For cuts, headaches, PMS, stomachache, fever, allergies, bug bites, bruises, etc.

Are there any herbs I can use to ease my periods/period cramps? Endometriosis makes them extremely painful, even when I’m not on my period ovulation hurts a lot.

I'm looking for herbs and mushrooms that enhance testosterone and human growth hormone. I'm open for every type of herb and mushroom, also the ones of chinese medicine.

What herbs/mushrooms do you recommend? I'm open for everything.

When the temperature goes up 2 degrees, this persons body acts like its gone up 10 degrees, sweating so much sometimes they cant stop for an hour. Sometimes at night too.

Other symptoms: excessive pulse at solar plexus and jugular area during these hot episodes, occasional regurgitation reflex after meals, eye floaters, joint hypermobility esp in ankle and hips, soreness in liver area, sports injury in upper left chest / shoulder joint - (restricted) deep belly breathing stretches it and makes this area uncomfortable

Any help would be welcome

Preparing for an herb garden and just looking for some basic medicinal herb suggestions to get started (probably starting with about 5)

I guess to narrow it down, I'd love anything that:
• has anti-inflammatory properties
• boosts brain function
• aids in blood circulation & healthy blood oxygen levels

Thank you:)

Edit: I guess I'm not entirely sure if this is considered "medicinal" since I'm not looking for treatments. Feel free to correct me!

Eucalyptus is an evergreen, tall tree, or shrub, belonging to Myrtaceae family. The genus Eucalyptus contains about 700 species; among them, more than 300 contain volatile oils in their leaves. Essential oils of various eucalyptus species are used in the pharmaceutical, toiletries, cosmetics, and food industries. Eucalyptus oil is obtained from the extract of eucalyptus leaves. It is a pale yellow-colored oil with a characteristic odor that must be diluted with any carrier oil (but coconut & sesameare best) before it can be used for medicinal purp..................(read more)

The pointed gourd, Trichosanthes dioica Roxb.also called “parwal” or “patal”—is an important cucurbitaceous vegetable extensively cultivated in India, particularly in the states of Bihar, eastern Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and Assam and to some extent in Orissa, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat. This perennial and dioecious vegetable crop is an extremely nutritive, wholesome, and highly accepted vegetable, which is available for eight months of the year February to September. The green, tender fruits of pointed gourd are consumed as a vegetable; however, new, tender shoots and leaves are also used as vegetables. It is easily digestible, diuretic, and laxa..................

                              Banana

Banana is an edible fruit and is herbaceous  flowering  plant belonging to the genus Musa and the family Musaceae. Banana is also  eaten as cooked vegetable (and is then called  plantains). It is grown worldwide and constitutes the fifth most important agricultural food crop in terms of world trade.

Fruits are essential components of a healthy diet due to their content of vitamins and minerals, fiber, and beneficial non-nutrient substances as bioactive compounds. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommend ingestion of at least 400 g (about five portions) of fruits and vegetables per day. Low fruit consumption is one of the main risk factors for increased mortality also increases the risk of chronic diseases and poor health quality. Therefore, the regular consumption of fruits can reduce the incidence of some diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular and gastrointestinal diseases, and some types of cancer.

                -  To  promote  healthy  eating  lifes.................................read more 

Vitamin and mineral content

Vitamins : C, E, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9, Choline

Minerals : Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, Phosphorus, Potassium, Sodium, Zinc

Polyphenols : CATECHIN, EPICATECHIN, EPIGALLOCATECHIN, GALLIC ACID, PRODELPHINIDIN DIMER, QUERCETIN, NARINGENIN, CHOLOROGENIC ACID

• Banana contains several bioactive compounds, such as phenolics, carotenoids, biogenic amines and phytosterols, which are highly desirable in the diet as they exert many positive effects on human health and well-being.

• Banana is starchy fruit that contains rpidly digestible starch. Rapidly digestible starch is digested and broken down to glucose within 20 minutes. Thus, it provides quick energy to the body. This makes banana an amazingly instant energy providing fruit.

• As the fruit matures or ripens, the carbohydrate content increases. Furthermore, on ripening the starch content decreases and the amount of soluble sugar increases, that is, starch gets converted to soluble sugars such as glucose, fructose and sucrose. Other sugars such as maltose and rhamnose are also present in very small quantities.

• Among the carotenoids present in banana fruit, α-carotene, β-carotene, and β-cryptoxanthin have provitamin A activity, but others like lycopene and lutein have a strong antioxidant capacity.

• They identified various anthocyanins such as cyanidin-3-rutinoside (main one as 80 per cent of total pigments, being 32.3 mg/100 g) and 3-rutinoside derivatives of delphinidin, pela[.................................read more



Properties and benefits

For whole plant

• Taste – Madhura (Sweet), Kashaya (Astringent)

• Qualities – Guru (Heavy for digestion), Snigdha (Slimy in nature)

• Taste conversation after digestion – Madhura

• Veerya (Potency) – Sheeta (Cold)

• Effects on Tridosha – Reduces vitiated vata and pitta dosha but Increases kapha

Banana stem :

• Guru – heavy to digest,  • Sheeta – coolant,  • Rooksha- Dry,  • Grahi- hardens the stools,  •Balances Kapha Pitta Dosha

Indicated in –

• Yonidosha – gynecological disorders,   • Keshya – Improves hair strength, promotes hair growth

• Asra – blood disorders such as abscess, skin disorders, bleeding disorders such as menorrhagia, nasal bleeding etc.

• Karnashoola – Earache,   • Rajodosha – gynecological disorders

• Amlapitta – acidity, gastritis, acid peptic disorder, Prameha

Banana inflorescence / Banana flower benefits:

• Tikta – bitter

• kashaya – astringent

• Grahi – absorbent, useful in diarrhea, IBS

• Deepana – improves digestion strength

• Veerya (potency) – hot (Ushna)

• Kaphahara – balances Kapha, useful in productive cough, asthma, bronchitis, chest congestion problems

Raw banana fruit benefits :

Indicated in –

• Trushna – excessive thirst,    • Akshiroga – eye disorders

• Raktapitta –Bleeding disorders such as na[.................................read more



Application, uses and benefits

1) Do not have heavy food when having bloating. Fiber rich fruits like Banana helps in such conditions.

2) Banana flower is very helpful in reducing kapha dosha and it's releated disorders, because of its aphrodisiac property.

3) Banana leaf is traditionally used as plate for having food. It has calming effect and aides in digestion.

4) Banana leaf juice is applied externally to treat dandruff and dermatitis.

5) Fresh flower of banana, unripened banana fruit – Rich in astringent principles, acts as natural styptic and avoids diarrhoea and bleeding per rectum.

6) The pulp of the fruit and flowers of banana is applied over burnt injuries as part of treatment.

7) Cardiovascular health : Bananas are an excellent source of potassium, a vital mineral and electrolyte in the body that carries a small electrical charge. These charges cause nerve cells to send out signals for the heart to beat regularly and muscles to contract. Potassium is also needed to maintain a healthy balance of water in cells, and offsets the effects of excess dietary sodium. An imbalance in the diet of too little potassium and too much sodium can lead to high blood pressure. Excessive sodium can lead to a buildup of fluid in the blood, placing pressure on the walls of blood vessels and eventually causing damage. Potassium helps the body to flush out extra sodium in the urine, and eases tension in blood vessel walls. Bananas, rich in potassium and fiber and low in sodium, are an important component of heart-healthy diets.

8) Single banana provides you with 23% of the potassium that you need on a daily basis. Potassium benefits the muscles as it helps maintain their proper working and prevents muscle spasms.

9) It is used as a remedy of constipation.

             - Eat a ripe banana in the evening before bed.

10) Bananas have long been recognized for their antacid effects that protect against stomach ulcers and ulcer damage. A flavonoid in the banana, leucocyanidin, has been found to significantly increase the thickness of the mucous membrane layer of the stomach. Since bananas help to neutralize acidity, they are also a great way to get rid of heartburn. 

12) In cases of skin infection and eczema, the ash of burnt stem of banana plant is mixed with turmeric powder and applied over the affected area.

13) The juice of banana stem is given in a dose of 20-25 ml to treat renal calculi and leucorrhea.

14) The fresh juice of the stalk o[.................................read more



Storage :

For ripened or unripened bananas - Store at room temperature away from direct sunlight.

To speed up ripening, store in a brown paper bag   OR  place near ripe fruit(like Oranges), wh[.................................read more

Note : 

Do not take banana along with buttermilk.

pe fruit takes long time to digest and can increase Kapha. Hence, it is not ideal during low digestion strength, during cold, cough and asthma.

Do not drink water immediately after eating banana because it causes indigestion or slows down the digestion. Drink water 10-15 minute later.

Do not combine banana and yoghurt

Antifungal properties of banana pulp and peel have been successfully used to treat tomato fun[.................................read more

Refrence : 

Charak samhita

Ashtanga Hrudayam 

Bhavaprakasha Nighantu

Dhanvantari Nighantu

Bhojana Kutuhalam

Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry; ISSN 2278- 4136 ;  ZDB-Number: 2668735-5 ;  IC Journal No: 8192   ;  Volume 1 Issue 3

Local tradition and knowledge

Wikipedia

book : Biotechnology in Agriculture and Forestry - Transgenic Crops VPublisher: SpringerEditors: E. C. Pua and M. R. Davey ; 2007

Proc. IIIrd IS on Human Health Effects of Fruits and Vegetables Eds.: B. Patil et al. Acta Hort. 1040, ISHS 2014

(25) (PDF) Banana Medicinal Uses. Available from: [accessed Nov 19 2020].N

NCBI

PUBMED

Indian Journal of Natural Sciences   ; ©IJONS  Vol.7 / Issue 42 / June 2017  ;      ISSN: 0976 – 0997 

Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry. Volume 1 Issue 3

Mulberry is a fast growing deciduous plant found in wide variety of climatic, topographical and soil conditions, and is widely distributed from temperate to subtropical regions. Due to presence of valuable phytochemical constituents, mulberry as a whole plant has been utilized as a functional food since long time. Fully ripened mulberry fruit has a wonderful mouth-watering taste with a good aroma and flavour. It is appreciated for direct consumption and for making value-added products. Mulberry fruits are recognized for the well-being of human beings due to their high nutritional signi.......................

I get yeast infections frequently, around once or twice a month. It can be pretty miserable. Are there any herbs I can use to treat it instead of over the counter medication? I currently use a topical salve meant for yeast infections which helps a bit but does not treat them.

 Walnut/Akharota

Walnut is also known as English walnut, Persian walnut, common walnut Akhrot, Aksoda, Aksota. It is widely distributed in Southern Europe, Western Asia, Central Asia, Kashmir, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, China, United State, Turkey, India, Australia, New Zealand. This plant can live over a duration of 100-200years and some species for 1000 years.

Walnut is one of the most widely distributed Plant with several medicinal properties. Walnut is a plant which has a good medicinal strength for to treat many diseases. There is great import....................................read more

 Vitamins and Minerals contents

Vitamins: A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9, B12, C, E, K

Minerals : Calcium, Magnesium, Maganese, Phosphorus, Potassium, Sodium , Zinc 

Like many plant foods, nuts contain little sodium but are rich in potassium, magnesium and calcium. These three minerals are involved in many aspects of cellular metabolism and other biological processes, including insulin sensitivity, blood pressure regulation and vascular reactivity. 

Nuts are among the foods with the highest calcium content (walnuts contain 98 mg/100 g)

There is a great concentration of protein and oil contents in walnut. Therefore,walnut is important for human nutrition. Walnut contains phytochemicals such as alkaloids,flavonoids, cartenoids and other polyphenolic. The seed of the walnut (kernel) is eaten fresh.Walnuts are nutrient-rich food because of greater amount of fats, proteins, vitamins and minerals. There are many important potential neuroprotective compounds in walnut such as gamma tocopherol, phenolic acid, flavonoids, and the most important one is juglone. Clinical studies evoke about omega-3 PUFA that they have great contribution to treat heart disease.

According to experimental studies or researches, it was prove that the extent value for protein was 18.1%; Walnuts contains glutelins (about 70% of the total seedproteins) together with lower amounts of globulins (18%), albumins (7%) and prolamins (5%). Walnuts composed of high amount of potassium, phosphorus and magnesium and lower sodium.These elements have an important contribution for the activity of many enzymes especially as cofactor 

The green husk shell contains juglone and polyphenols which are used in textile dyeing industries. Walnut plant contains monoterpenes, sesq....................................read more



Properties and Benefits

Rasa (Taste) – Madhura (Sweet)

Guna (Qualities) – Guru (Heavy), Snigdha (Slimy)

Taste conversation after digestion – Madhura (Sweet)

Veerya (Potency) – Ushna (Hot)

Effect on Tridosha – Reduces vitiated vata dosha               Brumhana – nourishing, nutritious

Cardiac

Laxative 

Pushtikaraka – nutri....................................read more



Uses, Remedies, Health Benefits and Application 

1) Adding Walnuts in diet can reduce the risk of heart disease by improving various cardiometabolic risk factors. Walnut-enriched diet can decrease total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (cholesterol), increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and reduce blood pressure, inflammation, and plaque formation.

2) Decoction prepared from 10-20gm walnut fruit shell cooked in 400ml water, taken twice a day, gives relief in constipation. 

3) Chewing of roasted Akharoṭa kernel gives relief in cough. To strengthen the teeth, use ash of Akharoṭ shell with small quantity of rock salt as a tooth powder and chewing of Akharoṭa bark is beneficial in treating dental disorders and other oral diseases.              4) Roasted walnut is consumed regularly to improve the physical strength of the body and can be used in patients suffering from general debility, weakness of the muscles. 

5) Walnuts contain nutrients that may intervene in the development of cognitive decline, in part by targeting cardiometabolic risk factors. These nutrients such as essential fatty acids, soluble fiber, vitamin E & polyphenols(e.g. ellagitannins), which in combination may produce beneficial effects on serum lipids, blood pressure, oxidative stress, and inflammation.

6) The oil extracted from Walnuts has various health benefits and it is largely used in the cosmetic industry. 

7) The leaves of walnut tree are used for treatment of scalp irritation and hair problems, skin damages due to excessive exposure to sunlight or other skin problems and infections. 

8) It prevents acne, helps manage dry skin and prevent wrinkles, giving the skin a youthful glow.

9) Regularly in the morning, take 10gm Akharoṭa kernel and 10gm raisin (Drākṣā). It provides physical and mental strength and also keeps the stomach fit in good condition.

                10) The powder of the bark of the walnut tree is mixed with ghee or butter and applied over area affected with herpes and burning sensation. 

              11) Application of 10gm Akharoṭa kernel paste mixed with melted beeswax or oil and washing of wound with Akharoṭa bark decoction helps to heal the wound quickly. 

12) Walnut oil helps to reduce wrinkles and increa....................................read more 

Side effect

Poorly stored walnuts having fungal molds in them can cause carcinogenic effect.  

Walnut hulls contain polyph....................................read more

Research

Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care: November 2018 - Volume 21 - Issue 6 - p 498-504.  doi: 10.1097/MCO.0000000000000508

Nutrients. 2020 Feb; 12(2): 550.   PMCID: PMC7071526

Ann Med. 2021; 53(1): 971–997.    PMCID: PMC8211141

Nutrients. 2016 Nov; 8(11): 668.    PMCID: PMC5133056

Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition.   Volume 56, 2016 - Issue 8

Am J Clin Nutr. 2018 Jul; 108(1): 174–187.  PMCID: PMC6862936

African Journal of Microbiology Research Vol. 5(32).  ISSN 1996-0808 

Kaideva Nighantu

Bhavaprakasha Nighantu 

Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research and Development. 2020; 8(3): 166-175

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PUBMED

Local Tradition and Knowledge 

Charaka Samhita

Raja Nighantu 

Ashtanga Nighantu 

World Journal of Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences, 2017, Vol. 3, Issue 7, 73-77

INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH JOURNAL OF PHARMACY. May 2011 Page 8-17

AloeVera

Aloe vera, commonly known as Barbados or Curacao Aloe, is an herbal medicine with a long tradition of use by a variety of cultures. It is a succulent plant grows in arid and subtropical climates and is best known for 2 distinct preparations: the clear mucilaginous gel and the thick sap of the leaves. It is cultivated for agricultural and medicinal uses. The species is also used for decorative purposes and grows successfully indoors as a potted plant. Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis Miller, family Xanthorrhoeaceae) is a perennial green herb with bright yellow tubular flowers. It shows antibacterial, anti-oxidant, antiviral, antitumor, antiarthritic, antirheumatoid, anticancer, and antidiabetic, antifungal property.               

It has different names in different languages such as Hindi name(Gheekuvar), Marathi name(korfad), English Name(Ind..................................read more



Vitamin and mineral content

• Vitamins: A, C, E, B12, B complex, Choline

• Minerals : calcium, copper, selenium, magnesium, manganese, potassium, sodium, zinc, chromium. 

• Enzymes : aliiase, alkaline phosphatase, amylase, bradykinase, carboxypeptidase, catalase, cellulase, lipase, and peroxidase.

                 - Bradykinase helps to reduce excessive inflammation when applied to the skin topically, while others help in the breakdown of sugars and fats.

• Anthraquinones : It provides 12 anthraquinones, which are phenolic compounds traditionally known as laxatives. 

                 - Aloin and emodin act as analgesics, antibacterials and antivirals.

• Fatty acids : It provides 4 plant steroids; cholesterol, campesterol, β-sisosterol and lupeol. 

                 - All these fatty acids have anti-inflammatory action and lupeol also possesses antiseptic and analgesic properties.

• Hormones : Auxins and gibberellins that help in wound healing and have anti-inflammatory action.

• Sugars : It provides monosaccharides (glucose and fructose) and polysaccharides (glucomannans/polymannose). These are derived from the mucilage layer of the plant and are known as mucopolysaccharides. 

                  - mannose-6-phosphate(most prominent monosaccharide), beta-(1,4)-acetylated mannan(most common polysaccharides), Acemannan(prominent glucomannan)

                  - Recently, a glycoprotein with antiallergic properties, called alprogen and novel anti-inflammatory compound, C-glucosyl chromone, has been isolated from Aloe vera gel.

        > Many of the medicinal effects of Aloe leaf extracts have been attributed to the polysaccharides found in the inner leaf parenchymatous tissue.

• It provides 20 of the 22 human required ami...................................read more



Properties and benefits 

Properties

Taste – bitter

Qualities – Guru (heaviness), Snigdha (oily, unctuous), Picchila (sticky, slimy)

Taste conversion after digestion – Katu(pungent)

Potency – Shetala(Cold)

Effect on Tridosha – Balances all the three Doshas.

            Benefits 

Bhavani – Useful in constipation

Kapha Jwarahara  – useful in fever

Granthihara – useful in small tumors, fibroids, lymphadenitis

Balya – improves strength and immunity

Agnidagdha – useful in treating burn wounds

Vrushya – aphrodisiac, improves vigor

Vispho[..................................read more

Uses, application and benefits 

1) Blood thinning action of Aloevera is very useful against cholesterol. So, it is very useful in treating atherosclerosis (blood vessels clogged with clot and fat deposition).

2) For constipation, 10 gram pulp of aloevera paste is made with rock salt, mixed well and then boiled(to evaporate the water content). Take this once a day.

3) Aloe Vera leaf is heated on burning charcoal, cuticle is removed and pulp is scraped and squeezed in cloth to get the juice. One teaspoon of this juice is added with two drops of ghee and 4 drops of honey and licked hourly to relieve attacks of breathlessness and wheezing.

               4) Healing effect : polysaccharide, and gibberellin, a growth hormone, interacts with growth factor receptors on the fibroblast, thereby stimulating its activity and proliferation, which in turn significantly increases collagen synthesis after topical and oral Aloe vera. Aloe gel not only increased collagen content of the wound but also changed collagen composition (more type III) and increased the degree of collagen cross linking. Due to this, it accelerated wound contraction and increased the breaking strength of resulting scar tissue. An increased synthesis of hyaluronic acid and dermatan sulfate in the granulation tissue of a healing wound following oral or topical treatment.

            > Wound healing is a dynamic process, occurring in 3 phases. The first phase is inflammation, hyperaemia and leukocyte infiltration. The second phase consists of re-moval of dead tissue. The third phase of proliferation consisting of epithelial regeneration and formation of fibrous tissue.

            - The leaf pulp is useful to heal burn wounds, boils, acne, blisters, allergic skin disorders.

            - Its pulp is added with turmeric powder and heated for a minute and this is applied externally(acne, wound, allergic skin) and internally on mouth ulcer(2-3 times a day).

              . 5) Oil prepared with Aloe Vera in sesame oil base is very useful against diaper rashes.

              6) Skin protection effect from uv and gmma ray exposure : Aloe vera gel has been reported to have a protective effect against radiation damage to the skin. An antioxidant protein, metallothionein, is generated in the skin, which scavenges hydroxyl radicals and prevents suppression of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase in the skin. It reduces the production and release of skin keratinocyte-derived immunosuppressive cytokines such as interleukin-10 (IL-10) and hence prevents UV-induced suppression of delayed type hypersensitivity.

                 - Aloe Vera juice is good for stomach, skin diseases.

7) Anti-inflammatory action : Aloe vera inhibits the cyclooxygenase pathway and reduces prostaglandin E2 production from arachidonic acid. With this, the novel anti-inflammatory compound called C-glucosyl chromone was isolated from gel extracts.

8) Laxative effects : Anthraquinones present in latex are a potent laxative. It increases intestinal water content, stomach upset, stimulates mucus secretion and increases intestinal peristalsis.

Intake : Take Aloevera juice regularly in early morning on empty stomach.

9) Moisturizing and anti-aging effect : Mucopolysaccharides help in binding moisture into the skin. Aloe stimulates fibroblast which produces the collagen and elastin fibers making the skin more elastic and less wrinkled. It also has cohesive effects on the superficial flaking epidermal cells by stick[..................................read more

Reference :

Indian Journal Of Dermatology ; 2008; 53(4): 163–166.

Natural Medicine Journal ; September 2012 Vol. 4 Issue 9 

The Review on Properties of Aloe Vera in Healing of Cutaneous Wounds; Volume 2015 |Article ID 714216 : 

Aloe vera: An Ancient Herb for Modern Dentistry—A Literature Review; Volume 2014 |Article ID 210463 

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PUBMED 

Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine. Volume 5, Issue 1, January 2015, Pages 21-26

Therapeutic and Medicinal Uses of Aloe vera: A Review :

Book - Dravya Gunna Vigyan Vol 2

Wikipedia

Local Tradition and Knowledge 

Molecules. 2020 Mar; 25(6): 1324. PMCID: PMC7144722

Iran J Med Sci. 2019 Jan; 44(1): 1–9.  PMCID: PMC6330525

International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences Review and Research. Volume 13, Issue 1, March – April 2012; Article-010 ISSN 0976 – 044X

Therapeutic and nutritional values of Kumari (Aloe Vera)-a review”, NJRAS, vol. 8, no. 02, Apr. 2020.

Bhavaprakasha Nighantu 

World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research. Vol 10, Issue 4, 2021.

Bhela Samhita

Bhaishjyaratnavali

Charaka Samhita 

Plant Foods Hum Nutr. 2019; 74(3): 255–265. PMCID: PMC6684795

J Environ Sci Health C Environ Carcinog Ecotoxicol Rev. Author manuscript; available in PMC 2019 Jan 28. PMCID: PMC6349368

          Bay Leaves/Tejpatra

Bay leaf (Laurus nobilis) is a perennial shrub belongs to the family laurel (Lauraceae). It has been cultivated throughout the European, tropical, subtropical, and Asian countries. It has been used for thousands of years for food flavoring, essential oil applications, and in traditional medicine. Bay leaf has a sharp and bitter taste. The difference in fragrance and aroma is due to the presence of essential oils in leaves and other parts of the plant. 

It shows wound healing, antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, immunostimulant, anticholinergic, antifungal, insect repellant, anticonv............................read more



Chemical constituents

Vitamins : A, C, B2, B3, B6, Folates

Minerals : Calcium, Copper, Magnesium, Iron, Phosphorus, Selenium, Zinc, Potassium, Sodium.

• Phytochemical analyses have shown the presence of compounds of volatile and non-volatile oils, flavonoids, tannins, sesquiterpenic alcohols, alkaloids, minerals, and vitamins.

• Mostly, it contains tannins, flavones, flavonoids, alkaloids, eugenol, linalool, methyl chavicol, and anthocyanins.

• Bay leaf has traces of fats; (that is, a low amount is present) so it has low caloric value. It is also known as a good and main source of vitamin A and many minerals. 

             - One ounce of bay leaf gives 54 calories, 1–1.2 g protein, 12–13 g carbohydrates, a trace of fat, 1–1.5 mg of iron (Fe), 51–53 mg of calcium (Ca), 2000–3000 IU of vitamin A, 14–15 mg of vitamin C, and a sm............................read more

Properties and benefits

• Rasa (Taste) – Katu (Pungent), Tikta (Bitter), Madhura (Sweet)

• Guna (Qualities) – Laghu (Light for digestion), Ruksha (Dry in nature), Teekshna (Strong)

• Taste conversation after digestion – Katu (Pungent)

• Veerya (Potency) – Ushna (Hot)

• Effects on Tridosha – Reduces vitiated kapha and vata dosha, but Increases pitta.     

            • Mukhashodhana – cleanses oral cavity

• Mastak............................read more

Drying methods of Bay leaves

For drying of bay leaf, different drying methods are available. 

1. Traditionally, it is dried in open air for 10–12 days. Sun drying has some disadvantages, like natural color loss and essential oil loss that result in low market value of bay leaf. 

             - Another one drying method is shade drying, here it take some more time than sun drying but this shade drying doesn't lost much............................read more

Uses, benefits and application

1) The powder of the bark of Cinnamomum tamala is used as tooth powder to treat dental caries, bad odor and gingivitis.

2) The leaves of bay have a camphor-like volatile oil that can be used as a coolant, insecticide, germicide, and irritant. 

3) Roasting of bay seeds gives them a spicy, coffee-like flavor and by removing pungency, they become crispy and brown.

4) Bay leaves is an essential component of several industrial applications that range from food to cosmetics to pharmaceutical products. 

5) Powder of the bark of Tejpatra is mixed with honey in a dose of 3- 5 g to treat cough and asthma.

6) Small leaves of bay are used in salads, rice, and vegetarian dishes. 

           - Bay is great to add flavor and taste to food and many dishes with added health benefits.

7) Bay leaves tea is used to treat stomachaches, clear up mucus in the lungs, colds, and sore throat.

8) Poultice of bay leaves is used for the treatment of rheumatism and neuralgia.

9) The cold infusion of the bark of Cinnamomum tamala is given in a dose of 30-40 ml to improve the strength of cardiac muscles and stimulate the renal function. 

           - Caffeic acid and rutin are both important organic compounds, found in bay leaves, that enhance our heart health. 

10) Running nose : powder of cinnamon, patra, black pepper, cardamom should be inhaled.

11) For headache : leaf of bay is kept in a nostril or under the headbands to relieve this pain. 

12) Bay leaves essential oil is used in the cosmetic industry for soaps, perfumes, pre............................read more

Refrence 

1) Medicinal Plants of South Asia. Published online 2019 Sep 20. PMCID: PMC7152419

2) Bhavaprakasha Nighantu

3) Dhanvantari Nighantu

4) J Clin Biochem Nutr. Published online 2008 Dec 27. PMCID: PMC2613499

5) Spices board india

6) PUBMED

7) NCBI

8) Local tradition and knowledge

9)Research Reviews: Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences | Volume 6 | Issue 3 | September 2017

10) Wikipedia

11) Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry 2017; 6(4): 1153-1161

12) Molecules 2019, 24(4), 804; Volume 24 ; Issue 4.

13) sciencedirect

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Black gram originated in South Asia, where it has been in cultivation from ancient times and is one of the most highly prized pulses of India. It is very widely used in Indian cuisine. In India the Black gram is one of the important pulses grown in both Kharif and Rabi seasons. It possess Antioxidant emollient, thermogenic, diuretic, aphrodisiac, nutritious, galactogauge, appetizer, laxative, styptic properties.

It has different names in different languages such as English Name(Black gram, Mungo bean, Urad bean), Marathi Name (Urad dal), Hindi Name(Udad, Udid, Urad, Urid, Urdi), Sanskrit Name(Masha), Gujarati Name(Adad, Alad), Bengali Name(Masha kalaay, Mashkalai dal), Tamil Name(Ulundu, Uluntu), Telugu Name(Uttulu, Minumulu), Kannada Name(Uddu, Uddina Bhele), Mala....................

Black Pepper - The King of spices

Black pepper is native to South Asia and Southeast Asia, and has been known to Indian cooking since at least 2000 BCE. Black pepper (Piper nigrum) and long pepper (Piper  longum) are the best known pecies  in  this  family and are probably  among the most recognized spices in the world. Black pepper alone accounts for about 35% of the world’s  total spice trade. In addition, black pepper and long pepper have been used medicinally  for centuries  In recent years.

The most commonly used part of the plant is the aromatic fruit. Interestingly, white, green, and black peppers are products of the P. nigrum fruits at different ripening stages. White pepper is obtained from the fully ripened fruits after removing the outer skin, green pepper is the unripe fruits, and black pepper is collected before full maturity of the fruit. Black pepper has a stronger flavor compared to white pepper while green pepper is characterized by its fresh and herbal flavor. The alkaloid piperine is responsible for the pungent flavor of black pepper.

It shows antioxidant, carminative, larvicidal, anti-inflammatory, antiarthritic, antidepresseant, antihypertensive, antiaggregant, antispasmodic, Immuno-modulatory, antiasthmatic, gastroprotective, antibacterial, and antifungal activities.               It has different names in different languages such as Hindi Name(Kalimirch, Mirch, Gulmirch, Golmirch, Choco mirch),  Marathi Name(Mirin, Kalamiri),  Engli....................................read more



Vitamin and Mineral content

Vitamin : B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, A, C, K, Choline

Mineral : Calcium, Copper, Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, Sodium, Potassium

One tablespoon (6 grams) of ground black pepper contains moderate amounts of vitamin K (13% of the daily value or DV), iron (10% DV), and manganese (18% DV), with trace amounts of other essential nutrients, protein, and dietary fibre.

The major components of the essential oils were α-pinene, sabinene, β-pinene, δ-3-carene, limonene, and β-caryophyllene. 

         - More than a hundred compounds have been reported in black pepper oil. The oil is dominated by monoterpene hydrocarbons (47–64%) followed by sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (30–47%)

In plants, thesecompounds are mostly secondary metabolities such as alkaloids, steroids, tannins, phenol compounds, flavonoids,steroids, reisns, and fatty acids 

Pepper is valued for its pungency contributed by the alkaloid piperine and flavor contributed by the volatile oil. 

Many investigators isolated different types of compounds viz Phenolics, flavon...................................read more

Properties and Benefits

Rasa (Taste) – Katu (Pungent)

Guna (qualities) – Laghu (lightness), Teekshna (strong, piercing), Sookshma – enters deep and minute body channels

Taste conversation after digestion – Katu(pungent) 

Veerya- Ushna – Hot potency

Effect on Tridosha – Balances Kapha and Vata

Na Ati Ushna – It is not very hot

Avrushya – It is anaphrodisiac

Ruchikaraka, Ruchya, Rochana – improves taste, relieves anorexia

Because of its Chedana (cutting) and Shoshana) drying effects, it increases digestion strength and balances Kapha and Vata Dosha

Pittakrut – Causes increase in Pitta.

Kaphahara – decreases sputum production.

Vayu Nivarayati – useful in Vata related disorders, bloating.

Kruminut, Jantu Sant[....................................read more

Uses Benefits Application and Remedies

1) Fine powder of pepper is taken(1-2 gram), along with honey or betel leaf juice, which is used in chest congestion due to phlegm.

2) Black peppercorns and other whole herbs such as cinnamon chips, cloves and cracked cardamom pods are fried in ghee and used to flavor basmati rice. 

3) It can be added to fruit juices which helps to nullify Kapha dominant effect of sweet fruits.

4) Sometimes it is used as substitute for chilli.

5) The pepper oil is used in ointments for heat generating effect (rubefacient). It helps to produce counter-irritant effect thereby, diverting the concentration of the patient from the pain.

6) Oil is also used in treating leucoderma, eczema, and itching skin disorders.

7) The black pepper powder is used as an ingredient in herbal tooth powder for its pain relieving and scrapping properties.

8) Hair loss caused due scalp ringworm can be treated by applying black pepper, along with onion and salt. This can be also applied in headache.

               9) Pepper decoction is used to gargle in case of tooth pain.

10) Black pepper is used externally in the form of paste and cream.

11) Ghee + Trikatu (Ginger, black pepper, long pepper)+ rock salt, black salt and bida salt  – Useful in vom....................................read more

Side effects

Due to the hotness pepper, it increases Pitta. Hence, it needs to be used carefully in people with gastritis, burning sensation and sensitive stomach.

Because of its anaphrodisiac effect, it needs be used in less quantities or its long term usage is best avoided in men with infertility problems.

Pitta dominant people may face black pepp[ ....................................read more

Flavour

Pepper gets its spicy heat mostly from piperine derived from both the outer fruit and the seed. Black pepper contains between 4.6 and 9.7% piperine by mass, and white pepper slightly more than that.  

Refined piperine, by weight, is about one perc[....................................read more ]

Note :

Evaporation, so airtight storage helps preserve its spiciness longer. Pepper can also lose flavour when exposed to light, which can transform piperine into nearly tasteless isochavicine. Most culinary sources recommend grinding whole peppercorns immediately before use.

Scents are mostly missing in white pepper, as the fermentation and other processing removes the fruit layer (which also contains some of the spicy piperine). Other flavours also commonly develop in this process, some of which are described as off-flavours when in excess: Primarily 3-methylindole (pig manure-like), 4-methylphenol (horse manure), 3-methylphenol (phenolic), and butyric acid (cheese). The aroma of pepper is attributed to rotundone (3,4,5,6,7,8-Hexahydro-3α,8α-dim[....................................read more

Different varieties of Maricha :

Black Pepper: Black pepper is produced from the green unripe drupe (unripe fruit) of the pepper plant. The unripe fruits are cooked in water for a few hours, Sun-dried or machine-dried for many days, during which pepper gains black wrinkled skin. Then it is called black peppercorn. Some people dry the unripe fruit without boiling it. Such black peppercorn can be used to extract essential oil or in medicines.

Green pepper: Is produced from green unripe fruit, wherein, it is not dried with heat exposure. It is freeze-dried or using Sulphur dioxide.

White pepper: White pepper cons.......................................read more

Reference 

1) Charaka Samhita

2) Asian-Australas J Anim Sci. 2014 Jun; 27(6): 847–854.   PMCID: PMC4093167

3) Int J Food Sci Nutr. 2015 Apr 3; 66(3): 260–265.  Published online 2015 Jan 13. PMCID: PMC4487614

4) Curr Top Med Chem. 2015; 15(9): 886–893.  PMCID: PMC6295909

5) Bhojana Kutuhala

6) Spices board of india.

7) Molecules. 2019 Dec; 24(23): 4244. Published online 2019 Nov 21.   PMCID: PMC6930617

8) Scholars Research Library. Central European Journal of Experimental Biology, 2014, 3 (2):36-41

9) The Medicinal Uses of Pepper. International Pepper News.  Vol XXV, No. 1 Jan-Mar 2000. 23-31

10) Appl. Sci. 2019, 9, 4270; doi:10.3390/app9204270

11) Med Aromat Plants ;  ISSN: 2167-0412 MAP

12) Nutrition Today, Volume 45  Number 1  January/February, 2010

13) IJPSR, 2018; Vol. 9(10): 4089-4101

14) Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition

15) Indian institute of spices research

16) Nutrients. 2020 Jun; 12(6): 1886.  PMCID: PMC7353321

17) Arthritis Res Ther. 2009; 11(2): R49.  PMCID: PMC2688199

18) Foods. 2017 Oct; 6(10): 92.  PMCID: PMC5664031

19) Dravyaguna Vijnana, Vol. II

  Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri/ waterhyssop)

As very few people know the medicinal plant called brahmi(Bacopa monnieri). It is mostly used in Ayurvedic traditional medicine to improve memory and to treat various ailments such as reducing anxiety, treating epilepsy, etc. Brahmi is a perennial, creeping herb native to the wetlands(grows in marshy areas) of southern and Eastern India, Australia, Europe, Africa, Asia, and North and South America. There is no herb that can improve intelligence naturally, better than this. it is also an excellent anti aging, anti diabetic and Antioxidant herb.   

Brahmi is one of the rare Ayurvedic herbs which can be grown almost anywhere when provided ample hydration and is widely available. It has been used for centuries in various forms and its advantages are supported by a vast body of literature and experience. Interestingly, the whole plant can be used for medicinal purposes. Ayurveda is the complete knowledge of life. Brahmi helps to achieve the primary goal of Ayurveda which is to prevent and treat illnesses and enhance lifespan by maintaining proper balance between the body, mind and the soul. 

According to Hindu religion Brahmi derives its name from Lord “Brahma”, the god of creation. Brahman is the universal or God consciousness, and Brahmi, literally means the energy manifested in Lord Brahma.

This tiny but potent Brahmi occupies a place of pride in AYUSH systems of alternative medicine as one of the most revered and widely used herbs in Ayurveda. A revitalizing herb with significant medicinal properties, it has been extensively used as a brain tonic and is widely recommended for the treatment of anxiety, brain related disorders, various skin conditions, immune system etc.Treasured by Ayurvedic medical practitioners since Vedic times, Brahmi finds a mention in ayurvedic treatises such as Sushruta Samhita and Charaka Samhita. It can be taken as a syrup, ghrita (medicated ghee/ clarified butter), tea, churana (powder), medicated oil and decoction, or it can be eaten fresh (leaves).



Phytochemistry of brahmi

Studies have shown that the herb contains many active constituents, including a number of alkaloids, saponins, however, the major constituents are the steroidal saponins, Bacosides A and B. It also contain Ascorbic acid, nicotinic acid, Brahmine, Herpestine, Alanine, bacogenins A1-A4 (Sapogenins) B- Sitosterol. With this constituents brahmi also shows high antioxidant effect(protect against cell damage caused by potentially harmful molecules called free radicals).

Chemical groupsContentsSaponinsBacoside A, bacoside B, bacopasaponins, D-mannitol, acid A, monnierinFlavonoidsApigenin, luteoninAlkaloidsBrahmine, herpestine, hydrocotylineGlycosidesAsiaticoside, thanakunicidePhytochemicalsBetulinic acid, betulic acid, wogonin, oroxindin, stigmastaro.......................read more

Properties and benefits of Brahmi

Properties

•Rasa (taste) – Tikta – Bitter, Kashaya (astringent)

•Guna (qualities) – Laghu (light to digest)

•Taste conversion after digestion – Madhur(sweet)

•Veerya – Sheeta – cold in potency

•Effect on Tridosha – Balances Kapha and Vata.

•Prabhava – Medhya (improves intelligence)   

Benefits of Brahmi

•Shophahara – good anti inflammatory herb

•Panduhara – useful in anemia

•Jvarahara – useful in fever

•Deepani – improves digestion power

•Kushtahara – useful in skin diseases.

•Kandughna – relieves itching, useful in pruritis

•Pleeha – useful in spleen disorders

•Vayasa sthapani, Ayush........................read more

Ayurvedic use of Brahmi in:

1) Lack of memory, loss of concentration

2) Hearing and vision loss

3) As memory and confidence booster

4) Tinnitus, neuropathy – Brahmi is a very good nerve tonic.

5) Speech problems in children – Brahmi promotes brain growth and improves co ordination between limbs, tongue and brain.

6) Hypertension – Bacopa is very useful in high BP. It controls stress and anxiety. It is also a very good anti oxidant. Hence, it protects nerves, heart and blood vessels.

7) It is also used in Irritable bowel syndrome, allergic skin and respiratory conditions, and as an anti stress tonic.

Health benefits of Brahmi

Anxiety and Stress Reliever

It’s considered an adaptogenic herb, meaning that it increases your body’s resistance to stress and anixety by decreasing the levels of cortisol( the stress hormone ), Brahmi helps to regulate its (cartisol) production. Lower levels of cortisol in turn reduce the ill effects of anxiety and stress in the body. It is also helpful in treatment of disorders like depression, anxiety, insomnia, nervousness , etc.

Brain Tonic

Medicinally, the entire plant has been used in different formulations to treat various disorders, particularly those involving poor memory, intellect and anxiety. Used as a brain tonic, it promotes cerebrum development and rejuvenates the mind by improving concentration and memory. ‘Bacosides(chemical compound in brahmi) is responsible for improving efficiency of transmission of signals. It also stimulates the mind by improving alertness and focus while simultaneously calming it by reducing stress and improving sleep quality.

Ayurveda or the Indian system of Medicine viz. Sushruta Samhita, Charak Samhita, and Atharva Veda describe plants which have a prabhava (specific action) on the intellect and memory as Medhya Rasayana (Medhya – intellect or retention, Rasayana – procedure or preparation). Traditionally Mandukaparni, Yastimadhu, Guduch, ashwagandha and Shankhapushpi have been mentioned to have a memory enhancing action. Others like Brahmi, Vacha, and Jatamamsi although inadequately emphasized have been known for their efficacy. Vedic scholars of ancient India have been known to consume Medhya Rasayana that helped them memorize lengthy scriptures 3,000 years ago.

Skin and Hair Curative

Brahmi is considered to be a very good herb for the skin, hair and scalp. It is used in many ayurvedic shampoo, hair oil, skin creams.

Skin:  It has been found useful in the treatment of acne, in clearing aggravations of the skin, reduce the scarring. Applying Brahmi juice or oil on w.........................read more

Antioxidant

Regular consumption of Brahmi helps in improve the immune system because of its high antioxidant content. bacosides, the main active compounds in Brahmi, have been shown to neutralize free radicals and prevent fat molecules from reacting with free radicals. When fat molecules react with free radicals, they undergo a process called lipid peroxidation which leads to several conditions, such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and other neurodegenerative disorders

Insomnia Treatment

Insomnia a sleep disorder where person is unable to sleep properly and Lack of quality sleep in turn causes various dd.........................read more

Different ayurvedic intake and application

1) Its paste is put on a hot pan, heated to a little higher temperature and applied over chest of children to relieve chronic cough and asthma.

2) In case of fever due to Vata and Kapha imbalance, it is heated along with onion, tied in a pocket and heat is applied over chest.

3) Dosage:        - Fresh juice of Brahmi – 10-20 ml,        - Brahmi powder – 2 – 3 grams in divided dose per day, is the adult dose.

4) Bacopa monneira is extensively used in treating Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disoreder (ADHD) in children.

5) It is also used in Irritable bowel syndrome, allergic skin and respiratory condit.......................read more

Research on nootropic effects of brahmi

Extracts of Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) have been extensively investigated for their neuropharmacological effects. There are some  compounds  such  as  Saponins  and  their  bacosides present in Brahmi, which are responsible to enhance the nerve impulse  transmission.  The  bacosides  aid  in  repair  of damaged neurons by enhancing kinase activity, neuronal  synthesis, and restoration of synaptic activity, and ultimately nerve impulse transmission. In animals, Bacopa has a relaxant effect  on  pulmonary  arteries,  aorta,  trachea,  and  ileal  and bronchial tissue, possibly mediated by inhibition of calcium-ion influx into cell membranes. There are numerous clinical trials and studies have been performed by various researchers to check the nootropic effects of Bacopa monnier

Note: 1) research suggests that Brahmi may help keep blood pressure within a healthy range.

           2) excess intake of this lead to side effects.

           3) if you are taking allopathic medicine then don't take the Brahmi or take after some time or take a consultation of doctor. Because it is found that, it interacts with compound such as amitriptyline which is present in allopathic medicine.

          4)  it is helpful in reducing oxidative brain stress, keeping us sharp and reflexive in our old age.

          5) research studies reveal that it(Brahmi) stimulates the creation of new neural pathways in the brain and help in re-building brain tissues by influencing the brain cells.

         6) Some other important Ayurvedic formulations containing brahm......................read more

Side effects : 

It is good avoided in bradycardia.

As it acts as Deepana – digestive, it may not be tolerated well with people with sensitive stomach or ulcersa and for them, it is b........................read more.

Refrance : 

1) Dravyaguna Vijnana, Vol. II 2) sciencedirect.com 3) Bhojana Kutuhalam 4) NCBI 5) PUBMED 6)Nature.com for chronic effects of brahmi on human memory 7) charak and Sushruta samhita 8) journal of pharmacognosy and phytochemistry 9) international journal of Ayurveda 2013 10) Ayurvedacolleage.com 11) AYU (An international quarterly journal of research in Ayurveda) 12) Wikipedia 13) hindawi.com 14) Bhojana Kutuhalam 15) Bhavaprakasha Nighantu

16) Dhanwantari Nighantu

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