Garlic

Introduction : Since ancient time organic garlic enjoys a high reputation as a medicinal herb. According to Indian Ayurveda, Garlic is one of the most effective antimicrobial herbs with anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral properties.

Plant Description : Allium sativum is a perennial that can grow 2 feet high or more. The Garlic plant have 6-12 long, narrow and flat like grass leaves. The most important part of this plant for medicinal purposes is the bulb. The bulb consists of numerous bulblets, known as 'cloves' held between the papery membrane and enclosed within a whitish skin as a sac. Each bulb is made up of 4 to 20 cloves, and each clove weighs about 1 gram. The flowers rise direct from the bulb and are white in color.

• Garlic contains many bioactive substances including Alliin, Allicin, Gamma-Glutamylcysteine and Thiosulfinates. They are very effective against Bacterial, Parasitic and Fungal Infections.
• Garlic may prevent blood clots and destroy plaque preventing atherosclerosis. Hence, garlic does reduce the chances of stroke, heart attacks, and PVD.
• Raw Garlic may lower blood pressure; but fairly small.
• Garlic can be mixed with sesame oil and applied to the skin and ear to reduce toxic swelling or fungal infections.
• According to traditional ayurveda, Garlic is useful for increasing sexual energy and combating simple impotence and to kill parasites such as hookworms and pinworms.
• Garlic with Honey is highly effective treatment for congestion in the respiratory system.
• In case of warts the garlic is used externally as slides under a bandage.
• If a few fresh cloves of garlic spread amongst stored fruit delay the fruit from rotting.
• Garlic is much used in flavoring meats, soups, salads, and various kinds of pickles.
• The juice from the garlic bulb is used as an insect repellent.

Amla

Introduction :

Plant Description : Amla is a medium-sized deciduous tree with gray bark and reddish wood which successfully grows in variable agro-climatic and soil conditions. Amla leaves are feathery, linear oblong in shape and smell like lemon. The flowers are greenish yellow in colour which starts appearing in the beginning of spring season. The matured tree can tolerate a high temperature of 45øC as well as a freezing temperature. Thus, it is not much influenced by hot winds and frost. It is a potential crop which grows in the marginal soils and various kinds of degraded lands such as salt-affected soils, salines and dry and semi-dry regions. Amla tree is found growing in the plains and sub-mountain on tracts all over the India and Indian subcontinent.

Benefits of Amla :

• Amla is "Sattwic" (stimulates spiritual purity).
• Amla Increases "OJAS" (the subtle essence of living matter, the foundation of good health, mental sanity, and spiritual growth).
• The edible fruit tissue of Amla contains protein concentration 3-fold and ascorbic acid concentration 160-fold than those of apples. This fruit also contains considerably higher concentration of most minerals and amino acids than apples.
• Amla juice has twenty times more vitamin C than orange juice.
• Amla is used as cosmetic in India. It is an accepted hair tonic in traditional recipes for enriching hair growth and pigmentation.
• Amla has been regarded as a sacred tree in India. The tree was worshipped as Mother Earth and is believed to nurture humankind because the fruits are very nourishing.
• Extract from Amla are a potent antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral and digestive aid.
• Amla Powder improves the immunity and gives physical strength. It purifies the blood, controls cholesterol.

Ashoka

Introduction :

Plant Description : Saraca asoka is small evergreen tree having height up to 10 meters. It has blackish bark and reddish-brown wood; Flowers are orange to scarlet color turning into deep red in color in bunches and has a strong fragrance; Pods tapering at both ends, seeds 4-8 ellipsoid- oblong. The flowering time of Asoka is December - May and fruiting time June-July.

Chemical composition : The bark contains tannin, catechol, sterol and organic calcium compounds. Its methanol fraction contains haematoxylene, tannin, and water-soluble glycoside. The latter has glucose, galactose and mannose as sugars.

• Traditional system of Indian Medicine shows it to be effective against cases like Uterine fibroids, Dysmenorrhea, Hemorrhoids and Leucorrhoea. It is the plant that is helpful for combating a great number of Gynecological disorders.
• In general Saraca asoka is considered as best female tonic.
• Diuretic, tonic, cooling, aphrodisiac and the dried fruits are used in cases of spermatorrhoea, phosphaturia, diseases of genito-urinary tract such as dysuria, gonorrhea, chronic cystitis, calculus affections, urinary disorders, incontinence of urine, gout and impotence also in uterine disorders after parturition.
• The seeds are strengthening and the ash of plant is good for external application in rheum-arthritis.

Boswellia

Introduction :

Plant Description : Boswellia Serrata is a medium sized tree with ash coloured papery bark. The leaves are like neem plant and have small white flowers. Boswellia Serrata tree, on injury, exudates an oleo-gum-resin known as Salai Guggal or Indian Frankincense.

Uses of Boswellia serrata :

• One of the principal constituents in the gum resin is boswellic acid which exhibits anti-inflammatory activity which can work against rheumatoid arthritis pain, low back pain and osteoarthritis.
• Boswellia has been known to reduce joint swelling, maintain blood supply to inflamed joints and mobility as well as reduce pain due to stiffness in the joints.
• The Gum Resin of Boswellia Serretta besides being antiarthritic, also has expectorant effect and improves immunity.

Boswellia Products : Boswellia Serrata extract is prepared by alcoholic extraction process of the oleo-gum-resin. The main ingredient of the extract is Boswellic acids which is mainly responsible for the medicinal properties of Boswellia. It is also found to be anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, analgesic and sedative.

Brahmi(Centalla Asiatica)

Introduction : Bacopa monniera is bitter in taste; has been used in the Ayurvedic system of medicine for centuries. Brahmi which occurs naturally in India and has a long history of use in the Ayurvedic medicine tradition in the treatment of a number of disorders, particularly those involving anxiety, intellect and poor memory. Traditionally, it was used as a brain tonic to enhance memory development, learning, and concentration.

Plant Description : Bacopa monniera, is a small, creeping herb with numerous branches, succulent, rooting at the nodes, with numerous prostrate branches, each 10-30 cm long. Brahmi leaves are petiole, oblong, sessile, and fleshy. Flowers are purple in color; axillary, solitary with peduncles. In India and the tropics it grows naturally in wet soil, shallow water, and marshes. The herb can be found at elevations from sea level to altitudes of 4,400 feet, and is easily cultivated if adequate water is available. Flowers and fruit appear in summer and the entire plant is used medicinally.

Benefits of using Brahmi :

• In India the plant is used for all sorts of skin problems- eczema, psoriasis, abscess, ulcerations- it is said to stimulate the growth of skin, hair and nails.
• Brahmi extract has been found to be very beneficial in the treatment of anxiety neurosis and mental fatigue. It has been found to significant improve IQ levels, general ability, behavioral patterns and mental concentration in children.
• Brahmi is also used for the treatment of epilepsy, insomnia, asthma and rheumatism.
• Indian studies have also shown Brahmi to possess anticancer activity.
• Brahmi is effective against diseases like bronchitis, asthma, hoarseness, arthritis, rheumatism, backache, constipation, hair loss, fevers, digestive problems etc.
• Brahmi is useful for improving mental clarity, confidence and memory recall. For these uses of Brahmi, it has been widely used by students.
• As Brahmi is bitter in flavor, in India the plant is used in salads, soups, as a cooked lea vegetable, or pickled.
• Indian research has shown that Brahmi has Antioxidant, Cardiotonic and Anticancer properties.
  

Fenugreek

Trigonella foenum (fenugreek) is cultivated throughout the country and used as vegetable in various eatables.“GET CURE FROM METHI”

Recent studies show that it is a good remedy for diabetes mellitus. Several patients who were having raised blood glucose level and were treated with the formulation comprising methi seeds improved significantly and the blood glucose level became normal. Some patients of NIDDM, were also treated with trigonella foenum seeds and showed very good response. Methi contains the fibre component. In people with type 2 diabetes it lowers the blood sugar level and improves the problems associated with high blood sugar level

Action and Uses : Aromatic, carminative and aphrodisiac, in Dyspepsia with loss of appetite. Cooling in rheumatism. Good for general debility, anorexia of convalescence, emmengogue, anti-diabetes. Treatment of boils, cellulitis diabetic-TB, gastrointestinal problems, lowers serum cholesterol and sugar levels in blood. It is warming to the digestive tract. It absorbs toxins, relieves menstrual pains. The seeds contain hormone precursors that increase breast-milk, restores hair growth and libido in men. This herb delays the glucose absorption by the intestine thereby reducing the after-meals glucose peak level.

Side Effects : No significant side effects information is available so far. According to Ayurveda, herbs are taken in combination with other herbs to neutralize the toxicity of one herb with the opposing effect of the other or to enhance the particular effect of one herb ith the help of other.

Garcinia

Introduction :

Plant Description :
Garcinia cambogia is a moderate-sized, evergreen tree and the flowers are unisexual, sessile and axillary. The leaves are dark green, shining, elliptic to obovate. It bears sweet-sour mixed fruits native to SE Asia and India. The fruit may resemble a small yellow or reddish pumpkin, or it may have a unique purple color. The fruit of Garcinia cambogia has been traditionally used in food preparation and cooking, having a distinctive taste. Garcinia has garnered a lot of attention of late as a popular natural weight loss aid. The reason is that the rind of this pumpkin like fruit is rich in a substance called hydroxycitric acid / HCA.

Benefits of Garcinia :

• Garcinia has also been considered to make foods more filling and satisfying.
• Garcinia cambogia was able to decrease the acidity and to increase the mucosal defence in the gastric areas, thereby justifying its use as an antiulcerogenic agent.
• Garcinia does not contain any addictive components and can be taken without fear of addiction for extended periods of time.
• Garcinia also contains significant amounts of Vitamin C and has been used as a heart tonic.
• Garcinia, when taken over a period of time, has the ability to slow production of fat and help the body metabolize it more efficiently

Ginger

Introduction : Ginger is the rhizomes of the perennial herb Zingiber Officionale that is indigenous to the South west coast of India and the Malabar coast of the state of Kerala. Ginger was described as a medicinal plant and a spice in India and China long ago.

Plant Description : Indian Ginger is a perennial herb which grows from underground rhizomes. The rhizomes are aromatic, thick-lobed, pale yellowish, differing in shape and size in the different cultivated types. Ginger grows best in tropical and sub tropical regions with good rainfall and hot and humid summers.

Uses of Ginger :

• Ginger acts as a digestive aid. Its pungent essential oils aid digestion by stimulating the activity of digestive enzymes.
• Fresh ginger is good for easing indigestion, stomach pain and nausea and for stopping diarrhea caused by poor digestion. Dry ginger, on the ther hand is better for warming the body.
• Ginger oil has a spicy and peppery aroma, so it is often blended with other essential oils to produce many different mixtures for many different ailments.
• Ginger powder is used as a food flavoring agent and also in pharmaceutical preparations. It is great in various types of Indian and Chinese dishes as well as used in case of motion sickness and morning sickness.
• Dry ginger is good for cardiovascular health. It increases the tone and peristalsis of the intestine and Reduces flatulence. Dry ginger is effective against fever, dropsy, asthmaa and jaundice.
• Ginger produced candy which acts as a appetizer, a mouth freshener, and a normal health food.

Neem

Introduction :

Uses of various Neem products :

• Neem Extract which have Nimbinin and Nimbandiol as active constituents possess a significant blood sugar lowering effect, which are very useful against diabetes.
• Neem Extract have been shown to reduce clotting, lower blood pressure and cholesterol, slow rapid heartbeat and inhibit irregularities of the rhythms of the heart. Besides due to it's active constituents and owing to it's high bioavailability than any other products of Neem, it is used either in medicine or in capsulated form to combat a great number of diseases like Arthritis, Skin diseases and a number of digestive disorders including Gastritis and Ulceration. Recent researches shows it's anti-carcinogenic effect also.
• Perhaps Neem's most touted advantage is the effect it has upon the skin. Neem Powder is excellent for cosmetic purposes such as face wash powders. Besides Neem powder checks cholesterol, treats arthritis due to anti-inflamatory actions, acts as a mosquito repellant and in long term use it acts as a immuno modulator.

Ocimum Sanctum (Tulsi)

Introduction : Basil is an erect, herbaceous, much-branched, softly hairy plant with annual purple or crimson flowers. Basil has a rich and fanciful history. It had been 'Herb royale' to the French, a sign of love to Italians, and a sacred herb in India.

Plant Description : Ocimum sanctum is an annual herb belonging to the mint family having least 150 varietie. The herb is an erect, erbaceous,much branched, soft hairy plant. Ocimum sanctum grows to 1-2 ft high. The toothed leaves are often purple. The flowers vary in color from white to red, sometimes with a tinge of purple, appear from June to September. Ocimum sanctum emits a spicy scent when bruised. It is believed to purify air by discharging negative ions. Holy Basil is also believed to possess spiritual powers.

Uses of Basil :

• Basil is very much useful for increasing memory power.
• Indians use basil in temple for worship that is decorated with flowers.
• Basil is effective against vomiting, nausea, constipation, depression, whooping cough, headaches, fever and cold.
• Basil is most useful with the stomach and its related organs.
• Most of the people in India use basil for cooking, such as in tomato sauce, pesto or vinegars. Also it is sprinkled over salads and sliced tomatoes.
• Basil leaves contain a kind of bright yellow volatile oil which is useful against insects and bacteria.

Salacia Reticulata

Introduction :
Salacia Reticulata is a climbing shrub with blackish branches found in southern Orisa & Kerala. It has Salanisol as active principle for diabetic treatment. About 18 species of Salacia grow in India.

Medical Action :

• Salacia Reticulata contains Salaretin and mangiferin which reduces the sugar level and protect the body from any secondary side effect of Diabetes.
• Mangiferin in Salacia Reticulata inhibits the formation of LDL and thus maintains the blood lipid profiles.
• Indian Research has shown that Salacia Reticulata also has Hepatoprotective effects. As such, it is also used as a liver tonic.
• Salacia Reticulata is very effective in case of Rheumatism, Menstrual disorders, skin diseases, inflammations, spermatorrhoea.

Shatavari

Introduction : Asparagus is a perennial vegetable arising from a root system of fleshy rhizomes known as the "crown". It is grown for the immature stalk and is harvested in the spring. Asparagus is good for heart. It is found throughout India including tropical and subtropical parts.

Plant Description : Asparagus a weak creeper like thorny plant, greenish with numerous underground tubers. It is traditionally grown as a temperate crop but it has considerable potential for tropical. The Asparagus plant prefers light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and requires well-drained soil.

• Asparagus is used by physicians and herbal specialist to treat diseases in the following conditions such as, Moistens dry tissues of the reproductive organs, kidneys, stomach and lungs.
• Asparagus is known as the Indian 'Female Rejuvenative', as it is helpful in cases of low milk production, low sex drive, menopause, PMS, and infertility.
• Asparagus is indicated in case of inflammatory disease. It also acts as an antioxidant and antiallergic.
• Asparagus is used by the Pharmaceutical Companies for making drugs, which is used in case of disease like cough dehydration, diarrhea, dysentery, fevers (chronic), hematemesis, herpes, hyperacidity, stomach ulcers etc.
• Asparagus strengthens and increases muscle tone and increases general body strength.
• Asparagus is also used as an Aphrodisiac in India.
• Asparagus promotes an easier and balanced life.

Terminalia Arjuna

Introduction :

Uses of Terminalia Arjuna :

• Hypolipidemic : Enhances elimination of cholesterol by accelerating the turnover of LDL-cholesterol in the liver. It Lowers beta-lipoprotein lipids and the recovery of HDL components in hyperlipidemia.
• Cardiac stimulant : Strengthens the heart muscles and maintains the heart functioning properly.
• Arjuna acts against cirrohsis of liver and also acts as a diuretic
• Hypotensive: Due to its hypolipidemic activity and its diuretic property, it acts against hypertension.
• Astringent & Haemostatic.
• Has prostaglandin enhancing and coronary risk modulating properties.
• When applied externally, Arjuna acts against oedema and also fights against skin aliments like acne etc.

Triphala

Uses of Triphala :

• Triphala is considered the safest laxative available by most physicians in India. It has both nutritional as well as blood and liver cleansing actions. It possesses some bitter anthroquinones which help stimulate bile flow and peristalsis. The nutritional aspect is partly in the form of its bioflavonoid, high vitamin C content and the presence of linoleic oil, phospholipids and other important nutrients which it makes more of a tonic.
• Triphala is also widely taken for all eye diseases including the treatment of conjunctivitis, progressive myopia, the early stages of glaucoma and cataracts as a herbal eye tonic. The Haritaki present in Triphala contains eye rejuvenation properties.
• The fruit of Terminalia Belerica (Vibhitaki) and Terminalia Chebula (Bahada) are reported to be purgative whereas Emblica Officinis is used as a cardio Tonic, Cerebral and intestinal tonic an is also reported to be anti-cancer.