Author: Hakeem Hashmi
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…
Latin name : Piper longum Linn.(Piperaceae) Sanskrit/Indian name : Pippali, Magadhi, Kana, Ushana, Pipal, Pipar Urdu Name : Pipal Kalan, Filfil Daraz (Root) General information : Indian Long Pepper has been revered for its therapeutic benefits. As an effective carminative, the herb is one of the three major ingredients in an Ayurvedic digestive known as ‘Triphala’. It is useful in treating respiratory diseases, hypertension, hiccups and topical inflammation. Therapeutic constituents : Piperine is the major alkaloid found in Indian Long Pepper. Piperine is antipyretic, hypotensive and a central nervous system stimulant. Key therapeutic benefits : As an antihypertensive and…
Latin name : Pterocarpus marsupium Roxb. (Fabaceae) Sanskrit/Indian name : Bijaka, Pitasara, Pitashalaka, Vijaysar Urdu Name : bijasar, dam-ul-akhwain General information : Indian Kino Tree, which is known by different names in different regions of India, has a number of therapeutic uses. A poultice made from the bark and leaves of the tree possesses astringent properties, which is useful in treating skin conditions. Indian Kino Tree also has potent anti-hyperlipdemic properties and helps in reducing total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein and serum triglyceride levels in the body. Therapeutic constituents : The flavonoid constituents marsupin, pterosupin and liquiritigenin, found in Indian…
Latin name : Anethum graveolens Linn., Peucedanum graveolens Linn., A. sowa Roxb. ex Flem. Sanskrit/Indian name : Shatapushpa, Satahva, Madhura, Sotapa, Sowa Urdu Name : Tukhme Soya, Tukhme Shibbat General information : Indian Dill leaves are used in tea and salads, while the seeds are used in bread, soups, salads and as a preservative. Indian Dill has been used in traditional herbal medicine for more than 2,000 years. Its seeds treat various digestive problems, while the essential oil extracted from the seeds may relieve intestinal spasms and gripe (Source: http://www.zhion.com/herb/Indiandill.html). The German Commission E recommends the herb for gastrointestinal,…
Latin name : Gossypium herbaceum (Malvaceae), Gossypium indicum (Malvaceae) Sanskrit/Indian name : Karpasa Urdu Name : Pambadana, Habbul Qutn General information : Mainly cultivated for the commercial purpose of making cloth, Indian Cotton Plant is also valued for its remedial properties. In Indian herbal medicine, Indian Cotton Plant is referred to as a ‘female medication’. Drinking tea made from the Indian Cotton Plant root facilitates childbirth. The plant also regulates menstruation. Some reports have claimed that extracts of the plant can be used as an aphrodisiac in male sexual disorders. Therapeutic constituents : Gossypin is the main therapeutic constituent…
Latin name : Commiphora wightii (Arn.) Bhandari, Commiphora mukul (Hook. ex Stocks) Engl, Balsamodendron mukul Hook. ex Stocks (Burseraceae) Sanskrit/Indian name : Guggulu, Koushika, Devadhupa, Palankasha, Guggul Urdu Name : Muqil, Guggal General information : In Ayurveda, Indian Bdellium is prescribed for the treatment of medoroga, a disease that closely resembles the symptoms of hyperlipidemia including high blood cholesterol and the hardening of arteries. The herb has been used historically for centuries to support normal fat levels and metabolism in the body. Indian Bdellium is found across the world from Northern Africa to Central Asia. In India, it is…
Latin name : Berberis aristata DC. (Berberidaceae) Sanskrit/Indian name : Daruharidra, Darvi, Darurajani, Darhald Urdu Name : Rassaut (Root Bark Extract), Darhald (Root), Zarishk (Berries) General information : Tree Turmeric is a revered herb in Ayurvedic medicine. Possessing antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic and antiseptic properties, the herb is used as a cholagogue, stomachic, laxative and diaphoretic. Tree Turmeric is found in the Himalayas and is also cultivated in the Indian states of Assam and Bihar. Therapeutic constituents : Tree Turmeric contains vitamin C, tannins, pectin and minerals, which include phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium and iron. Key therapeutic benefits : As…