Siddhartha - Venkadugu

Botanical Name: Sinapis Alba

Common Name: White Mustard

Sanskrit: Siddhartha

Hindi: Safed rai

Malayalam: Vellakadugu

Tamil: Venkadugu

Telugu: Avalu

White mustard seeds are hard round seeds, usually around 1.0 to 1.5 mm (0.039 to 0.059 in) in diameter, with a color ranging from beige or yellow to light brown. They can be used whole for pickling or toasted for use in dishes. When ground and mixed with other ingredients, a paste or more standard condiment can be produced.

Medicinal use: 

White mustard seeds are considered to be analgesic, carminative, expectorant and stimulant. Traditionally, they have been applied in cases of digestive complaints. An infusion of the seeds is useful in treatment of chronic bronchitis, rheumatism, muscular and skeletal pains (it stimulates circulation in the pain area). 

People take white mustard for “clearing the voice,” preventing infection, causing vomiting, increasing urine flow (as a diuretic) to relieve water retention, and increasing the appetite. Some people apply white mustard directly to the affected area for cough and colds, chest congestion, bronchitis, swollen joints, arthritis-like pain (rheumatism), osteoarthritis, back pain (lumbago), and sore mouth and throat. It is sometimes used in a bath to treat paralysis.

BY MOUTH

Preventing infection.

Causing vomiting.

Increasing urine flow (as a diuretic) to relieve water retention.

Increasing the appetite.

APPLIED TO THE SKIN

Coughs and colds.

Bronchitis.

Arthritis-like pain (rheumatism).

Swelling (inflammation) of the mouth, throat, and joints.

Other conditions.

White mustard is safe when consumed as food. But there is not enough scientific information available to know if it is safe when used as a medicine that is taken by mouth or applied to the skin.

Applying white mustard to the skin for an extended period of time can cause burns, blisters, and ulcers.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: It’s UNSAFE to use white mustard in medicinal amounts if you are pregnant. There is some evidence it might start your menstrual period and cause a miscarriage.

Tila - Ellu

Botanical Name: Sesamum Indicum

Sanskrit: Tila

Hindi: Safed Til, Gingli

Assamese: Tisi

Bengali: Til

Gujarathi: Tal

Kannada: Ellu

Malayalam: Ellu

Tamil: Ellu

Telugu: Tillu

Sesame seeds are small. The size, form and colours vary with the thousands of varieties now known. Typically, the seeds are about 3 to 4 mm long by 2 mm wide and 1 mm thick. The seeds are ovate, slightly flattened and somewhat thinner at the eye of the seed (hilum) than at the opposite end. The weight of the seeds is between 20 and 40 milligrams.

Sesame seeds come in many colours depending on the cultivar harvested. The most traded variety of sesame is off-white coloured. Other common colours are buff, tan, gold, brown, reddish, gray and black.

The benefits of sesame are not just culinary but this nutrient dense condiment is good for our bodies as well. Sesame seeds include a combination of vitamins and minerals which make it one of the healthiest foods in the world. There are several varieties of sesame seeds depending upon the type of cultivar such as white, black and brown seeds. White sesame seeds have higher iron content than black ones and are mostly used as ingredients in food or in the form of oil.

High Protein Vegetarian Diet:

Sesame seeds are a good source of dietary protein with high quality amino acids making up 20% of the seed. Thus, they are perfect to form part of a high protein vegetarian diet. Just sprinkle them over your salads, subzis and noodles.

Prevents Diabetes:

Sesame seeds contain magnesium and other nutrients that have been shown to combat diabetes. Usage of sesame seed oil as the sole edible oil has been found to be effective in lowering blood pressure and plasma glucose in hypersensitive diabetics.

Cures Anemia:

Sesame seeds, particularly the black ones are rich in iron. Hence, they are highly recommended for those suffering from anemia and weakness

Cardiovascular Health:

Sesame seeds are high in monounsaturated fatty acid, oleic acid which helps in lowering bad cholesterol and increasing good cholesterol in the body. This prevents the risk of coronary artery disease and strokes

Digestive Health:

Sesame seeds support a healthy digestive system and colon as they are rich in fiber. This high fiber content helps to smooth the functioning of the intestine, thus facilitating waste disposal and relieving constipation.

Bone Health:

Sesame seeds contain zinc which boosts bone mineral density as well as bone health. Deficiency of this mineral can cause osteoporosis in the hip and spine area. Sesame seeds are a great source of calcium, a trace mineral that is vital to bone health.

Nullify the Effects of Alcohol:

Sesame seeds help the liver to decompose the harmful effects of alcohol as well as other substances that generates poisoning in the body.

Paripushkara - Musumusukkai

Botanical Name: Cucumis Maderaspatanus (Syn. Mukia Maderaspatana)

Common Name: Bristly Bryony, Madras pea pumpkin, Rough bryony

Sanskrit: Paripushkara

Hindi: Aganaki

Tamil: Musumusukkai

Telugu: Musumusukaya

Malayalam: Chitrati, Mukkalpiram

Kannada: Chitrati

Marathi: Bilavi

Gujarati: Tindori

Bengali: Bilari

Description:

An annual sparse climber that spreads over vegetation. Symmetrical ovate leaves, angularly shallowly to deeply 3-5 lobed, are 3-9 cm long. Flowers yellow 1 cm across. Pea-sized fruits are green, turning to orange and then red, as they mature. Flowering: April-October.

Medicinal Benefits:

The plant has expectorant properties and is prescribed against chronic diseases with cough as a predominant symptom. The root of the plant, when masticated, relieves toothache; a decoction of the root is given in flatulence. The tender shoots and bitter leaves are used as gentle aperients and prescribed in vitiligo and biliousness. A decoction of seed is considered sudorific.

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.

Saptala - Shikakai

Botanical name: Acacia Concinna
Sanskrit: Saptala
Hindi: Reetha
Malayalam: Inja
Tamil: Shikakai
Telugu: Cheekaya,
Kannada: Shigekayi,
Oriya: Vimala

Shikakai is a commonly used herb that has many remedial qualities. It is popularly referred as "fruit for the hair" as it has a naturally mild pH, that gently cleans the hair without stripping it of natural oils. Shikakai is used to control dandruff, promoting hair growth and strengthening hair roots. Shikakai naturally removes the dirt and excess oil accumulated on the scalp.

* Shikakai promotes hair in several ways:

* Provides new life to hair strands

* Strengthens hair roots

* Increases bounciness and silkiness of hair

* Promotes hair growth.

* It is also used to combat dandruff and lice.

The powder or the extract from the bark, leaves or pods is used as a hair cleansing agent. It is very effective in removing oil and dirt from hair. The normal practice is to apply oil to hair and scalp and allow it soak for some time. This will keep the body cool, reducing body heat and also prevent the scalp from getting dry. The powdered Shikakai is used as a shampoo to wash off the oil.

Since Shikakai is naturally low in pH, therefore it is extremely mild, and does not strip hair of its natural oils. Usually no rinse or conditioner is used since Shikakai also helps in the disentangling of the hair

Actually the bark of Shikakai is high on saponins - chemical compound; these act as foaming agents. Therefore Shikakai is such a good cleaning agent and hence has been traditionally used as a detergent

Usage:

Take a small portion of the powder in a bowl and add water. Stir gently until you get a paste. Apply on your hair instead of a shampoo and rinse well using water

Optional ingredients such as rose petal powder and hibiscus flower petal powder can be added for a pleasing fragrance and lustrous shiny hair

To buy Shikakai click here

Nagarjun - Amman Pacharisi

Botanical name: Euphorbia Hirta
Family: Euphorbiaceae
English: Asthma herb, Snake weed, Asthma Weed, Sneeze Weed
Hindi: Dudhi, Duddhi, Lal-dudhi, Bara Dudhi, Mothi Dudhi

Bengali: Barokarni, Barokherni
Kannada: Kempuneneyakk, Achchedida, Akkigida
Konkani: Dudurli
Malayalam: Kuzhinagappala,Nilappaala, Nilappala
Manipuri: Pakhamba Maton
Marathi: Dudhi
Rajasthani: Dhedhi-dudheli
Sanskrit: Nagari, Dugdhika, Nagarjun, Ksira
Tamil: Amman Pacharisi
Telugu: Nanapala

Description:
Euphorbia hirta, or asthma weed, has been used medicinally in various cultures for centuries. The entire plant can be used as a natural medicine whether it is collected during its dried, fruiting, or blooming stage. Each part of the plant is effective for treating different ailments.

Siddha Medicinal Uses:
For Leucorrhoea, in woman the paste or powder of the leaves is given along with butter milk. The leaves acts as a Laxative and Coolant. Paste of the leaves or Powder is applied externally to cure swellings and ulcers.

It help the body to expel worms and other parasites. Applying crushed leaves to a wound can stop bleeding, and it contains anti-inflammatory agents that speed the healing of pimples, wounds, and boils.

Ayurvedic medical practitioners in India use euphorbia hirta to treat bronchial conditions. An extract of this medicinal plant can ease the symptoms of colds, asthma, bronchitis, and coughs. It is also used to treat urinary tract infections and venereal diseases, such as syphilis and gonorrhea.

This herb is an effective home remedy for male sexual disorders. The plant can also help prevent premature and involuntary ejaculation in males.

Euphorbia hirta promotes the healing of various female disorders. A decoction of the root is given to increase lactation in nursing mothers who aren’t producing enough milk, but it should never be administered to pregnant women. Different parts of the plant can induce miscarriage.

Euphorbia hirta contains antiviral and antibacterial properties which make it effective in treating a wide variety of diseases. It can reduce the symptoms of diarrhea and is commonly used to treat dysentery.

A decoction made from the root can be used as a gargle to treat mouth ulcers and thrush. Ingesting large amounts of this herb can induce vomiting.

The milky extract of the fresh plant is applied externally to cure warts.

Dhub - Arugampul

Botanical Name: Cynodon Dactylon
Common Name: Bermuda grass
Tamil: Arugampul
Hindi: Dhub,Doob, Dobri,Dhub
Sanskrit: Durva, Niladurva, Saddala, Ananta
Malayalam: Karuka
Telugu: Garikagoddi,Ghericha, Gerichagaddi
Kannada: Garikoihallu, Balli garike, Ambate hullu

Assamese: Dubari

Bengali: Durba

Manipuri: Tingthou

Marathi: Haryali, Dhurva

Oriya: Dubbo ghas

Parts used: Leaf, Root (Whole plant).

Assured benefits of Bermuda grass

1) Bermuda grass is alkaline and helps our health
Most of the food we take are acidic and spoil our health. Grass is an alkaline food which is good for our health. This reduces acidity.

2) Removes toxins from the body
Constipation is mother of all diseases. Grass juice is very good for removing the toxins from your body. It cleanses the blood system.

3) Reduces obesity
Obesity has become a great menace today and is causing a lot of problems. Grass juice reduces your belly protecting you from obesity.

4) Strengthens teeth
It strengthens teeth and removes the bad odor of the mouth. It also stops bleeding of the gums. Chewing the grass and brushing with it can clean the teeth.

5) Good for breast feeding mother and infants
Grass juice improves the quality and quantity of mother’s milk.

6) Remedy for piles
Grass juice taken with fasting helps greatly in piles cases. It can cure also the wounds and stop bleeding.

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.

Sinduvara - Nochi

Botanical Name: Vitex Negundo L.
Family: Lamiaceae / Verbenaceae

Common name: Chaste Tree
Sanskrit: Sinduvara, Indrani, Nila nirgundi
Tamil: Nochi
Hindi: Nirgundi, Sindvar
Malayalam: Karinochi, Vennocchi
Telugu: Vavili
Kannada: lakki gidda, Nochi
Bengali: Nishinda
Assami: Aslak
Gujarati: Nagod
Punjabi: Sambhalu, Banna

Description:
Vitex negundo, commonly known as the five-leaved chaste tree, is a large aromatic shrub with quadrangular, densely whitish, tomentose branchlets. It is widely used in folk medicine, particularly in South and Southeast Asia.

In China, the flowers are used to treat rheumatic difficulties, colds, cough, angina, and gonorrhea. The leaves are used to calm itchiness of eczematous eruptions. The roots are used to treat colds and rheumatisms, and the stems are used to sooth burns and scalds. An infusion of the stems is drunk to treat headache, dizziness, convulsions of children, cough, mental unrest, and to promote wakefulness. In the Philippines, Vitex negundo L. is used to promote milk secretion and menses.

In India, the plant is used to soothe inflammation and to calm itching. The anti-inflammatory property of Vitex negundo L. is confirmed

Nirgundi (Vitex negundo) is the remedy of choice for external use in ear infections. The juice of the
leaves is mixed with mustard oil and boiled. This medicated oil is dropped into the ear twice daily.

The leaves are used as a vulnerary. An oil prepared with the juice of the leaves is applied to sinuses
and scrofulous sores with beneficial results. A decoction of the leaves is taken internally for flatulence. Externally, the leaves reduce inflammatory and rheumatic swellings in joints and swellings in the testes due to gonorrhea.

A pillow stuffed with the leaves is said to cure headache and catarrh. The leaves, roots and bark are used in snake-bite cures. The expressed fresh juice is given internally and poured into the nostrils for cases of stupor or coma. The roots are used for many ailments such as coughs, asthma, fever, etc., and on scrofulous ulcers.

A tincture of the root is administered for irritation of the bladder and rheumatism.

Lagundi is commonly used for wounds, fever, stomach ache and dysmenorrhea.

Medicinal Benefits:
- Nirgundi is best analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial.

- Nirgundi  is used  for  cleaning and healing wounds

- Nirgundi is also used as a hair tonic

- Nirgundi leaves after heated are tied over the affected part in headache, scrotal swelling, arthritic pain.

- Decoction prepared form Nirgundi leave powder is used for tub bath in endometritis, colitis and orchitis, in these conditions it reduces the obstruction of blood and amakapha, increases perspiration, reduces oedema and also relieves pain.

- Gargles with decoction of Nirgundi leaves powder are useful in pharyngitis, stomatitis, difficulty in deglutition and inflammation.

- Nirgundi is an analgesic, brain tonic and alleviates vata, therefore useful in headache, sciatica, rheumatic arthritis, synovitis, improves memory.

- Nirgundi improves menstrual flow therefore used in dysmenorrhoea and obstetric conditios.

- Nirgundi is stimulated every part of the body, therefore it acts as a rasayan in body.

Dosage:  
Take 5gram powder at morning in the empty stomach boiled with water and drink after filtering or as directed by your naturopaths.

Kastooriharidra - Kasturimanjal

Botanical Name: Curcuma Aromatica Salisb

Family: Zingiberaceae

Common Names: Wild turmeric, Aromatic turmeric

Sanskrit: Aranyaharidra, Vanaharidra, Kastooriharidra

Hindi: Jangli haldi, Ban haldi

Tamil: Kasturimanjal

Malayalam: Kastoorimanjal

Telugu: Kasthuri Pasupa

Kannada: Kasthuri Arishina

Gujarati: Zedoari

Description:

The wild ginger is one among the 80 members of Zingiberaceae family of plants. The perennial foliage dies down in late autumn and the rhizomes remain dormant in winter. The inflorescence appears in early spring from the base of the rhizomes. During summer monsoon season and the immediately following weeks, the plant grows fast and vigorously. The stalk grows to about 20–30 centimetres tall, and is crowned with enlarged coloured bracts with pink tips. Leaves often appear even after the flowers. When in full growth the plants can reach a height of about40 cm tall.

Kasthuri manjal – Curcuma aromatica – This “cosmetic manjal” is often boiled, dried and powdered to use for external application to the skin. It makes a wonderful skin rejuvenative for skin whitening when used in fresh or raw from in face pack. Kasthuri manjal grows larger than normal haldi used in curries, is lighter in color, more aromatic and has a thinner skin. Unlike Curcuma longa (used in curries), Kasthuri manjal won’t stain the skin yellow.

Kasturi Manjal is used to cure leprosy, skin disease, insect bites and imparts glow to the skin. Applying on the body before bath is a good preventive measure against skin diseases and for a glowing skin.

It also helps to restore or maintain youth by controlling wrinkle and crease formation on the surface of the skin. Turmeric can also benefit skin conditions including eczema, psoriasis and acne.

How to Use Kasturi Manjal for Skin Whitening

People with dry skin can use kasturi manjal with milk cream and let it dry before bath.  Oily skin people can use either rose water or water to make a mixture.

Other well-known beauty recipes with Kasthuri Manjal:

1. During pregnancy, apply a paste of Kasturi Manjal to your lower belly every other day to avoid getting stretch marks.

2. Prepare a mix of Honey and Turmeric and apply this mask on your face to get glowing skin.

3. Prepare a paste with Kasturi Manjal and luke warm coconut oil and apply on face to reduce unwanted hair growth.

4. A mix of Kasthuri manjal and sandal wood powder can cure acne if applied regularly. Rub the mix on affected skin area and wash off after 30 minutes

5. Apply a mix of sugar cane juice and Kasthuri Manjal on your face and wash off after 20 minutes to treat wrinkles.

6. Another mix of buttermilk and Kasthuri manjal applied near our eyes can eliminate the wrinkles and marks.

Raktachandana - Ratha chandanam

Botanical Name: Pterocarpus santalinus
Sanskrit: Harichandana, Raktachandana, Tilaparni, Valgu, Arka, Kshudrachandana
Hindi: Lalchandan, Rakhta Chandan
Tamil: Senchandanam, Sivappuchandanam, Ratha chandanam
Telugu: Agarugandhamu, Raktachandanamu, Shandanamu,
Malayalam: Patrangam, Raktachandanam, Tilaparnni
Kannada: Agaru, Honne, Kempugandha, Patranga, Raktashandana
Bengali : Lalchandan, Raktachandan
Gujarati: Ratanjali

Description:
Red Sanders-(Pterocarpus Santalinus L.f) belongs to the family of Fabaceae. Is an endangered and endemic taxon in the Eastern Ghats of India. Red Sanders is renowned for its characteristic timber of exquisite color, beauty and superlative technical qualities ranks amongst the finest luxury wood in the world.

Morphology:
Red Sanders is a moderate-sized deciduous tree with clear trunk and dense rounded crown. It attains a height of 10 m and a girth of 0.9–1.5 m under favorable growing conditions. The blackish-brown bark is fissured and resembles crocodile skin. The inner bark, when injured or cut, oozes red colored ‘santolin’ dye. The wood is extremely hard and dark red in color, with a specific gravity of 1.109.

Habit & Habitat:  
A medium sized deciduous tree distributed in Kadapa, Kurnool, Chittoor & Nellore districts in Andhra Pradesh and adjoining areas of  Tamil Nadu.

Common Uses:
It is an astringent and a cooling agent and is used in several skincare preparations. It is used in the treatment of pimples, acne, wrinkles etc. Much used as a perfume for different purposes. The wood is used for making fancy articles and is much carved. It has been used in Ayurvedic medicine as an anti-septic, wound healing agent and anti-acne treatment. A paste of the wood is used as a cooling external application for inflammations and headache.

Medicinal Uses:
A paste of the wood is used in the treatment of pimples, acne, wrinkles etc
A paste of the wood is used to give cooling effect, applied externally for inflammations and head-ache.
It is useful in bilious affections and skin diseases.
The wood is bitter in taste with a flavor, anthelminthic, aphrodisiac, and alexiteric useful in vomiting, thirst, eye diseases, cures diseases of the blood vata and kapha, mental aberrations and ulcers.
The wood is in treating headache, skin diseases, fever, boils and to improve sight.
The wood and fruit is used in treating diaphoretics, bilious infections and chronic dysentery.

Cosmetic Uses:
- A paste of the wood is used in the treatment of pimples, acne, wrinkles etc

- A paste of the wood is used to give cooling effect, applied externally for inflammations and head-ache.

- Removes the marks caused by acne, Pimples and it also removes the skin tan by the sun light. Regular usage gives a fair look and glowing face.

How to apply?
Mix the powder with Rose water or Curd and apply it on face for 15 minutes minimum or even over night and wash it thoroughly with water. Use it twice or thrice in a week to get a better result.

Kumuda - Venthamarai

Common names: White Lotus, Waterlily
Botanical Name: Nymphaea Alba
Family: Nymphaeaceae
Hindi: Kumuda
Tamil: Venthamarai, Vellambal
Malayalam: Vellambal, Neerambal
Sanskrit: Kumuda
Bengali: Shaluk
Kannada: Kannaidile
Assamese: Nal
Manipuri: Tharo Angouba

Popular Name(s): Tiger Lotus, Wild Pond Lily, Egyptian White Water Lily, Sweet-Scented Pond Lily, Sweet Scented Water Lily, Toad Lily, Pond Lily, Water Lily, Cow Cabbage, Sweet Water Lily, Water Cabbage, Blue Lotus, Blue Water Lily, Sacred Blue Lotus, Blue Lily of the Nile.

Description 
A species of water lily, white lotus is a perennial plant growing to a height of 45 cm. Also known as tiger lotus, it grows in clear, warm, still and slightly acidic waters. The lily pads can be seen floating on water, while the blossoms rise above the water. The flowers are white in color sometimes, with a pink tinge. The leaves vary from green to red-brown, with a number of purple spots. Tiger lotus is native to the Nile and is grown in various parts of East Africa and Southeast Asia. It is often used as an aquarium plant.

Parts used:  Rhizome, flowers

Useful components: Alcaloids, glycosides, resin, tannins

Medicinal use: 
White Lotus is considered to be an astringent, antiseptic, anesthetic, anaphrodisiac and sedative. It can be used in treatment of bronchial congestion, and it can disperse the stagnated mucus from the chest. A decoction made from the root is beneficial in treatment of diarrhea caused by irritable bowel syndrome, and also in treatment of dysentery. White Lotus flowers are considered to reduce sexual drive and to have a soothing and sedative effect on the nervous system. Therefore, they can be used in treatments of insomnia and different sorts of anxieties.

Venthamarai poo choornam a is very effective for management of hypertension and given in the dose of 3 – 5 grams with milk before food twice a day.

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.