Ashmarihara Kashaya is a polyherbal Ayurvedic medicine. Kashaya or kashayam is a medicinal decoction prepared from medicinal herbs. Ashmarihara Kashaya is useful in prevention and treatment of Ashmari. The literal meaning of Ashmarihara is one that removes stones.

What is Ashmari?

Ayurveda refers kidney stones or urolithiasis as Ashmari. Stones are solid concretion or crystal aggregation formed in the kidneys and bladder from minerals. For preventing stone formation inside body, it is important to drink adequate water and eat appropriate foods such as whole rice, barley, kulthi, ginger. Kulti has been used to treat kidney stone in folk medicine in India.

Research studies recommends to drink citrus drinks (lemonade and orange juice) to protect against kidney stones because they contain citrate, which stops crystals from growing into stones.

There are certain factors that increases risk of stone formation. These include eating dry food, grain flour, excessive astringent foods intake;heavy exercise, suppression of the natural urges, excessive working in sunshine etc.

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

Key Ingredients of Ashmarihar Kashaya

Equal amount of each: Pashanbheda(Bergenia ligulata), Sagauna fruit, Carica papaya root, Asparagus racemosus(Shatavari root), Tribulus terrestris(Gokhshuru), Varuna bark, Kush root, Kasa root, Kakdi ke beej, Jatamansi, Punarnava, Giloy, Apamarga, Khurasani yavani.

Uses of Ashmarihar Kashaya

Ashmarihar Kashaya is a decoction of many medicinal herbs to prevent and treat kidney and urinary stones. It also gives relief in kidney and abdominal pain.

Dosage of Ashmarihar Kashaya

The recommended dosage of Ashmarihar Kashaya 15-20 ml twice a day with Yavakshara;or Kshar Parpati;or Hazrool Yahood Bhasma. Or take as directed by physician.

Neeri is polyherbal Ayuvedic medicine from Aimil Pharmaceuticals (India) Ltd. It is available in tablet and syrup form. Neeri is prepared from natural ingredients and used to treat various types of urinary disorders like urinary calculi (kidney stone), urinary tract infections and prostate associated disorders. The medicine contains herbal extracts that have been scientifically validated for their safety and effectiveness. The herbal extracts are sources of several phyto-constituents like arbutin, quinolone derivatives, bioflavonoids, glucosides, tannins and several micronutrients that help tone the functioning of kidneys, ureters, urinary bladder and prostate gland.

Uses of Aimil Neeri

1. Dysuria, burning micturition, non-specific urinary tract infections
2. Oedema & generalised anasarca
3. Poor renal functions
4. Crystalluria and other urinary disorders

Salient features

1. Helps in spontaneous passage of calculi, it exhibits marked anti-calcifying activity.
2. Relieves the binding mucin of calculi, thus effective as lithotriptic.
3. Reveals marked improvement in symptoms of Urinary calculi and UTI's (Urinary Tract
4. Infections) like pain, burning micturition & haematuria.
5. Regulates the crystalloid colloid imbalance, thus prevents recurrence of urinary calculi.
6. Exerts significant anti-infective action in UTI's against the major causative organisms.
7. Effectively and safely prevents recurrence of UTI's in susceptible patients.
8. Helps provide relief in symptoms of prostate enlargement like dribbling urination, interrupted stream of urine.

Key Ingredients of Aimil Neeri

Composition:Neeri Tablets- Each tablet contains:

Pashanbhed Bergenia ligulata 60 mg, Punarnava Boerhaavia diffusa 50 mg, Palash Pushap Butea monosperma 50 mg, Hajrul Yahood Bhasam 45 mg, Swait Parpati 25 mg, Varun Ghan Crataeva nurvala Conc. 20 mg, Sahdevi Vernonia cinerea 20 mg, Apamarg (Panchang) Achyranthes aspera 20 mg, Gokhru Tribulus terrestris 20 mg, Sudh Shilajeet Purified Asphaltum 15 mg, Lajaloo Mool Mimosa pudica 15 mg, Yavakshar L. ash of Hordeum vulgare 10 mg;

Processed in the decoction of Pashanbhed (Bergenia ligulata), Appamarg (Achyranthes aspera), Lajaloo Mool (Mimosa pudica), Gokhru (Tribulus terristris), Kulthi (Dolichos biflorus) and Maddarmool (Calotropis procera).

• Colour - Sunset Yellow. Excepients (A B) Q.S.;
• A. Excepients:Gelatin, Gum Acacia, Starch, Aerosil, Talc
• B. Sugar Coating (Tablets):Calcium Carbonate, Gelatin, Gum Acacia, Sugar, Talc, Shel
• Neeri Syrup - Each 10 ml. of Syrup contains:

Sudh Shilajeet (RTS-l) Purified asphaltum 200 mg, Shwet Parpati 150 mg, Moolishar L. ash of Raphanus sativus 150 mg, Kabab Chini Piper cubeba 100 mg, Saindha Namak Rock Salt 50 mg, Sajjikhar Natural form of Soda Bi-carb 50 mg;and Extracts from:Punarnava Boerhaavia diffusa 500 mg, Panchtrin Mool 500 mg, Ikshu Mool Saccharum officinarium 500 mg Gokshru Tribulus terrestris 450 mg, Chharilla Parmelia periata 450 mg, Varun Crataeva nurvala 400 mg, Kulatha Dolichos biflorus 400 mg, Pashan Bhed Bergenia ligulata 100 mg, Palashpushp Butea monosperma 100 mg, Lajaloomool Mimosa pudica 100 mg, Makoi Solanumnigrum 100 mg, Kakri Beej Cucumis sativus 100 mg, Daruharidra Berberis aristata 50 mg, Sugar base Q.S.

Preservatives:Methyl/propyl Parabens and Sod. salts, Benzoic acid and its salts, Citric acid. Colour used:Tartrazine, Flavour added

Dosage of Aimil Neeri

Syrup:Children (3-12 Years):1 teaspoonful (5ml) thrice a day;Adults (Men & Women):2 teaspoonful (10ml) thrice a day or as directed by the physician.

Tablets:Adults (Men & Women):2-3 tablets thrice a day;Children (5-12 Years):1-2 tablets twice a day or as directed by the physician.

Rose is a beautiful flower and a symbol of love. We all have seen this aromatic lovely flower growing in garden. Rose is a medicinal plant well. Its leaves, flower petals and fruits are all edible. The petals are used to prepare Gulkand. The petals are carminative (prevents or relieves flatulence), stimulant, emmenagogue (stimulate blood flow in the pelvic area and uterus), antibacterial, astringent and tonic. The red to orange rose fruits are known as rosehips. Initially these are green and turns red on ripening. These contain hairy seeds that are also used to produce itching powder. Hips are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C. Rose hip extracts have antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory (reduces swelling), antiscorbutic (prevents or cures scurvy), diuretic (stimulates urine production) properties. Rose petals are good for liver, spleen and hips are good for kidney, bladder and colon.

Information of Rose Hips

Rosa species

For essential oil: Rosa damascena, R. centifolia, R. gallica

For eating/medicine: R. rugosa

Family: Rosaceae

Vernacular names: Sanskrit : Devataruni, Karnika, Shatpatri, Assamese : Varde Ahamar, Bengali : Golap, English : Rose Gujarati : Moshamee Gulab Hindi : Gulab, Kannada : Rojahu, Malayalam : Rosappoovu, Marathi : Gulab, Punjabi : Gulab, Tamil : Rojapoo, Telugu : Rojapuvvu, Gulabi, Urdu : Gulab, Ward

Other Common Names: Rose (German);rose (French);rosa da essenza (Italian);rosa (Spanish);Roza (Polish);Rosa de Castilla (Mexican) Rose hips--Hipberry

Essential oil roses: Damask Rose, Bulgarian rose, Turkish rose, Red Rose, Cabbage Rose or hundred leaf rose (Rosa centifolia).

Description of plant

The plant is a woody shrub its shoots bear thorny, alternate, unpaired pinnatisect leaves and flowers in terminal corymbs with a swollen receptacle that produces the fleshy false fruit or hip, which contains the true fruits or achenes.

Constituents: Flower contains essential oil which includes citronellol, geraniol nerol, eugenol, linalool, L-p-menthene, cyanin, gallic acid, beta-carotene. Fruit: vitamins C, B, E, K;nicotinamide, organic acids, pectin.

Energetics: Petals: sweet, slightly bitter, warm;rose hips: sour, neutral.

Health Benefits of Rosehips

Rosehips offers numerous health benefits due to presence of flavonoids, tannins, sugars, pectin, fruit acids and carotene. The medicinal value of rose hips depends largely on the content of vitamin C and flavonoids. They taste sour, astringent and sweet. Hips are the most abundant natural source of vitamin C. These have cooling effect on body and this checks the various disorders that are due to excessive heat inside body. Hips are nourishing and an excellent source of Vitamin C. One cup of rosehips contains vitamin C equal to one dozen oranges. The dried fruits contain more vitamin C compared to half-dried one. You can make simple infusion of hips. For this purpose, take a handful of hips. Chop them and infuse in hot water for five minutes. Add honey and drink.

The main useful part of the hips are fruit flesh.

The seeds are not used for used in medicine as they contain glucosides and are toxic.

Nourishing: Rose hips are very rich in vitamin C. They are also high in the vitamins A, B, E, K, pectin and in the minerals calcium, iron and phosphorus.

Bioavailable vitamin C: The flavonoids and organic acids found in rose hips inhibit oxidation of vitamin C, which additionally increases its stability and bioavailability in humans.

Cardio protective: Rose hips also exhibit cardioprotective effect. Daily consumption of 40 gm rose hip powder can significantly reduce cardiovascular risk in obese people mediated by lowered systolic blood pressure and plasma cholesterol levels. No side effects were recorded.

Anti-diabetic in action: Rosehip has been used as a traditional treatment for diabetes and has recently been found to possess hypoglycaemic (blood sugar lowering) effects in diabetic rats.

Antimicrobial effect: Rose hip extracts showed antimicrobial activity against yeast and Gram-positive bacteria.

Protects Gastric Mucosa: Rosehips are antiulcer and gastro protective.

Medicinal Uses of Rose Hips

Useful in Rheumatism: Rosehip (Rosa canina) powder can reduce the symptoms in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Laxative in action: Rose hip contains pectin, citric acid and malic acid which are responsible for its laxative activity.

In Chinese medicine, Rosa rugosa is used as a tonic to boost the liver and as an antidote to some forms of poisoning. The hips of Rosa multiflora have been traditionally used as dietary supplements and herbal remedies for the treatment of diseases, including cold, flu, inflammation, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and chronic pain.

The oil extracted from the rose hip seeds has immense popularity as a natural skincare product in Chile. Since centuries, this oil is being used by Chileans to get rid of skin blemishes. Cosmetology research has proven the effect of rose hip oil in lowering skin pigmentation, reducing scars and stretches, acne management, rehydrating skin and rendering it supple and delaying wrinkling.

Kushta Rakshasa oil is poly-herbal Ayurvedic medicated oil. Kushta Rakshasa taila is referenced from Ayurvedic treatise Bhaishajya Ratnavali, and is indicated in Kustha rogadhikar. For preparing this oil, parad, gandhak, kuth, saptaparna, sindur, lahsun, hartaal, bavachi, amaltas, tamra bhasma and manshila are taken in equal amount and pulverised to get very fine powder. The powder is added to sarso taila and kept in sun which is filtered later and kept in a bottle.

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

Key Ingredients of Kushta Rakshasa Taila

12 grams of each: 12 grams of each of Sutaka Parad, Gandhak Sulphur, Kushta root(Saussurea lappa), Saptaparna Stem bark(Alstonia scholaris), Chitrak root(Plumbago zeylanica), Sindura Ayurvedic preparation, Rasona(Garlic bulb Alium sativum), Haratal(Arseinc bisulphide), Bakuchi fruit(Psoralea corylifolia), Aragwadha seed(Cassia fistula), Jeerna Tamra Bhasma, Manashila.

Katu taila Mustard oil 384 ml

Uses of Kushta Rakshasa Taila

Kushta Rakshasa Taila is used externally on various skin conditions such as Psoriasis (Eka kustha), Eczema, Leucoderma/Vitiligo Safed kustha, Itching etc. It is also applied on Bhagandara (Fistula-in-ano) and Muscle Hypertrophy.

How to use Kushta Rakshasa Taila

This oil should be used externally for Abhyanga (massage using medicated oil). Apply on affected areas and massage gently.

Meswak is a large shrub or small tree that grows in arid region from west India to Africa. It is a typical desert plant that is found in extreme saline soil of Thar Desert. The latin name of Meswak is Salvadora persica and belongs to family Salvadoraceae. This tree is known as Toothbrush tree as the twigs are used for teeth cleaning from time immemorial. The fibrous branches have been promoted by the World Health Organization (WHO) for oral hygiene. The other common medicinal uses of this tree are for treating rheumatism, leprosy, gonorrhoea, ulcers, scurvy, tumours and dental diseases.

Scientific classification

Kingdom: Plantae Division: Magnoliophyta Class: Magnoliopsida Order: Brassicales Family: Salvadoraceae Genus: Salvadora Species: persica

Scientific name: Salvadora persica; Synonym: Salvadora persica L. var. wightiana Verde.; Salvadora indica Wt.

Vernacular names

• Sanskrit: Gudaphala, Lakhupeelu, Pilukaa
• Ayurvedic name: Pilu
• Unani name: Pilu, Miswak
• English: Salt Bush tree, Tooth Brush tree
• Hindi: Khara Jhal, Chota Pilu, Meswak
• Bengali: Peelugachh, Jhal
• Malayalam: Uka, Ukamaram
• Marathi: Khakan, Pilu
• Tamil: Kotumaavali, Chittuva, Perungoli, Udhaiputtai
• Telugu: Gogu, Varagogu, Gunia
• Kannada: Gonimara
• Trade name: Khara Jhal, Tooth Brush Tree

Distribution: Arid regions, on saline lands and in coastal regions.

Botanical description

Evergreen perennial slow growing small tree; reaches up to 10 meters in height and a girth of 3 feet; trunk erect or trailing, diameter more than one foot, branches crooked, straggling and profuse;

Leaves: 3 to 10 cm in length and 1 to 4 cm in breadth, green, simple, stipulate, petiolate, oblong, ovate, margin entire, broad at base and acute at apex; veins prominent and raised on lower surface; both surfaces glabrous; taste and odour characteristic.

Fruits: 3 to 5 mm in diameter, ellipsoid-ovoid, occasionally with a small pedicel attached; surface greenish or greenish-brown to dark brown in colour, with irregular wrinkles, sometimes shrunken; pericarp thin, easily separable, exhibiting creamish to dull brown seed, odour characteristic and taste bitter.

Bark: slightly rough, greyish brown on main stem, paler elsewhere

New leaves during April and shed from late December to January; Flowers are small, greenish yellow produced in January to April; fruits ripens in the months of May and June;

Constituents

Fruits: β- sitosterol, sterol glycoside, benzyle isothioagnate, traces of alkaloid, fixed oil, sugar and fat, non-saponifiable portion of oil consists of dibenzylurea and dibenzlethiourea.

Leaf: β-sitosterol, glucotropaeolin, terpenes and flavonoids.

Roots: β-sitosterol and elementral γ- monoclinic sulphur (S-8) and glucotropaeolin isolated from root.

Traditional Medicinal uses

The most common medicinal use of Meswak tree is for oral care. Its twigs are used for teeth cleaning by chewing. This use gives the tree many names such as Chewing stick, Natural toothbrush and Miswak. Meswak sticks are very effective in preventing dental cavities. This is due to its antibacterial properties and presence of fluoride, chloride, silica, tannin etc. Studies prove the strong anti-cavity effect is due to presence of large amount of fluorides in it. Silica helps to remove stains and plaque. Tannins have as astringent action and reduces gingivitis and other dental diseases.

In studies it was shown, Miswak stick chewing produced significant increases in calcium (22-fold) and chloride (6-fold), and significant decreases in phosphate and pH. The saturation of saliva with calcium inhibits demineralization and promotes mineralization of tooth enamel, whereas high concentration of chloride inhibits calculus formation.

It also protects against gum irritation. Meswak tooth sticks relieves toothache, gum disease and prevents plaque. Meswak is also used in preparation of toothpaste.

Tree leaves have diuretic, analgesic, antibacterial and antifertility properties. Leaves are used for treating cough and asthma, piles, tumours and scurvy. These are antidote to all type of poison. Leaf juice is given to treat vitamin C deficiency. The decoction is given to treat cough, cold, asthma etc. In rheumatism, heated leaves are applied on affected body areas. Poultice is applied on piles, tumours etc. The leaves are also used as fodder. It increases lactation in cows.

The fruits are edible and have aphrodisiac, carminative, emollient and laxative. These are used to cures urinary calculi, biliary calculi and arthritis.

The seed oil is used in rheumatic pain, diabetes, spleen and stomach disorders.

The root bark of tree is used to treat gonorrhoea, general body pain, back pain, spleen trouble, headaches and stomach-aches. Roots are used for chest diseases.

Cumin seeds which we used commonly in our kitchen is also known as Safed or Shwet Jeera. It is used in Indian kitchen as whole seeds or in powder form. It is one of the ingredient of spice mixtures that are used in preparation of curries. The botanical name of cumin is Cuminum cyminum and belongs to family Umbelliferae. It is a medicinal spice that can be used to treat various common ailments. It is given to breastfeeding mothers to improve quantity of breast milk. During pregnancy, its use in less amount does not pose risk but when taken in excess it may stimulate uterine muscles and labour.

By Sanjay Acharya (Own work) [GFDL or CC-BY-SA-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

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Vernacular names

• Sanskrit : Ajaji, Jiraka, Ajajika
• Assamese : Jira
• Bengali : Jira, Sadajira
• English : Cumin seed, Cumin
• Gujarati : Jirautmi, Jirn, Jiraugi, Jeeru, Jirun
• Hindi : Jira, Safed jira
• Kannada : Jirage, Bilejirege
• Kashmiri : Safed Zoor
• Malayalam : Jeerakam
• Marathi : Pandhare jire
• Oriya : Dhalajeera, Dalajira, Jira
• Punjabi : Safed Jira, Chitta Jira
• Tamil : Sheeragam, Chirakam, Jeerakam
• Telugu : Jilakarra, Tella Jilakarra
• Urdu : Zirah, Zirasafed
• Persian: Zireh-Sabz or Cravieh
• Spanish: comino
• French: cumin
• Italian: cumino
• Arabic: kammun, kemouyn
• Indonesian: (d)jinten
• Malay: jintan puteh
• Sinhalese: cheeregum, jeera, su(du)duru

Distribution

Cumin is native to the Mediterranean region. It was originally cultivated in Iran and the Mediterranean region. In India it is cultivated in Punjab and Uttar Pradesh.

Cumin plant

Cumin plant is an annual herbaceous plant which grows up to 15-50 cm height. It has a long, white root. The leaves are 5-10 cm long, pinnate or bi-pinnate, with thread-like leaflets, blue green in colour and are finely divided. Whitish-red flowers are on a compound umbel. Fruits are elongated, oval shaped schizocarp.

Cumin seeds are sown in Feb-March and flowers in June and July. Seeds ripe after four months of planting. Cultivation of cumin requires a long, hot summer of 3-4 months with daytime temperatures around 30 °C. The plant is resistant to drought and requires fertile well-drained soil.

Ayurvedic Properties and action

• As per Ayurveda, jeerak or cumin seeds has following properties.
• Rasa (Taste): Katu (pungent)
• Guna (Characteristics): Laghu/Light, Ruksha/dry, tikshna (sharp)
• Virya (Potency): Ushna/Hot
• Vipaka (Post Digestive Effect): Katu/Pungent
• Effects on Tridoshas (Humor): Pacifies all the three doshas.
• Tissues on which it works: Spleen and liver

• Action: Dipana (means digestive stimulant, the action of kindling agni), Grahi (means anti-diarrhea, binds stool), Krimighna (removes worms), kapa-vata har, Pachana (means digest ama/toxins), Ruchya (means stimulate taste).

Medicinal uses of Cumin or Jeera

Cumin seeds are antimicrobial, anti-diabetic, antiepileptic, antifertility, anticancer, antioxidant and immunomodulatory. These medicinal properties are due to presence of various chemical constituents such as volatile oil 2.5 to 4.5%, 10 % fixed oil, proteins etc. The volatile oil mainly consists of 30 to 50% cuminaldehyde, small quantities of a-pinene, b-pinene, phellandrene, cuminic alcohol, hydrated cuminaldehyde and hydro cuminine.

Here is given, how to use this very common spice for medicinal purpose. Cumin seeds are used traditionally to stimulate menstruation, so do not use in pregnancy.

Improving breast milk: Eating roasted cumin seeds helps to improve quantity of breast milk in new mother. Make laddu of roasted cumin seeds and wheat flour. Or roast cumin in ghee and add in Daal and eat.

Uterine fibroid: For making this medicine, take equal amount of dried flowers of Woodfordia floribunda (Dhataki), Cuminum cyminum (Jeera) and Symplocos racemosa (Lodra). All three ingredients are powdered. These powders are mixed with jaggery or crushed raisins. Large pill or bolus are prepared. One bolus twice a day is prescribed.

Digestive weakness, Deranged Vata/wind: Take cumin seeds powder 4 grams with jaggery, an hour before eating meal.

Ajeerna, indigestion, colic: Roast cumin seeds 3-6 g and make powder. Mix with rock-salt and take with warm water thrice daily.

Diarrhoea: Roast cumin seed 3 g and grind to make powder. Add this in glass of Chhachh or curd and take orally 3-4 times a day.

Fever, Visham jwar: Take cumin seeds powder 5 grams. Extract 20 ml Kachnaar bark juice. Mix the two and take thrice a day. Eat 1-3 g. powder of cumin seeds with jaggery twice a day.

Hyper-acidity: Take 12-24 g. ghee boiled with cumin and coriander seeds twice a day

Insomnia, difficult sleeping: Roast 3 grams cumin seeds and make powder by grinding. Mix this in mashed banana and eat before going to bed.

Painful swelling in piles: To get relief from painful swelling in piles, make a simple preparation by boiling 5 grams cumin seeds in 400 ml water till volume reduces to 100 ml. Filter this and add sugar. Drink this twice a day.

Parasitic worms: Take 15 grams cumin seeds and boil in 400 ml water till volume reduces to 100 ml. Filter and drink.

Leucorrhoea, abnormal bleeding: Take cumin seeds powder with misri/sugar candy twice a day.

Scorpion sting: Make a paste of cumin seeds, salt and ghee. Mix honey and apply at place of sting.

Spider sting: Make a paste of dry ginger powder (sonth) and cumin powder. Apply externally on place of sting.

Drinking cumin tea is very good for health. It is beneficial in treating digestive, respiratory and urinary problems. Cumin tea has sedative effect and if it is taken at night helps to induce sleep. This tea helps to improve breast milk in lactating mothers and also shrinking of uterus to normal state.

Fennel is sweet aromatic seeds of plant Foeniculum vulgare and used as kitchen spice. Many of us sometimes use this for curing digestive troubles. New mothers are given fennel water for increasing breast milk. Children and babies are given fennel tea in small amount to cure colic. This aromatic herb is useful in abdominal gas, burning syndrome, vomiting, low appetite etc. It is also chewed as a mouth freshener after having meals. Chewing fennel also stimulates bile flow and helps in better food digestion. Here is given the information about fennel plant, seeds, its medicinal uses, the way it should be used and some other details.

Credit of Image: By Andy RobertsCC BY-ND 2.0via flickr

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Botanical name: Foeniculum vulgare Mill.

Family : Umbelliferae; Apiaceae

Vernacular names of Fennel

• Sanskrit: Satapuspa
• Assamese : Guvamuri
• Bengali : Marui, Panmauri
• English : Fannel Fruit
• Gujrati : Variyali
• Hindi : Saunf
• Kannada : Badisompu, Doddasompu
• Kashmiri : Sanuf, Badnai
• Malayalam : Kattusatakuppa, Parinjaeragum
• Marathi : Badishop
• Oriya : Panamadhuri
• Punjabi : Saunf
• Tamil : Shombu
• Telugu : Sopu
• Ayurvedic: Mishreya, Mishi, Madhurika, Madhura, Shatapushpa, Shataahva.
• Unani: Baadiyaan, Saunf.
• Siddha/Tamil: Sombu

Fennel plant

Fennel plant is aromatic perennial, erect, glabrous, 1-2 m high plant which is cultivated extensively throughout India up to 1830 m and also sometimes found wild. It is native to Southern Europe and Mediterranean region but now has become widely naturalised in many parts of the world.

The plant has feathery leaves and green-yellow flowers. The fruits are dry seed and 4–10 mm long. As spice the seeds of plant are used. The fruits ripen in September, stems are cut with sickles and put up in loose sheaves to dry in sun. On drying, fruits are beaten out in a cloth in sun, cleaned by winnowing and collected. Dried fennel seeds are aromatic, anise-flavoured spice, brown or green in colour when fresh and slowly turns dull grey as the seed ages.

Ayurvedic Properties and Action of Fennel seeds

Fennel seeds are tonic that improves body immunity and removes toxins. As mentioned in Ayurveda, It has following properties and action.

1. Rasa (Taste): Madhura/Sweet, Katu (pungent), Tikta/Bitter
2. Guna (Characteristics): Laghu/Light, Ruksha/Dry
3. Virya (Potency): Sheet/ Cool
4. Vipaka (Post Digestive Effect): Madhura/Sweet
5. Action: Anulomana/carminative, Balya (increase strength and are tonifying), Dipana (Digestive stimulant), Vata-pitta-hara (Balances Vata and Pitta), Amadosha-hara (removes toxins)
6. Therapeutic uses - Pain, Agnimandya/digestive weakness, Kasa/Cough, Pravahika, Raktadosha, Arsha

Medicinal uses of Fennel seeds

Fennel seeds are used traditionally for treatment of digestive problems. Its internal use gives relief in gas, bloating, colic, nausea, inflammation and cough. The seeds also have ability to stimulate breast milk and is a useful remedy for breastfeeding mothers. Fennel gives relief in bronchitis and cough. Fennel stimulates movements of the digestive system, and the transit of the contents within it. It also stimulate bile flow from the liver. Fennel seeds contains fixed oil from 15 to 30% and a volatile essential oil up to 12%. The fruit also contains flavonoids, iodine, kaempferols, umbelliferone and stigmasterol and ascorbic acid, traces of aluminium, barium, lithium, copper, manganese, silicon and titanium. Fennel contains aroma active compounds anethole which is an active estrogenic agent. Below is given, how to use fennel seeds for treatment of many common ailments.

Digestive weakness: For improving digestion, soak 25 grams of fennel seeds in 250 ml water for two hours. Filter and use the macerate at short intervals.

Diarrhoea, dysentery: Take 3-6 grams powdered seeds, add in glass of buttermilk and drink twice a day.

Abdominal pain, colic: In case of pain in abdomen, take 3-6 gram seeds powder and 2 gram Saindhava (rock-salt) with water thrice daily. Or chew 3-6 grams fennel.

Bad breath, mouth freshener: Chew 1 teaspoon fennel.

Hyperacidity: Fennel seeds in combination with Poha (Rice flakes) are useful in managing hyperacidity. Take poha and fennel in equal proportion and reduced them to powder. Take 30g of this powder and soak in one litre of water overnight. Next day this liquid is to be taken during the day whenever thirsty. Or take 3-6 grams seeds powder with coconut water or water two times a day.

Nausea, vomiting: If you are suffering from nausea, vomiting then boil 5 gm fennel in 250 ml milk. Filter, add some sugar and drink.

Constipation: In constipation, add Gulkand and fennel in one glass milk and drink before going to bed.

Insomnia, headache: In insomnia and headache add 5 gm in glass of water and drink.

Glowing skin, antioxidant, improving immunity: For glowing skin eat 6 gm fennel, two times daily in morning and evening.

Burning sensation: To get relief from burning sensation, mix equal quantity of coriander seeds and fennel seeds. Grind both to make fine powder. Add some misri/sugar candy and eat 1 spoon after meal with water.

Headache: For pain in head fennel can be used externally. Make paste of fennel with chandan and apply on forehead.

Ealdi Churna is a classical herbal Ayurvedic medicine. This medicine is referenced from Bhaisajya ratnavali and used for Chjardirogadhikara. Chardi is Ayurvedic term for vomiting, that can be caused due to excess vata/wind, pitta/bile, kapha/mucous etc. The key ingredient in this medicine is ela or cardamom. Eladi churna is used for treating common digestive and respiratory ailments.

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

Key Ingredients of Ealdi Churna

Following is given complete list of ingredients

1. Ela cardamom (Seed) 1 Part
2. Lavanga (Fl. Bd.) 1 Part
3. Gajakeshara (Nagakeshara) (Stmn.) 1 Part
4. Kolamajja (Kola) (P.) 1 Part
5. Laja (Seed) 1 Part
6. Priyagu (Fl.) 1 Part
7. Ghana (Musta) (Rz.) 1 Part
8. Candana (Shveta candana) (Ht.Wd.) 1 Part
9. Pippali (Fr.) 1 Part

Uses of Ealdi Churna

Eladi churna has gas relieving, appetite promoting, digestive stimulating and antiemetic properties.

Eladi powder is used for treating vomiting, indigestion, anorexia, excessive thirst, diseases due to excess pitta/bile, cough, asthma etc. Eladi churna is especially useful for treating pittaj chardi (vomit is hot, bitter, sour, pungent).

Dosage of Ealdi Churna

The recommended dosage of Ealdi Churna is 2-8 tablets, or 1-4 grams 2-3 times a day. This medicine should be taken with honey or misri. Or take as directed by physician.

Ginger is a wonder herb that is used as an aromatic spice and medicine for hundreds of year. This spice is the underground rhizomes stem of a creeping perennial plant Zingiber officinale. It is native to Southeast Asia and now commercially cultivated in nearly every tropical and subtropical country in the world. In India, ginger is mainly cultivated in Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and Maharashtra.

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Ginger is used both in dried and fresh form. Dried ginger is known as Sunthi or sonth in Hindi. Many Ayurvedic medicines contains it as an ingredient. One such famous and well known medicine is Trikatu. Trikatu means three pungent, and contains Sunthi or dry ginger powder with peppers (black and long pepper).

Scientific classification

Kingdom:Plantae Division:Angiospermae Class:Monocotyledoneae Order:Scitamineae Family:Zingiberaceae Genus:Zingiber Species:officinale

Latin name:Zingiber officinale Rosc. Family:Zingiberaceae

Vernacular names

Fresh ginger:Sanskrit:Aardraka, Aadrika, Shrngibera Bengali:Ada English:Ginger Gujrati:Adu Hindi:Adarakha Kannada:Alla, Hasishunti Malayalam:Inchi Marathi:Ardrak, Ale Punjabi:Adi, Adrak Tamil:Injee, Allam, lakottai, Inji Telugu:Allamu, Allam Urdu:Adrak

Dried ginger: Sanskrit:Shunthi, Aushadha, Muhaushadha, Nagara, Vishvaa, Vishvabheshaja, Vishvaushadh Assamese:Adasuth, Aadar Shuth Bengali:Suntha, Sunthi Gujrati:Sunth, Sundh, Suntha Hindi:Sonth Kannada:Shunthi Kashmiri:Shonth Malayalam:Chukku Marathi:Sunth Oriya:Sunthi Punjabi:Sund Tamil:Sukku, Chukku Telugu:Sonthi, Sunti Urdu:Sonth, Zanjabeel

Ginger Constituents

Fresh ginger:Volatile Oil containing Cineole zingiberol, and sesquiterpene like zingiberene, bisobolene and sesqui phellandrene, gingerosol in the oleo-resin.

Dried ginger or Sunthi/Sonth:Essential oil, pungent constituents (gingerol and shogaol), resinous matter and starch.

Ayurvedic Properties and Action of Ginger

Ginger is warming in nature. Its oral intake reduces vata/wind, kapha/mucous and increases pitta/bile. It works on all tissues of body. It stimulates digestive system and kindles digestive fire. It has expectorant action. Its ayurvedic properties and action are given below.

Fresh ginger:

1. Rasa (Taste):Katu (pungent)
2. Guna (Characteristics):Guru/Heavy, Ruksha/Dry, Tikshna/Sharp
3. Virya (Potency):Ushna/Hot
4. Vipaka (Post Digestive Effect):Madhura/Sweet

Dried ginger or Sonth:

1. Rasa (Taste):Katu (pungent)
2. Guna (Characteristics):Laghu/Light, Snigdha/Unctuous
3. Virya (Potency):Ushna/Hot
4. Vipaka (Post Digestive Effect):Madhura/Sweet
5. Karma (Action):Deepana (stimulates digestive), Pachana (digestive), Hrdya (good for heart), Anulomana (creates movement) etc.

Benefits of Ginger

Ginger is a useful remedy to treat many common digestive and respiratory ailments. Ginger tea is an excellent remedy for common cold, cough and flu. It has inflammation reducing and pain relieving property due to which it gives relief in joint pain, arthritis, rheumatism and similar condition. It is a handy remedy to treat nausea, vomiting, motion sickness and morning sickness. Ginger stimulates blood circulation and aids in detoxification. Chewing a piece of ginger, sprinkled with black salt, after meals solves many digestion related complaints (indigestion, gas, digestive weakness etc).

Medicinal uses of Ginger

Ginger works as medicine due to presence of various phytochemicals. Phytochemicals are the various biologically active compounds found in plants. Gingerols and shogaols found in ginger have analgesic, antipyretic, antiprostaglandin, hepatoprotective, and hypotensive properties. The other constituents of Ginger include zingibain, bisabolenel, oleoresins, starch, essential oils (zingiberene, zingiberole, camphene, cineol, borneol), mucilage, and protein. Due to presence of such active compounds ginger stimulates digestion, assimilation, relieves gas, increases muscular activity in the digestive tract and gives relief in respiratory ailments. It also significantly reduces nausea and vomiting. Ginger is an antioxidant that protects body cells and improves body immunity to fight infections.

Ginger is available in fresh and dried form. Dried form is more warming compared to fresh form. In treatment of nausea, vomiting, digestive complaints dried form should be used. Fresh form is more suitable for respiratory ailments such as cold, cough and flu.

Cold, cough and flu:

Ginger is very good remedy for cold, cough and flu condition. It acts as expectorant, relieves phlegm and infections.

Drinking ginger tea gives relief in cold and cough.

Ginger juice (5 ml) with honey (5 ml) is a useful remedy for cough and cold. It should be taken 2-3 times a day. This can also be taken as preventive measure for fever, cold cough, and flu.

Bronchitis

Boil 5 gram dry ginger powder in 1 glass water. Cook till volume reduces to half. Filter and drink.

Improving appetite

Ginger improves appetite. For this purpose, 2 gram dried powder of ginger or Sunthi should be taken with ghee or hot water in morning.

Chewing piece of ginger or eating ginger pickle is also helpful.

Pharyngitis, loss of voice due to shouting, rhinitis, tonsillitis

In such cases, ginger piece should be chewed with clove and some salt.

Indigestion

Ginger stimulates digestive enzymes secretion. It also relaxes and soothes the intestinal tract and helps in removal of toxins from body. Drinking ginger tea in condition of excessive gas, indigestion and flatulence is very helpful. Sunthi can be taken in dose of 2-4 grams a day to cure indigestion.

In case of indigestion due to heavy meal, mix ginger juice (1/2 tablespoon) with mint and lemon juice (both 1 tablespoon) and take.

Or soak freshly cut thin pieces of ginger in lemon juice. Add some salt and chew few pieces after meal.

Digestive weakness

Ginger has stimulatory effect on digestion. In case of sluggish digestion mix, 5 ml ginger juice with 5 ml onion juice and drink.

Loss of appetite

Ginger is appetite stimulant. Eating ginger mixed with salt for a week helps to remove toxins from body and increasing appetite.

Migraine

If taken regularly it helps to reduce the occurrence of migraine attacks.

Pain during Menstruation

Ginger reduces the pain during periods. For this ginger tea with brown sugar can be taken.

Diabetes

Ginger lowers lipid, cholesterol and blood glucose level. All these properties are even confirmed by modern science. The juice of ginger reduces serum glucose levels in experimental animals.

For diabetic patient including ginger in daily diet reduces the chance of kidney damage. Ginger juice can also be taken in recommended dose.

Nausea and vomiting, motion sickness

Ginger has anti-vomiting action and is very effective in relieving the severity of nausea and vomiting. It should be taken in dose of one gram.

Constipation

When suffering from constipation mix ginger juice with ajwain and lemon juice and drink.

Premature ejaculation, impotency, spermatorrhoea

The common home remedy is to take ginger juice 5 ml, with one boiled egg and honey daily once a day, at night for one month.

Dose of ginger

The recommended dose of ginger is 3-9 g for fresh ginger;2-5 g for dried powder, to be taken 1 to 3 times a day.

Few important points

1. There are few conditions in which ginger is contraindicated. Such conditions are gallstones, acidity, peptic ulcer, ulcers, and in a persons with aggravated pitta.
2. Ginger may amplify blood-thinning drug activities. It may cause reaction when taken in combination with anticoagulant medicines such as aspirin.
3. Ginger has strong antiplatelet (decrease platelet aggregation and inhibit thrombus formation) activity, so experts recommend it should not be used by people with blood clotting disorders.
4. Ginger intake should be avoided in low platelet counts. During pregnancy, it should not be taken in excess.
5. So use it cautiously.

The common name of Solanum nigrum is black nightshade or Makoy (Hindi). It belongs to family Solanaceae. This plant grows as weed in waste lands all across India. In traditional medicine system, Makoi is used for treatment of many ailments such as inflammation, pain, liver diseases, fever etc. The plant leaves are cooked like vegetable and eaten. The fresh leaves juice is taken orally in form of fresh juice or decoction for treating disease. The whole plant is used for medicinal purpose. In many parts of country, the roots are boiled and given to women to boost fertility. The root juice is used as medicine for asthma and whooping cough.

Scientific classification

Kingdom:Plantae Order:Solanales Family:Solanales Genus:Solanum Species:nigrum

Latin name:Solanum nigrum Linn. Synonym:S. rubrum Mill.

There are two varieties of plant, one bears black fruit other red fruits. The black berry fruits are considered toxic.

Active Constituents

Major active components are glycoalkaloids, glycoproteins, and polysaccharides. It also contains polyphenolic compounds such as gallic acid, catechin, protocatechuic acid, caffeic acid, epicatechin, rutin, and naringenin.

Vernacular names

Sanskrit name:Kakamachi Bengali:Gudakamai English:Common nightshade, Garden Night Shade Gujrati:Piludi Hindi:Makoya Kannada:Ganikayeagida, Ganikegida, ganike, Ganikesopu, Kage hanninagids Malayalam:Karinthakkali, Manatakkali, Manjathakkali Marathi:Kamoni Oriya:Lunlunia, Lunilunika Punjabi:Mako Tamil:Manarthakkali, Manaththakkali, Manitakkali, Maniththakkali Telugu:Kamanchi Urdu:Makoh, mako

Plant Distribution

Herbaceous annual weed, 30-45 cm high, found throughout India in dry parts;quite common in cultivated lands, road sides and gardens. S. nigrum is also distributed in temperate Asia, Japan, Europe and Africa.

Medicinal uses of Solanum nigrum or Makoi

Solanum nigrum is used for treatment of diseases for hundreds of years. It has expectorant, analgesic, sedative, diaphoretic properties. It is external application cures skin diseases and gives relief in burns, itching, pain etc. As per Ayurveda, this plant is hot is potency and balances tridosha. Some important formulations that contain the dried plant of Solanum nigrum aree Maha vishgarbha ras, Rasaraja Rasa.

Here is listed some of the common medicinal uses of Kakamachi or Makoi (S. nigrum).

Arthritis, joint pain, rheumatism

Poultice of leaves is prepared and applied externally on the painful joints.

Insomnia or sleeplessness

For insomnia roots of the plant are used. The roots are boiled in water and a decoction is prepared which is filtered and taken 10-20 ml.

Pain in ears

The lukewarm juice of leaves is used as ear drop to get relief from pain in ears.

Stomatitis

Stomatitis is inflammation of the mucous membrane of the mouth. This disease is known as Mukh-Pak in Hindi. For this ailment, chewing 5-6 leaves of plant is helpful.

Enlargement of liver

In this condition, juice of plant is given. Fresh juice is extracted and heated in earthen vessel till it changes colour. This is given in dose of 25-50 ml for few days.

Spleen enlargement

In spleen enlargement, the decoction of plant is prepared. In this decoction sendha namak and cumin seeds are added and taken.

Skin diseases, ring worms, rabies

A paste of leaves is prepared and applied externally.

Stomach-ache, stomach ulcer, cough

The fresh leaves are cooked like vegetable by adding onion and jeera and eaten. The fresh leaves juice is also taken for curing the same.

Side-effects

Makoi or S. nigrum contains glycoalkaloid solanine. Solanine has varying degrees of toxicity in a dose dependent manner. The toxicity of plant depends on the climate, soil type, season, and maturity. The green unripe berries are generally considered more toxic than the ripe berries. Few cases of poisoning after eating berries of plant are also reported. By cooking, boiling (decoction) the toxic components are destroyed as the plant is reported to be edible after cooking.

Mainphal, Madan, Emetic nut tree are few common names of plant Randia dumetorum (synonym xeromphis spinosa) belonging to family Rubiaceae. Mainphal is used in various traditional medicine system for treatment of various ailments. This tree is found almost throughout India up to 4, 000 ft attitude. It is found in Himalaya, Dehradun, Bengal, Bihar, Orissa, South Maharashtra and costal districts of south India. It is a medicinal tree that treat cough, asthma, ulcers and many other ailments.

By Satheesan.vn (Own work)[ CC-BY-SA-3.0 or GFDL], via Wikimedia Commons

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Latin name:Xeromphis Spinosa Synonym:Randia dumetorum Poir., R. spinosa Poir., R. brandisii Gamble., R. longispina;Catunaregam spinosa (Thumb.) Tirveng

Family:Rubiaceae

Distribution

Found in sub-Himalayan tracts extending eastwards in Sikkim up to 1200 m and southwards to Peninsular India.

Vernacular names of Madan or Randia dumetorum

Sanskrit:Madani, Madana, Vamanaphala, Teevragandhi, Assamese:Maen, Bengali:Mainaphal, Mayanaphal, English:Emetic nut, Gujrati:Mindhal, Mindhol, Mindhar, Hindi:Manphal, Kannada:Mangarikai, Karigidda, Madanaphala Maggrekai, Kari, Maggare Kayi, Kashmiri:Madanfal, Malayalam:Malankara, Malamkarakka, Marathi:Gal, Galphala, Giephala, Madanphala, Oriya:Maena, Madana, Punjabi:Mindhal, Rara, Manphal, Tamil:Marukkarai, Telugu:Mranga Kaya, Monga Kaya, Urdu:Mainphal, Jauz-ul-Qai, Ayurvedic names:Madana, Chhardana, Pindi, Shalayaka, Vishapushpaka, Unani:Mainphal, Jauz-ul-Qai, Siddha:Marukkaaraikai, Madkarai, Folk:Mainphal, Arabic:Jauzulaki, Jijul kai

Plant Description

Small deciduous tree, shrubby with stout axillary spins;Leaves:fascicled on the suppressed branches, 3.2-5.7 cm long, obovate, ovate or ovate-lanceolate, roundish or shortly obtuse;Flowers:subsessile in axillary fascicles;corolla 2 cm long, at first white, afterwards becoming yellow;Fruit:about 4 cm across, a yellowish berry, globose or broadly ovoid, crowned with the large calyx limb.

Ayurvedic properties and action

1. Rasa (Taste):Tikta/Bitter, Madhura/Sweet
2. Guna (Characteristics):Laghu/Light, Ruksha/Dry,
3. Virya (Potency):Ushna/Hot
4. Vipaka (Post Digestive Effect):Katu/Pungent
5. Action on body
6. Vaman (induce vomiting) and Lekhana (reduce fatty tissue and support weight loss)

Medicinal uses of Randia dumetorum

In Ayurveda, various parts of Randia dumetorum or Madan phala/Mainphal are used to pacify vitiated pitta and kapha/mucous, and to treat cough, skin diseases, ulcers, asthma, flatulence, colic. The fruit is especially used as a medicine for emesis therapy (treating by inducing vomiting). The fruit of plant has anti-inflammatory/ inflammation reducing, emetic/inducing vomiting and abortifacient/abortion causing properties. The tree bark is applied externally to relieve pain of bruises and rheumatism.

Deranged vata-kapha

Some diseases occur due to vitiation of vata and kapha. For treating such ailments, take 2-3 mainphal. Remove outer skin. Crush them and soak in half cup water at night. Next morning, mash the fruit and filter the water. Drink this to induce vomiting.

Asthma

The traditional remedy is to mix dried powder of Mainphal, Arka mula bark, and Mulheti in equal amount. Taking 2 grams of this powder gives relief in asthma.

Inducing vomiting

1. In hot water, add Mainphal seed powder, Sendha namak (each 6 g) and Pippali churna (1 g). Drink this to induce vomiting to get relief from excessive pitta and kapha.
2. Soak Mainphal seed powder (3-6g) in water (25 ml) for an hour. Grind in mortar and pestle. Add honey and sendha namak and drink empty stomach.
3. The powder of seeds in dose of 2-4 grams with water can also be used.

Abdominal pain

Make paste of the fruit with vinegar and apply externally around naval.

Dose of Mainphal or Randia dumetorum

0.5 -1.0 g of the drug in powder form for decoction. 3-6 g of the drug for induction of vomiting

Stevia is a natural sweetener without any calorie. It is native to North-eastern Paraguay in South America and now cultivated in China, Brazil, Korea, Mexico, United States, Indonesia, Tanzania and India. Stevia leaves are sweet due to presence of sweet steviol glycoside which is composed of glucose, sophorose and steviol. It is also known as Stevia, Sweet leaf, Sweet herb of Paraguay, Honey leaf and Candy leaf. The unprocessed leaves of this herb are about fifteen times and the extract (in form of steviosides) is hundred times sweeter than sugar. It has been used to sweeten tea for centuries. It is hypoglycaemic and used in various parts of world in management of diabetes.

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Botanical name: Stevia rebaudiana Synonym: Eupatorium rebaudianum Bertoni

Family: Asteraceae

The Stevia plant

Semi-humid subtropical perennial semi-shrub up to 30 cm in height; Leaves: sessile, 3-4 cm long, elongate-lanceolate or spatulate shape with blunt-tipped lamina, serrate margin from the middle to the tip and entire below. Upper surface of the leaf slightly glandular pubescent; stem: weak-pubescent at bottom and woody; Rhizome: slightly branching roots; Flowers; composite surrounded by an involucre of epicalyx, capitula in loose, irregular, sympodial cymes, light purple, pentamerous; fruit: five-ribbed spindle-shaped achene.

Some important medicinal properties of Stevia leaves

Due to presence of phytochemicals Stevia possess medicinal properties. It is sweet due to presence of glycosides. Since glycoside is not a carbohydrate based molecule so stevia is calorie free. This makes stevia suitable for obese people. Few research show whole leaf concentrate of stevia has regulating effect on pancreas which helps to stabilise blood sugar. Therefore it can be consumed by diabetic people to sweeten the dishes. Stevia is also used traditionally in high blood pressure, excessive abdominal gas, hyperacidity, nausea and obesity.

Stevia is even used externally. Stevia concentrate is applied to soften, tighten skin, reducing blemishes, acne, eczema, cuts and lip sores.

Following is given important medicinal properties of Stevia

1. Works against (Anti-): bacteria, cancer, fertility, diabetes, inflammation.
2. Calcium antagonist (reduces influx of calcium into the cells of heart and smooth muscle and thus reduces the strength of contractions, useful to treat angina and high blood pressure)
3. Reduces blood sugar level (Hypoglycemic), blood pressure (Hypotensive)
4. Contraceptive (prevent pregnancy)

Diseases in which Stevia is useful

Stevia can be safely used as replacement of table sugar in type 2 diabetes. Some studies suggest it has blood sugar lowering effect. Although much data is not available about its safety but it has been in use for hundreds of year in Paraguay and Brazil.

Use of Stevia is beneficial in following conditions:-

Diabetes, Hyperglycaemia, High Blood Pressure, Inflammation, Water Retention

Available forms of Stevia

Stevia leaves are available in different forms viz. fresh leaves, dried leaves, liquid, tablets, extracts, and powder.

The leaves can be used fresh or dried. The sweetness of dried leaves is more compared to fresh ones. The dried leaves can be used in preparation of tea, drinks and as replacement of table sugar. Like table sugar, these should be added as per taste. The leaves can be used to prepare tea, coffee, curries, muffins etc.

Stevia liquid concentrates are obtained by mixing extracts in distilled water or ethyl alcohol. Its few drops are sufficient to sweeten the recipes.

Stevia green powder is obtained by pulverising the dried leaves. It is green in colour and about twenty times sweeter than sugar. It can be used to prepare drinks and other dishes. Stevia powder has stronger after taste compared to other forms. Stevia white powder is obtained from the extract of stevia. This sweets 300 times to sugar.

Few Stevia Recipes

Stevia can be used in combination with table sugar, honey, jaggery, brown sugar, fruit juice etc. The extract can be used to sweeten bakery items, smoothies, ice creams etc. For bakery, stevia should be used along with sugar (as yeast requires sugar). Due to stevia stability at high temperature it can also be added to hot dishes.

Stevia mint infusion

This simple recipe requires crushed dried stevia leaves (1 teaspoon) and crushed dried mint leaves (1 teaspoon). The leaves are soaked in 2 glass water for about 8-12 hours. Then it is filtered and enjoyed chilled by adding ice cubes.

Stevia lemon Lemonade

This is prepared by soaking stevia leaves (1 teaspoon) in water (1-2 glass) for few hours. This is filtered and added with lemon juice (2-3 lemons).

Contraindications and Side Effects of Stevia

1. Safe to use as a sweetener.
2. Inadequate data regarding safety in pregnancy and lactation.
3. Limited data suggest it may be a contraceptive. Stevia extracts were found to decrease fertility of male rats.
4. Liquid leaf extracts significantly decrease plasma glucose levels after overnight fasting in 16 healthy adults.
5. Some expert believe Stevia may be hallucinogenic when taken in excess.

Most of the plants which are used as medicine are found growing as weed. One such plant that is edible and used as medicine is Amaranthus viridis. Its few common names are Jangali Chaulai (Hindi), Marissag, shak natey (Bengali) and pig weed. People cook its leaves as vegetable. It is an annual weed plant from family Amaranthaceae and genus Amaranthus. This plant is non-poisonous. But when it grows on lands where chemical fertilisers are used or the soil is nitrogen rich, then the plant leaves are found to be concentrated with nitrates. The concentrated nitrogen in leaves can produce harmful effects on oral intake. Otherwise this plant is non-toxic and produces no side-effect.

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Botanical name: Amaranthus viridis - L; SYNONYM: Amaranthus gracilis; Euxolus viridis (L.) Moq.;

Common Name(s): Calalu, Slender amaranth, Green Amaranth, Wild Amaranth, Green pigweed Bengali: Notey, Notey shak, Marissag Tribal Name: Ahu Mihim Ga (Marma)

Scientific classification

• Kingdom-Plantae (plantes, Planta, Vegetal plants)
• Subkingdom- Viridaeplantae (green plants)
• Infrakingdom- Streptophyta (land plants)
• Division-Tracheophyta (vascular plants, tracheophytes)
• Subdivision-Spermatophytina (spermatophytes, seed plants)
• Infradivision- Angiospermae (flowering plants, angiosperms)
• Class-Magnoliopsida
• Superorder-Caryophyllanae
• Order-Caryophyllales
• Family-Amaranthaceae (pigweed, amaranthes)
• Genus-Amaranthus L. (pigweed)
• Species-Amaranthus viridis (slender amaranth)

Chemical Constituents

The principal constituents are saponins. The plant contains sterols and fatty acids in the seeds. The stem and leaves contain oxalic acid.

Plant Description

Annual herb 30-60cm tall; Stem erect, branched, herbaceous, solid, glabrous, grooved; Leaves simple, not lobed or divided, opposite, stalked, ovate, glabrous on both sides, margin entire, apex acute, rounded or emarginated, base acute, rounded or truncate, pinnately veined, dark green; Flowers small, numerous, bisexual, grouped in a terminal spike, sessile, petals 3, green; Fruit capsule with rounded dark brown to black seeds.

Geographical Distribution, Habitat

The plant is native to Asia. It is found as a weed in tropical and subtropical regions, including West Indies, Africa, China, Japan and Indian subcontinent. It is cultivated in Congo, Gabon and Nigeria.

Medicinal Uses of Pig weed or Jangali Chaulai

Pig weed or Jangali Chaulai is an edible plant. Its leaves are cooked as spinach. The plant is also a cattle fodder. The plant leaves contain protein, fat, carbohydrates, fibre, calcium, phosphorus, iron, sodium, potassium and many vitamins (A, C, niacin). The seeds of plant contain protein and fat.

Traditionally plant is used to treat many diseases.

1. The leaves stimulates urines production and has purgative properties.
2. The root juice is given to treat inflammation during urination.
3. The decoction of whole plant is medicine for loose motion, dysentery and swelling.
4. Infusion of whole plant is used for removing toxins from blood.
5. The leaves are useful in treatment of constipation.
6. Poultice prepared from leaves is applied on inflammation, haemorrhoids, abscesses, gonorrhoea etc.

Seeds of plant are used in powdered form to cure eye diseases, vision problem and eyesight weakness. The method involves collection of seeds in September to November. The fresh seeds are dried in sun to remove the moisture. Removing moisture helps to store seeds for future use. Next is to take equal amount of dried anjeer and misri/candy sugar. All are ground to get fine powder and stored in bottle. This is used as a medicine to treat vision problems. Its dose is 15-20 grams with one cup water, twice a day for 1-2 weeks.

Betel nuts are the seeds or kernel of tree Areca catechu, a species of palm tree. This tree is native to Malaysia. In India, it is cultivated along the coasts of Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Assam and Maharashtra.

By Henryk Kotowski Kotoviski (Own work) [GFDL, CC-BY-SA-3.0 or CC-BY-2.5], via Wikimedia Commons

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Supari Pak is an ayurvedic herbal medicine for curing leucorrhoea is made from betel nuts. It is very useful in woman's physical weakness, facial paleness and anemia. It remedies back-ache, pain in shins, anxiety and uneasiness.

Betel nut is one of the oldest known masticatories that is used either alone or with many other ingredients. These can be used as fresh, dried, boiled, roasted or fermented. In India, it is commonly known as Supari and added to pan with other ingredients like slaked lime, catechu, gulkand etc. The chewing of Paan is very common in India.

Chewing of betel nuts for prolonged period is hazardous for health. It can cause diabetes, high blood pressure and heart diseases.

But in Ayurveda, the dried ripe seeds, known as Puga are used for treatment of diseases like leucorrhoea, tastelessness, oral diseases etc. One of the famous drug containing betel nut as ingredient is Puga Khanda.

Latin name: Areca catechu Linn.

Family: Palmae; Arecaceae.

Vernacular names

• Sanskrit : Kramuka, Ghona, Puga
• Assamese : Tamol, Tamul
• Bengali : Supari
• English : Areca nut, Betel nut
• Gujrati : Sopari
• Hindi : Supari, Chr alia
• Kannada : Adiks
• Kashmiri : Supari, Spari
• Malayalam : Adakku, Pakku
• Marathi : Supari, Pophal
• Oriya : Gua
• Punjabi : Supari, Spari
• Siddha/Tamil: Kottai Pakku, Kamugu, Pakku, Pakhumaram
• Telugu : Paka chekka, Vakka
• Urdu : Fufal, Choalia, Supari
• Trade names: Areca nut, Betel nut, Supari

Distribution

Cultivated in the coastal regions of India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Myanmar and other tropical and subtropical countries.

Tree description

Tall, slender, unbranched palm with a crown of leaves; stem annulate; leaves pinnate with a conspicuous sheet; flowers in spadix, male many at the upper portion, female much longer and a few at the base; fruits are singleseeded berries with flesh and fibrous pericarp and a stony seed, 3.8-5 em long, smooth, orange or scarlet when ripe. Flowering: August-January; Fruiting: about a year later.

Ayurvedic properties and action of Puga or Supari

1. Rasa (Taste): kashaya/Astringent,
2. Guna (Characteristics): Guru/Heavy, Ruksha/Dry
3. Virya (Potency): Sheet/ Cool,
4. Vipaka (Post Digestive Effect): Katu/Pungent
5. Effects on Tridoshas (Humor): Balances kapha and pitta.

Constituents

Betel nuts contain catechin, tannins (15%), Gallic acid fat, gum and alkaloids like arecoline (0.07%), arecaine (1%). Arecaidine and guvacoline, guvacine and choline are present in trace amount.

Medicinal uses of Betel nut or Supari

The use of Areca nuts for therapeutic purpose is mentioned in many Ayurvedic treatise such as Charaka Samhita (useful in the diseases caused by bile), Sushruta Samhita (beneficial in the diseases caused by phlegm, but overuse may distort voice), Brahmavaivarta Purana (brushing the teeth with twig), Vagbhata and Bhavamista. It is traditionally used to treat several diseases such as leucoderma, leprosy, anaemia, and obesity. The dried nuts are stimulant, astringent and increases salivation. Here is given few traditional medicinal uses of pooga or betel nuts.

Leucorrhoea

Add 1 teaspoon betel nut powder in 500 ml water. Use this as vaginal douche.

Gum infection

1. Take one nut and burn it to obtain its ash. This should be mixed with 2 spoon clove powder and katha (1/4 cup). This preparation should be mixed with water and used for rinsing mouth.
2. Boil one nut in water and use the water for gargling.

Teeth yellowing

Char few nuts and pulverise them. This powder should be rubbed on the teeth.

Gum swelling

Take 2 teaspoon powdered nut and fry in ghee. Add ajwain, Kattha and sendha namak in equal amount. Mix and ground them. Mix some water and apply on inflammed areas.

Side-effects and Contraindications

1. Betel nuts regular use is harmful for health. It should be used in recommended dose only for medicinal purpose.
2. Its excessive chewing is harmful for teeth.
3. Use of betel nut is contraindicated in asthma (due to bronchoconstrictive effects of the alkaloid arecoline) and pregnancy (Abortifacient).
4. Due to increased incidence of oral cancer associated with betel chewing, it must not be used as masticatory.
5. The seeds are fatally toxic at 8-10 g, fluid extract at 3.5ml.

Ayurvedic Pharmacopeia recommends it safe dose as 1-2 grams in dried powder form for medicinal purpose.

Dill is known by many other names such as Garden Dill, Dilly, Dill weed etc. The name Dill is derived from Old Norse word dilla, which means 'to lull'. The seeds of plant are used as spice and leaves as condiment for flavouring and seasoning of various foods. It is a plant with medicinal properties and used in various traditional medicine systems for treatment of diseases for hundreds of years. In Ayurveda, it is used for treating digestive troubles, colic and impaired digestion. This plant is mentioned in ancient Ayurvedic treatise as shatapushpa. Acharya Charak prescribed the paste of shatapushpa with alsi/flax seed and castor seeds pounded in milk for external applications in rheumatic and other swellings of joints. It is an ingredient in various Ayurvedic medicines such as Dhanwantharam Thailam, Valiya Narayana Thailam, Nimbasavam, Gorochanadi Vati etc. In Unani medicine system, Dill is used for treatment of digestive problems.

Anethum graveolens 001 by H. Zell - Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons.

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Latin name: Anethum sowa Roxb. ex Flem. (Indian Sowa) Synonym : A. graveolens Linn. var. sowa Roxb. A. graveolens DC Peucedanum sowa Roxb. Peucedanum graveolens Benth.

• Family : Umbelliferae; Apiaceae
• Sanskrit : Shatapushpa
• Bengali : Suva, Sulpha, Shulupa, Sowa
• English : Indian Dil Fruit
• Gujrati : Suva
• Hindi : Soya, Sova
• Kannada : Sabasige
• Marathi : Badishep, Shepa, Shepu
• Punjabi : Soya
• Tamil : Satakuppa
• Telugu : Sadapa
• Urdu : Shibt, Soya

Dill or Soya Plant

Dill plant is up to 90 cm tall, with slender stems and alternate leaves finally divided three or four times into pinnate sections; flower yellow, develops into umbels; fruits oval, compressed, winged about one-tenth inch wide, with three longitudinal ridges on the back and three dark lines; Propagation is through seeds.

Ayurvedic properties and action

1. Rasa (Taste): Tikta/Bitter, Katu (pungent)
2. Guna (Characteristics): Snigdha/Unctuous,
3. Virya (Potency): Ushna/Hot
4. Vipaka (Post Digestive Effect): Katu/Pungent
5. Action: Stimulates appetite, Kapha-hara, Pitta-hara

Medicinal uses of Dill

Dill has antibacterial, antiseptic, antispasmodic, cardio depressant, carminative, digestive, diuretic, blood sugar lowering, blood pressure lowing, breast milk stimulating, and laxative properties. For medicinal purpose its seeds, leaves and roots are used. The recommended dose of its seeds is 1/2-1 teaspoon for chewing; and 2 teaspoon seeds for soaking in cup of water.

Dill seeds infusion is prepared by soaking seeds in boiling water. Two teaspoon of crushed seeds are soaked in one cup of boiling water. This is steeped for 10-15 minutes to prepare infusion.

The leaves infusion is prepared by soaking one teaspoon dried or 3 teaspoons of crushed fresh leaves to 1 cup of boiling water. This is steeped for 10-15 minutes to prepare infusion.

Improving breast milk quantity: Boil a handful of Dill leaves or seeds in two cups of barley (jau) water and drink daily.

Bad breath, halitosis: hewing the seeds improves bad breath.

High blood pressure: Take equal quantities of dill seeds and fenugreek seeds and powder them and store it in a bottle. Take two teaspoonful of this powder twice a day with a glass of water.

Insomnia: or sleeplessness, decoction of dill seeds is useful. Decoction is prepared by boiling 2 teaspoon seeds in one cup water for few minutes. This filtered and taken.

Improving appetite, upset stomach: Prepare Dill tea and drink.

Delaying mensuration: Crush dill seeds (2teaspoon) and soak in one cup hot water for 5 minutes. Filter and drink.

Painful menstruation: Dill is useful in managing painful menstruation.

Abdominal gas, pain in abdomen, Sleeplessness: Take seeds of Dill. Grind them to make powder. Soak one teaspoon of this powder in one glass boiling water for five minutes and drink.

Cough, loss of appetite: Clean and dry the leaves. Grind them to make powder. Take 1-2 teaspoon powder with one glass hot water.

Joint pain, arthritis: Make paste of Dill roots and seeds. Steam the paste and apply lukewarm on affected area. Keep for half hour.

Gular or Cluster fig tree is a sacred, large tree distributed throughout India. It is one of the tree of four trees of the Nalpamara or Nalpamaram in Ayurveda (other three are Ficus microcarpa/Plaksah, Ficus relegiosa/Peepal, Ficus benghalensis/Bargad). Goolar tree leaves, fruits, root and bark are used to treat various diseases. The latex is applied topically on cuts, boils, muscular pain, pimples, scabies, haemorrhoids etc. The fruits are edible and full of nutrition. Fruits are cooling, cardiac tonic and useful in urinary diseases, bile disorders, menstrual disorders. The leaves fresh juice or decoction is used in treatment of many diseases. The description of Udumbara or Gular tree is even given in Ved. Rig Veda mentions it as a tree that cures piles, internal wounds, removes impurities from blood, worms from alimentary canal. Atharvaveda describes its usefulness in skin diseases like leprosy, sinus, oedema, impurities of blood and in piles. Bhavaprakasha mentions it is useful in treatment of pimples and wounds.

LTM ficus by T. R. Shankar Raman - Own photograph. Licensed under CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

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Scientific Classification

• Kingdom:Plantae
• Division:Magnoliophyta
• Class:Magnoliopsida
• Order:Rosales
• Family:Moraceae
• Genus:Ficus
• Species:F. racemosa
• Synonyms:Ficus glomerata Roxb

Vernacular names

• Sanskrit:Apushpaphalasambandha, Audumbaram, Brahmavriksha, Haritaksha, Hemadugdha, Shetavalkala, Udumbara, Yajnaphala
• Assamese:Jambhaij, Jamij, Dimoree
• Bengali:Dumur, Jajna-dumur, Jaya dumur
• English names:Cluster fig, Country fig, Gular fig
• Gujarati:Gudar, Umar, Umbara
• Hindi:Gullar, Gular, Umar
• Kannada:Athimaro
• Malayalam:Atti
• Marathi:Umbar
• Oriya:Dumburi, Dumuri
• Punjabi:Gullar, Umbra, Rumbn
• Tamil:Atti, Athi
• Telugu:Atti, Medi
• Urdu:Goolar, Gular
• Unani:Anjir-e-Aadam, Anjir-e-
• Ahmak, Gular
• Siddha:Atthi
• Trade name:Common fig
• Flowering:Spring;Fruiting:Rainy season.

Ecology and cultivation: Tropical plant;grows on the banks of streams, sides of rivers, on rocky slopes, up to 1500 m;wild.

Distribution: Throughout India;Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka.

The Tree:Spreading laticiferous tree, 9.0-12.2 m tall, bark reddish grey, smooth;leaves alternate, stipules ovate-Ianceolate, pubescent, 1.25-2.5 cm long, petioles 2.5-5.0 cm long, lamina simple membranous, ovate to obovate-oblong or lanceolate, 10-18 cm long, dark green, glabrous or softly pubescent above while lower surface pubescent or glabrous;fruits borne in clusters on the main trunk and leafless short branches, subglobose or pyriform, 2.5-5.0 cm in diameter, red when ripe.

Ayurvedic Properties and Action on body

Dried bark

• Rasa (Taste):Kashaya/Astringent
• Guna (Characteristics):Guru/Heavy, Ruksha/Dry
• Virya (Potency):Sheet/ Cool
• Vipaka (Post Digestive Effect):Katu/Pungent

Action: balances Kapha, Pitta;Reduces obesity, detoxifies;

Dose of bark: 3-6 g in powder form;20-30 g for decoction.

Dried fruits

• Rasa (Taste):Kashaya/Astringent, Madhura/Sweet
• Guna (Characteristics):Guru/Heavy, Ruksha/Dry
• Virya (Potency):Sheet/ Cool
• Vipaka (Post Digestive Effect):Madhura/Sweet

Action: Balances kapha and Pitta

Dose of dried fruits: 10-15 g in powder form.

Constituents

Phytochemical are bioactive compounds that are found in plants. These active substance protects plant from various diseases and due to presence of such compound, human are using various herbs to cure and prevent many diseases. Different plants contains different phytochemicals.

This medicinal plant contains following phytochemicals:

Bark: The tree bark contains phytochemical constituents namely alkaloids, carbohydrates, flavonoids, glycosides, saponins, steroids, tannins, phenols, triterpenoid, fixed oils. The bark lowers the level of blood sugar (hypoglycaemic), kills worms and reduces swelling. It is also useful in lipid disorders and obesity.

Fruits: The fruits contain ?-Sitosterol, Lupeol Acetate and Carbohydrates. The ripe fruits are eaten fresh or preserved in honey in future use. Unripe fruits are cooked and eaten with food. The fruits are very nutritious and is preferred as morning food. The fruits also controls serum cholesterol levels. Fresh whole fruits, are source of dietary fibre with hypocholesterolemic activity.

Traditionally tender fruits are given to treat vitiated conditions of pitta, diarrhoea, dyspepsia and haemorrhages. The ripe fruits are sweet, cooling and are used in haemoptysis, thirst and vomiting.

Leaf:Leaves contain ?-amyrin, ?-sitosterol, gluanol-OAc, sterols, triterpenoids, alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids.

Leaves are astringent to bowels and used in treatment of dysentery, bilious infection and as a mouthwash in spongy gum. Tender leaf buds are applied on the skin in paste form to improve the complexion. The leaves decoction is good wash for wounds and ulcers.

Medicinal uses

Gular tree is astringent, anti-diabetic, anti-asthmatic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiulcer, anti-pyretic and anti-diarrheal in action. Bark, leaves and unripe fruit gives relief in flatulence, astringent, promotes appetite, assist in digestion, and kills parasitic worms. Its latex is useful in cuts, insect bites, boils, bruises, swellings. Bark of gular tree is used to treat infections, swelling and inflammation.

Here are some medicinal uses of various parts of cluster fig. These are time-tested simple home remedies.

Mouth ulcers and other oral infections

Take bark (10 gm) of gular tree and cook in water (400 ml) for few minutes. Add alum (pinch) and filter. Use this water to rinse mouth frequently.

Menorrhagia

Menorrhagia is Profuse, excessive bleeding during menses. It can be due to hormonal imbalance or in cases of cysts in the ovaries or fibroids in the uterus.

Dried figs of Cluster fig tree should be taken with sugar and honey.

Swelling

Take bark of gular tree, grind on stone with water to make paste. Apply at affected area.

Boils

For curing boils take gular bark paste and apply at affected area.

Pimples and freckles

Take inner side of gular bark and make paste of it. Apply on pimples, acne and freckles.

Burn marks on skin

Take gular fruits and make paste. Mix paste with honey and apply regularly on burn marks. Use regularly to get normal skin tone.

Also burning causes skin to tighten and stiffen. Apply paste of bark and leaves on such burnt areas.

Rakta Pitta or bleeding disorder, Nose Bleeding

Take tender leaves (10-15), grind to extract juice and add misri to this juice. Take regularly.

Urticaria (Hives) or sheet-pitta

Take tender leaves and extract juice. Drink 15 ml juice for few days.

Bhasmak rog

Dry gular fruits and make powder. Take this powder (1 tbsp) three times a day for few days.

Dysentery

Drink 10- 15 ml juice of gular tender leaves.

Stomach ache

Take dry fruits of gular, ajwain and sendha namak. Make powder and take two times a day with water.

Fistula, Piles Haemorrhoids

Take milk like secretion or latex of gular tree after plucking leaves and soak in cotton. Apply on affected area.

Leucorrhoea, Weakness, Spermatorrhea

Drink 1 cup juice of gular tender leaves in morning.

Burning sensation in hands and feet due to excess pitta/Heat

Drink tender leaves juice of gular.

Excessive thirst

Take few cluster fig leaves and extract 7-14 ml fresh juice. Drink this two times a day.

Or prepare decoction of leaves and drink 14-28 ml with sugar twice daily.

Dhatu kshaya

Drinking 7-14 ml fresh juice of leaves twice daily is useful.

Cuts, muscle pain

Traditionally the latex of roots is applied topically.

Cracked heels

Alligator Yam, Milky Yam and Vidari, Vidari-kanda are few common names of plant Ipomoea digitata. Ipomoea digitata is grown as ornamental plant. The plant is extensive perennial climber with large lobed leaves and beautiful pink or purple flowers.

Ipomoea digitata is used as medicine in Ayurveda and Southeast Asia for treatment of liver and spleen enlargement. It is also given in gynaecological ailments such as abnormally long and heavy menstrual periods at regular intervals. The plant is used as aphrodisiac, tonic and increasing breast milk. For medicinal purpose, the tuberous roots of plant are used.

General Information

Latin name: Ipomoea digitata Linn; Synonym: Ipomoea paniculata R. Br. Burm.; I. mauritiana Jacq.

Family: Convulvulaceae

Vernacular names

Sanskrit/Indian name: Vidari Ikshugandha, Ikshuvalli, Payasvini, Dirghakanda, Bhumi Kuahmanda

Bengali : Bhuh Kumdaa, Bhooi Kumhdaa, Bhumi kumar

English : Giant potato

Gujarati : Vidaaree Kand

Hindi : Vidaaree Kanda, Bhuh Kumdaa, Bhui Kumbhadaa

Kannada : Nelkumbal, Naadakumbala

Malayalam : Paalmutakku

Marathi : Bhui Kohalaa

Oriya : Bhuin Kakhaaru

Tamil : Nilappuchani, Paalmudamgi

Telugu : Paalagummudu, Nelagummudu

Habitat

Ipomoea digitata is found growing in hotter and moist regions of India viz. Bihar, Orissa, West Bengal, Assam, Deccan, Konkan, Kerala.

Medicinal part of plant

The plant part that is used for medicinal purpose is large, tuberous roots. The roots are yellowish brown in colour and tastes bitter.

Constituents of roots

Phytochemical are bioactive compounds that are found in plants. These active substance protects plant from various diseases and due to presence of such compounds, the plants are useful in preventing and curing ailments. Different plants contains different phytochemicals.

This medicinal plant contains following phytochemicals:

The plant produces phytochemicals which have similarities in activity with the estrogen. This justifies its use in treatment of diseases related to female reproductive system.

The root contains Pterocarpan-tuberosin, pterocarpanone-hydroxytuberosone, two pterocarpenes-anhydrotuberosin and 3-O-methylanhydrotuberosin, and a coumestan tuberostan. An isoflavone-puerarone and a coumestan-puerarostan.

Effect of Ipomoea digitata root on body

1. Following is given few pharmacological effects of Vidari Kanda on human body.
2. Revitalizes body
3. Reduces blood sugar level
4. Increases weight
5. Stimulates respiration
6. Vasoconstrictor and bronchoconstriction effect
7. Promotes rapid labor by stimulating contractions of the myometrium
8. Liver protecting
9. Reduces the lipid profile and lipoprotein levels

Ayurvedic Properties and Action on body

1. Rasa (Taste): Tikta/Bitter, kashaya/Astringent, Madhura/Sweet
2. Guna (Characteristics): Guru/Heavy, Snigdha/Unctuous, Tikshna/Sharp
3. Virya (Potency): Sheet/ Cool
4. Vipaka (Post Digestive Effect): Madhura/sweet

Dose of roots: 3-6 grams powder.

Traditional Medicinal uses

Vidari or Aligator Yam is a medicinal plant with expectorant, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, anticonvulsant (seizures preventive) and aphrodisiac properties. The roots of plant has action on fat, muscles and reproductive system.

1. The roots of plant are used to increase quantity of breast milk.
2. The root powder is given in emaciation, debility, poor digestion.
3. The dried roots are boiled in milk, added with ghee, sugar and given to improve weight and moderate menstrual discharge.
4. The root powder is mild purgative and useful in constipation.
5. In spermatorrhoea (involuntary discharge of semen without orgasm), the juice of fresh root is given with cumin/jeera and sugar.
6. The roots are used in preparation of several Ayurvedic medicines like Phala Ghrita, Dhanvantara Taila,

Patha or Abuta is medicinal herb that is found throughout India up to an altitude of 2000 m. It is an extensively spreading, perennial climbing shrub that prefers warm and dry regions. For medicinal purpose its roots and leaves are used. Patha is used by Acharya Charak for fever, vaginal discharge, piles, urinary ailments, digestive system complaints and uterine ailments. Acharya Sushruta, used this herb additionally for cleaning and washing of wounds (roots decoction).

Cissampelos pareira Wynaad by L. Shyamal -Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons.

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General Information

Botanical name:Cissampelos pareira Synonyms:C. hirsuta Buch.-Ham.ex DC.

Family:Menispermaceae

Vernacular names

• Sanskrit:Ambashtaki, laghu patha
• Assamese:Tuprilata
• Bengali:Akanadi, Patha
• English:Velvet leaf
• Gujrati:Kalipath, Karondhium, Karondium, Venivel, Karedhium
• Hindi:Patha, Padh, Akanadi
• Kannada:Pahadavela, Agalushunthi
• Kashmiri:Pad
• Malayalam:Patha
• Marathi:Pashadvel, Paharrel, Pahadavel, Padali
• Oriya:Kanabindhi, Patha
• Punjabi:Patha
• Tamil:Vatta tiruppi
• Telugu:Adivibankatiga, chiru boddi, Boddi tiga
• Flowering and fruiting:April-October
• Habitat:Tropical and subtropical India (From Sind and Punjab to South India and Sri Lanka).

Plant description

Perennial climbing shrubs with small greenish-yellow flowers;leaves peltate or orbicular-reniform, ovate-subreniform, with truncate cordate base;inedible, dark, grape-sized berries;Flowers unisexual;male flowers with 4–5 sepals, ovate to obovate, hairy outside, greenish or yellowish, corolla cup-shaped, filaments of stamens completely fused;female flowers with 1 sepal, ovary superior, hairy, 1-celled, style thick with spreading, 3-lobed stigma;Fruit a short-hairy, orange to red drupe;Seed horseshoe-shaped;embryo elongate, narrow, embedded in endosperm, cotyledons flattened.

Constituents

Phytochemical are bioactive compounds that are found in plants. These active substance protects plant from various diseases and due to presence of such compounds, the plants are useful in preventing and curing ailments. Different plants contains different phytochemicals.

This medicinal plant contains following phytochemicals in root:

Alkaloids (about 38 alkaloids), saponin and quarternary ammonium bases, flavonol and sterol.

Ayurvedic Properties and Action on body

• Rasa (Taste):Tikta/Bitter, Katu (pungent)
• Guna (Characteristics):Laghu/Light, Tikshna/Sharp
• Virya (Potency):Ushna/Hot
• Vipaka (Post Digestive Effect):Katu/Pungent
• Action:Decreases vata, kapha and increases pitta, Grahi, blood purifier, detoxifier

Medicinal uses in Ayurveda:Patha is used in treatment of diarrhoea, vomiting, fever, skin diseases, kandu and as galactodepurant (stanya sodhana).

Ayurvedic medicines containing patha

It is one of the ingredient in many Ayurvedic medicines. Few OTC medicines containing Patha are Pushyanug Churna (gynaecological ailments), Vrihat Gangadhar churna (diarrhoea, amoebiasis), Pradrantak Churna (Pradar, female reproductive system diseases), Saraswat Ghrita.

Traditional Medicinal uses of Patha (Cissampelos Pareira)

Patha or abuta is an important medicinal herbs that is particularly used to treat gynaecological problems. Some tribes use roots of herb as contraceptive. The leaves exhibits antifertility activity in female albino rat.

Poultice prepared from Patha leaves is effective in skin diseases viz. abscesses, burns, boils, sores, scabies, itches, acne. Leaves are antiseptic and applied on inflammation and sores.

Abuta root is astringent, stimulates urine production, improves appetite, reduces fever and increases blood flow in pelvic region (reproductive organs, uterus). It tastes bitter and very pungent. In colic, 4 parts abuta, 5 parts pepper, 3 parts Hing, 6 parts ginger are mixed and pills are rolled adding honey. It is taken in dose of three to five grains.

Greater (Larger) or Nepal cardamom is a very commonly used spice in India. It is the dried seeds of plant Amomum subulatum. This leafy plant grows in swampy places of Sikkim, Darjeeling, Assam, Bhutan and Nepal. Like some other member of plant family Zingiberaceae (ginger, turmeric, alpenia), it is a medicine as well. For medicinal purpose the seeds of plant are used. In Ayurveda, it is considered one that improves appetite and digestion, reduces mucous and vata/wind and cures oral diseases.

" BlackCardamom"by Brian Arthur - en:file:BlackCardamom.jpg. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons.

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General Information

Latin Name:Amomum subulatum

Family:Zingiberaceae

Vernacular names

• Sanskrit:Bhadra, Bhadraila
• Bengali:Baara aliach
• English:Greater or Nepal cardamom, Big cardamom
• Gujarati:Elaicho, Mothi Elichi
• Hindi:Bari elachi, Badi elaichi
• Kannada:Dodda Yalakki, Nepdi Elakki
• Malayalam:Valiya Elam, Perelam
• Marathi:Mothi Elayachi
• Oriya:Bada aleicha, Aleicha
• Punjabi:Budi Eleichi
• Tamil:Periya Elam, Beraelam, Kattu Elam
• Telugu:Pedda Elakulu
• Urdu:Badi Elaichi, Heel Kalan
• Siddha:Peria Elam, Kattu Elam, Beraelam
• Unani:Heel Kalaan, Qaaqule Kubaar
• French:Cardamome German:Kardamom Italian:Cardamomo, Cardamone Spanish:Cardamomo Burmese:Phalazee

Plant Habitat

Greater cardamom is native to eastern Himalayas and cultivated in moist and swampy side of mountain streams and hilly slopes, at an elevation of 765 to 1675 metres. In India it is cultivated in Sikkim, Bengal, Darjeeling, Assam, Bhutan, North-eastern states and Tamil Nadu.

Plant description

Tall, perennial, evergreen plant with rhizomes, about 90-100 cm height;leaves oblong lanceolate, 30-60 cm in length, shoots formed by long sheath-like stalks encircling one another;spikes globose, very dense and shortly peduncled;spikes areglobose, very dense and shortly peduncled;flowers white in colour;Fruit capsules 2.5 cm long, irregular obcordate, echinate, trilocular, dark red-brown in color, containing severalaromatic seeds in each cell which held together by a pulp.

Constituents

Seeds contain a chalcone (cardamonin), a flavonoid (alpinetin), petunidin-3, 5 diglucoside and leucocyanidin glucocide, aurone glycosid subulin. The essential oil (about 2.5%) contains 1, 8-cineol as the major constituents.

Cineole gives the seeds distinct aroma and medicinal properties.

Ayurvedic Properties and Action on body

Greater cardomom has following Ayurvedic properties:

1. Rasa (Taste):Tikta/Bitter, Katu (pungent)
2. Guna (Characteristics):Laghu/Light, Ruksha/Dry, Tikshna/Sharp
3. Virya (Potency):Ushna/Hot
4. Vipaka (Post Digestive Effect):Katu/Pungent

Action:Deepana, Kapha-har, Vata-har, Rochaka, Mukhshodhak

Dose of greater cardamom for medicinla purpose:1-3 gram in powder form.

Ayurvedic medicines that contain greater cardamoms are Sarivadysava, Kalyanka Ghrita, Manasmitra Vataka.

Medicinal uses of Large Cardamom

Greater cardamom is a spice with medicinal properties. It has antioxidant, stimulant, stomachic, antispasmodic, appetizer, alexipharmic and astringent properties and is useful in diseases of mouth, indigestion, biliousness, abdominal pains and respiratory ailments.

Mouth blisters

Make paste of Greater cardamom. Mix the paste with honey and apply on blisters.

Tooth ache, gum problem

Prepare a decoction for gargling. Boil 4-5 Greater cardamom in one glass water and use this for gargling and mouth rinsing.

Asthma

In asthma, oral intake of Greater cardamom oil (10-20 drops) is useful.

Hiccups

Boil 1-2 Greater cardamom in 150 ml water till it reduces to half. Filter and drink to get relief from hiccups.

Digestive weakness/impaired digestion

Prepare a powder by mixing equal amount of Greater cardamom powder and dry ginger powder/Sunthi. Take this powder in dose of 1 teaspoon.

Abdominal pain, gas

Take one gram Greater cardamom powder with black salt.

Dysuria, painful urination, Mutrakriccha

Prepare a powder by mixing Greater cardamom powder and Misri. Take 2-3 grams of it.

Impotency

Prepare a powder by mixing Greater cardamom powder, Misri and Safed Musali. Take this powder in dose of 2-3 grams.

Deranged Vata, Vata disorder

Take 1-2 grams, Greater cardamom powder thrice a day.

Kutaj (Holarrhena antidysenterica Wall) is a glabrous tree or large shrub found throughout the deciduous forest areas of India at low elevations and up to 1100 meters in the tropical Himalayan tract. The seeds of plant are known as Indrajau or Indrayava. The seeds and stem bark of tree is indicated in many diseases such as piles, malabsorption symptom and particularly in diarrhoea and dysentery. The bark has anti-diarrhoeal, constipating, astringent, anti-dysenteric, anthelmintic (kills parasitic worms), carminative and digestive properties. The powdered bark when taken in dose of 3 grams with butter milk, twice a day gives relief in loose motions. For medicinal purpose the bark of 8-12 years old trees are collected in July to September and again at the end of winter. Scientific studies have established the anti-protozoal, anti-giardia and anti-amoebic properties of Holarrhena antidysenterica. Read more about Kutaj Ayurvedic remedies.

By Vinayaraj (Own work)[ CC-BY-SA-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

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General Information

Latin name:Holarrhena antidysenterica, Synonyms — Chonemorpha antidysenterica (Roxb. ex Fleming) G. Don, Echites antidysenterica

Roth, Holarrhena antidysenterica (Roxb. ex Fleming) Wall. ex A. DC., H. febrifuga Klotzsch

Family:Apocynaceae

Vernacular names:

• Sanskrit:Kutaja, Girimallikaa, Kaalinga, Kalingaka, Indravriksha, Shakra, Vatsa, Vatsaka, Shakraahvya. Indrayava, Indrabija, Vatsabija (seed)
• Hindi:Indraju, Kurchi, Kuraiya
• English:Ester Tree, Conessi Seeds, Ivory tree, Tellicherry Bark
• Bengali:Kurchi
• Punjabi:Indrajau, Kaurasakh, Kura
• Gujarati:Kuda, Kudo
• Malayalam:Kutakappala
• Marathi:Kudayache Beej
• Oriya:Kurei, Keruan
• Kannada:Kodasige Beeja
• Tamil:Kudasapalai
• Telegu:Kodisapala Vittulu, Palakodisa-Vittulu
• Urdu:Tukhm-e-Kurchi, Indarjao Talkh
• Unani:Inderjo talkh, Teewaaj-e-Khataai
• Siddha:Kudasappaalai-pattai, -vidai (bark, seed)
• Flowering and Fruiting:May-January
• Habitat:Kutaj (Kurchi) or Holarrhena antidysenterica is a plant native to tropical Himalayas. In India, it is found in Indian forests.

Part used

For medicinal purpose the seeds and bark are used.

The dried seeds are known as Indrayava, Bhadra Yava (Sanskrit), Indraju (Hindi), Kodasige Beeja (Kannada), Kudayache Beej (Marathi) and Conessi Seeds (English).

Main constituents of seeds and bark

Holarrhena antidysenterica Seeds:-

Alkaloids -Steroidal Alkaloid, Conessine etc., Fats, Tannin and Resin

Holarrhena antidysenterica Stem Bark:-

Alkaloids, regholarrhenine-A, -B, -C, -D, -E and -F;pubescine, norholadiene, pubescimine, kurchinin, kurchinine, kurchinidine, holarrifine, holadiene, kurchilidine, kurchamide, kurcholessine, kurchessine, conessine, conessimine etc.

Ayurvedic Properties and Action on body

Stem bark:

Rasa (Taste):Tikta/Bitter, Kashaya

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

Virya (Potency):Sheet/ Cool

Vipaka (Post Digestive Effect):Katu/Pungent

Karma/Action:Deepan (Digestive stimulant, the action of kindling agni), Anti-diarrhea, pacifies Tridosha.

Seeds and bark are used therapeutically for:diarrhoea, kustha, diarrhoea with fever, paasitic worms, malabsorption syndrome, absdominal pain, vomiting or chardi, skin diseases

Ayurvedic Medicines containing Kutaj

Stem bark is the main ingredient in Kutajaristha, Kutajavaleha and Kutaj ghan vati.

Seeds or Indrayava are used in preparation of Piyushvalli Rasa, Pancha Nimba Churna, Laghu Gangadhar Churna, Krimi Kuthar Rasa, Ahiphenasava.

Medicinal use of Kurchi/Kutaja tree (Holarrhena)

Kutaja has bitter, pungent taste and cold in potency. The bark has astringent, anthelmintic, amoebicidal and diuretic activities and is useful in treating diarrhoea, dysentery and amebiasis.

The safe dosage of Holarrhena antidysenterica is as follows

• Stem bark—20-30 grams for decoction
• Stem bark powder- 3-6 gms
• Seed powder-3-6 gms, 20-30 gm for Decoction

Here are few remedies that can be done at home using Easter tree or Kutaja (Holarrhena antidysenterica) to cure various ailments.

Dysentery or diarrhoea of chronic nature, Acute dysentery, diarrhoea

Kutaj is useful in treating diarrhoea, dysentery (atisaar, dast, Sangrahani) and other such digestive system ailments. For treating these ailments you can take Ayurvedic medicine Kutaj Ghan Vati which is prepared from bark of Kutaj. Kutajarishta is also prepared from bark of Kutaj and can be taken in dose of 15-30 ml with equal amount of water after meal. Kutajarishta is useful in treating Grahani (malabsorption syndrome), Pravahika (dysentery), Raktatisara (diarrhoea with blood) and Jwara (fever).

If Kutaj bark is available then prepare its powder and take 3-5 g and for children 500 mg to 1 g, twice or thrice daily with warm water, before meals.

Arthritis, inflammation, pain

Boil bark in water, add salt and apply at inflamed joints.

Take powder of Kutaj bark (10 gm), harad/haritaki (10 gm) and sonth/dried ginger powder (10 gm). Take this powder (1 tbsp) twice a day. This gives relief in pain due to arthritis, gout and joint inflammation. It also improves digestive function. Kutaj causes constipation. So this combination helps in controlling that effect of bark.

Sexual debility, Dhatu rog

Collect the seed (Indrajau) clean them. Dry in shade. Grind to make powder. Mix this powder with Ashwagandha powder in 1:2 ratio. Add misri and take 1 tbsp twice a day for few days.

Diabetes

Soak Kutaj bark in water at night. Next morning drink this water.

Prameha, Pradar, Skin problem, Kidney stone

Soak bark (2 tbsp) in glass of water at night. Next morning drink this water.

Piles, Fistula

Take its bark powder (2 gms). This is helpful in stopping bleeding in Shonitarsha (Bleeding piles).

Skin problems, Boils, Eczema

Boil its bark in water and wash affected areas.

Precautions while using kurchi/kutaja tree (holarrhena) for medicinal purpose

1. In Ayurvedic treatise, there is no mentioned side-effect of Kutaj. Various studies have also confirmed the same.
2. Kutaj may cause distension of the abdomen after using for a few days.
3. Kutaj is constipating, so as soon as diarrhoea is cured, stop using Kutaj or kutaj containing products.
4. In high blood pressure, it should be taken under medical supervision.