Asokam

Asokam

Botanical name : Saraca asoka (Roxb.) de Wilde
Family : Caesalpiniaceae
SANSKRIT SYNONYMS
Asoka, Gatasoka

PLANT NAME IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES
English  : Asoka tree
Hindi  : Asok
Malayalam : Asokam

PLANT DESCRIPTION

A medium sized evergreen tree grows up to 10 meters in height. Leaves are pinnate, about 40 cm long having 2-3 pairs of lanceolate leaflets. Flowers are beautiful, orange colored in dense corymbs flowers are fragrant. Fruits are flat pods. 4-8 seeds per pods, ellipsoid and compressed. Bark is dark brown with warty surfaces.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Plant pacifies vitiated pitta, menorrhogia, leucorrhoea, stomach pain, diabetes and bleeding through anus. 

Useful part : Bark, Leaves, Flowers, Seeds 

Aryaveppu

Aryaveppu

Family: Meliaceae

Botanical Name: Azadirachta inaica Juss

PLANT NAME IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES

Sanskrit: Nimba, Arista, Hinguniryasa, Manda, Tiktaka

English: Neem tree, Margosa tree

Hindi: Neem, Nimb

Malayalam: Aryaveppu, Veppu

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Neem tree is used to stop the bleeding from the nose and mouth due to the bite of vipers. The bark of the tree is used for the preparation of medicinal decoctions.Azadirachta inaica Juss is an herb extensively used in Ayurveda, Unani and Homoeopathic systems of medicine [7] to treat many health related problems and ailments, and also known to exert anticancer, antioxidant, wound-healing, and antimicrobial properties [5,6,7] is also known to be one of these plants from which almost every part is used, from the Neem oil extracted from its seeds to the leaves and branches.   

NEEM ACTIVE CONSTITUENTS

More than 140 compounds have been isolated from different parts of neem. All parts of the neem tree as leaves, flowers, seeds, fruits, roots and bark have been used traditionally for the treatment of inflammation, infections, fever, skin diseases and dental disorders. Among those active constituents Neem has thirty-one nortriterpenoids, including 28 limonoids and 3 degraded limonoids, and one diterpenoid [3], as well as azadirachtin.

ANTI-MICROBIAL AND ANTI-BACTERIAL PROPERTIES OF AZADIRACHTA INDICA (NEEM)

Among all the properties and health benefits exerted by Azadirachta indica (Neem) we shall highlight one, its ability to treat skin and skin related problems, either as part of poly herbal anti-acne face wash gels formulations [1], or part of anti-microbial preparations against some groups of bacteria as Escherichia coli (E.coli) [2].  Azadirachta indica (Neem) by itself doesn't seem to be much different from any other plant from its family and genus, but when we look closer we find some major differences that may indicate why this plant is so different, its active constituents, among which we find thirty-one nortriterpenoids, including 28 limonoids and 3 degraded limonoids, and one diterpenoid [3]. Image right: Neem tree by Wendy Cutler under Creative Common license (CC BY 2.0).

At least one study reported how five of those active constituents found in Azadirachta indica (Neem) showed an important inhibitory effect on the melanogenesis in the B16 melanoma cells, with results of 74 to 91% reduction of melanin content at 25 microg/ml and almost no toxicity to healthy cells[3], with which Neem becomes one of these plants to be noted for the development of new drugs based on the active constituents of this plant.

Neem leaves are known to possess immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antihyperglycaemic, antiulcer, antimalarial, antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, antioxidant, antimutagenic and anti-carcinogenic properties [5,7], being one of the most active parts of the plant.

ANTI-GINGIVITIS AND ANTIPLAQUE PROPERTIES OF NEEM

The use of Azadirachta indica (neem) for the treatment of dental ailments as gingivitis, plaque and periodontitis has been reported in India since several decades ago, mainly due to its antiseptic properties and activity [9]. In a study in the subject, forty five subjects with plaque induced gingivitis divided in three groups were asked to rinse with 15 ml of mouthwash twice a day.

The study showed that Azadirachta indica (neem) was as effective in reducing periodontitis as Chlorhexidine, reducing significantly gingival, bleeding and plaque indices in the non-placebo groups [9].

NEEM FOR CERVICAL CANCER

In at least one study on the antioxidant properties of neem (Azadirachta indica) in inducing apoptosis of cervical cancer cells, neem demonstrated to be a potent inducer of apoptosis in biopsies of cervical cancer patients [10].

Arayal

 

Arayal

Family: Moraceae

Binomial name : Ficus religiosa Linn

PLANT NAME IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGE

Sanskrit: Avatha, Pippala, Kshiravriksha, Chalapatra, Bodhidruma

English: Peepal tree, Sacred fig

Hindi: Peepal, Peepar

Malayalam: Arayal

PLANT DESCRIPTION
Large spreading deciduous tree. Leaves are alternate, cordate, shiny, long petioled, with linear lanceolate tail. The receptacles occurring in pairs, axillary, depressed globose, purplish when ripe.
MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
Plant pacifies vitiated pitat, kapha, skin diseases, inflammation, poison, neuralgia, constipation and gynecological diseases.The juice of the bark and leaves of Sacred fig or Peepal tree is used for grinding the pills and making decoction in toxicology.

Useful parts  : Bark, Leaves, Tender shoot, Fruits, Seeds, Latex. 

Aambal

Aampal

Botanical name : Nymphaea nouchali Burn.f.
Family : Nymphaeceae
SANSKRIT SYNONYMS:Kumudam, Ulpalam

PLANT NAME IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES

English  : Indian water lily

Hindi  : Kanval, Kokka

Malayalam : Aampal

PLANT DESCRIPTION

A large perennial aquatic herb with short round rhizomes. Leaves floating, peltate, flowers are large, beautiful and varies in color from pure white to deep red. Fruits spongy, many seeded berries, seeds are grayish black when dry.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Plant pacifies vitiated pitta, diarrhea, dysentery, cardiac debility, skin diseases, and general debility.

Useful part : Rhizomes, Flowers, Seeds. 
Nymphaea nouchali is considered a medicinal plant in Indian Ayurvedic medicine under the name Ambal; it was mainly used to treat indigestion.Recent experiments have confirmed that it has medicinal qualities as an antihepatotoxic and antidiabetic. Like all waterlilies or lotuses, its tubers and rhizomes can be used as food items; they are eaten usually boiled or roasted. In the case of the Red and blue water-lily, its tender leaves and flower peduncles are also valued as food.

The dried plant is collected from ponds, tanks and marshes during the dry season and used in India as animal forage.

           
 

Mukkutti

Mukkutti

Botanical name : Biophytum sensitivum Linn.
Family : Oxalidaceae 

SANSKRIT SYNONYMS:Viparita lajjalu, Jhulapushpa, Peethapushpa

PLANT NAME IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES
English  : Biophytum
Hindi  : Lajjalu, Lakshmana
Malayalam : Mukkutti 

PLANT DESCRIPTION A slender erect annual; leaves abruptly pinnate, leaflets opposite, 6-12 pairs, the terminal pair is the largest; flowers yellow with many peduncles; fruits ellipsoid capsules
MEDICINAL PROPERTIES Plant pacifies vitiated kapha, pitta, urinary calculi, wounds, abscesses, asthma and stomachalgia.
 Useful part : The whole plant

 

It is an important flower for the people of Kerala both for its medicinal values and cultural importance. Mukkutti has been used in traditional folk medicine to treat numerous diseases.In Ayurveda this little herb Mukkutti is described as a good medicine. 

**Mukkutti is used as a tonic and stimulant 

**It is used for chest complaints , convulsions , Cramps and inflammatory tumours .

** It's ash is mixed with lime juice and given for stomach ache .

**Leaves and roots are styptic , decotion of leaves is given for diabetes , asthma and phthisis.

**Arthralgia, Arthritis, Back Pain, Bone Spur, Bursitis, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Cervical Spondylosis, Degenerative Joint Disease, Degenerative Neck Disease, Fibromyalgia, Leg Cramps, Leg pains, Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Sprains, Stiff Neck, Tendonitis and Tennis Elbow are also treated using mukkutti in Ayurveda.

**Mukkutti herb is very useful in treating Varicocele. The leaves of this herb (20) need to be boiled in 300ml of water for 40 mins. Strain and cool this potion and drink it two times daily for a month and complete relief would be accorded in a month.

** It is also used for treating heavy bleeding seen in women.Therefore it is also called "Teendanaazhi".

**Its leaf well grinded in butter milk is used in treating dysentry.

**It is a good medicinal herb to clean the uterus after delivery.

1. The leaves are ground and given along with butter milk for diarrhoea.
2. The seeds ground with water and applied over wound and ulcer.
3. The samoolam of this plant or whole plant is ground, mixed with honey and given for cough, chest congestion etc.
4. After delivery, the leaves of this plant along with jaggery is cooked and given to the delivered ladies to expell the lochia and remains from the uterus.
5. The paste of the leaves is applied over burns and contusions.

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Chembarathi

Chembarathi

Botanical name : Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Linn.
Family : Malvaceae
SANSKRIT SYNONYMS:Japa, Ondrapuspi, Ragapuspi

PLANT NAME IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES
Hindi  :  Gudahal
Malayalam :  Chemparatty 

  

PLANT DESCRIPTION An evergreen woody shrub grows up to 8 meters in height. Leaves simple, bright green, ovate and serrate towards the end. Flowers are beautiful, solitary and axillary.
MEDICINAL PROPERTIES Plant pacifies vitiated kapha, pitta, cough, menorrhagia, dysmenorrhea, pruritus, burning sensation, fever, alopecia and dandruff. 
Useful part : Root, Fruit.

 Hibiscus Rosasinensis (chembarathi or chemparathi) is an ornamental plant seen in almost all parts of Kerala. Its Latin name, rosa-sinensis translates into the rose of China or Chinese rose. This flower is predominant in almost all parts of India and China.

    Women and girls (of Kerala) prepare a special herbal shampoo called chembarathi thali, by rubbing the leaves and flowers of chembarathi against a clean rock slab. This helps them with thickly growing, black shining hair. 

   Ayurveda suggests it is good to prevent premature hair graying, hair loss, dandruff, and other hair related problems. Its petals also form a component of hair oil prepared at home. Coconut oil is boiled with easily available chemparathi petals, nellikka (amalaki), etc.

Other uses of hibiscus include regulation of menstrual cycle, avoid menstrual cramps, and also as a contraceptive medicine. The roots of the plant are used in the treatment of different venereal diseases.

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis comes in the plant family Malvaceae.

There are 5000 varieties in China rose or shoe flower, Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa sinensis). There are many uses of hibiscus, including beauty tips, medicines and dyes. Do you know that some tribes are using this flower for cancer? Many colors of Hibiscus are available. Of all these white one has much importance in medicine.

1. The chemicals in hibiscus flower helps in growth of hair. It reduces dandruff and makes the hair black.
2. The natural oil in this flower acts as a good conditioner
3. This flower can be used as natural dye for hair
4. The oil in this flower can be applied to the skin of patients who are suffering from cellulite which makes the skin to glow
5. The ash obtained by burning the flower and leaves of this flower can be applied to eyebrows which glazes them black
6. This flower can be used as shoe polish by rubbing it on the shoe
7. Hibiscus flower can be used as contraceptive. The oil from this flower is used for abortion in some tribes in Jamaica.
8. Jamaicans use this flower in herbal tea as it contains many minerals and vitamins
9. The juice from these leaves and flowers can regularize the menstrual cycle
10. Ayurveda says the medicine made from its roots can be used as a prevention of venereal diseases
11. According to traditional medicine if we eat the buds of white hibiscus flowers early in the morning on empty stomach it should cure all the diseases. We can mix sugar if we are unable to eat directly.
12. This flower improves digestion. Hence raw flowers are eaten by Hawaiian people, and Chinese eat this flower by making pickle.
13. The fiber from this stem is qualitative. This can be used in manufacturing of clothes, nets and paper.
14. The roots of hibiscus are boiled in oil until the water gets evaporated. Then the oil can be applied to the wounds caused by cancer. This can be very useful in initial stage of cancer.
15. According to the traditional medicine, the flowers of white Hibiscus can be dried in the shade of neem tree. Then they can be powdered and it can be used to fight all cancers.

  According to Ayurveda it is good for increasing blood count among anemic people. The bright Red variety that is commonly found in tropical countries is supposed to be the best . The flowers are boiled in a little water and blended in a mixer with roasted cummin seeds and salt and consumed after diluting it to the required level ,for increasing the quantity of hemoglobin .

The flower is also used for hair care. The leaves and flowers are added to hot coconut oil and slowly heated for a few minutes , after which the oil is completely cooled and filtered. The Oil is then stored in bottles and used to apply to the hair . The oil should be massaged into the hair and left for an hour or two after which it can be washed with a shampoo. This treatment when done regularly has been proved to be  very helpful in stopping hair loss and promoting new hair growth.
  In India certain varieties of Hibiscus flowers are used for cooking. Hibiscus is supposed to contain some vital nutrients that are essential for the body and in the southern parts of India it is regularly used in cooking. 

 

Thumpa

Thumpa

Scientific name : Leucas aspera

Family :lamiaceae

Habitat : Annual herb

Thumba is a small herb native to southern part of India,mainly Kerala & Karnataka. The whole plant is used for different medicine in Ayurveda.. Thumba is a flower of Kerala ,it signifies purity & simplicity.The flowers has religious importance too.It is believed that Lord Krishna loved this flower.During Onam Thumba flowers are used for floral rangoli(athapo).It is also used as an offering to dead people during special rite called  bali(karkkidaka vavu bali).     

 Remedies:                                 

1. Throat pain or tonsillitis:  Grind some Thumba leaves, few black pepper &  garlic 
2. Fever: 20 gms juice of Thumba leaves&10 gms black pepper powder, take it for 3-4 days             
3. For Jaundices,small foreign bodies in eyes use 2-3 drops of thumba leaves juices
4. Diabetic: Take daily 10 gms thumba juice with 2 black pepper.
5. Throat infection for small children: 1spoon thumba juice with honey

This plant is used for snake poison  also. Thumba leaves are excellent mosquito repellers. The juice of leaves with honey is a medicine for indigestion and stomach ache. In ayurveda it is known as 'Dhrona pushpi'. It is an excellent antipyretic. The flowers with honey is effective for coughs and cold in children.

Juices of the plant is applied externally for psoriasis , chronic skin eruptions and painful swellings . Flower is given with honey for coughs and colds . Herb is used as antipyretic.

Tulsi

Tulsi

Botanical name : Ocimum sanctum Linn (White variety)
Family : Lamiaceae 

SANSKRIT SYNONYMS :Tulasi, Surasa, Svetatulasi. 

PLANT NAME IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES
English  : Holy basil, Sacred basil, White basil
Hindi  : Tulsi
Malayalam : Tulasi, Velutta tulasi, Veluttatrittav.

PLANT DESCRIPTION
An erect much branched undershrub, grows up to 1 m in height. Leaves are pale greenish in color, simple, opposite, elliptic, oblong, obtuse or acute, serrate, entire, pubescent on both sides. Petiole slender and hairy. Flwers purplish in elongate recemes. Fruits nutlets, smooth, not mucilaginous when wet.
MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
Plant pacifies vitiated tridoshas, cough, asthma, bronchitis, fever, toxins, vomiting, lumbago, gastric distension, genito-urinary diseases, ringworm and skin diseases.
Useful part :  Whole plant.

Tulsi is the Sanskrit name for an herb closely related to the common culinary herb basil. It's also called luole in Chinese and holy basil in English. People have used this herb all over the world for many centuries, in cooking and for medicinal purposes. It's easy to grow on a windowsill, so it can be used fresh or it can be bought dried in capsules or as tea. The leaves are the useful portion of the plant.The tulsi plant is easily identified by its purple crown and stem, with wide, green leaves. Referred to in India as the "Queen of Herbs"

Digestion Aid

The traditional use for tulsi is to help digestion and the organs associated with it. A tea made with tulsi is used to relieve stomachache, excessive acidity in the stomach and constipation. The herb is also a remedy for nausea, especially when combined with ginger in a tea. Even though tulsi has been used to help relieve morning sickness, its use is absolutely not recommended for pregnant women.

Antioxidant

• The tulsi plant has been tested and found to be a remarkable antioxidant. What this means is it has the ability to slow oxidation in the body. The process of oxidation damages cells in the body and may contribute to the worsening of pre-existing conditions, as well as effects caused by aging. Other antioxidants include vitamins E and C.

Immune Booster

• Another of the properties of the tulsi plant is that it also acts as a natural immune system booster. This has been one of the plant's more common uses throughout history, and it is still one of its more valued benefits. While generally effective on boosting a person's entire immune system, the tulsi plant appears to provide the largest benefit to the respiratory system, and in fighting infections in that area.

Tea

• The most common way for people to get the benefits of the tulsi plant is to drink tea made from its leaves. Additionally, many companies are now harvesting several varieties of the tulsi plant and mixing them together to achieve the healthiest results for their customers. Depending on a person's wants, needs, and preferences, chances are good there is a tulsi tea that caters to the benefits that they desire.

    

  Used for hair fall

Tulsi is used as the effective measure for hair loss and it is considered as one of the essential ingredients of herbal hair loss treatment. It is extensively used for protecting hair from falling and early graying. Tulsi seed in combination with castor oil is a useful remedy for hair lice. It also helps making the hair root stronger, thus reducing hair fall.

• Healing Power: The tulsi plant has many medicinal properties. The leaves are a nerve tonic and also sharpen memory. They promote the removal of the catarrhal matter and phlegm from the bronchial tube. The leaves strengthen the stomach and induce copious perspiration. The seed of the plant are mucilaginous. 
• Fever & Common Cold: The leaves of basil are specific for many fevers. During the rainy season, when malaria and dengue fever are widely prevalent, tender leaves, boiled with tea, act as preventive against theses diseases. In case of acute fevers, a decoction of the leaves boiled with powdered cardamom in half a liter of water and mixed with sugar and milk brings down the temperature. The juice of tulsi leaves can be used to bring down fever. Extract of tulsi leaves in fresh water should be given every 2 to 3 hours. In between one can keep giving sips of cold water. In children, it is every effective in bringing down the temperature. 
•  Coughs: Tulsi is an important constituent of many Ayurvedic cough syrups and expectorants. It helps to mobilize mucus in bronchitis and asthma. Chewing tulsi leaves relieves cold and flu.
•   Sore Throat: Water boiled with basil leaves can be taken as drink in case of sore throat. This water can also be used as a gargle.
•  Respiratory Disorder: The herb is useful in the treatment of respiratory system disorder. A decoction of the leaves, with honey and ginger is an effective remedy for bronchitis, asthma, influenza, cough and cold. A decoction of the leaves, cloves and common salt also gives immediate relief in case of influenza. They should be boiled in half a liter of water till only half the water is left and add then taken.
•  Kidney Stone: Basil has strengthening effect on the kidney. In case of renal stone the juice of basil leaves and honey, if taken regularly for 6 months it will expel them via the urinary tract.
•  Heart Disorder: Basil has a beneficial effect in cardiac disease and the weakness resulting from them. It reduces the level of blood cholesterol.
•  Children's Ailments: Common pediatric problems like cough cold, fever, diarrhea and vomiting respond favorably to the juice of basil leaves. If pustules of chicken pox delay their appearance, basil leaves taken with saffron will hasten them.
•  Stress: Basil leaves are regarded as an 'adaptogen' or anti-stress agent. Recent studies have shown that the leaves afford significant protection against stress. Even healthy persons can chew 12 leaves of basil, twice a day, to prevent stress. It purifies blood and helps prevent several common elements.
•  Mouth Infections: The leaves are quit effective for the ulcer and infections in the mouth. A few leaves chewed will cure these conditions.
•  Insect Bites: The herb is a prophylactic or preventive and curative for insect stings or bites. A teaspoonful of the juice of the leaves is taken and is repeated after a few hours. Fresh juice must also be applied to the affected parts. A paste of fresh roots is also effective in case of bites of insects and leeches.
•  Skin Disorders: Applied locally, basil juice is beneficial in the treatment of ringworm and other skin diseases. It has also been tried successfully by some naturopaths in the treatment of leucoderma.
•  Teeth Disorder: The herb is useful in teeth disorders. Its leaves, dried in the sun and powdered, can be used for brushing teeth. It can also be mixed with mustered oil to make a paste and used as toothpaste. This is very good for maintaining dental health, counteracting bad breath and for massaging the gums. It is also useful in pyorrhea and other teeth disorders.
•  Headaches: Basil makes a good medicine for headache. A decoction of the leaves can be given for this disorder. Pounded leaves mixed with sandalwood paste can also be applied on the forehead for getting relief from heat, headache, and for providing coolness in general.
•  Eye Disorders: Basil juice is an effective remedy for sore eyes and night-blindness, which is generally caused by deficiency of vitamin A. Two drops of black basil juice are put into the eyes daily at bedtime.   

DISCLAIMER: These are only general guidelines as a first aid. It is always better to see a doctor depending upon the intensity of the case. The views expressed above are entirely those of the author. 

About Ayrvedam

    Ayurveda (Sanskrit: आयुर्वेद; Āyurveda, "the knowledge for long life"; /ˌaɪ.ərˈveɪdə/⁾ or ayurvedic medicine is a Hindu system of traditional medicine native to India and a form of alternative medicine^.The earliest literature on Indian medical practice appeared during the Vedic period in India, i.e., in the mid-second millennium BCE. The Suśruta Saṃhitā and the Charaka Saṃhitā, encyclopedias of medicine compiled from various sources from the mid-first millennium BCE to about 500 CE, are among the foundational works of Ayurveda. Over the following centuries, ayurvedic practitioners developed a number of medicinal preparations and surgical procedures for the treatment of various ailments. Current practices derived (or reportedly derived) from Ayurvedic medicine are regarded as part of complementary and alternative medicine.
Safety concerns have been raised about Ayurveda, with two U.S. studies finding about 20% of Ayurvedic Indian-manufactured patent medicines contained toxic levels of heavy metals such as lead, mercury and arsenic. Other concerns include the use of herbs containing toxic compounds and the lack of quality control in Ayurvedic facilities.

Ayurveda is a holistic healing science which comprises of two words, Ayu and Veda. Ayu means life and Veda means knowledge or science. So the literal meaning of the word Ayurveda is the science of life. Ayurveda is a science dealing not only with treatment of some diseases but is a complete way of life.


"Ayurveda treats not just the ailment but the whole person and emphasizes prevention of disease to avoid the need for cure."

Ayurveda stresses the use of plant-based medicines and treatments. Hundreds of plant-based medicines are employed, including cardamom and cinnamon. Some animal products may also be used, for example milk, bones, and gallstones. In addition, fats are used both for consumption and for external use.

Dhanvantari, the Lord of Ayurveda