Kokilaksha - Neermulli

Botanical Name: Hygrophila Auriculata / Asteracantha longifolia
Sanskrit: Kokilaaksha, Kokilaakshi
Hindi: Talmakhana, Taalmakhaanaa
Tamil: Neermulli
Assamese: Kulekhara
Bengali: Kuliyakhara
Gujarati: Ekharo
Kannada: Kolavali
Malayalam: Vayalchulli
Oria: Koillekha
Telugu: Niti gobbi, Niti malli
Urdu: Talamkhana

Description:
Kokilaaksha or Hygrophila Auriculata is a small thorny herb which grows to 2-4 feet height. The flowers are purple in colour and have orange streaks. The seeds of this plant are red in colour and when kept in mouth feel sticky and slippery. It usually grows in marshy areas where water is available. It can be found near ponds, paddy fields etc.

According to principles of ayurveda this plant is heavy to digest and improve moistness of tissues. It increases mucous secretion and acts as a binding agent. It tastes sweet (madhura rasa) and cold in potency.

Health Benefits of Kokilaksha
Seeds of this plant effectively normalise vata. Since Vata controls nervous system, the seeds of kokilaksha are effective in nervous disorders like weakness of nerves. It is effective in disease like Gout, since gout is caused due to vitiation of vata.

Kokilaksha is very effective in diseases of digestive system. This plant stimulates Liver and normalises bowel movement. Hence roots of this plant are used in liver diseases like Jaundice, enlargement of liver and bloating due to constipation.

Seeds of this plant are very good aphrodisiac. Ayurveda acharyas recommend this herb in male infertility. The seeds effectively increase sperm count and sperm motility. Hence the conditions like low sperm count can be improved by use of this herb. The seeds of Kokilaksha are best herbal ayurvedic remedy for Erectile Dysfunction. It is the main ingredient for the many Ayurvedic medicine recommended for erectile dysfunction

Research has shown that this plant has hypoglycaemic activity and improves blood sugar level in diabetic patients. It has dual benefits i.e. it controls blood sugar level and also helps to rectify erectile dysfunction.

This plant has very good diuretic properties. It increases urine output. Due to this property Kokilaksha is used in conditions like urinary calculi and cystitis.

Medicinal uses:

Texts of Ayurveda recommend this in treatment of gout.

This herb stimulates liver and detoxifies it. Hence Ayurveda acharyas recommend its use in liver diseases like jaundice, liver enlargement and indigestion.

Root of this herb normalises bowel movement and relieves bloating which happens due to constipation.

It strengthens the nervous system and reduces weakness.

Neem - Vembu

Botanical Name: Azadirachta Indica

Common Names: Neem, Margosa
Sanskrit: Arishta, Nimba, Pichumarda, Pichumanda, Sarvatibhadra, Subhadra, Prabhadra
Hindi: Neem

Tamil: Vembu
Malayalam: Veppu, Arya Veppu

Punjabi: Nimm
Bengali: Nim
Marathi: Kadu Limba
Telugu: Vepa
Kannada: Bevu

Neem is a tree. The bark, leaves, flowers and seeds are used to make medicine. Neem is extensively used in Ayurvedic medicines and remedies since thousands of years.

In India, the plant is variously known as "Sacred Tree," "Heal All," "Nature's Drugstore," "Village Pharmacy" and "Panacea for all diseases". Products made from neem trees have been used in India for over two millennia for their medicinal properties: neem products are believed to be antifungal, antidiabetic, antibacterial, antiviral, contraceptive and sedative.

Neem leaf is used for leprosy, eye disorders, bloody nose, intestinal worms, stomach upset, loss of appetite, skin ulcers, diseases of the heart and blood vessels (cardiovascular disease), fever, diabetes, gum disease (gingivitis), and liver problems. The leaf is also used for birth control and to cause abortions.

The Bark is used for malaria, stomach and intestinal ulcers, skin diseases, pain, and fever.

The flower is used for reducing bile, controlling phlegm, and treating intestinal worms.

The fruit is used for haemorrhoids, intestinal worms, urinary tract disorders, bloody nose, phlegm, eye disorders, diabetes, wounds, and leprosy.


Medicinal Uses:

Skin: Most effective in inflammatory skin conditions with itching, oozing and infection. Its intense bitterness has renowned anti-bacterial and fungicidal activity which can help with eczema and general skin inflammations.

Gastro Intestinal Tract: Used in intestinal inflammation- specific for hyper acidity, ulcers, colitis. Clears mucus and bleeding from the GIT. Useful in fissures, fistulas, haemorrhoids and local congestion in the lower bowel. Clears the intestine parasites and worms. Very useful in bacterial infection.

Metabolic: Traditionally used in diabetes mellitus to support the system and regulate blood-sugar levels. If you have diabetes and use neem, monitor your blood sugar carefully. It might be necessary to change the dose of your diabetes medication.

Mouth: Traditional usage for toothache, gingivitis and general oral hygiene- use an infusion of the leaves as a mouthwash.

Neem's traditional use is based on its detoxifying benefits that help maintain healthy circulatory, digestive, respiratory and urinary systems. It is used for external applications in skin diseases. Neem is bitter and alterative. One of the most powerful blood purifiers and detoxifiers in Ayurvedic usage, Neem is often used to maintain healthy skin.

Dosages :
3 to 5gram per day before Breakfast or Dinner.

Note: Siddha treatment is based on complete physical examination of the patient, Naadi diagnosis, and other diagnostic criteria of the disease. The content given in this article is purely meant for information and education purpose only. Kindly consult a Siddha physician before any sort of self medication.

Waykaran - Vadhanarayanan

Botanical Name: Delonix elata , Delonix Regia

Family: Caesalpiniaceae (Gulmohar family)

Common Name: White Gulmohar, White Poincian

Sanskrit: Siddhesvara

Hindi: Waykaran, Samrsro, Sanesro, Sandeshra( वयकरण, समरसरो, सनेसरो , संदेशरा )

Tamil: Vadhanarayanan, Perungondrai, Vadanarayanan (வாத நாராயணன்)

Malayalam: Vadhanarayanan വാദനാരായണൻ

Kannada: Kempukenjiga, nirangi, vatanarayana

Marathi: Sanchaila, sankasura

Telugu: Chinna seribiseri, Chitti keshwaramu (చిన్న సెరిబిసిరి, చిట్టి కేశ్వరము)

Description:

Delonix elata is an erect tree, 6-10 m tall, with ash-colored bark. Leaves are 6-20 cm long, double-compound, like Gulmohar. Flowers are white in the beginning, turning yellow orange; the upper petal is smaller and darker in colour, almost circular, curled at the margins, 2.5 cm long. Within India, it is found wild in some parts of peninsular India and frequently planted as an avenue tree.

Health Benefits

- To alleviate the Knee pain and joint pain, the extract of the Waykaran can be given for once or twice a week.

- When taken with garlic, it gives a notable relief from all the gastric problems and stomach related diseases.

- Externally it can be applied to treat wounds and Joint pain

Usage:

Morning - Mix 5 grams of powder in 100 ml water and boil the content for few minutes. Filter the content and drink it before food. Repeat the same for evening after dinner.

Kapikachu - Poonaikaali

Botanical Name: Mucuna Pruriens
Family: Fabaceae
English Name: Velvet bean, Cowitch, Cowhage

Common names
Sanskrit: Kapikachu, Atmagupta
Hindi: Kiwanch, Konch, Jangali, Jara, Kavanch, Krounchbeej
Malayalam: Naykaranam
Tamil: Poonaikkaali, Poonaikali
Kannada: Nasugunni
Telugu: Dulagondi, Kanduspala
Marathi: Khaajkuiri
Bengali: Alkushi

Part used: Roots, Seeds, and Leaves

Kapikachu or Mucuna pruriens is a tropical legume known as velvet bean and cowitch and by a multitude of common names. Mucuna pruriens is well-known for its aphrodisiac activities as it is known to increase the sperm count and to increase testosterone levels in the body. The herb is also known to help the body build lean muscle and to break down surplus fat and hence Mucuna or Kapikachhu is often used by athletes, sports persons and body builders as sports medicine for increasing body performance.

The Mucuna plant is an annual, climbing shrub with long vines that can reach over fifteen meter in length. The herb bears white, lavender, or purple flowers. Mucuna have pods that are enclosed in loose orange hairs that can cause a severe itching if come into the contact with the skin. The beans of Mucuna herb are shiny black or brown. The herb's home is found in tropical Africa, India and the Caribbean.

Mucuna is good for boosting the mood for sexual desire and the herb possesses anti-depressant effects. It is prophylactic against oligospermia (Low sperm count), and useful in increasing sperm count, regularizes ovulation in women, etc. It prevents male and female sterility and acts as a nervine tonic.

The seeds have L-DOPA, which is a neurotransmitter precursor, an effective drug for relief in Parkinson's disease. It stimulates the brains fabrication of dopamine boosts up mood, sexuality and co-ordination. Dopamine encourages the release of HGH (human growth hormone) from the pituitary gland, which aids the body build muscle and breaking down fat. Many health and doctors experts also suggest taking Mucuna to help preserve the practical presentation of the nervous system.

As per Ayurveda, Mucuna carries vital properties and therefore, the drug has been used as an aphrodisiac. It is used to increase libido in both men and women due to its dopamine inducing actions. Dopamine has a sound influence on sexual function. Mucuna pruriens or kapikachhu seed powder contains high concentrations of levodopa. This herb has long been used in traditional Ayurvedic system of Indian medicine for treating various nervous diseases including Parkinsonism. In a meticulous amount, it also shows mind-booster tonic and soothing down the aggressive mind.

Chemical Composition: Seeds contain L-dopa (4-3, 4-dihydroxy phenyladaline) gluthione, lecithin, gallic acid, glycosides, nicotine, prurenine, prurenidine, dark brown viscous oil. alkaloids mucanine, tannic acid, resin, lecithin

Medicinal Properties: It has Anthelmintic, Diuretic, Aphrodisiac, Nervine, Astringent, Rejuvenative, Analgesic, Carminative properties.

Mucuna Pruriens Medicinal Benefits

- Improves libido since it is best aphrodisiac agent known.
- Helps the nervous system reach optimum performance.
- Increases sperm count and ovulation in women.
- Helps to break down the surplus body fat and hence useful for weight loss.
- Prevents male and female sterility.
- Acts as a nervine tonic.
- Helpful in Parkinson's disease.
- Possesses anti-depressant effects.
- Helps to reinstate mental alertness and to perk up coordination.
- It has safer diuretic effects.
- Augment testosterone levels.

The Mucuna prurience is also used as a dietary supplement and it will help the evidence of protein in muscles and therefore, can increase muscle mass and strength.

Herb functions:
Libido Enhancer: The herb is a proven aphrodisiac, the effects of which are seen in the significant improvement in sexual behavior, libido, potency, sperm parameters, daily sperm production and testosterone levels.

Anti-Parkinson activity: Kapikachhu is considered an effective nervine tonic in traditional Indian healthcare. The seeds have L-dopa, which is a neurotransmitter precursor and an effective drug for treating in Parkinson's Disease. There is no increase in dyskinesias (a movement disorder seen in Parkinson’s Disease) with the administration of Kapikacchu, a phenomenon which is commonly encountered with increased doses of L-Dopa treatment. These findings suggest that Kapikacchu or mucuna pruriens formulations may actually have a higher bioavailability than standard L-dopa preparations. If these findings can be confirmed in larger and longer term studies, Kapikacchu would seem to be a reasonable commercially viable alternative to standard L-dopa therapy.

Male sexual dysfunction: The herb is recommended for oligospermia or low sperm count. It increases sperm count and motility. Kapikacchu improves the semen profile by inhibiting lipid peroxidation, elevating spermatogenesis and improving the biochemical parameters in seminal plasma by restoring the levels of lipids, vitamins A, C and E and fructose.

Home Remedies:

- Its powder is useful to increase sexual potency, it should be use in the dose of 3-5 gms along with other herbs like Ashwagandha, Akarkara, Javitri etc.

- Decoction of its 10 gm powder is beneficial in dysmenorrhoea. Its decoction of root is also beneficial in neurological disorders like paralysis, facial paralysis etc.

Rishyagandha - Amukara

Botanical Name: Withania Coagulans
Family: Solanaceae

English: Indian Rennet
Sanskrit: Rishyagandha
Hindi: Paneer Dodi, Paneer Booti
Kannada: Amakiregadday
Malayalam: Amukiram
Tamil: Amukara, Amukkura
Telugu: Pennerugadda

Plant Distribution: 
This shrub is, common in , East India, Nepal and Afghanistan,. In India it occurs in Punjab, Rajasthan, Simla, Kumaun and Garhwal.

Therapeutic uses:
The fruits is sweet; applied to wounds; used in asthma, biliousness stranguary. Diuretic, useful in lessen the inflammation of piles. The ripe fruits are supposed to possess anodyne or sedative properties. They are alterative, diuretic and believed to be useful in chronic liver complaints. They are used as an emetic. The dried fruits, sold as Punir-ja-fota in Sind, are employed in dyspepsia and flatulent colic, and other intestinal affections. They are prescribed in infusion, either alone or conjoined with the leaves and twigs of Rhazya stricta, an excellent bitter tonic. In Bombay, the berries have a reputation as blood purifiers. In Nothern India traditional healers use dry fruits for the treatment of Diabetes mellitus. It has also antimicrobial, anthelmintic, antifungal, hepatoprotective, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, cardiovascular, free radical scavenging, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, immunosuppressive, depressant property.

Withania coagulans is used in chronic complaints of liver. They are also used in dyspepsia, flatulent colic and other intestinal infections. In some parts of Pak¬Indian sub-continent, the berries are used as a blood purifier. Withania coagulans (Stocks) Dunal is used to treat nervous exhaustion, debility, insomnia, wasting diseases, failure to thrive in children, impotence. Its fruits are used for liver complaints, asthma and biliousness Flowers of Coagulans (Stocks) Dunal are used in the treatment of diabetes.

Dosages:
Take 5 grm powder twice a day after food with warm milk or with Honey or as advised by the Naturopaths

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.

Ashoka - Asogam

Ashoka - Asogam

Botanical Name: Saraca Asoca, Saraca Indica

Family: Caesalpinioideae
Common name: Sita Ashok, Sorrowless tree
Sanskrit: Ashoka, Ashopalava, Asupala, Apashaka, Hemapushpa, Kankeli, Madhupushpa, Vanjula
Hindi: Sita Ashok, Ashok, Vand ichitrah, Vanjulam
Gujarati: Ashopalava
Oriya: Ashoka
Bengali: Oshok
Kannada: Achenge, Ashanke, Kenkalimara
Malayalam: Hemapushpam,Ashokam, Chethi, Ashoka chethi
Assamese: Ashok
Marathi: Jasundi
Tamil: Asogam
Telugu: Asokamu, Vanjulamu

Plant name: Asokam means “Removing or destroying all sorrows”

Asoka is a small, spreading, evergreen tree with bright orange flowers in small dense branches and flat fruits with several smooth grey seeds. It has smooth brownish bark and compound leaves forming a dense crown. It is also an endangered tree.

Asoka powdered bark ash consists of silica, sodium, potassium, phosphate, magnesium, iron, calcium, strontium and aluminium. A crystalline glycosidal substance has been isolated from the bark with galactose as the constituent sugar.

As a wild tree, the Ashoka is a vulnerable species. It is becoming rarer in its natural habitat, but isolated wild Ashoka trees are still to be found in the foothills of central and eastern Himalayas, in scattered locations of the northern plains of India as well as on the west coast of the Subcontinent near Mumbai.

HISTORICAL ASPECTS :
In the Ramayana, one of the books of Hindu mythology, there is mention of Ashoka tree. Ashoka means "without sorrow", a reference to this bark's reputation for keeping women healthy and youthful. Buddha was said to be born under this tree.

There are a few varieties of the Ashoka tree. One variety is larger and highly spreading. The columnar varieties are common in cultivation.

The bark of Ashoka Tree is used for its medicinal value and it is reported to have a stimulating effect on the endometrium and ovarian tissue. The bark is useful in all cases of uterine bleeding where ergot is indicated. It is also useful in menorrhagia due to uterine fibroids, in leucorrhea and in internal bleeding. Its use in treatment of excessive uterine bleeding is extensive in India. The plant is used also in dysmenorrhoea and for depression in women.


PART USED : Bark, Seeds and Flowers.

SIDE EFFECTS: In the commonly used doses side effects are rare.

Below are some of the medicinal properties of Asoka:

According to Ayurveda, ashoka was also used for healing wounds, strengthening uterine muscles. It is also believed to prevent ocular diseases, miscarriages, bleeding dysentery and neurological disorders.

- The bark of asoka is useful for excessive blood loss during menstruation due to the presence of uterine fibroids, leucorrhea and other causes. It can be used as a substitute for ergot a kind of dried fungus used in medicine in the treatment of uterine haemorrhages. It is taken as a decoction.

-About 90 grams of the bark is boiled in 30 ml of milk and 360 ml of water till the total quantity is reduced to about 90 grams. This is divided in 2 or 3 doses to be given in a day. The treatment should commence from the fourth day of the menstruation and continue till the bleeding is checked. Fresh decoction is to be made every day.

- The decoction is used in the treatment of dysentery. A fluid extract of the flowers can be taken with beneficial results in hemorrhagic dysentery. This extract is prepared by grinding the flowers with water. It is taken in doses of 15 to 60 drops.

- The bark is also beneficial for internal piles. A decoction prepared in the same manner as in case of uterine disorders is taken in this condition.

-Asoka is highly acclaimed for its utility in gynecological problems like Menorrhagia (excessive bleeding during menses), leucorrhoea (excessive white discharge), dysmenorrhea (painful menses), oligomenorrhea (scanty bleeding during menses), menstrual cramps, secondary amenorrhea, infertility, fibroid. It is a blood purifier. The bark has a stimulating effect on the endometrium and ovarian tissue.

-Medicated milk with bark a preventive in gynaec troubles and decoction prepared from bark of asoka (external for vaginal irrigation and cleansing ). Asoka is also useful in bone reunion and pain relieving if the paste of bark is applied on externally.

Ashoka Health Benefits
Various studies on extracts from ashoka bark provide evidence of its several health benefits.

Anti-bacterial properties: 
It can fight fever, cold and infections as it possesses anti-bacterial properties.

Menorrhagia:
Ayurveda has been using ashoka for menorrhagia traditionally. A preparation made from ashoka tree known as ashokarishta is given for this disease and also for uterine infections. It helps stop vaginal bleeding.

Rheumatic arthritis:
The methanol extracts from ashoka showed positive results against rheumatic arthirits.

Haemorrhoids:
Ashoka bark has been traditionally used as a remedy for internal haemorrhoids.

Dysmenorrhoea:
It is also recommended against dysmenorrhoea.

Siddha Medicinal Uses :
-For conditions like menorrhagia (excessive bleeding during menses), dysmenorrhoea (painful menses), leucorrhoea (excessive white discharge), oligomenorrhoea (scanty bleeding during menses) in ladies, the decoction prepared from bark of asoka is given.

-For karappan (eczema), sori, in children and for certain skin diseases in adults, the flowers of asokam is made into karkam and boiled with coconut oil, this is filtered and used externally over these ailments.

-The bark is crushed and boiled in cow’s milk and water and reduced to 1/5th part and given twice daily for disorders like menorrhagia, disorders of uterus etc.

-The juice of bark is effective in treating menorrhagia.

-For conditions like irregular mensturation, diseases of ovary like PCOD and even infertility, decoction of the bark is really effective if consumed daily.

Nilini - Neeli Avuri

Nilini - Avuri



Botanical name: Indigofera Tinctoria
Family: Fabaceae
English: Indian Indigo
Hindi: Nili
Kannada: Karunili
Malayalam: Neelamar Amar
Sanskrit: Nilini
Tamil: Neeli avuri, Neelamari
Telugu: Nili Chettu,Nili

Parts Used: Whole Plant

Actions : Hepato-protective, Anti-periodic, Stimulant, Antidote.

Introduction:
India is a country with rich natural resources with variety of medicinal plants. In contrast to synthetic drugs, Herbal drugs enjoy the advantages of comparatively less toxic than synthetic drugs, more harmony with the biological system and affordable to all classes of people. In the last few decades, Herbs and plants have been in use as a source of therapeutic compounds in traditional medicinal system. Medicinal plants play an important role in traditional health care systems as well as in International herbal and pharmaceutical markets. This is because that the herbal medicines are cheap, and have natural origin. The plant Indigofera tinctoria belongs to the family of Fabaceae which popularly known as Neeli in Tamil and found throughout India. The roots, stems and leaves of Indigofera tinctoria are bitter and are useful for promoting the growth of hair, asthma, ulcers, skin diseases and diuretic.

The plant was found to contain indirubin and indigtone where the juice extracted from the leaves is useful in the treatment of hydrophobia.

Description of Plant
A branching shrub upto 2m high with 7-13 leaflets. Leaves are green when fresh and greyish black on drying, tender branches bluish red in color, flowers many in nearly sessile lax spicate recemes which are much shorter than the leaves with red or pinkin colour; fruits cylindrical pods,pale greenish grey when young and dark brown on ripening with 10-12 seeds.

The roots, stems and leaves are bitter, thermogenic, laxative, trichogenous, expectorant, anthelminthic, tonic, naturopathy, splenomegaly, echolalia, cardiopathy, chronic bronchitis, asthama, ulcers, skin diseases, diuretic and are useful for promoting growth of hair. The juice expressed from the leaves is useful in the treatment of hydrophobia. An extract of the plant is good for epilepsy and neuropathy. The plant possesses anti-toxic property. The plant is stimulant, alternativr, deobstruent and purgative. Indigo is antiseptic and astringent.

The Juice of the leaves and indigo in powder are used mixed with honey in enlargement of liver and spleen, epilepsy and other nervous affections. In hydrophobia two ounces of fresh juice with an equal quantity of milk is given in the morning for 3 days as a prophylactic; Juice is also given in asthma, whooping cough, palpitation of heart, in some lung diseases and kidney complaints as in dropsy. Decoction of the root is given in calculus; Juice of the young branches mixed with honey is a used application for aphthae of the mouth in children. An Infusion of root is given as an root is given as an antidote in cases of poisoning by arsenic.

Externally, leaves crushed are used as stimulant, Poultice or plaster in various skin affections, to haemorrhoids etc., and to cleanse a heal wounds and ulcers. Powdered indigo also is used for sprinkling on ulcers. It is applied mixed with castor oil to the navel of children to promote the action of the bowels and mixed with warm to the pubes and hypogastria as it stimulates bladder and therefore useful in cases of retention of urine.

Siddha Medicinal Uses :

1. It is the best Siddha medicine for all toxicities

2. The powder given in dose of 5 grams for three times a day for any type of toxicity (herbal, metal or poison of any living creature), fever due to derranged vatham, kamalai (jaundice), mantham (indigestion) etc.

3. The root is crushed and prepared into decoction, and given for gunmam (abdominal disorders), vellai(leucorrhoea), all types of toxicities etc.

4. The leaves are crushed, prepared into decoction and given for toxicities, fever, arthritis etc.

5. The leaf juice is given in the dose of 10-20ml along with honey twice daily for jaundice, inflammation of liver etc.

6. For poisonous bites, the samoolam or the whole plant is ground and applied as a paste over the bitten area. Also the leaf juice is given internally to the patient.