Author: Hakeem Hashmi

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…

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,…