Author: Hakeem Hashmi
Latin name : Withania somnifera Dunal (Solanaceae) Sanskrit/Indian name : Ashvagandha, Hayahvaya, Vajigandha, Asgandh Urdu Name : Asgand Nagori General information : Literally translated, the Sanskrit name for Winter Cherry, Ashvagandha, means ‘the smell and strength of a horse’. Winter Cherry is a nervine tonic, an antioxidant and also possesses anti-inflammatory properties. It has been used in Ayurveda to boost the immune system and promote overall well-being. Therapeutic constituents : The root contains steroidal compounds which include the lactones Withaferin A and carbon-27-glycowithanolide, known collectively as the Withanolides. The Withanolides are responsible for the varied medicinal applications of the…
Latin name : Tephrosia purpurea Sanskrit/Indian name : Sarapunkha Urdu Name : Sarphoka General information : The Sanskrit name of Wild Indigo, Sarapunkha, is a combination of two words—arrow and wings. This refers to the physical appearance of the plant. The plant is beneficial in treating skin eruptions and has insecticidal properties. Therapeutic constituents : The leaves of Wild Indigo contain rotenoid, which is an insecticidal. The seeds contain a flavonoid, lanceolarin B, which gives the plant its skin healing property. Key therapeutic benefits : Wild Indigo promotes skin healing. The oil from the seeds of the plant are…
Latin name : Arundo donax Sanskrit/Indian name : Nala General information : Wild Cane, native to the Mediterranean region, is found in abundance in Kashmir, Assam and the Nilgiris. The perennial grass can grow up to 20 feet in height. The rhizome of Wild Cane is known for its diaphoretic, diuretic and galactagogue properties. Therapeutic constituents : The rhizome yields indole-3-alkylamine bases, including bufotenidine and dehydro-bufontenine, which indicate the pharmacological properties of the herb. Key therapeutic benefits : As a galactagogue, Wild Cane stimulates milk secretion in mammals. As a diuretic and diaphoretic, the herb flushes out toxins from…
Latin name : Lilium polyphyllum Sanskrit/Indian name : Ksirakakoli Urdu name : Nilofar General information : White Lily is grows in abundance in the Indian states of Uttaranchal and Himachal Pradesh. Blended with other herbs, White Lily has a number of therapeutic benefits. It is a tonic for general health, and, at the same time, is used for the treatment of respiratory disorders. Therapeutic constituents : The principal constituents of White Lily are sugars, which gives the plant its pharmacological properties. Key therapeutic benefits : The plant is useful in treating respiratory disorders like bronchial asthma and cough. It…
Latin name : Plumbago zeylanica Linn. (Plumbaginaceae) Sanskrit/Indian name : Chitraka Urdu Name : Cheetalakdi, Sheetraj Hindi General information : White Leadwort has been mentioned in travelogues by European writers on Indian herbs. The herb has a number of widely therapeutic properties, when combined with other herbs. White Leadwort is an anti-inflammatory, stimulates the gastro-intestinal tract and has antiseptic properties. Therapeutic constituents : Plumbagin is the active chemical constituent found in the herb, which gives White Leadwort its therapeutic properties. Key therapeutic benefits : As an anti-inflammatory, a poultice made with White Leadwort soothes muscle and joint pains. Due…
Latin name : Juglans regia Linn. Sanskrit/Indian name : Akschota Urdu Name : Akhrot General information : Eaten in its raw state, Walnut has a host of therapeutic benefits. Recent studies have shown that Walnuts contain a large amount of fatty acids, which are known to reduce triglyceride levels. Walnut also contains a wealth of other nutrients, which include vitamins B and E and fiber. Apart from the nut itself, Walnut shells act as exfoliating micro-particles and contain acids that are antiseptic and astringent. Walnut kernels are often added to exfoliating scrubs. Therapeutic constituents : Walnuts are rich in…
Latin name : Curcuma longa Linn. (Zingiberaceae) Sanskrit/Indian name : Haridra, Rajani, Nisha Haldi, Halada Urdu name : Haldi General information : Turmeric is a vital herb in Ayurvedic medicine, whose spice form can be recognized by its dazzling, yellow color. The root of the herb, used either fresh or dried, has a host of medicinal benefits. It acts as a carminative and also enhances the complexion and skin-tone. In addition, Turmeric can be used to combat liver damage, respiratory disorders and ulcers. Therapeutic constituents : Turmeric’s principal constituent is curcumin, which is a potent antioxidant. Key therapeutic benefits…
Latin name : Zanthoxylum alatum Sanskrit/Indian name : Tejpal, Tumburu General information : Toothache Tree, native to North America, is also found in the valleys of the subtropical Himalayas. The fruit, bark and stem have all been used in traditional medicine to relieve toothache. It is also referred to as ‘Tingle Tongue’ for the numbing effect it has on the gums and teeth. Therapeutic constituents : The roots, stem and bark of Toothache Tree contain the alkaloid magnoflorine, which gives the tree its pharmacological benefits. Key therapeutic benefits : Toothache Tree extracts are beneficial in alleviating toothache.
Latin name : Solanum lycopersicum, Lycopersicon esculentum Sanskrit/Indian name : Raktamaci, Tamatar Urdu Name : Timatar General information : Tomato is an important culinary ingredient that is often eaten raw. The fruit is also revered for its therapeutic benefits. It is a potent antioxidant, a rich source of vitamins and minerals, lowers cholesterol, revitalizes the skin and maintains gastrointestinal health. Therapeutic constituents : Tomato contains folic acid, pantothenic acid, biotin, vitamin K and inhibitols, which are related to vitamin E. The principal organic acid present in the Tomato fruit is citric acid. Carotenoids, ß-carotene and lycopene have also been…
Sanskrit/Indian name : Brahmi, Nira-Brahmi Urdu Name : Jal Brahmi General information : Thyme Leaved Gratiola is a nervine tonic that enhances learning, academic performance and improves mental ability. It acts as an anti-anxiety agent and is used to treat several mental disorders. It also calms restlessness in children. Thyme Leaved Gratiola is used as a nootropic, a drug that enhances cognitive ability. Therapeutic constituents : The herb contains the alkaloids brahmine, herpestine and nicotine. Hersaponin is reported to have cardiotonic and sedative properties. These constituents work synergistically to render the herb its pharmacological properties. Key therapeutic benefits :…