda, garden cress seeds are indicated in treatment of diarrhoea, hiccups and rheumatism. For medicinal use, the seed powder is taken in dose of 3-6 grams.

Garden cress Plant description

Annual erect plant reaches height of 50 cm;basal leaves long petioles and one lyreate Pinnatipartite;the coulinar leaves lanceonate;inflorescence dense racemes;flowers white or slightly pink petals, measuring 2 mm;flowering flowers in the wild state between March and June;

Medicinal uses of Garden cress(Chandrashoor) seeds

Garden cress is a highly nutritious medicinal herb. Mainly its leaves and seeds are used. Plant fresh leaves are eaten as salad. As a paste or chatani the leaves are eaten with bread. To get relief from piles, asthma, whole garden cress plant is crushed and made into infusion. This infusion is taken twice a day. In cold, cough the paste of whole plant is taken after every four hours. In difficult urination, scanty urination, the decoction of whole plant is taken thrice a day.

The sprouted seeds and leave are used for decoration of salad. The seeds of Garden Cress plant are highly nutritious. They are rich source of proteins, dietary fibre, minerals and essential amino acids. The seeds are strong antioxidant. They have anti-diabetic, cholesterol lowering, blood pressure lowering, anti-diarrheal, anti-spasmodic, laxative/bowel softening, fracture healing hepatoprotective/liver protective, diuretic, nephrocurative, nephroprtective, galactogogue, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic and analgesic property. The seeds contain an alkaloid, glucotropaeolin, sinapin, sinapic acid, mucilaginous matter and uric acid. Due to their mucilageous property they give relief in irritation of mucous membrane in diarrhoea and amoebic dysentery. Traditionally Chandrashoor seeds are given to improve appetite and elimination of parasitic worms.

The seeds are used in Arabic countries for improving healing of bone fractures. The seeds also exhibits liver protective and blood pressure lowering properties.

The dried seed powder and leaves are used therapeutically for stimulating urine production, treating respiratory illness (asthma, bronchitis), rheumatism, inflammation, muscular pains and bone fractures. In some parts of country, the seeds are boiled with milk given to cause abortion. Seed powder mixed with sugar/misri is given in diarrhoea and dysentery. The seeds are also useful in improving breast milk quantity. In skin diseases the seeds paste is applied externally.

In Ayurveda Latakaranja refers to plant Caesalpinia bonduc. This plant is an extensive, shrubby, wild, perennial climber. It is distributed throughout tropical parts of India. For medicinal purpose, Seeds, nuts, root, bark, and leaves are used. The various part of plant exhibits antiperiodic, antispasmodic, anthelmintic and febrifuge properties.

Latin name:Caesalpinia bonduc (L.) Roxb.) Synonyms — Caesalpinia bonducella (L.) Fleming, C. crista auct. Amer., Guilandina bonduc L., G. bonducella L.

Family:Caesalpiniaceae

Vernacular name:

• Sanskrit/Indian name:Putikaranja, Pootikaranja, Latakaranja, Kantaki Karanja
• English:Bonduc Fruit, Fever Nut, Physic Nut
• Bengali:Kaantaa Karanjaa, Naataa, Naataa Karanjaa
• Gujrati:Kaanchakaa, Kaanka, Kachka
• Hindi:Karanja, Karanjuaa, Kaantaa Karanj
• Kannada:Gajjike Kaayi, Gajkai
• Malayalam:Kalamchikuru, Kaalanchi, Kazhinch - Kai
• Marathi:Saagar gotaa, Gajarghotaa, Gaajagaa
• Oriya:Kotokolejaa
• Tamil:Kajha shikke, Kalichchikkaai
• Telugu:Gachchakaay
• Urdu:Akitmakit
• Unan:Karanjwaa.
• Siddha:Kazharchikkaai

Therapeutic constituents

Seeds contain bitter substance phytosterenin, bonducin, saponin, phytosterol, fixed oil, starch and sucrose. Seeds also contain ?, ?, ?, ? and ? caesalpins

Ayurvedic Properties and Action on body

In Ayurveda Latakaranj beej are used in treatment variety of diseases such as swelling, piles, cough, nausea, tumour, skin diseases, diabetes, gout, etc. The seeds are taken in dose of 1-3 grams for medicinal purpose.

Rasa (Taste):Tikta/Bitter, kashaya/Astringent

Guna (Characteristics):Laghu/Light, Ruksha/Dry

Virya (Potency):Ushna/Hot

Vipaka (Post Digestive Effect):Katu/Pungent

Effects on Tridoshas (Humor):Pacifies all the three doshas

Traditional Medicinal uses

Caesalpinia bonducella is used in traditional medicine system for treatment of wide variety of ailments. The seeds of plant has anthelmintic, fever reducing, abortion stimulating, menstrual flow improving, urine stimulating, adaptogenic, antimicrobial, muscle contractile and abdominal pain relieving properties. They also checks nausea and vomiting when used in combination with clove or black pepper.

For fever, the seed powder is mixed with equal part black pepper powder. The prepared mix powder is taken in dose of 15-30 grains by adults and 3-4 grains by children.

In liver disorders, seed powder is administered with goat milk.

In case of abdominal pain 2-3 seeds of plant are crushed to make powder and administered orally.

The seed powder reduces blood sugar level and taken with water for treatment of diabetes.

Seed and long pepper powders with honey has good expectorant effect and given in cold, cough and respiratory illness.

An oil prepared from seeds and castor oil is applied externally on hydrocele.

The leaves of Caesalpinia bonducella plant are also used to treat diarrhoea in animals. Handful of leaves are given to animal in paste form till loose motions are stopped.

Guggulutiktam Kwath/Kashayam/Decoction is polyherbal Ayurvedic formulation referenced from Ashtangahridayam. The principle ingredient in this medicine is Guggulu. Guggulu is a plant based product obtained from Indian Bdellium or Gum Guggul tree. It is an oleo gum resin exuded by plant during harsh summer. It has anti-inflammatory and anti-rheumatic properties. It is one of the best natural substance for treating arthritis, joint pain, stiffness and similar diseases. Guggulutiktam kashayam is decoction of guggul with several medicinal herbs.

Here is given more about Guggulutiktam kashayam such as indication/therapeutic uses, composition and dosage.

Key Ingredients of Guggulutiktam Kwath

This decoction or Kashaya is prepared from Guggulu, Neem/Margosa, Amrita/Giloy, Vasa/Arusa, Patola (Trichosanthes dioica), Vyaghri (Solanum xanthocarpum), Patha, Vidanga, Deodaru, Yavak Shara, Sunthi, Haldi/Haridra, Sowa, Kustha, Maricha, Kutaj, Ajwain, Chitrak, Kutki, Vacha, Ativisha, Manjishta

Uses of Guggulutiktam kashayam

Guggulutiktam kashayam has anti-inflammatory properties. It is indicated in treatment of rheumatism, arthritis, gout, joint swelling, swelling of tissues etc. It purifies blood and indicated in skin diseases.

Dosage of Guggulutiktam kashayam

The recommended dosage of Guggulutiktam kashayam 5-10 ml or 2 tablets two times with warm water before food, twice a day. Or take as directed by physician.

Custard apples are sweet tasty fruit. These heart shaped green fruits contains appreciable amount of vitamin C. Eating one custard apple fulfils the daily allowance of vitamin C. This vitamin is an anti-oxidant that protects body against free radicle damage. Vitamins C also strengthen body immunity to fight recurrent infections. Custard apple fruit contains many seeds that are imbedded in fruit flesh and due to this only 50-60 percent of fruit is edible. Eating hundred grams of custard apple gives body about ten percent of daily required magnesium. Magnesium is good for heart. It relaxes muscles and gives protection against heart diseases.

" Immature custard apple"by Jaiprakashsingh - Taken by me at my home nargi jagdish, bihar. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikipedia.

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English:custard apple, sugar apple

Hindi:Sitaphal, Sharifa

Bengali:ata

Malayalam:aathappazham, seethe pazham

Telugu:seetha phalam

Custard apple food value

Below is composition of 100 grams of edible pulp of custard apple.

Health benefits

1. Custard apple are good source of calcium, iron, phosphorus, thiamine, riboflavin and vitamin C. It has rejuvenative and anti-oxidant properties.
2. This fruit is particularly beneficial for people with excess pitta or having Pitta prakriti.
3. Eating custard apple during pregnancy gives energy, minerals and vitamins. Due to its richness in vitamin C it strengthens body immunity.
4. Custard apple should be taken regularly by heart patients. It strengthens heart and gives relief in palpitation, high blood pressure and anxiety.
5. Custard apple should be taken by people who suffer from insatiable hunger (Bhasmak rog).

Kokum (Garcinia indica) is an evergreen tree indigenous to India and found in Western Ghats from Konkan southwards and in Goa. It is cultivated in southern districts of Maharashtra and on lower slopes of Nilgiris. Kokum tree is also found in Assam and West Bengal. Kokum has culinary, medicinal and industrial uses. The dried rind of fruit is used as condiment for making curry. A drink prepared from fruits is taken in summer to relieve sunstroke. In traditional medicine system Kokum is indicated in treatment of gas, heat stroke, diarrhoea, dysentery, skin diseases and infections.

By Ramnath Bhat from PUNE, India (Garcinia indica) [CC BY-2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

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Latin name - Garcinia indica Choisy. Synonym - G. purpurea Roxb

Family-Guttiferae; Clusiaceae

Vernacular name

English - Kokum Butter tree, Mangosteen Oil, Malabar Tamarind tree, Indian butter tree, Red mango Sanskrit - Vrikshaamla, Tintidika, Chukra, Amlavrkshak, Kokum, Amsula Siddha - Murgal Folk - Kokum Marathi - Kokam, Amsul dried fruit Malayalam - Punampuli Goa - Brindao (fruit-pulp), Amsel (bark)

Part used: Fruits, seeds, seed-oil, bark, leaves

Kokum fruit

Kokum fruit is dark purple in colour and weigh about 15-20 grams. The fruit contains substantial amount of malic acid but very less citric acid. Malic acid is acidic, reddish coloured and gives the pungent sour taste to fruits. The pulp of fruit is used to make Sherbet/sweet drink. Dried kokum fruit is known as amsul/aamsol and added as condiment in curries.

Seed's kernel are processed to obtain an edible fat, Kokum butter/kokum oil/kokum ka tel. Kokum butter is used as substitute for cocoa butter in chocolates. It is also used in treatment of diarrhoea and dysentery.

Medicinal uses of Kokum

In Ayurveda Kokum fruit is used in treatment of variety of ailments. It is an appetizer and tonic for liver and heart. The fruit infusion is used for treating skin diseases, like allergies, chaffed skin, rashes, burns and scalds. It is also given in heat stroke, dysentery, diarrhoea, piles and heart diseases.

Kokum fruits are used for weight management. They help to reduce weight. Presence of Hydroxycitric acid in fruits makes it effective in weight-loss. This acid increases serotonin availability in body, reduces weight and increases oxidation of fat.

A polyisoprenylated benzophenone in fruit rind has antioxidant, anti-cancer and anti-ulcer properties.

For purgative purpose a powder is prepared by mixing fried Hing/asafoetida, Kokum fruit, fruits of bishop’s weed (Ptychotis ajowan), rock salt, and fennel/Saunf. All are taken in equal parts. A dose of 2 to 6 g of the powder with 5 ml of fresh lemon juice twice/day cleans excess pitta and cleanses small intestine and colon.

Kokum fruits are cooling in nature. A sherbet (known as Amrit kokum) prepared from the pulp is rich in antioxidants and quenches thirst. The fruits alone are useful in gas, fluid retention, alcoholism, weakness of digestive system, excessive thirst and oral diseases.

Kokum fruit is also used in dried form to make dishes sour.

Kokum fruit seeds contain an edible butter which is known as Kokum butter. Kokum butter is applied topically on ulceration, skin diseases, cracked lips, and dryness. In mucous diarrhoea or dysentery, kokam butter is given in dose of ten grams with a glass of milk, thrice a day. It can also be used as substitute for animal fat.

Mango-ginger looks exactly like common ginger but it has flavour of raw mango. It is the rhizome of plant Curcuma amada and belongs to family Zingiberaceae, genus Curcuma. In Genus Curcuma, there are more than eighty species of rhizomatous herbs. Indian Arrowroot (starch used), Wild turmeric, turmeric, Karchura are some of the medicinal plants belonging to genus curcuma.

By vicharam (Own work) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

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In India, Mango-ginger is mainly cultivated in Gujarat, wild in parts of West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

Vernacular name

• Sanskrit : Amradrakam, Amragandha-haridra, Karpura Haridra
• Bengali : Aamaa Aadaa
• English : Mango-ginger
• Gujrati : Aambaa haldhar
• Hindi : Aamaa-haldi, Amiyaa haldi
• Kannada : Ambarasini, Huli Arsin
• Malayalam : Mangayinji
• Marathi : Aambe halad, Ambaa halad
• Punjabi : Ambiya haladi
• Tamil : Mankayyinji
• Telugu : Mamidi Allamu
• Unani: Aamba Haldi, Daarchob

Constituent of Mango-ginger

Curcumin, Volatile oil (α-pinene, δ-camphor),α-curcumene, 1-β curcumene, phytosterolphytosterol. Essential oil exhibits antimicrobial, antifungal and anthelmintic activity.

Ayurvedic Properties and Action on body

In Ayurveda, Mango-ginger is used in treatment of skin itching, wounds, cough, respiratory illness, hiccups, fever, inflammations, ear pain and in vitiation of all tri-dosha.

Rasa (Taste): Tikta/Bitter, Madhura/Sweet

Guna (Characteristics): Laghu/Light

Virya (Potency): Sheet/ Cool

Vipaka (Post Digestive Effect): Katu/Pungent

Action: Improves digestion and appetite, Kapha-har, Pitta-har, increase virility; aphrodisiac

Medicinal uses of Mango-ginger/Aamba Haldi/Mangaiinji

Mango-ginger is known as Amra Haridra or Karpura Haridra, in Ayurveda. It is used as spice and also for pickling. Similar to other members of genus curcuma, it has also many therapeutic properties and is especially useful in digestive complaints. Its use gives relief in abdominal gas. It promotes appetite and improves digestive strength.

Similar to ginger it is expectorant and gives relief in cold and cough. Its use is also recommended in liver inflammation, joint pain, rheumatism and inflammation due to injuries. The rhizomes are made into paste and applied on sprains, bruise, and skin diseases.

In arthritis, Mango-ginger is used along with Moringa (Moringa oleifera). For this purpose, 200g bark of Moringa is ground and boiled with water. Due to evaporation of water a paste is prepared which is collected and mixed with 100g Mango-ginger and 100g Maricha powder/ black pepper powder. This paste is applied on the joints.

In scientific study, mango ginger exhibits decrease in liver total lipids and serum triglycerides.

For medicinal purpose, the dried rhizomes powder should be taken in dose of 3-5 grams or 10-20 ml of fresh juice.

Garlic is used all over world as a condiment and home medicine for centuries. Garlic offers innumerable health benefits as it is good for cardiovascular health, lowers cholesterol and blood sugar level, and is useful in several other ailments. Garlic has got its medicinal properties due to presence of at least thirty-three sulfur compounds, several enzymes, seventeen amino acids, and minerals. Sulfur compounds give garlic its pungent taste and specific odour. It is also very effective in hair loss. Oil prepared from Garlic has antiseptic, antimicrobial, antibacterial and anti-parasitic activities. It can be safely applied to body areas affected with ring worm. This oil can be applied topically to skin diseases that are caused due to bacteria, fungal or yeast.

"Allium sativum. Restra de allos de Oroso- Galiza"by Luis Miguel Bugallo Sánchez (Lmbuga) - Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

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Botanical name:Allium sativum

Family:Alliaceae

Vernacular names

• Sanskrit:Rasona, Yavaneshta
• Trade names:Rasun, Lashun
• Assamese:Maharu, Naharu
• Bengali:Lasuna, Roshum
• English:Garlic
• Gujarati:Lasan, Lassun, Lashan
• Hindi:Lahasun
• Kannada:Bulluci
• Malayalam:Vellulli, Nelluthulli, Belulli, Velluli
• Oria:Rasuna
• Marathi:Lasun, Lusoon, Lasun
• Punjabi:Lassan
• Tam.:Vellaipoondu
• Telugu:Vellulli, Tellapya, Tellagadda
• Kashmir:Ruhan
• Urdu:Lahsan, Seer

French:Ail;Italian:Aglio;German:Knoblauch;Hebrew:Shoomin;Greek:Skordon;Russian:Chesnok;Persian:Seer

Part Used:Bulb and oil

Works on:all body tissues

Origin and Distribution:Believed to have originated in Central Asia;Used in ancient India, China, Egypt, Greece and Rome;Cultivated throughout India;also in Pakistan, Bangladesh and almost in all tropical countries.

Plant description

Hardy perennial bulbous scapigerous herb;stem flat, dry, lower portion of the plant forms bulb which consists of several smaller bulbs called cloves, surrounded by a thin white or pinkish sheath;leaves flat, narrow green;heads bear small white flowers and bulbils.

Flowering and fruiting:Winter

Soil required for cultivation:Rich, well-drained, moderately clayey loam, requires a cool, moist period during growth and a relatively dry period during maturing of the crop;4-5 months required to mature and harvesting during February to April.

Constituents Of Garlic

Volatile Oil containing Allyl Disulphide and Diallyl Disulphide. It also contains Allin, Allicin, Mucilage and Albumin.

Ayurvedic Properties and Action on body

Garlic is known as Rasona in Sanskrit which means the one which lacks only one taste.

Rasa (Taste):Katu (pungent), Madhura/Sweet

Guna (Characteristics):Guru/Heavy, picchila/oily, Snigdha/Unctuous, Tikshna/Sharp, Sara

Virya (Potency):Ushna/Hot

Vipaka (Post Digestive Effect):Katu/Pungent

Action on body:Improves strength, good for eyes, improves digestive strength, good for heart, reduces mucous, good for brain, reduces vata/wind, removes blood toxins, tonic

Effects on Tridoshas (Humor):Reduces vata/wind, kapha/mucous and increases pitta/bile

Important Ayurvedic Formulations - Lasunadi Vati, Lasunadi Ghrita And Vaca Lasunadi Taila

Therapeutic Uses - Jirna Jvara (chronic fever), Krimiroga (parasitic infestation), Gulma, Kushtha (skin disease), Arsa piles, Kasa cough, Svasa respiratory ailmesnt, Pinasa, Shula, Karnashula pain in ears, Vatavyadi diseases of joints eg gout, arthritis, Hikka hiccups, Medoroga obesity, Yoni Vyapata, Visucika dysentery, Pliha Vriddhi spleen enlargement, Kshaya, Vishama Jvara malarial, dengue fever, Apasmara Unmada, Sasa, shotha, Hridroga heart diseases, Vatasula, Trikas hula, Vrana Krimi

Dosage of garlic paste:3 grams

Medicinal uses Of Garlic/Lahsun/Rasona

Garlic is used both internally and externally. Oral intake of garlic has good effect on whole body. The clove of garlic has alterative (restores health), antibiotic, anti-fungal, aphrodisiac, carminative (prevents and expels gas), diaphoretic (sweat causing), diuretic (stimulating urine), expectorant, hypoglycemic (sugar lowering), hypotensive (blood pressure lowering) properties. Garlic cloves exhibits activity against many types of bacterial diseases. Its oral intake prevents blood platelet aggregation. It is beneficial to eat garlic in many diseases such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, arterosclerosis (deposition of fatty material on their inner walls), asthma, cold, cough, loose motions, diabetes and parasitic infestation.

Garlic is also used externally. It can be prepared as a bolus to treat yeast infection or an enema to treat dysentery. Uncut clove can be used as a suppository to treat haemorrhoids. Garlic cloves boiled in sesame oil are used as ear drops for treating ear pain. This medicated oil is also used as wash to treat gangrenous wounds and snakebite.

Garlic powder is prepared from dried cloves. The process is, cloves are dehydrated to remove the moisture and powdered. The powder has the same chemical composition and pharmacological activity except it does not have the allicin, the pungent principle.

Eating raw garlic causes garlic breath. In such case chewing some cardamom/ealichi or fennel/saunf is helpful. You may also try one drop of pure peppermint oil in a cup of water.

Garlic has good effect on cardiovascular health. Rasona ksheer pak or Lahsun Ksheer Pak is used traditionally for heart diseases.

Nowadays, garlic capsules are available that can be taken in dose of 2-3 capsules.

A powder prepared from garlic, hing, cumin/jeerak, rock salt, sendha salt, shunti, pippali, and maricha/black pepper in equal proportions, is given in doses of about twenty grains, every morning with a decoction of the root of the castor oil plant, in facial paralysis, hemiplegia, sciatica, paraplegia, and convulsive affections.

• In Sandhivata or osteoarthritis, three gram paste of garlic twice a day should be taken with sesame oil.
• Inn ear-ache and pus in ear, about three garlic cloves are boiled in three table spoons of til oil cooled and three drops are put in the ear.
• In cold, cough, excess mucous three cloves are boiled in cup of water. This is taken twice a day. Simply chewing few garlic cloves is also helpful.
• For asthma three cloves of garlic boiled in milk, can be used every night.
• In weak digestion a paste of about five garlic cloves, 2 green chillies and little salt is fried in 3 teaspoon of til oil and is taken for seven days.
• Crushed garlic cloves infused in water or milk is useful in all types of digestive disorders.
• Use of garlic is beneficial in colitis, dysentery and many other intestinal upsets.
• In mild diarrhoea and dysentery, one garlic capsule taken three times a day cures the condition.
• In syphilitic skin diseases, garlic paste is rubbed externally.
• In cold sore, skin diseases, chopped garlic cloves are put in vegetable oil/olive oil for few days. This is applied externally on sores for 2-3 times a day.
• In wounds, abscesses, boils, infected wounds, externally use garlic paste.

Garlic is a rejuvenator. It removes toxins, revitalise the blood, stimulate blood circulation, improves digestion, removes mucous, and is good for whole body. It should be eaten daily. You may chop the cloves and mix them in food. You may also make a tasty chutney of garlic cloves with mint/coriander leaves or simply chop 3 cloves and take with water.

Side-effects, contraindication and interaction

When taken in excess amount, longer duration garlic may produce some side-effects. It can irritate stomach and kidneys. It may cause a burning sensation in the mouth or stomach, heartburn, gas, nausea, vomiting and body odour.

• Garlic is a blood thinner and it slows blood clotting. Precaution should be taken while taking blood thinning medicines.
• It should not be taken in large amounts during pregnancy and breastfeeding as it may cause digestive distress.
• In some sensitive people, even small amount of garlic can cause allergic reaction or upset stomach.
• Garlic can irritate the gastrointestinal tract. It should be used cautiously in stomach or digestion problems.
• Garlic reduces blood pressure. So people with low blood pressure should use it cautiously.
• Topical application on skin, might cause damage to the skin, similar to a burn.

Crinum latifolium is grown as ornamental plant due to its flowers and beautiful appearance. This plant is used for medicinal purpose across many countries. In Asia there are about seventeen species of Crinum. It is distrusted in tropical areas and found in Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia. Malaysia, Tropical Asia, Africa, Vietnam, China and India. In Northern region of India, it is known as Sudarshan or Sukhdarshan. This plant flowers and fruiting occurs in months of June to August.

By Dinesh Valke from Thane, India[CC BY-SA 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

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Botanical name:Crinum latifolium L. SYNONYM- C. defixum;C. asiaticum;C. bracteatum;C. toxicarium

Family:Amaryllidaceae

Vernacular names

Sanskrit:Madhuparnika, Vrishakarni Bengali:Sukhdarshan Tamil:Vishamungil Trade name:Wide-leaved crinum. Siddha:Vishamoongil

English:Poison bulb.

Plant description

A stout herb of 40-60cm in height, with bulb-form trunk (like big onion) of diameter 10cm or more;leaves around root and have linear form of 60-90cm in length, 5-

11cm in width, with parallel veins and slightly waved margins;leaf blade wide;Bundle of flowers rise from one main pedicle and form a halo of 30-60cm in length;white fragrant 10-20-flowered umbels;flower has form of funnel, with 6 stamen and 1 stigma.

Chemical composition of Plant

Various parts of plant contains following:

Glucans, organic acids, saponin, aminoacids, alkaloids.

Glucans:glucan A and B.

Aminoacids:phenylalanine, L-leucin, DL-valin, L-arginin monohydrochloride.

Alkaloids:latisolin, latisodin, Ambellin, 11-0-acetylambellin, 11-0 acetyl 1, 2-ß epoxyambellin, crinafolin, crinafolidin, lycorin, epilycorin, epipancrassidin, 9-0-demethylhomolycorin, lycorin-1, 0-glucosid, pratorin (hippadin), pratorinin, pratorimin, pratosin, beladin, latindin, latifin

Traditional Medicinal uses

Sudarshan(Crinum latifolium) is a medicinal herb that is used from time immemorial. The leaves of plant are non-toxic and has anti-inflammatory (swelling reducing), analgesic (pain relieving), antitumor, immune stimulating, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal effects, uterine fibroids, detoxification and tissue regeneration activities. The bulb is said to be poisonous.

For medicinal purpose the bulb and leaves are used.

• The paste of leaves or bulb are applied externally for medicinal purpose.
• The leaf juice is used in earache. The leaves are heated and then ground to extract juice. Four drops of this juice is used as ear drop.
• For swelling, pain, sprain, inflammation of joints and inflamed toes, fingers the heated leaves are tied at affected body part.
• Roasted bulbs are applied for discharge of pus.
• Crushed and roasted bulbs are used as rubefacient in rheumatism.
• In Ayurvedic medicine the plant extract is used in the treatment of allergic conditions. It proved effective probably due to the presence of glucan A and phophatidyllycorine.
• The leaves juice is applied topically on skin diseases and on piles to reduce pain and swelling.
• Poultice of heated, pounded, fresh bulb is used to relieve pain in bones and rheumatism.

Saffron is obtained from dried style and stigma of reddish-orange flowers of a plant. Kesar or Saffron is the most expensive spice of world as stigmas of about 60, 000 hand collected flowers provide only half- kilograms of it. Saffron is used as coloring and flavoring ingredient in the preparation of various dishes. It is also used as traditional medicine for many diseases and in cosmetics. Saffron has a distinct aromatic odour and a bitter, pungent taste. Medicinally it is stimulant (stimulates levels of physiological or nervous activity), aphrodisiac, improves digestion and appetite. It increases blood flow in pelvic region on oral intake. Its over-doses is a narcotic poison. Saffron is always used in small doses. It is a popular remedy for promoting menstruation.

By Safa Daneshvar (Own work)[CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

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Scientific classification

• Kingdom:Plantae
• Division:Magnoliophyta
• Class:Liliopsida
• Order:Asparagales
• Family:Iridaceae
• Genus:Crocus
• Species:C. sativus

Vernacular Names

SANSKRIT:Bhavarakta, Saurab, Mangalya, Kumkum ENGLISH:Saffron, Crocus PERSIAN:Zafrahn;Zipharana;GUJARATI:Keshar, Kesar KANNADA:Kunkuma, Kesari, MALAYALAM:Kunkuma Puvu MARATHI:Keshar PUNJABI:Kesar, Keshar TAMIL:Kungumapuvu TELUGU:Kunkuma Puvvu URDU:Zafran

Parts Used:Dried stigmas and tops of the styles of Crocus sativus flowers.

Habitat:Saffron is Cultivated in Kashmir, Kishtwar (Jammu) and in Nepal. Commercially, it is grown in Spain, France, Italy, Greece, Turkey, and China.

Energetics:Pungent, bitter, Hot in potency

Plant description

Perennial tuber plant;Leaves radical,  linear,  dark green above,  pale green below,  enclosed in a membranous sheath;large Apurple or lilac colored flowers;Corolla in two segments, between which the long styles hang out;Stigmas three, large, nearly an inch long, rolled at the edges, bright orange bitter and warming taste.

Constituents of Saffron

Saffron contains three crystalline colouring matters ?-crocetin, ?-crocetin and ?-crocetin. It also contains essential oil a number of carotenoid pigments. The essential oil obtained from stigmas contains thirty-four or more components, viz. terpenes, terpene alcohols, and esters.

Medicinal Uses of Saffron

Saffron is used as condiment and colouring ingredient in several dishes. It is also used as a medicinal herb in fevers, enlargement of the liver, cough and asthma, anaemia, seminal debility rheumatism and neuralgia. Saffron is nervine tonic, sedative, antispasmodic expectorant, stomachic, diaphoretic and emmenagogue. In low doses Saffron stimulates gastric secretion and thus improves digestion. In large dose it increases flow of blood in pelvic region, stimulate uterine smooth muscles and can cause abortion.

1. Saffron oral use gives relief in respiratory ailments. In cough and cold a pinch of Saffron is taken with a glass of milk.
2. In painful urination and other urinary disorder the decoction of Saffron or infused tea should be taken.
3. In irritation in eyes, crushed saffron should be mixed with honey and this should be applied in eyes.
4. In looseness of bowels saffron is given children with ghee. It can also be given with half a teaspoon of lemon juice.
5. For pneumonia in kids, few threads of saffron are added to 10-15 ml juice of bitter gourd leaves and given twice a day.
6. Saffron is added to meals for regulating the menstrual cycle. It also gives relief in painful menstruation, PMS (premenstrual syndrome) and promotes fertility.
7. For sexual weakness, about 250 mg of saffron is taken with milk twice a day for one week.
8. Saffron improves digestion and appetite.
9. To get relief from dry cough one should drink one hot glass of milk added with turmeric, and few strands of saffron.
10. Saffron in paste form is applied topically for head-ache.
11. Its external application is also useful in sores, bruises and skin diseases. It is applied on face for improving complexion and treating hyper-pigmented spots.
12. It is also used for patchy loss of hair. For this purpose a paste of liquorice (mulethi) made by grinding the pieces in milk with a pinch of saffron is applied over the bald patches in the night before going to bed.
13. A famous Ayurvedic preparation containing Kesar or saffron is kumkumadi tailam. This medicated saffron/kumkum oil is applied on pimples marks, dark spots, dark circles, wrinkles etc.

The recommended doses of Saffron below one gram. Toxic dose is 1.5g–5 g.

Contraindications, Interactions, and Side Effects (Saffron)

Saffron use in large dose is contraindicated in pregnancy. It may cause contraction of uterus and abortion. Severe side effects may result from ingesting 5 g saffron. No side-effect when used in proper doses.

Mesua is a beautiful evergreen large medicinal tree that is used in Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani system of medicine for treatment of variety of diseases. It is grown as ornamental tree in parks and on roadsides. It is known as Nagakesara (Ayurveda), Sirunagappo (Siddha) and Naarmushk (Unani). Mesua is found in tropical regions of Cambodia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam and India. This tree is also known as Iron wood tree because of its heavy and very hard wood which is used for making heavy constructions, flooring and furniture. Mesua seed kernels contain reddish or dark brown oil. This oil tastes bitter and is not suitable for cooking. The stamens of flower are known as kesar. For medicinal purpose mainly the flowers and stamens are used.

General Information

• Latin name- Mesua ferrea Linn. Synonym- M. nagassarium (Burm. f.) Kosterm.
• Family- Clusiaceae
• Vernacular Names
• SANSKRIT:Kesara, Nagapushpa, Naga, Hema, Gajakesara
• ASSAMESE:Negeshvar, Nahar
• BENGALI:Nageshvara, Nagesar
• ENGLISH:Cobras Saffron, Ceylon ironwod, Indian rose chestnut, Iron wood tree
• GUJRATI:Nagkesara, Sachunagkeshara, Nagchampa, Pilunagkesar, Tamranagkesar
• HINDI:Nagkesara, Pila Nagkesara, Nageswar
• KANNADA:Nagsampige, Nagakesari
• MALAYALAM:Nangaa, Nauga, Peri, Veluthapala, Nagppu, Nagappovu
• MARATHI:Nagkesara
• ORIYA:Nageswar
• PUNJABI:Nageswar
• TAMIL:Naugu, Naugaliral, Nagachampakam, Sirunagappu
• TELUGU:Nagachampakamu
• URDU:Narmushk, Nagkesar
• PHILIPPINES:kaliuas
• MALAYSIA:lengapus, penaga, penaga lilin

Medicinal parts:Bark, Leaf, Flower, Stamen

Mesua Tree description

Medium to large evergreen tree with short trunk;dark-red heartwood;Leaves are coriaceous and lanceolate;upper side shining and lower covered wits;a white waxy powder;Flowers fragrant white, large and solitary or in clusters;fruits ovoid with persistent calyx;Seeds 1-4, shining, dark brown with oily and fleshy cotyledons;Mesua flowers in February-April and fruiting occurs in September-October.

Distribution in India

Nagkesar is found in the mountains of Eastern Himalayas, East Bengal, Assam, Eastern and Western Ghats.

Ayurvedic Properties of Mesua ferrea (Nagkesar) Stamen

• Mesua ferrea (Nagkesar) is used in Ayurveda for time immemorial. The dried stamens are used in bleeding disorders, gout and diseases of urinary bladder. The dried stamens are referred as Kesar.
• Rasa (Taste):Tikta/Bitter, Katu (pungent) kashaya/Astringent
• Guna (Characteristics):Laghu/Light, Ruksha/Dry
• Virya (Potency):Ushna/Hot
• Vipaka (Post Digestive Effects):Katu/Pungent
• Constituents of Stamen- Essential oil and Oleo-resin.
• Ayurvedic medicines containing Mesua/Nagkesara:Brahma Rasayana, Chyanprash, Chandanbalakshadi Taila, Kumariasava, Nagkesaradi churna
• The dosage of Mesua ferrea (Nagkesar) Stamen/Kesar:1-3 g. of the drug in powder form.

Medicinal uses of Nagkesar

Various parts of Mesua tree are used for treating variety of ailments. Its flowers has astringent/constricts tissues, anti-inflammatory and digestion improving properties. The flowers are beneficial in cough, bleeding piles and in abnormal bleeding from the womb. The oil obtained from flower's stamen has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. The flower buds are antidysenteric and used to treat the same.

Every medicinal plant exhibits different therapeutic value due to presence of different phytochemicals. In Mesua tree, various parts of tree show haemostatic property which means it acts as agent to arrest bleeding. Due to this property it is used in treatment of bleeding piles and abnormal bleeding from uterus.

In Bihar, for cleaning uterus after delivery, Nagkesar powder is mixed with Methi seeds, Vijaysar seeds and tejpatta. This is given two times a day with rice water or cow's milk for five days. Tribal of Tripura, take a spoonful of its flower paste mixed with honey twice daily in bleeding piles till the piles is cured.

Nagkesar shows abortifacient activity and must not be used in pregnancy.

Bleeding piles

The dried flowers are ground to make very fine powder. This is given in dose of 1/4 teaspoon with one cup hot water.

Topical application in bleeding piles, burning of the feet

The dried flower powder is mixed with ghee and applied at affected body part.

Cold

In cold the leaves are heated and applied on chest area.

In severe cold, the leaves poultice is applied on head.

Gastric troubles

Ripe and unripe fruits are given for gastric troubles.

Scabies, wounds, skin diseases

The oil obtained from seeds are used externally on affected areas.

Rheumatism

The seed oil is applied on affected joints.

Other Uses of Mesua

Mesua tree is a non-toxic plant. Its ripe fruits, flowers and leaves are edible. In Thailand, the flowers are eaten.

Mesua heartwood is very strong and used for constructing columns, beams, flooring and furniture. The seeds are edible and can be used as feed for poultry and animals. The seeds are good source of energy and protein. The flowers are used for stuffing pillows, dyeing purpose and in many cosmetic products.

Chenopodium album is known by many common names such as White goosefoot, pigweed, lambsquaters and Bathua (Hindi), Chandan betu (Bengali), Parupukkirai (Tamil), Pappukura (Telugu) and Katu ayamoddakam (Malyalam). This leafy vegetable is actually a weed that grows in waste places and with other cultivated crops. It occurs throughout the tropical regions of world. Human are consuming its leaves and seeds for time immemorial. In several countries this plant is cultivated for its seeds. There are many medicinal uses of goosefoot and used as home remedies.

In India the leaves are consumed as leafy vegetable and cooked like any other Saag, curd bathua raita and Bathua paratha. The leaves are boiled and eaten. The raita and Paratha of Bathua leaves are also tasty preparation. The dried leaves of goosefoot are ground to make powder that can be added to regular flour. In one cup regular flour you can add one-fourth goosefoot powder. Bathua seeds are edible. They are very nutritious and contain whole set of essential amino acids.

Scientific classification

KINGDOM - Plantae – plantes, Planta, Vegetal, plants DIVISION- Tracheophyta – vascular plants Infradivision- Angiosperm – flowering plants, angiospermsCLASS- Magnoliopsida ORDER- Caryophyllales FAMILY- Amaranthaceae – pigweed, amaranthes GENUS- Chenopodium L. – goosefoot SPECIES - Chenopodium album L. – common lambsquarters, lambsquarters goosefoot, white goosefoot, lambsquarters

Bathua or Goosefoot Seeds

Bathua seeds are ground to make flour that is used to prepare bread. The seeds are also cooked as rice and can be eaten with Dal. Nutritionally Bathua seeds are superior to wheat, rice, corn, millet and Buckwheat. The seeds are also prepared as soup, porridge, cakes, fermented beverage (known as Soora in Shimla), alcoholic drink (Ghanti) etc. The seeds are given to animals and poultry as supplements.

Seeds are also used medicinally for improving appetite, or treating parasitic infestation, as aphrodisiac, laxative and for improving general health.

Nutritional Value of leaves & Seeds

In per hundred grams of edible Bathua leaves there is about:Water 84 grams, energy 44 kcal, carbohydrate 7g, fat 0.8 g, protein 4.3 g, fibre 2.1 g, iron 4g, Calcium 280 mg, Phosphorous 81 mg, Vitamin A 11, 300 IU, thiamine 0.15 mg, Riboflavin 0.4 mg, niacin 1.3 mg and Vitamin C 90 mg.

In per hundred grams seeds of cultivated variety there is about:Energy 400 kcal, Protein 16 g, fat 7 g, carbohydrate 66 g.

Health Benefits of Bathua or Goosefoot

Goosefoot or Bathua leaves and seeds are very nutritious. They are non-toxic and consumed all across the world for centuries. Like any other leafy vegetable they offer innumerable health benefits.

10 important health benefits are given below.

1. Bathua leaves are very good source of high quality protein, nutrients, antioxidants and vitamins, particularly vitamin c and vitamin A. Its vitamin A content is comparable to carrots. About 2 cups of leaves provides 14, 000-16, 000 units of vitamin A (daily requirement is about 5000 units) and 60-130 mg of vitamin C (daily requirement is 70mg)
2. The leaves are rich in fibre and have laxative properties which cures constipation. Due to this property Bathua is also useful in piles.
3. Bathua seeds are rich in amino acids. Amino acids are the basic building blocks of the body and performs several important function in body.
4. Bathua leaves are good source of potassium, iron, calcium, and zinc.
5. Bathua is good for heart. It is considered heart tonic.
6. Bathua leaves are good for liver, spleen and gall bladder. You may drink 10 ml juice of leaves for keeping digestive system healthy.
7. The juice of Bathua leaves purifies blood.
8. Bathua improves haemoglobin level.
9. Bathua leaves juice is a traditional medicine for intestinal parasites. For this purpose 10-15 ml juice of leaves is added with pinch of rock salt and is taken three times a day after meals.
10. Bathua improves appetite. You may use leaves as Salad with tomato, lemon juice and pinch of salt.

Side-effects, interactions and Precautions

Bathua leaves contain significant amount of oxalic acids. Oxalates are in highest in leaves followed by flowers and stem. Oxalic acid has tendency to bind with calcium and this reduces availability of calcium.

1. The seeds of plant are abortifacient. They can cause abortion. So do not eat in pregnancy.
2. The plant has anti-fertility effect.

Dronapushpi is Sanskrit name of plant Leucas cephalotes. It is a medicinal herb that grows as a weed in India and many South East Asian countries. The folk use of this herb is for treating scorpion stings, snake bite, cough, fever etc. The whole plant has fever educing and insecticidal properties. The leaves are applied externally on snake bites and scorpion stings. To know more about this medicinal herb, read on.

"Leucas aspera at Gandipet, Hyderabad, AP W2 IMG 9054"by J.M.Garg - Own work. Licensed under GFDL via Wikimedia Commons -

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Taxonomical classification of Leucas cephalotes/Dronapusphi

• Kingdom:Plantae, Plant
• Subkingdom:Tracheobionta, Vascular plant
• Super division:Spermatophyta, Seed plant
• Division:Angiosperma
• Class:Dicotyledonae
• Sub-class:Gamopetalae
• Series:Bicarpellatae
• Order:Tubiflorae
• Family:Labiatae
• Genus:Leucas
• Species:Leucas cephalotes

Related species that is known as Dronapushpi:Leucas aspera

Vernacular names of Leucas cephalotes/Dronapusphi

• Sanskrit:Dronapushpi, Chitrapathrika, Chitrakshup
• Hindi:Goma madhupati
• Punjabi:Guldor
• Bengali:Darunaphula, Hulkasha
• Gujarati:KulnnphulSindhi:Kubo
• Maharashtra:Bahuphul
• Marathi:Tumba
• Telugu:Thummichittu
• Tamil:Thumbai

Common Indian names:Goma, Thummichittu, Paada-malar, Thumbai, Thumbe (Trade name)

Part used:leaves, flowers

Plant description

annual, branched, erect plant reaches up to a height of 15-60 cm;Leaves sub-sessile, linear, obtuse, pubescent up to 8.0 cm long and 1.25 cm broad, with entire or crenate margin;petiole 2.5-6 mm long;Flowers white, sessile small, in dense terminal or axillary whorls;bracts 6 mm long, linear, acute, bristle-tipped, ciliate with long slender hairs;

Distribution of Dronapushpi/Goma/Thumbai

Leucas cephalotes/Dronapusphi is found throughout India and in the plains of Bangladesh, South East Asian countries, Mauritius, java and Philippines.

Constituents of whole plant

The whole plant contains Alkaloid, Glycoside, ? -Sitosterol and Flavonoid.

Dosage:Whole plant freh juice —5 -10 ml juice;1–3g powder for decoction.

Traditional medicinal uses

Dronapushpi is a weed that grows on wastelands. Medicinally, it has antimicrobial, insecticidal, fever reducing, larvicidal and inflammation reducing properties. It is useful in skin diseases. In malarial fever, the leaves juice is given. In some part of country, the decoction of whole plant is used for curing fever. The juice removes toxins from body. The leaves juice is applied externally for skin diseases and swelling. In cod and cough, the leaves juice is recommended.

Scorpion sting

In scorpion sting the plant is used internally as well externally. The leaves juice (few drops) is mixed with honey and taken orally.

Topically, the leaves juice is applied on place of sting.

Snake bite

The folk remedy is to put few drops of whole plant in nostrils.

Skin diseases, removing blood toxins

Skin diseases mainly occur due to toxins in blood. Dronapushpi plant has ability to flush the toxins from body.

In skin diseases, whole plant of Dronapushpi is used. The plant is dried. Five grams of dried powder is taken with three grams Neem/Margosa leaves in 2 glass water. This is boiled till volume reduce to one fourth. Then it filtered and taken two times a day.

Abnormally heavy bleeding at menstruation

The leaves of plant are taken a handful. These are washed and then ground to make fine paste. This paste is mixed with lemon juice and sesame oil/til oil (edible). The preparation is eaten empty stomach every morning for a week.

Asthma, cold, cough

The leaves juice of plant is taken in dose of 1-3 teaspoons.

Excessive thirst

The flowers (2 tablespoon) are boiled in water (150 ml) till volume reduces to half. This is filtered and taken thrice a day.

Cough, leucorrhoea

The leaves of plant are cooked and eaten with rice.

Skin diseases (itching, patchy skin, psoriasis, scabies etc.)

The paste of leaves is applied externally at the affected body areas.

Cough, congestion, blockage of nose, headache due to cough, Sinusitis, Migraine, Phlegm

The juice of leaves is put in nostrils as drops. For this purpose, the leaves juice is extracted and mixed with two times water. Then the diluted juice is put in nostrils (4 dops) for 3-4 days.

The flowers are heated in til/sesame oil and applied on head.

Fever (acute, chronic), Allergy

The decoction of plant (2-3 grams in boiled in two glass water till water reduces to one fourth) is used

This medicinal herb should be used in recommended doses only. It is hot in potency and heats up body. Avoid its use in excess. The leaves juice can be diluted for putting in nose of oral use.

Thuthuvalai or Climbing Brinjal is a medicinal plant commonly available in Southern India. This plant belong to family Solanaceae. Solanaceae is Potato or Nightshade family and some important members of this family are Eggplant, Tomato, Capsicum, Datura, Tobacco, Brihati, Kantakari etc. Scientific name of clmbing brinjal is Solanum trilobatum and it is used traditionally for curing numerous diseases such as asthma, cough, and tuberculosis. For medicinal purpose whole plant is used.

"Solanum trilobatum flowers" by AntanO - Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

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General Information

Latin name: Solanum trilobatum Linn.

Family: Solanaceae

Vernacular names

SANSKRIT : Alarka, Vallikantakaarika, Kantakaari-lata

ENGLISH : Climbing Brinjal

HINDI : Kantakaari-lataa

MALAYALAM : Padarchunda, Parachunda, Tootuvila

MARATHI : mothiringnee, thoodalam.

TAMIL : Tuduvalai, Nittidam, Sandunayattan, Surai, Thuthuvalai

TELUGU : Alarkapatramu, kondavuchinta, mullamustil

KANNADA : Kakamunji, Ambusondeballi.

ORIYA : Bryhoti

Plant description

Perennial bright green prickly diffuse plant, reaches up to 2–3 m height; Leaves deltoid or triangular, irregularly lobed; Flowers purplish-blue, in cymes; Fruits or berries globose, red.

Distribution: Throughout India, growing wild, open areas, waste lands.

Folk Medicinal Uses

Climbing brinjal is a thorny creeper commonly found in in Deccan Peninsula. It’s some common names are Alarka (Sanskrit), Tutuvalam (Malayalam), Alarkapatramu (Telugu) and Tuduvalai (Tamil). Various parts of plant such as roots, berries and flowers are used for treating respiratory ailments. The decoction of berries and flowers is folk remedy for cough and chronic bronchitis. The leaves are given to increase fertility in males by treating watery semen and spermatorrhoea. In Siddha, medicated ghee of leaves is medicine for tuberculosis and lung congestion. The leaves and fruits of plant contains many phytochemicals such as steroidal alkaloid and solasodine etc. due to which plant exhibits antimitotic, anti-tumour, antibacterial and antifungal activities.

Improving strength

The unripe fruits are prepared as curry or roasted in sesame oil and taken orally along with food.

Itching, cough

The leaf juice is taken orally to treat cough and itching.

Cough

For cough, whole plant of Solanum trilobatum is used. Fresh plant is washed and ground to form a paste. This paste is taken orally in dose of 1 teaspoon with one cup hot milk.

Excessive cough, tuberculosis, congestion of lungs

Take about 1/8 cup leaves and one cup Gau-ghrita/cow's ghee. Boil the leaves in ghee till all water evaporates and only ghee remains. This is medicated ghee of Solanum trilobatum leaves. This ghee should be taken every day.

Hearing problems

• The leaves juice is put in ears as ear drop.
• Spermatorrhoea, Physical weakness
• Spermatorrhoea means abnormally frequent and involuntary non orgasmic emission of semen.
• This home remedy requires decoction of flowers of Solanum trilobatum. Few flowers are boiled in 2 glasses of water till the volume is reduced to 1 glass. This filtered and taken.

Spermatorrhoca, watery semen

The flowers of Solanum trilobatum (2 teaspoon) are fried in ghee and taken with yoghurt.

Bhallaataka or Bhallata is Ayurvedic name of medicinal tree Semecarpus anacardium. In India, it is found in Punjab, Assam, Khasi Hills,Madhya Pradesh and Peninsular India. It is a moderate-sized deciduous tree that grow in dry or moist deciduous forests. This tree is beneficial in treating rheumatoid arthritis, skin diseases, tumours and malignant growths. The other conditions in which it is useful is asthma, neuralgia, sciatica, gout, hemiplegia, and epilepsy.

By H. Zell (Own work) GFDL or CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

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The kernel oil is used externally on gout, leucoderma, psoriasis and leprosy. Detoxified nut are used for medicinal purpose. The fruits from which nuts are obtained are collected when they resembles ripened Jamun fruits (Syzygium cumini). The fruit pericarp is used as substitute for marking ink, hence this tree is also known as Marking Nut.

General Information

• LATIN NAME: Semecarpus anacardium SYNONYMS: Anacardium orientale
• FAMILY: Anacardiaceae
• Vernacular names
• ENGLISH: Marking nut, Oriental cashee
• COMMON INDIAN NAMES: Bibbaa, Bhallaataka, Bhela, Bhilawa
• ANDHRA PRADESH: Nalla jeedi
• SANSKRIT: Bhallataka, Aruskara, Agnika, Agnimukha, Anala, Vatari, Mahatiksna, Sphotabijaka,
• UNANI: Baladur, Bhilayan, Bhilaavan
• SIDDHA/TAMIL: Shenkottei, Erimugi
• ASSAMESE : Bhelaguti
• BENGALI : Bhela
• GUJRATI : Bhilam
• HINDI : Bhilawa
• KANNADA : Bhallataka
• MALAYALAM : Chera
• MARATHI : Bibba
• ORIYA : Bhollataki, Bholai
• PUNJABI : Bhilawa
• TAMIL : Tatamkottai, Scramkotati
• TELUGU : Nallajidi, Nallajidiginga
• URDU : Baladur, Bhilavan

Parts used: Seeds, gum and oil

CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF NUTS

Anacardic acid, cardol, catechol, anacardol and fixed oit, sernicarpoi, bhilawanol

Ayurvedic Properties and Action on body

Rasa (Taste): Kashaya/Astringent, Madhura/Sweet

Guna (Characteristics): Laghu/Light, Snigdha/Unctuous, Tikshna/Sharp

Virya (Potency): Ushna/Hot

Vipaka (Post Digestive Effect): Madhura/Sweet

Ayurvedic medicines containing Semecarpus anacardium as igredient: Sanjivani vati, Bhallatakadi Modaka

Dosage:

Detoxified fruit—1-2 g in milk confection.

Ayurvedic medicinal uses

Bhallataka is used in Ayurveda for centuries. It reduces vata/wind, kapha/mucous but increases pitta. It has varied uses in Ayurveda and useful in skin diseases, fever, piles, loose motions, epilepsy, neuralgia and ulcers. Pericarp oil promotes the flow of bile into the intestine. Seeds oil is used externally on rheumatism.

Bhallataka seeds are toxic. So in Ayurveda, they are used only after proper detoxification. For this purpose, the fruits (after removing the attachment of the thalamus) are soaked in go-mutra/cow's urine for seven days and thereafter in go-dugdha/cow's milk for 7 days. The seeds are then put into a bag containing coarse brick powder with which they are rubbed carefully to reduce the oil content. Then the fruits are washed with water and dried in air.

Side-effects & warning

• Bhallataka is used in Ayurveda after proper purification. The nuts should not be used as home-remedy.
• The seeds are hot in potency that gives heating effect to body. Therefore it should not be used in hot weather.
• It should not be used by kids and pregnant women.
• The nuts has anti-fertility effect.
• People with excess bile should not use it.

Khus grass is known by many names such as Khas Khas, Khus, Vetiver and Usheer/Usira (Ayurveda). In India, this grass is found throughout the plains, lower hills and on the riverbanks and in rich marshy soil. It 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. Khus grass has variety of uses from household to therapeutic. In some parts of India, the roots are used make curtains or screens. During summer season, these curtains were hanged on doors, windows and drenched with water to get cool air. The dried stem of grass is used to make brooms. The dried plant is also used to make roofs of Kutcha houses. Khas essence is added for flavouring syrups, sherbets and summer drinks.

General Information

Mainly the roots are used for medicinal purposes. These roots are aromatic and has sedative effect on nervous system. The roots are used to treat intestinal parasites, fever, skin diseases and poisonous stings. Vetiver oil is obtained from roots of plant. It is used for flavouring Khus Sharbat and in making of cosmetics, perfumes, soaps etc.

Scientific name: Vetiveria zizanioides(Linn.) Nash Synonyms- Anatherum zizanioides (L.) Hitchc. & Chase, Andropogon muricatus Retz., Andropogonodoratus Steud., Andropogon squarrosus auct., Andropogon zizanioides (L.) Urb., Phalaris zizanioides L.

Family: Poaceae

Vernacular name

Hindi, Bengali: Khas, Khas-Khas, Khus-Khus, Khus

Gujarati: Valo

Marathi: Vala

Telugu: Kuruveeru, Vettiveellu, Vettiveerum

Kannada: Vattiveeru, Laamancha, Kaddu, Karidappasajje Hullu

Malyalam: Ramaccham, Vettiveru, Lamajja, Ramacham

Oriya: Ushira, Benachera

Punjabi : Panni, Khas

Tamil : Vetiver, Vilamichaver

Telugu : Vetivelu, Vettiveru

Urdu : Khas

Ayurvedic name: Ushira, Reshira, Sugandhimula

Habitat: river banks and in rich marshy soil.

Distribution: India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh; from Southwest Asia to tropical Africa.

Dose of roots as per Ayurvedic Pharmacopeia of India: 3-6 g. of the drug in powder form for infusion.

Ayurvedic Formulations containing Vetiver: Balarishtha, Arvindasava, Puga Khand, Sarivadyasava, Ushirasava, Yograj Guggulu etc.

Plant description

Dense perennial grass up to 2 m tall; Roots- fibrous aromatic rhizomes adventitious, Clusters of wiry roots up to 2 mm in diameter, minute, longitudinally grooved; colour varies from cream, grey or light yellow to brown; fracture, short and splintery; odour, strong aromatic; taste, slightly bitter.; leaves- narrow, erect, keeled with scabrid margins; inflorescence is a panicle, up to 15-45 cm long of numerous slender racemes in whorls on a central axis; spikelets are grey to purplish, 4-6 mm long, in pairs, one sessile the other pedicelled; 2-flowered; the lower floret is reduced to a lemma, upper bisexual in sessile, male in the pedicelled spikelet; glumes are armed with stout, tubercle-based spines, lemmas awnless, palea minute.Plant grows well in rich and well-drained sandy loamy soil.

Important Pharmalogical activities

Some important medicinal properties that should be known before using Vetiver are listed below:-

• Abortifacient or causes abortion/miscarriage
• Reduces fever, expels gas
• Increases flow of blood in pelvic region, increases menstrual flow
• Stimulates urine production and bresks stone
• Tonic

Medicinal Uses Of Khus/Vetiver

Vetiver of Khus grass roots have cooling, blood purifying, digestive, carminative, stomachic, constipating, haematinic, expectorant, ant-ispasmodic, anti-asthmatic, anti-gout, anthelmentic, anti-microbial and diuretic properties. Some of the traditional medicinal of vetiver plant are lited below:-

Khus grass roots are ground to make paste. This paste is applied externally on poisonous stings (like scorpion sting), snakebite, and burn injuries. The topical application of paste is also useful in sprain, joint pain, gout, headaches.

1. The root decoction has tonic properties and used to cure weakness. In high fever root decoction is given to reduce fever due to cooling nature of roots.
2. The decoction of stem is given in urinary tract infections.
3. The leaves juice gives relief in parasitic infestation on oral intake.
4. The root tea is useful remedy for tequila hangover.
5. In early stage of cataract, a medicated ghee, prepared from roots of Khas/vetiver is given twice a day in dose of 12-24 grams with turmeric.

Contraindications, Interactions, and Side Effects of Vetiver/ Khus grass

Vetiver has abortifacient, emmenagogue, and uterotonic (induce contraction or greater tonicity of the uterus; Uterotonics are used both to induce labor, and to reduce postpartum haemorrhage) properties. So its use is contraindicated in pregnancy. It is not suitable for babies and children under twelve years.

Patalgaruni, Broom Creeper, Jal jamani are few common names of medicinal herb Cocculus hirsutus. This medicinal plant is used from time immemorial for treatment of various diseases across India, Africa and China. In various parts of India, tribal and rural population still use this herb for treatment of gynaecological problems, weakness and bleeding disorders. In Rajasthan cooked leaves are eaten to treat night blindness. For spermatogenesis, the leaves are soaked in water to prepare jelly which is eaten. In Kenya, the infusion of leaves is given to treat stomach ache. In Tanzania, the leaves decoction is indicated in female infertility.

Cocculus hirsutus is perennial, twinning shrub that belongs to family Menispermaceae, the plant family to which some very important medicinal plant such as Kakamari/ Kakkaikkollividai, Giloy/Guduchi, Pitasara/ Manjalkodi etc. belong. In India, this plant is found throughout tropical and sub-tropical parts. For medicinal purpose whole plant is used. The plant root causes sweat, loosen stools and increase bowel movements and restores normal health. The leaves juice is given to treat leucorrhoea, gonorrhoea, tiredness, fever and diseases that are caused due to excess heat inside body.

Taxonomic Classification

KINGDOM:Plantae

SUBKINGDOM:Tracheobionata

DIVISION:Magnoliophyta

SUBDIVISION:Spermatophyta

CLASS:Magnoliopsida

SUBCLASS:Magnolidae

ORDER:Ranunculales

FAMILY:Menispermaceae

GENUS:Cocculus

SPECIES:Cocculus hirsutus

Vernacular names

SANSKRIT:Patalgarudi, Dirghakanda, Dirghavalli, Dridhakanda, Garudi, Mahamula, Sauparni, Somavalli, Tiktanga, Vasandi, Vatsadani ENGLISH:Broom-Creeper, Ink-Berry, Monkey rope BENGALI:Huyer GUJARATI:Vevati HINDI:Jal-jamani, Jamti ki bel KANNADA:Soggadivalli, Dusari balli MARATHI:Vasan Vel ANDHRA Pradesh/Telugu:Dusara teega TAMIL:Kattukkodi GARHWAL:Pahari SIDDHA:Kattu kodi MARATHI:Parvel, Tana, Vasanvel Sind:Kursan, Zamir Urdu:Farid buti

Plant description

Perennial climber, reaches 2 to 3 m above ground;leaves 3 to 5 veined from the base, variable in shape;older leaves often distinctly 3 to 5 lobed, younger leaves oblong ovate;leaves have yellowish velvety hairs;Flowers unisexual in axillary clusters, sepals densely hairy;fruit ellipsoid, fleshy and purple blue on ripening.

Part used:Root, stem and leaf juice

Distribution:Throughout India in dry areas;also found in other countries of Indian subcontinent, Thailand, Myanmar, Southern China, Sudan, Ethiopia, Swaziland

Plant type:Climbing shrub

Medicinal uses

For medicinal purpose mainly the aqueous extract of leaves is used. The leaves contain high amount of mucilage consisting of polysaccharides and a gelatinous type of material which is not absorbed in the gastro intestinal tract and passes through the system undigested. When the leaves are soaked in water in fresh or dry form, they coagulates water to form jelly which has cooling effect on body. Due to this property, aqueous extract of leaves is indicated in treatment of diseases which are caused to excess body heat such as bleeding from nose, bleeding from uterus, leucorrhoea etc.

In Ayurveda, the plant is considered Tridoshashamak. The oral intake of plant kindles digestive fire, improves digestion and evacuation of bowels.

The plant roots have bitter and acrid taste. These have laxative, thermo genic, digestive, carminative (prevent and expel gas), aphrodisiac, expectorant tonic and fever reducing properties. The roots are indicated in deranged vata and kapha/mucous, skin diseases, indigestion, gas, colic, gout, spermatorrhoea, high blood pressure, weakness etc. The leaves are mucilaginous due to which water is required for their juice extraction. They have cooling effect on body and are useful in female disorders, general weakness, skin diseases etc.

Below is given few medicinal uses of medicinal plant Jal jamni/ Patalgarudi/Broom Creeper.

Tiredness, weakness

Eating raw fresh leaves gives relief in tiredness.

Leucorrhoea (Shwet Pradar), Menorrhagia and Metrorrhagia (Known as Rakta Pradara in Ayurveda), Urinary infections due to excess body heat

Leucorrhoea is gynaecological condition characterised by whitish or yellowish discharge of mucus from the vagina. Menorrhagia (meno:of menstruation + -rrhagia:excessive flow) is the term used for abnormally long and heavy flow of blood in monthly periods and Metrorrhagia (metro:womb + -rrhagia:excessive flow) is uterine bleeding at irregular intervals.

For treatment of these diseases take clean fresh leaves (5-10 gram) and ground them adding some water to extract juice. In this juice add Misri/sugar candy and black pepper powder. Add water to make it one cup and take two times a day. Take regularly for few days.

Treating Weakness, Using as a tonic

Take leaves (5-10 gram) and ground them to extract juice. Add some water and drink regularly for two weeks.

Increasing body weight gain, Improving body strength

Drinking leaves juice with water encourages weight gain and strength.

Burning urination, Shorter duration of menstruation, Irregularity of periods

Drinking juice of leaves is helpful in curing these diseases.

Spermatorrhoea

Prepare powder of dried leaves and branches. Take this powder in dose of 3 grams with misri.

Epistaxis or bleeding from nose (Nakseer)

Prepare powder of leaves and take in dose of 1-2 grams two times a day.

Eczema, Skin itching

The leaf juice is applied externally on affected body part.

Chronic wound, all types of wounds and boils

Apply fresh aqueous extract of leaves for quick healing.