Author: Hakeem Hashmi

Latin name : Cuminum cyminum Sanskrit/Indian name : Jeeraka, Svetajiraka Urdu Name : Zeera Safed General information : Cumin seeds resemble caraway (fennel) seeds, but are slightly smaller and darker in color. The powdered form is an ingredient in food because of its distinct flavor and aroma. The spice has been documented in the Bible as a medicine. The health benefits of Cumin for digestive disorders has been well-known throughout history. It is used as a stimulant and an antispasmodic. It relieves nausea and stops diarrhea, and is used to treat morning sickness. Therapeutic constituents : Cumin oil and…

Latin name : Daucus carota Sanskrit/Indian name : Shikha-mula, Garijara Urdu Name : Gajar General information : Cultivated Carrot is an edible root with multiple health benefits, which have been documented for centuries. The Greeks and Romans were the first to realize its therapeutic benefits. Later, the use of carrot spread to the Middle East, where Arab physicians have extensively documented its benefits. Carrots are a rich source of vitamin A. Recent reports have claimed that the vegetable provides protection against UV rays, reducing the threat of sunburn. It has also been used in Chinese medicine to promote the…

Latin name : Cucumis sativus Sanskrit/Indian name : Trapusha, Sukasa Urdu Name : Kheera, Kakdi General information : Cucumber is widely cultivated for its edible fruit, which is eaten raw. It has high water content, giving Cucumber its hydrating and diuretic properties. It is an excellent toner as it immediately tightens open pores. The abundance of antioxidants and silica within the fruit rejuvenates the skin and leaves it feeling soft and smooth. Therapeutic constituents : Cucumber skin is a rich source of vitamins A and C and folic acid. The hard skin is rich in fiber and a variety…

Latin name : Aconitum bisma (Buch. Ham.) Rapaics (Ranunculaceae), A. palmatum D. Don Sanskrit/Indian name : Prativisha, Bakhma Urdu Name : Atees, Atis General information : Crowfoot is a bitter herb, found in Sikkim, Nepal, and across the Himalayan terrain. Used in conjunction with Long Black Pepper, it is a potent remedy for bowel spasms, diarrhea and vomiting. It is regarded as a valuable tonic and a digestive. Therapeutic constituents : Crowfoot contains the alkaloids vakognavine, palmatisine, vakatisine, vakatisinine and vakatidine, which render the herb its therapeutic properties (Indian Medicinal Plants—An Illustrated Dictionary, C.P.Khare. 24. 2007). Key therapeutic benefits…

Latin name : Pyrus malus Sanskrit/Indian name : Seva Urdu name : Sayb, Kanth, Kekra General information : Crab Apples are a small, bitter variety of apples that are beneficial for general skin health with topical application. Due to its rich vitamin and mineral content, Crab Apple strengthens the immune system and prevents diseases. Therapeutic constituents : The fruit is a rich source of various vitamins, trace elements, amino acids and flavanoids. Malic acid is the principal acid (90-95% of the total acids) of the fruit. It has tonic, keratolytic and antiseptic properties. The astringent principals of apple include…

Latin name : Mucuna pruriens Baker non DC., Mucuna prurita Hook. (Fabaceae) Sanskrit/Indian name : Kapikachhu, Atmagupta, Kaunch, Kevanch Urdu Name : Konch General information : Cowhage has been used in Ayurvedic medicine to elevate sperm count and regularize ovulation in women. The herb is also helpful in normalizing nerve cell functions. Researchers at the Department of Biochemistry, Chhatrapati Shahuji Maharaj Medical University, Lucknow, India, found that Cowhage also supports the normal function of the male reproductive system, and particularly supports normal levels of male fertility (Fertility and Sterility. October 2008). Scientists at King George’s Medical University, Lucknow, India,…

Latin name : Sida cordifolia Linn. (Malvaceae) Sanskrit/Indian name : Bala, Vatya, Bariyar, Kharethi Urdu Name : Beejband Siah General information : Country Mallow is a revered herb in Ayurveda, known to balance all the doshas (bodily humors that make up one’s constitution). It is a health tonic with rejuvenating, anti-inflammatory, libido-enhancing and fat-burning properties. Therapeutic constituents : Ephedrine is one of the alkaloids present, which has fat-burning properties. The herb also contains phytosterol and potassium nitrate. Key therapeutic benefits : The essential oil has rejuvenating properties, which aids in nervine disorders and mental debility. The oil has anti-inflammatory…

Latin name : Saussurea lappa Sanskrit/Indian name : Kushtha Urdu Name : Qusht General information : Costus is a perennial shrub that is found in abundance in the Himalayas. The herb is documented in The Ayurvedic Pharmacopeia of India as a potent reliever of cough, bronchitis, skin infections and gout. Therapeutic constituents : The roots contain resinoids, essential oils, alkaloids, insulin and other minor constituents like tannins and sugars. The root (containing both the essential oil and alkaloid saussurine) is used to treat asthma, by relaxing the bronchioles. The relief obtained is comparable to that of conventional bronchodilators without…

Latin name : Papaver rhoeas Sanskrit/Indian name : Rakta-posta, Rakta Khakasa Urdu name : khash-khash General information : Corn Poppy or Red Poppy is a symbol of Remembrance Day, a memorial day observed in the Commonwealth countries to pay homage to the soldiers who died in duty during the First World War. It is a symbol of eternal love in Persian literature. Corn Poppy contains alkaloids similar to that of Opium Poppy, but in a much milder form. Its health benefits include relieving anxiety and stress, suppressing cough and relieving pain. In skincare ingredients, Corn Poppy acts as an…

Latin name : Coriandrum sativum Linn. (Apiaceae) Sanskrit/Indian name : Dhankyaka Urdu Name : Dhania, Kishniz General information : Coriander is an aromatic plant, which is used to flavor food. The entire plant, including its leaves, stem and seeds, have a distinct odor. In the United States and Europe, Coriander is used to flavor alcohol, especially gin. The plant has various health benefits of the plant. Its therapeutic properties are beneficial in treating diarrhea, cholesterol, mouth ulcers, anemia, indigestion and menstrual disorders. Coriander is also a disinfectant and skin detoxifier. Therapeutic constituents : Coriander contains essential oils like borneol…