Vidang is used in Ayurveda especially for treating intestinal worms. It is the main herb of Ayurveda that effectively treats intestinal parasites (tapeworm, ring worm). The dried mature fruits or seeds are used for this purpose. These seeds look similar to white pepper seeds. They have brownish-black colour and measure about 2-4 mm in diameter. Their surface is warty with a beak like projection at apex. The outer covering or pericarp is brittle and encloses a single seed covered with thin membrane.

Acharya Sushrut described the seeds of Vidang as anthelmintic, alterative and tonic. He recommended their use along with liquorice/mulheti root for the purpose of strengthening the body. Its use for expelling intestinal parasites is also recommended by Acharya Charak and Vagbhatta.

For expelling intestinal worms, the powder of the seeds is given with honey, or as an infusion of the seeds. It is given early in the morning empty stomach followed by some purgative.

Taxonomical classification

• KINGDOM : Plantae
• PHYLUM : Angiosperms
• ORDER : Ericales
• FAMILY : Myrsinaceae
• GENUS : Embelia
• SPECIES : ribes
• BOTANICAL NAME: Embelia ribes Burm. f.
• SYNONYM : Embelia glandulifera Wight, Samara ribes Kurz

Vernacular Names

SANSKRIT Amodha, Amogha, Anthunashana Bhasmaka, Bidanga, Chibatandula, Chitra, Chitrabija Chitra-tandula, , Chitratandula, Citratandula, Gahara, Gardabha, Ghosha, J vidangaka, Jantughna, Jantunashaka, Kairala, Kapali, Kevala, Krimighna, Krimiha, Krimikantaka,Krimiripu, Krimishetru, Krmighna, Krmiripu, Mogha, Mrigagamini, Pavaka, Rasayana, Shudratandula, Suchitrabija, Tandula, Tundula, Tunduliyaka, Vara, Vatari, Vella, Vellah, Vidanga, Vidangah, Vidangam, Vrishanashana, Vrishnasana

• HINDI Baba-rang, Baberang, Bhabhiramg, Karkannie, vaividang Vayvidamg,Wawrung
• BENGALI Bhaibirrung, Biranga, vidang
• KANNADA Amogha, Vayi-vulanga, Vayubaliga, Vayuvilanga, Vidanga, Vaayu vilanga, Vilanga, Varana, Vaayu-vilanga, Vayivilanga
• MALYALAM Tiriitticanni, Tiruvittikanni, Pu-valli, Vayivalannam, Vilal, Vayvilankam, Visalam, Vishaul
• MARATHI Ambti, Baavdinga, Karkannie, Karkunnie, Vaavadinga, Vayvarang Vvavadinga, Waiwarang
• ORIYA Vidanga TAMILKattukodi, Vellal, Varnanai Vai vilangam, Vaivitankam, Vayu-vilangam, Vayu-vilamga, Vayivilangam, Vayvilankam PUNJABI Bavidang GUJARAT Bavidang
• TELUGU Potosul,Vaividungalu, Vayivilangamu, Vayuvilangam-chettu, Vellal, Vidangamu, Vilangamu, Vayi-vitangamu, VyivilangamuURDU Baobadang, Baobarang (babrang)
• SIDDHA: Vaayvidangam, Keralam, Vamanai, Vellal
• ENGLISH: Embelia, Embelia fruit

Habitat

Embelia ribes is found in the hilly parts of India, from the central and lower Himalayas down to Konkan, Deccan, Western Ghats and South India. It is commonly seen in places up to the height of 1500 m.

It is also found in Sri Lanka, Singapore, Southern China, south to Indonesia and some parts of Africa.

Botanical Details

A large, Climbing, creeper shrub with long slender, flexible, brittle stem and terete branches; bark studded with lenticels. Leaves simple, alternate, elliptic-lanceolate, gland dotted, short and obtusely acuminate, entire, shiny above; Flowers small, greenish yellow to whitish pink colored; Fruits about the size of white pepper, globose, wrinkled or warty, dull red to nearly black, a short pedicel often present, usually one seeded; outer covering of the fruit is fragile and inside the seed is spotted; single seed is horny with a mildew like appearance due to minute, crystalline powder, depressed at base.

Medicinal Action and Uses

Fruits: Ascaricidal, anthelmintic, purifying, brain tonic, digestive, carminative, antibacterial, stomachic, diuretic, contraceptive, rejuvenating, alterative, stimulant, laxative, sweat causing, and tonic.

They are useful in intestinal worms, skin diseases, leprosy, pruritus, nervous debility, dyspepsia, jaundice, flatulence, colic, constipation, strangury, tumors, asthma, bronchitis, dental caries, difficult breathing, cardiac diseases, psychological disorders, ringworm, fever, emaciation and general debility.

Seeds: They are used as local application in ringworm and other skin diseases.

Roots: They are astringent, stomachic, and useful in toothache, stomach ache, gas, and indigestion. Leaves: They are astringent, purifying, cough reducing. They are useful in skin diseases.

Parts used for medicinal purpose

For medicinal purpose the berries/fruits, leaves and roots of plant are used. The plant is pungent, astringent, hot, and reduces phlegm and pitta. It has action on plasma, blood, excretory and digestive system.

Ayurvedic Properties and Action on body

Rasa (Taste): Tikta/Bitter, Katu (pungent)

Guna (Characteristics): Laghu/Light, Ruksha/Dry, Tikshna/Sharp

Virya (Potency): Ushna/Hot

Vipaka (Post Digestive Effect): Katu/Pungent

Actiom: Krimighna

Doshaghnata: Kapha-vata-shamak

Constituents of dried mature fruits: Benzoquinones, alkaloid (Christembine), tannin and essential oil.

Therapeutic uses: Shula, Krimiroga, Udararoga, Adhman

Dose - 3-5 g of the fruit in powder form.

Traditional Therapeutic Uses

Vidang is used in Ayurveda since ancient time to treat diseases of skin, abdomen, excessive phlegm and intestinal parasites. It has numerous medicinal properties and among them the important ones are anthelmintic, carminative, antibacterial, antibiotic, hypoglycemic, and antifertility properties.

It has anti-implantation, anti-ovulatory, anti-spermatogenic, and anti-androgenic activities. The plant possess anti estrogenic and weak presentational activity in rats and causes a disturbance in the hormonal levels. It have a direct action on the behavioral system which act on hypothalamus and releasing factors thereby interfering the secretion of gonadotropins.

The properties and uses of plant are mentioned in Materia Medica of Ayurveda. According to Bhavaprakasha nighnatu, Vidang is pungent, removes morbidity, improves blood circulation, stimulates appetite, acts against phlegm, makes the body light, and kills worms of all types.

Rajanighantu describes it as pungent, hot, light, enhances balance between wind and phlegm, beneficial in anorexia and improves digestive power.

The powder of Fruit expels tapeworms within 6-24 hours. Fruit powder taken with curd in empty stomach is effective against giardia (intestinal infection caused by a microscopic parasite).

In skin diseases, insect bites, scorpion stings and swelling the paste of fruits is applied externally on affected areas.

Formulation and dosage

Vidanga Churna: 2-4 grams twice a day.

Vidangarishtha: 10-15 ml with equal amount of water twice a day.

Seed/Fruit powder: 2-5 grams, with 5 grams honey for two consecutive days empty stomach in the morning. A suitable purgative such as castor oil should be taken hours after intake of powder.

Side effects if Vidanga

Embelia ribes has following side-effects. Please keep these points in mind while using Vidang or a medicine containing it as an ingredient.

The fruits significantly affects male fertility. It is an antifertility agent. It impairs Spermatogenesis and reduces sperm count to level of infertility. Though anti-spermatogenic changes are found to be reversible without any toxic effects.

The plant parts also show anti-fertility effects in females. It has effects that changes the uterine environment which inhibits the process of implantation. It has anti-implantation and anti-ovulatory effects. It also has oxytocic effects (Hastens or facilitates childbirth, especially by stimulating contractions of the uterus).

• The seeds of plants kills the sperms.
• Embelin, isolated from the berries, shows significant anti-implantation and post-coital antifertility activity.
• Root extract is prescribed as contraceptive.
• Its use can cause abortion.
• The use of this plant and its parts can cause sexual debility.

Kanakasava or Kanakasavam is poly-herbal Ayurvedic medicine. This medicine is in liquid form and contains self-generated alcohol produced during preparation. It is useful in treatment of respiratory ailments. It is especially useful in asthma, chest infections, chronic cough, chronic fevers and bleeding disorders.

Asava are fermented medicines of Ayurvedic system that contains alcohol. Asava are prepared by allowing medicinal herbs juice to undergo fermentation by adding jaggery/ honey/ sugar and Mahua phul, Dhai phul or babul bark in water. The fermentation is done by burying sealed pots in the ground or husk for a period of one month followed by filtration. The self-generated alcohol during fermentation extracts the active principles from the Key Ingredients and also acts as preservative.

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

Key Ingredients of Kanakasava

Kanakasava is a fermented liquid preparation made with the ingredients in the Formulation composition given below. It contains not more than 10 per cent, and not less than 5 per cent of alcohol that is self-generated in the preparation over a period of time.

Formulation composition:

Method of preparation: Take the raw materials of pharmacopoeial quality. Wash, dry and powder the ingredients numbered 1 to 9 of the formulation composition and pass through the sieve number 44 to obtain coarse powder. Wash and clean the ingredients numbered 10 and 11 of the formulation composition. Add specified amount of water to the ingredient number 13 of the formulation composition, allow to dissolve and filter through the muslin cloth. Transfer the filtrate to a clean container; add Dhataki, Draksha and coarsely powdered other drugs. Seal the mouth of the container. Shift the container to the fermentation room and constantly check for the signs of completion of fermentation process. Filter the fermented material through a clean muslin cloth. Pack in air tight containers and allow for maturation.

Description: Clear dark yellow colour liquid without frothing and significant sedimentation; with aromatic odour and acrid taste.

Storage: Store in a cool place in tightly closed amber coloured bottle, protect from light and moisture.

Medicinal Uses of Kanakasava

• Kanakasava is useful in cough, breathlessness, complication of chest injury, chronic fever. It is specially prescribed in Asthma cases.
• Kasa (cough)
• Shvasa (asthma)
• Rajayakshma (tuberculosis)
• Kshatakshina (debility due to chest injury)

Dosage of Kanakasava

12-24 ml with equal amount of water after meals, twice a day, or as directed by physician.

Where to buy

You can buy this medicine online or from medical stores.

This medicine is manufactured by Dabur, Shree Baidyanath Ayurved Bhawan, Vaidyaratnam Oushadhasala, Sandu, Pankajakasthuri (Kanakasavam), Kerala Ayurveda Limited (Kanakasavam), Kottakkal (Kanakasavam), Kairali Kanakasavam, Arya Vaidya Sala, and some other pharmacies.

Wet dreams are known as nocturnal emissions in medical term. It can be defined as an involuntary ejaculation of semen during sleep. Nocturnal emissions are often related to erotic dreams. Such dreams are very common during teenage or adolescence (period following the onset of puberty during which a young person develops from a child into an adult) due to hormonal changes in body. At this point of life young males can have erections at all different times of the day. It can be understood as part of growing up. There can be large numbers of nocturnal emissions in teen age and early adult years. Also if the person is not involved in any sexual activity, then this is the way body discharges semen naturally. One should not feel any guilt about it.

If nocturnal emissions happens during a period of 21-­30 days then this is completely normal and there is no need to worry. But if they are occurring twice a week or more and show certain with symptoms like dizziness, weakness, sleep disturbance etc. they are considered abnormal.

Other Names

Sex dreams, Night discharge, Wet dreams, Swapna dosh, Night Fall

Useful Home Herbal Remedies

In Ayurveda, nocturnal emissions are considered because of excess heat, general weakness, weakness of nerves, constipation and thinking too much about sex. To cure this health problem one should try to improve overall health. This can be done by eating healthy food and avoiding unhealthy foods. It is important to treat digestive disorders and chronic constipation. One should try to reduce excessive heat inside body by using cooling food/herbs.

• It is very important to eat light dinner which is easy to digest and does not produce gas. Also if one has impaired digestion and constipation then first these health issues should be cured.
• Chronic constipation can be cured by eating more salad and taking some Ayurvedic medicines such as Triphala powder. Triphala powder is combination of three fruits in dried powder form viz. Amla, Haritaki and Vibhitaki. Five grams Triphala should be taken with lukewarm water before going to bed. The best thing about Triphala is that it is non-habit forming laxative. Senna leaves which is an essential ingredient of many OTC herbal laxative is habit-forming. Your body may get dependent on habit forming laxative for motion.
• Drinking one glass of milk mixed with four grams shital chini/kabab chini (Piper cubeba) is helpful.
• Milk added with (Haldi wala doodh) should be taken before sleep.
• Turmeric and Sesame seeds powder should be mixed in equal amount and taken in dosage of three grams.
• Isabgol bhusi or Psyllium husk should be taken with milk at night. This should be taken continuously for 1-2 months.
• The latex of Bad/Bargad/banyan should be taken with batasha (a sweet preparation made with sugar) every morning.
• A powder prepared by mixing equal amount of Shatavar, Safed Musli, TalamKhana, and Gohuru should be taken in dose of four grams with milk.
• Prepare a powder by taking ten grams each Ashwagandha, Shatavar, Vidari (Pueraria Tuberosa), and thirty grams Sugar/Mishri. Grind all the herbal ingredients, add sugar powder and mix well. This powder should be taken in dose of 2 grams.
• Taking Ashwagandha churna with milk is also helpful.
• Prepare a home-made powder by mixing Gokhru, Giloy and Amla in equal amount and take in dose of 3grams by mixing with ghee and sugar twice a day.
• Eating Gulkand 10grams is an effective remedy for constipation, heat in body and wet dreams.
• Drink plenty of water.
• If you are underweight, then try to improve it by having healthy diet.
• When a person is trying to cure nocturnal emission he must avoid watching Adult TV or movie content. Read good books, and do deep breathing exercise. Divert your attention.

Eat Right

Like any other health ailments there are certain foods that helps to cure the condition but some aggravates the problem. List of such food items are given below.

Foods to avoid

• Meat, eggs, fish, Alcohol
• Very spicy food
• Eggplant, dry fruits such as Pine nuts/Chilgoje, walnuts/akhrot
• Sour food items, Chaat, Chutney
• Food items that are hot in potency and acidic in nature
• Excessive intake of tea, coffee, caffeine and junk food
• All other food items that are used to increase arousal

Food to eat

• Light and easily digestible foods
• Light dinner, with salad
• Cow milk, curd, Methi daana/Fenugreek seeds
• Fresh fruit and vegetables
• Rice, Daal, Soups, Khichdi

Do Exercises

Regular exercise is helpful as it improves digestion, assimilation and cures constipation. It also helps to get sound sleep.

One should regularly do deep breathing or Pranayam. It provides loads of fresh oxygen to mind and gives calm.

Bhujang asan, Vajra asna, Padma asna, Surya Namaskaar and Sarvangasan not only helps in wet dreams but also improves general health.

Isabgol or psyllium husk is commonly used for getting relief from constipation. It is basically a dietary fiber supplement which is a bulk-forming laxative. Psyllium husk is not fermented in the gut but swells by absorbing the water which increases the stool output. It relieves constipation by mechanically stimulating the intestinal peristalsis. The German Pharmacopoeia indicates that ispaghula seeds are capable of absorbing at least 9 times its own weight in water. The British Pharmacopoeia indicates at least 12 times. Psyllium regulates the function of large bowel.

Isabgol is not only beneficial in treating constipation and removing of body toxins but it is also effective in treatment of many other disorders. The studies are now proving other medicinal uses of this plant derived natural product.

Psyllium husk is known as Ashvagola or Ashwakarna in Ayurveda which literally means one which have ears like horse (Ashva=horse;Gola=Round and Karna=Ears). It named so perhaps due to appearance of seeds which are concave and elongated like horse ear. Isabgol is its Persian name (asp=Horse, and Ghol=Round). It is known as Aspaghol in Unani, and Isapppa in Siddha.

Other common names

Hindi:Isabgol, Isabgol Bhusi, Isapagula husk, Ispaghula

English:Spogel Seed husk, Psyllium, Ispagol Psyllium, Plantago ispagol, Blond psyllium

Arabic:Bazre-Qutuna

Persian and Urdu:Aspiyoos, Shikamdarida, Aspghol Aspaghol Musallam, Suboos-e-Aspaghol

Siddha:Isapppa

In Ayurveda, Psyllium is considered cooling, pungent and astringent. It balances all three humors Vata, Pitta and Kapha. It decreases the swelling of digestive tract and gives relief in constipation and piles. But as it high on fiber, initially may cause gas.

About The Plant Plantago ovata

It is a stemless or sub-caulescent soft hairy or woolly annual herb which attains a height of 30-45 cm. Leaves narrowly linear or filiform appearing whorled due to the short terete stem. The spikes are 1.2-4 cm long and about 0.5 cm broad, cylindrical to ovoid in shape and bear between 45-70 flowers.

Flowers are bisexual, tetramerous, anemophilous and protogynous and as such favoring out crossing. The fruits are ellipsoid capsules, about 8 mm long, obtuse, membranous, glabrous, upper half coming off as a blunt conical lid.

Seeds are ovoid-oblong, boat-shaped, smooth, rosy-white being concave on one side and convex on the other. The concave side of the seed is covered with a thin white membrane produced by fusing of outer layer of ovule together with the inner epidermis, forming the seed coat. The seed epidermis is made of polyhedral cells whose walls are thickened by a secondary deposit which is the source of mucilage.

On mechanical milling, the coating of seed provides the husk, a membranous covering of the seed, white to light pink in colour, translucent and odorless.

Parts used:Whole Seeds or Husk of the Seeds.

SCIENTIFIC CLASSIFICATION

Psyllium plant is small, stemless, and grows annually. The plant belong to Genus Plantago and family Plantaginaceae. There are about 200 species in this genus and ovata and psyllium are commercially cultivated for obtaining the psyllium husk.

KINGDOM:Plantae – Plants

SUBKINGDOM:Tracheobionta – Vascular plants

SUPERDIVISION:Spermatophyta – Seed plants

DIVISION:Magnoliophyta – Flowering plants

CLASS:Magnoliopsida – Dicotyledons

SUBCLASS:Asteridae

ORDER:Plantaginaceae

FAMILY:Plantaginaceae – Plantain family

GENUS:Plantago L. – plantain P

SPECIES:Plantago ovata Forssk. – Desert Indian wheat

What is Isabgol or psyllium husk

Psyllium/Ispaghula/Isabgol is obtained from a plant called Plantago ovata (Synonym:P. ispaghula). This plant is indigenous to the Mediterranean region specially Southern Europe, North Africa and West Asia.

It is now cultivated in many other countries e.g. West Asia, America, Mediterranean countries and Russia. In India it is mainly cultivated in north Gujarat, south-western Rajasthan, Punjab and Haryana states.

The psyllium husk is derived from the seeds of plant. The outer coat of the seeds is separated by crushing and winnowing.

Composition of Isabgol or psyllium husk

Psyllium husk contains a high proportion of hemicelluloses, composed of a xylan backbone linked with arabinose rhamnose and galacturonic acid units (arabinoxylans). It also contains Carbohydrates, Protein, Tannin, Glycosides, Fixed oil, Linoleic acid, Palmetic acids, Iron, Zinc, Potassium and Sodium.

How Psyllium Husk Works

Psyllium has been found to be practically unaffected by the digestive enzymes of stomach and bacteria and passes unchanged through the intestine.

It pass through the small intestine to large intestine. There the husk absorbs water and swells approximately ten times. This causes formation of soft stool bulk and since it is jelly-like so it moves easily. This further causes normal stimulation for bowel.

It takes about half day to cause motion after consuming husk.

Medicinal Properties of Isabgol or psyllium husk

• Non-habit forming laxative, diuretic
• Nourishing, cooling
• Anti-inflammatory, expectorant, antitussive
• Antihyperglycaemic, Lowers blood sugar absorption
• Anti-peptic ulcer, Antidysentric, Anti-oxidant
• Bad cholesterol lowering
• Blood pressure lowering
• Lipid lowering
• Restores and maintains bowel regularity
• Cleanses the colon

In a study by Anderson (2000), a meta-analysis of 8 clinical studies was done, which included 384 and 272 mild to moderate hypercholesterolemic people receiving either 10.2 grams/day psyllium or cellulose placebo, respectively, over a period of 8 weeksor more, along with a low fat diet. They found that psyllium intake adjunctive to a low-fat diet loweredtotal serum cholesterol by 4% and LDL cholesterol by 7%.

In another meta-analysis of 12 studies, which included a total of 404 mild to moderate hypercholesterolemic people taking 3 g or less of psyllium per day, psyllium intake was found to lower total cholesterol and LDL by 5% and 9% respectively.

The majority of recent clinical studies show psyllium appears to modestly lower total cholesterol levels by anywhere from 3-8% and LDL levels by about 5-13% in mild to moderately hypercholesterolemic patients, with the actual effects depending on the various factors involved in each study.

Health Benefits of Isabgol (psyllium husk)

Laxative, useful in Constipation

It is a gentle natural bulk-forming laxative that promote the regulation of large bowel function and gives relief in constipation. It is high in both fiber and mucilage (10–30%). Mucilage is clear, colourless, gelling agent that absorbs the water and increases in volume. So Isabgol softens the stool and at the same time lubricates the passage for easy removal of feces.

Useful in Diarrhea

It is also beneficial in diarrhea as it slows down the gastric emptying time and colon transit time. In case of diarrhea 2 teaspoonful of husk should be given with cold water mixed with lemon juice.

Blood pressure lowering properties

It shows blood pressure lowering properties and is useful in hypertension.

Study has shown its blood pressure lowering effect in a 6 months trial on hypertensive and obese patients (Cicero et al., 2007). But some other studies have not shown any changes in blood pressure (Bell et al., 1990). More studies are needed.

But such studies do prove that its use is completely safe and poses no health risk if taken while suffering from high blood pressure and diabetes.

Useful in Bowel Diseases

It is useful in treatment and prevention of following bowel diseases:

Diverticulosis (condition in which very small (5 to 10 millimeters) in diameter pouches/diverticula form in the wall of the colon or large intestine)

Irritable bowel syndrome (condition involving recurrent abdominal pain and diarrhea or constipation, often associated with stress, depression, anxiety, or previous intestinal infection.)

Inflammatory bowel disease (group of inflammatory conditions of the colon and small intestine. Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are the principal types of inflammatory bowel disease)

In chronic colitis psyllium should be given in dose of 2 teaspoonful, 3-4 times a day, with buttermilk or curd.

Useful in Piles

It is very useful for dry and bleeding piles. It prevents and cures constipation. It also cures congestion in the liver and have cooling effect on body. In piles you may take about 2 teaspoonful of this husk with water or buttermilk three times a day for four-five months.

Blood Sugar Lowering, Useful in Diabetes

It regulates blood glucose equilibrium and Lowers blood glucose by allowing slow sugar absorption. Intake of psyllium husk in dose of 5 grams twice a day, half an hour before breakfast and dinner is effective in significantly reducing Fasting plasma glucose FBS, and HbA1c (Glycosylated hemoglobin). A person with diabetes can daily take this husk for lowering the sugar level. It is safe, effective and natural.

Lowers Blood Cholesterol Level

It lowers blood cholesterol level (especially LDL cholesterol). It significantly increases high-density lipoprotein/HDL/HDL-cholesterol. HDL cholesterol, is the good cholesterol. It should be more for good health and lowering the risk of heart disease. LDL cholesterol/ low-density lipoprotein is the bad cholesterol. It is important to decrease the bad cholesterol and increase the good cholesterol. Also the consumption of husk significantly decreased the LDL/HDL ratio.

Lipid Lowering

It has blood lipid lowering property. A study (Garvin et al., 1965) show supplementation with 9.6 g psyllium/day for 5 week reduced serum triglycerides by 9%.

It has favorable effect on the lipoprotein profile.

Reducesplasma triacylglycerol

In a study, in men with coronary heart disease after a low-saturated-fat, low-cholesterol diet, the incorporation of psyllium husk significantly reduced plasma triacylglycerol concentrations by 6.7%.

Probiotic, Antioxidant

It has probiotic effect. It promotes the growth of good bacteria in human gut.

Dosage of Isabgol or Psyllium husk

For constipation:

Adult 1-2 teaspoonful 2-3 times a day with a glass of water, milk or curd.

Children Half teaspoonful 2-3 times a day with a glass of water, milk or curd.

The powdered seed husk must be stirred in 150 ml water and be drunk immediately, after consumption, a large amount of water should be consumed.

FDA has recently approved the use of the following statement on psyllium products:“3g to 12g of soluble fiber from psyllium seed husk when included as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce the risk of heart disease".

Few Important points about Isabgol

It is over-the-counter OTC completely natural bulk laxative.

It can even be taken in pregnancy and breast feeding.

It is safe, well tolersated, in persons with type II diabetes. It improves glycemic control.

It should always be taken in recommended dose and with milk or water . Cholesterol reduction needs higher doses for optimal effects. For constipation lower dose will do.

It is high in fiber and absorbs water so it is important to increase the fluid intake.

Use of Blond Psyllium husk up to six months did not clinically alter vitamin or mineral status in a review of eight human trials. It did not reduce absorption of calcium. (J AmGeriatr Soc, 43, 1995;Am J Clin Nutr, 71, 2000;Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, 2007.)

Sudden increases in dietary fiber may cause temporary gas and bloating. Start with low dose and one dose per day and increase gradually to allow the gastrointestinal tract to adapt. This also reduces the occurrence of its side-effects.

Possible Side-Effect of Psyllium Supplementation

• It may alter nutrient and drug absorption. To avoid drug interaction it should be taken at least 2 hours before or after other medications.
• It interacts and decreases absorption of Carbamazepine, lithium, warfarin and Iron.
• It may reduce the appetite.
• It reduces the blood glucose level and blood pressure.

It is high in fiber so the its fermentation by anaerobic bacteria in the large intestine and may cause increase bloating and flatulence, abdominal pain, cramping and diarrhea.

Person suffering from severe abdominal pain, infections, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, esophageal stricturing or obstruction, chronic bowel narrowing or obstruction, and bowel surgery should not take psyllium.

Allergic reactions to ingestion or inhalation of Plantago products have been reported, especially after previous occupational exposure to these products.

It should always be taken with sufficient amounts of liquid, e.g. Take 150 ml water/5 g psyllium. Failure to do so may result in swelling of the seed coats and blockage of the esophagus, which may cause choking. Intestinal obstruction may occur if an adequate fluid intake is not maintained.

• It should never be taken in dried powder form as that may cause bowel or oesophageal obstruction.
• If bleeding, or no response and abdominal pain occur 48 h after ingesting the seed coats, treatment should be discontinued and medical advice sought.
• Do not take bulking agents when laying down.
• Do not use with anti-peristaltics.

REFERENCES

1. Anderson JW., et al. Cholesterol-lowering effects of psyllium intake adjunctive to diet therapy in men and women with hypercholesterolemia:meta-analysis of 8 controlled trials. Am J Clin Nutr. 2000;71:472-9.

2. Anderson JW., et al. Long-term cholesterol-lowering effects of psyllium as an adjunct to diet therapy in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia. Am J Clin Nutr. 2000;71:1433-1438.

3. Olson BH., et al. Psyllium-enriched cereals lower blood total cholesterol and LDLcholesterol, but not HDL cholesterol, in hypercholesterolemic adults:results of a meta-analysis. J Nutr. 1997;127:1973-80.

4. Tai ES., et al. A study to assess the effect of dietary supplementation with soluble fiber (Minolest) on lipid levels in normal subjects with hypercholesterolemia. Ann Acad Med Singapore. 1999;28:209-13.

5. Davidson MH, et al. Long-term effects of consuming foods containing psyllium seed husk on serum lipids in subjects with hypercholesterolemia. Am J Clin Nutr. 1998;67:367-

6. MacMahon, et al. Ispaghula husk in the treatment of hypercholesterolaemia:a double-blindcontrolled study. J Cardiovasc Risk. 1998;5:167-72.

7. Van Rosendaal GM., et al. Effect of time of administration on cholesterol-lowering bypsyllium:a randomized cross-over study in normocholesterolemic or slightly hypercholesterolemic subjects. Nutr J. 2004;3:17.

8. FDA Talk Paper. 1998.

9. Jenkins DJ, et al. Soluble fiber intake at a dose approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for a claim of health benefits:serum lipid risk factors for cardiovascular disease assessed in a randomized controlled crossover trial. Am J Clin Nutr. 2002;75:834-9.

10. American Diabetes Association (2005) Clinical Practice Recommendations 2005. Diabetes Care 28, S1–S79.

11. Gelissen IC, Brodie B and Eastwood MA (1994) Effect of Plantago ovata (psyllium) husk and seeds on sterol metabolism:studies in normal and ileostomy subjects. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 59, 395-400.

12. Central Council for Research in Unani Medicine. Standardization of single drugs of Unani medicine – part I. New Delhi, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, 1987.

13. European pharmacopoeia, 3rd ed. Suppl. 2001. Strasbourg, Council of Europe, 2000.

14. Kritchevsky D et al. Infl uence of psyllium preparations on plasma and liver lipids of cholesterol-fed rats. Artery, 1995, 21:303–311.

15. Heaney RP, Weaver CM. Effect of psyllium on absorption of co-ingested calcium. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 1995, 43:261–263.

16. WHO monographs on selected medicinal plants, World Health Organization, Geneva, Vol. 1, 1999, 202-206.

17. WHO monographs on selected medicinal plants, World Health Organization, Geneva, Vol. 3, 2007, 268-282.

Khubkalan or Jangli sarson is the seed of plant Sisymbrium irio Linn. belonging to family Brassicaceae. This plant is generally found as an annual or biennial herb in moist soil. In India it is grown in Kashmir, Punjab, Haryana and from Rajasthan to Uttar Pradesh. It is also found in many parts of the world. The English name of this plant is London rocket. It got this name when it became abundant in London after the Great Fire of London in 1666. It is also distributed in Arab, America, South America, Europe, North Africa and Australia.

Khubkalan is the Unani-tibb name of the plant. Unani/Yunani medicine is a form of traditional medicine practiced in countries of the Middle East and South Asia. In Unani, the seeds of plant are prescribed for treating coughs, chest congestion, fever, asthma, loss of voice etc. It is also indicated in typhoid, rheumatism, to detoxify liver and spleen, reduce swelling/inflammation, rheumatism, clean wounds and piles. Its description is not found in ancient classical Ayurvedic texts. Khubkalan seeds have pungent taste and appearance is like mustard plant. It leaves are edible.

General Information

Common names

• ENGLISH:Hedge-Mustard, London Rocket, Desert mustard
• HINDI:Khub Kalaan, Khaaksee, Khaaksi, Khubkala
• MARATHI:Ranteekhee
• PUNJABI:Jangli sarson, Maktrusa, Maktaroosaa
• TELUGU:Jeevakamu
• URDU:Khubakalan, Khaksi, Khaksir, Khub Kalan, Shaba
• UNANI:Khubkalan, Khubkalon, Khaksi
• TIBBI NAME:Khub Kalan
• ARABIC:Jalijan, Khakshi, Khubba
• DENMARK:Esdragon
• SPANISH:ireos, matacandil, oruga leonina, rabanillo amarillo
• SWEDEN:Ampelskara, Dragon, vallsenap

Scientific Classification of Sisymbrium irio ( Khubkalon)

• KINGDOM:Plantae
• PHYLUM:Spermatophyta
• SUBPHYLUM:Angiospermae
• CLASS:Dicotyledonae
• ORDER:Capparidales
• FAMILY:Brassicaceae/Cruciferae (Mustard family)
• GENUS:Sisymbrium
• SPECIES:Sisymbrium irio

Part used:Seeds

Habitat:Kashmir, Punjab, Haryana and from Rajasthan to Uttar Pradesh in moist soils.

DESCRIPTION

Annual or biennial plant reaches 50-80 cm or taller;glabrous or sparsely pubescen;Stems erect, branched proximally and distally, glabrous or sparsely pubescent at least basally;Basal leaves not rosulate;petiole;blade oblanceolate or oblong (in outline);margins runcinate to pinnatisect;lobes oblong or lanceolate, smaller than terminal lobe, margins entire, dentate, or lobed;Cauline leaves similar to basal;distal-most blade smaller, to 2 cm wide, margins entire or 1-3-lobed;Fruiting pedicels divaricate or ascending, slender;Flowers:sepals erect, oblong;petals oblong-oblanceolate;Fruits narrowly linear, straight or slightly curved inward, slightly torulose, slender;ovules 40-90 per ovary;

Seeds more or less ellipsoid, minute, size about a mm, orangish-brown, mucilaginous with warty surface. They have odour, pungent like mustard oil and taste like bitter mustard oil. The powder of seeds is brown, with pungent mustard oil smell and oil globules;aleurone grains containing crystalloids, globoids and sclerenchymatous cells;with ruthenium red mucilage turns pink.

Pharmacological Properties of Seeds

• Expectorant:promotes the secretion of sputum by the air passages
• Anti-tussive:suppress coughing
• Restorative:restores normal health
• Febrifuge:reduce fever
• Rubefacient:topical application produces redness of the skin;useful in pain
• Antibacterial:destroys bacteria or suppresses their growth or their ability to reproduce जीवाणुरोधी
• Aphrodisiac:Having the effect of increasing sexual desire
• Cardio tonic:tonic effect on the action of the heart

Constituents of Seeds

Seed contains a flavonoid, isorhamnetin. Fatty oil from seeds contain linolenic and oleic acids (as chief constituents), along with erucic, palmitic and stearic acids. Ethanolic extract of seeds exhibited marked antibacterial action, also antipyretic and analgesic effects.

Ayurvedic Properties and Action on body

Khubkalan seeds are pungent in taste. They are sticky due to presence of fatty oil. They are hot in potency and heavy on digestion.

• Rasaरस(Taste):Katu (pungent)
• Gunaगुण(Characteristics):Guru/Heavy, Snigdha/Unctuous, Picchila (sticky)
• Viryaवीर्य(Potency):Ushna/Hot
• Vipakaविपाक(Post Digestive Effect):Katu/Pungent

Action on body:

• Vata har (pacifies the Vata/wind) वातहर
• Kapha har (pacifies the Kapha/mucous) कफहर
• Sweadkar (Sweat causing) स्वेदकर
• Shothahara (Anti-inflammatory) शोथहर
• Balya (Strength promoter) बल्य

Therapeutic Uses of Seeds Powder

• Asthma, cough
• Fever, hoarseness of voice
• Diseases due to vitiation of vata
• Diseases due to vitiation of kapha
• Weakness

Dosage of the Seed powder:3-6 g.

Various Medicinal Uses of Khubkala

In treatment of piles the seeds of the plant are dried and powdered. This powder is taken in dosage of 5gm twice a day for three weeks.

• The decoction of seeds is given in case of measles and smallpox.
• For fever the seeds are boiled and given.
• The seeds are administered internally with rose water in cholera.
• In diarrhea, the seeds are given with leaves of Kaasni.
• Externally seeds are used as stimulating poultice.

The leaves of plants are also edible. They can be eaten as salads. They are rich in protein. Leaves also contain vitamins, minerals, fiber and carbohydrates. They contain about 82% moisture, 7% protein, 0.4% fiber, 8% carbohydrate, minerals (calcium, phosphorus, iron), and vitamins (vitamin A/beta-carotene and C).

The infusion of leaves is used in treatment of respiratory ailments, throat affections, cough, and loss of voice.

Cholesterol and triglycerides are lipid or fat and are necessary for normal functioning of body. Cholesterol is a soft, clay-like, fat-like, white crystalline substance, C₂₇H₄₅OH, found in bloodstream and animal tissues and various foods. It is important as a constituent of cell membranes and a precursor to steroid hormones. It is normally synthesized by the liver and is transported through the bloodstream by different types of lipoproteins. Its main two types are HDL and LDL and they are routinely measured in blood tests.

Triglycerides are the main constituents of natural fats and oils. They are required in body to provide energy needed by tissues to function. If the level of LDL and triglycerides rises then the risk factor for developing diseases also increases.

The main source of both type of fat inside body is our diet. When the food rich in animal food, fats, sugar, dairy products is taken in excess that causes the rise in levels of cholesterol and triglyceride. It is important to choose food wisely. The one which is low-fat, contain complex carbohydrate, low in sugar and rich in vitamins and natural antioxidants. So the first step toward lowering the cholesterol and triglyceride levels starts in kitchen.

Why Cholesterol is required in our body?

Cholesterol is an essential part of every cell in the body.

It is necessary for new cells generation and repair of old cells.

It is used by the adrenal glands to form hormones such as cortisol, by the testicles to form testosterone, and by the ovaries to form estrogen and progesterone.

Why triglycerides are required in the body?

Triglycerides supply energy for the body.

It provides immediate energy needs to muscles and also store fat for future energy requirements.

When the serum levels of cholesterol rises then risk of developing coronary artery disease also increases. High level of triglyceride levels also add to risk factor for coronary artery disease and development of pancreatitis (inflammation of pancreas).

Triglyceride levels

NORMAL: Less than 150 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL)

BORDERLINE HIGH: 150 to 199 mg/dL

HIGH: 200 to 499 mg/dL

VERY HIGH: 500 mg/dL or higher

The condition of elevated triglyceride levels is known as Hypertriglyceridemia.

Types of Cholesterol

Lipoproteins are molecules made of proteins and fat. They carry cholesterol and triglycerides through the blood. As part of lipoproteins the cholesterol and triglycerides can be carried around in the bloodstream throughout the body.

The major lipoproteins are low density lipoproteins (LDL) and high density lipoproteins (HDL).

HDL cholesterol

HDL is the good cholesterol. It is acronym for high-density-lipoprotein.

HDL cholesterol is a lipoprotein with a relatively high concentration of protein and low concentration of lipids.

It is a circulating lipoprotein that picks up harmful cholesterol away from the arteries and deposits it in the liver for reprocessing or excretion.

High levels of HDL are associated with a decreased risk of atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease.

HDL level

NORMAL: Above 60 mg/dL

BORDERLINE: 50 to 59 mg/dL

HIGH BELOW: 40 mg/dL (for men); Below 50 mg/dL (for women)

LDL cholesterol

LDL is the bad cholesterol. It is acronym for Low-density-lipoprotein.

Low-density lipoproteins transport cholesterol from the liver to the tissues of the body. LDL deposits in the walls of blood vessels, which causes the blockages of atherosclerosis and plaque growth.

High level of LDL increases risk of heart diseases, heart attack, and sudden blood clot in an artery narrowed by atherosclerosis.

LDL level

NORMAL below 70 mg/dL

BORDERLINE 130 to 159 mg/dL

HIGH 160 to 189 mg/dL

Reasons for High Blood Cholesterol and High Triglycerides levels

• Certain types of Food, lack of exercise
• Smoking
• Diabetes
• Hypothyroidism
• Metabolic syndrome
• Side effects of medication
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Kidney diseases

Why to reduce high LDL cholesterol?

LDL can join with fats and other substances to build up in the inner walls of your arteries.

This can cause arteries to clog and development of plaque. Arteries become narrow, which causes reduction in blood flow.

Rupture of plaque, can cause a blood clot. If blood clot blocks the blood flow it may cause a heart attack.

The medical term for high blood cholesterol is lipid disorder hyperlipidemia or hypercholesterolemia.

Foods that Raise Cholesterol level & Triglycerides

There are certain foods that contribute significantly in raising the level of cholesterol. Mostly food products obtained from animals are very high in cholesterol as the cholesterol is present in bloodstream and tissues of the animal. Eggs are very high in cholesterols. They contain about 250 mg cholesterol per egg. Red meat of any type is responsible for raising cholesterol, triglyceride and uric acid.

• Sugar, Sweeteners of all kinds, fat, ghee, butter, fast foods all cause increase in weight and obesity. They significantly raise fasting serum, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.
• Red meat (beef, pork, and lamb), fatty meats, organ meats such as liver, shellfish
• Poultry and eggs, egg yolks
• Dairy products, cheese, whole-milk dairy products, Animal fats, butter
• Sweets, drinks, coconut oil
• Animal foods
• Trans-fatty acids/hydrogenated fats (polyunsaturated fats)
• Saturated fat (remain solid at room temperature)
• Hydrogenated or partially-hydrogenated oils
• Fast-food, Pizza, Burger
• Fruit juices, Chocolate and coffee
• High-calorie density food, highly refined and high- sugar food

Food that help to reduce bad Cholesterol and triglycerides

There are certain food items that help to manage normal Cholesterol and triglycerides levels.

• Sunflower oil reduces the level of cholesterol in the blood. Fruits do not contain any fat or cholesterol, and are rich in vitamins and antioxidants. Vitamin C, Vitamin D (sunlight), Vitamin E (whole grains) and Beta-carotene also helps to maintain low cholesterol levels in body.
• Curcumin present in turmeric, helps to lower the cholesterol levels after regular use of few months.
• Grains, brown rice, cereals, oatmeal, barley, buckwheat, cornmeal and other whole grains and foods made from these are staple food and helps to maintain good health.
• Green vegetables are source of nutrition, vitamins, minerals, and other vital constituents.
• Beans such as Pinto, garbanzo, lentils, lima, kidney etc. are full of protein, vitamins, minerals, fiber and other necessary nutrients. Eating beans, legumes and lentils helps to lower cholesterol and triglycerides level.
• Garlic is well-known for beneficial effect on heart. Taking few garlic cloves an empty stomach with water helps to bring extra cholesterol and triglyceride to normal levels.
• Pippali powder in 1 gram dose with honey in the mornings reduces cholesterol and weakness of heart.
• Parval or Patol is also helpful in reducing blood sugar, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride levels. It increases the high density lipoprotein cholesterol, phospholipid and faecal sterol levels.
• Triphala and its constituents act as cardio-tonic, control blood pressure, improve blood circulation and reduce cholesterol levels.
• Low saturated fat or no-fat dairy products
• Sunflower oil, olive oil, sesame oil
• Turmeric, Garlic, Cumin seeds, pippali (Piper longum)
• Fresh fruits, green vegetables
• Bottle gourd and its juice, Parval, Karela/Bitter gourd
• Whole grain, wheat, oats, beans, peas and legumes
• Fibers, psyllium husk
• Guar gum, Guggul Gum, Green tea
• Foods rich in vitamins and antioxidants
• Dry fruits, Walnuts, almonds, pistachios and pumpkin seeds
• Soy products, Beans
• Triphala

In case of high serum triglycerides one should significantly limit their intake of alcoholic beverages and refined carbohydrates (sweets) as the alcohol is a potent stimulus for triglyceride production in the body.

Few tips in a nutshell, for lowering cholesterol and triglycerides

• Have healthy food, cut down on foods high in saturated fat and cholesterol
• Take low-fat, complex carbohydrate diet
• Eat salad, fiber, drink lots of water
• Eat homemade foods, fruits and green vegetables
• Do not take snacks of biscuits, chips, juices
• Eat two meals a day, and keep fast one day/week

Do exercise, Do brisk walking, at least 30 minutes on most or all days for a total of at least 150 minutes each week.

The change of diet and lifestyle plays a very important role in maintenance of normal cholesterol and triglycerides. If you can control your diet and make wise food choice then you can lower LDL levels by up to 30%. Regular aerobic exercise lowers LDL cholesterol even further and at the same time increases HDL.

But if you can’t control your cholesterol through these modification, then it is highly recommended to take medicines after consulting doctor to prevent various health complications.

Raktastambhak Tablet is an Ayurvedic proprietary medicine from Shree Dhootapapeshwar Ltd. In Ayurveda, Raktastambhak means agent which reduces flow of blood in case of bleeding. So Raktastambhak is styptic or anti-hemorrhagic action of a medicine. These medicines reduce bleeding by contracting the tissues or blood vessels.

Raktastambhak Tablet is prepared from Nagkeshar, Durva, Laksha/Lac, Mochras and Gairik. It is a hemostatic medicine and indicated in all kinds of Raktapitta or bleeding disorders.

Hemostasis or haemostasis is a process which causes bleeding to stop, meaning to keep blood within a damaged blood vessel (the opposite of hemostasis is hemorrhage). It balances Vata and Pitta dosha in body.

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

Key Ingredients of Raktastambhak Tablet

Each tablet contains

• Nagakeshar Mesua ferrea 100 mg
• Shuddha Laksha 100 mg
• Mocharasa Extract of Bombax malabaricum 100 mg
• Shuddha Gairika Purified Red Ochre 50 mg
• Processed in Doorva Swarasa Cynodon dactylon juice q.s.
• Nagkeshar is well-known cooling, astringent, hemostatic and styptic herb of Ayurveda.
• Laksha/lac is used in bleeding disorders.

Nagkesar and lac have abortifacient activity and must not be used in pregnancy.

Mocharasa possess pain relieving, antiseptic, astringent, hemostatic and styptics properties.

Gairik is used in relieving bleeding from internal organs.

Durva or doob grass is astringent, haemoptysis and cooling. It is used as a snuff in nose bleeding, internal hemorrhages, rakta pradar and similar bleeding disorders. Durva pacifies excess pitta dosha.

Uses of Raktastambhak Tablet

Raktastambhak Tablet is indicated in bleeding disorders such as nakseer/nose bleed, gum bleeding, bleeding from anus and uterus.

• Bleeding gums
• Epistaxis
• Haemoptysis
• Haematuria
• Anal bleeding due to Piles, Fissure & Fistula
• Menorrhagia: abnormally heavy bleeding at menstruation.

Dosage of Raktastambhak Tablet

2 – 3 tablets twice or thrice a day with Usheerasava, Chandanasava, Sheetasudha, cow’s milk or honey or as directed by physician.

Nut-grass or Motha can be seen growing as weed in garden, lawn, fields and waste lands. It looks like grass and have tuberous roots underground. It is a perennial plant. Its blackish tuberous roots have distinct smell due to presence of essential oil. These rhizomes roots are rich in medicinal properties and used in Ayurveda for treatment of diseases since time immemorial. They are used fresh and dried. For medicinal purpose the dried powder or decoction of roots are prescribed.

In Ayurveda this plant is known as Mustak or Motha. It is used in treatment of variety of diseases. It is one of the best herb for treating many female disorders like yeast, candida and premenstrual syndrome. It is also used for menopause, menstrual disorders, dysmenorrhea, and breast tumors. Mustak/Nut-grass is used alone or in combination with other herbs for treating digestive disorders, pain in abdomen, low appetite, digestive weakness, indigestion, malabsorption, diarrhea and bleeding dysentery. Animal studies show oral administration of roots breaks the lipids and mobilizes the fat from adipose tissues and thus helps in reducing obesity. Another study shows, the daily intake of Motha root powder (1 gram, three times a day) and Ashwagandha powder (1 gram, two times a day) shows good result in rheumatoid arthritis.

Scientific Classification of Cyperus rotundus

The botanical name of Motha is Cyperus rotundus Linn. and it belongs to the family Cyperaceae.

Cyperaceae or sedge family comprises of monocotyledonous flowering plants. The plants of this family are grass like and found especially in wet regions throughout the world. It is among the 10 largest families of flowering plants, containing about 5,000 species. In genus Cyperus, there are nearly 650 species.

Cyperus rotundus taxonomic classification is as given below:-

• KINGDOM: Plantae – Plants
• SUBKINGDOM: Tracheobionta – Vascular plants
• SUPERDIVISION: Spermatophyta – Seed plants
• DIVISION: Magnoliophyta – Flowering plants
• CLASS: Liliopsida – Monocotyledons
• SUBCLASS: Commelinidae
• ORDER: Cyperales
• FAMILY: Cyperaceae – Sedge family
• GENUS: Cyperus L. – flatsedge P
• SPECIES: Cyperus rotundus L. – nutgrass

SYNONYMS

• AYURVEDIC: Musta, Mustaa, Mustaka, Abda, Ambuda, Ambhoda, Ambodhara, Bhadra, Bhadra, Bhadramusta, Bhadramusta, Bhadramustaka, Ghana, Jalada, Jaldhara, Meghahva, Nirada, Varida, Varivaha, Payoda, Balahaka, Ganda-Durva
• SIDDHA: Koraikkizhangu
• UNANI: Naagarmothaa, Saad-e-Kufi
• HINDI: Motha, Nagarmotha
• ASSAMESE: Mutha, Somad Koophee
• BENGALI: Mutha, Musta
• GUJARATI: Moth, Nagarmoth
• KANNADA: Konnari Gadde
• MALAYALAM: Muthanga, Kari Mustan
• MARATHI: Moth, Nagarmoth, Motha, Bimbal
• PUNJABI: Mutha, Motha
• TAMIL: Korai, Korai-Kizhangu
• TELUGU: Tungamustalu
• ENGLISH: Coco-grass, Java grass, nut grass, purple nut sedge, purple nutsedge, red nut sedge.
• URDU: Sad Kufi

Part used for medicinal purpose: Rhizome

Habitat: Indigenous to India, and found in tropical, subtropical and temperate regions.

Found throughout the plains of India up to an elevation of 1800 m; grow in waste grounds, gardens and roadsides, and similar places.

DESCRIPTION OF MEDICINAL PART

Drug consists of rhizome and stolon. Rhizomes bluntly conical and vary in size and thickness, crowned with the remains of stem and leaves forming a scaly covering, dark brown or black externally, creamish-yellow internally; odour, pleasant.

MAIN CONSTITUENTS: The major compounds isolated from essential oil and the extracts of C.rotundus rhizome are Alpha-cyperone, Alpha-rotunol, Beta-cyperone, Beta-pinene, Beta-rotunol, Beta-selinene, Calcium, Camphene, Copaene, Cyperene, Cyperenone, Cyperol, Cyperolone Cyperotundone Dcopadiene, D-epoxyguaiene, D-fructose, D-glucose, Flavonoids, Gamma-cymene, Isocyperol, Isokobusone, Kobusone, Limonene, Linoleic-acid, Linolenic-acid, Magnesium, Manganese, C. rotunduskone, Myristic-acid, Oleanolic-acid, Oleanolic-acid-3-oneohesperidoside, Oleic-acid, P-cymol, Patchoulenone, Pectin, Polyphenols, Rotundene, Rotundenol, Rotundone, Selinatriene, Sitosterol, Stearic-acid, Sugeonol, Sugetriol.

The essential oil comprised mostly sesquiterpene hydrocarbons, epoxides, ketones, monoterpenes and aliphatic alcohols. Sesquiterpenes include selinene, isocurcumenol, nootkatone, aristolone, isorotundene, cypera- 2,4(15)-diene, and norrotundene, as well as the sesquiterpene alkaloids rotundines A-C.

AYURVEDIC PROPERTIES AND ACTION

Mustak or Motha is Pungent, bitter and astringent. It is cold in potency and increases Vata dosha if taken in excess. It pacifies Pitta and Kapha dosha.

The roots on oral intake have action on plasma, blood, muscle, and nerves. It mainly affects digestive, circulatory, female reproductive system. Achrya Charak and Sushrut used Motha in diarrhea, dysentery, digestive disorders, vaginal and uterine diseases.

• Rasa (Taste): Tikta/Bitter, Katu (pungent) kashaya/Astringent
• Guna (Characteristics): Laghu/Light, Ruksha/Dry,
• Virya (Potency): Sheet/ Cool
• Vipaka (Post Digestive Effect): Katu/Pungent

Action on body

• Dipana/ deepana (Digestive stimulant)
• Grahi (Anti-diarrhea, binds stool)
• Pachana (digest ama/toxins)
• Kapha-har (pacifies the Kapha/mucous)
• Pitta-har (pacifies pitta)
• Sthoulya-har (reduces obesity)
• Tvakadosh-har (cures skin diseases)
• Sotha-har (reduces swelling)

IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS

Mustakarishta, Mustakadi Kvatha, Ashokarishta, Mustakadi Churna, Mustakadi Lehya, Piyushavalli Rasa, Gulmakatanala Rasa, Mahalakshadi Taila etc.

THERAPEUTIC USES IN AYURVEDA

• Digestive weakness, Indigestion
• Diarrhea, Dysentery, Malabsorption
• Excess thirst, Rheumatism, Vomiting
• Cold, cough
• Gynecological Disorders
• Intestinal Parasites, painful urination, fever

DOSE OF NUTGRASS

• Dry Powder dose 3-6 grams.
• Decoction (Kwath) prepared from the dry root powder: 20-30 ml.
• For preparing decoction boil one tablespoon of Motha root powder in one glass water. Cook till water reduces to 70-50ml. Fitter this using a tea strainer.

Medicinal Properties of Mustak/Nut-grass Rhizome

Motha roots contain several active chemical constituents. Due to presence of these constituents the roots possess following medicinal properties. These properties are scientifically proven by various scientific studies.

• Antioxidant: Strong radic al scavenging action; Prevents free radical damage of cells.
• Anthelmintic: Destroy parasitic worms.
• Antifungal: Effective against fungus.
• Alterative: restoring healthy bodily functions.
• Anti-rheumatic: against rheumatism.
• Antispasmodic: prevents or relieves spasms/cramps.
• Anti-hyperglycemic: lowers the blood glucose levels.
• Aphrodisiac: stimulates sexual desire.
• Astringent: constricts soft organic tissue.
• Carminative: Relieves gas in the alimentary tract (colic or flatulence or griping).
• Diaphoretic: Induces perspiration.
• Diuretic: Increases passing of urine.
• Emmenagogue: stimulate blood flow in the pelvic area and uterus.
• Hepatoprotective: Protects liver and improves liver functions.
• Stimulant: raises levels of physiological or nervous activity in the body.
• Stomachic: promotes the appetite or and assist in digestion.
• Hypotensive: lowers blood pressure.

Medicinal Uses of Nut grass/Cyperus rotundus

For medicinal purpose the tuberous roots of plant are used. They are used internally as well as externally. The decoction of Motha roots with honey is prescribed in diarrhea. In diarrhea with mucus and pain, Motha roots are boiled in milk and given.

Stomach disorder

One or two crushed tubers boiled with about 200 ml cow milk are given in stomach disorder.

Atisaar or Diarrhea

The dried root powder is given in dose of 5 grams with Butter milk 3-4 times a day.

Pravahika or dysentery

Nutgrass improves intestinal absorption and stops diarrhea. The decoction of nutgrass root is taken in dosage of 30ml two times a day.

Jaundice, cold

The decoction of nutgrass is beneficial.

Improving health

The juice of nutgrass is highly health promoting.

Fever

For fever, the decoction of nutgrass root is taken in dosage of 30ml.

Intestinal disorders

The roots are ground and taken with honey in dose of one teaspoon.

Improving breast milk

The paste of fresh roots is applied on breasts.

Sores, Wounds

The root paste is applied on affected places.

Caution, Side-effects and Contraindications of Nagarmotha

It should be taken cautiously in constipation.

It increases vata dosha.

REFERENCES

Khurasani Ajwain / Khorasni Yavani/Ajwain Khurasaniis the seeds of plant Hyoscyamus niger belonging to nightshade family or Solanaceae. This family consists of about 98 genera and some 2,700 species of plant. Some of the plants belonging to this family are highly toxic like Datura, Mandragora and Atropa belladonna (deadly nightshade). Khurasani Ajwain is also known as stinking nightshade or black henbane. This plant is also toxic.

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

---

Khurasani ajwain is native of Khurasan, Iran. It is used in Ayurveda and Unani medicine system for treatment of variety of diseases. It is also used as substitute of opium because of its hypnotic, hallucinogenic, narcotic, and sedative properties. Every part of Khurasani ajwain plant contains alkaloids. These alkaloid can cause increase in heart rate and respiratory rate, dilation of pupil, excitement, and seizures. It is always used in recommended low dosage only.

Khurasani ajwain is hot in potency and digestive in nature. It has astringent and narcotic effect. Due to its narcotic and sedative effect Khurasani ajwain is used for calming the mind and inducing sleep. In Unani medicine system the seeds of Khurasani ajwain are first detoxified and then used. For this purpose, the seeds are soaked in vinegar for three consecutive night and then dried and powdered. This powder is used for medicinal purpose.

Scientific classification

• Kingdom: Plantae
• Order: Solanales
• Family: Solanaceae
• Genus: Hyoscyamus
• Species: H. niger
• Binomial name: Hyoscyamus niger

SYNONYM

• AYURVEDIC/SANSKRIT NAME: Parasika Yavni, Parseekyavaani, Madkarini, Khurashanika, Khurasani ajwain
• UNANI: Barz-ul-Banj, Bazrulbanj, Khurasani Ajwayin
• SIDDHA: Parsekayavani, Khurasani Omam
• ENGLISH: Indian Henbane, Black Henbane
• BENGALI: Khorasani ajwan
• GUJRATI: Khurasanee ajma, Khurasanee ajmo
• HINDI: Khurasanee ajvayan,
• KANNADA: Khurasanee, Ajawaana
• MALAYALAM: Khurasaanee, Paarasika, Yavaani
• MARATHI: Khurasanee ova
• PUNJABI: Khurasanee ajvain, Bangidewana
• TAMIL: Kuraasanee Yomam
• TELUGU: Kurasanee vamu, Khurasanee omam
• URDU: Ajvayanee Khursanee

HABITAT: Central and southern Europe, Western Asia, Siberia. Main source Baluchistan and Afghanistan.

In India, it occurs in the temperate Himalayas from Kashmir to Garhwal.

CONSTITUENTS

Hyoscyamine, hyoscine, isomeric N-oxides of hyoscyamine (equatorial and axial), hyoscine-N-oxide (equatorial isomer), tropine; 16á- acetoxyhyoscyamilactol, daturalactone-4,hyoscyamilactol; cannabisin D, cannabisin G, grossamide, hyoscyamide; rutin; daucosterol, ßsitosterol, myristic, palmitic, stearic, oleic and linoleic acids, 1-O- (9Z, 12Z-octadecadienoyl) glycerol, 1-O-octadecanoylglycerol, 1-O- (9Z-12Z-octadecadienoyl) -3O-(9Z-Octadecenoyl) glycerol, 1-O- (9Z, 12Z-octadecadienoyl) -3-O-nonadecanoyl glycerol, 1-O-(9Z,12Zoctadecadienoyl)-2-O- (9Z,12Z-octadecadienoyl) glycerol, N-trans-feruloyl tyramine,1, 24-tetracosanediol diferulate and vanillic acid.

DESCRIPTION OF SEEDS:

Seeds irregularly reniform or sub-quadrate, slightly over a mm. in size, dark grey, surface concave, odour pleasantly aromatic; taste bitter, mucilaginous and pungent.

Ayurvedic Properties and Action on body

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

Action on body:

• Dipana/ deepana (Digestive stimulant)
• Grahi (Anti-diarrhea, binds stool)
• Pachana (digest ama/toxins)
• Pitta-kara (increases pitta)
• Kapha-hara (reduces mucous)
• Vata-har (Reduce vata dosha)
• Madak (intoxicating)
• Nidra-karak (induces sleep)
• THERAPEUTIC USES IN AYURVEDA
• Stones, pain, asthma, gulma, intestinal parasites, intoxicated, nightfall/nocturnal emission, insomnia, joint pain and pain in abdomen.

IMPORTANT MEDICINAL PROPERTIES OF KHURASANI AJWAIN

• Anaphrodisiac: reduces sexual libido/desire.
• Anodyne: pain relieving.
• Anthelmintic: destroy parasitic worms.
• Anti-rheumatic: gives relief in rheumatism.
• Antiseptic: prevents the growth of disease-causing microorganisms.
• Hypnotic: producing hypnosis/ sleep-inducing.
• Sedative/intoxicant: promoting calm.
• Antispasmodic (prevents or relieves spasms/cramps).
• Anticholinergic: Agents that block the action of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine in the brain. They are used to treat diseases like asthma, incontinence, gastrointestinal cramps, and muscular spasms.
• Carminative: relieves gas in the alimentary tract (colic or flatulence or griping).
• Astringent: constricts soft organic tissue.

Recommended Dosage of Khurasani Ajwain: 125-500mg.

Medicinal Uses of Khurasani Ajwain

Insomnia due to stress

Prepare a powder by mixing powder of Amla, Brahmi, Shankhpushpi, Shatavari, Ashwagandha, and Khurasani ajwain in equal amount. Take this powder in dose of 3grams with milk. Take daily for three months.

Pain in ear

Cook seeds of Khurasani ajwain in sesame oil. Let it cool and instill few drops in ear.

Intestinal parasites, roundworm

For parasitic infestation, eat 10gram jaggery empty stomach in the morning. After that eat 200-500mg of its seeds powder.

Urinary problems, stones

The Satva of seeds is given in dose of 12 drops, 3-4 times a day.

Rheumatic pain, joint pain

The seeds are cooked in sesame oil and massaged on affected body area.

Pain in liver

The seeds oil is applied externally on affected area.

CAUTION, SIDE-EFFECTS and CONTRAINDICATIONS

Contraindicated in Tachycardia (Fast Heartbeat), Prostatic Hyperplasia (Noncancerous Enlargement Of The Prostate Gland), Glaucoma (Increased Pressure Within The Eyeball, Causing Gradual Loss Of Sight), Acute Pulmonary Oedema (Excess Fluid In The Lungs) And Stenosis Of Gastrointestinal Tract (Obstruction Of GI Tract).

Overdoses may cause Arrhythmia (Heart Beats with an Irregular or Abnormal Rhythm), Deliria (Disturbance Of Consciousness), Dysuria (Painful Or Difficult Urination), Erythema (Reddening Of The Skin), Hallucinogens, Lethargy, Mania, Mydriasis (Dilation Of The Pupil Of The Eye), Obstipation (Severe Or Complete Constipation), Tachycardia (Abnormally Rapid Heart Rate), Visual Disturbance, Water Retention, And Dry Mouth.

• The high dosage of Khurasani ajwain is harmful for heart. It increases blood pressure and heart rate.
• Khurasani ajwain reduces libido.
• Always take in recommended dose.

Orchis latifolia Linn. is commonly known as Panja, Salam-Panja, Salep, Hath-Panja or Hatajari. It got all these local names due to its hand like roots. The appearance of its root is like a palm with fingers. Salam-panja is found in Himalaya at altitudes of 2,500-5000m in damp places. It is an orchid plant and bears purple flowers. It has fleshy tuberous roots. These roots are used for medicinal purpose. In Unani, the roots of plant are considered aphrodisiac and nervine tonic. The roots are cooling, emollient, aphrodisiac, rejuvenating and tonic.

By Isidre blanc (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0], via Wikimedia Commons

---

General Information

Vernacular Names

• Hindi: Salampanja, Salam
• Ayurvedic: Munjataka, Saalam-misri
• Kannada, Malyalam, Telugu: Salamisri
• Marathi: Salum
• Uttarakhand: Hattha jadee
• Kashmir: Salem panja
• Ladakh: Angulagpa
• English: Salep orchid
• Siddha: Silamishri
• Trade name: Salep

Latin Name: Orchis latifolia Linn.

Family: Orchidaceae (orchid family)

Part used: Tuber root

Native to: Indian Himalayan region

Distributed in: India (Jammu and Kashmir, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Himachal Pradesh), Pakistan, Afghanistan, Nepal, Tibet and Bhutan.

Description:

Perennial herb, up to 60 to 70 cm in height; palmately lobed, Fleshy, tuberous divided root tubers; leaves many, erect, oblong broadly lanceolate arranged more or less along the stem; Flower: dull purple in spikes.

Medicinal Uses of Salep

The roots of plant are used Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani for treatment of many diseases. They are used to cure dysentery, diarrhea, chronic fever, cough, stomachache, wounds, cuts, burns, fractures and general weakness.

The root tubers are rich in starch, mucilage, sugar, phosphate, chloride and glucoside-loroglossin. They yield a 'Salep’ which is used in traditional medicine.

Salep is used as food, expectorant, aphrodisiac and as nervine tonic. The dried and ground root powder is taken with milk to increase vigourness. It is ingredient of many Unani medicines which are used for sexual weakness, low sperm count and spermattorrhoea.

Roots have astringent and aphrodisiac properties. Clinical trial shows that the herb is also used to increase testosterone level and also help to increase sexual desire.

The roots are cooling in nature.

They are tonic, rejuventive and used in treatment of wasting diseases.

Dosage of Root powder

The root powder is used in dose of 3-5 grams. Generally one teaspoon root powder is cooked in one cup milk and given for diabetes, dysentery, diarrhea, weakness and all kind of wasting diseases.

Reference

Badola HK, Aitken S (2003). The Himalayas of India: A treasury of Medicinal plant under siege. Biodiversity, 4: 3-13

Baral SR, Kurmi PP (2006). A compendium of medicinal plants in Nepal, Katmandu, Nepal

Samant SS, Dhar U, Palni LMS (1998). Medicinal plants of Indian Himalayan: Diversity, Distribution Potential Values. HIMAVIKAS Publication. No.13, Gyanodaya Prakashan. Nainital, India

Pant S, Rinchen T, Dactylorhiza hatagirea: A high value medicinal orchid. J Med Plants Res, 6(19):3522-4, (2012)

Thakur M, Dixit VK (2007). Aphrodisiac Activity of Dactylorhiza hatagirea (D.Don) Soo in Male Albino Rats. Evid. Based Complement Alternat. Med., 4(1): 29-31

Thakur M, Dixit VK, Ameliorative effect of Fructo-Oligosaccharide rich extract of Orchis latifolia linn. on sexual dysfunction in hyperglycaemic male rats. Sex Disabil, 26(1):37-46(2008)

Ved DK, Kinhal GA, Ravikumar K, Prabhakaran V, Ghate U, Sankar RV, Indresha JH (2003). CAMP Report: Conservation assessment and Management prioritization for Medicinal plant of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttaranchal. In: Workshop at Shimla, Himachal Pradesh.

Vij SP, Srivastav RC, Mainra AK (1992). On the occurrence of Dacty

Singh A, Duggal S, Medicinal Orchids - An Overview. Ethnobot Leaflets, 13:399-412, (2009)

ZENTEL is a benzimidazole carbamate with anthelmintic and antiprotozoal activity against the intestinal and tissue parasites. This medicine is one of the most widely used Albendazole worldwide. This medicine come in form of tablet and suspension. Zentel is a trademark of the GlaxoSmithKline group of companies.

Zentel exhibits larvicidal, ovicidal and vermicidal activity, and exerts its antihelmintic effect by inhibiting tubulin polymerisation. This disrupts helminth metabolism, causing energy depletion, which immobilises and then kills the susceptible helminth.

Composition

Tablet containing 200 mg or 400 mg albendazole.

4 % w/v suspension to be taken orally; 4 g albendazole per 100 ml.

Uses of ZENTEL

It is used to treat following parasite worms:

Round-worm (Ascaris lumbricoides), pin-worm (Enterobius vermicularis), hook-worm (Necator americanus, Ancylostoma duodenale), whip-worm (Trichuris trichiura), thread-worm (Strongyloides stercoralis), tape-worm (Taenia spp and Hymenolepis nana only in the case of associated parasitism), Chlonorchiasis (Chlonorchis sinensis), Opisthorchiasis (Opisthorchis viverrini) and cutaneous larva migrans; Giardiasis (G.lamblia, G.duodenalis, G.intestinalis, Lamblia intestinalis) in children.

DOSAGE

^*In order to obtain a complete cure in the case of pin-worm infestation, prescribe strict measures of hygiene, also treat the relatives and individuals sharing the same housing.

^**In cases of proven Hymenolepiasis, retreatment in 10-21 days is recommended.

***Patients should be re-examined 1 month after treatment to confirm fluke eradication.

Direction to use

Some people, particularly young children, may experience difficulties swallowing the tablets whole and should be encouraged to chew the tablets with a little water; alternatively the tablets may be crushed.

Suspensions: Shake well before use

Do not use in following cases

ZENTEL should not be administered during pregnancy, or in women thought to be pregnant.

ZENTEL is contraindicated in patients with a known history of hypersensitivity to the drug (albendazole or constituents).

Warnings and precautions

In order to avoid administering ZENTEL during early pregnancy, women of childbearing age should initiate treatment during the first week of menstruation or after a negative pregnancy test.

Use with caution in elderly patients with evidence of hepatic dysfunction.

Patients with renal impairment should be carefully monitored.

Patients with abnormal liver function test results (transaminases) prior to commencing albendazole therapy should be carefully monitored.

Always take in recommended dosages.

Do Not use in Pregnancy and lactation

Albendazole should not be administered during pregnancy or in women thought to be pregnant (see Contraindications).

It is not known whether albendazole or its metabolites are secreted in human breast milk. Thus ZENTEL should not be used during lactation unless the potential benefits are considered to outweigh the potential risks associated with treatment.

ADVERSE REACTIONS

Hypersensitivity reactions including rash, pruritis and urticaria (rare).

Headache and dizziness (uncommon).

Upper gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g. epigastric or abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting) and diarrhoea (uncommon).

Elevations of hepatic enzymes (rare).

Erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome (very rare).

Patolakaturohinyadi Kashayam is polyherbal Ayurvedic formulation. This medicine is useful in treatment of diseases of skin and liver. It shows beneficial effect in burning sensation, pigmentation, itching, ulcers etc. This medicine balances Pitta and Kapha dosh. Patolakaturohinyadi Kashayam removes toxins from blood and liver. It rejuvenates the skin, improves digestion, and protects liver. It is effective in diseases of liver such as jaundice, viral infections etc.

This medicine is available in form of liquid and tablets. Tablets are very concentrated decoction.

The chief ingredient of this medicine is Patola and Katurohini. Katukurohini/Katurohini/Kutki is Ayurvedic name of medicinal herb Picrorhiza kurroa, a perennial herb found in alpine regions with temperate climatic conditions. It is named as Katuka or Katuki due to its immense bitter taste. It is has rhizomes root and used as a bitter tonic and for the treatment of liver disorders. It is cooling, laxative, carminative, digestive, stomachic, cholagogue, hepato-protective, anti-viral, anti-pyretic, immunomodulating, free-radical scavenging, anti-spasmodic and anti-inflammatory. In large doses, it acts like a purgative. Katuki use is mentioned in ancient classical Ayurvedic treatise, Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita, for treatment of jaundice and liver disorders. Scientific studies affirms its anti-inflammatory, liver protective and bilirubin excretion improving properties.

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

Key Ingredients of Patolakaturohinyadi Kashayam

• Patola Trichosanthes dioica 1 Part
• Katurohini (Katuka) Picrorrhiza kurroa 1 Part
• Chandana Santalum album 1 Part
• Madhusrava Marsdenia tenacissima 1 Part
• Guduchi Tinospora cordifolia 1 Part
• Patha Cyclea peltata 1 Part

Uses of Patolakaturohinyadi Kashayam

• Patolakaturohinyadi Kashayam (Ashtangahridayam) is very effective in diseases due to Kapha and pitta dosh, skin diseases, fever, loss of appetite, jaundice and other liver disorders.
• Leprosy, Skin diseases, non-healing ulcer
• Liver disorders, hepatitis, jaundice
• Nausea, low appetite
• Fever
• Blood impurities

Dosage of Patolakaturohinyadi Kashayam

Take 10-15ml of Kashayam (liquid/decoction form) two or three times diluted with equal amount of water twice daily OR take Kashayam Tablets, 2-3 Tablets twice or thrice a day empty stomach.

Where to buy

You can buy this medicine online or from medical stores.

This medicine is manufactured by Vaidyaratnam Oushadhasala, Ashoka pharmaceuticals, Nagarjuna, Kottakkal, Arya Vaidya Sala, Kerala Ayurveda, and some other pharmacies.

Banana is one of the most nutritious and suitable for all fruit. It is available throughout the year. It has added advantage over the other fruits. You need not to wash your hands before eating it. Just peel and enjoy. It is easy to carry and does not require washing prior to eating. Banana is a tropical fruit. It originated in Southeast Asia and the South Pacific. Botanically, banana fruit is a berry and its plant is a giant herb. There are about 1000 varieties of bananas in the world. They are grown in more than 150 countries, producing 105 million tons of fruit per year.

Banana offers numerous health benefits. It regulates bowel, makes blood alkaline, reduces stress and increases brain power. Its intake is beneficial in heart diseases, depression, menstrual pains and anemia. Banana shows beneficial effects in constipation, thirst, hemorrhoids, hypertension, and intoxication. They are rich in potassium. Potassium is an essential mineral required for maintaining normal blood pressure and heart function. Study show mixture of banana and milk significantly reduces the acid secretion. Banana is effective against aspirin-induced damage of gastric mucosa.

Taxonomical classification

India is considered as one of the origin of the banana. The scientific name of banana is Musa paradisiaca and Musa sapientum.

• KINGDOM: Plantae
• DIVISION: Magnoliophyta
• CLASS: Liliopsida
• ORDER: Zingiberales
• FAMILY: Musaceae
• GENUS: Musa
• SPECIES: Musa paradisiaca, Musa sapientum

SYNONYM

• AYURVEDIC: Sakrtphala, Varana, Mocha, Ambusara, Anshumatiphal
• UNANI: Kelaa, Mouz
• SIDDHA: Vaazhai
• ENGLISH: Plantain, Banana
• HINDI: Kela
• BENGALI: Kela, Kala, Kach-kula, Kodali, Kanch-kala
• ORIYA: Kadali, Kadila
• ASSAMESE: Kal, Talha
• GUJARATI: Kela Kannada: Bale, Balenaru, Balehannu, Bale gadde
• MALAYALAM: Vasha, Vashappagnan, Vazha, Pisang, Kadalivala, Ksetrakadali
• MARATHI: Kela, Kadali Punj: Kela, Khela
• TAMIL: Vashaip pasham, Valei, Vazhai, Kadali valai
• TELUGU: Ariti, Anati, Kommu-ariti, Nalla-ariti, Kadali, Arati gadda, Kadalamu
• URDU: Kela:
• ARABIC: Tulhtula, Shajratulmosus, Mous, Mouz
• SINDHI: Kewiro
• PERSIAN: Tulhtula, Mous
• SINGHALESE: Walkaihil, Kehol
• CAMBODIA: Check, Chek chvea, Chek pheh

Nutritional Value of Banana

Banana is full of nutrition. It is excellent source of potassium. One medium size banana contain about 400mg of it. Higher level of potassium in body helps to lower the blood pressure. Moreover it has very low amount of sodium. Eating one banana gives 25% of daily required value of Vitamin B6. Vitamin B6 improves immunity. Banana also contains silicon, magnesium, phosphorus, copper, chromium, iron, fluoride, manganese, selenium, and zinc.

Banana, fresh 1 medium;

Calories: 118.00 grams; Glycemic Index: low (GI measures the impact of a food on our blood sugar)

Nutrient	Amount	%Daily Value*
Total Fat	0.5g	1 %
Cholesterol	0mg	0 %
Sodium	<0.5 mg/100g	0 %
Sugars	18g
Protein	1g
vitamin B6	0.43 mg	25
manganese	0.32 mg	16
vitamin C	10.27 mg	14
fiber	3.07 g	12
potassium	422.44 mg	12
biotin	3.07 mcg	10
copper	0.09 mg	10

Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Some important Medicinal Properties

Bananas are astringent, emollient, cooling, anthelmintic, aphrodisiac, antiscorbutic, laxative, demulcent and nutrient. They are useful in bleeding disorders, diabetes, gastritis, dyspepsia with flatulence and acidity, chronic dysentery, diarrhea, scurvy, helminthiasis, scabies, pruritus, bronchitis, pharyngeal disorders, nephropathy, strangury, menorrhagia, metrorrhagia and general debility.

• Some of the important beneficial properties of banana are given below.
• Anti-ulcer: ulcers in the stomach and the upper part of the small intestine.
• Antacid: prevents or corrects stomach acidity.
• Antiscorbutic: against scurvy.
• Laxative: encourage bowel movements to relieve constipation.
• Cooling: provides a sensation of coolness or reduces fever.
• Nutritive, tonic: Good for improving general health.
• Heavy, Strengthening, Aphrodisiac
• In Ayurveda, the unripe fruit is acrid, cooling, tonic, astringent to the bowels. It causes vata and kapha. The ripe fruit is sweet, acrid, cooling, tonic, aphrodisiac and demulcent. It is useful in dysentery, leprosy, thirst, bronchitis, consumption, burning sensations, vaginal and urinary discharges, urinary concretions, biliousness and acidity. In diabetes, the unripe fruit is preferred.
• It takes approximately three - four hour for banana to digest completely.

Health Benefits of Banana

Banana is full of nutrition. Eating one banana provides 12% of daily required value of potassium. Potassium protects against cardiovascular diseases and lowers blood pressure. Potassium also helps body to get rid of excess sodium. Banana is also good source of manganese, fiber, and vitamin B6. Banana strengthen bones, improves eyesight, and protects from ulcers. It improves digestion and bowel movements. It reduces acid reflux and heartburn. It is a natural antacid. In pregnancy, it helps to provide nutrition, folic acid and gives relief in morning sickness.

• It is very low-fat food (less than 4% of their calories come from fat). It is rich in carbohydrates, potassium, and vitamins.
• It restores normal bowel function.
• The fully ripen banana is a natural bulk producing laxative. It is rich in water-soluble fiber and helps to cure constipation.
• It has antacid effects and protect against stomach ulcers.
• It reduces the risk of heart diseases and blood pressure due to their richness in potassium.
• As banana are rich in potassium they also prevent muscle cramps.
• It contain amino acid tryptophan which stimulates production of serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter with calming effect on body. This also helps in reducing depression.
• It increase mental alertness and improves brain power.
• It increases iron level and cures anemia.
• It improves the body's ability to absorb calcium.
• It makes blood alkaline.

Eating banana during pregnancy provides folic acid, iron, vitamin B6, potassium and other nutrients. It helps to keep blood pressure normal and also gives energy.

Bananas eating is beneficial in ulcer, irritation in the stomach and hyperacidity. It contain a considerable amount of vitamin B6 and vitamin C, minerals like calcium, magnesium, and trace amounts of iron and zinc. It contains phosphorus which is good for brain. Banana does not contain fat and cholesterol. It has low glycemic index. It breaks down slowly and releases glucose gradually in the bloodstream. The can be eaten safely in diabetes.

Eating Banana for treating common health conditions

• It is beneficial to eat banana in acidity, colitis, ulcerative colitis, insomnia, and for improving weight gain.
• In insomnia/lack of sleep, eating banana with one teaspoon of cumin seed powder is helpful.
• In peptic ulcer and hyperacidity, eating larger greener banana is helpful. For this purpose eat 1-2 banana with one cup milk. It neutralizes excessive acidity.
• For constipation, eating banana empty stomach in the morning is very helpful. Please note, use the fully ripen yellow banana for constipation. Also it is important to drink plenty of water. Otherwise the fiber present in banana will worsen the constipation.
• In mouth ulcer and nose-bleed/nakseer, eating banana is helpful. For nose-bleed eat banana daily.
• For hiccups, eat a grain of hing and with banana.
• The banana face mask application on face tightens the facial skin and gives glow. It moisturizes, softens, soothes and nourishes the skin. It has anti-wrinkle properties. This mask specially suits to dry and normal skin.
• For preparing the mask, take one ripe banana and mash it. Add one teaspoon honey and mix well. Apply this face-mask for 15-20 minutes. Wash off with plain water.
• Rub the inner peel of banana on insect bite or mosquito bites to get relief from itching.

Banana pacifies pitta dosha but aggravates kapha dosha. So if in case of excess mucous in body it is better to avoid banana. Avoid eating banana immediately after having meal. Do not drink water for one hour after eating banana. Goiter patients should avoid banana.

Lac/Lakh or Laksha is resin and wax mixture secretion from a scale insect as a hard protective covering. It is a natural commercial resin of animal origin. It has a reddish or dark-brown colour with a disagreeable smell.

Lac has been used in India from thousand years. The detailed habit and behavior of Lac insect is given in Atharva Ved. In Mahabharata, Kauravas built a palace of Laksha, the Laksha Griha लाक्षा गृह (Laksha=Lac; Griha=Home) as a conspiracy to kill Pandavas. Lac has diverse uses. It is used for making dyes, filling the hollow gold and silver ornaments, making of bangles etc. The fluid lac dye obtained by dissolving the crushed stick-lac in water is called Alakta अलक्तः or Alta. This dye is applied by Indian Hindu women on hands and sole of feet.

From the stick-lac (twigs encrusted with lac), shellac is obtained after purification. Shellac is used as coating for medicines.

SYNONYM

SANSKRIT: Laksha HINDI: Lakh ENGLISH: Shellac BENGALI: Gala GUAJARATI: Lak TELUGU: Kommolakka, lakka

TAMIL: KomburrkiMALAYALAM: Arakku, Ambalu ARABIC: Luk

In Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani system of medicine Lac is used for treatment of variety of diseases.

In Ayurveda, Lac is considered astringent (Ras/taste), cool (Veerya/potency), and Pungent (Vipaka/post-digetsive effect). It balances pitta-kapha dosh and promotes strength.

The purified Lac is used in Ayurveda for treatment of hiccups, cough, coughing up blood or blood stained mucus and dhatu-gat fever.

Lakshadi guggul/Laksha Guggul, contains Lac along with guggul, hathjod, arjun, ashwagandha and Nagbala. This medicine is indicated in fracture of bone, improper bone alignment and ostealgia/Pain in a bone. Another important formulation is Chandan Bala Laxadi Tail. This medicated oil is used in treatment of chronic fever, remittent fevers, lumbago, myalgia, epilepsy and hysteria.

In Unani, Lac is considered tonic for liver, stomach and intestine. It is haemostasis (causes bleeding to stop), resolvent of obstructions, jaundice, dropsy, kidney, and to reduces fat.

Lac is used in Unani medicine system to make medicine 'Safoofe muhazzil' an anti-obesity drug. Some other Unani medicines which contain Lac as ingredient are Dwaul Luk, Dwaul zarishk, Qurse ambar baris and Qursz Luk.

How Lac is obtained?

Lakh is secretion of an insect (Laccifer lacca family Coccoidea; scale insects) which feeds on a ficus, croton, and ber tree. Its common host tree include Banyan, Peepal, Khadira/Acacia catechu, Ber/Zizyphus mauritiana and Palas/Butea monospema.

The host tree of age 8-10 years is selected and is properly pruned to stimulate production of new branches. After that inoculation or infection is done (introduction of live insect larvae on tree). For this purpose broodlac containing larvae, are tied on to branches of the tree. Larvae emerge from the brood within a week or ten days.

After one week of settling, the larvae start secreting lac from glands distributed under the cuticle all over the body, except the mouth parts, the two breathing pores and the anus. A hard-coating develops around the insect. When it matures, the twigs are cut. These twigs are dried in the shade. The wood shrinks, leaving the lac as hollow tubes, but some of the wood still adheres. The sticklac is heated and processed to remove the impurities. The purified lac is known as shell lac or shellac.

In India, lakh is mainly produced in Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Asam, Orissa, Maharasthra, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.

Green lac or sticklac Composition

The major constituent of sticklac is the resin (70-80%); sugars, proteins, and soluble salts - 2-4; colouring matter - 1-2; wax – 4 –6; sand, woody matter, insect bodies and other extraneous matter– 8-12; a volatile oil is present in traces. Lac contains a water soluble red dye.

Medicinal Properties

• Lac is used in Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani medicine system for treatment of variety of diseases due to its following medicinal properties.
• Anti-obesity, anti-inflammatory, anti-bilious
• Deobstruent (Removing obstructions; power to clear or open the natural ducts of the fluids and secretions of the body)
• Liver tonic, emmenagogue
• Lipid lowering
• Antifertility/contraceptive
• Aphrodisiac

Medicinal Uses of Lac

For medicinal purpose the purified sticklac is used. This is known as Shellac.

• It is used for reducing weight.
• It reduces heart rate.
• It is used for strengthening the bones.
• It is used to cure pain in bones.
• In case of the vomiting of blood, finely powdered Shell lac mixed with honey is given.
• In dentistry, it is used to make dentures and other dental products.
• It is used for coating the medicines.

References:

• The Wealth of India – CSIR Publications
• A Monograph on LAC – B. Mukhopadhyay and M.S. Muthana
• Lac Cultivation – Shellac export promotion Council, Kolkatta
• Industrial use of Lac – RN Banerjee Secretary, SEPC, Kolkatta
• Baitar IZAA, Al Jami Li Mufradat Al Advia Wal Aghzia, Vol. IV. New Delhi: Urdu translation by CCRUM, 253-254 (2003)
• Maghrabi AI. Kitab Al Fath Fi Al Tadawi (Urdu Translation by Dept. of AYUSH), 1 st ed. New Delhi:
• NCPC printers., 42,138-39 (2007).Aisha Perveen.
• Evaluation of Luk for its antifertility activity in rat model. Dissertation. Rajiv Gandhi University
• of Health Sciences (RGUHS) in Ilmul Advia (Pharmacology). Bangalore, Karnataka, India (2013).

Eladya Modaka is a semi solid aromatic confection prepared with cardamom, honey, Chitrak, turmeric, Daruhaldi, triphala, long pepper, Munakka, sesame seeds etc. The chief ingredient of this medicine is Ela or cardamom which have hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antispasmodic, antimicrobial and antifungal properties. Cardamom protects liver and improves its function. In case of liver diseases, cirrhosis of liver, alcoholism and similar liver conditions, the oral intake of Eladi modak for few months, protects liver and decreases level of serum enzymes, cholesterol and bilirubin.

What is Modak

Modakas are boluses, larger than gutikas, prepared by adding powders of medicinal substances to cold syrup and stirring them together till uniformly mixed. No boiling is required in this preparation. Syrups should be made with sugar and water, or with sugar and decoction of the prescribed drugs.

Ingredients of Eladya Modaka

Eladya Modaka is a semisolid preparation made with the ingredients in the Formulation composition given below.

Formulation Composition:

• Ela इलाइची (Sukshmaila) Elettaria cardamomum Sd. 1 part
• Madhu शहद ka Madhu शहद ca indica Fl. 1 part
• Agni चित्रक Plumbago zeylanica Rt. 1 part
• Haridra हल्दी Curcuma longa Rz. 1 part
• DaruHaridra दारुहल्दी Berberis aristata St. 1 part
• Haritaki हरीतकी Terminalia chebula P. 1 part
• Bibhitaka विभितकी Terminalia belerica P. 1 part
• Amalki अमलकी Emblica officinalis P. 1 part
• Raktashali (Shali) Oryza sativa Sd. 1 part
• Kana (Pippali पिप्पली) Piper longum Fr. 1 part
• Draksha द्राक्षा Vitis vinifera Dr. Fr. 1 part
• Kharjura खजूर Phoenix sylvestris Fr. 1 part
• Tila तिल Sesamum indicum Sd. 1 part
• Yava Hordeum vulgare Sd. 1 part
• Vidari विदारी Pueraria tuberosa Rt. Tr. 1 part
• Gokshura गोखरू Bija (Gokshura) Tribulus terrestris Fr. 1 part
• Trivrita त्रिवृत (Trivrit) Ipomoea turpethum Rt. 1 part
• Shatavari शतावरी Asparagus racemosus Rt. 1 Part
• Sita Sugar चीनी candy 36 part
• Jala पानी Water 12 part

Method of Preparation

• Take all ingredients of pharmacopoeial quality.
• Wash, clean, dry ingredients numbered 1 to 18 in formulation composition, powder separately and pass through sieve number 85.
• Add Sugar to water in a stainless steel vessel and heat, maintaining the temperature between 800 and 900.
• After the Sugar dissolves, filter the hot syrup through muslin cloth.
• Heat the filtered syrup until it becomes thick syrup of optimum consistency. Stop heating and allow to cool to 500.
• Add the fine powders of Prakshepa Dravyas with constant stirring to form a homogeneous mixture. Roll the mixture into Modaka of approximately 6 g each while warm.
• Pack in tightly closed containers to protect from light and moisture.

Description

Brown soft balls; initially bitter followed by slightly sweet and pungent taste and faintly flavored with Ela.

Storage

Store in cool place in tightly closed amber coloured containers, protect from light and moisture.

Therapeutic uses of Eladya Modaka

1. Eladi modak is especially useful in alcoholism.
2. Agnimandya (digestive impairment)
3. Chardi (emesis)
4. Madatyaya (alcoholism)
5. Madyapanaja Vikara (alcoholism disorder)

Dosage of Eladya Modaka

6 to 12 gm twice a day, with fresh milk. Or take as recommended by physician.

Ancient Ayurvedic texts describes different types of milk depending on the species of animal e.g. milk of cow, buffalo, goat, sheep, camel, elephant, donkey, horse and human. Each one has different properties and used according to condition. Goat milk is ranked third in terms of global milk production from different species. It contains higher amount of calcium, magnesium, phosphors, selenium than cow and human milk. Milk of goat is considered easily digestible. It is given to infants as a substitute of mother's milk. Goat milk contains protein, lipid, carbohydrate, vitamin, minerals, fatty acids and bioactive compounds. It has ability to prevent and treat many diseases. Goat milk is also given in treatment of dengue fever.

Goat Milk (Bakri ka Dudh) in Dengue Fever

Dengue fever is a viral disease transmitted by bite of Aedes mosquitoes to humans. Dengue is found in South-east Asia, South or Central America, Mexico, Caribbean and many other countries of tropical and subtropical areas. In Allopathy, there is no treatment of dengue. Paracetamol is prescribed for reducing fever and symptomatic treatment is given.

In Ayurveda, for dengue fever giloy, papaya leaves, aloe vera juice and goat's milk is prescribed.

Goat's milk is beneficial in dengue

It is easily digestible.

It hydrates the body and maintains body fluid balance.

The main complications of dengue fever is deficiency of Selenium (Se) and decrease in platelets.

Selenium is the most essential micronutrient. It is part of about 25 proteins. Se has an anticlotting effect. Selenium controls the human immune system by upgrading it when necessary and degrading it when it is overactive.

Se prevents the replication of virus. T cell and interleukin both are the important component of immune system and Se help by increasing the function of T cell or by modulating the production of interleukin.

Selenium (Se) is the main component of goat milk. On comparison of goat and cow milk it was observed that goat milk have nearly 35% more Se than pasteurized cow milk (19.98 mg/l vs 14.85 mg/l).

Goat milk increases the iron bioavailability. This helps in recovery from hematological parameter after ferropenic nutritional anemia by increasing the Fe deposition in the target organs.

Goat milk help in the digestive and metabolic utilization of several minerals such as Fe, calcium, phosphorous and magnesium.

For treating dengue fever goat milk is very helpful because it directly modulate the immune system, gives energy, hydrates body and supplies essential nutrients.

In dengue fever, 250 ml of cool, fresh goat milk is given two times a day.

Health Benefits of Goat's milk (Bakri ka doodh)

It is easily digestible. In goat milk the lipid globules are significantly smaller than in cow milk. The large number of fat globules with small diameter makes the goat milk more digestible.

It contains higher amount of calcium, magnesium and phosphors than cow and human milk.

It has higher proportions of polyunsaturated fat acid (PUFA). PUFA helps to lower LDL (bad) cholesterol.

Due to presence of bioactive lipids goat milk improves the body immunity and has anti-allergic properties. They have ability to reduce the allergy related immunoglobulin IgE.

It is rich in medium chain triglycerides and has better nutrient absorption and energy production.

The milk of goat is whiter due to presence of higher vitamin A content. Vitamin A affects immunity and antibody responses.

Goat milk has high content of Potassium, Calcium, chloride, Phosphorus, Selenium, Zinc and Copper than cow milk.

Goat’s milk improves calcium and phosphorous metabolism, zinc level and bioavailability of iron.

Goat’s milk contains oligosaccharides which reduce intestinal inflammation and aid recovery from colitis.

It can be used as a substitute for the patients who are allergic to cow milk.

Composition of Goats' Milk

The composition of goat’s milk is dependent on many factors such as feed, season, breed, stages of lactation, nutritional and environmental factors. Goat milk contain more Selenium and vitamin A. It is naturally homogenized and easier to digest. It has lesser amount of proteins molecules compared to cow's milk. Its fat molecules are thinner, and half of the size of those in cow milk.

Composition of Milk from various species (per 100 ml)

Goat milk has following medicinal properties

Immunomodulatory:modifies the immune response or the functioning of the immune system (as by the stimulation of antibody formation or the inhibition of white blood cell activity).

Anti-inflammatory:reduces inflammation.

Anti-carcinogenic:against cancer.

Antioxidant:protects from free radical damage.

Anti-allergic:against allergy.

Anti-bacterial, antimicrobial and Antiviral activity.

Milk obtained from goat is helpful in prevention of Cardiovascular Disease, Gastrointestinal Diseases and Allergy. It shows beneficial effects in Digestive Disorders, Asthma, Ulcers, Allergies, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), Malabsorption Disorders, Crohn´S Disease and Ulcerative Colitis. As a home remedy to treat weakness in children, goat milk is given.

REFERENCES

Ensminger, M.E. and R.O. Parker, 1986. Sheep and Goat Science.

Park, Y.W., 2007. Hypoallergenic and therapeutic significance of goat milk. Small Ruminant Research.

Haenlein GFW (2004). Goat milk in human nutrition. Small Ruminant Research.

Alférez MJM, López-Aliaga I, Nestares T, Díaz-Castro J, Barrionuevo M, Ros PB and Campos MS (2006) Dietary goat milk improves iron bioavailability in rats with induced ferropenic anaemia in comparison with cow milk. International Dairy Journal.

Díaz-Castro J, Alférez MJM, López-Aliaga I, Nestares T and Campos MS (2009). Effect of calcium-supplemented goat or cow milk on zinc status in rats with nutritional ferropenic anaemia. International Dairy Journal.

Cerbulis, J., O.W. Parks and H.M. Farrellr, 1982 Composition and Distribution of Lipids of Goats´Milk. Journal of Dairy Science.

Park, Y., 2009. Bioactive components in goat milk.

Mc Cullough, F., 2003. Nutritional evaluation of goat's milk. Health Food Journal.

Aliaga IL, Castro JD, Alferez MM, Barrionuevo M, Campos MS. A review of the nutritional and health aspects of goat milk in cases of intestinal resection.

Maria JMA, Inmaculoda LA, Teresa N, Javier DC, Mercedes B, Patricia BR and Margarita SC. Dietary goat milk improves iron bioavailability in rats with induced ferropenic anemia in comparison with cow milk.

Maree HP. Goat milk and its use as a hypo-allergenic infant food. Dairy Goat Journal.

Agnihotri MK and Prasada VSS. Biochemistry and processing of goat milk and milk products.

Jenness R. Composition and Characteristics of Goat Milk. J Dairy Sci.

Indian borage (Trichodesma indicum) or Andhahuli is medicinal plant that is found as a common weed throughout the India. It is an annual plant with pale blue flower. For medicinal purpose, whole plant is used. In Ayurveda, leaves and roots of plant are used to treat arthritis, anorexia, dysentery, skin diseases, poisoning and for wound healing. The paste of roots is applied on joint swelling. Scientific study show the aerial parts of plant have significant diuretic activity which may be useful in the treatment of acute pulmonary oedema, chronic heart failure, ascites, nephrotic syndrome, and renal failure.

---

By J.M.Garg (Own work)[GFDL or CC BY-SA 4.0-3.0-2.5-2.0-1.0], via Wikimedia Commons

General Information

The botanical name of Andhahuli/Indian borage is Trichodesma indicum R. Br. (=Borago indica). It belongs to plant family Boraginaceae.

Part(s) used for medicinal purpose:whole plant

Plant type:Annual prostrate herb/ common weed.

Distribution: Throughout India, along the dry wastelands, roadsides upto 1500 m.

Habitat:The greater part of India in the plains. Also found in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Philippines, Mauritius, and Africa.

Status:Common

Vernacular names

1. Ayurvedic:Adah-pushpi, Adhomukha, Gandhapushpika, Andhaka, Andhpushpi अंधःपुष्पी, अन्धपुष्पी
2. Siddha/Tamil:Kalhudaitumbai
3. Folk:Andhahuli
4. Hindi:Andhahuli, Chotta-kulpha अन्धाहुली, छोटा कुलफा
5. Kannada:Athomukhi, Kattetumbesoppu
6. Malyalam:Kilukkamtumpa
7. Telugu:Guvvagutti
8. Other common names:Handusi booti, Nila karaji
9. English:Indian Borage

Plant Description

Annual herb. Stems 15-40 cm high, much branched, with spreading, not very dense hairs. Leaves sessile, oblong, lanceolate or lanceolate-oblong, lower leaves 5-8 by 0.8- cm, upper leaves 2-4.5 by 0.3-1.2 cm, base in lowermost leaves narrow, in the others broadly rounded, semiamplexicaulous, apex acute or obtusish, midrib distinct, sometimes also a few other nerves visible, hairs spreading-antrorse, arising from groups of mineralized cells on upper side, loose, crispulate on lower side. Inflorescences terminal on stem and branches, leafy, flowers axillary;pedicels 0.8-1.8 cm, curved downwards in fruit, with long, dense, spreading hairs. Calyx c. 1 cm long in flower, up to cm in fruit, cleft to the base into narrowly triangular, basally sagittate lobes 1.2 mm wide in flower, 2 mm wide in fruit, hairs loose, spreading from mineralized cells. Corolla funnel-shaped, lilac, tube c. 5 mm long, limb 1.3-1.5 cm in diam., lobes broadly rounded-acuminate, 7 mm long and wide. Nutlets oblong ovoid, 5 mm long, 2-3 mm wide, smooth, whitish. Pistil:style as long as calyx. Stamens:anthers oblong, sterile, twisted apex 4-5 mm long, densely woolly.

Constituents of Indian borage

The seeds gave linoleic, linolenic, oleic, palmitic and stearic acids. Hexacosane, ethylhexacosanoate, 21, 24-hexacosadienoic acid ethylester have been isolated from the leaves.

Medicinal Properties

The plant possess following medicinal properties. These properties are also supported by modern lab studies.

1. Alexeteric:Counteracts an infection or toxin.
2. Anodyne:Relieves pain without causing loss of consciousness.
3. Antidote:Counteracts a poison
4. Anti-dysenteric:Relieving or preventing dysentery.
5. Anti-inflammatory:Reducing inflammation by acting on body mechanisms.
6. Carminative:Preventing the formation or causing the expulsion of flatulence.
7. Constipating:To cause constipation.
8. Diuretic:Promoting excretion of urine/agent that increases the amount of urine excreted.
9. Depurative:Purifying agent.
10. Emollient:Soothing and softening effect on the skin or an irritated internal surface.
11. Antipyretic/antifebrile/febrifuge:Effective against fever.
12. Thermogenic:Heating
13. Ophthalmic:Pertaining to the eye.
14. Wound healing:Heals the wounds.

Medicinal uses of Andhahuli/Indian borage

1. In Ayurvedic system of medicine, this plant is used in vitiated condition of Kapha/phlegm and Vata/wind.
2. It is indicated in diarrheas, dysentery, joint swelling, eczema, and wounds.
3. The leaves and roots of plant are pounded and applied to swelling of joints and wounds two-three times a day for 3-4 days.
4. For wounds, the paste of roots is applied externally.

REFERENCES

Periyanayagam JB, Sharma SK, Pillai KK. Evaluation of Antidiarrhoeal potential of Trichodesma indicum root extract in rats.

Srikanth K, Murugesan T, Anilkumar CH, Suba V, Das, AK, Sinha S, Arunachalam G, Manikandan . Effect of Trichodesma indicum extract on cough reflex induced by sulphur di oxide in mice. Phytomedicine 2002;Vol(1):75-77.

Periyanayagam JB, Sharma SK, Pillai KK. Anti-inflammatory activity of Trichodesma indicum. J Ethnopharmacol 2006;Vol. (104) 3(6):410-14.

Kirtikar KR., Basu BD. INDIAN MEDICINAL PLANTS, 2nd Edn, Vol.III, Lalit Mohan Basu Publisher:Allahabad:1672-1673, 1691-1695, (1975).

Chopra RN, Chopra IC, Handa KL, Kapur LD. Indigenous Drugs of India, U.N. Dhur & Sons Pvt. Ltd:Calcutta:528, (1958).

Spondias pinnata is commonly known as Amra/Amda आमड़ा in India. It is native to Southeast Asia and found in India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, China, Malaysia and Thailand. The fruits of Spondias pinnata tree are sour and tasty. Mainly they are used for making pickles, jams and chutney. Amra tree is also a medicinal tree. Its various parts are used in treatment of diarrhea, ear aches, wounds, and hyperacidity.

In Ayurveda, it is known as Amrataka अम्रातकः. Its stem bark is rich in Tannin and Starch. The bark increases kapha and pitta and decreases vata.

The leaves of tree are astringent. They are used to prepare decoction which is used as an eye lotion. The unripe fruits are sour, astringent, and aphrodisiac in nature. The ripe fruits are sweet, astringent, cooling, emollient, tonic and constipating. The ripe fruits are used in diarrhea and burning sensation. The juice of fruit is used for treating fever and as a diuretic.

The bark of tree is used in joint swelling and leprosy.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Scientific Classification

The botanical name of Amda/Amra is Spondias pinnata (Linn. f.) Kurz SYNONYM Spondias mangifera Willd., Spondias acuminata Roxb. non Gamble.

It belongs to plant family Anacardiaceae (cashew family). The genus Spondias consists of 17 described species, seven of which are native to the Neotropics and about ten are native to tropical Asia. They are commonly named hog plums/Spanish plums. About ten species of this genus bear edible fruits and have been domesticated for fruit production. The fruits of genus are edible and tastes like mango.

Below is given taxonomical classification of Spondias mangifera.

• KINGDOM-Plantae
• SUBKINGDOM -Tracheobionta
• SUPERDIVISION -Spermatophyta
• DIVISION -Magnoliophyta
• CLASS -Magnoliopsida
• SUBCLASS- Rosidae
• ORDER- Sapindales
• FAMILY -Anacardiaceae
• GENUS- Spondias L.
• SPECIES- Spondias pinnata (L.f.) Kurz

Part(s) used for medicinal purpose:Stem, bark, leaf and fruits.

Plant type: Tree.

Distribution:found throughout the India, ascending upto an altitude of 1500 m in the Himalayas, and also distributed in Andamans.

Habitat:Occurring wild or grown throughout the country for edible fruits.

Vernacular names

• SANSKRIT:Amrataka अम्रातकः, Amratakah, आम्रातक, पीतन, कपितन, अम्बाड़ा, आमड़ा Kapitana
• ENGLISH:Hog-Plum, Wild Mango.
• AYURVEDIC:Aamrataka, Aamrata, Aamada, Madhuparni, Kundalini, Kapitana, Markataamra
• SIDDHA:Mambulichi, Kattuma
• FOLK:Jangali Aam, Amda
• ASSAMESE:Amda
• BENGALI:Amda
• GUJARATI:Jangali Ambo, Ambeda
• HINDI:Ambada, Amra, Jangli Aam जंगली आम, अमरा Amra, अम्बाड़ी Ambaraअम्बाड़ा
• KANNADA:Ambate, Amatemara
• MALAYALAM:Mampusli, Ambalam, Ambazham, Mampuiti, Ampozham Njettikuzhiyan mavu
• MARATHI:Ambada अमडा
• ORIYA:Aabada
• TAMIL:Mampulecci, Mampulicci, Pulicha kaai, Narimangai
• TELUGU:Ambalamu
• OTHER COMMON NAMES:Amaro अमारो, Ambado आंबाडो, अमडा, आंबाडे

Tree Description

Aromatic deciduous tree up to 27 m tall;Bark smooth;Sap white, rapidly turning black;

Leaves compound, imparipinnate, alternate and spiral, leaflets elliptic, and apex acuminate, base acute, often asymmetrical, with distinct marginal vein, margin entire. Midrib flat above, secondary veins obtuse, widely parallel, tertiary veins reticulate. Stipules are absent. Leaves 30-40 cm long, compound with 5-11 opposite leaflets. Leaflets stalked, ovate-oblong to elliptic-oblong, 7-12 cm long, 4-5 cm wide, papery. Leaf base is wedge- shaped to rounded, often oblique, margin toothed or entire, with a tapering tip.

Inflorescences or flowers:Polygamous tiny white to cream flowers are borne in panicles at the end of branches, 25-35 cm long. Flowers are stalkless, white. Sepals are triangular, about 0.5 mm. Petals are ovate-oblong, about 2.5 × 1.5 mm, pointed.

Fruits:Ellipsoid to elliptic-ovoid, yellowish orange at maturity, 3.5-5 × 2.5-3.5 cm. Inner part of endocarp is woody and grooved, outer part is fibrous. Ripen fruits have pleasant fragrance. Seeds are stony.

Constituents of Spondias pinnata or Amda

Aerial parts contain lignoceric acid, 24-methylenecycloartanone, stigmast-4-en-3-one, beta-sitosterol and its glucoside.The fruit contains beta-amyrin, oleanolic acid, amino acids—glycine, cystine, serine, alanine, leucine and polysaccharides.

Nutritive and mineral potential of ripe fruits of Amra or Spondias pinnata (Purohit, V.K et al., 2010)

Medicinal Properties

The various scientific studies done Spondias pinnata show its significant antioxidant, antimicrobial and thrombolytic (breakdown/lysis of blood clots) activities. It also possess good to moderate antioxidant, cytotoxic and antibacterial activities.

It also possess several other medicinal properties.

• Astringent (Leaf, Fruit, Bark):Constrict tissues;styptic.
• Antimicrobial:Prevents the growth of microorganisms.
• Anti-dysenteric (Leaf, Fruit, Bark):Relieving or preventing dysentery.
• Antiseptic:Capable of preventing infection by inhibiting the growth of infectious agents.
• Antiscorbutic (fruits):Curing or preventing scurvy.
• Pustulant:Causing the formation of pustules.
• Tonic (fruits):Restore or improve health or well-being.

Ayurvedic Properties and Action

Ayurvedic Properties and Action of dried stem of Spondias pinnata

• Rasa (taste on tongue):Kasaya (Astringent), Amla (Sour)
• Guna (Pharmacological Action):Guru (Heavy)
• Virya:Ushna (Heating)
• Vipaka (transformed state after digestion):Katu (Pungent)

Therapeutic Uses of stem powder:Burning sensation, vitiation of blood, diarrhea, and dysentery.

Dose of stem powder: 1-3 gram of powder.

Ayurvedic Properties and Action of dried Stem Bark of Spondias pinnata

• Rasa (taste on tongue):Kasaya (Astringent), Amla (Sour)
• Guna (Pharmacological Action):Guru (Heavy), Sara (Unstable)
• Virya:Ushna (Heating)
• Vipaka (transformed state after digestion):(Pungent)
• Action:Kapha-kara, Vata-har, Pitta-kara, Kanthya, Amadoshhar.

Dosage of stem bark for medicinal purpose:Stem bark 5-10 g powder for decoction;1-3 g powder.

Uses of Spondias mangifera/Amra/Amda

Spondias mangifera is a tree with variety of uses. The leaves of tree are aromatic, acidic and astringent. They are edible and used in flavoring of dishes. The flowers are sour and used in curry as a flavoring and also eaten raw. All parts of Amra tree are of medicinal importance. Leaves, bark, stem, fruits and roots are used for treatment of variety of diseases. The fruits are very nutritious and rich in vitamin C, minerals and iron content. The ripe fruits are sweet and tasty. Unripe fruits are used to make chutney, jam and pickle. The timber is used for making furniture.

• The leaves juice is put in the ears and applied externally for earache.
• In diarrhea and dysentery, the powder of dried leaves is used. The decoction of the stem bark is also used for same purpose.
• The juice of fresh, tender leaves is given for stomach troubles.
• In hyperacidity, the tender fresh leaves are given with misri/raw sugar candy.
• For wounds the paste of fruit is applied externally.
• The bark paste is applied topically in sprain and rheumatism.
• The decoction of the bark is given in gonorrhea.
• The root is considered useful in regulating menstruation.
• The young leaves and flowers are used in preparation of curries.

Ajmoda Arka is an herbal Ayurvedic medicine. It is useful in treatment of digestive impairment, indigestion and Vata- kapha roga.

Digestive impairment is known as Agnimandya in Ayurveda. It mainly occur due to vitiation of Vata and Kapha dosha. Digestive weakness causes indigestion and many other diseases. It also affects routine life. Due to Agnimandya person has loss of appetite and malabsorption.

Ajmoda Arka is a liquid preparation obtained by hydro-distillation of fruits of Trachyspermum roxburghianum. The seeds of Trachyspermum Roxburghianum is known as Ajmod. Ajmod shows beneficial effect in vomiting, indigestion, and pain in the region of the bladder.

Ajmod is used in formulation of many carminative and stimulant Ayurvedic preparations. Ajmod has bitter taste and strong aroma. Its intake give relief in spasm, gas, diarrhea, indigestion, abdominal pain, and cough. Ajmod has anti-biotic, anti-spasmodic, diuretic, anthelmintic, stimulant, digestive and carminative properties.

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

Ingredients of Ajmoda Arka

Formulation Composition:

Ajamoda Trachyspermum roxburghianum Fr. 1.0 kg

Water for soaking and for preparation of Arka

Method of preparation:

Take the raw materials of pharmacopoeial quality. Wash, dry and powder the ingredient number 1 of the Formulation Composition and pass through 355 μm I. S. sieve (sieve number 44) to obtain coarse powder. Place 100 g of Ajmoda powder in a round bottom standard joint flask of 3.0 l capacity. Add 2.0 l of water. Attach the proper distillation assembly with distillation and receiving heads, double surface condenser and receiving flask and enough circulating water to condense the distillate i.e. Arka. Place the flask on a heating mantle. Adjust the temperature control when boiling starts and continue the distillation to collect about 1.5 l of Arka.

Store in containers and pack them air-tight to protect from light and moisture.

Uses of Ajmoda Arka

Dyspepsia:Dyspepsia is defined as impairment of the power or function of digestion. It is condition of painful, difficult, or disturbed digestion, which may be accompanied by symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, heartburn, bloating, and stomach discomfort;usually applied to epigastric discomfort after meals.

Suppression of the Power of Digestion

Urinary bladder disorder

Diseases due to Vata and Kapha dosha

Dosage of Ajmoda Arka

10 drops, orally, twice a day, or as prescribed by doctor. Do not exceed the recommended daily dose.

This medicine is manufactured by Sri Sri Ayurveda Ajmoda Arka and many other Ayurvedic pharmacies.

Bolbaddha Ras is a herbomineralor Ras Aushadhi of Ayurveda. Mercury is known as Rasa in Ayurveda and medicines that are prepared using purified mercury, purified Sulphur, bhasma etc. are named as Ras aushadhi (Mercurial Preparations).

Para, Parad, Rasa or mercury is a heavy metal that remains liquid at room temperature. It is used in Ayurveda only after proper detoxification as per classical Ayurvedic texts. Parad is ingredient of numerous medicines due to its powerful medicinal properties. It balances Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Ras aushadhi (Parad containing medicine) are fast acting. They nourishes whole body and has tonic, aphrodisiac, rejuvenative, anti-aging, wound-healer, and antimicrobial effect. The combination of mercury with other medicinal ingredients enhances the therapeutic efficacy of medicine due to Yogvahi property of parad.

In preparation of Ras aushadhi/medicine first Kajjali is made from purified parad and gandhak. As these medicines contain heavy metals, it is better to take them as prescription drugs.

Bolbaddha Ras is indicated in diseases that occur mainly due to aggravated pitta (pitta dosh) such as hyperacidity, bleeding disorders, bleeding piles, fistula-in-ano etc.

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

Ingredients of Bolbaddha Ras

• Shuddha Parad 12 gram
• Shuddha Gandhak 12 gram
• Giloy Satva 12 gram
• Khun-Kharaba 36 gram
• Semal Bark Juice/Decoction for Processing.

Uses of Bolbaddha Ras

Bolbaddha Ras has Tridosha Shamak properties. It balances Vata, Pitta and Kapha. It has also and Deepana and Pachana properties. Due to these properties this medicine normalizes the vitiated Doshas and contributes in treatment of disease.

• Bleeding Piles
• Hematemesis (vomiting of blood)
• Epistaxis(nose bleed) Nakseer
• Menorrhagia(abnormally heavy bleeding at menstruation)
• Dysfunctional, Uterine Bleeding

Dosage of Bolbaddha Ras

240 to 360mg in the morning and evening with butter or honey or as directed by the Physician.

You can buy this medicine online or from medical stores.

This medicine is manufactured by Baidyanath (Bolbaddha Ras), Dabur (Bolbaddha Ras) and some other Ayurvedic pharmacies.