Category: Herbs

Arabic Name : Tamr, Busr, Balah, Nakhl
Bengali Name : Sohara
English Name : Date Palm
French Name : Palmier Dattier
German Name : Dattelpalme
Gujarati Name : Kharek, Kharika
Hindi Name : Khajur, Chuhara, Chohara
Kannada Name : Karinchula, Khajura
Latin name : Phoenix dactylifera Linn.
Marathi Name : Kharika, Kharik, Khajur
Persian Name : Khurma
Punjabi Name : Khajur
Sanskrit Name : Pind Kharjura, Kharjura
Urdu Name : Khurma, Khajoor, Chuarrah

Description : The sugar content of ripe dates is about 80%, the remainder consists of protein, fat and mineral products including copper, sulphur, iron, vitamins A, B and D, magnesium and fluoric acid. Dates are high in fibre and an excellent source of potassium. Dates are considered cooling, demulcent, expectorant, laxative, nourishing, very nutritious, spermatogenic and tonic and are used in respiratory diseases like asthma, bronchitis, tuberculosis, cough, fever and low vitality.

Dates are also regarded as antianaemic, antioxidant, aphrodisiac, astringent, diuretic, emollient, estrogenic, pectoral, refrigerant and sweet. Useful in anaemia, catarrh, weakness of eyesight, fatigue, sterility, stomachache, thirst, urogenital ailments and vaginitis. Dates are also reported to be used in cases of memory disturbances. They are effective for both diarrhoea and constipation due to malnutrition and atony of the bowels.

Recommended Dosage : Dried Dates : 10 to 15 g powder; Fresh Dates : 10 to 15 g.

Contraindication : Dates have no known warnings or contraindications.

Bengali Name : Mashkalai, Mashkulay
English Name : Black Gram
French Name : Haricot Radie
German Name : Linsenbohne
Gujarati Name : Arad
Hindi Name : Mash, Urad
Kannada Name : Uddu
Latin name : Phaseolus mungo Linn.
Marathi Name : Udid
Persian Name : Mashe Subz
Sanskrit Name : Masha, Mudga
Urdu Name : Urad

Description : Used internally in gastric catarrh, dysentery, diarrhoea, cystitis, paralysis, piles, rheumatism and affections of the liver and of the nervous system. Externally it adds lustre to dull hair.

Recommended Dosage : 12 g powder of beans.

Contraindication : This herb has no known warnings or contraindications.

Arabic Name : Shaqaaqil
English Name : Wild Parsnip
French Name : Le Panais
German Name : Pastinak, Hammelmöhre, Hirschmöhre, Moorwurzel, Welscher Petersil
Hindi Name : Dudhali, Satali, Sawali, Shaqaqulmisri
Latin name : Pastinaca sativa Linn.
Persian Name : Shashqaqul
Urdu Name : Shaqaqul Misri

Description : The rhizome is useful in erectile dysfunction, spermatorrhoea, nocturnal emission, general, sexual and seminal debility. Given to nursing mothers, it increases breast-milk production. The root contains xanthotoxin, which is used in the treatment of psoriasis and vitiligo. Xanthotoxin is the substance that causes photosensitivity.

Recommended Dosage : 3 to 5 g powder of rhizome.

Contraindication : Persons with weak kidneys should avoid this herb. Parsnip contains polyacetylenes, which have shown cytotoxic activity. Caution is advised in patients taking anticancer agents, as the combination may have additive effects. Parsnip may cause photosensitivity. Caution is advised in patients taking other agents that cause light sensitivity, as the combination may increase this side effect. Individuals allergic to birch pollen may have cross-sensitivity to parsnip.

Arabic Name : Ushna
Bengali Name : Shailaj
English Name : Stone Flowers, Rock moss
French Name : Parmelia des murs
German Name : Wandschildflechte
Gujarati Name : Patthar Phool, Chhadilo
Hindi Name : Charela, Charcharela, Chelchabela, Pathar ka Phool
Kannada Name : Shilapushpa, Kalluhoo
Latin name : Parmelia perlata (Huds.) Ach.
Marathi Name : Dagad Phool
Persian Name : Davala
Punjabi Name : Auneh, Chhadila
Sanskrit Name : Silavalka, Shaileyam, Saileya, Silapushpa
Urdu Name : Charila

Description : The whole thallus is acrid, antiinflammatory, aphrodisiac, astringent, bitter, cardiac tonic, cooling, demulcent, diuretic, emollient, febrifuge and refrigerant. It is useful in seminal weakness, spermatorrhoea, boils, inflammations and amenorrhoea. Also useful in diarrhoea, dyspepsia and dysentery. Strengthens the heart.

It is an ingredient in a number of massage oils that are useful in arthritis, rheumatism, sciatica and gout.

Recommended Dosage : 5 to 10 g powder of the whole thallus.

Contraindication : This herb has no known warnings or contraindications.

Arabic Name : Bazr al-khashkhaash, Nu’maan Abyad
Bengali Name : Postdana, Postbeej
Chinese Name : Ying su qiao
English Name : Poppy Seeds
French Name : Graines de pavot
German Name : Mohnsaat
Gujarati Name : Khaskhas
Hindi Name : Khuskhus, Khashkhash, Postdana
Kannada Name : Khasksi
Latin name : Papaver somniferum Linn. (Seeds)
Marathi Name : Khaskhas
Persian Name : Tukhme Koknar
Punjabi Name : Khashkhash
Sanskrit Name : Khakhasa, Khasatilah
Urdu Name : Tukhme Khashkhash Safed, Khashkhash Safed

Description : Poppy seeds are anesthetic, aphrodisiac, astringent, constipative, demulcent, hypnotic, nutritive, sedative and stimulant. Useful in cough, asthma, phthisis, insomnia, weakness of liver and kidneys, urinary diseases and chronic diarrhoea. Also useful in menorrhagia, dysmenorrhoea, irritable states of the uterus and metritis. It is a very good tonic and energetic food.

The oil from the seeds removes dryness of the brain and induces sleep. Relieves headaches due to intensity of heat and strengthens the brain.

Recommended Dosage: Seeds : 1 to 3 g powder of dried seeds; Oil : 3 to 6 ml for external use.

Contraindication : The seeds have no known warnings or contraindications.

Arabic Name : Ufiyoon, Afyoon, Laban al-khashkhaash
Bengali Name : Aaphim
English Name : Opium
French Name : l’ opium
German Name : Schlafmohn, Mohn, Gartenmohn
Gujarati Name : Afeem
Hindi Name : Afeem
Kannada Name : Aapheem, Aphini
Latin name : Papaver somniferum Linn. (Latex)
Marathi Name : Afu
Persian Name : Afeem
Sanskrit Name : Ahiphena
Urdu Name : Afeem

Description : Opium (Latex) is antispasmodic, antitussive, astringent, expectorant, hypnotic, narcotic, myotic and stimulant. It stimulates the generative organs. Useful in seminal debility, diarrhoea, dysentery, insomnia, sciatica, colic, severe cough and asthma.

Also recommended as an aphrodisiac as it is believed to lengthen the time of seminal discharge during coitus. Also used in combination with other drugs in the treatment of diabetes mellitus.

Recommended Dosage : 30 to 125 mg dried latex.

Contraindication : Avoid long term use of opium. Opium is not recommended during pregnancy or lactation.

Arabic Name : Kadi, Kadir, Kazi, Kaadhiyya
Bengali Name : Katki, Keya, Keori
English Name : Fragrant Screwpine, Caldera Bush, Umbrella Tree
French Name : Pandanus
German Name : Schraubenbaum, Schraubenpalme
Gujarati Name : Kevdo
Hindi Name : Kewra, Kewda, Kedgi
Kannada Name : Kedge
Latin name : Pandanus odoratissimus Willd.
Marathi Name : Kewda
Persian Name : Gulkeri
Punjabi Name : Keora, Kethak
Sanskrit Name : Ketaka, Ketaki
Urdu Name : Keora

Description : It is analgesic, antispasmodic, blood purifier, diaphoretic, diuretic, restorative, stimulant and stomachic and is useful in headache and rheumatism. Also useful in cough, bronchitis, fever, palpitation, anxiety states and fainting. Strengthens the heart and brain. Relieves heat and quenches thirst.

Recommended Dosage : 30 to 50 ml distillate of flowers.

Contraindication: This herb has no known warnings or contraindications.

Arabic Name : ‘Ood al-saleeb, Fawaaniyaa
Bengali Name : Oode Salam
Chinese Name : Bai shao yao, Mu dan pi
English Name : Paeony, Peony, White Peony
French Name : Pivoine officinale
German Name : Gemeine Pfingstrose, Benediktinerrose, Echte Pfingstrose, Pumpelrose
Hindi Name : Ud Salap
Latin name : Paeonia officinalis Linn.
Punjabi Name : Mamokh, Mamekh
Urdu Name : Ud Saeleeb, Ood Saleeb

Description : It is alterative, analgesic,antiallergic, antibacterial, anticonvulsant, antiinflammatory, anodyne, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antitussive, cardiotonic, carminative, diuretic, astringent, bitter, emmenagogue, expectorant, febrifuge, mildly hypotensive, immune stimulant, liver tonic, nervine, sedative and tonic. Paeony root has been successfully employed in convulsions and spasmodic nervous affections, such as epilepsy, etc (since the days of Hippocrates). It has been recommended for obstructions of the liver, and for complaints arising from such obstructions. The root may be employed to treat whooping cough, kidney, jaundice and bladder problems, gout and asthma. It is one of the most highly prized women’s herbs used traditionally to help regulate the female hormonal cycle. It is considered to be highly effective in relieving menstrual cramps and also helps menstrual disorders, including heavy bleeding and bleeding between periods, and is specifically used to treat period pain. It reduces muscle tension, yet at the same time stimulates uterine muscles. It is used as an antiseptic and hepatotonic, as well as used for female infertility.

Lowers blood pressure and increases blood flow to the heart through the coronary arteries. It also exhibits fever reducing properties. By constricting the blood vessels it has a beneficial effect on haemorrhoids and varicose veins.

Recommended Dosage : 3 to 5 g powder of dried root.

Contraindication : This herb is not recommended during pregnancy as it can stimulate uterine contraction. An overdose can cause gastroenteritis.

Arabic Name : Khusaa al-tha‘lab, Qaatil Akheehi
Bengali Name : Salabmisri, Salep Misri
English Name : Salep Orchid
French Name : Salep Orchis
German Name : Breitblättriges Knabenkraut, Breitblättriger Fingerwurz
Hindi Name : Salabmisri, Salampunja
Kannada Name : Salamisri
Latin name : Orchis latifolia Linn.
Marathi Name : Salamisri
Persian Name : Salab Misri, Khaya Rubah
Sanskrit Name : Salammishri, Salabmisri, Munjataka
Urdu Name : Salab Misri, Khusyatus Salab

Description : The dried tuberous root has long been esteemed as a great restorative and invigorator and an aphrodisiac in diseases characterised by weakness or loss of sexual power. It also has astringent, cooling, demulcent, diuretic, emollient, expectorant, nutritive, retentative, sweet and tonic properties. By its action on the nervous system, it helps to prevent nervousness. Also useful in seminal weakness, oligospermia, spermatorrhoea, premature ejaculation, nocturnal emissions, phthisis, diabetes, chronic diarrhoea and dysentery. Very useful in erectile dysfunction.

Recommended Dosage : 3 to 5 g powder of dried root tubers.

Contraindication : This herb has no known warnings or contraindications.

Arabic Name : Shanjar, Khas al-himaar
Bengali Name : Ratanjot
English Name : Alkanet, Dyer’s Bugloss, Spanish Bugloss
French Name : Buglosse azurée
German Name : Natternkopf-Lotwurz
Hindi Name : Ratanjot, Laljari
Kashmiri Name : Yatilung, Yarilung
Latin name : Onosma echioides Linn.
Persian Name : Shankaru
Punjabi Name : Laljari, Koame, Maharanga, Ratanjot
Sanskrit Name : Maharanga, Dhamani
Urdu Name : Ratanjot

Description : The root is considered to be anthelmintic, antipyretic, antiseptic and constipative and is usually used externally for colour and hair loss. Also useful as an application in wounds and bruises.

Recommended Dosage : 3 to 5 g powder of dried root.

Contraindication : This herb has no known warnings or contraindications when used externally.