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Aloe Vera
Aloe (Aloe Vera) is an important and traditional medicinal plant belonging to the family Liliaceae. It is indigenous to Africa and Mediterranean countries. It is reported to grow wild on islands of Cyprus, Malta, Sicily, Carary Cape, Cape Verde and arid tracts of India. This is a hardy perennial tropical plant that can be cultivated in drought areas. But its potential is yet to be exploited. Aloe, despite being identified as 'a new plant resource with the most promising prospects in the world', remains a disregarded plant. It is scattered in the wild, along the coast of southern India. China, U.S.A., Mexico, Australia and some of the Latin American countries are the major producers and exporters of Aloe products. These countries are exploiting the plant potential with the growing cosmetic and neutraceutical market. Aloe can substitute synthetic ingredient used in cosmetic industry very competitively and is finding increasing use in the ever-growing consumer product segment.
In India, Aloe is cultivated in Alwar in Rajasthan, Satanapalli in Andhra Pradesh, Rajpipla in Gujarat and some parts of Tamil Nadu.
Medicinal properties and uses:
Aloe contains a mixture glucosides collectively called 'Aloin', which is the active constituent of the drug. Aloin and its gel are used as skin tonic, has cooling effect and moisturizing agent and so it is used in preparation of creams, lotions, shampoos and allied products. It is also used in gerontology and rejuvenation of aging skin.
The Aloin is extensively used as active ingredient in laxative and anti-obesity preparations.
The products prepared from Aloe leaves have multiple properties such as emollient, purgative, anti-bacterial, anti-oxidant, anti-fungal, anti-septic and cosmetic. The Food and Drug Administration of the USA has approved the developmental study of Aloe Vera in the treatment of cancer and AIDS.
Traditionally, Aloe is extensively used in treating urine related problems, pimples, ulcers, etc.
Many physicians suggest creams that contain Aloe Vera which is beneficial for skin eruptions and allergies. Aloe Vera gels and lotions have become famous in the market. Aloe Vera can be used like cosmetics and ayurvedic medications. Aloe Vera gels include 75 nutrients and proved to be the best remedy for burns and wounds.
This herb is very beneficial for reducing the blisters and sores. Aloe Vera can be utilized like a food preservative such as fresh fruit and legumes. It is utilized as an option to synthetic preservatives such as Sulfur-di-oxide.
One can also use Aloe Vera as a medication to treat skin problems such as cuts, eczema and burns. Aloe Vera drains some fluid which is beneficial to reduce inflammation and pain. A study has shown that when gel made up of Aloe Vera is applied on the severe and moderate burns then it takes just six days to recover from the wound.
There are many cosmetic companies that mix Aloe Vera fluid to many items such as make-up, sunscreens, soaps, shampoos and moisturizers. Many persons who have sensitive and dry skin mainly utilize Aloe Vera gel. One can also treat fungal infections such as ringworm by using Aloe Vera products.
Aloe Vera juice also helps the persons who suffer from heartburn, ulcers and other digestive diseases. It also offers relaxation to the persons who suffer from indigestion and irritable bowel syndrome. In some cases, one can use it like a medication.
It also decreases the pigmentation and dark spots of the face. Therefore, there are large numbers of uses of Aloe Vera and it is supposed like a miracle substance.
TOP 10 REASONS TO DRINK ALOE VERA GEL
1. Body-Building Blocks: Amino acids are our body’s building blocks. Eight which are essential and cannot be made by the body are found within the aloe plant ! Drinking Aloe Vera on a regular basis allows you to help maintain your health by replenishing your body naturally with these essential amino acids . An analysis of the aloe vera plant shows that it comes closer than any other known plant to the duplication of essential amino acids . Just think – all this, and in just 2 to 4 ounces a day.
2. Anti-inflammatory Properties: Aloe Vera Gel has 12 natural substances that have been shown to inhibit inflammation without side effects . Aloe may also support proper joint and muscle mobility.
3. Daily Dose of Vitamins: Aloe Vera Gel includes Vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, B12, C and E, Folic Acid and Niacin . The human body simply cannot store some of these vitamins; therefore we need to supplement them regularly through our diets. What better way than by drinking a daily dose of Aloe Vera Gel , while at the same time building the body’s defense system naturally against oxidative stress!
4. Daily Dose of Minerals: Some of the minerals found in aloe vera include calcium, sodium, iron, potassium, chromium, magnesium, manganese, copper, and zinc. What a powerful storehouse! We all know that adding foods to our diets with naturally occurring vitamins and minerals is recommended for overall health. Drinking Aloe Vera Gel is a natural and healthful way to replenish the body’s supply.
5. Collagen and Elastin Repair: Aloe Vera can add a rich supply of building materials to produce and maintain healthy skin . The skin replenishes itself every 21 to 28 days. Using the nutritional building blocks of aloe vera, the skin can utilize these nutrients daily to help combat the effects of aging! A daily dose of Aloe Vera Gel can be just what your skin is thirsting for.
6. Regulates Weight and Energy Levels: Aloe Vera Gel naturally, and with regular use, allows the body to cleanse the digestive system . Our diets include many unwanted substances which can cause lethargy and exhaustion. Taken regularly, Aloe Vera Gel ensures a greater feeling of well-being , allowing energy levels to increase and helping to maintain a healthy body weight.
7. Immune Support and Function: Aloe Vera provides natural support for the immune system . Since the immune system works around the clock protecting the body, aloe vera, with its natural immune enhancers, gives the body a continual arsenal from which to draw. Drinking 2 to 4 ounces of Aloe Vera Gel regularly may give your immune system the helping hand it needs.
8. Aids in Healthy Digestion: A healthy digestive tract ensures that nutrients from the foods we eat are absorbed into the blood stream. Aloe Vera has natural, detoxifying abilities. Drinking Aloe Vera Gel regularly may improve bowel regularity and increase protein absorption , while at the same time decrease unfriendly bacteria and yeast – all done naturally! Aloe Vera has also demonstrated its ability to assist in soothing heartburn and other types of digestive upset.
9. Provides Rapid Soothing: Aloe Vera enhances fibroblast function . Fibroblast are those remarkable little cells responsible for collagen formation. They also assist in the soothing of minor burns, cuts, scrapes and skin irritations.
10. Dental Health and Hygiene: Aloe Vera is extremely healthful for your mouth and gums.
Amla
Botanical Name
Emblica Officinalis Gaertn.
Common Name
Amla
Family
Tuphorbiaceae
Parts Used
Fruit, seed, leaves, root, bark and flower.
Active Compounds: Fruit: Tannins, Polyphenolic compound Fruit and Leaves: Fruits and leaves, 1, 3, 6-trigalloylglucose, Terchebin, Corilagin, Ellagic, Phyllenbic acids, Alkaloids Phyllantidine and Phyllantine. Leaves and Stem: Lupeol and beta sitosteerol. Seeds: Seeds, Linoleic acid and it closely resembles linseed oil, Ellagic acid and lupeol from roots.
Medicinal Properties: The fruit is rich in vitamin C and Pectin. This is an antioxidant with the free radical scavenging properties, which may be due to the presence of high levels of superoxide dismutase. The fruit exhibits hypolipidaemic and antiathero-sclerotic effects in rabbits and rats. And also hepatoprotective, antioxidant, antimutagenic, cytoprotective, antitumour & antimicrobial.
Annatto
Annatto is a derivative of the achiote trees of tropical regions of the Americas, used to produce a red food coloring.
Annatto is produced from the reddish pulp which surrounds the seed of the achiote (Bixa orellana L.). It is used in many cheeses (eg Cheddar, Red Leicester, and Brie), margarine, butter, rice, And custardpowder.
Ashoka
Botanical Name
Saraca asoca (Roxb.) de Wilde.
Common Name
Ashoka
Family
Fabaceae
Parts Used
Bark, leaves, flower and seed.
Active Compounds: Haematoxylin, Iron, tannin and catachin.
Medicinal Properties: The bark is a strong astringent and uterine sedative. It acts directly on the muscular fibers of the uterus and on the endometrium and the ovarian tissue.
Uses: This herb is effective in the treatment of uterine affections, especially in menorrhagia due to uterine fibroids and other treatments like internal bleeding, hemorrhoids and hemorrhagic dysentery.
Ashwagandha
Botanical Name
Withania somnifera (Linn.) Dunal
Common Name
Ashwagandha
Family
Solanaceae
Parts Used
Root, leave, fruit and seed.
Description:
Grows in dry subtropical regions of Rajstha, Punjab , Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Gujrat, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh.
Active Compounds: alkaloids and withanoloids
Medicinal Properties: Ashwagandha is a sedative, tonic, stimulant, aphrodisiac and helps toning the uterus. It restores loss of memory and is used in cases of nervous exhaustion spermatorrhoea and senile debility. It is used as an antistress, immunomodulalory, anticancer oxidant, anticonvulsive, anthelminthic, antiarthritic, antibacterial, cardioprotective, antidepressant, antitoxic, hypoglycaemic, diurectic and hypocholesteraemic, immunosuppressive, adaptogenic and antiradical.
Uses: It is effective in the treatment of Alcoholism, Alzheimer's disease, anemia, breathing difficulty, cancer- for general strength during and after chemotherapy, carbuncles, convalescence, cough, emaciation, HIV support, AIDS , immune system problems, insomnia, lumbago, memory loss, mental function, clarity, muscle energy loss, nerve exhaustion, overwork, fatigue, paralysis, rheumatism, rheumatic swellings, sexual debility, infertility, builds semen, skin afflictions, stress, swollen glands, ulcers, women's health - stabilizes fetus, regenerates hormones.
Atees
Botanical Name
Aconitum heterophylum
Common Name
Atees
Family
Ranunculaceae
Parts Used
Tuberous root
Description: This herb is found in hills of India , Himachal Pradesh, Uttaranchal, Jammu & Kashmir , Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh.
Active Compounds: Atisine - an intensely bitter alkaloid that is also non-toxic aconitinic acid, tannic acid, pectous substance, starch, fat, a mixture of oleic, palmitic, stearic glycerides, vegetable mucilage, sugar, ash (2%)
Medicinal Properties: The roots are bitter, acrid thermogenic, expectorant, stomachic, digestive, antiperiodic and tonic. They are highly recommended for diseases in children. It reduces arrhythmia and hypertension.
Uses: This is useful for a cute inflammations, chronic fevers, convalescing after fever, cough, debility, diarrhea, dysentery, edema, Hemorrhoids, indigestion, liver disorders, vomiting.
Bael
Botanical Name
Aegle marmelos Correa ex Roxb.
Common Name
Bael
Family
Rutaceae
Parts Used
Fruit, root, rind, flower and leaves
Medicinal Uses
The fresh ripe pulp of the higher quality cultivars, and the "sherbet" made from it, are taken for their mild laxative, tonic and digestive effects. A decoction of the unripe fruit, with fennel and ginger, is prescribed in cases of hemorrhoids. It has been surmised that the psoralen in the pulp increases tolerance of sunlight and aids in the maintaining of normal skin color. It is employed in the treatment of leucoderma. Marmelosin derived from the pulp is given as a laxative and diuretic. In large doses, it lowers the rate of respiration, depresses heart action and causes sleepiness.
For medicinal use, the young fruits, while still tender, are commonly sliced horizontally and sun-dried and sold in local markets. Because of the astringency, especially of the wild fruits, the unripe bael is most prized as a means of halting diarrhea and dysentery, which are prevalent in India in the summer months.
The bitter, pungent leaf juice, mixed with honey, is given to allay catarrh and fever. With black pepper added, it is taken to relieve jaundice and constipation accompanied by edema. The leaf decoction is said to alleviate asthma. A hot poultice of the leaves is considered an effective treatment for ophthahnia and various inflammations, also febrile delirium and acute bronchitis.
Bhumi Amlaki
Botanical Name
Phyllanthus amarus
Common Name
Bhumi Amlaki
Family
Euphorbiaceae
Parts Used
Whole Plant
Description: The plant grows abundantly in India up to 700 m altitude during rainy season.
Active Compounds: Phyllanthus primarily contains lignans (e.g., phyllanthine and hypophyllanthine), alkaloids, and bioflavonoids (e.g., quercetin). While it remains unknown as to which of these ingredients has an anti-viral effect, research shows that this herb acts primarily on the liver. This action in the liver confirms its historical use as a remedy for jaundice.
Medicinal Properties: The drug exhibits antiviral actions on hepatitis B in Numan subject and in vitro. The drug also has diuretic and hypotensive effect in human. The plant also has antibacterial and antifungal activities.
Uses: Whole plant is useful for the treatment of dropsy, gonorrhea, menorrhagia and other urinary affections of a similar type. Phyllanthus blocks DNA polymerase, the enzyme needed for the hepatitis B virus to reproduce. Fifty-nine percent of those infected with chronic viral hepatitis B lost one of the major blood markers of HBV infection (e.g., hepatitis B surface antigen) after using phyllanthus for thirty days. In Jaundice, the decoction of the plant is used. A poultice of the leaves mixed with salt cures itch and other skin affections. The herb also treats diabetes, dyspepsia, ulcers, sores, swellings, ophthalmia, and chronic dysentery .
Brahmi
Botanical Name
Bacopa monnieri
Common Name
Brahmi
Family
Scrophulariaceae
Parts Used
Whole plant, fresh as well as dried
Medicinal Properties:
The plant is a cooling purgative intellect promoting and has astringent, bitter, sweet, aphrodisiac and aperient.
Uses: This is a very good treatment of asthma, hoarseness of voice, insanity and epilepsy. This is also used for the treatment of cardiac and nerve tonic, insanity, headaches, scorpion stings, snakebites, anemia, leprosy, liver ailments, skin conditions, and memory lapses. This is a traditional brain nerve tonic, now being recognized for its memory enhancing and revitalizing effects.
Chinchona
Medicinal Use:
The medicinally active bark, which is stripped from the tree, dried and powdered, includes other alkaloids that are closely related to quinine but react differently in treating malaria
Chiraita
Botanical Name
Swertia Chirata Buch
Common Name
Chiraita
Family
Gentianaceae
Parts Used
Whole plant
Description:
This is a Himalayan Herb at altitude of 4000 feet from Kashmir , Nepal , Bhutan . Also seen in Uttaranchal , Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh in India.
Active Compounds: The plant is bitter due nto ophelic and chiratin, a yello bitter glucoside, other compounds are resins, gum, carbonates and phosphates of potash, lime and magnesia, ash 4 to 6 p.c.
Medicinal Properties:
Bitter tonic, stomachic, febrifuge and anthelmintic, appetizer,laxative, alterative, antidiarrhoeic and antiperiodic.
Uses: This herb is used mostly to treat intermittent fevers, skin diseases, intestinal worms, bronchial asthma, burning of the body, regulating the bowels, dyspepsia and skin diseases
Ginseng
Anything that shows promise in treating breast cancer is good news as it is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the women of developed countries. Now Ginseng is being given new scientific scrutiny to determine whether or not the ancient root has legitimate cancer-fighting qualities.
Experts believe that breast cancer is caused by hormones that alter the metabolism of estrogen in the body. This is why anti-estrogenic compounds such as Tamoxifen are used in breast cancer treatment. They prevent the binding of harmful hormones to the estrogen receptors of cells. Many plants and herbs contain phytoestrogens, naturally occurring compounds that also have anti-estrogenic properties. Soybeans, for example, contain two of these compounds, and studies have shown a link between a high intake of soybean products and a lower incidence of several types of cancers. In Asia, for instance, there is a marked increase in cancer rates when people switch from their traditional soybean-rich diet to a more western, low-soy diet.
Ginseng contains its own phytoestrogens called Ginsenosides. Among the various species of ginseng, the most recognizable to American consumers being Korean Ginseng (Panax Ginseng) and American Ginseng (Panax Quinquefolius), there are more than 30 of these anti-estrogenic compounds. Although Ginsenosides are all very similar, they appear to have different biochemical effects on the body including some with anti-cancer properties.
A pilot study funded by the Linus Pauling Institute sought to determine the anti-cancer effects of ginseng, both on its own and in conjunction with other compounds. Their finding shed new light on the cancer-fighting powers of this ancient root. They tested both a crude extract American Ginseng as well as isolating pure Ginsenosides as well.
Guduchi
Botanical Name
Tinospora cordifolia
Common Name
Guduchi
Family
Menispermaceae
Parts Used
Stem, roots
Description:
This herb is found in the Himalayas , and in many parts of the South India
Active Compounds:
the plant contains sesquiterpene, tinocordifolin, cordiofolioside, tinospraside etc.
Uses: This herb is used in seminal weakness and urinary affections. It is also a valuable tonic. Other applications of this herb include: fever, gout, jaundice, torpidity of the liver, skin diseases, secondary syphilis, rheumatism, constipation, tuberculosis, and leprosy. It is a blood purifier and may be useful in AIDS and other immune diseases also. It is also being proposed for cancer patients before and after chemotherapy.
Guggal
Botanical Name
Commiphora wightii
Common Name
Guggal
Family
Burseraceae
Parts Used
Olio gum resin
Description:
Found in Karnataka, Rajsthan, Deccan and Gujrat
Active Compounds:
This is an extract isolates Ketonic steroid compounds, composed of C21 or C27 steroids, named guggulsterone.
Medicinal Properties:
Guggul significantly lowers serum triglycerides and cholesterol as well as LDL and VLDL cholesterols (the "bad" cholesterols). At the same time, it raises levels of HDL cholesterol (the "good" cholesterol).
Uses: The gum is bitter, acrid, astringent, thermogenic, aromatic, expectorant, digestive, anthelmintic, anti-inflammatory, anodyne, antiseptic, nervine tonic, aphrodisiac, alternative, stimulant, liver tonic,antispasmodic, emmenagogue, haematinic, diuretic, rejuvenating, general tonic, and is useful in gout, scrofula, sciatica, facial paralysis diplegia, cough, asthma, bronchitis, pectoral and hepatic disorders, otorrhoea, epilepsy, fever, stangury, haemorrhoids, dysmenorrhoea, wounds and ulcer, cardiac disorder, coronary thrombosis, anaemia, stomatopathy, diabetes, skin diseases etc.
Isabgol
Botanical Name
Plantago Ovata
Common Name
Isabgol
Family
Plantaginaceae
Parts Used
Husk from spikes and seeds
Description: Indigenous to the Mediterranean region, West Asia and India
Active Compounds:
Psyllium is a laxative, high in both fibers and mucilage, containing 10-30% mucilage.
Medicinal Properties:
The seeds are sweet astringent, refrigerant, emollient, mucilaginous, diuretic, laxative, anti-inflammatory, anti-dysentric, expectorant, aphrodisiac, rodorant and tonic.
Uses:
Isabgul is useful in atherosclerosis, constipation, diabetes, diarrhea, hemorrhoids, high cholesterol, high triglycerides, irritable bowel syndrome, psoriasis, weight loss and obesity.
Jatamansi
Botanical Name
Nardostachys Jatamansi
Common Name
Jatamansi
Family
Valerianaceae
Parts Used
Rhizome
Description:
Found in Alapine Himalayas from 3,300-5000 m heights, hills of Himachal Pradesh, Uttaranchal, Jammu & Kashmir and Sikkim.
Uses:
Useful in ulcers, leprosy, piles, inflammations, abdominal pains, itching, leprosy, dyspepsia, helminthiasis, thirst etc.
Kalmegh
Botanical Name
Andrographis paniculata
Common Name
Kalmegh
Family
Acanthaceae
Parts Used
Whole Plant
Description:
Widely distributed throughout the plains of India from uttar Pradesh to Assam, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
Active Compounds:
Kalmegh contains bitter principles andrographolide, a bicyclic diterpenoid lactone and Kalmeghin (upto 2.5%).
Medicinal Properties:
According to Ayurveda the plant is bitter, acrid, cooling, laxative, vulnerary, antipyretic, antiperiodic, anti-inflammatory, expectorant, depurative, soporific, anthelmintic, and digestive.
Uses:
Useful in hyperdispsia, buring sensation, wounds, ulcers, chronic fever, malarial and intermittent fevers, inflammations, cough, bronchitis, skin diseases, leprosy, colic, flatulence, diarrhoea, dysentery, haemorrhoids etc.
Kesar
Botanical Name
Crocus Sativus
Common Name
Kesar
Family
Iridaceae
Parts Used
Dried stigmas
Description:
Saffron is a small perennial plant which is cultivated particularly in France , Spain , Sicily , and Iran .
Active Compounds:
Mono and diglycosyl estersof the polyene dicarboxylic acid crcetin.
Uses:
Saffron has been used, in small doses only, for coughs, whooping cough, stomach gas, gastrointestinal colic and insomnia. It serves as a stimulant to appetite; and a salve for treatment of gout. Saffron is used in sedatives, as an antispasmodic and for flatulence, fevers, melancholia, enlargement of the liver, and asthma. Saffron is also useful for treating anemia, chlorosis and seminal debility. And also used for rheumatism and neuralgia, for looseness of the bowels, to relieve flatulent colic, amenorrhoea, dysmenorrhoea, leucorrhoea, for painful affections of the uterus, for headaches, for bruises and superficial sores, hemorrhoids and snake bite.
Kokum
Botanical Name
Garcinia indica
Common Name
Kokum
Family
Clusiaceae
Parts Used
Ripe Fruit, concentrate oil, seed and bark.
Description:
Found in Maharashtra, Goa, Kerala, South Gujrat, Assam and West Bengal.
Active Compounds: Garnicol
Medicinal Properties:
The fruit is refrigerant, demulcent and astringent.
Uses:
Kokum oil is used to treat dysentery and diarrhea. It is useful in phthisis and skin diseases. External application of oil accelerates healing of ulcers, urticaria & fissures
Kutki
Botanical Name
Picrorhiza Kurroa
Common Name
Kutki
Family
Scrophulariaceae
Parts Used
Root, rhizome
Description:
This herb is found in Himalayas , Jammu & Kashmir and Sikkim .
Active Compounds:
Root contains a glucoside called 'Kutkin", a glycosidal bitter principal, which is a mixture of two iridoid glycosides viz. Picroside I and kutkoside. The herb also contains other substances such as glucose, wax, cathartic acid etc.
Medicinal Properties:
The rhizome is bitter stomachic and laxative, anti-periodic, cathartic, cholagogue, emmenagogue, emetic, abortifacient, cardiotonic in large doses.
Description:
It is found in Himachal Pradesh, Uttaranchal, Jammu & Kashmir , Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh.
Active Compounds:
Curcumene
Medicinal Properties:
The roots are bitter, acrid, sweet, thermogenic, aromatic, deodorant, aphrodisiac, anodyne, carminative, digestive, stimulant, and tonic.
Uses:
This is very useful in chronic and foul ulcers, leprosy, leucoderma, pruritis, amenorrhoea etc.
Makoy
Botanical Name
Solanum nigrum
Common Name
Makoy
Family
Solanaceae
Parts Used
Whole plant
Description:
It is distributed through out dry parts of India up to 800 m altitude.
Active Compounds:
Five steroidal alkaloids viz, SN-0, SN-1, SN-e, SN-3, SN-4 were isolated and characterized as solanine.
Medicinal Properties:
Leaf is bitter, alternative, sedative, diaphoretic, diuretic, hydragogue, expectorant. Fruit is alterative, tonic, diuretic, depurative, diaphoretic, vulnerary, and digestive.
Uses:
Edema, fever and cough, gonorrhea, heart disease (accompanied by leg and foot swelling), hemorrhoids, inflammatory swellings, enlarged liver, skin diseases, enlarged spleen, painful, swollen testicles.
Mulethi
Botanical Name
Glycyrrhiza glabra
Common Name
Mulethi
Family
Fabaceae
Parts Used
Root
Description:
This herb is found in many countries from 5 degree W to 100 degree E longitude and 20 degree to 50 degree N latitude. It is reported to be abundant in Wester China, Asia Minor, Persia, Asian Republics of erstwhile USSR and Afganisthan and sub Himalayan tracts in India.
Active Compounds:
Triterpenes of the oleanane type, mainly glycyrrhizin (=glycyrrhizic or glycyrrhizinic acid), and its agylcone glycyrrhetinic acid (=glycyrrhitic acid), liquiritic acid, glycyrrhetol, glabrolide, isoglabrolide, licoric acid, & phytosterols. Flavonoids and isoflavonoids; liquiritigenin, liquiritin, rhamnoliquiritin, neoliquiritin, licoflavonol, licoisoflavones A and B, licoisoflavanone, formononetin, glabrol, glabrone, glyzarin, kumatakenin and others, Coumarins, liqcoumarin, umbelliferone, herniarin glycyrin. Chalcones; liquiritigenin, isoliquiritigenin, neosoliquiritin, rhamnoisoliquiritin, licuraside, licochalcones A and B, echinatin and others, Polysaccharides, mainly glucans, Volatile oil, containing fenchone, linalool, furfuryl alcohol, benzaldehyde, starch, sugars, amino acid etc.
Uses:
Abdominal pain, bronchitis, colds, cough, debility (general), heart tonic, hyperacidity, inflammation, laryngitis, laxative, mucus membrane toner and soother, muscle spasms, sore throat, ulcers, painful urination. A decoction of the root is a good wash for the falling and graying of hair.
Pathar Chur
Botanical Name
Coleus barbatus
Common Name
Pathar Chur
Family
Lamiaceae
Parts Used
Roots
Description:
Found in Rajsthan, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Madhya Pradesh.
Active Compounds:
Forskolin
Medicinal Properties:
Uses: It is used in lowering of the blood pressure.
Periploca
Botanical Name
Gymnema sylvestre
Common Name
Periploca
Family
Asclepiadaceae
Parts Used
Whole plant
Description:
This herb is common in India , mostly found in Maharastra, Punjab , Haryana, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar & Bengal.
Active Compounds:
The leaves contain pentriacontane, hentriacontane, phytin, and b chlorophylls, resin, tartaric acid, formic acid, butyric acid, mucilage, inositol, gymnemic acid and antheraquinone. The plant is reported to content alkaloids, betain, choline and trimethylamine in the leaves
Medicinal Properties:
This herb is Astringent, stomachic, tonic and thermogenic, anti-inflammatory, digestive, emetic, cardiotonic, antipyretic and uterine tonic.
Uses: This is one of the main herbs used for healing diabetes mellitus. It removes sugar from pancreas, restores pancreatic function; stimulate the circulatory system, increases urine secretion, and activates the uterus. It is also useful for the treatment of swollen glands, cough, and fever.
Pippali
Botanical Name
Piper Longam
Common Name
Pippali
Family
Piperaceae
Parts Used
Roots and dried spikes
Description:
It is native of Indo-Malayan region,it grows wild in the tropical rain forest of India.
Uses:
Abdominal tumors, Asthma, Bronchitis, Colds, Coughs, Digestion, Epilepsy, Flatulence, Gout, Laryngitis, Paralysis, Rheumatic pain, Sciatica, Worms. Again used for paralysis, epilepsy, and stiff joints. Both seeds and root are used for cough, rheumatism, leprosy, and consumption.
Safed Musli
Botanical Name
Chlorophytum borivilianum
Common Name
Safed Musli
Family
Liliaceae
Parts Used
Tuberous root
Description:
This is found in abundant in India.
Active Compounds:
Glycosides, saponins, sapogenins, steroids, asparagin, vitamins & carbohydrates.
Medicinal Properties:
It is merging as a natural aphrodisiac and also utilized in various neutraceutical and phytopharmaceutical.
Uses:
It is prescribed in debility, gonorrhoea and also considered useful in diarrhea and asthma.
Sarpgandha
Botanical Name
Rauvolfia serpentina
Common Name
Sarpagandha
Family
Apocynaceae
Parts Used
Roots and Leaves
Description:
It is found in the foot hills of Himalayan Range.
Uses:
Used for treating dysentery, fevers, high blood pressure, hypochondria, insanity, insect stings, insomnia, painful bowel disorders, epilepsy and dyspepsia.
Senna
Botanical Name
Cassia angustifolia
Common Name
Senna
Family
Caesalpiniaceae
Parts Used
Leaves, pods (milder)
Description:
Grows in coastal part of Gujarat, especially Bhuj region of India.
Uses:
Used for treating constipation, inflammatory skin conditions, hypertension, obesity, cough, jaundice, bronchitis, hepatopathy, leprosy, skin diseases, leucoderma etc.
Shatavari
Botanical Name
Asparagus racemosus
Common Name
Shatavari
Family
Liliaceae
Parts Used
Tuberous roots
Description:
This is found in the jungles around 8,000 feet altitude throughout India, especially Northern India.
Active Compounds:
Sterodial glycoside Shatavarin I-V, a polycyclic alkalide; Asparagamine A, 9, 10- Dihydrophenanthrene deriavative-racemosol are the major active constituents isolated from the plant.
Uses:
This is used for cancer - strengthens one from and for chemotherapy, convalescence, cough, dehydration, diarrhea, dysentery, fevers (chronic), hematemesis, herpes, hyperacidity, Immune system boost-good for AIDS, Epstein Barr, impotence, infertility, leucorrhea, lung abscess, menopause, muscle spasms, rheumatism, sexual debility, stiff joints and neck, stomach ulcers. This herb is also used externally, is said to increase breast milk and semen production. It also nurtures mucous membranes, blood cleanser, supplies female hormones, nourishes the ovum, etc.
Stevia
Stevia is an incredibly sweet herb, obtained by a natural selective breeding process of the sweetest Stevia parent plants. The sweetener, stevioside, extracted from the plants, is 300 times sweeter than sugar. The fresh leaves have a nice liquorice taste.
What makes the Stevia plant so special is that it can be used to replace sugar (sucrose). Many different uses of Stevia are already well-known: as table sugar, in soft drinks, pastry, pickles, tobacco products, candy, jam, yoghurt, chewing gum, sorbets... The dried leaves of Stevia are about 40 times sweeter than sugar.
Tulsi
Botanical Name
Ocimum sanctum
Common Name
Tulsi
Family
Lamiaceae
Parts Used
Whole plant
Description:
This plant if found through out India .
Active Compounds:
Eugenol
Medicinal Properties:
Antispasmodic, appetizer, carminative, galactagogue, stomachic. Basil is antispasmodic, appetizer, carminative, galactagogue, and stomachic. It is used for stomach cramps, gastric catarrh, vomiting, intestinal catarrh, constipation, and enteritis. It had been sometimes used for whooping cough as an antispasmodic.
Uses:
Coughs, colds, fevers, headaches, lung problems, abdominal distention, absorption, arthritis, colon (air excess), memory, nasal congestion, nerve tissue strengthening, purifies the air; sinus congestion, clears the lungs, heart tonic; it frees ozone from sun's rays and oxygenates the body, cleanses and clears the brain and nerves; relieves depression and the effects of poisons; difficult urination, prevents the accumulation of fat in the body (especially for women after menopause), obstinate skin diseases, arthritis, rheumatism, first stages of many .cancers, builds the immune system. It also contains trace mineral copper (organic form), needed to absorb iron.
Turmeric
Botanical Name
Berberis aristata
Common Name
Tree Turmeric
Family
Berberidaceae
Parts Used
Root bark, stem wood and fruit
Description:
This is a Himalayan herb found between 200-3000 m height.
Active Compounds:
Vitamin C, Tannins and Pectin, different mineral elements, viz. phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium and iron
Medicinal Properties:
This is a cooling laxative to children. The stem is said to be diaphoretic and laxative and useful in rheumatism. The dried extract of the roots is used as an application in ophthalmia and also excellent medication in the case of sun-blindness. The root is one of the few really good medicines in India . In its efficacy, it is almost equal to quinine and Warburg's tincture. It does not produce any bad effects on the stomach, the bowels, the brain and the organs of hearing
Uses: This herb is used to treat diseases related to the eye, ear and face. Also used in cases of enlarged liver, spleen, jaundice, periodic neuralgia, dysentery and colitis. Tincture made from the root bark is used as bitter tonic, stomachic, cholagogue, anti-periodic, antipyretic and also in debility. This is a purgative for blood purifier. The watery solution of this is also used for washing piles, sores and glandular swellings.
Vai Vidang
Botanical Name
Embelia ribes
Common Name
Vai Vidang
Family
Myrsinaceae
Parts Used
Fruit, roots and leaves
Description:
These climbing herbs are found in the hills of easternIndia, Central and lower Himalayas, Sri Lanka and Singapore.
Active Compounds:
Embelin
Medicinal Properties:
This herb is acrid, astringent, alterative, anthelmintic, carminative, stimulant
Uses:
This herb is used for abdominal disorders, constipation, fungus, gas, indigestion, headache, heart disease, hemorrhoids, insanity, lung disease, mouth ulcers, obesity, pneumonia, sore throat, toothache, worms, and also a very good brain tonic.
Vatsnabh
Botanical Name
Aconitum ferox
Common Name
Vatsnabh
Family
Ranunculaceae
Parts Used
Root
Description:
Found in hills of India and Sikkim.
Active Compounds:
Norditerpenoid alkaloids
Medicinal Properties: CAUTION: POISONOUS WITHOUT PROPER PURIFICATION. THE ROOT IS NOT USED INTERNALLY WITH HEART DISEASE. MAY CAUSE SEVERE HEADACHES. USE ONLY WITH THE ADVICE AND SUPERVISION OF AN AYURVEDIC EXPERT. NOT RECOMMENDED.
Uses:
Small doses: anodyne, antidiabetic, antiperiodic, antiphlogistic, antipyretic, diaphoretic, diuretic.
Large doses: poison, sedative, narcotic
White Sandal Tree
Botanical Name
Santalum album Linn.
Common Name
White sandal tree
Family
Santalaceae
Parts Used
Heart wood
Description:
This is a tree grows primarily in India .
Active Compounds:
The essential oil contains high amounts of alpha-and beta-santalol. These small molecules possess antibacterial and sedative properties.
Medicinal Properties:
Intellect promoting antibacterial, antiseptic, astringent, carminative, disinfectant, diuretic, expectorant, hemostatic, refrigerant, sedative, stimulant, general debility etc.
Uses: Sandalwood is used for acute dermatitis, bronchitis, cystitis, eye diseases, gonorrhea, herpes, zoster, infection, palpitations, sunstroke, urethritis, vaginitis, psychopathic, and many more.
