Author: Hakeem Hashmi

Latin name : Aegle marmelos (Linn.) Correa. ex Roxb. Sanskrit/Indian name : Bilva, Shivaphala, Bel Urdu name : Bel General information : Bael Tree is considered sacred in India, Malaysia and Indonesia. The fruit, which is widely used to treat diarrhea, dysentery and gastrointestinal disorders, has digestive and carminative properties. It helps heal ulcerated intestinal surfaces. It possesses antiviral, anthelmintic and anti-inflammatory properties as well. The herb also has antispasmodic properties that ensure optimum gut function. Therapeutic constituents : The alcoholic extract of the seeds shows anti-allergic activity. The fruit, rind and leaves have a high tannin content. Tannins…

Latin name : Acacia nilotica Delile. (Sub species indica (Benth.) Brenan /A. arabica Willd. var. indica Benth. Sanskrit/Indian name : Babbula, Babul Urdu Name : Babul, Gond Babul, Gond Kikar, Khadir General information : Materia Medica mentions the use of Indian Gum Arabic Tree as a useful herbal medicine for a variety of disorders ranging from diarrhea to mouth ulcers. The tree is found throughout the drier regions of India. Therapeutic constituents : Indian Gum Tree contains gallic acid, (+)-catechin and chlorogenic acid that gives the herbs its therapeutic properties. Key Therapeutic constituents : Indian Gum Arabic Tree’s fresh…

Latin name : Asparagus racemosus Willd (Liliaceae) Sanskrit/Indian name : Shatavari, Satavar, Satmuli Urdu Name : Satawar General information : In Sanskrit, Asparagus means ‘she who possesses a hundred husbands,’ implying its ability to help support fertility and vitality. It regulates hormonal secretion and acts as a galactagogue, which promotes lactation in nursing women. Asparagus has been used in a variety of ways through the centuries. The tubers were once candied and eaten as a sweetmeat. Nursing mothers ate Asparagus because it supported the production of breast milk. In some cultures, people drank the fresh juice of the root…

Latin name : Saraca asoca (Roxb.) De Wilde, Saraca indica auct. non linn. Sanskrit/Indian name : Ashoka, Gandhapushpa, Ashok, Kankeli Urdu Name : Ashok General information : The Ashoka Tree is one of the most sacred and legendary trees in India. Several Ayurvedic scriptures have inscribed its medicinal importance. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India recommends the bark in cases of heavy and prolonged menstrual periods, infection of the lymph nodes and inflammation. Therapeutic constituents : The powdered bark of the tree consists of silica, sodium, potassium phosphate, magnesium, iron, calcium, strontium and aluminum. The seeds contain oleic, linoleic, palmitic…

Latin name : Benincasa hispida Thunb.cogn., B. cerifera Sanskrit/Indian name : Kushmanda Urdu Name : Petha General information : Ash Gourd is believed to have originated in Java, Indonesia. The Chinese have been cultivating it for over 2,000 years. Its medicinal uses first appeared in 659 AD in the Materia medica of the Tang dynasty. In Chinese medicine, the rind is used to treat urinary dysfunction and the seeds for vaginal discharge. The fruit is used to treat summer fevers. In Ayurveda, the fruit is abeneficial for the management of a host of medical problems, including epilepsy, lung diseases,…

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 : Prunus armeniaca, Juglans regia Linn. Sanskrit/Indian name : Urumana, Walnut Urdu Name : Akhrot General information : Apricots originated in China and arrived to Europe via Armenia, which denotes its Latin name Prunus armeniaca. Apricots are eaten worldwide and are also used in pastries and jams. The fruit can be distilled into brandy and liquer. Turkey, Italy, Russia, Spain, Greece, the United States and France are the leading producers of Apricots. The fruit is rich in nutrients which protects the heart and eyes. Because of its rich vitamin content and nourishing properties, the fruit has become…

Latin name : Abelmoschus moschatus Malvaceae, Hibiscus abelmoschus Linn. Sanskrit/Indian name : Latakasturi, Gandapura, Kasturilatika, Kasturidana, Muskadana General information : The Ambrette Plant is widely used in homes as an ornamental plant. In China, the flowers are eaten raw, and the leaves are used for making tea. The seeds are eaten raw or roasted. The fruit is a rich source of dietary fiber. The plant, which has many health benefits, is used as an ingredient in medicines for heart ailments and respiratory diseases like asthma. Patients suffering from urinogenital and eye-related ailments benefit from the healing properties of the…

Latin name : Prunus amygdalus Sanskrit/Indian name : Vatadha, Badam Urdu Name : Badam Shirin, Maghze Badam Shirin information : Originating from North Africa and West Asia, Almonds are considered to be one of the most nutritious nuts. The Greeks were the first to realize the potential benefits of Almond and began its cultivation. Packed with nutrients and beneficial compounds, Almonds help maintain heart and skin health. They are used widely across the globe as a principal ingredient in many healthcare and skincare products. Therapeutic constituents : Almond kernel is a demulcent, which is an agent that forms a…

Latin name : Ipomoea digitata Linn. I.paniculata (Linn.) R.Br. Sanskrit/Indian name : Vidari General information : Aligator Yam has been traditionally used as a medicine in India and parts of Southeast Asia. In the Enthopharmacology of Medicinal Plants: Asia and the Pacific, author Christophe Wiart writes that in Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam, the tubers are used to prevent obesity and regularize menstruation. The author further emphasizes that the plant should be studied for its potential as a nerve stimulator. In India, Aligator Yam is used as a general tonic, to treat diseases of the spleen and liver and prevent fat…