LBA in Ayurveda

LUMBAR SPONDYLOSIS

DEFINITION- IT’S A DEGENERATIVE JOINT DISEASE AFFECTING LUMBAR VERTEBRAE AND INTERVERTEBRAL DISCS, CAUSING PAIN, STIFFNESS , SOMETIMES WITH SCIATIC RADIATION DUE TO NERVE ROOT PRESSURE BY ASSOCIATED PROTRUDING DISCS OR OSTEOPHYTES- DORLAND’S DICTIONARY

CLINICAL FEATURES OF LUMBAR SPONDYLOSIS

1. LOW BACK ACHE
2. PAIN RADIATING TO BACK OF THIGH, BUTTOCKS.
MAY BE SUPER IMPOSED WITH SCIATICA BECAUSE OF ROOT COMPRESSION.
3. NUMBNESS OF LIMBS.
4. LOSS OF TOUCH SENSATION.
5. CONSTIPATION
6. SOMETIMES HEADACHE
7. MUSCLE WEAKNESS, TINGLING
8. MORNING STIFFNESS MAY BE PRESENT
9. PAIN INCREASES BY CHANGING POSTURES AND MOVEMENTS LIKE BENDING ETC

INVESTIGATIONS & DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES

1. RADIOLOGICAL- X-RAY
2. MRI, CT IMAGING
3. DISCOGRAPHY

AYURVEDIC CONCEPT

KATI OR LUMBAR REGION IS VATA SITE ACC TO AYURVEDA’
AT THE SAME TIME JOINTS ARE SITE OF SLESHAKA SLESHMA(KAPHA).
BECAUSE OF NIDANAS( CAUSES) VATHA AGGRAVATION OCURS IN KAPHA STHANAM AND BECAUSE OF THE INCREASE IN RUKSHA GUNA(QUALITY OF DRYNESS) , THE DEHYDRATION OF THE DISC BEGINS, INITIATING THE SCLEROSIS AND WHEN UNINTERVENED THE CONDITION PROGRESSES TO OTHER LEVELS, SUCH AS BULGING, HERNIATION, PROLAPSE AND OSTEOPHYTE FORMATION ETC.

TREATMENT PRINCIPLE

THE AIM OF THE TREATMENT IS TO REDUCE THE DRYNESS AND BRING BACK THE SNEHA GUNA, ELASTICITY AND TO REHYDRATE THE DISC , REMOVING THE OSTEOPHYTES, OR THE MALA ROOPA KAPHA.
IN SIMPLE TERMS , VATA HARAM AND KAPHA HARAM IN INITIAL STAGES AND BRMHANAM IN LATER STAGES TO NOURISH THE DISC.
ITS IMPORTANT TO MAINTAIN AGNI, IN THE PROCESS OF VATA HARAM , KAPHAM SHOULD NOT BE VITIATED. PROPER VATHA ANULOMANAM HAS TO BE ENSURED FOR EFFECTIVE RESULT.

MANAGEMENT

AUSHADAM- MEDICINAL MANAGEMENT
STHANIKA CHIKITSA- LOCAL MEASURES
1.ABHYANGAM-MASSAGE
2.KATI VASTHI- SNEHANAM
3. PATRA POTALI- SWEDANAM

PANCHA KARMA PROCEDURES

1.SNEHA VASTI
2.KASHAYA VASTHI
DIET AND YOGA ASANAS, PHYSICAL THERAPY, LIFE STYLE MODIFICATIONS.

AUSHADHAM- MEDICINES

MAHAYOGA RAJA GUGGULU
LAKSHADI GUGGULU
ABHA GUGGULU
YOGA RAJA GUGGULU
TRAYODASANGA GUGGULU
MAHA RASNADHI KASHAYAM
RASNA SAPTHAKAM KASHAYAM
RASNA ERANDADI KASHAYAM
RASNADI KASHAYAM
DHANWANTHARAM KASHAYAM
ASHTA VARGAM KASHAYAM
VIDARYADI KASHAYAM
BALA ARISHTAM
ASHWA GANDHARISHTAM
VATA GAJANKUSA RASA
VAYU GULIKA
LASHUNA KSHEERA
PRAVALA PISHTI
KSHEERABALA 101
DHANWANTHARAM 101
GANDHA THAILAM 

STHANIKA CHIKITSA

ABHYANGA
USUALLY CARRIED OUT AFTER KATI VASTI PROCEDURE, CAN ALSO BE DONE SEPARATELY TOO.
SPECIAL TYPE OF SPINAL MASSAGE HAS TO BE DONE WITH SPECIAL EMPHASIS ON THE LOWER BACK.
ZIG ZAG STROKES, PARALLEL STROKES AND OTHER SPECIAL SPINAL STROKES WITH PROPER PRESSURE( TOO MUCH OF PRESSURE IS HARMFUL!) FOR A PERIOD OF 25 TO 30 MINUTES 

OILS USED

SAHACHARADI THAILAM
KARPASA ASTHYADI
BALA THAILAM
DHANWANTHARAM
NARAYANA
MAHA MASHA THAILAM
KOTTANCHUKKADI
KSHEERA BALA
KARPURADI
GANDHA THAILAM
KATI VASTHI 

REQUIREMENTS

MASHA PISHTA ( BLACK GRAM FLOUR)
MEDICATED THAILA
COTTON, VESSELS, AND OIL HEATING ACCESSORIES
DHARA TABLE.
PROCEDURE

PATIENT IS MADE TO LIE IN PRONE POSITION.
PISHTA OF MASHA IS MADE IN TO PASTE AND BUILT LIKE A WALL AROUND LUMBO SACRAL AREA.
OIL IS HEATED AND POURED SLOWLY INSIDE THE BOUNDARY WITH THE HELP OF COTTON.
WHEN OIL BECOMES COOL IT IS REPLACED WITH WARM OIL.
CONTINUED FOR A PERIOD OF TIME. APPROX- 30 TO 50 MINS, FOR 7 DAYS OR 14 DAYS.
AFTER THE DURATION , THE OIL IS DRAINED AND FLOUR IS REMOVED
ABHYANGAM OF THE BACK IS GIVEN USING SAME OIL.
ALWAYS SNEHANA MUST BE FOLLOWED WITH SWEDANA PROCEDURE

PATRA POTALI OR ELA KIZHI

A TYPE OF PINDA SWEDAM. WHICH COMES UNDER USHMA SWEDA.

MATERIALS REQUIRED

LEAVES OF VATA HARA LIKE ERANDA ,ARKA , CHINCHA,NIRGUNDI, SHIGRU, KARANJA DHATURA VATHAGNI SINDUVARA -500 gm
CHOORNA OF SATAHVA AND METHIKA-25gm EACH
SAINDHAVA-15gm
LEMON -4 NOS
NIMBA OR SAINDHAVA THAILA OR ERANDA THAILA (REQD QTY)
CLOTH
TWINE TOWEL. VESSEL, FRYING PAN, SPOON, STOVE
RASNADI CHOORNAM
MEDICATED OIL 

PATARA KIZHI PROCEDURE

ALL THE LEAVES ARE CUT IN TO SMALL PIECES, AND SLICES OF LEMON, CHURNAS, SAINDHAVA ARE ADDED AND FRIED IN THE CASTOR OR NEEM OR COCONUT OIL , TILL IT BECOMES ROASTED RED.
THEN THEY ARE MADE IN TO POTALI(USUALLY 4 IN NO)
AFTER ABHYANGA, THE POTALI IS APPLIED OVER THE BODY BY DIPPING IT IN TO THE HEATED OIL.
CIRCULAR MOVEMENTS ARE DONE.
PROCEDURE DONE FOR A PERIOD OF 25-45 MINS

VASTI PRAYOGAM

SNEHA VASTI
MATRA VASTI- MINIMUM DOSE OF SNEHA VASTI ( APP 60-75 ML)
ANUVASANA VASTI.(APP 150 ML)
SNEHA VASTI(250-300 ML)
KSHEERA VASTI CAN BE ADVOCATED.
KARMA VASTI, KALA VASTI, YOGA VASTI- 30, 15 , 8 DAYS OF VASTI ALTERNATELY KASHAYA AND SNEHA VASTHI. KALA VASTI IS IN PRACTICE. 

OIL USED FOR SNEHA VASTI

TILA TAILAM
GUGGULU TIKTAKA GHRTHAM
MAHANARAYANA TAILAM
MAHAMASHADI TAILAM
SUDDHA BALATAILAM
KSHEERABALA
SATAHVADI TAILAM
SUKUMARA GHRTAM
LAKSHADI TAILAM
SAHACHARADI TAILAM
DHANWANTHARAM
GANDHARVA HASTADI
KASHAYA VASTI
DHANWANTHARAM
GANDHARVA HASTADI
SAHACHARADI
ERANDA MOOLA
ASTHAPANA GANA
DASAMOOLA
SATAHVADI

BHALLATHAKAM

Bhallataka is one of the best, versatile, most commonly used herbs as a household remedy. It has been freely used all over India since centuries. It was held in high esteem by the ancient sages of Ayurveda. Maharsi Caraka has categorized bhallataka as dipaniya an appetizer, bhedaniya – accumulation breaking herb, mutra sangrahaniya – antidiuretic and kusthaghna – anti dermatosis. It has been mentioned as vajikara – an aphrodisiac, especially beneficial in the failure of penile erection and sexual debility. (Sarngadhara Samhita) The great sage Susruta mentions it as stanyasodhana – lactodepurant. Bhallataka is acclaimed as a drug of choice in the treatment of piles of vata and kapha types. It is recommended as a rejuvenative (rasayana) to kapha dosa and asthivaha srotasa.




The word bhallataka describes the sharp attribute of the herb, in comparison to that of a javelin. It has various synonyms, ascribing the different properties, like anala – a fire, sopha krta one which causes oedema, krmighna vermicide, vatari enemy of vata etc.



Bhallataka grows throughout India in hot weather and in Himalaya’s upto 1000 metres height. The plant is found in abundance in Bihar, Bengal and Orissa. It is a medium sixed tree growing upto 10-15 metres in height. The bark is grey in colour and exudes an irritant secretion on incising. The leaves are 30-60 cm long and 12-30 cm broad. They are glabrous above and pubescent beneath. The flowers are greenishwhite, in panicles. Fruits are 2-3 cm broad. The flowering occurs in june and then onwards the plant bears fruits.



The botanical name of bhallataka is Semecarpus anacardium and it belongs to family Anacardiaceae. An alkaloid, Bhilawanol, has been isolated from oil and seeds. Bhilwanol from fruits was shown to be a mixture of cis and Trans isomers of ursuhenol (Naure 1960, 186, 389). Other components isolated are anacardic acid, cardol, catechol, fixed oil, anacardol and semecarpol. From the defatted nuts, three biflavonoids A, B and C have been isolated. A new biflabonoid jeediflavone and galluflavone isolated from nut shells



Properties



Bhallataka is sweet and astringent in taste, sweet in the post digestive effect and has hot potency. It alleviates kapha and vata dosas and possesses light, unctuous sharp (tiksna) and hot (usna) attributes. It is extremely heat generating, appetizer, digestant, rejuvenative, aphrodisiac herb and alleviates the skin and rheumatic disorders. (Bhavaprakasa Nighantu)



Uses



Bhallataka is used both, internally as well as externally. The fruits, their oil and the seeds have great medicinal value, and are used to treat the wide range of diseases. Externally, the oil, mixed with coconut or sesame oil, is applied on wounds and sores to prevent the pus formation. It soothens and heals the cracked feet, when

mixed with fala (Shorea robusta). For better healing of wounds, it works well, when medicated with garlic, onion and ajavayana in sesame oil. The topical application of its oil and swollen joints and traumatic wounds effectively controls the pain. In glandular swellings and filariasis, the application of its oil facilitates to drain out the discharges of pus and fluids and eases the conditions.




Since bhallataka is extremely hot and sharp in its attributes, it should be used with caution. Individuals showing allergic reactions to it, should stop and avoid the usage of bhallataka. It should not be used in small children, very old persons, pregnant women and individuals of predominant pitta constitution. The use of the same should be restricted in summer season. For its allergic reactions like rash, itching and swelling, the antidotes used externally are coconut oil, rala ointment, ghee, coriander leaves pulp or butter mixed with musta (Cyperus rotundus).



Internally, bhallataka is widely used in a vast range of diseases because of its multifarious properties. As it augments the agni, it is extremely beneficial in the diseases like piles, colitis, diarrhea, dyspepsia, ascites, tumours and worms which are caused mainly due to weakened agni. For this, one fruit of bhallataka is hold with tong over a flame and heated slightly. On gentle pressing, the oil starts dripping gradually. This oil is collected on the beatle leaf with small amount of sugar on its surface or in a cup of milk. Approximately 10 drops in children and 15-20 drops in adults are sufficient. It augements the appetite, cleanses the bowels, dispels the trapped gases and eliminates the worms. This is how the bhallataka is used as a household remedy.



Bhallataka is highly praised to treat the piles (haemorrhoids) of vata and kapha types, meaning in non – bleeding conditions. It is an effective adjuvant in the treatment of ascites and tumours. In bronchial asthma and cough, it is one of the best medicament for which, its preparation bhallatakasava is commonly used. It reduces the bronchospasms and their frequency too. Cardiac debility, associated with odema can be treated with great benefit. The milk medicated with bhallataka or bhallataka modaka mitigates the skin diseases like scabies, eczema, ringworm infestations. As a nervine tonic, it is beneficial in the diseases due to vata, like sciatica, paralysis, facial palsy, epilepsy, rheumatic conditions and also asa brain tonic. The combination, bhallataka, haritaki, tila (sesame seeds) powders with jaggery, awards excellent results in chronic rheumatic disorders. Bhallataka is said to augment the memory, as it boosts the sadhaka pitta and nourishes the nervine tissue. It also works well as aphrodisiac by its stimulant action and enhances the seminal fluids. In dysmenorrheal (painful menstruation) and oligomenorrhea (scanty menstruation), the medicated milk or its oil is salubrious. It reduces the urinary output, hence beneficial in diabetes of kapha type,

ASHOKA

SARACA INDICA


Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Fabales
Family: Fabaceae


Asoka is one of the cardinal herbs recommended in scriptures of Ayurveda for umpteen gynaecological problems in women. This plant is known to us since ages, as mention of this plant has been made in Ramayana, where Sita after abduction was confined in Asoka vatika. We also have references of Lord Buddha’s birth under Asoka tree. The herb is aptly said to be a companion of women as it rejuvenates the female reproductive system and is salutary in treating various gynaecological problems. (Nighantu Katnakara)



Asoka tree grows all over India; it is found growing suitably at an altitude of 750 metres in the Himalayas, Khasi, Garo and Lushai hills. It is an evergreen tree, reaching a maximum height of 9 metres. It is not found to be cultivated on commercial scale, but in gardens, because of its decorative flowers and beautiful foliage. The branches of the tree are glabrous and drooping. The leaves are 30-60 cm in length, in 2-3 pairs of lanceolate leaflets. The flowers are orang-yellow, fragrant, in dense corymbs. They are 8-10 cms across, calys yellow to orange and finally red. Its stamens are 7 to 8 and filaments are filiform. The bark is dark brown to grey in colour and it is collected from the plant by making longitudinal and transverse incisions. Asoka blooms in the summer and bears fruits in October.


The botanical name of Asoka is Saraka indica and it belongs to family Caesalpiniaceae. Asoka has been often confused with Polyalthis longifolia, which is called as false Asoka, Sitosterol, quercetin, kaempferol, glucoside isolated from flowers. Isolation of leucopelargonidin-3-o-d- glucoside, leucopelargonidun and leucocyanidin along with sitosterol from stem bark isolated.


Properties


Asoka is bitter and astringent in taste, pungent in post digestive effect and has a cold potency. It alleviates vata and kapha dosas. It possesses laghu (light) and ruksa (dry ) attributes. (Bhavaprakasa)


It is beneficial in the treatment of excessive uterine bleeding, dysmenorrheal – painful menstruation, bleeding piles, leucorrhea and many other diseases.


Uses


The skin of the bark, seeds, flowers and the fruits of Asoka are used for medicinal purpose. This herb is seldom used externally. When used externally, the paste of its bark – skin is beneficial in combating pain associated with oedema or swelling.


Internally, it is effectively used in women to treat various gynaecological disorders. The decoction of skin of the bark is given in dosage 10 – 15 ml, two or three times daily, to arrest excessive menstrual bleeding. It imparts excellent results in dysmenorrheal, where menstruation is associated with colicky abdominal pain. Asoka reinforces the uterine musculature, hence is benevolent in prolapse or inflammatory conditions of the uterus. It also has a remarkable healing effect of the endometrium or the mucous membrane of uterus and a stimulant action on the ovary. As a whole, it renders the puissant rejuvenative actions on the uterus, hence aptly called as garbhasaya rasayana, menaing – the uterine tonic. The decoction of skin of Asoka by itself, or mixed with equal quantity of milk, effectively mitigates menorrhagia, leucorrhea, the medicated wine of Asoka, Asokarista, is an excellent remedy for irregularities of menstrual cycle. Women who have tendency towards abortions and miscarriages should be treated, with great benefit, with Asokaghrta – the medicated ghee of Asoka from the fourth month of pregnancy onwards (second trimester).


Due to its astringent taste and cold potency, Asoka is salutary in arresting the bleeding or haemorrhages in dysentery, colitis, piles, and raktapitta. (Bhavaprakasa). It combines well with asvagandha as uterine tonic. Asoka seeds are diuretic – increase the quantity of urine, hence used in strangury and urinary stones. The flowers are considered to be a uterine tonic and are used in vitiated conditions of pitta, syphilis, cervical adenitis, and hyperdispepsia – excessive thirst, burning sensation, piles and dysentery.


Classical Ayurvedic Preparations


Asokarista
Asoka ghrta
Asoka vati
Asokadi kvatha etc.

MUVILA

SI Name:Desmodium gangetcum 

Family – Papilionacea

Introduction



The drug which has been studied in this work is the classical drug called as Saliparni. Saliparni is common classical drug which has been mentioned in various ayurvedic classical texts. It is a commonly available plant with a wide range of uses.


Like with some ayurvedic drugs, there is confusion regarding the identification and nomenclature of the plant. While the vaidyas in the northern part of India consider it as the species Desmodium gangeticum, the vaidyas of the south identifies it as the species Pseudarthria viscida. Since the work has been done in south India the species Pseudarthria viscida has been studied and explained in this work.


 
Rasadi Gunas:
 
Rasa - Madhura, Tikta

Guna- Guru, Snigdha
Veerya - Usna
Vipaka – Madhura


Synonyms



The various synonyms according to various ayurvedic texts are,


1-vidarigandha – The arises as the kanda or the stem has the smell similar to that of vidari(Ipomea digitata)
2 -amsumati –It is named so due to the shape of it’s root which resembles the rays of sun
3-Salaparni – The name orginatd due to its similarity to the leaves to that of leaves of sala tree (shorea robusta)
4-Sthira – It is so called, as its root exists in the land for a long period of time.
5-Dirghapatra – As it has long and narrow leaves
6-Dirghamula – This name arised due to its long roots
7-Dhirghangi – This name originated due to its long limbed branches.
8-Ekamula – It is named so as it has a single root
9-Saliparni – The name originated due to its resemblance of its leaves to the leaves of that of Sali or Paddi
10-Vrihiparni – The name aroused due to the similarity of its leaves to that of Vrihi or a Bear


Distribution and habitat



Saliparni is a common plant found in almost all districts of southern parts of India. It is mainly seen in areas from southwards of the river Godavari. It is very common in Kerala, where it is found in areas of sea level to up to that of 3000feet in the hills. It grows well in the dry gravelling soil under cover and also as undergrowth in damp forest. It is mainly seen as a weed and grows wildly through out.


Habit


It is villous or viscid, pubescent, semi erect, or more often diffusely creeping “Desmodium like” perennial under shrub up to 2 feet high with several slender, mostly prostrate or tailing branches with long internodes often rooting at the nodes, bearing palmately trifoliate leaves almost invariably marked with pale green or greenish white irregular patches. They have elongate filiform racemes of small bright purplish or pink flowers and very sticky or adhering pods about three fourth of an inch long and quarter inch broad.


External morphology


Branches

Branches are many. They are 2-4 feet long or even longer. The branches are covered with soft fine grayish white pubescence.


Leaves


Leaves are pinnately trifoliate, alternate, and stipulate. Stipules are free and hairy. The leaves are lanceolate, subulate or cuspidate. They are 4.5-6mm long deciduous. They have leaflets with filiform stipules below. Lateral leaflets are rhombiform or ovate. They are present one or two inches either way. The terminal one, to be rhomboid ovate. Petioles are densely hairy and half to one inch long.


Inflorescence


They have a fairly long terminal erect hairy raceme often with one or more smaller branches arising from the axils of the uppermost leaves.


Flower


Flowers are many, small, deep purple, red or pink color. They are arranged in distantly placed fascicles of 2 to 4 or comparatively long spreading, filiform pedicels jointed or articulated close beneath the calyx. Bracts are narrow lanceolate subulate calyx about a tenth of an inch long, hairy canpanulate left to middle in 2 obscure lips, 5 toothed- the upper two subconnate forming an upper lip


Corolla is nearly twice as long as the calyx. They are papilionaceous, exerted and with petals nearly equal.


Stamens are diadelphous- nine and one. Anthers are uniform. Ovary is sub sessile and many ovules. Style short subulate or filiform


Fruit


A flat compressed or slightly inflated linear oblong indehiscent one celled legume half to three quarters of an inch long and about one fourth an inch broad. With its chamber continuous with in. the valves of the fruit are membranous transversely, veined and closely covered with many stiff hooked viscid hairs. The sutures are densely ciliate but not usually intended or only slightly indented.


Seed


Seeds are varying from four to six. They are brownish black in color, compressed and some what reniform in structure.


Histology


The transverse section is circular. It shows a central strand of wood, a narrow bark and a thin dark brown strip of cork.


The cork tissue is compressed of 10-15 rows of thick walled rectangular cells. Those towards the periphery often have dark brown contents. A distinct phellogen with a few rows of phelloderm within is made out


The cortex is comparatively narrow and composed of oblong cells. A noteworthy feature of this region is the presence of short tangential rows or series of very large thin walled cells filled with brownish contentswithin the broadened distal ends of the medullary rays. Small irregular groups of sclerenchyma also occur here. The medullary rays are 2-3 and their cells are loaded with stacks. The phloem is of usual type. The xylem or wood is composed of a large portion of wood fibers, a small amount of xylem. Parenchyma and xylem vessels, in addition to the medullary rays. The xylem parenchyma cells contain starch


Useful part
Roots are the commonly used part however the whole plant is also used




Chemical constituents
Root contain yellow resinous matter, oil, alkaline substance and 6% ash

VITEX NEGUNDO

Botanical Name : Vitex Negundo

Family Name : Verbenaceae

GENERAL DISCRIPTION:

The Sanskrit word nirgundi literally means that which protects the body from diseases. It is one of the herbs mentioned in all Samhitas of Ayurveda and has varios synonyms like sinduka, sephali, sitabhiru, vanaka, bhutakesi, anilamanjiri etc. Two varieties of nirgundi described in Nighantus are white flowered sinduvaraka and blue flowered – suvaha (Bhavaprakasa). The great sage Caraka has categorized nirgundi as krmighna anthelmintic and visaghna – anti – toxin.

DISTRIBUTION:
The plant grows all over India, in wastelands, upto 1500 meters elevation. Commonly it is cultivated as a hedge plant.
MORFOLOGY:
A large shrub or rather small tree grows 2-4 meters in height, with quadrangular branches and thin grey bark. The leaves petiolate, smooth, exstipulate, have a typical pungent odor. The flowers are bluish purple in color, lanceolate, in panicles upto 30 cm long. The fruits are ovoid or obovoid, four-seeded drupes, black when ripe.




CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS:
The leaves contain fragrant, volatile oil and resins. The fruits contain resine, astringent organic acids, alkaloids and a pigment. The plant also contains alkaloids, glycosides, flavonoids, reducing sugars, sterols, resin and tannins. From seeds-n-triacontane, n-hentriacontane, n-pentatriacontane, n-nonacosane, sitosterol, p-hydrobenzoic acid and 5- oxyisophthalic acid isolated. Also, 3, 4- dihydroxybenzoec acid is isolated from seeds. Vanillic acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid and luteolin are isolated from bark. From essential oil pinene, limonene, camphene, phellandrene, methylheptanone, cumene, linalool, camphor, 4-terpineol, citral, caryophylline oxide, caryophyllene, terpinyl acetate, benzal – dehyde & cinnamaldehyde identified. Nishinaside and regundiside isolated from leaves

PROPERTIES:


Nigundi is pungent, bitter and astringent in taste, pungent in the post digestive effect and has hot potency. It alleviates vata and kapha doshas, but aggravates the pitta dosha. It possesses light and dry attributes. It has antipyretic, anti-arthritic and anti-inflammatory properties and is used in diseases like fever, worms, dermatoses, adenitis and splenic diseases etc




PARTS USED:
Whole Plant






USES:
The leaves are astringent, febrifuge, sedative, tonic and vermifuge. They are useful in dispersing swellings of the joints from acute rheumatism and of the testes from suppressed gonorrhoea. The juice of the leaves is used for removing foetid discharges and worms from ulcers, whilst an oil prepared with the leaf juice is applied to sinuses and scrofulous sores. A decoction of the stems is used in the treatment of burns and scalds.




The dried fruit is vermifuge and is also used in the treatment of angina, colds, coughs, rheumatic difficulties etc. The fresh berries are pounded to a pulp and used in the form of a tincture for the relief of paralysis, pains in the limbs, weakness etc. The root is expectorant, febrifuge and tonic. It is used in the treatment of colds and rheumatic ailments. The plant is said to be a malarial preventative and is also used in the treatment of bacterial dysentery - extracts of the leaves have shown bactericidal and antitumor activity. The leaves are used to repel insects in grain stores. Extracts of the leaves have insecticidal activity. The fresh leaves are burnt with grass as a fumigant against mosquitoes. A decoction of the leaves and the vapours are employed in baths for treatment of febrile, catarrhal and rheumatic affections. The flowers are astringent and are used in fever, diarrhoea and liver complaints.


Classical Ayurvedic Preparations

PUTHARI CHUNDA

SI Name: Solanum indicum
Family: Solanaceae

General discription:
Brhati root forms one of the Laghupancamula meaning literally, minor five roots, of Dasamula kvatha (decoction of ten roots), one of the widely prescribed formulation of Ayurveda. Maharsi Caraka has categorized brhati as kanthya – benefical for the throat, sothahara – relieves oedema , angamarda prasamana – relieves bodyache and hikka nigrahana – anti – hiccup.


Distribution:

Brhati occurs throughout India, often in waste places, on roadsides and in open scrublands.

Morfology:
It is a prickly, much branched shrub, usually spreading or diffused, It grows upto 1-5 metres in height. The young branches are densely covered with minute star – shaped hairs . The prickles are yellow, shining, about 1-5 cm long. The leaves upto 10 cm long, their midribs and other nerves with sharp yellow prickles. The flowers are purple, about 2 cm long, in racemose extra – axillary cymes. The fruits round, 1.5 – 2 cm, dark yellow when ripe. The seeds are smooth, minutely pitted.

Rasadi Gunas:
Rasa : Tikta, Katu, Kashaya
Guna : Lakhu, Rooksha

Virya : Ushna


Chemical constituents:
The fruit and root of brhati contain wax, fatty acids and alkaloids solanin and solanidine.


Disogenin, lanosterol, sitosterol. Solasonnine, solamargine and solasidine have been isolated from the plant. A glycoalkaloid, solasonine on hydrolysis afforded solasodine, sugars, glucose, galactose and rhamnose,


Properties



Brhati is pungent and bitter in taste , pungent in the psot digestive effect and has hot potency . It alleviates kapha and vata dosas. It possesses light , dry and sharp attributes. It is an appetizer, digestant, diuretic and is beneficial to the heart. It alleviates cough and asthma. It is useful in the diseases like fever, cough, skin diseases, distaste and pain.


Uses


The roots and fruits are used for medicinal purpose. The herb is useful both internally as well as externally. Externally, the fresh juice of brhati is applied in alopecia areata with honey. The mixture of powders of brhati fruit, haridra and daruharidra rhizomes is beneficial, topically, in pruritus vulvae to alleviate intense itching. In halitosis (bad breath), the gargle with the decoction of brhati is an effective deodorant. The paste of its seeds is applied on the penis, in erectile failure, with great benefit. The inhalation of its seeds powder like snuff is a good stimulant in samjnanasa. The paste of brhati alleviates pain and itching.


Internally, brhati is used in vast range of diseases. The fruit juice mixed with honey and ghee prepared from cow’s milk effectively curbs vomiting. The plant is beneficial in various digestive ailments like loss of appetite, abdominal pain, distaste, worms and colitis. In respiratory problems like colds, cough, asthma , sinusitis, pleurisy the decoction of its roots works well with the fruit powder of pippali )Piper Iongum). The cough due to kapha and vata are controlled with the decoction of its roots given along with the honey and ghee. Respectively. Being hot and sharp in properties, brhati liquefies the phlegm and relieves the blocked mucous and clears off the respiratory channels. It is the best blood purifier, hence, benevolent in blood disorders. Brhati stimulates and strengthens the heart and ameliorates the oedema. It also works well in dysuria and urinary calculi as it is diuretic in action. In fever, it is of special benefit, as it digests ama for which, its decoction is recommended with sunthi and dhanyaka. The seeds boost uterine contraction, so are used in dysmenorrheal, amenorrhea and in difficult labour. The seeds also bestow an aphrodisiac action. In urinary disorders like dysuria, urinary stones and cystitis, the medicated ghee of its roots brhati mula siddha ghrta, is commonly used. Brhati is useful in various deramatoses.




Classical Ayurvedic Preparations:


Dasamularista
Brhatyadi kvatha
Brhati mula siddha ghrta

KANDAKARI CHUNDA

SI Name: Solanum xanthocarpum

Family: Solanaceae

Types:

Ayurvedic texts mention three varieties of the plant viz. violet flowered, yellow flowered and white flowered called as 'laksmana' , which is rare. Kantakari is bitter and pungent in taste, pungent in the post digestive effect and has hot potency. It alleviates kapha and vata doshas. It possesses light and dry attributes. It is useful in the diseases like bronchial asthma, cough, worms etc. The fruits facilitate the seminal ejaculation, alleviate worms, itching, and fever and reduce fats.

Sanskrit Name:

Kandakari, Nidigdhika, Dushparsa, Khudrakantha, Bahu kantha, Vyaghree, Kalee.

General Discription:

Kantakari enjoys an important place among medicinal herbs, (especially, for the treatment of cough).in India since ancient times. This prickly herb has various synonyms in Ayurvedic texts portraying the peculiarities of its prickles viz.dushsparsa – difficult to touch, bahu kanta of many prickles, ksudrakanta having small prickles etc. Caraka and Susruta, the great sages, have mentioned the plant to have multiple medicinal properties, in Caraka Samhita and Susruta Samhita respectively. Bhavamisra specially mentions the plant as useful in facilitating conception. Acarya Vagbhata has adored it as a drug of choice for cough. Maharsi Caraka has categorized it as kasahara anti tussive, kanthya beneficial for the throat, hikka nigrahana – alleviates hiccup, sitaprasamana relieves cold sensation, sotha hara relieves edema and sita pitta prasamana anti urticaria. Kantakari is one of the herbs from the group laghu pancamulas – five minor roots, viz. salaparni, prsniparni, brhati, kantakari and goksura.

Distribution:
The plant occurs throughout India, often in waste places, on roadsides and in open scrublands.

Morfology:

It is a prickly, usually spreading or diffused perennial, woody at base. The young branches are densely covered with minute star-shaped hairs. The branches zigzag, spread close to the ground are covered with yellow, sharp, shining prickles, about 1.5 cm long. The leaves are up to 10 cm in length, their midribs and other nerves with sharp yellow prickles. The flowers are purple, about 2 cm long, few together in small bunch opposite the leaves. The fruits are glabrous, globular drooping berries, 1.5-2 cm, yellow or pale with green veins.

Chemical contutuents:

A glucoalkaloid termed solanocarpine is found in the fruits. A sterol known as carpesterol and solanocarpidine are also present. Potassium nitrate, a fatty acid, a resinous and phenolic substance, diosgenin and sitosterol are present. Dry fruits contain traces of isochlorogenic, neochronogenic, chronogenic and caffeic acids. Solasodine, solasonine, solamargine and solamargine are present in fruits of Nepalese plant. Quercetin isolated together with apigenin and sitosterol.

Rasadi Gunas:

Rasam: Thiktham, Katu

Gunam: Snigdham, Teekshnam, Saram, Lakhu

Veeryam: Ushnam

Vipakam: Katu

Uses :

Fruits eaten as an anthelmintic and for indigestion. Root is an expectorant, used in Ayurvedic medicine for cough, asthma and chest pain. Also used for flatulence, sore throat, and toothache. Has high concentration of solasodine, a starting material for the manufacture of cortisone and sex hormones. It cures asthma, cough, bronchspasm, sore throat, constipation, an effective expectorant and diuretic.

Bhavamisra, an ancient physician, mentions it as promoting conception in females. Given with honey, tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), datura (Datura metal), and black pepper it can be effective in cases of bronchial asthma. Stem, flowers and fruits are bitter and carminative and are prescribed for relief in burning sensation in the feet. Leaves are applied locally to relieve pain.

Parts Used:

Fruits, Wholeplant

Classical Ayurvedic Preparations:
>Kantakari ghrta
>Kantakari avaleha
>Kantakari kalpa
>Vyaghri taila
>Dasamularista
>Vyaghriharitaki
>Kanakasava
>Nidigdhadi
>Kvatha etc.

Palaka payyani

In Ayurveda, it is included in sopha hara and vathahara drugs.

SI Name: Oroxylum indicum
Family: Bignoniaceae

General discription:
Oroxylum Indicum Vent., a member of family Bignoniaceae is mostly sighted along the river banks or slopes of the hills. Except in the western drier area, the plant is distributed throughout India and South East Asia. The use of this plant for the treatment of various ailments is part of the local tribal communities’ knowledge of various tribes in Manipur such as Anal, Kuki, Mao, Maram, Tanghkul and Zeliangrong.

Sanskrit Name:
Syonakam, Sodana, Deergha vriksha, Pruthu sumbha, Dundukam.

Distribution:
It is mostly seen in Rain forests.

The medicinal properties of Oroxylum indicum:
The decoction of the bark is taken for curing gastric ulcer and a paste made of the bark powder is applied for mouth cancer, scabies and other skin diseases. The seed is ground with fire-soot and the paste applied to the neck for quick relief of tonsil pain. Also, a paste made of the bark is applied to the wounds of animals to kill maggots. Decoction of the bark is given to animals for de-worming. The sword-like fruit or a branch of the plant is used by the farmers to kill crabs in wet paddy fields.

Potential anti-cancer properties:
During a botanical exploration tour to Senapati district (1999) which is situated in the northern part of Manipur, Mr.A.A.Mao of the Botanical Survey of India, learned from Maram Naga villagers that a man of about 50 years of age, Pashi Maram had been diagnosed with cancer in 1995. He underwent chemotherapy and radiotherapy for one month and his family was informed that due to the advanced stage of the disease, he would live a maximum of six months more. On the advice of a Tangkhul Naga whom he had met in Imphal, Pashi Maram then took an herbal decoction of the bark of Oroxylum indicum. Surprisingly after coming home, he led a normal life till 2000 with intakes of only pain relief medicines and analgesics along with the herbal medicine. But in January, 2001 he passed away.
RasadiGunas:
Rasam: Tiktham, Kashayam, Madhuram
Gunam: Lakhu, Rooksham
Veeryam: Ushnam
Vipakam: Katu

Useful parts:
Root, Bark

PAATHIRI

SI Name: Stereospermum suaveolens
Family: Bignoniaceae

Sanscrit names:
Paadala, Krishnavrinda, Tamrapushpi, Kuberakshi, Madhubhoothi.

Distribution:
Seen in Kerala forests.

Rasadi Gunas:
Rasam: Thiktham, Kashayam
Gunam: Lakhu, Rooksham
Veeryam: Ushnam
Vipakam: Katu

Useful part:
Root, Flower, Bark

Antihyperglycemic and Antioxidant Activities of Medicinal Plant Stereospermum suaveolens in Streptozotocin-induced Diabetic Rats:


The ethanol extract of Stereospermum suaveolens (EESS) bark was evaluated for its antihyperglycemic in addition to antioxidant effects in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats by acute and subacute models at dose levels of 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight, given orally. The ethanol extract showed a significant reduction in fasting blood glucose levels when compared to the standard drug, oral Glibenclamide (0.5 mg/kg body weight). The serum of rats treated with ethanol extract showed decreased levels of serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase, serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase, serum alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin, creatinine, urea, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and increased level of total proteins. EESS showed reduction in thiobarbituric acid reactive substances level and significantly increased the body weight (P < .001), glycogen, reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and catalase activities, compared with STZ diabetic control in a dose-dependent manner. This finding shows that the ethanol extract of Stereospermum suaveolens exhibits potent antihyperglycemic and antioxidant properties.

KUMIZHU

SI Name: Gmelina arborea
Family: Verbenaceae

Distribution:
Almost all forests in India.Mostly seen in watery areas of hills and valleys.Native to tropical moist forest from India, Burma, and Sri Lanka to southern China, Gmelina is widely introduced, e.g. in Brazil, Gambia, Honduras, Ivory Coast, Malaysia, Malawi, Nigeria, Panama, Philippines, and Sierra Leone

Morphology:
Deciduous tree 12–30 m high and 60–100 cm in diameter. Bark light gray or gray-yellow, smooth, thin, somewhat corking, becoming brown and rough; twigs stout, often slightly 4-angled. Leaves opposite, broadly ovate, 10–20 cm long, 7–13 cm wide; base with 2–4 glands beneath, acuminate, entire, with 3 or 5 main veins from near base and 2–5 pairs of side veins, underneath velvety with yellow-brown hairs. Petiole 5–12 cm long, hairy. Cymes paniculate at ends of twigs, 15–30 cm long, branched, densely hairy. Flowers many, short-stalked, nodding, 4 cm long, densely hairy. Calyx bell-shaped, 5 mm long, 5-toothed; corolla bright orange-yellow or brownish-yellow, with short narrow tube, 2-lipped; stamens 4 in 2 pairs inserted near base of tube. Pistil with elliptical 4-celled ovary having 1 ovule in each cell. Stigma often slightly 2–4-forked. Drupes ovate or pyriform, 2–2.5 cm long, smooth, becoming orange-yellow, pulpy, with large egg-shaped stone, having 1–4 cells. Seeds 1–4 (Little, 1983).

Chemical constitutions:
The drupes are reported to contain butyric acid traces of tartaric acid and resinous and saccharine matter, the latter two also in the roots, which contain traces of benzoic acid. Root cotained alkaloids, benzoic acid, etc. Fruit contained sugar, tartaric acid, alkaloids.

Rasadi Gunas:
Rasam: Tiktham, Kashayam, Madhuram
Gunam: Guru
Veeryam: Ushnam
Vipakam: Katu

DEVADARU

According to Hindu mithology it is considering as a holly tree.

SI Name: Cedrus deodara Roxb.

Family: Pinaceae

Sanskrit Names:

Devatharu, Suradharu, Bhadradharu, Devakaashtam, Amaradasa, Paribhadra, Snehavriksha, Mahachadha:

Rasadi Gunas:

Rasam: THiktham, Katu

Gunam :Lakhu, Snigdham

Veeryam : Ushnam

Vipakam: Katu

MORPHOLOGY:

Leaf:

Evergreen needles, dark green but may have some silvery bloom giving them a blue-green color; 1 to 2 inches long, sharp pointed; occur singly on new growth and than later on spur shoots; remaining on the tree for 3 to 6 years.

Flower:

Monoecious; male cones 2 to 3 inches long on the lower parts of crown; female cones erect, purplish, occur on upper portions of crown.

Fruit:

Upright cones, 3 to 4 inches long and 3 inches across; deciduous scales; initially green and purplish, then later turning a reddish brown when mature, usually resinous.

Twig:

Slender, with numerous short spur shoots, branches droop with age; buds are very small and round.

Bark:

Initially smooth and gray-brown, later developing short furrows with scaly ridge tops.

Form:

Young trees have a broad pyramidal crown that becomes wider with age; branch tips and leaders droop and have a fine texture. In the landscape it can reach 80 feet tall but becomes much taller in its native range.

Useful part: heart wood, oil

FERULA ASAFOETIDA

Botanical name:Ferula asafoetida
Family:Apiaceae

Asafoetida General Information

From early times, Asafoetida has been held in great esteem amongst indigenous Indian medicine men. It is the pungent odor of this resin that is the cause for some of its strange names, such as Devil’s Dung, Stinking Gum, Asant, Food of the Gods, Hing, Hingu, Heeng and Giant Fennel. The name Asafoetida is derived from the Persian word for “resin” and the Latin word for “stinking”. The herb is a native of Persia, but has been cultivated in Europe and India for over 2,000 years. Asafoetida is grown mostly in Iran and Afghanistan from where it is exported to the rest of the world.

The juice of the plant is not collected till the plant is at least four years old. In the spring, March/April, just before the flowering occurs, the stalks are cut close to the root. The plant can yield up to 2lbs of resin out of the root once it is pulled out and dried up.

morphology

It is a perennial fennel that grows wild to 12ft high, in large natural forests where little else grows. It has fine leaves and yellow flowers. The roots are thick and pulpy and also yield a similar resin to that of the stems, it is said the roots look like “carrots”. All parts of the plant have a distinctive stinky smell.

Asafoetida Uses & Scientific Evidence For

In Ayurvedic medicine, Asafoetida is used to treat hysteria, nervous disorders, flatulence, flatulent colic, digestion, and spasmodic affections of the bowels. It is also used to treat whooping cough, pneumonia, bronchitis, and asthma as well. In Ayurvedic, Western, and Chinese medicine this resin is effective in treating worms and other intestinal parasites. Asafoetida has reputation for expelling wind from the stomach and relieves stomach spasms. In the 19th century it was commonly used to treat hysterical women with mood swings, depression, a digestive weakness. In Ayurvedic medicine, it is highly regarded as a condiment and medicinal remedy for various conditions. Traditional Chinese herbalists say this resin enters the liver, spleen, and stomach channels where it stimulates the intestinal, respiratory, and nervous systems. Asafoetida has digestive, sedative, stimulant, antispasmodic, expectorant, emmenagogue (promoting menstrual discharge), and vermifuge (expelling worms or other parasites in the intestines) properties

Asafoetida Dosage Information

Asafoetida comes in various forms and is an ingredient in many products. For best results, read and follow product label directions.

Used plant part

The milk juice (obtained from the root), which becomes a brown, resin-like mass after drying. The trading form is either the pure resin or so-called com­pounded asafetida which is a fine powder consisting to more than 50% of rice flour and gum arabic to prevent lumping. The advantage of the compounded form is that is is easier to dose.

VALSANABHI

It is included in "SAPTHOPAVISHA". It is used for medicine after its purification.


SI Name: Aconitum ferox
Family: rananculaceae

Distribution:
Himachal pradesh, Panchab, Sikkim, etc

Chemical constituents:
Root contains a toxin called sudakonitine.

Rasadi gunas:
Rasam: Madhuram
Gunam: Rooksham, Theekshnam, Lakhu,Vyavaayi,Vikasi
Veeryam: Ushnam
Vipakam:Madhuram

Useful parts: Root(rizome)

MUNJA

Included in "Dasamoola".Othervise known as "Agnimandha".

SI Name:Premna integrifolia.

Family:Verbenaceae.

RASADI GUNAS:

Rasam: Kadu,Tiktham,Madhuram.

Gunam: Laghu.

Veeryam: Ushnam.

Vipakam: Madhuram.

OUSHADHA GUNAM:

Vatha,Amavatha, Kapha roga, Nadeesoola, Agnimandyam, Vibandham, Prathisyayam - Nasanam.

TRIBULUS TERRESTRIS

Gokshura ...

Botanical Name Tribulus Terrestris
Common Names: Tribulus, Gokshura
Parts Used: Mainly the fruit

Introduction:

Tribulus is cooling, sweet and strengthening. It is common throughout India and found to be growing as weed along roadside and waste places.
Plant Description: Tribulus is a prostrate, annual herb grows upto 90 cm in length with paripinnate leaves. The flowers are small, yellowish, and solitary. The fruits of tribulus are typically five angled and spinous.

History:

The name "Gokshura" signifies "cow hoof" from its resemblance of the cocci when adhering together in pairs. It is also called "Ikshugandha" for its aroma which resembles the sugarcane.The entire plant but especially the fruit and roots are used in Ayurvedic formulations for Urinary disorders, calculus formation, impotence and other UTI issues.

Chemistry:

The fruits of Tribulus contain alkaloids, resins, tannins, sugars, sterols, essential oil, peroxidase, diastase and glucoside.

Action & Uses of Tribulus:
Tribulus is non-irritant diuretic and urinary antiseptic. It is used in case of dysurea, urinary stone and incontinence of urine.

Tribulus Terrestris is used in various herbal formulas to treat headaches, eye problems such as itching, conjunctivitis and weak vision, and nervousness. It is also used to treat high blood pressure and rib pain.

The hormone balancing effects of Tribulus Terrestris for women makes this herb suitable for premenstrual syndrome and menopausal syndrome.

Tribulus contains Sterols like betasitosterols or stigma. These substances protect the prostate from swelling and in combination with the X steroidal saponins, protect the prostate from cancer.
Tribulus is used in case of impotence and spermaturia as it helps to increase the level of the luteinizing hormone in the body and improved the synthesis of the testicular male sex hormone. So it is being aphrodisiac in nature.

References:
Jayaram, S., et. al. Indian Drugs. 30(10): 498-500, 1993.
Milanov, et. al. Farmatsiya. 37(6): 142, 1987.
Yan, W., et. al. Phytochemistry. 42(5): 1417-1422, 1996.
Traditionally use of Tribulus is found to be effective in case of gout.

KIRATHA THIKTHA

Introduction

It is a principal herb in the domestic medicine called 'Alui', which is given to infants. Both in Ayurveda and Unani, it is confused with 'Chitetta' (Swertia chirata), but both are different plants. It is widely available in Arabia. It is given for fever along with several herbs. It was advertised in England as a substitute for quinine.For centuries, the Ayurvedic practitioners of India have used the roots and leaves of the herb Andrographis paniculata to treat ailments ranging from poor digestion to hepatitis. In the Chinese medical tradition, the plant has been used to treat everything from gastrointestinal complaints to throat infections. Although some early scientific studies suggested that andrographis has a direct antimicrobial action, the weight of clinical evidence now shows that the real value of this ancient herb is as a stimulant for the immune system.

Origin

It grows throughout India from Assam and Himachal Pradesh to all over south India. Grows well in moist and shaded places, but it prefers sunny situations. It is cultivated all over India.

Chemical composition /key active constituents

Bitter diterpenoid lactones, especially deoxy-andrographolide, andrographolide and
ncoandrographolide have been isolated from the whole plant and leaves.

Flavonoids available in the roots.

The main active constituents and marker compounds are considered to be the andrographolides and andrographis extracts are often standardized to these compounds.

Pharmacology

It increases biliary flow and liver weight in rat. Andrographolide produces a significant dose dependent choleretic effect, as evidence by increase in bile flow, bile salt and bile acids in conscious rats and anaesthetised guinea pigs.It shows hepatoprotective action.

It improves non-specific immune response. Although both andrographis and beta glucan effective immune enhancers, Extracts of andrographis,have been shown to stimulate powerful immune responses in living creatures. The immune response may be specific directed at a microbial invader already present in the body, or generally, strengthening the immune system in preparation against future infections. Andrographis strongly stimulates phagocytosis and the production of specific antibodies.

Remedies For

Digestive: Promotes digestionHepatoprotective: Protects the liver and gall bladder.Vermicidal: Kills intestinal worms & support intestineAnti-acne: Protect skin from pimplesAnalgesic: Pain killerAnti-inflammatory: Reduces swelling and cuts down exudation from capillariesAntibacterial: Fights bacterial activity. Although Andrographis appears to have weak direct antibacterial action, it has remarkably beneficial effect in reducing diarrhea and symptoms arising from bacterial infections.Expectorant: Promotes mucus discharge from the respiratory system.Hypoglycemic: Blood sugar reducer.Immune Enhancement.Laxative: Aids bowel eliminationSedative: A relaxing herb, though not with the same effect as the accepted herbal sedatives, valerian roots, hops, skullcap, etc.

Dosage

Andrographis is generally available as capsules with dried herb or as standardized extracts (containing 11.2 mg andrographolides per 200 mg of extract). For dried herb, 500–3,000 mg is taken three times per day. In clinical trials, 100 mg of a standardized extract were taken two times per day to treat the common cold, for indigestion, andrographis may be taken as a tea. A typical dosage of andrographis is 400 mg 3 times a day.

ASWAGANDHA

ASWAGANDHA



It is considering as a vathahara drug in Ayurveda. The root of the plant is having the smell of horse, hence the name “Aswagandha” (Aswa = horse, Gandha = smell).

Family Solanaceae
SI Name Withania somnifera



DISTRIBUTION
It is a forest plant in Panchab, J&K, Maharashtra etc. Now a day the plant is cultivated in many states.

RASADI GUNAS
Rasam Tiktham, Kashayam
Gunam Snigdham
Veeryam Ushnam
Vipakam Madhuram

vilwam

Latin name: Aegle Marmelos
Local Name: Bael, bhel, bilwa, belaphal, Bengal Quince
Parts Used: Fruits & Leaves

Distribution:

Bael tree is found throughout India in each and every place.

Introduction:

Bael is a very good source of protein which is 5.12 per cent of the edible portion. Fresh half-ripe Bael fruit is mildly astringent and is used for dysentery and diarrhea. The pulp may be eaten or the decoction administered. Bael is said to cure without creating any tendency to constipation. Bael leaves, fruits and root can be used as tonic and coolant with antibiotic properties ;

Remedies For:
Bael leaves are extremely useful for treating Diabetes, jaundice, cholera and asthma. Bael leaves are made into a poultice and used in the treatments of ophthalmia. Bael Leaf poultice is applied to inflammations - with black pepper for edema, constipation, and jaundice - with water or honey it is good for catarrh and fever.

Bael roots are sweet which cures fevers caused by tridosho, stop pain in the abdomen, the palpitation of the heart, poverty of seminal fluid and all types of urinary troubles and melancholia. Bael roots and the bark of the Bael tree are used in the treatment of fever by making a decoction of them. They are also useful in the disorders of vata, pitta and kapha.

Bael fruits are valuable for its rich nutritive, sweet, aromatic mucilage and pectin contents – very good for all kinds of stomach disorders. Bael Fruits are very useful in chronic diarrhea and dysentery, particularly in the case of patients having diarrhea, alternating with the spells of constipation. Sweet drink (sherbet) prepared from the pulp of the Bael fruits produce a soothing effect on the patients who have just recovered from bacillary dysentery.

The pulp from unripe Bael fruits are soaked in gingelly oil for a week and this oil is smeared over the body before bathing. The unripe and half-ripe fruits improve appetite and digestion (Jain, 1968; Jauhari, 1969). As per Indian Ayurvedic concept this oil is said to be useful in removing the peculiar burning sensation in the soles. Rind is used for acute and amoebic dysentery, griping pain in the loins and constipation, gas, and colic, sprue, scurvy.

Peoples in South India use the juice of bael leaves to get relief from wheezing and respiratory spasm. The leaf juice is mixed in warm water with a little pepper and given as a drink.

ADATODA VASICA

Adathoda vasica(large leaves)

Adathoda badomi(having small leaves)

General Information
Botanical Name: Adhatoda vasica, Justicia adhatoda
Common Name: Adatodai, Arusa, Adulsa, Bakas, Malabar Nut Tree
Plant Family: Acanthaceae
History: Adhatoda leaves have been used extensively in Ayurvedic Medicine for over 2000 years primarily for respiratory disorders.

Plant constituents of Adhatoda vasica
Adhatoda contains:

Leaves
*Quinazoline Alkaloids
*vasicine - 45-95% (the mucolytic drug bromhexine was developed from this alkaloid)
*N-oxides of vasicine
*vasicinone
*deoxyvasicine
*oxyvasicinine
*maiontone
*essential oil

The leaf extract, is considered safe and the oil has low toxicity.
Flowers
*b-sitosterol-D-glucoside
*kaempferol
*glycosides of kaempferoland
*queretin
Roots
*vasicinolone
*vasicol
*peganine
*hydroxy oxychalcone
*glucosyl oxychalcone

Other
*odorous volatile principle
*organic adhatodic acid

Action:
*abortifacient [an agent that induces or causes premature expulsion of a fetus (abortion)]
*anti-asthmatic [an agent to relieve asthma]
*antispasmodic [an agent which relieves or eases muscular spasms, cramps or convulsions]
*antitussive [an agent that relieves coughing]
*bronchodilator [an agent to dilate the bronchials]
*expectorant [an agent that promotes the discharge of mucous and secretions from the respiratory passages]
*febrifuge [an agent that reduces or eliminates fevers]
*mucolytic [an agent that thins and breaks down mucus]
*oxytocic [an agent that stimulates contraction of the uterine muscle, facilitating or speeding up childbirth]
*uterotonic [an agent that tones, strengthens and invigorates the uterus or the entire organism giving a feeling of well-being]

Usage of Adhatoda vasica
Adhatoda Vasica was traditionally used by midwives at the time of delivery because of its uterotnoic activity. Due to its anti-implantation activity, adhatoda should not be used while pregnant.

Medicinal Part used: Leaves, roots, flowers and stem bark

Adhatoda vasica is commonly used for:
*Blood Conditions
*bleeding due to idiopathic (unknown) thrombocytopenic (blood does not have enough platelets) purpura (excessive bruising)

Cardiovascular Conditions
*moderate hypotensive activity (lowers blood pressure)
*pulmonary diseases

Female Conditions
*assists uterine involution (rolling or turning inward)
*menorrhagia (excessive menstrual bleeding)
*postpartum (after childbirth) hemorrhage
*uterine stimulant activity

Gastrointestinal Conditions
*dyspepsia
*local bleeding due to peptic ulcer and/or piles (hemorrhoids)

Respiratory Tract Conditions
*acute and chronic bronchitis often combined with the herbs Licorice and Marshmallow for soothing the respiratory tract
*allergic asthma, often combined with the herbs Albizia, Baical Skullcap, Eyebright and Tylophora
*antihistamine effects (the leaves may be dried and smoked to relieve asthma)
*broncho-dilation effects
*emphysema
*obstructive airway disease (chronic) often combined with the herbs Polygala, Grindelia, Euphorbia and Elecampane
*phthisis (wasting of the body as in tuberculosis)
*relieves cough and breathlessness

Other Conditions
*bleeding gums (applied locally)
*diphtheria
*gives relief in pyorrhoea, a gum disease (applied locally)
*intermittent fever
*Tuberculosis (all strains of inhibited by the essential oil)
*typhus fever

Dosage:
Recommended dosage is as follows:

0.5-1.5g/day dried root
1-3mL/day 1:2 fluid extract
Higher doses may be needed for the oxytocic effect during childbirth [to stimulate contraction of the uterine muscle, facilitating or speeding up childbirth]

BRAHMI

Kingdom :Plantae
Division:Magnoliophyta
Class:Magnoliopsida
Order :Lamiales
Family :Scrophuariaceae
Genus :Bacopa
Species : B. monnieri
Zoological name :Bacopa monnieri

Other names :

Bacopa, Babies tear, Bacopa monnieri, Hespestis monniera, Nirbrahmi, Indian Pennywort, Jalanevari and water hyssop are the other names that are used for Brahmi. In English it is commonly called as the 'Herb of Grace'. Description : Brahmi is the small creeping herb with the numerous branches. It grows to a height of 2 -3 feet and its branches are 10 -35 cm long. It has oval shaped leaves that are 1-2 cm long and 3- 8 mm broad. Leaves are formed in pairs along the stems. Small- tubular, five petaled flowers are white- purple in colour. Its stem is soft, succulent, and hairy with the glands. Roots emerge out of the nodules and directly go to the soil.

Other Species :

Herpestis monniera, or Moniera cuneifolia is the other specie of Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri).

The salient botanical features are described below:
Stem: Prostrate, (sub)succulent, herbaceous.

Leaves:Decussate, simple, oblong, 1 x 0.4 cm, (sub)succulent, punctate, penninerved, margin entire, apex obtuse, (sub)sessile.

Flower(s):Axillary, solitary, bracteate (2 bracteoles), linear, pedicel to 0.5 cm., purple in color.

Calyx:5 lobes (unequal); outer 2 lobes larger, ovate, 7 x 3.5 mm; inner 2 lobes linear, 5.5 x 0.7 mm; median 1 lobe oblong, 5.5 x 2 mm, imbricate, (sub)succulent, punctate, obtuse, acute.

Corolla:White with violet and green bands inside the throat, 0.8 cm across, 5 mm tube; 5 lobes, obscurely 2-lipped, 2+3, (sub)equal, obtuse or emarginate.

Stamens:4, didynamous; filament pairs I and 2.5 mm anthers oblong, contiguous, 1. 5 mm.

Ovary:Oblong-globose, 2 mm; style slightly deflexed, 5.5 mm; stigma flat capsule, oblong-globose, 5 x 2.5 mm, septicidal or locilicidal, or 4-valved.

Seeds:Oblong; testa striate.

Location :

Brahmi is found in marshy areas near streams and ponds throughout India especially in the North eastern regions. It is found at an elevations from sea level to altitudes of 4,400 feet. It is found in `Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Bihar, Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Foot hills of Himachal Pradesh & Uttaranchal. It is also widely grown in the Bandhavgarh National Park in India.

Cultivation methods :

Brahmi is propagated by seed, cuttings and also by the root division. Before establishing the plant cutting the field should be ploughed properly ans must be made free of weeds. The cuttings should be 4-5 cm long and must contain roots and leaves. Hand weeding is required in every 5 -20 days. It grows faster in the high temperature (33- 42 Degree celcius) and humidity (65 -80%). It prefers wet spots. It is grown in the pots in the house garden. It can grow in both the sun and shade. It requires water from time to time as its roots are shallow. It also requires regular organic fertilizer for its growth. It gives flowers ans fruit in the summer season. It requires moderate to high lightening to grow well.

Irrigation & Harvesting:
The plant requires adequate water. The irrigation requirement depends upon the soil's moisture content. Weeding is done periodically. The whole plant can be removed after 120-150 days. The planting material for the next crop is ensured by retaining 24" x 24" patches of the cultivated crop. Good quality final produce is green in color. The method of drying affects the final quality. The plants should be washed properly before drying. For bulk drying, the harvested crop should be immediately spread in thin layers in well-ventilated shaded areas. In order to ensure quick and uniform drying, the produce should be stirred at least twice a day. The drying process takes about 8 to 10 days.

Medicinal uses :

Brahmi is used in traditional Indian medicines for centuries. for the treatment of bronchitis, chronic cough, asthma, hoarseness, arthritis, rheumatism, backache, fluid retention, blood cleanser, chronic skin conditions, constipation, hair loss, fevers, digestive problems, depression, mental and physical fatigue and many more. It is used to treat all sorts of skin problems like eczema, psoriasis, abscess and ulceration. It stimulates the growth of skin, hair and nails. Brahmi posses anticancer activity. It is taken to get relief from stress and anxiety. According to the Ayurveda Brahmi has antioxidant properties. It has been reported to reduce oxidation of fats in the blood stream, which is the risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Brahmi is considered as the main rejuvenating herb for the nerve and brain cells.

Other uses :

Brahmi is rich in Vitamin C and can be used in the salads, soups and sandwiches. Brahmi oil restores and preserves the memory. In India it is given to the infants to boost memory power intelligence.

Cultural importance :

Brahmi is the name derived from the Lord Brahma. It is said that the use of Brahmi for the memory goes back 3000 years or more in India. Brahmi represents the creative energy of this earth.