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Latin name : Sesamum indicum Sanskrit/Indian name : Tila Urdu Name : Kunjad, Til General information : Gingelly has been popularly used as a condiment all over the world. Sweetmeats made from Gingelly are eaten during the winters in North India. They are one of the main ingredients in the Middle Eastern dessert called halvah. The oil of Gingelly is revered for its many therapeutic benefits. Applied topically, the oil acts as an anti-inflammatory agent, which alleviates joint aches, maintains heart health and strengthens bones. Therapeutic constituents : Gingelly oil is a rich source of copper, magnesium, calcium and…

Latin name : Ruta graveolens Sanskrit/Indian name : Sudapa Urdu Name : Berge Suddab General information : Garden Rue, also known as the Herb-of-Grace, was medicinally used to treat over eighty ailments during the Roman era. Dried Garden Rue leaves have long been used as a folk remedy, particularly as an antispasmodic to relieve cramps, as an emmenagogue to promote menstrual flow and as an abortifacient. Therapeutic constituents : In various in vitro models, the alkaloid extracts of the herb, like quinoline and acridone, have shown spasmolytic effects. The essential oil of Garden Rue has anthelmintic properties. Key therapeutic…

Latin name : Woodfordia fruticosa Kurz., W.floribunda Salib. Sanskrit/Indian name : Dawi, Santha, Dhaura Urdu name : Jetiko General information : The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India recommends the use of the plant’s flower in acute diarrhea, hemorrhages, ulcerations and erysipelas (skin infection). The dried flowers, powdered and sprinkled over ulcers and wounds, help in their healing. In small doses, the plant stimulates the central nervous system, while in large doses it depresses the central nervous system (Indian Medicinal Plants—An Illustrated Dictionary, C.P.Khare. 717. 2007). Therapeutic constituents : A wide range of chemical compounds including tannins (especially those of the…

Latin name : Foeniculum vulgare Mill. (Umbellifereae), F.capillaceum Gil., F.officinale All. Sanskrit/Indian name : Mishreya, Sanuf, Bari-Sanuf Urdu Name : Saunf, Badiyan General information : Fennel seeds are used for flavoring soups, meat dishes, sauces, confectionery and also pickles. The herb is included in the pharmacopoeia of all countries. The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia and the Indian Herbal Pharmacopoeia have documented its carminative and spasmolytic properties. The herb relaxes stomach muscles and relieves gastrointestinal spasms which makes it an effective herbal remedy for treating flatulence and bloating. It also alleviates constipation, soothes an upset stomach and relieves abdominal cramps. People…

Latin name : Trigonella foenum-graecum Sanskrit/Indian name : Medhika, Chandrika Urdu Name : Methi, Tukhme Hulba General information : The leaves and seeds of the Fenugreek plant are widely used in Indian cuisine. The herb has been traditionally used in Ayurvedic compositions as a moisturizer, specially formulated to hydrate dry skin. Applied topically, the herb is also helpful in treating boils, abscesses and ulcers. Fenugreek is a natural source of protein, which rebuilds and strengthens the hair shaft. It reduces hair fall and promotes hair growth. Fenugreek seeds function as an appetite suppressant and give a feeling of satiety…

Latin name : Embelia ribes Burm. f. (Myrsinaceae) Sanskrit/Indian name : Vidanga, Tandula, Krimighna, Baberang, Vayvidang Urdu Name : Baobarang General information : False Black Pepper has been known as an anthemintic (expulsion of parasitic worms from the body). An 1887 report published in The Lancet revealed that the herb is a potent remedy for tapeworm. Its anti-inflammatory properties are effective in treating swollen gums. The dried fruit is used in decoctions for fevers and for chest and skin diseases. The fruit has antibacterial properties. Therapeutic constituents : The principal constituent of the herb is embelin. It also contains some…

Latin name : Eucalyptus globules Labill. (Myrtaceae) Sanskrit/Indian name : Tailapatra, Sugandhapatra Urdu Name : Nilgiri General information : The essential oil derived from the plant Eucalyptus has various health and medicinal benefits. Topical ointments containing Eucalyptus oil have been used in traditional Aboriginal medicines to heal wounds and fungal infections. Teas containing Eucalyptus leaves were also used to reduce fevers. The therapeutic uses of Eucalyptus soon spread to other traditional medicine systems, including Chinese, Ayurvedic and Greco-European. Nilgiri Oil (Eucalyptus oil distilled in the Nilgiri mountains, Tamil Nadu, India) has been studied by the Medical Department, Government of…

Latin name : Emblica officinalis (Gaertn.), Phyllanthus emblica Linn. (Euphorbiaceae) Sanskrit/Indian name : Amalaki, Dhatriphala, Amla, Aovla Urdu Name : Amla General information : Emblic Myrobalan is revered in Ayurveda. It is one of the three key ingredients in the formulation Triphala, a herbal compound that provides overall support for digestive function and helps ensure that the digestive tract works at optimal levels. The fruit is an important source of vitamin C, minerals and amino acids. It contains three times the protein concentration and vitamin C (ascorbic acid) concentration than apple. Researchers at the Institute of Natural Medicine, University…

Latin name : Argyreia nervosa (Burm.f.) Bojer. (Convolvulaceae), A. speciosa Sweet Sanskrit/Indian name : Vriddadaru, Vidhara Urdu Name : Samandarsotha General information : The root of the Elephant Creeper is a diuretic and an aphrodisiac. It is also used to treat gonorrhea, rheumatism and nervous system disorders. The herb is reported to cure sexual disorders in men. A study conducted at the Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute, Kerala, India, showed that ‘the plant has promising potential to be developed into an effective medicine for stimulating male sexual activity’ (Source: http://srbce.org/jer2007/subramoniametal.pdf). Therapeutic constituents : Elephant Creeper contains tannins, ergoline…

Latin name : Sphaeranthus indicus Sanskrit/Indian name : Mundi Urdu Name : Gule Mundi General information : East Indian Globe Thistle is a medicinal plant that is widely found in Southeast Asia. The antibacterial and antimicrobial properties of the plant make it effective in treating skin infections. It is currently being researched in India as a potential natural remedy for psoriasis. The roots and seeds are useful in eliminating parasitic worms. The herb is also reported as a tonic to treat indigestion, asthma, leucoderma and dysentery (Chopra et al., 1956). The flowers are credited with alterative, depurative and tonic…