Ayapan is an ornamental and medicinal plant native to South America. It is found in Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, India and many other tropical countries. It is a perennial plant belonging to plant family Asteraceae. Asteraceae or Compositae family is commonly referred to as the aster, daisy, composite, or sunflower family and it is the second largest family in its division with about 1, 100 genera and over 20, 000 recognized species.

"Ayapanatriplinervis"by Cmarodon - Own work. Licensed under Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons

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Ayapan is known as Vishalyakarni in Sanskrit and is considered an herb that heals wounds and controls blood clotting. The leaves and stem of Ayapana are indicated in bleeding diarrhoea, bleeding piles, bleeding from stomach or bleeding from any part of the body.

Latin name:Eupatorium triplinerve Vahl;SYNONYM:Ayapana triplinervis (Vahl) and Eupatorium ayapana

Family:Asteraceae

Vernacular names

SANSKRIT:Vishalyakarni, Ayaparnah

ENGLISH:Ayapana tea

HINDI:Ayapan, Ayaparna

GUJARAT:Ayapan

MARATHI:Ayapan, Ayapani (Maharashtra)

BENGALI:Vishalyakarni, Ayapan, Ayapani

MALAYALAM:Aiyappana, Mrithasanjeevani

TAMIL:Ayappani

PLANT TYPE:Sub shrub

PROPAGATION:Seeds

MEDICINAL PART:Leaves, stem

IDENTIFICATION:Leaves are aromatic. Plant is an ornamental and grows up to height of 20-30 cm high. Leaves are 5-8 cm long. Many flowering heads, each 6 to 13 mm long and bear about twenty pink flowers, which are 6 to 7 mm long.

Medicinal uses of Ayapana (Eupatorium triplinerve)

Ayapana has antiseptic, expectorant, liver protecting, ulcer preventing, and wound healing properties. Its oral intake stops bleeding, detoxifies blood, cures fever, promotes sweating and thins the blood.

Purgation

Purgation or Virechan (Ayurveda) is an induced cleaning process using herbs. It is done to cleanse digestive system and typically recommended in Pitta/Bile and liver disorders. It is useful in piles, poisoning, skin diseases, nausea, vomiting, colitis, chronic fevers, enlarged abdomen and jaundice. Virechan helps body to get rid of ama/toxins and excess pitta. Excessive bile or pitta in body is responsible for many diseases such as skin diseases, pimples, rashes, vomiting, jaundice etc.

Virechan is not done in weak, old people, pregnant women, during menstruation, in uterus prolapse, weak digestion, Vata diseases, bleeding disorders etc.

Ayapanai has laxative and emetic properties due to which it can be used for virechan purpose. A decoction prepared using all five parts of plant viz. leaves, roots, flowers, fruits and stem when taken in large doses causes vomiting and loose motions.

Piles (bavasir)

The leaves of plant are ground and then squeezed to get the juice. This juice is taken in dose of 10-20 ml, 2-3 times a day for few days.

Fever due to cough or excess pitta/bile

Ayapanai has expectorant properties. In case of fever due to cough, prepare a decoction by boiling 10 gm leaves in 200 ml water. Drink this twice or thrice a day.

Malaria fever

Prepare decoction by boiling 20 g five parts of Ayapanai plant viz. leaves, roots, flowers, fruits and stem in 400 ml water till it reduces to one-fourth quantity. Drink 5-10 ml of this twice a day.

Wound, insect bite, bleeding

Apply paste of clean fresh leaves.

In case of deep wound, apply the leaves paste topically and drink 5-10 ml Ayapanai leaves juice 3-4 times a day.

Internal haemorrhages, snake bite and vomiting

Drink 5-10 ml Ayapanai leaves juice 3-4 times a day.

Gingivitis, mouth ulcers

Swish the leaves juice in mouth.

Warning/ Caution

• Contains natural coumarins (ayapanin and ayapin) which has blood-thinning or anticoagulant actions.
• Ayapana may interact with blood-thinning drugs.
• Ayapana is tonic and stimulant in small doses. Stimulants increases alertness, attention, energy, as well as elevate blood pressure, heart rate, and respiration.
• In large doses it is laxative and causes loose motion and vomiting.

The aqueous extract of dried Ayapana leaves and shoots is cardiac stimulant which increases the force of the heartbeat but diminishes its frequency.

Sehund or Thuhar (Euphorbia neriifolia) is a prickly, large, branched, erect, succulent leafless shrub that occurs in dry, rocky and hilly areas of North, Central and South India. This plant is extensively grown as a hedge plant. It is a medicinal plant with strong purgative action. For medicinal purpose the latex of plant is used.

By Frank Vincentz (Own work)[GFDL or CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia C

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The latex or milky juice is used for treating ear pain, skin diseases, warts, scabies etc. One of the very extensive medicinal use of this plant is for otalgia (pain in ear) and otitis (inflammation of the ear), for which juice extracted from the heated leaves is used as ear drop.

Latin name:Euphorbia neriifolia;SYNONYM E. ligularia

GENUS:Euphorbia FAMILY:Euphorbiaceae SUBFAMILY:Euphorbioideae TRIBE:Euphorbieae SUBTRIBE:Euphorbiinae

Vernacular names

HINDI- Sehund, Thuhar, Thohar SANSKRIT- Snuhi, Vajradruma, Snuk ENGLISH- Milk bush, Milk hedge

BENGALI:Manasasi

GUJRATI:Thor, Kantalo

HINDI:Thuhar, Sehunda

KANNADA:Muru Kanina Kalli

KASHMIRI:Kath

MALAYALAM:Kalli, Kaikalli

MARATHI:Nivadung

ORIYA:Thor, Kantalothor

PUNJABI:Thohar

TAMIL:Elaikalli, Perumbu Kalli

TELUGU:Kadajemudu

SIDDHA:Ielaikkali, Perumbukalli.

URDU:Zaqqum

PLANT APPEARANCE

Green and cylindrical stem;Spiral ridge portion;Sharp stipular thorns, with hollow space in centre containing white reticulate mass;plant is leafless for most part of the year, except during monsoon when fresh leaves appear;Inflorescence or the arrangement of flowers in a bunch on the plant is cyathium type (one female and several male flowers are found on a same bunch);Only terminal leaves present which are thick succulent, 6-12 inches long, ovular in shape.

PART USED:Stem juice, root

DISTRIBUTION:Throughout India

PLANT TYPE:Spiny Leafless shrubs

PLANT CONSTITUENTS:sugar, tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids and triterpenoidal saponin.

Ayurvedic Properties and Action on body

Sehund is used in Ayurveda for treating varieties of diseases. It is also used to prepare many Ayurvedic medicines such as Abhaya Lavan, Citrakadi Taila, Avittoladi Bhasma, Vajrakshara etc. For internal use, the milky juice is used in very small amount. External use on skin causes redness of skin due to increase in blood circulation.

Although topical use is safe but all care must be taken to avoid any contact with eye.

1. Rasa (Taste):Tikta/Bitter, Katu (pungent)
2. Guna (Characteristics):Guru/Heavy, Tikshna/Sharp
3. Virya (Potency):Ushna/Hot
4. Vipaka (Post Digestive Effect):Katu/Pungent
5. Action on body:Laxative, Strong purgative, remove Ama, Kapha and Vata

USES IN AYURVEDA

Swelling, Gulma, Skin diseases, abdominal diseases

RECOMMENDED DOSES:125 -250 mg of the drug in powder form.

Medicinal uses of Thuhar

For medicinal purpose the leaves, roots and milky juice obtained from plant is used. The latex or juice is purgative, bitter, acrid, pungent, abortifacient (causes abortion), promotes digestion, expectorant ( bring up mucus and other material from the lungs), febrifuge/reduce fever, carminative, stomachic and anthelmintic in action. Its topical application has rubefacient (increases blood circulation on topical application). The latex is applied externally to remove warts and eruptions on skin. The latex is very hot in potency. Its internal intake increases vata, pitta and kapha. It should be used under medical supervision only.

Ear ach

For pain in ear, the yellow leaves of Sehund is used. The leaf is heated and then latex is extracted which is used as ear drop (3 drops).

Swelling, Boils

The leaves of plant are heated and applied externally on affected areas.

Haemorrhoids and fistula-in-ano

The latex is mixed with haldi and applied externally on lesion OR the leaves are steamed, crushed and applied.

Psoriasis, eczema, skin diseases

For psoriasis, extract latex of plant. Take a thick bottom vessel and cook latex in one-fourth mustard oil (e.g. cook one litre latex in 250 ml oil) till all water is evaporated and only oil is left. This medicated oil is filtered and is applied externally on affected skin areas.

Cracks in soles

Latex is boiled in castor oil with salt. This medicated oil is applied on cracked heels.

Burns, wounds

The latex is applied at affected area.

Skin diseases, eczema, itching

In skin diseases, the latex (only 4 drops) is added to 1-2 spoon mustard oil. This oil is applied topically on affected skin areas.

Wart

The latex is applied directly on warts.

Obstinate constipation

The latex of plant is used as purgative. For chronic obstinate constipation, in which many other medicines are ineffective, the latex of Sehund is used. The folk remedy is to soak Choti Harad/haritaki in latex. When haritaki absorbs latex, it is rubbed on stone and taken internally.

This has strong purgative action. So use it cautiously.

Side effects/warning

The plant should be handled carefully.

1. The latex is very hot in potency and has strong purgative action.
2. Latex is very irritant and can damage eyes in case of direct contact.
3. Plant has abortifacient properties. It may cause abortion on internal use.
4. This medicinal herb must be used under the supervision of Ayurvedic practitioner.

Ankol tree is found throughout drier parts of India. It is a medicinal tree and its various parts are used in Ayurveda and Siddha system of medicine for treatment of diseases. In Ayurveda, Ankol is the single medicinal herb that is used in treatment of rabies. For this purpose the root bark is used both externally and internally. It is also used in treatment of snake bite. Ankol tree is also used for treatment of diarrhoea, abdominal pain, ascites, skin diseases and fever. The tree bark has laxative (loosen bowel), carminative (expels, cures flatulence) properties and is used in treatment of abdominal pain, constipation and flatulence. Ankol fruits are sour and sweet in taste. The fruit pulp is useful in controlling phlegm in the chest, relieving constipation and in excessive menstrual bleeding.

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

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Botanical name - Alangium salvifolium SYNONYM:Alangium lamarckii Thw.;

Family:Alangiaceae

Scientific Classification

• Kingdom:Plantae
• Unranked:Angiosperms
• Unranked:Eudicots
• Unranked:Asterids
• Order:Cornales
• Family:Cornaceae (Alangiaceae)
• Genus:Alangium
• Species:salvifolium

Vernacular names

• Ayurvedic:Ankola, Ankota, Tamraphal, Guptasneha, Dirghakelak
• BENGALI:Akar-kanta
• HINDI:Gujarati;Ankol
• KANNADA:Ankolima, Arinjil
• MALAYALAM:Azhinni
• ORIYA:Ankula
• ANDHRA PRADESH:Uduga chettu
• TAMIL:Azhinjil, Alangi
• TRADE NAME:Sage leaves alangium

1. Type:Tree
2. Part used:Root bark, bark, fruits, seeds, oil
3. Propagation:by seeds
4. Recommended dose of rootbark powder is 1-2 grams only. It must be taken in recommended doses only.

Description

Leaves alternate, petiolate, oblong/elliptic-lanceolate, chartaceous, 3-5 nerved at base, glabrous above, margin entire;flowers white, scented, in axillary clusters, pubescent outside;calyx tube cupular;adnate to the ovary;petals 10, linearly oblong, reflexed;stamens 20;fruits ovoid, 2-2 5 cm long;

Ankol tree Habitat

The tree is distributed in dry regions, in the plains and lower hills in India. It is also distributed in Africa, Sri Lanka, Indochina and China.

Medicinal uses of Ankola

The various parts of tree exhibits medicinal properties and used as folk remedy for treatment of diseases. Leaves have blood pressure lowering effect. Fruits are sour, acidic, cooling and laxative in action. Tree bark is sometimes used to induce vomiting. Root bark of tree has astringent, blood pressure lowering and fever reducing properties. Root bark is an antidote for poisoning and applied externally in case of acute rheumatism, leprosy and inflammatory patches.

Snake bite, rabies

Traditional remedy is to give one glass decoction of stem bark, once a day.

Ascites

Ascites is accumulation of fluid in the space between the lining of the abdomen and abdominal organs, causing abdominal swelling. It is caused due to high pressure in the blood vessels of the liver (portal hypertension) and low levels of a protein called albumin.

As a traditional remedy, the root powder of tree is given in dose of 1.5 to 3 grams.

Asthma

The roots of tree are ground with lemon juice and taken in dose of half teaspoon twice a day. This should be taken two hours before meal.

Painful urination

Take 5 grams root and prepare a decoction by boiling in 400 ml water till volume reduces to one fourth. Drink this two times a day.

Diarrhoea, Dysentery

1. For diarrhoea, the fruits are useful. Eat ten grams of fruit pulp with honey, three times a day.
2. Drink 3ml leaves juice with milk.
3. Take root bark powder (1-2 g) with buttermilk.

Gout

Externally apply poultice of Ankol leaves.

Dengue fever

Cook three grams root powder and two gram dry ginger powder in Chawal Ka Mand (cooked rice water) and take 2-3 times a day.

Skin diseases

Prepare paste of the root bark and apply externally.

Side-effects/Warning

The leaves contain alkaloids which weakens force of muscular contractions. When leaves were given in high doses to frog, the heart's contractions were weaken and heart rate was slowed.

1. The bark induces vomiting in large doses.
2. Root bark has purgative effect.
3. Always take in recommended doses.

Jasmine is a very well-known for its small, strongly scented white flowers which blooms at night during spring-summer. This plant is native to Asia and Africa. In India, it is found throughout the country. Jasmine grows wild in sub-tropical North-West Himalayas, Western Ghats, Nilgiris, hills and cultivated in various states such as Kumaon, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. Jasmine is a medicinal plant that is used from time immemorial for treatment of variety of diseases.

""jasmine.jpg"" by Manavatha at English Wikipedia. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

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Taxonomical or Scientific Classification

• KINGDOM:Plantae- Plants
• SUBKINGDOM:Tracheobionts- Vascular plants
• DIVISION:Magnoliophyta- Flowering plants
• CLASS:Magnoliopsida- Dicotyledons
• ORDER:Scrophulariales
• FAMILY:Oleaceae- Olive family
• GENUS:Jasminum
• SPECIES:grandiflorum
• Latin name:Jasminum grandiflorum;SYNONYM:Jasminum officinale Linn. var. grandiflorum (L.) Kobuski.

Vernacular names

• ENGLISH:Jasmine
• KANNADA:Jati Maltiga, Sanna Jati Mallige
• MALYALAM:Pichi
• TAMIL:Pichi, Jatimalli
• TELUGU:Jati, Sannajati
• URDU:Chameli, Yasmeen
• COMMON INDIAN NAME:Chameli
• SIDDHA:Manmadabanam, Mullai, Padar-malligai MALAY:Melur
• PROPAGATION:by cutting
• PLANT TYPE:Shrub
• PLANT PARTS USED:whole plant

Plant Description

Large scrambling sub erect twining evergreen shrub;leaves opposite 3 to 7, ovate to elliptic in shape, three paired foliates ending with a single leaf at the tip;leaflets elongate-lanceolate, acute, 7 to 11 terminal leaflet;Flowers terminal and axillary, cymes, calyx lobes long and linear.

In Science

Nowadays various studies are being done on medicinal herbs. Surprisingly, scientific studies affirms and supports the traditional curative use of such plants.

Many studies are done of J. grandiflorum leaves, flowers and oil. The leaves have shown Anti-ulcerogenic activity in aspirin, alcohol and acetic acid induces ulcer experiments in rats.

Due to presence of alkaloids, glycoside, flavanoid, terpines, tannin, resin, and salicylic acid the plant has Antimicrobial, Antibacterial activity. The flowers possess potential wound healing properties may be due to presence of protease (one of the key enzyme for wound healing).

Ayurvedic properties

Ayurvedic name of jasmine is Jati, Jatika, Jatimalli, Chameli, and Malti. Medicinal use of this plant is mentioned in classical Ayurvedic treatise. Ayurveda describes its properties as below:

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

Guna (Characteristics):Laghu/Light, Snigdha/Unctuous, Mridu

Virya (Potency):Ushna/Hot

Vipaka (Post Digestive Effect):Katu/Pungent

Jati or Chameli is used in some important Ayurvedic formulation such as Jatyadi Taila, Jatyadi Ghrita, Vasant Kusmakar Rasa etc.

Medicinal uses of Jasmine

For medicinal purpose various parts of plant such as leaves and flowers are used. The plant parts exhibit astringent/constricts tissues, acrid, thermogenic/ heat generating, aphrodisiac, antiseptic, pain relieving, purifying, increase flow of blood in pelvic region, emollient, urine stimulating, ant-parasitic, deobstruant, teeth-cleaning, pus-discharging and tonic properties.

Leaves are used in treatment of swollen spongy gums, ulcers, and loose teeth, tooth-ache, skin diseases, pain in ear, pus in ear, ulcer, painful periods, and wound.

Flowers are used in eye diseases, ulcers, skin diseases, itching, diseases of teeth etc. Jasmine oil has anti-depressant, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, aphrodisiac, and sedative properties and used in treatment of Depression, nervous exhaustion, stress related conditions and in child birth. It is used during labour to strengthen the contraction.

Ulcers in groups in mouth/tongue, Stomatitis(inflammation of the mouth and lips):

1. Few leaves can be chewed.
2. Prepare decoction (boil 25-50 g leaves in 500 ml water) of leaves by boiling in water and gargle, few times a day.

Bad breath:Chewing of Jasmine leaves is helpful.

Skin diseases, Psoriasis:

1. Topically apply jasmine oil.
2. Prepare paste of leaves and apply topically on affected skin area.
3. Prepare powder of dried Jasmine roots. In this mix Calamus/Bach root powder in equal amount. Make a paste by mixing with lemon juice and apply topically on affected skin area.

Swelling, wound:Prepare paste of leaves and apply at affected body part.

Pus discharge from the ear (aka Kaan ki peeb/pus), pain in ear, Pus discharge from wounds:Medicated oil of leaves is used as ear drop. This is prepared by boiling clean jasmine leaves paste in Sesame oil (both are taken in equal amount) till all water is evaporated and only oil is left. Two drops of this oil is put in ear.

Corns on Feet, Corns on Toes:The leaves juice is applied externally.

Eye Pupil Outgrowth (aka Aankh ki Phuli):The remedy is to grind flower petals (5) with small amount of Misri and apply.

Paralysis:The root paste is applied.

Skin dryness, glowing skin:Apply paste of jasmine flowers.

Decreasing milk production in lactating mother:Prepare poultice of Jasmine flowers and apply to breasts.

Side-effects/ Warning

Do not use in pregnancy.

Here is given medicinal uses of Jasmine. Do not confuse it with Yellow-Jasmine which is Gelsemium sempervirens (toxic plant).

Mulberry tree is known by many common names such as Tut, Shahtoot, Silkworm mulberry, Chi sang etc. This tree is mainly known for rearing of silkworms. The process of making silk from silkworms started in China. China is the largest producer of silk followed by India. Silk production process starts with eggs of Silk moth. From these eggs, larvae emerge which are voracious eater of mulberry leaves. The larvae spun a silky protective case from their gland. Within 5-8 days the larvae is completely covered in silk casing. This is cocoon stage. This is the stage to get silk from silkworm. Beyond cocoon stage, the larva changes into moth. The processing of silk involves boiling of alive cocoon in water for few minutes. The silkworms are killed and separated. Then silk strands are unwound from the cocoon. A single cocoon can give about 350-370 mm of silk filament. Many filaments are combined to make white raw silk thread which is processed further.

"Silkworm mulberry tree zetarra marugatze arbolean3" by Gorkaazk - Own work. Licensed under CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

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Mulberry is also an edible medicinal tree. Its fruits are tasty and nutritive. They are enjoyed fresh, dried, as juice, jams, jellies and as an ingredient in many recipes. The leaves are also edible and have anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, diuretic and antipyretic properties.

Scientific Classification

• KINGDOM:Plantae – Plants
• SUBKINGDOM:Tracheobionta – Vascular plants
• SUPERDIVISION:Spermatophyta – Seed plants
• DIVISION:Magnoliophyta – Flowering plants
• CLASS:Magnoliopsida – Dicotyledons
• SUBCLASS:Hamamelididae
• ORDER:Urticales
• FAMILY:Moraceae – Mulberry family
• GENUS:Morus L. – mulberry

SPECIES:Genus Morus consists of about 24 species and more than hundred known varieties. The most common species are Morus alba (white mulberry), Morus rubra (Red mulberry) and Morus nigra (Black mulberry).

Common names

ENGLISH:Mulberry;HINDI:Tut;UNANI:Shahtut, Tut;OTHER COMMON NAMES:Chinese white mulberry, common mulberry, Russian mulberry, silkworm mulberry, chi sang, chin sang, moral blanco.

About The Species

Mulberry tree is native to warm temperate and subtropical regions. It is found in Asia, Africa, Europe and America. Morus alba is native of India, China and Japan. Morus rubra is native to eastern North America. Morus nigra is native to Southern Russia.

The leaves of white and red Mulberry differ slightly. Red mulberry leaves are dull green, rough on top, hairy from beneath and are usually larger (4-10 inches) than white mulberry (3-4 inches). The leaf margin of M.rubra leaf is finely serrate compared to those of M.alba. The leaves of white Mulberry are bright green, shiny, less hairy and with prominent main vein underneath.

Unripe Mulberries are white to pale yellow in colour. On ripening, they turn red, dark purple and then black depending on species. The fruits of Red mulberry are nearly black when ripe but white mulberry fruits can be white, red, or deep purple. Fruits of White Mulberry/Morus alba are very sweet in taste with low acidity. Red Mulberry/M. rubra fruits are purple in colour, less sweet, less juicy, high in dry matter and low in acidity. Black Mulberry/M. nigra fruits are very juicy and have refreshing acidic flavour.

In Science

Nowadays many studies are performed on traditional herbs for finding their therapeutic potential. Scientific study of mulberry tree shows its bark is hypoglycaemic, leaves are anti-inflammatory, emollient, expectorant, diaphoretic, and fruits are cooling and laxative in action.

The leaves contain flavonoids, anthocyanins, artocarpin, cycloartocarpin and analogues. The hot water extract (tea) of leaves showed lipid and cholesterol lowering effect in rabbits. Reduction in liver enlargement and fat deposition in liver was also observed.

The leaves paste found to be active against Gram- Positive bacteria and yeast.

Health Benefits of Mulberry fruits

Mulberry fruits are sweet-sour, juicy and nutritive. Fresh mulberries are available during spring and summer but you may enjoy dry mulberry throughout the year. Though drying process causes loss of many vitamins such as vitamin C and E.

Mulberries are good for digestive system, eyes, blood and immunity. Fresh mulberries are full of majority of vitamins (carotene, vitamin A, C, K and E). They are also high in Potassium and magnesium. Mulberries are rich source of flavonoids. Flavonoids are basically large group of water-soluble plant pigments with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties. These are helpful in maintaining the health of small blood vessels and connective tissue. Mulberries contain flavonoids quercetin-3-glucoside, rutin, morin and isoquercetin.

Mulberries improve immunity and metabolism, detoxify liver and kidney, and calms the nerves.

These small fruits are tonic for blood. Mulberry fruit juice on regular intake, is beneficial in anaemia, sleeplessness, dizziness, and heart palpitation.

Mulberries have laxative effect and are helpful in constipation cure. The fruits are eaten empty stomach with glass of water for treating the same.

Mulberry fruits eating improves haemoglobin level and cleanses blood.

Mulberries are tonic, laxative, sedative, warming, and expectorant in action. They are good for heart, liver, digestive system and protect body from diseases due to presence of flavonoids and anthocyanin.

Mulberry fruit juice is rich in anthocyanins, minerals (iron and magnesium) and vitamins. It has anti-viral, anti-oxidant properties and scavenges free radicals. The juice also exhibits anti-stress effect and protects body from the damages that occur due to stress (stress causes formation of free radicals which attack any organic molecule, cells, generating compounds, called reactive oxygen metabolites, including hydroperoxides). Mulberry juice inhibits hydroperoxide formation through the free radicalaaq2zxa scavenging activity of the juice.

Mulberry tree medicinal uses

Mulberry tree is a medicinal plant. It is used therapeutically in many countries such as India, Japan, China etc. Generally for medicinal purpose White Mulberry/Morus alba is used. In India, Decoction of tree bark is given for lowering blood sugar and leaf decoction is used as diuretic/ stimulates production of urine.

In traditional Chinese medicine, various parts of Mulberry tree are used from time immemorial. The tree is known as Sang in Chinese and the fruit (sang shen), leaves (sang yè), and the root bark (sang bai pi) are used medicinally. The leaves are considered cooling and used to get relief from symptoms of lung heat like cough, fever and sore throat. Tree (Morus alba) leaves are used for bronchitis, cold and cough.

Mulberry leaf Herbal tea

Mulberry leaves can be used fresh or dried. The decoction (of 3-10 g leaves) is useful in maintaining good vision. Tea prepared from Mulberry leaves in combination with other herbs is beneficial in variety of diseases. A herbal tea of Mulberry leaves and chrysanthemum flowers gives relief in symptoms of fever, sore throat and dry eyes. This tea is folk remedy for conjunctive congestion with dryness, excessive tears and pain in body. It is prepared by steeping few leaves of Mulberry, some dried flowers of chrysanthemum and rock salt in boiling water (about one cup) for three minutes. This is filtered and taken orally.

Another recipe of Mulberry Herbal tea is to take 16-18 pieces of Mulberry leaves, few curry leaves, one stalk of lemon grass and three pieces of Pandan leaves in a pot and boil for few minutes. This is strained and taken orally. The herbal tea also reduces blood sugar. Eating leaves of Mulberry with black salt is also helpful in diabetes.

Wound healing

Mulberry leaves possess wound healing properties. The home remedy for wounds is to prepare a paste of leaves and apply topically.

Toothache, throat congestion

The leaves are also used for toothaches and throat congestion. For this purpose the juice of leaves is used as gargle.

Effective Against Diabetes

Mulberry leaves are anti-diabetic and many studies affirms this fact. The alkaloid component of leaves 1-deoxynojirimycin (found highest in soft leaves) is one of the most potent alpha-glucosidase inhibitor. Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors are oral anti-diabetic agents used for diabetes mellitus type 2 and work by preventing the digestion of carbohydrates. Therefore as a natural remedy herbal infusion of leaves can be taken. This can be prepared by soaking 1-3 grams of mulberry leaves in hundred ml boiling water for 5 minutes. On oral intake this herbal tea will exhibit inhibitory activity against sucrase, maltase and alpha-glucosidases enzymes.

There are number of biologically active compounds in extracts of the white mulberry leaves which are effective in suppressing the progression of atherosclerosis (disease of the arteries characterized by the deposition of fatty material on their inner walls) and the build-up of cholesterol-rich plaque in our arteries. The leaves extracts have properties that inhibit the oxidation of LDL-cholesterol or the bad cholesterol. Oxidized LDL is harmful as it contains free radicals. These free radicals can react with tissues and produce damage to them.

In India, a nutritional scientists group suggested that the white mulberry leaves can be a good food due to richness in protein content with good amino acid profile, high digestibility, high mineral content, low fibre content and good taste. These scientists also propose that a 1:4 mixture of mulberry-leaf powder and wheat flour would be suitable for making paratha for a nutritious diet. It is also believed regular consumption of mulberry leaves can stimulate the nervous system and help in maintaining proper functioning of the digestive tract.

Mulberry is a non-toxic, edible tree. You can eat its fruits as well as leaves without any side-effects. In Thailand, Mulberry leaves are consumed in many ways. Herbal tea prepared from the leaves is also very popular in China and Thailand.

Recommended dosage of various parts of Mulberry tree

Root bark:6–12 g;Leaf:3–12 g;Fruits:9–15 g;fruit syrup:2–4 ml.

Edible Chrysanthemum is an annual plant that bears white-yellow disc flowers. It is also known as Garland Chrysanthemum as ancient Romans twined the flowers into garland and wore them around head and neck. Edible Chrysanthemum is native to Mediterranean region. Expect its ornamental use, this plant is used from time immemorial in cooking and for medicinal purpose. It is extensively used in East Asian countries. The plants which are young and less than twelve inch in height are used as vegetable. The leaves are used in stir-fry, flavouring of soups and as an ingredient in many dishes. In China, the leaves and flowers are used for making teas. The tea has diuretic property (stimulates urine production) and thus helps in condition of fluid retention in body and proper functioning of kidney and bladder. This plant is edible and possess many medicinal properties. The plant leaves are expectorant. The flowers and leaves are useful in toning the stomach and improving its function and appetite.

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

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Latin name:Chrysanthemum coronarium

Family:Asteraceae or Compositae

Common names:Garland Chrysanthemum, Edible Chrysanthemum, Chop suey greens (English);Tong ho, Tung ho choi (CHINESE);Phak tango (Thai);Shingiku (Japan)

Plant description

Herbaceous annual plant with aromatic flavour distributed in Mediterranean region, Japan, China and Philippines;stems reaches up to 100 cm;plant is branched, oblong;leaves mostly 2-pinnatisect;flowers are disc type with white-yellow florets.

Medicinal uses

In many Eastern countries, Edible Chrysanthemum is used as vegetable. It is eaten raw as salad or cooked. Chrysanthemum is moderately nutritious vegetable containing useful amounts of potassium, calcium, iron, and vitamins B1, B2, B6 and beta-carotene. It is rich in folate and vitamin C. Edible Chrysanthemum has many medicinal uses as well. It is diuretic, cold, nutritive, tonic, blood purifying, anti-inflammatory in action and found useful in blood purification, urinary stones, fluid retention, swelling of feet, cosmetic purpose etc.

The tea prepared from leaves and flowers is helpful in elimination of excess fluid in body. It also gives relief in inflammation of urinary bladder. This tea is prepared using flowers and leaves (1/4 cup). One cup boiling water is added to leaves and flower and allowed to stand for 5-10 minutes. Then it is filtered and taken. You many drink 1 cup of this tea.

For painful urination, the leaves (5) paste is taken internally.

For pain in abdomen, the flowers are boiled in water for few minutes and then filtered for oral intake.

Since the plant has diuretic action, it is found useful in urinary stone. The remedy is to boil twenty grams flower in three cup water till volume reduces to one fourth. This should be strained and taken twice a day.

The flower petals are useful in spots and pimples. The petals are crushed and applied topically.

In case of oily skin, just boil few leaves and flowers in water and use this as rinse after face wash.

Nargis or Tazette (Narcissus tazetta) is an ornamental plant having white flowers with yellow corona. It belongs to Amaryllidaceae, a plant family well known for the toxicity of bulb due to presence of alkaloids.

"Narcissus-tazetta-0006a"by Zachi Evenor - Flickr:Licensed under CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

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Common names of Daffodil

Angel's tear, Bunch-flowered narcissus, Chinese sacred lily, Tazetta (ENGLISH), Nargis, Behar, Berengat (ARABIC)

Daffodil Plant Description

Daffodil plant grows through a bulb. It has long flat leaves. The flowers are borne on the tall stalk having length of fifty centimetre. The fragrant flowers are yellow and white in colour.

Daffodil Toxicity

Bulb through which plant grows contains alkaloids lycorine, pseudolycorine, tazettine and many more. At least fifteen alkaloids have been isolated from the bulb as well as from flowers. These alkaloids are poisonous and harmful on ingestion or skin contact.

The bulbs are powerful emetic, diuretic and purgative. Oral ingestion of bulb causes vomiting, salivation, diarrhoea and sometimes shivering.

Skin contact causes rashes and allergic contact dermatitis. Lesion on fingers, hands, face etc. are seen in people working with Daffodil flowers and bulbs. Bulb handling causes dermatitis due presence of needle-shaped clusters of calcium oxalate. Dermatitis is a condition in which the skin becomes red, swollen, and sore, sometimes with small blisters, caused by direct irritation of the skin by an external agent or an allergic reaction to it.

Other allergic reactions exhibited are eyelids swelling, conjunctivitis, stuffy nose, difficult breathing, lesions with itching etc.

Uses of Daffodil

1. Daffodil plant is a toxic plant but in Unani it is used as solvent (mohallil), absorbent/absorbefacient (jaazib) and jaali (detergent), and also for the treatment of Baalkhora (Alopecia areate).
2. The bulb paste prepared using milk and jaggery is applied topically on boils.
3. In China, poultice made of bulb is used for treating swelling and flowers are used for cosmetic purpose.
4. Commercially plant is grown for essential oil, Narcissus oil which is the most popular fragrance in perfumery.

Sissoo tree is known by many names such as Sisu, Sheesham, Agaru, Tali etc. It is native to Himalayan foothills in Northern India and is distributed in many countries viz. India, Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka and Mauritius. It is introduced in many other countries of tropics and subtropics and now naturalise in Africa and America. Sissoo is an important timber tree of India. It has nut-brown heartwood which is very hard, heavy, strong and elastic. The wood is used for making doors, window frames, flooring, furniture, boats, cabinets etc. The pulp of wood is also used for making papers.

Sissoo tree is grown as shade tree along the roads. It enriches soil due to presence of nitrogen fixing bacteria in roots. The leaves falling from the tree further improves soil quality.

Sissoo is also a medicinal tree. In Ayurveda, it is used for treatment of variety of diseases. The wood and bark of Sissoo have abortifacient, anthelmintic, antipyretic, aphrodisiac, expectorant and refrigerant properties. Even in Africa, this tree is used for treatment of wounds and gonorrhoea.

TAXONOMICAL CLASSIFICATION

The botanical name of Sissoo is Dalbergia sissoo Roxb. ex DC. and it belongs to the family Fabaceae/ Papilionoideae.

Kingdom - Plantae

Unranked - Angiosperma

Unraked - Ecidicots

Unranked - Rosids

Order - Fabales

Family - Fabaceae

Sub Family - Faboideae

Tribe - Dalbergia

Genus - Dalbergia

Species - Sissoo

Vernacular names

SANSKRIT:Aguru, Shinshapa

BENGALI:Shisu, Shishu, Sisu

ENGLISH:Bombay Blackwood, Sissoo, Indian Rosewood, Sisso

HINDI:Agaru, Biridi, Tali, Gette, Kara, Shisham, Sisam, Sissai, Sissu, Sissoo

TAMIL:Sisuitti, Sisso, Nukkukattai, Yette, Gette Thai:Du-Khaek, Pradu-Khaek

ARABIC:Dalbergia, Sissoo

INDONESIAN:Pradu-Khaek, Du-Khaek

JAVANESE:Sonowaseso Nepali:Sissau, Sisham

SPANISH:Sisu

TRADE NAME:Sissoo, Shisham

BOTANIC DESCRIPTION

Medium to large-sized deciduous tree, reaches height up to 30 m;Crown wide spreading and thin;Bark thin, grey, longitudinally furrowed, exfoliating in narrow strips;leaves imparipinate, leaflets 3-5, alternate, 2.5-3.6 cm in diameter, broad ovate, acuminate, glabrescent, petiolules 3-5 mm long;Flowers 5-8 mm long, pale white to dull yellow, racemes 2.5-3.7 cm long in short axillary panicles;Pods 5-7.5 cm x 8-13 mm, narrowed at the base, indehiscent, glabrous, with 1-4 seeds;Seeds 6-8 x 4-5 mm, kidney shaped, thin and flat, light brown;

GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION

Tropical to subtropical climates in natural and planted forests;very widely distributed in India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Persia, Iraq, Kenya and Tanzania.

CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS

Following chemicals are isolated from various tree parts.

LEAVES:Isoflavone-O-glycoside FLOWERS:Biochenin A, tectorigenin, 7, 4 dimethyle tectorigenin and 7-O- methyle tectorigenin GREEN PODS:Mesoinisitol, 7-O- methyle tectorigenin and 4’-rhamnoglucoside MATURE PODS:Isocaviumin, tectorigenin, dalbergin, caviunin and tannins STEM BARK:Dalberginone, dalbergin, methyl dalbergin and dalbergichromene HEARTWOOD:Dalbergin, nordalberginones, dalbergichromene, fixid oil and essential oils.

MEDICINAL USES OF SHISHAM/SISSOO

In Ayurveda, various parts of Shisam tree are used for treating variety of diseases. The leaves are used for eye pain, swelling, painful urination, gynaecological disorders etc. Leaves and bark are used as astringent in bleeding disorders. The paste of leaves mixed with sweet oil is used topically in skin excoriation (scrapping, abrading of skin).

Many scientific studies done of various parts of Sissoo tree supported the traditional therapeutic uses. Such studies confirmed the tree is anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive/ reducing sensitivity to painful stimuli property, anti-diabetic, analgesic and antioxidant.

Following is given some common medicinal uses of Sissoo tree. These remedies are time-tested and taken form reliable sources.

Pain in eyes

Sissoo leaves juice is mixed with honey and used as eye drop for eye pain.

Pain in body

Dried bark powder is given in dose of 3-6 grams, with one cup milk/water at night for 2-3 weeks.

Diarrhoea

Take about 100 grams fresh clean leaves of sissoo and boil in 500 ml water for fifteen minutes. Filter and collect the filtrate. This should be given in dose 100 ml (for adult) or 10-15ml (for children), three times a day, for 3-4 days.

Breast swelling

The leaves are warmed and tied at affected area for reducing swelling.

Pain in abdomen

Wash and extract 10-15 ml juice of leaves and take twice a day.

Gonorrhoea

The bark powder in dose of 3-6gm Or decoction of the leaves is given.

Jaundice, pus in urine

The leaves juice is given in dose of 10-15 ml, thrice a day.

Painful urination, boils, pimples, blood purification

Prepare decoction of leaves and drink 50-100 ml of it, twice a day.

Leprosy

Take 10gm sissoo bark and boil in 500gm of water and till the volume reduces to half. Mix the juice of the bark and consume for forty days every morning.

Abnormal bleeding in females

The leaves juice is given in dose of 10-15 ml, twice a day.

Heavy bleeding in period, leucorrhoea

Prepare paste of leaves (8- 10) and add 25gm of palm candy/misri and take two times a day.

Skin diseases

Topically apply Shisham oil at affected body area.

Sciatica

For sciatica, bark of tree is used. Bark powder 1 kg is cooked in 2 litre water, till volume reduces to 1/8th. Then water is filtered and the paste is again cooked till it thickens. This thick bark preparation should be taken in dose of ten grams, with milk for 3 weeks, thrice a day.

Herbs are not always safe. They may negatively affect body in certain conditions. Sissoo tree leaves wood and bark have abortifacient property, which means abortion causing. Therefore it must not be used during pregnancy. The leaves and bark are ant-diabetic in action so they may lower the blood sugar level.

Always use herbs cautiously.

An extensively used medicinal tree of Ayurveda is Shyonak or Oroxylum indicum. It is one of the ten roots of famous Ayurvedic formulation 'Dashmula' (group of ten roots). This tree is mentioned in various Ayurvedic treatise. Sushrut and Charak prescribed Shyonak as antiseptic, astringent and prescribed for non-healing ulcers, female disorders and dysentery. Shyonak grows throughout India, chiefly in evergreen forest.

For medicinal purpose its root, bark and gum are used. The roots of the tree are greyish-brown to light brown in colour and tastes sweet. The main constituent of roots are Flavonoids and Tannins. The roots are astringent, bitter tonic, stomachic, anodyne, anti-inflammatory and expectorant in action. They stimulate digestion, cure fever, cough and other respiratory disorders and is useful in diarrhoea, dysentery, abdominal pain, thirst, vomiting, anorexia, rheumatism, worms, leprosy and other skin diseases, oedema and urogenital disorders. In Ayurveda, the roots are considered Tikta/Bitter, kashaya/Astringent (Rasa/taste), Laghu/Light, Ruksha/Dry (Guna/characteristic), Sheet/ Cool (Virya/Potency) and Katu/Pungent (Vipaka/Post Digestive Effect). In action, the roots are Dipana, Kapha-pitta-shamak and Grahi in nature. The roots are given to treat respiratory illness, low appetite, gout, abdominal diseases, ear diseases and swelling.

Tender fruits tones stomach, expels gas and gives relief in spasm of smooth muscle. Bark if roots is astringent and anti-diarrhoeal. The tree bark has diuretic/stimulates urine production and anti-rheumatic in action.

TAXONOMICAL CLASSIFICATION OF SHYONAK/ OROXYLUM

The botanical name of Shyonak is Oroxylum indicum (L.)Vent. and it belongs to the family Bignoniaceae. The synonyms of Oroxylum indicum species are Bignonia indica, Spathodea indic, Calosanthes indica etc. Its taxonomical classification is as given below:

Kingdom:Plantae

Division:Magnoliophyta

Class:Magnoliopsida

Order:Lamiales

Family:Bignoniaceae

Genus:Oroxylum

Species:indicum

Vernacular names

Sanskrit:Bhut-vriksha, Dirghavrinta, Kutannat, Manduk (the flower) patrorna, Putivriksha, Shallaka, Shuran or Son, Vatuk

English:Broken bones plant, Indian calosanthes, Indian Trumpet, Indian trumpet flower, Midnight horror, Oroxylum

• Siddha:Peruvagai
• Assamese:Kering, Bhatghila
• Bengali:Sonagachh
• Gujrati:Tentoo
• Hindi:Sonapatha, Shyonak, Tentoo, Aralu
• Kannada:Tigudu, Tattuna
• Malayalam:Palagripayanni
• Marathi:Tentoo
• Oriya:Pamponiya
• Punjabi:Tatpaling, Talvarphali
• Tamil:Peruvagai, Cori-konnai, Palai-y-utaicci, Putapuspam
• (the flower)
• Telugu:Dundilumu, Gumpena, Pampini
• Urdu:Sonapatha
• Uttarakhand:Ullu ki Phali (as fruits (pods) are long with winged seeds)
• Chinese:Hanyu pinyin
• Nepalese:Tatelo
• Sri Lanka:Totila, Thotila

Trade Name:Indian trumpet tree

Common Indian folk name:Sona-patha

Distribution in India:This tree is found throughout India, upto an altitude of 1200m, from Himalaya to Konkan, Malabar, Western Ghats and Coro Mandal. It prefers moist places of deciduous forests and evergreen forests and rarely seen in dry, western area.

Also found in:Nepal, China, and Sri Lanka eastwards through Southeast Asia to Philippines and Indonesia.

BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION of SHYONAK/ OROXYLUM

Tree reaches height 8-15 m;branched at top;bark light brown soft;Leaves 3-7 cm long, 2-3 pinnate with opposite pinnae, rachis very stout, cylindrical;leaflets 2-4 pairs, 6-12 cm long and 4-10 cm broad, ovate or elliptic, acuminate, glabrous;petioles of the lateral leaflets 6-15 mm long.;Flowers numerous, foetid, in large erect racemes, 0.3-0.6 meter long or even more pedicels 6-30 mm long;Calyx 4 cm long, leathery, oblong-campanulate and glabrous;Corolla usually lurid-purple, reaching 10 cm long, fleshy lobes about 4 cm long with crisped margins;Stamens 5, slightly exerted beyond the corolla tube, one of them little shorter than the 4, filaments cottony at the base. Capsules 0.3-0.6 meter long and 5-9 cm broad, straight, tapering to both ends, flat, hardly 8 mm thick, acute, valves semi-woody;Seeds numerous, 6 cm long, winged all round except at the base.

Medicinal uses of Shyonak/ Oroxylum

Shyonak is extensively used in Ayurveda for treatment of variety of diseases since Vedic era. In case of chronic dysentery medicated ghee of Shyonak is prescribed. Shyonak leaves are emollient containing anthraquinone and aloe-emodin. Leaves paste is applied topically for hair fall, baldness and ulcers. Poultice of leaves is used for joint pain, enlarged spleen, headaches and ulcers. Medicated oil prepared by boiling bark in Sesame oil is used in case of ear discharge. Tender fruits are used as purgative. The root decoction is used in diarrhoea and dysentery. Seed paste is applied to treat boils and wounds. Ayurveda recommends to use fresh roots of tree for medicinal purpose. In Dashmool, roots and rootbark of this are used. Some of the famous Ayurvedic preparation containing Shyonak include, Dashmularishtha, Dashmul kwath, Dashmul Taila, Narayana Taila, Dhanawantara Ghrita, Brahma Rasayana, and Chyavanprash.

Pain in ear

Prepare a fine blend of bark powder and water. Now in Sesame oil, add water (2 times the oil) and bark paste. Cook at low flame till all water evaporates and only oil is left. Put 2-3 drops of this oil in ears.

Digestive weakness

The bark (10g) of tree is soaked in one cup water for four hours. Mash the bark and filter the solution. The filtrate should be taken twice a day.

Mouth blisters

Prepare a decoction of Shyonak root bark. Use this for gargling.

Diarrhoea

The juice of bark is taken in dose of two teaspoon.

Coughing

One gram bark powder is taken with ginger and honey.

Weakness, pain after delivery

Mix Shyonak bark powder, dry ginger powder and jaggery in equal amount. Make pills of about 5g and take thrice a day with Dashmula decoction/Kwath for 2-3 weeks.

Gout

The bark powder should be taken in dose of 1/4g thrice a day.

Recommended dose of Roots:5-10 g. in powder form;25-50 g. in decoction.

Malabar Spinach/Indian Spinach is a wildly cultivated, cool season vegetable with climbing growth habit. It is native to India, Africa and other countries of Southeast Asia. It is grown as pot herb in almost every part of India. It is a vegetable with medicinal properties.

Malabar Spinach is very nutritious and helpful in curing malnutrition. The leaves contain Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, flavonoids, saponins, ?- Carotene, water soluble polysaccharides, bioflavonoids, essential amino acids (arginine, leucine, isoleucine, lysine, threonine and tryptophan) and minerals (rich in calcium and iron compounds and contains a low percentage of soluble oxalates). This herb works as medicine due to presence of numerous biologically active compounds such as carbohydrates, proteins, enzymes, fats and oils, vitamins, alkaloids, quinines, terpenoids, flavonoids, carotenoids, sterols, simple phenolic glycosides, tannins, saponins, polyphenols.

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

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Malabar Spinach is used as cooling medicine in digestive disorders. The leaves have diuretic action. Diuretics are also known as water pills as they increase the urinary output and electrolyte excretion. They are useful in various diseases such as high blood pressure, fluid retention, oedema, acute and chronic renal failure, sciatica, kidney stones, lymphatic swelling, glaucoma, liver disorders and many more diseases. This herb is a natural diuretic. Natural diuretics work by stimulating the kidney to produce more urine by reducing the amount of water and salts that the kidney reabsorbs into the bloodstream. This improves the functioning of tissues and organs, and also, prevents fluids from accumulating in tissue matrices. Malabar spinach/ Potaki leaves causes increased total urine output and increased excretion of sodium, potassium, chloride and bicarbonate levels. They also exerts significant anti-urolithiatic (against stone) activity by lowering the elevated levels of oxalate, calcium and phosphate in urine, further calcium, creatinine, and uric acid in serum. The leaves are also used traditionally in inflammation of respiratory tract, cold, cough due to demulcent action. Demulcents are agents that form soothing layer on mucous membrane thus giving relief in pain and inflammation.

This medicinal plant is used both internally and externally for treatment of diseases. The plant is reported to be beneficial in treatment of constipation, inflammation, skin diseases, burns, ulcers, diarrhoea and fluid retention.

Scientific Classification of Malabar spinach/ Potaki/Vaslakkirai

The botanical name of Malabar spinach/ Potaki/Vaslakkirai is Basella alba Linn. var. rubra Stewart. and it belongs to the family Basellaceae. The literal meaning of its Latin name (Basella alba) is Small White Pedestal. The synonyms of species are B. rubra and B. cordifolia. Basella alba refers to green stemmed variety and Basella rubra to redish stem variety, but both are same species of plant. This plant is native to South Asia.

Its taxonomical classification is as given below:-

KINGDOM:Plantae

PHYLUM:Magnoliophyta

CLASS:Magnoliopsida

ORDER:Caryophyllales

FAMILY:Basellaceae

GENUS:Basella

SPECIES:alba

Although both green and red leaves variety are eaten as vegetable but green variety is cultivated commercially.

This plant prefers hot and humid climate. During low temperature growth of plant is slow. In India, it is found almost in every part of country, and especially in Bengal and Assam.

Vernacular names of Malabar spinach/ Potaki/Vaslakkirai

ENGLISH:Ceylon spinach, Malabar spi nach, Indian spinach SANSKRIT:Upodika HINDI:lalbachlu, Poi BENGALI:Puishak, ORIYA:Poi saga, KONKANI:Valchibhaji, KANNADA:Basalesoppu, TELUGU:Bachhali TAMIL:Kodip pasalai, Kodip Pasali MARATHI:Mayalu, PORTUGUESE:Bertalha FILIPINO:Alugbati SINHALESE:VelNiviti CHINESE:Lo kwai, Luo kai

Other common names:Ceylon Spinach, Malabar night shade, East Indian Spinach, Buffalo spinach, Surinam spinach, Vine spinach

Plant Description

Annual or biennial, branched, smooth, twining herbaceous vine, several meters in length;Stems are purplish or green;Leaves fleshy, ovate or heart-shaped, 5 to 12 cm long, stalked, tapering to a pointed tip with a cordate base, mucilaginous;Spikes are axillary, solitary, 5-29 cm long;Fruit fleshy, stalkless, ovoid or spherical, 5-6 mm long, and purple when mature.

Propagation:The plant propagates through Seeds and also through stem cutting. Six inch cutting can be put in potting soil to grow new plant.

Part Used:Mainly leaves and stems are used for the medicinal purpose.

Medicinal uses of Malabar spinach/ Potaki/Vaslakkirai

Medicinally Upodika/Malabar Spinach/Pasalai/Kodippasalai is used for treating variety of diseases.

The leaves are used externally in treatment sores, urticaria and gonorrhoea. The leaves poultice is applied externally on affected body areas.

Due to cooling action of this herb, the leaves are considered specific remedy for burns. In case of burn and scalds, the leaf juice is mixed with ghee/butter and applied topically.

The paste of leaves is applied externally on ulcers, boils and abscesses to hasten suppuration.

For snakebites, crushed plant is applied topically at place of bite.

The fresh leaves juice of plant can be taken in dose of 10-20 ml. This juice has diuretic, demulcent, febrifuge, and laxative properties. It is beneficial to drink it during fluid retention, dysentery, diarrhoea, constipation and catarrh.

The leaves juice with sugar candy/Misri is beneficial in cold, cough and congestion. This is also useful in gonorrhoea and balanitis (inflammation of the end of the penis).

Juice of leaves is used to get relief from constipation in pregnant women and a decoction has been used to alleviate labour.

The leaves juice has cooling effect on body and is helpful in bleeding disorders (Rakta-pitta). It also promotes sleep and improves body strength.

Basella alba is used as substitute of spinach. It extremely low in calories but high in nutrients. As a vegetable, cooked leaves and stem of plant are eaten. This preparation is easily digestible, laxative, very nutritious and useful in curing malnutrition in children. As the leaves are mucilaginous, it is used to thicken soups, stews etc. The leaves are also eaten raw as salad. Leaves infusion can be taken as substitute of tea. The purplish sap from the fruit is used as a food colouring in pastries and sweets.

Malabar spinach leaves contain about protein 2.8%, fat 0.4%, carbohydrates 4.2%, calcium (200 mg per 100 gram of leaves), phosphorus (35 mg/100 g) and iron (10 mg/100 g). In addition, vitamin A and C, thiamine, riboflavin and niacin are present. The cooked vegetable useful in mouth ulcers and constipation.

Oats are well-known breakfast cereals. They are the fourth most important crop worldwide and third leading crop produced in United States after wheat and corn. Oats are commercially available all over the world in various forms. In India, they are known as Jai or Javi.

There are many variants of oat available in market such as steel-cut oats (whole oat cut into pieces), rolled oats (oat grains steamed and flattened by rolling, used for making smooth porridge), flour (finely ground oats), flakes, bran (outermost layer of the oat kernel, very high in fibre) and oatmeal. Oatmeal is the ground oat grains and it is one of the most commonly available variant of oats.

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

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Oats are sweet, slightly bitter, warming and works positively on many body organs. They are good for heart, digestive system, reproductive system, bones and brain. Due to richness in phosphorous and silicon, they make bones, muscles and connective tissues stronger. Oats have anti-diabetic, anti-obesity, anti-depressant, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, cardio tonic, digestive, diuretic, liver protecting, tonic, nervine and sedative properties.

In Homeopathy, mother tincture of common oat (known as Avena Sativa mother tincture, prepared from entire fresh plant of oat) is used as tonic and sedative. It is given from 5 drops upwards with one cup hot water. This tincture directly works on brains and increases nerve force. This remedy is given to people doing mental work such as teachers, professionals and those suffering from mental stress. Avena Sativa mother tincture is also given to treat nervous tremors of the aged, Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, male sexual disorders (impotence, sexual debility, spermatorrhoea as it regulates the functional irregularities of male organs), inability to keep the mind fixed on any one subject especially due to masturbation, nervous collapse, sleeplessness, debility and sinking sensation with a craving for alcohol in chronic alcoholics.

Common names of Oats

ENGLISH:Common oat, cultivated oat INDIA:Gandal, Ganer, Jia, Jayee, Atiyav, Mundyav

TRADE NAME:Oat

Oats are described as perfect food. There are several health benefits of regular intake of oats.

Rich in fibre

Oats are excellent nutritional source of dietary fibre. They contain more fibre than any other whole grain. About one cup of oatmeal provides half of the daily required fibre.

Anti-diabetic and anti-obesity

Beta-glucan, a water soluble fibre which is present in oats, prevents very fast absorption of glucose into blood sugar. This helps lesser blood glucose surge and storage of fats. In diabetes, oats intake helps in better management of glucose level in blood.?-glucan on digestion forms a gel which causes the viscosity of the contents of the stomach and small intestine to be increased. This slows down digestion and prolongs the absorption of carbohydrates into the blood stream and avoids remarkable changes in blood sugar levels. This property also makes oats an excellent food for people targeting weight loss or suffering from obesity. New research suggests that children between ages 2-18 years old who have a constant intake of oatmeal lowered their risk of obesity. The research found that the children who ate oatmeal were 50% less likely to become overweight, when compared to those children that did not eat it.

Reduces bad cholesterol

Beta-glucan is also helpful in reducing serum concentration of total cholesterol and low–density lipoprotein cholesterol by 8-23% according to one study.

Reduces risk of Heart diseases

Daily intake of oat is helpful in reducing hypertension/high blood pressure due to presence calcium, potassium, fibre, protein, and zinc. The US Food and Drug Administration claims, regular intake of oats as part of diet, could reduce risk of heart diseases.

Nutritionally dense and perfect

Oats are nutritionally very dense and contains calcium, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, selenium, zinc, vitamins and protein. They give energy, maintains body fluid and helps in building muscle mass. One cup oatmeal cooked in water provides about six grams protein, four grams fat, seventeen grams fibre and calories.

They are excellent source of manganese. Manganese is required by body for normal brain function, absorption of calcium, growth of bones and formation of connective tissues.

Oats are also a very good source of selenium which is a necessary cofactor of the important antioxidant, glutathione peroxidase. Selenium and vitamin E work together in numerous vital antioxidant systems throughout the body and is helpful in decreasing asthma symptoms and in the prevention of heart disease.

Oats are rich in complex slow digesting, low glycaemic carbohydrates. They are without cholesterol and sodium. The best thing is about oats is that they are inexpensive compared to other grains.

A simple oat recipe is to cook one cup rolled oat in water and milk (each one cup). Bring this to boil and then simmer for few minutes. For smoother consistency you may add extra milk. You may sweeten it for better taste. Another easy recipe is to boil and simmer 20g of oats in 2 cup water. Strain the water and drink. This will provide your body goodness of oat grains. These are very simple preparation of oats without any spices or other ingredients. There are numerous other Indian recipes of Oats such as Oat upma, Dosa, Cutlets, Porridge, Masala oats etc.

Oats contain naturally-occurring substances called purines which on metabolism produces a crystalline compound including uric acid, caffeine andxanthine. Uric acid is responsible for kidney stones and gout. So it is better to limit or avoid intake of oats in people suffering from kidney problems and gout.

Chaulmoogra is common name of tree Hydnocarpus kurzii, belonging to family Flacourtiaceae. This tree is native to India, Myanmar and Thailand. In India this tree is mainly found in Assam and Tripura.

The seeds of tree provide an oil which is known as Chaulmoogra Oil. The ripe seeds contain about 40-45% fixed oil. This oil is extracted by pressing the kernels in hydraulic press. Chaulmoogra Oil tastes acrid and bitter. It has yellow to brownish colour. It contains chemically esters of unsaturated fatty acids of chaulmoogric acid (27%), hydnocarpic acid (48%) and glycerides of palmitic acids.

In Ayurveda, Chaulmoogra Oil is used for treating leprosy and other skin diseases from time immemorial. The oil is used both internally and externally. This oil was introduced into Western medicine by English doctor Frederic John Mouat in 1854. Mouat acquainted with this oil while he was a professor of medicine at the Bengal Medical College. He tested this oil on leprosy patients and found good results. He dressed the external ulcers of the patients with the oil. Internally, he gave a pill prepared by beating the seeds into a pulp. He reported that the ulcers healed and the patients improved.

Synonym:Hydnocarpus oil;Gynocardia oil

Medicinal uses of Chaulmoogra Oil

Chalmoogra Oil has strong bactericidal properties against bacteria of leprosy and tuberculosis due to presence of unsaturated fatty acids. In Ayurveda, it has been used for hundreds of year to treat skin diseases, TB, gout and leprosy. Here is given few important Ayurvedic medicinal uses of Chaulmoogra Oil.

Ringworm/Tinea corporis (Daad in Hindi)

Mix Chaulmoogra Oil (10 ml) in Vaseline (50 g) well. Apply this mix on ringworm.

Mix Chaulmoogra Oil in butter and maasage on affected skin part for treating ringworm.

Leprosy

For leprosy, this oil is used both internally and externally.

Initially 10 drops are administered orally in patient to cause vomiting. Then 5-6 drops of oil are mixed with milk or butter and orally administered twice a day. Gradually, over the time the dose is increased up to 60 drops.

For external use, oil is mixed with Neem oil and applied topically.

Vitiation of blood

Oral intake of 5 drops of Chaulmoogra Oil with butter is beneficial.

Itching

The oil is mixed with Castor oil and applied externally.

Side-effects, Warning

1. Chaulmoogra Oil is extremely irritating and bitter.
2. This oil is emetic and laxative.
3. Oral intake of 3-4 drops of oil can cause nausea and vomiting. The dose is dependent of digestive tolerance.
4. The oil should be taken with butter, only after meal.

The recommended dosage of oil is 0.3 ml-1 ml, thrice a day and maximum dose is 4 ml/day.

Sweet basil is native to India and Iran and is widely grown as a kitchen herb. It is found growing wild in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. The leaves of plant are sweet, aromatic, warming and pungent. They are used as flavouring agent and in the preparation of salads. Sweet basil is a medicinal herb and its leaves and seeds are used for curing variety of diseases. It is antibacterial, anti-spasmodic, antiviral, carminative and nervine. The seeds are used to reduce body heat and nervous debility. For this purpose they are soaked in water overnight and consumed in the morning. The leaves are effective remedy for digestive and respiratory disorders.

"Basil-Basilico-Ocimum basilicum-albahaca" by Castielli - Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

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Scientific Classification

The botanical name of Sweet Basil is Ocimum basilicum and it belongs to the family Lamiacaea. The synonyms of species are O. caryophyllatum Roxb.;O. minimum Linn.;and O. pilosum Willd.

The Genus name, Ocimum is derived from the Greek word 'ozo' (means to smell), due to the strong odours of the species within the genus. The species name may have been derived from the Greek word basileus, or king. Sweet basil is also referred as the king of herbs.

Its taxonomical classification is as given below:-

KINGDOM Plantae

PHYLUM Magnoliophyta

CLASS Magnoliopsida

ORDER Lamiales

FAMILY Lamiacaea

GENUS Ocimum

SPECIES O. basilicum

PLANT DESCRIPTION:

Perennial in tropical climates, and is planted as an annual in temperate regions;plant reaches up to one-two feet height;shiny aromatic, large green leaves, measuring around 2 inches in length;Small white flowers grow in spikes at the ends of the stems.

The plant propagates through seeds which are sown in late spring, at a minimum temperature of 60⁰ F (15⁰C). The Germination is fast at higher temperatures. The plant prefers full sun and average water. The plant is highly frost sensitive and long cold spell can kill the plant.

Vernacular names

AYURVEDIC:Barbari, Tuvari, Tungi, Kharpushpa, Ajgandhikaa, Babui Tulsi, Bisva Tulsi

SIDDHA:Thiruneetru Pachilai

UNANI:Faranjmishk

FOLK NAME:Van Tulsi

ENGLISH:Sweet basil and Harry Bail

PUNJABI:Baburi ORIYA:Dhala-tulsi MALAYALAM:Tiru-nitru SINDHI:Sabajhi

Part used:leaf and seeds

Medicinal uses of Sweet Basil/Basil herb

Sweet basil is a common medicinal herb and used in treatment of various diseases from time immemorial. The leaves of plant contain methylchaylcol, linalol, eugenol, thymol and xanthamicrol. The juice extracted from fresh leaves is folk medicine to treat respiratory disorders, fever, ear pain etc.

The flowers of plant are stimulant, carminative, antispasmodic, diuretic, and demulcent. Seeds are antidysenteric. The Juice obtained from leaf is antibacterial. The essential oil obtained from plant is antibacterial, antifungal and insecticidal.

Here are few common traditional medicinal uses of Sweet basil leaves and seeds.

Pain in Ear, dull hearing

The leaf juice is used to treat pain in ear and dullness of hearing. Leaves are ground and squeezed to get the juice. This juice is put in ear (1 drop, twice a day) as ear drop.

Nose infection, congestion

The leaf juice is also instilled in nose (1 drop) for nose infection and nasal congestion.

White discharge

For white discharge, five fresh leaves are consumed in the morning.

Delivery pain

Four teaspoons of leaf juice is given during labour pain to reduce pain. This also eases the delivery.

Tiredness after childbirth in women

For reducing tiredness after delivery, one teaspoon of seeds included in a glass of water is consumed after an hour.

In sore throat, chewing leaves is helpful.

Piles, constipation

In piles, constipation, the seeds (1/2 tsp) are taken with one glass of warm water.

Insect sting

For insect stings, ground leaves are placed on affected parts.

Pimples, acne

In acne vulgaris, pimples the leaf juice is applied externally on affected area and left for few minutes. Then skin is rinsed with plain water.

Sweet basil Herbal tea

For making infusion of leaves or herbal tea, take 1 teaspoon of dried herb or 3 teaspoons of fresh, crushed herb. Cover the leaves with 1 cup of boiling water and brew for few minutes. You may add honey if desired.

This infusion is beneficial in gas, cramps, spasm, nausea, and other digestive troubles. Since it has warming properties, it is also useful in cold, cough and respiratory illness.

Recommended dosage of plant:

Whole plant decoction:50-100 ml;seed 1-3 g powder;1–2 teaspoon juice per cup of water 2–3 times a day.

Caution/Warning

1. Sweet basil must not be used for long period.
2. It should not be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
3. It must not be given to infants.
4. The plant has slightly narcotic effect.

Alternanthera sessilis is a small prostrate or ascending herb with several spreading branches. It is found growing throughout the warmer parts of India preferably in wet places especially around tanks and ponds. It is a vegetable of medicinal importance. In Ayurveda, this plant is known as Matsyaakshi and Ponnonkanni keerai in Siddha. Its common folk name in India is Gudari Saag.

"Alternanthera sessilis W IMG 3423" by J.M.Garg - Own work. Licensed under CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

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Vernacular names

• Sanskrit:Matsyagandha, Bahli, Matsyaduni, Gandali, Gartkalambuka, Lonika
• Bengali:Sanchesak, Salincha Sak
• Gujrati:Jalajambo, Pani ki Bhaji
• Hindi:Gudari Sag
• Kannada:Honagonne soppu
• Malayalam:Kozuppa, Ponnankanni
• Marathi:Kanchari
• Oriya:Matsagandha, Salincha Saaga
• Tamil:Ponnanganni Keerai
• Telugu:Ponnaganti Koora
• English:Dwarf Copperleaf, Sessile Joyweed

Scientific Classification

The botanical name of Sessile Joyweed is Alternanthera sessilis and it belongs to the family Amaranthaceae. The synonyms of species are A. triandra, A. denticulata and A. repens.

Its taxonomical classification is as given below:

• KINGDOM Plantae
• DIVISION Magnoliophyta
• CLASS Magnoliopsida
• ORDER Caryophllales
• FAMILY Amaranthaceae
• GENUS Alternanthera
• SPECIES sessilis

PLANT DESCRIPTION

Root - Cylindrical, 0.1-0.6 cm diameter, cream to grey, numerous roots arising from the main tap root as lateral rootlets;fracture, short;no characteristic odour and taste.

Stem - Herbaceous, weak, mostly cylindrical occasionally sub-quadrangular at the apical region, with spreading branches from the base;yellowish-brown to light-brown;nodes and internodes distinct, internodes 0.5-5 cm long, often rooting at lower nodes;fracture, short;no characteristic odour and taste.

Leaf - 1.3-7.5 cm long, 0.3-2 cm wide, sometimes reaching 10 cm long, 2.5 cm wide, sessile, linear-oblong, or elliptic, obtuse or subacute;no characteristic odour and taste.

Flower - Flower in small axillary sessile heads, white often tinged with pink, bracteoles 1.2 cm long, ovate, scarious;perianth 2.5-3 mm long, sepals ovate, acute, thin, ovary obcordate, compressed, style very short, capitellate;no characteristic odour and taste.

Fruit - Utricle, 1.5 mm long, orbicular, compressed with thickened margins;no characteristic odour and taste.

Main Constituents Of Plant

Plant is reported to have hydrocarbons, enecycloartanol, cycloecucalenol, stigmasterol, campesterol, ?-sistosterol, ?-spinasterol, oleanolic acid rhamnoside, 24-methylene cycloartenol, cycloeucarlenol, lupeol, 5-?-stigmasta-7-enol, and its palmitate, nonacosane, 16-hentriacontane, and handiano.

Medicinal uses of Gudari Saag/ Sessile Joyweed/ Ponnanganni Keerai

Alternanthera sessilis/Gudri sag/ Ponnanganni is used for medicinal purpose not in Indian traditional medicine system but also in many countries of Africa. The plant is bitter, sweet, constipating and cooling in action. This is a non-toxic plant and eaten as vegetable and salad. The young shoots contain five percent protein and 16.7 mg (per 100 g) iron. Leaves also contain a good amount of alpha- and beta-tocopherols.

In Ayurveda, this plant is considered Tikta/Bitter, kashaya/Astringent, Madhura/Sweet (Rasa/taste), Laghu/Light, (Guna/Characteristics), Sheet/ Cool (Virya/Potency) and Katu/Pungent (Vipaka/Post Digestive Effect). It is given to treat diarrhoea, skin diseases, night blindness, indigestion, and fever. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India indicates the use of dried whole plant in diseases due to vitiated blood and obstinate skin diseases. For medicinal purpose, the dried powder of whole plant is taken in dose of 2-3grams.

The people of Ghana, uses decoction of plant to stop vomiting of blood and Nigerian sniffs the leaf sap for treating pain in nerves.

Whole plant of Ponnanganni is used both internally and externally.

External uses

1. The topical application of leaf paste is used for drawing foreign object such as spines, stings from the body.
2. The leaves powder is also applied externally on snakebites.
3. Fresh leaves are applied over eyes for styes (Inflammation of one or more sebaceous glands of an eyelid), conjunctivitis and chronic inflammation of the eyelid.

Internal uses

1. The whole plant is used for increasing breast milk, promoting bile flow, inducing abortion, and for curing fever.
2. The soup prepared from fresh plant is helpful in increasing breast milk and toning up of liver.
3. Fresh leaves juice (1 tablespoon) mixed with garlic clove is folk remedy for asthma, chronic cough, and intermittent fever.
4. For spermatorrhoea (Involuntary discharge of semen without orgasm), the leaf juice (1 tablespoon) is mixed with coriander leaf juice (1 teaspoon) and wood apple leaf juice (1 teaspoon). This is taken with milk every night for 2 months. For sexual debility, grated coconut and leaves (1:10) are fried in ghee and eaten with rice or roti.
5. For bleeding piles, two tablespoon leaf juice of Alternanthera sessilis is mixed with radish leaf juice (2 tablespoon) and given 2-3 times a day for one month.

Indian heliotrope is a medicinal plant found as weed in tropical and subtropical regions of world. It is used for treatment of variety of diseases in Asia and Africa. In Sanskrit, it is known as Vrischikali as its aerial parts look like scorpion tail. Whole plant is used to treat skin diseases, rheumatism, insect stings, scorpion bites etc. Its external use is safe but oral use should be done cautiously.

By Biswarup Ganguly (Own work)[GFDL or CC BY 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

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Vernacular names

COMMON NAME:Indian heliotrope, Hastishundi ENGLISH:Scorpion Tail SIDDHA/TAMIL:Thaelkodukku SANSKRIT:Hastishundi, Shrihastini, Vrischikali HINDI:Hastisura

ANDHRA PRADESH:Nagadanthi TAMIL NADU (TAMIL):Thelkodukku MALAYALAM:Thekkadda, Vena pacha ORIYA:Hatisur TRADE NAME:Indian Turnsole

Classification

The botanical name of Indian heliotrope/Vrischikali is Heliotropium indicum and it belongs to the family Boraginaceae. The genus Heliotropium was derived from Helios (Sun) and trope (turn), as the flowers of plant turn towards the Sun.

Its taxonomical classification is as given below:-

• Kingdom:Plantae
• Phylum:Magnoliophyta
• Class:Magnoliopsida
• Order:Lamiales
• Family:Boraginaceae
• Genus Heliotropium
• Botanical name:Heliotropium indicum
• Synonym:Tiaridium indicum

Plant description

Terrestrial, annual, erect herb, up to 75 cm tall;Taproot white or brown;Stems erect, grooved, hollow, hairy, Stipules absent;Leaves simple, not lobed or divided, alternate, spiral, or sometimes basal ones opposite, stalked, ovate, more than 2 cm long/wide, hairy, scabrous, margin entire, apex acute, base obtuse or rounded, pinnately veined;Flowers bisexual, grouped together in a many-flowered, terminal, elongated cyme, blue with an orange throat, petals 5, fused;Fruit nut-like.

Propagation:by seeds and stem cutting

Origin and geographic distribution

The plant has a pantropical distribution, and it is probably native of tropical America. It is widespread and common weed in waste places and settled areas, found throughout India and Africa.

Habitat

Waste places, ditch borders, dried-up pools and ditches, on spread mud, along roads, and similar place with less man activity.

Medicinal use of Indian heliotrope/Scorpion Tail

Indian Heliotrope has therapeutic properties due to presence of chemical components viz. Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids, Tannins and Saponins. Alkaloid component (indicine principal base, echinatine, supinine, heleurine, heliotrine, lasiocarpine and lasiocarpine N-oxide) is responsible for anti-inflammatory, wound healing, antiseptic, antimicrobial, febrifuge, stimulation of gall bladder functions and menstruation stimulating properties. The most important local application of plant is for skin lesions, wounds, abscesses, gastric and varicose ulcerations, rashes and warts.

The infusion of the flowers taken in small doses regulates menstruation, where large doses are abortive.

Leaves decoction is used as a vermifuge. Leaves juice is antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and applied topically wounds, sores, boils, gum-boils and pimples on the face, warts, tumours, yaws, skin allergy, scabies, eczema etc. It is also used locally in inflammation of eyes. To prepare eyewash, 3 leaves are boiled in 1 cup water for 10 min and strained.

The leaves poultice is applied on rheumatic pain, insect stings and wounds. For scorpian sting and snakebites the paste of leaf is applied topically.

This plant has diuretic properties. Diuretics are also known as water pills as they increase the urinary output and electrolyte excretion. They are useful in various diseases such as high blood pressure, fluid retention, oedema, acute and chronic renal failure, sciatica, kidney stones, lymphatic swelling, glaucoma, liver disorders and many more diseases. The infusion of leaves have strong diuretic action.

Contraindications, Caution/Warning, and Side Effects

The leaves of the plant have emmenagogue action. The oral administration stimulates menstruation and causes abortion in pregnancy.

The plant can be toxic if drunk regularly or in large doses (carcinogenic and/or liver toxicity).

Sandal or Chandan is a very significant tree native to India. This is a tree of religious and commercial importance. Religiously it is used in various ceremonies of Hindus, Buddhists and Chinese. Commercially the wood of tree is used for carving and oil extraction. It is the second most expensive wood in the world. Sandal is also used in various Traditional medicine system such as Ayurveda, Unani, Chinese, for treatment of variety of diseases. For medicinal purpose its heart wood (central part of the tree) and oil are used. The heartwood of sandal has sedative, aromatic, deodorant, disinfectant, refrigerant, depurative, intellect promoting, cardio-tonic, diuretic, diaphoretic, expectorant, aphrodisiac, haemostatic, anodyne, antipyretic properties. In Ayurveda, sandal wood is used to treat gastric irritability, dysentery, gonorrhoea, urethral, bronchial and skin disorders. In Unani system of medicine the tree is used internally and externally to treat disorders related to heart, brain, liver, stomach and skin.

General information

In Ayurveda Santalum album is known as Shwet Chandan and Pterocarpus santalinus as Rakta chandana. Santalum album is an evergreen, semi parasitic tree. It reaches up to 8 to 18 m in height and 2 to 4 m in girth. It is widely distributed in the India and commonly found in the dry regions of peninsular India from Vindhya mountains southwards, especially in Karnataka and Tamilnadu. This tree is cultivated for its aromatic wood and oil.

Sandal tree is a root parasitic tree on various hosts. For survival of Sandal seedling, it is essential that it get attached to the roots of other plants. Once the roots are attached to the adjoining plant, the sandal seedling is also able to obtain nutrients directly from the soil. Over 30 species can nourish sandalwood including teak, clove, bamboo and the tropical guava tree etc.

Scientific Classification

• KINGDOM Plantae
• SUPERDIVISION Embryophyta
• DIVISION Tracheophyta (vascular plants)
• SUBDIVISION Spermatophytina (spermatophytes, seed plants)
• CLASS Magnoliopsida
• SUPERORDER Santalanae
• ORDER Santalales
• FAMILY Santalaceae
• GENUS Santalum L.
• SPECIES Santalum album L.

Vernacular Names

• ASSAMESE:Sandale Avyaj
• BENGALI:Chandan
• GUJARATI:Sukhad
• HINDI:Chandan, Safed Chandan
• KANNADA:Shrigandhamara, Shrigandha, Chand
• MALAYALAM:Chandanam
• MARATHI:Chandan
• PUNJABI:Chandan
• TAMIL:Chandana maram, Sandanam, Ingam
• TELUGU:Gandhapu Chekka, Manchi Gandham, Tella Chandanam, Sriga
• URDU:Sandal Safed
• ARABIC:Sandal abyaz
• PERSIAN:Sandal Suped
• SINDHI:Sukhad

ENGLISH:Sandalwood, white sandalwood, yellow sandalwood, East Indian sandalwood, sandalwood Mysore, sanders-wood.

TRADE NAME/COMMERCIAL NAME:East Indian sandalwood and its oil the East Indian sandalwood oil.

Distribution

Sandal tree generally occurs at altitudes of 2000-3000 feet. It is found throughout India and more concentrated in the southern India (Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala). This tree is also distributed in Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia.

Chemical constituent of Sandalwood:Volatile oil (a- and ß- Santalol).

Medicinal use of Sandal

Sandalwood contain few chemicals (such as sesquiterpenols, sesquiterpenes) which have anti-inflammatory, sedative and immune supportive properties. For medicinal purpose the heartwood and essential oil of tree is used.

In Ayurveda, the wood is considered Tikta/Bitter, Madhura/Sweet (Rasa/taste), Laghu/Light, Ruksha/Dry (Guna/Characteristics), Sheet/ Cool (Virya/Potency) and Katu/Pungent (Vipaka/Post Digestive Effect). It is used in vitiated condition of pitta, burning sensation, indigestion, skin diseases, leprosy, psychopathy, heart weakness, hyperacidity, jaundice, cough, bronchitis inflammations, diarrhoea, dysentery, gastric irritability, menorrhagia, leucorrhoea, spermatorrhoea, intermittent fever and general debility. Some important Ayurvedic formulation of Chandan are Ayaskrti, Chandanasava, Chandanadi churna, Chandanadi Taila etc.

In case of Gonorrhoea, Sandalwood powder is given with cow's milk.

For diarrhoea, dysentery the infusion of wood powder is used as astringent.

For excessive thirst, sandal powder is taken with coconut water.

The dose of wood in powder form for internal administration, as given in Ayurvedic Pharmacopeia of India is 3-6 grams.

Sandal wood is a great remedy for many skin condition. It is used for skin lightening, brightening, toning, scrubbing etc. It works due to its anti-septic, anti-fungal, antibacterial, cooling, soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.

Sandal oil is extracted from the heartwood and roots of Sandal tree by steam distillation. The bark and outer wood (sapwood) does not contain oil. For extraction of oil sandal tree should be at least thirty year old. To extract the oil, tree is uprooted and cut. The roots and heartwood are steam distilled. For steam distillation, the fine powder of heartwood and roots are put in a chamber and steam is allowed to flow. Steam bursts the essential oil containing sac of plant material. This oil is carried by the steam out of the chamber and into a chilled condenser, where the steam once again becomes water and oil is separated. Sandal oil is pale yellow to clear in colour. It is a very expensive oil and used in perfumery, cosmetics, aromatherapy and pharmaceutical industry. The oil is also applied topically to treat dryness, eczema and as anti-aging.

Using Sandal for Skin

Sandal or Chandan is a very well-known natural product with a sweet aroma. It has cooling effect on mind and body. Its sweet odour calms the mind. There are numerous therapeutic uses of it, both internally and externally. Sandal is especially good for skin as it possess inflammation reducing, insect killing, oil reducing and skin healing properties.

Sandalwood which is the heart wood of sandal tree is available as wood or in powdered form. The powder has brown to whiter in colour and is very aromatic. Sandal wood is very beneficial for various skin conditions.

Sandalwood powder is extensively used for cosmetic purpose. It heals the damaged skin and cures skin blemishes. It is a natural product so has no harmful effect on skin. There are several ways to use it on facial skin for improving texture, tone and fairness. These are simple time-tested home remedies that has been used from centuries. Some such home remedies are given here.

Sandalwood powder can be mixed with many other ingredients and applied on face for improving skin condition and fairness.

Sandalwood powder (3 teaspoon) is mixed with rose water (3 tablespoon) and applied on face for about twenty minutes for skin toning and lightening. This also maintains natural oil balance of skin. This simple recipe is also useful in acne and pimples breakouts. It heals the skin damage and calms the irritation.

For improving fairness, brightness and getting even skin tone Sandalwood powder is mixed with juice of lemon, tomato and cucumber and applied as facial mask for few minutes.

Another remedy for making skin brighter and lighter is to mix Sandalwood powder (one teaspoon), turmeric (a pinch) in milk cream (2 tablespoon) and apply this on face for half an hour and then rinse with plain water. This also cures skin dryness.

Sandal for Acne Breakout and Soft & Smooth skin

For making skin smoother and softer, mix equal amount of sandal powder with haldi/turmeric. Combine this with honey to make a paste of desired consistency and apply on facial skin. Leave for few minutes and then wash off with cold water. Regular application of this mask reduces acne breakouts.

Sandal for Itchiness, Inflammation, Blemishes

In case of itchy skin, rash, inflammation, blemishes, mix sandalwood powder with milk and camphor oil and apply for twenty minutes. Then wash off with plain water.

Sandal for Prickly heat

The paste of sandalwood is popular home remedy for prickly heat (Ghamouri in Hindi). The application arrests excessive secretion and sooths the inflamed skin. For prickly heat and keeping body cool during summer season, sandal is mixed with water to make a paste. This paste is applied on sweaty body parts like forehead, back, armpits and similar sweaty areas.

Sandal Powder for Skin Scrubbing

For skin exfoliation, Sandal powder, fuller's earth and orange peel powder are mixed in equal amount and scrubbed on face whenever required.

Sandalwood works effectively in skin condition due to its healing, cooling, and soothing properties. It controls excessive sweat and oil from skin. As it controls excess oil from skin, it is highly used for acne and pimples breakouts. You may use this for skin rashes, pimples, inflammations, itchiness, irritations and skin damage due to sun.

Caution

1. Sandal has Abortifacient (abortion inducing) action on oral administration.
2. Sandal can be allergenic topically in some people.
3. Sandal wood and oil are very expensive, so adulteration is also common.

The heart shaped leaves of Betel pepper are commonly known as Paan in India. It is eaten all over the country from time immemorial as Paan bida, which consists of betel nut, lime paste, spices and condiments wrapped inside the edible paan leaf. This is generally taken after meals to cleanse the palate and as mouth freshener.

Edible Paan leaf is obtained from plant betel vine. In Sanskrit, this plant is known by many names such as Tambool, Nagavalli, Nagvelleri, Nagani etc. and its mention is found in various Ayurvedic classical texts such as Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita and Astanga Hridayam. Ayurvedic texts mentions its medicinal properties and therapeutic uses. In Unani system of medicine, the leaves are used for blood purification, quenching excessive thirst, clearing the throat, improving appetite, taste and as tonic for liver, heart and brain.

Scientific Classification

The botanical name of betel leaf is and Piper betle it belongs to the family piperaceae.

Piperaceae or pepper family, is large family of flowering plants distributed in tropical and subtropical regions. The plant belonging to this family are generally climbing herbs and shrubs. Piper is the only genus of this family which has economic importance. Some of the economic plants belonging to this genus are Black pepper, long pepper, Cubeb/Kabab chini etc.

Betel leaf taxonomical classification is as given below:-

• KINGDOM: Plantae
• DIVISION: Magnoliphyta
• CLASS: Magnolipsida
• ORDER: Piperales
• FAMILY: Piperaceae
• GENUS: Piper
• SPECIES: betle
• BINOMIAL NAME: Piper betle L.

PLANT DESCIPTION

Evergreen, perennial, climber vine; stems 3mm in diameter, woody, dichotomous, articulate, swollen, rooted at nodes; 4-2.5cm-long internodes; Leaves simple, spiral, and exstipulate; petiole 5mm long, channelled, and pubescent, blade 10cm x 6cm — 9.5cm x 5cm, ovate to ovate—oblong, and light green below; blade base cordate, apex acuminate; leaf secondary nerves in three pairs; inflorescence axillary spike 5.5cm long; fruits drupaceous, orange, and 3mm in diameter.

Propagation is by root division or cuttings, preferably taken in spring or summer.

Habitat:

Piper betel is native to central and eastern Malaysia. It is found in India, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and China.

In India, it is cultivated in warmer and wet parts of India (Assam, West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, and Kerala).

Vernacular names

ENGLISH: Betel pepper AYURVEDIC: Tambula, Nagvallari, Nagini, Tambulvalli, Saptashira, Bhujangalata UNANI: Pan, Tambool SIDDHA: Vetrilai Nagavalli, Kammaruvetritai TAMIL: Vettilai TELUGU: Tamalapaku, Tamulapaku MARATHI: Pan, Nagvel, Vidyachepan KANNADA: Veelyade Ele Common Indian Name: Paan/Pan

Constituents Of Leaf: leaf contains Water (85-90%), Proteins (3-3.5%), Carbohydrates (0.5-6.1%), Minerals (2.3-3.3%), Fat (0.4-1%), Fibre (2.3%), Essential oil (0.08-0.2%), Tannin (0.1-1.3%), Alkaloid (arakene); Vitamin-C (0.005-0.01%), Nicotinic acid (0.63-0.89mg/100gms), Vitamin-A (1.9-2.9mg/100gms), Thiamine (10-70µg/100gms), Riboflavin (1.9-30µg/100gms); Calcium (0.2-0.5%), Iron (0.005-0.007), Iodine (3.4µg/100gms), Phosphorus (0.05-0.6%), Potassium (1.1-4.6%).

Traditional Medicinal uses

The roots, leaves, and fruits of Piper betle or Paan are carminative, stimulant, antiseptic and used for the treatment of malaria. Betel leaf has antiseptic, analgesic, antibacterial, anti-lactagogue (reducing breast milk), antioxidant, antispasmodic, cardiotonic, carminative, expectorant, litholytic, tonic and contraceptive properties.

Paan leaves contains an aromatic volatile oil. This essential oil has blood pressure lowering, cardiac as well as respiratory depressant and cardiotonic properties. It is powerful antiseptic due to presence of phenol called chavicol. This oil is used as a counter irritant in swellings, bruises, and sores.

In Ayurveda, Paan leaves are considered Tikta/Bitter, Katu (pungent), kashaya/Astringent(Rasa/taste), Laghu/Light, Tikshna/Sharp, Sara, Vasada (Guna/Characteristics),

Ushna/Hot (Virya/Potency) and Katu/Pungent (Vipaka/Post Digestive Effect). The leaves are used in Ayurveda for weak digestion, fever, heart diseases, hoarseness of voice etc. In Sushruta Samhita the leaves have been described as aromatic, sharp, hot, acrid and beneficial for voice, laxative, appetizer, beside this they pacify vata and aggravate pitta.

As the betel leaf is sharp, acrid and hot in nature so it should not be used in hyperacidity, bleeding disorders (rakta pitta), acidity etc. Its oral intake is beneficial in diseases that occur due to vitiation of kapha dosha and harmful in diseases due to vitiation of pitta dosha.

Betel leaf or Pan leaf is used both internally and externally. It is safe to use paan leaves for few days and in recommended doses. Excessive internal use of leaves is harmful for health.

External uses:

1. Wound healing: The leaves are applied externally to heal ulcers, boils, bruises, ulcerations of the nose.
2. Eye injury/infection, night blindness: the leaves juice along with honey is applied as Anjan or used as eye drop.
3. Head ache: As the paan leaves are cooling and analgesic in action, therefore they are applied over the temporal regions for headaches.
4. Inflamed joints: The leaves are also applied in case of joint and arthritis swelling.
5. Respiratory ailments: In respiratory ailments, cold, cough, difficult breathing the leaves are soaked in mustard oil, warmed and applied to the chest.
6. Throat irritation, hoarseness of voice: Gargling with pan leaves juice added in warm water gives relief in throat irritation.

Internal uses:

1. Shleepad/Filaria: the paste of three paan leaves is taken with one gram rock salt with warm water, thrice daily.
2. Stomach disorder: the leaves juice is taken orally.
3. Throat irritation/swelling: The oral intake of leaves decreases cough and reduces swelling of throat.
4. Dry cough: paan leaf juice is taken with honey.
5. Impaired digestion, gas, bad breath: chewing of Pan leaf is beneficial.

Dosage

For oral intake, Ayurvedic pharmacopeia of India recommends 10-20 ml juice of fresh leaves.

Excess use of betel leaf is harmful for health. Pregnant women have been advised not to use the essential oil of betel leaves.

Above given information is about the leaves of vine Piper betle. It is not about the betel leaf preparation or Pan Bida.

Laghu Sutshekhar Ras is a herbo-mineral Ayurvedic formulation. This medicine is referenced from Rasa Tarangini Parishistha. Laghu Sutshekhar Ras is prepared from Shuddha Gairika (Haematite or red iron oxide), Sonth and fresh juice of Pan or betel leaf. This medicine is prescribed for the diseases that occur due to vitiation of pitta dosha.

Here is given more about Laghu Sutshekhar Ras such as indication/therapeutic uses, composition and dosage.

Key Ingredients of Laghu Sutshekhar Ras

Shuddha Gairika Fe₂O₃ 240 g

Shunti Dry ginger powder 120 g

Nagavalli/Paan (Betel leaf) fresh juice q.s.

Uses of Laghu Sutshekhar Ras

This medicine is indicated in migraine, indigestion, gastritis, amla-pitta diseases and various disorders that occur due to vitiation of pitta dosha. Amla-pitta is condition of hyperacidity or excessive formation of acids in stomach due to which there is burning sensation in heart and throat. Few symptoms of amla-pitta are acidic/bitter burp, nausea, loss of appetite, indigestion, heaviness in body and burning sensation in upper body region.

This medicine is also prescribed for headaches that occur due to excess pitta, migraine, insanity due to pitta dosh, sinusitis, stomatitis/mukh-pak and bleeding from the orifices of the upper body parts.

Dosage of Laghu Sutshekhar Ras

The recommended dosage of Laghu Sutshekhar Ras is 1-2 tablets, twice a day with honey. Or take as directed by physician.

Makardhwaj is an important Kupipakwa Rasayana of Ayurveda. Here Kupipakwa denotes the special method of Ayurvedic medicine preparation involving heating in glass bottle. Makaradhwaj is prepared by combining Swarna (gold), Parada (mercury) and Gandhaka (sulfur) in different ratios (1:8:16, 1:8:24 and 1:2:4). Chemically mercury and sulphur are present in combined form as red sulphide of mercury and this combination remains uncombined with gold. It is a sublimed product made from pure mercury, sulphur and gold. In Siddha Makardhwaj, Swarn or gold is taken 4 parts, Parad or mercury 8 parts and gandhak 16 parts. For preparing Makardhwaj, mercury and gold leaf are mixed together to form an amalgam. To this sublimed sulphur is added and the resulting mixture is ground very thoroughly in a stone mortar for twenty-four hours or more until the whole is converted to a lustreless, fine, powder of uniform consistency. This mixture is then placed in a narrow mouthed bottle and is gradually heated on a sand bath. On heating, the bottle is filled with reddish fumes of various hues. On cooling Makardhwaj is found deposited in the inner surface of the neck of the bottle.

Siddha Makardhwaj is tonic, aphrodisiac, alterative, stimulant, anti-ageing and balances three dosha. It is said to be one of the best medicine of Ayurveda. It gives vigour and youth. Its regular intake gives strength to body and heart. Makaradhwaj cures debility due to illness and increases weight.

Siddha Makardhwaj is indicated in various clinical conditions. It is aphrodisiac and nutrient to body and mind with adapto-immuno-neuro-endocrino-modulator properties.

This medicine is a tonic that increases longevity. It improves immunity and overall health. Siddha Makardhwaj increases the red blood corpuscles.

It is a very famous and widely used aphrodisiac of Ayurveda. It improves sexual potency, vigour and fertility. It is a good medicine to treat impotency, premature ejaculation, erectile dysfunction and other similar clinical condition related to reproductive system of males.

This medicine is also indicated in rheumatoid arthritis, neurological disorders, weakness of the heart, senility/progeriasis, fever, digestive impairment etc. it is believed intake of siddha Makardhwaj shows beneficial effect in wrinkles in skin, greying of hair and diseases due to old age. It cures diseases and gives longevity.

This medicine is also effective in treating tuberculosis, pneumonia and intense cough.

The recommended dose of Siddha Makardhwaj is 62mg-120mg with juice of betel leaf/milk/ honey. This medicine contains mineral ingredients and must be taken only under strict medical supervision.

Mahua is a large sized multipurpose forest tree that is found throughout the mixed deciduous forests of India, Nepal, Sri Lanka and other South Asian countries. It is an important economic tree used as food, medicine and for other commercial uses such as soap and detergent manufacture, oil extraction, skin care etc.

"Mahua Flowers 1" by Gypsypkd - Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

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Mahua flowers and seeds are edible. The fruits of tree are used as vegetable. The seeds of tree contain about 40% pale yellow oil. This oil is used as cooking oil by most of the tribes in Odisha, Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra. After the oil extraction the residue is used as fish poison. Bheel tribe of Madhya Pradesh burn this residual cake inside the room for keeping the snakes away. The other uses of Mahua oil are as hair oil, skin care, vegetable butter and in making of soaps. Mahua flowers contain about 65 to 70% sugar (reducing sugar 48 to 55%;inert sugar 14 to 18%), cellulose, albuminous substances, ash, enzymes, yeast and water. Due to high sugar content, the flowers provide adequate energy on oral administration. In some parts of India, tribal women eat Mahua flowers during breastfeeding as a nutritive food. In Bihar, flower pickle is used (two teaspoonful, for two months) in treatment of Tuberculosis. Tribals of Bastar in Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Jharkhand and North Maharashtra produces alcoholic drink of Mahua flowers by fermentation. The tribes of Rajasthan uses the stem bark powder for treatment of respiratory disorders. Mahua flowers are also used to make jams, jellies, biscuits and many other food items due to their nutritional value (contains vitamins, sugars, amino acids, organic acids, enzymes and other compounds).

Mahua tree is an important medicinal tree as well. Mahua Flowers are stimulant, demulcent, laxative, anthelmintic, and cough relieving. The flowers are cooling in nature and used for treating cold, cough, bronchitis and other respiratory disorders. Seed oil is galactogenic (stimulating breast milk), pain-relieving and vomiting inducing in action. These are used in pneumonia, skin diseases, and piles. The tree bark is astringent and emollient (skin softening). The bark is used for tonsillitis, gum troubles, diabetes and ulcers. The leaves of tree contain alkaloids, carbohydrates, proteins, saponins, tannins, triterpenoids and absence of gums and fixed oils. These are traditionally used in treatment of are expectorant and also used for chronic bronchitis, bronchitis, rheumatism, head-ache and hemorrhoids. In Ayurveda for preparation of alcoholic fermented drugs (Asava and Arishta), Mahua flowers are used as fermenting agent. Different parts possess liver protective, fever reducing, swelling reducing, pain relieving, anti-tumour, anti-estrogenic (blocks the production or utilization of estrogens/ female sex hormones, or inhibits their effects;estrogen is hormone that produces an environment suitable for fertilization, implantation, and nutrition of the early embryo), blood pressure lowering, wound healing and anti-progestational (works against progesterone;progesterone is responsible for preparing and maintaining uterine envoirnment for fertilised egg) activities.

SCIENTIFIC CLASSIFICATION

The botanical name of Mahua is Madhuca indica and it belongs to the family Sapotaceae. The synonyms of species are M. latifolia (Roxb.) Macbride, Bassia latifolia Roxb. Its taxonomical classification is as given below:-

KINGDOM Plantae

DIVISION Magnoliaphyta

CLASS Magnoliopsida

ORDER Ericolos

FAMILY Sapotaceae

GENUS Madhuca

SPECIES Indica (syn. Bassia latifolia) long

Morphological characteristics

Large tree;bark grey to dark brown, scaly;leaves linear-lanceolate clustered near ends of branches, tapering towards base;flowers:glabrous, aromatic, pale yellow, small, many in dense clusters near ends of branches;berries ovoid, yellow when ripe;seeds usually one to two, compressed, shining.

Parts used:Seeds, bark, flowers, fruit, oil of the seeds, leaves, and bark.

Vernacular names

• Hindi:Mahuwa
• Kannada:Hippegida, Halippe, Hippe, Hippenara, Madhuka, Ippa, Eppimara
• Malayalam:Irippa, Ilippa, Iluppa, Eluppa
• Marathi:Mohda
• Oriya:Mahula
• Punjabi:Maua, Mahua
• Tamil:Katiluppai, Kattu Iluppai, Iluppi
• Telugu:lppa Puvvu
• Urdu:Mahuva
• Siddha:Ieluppai
• Sinhalese:Mipup
• Persian:Gul-e-chakan

Habitat

Mahua tree is native to dry region of India. It is a multipurpose tree, mostly found in tropical and subtropical areas, in forests of North and Central part of India. In India this tree is found in the forests of western India from Konkan southward to Kerala. It occurs wild in plains and lowers hills of India up to 1200m. It is a common tree in West Bengal, Bihar, Orissa, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Madhya Pradesh.

Ayurvedic description

In Ayurveda, for medicinal uses the flowers of tree are used. Ayurvedic properties and action of flowers as given in texts is given below.

1. Rasa (Taste):Madhura/Sweet
2. Guna (Characteristics):Guru/Heavy,
3. Virya (Potency):Sheet/ Cool
4. Vipaka (Post Digestive Effect):Madhura/Sweet

Action and uses:

The flowers are Sukrala (Semen augmentator), Balya (Restoratives), Pittakara (increases pitta), Vatahara (reduces Vata), Ahridya (harmful for heart).

Chemical Constituents

Bark:ethylcinnamate, sesquiterene alcohol, a-terpeneol, 3ß-monocaprylic ester of eythrodiol and 3ß-capryloxy oleanolic acid. a- and ß- amyrin acetates

Fruits:a- and ß- amyrin acetates

Seeds:arachidic, linolelic, oleic, myrisic, palmitic and stearic acids, a-alanine, aspartic acid, cystine, glycine, isoleucine and leucine, lysine, methionine, proline, serine, threonine, myricetin, quercetin, Mi-saponin A & B.

Leaves:ß-carotene and xanthophylls;erthrodiol, palmitic acid, myricetin and its 3- Oarabinoside and 3-O-L-rhamnoside, quercetin and its 3-galactoside;3ß-caproxy and

3ß-palmitoxy- olean-12-en-28-ol, oleanolic acid, ß-sitosterol and its 3-O-ß- Dglucoside, stigmasterol, ß-sitosterol- ß-Dglucoside, n-hexacosanol, 3ß- caproxyolcan- 12-en-28-ol, ß-carotene, n-octacosanol, sitosterol, quercetin.

Nutritional value Of Mahua flowers (in terms of percentage;Source:Kureel R.S et.al, 2009)

Mahua flowers contain moisture (20%), protein (6.4%), reducing sugar (51%), total sugar (54%), calcium (8%), phosphorus (2%), and fat (0.5%).

Traditional medicinal uses of Mahua

Various parts of Mahua tree are used for treatment of variety of diseases. In preparation of Ayurvedic alcoholic medicines the flowers are used as fermenting agent. Some of the important Ayurvedic formulations containing Mahua as an ingredient are Madhukasava, Drakashdi Kvatha churna, Eladi Modaka etc. In various parts of India, people uses the flowers and seeds as food and also for medicinal purpose. These therapeutic uses are time tested and passed from generations as traditional natural remedy.

The bark of tree is used for rheumatism, chronic bronchitis, diabetes mellitus, decoction for rheumatism, bleeding and spongy gums. The fruits are also edible and used to treat ulcer (as lotion), in acute and chronic tonsillitis and pharyngitis.

The edible flowers are nutritive and used as tonic, analgesic and diuretic. Traditionally flowers are used as cooling agent, tonic, aphrodisiac, astringent, demulcent and for the treatment of helminths, acute and chronic tonsillitis, pharyngitis and bronchitis.

Home Remedies

1. For rheumatism, decoction of bark prepared by boiling bark in water is taken internally and the seed oil is applied externally on the affected areas.
2. The bark decoction is given for managing diabetes.
3. Mahua leaves are used in treatment of eczema. The leave are coated with Til/Sesame oil and heated. This is applied externally on affected area to get relief from eczema.
4. In case of spongy and bleeding gums, four ml of the liquid bark extract is mixed with 300 ml of water is used as a gargle. Gargling with bark extract is also useful in acute tonsillitis (inflamed tonsils) and pharyngitis.
5. For improving breast milk, the flowers of tree are useful.
6. In diarrhoea a cup of infusion of bark is taken orally twice a day.
7. Decoction of stem bark is used to cure skin disease, hydrocele and skin disease.
8. For scabies, the powdered bark is applied. The flower juice is also applied externally in skin diseases.
9. The seed oil massage is very effective remedy for reducing pain.
10. The stem bark powder, mixed with Golar (Ficus racemosa) latex is given in dose of five grams twice a day, with warm water for respiratory illness.
11. The roots are ground and applied on ulcers.
12. Mahua flowers are very nutritive and taken as a general tonic. For this purpose, the dried flower powder is eaten with ghee and honey.