Author: Hakeem Hashmi
Latin name : Anethum graveolens Linn., Peucedanum graveolens Linn., A. sowa Roxb. ex Flem. Sanskrit/Indian name : Shatapushpa, Satahva, Madhura, Sotapa, Sowa Urdu Name : Tukhme Soya, Tukhme Shibbat General information : Indian Dill leaves are used in tea and salads, while the seeds are used in bread, soups, salads and as a preservative. Indian Dill has been used in traditional herbal medicine for more than 2,000 years. Its seeds treat various digestive problems, while the essential oil extracted from the seeds may relieve intestinal spasms and gripe (Source: http://www.zhion.com/herb/Indiandill.html). The German Commission E recommends the herb for gastrointestinal,…
Latin name : Gossypium herbaceum (Malvaceae), Gossypium indicum (Malvaceae) Sanskrit/Indian name : Karpasa Urdu Name : Pambadana, Habbul Qutn General information : Mainly cultivated for the commercial purpose of making cloth, Indian Cotton Plant is also valued for its remedial properties. In Indian herbal medicine, Indian Cotton Plant is referred to as a ‘female medication’. Drinking tea made from the Indian Cotton Plant root facilitates childbirth. The plant also regulates menstruation. Some reports have claimed that extracts of the plant can be used as an aphrodisiac in male sexual disorders. Therapeutic constituents : Gossypin is the main therapeutic constituent…
Latin name : Commiphora wightii (Arn.) Bhandari, Commiphora mukul (Hook. ex Stocks) Engl, Balsamodendron mukul Hook. ex Stocks (Burseraceae) Sanskrit/Indian name : Guggulu, Koushika, Devadhupa, Palankasha, Guggul Urdu Name : Muqil, Guggal General information : In Ayurveda, Indian Bdellium is prescribed for the treatment of medoroga, a disease that closely resembles the symptoms of hyperlipidemia including high blood cholesterol and the hardening of arteries. The herb has been used historically for centuries to support normal fat levels and metabolism in the body. Indian Bdellium is found across the world from Northern Africa to Central Asia. In India, it is…
Latin name : Berberis aristata DC. (Berberidaceae) Sanskrit/Indian name : Daruharidra, Darvi, Darurajani, Darhald Urdu Name : Rassaut (Root Bark Extract), Darhald (Root), Zarishk (Berries) General information : Tree Turmeric is a revered herb in Ayurvedic medicine. Possessing antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic and antiseptic properties, the herb is used as a cholagogue, stomachic, laxative and diaphoretic. Tree Turmeric is found in the Himalayas and is also cultivated in the Indian states of Assam and Bihar. Therapeutic constituents : Tree Turmeric contains vitamin C, tannins, pectin and minerals, which include phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium and iron. Key therapeutic benefits : As…
Latin name : Cassia fistula Linn. (Caesalpiniaceae) Sanskrit/Indian name : Aragvadha, Suvarnaka, Kritamala, Chaturangula, Amaltas, Bandarlauri Urdu name : Amaltas General information : The Golden Shower tree is the national tree of Thailand. Its flower is the state flower of Kerala, a southern state in India. The therapeutic benefits of Goldern Shower are recorded in traditional medicine texts in Sri Lanka, Burma and India. In Ayurveda, the tree is also called aragvadha or ‘the disease killer’. Golden Shower is effective in treating skin diseases, gastrointestinal disorders and cardiac problems. Therapeutic constituents : Golden Shower seeds contain crude proteins, fats…
Latin Name : Hyssopus officinalis Linn. (Lamiaceae/Labiatae) Sanskrit/Indian name : Jufa Urdu Name : Zufa Khushk General information : The benefits of Hyssop have been documented in the prime texts of Christianity and Judaism. Due to its slight bitter and minty flavor, it is used in soups, salads or meats. The essential oil of the herb is credited with its astringent, expectorant and anti-inflammatory properties. As a tonic, it is known to lower fevers. Therapeutic constituents : Hyssop contains terpenoids including marrubiin. Marrubiin is a strong expectorant. The plant also contains ursolic acid, an anti-inflammatory ingredient (Indian Medicinal Plants—An…
Latin Name : Hygrophila auriculata (Schum.) Hiene Syn., Hygrophila spinosa T. Anders., Asteracantha longifolia (Linn.) Nees. (Acanthaceae) Sanskrit/Indian name : Kokilaksha, Ikshura, Ikshuraka, Chulli, Talimakhana Urdu Name : Talmakhana General information : The Sanskrit name for Hygrophila, Kokilaksha, literally means ‘an eye of the cuckoo’. This refers to the flowers of this plant resembling the color of a cuckoo’s eyes. Hygrophila stimulates the male genital system and is beneficial in the treatment of sexual debility, premature ejaculation and erectile failure. It is also a potent remedy for kidney stones. The herb is found all throughout India in marshes places…
Latin Name : Ocimum tenuiflorum Linn., Ocimum sanctum Linn. Lamiaceae (Labiatae) Sanskrit/Indian name : Tulasi, Ajaka, Brinda, Manjari, Parnasa, Patrapuspha, Suvasa Tulasi,Krishna Tulasi, Sri Tulasi, Tulsi, Baranda, Kala Tulsi Urdu Name : Raihan, Tulsi, Franjmushk General information : Holy Basil is one of the most revered plants in India. In Ayurveda, it is often said to be the ‘elixir of life’. A sacred plant in Hinduism Tulsi means ‘the incomparable one in Sanskrit’. In Ayurvedic tradition, Tulasi is used to support the normal respiratory function, promote good health and longevity. Holy Basil is grown all over India, in houses,…
Latin Name : Betula utilis D. Don Sanskrit/Indian name : Bhojpatra General information : As the name suggests, the Himalayan Silver Birch is found throughout the Himalayan range. Writers of the Vedic era used the bark of the tree to write on in place of paper. Research carried out in the US revealed that ‘betulinic acid’ found in Himalaya Silver Birch is highly effective in the treatment of melanoma, a type of skin cancer. The German Commission Eand European Scientific Therapy on Phytotherapy recommend the use of the extracts in inflammatory diseases of the urinary tract, for kidney gravel…
Latin Name : Hyoscyamus niger Linn. (Solanaceae) Sanskrit/Indian name :Parasigaya, Khurasani-ajvayan Urdu Name :Ajwain Khurasani, Bazrulbanj General information : Henbane, which has sedative properties, has been employed externally to relieve pain. The German Commission Eand The British Herbal Pharmacopeia have documented the use of Henbane in spasms of the gastrointestinal tract. Therapeutic constituents : Hyoscyamine and hyoscine are the principal alkaloids in Henbane, which depress the central nervous system. The seeds show inhibitory activity against the digestive enzyme lipase. Key therapeutic benefits : Henbane is used extensively as a sedative and pain killer. It is also know to relieve…