Author: Hakeem Hashmi

Latin Name : Betula utilis D. Don Sanskrit/Indian name : Bhojpatra General information : As the name suggests, the Himalayan Silver Birch is found throughout the Himalayan range. Writers of the Vedic era used the bark of the tree to write on in place of paper. Research carried out in the US revealed that ‘betulinic acid’ found in Himalaya Silver Birch is highly effective in the treatment of melanoma, a type of skin cancer. The German Commission Eand European Scientific Therapy on Phytotherapy recommend the use of the extracts in inflammatory diseases of the urinary tract, for kidney gravel…

Latin Name : Hyoscyamus niger Linn. (Solanaceae) Sanskrit/Indian name :Parasigaya, Khurasani-ajvayan Urdu Name :Ajwain Khurasani, Bazrulbanj General information : Henbane, which has sedative properties, has been employed externally to relieve pain. The German Commission Eand The British Herbal Pharmacopeia have documented the use of Henbane in spasms of the gastrointestinal tract. Therapeutic constituents : Hyoscyamine and hyoscine are the principal alkaloids in Henbane, which depress the central nervous system. The seeds show inhibitory activity against the digestive enzyme lipase. Key therapeutic benefits : Henbane is used extensively as a sedative and pain killer. It is also know to relieve…

Latin name : Rumex maritimus Sanskrit/Indian name : Chukra bheda, Jungli palak General information : Golden Dock is native to California, but is found in other parts of North America. The herb is credited with purgative, refrigerant and antipruitic properties. Therapeutic constituents : The fruit contains the flavonoids rumarin, rutin and hyperin. The seeds contain 5.1 percent tannin. The roots contain chrysophanic acid, saccharose and tannin. These chemincal constituents give the herb its pharmacological properties. Key therapeutic benefits : Golden Dock is a purgative, which cleanses the bowels. As an antipruitic, the herb is helpful in relieving itching in…

Latin name : Zingiber officinale Rosc. (Zingiberaceae) Sanskrit/Indian name : Sunthi, Srungavera, Ardraka, Vishvabheshaja, Nagara, Adrak, Sonth Urdu Name : Sonth (Dried), Adrak (Fresh) General information : Due to its strong flavor, Ginger is an essential ingredient in many Asian cuisines. Its therapeutic benefits have been recorded in Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Ginger is a potent anti-nauseatic and is beneficial in treating upset stomachs. Therapeutic constituents : Gingerol and shogaol, active components of Ginger, suppress gastric contractions. Both the fresh and dried rhizomes of Ginger suppress gastric secretion and reduce vomiting. The compounds 6-gingerol and 6-shogaol have a…

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…