Author: Hakeem Hashmi
Latin name : Boerhaavia diffusa Linn., Boerhaavia repens Linn. (Nyctaginaceae) Sanskrit/Indian name : Punarnava, Shothagni Rakta punarnava, Lal Punarnava, Santh Urdu Name : Punarnava Surkh General information : Spreading Hogweed has been used in the Indian tribal community for centuries as a therapeutic herb. It has many ethnobotanical uses. The leaves are eaten as a vegetable. The root juice is used to treat asthma, urinary disorders, leukorrhea, rheumatism and encephalitis. In addition, the plant has many antimicrobial properties. Therapeutic constituents : The flavonoid arbinofuranoside, present in Spreading Hogweed, lowers serum uric acid, which is helpful in treating urogenital disorders.…
Latin name : Mentha spicata Sanskrit/Indian name : Pahari Putida, Putiha Urdu name : paudina General information : Spearmint, which contains vitamins, antioxidants and phytonutrients, has a number of health benefits. The herb is a stimulant, carminative and antispasmodic. A sweetened infusion of the herb is administered in infantile colic, vomiting in pregnancy and hysteria. The leaves are used in fevers and bronchitis. Spearmint oil is a counter-irritant. Therapeutic constituents : The chief constituents of the essential oil of Spearmint are carvone and limonene, which give the herb its therapeutic properties. Key therapeutic benefits : As a carminative, Spearmint…
Latin name : Anacyclus pyrethrum DC (Asteraceae), A. officinarum Hayne Sanskrit/Indian name : Akarakarabha, Akarkara Urdu Name : Aqarqarah General information : Spanish Pellitory, a slightly aromatic herb, is revered for its pain-relieving properties. The herb is also recommended for the treatment of male sexual weakness or debility. Therapeutic constituents : The root of Spanish Pellitory contains anacycline, isobutylamide, inulin and a trace of essential oil, which gives the herb its rubefacient and stimulant properties. Key therapeutic benefits : As an analgesic, the root of Spanish Pellitory is beneficial in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and toothache. It is…
Latin name : Jasminum grandiflorum Linn. (Oleaceae), J. grandiflorum forma grandiflorum (L.) Kobuski., Grandiflorum Bailey J.officinale L. var. Sanskrit/Indian name : Jati General information : Spanish Jasmine is commercially grown for its fragrant flowers and essential oil. Jasmine flowers are used in garlands, strung into decorative wreaths for hair adornment and for religious offering to deities in Hinduism. The oil is used in perfumes and hair oils. Therapeutic constituents : The main components of the essential oil of Spanish Jasmine are benzyl acetate, jasmone and methyl jasmonate, which give the flower its fragrance. Key therapeutic benefits : Spanish Jasmine…
Latin name : Sapindus trifoliatus Sanskrit/Indian name : Arishta, Phenila Urdu name : Phenil, Reetha General information : Soap Nut Tree of South India is a deciduous tree commonly found in the Southern states of India. Due to its astringent, antimicrobial and antifungal properties, it is used to treat skin and scalp disorders. Therapeutic constituents : The pericarp of Soap Nut Tree of South India contains two new triterpenoid saponins, emarginatoside-B and emarginatoside-C, which possess tonic and astringent properties. Key therapeutic benefits : Soap Nut Tree of South India is an excellent hair tonic and thus, is a popular ingredient…
Latin name : Sapindus mukorossi Sapindaceae Sanskrit/Indian name : Arishta, Phenila Urdu name : phenil, Reetha General information : Soap Nut Tree of North India, native to China and Japan, is found in the Himalayas and the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. From being used by jewellers to shine ornaments to being used to wash shawls, Soap Nut Tree of North India has been revered as cleanser. It is also an ingredient in shampoos and conditioners. Therapeutic constituents : Saponin A and C and sapindoside A and B, extracted from the rind of the Soap Nut Tree fruit, exhibits…
Latin name : Acacia sinuata (Lour.), A.concinna DC. Sanskrit/Indian name : Saptala, Shikakai Urdu Name : Shikakai General information : Soap Nut grows in abundance in the tropical jungles of India, especially in the Deccan region. It is used as a detergent in many parts of India and is revered as a scalp cleanser. The fruit of Soap Nut has tonic and astringent properties, which are beneficial in the treatment of skin disorders. Therapeutic constituents : The leaves of the Soap Nut contain tannins, rutin, alkaloids and citric acid, which give the tree its therapeutic benefits. Key therapeutic benefits…
Latin name : Bombax ceiba Linn. (Bombacaceae), B.malabaricum DC., Salmalia malabarica, Gossampinus malabarica (DC) Merr. Sanskrit/Indian name : Shalmali, Semul, Simul General information : The Silk Cotton Tree is often referred to as the ‘silent doctor’ for the host of medicinal benefits that it offers. Each part of the tree, including the bark, flowers and leaves have therapeutic uses. A herbal composition made from the bark of the tree, for example, is administered for the treatment of sexual and gastrointestinal disorders. The tree is commonly found in India, Burma and Sri Lanka. Therapeutic constituents : Glycosides and tannins have…
Latin name : Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Sanskrit/Indian name : Japapushpa Urdu name : Gul Gurhal Taza, Gul-E-Gurhal General information : Shoe Flower is used to promote hair growth and preserve the hair’s natural color. In China, a hair dye made from Shoe Flower is commonly used. In Japan, the flower has gained popularity as a remedy for alopecia aerata. Therapeutic constituents : Shoe Flower mainly contains anthocyanins and flavonoids, which promote hair growth. Key therapeutic benefits : The medicated oil from Shoe Flower leaves has anti-hairfall properties. It is also used in herbal hair cleansers to retain hair color and…
Latin name : Onosma bracteatum Wall. (Boraginaceae) Sanskrit/Indian name : Gojihva, Gaozaban Urdu name : Gaozaban General information : Sedge is found in the Mediterranean regions, Europe and Asia. It is listed in the German Commission E as a herb that alleviates pulmonary infections and kidney disease. Therapeutic constituents : Sedge contains potassium, calcium and other minerals, which give the herb its pharmacological properties. Key therapeutic benefits : Sedge is beneficial in the treatment of kidney stones. As an expectorant, it alleviates the symptoms of the common cough and bronchitis.