Author: Hakeem Hashmi
Latin Name : Mentha arvensis Linn. (Lamiaceae) Sanskrit/Indian name : Pudina, Putiha Urdu Name : Pudina General information : Mint has been enjoyed in teas and has been used to flavor food in the Middle East, India and Europe. During the Middle Ages, powdered Mint leaves were used to whiten teeth. Mint tea is a strong diuretic, and its aroma is used as a mild decongestant for illnesses such as the common cold. Therapeutic constituents : Menthol is the most important constituent of Mint, which renders the herb its pharmacological properties. Key therapeutic benefits : Mint soothes the digestive…
Latin Name : Origanum marjorana Sanskrit/Indian name : Marubaka Urdu name : marwa, marzanjosh General information : Marjoram is an extremely popular Mediterranean herb that is often used in cooking. The herb, which has a mildly pungent taste, is revered for its medicinal benefits. On topical application, a Marjoram poultice is helpful in healing bruises and sprains. The herb is reported to contain anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal properties as well. Therapeutic constituents : Marjoram is rich in vitamins A, C and K as well as minerals like iron. Eugenol, the principal constituent of the herb, fights against the enzyme…
Latin Name : Mangifera indica Sanskrit/Indian name : Amra, Chuta Urdu mane : Aam, Amba, Amchur (powder) General information : Mango, often referred to as ‘the king of fruit’, is eaten during the summer months in India, just before the monsoon. The fruit and its leaves are considered auspicious in Hinduism, in which they are ritually offered to deities. Mango also has many therapeutic benefits. It improves digestion, treats acne, lowers cholesterol, fights diabetes and heart disease. The bio-active elements present in Mango, such as esters, terpenes and aldehydes, facilitate digestion. Mango is also rich in vitamins C, E, minerals…
Latin Name : Adhatoda zeylanica Medic., Adhatoda vasica Nees (Acanthaceae) Sanskrit/Indian name : Vasa, Shwetavasa, Vasaka, Arusa, Bansa Urdu Name : Berge Arusa, Berge Adusa, Berge Bansa General information : Malabar Nut Tree is well-known in Ayurveda as a treatment for respiratory ailments, particularly as an expectorant in bronchitis. The leaves, flowers, fruits and roots are used extensively for treating cold, cough, whooping cough, chronic bronchitis and asthma. Therapeutic constituents : Malabar Nut contains the pyrroquinazoline alkaloids, including vasicine, vasicol and vasinone along with other minor constituents. The alkaloids present in the plant show significant protection against allergen-induced bronchial…
Latin Name : Gloriosa superba Sanskrit/Indian name : Kalihari Urdu name: Kanol, Kulhar General information : Morning Glory Lily is grown throughout tropical India. In Ayurveda, the tuber of the plant is used in herbal formulations. It has anthelmintic properties, which keep parasites and insects at bay. Morning Glory Lily extracts are also abortifacient, which can induce abortion. Therapeutic constituents : Colchicine is the major compound isolated from the rhizomes, which has abortifacient, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory and antileprotic properties. Key therapeutic benefits : Morning Glory Lily combats parasites and worms on the skin’s surface. As an antipyretic, the herb reduces…
Latin Name : Myristica fragrans Houtt. (Myristicaceae ) Sanskrit/Indian name : Jatiphala, Jatiphalam, Jatikosha, Jatipatri, Jatipatra, Jaiphal, Jayapatri, Javitri Urdu Name : Jaiphal & Jawitri General information : Mace is packed with a host of therapeutic benefits. The tree is indigenous to Australia, Asia and the tropical regions of Southeast Asia. A popular but expensive herb, Mace is often used as a spice in cooking. Studies have also shown that the herb can help lower blood pressure, sooth a stomach ache and control diarrhea. Therapeutic constituents : The main chemical components of Mace are a-pinene, camphene, b-pinene, sabinene, myrcene,…
Latin Name : Salvadora persica Sanskrit/Indian name : Peelu, Pilu, Meswak, Miswak, Arak Urdu name : Peelu, Miswak General information : The twigs of Miswak have been used as a natural toothbrush for centuries. In fact, the World Health Organization has also promoted its use for oral hygiene. A clinical study on Miswak revealed that patient using Miswak twigs as an adjunct to tooth brushing exhibited significant improvement in gingival health and plaque reduction. Therapeutic constituents : Silica in Miswak acts as an abrasive material to remove plaque and stains. Tannins present in Miswak exert an astringent effect on…
Latin Name : Citrus reticulata Sanskrit/Indian name : Narangi Urdu name : sangtara General information : Mandarin Orange is rich in vitamin C and flavonoids. Studies have shown that one Mandarin Orange (130 grams) supplies nearly 100 percent of the recommended daily dietary intake of vitamin C! More recently, researchers have been studying the effectiveness of Mandarin Orange in treating liver cancer. It also lowers cholesterol and high blood pressure. Therapeutic constituents : Hesperidin, a very important flavonoid present in Mandarin Orange, lowers cholesterol and high blood pressure. It is also a good source of fiber, vitamin B (including…
Latin Name : Symplocos racemosa Roxb. (Symplocaceae) Sanskrit /Indian Name : Lodhra, Tilva, Shavara, Lodh Urdu Name : Lodh Pathani General information : Lodh Tree bark has been traditionally used as an uterine tonic. Numerous references attest to its value in maintaining optimum health in women. Additionally, the tree and its formulations have been effective in controlling bleeding and digestive disorders. Therapeutic constituents : Glycosides, isolated from the ethanolic extract of the stembark, are highly astringent and are reported to be responsible for the medicinal properties of the bark (Indian Medicinal Plants—An Illustrated Dictionary, C.P.Khare. 635. 2007). Key therapeutic…
Latin Name : Glycyrrhiza glabra Linn. (Fabaceae) Sanskrit /Indian Name : Yashti-madhu, Yashti-madhuka, Mulhathi, Jethi-madh Urdu Name : Mulethi, Aslussoos General information : Licorice has an impressive list of well-documented uses. It is used to treat a wide array of illnesses including lowering cholesterol levels, healing respiratory tract disorders and boosting immunity levels. Recent studies have found that by limiting the damage from low density lipoprotein (‘bad’) cholesterol, Licorice may discourage artery-clogging plaque formation and contribute to the healthy functioning of the heart (Source: www.herbwisdom.com). In recent times, science has been rediscovering the health benefits of Licorice. Several studies…