Author: Hakeem Hashmi
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…
Latin name : Olea europaea Sanskrit/Indian name : Jaitun Urdu Name : Zaitoon General information : Olives are found in abundance in the Mediterranean. Due to its inherent bitter taste, special processing is required before eating. The fruit’s essential oil is extremely beneficial to eliminate joint sores, which can result in rheumatism and arthritis. The oil is also a mild demulcent, which forms a mild film over the mucus membrane. It is applied externally to treat wounds and minor burns and for psoriasis. Due to its rich vitamin E content, Olives are popular ingredients in skincare products. Therapeutic constituents…
Latin name : Common Sesban (Merrill.) (Papilionacae), S. aegyptiaca (Pers) Sanskrit/Indian name : Jayantika, Jayan General information : Common Sesban is documented in Arabian and Persian literature as a potent astringent. In Ayurvedic medicine, it is used for its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. In the form of an ointment, it relieves itching and is used to treat skin eruptions. Therapeutic constituents : The compounds ampesterol, cholesterol and beta-sitosterol have been extracted from the leaf and pod. The antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties of Common Sesban are attributed to the seeds of the plant. Key therapeutic benefits : Common Sesban removes…
Latin name : Malva sylvestris (Linn.) (Malvaceae) Sanskrit/Indian name : Gul-khair, Kunzi, Vilayatiikangai Urdu Name : Khubbazi General information : The German Commission E has recommended the use of Country Mallow to alleviate irritation of the throat mucosa and dry cough. The herb is indexed in both the Swiss and French herbal pharmacopeia. The herb is also known as a central nervous system depressant, relieving anxiety and nervousness. Therapeutic constituents : The volatile oil obtained from the leaves, roots and seeds has antibacterial and antifungal properties. The main chemical constituents are ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, phytosterol, potassium nitrate and alkaloids, which…
Latin name : Cassia occidentalis (Linn.) (Caesalpiniaceae) Sanskrit/Indian name : Kasamarda, Arimarda, Kasari, Badikasondi, Chakunda, Kasonda Urdu name : Kasonji General information : Coffee Senna seeds are attributed with blood purifying and diuretic properties. The herb has been traditionally used to normalize bowel movements. It is a related species of Senna, a much stronger purgative. The seeds are also beneficial in treating whooping cough, convulsions and heart disease. Despite its name, which comes from its occasional use as a coffee substitute, Coffee Senna is absolutely unrelated to coffee! Therapeutic constituents : The volatile oil obtained from the leaves, roots…
Latin name : Cocos nucifera (Linn.) (Arecaceae) Sanskrit/Indian name : Narikela Urdu Name : Nariyal General information : Coconut is a fruit found in tropical climates. Because if its distinct flavor and aroma, it is used in many culinary preparations. The fruit is rich in proteins and eliminates intestinal parasites, while Coconut water is helpful in treating kidney and urinary bladder disorders. The essential oil extracted from the fruit is beneficial in healing superficial wounds and cuts. Therapeutic constituents : Octanoic acid, which has antifungal properties, is one of the major active constituents of Coconut. It also contains vitamins…
Latin name : Syzygium aromaticum (Linn.) (Merrill. & Perry.) (Myrtaceae), Caryophyllus aromaticus (Linn.), Eugenia caryophyllata (Thunb.), E. aromatica (Kuntze.) Sanskrit/Indian name : Lavangaha, Laung Urdu Name : Qaranfal, Laung General information : Cloves originated from Moluccas, Indonesia, arriving in Asia more than 2,000 years ago. The herb has been used as a mouth freshener for centuries, although it was first and foremost used to flavor food. Today, Zanzibar in East Africa is the leading producer of cloves. Cloves are known for their rich medicinal value. An herbal concoction featuring the herb has been effective in treating hangovers. Topical application…