Author: Hakeem Hashmi

Latin name : Quercus infectoria Sanskrit/Indian name : Mayakku, Mayaphala Urdu Name : Mazu, Mazuphal General information : The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India recommends Downy Oak to stop heavy menstrual bleeding, to treat dry and itchy vaginal skin and for dental inflammation. The 2008 article ‘Antioxidant Potential of Galls of Quercus Infectoria’ in the Internet Journal of Pharmacology, revealed that the extracts of Downy Oak have potent antioxidant properties. Therapeutic constituents : Downy Oak contains tannic acid (gallo-tannic acid) as the principal constituent. Tannic and gallic acids extracted from the tree are often used to regularize bowel movements during…

Latin name : Cedrus deodara (Roxb. ex Lamb.) G. Don (Pinaceae), C. libani Barrel, Pinus deodara Roxb. Sanskrit/Indian name : Devadaru, Mastadaru, Dedwar, Deodar Urdu Name : Deodar General information : The Deodar tree grows in abundance in the Himalayas. Its Sanskrit name, Devadaru, means ‘Wood of the Gods’. The inner wood yields an essential oil which has many uses. The oil has anti-inflammatory properties and is beneficial in alleviating joint pain. According to Indian Medicinal Plants—An Illustrated Dictionary by C.P. Khare, the aqueous extract of the bark supports normal blood sugar levels in the body. Therapeutic constituents: Deodar…

Latin name : Phoenix dactylifera Sanskrit/Indian name : Kharjura Urdu Name : Khurma, Khajoor, Chuarrah General information : Rich in vitamins and minerals, Dates are extremely popular in West Asia, the Mediterranean and North Africa. The sugars in the fruit are easily digested, which quickly boost energy levels when consumed. Therapeutic constituents : Dates contain several nutrients like sulfur, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, copper and magnesium. They are also very rich in fiber which makes them excellent laxatives. The high tannin content in Dates helps to treat intestinal disorders. The fruit contain ascorbic acid in the form of vitamin C…

Latin Name : Dolichos biflorus Linn. Sanskrit/Indian name : Kulattha Urdu Name : Kulthi General information : Horsegram, native to India, is commonly used for food and fodder in Asia. It is an excellent source of iron. In the research paper entitled ‘Management of Urolithiasis by an Indigenous Drug (Kulattha)’ by L.M. Singh and P. Kumar in the Indian Journal of Medical Research, the authors found the seeds to be effective in dissolving kidney stones in humans. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopeia of India recommends the decoction of dry seeds in calculus and amenorrhea. Therapeutic constituents : Horsegram has rich crude…

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,…