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Latin name : Trigonella foenum-graecum Sanskrit/Indian name : Medhika, Chandrika Urdu Name : Methi, Tukhme Hulba General information : The leaves and seeds of the Fenugreek plant are widely used in Indian cuisine. The herb has been traditionally used in Ayurvedic compositions as a moisturizer, specially formulated to hydrate dry skin. Applied topically, the herb is also helpful in treating boils, abscesses and ulcers. Fenugreek is a natural source of protein, which rebuilds and strengthens the hair shaft. It reduces hair fall and promotes hair growth. Fenugreek seeds function as an appetite suppressant and give a feeling of satiety…
Latin name : Embelia ribes Burm. f. (Myrsinaceae) Sanskrit/Indian name : Vidanga, Tandula, Krimighna, Baberang, Vayvidang Urdu Name : Baobarang General information : False Black Pepper has been known as an anthemintic (expulsion of parasitic worms from the body). An 1887 report published in The Lancet revealed that the herb is a potent remedy for tapeworm. Its anti-inflammatory properties are effective in treating swollen gums. The dried fruit is used in decoctions for fevers and for chest and skin diseases. The fruit has antibacterial properties. Therapeutic constituents : The principal constituent of the herb is embelin. It also contains some…
Latin name : Eucalyptus globules Labill. (Myrtaceae) Sanskrit/Indian name : Tailapatra, Sugandhapatra Urdu Name : Nilgiri General information : The essential oil derived from the plant Eucalyptus has various health and medicinal benefits. Topical ointments containing Eucalyptus oil have been used in traditional Aboriginal medicines to heal wounds and fungal infections. Teas containing Eucalyptus leaves were also used to reduce fevers. The therapeutic uses of Eucalyptus soon spread to other traditional medicine systems, including Chinese, Ayurvedic and Greco-European. Nilgiri Oil (Eucalyptus oil distilled in the Nilgiri mountains, Tamil Nadu, India) has been studied by the Medical Department, Government of…
Latin name : Emblica officinalis (Gaertn.), Phyllanthus emblica Linn. (Euphorbiaceae) Sanskrit/Indian name : Amalaki, Dhatriphala, Amla, Aovla Urdu Name : Amla General information : Emblic Myrobalan is revered in Ayurveda. It is one of the three key ingredients in the formulation Triphala, a herbal compound that provides overall support for digestive function and helps ensure that the digestive tract works at optimal levels. The fruit is an important source of vitamin C, minerals and amino acids. It contains three times the protein concentration and vitamin C (ascorbic acid) concentration than apple. Researchers at the Institute of Natural Medicine, University…
Latin name : Argyreia nervosa (Burm.f.) Bojer. (Convolvulaceae), A. speciosa Sweet Sanskrit/Indian name : Vriddadaru, Vidhara Urdu Name : Samandarsotha General information : The root of the Elephant Creeper is a diuretic and an aphrodisiac. It is also used to treat gonorrhea, rheumatism and nervous system disorders. The herb is reported to cure sexual disorders in men. A study conducted at the Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute, Kerala, India, showed that ‘the plant has promising potential to be developed into an effective medicine for stimulating male sexual activity’ (Source: http://srbce.org/jer2007/subramoniametal.pdf). Therapeutic constituents : Elephant Creeper contains tannins, ergoline…
Latin name : Sphaeranthus indicus Sanskrit/Indian name : Mundi Urdu Name : Gule Mundi General information : East Indian Globe Thistle is a medicinal plant that is widely found in Southeast Asia. The antibacterial and antimicrobial properties of the plant make it effective in treating skin infections. It is currently being researched in India as a potential natural remedy for psoriasis. The roots and seeds are useful in eliminating parasitic worms. The herb is also reported as a tonic to treat indigestion, asthma, leucoderma and dysentery (Chopra et al., 1956). The flowers are credited with alterative, depurative and tonic…
Latin name: Calotropis procera (Ait.) Ait. F. (Asclepiadaceae) Sanskrit/Indian name: Arka, Alarka, Ak, Akada Urdu Name : Aak, Madar General information : The leaves of Dead Sea Apple were used for sun worship in Vedic times. Researchers at The Department of Pharmacology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), have studied the herb for its antidiarrheal properties. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India recommends the use of the root and leaf in asthma and shortness of breath. The stem bark is prescribed in liver and spleen diseases. Therapeutic constituents : Mudarine, found in the leaves of the plant, is the…
Latin name : Moringa pterygosperma Gaertn., Moringa oleifera (Moringaceae) Sanskrit/Indian name : Shigru, Shobhanjana, Sahijna, Sainjna, Munaga Urdu name : Sohanjna General information : Drumstick is an exceptionally nutritious vegetable tree with a variety of potential uses. The leaves are rich, natural sources of vitamins and minerals. Historical texts reveal that ancient Indian kings and queens used Drumstick in their diet to maintain general health and alleviate inflamed joints. Although Drumstick is native to Northern India, it is cultivated throughout subtropical areas from West Africa to Fiji. Therapeutic constituents : The leaves are a rich source of vitamins A…
Latin name : Quercus infectoria Sanskrit/Indian name : Mayakku, Mayaphala Urdu Name : Mazu, Mazuphal General information : The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India recommends Downy Oak to stop heavy menstrual bleeding, to treat dry and itchy vaginal skin and for dental inflammation. The 2008 article ‘Antioxidant Potential of Galls of Quercus Infectoria’ in the Internet Journal of Pharmacology, revealed that the extracts of Downy Oak have potent antioxidant properties. Therapeutic constituents : Downy Oak contains tannic acid (gallo-tannic acid) as the principal constituent. Tannic and gallic acids extracted from the tree are often used to regularize bowel movements during…
Latin name : Cedrus deodara (Roxb. ex Lamb.) G. Don (Pinaceae), C. libani Barrel, Pinus deodara Roxb. Sanskrit/Indian name : Devadaru, Mastadaru, Dedwar, Deodar Urdu Name : Deodar General information : The Deodar tree grows in abundance in the Himalayas. Its Sanskrit name, Devadaru, means ‘Wood of the Gods’. The inner wood yields an essential oil which has many uses. The oil has anti-inflammatory properties and is beneficial in alleviating joint pain. According to Indian Medicinal Plants—An Illustrated Dictionary by C.P. Khare, the aqueous extract of the bark supports normal blood sugar levels in the body. Therapeutic constituents: Deodar…