~ Herbs ~

[MysteRy]

Nut Grass

Botanical Name(s): Cyperus Rotundus
Family Name: Cperaceae
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Liliopsida
Order: Poales
Family: Cyperaceae
Genus: Cyperus
Species: C. rotundus
Popular Name(s): Coco Grass, Purple Nut Sedge, Red Nut Sedge, Mustaka.
Parts Used: Rhizomes
Habitat: Weed found all over India.

Description
Nut grass is a perennial shrub that attains a height of up to 40 cm. it has a dark green thin stem and the leaves are long and sharp, with a width of 1/6 to 1/3 inch. While the flower stem has a triangular cross-section, the flower is 2 to 8 inch in length, has three-stamina and a three-stigma carpel. It is also bisexual. The plant bears flowers in summer and fruits in winter. It has tuberous roots or rhizomes that are fragrant. The plant is native to Africa, southern and central Europe and southern Asia. It is found throughout India. Common Indian names of the herb are motha and nagarmotha in Hindi, mustak in Sanskrit and motha in Gujarati.

Plant Chemicals
(+)- aromatic oil (0.5-0.6%), stable oil, alkaloids, minerals, vitamins, calcium, phosphorus, sodium, carbonates, sesquiterpene hydrocarbons, epoxides, ketones, monoterpene, aliphatic alcohols, cyperene, seniline, cyperenone, sesquiterpenes cyperone, luteolin, auresidin, cyperene-1, cyperene-2, muskatone, patchoulenone, rotuno, kobusone, isokobusone, selinene, saponon-olenolic acid-3-0 neohesperidoside (I).

Uses & Benefits of Nut Grass
The paste of nut grass is used in treating skin related ailments like scabies and eczema and helps in relieving itching.
The paste is used in increasing the size of the breasts. It also purifies the breast milk, improves eyesight and helps in eye related ailments.
The extract from the roots is instilled into eyes in conjunctivitis, to reduce the pain, redness and ocular discharges.
Nut grass, when taken in powdered form, improves digestive system, removes worms from the gastro-intestinal tract, curbs infection and purifies blood.
The powder is massaged to reduce the subcutaneous fat deposition in case of obese people.
It normalizes the menstrual disturbances and breast discomfort and maintains normal body temperature.
Nut grass proves useful in diseases like psychosis and epilepsy and mental diseases.
The herb helps in healing wounds and uterine contraction and provides strength to the body.
It is used as a diuretic to treat ulcers and as an emmenagogue and an ingredient in warm plasters.
The herb proves to be a keen stimulant in appetite, digestion and digestion of ama.
Nut grass is an effective remedy for distaste, vomiting, diarrhea, colitis and dyspepsia.
It is considered the best herb for treating any type of fever.
The root is often used for developing high memory.
Nut grass is beneficial in treating cough and asthma, since it alleviates the kapha.
The herb harmonizes liver, spleen, and pancreas. It helps in curing thirst, bronchitis, dysuria and poisonous affections.
It is often used as an insect repellent for perfuming clothing.

[MysteRy]

Datura

Botanical Name(s): Datura Stramonium
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Solanales
Family: Salanaceae
Genus: Datura L.
Species: Datura stramonium L.
Popular Name(s): Jimson Weed, Stink weed, Mad Apple, Thorn Apple Stramonium, Dhatura Tatula, Datura Seeds
Parts Used: Seeds, Flowers, Leaves
Habitat: Common in Northwestern Himalayas and foot hills on dry slopes up to 1800 m altitude.

Description
Datura is 30 to 150 cm tall, with erect, forking and purple stems. The leaves are large, 7 to 20 cm long and have irregular teeth a la oaks. The flowers are one of the most distinctive characteristics of datura. They open and close, at irregular intervals, during the evening. The native range of the plant continues to remain ambiguous. It is believed that the birds carry the seeds of the datura and spread it in their droppings. The seed lies underground for a long time and germinates whenever the soil is disturbed.

Plant Chemicals
Datura leaves contain the same alkaloids as Belladonn, though in smaller proportions. The mid-rib and footstalk of the leaf contain a far larger proportion of alkaloids than the blade. The alkaloid consists chiefly of hyoscyamine, associated with atropine and hyoscine (scopolamine). Malic acid is also present.

Uses & Benefits of Datura
datura is internally used in relieving the spasm of bronchitis in asthma. It is also used in the treatment of Parkinsonism and Hemorrhoids. Its leaves, applied after roasting, are useful in relieving pain.
The bitter narcotic plant relieves pain and encourages the healing process. The plant has a very long history of being used as herbal medicine.
Its leaves, flowering tops and seeds have anodyne, antiasthmatic, antispasmodic, hallucinogenic, hypnotic, mydriatic and narcotic properties. The seeds of the plant are the most active medicinally.
datura is internally used for treating giddiness, dry mouth, hallucinations and coma.
Externally, the plant is used as a poultice in treating fistulas, abscesses wounds and severe neuralgia.
Traces of scopolamine are also found in the plant, which is a potent cholinergic-blocking hallucinogen that has been used to calm schizoid patients.
Its leaves, containing hyoscyamine and atropine, can be used as an immensely powerful mind-altering drug.
The seeds of datura are analgesic, anthelmintic and anti-inflammatory and as such, they are used in the treatment of stomach and intestinal pain that results from worm infestation, toothache, and fever from inflammations.
The juice of its fruit is applied to the scalp, to treat dandruff and falling hair.
The growing plant works as an insect repellant, which protects neighboring plants from insects.

Caution
Datura is very poisonous and should be used with extreme caution. It is to be used only under the supervision of a qualified practitioner, as the difference between a medicinal dose and toxic dose can be very small.

[MysteRy]

Indian Gooseberry

Botanical Name(s): Emblica Officinalis
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Euphorbiales
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Genus: Phyllanthus L
Species: Phyllanthus emblica L.
Popular Name(s): Phyllanthus Emblica, Emblica, Amla
Parts Used: Fruit
Habitat: Northern and South Western India

Description
The bark of Indian gooseberry, also known as amla, is gray in color and peals in irregular patches. Its feathery leaves, which smell like lemon, are of linear oblong shape and size 10 to 12 mm in length and 3 to 6 mm in width. The flowers of this herb are monoecioius, having greenish-yellow color. They grow in auxiliary clusters and start appearing at the beginning of spring season. The fruit is almost spherical in shape, light-greenish yellow in color and appears to be very hard. Its taste is sour and bitter.

Plant chemicals
The active ingredient that has significant pharma-cological action in the plant has been designated 'phyllemblin' by the scientists in India. The other ingredients contained in the herb are gallic acid, tannins, pectin, and ascorbic acid (Vitamin C).

Uses & Benefits of Indian Gooseberry
Indian gooseberry is one of the richest known sources of vitamin 'C'.  As such, it proves to be an effective medicine against scurvy. Powdered dry herb is mixed with an equal quantity of sugar and consumed thrice daily with milk, to remedy scurvy.
It is considered to be a good remedy against heart diseases. It serves to tone all the vital organs of the body and builds health by eradicating the harmful disease-causing elements from the body.
The herb has amazing revitalizing effects on the body. It helps prevent aging and maintain strength in the old age. It also enhances the immunity of body against diseases.
Indian gooseberry is known to be excellent in preserving eyesight. It is also beneficial in treating conjunctivitis and glaucoma, by reducing intraocular tension.
It serves as a very valuable remedy for enriching hair growth and pigmentation. The oil prepared by using this herb is excellent for hair health and prevents graying.
The dried fruit of this plant is very useful in treating diarrhea and dysentery. It is also used to treat acute bacillary dysentery.
Due to its high vitamin C content, Indian gooseberry proves to be very effective in controlling diabetes. The juice obtained from its fruit, when consumed regularly, stimulates the pancreas and capacitates them to secrete insulin. This reduces the sugar level in blood.
The culinary uses of Indian gooseberry are many. In South India, its fruit plant is used to make pickle. Tender varieties of the fruit are used to prepare dishes as well. In some parts of the country, it is traditionally consumed after meals.
The herb is also used in shampoos, hair oils, inks and dyes.

[MysteRy]

Ephedra

Botanical Name(s): Ephedra Vulgaris
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Gnetophyta
Class: Gnetopsida
Family: Ephedraceae
Genus: Ephedra
Species: Ephedra distachya L
Popular Name(s): Somlatha
Parts Used: Dried Branch
Habitat: Drier regions of temperate zone and alpine Himalayas at altitude of 2700m to 3600m.

Description
Ephedra is a shrub that grows about 25 cm to 50 cm high. It belongs to the family Ephedraceae and is found on sandy seashores, in temperate climates of both hemispheres. The plant has stamens and pistils on separate flowers. Its fruit has two carpels, with a single seed in each one of them. They are erect, with small leaves. The herb has green stems belonging to a range of species that is native to Central Asia.

Plant chemicals
The active compound contained in ephedra is ephedrine (naturally occurring amphetamine like compound), which works to stimulate fat burning in the body and provides more energy.

Uses & Benefits of Ephedra
Ephedra is widely used for acute muscular and bronchial asthma. It is also used as a headache reliever.
The herb is very often used as an antibiotic, antiseptic, immune stimulator, depurative, digestive, and blood purifier. It also helps produce sweat.
It promotes the natural ability of the body to fight invading diseases through a natural antibiotic called echinacoside. The benefits of this antibiotic contained in the plant have been compared to penicillin.
In China, ephedra is known as Ma huang. It is a popular remedy for chills, cough and wheezing. The Chinese also combine it with rehmannia, for treating kidney disorders.
In the west, the herb is used to remedy asthma and hay fever. It is also brought in use to prevent the onset of colds and flu.
It proves effective in raising blood pressure, cool down fevers and alleviate rheumatism.
Ephedra can also be used for losing weight. However, it is important to note here that its dose, for weight-loss, generally exceeds the prescribed safety limit, i.e.150 mg per day.
The herb is used to help the white blood cells in the body to produce an infection-fighting substance known as interferon.
It is believed that the herb was traditionally used by Zen monks in China, to promote calm and concentration during meditation.

Caution:
While ephedra is considered to be a weight-loss drug, the doses recommended for losing weight mostly exceed the usual prescribed limit.
Side-effects, such as high blood pressure, rapid heart beat, nervousness, irritability, headache, urination disturbances and insomnia, can be experienced, especially when the herb is consumed as a recreational drug.
When consumed at higher levels, it can result in cardiac arrhythmias. It is also considered to be highly addictive.
Anxiety, headaches, restlessness, high blood pressure, and even insomnia, may also be experienced on consuming a very high dose of ephedra.

[MysteRy]

Flax Seeds

Binomial Name(s): Linum Usitatissimum
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Linales
Family: Linaceae
Genus: Linum L.
Species: Linum usitatissimum L.
Popular Name(s): Linsed
Parts Used: Flax Seeds, Flax Seed Oil, leaves & roots
Habitat: Cultivated throughout India

Description
Flax seeds, as the name suggests, are the seeds of flax plant, which is a member of the genus Linum in the family Linaceae. They are known for producing a vegetable oil known as linseed oil or flaxseed oil. It is one of the oldest commercial oils. In fact, the solvent-processed flax seed oil has been used as a drying oil in painting and varnishing, for centuries. Flax seeds are edible and suitable for human consumption. They are also one of the most concentrated plant sources of the omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid. These seeds come in two basic varieties - brown and yellow.

Plant Chemicals
Flax contains fat, protein, dietary fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, moisture, phenolic acids, flavonoids, lignans and ash. The chemical composition of flax can vary, owing to certain factors such as genetics, growing environment and seed processing. As the oil content increases, the protein content of the seed decreases.

Uses & Benefits of Flax Seeds
Flax seeds are internally used in case of constipation; functional disorders of the colon - resulting from the misuse of laxatives; and irritable colon.
The seeds improve digestion, help stabilize blood glucose levels, fight tumor formation and enhance cardiovascular health.
Flax contains anti-inflammatory properties. As such, it helps to reduce inflammation in conditions such as asthma, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, migraine headaches, and osteoporosis.
Consumption of flax also promotes bone health, due to the presence of Omega-3 fatty acids.
Flax seeds protect against heart diseases, by reducing the formation of blood clots. They are also effective in fighting cancer and diabetes and reduce the risk of colon cancer by protecting colon cells from cancer causing toxins and free radicals.
Flax is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty polyunsaturated fatty acids, which help to lower blood pressure, in effect preventing and controlling high blood pressure.
It is effective in fighting against the growth of prostrate cancer in men. This is especially true when flax consumption is combined with a low-fat diet.

Caution
Cramping and a laxative effect may be experienced on consuming flax seeds. Therefore, it is advisable to start with a small amount. Those suffering from irritable bowel syndrome can strongly react to flax.
The oil contained in flax seeds is highly saturated, in effect making it prone to oxidation, unless stored in the right way. It is also recommended to store flax seeds away from heat. However, the high level of antioxidants present in the seeds prevents the process of early oxidation.
High doses of flax seeds can have an adverse effect on the hormonal balance of the body.

[MysteRy]

Ginger

Botanical Name(s): Zingiber Officinale
Family Name: Zingiberaceae
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Zingiberales
Family: Zingiberaceae
Genus: Zingiber
Species: Z. officinale
Popular Name(s): Root Ginger, Ardrakam, Shunthi, Adrak, Sunth, Black Ginger, Race Ginger, African Ginger, Jamaica Ginger, Sheng Jiang.
Parts Used: Fresh and dried rhizomes
Habitat: South East Asia and throughout India.

Description
A deciduous perennial herb, ginger flourishes in most parts of southern Asia, Jamaica, Nigeria and the West Indies. The creeping herb has thick, branching rhizomes and sturdy, upright stems, with pointed lance-like leaves that are 15 to 30 cm in length. It produces yellow-green flowers, with a deep purple lip and yellow marking. The fruits resemble fleshy capsules. Ginger grows well in fertile, moist and well-drained soil. The plant is cultivated in Florida, California and Hawaii, China, India and tropical regions. In India, the herb is called aadrak in Bengali and Urdu, adrak in Gujarati, shunti in Kannada, allam in Telugu, inji in Tamil and Malayalam, alay in Marathi and aduwa in Nepali.

Plant Chemicals
(+)- volatile oil (zingiberene and arcurcumene, beta-bisabolene and arcurcumene, neral and geranial, D-camphor, beta-phellandrene, geranial, neral and linalool, (E)-alpha-farnesene, mixture of cis- and trans-beta-eudesmol), shogaols (6-shogaol, 8-shogaol, 10-shogaol), gingerols (6-gingerol, 8-gingerol, 10-gingerol), bisabolene, zingiberene.

Uses & Benefits of Ginger
Ginger forms one of the main spices for preparing pulse and lentil curries and other vegetable preparations.
The herb serves as a stimulant and carminative and is used in dyspepsia and colic.
It is known to have blood thinning and cholesterol lowering properties, due to which it is used in treating heart diseases.
Ginger tea is considered a good remedy for colds.
The herb helps in treating arthritis, diarrhea, motion sickness, diabetes, bronchitis and rheumatism.
It is a remedy for nausea caused due to seasickness, morning sickness and chemotherapy.
Around 3 to 4 leaves of Tulsi, when taken along with a piece of ginger, on empty stomach, cure congestion, cough and cold.
It is safe to take ginger during pregnancy for relief from nausea.
Dried ginger root is powdered and made into capsules and sold in pharmacies in the West.
In India, ginger paste, when applied to the temples, relieves headaches.
Burmese boil the mixture of a local sweetener made from palm tree juice and ginger and consume it to prevent flu.
In China, a drink is made by cooking sliced ginger in water with brown sugar or cola to treat common cold.

Caution
People with inflammatory skin complaints, ulcers of the digestive tracts and high fever should not consume ginger.
Ginger oil should be avoided during pregnancy.
Powdered ginger can cause heartburn, bloating, gas, belching and nausea.
Unchewed fresh ginger, when taken in large quantities, can have bad reactions on people with inflammatory bowel disease and blocked intestines.
Ginger can also affect blood pressure, clotting and heart rhythms.
The herb should not be given to children below 2 years of age.
It should be taken after consultation, since it can irritate sensitive skin.

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Guggul

Botanical Name(s): Commiphora Mukul
Family Name: Burseraceae
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Sapindales
Family: Burseraceae
Genus: Commiphora
Species: C. wightii
Popular Name(s): Commiphora, Mukul, Balsamodendrom Mukul, Indian Bedellium Tree, Moql, Moqle-arzagi.
Parts Used: Whole Plant
Habitat: Rocky tracks of Western India and Eastern Himalayas.

Description
Guggul is a yellowish resin, which is secreted by a small, thorny mukul myrrh tree called commiphora mukul. The shrub reaches a maximum height of 4 to 6 feet and bears thorns on its branches. The leaves are small similar to those of neem. The flowers are red and the fruit is oval in shape and pulpy in nature. The gum resin excreted by the bark of the plant is called guggul. The plant is grown throughout the north India. The herb has been playing a major role in the traditional medicine of India. It is also known as guggul gum, guggal, gugglesterone, gugulu and gum gugal.

Plant Chemicals
(+)- resin, essential oil, guggulsterones, E stereoisomers, Z stereoisomers, gugulipid, myrrhanol, alpha-camphorene.

Uses & Benefits of Guggul
Guggul possesses strong disinfecting properties and is a weight loss and fat burning agent.
It lowers elevated serum cholesterol and triglycerides, while maintaining or improving the HDL to LDL ratio.
The herb increases white blood cells count and reduces the risk of coronary artery disease.
Guggul was historically used for a condition called medoroga, a disease similar to the modern atherosclerosis.
Studies report that it increases the production of thyroid hormone. Since this hormone breaks down cells of protein, fat and carbohydrates, this herb is believed to be promoting weight loss.
The herb is used as an anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving herb by many Indian herbal doctors. 
Guggul is useful in arthritic pains and helps in reversing the degenerative changes that occur in joints and bones.
The herb is widely used in diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, gout, osteoarthritis, sciatica, paralysis, hemiplegia, lymphadenopathy, etc.
Since it acts as a blood purifier, it is widely used in skin diseases.
Guggul helps in promoting the production of red blood corpuscles (RBC) and improving the action of white blood corpuscles (WBC).
It helps in strengthening the digestive system, easy secretion of digestive juices, works as an appetizer and avoids indigestion and constipation.
The herb is beneficial in hemorrhoids and colitis and relieves from hyperacidity and belching.
Regular use of guggul helps in improving sexual ability, sperm count and sperm quality.
Guggul helps in treating leprosy and eczema. Its extract also helps in fighting tumors.
The herb is useful in menstrual disturbances and painful menses.

Caution
Guggul extract can generate side effects like headache, nausea, diarrhea, anorexia, abdominal pain and skin irritation in some individuals.
Thyroid patients should consult a doctor before using guggul extract.

[MysteRy]

Gudmar

Botanical Name(s): Gymnema Sylvestre
Family Name: Asclepiadaceae
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Gentianales
Family: Asclepiadaceae
Genus: Gymnema
Species: G. sylvestre
Popular Name(s): Periploca of the woods, Gudmar, Gurmari, Gurmarbooti
Parts Used: Whole Plant and Leaves   
Habitat: Grows in tropical forests of the central and southern parts of India.

Description
Gudmar was initially known as meshashringi in Sanskrit, which means “ram’s horn”. The plant can be described as a large, pubescent, woody climber. its leaves are elliptic, opposite or ovate. The small flowers are yellow and in umbellate cymes. The follicles are terete, lanceolate and up to 3 inches in length. The plant is native to the tropical forests of southern and central India. It is known as gurmar and merasingi in Hindi and meshashringi, vishani and madhunashini in Sanskrit. The medicinally active parts of the plant are the leaves and the roots. It came to be known as "destroyer of sugar" in ancient times.

Plant Chemicals
(+)- gymnema saponins I-IV, gymnemic acids I-IX, acylated (tigloyl, methylbutroyl, etc) derivatives of deacylgymnemic acid (DAGA), 3-O-glucuronide of gymnemagenin (3, 16, 21, 22, 23, 28-hexahydroxy-olean-12-ene), gymnemosides A-F, triterpene saponins, dammarene saponins, flavones, anthraquinones, hentri-acontane, pentatriacontane, a and ß- chlorophylls, phytin, resins, d-quercitol, tartaric acid, formic acid, butyric acid, lupeol, ß-amyrin related glycosides and stigmasterol.

Uses & Benefits of Gudmar
When used for an extended time period, gudmar reduces blood sugar levels.
It forms one of the ingredients in the manufacture of all natural medication for diabetes, apart from cinnamon, chromium, zinc, biotin, banaba, huckleberry and bitter melon.
Extracts of the herb are believed to treat problems like hyperglycemia, obesity, high cholesterol levels, anemia and digestion.
Gudmar suppresses the taste of sweet foods and consequently reduces the desire to eat.
Its root is made into a paste or powder and applied to the wounds of snakebites.
The herb controls and regulates weight, promotes healthy blood lipid levels, controls sugar craving and curbs sweet tooth.
Gudmar is useful in hepatosplenomegaly, dyspepsia, constipation, jaundice, halminthiasis, cardiopathy and amenorrhoea.
Chewing fresh leaves of gudmar paralyzes the taste for sweet and bitter substance for some time.

Caution
Caution should be taken while consuming gudmar with pharmaceutical medication (oral hypoglycemics or insulin) for diabetes.
Researchers are not very sure whether this herb is purely safe for pregnant women and during lactation.
Having gudmar may raise systolic blood pressure.

[MysteRy]

Annual Hibiscus

Botanical Name(s): Abelmoschus Moschatus
Family Name: Malvaceae
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Malvales
Family: Malvaceae
Genus: Abelmoschus
Species: A. moschatus
Popular Name(s): Ambrette Seeds, Hibiscus Abelmoschus, Musk Mallow, Musk Okra, Ornamental Okra, Yorka Okra, Galu Gasturi, Bamia Moschata
Parts Used: Seeds, Seeds Oil   
Habitat: Common in distributed areas and wastelands.

Description
Annual hibiscus is an erect, annual or biennial, hirsute shrub. The soft, herbaceous plant trails to 2 meters in diameter, with soft hairy stems. The lower leaves are ovate and acute, while the upper leaves are palmately 3 to 7 lobed. The bright yellow and large flowers are usually solitary and auxiliary. The capsules are ovate, acute and hispid. The seeds are sub-reniform, black and musk-scented. Due to this strong musk aroma, annual hibiscus seeds are known as grani moschi. In India, the plant is grown widely over the Deccan regions, the hilly regions of Karnataka and at the foothills of the Himalayas. The plant is known as latakasturi, gandapura and kasturilatika in Sanskrit and kasturidana and muskadfana in Hindi.

Plant Chemicals
(+)- macrocyclic musks, 5(Z)-tetradecen-14-oide, 7(Z)-hexadecen-16-olide, linoleic acid, a-cephalin, phosphatidylserine, plasmalogen, phosphatidylcholine plasmalogen, ketone, ambrettelide, a lactone of ambrettolic acid, trans-2-trans-6-farnesyl acetate, ambrettolide, cis-2-cis-6-farnesyl acetate, cis-2-trans-6-farnesyl acetate, ethyl hexadecanate, ethyl laurate, trans-2-trans-6-farnesol.

Uses & Benefits of Annual Hibiscus
Annual hibiscus is used as a stimulant and anti-spasmodic in curing snakebites, stomach and intestinal disorders.
It helps in treating ailments such as cramps, loss of appetite, headaches, stomach cancer, hysteria, gonorrhea and respiratory disorders.
Annual hibiscus forms an ingredient in vermouths, bitters and other food products.
The herb is used in relieving spasms of the digestive tract, poor circulation and aching joints.
It is used in the manufacturing of cosmetics like perfumes, soaps, detergents, creams and lotions.
Annual hibiscus is considered as an insecticide also.
The herb is used by the Arabs for flavoring coffee.
Its seeds are crushed and steam distilled to produce a volatile oil called musk seed oil or ambrette seed oil.
The seeds are known to be antiseptic, cooling, tonic, carminative and aphrodisiac.
The leaves and roots of annual hibiscus are helpful in curing gonorrhoea and venereal diseases.
Its seeds are used as an inhalation, when suffering from hoarseness and dryness of throat.
The unripe pods, leaves and new shoots of the herb are consumed as vegetables.
The plant’s root mucilage provides sizing for paper. On the other hand, the flowers are sometimes used to flavor tobacco.
Annual hibiscus is also used in making traditional herbal liquor called Benedictine.

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Ginger Lily

Botanical Name(s): Hedychium
Family Name: Zingiberaceae
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Zingiberales
Family: Zingiberaceae
Genus: Hedychium
Species: Hedychium coccineum, Hedychium coronarium, Hedychium gardnerianum, Hedychium spicatum
Popular Name(s): Hedichium, Kapur Kachri, Garland Flower, Kahili Ginger, Spiked Ginger Lily
Parts Used: Rhizomes   
Habitat: Grows in Sub Tropical Himalayas.

Description
Ginger lily is a perennial attractive plant that reaches a height of up to 6 feet (120 to 180 cm). It is a smallish hardy ginger with green leaves measuring 30 cm or more. The flowers are large and beautiful, in orange and white color. They have a heavy sweet fragrance and can grow in all conditions, from full sun to filtered shade. Some species of ginger lily are grown as ornamental plants. The plant is native to tropical Asia and the Himalayas. It is also known as takhellei in Manipuri. One of its species, white ginger lily (Hedychium coronarium) is the national flower of Cuba, where it is known as “Flor de Mariposa”. A farmer’s house is not complete without a white ginger in the garden. Hedychium is common in Brazil, where it is considered an invasive weed.

Plant Chemicals
(+)- essential oil (ethyl ester of p-methoxy cinnamic acid, d-sabirene cineole, sesquiterpenes, pentadecane methyl paracumarine acetate), starch, resins, organic acids, glycoside (sitosterol, -D-glycoside), albumen, saccharine.

Uses & Benefits of Ginger Lily
Ginger lily is digestive, stomachic and vasodilator.
It is used in treating nausea, halitosis, vomiting, diminished appetite, hiccups and local inflammation.
The rootstock is carminative, emmenagogue, expectorant, stimulant, stomachic and tonic.
The rhizomes of ginger lily are used in treating asthma and internal injuries.
The rhizomes are powdered and used as an antiseptic agent and as a poultice for various aches and pains.
Ginger lily is also helpful in treating liver complaints, indigestion and poor circulation due to thickening of the blood.
Its rootstalk is used in treating bronchitis and alleviating pain.

[MysteRy]

Bitter Oleander

Botanical Name(s): Holarrhena Antidysenterica
Family Name: Apocynaceae
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Popular Name(s): Connessi Bark, Kurchi Bark, Dysentery Rose Bay, Tellicherry Bark, Coneru
Parts Used: Seeds, bark
Habitat: Grows in dry forests of India.

Description
Bitter oleander is a deciduous shrub or a small tree. It has a rough, pale brownish or grayish bark. The leaves are opposite, subsesile, elliptic or ovate-oblong and membranous. The white flowers are in terminal corymbose cymes, while the seeds are light brown or smoky in color. The fruit is thin and cylindrical, with two follicles attached together at distal ends. The herb grows throughout India, up to an altitude of 4,000 feet, with special abundance in the sub-Himalayan tract. It is considered as one of the most valuable medicinal products of India. It is known as katuja and vatsaka in Sanskrit; kura, kora, kureya and kurchi in Hindi; and kodagasan and kodusige in Kannada.

Plant Chemicals
(+)- conessine, conamine, conkurchine, connessimine, kurchine, conarrhinine, holarrhinene, isoconcessimine, conessidine, holafrine, holarrhetine, holantosines A and B, holarosine B, holantosines E and F, holacine, holacimine, holarricine.

Uses & Benefits of Bitter Oleander
The bark of bitter oleander has astringent, anti-dysenteric, anthelmintic, stomachic, febrifugal and tonic properties.
The herb is used in the treatment of amebic dysentery and diarrhea.
The seeds are used in curing fever and cold. Their powder is used in dressing the oozing wounds.
The decoction of the skin of the herb is used to clean wounds and promote healing.
The paste of the skin of bitter oleander is applied on boils.
The herb is helpful in augmenting digestion and appetite.
It works well in ano-rectal problems, like proctitis, painful defecation, retal swellings, etc.
Because of its styptic property, bitter oleander assists in arresting the bleeding piles.
The skin of bitter oleander bark, when grated in cow’s milk, helps in treating painful, difficult micturition and urinary stones.
The seed powder proves to be a household remedy for intestinal worm infections in children.
The plant is used in the Ayurvedic preparation known as "Kutajarishta".
In case of skin troubles, the bark of bitter oleander is mixed with cow urine. It is then applied on the affected parts.
The herb has proven to be useful in treating rheumatoid arthritis and even osteoporosis.

[MysteRy]

Common Henbane

Binomial Name(s): Hyocyamus Niger
Kingdom: Plantae
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Solanales
Family: Solanaceae
Genus: Hyoscyamus
Species: H. niger
Popular Name(s): Henbane Henbane, Niger Seed, Bird Feed, Black Henbane
Parts Used: Seeds
Habitat: Low-lying ground near the sea and Lower Mountain slopes.

Description
Common henbane is an annual/biennial plant growing to a height of 1m. The plant requires a well-drained soil, but cannot grow in the shade. It can tolerate maritime exposure and flowers from June to August, with the seeds ripening from August to September. The scented flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by insects. Commonly known as the stinking nightshade or henbane, the plant species has been used as a medicinal herb for centuries together and has innumerous therapeutic values. Originated in parts of Eurasia, common henbane is currently distributed worldwide and is even cultivated for commercial purpose.

Plant Chemicals
Hyoscyamine, scopolamine, and other tropane alkaloids

Uses & Benefits of Common Henbane
Common henbane is mostly used for the curing diseases with increased cerebral activity, but non-inflammatory in nature. Hence, the herb is regarded as an excellent cure for conditions like hysteria, deliriums and so on.
The herb is also used for the cure of involuntary spasms, restlessness and muscle twitches.
It is used as a nutritious bird feed. Besides, conditions like gastric or intestinal cramps, and diarrhea can be treated by the regular use of this herb.
Common henbane seeds have narcotic, anodyne and mydriatic properties and so, can be effectively used as a sedative in case of nervous infections.
The seeds also provides cure for asthmatic conditions, cough, myalgia and toothache.
Individuals suffering from intense sleeplessness can also resort to the herb.
Common henbane is often used internally for the treatment of whooping cough and motion sickness.
Some other uses include the cure of childhood convulsions, convulsions during labor and even during the puerperal state.
Common henbane is also used for the treatment of symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.
Another major use of the herb is in the cure of retention or urinary incontinence and paralysis of the bladder.

Caution
The consumption of common henbane causes certain side effects in some humans. This mainly includes flushed skin, restlessness, hallucinations and dilated pupils.
Less common side effects include hyperpyrexia, convulsions, tachycardia, hypertension, ataxia and vomiting.

[MysteRy]

Jatamamsi

Botanical Name(s): Nardostachys Jatamansi, Nardostachys Grandiflora
Family Name: Valerianaceae
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Dipsacales
Family: Valerianaceae
Genus: Nardostachys
Species: N. grandiflora
Popular Name(s): Muskroot, Indian Spikenard, Jatamanshi, Jatamashi, Balchar, Nard, Nardin.
Parts Used: Rhizome, Rhizome Oil   
Habitat: Found in India, Nepal and Bhutan

Description
Jatamamsi is a perennial herb that is propagated by cuttings of the underground parts. The plant grows to a height ranging from 10 to 60 cm and has stout and long woody root stocks. The long, sessile and oblong-ovate leaves are 15 to 20 cm in length. While the flowers are rosy, slightly pink or blue in dense cymes and one, two or five in number, the rhizomes are thick, fragrant and covered with brown fibers. The plant bears 1/3-inch long fruits that are oval in shape and have a sharp apex. Jatamamsi grows in the Alpine Himalayas, at an altitude of 3000-5000 meters and is cultivated in areas ranging from Punjab to Sikkim and Bhutan. The herb is known as jatamamsi in Hindi, Sanskrit and Gujarati.

Plant Chemicals
(+)- volatile essential oil, resin, sugar, starch, bitter extractive matter, gum, ketone, jatamansone, jatamansic acid, jatamansone semicarbazone, lupeol, malliene, calarene, terpenic coumarin - jatamansin, oroselol, dietheniod bicyclic ketone – nardostachone, sesquiterpene ketone - jatamansone.

Uses & Benefits of Jatamamsi
Jatamamsi can be used internally as well as externally.
It is a well-known brain tonic and imparts a sense of calm and peace to mind.
The herb is mixed with cold water to form a paste and reduce burning sensation, inflammation, pain and improving skin texture.
Since it is fragrant, jatamamsi powder is used as a deodorant in case of excessive sweating.
The powder also helps in treating mental retardation and mental disorders, regularizing digestion in the body, regularizing respiratory tract and suppressing general body weakness.
The decoction of the herb is poured on the affected areas in ailments associated with burning and in erysipelas.
The medicated jatamamsi oil is extremely beneficial for smooth, silky and healthy hair.
Jatamamsi is useful for urine-related problems and maintaining the circulatory system.
The herb increases appetite, relieves the phlegm in cough and asthma, proves useful in hepatitis and treats enlargement of the liver.
It is used as an adjunct in the treatment of sexual debility and impotence.
Jatamamsi relieves symptoms like vertigo, seizures etc. in fever.
Since it exerts a cleansing effect on the uterus, it is used in menstrual ailments like dysmenorrheal and inflammation of the uterus.
The herb stops fermentation and gas in the stomach.
Jatamamsi is considered as one of the best herbs for treating epilepsy.
It reduces hyperactivity, restlessness and aggressiveness in hyperactive children.

Caution
Jatamansi, when consumed in large doses, causes vomiting and diarrhea with abdominal pain, nausea, colic and urinary problems.
Consult a healthcare professional before using jatamansi during pregnancy and lactation.

[MysteRy]

Common Walnut

Botanical Name(s): Juglans Regia
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Fagales
Family: Juglandaceae
Genus: Juglans
Species: J. regia
Popular Name(s): Persian Walnut, English Walnut
Parts Used: Walnut, Persian Walnut, European Walnut, Akhrot
Habitat: Cultivated in Himalayas and the Khasi hills

Description
Common walnut refers to the original walnut tree of the Old World, comprising of Asia, Africa and Europe. The tree is native to the region stretching from the Balkans, eastward to the Himalayas and Southwest China. The largest forests where common walnut trees are found are in Kyrgyzstan. It is a large deciduous tree, with a height ranging from 25- 35 m. Its trunk is up to 2m in diameter. Commonly, these trees have a short trunk and broad crown, though taller and narrower versions are seen in denser forests. This plant species require a lot of sunlight to grow. The bark of common walnut is smooth and olive brown in color when young. It assumes a silver grey color as it ages, with scattered broad fissures and a rougher texture. The leaves of the plant are alternately arranged and are 25-40 cm in length.

Plant Chemicals
Amino acids, Ash, Crude protein, Dietary fiber, Oil content and Starch

Uses & Benefits of Common Walnut
The cotyledons of common walnut tree are used in the treatment of cancer. The plant has long been used as a folk remedy for treating cancer. Recent researches conducted on some extracts from the plant have shown anti-cancer properties as well.
The seeds are antilithic, diuretic and stimulant. They are used internally for remedying low back pain, frequent urination, weakness of legs, chronic cough, asthma, constipation (due to dryness) or anaemia and stones in the urinary tract. They are used to make a paste and externally applied to areas of dermatitis and eczema.
The leaves of the plant are alterative, anthelmintic, antiinflamatory, astringent and depurative. They are internally used for treating constipation, chronic coughs, asthma, diarrhoea, dyspepsia etc. The leaves are used to cure skin ailments as also to purify the blood. They are also known for remedying strumous sores.
The rind of the plant is anodyne and contains properties of an astringent. It is used for treating diarrhea and anemia. The oil obtained from its seeds is anthelmintic and is used in the treatment of menstrual problems and skin ailments.
The seed from the plant is eaten raw and is also used widely in confections, cakes, ice cream etc. It has a delicious flavor, making it suitable to be used in a range of sweet dishes.
The seed is also used to obtain edible oil used for cooking. However, it cannot be stored and has to be used the very moment it is obtained, as it can go rancid very quickly.
Common walnut is used in making flower remedies for Bach’s flower essence therapy.

[MysteRy]

Lemongrass

Botanical Name(s): Cymbopogon Citratus
Family Name: Poaceae
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Liliopsida
Order: Poales
Family: Poaceae (Gramineae)
Subfamily: Panicoideae
Tribe: Andropogoneae
Genus: Cymbopogon
Species: 55 species of grasses
Popular Name(s): Barbed Wire Grass, Silky Heads, Citronella Grass, Fever Grass, Hierba Luisa
Parts Used: Leaves, roots   
Habitat: Tropical grasslands

Description
Lemongrass is a thick, tropical and long grass that is native to India and an important ingredient in the Asian cuisine. Its thin, grass-like, grey-green leaves grow up to 6 feet in the tropics, and about 3 feet in more northerly climates. The plant has leaves at the top and a solid portion, several inches long, at the root end. The lower portion is sliced or pounded. It is known with a variety of names, including barbed wire grass, lemongrass, fever grass, silky heads, citronella grass, and hierba luisa.

Lemongrass has dense fibrous roots, with ringed segments and short underground stems. The blades of the grass reach 90 cm in length and 0.5 cm in breadth. The plant emits lemon-like odor and a citrus taste. It can easily be grown from seed or a stalk, with a few roots attached and immersed in water. This can further be transplanted to the garden. Today, lemongrass is grown throughout Southeast Asia, Southern India, Sri Lanka, Central Africa, Brazil, Guatemala, the US and the West Indies, for its medicinal and culinary benefits.

Plant Chemicals
Lemongrass comprises of volatile oil (0.4%), 65- 85% citral (a composition of isomers, geraniol and neral), geraniol, geranic acid, nerolic acid, myrcene (12% to 25%), diterpenes, methylheptenone, citronellol, linalol, farnesol, other alcohols, aldehydes, linalool, terpineol, minor fragrant components. Nonvolatile components of C. citratus consist of luteolins, homo-orientin, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, p -coumaric acid, fructose, sucrose, octacosanol, Flavonoids luteolin and 6-C-glucoside.

Uses & Benefits of Lemongrass
Lemongrass is commonly used in cuisine of Asian countries, like Thailand and Vietnam, as it provides an aromatic flavor to the dish. In addition, it also balances the spicy hot chilies used in these cuisines.
The herb is used in detoxifying the digestive organs of the body, like pancreas, liver, kidney and bladder.
It stimulates digestion and blood circulation in the body and hence, keeps gastric and indigestion problems at bay.
Indians use lemongrass as citronella (an element) in making scents for soaps, perfumes and candles. The same component is also used as mosquito repellant.
The sweet smelling oil obtained from lemongrass is of significant use in aromatherapy, as it helps in relieving stress and tension from the body.
The plant is used in Brazil to treat nervous disorders, stomachache, diarrhea, vomiting, fever, flu and headaches.
Lemongrass is used in herbal teas and other nonalcoholic beverages in baked goods, and in confections.
The antiseptic and astringent properties of the plant are also used by some people to cleanse oily skin and help close pores.
A few drops of lemongrass oil can be used to combat greasy hair and as a deodorant to curb perspiration.

Caution
People suffering from skin allergy should avoid the excessive use of lemongrass, as it can boost the signs of allergy.
It should not be taken internally by children, pregnant women and even breast feeding mothers or people suffering from liver or kidney disease.
Avoid any contact of the herb with the eyes, in any form, as it can irritate the eyes as well as the respiratory tract, in sensitive people.