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Latin name : Areca catechu Sanskrit/Indian name : Puga, Gubak, Poogiphalam, Tantusara, Supari Urdu Name : Chalia, Supari (Nut), Fufal (Flower) General information : Arecanut or Betelnut refers to the seed of the Areca Palm tree. The seeds mixed with the leaves and are eaten in Asia and the South Pacific. Arecanut Palm leaves and nuts are known to have a host of medicinal benefits. In Ayurveda, the nut has been used as an aphrodisiac. In addition, Arecanut Palm leaves stimulate the central nervous system, relieve pain, stomach ailments, gynecological disorders and a sore throat. Therapeutic constituents : Arecanut…
Latin name : Caesalpinia bonducella (Linn.) Flem., C. bonduc (Linn.) Roxb. Sanskrit/Indian name : Putikaranja Urdu name : karanja, Akitmakit General information : Bonduc Fruit is also known as a Fever Nut, due to its antipyretic properties. Therapeutic constituents : The seeds contain an alkaloid caesalpinine, bitter principles such as bonducin, saponins and fixed oil. These compounds render the herb its therapeutic properties (Indian Medicinal Plants—An Illustrated Dictionary, C.P.Khare. 117. 2007). Key therapeutic benefits : The plant treats skin diseases, ulcers and leprosy. Buddhist Bauhinia is known to soothe gastrointestinal problems like, dysentery and diarrhea. It can also arrest…
Latin name : Bauhinia variegata Linn. (Caesalpiniaceae) Sanskrit/Indian name : Kanchanara, Kovidara, Kachnar, Kaniar Urdu Name : Post Kachnal General information : Buddhist Bauhinia is found in abundance in Punjab and Western Assam. It is also cultivated in gardens across India. It is often referred to as ‘poor man’s orchid’ due to the orchid-like appearance of its flower. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India has documented the use of the stem bark in treating lymphadenitis and goiter. It is also helpful in treating skin diseases and stomach disorders. Therapeutic constituents : The flowers contain the flavonoids, kaempferol-3-galactoside and kaempferol-3- rhamnoglucoside.…
Latin name : Solanum nigrum Linn. (Solanaceae) Sanskrit/Indian name : Kakamachi, Kakahva, Makoi Urdu Name : Makoh, Mako General information : In early Ayurvedic texts, Black Nightshade has been mentioned as an important ingredient in herbal heart medications. It was also used by the Greeks as a topical treatment for inflammation. The plant is effective in the treatment of liver cirrhosis. Black Nightshade is also credited with emollient, diuretic, antiseptic and laxative properties. Therapeutic constituents : The berries contain steroidal alkaloid glycosides, solasonine, alpha and beta-solanigrine, and alpha- and beta-solamargine. It also contains the steroidal sapogenins diosgenin and tigogenin…
Latin name : Triticum sativum Sanskrit/Indian name : Godhuma, Kumari Urdu Name : Nishasta Gundum General information : Bread Wheat is rich in fiber and nutrients like vitamins B and E, selenium and magnesium. Magnesium is an important mineral that regulates enzymes related to the body’s consumption of glucose and secretion of insulin. Wheatgerm oil obtained from Bread Wheat contains proteins and antioxidants, which are useful in treating skin ailments. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition published a study which revealed that women who consume high-fiber, whole-grain foods like Bread Wheat, lost more weight than those who depended entirely…
Latin name : Boswellia serrata Roxb. Excolebr, B. glabra Roxb. (Burseraceae) Sanskrit/Indian name : Shallaki, Semul, Simul Urdu Name : Kundur, Loban General information : Boswellia is mentioned as a pain remedy in ancient Sanskrit texts dating back thousands of years. The herb is recommended in treating rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout, joint pain, skeletal muscle pain and back pain. In China, Zhejiang University’s Department of Food Science and Nutrition recently published a summary of data from 92 different journals stating natural, joint-supportive products (including Boswellia) ‘play a significant role’ in relation to the support of normal joint function. Therapeutic…
Latin name : Syzygium cuminii (Linn.) Skeels, Eugenia jambolana Lam. (Myrtaceae) Sanskrit/Indian name : Jambu, Rajajambu, Mahajambu, Badijamun, Phadena Urdu Name : Jamun General information : Black Plum is available in abundance during the summer months in India. The ripe fruit has been used as a digestive stimulant and a carminative. Traditionally, Black Plums form an integral part of an Ayurvedic remedy to lower blood sugar levels in diabetic patients. Therapeutic constituents : The fruit contains malic acid, which has blood sugar lowering properties. Malic acid also renders the fruit its anti-inflammatory properties. It also contains a small quantity…
Latin name : Piper nigrum Piperaceae Sanskrit/Indian name : Maricha, Vellaja, Krishna, Kalimirch Urdu Name : Filfil Siah, Kali Mirch General information : Black Pepper is an extremely popular and important culinary ingredient used in cooking worldwide. Beyond flavoring food, the herb has a host of medicinal benefits. It enhances the function of the digestive tract, which eliminates flatulence and bloating. Herbal mixtures containing Black Pepper are helpful in treating bronchial congestion. Therapeutic constituents : Piperine, chavicine, piperidine and piperettine are the principal constituents of Black Pepper, which give the herb its therapeutic properties. Pipperine is largely responsible for…
Latin name : Celastrus paniculatus Willd. (Celastraceae) Linn. (Solanaceae) Sanskrit/Indian name : Jyotishmati, Katabhi, Jyotishka, Kanguni, Kondgaidh, Malkangni, Sankhu Urdu Name : Malkangani General information : In India Herbal Pharmacopoeia, the Black Oil Plant is mentioned as a powerful tranquilizer. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India has indicated the use of its ripe seed in leucoderma and vitiligo. The seeds, which contain the plant’s pharmacopoeial properties, are bitter and have an unpleasant odor. They possess emetic, diaphoretic, febrifugal and nervine properties and are used for increasing memory retention. They are also used to cure sores, ulcers, rheumatism and gout. Therapeutic…
Latin name : Nigella sativa Sanskrit/Indian name : Mugrela, Upakuncika, Kalonji, Kalajira, Kalajaji Urdu Name : Kalonji General information : Black Cumin has been used in traditional medicine in Egypt and India for centuries. It is reported that doctors to Egyptian pharaohs used Black Cumin as a panacea to cure everything from upset stomachs, headaches, toothaches, colds and infections. The seeds are used as an ingredient in cooking in several cultures as they add a nutty flavor to food. The herb is a well-known carminative, helpful in the treatment of both respiratory disorders and skin conditions. Therapeutic constituents :…