Poppy is multipurpose plant. They bear beautiful bright colour flowers. In India, the dried seeds of poppy plant are used in preparation of Thandai, Halwa, as thickening agent in gravies and other dishes. These seeds are known as Posta dana or Khuskhus in common language. Posta dana are nutritive, demulcent, emollient, spasmolytic and have no narcotic properties due to absence of any alkaloid.

The oil extracted from the seeds is also free from any narcotic effect and used to treat dysentery and scalds.

"Poppy2004" by John Beniston (Palmiped). Licensed under CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

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Opium, a product obtained from the immature capsules of plant is used for therapeutic uses. It contains alkaloid morphine with narcotine, codeine, papaverine and thebaine. Ripe Poppy capsules contain about 0.18–0.28% of morphine. Morphine is powerful addictive narcotic with strong pain relieving action. It also has significant effects on the central nervous system.

Legal cultivation of poppy plant are done in many countries for Pharmaceutical use. The chemical derived from opium is used in Morphine, Codeine, Oxycodone, Ethylmorphine etc. These all are allopathic drugs that are used to treat variety of medical condition. In surgery and dentistry, morphine is used as anaesthetic and pain killer.

General Information

The botanical name of Ahifena is Papaver somniferum Linn. and it belongs to the family Papaveraceae. 'Papaver' is poppy in Latin and 'Somniferum' is derived from Latin word 'somnus’ (sleep) and 'ferre' (bring). So literal meaning of plant is sleep-inducing.

Vernacular names

AYURVEDIC:Ahiphen, Aaphuka UNANI:Afyum, Tukhm-e-khashkhaash (seed) SIDDHA:Kasakasa (seeds) SANSKRIT:Ahifen BENGALI:Pasto HINDI:Afeem MARATHI:Aphu, Khuskhus MALAYALAM:Afium, Kashakhasa TELUGU:Abhini, Gasalu, Kasakasa;ENGLISH:Opium, Poppy

Plant Description

Poppy plant is an erect, green herb that reaches up to 60-120 cm in height. Its leaves are many, amplexicaule, lobed, dentate or serrate, linear-oblong or ovate-oblong.

The flowers are large and are differently coloured (White, pink, bright red).

There are about hundred different poppy plant species available. Flower ovary is globose. Capsules, the fruits are flat-topped, globose or sub-globose, large and glabrous. Seeds are grey-brown or white. Flowering is during the winter and fruiting in summer season.

Use in Ayurveda

In Ayurveda, opium is known as Ahiphena. Ahiphena or opium is used for preparation of medicine only after proper purification. This is done by rubbing or processing opium with fresh ginger juice 21 times (Bhavprakash Nighantu). Two important Ayurvedic medicines containing opium extract are Ahiphenasava and Karpura Rasa.

1. Opium is used as medicine due to its narcotic, sedative, hypnotic, analgesic, sudorific, anodyne, antispasmodic properties.
2. Few traditional and Ayurvedic medicinal uses of opium are given below.
3. In head ache, the paste of opium (1g) and clove is applied on forehead. This cures headaches due to excess gas and cough.
4. In scalp boils and dandruff, the paste of opium seeds is applied in hairs.
5. In hoarseness of voice, opium doda (the flower head) is boiled with carom seeds and this water is used for gargling.
6. In abdominal pain the paste of opium is applied on abdominal region.
7. In piles, the paste of opium and Dhatura leaves is applied externally.
8. In itching, opium is mixed with Sesame oil and applied topically.
9. Crushed poppy heads are made into poultice and applied for crippling pain in terminal diseases.

The use of Ahiphena or opium for internal administration is done in very low doses. Ayurveda mentions Ahiphena or opium as substance which when used for long duration cause severe effect on body. It kills appetite and dries mouth and respiratory organs. It causes constipation, vomiting, digestive impairment, decreased flow of blood, painful urination, depression, headaches, decreased or nil mental alertness and coma like condition etc.

What is opium and its extraction

Opium is obtained from the immature fruits/ capsules or doda of poppy plants. The extraction of opium from the doda is very tiring, difficult and laborious task. The process has not changed for hundreds of years.

The process is to select appropriate flower capsule by visiting and attending several flowers. The ready doda/capsule is then lacerated vertically using knife. This causes release of white milky latex. This latex is allowed to dry and scrapped. The process is repeated on innumerable other flower pods. This dried milky latex is opium. One plant gives approximately 80 mg of opium.

Opium is often converted into heroin. Heroin is a narcotic substance that has highly harmful short and long term effects on mind and body.

It is illegal to possess opium in many countries including US. Recently a man was arrested for carrying posta dana or khas-khas. Khas-khas are the seeds of poppy plant. In India, these seeds are used as spice. The person was travelling UK via Dubai. He was unaware of the fact that in UAE and gulf countries carrying Khas Khas is a serious offense that can draw minimum 20 years of imprisonment or even worse.

WARNING

1. Opium overdoses can cause cold skin, fast weak pulse, and fluid in the lungs, pupil constriction, and possible death from circulatory and respiratory failure.
2. Opium addicts can reportedly tolerate 2000 mg over 4 hours. But a dose of 300 mg can kill a person.
3. Use of Opium can kill.
4. Opium is narcotic that exerts severe effect on body and mind.
5. It is illegal to possess opium.
6. Morphine containing medicine have habit forming effect and contraindicated in many clinical condition. Its use is not recommended during pregnancy or labour;category:C.

Note:The above given detail is for information only.

Agnimantha or Arani(Clerodendrum phlomidis synonym Volkameria multiflora ) is a significant Ayurvedic medicinal herb. It is constituent of Dashmul, the famous Ayurvedic group of ten roots that is used to treat constipation, fever, weakness, loss of appetite and puerperal diseases.

There are two plants that are used as Agnimantha or Arani herb. One is Premna integrifolia (Badi Arni) and other is Clerodendrum phlomidis (Choti Arni). Both belong to same family Verbenaceae but are different plant.

In Ayurveda, the other common names of Agnimantha are Arani, Jaya, Vaijayanti, Munjavere, Ganikarika etc.

"Arni (Clerodendrum phlomidis) at Sindhrot near Vadodara, Gujrat Pix 048"by J.M.Garg - Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

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General Information

Agnimantha tree is found distributed throughout India. Cluster of flowers appear during spring season. The flowers are white or pinkish and are very aromatic. After flowering it bears small fruits. The leaves of herb are also aromatic. The tree is called Agnimantha as rubbing two woods of tree generates fire.

Scientific Classification

• Kingdom:Plantae
• Subkingdom:Tracheobionta
• Division:Magnoliophyta
• Class:Magnoliopsida
• Order:Lamiales
• Family:Verbenaceae

Vernacular name

• BENGALI:Ganiyari, Arani, Goniari
• GUJARATI:Arani, Aranimula, Arni
• HINDI.:Urni
• KANNADA:Taggi, Taggi Beru
• MALAYALAM:Munja
• MARATHI:Takalimula
• ORIYA:Ganiary
• TAMIL:Tazhutazhai
• TELUGU:Taluki
• SANSKRIT:Arani, Agnimantha, Jayanthi, Tarkaari SIDDHA:Pachumullai, Erumai munnai FOLK:Agethu

In Ayurvedic Pharmacopeia of India, the description of plant Clerodendrum phlomidis (synonym Volkameria multiflora) is given as Agnimantha. Both Clerodendrum phlomidis and Premna integrifolia are used as Agnimantha in preparation of Ayurvedic medicines.

Clerodendrum phlomidis:Synonym C.multiflorum. Also known as Laghu Arni, Choti Arni, Tarkaari;Smaller variety of Agnimantha. It is a large bush or a small tree that is found in drier parts throughout India. The roots are contain ceryl alcohol, clerodin, clerosterol and clerodendrin A.

Premna integrifolia:Synonym P. obtusifolia;P. corymbosa. Badi Arni. It is a large shrub or a small tree distributed on the Indian and Andaman Coasts, plains of Assam and Khasi hills. This tree is also known as Agethaa, Ganiyaari.

The drug part of herb (Clerodendrum phlomidis) or Roots;7-15 cm long, 0.2 -3.0 cm thick, occasionally branched, cylindrical, tough, yellowish-brown externally, bark thin, occasionally easily peeled, outer surface rough due to exfoliation, wood light yellow, fracture hard;taste, slightly astringent.

Agnimantha roots are tonic, stimulates urine production, fever reducing, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory and cough reducing. The roots are used in urine retention, painful urination, weakness, nervous disorders etc.

Ayurvedic Properties and Action of Agnimantha

1. Following is given Ayurvedic properties and action of Agnimantha on body.
2. Rasa (Taste):Tikta/Bitter, Katu (pungent) kashaya/Astringent,
3. Guna (Characteristics):Laghu/Light, Ruksha/Dry
4. Virya (Potency):Ushna/Hot
5. Vipaka (Post Digestive Effect):Katu/Pungent
6. Action on body:Hot in potency reduces phlegm, reduces wind/Vata

Dose:12-24 gm of the drug in powder form for decoction (Ayurvedic Pharmacopeia of India).

Agnimantha is ingredient of many Ayurvedic medicines such as Chayanprash, Dashmularishtha, Dashmool Ghrita, Narayan Taila, Gorochandi Vati etc. It is one of the ten roots of famous Ayurvedic formulation Dashmula (Ten roots). For medicinal purpose generally the roots and leaves of Agnimantha tree is used.

Uses of Agnimantha

Agnimantha roots are used in treatment of variety of diseases such as inflammation, jaundice, pile, constipation, impaired digestion, gulma, painful urination and retention of urine. The decoction of roots is used for obesity. In case of erysipelas (bacterial skin infection involving the upper dermis) and glandular enlargement, the paste of Agnimantha and bamboo leaves is applied externally.

For freckles, the bark paste in milk is applied topically. The roots of tree are boiled in water to make decoction and given in dose of 100 ml to treat swelling in body. In gout, the decoction of all five parts of tree/panchang is given. In urticaria, root powder is given in dose of two grams with desi ghee for six days. The decoction of root is also useful in blood purification and treating skin diseases.

The leaves of tree are also of medicinal importance. The cooked leaves of tree eaten as Saag help to reduce abdominal gas and discomfort. In constipation, the leaves and Haritaki decoction is given. In piles, the decoction of leaves is given and poultice is applied on affected body area.

Bitter gourd or Bitter melon is a very well-known and commonly available vegetable. There are several nutritional and medicinal benefits of eating this bitter vegetable. It is good source of carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. . You may eat immature bitter melons raw (as juice) or can cook it as vegetable. The juice is taken as medicine for treating many clinical conditions including diabetes.

By Shihchuan from (Taipei City), (Taiwan) (2010-07-14 186 01)[CC BY-SA 2.0] via Wikimedia Commons

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Bitter melon grows on a fast-growing climbing vine with thin stem and soft tendrils. The vine can reach six feet or more and requires support. It is a relative of cucumber, gourds, squashes, and melon and requires similar growing habits. Bitter gourd plant leaves are also edible. In some countries leaves and young shoots are used as flavouring agents. The leaves can also be cooked and eaten as leafy vegetables and for making teas.

Bitter gourd leaves contain many bioactive constituents and are full of medicinal properties. The leaves are used for treatment of wide variety of ailments such as diabetes, dysentery, rheumatism and gout, viral diseases, respiratory ailments etc. from time immemorial. Studies have shown hypoglycaemic activity of bitter gourd leaves comparable to that of tolbutamide (first-generation potassium channel blocker oral hypoglycaemic drug of sulfonylurea class).

The leaves of plant has anti-diabetic, anti-hyperglycaemic, anthelminthic, anti-oxidant, anti-microbial, emetic, purgative, anti-hepatotoxic, anti-ulcerogenic and antiviral properties against chicken pox, measles. In some countries, the tea or decoction prepared from bitter gourd leaves is used as aphrodisiac and also taken by women as a measure for birth control.

Vernacular names

• Assamese:Kakiral, Kakral
• Bengali:Karolla
• English:bitter gourd, balsam pear, bitter melon, bitter cucumber, African cucumber
• Gujrati:Karela
• Hindi:Karela
• Kannada:Hagalakai
• Malayalam:Kaippa, Pavackkai
• Marathi:Karla
• Oriya:Kalara, Salara
• Punjabi:Karela
• Tamil:Paharkai
• Telugu:Kaakara Kaaya

Morphology of Karela leaf

Deeply and palmately 5-9 lobed;reniform to orbicular or suborbicular in outline;2.5-8 x 4-10 cm, cordate at base, acute or acuminate at apex;lobes ovate or obovate, narrowed at base, margins sinuate to undulate, mucronate;petioles 1.5-5 cm long.

Phytochemical constituents of Bitter gourd Leaves

Alkaloid, Flavonoids, Sterols, Terpenoids, Anthraquinones, Proteins and Phenols, glycosides including momordin, charantosides, glycosides, momordicosides, goyaglycosides and other terpenoid compounds that include momordicin-28, momordicinin, momordicilin, momordenol, and momordol.

How to grow Bitter gourd at home

It is very easy to grow bitter gourd plant. It is a warm-weather loving crop (optimal temperatures in range of 24–27⁰C) and grows well in hot-humid environment. Like any other gourd, this plant also requires long warm, dry weather with 30-35⁰C temperature. It requires well-drained, fertile soil and full sun.

You may sow the seeds in spring. In colder season (below 18⁰C), the seeds take longer to germinate. Bitter gourd can be grown in any type of soil but it needs sandy loam or rich loamy soil and optimum soil pH 6-6.7.

For planting, select the location that receives maximum sun. You can grow bitter gourd in your kitchen garden or in containers in your balcony. Sacks or grow bags can also be used. Fill the desired container with mix of soil and organic manure and use for growing this vine.

You can buy seeds from local nursery or extract few from fully ripened yellow bitter gourd fruits. Immature seeds are soft and are cream in colour. Mature seeds are hard and brown in colour and are present inside red covering. Just clean the seeds and sow directly or you can first sprout the seeds. For sprouting the seeds, take paper towel/tissue and put seeds on it and cover with another paper towel. Spray water and put inside a plastic bag. The seeds will start germinating in few days (approximately 10 days). Check daily and when you see small sprout immediately put the seed horizontally in the soil at half-inch depth. Do not overwater as that can rot the seed. The seedling will appear in 2-3 days. Water regularly as per requirement. Provide the adequate support for growing vine. Bitter gourd plant produces both male and female flowers. Short days promotes female flowers and temperature above 40⁰ C causes more male flowers. Pollination is must for setting of fruits which is done by bees. But you can also use hand pollination method. As far as manuring is concerned, organic manure is best for home use. The plant gives its first fruit about 50-110 days from sowing. Of course, you can use the leaves as leafy-vegetable or medicine throughout the growing season.

Medicinal Uses of Bitter gourd Leaves

Bitter gourd leaves are used to treat variety of diseases such as diabetes, piles, respiratory ailments, cholera, viral diseases and skin eruptions. Below is listed few such time-tested home remedies. These are simple, reliable and inexpensive. Even modern studies also support these traditional treatments.

Diabetes

Take about six tablespoon of the chopped bitter gourd leaves and two glass of water. Boil leaves in water for approximately 15 minutes. Do not cover the vessel.

Allow it to cool and then strain. Drink 1/3 cup of it thrice a day.

This leaf decoction is found to be very effective in the management of diabetes type 2. On regular intake, this keeps blood sugar in control.

Piles

Common home remedy is to extract three teaspoonful juice from clean bitter melon leaves and mix this with a glassful of buttermilk. This should be taken every morning for about a month on empty stomach. Topically leaves paste can be applied over the haemorrhoids.

Cholera, diarrhoea

Intake of 10-15 ml juice of Karela leaves is useful in diarrhoea and early stage of cholera.

Asthma, bronchitis, common colds, pharyngitis

Bitter melon leaves paste is mixed with equal amounts of the paste of tulsi/Basil leaves.

This should be taken with honey each morning. This can also be taken as preventive medicine for respiratory problems.

Arthritis

1. Drinking 10-15 ml juice of Karela leaves is beneficial in arthritis.
2. Ascite (gastroenterological term for an accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity)
3. Extract 10-15 ml juice of leaves and add some honey and drink.

Hepatitis

In Hepatitis, the leaves juice of bitter gourd is useful. Extract 10-15 ml juice of bitter gourd leaves and mix some big chebulic myroblan powder and drink.

Intestinal parasites, pox, measles, Pneumonia

Drinking 10-15 ml juice of Karela leaves is useful.

Boils, burns and other skin eruptions

The dried and powdered bitter gourd leaves can be applied topically on affected areas.

Burning sensation in hands and feet

Bitter gourd juice is applied topically in burning sensation in hands and feet.

Nutrition

Bitter melon leaves are good source of vitamins and minerals such as iron, calcium, phosphorus and vitamin B.

Side-effects/Warning

1. Bitter gourd or its leaves must not be used in pregnancy because it has been reported to stimulate uterine smooth muscle contraction leading to abortion.
2. All parts of Bitter gourd plant show abortifacient activity and used to induce abortion in some countries.
3. Bitter gourd leaf juice decoction/tea affects the heart and increases the rate and force of contraction after internal administration on dose dependent manner. This effect is reversible.
4. Always take fresh juice and decoction in recommended doses that is 10 or 15 ml.
5. Bitter gourd leaves have emetic properties and excess intake can cause vomiting, and loose motion.
6. Bitter gourd has anti-spermatogenic, abortifacient and fertility reducing properties.

Guar gum is obtained from endosperm of seeds of the Guar/Guar phalli/Gowar or Cluster bean plant. It is primarily the ground endosperm of guar beans prepared after de-husking the guar seeds. It is a water-soluble edible fibre and readily forms mucilage with water. It is white to yellowish white in colour, nearly odourless, free flowing powder with a bland taste. Guar gum is a high molecular weight carbohydrate.

By Ton Rulkens (Flickr:cluster bean cluster)[CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Guar gum has wide variety of uses including medicinal. It is used as an emulsifier, thickener, stabilizer in food industry. Guar gum is used in bakery for increasing the dough volume and shelf life, thickening, as a stabiliser, and preventing loss of moisture. When used in cake mixtures, it improves the water retention in baked cake. It is also used as stabilizer and water crystallization inhibitor in frozen foods and ice-cream making. It is used as a thickener and stabilizer in soups, sauces, and ketchups.

It is also used in other industries such as oil drilling, paper industry, mining, and in cosmetic industry. In cosmetic industry, this gum is used for thickening, suspending, binding, and emulsifying the products like shampoo, conditioner, moisturizer, and toothpastes.

As medicine, Guar gum is used to treat diabetes and high cholesterol. On oral intake, guar gum slows down the absorption of sugar and lipids from intestinal tract into the blood.

Constituent of Guar Gum

The chief constituent of guar gum is a Gallactomannan which is composed of galactose and mannose in a ratio of 1:2. It gives gelling or thickening property to guar gum.

Important Medicinal properties

Guar gum has cholesterol lowering, blood sugar lowering, appetite depressor, flatugenic, lipolytic and laxative properties.

Medicinal uses of Guar gum

1. Guar gum is used for reducing cholesterol and blood sugar level.
2. The intake of Guar gum in dose of 15g/day with normal diet reduces total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol significantly.
3. The gum in dose of 5-10g decreases blood-glucose level in both insulin dependent as well as non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus patients.
4. Intake of Guar gum orally with meals lowers post-prandial glucose levels in patients with type 1 diabetes.
5. Studies done on mice show, decreases rate of stomach emptying resulting in retarded admission of glucose into small intestine, where absorption of glucose takes place.
6. Guar gum is also used for treating diarrhoea, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), obesity, preventing atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).

Caution

1. Guar gum is a bulking agent. Therefore it should not be taken in conditions with obstruction or narrowing of oesophagus or intestine.
2. It can cause obstruction in bowel in case of dehydration.
3. Guar gum lowers appetite.
4. Guar gum has blood sugar lowering properties so monitor blood sugar and watch for signs of low blood sugar.
5. Intestinal gas, diarrhoea, abdominal bloating, cramping and constipation may happen during initial use.
6. Use only in recommended doses. Guar gum has water retaining capacity and it can swell 10-20 folds and may lead to bowel obstruction (or intestinal obstruction).
7. Guar gum may affect the absorption of co-administered drugs. It is observed to slow the absorption of digoxin, acetaminophen and bumetanide and reduces the absorption of metformin, penicillin V, ethinyl estradiol and some formulations of glyburide.

Gymnema Sylvestre or Gurmar is a large woody climbing plant that is extensively used in Ayurveda for treatment of diabetes for many centuries. This herb is found distributed throughout the India, in dry forests up to 600 m height and especially in tropical forest of Central and Southern India. It is also found in Konkan, Western Ghats, Deccan extending to the parts of western and northern India.

Gymnema Sylvestre or Gurmar is also used in Unani and Homeopathic system of medicine for treatment of diabetes. It is also used in treatment of many other diseases such as urinary complaints, obesity as well as alter lipid and glucose metabolism, cough, difficult breathing, ulcers pain in eye, snakebite, stomach ache etc.

For medicinal purpose mainly the leaf of plant is used. The chewing of fresh leaves have the remarkable property of paralysing taste buds temporarily for sweet taste for some time. This effect is probably due to direct interaction of the active ingredients present in leaves (some oleanane type triterpene glycosides, called saponins) with the taste buds.

This medicinal herb is known as Madhunashini (Sanskrit) and Gurmar (Hindi) the literal meaning of all these word is one that destroys sugar. This herb is one of the ingredients in many Ayurvedic formulations such as Ayaskrti, Varunadi kasaya, Varunadighritam, Mahakalyanakaghrtam etc.

Vernacular names

English:Periploca of the woods;Hindi:Gurmar;Sanskrit:Meshashringi, madhunashini;Marathi:Kavali, kalikardori;Gujrathi:Dhuleti, mardashingi;Tamil:Shirukurum Kaay, Shakkaraikkolli;Telugu:Podapatri;Kannada:Sannagerasehambu, Kadhasige;Siddha:Kannu Minnayamkodi, Passaam, Shirukurinja Unani:Gurmaar Buuti

Scientific Classification

The botanical name of Gurmar is Gymnema Sylvestre and it belongs to the family Asclepiadaceae (Milk weed family). Its taxonomical classification is as given below:-

• Kingdom Plantae
• Subkingdom Tracheobionta
• Superdivision Spermatophyta
• Division Magnoliophyta
• Class Magnoliopsida
• Subclass Asteridae
• Order Gentianales
• Family Asclepiadaceae
• Genus Gymnema
• Species sylvestre

Plant description

Woody, large climber running over tops of high trees;young branches slender and pubescent;leaves opposite, simple, petioles 0.6-1.2 cm, stout or slender, lamina 2.5-6.25 cm in length, elliptic or ovate, thinly coriaceous, upper surface rarely pubescent;cymes subglobose, ± 1.25 cm in diameter;flowers yellow, ±0.2 cm in diameter;follicles slender, ±5-7.5 by 0.8 cm;seeds pale brown, flat, long with thin broad marginal wing.

Distributed in:Asia, tropical Africa and Australia.

Chemical contents of Leaf:

Triterpenoid saponins of gymnemic acid A, B, C and D with sugar residues such as glucuronic acid, galacturonic acid, ferulic and angelic acids attached as carboxylic acids. Several isopropylene derivatives of gymnemagenin, a hexahydroterpene, gymnemagenin, gymnemic acid. The leaves also contain betaine, choline, gymnamine alkaloids, inositol, d-quercitol. Hydrocarbons such as nonacosane, hentriacontane, tritriacontane, pentatriacontane, phytin, resin, tartaric acid, form acid, butyric acid, amino acids such as leucine, isoleucine, valine, alanine, ?-butyric acid.

Important medicinal properties:Anti-diabetic, Diuretic, Anti-obesity, Laxative, Stimulant, Anti-microbial, Anti-hypercholesterolemic, Liver-protective, Sweet-suppressing activity, Aphrodisiac

Scientific Studies

Nowadays many scientific studies are being done on medicinal herbs. Surprisingly, such studies supports and confirms the traditional therapeutic uses. The leaves of Gymnema Sylvestre or Gurmar is used in Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy for treatment of diabetes. An animal study, (Paliwal et al) confirms the leaf powder has positive and encouraging effects on blood glucose levels. The study concluded that Gurmar powder is effective in lowering the fasting as well as postprandial blood glucose levels.

In one study, the extract of dried leaves, given to diabetic rats at a dose of 20 mg/day per rat for 2 months. It showed lowering of increased sugar level due to increased serum insulin levels and also control of nephropathy, retinopathy and angiopathy.

Studies also prove the leaves of Gymnema Sylvestre are effective in reducing elevated serum triglyceride and total cholesterol.

The anti-obesity activity was also confirmed in study. Aqueous extract administered to Wistar rats exhibited suppressed increases in body weight, organs weight, and plasma lipids.

The anti-diabetic effect of leaves is attributed to increase in insulin secretion. And the increased insulin level is due appears to be due to repair or regeneration

of the endocrine pancreas (as manifested by the doubling of islet number and beta cell number in the pancreatic tissue of diabetic rats that were orally administered with G. sylvestre extracts). Some other proposed mechanisms for blood glucose lowering actions include increase in glucose uptake and utilization, stimulation of beta cell function, stimulation of enzymes etc.

Medicinal Uses Gurmar/Dhuleti/G. sylvestre

Gurmar or G. sylvestre is extensively used in making of Ayurvedic medicine for treatment of diabetes. There are about fifty five patents of Gymnema Sylvestre mainly on diabetes.

As a folk medicine, the leaves of plant are used fresh or in dried form. The dried powder is given in dose of 3-5 grams for treatment of diabetes and other ailments. The leaf powder can be mixed with cow's milk and taken orally to treat diabetes. One or two fresh leaves of the plant are chewed daily to control diabetes and keep the sugar level optimum.

The leaves of plant are used as tea to treat obesity, gastric acid, stomach aches and UTI (Urinary tract infections). The tea is prepared by pouring boiling water (1 cup) on Gurmar leaves and steeping for 10-15 minutes in covered pot.

In cornea opacity and other eye diseases the extract of leaves is applied topically.

The root powder is taken orally and also applied on the bitten spot to treat snake bite. The root paste is applied directly on wounds of snake bites.

Dosage of various parts of Gurmar:

• Root, leaf:3-5 g powder;50-100 ml decoction;
• In capsule form, 100mg, 3-4 times/day.
• Best results are seen only after 6 to 12 months of continuous use.

Salai, Shallaki, Luban are few common names of tree Boswellia serrata. This tree is native to India and found distributed in dry hilly regions. For medicinal purpose the bark and gum-resin of tree are used. The bark is considered tonic, sweet, acrid and cooling and used to treat diseases due to vitiation of pitta, asthma, dysentery, ulcers, haemorrhoids and skin diseases. But the main medicinal product obtained from the tree is its resin. The resin is one of the best herbal medicine for inflammatory diseases.

Scientific Classification

The botanical name of Sallaki is Boswellia serrata Roxb. and it belongs to the family Burseraceae. Its taxonomical classification is as given below:-

Division:Spermatophyta Subdivision:Angiospermae Class:Anacardiales Family:Burseraceae Genus:Boswellia Species:serrata

Common names

• Sanskrit:Shallaki
• English:Indian frankincense tree, Indian olibanum
• Assamese:Sallaki
• Bengali:Luban, Salai, Salgai
• Gujrati:Shaledum, Saleda, Saladi, Gugal, Saledhi
• Hindi:Salai, Labana
• Kannada:Madimar, Chilakdupa, Tallaki, Maddi
• Kashmiri:Kunturukkam, Samprani
• Marathi:Salai cha dink
• Punjabi:Salai Gond
• Tamil:Parangi Sambrani
• Telugu:Parangi sambrani, Anduga, Kondagugi tamu
• Urdu:Kundur

Tree Description

Moderate sized, deciduous tree, up to 18 m in height and up to 2.4 m in girth;light, spreading crown and drooping branches;Bark very thin, greyish-green, ashy or reddish in colour with a chlorophyll layer beneath the thin outer layer;Leaves are alternate, exstipulate, imparipinnate, 20-45 cm in length, crowded towards the ends of the branches;leaflets 17-31 cm, opposite, 2.5-8 cm x 0.8-1.5 cm, basal pairs often smallest, sessile, lanceolate or ovate-lanceolate, crenate, very variable in size;Flowers white, born in stout racemes 10-20 cm long, shorter than the leaves, crowded towards the ends of branches, but not terminal;Calyx persistent, pubescent outside, 5 to 7-toothed;teeth small, deltoid;Petals 5-7, erect, free, 0.5 cm long;Fruits 1.3 cm long, trigonous, with three valves and three heartshaped, 1-seeded pyrenes, winged, along the margins.

Distributions in India

Native to India;commonly found in the tropical dry deciduous forests from Punjab to West Bengal and in peninsular India. In Maharashtra it is common throughout dry deciduous forests.

Also found in West Asia, Oman, Yemen, South Africa, and Southern Arabia.

Habit:Deciduous trees, flowers small, white.

Parts used:Resinous exudation of bark which contains natural sugars, essential oils, and several unique triterpene acids known as boswellic acids.

Gum-Resin of Boswellia serrata/Luban/Salai-Guggul/Kundur

Gum resin is exudate from the cortex of tree secreted on some external injury. Quality gum is obtained from the tree only after eight years. A single tree can yield about one to two kilograms of gum in a year. For obtaining gum, small patch of bark is removed. The resin is fragrant, transparent and golden yellow and on drying it becomes brownish yellow. Gum-resin contains 30-60% resin, 5-10% essential oils (soluble in the organic solvents) and the rest is made up of polysaccharides.

The resin is sweet, bitter, astringent, anti-inflammatory, anti-pyretic, anti-dysenteric, expectorant, sweat causing, stimulates urine production, stomachic and emmenagogue. Other conditions in which it is useful are fevers, convulsions, abnormal discharge from the urethra, orchiopathy (Disease of a testis), bronchitis, cough, stomatitis (Inflammation of the mucous membrane of the mouth) and jaundice. The oral administration of resin reduced serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels in rat studies due to action of Boswellic acids.

Gum-resin or Salai guggal of tree is extensively used in treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout, joint pain, skeletal muscle pain, back pain, soft tissue fibrositis, spondylitis etc. due to anti-inflammatory property. In all such diseases use of resin gives relief in joint swelling, pain, stiffness and other related symptoms.

Some common names of Oleo-gum resin of Boswellia serrata are Salai guggal, Salai Gond, Luban, and Kundur (Unani).

General appearance of Gum-resin

Solidifies slowly with time. Reddish brown, greenish yellow, or dull yellow to orange in colour. Small, ovoid, fragrant tears. Sometimes the tears form agglomerated masses up to 5 cm long and 2 cm thick. Fracture brittle, fractured surface is waxy and translucent. Burns readily and gives characteristic balsamic resinous odour.

Major chemical constituents of Gum-resin

Contains 5–9% essential oil with major constituents being ?-thujene (50–61%), sabinene (5%), ?-pinene (8%) and ?-phellandrene (2%). Major triterpene constituents of biological interest are members of the boswellic acids (more than 12) including 11-oxo-?-boswellic acid, 3-O-acetyl-11- oxo-?-boswellic acid, ?-boswellic acid, ?-boswellic acid, 3-O-acetyl- ?- boswellic acid, and 3-O-acetyl ? -boswellic acid.

Medicinal uses of Salai/Shallaki (Boswellia serrata)

In traditional medicine system, the gum-resin of tree is extensively used to treat variety of diseases and especially related to joints. The gum resin is pain-relieving, cholesterol lowering, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic and emmenagogue (stimulates or increases menstrual flow).

The gum resin is used from centuries to treat inflammatory diseases of joints (rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout, joint pain, skeletal muscle pain, back pain), lungs (asthma, bronchitis), gastrointestinal tract (colitis, crohn's disease) and skin (psoriasis).

Salai-guggul is indicated in all types of pain, including pain due to arthritis. In arthritis and rheumatism oral administration of gum-resin or salai-guggul reduces joint swelling, pain, stiffness, other symptoms of inflammatory joint disorders, decreases knee pain and increases knee flexion. Use of it protects kness and supports normal joint function.

It is also given to fasten the wound healing and in fractured bones due its property to promote formation of new connective tissue and tiny blood vessels on the surfaces of a wound. It also improves blood circulation, clears toxins and removes blockage. Boswellic acid present in resin causes reduction in pain and inflammation in all such diseases.

The resin is also indicated in high cholesterol level in blood, erectile dysfunction, impotence, sexual debility, and gynaecological complaints (fibroids, cyst, painful periods etc.).

The average dose of gum-resin is 400mg-1200mg (of boswellia standardized to contain 40-65% boswellic acid), three times per day;1–3 g daily (crude drug) and 3-9g per day resin in decoction.

Warning/Contraindications

Due to a lack of safety data, the use of the crude drug during pregnancy, breastfeeding and in children under the age of 12 years is not recommended.

1. In person with weak digestion low dose in recommended.
2. Start with low dose.
3. Common side effect of boswellia is gastric irritation.

There are many herbs and spices present in our kitchen which are helpful in curing or managing health issues. Many of them are specifically good for treating some very common digestive complaints like low appetite, abdominal gas, nausea, and other problems associated with excessive gas. Three such spice that can be made into powder and used daily to improve appetite and manage gas problem are cinnamon, cinnamon leaf or bay-leaf and cardamom.

Ayurvedic View

This combination of three spices is known as Trisugandhi Churna. Tri-sugandhi means three aromatics and churna is powder. So basically it is powder of three aromatic spices. The Ingredients are Tvak or cinnamon, Ela or lesser cardamom and Patra or tej-patta or bay leaves. All ingredients are taken in equal amount in dried state and powdered separately to get fine powder which is mixed and stored for daily use.

This churna decreases Kapha and Vata but increases Pitta and digestive fire. It is stimulant, carminative/relieves flatulence and diaphoretic/ induces perspiration.

This combination is helpful in low appetite, indigestion, weak digestion, vomiting, gas, distention and discomfort due to gas.

Why this combination is good for digestion

Cinnamon, bay leaves and cardamom, all three are carminative in action. Carminative (derived from Latin carminare which means, to cleanse) are those agents that useful in expelling gas to relive flatulence. They clear toxins and relax contracting stomach.

Cinnamon has stimulating properties due to which it increase circulation and healing in the gastrointestinal tract, promotes secretion of gastric juices and kills foreign bacteria.

Cardamom is anti-spasmodic, cholagogue (promotes the discharge of bile), choleretic (increase the volume of secretion of bile), digestive, laxative, stimulant and stomachic (promoting the appetite or assisting digestion). All these properties make it an excellent spice for improving digestive strength.

Bayleaf has analgesic, antiseptic, carminative, cholagogue, digestive, gastrotonic, hepatotonic, and stomachic properties which again helpful in improving digestion.

So this combination of spices can be used as home remedy for treating poor appetite, digestive weakness, indigestion, nausea and excessive gas.

The recommended dose of this powder is 1-3 grams, twice/thrice a day with honey or warm water.

Ber, desert apple, Indian plum or Indian Jujube is a well-known economical and medicinal tree. Its small fruits (known as Ber in India) are very nutritious and tasty. These fruits contain vitamin C, sugar, minerals, calcium, phosphorus, iron, and carotene, proteins, fat, and carbohydrates. The fruits are also rich in B group of vitamins i.e. Thiamine, Niacin and Riboflavin and beta carotene. Ber fruits are medically proven to be effective in relieving chest pain and vomiting sensation.

"Ziziphus mauritiana fruit 2" by Ethel Aardvark - Own work. Licensed under CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons -

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Ber is a medicinal tree and its various parts, such as leaves, roots, bark, seeds are used from time immemorial to treat wide range of ailments. Medicinally, the fruits of wild variety are astringent, pain relieving, cooling, stomachic and styptic (check bleeding by contracting the tissues or blood vessels). The ripe fruits of cultivated variety are mild laxative and expectorant. The leaves of tree are astringent and causes sweating on oral use. The roots are applied externally on rheumatism, gout and similar conditions.

Scientific Classification

The botanical name of Ber or Indian Jujube is Ziziphus mauritiana Lamk and it belongs to the family Rhamnaceae. The synonyms of species are Ziziphus jujuba (Lam.) Gaertn. non-Mill. and Rhamnus jujuba L. Its taxonomical classification is as given below:-

• Kingdom: Plantae – Plants
• Subkingdom: Tracheobionta – Vascular plants
• Superdivision: Spermatophyta – Seed plants
• Division: Magnoliophyta – Flowering plants
• Class: Magnoliopsida – Dicotyledons
• Subclass: Rosidae
• Order: Rhamnales
• Family: Rhamnaceae – Buckthorn family
• Genus: Ziziphus Mill. – jujube P
• Species: Ziziphus mauritiana Lam. – Indian jujube
• The genus Ziziphus contain about 135 to 170 species, in which 17 are native to India.

Common names

• Ayurvedic: Kola, Koli, Badari, Badar
• Unani: Ber
• Siddha: Handai
• Tamil: Ilandhai
• English: Indian Jujube, Common Jujube
• Assam. : Vagari
• Bengali: Kul Vadar, Vadar, Vadai, Narkolikul
• Gujarati: Bor
• Hindi: Desi Ber
• Kannada: Borehannu
• Malayalm: Lanta, Lantakkura
• Marathi: Bor
• Oriya: Borakoli
• Punjabi: Desi ber
• Tamil: Ilandai
• Telugu: Regi
• Urdu: Ber

Geographical distribution

Indigenous over a wide area, from Southern Europe to South-East and East Asia. Cultivated in China, India, Japan and Republic of Korea.

Tree Description

Spiny, deciduous shrub or a small tree, up to 10 m high; spines in groups of two, one straight, up to 2.5 cm long and one curved. Leaves alternate, petiolate, oval-lanceolate, 2–7 cm long, 2.5–3.0 cm wide; apex slightly obtuse; base oblique; margin closely serrulate, with three veins. Inflorescence an axillary cyme. Flowers perfect, seven to eight in each cluster; calyx with cupuliform tube and five segments; petals five, yellow; disk`lining the calyx tube; stamens five; ovary depressed into the disk.

Fruits are fleshy drupes, ovoid or oblong, 1.5–5.0 cm long, dark reddish brown when ripe. Irregular furrowed stones are found in tuberculate seed which contains 6 mm long brown kernels of elliptic shape.

Important Medicinal Activities Of Ber: Analgesic; Antipyretic; Appetizer; Aphrodisiac; Astringent; Tonic for heart; Contraceptive; Diaphoretic; Digestive; Expectorant; Haemostat; Laxative; Sedative; Stomachic; Tonic; Vermifuge and can be used as Medicated eyewash.

Indian plum/ Indian Jujube Fruit Nutrition

Ber/ Indian plum/ Indian Jujube fruits are nutritionally very rich. They are good source of vitamin C. Vitamin C performs very important functions in body. It is required to improve body immunity to fight against infectious diseases. Vit C also required in body for absorption of iron and keeping gums, teeth, bones, skin, and muscles healthy. Ber are also rich source of vitamin A, B complex and minerals. Vitamin C content of ber fruits is initially low, and increases with maturity of fruit.

Ber fruits are rich in calcium, phosphorus and iron. They also contain many essential amino acids.

The leaves of tree also contain 6 % digestible crude protein, which is an excellent source of ascorbic acid and

Carotenoids.

The dried ripe fruit of Ber has laxative properties. The pulp of fruits is also applied on ulcers and cuts. In case of indigestion and excessive bile, the fruits are mixed with salt and chili peppers and taken orally.

Nutritional composition of Ber/ Indian jujube fruit (on fresh weight basis)

Source: (Morton, 1987; Pareek and Dhaka, 2008; Pareek et al., 2009)

Medicinal uses of various parts of Indian Jujube tree

Ber or Indian Jujube is a medicinal tree. It is used to promote weight gain, improve muscular strength, and as an immunostimulant to increase physical stamina. It has antipyretic, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, and sedative properties. The pulp of dried fruit is recommended in Ayurveda for treating burning sensation, blood impurities, excessive thirst and anorexia.

Rheumatism

In Rheumatism, the paste of leaves and root paste (Ber root + roots of Cassia auriculata ) is applied on the affected body part.

Chronic cough

The paste of bark (12-24 g) is fried in ghee and taken with rock salt (1 g) thrice daily.

Vomiting

Powder of root bark (1g) is taken with 50-100 ml. rice washing water twice a day.

Eye diseases

The leaves juice is rubbed gently like kajal.

Haire Care

In Hair fall, a paste of leaves of ber, amla (Phyllanthus emblica) and neem (Azadirachta indica) is made and applied on the scalp.

The decoction of fresh leaves (100-150g in three glass water) can be sued to wash hair.

Pimples, acne, abscesses, boils and carbuncles (severe abscess or multiple boil in the skin, typically infected with staphylococcus bacteria)

In pimples and acne, the paste of leaves is applied topically.

The pounded leave are also applied topically on boils.

Wounds

The poultice of leaves is applied on affected area.

Indigestion

For indigestion, the paste of root (one spoon) is taken orally.

Diabetes, lowering blood sugar level

The powder prepared from dried Ber leaves is useful in lowering blood sugar level.

Diuretic

The decoction of leaves can be used as diuretic.

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 works as 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.

Diarrhoea

The powder of dried fruit is given orally with water to cure diarrhoea.

In dysentery, the juice is extracted from equal amount of leaves of patharchatta, jamun and ber are taken orally.

Dosage of various parts of Ber tree

Dried fruit pulp, devoid of seed—3-6 g; 5–7 fruits; stem bark—3–5 g powder, 10–20 g for decoction.

Few veterinary Uses

For improving milk production in cattle, the dry leaf powder is mixed in fodder and given.

In skin diseases, about 150g root is boiled in 500ml of water and filtered. The filtrate is allowed to cool down and applied thoroughly on the affected body part. The treatment is repeated twice a day for three or four days.

Putrajivaka, Sutajva, Putrakamanjari are few common names of tree Putranjiva roxburghii. It is known as Karupali or Irukolli in Siddha system of medicine. It is native to India and found wild or cultivated in almost all parts of country. In Delhi, Putrajivaka tree can be seen at Race course Road and many other roads of Lutyens' Delhi.

By Hatem Moushir (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

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Putrajiva tree is especially used for treating female sterility. It improves female fertility and helps in conception. As the seeds of tree are especially used for treating female infertility this could be reason why this tree is called Putrajiva or Child life tree.

Scientific Classification

The botanical name of Putrajivaka is Putranjiva roxburghii and it belongs to the family Euphorbiaceae (Spurge family). The synonyms of species are Drypetes roxburghii. Its taxonomical classification is as given below:-

• Kingdom: Plantae
• Phylum: Tracheophyta
• Class: Magnoliopsida
• Order: Malpighiales
• Family: Euphorbiaceae
• Genus: Putranjiva
• Species: Putranjiva roxburghii

Common names

• Sanskrit: Putrajivah, Putranjivah
• Hindi: Jivaputrak, Jiyopota
• Kannada: Aman, Putranjiva
• Malayalam: Ponkalam, Puttilanni
• English: Lucky bean tree, child life tree
• Uttarakhand: Pittamar

Tree Description

Moderate sized evergreen tree; height is up to 12m with pendent branches and dark grey bark having horizontal lenticels; Leaves simple, alternate, distichous; stipule triangular, acute, caducous; petiole 0.4-1 cm long, nearly glabrous, planoconvex in cross section; lamina 5- 9.5 x 1.5-3.5 cm,

elliptic-oblong to elliptic-ovate, apex acute or slightly acuminate with blunt tip, base asymmetric, margin serrate, chartaceous, dark green and shining, glabrous; midrib nearly flat above; secondary nerves 9-12 pairs, slender; tertiary nerves reticulate; Flower unisexual; male flowers in

axillary clusters; female flowers axillary, solitary; Drupe, ellipsoid, with persistent style; seeds.

General Habitat

Tree is generally grows on alluvial soil along the rivers, swamp, or evergreen forests. The tree prefers moist evergreen forests. In drier places, tree has stunted growth. The germination of seeds takes place during rainy season.

Flowering and fruiting: March-August

Parts used for medicinal purpose: Leaves, seeds and fruits

Constituents: Seeds contain fatty oil and kernel contains an essential oil with mustard smell, isothiocyanate yieldingglycosides, glucoputranjivin, glucocochlearin, glucojiaputin and glucocleomin. The essential oil contains isopropyl and 2-butyl isothiocyanates as the main constituents and 2-methylbutyl isothiocyanate as a minor component.

Medicinal Uses of Putrajiva

• Putra jivak tree is a medicinal tree. Its leaves, fruits and stone/seeds are used for medicinal purpose.
• The leaves of tree are refrigerant, analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory and used to treat fever, catarrh and sterility.
• The leaves are also used to treat allergic red pimples on the bodies.
• Decoction of leaves is used for treating cold, fever, and rheumatism. For swollen and inflamed joints, the leaves of tree are used externally.
• The crushed leaves are applied to swollen throat of animals.
• The seeds are sweet, acrid, refrigerant, laxative, anti-inflammatory, aphrodisiac, and diuretic.
• The seed paste is useful against headache and powdered seed used for knee pain.
• The seeds are also known as Putrajivak beej and are procreant. These are used to treat sterility, azoospermia, and habitual abortions.
• The other conditions in which seeds are useful are diseases due to vitiation of Vata and Pitta, burning sensation, constipation, inflammations, and infertility.
• Necklace prepared from stones/nuts of fruit are wore to prevent harm. Religiously, it is believed it ward of evil forces. Fruits as neckless are also used by pregnant women to prevent miscarriage.

Ashtanga Lavana Churna is a poly-herbo- mineral Ayurvedic formulation. This medicine is prepared from eight ingredients viz. Sauvarchala Lavan, Safed jeera, Vrikshmala, Amlavetasa, Dalchini, choti elaichi, kali mirch and sugar. This medicine is especially used to treat Madatyaya or alcoholic disorders.

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

Key Ingredients of Ashtanga Lavana Churna

Ashtang Lavan is a medicine in Churna or powder from, prepared from eight ingredients, including one Lavan, and hence it is called Ashtang (means eight) Lavan (salt).

The composition of Ashtang Lavan Churna is given below.

1. Sauvarchala Lavana Unaqua sodium chloride ( Black Salt) 1 part
2. Ajaji (Sveta Jiraka) Cuminum cyminum Linn Dry seed 1 part
3. Vrkshamla ( Garcinia Indica) Chois. Fruit 1 part
4. Amlavetasa Garcinia pedunculata Roxb. Fruit 1 part
5. Twak Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume. Stem Bark ½ part
6. Ela (Elettaria cardamomum Maton) Seed ½ part
7. Maricha Piper(nigrum Linn.) Dried fruit ½ part
8. Sarkara Saccharam officinarum Linn Sugar 1 part

Uses of Ashtanga Lavana Churna

This medicine has Deepana, Pachaka and Kapha-hara properties.

Ashtanga Lavana Churna is specifically used to treat Kaphaja Madatyaya (Kapha variety of Alcoholic disorders) and also for Agni Deepana (Improving digestive fire), Shrot Shodhan (cleansing of micro channels of the body).

This medicine is indicated in loss of taste, loss of appetite, digestive weakness, gastric debility, Srotorodha (Obstruction to srotas) and alcoholism.

Dosage of Ashtanga Lavana Churna

The recommended dosage of Ashtanga Lavana Churna is 3-6 grams, twice a day. Or take as directed by physician.

This medicine contains salt, so person on restricted sodium diet and those with hypertension take it after consultation.

Cannabis is used for medicinal purpose not only in India but also in Middle East and other countries of Asia since time immemorial. This plant was also introduced in Europe in 19th century for treatment of neuralgia, insomnia, migraine, epilepsy, tetanus, rheumatism, and asthma. Hemp derivatives are suggested for treating glaucoma and as an antiemetic in cancer chemotherapy. In Ayurveda, the dried leaf of hemp is used in very low dosage. The powder of leaf is given in treatment of digestive weakness, insomnia, diarrhea, and irritable bowel syndrome.

By Chmee2 (Own work)[GFDL or CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

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Cannabis is native to temperate regions of Asia and found in many countries across the world. It is an annual herb that is found almost throughout the year in waste lands of temperate regions. It is one of the oldest non-food crop that is grown in the world.

Warning:Hemp is notorious for its narcotic use. It is classified as a narcotic, belonging to psychotropic disrupters due to its properties to change perceptions, emotions and brain functions. The possession and use of cannabis is illegal in most of the countries but some country do allow medical uses of this plant.

In India, production, manufacture, possession, sale, purchase, transport, import interstate, export inter-state or use is illegal and can draw fine or imprisonment. Its cultivation without license can result in rigorous imprisonment (up to 10 years) and fine. But for personal use in small quantity, it is permissible and tolerated in most of Indian states.

The drugs produced from cannabis have narcotic and sedative effect. Use of such medicine gives relief in pain, fatigue, inflammation and also induces sleep. In low therapeutic dose, cannabis improves appetite, digestion and may cause constipation. But prolonged abuse of this herb causes loss of appetite, gastric derangement, loss of self-control, and intoxication.

Cannabis/Hemp plant

This plant can be identified by its leaves which are palmately compound with linear leaflets and serrated margins. The length of leaf is about 5-20 cm and it is pointed, narrow at base. Its upper surface is dark green and rough and lower is pale. The leaves of female plant is longer than the male plant. The odor of leaves is strong and characteristic and they taste slightly acrid.

Description

Annual plant;erect stems growing from 3 to 10 feet or more high, very slightly branched, having greyish-green hairs;leaves palmate, with five to seven leaflets (three on the upper leaves), numerous, on long thin petioles with acute stipules at the base, linear-lanceolate, tapering at both ends, the margins sharply serrate, smooth and dark green on the upper surface, lighter and downy on the under one;flowers small, unisexual, male having five almost separate, downy, pale yellowish segments, female single, hairy, glandular, five-veined leaf enclosing the ovary in a sheath;ovary smooth, one-celled, with one hanging ovule and two long, hairy thread-like stigmas extending beyond the flower for more than its own length;fruit small, smooth, light brownish-grey in colour, and completely filled by the seed.

Part used:Dried flowering top, growing top, leaves, seeds, resin

Vernacular names

• Sanskrit:Vijaya, Bhang, Madani, Indrasana, Trailokya-vijaya, Tribhuvan vijaya, Shukranaashana, Ganja
• Assamese:Bhan, Bhang
• Bengali:Bhang, Sidhi
• English:Cannabis, Hemp
• Gujrati:Bhang
• Hindi:Bhaang, Bhanga
• Kannada:Bhangigida, Ganjagida
• Kashmiri:Pang, Bangi
• Malayalam:Kanchavu
• Marathi:Bhang, Ganja
• Oriya:Bhanga, Ganjei
• Punjabi:Bhang
• Tamil:Ganja
• Telugu:Ganjayi
• Urdu:Qinaab, Bhang
• Unani:Bhang, Charas, Qinnab
• Siddha:Ganja

Most common Indian name:Bhang

Other common names:Cannabis, hemp, marijuana, hashish

Bhang:Bhang is preparation from the dried leaves of plant. The term also include fresh leaves, female flower heads, stems and seeds mix. It is deep green in colour. This is made into paste with milk or water and drink as intoxicating liquor.

This is smoked, chewed, eaten, or infused and drunk to obtain mild euphoria.

Ganja:Ganja is seedless unfertilized resinous brownish-green flowering top or fruiting top of female plant which and pressed to get compact masses. It is bitter, highly potent form of hemp and usually used for smoking.

Charas (more commonly known as hashish in Arabic):Charas is resin obtained from plant. The resin exudates from the leaves, stem and fruits. It is low in taste but high on intoxication.

Bhang is consumed orally but Ganja and charas are usually smoked.

Ayurvedic Properties and Action on body

In Ayurveda, the dried leaves of plant are administered orally in dosage of 125-250 mg to treat many diseases.

The dried leaf powder of plant possess following properties.

Rasa (Taste):Tikta/Bitter

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

Virya (Potency):Ushna/Hot

Vipaka (Post Digestive Effect):Katu/Pungent

Action on body:

Dipana/ deepana (Digestive stimulant)

Grahi (Anti-diarrhea, binds stool)

Pachana (digest ama/toxins)

Vajikarana (Reproductive tonic/ aphrodisiac)

Vyavayi (Spread throughout the body without first getting digested)

The dried leaves are given in all diseases that require stimulant, exhilarant, aphrodisiac and anodyne effect.

Medicinal Action of plant

Hemp products are used in treatment of dyspepsia, cancers, tumors and several other diseases. Use of Cannabis affects whole body. Below is given scientifically proven medicinal properties of action. Cannabis is used as medicine in traditional medicine in low dosage. In high dosage, cannabis is highly injurious to health.

Hallucinogenic:induces hallucinations

Hypnotic:producing hypnosis/ sleep-inducing

Sedative:promoting calm

Analgesic:Pain relieving

Stimulant:raises levels of physiological or nervous activity in the body

Exhilarant:person feel very happy, animated, or elated

Anti-inflammatory:reduce inflammation

Abortifacient:causes abortion

Antibacterial:works against bacteria

Anticonvulsant:prevent or reduce the severity of epileptic fits or other convulsions

Antiemetic:preventing vomiting

Intoxicant:narcotic

In India, Hemp plant naturally found distributed in waste grounds, along road side, and other similar undisturbed areas.

Chemical Constituents

More than 460 chemicals of various classes (cannabinoids, cannabispirans and alkaloids) are isolated from cannabis. Also more than sixty cannabinoids have been isolated, in which, the most important one is delta-9- tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC has Antiemetic properties) and it is the predominant psychoactive cannabinoid.

Cannabinoids are present in leaves, flowering tops of female plants, bracts and resin of plant (absent in fruits and stems) are responsible for many medicinal properties of plant.

Medicinal Uses

1. The paste of leaves is used applied topically on cuts, skin ulcer and insect bite
2. The dried leaf powder is applied topically on wounds for faster healing.
3. Poultice prepared from whole plant is applied in inflammation, erysipelas (disease caused by a bacterial infection, characterized by large raised red patches on the skin), nerve pain and hemorrhoids.
4. Pounded leaves poultice is applied topically on eyes in case of extreme sensitivity to light.
5. All parts of Hemp plant have narcotic effect. In recommended doses for therapeutic use, the plant does not show any ill-effects. But beyond that it becomes injurious to health. Its high dose causes hallucination, loss of memory and thinking power, gloominess, intoxication etc. Its long term use causes indigestion, impotence, and health loss.

Warning/Side-effects/Caution

1. High doses of cannabis in animals have damaged developing embryos and resulted in birth defects
2. Smoking cannabis is injurious to health. It affects memory, alterations in space and time perception, hallucinations etc. These effects can last for hours.
3. Cannabis is toxic for fetus.
4. Intake of cannabis may trigger acute psychotic reactions in schizophrenia.
5. Long term use of cannabis may lead to respiratory ailments, Schizophrenia, psychosis impotence, laryngitis, psychic decline and dependence.
6. Cannabis smoking causes chronic bronchitis and histopathological changes in bronchi.
7. Dependence on cannabis causes withdrawal, physical complications, impaired memory, poor work performance, social disapproval and criminal involvement.
8. Cannabis causes vasodilation and bronchodilation. It affects brain and causes cognitive and psychomotor impairment in high dose.

Differences between Cannabis Indica and Cannabis Sativa

Cannabis is known by many common names such as Hemp, Marijuana, Grass, hash, Bhang etc. It is a plant belonging to family Cannabaceae, the hemp family. Cannabis is native to Central and South Asia. It is cultivated from ancient time for its fiber, oil, medicinal use and as a recreational drug. There are main two varieties of cannabis plants available viz. sativa and indica. These two varieties are different in appearance and also in properties.

The scientific name Cannabis sativa is general name for both varieties and used as synonym.

Biological Classifications of Marijuana per the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Feb. 15, 2007

Difference between sativa and indica

Here are given few differences in two varieties of cannabis.

There are also hybrid varieties of cannabis plant available which are produced by crossing the pure sativa and pure indica plants. Such hybrid plants have some characteristics of both parents.

Deodar/Devdar is know as Himalayan Cedar tree. It is a very tall evergreen coniferous tree of Himalaya. It bears cone with brown seeds. It is a very important medicinal and timber tree. Its wood is strong and durable and used for house building, beams, floorboards, door, window frames, furniture, general carpentry and building railway sleepers, carriage and railway wagon work. The wood of tree contains aromatic essential oil. This oil is extracted by steam distillation and known as Himalayan Cedar wood oil. Devdar is a very useful and important medicinal tree of Ayurveda. It is considered tree of Gods and worshipped. The wood of tree is used for treatment of inflammations and rheumatoid arthritis. The oil of wood has significant disinfectant and anti-fungal properties.

Here are some Important Ayurvedic formulations containing Devdaru wood like Khadirarishtha, Dashamularishtha, Devadarvarishtha, Mritasanjivanisura, Karpuradyarka, Pramehamihira Taila, Chandanadi Curna, Sudarshana Churna, Narayana Taila, Pradarantaka Lauha, Vataraktanaka Lauha, Mahavishagarbha Taila.

Etymology:The botanical name of tree is derived from the Sanskrit devadaru (Dev=Gods, Dar=wood), which means wood of the gods.

"Cedrus deodara Manali 2" by Paul Evans from London, United Kingdom. Licensed under CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons -

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Scientific Classification

The botanical name of Deodaar/Himalayan Cedar is Cedrus deodara (Roxb.) Loud. and it belongs to the family Pinaceae. The synonyms of species are C. libani Barrel. var. deodara Hook. f.. Its taxonomic classification is as given below:-

KINGDOM:Plantae DIVISION:Pinophyta CLASS:Pinopsida ORDER:Pinales FAMILY:Pinaceae Genus:Cedrus SPECIES:deodara SYNONYM:Cedrus deodora f. aurea (J. Nelson) Rehder, Pinus deodara Roxb. ex D. Don

Botanical Description

Large evergreen, dioecious tree, to 65 m tall;bark greyish brown, dark, almost black, with vertical and diagonal cracks dividing into irregular oblong scales;Leaves solitary, acicular, stiff, sharp-pointed, 25-37 mm long, silvery or silvery-blue, on the normal long shoots spirally arranged, and on the short arrested shoots in pseudowhorls;Male flowers solitary and erect or catkins, pale green to yellowish green with purplish tinge, oblong, ovoid, and 2.5 to 4.6 cm long by 1 to 1.5 cm in

diameter;On opening they elongate rapidly to 5-7.5 cm in length and become yellow with pollen;Female flowers are solitary and erect at the end of arrested branchlets;flowers, at the time of pollination, are oblong, ovoid, 1.2 to 2.0 cm long and 0.6 cm in diameter, pale glaucous green;Cones solitary or in pairs, erect, ovoid or ellipsoidal, 7.5-12 cm long and 5-8.7 cm in diameter with numerous fan-shaped scales arranged in spiral of 8 x 5 on persistent woody central axis, rounded at the apex, bluish when young, reddish-brown when ripe. On each scale rests a pair of winged seeds;Seed triangular, winged, 2.5 to 3.7 cm long;wings with rounded corners, 2-2.5 cm broad.

Native to:India, Nepal, Pakistan, Afghanistan

Exotic to:Argentina, Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Spain.

Habitat:North-western Himalayas from Kashmir to Garhwal, from 1000-3500 m.

Part Used:Wood, bark, oil

Vernacular Names

• Ayurvedic:Devadaru, Suradruma, Suradaru, Devakashtha, Devadruma, Saptapatrika, Daru, Bhadradaaru, Amarataru, Amaradaru, Daruka, Devahvaa, Surataru, Surabhuruha
• Unani:Deodaar
• Siddha:Thevathaaram
• Hindi:diar, deodar, devdaar
• English:himalayan cedar, deodar cedar
• French:cedre del'himalaya German:himalaja- zeder
• Italian:cedro dell'Himalaia
• Spanish:cedro del himalaya, cedro de la India
• Trade name:diar, deodar

Medicinal Activities of Deodar

• Devdar possess following pharmacological activities.
• Antifertility:Reduces fertility
• Anti-inflammatory:Reduce inflammation
• Antiseptic:prevents the growth of disease-causing microorganisms.
• Antispasmodic:Relieves spasm of involuntary muscle
• Antiviral:Effective against viruses
• Astringent:constricts soft organic tissue
• Carminative:Relieves gas in the alimentary tract (colic or flatulence or griping)
• Diaphoretic:Induces perspiration
• Diuretic:causes increased passing of urine
• Insecticide:Kills insects

Ayurvedic Properties and Action on body

The heart wood of Devdaru contains Terpenoids, Flavonoids and Glycosides as main constituents. Its properties and action as described in Ayurveda is given below.

Rasa (Taste):Tikta/Bitter

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

Virya (Potency):Ushna/Hot

Vipaka (Post Digestive Effect):Katu/Pungent

Action on body:Kapha-har, Vata-har, Purifier

Dosage of Deodar Heart wood

The recommended dose of heartwood of Deodar in powder form is 3-6 grams.

Medicinal Uses of Cedrus deodara

Deodar is used in Ayurveda for treatment of inflammation, paralysis, kidney stones, fevers, external injuries, low appetite, cramps, diabetes, fever, fungus, bacteria, infections, water retention etc. It has antispasmodic, anti-poison, and anti-inflammatory properties. The anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic activity of Deodar is due to presence of many compounds such as allohimacholol, centdarol, himachalol, himadarol spasmolytic etc. The wood oil is anti-inflammatory as it stabilize mast cell and inhibits synthesis of leukotriene.

In inflammation, filarial, glandular diseases, a paste of deodar is made with mustard oil and applied on affected areas.

The decoction of wood is given for treating fever and painful urination. The decoction promotes urination.

The decoction of bark is used in diarrhea and dysentery.

Wood oil is extracted from the heartwood. This oil is antiseptic and is used in skin diseases. Internally, this oil purifies the blood.

In breathlessness and hiccups, decoction of deodar wood pieces is made and taken twice a day.

The paste of Devdaru is mixed with turmeric and Guggulu and applied on indolent swellings. The tar is alterative and given in chronic skin diseases and leprosy. The tar is also applied topically on ulcers.

Devdarwadi Kwath, which is compound formulation of devdaru is used to treat digestive ailments, gonorrhea, syphilis, gout and rheumatism. This medicine is powerful alterative (alterative gradually restores healthy body functions).

Devdarwadi Kwath is a polyherbal Ayurvedic formulation. This medicine is decoction of Devdaru with other medicinal herbs and used in treatment of digestive ailments. For preparing this medicine, first all medicinal herbs of its formulation are ground and boiled in water till volume is reduced to 1/8^th of initial amount. This decoction is filtered and jaggery, Dhai flower are added and then processed according to Arishtha preparation method.

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

Key Ingredients of Devdarwadi Kwath

Each equal amount (32 tola):Devdaru, Bach, Kuth, Pippali, Sonth, Motha, Chraita, Katuki, Dhaniya, Haritaki, Gajpippali, Javasa, Gokhru, Dhamasa, Badi kateri, Atees, Giloy, Kakadasinghi, Kala jeera;Water 128 Ser;Gud/Jaggery 6 ser, Dhai flower 10 Chatank.

Uses of Devdarwadi Kwath

This medicine is excellent dipana/deepana (Digestive stimulant), pachan (Digest ama/toxins), and grahi (Anti-diarrhea, binds stool). This medicine is indicated in all type of diarrhoea and sangrahani (chronic diarrhoea, dysentery).

This decoction is mixed with 20 ml Saunf Ark and given to treat atisara (diarrhea), pitta atisara (Diarrhoea due to the imbalance of pitta) and rakta-atisara or amoebic dysentery.

Devdarwadi Kwath is a powerful alterative and also indicated in gonorrhoea, gonorrhoea, syphilis, gout and rheumatism.

Dosage of Devdarwadi Kwath

The recommended dosage of Devdarwadi Kwath is 12-24ml with equal amount of water, twice a day after meal. Or take as directed by physician.

Mimusops elengi (Indian Medlar, Bulletwood tree, Bakul or Maulsari) is an evergreen tree with sweet scented flowers and it is often grown as garden tree. It is a medicinal tree with edible parts. This tree is especially useful in treating gum problems and dental disorders such as bleeding gums, loose teeth, sensitive teeth, cavities etc. Its tender parts are used as tooth brush. The bark and seed coat are used for strengthening the gum. It is used under the name of Vajradanti, in preparation of various herbal tooth powders along with many other ingredients such as catechu, pomegranate bark etc. Its fruits are eaten raw and also prepared as pickle. The bark of tree is used to improve fertility in women. The fruits are edible and used to treat chronic dysentery. They have astringent action. The seeds exhibits purgative action.

Scientific Classification

The botanical name of Bakul/Maulsiri is Mimusops elengi and it belongs to the family Sapotaceae; Mahua-family (Plant family Sapotaceae consists of trees/ shrubs with milky latex. It include about 70 genera and 800 species. The characteristic feature of member of this family is presence of reddish brown hairs on the leaf undersides and other plant surfaces). Its taxonomic classification is as given below:-

• Kingdom: Plantae
• Subkingdom: Viridiplantae
• Infrakingdom: Streptophyta – land plants
• Superdivision: Embryophyta
• Division: Tracheophyta– vascular plants
• Subdivision: Spermatophytina spermatophytes, seed plants
• Class: Magnoliopsida
• Superorder Asteranae
• Order: Ericales
• Family: Sapotaceae – sapodillas, sapotes
• Genus: Mimusops L.
• Species: Mimusops elengi L. – Spanish cherry

Vernacular names

Ayurvedic/Sanskrit: Anangaka, Bakula, Chirapushpa, Dhanvi, Gudhpushpa, Kantha, Karuka, Kesha, Mukula, Padyamoda, Sharadika, Sindhugandha, Simhakeshaa, Sthirmukhgandha, Surabhi Tailanga, Varalahdha, Visharada; UNANI: Maulsiri; GUJARATI: Babhuli, Bolsari, Varsoli, Vovoli; HINDI: Bakul, Bolsari, Maulsarau, Maulser, Maulsari; TAMIL: Alagu, Ilangi, Kesaram, Kosaram, Magil, Magilam, Vagulam; TELUGU: Pogada KANNADA: Pagademara; PUNJABI: Maulsari, Maulsiri BENGALI: Bakal, Bakul, Bohl, Bukal; MARATHI: Bakhor, Bakula, Barsoli, Ovalli, Owli, Vavoli, Wovali, Wowli; MALAYALAM: Elengi, Ilanni, Iranni, Makuram, Bakulam; NEPALESE: Bakulapuspa SINHALESE: Munemal GERMAN: Affengesict; FRENCH: karanicum BURMESE: Kaya MALAYSIAN: Enengi; THAI: Pikul; ENGLISH: Spanish-Cherry, West Indian Medlar, Bullet Wood; TRADE NAME: Bulletwood

Distribution in India

Mimusops elengi tree is the native of India.

It is cultivated in North and Peninsular India and Andaman Islands. It is grown as an avenue tree in many parts of India.

Tree description

Large evergreen tree with dark grey fissured bark and densely spreading crown; Leaves oblong, glabrous and leathery with wavy margins; Flowers white, fragrant, axillary, solitary or fascicled; Fruits ovoid or ellipsoid berries; Seeds 1-2 per fruit, ovoid, compressed, greyish brown and shiny.

Propagation: by seeds and cutting

Main Constituents

Leaves: sterols, reducing sugars and tannins; Roots: a steroidal saponin; Stem bark: spinasterol and taraxerol; flowers, D-mannitol, beta-sitosterol and beta-sitosterol- D-glycoside; Seeds: pentacyclic triterpene acids, mimusopic and mimusopsic acids.

Part used: bark, flower, fruit, seeds

Medicinal Uses of Bakul

Bulletwood tree, Bakul or Maulsari tree is a medicinal tree. For medicinal purpose its leaves, fruit, bark and flowers are used. The flowers, bark and fruits are astringent in action. Bark is used as tonic, astringent, and to reduce fever. The leaves are used as antidote to snake-bite. The pulp of the fruit is used in curing chronic dysentery. Dried flowers powder is used as brain tonic. Seeds of tree are purgative. The aerial parts are diuretic in action.

Tingling sensation of teeth: Massage gums with powdered bark.

Toothache, Tooth Decay, Gum Bleeding, Bad breath, Pyorrhea, Inflammation in mouth: Decoction of bark is prepared and as used as mouth wash.

Toothache: Bark powder is applied.

Teeth cleaning, strengthening gums: Tender twigs are used for teeth cleaning.

Loose teeth: Unripe fruits are used as masticatory.

Improving fertility in women: Fruit pulp is eaten.

Promoting delivery: Ripe fruit is given to promote delivery.

Causing miscarriage or abortion: Fruits are sometimes used for abortion.

Eyesight weakness, Diseases of Eyes: 7-14 ml. leaf juice is taken twice daily with honey.

Brian tonic: The powder of dried flower is eaten as brain tonic.

Chronic diarrhea, Weakness after diarrhea: The fruit pulp is eaten.

Headache: The dried flower powder is used a snuff in case of headache.

Dosage of Maulsiri: Bark, Seed: 10-20g paste and Decoction 50-100ml.

Manilkara hexandra tree is an evergreen tree native to India. Its few very common names are Ksheerni, Khirni, Rayan etc. It bears nutritive edible fruits. In Ayurveda, its bark and fruits are used for treatment of wide range of diseases. Its bark is especially useful in treating gum problems and dental disorders such as bleeding gums, gum inflammation, sudden discharge of blood from gums, odontopathy etc. Its tender parts are used as tooth brush.

The bark and seed coat are used for strengthening the gum. It is used under the name of Vajradanti, in preparation of various herbal tooth powders along with many other ingredients such as catechu, pomegranate bark etc. The bark is also used to treat fever, gas, stomach disorders, jaundice, deworming etc. Its fruits are eaten raw. They are useful in hallucinations, loss of consciousness, anorexia, bronchitis, leprosy and vitiated conditions of pitta.

General Information

The botanical name of Khirni is Manilkara hexandra (Roxb.) Dubard, and it belongs to the family Sapotaceae or Mahua-family (Plant family Sapotaceae consists of trees/ shrubs with milky latex. It include about 70 genera and 800 species. The characteristic feature of member of this family is presence of reddish brown hairs on the leaf undersides and other plant surfaces). The synonyms of specie is Mimusops hexandra Roxb.

Vernacular names

Ayurvedic Name: Ksirini, Ksheerini, Rajadan, Rajnya, Rajadanah HINDI: Khirni, Khhini, Rayan BENGALI: Ksheerni, Rajni GUJRATI: Rayan MALAYALAM: Krini and Palamunpala KANNADA: Hale, Hannu TAMIL: Kanupala, Kaattuppala, Ulakkaippalai, Palai TELUGU: ; Patla, Pola, Kirni ENGLISH: Obtuse leaved Mimuspos

Part used for medicinal purpose: Fruit, bark

Native of: Central India and Deccan peninsula.

Distribution in India: This tree is found in central India and Deccan Peninsula, and cultivated throughout India.

Tree Description

Small to medium sized glabrous evergreen tree, 50–60 ft. in height with smooth blackish grey bark; leaves 7–10 cm long, elliptic, obovate or oblong, simple, alternate, rounded or emarginate at the apex, glabrous on both sides, main nerves 12-20 pairs; flowers bisexual, white or pale yellow, calyx 6–lobed, corolla 16 or 24–lobed, stamens 6, axillary, solitary or in fascicles; fruits hairy, one seeded reddish yellow berries, ovoid or ellipsoid, seeds ovoid, reddish brown with shining testa.

Traditional Medicinal Uses of Khirni or Rayan tree

The Bark: Bark of tree is astringent, sweet, cooling, aphrodisiac, alexipharmic, stomachic/stimulates digestion and anthelmintic. Bark is useful in ulorrhagia (sudden or free discharge of blood from the gums), gingivitis (gum inflammation), odontopathy (any disease of the teeth), fever, flatulence, colic (abdominal pain), dyspepsia (painful, difficult, or disturbed digestion, which may be accompanied by symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, heartburn, bloating, and stomach discomfort.), helminthiasis ( infestation with parasitic worms), hyperdipsia (intense thirst of relatively brief duration), burning sensation and vitiated conditions of pitta.

Decoction of bark is used for treatment of dysentery and diarrhea.

Stem bark extract is also used a tonic.

The Fruits: The fruits are milky, sweet, sour, cooling, aphrodisiac, appetizer, emollient and tonic.

Fruits are used to relieve digestive disorder.

Mashed fruits are taken to cure diseases like arthritis, jaundice, heat burning, deworming, and to blood purification.

Latex and seed: The latex of tree is applied on teeth and gums for toothaches. The seeds are useful in ulcers and the opacity of the cornea.

Gomutra Asava is an Ayurvedic formulation in which the main ingredient is Go mutra or Cow urine. The preparation involves fermentation of go mutra. In Ayurveda, the use of this medicine is especially mentioned for treatment of Shvitra. Shvitra is Ayurvedic term for disorder in which white depigmented patch appear on various parts of body. Gomutra Asav is prepared from Shunthi, Maricha, Pippali, Chitrak, Madhu and Gomutra. This medicine is also known as Gomutra Asav, Gomutra Aasawa, Gomutra Asava.

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

Ingredients of Gomutra Asav

• Gomutra (Cow's Urine) - 100 Ltr.
• Chitraka (Plumbago zeylanica) - 960 g
• Shunthi (Zingiber officinale) - 960 g
• Maricha (Piper nigrum) - 960 g
• Pippali (Piper longum) - 960 g
• Madhu (Honey) - 19.230 kg

All these ingredients were mixed and fermented for 15 days. After having Sandhana-Pariksha, the product is filtered.

Uses of Gomutra Asav

The properties of Gomutrasav are similar to the cow urine. So it is used in all diseases where fresh cow urine is indicated. Since it is pure form so it is required in less quantity then cow urine.

Gomutra Asav is especially useful in treatment of Shvitra or Vitiligo.

Vitiligo is an acquired depigmenting skin condition that results from the destruction of melanocytes.

It is a progressive, idiopathic pigmentation skin disorder, characterized by hypopigmented patches. The Vedic texts have even mentioned the term ‘Kilas’ or Shvitra to describe hypopigmented patches.

Gomutra asava due to its Katu-rasa, Katu-vipaka and Ushna-virya removes the obstruction of Shrot, cleanse the micro channels of the body and also normalizes the function of Pachak-pitta. It acts on liver and spleen and helps in repigmenting the hypopigmented patches.

This medicine is effective in Jaundice, Anemia, diseases of Kidney, liver, Heart and Urinary system, Cancer, Asthma, bronchitis, Cough, worm infection and Skin Problems.

Dosage of Gomutra Asav

The recommended dosage of Gomutra Asav is 12-24ml, twice a day with equal amount of water. Or take as directed by physician.

In our daily life there are many health problems(Acidity, Acne, Anger, Allergy, Arthritis, Cold, Cough, Diarrhea, Indigestion, Eyesight Strain, Insomnia, Obesity, Sore Throat) which are seasonal and can be cured with simple home remedies if symptoms are not very severe. These home remedies are based on Ayurveda, are natural and found in every kitchen. There is no side effect of these remedies if they ware taken in proper manner and dosages.

Natural home remedies methods from worldwide which will help us to treat several diseases and keep our family healthy. Below are given some 100% natural and safe home remedies to cure our daily like health problems.

Acidity Home Remedy

Here more given about acidity problems. In acidity you will feel burning sensation in chest, pain in stomach, irritation and some time omitting also. Acidity can be treated with simple home remedies given below are you can try effective ayurvedic medicines to treat acidity problems.

Use this remedy when indigestion or burning is felt two hours after eating. Blend all ingredients together and drink in the morning on an empty stomach

1. 1 teaspoon cumin powder
2. 1 teaspoon coriander powder
3. 20 black raisins (soaked over night then drain all water)
4. 1/2 teaspoon ghee
5. 1 pinch black pepper
6. 1/2 teaspoon raw sugar cane juice (if desired)
7. 1/2 cup water

Use this remedy when burning is felt two hours after eating. Mix all ingredients together and wash down with warm water in morning on an empty stomach.

• 1 pinch black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon ghee
• 1/2 teaspoon ginger powder

Acne Home Remedy

Acne is very common problem and can occur to anyone even in babies( babies acne). Generally it occurs on face but it can occurs any where on body. There are many factors which can cause acne and that can aggravated into pimples.

• 2 teaspoons marigold flower juice
• 2 teaspoons fuller's earth
• 1/2 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/2 teaspoon calamus root powder(Sweet Flag or Bach or Sweet Root)
• 1/2 teaspoon sandalwood powder

Add enough rose water to make a paste. Apply a thin layer of paste over face. Wash off with water when it is dry. Apply at least 3 times a week.

In Ayurveda there are many medicines and procedures to treat acne. Here are brief details of some good ayurvedic medicine to treat acne.

Anger (Impulsive Behavior)

• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/2 teaspoon fennel seed powder
• 20 rose petals
• 1 teaspoon raw cane sugar
• 1 cup water

Recommendation:Shirodhara regularly Boil everything together for 5 minutes, remove from heat and keep covered for 20 minutes. Filter and drink the following mixture.

Allergy(Pollen) Home Remedy:

• 5-7 basil leaves– juiced
• 2 pinch black pepper or 3 crushed peppercorns

Mix together, chew well and wash down with warm water in the morning on an empty stomach.

Arthritis

Arthritis is a joint disorder which can cause inflammation in joints. This disorder develops with age and it can be genetically inherited. Arthritis joint pain is often a constant and may be localized to the joint affected.

• Take 2 to 6 castor oil gels at bedtime with warm water.
• Take 1 to 3 teaspoons castor oil with ginger powder.

Apart from this here is process to make oil used to massage joints at home to get relief for joint pain as told by Yog Guru Baba Ramdev.

To Reduce Cholesterol

• 3/4 tablespoons cinnamon powder
• 1/2 cup honey

Mix the following ingredients together and take 1 teaspoon twice daily

Cold Home Remedy

The symptom for common cold is running and stuffy nose, headache, sore throat, coughing and mild fever. In such infections large amount of cough or phlegm is produced with sputum. Sputum consists of pus, microorganism, germs and mucus.

• Chew on fresh turmeric root.
• Cut 3-4 slices of fresh ginger root and add to a pan of water. Bring to a boil and simmer for at least five minutes. Strain and drink.
• Avoid fans and air conditioning.
• Make a steam inhalation mixing 1 drop of eucalyptus oil to a large bowl of steaming water

You can also try these OTC ayurvedic medicines to treat cold which are natural and safe.

Wet Cough

• 1 teaspoon basil juice (approx. 7-9 leaves)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or 3 peppercorns)
• 1/2 -1 teaspoon honey

Extract juice from fresh ginger root and from basil leaves and mix with crushed black pepper and honey. Drink 2-3 times daily.

Dry Cough

• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 3 cardamom
• 1/2 teaspoon ghee
• 1 teaspoon honey

Crush cardamom and mix all ingredients together. Eat 2-3 times daily.

• 1/2 teaspoon dry ginger powder
• 1 teaspoon jaggery (gur in Indian shops)
• 1/2 teaspoon ghee
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder

Make into a paste and eat 2-3 times daily. Use ghee rather than oil to increase Agni (digestive fire) and turmeric to liquefy mucus.

Some time cough becomes chronic and known as chronic bronchitis or black cough(kali khasi in India). Treatment of this type of cough is difficult and vary person to person. In Ayurveda there are many treatment for Chronic bronchitis at Home.

Diarrhea Home Remedy

In most cases diarrhea goes it self or by changing diet. If it is due to any viral, bacteria or parasite infection then some medicinal treatment is required. If diarrhea last for more than 3 days and it stool contains some mucus or blood or smells bad then these are symptoms of some infection. Below is one simple remedy you can try.

• 1 teaspoon poppy seeds
• 1 pinch nutmeg

Soak in a little water overnight. Make into a paste and eat. Enjoy 2-3 times daily. Drink small amounts of ginger water throughout the day.

You can also try some Ayurvedic medicines for diarrhea which are good to treat various stomach infections causing diarrhea.

Indigestion Home Remedy

Indigestion or dyspepsia is feeling of heaviness, pain and discomfort in stomach after taking meals. There are many natural indigestion remedies to curing indigestion. One is given below.

• Eat at regular times
• Avoid over-eating
• Eat only when hungry
• Take a short walk after your evening meal to stimulate digestion
• Drink half a glass of ginger water before meals

Apart from this you can try Another Hot water Remedy for Indigestion

Eyesight Strain

• 3 almonds
• 6 cardamom
• 1 teaspoon ghee

Crush the above ingredients and make into a paste. Eat in the morning on an empty stomach. Crush the ingredients and make into a paste. Eat in the morning on an empty stomach.

OR

• 1 triphala tablet
• 3/4 teaspoon of ghee

Make mixture of the above and at bedtime eat 1/2 teaspoon and also apply 1/4 teaspoon to your feet.

Insomnia Natural Home Remedy

Insomnia is a condition in which patients suffers from lack of sleep, there may be several reasons for insomnia like ill health, stress, psychological, social, anxiety.

Recommendation:Shirodhara regularly Make a paste of the following and massage gently on forehead, temples and around eyes.

1. 1 pinch ghee
2. 1 pinch nutmeg

OR

Massage sesame oil, almond oil or coconut oil on the temples and across forehead and eyes at bedtime.

Apart from this one can try Ayurvedic herbal medicines which are very effective in treatment of chronic insomnia.

Obesity Home Remedies

Obesity can be defined as condition of being overweight in which excessive fat gets accumulated on adipose tissues. Obesity can be treated with Ayurvedic herbal medicines very effectively without any side effects. Obesity is increasing at alarming rate among people.

Recommendation:See Vaidya for Panchakarma Session referral.

• Drink 1 glass water with 1 teaspoon honey daily.
• Drink 1 teaspoon ginger in 4 cups water.
• Take 1 teaspoon castor oil (or 2-8 castor oil gels) with 1 teaspoon fenugreek seeds with warm water at bed time, daily.
• Eat mung soup regularly

You can also try safe ayurvedic medicines to treat and control obesity.

Sore Throat

Sore throat or throat infection is very common during winters. Throat infection causes pain in throat, difficult and painful swallowing. The various reasons for sore throat are cold, cough, weather change, viral infections and pollution. This condition is generally caused due to virus and in such cases antibiotics must be avoided. You can try remedy given below.

Mix together the following and gargle with it in the morning and evening.

• 1 cup warm water
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

All the spices used in our kitchen has some healing properties due to their medicinal properties. They are very effective for health problems and one can try these home remedies because no one knows to whom these herbs will do the wonders. If symptoms are severe then you must visit a doctor. Here are top 10 common spices remedies found in every kitchen.

Basil(Tulasi) Remedies

Tulsi leaves have hypocholesterolemic (lowering cholesterol), hypotriglyceridemic (lowering triglycerides), hepatoprotective (protecting liver), anti-inflammatory (preventing inflammation), and anti-oxidant effects.

• Coughs, cold, flu: Take 10-12 washed, crushed basil leaves and 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh ginger. Fry in a pan over a low heat until the ginger has browned. Add 1 cup of water and boil for several minutes. Strain, add 1 tbsp of honey and drink or Make a decoction by boiling 10-15 leaves in 2 cups of water or Drink warm. Extract the juice of 10-15 basil leaves, add 1 tsp of ginger juice and 1 tsp of honey or Mix and take in the morning and evening. Use the powder of dried basil leaves as a snuff to clear nasal congestion.
• Digestive problems: Boil 10–20 basil leaves in water and drink.
• Fever: Grind 7 basil leaves, 4 peppercorns and 2 tsp of raw sugar and mix with 1/3 cup water. Take on an empty stomach.
• Longevity or Loss of appetite: Chew 2–4 leaves on an empty stomach in the morning.
• Skin disorders: Make a paste with fresh leaves and water. Apply to the affected area and Take 1 tsp of juice daily.

Other general uses: Basil is a natural air freshener and insect repellent. It is used in cooking, especially Italian food, soups and pasta sauces. It is considered one of the most sacred plants in India, and is grown in most households. Orthodox Hindus worship a variety of basil known as Holy Tulasi by watering it daily, offering leaves to God and circumambulating the base of the plant.

Mint Remedies

Mint leaves has carminative, digestive, stomachic, diuretic, anti-spasmodic, stimulant, deodorant, antiseptic and contraceptive activities. The leaves are useful in skin diseases, wounds, cuts, halitosis, and ailments of digestive system.

• Bad breath: Mix 1 tbsp of mint juice in ½ cup of water. Use as a gargle. Chew mint leaves. Use dried mint powder to clean the mouth and teeth.
• Nausea: Mix 1 tsp dried mint, ½ tsp ginger, and ½ tsp of black pepper and 2 tsp of raw sugar with 1 cup of water. Boil and drink warm or Boil 1 tsp of dried mint and ½ tsp of cardamom in 1 cup of water. Pimples and acne:Put some mint paste on affected area. Leave overnight.
• Digestive disorders including indigestion, flatulence, nausea and diarrhoea: Wash a medium bunch of mint leaves. Shred into a bowl. Add a pinch of salt, 1–2 tsp of lemon juice and 1 tsp each of coriander and cumin seed powder. Add some water and grind to a paste. Take 1 tsp of this paste twice a day prior to meals, or with meals or Chew ¼ tsp of the seeds, swallow with water or Mix 1 tsp mint juice with 1 tsp of lime juice and 1 tbsp honey. Take 3 times a day. Or Drink mint tea (1 tbsp of leaves, 1 cup of water), or warm milk and mint.

Other General uses: Mint flavours many dishes. In India, mint chutney is used as an appetizer before meals. A traditional Indian recipe that is easy to make is mint yoghurt or Raita. To make mint yoghurt, take ½ cup of mint leaves and grind with a little water. Add 1 tbsp of this paste to one cup of natural yoghurt. Mix well. Add a pinch of salt and some roasted cumin seeds. Serve chilled with vegetables, bread or rice.

Clove Remedies

Cloves has several medicinal properties, it contain manganese which is essential for enzymes secretion, metabolism, stronger bones and proper absorption of vitamins. Cloves are excellent in treating digestive system related problems. These are helpful in relieving abdominal gas, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and curing other digestive system related problems. Along with this cloves are expectorant and useful in curing cough. Here are some simple home remedies.

• Indigestion/nausea:Fry 2 tsp of cloves and add to 1 cup of boiling water. Steep for 30 minutes. Drink 1 tsp of this solution 3–4 times a day.
• Muscle cramps or Painful joints/back:Apply warm clove oil on the affected area and massage
• Sore gums/throat: Gargle an infusion made from cloves and warm water. or Chew 3–4 cloves. Toothache or Apply clove oil to the surrounding gum or tooth cavity.
• Vomiting: Fry ½ tsp of clove powder, mix with 1 tsp of honey and eat.
• Asthma: Mix 4–5 drops of clove oil with 1 tsp of honey and 1 clove of crushed garlic. Take before going to bed. Bad breath. or Chew 1–2 cloves twice a day.
• Fever: Add 3 crushed cloves, 2 cardamoms, 2 tsp of aniseed, 6–7 basil leaves and 1 tsp of cinnamon to 2 cups of water. Boil and allow to simmer until it has reduced to half. Drink this herbal decoction, once or twice a day.

Other uses Cloves are used to flavor foods, and are mixed with turmeric, cinnamon and chillies.In India, clove is also mixed with other herbs and eaten with betel leaf as a breath freshener and digestive aid.

Cinnamon Remedies

Cinnamon or dalchini is pungent, sweet and astringent. It is hot in potency. It increases Pitta but decreases vata and Kapha. It promotes digestion and cures indigestion. In Ayurveda, Cinnamon or Twak is considered kapha-Vata dosh har. Its oral intake reduces Kapha and vata;stimulates digestion;expels abdominal gas;and exhibits expectorant action. Cinnamon has carminative, antiseptic and astringent properties. Here are some simple home remedies.

• Mouth Freshner: Boil 1 tsp of cinnamon in 1 cup of water. Cool and use as a gargle. Mix equal parts (1 tsp) of cinnamon, cardamom and dried bay leaf in 1 cup of hot water and drink twice daily.
• Nervous tension: Take a pinch of cinnamon powder mixed with honey before bed.
• Skin disorders: Apply a paste of cinnamon and lime juice daily.
• Toothache: Put 1–2 drops of cinnamon oil on a cotton ball and press around the tooth.
• Vomiting/Nausea:Eat a pinch of cinnamon powder.
• Cough/bronchitis: Mix 1 tsp each of cinnamon, turmeric, ginger, black pepper, cardamom and clove. Add 3 tsp of raw sugar and grind together to make a fine powder. Take ½–1 tsp of this powder mixed with honey twice per day.
• Insomnia: Add ½ tsp of cinnamon powder and 1 tsp of honey to 1 cup of warm milk. Drink before going to bed.
• Cold/flu: Boil 1 tsp of cinnamon in 1 cup of water. Simmer until it is half the volume, strain, add honey and drink warm.
• Diarrhoea: Mix 1 tsp each of cinnamon, ginger and cumin powder with honey to make a paste. Take 1 tsp three times a day

Other uses: Cinnamon is used for flavoring cakes, breads, desserts, drinks and confectionary. It is also used for making incense and perfumes. Taking cinnamon once a day (mixed with warm water, milk or eaten directly) can assist in lactation for nursing mothers.

Cumin Remedies

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

• Flatulence/Gas: Mix an equal quantity of crushed cumin seeds, black pepper and ginger. Make an infusion by mixing it in hot water. Drink warm twice a day, for several days.
• Lactation:To increase lactation, mix 1 tsp of cumin and sugar. Drink with warm milk each evening.
• Insomnia: Sprinkle 1 tsp of cumin on a sliced banana. Eat at night regularly.
• Prickly heat: Crush 1 tsp cumin seeds with coconut milk and apply frequently.
• Diarrhoea: Roast 2/3 tsp of cumin seeds and powder them. Add a pinch each of ginger powder, cinnamon powder and black pepper. Mix in 1 cup of yoghurt. Eat twice a day. or Mix 1 tsp each of cumin, ginger, cinnamon and honey. Eat ½ tsp 3 times a day.
• Digestive disorders: Boil 1 teaspoon of cumin in 1 cup of water. Add 1 teaspoon of juice from coriander leaves and a pinch of salt to taste. Drink after meals for several days.
• Fatigue: Add ½ tsp each of cumin, coriander, black pepper and lentils to 1 cup of water and boil. Add salt and drink.
• Other general uses: Cumin is used to flavor bread, pastries, cheese, pickles and chutneys. It is widely used in Indian cooking and is an ingredient in curry powder and mixed spice.

Turmeric Remedies

Turmeric(Haldi) is used in Ayurveda for various health problems such as arthritis pain, improvement of liver function, lowering cholesterol, mouth ulcers, cold, cough, fever, swelling and as fairness treatment medicine. It is full of medicinal properties and in India it is impossible to find any house without turmeric. Here are some simple home remedies.

• Pain: Mix 1 tsp of turmeric and 2 tsp of ginger with water to make a paste. Spread over a cloth, place on the affected area and bandage. or Add 1 tsp of turmeric to 1 cup of warm milk and drink before bed.
• Boil and sieve: 2–3 drops of this mixture may be used in each eye up to 3 times per day.
• Complexion: Apply a paste of turmeric on the skin before bed, and wash off after a few minutes. In the morning, remove any remaining yellow tinge with a paste of chickpea flour (besan) and oil.
• Asthma: Boil 1 cup of milk with 1 tsp of turmeric powder. Drink warm.
• Burns: Mix 1 tsp of turmeric with 1 tsp of aloe gel and apply to burnt area.
• Dental problems: Mix 1 tsp of turmeric with ½ tsp of salt. Add mustard oil to make a paste. Rub the teeth and gums with this paste twice daily.
• Diabetes:½–1 tsp of turmeric should be taken 3 times a day.
• Diarrhoea: Take ½ tsp of turmeric powder or juice in water, 3 times per day.
• Anemia: Everyday take a dose of 1 tsp of turmeric juice mixed with honey.
• Conjunctivitis: Mix 1 tbsp of crushed, raw turmeric in 1/3 cup of water.

Other general uses: In cooking, turmeric acts as a yellow coloring agent. It is an important herb in Hindu rituals. It is also an ingredient in cosmetics as it is beneficial for the skin. Burning turmeric can repel insects. Inhaling the smoke can assist in coughs, asthma and congested nasal passages.

Coriander Remedies

Coriander seeds have tridoshnasak, astringent, anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic, carminative, stimulant, stomachic, digestive, appetiser, diuretic, constipating, anti-pyretic, expectorant, anodyne, antibilious, laxative, anthelmintic activities. These have antifertility effects so it should not be taken in excess. Here are some simple home remedies.

• Coughs, cold, flu: Crush 2 tsp of coriander seeds and add to 2 tsp of chopped, peeled ginger. Put the mixture into a frying pan over a low heat. Stir to prevent the mixture from burning. Add 2 cups of water. Cover the pan to retain the fumes. Boil for a few minutes. Filter the liquid. Add 1 tbsp of honey for taste and drink warm.
• Sinus problems: Boil 2-3 tbsp of coriander seeds in 4 cups of water. Inhale.
• Nose bleeds: Put 5–6 drops of coriander oil or juice in each nostril.
• Pitta disorders: Add 1 tbsp of crushed seeds or leaves to 1 cup of water. Soak for at least 3–4 hours. Drink twice a day.
• Swellings: Apply a compress of damp;crushed coriander leaves to the swelling. Drink a coriander tea infusion made with 1 tsp of seeds and 1 cup of hot water.
• Conjunctivitis:Use 1–2 drops of diluted leaf juice to soothe the eyes.
• Headaches: Make a paste of dried coriander seeds and water - apply to forehead.

Other general uses: Coriander is used in cooking a variety of recipes. The powdered seeds can be added to vegetables while cooking. A paste or chutney containing coriander is used as an appetizer before meals. To make the chutney, grind a medium bunch of coriander leaves and a small bunch of mint leaves together with a little water, lemon or lime juice and a pinch of salt. For variations, add mango pulp, grated coconut, chopped nuts, natural yoghurt or sour cream. Serve as a sauce with vegetables.

Ginger Remedies

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

• Loss of appetite: Put 5 tbsp of chopped, fresh ginger in a glass jar. Cover ginger with lemon juice, add a pinch of salt and 1 tbsp of cumin seeds. Put jar in the sun for 2 days in summer, or 3–5 days in winter. Eat ½ tsp before meals.
• Nausea, flatulence: Mix ½ tsp of ginger juice, 1 tsp of lime-juice, 1 tsp of mint juice and 1 tbsp of honey. Take twice a day.
• Stomach ache: Boil 1 tsp of chopped ginger in 1 cup of water;add a pinch of salt and drink.
• Vata disorders: (Joint Pain, constipation, Nervous debility) Drink warm water mixed with ½ tsp of ginger powder and ½ tsp of turmeric.
• Arthritis:Mix 6 tsp of ginger powder with 6 tsp of caraway seeds and 3 tsp of black pepper. ½ tsp of this mixture taken twice a day is beneficial.
• Cough, cold: Mix ½ tsp of ginger powder with ½ tsp of turmeric and 1 tbsp of honey. Take twice a day. • Take 1 tsp of ginger juice mixed with 1 tsp honey 2–3 times a day. • Boil 1 tbsp chopped ginger in 1 cup water. Strain and add sugar or honey. Drink warm.

Other general uses: Fresh or powdered ginger is used in many recipes. In addition to flavouring vegetables, soups, pickles and chutneys it can be used in cakes, biscuits and drinks. To make a rice dish seasoned with ginger, cook 1 cup of rice. Put the cooked rice in a dish and add around 2 tbsp of butter or ghee and 1 tsp of salt. Mix and cool the rice. Before serving, mix through 1¼ cups of natural yoghurt and 1 tbsp of finely chopped fresh ginger.

Garlic Remedies

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

• Lactation: To increase lactation, mix 1 tsp of cumin with 1 tsp sugar and drink with warm milk each evening.
• Rejuvenation: Eat garlic cloves (1–3 per day), or use garlic regularly in food.
• Arthritis, Sciatica: Apply a paste made of crushed garlic cloves and water to the affected part, or rub a cut clove directly onto the area. or Fresh cloves may be eaten (1–3 per day).
• Asthma: Boil 3 cloves of chopped garlic in 1 cup of milk and drink before bed. or Peel and crush 1 clove of garlic. Boil in ½ cup of malt vinegar. Cool and strain. Take 1–2 tsp each evening.
• Sinusitis: Mix 1 tsp of crushed garlic and 1 tsp of turmeric with 2 tbsp of honey. Take 1 tsp daily.
• Skin problems: Eat 1–3 garlic cloves or take a garlic oil capsule daily.
• Insect bites: Dab garlic paste on the affected area and leave for 5–10 minutes. or Rub a cut clove or the paste directly onto the affected area several times a day.
• Fever: Mix 1 tbsp of crushed garlic with ¼ cup of finely chopped basil leaves. Add 1 cup of water and boil until only ½ a cup remains. Take 2 tsp twice a day.
• Digestive disorders: Crush 1–2 cloves of garlic and take with warm water or milk.

Other general uses: Garlic is mainly pungent but represents five tastes (all except sour). It is widely used in cooking, especially Mediterranean cuisine. Garlic is considered to be a natural aphrodisiac, and stimulates the reproductive system. Those devoted to spiritual growth usually avoid garlic for general consumption, as it is considered Rajasic/Tamasic.

Honey Remedies

Honey is sweet sticky food prepared by honey bees from flower nectar. Honey medicinal properties like anti bacterial, anti-viral and anti- fungal makes it very useful in treatment of various health problems. Here are some simple home remedies.

• Eyesight: Regular use of honey mixed with the carrot juice helps to improve the eyesight. It should be taken one hour before meals in the morning.
• Cough: Mixture of equal quantities of honey and ginger juice is a good expectorant. It gives immediate relief in symptoms like cold, cough, sore throat, congestion of chest and runny nose.
• Asthma: Mix half a gram of black pepper powder with honey and ginger juice mixture (equal quantity). Take this mixture at least three times a day. It helps to cure asthma.
• Blood Pressure: Take one teaspoonful of garlic juice mixed with two teaspoonful of honey. It can be taken twice a day in the morning and evening. Regular use of this mixture is beneficial for high blood pressure.
• Blood Purification and Fat Reduction: Take one glass of warm water and mix 1-2 teaspoonful of honey and one teaspoonful of lemon juice. Take this preparation daily before evacuation. It helps to purify the blood. It also helps to reduce fat and to clean the bowels.
• Heart Tonic: One teaspoonful of anise powder mixed with one or two teaspoonful of honey acts a very nice tonic for the heart. It strengthens the heart muscles and improves its functions.

Pigeon pea belongs to legume family and its Latin name is Cajanus cajan. It full of nutrition and offers many health benefits. It is a very well-known and commonly used pulse in India.

Nutritionally, proteins and starch are the major constituents of pigeon pea. It is reported to contain 20-22% protein, 1.2 % fat, and 65% carbohydrate. It is also a good source of protein, dietary fiber, many vitamins and minerals. It is also low in saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium. It is good source of folate/folic acid which is especially required during pregnancy to prevent birth defects in developing baby.

Pigeon pea is known as Tuvar Dal (split seed without seed coat) or Arhar ki daal in India. Its other common names are Split Pigeon pea, Yellow Pigeon peas, Tuar Daal, Tovar dal or Tur Dhal.

Dhal or Dal (lentil/pulses) is very popular dish in India and many other Asian countries. For getting Arhar Dal form the whole seeds milling is done. Milling operations include cleaning, grading of seed, conditioning for husk, loosening, dehulling, splitting, and polishing. Polishing is done using cone polisher for glossy appearance.

Pigeon pea is one of the important pulse or legume crop in tropical and subtropical areas of the world. It has been cultivated since prehistoric times. In India, everyone is familiar with it as a well-known Dal/dahl (pulse). Raw Dal is the split dehulled seeds of the plant which are cooked in water.

Most of the people know only about the benefits of its seeds that is pulse. But different part of toor dal plant or Cajanus cajan have been used for medicinal purpose since time immemorial. Its young pods, shoots, leaves all are edible. The leaves are used for mouthwash, tongue sores, gums problems, to induce uterine contraction, loose motions etc.

Scientific Classification

The botanical name of Pigeon pea is Cajanus cajan and it belongs to the family Fabaceae. The Fabaceae or Leguminosae, family is also known as the legume, pea, or bean family. The synonyms of species are Cystisus cajan L. Cajanus bicolor DC. Cajanus flavus DC. Cajanus indicus Spreng. Its taxonomic classification is as given below:-

• KINGDOM Plantae
• PHYLUM Magnoliophyta
• CLASS Magnoliopsida
• ORDER Fabales
• FAMILY Fabaceae
• GENUS Cajanus
• SPECIES Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.

Plant Description

Erect, branched, hairy shrub, 1-2 meters high; Leaves oblong-lanceolate to oblanceolate with three leaflets; Flowers yellow, in sparse peduncled racemes, about 1.5-cm long; Pod hairy, 4-7 cm long, 1 cm wide, containing two to seven seeds.

Vernacular names

Sanskrit : Tuvari, Adhaki

Assames : Ruharmah

Bengali : Adar, Aaharee, Arhar

English : Pigeon Pea, Red Gram

Gujrati : Tuvar, Tuvera, Tur, Tuver

Hindi : Arahad, Arahar

Kannada : Togari, Tovaree, Togari, Kari Uddu, Togaribele

Malyalam : Thuvara, Tuvara

Marathi : Toor, Toori, Tura

Oriya : Harada, Kandulagachha

Punjabi : Arhar

Tamil : Tovarai, Thovary, Adagi Tuvari, Thuvarai, Tuvarai, Thovarai

Telugu : Kandulu, Kadulu

Urdu : Arhar

Afghanistan Pashto: Harhar

The dietary nutrients of pigeon pea
Constituents	Green seed	Mature seed	Daal/Dhal
Protein (%)	21.0	18.8	24.6
Protein digestibility (%)	66.8	58.5	60.5
Trypsin inhibitor (units mg-1)	2.8	9.9	13.5
Starch (%)	48.4	53.0	57.6
Starch digestibility (%)	53.0	36.2	-
Amylase inhibitor (units mg-1)	17.3	26.9	-
Soluble sugars (%)	5.1	3.1	5.2
Flatulence factors (g 100 g- 1 soluble sugar)	10.3	53.5	-
Crude fibre (%)	8.2	6.6	1.2
Fat (%)	2.3	1.9	1.6
Minerals and t race elements (mg 100-1g dry matter)
Calcium	94.6	120.8	16.3
Magnesium	113.7	122.0	78.9
Copper	1.4	1.3	1.3
Iron	4.6	3.9	2.9
Zinc	2.5	2.3	3.0
Vitamins (mg 100-1 g fresh weight of edible portion)
Carotene (Vitamin A 100-1g	469.0
Thiamin (Vit B1)	0.3
Riboflavin (Vit B2)	0.3
Niacin	3.0
Ascorbic acid (Vit C)	25.0
(Source: Faris et al. 1987)

Constituents

Green Leaves Constituents

Leaves of plant are rich in flavonoids and stilbenes. Leaves also contains cajanuslactone, cajanin, longistylin C and longistylin A. They also contain saponins, conspicuous amount of tannins, and moderate quantities of reducing sugars, resins and terpenoids.

Leaves possess antibacterial activity against Gram-positive micro-organisms. They also have hypocholesterolemic, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antioxidant, laxative, diuretic, cooling and anodyne properties.

Roots Constituents

Roots possess genistein and genistin. It also contains hexadecanoic acid, α amyrin, β-sitosterol, Pinostrobin, longistylin Aand longistylin C due to which roots possess anticancer activity. Cajanuslactone presence imparts antibacterial activity. Presence of cajaninstilbene acid, pinostrobin, vitexin and orientin imparts antiplasmodic activity. Roots also have antioxidant activity.

Medicinal Uses of Pigeon peas or Toor Dal plant

Due to presence of a number of polyphenols and flavonoides, pigeon pea plant possess several medicinal properties. The leaves, stem, twigs and roots of plant are used for medicinal purposes in India, Bangladesh, Africa, China and South America. The Garo tribes of Bangladesh use this plant to treat diabetes. In Trinidad and Tobago the leaves are used in food poisoning and in constipation.

• In Chinese folk medicine, the leaves are used to stop blood flow, and to kill parasites. They are also used for the treatment of wounds, bedsores, malaria, and diet-induced hypercholesterolemia. In Tamil Nadu, the leaf, seeds and young stems are used to cure gingivitis, stomatitis. The plant is also used as toothbrush.
• In treatment of jaundice, the paste of leaves is taken with salt and water on an empty stomach.
• The leaves are also used orally for stomach pain.
• The juice of leaves is used for lowering blood sugar level in diabetes.
• The dried root powder of plant is given in dose of 2-6 grams for purifying blood.
• In piles, the paste of the leaves is mixed with a teaspoonful of paste of neem leaves, and is taken once daily for a week.
• The leaves are chewed for tongue sores, gum inflammation and spongy gums.

External uses

• The leaves are also used topically for treating measles and other skin eruptions. The infusion of leaves is also used for bathing in measles.
• In swelling due any reason, the poultice of leaves is applied externally.
• The young leaves poultice is used on inflammation of gums.
• The leaves paste is also applied on sores.

Other Uses of Pigeon pea Plant

• Leaves are used for rearing silkworms.
• Green pods are used as a vegetable.
• Husk, leaves and tops are used as fodder and also as green manure.

Health Benefits of Arhal Daal

• It is rich source of protein and the important amino acids methionine, lysine and tryptophan.
• It is significantly higher in Sulphur-containing amino acids (cysteine and methionine).
• It contains folic acid.
• It is good source of complex carbohydrates.
• It is a good source of dietary fiber.
• It is free of cholesterol.
• It contains minerals and vitamins. It is a good source of crude fiber, iron, Sulphur, calcium, potassium, manganese and water soluble vitamins especially thiamine, riboflavin, niacin.
• It is also low in saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium.
• It is easily digestible.
• It can be eaten daily.

Simple Recipe for making Toor Dal/Yellow Pigeonpea/Arhar Daal

For making cooked Toor dal, the main ingredients required are Dal, turmeric, salt and of course water.

How much water is added to raw dal while cooking decides the consistency of cooked daal. Too much will make dal watery and too less will make it very thick. For normal consistency, add 4 cup water for 1 cup raw toor dal. You may add some other ingredients such as tomatoes, garlic etc.

First you need to soak dal in water for about 10-30 minutes. Then wash it 2-3 times and put in pressure cooker. Add 1 teaspoon or as per taste salt, 1/4-1/2 teaspoon turmeric and water. Close the lid of cooker, put on high flame and wait for the whistle. After first whistle, reduce the flame and cook for another 5 minutes.

For tadka, take a pan. Add 1 spoon desi ghee. Heat it and, add cumin seeds/jeera.

Allow the seeds to crackle and then add 1 bay leaf and 2 dried red chili. Sauté for a few seconds on low flame. You may add this simple tadka to dal or you can further add few more ingredient to this tadka. Add chopped garlic and let them turn golden then add finely chopped onions. Let them turn translucent. Add tomatoes and some salt. Keep stirring for few minutes on low flame, till it is cooked. Add this to cooked dal and eat with rice.

Purslane is found growing as weed in waste lands. It is distributed throughout the warmer parts of World and known by many common names such as Pigweed, Kulfa, Pourpier, Rigla etc. It is a succulent spongy plant and contains gum like substance. It is one of the oldest leafy vegetable which is used in India, Japan, Africa, Australia and America. It is eaten as salads and vegetables.

Purslane is also used as a medicinal plant. It has been used as folk medicine from ancient times. WHO (World Health Organization) has included it in list of most widely used medicinal plant.

This plant is antibacterial, antiscorbutic (prevents or cures scurvy), depurative (purifying;purgative), and febrifuge (reduces fever). The diuretic (increase the discharge of urine) action of plant is due to presence of high percentage of potassium salts.

Scientific Classification of Purslane/Pigweed plant

The botanical name of Purslane is Portulaca oleracea and it belongs to the family Portulacaceae. The name Portulaca is derived from the Latin 'porto' meaning 'to carry' and 'lac' meaning milk, due to presence of milky latex in plant. Oleracea is derived from Latin, meaning 'pertaining to kitchen gardens', as it is used as salad and a vegetable. Its taxonomic classification is as given below:-

Plant Description

Root - Cylindrical, small, oblique, surface smooth, brownish-grey;secondary roots, less in number, root hairs abundant in upper region, fracture, short.

Stem - Almost cylindrical, swollen at the nodes, ribbed, branched, 0.1 to 0.2 cm in diameter, fracture, short;odour, characteristic.

Leaf - Simple, sub-sessile, cuneiform, rounded and truncate at the apex;0.3 to 2.5 cm long and 0.1 to 0.6 cm wide, oblong, spathulate, smooth and greenish-brown.

Flower - A few, bright yellow, at terminal heads, sometimes in axillary clusters of 2-6, subtended by an involucre, 3-4 leaves;sepal 0.25-0.4 cm long;petals obovate, 0.5 cm long, very delicate and soon falling off;stamens 8-12;style 5-6 fid, 0.35-0.4 cm long.

Fruit - An ovoid capsule, 0.3 cm long, dehiscing above the base.

Seed -Numerous, reniform, black, minute, 0.06-0.07 cm across, dark brown.

Vernacular Names

Distribution of plant:All over the world

Type:herbaceous annual weed, wild edible vegetable

Grows in:Sunny warm, areas, including flower beds, corn fields, road side, gardens, and waste places.

Distributed:Throughout the world.

Used as medicinal plant in past:India, Africa, America, England, and China

Nutrition of Purslane

Nutritionally, Purslane contains more omega-3 fatty acids (alpha-linolenic acid in particular) than any other leafy vegetable plant. It also contains vitamins (mainly vitamin A, vitamin C, and some vitamin B and carotenoids), dietary minerals (magnesium, calcium, potassium, and iron).

It also contains two types of betalain alkaloid pigments, Reddish betacyanins (visible in the coloration of the stems) and the yellow betaxanthins (noticeable in the flowers and in the slight yellowish cast of the leaves). Both are potent antioxidants and have been found to have antimutagenic properties in laboratory studies.

Nutritional value per 100 g

Purslane’s, Saag like preparation is eaten in some parts of India and this preparation is known as Kulfa ka sag. For making Kulfa sag, the leaves of plant are washed and chopped like any other leafy vegetable. These leaves are boiled by adding salt till they soften. Then this is ground into paste. Mustard oil is heated in a pan and some jeera and red chilies are added to the heated oil. Then paste of boiled pigweed leaves is added and cooked for some time. The cooked Saag is eaten with rice or chapati.

Medicinal Properties of Purslane

Ayurvedic Properties and Action on body

In Ayurveda, this plant is known as Lonika, Loni and Ghotika. Powder of dried whole plant is used to increase pitta/bile and reducing phlegm and wind inside body. This powder is given to treat diabetes, digestive weakness, piles, and skin diseases. Acharya Charka gave this plant as cooked vegetable in treatment of piles. Acharya Sushrut used this plant for constipation.

The recommended dose of dried powder is 3-6 grams. One famous Ayurvedic medicine which contains this plant is Marma Gutika.

Rasa (Taste):Amla

Guna (Characteristics):Guru/Heavy, Ruksha/Dry, Sara

Virya (Potency):Ushna/Hot

Vipaka (Post Digestive Effect):Kaphahar and Vatahar, Pittakara, Chakshuya, Vanidoshhar

Therapeutic Uses:Digestive weakness, Swelling Piles, Gulma, Prameha, Wound

Medicinal Uses and Benefits of Purslane

1. Leaves and plant juice is particularly effective in the treatment of skin diseases and insect stings.
2. Leaves tea is used in the treatment of stomach aches and headaches.
3. Whole plant is used for Iron deficiency and skin allergy.
4. It has significant liver protective and regenerative activities and can be used as in treatment of liver disorders like liver, dysfunction, viral hepatitis, and alcoholic liver disorders.
5. Seeds powder is tonic and expels intestinal worms.
6. Bruised leaves are used topically for erysipelas, burns and swellings.
7. Poultice of leaves is applied to burns.
8. Rich source of pre-vitamin A, and vitamins C and E, as well as omega-3-fatty acids.
9. Also:Good substitute for okra as a thickener in soups.
10. Seed's powder can be mixed with cereals for use in gruels, bread, pancakes.

Dosage of Purslane

Recommend dose of fresh juice of whole plant 1ml-20ml for oral administration.

For topical application, larger amounts can be grounded into a paste to apply to the skin.

Side-effects/Caution

This plant contains oxalate (910–1679 mg/100g fresh weight).

Eating large amount of raw green Purslane is harmful.