Author: Hakeem Hashmi

Latin Name : Salvadora persica Sanskrit/Indian name : Peelu, Pilu, Meswak, Miswak, Arak Urdu name : Peelu, Miswak General information : The twigs of Miswak have been used as a natural toothbrush for centuries. In fact, the World Health Organization has also promoted its use for oral hygiene. A clinical study on Miswak revealed that patient using Miswak twigs as an adjunct to tooth brushing exhibited significant improvement in gingival health and plaque reduction. Therapeutic constituents : Silica in Miswak acts as an abrasive material to remove plaque and stains. Tannins present in Miswak exert an astringent effect on…

Latin Name : Citrus reticulata Sanskrit/Indian name : Narangi Urdu name : sangtara General information : Mandarin Orange is rich in vitamin C and flavonoids. Studies have shown that one Mandarin Orange (130 grams) supplies nearly 100 percent of the recommended daily dietary intake of vitamin C! More recently, researchers have been studying the effectiveness of Mandarin Orange in treating liver cancer. It also lowers cholesterol and high blood pressure. Therapeutic constituents : Hesperidin, a very important flavonoid present in Mandarin Orange, lowers cholesterol and high blood pressure. It is also a good source of fiber, vitamin B (including…

Latin Name : Symplocos racemosa Roxb. (Symplocaceae) Sanskrit /Indian Name : Lodhra, Tilva, Shavara, Lodh Urdu Name : Lodh Pathani General information : Lodh Tree bark has been traditionally used as an uterine tonic. Numerous references attest to its value in maintaining optimum health in women. Additionally, the tree and its formulations have been effective in controlling bleeding and digestive disorders. Therapeutic constituents : Glycosides, isolated from the ethanolic extract of the stembark, are highly astringent and are reported to be responsible for the medicinal properties of the bark (Indian Medicinal Plants—An Illustrated Dictionary, C.P.Khare. 635. 2007). Key therapeutic…

Latin Name : Glycyrrhiza glabra Linn. (Fabaceae) Sanskrit /Indian Name : Yashti-madhu, Yashti-madhuka, Mulhathi, Jethi-madh Urdu Name : Mulethi, Aslussoos General information : Licorice has an impressive list of well-documented uses. It is used to treat a wide array of illnesses including lowering cholesterol levels, healing respiratory tract disorders and boosting immunity levels. Recent studies have found that by limiting the damage from low density lipoprotein (‘bad’) cholesterol, Licorice may discourage artery-clogging plaque formation and contribute to the healthy functioning of the heart (Source: www.herbwisdom.com). In recent times, science has been rediscovering the health benefits of Licorice. Several studies…

Latin Name : Lactuca scariola Linn. (Asteraceae), L.serriola Linn. Sanskrit /Indian Name : KahuUrdu Name : Tukhme Kahu General information : Lettuce is the most popular of all salad vegetables and is readily available all year round. Due to the rich content of vitamins and minerals, lettuce has many a health benefits. A study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that low intake of vitamin K may increase the risk of hip fractures in women. The study found that Lettuce contains more than half the daily requirement of vitamin K requirement for women. Therapeutic constituents :…

Latin Name : Lens culinaris Medic., L.esculenta. Moench, Ervum lens Linn. Sanskrit /Indian Name : Masura Urdu Name : Dal Masur General information : For many years, Lentils have been traditionally eaten with barley and wheat. Lentils are one of the earliest foods to have been cultivated. Highly nutritious, Lentils are effective in reducing cholesterol. Revered for its high protein content, Lentil soup soothes gastric troubles and constipation. A study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine confirms that eating high fiber foods such as Lentils, helps prevent heart disease. Therapeutic constituents : Lentils are valued for their high…

Latin Name : Citrus limon Burm.f. (Linn.) Sanskrit /Indian Name : Nimbaka Urdu Name : Nibu, Limu General information : Lemon, used in many culinary preparations as a flavoring agent, is credited with medicinal benefits. Rich in vitamin C, citric acid and calcium, the fruit is a carminative and stomachic. Lemons contain unique flavonoid compounds that have antibiotic, antioxidant and anticholera properties. It is reported that in several villages in West Africa, during cholera epidemics, the inclusion of Lemon juice in the main meal of the day was determined to have reduced the chances of contracting cholera. Therapeutic constituents…

Latin Name : Amomum subulatum Zingiberaceae Sanskrit/Indian name : Aindri, Sthula ela, Brihatupakunchika, Badi-elaichi Urdu Name : Badi Elaichi, Elaichi Kalan General information : Often used as a spice, condiment or in the preparation of sweetmeats, Larger or Greater Cardamom has numerous medicinal benefits. In Ayurveda, its antispasmodic, appetizer and digestive properties have been documented. Its antioxidant properties have been reported in the Journal of the Association of Physicians in India. Therapeutic constituents : The essential oil, obtained from the steam distillation of the crushed seeds of Larger Cardamon, contain cineole. Cineole gives the herb its aroma as well…

Latin Name : Tribulus terrestrisLinn. (Zygophyllaceae) Sanskrit/Indian name : Gokshura, Gokhru Urdu Name : Gokhru Khurd General information : Land Caltrops has been used for centuries as a general tonic by the Ancient Greeks. It is used in Ayurvedic medicine to maintain efficient kidney and urinary functions and in reducing renal discomfort. It is effective in treating urinary tract disorders because it promotes the flow of urine and cools and soothes the membranes of the urinary tract. Land Caltrops has also been described as an aphrodisiac in Ayurveda. Recent research has shown that Land Caltrops has analgesic properties. The…

Latin Name : Vetiveria zizanioides (Linn.) Nash (Gramineae), Andropogon muricatus Retz., A.squarrosus Hook. f.,non Linn. f., Anatherum zizanioides (Linn.) Hitchcock & Chase Sanskrit/Indian name : Ushira, Reshira, Sugandhimula Urdu Name : Khus General information : Widely used in aromatherapy and perfume, Khas-Khas is a cooling agent, tonic and blood purifier. It is used to treat many skin disorders and is known to have a calming effect on the nervous system. Other medicinal uses of Khas-Khas include ringworm treatment, indigestion and loss of appetite. Therapeutic constituents : Major constituents of the essential oil of Khas-Khas are vetiselinenol and khusimol, which…