Jatamansi is an extensively used medicinal herb of Ayurveda. Its botanical name is Nardostachys jatamansi and belongs to family Velirenaceace. This medicinal herb is found in sub-alpine Himalayan tracts at height of 3, 000-5, 000 feet and also in Nepal, Bhutan, and Sikkim. For medicinal purpose root rhizomes are used. In Ayurveda, the root powder of Jatamansi is used as neuroprotective, stimulant, antispasmodic, antipyretic, and antioxidant. It is recommended for treatment of various neuropsychiatric illnesses and excessive thirst.

Latin name: Nardostachys jatamansi (Jones) DC., Patrina jatamansi (Jones) D. Don, Valerianawallichii DC.

Sanskrit: Mansi, Jatamaansi, Bhutajata, Tapasvini, Jatila, Nalada Hindi:Jatamashi, Balchar

English: Muskroot Indian Spikenard Assamese:Jatamansi, Jatamangshi Bengali:Jatamamsi English:Nardus root Gujrati:Baalchad, Kalichad Hindi:Balchara Kannada:Bhootajata, Ganagila maste Kashmiri:Bhutijata Malayalam:Manchi, Jatamanchi Marathi:Jatamansi Oriya:Jatamansi Punjabi:Billilotan, Balchhar, Chharguddi Tamil:Jatamanji Telugu:Jatamams Urdu:Sumbul-ut-teeb, Baalchad

Part Used: Rhizome, rhizome oil

Plant description: an erect perennial herb about 10-60 cm in height, with long stout, rhizomes root. The radical leaves are elongated and spathulated, while few cauline leaves are sessile, oblong or sub-ovate. Flowers are rosy in dense cymes, with pale pink or blue in coloration.

Jatamansi is a tonic and used for treatment of wide variety of ailments. It is useful in treatment of diseases related to nervous system, heart, gastric disorders, seminal debility etc. Jatamansi is safe to use if used appropriately. Root powder infusion of Jatamansi is useful in the management of mental disorders, insomnia, and disorder of the blood and circulatory system.

Ayurvedic Properties

The roots of Jatamansi plant are bitter, sweet, astringent-cold-pungent and balances all three doshas. On oral administration, the root powder works on blood and nerves. The main effect is on circulatory, nervous, digestive, respiratory and reproductive system.

Rasa (Taste):Tikta/Bitter, kashaya/Astringent

Guna (Characteristics):Laghu/Light

Virya (Potency):Sheet/ Cool, Calm

Vipaka (Post Digestive Effect):Katu/Pungent

Effects on Tridoshas (Humor):Pacifies all the three doshas.

Action on body

Jatamansi is nervine, tonic, Hypnotic, CNS-Depressant, Sedative, Tranquilizer, carminative, deobstruent, Aphrodisiac, decreases the heart rate and hence used as antihypertensive. The root oil is applied on hairs for growth and blackness of hairs.

Medicinal uses in Ayurveda

Herbs are great gift from god. These are completely natural and easily available. Numerous studies supports the traditional medicinal uses of herbs. Here are given few remedies that can be done at home for treatment of diseases.

Heart palpitation, Convulsion, Hysteria, Nervousness

Jatamansi has blood pressure lowering effect. It is also possess Tranquilizing and sedative effect on brain. So this medicinal herb is mainly indicated in treatment of nerves, brain and heart ailments. For management of hysteria, convulsive affections, palpitation of heart and in intestinal colic the infusion of root powder is taken few times a day.

For this purpose take one-fourth teaspoon of root powder and make infusion in five glass water. Filter this and drink one cup three times a day.

Hyperpigmentation

Jatamansi is also indicated in skin diseases. It is used externally on affected skin area. For hyperpigmentation, mix root powder with neem oil and apply on affected area.

Hair problems such as poor growth, premature hair greying

Jatamansi oil is a useful medicated oil which is applied topically to treat hair related problem. For making medicated oil of Jatamansi, take one part root powder and 10 part coconut oil. Prepare the oil and apply externally on hairs.

Hypertension, Memory loss

Hypertension is a condition of elevated blood pressure. Jatamansi has hypotensive effect and hence used for treatment of high BP. For this purpose take one pinch of root powder and mix in one cup hot water. Drink this infusion 2-3 times a day.

Burning sensation, pain

Prepare a root paste and apply externally on body.

Safe recommended doses of Jatamansi root:Root powder 2-3 g, 5-10 g for infusion, 50-100 ml infusion.

Carrot is a well-known vegetable cultivated throughout India. It is native to Europe and the Mediterranean region. Carrot plant has very fleshy roots which we eat raw or cooked. In traditional medicine system carrot is used for treatment of diseases. It increases pitta and decreases Vata and Kapha . The roasted roots are indicated for heart palpitation. Carrot has diuretic action that causes more urine production and thus helps body to get rid of uric acid. The roots, seeds are used for treatment of many diseases. Pharmacological studies confirms hepatoprotective (liver protective), hypoglycemic (blood glucose lowering effect) and gastroprotective activity of carrot roots.

Botanical name: Daucus carota Linn

Family: Umbelliferae;Apiaceae

Hindi- Gajar, Gajra Tamil-Manjal Mullangi, Gajjara Kilangu Telugu-Gajaragade Kannada-Gajjari Malayalam-Karattu

Health benefits of Carrot

There are several health benefits of carrot eating. Carrots are good for liver, kidney and digestive system. It has ability to detoxify body. Carrot is good source of Vitamin A (good for your eyes and skin), C (boost immunity and promotes wound healing and collagen formation) and K (helps in blood clotting).

This root vegetable cures constipation due to its fibre content. Fibre also help to lower bad cholesterol and promotes digestion. Eating one cup sliced carrots will give Sodium 84mg, Total Carbohydrate 12g, Dietary Fibre 3g, Sugars 6g and protein 1g. It will also give 400% of Vitamin A, 12% of Vitamin C, 4% of Calcium 4% and 2% of Iron required daily by a person.

Regular eating of carrot is beneficial in rickets, colitis, gout, constipation, worms (eaten raw), arthritis, skin disorders, oedema, jaundice, chronic hepatitis, heart disease, colon disorders, constipation, piles, indigestion etc. The seeds of carrot exhibits anti-fertility and abortifacient (induce abortion) effect.

Protection against Ulcer

Carrot protects gastric mucosa. The gastric mucosa is the mucous membrane layer of the stomach. It is due to this barrier stomach contains acid of pH 2 and does not digest itself. Gastric mucosa serves two purpose, first to lubricate the food and second to protect stomach cavity. Carrot juice protects this lining and gives protection against gastric/peptic ulcers. The risk group for ulcer development include people taking Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like aspirin and indomethacin and Alcohol. Carrot is alternative remedy for clinical management of gastric ulcer diseases.

Medicinal uses of Carrot

Carrot offers numerous health benefits. This common root vegetable has also several therapeutic uses. It stimulates urine production due to its potassium content. It has carminative, anthelmintic, and aphrodisiac in action. It reduces cholesterol and protects against ulcers.

As per Ayurveda, carrot is sweet, astringent, hot, sweet or pungent. It reduces Vata, Kapha and increases pitta. But carrot juice increases Vata.

Intestinal worm

For expulsion of threadworm from body, eat small cup of grated carrot every morning.

Low haemoglobin level, vitamin deficiency

Regular intake of carrot helps to improve hemoglobinlevel. Carrot juice can be mixed with spinach juice.

Constipation

If you are eating carrot daily then the fibre present in carrot cures constipation and helps in better bowel movement.

Digestive system trouble

Carrots are great for digestive system. The regular drinking of carrot juice cures indigestion, chronic, diarrhoea, acidity and other digestive troubles.

Rheumatism, arthritis

Regular intake of carrot juice is helpful in rheumatism, arthritis as it reduces swelling.

Obesity

Lettuce juice mixed with carrot juice nourishes body and helps to reduce obesity.

Urinary stones

Mix juice of cucumber, beetroot and carrot in equal amount and drink regularly.

Absence of menstruation

Carrot seeds are traditionally used for treating amenorrhoea. The seeds (2 teaspoon) are boiled glass of water. This is filtered and jaggery is added. This should be taken regularly for a weak.

Eczema, burn injury, wound

In case of eczema, grate carrots and apply the pulp on affected areas.

Lowering cholesterol

Regular eating of carrots helps to lower cholesterol level.

Alarsin Aluretic is an herbal diuretic prepared from many medicinal herbs. Diuretics are substances that act within the kidney and promote the loss of fluid from the body. Diuretics work by promoting the expulsion of urine from the body and this helps reduce the volume of blood circulating through the cardiovascular system. Natural Diuretics increases the urine output as well as urinary electrolyte concentration.

Aluretic is useful in the management of all conditions and diseases where safe, smooth and sustained excessive production of urine is required.

Here is given more about Alarsin Aluretic such as indication/therapeutic uses, Key Ingredients and dosage.

Key Ingredients

Each tablet contains:

Each 20 mg: Daruharida, Punarnava, Haritaki, Guduchi, Sunthi, Ikshu mul, Jeshti Madha, Haldi, Anantamul, Saunf, Deodar, Bharangi Mul, Gokshura

Each 10 mg:Kala-kadu, Patola, Nirgundi, Nim Pan, Amala, Pashanbheda, Dusparsha, Eranda Mul, Vidanga, Apamarga, Sahianjan, Kavach Mul, Shankapushpi

Each 30 mg:Shilajit, Guggul.

Key Ingredient details

Daruhaldi is used to treat painful urination it is very great herb and used to treat various diseases.

Punarnava roots extract is tonic for kidney and liver. It improves kidney function. Due to its diuretic properties it helps to detoxify body, prevents water retention and cures dropsy.

Haritaki is sasayana drug of Ayurveda. Rasayan are those, which gives youthfulness, and longevity. As per Ayurveda, daily intake of Haritaki regularizes all the normal functions of the body and maintains good health.

Uses of Alarsin Aluretic

This medicine is a diuretic. It Increases output of urine without causing strain or adverse effect on kidneys. It is indicated in mild to moderate oedema. Oedema is a condition characterized by an excess of watery fluid collecting in the cavities or tissues of the body.

It is also indicated in malfunction of kidney and Nephritis (inflammation of the kidneys).

This medicine is also useful in pulmonary congestion, Mild to moderate High B.P., congestive heart failure, old age when kidney function is diminished.

Dosage of Alarsin Aluretic

1-2 tablets at a time. Maximum 6 tablets in 24 hours in divided doses. Last dose not to be given late in the evening particularly during initiation of treatment. Interval between two doses is to be adjusted as per individual requirements.

Rasnadi guggulu is an Ayurvedic medicine prepared from medicinal herbs. The principle ingredient in this medicine is Rasna (Alpinia galanga) and Guggulu. In Ayurveda, guggulu is used in treatment of diseases that occur due to aggravation of Vata. Guggul has ability to penetrate into minutest part of body and is hot in potency. This reduces vata and kapha inside body. As it has laxative effect so it destroys refuge deposits in Srotas or Ama. This medicine gives beneficial results in Gridhrasi or Sciatica, Amavata, Gout, Sandhi-vata and many diseases which are occur due to enraged Vayu or Vata.

Here is given more about Rasnadi Guggul such as indication/therapeutic uses, Key Ingredients and dosage.

Key Ingredients

Rasnadi Guggulu is prepared using five ingredients. One part each of Rasna, Giloy, Erand mula, Devdaru and Sonth are taken and pulverised. It is mixed with five parts of guggulu and very well triturated.

Guggulu one of the best herb for treating joint disorders arthritis, rheumatism, gout, rheumatic arthritis, swollen and painful joints. It is indicated in lowering cholesterol, reducing inflammation, healing of bone fractures, arthritis, gout, rheumatism, atherosclerosis, obesity and hyperlipidaemia.

Rasna is an important medicinal herb which is used in Ayurvedic medicine system for rheumatism and allied disorders, diseases of the abdomen, dyspepsia, bronchitis and inflammations.

Giloy has anti-inflammatory action which makes it beneficial for treating inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and gout. Apart from this it is one of the best herb to boost immunity.

The roots of Eranda (Ricinus communis Linn.) are used in the treatment Amavata (rheumatism), Sotha (inflammation), Katisula (backache), Udararoga (disease of abdomen), Jwara (fever), etc.

Highly purified and standardized ginger extract had a statistically significant effect on reducing symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee. In researches it is found that ginger has moderated effects on patients.

Uses of Rasnadi Guggul

Rasnadi Guggula is bitter Tonic, aperient and anti-inflammatory. This medicine is useful for treating Vata roga such as joint pain, rheumatism, gathiya, sciatica pain, chronic arthritis, nervous diseases and neuro-muscular pain. This medicine is also used for diseases of head, sinus, ear and fistula-in-anus or Bhagandar.

Dosage of Rasnadi Guggul

The recommended dosage of Rasnadi Guggul 1-2 tablets, twice a day with Dashmul kwath or Rasnadi kwath or hot water. Or take as directed by physician.

Alpinia galanga is commonly known as Greater Galangal (English) and Kulanjan (Hindi). It is a member of the rhizome family (to which Ginger, Turmeric belong) and is also used as an ingredient in Thai cuisine. The tuberous root of Alpinia galanga is used to treat respiratory and digestive ailments. In southern India, it is known as Rasna but in northern parts it is called Kulanjan (and Pluchea lanceolata or Vanda tessellata is used as Rasna).

Credit of Image: Wiki CC BY-SA 3.0 Cary Bass

Scientific classification

Kingdom - Plantae

Order - Zingiberales

Family - Zingiberaceae

Subfamily - Alpinioideae

Tribe - Alpinieae

Genus - Alpinia

Species - Alpinia galanga

Vernacular names

Sanskrit/Indian name: Rasna, Kulanjan, Mahabharivacha, kulinjana, rasna, aratha, Sugandha

• Hindi - Kulanjan
• Kannada - Dhumarasmi
• Bengali - Kulingjan, Barakulanjan
• Gujarati - Kulinjan
• Malayalam - Arattha, Kolinji, Pararatta
• Tamil - Pera-rattai
• Kannada - Dhoomraasmi
• Telugu - Pedda-dhumpa
• Marathi - Kulinjan
• Sanskrit - Mahabaracach, Sugandha Vacha, Rasna
• English - Greater galangal

For medicinal purpose the dried rhizomes of plant are used which can be taken in dosage of one to three grams, in powder form;and 50-100 ml decoction.

Geographical distribution

The plant is distributed in Himalaya and Southern region of Western Ghats in India. It is often cultivated in Konkan and North Kanara.

Greater Galangal Therapeutic constituents

Greater Galangal has antioxidant properties due to presence of six diarylheptanoids. It is rich in flavonoids, which have lipid-lowering benefits. The roots contain essential oil, containing α - pinene, β - pinene, limonene, cineol, terpinen - 4 - ol and α - terpineol.

Ayurvedic properties

• Rasa (Taste): Tikta/Bitter, Katu (pungent)
• Guna (Characteristics): Guru/Heavy
• Virya (Potency): Ushna /Hot
• Vipaka (Post Digestive Effect): Katu/Pungent

Scientifically proven Biological and Pharmacological Action

• Antimicrobial, Anti-inflammatory, Anti- HIV
• Immunomodulator
• Anti-Diabetic
• Anti-diuretic, anti-ulcerative, anti-dementia

Greater Galangal is an antioxidant. An antioxidant is a substance that that inhibits oxidation or reactions promoted by oxygen and peroxides, and thus protects the living body from the deleterious effects of free radicals. It has anti-inflammatory properties. It reduces swelling and used to alleviate muscle and joint aches.

Studies confirm that this medicinal herb inhibits the synthesis of fatty acids and lowers lipid levels.

Traditional Uses of Greater Galangal

The rhizome of Greater Galangal is used to treat variety of diseases in traditional medicine system. It is used to treat cough, bronchial catarrh, ache, lumbago, rheumatic pains, chest pain, and diabetes, improve appetite, liver, kidney disease etc. In Ayurveda, Kulanjan is known for its bitter, heating, pungent stomachic properties and used for improving digestion and appetite, taste, voice, vata roga (arthritis, gout, rheumatism etc.) treatment.

It is a digestive tonic that promotes appetite and relieves flatulence. It is also possess abortifacient (means a drug that causes abortion) properties so it is used in child birth. This also means it should be avoided during pregnancy. The paste of whole plant with honey is used to decrease urine production and also to treat whooping cough.

Medicinal uses of Greater Galangal

The dried rhizome of Greater Galangal is pulverised to get the powder. This powder is used for medicinal purpose. Here is given few remedies which can be done at home to treat some common ailments.

Phlegm, cough, chest congestion, asthma, respiratory ailments: Greater Galangal has antioxidant, expectorant and antimicrobial properties. It is hot in potency and reduces cough. For using it in respiratory ailments, take half teaspoon of crushed galangal and put in one glass hot water. Allow this to infuse for 3-4 hours. Drink this infusion after adding honey or sugar.

Throat irritation, bad breath: Ayurveda recommends use of this herb for voice and oral problems. For this purpose chew a small piece of rhizome.

Fever, lung congestion, nausea, flu: This remedy requires powdered galangal powder and misri. Mix both in equal amount. Take half teaspoon with hot water or milk.

Gum problems: Prepare a decoction and use this for gargling at frequent interval.

Pterocarpus marsupium is an important medicinal tree to manage diabetes in Ayurveda. In Ayurveda it is known by many names such as Asana, Bijaka, Priyaka, Pitashala. It is also known as Indian Kino tree or Malabar Kino tree. In India it is found in hilly regions throughout the Deccan Peninsula, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Orissa. Various parts of this tree are used for treatment of variety of diseases. The leaves are useful in skin diseases. Bark is indicated in bleeding and diarrhoea. The inner part of a tree trunk or heartwood is medicine for anaemia, intestinal worms, urinary problems, diseases of skin, obesity, lipid disorders etc. The bark is useful in management of diabetes. Chemical studies done on various part of this tree indicate more than fifty biologically active compounds that act against various major and minor diseases including diarrhoea, dysentery, leucoderma, elephantiasis etc.

Overview

Scientific classification

• Kingdom: Plantae
• Subkingdom: Viridaeplantae
• Phylum: Magnoliophyta
• Subphylum: Euphyllophytina
• Infraphylum: Radiatopsis
• Class: Magnoliopsida
• Subclass: Rosidae
• Super order: Fabanae
• Order: Fabales
• Genus: Pterocarpus
• Species: marsupium
• Family: Fabaceae
• Latin name: Pterocarpus marsupium Roxb.

Vernacular names

English: Red sandalwood, Indian Kino Tree Bengali : Piyasala, Pitasala, Piyashal Gujarati : Biyo

Hindi : Vijayasara, BijaKannada : Bijasara, Asana Kashmiri : Lal Chandeur Malayalam : Venga

Marathi: Bibala Oriya : Piashala, Piasal Punjabi : Chandan Lal. Channanlal Tamil : Vengai Telugu : Yegi, Vegisa Urdu : Bijasar

Ayurvedic: Biyo, Asana, vijaysar, Pitasara, Asanam, bijasal Unani : Bijaysaar Siddha/Tamil : Vengai

Distribution: grows wild especially in dry forest, outer Himalayas Shivaliks, South Indian plateau with altitudes ranging from 250-1200 m and also cultivated throughout Indian subcontinent. Pterocarpus marsupium is a moderate to large sized, deciduous tree, about 90 ft. or more high and 2.5 m in girth, with straight clear bole.

STEM BARK: grey-brown to brown;rough, longitudinally fissured and scaled;heart wood golden yellow;older tree exude red gum resin which is known as Vijay sara in Ayurveda.

LEAVES: 3-5 inches long, with 5-7 leaflets;long, margin wavy and obtuse;petioles are round, smooth and waved from leaflet to leaflet.

FLOWER: 1.5 cm long, very numerous, white, with a small tinge of yellow;Stamens are 10, united near the base;soon dividing into two parcels of 5 each;anthersare globose and 2 lobed.

Part used In Medicines: Heartwood, Leaves, Flowers, Gum resin

Doses of various preparations: Bark powder-3-6 grams;decoction-50-100 ml;extracted juice 125 mg.

Medicinal Properties &Uses

• Indian Kino Tree or Asana is used for treatment of broad variety of diseases. It exhibits following scientifically confirmed activities.
• Powerful astringent due to tannic acid so useful in diarrhoea, dysentery
• Anti-diabetic due to iso flavonoids, terpenoids and tannins. Biological studies confirms substantial hypoglycaemic activity of this tree.
• Lowers triglycerides, serum cholesterol, LDL, and VLDL
• Immunomodulation and relieve stress

Various parts of Indian Kino Tree are used internally as well as externally for medicinal purpose.

Medicinal uses

For treating abscesses, boils, ulcers, scabies, skin diseases paste of the leaves is used. A poultice prepared from the bark and leaves of the tree is useful in skin diseases. For premature hair greying, the inner wood of tree is boiled in Til Taila/Sesame oil and applied on scalp.

Internally, it is used in treatment of diabetes, gout, arthritis, fracture of bones etc. The extract of the bark is used as an astringent for gum and is also useful in diarrhoea.

In case of toothache, the gum resin of tree is chewed.

Anti Diabetic

For diabetes treatment, wood of tree is pulverised. This heart wood powder powder (5 g) is soaked in one glass water for whole night. Next morning, the water is filtered and taken empty stomach. Same should be repeated for 30 days. There are many research has been done on this to test effects of rat with diabetes and result were excellent.

Indian Kino Tree is a very famous medicine of diabetes. It lowers blood sugar level, cholesterol and triglycerides. Indian Kino Tree Tumbler is made from its heartwood. The water is stored in this tumbler overnight and taken for managing blood sugar level.

Heart wood powder also lowers total cholesterol levels in the body.

There are many classical as well as modern Ayurvedic medicines containing bark powder of this medicinal tree are used to manage diabetes.

Himalaya Diabecon is herbal preparation which contains various herbs including Pterocarpus marsupium(Vijaysar) jamun, Punarnava, giloy, tulsi, bhuiamla , karela etc. This herbal medicine is non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM/type II), as a monotherapy or as an adjuvant to other oral antidiabetic drugs. One should always consult an ayurvedic doctor before using this.

Asana Vilwadi Thailam

Asana Vilwadi Thailam is polyherbal Ayurvedic medicated oil prepared from sesame oil and medicinal herbs. The principle herbs of this oil are Asana or Vijaysar or Asana heartwood and Bael root. The other herbs are Bala, Giloy, Sunthi, Mulethi, and Triphala

This oil is for abhyanga which means Ayurvedic massage or the application of herbal oils to the body and its subsequent absorption into the body. It is useful in diseases of head, eyes and ear.

Here is given more about Asanavilvadi Taila such as indication/therapeutic uses, Key Ingredients and how to use.

Key Ingredients of Asana Vilwadi Thailam

76 gram each: Asana Pterocarpus marsupium heart wood, Bilva root, Bala, Giloy stem;water for decoction 12.288 litre reduced to 3.072 litre;Til taila sesame taila 768 g;38. 4 grams each Mulheti root;Sunthi rhizome;Amla, Haritaki;Bibhitaka;768 ml Gau dugdha

Uses of Asanavilvadi Taila

This oil is indicated in Nayana Roga (Disease of the eye such as eye pain, eye infection), Karna roga (Disease of ear such as hearing difficulties, pain in ear), Shiroroga (Disease of head like migraine, pain in head).

Direction to use Asanavilvadi Taila

This is for external use ONLY. It should be applied on head in case of diseases of head.

Hingvadi Taila is an Ayurvedic medicated oil used to cure pain in ear. It is prepared using mustard oil, water, Hing, Sunthi, and Tumburu. The principle ingredient in this oil is hing.

Here is given more about Hingvadi Taila such as indication/therapeutic uses, Key Ingredients and how to use.

Key Ingredients of Hingvadi Taila

oleo-gum resin of Ferula assafoetida L.(Hingu), dried fruits of Zanthoxylum armatum DC. (Tumburu), dried rhizomes of Zingiber officinale Roxb. (Shunthi), mustard oil( Sarsapa Taila) and water (Jala)

Uses of Hingvadi Taila

This medicated oil is indicated in otalgia (pain in middle or inner ear).

How to use Hingvadi Taila

Hingvadi taila used as ear drops and 5-10 drops are instilled in ears (Karna puran).

Asafoetida or heeng (Hindi) is a natural product obtained from an herb. It is used as spice in many cuisines, pickles and also as medicine. Asafoetida is olea gum resin of a plant Ferula foetida and allied species that grow in Afghanistan, Iran, Turkey, Pakistan and India(Kashmir). To know, how asafoetida is prepared, its botanical description, medicinal uses and caution, read on.

How Asafoetida is extracted

Ferula species have big tap roots or carrot shaped roots. These roots are 12 to 15 cm in diameter at crown. In March-April, just before flowering the upper part of living root is laid bare and the stem is cut off close to crown. The exposed part is covered. A milky juice or gum resin exudes from this cut part. This dries up and scraped. Then again, a fresh slice of root is cut for more latex, the collection of resin and slicing is repeated till exudation stops.

This gum resin (or asafoetida) is dried and available in many forms, like lumps, mass or paste. Mass asafoetida is common commercial form available.

Asafoetida contains organic sulphur compound, resins about 40-60%, about 25% gum and about 6-17% volatile oil.

Scientific Classification

Kingdom:Plantae, Division:Magnoliophyta, Class:Magnoliopsida, Family:Umbelliferae, Genus:Ferula, Species:Foetida

Latin name:Ferula foetida Regel. Synonym:Ferula asafoetida Linn.

Vernacular names

• Ayurvedic:Hingu, Hinguka, Ramattha, Bahlika, Jatuka, Sahasravedhi, Vedhi, Badhika, Agudagandhu
• Sanskrit:Ramatha, Sahasravedhi
• Unani:Hilteet, Hing
• Siddha/Tamil:Perunkaayam, Perungayam
• English:Asafoetida
• Assam:Hin
• Bengali:Hing
• English:Asafoetida
• Gujarati:Hing, Vagharni
• Hindi:Hing, Hingda
• Kannada:Hingu, Ingu
• Kashmiri:Eng
• Malyalam:Kayam
• Marathi:Hing, Hira
• Oriya:Hengu, Hingu
• Punjabi:Hing
• Tamil:Perungayam
• Telugu:Inguva

Parts Used:Oleo gum resin extracted from the roots and rhizome.

Habitat

Asafoetida plant species are native to Afghanistan and Iran. It is distributed throughout the Mediterranean region to Central Asia. In India it grows widely in Kashmir and in some parts of Punjab.

Description of plant

Asafoetida plant is perennial and attains a height up to 12 feet in wild with a circular mass of 30-40 cm leaves. Flowering stems reach 2.5 to 3 m high. Flowering stems have many ducts in the cortex, containing resinous gums. The flowers are small and yellow coloured. Fruits are oval, thin, flat, reddish brown in colour and contains milky substance. Roots are thick, massive and pulpy. The foul odour comes from the resin like gum extracted from the stems and roots.

Ayurvedic Properties

Heeng or Asafoetida is hot and pungent. It is heating effect on body. It reduces vata/wind and kapaha and increases pitta. It improves appetite and aids in digestion. Heeng contains essential oil that evaporates when applied externally on skin. It is stimulant, expels gas, antispasmodic, and anthelmintic.

Asafoetida is a great remedy for digestive troubles. It is useful in abdominal distention, pain, cramping and gas, parasites, worms, difficult menstruation, pain, anxiety, nervousness, vertigo, anxiety, hysteria, worry, depression, lethargy, cough, asthma, arthritis, headaches, nerve pain, paralysis etc. It works on circulatory and digestive system.

Heeng has carminative properties and added to many dishes that produces more abdominal gas such as chana dal, peas etc.

Medicinal uses

Asafoetida is acrid and bitter in taste. It has strong, disagreeable, pungent and a distinct odour due to presence of sulphur.

Asafoetida has anticholesteremic (reduces cholesterol levels in the blood), anticoagulant, antifertility (reduces fertility, prevents implantation), antifungal, antihepatotoxic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiparasitic, smooth muscle relaxant activity, anti-diabetic and antiulcerogenic properties. The most significant properties are anticarcinogenic, anthelmintic, antispasmodic and carminative activity.

Ayurvedic Pharmacopeia of India recommends the dosage of asafoetida for medicinal purpose 125-500 mg for detoxified oleogum-resin. Bandhani heeng which is available in India is compounded asafoetida. It is prepared by boiling asafoetida, edible starch or edible cereal flour and water to get gelatinized mass. The mass is cooled, dried and grinded. It is the commonest form of heeng available in India which is used in kitchen as spice.

Abdominal gas, stomach ache, infant colic

• Asafoetida has carminative properties. Even external application gives relief in gas and pain. For this purpose, asafoetida is dissolved in water and a paste is prepared which is applied externally on abdominal region.
• Heat 1/3 teaspoon of asafoetida powder in 2 tablespoons of sesame oil. Allow the mixture to cool slightly and massage it on the baby’s stomach.

Low appetite, abdominal gas

• Prepare a powder by mixing 1 teaspoon each, powdered ginger, cumin, black cumin, long pepper, asafoetida, ajwain and rock salt. Take 3/4 tsp of this mixture in 1/5 cup of warm water or buttermilk after meals three times a day.
• Prepare a powder by mixing equal quantities of asafoetida, powdered black pepper and dried ginger powder. Take one teaspoonful with water twice a day for gas and upset stomach.

Indigestion:Take 1/4 teaspoonful of asafoetida and sprinkle on ripe banana and eat.

Intestinal worms:Mix 2 gm of asafoetida in 100 ml of water and use as an enema.

Hoarseness of voice:Mix half teaspoonful of asafoetida in a glass of water and drink it twice a day.

Cough, asthma, bronchitis, respiratory ailments

Mix ¼ teaspoonful of asafoetida in 2 teaspoonful of fresh ginger juice. Add a pinch of salt and have it 2 – 3 times a day.

Insomnia:Mix half teaspoonful of asafoetida in a glass of warm water and drink it at night before going to bed.

Painful periods:Fry asafoetida in ghee and powder it. Mix one teaspoonful of this powder with one tablespoonful of cooked and mashed rice and eat. Drink a glass of hot water immediately after having it. Do this twice a day.

Opium poison neutralisation:Asafoetida is used traditionally to neutralise opium poison. For this purpose asafoetida is taken with water.

Pain in tooth due to cavity:In case of toth cavity, take small piece of asafoetida and put in cavity.

Burn injury:In case of burn injury, dissolve asafoetida in water and apply on burnt area to get relief.

Boil:Mix equal quantities of asafoetida and dry ginger powder. Make a paste by adding water. Apply this paste over the boils.

Hysteria:Fry asafoetida in pure ghee and mix half a teaspoonful of this in one glass of warm water. Give this to person affected with hysteria for about one and a half months.

Itching in the anus:Dissolve some asafoetida in water and soak a piece of cotton. Apply this in and around the anus.

How to check purity of asafoetida

There are few home tests that helps to identify pure and impure asafoetida. Pure hing, gradually dissolves in water truing it milky white without a residue at the bottom. Also it burns without residue. But impure hing, dissolves in water and settles in bottom and does not burn completely on fire.

Who should not use Asafoetida?

There are few conditions in which asafoetida is contraindicated.

1. Its use should be avoided in acid conditions as it increases bile.
2. Asafoetida show anti- fertility effect. Its ethanolic extracts prevented successful implantation in rats. So it is recommended to avoid its use while trying for baby.
3. Asafoetida stimulates or increases menstrual flow and show abortifacient (causing abortion) properties. Due to this reason, avoid its use in pregnancy.
4. Long term use of Heeng may result in burning in urine, acid irritation in throat, gas and acidity.

Swertia Chirayita is known by many common names such as Chirayata, Chiretta, kirata Tikta, Haima, Chiravata etc. This medicinal plant is a native of temperate Himalayas and found at an altitude of 1200–3000 m (4000 to 10, 000 ft) from Kashmir to Bhutan, and in the Khasi hills at 1200–1500 m (4000 to 5000 ft.). It is an important herb used in Ayurveda for treatment of fever, inflammation, skin diseases, intestinal parasites and diabetes. Many herbal medicines such as Chinnodbhavadi Kvatha Churna, Ayush-64, Himalaya Diabecon, Mensturyl syrup, Sudarshan churna, Mahasudarshan churna contains this medicinal herb.

By Satheesan.vn (Own work)[ CC-BY-SA-3.0 or GFDL], via Wikimedia Commons

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Chiretta is similar in action and properties to Andrographis paniculata or Kalmegha and both are known as Bhunimba in Ayurveda.

Latin name:Swertia chirayita (Roxb. ex Fleming) H. Karst.)

Synonyms — S. chirata (Wall.) C. B. Clarke., S. tongluensis Burkill, Gentiana chirayita Roxb. ex Flem., G. chirata Wall., Ophelia chirata Griseb

Family:Gentianaceae

• Sanskrit:Kirata, Kirataka, Bhunimba, Kiratatiktaka, Bhunimba, Jwarantaka
• Assamese:Chirta
• Bengali:Chirata
• English:Chireta
• Gujarati:Kariyatu, Kariyatun
• Hindi:Chirayata, Nepalanimba
• Kannada:Nalebevu, Chirata Kaddi, Chirayat
• Kashmiri:Lose, Chiraita
• Malayalam:Nelaveppu, Kirayathu, Nilamakanjiram
• Marathi:Kiraita, Kaduchiraita
• Oriya:Chireita
• Punjabi:Chiretta, Chiraita
• Tamil:Nilavembu
• Telugu:Nelavemu.
• Urdu:Chiraita

Part Used: Leaves and whole plant

Dosage: Whole plant—1-3 g powder;20-30 g for decoction

The plant

Annual erect plant reaches height 60-125 cm;stem robust, branching, cylindrical below and four angled upwards;leaves ovate, broadly lanceolate, cordate at base;flowers numerous very small, greenish yellow, tinged purple in large leafy panicles;seeds smooth.

Constituents of plant

Amarogentin or chirantin, a secoiridoid glycoside (the most bitter compound isolated till date);Amaroswerin a Secoiridoid glycoside;Gentianine;Swerchirin;Swertiamarin analgesic;Xanthones;Mangiferin strong anti- inflammatory activity and chemoprotective agent;Lignan hepatoprotective;Triterpenoids;Pentacyclic triterpenoid

Ayurvedic properties and action

1. Swertia Chirayita or Chiretta is very bitter in taste. It balances Pitta, Kapha and aggravates Vata/wind.
2. Rasa (Taste):Tikta/bitter
3. Guna (Characteristics):Laghu/Light, Ruksha/dry
4. Virya (Potency):Sheet/ Cool
5. Vipaka (Post Digestive Effect):Katu/Pungent

Medicinal uses of Chiretta

The whole dried plant of Chiretta constitutes the drug. Chiretta is very bitter in taste. It is a blood purifier that removes toxins from body. Due to this action it is a useful medicine to treat skin diseases.

1. It has blood sugar lowering effect and a useful cure for diabetes.
2. It has laxative properties and cures constipation.
3. It is indicated in hysteria and convulsions.
4. Chiretta is a good medicine to treat digestive system ailments such as indigestion, diarrhoea, low appetite etc.
5. Its root is useful in checking hiccups and vomiting. It is taken in doses of 0.5 to 2 grams with honey.
6. Chiretta whole plant is used to treat fever especially sannipata fever such as malarial fever.

For treatment of fever, whole plant is dried in shade and pulverised to get powder. This powder has fever reducing (fever due to known or unknown reasons, malarial fever), anti-inflammatory (inflammation reducing), anthelmintic, liver protecting, anti-diabetic (blood sugar lowering), laxative and tonic properties.

The dosage of this powder for adults is 1-3 grams and for children 250 mg to 500 mg, with water. The dose of decoction for adults is 25-30 ml and for children, it is 5 ml to 10 ml, to be taken twice a day after meals.

Although no toxic effects are reported with Chiretta. But person taking oral blood sugar lowering medicines should take this herbal powder under medical supervision.

Chukkumthippalyadi Gulika is herbomineral Ayurvedic medicine. This medicine is useful in treatment of fever due to various reasons. This medicine is referenced from Sahasrayogam (book on Kerala tradition of Ayurvedic treatment). Gulika means tablet or pills.

Here is given more about Chukkumthippalyadi Gulika such as indication/therapeutic uses, Key Ingredients and dosage.

Key Ingredients of Chukkumthippalyadi Gulika

Zingiber officinale (sunthi) is good for heart, head, respiratory system and digestive system. Since dry ginger is hot and balances vata inside body, so it is used in vata diseases such as joint pain, arthritis, and also in respiratory diseases.

Piper longum (pippali) has& antioxidant, decongestant, carminative, expectorant, warming, analgesic, and detoxifier properties.

Acorus calamus (vacha) is used to treat different clinical conditions such as digestive system problems, gas, bloating, bronchitis, fever, asthma, cough, rheumatism etc.

Cuminum cyminum (jeeraka), Elaeocarpus ganitrus (rudraksha)

Swertia chirayita (kiratathikta) is a blood purifier that removes toxins from body. Due to this action it is a useful medicine to treat skin diseases.

Piper nigrum (maricha) is carminative, diuretic and diaphoretic in action and used to treat cold, cough, fever, dyspepsia and gas troubles.

Cinnamomum camphora (karpoora), Arsenic disulphide (Manashila), Mriga shringa bhasma, Purified copper sulphate

Uses of Chukkumthippalyadi Gulika

Chukkumthippalyadi Gulika is useful medicine indicated in treatment of chronic fever, malarial fever, and other types of fever, cough, and flu.

Dosage of Chukkumthippalyadi Gulika

The recommended dosage of Chukkumthippalyadi Gulika is 1-2 tablets, twice a day after meals with juice of Ginger, Jeeraka water or Arishtas. Or take as directed by physician.

The literal meaning of word Pashanbheda is, one that breaks stones (Pashan is stone and bheda means to break, in Sanskrit). There are many plants that are known by this name due to their diuretic and lithotriptic (dissolving or destroying stone in the bladder or kidneys) activities. One such plant that is widely accepted under the name Pashanbheda(Bergenia ligulata) is Bergenia ligulata syn. Saxifrega ligulata. This medicinal plant is useful in treatment of many ailments but particularly for urinary calculi. Pashanbheda herb is found in Himalaya and the Khasi hills Assam. The rhizomes of this plant are used to prevent and expel urinary stones.

Different Ayurvedic treatise mentioned this plant and recommended its uses for treatment of urinary stones. Charak Samhita (210 BC-170 AD) mentioned this plant under the name Pashanbhed and recommended it for painful micturition, for curing abdominal tumour and for breaking up calculi. Sushruta Samhita (170 AD- 340 BC) and Ashtang Hridaya (341 AD - 434 AD) also mentions it for uric acid calculi.

In Sushruta Samhita, decoction of Pashanbhed, Ashmantaka, Satavari, Vrihati, Shalluka, Varuna (Crataeva nurvula), Kulattha (Dotichos biflorus), Kola and Kataka seeds have been described for the patients of Vataja asmari.

Scientific Classification

• Kingdom:Plantae- Plants
• Subkingdom:Tracheobionta-Vascular plants
• Superdivison:Spermatophyta- Seed plants
• Division:Magnoliphyta- Floweringp lants
• Class:Magnoliopsida- Dicotyledons
• Subclass:Rosidae
• Order:Rosales
• Family:Saxifragaceae- Saxifrage family
• Genus:Bergenia Moench- elephant ear
• Species:Bergenia ligulata (Wall.)

Synonyms:Bergenia ciliata (Haw.) Sternb., Megasea ciliata (Haw.), Saxifraga ciliata (Haw.), Royle., Saxifraga ligulata Wall., Saxifraga thysanodes Lindl

Vernacular names

• Sanskrit:Ashmabheda, Nagbhita,
• Pashaanbheda, Silabheda
• Hindi:Dakachru, Pakhanabhed, Pakhanabheda, Patharcua, Silparo, Silpbheda
• Assamese:Patharkuchi
• Bengali:Himasagara, Patharchuri, Patrankur
• Gujarati:Pakhanbheda, Pashanbheda
• Kannada:Alepgaya, Hittaga, Hittulaka,
• Pahanbhedi, Pasanberu
• Kashmiri:Pashanbhed
• Malayalam:Kallurvanchi, Kallurvanni, Kallorvanchi
• Marathi:Pashanbheda
• Mizoram:Khamdamdawi, Pandamdawi
• Oriya:Pasanbhedi, Pashanabheda
• Punjabi:Batpia, Dharposh, Kachalu, Pashanbhed
• Tamil:Sirupilai
• Telugu:Kondapindi, Telanurupindi
• Urdu:Kachalu, Pakhanabheda

Geographical distribution

Pashanbheda or Bergenia ligulata is succulent perennial herb that reaches height up to 50 cm. It is distributed in the temperate Himalaya (from Kashmir to Nepal) from 2000-2700 m and very common in Pakistan, Central and East Asia.

Plant description

Perennial herb with short, thick, fleshy and procumbent stems, Rootstock very stout, Leaves ovate or round and 5-15 cm long at flowering time, Upper and lower surfaces hairy, becoming almost hairless in age, Flowers white, pink or purple, 3.2 cm in diameter, forming a cymose panicle with flexible flowering stem, 10-25 cm long leafless and styles.

Plant roots:Rhizome, solid, barrel shaped, cylindrical, 1.5-3 cm long and 1-2 cm in diameter with small roots, ridges, furrows and root scars distinct, transversely cut surface shows outer ring of brown coloured cork, short middle cortex, vascular bundles and large central pith, odour, aromatic, taste, astringent.

Constituents of Roots

Major phenolic compound bergenin, Tannic acid, Flavonoids, Benzenoids, gallic acid, Lactone and glucose.

Scientifically confirmed biological activities

Antiurolithic activity: The rhizomes inhibits stone formation. In studies, bergenin exhibited marked dissolution of urinary calculi both in kidney and urine constituents.

Diuretic activity: The presence of active principles like flavonoids and saponins in roots show significant diuretic activity.

Anti-diabetic activity: The roots show anti-diabetic effect which may be due the stimulation of cells of pancreatic islets or mediated through stimulation of insulin release resembling the oral hypoglycemic sulphonylureas.

Hepatoprotective activity: The roots show significant liver protecting activity. Although the mechanism, how the herb works, is not fully understood. Due to this property, it is one of the ingredient in Himalaya well known Ayurvedic formulation Liv 52.

Antipyretic activity: The roots of plant has significant fever reducing properties.

Blood pressure lowering activity:The plant roots show cardio protective activity. It lowers the blood pressure.

Medicinal Uses

Pashanbheda is used in Ayurveda and Unani system of medicine for treatment of many diseases especially for urinary stones. The plant roots has cooling, laxative, analgesic, abortifacient (abortion causing) and aphrodisiac properties.

The roots are used in treatment of vesicular calculi, urinary discharges, excessive uterine haemorrhage, diseases of the bladder, dysentery, menorrhagia, splenic enlargement and heart diseases. Ayurveda mentions, the roots as bitter, acrid, post digestion pungent and cool in potency. It is tridoshnashak (balances Vata, Pitta and Kapha).

1. Teething troubles:The roots are rubbed down and given with honey to children when teething.
2. Ear pain:The leave juice is extracted in mortar and pestle. This is used as ear drops to cure earache.
3. Intestinal parasites roundworms:About 10 g of root paste or juice is taken orally by human adults with the molasses, twice a day for 3-4 days.
4. Cuts, boils, wounds and burns:Dried roots paste is applied externally on affected body parts.
5. Urinary disorders, stomach disorders and urogenital complaints:Decoction of fresh roots is taken orally for treating these conditions.
6. Constipation:Root paste is taken with lukewarm water.
7. Dysentery:Approximately 5-10 g root powder is taken with fresh water, two times a day.
8. Fever:The root powder tea is given to treat fever.
9. Cough:50 ml root decoction with candy sugar is given for one weak.

Ayurvedic Pharmacopeia of India, recommends dosage of the roots as follows

• Dried powered rhizomes:1-3 gm twice a day.
• For decoction:20-30 gm rhizomes

Important Formulations containing Pashanbheda

Pashanbheda(Bergenia ligulata) plant is used in preparation of many Ayurvedic medicines. Some of them are Ashmarihar kashay for kidney stone, Mutravirechan Kashay, Himalaya Herbal Healthcare's Cystone to disolve kidney stone, Nephrolex and Liv 52, Baidyanath Pathrina, Charak Pharmaceuticals Bombay, Calcury etc.

Ashmarihara Kashaya is a polyherbal Ayurvedic medicine. Kashaya or kashayam is a medicinal decoction prepared from medicinal herbs. Ashmarihara Kashaya is useful in prevention and treatment of Ashmari. The literal meaning of Ashmarihara is one that removes stones.

What is Ashmari?

Ayurveda refers kidney stones or urolithiasis as Ashmari. Stones are solid concretion or crystal aggregation formed in the kidneys and bladder from minerals. For preventing stone formation inside body, it is important to drink adequate water and eat appropriate foods such as whole rice, barley, kulthi, ginger. Kulti has been used to treat kidney stone in folk medicine in India.

Research studies recommends to drink citrus drinks (lemonade and orange juice) to protect against kidney stones because they contain citrate, which stops crystals from growing into stones.

There are certain factors that increases risk of stone formation. These include eating dry food, grain flour, excessive astringent foods intake;heavy exercise, suppression of the natural urges, excessive working in sunshine etc.

Here is given more about Ashmarihar Kashaya such as indication/therapeutic uses, Key Ingredients and dosage.

Key Ingredients of Ashmarihar Kashaya

Equal amount of each: Pashanbheda(Bergenia ligulata), Sagauna fruit, Carica papaya root, Asparagus racemosus(Shatavari root), Tribulus terrestris(Gokhshuru), Varuna bark, Kush root, Kasa root, Kakdi ke beej, Jatamansi, Punarnava, Giloy, Apamarga, Khurasani yavani.

Uses of Ashmarihar Kashaya

Ashmarihar Kashaya is a decoction of many medicinal herbs to prevent and treat kidney and urinary stones. It also gives relief in kidney and abdominal pain.

Dosage of Ashmarihar Kashaya

The recommended dosage of Ashmarihar Kashaya 15-20 ml twice a day with Yavakshara;or Kshar Parpati;or Hazrool Yahood Bhasma. Or take as directed by physician.

Tarkeshwar Ras is mineral containing Ayurvedic medicine. This medicine is prepared from Ras Sindura/Red sulphide of mercury, purified sulphur and Bhasma of loha/Iron, Bang Stannum and Abhrak/Mica. Tarakeshwar Ras is indicated in treatment of urinary diseases.

Here is given more about Tarakeshwar Ras such as indication/therapeutic uses, composition and dosage.

Key Ingredients of Tarakeshwar Ras

Equal amount of:Ras Sindur, Lauha Bhasma, Vang Bhasma, Abhraka Bhasma, Shuddha Gandhak, and Honey

Uses of Tarakeshwar Ras

Tarkeshwar Rasa is useful in treatment of polyuria (excessive or abnormally large production or passage of urine), Dysuria or Mutrakriccha (painful urination) and diabetes. This is a beneficial medicine for complication arising from urinary problems like physical weakness, fatigue and seminal disorders.

Tarakeshwar Ras is a tonic. It is also indicated in treatment of male sexual problems. It improves semen, gives strength and cures impotency (which is due to low semen, weakness of nerves).

Dosage of Tarakeshwar Ras

The recommended dosage of Tarakeshwar Ras is 1 tablet, twice a day, with honey. This should be followed by eating powder of ripe Gular fruits (10 g) with honey. Or take as directed by physician

Neeri is polyherbal Ayuvedic medicine from Aimil Pharmaceuticals (India) Ltd. It is available in tablet and syrup form. Neeri is prepared from natural ingredients and used to treat various types of urinary disorders like urinary calculi (kidney stone), urinary tract infections and prostate associated disorders. The medicine contains herbal extracts that have been scientifically validated for their safety and effectiveness. The herbal extracts are sources of several phyto-constituents like arbutin, quinolone derivatives, bioflavonoids, glucosides, tannins and several micronutrients that help tone the functioning of kidneys, ureters, urinary bladder and prostate gland.

Uses of Aimil Neeri

1. Dysuria, burning micturition, non-specific urinary tract infections
2. Oedema & generalised anasarca
3. Poor renal functions
4. Crystalluria and other urinary disorders

Salient features

1. Helps in spontaneous passage of calculi, it exhibits marked anti-calcifying activity.
2. Relieves the binding mucin of calculi, thus effective as lithotriptic.
3. Reveals marked improvement in symptoms of Urinary calculi and UTI's (Urinary Tract
4. Infections) like pain, burning micturition & haematuria.
5. Regulates the crystalloid colloid imbalance, thus prevents recurrence of urinary calculi.
6. Exerts significant anti-infective action in UTI's against the major causative organisms.
7. Effectively and safely prevents recurrence of UTI's in susceptible patients.
8. Helps provide relief in symptoms of prostate enlargement like dribbling urination, interrupted stream of urine.

Key Ingredients of Aimil Neeri

Composition:Neeri Tablets- Each tablet contains:

Pashanbhed Bergenia ligulata 60 mg, Punarnava Boerhaavia diffusa 50 mg, Palash Pushap Butea monosperma 50 mg, Hajrul Yahood Bhasam 45 mg, Swait Parpati 25 mg, Varun Ghan Crataeva nurvala Conc. 20 mg, Sahdevi Vernonia cinerea 20 mg, Apamarg (Panchang) Achyranthes aspera 20 mg, Gokhru Tribulus terrestris 20 mg, Sudh Shilajeet Purified Asphaltum 15 mg, Lajaloo Mool Mimosa pudica 15 mg, Yavakshar L. ash of Hordeum vulgare 10 mg;

Processed in the decoction of Pashanbhed (Bergenia ligulata), Appamarg (Achyranthes aspera), Lajaloo Mool (Mimosa pudica), Gokhru (Tribulus terristris), Kulthi (Dolichos biflorus) and Maddarmool (Calotropis procera).

• Colour - Sunset Yellow. Excepients (A B) Q.S.;
• A. Excepients:Gelatin, Gum Acacia, Starch, Aerosil, Talc
• B. Sugar Coating (Tablets):Calcium Carbonate, Gelatin, Gum Acacia, Sugar, Talc, Shel
• Neeri Syrup - Each 10 ml. of Syrup contains:

Sudh Shilajeet (RTS-l) Purified asphaltum 200 mg, Shwet Parpati 150 mg, Moolishar L. ash of Raphanus sativus 150 mg, Kabab Chini Piper cubeba 100 mg, Saindha Namak Rock Salt 50 mg, Sajjikhar Natural form of Soda Bi-carb 50 mg;and Extracts from:Punarnava Boerhaavia diffusa 500 mg, Panchtrin Mool 500 mg, Ikshu Mool Saccharum officinarium 500 mg Gokshru Tribulus terrestris 450 mg, Chharilla Parmelia periata 450 mg, Varun Crataeva nurvala 400 mg, Kulatha Dolichos biflorus 400 mg, Pashan Bhed Bergenia ligulata 100 mg, Palashpushp Butea monosperma 100 mg, Lajaloomool Mimosa pudica 100 mg, Makoi Solanumnigrum 100 mg, Kakri Beej Cucumis sativus 100 mg, Daruharidra Berberis aristata 50 mg, Sugar base Q.S.

Preservatives:Methyl/propyl Parabens and Sod. salts, Benzoic acid and its salts, Citric acid. Colour used:Tartrazine, Flavour added

Dosage of Aimil Neeri

Syrup:Children (3-12 Years):1 teaspoonful (5ml) thrice a day;Adults (Men & Women):2 teaspoonful (10ml) thrice a day or as directed by the physician.

Tablets:Adults (Men & Women):2-3 tablets thrice a day;Children (5-12 Years):1-2 tablets twice a day or as directed by the physician.

Rose is a beautiful flower and a symbol of love. We all have seen this aromatic lovely flower growing in garden. Rose is a medicinal plant well. Its leaves, flower petals and fruits are all edible. The petals are used to prepare Gulkand. The petals are carminative (prevents or relieves flatulence), stimulant, emmenagogue (stimulate blood flow in the pelvic area and uterus), antibacterial, astringent and tonic. The red to orange rose fruits are known as rosehips. Initially these are green and turns red on ripening. These contain hairy seeds that are also used to produce itching powder. Hips are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C. Rose hip extracts have antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory (reduces swelling), antiscorbutic (prevents or cures scurvy), diuretic (stimulates urine production) properties. Rose petals are good for liver, spleen and hips are good for kidney, bladder and colon.

Information of Rose Hips

Rosa species

For essential oil: Rosa damascena, R. centifolia, R. gallica

For eating/medicine: R. rugosa

Family: Rosaceae

Vernacular names: Sanskrit : Devataruni, Karnika, Shatpatri, Assamese : Varde Ahamar, Bengali : Golap, English : Rose Gujarati : Moshamee Gulab Hindi : Gulab, Kannada : Rojahu, Malayalam : Rosappoovu, Marathi : Gulab, Punjabi : Gulab, Tamil : Rojapoo, Telugu : Rojapuvvu, Gulabi, Urdu : Gulab, Ward

Other Common Names: Rose (German);rose (French);rosa da essenza (Italian);rosa (Spanish);Roza (Polish);Rosa de Castilla (Mexican) Rose hips--Hipberry

Essential oil roses: Damask Rose, Bulgarian rose, Turkish rose, Red Rose, Cabbage Rose or hundred leaf rose (Rosa centifolia).

Description of plant

The plant is a woody shrub its shoots bear thorny, alternate, unpaired pinnatisect leaves and flowers in terminal corymbs with a swollen receptacle that produces the fleshy false fruit or hip, which contains the true fruits or achenes.

Constituents: Flower contains essential oil which includes citronellol, geraniol nerol, eugenol, linalool, L-p-menthene, cyanin, gallic acid, beta-carotene. Fruit: vitamins C, B, E, K;nicotinamide, organic acids, pectin.

Energetics: Petals: sweet, slightly bitter, warm;rose hips: sour, neutral.

Health Benefits of Rosehips

Rosehips offers numerous health benefits due to presence of flavonoids, tannins, sugars, pectin, fruit acids and carotene. The medicinal value of rose hips depends largely on the content of vitamin C and flavonoids. They taste sour, astringent and sweet. Hips are the most abundant natural source of vitamin C. These have cooling effect on body and this checks the various disorders that are due to excessive heat inside body. Hips are nourishing and an excellent source of Vitamin C. One cup of rosehips contains vitamin C equal to one dozen oranges. The dried fruits contain more vitamin C compared to half-dried one. You can make simple infusion of hips. For this purpose, take a handful of hips. Chop them and infuse in hot water for five minutes. Add honey and drink.

The main useful part of the hips are fruit flesh.

The seeds are not used for used in medicine as they contain glucosides and are toxic.

Nourishing: Rose hips are very rich in vitamin C. They are also high in the vitamins A, B, E, K, pectin and in the minerals calcium, iron and phosphorus.

Bioavailable vitamin C: The flavonoids and organic acids found in rose hips inhibit oxidation of vitamin C, which additionally increases its stability and bioavailability in humans.

Cardio protective: Rose hips also exhibit cardioprotective effect. Daily consumption of 40 gm rose hip powder can significantly reduce cardiovascular risk in obese people mediated by lowered systolic blood pressure and plasma cholesterol levels. No side effects were recorded.

Anti-diabetic in action: Rosehip has been used as a traditional treatment for diabetes and has recently been found to possess hypoglycaemic (blood sugar lowering) effects in diabetic rats.

Antimicrobial effect: Rose hip extracts showed antimicrobial activity against yeast and Gram-positive bacteria.

Protects Gastric Mucosa: Rosehips are antiulcer and gastro protective.

Medicinal Uses of Rose Hips

Useful in Rheumatism: Rosehip (Rosa canina) powder can reduce the symptoms in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Laxative in action: Rose hip contains pectin, citric acid and malic acid which are responsible for its laxative activity.

In Chinese medicine, Rosa rugosa is used as a tonic to boost the liver and as an antidote to some forms of poisoning. The hips of Rosa multiflora have been traditionally used as dietary supplements and herbal remedies for the treatment of diseases, including cold, flu, inflammation, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and chronic pain.

The oil extracted from the rose hip seeds has immense popularity as a natural skincare product in Chile. Since centuries, this oil is being used by Chileans to get rid of skin blemishes. Cosmetology research has proven the effect of rose hip oil in lowering skin pigmentation, reducing scars and stretches, acne management, rehydrating skin and rendering it supple and delaying wrinkling.

Kushta Rakshasa oil is poly-herbal Ayurvedic medicated oil. Kushta Rakshasa taila is referenced from Ayurvedic treatise Bhaishajya Ratnavali, and is indicated in Kustha rogadhikar. For preparing this oil, parad, gandhak, kuth, saptaparna, sindur, lahsun, hartaal, bavachi, amaltas, tamra bhasma and manshila are taken in equal amount and pulverised to get very fine powder. The powder is added to sarso taila and kept in sun which is filtered later and kept in a bottle.

Here is given more about Kushta Rakshasa Taila such as indication/therapeutic uses, Key Ingredients and how to use.

Key Ingredients of Kushta Rakshasa Taila

12 grams of each: 12 grams of each of Sutaka Parad, Gandhak Sulphur, Kushta root(Saussurea lappa), Saptaparna Stem bark(Alstonia scholaris), Chitrak root(Plumbago zeylanica), Sindura Ayurvedic preparation, Rasona(Garlic bulb Alium sativum), Haratal(Arseinc bisulphide), Bakuchi fruit(Psoralea corylifolia), Aragwadha seed(Cassia fistula), Jeerna Tamra Bhasma, Manashila.

Katu taila Mustard oil 384 ml

Uses of Kushta Rakshasa Taila

Kushta Rakshasa Taila is used externally on various skin conditions such as Psoriasis (Eka kustha), Eczema, Leucoderma/Vitiligo Safed kustha, Itching etc. It is also applied on Bhagandara (Fistula-in-ano) and Muscle Hypertrophy.

How to use Kushta Rakshasa Taila

This oil should be used externally for Abhyanga (massage using medicated oil). Apply on affected areas and massage gently.

Grahanimihira Taila is poly-herbal Ayurvedic medicated oil. This medicine is referenced from Ayurvedic treatise Bhaishajya Ratnavali, and is indicated in Grahani rogadhikar or Malabsorption syndrome. It is a suitable medicine for many abdominal diseases, premature hair greying, intestinal weakness, loose motions etc.

Here is given more about Grahanimihira Taila such as indication/therapeutic uses, Key Ingredients and how to use.

Key Ingredients of Grahanimihira Taila

Here is given list of complete ingredients that are used to prepare this medicine:

Each 12 grams: Dhanyaka fruit Coriandrum sativum, Dhataki flowers Woodfordia fruticosa, Lodhra Stem bark Symplocos racemosa, Lajjalu seed Mimosa pudica, Ativisha root Aconitum heterophyllum, Harataki fruit Terminalia chebula, Usheera root Vetiveria zizanioides, Musta rhizome Cyperus rotundus, Hrivera root Coleus amboinicus, Mocha/Salmali exdue Bombax malabaricum, Daruharidra/Rasanjana stem ext Berberis aristata, Bilva Stem bark Aegle marmelos, Nilotpala/utpala fruit Nymphaea stellata, Tejpatra Cinnamomum tamala, Keshara/Nagakesara stmn Mesua ferrea, Kamal Nelumbo nucifear, Guduchi stem Tinospora cordifolia, Indrayava Seed Holarrhena antidysenterica, Shyama/Trivrit root Operculina turpethum, Padmaka wood Prunus puddum, Katurohini rhizome Picrorhiza kurroa, Tagara root Velriana wallichi, Nalada/Jatamansi root Nartostachys jatamansi, Bhringa/twak bark Cinnamomum zeylanicum, Kesharaja fruit Eclipta alba, Punarnava root Boerhaavia diffusau, Amra twak bark mangifera indica, Jambu twak Bark of Eugenia jambolana, Kadamba twak Bark Anthocephalus cadamba, Kutaja twak Bark of Holarrhena antidysenterica, Yamani fruit Trachyspermum ammi, Jiraka fruit Cuminum cyminum; Til Taila Sesamum indicum 768 g; Takra (Buttermilk) or Kutaja tvak decoction or Dhaniya beej decoction 3.072 liters

Uses of Grahanimihira Taila

This medicine is used in treatment of Atisara (Diarrhoea), Grahani (Malabsorption syndrome), Hikka (Hiccup), Jvara (Fever), Kasa (Cough), Svasa (Dyspnoea/Asthma), Kamala (Jaundice), Prameha (Urinary disorders), Wrinkles in skin and greying of hair, Trishna (Thirst), Chardi (Emesis), Bhrama (Vertigo), Pain in abdomen, Haemorrhoids, Meha (Excessive flow of urine), OedemaColicky Pain,Emaciation, Oligospermia, Threatened abortion etc.

How to use Grahanimihira Taila

This oil can be used internally as well externally. For internal use its dose is 3-6 ml. It can be used externally for abdominal massage.

Meswak is a large shrub or small tree that grows in arid region from west India to Africa. It is a typical desert plant that is found in extreme saline soil of Thar Desert. The latin name of Meswak is Salvadora persica and belongs to family Salvadoraceae. This tree is known as Toothbrush tree as the twigs are used for teeth cleaning from time immemorial. The fibrous branches have been promoted by the World Health Organization (WHO) for oral hygiene. The other common medicinal uses of this tree are for treating rheumatism, leprosy, gonorrhoea, ulcers, scurvy, tumours and dental diseases.

Scientific classification

Kingdom: Plantae Division: Magnoliophyta Class: Magnoliopsida Order: Brassicales Family: Salvadoraceae Genus: Salvadora Species: persica

Scientific name: Salvadora persica; Synonym: Salvadora persica L. var. wightiana Verde.; Salvadora indica Wt.

Vernacular names

• Sanskrit: Gudaphala, Lakhupeelu, Pilukaa
• Ayurvedic name: Pilu
• Unani name: Pilu, Miswak
• English: Salt Bush tree, Tooth Brush tree
• Hindi: Khara Jhal, Chota Pilu, Meswak
• Bengali: Peelugachh, Jhal
• Malayalam: Uka, Ukamaram
• Marathi: Khakan, Pilu
• Tamil: Kotumaavali, Chittuva, Perungoli, Udhaiputtai
• Telugu: Gogu, Varagogu, Gunia
• Kannada: Gonimara
• Trade name: Khara Jhal, Tooth Brush Tree

Distribution: Arid regions, on saline lands and in coastal regions.

Botanical description

Evergreen perennial slow growing small tree; reaches up to 10 meters in height and a girth of 3 feet; trunk erect or trailing, diameter more than one foot, branches crooked, straggling and profuse;

Leaves: 3 to 10 cm in length and 1 to 4 cm in breadth, green, simple, stipulate, petiolate, oblong, ovate, margin entire, broad at base and acute at apex; veins prominent and raised on lower surface; both surfaces glabrous; taste and odour characteristic.

Fruits: 3 to 5 mm in diameter, ellipsoid-ovoid, occasionally with a small pedicel attached; surface greenish or greenish-brown to dark brown in colour, with irregular wrinkles, sometimes shrunken; pericarp thin, easily separable, exhibiting creamish to dull brown seed, odour characteristic and taste bitter.

Bark: slightly rough, greyish brown on main stem, paler elsewhere

New leaves during April and shed from late December to January; Flowers are small, greenish yellow produced in January to April; fruits ripens in the months of May and June;

Constituents

Fruits: β- sitosterol, sterol glycoside, benzyle isothioagnate, traces of alkaloid, fixed oil, sugar and fat, non-saponifiable portion of oil consists of dibenzylurea and dibenzlethiourea.

Leaf: β-sitosterol, glucotropaeolin, terpenes and flavonoids.

Roots: β-sitosterol and elementral γ- monoclinic sulphur (S-8) and glucotropaeolin isolated from root.

Traditional Medicinal uses

The most common medicinal use of Meswak tree is for oral care. Its twigs are used for teeth cleaning by chewing. This use gives the tree many names such as Chewing stick, Natural toothbrush and Miswak. Meswak sticks are very effective in preventing dental cavities. This is due to its antibacterial properties and presence of fluoride, chloride, silica, tannin etc. Studies prove the strong anti-cavity effect is due to presence of large amount of fluorides in it. Silica helps to remove stains and plaque. Tannins have as astringent action and reduces gingivitis and other dental diseases.

In studies it was shown, Miswak stick chewing produced significant increases in calcium (22-fold) and chloride (6-fold), and significant decreases in phosphate and pH. The saturation of saliva with calcium inhibits demineralization and promotes mineralization of tooth enamel, whereas high concentration of chloride inhibits calculus formation.

It also protects against gum irritation. Meswak tooth sticks relieves toothache, gum disease and prevents plaque. Meswak is also used in preparation of toothpaste.

Tree leaves have diuretic, analgesic, antibacterial and antifertility properties. Leaves are used for treating cough and asthma, piles, tumours and scurvy. These are antidote to all type of poison. Leaf juice is given to treat vitamin C deficiency. The decoction is given to treat cough, cold, asthma etc. In rheumatism, heated leaves are applied on affected body areas. Poultice is applied on piles, tumours etc. The leaves are also used as fodder. It increases lactation in cows.

The fruits are edible and have aphrodisiac, carminative, emollient and laxative. These are used to cures urinary calculi, biliary calculi and arthritis.

The seed oil is used in rheumatic pain, diabetes, spleen and stomach disorders.

The root bark of tree is used to treat gonorrhoea, general body pain, back pain, spleen trouble, headaches and stomach-aches. Roots are used for chest diseases.

Cumin seeds which we used commonly in our kitchen is also known as Safed or Shwet Jeera. It is used in Indian kitchen as whole seeds or in powder form. It is one of the ingredient of spice mixtures that are used in preparation of curries. The botanical name of cumin is Cuminum cyminum and belongs to family Umbelliferae. It is a medicinal spice that can be used to treat various common ailments. It is given to breastfeeding mothers to improve quantity of breast milk. During pregnancy, its use in less amount does not pose risk but when taken in excess it may stimulate uterine muscles and labour.

By Sanjay Acharya (Own work) [GFDL or CC-BY-SA-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

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Vernacular names

• Sanskrit : Ajaji, Jiraka, Ajajika
• Assamese : Jira
• Bengali : Jira, Sadajira
• English : Cumin seed, Cumin
• Gujarati : Jirautmi, Jirn, Jiraugi, Jeeru, Jirun
• Hindi : Jira, Safed jira
• Kannada : Jirage, Bilejirege
• Kashmiri : Safed Zoor
• Malayalam : Jeerakam
• Marathi : Pandhare jire
• Oriya : Dhalajeera, Dalajira, Jira
• Punjabi : Safed Jira, Chitta Jira
• Tamil : Sheeragam, Chirakam, Jeerakam
• Telugu : Jilakarra, Tella Jilakarra
• Urdu : Zirah, Zirasafed
• Persian: Zireh-Sabz or Cravieh
• Spanish: comino
• French: cumin
• Italian: cumino
• Arabic: kammun, kemouyn
• Indonesian: (d)jinten
• Malay: jintan puteh
• Sinhalese: cheeregum, jeera, su(du)duru

Distribution

Cumin is native to the Mediterranean region. It was originally cultivated in Iran and the Mediterranean region. In India it is cultivated in Punjab and Uttar Pradesh.

Cumin plant

Cumin plant is an annual herbaceous plant which grows up to 15-50 cm height. It has a long, white root. The leaves are 5-10 cm long, pinnate or bi-pinnate, with thread-like leaflets, blue green in colour and are finely divided. Whitish-red flowers are on a compound umbel. Fruits are elongated, oval shaped schizocarp.

Cumin seeds are sown in Feb-March and flowers in June and July. Seeds ripe after four months of planting. Cultivation of cumin requires a long, hot summer of 3-4 months with daytime temperatures around 30 °C. The plant is resistant to drought and requires fertile well-drained soil.

Ayurvedic Properties and action

• As per Ayurveda, jeerak or cumin seeds has following properties.
• Rasa (Taste): Katu (pungent)
• Guna (Characteristics): Laghu/Light, Ruksha/dry, tikshna (sharp)
• Virya (Potency): Ushna/Hot
• Vipaka (Post Digestive Effect): Katu/Pungent
• Effects on Tridoshas (Humor): Pacifies all the three doshas.
• Tissues on which it works: Spleen and liver

• Action: Dipana (means digestive stimulant, the action of kindling agni), Grahi (means anti-diarrhea, binds stool), Krimighna (removes worms), kapa-vata har, Pachana (means digest ama/toxins), Ruchya (means stimulate taste).

Medicinal uses of Cumin or Jeera

Cumin seeds are antimicrobial, anti-diabetic, antiepileptic, antifertility, anticancer, antioxidant and immunomodulatory. These medicinal properties are due to presence of various chemical constituents such as volatile oil 2.5 to 4.5%, 10 % fixed oil, proteins etc. The volatile oil mainly consists of 30 to 50% cuminaldehyde, small quantities of a-pinene, b-pinene, phellandrene, cuminic alcohol, hydrated cuminaldehyde and hydro cuminine.

Here is given, how to use this very common spice for medicinal purpose. Cumin seeds are used traditionally to stimulate menstruation, so do not use in pregnancy.

Improving breast milk: Eating roasted cumin seeds helps to improve quantity of breast milk in new mother. Make laddu of roasted cumin seeds and wheat flour. Or roast cumin in ghee and add in Daal and eat.

Uterine fibroid: For making this medicine, take equal amount of dried flowers of Woodfordia floribunda (Dhataki), Cuminum cyminum (Jeera) and Symplocos racemosa (Lodra). All three ingredients are powdered. These powders are mixed with jaggery or crushed raisins. Large pill or bolus are prepared. One bolus twice a day is prescribed.

Digestive weakness, Deranged Vata/wind: Take cumin seeds powder 4 grams with jaggery, an hour before eating meal.

Ajeerna, indigestion, colic: Roast cumin seeds 3-6 g and make powder. Mix with rock-salt and take with warm water thrice daily.

Diarrhoea: Roast cumin seed 3 g and grind to make powder. Add this in glass of Chhachh or curd and take orally 3-4 times a day.

Fever, Visham jwar: Take cumin seeds powder 5 grams. Extract 20 ml Kachnaar bark juice. Mix the two and take thrice a day. Eat 1-3 g. powder of cumin seeds with jaggery twice a day.

Hyper-acidity: Take 12-24 g. ghee boiled with cumin and coriander seeds twice a day

Insomnia, difficult sleeping: Roast 3 grams cumin seeds and make powder by grinding. Mix this in mashed banana and eat before going to bed.

Painful swelling in piles: To get relief from painful swelling in piles, make a simple preparation by boiling 5 grams cumin seeds in 400 ml water till volume reduces to 100 ml. Filter this and add sugar. Drink this twice a day.

Parasitic worms: Take 15 grams cumin seeds and boil in 400 ml water till volume reduces to 100 ml. Filter and drink.

Leucorrhoea, abnormal bleeding: Take cumin seeds powder with misri/sugar candy twice a day.

Scorpion sting: Make a paste of cumin seeds, salt and ghee. Mix honey and apply at place of sting.

Spider sting: Make a paste of dry ginger powder (sonth) and cumin powder. Apply externally on place of sting.

Drinking cumin tea is very good for health. It is beneficial in treating digestive, respiratory and urinary problems. Cumin tea has sedative effect and if it is taken at night helps to induce sleep. This tea helps to improve breast milk in lactating mothers and also shrinking of uterus to normal state.

Fennel is sweet aromatic seeds of plant Foeniculum vulgare and used as kitchen spice. Many of us sometimes use this for curing digestive troubles. New mothers are given fennel water for increasing breast milk. Children and babies are given fennel tea in small amount to cure colic. This aromatic herb is useful in abdominal gas, burning syndrome, vomiting, low appetite etc. It is also chewed as a mouth freshener after having meals. Chewing fennel also stimulates bile flow and helps in better food digestion. Here is given the information about fennel plant, seeds, its medicinal uses, the way it should be used and some other details.

Credit of Image: By Andy RobertsCC BY-ND 2.0via flickr

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Botanical name: Foeniculum vulgare Mill.

Family : Umbelliferae; Apiaceae

Vernacular names of Fennel

• Sanskrit: Satapuspa
• Assamese : Guvamuri
• Bengali : Marui, Panmauri
• English : Fannel Fruit
• Gujrati : Variyali
• Hindi : Saunf
• Kannada : Badisompu, Doddasompu
• Kashmiri : Sanuf, Badnai
• Malayalam : Kattusatakuppa, Parinjaeragum
• Marathi : Badishop
• Oriya : Panamadhuri
• Punjabi : Saunf
• Tamil : Shombu
• Telugu : Sopu
• Ayurvedic: Mishreya, Mishi, Madhurika, Madhura, Shatapushpa, Shataahva.
• Unani: Baadiyaan, Saunf.
• Siddha/Tamil: Sombu

Fennel plant

Fennel plant is aromatic perennial, erect, glabrous, 1-2 m high plant which is cultivated extensively throughout India up to 1830 m and also sometimes found wild. It is native to Southern Europe and Mediterranean region but now has become widely naturalised in many parts of the world.

The plant has feathery leaves and green-yellow flowers. The fruits are dry seed and 4–10 mm long. As spice the seeds of plant are used. The fruits ripen in September, stems are cut with sickles and put up in loose sheaves to dry in sun. On drying, fruits are beaten out in a cloth in sun, cleaned by winnowing and collected. Dried fennel seeds are aromatic, anise-flavoured spice, brown or green in colour when fresh and slowly turns dull grey as the seed ages.

Ayurvedic Properties and Action of Fennel seeds

Fennel seeds are tonic that improves body immunity and removes toxins. As mentioned in Ayurveda, It has following properties and action.

1. Rasa (Taste): Madhura/Sweet, Katu (pungent), Tikta/Bitter
2. Guna (Characteristics): Laghu/Light, Ruksha/Dry
3. Virya (Potency): Sheet/ Cool
4. Vipaka (Post Digestive Effect): Madhura/Sweet
5. Action: Anulomana/carminative, Balya (increase strength and are tonifying), Dipana (Digestive stimulant), Vata-pitta-hara (Balances Vata and Pitta), Amadosha-hara (removes toxins)
6. Therapeutic uses - Pain, Agnimandya/digestive weakness, Kasa/Cough, Pravahika, Raktadosha, Arsha

Medicinal uses of Fennel seeds

Fennel seeds are used traditionally for treatment of digestive problems. Its internal use gives relief in gas, bloating, colic, nausea, inflammation and cough. The seeds also have ability to stimulate breast milk and is a useful remedy for breastfeeding mothers. Fennel gives relief in bronchitis and cough. Fennel stimulates movements of the digestive system, and the transit of the contents within it. It also stimulate bile flow from the liver. Fennel seeds contains fixed oil from 15 to 30% and a volatile essential oil up to 12%. The fruit also contains flavonoids, iodine, kaempferols, umbelliferone and stigmasterol and ascorbic acid, traces of aluminium, barium, lithium, copper, manganese, silicon and titanium. Fennel contains aroma active compounds anethole which is an active estrogenic agent. Below is given, how to use fennel seeds for treatment of many common ailments.

Digestive weakness: For improving digestion, soak 25 grams of fennel seeds in 250 ml water for two hours. Filter and use the macerate at short intervals.

Diarrhoea, dysentery: Take 3-6 grams powdered seeds, add in glass of buttermilk and drink twice a day.

Abdominal pain, colic: In case of pain in abdomen, take 3-6 gram seeds powder and 2 gram Saindhava (rock-salt) with water thrice daily. Or chew 3-6 grams fennel.

Bad breath, mouth freshener: Chew 1 teaspoon fennel.

Hyperacidity: Fennel seeds in combination with Poha (Rice flakes) are useful in managing hyperacidity. Take poha and fennel in equal proportion and reduced them to powder. Take 30g of this powder and soak in one litre of water overnight. Next day this liquid is to be taken during the day whenever thirsty. Or take 3-6 grams seeds powder with coconut water or water two times a day.

Nausea, vomiting: If you are suffering from nausea, vomiting then boil 5 gm fennel in 250 ml milk. Filter, add some sugar and drink.

Constipation: In constipation, add Gulkand and fennel in one glass milk and drink before going to bed.

Insomnia, headache: In insomnia and headache add 5 gm in glass of water and drink.

Glowing skin, antioxidant, improving immunity: For glowing skin eat 6 gm fennel, two times daily in morning and evening.

Burning sensation: To get relief from burning sensation, mix equal quantity of coriander seeds and fennel seeds. Grind both to make fine powder. Add some misri/sugar candy and eat 1 spoon after meal with water.

Headache: For pain in head fennel can be used externally. Make paste of fennel with chandan and apply on forehead.