Chirata - Nilavembu

Botanical Name: Swertia Chirata
Sanskrit: Chirata, Kiratatikta, Bhunimba
Hindi: Chirayita
Bengali: Chirata
Tamil: Nilavembu
Punjab: Charaita
Marathi: Kiraita
Gujarati: Kariyatum
Kannada: Nilabevu
Malayalam: Nilaveppa
Telugu: Nilavemu

Nilavembu meaning "Neem of the ground". The plant is known in north-eastern India as Maha-tita, literally "king of bitters", and known by various vernacular names.

Swertia Chirata is called as ‘Chirayata’ in India. It is also known as `Indian Gentian`. This annual herb is found all across India and grows up to the height of 1.5 meters. It is majorly found in the Himalayas majorly between the heights of 1200 to 1500 meters. It is known to have leaves in opposite pairs which are about 10 cms in length with no stalks. In Hindi the herb is called Chiretta and in Sanskrit it is called Bhunimba or Kirata tikta.

Kiratatikta is a very famous Ayurvedic herb used mainly in the treatment of infectious and inflammatory conditions like fever, skin diseases etc. The word meaning of Kirata tikta is – utterly bitter.

This ancient herb is a blue flowering plant and is also sometimes known as the Nepali Neem because it is a common plant in the forests of Nepal. All the parts of the plant can be used for making either a dried herb or powder. In rural areas the Kalamegha is considered as Kirathathiktha and it is used in place of Kirathathiktha because of its similar morphology and properties

Benefits of Swertia Chirata
Apart from healing many fevers, Swertia Chirata is a magical herb which can cure many diseases. It is ‘one herb with many benefits.’

Liver
It is beneficial in treating liver problems and increases metabolism as it contains digestive, hepatic and tonic properties.
Cancer
It is an anti-oxidant herb and its anti-oxidant action guards the cells from turning cancerous and fights against cancer.
Anti – Inflammatory
It is rich in its anti-inflammatory properties which make it a great remedy for joint disease, swelling, pain, redness and specially Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Diabetes
It has the ability to lower blood sugar levels and stimulates insulin production. It can be a cure for diabetes.
Skin Disease
It cures many skin diseases. It is great for rashes, inflamed skin and other skin problems.
Lungs
It helps cure bronchitis, asthma and inflammatory conditions of the lungs by opening the bronchi.
Stomach Disorders
It is effective in strengthening the stomach and promotes its action. It reinforces the stomach and boosts its functions. It can relieve diarrhea.
Intestinal Worms
The herb contains anthelmintic which destroys and kills intestinal worms. This makes it effective for relieving worm issues that affect the intestine.
Hiccups
The astringent flavor of Chiretta sets of an impulsive response that promotes the production of saliva and gastric enzymes. It relieves hiccups, bloating and indigestion.
Bleeding
It helps with heavy monthly periods, internal bleeding and nose bleeding.

Side effects:
Some people might not tolerate bitterness. In them, the decoction may induce vomiting.
It is safe to give in children and lactating mother. But the dose needs to be monitored carefully.
It is best to seek medical advice for use in pregnancy.
It lowers blood sugar levels. Hence precaution is required while administering it in diabetic patients.

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.

Thirikadugu - Trikadu Churnam

Botanical Name: Piper nigrum / Piper longum / Zingiber officinalis

Sanskrit:Trikadu Churnam

Tamil:Thirikadugu Churnam

Hindi:Trikadu Churnam



Thirikadugu Churnam Health Benfits:

Trikatu Churna is a simple mixture of three Indian spices. It is widely used in Ayurvedic treatments and in Indian household. Trikatu Churna falls both under medicinal herbs and dietary herbs.

Trikatu churna is also known as thrikadugu choornam, Trikatu choorna, katutraya churna, kadutraya churna etc.

Chruna is a Sanskrit term meaning powder. Trikatu – Tri – means three, katu – herbs that are hot and pungent.  – overall, Triaktu powder is a fine powder mix of three spices.

Trikatu powder contains three spices in equal proportions. Black pepper – Piper nigrum Long pepper fruit – Piper longum Ginger – Zingiber officinalis. If these spices are available, the Trikatu powder can be made at home, under hygienic condtions, using a mixer.

Trikatu benefits – Trikatu is hot in potency. Trikatu is stimulative in nature, good for liver, spleen and pancreas. Trikatu choornam stimulates stomach to produce enzymes. Hence it helps in digestion. Trikatu is also good for respiratory system and to cure cold and cough.


- This powder can be given to young children from the age of 2 to 3 years onwards.

- For young children, less than 1/4 tsp will be more than enough. If children refuse to drink it, you can sweeten with honey or Palm Candy.

- This powder can be stored for up to 1 Year.

- This powder can be used for all cold related problems.

- This same remedy can be used to treat indigestion.

Dalchini - Lavangapattai

Botanical Name: Cinnamomum zeylanicum
Sanskrit: Twak
English: Cinnamon
Hindi: Dalchini
Tamil: Lavangam, Karuvapattai
Telugu: Lavanga Patta, Dalcina
Kannada: Dalcinni, Lavana Patte, Chakke

Parts Used: Bark
Habitat: Indigenous to India and Sri Lanka.

Description 
Cinnamon is the inner bark of a tropical evergreen tree. The cinnamon trees are about 10 to 15 meters high. The light brown, papery bark and leathery leaves are ovate-oblong in shape, with a length of 7 to 18 cm. The green flowers are arranged in panicles and have a distinct odor. The tree bears purple berries with a single seed. Cinnamon has a fragrant perfume and a sweet and aromatic taste.

Uses & Benefits of Cinnamon
- Since it is delicate in flavour, cinnamon is used in dessert dishes. It is widely used in cakes and other baked recipe, along with milk and rice puddings, chocolate dishes and fruit desserts, especially apples and pears.

- Cinnamon is also used to spice mulled wines, creams and syrups.

- Consuming half teaspoon of the powdered spice each day helps in reducing blood sugar, cholesterol and triglyceride levels by as much as 20%.

- It is used to treat nausea, flatulence and diarrhea.

- Chewing and swallowing a small pinch of powdered cinnamon is helpful in treating cough accompanied by spitting of whitish phlegm. The remedy is also helpful to people having cold feet and hands at night.

- The spice is significant in treating loss of appetite and indigestion.

- Cinnamon helps in relieving vomiting, due to its mild astringency.

- Cinnamon has an anti-clotting effect on blood.

Caution
Cinnamon should not be consumed by breastfeeding women. The spice is known to cause unwanted effects in sensitive individuals.

It can be toxic  if it is taken in large doses.

Madhanaghanti - Nathaichoori

Botanical Name: Spermacoce Hispida

Sanskrit:  Madhanaghanti

Hindi: Madanaghanti

Tamil: Nathai Choori, Kuzhimeettan

Telugu: Madhana Chettu

Malayalm: Thartavel, Kudalchurukki, Nattachuri

Kannada: Madhana Budumachi  Gida, Madanagamti

Gujarati: Madhuri jadi

Marathi: Ghanti chi bhaaji, madanghanti

Medicinal Uses:
The samoolam of this plant is helpful in reducing the over weight or obesity. The leghyam prepared from this seeds is given twice daily for bloody diarrhoea. The roots are dried and powdered and given along with cows milk daily twice for conditions like urinary infections, oliguria, etc.
The choornam of the roots is taken daily for reducing the internal heat, venereal diseases etc.
A decoction of the samoolam is helpful in treating head ache.

Nathai Soori root powder with palm sugar or palm candy, boiled in water and strained gives us a liquid which helps in rejuvenation of the body after any kind of illness. Nathai Soori's whole plant's paste or leaf's paste is an excellent healing oinment for boils and swellings. The seeds of Nathai Soori when powdered and prepared with brown sugar and water brings relief for hemorrhoids and dysentery. It cures urinary stones and liver related diseases. It strengthens the bone, heart and liver. Nathai Soori root powder and gingelly oil prepared as a paste is an internal and external medicine. It is an anti oxidant, which lowers the cholesterol in blood and thus reduces obesity. Nathai Soori has anti fungal, anti microbial, anti inflammatory and analgesic qualities too.

Recently it is found that this herb contains Calcium and Phosphorus in abundance hence adiministration of this drug in form of chooranam or decoction is recommended in conditions like bone diseases, fractures etc

Shivanimba - Sivanaarvembu

Botanical Name: Indigofera Aspalathoides

Sanskrit: Shivanimba, Ajara, Ajara nili, Ajura, Ajura nili, Manaveli.

English: Wiry Indigo

Telugu: Neeli, Nela Vempali

Tamil: Sivanaarvembu, Iraivanvembu

Malayalam: Manali

Kannada: Shivamalli-gida


Description & usage

Commonly present in South India, mostly growing on waste and barren lands. It is a small herb. Sivanarvembu is a herb that has anti cancerous properties, hence is a medicine for deadly cancers like carcinoma and sarcoma. The leaves of this plant help to treat all kinds of skin diseases and acts as a blood purifier. It protects the liver and stimulates its function and is a cure for jaundice and Hepatitis. Sivanar Vembu relieves any inflammation, pain and lowers our blood sugar level. This herb's roots are a natural remedy for tooth ache, gum swelling and all types of ulcer, especially mouth ulcer. Preparation of Sivanar Vembu's leaves and roots can be externally used to heal skin problems like eczema, psoriasis, ringworm and skin allergy.

How to Use:  
The plant Indigofera aspalathoides which is well known as 'Sivanar vembu' is widely used for skin diseases.  Leaves, flowers and tender shoots are employed in decoction as a cooling and demulcent drink and in elephantiasis, leprosy and cancer, and as an alternative in secondary syphilis etc. Root is chewed for toothache and aphthae. The whole plant with butter is applied to reduce oedematous tumours.

Palm Candy - Panankarkandu

Palm Candy - Panankarkandu

Palm Candy (In Tamil- “Panankarkandu”) is  produced from the sweet “Neera” from Palmyra.

Palm candy is a nutrient-rich, low-glycemic crystalline sweetener that looks, tastes, dissolves and melts almost exactly like sugar, but it's completely natural and unrefined

It has a number of minerals, vitamins, calcium, iron& phyto nutrients including zinc and potassium.
The sugar content in palm candy is well balanced. It is a good source of Vitamin B1, B2, B3, B6 and B12. It being rich in iron helps to treat anemia. Palm candy is “thermogenic” that it takes more energy for the body to burn it. There by it increases metabolism.

Palm candy with water quenches thirst. Palm candy with milk relieves urinary trouble, urinary tract infection and heat. Palm candy in warm milk with pepper and turmeric powder acts as a goody remedy for sore throat and throat pain.

It’s a good natural substitute for Refined Sugar.

Polygala elongata - Periyanangai

Botanical Name: Polygala elongata
Tamil Name: Periyanangai, Periyanankai
Malayalam: Periyanka, പെരിയങ്ക

Description:
Narrow-Leaved Milkwort is a small annual herb, growing up to 15-40 cm tall. Fresh roots are aromatic. Branches are slender and hairless. Alternately arranged leaves are stalkless, linear-oblong, 2-4 cm long, blunt-tipped with narrow point at the tip. Yellow flowers arise in racemes, 6-20 cm long, in leaf axils. Flowers are shaped somewhat like pea flowers. Capsule is oblong, unequal sided. Flowering: August-September

Kumari - Katrazhai

Botanical Name: Aloe Vera Barbadensis, Aloe Vera Chinensis,
Family Name: Liliaceae
Sanskrit: Kumari
Hindi: Gheekuwar
English: Indian Aloe
Telugu: Kalabanda
Kannada: Lolisara, Lolesara
Malayalam: Kumari, Kattar Vazha
Tamil: Kathaazhai, Katrazhai
Bengali: Ghrita Kumari


Description: Mature plant, they are succulent plants with perennial, strong and fibrous roots and numerous, persistent, fleshy leaves, proceeding from the upper part of the root, narrow, tapering, thick and fleshy, usually edges are serrated with spiny teeth

Seeds: Angular

Flowers: The flowers are produced in erect, terminal spikes. There is no calyx, the corolla is tubular, divided into six narrow segments at the mouth and of a red, yellow or purplish colour. The capsules contain numerous angular seeds.


Habitat: Grows mainly in the dry regions of Asia, Africa, Europe and America.
Distribution- cultivated throughout India.
Effect on Tridosha – Balances all the three Doshas.
Part Used- Leaves
Dosage- Fresh juice 10-20 ml, Leaf pulp – 1 – 3 grams

Aloe vera is called as Kumari in Sanskrit. Kumari refers to a young girl. This name has two derivations.

1) It is used in diseases of young girls, like pimples in teenage and menstrual problems.
2) The plant is beautiful and looks young even after it grows old


Aloevera Actions: 

Normalizes Kapha & Pitta, a very good aphrodisiac, diuretic, sooths skin, and anti inflammatory widely used in conditions of sun burn, dry skin conditions, burns, scars

Aloevera Home remedies:
The leaf pulp 2-4gms is effective remedy in Dysmenorrhea.This Should be administered with sugar on empty stomach once a day, for three days prior to the expected date of menstruation.

Kamala (infective hepatitis) the mucilage with curd is a very effective medicine. This can be given single dose 3-5 days. If the patient develops loose motions can with drawn for a day or two and if needed can be continued for another course of 3-5days.

Medicinal Benefits of the Herb:

So as to enhance digestion, the pulp extracted from the leaves of the herb may be taken orally preferably with some Saindhav salt added to it on an empty stomach first time in the morning.

The fresh juice extracted from Aloe vera when taken in a dose of ten to twenty ml two or three times in a day is a good cure for relieving acidity.

After keeping the pulp of Aloe vera in a container for some time, the juice would separate from the same. This may be taken three or four times in a day as an effective home remedy for urine infection.

Aloe vera aids in regulating the menstrual flow in females. Therefore a number of medicines are prepared with Aloe vera as the main ingredient.

Having the property of blood purification, the herb of Aloe vera is also beneficial in healing wounds, oedema, pain, inflammation and other skin diseases. Both external as well as internal use is recommended.

Aloe vera aids as natural supportive therapy for maladies of constipation and haemmorhides. Regular use of Aloe vera proves beneficial in both ailments. Kumariasav is generally prescribed by Ayurveda physicians and makes effective natural cure.

The juice extracted from the pulp of the herb can be applied on the skin in case of burns and it provides both soothing as well as healing benefits.

Nowadays a number of cosmetics contain Aloe vera as the primary constituent. In Ayurvedic texts it has been said that the fresh juice applied on the face can result into fairness and loss of blemishes.

Aloe vera is also regarded as a Rasayana i.e. that which strengthens the immune system of the body and keeps the disease away

Its mild laxative action and wound healing properties, regular intake of mild doses of aloe vera in the form of aloe powder or juice, is very beneficial in haemorrhoids treatment.

Aloe has blood thinning action. It is very useful against cholesterol. So, it is very useful in treating atherosclerosis (blood vessels clogged with clot and fat deposition).

Aloe vera improves ovulation chances, it induces menstruation, hence used in treating amenorrhea – absence of periods or decreased bleeding.

It improves hair quality, prevents hair fall, cures dandruff, also useful in acne and blemishes.

To relieve constipation, its 10 grams of pulp made into paste, added with 2 grams of rock salt, mixed well, and boiled to evaporate water content. It is administered in a dose of 3 – 6 grams, once a day.

Aloe vera side effects:
Aloe vera induces purgation and hence it is not ideal to take it during diarrhea. Care should be exercised while using aloe in children and during lactation. It is best to avoid it during pregnancy.

Aloe vera leaf is heated on burning charcoal, cuticle is removed and pulp is scraped and squeezed in cloth to get the juice. One teaspoon of this juice is added with two drops of ghee and 4 drops of honey and licked hourly to relieve the attack of breathlessness and wheezing

Aloe vera for diabetes:Five phytosterols of aloe vera have been identified with anti-diabetic activity (research). Aloe vera has been clinically proven for anti diabetic property. It is a good anti oxidant and it maintains healthy structure of the blood vessels. – Both these are very vital in diabetic care.

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.

Triphala - Thribala

Triphala

Triphala is an Ayurvedic herbal rasayana formula consisting of equal parts of three myrobalans, taken without seed: Amalaki, Bibhitaki, and Haritaki.

1) Amalaki (Emblica officinalis)

2) Vibhitaki (Terminalia Bellirica)

3) Haritaki (Terminalia chebula)

• Constipation
Triphala is considered one of the best colon cleansers and is highly recommended for constipation. It also detoxifies the body and has gained popularity as a mild laxative. It keeps the digestive system healthy and clean.

• Improves Liver function
Triphala has various liver and blood nutritional properties. It improves the functioning of the liver and keeps it healthy.

• Anti-oxidant
Triphala is enriched with vitamin C. It contains powerful anti-oxidant agents that help in improving and easing the functioning of cells. It reduces the production of free radicals responsible for aging.

• Worms & Infections
Triphala works well in suppressing infections and worm infestation. It also helps to maintain the proper conditions in our bodies that is highly toxic for growth of worms.

• Skin problems
Intake of triphala powder on a regular basis helps to keep your skin clean and healthy. It is quite effective in avoiding acne and wrinkles because of it’s blood purifying properties. It helps to remove all the toxins from the body.

• Cancer
As per a study conducted in JNU, India, it is revealed that triphala has anti-cancerous activities. It is helpful in reducing the spindle formations at the mitotic phase thereby reducing the risk of metastasis of cancer cells.

• Diabetes
Triphala powder is useful in treating diabetes mellitus. It also helps in stimulating the pancreas. The pancreas secretes insulin which is responsible for maintaining proper glucose levels in the body.

• Obesity
Triphala powder is highly recommended for people suffering from obesity. It helps to cut extra fat in your body and also targets the adipose cells which are responsible for fat in your body.

• Improves Digestion
Taking triphala every night improves the digestive system. It helps to digest the food without any stress and also keeps our system fit. It is considered good for your overall well being.

• Anemia
Triphala helps increase red blood cells which helps treat anemia.


How to use it for constipation? 

Tip #1: If you are constipated take two teaspoons of triphala churna, add it to one glass (200 ml) of warm water, mix it well and drink this solution every night, just before bed. Do not eat anything after having this solution. You may drink water 30 minutes after having it.

Triphala when had in this form is a good laxative and will provide relief the next morning. The best part about using triphala as a laxative is that it does not make you dependant on it, unlike other laxatives.

How to use it for detoxification?

Tip #2: If you are simply feeling very bloated and are not able to clear your bowels regualry, triphala churna is great for detoxifying the body, especially the stomach.

Take two teaspoons of triphala and add 200 ml of warm water to it. Now crush a small piece of ginger and add it to the solution. Let this soak over night or atleast for eight hours. After that boil this solution till it reduces to half its original quantity. Strain the liquid. Add the juice of half a lemon to it and drink it when it is warm.

Have this solution every morning on an empty stomach, for one week. This mixture will help clean out your colon and detoxify the body.

Brahmi - Vallarai

Botanical name: Centella asiatica

Synonyms: Centella hirtella, Hydrocotyle asiatica, Hydrocotyle reniformis

Common Name: Gotu Kola

Sanskrit: Mandukaparni, Brahmi

Hindi: Brahma manduki, Brahmi

Malayalam: Kodangal

Tamil: Vallarai

Telugu: Saraswataku, Sarasvathy Aku

Bengali: Thulkudi

Marathi: Karinga, Karivana

Kannada: Vondelaga, Ondelaga soppu

Assamese: Bor-mani-muni

Gujarathi: Khanda Brahmi

Description:

Gotu Kola is an ancient Indian herb, used both for culinary and therapeutic purposes. It is called as Mandukaparni in Sanskrit. But it is also used in the name of Brahmi. It belongs to Apiaceae family. Botanical name is Centella asiatica.

Centella asiatica is a small creeping herb with shovel shaped leaves emerging alternately in clusters at the stem nodes. The runners lie along the ground and the inch long leaves with their scalloped edges rise above on long reddish petioles. The insignificant greenish- to pinkish-white flowers are borne in dense umbels (clusters in which all the flower stalks arise from the same point) on separate stems in the summer. The seeds are pumpkin-shaped nutlets 0.1-0.2 in long. In India it is revered as a medicinal herb, and particularly in Manipur the full plant is eaten as food like a leafy vegetable. Indian Pennywort appears to have originated in the wetlands of Asia. China, India, and Malaya were probably within its original range.

Sanskrit Synonyms:

Mandukaparni – leaves resemble shape of frog

Manduki – available in moist places, similar to frogs

Sarasvati – found in watery – moist places, improves intelligence.

Medicinal uses:

The leaf and root extract has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for a long time but has become very popular in the past couple of years for both internal use as well as topical application - although the cosmetic application is relatively new. In Ayurvedic practice it also has a valuable and sought-after Vayasthapana effect - helping to retard the aging process

An excellent herb for rejuvenating and restoring cerebral function. One of the great meditator herbs. High in satva. Its prabhava is to optimise brain function.

Centella asiatica has been used in India and the islands of the Indian Ocean for centuries as a tonic and medicinal remedy. It was believed to increase longevity and improve energy. Anciently, it was used to treat leprosy, calm the nerves, increase mental and physical power, to stimulate and rejuvenate the brain, to prevent nervous disorders, mental fatigue and senility.

Centella asiatica is considered to be one of the best herbal substance that works to put the body into balance or normality. To be in balance means to work properly and to be in a healthy state.

It has been used for many different ailments including nervous disorders, deficient mental function, memory problems. It works by cleansing and purifying the blood by neutralizing acids and helps the body defend itself against toxins. It was also found to help improve and overcome the negative effects associated with stress and fatigue.

Contraindications :
Large doses can be narcotic. Caution in pregnancy.




Dosage:
Morning and evening 1 teaspoon mixed with warm water before food.

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.