Uttaran - Uthamani (a) Veliparuthi

Botanical Name: Pergularia Daemia

Family: Asclepiadaceae (Milkweed family)

Synonyms: Asclepias daemia, Daemia extensa, Cynanchum extensum

Common Name: Trellis-Vine , Hariknot plant, Dog’s bane whitelow plant

Tamil: Uthamani,Veliparuthi

Sanskrit: Uttamarani, Phala antaka, Kurutakah, Visanika, Kakajangha

Hindi: Uttaran, Sadorani, Utaran

Bengali: Chagalbati, Ajashringi

Gujarati: Chamardudhi

Marathi: Utarn

Oriya: Utrali, Uturdi

Malayalam: Veliparithi

Telugu: Juttu paku, Dushtupu chettu, Jittupaku, gurtichettu

Kannada: Hala Koratige, Juttuve, Talavaranaballi, Bileehatthi balli

Punjab: Karial, silai, trotu

Description:

Pergularia daemia is a perennial twining herb, foul-smelling when bruised; Stems bears milky juice and covered with longer stiff erect hairs 1mm; Leaves are thin, broadly ovate and heart-shaped 2-12 cm long, covered with soft hairs; Greenish yellow or dull white, sweet-scented flowers born in axillary, double white corona at the base of a stamina column, long-peduncled, umbellate or corymbose clusters tinged with purple; Fruits paired with follicles 5.8 cm long and 1 cm in diameter, reflexed, beak long, covered with soft spinous outgrowth and release many seeds with long white hairs when they split open. Seeds are densely velvety on both sides. The entire plant constitutes the drug and is used as a medicine.  Veliparuthi plant also commonly called uthamani in Tamil and is called Utran in Hindi and Trellis-Vine in English. It's a creeper and its botanical name is pergularia Daemia.

Habitat:

The plant is distributed in the tropical and sub tropical areas, growing wildly along the road sides of Tamilnadu state in India. It is very commonly found in an altitude of about 1000m in Himalayas and 900 m in Southern India.

This plant is well known in village side and we use it extensively in home remedies. The best way to identify the plant is with it's unique fruits and heart shaped leaves. Usually it is found along the road side and that is why it is commonly called veli paruthi.  It smells bad when bruised and stems produce milky latex when broken. Each and every part of this plant is used as a medicine including the latex. It reduces blood sugar levels, treats jaundice and minor wounds and the best part is extensive studies have been done to prove the effectiveness of most of it's medicinal uses. Since it is easily found along road sides, using the extract for treating insect bites are very common.

The leaves also can be collected, dried and stored for future use. An important study on veliparuthi was about it's amazing use in treating poly cystic ovarian syndrome which affects many women now. The study showed remarkable results when  1ml of veliparuthi leaf juice was administered for 6 consequential days and the researchers concluded that veliparuthi extract was highly effective in treating pcos. One study done on rats proved conclusively that veliparuthi infusion protects the liver of toxicity. It was also proven of it's effectiveness in treating toothache and also in a study done on rats showed significant antihyperglycemic activity (diabetic control). Velparuthi also showed significant antibacterial and anti fungal properties and along with it antioxidant properties too, making it very valuable for treating stress related diseases. Pregnant women and women who are planning for pregnancy should not consume this herb as it has anti fertility properties.

If you are suffering from pcos, try this remedy for a week. Collect fresh leaves and use approximately 5 grams of the leaves and grind it to a paste with water and consume it for a week in the early morning.  

Boil the leaves of uthamani plant in a cup of water. This extract treats asthma and all cold related problems like bronchitis. This decoction also treats urinary tract problems and also can be taken for severe stomach pain.

In ayurvedic system of medicine this plant is used for delayed child birth, amenorrhea, asthma, snake bite, rheumatic swellings and also to treat post-partum hemorrhage. The decoction of the plant (10-20 mL) is also applied on white spots (leucoderma). Leaf decoction is an uterine tonic and is taken orally up to 20 mL day-1. The stem and root bark extract is taken against fever and diarrhea in infants. The leaves are specially used as a condiment for soup and porridge yam. Fruits are digestive and thermogenic. Plant extract is useful in uterine and menstrual disorders and in facilitating parturition.

We would also suggest reading this article;

http://www.iosrphr.org/papers/v5i5/H055042049.pdf

Shankhapushpi - Vishnukiranthi

Botanical Name: Evolvulus alsinoides

Common Name: Dwarf morning glory

Sanskrit: शङ्खपुष्पी Shankhapushpi, विष्णुगन्धि Vishnugandhi, विष्णुक्रान्ता Vishnukranta

Hindi: शंखपुष्पी Shankhapushpi, विष्णुक्रान्त Vishnukranta

Tamil: விஷ்ணுகிரந்தி Vishnukiranthi

Kannada: ಶನ್ಕ್ಹಪುಷ್ಪಿ Shankhapushpi, ವಿಷ್ಣುಕ್ರಾಮ್ತ Vishnukranta

Gujarati: કાળીશંખ વલ્લી Kalisankha vali

Marathi: शंखवेल Shankhavel, विष्णुक्रांत Vishnukranta

Malayalam: വിഷ്‌ണുക്രാന്തി, Vishnukrandhi, കൃഷ്‌ണക്രാന്തി, Krishnakranthi

Telugu: విష్ణుక్రాంత Vishnu kranta

Description:

The botanical name of Vishnukraanti  is Evolvulus alsinoides. The genus name comes from the Latin word “evolvulus” meaning “to unroll” and is referring to the species nonvining habit. It belongs to plant family Convolvulaceae. Below is given taxonomical classification of plant.

It is prostrate, much branched herb with small woody rootstock. The stem is spreading, wiry, hairy more than 30 cm long. Leaves are numerous, oblong-elliptic or lanceolate, 1.0-3.5 x 0.3-1.0 cm, obtuse at apex, densely covered with appressed silky hairs, petioles is short.  It is widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions throughout the world. It grows commonly as a weed in open and grassy places throughout India, ascending to 6,000 ft. Its occurance is very rare in damp conditions.

It is mainly indicated in in loss of memory, sleeplessness, chronic bronchitis, asthma, and in syphilis. It is also used in the treatment of epilepsy, leukoderma, cuts and ulcers.

The name of this herb translates as "Vishnu's' step" in Sanskrit (Vishnu is the preserver in Hindu mythology) . In the 'Nighantas' it has the synonym of 'Nila-Pushpa' the blue flowered. In Vedic times it was known to promote conception. The terms 'Mangalyapusphi', 'Supusphi' and 'Mangalyakusuma' indicate that the flowers were sacred and were used in worship.

The leaves, stalks and roots were used in medicine in South India and were supposed to possess virtues in certain bowel affections. It was also a remedy for dysentery and was used to enhance intelligence and improve memory.

Important Medicinal Properties

Vishnukranti is rich in medicinal properties. The understanding of these properties will help us to better utilize this herb. It promotes intelligence, enhances memory and retention, reduces stress, anxiety, depression, confusion and induces peaceful sleep.

Medicinal Uses of Vishnukraanti

Vishnukraanti / Shankhapushpi / Morning Glory, plant is used in Ayurveda and Unani system of medicine to treat mental disorders, nervous weakness, insomnia, fever, cough, asthma and skin diseases. It helps is a general tonic and gives good health.

In nervous and brain disorders, memory loss, low I.Q., mental retardness, the dried powder of plant is given in dose of 3-6 grams or 10 grams of fresh paste is taken along with the cow’s milk for 1 month at bed time.

For cold and cough, the decoction of roots, is given thrice a day for three days.

In fever, with digestive disorder, its decoction with Tulsi leaves juice is given.

In chronic bronchitis and asthma, the leaves are made in to cigarettes and smoked.

As a general tonic, the decoction of plant is used.

For cuts, ulcers, the paste of whole plant is applied externally to stop bleeding.

In toothache, the paste of plant is applied on the affected teeth

For hair growth, the leaf paste is applied 30 minutes before bath for 1 month.

The oil containing, Shankhapushpi is used to promote hair growth and as hair tonic. Massaging with this oil strengthens hair and reduces stress.

There are no known side-effects of this herb.

The medicated oil of this herb is useful as a hair tonic, to promore hair growth. Hair oil prevents the premature graying and falling of hair.

Its paste is applied externally in skin diseases.

It is used to cure minor memory disturbances, nervous debility and amentia.

It is useful to promote intelligence, enhance memory and retention. It also curbs the agitation and anxiety and induces peaceful sleep.

Sadabahar - Nithyakalyani

Botanical Name: Catharanthus Roseus

Common name: Periwinkle, Rosy periwinkle, Cayenne jasmine

Sanskrit: Nityakalyani, Sadapushpi

Hindi: Sadabahar सदाबहार

Tamil: Nithyakalyani, Sudukattu malligai

Malayalam: Shavam Naari, Nithyakalyani, Shavakkottappacha, Ushamalari

Marathi: सदाफूली Sadaphuli

Bengali: নযনতাৰা Nayantara

Kannada: Nitya Pushpa, Batla hoo, Sadaa mallige, Thuruku mallige

Marathi: Sadaphool, Sadaphuli

Telugu: Billaganneru

Description:

Catharanthus roseus (Vinca) also known as the Madagascar periwinkle or rosy periwinkle or Sadabahar is grown as an ornamental plant in the garden. This is a 1m tall perennial herb with oppositely arranged leaves. The plant produces several flowers such as pink, red, lilac, white and light shade darks. The pink and the white varieties are grown for its medicinal value. The leaves are around 3cm, oval and oblong. The fruit is 3-4cm long and a pair follicle. The species is cultivated as herbal medicine. In Ayurveda, the plant root and shoot are poisonous, yet used as medicine against several diseases.

Parts Used:

Whole plant

It has Anti cancer attribute which combats and prevents Cancer.  It is widely used in the treatment of Lung Cancer and Blood Cancer. Due to its Anti diabetic properties, it regulates blood Sugar levels and prevents Diabetes. Catharanthus Roseus efficiently lowers the High Blood Pressure. 

It is Antiviral in nature, therefore, it potentially work against Viral Infections. It has Antibacterial properties which fight against Bacteria. Catharanthus Roseus extract is used to counter  Dysentery. And it is also effective for Diarrhea. It has the Anti inflammatory attribute which heals the inflammation. It is a Skin Toning herb that promotes glow and rejuvenates the skin.  Thus, it effectively cures Skin Disease. It is potent to reduce Acne.  It also relieves from Eczema and suppresses the swelling of the skin.

It is considered during Malaria to get rid of it.

Catharanthus Roseus for Scanty Menses 

Take Catharanthus Roseus leaves.  Prepare an infusion.  Use it as a douche.

Catharanthus Roseus for External Bleeding

Take Catharanthus Roseus leaves.  Boil them.  Prepare poultice.  Apply on affected part.

Catharanthus Roseus for Insect Bites

Take Catharanthus Roseus leaves.  Boil them.  Extract them.  Apply it on the affected area.

Catharanthus Roseus for Diabetes

Take Catharanthus Roseus leaves.  Prepare decoction.  Drink early in the morning for 7 days.

Catharanthus Roseus for Piles

Take Catharanthus Roseus leaves.  Boil them.  Strain and drink it twice a day. 

Vaividang - Vaaivilangam

Botanical Name: Embelia ribes Burm. F

Family: Myrsinaceae

Sanskrit: Vidanga, Tandula, Krimighna

Hindi: Vaividang, Baibidang, Bhabhirang

Tamil: Vaaivilangam, Vaay Vilangam

Telugu: Vayu Vidangalu

Kannada: Vayu vilanga, vayu vidanga

Malayalam: Vijhala, Vayu vilangam

Bengali: Vidang, Bidang

Marathi: Bavidang

Punjabi: Bavidang

Gujarati: Bavadang

Description

Embelia ribes is woody creeper shrub with brittle and flexible stem. It is medicinal plant also with terete branches also known as vai vidanga. Leaves are simple, alternate, ovate and sharp at both the ends. Length of leaves is 3 inch long and 1.5 inch broad. Flowers are small, white in color and have small petioles 3 to 4 inch in length. Fruits are small just like black pepper, reddish brown to black in color. Because of its appearance and nature it is also called false black pepper. Fruits are found in bunches. Outer covering of fruits is fragile and from inside seeds are spotted. Roots of this medicinal herb are brownish grey in color.

Vidanga is one of the powerful anti-parasitic herbs of Ayurveda. It is widely used against intestinal worm infestation. Its botanical name is Embelia ribes. It is called False black pepper, because it mimics pepper in appearance. It is distributed throughout India. It is also cultivated.

Part used:

Fruits, root

Usually when medicine is given for de-worming the intestines, it is associated with another laxative ingredient so as to ease the dead worms out of the intestines. But while administering Embelia ribes for the purpose of de-worming, an extra laxative is not required because Vidanga itself is a mild laxative.

The word Krumighna in Sanskrit does not suggest only towards intestinal worm. The word meaning also encompasses microbial infection as well. Hence Vidanga is an essential ingredient in many anti-microbial medicines.

It detoxifies blood, hence useful in wide range of skin diseases.

It has contraceptive effect, along with Pippali (long pepper)

Its water decoction is used for oil pulling to relieve dental caries and bad breath

In skin diseases, it is used both orally and externally in the form of paste.

It has mild diuretic action. Hence used in dysuria.

It is useful against vomiting, bloating, indigestion, gastritis and constipation.

It is widely used in weight loss treatment.

Uses Of Embelia Ribes

Vidanga is best herb used for worm infestation that includes roundworm, threadworm and tapeworms. It is used to kill all type of bacteria, virus and fungus. This herb is also very effective for infants that are suffering with worm infestation.

This herb is rejuvenating herb that provides good health and energy to body.

It also acts as blood cleanser and it is used to clear extra toxins that are circulating in human plasma and lymphatic system.

Vidanga powder is used for sufferers of piles and other ano-rectal disorders. It is also beneficial to cure obesity and benign tumors.

This herb is also beneficial for human nervous system and it is used to treat various disorders associated with nervous system like epilepsy and paralysis. It is also recommended for various dental ailments.

Fine powder of vidanga is used to reduce the excessive inflammation of nose.

Vidanga improves digestive fire and used to cure nausea, vomiting, flatulence and abdominal pain. Because of its laxative properties it is also very effective herb to treat constipation.

Its antifungal and antibacterial properties make this herb to treat various skin disorders. Fresh leaves and paste of leaves are used to improve skin complexion, skin pigmentation, eczema and other skin disorders.

It is used to treat snake bite poisoning.

Vidanga is used to cure chronic cough and it is also very effective for sufferers of tuberculosis.

Astringent leaves of this herb are used for the treatment of sore throats and ulcers of mouth.

Dosage

Powder 3-5 g per day, in divided dose is the usual prescribed dose.

To relieve worm infestation it is given in a dose of 5 – 10 grams

Embelia ribes Side effects :

Because of its contraceptive effect, its long term usage should be done with care in cases of infertility. There are no known side effects with this herb. It is used in children and lactating mothers. But pregnant ladies should seek medical advice.

Aam - Maa

Botanical name: Mangifera indica     

Family: Anacardiaceae (Cashew family)

Common name: Mango

Hindi: Am आम

Sanskrit: Aamra

Tamil: மா Ma

Manipuri: Heinou

Telugu: Mamidi

Malayalam: Mangga

Kannada: Mavina mara

Marathi: Amba अंबा

Konkani: Ambo आंबॉ

Description:

The mango tree is erect, 30 to 100 ft high, with a broad, rounded canopy which may, with age, attain 100 to 125 ft in width, or a more upright, oval, relatively slender crown. In deep soil, the taproot descends to a depth of 20 ft, the profuse, wide-spreading, feeder root system also sends down many anchor roots which penetrate for several feet. The tree is long-lived, some specimens being known to be 300 years old and still fruiting. Nearly evergreen, alternate leaves are borne mainly in rosettes at the tips of the branches and numerous twigs from which they droop like ribbons on slender petioles 1 to 4 in long. Hundreds and even as many as 3,000 to 4,000 small, yellowish or reddish flowers, 25% to 98% male, the rest hermaphroditic, are borne in profuse, showy, erect, pyramidal, branched clusters 2 1/2 to 15 1/2 in high. There is great variation in the form, size, color and quality of the fruits. They may be nearly round, oval, ovoid-oblong, or somewhat kidney-shaped, often with a break at the apex, and are usually more or less lop-sided.

Habitat

Mango is native to South Asia and cultivated from thousand years back. It is distributed throughout world in tropical and subtropical warm climates. Almost world's half mangoes are cultivated in India and next is China. It is also found in Central America, South, West and Central Africa, South Korea, Bangladesh and Pakistan.

Different parts of this plant which can be used for multiple purposes. Fruits, seeds, pulp, bark, leaves, roots and almost any part of the plant are used for medicinal purpose.

Mango tree bark has astringent properties which make it useful to pacify kapha and pitta disorders.

Mango tree roots can treat IBS and Diarrhea.

Mango young leaves also show similar effects.

Mango flowers can be used to purify blood naturally and is also useful in gastric problems like anorexia, diarrhea, IBS etc. It is also useful in UTI and Diabetes.

Mango leaves help normalize insulin levels in the blood. Studies show that mangiferin exhibits potent antidiabetic, anti hyperlipidemic properties without causing hypoglycaemia. The traditional home remedy is to boil the mango leaves in water, and soak it overnight, and then consume the filtered decoction in the morning or you can use the leaves powder available in market.

An infusion prepared from the tender leaves of mango is useful in early diabetes. Soak the leaves in water overnight, filter and have in the morning.

Dried mango seeds (Seed Kernels) are very effective for diarrhoea. Dry the mango seeds in the shade and powder them. You can store it and use when required or this can be bought in stores.

Make a decoction out of one tbsp of the pounded dry bark of the mango tree and two glasses of water. Add two tbsp of this decoction to half a glass of water and gargle with it 2-3 times a day to cure sore throat

A tooth powder made from burnt mango leaves relieves toothache

Fresh tender leaf from mango and neem tree, should be crushed and made into a coarse paste. A tsp of each taken once a day has a cleansing action on the digestive system and helps to get rid of toxins.

Mix dried mango flowers with an equal amount of dried Jamun seed powder and store it. Taking a tbsp of this every morning with hot water is good for diabetes

http://pzimedia.com/health/Mango-Seed-Extracts-Cures-Breast,-Cervical,-Colorectal-cancers-52029.html/

Kalijeeri - Kaattu Seeragam

Botanical Name: Centratherum Anthelminticum (Wild) Kuntze

Common Name: Vanyajiraka, Aranyajirakah, Kaalijiri,

Sanskrit: Somaraja, Atavi jeeraka

Hindi: Kalijeeri, Bakchi, Somraj, Soharaai, Bakchi, Bakshi

Tamil: Kaattu seeragam, Kaattu jeerakam

Bengali: Somaraaj

Gujarati: Kaaleejeeree, Kadavijeeree, Kadvo-jiri

Punjabi: Bukoki, Kakshama, Kala-zira, Kali-ziri, Malwa-bakchi, Malwabakshi

Kannada: Kadu-jirigay, Kaadujeerage, Kaarijirige, Kadu-jirage

Malayalam: Kaattu jeerakam , Krimishatru, Kattujirakam

Marathi: Kali Jiri

Telugu: Adavi Jilkara, Adavijilakaroa, Garetikamma

Description

Centratherum anthelminticum (L.) Kuntze (Fam. Asteraceae) Synonym Vernonia anthelmintica, is found throughout India up to 1850 meter. It is naturally found in Himalaya hills. It is often cultivated for medicinal purpose.

It is a tall, robust, branched, glandular-pubescent annual plant reaching height of 2-3 feet. Leaves are membranous, lanceolate or ovate-lanceolate, coarsely serrate and 5-9 cm in length and 2.5-3.2 cm in breath. The leaves are covered with hairs. Inflorescence is many, subcorymbos and in cluster. Flower head bear 30-40 minute purplish flowers. Fruits of plant are called achenes. The seeds of plant are 3 to 5 mm long and 1 to 2 mm in diameter. They are blackish-brown to black in colour and taste bitter. The plant bear seeds in May to June.

In Ayurveda, Kalijiri is used in treatment of pain, asthma, gulma, hiccups, fever, cough, parasites, skin diseases, retention of urine, vitiation of blood, wound, eczema, and leucoderma.

Kalijiri is rich in medicinal properties. The understanding of these properties will help us to better utilize this herb. It has a good anthelmintic property and used for the treatment of various skin infections. It is used traditionally to cure skin diseases, asthma, kidney troubles, cough and to remove blood from liver.

Medicinal uses of Kalijiri

Kalijiri is specifically used in Ayurveda for treatment of skin diseases. It has anthelmintic action and used against threadworm, roundworm, earthworm and tapeworm. Topically, it is used to cure lice, inflammation and skin diseases.

Chronic skin disease, Psoriasis

Kalijiri seeds + black pepper / black sesame seeds are taken in equal amount and ground. The prepared powder is taken in dose of 4 gram daily, once a day in the morning with water after sweating by sun or exercise. This should be taken daily for one year.

Cough, Flatulence

The infusion of seeds is given.

Diuretic, tonic, stimulating gastric activity

Infusion of seed is used.

Expel fleas

The plant roasted in a room, or plant powder sprinkled in room is used to expel fleas.

Infective hepatitis

Powder of dried seeds is taken in dose of 1-3 grams empty stomach for five days.

Leukoderma

Kalijiri powder 4 part + Peeli Hartaal 1 part, is ground to make paste in Gau mutra (Cow Urine) and applied topically on affected skin area.

Loss of appetite

Kalijiri seeds + Ajwain, are taken in equal amount and crushed. This s taken to cure loss of appetite.

Lice

The bruised seeds are ground into a paste and mixed with lime juice and applied.

Leprosy

The seed powder is taken with til seeds.

Malaria

The seeds are used in treatment of malaria.

Paralysis of the legs

The paste of seeds is applied.

Round worms

The seed powder is taken with castor oil (laxative).

Skin Diseases

Take seeds of plant. Ground them to make powder.

Dosage of Centratherum anthelminticum

The seed powder is taken in dose of 1-3 grams.

Caution, Side effects, Warning

It is a very hot potency medicine. Do not use in pregnancy. Seeds show anti-implantation activity in rats. In excess, it is harmful for intestine. It can cause cramps in abdomen and vomiting. Internal intake should be taken carefully. If internal intake causes side-effects, then take Cow milk / fresh Amla juice.

Jeera - Seeragam

Botanical name: Cuminum cyminum Linn.

Hindi: Safed Jeera, Jeera

Sanskrit: Jeeraka

Bengali: Jeera

Marathi: Jire

Gujarati: Jeeru

Tamil: Jeerakam, Seeragam

Telugu: Jeelakari

Kannada: Jeerige

Malayalam: Jeeragam

Punjabi: Jira

Description

Cumin is the dried seed of the herb Cuminum cyminum, a member of the parsley family. The cumin plant grows to 30–50 cm tall and is harvested by hand. It is an annual herbaceous plant, with a slender, glabrous, branched stem that is 20–30 cm tall and has a diameter of 3–5 cm. Each branch has two to three sub-branches. All the branches attain the same height, therefore the plant has a uniform canopy. The stem is coloured grey or dark green. The leaves are 5–10 cm long, pinnate or bipinnate, with thread-like leaflets. The flowers are small, white or pink, and borne in umbels. Each umbel has five to seven umbellts. The fruit is a lateral fusiform or ovoid achene 4–5 mm long, containing two mericarps with a single seed. Cumin seeds have eight ridges with oil canals.

Cumin seeds are known as Jeeraka in Sanskrit. The word is derived from Jeerna – digestion. Hence Jeeraka means that which digests. Cumin seed is very good in treating digestive track disorders.

Traditional uses

Traditional uses of cumin include to reduce inflammation, increase urination, prevent gas, and suppress muscle spasms. It has also been used as an aid for indigestion, jaundice, diarrhea, and flatulence. Cumin powder has been used as a poultice and suppository, and has been taken orally.

Benefits of Cumin

Cumin makes a great tonic for the body even if you don’t have a specific ailment to cure. It is said to increase the heat in the body thus making metabolism more efficient. It is also thought to be a powerful kidney and liver herb and can help boost your immune system. Though the appropriate studies have yet to be conducted, some believe black cumin seeds may even be able to help treat asthma and arthritis.

Iron for Energy and Immune Function

Cumin seeds, whose scientific name is Cuminum cyminum, are a very good source of iron, a mineral that plays many vital roles in the body. Iron is an integral component of hemoglobin, which transports oxygen from the lungs to all body cells, and is also part of key enzyme systems for energy production and metabolism. Additionally, iron is instrumental in keeping your immune system healthy. Iron is particularly important for menstruating women, who lose iron each month during menses. Additionally, growing children and adolescents have increased needs for iron, as do women who are pregnant or lactating.

Seeds of Good Digestion

Cumin seeds have traditionally been noted to be of benefit to the digestive system, and scientific research is beginning to bear out cumin's age-old reputation. Research has shown that cumin may stimulate the secretion of pancreatic enzymes, compounds necessary for proper digestion and nutrient assimilation.

Cancer Prevention

Cumin seeds may also have anti-carcinogenic properties. In one study, cumin was shown to protect laboratory animals from developing stomach or liver tumors. This cancer-protective effect may be due to cumin's potent free radical scavenging abilities as well as the ability it has shown to enhance the liver's detoxification enzymes. Yet, since free radical scavenging and detoxification are important considerations for the general maintenance of wellness, cumin's contribution to wellness may be even more farther reaching.

Piles

The main reason behind piles is constipation added with infections in the wound in the anal tract, which again is caused by constipation. Cumin, because of its dietary fiber content and carminative, stimulating, anti fungal and anti microbial properties due to the presence of essential oils comprising mainly of Cuminaldehyde and certain pyrazines, acts as a natural laxative in powdered form, helps healing up of infections or wounds in the digestive and excretory system and speeds up digestion too.

Insomnia

This is a very peculiar property of cumin. It is a stimulant as well as a relaxant at the same time. This property cannot be attributed to a single component alone, just as causes of insomnia cannot be attributed to a single cause. But studies show that a proper intake of vitamins (particularly B-complex) and a good digestion help induce a sound sleep. Cumin helps both of these. Some of the components of the essential oil have tranquilizing effects.

Respiratory Disorders, Asthma, Bronchitis etc.

Presence of caffeine (the stimulating agent), the richly aromatic essential oils (the disinfectants) make cumin an ideal anti congestive combination for those suffering from respiratory disorders such as Asthma, Bronchitis etc.

Common Cold

Common Cold is a viral infection which affects our body frequently when our immune system goes weak. Again, the essential oils present in cumin act as disinfectants and help fight viral infections which cause common cold. Cumin also does not let cough formation in the respiratory system as it is supposed to be hot and dries up the excess mucus. Cumin is rich in iron and has considerable amount of vitamin-C, which are essential for a good immunity and keeps infections away.

Lactation

It is rich in iron and thus very good for lactating mothers as well as women who are pregnant, since they are more in need of iron than others. Moreover, cumin is said to help ease and increase secretion of milk in lactating women due to presence of Thymol, which tends to increase secretions from glands, including milk which is a secretion from mammary glands. It is more beneficial if taken with honey. Cumin has remarkable amount of calcium (above 900 mg per 100 grams) which accounts to over 90% of our daily requirement of calcium. This calcium is an important constituent of milk and hence cumin is very good for lactating mothers.

Anemia

As stated above, cumin is very rich in iron (above 66 mg. in each 100 grams) which is more than 5 times the daily requirement of iron for an adult. This iron is the main constituent of haemoglobin in the red blood corpuscles of blood. It is haemoglobin which transfers oxygen (as oxide of iron) to the body-cells and whose deficiency causes anemia. So, cumin can be a nutritious additive to daily diet for anemic people.

Skin Disorders

Almost all of us know that vitamin-E is good for skin. It keeps the skin young and glowing. This vitamin is also present in abundance in cumin. The essential oils present in this have disinfectant and anti fungal properties. This prevents any microbial and fungal infection from affecting the skin.

Immunity

As discussed above, abundance of iron, presence of essential oils and vitamin-C and vitamin-A in cumin boosts up our immune system.