Santra - Orange

Botanical Name: Citrus X Sinensis

Common Name: Orange

Sanskrit: Kaaling

Hindi: Santra,Narangi

Tamil: Orange,Kichilipazham

Malayalam: Madhura Naranga

Telugu: Kamala Pandu

Kannada: Kithilai

Bengali: Kamla Leboo

Gujarati: Santara

Marathi: Santre

Oriya: Kamala

Punjabi: Santra

Citrus sinensis, orange or sweet orange (to distinguish it from related species, such as sour orange, C. aurantium, and mandarin orange, C. reticulata), is a small tree in the Rutaceae (citrus family) that originated in southern China, where it has been cultivated for millennia. Oranges are now grown commercially worldwide in tropical, semi-tropical, and some warm temperate regions, and have become the most widely planted fruit tree in the world. Oranges are the world’s most popular fruit, and are eaten fresh and used for juice.

The orange tree is small, spiny tree, typically growing to 7.5 m (25 ft), but occasionally reaching heights up to 15 m (50 ft), generally with a compact crown. Leaves are leathery and evergreen, and range from elliptical to oblong to oval, 6.5-15 cm long and 2.5-9.5 cm wide, often with narrow wings on the petioles (leaf stems). The fragrant white flowers, produced singly or in cluster of up to 6, are around 5 cm wide, with 5 petals and 20 to 25 yellow stamens. The fruit, which may be globose to oval, is typically 6.5 to 9.5 cm wide, and ripens to orange or yellow. The fruit skin (rind or peel) contains numerous small oil glands. The flesh or pulp of the fruit is typically juicy and sweet, divided into 10 to 14 segments (although there are seedless varieties) and ranges in color from yellow to orange to red.

Orange Peel Powder is a rich source of Antioxidants and Vitamin C. It acts as a natural astringent to rejuvenate the skin, prevent signs of skin ageing like wrinkles, fine lines thereby making the skin healthy

Orange peels are a powerhouse of nutrients and antioxidants.The orange peels even have a higher vitamin C content than the fleshy inside!

Let’s look at the beneficial nutrients in orange peels and the benefits they offer for skin:

Nutrient in Orange Peel Benefit for Skin

Vitamin C:  Protects skin from free radical damage. Keeps acne at bay and promotes a healthy skin glow.

Calcium: Helps in renewing worn-out cells and prevents DNA damage. Good for healing dry, flaky, and itchy skin.

Potassium: Hydrates dehydrated skin. Helps preserve moisture.

Magnesium: Prevents oxidative stress in skin cells, for youthful, glowing skin.

1.Orange Peel Face Mask for Blemish free Skin

With this simple blemish-removing face mask, you only need two other ingredients: honey and yogurt. These powerhouse ingredients are full of nutrients that provide nourishing benefits to skin. Honey, in particular, helps in evening out discolorations and blemishes on skin.

Check out the benefits of each additional ingredient in this face mask in the table below:

Honey: Is a powerful antibacterial and antiseptic agent. Slows down the aging process of skin by fighting off free radicals. Moisturizes skin.

Yogurt: Contains live cultures that kill acne-causing germs and bacteria. Hydrates and nourishes skin.

Ingredients:

·         2 teaspoons orange peel powder

·         1 teaspoon organic honey

·         1 teaspoon yogurt

Directions:

1.    Mix all the above ingredients in a small bowl.

2.    Apply a thick coat of the mixture onto your clean face. Let it sit for 15 minutes or until it dries out.

3.    When the time is up, rinse your face gently until all of the mixture is completely gone. Pat dry with a towel.

4.    If your face is dry after this mask, use a drop of coconut or olive oil as a natural moisturizer.

2. Say Good Bye to Acne with Orange Peel Powder Mask

Orange peel contains powerful properties that help keep annoying pimples away. Apply a thick coat of this zit-busting orange peel face mask to deep-cleanse your pores and drive out the dirt, grime, excess oil, and bacteria, all of which cause pimples and blackheads to form on the skin surface.

This orange peel face mask contains three key ingredients, the benefits of which are listed here:

Oatmeal: Gently exfoliates and scrubs skin clean. Absorbs and eliminates impurities and dirt from the skin’s surface.

Baking soda: Deep-cleanses skin. (Make sure it is Baking Soda not Baking Powder)

Ingredients:

·         2 teaspoons orange peel powder

·         1 teaspoon oatmeal

·         1 teaspoon baking soda

Directions:

1.    Mix all the above ingredients in a bowl.

2.    Gradually add water until a thick paste is formed.

3.    Using clean fingertips, massage a thick coat of the mixture onto your face in a gentle circular motion. Let it sit for 15 minutes.

4.    Rinse your face with cold water and pat dry with a clean towel. Your skin will feel amazingly soft and look clean and moisturised. If your face is a little dry after the mask, especially in acne areas, simply use a drop of olive oil as a natural moisturizer.

 

3. Orange Peel Face Mask for Oily, Pimple-Prone Skin

Got very oily and acne-prone skin? Worry no more with this simple and cleansing orange peel face mask, which will leave your skin oil-free and moisturized at the same time! Orange peel is known to absorb excess oil or sebum from oily skin. This face mask also uses coconut oil, which works wonders in driving out the ‘bad’ acne-causing oil from deep within your skin pores.

This orange peel face mask contains two key ingredients, the benefits of which are listed here:

Coconut oil: Pushes out the excess sebum clogged in your pores. Hydrates and nourishes skin of all types including peeling, acne-prone skin.

Milk: Nourishes with vitamins and minerals. Leaves skin feeling soft.

Ingredients:

·         2 teaspoons orange peel powder

·         1 teaspoon milk

·         1 teaspoon coconut oil

Directions:

1.    In a small bowl, mix the above ingredients until a thick mixture is formed.

2.    Steam your face to open up your pores.

3.    Apply the mixture onto your face using clean finger tips in a circular motion. Let sit for 15 minutes. In this time, you can take a quick soak in the bath or read a chapter of that book you’ve been meaning to finish. Keep yourself relaxed.

4.    When the time elapses, gently and thoroughly rinse your face and pat it dry with a towel. Your face will have a wonderful glow and feel silky and soft!

 

 

Why Homemade Face Masks Are Better:

Homemade face masks are filled with nature's restorative goodness, in the form of the nutrients, minerals, acids, and oils explained in the tables above, without any of the chemicals that store-bought masks have to contain for an extended shelf life. Fruits are rich in AHAs and other micronutrients that nourish and heal the skin. When expensive skin creams claim to contain 'fruit compounds,' they usually only contain a fraction of the nutrients that are found in the fruit itself. Save yourself the money and the chemical damage and make your own homemade skin products.

Fullers Earth - Multani Mitti

Multani mitti also known as fuller's earth, has been used to get rid of skin issues and achieve radiant, blemish-free skin since ages in India. It is one of those age-old tips that has been handed over generations. Multani mitti is a great agent to clean, exfoliate and nourish your skin. It has active elements that effectively absorb oil, dirt, sweat and impurities, leaving the skin clean, soft and supple. One of the best things about the ingredient is that you can use it with a host of other ingredients to suit your skin type and achieve desirable results.

Skin experts have shared different ways in which you can make use of fuller's earth and make it an active part of your beauty regime, but before that, here are 10 reasons why you should get some:

Benefits of Multani Mitti

1. Fights acne and pimples

2. Removes excess sebum and oil

3. Deep cleanses skin removing dirt, sweat and impurities

4. Evens out skin tone and brightens complexion

5. Treats tanning and pigmentation

6. Effective in treating sunburn, skin rashes and infections (multani mitti is an effective cooling agent)

7. Can be used in cold compresses to treat skin inflammation and insect bites

8. Facilitates blood circulation, leading to radiant, glowing skin

9. Fights and helps in keeping away blackheads/whiteheads, blemishes, freckles, pimple/acne spots

10. Has antiseptic properties

Experts Tips: How to Use Multani Mitti

For oily skin:

Mix equal quantities of orange peel powder and multani mitti, blend the two together with the help of rosewater, apply on your face, let it dry and wash off. Using the pack twice a month will help keep excess oil off your face and acne/pimple breakouts in control.

For Dark Circles:

To get rid of dark circles, simply take half a potato and grate it. Mix it with lemon juice, one teaspoon fresh cream and multani mitti. Use this paste on your eyes and leave for twenty minutes. Wash off and see a remarkable difference in your dark circles.

Scrub & Exfoliate:

If you want to exfoliate your skin, there's nothing better than teaming orange peel, sandalwood powder and multani mitti. You can even add gram flour and basil to the paste and use it for deep cleaning your skin.

Deep Exfoliating Face Mask:

This good-for-all-skin-types face mask helps in removing dead skin and dirt off your face. All you need is one tablespoon of lime juice, brown sugar and sabudana and one teaspoon of multani mitti.

Directions: Mix sabudana and lime juice and add in a pan, and let it thicken over a low flame. Keep stirring, then take off the gas and let it cool. Now, add sugar and multani mitti, mix well. Massage on your face avoiding eye area and leave it for 10 minutes. Take a soft towel or washcloth, dampen it in tepid water and clean your face. Finish by washing your face with cool water and applying a moisturizer. You can even use this as a body scrub.

Beyond Beautiful Skin: You can use multani mitti even to apply it on your hair for shiny, healthy locks. Take three tablespoons of multani mitti and mix it with an egg. To this, add amla juice, lemon juice and one tablespoon of beer, mix well. Apply on your hair, leave for about 20 minutes and shampoo.

Tip: Always store fuller's earth away from extreme temperature and moisture, stored in an air-tight container.

Chopchini - Parangipattai

Botanical Name: Smilax China

Common Name : China Root, Chinese Smilax

Sanskrit : Madhusnuhi

Hindi: Chopchini, Chobchini

Tamil : Parangipattai

Bengali : Topchini, Kumarika, Shukchin

Gujarati : Chopchini

Marathi : Chobchini

Punjabi : Chobchini

Description : 

Smilax china is a climbing plant species in the genus Smilax. It is native to China, Korea, Taiwan, Japan and Assam in India. Chobchini or China root has been used for ages in various tribal and folk medicine for a large number of health issues. Technically called Smilax china, Chobchini is hailed as a wonder medicine in Ayurveda and Unani too. The root or rhizome of Smilax is used in herbal formulations in India, China, Japan, Iran, Indonesia and in many countries in Africa and South America.

The rhizome of Chobchini can be used in the form of powder or paste, cooked or raw. The daily intake of the rhizome should not exceed 10 grams a day, as heavy dosage may result in nausea and vomiting.

Home Remedies:

-        -  Leukorrhea or white discharge can be controlled effectively by taking Chobchini with milk. Take 5 mg of Chobchini powder, mix it in milk and drink it.

-       - Chobchini powder is also prescribed as a general health tonic. Chobchini is bitter in taste. A little quantity of Chobchini power can be taken after meals to tone up the body system and purify the blood and it can be used for skin ailments like psoriasis, leprosy and venereal diseases like syphilis.

-        - There are Chobchini formulations which serve as aphrodisiac, besides improving the sperm count.

-       - The most important medicinal properties of Chobchini are its ability to fight psoriasis, syphilis and leprosy. It is a preferred herbal treatment for psoriasis.

-     - Herbal and Unani doctors prescribe Chobchini for white discharge or leukorrhea in women. It has been found to be quite effective in controlling the problem.

-       - Chobchini contains several medicinal properties including control of swellings (anti-inflammatory), removal of pus from wounds, promotion of urine (diuretic), bringing down high body temperature, removing gas (flatulence) and clearing bowels.

Contraindication: 

This herb is not recommended during pregnancy or lactation. Large dose (many times the recommended dosage) may cause nausea and vomiting.

Dosages  :

Take 4-5 gms powder in Empty Stomach, mix with warm water or Honey 

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.

Dill - Sathakuppai

Botanical Name: Peucedanum Grande
Hindi: Sowa, Suva
Sanskrit: Sathapushpi, Misi
Common Name: Dill
Tamil: Sathakuppai
Malayalam: Sathapushpam
Telugu: Sabasiege
Bengali: Sowa
Gujarati: Surva

Dill is a plant belonging to the celery family (Apiaceae) that can grow up to 40–60 cm in height.The leaves should be picked fresh, usually after the plant has reached 8.5 cm in height. The leaves are often difficult to dry successfully, and the dried leaves must be stored in closed containers in order to retain some of the flavor.The seeds should be collected when fully mature and then spread out and air dried.

An essential oil can be extracted both from the fresh leaves and from the seeds, these two oils differ slightly in terms of scent and taste.

Dill has been used both as food and medicine for a very long time. The herb was already mentioned in The Ebers Papyrus, an Egyptian papyrus of herbal medicine knowledge dating to c. 1550 BC, where it was described as a remedy for anti-flatulence, dyspepsia and constipation. The ancient Egyptians also used it in the production of cosmetics and perfumes.In Ancient Rome, dill was a well known and widely used herb. The Roman gladiators rubbed the dill oil into their skin and they used the burned seeds on wounds to speed up healing.

Dill is used as an appetizer. It is believed to stimulate peristaltic motion of the intestine and it has been used as an herbal remedy for heartburn.

Dill is high in calcium which promotes healthy teeth and bones. Also, dill seeds and leaves are very good mouth fresheners due to its anti-microbial nature.

Health Benefits of Dill

1. Dill contains essential oils which are stimulant in nature and activates the secretion of bile and digestive juices. These oils also help to accelerate peristaltic motion of the intestine.

2. The essential oils in dill are germicidal or bactericidal in nature, which help in inhibiting microbial infections, thereby curing diarrhea. Due to its effective digestive properties, it helps in cases of indigestion.

3. Dill can be very effective in curing dysentery, which is caused by fungal infections. The disinfectant nature of essential oils is capable of reducing the fungal infection successfully.

4. The essential oils of the dill stimulate secretion of certain hormones which further help in maintaining proper menstrual cycles.

5. Dill is an excellent source of calcium and helps in reducing the bone loss after menopause and in rheumatoid arthritis.


சீரகச் செடியைப் போல நாலைந்து அடி உயரம் வளரக் கூடியது. குடை விரித்தாற்போல் நரம்புகள் தோன்றும். அவற்றின் இடையே சிவப்பு மலர்கள் பூக்கும். ஒவ்வொரு காம்பிலும் நூற்றுக்கணக்கான மலர்கள் தோன்றும். அதனால் இது "சதபுஷ்பா" என்று பெயர் பெற்றது.

இந்தச் செடி எல்லா நிலத்திலும் வளரக்கூடியது. மலர்களில் விதைகள் தோன்றும். பழுத்ததும் தனியாகப் பிரிக்கப்படும். இலை இனிப்பும் கார்ப்பும் கலந்த சுவையுடன் வெப்பத்தை அதிகரிக்கும். லகு குணம் வெப்பத்தன்மை கொண்டது. சடராக்கினிக் குறைவையும் கிருமிகளையும் போக்கும். விந்துவைக் குறைக்கும். இதயத்திற்கு நன்மை தரும். மலத்தைக் கட்டும். இதன் வேரும் விதைகளும் மருந்தாகப் பயன்படுகின்றன. சூடு இருமல், வாந்தி, கபம், வாதம், பெண் குறியில் தோன்றும் நோய்கள் முதலியவற்றைப் போக்கும் மருத்துவக் குணம் உடையது.

வேறு பெயர்கள்: சோயிக்கீரை, விதை, மதுரிகை.
ஆங்கிலப் பெயர்: Peucedanum grande


மருத்துவக் குணங்கள்:

சதகுப்பைச் சூரணம் ஒரு கிராம் எடுத்து சிறிது சர்க்கரை சேர்த்து சாப்பிட்டு வரப் பசியின்மையைப் போக்கும். வாதநோயைக் கட்டுப்படுத்தும். இரைப்பை, நுரையீரல் ஆகியவற்றில் உள்ள மாசுகளை அகற்றும்.

சதகுப்பை, கருஞ்சீரகம், மரமஞ்சள் வகைக்கு சம அளவாக எடுத்து இடித்துப் பொடியாக்கி சம அளவு பனை வெல்லம் சேர்த்து அரைத்து 5 கிராம் காலை, மாலை இருவேளை சாப்பிட்டு சிறிது நேரம் கழித்து சோம்புக் குடிநீர் குடித்து வர உதிரச் சிக்கல், நீங்கிக் கருப்பை பலப்படும்.

சதகுப்பை இலையைக் கைப்பிடியளவு அரைத்து எடுத்து 500 மி.லி விளக்கெண்ணையுடன் கலந்து காய்ச்சி வடிகட்டி குழந்தைகளுக்கு உண்டாகும் மாந்த நோய்க்கு 5 சொட்டு வீதம் 3 வேளை கொடுக்கலாம். இதையே சூதகசந்தி, சூதகக்கட்டு, காக்கை வலிப்பு முதலியவற்றிற்கும் கொடுக்கலாம்.

சதகுப்பை இலையை நிழலில் உலர்த்திப் பொடி செய்து 15 கிராம் எடுத்து சிறிது சர்க்கரையுடன் கலந்து 3 வேளை சாப்பிட்டு வர தலைநோய், காது வலி, பசி மந்தம், கீழ்வாய்க் கடுப்பு, மூக்கு நீர்ப் பாய்தல் முதலியவை குணமாகும்.

சதகுப்பை இலையை விளக்கெண்ணெய் தடவி வதக்கி கட்டிகளுக்கும், வீக்கங்களுக்கும் வைத்துக் கட்டி வர சீக்கிரம் பழுத்து உடையும். தோல் சிவக்கும்படி இலையை இடித்து வைத்தும் கட்டலாம்.

சதகுப்பை இலையைக் காயவைத்துப் பொடியாக்கி நோயாளியின் படுக்கை அறையில் வைத்துப் புகைக்க தலை நோய், காது வலி, மூக்கில் நீர்பாய்தல் கட்டுப்படும்.

சதகுப்பை இலையை அரைத்து 15 கிராம் எடுத்து ஒரு டம்ளர் நீரில் கலந்து கொதிக்க வைத்து பின்னர் வடிகட்டி 30 மில்லியளவு 3 வேளையாகக் குடித்து வர பசி மந்தம், மூக்கு நீர்ப் பாய்தல் குணமாகும்.

சதகுப்பை இலைச்சாறு 10 முதல் 20 துளிகள் தேன் அல்லது கோரோசனையுடன் கலந்து 4 மணிக்கு ஒரு தடவையாகக் கொடுத்து வர குழந்தைகளுக்கு உண்டாகும் இசிவு, வயிற்றுப் புழு வெளியேறும்.

சதகுப்பை இலையைக் கைப்பிடியளவு எடுத்து இடித்து 500 மில்லி நீரில் போட்டு 200 மில்லியாக வற்றக் காய்ச்சி வடிகட்டி பிள்ளை பெற்றவருக்குக் குடிக்கக் கொடுக்க உதிரச் சிக்கல் அகலும்.

சதகுப்பை விதையை இடித்துப் பொடியாக்கி 30 கிராம் எடுத்து 500 மில்லி வெந்நீரில் ஊற வைத்துக் கொடுக்க குழந்தைகளுக்கு உண்டாகும் மாந்தம், பெரியவர்களுக்கு உண்டாகும் வயிற்றுவலி, வயிற்றுப் பொருமல், குணமாகும். இத்துடன் சுண்ணாம்பு தெளிந்த நீரைச் சிறிது சேர்த்துக் கொடுக்க இது அதிகப் பலனைக் கொடுக்கும்.

சதகுப்பை விதையை அரைத்து, வெந்நீராவியில் வேகவைத்து இதன் வேருடன் அரைத்து கீல் வாயுவிற்குப் பற்றுப் போட நல்ல பலன் கிடைக்கும்.


சதகுப்பைப்பூ ஒரு பங்கு, நீர் 20 பங்கு போட்டு கொதிக்க வைத்து வடிகட்டி 200 மில்லியளவு குடிக்க குருதிச் சிக்கலை அறுத்து வெளியேற்றும்.

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.

Chakunda - Thagarai

Botanical Name: Cassia tora

Sanskrit: Edagaja, Dadrughna, Chakramarda

Assamese: Kulb

Bengali: Chavuka, Chakunda, Panevar, Chakunda

English: Ring Worm Plant, Fetid Cassia, Fetid Senna, Sickle Senna, Wild Senna

Gujarati: Kovaraya

Hindi: Chakunda, Pavand, Punwad, Punwadia, Chakavar, , Pamad, Panevar

Kannada: Tagache, Thagache, Thagatthe

Malayalam: Chakramandrakam, Tagera, Takara, Cakramardrakam, Tagara, Takaram, Thavara

Marathi: Tankala

Punjabi: Panwal, Chakunda, Chakwad

Tamil: Tagarai, Ushit-tagarai, Senavu, Sirutagarai, Usittagarai, Vanamavaram, Ucitakarai, Vindu, Thagarai, Oosithagarai, Oosthagarai, Takarai

Telugu: Tagiris

Urdu: Panwar

Synonyms: Senna tora Roxb, Senna tortoides Roxb, Cassia obtusifolia, Cassia foetida Salisb, Cassia humilis Collad., Cassia gallineria Collad, Cassia tortoides Roxb.

Cassia tora is a small erect shrub, about 1 m tall, commonly found growing wild on roadsides. It is widely spreading with numerous ascending branches. The compound leaves are arranged spirally and usually have three pairs of symmetrically egg-shaped leaflets up to 2 inches long. One to three yellow flowers appear on short axillary stems. The linear pods grow to 8 inches long, curve downward and contain many shiny, angular seeds. It occurs abundantly in open pastures, and is very common on roadsides and wasteland. In organic farms of India, Stinking Cassia is used as natural pesticide. Cassia tora or Senna tora occurs throughout the tropics, including India Sri Lanka and Philippines. It mainly grows as a weed on road sides and waste ground in the dry regions.

Medicinal Uses of Cassia tora

The whole plant of Cassia tora is of medicinal importance. The leaves are laxative and purgative due to which they are useful in habitual constipation and haemorrhoids. The seeds have anti-parasitic properties. The paste of seeds is applied topically on ringworms and scabies. The decoction of whole plant is given as a vermifuge and purgative.

Medicinal uses:

It is nutritive and toxin remover. It is indicated in skin diseases and respiratory allergy. The leaves of plant are used in the treatment of Malaria, ring worm, chronic inflammation of the skin and other skin diseases.

1- Erysipelas, eczema

Erysipelas: It is an acute, sometimes recurrent disease caused by a bacterial infection, characterized by large raised red patches on the skin.

Eczema: It is condition in which patches of skin become rough and inflamed with blisters which cause itching and bleeding.

Leaf paste is applied. Root paste with lime juice is applied.

2- Blood dysentery, diarrhoea

Leaf juice mixed with salt is given.

3- Scabies, itches

Plant paste with buttermilk is applied. Or Leaf decoction is used as a wash.

4- Carbuncles, warts

Root paste with lime juice is applied. Or Hot leaf paste is applied.

5- Bee sting

Pounded leaf is applied topically.

6- Ring worm, scabies

Seed paste with buttermilk is applied.

7- Fever

Leaf decoction is given.

8- Pus release from furuncles

Hot leaf paste is applied.

9- Intestinal Parasites

Plant decoction is given.

10- Cough

Leaf juice is given.

11- Menstrual disorders

Whole plant decoction is given.

12- Psoriasis

Leaf juice is applied topically.

13- Eczema

The paste made of Cassia tora with milk or the paste of the roots is applied.

14- Blood purifier

The dried root of Cassia tora is a good purifier of blood and a tonic. The very fine powder of the root is given in doses of 3-4 grams every morning mixed with 30ml of ghee and 7ml powdered sugar.

19- Leucoderma

The paste made of equal parts of Cassia tora + sandalwood + camphor with buttermilk is applied topically. Or  The paste made of equal parts of the seeds of Cassia tora (chakund) and neem berries is applied topically.

Contraindication warnings of Cassia tora

It is safe to take Cassia tora, in low dosage for a short term period. Do not take in excess dosage. In excess it has many ill-effects, such as lower RBCs, reduced weight and water intake. In males it may cause, reduced sperm count. It may cause loose motions. It may have mild diuretic effect.

Please note, this herb should not be taken for long term period.

Ajwain - Omam

Botanical Name: Trachyspermum ammi
Sanskrit: Ajamoda, Yavanika, Agnivardhana
Tamil: Omam
Hindi: Ajwain
Kannada: Oma
Telugu: Vamu
Malayalam: Omum
Marathi: Ova


Family: Apiaceae (Carrot family)
Synonyms: Sison ammi, Trachyspermum copticum, Carum ajowan, Bishop’s weed

Ajwain is an erect, hairless or minutely pubescent, branched annual herb. The stems are grooved. the leaves are rather distant, 2-3-pinnately divided in narrow linear segments. Flowers are borne in terminal or seemingly-lateral stalked, compound umbels, white and small. The fruits are ovoid, aromatic, greyish brown. The mericarps, which are the components of the fruit, are compressed, with distinct ridges and tubercular surface, 1-seeded. This is what is used as the spice Ajwain, in cooking.

Ajwain in Hindi and Yavanika or Agnivardhana in Sanskrit. ‘Agnivardhana’ –meaning, stimulation of agni or digestive fire in our body. Its pungent taste and aromatic smell has made it a favored spice in preparing pickles, confectionary, curries, biscuits and beverages. It is also used as an effective preservative and anti-oxidant. Crushed Ajwain seeds find utility in pot-pourri and scented powders.

Ajwain was originally grown in Mediterranean region. It is now grown in Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, Central Asian countries, China and Africa. In India, it is grown in the plains and higher altitudes as a garden crop or in small fields.


Medicinal uses:
Ajwain is also traditionally known as a digestive aid, relieves abdominal discomfort due to indigestion and antiseptic.

Dissolve Kidney Stones: When the mix of Ajwain seeds +honey + vinegar is used for 10 days, it helps to dissolve kidney stone that ultimately remove with urine.

Ajwain reduces Gas and Flatulence: Ajwain is one of the best herbal wonder drug for gas, flatulence and indigestion. Ajwain distilled water is good for the above said problems and also enhances appetite.

Relieves diarrhea and colic due to their stimulating, carminative and anti-spasmodic properties.

Acts as expectorant: Relieves bronchitis, habitual drinking, sore-throat and decongest digestive and respiratory tracts. Relieves cough, cold, influenza, arthritis, asthma and rheumatism.

Common cold: Ajwain seeds open up blocked nasal passage. Inhalation using crushed seeds tied in cloth or placing it beside one’s pillow relieves congestion. Alternately, one can inhale steam by boiling one teaspoon seeds in water.

Aphrodisiac: Consuming a teaspoon of powder obtained by frying equal quantities of Ajwain seeds, kemel of seeds from tamarind in ghee with one tablespoon honey and milk before bed-time makes an effective aphrodisiac increasing virility and averting premature ejaculation.

Mouth disorders: An infusion of Ajwain seeds with common salt makes an effective gargle for severe pharyngitis.

Kalmegh - Siriyanangai

Botanical Name: Andrographis Paniculata

Hindi: Kalmegh

Sanskrit: Kalmegh

Tamil: Siriyanangai

Marathi: Kadu kirayata

Bengali: Kalmegh

Gujarati: Kariyatu

Andrographis Paniculata is traditionally known as kalmegh. The plant belongs to family Acanthaceae, native to India and Sri Lanka. It is an erect annual herb extremely bitter in taste in each and every part of the plant body. It grows erect to a height of 30-110 cm in moist shady places with glabrous leaves and white flowers having rose-purple spots on the petals. Flowers are small, solitary in panicles. Fruit is approximately 2 cm long. Seeds are numerous, yellow-brown in colour. The flowers of Siriyanangai looks like a snake cobra. This medicinal plant is used for snake bites in some villages.

The plant grows in waste grounds and prefers moist habitat. The herb is bitter in taste and has weak odour. The whole plant may be used in medicine. It is widely cultivated in southern Asia, where it is used to treat infections and some diseases, often being used before antibiotics were created. Mostly the leaves and roots were used for medicinal purposes.

Both in Ayurveda and Unani, it is often confused with 'Chirayita' (Swertia chirata), but both are different plants. It is widely available in Arabia and It is given for fever along with several herbs.

Properties and uses of Siriyanangai

Siriyanangai has been found to be an effective anti-biotic, anti-viral, anti-parasitic and immune system stimulant. It has anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor properties. It has been described as antipyretic and hepatoprotective.

1. It is used for fever and liver disorders.

2. It has beneficial effect in reducing diarrhoea.

3. It is used in treatment of Jaundice.

4. It is used in case of diseases like flu, sinusites, upper respiratory tract infection and cough.

5. Used as one of the best remedies for Malaria.

6. It acts to dispel heat and remove toxins.

7. It is a blood purifier, so used to cure torbid liver, jaundice, and dermatological diseases.

8. It is used in viral hepatitis, children’s bowel complaints, gastric acidity, liver congestion, flatulence.

9. Tincture of roots is tonic, stimulant and aperients.

10. Kills intestinal worms and support intestine.

11. Siriyanangai is also used for snake bites in the villages of Tamilnadu, Kerala and Karnataka

12. It is also used in Ayurvedic Preparation which is used to treat vitiligo.

Anar - Madhulai

Botanical Name: Punica Granatum

Sanskrit: Darima

Hindi: Anar

Tamil: Madulai

Kannada: Dalimbe

Telugu: Danimma

Bengali: Dalim

Urdu: Anar

Punjabi: Anar

Persian: Anar, Anaar

Pomegranate or Anar (Punica granatum) is an attractive fruit having lots of health benefits. It is a big gift on the earth from the God to the human beings. Pomegranate is a super seedy fruit having brilliant red seeds considered as the wonderful fruit in the world. It is also known as the seeded apple extensively used for its health benefits and medicinal values.

Pomegranates were originated in the surrounding area of the Iran in the ancient time. Now, it has been started cultivating all through the Mediterranean areas of the Middle East, southern Europe, northern and tropical Africa, Indian regions, Central Asia, Southeast Asia, parts of California and Arizona and etc. It is sufficiently available in the winter season from September to February and in the summer season from March to May.

Pomegranate plant is tolerant to the entire climate which can be easily grown in the dry areas or in the winter rainfall weather or in the summer rainfall weather.

Pomegranate Peel is used in the formulation of medicines for sore throat, heart and blood vessels, stomatitis, gum disease, erectile dysfunction, diabetes, skin and hair care products.

Health Benefits of Pomegranate peel:

Prevents from Anemia

-          It prevents from the anaemia as it contains sufficient amount of iron which helps in increasing hemoglobin level.

Induces Hunger

-          It induces hunger and manages thirst as well as acts as a good tonic for the stomach, liver and heart.

Prevents from UTI

-          It helps in curing the urinary tract infection.

Improves Digestion

-          It has both soluble and insoluble dietary fibres which improves the digestion as well as normalize the bowel movement.

-          It helps in increasing the libido in male thus enhances the fertility.

Treats Diarrhoea

-          Pomegranate peel extract is a great home remedy to treat diarrhoea and dysentery as well as to improve the digestion.

Provides Glow to Skin

-          Pomegranate peels have the highest amount of the antioxidants thus it nourishes the skin and makes it glowing and fair.

Provides Relief from Stress

-          Applying the paste of it on head helps in treating headache, half headache and other stress related problems.

Regulates Irregular Period

-          One table spoonful of Pomegranate powder with normal water twice a day is the best home remedy to normalize irregular periods.