Author: Hakeem Hashmi

Latin name : Crataeva nurvala, C. magna Sanskrit/Indian name : Varuna Urdu name : Barna General information : Three Leaved Caper is found throughout India, especially along the river banks. It possesses anti-inflammatory, diuretic, lithontriptic, demulcent and tonic properties. Therapeutic constituents : The bark of Three Leaved Caper contains ceryl alcohol, friedelin, lupeol, betulinic acid and diosgenin, which constitute the pharmacological properties of the herb. Key therapeutic benefits : Three Leaved Caper is beneficial in the treatment of urinary tract infections, painful and burning urination, and urinary and kidney stones.

Latin name : Datura metel Linn. (Solanaceae), D. fastuosa Linn., D. alba (Ness) Sanskrit/Indian name : Dhatura, Dhatur Urdu Name : Dhatura General information : Thorn Apple has been used in traditional medicine for healing for centuries. It is recommended for treating respiratory disorders, fevers and joint aches. Thorn Apple is also a potent sedative. Therapeutic constituents : The principal active constituent of Thorn Apple is a hyoscine—scopolamine. Scopolamine, which is primarily a sedative, also possesses analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. Key therapeutic benefits : A poultice made from Thorn Apple extracts has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, which alleviate joint…

Latin Name : Eclipta prostrata (Linn.) Linn./ Eclipta alba (Linn.) Hassk. (Asteraceae) Sanskrit/Indian name : Bhringaraja, Kesharaja, Kesharanjana Hindi Names : Bhangra, Mochkand, Babri English Name : Thistles Urdu name : bhangra, babri, bhangra, bhangra General information : The genus name comes from the Greek word meaning “deficient,” referencing the absence of bristles and awns on the fruit. The term Eclipta alba means “white” which refers to the color of the flowers. The herb has been traditionally used in Ayurveda mainly for the treatment of liver cirrhosis. It is bitter, hot, sharp and dry in taste. Therapeutic constituents :…

Latin name : Andrographis paniculata (Burm. f.) Wall. ex Nees (Acanthaceae) Sanskrit/Indian name : Bhunimba, Yavatikta, Kalamegha General information : The Creat is considered to be one of the most bitter plants used in traditional healthcare. Due to its bitter qualities, it is referred to as Hempedu Bumi, which means ‘Bile of the Earth’. Native to India and Sri Lanka, some cultures call the herb Mahatita, which literally translates to ‘King of Bitters’. Also known as ‘Indian Echinacea’, The Creat possesses antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antisteptic properties, which support the overall functioning of the body. Therapeutic constituents : Andrographolide, the major…

Latin name : Capparis spinosa Linn. (Capparidaceae) Sanskrit/Indian name : Himsra, Cabra Urdu name : kabar General information : The Caper Bush is an important culinary ingredient in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines. The herb is also used in French and Italian cuisine, in salads and soups. The Caper Bush is credited with antioxidant properties, which improve the body’s immune system and delay the signs of aging. It is also a potent antiviral, an anti-inflammatory and an astringent. Therapeutic constituents : The Caper Bush contains glucosinolates, glucoiberin, glucocapparin, sinigrin, glucocleomin and glucocapangatin. The plant also contains rutin. These chemical…

Latin name : Caesalpinia digyna Rottl. Sanskrit/Indian name : Udakiryaka General information : Teri Pods are large, prickly shrubs, which grow in abundance in the Indian states of Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, as well as the Eastern Ghats. The roots possess astringent, antipyretic and antioxidant properties. Therapeutic constituents : Teri Pods yield the glycoside bergenin, which gives the plant its therapeutic properties. Key therapeutic benefits : As an antioxidant, Teri Pods are revered as a tonic and physical rejuvenative. As an antipyretic, it lowers fever. Teri Pods are also astringent, which, on topical application, heal wounds more quickly.

Latin name : Borax anhydrous Sanskrit/Indian name : Tankana General information : Hydrated Sodium Tetraborate is commonly known by its Latin name Borax. It is often used as a food additive in countries like China and Indonesia. It is also used as a detergent in household cleaning products! Hydrated Sodium Tetraborate is known to possess antifungal, antiseptic and cooling properties. Therapeutic constituents : Hydrated Sodium Tetraborate is an important boron compound, a mineral and a salt of boric acid, which has medicinal properties. Key therapeutic benefits : Hydrated Sodium Tetraborate has antiseptic, antifungal and cooling properties, which help in treating…

Latin name : Tamarix gallica auct., Dyer in part, non Linn. (Tamaricaceae) Sanskrit/Indian name : Jhavuka, Jhav, Jhau Urdu Name : Berge Jhao, Mayee Kalan (galls) General information : Tamarisk, which is found in abundance in North India, has laxative and antihemolytic properties. The herb is often administered for constipation. Therapeutic constituents : Tamarixin is the main chemical constituent of Tamarisk, which gives the herb its therapeutic properties. Key therapeutic benefits : As a laxative, Tamarisk is beneficial in the treatment of constipation. It is also useful in bleeding disorders like menorrhagia and rectal bleeding.

Latin name : Tinospora cordifolia Sanskrit/Indian name : Guduchi, Amrutha, Giloy, Gurcha Urdu Name : Gilo General information : Guduchi is a part of the rasayanas (traditional rejuvenators and important daily tonics) category of Ayurvedic plants. As per the Charaka Samhita, Ayurveda’s primary text, it is a medhya rasayana or mental rejuvenative. The herb supports the normal function of the immune system by maintaining optimal levels of white blood cells like macrophages. The plant is also used in dyspepsia and various types of fever. Therapeutic constituents : The stem contains alkaloidal constituents, including berberine and bitter principals, including columbin,…

Latin name : Mimosa pudica Mimosaceae Sanskrit/Indian name : Lajjalu, Lajwanti, Chui- mui Urdu Name : Chhuimui General information : When touched or shaken, the leaves of Touch Me Not droop inwards only to reopen a little later. The plant is also widely used in traditional medicine to treat diarrhea, sinusitis and glandular swellings. Therapeutic constituents : Touch Me Not contains the alkaloids mimosine and turgorin, which make up the chief therapeutic constituents of the plant. Key therapeutic benefits : A herbal composition made from the extracts of Touch Me Not is beneficial in treating diarrhea and dysentery. It…