Author: Hakeem Hashmi

Latin name : Cinnamomum verum (Presl.), Cinnamomum zeylanicum (Blume) (Lauraceae) Sanskrit/Indian name : Tvak, Dalchini Urdu Name : Darchini General information : Cinnamon is used to flavor food in cuisines around the world. It has a host of medicinal benefits as well. The Ceylon variety of Cinnamon, originating in Sri Lanka, is most commonly found in Southeast Asia. It is a potent antibacterial and antifungal agent. According to the German Commission E, the herb is internally recommended to stimulate appetite in dyspepsia, bloating and flatulence. The bark is used in rheumatism and to alleviate toothache. Therapeutic constituents : The…

Latin name : Centella asiatica (Linn.) (Urban), Hydrocotyle asiatica (Linn.) (Apiaceae) Sanskrit/Indian name : Mandukaparni, Brahmi, Mandukig, Brahma-manduki, Khulakhudi, Mandookaparni Divya Urdu Name : Brahmi Buti General information : Centella is a nervine tonic that enhances learning, academic performance and improves mental ability. It acts as an anti-anxiety agent and is used to treat several mental disorders. It also calms restlessness in children. It is used as a nootropic, a drug that enhances cognitive ability. Used in Ayurveda for centuries, Centella supports the normal function of the mind, intellect, consciousness and good spirit. According to Alternative Medicine Review (March…

Latin name : Apium graveolens (Linn.) (Apiaceae) Sanskrit/Indian name : Ajamoda Urdu Name : Ajmod, Karafs, Karfas General information : Celery is commonly eaten raw and is low in calories. It is also a rich source of vitamin C, which boosts the immune system. Celery seeds are credited with stimulant and carminative properties and are prescribed for nervine disorders. The fatty oil from the seeds is used in many medicinal preparations as an antispasmodic and nerve stimulant. The roots have diuretic properties. Therapeutic constituents : Celery contains active compounds called phthalides, which are responsible for lowering blood pressure. It…

Latin name : Ricinus communis Sanskrit/Indian name : Eranda, Gandharva hasta Urdu Name : Bedanjir, Arandi General information : Castor oil, extracted from castor seeds, has a strong, unpleasant taste. It has been traditionally used as a remedy for a variety of children’s ailments, ranging from constipation to toothache. Because of its anti-inflammatory property, Castor oil is known to alleviate joint aches and heal fungal infections. It is also a strong laxative that relieves constipation. Therapeutic constituents : Castor oil consists principally of ricinoleic acid. The oil is used externally to relieve various inflammatory conditions of the skin and…

Latin name : Elettaria cardamomum (Maton) (Zingiberaceae) Sanskrit/Indian name : Ela Urdu Name : Elaichi Khurd, Heel Khurd General information : Cardamon is often given the epithet ‘queen of spices’ as it is used to flavor food in many countries. In addition, the herb has several health benefits. The German Commission E has indicated the use of Cardamom in dyspepsia and as a cholagogue, which promotes bile discharge from the system. The herb is also helpful in treating gum and teeth infections, throat congestion and kidney disorders. Therapeutic constituents : The chemical compounds in cardamom significantly decrease gastric secretions.…

Latin name : Carum carvi (Linn.) (Apiaceae/Umbelliferae) Sanskrit/Indian name : Krishna jeeraka, Krishnajiraka, Kala Jira, Shiajira, Jira Urdu Name : Zeera Siah, Kala Zeera General information : For centuries, Caraway was cultivated in the Middle East and is known for its aromatic property. It was later exported to Europe when the herb’s health benefits became known. Today, according to The Ayurvedic Pharmacopeia of India, the essential oil extracted from the seeds are indicated in dyspeptic problems such as mild spasms of the gastrointestinal tract, bloating and fullness. The seed is also documented in the treatment of chronic fevers. Therapeutic…

Latin name : Cinnamomum camphora (Linn.) (Presl.) (Lauraceae) Sanskrit/Indian name : Kapur, Karpura Urdu Name : Kafoor General information : The essential oil of Camphor is a revered ingredient in Ayurvedic formulations for skin remedies. It is known to reduce inflammation, repel insects and clear the respiratory tract. The German Commission E has documented the use of the herb externally in catarrhal diseases of the respiratory tract and muscular rheumatism. Therapeutic constituents : The ethanolic extract of the herb exhibits antibacterial activity against several gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. The essential oil from the plant possesses antifungal properties. Key therapeutic…

Latin name : Nepeta hindostana Sanskrit/Indian name : Billilotan, Badranj boya Urdu Name : Badranj Boya General information : In Indian medicine, Cal Mint is used to treat various cardiovascular ailments such as angina pectoris, cardiac thrombosis, trachycardia and cardiac weakness. Other uses include cardiac asthma, syncope, pyrexia and anxiety. Therapeutic constituents : The main constituent of the plant is a triterpenoid called aldehyde nepehinal. Other terpenoids found in Cal Mint include nepetidone, nepedinol and triterpenic acid, which render the herb its therapeutic properties. Key therapeutic benefits : The herb is known to promote heart health in several cardiovascular…

Latin name : Calendula officinalis (Linn.) (Asteraceae) (Combretaceae), Terminalia belerica Sanskrit/Indian name : Zergul Urdu name : Gul-e-Ashrafi General information : Calendula is considered beneficial in reducing inflammation and promoting wound healing. Historically, Calendula was used by soldiers in the American Civil War to stop bleeding and to quicken the healing of wounds. According to a study conducted at Universitatea de Medicina Farmacie, Romania, skin healed within three days of topical application of the herb. It is an effective remedy for a variety of skin diseases, skin ulcerations, eczema, juvenile acne and dry phthiriasis. The flower extracts also help…

Latin name : Acorus calamus (Linn. ) (Araceae) Sanskrit/Indian name : Vacha, Sadgrantha, Ugragandha, Vayambur, Bach Urdu Name : Waj Turki General information : According to Dr. James Duke in the CRC Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, Sweet Flag has a long history of use, dating back at least 4,000 years as a product of commerce in Southeast Asia. Its oil, extracted from the rhizomes and roots, possesses antispasmodic and carminative properties. The oil is used to treat stomach ailments and mental debility. Joint pains and aches resulting from rheumatism and arthritis are also relieved by Calamus oil. The Ayurvedic…