Category: Herbs

Arabic Name : Sandal Ahmar
Bengali Name : Raktachandana
English Name : Red Sandalwood, Rubywood, Sappan, Red Sanders
French Name : Santal Rouge
German Name : Roter Sandelbaum, Sandelholzbaum
Gujarati Name : Ratanjali, Lalchandan
Hindi Name : Lal Chandan
Latin name : Pterocarpus santalinus Linn.
Marathi Name : Raktchandan
Punjabi Name : Lal Chandan
Sanskrit Name : Raktachandana
Urdu Name : Sandal Surkh

Description : It is astringent, bitter, blood purifier, cardiotonic, constipative, coolant (mild), deodorant, demulcent, exhilarant, refrigerant, sedative and tonic. Useful in menorrhagia, leucorrhoea, spermatorrhoea, dysuria, allergic rashes, headache, jaundice, bleeding piles, hyperacidity, chronic cough, excessive thirst and hiccups. Also useful in anxiety and depression.

Recommended Dosage : 500 mg to 1 g powder of heart wood.

Contraindication : This herb has no known warnings or contraindications.

Arabic Name : Mehlab Aswad
Bengali Name : Hakuch
English Name : Babchi Seeds, Purple Fleabane
French Name : Psoraléa
German Name : Asphaltkleefrüchte
Gujarati Name : Bavachi, Bakchi
Hindi Name : Babchi
Kannada Name : Bauchige, Bhavantibeeja, Bhavanchigid, Baukuchi
Latin name : Psoralea corylifolia Linn.
Marathi Name : Bawchi
Punjabi Name : Babchi, Bavchi
Sanskrit Name : Vakuchi, Bakuchi
Urdu Name : Babchi

Description : The seeds are acrid, anthelmintic, antibacterial, antifungal, aromatic, bitter, diaphoretic, diuretic and laxative. Useful in hypopigmented lesions of the skin like leucoderma and psoriasis as it contains psoralen, which causes the skin to produce new pigment when exposed to sunlight. It is used both as a local application and orally. Also useful externally in scabies, dermatitis and leprosy and is also useful in painful urination.

Clinical trials were conducted to assess the efficacy of Babchi seeds. Oral administration along with application of oil and exposure of the patient to sunlight for 5-30 minutes daily for 1-7 weeks gave encouraging results.

Recommended Dosage : Seeds :- 3 to 6 g powder of seeds; Oil : For external application only.

Contraindication : This herb has no known warnings or contraindications.

Arabic Name : Kerasia
Chinese Name : Ou Zhou Suan Ying Tao
English Name : Sour Cherry, Morello Cherry, Pie Cherry, Tart Cherry
French Name : Cerisier Acide, Griottier
German Name : Sauerkirsche, Sauerkirschenbaum, Weichsel
Latin name : Prunus cerasus Linn.
Persian Name : Aloobaloo-e-Shirin, Aloobooali
Punjabi Name : Aolchi, Glass
Urdu Name : Aloobaloo

Description : The fruit is a good source of Vitamin C. Induces excessive urination and is useful in kidney stone.
Anthocyanins, the pigment giving sub metabolite of flavonid present in the fruit has a strong antioxidant, antiinflammatory activity. As such possible rule in oxidative stress, as cancer adjuvant, aging and conditions requiring aspirin.

Recommended Dosage : 5 to 10 g.

Contraindication : None

Arabic Name : Lawz
Bengali Name : Bilatibadam, Badam
English Name : Sweet Almond
French Name : Amandier doux
German Name : Mandelbaum
Gujarati Name : Badam
Hindi Name : Badam
Kannada Name : Badam, Badamu
Latin name : Prunus amygdalus Batsch.
Marathi Name : Badam
Persian Name : Badam Shirin
Punjabi Name : Badam
Sanskrit Name : Badama, Loz
Urdu Name : Badam Shirin, Maghze Badam Shirin

Description : Almonds are one of the most nutritious foods around, loaded with calcium, iron, protein, potassium and magnesium. They have no cholesterol and are high in polyunsaturated oil. The sweat fruit and its oil are considered aphrodisiac, cerebral tonic, demulcent, diuretic, emollient, laxative, lithontriptic, nutritive, stimulant and as well as being a nervine tonic. It soothes dry skin, enhances brain power, relieves tension, reduces bad cholesterol (LDL), removes constipation, fights dandruff, kills lice, nourishes the body and keeps it warm in winters. Almonds increase libido and enhance general sexual performance in cases of frigidity too.

Sweet almond oil is often used as a carrier oil, acting as a base for blending essential oils for the purpose of massage or other forms of treatment. Rich in vitamins, it is particularly good for dry skin and blends with other oils. It can be used for face or body massage on people of all ages. It is used with phenol to treat rectal prolapse in infants.

Recommended Dosage : Kernels : 7 to 11 pc; Oil : 5 ml to 10 ml.

Contraindication : Persons allergic to tree nuts should not use Almonds.

Arabic Name : Farfaheen, Farfeez, Baqla Hamqaa,
Bengali Name : Baraloniya, Badnuni, Barnunia
English Name : Common Indian Parselane, Garden Purslane,
French Name : Poupier Commun
German Name : Portulak, Burzelkraut, Bürzelkohl, Gelber Portulak
Gujarati Name : Luni, Loni, Moti Luni
Hindi Name : Khursa, Kulfa, Badi Lona
Kannada Name : Dudagorai, Doddagoni Soppu, Lonika
Kashmiri Name : Nuner
Latin name : Portulaca oleracea Linn.
Marathi Name : Kurfah, Ghol
Persian Name : Khurfa
Punjabi Name : Lonak, Chhotalunia, Khurfa
Sanskrit Name : Loni, Lonika, Kozuppa
Urdu Name : Khurfa

Description : The seeds are anthelmintic, antibiotic, antidiarrhoeal, slightly astringent, demulcent, depurative, diuretic, febrifuge, tonic and vermifuge. Used in diseases of the kidney and bladder, as strangury, dysuria, haematuria, gonorrhoea, etc., and of the lungs such as haematemesis, haemoptysis, etc. Also useful in dry coughs and whooping cough.

The leaves are a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids – substances more commonly found in fish oils, which is thought to be important in preventing heart attacks and strengthening the immune system. Purslane is antiinflammatory, improves blood circulation and prevents clotting in the arteries. The benefits of omega-3 fatty acids in the treatment of inflammation and autoimmune disease, including coronary heart disease, were outlined in a paper published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition in 2002. The herb is prescribed for internal use to prevent cardiovascular problems.

The plants high concentrations of antioxidants means that it protects against cancer-causing and degenerative free radical damage – thus also slowing some of the effects of aging. In addition, it may help to regulate blood cholesterol levels.

Recommended Dosage : 3 to 6 g powder of dried whole plant.

Contraindication : This herb is not recommended during pregnancy. Individuals with a history of kidney stones should use Purslane with caution.

Bengali Name : Nata Karanja, Dahara Karanja
English Name : Indian Beech, Karum Tree
German Name : Karanja-Baum
Gujarati Name : Kanajo, Karanji, Kanjka, Kakach
Hindi Name : Karanj, Kanj, Kanja, Karanjwa
Kannada Name : Honge Beru, Hulagilu
Latin name : Pongamia glabra Vent.
Marathi Name : Karanja, Ghanerakaranj, Sagargota
Persian Name : Khaye Iblees, Khurmae Abujahal
Punjabi Name : Karanj, Sukhchain, Paphri
Sanskrit Name : Karanja, Karanjaka, Naktamala
Urdu Name : Karanjwa

Description : Seeds are used for skin ailments and are valued as antiseptic, astringent, bitter, blood purifier, febrifuge, pungent and tonic. They are useful in bronchitis and whooping cough. The fruit and seed are also useful in piles, urinary discharges, and diseases of the brain, eye and head. They also are useful for chest complaints, chronic fevers, earache, hydrocele, and lumbago. They are considered a good substitute for quinine. “It is a good antipyretic and I have used it in entric fevers successfully”. (Dr Younis Munshi, Srinagar)

The oil is popular in Ayurvedic medicine for the treatment of biliousness, eye ailments, leucoderma, worms, wounds, sores, scabies, eczema, itches, herpes viral infection, eczema, ulcers, and other skin diseases. It is said to promote wound healing and is traditionally applied as an efficacious remedy for rheumatic joints, scurvy diseases of the scalp, and psoriasis. The oil, like Neem oil, has been widely tested for its insecticidal, nematicidal, antiseptic, bactericidal, and cleansing properties.

Recommended Dosage : Seeds :- 1 to 2 g powder of dried seeds; Oil : For external application only.

Contraindication : This herb is not recommended during pregnancy or lactation.

Arabic Name : Basbayeej, Sakeeraghli, Adraas al-kalb, Shutur ‘Alee, Bisfayej
Chinese Name : Ba jiao lian
English Name : Polypody, Wall Fern, Oak Fern, Brake Root, Rock Brake
French Name : Réglisse-des-bois
German Name : Engelsüß, Tüpfelfarn
Hindi Name : Khankali, Khangali
Latin name : Polypodium vulgare Linn.
Persian Name : Bispay, Baspayek
Urdu Name : Bisfayej

Description : It is alterative, anthelmintic, cholagogue, decongestant, demulcent, expectorant, hepatic, pectoral and tonic. Polypody stimulates bile secretion and is a gentle laxative. Traditionally, polypody has been used in herbal medicine as a treatment for hepatitis and jaundice, and as a remedy for indigestion and loss of appetite. Polypody makes a safe treatment for constipation in children. The rhizome is also expectorant, having a supportive and mildly stimulating effect on the respiratory system. It may be taken for the relief of congestion, bronchitis, pleurisy, dry irritable coughs and catarrh.

Recommended Dosage : 10 to 15 g powder of dried rhizome.

Contraindication : This herb has no known warnings or contraindications.

Arabic Name : Sheetraagh, Shitraak Hindee, Ghashwa
Bengali Name : Chita, Chittu
English Name : Ceylon Leadwort, White Leadwort
French Name : Dentelair de Ceylon
German Name : Bleiwurz, Ceylon-Bleiwurz
Gujarati Name : Chitro, Chitra, Pitro
Hindi Name : Chitra, Chita, Chiti, Chira, Chitta
Kannada Name : Chitramula, Vahni, Bilichitramoola
Kashmiri Name : Chitra, Shatrajna
Latin name : Plumbago zeylanica Linn.
Marathi Name : Chitrak, Chitramul
Persian Name : Sheetrah, Shatraj
Punjabi Name : Chitra, Chitrak
Sanskrit Name : Chitraka, Dahana, Agni, Vahni, Hutabhuk
Urdu Name : Cheetalakdi, Sheetraj Hindi

Description : The root is alterative, antiinflammatory, antiparasitical, antiseptic, diaphoretic, digestive, emollient, nerve stimulant and a gastric stimulant and useful in dyspepsia, flatulence, piles, anaemia, chronic diarrhoea and skin diseases. Also useful in arthritis, rheumatism and enlargement of the spleen.

Recommended Dosage : 1.5 to 3 g powder of dried root.

Contraindication : This herb is not recommended during pregnancy.

Arabic Name : Bazrqutoona, Bizr al-qutoona, Luqmat al-na’ja
Bengali Name : Isabgul, Eshopgol
Chinese Name : Ch’-Ch’ientzu
English Name : Psyllium, Flea Seed, lspaghula Seed
French Name : Graines de Psyllium
Gujarati Name : Uthamujeerun, Isaphgol
Hindi Name : lsabgol, Isapgol, Isapghul, Isarghol, Ispaghul
Kannada Name : Issabagolu
Kashmiri Name : Ismogul, Satismogul
Latin name : Plantago ovata Forsk.
Marathi Name : Isapghol
Persian Name : lsabghol, Isparzah
Punjabi Name : Isapghol
Sanskrit Name : Snigdhajira, Ashwagolam
Urdu Name : Isabghol, Aspaghol (Seeds), Bhusi Isabghol (Husk)

Description : Psyllium Husk has been used in Ayurvedic medicine in India and in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years both for its laxative (with warm water) and antidiarrhoeal (with cold water) action. It also has aperient, astringent, demulcent, diuretic, emollient and expectorant properties. It restores proper bowel movements by stimulating nutritional programme of digestive system and in treatment of chronic constipation, especially when the condition results from an over-tensed or over-relaxed bowel. By maintaining a higher water content within the large bowel, the husks and seeds increase the bulk of the stool, easing its passage. It should be used on its own and not combined with stimulant laxatives such as senna. A clinical trial performed in Germany in 1994 documents the efficacy of Ispaghula husk in treating irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It is also reputed to soothe gastric inflammation, as well as urinary tract infections (UTI). Contrary to expectation, it is a useful remedy for diarrhoea. Because the seeds tend to swell and create a feeling of fullness, they can help curb appetite. Also useful for colitis, dysentery, urethritis, cystitis, ulcers, gastritis, high LDL cholesterol level and high triglycerides. In some studies high- fiber in Psyllium has improved glucose tolerance in people with Type 2 diabetes. May also inhibit intestinal organism growth. The thickened jelly absorbs toxins and bacteria. As a demulcent it is useful in coughs and colds and other pharyngeal disorders, particularly for children.

Helps to reduce risk of heart attack by decreasing serum cholesterol through proper excretion of bile acids. Also helps in eliminating accumulated toxic, chemicals and excessive waste products from the body.

In several studies conducted, researchers found that seriously obese people who took few teaspoons of Psyllium with water before meals lost more weight than those who did not.

Recommended Dosage : 5 g to 10 g seeds. Sufficient fluids must be taken with the seeds, e.g., 150 ml water to 5 g seeds. The dose should be taken half hour to one hour after taking other medication. Consult a physician if diarrhoea lasts for more than 3-4 days.

Contraindication : This herb is not recommended if you are pregnant. Always take Psyllium products with plenty of liquids – otherwise they can possibly cause, rather than relieve, constipation. Psyllium can also dilute digestive enzymes, and is best taken between meals (especially before bed or first thing in the morning) rather than with food at mealtimes.

Arabic Name : Lisaan al-hamal
Chinese Name : Che qian zi
English Name : Car-track Plant, Plantain, Waybread, Broad-leaf Plantain
French Name : Grand Plantain
German Name : Breitwegerich, Breiter Wegerich, Großer Wegerich, Sohlenkraut, Wegebreit, Wegtritt
Hindi Name : Lahuriya
Latin name : Plantago major Linn.
Persian Name : Bartang, Khargholah, Charghoon
Urdu Name : Bartang

Description : Plantain is astringent, deobstruent, demulcent, emollient, cooling, vulnerary, expectorant, antimicrobial, antiviral, antibacterial, astringent, antitoxin and diuretic. It is considered to be almost a panacea – a cure- all, and a quick search shows that is has historically been recommended as a treatment for just about everything, up to and including dog bites, ulcers, catarrh, ringworm, jaundice, epilepsy, liver obstructions, intermittent fever, consumption and haemorrhoids.

It quickly staunches blood flow and encourages the repair of damage tissues. It is commonly prescribed for gastritis, peptic ulcers, diarrhoea, dysentery, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), respiratory catarrh, soar throat and uterine tract bleeding.

Recommended Dosage : 5 to 10 g of dried seeds.

Contraindication : This herb has no known warnings or contraindications.