Gunja, Ratti, Chirmiti, Chirmi, Chanothi, Kuch, Kundumani, Wild licorice, Crab's eye, Rosary pea, Precatory pea, John Crow Bead, Jequirity are few common names of plant Abrus precatorius. It is a medicinal plant that is used in Ayurveda for centuries.

Abrus precatorius has small egg-shaped seeds. These seeds constitute the Ratti weight used in Ayurveda. They were also used for weighing the jewelry in ancient time. The scarlet seeds are also used to make Necklaces and other ornaments.

By Manoj K (Own work)[CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

There are two varieties of Gunja mentioned in Ayurvedic text viz. white- and red-seeded. The white-Seeded variety is considered better than red ones for medicine preparation.

Gunja beej or Jequirity seeds are poisonous. Jequirity beans poisoning has cholera like symptoms. Therefore, in Ayurveda they are subjected to purification process (Shodhan) prior to use. Seeds are used internally in affections of the nervous system and externally in skin diseases, ulcers, affections of the hair etc. The seeds are not administered as a single drug but used only in combination.

Seeds are purgative, emetic, tonic, aphrodisiac in nature.

The roots of plant is used for medicinal purpose as well. In high doses, the roots are emetic (causes vomiting) and are used in poisoning.

General Information

Scientific Classification

The botanical name of Gunja/Ratti is Abrus precatorius. Its synonyms are Abrus minor and A. pauciflorus Desv. It belongs to plant family Fabaceae. Below is given taxonomical classification of plant.

• Kingdom:Plantae – Plants
• Subkingdom:Tracheobionta – Vascular plants
• Superdivision:Spermatophyta – Seed plants
• Division:Magnoliophyta – Flowering plants
• Class:Magnoliopsida – Dicotyledons
• Subclass:Rosidae
• Order:Fabales
• Family:Fabaceae ⁄ Leguminosae – Pea family
• Genus:Abrus Adans. – abrus
• Species:Abrus precatorius L. – rosarypea

Plant Description

Slender, perennial climber that twines around trees, shrubs, and hedges. It has no special organs of attachment;Leaves glabrous with long internodes, alternate compound pari pinnate with stipules, each leaf has a midrib from 5 to 10 cm long, bears from 20 to 24 or more leaflets, each of which is about 1.2 to 1.8 cm long, oblong and obtuse, blunt at both ends, glabrous on top and slightly hairy below;Stem slender and a cylindrical wrinkled, smooth-textured brown bark;

Flowers small and pale violet in colour with a short stalk, arranged in clusters;ovary has a marginal placentation;fruit, a pod, flat, oblong and truncate shaped with a sharp deflexed beak is about 3 to 4.5 cm long, 1.2 cm wide, and silky-textured;pod curls back when opened to reveal pendulous seeds;Each fruit contains from 3 to 5 oval-shaped seeds, about 0.6 cm;seeds bright scarlet in colour with a smooth, glossy texture, and a black patch on top.

Part(s) used for medicinal purpose:Roots, leaves, detoxified seeds.

Plant type: Climber.

Habitat:wild plant that grows best in fairly dry regions at low elevations.

Distribution:Occurring throughout greater parts of India, ascending the outer Himalaya up to 1200 m, occasionally planted in gardens.

It is also found in Sri Lanka, Thailand, Philippine Islands, South China, tropical Africa and the West Indies. It grows in all tropical or subtropical areas.

Poisonous parts: seeds (main toxin is abrin).

Description of seeds:Seed ovoid or sub globular, 5 to 8 mm. long, 4 to 5 mm. broad with the smooth, glossy surface and bright scarlet colour;hilum a black patch. The weight of 100 seeds is between 12 to 13 g.

Vernacular names/Synonyms

• Ayurvedic:Gunjaa, Gunjaka, Chirihintikaa, Raktikaa, Chirmiti, Kakanti, Kabjaka, Tiktikaa, Kakananti, Kaakchinchi
• Unani:Ghunghchi, Ghamchi
• Siddha:Kunri
• Assamese:Rati
• Bengali:Kunch, Shonkainch
• English:Indian Wild Liquorice, Jequirity, Crab’s Eye, Precatory Bean, Rosary Pea, JohnCrow Bead, Precatory bean, Indian licorice, Akar Saga, Giddee Giddee, Jumbie Bead.
• Gujrati:Rati, Chanothee
• Hindi:Ratti, Ghungchi
• Kannada:Galuganji, Gulagunjee
• Malayalam:Kunni, Cuvanna Kunni
• Marathi:Gunja
• Oriya:Kainch
• Punjabi:Ratti
• Sanskrit:Gunja, Raktika, Kakananti
• Telugu:Guriginia, Guruvenda
• Tamil:Gundumani, Kundumani
• Urdu:Ghongcha, Ratti

Constituents of Gunja/Ratti (Abrus precatorius)

The seeds contain Abrine, hypaphorine, choline, trigonelline, precatorine, 5 β-cholanic acid, antitumour proteins - abrin A and B, globulin, arabinose, hemagglutin glucoside, abralin, stigmasterol, β- sitosterol, abrus saponin I and II.

Abrin causes agglutination of erythrocytes, haemolysis and enlargement of lymph glands.

In nontoxic dose of abrin (1.25 mcg/kg body weight), there is a noticeable increase in antibody-forming cells, bone marrow cellularity and alpha-esterase-positive bone marrow cells.

From the seeds agglutinins is isolated. The oral administration of agglutinins is useful in the treatment of hepatitis and AIDS.

The roots contain precol, abrol, glycyrrhizin and alkaloids—abrasine, precasine, triterpenoids abruslactone A, methyl abrusgenate and abrusgenic, acid.

Alkaloids present in the roots are also present in leaves and stems.

Dosage of Gunja/Ratti (Abrus precatorius)

Root powder—3-6 grams.

Seeds:The seeds must be purified/detoxified before use. 60-180 mg in powder form (The dose should not exceed the higher limits).

Raw seeds must not be used. They are poisonous.

How to use Gunja/Ratti (Abrus precatorius)

Root powder:Take root part of the plant. Clean to remove dirt and impurities. Dry and grind to make powder.

Root decoction: Take root powder in 3-4 grams. Boil in 150 ml water till initial volume reduces to one-fourth. Filter this using a strainer.

Leaves decoction: Take about 5 grams leaves, clean and pound them. Boil in 150 ml water till initial volume reduces to one-fourth. Filter this using a strainer.

Ayurvedic Properties and Action of Roots and Seeds

Roots

• Rasa (taste on tongue):Madhura (Sweet), Tikta (Bitter)
• Guna (Pharmacological Action):Shita (Cold), Ruksha (Dry),
• Virya:Sita (Cooling)
• Vipaka (transformed state after digestion):Madhura (Sweet)
• Action:Keshya (hair growth promoting), Pitthar, Vatahar.

Seeds

• Rasa (taste on tongue):Kasaya (Astringent), Tikta (Bitter)
• Guna (Pharmacological Action):Laghu (Light), Ruksha (Dry), Tikshna (Sharp)
• Virya:Ushna (Heating)
• Vipaka (transformed state after digestion):Katu (Pungent)
• Therapeutic uses - Kushtha, Vrana, Vatavyadhi, Indralupta.

Medicinal Properties

• Anti-estrogenic:blocks the production or utilization of estrogens, or inhibits their effects. Estrogens are the family of hormones that promote the development and maintenance of female sex characteristics.
• Anti-inflammatory:reducing inflammation by acting on body mechanisms.
• CNS-depressant:depression of the central nervous system that can result in decreased rate of breathing, decreased heart rate, and loss of consciousness.
• Demulcent:relieves irritation of the mucous membranes in the mouth by forming a protective film.
• Depurative:purifying agent.
• Expectorant:promotes the secretion of sputum by the air passages, used to treat coughs.
• Emetic:causing vomiting.
• Laxative:tending to stimulate or facilitate evacuation of the bowels.
• Rubefacient:causes dilation of the capillaries and an increase in blood circulation.
• Teratogenic:disturb the development of an embryo or fetus.
• Uterine stimulant, abortifacient:causes abortion on internal use.

Medicinal Use of Gunja/Ratti (Abrus precatorius)

In Ayurveda, Gunja is recommended in treatment of nervous debility, obstinate cough and locally in leucoderma, alopecia, sciatica, stiff joints, leprosy (Mahakusta;Kushtani, Kustaroga) and paralysis.

The roots and leaves can be used safely in recommended dosage. But the seeds are poisonous and must be used cautiously.

Internal Uses

Blisters in mouths, mouth sores, bad breath, hoarseness of voice, bronchial constrictions

Chew few leaves.

Bleeding disorders, excessive bleeding in menstruation, Pradar, bleeding piles, leucorrhoea

Prepare decoction of Gunja leaves. Take about 5 grams leaves, clean and pound them. Boil in 150 ml water till initial volume reduces to one-fourth. Filter and drink empty stomach regularly for few days.

Leucorrhea

Take 5 gm root powder twice in a day for three days.

Laxative

Chew ten fresh leaves of Gunja.

Mild diabetes

Chew few fresh leaves of Gunja.

Excess intake of leaves may lead to purgation.

Cough, congestion

Take root powder of Gunja in 3-4 grams and prepare decoction in one glass water. Drink this decoction twice a day.

Tonic, physical weakness

Take root powder + misri, two times a day with milk.

Colitis, ulcer, infection in intestine

Prepare decoction of roots (5 grams) and drink.

Urinary trouble

Take root powder in dose of 5 grams with old Gur, twice a day for 5 days.

Scorpion sting and snakebite

Root powder is taken orally along with cow's milk.

External Uses

Sciatica, stiffness of the shoulder joint, paralysis and other nervous diseases

The seeds are reduced to a paste and applied locally.

White leprosy, leucodermatic spots

The paste of Gunja seeds and Plumbago root (Chitrak) is applied as a stimulant dressing. This is done regularly for one month.

Alopecia, baldness

The paste of gunja seeds rubbed on the bare scalp.

Warning/Caution ofJequirity

• This plant has abortifacient properties. Do not use in pregnancy.
• Excess intake of leaves causes purgation.
• Leaves have emetic properties.
• Therapeutic use of its seeds is only permitted after detoxification by boiling the seeds, which denatured the toxalbumins.
• Seeds have antifertility effect for both male and female. In some parts of world, the seeds are used for contraception and abortion.
• Seeds are poisonous. They contain proteid poisons with properties similar to the toxic agents of snake venom.
• Seeds have purgative, emetic properties.
• Contact of seeds with the eyes can cause conjunctivitis and even blindness in dose dependent manner.
• Ingested seeds can affect the gastrointestinal tract, the liver, spleen, kidney, and the lymphatic system. Infusion of seed extracts can cause eye damage after contact.
• The symptoms of Jequirity beans poisoning may develop after few hours to several days. The symptoms include severe gastroenteritis, nausea, vomiting, muscular weakness, cold sweat, trembling and abnormally rapid heart rate. As a first-aid measure induce vomiting and then seek medical help. The treatment of Jequirity beans poisoning is symptomatic.
• Educate children about the poisonous effects of seeds.
• Keep seeds or ornaments made out of seeds away from children.

Naagphani is a cactus plant. It is a xerophytic shrub with prickly thorns. This cactus has no leaves and it is adapted to dry conditions. Traditionally, this plant is used in treatment of respiratory ailments, whooping cough, pneumonia etc. The dried or fresh flowers of cactus are astringent and hemostatic (stops ableeding). Naagphani is also used for temporary birth control. In tribal areas of Andhra Pradesh, the ash of the aerial portion, mixed with sugar candy, is given for three weeks as contraception. Its orange-red colored fruits are edible (but the surface thorns must be carefully removed). It helps people suffering from piles.

By Victor Korniyenko (Own work)[CC BY-SA 3.0or GFDL] via Wikimedia Commons

This plant is recommended for growing in polluted cities for reducing the level of SO2 Sulphur dioxide.

General Information

Scientific Classification

The botanical name of Prickly pear is Opuntia dillenii Haw. Its synonyms are Opuntia stricta Haw. var. dillenii (Ker-Gawl.) Benson. It belongs to plant family Cactaceae. Below is given taxonomical classification of plant.

• Kingdom:Plantae – Plants
• Subkingdom:Tracheobionta – Vascular plants
• Superdivision:Spermatophyta – Seed plants
• Division:Magnoliophyta – Flowering plants
• Class:Magnoliopsida – Dicotyledons
• Subclass:Caryophyllidae
• Order:Caryophyllales
• Family:Cactaceae – Cactus family
• Genus:Opuntia Mill. – pricklypear
• Species:Opuntia stricta (Haw.) Haw. – erect pricklypear

Part(s) used for medicinal purpose:Whole plant

Plant type:Under shrub

Distribution:Native of Mexico;well acclimatized throughout India.

Habitat:dry/desert areas.

Vernacular names/Synonyms

• English:Prickly Pear, Slipper Thorn
• Ayurvedic:Naagaphani, Kanthaari
• Unani:Naagphani
• Siddha/Tamil:Sappathikalli, Nagathali
• Madhya Pradesh:Thuar
• Hindi:Hathhathoria, Nagphana
• Gujrati:Chorhatalo
• Kannada:Papaskalli
• Malyalam:Palakkalli
• Marathi:Chapal
• Oriya:Nagophenia
• Telugu:Nagajemudu

Medicinal Uses of Nagphani

As a folk medicine, Nagphani is used in treatment of inflammation, constipation, pneumonia, contraception and many other diseases.

It is used both internally and externally. In any case, it is essential to remove the thorns before use.

Pneumonia

Take stem part of the plant, cut in small pieces boil and get extract. Give the extract in dose of 2 ml, twice a day, for five days.

Inflammation, arthritis, Hydrocele

Take the stem and remove the spines. Cut it from the middle, put some turmeric and mustard oil. Heat it and tie as poultice on inflammation.

Irritable bowel, mucous colitis, inflammation of the prostate gland

Infusion of flower is used.

Constipation

Put only few drops of latex on Batasha/sugar candy and take.

Chyawanprash is a very well-known Ayurvedic preparation referenced from Charak Samhita which describes it as 'foremost of all Rasayana'.

It is general health tonic that improves body immunity to fight diseases. The original recipe of Chyavanprash contains more than forty ingredients including Amla, Dashmul, Motha, Punarnava, Gokhru, Kantkari, Kali mirch, Dalchini, Shatavar, Ela, Laung, Saffron, Ghee, Sugar etc. But nowadays no company make it as per the original formula. Many companies make Chyawanprash which mainly contain sugar (about 60-70 percent), Amla, and only few medicinal herbs. They also add some preservatives like potassium sorbate. There is no uniformity of composition of Chyawanprash available in market.

Ingredients of Chyawanprash

Definition (Charak Samhita):Chyavanaprasha is a semisolid avaleha preparation made with the ingredients in the formulation composition given below:

Formulation composition:

1. Bilva Aegle marmelos Rt./St.Bk. 48g

2. Agnimantha Premna integrifolia Rt./St.Bk. 48g

3. Shyonaka Oroxylum indicum Rt./St.Bk. 48g

4. Gambhari Gmelina arborea Rt./St.Bk. 48g

5. Patala Stereospermum suaveolens Rt./St.Bk. 48g

6. Bala Sida cordifolia Rt. 48g

7. Shalaparni Desmodium gangeticum Pl. 48g

8. Prishniparni Uraria picta Pl. 48g

9. Mudgaparni Phaseolus trilobus Rt./Pl 48g

10. Mashaparni Teramnus labialis Rt./Pl 48g

11. Pippali Piper longum Fr. 48g

12. Gokshura Tribulus terrestris Pl. 48g

13. Brihati Solanum indicum Pl. 48g

14. Kantakari Solanum surattense Pl. 48g

15. Shringi Pistacia integerrima Gl. 48g

16. Tamalaki (Bhumyamalaki Phyllanthus amarus Pl. 48g

17. Draksha Vitis vinifera Dr. Fr. 48g

18. Jivanti Leptadenia reticulata Rt. 48g

19. Pushkara Inula racemosa Rt. 48g

20. Agaru Aquilaria agallocha Ht.Wd. 48g

21. Abhaya Haritaki Terminalia chebula P. 48g

22. Amrita Guduci Tinospora cordifolia St. 48g

23. Riddhi Habenaria intermedia Sub. Rt. Tr. 48g

24. Jivaka Malaxis acuminata Pseudo-bulb 48g

25. Rshabhaka Malaxis muscifera Rt. Tr. 48g

26. Shati Hedychium spicatum Rz. 48g

27. Musta Cyperus rotundus Rt. Tr. 48g

28. Punarnava Raktapunarnava Boerhaavia diffusa Pl. 48g

29. Meda Polygonatum cirrhifolium Rt.Tr. 48g

30. Ela Sukshmaila Elettaria cardamomum Sd. 48g

31. Candana Shvetacandana Santalum album Ht. Wd. 48g

32. Utpala Nymphaea stellata Fl. 48g

33. Vidari (Kanda) Pueraria tuberosa Rt. Tr. 48g

34. Vrishamula (Vasa) Adhatoda vasica Rt. 48g

35. Kakoli Lilium polyphyllum Sub. Rt. 48g

36. Kakanasi ka Martynia annua Fr. 48g

37. Amalaka Phyllanthus emblica Emblica officinalis) P. 5 kg

38. Jala Water for decoction 12.29 liter reduced to 3.07 liter

39. Ghrita Clarified butter from cow’s milk 288 g

40. Tila Taila Sesamum indicum oil. 288 g

41. Sharkara Sugar 2.4 kg

42. Madhu Honey 288 g

43. Tugakshiri Bambusa bambos Siliceous deposit 192 g

44. Pippali Piper longum Fr. 96 g

45. Tvak Cinnamomum zeylancium St. Bk. 48g

46. Ela Elettaria cardamomum Sd. 48g

47. Patra Tejapatra Cinnamomum tamala Lf. 48g

48. Keshara (Nagake Shara Mesua ferrea Stmn. 48g

Rt.=Root;St.Bk.=Stem bark;Fr.=Fruit;Fl.=flower;Lf.=Leaf;Stmn.=Stamens;St. Bk.=Stem Bark;P.=Pericarp;Rt.=Root;Sd.=Seeds;Ht. Wd.=Heart wood;Rz.=Rhizome;

Note:Stem bark of the ingredients number 1 to 5 of the formulation composition has been used in place of root.

Method of preparation

Take all the ingredients of pharmacopoeial quality. Wash, dry, powder the ingredients numbered 1 to 36 (Kvatha Dravya) of the formulation composition and pass through sieve number 44. Wash, dry, powder the ingredients numbered 43 to 48 (Prakshepa) and pass through sieve number 85. Add sufficient amount of water to the Kvatha dravya. Take 5 kg fresh fruits of amalaki, wash and tie them into a bundle using muslin cloth. Immerse the bundle into the Kvatha vessel, heat and remove the bundle from the vessel when amalaki becomes soft. Continue to boiling till water reduces to one fourth and filter the decoction through a muslin cloth. Keep the filtrate safe for use in the formulation. Prepare amalaki pishti by removing the fibres and seeds by rubbing through a piece of cloth. Fry the pishti with Ghrita and Taila mixed in equal proportions. Properly fried pishti would release the Ghrita and Taila. Add Sharkara to the filtred kvatha, also add fried pishti and boil to Leha paka. Final stage of Leha paka is assessed by putting 2 to 3g in a glass of water at room temperature. It will settle down in the water and will not disperse at least for 5 to 10 min. Then remove the vessel from fire and allow to cool at 500. Add prakshepa Dravya and mix thoroughly to prepare a homogeneous blend. On cooling at room temperatures add Madhu. Pack it in tightly closed containers to protect from light and moisture.

Description:Semisolid, chocolate brown colored sticky paste, taste sweet with non-specific pleasant odour.

Storage:Store in a cool place in tightly closed amber colured containers, protected from light and moisture.

Benefits of Chyawanprash

• It is anti-aging and rejuvenating tonic.
• It improves body immunity.
• It promotes youth, vigor and longevity.
• It gives relief in respiratory disorders, cough, emaciation, arthritis, diseases related to semen and many other diseases.
• It improves memory, intelligence, complexion, and general health.
• It gives strength to children, elderly.

Important Therapeutic Uses

Chyawanprash has anti-oxidant, anti-stress, adaptogenic, blood-purifying, digestive, liver strengthening, immunomodulatory and rejuvenating properties. Chyawanprash is used as Rasayana, Medhya, Smritiprada (Nutrient to body and mind with adapto-immunoneuro-endocrino-modulator properties and Brain Tonic (Nootropic, Improves memory).

It is hot (Ushna) in potency it increases pitta but decreases vata and kapha. It shows beneficial effect in respiratory disorders. It is Snigdha (unctuous) and Guru (heavy on digestion).

• Kasa (Cough), Shvasa (Dyspnoea/Asthma)
• Kshata Kshina (Debility due to chest injury),
• Svarabheda (Hoarseness of voice)
• Kshaya (Pthisis), Hridroga (Heart disease)
• Agnimandya (Digestive impairment), Uroroga (Disease of thorax)
• Vatarakta (Gout), Pipasa (Thirst)
• Mutraroga (Urinary diseases), Shukra Dosha (Vitiation of semen)
• Jara (Senility/Progeriasis)

Dosage of Chyawanprash

Chyawanprash is beneficial for everyone. The recommended dosage of Chyawanprash is 12-24 grams preferably with a glass of lukewarm milk. It is warming in nature and increases pitta inside body. So it should be used cautiously by people with aggravated pitta, diarrhea, and peptic ulcer.

You can buy this medicine online or from medical stores.

This medicine is manufactured by Baidyanath, Dabur (Chyawanprash), Zandu (Chyavanprash), Patanjali Divya Pharmacy (Chyawanprash), Shri Dhootapapeshwar Limited (Chyavanprash), Arya Vaidya Sala Kottakkal (Chyavanaprasam), and many other Ayurvedic pharmacies.

Danti is a medicinal herb. It is a leafy undershrub, found in outer range of Himalayas from Kashmir to Assam and in moist deciduous forests all over the India. For medicinal purpose mainly the Dantimool or dried root of plant are used. The roots are purgative, pungent, heating, and antiparasitic. They are used in treatment of anasarca (extreme generalized edema), jaundice, constipation, piles, calculus, scabies, skin disorders, suppurative ulcers and diseases caused by the vitiation of Kapha and Pitta. The roots and seeds have purgative action. The paste of roots is applied externally on painful swellings and piles. The leaves and seeds are also used for medicinal purpose.

General Information

The botanical name of Danti is Baliospermum montanum Muell. Arg. It belongs to plant family Euphorbiaceae.

Synonyms:

• Baliospermum axillare BLUME
• Baliospermum montanum (WILLD.) MUELL.-ARG.
• Croton polyandrum ROXB.
• Jatropha montana WILLD.

Part(s) used for medicinal purpose:Roots, leaves, and seeds.

Plant type:under-shrub 0.9-1.8m in height.

Distribution:throughout tropical and subtropical areas receiving rainfall above 1000 mm, in Himalayan foothills, Kashmir to Khasi hills, and particularly in Vindhyas southward. It is very common in North and East Bengal, Chota Nagpur, and peninsular India.

Habitat:shade loving plant, grows well in humid climate.

Plant Description

The plant is a stout, monoecious undershrub up to 3.5 m high, with toothed leaves and stiff branches arising from the root. The upper branches bear small, lanceolate leaves, while the lower branches have large, and often broad, ovate, three- to five-lobed leaves with rounded base. Petioles are 5–15 cm long. The flowers of the plant are unisexual. In male flowers, the calyx is globose, 2.5 mm long, four to five partite, glabrous or slightly pubescent, membranous, finely mottled with a disc of six glands. Stamens are about 20 in number. Female flowers have ovate-lanceolate and pubescent sepals, and a disc about 2.5 mm in diameter. Fruit is a three-lobed capsule, about 8–13 mm long and usually hairy. Seeds are mottled, smooth, and have oily endosperm. Flowers appear during January–February, while fruits mature a month later.

Vernacular names/Synonyms

Sanskrit:Anukheti, Anukula, Artagala, Bhadra, Danti, Danti-Nana, Dantika, Dravanti, Erandapatri, Erandaphala, Gunapriya, Jayapala, Kakubha, Kumbhachitra, Kumbhi, Kurantaka, Makunaka, Mukulaka, Nagadanti, Nagasphota, Nepala, Nikumba, Nikumbha, Nikumbhah, Nikumbhi, Nishalya, Nishkumbha, Pratyakparni, Pratyaksreni, Raktadanti, Rechani, Ruksha, Shwetaghanta, Shyenaghanta, Sighra, Taruni, Udumbaraparni, Upachitra, Upakulya, Varahangi, Vishalya, Vishodhini, Jangli-Jamalgota.

Unani:Danti

Hindi:Dante, Danti, Hakni, Hakum, Hakun, Hakuna, Jangli Jamalghota, Jangli-Jamalgota.

Kannada:Danthi, Danti, Dantika, Kaadu Haralu, Kaduharalu, Naaga Danti, Naagadanthi

Malayalam:Danti, Dantika, Katalavanakku, Naga-Danti, Nagadanti, Nakadanti, Nervalam, Niradimuttu, Niratimuttu.

Marathi:Buktumbo, Danti, Jamalgot.

Tamil:Appaiccevakacceti, Appaiccevakam, Cimai Amanakku, Cimaiyamanakku, Ilantanamanakku, Kanniyucari, Kanniyucaricceti, Kattamanakku, Kattamanakku, Kattamankku, Kumpam, Maniyamanakku, Maniyamanakkucceti, Nagdanti, Nakatanti, Nepalam, Nir Adimuttu, Niradimuttu, Niratimuttu, Nirettimuttu, Nirvetti, Parankiyamanakku, Peyamanakku, Shimai-Amanakku, Timpalai, Turuvati.

Telugu:Erradundiga, Ettadundiga, Kanaka Pata, Kanakapaata, Kanakapata, Kondamudamu, Neelajidi, Nela Jidi, Nelajidi.

Trade Name:Danti, Jangli Jamalgota

Constituents of Danti roots

Roots contain diterpenes, baliospermin, montanin, phorbol-12-deoxy-13-O-palmitate, phorbol-12-deoxy-16-hydroxy-13-O-palmitate and phorbol-12-deoxy-5b-hydroxy-13 – myristate.

Alcoholic extract of plant showed hypotensive (blood pressure lowering) activity in experimental animals.

Dosage of root power: 1-3 grams.

Ayurvedic Properties and Action

Rasa (taste on tongue):Katu (Pungent)

Guna (Pharmacological Action):Laghu (Light), Tikshna (Sharp), Sara

Virya:Ushna (Heating)

Vipaka (transformed state after digestion):Katu (Pungent)

Action:Shodhak, Deepan, Kapaha-har, Raktdosh-har, Rochak, Vran

Therapeutic Uses

Danti is used in treatment of diseases of skin, burning, swelling, abdominal diseases, intestinal parasites, piles, stones, itching, wound, Gulma, jaundice.

Ayurvedic medicines containing Danti: Dantyarishta, Dantiharitakileham, Kaishora guggulu gulika.

Medicinal Properties of Danti roots

• Antipyretic/antifebrile/febrifuge:Effective against fever.
• Anthelmintic:expel parasitic worms (helminths) and other internal parasites from the body.
• Analgesic:acting to relieve pain.
• Anti-inflammatory:Reducing inflammation by acting on body mechanisms.
• Anodyne:Relieves pain without causing loss of consciousness.
• Diuretic:Promoting excretion of urine/agent that increases the amount of urine excreted.
• Diaphoretic:promote sweating.
• Thermogenic:Heating.
• Purgative, Cathartic:strongly laxative in effect.
• Rubefacient:produces redness of the skin on topical application by causing dilation of the capillaries and an increase in blood circulation.
• Seeds are purgative, stimulant, rubefacient and antidote for snakebite.
• Seeds are poisonous in larger dosage.
• Seed oil is anti-rheumatic. Leaf is anti-asthmatic and wound healing.
• Root and seed oil is cathartic and anti-dropsy.

Medicinal Uses of Danti

• The roots and leaves of Danti herb are heating, purgative, anti-parasitic and diuretic/stimulates urine production.
• For obstinate constipation, the root powder is prescribed.
• The seed is given in dose of one seed as drastic purgative. Larger dose of seeds is poisonous.
• The roots are used in treatment of diseases of liver (dropsy, anascara, and jaundice).
• The decoction of roots is given in treatment of pitta-jwar.
• The decoction of roots detoxifies body and helps to cure diseases of skin.
• For asthma, the decoction of leaves is used.
• The paste of leaves is applied topically on wounds to hasten healing.
• The seed oil is rubefacient and used topically in rheumatism and joint pain.

Marshmallow is a medicinal plant native to Eastern Europe. It is a perennial plant with light pink flowers. In India, it is known as Khatmi and mainly found in Kashmir. For medicinal purpose the leaves and dried roots are used. The dries roots are sweet in taste. They are slimy due to high mucilage content and have pleasant odour. Richness in mucilage make this herb emollient, demulcent, expectorant and anti-tussive. The roots are especially useful in cough, urinary ailments, and in gastroenteritis, peptic and duodenal ulceration and ulcerative colitis.

Traditionally, Marshmallow is used in treatment of asthma, cold, cough, congestion, diabetes, constipation, hoarseness, stones, inflammation, bronchitis, gastritis, enteritis and cystitis.

"Althea officinalis flor". Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Commons

General Information

Scientific Classification

The botanical name of Marshmallow is Althaea officinalis L. Its synonyms are Malva officinalis and A. taurinensis DC. It belongs to plant family Malvaceae. Below is given taxonomical classification of plant.

• Kingdom:Plantae:Plants
• Subkingdom:Tracheobionta- Vascular plants
• Superdivision:Spermatophyta- Seed plants
• Division:Magnoliophyta- Flowering plants
• Class:Magnoliopsida- Dicotyledons
• Subclass:Dilleniidae
• Order:Malvales
• Family:Malvaceae – Mallow family
• Genus:Althaea L. – marshmallow
• Species:Althaea officinalis L. – common marshmallow

Vernacular names/Synonyms

• English:Common Marshmallow, Marshmallow, Hollyhock.
• Common Indian name:Khatmi.
• Siddha:Shemai-tutti.
• Unani:Khatmi, Gul-Khairu.
• Urdu:Aslua Khitmi, Reshah-e-Khatmi.
• Part(s) used for medicinal purpose:dried root, leaves and flowers.
• Plant type:Herb.
• Duration:Perennial.
• Distribution:A perennial plant native to Eastern Europe and northern Africa, naturalized in North America. It has widespread idstribution from west-Europe to Siberia.
• Habitat:marshy areas.

Plant Description

Perennial herb 60 to 120 cm high;Stem erect with short petioled velvety leaves;Flowers axillary, pinkish-white, 6 to 9 sepals of the epicalyx bind at the base 8 to 10 mm long;Heart-shaped petals and sepals five in number, many stamens fused with each other to anthers in a column;ovaries in a ring;styles numerous;mericarps smooth and downy;Fruit disc-like and open up into the mericarps;seeds compressed, dark brown kidney-shaped, glabrous.

Roots Description

Roots 0.2 to 3 cm in diameter, light brown in colour, strongly longitudinally furrowed, often spirally twisted;fracture, short, texture rough, internally yellowish white;odour, pleasant;taste, sweet and mucilaginous.

Medicinal Properties of Marshmallow plant

• Analgesic:acting to relieve pain.
• Anti-inflammatory:Reducing inflammation by acting on body mechanisms.
• Antiirritant:reduces signs of inflammation, such as swelling, tenderness, pain, itching, or redness.
• Antitussive:prevent or relieve a cough.
• Diuretic:Promoting excretion of urine/agent that increases the amount of urine excreted.
• Decongestant:used to relieve nasal congestion.
• Demulcent:relieving inflammation or irritation.
• Deobstruent:Removing obstructions;having power to clear or open the natural ducts of the fluids and secretions of the body.
• Expectorant:promotes the secretion of sputum by the air passages, used to treat coughs.
• Emollient:Soothing and softening effect on the skin or an irritated internal surface.
• Hypoglycemic:Reducing level of the sugar glucose in the blood.
• Laxative:tending to stimulate or facilitate evacuation of the bowels.
• Litholytic:Tending to dissolve calculi.
• Nephrotonic:tonic for kidney.

Constituents of Roots

Galacturonic acid, galactose, glucose, xylose & rhamnose, polysaccharide althaea mucilage-O, asparaginene, betaine, lecithin and phytosterol, polysaccharides.

The leaves contain the coumarin scopoletin.

Dosage:

One teaspoonful leaves juice in one cup water;5 grams leaves in day;5–6 g root three times a day;Root tea;

Ayurvedic Properties and Action

Rasa (taste on tongue):Madhura (Sweet)

Guna (Pharmacological Action):Guru (Heavy), Piccila (Slime), Snigdha (Unctuous)

Virya:Sita (Cooling)

Vipaka (transformed state after digestion):Madhura

Action:Mutral, Pittahara, Vatahara, Vedanasthapana, Shleshmasaraka, Kaphaghna.

Important formulations:Gojihvadi Kvatha Churna.

Therapeutic Uses in Ayurveda

Burning sensation in urination, irritation, cold, cough, painful urination, bleeding disorder, diseases of throat.

Medicinal Uses of Marshmallow

• The dried roots of Marshmallow contain starch, mucilage (18-35%), pectin, flavonoids, phenolic acids, sucrose, tannins and asparagines.
• Due to high content of polysaccharide Marshmallow is effective in the oral and pharyngeal mucosa irritation and inflammation.
• These roots are slimy and are useful in treatment of ulcers, urinary disorders and cough.
• German Commission has declared Marshmallow effective as a demulcent (soothes mucous membrane).
• The dried root is consumed in tea for its antitussive effect.
• The oral intake of roots counters excess stomach acid, peptic ulceration and gastritis.
• Externally, the roots are applied on varicose veins, skin ulcers, abscesses, cuts, burns.

Alzheimer's disease is associated with age, progressive neurodegenerative and irreversible. This is characterized by severe memory loss, unusual behavior, personality changes, and a decline in cognitive function.
Ayurvedic medicinal plants have been found only effective in reducing progression of this disease. There are many medicinal plants with properties which can be used to develop drugs. These medicinal plants has many valuable compounds, such as lignans, flavonoids, tannins, polyphenols, triterpenes, sterols, and alkaloids, that show a wide spectrum of pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, anti-amyloidogenic, anti-cholinesterase, hypolipidemic, and antioxidant effects.

These medicinal herbs are used to treat various neurological disorder since long time and found +ve in many clinical researches.

Jyotishmati (Celastrus paniculatus): This herb is used in Ayurveda to treat brain related disorders and improving intellect. Its seeds are bitter, acrid, stimulant, digestive, cardio tonic and hot in potency. Since its seeds are thermogenic they should not be taken more than two or three at a time. The oil extracted from its seed is bitter, thermogenic and improves memory.

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera): Ayurveda describes Ashwagandha as Rasayana that increase longevity and vitality. It is used as single drug or in combination with other herbs. It is prescribed for promoting health, longevity, arresting aging process, revitalizing the body in debilitated conditions, increasing immunity, treating musculoskeletal conditions and as general tonic to increase energy. The recommended dosage of Ashwagandha root powder is 3-6 grams.
A total alkaloid extract of Ashwagandha root exhibited a calming effect on the central nervous system (CNS) in several mammalian species, suggesting the use of this herb to produce relaxation.
Some of the Ayurvedic medicines containing Ashwagandha are Ashwagandha pak, Ashwagandha ghrita, Ashwagandha Churna, Ashwagandhadi Lehyam, Ashwagandharishta etc.

Jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi): In Ayurveda, the root powder of Jatamansi is used as neuroprotective, stimulant, antispasmodic, antipyretic, and antioxidant. It is recommended for treatment of various neuropsychiatric illnesses and excessive thirst.

Turmeric (Curcuma longa): Turmeric is anti aging, anti oxidant, anti inflammatory, and anti bacterial. Turmeric contain manganese, iron, vit B6 and potassium. Here are some of the medicinal use of turmeric.
studies indicate that the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory property of turmeric is associated with a reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease.

Guggulu:Guggulu is indicated in lowering cholesterol, reducing inflammation, healing of bone fractures, arthritis, gout, rheumatism, atherosclerosis, obesity and hyperlipidaemia.
A recent study demonstrated that gugulipid has a significant protective effect against the streptozotocin-induced memory deficit model of dementia;the effect can be attributed to its cholesterol-lowering, antioxidant, and anti-acetylcholine esterase activity. These observations suggest gugulipid as a potential anti-dementia drug.

Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri): In India, Brahmi is used for centuries to improve mental health, intellect and memory. It is highly effective brain tonic. In Ayurveda, Brahmi is classified as medhya rasayana (improves mental health, intellect and memory;Rasayana that prevents ageing and gives longevity).
Brahmi or Bacopa is bitter in taste and has laxative, astringent, brain tonic, memory enhancing, and longevity promoting properties. It is indicated in treatment of various diseases such as mental retardation, poor memory, epilepsy, insanity and neuroses, anaemia, leprosy, renal disease, blood disease, poisoning and cough.

Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis): Shankhpushpi is a brain tonic that effectively treats nervine disorders, mental aberration, anxiety neurosis, internal haemorrhages, spermatorrhoea and numerous other diseases. It has astringent, antidysenteric, antispasmodic, antiphlogistic, febrifuge, and alterative properties.
It is believed that Shankhpushpi calms the nerves by regulating the body's production of the stress hormones, adrenaline, and cortisol.

Gotu kola (Centella asiatica): It is brain tonic, which reduces stress, anxiety, tumours, and cures insomnia/sleeplessness and depression. It also improves mental abilities, memory, intellect and removes mental fatigue. Gotu kola tea removes toxins from liver and blood, improves energy levels and strengthens the kidneys. As per Ayurveda, it balances aggravated Vata and Pitta in body.

Plants used as natural tooth brush since long time. In Aurveda many of them are described with their medicinal properties and uses for overall oral care.

Certain trees are used for management of gum bleeding, toothache, sores in mouth and bad breath. Stem, Young Twigs, Leaves, Bark, Fruit, Spines, Seeds and latex are the parts of trees being exploited for oral health care. Many study shown that there are plenty of medicinal plants to treat a wide spectrum of oral ailments.

List of Medicinal Plants For Oral Health

List of Medicinal Plants( with botanical names) and their use towards oral health care from various parts of India used as either tooth brush, paste or for treatment of oral problems.

Azadirachta indica: Known as Neem Tree and very respected tree for it's medicinal properties. Tender twigs used as tooth brush, it’s twigs are very common natural tooth brush in India. Flowers are very effective for mouth infections and bleeding of gums. There are many brands making herbal tooth paste using Neem tree extracts. The Neem Tree is one of the most known Indian tree which has many medicinal properties and used to treat no of diseases.

Babool(Acacia arabica): Bark is used for Gum diseases and mouth ulcer. Read more to know the uses of babool for oral care. There are many brands making herbal tooth paste using bark of Babool tree.

Albizia lebbeck(Shirish): Dried bark powder used as tooth powder. Read more medicinal uses of Shirish.

Ficus bengalensis(Banyan tree): In India root of Banyan tree is used as toothbrush. Fresh latex of plant is applied to treat the bleeding and swelling of gums. Know more about Medicinal Uses of Banyan Tree in detail.

Ficus religiosa(Peepal Tree): Tender leaf twigs are chewed to cure toothache. Read more here about medicinal use of Peepal Tree.

Psidium guajava(Guava): Guava Leaves are chewed to get relief from mouth blisters. Leaves of guava are very good remedy for mouth problems.

Madhuca longifolia:Mahua tree is common tree in India with medicinal values. Small twig is used as toothbrush.

Syzygium cumini(Jamun Tree): Twig used as toothbrush and Bark decoction as Mouth wash. Know medicinal uses of Jamun in this post.

Sesbania grandiflora: Boiled leaf is used for mouth ulcer. Due to it’s medicinal property Agastya is considered very sacred in Ayurveda. Its various parts are used to treat different ailments. Its leaves can be used to treat fever of all types. It is without any side effect. Its leaves can be used even to treat a new born. The leaves of this tree are tridoshnask.

Ziziphus mauritina Lam(Ber): Steam of boiling Plant is used as mouth freshener. Ber twig is also used as tooth brush. 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.

Apamarg (Achyranthes aspera): Stem used as toothbrush, Roots are used as a brush to relieve pain and clean the teeth, ash of the whole plant is used as tooth powder, to relieve pyorrhea and toothache. Achyranthes aspera is also known as Prickly Chaff Flower. This plant is easily identifiable due to its ability to attach seeds to clothes. Apamarg is excellent herb to treat various oral problems. Here is how to use it to cure mouth problems.

Emblica officinalis: Twig worn into neck to cure tooth ache and twig also used as toothbrush. Indian gooseberry or Amla is a well-known fruit and used in Ayurveda in preparation of various medicine. It is a Rasayana which prevents ageing, rejuvenates bodyand gives longevity. It is richest source of vitamin C which is an anti-oxidant. Read more about medicinal uses of amla in ayurveda in this post.

Rubia cordifolia:Manjishtha leaf paste is applied on swollen gums. Manjishtha helps in balancing aggravated pitta in body. It is hot in potency. Manjishtha has astringent, thermogenic, antidysenteric, galactopurifier, rejuvenating and anthelmintic activities.

Phyllanthus niruri:It’s leaves are used for mouth ulcer. Commonally known as Tamalki is used in Ayurveda for treatment of many diseases especially related to liver. In Africa, this plant is used by people in treatment of kidney stones, dysentery, jaundice, diarrhoea, wounds, ulcers and urogenital diseases.

Ricinus communis: Well known as Castor plant full of many medicinal properties used to treat many health problems as natural remedy and used as key ingredient in many ayurvedic medicines. Cotyledon is fried in mustard oil and the smoke is emitted by this process is inhaled for tooth ache.

Ocimum basilicum: Well known as Sweet Basil. Leaves chewed to induce saliva secretion, keeps mouth fresh. Read more here about medicinal uses of sweat basil here.

Asparagus racemosus: Known as Satavar. Root powder is used for Swelling in mouth. Know more about Medicinal Use Of Shatavari Or Asparagus Racemosus.

Henna(Lawsonia alba Lamk): Bark of stem is used to cure toothache. The fresh leaves of Henna are ground and gargled to treat mouth ulcer.

Piper betle(Paan):Pann Leaves are used for foul smell in the mouth, strengthens the teeth. It is widely used mouth freshener in Indian sub-continent.

Abrus precatorius: Know as Gunja in Ayurveda. Gunja leaves are chewed to get relief from tooth ache.

Barleria prionitis: It also known as the porcupine flower and vjradanti. It's Root, Leaves are chewed to relieve from tooth decay.

Buchanania lanzan Spreng: Know as Chironji(famous dry fruit). An adhesive is obtained from the tree and available as Chironji ki Gond used to treat tooth ache. Twig of this tree is used as toothbrush.

Mangifera indica: Mango tree is very common has many medicinal uses. Toothbrush of small stem is used to cure toothache. latex is applied to relieve gingivitis. In Ayurvada various parts of Mango Tree such as leaves, bark, fruits, and roots are used to treat various diseases. In India people also use it's stem for cleaning tooth.

Cuminum cyminum: Cumin(Jeera) Seeds are chewed together with a little sugar in aphthous ulcers in mouth. Cumin seeds has many medicinal values like antimicrobial, anti-diabetic, antiepileptic, antifertility, anticancer, antioxidant and immunomodulatory.

Ferula asafoetida: Root extract is used as tooth ache. Asafoetida plant species are native to Afghanistan and Iran. It is distributed throughout the Mediterranean region to Central Asia. In India it grows widely in Kashmir and in some parts of Punjab. Heeng or Asafoetida is hot and pungent. It is heating effect on body. It reduces vata/wind and kapaha and increases pitta. It improves appetite and aids in digestion. Heeng contains essential oil that evaporates when applied externally on skin. It is stimulant, expels gas, antispasmodic, and anthelmintic.

Plumeria obtuse: Latex is used as a mouth wash, and used to cure mouth ulcer. This plant is commonly used as an ornamental, grown for its flowers. In Cambodia the flowers are used to make necklaces and in offerings to the deities.

Tabernaemontana divaricata: Latex applied to prevent cavity formation. The roots have a bitter taste. They are used in Ayurvedic medicine as an anthelmintic for ascariasis and a treatment for scabies.

Wrightia tinctoria: Pala indigo plant or dyers’s oleander, is a flowering plant species in the genus Wrightia found in India. Leaf paste is applied on aching teeth to get relief from toothache.

Calotropis:Paste of root is applied as tooth paste tooth brush to cure toothache Ash of root is used to remove pus from gums. Calotropis is also found in most part of world with warm climate, dry, alkaline and sandy soil. It is commonly available in two varieties that is Calotropis procera (purple-flowered) and Calotropis gigantea (white-flowered). For medicinal purpose white flowered variety is preferred. The latex or milky discharge of plant has abortifacient (causing abortion), spasmogenic and carminative, anti-dysentric, anti-syphilitic, anti-rheumatic, antifungal, diaphoretic properties Read more here to know medicinal uses of Calotropis.

Bombax ceiba: Bark used for toothache. In Ayurveda it is referred as aphrodisiac, astringent, antidiarrheal, antidysenteric, antimicrobial diuretic, alterative, antipyretic and tonic. It is used in treatment of asthma, diarrhoea, wound, leucorrhoea, anaemia, seminal disorders and skin problems. Read more about medicinal uses of Bombax ceiba.

Bauhinia Variegata: Kachnar is a medicinal tree and used in India from time immemorial for treatment of diseases and Twigs used as toothbrush and toothache. In Ayurveda, this tree is known as Kanchanar, Kanchanarak, Gandhari, Sona-pushpak (White-flower species) and Kovidar/Rakta Kanchanar (Pink flower species). Read more about medicinal uses of Bauhinia Variegata.

Tamarindus indica: Bark powder used as tooth powder. Read more about Tamarind medicinal uses in this post.

Carica papaya: Latex is used to cure tooth ache and mouth ulcer. Read more about Medicinal uses of papaya leaves.

Cajanus cajan: Fruit used for treatment of tooth-ache. The plant is also used as toothbrush. It is a very well-known as Tuvar/ Arahar and commonly used pulse in India.

Acalypha indica: Decoction of the herb in used as a cure for tooth. In India as well as Africa, it is used as medicinal plant. In West Africa the leaves are cooked and eaten as vegetable. In traditional Tamil Siddha it is believed to rejuvenate the body. Indian acalypha is also eaten by cats to cure constipation and indigestion. The cats search for this plant and chew its leaves and roots. Read more about medicinal use of Indian acalypha here.

Pongamia pinnata: Known as Karanj tree. Tender leaf twigs are chewed to cure toothache.

Stambhanakara Yoga is an Ayurvedic Herbal formulation prescribed in the Treatment of Premature Ejaculation. Aakarkarbha and Tulasi seeds are mixed with purified sugar to make this medicine. Aakarkarbha is know as one of the vajikaran rasayana herbs and is known to improve sexual function especially in male.

Premature Ejaculation is very common male sexual problem. Many people suffers from this specially in initial sexual life due to over excitement and less self control. In most cases his problem is Psychological not physical and go away itself in some days or in months. If someone's problem lost for longer than 3-6 months he is advised to consult some professional doctor and use some natural treatment.

How to evaluate that a man have premature ejaculation problem

• Ejaculation prior to ten penile thrusts
• Ejaculation before, on, or within one minute of the sexual act after penetration
• Unable to satisfy partner in at least 50% of the coital incidences
• Unable to delay ejaculation till the person wishes it

The problem should be persistent or recurrent and cause marked distress or interpersonal difficulties.

Making Stambhanakara Yoga at Home

To treat above problem medicinal herbs Akarakarabh ( Anacyclus pyrethrum D.C.) And Tulasi seeds(Indian Basil) are very effective. There are many study conducted and found positive results. Here i am writing how one can prepare and use this medicine.

Method to prepare formulation:Collect following ingredients and make sure this are genuine and good in quality.

• Tulsi Seeds:( Ocimum santum Linn.) 2 parts, Very common plant full of medicinal properties. One can easily find the seed(mature and dried).
• Akarakarabh Root:( Anacyclus pyrethrum D.C.) 4 parts, this is also common plant in India. One need to find from some Herbal stores.
• Mishri:Sugar 8 parts

Make powder and keep it some air tight jar.

Direction to use:
Before start using this medicine it is recommended to take Haritaki powder (Terminalia chebula Retz.), 6 gm. at bed time for Koshta Shudhi (bio-purification) for three days with warm water.
After this take above powder 6 gm twice a day, before lunch and supper, with lukewarm water, for a duration of two months.

Ref: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3764879/
http://ijdd.informaticspublishing.com/index.php/ijdd/article/view/31382/27122

Vanari Kalpa is an herbal Ayurvedic medicine from Sandu. Vanari kalpa contains kapikacchu seeds obtained from a slender climbing plant Mucuna prurita.

Kapikacchu seeds or kevanch is known by many names in Sanskrit such as Atmagupta, Kapikachu, Tikshna, Kaunch and Vanari.

Kaunch is extensively used in Ayurveda to treat male sexual disorders, Vata-Vyadhi, infertility, bleeding disorders, weakness and Kampvata or Parkinson’s disease. Kaunch seeds are cool in potency and balances vitiated Kapha, Pitta and Vata. They detoxify body and increase strength, stamina and vigor.

This medicine act as aphrodisiac not only for the youth but also for the aged ones.

Here is given more about this medicine, such as benefits, indication/therapeutic uses, composition and dosage.

Ingredients of Vanari Kalpa

Granules of Kevanch seeds

About Vanari or Kapikacchu seeds

Kevanch is an herbaceous, and twinning annual climber found throughout India in the hills ranging up to 3000 feet height.

The hairs on the pods of plant are similar to that of monkey due to which it is named Kapikacchu, Kapiloma, Kapi, Markati and Vaanari.

In Ayurveda, most of the remedies described in literature for treating sexual dysfunctions and infertility contain Kapikacchu seeds as one of the ingredients.

Two types of Kapikacchu seeds are described, wild and cultivated. The wild variety is superior to the cultivated one and black seeds are considered better than white ones.

Vaanari seeds is a good source of L-dopa and number of amino acids.

Benefits of Vanari Kalpa

• It has aphrodisiac properties.
• It is a nervine tonic.
• It is sexual tonic for males.
• It treats oligospermia. Oligospermia is deficiency of sperm cells in the semen.
• It helps in erectile dysfunction.
• It improves sperm count.
• It is effective in Parkinson's disease.
• It has anti-parkinsonism, anti-inflammatory, and hypocholesterolaemic properties.

Uses of Vanari Kalpa

Kapikacchu is one of the famous herbal drugs mentioned in Ayurvedic classics for various types of sexual disorders. It is useful in various sexual disorders including loss of libido, erectile dysfunctions, night emission, premature ejaculation, spermatorrhoea and oligospermia. It is also used in Parkinson’s disease and hypercholesterolaemic conditions.

• Impotence
• Low sperm count
• Low libido
• Erection problem
• Male infertility
• Sexual dysfunction

Dosage of Vanari Kalpa

1 teaspoon twice or thrice a day with warm milk or as directed by physician.

Precautions/Warning for Kaunch seeds use

Prolonged period use of Mucuna pruriens can cause weight loss. The protein fraction is said to be responsible for this effect.

Kevanch intake may cause diarrhea which if not controlled with dietary changes and normal medication may require discontinuation of Kapikacchu intake.

Spicy, dry, sour and stimulant food items and emotional outbursts should be avoided during medication with Kapikacchu.

Prishniparni is a well-known medicinal herb of Ayurveda. This herb is found in India (Bihar, Orissa, West Bengal), Nepal, China and Northern Australia. In Ayurveda, it is used in treatment of asthma, dysentery, delirium, ulcers, malarial fevers, fractures of bones, inflammation of chest and diarrhea, catarrhs, bleeding piles and many other ailments. The roots of plants mainly contain alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, glycosides, proteins, steroids, tannins and phytosterols.

It is one of the root of Laghu panchamula in Dashamula ( a combination of roots of ten medicinal plants= Brihatpanchamula + Laghupanchamula). Dashamula is a standard Ayurvedic remedy for inflammatory conditions.

For medicinal purpose the roots, leaves and whole plant is used. Leaves have antiseptic properties. They are used traditionally in treatment of wounds, genitourinary infections and urinary disorders. The powdered leaves of this plant are used for gonorrhea. The plant is also used in heart troubles. The plant is also used as an antidote against the bites of certain vipers, scorpions.

The roots of plants have aphrodisiac, liver protecting, anti-inflammatory (swelling reducing), antithrombotic (reduces the formation of blood clots/thrombi), antimicrobial and anti-diarrheal properties. The roots are used for fracture healing due to its property of accumulation of phosphorous and deposition of calcium.

General Information

Scientific Classification

The botanical name of Prishniparni is Uraria picta. It belongs to plant family Papilionaceae;Fabaceae. Below is given taxonomical classification of plant.

• Kingdom:Plantae
• Phylum:Tracheophyta
• Class:Magnoliopsida
• Order:Fabales
• Family:Fabaceae
• Genus:Uraria
• Species:Uraria Picta

Synonym(s):

• Doodia picta Roxb
• Hedysarum pictum Jacq
• Uraria aphrodisiaca Welw
• Uraria leucantha Span
• Uraria linearis Hassk

Other related species known as Prishniparni

• Uraria alopecuroides Wight (Papilionaceae, Fabaceae)
• Uraria crinita Desv. (Papilionaceae, Fabaceae)
• Uraria lagopoides (Papilionaceae, Fabaceae)

Part(s) used for medicinal purpose:Roots, leaves, whole plant

Plant type: under shrub

Distribution: Throughout India, in dry grasslands.

Habitat and Ecology:found in areas of grassland, grassland with scattered trees including Acacia grassland;on rocky ground, deep sandy soils;by riverbanks, floodplains and gallery forest.

Vernacular names/Synonyms

Ayurvedic:Prishniparni, Prithakparni, Simhapushpi, Kalashi, Dhaavani, Guhaa, Chitraparni

Siddha/Tamil:Oripai

Bengali:Salpani, Chhalani, Chakule

Gujrati:Pithavan

Hindi:Pithavan, Dabra

Kannada:Murele Honne, Ondele honne, Prushniparni

Malayalam:Orila

Marathi:Pithvan, Prushnipamee

Oriya:Prushnipamee, Shankarjata

Punjabi:Detedarnee

Tamil:Oripai

Telugu:Kolakuponna

Dosage

Powder of whole plant is taken in amount of 20-50 grams for preparing decoction.

Ayurvedic Properties and Action of Whole Plant

Rasa (taste on tongue):Madhura (Sweet), Katu (Pungent), Amla (Sour), Tikta (Bitter)

Guna (Pharmacological Action):Laghu (Light), Sara (Unstable)

Virya:Ushna (Heating)

Vipaka (transformed state after digestion):Madhura

Action:

Deepan, Sangrahi, Tridoshhar, Vata-har, Vrishya, shothhar, Balvardhak

Important formulations

• Amritarishta Ayurvedic medicine is beneficial in all type of fever, chronic fever, malaria, recurring fevers and accompanying complaints of enlarged liver of spleen or digestive disturbances, night sweating, and weakness.
• Angamarda Prashamana Kashaya Curna
• Dashamula Taila is used externally for massaging body. It is good for skin and can be used by everyone. It helps to cure skin problems, pain caused due to vaat and kapha imbalance.
• Vyaghritaila
• Dashamularisha nourishes body and gives strength. It is good for reproductive system of both males and females. It and improves fertility.

Therapeutic uses

Diarrhea/Atisar, vomiting/Chardi, burning sensation, fever, cough, bloody dysentery, insanity, gout, bleeding piles, excessive thirst, diseases of eyes and fracture.

Medicinal Uses of Prishniparni

The decoction of whole plant is used in diseases due to vitiated blood, gout, bleeding piles, blood dysentery, acute diarrhea alcoholism, insanity, psychosis, cough, bronchitis and difficult breathing. The plant is used for treating fractures.

In scientific studies, the plant extract shows better healing of fractures due to early accumulation of phosphorus and more deposition of calcium.

Prishniparni is Tridoshahara. It is a tonic. It Deepana दीपन (promote appetite but do not aid in digesting undigested food). It reduces swelling and fever. It improves strength and gives relief in gout.

Cold:For cold, boil 10-20 grams of powder of whole plant in 400 ml of water. Boil it till it becomes 1/4 of original quantity. Filter this decoction. Add some sugar and drink lukewarm.

Bony Fracture:Take Prishniparni root powder 5 grams + turmeric 2 grams. Do regularly for one month.

Poison:Fresh juice of whole plant taken in dose of 10-30 ml gives relief.

Spleen enlargement, Liver and abdominal diseases:Boil 10-20 grams of powder of whole plant in 400 ml of water. Boil it till it becomes 1/4 of original quantity. Filter this decoction. Add some sugar and drink.

Ash Gourd is a medicinal plant and used in Ayurveda from ancient times to treat variety of disorders. It is known by many common names such as Petha, Kaddu, Ash Gourd, Hairy Melon, Wax Gourd, Winter Melon, Ash Pumpkin and White Pumpkin. Its botanical name is Benincasa hispida. Big, cylindrical-spheroidal Kushmanda fruits or White-Pumpkins are commonly seen in market as vegetable. A very famous sweet preparation, Petha is made from its fruit pulp. Petha sweet gives relief in dyspepsia and hyperacidity. It is nutritious and cool in potency.

Charak and Sushruta prescribed the cooked vegetable for its laxative and diuretic action. The juice of fruit is prescribed by Sushruta for mental disorders, insanity and other nervous diseases.

Kushmanda is especially useful in treatment of pitta-vikar, bleeding disorders, epilepsy, insanity and nervous disorders.

The fruits of plant (White pumpkin) are considered aphrodisiac. Their intake decreases vata and pitta inside body. They are laxative, diuretic, nutritious and styptic (stops bleeding). The decoction of fruit is given for internal hemorrhages and diseases of the respiratory tract. The juice of fruit is also used for treating mental disorders such as insanity, epilepsy etc.

The leaves are cooling in action. The seeds are used to treat intestinal worms.

General Information

Ash gourd or White gourd melon is widely cultivated for its fruits in tropical Asia.

It is a large trailing gourd climbing by means of tendrils;Leaves are large and hispid beneath;Flowers are yellow, unisexual with male peduncle 7.5-10cm long and female peduncle shorter;Fruits are broadly cylindric, 30-45cm long, hairy throughout and ultimately covered with a waxy bloom;

Scientific Classification

The botanical name of Petha/Kushmanda is Benincasa hispida (Benincasa= of Benin;hispida= hispid= thickly covered with long stiff bristly hairs). Its synonyms are B. cerifera Savi. Cucurbita hispada Thunb. It belongs to plant family Cucurbitaceae. Below is given taxonomical classification of plant.

1. Kingdom:Plantae – Plants
2. Subkingdom:Tracheobionta – Vascular plants
3. Superdivision:Spermatophyta – Seed plants
4. Division:Magnoliophyta – Flowering plants
5. Class:Magnoliopsida – Dicotyledons
6. Subclass:Dilleniidae
7. Order:Violales
8. Family:Cucurbitaceae – Cucumber family
9. Genus:Benincasa Savi – benincasa
10. Species:Benincasa hispida (Thunb.) Cogn. – waxgourd

Native:South-east Asia

Part(s) used for medicinal purpose: Leaves, fruit, seeds, roots.

Plant type: Climber.

Distribution:In warmer parts of India.

Habitat: Cultivated largely in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan and Bihar.

Vernacular names/Synonyms

1. Ayurvedic: Kushmanda, Kushmandaka, Kushmaandanadi, kooshmanda
2. Unani: Pethaa, Mahdabaa, Kaddue-Roomi, Maghz Tukhm Paith (Benincasa hispida seed kernel)
3. Siddha: Ven-poosani, Sambalpushani
4. English: Ash Gourd, White Gourd, Wax Gourd, White Pumpkin
5. Sanskrit: Pushpaphalam, Briihatphalam
6. Assamese: Kumra
7. Bengali: Chal Kumra, Kumra
8. English: White guard melon
9. Gujrati: Safed Kohalu, Bhuru, Kohalu, Bhuru Kolu
10. Hindi: Kushmand, Petha, Raksa
11. Kannada: Boodi Humbala
12. Malayalam: Kumbalanga
13. Marathi: Kohala
14. Oriya: Kakharu, Panikakharu
15. Punjabi: Petha
16. Tamil: Pooshanikkai
17. Telugu: Boodida Gummadi
18. Urdu: Petha

Ayurvedic Properties and Action of Kushmanda fruit

Kushmanda is Laghu and Snigdha, sweet, cold in potency. It enhances the Medhya (intellect) and subdues Vata and Pitta.

Rasa (taste on tongue):Madhura (Sweet), Amla (Sour)

Guna (Pharmacological Action):Laghu (Light), Snigdha

Virya:Sita (Cooling)

Vipaka (transformed state after digestion):Madhura (Sweet)

Action:Balya, Dipana, Hridya, Vrishya, Basti-shodhaka, Mehana, Tridosha-hara, Jeerna-anga Pushti Prada, Basti shodhaka, shramsana, Arocakahara, Vata-pitta-jit.

Few important Ayurvedic medicines containing petha are:Vastyamayantaka Ghrita, Kushmandaka Rasayana, Dhatryadi Ghrita, and Kushmanda Ghrita.

In Ayurveda Petha is used in treatment of Mutraghata (retention of urine), Mutrakricchra ( painful urination), Prameha (urinary disorders), Trishna (excessive thirst), Ashmari (stones), Manasa Vikara (mental disorders), Malabandha ( constipation).

Constituents of Kushmanda: The fruits contain lupeol, beta-sitosterol, their acetates, several amino acids, flavonoids, glycosides, sacchrides, proteins, carotenes, vitamins, minerals, ß-sitosterin and uronic acid.

Dosage: Dried pieces of the fruit 5-10 grams;Fruit juice:10-50 ml.

Health benefits of Wax Gourd/Winter Melon

1. It has cooling action on body.
2. It has anti-allergic and antihistamine activity.
3. It has anti-ulcer action. It prevents formation of ulcers. Study Shows Kushmanda possesses significant antiulcer activity. There was decrease in ulcer index in animals treated with fruit extract of Kushmanda.
4. It has antioxidant action due to presence of Terpenes, Flavanoid C, glycosides and sterols.
5. It possesses potent antipyretic effect and is useful in fever.
6. Its intake gives relief in constipation and urinary disorders.
7. It reduces vata and pitta inside body.
8. It is beneficial in management of Alzheimer's disease due to its strong antioxidant action.
9. It helps to reduce obesity. A Study investigated the anorectic effect of the methanol extract of Kushmanda in Swiss albino mice. Results revealed for the first time, a possible anorectic activity of Kushmanda probably through CNS mediation, with no effect on gastric emptying.
10. It gives relief in acidity, excess heat, bleeding disorders and cough.
11. It has appetizer, purgative, diuretic, aphrodisiac and bladder purifier properties.
12. It is useful in asthma, insanity, epilepsy and other nervous diseases, burning sensation, diabetes, piles, dyspepsia, fever and vitiated conditions of pitta.

Medicinal Uses of Petha/Kushmanda/Benincasa hispida

Petha is rejuvenating tonic that improves health, strength and intellect. It has nutritive, tonic, sweet, alterative, laxative, diuretic, tonic, aphrodisiac, styptic (stops bleeding), cooling, anti-mercurial, and antiperiodic properties.

In Ayurveda, the fresh juice of the fruit is given to treat haemoptysis (the coughing up of blood) and other haemorrhage (flow of blood from a ruptured blood vessel) from internal organs.

The fruits are useful in asthma, insanity, epilepsy and other nervous diseases, burning sensation, diabetes, piles, dyspepsia, fever and vitiated conditions of pitta.

The fruit is also good antidote for many kinds of vegetable, mercurial and alcoholic poisoning.

The seeds are cooling, anthelmintic, brain-tonic, cardiac tonic, and antipyretic. They are useful in dry cough, fever, urethrorrhea (abnormal discharge from the urethra), syphilis, hyperdipsia and vitiated conditions of pitta. Seeds are useful in expelling tapeworms and bladder stones.

Epilepsy (Mirgi or Apasmara in Hindi), hysteria

In epilepsy, 7-14 ml. fresh juice of fruit is given with 1/2 teaspoon Mulethi twice daily.

Hyperacidity, burning sensation, Bleeding disorders, Parinamasula (Duodenal ulcer), Urticaria, itching all over body, nervousness, gastric ulcer

Kushmanda is cooling in action. It is useful in diseases that are caused due to excess heat inside body.

Take 10-20 ml juice of fruit pulp with 2 teaspoon sugar-candy or Mishri 2-3 times a day.

Painful urination, difficulty in urination, burning sensation while urination, pain in kidney, inflammation in male sex organ

Juice of fruit pulp 4 tablespoon + Yavkshaar 1 teaspoon + hing/asafoetida + sugar 5 teaspoon, is given two times a day.

Obesity, peptic ulcer, Alzheimer's disease

Take the fruit and remove its seeds and rind. Chop and grate. Squeeze the pulp to get the juice. Add equal amount of water. Drink one cup.

Mental disorders, epilepsy, Insanity

Take Go-Ghrita (1 part), Mulethi paste (9 part) and Petha juice (9 part). Mix all the ingredients and cook to make medicated ghee. Take this ghee in mental disorders.

Intake of Kushmanda Ghritam shows beneficial effect in insanity and epilepsy.

General health tonic, weakness, spermatorrhoea, body heat

Daily take Kushmanda Rasayan. Kushmanda Rasayan improves overall health. It is a tonic and gives strength to every body organ. It increases libido, and gives relief in variety of disorders. It is digestive, carminative, restorative, expectorant, and sedative.

Dandruff, scalp dryness, hair fall

Take crushed seeds (2 tablespoon) and cook in 150 ml coconut oil to make medicated oil. Apply this oil daily on scalp.

Intestinal parasite

Remove the seed cost to get the kernel. Fry them in Ghee and eat.

Bleeding disorder, nose bleeding, external bleeding

Mix 1 cup fresh juice with Amla powder 1 teaspoon and drink.

Bruises

The leaf juice is rubbed on bruise as a cooling agent.

Side-effects

It is completely safe to take Kushmanda.

In acute toxicity study in rats, the aqueous and ethanolic extract of Benincasa hispida were found to be safe and no mortality was observed at a dose as high as 5 g/kg.

Excess intake of juice can cause loose motions.

Kaith tree (Feronia limonia) is found throughout India. Its unripe fruit has astringent, sour taste and eaten with salt. The chutney of ripe fruit is made with salt, tamarind, spices and oil. Kaitha fruit contains carbohydrates and proteins. It is also rich in beta carotene, vitamin B, vitamin C, thiamin and riboflavin. The tree is often cultivated on borders of fields and as a roadside tree near villages and sometimes planted in gardens.

Kaitha is a medicinal tree and known as Kapittha in Ayurveda. Its leaves, ripe and unripe fruits, bark, gum resin are used for medicinal purpose. The unripe fruit is used as a remedy to treat diarrhea and dysentery. The ripe fruit is used in treatment of hiccups and throat problems. The leaves have aroma and cures flatulence.

The ripe fruit has antiscorbutic activity which means it prevents or cures scurvy. Scurvy is a disease caused by a deficiency of vitamin C, and characterized by swollen bleeding gums and the opening of previously healed wounds. It is carminative and gives relief in flatulence. It stimulates the digestive system.

The unripe fruit is prescribed in sprue, malabsorption syndrome. The leaves are astringent in action and cause the contraction of skin cells and tissues. The leaves are used for indigestion, flatulence, diarrhea, dysentery and hemorrhoids. The juice of tender leaves is given in treatment of stones, and digestive disorders. The leaves are useful in gas, indigestion, sprue, diarrhea and diabetes.

General Information

Kapittha, is a deciduous, glabrous tree. It has strong, sharp, straight, axillary thorns. In India, it is found throughout the plains of India, Siwalik range and forests, at base of Himalayas up to an elevation of 450 m. It is also cultivated in many parts of India.

In Ayurveda, the dried fruit rind, bark, gum, and leaves are used for medicinal purpose. The fruit rind is removed and the pulp is bruised and dried to get the dried powder of pulp.

Scientific Classification

The botanical name of Kaith is Feronia limonia. It belongs to plant family Rutaceae. Below is given taxonomical classification of plant.

1. Kingdom: Plantae – Plants
2. Subkingdom: Tracheobionta – Vascular plants
3. Superdivision: Spermatophyta – Seed plants
4. Division: Magnoliophyta – Flowering plants
5. Class: Magnoliopsida – Dicotyledons
6. Subclass: Rosidae
7. Order: Sapindales
8. Family: Rutaceae – Rue family
9. Genus: Limonia L. – limonia
10. Species: Limonia acidissima L. – Indian woodapple

Synonym

1. Feronia elephantum Correa
2. Limoniu acidissima
3. Limonia elephantum
4. Schinus limonia

Botanical Description

Moderate sized tree, 10-15 m tall; branchlets with straight, sharp spines, 1.5-4 cm long; Leaves alternate, imparipinnate, petiole and rachis winged, leaflets 3-9, obovate, cuneate, apex crenulate. Flowers small, numerous, greenish or dull red, in lateral or terminal lax panicles;

Fruit round to oval, 5-12.5 cm wide, with a woody, amazingly hard rind which can be difficult to crack, greyish-white, scurfy rind about 6 mm thick, pulp brown, mealy, odorous, resinous, astringent, acid or sweetish, with numerous small, white seeds scattered through it. There are two forms, one with large, sweet fruits and the other with small, acid fruits.

Part(s) used for medicinal purpose: Fruits, gum, leaves, bark and pulp

Plant type: tree

Origin: India, Pakistan, Srilanka and Southeast Asia east to Java.

Habitat: Indigenous to South India; cultivated throughout the plains of India up to 500m in the western Himalaya.

Distribution: Dry area; throughout India; also cultivated in Bangladesh, Pakistan and Srilanka.

Vernacular names/Synonyms

• Ayurvedic: Kapittha, Dadhittha, Dadhiphala, Surabhichhada, Dantshatha, Kapipriya कपित्थ, कैथ पुष्पफल, कपिप्रिय, दन्तशठ
• Unani: Kuvet
• Siddha: Vilamaram, Vilangai, Narivila, Vizha, Vila, Kadippakai, Kapiththam, Wlavu
• English: Wood Apple, Elephant apple, Curd fruit, Monkey fruit
• Sanskrit: Danta Satha, Kapipriya
• Bengali: Kayet Bael, Kavataleal, Kavita
• English: Wood apple
• Gujrati: Kotha, Kondhu
• Hindi: Kaitha कैथ, कैथा
• Kannada: Bekalu, Belada hannu, Bilvara, Belalu, Balada, Haminamara
• Malayalam: Vilar maram, Villanga Kaaya
• Marathi: Kavatha
• Punjabi: Kainth
• Tamil: Vilamaram, Vilangai
• Telugu: Velaga
• Folk: Kaith
• Lao (Sino-Tibetan): Ma-fit
• Malay: Belinggai, Gelinggai
• Thai: Ma-khwit

Dosage

Fruit pulp: 25-50 grams;

Dried pulp of mature fruit: 1-3 grams

Leaf paste: 3-6 grams;

Ayurvedic Properties and Action of Kaitha

Rasa (taste on tongue): Kashaya (Astringent), Madhura (Sweet), Amla (Sour); Unripe Pulp: Amla (Sour), Kashaya (Astringent)

Guna (Pharmacological Action): Laghu (Light), Unripe Pulp: Guru (Heavy)

Virya: Sita (Cooling); Unripe Pulp: Ushna (Hot)

Vipaka (transformed state after digestion): Madhura (Sweet); Unripe Pulp: Amla (Sour)

Action

Vata-pitta-har; Rakta-pitta-har

Unripe fruit:

• Kapha-hara; Vatala
• Grahi ग्राही inspissants/thickening agent (medicines which from their stomachic, digestive and heating qualities dry the fluids of the body).
• Lekhana लेखन remove bad humours and altered constituents of the body by thinning them gradually and thus clearing the system of them.
• Anulomna अनुलोमना (anulomna means one which promote excretions and favour discharge)
• Improves appetite, Vishaghna

SIDDHA PROPERTIES

1. Suvai (Taste): Inippu (Sweet)
2. Veeriyam (Potency): Thatpam (Cooling)
3. Vipakam (Transformation): Kaarppu (Pungent)
4. Ceikai (Pharmacological action): Manamooti (Aromatic) and Kuzhirchiyundakki (Refrigerant)
5. Gunam (Uses): Used in Pitha diseases
6. Siddha Pharmaceutical Preparations: - Kantha chenduram

Tree bark

1. Aromatic and cooling.
2. Useful in vitiated conditions of pitta, biliousness and liver diseases.

Gum resin

1. Demulcent and constipating.
2. Used in diarrhea, dysentery, hemorrhoids and diabetes.
3. Dried gum powder mixed with honey is given in dysentery and diarrhea.

Unripe Kaitha Fruit

• Aromatic, astringent, constipating, and binding, diuretic.
• Cures itching of the body.
• Increases vata, pita, and kapha.
• Tonic to the liver and the lungs.
• Strengthens the gums.
• Antidote against poison or infection.
• Useful in diarrhea and dysentery, pruritus, whooping cough and pain in the pharynx.
• Used as substitute for Bilva in the treatment of diarrhea and dysentery.

Ripe Kaitha Fruits

Sour, sweet, acrid, difficult to digest, aphrodisiac, cooling.

Useful in cough, throat, asthma, diarrhea, dysentery, heart diseases, vomiting, biliousness, vata-vikar, tridosah, blood impurities, fatigue, thirst, consumption, tumors, opthalmia, and leucorrhoea.

Beneficial in scurvy and sore throat.

Nutritional analysis of dried pulp of Kaitha fruit

Kaitha fruit is rich in carbohydrates. It is also good source of protein and dietary fiber. It is low in fat and contains many vitamins and minerals such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron and zinc. The dried pulp contains 15% of citric acid.

The pulp contains high amount of alkaloids and moderate amount of Saponins. Alkaloids have spasmolytic (gives relief in spasm) and anesthetic (gives relief in pain) agents while saponins help in boosting the immunity system, lowering cholesterol levels in the blood and reducing the risk of getting intestinal cancer.

Constituents Dried pulp (%)

Mineral and Vitamins content of Kaitha pulp (µg/ g)

Health benefits of Kaitha fruit

1. Kaith is cooling in nature. It quenches excess thirst and gives relief in bleeding disorders.
2. It is binding and constipating due to which it is helpful in loose motion.
3. It is good source of carbohydrate and protein.
4. It is rich source of vitamin C and cures vitamin C deficiency.
5. It lowers cholesterol level and blood sugar level.
6. It can be used as home remedy to cure various diseases that occur in summer season due to its astringent, constipating, and binding, diuretic properties.

Medicinal Uses of Kaitha

All parts of Kaitha tree are used for the treatment of various ailments.

The mixture of young leaves juice, milk and candy is given as a remedy for biliousness and intestinal troubles of children. Leaves, barks, roots and fruit pulp are all used against snakebite. The bark is applied on venomous wounds. The oil derived from the crushed leaves is applied on itch and the leaf decoction is given to children as an aid to digestion. The bark and leaves are used for vitiated conditions of vata and pitta. Bark paste is applied on skin to keep it cool, smooth, and fair. The fruit has cooling, anti-inflammatory, anthelmintic, hepatoprotective, antipyretic and analgesic activities.

Kaith fruits are astringent, tonic to the heart, liver and the lungs, binding, diuretic and good for throat. They are beneficial in scurvy and sore throat. The ripe fruit is used in treatment of excess thirst, hiccups. The unripe fruit is used in treatment of Grahani and digestive weakness.

Dysentery, diarrhea, piles

In diarrhea, 3-6 grams of powder of dried tender leaves is given twice a day.

The mashed fruit pulp is used as home remedy.

Diseases of ear, Pain in ear

3-4 drops of lukewarm juice of the fruits is used as ear drops twice a day.

Malabsorption syndrome, Kidney stone

The juice of leaves is taken in dose of 7-14 ml.

Stomach troubles

The leaves juice is given.

Diseases of eyes

The powder of leaves and flowers talk is mixed with and applied in eyes.

Intestinal parasites

Fifty gram pulp of the ripe fruit is mixed in Butter milk and taken once daily, for 3 days.

Diabetes

10 g of ripe fruit is given once a day for 1 month.

Insect bites and stings

The pulp is applied externally.

References

1. Evaluation of nutritional, phytochemical, antioxidant and antibacterial activity of exotic fruit Limonia acidissima Shipra Pandey, Gouri Satpathy, Rajinder K. Gupta
2. S.G.S.P.S.Institute of Pharmacy,Hingna Road, Kaulkhed; Feronia Limonia – A Path Less Travelled Qureshi Absar A., Kumar K. Eswar2,Omer Shaista;
3. Khare CP. Indian Medicinal Plants: An Illustrated Dictionary, Springer Science.
4. Vidhya R, Narain A. Development of Preserved Products Using Under Exploited Fruit Wood Apple (Limonia Acidissima). American Journal of Food Technology 2011.
5. Rathayake RMRNK, Sumithra HJ, Fernando MD, Keerthi B, Palipane. Effect of GRAS compounds onAspergillus rot of wood–apple (Feronia Limonia). Pytoparasit 2009;
6. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India.
7. Ahamed SM, Swamy SK, Jayaverra KN, Rao JV, Kumar VS. Anti-inflammatory antipyretic and analgesic activity of methanolic extract of feronia limonia fruit pulp. Pharmacologyonline 2008.

Nripati Vallabh Rasa is a herbomineral-metallic Ayurvedic medicine. It is a Ras Aushadhi. Mercury is known as Rasa in Ayurveda and medicines that are prepared using purified mercury, purified Sulphur, Bhasma etc. are named as Ras Aushadhi (Mercurial Preparations). Para, Parad, Rasa or mercury is a heavy metal that remains liquid at room temperature. It is used in Ayurveda only after proper detoxification as per classical Ayurvedic texts. Parad is ingredient of numerous medicines due to its powerful medicinal properties.

It balances Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Ras Aushadhi are fast acting. They nourishes whole body and has tonic, aphrodisiac, rejuvenative, anti-aging, wound-healer, and antimicrobial effect. The combination of mercury with other medicinal ingredients enhances the therapeutic efficacy of medicine due to Yogvahi property of Parad. In preparation of Ras Aushadhi/medicine first Kajjali is made from purified Parad and Gandhak. As these medicines contain heavy metals, it is better to take them as prescription drugs.

Nripati Vallabh Ras is indicated in treatment of Sangrahni/ Grahni roga. Grahni roga, is a condition in which Grahan Shakti or grasping power of intestine is lost. This causes malabsorption and the stool becomes loose and frothy. There can be pain in abdomen. In Ayurveda, to treat Grahni Roga, medicines are used which increases digestive power and assimilation.

Here is given more about this medicine, such as benefits, indication/therapeutic uses, composition and dosage.

Ingredients of Nripati Vallabh Ras

• Rasa (Parada) shuddha 48 g
• Gandhaka shuddha 48 g
• Lauha bhasma 48 g
• Tamra Bhasma
• Abhraka bhasma 48 g
• Lauha bhasma 48 g
• Tanka shuddha (Tankana) 48 g
• Jatiphala (Sd.) 48 g
• Lavanga (Fl. Bd.) 48 g
• Abda (Musta) (Rz.) 48 g
• Hingu (Exd.) 48 g
• Tvak (St. Bk.) 48 g
• Ela (Sukshmaila) (Sd.) 48 g
• Tejapatra (Lf.) 48 g
• Ajaji (shveta jiraka) (Fr.) 48 g
• Yamani (Yavani) (Fr.) 48 g
• Vishva (shunthi) (Rz.) 48 g
• Saindhava lavana 48 g
• Maricha (Fr.) 96 g
• Dhatri svarasa (Amalaki) (P.) Q.S. for Bhavana

Uses of Nripati Vallabh Ras

• Grahani (malabsorption syndrome)
• Udara roga (Diseases of abdomen/ enlargement of abdomen)
• Atisar (diarrhea)
• Agnimandya (digestive impairment)
• Ajirna (Dyspepsia)
• Arsha (Piles)
• Amajirna (Indigestion due to Ama)

Dosage of Nripati Vallabh Ras

1 or 2 tablets twice a day after meal with Chhach or lukewarm water or as directed by physician.

Please note, the doses of Ayurvedic medicines are not fixed. Exact dose depends on the age, strength, digestive power of the patient, the nature of the illness, the state of the viscera and humours, and the properties of individual drugs.

Ayurvedic medicines containing detoxified, toxic material/ poisonous substances, heavy metals should be taken only under medical supervision.

Chicory is well known as a substitute of coffee. The dried roots of the plant are used for this purpose. Chicory has distinct taste but does not contain any caffeine. In 19th-20th centuries, it was used alone but later on it was added to coffee powder or the coffee substitute mixtures. For preparing Chicory powder, the fresh roots are collected and dried. The dried roots are roasted and ground to form powder.

Chicory is a medicinal plant. All parts of the plant specially root and leaves are used as diuretic, laxative, antipyretic, detoxifying and liver tonic. It has been used in Ayurveda, Unani and Siddha system of medicine for treating diseases of hepatobiliary (liver and bile) and renal system, like washing kidney-bladder, liver diseases, jaundice, hepatitis etc.

In India, Chicory is commonly known as Kasni. It is not mentioned in classical Ayurvedic texts.

In Unani Tibbi, it is known as Hindba and Kasni, and used to prepared Sharbat-e-Kasni and Arq Kasni. It is given to treat fluid accumulation in body, jaundice, hepatitis, fever, and kidney disorders. In jaundice, Unani preparation, Sharbat-e-Kasni is taken in dose of 25ml with water twice daily.

General Information

The Chicory plant is native to the temperate parts of the World and is cultivated in many countries. It is an erect woody perennial herb, around 1 m in height with a fleshy taproot of up to 75 cm in length and large basal leaves and smaller upper leaves. It can bear extreme temperatures during both vegetative and reproductive growth stage. It has azure blue flowers. Its roots resemble those of dandelions. The Chicory root stump are dug before the flowering.

The tap roots are the most commonly used part of the plant. The root is fleshy and tapering, wrinkled longitudinally, and brown on the outside. The root has bitter and mucilaginous taste.

Scientific Classification

The botanical name of Chicory/ Kasni is Cichorium intybus. It belongs to plant family Asteraceae. Below is given taxonomical classification of plant.

1. Kingdom- Plantae – Plants
2. Subkingdom- Tracheobionta – Vascular plants
3. Superdivision- Spermatophyta – Seed plants
4. Division- Magnoliophyta – Flowering plants
5. Class- Magnoliopsida – Dicotyledons
6. Subclass- Asteridae
7. Order- Asterales
8. Family- Asteraceae ⁄ Compositae – Aster family
9. Genus- Cichorium L. – Chicory
10. Species- Cichorium intybus L. – Chicory
11. Latin name- Cichorium intybus L. var. foliosum Hegi
12. Cichorium intybus L. var. sativum (Bisch.) Janch.
13. Duration- Biennial Perennial
14. Growth Habit- herb

Geographical distribution- The plant is native to the temperate parts of the World and is found wild in Punjab and Andhra Pradesh regions. It is also cultivated in Bihar, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Himachal Pradesh, Orissa and Kerala.

The major producing countries of chicory are the United Kingdom, Belgium, Europe, France, Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland and South Africa. Habitat- Native to Europe;In India, it occurs in North-west India, Punjab, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Maharashtra.

In India, its seeds are sown in October-November in plains and during March-April in hills.

Varieties- There are two varieties of plant, a cultivated sweet variety and the wild bitter variety.

Botanical Description

Roots are fleshy, tapering, stem 1-3 long angled and grooved, branches rigid spreading, leaf nerves, beneath, hispid leaves ablong lanceolate, upper cordate amplexical. Head 1-1/2” diameter, peduncles thickened in the middle, involucre bracts herbaceous, ligules bright blue, rarely white or pink.

The dried fruit and seed is yellowish brown in colour, and 1-3 mm in length and 1-2 mm in breath, and 1mm in thickness triangle shaped and has characteristic odour.

Synonyms

• Ayurvedic- Kaasani, Hinduba, Kasni
• Unani- Kaasani Dashti (Barri)
• Siddha- Kasinikkeerai
• Indian local name- Banya Kaasnee
• Unani- Beikh kasni (roots)
• English- Chicory, Indian Endive
• Hindi, Bengali, Gujarati- Kashi, Kaasni, Kssni, Hinduba
• Malayalam- Cikkari
• Jammu- Kashni, Lishkan
• Punjabi- Gul, hand, kasni, suchal
• Tamil- Kasinivirai, Kashni
• Telugu- Cicori, Kasini, Vittulu
• Tehran- Tukhm-i-kasni, Klshah-i-kasni (roots), Tukhme Kasni (seed), Aab Berg-e-kasni sabz (leaf juice)
• Persia- Cichorii
• Arabic- Hindubar, Indyba
• Baluchistan- Zral
• Chinese- Ku-T’ Sail
• German- Zichorie
• Greek- Kichora, Kikori
• Urdu- Kasani
• Trade name- Chickory

Ayurvedic Properties and Action of Chicory

Rasa (taste on tongue)-

1. Tikta (Bitter)
2. Guna (Pharmacological Action)- Laghu (Light), Ruksha (Dry)
3. Virya- Sita (Cooling)
4. Vipaka (transformed state after digestion)- Katu (Pungent)

Action-

1. Pacifies Pitta and Kapha
2. Gives relief in pain, burning sensation and swelling
3. Sedative
4. Deepana दीपन (promote appetite but do not aid in digesting undigested food)
5. Good for heart
6. Diuretic

Unani Properties

Kasni is of two kinds Wild and Cultivated. In Unani, the cultivated variety is called as Bustani, Hindba e Shami-o-Hashmi-o-Balaqhi and wild variety is called as Dashti, Hindba e Baqhal and Tarakhshaqaq.

Both the varieties bear broad leaves near stem and thin leaves above. Cultivated variety is relatively more cold and moist.

According to Unani System of Medicine it removes the visceral, hepatic and vascular obstruction. It is a good but not very strong astringent. It is used as plaster in case of gout.

The latex of the wild variety removes opacity of the cornea. Purging cassia is dissolved in its juice and used as gargle in pharyngitis. It relieves nausea and counteracts the ill effects of excessive yellow bile, it strengthens the heart.

The wild endive is better than the cultivated variety for stomach diseases, endive is said to be suitable for all kinds of temperaments of the liver, the drug is particularly suitable for hot tempered livers, and however it is not harmful to cold tempered organs unlike some cold vegetables.

Kasni is used as saag (vegetable) and juice of whole plant extract and sheera of its seeds useful in kidney’s hot temperament.

Properties

1. Mohallile Auram (Resolvant) roots
2. Mudir bol (Diuretic) seeds
3. Musakkin Hararat (Febrile sedative) green leaf
4. Musaffi Dam (Blood purifier) leaf
5. Mufatteh (Deobstruent) roots, seeds
6. Muqavvi Jiger (Liver tonic) Whole plant
7. Munzij Sauda (Melancholic concoctive) roots
8. Munaqie gurda (clears the urinary tract and renal tubules)
9. Rikhv baa Ifrat (Most flexible)

Constituents of Kasni

Chicory herb contains inulin in the root, sesquiterpene lactones (including lactucin and lactucopicrin), coumarins (chicoriin, esculetin, esculin, umbelliferone and scopoletin), and series of glucofructosans.

Raw Chicory root contains only citric and tartaric acids whereas the roasted contains acetic, lactic, pyruvic, pyromucic, palmitic and tartaric acids.

Leaves of the plant contain salts such as sulphates and phosphates of sodium, magnesium and potassium as well as potassium nitrate. It also contains a bitter glycoside named cichorine.

Analysis of the seeds shows oil 4.7%, Fatty acid composition, Saturated 21.7%, Unsaturated 78.3%.

Important Medicine containing Kaasni

1. Live 52 Himalaya (for liver care)
2. Jigreen Hamdard (for liver care)

Unani Medicines-

1. Arq Kasni
2. Sharbat-e-Kasni
3. Sharbat Bazoori
4. Sikanjbeen Bazoori
5. Majun Dabidul Ward
6. Sharbat Dinar

Dosage of Kasni herb

1. Leaf juice- 12-24 ml
2. Root powder- 3-6 gram
3. Powder of seeds- 3-6 gram

Medicinal Properties of Chicory

1. Abortifacient- causes abortion.
2. Antimicrobial- active against microbes.
3. Anthelmintic- expel parasitic worms (helminths) and other internal parasites from the body.
4. Analgesic- acting to relieve pain.
5. Antimalarial- effective against malaria.
6. Antidiabetic- control blood sugar levels.
7. Antiulcer- tending to prevent or heal ulcers.
8. Anti-inflammatory- reducing inflammation by acting on body mechanisms.
9. Analgesic- pain relief.
10. Cholagogue- promotes the discharge of bile from the system, purging it downward.
11. Diuretic- promoting excretion of urine/agent that increases the amount of urine excreted.
12. Demulcent- relieving inflammation or irritation.
13. Emmenagogue- stimulate blood flow in the pelvic area and uterus.
14. Gastroprotective- protects gastric mucosa.
15. Hepatoprotective- prevent damage to the liver.
16. Hypoglycemic- blood-sugar lowering.
17. Hypocholesterolemic- Lowers the cholesterol.
18. Hypolipidemic- lipid-lowering
19. Laxative- tending to stimulate or facilitate evacuation of the bowels.
20. Sedative- promoting calm or inducing sleep.
21. Prebiotic- promoting the growth of beneficial intestinal microorganisms.
22. Tonic- Restore or improve health or well-being.

Health Benefits of Kasni

Whole Kasni herb has liver tonic action and tone up the liver. It produce moderate temperament in liver and improve function of liver. It is effective against jaundice, hepatitis, liver congestion, enlargement of liver and other liver and spleen disorders.

1. It stimulate and protects liver.
2. It is increase flow of bile.
3. It cleanses kidney-bladder and removes toxins from body.
4. The roots reduce inflammation, remove the obstruction in form of thick or sticky secretion or any other form.
5. It stimulates urine production.
6. It contains up to 40% inulin, and has a negligible impact on blood sugar and thus is suitable for diabetes.
7. It is cooling in action and reduces heat and high temperature.
8. It is gentle laxative and gives relief in constipation.
9. It has arteriosclerosis, antiarthritis, antispasmodic, digestive and depurative properties.
10. The seeds increase activity of kidney either by irritation or by increase filtration. Seeds are Deobstruent.
11. The leaf juice gives relief in fever, detoxifies blood.

Use of Chicory/ Kasni

As a coffee substitute- Commercially the roots of plant are used to produce coffee substitute. It is also used extensively in coffee blends.

Extraction of Inulin- The roots are used to extract inulin. Inulin belongs to a category of carbohydrates known as fructans and composed of a series of oligo- and polysaccharides of fructose. It is starch but has less caloric value. It is source of dietary fiber.

Some of the benefits of inulin include modulation of microbial fermentation, reducing fat and cholesterol absorption, lowering LDL and increasing HDL. It is a prebiotic.

Inulin is indigestible in the gastrointestinal tract and but fermented by the colonic microflora. Thus it increase fecal biomass and water content of the stools. It improves bowel habits and gives relief in constipation.

As vegetable- The leaves of Chicory plant is used fresh or cooked.

The leaves of young plants are used as pot-herbs and cooked like spinach. Leaves of older plants, when blanched, were used like celery. It is eaten as a green for salads.

Medicinal Uses- The plant is used medicinally to treat variety of ailments for centuries around the world.

Medicinal Use of Chicory

The cultivated chicory plant is used as a liver tonic. It is indicated in enlargement of the liver (hepatomegaly), jaundice inflammations, anorexia, dyspepsia, diarrhea, flatulence, colic, vitiated conditions of kapha and pitta, headache, gout, burning sensation, allergic conditions of skin, insomnia, skin diseases, leprosy, chronic and bilious fevers, vomiting, asthma and general debility.

The plant is bitter, acrid, anti-inflammatory, appetizer, digestive, stomachic, cholagogue, cardio tonic, depurative, diuretic, emmenagogue, febrifuge and tonic. The root of chicory is used in jaundice, liver enlargement, gout, rheumatism also used as vegetable. Seeds of chicory are carminative and cholagogue.

Liver tonic, Diseases of liver

1. Whole Kasni herb has liver protecting properties. It protects liver from damage.
2. The decoction of roots is used in jaundice, enlargement of liver, Kidney disorders. It improves appetite.
3. The tea prepared from the leaves, stems, and roots are used in treatment of liver disorders such as jaundice due to its hepatoprotective properties.
4. In jaundice, the fine powder of equal parts of Kasni seeds, Mulethi (Liquorice) and Kala Namak (Black salt) are mixed and this powder is given in dose of then take 3g with water twice daily.
5. Another remedy for jaundice, is to crush the fresh plant of Makoi and Kasni to extract the juice. This juice is heated and during the boiling stage, 1 gram Naushadar (Ammonium chloride) is added for removing the foams. It is filtered. After filtration about 60ml this preparation juice taken before meal.

Stimulating menstruation

The decoction of seeds is used to induce period.

Digestive disorders

The tea prepared from the roots gives relief in bloating, abdominal fullness, flatulence, and slow digestion.

Pain in body, joints, constipation

As a home remedy, a tea like preparation of the Chicory leaves and flower is prepared. For this purpose, 1/4 cup of leaves and flowers are soaked in one cup boiling water and brewed for 5-10 minutes.

This simple tea shows beneficial effects in pain in body-joint, gout, rheumatism, and constipation. This preparation can also be given to children to treat constipation in dose of half cup.

Joint pain, Insect bite

The paste of leaves is applied externally for painful joints and on insect bites.

Tooth sensitivity

The roots boiled and mixed with sirka/ vinegar used as gargle helps in tooth sensitivity.

Side-effects

1. Toxicological Studies done on Chicory concluded it is safe for human use.
2. Ingestion of 100 g may cause slight bradycardia (abnormally slow heart action).
3. People who are hypersensitive to Chicory and other Asteraceae plants should not use this.
4. It has emmenagogue action and used to promote periods therefore it should not be used during pregnancy.

References

1. Ahmed B, AlHowiriny TA, Siddiqui AB. Antihepatotoxic activity of seeds of Cichorium intybus. Journal of Ethnopharmacology.
2. Anonymous, Standardisation of Single drugs of Unani medicine Part I, CCRUM, New Delhi.
3. Anonymous, The Wealth of India, CSIR, New Delhi.
4. Bischoff TA, Kelley CJ, Karchesy Y, Laurantos M, NguyenDinh P, Arefi AG. Antimalarial activity of Lactucin and Lactucopicrin- sesquiterpene lactones isolated from Cichorium intybus L. Journal of Ethnopharmacology.
5. Cichorium intybus- Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, and Toxicology Renée A. Street, Jasmeen Sidana, Gerhard Prinsloo Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2013;
6. Chopra R.N., Nayar S.L. and Chopra I.C., The glossary of Indian medicinal plants, CSIR, New Delhi.
7. European Medicines Agency. Community herbal monograph on Cichorium intybus L.,
8. Hepatoprotective activity of Solanum nigrum and Cichorium intybus, International Journal of Pharmacology.
9. Kirtikar, K.R., Basu, B.D., 1999. Indian Medicinal Plants. Published by Lalit Mohan Basu Allahabad.
10. Süntar I, Akkola EK, Kelesb H, Yesiladac E, Sarkerd SD, Baykala T. Comparative evaluation of traditional prescriptions from Cichorium
11. Sakurai N, Iizuka T, Nakayama S, et al. Vasorelaxant activity of caffeic acid derivatives from Cichorium intybus and Equisetum arvense. Yakugaku Zasshi 2003.
12. Subash KR, Ramesh KS, Binoy Vargheese Charian Francis Britto, Jagan Rao N, Vijayakumar, Study of
13. Pieroni A. Medicinal plants and food medicines in the folk traditions of the upper Lucca Province, Italy. Journal of Ethnopharmacology.
14. Pullaiah T. and Chandrasekhar K., Anti diabetic plants in India, Regency publications New Delhi.
15. Patel V.K. and Doshi J., In vitro study of antimicrobial activity of extract of cichorium intybus linn on gingival inflammation, J. Indian Dental Association.
16. Wang Q, Cui J. Perspectives and utilization technologies of Chicory (Cichorium intybus L.)- a review. African Journal of Biotechnology.
17. Zafar, R., Ali, M. S., 1998. Anti-hepatotoxic effects of root and root callus extracts of
18. Cichoriurn intybus L. Journal of Ethnopharmacology.

Arq Elaichi is a liquid preparation of lesser cardamom. Lesser cardamom is known as Choti Elaichi in Hindi. It is a common aromatic condiment full of medicinal properties. It has cooling, carminative and stomachic properties. It aids digestion and cures too much thirst. It is effective in nausea and vomiting.

Arq Elaichi is useful in treatment of common digestive disorders such as nausea, vomiting, indigestion, low appetite, excessive thirst etc.

What is Ark/ Arq?

Arka/ Arq can be defined as a liquid obtained by distillation of certain liquids or drugs soaked in water using distillation apparatus. The drugs are boiled in distillation apparatus to get the vapors which on condensation give Ark of desired herb. Ark contains the volatile part of drug.

Here is given more about this medicine, such as benefits, indication/therapeutic uses, composition and dosage.

Ingredients of Arq Elaichi

Elaichi ( Green Cardamom )

Water

For preparation of Ark, The dried herbs are cleaned and coarsely powdered. Some quantity of water is added to it for soaking and kept over-night. Soaking helps to soften the herb and when boiled releases the essential volatile principles easily. Next morning this is poured into the distillation apparatus and boiled. The vapor is condensed and collected in a receiver. In the beginning, the vapor consists of only steam and may not contain the essential principles of the drugs. It should therefore be discarded. The last portion also may not contain therapeutically essential substance and should be discarded. The aliquots collected in between contain the active ingredients and may be mixed together to ensure uniformity of the Arka.

It is a suspension of the distillate in water having slight turbidity and color according to the nature of the drugs used and smell of the predominant drug.

Benefits of Arq Elaichi

1. It is herbal medicine.
2. It is safe to take.
3. It has goodness of lesser cardamom.
4. It is diuretic and stimulates urine production.
5. It gives relief in digestive ailments such as nausea, vomiting, gas, low appetite and indigestion.

Important Therapeutic Uses of Arq Elaichi

1. Nausea
2. Vomiting
3. Indigestion
4. Flatulence/ Gas
5. Anorexia
6. Excessive thirst
7. Giddiness
8. Tastelessness
9. Scanty urination, Urinary disorders
10. Cough

Dosage of Arq Elaichi

The recommended dosage of Ark Elaichi is 60ml.

Gajapippali consists of dried, mature fruits obtained from a plant Scindapsus officinalis which is a large epiphytic (derives moisture and nutrients from the air and rain and usually grows on another plant but not parasitic on it) climber, found all along the sub-Himalayan tract, in West Bengal, Orissa, Andhra Pradesh and the Andaman Islands. It is a medicinal plant and in Ayurveda and Siddha System of medicine, the dried fruits are used for medicinal purpose.

Gajapippali fruits look similar to Pippali. But they are much bigger in size and hence they are called Gajapippali (Gaj means elephant).

Gajpippali is pungent, sharp, heating, appetizer, anthelmintic, aphrodisiac and galactagogue. It sharpens the hearing, regulates the bowels and clears the throat. It is aphrodisiac and cardio tonic. It used in Ayurveda, to treat respiratory disorders, throat disorders, asthma, diarrhea, intestinal parasites, rheumatism and arthritis.

General Information

Scientific Classification

• The botanical name of Gajapippali is Scindapsus officinalis Schoott. It belongs to plant family Araceae. Below is given taxonomical classification of plant.
• KINGDOM : Plantae
• PHYLUM : Magnoliophyta
• CLASS : Liliopsida
• ORDER : Alismatales
• FAMILY : Araceae
• GENUS : Scindapsus Schott

Plant Description

Leaves dark green, large, 12.5-25 by 6.3-15 cm., ovate, elliptic, ovate, or nearly orbicular, caudate-acuminate, base rounded or slightly cordate, primary nerves distinct, petiole 7.5·15 cm. broadly winged up to the knee. Peduncle solitary, terminal, much shorter than the petiole. Spathe about 10-15 cm. long, oblong, sub cylindrical, slender-beaked, green without, yellow within. Spadix equaling the spathe, elongating in fruit, greenish yellow. Stigma elongate. Fruiting- hemispheric. Berries, few only ripening fleshy. Seed ovate-cordate. Fruiting spadix sometimes a span long. Stem as thick as the little finger.

• Part(s) used for medicinal purpose: Dried inflorescence
• Plant type: Climber
• Habitat: Tropical Himalayas,Bengal, southwards to Andhra Pradesh and the Andaman.
• Distribution: In forests.

Vernacular names/Synonyms

1. Sanskrit : Gajakrishna, Hastipipali, Gajapippali, Karipippali, Kolavalli
2. Siddha : Anaitippili
3. Bengali : Gajapeepal, Gajapipul,
4. Gujrati : Motopeepar
5. Hindi : Gajapeepal
6. Kannada : Adkebeeluvalli
7. Malayalam : Attipali
8. Marathi : Gajapipalee
9. Punjabi : Gajapeepal
10. Tamil : Anaitippalee
11. Telugu : Enugopippal

Constituents of Gajapippali Dried fruits

Glucosides viz. Scindapsin A & Scindapsin B, Sugars & Fixed Oil.

Dosage of Gajapippali dried fruit

2-3 gram in Phant form.

What is Phant:Phant is hot infusion. It is prepared by steeping one part of powdered herbs in eight parts of hot water, for twelve hours during the night. Phant is administered in the same way as decoctions.

Ayurvedic Properties and Action

1. Rasa (taste on tongue): Katu (Pungent)
2. Guna (Pharmacological Action): Ruksha (Dry)
3. Virya: Ushna (Heating)
4. Vipaka (transformed state after digestion): Katu (Pungent)
5. Action
6. Deepana दीपन (promote appetite but do not aid in digesting undigested food), Kanthya (good for throat)
7. Vata-hara (pacify Vata / wind)
8. Agnivardhak (Agni = fire, and Vardhak = to promote or ignite, thus, Agnivardhak = substances that promote the digestive fire)
9. Varnya (good for complexion)

Important Formulations Containing Gajapippali

1. Chandraprabha Vati
2. Punarnavasava
3. Panchatikta Guggulu Ghrita
4. Saptavimshatika Guggulu
5. Mahayogaraja Guggulu
6. Prasarini Taila
7. Kunch Pak

Medicinal Properties of Gajapippali fruits

1. Anthelmintic: expel parasitic worms (helminths) and other internal parasites from the body.
2. Anti-dysenteric: Relieving or preventing dysentery.
3. Antiasthmatic: against asthma.
4. Anti-inflammatory: Reducing inflammation by acting on body mechanisms.
5. Analgesic: acting to relieve pain.
6. Antibacterial: active against bacteria.
7. Carminative: Preventing the formation or causing the expulsion of flatulence.
8. Diaphoretic: promote sweating.
9. Hypoglycemic: Reducing level of the sugar glucose in the blood.

Medicinal Uses of Gaja Pippali

1. Powdered leaves are taken for 21 days for fever, rheumatism, and pain.
2. The leaves or fruits are applied externally for rheumatism.
3. The decoction of fruit has expectorant action and given to treat respiratory disorders and asthma.
4. The fruits are indicated in diseases that occur due to vitiation of Vata and Kapha.
5. The powder of dried fruits is used in asthma, throat infection, intestinal parasites, loose motion, piles, colic and indigestion.
6. The Aswagandha roots, Gajapippali fruits, Kosta / Saussurea lappa roots, and the rhizomes of Vach /Sweet Flag, are mixed in powder form and used as breast developer.

Other Herbs Known as Gajapippali

Fruits of Chavya / Piper chaba is also used as Gaja pippali. Balanophora fungosa, B. Hansen var. indica, syn. B. indica (family Balanophoraceae), a total root parasite found in hills of south India is used as a substitute/adulterant for the Ayurvedic drug Gajapippali. It is available in south Indian market with a local name of Markata Pippali. The inflorescence which appear above the soil look similar to Gajapippali. But Balanophora fungosa is not used in Ayurveda for any medicinal purpose. It is an adulterant to S. officinalis.

In Ayurvedic Pharmacopeia of India, the dried fruits of Scindapsus officinalis is described as Gajapippali.

Kamal, Padma, or Lotus is the national flower of India. It is the most sacred plant in Hinduism. It is sacred to the goddess of prosperity, Devi Lakshmi. Lord Brahma, who is God of creation, sits on a lotus flower emerging from the navel of Lord Vishnu. He is manifested from Lord Vishnu to assist in secondary process of Universe creation.

By T.Voekler (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

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The lotus root and seeds have been used for devotional practices, as the plant is believed to improve the mind’s ability to focus and encourage the development of a person’s spirituality. The lotus is considered a metaphor for the soul, rooted in the mud of the material world but transcending limitations to rise towards the top of the pond.

The pink lotus is called Brahma Kamal and it appears in all Hindu temples. It symbolizes purity, beauty, water, source of divine immaculate birth, fertility and growth. Blue lotus flower is known as Indivar, Neelkamal, Pushkar, Rajwa and Vanaja. Padma and Kamal, Koknad is name given for red lotus flowers and Pundarika is name for white flowers.

Abhi, Arvind, Kanwal, Niraj, Nalin, Pankaj, Padma, Pushkar, Rajiv, Saroj, Utpal, all these names are synonym of Kamal or Lotus in Hindi.

Kamal is an aquatic medicinal herb too. It can be seen growing in lakes and pounds. All parts of the plant such as Seed, Leaf, Root, Flower, Filament, Anther, and Stalk, are edible and used for therapeutic use. In Ayurveda, for medicinal purpose generally, white lotus flower is used.

Health Benefits of Lotus

Various Lotus parts offers several health benefits. Lotus is cooling, promoting complexion, sweet and cure diseases of kapha and pitta, such as burning sensation and inflammatory skin conditions.

The stamens are used in flavoring the tea.

The seeds can be popped like popcorn, ground into powder and eaten dry or used in bread making. The roasted seeds can be used as coffee substitute.

Tender rhizomes, stems and leaves of lotus are edible and its seeds are rich in protein as well as minerals. Lotus stem consists of 6, 2.4, 0.2 mg/100 g calcium, iron and zinc respectively. Root is also a source of starch or arrowroot.

Lotus plants provide several bioactive ingredients like alkaloids, flavonoids, antioxidants, antisteroids, antipyretic, anticancerous, antiviral and anti-obesity properties. They have antidiarrheal, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, hypoglycemic, immunomodulatory, psychopharmacological, antioxidant, aphrodisiac, lipolytic, antiviral, anticancer and hepatoprotective activities.

General Information

Kamal is a large, aquatic herb with creeping stem, occurring throughout warmer parts of the country up to an altitude of 1000 meter.

Scientific Classification

The botanical name of Kamal is Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. It belongs to plant family Nymphaeaceae. Below is given taxonomical classification of plant.

• Kingdom : Plantae – plantes, Planta, Vegetal, plants
• Subkingdom : Viridiplantae
• Infrakingdom : Streptophyta – land plants
• Superdivision : Embryophyta
• Division : Tracheophyta – vascular plants, tracheophytes
• Subdivision : Spermatophytina – spermatophytes, seed plants, phanérogames
• Class : Magnoliopsida
• Superorder : Proteanae
• Order : Proteales
• Family : Nelumbonaceae – Indian lotus
• Genus : Nelumbo Adans. – lotus
• Species : Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. – Sacred lotus

Synonym:

1. Nelumbium nelumbo Druce
2. Nelumbium speciosum Willd
3. Nelumbo speciosa Willd.

Description of Plant

The lotus is an erect, large, attractive aquatic herb with large circular, leathery leaves measuring about 20 inches (50 cm) in diameter. The overall height of the plant is 3 – 6 ft. (1 – 2 m) high. The leaves and large, fragrant, white or pink flowers with a yellow Centre float on the water. Slender, elongated roots reach down into, and fan out through, the mud of the pond. The flowers are solitary and the plant has many-seeded ovoid fruits. The lotus grows in shallow ponds and marshland throughout India up to an altitude of 5,400 ft. (1,800 m).

Part(s) used for medicinal purpose: Plant, Seed, Leaf, Root, Flower, Filament, Anther, Stalks leaves.

Plant type: aquatic herb

Flowering & Fruiting: March – December (January).

Distribution: It is native to Asia and distributed from South and East Asia (Bhutan, China, Indonesia (Java), Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, New Guinea, Pakistan, Philippines, Russia (Far East), Sri Lanka and Thailand) to far eastern Russia and to N. Australia and America.

Habitat: A range of shallow wetland habitats, including fresh water ponds, lakes, marshes, swamps and the backwaters of reservoirs.

Propagated by: division of rhizomes and by seeds.

Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It grows in water.

Etymology: The genus name is derived from the Tamil word Nelum, which means blue, and the specific epithet ‘nucifera’ derived from the Latin words, nux (= nut) and fera (= bearing), for nut-bearing.

Economic Importance: Leaves are used for wrapping food and as plate. Flower is used as the source of lotus perfume. Dried flowers are used in preparation of fragrant herbal tea. Young leaves, petioles and flowers are eaten as vegetables. Tender seeds are edible.

Ceremonial Uses: Flowers are used as offerings in temples. Fiber obtained from lotus plant is used for weaving special robes for Buddha images, and the flower is considered a symbol of fortune in Buddhism. Lotus flowers are essential part of Durga Puja in West Bengal.

Vernacular names/Synonyms

1. Latin name: Nelumbo nucifera
2. Sanskrit: Padnakanda, Saluka, Ambhoruha (Rhizome) Abja, Aravind, Padma, Kalhara, Shatapatra, Pundrahva, Pundarika, Prapaundarika (white), Sitopala, Pankaja, kokanada (red), Indivara (Bluish), Padma kesar (Adr.)
3. Assamese: Kamal Kakdi (Rhizome) Podum (Flower)
4. Bengali: Padma Phool, Salaphool (Flower)
5. English: Sacred Lotus
6. Gujarati: Loda (Rhizome), Kamal (Flower)
7. Hindi: Kamal Kand, Kamal Kakdi (Rhizome), Kamal, Kanwal (Flower)
8. Kannada: Tavare Kande (Rhizome) Kamal, Tavare, Naidile, Tavaregedd (Flower)
9. Kashmir: Nadru (stem)
10. Malayalam: Tamara Kizangu (Rhizome) Tamara, Venthamara, Chenthamara, Senthamara (Flower)
11. Marathi: Kamal Kand (Rhizome) Komala (Flower)
12. Oriya: Padma (Rhizome)
13. Punjabi: Kaul, Bhein (Rhizome) Kanwal, Pamposh (Flower)
14. Tamil: Tamardi Kizangu (Rhizome) Tamarai, Thamaraipoo, Aravindan, Paduman, Kamalam, Sarojam (Flower)
15. Telugu: Tamara Gadda (Rhizome) Kaluva, Tamarapuvow (Flower)
16. Urdu: Kanwal Kakdi (Rhizome) Kamal (Flower)
17. Siddha: Tamarai malar
18. Myanmar name: Badonmakyar
19. Other Common Names: Lian ou, Lin ngau, Hasu, Renkon, Yun gun
20. Kamal is known as Neelofer / Nilufer in Unani-tibb. Its Mizaj (Temperament) is considered Cold and Dry.

Rhizome: Rhizome has distinct nodes and internodes, cylindrical, 0.5-2.5 cm in dia., longitudinally marked with brown patches, smooth, yellowish white to yellowish-brown; root adventitious, less developed, 0.5-1 mm thick, attached to node of rhizome; dark brown.

Flower: Entire or pieces of flowers, comprising of calyx, corolla, androecium, gynoecium and thalamus; entire flower 10-15 cm in dia., yellowish-brown; sepals leaf-like, crimpled, 3-5 cm long, 1.3-2 cm wide, dark brown, broken pieces also occur; petals numerous, crimp led, elliptic, obtuse, membranous, finely veined, 2-4 cm long, 1.2-2 cm wide yellowish-brown; anther, erect, linear 1.4-2 cm long, extended into clavate appendages; gynoceium apocarpous; carpels many, free, embedded in a creamy, top shaped fleshy thalamus (torus) 3-5 cm long and 2.5-3 cm wide; fruit an etaerio of achenes, becoming loose in their sockets when ripe; seed hard, black, starchy and large.

Constituents

Flowers yielded quercetin, luteolin and their glycosides and kaempferol glycosides. Leaves gave quercetin, isoquercitrin and leucoanthocyanidin. Leaves contain alkaloids, nelumbin and roemerin.

Ayurvedic Properties and Action of Rhizome and flower

Rhizome:

1. Rasa (taste on tongue): Kasaya (Astringent), Madhura (Sweet), Katu (Pungent), Lavan (Saline), Tikta (Bitter)
2. Guna (Pharmacological Action): Guru (Heavy), Ruksha (Dry)
3. Virya: Sita (Cooling)
4. Vipaka (transformed state after digestion): Madhura (Sweet)

Karma: Chakshushya, Krimighna, Kaphahara, Pittahara, Ruchya, Vrishya, Varnya, Vishaghna, Vishambhakara, Dahashamaka, Raktadushtihara, Durjara, Stanyajanana, Sangrahi, Mutravirechaniya, Vatakara.

Therapeutich uses: Trishna, chardi, Raktapitta, Murchha, Kasa, Vatagulma, Visarpa, Visphota, Mutrakrichhra, Dansodbhava, Jvara, Bhrama, Shosha, Hridroga

Flower:

1. Rasa: Madhura, Tikta, Kashaya
2. Guna: Shita, Laghu
3. Virya: Shita
4. Vipaka: Madhura
5. Karma: Kaphahara, Mutra Virajaniya, Pittahara, Santapahara, Varnya
6. Therapeuticuses - Raktapitta, Visarpa, Trishna Daha, Vishavikara.

Important formulations containing Kamala

1. Anu Taila
2. Arimedadi Taila
3. Bhringraja Taila
4. Balaswagandhadi Tailam
5. Drakshadi Kashayam
6. Pushyanuga Churna
7. Kanaka Taila
8. Ushirasava
9. Varunasava
10. Triphala Ghrita

Dosage of Various parts of Lotus / Kamal

Various parts of lotus can be given in following dose to adults. Children of age 5-16 years should be given half of the adult dosage.

Flower (Kamala) as powder: 3-6 gram

Rhizome (Bisa / Bhen): 30-50 gram

Stalk (Mrinal / Murar) as powder: 30-50 gram

Seed Powder (Padmabija / Kamalgatta): 3-6 gram

Pollen: 1-2 gram

Medicinal Uses of Kamal / Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera)

Lotus has been used as a medicinal herb in India from ancient times. The leaves, seeds, flower, and rhizome, filaments, all are edible and used for medicinal purpose. The lotus seeds are known as Kamal- gatta and rhizome is called as kamal kakri in India. Flowers are known as Kamala. Rhizome paste is applied in ringworm and other cutaneous affections. Stem helps in the healthy growth of the fetus. Roots help in removal of toxic wastes from body, and also helpful in reducing body heat. Leaves and flowers are useful in many bleeding disorders. Flowers are prescribed to promote conception.

Leaves

1. Lotus leaves have lipolytic, anti-obesity, cardiovascular and hypocholesterolaemic activity.
2. They also possess diuretic and astringent properties and help to treat fever, sweating and strangury and as styptic.
3. The paste of leaf can be applied to the body during fever and inflammatory skin conditions.
4. Leaves are used as effective drug for hematemesis, epistaxis, hemoptysis, hematuria and metrorrhagia.

Flower

1. The flower is cooling, sedative, astringent, cholagogue, cardiac tonic, diuretic, bitter, expectorant and refrigerant.
2. The decoction of lotus flower is given in cholera, fever, disease of liver, strangury, and palpitation of heart.
3. Lotus flowers are considered a tonic for the heart, liver and skin, particularly when aggravated pitta is involved.
4. Flowers, with their parts or extracts have shown to possess antimicrobial, vasodilating, antihypertensive, antiarrhythmic, aphrodisiac and antioxidant properties.
5. Flowers are recommended to promote conception.
6. The decoction of the flowers is used in the treatment of premature ejaculation.

Seeds

1. The seeds (Kamal beej/Kamal Gatta) are given for vomiting, leprosy, chronic diarrhoea, in high blood pressure, fevers and as antidote to poisons.
2. They are used as spleen tonic.
3. Nutritionally, lotus seeds consist of 10.5% moisture, 10.6-15.9% protein, 1.93-2.8% crude fat, 70-72.17% carbohydrate, 2.7% crude fibre and energy 348.45 cal/100 g.
4. Minerals present in lotus seeds include chromium (0.0042%), sodium (1%), potassium (28.5%), calcium (22.1%), magnesium (9.2%), copper (0.0463%), zinc (0.084%), manganese (0.356%) and iron (0.199%).
5. The seeds are tonic and eaten raw or roasted.
6. They are demulcent and nutritive.
7. The seeds are high in protein and encourage hormonal function. They are used as an aphrodisiac.
8. The seeds or their extracts have been reported to possess anti-proliferative, anti-fibrosis, antidepressant, anti-inflammation, astringent, hepatoprotective and free radical scavenging, anti-obesity, hypolipidemic, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and antiviral activities.
9. Seed powder is used against cough. For Kasa / cough, powder of seeds 3 gram, is given with honey two times a day.

Rhizome

1. The rhizomes, or underground stems (often called roots) grow in the mud at the bottom of shallow ponds, lakes, lagoons, marshes and flooded fields. They contain large spaces that allow for air storage for the submerged plant structures.
2. The starchy rhizomes are very nutritious and can be eaten either raw or cooked. They are edible and has mild flavor. They consist of 1.7% protein, 0.1% fat and 9.7% carbohydrate.
3. Lotus Rhizome has diuretic, anti-diabetic, anti-obesity, hypoglycemic, antipyretic and antioxidant activities.
4. They are used in piles, dysentery, chronic dyspepsia, and dysentery. It is applied externally in skin affections, eruptions, scabies and ringworm. The rhizome extract has anti-diabetic.
5. The rhizome is demulcent and increase sperm production. It arrests bleeding and assist respiratory conditions such as pharyngitis.
6. For infertility in women, lotus root powder (1 teaspoon) + Shatavari powder (1 teaspoon) + 1/4 cup of Aloe Vera juice + 1/2 cup of warm water is mixed. This mix is taken twice a day on an empty stomach.
7. Lotus rhizome are rich in highly digestible starch, vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber and used as food.
8. As a reproductive tonic, to boost sperm count and libido, the seed and root powder (each 3 grams) is mixed in one cup of warm almond milk and taken one hour before bed.

Filaments

1. The filaments / Padma Kesara is astringent and hemostatic and prescribed for bleeding piles and menorrhagia.
2. In piles Padma Kesara, five gram is given with five gram butter.
3. Contraindications, Interactions, and Side Effects
4. Seed should not be taken in constipation and stomach distention.
5. Hazards and/or side effects not known for proper therapeutic dosages.

References

1. Anonymous. (1992). The Wealth of India. Volume 3, Council of Scientific Industrial Research, New Delhi, India.
2. Chopra, R.N., Nayar, S.L. and Chopra, I.C. (1956). Glossary of Indian Medicinal Plants. Council of Scientific Industrial Research, New Delhi, India.
3. Duke JA et al. Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, 2nd edn. CRC Press.
4. Hedrick, U.P. (1972). Sturtevant’s Edible Plants of the World. (ed Hedrick. U.P.). Dover Publications, New York.
5. Khare CP. Indian Herbal Remedies: Rational Western Therapy, Ayurvedic, and Other Traditional Usage, Botany, Springer.
6. Nadkarni, A.K. (1982). The Indian Materia Medica. Volume 1, Popular Prakashan Pvt. Ltd., Bombay, India.
7. Mukherjee PK, Das J, Saha K, Pal M, Saha BP. Diuretic activity of the rhizomes of Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn (Fam. Nymphaeaceae). Phytother Res.
8. Mukherjee PK, Saha K, Balasubramanian R, Pal M, Saha BP. Studies on psychopharmacological effects of Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. Rhizome extract J Ethnopharmacol.
9. Ogle, B.M., Dao, H.T.A., Mulokozi, G. and Hambraeus, L. (2001). Micronutrient composition and nutritional importance of gathered vegetables in Vietnam. International Journal of Food Science and Nutrition.

Makhana is a nutritious dry fruit known as Fox Nut (Euryale ferox). It is a good source of carbohydrate, protein and minerals. Some researches has found, it is superior to other common dry fruits such as almond, walnut, cashew nut in terms of sugar, proteins, ascorbic acid and phenol content. It is good source of essential amino acids. In Ayurveda, Makhana is used to treat variety of diseases. It is given to treat beriberi, dysentery, debility and as a general health tonic. It improves fertility.

General Information

Scientific Classification

The botanical name of Makhana is Euryale ferox. It is commonly called Fox nut, Gorgon nut, Prickly water lily. It belongs to plant family Nymphaeaceae. Below is given taxonomical classification of plant.

1. Kingdom: Plantae – Plants
2. Subkingdom: Tracheobionta – Vascular plants
3. Superdivision: Spermatophyta – Seed plants
4. Division: Magnoliophyta – Flowering plants
5. Class: Magnoliopsida – Dicotyledons
6. Subclass: Magnoliidae
7. Order: Nymphaeales
8. Family: Nymphaeaceae – Water-lily family
9. Genus: Euryale Salisb. – euryale P
10. Species: Euryale ferox Salisb. – euryale

Makhana is wrongly equated with Taalmakhana. Taalmakhana (Asteracantha longifolia), also known as Kokilaaksha, Kokilaakshi, Ikshura, Ikshuraka, Kaakekshu, Kshurak, Bhikshu belongs pant family Acanthaceae.

Part(s) used for medicinal purpose: seeds

Plant type: aquatic.

Distribution: tropical and subtropical regions of south-east and East Asia. In India, it is extensively cultivated in Darbhanga, Madhubani, Samastipur and Saharsa districts and partly in the Muzaffarpur, Champaran and Purnea districts.

Habitat: Shallow water bodies.

Makhana is an aquatic cash crop and in India, it is mainly cultivated in Bihar.

Vernacular names/Synonyms

1. Latin name: Euryale ferox
2. English: Fox nut, Gorgon nut, Prickly water lily.
3. Ayurvedic: Makhaann, Paaniyaphala,
4. Padma-bijaabha, Ankalodya
5. Unani: Makhaanaa
6. Hindi: Makhana
7. Bengali: Makhana
8. Telugu: Mellunipadmamu
9. Oriya: Kuntapadamu

How Makhana is Prepared from the seeds?

Euryale ferox is a stem less, prickly, aquatic herb. Its leaves are big, oblong, orbicular corrugated about 6-100 cm in diameter and floats like plate on water surface. The leaves are reddish green above, purple below. The leaves, fruits all are densely spinous. The flowers are solitary, submerged, and epigynous. Ovary is inferior, multi carpellary. It develops into a spongy berry like fruit which is densely prickly, the size of an orange, and contains 30-40 pea size seeds with hard black seed coat and a mucilaginous aril. The pulpy aril keeps the fruit floating for a few days. After this it finally settle down to the bottom.

The processing of Makhana involves following steps

Collecting the fruits: The sunken fruits are collected from the pond manually with the help of a horn shaped split bamboo contrivance and floating fruits are collected by nets.

Cleaning and Washing: These are cleaned and washed. They are thoroughly sun-dried in the morning between 8-11 am so that the moisture content reaches around 25-30 percent. Water is sprinkled to keep the seeds fresh and moisture content optimum.

Storage and grading: The seeds thus prepared are graded according to size and stored.

Preheating and tempering: The seeds of same size are heated with continuous stirring over fire for approximately 6 minutes followed by storing them in open baskets approximately for two days.

Roasting: These seeds are again heated in an open pan over fire.

Popping: When a crackling sound is heard 5-7 seeds are taken and kept on a hard surface. These are then hit with a wooden hammer. There is steam pressure inside the seed so hitting breaks the seed coat and the kernel pops out in expanded from.

Removal of seed coat and polishing: Seed coats are then removed manually. These popped kernels are known as Makhana.

These are polished by rubbing it against baskets made of bamboo splits without any delay to avoid absorption of moisture.

Grading and packing: Grading is done on the basis of size and whiteness. Popped, polished and graded product is finally packed in polyethylene or lined gunny bags.

Final product: The final product obtained by above is the dry fruit Makhana.

Makhana Nutrition

Makhana has high nutritional value. It contain higher amino acid (89-93%). The calorific value of raw Makhana is 362 kcal/100gm and 328 kcal/100gm for popped Makhana. It contains minerals (0.5%) with traces of carotene (1.4 mg). it is does not contain cholesterol.

The nutritional value of Makhana is given below (g/100g):

1. Moisture: 12.8
2. Carbohydrate: 76.9
3. Proteins: 9.7
4. Fat: 0.1
5. Total minerals: 0.5
6. Calcium: 0.02
7. Phosphorus: 0.9
8. Iron: 0.0014

Health Benefits of Makhana / Fox Nut

Makhana is a very nutritive dry fruit. It is a tonic and improves general health condition. It is rich in Vitamin B1 (thiamine) and used to treat nutritional disorder beriberi characterized by impairment of the nerves and heart.

Makhana / Fox nut / Euryale ferox / Gorgon nut, offers several health benefits and some of them are given below.

1. It is low in fat (0.4 %) and does not cause gain in weight.
2. It is a good source of carbohydrate, macro and micro-nutrients.
3. It is rich in calcium (0.0344 to 0.0392 %) and phosphorus (0.0775 to 0.0899 %).
4. It is rich in protein (11-12 %), calcium and minerals.
5. It contains more essential amino acids than milk, mutton, or pulses.
6. It is tonic for spleen.
7. It helps in Vitamin B1 deficiency.
8. It is cooling in nature.
9. It is especially useful in vitiation of Pitta (bile disorders).
10. It cures Pitta-vikar, Rakt-vikar, and burning sensation.
11. It is Virya vardhak. It helps in spermatogenesis.
12. It is given to treat Pradar, uterus weakness, impotency and sperm discharge.
13. It improves chances of conception.
14. Eating Makhana Post-delivery helps to cure weakness.
15. Deficiency of various vitamins and mineral results in horrible nightmare. Makhana cures nightmares due to richness in B vitamin, macro and micronutrients.
16. It is boon for reproductive health.

Makhana is alterative, antidiabetic, analgesic, aphrodisiac and astringent in action. It is useful in diarrhea, erectile dysfunction, female infertility, impotence, kidney disorders, leucorrhoea, and vaginal discharge. It is easy to digest and can be eaten by everyone. It can be enjoyed as fried salted snack (Namkeen), kheer or curry. Since they are cool in potency and increases Kapha / phlegm, so people with tendency for Kapha should take Makhana cautiously.

In Ayurveda Giloy is a very important and extensively used Ayurvedic medicinal herb. It is also known as Gurach, Galo, Gulancha, Guduchi, Amrita, Shindilkodi, Guruch, Guduch, Gudurchi, Gulancha, Heart-Leaved Moonseed and Tinospora. It belongs to plant family Menispermaceae. It is an herbaceous vine that propagates through stem cutting. Giloy is used in treatment of Gout, Pile, general, debility, fever, Jaundice and other disorders. It is given to treat chronic cases of fever with enlarged spleen.

Overview Giloy Herb

Giloy is known as Amrita, which means elixir of life due to its medicinal properties and numerous health benefits. Please read on to know in detail the immense potential of Giloy to cure diseases and to promote good health, and also why it is Amrit.

For medicinal purpose stem, leaves and roots of plant are generally used. The stem contains several active adaptogenic constituents such as tinosporone, tinosporic acid, cordifolisides A to E, syringen, the yellow alkaloid, berberine, giloin, and a glucosidal bitter principle as well as polysaccharides, including arabinogalactan polysaccharide. These active constituents are found to possess anticomplementary and immunomodulatory activities.

Vernacular names

1. Sanskrit : Amritavalli, Amrita, Madhuparni, Guducika, Chinnobhava
2. Assamese : Siddhilata, Amarlata
3. Bengali : Gulancha
4. Gujrati : Galac, Garo
5. Hindi : Giloe, Gurcha
6. Kannada : Amrutaballi
7. Kashmiri : Amrita, Gilo
8. Malayalam : Chittamrutu
9. Marathi : Gulvel
10. Oriya : Guluchi
11. Punjabi : Gilo
12. Tamil : Seendal, Seendil kodi
13. Telugu : Thippateega
14. Urdu : Gilo

Part Used: Stem, Root, Plant, Fruit

Stem: Stem-pieces glabrous, cylindrical, solid, lenticillate, 5-15 mm in diameter having light brown surface marked with warty protuberances due to circular lenticels. Transversely smoothened surface shows a radial structure with conspicuous medullary rays traversing porous tissues.

Ayurvedic Properties and Action of Tinospora

1. Rasa : Tikta, Kashaya
2. Guna : Laghu
3. Virya : Ushna
4. Vipaka : Madhura
5. Karma : Balya, Dipana, Rasayana, Sangrahi, Tridoshashamaka, Raktashodhaka, Jvaraghna
6. Therapeutic uses in Ayurveda: Jvara, Kushtha, Pandu, Prameha, Vatarakta, Kamala.

Dosage of Giloy

3-6 g in powder form, 20-30 g of the drug for decoction. Children should be given half dosage compared to adult.

Medicinal Properties of Giloy with meaning

1. Adaptogen (to help the body adapt to stress): increases the body's ability to resist the damaging effects of stress and promote or restore normal physiological functioning.
2. Alterative: restores to normal health.
3. Analgesic: provides pain relief.
4. Antibacterial: active against bacteria, destroys bacteria or suppresses their growth or their ability to reproduce.
5. Antidiabetic: The oral administration of the extract of Tinospora cordifolia roots for 6 weeks resulted in a significant reduction in blood and urine glucose and in lipids in serum and tissues in alloxan diabetic rats. The extract also prevented a decrease in body weight.
6. Anti-inflammatory: reduces inflammation or swelling.
7. Antioxidant: inhibits oxidation, removes potentially damaging oxidizing agents in a living organism.
8. Antiperiodic: Preventing regular recurrence of the symptoms of a disease, as in malaria, fever.
9. Antipyretic: effective against fever, called also antifebrile.
10. Antispasmodic: relieves spasm of involuntary muscle. Used to prevent spasms of the muscles, stomach, intestine or urinary bladder.
11. Antiviral: active against viral infections.
12. Astringent: causes contraction of skin cells and other body tissues.
13. Choleretic: increase the volume of secretion of bile from the liver as well as the amount of solids secreted.
14. Deobstruent: removes obstructions. It has the power to clear or open the natural ducts of the fluids and secretions of the body.
15. Diuretic: causes increased passing of urine.
16. Hepatoprotective: has the ability to prevent damage to the liver.
17. Hypoglycemic: lowers the blood sugar level.
18. Immunomodulatory: immunomodulator modifies the immune response or the functioning of the immune system (as by the stimulation of antibody formation or the inhibition of white blood cell activity). They act to strengthen weak immune systems and to moderate immune systems that are overactive. Immunomodulator helps in prevention and treatment of a wide range of disorders such as the inflammatory diseases of skin, gut, respiratory tract, joints and central organs.
19. Giloy stimulate macrophages and enhance their phagocytic activity and intracellular killing activity.
20. Lipolytic: breaks lipids and involves hydrolysis of triglycerides into glycerol and free fatty acids.
21. Tonic: restores or improves health or well-being.

Diseases in which Giloy is Effective

The powder / Churna, Giloy Sat or decoction of Giloy can be used in treatment of following diseases.

1. Anemia, Bacteria
2. Cough, Cramp
3. Debility, Dermatosis, Diabetes, Diarrhea, Dysentery, Dyspepsia
4. Erysipelas / red patches on the skin
5. Fever, Fracture
6. Gonorrhea, Gout
7. Hemorrhoid
8. Hepatosis / any non-inflammatory functional disorder of the liver
9. Impotence, Inflammation, inflammation of the urethra,
10. Jaundice
11. Malaria
12. Pain, Painful urination
13. Rheumatism
14. Spermatorrhoea
15. Thirst, Tuberculosis,
16. Viral infection
17. Water Retention

Health Benefits of Giloy Stem

1. It is rejuvenator.
2. It increases body immunity against diseases.
3. It removes toxins from body.
4. It is General anthelmintic.
5. It is bitter tonic that helps by improving digestion and assimilation.
6. It removes obstruction in channels, burns toxic waste (ama) and balances Vata, Pitta and Kapha.
7. The fresh leaf juice has diuretic action. It gives relief in burning and painful urination.
8. It reduces cholesterol and lipid level.
9. It gives strength to heart and cures weakness of heart.
10. It is the best herb to cure fevers in all type of diseases, including malaria, typhoid, jaundice and tuberculosis. The decoction of Giloy, taken for few days, thrice a day cures fever.
11. For digestive system, it is a boon. It protects liver and cures liver disorders. It gives relief in excessive acid secretion, ulcer formation, gastritis, gallbladder inflammation, indigestion, gas and constipation.

List Of Medicines Containing Giloy

1. Amritarishta (all types of fever) it boost immunity can be used as immunity booster.
2. Amritottara Kvatha Churna
3. Guduchi Taila
4. Guduchyadi Kashayam 
5. Guduchi Satva / Giloy Sat
6. Chitrak Haritaki
7. Dashmularishta
8. Nimbadi Churna
9. Kaishore Guggulu for Gout treatment
10. Giloy Ghanvati

Giloy can be used in both dried and fresh form. The fresh stem can be used to extract juice and for preparing decoction. The dried form can be taken in dose of 3-6 grams along with appropriate other ingredients. Tinospora does not produce any side-effects. It is safe for everyone.

Alsi is highly nutritious and improves overall health. It is one of the best source of Omega 3 fatty acids is known by many common names such as Linseed, Common Flax, Mary's Linen Cloth, Flax Seed, and Lint Bells. Flax seeds contain palmitic, stearic, oleic, linoleic acids, amino acids, sugars, mucilage (3-10%), fatty oil (30-40%) and glycosides. It is high in protein and helps in building muscles. It is good for heart, brain, skin, nerves, joints, and reproductive system. It is a boon for human beings.

By Sanjay Acharya CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=5805308

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General Information

It is an annual, erect, willowy plant with few branches and simple, alternate, oblong leaves. It bears blue or blue-violet five-petaled flowers. From the flowers, the flattened, shiny light brown seeds are borne in an eight- to ten-seeded capsule. These seeds are used as food and medicine. These tiny-shiny-smooth seeds are considered Superfood due to their ability to prevent and treat wide variety of diseases.

Vernacular names

1. Latin Name : Linum usitatissimum
2. English : Linseed, Flaxseed
3. Ayurvedic : Atasi, Umaa, Masrnaa, Nilapushpi, Kshumaaअतासी, मसीना,उमा, क्षुमा
4. Unani : Kattan
5. Siddha : Ali, Virai, Sirrali (Seed)
6. Assamese : Tisi, Tusi
7. Bengali : Masina, Atasi
8. English : Linseed
9. Gujrati : Alshi, Arasi
10. Hindi : Alsi, teesi, tisi तीसी
11. Kannada : Agasebeeja, Semeagare, Agasi
12. Kashmiri : Alsi
13. Malayalam : Agastha, Agasi, Cheru charm
14. Marathi : Atshi
15. Oriya : Atushi
16. Punjabi : Ali
17. Tamil : Ali, Virai
18. Telugu : Avisa
19. Urdu : Alsi, Katan

Scientific Classification

1. Kingdom: Plantae – Plants
2. Subkingdom: Tracheobionta – Vascular plants
3. Superdivision: Spermatophyta – Seed plants
4. Division: Magnoliophyta – Flowering plants
5. Class: Magnoliopsida – Dicotyledons
6. Subclass: Rosidae
7. Order: Linales
8. Family: Linaceae – Flax family
9. Genus: Linum L. – flax
10. Species: Linum usitatissimum L. – common flax

Ayurvedic Properties and Action

1. Rasa (taste on tongue): Madhura (Sweet), Tikta (Bitter)
2. Guna (Pharmacological Action): Guru (Heavy), Snigdha (Unctuous)
3. Virya: Ushna (Heating)
4. Vipaka (transformed state after digestion): Katu (Pungent)
5. Action: Vataghna, Achaksushya

Medicinal Properties of Flax Seeds

Flax seeds are rich in medicinal properties. The understanding of these properties, will help us to better utilize this superfood. Below is given medicinal properties along with the meaning.

1. Analgesic: acting to relieve pain
2. Antiatherogenic: preventing or inhibiting formation of abnormal fatty or lipid masses in arterial walls)
3. Anti-inflammatory: Reducing inflammation by acting on body mechanisms.
4. Antioxidant: neutralize the oxidant effect of free radicals and other substances.
5. Antiplatelet: decrease platelet aggregation and inhibit thrombus formation.
6. Antitumor / anticancer: preventing or inhibiting the formation or growth of tumors.
7. Antitussive: prevent or relieve a cough.
8. Cardio tonic: increase the efficiency and improve the contraction of the heart muscle, which leads to improved blood flow to all tissues of the body.
9. Demulcent: relieving inflammation or irritation.
10. Digestive: digestant
11. Diuretic: Promoting excretion of urine/agent that increases the amount of urine excreted.
12. Emmenagogue: stimulate blood flow in the pelvic area and uterus, some stimulate menstruation.
13. Emollient: Soothing and softening effect on the skin or an irritated internal surface.
14. Estrogenic: hormones produced primarily by the ovaries that stimulate the development and maintenance of female secondary sex characteristics.
15. Expectorant: Promoting or facilitating the secretion or expulsion of phlegm, mucus, or other matter from the respiratory tract.
16. Galactagogue: promotes or increases the flow of a mother's milk
17. Hypocholesterolemic: lowering (hypo-) levels of cholesterol in the blood (-emia)
18. Hypoglycemic: Reducing level of the sugar glucose in the blood.
19. Laxative: tending to stimulate or facilitate evacuation of the bowels.
20. Lipolytic: breaks lipids, triglycerides
21. Peristaltic: involuntary contraction passing along the walls of a hollow muscular structure (as the esophagus or intestine) and forcing the contents onward

Diseases in Which Flax seeds are helpful

1. Atherosclerosis (deposition of fatty material on arteries)
2. Backache
3. Boil, acne, wart
4. Chronic renal diseases (gradual loss of kidney function)
5. Cancer prevention
6. Constipation, piles, fistula, hemorrhoid
7. Cold, cough, Pleurisy, Pneumonia
8. Diverticulosis (condition in which small sacs or pockets develop in the wall of the colon)
9. Diabetes / Elevated level of blood sugar
10. Fever, Malaria
11. Gonorrhea (venereal disease involving inflammatory discharge from the urethra or vagina)
12. Gout, Rheumatism, Swelling
13. Hepatosis (non-inflammatory functional disorder of the liver)
14. High Cholesterol
15. Hyperglycemia
16. Heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol-triglycerides level
17. Hypercholesterolemia (excess of cholesterol in the bloodstream)
18. I.B.S., Ulcerative colitis, acidity
19. Lupus nephritis (autoimmune system disease characterized by inflammation of the kidneys)
20. Migraine / Headache
21. Obesity
22. Proteinuria (presence of abnormal quantities of protein in the urine, which may indicate damage to the kidneys)
23. Stones (Kidney Stone, Gallstone)
24. Stress, tension, laziness, anger, low energy level, depression, anxiety, sleeplessness
25. Splenosis (autoimplantation one or more focal deposits of splenic tissue in various compartments of the body)
26. Health Benefits of Flax seeds (Alsi)
27. It is highly nutritious. It contains omega-3 fatty acid, alpha-linolenic acid, protein and fibre.
28. It is an excellent source of dietary alpha-linolenic acid for modifying plasma and tissue lipids.
29. It contains 20 % good proteins and helps in muscles formation.
30. It reduces cholesterol and lipid.
31. It is hot in potency and gives relief in coughs, catarrh, and lung and chest problems.
32. It is good for heart.
33. It protects from coronary heart diseases.
34. It increases good cholesterol and reduces triglycerides.
35. It prevents formation of blood clots in the blood vessels of heart.
36. It is effective in digestive disorders, irritable bowel syndrome, gastritis, enteritis and constipation.
37. It is considered beneficial in urinary disorders.
38. It is protects colon and helps in damage to colon by abuse of laxatives.
39. It prevents formation of stones in the gall bladder.
40. Due to presence of Lignin, which has estrogenlikeeffect, it is effective in disorders of menstruation and menopause syndrome.
41. It stimulates milk production in new nursing mother.
42. It is good for skin and cures skin dryness.
43. It supports better functioning of heart, brain, liver, kidneys, adrenal and thyroid glands.

Directions to use alsi

Dosage of Alsi

To get the health benefits of Alsi / Flaxseeds, one should regularly eat 10-40 grams of it. The seeds can be chewed or you may just ground them to powder using a grinder. The powder can be taken in dose of 1-2 tablespoon in the morning with water or soup.

If you eat, 2 tablespoons of Flaxseeds, it will provide 133 % of Omega-3 fats, 19 percent of Vitamin B1, copper and Manganese, 15 percent of fiber, 14 percent of Magnesium and Phosphorus and about 6 % of Selenium.

Contraindications, Interactions, and Side Effects

1. Drink plenty of water while taking flax seeds.
2. It should not be taken in bowel obstruction.
3. It may affect absorption of medicines.
4. No known side effects when taken in proper therapeutic dosages.