Dadima - Madhulai

Botanical name: Punica Granatum
Hindi: Anardana, Anar
Bengali: Dalimb
Gujarati: Dalamb, Dadam
Kannada: Dalimbari, Dalimbe
Kashmiri: Daan
Malayalam: Maathalanarakam
Marathi: Dalimb
Oriya: Dalima
Punjabi: Anardana
Sanskrit: Dadima, Phalamla, Raktabija, Raktapushpa, Shukavallabha
Tamil: Mathulam pazham, Madhulai
Telugu: Danimma pandu
Urdu: Anardana
Assamese: Dalim

Some potential benefits of pomegranates
Most parts of the pomegranate (Punica granatum) tree is useful to remedy many common day to day ailments. It is said to be a 'cure for all ills'. The pomegranate is valued as a powerful medicinal plant and used in folk medicines. Its uses also find mention in ancient pharmacological manuscripts. Here are some of its potentials and medicinal uses of this humble tropical fruit. This shrubby little tree is quite easy to grow in home gardens.

Some potential benefits and medicinal uses of Pomegranate
The pomegranate tree is useful in many ways and almost every part is useful in one way or other. The bark of the branches and decoction of the roots which contain an alkaloid pellatrierine and tannic acid is a highly useful medicine to get rid of helminthes, the intestinal parasite worms in the human intestine. This decoction is reported to be effective also in the treatment of tuberculosis. It is also employed in the control of dysentery and diarrhea.

Pomegranate seeds are rich in oil, which have hormone producing effects and stimulate estrogen hormone. It is also used to prepare cosmetics and moisturizing body lotion.

Powder prepared from rind is used as a tooth powder and also as medicine a cosmetic industries. Rind powder is excellent source of beta-carotene, potassium, phosphorous and calcium. The powder contains 16.5% polyphenols and 5.35% minerals.

Decoction of the flowers is used to relieve oral and throat inflammation.

Pomegranate fruit juice makes an excellent drink which contains potassium, phosphorous and calcium as well as micronutrients like iron, manganese, zinc and copper. The juice stimulates appetite and is used in treatment of stomach disorders. It is a good painkiller. The fruit juice is beneficial for dry coughs, provides relief in urinary disorders and can be used to wash wounds and ulcers. It is well known as an excellent treatment for anemia.

Pomegranate is loaded with tannins, anthocyanins, polyphenolics and antioxidant vitamins, A, E and C, all of which have a health effect on the body. These elements work together to benefit the arteries, plus it keeps the cardiovascular system healthy which is the chief health benefit of Pomogranate. It has also been found to increase levels of nitric oxide, which improve blood flow to the heart, reduce arterial plaque, reduce systolic blood pressure and help in curing erectile dysfunction.

Other benefits include preventing premature aging, stroke, arthritis, Alzheimer's and even cancer.

Pomegranate fruit has a high content of riboflavin, the B2 vitamin that normalizes the nervous system and is used against radiation sickness.

Pomegranate is a poly-vitamin, a unique fruit plant producing a wide spectrum of biologically active substances espescially important in our present-day polluted environment. It helps in preventing the harmful effects of radioactive substances by producing biologically active substances. Russians, after the deadly Chernobyl tragedy, used pomegranates to reduce the effect of radioactive substances. In order to maintain the health and energy levels of astronomers, submariners and coal miners, they often consume pomegranate juice regularly.

General Medicinal uses:
Diarrhea:
The skin of the fruit is valuable in the treatment of diarrhea. About 20g of the skin and 3g of cloves or cinnamon should be boiled well in about 250ml of water. After cooling the patient should drink 30-40ml of the liquid thrice a day for few days.

Hoarseness or loss of voice:
Boil 20g of the skin and 2-3g of alum in 250ml of water. Use the liquid for gargling.

Stomachache:
Sprinkle a little salt and pepper on the fresh seeds and eat.

Hyperacidity:
The peel of the fruit should be dried and powdered and taken in doses of 5-10g, twice or thrice a day.

Poor appetite and digestive disorders:
Make regular use of the pure juice of the fruit. Also use it for simple colitis where colon is inflamed, characterized by colicky pain and constipation or diarrhea. The juice is an excellent remedy in dysentery, inflammation and ulceration of the lower part of the colon, characterized by pain and diarrhea with bloody stools and mucus.

Nausea and morning sickness:
For nausea and morning sickness characterized by excessive secretion of bile, a tablespoon of the fresh juice mixed with an equal quantity of honey is an effective remedy.

Intestinal worms:
The bark of the pomegranate tree is highly toxic to intestinal worms. Boil the bark of a 2-inch long root bit in a cup of water and drink it three times a day to relieve the parasites.

Fever:
Mix a pinch of saffron powder to a glass of juice. The beverage is very useful in fevers and it keeps away thirst felt during fever.

Anal irritation caused by intestinal worms:
Anal itching is a key symptom indicating the presence of intestinal worms. It is often caused by parasites in the intestines that go to the anal area to lay their eggs causing local itching. Roast the skin of the pomegranate until it is dark brown and brittle. Crush the powder to a fine texture. Mix with a little edible oil and apply over the anus.

Teeth and gum disorder:
Regular use of toothpowder of the rind helps in prevention and curing tooth decay and gum disease. It cleans the teeth, leaving them sparkling white. To make the powder, dry the rind in the sun until it is brittle and grind it. Mix the powder with a little fine black pepper and store in a jar. Use it everyday with a toothbrush or apply and rub with the finger.

Bleeding piles:
Take about 10g of the skin of the sour variety of the fruit and boil in about 250ml of water. Sweeten with sugar and drink in the morning and evening hours.

Dosages: 

Take 5 Grms in the Empty Stomach on morning with Honey or mix in water and drink or as advised by the Naturopaths

Gulab - Rose

Botanical Name: Rosa Damascena Synonyms: Rosa Centifolia
Family: Rosaceae
Hindi: Gulab
Bengali: Golap, Sheuti
Gujarati: Seboti
Tamil: Roja, Rose
Sanskrit: Shatapattra, Satapatri, Suman, Sumana
Urdu: Gulab.
Punjabi: Gul
Telugu: Gulaabi

Parts Used: 

Red Rose petals, Pink Rose petals, Rose oil, Rose leaves, Rose buds, Rose Calyx, Rose roots.

Habitat: 
Cultivated throughout India

Description:
Rose plants are usually shrubby, in appearance with long drooping canes and grayish green leaves. The flowers are round and globular, with thin overlapping petals that are highly scented. The shrub is erect, with a height of 3 to 6 feet. The branches are closely covered with nearly straight prickles. The shoots of the plant are also erect. The leaves are unequally pinnate and there are 5 to 7 leaflets, which are oblong or ovate. The flowers of rose plant, which account for the petals, are large and pinkish or red in color. The flowers vary in hues, form and size. There are 100 documented varieties of flowers from this plant.

Plant Chemicals
The petals contain volatile oil, tannic acid, coloring matter, saccharine matter, mineral salts, and salts of malic and tartaric acids, etc. In addition to substantial proportions of vitamin C, rose petals contain other chemical amalgams, which comprise 11 per cent of pectin and three per cent of a mix of malic and citric acids. Researchers are of the opinion that the presence of malic acid and citric acid are the reason behind the laxative and diuretic effects.


Uses & Benefits of Rose Petals
Rose petals are rejuvenating and prove to be a tonic. They are used to treat internal asthma, high blood pressure, bronchitis, slow circulation, diarrhoea, dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation), cough, fever and fluid retention, indigestion, insomnia, palpitation, stress and urinary tract infections.

Due to their strong and pleasant fragrance, rose petals are used for making essential oils and perfumes.

They are ingested as a tea to provide a comforting effect and diminish body temperatures during high fevers.

The tea also effectively cleanses toxins and heat from the body.

The infusion prepared from the rose petals is used to alleviate cold and flu symptoms.

The infusion is also effective in treating sore throats, runny nose and congested bronchial tracts.

The petals effectively combat infections in the digestive system and restore the normal and essential bacteria in the intestines.

They have a diuretic effect and hence, are beneficial in relieving excessive fluids from the urinary bladder.

Rose petals help to get rid of the waste and toxic substances in the body, through the kidneys.

They alleviate problems of insomnia, depression, fatigue and comfort tetchiness.

Medicinal Uses of Rose 
It were the Romans who formerly used the rose for medicinal purposes; myth has it that Cleopatra festooned her bed and floors with unsullied rose petals when amusing guests. Roses have diuretic effects as they contain Vitamin C, pectin, malic and citric acids bearing the quality of both an aphrodisiac and an antidote to warfare drunkenness. Its effect in medicinal science proves that it clears toxins and heat from the body resulting in the cooling effect on the body. The rose flower can relieve one from sore throat, runny nose and blocked bronchial tubes. Roses are useful to people those prone to chest problems by fighting against infections. Rose tea helps to fight the infection in the digestive tract and re-establish the normal bacterial population of the intestines. Rose petals relieve fluid retention and hasten the elimination of wastes through kidneys. The practitioners of naturopathy and herbal therapy believe that rose is a wonderful remedy for dysentery, diarrhea and gastro enteritis. As it is a laxative, it works as a remedy for all liver problems including sluggishness and constipation. It has also been said that roses help to cleanse the liver and gall bladder and promotes bile flow.

Rose Petal Tea can be used to relieve uterine congestion causing pain and heavy periods. It is an excellent remedy for irregular periods and infertility relieving uterine congestion causing pain and heavy periods. It is an excellent remedy for irregular periods and infertility. As recommended by the physicians the use of rose petals to treat erratic menstrual periods, as well as to perk up sexual desire in individuals. Roses have an uplifting effect on the nervous system and can relieve insomnia, depression and fatigue. Rose is also considered to be an effective cleanser and purifier. Rose hips also contain Carotenoid pigments, plant sterols, Tocotrienols and a very high level of Anthocyanins, Catechins and other Polyphenolics, known Phytochemicals to protect against cancer and cardiovascular diseases.


Although rose petals are mostly used, but the leaves, hips, seeds and root bark are used for medicinal purposes.The leaves as well as the petals of the rose plant grant a comforting effect and if ingested as a tea, can lessen body temperature during high fevers. The tea prepared with rose petals and leaves is also effective in cleansing toxins and heat from the body. In problems like rashes on the skin and inflammatory (swelling and irritation) problems, rose petals are used to get rid of these problems. Several researches have shown that the rose also possesses properties that increases the body`s immunity and helps to restrict all kinds of infections from becoming larger problems. Rose hips as well as the petals of the rose flowers acquire the properties that have reconditioning effects on the nervous system. They are also capable of alleviating the problems of insomnia, do away with depression, drive out fatigue and also offer comfort in conditions such as tetchiness. The anti-inflammatory properties of rose hips have recently been shown to be useful in the treatment of patients suffering from knee or hip osteoarthritis.

Dosages: 
Take 5 Grms powder with Honey or Milk in empty stomach or as advised by the Naturopaths.

Gond Katira - Badham Pisin

Botanical Name: Astragalus Gummifer

Common Name: Tragacanth Gum

Hindi: Gond katira

Tamil: Badham Pisin

German: Kutira Gummi

French: Gomme Adragante

Arabic: Katheera, Haloosiyaa

Bengali: Katila

Other Names:

Dragon gum

Quah

Gum Elect

Ela-imbue-Kini Hi Riya

Quattro Shiraz gum

Goat’s thorn

Locoweed

Description:

Astragalus gummifer (tragacanth, gum tragacanth milkvetch), is a small woody evergreen shrub, with a typical height and spread of 30 cm at maturity, indigenous to western Asia, specifically Iraq and Kurdistan. This nitrogen fixing plant bears hermaphroditic flowers, which are bee-pollinated. It has many medical, culinary, and material uses . Astragalus gummifer produces special exudate gums that act as a natural defense mechanism for the shrub. Research has shown the function of these gums to service plants of semiarid environments, released when the bark of the shrub gets damaged in order to cover the wound to prevent infection and dehydration. The gum originally an aqueous solution dries into hardened lumps when it comes into contact with air and sunlight.

It is mostly found in Mid East, Iraq, and Iran and even in western Asia. Iran produces an enormous quantity of Gond Katira. It is a tree gum just like any of myrrh but is less common in products than other gums, such as guar gum or gum arabic. The gum emanates naturally from the roots as well as from incisions made in the stem (below ground level down to 5 cm).This is collected and then dried to forms crystals of flakes. They may be formed into blocks as well.

You may get misapprehend that you have never eaten gum Tragacanth before, but the veracity is that you have taken it as an additive with E number as ‘E 413’in food industry. The plant is a member off abaca which is originally a pea family.

Properties And Applications Of Tragacanth Gum:

Gum tragacanth is a viscous water-soluble mixture of polysaccharides (thus including high protein). In the dry state, it does not stick to itself the same way other gums do. It is tasteless and odorless.

It is used as an Herbal Medicine in Ayurveda. It contains an alkaloid that serves as an herbal remedy for dreadful conditions such as diarrhea and cough. It is utilized as a paste in modern treatment for burns. It has been shown recently that it can suppress tumors and stimulate the immune system.

Mostly Gond katira is used in drinks, processed cheese, salad coverings, food dressings and different puddings being both tasty and having amazing cooling properties.

The beneficial Gond katira drink thus provides a sort of solace to our body. Also, in the field of foods, it works as stabilizer, texture additive and emulsifier. As a thickener in sauces, confections, salad coverings, ice cream, etc.

Tragacanth gum is also utilized in making a paste used in floral sugarcraft to produce life-like flowers on wires which are used as decorations for cakes. It also makes a paste which dries in the air (too brittle) and can apprehend colorings. So, it enables you to obtain the required fineness and delicate finishing your work.

Health Benefits Of Gond Katira:

Although Tragacanth gum has a very wide area of applications, it can be utilized as a thickening agent as well as a binder and even stabilizer and in industries like paper making, cosmetics, textile industry and so on but if there is something in it for which it is famous in masses are its numerous health comforts.

The advantages are pure and so worth noting. The only requirement is to keep patience while taking Ayurveda treatment as you will see remarkable changes with the passage of time.

• Heatstrokes

It behaves as a cooling agent inside the body and thus prevents us from heat stroke.

• Purgative

It is very advantageous in problems like constipation because it has the properties of purgative.

• Weakness In Men

It acts as an effective remedy for weakness and any sexual inadequacy in men.

• Small Breasts

Beneficial for women who want to increase their breast size as it does by daily dosage.

• Pregnant Women

Ladoos made of Gond Katira prove instrumental during pregnancy stage.

• Urinary Lewdness

It has fantastic results against Urinary incontinence or involuntary urination.

• Skin Burns

It has been used as a modern treatment for burn and applied in the form of a paste.

Health Benefits For Men:

Tragacanth Gum Herb Boost Vigour In Male:

Whether the issue is Early Discharge or Night Discharge or even Involuntary Discharge, Gond katira proves to be worthwhile in each case in men. The only advice is to take it daily.

Recipes For Remedy:

Pulverize equal amount of Badam, Jaiphal, Salai Guggul, Vidari, Kawanch (processed), and Tragacanth gum. Take 6 gm of the resulting powder with milk. Take half teaspoon powder of Chini, and a gram of Gond Katira with cold water, thrice a day for the first week, twice a day for the second week and once a day for the third week.

Take a cup of water. Dissolve 10 gm of Gond Katira in it; stir it in the morning to scatter it. Add a tablespoon of Misri and then gulp down.

Health Benefits For Women

For women, Gond Katira can be beneficial as it helps in increasing their breast size. Since the therapy is natural so no need to worry; the only requirement is patience.

Recipes For Remedy:

Soak 5 gram of Gond Katira in water and leave it overnight. In the morning, first, pour water for cleaning and then put Gond katira in a glass of milk. Add sugar as well as ice. Take it every day and see the amazing results.

Gond  Katira for both Summer and Winter:

Gond Katira has both cooling as well as heating effects. In summer, it turns out fluffy as well as soft after soaking in water.

So, before making any recipe in summer, soaking in water is mandatory as consuming it in mild form helps to produce the cooling effect in our body.

In winter, first, fry and grind it effectively. Then, it can be added to many of the desserts and other items. In this form, it generates heat in the body which is needed.

In winter, these laddoos prove worthwhile, especially for pregnant ladies.

How To Make Gond Laddoos:-

Ingredients:

Wheat flour- 250 gm / Ground sugar- 250 gm / Ghee – 175 gm / Mildly crushed Gond – 15 gm / Cardamom powder – 1/2 tsp / Grounded cashews – 1tsp / Almonds – 1 tsp / Walnuts – 1 tsp.

Method:

First, heat ghee in a pan. You need to fry Gond on medium heat deep, stirring it constantly to ensure that every single piece gets fried. As soon as Gond fluffs up nearly to double pull it out of the ghee failure of which results in its burning. Keep it undisturbed for nearly 5 minutes. Grind it effectively. Fry the flour in rest of the ghee until it starts giving odor and becomes light brown (sandy). When ghee detaches from the flour, then it is sure that it is ready. Turn off the heat source at that point and add the ground material in the same. Do thorough mixing. Allow it to cool until it can be touched by hand. Then, make nutritious laddoos of any shape, any size. Keep laddoos aside for nearly 2 hrs. And finally, store them in a sealed container away from air.

Method Of Soaking for making Summer drinks:

Take two pieces of Gond katira and soak it overnight in a glass of water. See it in the morning. You will observe that it becomes fluffy, and there is an increase in the volume of Gond katira. Clean water wash(2-3 times) is required to remove the impurities. Now your Gond katira is ready to use in summers.

How to make Gond Katira drink:

Ingredients:-

Fluffed Gond katira – ½ tbsp/ Sugar – 1 tbsp/ Lemon juice – 1 tbsp / Water – 1 glass / Crushed ice as needed

Method:

Blend the above-written constituents and drink that daily.

How To Make Gond Katira Kheer:-

Ingredients:-

Fluffed Gond katira -1 tbsp / Milk – 500 ml (generally chilled) / Sugar (as per taste) / Almonds, Pista chopped – 2 tbsp / Green cardamom powder(a pinch) / Crushed ice as needed.

Method:

Boil the milk till it is reduced to almost 2/3 or as per your choice. Now take out sugar and cardamom powder from your kitchen’s wardrobe and add it to the boiled milk. Allow it to cool for some time. Add the fluffed Gond katira and almonds, Pista which are chopped earlier. Finally, insert the crushed ice and kheer is ready.

Side effects of Gond Katira:

As we all know, Ayurveda has answers to almost any problem. Each and every cure is done in a natural way and has proven efficacious. However, using Gond Katira can prove to be dangerous occasionally.

Many fellows of Astragalus Gummifer contain noxious glycosides. But there is a way out to this trouble. All species with edible seedpods can be renowned by their oval or fleshy round seed pod that resembles with a greengage. Moreover, when sprouted in the soil, some species that are rich in selenium can also assemble noxious levels of selenium. So proper care and cultivation techniques are beneficial in diverting the possible hazards associated with Gond Katira.