~ Herbs ~

[MysteRy]

Rosary Pea

Binomial Name(s): Abrus precatorius
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Fabales
Family: Fabaceae
Subfamily: Faboideae
Tribe: Abreae
Genus: Abrus
Species: A. precatorius
Popular Name(s): Jequerity, Crab's Eye, Precatory Bean, Tento Muido, Cain Ghe, Graines Reglisse, Weesboontje, Rakat, Hint Meyankoku, Hung Tou, Jequerit, Liane Reglisse, Ma Liao Tou, Paratella, Paternoster
Parts Used: Seeds, leaves
Habitat: Throughout Central India

Description
Rosary Pea is a twining herb, with long, pinnate-leafleted feathery leaves. Its flowers are rose to purple in color, growing at the end of a stalk. On the other hand, fruits are short pods, containing hard, shiny, scarlet and black seeds. The herb is also identified as Gunja in Sanskrit and some Indian languages. Native to Indonesia, the plant is mostly found in the tropical and subtropical areas of the world. If proper care is not taken while growing it, the plant might becomes weedy and invasive in the areas where it has been introduced.

Plant Chemicals
(+)-abrine, Abraline, Abrasine, Abricin, Abrin, Abrisin, Abrusgenic-acid, Abrusgenic-acid-methyl-ester, Abruslactone, Abrussic-acid, Anthocyanins, Ash, Calcium, Campesterol, Choline, Cycloartenol, Delphinidin, Gallic-acid,, Glycyrrhizin, Hypaphorine, N,n-dimethyl-tryptophan, N,n-dimethyl-tryptophan-metho-cation-methyl-ester, P-coumaroylgalloyl-glucodelphinidin, Phosphorus, Pectin, Pentosans, Picatorine, Polygalacturonic-acids, Precasine, Precatorine, Protein Trigonelline

Uses & Benefits of Rosary Pea
Rosary pea roots are used for treating gonorrhea, jaundice and haemoglobinuric bile.
The oil extracted from seeds of the herb is said to promote the growth of human hair.
The herb is also used as an abortifacient, laxative, sedative and aphrodisiac.
The leaves of Rosary pea are used to make tea, which is known to be useful in treating fevers, coughs and colds.
The white seeds of the herb are used in the Siddha medicine, to make oil that is regarded as an equivalent of the present-day Viagra.
The seeds of Rosary pea have anodyne, antimicrobial, diuretic, emetic, expectorant, febrifuge, hemostat, purgative, and refrigerant properties.
The seeds, after being converted to vermifuge paste, can be applied topically, in case of sciatica, stiffness of shoulder joints and paralysis.
In some traditional medicines, the herb is used to treat scratches, sores and wounds caused by dogs, cats and mice.
The paste of its roots is often used in the treatment of abdominal pains and tumors.
The juice derived from the paste of the leaves and seeds of rosary pea can be used to treat grey hair.

Caution
The seeds of Rosary pea are highly poisonous. In the powdered form, they have been known to disturb the uterine functions and also prevent conception in women.
If consumed raw, the seeds can result in nausea, vomiting, severe abdominal pain and diarrhea, and burning in throat, initially. Later on, ulcerative lesions of mouth and esophagus might result.
Eye damage, conjunctivitis and even blindness might result from coming in contact with an infusion of the seed extracts.

[MysteRy]

Malabar Nut

Botanical Name(s): Adhatoda Vasica
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Subclass: Asteridae
Order: Lamiales
Family: Acanthaceae
Genus: Justicia
Species: J. adhatoda
Popular Name(s): Adulsa
Parts Used: Leaves, Roots, Flowers and Stem Bark
Habitat: The plant grows in plains & in lower Himalayan ranges upto 1000 m above sea level.

Description
Malabar nut is a small evergreen, subherbacious bush. The leaves are 10 to 16 cm in length, minutely pubescent and broadly lanceolate. When the leaves are dried, they appear dull brownish green in color and taste bitter. The inflorescence is dense, short pedunculate, bractate and spike terminal. The corolla is large and white, with lower lip streaked purple. The fruit is a 4-seeded small capsule. The stomata in the plant are elongated and oval in shape. The plant has been used in India for over 200 years. It is commonly cultivated in the tropics in the country.

Plant Chemicals
The chief alkaloid present in the leaves of Malabar nut is a quinazoline alkaloid, vasicine; the yield of the alkaloid from different samples in India ranged from 0.541 to 1.105 per cent on dry basis. Vasicine is accompanied by l- vasicinone, deoxyvasicine and maiontone. Some minor alkaloids viz. Vasicol, adhatodinine and vasicinol also present. The roots of the plant contain vasicinolone, vasicol, peganine, hydroxy oxychalcone and glucosyl oxychalcone. The flowers of the plant contain b-sitosterol-D-glucoside, kaempferol, glycosides of kaempferoland and queretin.

Uses & Benefits of Malabar Nut
The leaves of Malabar nut are rich in vitamin C and carotene and yield an essential oil.
The shrub is the source of a drug well known in indigenous systems of medicine for its beneficial effects, particularly in bronchitis.
Its leaves, flowers, fruits and roots are extensively used for treating cold, cough, whooping cough, chronic bronchitis and asthma.
The leaves are known to moderate the hypotensive activity, by lowering the blood pressure.
They assist in conditions like uterine involution, menorrhagia (excessive menstural bleeding), post-childbirth hemorrhage and uterine stimulant activity.
The fresh juice obtained from leaves of Malabar nut has been used to treat tuberculosis. Its local use gives relief from pyorrhea and bleeding gums.
The leaves of this plant are, sometimes, also used as insecticides.
Antispasmodic properties are also associated with the plant. It helps in easing pain.

Caution
Consumption of Malabar nut has been contraindicated during pregnancy, except at the time of the birthing process, due to its anti-implantation properties.
The herb possesses oxytocic properties, which stimulate contractions of the uterus and also have abortifacient effects.
Larger doses of this plant material can cause diarrhea, irritation of the alimentary canal and vomiting.

[MysteRy]

Aloe Vera

Botanical Name(s): Aloe Barbadensis, Aloe Indica, Aloe Barbados, Aloe Vera
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Liliopsida
Order: Asparagales
Family: Aloaceae
Tribe: Abreae
Genus: Aloe L.
Species: Aloe vera
Popular Name(s): Aloe, Indian Alces, Kumari, Ghirita, Gawarpaltra, Barbados Aloe, Curacao Aloe, Lu Hui
Parts Used: Flowers, Roots
Habitat: South and South Western India

Description
Aloe Vera is a stem-less or very short-stemmed plant, growing approximately 80-100 cm tall, spreading by offsets and root sprouts. The leaves are lanceolate, thick and fleshy, green to grey-green, with a serrated margin. The flowers are produced on a spike up to 90 cm tall, each flower pendulous, with a yellow tubular corolla 2-3 cm long. The tissue in the center of the aloe leaf contains a gel which yields aloe gel or aloe vera gel.

Plant Chemicals
The Aloe Vera plant is essentially a cactus plant, which is composed of mainly water and 75 different ingredients. These include vitamins, minerals, enzymes, sugars, anthraquinones and many more. Carboxy-peptidase is an important enzyme, which produces an anti-inflammatory effect, after rendering bradykinins inactive. Found in the sap are phenolic compounds, such as lsobarbaloin, Anthrone-C-glycosides and Barbaloin-lO. Various essential amino acids and antioxidant vitamins A, C and F are derived from this plant. Sallcylic acid, calcium, zinc, manganese, magnesium are some of the compounds present in the aloe vera plant as well.

Uses & Benefits of Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is useful for treating X ray burns, dermatitis, cutaneous and disorders of skin.
The drug from its juice is tonic and used in jaundice, ameneorrhoea, atonic and piles.
Aloe Vera gel has the remarkable ability to heal wounds, ulcer and burns.
The acid present inside Aloe Vera is used as an effective pain killer.
It is used to make antiseptic, which can kill mold, bacteria, funguses and viruses.
Aloe Vera is known to be highly beneficial for skin. It prevents the growth of acnes and is used as a beauty product to enhance skin growth.
Both oral intake and tropical dressings of Aloe Vera encourage healing of any kind of wound on the skin, burn or scald. It also speeds up the convalescing period after recovery.
Aloe Vera can be tried on blisters, insect bites, rashes, sores, herpes, urticaria, athlete’s foot, fungus, vaginal infections, conjunctivitis, sties, allergic reactions, and dry skin.
Topical used of this plant includes sunburn, frostbite, shingles, screening out x-ray radiation, psoriasis, preventing scarring, rosacea, warts, wrinkles from aging, and eczema.
According to some studies, oral consumption of Aloe Vera works effectively to soothe conditions like heartburn, arthritis and rheumatism pain and asthma.
Studies have also suggested that it is has a very positive effect on lowering blood sugar levels in diabetics.

Caution
Use of Aloe Vera over a long period of time can result in loss of potassium, hematuria, albuminuria and fluid imbalance in the body.
Oral intake of Aloe Vera supplements might result in abdominal cramps and diarrhea in some cases.
Aloe Vera should not be consumed during pregnancy, menstruation, breast-feeding, and also in case of an inflamed intestinal disorder.

[MysteRy]

Indian Echinacea

Botanical Name(s): Andrographis Paniculata
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Lamiales
Family: Acanthaceae
Genus: Andrographis
Species: A. paniculata
Popular Name(s): Creat, Kariyat
Parts Used: Whole plant leaves
Habitat: Cultivated throughout India

Description
Indian Echinacea is a traditional Indian herb, historically used as support for a healthy immune system. The main compound found in the herb is a diterpene lactone called andrographilide B. It grows vertically to a height of 30-110 cm. The plant thrives in moist and shady places, and grows along glabrous leaves and white flowers, with rose-purple colored spots on the petals. Its stems are dark green in color and have a height of 0.3 - 1.0 m and a diameter of 2-6 mm. Indian Echinacea is found in isolated patches in the tropical Asian countries. It is a versatile medicinal herb, known for its many positive uses for human health.

Plant Chemicals
Bitter diterpenoid lactones, especially deoxy-andrographolide, andrographolide and ncoandrographolide have been isolated from the whole plant and leaves.
Diterpene dimers
Flavonoids, which are available in the roots.
The main active constituents and marker compounds (considered to be the andrographolides and andrographis extracts) are often standardized to these compounds.

Uses & Benefits of Indian Echinacea
Indian echinacea has been found to be an effective anti-biotic, anti-viral, and anti-parasitic and immune system stimulant.
It is used in viral hepatitis, children's bowel complaints, gastric acidity; drug induced liver damage, liver congestion and flatulence.
The herb is being increasingly used as treatment for cold. Reasonably good evidence tells us that it can reduce the severity of cold symptoms. It may also help prevent the occurrence of colds.
It is also known to promote digestion and serves to protect the liver and the gall bladder. It kills the intestinal worms and supports the intestine.
Indian echinacea promotes a healthy heart by preventing blocked arteries and blood clots. It has a bitter taste, which has a cooling effect on the body, good enough to bring down a temperature.
In case of a loss of appetite in children, the plant is used to promote hunger. It is also used as a febrifuge, stomachic, tonic, alterative, anthelmintic, antispasmodic etc.
The plant is capable of working as an expectorant, serving to promote mucus discharge from the respiratory system.
Indian echinacea is a known to be a relaxing herb, though it may not have the same effect as that the accepted herbal sedatives, valerian roots, hop, skullcap, etc.

Caution
Indian echinacea plant contains some toxic materials, though the level of toxicity is very low.
In some instances, consumption of the plant has resulted in dizziness and heart palpitations.
Allergic reactions are also associated with the plant, as put forward by some studies.

[MysteRy]

Custard Apple

Binomial Name(s): Annona squamosa
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida (Dicotyledons)
Subclass: Magnoliidae
Order: Magnoliales
Family: Annonaceae (Custard-apple family)
Subfamily: Maloideae
Tribe: Abreae
Genus: Annona L. (annona)
Species: Annona squamosa L. (sugar apple)
Popular Name(s): Sugar Apple, Sweetsop, Kaner'apra, Pomme Canelle, Tapotapo, Fun Li Chi, Anon, Anona Blanca, Ati, Ates
Parts Used: Annona seeds, Annona leaves, Annona bark
Habitat: Throughout India

Description
Custard apple is a tropical branched tree or shrub, indigenous to the Amazon rainforest. It grows around 3 meters to 8 meters in length. The leaves are thin and oblong, while the flowers are greenish - yellow. The conical fruit, with a purple knobby skin, is very sweet and eaten fresh or can be used for milkshakes, ice- creams and even sherbets. The fruit is juicy and creamy-white and looks like a giant raspberry. The plant is native to both America and India. It is popularly known as ‘Sharifa’ in India.

Custard apple tree does not require much care and will do well if watered regularly, along with enough light for it to grow. It grows well in hot dry climates and adjusts in any kind of soil, a job that is a little difficult for other plants in its family. If you have sowed the plant’s seeds, it will bear fruits in 2 to 3 years. The fruits are generally conical or round in shape and will take around 3 to 4 months to ripen.

Plant Chemicals
squamocenin (1), annotemoyin-2 (2), reticulatain-2 (3), squamocin-I (4), squamocin-B (5), squamocin (6), motrilin (7), squamostatin-D ( 8 ), squamostatin-E (9), cherimolin-1 (10), cherimolin-2 (11) from the ethyl alcohol extract of A. squamosa L. Squamocenin is a new acetogenin, Annotemoyin and reticulatain-2.

Uses & Benefits of Custard Apple
The bark of custard apple tree can be used to stop diarrhea in children and adults. In addition, the plant is effective to treat diabetes.
Its fruit is used to make a hair tonic in some parts of India.
The plant bears some amazing medicinal qualities, like serving as an insecticide, antiovulatory and abortifacient.
The grounded seeds can be applied on hair, to get rid of lice. However, make sure that it does not come in contact with ice or else, it can irritate the eye, leading to blindness.
Custard apple can treat burning sensation, as it is an effective coolant.
It is used to produce sugar wine apple and is the perfect plant for indoors.
The crushed leaves of the tree are used to treat hysteria (fearful state of mind) and fainting spells.
The treatment of ulcer, wound, dysentery and other ailments is also done by its concentrated leaf extract (in which the leaf is boiled and its essence is extracted).

Caution
The good part of custard apple tree is that its remains disease free most of the time; however, it is susceptible to fungus and wilt.
Ants can create problems for the fruit, by producing mealy bugs on it.
The roots of the tree are quite powerful and can cause abortions; hence, expecting mothers should take care while eating the herb.

[MysteRy]

Hawaiian Baby Woodrose

Botanical Name(s): Argyreia Nervosa
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Solanales
Family: Convolvulaceae
Subfamily: Faboideae
Genus: Argyreia
Species: A. nervosa
Popular Name(s): Elephant Creeper Seeds, Original Argyreia Seeds, Elephant Climber, Woolly Morning Glory, Cordon Seda, Coup D’Air, Liane A Minguet, Liane D’Argent, Samudrasokh, Silver Morning Glory
Parts Used: Seeds, wood
Habitat: Hills, 900m and above in India

Description
A perennial climbing vine, Hawaiian baby woodrose is a liana, with a length extending up to 10 m. The plant has large, heart-shaped leaves and white trumpet-shaped flowers. The large furry seeds grow in seedpods. The vine can be up to 10 m in length. The petals are about 6 cm long, with shallowly lobes and pinkish-purple color. The plant’s fruit is spherical and yellowish-brown with a diameter of 20 mm. Hawaiian baby woodrose is originally from the Indian subcontinent, but has now been introduced to various other countries, like Hawaii, Africa and the Caribbean. It is known as Samandar-ka-pat in Hindi, Bastantri in Sanskrit, Candrapada in Kannada and Telugu, Marikkunni in Malayalam and Samuttirappaccai in Tamil.

Plant Chemicals
(+)- tannin, potassium, calcium, phosphate

Uses & Benefits of Hawaiian Baby Woodrose
Hawaiian baby woodrose is useful for healing wounds and increasing blood pressure to the effective parts.
The roots of the plant are helpful in the treatment of gonorrhea, rheumatism, diseases of nervous system, obesity, hoarseness, syphilis, anemia, diabetes, tuberculosis and general debility.
The herb is also very useful in vitiated conditions, like kapha and vita, emaciation, ulcers, anorexia, dyspepsia and latulence.
Hawaiian baby woodrose helps in digestion, throat-related problems and also strengthens the body.
The herb increases the sperm count and decreases the inflammation in the uterus.
It is also helpful in resolving urine related problems.
Hawaiian baby woodrose is anti-inflammatory in action and a cardiac supporter.
Other ailments where the herb is used for treatment include bronchitis, strangury, seminal weakness, nervous weakness, cerebral disorders, arthritis and leucorrhoea.

Caution
Consumption of the seed of Hawaiian baby woodrose may result in stomach discomfort within an hour or two of its consumption. The effect will be mild when only a few seeds are taken, but can progress to intense and prolonged nausea, along with vomiting. After vomiting, the sensation will subside rapidly.
When consumed in higher doses, the herb can lead to a sensation of dryness in mouth and over skin.
Another curious effect that Hawaiian baby woodrose is likely to cause is the itching and tingling sensation in the muscles, which can make it physically impossible for a person to get sleep.
The seeds can induce labor or cause miscarriage in pregnant women.

[MysteRy]

Jackfruit

Botanical Name(s): Artocarpus Heterophyllus
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Rosales
Family: Moraceae
Subfamily: Asteroideae
Tribe: Artocarpeae
Genus: Artocarpus
Species: A. heterophyllus
Popular Name(s): Jakfruit, Jaca, Nangka
Parts Used: Seeds, fruit, leaves
Habitat: Rainforests of India

Description
The largest tree-borne fruit in the world, jackfruit (artocarpus heterophyllus) is grown on a species of tree in the mulberry family. The evergreen trees are large, often reaching a height of above 20 m. The jackfruits can sometimes weigh over 75 lbs. however, the average sized fruits are 1-2 feet long, and 9-12" wide. The exterior of the fruit is green-yellow, with small spiky knobs, while the flesh is custard yellow, with a banana-like flavor. The leaves are oblong, oval or elliptic, usually 4 to 6 inches in length and leathery, glossy and deep green in color.

There are two varieties of jackfruits: one that is small, fibrous, soft, and mushy and the carpels are sweet, with a texture like that of a raw oyster. The other variety is crisp and crunchy, but not very sweet. Jackfruits are believed to have originated in the rain forests of the Western Ghats in India. They are vegetated in other parts of India, South-east Asia, East Indies, Philippines, Brazil and Surinam also. Jackfruit is known as kanthal in Bangla, panasa in Sanskrit, katahal in Hindi, pala in Tamil and chakka in Malayalam.

Plant Chemicals
(+)- all-trans-lutein (24-44%), all-trans-beta-carotene (24-30%), all-trans-neoxanthin (4-19%), 9-cis-neoxanthin (4-19%), 9-cis-violaxanthin (4-10%)

Uses & Benefits of Jackfruit
The leaves of jackfruit tree are useful for curing fever, boils and skin diseases. When heated, they prove useful in curing wounds.
The latex of the fruit is helpful in treating dysopia, opthalmities and pharyngitis.
The latex can also be mixed with vinegar to heal abscesses, snakebites and glandular swellings.
The wood of jackfruit tree is widely used in manufacturing musical instruments, furniture, doors, windows and roof constructions.
The seed starch is useful in relieving biliousness, while the roasted seeds are regarded as aphrodisiac.
To heal ulcers, the ash of jackfruit leaves is burnt with corn and coconut shells and used either alone or mixed with coconut oil.
The root of jackfruit tree forms the remedy for skin diseases, fever and diarrhea.
The heartwood of the tree is used by Buddhist forest monastics in Southeast Asia, for dying the robes of the monks to light brown color.
In China, the pulp and seeds of jackfruit are considered as a cooling and nutritious tonic. The fruit is useful in overcoming the influence of alcohol on a person’s body system.

Caution
The wood of jackfruit tree has sedative properties, due to which its pith can result in abortion.
Jackfruit can increase coagulation.
People who are allergic to birch pollen can show signs of allergy towards jackfruit.

[MysteRy]

Ashwagandha

Botanical Name(s): Withania Somnifera
Kingdom: Plantae
Subkingdom: Tracheobionta
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Subclass: Asteridae
Order: Solanales
Family: Solanaceae
Subfamily: Asteroideae
Genus: Withania
Species: W. somnifera
Popular Name(s): Withania, Winter Cherry, Indian Winter Cherry, Indian Ginseng, Ashgand, Achuvagandi Ashgandh, Ajagandha, Kanaje Hindi, Samm Al Ferakh
Parts Used: Roots, leaves
Habitat: Cultivated throughout drier parts of India

Description
Also known as Indian ginseng or Indian winter cherry, ashwagandha is used in Indian traditional systems of medicine, namely Ayurveda and Unani. It is a stout shrub that reaches a height of about 170 cm (5 to 6 ft). The erect branched shrub is berry-like in shape and size and bears greenish or lurid yellow flowers and red fruits. The plant is grown in various parts of India like Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat and Maharashtra. It is also cultivated in Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka.

Plant Chemicals
(+)- withanine, somniferine, somnine, somniferinine, withananine, anhydrine, methanol, hexane, diethyl ether, alkaloid (0.13-0.31%), choline, tropanol, pseudotopanol, cuscokygrene, 3-tigioyloxytropana, isopelletierine, withaferin-A, starch, glycosides, dulcitol, withancil, aspartic acid, glycine, tyrosine, alanine, glutamic acid, cysteine.

Uses & Benefits of Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is beneficial in stress related disorders, like arthritis, hypertension, diabetes, general debility, etc.
It works as a rasayan that helps in preventing early aging and rejuvenates the whole body.
The herb is considered as an adaptogen that stimulates the immune system and improves the memory.
Ashwagandha increases the white blood cell count and prepares the body to produce antigens against different infections and allergies.
Since it has excellent healing properties, it is greatly effective in healing wounds and injuries.
Due to its good penetrating powers, the herb promotes calmness and mental satisfaction.
Ashwagandha helps in increasing the number and quality of sperms.
It revitalizes the body and decreases untimely fatigue that is caused due to weak body strength, which results from accumulation of negative energies in the body.
Due to presence of vata-suppressant properties, ashwagandha relieves stress and helps in nurturing nervous system.
It provides nourishment to the brain for better functioning and greater ability to work.
Since the herb is a powerful aphrodisiac, it assists in enhancing sexual powers and promotes long-lasting endurance.
Ashwagandha seeds are used to thicken milk in India.
It helps in improving mental ability and mental concentration, gaining retaining power and increasing the production of bone marrow.
The herb works as a powerful immune booster that helps in fighting any foreign invasion in the body.
Since ashwagandha possesses the properties that suppress kapha, the plant gives good results in leucorrhoea.
It is used as a liver tonic and anti-inflammatory agent that treats asthma, ulcers, insomnia and senile dementia.
Incorporation of the herb in the diet prevents or decreases the growth of tumors in humans.
The use of ashwagandha is significant in anxiety, cognitive and neurological disorders, inflammation and Parkinson’s disease.

Caution
Do not take ashwagandha, if you are suffering from congestion.
In case you are pregnant or breast-feeding, do not use the herb, as the complications are unknown.

[MysteRy]

Asparagus

Botanical Name(s): Asparagus Racemosus, Asparagus Sarmentosus, Asparagus Gonoclados, Asparagus Adscendens
Family Name: Liliaceae
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Asparagales
Family: Asparagaceae
Genus: Asparagus
Species: A. racemosus
Popular Name(s): Wild Asparagus, Asparagus Root, Satavari, Shatamuli
Parts Used: Tuberous Roots
Habitat: Found in the jungles around 8,000 feet altitude throughout India, especially Northern India.

Description
Also known as Satawari, Asparagus means ‘one who possesses a hundred husbands’. A much-branched spinous under-shrub with tuberous, short rootstock, it has numerous fusiform succulent tuberous roots. The plant contains odd little pine-needle-like leaves that are uniform, small and shiny green. The plant bears white flowers on short, spiky stems in summers, while in winters, blackish-purple, globular pulpy berries can be seen. It is a creeper, about 1 to 2 meters tall and the root is taken up in gravelly, rocky soils, high up in piedmont plains. The amazing herb is commonly found throughout India and the Himalayas. It is known as the ‘Queen of Herbs’ in Ayurvedic system of medicine, since it promotes love and loyalty.

Plant Chemicals
(+)- steroidal saponins, rhamnose moieties, sarsasapogenin, alkaloids, proteins, starch, tannin, isoflavones including 8-methoxy-5,6,4’-trihydroxyisoflavone 7-0-beta-D-glucopyranoside, asparagamine, racemosol, polysaccharides.

Uses & Benefits of Asparagus
Asparagus is used as an anodyne, aphrodisiac and galactogogue.
The roots are useful in nervous disorders, dyspepsia, tumors, scalding of urine, throat infections, tuberculosis, cough bronchitis and general debility.
It helps with nervousness, pain, restless sleep, disturbing dreams and people with weak emotional and physical heart.
The herb is useful for treating anorexia, insomnia, hyperactive children and people who are under-weight.
Asparagus is considered as a rejuvenating female tonic for overall health and vitality.
Satawari is used for treating sexual debility, infertility in both the sexes, and menopausal symptoms and increases milk secretion during lactation.
The herb is useful in pregnancy for threatened abortion.
It is useful for the treatment of ulcerative disorders of stomach and Parinama Sula, clinical entity akin to the duodenal ulcer diseases.
The paste of fresh leaves is used to apply on the burning sensation of the skin in smallpox and bullae.
The fresh juice of the roots, mixed with honey, helps in reducing the burning sensation pain in tumors, due to pitta.
Asparagus proves to be an effective demulcent for the dry and inflamed membranes of the lungs, stomach, kidneys and sexual organs.
The herb is also an extremely nutritious tonic for women from menarche to menopause.
Since it increases the urinary output, it is beneficial in urinary stones and Dysurea.
Asparagus is anabolic to uterus and thus, helpful in uterine hypoplasia in young girls.
It improves uterine growth, mitigates dysmenorrheal and menorrhagia, augments fertility and imparts anabolic properties.
The herb works as a rejuvenative to improve eyesight, when consumed for a prolonged duration.
When taken with a cup of saffron milk, asparagus is good for post-menopausal women.
It curbs the intensity of the bronchospasms and decreases the frequency of paroxysms.

[MysteRy]

Neem

Botanical Name(s): Azadirachta Indica
Family Name: Meliaceae
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Order: Sapindales
Family: Meliaceae
Genus: Azadirachta
Species: A. indica
Popular Name(s): Indian Lilac, Margosa Tree
Parts Used: Leaves, Flower, Oil, Seed
Habitat: Grows throughout India

Description
A fast-growing tree, neem (azadirachta indica) can reach a height of about 15 to 20 meters (115-131 ft). The trunk is short, straight and has a diameter of 1.2 m (about 4 ft), wherein the branches spread out widely. Young leaves are reddish to purple in color and turn into dark green pinnate leaves on maturity. The white and fragrant flowers are arranged auxiliary in drooping panicles, about 25 cm in length. The smooth olive-like drupe fruit is elongated-oval to nearly roundish in shape. Neem is grown in tropical and semi-tropical regions of India, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Malaysia and Pakistan. It is also known as ‘Divine Tree’, ‘Heal All’, ‘Nature’s Drugstore’, ‘Village Pharmacy’ and ‘Panacea for All Diseases’ in India.

Plant Chemicals
(+)- azadirachtin, nimbinene, 6-desacetylnimbinene, nimbandiol, nimbolide, p-sitosterol, salannin, gedunin, azadirone, nimbin, nimbidine, nimbicidine, nimbinol, sitosterol glucocide1, quercetin, n-hexacosanol, nonacosane, moisture, proteins, fat, fiber, carbohydrates, minerals, calcium, phosphorus, iron, thiamine, niacin, carotene, gedunin, 7-deacetoxy-7a-hydroxy gedunin, 17p-hydro.xy-azadiradione, 17-epiazadiradione and nimbiol.

Uses & Benefits of Neem
Neem products have medicinal properties that prove to be anthelmintic, antifungal, anti-diabetic, antibacterial, antiviral, anti-fertility and sedative.
All parts such of the tree, such as seeds, leaves, flowers and bark, are used in preparing various different medical preparations.
Its oil is used for preparing cosmetics, like soap, shampoo, balms, creams, etc, which prove handy for skin care, such as in treatment of acne, for keeping the elasticity of skin, and so on.
Patients suffering from chicken pox are recommended to sleep on neem leaves.
It is known to neutralize more than 500 pests worldwide, including insects, mites, ticks and nematodes, by affecting their behavior and physiology.
The gum of neem tree is used as a bulking agent to prepare special purpose food for diabetic patients. Its twigs are commonly used for cleaning teeth.
A decoction can be prepared from the roots of neem tree and ingested to relieve fever.
The paste of neem leaves is applied on skin to treat acne.
Neem leaves extract is helpful in treating malaria and purifying blood.
Various parts of the tree are used to protect stored roots and tubers from potato moth.
Neem is used in vitiated conditions of pitta, hyperdipsia, leprosy, skin diseases, eczema, leucoderma, pruritus, intermittent fever, wounds, ulcers, burning sensation, tumors, tubercular glands, anorexia, vomiting, dyspepsia, intestinal worms, hepatopathy, cough, bronchitis, inflammation and fatigue.
Fresh neem leaves are mixed with grains and cereals before storing them, ensure that the latter do not get spoilt.
In Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, neem leaves are used to prepare a dish called Ugadi Pachhadi, a type of curry prepared with neem blossoms.
The flowers of neem are mixed with and bella (jaggery or unrefined brown sugar) and offered to friends and relatives, as a symbol of sweet and bitter events in the upcoming New Year.

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Water Hyssop

Botanical Name(s): Bacopa Monniera
Family Name: Scrophulariaceae
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Lamiales
Family: Plantaginaceae
Genus: Bacopa
Species: B. monnieri
Popular Name(s): Herpestis Monnieria, Thyme leaved Gratiola, Brahmi, Bacopa, Babies Tear
Parts Used: Whole Plant
Habitat: Grows in marshy places and cultivated throughout India

Description
A small perennial creeping herb, water hyssop has numerous branches that are succulent and rooting at the nodes. The branches are about 10 to 30 cm long. The leaves are oblong, petiole, punctuate, decussate, sessile and fleshy. The small and white flowers are axillary, solitary with peduncles and the tips are purple. The seeds are oblong, truncate and longitudinally ribbed, with transverse striations in between the ribs. Fruits and flowers appear in summers. The annual creeping plant is found throughout India, including the Northeastern Region. It is commonly known as bengsaga and brahmi in Hindi; mandukiparni, manduki, brahmi and saraswati in Sanskrit; thulakudi in Bengali; karivanna in Marathi; khandabrahmi in Gujarati; vallarikiri in Tamil and mandukabrahami in Telugu.

Plant Chemicals
(+)- brahmine, herpestine, hydrocotyline, saponins, monnierin, hersaponin, bacoside A, bacoside B, bacopasides, D-mannitol, betulic acid, ß-sitosterol, stigmasterol, heptacosane, octacosane, nonacosane, triacontane, hentriacontane, dotriacontane, nicotine, 3-formyl-4-hydroxy-2H-pyran, luteolin and its 7-glucoside, a-alamine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, serine and its esters, pectic acid, fatty acids, tannin, volatile oil, ascorbic acid, thankunic acid, asiatic acid, brahamoside, brahminoside, brahmic acid, isobrahmic acid, betulinic acid, wogonin, oroxindin, sterols.

Uses & Benefits of Water Hyssop
Water hyssop is commonly used as a brain tonic to improve mental alertness and enhance learning and academic performance.
The herb has antioxidant, cardiotonic and anticancer properties.
It improves intellect, memory, consciousness, mental acuity, mental clarity and longevity.
Water hyssop calms the mind and promotes relaxation.
The herb is used to remedy skin problems, such as eczema, psoriasis, abscess and ulcerations.
It is also believed to stimulate the growth of skin, hair and nails.
Water hyssop is very effective in treating bronchitis, asthma, hoarseness, arthritis, rheumatism, backache, leprosy, leucoderma, constipation, hair loss, fever and digestive problems.
The herb increases protein synthesis and activity in brain cells and decreases anxiety, restlessness and senility.
It is useful in nervous exhaustion and nervous deficit, caused due to injury and stroke.
Since water hyssop is bitter in taste, it is used in salads and soups, as a cooked lea vegetable and is pickled as well.
The herb is largely used in inflammations, tumor, splenomegaly, dysmenorrhoea and general debility.
It is used as a blood cleanser and considered good for the heart. The leaves are useful as a diuretic and aperient.

Caution
Pregnant and nursing women should consult a health care professional before using water hyssop, even though no effects have been found on the consumption of this herb by them.

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Bamboo

Botanical Name(s): Bambusa Vulgaris, Bambusa Arundinacea, Bumbusa Apous, Bumbusa Orientalls, Bumbusa Spinosa, Bambusa Nutans
Family Name: Gramineae
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Poales
Family: Poaceae
Subfamily: Bambusoideae
Genus: Bambusa
Species: B. vulgaris
Popular Name(s): Bambou, Bambu, Bambu Comun, Bambu Verde, Daisan-Chiku, Gemeiner Bambus, Golden Bamboo, Grand Bambou
Parts Used: Bamboo leaves, Bamboo Exudate, Banshalochan, Tabasheer.   
Habitat: Throughout India, in areas up to 2100 m in elevation

Description
Bamboo, botanically known as bambusa vulgaris, can be described as an open, clump-type bamboo species having lemon yellow culms, with green stripes and dark green leaves. The plant can grow up to a height of 12 meters, with an 8 cm thickness. New culms shoot up in mid-summer and attain full height in less than 60 days. The plant is native to the Himalayas, but is now cultivated widely throughout tropical Asia and America. It is also present in the regions ranging from Sierra Leone to South Nigeria and other African territories. Since common bamboo enjoys plenty of moisture, keeping it well watered is a necessity for a healthy plant. It has been considered as one of the fastest growing plants on Earth.

Plant Chemicals
(+)- cellulose (41-44%), pentosans (21-23%), lignin (26-28%), ash (1.7-1.9%), silica (0.6-0.7%). Per 100 g of young shoots for green stem cultivators contain water (90g), protein (2.6g), fat (4.1g), carbohydrates (0.4g), fiber (1.1g), calcium (22.8mg), phosphorus (37mg), iron (1.1mg) and ascorbic acid (3.1mg). per 100 g os young shoots for yellow stem cultivators contain water (88g), protein (1.8g), fat (7.2g), fiber (1.2g), calcium (28.6mg), phosphorus (27.5mg) and iron (1.4mg).

Uses & Benefits of Bamboo
Bamboo is used in manufacturing a number of products, like building materials, carpentry, farming, forestry, hunting and fishing apparatus, fuel and lighting, household, domestic and personal items, pulp and paper.
The culms of bamboo are largely used in constructional work, tool handles, weapons, furniture, musical instruments, handicrafts, stakes, pots, etc.
The leaves are sweet and have astringent, cooling, emmenagogue, opthalmic, vulnerary, constipating and febrifuge properties.
The leaf sheaths of bamboo are urticant. They are used in food for criminal poisoning.
The young new shoots of bamboo are eaten in Asia. Bamboo plants are especially cultivated to produce these shoots.
Bamboo shoots are planted as ornamental or boundary markers and used in supporting banana plants.
Bamboo extract is used to treat various inflammatory conditions.
Its sprouts are acrid, bitter and laxative and are helpful in inflammations, ulcers and wounds.
Split stems of bamboo are used for making baskets, fences, roofs and roof tiles.
In India, bamboo is used for making paper, since it provides good quality paper pulp.
Stem sheaths of bamboo are used as covers for beehives.
The bamboo resin (tabasheer, banshalochan) has astringent, acrid, sweet, cooling, expectorant, constipating, cardiotonic, haemostatic, aphrodisiac, and diuretic properties. It is used to treat infantile epilepsy.
Bamboo is used as an abortifacient for kidney troubles.

Caution
Bamboo should not be used by pregnant and breastfeeding women, unless so prescribed by their doctor

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Basil

Botanical Name(s): Ocimum Sanctum
Family Name: Lamiaceae
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Lamiales
Family: Lamiaceae
Genus: Ocimum
Species: O. basilicum
Popular Name(s): Basil, Common Basil, French Basil, Garden Basil, Sacred Basil, Holy Basil, Tulsi, Royal Herb, Luole, Sweet Basil.
Parts Used: Leaves, Seeds.   
Habitat: Found throughout India

Description
The term ‘basil’ has been derived from a Greek word ‘basileus’, which means ‘king’. It is a tender, low-growing herb that reaches a height of 1 to 2 feet. The stem of the plant bears many leaves, having a characteristic purple hue or coloration. The flowers are peculiar, in having two lips. The flower color can vary from pure white to pure red, with a slight purple tinge in some flowers. Basil is native to India, Iran and other tropical regions of Asia and has been grown there for more than 5,000 years. It is now cultivated throughout the world, as a flavoring herb in many cuisines. It plays a major role in cuisines of Italy, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodian and Laos. The herb comes in a number of varieties, like the sweet basil, holy basil, lemon basil and African blue basil.

Plant Chemicals
(+)- volatile oil (linalool, methyl chavicol), methyl cinnamate, cineole, citronellol, geraniol, myrcene, pinene, ocimene, terpineol, E-beta-caryophyllene.

Uses & Benefits of Basil
Fresh basil forms a common ingredient in cooked recipes across the world.
Basil oil has potent antioxidant, anti-cancer, anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties.
Basil has been known to decrease the occurrence of platelet aggregation and experimental thrombus in mice.
In India, it has been traditionally used for the supplementary treatment of stress, asthma and diabetes.
Basil serves as an herbal remedy for diseases related to the brain, heart, lungs, bladder and kidneys.
The herb is mixed with borage to make a tea that heightens vitality. Steaming basil tea is also used for treating patients with fever.
Basil tea is utilized in the internal as well as external treatment of eye problems. It is used as eyewash and the tea is also drunk to treat eye disorders.
Dried basil leaves are used in a snuff, as a remedy for colds.
The herb has been used as an antidote for poison since ancient times.
It is commonly used in cosmetics as a toning body rub, when mixed with sea salt and vegetable oil.
Basil is used for treating disorders of the digestive and nervous systems and reducing the incidence of flatulence in affected individuals.
The herb is helpful in all kinds of cramps in the stomach. It is also used to treat colic, indigestion, nausea, vomiting, intestinal worms, physical tiredness, depression, short-term and long-term anxiety and insomnia.
Herbal remedies made from sweet basil are used in the treatment of epilepsy, migraine and whooping cough.
Sweet basil is applied on insect bites as an external herbal ointment.
The herb is used in malaria, catarrh, bronchitis coughs, headaches, lung problems, abdominal distention, arthritis, nasal congestion, nerve tissue strengthening, sinus congestion, and gastric disorders.
It purifies the air, clears the lungs, and proves to be an effective heart tonic
Basil also lowers blood sugar levels and its powder is used for treating mouth ulcers.

Caution
Intake of basil seeds in large quantities is harmful for the brain.

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Bhringaraj

Botanical Name(s): Eclipta Alba
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Asterales
Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Eclipta L.
Species: Eclipta prostrata (L.)
Popular Name(s): Babri, Galagara, Gunta-kalagara, Kaikeshi, Karisha-langanni, Karisirang-kanni, Kesharaji, Kesuri, Kesuria, Kesutti, Maka, Mochkand
Parts Used: Herb, roots, leaves
Habitat: Throughout India & Southwestern America

Description
Bhringaraj is a creeping and moisture-loving herb. It has a short, flat or round stem and small white flowers on a long stalk. It grows 3" tall; the leaves are opposite and lance shaped. The roots of the pant are well developed, cylindrical and grayish in color. Floral heads are solitary, white in color, achene compressed, narrowly winged and 6-8 mm in diameter. The plant grows commonly in moist places all over the world, as a weed.

Plant Chemicals
The extract obtained from Bhringaraj plant contains an alkaloid called ecliptine. This extract is resinous in nature. The leaves of the plant contain a rich amount of protein. The chief constituents of Bhringaraj are coumestan derivatives like wedololactone[1.6%], demethylwedelolactone, desmethyl-wedelolactone-7glucoside and other constituents are ecliptal, ß-amyrin, luteolin-7-O-glucoside, hentriacontanol, heptacosanol, stigmasterol. It is known for its anticancer, antileprotic, analgesic, antioxidant, antimyotoxic, antihaemorrhagic, antihepatotoxic, antiviral, antibacterial, spasmogenic, hypotensive and ovicidal properties.

Uses & Benefits of Bhringaraj
Bhringaraj is the main herb for the hair care and cirrhosis in Ayurveda. It is believed to maintain and rejuvenate hair, teeth, bones, memory, sight, and hearing.
It works to rejuvenate kidneys and liver. As oil, it treats graying and balding, makes the hair darker, and promotes deep sleep. It also improves complexion.
In Ayurveda, the root powder is used for treating hepatitis, enlarged spleen and skin disorders. Mixed with salt, it relieves burning urine sensation. Mixed with a little oil and applied to the head, the herb relieves headache.
Bhringraj is also used in to prevent repeated miscarriage and abortion. It is also used to relieve post-delivery uterine pain. The leaves of this herb are used to reduce uterine bleeding.
The extract taken of its leaves is mixed with honey and given to infants, for the expulsion of worms. Bhringaraj is also given to children in case of urinary tract infections.
Fumigation with Bhringaraj is considered to bring about relief in piles.
Bhringaraj oil is has anti-aging properties, as it has a rejuvenating effect on the body. It is also given as a general tonic in cases of debility.
Bhringaraj is used extensively by Ayurvedic practitioners, for treating skin diseases and eye infections.
Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, the herb is also used for treating hyperacidity.

[MysteRy]

Indian Frankincense

Botanical Name(s): Boswellia Serrata
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Sapindales
Family: Bruseraceae
Genus: Boswellia
Species: Sapindales
Popular Name(s): Indian Olibanum Tree, Luban, Gond, Shallaki, Guggal
Parts Used: Bark, Gum Resin
Habitat: Found in the dry, hilly areas of India

Description
Indian frankincense is botanically known as boswellia serrata. The most important derivative of the herb is the boswellia gum resin. When the tree trunk is tapped, a gummy oleoresin is exuded, which is fragrant, transparent, and brownish yellow in color. A purified extract of this resin is used in modern herbal preparations. Indian frankincense has been found to improve blood supply to the joints and restore integrity of vessels weakened by spasm. The herb has been used in the Indian Ayurvedic medicine since thousands of years. Traditionally, the gum resin from the plant has been used to treat diabetes, skin and blood diseases, fever, cardiovascular disorders, neurological disorders, rheumatism, dysentery, diseases of the testes, and some other disorders. It is mostly found in the western and central part of India, most notably in Rajasthan & Madhya Pradesh.

Plant Chemicals
Cardinene, Camphene, Olibanol, Dipentene, Pinene and Phellandrene

Uses & Benefits of Indian Frankincense
The bark of Indian frankincense is sweet, cooling and tonic. It is good in vitiated conditions of Pitta, cough and asthma.
The herb is useful in fevers, urethrorrhea, diaphoresis, convulsions, chronic laryngitis and jaundice.
It is also known to be useful in treating arthritis. The active ingredient contained in the resin, boswellic acid, is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent. It is also said to possess pain-relieving properties. These two properties make the plant effective against rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
The plant extract has the effect of a mild sedative. This is rather a side effect of the plant, but works well as a pain reliever in many conditions.
According to some studies, the extract from Indian frankincense has properties that tend to make it effective for lowering cholesterol levels in the blood and liver. Overall body cholesterol levels are brought down by this medicinal herb.
Some studies have also figured out the immune boosting properties of this herb.
The medicinal herb has been used to treat Crohn’s disease and colitis quite effectively. Its extract has been successfully used to treat Asthma. It also helps relax bronchial passageways.
The oil made from Indian frankincense is a very effective one, which can calm and soothe the whole body and mind. It works to reduce all the aches and pains in the body and also clears the lungs. This herbal oil acts as a skin tonic.

Caution
Indian frankincense has very mild side effects, which include diarrhea, dysentery, pulmonary disease, and ringworm.