Author: Hakeem Hashmi

Latin Name : Tribulus terrestrisLinn. (Zygophyllaceae) Sanskrit/Indian name : Gokshura, Gokhru Urdu Name : Gokhru Khurd General information : Land Caltrops has been used for centuries as a general tonic by the Ancient Greeks. It is used in Ayurvedic medicine to maintain efficient kidney and urinary functions and in reducing renal discomfort. It is effective in treating urinary tract disorders because it promotes the flow of urine and cools and soothes the membranes of the urinary tract. Land Caltrops has also been described as an aphrodisiac in Ayurveda. Recent research has shown that Land Caltrops has analgesic properties. The…

Latin Name : Vetiveria zizanioides (Linn.) Nash (Gramineae), Andropogon muricatus Retz., A.squarrosus Hook. f.,non Linn. f., Anatherum zizanioides (Linn.) Hitchcock & Chase Sanskrit/Indian name : Ushira, Reshira, Sugandhimula Urdu Name : Khus General information : Widely used in aromatherapy and perfume, Khas-Khas is a cooling agent, tonic and blood purifier. It is used to treat many skin disorders and is known to have a calming effect on the nervous system. Other medicinal uses of Khas-Khas include ringworm treatment, indigestion and loss of appetite. Therapeutic constituents : Major constituents of the essential oil of Khas-Khas are vetiselinenol and khusimol, which…

Latin name : Pongamia glabra, Pongamia pinnata Sanskrit/Indian name : Karanja Urdu Name : Karanjwa General information : Pongam Oil Tree is found in the Eastern Himalaya regions, South India and Sri Lanka. On topical application, its oil keeps away insects and other microbes from the surface of the skin. Therapeutic constituents : The seeds of Pongam Oil Tree yield an essential oil, which contains the chemical constituent karanjin. Karanjin gives the tree extracts its insecticidal and microbial properties. Key therapeutic benefits : The oil of the Pongam Oil Tree is beneficial in treating skin diseases. It is also…

Latin Name : Nardostachys jatamansi DC. (Valerianaceae) Sanskrit/Indian name : Jatamansi, Bhutajata, Tapasvini, Jatamansi, Bal-chad Urdu Name : Balcharr, Sumbul-ut-teeb General information : The therapeutic benefits of Musk Root have been documented in various Ayurvedic texts. The herb is recommended for combating stress and insomnia. It is also known to enhance memory and treat mental instability. Cardiotonic properties have also been attributed to Musk Root. Therapeutic constituents : The oil of Musk Root contains dnardostachone, valeranone and jatamansone as the major ketonic sesquiterpenes. These components give the herb its central tranquilizer and sedative properties. Key therapeutic benefits : As a…

Latin Name : Azadirachta indica A. Juss., Melia azadirachta Linn. (Meliaceae) Sanskrit/Indian name : Nimba, Nim, Nimb Urdu Name : Neem, Neeb General information : Margosa Tree has been described in Ayurveda’s prime text, the Charaka Samhita, as sarva roga nivarini (that which keeps all diseases at bay) or arishtha (reliever of disease). Margosa Tree extracts have been used in the Ayurvedic tradition for thousands of years for maintaining health and overall well-being. The roots, bark, gum, leaves, fruit, seed kernels and seed oil are all used in therapeutic preparations for both internal and topical use. Therapeutic constituents :…

Latin name : Mesua ferrea Linn. (Clusiaceae) Sanskrit/Indian name : Nagakesara, Nagapushpa, Keshara, Nagkesar, Nagesar Urdu Name : Nagkesar, Naremushk General information : Ironwood Tree possesses many therapeutic benefits. It is a hemostatic that stops bleeding and is also an anti-inflammatory. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India recommends the use of the plant in gout, hemorrhagic disorders and diseases of the urinary bladder. Therapeutic constituents : Stamens from the flower of the Ironwood Tree plant contain alpha- and beta-amyrin, beta-sitosterol, biflavonoids, mesuaferrones A and B, and mesuanic acid. The stamens, which are astringent and hemostatic, particularly in uterine bleeding and…

Latin name : Gaultheria fragrantissima Sanskrit/Indian name : Gandapura Urdu name : Gandapuro General information : Indian Winter Green is an aromatic shrub, which is beneficial in the treatment of joint ache and rheumatism. The herb is found in abundance across many parts of India. Therapeutic constituents : The volatile oil, obtained by the steam distillation of Indian Winter Green leaves, contains methyl salicylate, which possesses stimulant, carminative and antiseptic properties. Key therapeutic benefits : The essential oil of Indian Winter Green has anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties, which help alleviate the pain associated with joint ache and rheumatism.

Latin name : Valeriana jatamansi, V. wallichii Sanskrit/Indian name : Tagara Urdu Name : Asaroon General information : Indian Valerian is recommended for the treatment of insomnia. It stimulates the central nervous system, and reduces spasms and anxiety. Records have shown that the herb, which grows in abundance in the temperate Himalayan regions, has been medicinally used in the 16th century to treat trembling, delirium tremens, headaches and heart palpitations. Therapeutic constituents : The hesperidin and methylapigenin present in Indian Valerian have sedative and sleep-enhancing properties. Key therapeutic benefits : As a sedative, Indian Valerian induces sleep and treats…

Latin name : Hemidesmus indicus R. Br. (Asclepiadaceae) Sanskrit/Indian name : Anantamul, Sariva Urdu Name : Ushba General information : Indian Sarsaparilla is known in Ayurveda as a tonic, alterative, demulcent, diaphoretic, diuretic and blood purifier. It is beneficial in treating skin and urinary disorders. The plant is found throughout Central, Western and Southern India. Therapeutic constituents : The coumarinolignoids hemidesmine and hemidesmin are the major chemical constituents of the herb, which give Indian Sarsaparilla its therapeutic properties. Key therapeutic benefits : Indian Sarsaparilla cools the urinary tract, which effectively alleviates the burning sensation during urination. The herb is…

Latin name : Rubia cordifolia Linn. sensu Hook. f. (Rubiaceae) Sanskrit/Indian name : Manjishtha, Samanga, Manjith, Majith Urdu Name : Majeeth General information : Indian Madder is beneficial in treating skin conditions like uneven pigmentation and eczema. The roots, leaves and seeds of the herb are beneficial for amenorrhea, liver diseases and gall bladder and spleen ailments. The climbing rugose vine with reddish roots is found in the Himalayas and in hill stations across India. Therapeutic constituents : The key components of Indian Madder include purpurin (trihydroxy anthraquinone), munjistin (xanthopurpurin-2-carboxylic acid), peudopurpurin (purpurin-3-carboxylic acid) and free alizarin as well…