Aswagandha (अश्वगंधा ) Sanskrit Name: अश्वगंधा (Aswagandha) Botanical name: Withania somnifera (Linn.) Dunal Family: Solanaceae English name: Winter cherry Malayalam name: അമുക്കുരം Distribution: Throughout drier parts of India and cultivated along various parts of India. Part used: root tubers Properties: Aphrodisiac, diuretic, anti-cancer, anti-ageing, sleep inducing, amelioratic, nervine, anti-proliferative and immunomodulatory. Useful in: Lack of […]
Vacha (वचा ) Sanskrit Name: वचा (Vacha) Botanical name: Acorus calamus Linn. Family: Acoraceae English name: Sweet flag Mayalam name: വയമ്പ് Distribution: Throughout India in areas elevated upto 1,800mts in marshes, also cultivated Part used: Rhizome Properties: Carminative, nootropic, anti-convulsant, antimicrobial, anti-stress, anti-obesity, hypolipidemic, memory booster, immunomodulator, voice modulator. Useful in: Demensia, Carminative, speech disorders,
Jyotishmati (ज्योतिष्मती) Sanskrit name : ज्योतिष्मती (Jyotishmati) Botanical name : Celastrus paniculatus Willd. Family : Celastraceae English name : Climbing staff plant, intellect plant Malayalam name : ചെറുപുന്ന Distribution : Throughout India, on hills upto an altitude of 1,200m. Parts used : seeds and seed oil Properties : Nootropic, Digestive, Laxative, emetic, expectorant, appetiser, aphrodisiac, cardiotonic, anti-inflammatory, diuretic,
Bhallataka (भल्लातक) Sanskrit Name: भल्लातक (Bhallataka) Botanical name: Semecarpus anacardium L. f. Family: Anacardiaceae English name: Marking nut tree Malayalam name: ചേര് Distribution: Found in tropical and subtropical regions of India, in semi-evergreen and most deciduous forest. Part used: Fruits- Nut Toxic by nature, purified and used in Ayurveda medicines.
Vatsanabha (वत्सनाभ) Sanskrit name: वत्सनाभ (Vatsanabha) Botanical name: Aconitum ferox Wall. ex Syringe Family: Rananculaceae English name: Indian aconite or Queen of poisons Malayalam name: വത്സനാഭി Distribution: Northern Himalayas of Nepal and Kashmir. Part used: Root tubers Toxic by nature, purified and used in Ayurveda medicines. Chief Chemical constituent: Aconitine
Chitraka (चित्रक) Sanskrit Name: चित्रक (Chitraka) Botanical name: Plumbago zeylanica Linn. Family: Plumbaginaceae English name: Ceylon leadwort Malayalam name: കൊടുവേലി Distribution: Throughout India, in arid lands, as well as cultivated. Parts used: Roots Toxic by nature, purified and used in Ayurveda medicines. Chief Chemical constituent: Plumbagin Purification: Cleaning and