Ayurvedic Wisdom: Ancient Herbs and Their Healing Properties.

Herbal plants and medicinal properties

ALFALFA
Botanical Name - Medicago Satina
Indian Name - Alfalfa
ALFALFA is nutritionally on of the most versatile herbs yet discovered. It is a leguminous herb which grows up to 50 cms in height. It has rich green alternate leaves, purplish flowers and adapts itself to widely varying conditions of soil and climate. Alfalfa appears to have been discovered by the Arabs who called it the 'king of kings' of plants and the father of all foods. Alfalfa is a native of Europe. It is now widely cultivated in the temperate regions, the subtropics and higher altitudes in the tropics. It is grown through out India. Alfalfa is a valuable source of vitamins A, B, D, E and G. It also has some vitamin C and K. The rich quality and quantity and proper balance of calcium, magnesium and phosphorous, chlorine, sodium, potassium and silicon is of special value in Alfalfa.

Properties :- The seeds, leaves and stems of the alfalfa plant have important properties- derived from the root of the plant which reach up to 12 meters in the subsoil and absorb the elusive trace minerals from the depths. The most important this trace minerals is manganese which is vital to the human digestive system in its manufacture of insulin. Alfalfa is an outstanding alkalizing food. Alfalfa build up for a healthy and vigorous old age and resistance to infection.

ANISEED
Botanical Name - Pimpinella anisum
Indian Name - Velaiti saunf
Anise is an annual culinary herb belonging to ajwain or celery family. Its fruit, known as aniseed, is one of the oldest spices. The seed is ground-grey to greyish-brown in colour, oval in shape and 3.2 to 4.8 mm in length. It requires sunshine and warmth and does not grow satisfactorily in the tropical lowlands. Aniseed is a native of the Middle East. It was cultivated by ancient Egyptians, who valued its medicinal properties and culinary uses.Anise oil is a colourless or pale-yellow liquid, with the characteristic odour and taste of the fruit.

Properties :- Aniseed is esteemed in medicine for its properties to relieve flatulence and to remove catarrhal and phelgm from the bronchial tube. These properties are due to the presence of the essential oil. The seed also copious perspiration and increases the volume and discharge of urine.

ARJUNA Top
Botanical Name - Terminalia arjuna
Indian Name - Kahu
Arjuna is a dense tree attaining a height of 20 to 27 meters. It has long ,cone-shaped round leaves and white bark which gives out milky juice when cut. Mainly the bark of the tree is used in medicines.

ASAFOETIDA

Botanical Name - Ferula northex
Indian Name - Hing
Asafoetida is a resinous gum of a tall perennial herb, with robust carrot-shaped roots. It is dirty yellow in color with a pungent smell.

It is used as a flavouring agent and forms a constituent of many spice mixture. Asafoetida has several varieties which are distributed from the Mediterranean region to central Asia. An analysis of Asafoetida shows it to consist of carbohydrates 67.8 per 100 gms, moisture 16.0 per cent, protein 4.0 per cent, fat 1.1 per cent, minerals 7.0 per cent and fibre 4.1 per cent. Its minerals and vitamin contents include substantial calcium besides phossphorus, iron, carotene, riboflavin and niacin.

Properties :- Asafoetida has been heald in great esteem amongst indigenous medicines from the earliest times in India. It is reputed as a drug which expels wind from the stomach and counteracts any spasmodic disorders. It is also a digestive agent and a sedactive.

BABUL
Botanical Name - Acacia arabica
Indian Name - Kikar
Acacia properly known as babul, is a large tree up to 14 meters high, with thorns on its branches. It has darkish greay bark and yello flowers in the spherical heads. Babul tree is indigenous to Sind in Pakistan. It occurs wild in India and tropical Africa. The bark of babul tree contains tannin and gallic acid. The leaves and fruits of the tree also contain tannin and gallic acid. The various parts of babul tree is useful in diarrhoea. The bark of the babul tree is useful in the treatment of eczema.

Properties :- The leaves, the bark the pods and the gum of the tree have medicinal virtues. The leaves and the bark are useful in arresting secretion or bleeding. The pods help remove catarrhal matter and phlegm from the bronchial tubes. The gum allays any irritation of the skin and soothes the inflamed membranes of the pharynx, alimentary canal and genito-urinary organs.

BAMBOO
Botanical Name - Bambusa bambos
Indian Name - Bans
The bamboo is a perennial tree which grows upto a height of 12 meters .Every year between July and October, new shoots sprout at the base of the tree. Bamboo trees are always found in clusters. The stem of the tree is round, smooth and hollow. Nodes are swollen. Bamboo is presumed to have originated in Asia. The tree grows wild throughout most parts of India, especially in the hilly forests of western and southern India but it is cultivated in the lower Himalayas.

Properties :- The leaves of bamboo tree are stimulant, aromatic and tonic. They are useful in counteracting spasmodic disorders, and arrest secretion or bleeding. They are also an effective aphrodisiac. The leaves do not have any prominent taste.
The betel plant is a slender, aromatic creeper, rooting at the nodes. The branches of the plant are swollen at the nodes. The plant has alternate, heart-shaped, smooth, shining and long stalked leaves, with pointed apex. It has five to seven ribs arising from the base; minute flowers and one-seeded spherical small berries. Betel is the native of central and eastern Malaysia. Recent studies have shown that betel leaves contains tannins, sugar and diastases and an essential oil. The essential oil is a light yellow liquid of of aromatic odour and sharp burning in taste.

BETEL LEAVES
Botanical Name - Piper betle
Indian Name - Pan

The betel plant is a slender, aromatic creeper, rooting at the nodes. The branches of the plant are swollen at the nodes. The plant has alternate, heart-shaped, smooth, shining and long stalked leaves, with pointed apex. It has five to seven ribs arising from the base; minute flowers and one-seeded spherical small berries. Betel is the native of central and eastern Malaysia. Recent studies have shown that betel leaves contains tannins, sugar and diastases and an essential oil. The essential oil is a light yellow liquid of of aromatic odour and sharp burning in taste.

Properties :- Betel leaf has been used from ancient times as an aromatic stimulant and antiflatulent. It is useful in arresting secretion or bleeding and is an aphrodisiac. Its leaf is used in several common household remedies.

BANYAN
Botanical Name :- Ficus bengalensis
Indian Name :- Bar
The banayan tree is well known all over India. The tree has what is known as the 'aerial roots'; its branches drop to the ground , take roots again, and send out more twisting and trailing branches, thus extending the growth of the tree indefinitely. The name Banyan tree in English seems to have been given by Europeans in the Persian Gulf to the particular tree of this species under which Banias or members of the Indian merchant class used to congregate for worship and business.

Properties :- The Banyan has many medicinal properties. It is used in traditional medicine for the treatment of several ailments. The bark and leaf buds of the tree are useful in arresting secretion or bleeding.

Bishop's weed is a small, erect, annual shrub, with soft fine hairs. It has many branched leafy; feather-like leaves 2.5 cm. long and 4 to 12 ray flower heads, each bearing 6 to 16 flowers. the fruits are minute, egg-shaped and greyish. The trade name of ajuwain is based on the Indian name which is derived from adarjawa. Ajuwain has been used as a carminative medicine from the time of Charaka and Sushruta.

Properties :- The seeds are stimulant and are useful in counteracting spasmodic disorders. the oil of ajuwain is an almost colourless to brownish liquid with characteristic odour and sharp hot taste .

BLACK NIGHTSHADE
Botanical Name :- Salanum nigrum
Indian Name :- Makoy or Manathakkali
The black nightshade , also known as sun berry or wonder cherry , is a small erect and delicate annual herb. It forms a spreading crown , grows diffusedly with several arching branches upto one metre in height. The stems and branches are smooth and soft. The black nightshade is a native in West Africa , but is now grown all over India as well.

Properties :- The black nightshade is use as an important ingredient in several Indian medicines. It is a valuable cardiac tonic. It corrects disordered Process of nutrition by which the organism ingests, digests, absorbs, transports, utilises and excretes food substances, and restores the normal function of the system. It also reduces excitement, irritation and pain.

BUTEA

Botanical Name :- Butea monosperma
Indian Name :- Palas
Butea, also known as "flame of the forest", is a well known tree of India. Butea is a medium sized tree with compound leaves. The leaves fall in winter and flowers bloom in February-March. This herb is indigenous to India. The trade name butea, is based on the scientific name of the plant. The tree is found chiefly in the mixed or dry deciduous forest of central and Western Asia.

Properties :- The butea gum, the seeds and leaves of the tree have medicinal properties. The leaves of the tree are tonic and aphrodisiac. They are useful in arresting secretion or bleeding. The gum of the tree is useful in the treatment of diarrhoea and dysentery. The seeds are administered internally, either in the form of powder or make into a paste with honey as an anthelmintic to kill intestinal worms. They are specially useful in the treatment of roundworms and tapeworms. Butea herb is also useful for the treatment of Skin disorders, Diabetes, Sore throat and Leucorrhoea.

CARDAMOM
Botanical Name - Ellettaria Cardamom
Indian Name - Chhoti elaichi
Cardamom is the 'queen of spices'. It is one of the most valued spices in the world. Cardamom grows as the perennial herb with thick, fleshy rhizomes or underground stems shooting leafy roots and with leafy stems. It has very large leaves, white or pale green tree -celled flowers, many-seeded pale green to yellow fruits and triangular brownish-black seeds.

Properties :- The aroma and therapeutic properties of cardamom are due to its volatile oil. Tinctures of cardamom are used chiefly in medicines to relieve flatulence and for strengthening digestion activities.

CARAWAY SEEDS
Botanical Name - Carum carvi
Indian Name - Siya jeera

The caraway plant is a biennial herb usually with a fleshy root and slender, branched stems. It has feather- like leaves like leaves divided into very narrow segments small white flowers. The fruit, when ripe, splits into narrow, elongated carples, which are curved, pointed at the ends and have four longitudinal ridges on the surface. The analysis of caraway seeds shows it to contain appreciable moisture, protein, fat, substantial amount of carvone, is obtained from caraway seeds. This oil is colorless or pale with a strong odour and flavors of the fruit.

Properties :- The caraway seeds, leaves and roots are considered useful in activating the glands, besides increasing the action of the kidneys. It is characterized as an excellent 'house cleaner' for the body. Caraway oil is used in medicine to relieve flatulence.

CASSIA

Botanical Name :- Cassia fistula
Indian Name :- Amaltas
Cassia or purging cassia is one of the most beautiful trees of India. It is a small to medium-sized tree with compound leaves and large , shining , dark green leaflets. It has bright yellow flowers in very large, hanging branches and black or shining dark brown, 50 to 60 cm. long almost cylindrical fruits. The tree is known as Indian Laburnum owing to its resemblance in colour and profusion of flowers with the European Laburnum. The trade name is based on its scientific name but the specific name fistula, which means a shepherd's pipe, refers to the shape of its fruit.

Properties :-All the parts of the tree have medical properties. The fruits are, however most important and are included in the Indian Pharmaceutical codex. Its is commonly used for cold, fever, intestinal disorders, aguesia and skin disorders.

CELERY
Botanical Name :- Apium graveolens
Indian Name :- Ajmod or Ajwain-ka-patta
Celery is an important salad plant, consisting of the bulbous roots, green leaves and stem. The leaves sprout directly from the fleshy roots. The fruits are small in size, dark brown in colour and have a peculiar flavour when cut open. The seeds are brown in colour. celery has been in cultivation for more than 2,000 years. It was known to the Chinese from the fifth century B.C . In England , it was known as smallage and used in medicines. It is a native of Europe and Asia.

Properties :- Celery which means quick acting ,and presumably refers to its therapeutic properties. The green leaves and stem of the bulbous roots are all extremely rich in active ingredients that make celery an important medical plant. It has a well balanced content of a basic minerals , vitamins and nutrients, besides a good concentration of plant hormones and essential oils that gives celery its strong and characteristic smell. These oils have a specific effect on the regulation of the nervous system with their tranquilizing properties. They are tonic , laxative and stimulant. They correct spasmodic disorders and can be used for aborting unwanted pregnancies.

CHICORY
Botanical Name :-Chichorium intybus
Indian Name :-Kasni
Chicory is a perennial herb with a long tap root. Chicory is a native to the Mediterranean region or possibly eastern India. Chicory has been mentioned as a special skin nourisher by ancient herbalists. A tea made from the pale blue flowers of this plant was said to give glowing skin.

Properties :- Chicory is a tonic herb when taken in moderate quantities . It increases the secretion and discharge of urine. It is also a stimulant and mild laxative . This herb helps the functions of liver and gall bladder. Chicory contains food elements which are constantly needed by the optic system. It is one of the richest source of Vitamin A which is very useful for the eyes. This herb is also used for the treatment of Anemia, Liver complaints, respiratory disorders and Obstructed Menstruation.

CINNAMON
Botanical Name :- Cinnamomum zeylanicum
Indian Name :- Dalchini

Cinnamon is an evergreen tree which is small and bushy. Dried leaves of cinnamon, along with its dried inner bark are used all over the as a spice or condiment. The bark of a tree is thick, smooth and light or dark brownish in colour. The inner bark is obtained from carefully selected shoots. Cinnamon tree was known to ancient physicians even before 27 BC. The Chinese used the bark of this tree is a medicine. Cinnamon is a native of Sri Lanka and Asia. An analysis of Cinnamon shows it to consist of moisture, protein, fat, fibre, carbohydrates and ash , iron, sodium, potassium, niacin, Vitamin A and C. Cinnamon also contains an essential oil known as cinnamon oil.

Properties :- Cinnamon leaves are used in the form of powder or decoction. They are stimulant and useful in relieving flatulence and in increasing secretion and discharge of urine. Cinnamon prevents nervous tension, improves complexion and memory. Cinnamon is an effective medicine for common cold. Cinnamon checks nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. It stimulates digestion. Cinnamon serves as a good mouth freshner. It is also useful headache and Acne.

CORIANDER
Botanical Name :- Coriandrum sativum
Indian Name :- Dhania
Coriander is both an annual and perennial herb. It is erect , sweet smelling and grows up to 20 cms in length with many branches. The stem is feeble, smooth and light green in colour. Leaves are compound, thin, and easily breakable. They have a sweet fragrance.

Properties:- The leaves of coriander are stimulant and tonic. they strengthen the stomach and promote its action, relieve flatulence, increase secretion and discharge of urine and reduce fever.

CUMIN SEEDS
Botanical Name :- Cuminum cyminum
Indian Name :- Jeera

umin is an annual herb with a smooth surface and long slender root. It grows up to the height of 356 to 40 cm.
It produces a stem with many branches. The dried seed forms an essential ingredient of curry powder. Cumin is a native of Egypt, Syria, Turkey and the Eastern Mediterranean region. It was one of the common spices used in the middle ages. The analysis of cumin seeds shows them to consist of moisture 6.2 %, protein 17.7% , fat 23.8 % , fibre 9.1% , carbohydrates 35.5 and mineral matter 7.7% per 100 gms. Their minerals and vitamin contains are calcium, phosphorus, iron, sodium, potassium , Vitamins C & vitamin A.

Properties :- The fruit is a rich source of thymol. Thymol is used as an anthelmintic against hookworm infections and also as an antiseptic in many proporietary preparations. It is a stimulant, which increases the secretion and discharge of urine and relieves flatulence.

CURRY LEAVES
Botanical Name :- Murraya koenigi
Indian Name :- Curry patta
Curry leaves are derived from beautiful, aromatic and more or less deciduous shrub growing up to 0.9 metres, or a small downy tree, up 6 meters in height and 15 to 40 cms. in diameter. The leave are slightly bitter and aromatic. The curry tree is a native of India and Sri Lanka. Their minerals and vitamin contents are calcium ,phosphorus, iron, nicotinic acid and Vitamin C. Fresh leaves on steam distillation under pressure yield a volatile
Properties :- Curry leaves possess the qualities of a herbal tonic . they strengthen the functions of stomach and promote its action. They are also used as a mild laxative. The leaves may be taken mixed with other mild tasting herbs. It is used for digestive disorders, diabetes, burns & bruises, eye disorders, insect bites etc.

DANDELION
Botanical Name :- Taraxacum officinale
Indian Name :- Kukraundha or Kanphool
Dandelion is a hardly perennial herb and a tasty salad vegetable The flower stems of this plant grows up to a height of 30 cm. The sharply-toothed leaves from flat rosettes on the ground.. The common name dandelion comes from the French dent de lion, meaning lion's tooth and refers to the dentate leaf edges. A very common plant ,dandelion grows wild almost everywhere. Dandelion is a native of Europe. In India it is found through Himalayas. Nutritionally, the dandelion has remarkable value. It contains almost as much iron as spinach, four times a Vitamin A content. An analysis of dandelion shows it to consist of protein, fat and carbohydrates. Its mineral and Vitamin contents are calcium, phosphorus, iron, magnesium, sodium, Vitamin A and C. Its calorific value is 45.

Datura is a bushy plant growing up to one metre in height. It has large egg-shaped leaves, very large white flowers and egg-shaped fruits covered with prickles. Datura is referred to in ancient Indian literature as shivashekherea because the flowers are believed to be associated with Lord Siva. It was known to be ancient Hindu physicians .They find the drug as an intoxicant, with emetic , digestive and healing powers. Smoking for datura seeds as a treatment for asthma was known during the Vedic period. Datura is indigenous to India. The leaves of the plant contain alkaloids.

Properties:-The dried leaves and seeds of datura are used as antispasmodic under critical conditions of asthma and whooping cough. This is mainly used for British and United States. Datura possesses properties analogous to those of belladonna. It counteracts spasmodic disorders and induces deep sleep. Datura herb is very useful in asthma, when the smoke from the burning leaves are inhaled. The leaves rolled like cigarettes can be smoked to relieve from asthmatic attacks. Datura fruit is a specific remedy for phlegmatic and bilious type of malarial fever. Other uses of this herb is in heart disorders, earache, baldness, problem of breast milk secretion.

DILL
Botanical Name:- Anethum Sowa
Indian Name :- Sowa
Dill is an annual or biennial herb. It has smooth surface , finely dissected leaves, small yellow flowers and elliptic, flattened fruits. The single stalks grow to a height of 1 meter. Dill is native to the Mediteranean region, South Raussia and Scandinavia. It has been in the cultivation for more than 2,000 yrs. and is now grown widely in Asia minor, North Africa, India and in all other countries. An analysis of of Indian dill shows.

Properties :- Dill leaves are stimulant. They are useful in increasing secretion and discharge of urine and in counteracting spasmodic disorders. They are a soothing medicine and help to improve the functioning of the stomach. This herb is used regularly to avoid digestion and prevents constipation. This herb is specially useful for children. Dill oil obtained by the distillation of the seeds , is also an effective medicine for hyperacidity, flatulent colic, hiccup and diarrhoea due to indigestion. Dill is useful in stimulating and regulating menstrual flow. It is effective in spasmodic menstrual pain in girls and absence of menstruation due to anemia.

EPHEDRA
Botanical Name :- Ephedra gerardiana wall
Indian Name :- Asmania
Ephedra is a small plant about one meter high. It has many branched stems, leaves, reduced to two-toothed sheaths or covering. The ayurvedic name of this herb is somlata. The ephedra is indigenous to India and contains alkaloids. The principal alkaloids is ephedrine which is similar to adrenaline in pharmacological action. The other alkaloid contained in the herb is pseudo-ephedrine.

GARLIC
Botanical Name :- Allium Sativum
Indian Name :- Lahsoon

KANTAKARI
Botanical Name :- Solanum xanthocarpum
Indian name :- Kateli
Kantakari, is known as Indian Solanum is a prickly , branches-perennial herb. The branches are covered with minute star-shaped hairs. The plant has yellow shining prickles of about 1.5cm in size. This herb is a native of India. The fruit of a plant yields carpesteral, glucoside-alkaloids and solanocarpine. It also yields glucoside-alkaloids, solamine-S. On hydrolysis it yields alkaloid solanidine-S.

MADHUCA
Botanical Name :- Madhuca indica
Indian name :- Mahua
Madhuca also known as butter tree is a large tree with 20 meters height. The bark, leaves, flowers and seeds of the tree constitute the drug. The name Madhuca comes from the Sanskrit name of the plant. The tree is native of the central India. It is common to the mountainous regions of Himalayas. The leaves of the tree contain alkaloid glucosidic saponin. the seeds contain a fatty oil.

Properties :- Madhuca is useful in arresting secretions or bleeding because of its tannin content. The bark of the tree is an astringent and tonic. The flowers of the tree help the removal of catarrhal matter and phlegm from the bronchial tubes. They also exercise the soothing effect of the skin. A decoction of the bark can be given internally in rheumatic diseases. It is also be taken in diabetes mellitus with beneficial results. Madhuca oil extracted from the seeds has laxative properties. It helps cure piles by relieving chronic constipation. The leaves of Madhuca are effective in the treatment of eczema.

MARGOSA
Botanical Name :- Azadirachta indica
Indian name :- Neem
Margosa is a very common tree in India. It is a large evergreen tree growing some 10 to 10.5 metre tall. The leaves of this trees are divided into numerous leaflets each resembling a full-grown leaf. This herb is a native of South Asia. The seeds contain substantial amount of essential oil known as Margosa or neem oil. The bitter constituents separated from this oil are nimbin, nimbinin and inmbidin. The flowers contain a bitter substance and irritant bitter oil.
Zizyphus is one of the most hardly fruit trees. It is a small thorny evergreen tree with vine-like branches and dark green leaves. The fruit has two varieties- the wild one, called jharberi is small and round, while the cultivated fruit is oval , fleshy and bigger in size. Its calorific value is 74.

Properties:- Zizyphus is beneficial in the treatment of metal retardation. A handful of the try fruit is boiled in half a litre of water till it is reduced to half. Sugar or honey can be added to taste and given daily at night before retiring. It increases the functioning of the brain by releasing more glutamic acid into the bloodstream. Zizyphus is useful in preventing frequent attacks of colds and influenza. The bark can be used for treating diarrhoea, dysentery and colic. The infusion of the inner covering of the bark is used as a purgative in constipation.

WOOD APPLE
Botanical name:- Feronia limonida
Indian name:- Kaith
Wood apple is a whitish spherical fruit, with a hard woody pericarp and aromatic pulp. The tree has feather- like leaves and reddish flowers. Wood apple is indigenous to south India. It consists of 6.2% moisture, 7.1% protein, 3.7% fat, 1.9% minerals and 5% fibre. Its vitamin and mineral contents are calcium, phosphorous, iron, carotine, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin and vitamin.

Properties:- The pulp of the raw fruit is useful in arresting secretion or bleeding. the ripe fruit is refreshing, aromatic digestive and a tonic. It is useful in preventing and curing scurvy and in relieving flatulence. The gem that stem exudes has a smoothing effect on the skin and mucous membranes. Mashed seedless of the pulp raw fruit is beneficial in the treatment of dysentery, diarrhoea and piles.
Properties:- The pulp of the raw fruit is useful in arresting secretion or bleeding. the ripe fruit is refreshing, aromatic digestive and a tonic. It is useful in preventing and curing scurvy and in relieving flatulence. The gem that stem exudes has a smoothing effect on the skin and mucous membranes. Mashed seedless of the pulp raw fruit is beneficial in the treatment of dysentery, diarrhoea and piles.