Bala or Sida cordifolia is a valuable medicinal herb of Ayurveda. It is a useful herb to treat broad variety of ailments such as bronchial asthma, cold and flu, chills, lack of perspiration, head ache, nasal congestion, aching joints and bones, cough and wheezing, and fluid retention in body. Bala is used in formulation of medicated oil for treating joint pain, swelling and massaging. This medicinal plant is distributed throughout tropical and sub-tropical India and Sri Lanka. It is a perennial shrub with long branches. In Ayurveda, leaves, seeds and roots are used for medicinal purpose.

Other common Regional names: Bariar, Batyalaka, Beejband, Bijband, Brela,  Chikana, Chiribenda, Chitimutti, Hettuti-gida, Janglimethi,  Kharenti, Khareti, Kisangi, Kungyi, Mayir-manikham, Muttuva,
Paniyar-tutti, Simak, Tupkaria, Tutturabenda, Velluram

Bala has following scientifically proven activities 

• Analgesic
• Anti-Inflammatory
• Hypoglycemic
• Appetite Suppressant
• hepatoprotective activity

Bala has CNS Central Nervous System depressant effect. It has ability to increase pain tolerance. Bala also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.  It may decrease heart rate and blood pressure. 

Plant description

Small, erect, downy shrub;   leaves are heart shaped, serrate and truncate, 2.5-7 cm long and 2.5-5 cm broad, with 7-9 veins; flowers are small, yellow or white in colour, solitary and axillaries;  fruits greyish black in colour, with a pair of awns on each carpel, 6-8 mm in diameter;  Roots 5-15 cm long with few lateral roots of smaller size; tap roots are generally branched at the tip; outer surface of the root is off to grayish yellow; odourless with slightly bitte taste; plant flowers from August to December and fruiting from October to January
Part Used: seed, leaves, Roots

Medicinal uses

Seeds: seeds as considered as aphrodisiac.
Root: cooling, astringent, stomachic and tonic, aromatic, bitter, diuretic;   the root infusion is given in nervous and urinary diseases.  The infusion is also useful in blood and bile disorders. Root decoction is useful in fever treatment.  Various parts of the plant are used in formulation of Ayurvedic medicines and medicated oils for swelling and pain. The medicated oil prepared from Bala is effective in diseases of the nervous system, facial paralysis and sciatica.

Indian Sarsaparilla, Shvet Sariva or Anantmula is a perennial twining or prostrate shrub. It is found throughout India from upper Gangetic plains east-wards to Assam, throughout Central, Western and Southern India up to an elevation of 600 m. For medicinal purpose the root, root bark and plant juice is used.

Indian Sarsaparilla is bitter, blood purifier, astringent, depurative, carminative, tonic, anti-syphilitic, anti-leucorrhoeic, antiviral, antifungal, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-diarrhoeal, anti-rheumatic, febrifuge and alterative. This herb is useful in autoimmune disease, Rheumatoid arthritis, chronic skin disorders, leucoderma, gonorrhoea, asthma, bronchitis, bleeding piles, jaundice and dysentery.

Latin Name: Hemidesmus indicus, Periploca indica
Sanskrit Name: Shveta Sarivaa, Anantmula, Gopi, Gopaa, Gopakanyaa, Gopavalli
English Name: Indian Sarsaparilla
Common Name: Sariva, Sugandhi-pala, Gopasutaa, Krishodari, Sphotaa, Utpalsaarivaa, Kapuuri, Nannaari, Dugdhgarbhaa, Ushbaa Hindi, Suganthipala

This medicinal herb is useful in treatment of variety of diseases. Following is given the methods, using which Hemidesmus indicus can be used. These methods are simple home remedies either using herb alone or in combination with other herbs.

• Arthritis
  Take Sariva mula churna 3 grams with honey, three times a day.
• Abdominal pain
  Take 2 grams of Hemidesmus indicus root powder.
• Jaundice
  Bark (of root) powder of Hemidesmus indicus 2 grams with kali mirch (10) is grinded in water and taken 1-2 times a day.
• Low appetite, impaired digestion, Rakta pitta
  Take 2 grams of Sariva root powder with milk.
• Skin diseases, toxins in blood, eczema, itching
  Crush Sariva (30 grams) and cook in one liter water to prepare decoction/kwath. For decoction preparation cook at low flame till water reduces to 1/8. Filter and drink.
• Improving breast milk, purify breast milk of toxins
  For removing toxins and improving quality of milk from breasts, the root powder/churna of this herb is useful. This also improves milk quantity. Take 3 grams of root powder twice a day.
• Asthma, respiratory diseases, vata roga
  Mix Hemidesmus indicus root powder (4 grams) with Arusa leaves powder (4 grams). TAke this twice a day with milk.
• Dysuria, Mutrahrichha
  Take Sariva root powder 5 grams with milk, twice a day.
• Eye diseases
  Take the roots of Hemidesmus indicus, rub on stone. Apply the paste in eyes like Kajal.  Or you can apply the milky exude of plant mixed with honey.
• Hair growth, alopecia, hair fall
  Take 2 grams Hemidesmus indicus root powder, 2-3 times a day with water.
• Gum diseases, tooth problems
  Crush the leaves of plant and put under the teeth.

Indian Sarasaparilla is important medicinal herb of Ayurveda. It is climbing herb found throughout India and more commonly in Bengal and Assam. The other common Ayurvedic names of this herb are Anantamul and Shwet Sariva. For medicinal purpose the root, root-bark and juice of plant is used.

Scientific name: Hemidesmus Indicus (L.) R.Br. Synonym: Periploca indica L.

Family: Asclepiadaceae, Periplocaceae

Vernacular names

Sanskrit : Ananta, Gopasuta, Sariva, Assamese : Vaga Sariva, Bengali : Anantamul, Shvetashariva, English : Indian Sarasaparilla

Gujarati : Upalsari, Kabri, Hindi : Anantamul, Kannada : Namada veru, Bili Namadaberu, Anantamool, Sogadeberu, Namadaberu

Kashmiri : Anant mool, Malayalam : Nannari, Nannar, Naruneendi, Marathi : Upalsari, Anantamula

Oriya : Dralashvan Lai Anantamool, Punjabi : Anantmool, Ushbah, Tamil : Ven Nannar, Telugu : Sugandhi Pala, Tella Sugandhi, Urdu : Ushba

Hemidesmus Indicus has following properties

• Blood purifier
• Anti-syphilitic, anti-leucorrhoeic
• Galactogenic
• Anti-diarrhoeal, Anti-rheumatic
• Febrifuge and alterative.

Ayurvedic Properties and Action

Rasa: Tikta, Madhura, Guna: Guru, Snigdha

Virya: Sheeta, Vipaka: Madhura

Karma: Vishagna, Deepana, Pachana, Raktashodhaka, Shothahara, Jwaraghna

The plant Root

Roots occur in pieces, about 30 cm long and 3-8 mm in diameter; cylindrical, thick, hard, somewhat tortuous, sparsely branched; provided with few thick rootlets and secondary roots; external appearance dark brown, sometimes with violet grey tinge, centre yellow, woody, surrounded by a mealy white cortical layer, bark brownish, corky; odour, characteristic, taste, sweetish, slightly acrid and aromatic.The constituent of roots are Essential oil, saponin, resin, tannins, sterols and glucosides.

Uses of plant

The root and root-bark are useful in treatment of broad variety of diseases. Roots are prescribed in loss of appetite, impaired digestion, fever, skin diseases, ulceration, syphilis, rheumatism, gout, leucorrhoea and improving quality and quantity of breast milk.

Root-bark taken in form of hot infusion with milk is alterative and tonic. The root powder is prepared by pulverising air dried roots. This powder is easy to avail and useful in urinary diseases, kidney problem, digestive diseases and many other diseases. The roots are rubbed on stone to make paste. This paste can be applied in eyes, on ulcers, and swellings. Milky juice of plant can be dropped in eyes for eye diseases.

Tamarind is evergreen tree about 15-30m tall, native to tropical Africa; now distributed throughout the plains and sub-Himalayan tracts of India. Various parts of this tree are used for medicinal purpose viz. pulp of the fruit, seeds, leaves, flowers and bark.

The Pulp of fruit contains tartaric acid 5 percent, citric acid 4 percent, malic and acetic acids, tartaric of potassium 8 percent, invert sugar 25 to 40 percent, gum and pectin. It is used in Indian kitchen for preparing curries and chutnies. The pulp is also used to make drink that is useful in curing digestive diseases.

English name: Tamarind tree

Ayurvedic name: Amli, Amlikaa, Suktaa, Chukraa, Chukrikaa, Chinchaa, Chandikaa, Tintidika.

Unani: Tamar Hindi, Siddha/Tamil: Puli, Aanvilam, Properties and action of fruit pulp

Rasa: Madhura, Amla, Kashaya, Guna: Guru, Ruksha, Sara, Virya: Ushna

Vipaka: Amla, Karma: Bastishuuddhikara, Bhedi, Vi˦ambhi, Dipana, Hridya

Medicinal uses

The root bark of tree is used in treatment of, ulcers amenorrhoea, gingivitis and asthma.

Fruits has laxative effect and used to cure constipation. Ripen imli fruit is good for liver, intestine and stomach. In traditional practice the ripe fruit along with other ingredients is used in case of intoxication from datura or alcohol.

The pulp of tamarind fruit has cooling, laxative, digestive, antiscorbutic, carminative and anti-inflammatory properties. Fruit pulp is used in loss of appetite, bilious vomiting, fever,

Pulp of the ripe fruit and poultice of leaves are recommended as application to inflammatory swellings to relieve pain. A gargle of tamarind water is useful in healing sores and sore throat.

The Leaves juice is used for bleeding piles, bilious fever and dysuria. Stem bark has antipyretic and astringent activity. The Seed-kernel is stimulant and used as a supporting tonic in sexual debility.

Tamarind is a medicinal tree native to Eastern Africa and now cultivated in most tropical areas of world such as India, southeast Asia, Caribbean, Pacific islands, and Tropical America. The use of fruit pulp as condiment is very well known. It is added to chutney and curries where it gives a distinct taste. Along with that, its leaves, flowers and seeds are all edible and used in traditional medicine system in treatment of diseases.

Scientific name: Tamarindus indica Linn, Synonym _ T. occidentalis Gaertn, T. officinalis HK, Family: Caesalpiniaceae.

Vernacular names

Sanskrit : Amlika, Tintiika, Assamese : Tamar, Teteli, Bengali : Tetula, Tentul, Ambli, English : Tamarind Tree, Gujrati : Anvali

Hindi : Imli, Kannada : Hunisemale, Malayalam : Puli, Amlam, Marathi : Chinch, Oriya : Koina, Omlika

Punjabi : Imli, Amli, Tamil : Puli, Aanvilam, Telugu : Chint, Chinta, Urdu : Imli

This medicinal tree is useful in treatment of variety of diseases. Following is given the methods, using which various parts of Tamarind/Imli tree can be used. These methods are simple home remedies either using herb alone or in combination with other herbs.

• Vomiting, nausea in pregnancy
  Eat a small imli fruit.
• Loose motion, mucus in stools
  Take seeds of tamarind tree. Crush and fry the brownish part in pan till the colour changes to reddish. Make fine powder of these by grinding. Take pinch of this powder.
• Constipation
  Boil 10 gram pulp in one glass water and drink.
• Digestive problems, constipation, abdominal gas ,indigestion, parasitic worm
  Take tender tamarind tree leaves, wash thoroughly under running water. Grind by adding some water to prepare chutney like paste. Add salt and eat.
• Cough, cold
  Prepare decoction of tamarind tree flowers, by boiling handful of flowers in 300 ml water till volume reduces to 150 ml. Filter and drink 1/2 cup two times a day.
• Male sexual weakness, watery sperm
  Collect tamarind tree seeds. Clean them and fry till they turn red. Remove the outer brown seed coat to get white kernel. Grind white kernel to get fine powder. Take 1 teaspoon o this powder with misri every night, with a glass of milk for 6 weeks.

External Uses

• Bleeding piles, painful urination
  Grind leaves of tamarind tree in mortar and pestle to extract juice. Apply this juice on affected parts.
• Sore throat
  Prepare decoction of tamarind tree leaves by boiling handful of leaves in 300 ml water till volume reduces to 150 ml. Filter and gargle few times a day. Or mash the pulp in 1 glass of water and gargle with it.
• Mouth ulcers
  Use infusion of tamarind tree leaves for gargling purpose.
• Joint swelling, inflammation
  Make poultice of leaves and apply at affected areas.
• Sprain
  Make paste of tamarind tree leaves and warm it. Apply this lukewarm paste on sprain.
• Burn injuries
  Prepare powder of dried bark of tamarind tree. Mix with some coconut oil and apply at affected body area.
  

Wheat germ is embryo of the wheat grain/seed. It is full of vitamins and minerals and nourishes the germinating plant. It provides all essential nutrition to new growing plant. This itself explains the nutritional value of the germ. Since it constitutes only three percent of the kernel, therefore approximately twenty kg of wheat grains will provide 400 grams of wheat germ. Wheat germ is edible and offers countless health benefits.

Only two tablespoons of raw wheat germ will provide about 1.5 grams of unsaturated fat, 9 grams of carbohydrates, 4 grams of protein, 2 grams dietary fibre, 2 grams of sugars, no cholesterol and about 60 calories.  
Wheat germ also contains many essential nutrients which are required by our body to perform optimally. Regular intake of this super food protects body from diseases and promotes good health.

• Good source of B Complex vitamins
  Wheat germ is good source of B complex vitamins which includes folate, thiamine, and vitamin B6.
• Good source of Vitamin E
  Wheat germ is very rich in antioxidant vitamin E required by body for scavenging free radicals responsible for cell damage, ageing and many diseases. 
• Phytosterols
  Phytosterols are steroid compounds similar to cholesterol. These compound can lower unhealthy cholesterol and thus contributes to good cardiovascular health.
• Lowers cholesterol, LDL and triglycerides
  A study has shown daily intake of around 30 gms or 1/4 cup wheat germ for fourteen weeks helped to lower total cholesterol by 7.2 percent. It also lowered LDL by 15.4 percent and triglycerides by 11.3 percent.
• Good source of omega-3 fatty acids
  Wheat germ is excellent source of good source of omega-3 fatty acids required for healthy nervous system.
• Good source of Minerals
  Wheat germ is good source of mineral such as iron, zinc, magnesium, calcium, selenium, and manganese.

Wheat germ comes in form of a coarse powder. It can be eaten as a breakfast cereal or added to with other grains. It can be used to prepare various dishes such as pancakes, protein shakes, oatmeal, muffins etc. You can eat this with dairy products, nuts, and other grains.

Cuscuta is easily identifiable green-yellow coloured, leafless, parasitic twining stem which tangles on the host plant with it countless branches and draws its nutrition. It has no chlorophyll and cannot make its own food by photosynthesis. Once attached, the plants lives its entire life on host plant without any attachment to the soil. The stems and branches of cuscuta are fleshy, its flowers are small, fruits are small and contains 2-4 seeds. The flowering time is April to July. In India it is distributed throughout the country up to 3000 m.

In traditional medicinal system, whole plant of cuscuta is used for treatment of various diseases. Cuscuta plant is used for treating constipation, liver, spleen diseases, diarrhoea, inflammation etc. Cuscuta is alterative, purgative, carminative and anthelmintic. The plant also has Anti-fertility effect.

Scientific name: Cuscuta reflexa Roxb.
Family: Convolvulaceae

Plant description

Kingdom   Plantae
Subkingdom  tracheobionta
Superdivision  spermatophyta
Division  Angiospermes
Class     Eudicots
Subclass  Asterids
Order   Solanales
Family    Cuscutaceae; alternate Convolvulaceae
Genus    Cuscuta
Species    reflexa Roxb

Vernacular names

Tamil : Verillakothan, Akashavalli, English : Dodder Plant, Hindi : Amarabel, Sanscrit : Akasavalli,Amaravalli,Khavalli
Punjabi : Zarbut, Malayalam : Moodillathali, Urdu : Akashbel, Bengali : Akashbel

Other common names: hell weed, devil's gut, and beggar weed, strangle tare, scald weed, dodder of thyme, greater dodder, and lesser dodder.

Traditional uses of Cuscuta plant

• Enlargement of spleen, liver  complaints, constipation, flatulence
  Prepare decoction of Amarbel. Drink 50 ml of this once a day.
• Piles (bleeding, non-bleeding)
  Extract 10 ml juice of Amarbel. Mix this with 3 gram Maricha churna and take every morning.
• Excessive abdominal gas
  Boil the plant and tie on the abdominal region.
• Itching
  Apply paste of Amarbel on affected skin area.
• Wound
  Grind Amarbel. Mix with Sunthi and Ghee. Topically apply on affected area.
• Hair fall, Dandruff
  Prepare paste of cuscuta. Mix some sesame oil and apply in hairs for curing hair fall.
  Crush and boil Cuscuta 50 grams in one litre water. Wash hair with this water.

Neem is a versatile medicinal tree. It is a wonder tree that is used for treatment of diseases for centuries. Various scientific studies done of Neem has supported the medicinal use of this evergreen tree. Neem leaves are easily available throughout the year.

These contains various bioactive compounds such as Nimbinin, nimbandiol and have significant blood sugar lowering effect and thus useful in managing diabetes. The leaves are also effective in curing dermatitis eczema, acne, bacterial, fungal infections and other skin disorders. Neem leaves are general antiseptic. The leaves are good for blood circulation and blood purification.

Neem leaves have antidiabetic, antihyperglycaemic, antifungal, antimalarial, antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. Neem leaves has emmenagogue (stimulate blood flow in the pelvic area and uterus; stimulate menstruation), anti-implantation, spermicidal, anti-sperm and antifertility effect. The oral administration of aqueous extract of neem leaves leads to decrease in fertility in mice.
Neem leaves are used in treatment of innumerable diseases.

Some of the common medicinal use of neem leaves are given below.

• Blood purification, removing blood toxins, skin diseases
  Drink 5-10 ml fresh Neem leaves juice daily.
• Alopecia, Hair problems, Ahirfall, Scalp itching
  Take Neem leaves and Ber leaves in equal amount. Make a fine paste and apply on scalp for one hour. Wash off with plain water.
  Boil Neem leaves in water. Use this water for hair washing. This has antibacterial and antimicrobial effect.
• Lice
  Prepare decoction by boiling Neem leaves in water. Use this water to wash hairs.
• Acne, pimples
  Extract juice of neem leaves and apply on face.
• Boils, ulcers, and eczema
  Apply neem leaves juice or paste.
• Daad, ringworm
  Mix neem leaves juice in yoghurt and apply on affected body part.
• Skin diseases, eczema, itching
  Extract neem leaves juice. Apply on affected body part. 
• Eyelashes itching, and other eyelashes complaints
  Apply thick juice of neem leaves.
• Night blindness, conjunctivitis
  Take dry Neem leaves powder. Add some water. Strain this juice through a clean cloth and apply the juice.
  Apply fresh neem leaves juice like kajal.
• Low appetite
  Fry 10 tender neem leaves in ghee and eat.
• Vomiting
  Grind 25 grams of neem leaves. Mix in one cup water. Filter and drink 50 ml of it.
• Bleeding disorders
  Mix Arusa leaves juice (20 ml) with Neem leaves juice (20 ml). Add honey and drink twice a day.
• Nosebleed (Nakseer)
  Take neem leaves and ajwain in 1:1 ratio. Grind to make paste and apply externally on temporal region.
• Mosquito repellent
  Burn dried leaves of neem.
• Vitiligo
  Take 4 grams of neem leaves powder 3 times a day before each meal.

Banyan is an evergreen tree of great medicinal value. Its botanical name is Ficus benghalensis (Synonyms Ficus indica) and belong to family Moraceae. It is distributed throughout India, from sea-level to 1,200 m. It is a huge tree with aerial roots that function as prop roots. These roots touch ground and makes secondary trunks. This helps the tree to spread on a large area.

All parts of this tree are used for treatment of broad variety of diseases. Bargad or Banyan tree use is recommended in Ayurveda for promoting fertility and curing sexual debility. Leaf- buds are prescribed in Ayurveda for promoting conception. According to Ayurveda, putting few drops of the banyan tree juice in the right nostril of the pregnant woman protects and gives good health to unborn baby.

Sanskrit Name: Vata, Raktaphala, Shringi, Nyagrodha

English Name: Banyan

Common Name: Bargad, Bar, Vad, Ala, Peral, Wad, Bera, Vat, Ranke

Here are some home remedies of banyan tree to treat various sexual problems

• Female infertility
  Dry banyan tree roots in shade. Grind to make fine powder. Take 1/2 teaspoon of this powder with milk for 3 consecutive nights after menses every month.
• Conception promotion
  For improving conception chances, take leaf buds of Banyan tree with water.
• Premature ejaculation, watery sperm
  Dry tender leaf shoots in shade. Make powder of this and take 1 teaspoon every morning with milk.
  Take few drops of Banyan latex with misri.
• Sexual weakness
  Fry small piece of Hing in ghee. Mix this with 1/2 teaspoon of Banyan latex. Take every morning.
  

Banyan tree is a sacred tree of Indian soil. It is tree that symbolises the Trimurti- Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. It is a tree of life and fertility. Bargad tree is native to India where it grows from low altitudes to 2000 feet (610 m), especially in dry regions. It is also found in Myanmar, Thailand, Southeast Asia, Southern China and Malaysia. It has immense medicinal value.

1. Banyan Leaves Remedies
2. Banyan Milky Latex Remedies
3. Banyan Aerial roots remedies
4. Banyan Bark Remedies

The various parts of the tree are used for treatment of many ailments due to their scientifically proven medicinal activities viz. antioxidant, anti-inflammatory,   antihistaminic, antidiarrheal, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, antifungal and antibacterial. The recommended doses for decoction is 50-100 ml; bark powder 1-2 grams and latex 1 ml.

Banyan Leaves Remedies

• Abscess (painful collection of pus due to bacterial infection), Boils
  Take fresh Banyan leaves. Coat them with Til or sesame oil. Warm coated leaves and apply in form of poultice to affected areas.
• Painful joints, swelling
  Apply sesame oil on fresh leaves of Banyan. Warm this and apply on affected areas.
• Rashes
  Apply leaves paste on affected area.
• Freckles
  Make paste of tender leaves of Banyan and coconut pulp. Apply on freckles.  Similarly, leaf-bud of Banyan and masur ki dal paste removes freckles and gives glow.
• Intrinsic haemorrhage
  Tender leaves of durva grass and Banyan mixed with honey should be taken.

Banyan Milky Latex Remedies

• Bad breath, Gum infections, loose teeth
  Break leaves or branch of Banyan tree. Collect the milky exude. Mix this with honey and apply on the gums. Keep this for ten minutes then rinse the mouth.
• Bleeding piles
  Take few drops of sap and add in a glass of milk. Drink this regularly.
• Corneal opacity
  Finely powder Camphor/Kapoor. Mix this in Banyan latex. Apply this mixture as eye ointment.
• Conjunctivitis, ophthalmic
  Make fine paste of one clove and Banyan latex. Apply this in eye.
• Haemorrhoids, bruises, inflammation
  Apply the latex externally on affected area.
• Cracked heels
  Fill the cracks with latex of Banyan tree.
• Rheumatism, Lumbago, joint pain
  Massage joints with latex of tree.

Banyan Aerial roots remedies

• Diarrhoea
  Take aerial roots of tree and pound them. Take this with buttermilk.
  Soak tender leaf buds in water at night. Next morning drink the infusion.
• Gum problems, Pyorrhoea
  Use aerial roots for mouth cleaning. 
• Pimple
  Apply paste of aerial roots.
• Hair problems
  Make Powder of equal quantities of the aerial roots of banyan and the lemon peel. Boil this powder in coconut oil and apply.
  In case of baldness, powder the aerial roots of banyan tree and lotus roots and use the same way.
• Tooth care
  Chew Tender aerial roots and use as toothbrushes.

Banyan Bark Remedies

• Moth ulcers, Bad breath
  Boil bark (1 inch) of Banyan tree in one cup water. Gargle with this water frequently.
• Excessive urination
  Boil 2 teaspoon bark powder in glass of water till volume reduces to 1/2 glass. Drink this prepared decoction throughout the day.
• Skin diseases, Venereal diseases
  Boil 5 grams bark powder in 2 glass of water and cook till water reduces to 1/4 th.  Drink this 2-3 times a week.

In Ayurvedic system of medicine Ficus bengalensis or Banyan tree is well known for managing diabetes. The bark of Banyan tree has anti-diabetic properties. Studies have confirmed hypoglycemic (blood sugar lowering) effect of extract of bark in alloxan diabetic rabbits, rats and in humans. The bark also reported to have hypocholesterolaemic (cholesterol lowering) and hypolipidaemic (lipid lowering) effects.

The anti-diabetic effect of bark is due to presence of flavonoids, water soluble and insoluble glycoside.  In studies, the decoction and infusion was found effective in moderate diabetes but ineffective in severe diabetes.

Common names of Banyan Tree
Sanskrit: Vata; Hind Vata, Bargad; English: Banyan tree;   Nepalese: Bar; Sinhalese: Nuga; Unani: Bargad; Arabian: Zatuzzawanelia; Persian: Darakht-e-reshah; Burmese: Pyinyuang; French: Figuier due bengal: Tibetan:  Nya-gro-dha; Tamil: Alamaram

How to use Banyan tree bark for Diabetes

• Take bark (2 inch) of Banyan tree. Soak this in a glass of water at night. Next morning mash the bark, filter the liquid and drink.
• Dry and pulverise the bark of Banyan tree. Take of 1 tablespoon bark powder and prepare decoction by boiling in 2 glass of water till volume reduces to 1/2 cup.  Filter the decoction and drink regularly.
  

Jamal ghota is the name of croton plant native of India and it is grows all through the Eastern part of India. Croton is small tree fifteen to twenty feet high. Its leaves are ovate, petiolate, acuminate, alternate, the margins faintly serrate. The various parts of this herb show strong purgative action and therefore used for constipation.

Botanical Name: Croton tiglium(Linn)

Family Name: Euphorbiaceae

Part Used: Seeds and Seed oil

Vernacular Names

Sanskrit: Jayaphala, Hindi: Jamalghota, Bengali: Jamalghota, Jayaphala, Gujarati: Nepala, Marathi: Jamalgota, Malayalam, Telgu: Nepala, Tamil: Nervalam, English: Purging Croton

Description of Jamal ghota or Croton plant

Jamal ghota plant is a medium-sized with 3-6 m in height; Leaves alternate, toothed, glabrous and pinkish-violet; Flowers are unisexual, monoecious, females without petals; Fruits capsules are ovoid, obtusely 3-lobed and yellow; Seeds are smooth and about 1.3 cm in diameter, with hard brownish-yellow shell.

Flowering during January-May and fruiting in March-July.

Chemical Constituents

The seeds contains about 56 percent croton oil which has strong purgative action on oral intake. It also contains 2 toxic proteins viz. croton globulin and croton albumin and sucrose, a glycoside and crotonoside.

Medicinal Uses of Jamalghota

In Ayurveda this plant is known by names Jayaphala, Dravanti, Danti beej, Tintidi phala. Ayurveda recommends use of its fruits, seeds and root for medicinal purpose. Since the seed oil has carminative and purgative properties so it is used for treating abdominal diseases, weak digestion, constipation, dropsy, enlargement of abdomen etc. It is also used in treatment of mental problems, convulsions, fever, mania, inflammations and the bronchitis.

Ayurvedic medicines Abhyadi Modak, Ichchbedi Ras, Jwar murari and Jalodar ras contains jamal ghota herb.

In Unani syatem, this plant is known as Habb-us-Salaateen, Jamaalgota andHubb-ul-Malook and used as purgative, emetic (causing vomiting) and expectorant. In Unani system, it is used for same purpose as in Ayurveda.

Caution while using jamal ghota

The various parts of Jamalghota plant should be used with caution. These contain toxic resins, oil and have strong purgative action. Strong purgation can cause watery stool in some people on oral intake. This herb and its derivative should not be used in small children and during pregnancy. The root of this plant is used traditionally for causing abortion.

Constipation is a condition of hardened faeces and difficulty in emptying the bowels. If a person is constipated then bowel movements result in the passage of small amounts of hard and dry stool, usually fewer than three times a week. It is the most common gastrointestinal disorder among people of various age groups.

The main symptom of constipation is urge for bowel but inability to do the same. Chronic constipation leads to many diseases. It gives lots of discomfort, pain, heaviness, headache, low appetite, gas etc. The reasons for this disorder can be many such as sedentary lifestyle, lack of exercise, low fluid intake etc.

In Ayurveda, Virechana or Purgation is given to cleanse the bowel and excrete the faeces. For purgation many medicinal herbs are used. These have laxative effect and activates the intestine to eliminate the stool. Senna leaves, prunes, raisins, haritaki, mango juice, flaxseed husk are example of few such laxative herbs.

The most common and classical Ayurvedic medicine for curing constipation is Triphala (3 fruits) powder. It is fine powder obtained by blending Amla, Harad and Baheda. For treating constipation 3 gram of it can be taken at night. Some other herbal medicine for curing constipation are given below.

All above herbal formulation are OTC medicines and can be taken safely. If taken in recommended dose, these formulation have no side-effects. Always keep in mind, the constipation medicines are purgatives and excess doses can cause diarrhoea. Some of these are habit forming laxatives, especially senna leaves containing medicines. Therefor these medicines should be used occasionally only.

Anuloma DS Tablets is proprietary polyherbal Ayurvedic medicine from Sagar Pharmaceutical. Anuloma DS Tablets is useful in treatment of constipation. This medicine is blend of medicinal herbs and have carminative and laxative properties. Anuloma contains Ajmoda, Jeera, Bahera, Mulheti, Sonth, Senna leaves and rock salt. The main ingredient of Anuloma medicine is Senna leaves which is a habit forming herbal purgative. So take this medicine only occasionally.

Here is given more about Anuloma DS Tablets such as indication/therapeutic uses, Key Ingredients and dosage.

Key Ingredients of Anuloma DS Tablets

Ajamoda Ptychotis ajowan 16 mg, Jeeraka Cuminum cyminum16 mg, Balharda Black terminalia chebula16 mg, Yashtimadhu Glycyrriza glabra 16 mg, Shunthi Zingiber officinale16 mg, Saindhav Salt Natural potassium nitricum 20 mg, SonamukhiCassia lanceolata 1160 mg

Uses of Anuloma DS Tablets

Anuloma tablet is indicated in treatment of constipation. It can be taken in constipation associated with piles, post-surgery, pregnancy, old age etc.

Dosage of Anuloma DS Tablets

1-2 tablets once a day, before going to bed or as directed by physician.

Fibron is polyherbal Ayurvedic proprietary medicine from Unjha Formulation Ltd. This medicine is useful in treatment of constipation. It is also a source of dietary fibre. Fibron is a natural mucilaginous bulk forming agent that absorbs water and helps in easy and gentle evacuation of stool.

The main ingredient of Fibron is Husk of Isabgol. Isabgol is non-habit forming natural laxative and can be safely taken during pregnancy. It works by water absorption and hence also acts an anti-diarrhoeal agent. Isabgol is calorie free source of fibre which promotes normal bowel movement.

Here is given more about Fibron such as indication/therapeutic uses, Key Ingredients and dosage.

Key Ingredients of Fibron

• Isabgol Husk powder 650 mg
• Sarjikar Kshar 84 mg
• Nimbu stve 100 mg
• Excipients Q.S
• Also available In Sugar free form: Fibron SF

Uses of Fibron

• Treatment of constipation
• Maintaining normal blood cholesterol level
• Useful in diarrhoea
• Source of dietary fibre
• Also beneficial in piles, fistula, fissures, bowel disorders

Dosage of Fibron

One teaspoonful once or twice a day or as directed by physician.

How to prepare

Take one glass cool water. Add one tsp Fibron Powder. Stir well and drink immediately. You may drink one additional glass of water. 2-3 days may be needed for optimal relief of constipation.

The leaves of Ashwagandha has Antihelmintic, Anti-tumour, Anti-bacterial, Anti-inflammatory and Hepatoprotective activities. The leaves contain 12 withanolides, including withaferin which is antitumour, antiarthritic and antibacterial. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a very important plant of Ayurveda.

Overview

Its root is considered Indian Ginseng and used as tonic for reproductive system. Ashwagandha root powder is used in treatment of variety of diseases. The leaves of this plant are also of medicinal importance. These are used in variety of diseases.  Anti-inflammatory activity of leaves is due to biologically active steroids, of which withaferin A is a major component.

Vernacular names of Ashwagandha

Ayurvedic name: Ashwagandhaa, Ashwakanda, Gandharvagandhaa, Turaga, Turagagandhaa, Vaajigandhaa

Unani: Asgandh, Siddha: Amukkuramkizhangu, English: Winter Cherry, Taxonomical classification

Kingdom: Plantae, Subkingdom: Tracheobionta, Vascular plants, Super division: Spermatophyta, Seed plants

Division: Angiosperma, Class: Dicotyledons , Order: Tubiflorae , Family: Solanaceae, Genus: Withania, Species: somnifera Dunal

Medicinal Uses of Ashwagandha leaves

Tumours, tuberculous gland

1. Externally apply leaves paste on affected areas.

Swelling, Inflammation, Boils

1. Take fresh Ashwagandha leaves. Wash to remove dirt and crush it. Make a paste and apply on affected body part.
2. Carbuncle (is a condition of severe abscess or multiple boil/blisters in the skin, typically infected with staphylococcus bacteria) and similar skin condition
3. Take few fresh leaves of Ashwagandha. Apply castor oil on these and warm them on flame. Apply on affected areas.

Conjunctivitis

• Carefully wash fresh Ashwagandha leaves. Crush in mortar and pestle to extract juice. Put few drops in eyes. Make sure leaves are clean and juice extracted in not contaminated.

Sore eyes and swollen hands and feet

• Apply fomentation of the leaves.

Fever

• Soak few leaves in water and use as drinking water.

Blood purification

• Make infusion of Ashwagandha leaves and drink it.

Ashwagandha or Withania somnifera Dunal. (Family Solanaceae) is a perennial shrub, found throughout the drier and subtropical parts of India, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Baluchistan and Sind and is distributed in the Mediterranean regions. In India, you may find it growing as weed along the roadside and waste land. It is also cultivated for medicinal purposes in fields. Ashwagandha is widely cultivated in Bikaner and Pilani areas of Rajasthan, Rajputana, Punjab and Manasa.

Overview

The name Ashwagandha means 'the smell of a horse’, which perhaps is due to the fresh root smelling like a horse’s urine. Every part of the plant can be used, the young shoots and seeds used in food but the main plant part with pharmacologically important compounds is plant roots. Generally roots are collected in winter, washed and cut into short pieces.

These are pulverised to get fine powder that should be used within two years as It loses its medicinal qualities within 2 years. So the fresh dried roots are preferred for medicinal uses.

Ayurveda describes Ashwagandha as Rasayana that increase longevity and vitality. It is used as single drug or in combination with other herbs. It is prescribed for promoting health, longevity, arresting aging process, revitalizing the body in debilitated conditions, increasing immunity, treating musculoskeletal conditions and as general tonic to increase energy. The recommended dosage of Ashwagandha root powder is 3-6 grams.

Some of the Ayurvedic medicines containing Ashwagandha are Ashwagandha pak, Ashwagandha ghrita, Ashwagandha Churna, Ashwagandhadi Lehyam, Ashwagandharishta etc.

Latin/Botanical name: W. somnifera (Linn.) Dunal, Withania ashwagandha Kaul (cultivated variety)

Family: Solanaceae

Vernacular names of Withania somnifera

Sanskrit: Hayagandha, Vajigandha, Assamese: Ashwagandha, Bengali: Ashwagandha, Gujrati: Asgandha, Hindi: Asgandh, Kannada: Angarberu, Hiremaddina-gida, Kashmiri: Asagandh, Malayalam: Amukkuram

Marathi: Asagandha, Askagandha, Oriya: Aswagandha, Punjabi: Asgandh, Tamil: Amukkaramkizangu, Telugu: Asvagandhi, Penneru, Pennerugadda, Dommadolu, Urdu: Asgand, English: Winter Cherry

Siddha: Amukkuramkizhangu, Arabic: Kaknaj-e-Hindi, Persian: Kaknaj-e-Hindi, Asgand Nagaori

Medicinal properties of Winter Cherry

The leaves of Ashwagandha plant has anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, antibacterial properties. Diuretic activities are shown by fruits and seeds of plant.

The roots constitutes Alkaloids (ashwagandhine, withanine, isopelietierine, anaferine), Steroidal lactones (withanolides, withaferins), Phytosterols (sitoindosides, B-sitosterol), Saponins and Iron.

The roots are adaptogen, tonic, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulator, anti-tumour, nervine, mild sedative, analgesic, reproductive tonic, aphrodisiac and anti-anaemic.

Ayurvedic properties and action of roots

Rasa: Tikta, Kasaya, Guna: Laghu, Virya: Usana, Vipaka: Madhura, Karma: Rasayana, Vatakaphaja, Balya, Vajikara, Dosha effect: Vata and Kapha, Dhatu (tissue): Blood, muscle, fat, bone, nerve, reproductive

Srota (channel): Reproductive, nervous, respiratory

In Ayurveda Ashwagandha is described as

• Vrishya: Increases sexual potency
• Balya: Increases strength
• Medhya: Promotes the intellect
• Ojasvardhanam: Increases ojas
• Nidrajnana: Promotes sleep
• Shukrala: increases sperm production
• Shothahara: Prevents consumption and wasting diseases
• Rasayana: Rejuvenative
• Vatakaphahara; Reduces kapha and vata
• Vedanasthapana: Reduces pain
• Shwasa Benefits breathing

Ayurvedic therapeutic uses of Ashwagandha roots

• Rasayana or rejuvenative tonic
• Relieves general debility, especially during convalescence or old age
• Promotes sound sleep
• Balances aggravated Vata (nervine tonic, sedative) and improves memory

Ashwagandha root powder is a good rejuvenating tonic for reproductive system, especially for males. It is also known as Indian Ginseng. It improves sperm motility. It is also useful in oligospermia (increasing sperm count), poor sexual performance and helps to reduce infertility. Ashwagandha improves sexual potency and sperm production.

Ashwagandha is also given in few gynaecological conditions. It is excellent tonic to the uterine muscles and indicated in menstrual imbalance caused by a deficient condition with an aggravation of vata and uterine spasms; dysmenorrhoea, amenorrhoea, weakness.

Ashwagandha is a tonic that nourishes whole body. In weakness, low body weight, emaciation, deficient haemoglobin, anaemia, post convalescent weakness and such other condition, its use gives good result. It is useful for any imbalance in the muscles as it reduces inflammation and strengthens muscles. It is a specific rasayana for mamsa dhatu and an anabolic muscle builder. As it benefits all muscle tissue it is used as a heart tonic, uterine tonic, and lung tonic.

Ashwagandha improves body immunity and strengthen body defence system. This makes this herb suitable for treating Auto-immune conditions such as neutropenia, rheumatoid and osteo arthritis, cancer and chronic connective tissue disorders.

Use of ashwagandha gives good results in nerves related conditions such as Multiple sclerosis, Neurosis, insomnia, anxiety, and stress.

Ashwagandha Tail is a Ayurvedic medicated oil. This oil or taila is useful for massaging. It tones the muscles and gives relief. It can be used for strengthening nerves and muscles. This oil is also useful in Vata disorders such as gout, arthritis, swelling in joints, muscle pain, poor circulation etc.

Here is given more about Ashwagandha Taila/oil such as indication/therapeutic uses, Key Ingredients and how to use.

Key Ingredients of Ashwagandha Thailam

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Sesame oil

Uses of Ashwagandha taila

• Nourishes the bones, muscles and tissues
• Useful in Vata disorders
• Muscles soreness
• Joint pain, gout, arthritis, swelling
• Massage oil

How to use Ashwagandha taila

This is for external use ONLY. Lukewarm the oil and apply on affected areas and massage gently for few minutes.

Diabetes is most common disorder in modern world which causes many other diseases. Their are many medications in all medicine system to control blood sugar levels. In Indian Ayurvedic medicine system there are many natural herbal treatments are available to control this disorder.

Overview

Most of the modern medications are costly to poor population as diabetic patients needs to take medication through out life. For these kind of people Ayurvedic herbal remedies can be very cheap and convenient option as most the herbal Ayurvedic medication has almost no cost. Their are many medication to control diabetes, here is one of them which is based on fresh leaves of Jamun, Neem, Bilva(Bael), Tulsai(Basil) leaves.

Ingredients

The ingredients required for making Homemade powder for controlling elevated sugar level due to diabetes

• Fresh green Jamun leaves
• Fresh green Neem leaves
• Fresh green Bilva/bael leaves
• Tulsi green leaves

Process to make powder

This homemade powder or churna is very simple to make. All you require fresh tree leaves. For collecting these leaves, select healthy trees grown at clean places. Avoid trees near garbage, drains and road sides. After collecting leaves clean them properly to remove impurities.

For cleaning purpose you may soak leaves for few minutes in water. Then wash under running water. Wipe them to remove excess water. After this let the leaves dry for few days. This will remove all the moisture. Now just grind them separately to get leaves powder.

Take equal amount of all powder that is say, 10 g powder of Jamun leaves, 10 g powder of Neem leaves, 10 g powder of BIlva leaves, and 10 g powder of Tulsi leaves. Mix all powder properly. This is homemade powder for diabetes management.

Dosage and administration

You should take one teaspoon of this powder twice a day, in morning and evening with water.

You should check the blood sugar before taking this powder. Again test the sugar level after 10-15 days. This is effective way to control blood sugar.

Side Effects

This is herbal powder does not known to have any side-effects.

Other Ayurvedic Herbal remedies to control diabetes

Here are some other post on Ayurvedic remedies to control diabetes

1. Homemade natural remedies for Diabetes
   
2. Use of Banyan Tree for Controlling Diabetes
   
3. Ayurvedic Remedies for controlling diabetes
   
4. Bitter gourd powder for diabetes
   
5. Fenugreek seeds to control type 2 diabetes
   
6. Herbal cure for diabetes
   
7. Ayurveda for Controlling Diabetes
   

Marigold or Genda is flowering plant and it has many medicinal properties. It has been used both externally and internally both to treat various skin diseases,Urinary problems,piles,kidney stone anderectile dysfunction.

Overview

Marigold or Genda is a well-known ornamental plant in India. Most of the people are familiar with it as bright orange,beautiful,aromatic flower bearing plant which is grown in gardens and flowers during winter season. But along with that it is a medicinal herb that can be used to treat many common ailments. Its external use is beneficial for skin.

Genda flower can be applied on skin for treating dryness and rejuvenation of skin. Various skin care products contains extracts of Genda flowers. The flowers are also applied on skin for reducing inflammation,healing wounds,and softening skin. The leaves are also of medicinal importance. To know,how to use this garden plant for treating various pathological conditions,read on.

Latin name: Tagetes erecta Linn (African Marigold);Tagetes patula Linn (French Marigold)

Family: Compositae;Asteraceae,English: Big Marigold,Aztec or African Marigold

Ayurvedic: Jhandu,Gendaa,Unani: Sadbarg,Gul-hazaaraa,Gul-jaafari, Siddha: Thuruksaamanthi

Internal medicinal uses of Marigold

Respiratory problems,Asthma,coughing

1. The black portion of dried genda flowers is used for this purpose. This is powdered and 2-5 grams is taken with curd,2-3 times a day.
2. Genda seed powder and misri is mixed in equal amount. This powder is taken 2-5 grams,2-3 times a day with water to cure respiratory illness.

Anal prolapse

For Gudbransh or Anal prolapse,Genda leaves (10 g) are cleaned and grinded with 20 ml water. This is filtered and taken twice a day.

Bawaseer/Arsh/Piles

1. For piles,Genda leaves (10 g) are grinded with someblack pepper corns and water. This is filtered and taken orally.
2. Fry floret of Genda flowers (5-10 grams) in ghee(Clarified butter). Take this 2-3 times a day to stop bleeding in piles.

Urinary problems,scanty urination

In urinary problems such as scanty urination,genda leaves are useful. Take 10 grams of leaves are grinded and mixed with misri. When taken orally 2-3 times a day,helps to cure problem.

Stones in body

For stones or calculi,genda leaves (20 g) are boiled in water and decoction is prepared. This decoction should be taken orally twice a day for few days.

Menorrhagia/ Raktapradar

In Raktapradar,the fresh flower juice is extracted and taken in dosage of 5-10 ml.

Erectile dysfunction

The powder of genda seeds and misri,should be taken with milk twice a day,in dose of 2-5 grams.

External medicinal uses of Marigold

Tooth ache

Prepare decoction of Genda leaves. Put some decoction in mouth and gargle. Do this few times a day.

Pain in ears

Take fresh Genda leaves. Wash under running water to remove dirt,soil and impurities. Extract fresh juice of these leaves and put 2 drops in ear.

Breast swelling

Prepare paste of Genda leaves and apply externally on breasts.

Cracked heels

The leaves juice should be applied on cracked heels.

Sprain,swelling

The juice or paste of genda plant should be applied on affected body part.