Rasottamadi Lepam is an Ayurvedic formulation prepared from nine ingredients which include purified mercury, sulphur, red lead, red orpiment and medicinal herbs. This medicine is for external use and applied topically on many skin diseases.

What is Lepa: Lepa means a medicine in form of paste that needs to be applied externally on affected body areas. The medicinal herbs are pulverised to get fine powder. This powder is mixed with some liquid or other medium indicated in each preparation and made into a soft paste. Water, cow's urine, oil, and ghee are some of the media used for mixing.

Here is given more about Rasottamadi Lepa such as indication/therapeutic uses, composition and direction for use.

Key Ingredients of Rasottamadi Lepa

Each 1 part: Minerals: Rasa Purified Mercury, Sindura Red lead, Daityendra (Gandhaka) Purified Sulphur, Manashila Red orpiment

Medicinal herbs: Shwet Jiraka Cumin seed fruit Cuminum cyminum, Krishna Jiraka fruit Nigella sativa Haridra Turmeric Rhizome Curcuma Longa, Daruharidra Tree turmeric stem Berberis aristata, Maricha Black pepper fruit Piper nigrum

Method of Preparation

Kajjali of rasa and gandhaka is made first. Manshila and Sindur are separately ground and mixed with Kajjali. The fine powders of other drugs are added and mixed well in a khalva till the powder becomes dark.

Uses of Rasottamadi Lepa

Rasottamadi Lepa is applied topically on Pama (Eczema), Kandu (Itching), Vicarcika (Eczema) and chronic ulcers.

How to use Rasottamadi Lepa

This is for external use ONLY. It is to be mixed with ghee or coconut oil and applied externally.

Dashang Lepa is polyherbal Ayurvedic preparation. This medicine is for external use and indicated in diseases of skin and arthritis.

Dashang Lepa is prepared from ten medicinal herbs. The detailed composition of this formulation is given below. This formulation is generally safe and dermatological manifestations are extremely rare.

What is Lepa: Lepa means a medicine in form of paste that needs to be applied externally on affected body areas. The medicinal herbs are pulverised to get fine powder. This powder is mixed with some liquid or other medium indicated in each preparation and made into a soft paste. Water, cow's urine, oil, and ghee are some of the media used for mixing.

Here is given more about Dashang Lep such as indication/therapeutic uses, Key Ingredients and direction for use.

Key Ingredients of Dashanga Lepa

Each is taken in equal amount: Shirisha stem bark (Albizzia lebbeck), Yashtimadhu root (Glycyrrhiza glabra), Tagara rhizome (Valeriana wallichi), Rakta chandana heart wood(Pterocarpus santalinus), Ela seed (Elettaria cardomum), Jatamanshi (Nardostachys jatamansi) rhizome, Haridra rhizome (Curcuma longa), Daruharidra stem (Berberis aristata), Kushta rooy (Saussurea lappa), and Sugandha bala root (Coleus vettiveroides)

Ghee QS

Uses of Dashanga Lepa

Dashanga Lepa has analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic activities. It applied externally to manage rheumatoid arthritis.

It is applied topically in treatment of conditions such as visarpa (herpes), Visha visphota (skin eruptions due to poison), hyperpigmentation, wounds and Dushta vrana (non-healing wound).

In cough and fever, this formulation is massaged on and around chest.

How to use Dashanga Lepa

This is for external use ONLY. Apply on affected areas and massage gently.

Karpura Rasa is a metallic-herbal Ayurvedic formulation. This medicine contains Hingul, Karpura, along with four other herbal ingredients. Hingula is metallic compound and is sulphide of mercury, HgS. The herbal part include Kapoor, opium, musta, Indrayava and jatiphala. The medicine improves digestion, reduces fever and cures diarrhoea. This formulation is very useful in treatment of chronic diarrhoea, dysentery and sprue.

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

Key Ingredients of Karpura Rasa

This medicine is prepared from 6 natural products which are taken in equal proportion.

Suddha Hingula, Suddha Ahiphena (Papaver somniferum), Mustaka (Cyperus rotundus), Indrayava (Wrightia antidysenterica), Jatiphala (Myristica fragrans), Karpura (Cinnamomum camphora)

Uses of Karpura Rasa

Karpura Rasa is given to patients in condition of diarrhoea with fever, chronic diarrhoea and bacillary dysentery. This medicine is also indicated in cholera or haija, Sangrahni (Sprue), pitta-atisaar.

A clinical investigation has shown that Karpura Rasa improved liver synthetic activity, reduced lipids level and increased kidney function parameters and concluded this medicine will be especially very useful in chronic diarrhea, dysentery and fever for those patients who have diabetes also.

Dosage of Karpura Rasa

The recommended dosage of Karpura Rasa is 125-250 mg, twice a day. The medicine should be taken with honey or pomegranate juice. Or take as directed by physician.

Brihatyadi Kashayam is multi herbal Ayurvedic formulation. Kashayam or also known as kwath, kadha or decoction. The decoction are prepared by boiling medicinal herbs in water as per formula of medicine. The main ingredient of this medicine is Tribulus terrestris or Gokhru. This medicinal herb has diuretic and anti-stone formation (Antiurolithiatic) activities. Clinical investigations show its affectivity in preventing the deposition of stones in the urinary bladder.

The other ingredients are choti, badi kateri, shalaparni and prishparni.

Solanum indicum or brihati/badi Keteri, is indicated in urinary problems, painful urination. Solanum xanthocarpum or Kantkari/ choti Keteri has diuretic, laxative properties and is useful in painful urination. Uraria picta/Prishniparni and Shalparni/Desmodium gangeticum are used together and helps in better functioning of urinary system. Shalparni is a diuretic and used in dysuria. It strengthens urinary system.

The whole combination of herbs makes this medicine an effective drug to treat urinary ailments.

This medicine is also available in tablet form.

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

Key Ingredients of Brihatyadi Kashayam

Below is listed all ingredients of Brihatyadi kasahayam:

In each 10 ml: Brihati 3.703g, Kantakari 3.703g, Prishniparni 3.703g, Shalaparni 3.703g, Gokshura 7.406g

Uses of Brihatyadi Kashayam

This medicine is useful in urinary discharge, painful urination, stones in urinary tract, kidney stones, and inflammation of bladder.

Dosage of Brihatyadi Kashayam

The recommended dosage of Brihatyadi Kashayam is 2 tablets, twice a day after having meal.

In liquid form, this medicine should be taken in dose of 15ml with equal amount of water, twice a day. Or take as directed by physician.

Ealdi Churna is a classical herbal Ayurvedic medicine. This medicine is referenced from Bhaisajya ratnavali and used for Chjardirogadhikara. Chardi is Ayurvedic term for vomiting, that can be caused due to excess vata/wind, pitta/bile, kapha/mucous etc. The key ingredient in this medicine is ela or cardamom. Eladi churna is used for treating common digestive and respiratory ailments.

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

Key Ingredients of Ealdi Churna

Following is given complete list of ingredients

1. Ela cardamom (Seed) 1 Part
2. Lavanga (Fl. Bd.) 1 Part
3. Gajakeshara (Nagakeshara) (Stmn.) 1 Part
4. Kolamajja (Kola) (P.) 1 Part
5. Laja (Seed) 1 Part
6. Priyagu (Fl.) 1 Part
7. Ghana (Musta) (Rz.) 1 Part
8. Candana (Shveta candana) (Ht.Wd.) 1 Part
9. Pippali (Fr.) 1 Part

Uses of Ealdi Churna

Eladi churna has gas relieving, appetite promoting, digestive stimulating and antiemetic properties.

Eladi powder is used for treating vomiting, indigestion, anorexia, excessive thirst, diseases due to excess pitta/bile, cough, asthma etc. Eladi churna is especially useful for treating pittaj chardi (vomit is hot, bitter, sour, pungent).

Dosage of Ealdi Churna

The recommended dosage of Ealdi Churna is 2-8 tablets, or 1-4 grams 2-3 times a day. This medicine should be taken with honey or misri. Or take as directed by physician.

Ginger is a wonder herb that is used as an aromatic spice and medicine for hundreds of year. This spice is the underground rhizomes stem of a creeping perennial plant Zingiber officinale. It is native to Southeast Asia and now commercially cultivated in nearly every tropical and subtropical country in the world. In India, ginger is mainly cultivated in Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and Maharashtra.

Forest & Kim Starr[ CC-BY-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

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Ginger is used both in dried and fresh form. Dried ginger is known as Sunthi or sonth in Hindi. Many Ayurvedic medicines contains it as an ingredient. One such famous and well known medicine is Trikatu. Trikatu means three pungent, and contains Sunthi or dry ginger powder with peppers (black and long pepper).

Scientific classification

Kingdom:Plantae Division:Angiospermae Class:Monocotyledoneae Order:Scitamineae Family:Zingiberaceae Genus:Zingiber Species:officinale

Latin name:Zingiber officinale Rosc. Family:Zingiberaceae

Vernacular names

Fresh ginger:Sanskrit:Aardraka, Aadrika, Shrngibera Bengali:Ada English:Ginger Gujrati:Adu Hindi:Adarakha Kannada:Alla, Hasishunti Malayalam:Inchi Marathi:Ardrak, Ale Punjabi:Adi, Adrak Tamil:Injee, Allam, lakottai, Inji Telugu:Allamu, Allam Urdu:Adrak

Dried ginger: Sanskrit:Shunthi, Aushadha, Muhaushadha, Nagara, Vishvaa, Vishvabheshaja, Vishvaushadh Assamese:Adasuth, Aadar Shuth Bengali:Suntha, Sunthi Gujrati:Sunth, Sundh, Suntha Hindi:Sonth Kannada:Shunthi Kashmiri:Shonth Malayalam:Chukku Marathi:Sunth Oriya:Sunthi Punjabi:Sund Tamil:Sukku, Chukku Telugu:Sonthi, Sunti Urdu:Sonth, Zanjabeel

Ginger Constituents

Fresh ginger:Volatile Oil containing Cineole zingiberol, and sesquiterpene like zingiberene, bisobolene and sesqui phellandrene, gingerosol in the oleo-resin.

Dried ginger or Sunthi/Sonth:Essential oil, pungent constituents (gingerol and shogaol), resinous matter and starch.

Ayurvedic Properties and Action of Ginger

Ginger is warming in nature. Its oral intake reduces vata/wind, kapha/mucous and increases pitta/bile. It works on all tissues of body. It stimulates digestive system and kindles digestive fire. It has expectorant action. Its ayurvedic properties and action are given below.

Fresh ginger:

1. Rasa (Taste):Katu (pungent)
2. Guna (Characteristics):Guru/Heavy, Ruksha/Dry, Tikshna/Sharp
3. Virya (Potency):Ushna/Hot
4. Vipaka (Post Digestive Effect):Madhura/Sweet

Dried ginger or Sonth:

1. Rasa (Taste):Katu (pungent)
2. Guna (Characteristics):Laghu/Light, Snigdha/Unctuous
3. Virya (Potency):Ushna/Hot
4. Vipaka (Post Digestive Effect):Madhura/Sweet
5. Karma (Action):Deepana (stimulates digestive), Pachana (digestive), Hrdya (good for heart), Anulomana (creates movement) etc.

Benefits of Ginger

Ginger is a useful remedy to treat many common digestive and respiratory ailments. Ginger tea is an excellent remedy for common cold, cough and flu. It has inflammation reducing and pain relieving property due to which it gives relief in joint pain, arthritis, rheumatism and similar condition. It is a handy remedy to treat nausea, vomiting, motion sickness and morning sickness. Ginger stimulates blood circulation and aids in detoxification. Chewing a piece of ginger, sprinkled with black salt, after meals solves many digestion related complaints (indigestion, gas, digestive weakness etc).

Medicinal uses of Ginger

Ginger works as medicine due to presence of various phytochemicals. Phytochemicals are the various biologically active compounds found in plants. Gingerols and shogaols found in ginger have analgesic, antipyretic, antiprostaglandin, hepatoprotective, and hypotensive properties. The other constituents of Ginger include zingibain, bisabolenel, oleoresins, starch, essential oils (zingiberene, zingiberole, camphene, cineol, borneol), mucilage, and protein. Due to presence of such active compounds ginger stimulates digestion, assimilation, relieves gas, increases muscular activity in the digestive tract and gives relief in respiratory ailments. It also significantly reduces nausea and vomiting. Ginger is an antioxidant that protects body cells and improves body immunity to fight infections.

Ginger is available in fresh and dried form. Dried form is more warming compared to fresh form. In treatment of nausea, vomiting, digestive complaints dried form should be used. Fresh form is more suitable for respiratory ailments such as cold, cough and flu.

Cold, cough and flu:

Ginger is very good remedy for cold, cough and flu condition. It acts as expectorant, relieves phlegm and infections.

Drinking ginger tea gives relief in cold and cough.

Ginger juice (5 ml) with honey (5 ml) is a useful remedy for cough and cold. It should be taken 2-3 times a day. This can also be taken as preventive measure for fever, cold cough, and flu.

Bronchitis

Boil 5 gram dry ginger powder in 1 glass water. Cook till volume reduces to half. Filter and drink.

Improving appetite

Ginger improves appetite. For this purpose, 2 gram dried powder of ginger or Sunthi should be taken with ghee or hot water in morning.

Chewing piece of ginger or eating ginger pickle is also helpful.

Pharyngitis, loss of voice due to shouting, rhinitis, tonsillitis

In such cases, ginger piece should be chewed with clove and some salt.

Indigestion

Ginger stimulates digestive enzymes secretion. It also relaxes and soothes the intestinal tract and helps in removal of toxins from body. Drinking ginger tea in condition of excessive gas, indigestion and flatulence is very helpful. Sunthi can be taken in dose of 2-4 grams a day to cure indigestion.

In case of indigestion due to heavy meal, mix ginger juice (1/2 tablespoon) with mint and lemon juice (both 1 tablespoon) and take.

Or soak freshly cut thin pieces of ginger in lemon juice. Add some salt and chew few pieces after meal.

Digestive weakness

Ginger has stimulatory effect on digestion. In case of sluggish digestion mix, 5 ml ginger juice with 5 ml onion juice and drink.

Loss of appetite

Ginger is appetite stimulant. Eating ginger mixed with salt for a week helps to remove toxins from body and increasing appetite.

Migraine

If taken regularly it helps to reduce the occurrence of migraine attacks.

Pain during Menstruation

Ginger reduces the pain during periods. For this ginger tea with brown sugar can be taken.

Diabetes

Ginger lowers lipid, cholesterol and blood glucose level. All these properties are even confirmed by modern science. The juice of ginger reduces serum glucose levels in experimental animals.

For diabetic patient including ginger in daily diet reduces the chance of kidney damage. Ginger juice can also be taken in recommended dose.

Nausea and vomiting, motion sickness

Ginger has anti-vomiting action and is very effective in relieving the severity of nausea and vomiting. It should be taken in dose of one gram.

Constipation

When suffering from constipation mix ginger juice with ajwain and lemon juice and drink.

Premature ejaculation, impotency, spermatorrhoea

The common home remedy is to take ginger juice 5 ml, with one boiled egg and honey daily once a day, at night for one month.

Dose of ginger

The recommended dose of ginger is 3-9 g for fresh ginger;2-5 g for dried powder, to be taken 1 to 3 times a day.

Few important points

1. There are few conditions in which ginger is contraindicated. Such conditions are gallstones, acidity, peptic ulcer, ulcers, and in a persons with aggravated pitta.
2. Ginger may amplify blood-thinning drug activities. It may cause reaction when taken in combination with anticoagulant medicines such as aspirin.
3. Ginger has strong antiplatelet (decrease platelet aggregation and inhibit thrombus formation) activity, so experts recommend it should not be used by people with blood clotting disorders.
4. Ginger intake should be avoided in low platelet counts. During pregnancy, it should not be taken in excess.
5. So use it cautiously.

The common name of Solanum nigrum is black nightshade or Makoy (Hindi). It belongs to family Solanaceae. This plant grows as weed in waste lands all across India. In traditional medicine system, Makoi is used for treatment of many ailments such as inflammation, pain, liver diseases, fever etc. The plant leaves are cooked like vegetable and eaten. The fresh leaves juice is taken orally in form of fresh juice or decoction for treating disease. The whole plant is used for medicinal purpose. In many parts of country, the roots are boiled and given to women to boost fertility. The root juice is used as medicine for asthma and whooping cough.

Scientific classification

Kingdom:Plantae Order:Solanales Family:Solanales Genus:Solanum Species:nigrum

Latin name:Solanum nigrum Linn. Synonym:S. rubrum Mill.

There are two varieties of plant, one bears black fruit other red fruits. The black berry fruits are considered toxic.

Active Constituents

Major active components are glycoalkaloids, glycoproteins, and polysaccharides. It also contains polyphenolic compounds such as gallic acid, catechin, protocatechuic acid, caffeic acid, epicatechin, rutin, and naringenin.

Vernacular names

Sanskrit name:Kakamachi Bengali:Gudakamai English:Common nightshade, Garden Night Shade Gujrati:Piludi Hindi:Makoya Kannada:Ganikayeagida, Ganikegida, ganike, Ganikesopu, Kage hanninagids Malayalam:Karinthakkali, Manatakkali, Manjathakkali Marathi:Kamoni Oriya:Lunlunia, Lunilunika Punjabi:Mako Tamil:Manarthakkali, Manaththakkali, Manitakkali, Maniththakkali Telugu:Kamanchi Urdu:Makoh, mako

Plant Distribution

Herbaceous annual weed, 30-45 cm high, found throughout India in dry parts;quite common in cultivated lands, road sides and gardens. S. nigrum is also distributed in temperate Asia, Japan, Europe and Africa.

Medicinal uses of Solanum nigrum or Makoi

Solanum nigrum is used for treatment of diseases for hundreds of years. It has expectorant, analgesic, sedative, diaphoretic properties. It is external application cures skin diseases and gives relief in burns, itching, pain etc. As per Ayurveda, this plant is hot is potency and balances tridosha. Some important formulations that contain the dried plant of Solanum nigrum aree Maha vishgarbha ras, Rasaraja Rasa.

Here is listed some of the common medicinal uses of Kakamachi or Makoi (S. nigrum).

Arthritis, joint pain, rheumatism

Poultice of leaves is prepared and applied externally on the painful joints.

Insomnia or sleeplessness

For insomnia roots of the plant are used. The roots are boiled in water and a decoction is prepared which is filtered and taken 10-20 ml.

Pain in ears

The lukewarm juice of leaves is used as ear drop to get relief from pain in ears.

Stomatitis

Stomatitis is inflammation of the mucous membrane of the mouth. This disease is known as Mukh-Pak in Hindi. For this ailment, chewing 5-6 leaves of plant is helpful.

Enlargement of liver

In this condition, juice of plant is given. Fresh juice is extracted and heated in earthen vessel till it changes colour. This is given in dose of 25-50 ml for few days.

Spleen enlargement

In spleen enlargement, the decoction of plant is prepared. In this decoction sendha namak and cumin seeds are added and taken.

Skin diseases, ring worms, rabies

A paste of leaves is prepared and applied externally.

Stomach-ache, stomach ulcer, cough

The fresh leaves are cooked like vegetable by adding onion and jeera and eaten. The fresh leaves juice is also taken for curing the same.

Side-effects

Makoi or S. nigrum contains glycoalkaloid solanine. Solanine has varying degrees of toxicity in a dose dependent manner. The toxicity of plant depends on the climate, soil type, season, and maturity. The green unripe berries are generally considered more toxic than the ripe berries. Few cases of poisoning after eating berries of plant are also reported. By cooking, boiling (decoction) the toxic components are destroyed as the plant is reported to be edible after cooking.

Mainphal, Madan, Emetic nut tree are few common names of plant Randia dumetorum (synonym xeromphis spinosa) belonging to family Rubiaceae. Mainphal is used in various traditional medicine system for treatment of various ailments. This tree is found almost throughout India up to 4, 000 ft attitude. It is found in Himalaya, Dehradun, Bengal, Bihar, Orissa, South Maharashtra and costal districts of south India. It is a medicinal tree that treat cough, asthma, ulcers and many other ailments.

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

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Latin name:Xeromphis Spinosa Synonym:Randia dumetorum Poir., R. spinosa Poir., R. brandisii Gamble., R. longispina;Catunaregam spinosa (Thumb.) Tirveng

Family:Rubiaceae

Distribution

Found in sub-Himalayan tracts extending eastwards in Sikkim up to 1200 m and southwards to Peninsular India.

Vernacular names of Madan or Randia dumetorum

Sanskrit:Madani, Madana, Vamanaphala, Teevragandhi, Assamese:Maen, Bengali:Mainaphal, Mayanaphal, English:Emetic nut, Gujrati:Mindhal, Mindhol, Mindhar, Hindi:Manphal, Kannada:Mangarikai, Karigidda, Madanaphala Maggrekai, Kari, Maggare Kayi, Kashmiri:Madanfal, Malayalam:Malankara, Malamkarakka, Marathi:Gal, Galphala, Giephala, Madanphala, Oriya:Maena, Madana, Punjabi:Mindhal, Rara, Manphal, Tamil:Marukkarai, Telugu:Mranga Kaya, Monga Kaya, Urdu:Mainphal, Jauz-ul-Qai, Ayurvedic names:Madana, Chhardana, Pindi, Shalayaka, Vishapushpaka, Unani:Mainphal, Jauz-ul-Qai, Siddha:Marukkaaraikai, Madkarai, Folk:Mainphal, Arabic:Jauzulaki, Jijul kai

Plant Description

Small deciduous tree, shrubby with stout axillary spins;Leaves:fascicled on the suppressed branches, 3.2-5.7 cm long, obovate, ovate or ovate-lanceolate, roundish or shortly obtuse;Flowers:subsessile in axillary fascicles;corolla 2 cm long, at first white, afterwards becoming yellow;Fruit:about 4 cm across, a yellowish berry, globose or broadly ovoid, crowned with the large calyx limb.

Ayurvedic properties and action

1. Rasa (Taste):Tikta/Bitter, Madhura/Sweet
2. Guna (Characteristics):Laghu/Light, Ruksha/Dry,
3. Virya (Potency):Ushna/Hot
4. Vipaka (Post Digestive Effect):Katu/Pungent
5. Action on body
6. Vaman (induce vomiting) and Lekhana (reduce fatty tissue and support weight loss)

Medicinal uses of Randia dumetorum

In Ayurveda, various parts of Randia dumetorum or Madan phala/Mainphal are used to pacify vitiated pitta and kapha/mucous, and to treat cough, skin diseases, ulcers, asthma, flatulence, colic. The fruit is especially used as a medicine for emesis therapy (treating by inducing vomiting). The fruit of plant has anti-inflammatory/ inflammation reducing, emetic/inducing vomiting and abortifacient/abortion causing properties. The tree bark is applied externally to relieve pain of bruises and rheumatism.

Deranged vata-kapha

Some diseases occur due to vitiation of vata and kapha. For treating such ailments, take 2-3 mainphal. Remove outer skin. Crush them and soak in half cup water at night. Next morning, mash the fruit and filter the water. Drink this to induce vomiting.

Asthma

The traditional remedy is to mix dried powder of Mainphal, Arka mula bark, and Mulheti in equal amount. Taking 2 grams of this powder gives relief in asthma.

Inducing vomiting

1. In hot water, add Mainphal seed powder, Sendha namak (each 6 g) and Pippali churna (1 g). Drink this to induce vomiting to get relief from excessive pitta and kapha.
2. Soak Mainphal seed powder (3-6g) in water (25 ml) for an hour. Grind in mortar and pestle. Add honey and sendha namak and drink empty stomach.
3. The powder of seeds in dose of 2-4 grams with water can also be used.

Abdominal pain

Make paste of the fruit with vinegar and apply externally around naval.

Dose of Mainphal or Randia dumetorum

0.5 -1.0 g of the drug in powder form for decoction. 3-6 g of the drug for induction of vomiting

Stevia is a natural sweetener without any calorie. It is native to North-eastern Paraguay in South America and now cultivated in China, Brazil, Korea, Mexico, United States, Indonesia, Tanzania and India. Stevia leaves are sweet due to presence of sweet steviol glycoside which is composed of glucose, sophorose and steviol. It is also known as Stevia, Sweet leaf, Sweet herb of Paraguay, Honey leaf and Candy leaf. The unprocessed leaves of this herb are about fifteen times and the extract (in form of steviosides) is hundred times sweeter than sugar. It has been used to sweeten tea for centuries. It is hypoglycaemic and used in various parts of world in management of diabetes.

By Thesupermat (Own work)[ CC-BY-SA-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

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Botanical name: Stevia rebaudiana Synonym:Eupatorium rebaudianum Bertoni

Family: Asteraceae

The Stevia plant

Semi-humid subtropical perennial semi-shrub up to 30 cm in height;Leaves:sessile, 3-4 cm long, elongate-lanceolate or spatulate shape with blunt-tipped lamina, serrate margin from the middle to the tip and entire below. Upper surface of the leaf slightly glandular pubescent;stem:weak-pubescent at bottom and woody;Rhizome:slightly branching roots;Flowers;composite surrounded by an involucre of epicalyx, capitula in loose, irregular, sympodial cymes, light purple, pentamerous;fruit:five-ribbed spindle-shaped achene.

Some important medicinal properties of Stevia leaves

Due to presence of phytochemicals Stevia possess medicinal properties. It is sweet due to presence of glycosides. Since glycoside is not a carbohydrate based molecule so stevia is calorie free. This makes stevia suitable for obese people. Few research show whole leaf concentrate of stevia has regulating effect on pancreas which helps to stabilise blood sugar. Therefore it can be consumed by diabetic people to sweeten the dishes. Stevia is also used traditionally in high blood pressure, excessive abdominal gas, hyperacidity, nausea and obesity.

Stevia is even used externally. Stevia concentrate is applied to soften, tighten skin, reducing blemishes, acne, eczema, cuts and lip sores.

Following is given important medicinal properties of Stevia

1. Works against (Anti-):bacteria, cancer, fertility, diabetes, inflammation.
2. Calcium antagonist (reduces influx of calcium into the cells of heart and smooth muscle and thus reduces the strength of contractions, useful to treat angina and high blood pressure)
3. Reduces blood sugar level (Hypoglycemic), blood pressure (Hypotensive)
4. Contraceptive (prevent pregnancy)

Diseases in which Stevia is useful

Stevia can be safely used as replacement of table sugar in type 2 diabetes. Some studies suggest it has blood sugar lowering effect. Although much data is not available about its safety but it has been in use for hundreds of year in Paraguay and Brazil.

Use of Stevia is beneficial in following conditions:-

Diabetes, Hyperglycaemia, High Blood Pressure, Inflammation, Water Retention

Available forms of Stevia

Stevia leaves are available in different forms viz. fresh leaves, dried leaves, liquid, tablets, extracts, and powder.

The leaves can be used fresh or dried. The sweetness of dried leaves is more compared to fresh ones. The dried leaves can be used in preparation of tea, drinks and as replacement of table sugar. Like table sugar, these should be added as per taste. The leaves can be used to prepare tea, coffee, curries, muffins etc.

Stevia liquid concentrates are obtained by mixing extracts in distilled water or ethyl alcohol. Its few drops are sufficient to sweeten the recipes.

Stevia green powder is obtained by pulverising the dried leaves. It is green in colour and about twenty times sweeter than sugar. It can be used to prepare drinks and other dishes. Stevia powder has stronger after taste compared to other forms. Stevia white powder is obtained from the extract of stevia. This sweets 300 times to sugar.

Few Stevia Recipes

Stevia can be used in combination with table sugar, honey, jaggery, brown sugar, fruit juice etc. The extract can be used to sweeten bakery items, smoothies, ice creams etc. For bakery, stevia should be used along with sugar (as yeast requires sugar). Due to stevia stability at high temperature it can also be added to hot dishes.

Stevia mint infusion

This simple recipe requires crushed dried stevia leaves (1 teaspoon) and crushed dried mint leaves (1 teaspoon). The leaves are soaked in 2 glass water for about 8-12 hours. Then it is filtered and enjoyed chilled by adding ice cubes.

Stevia lemon Lemonade

This is prepared by soaking stevia leaves (1 teaspoon) in water (1-2 glass) for few hours. This is filtered and added with lemon juice (2-3 lemons).

Contraindications and Side Effects of Stevia

1. Safe to use as a sweetener.
2. Inadequate data regarding safety in pregnancy and lactation.
3. Limited data suggest it may be a contraceptive. Stevia extracts were found to decrease fertility of male rats.
4. Liquid leaf extracts significantly decrease plasma glucose levels after overnight fasting in 16 healthy adults.
5. Some expert believe Stevia may be hallucinogenic when taken in excess.

Most of the plants which are used as medicine are found growing as weed. One such plant that is edible and used as medicine is Amaranthus viridis. Its few common names are Jangali Chaulai (Hindi), Marissag, shak natey (Bengali) and pig weed. People cook its leaves as vegetable. It is an annual weed plant from family Amaranthaceae and genus Amaranthus. This plant is non-poisonous. But when it grows on lands where chemical fertilisers are used or the soil is nitrogen rich, then the plant leaves are found to be concentrated with nitrates. The concentrated nitrogen in leaves can produce harmful effects on oral intake. Otherwise this plant is non-toxic and produces no side-effect.

By J.M.Garg (Own work)[ GFDL or CC-BY-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

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Botanical name: Amaranthus viridis - L;SYNONYM:Amaranthus gracilis;Euxolus viridis (L.) Moq.;

Common Name(s): Calalu, Slender amaranth, Green Amaranth, Wild Amaranth, Green pigweed Bengali:Notey, Notey shak, Marissag Tribal Name:Ahu Mihim Ga (Marma)

Scientific classification

• Kingdom-Plantae (plantes, Planta, Vegetal plants)
• Subkingdom- Viridaeplantae (green plants)
• Infrakingdom- Streptophyta (land plants)
• Division-Tracheophyta (vascular plants, tracheophytes)
• Subdivision-Spermatophytina (spermatophytes, seed plants)
• Infradivision- Angiospermae (flowering plants, angiosperms)
• Class-Magnoliopsida
• Superorder-Caryophyllanae
• Order-Caryophyllales
• Family-Amaranthaceae (pigweed, amaranthes)
• Genus-Amaranthus L. (pigweed)
• Species-Amaranthus viridis (slender amaranth)

Chemical Constituents

The principal constituents are saponins. The plant contains sterols and fatty acids in the seeds. The stem and leaves contain oxalic acid.

Plant Description

Annual herb 30-60cm tall;Stem erect, branched, herbaceous, solid, glabrous, grooved;Leaves simple, not lobed or divided, opposite, stalked, ovate, glabrous on both sides, margin entire, apex acute, rounded or emarginated, base acute, rounded or truncate, pinnately veined, dark green;Flowers small, numerous, bisexual, grouped in a terminal spike, sessile, petals 3, green;Fruit capsule with rounded dark brown to black seeds.

Geographical Distribution, Habitat

The plant is native to Asia. It is found as a weed in tropical and subtropical regions, including West Indies, Africa, China, Japan and Indian subcontinent. It is cultivated in Congo, Gabon and Nigeria.

Medicinal Uses of Pig weed or Jangali Chaulai

Pig weed or Jangali Chaulai is an edible plant. Its leaves are cooked as spinach. The plant is also a cattle fodder. The plant leaves contain protein, fat, carbohydrates, fibre, calcium, phosphorus, iron, sodium, potassium and many vitamins (A, C, niacin). The seeds of plant contain protein and fat.

Traditionally plant is used to treat many diseases.

1. The leaves stimulates urines production and has purgative properties.
2. The root juice is given to treat inflammation during urination.
3. The decoction of whole plant is medicine for loose motion, dysentery and swelling.
4. Infusion of whole plant is used for removing toxins from blood.
5. The leaves are useful in treatment of constipation.
6. Poultice prepared from leaves is applied on inflammation, haemorrhoids, abscesses, gonorrhoea etc.

Seeds of plant are used in powdered form to cure eye diseases, vision problem and eyesight weakness. The method involves collection of seeds in September to November. The fresh seeds are dried in sun to remove the moisture. Removing moisture helps to store seeds for future use. Next is to take equal amount of dried anjeer and misri/candy sugar. All are ground to get fine powder and stored in bottle. This is used as a medicine to treat vision problems. Its dose is 15-20 grams with one cup water, twice a day for 1-2 weeks.

Sciatilon Soft Gel Capsules is polyherbal Ayurvedic proprietary medicine from Nagarjuna Ayurvedic Group. This formulation is indicated in Sciatica, and Lumbar spondylitis. The key ingredient of this medicine is Sahachar. The botanical name of this plant is Strobilanthes ciliatus, family Acanthaceae. This is found in Western Ghats from South Kanara to Travancore, in evergreen forests. It is also known as Kurinji, Sinnangurinji in Tamil. In Ayurveda, Sahachar is used for treating vata diseases, neurological disorders, sciatica, glandular swellings and oedema.

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

Key Ingredients of Sciatilon Capsules

Each Capsule is prepared out of Strobilanthus heynianus (Sahacharam), Withania somnifera (Aswagandha), Ricinus communis (Eranda), Alpinia galanga (Rasna), Sida rhombifolia (Bala), Cedrus deodara (Devadaru), Terminalia chebula (Haritaki), Thazhuthama (Punarnava), Plumbago rosea (Chithrak), Holoptelea integrifolia (Potheeka), Tribulus terrestris (Gokshura), Asparagus racemosus (Satavari), Vitex Negundo (Nirgundi), Zingiber officinallis (Sunthi), Ricinus communis Castor oil, Avanakenna Eranda thailam, Sesame oil (Tila thailam), Cow’s milk (Ksher)

Uses of Sciatilon Capsules

As per Nagarjuna Ayurvedic Group, Sciatilon Soft Gel Capsule relieves lower back pain and pains associated with sciatica. It nourishes, repairs the degenerated disc and improves micro-circulation to muscles and joints. It relieves pain and numbness of the lower back, hips and legs.

Dosage of Sciatilon Capsules

The recommended dosage of Sciatilon Capsules is two Capsules twice daily. Or take as directed by physician.

Sahacharadi Kashayam is polyherbal Ayurvedic formulation. This medicine is referenced from Sahasrayogam. Sahacharadi Kashayam is indicated in treatment of pain especially Low back pains, Lumbar Spondylitis and Sciatica.

The key ingredient of this medicine is Sahachar. The botanical name of this plant is Strobilanthes ciliatus, family Acanthaceae. This is found in Western Ghats from South Kanara to Travancore, in evergreen forests. It is also known as Kurinji, Sinnangurinji in Tamil. In Ayurveda Sahachar is used for treating vata diseases, neurological disorders, sciatica, glandular swellings and oedema.

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

Key Ingredients of Sahacharadi Kashayam

Sahacharadi Kashayam is decoction of medicinal herbs Sahachara Strobilanthes ciliatus, Kultha, Pushkar moola, Devadaru Cedrus deodara, Nisha Yugma (Nisha yugma is Haldi and Daruhaldi) and Amlavetasa.

Uses of Sahacharadi Kashayam

Sahacharadi Kashayam balances vitiated vata and kapha. This medicinal decoction is given in muscle cramps, weakness and knee pain, rheumatic complaints of hips and lower limbs, pain, swelling in legs and Sciatica.

Sahacharadi Kashayam is indicated in Prasutika Jwar (puerperal fever, also called childbed fever).

Dosage of Sahacharadi Kashayam

Betel nuts are the seeds or kernel of tree Areca catechu, a species of palm tree. This tree is native to Malaysia. In India, it is cultivated along the coasts of Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Assam and Maharashtra.

By Henryk Kotowski Kotoviski (Own work)[ GFDL, CC-BY-SA-3.0 or CC-BY-2.5], via Wikimedia Commons

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Supari Pak is an ayurvedic herbal medicine for curing leucorrhoea is made from betel nuts. It is very useful in woman's physical weakness, facial paleness and anemia. It remedies back-ache, pain in shins, anxiety and uneasiness.

Betel nut is one of the oldest known masticatories that is used either alone or with many other ingredients. These can be used as fresh, dried, boiled, roasted or fermented. In India, it is commonly known as Supari and added to pan with other ingredients like slaked lime, catechu, gulkand etc. The chewing of Paan is very common in India.

Chewing of betel nuts for prolonged period is hazardous for health. It can cause diabetes, high blood pressure and heart diseases.

But in Ayurveda, the dried ripe seeds, known as Puga are used for treatment of diseases like leucorrhoea, tastelessness, oral diseases etc. One of the famous drug containing betel nut as ingredient is Puga Khanda.

Latin name: Areca catechu Linn.

Family: Palmae;Arecaceae.

Vernacular names

• Sanskrit:Kramuka, Ghona, Puga
• Assamese:Tamol, Tamul
• Bengali:Supari
• English:Areca nut, Betel nut
• Gujrati:Sopari
• Hindi:Supari, Chr alia
• Kannada:Adiks
• Kashmiri:Supari, Spari
• Malayalam:Adakku, Pakku
• Marathi:Supari, Pophal
• Oriya:Gua
• Punjabi:Supari, Spari
• Siddha/Tamil:Kottai Pakku, Kamugu, Pakku, Pakhumaram
• Telugu:Paka chekka, Vakka
• Urdu:Fufal, Choalia, Supari
• Trade names:Areca nut, Betel nut, Supari

Distribution

Cultivated in the coastal regions of India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Myanmar and other tropical and subtropical countries.

Tree description

Tall, slender, unbranched palm with a crown of leaves;stem annulate;leaves pinnate with a conspicuous sheet;flowers in spadix, male many at the upper portion, female much longer and a few at the base;fruits are singleseeded berries with flesh and fibrous pericarp and a stony seed, 3.8-5 em long, smooth, orange or scarlet when ripe. Flowering:August-January;Fruiting:about a year later.

Ayurvedic properties and action of Puga or Supari

1. Rasa (Taste):kashaya/Astringent,
2. Guna (Characteristics):Guru/Heavy, Ruksha/Dry
3. Virya (Potency):Sheet/ Cool,
4. Vipaka (Post Digestive Effect):Katu/Pungent
5. Effects on Tridoshas (Humor):Balances kapha and pitta.

Constituents

Betel nuts contain catechin, tannins (15%), Gallic acid fat, gum and alkaloids like arecoline (0.07%), arecaine (1%). Arecaidine and guvacoline, guvacine and choline are present in trace amount.

Medicinal uses of Betel nut or Supari

The use of Areca nuts for therapeutic purpose is mentioned in many Ayurvedic treatise such as Charaka Samhita (useful in the diseases caused by bile), Sushruta Samhita (beneficial in the diseases caused by phlegm, but overuse may distort voice), Brahmavaivarta Purana (brushing the teeth with twig), Vagbhata and Bhavamista. It is traditionally used to treat several diseases such as leucoderma, leprosy, anaemia, and obesity. The dried nuts are stimulant, astringent and increases salivation. Here is given few traditional medicinal uses of pooga or betel nuts.

Leucorrhoea

Add 1 teaspoon betel nut powder in 500 ml water. Use this as vaginal douche.

Gum infection

1. Take one nut and burn it to obtain its ash. This should be mixed with 2 spoon clove powder and katha (1/4 cup). This preparation should be mixed with water and used for rinsing mouth.
2. Boil one nut in water and use the water for gargling.

Teeth yellowing

Char few nuts and pulverise them. This powder should be rubbed on the teeth.

Gum swelling

Take 2 teaspoon powdered nut and fry in ghee. Add ajwain, Kattha and sendha namak in equal amount. Mix and ground them. Mix some water and apply on inflammed areas.

Side-effects and Contraindications

1. Betel nuts regular use is harmful for health. It should be used in recommended dose only for medicinal purpose.
2. Its excessive chewing is harmful for teeth.
3. Use of betel nut is contraindicated in asthma (due to bronchoconstrictive effects of the alkaloid arecoline) and pregnancy (Abortifacient).
4. Due to increased incidence of oral cancer associated with betel chewing, it must not be used as masticatory.
5. The seeds are fatally toxic at 8-10 g, fluid extract at 3.5ml.

Ayurvedic Pharmacopeia recommends it safe dose as 1-2 grams in dried powder form for medicinal purpose.

Dill is known by many other names such as Garden Dill, Dilly, Dill weed etc. The name Dill is derived from Old Norse word dilla, which means 'to lull'. The seeds of plant are used as spice and leaves as condiment for flavouring and seasoning of various foods. It is a plant with medicinal properties and used in various traditional medicine systems for treatment of diseases for hundreds of years. In Ayurveda, it is used for treating digestive troubles, colic and impaired digestion. This plant is mentioned in ancient Ayurvedic treatise as shatapushpa. Acharya Charak prescribed the paste of shatapushpa with alsi/flax seed and castor seeds pounded in milk for external applications in rheumatic and other swellings of joints. It is an ingredient in various Ayurvedic medicines such as Dhanwantharam Thailam, Valiya Narayana Thailam, Nimbasavam, Gorochanadi Vati etc. In Unani medicine system, Dill is used for treatment of digestive problems.

Anethum graveolens 001 by H. Zell -Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons.

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Latin name:Anethum sowa Roxb. ex Flem. (Indian Sowa) Synonym:A. graveolens Linn. var. sowa Roxb. A. graveolens DC Peucedanum sowa Roxb. Peucedanum graveolens Benth.

• Family:Umbelliferae;Apiaceae
• Sanskrit:Shatapushpa
• Bengali:Suva, Sulpha, Shulupa, Sowa
• English:Indian Dil Fruit
• Gujrati:Suva
• Hindi:Soya, Sova
• Kannada:Sabasige
• Marathi:Badishep, Shepa, Shepu
• Punjabi:Soya
• Tamil:Satakuppa
• Telugu:Sadapa
• Urdu:Shibt, Soya

Dill or Soya Plant

Dill plant is up to 90 cm tall, with slender stems and alternate leaves finally divided three or four times into pinnate sections;flower yellow, develops into umbels;fruits oval, compressed, winged about one-tenth inch wide, with three longitudinal ridges on the back and three dark lines;Propagation is through seeds.

Ayurvedic properties and action

1. Rasa (Taste):Tikta/Bitter, Katu (pungent)
2. Guna (Characteristics):Snigdha/Unctuous,
3. Virya (Potency):Ushna/Hot
4. Vipaka (Post Digestive Effect):Katu/Pungent
5. Action:Stimulates appetite, Kapha-hara, Pitta-hara

Medicinal uses of Dill

Dill has antibacterial, antiseptic, antispasmodic, cardio depressant, carminative, digestive, diuretic, blood sugar lowering, blood pressure lowing, breast milk stimulating, and laxative properties. For medicinal purpose its seeds, leaves and roots are used. The recommended dose of its seeds is 1/2-1 teaspoon for chewing;and 2 teaspoon seeds for soaking in cup of water.

Dill seeds infusion is prepared by soaking seeds in boiling water. Two teaspoon of crushed seeds are soaked in one cup of boiling water. This is steeped for 10-15 minutes to prepare infusion.

The leaves infusion is prepared by soaking one teaspoon dried or 3 teaspoons of crushed fresh leaves to 1 cup of boiling water. This is steeped for 10-15 minutes to prepare infusion.

Improving breast milk quantity: Boil a handful of Dill leaves or seeds in two cups of barley (jau) water and drink daily.

Bad breath, halitosis: hewing the seeds improves bad breath.

Highblood pressure: Take equal quantities of dill seeds and fenugreek seeds and powder them and store it in a bottle. Take two teaspoonful of this powder twice a day with a glass of water.

Insomnia: or sleeplessness, decoction of dill seeds is useful. Decoction is prepared by boiling 2 teaspoon seeds in one cup water for few minutes. This filtered and taken.

Improving appetite, upset stomach: Prepare Dill tea and drink.

Delaying mensuration: Crush dill seeds (2teaspoon) and soak in one cup hot water for 5 minutes. Filter and drink.

Painful menstruation: Dill is useful in managing painful menstruation.

Abdominal gas, pain in abdomen, Sleeplessness: Take seeds of Dill. Grind them to make powder. Soak one teaspoon of this powder in one glass boiling water for five minutes and drink.

Cough, loss of appetite: Clean and dry the leaves. Grind them to make powder. Take 1-2 teaspoon powder with one glass hot water.

Joint pain, arthritis: Make paste of Dill roots and seeds. Steam the paste and apply lukewarm on affected area. Keep for half hour.

Brahmi Drakshadi Kashayam is polyherbal Ayurvedic formulation. This medicine is useful in treatment of various Vata Vyadhis or diseases that occur due to vitiation of Vata or wind. This medicine is referenced from Sahasrayogam. Here is given more about Brahmi Drakshadi Kashayam such as indication/therapeutic uses, composition and dosage.

Key Ingredients of Brahmi Drakshadi Kashayam

Following is given complete list of medicinal herbs that are used in preparation of this decoction.

1. Brahmi(Bacopa monnieri)
2. Draksha Vitis vinifera
3. Jaladhara Musta Cyperus rotundus
4. Vacha(Acorus calamus)
5. Abhiru Shatavari(Asparagus racemosus)
6. Shamyaka Amaltas Cassia fistula
7. Tikta Katuki Picrorhiza kurroa
8. Haritaki( Terminalia chebula)
9. Vibhitaki(Terminalia bellirica)
10. Amalaki Emblica officinalis (Haritaki+ Vibhitaki+ Amalaki=Triphala)
11. Bala Sida cordifolia
12. Neem(Azadirachta indica)
13. Koshataki Luffa echinata
14. Kalmegh( Andrographis paniculata)
15. Trikatu Vyosha Dry ginger, long pepper, black pepper
16. Chitrak(Plumbago zeylanica)
17. Devdaru Cedrus deodara
18. Pancha moola dwaya

Procedure of drug making

The decoction of above specified drugs are prepared.

Uses of Brahmi Drakshadi Kashayam

Brahmi Drakshadi Kashayam is indicated in treatment of all type of Vata roga or Vata vyadhi (Diseases of the nervous system) which include arthritis, muscles stiffness, headaches, paralysis, myalgia, neuralgia, loss of movement, stiffness, muscle atrophy etc.

Dosage of Brahmi Drakshadi Kashayam

The recommended dosage of Brahmi Drakshadi Kashayam is 5-15ml with four times water, twice a day. Or take as directed by physician.

Bharngyadi kashayam is polyherbal Ayurvedic formulation. This medicine is indicated in fever due to various reasons. It detoxifies body and cures cough. The key ingredient of this medicine is Bharangi. The dried roots of Bharngi is used in Ayurveda for treatment of cough, bronchitis, dyspnoea, chest diseases and sinusitis. The other herbs that remove toxins from blood and contributes in fever reducing are Neem, Kalmegh, Giloy, Musta, Sunthi and Parpataka.

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

Key Ingredients of Bharngyadi kashayam

Following is given complete list of medicinal herbs for preparing this decoction.

Bharngi Clerodendron serratum, Parpataka Hedyotis corymbosa, Sunthi Dried ginger powder, Vasaka Adhatoda vasica, Pippali Piper longum, Bhunimba Andrographis paniculata, Neem Margosa, Giloy Tinospora cordifolia, Musta Cyperus rotundus, Dhanya Coriander seed

Method of drug preparation

10 grams of above herbs is taken and boiled in 16 times water, till volume reduces to one-fourth of initial amount.

Uses of Bharngyadi kashayam

Bharngyadi kashayam is indicated in treatment fever due to various reasons. It is given twice a day, in chronic fever, Dhatu-gat Jwar/Fever, Visham Jwar (Malarial, Thyphoid etc.) and

Dosage of Bharngyadi kashayam

The recommended dosage of Bharngyadi kashayam is 12 ml, to be taken twice daily after diluting with 50 ml of boiled and cooled water. Or take as directed by physician.

Musli Khadiradi Kwath or Kashayam is polyherbal Ayurvedic formulation. This medicine is decoction of medicinal herbs viz. Musali, Khadira, Gokhru, Shatavar, Jamun, and Amla. Musali Khadiradi Kashayam is indicated in treatment of gynaecological complaints (Pradar).

Here is given more about Musli Khadiradi Kashayam such as indication/therapeutic uses, composition and dosage.

Key Ingredients of Musli Khadiradi Kashayam

This is complete list of medicinal herbs that are used to prepare this decoction:

Musali (Chlorophytum tuberosum), Khadira (Acacia catechu), Gokhru (Tribulus terrestris Fruits), Amla Emblica officinalis, Shatavar(Asparagus racemosus Tubers), Jamum Syzygium cuminii

Uses of Musli Khadiradi Kashayam

This decoction is given in treatment of shwet pradar (Leucorrhoea) and rakta pradar. Rakta pradar or Metrorrhagia is dysfunctional bleeding from the womb. Vaginal bleeding, excessive bleeding during periods includes in dysfunctional bleeding from womb.

Dosage of Musli Khadiradi Kashayam

Gular or Cluster fig tree is a sacred, large tree distributed throughout India. It is one of the tree of four trees of the Nalpamara or Nalpamaram in Ayurveda (other three are Ficus microcarpa/Plaksah, Ficus relegiosa/Peepal, Ficus benghalensis/Bargad). Goolar tree leaves, fruits, root and bark are used to treat various diseases. The latex is applied topically on cuts, boils, muscular pain, pimples, scabies, haemorrhoids etc. The fruits are edible and full of nutrition. Fruits are cooling, cardiac tonic and useful in urinary diseases, bile disorders, menstrual disorders. The leaves fresh juice or decoction is used in treatment of many diseases. The description of Udumbara or Gular tree is even given in Ved. Rig Veda mentions it as a tree that cures piles, internal wounds, removes impurities from blood, worms from alimentary canal. Atharvaveda describes its usefulness in skin diseases like leprosy, sinus, oedema, impurities of blood and in piles. Bhavaprakasha mentions it is useful in treatment of pimples and wounds.

LTM ficus by T. R. Shankar Raman - Own photograph. Licensed under CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

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Scientific Classification

• Kingdom:Plantae
• Division:Magnoliophyta
• Class:Magnoliopsida
• Order:Rosales
• Family:Moraceae
• Genus:Ficus
• Species:F. racemosa
• Synonyms:Ficus glomerata Roxb

Vernacular names

• Sanskrit:Apushpaphalasambandha, Audumbaram, Brahmavriksha, Haritaksha, Hemadugdha, Shetavalkala, Udumbara, Yajnaphala
• Assamese:Jambhaij, Jamij, Dimoree
• Bengali:Dumur, Jajna-dumur, Jaya dumur
• English names:Cluster fig, Country fig, Gular fig
• Gujarati:Gudar, Umar, Umbara
• Hindi:Gullar, Gular, Umar
• Kannada:Athimaro
• Malayalam:Atti
• Marathi:Umbar
• Oriya:Dumburi, Dumuri
• Punjabi:Gullar, Umbra, Rumbn
• Tamil:Atti, Athi
• Telugu:Atti, Medi
• Urdu:Goolar, Gular
• Unani:Anjir-e-Aadam, Anjir-e-
• Ahmak, Gular
• Siddha:Atthi
• Trade name:Common fig
• Flowering:Spring;Fruiting:Rainy season.

Ecology and cultivation: Tropical plant;grows on the banks of streams, sides of rivers, on rocky slopes, up to 1500 m;wild.

Distribution: Throughout India;Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka.

The Tree:Spreading laticiferous tree, 9.0-12.2 m tall, bark reddish grey, smooth;leaves alternate, stipules ovate-Ianceolate, pubescent, 1.25-2.5 cm long, petioles 2.5-5.0 cm long, lamina simple membranous, ovate to obovate-oblong or lanceolate, 10-18 cm long, dark green, glabrous or softly pubescent above while lower surface pubescent or glabrous;fruits borne in clusters on the main trunk and leafless short branches, subglobose or pyriform, 2.5-5.0 cm in diameter, red when ripe.

Ayurvedic Properties and Action on body

Dried bark

• Rasa (Taste):Kashaya/Astringent
• Guna (Characteristics):Guru/Heavy, Ruksha/Dry
• Virya (Potency):Sheet/ Cool
• Vipaka (Post Digestive Effect):Katu/Pungent

Action: balances Kapha, Pitta;Reduces obesity, detoxifies;

Dose of bark: 3-6 g in powder form;20-30 g for decoction.

Dried fruits

• Rasa (Taste):Kashaya/Astringent, Madhura/Sweet
• Guna (Characteristics):Guru/Heavy, Ruksha/Dry
• Virya (Potency):Sheet/ Cool
• Vipaka (Post Digestive Effect):Madhura/Sweet

Action: Balances kapha and Pitta

Dose of dried fruits: 10-15 g in powder form.

Constituents

Phytochemical are bioactive compounds that are found in plants. These active substance protects plant from various diseases and due to presence of such compound, human are using various herbs to cure and prevent many diseases. Different plants contains different phytochemicals.

This medicinal plant contains following phytochemicals:

Bark: The tree bark contains phytochemical constituents namely alkaloids, carbohydrates, flavonoids, glycosides, saponins, steroids, tannins, phenols, triterpenoid, fixed oils. The bark lowers the level of blood sugar (hypoglycaemic), kills worms and reduces swelling. It is also useful in lipid disorders and obesity.

Fruits: The fruits contain ?-Sitosterol, Lupeol Acetate and Carbohydrates. The ripe fruits are eaten fresh or preserved in honey in future use. Unripe fruits are cooked and eaten with food. The fruits are very nutritious and is preferred as morning food. The fruits also controls serum cholesterol levels. Fresh whole fruits, are source of dietary fibre with hypocholesterolemic activity.

Traditionally tender fruits are given to treat vitiated conditions of pitta, diarrhoea, dyspepsia and haemorrhages. The ripe fruits are sweet, cooling and are used in haemoptysis, thirst and vomiting.

Leaf:Leaves contain ?-amyrin, ?-sitosterol, gluanol-OAc, sterols, triterpenoids, alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids.

Leaves are astringent to bowels and used in treatment of dysentery, bilious infection and as a mouthwash in spongy gum. Tender leaf buds are applied on the skin in paste form to improve the complexion. The leaves decoction is good wash for wounds and ulcers.

Medicinal uses

Gular tree is astringent, anti-diabetic, anti-asthmatic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiulcer, anti-pyretic and anti-diarrheal in action. Bark, leaves and unripe fruit gives relief in flatulence, astringent, promotes appetite, assist in digestion, and kills parasitic worms. Its latex is useful in cuts, insect bites, boils, bruises, swellings. Bark of gular tree is used to treat infections, swelling and inflammation.

Here are some medicinal uses of various parts of cluster fig. These are time-tested simple home remedies.

Mouth ulcers and other oral infections

Take bark (10 gm) of gular tree and cook in water (400 ml) for few minutes. Add alum (pinch) and filter. Use this water to rinse mouth frequently.

Menorrhagia

Menorrhagia is Profuse, excessive bleeding during menses. It can be due to hormonal imbalance or in cases of cysts in the ovaries or fibroids in the uterus.

Dried figs of Cluster fig tree should be taken with sugar and honey.

Swelling

Take bark of gular tree, grind on stone with water to make paste. Apply at affected area.

Boils

For curing boils take gular bark paste and apply at affected area.

Pimples and freckles

Take inner side of gular bark and make paste of it. Apply on pimples, acne and freckles.

Burn marks on skin

Take gular fruits and make paste. Mix paste with honey and apply regularly on burn marks. Use regularly to get normal skin tone.

Also burning causes skin to tighten and stiffen. Apply paste of bark and leaves on such burnt areas.

Rakta Pitta or bleeding disorder, Nose Bleeding

Take tender leaves (10-15), grind to extract juice and add misri to this juice. Take regularly.

Urticaria (Hives) or sheet-pitta

Take tender leaves and extract juice. Drink 15 ml juice for few days.

Bhasmak rog

Dry gular fruits and make powder. Take this powder (1 tbsp) three times a day for few days.

Dysentery

Drink 10- 15 ml juice of gular tender leaves.

Stomach ache

Take dry fruits of gular, ajwain and sendha namak. Make powder and take two times a day with water.

Fistula, Piles Haemorrhoids

Take milk like secretion or latex of gular tree after plucking leaves and soak in cotton. Apply on affected area.

Leucorrhoea, Weakness, Spermatorrhea

Drink 1 cup juice of gular tender leaves in morning.

Burning sensation in hands and feet due to excess pitta/Heat

Drink tender leaves juice of gular.

Excessive thirst

Take few cluster fig leaves and extract 7-14 ml fresh juice. Drink this two times a day.

Or prepare decoction of leaves and drink 14-28 ml with sugar twice daily.

Dhatu kshaya

Drinking 7-14 ml fresh juice of leaves twice daily is useful.

Cuts, muscle pain

Traditionally the latex of roots is applied topically.

Cracked heels

Alligator Yam, Milky Yam and Vidari, Vidari-kanda are few common names of plant Ipomoea digitata. Ipomoea digitata is grown as ornamental plant. The plant is extensive perennial climber with large lobed leaves and beautiful pink or purple flowers.

Ipomoea digitata is used as medicine in Ayurveda and Southeast Asia for treatment of liver and spleen enlargement. It is also given in gynaecological ailments such as abnormally long and heavy menstrual periods at regular intervals. The plant is used as aphrodisiac, tonic and increasing breast milk. For medicinal purpose, the tuberous roots of plant are used.

General Information

Latin name: Ipomoea digitata Linn; Synonym: Ipomoea paniculata R. Br. Burm.; I. mauritiana Jacq.

Family: Convulvulaceae

Vernacular names

Sanskrit/Indian name: Vidari Ikshugandha, Ikshuvalli, Payasvini, Dirghakanda, Bhumi Kuahmanda

Bengali : Bhuh Kumdaa, Bhooi Kumhdaa, Bhumi kumar

English : Giant potato

Gujarati : Vidaaree Kand

Hindi : Vidaaree Kanda, Bhuh Kumdaa, Bhui Kumbhadaa

Kannada : Nelkumbal, Naadakumbala

Malayalam : Paalmutakku

Marathi : Bhui Kohalaa

Oriya : Bhuin Kakhaaru

Tamil : Nilappuchani, Paalmudamgi

Telugu : Paalagummudu, Nelagummudu

Habitat

Ipomoea digitata is found growing in hotter and moist regions of India viz. Bihar, Orissa, West Bengal, Assam, Deccan, Konkan, Kerala.

Medicinal part of plant

The plant part that is used for medicinal purpose is large, tuberous roots. The roots are yellowish brown in colour and tastes bitter.

Constituents of roots

Phytochemical are bioactive compounds that are found in plants. These active substance protects plant from various diseases and due to presence of such compounds, the plants are useful in preventing and curing ailments. Different plants contains different phytochemicals.

This medicinal plant contains following phytochemicals:

The plant produces phytochemicals which have similarities in activity with the estrogen. This justifies its use in treatment of diseases related to female reproductive system.

The root contains Pterocarpan-tuberosin, pterocarpanone-hydroxytuberosone, two pterocarpenes-anhydrotuberosin and 3-O-methylanhydrotuberosin, and a coumestan tuberostan. An isoflavone-puerarone and a coumestan-puerarostan.

Effect of Ipomoea digitata root on body

1. Following is given few pharmacological effects of Vidari Kanda on human body.
2. Revitalizes body
3. Reduces blood sugar level
4. Increases weight
5. Stimulates respiration
6. Vasoconstrictor and bronchoconstriction effect
7. Promotes rapid labor by stimulating contractions of the myometrium
8. Liver protecting
9. Reduces the lipid profile and lipoprotein levels

Ayurvedic Properties and Action on body

1. Rasa (Taste): Tikta/Bitter, kashaya/Astringent, Madhura/Sweet
2. Guna (Characteristics): Guru/Heavy, Snigdha/Unctuous, Tikshna/Sharp
3. Virya (Potency): Sheet/ Cool
4. Vipaka (Post Digestive Effect): Madhura/sweet

Dose of roots: 3-6 grams powder.

Traditional Medicinal uses

Vidari or Aligator Yam is a medicinal plant with expectorant, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, anticonvulsant (seizures preventive) and aphrodisiac properties. The roots of plant has action on fat, muscles and reproductive system.

1. The roots of plant are used to increase quantity of breast milk.
2. The root powder is given in emaciation, debility, poor digestion.
3. The dried roots are boiled in milk, added with ghee, sugar and given to improve weight and moderate menstrual discharge.
4. The root powder is mild purgative and useful in constipation.
5. In spermatorrhoea (involuntary discharge of semen without orgasm), the juice of fresh root is given with cumin/jeera and sugar.
6. The roots are used in preparation of several Ayurvedic medicines like Phala Ghrita, Dhanvantara Taila,

Eladi Kera Thailam is polyherbal Ayurvedic Formulation. It is a medicated oil prepared from coconut oil, Ela and several other medicinal herbs. Eladi Kera Oil is useful in skin diseases and cold problems. It is applied externally on head and body.

Here is given more about Eladi Kera Thailam such as indication/therapeutic uses, composition and direction for use.

Other common names: Eladi oil, Eladi coconut oil, Eladikera Thailam, Eladihera Oil

Key Ingredients of Eladi Kera Thailam

Complete list of ingredient is as follows:-

Ela Yugma (Green cardamom/Elettaria cardamomum, Black cardamom/Amomum subulatum), Turushka Silaras/liquidamber orientalis, Kushta Saussurea lappa, Priyangu Callicarpa macrophylla, Jatamansi Nardostachys jatamansi, Jala Balaka Coleus zeylanicus, Sprikka (Trina Visesha/Asabaraga/Delphinium zalil), Choraka Angelica archagelica, Twak Cinnamomum zeylanicum, Tagara Valeriana wallichii, Sthauneya Taxus baccata, Jati Myristica fragrans, Rasa Commiphora myrrha, Sukti Ostrea edulis, Vyaghranakha Capparis sepiaria, Devdaru Cedrus deodara, Aguru Aquilaria agallocha ,Sriveshtaka Pinus longifoliaKumkuma Saffron Crocus sativus, Chanda Costus speciosus, Guggulu Commiphora mukul, Devadhoopa Shorea robusta, Khapura Boswellia serrata, Punnaga Calophyllum inophyllum, Nagahva Mesua ferrea

The collection of above herbs is known as Eladi Gana Dravya.

Procedure: Boil the herbs in coconut oil to prepare medicated oil.

Uses of Eladi Kera Thailam

This coconut based medicated oil is applied topically for burning, itching, dryness, boils, dandruff, hair problems, fungal infection of nails. It is especially useful in dry skins that require extra moisturization.

How to use Eladi Kera Thailam

This is for external use ONLY. Apply on affected areas and massage gently.