Author: Hakeem Hashmi
Latin name : Melaleuca leucadendron (Linn.) Sanskrit/Indian name : Kayaputi, Kajuput General information : The essential oil of the Cajuput Tree is obtained by using steam to distill the plant leaves. Traditionally, the leaves of this plant have been used for healing skin cuts, burns and infections. Recent studies have revealed its antifungal property, making it an important ingredient in treating scalp infections like dandruff. Cajuput Oil is also helpful in treating respiratory problems. Therapeutic constituents : Ursolic acid isolated from the chloroform extract and piceatannol and oxyresveratrol isolated from the methanalic extract, are identified of Cajuput Oil as…
Latin name : Cinnamomum cassia Blume (Lauraceae), Cinnamomum aromaticum (Nees) Sanskrit/Indian name : Sthula tvak, Taja Urdu Name : Taj Qalmi, Saleekha General information : Chinese Cinnamon is a popular culinary ingredient worldwide. Various benefits of the herb have been documented in Greek, Arabic and Chinese literature. In the 2001 edition of Review of Natural Products, Chinese Cinnamon has been documented as a diuretic. The essential oil has shown analgesic and germicidal properties. The German Commission E and The British Herbal Pharmacopeia recommend the herb in treating loss of appetite and dyspepsia. Therapeutic constituents : The aroma and the…
Latin name : Cynodon dactylon poaceae Sanskrit/Indian name : Durva, Haritali, Dhub, Hariali Urdu name : Doob General information : According to Indian Medicinal Plants—An Illustrated Dictionary by C.P. Khare, Dhub Grass is used as a remedy for inflamed tumors, cuts, wounds, bleeding piles, cystitis, nephritis, scabies and other skin diseases. It has astringent, diuretic, antidiarrheal, anticatarrhal, styptic and antiseptic properties. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India recommends the dried fibrous root of the grass to stop excessive menstrual bleeding and for alleviating burning during urination. Therapeutic constituents : Dhub Grass contains protein, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium and carbohydrate, which…
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…