Author: Hakeem Hashmi
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 :…
Latin name : Momordica charantia Linn. (Cucurbitaceae) Sanskrit/Indian name : Karavella, Kathilla, Sushavi, Karela, Kareli Urdu Name : Karela General information : Bitter Gourd is often recommended in Ayurveda as a general health tonic. Recent medical studies have indicated that the vegetable possesses a ‘plant-insulin’ which helps in lowering blood sugar levels. The juice of the plant is also known to cure alcohol intoxication by cleansing and repairing the liver. Bitter Gourd is commonly eaten in Asia. In fact, Health Canada recommends it on their website under ‘Treat Your Taste Buds’, suggesting Bitter Gourd as an unique, new, nutricious…
Latin name : Carum copticum (Hiern), Trachyspermum ammi Linn. Sprague, Ptychotis ajowan DC. Apiaceae (Umbelliferae) Sanskrit/Indian name : Yavani, Yawani, Ajowanj, Ajwain Urdu Name : Ajwain Desi (Seeds), Sat Ajwain (Thymol) General information : Bishop’s Weed is valued for its antispasmodic, stimulant, tonic and carminative properties. It is administered in flatulence, atonic dyspepsia and diarrhea, and often recommended for cholera. In the Unani system, the herb is used as a drug to enhance the body’s resistance, and is prescribed in amoebiasis, a parasitic infection of the intestines. It is a potent antimicrobial agent. Therapeutic constituents : The principal constituents…
Latin name : Convolvulus microphyllus Sieb. ex Spreng., Convolvulus pluricaulis Choisy (Convolvulaceae) Sanskrit/Indian name : Shankhapushpi Urdu Name : Saqmoonia General information : Bindweed is reported to be a potent memory-enhancing drug, which is used as a psycho-stimulant and tranquilizer. It also reduces mental stress. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India documents the use of the plant for treating epilepsy. Therapeutic constituents : The plant contains resins, tanoids, vitamin C and mineral substances, which render the herb its psycho-stimulant properties. The ethanolic extract of the plant reduces total serum cholesterol, triglycerides, phospholipids and nonesterified fatty acids. Key therapeutic benefits :…
Latin name : Cicer arietinum Linn.(Papilionaceae), Terminalia belerica Sanskrit/Indian name : Chanaka Urdu Name : Chana General information : Bengal Gram is a popular lentil in India. The cultivation of Bengal Gram is 7,000 years old, and it was first found in Western Asia. In India, the earliest records date from about 4,000 BC in the town Atranjikhera in Uttar Pradesh. Because Bengal Gram is a rich source of proteins, it makes an excellent ingredient in skin and haircare products. It also has other medicinal uses, which include treating stomach ailments and lowering blood sugar levels. Therapeutic constituents :…
Latin name : Terminalia bellirica Roxb. (Combretaceae), Terminalia belerica Sanskrit/Indian name : Vibhitaki, Karshaphala, Kalidruma, Bahera Urdu Name : Bahera, Balela General information : Belliric Myrobalan is known as Vibhitaki in Sanskrit, which means ‘fearless’. In Indian folklore, it is said that demons inhabited the Belliric Myrobalan tree and those who sat under its shade were vulnerable to an attack. Belliric Myrobalan is one of the three key ingredients of Triphala, a natural compound that provides overall support for digestive function and helps ensure that the digestive tract works at an optimal level. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India has…
Latin name : Aloe barbadensis Mill., Aloe vera Tourn. ex Linn. (Liliaceae) Sanskrit/Indian name : Ghrita-kumari, Kanya, Kumari, Ghee-kunwar, Ghi-kuvar, Gvar patha Urdu Name : Gheekwar, Aelwah (Dried Latex) General information : Barbados Aloe is one of the most important herbs in Ayurveda. According to the German Commission E, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy (ESCOP), the herb is prescribed for constipation. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India recommends using the driedjuice of the leaves in dysmenorrhea, a gynecological condition that causes painful menstruation, and also for treating liver diseases. Barbados Aloe has become…
Latin name : Ficus benghalensis Sanskrit/Indian name : Vata Urdu name : Bargad General information : The Banyan Tree is considered sacred in many parts of India. Food is often served on Banyan tree leaves. Various parts of the plant are considered medicinal. The milky juice is externally applied for bruises and as a pain reliever in rheumatism and back pain. It is also used as a remedy for toothache. The leaves are heated and applied as a poultice to abscesses. The bark is astringent, while the seeds have a cooling effect. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India recommends using…