Talish Patra - Talisapatri

Botanical Name: Abies Webbiana

Common Name: Himalayan Siver, Indian Silver Fir

Sanskrit: Patradhyam, Talisa, Talisapatra, Dhatriparni, Dhatripatra तालीसपत्र, तालीस, धात्रीपत्र

Hindi: Talish Patra तालीसपतर

Tamil: Talisapatri, Thalispatra, Thaleesapatri

Assamese: Talish

Bengali: Talish Pala, Taleesh Patra बर्मि

Gujarati: Talish Patra

Kannada: Tales Patra, Talisapathra, Shukodara

Malayalam: Talisapatra, Taleesapatri

Marathi:  Laghu Taleespatra

Oriya: Talis

Telugu: Taleesapatri

Urdu: Zarnab

Description

Abies webbiana is a tall, evergreen fir tree with thick, spreading, horizontal branches. It reaches height of about 60 meters. It is a coniferous tree found in Himalayas at high altitude of 2800-10000 feet. It is most common at higher range of Himalaya. The dark-brown cones appear in October-November.  The wood of the tree is used in constructional work.

Abies webbiana leaves are single, spirally, arranged all-round the branchlets, flat, narrow, linear, one to three inches long, with narrow short terete petiole. The flowers are monoecious, either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant. The pollination of flower is done by Wind. It prefers moist soil and grows well in heavy clay soils. It can be grown in shade or sun.

Talispatra (Abies webbiana) Health benefits

The leaves of the tree are used for medicinal purpose. The leaves can be used fresh, dried, as tincture, infusion or confection. They are mainly indicated in infections of upper and lower respiratory tract. The leaves powder along with Vasaka leaf juice and honey is given to treat asthma, cough, and blood vomiting. Externally the leaves are used in rheumatic and neuralgic pains.

In Ayurveda, it consists of dried needle like leaves of Abies webbiana. It has sweet, bitter and pungent taste and hot in potency. It is mainly indicated in respiratory disorders, phthisis and excessive phlegm. It is good for heart, improves appetite and balances Vata and Kapha.

The leaf powder  of Abies webbiana or Talispatra is indicated in Asthma, Bronchitis, Cough, Fever, Gas, Headache, Hemoptysis, Hoarseness, Neuralgia and Phthisis.

The leaf powder is taken in dose of 2-3 grams to improve appetite.

Cough, hoarseness of voice, fever, congestion

2-3 grams of leaf powder is mixed with equal amount of Mishri / Rock candy. Mishri consist of big white, sweet lumps of crystals. It has demulcent and cooling properties.

Fever, Headache

The leaf powder is taken in dose of 2-3 grams. The leaves are applied topically.

Contraindications and Side Effects (Talispatra / Himalayan Fir)

It is hot in potency. It should be used cautiously in pitta prakriti people.

It has antifertility effect. Avoid taking in ulcers, acidity, burning sensation, and ulcerative colitis. Excess use can cause vomiting, faintness, convulsions and many other side effects. Always take in recommended amounts.

Lajalu - Thotta chinungi

Botanical Name: Mimosa pudica Linn.

Family: Leguminosae

English: Sensitive plant

Sanskrit: Lajjalu, Laajwanti

Hindi: Lajalu, Chui mui

Tamil: Thottalsinungi, Thottalchinungi

Bengali: Lajjavati, Lajjabati

Kannada: Nachike mullu, Nachike Gida

Gujarati: Reesamani

Malayalam: Thottavadi

Telugu: Attapatti and Peddanidrakanni

Description 

Mimosa pudica (from Latin Pudica meaning shy, shrinking) also commonly called as touch me not plant and sensitive plant in English. It is called Thotta Chinungi in Tamil and Lajalu in Hindi. The plant is covered in thorns with beautiful pink flowers and small green leaves that closes or droops when touched. It is a plant that is found commonly in many countries and here in our farm it grows in abundance. It is considered a weed and can be commonly found in wastelands.

It is a perennial short prickly herb with sensitive leaves which fold and drop on touching. This plant is native to tropical America and Australia. Mimosa belongs to the taxonomic group Magnoliopsida and family Mimosaseae.

This plant has gained popularity because of the drooping or shrinking reaction it has to touch or to various stimuli present in the environment. But, what the people are unaware about are its various health benefits.  The touch-me-not plant is a mysterious element not only because of its drooping reaction when touched but also because it is abundant in so many nutrients and remains a subject of interest to undergo further exploration.

It is very rich in alkaloids, flavonoids, non-protein amino acid (mimosine), tannins, sterols, terpenoids and fatty acids. All this makes the touch-me-not plant a helpful and promising herbal candidate.

Health Benefits Of Touch-Me-Not Plant (Mimosa Pudica)

1. For Minor Cuts And Wounds

The juice extracted by crushing a few leaves of this plant and applied on the wound will work wonders. This plant has healing properties through which the pain will subside easily.

2. For Excessive Bleeding During Menstruation

The touch-me-not plant comes useful to control excessive bleeding during menstruation. For this, Extract 6 teaspoons juice of this plant and mix it with honey. Drink this home remedy 3 times a day.

Or you can extract juice from the root of this plant and take 5ml every 2hours mixed with honey and pepper.

3. Cures Piles Or Haemorrhoids And Improves Sexual Potency In Men

Touch-me-not plant in its powder form is also beneficial.Simply make a powder from its leaves and mix 1 teaspoon in a glass of milk. Drink this twice a day.

Or take the root of this plant and dry it. Now grind this dry root and add 1 teaspoon of this powder to 2-4 tablespoon of curd. Take this every morning.

4. For Joint Pain Or Arthritis

This plant also helps cure joint pain. For this, you need to make a paste from the leaves of this plant and apply it on your joints. Leave it for the night and then wash it the next morning. By doing this daily you will notice the difference, as the swelling and pain from the joints will start to subside.

5. For Treating Diabetes

Low blood sugar level is another benefit by drinking the juice of this plant. This is good news for the diabetics.  Drink 30ml juice of this plant religiously morning and evening. Within 7-10 days you will notice the difference in your blood sugar levels.

6. For Treating Diarrhea

Juice from the leaves of this plant helps to treat indigestion. Drink a dose of 30ml to see good results.

7. For Treating Jaundice

It also works for treating jaundice. Extract juice from the leaves of this plant and administer 20-40ml twice a day for three weeks.

8. For Treating Stomach Ache And Intestinal Worms

For treating stomach ache and the problem of intestinal worms all you have to do is:  Make a paste from the leaves of this plant. For 3-4 days take this paste once a day mixed with honey.

9. To Cure Itching

To get rid of the itchy skin,Just make a paste from the root of this plant and apply it to the affected area.Or make a paste by extracting the juice of this plant and add Sesame oil. The consistency of the paste should be such that the juice of this plant makes up ¾ of the paste. Apply this over the affected area.

10. To Cure Gum Problems And Toothache

You can gargle with the decoction made from the roots of this plant to maintain good oral hygiene and cure toothache.

11. For Treatment Of Glandular Swelling And Hydrocele

Prepare a juice from the leaves of this plant and apply on the affected area for treatment of glandular swelling and hydrocele. By doing this the burning sensation and swelling will subside.

12. To Uplift Sagging Breast

Instead of going for expensive treatments and surgeries, simply prepare a paste of the touch-me-not plant and Ashwagandha roots and apply this paste on the breasts to uplift them.

13. For Treating Snake Bites

Touch-me-not is proven to fight the venom of snakes as dangerous as the cobra.

In a case of such emergencies prepare a decoction of its roots (10gm) in 400ml of water and drink it twice a day. But this remedy has to done under the observation of an experienced healer or herbalist.

14. For Treating Insect Bites

In a case of insect bites grind the leaves and stem of this plant and apply on the affected area. Do this remedy twice a day.

15. Treating Insomnia/Sleeplessness

Take leaves of this plant (5gm) and crush them to make a paste. Boil this paste in hot water and strain. Take this during nighttime and within 15-20 days you will see the results.

16. For Treating Asthma

Prepare the juice of this plant (15ml) and drink it twice a day. This will help in treating asthma.

17. For Treating High Blood Pressure

Take leaves of this plant and crush them to extract the juice. Consume 15 ml twice a day and say goodbye to your high blood pressure issues.

18. For Treating Premature Ejaculation

Take the seeds of this plant and mix with equal quantities of sugar. At night take 2 teaspoons of it with warm milk.

19. Fights Hair Loss

The Mimosa Pudica plant helps in the growth of new hair cells and helps to control hair loss and baldness. It is advised to use herbal shampoos containing the extracts of this plant.

20. Treating Fractures

This plant also helps to treat fractures of the bone.Simply make a paste of the leaves and apply on the affected area.

Caution

Although the touch-me-not plant shows many help benefits, it should not be consumed by pregnant and lactating women. If taken in high quantities it can prove fatal. Also, you should avoid using it if you suffer from constipation or hypomenorrhea (scanty periods).

Anantmul - Nannari

Botanical Name: Hemidesmus Indicus

Common Name: Indian Sarsaparilla

Hindi: Anantmul

Bengali: Anantamul, Kapuri

Telugu: Sungandhipala, Muttavapylagamu

Marathi: Upalsari, Uparsal

Gujarati: Kapuri, Madhuri, Upalasri

Tamil: Nannari

Kannada: Sogade Beru

Malayalam: Naruninti

Sanskrit: Anantamula, Gopavalli

Description

Anantmool is a climber found throughout India. Leaves are 2.5 inches long and alternatively arranged in a pair. Upper part is oval in shape and it is very soft. Stem of this plant is cylindrical with thick nodes. Woody roots are underground part and are very aromatic. Flowers of this vine is found in cluster yellow and greenish purple in color. Fruits of this vine are divergent long follicles 2-4 inch long. There are two varieties of this shrub which are demarcated by the color of their flowers, one of them is called as shveta sariva (bearing white flowers) and the other one is called as Krishna sariva (black variety) but both of them seem to have similar medicinal value. The roots are woody and aromatic while the stems are slender, green in color and numerous.

Sariva or Anantmool is a soft, tender, twining shrub which is commonly found in most parts of India. Commonly it is available in North Western parts of Himalaya. It is also cultivated in Punjab. It is a very useful plant in the Indian system of medicine.

Anantmool is a great herb which has many versatile properties. It is very effective in managing gastritis and many other pitta disorders in the body.  It is one of the best detoxifying herb which helps in cleaning the body inside out. It has got amazing health benefits in that it helps to purify blood and improves skin texture as well.

Apart from the above common properties, Anantmool is sweet, unctuous, and heavy and used to improve quality of sperm and it is used for the management of many gynecological problems in females such as menorrhagia, leucorrhea, dysmenorrhea etc.

In managing veneral diseases anatamool is very effective. Due to its detoxifying properties it helps in clearing infections, blocks in the reproductive system of both males and females and eradicating deadly microbial diseases like gonorrhea, leucorrhea etc.

Anantmool has cooling properties, when administered in the body it has a very stabilizing and cooling impact which helps to neutralize abnormal acid secretions in the gut. For example, in case of severe gastritis, stomach ulcers and ulcerative colitis, Sariva can be very useful for the patient. Sometimes ulceration may lead to bleeding, Sariva can be a great herb in this case.

It helps to bring down high fever and also manages skin conditions due to vitiated pitta.

For oral ulcers, the skin of its woody roots can be taken and chewed to provide quick relief.

Roots can be boiled to make a sweet decoction which is very refreshing for the body and can be used when one feels like having a cup of tea or coffee.

It is useful for treating anemia and can be taken orally in many ways for the same.

Anantmool is a general body tonic which can be taken along with milk and black pepper for improving overall health.

It can also be used with honey to improve strength and vitality of the body.

Anantmool can act as a good brain tonic as well. It can be given to children with speech disorders, autism etc. People struggling with depression, psychiatric disorders etc. can also benefit with the use of Anantmool.

Ananatamool root paste can be applied externally to treat joint pain in case of osteoarthritis and gout. It is also helpful in curing many skin conditions as well.

It is used to pacify all three dosha i.e vata, pitta and kapha.

Majuphal - Masikkai

Botanical Name: Quercus Infectoria

Common Name: Oak Galls, Magic Nuts

Sanskrit: Majuphal, Mayaphal

Hindi:  Majuphal, Manjakani

Tamil: Masikkai, Machakai, Maasikkai, Masikai

Telugu: Mashikaya

Malayalam: Mashikka

Marathi: Maayaphal, Majuphala

Bengali: Majoophal, Majuphal

Kannada: Machikaai

Punjabi: Maju

Assamese: Aphsa

Gujarati: Muajoophal, Mayfal, Maiphal

Oriya: Mayakku

Description

Oak galls / Majuphal or Manjakani are the outgrowth on the tree, Aleppo Oak (Quercus infectoria) native of Greece, Asia Minor, Syria and Iran. The excrescences are formed from the attack and deposit of eggs of female gall-wasp (Cynips gallae tinctoriae) on young twigs, leaves and buds. The galls are imported in India for medicinal use.

Quercus infectoria is a deciduous, semi-evergreen small tree or shrub with elliptical, glabrescent and up to 4 cm long leaves on drooping branches. It grows up to 6 feet at a medium rate. It is mainly found in low lands and mountain valleys. It requires moist soil. The tree bears monoecious flowers (either male or female flowers on same tree). Flowers are in axillary fascicles, pedicels filiform. Fruits are baccate and 8 mm in diameter. They become black while ripening. Root is cylindrical, branched and shows fibrous fracture, 6-10 cm long and 4-8 mm in thickness.

Botanically, Manjakani (also called Majuphal) is Quercus Infectoria. It is also known with names like GALL TREE, GALL OAK, MASIKAI, MAGIC NUT and ALEPPO OAK. In ayurvedic medicine, it is very important medicinal plant, which is useful for its astringent action. It helps in diarrhoea, leucorrhoea, uterine prolapse, rectal prolapse, irritable bowel syndrome, and for tightening the loose or sagging tissues.

Chronic Diarrhea with Mucus Discharge

Manjakani powder is used for chronic diarrhea. Along with Dalchini (Cinnamon), it reduces mucus discharge, stool stickiness and frequency of bowel movement. Alone Manjakani powder is also effective when undigested food particles are found in the stool. In such case, it can be taken in the dosage of 1 gram with 1 teaspoon of honey.

Rectal Prolapse in Children after Severe Diarrhea

Manjakani (Majuphal) decoction should be used to wash the lower section of the large intestine. A cotton cloth should be dipped in the Majuphal decoction and kept on the affected part. Manjakani powder paste can also be applied on the affected part.

Uterine Prolapse

Manjakani is effective in 1st and 2nd degree prolapse.

Leucorrhea & Vaginitis

The astringent action of Manjakani reduces inflammation and inhibits the growth of microbes, which helps reducing discharge due to vaginitis or leucorrhea. Internally, 1-gram Manjakani powder with 500 mg Godanti Bhasma is considered best treatment for leucorrhea.

Externally, washing genitals with Manjakani decoction is beneficial.

Pyorrhea

The tooth powder made of Manjakani, Black Salt, Neem powder and Babul bark powder is beneficial for pyorrhea. It fights of gum infections, reduces gum bleeding and discharge, prevent gum problems.

The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India recommends Downy Oak to stop heavy menstrual bleeding, to treat dry and itchy vaginal skin and for dental inflammation.

Downy Oak contains tannic acid (gallo-tannic acid) as the principal constituent. Tannic and gallic acids extracted from the tree are often used to regularize bowel movements during dysentery and diarrhea.

Useful in leucorrhoea and other vaginal discharges and in profuse menstruation. Also useful in diarrhoea, dysentery, gleet and long standing gonorrhoea. It is also used as a gargle to treat sore throats, stomatitis and tonsillitis.

Therapeutic uses of Majuphal / Mazoo / Nut Gall / Oak Gall

Majuphal is used in treatment of internal hemorrhages, diarrhea, gonorrhea, leucorrhoea and other vaginal discharges, to restore postpartum uterine elasticity and to stimulate the contraction of vaginal muscles. Externally it is applied on prolapses of rectum, relaxed, hemorrhoids, etc.

Gall powder is especially used in treatment of dental and oral problems. It is used as an ingredient in dental formulation (such as Gum Tone Charak) for treating gum problems, strengthening gums and teeth.

Anal fissure, vaginal laxity, anus prolapse, piles

Finely powdered gall (1 part) and Vaseline (4-6 parts) are mixed and applied topically.

Chronic diarrhea

In chronic diarrhea, 1 gram of powdered gall is taken, thrice daily with little cinnamon powder.

In advanced stage, the decoction is given in dose of 30-60 ml, thrice daily.

Gonorrhea

The powder of gall is taken 2-3 times a day in dose of 1-2 grams.

Leucorrhoea

Decoction of galls is used to wash the vaginal area.

Oral problems, nasal catarrh, sore throat

Due to high tannic acid content, the decoction / infusion is used as gargle in oral problems.

Poisoning

Once the stomach is emptied, the decoction of galls is given in dose of 50-100 ml.

Piles, dysentery, diarrhea

Dry powder is taken in dose of 500mg to 1 gram with honey.

Prolapse of rectum

The decoction of galls is used as an enema. Or keep a pad soaked in decoction on anal area.

For making decoction, boil 5-10 grams of bruised galls in half liter water for 10-15 minutes.

Sore throat, Tonsils

Gargle with decoction of galls added with alum.

Swelling

The galls are boiled, crushed and applied externally on affected body part.

Wounds

The gall powder is dusted on wounds.

Side Effects of Majuphal / Oak Gall

Galls are high in Tannins. In large doses, tannic acid can cause stomach irritation, nausea, vomiting, and liver damage.

It is better to avoid use of Oak gall during pregnancy.

Do not use if suffering from kidney or liver disorders.

Do not use continuously or in high quantities.

It can reduce the effectiveness of digestive enzymes.

It affects absorption of iron.

It aggravates Vata Dosha.

It causes constipation.

Khus - Vettiver

Botanical Name:  Vetiveria Zizanioides

Common Name: Khas khas grass, Kus Kus grass, Vetiver

Hindi: Khus, Khas

Sanskrit: Usheer, Usira, Sugandhimula

Kannada: Lavancha, Vattiveeru, Laamancha

Telugu: Kuruveeru, Vettiveellu, Vettiveerum

Bengali: Khaskhas, Venaghas

Oriya: Ushira, Benachera

Marathi: Vala

Gujarati: Valo

Tamil: Vettiver

Malayalam: Ramacham

Punjabi: Panni, Khas

Description:

Khus grass is known by many names such as Khas Khas, Khus, Vetiver and Usheer/Usira (Ayurveda). In India, this grass is found throughout the plains, lower hills and on the riverbanks and in rich marshy soil. It is cultivated in the North Indian states of Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Punjab and in the South Indian states of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.

Khus grass has variety of uses from household to therapeutic. In some parts of India, the roots are used make curtains or screens. During summer season, these curtains were hanged on doors, windows and drenched with water to get cool air. The dried stem of grass is used to make brooms. The dried plant is also used to make roofs of Kutcha houses. Khas essence is added for flavouring syrups, sherbets and summer drinks.

Vetiver roots increase the ground water recharge capability of soils. It increases the biomass content in the soil upto 3 meters depth. It will be very difficult to add leaves and manure at that depth. Vetiver roots add the biomass as roots, and they decay after 18 months .

Medicinal Uses Of Khus/Vetiver

Vetiver of Khus grass roots have cooling, blood purifying, digestive and diuretic properties.

Vetiver is a coolant, but yet aids in digestion. It is widely used in treating fever, dysuria, burning sensation, fatigue syndrome, skin disorders etc.  Potable water prepared with this also has many health benefits.

Mainly the roots are used for medicinal purposes. These roots are aromatic and have sedative effect on nervous system. The roots are used to treat intestinal parasites, fever, skin diseases and poisonous stings. Vetiver oil is obtained from roots of plant. It is used for flavouring Khus Sharbat and in making of cosmetics, perfumes, soaps etc.

Some of the traditional medicinal of vetiver plant are listed below:-

Khus grass roots are ground to make paste. This paste is applied externally on poisonous stings (like scorpion sting), snakebite, and burn injuries. The topical application of paste is also useful in sprain, joint pain, gout, headaches.

The root decoction has tonic properties and used to cure weakness.

In high fever root decoction is given to reduce fever due to cooling nature of roots.

The decoction of stem is given in urinary tract infections.

The leaves juice gives relief in parasitic infestation on oral intake.

The root tea is useful remedy for tequila hangover.

In early stage of cataract, a medicated ghee, prepared from roots of Khas/vetiver is given twice a day in dose of 12-24 grams with turmeric.

Contraindications, Interactions, and Side Effects

Vetiver has abortifacient, emmenagogue, and uterotonic (induce contraction or greater tonicity of the uterus, Uterotonics are used both to induce labor, and to reduce postpartum haemorrhage) properties. So its use is contraindicated in pregnancy. It is not suitable for babies and children under twelve years. 

Gudari - Ponnanganni

Botanical name: Alternanthera sessilis
Family: Amaranthaceae (Amaranth family)
Common Name: Dwarf Copperleaf, Sessile Joyweed

Hindi: Gudari 
Manipuri: Phakchet
Marathi: Kanchari
Tamil: Ponnanganni
Malayalam: Ponnankannikkira
Telugu: Ponnaganti Koora
Kannada: Honagonne
Oriya: Madaranga, Matsagandha, Salincha Saaga
Konkani: Koypa
Sanskrit: Matsyagandha, Bahli, Matsyaduni, Gandali, Gartkalambuka, Lonika
Bengali: Sanchesak, Salincha Sak
Gujrati: Jalajambo, Pani ki Bhaji


Description
Alternanthera sessilis is a small prostrate or ascending herb with several spreading branches. It is found growing throughout the warmer parts of India preferably in wet places especially around tanks and ponds. It is a vegetable of medicinal importance. In Ayurveda, this plant is known as Matsyaakshi and Ponnonkanni keerai in Siddha. Its common folk name in India is Gudari Saag.

Health benefits and home remedies:
Alternanthera sessilis is an important ingredient of several compounds of ayurvedic preparations. The plant is used throughout Asia and Africa to treat a variety of disorders, including gastrointestinal problems, such as flatulence, nausea and vomiting, headaches, bronchitis, asthma, vertigo and even hepatitis. It is considered to be one of those drugs which prevents and cures chronic diseases and rejuvenates the body. It is used all over Asia and Africa as a natural home remedy, to treat a variety of disorders. It also has health benefits for lactating mothers.

Whole plant of Ponnanganni is used both internally and externally.

External uses
The topical application of leaf paste is used for drawing foreign object such as spines, stings from the body.

The leaves powder is also applied externally on snakebites.

Fresh leaves are applied over eyes for styes (Inflammation of one or more sebaceous glands of an eyelid), conjunctivitis and chronic inflammation of the eyelid.

Internal uses
The whole plant is used for increasing breast milk, promoting bile flow, inducing abortion, and for curing fever.

The soup prepared from fresh plant is helpful in increasing breast milk and toning up of liver.

Fresh leaves juice (1 tablespoon) mixed with garlic clove is folk remedy for asthma, chronic cough, and intermittent fever.

For spermatorrhoea (Involuntary discharge of semen without orgasm), the leaf juice (1 tablespoon) is mixed with coriander leaf juice (1 teaspoon) and wood apple leaf juice (1 teaspoon). This is taken with milk every night for 2 months. 

For sexual debility, grated coconut and leaves (1:10) are fried in ghee and eaten with rice or roti.

For bleeding piles, two tablespoon leaf juice of Alternanthera sessilis is mixed with radish leaf juice (2 tablespoon) and given 2-3 times a day for one month.

The herb Alternanthera sessilis is an excellant coolant. It is considered to have immense health benfits for the eyes, hair and skin. 

It is also a home remedy for piles. The young shoots are nutritious and contain carotenoids, triterpene, saponins, and flavonoids. It has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. Tests conducted in India show that it has anti-ulcerative properties. 

It it is also said to neutralize excessive acidity in the body. (Home remedies for acidity) It treats skin conditions like scabies and eczema.

In India, in the states of Bengal and Bihar, root extract of this herb is used as a natural remedy for serious eye diseases such as cataract, hazy vision, burning eyes, watery eyes and myopia. Other ailments for which this herb is prescribed in folk medicine is for body heat, joint pain, leucorrhoea, liver diseases, loss of appetite and piles. 

Alternanthera sessilis home remedies:
Regular consumption of Alternanthera sessilis powder is also said to improve eyesight. Night blindness can be cured by regular consumption.

Mix two ounces of the juice or powder of this plant with 4 ounces of goat or cow’s milk. This mixture helps in building strength and vitality.

Boil together about a litre of fresh ponnanganni juice with 250ml of sesame seed oil. Once the juice is absorbed into the oil, reduce the mixture to about 250 ml, Cool and strain. Massaging this oil to the head gives good eyesight and memory.

Jatiphala - Jadhikkai

Botanical Name: Myristica fragrans

Ayurvedic: Jaiphal, Jatiphala, Jatiphalam, Jatikosha, Jatipatri, Jatipatra, Jatishasya

Unani: Jauzbuwaa (seed), Bisbasa (Mace / Javitri)

Siddha/Tamil: Jaathikkai, Jadhikai, Saadikai

Assamese: Jaiphal, Kanivish

Bengali: Jaiphala, Jaitri

English: Nutmeg

Gujrati: Jaiphala, Jayfar

Hindi: Jaiphal

Kannada: Jadikai, Jaykai, Jaidikai

Kashmiri: Jafal

Malayalam: Jadhika

Marathi: Jaiphal

Oriya: Jaiphal, Jaifal, Jaifar

Punjabi: Jaiphal

Tamil: Sathikkai, Jathikkai, Jatikkai, Jadhikai, Jadhikkai, Adipalam, Attigam

Telugu: Jajikaya

Urdu: Jauzbuwa, Jaiphal

Description 

Nutmeg is a small evergreen tree, with alternate, oblong ovate, acute, entire, smooth dark green leaves. The leaves are 7.5-8.8 cm long, lanceolate shaped, coriaceous with shiny portion. The flowers are small and pale yellow.

Its fruits are oval, lustrous, smooth, small, scented, and brownish in color. The cover of fruit is hard, oval to ovoid, and enclose mace, the outer covering on the nutmeg seed (Jaiphal). On ripening the fruit is bifurcated and reddish covering nutmeg is exposed. The orange-yellow papery material which separates from the seed on drying is called Mace (Javitri in Hindi). Javitri and Jaiphal, both are used as Indian Spice. On cutting the kernel dark veins can be seen which are due to the presence of aromatic oils.

Jaiphal (Nutmeg) and Javitri (Mace) both are obtained from an aromatic, evergreen tree Myristica fragrans belonging to family Myristicaceae. The seed of the tree is known as nutmeg and the aril of the seed is called Mace or Jaivitri. Indonesia is one of the largest supplier of this medicinal herb. In India it is cultivated in the Nilgiris, Kerala, Karnataka and West Bengal.

Nutmeg is used for adding flavors and also for medicinal purpose. All around the globe, it is used as folk remedy for treating ailments especially related to digestive system.

Important Medicinal Properties

Nutmeg is rich in medicinal properties. The understanding of these properties will help us to better utilize this herb. These also indicate the conditions in which we should avoid it. For example, it has abortifacient action and causes miscarriage when taken in medicinal doses. It is heating and thermogenic which increases heat in body.

Below is given medicinal properties along with the meaning.

Mace is used therapeutically for indigestion and intermittent fevers. Roasted nutmeg is used internally for leucorrhea.

Nutmeg has sedative and CNS depressant effects. It has relaxant effect on smooth muscles of the intestine.

1. Dysentery

Nutmeg has confirmed anti-diarrhoeal activity. Take a pinch of powdered nutmeg with a cup of hot milk.

2. Diarrhea

Mix a pinch of nutmeg powder in 1/4 teaspoon of ginger paste. Mix in one glass buttermilk and drink.

3. Loose motion, colic paina

Mix nutmeg powder (1/8 teaspoon) with gur or jaggery and 1 tsp ghee and take for curing loose motion.

4. Dehydration due to diarrhea, loose motion, cholera

Take half nutmug. Soak in one glass water for 3 hours. Mix this water with coconut water in equal amount. Drink 2­, 3 times a day.

5. Itching, fungal infection, ringworm

Rub one nutmeg on a stone with some water and make fine paste. Apply on the affected parts.

6. Stomach ache

Powdered nutmeg mixed with ghee is given once a day.

7. Sleeplessness

A pinch of jaifal powder is mixed in luke warm milk and consumed in the night.

8. NUTMEG AS APHRODISIAC
One little-known application of nutmeg is its traditional use as an aphrodisiac. In India, nutmeg has been added to curry dishes and also to betel quids for its aphrodisiac effect. Nutmeg is recognized as an aphrodisiac in Malaysia and in Arab countries, and its counterpart, mace, is prescribed by physicians in the Near East as an aphrodisiac

Nutmeg is good as a sex stimulant. When mixed with honey and a half-boiled egg it makes an excellent sex tonic. It prolongs the duration of the sexual act if taken an hour before intercourse. Nutmeg should be taken in very small doses; in appreciable doses, it excite the motor cortex and produces epileptic convulsions and lesions in the liver.

Even a teaspoon of nutmeg can produce toxic symptoms such as burning in the stomach, nausea, vomiting,restlessness and giddiness with hallucinations.

Dosage of Nutmeg

Nutmeg powder (Jatiphala) is taken in dose of 500 mg to 1 gram. Mace (Javitri) is taken in dose of 250 mg to 1 gram.

Children of age group 5-16 years are given half of the adult dose.

Contraindications, Interactions, Side-effects and Warnings (Nutmeg)

It is safe in small recommended dosage. It is unsafe to use nutmeg in pregnancy. It must not be used in pregnancy. 

Nutmeg, in high doses or over a long period of time, can cause mental or nervous disturbances. It should always be used with caution, as it is very stimulating. Can overstimulate the brain and heart, causing hallucinations, delirium, convulsions and numbness. Avoid in the first trimester of pregnancy. Should not be used on children. Use sparingly.