Ajwain/ Bishop’s Seed

  Common name Bishop’s weed (E), Ajwain (H) Sanskrit Yavani, Yavanika, Agnivardhana Latin Trachyspermum ammi syn. Trachyapermum copticum, Carum copticum/roxburghianum/ajowan, Ptychotis ajowan–Semen (Umbelliferae Family) Deliciously aromatic, ajwain is a wonderful remedy for sluggish digestion and coughs. A truly warming seed. ENERGETICS   Rasa (taste) Pungent, bitter Virya (energy) Heating Vipaka(post-digestive effect) Pungent Guna(quality) Light, dry,…

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Daruharidra

Common name Indian berberry (E), Daruhaldi (H), Darvi (H) Sanskrit Daruharidra Latin Berberis aristata/chitria–Radix (Berberidaceae)Daruharidra means ‘tree turmeric’ after its yellow-coloured roots and trunk visible after the bark is peeled from this thorny bush. It is a remarkable remedy for regulating the liver and clearing high pitta from the system. ENERGETICS Rasa (taste) Bitter, astringent…

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Cloves

  Common name Cloves (E), Lavang (H) Sanskrit Lavanga Latin Syzygium aromaticum–Flos (Myrtaceae)Cloves are the dried flower buds of this evergreen tree. They have very effective antiseptic and fungal properties that benefit digestion. ENERGETICS   Rasa (taste) Pungent, bitter Virya (energy) Cold Vipaka(post-digestive effect) Pungent Guna (quality) Unctuous, light, penetrating Doshaeffect KPV– Dhatu(tissue) Plasma, blood,…

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Castor Plant

Common name Castor oil (E), Rendi (H) Sanskrit Eranda a Latin Ricinus communis–Semen/Folium (Euphorbiaceae)Castor oil is considered the king of medicinals for curing vata and arthritic diseases. It is warm, oily, heavy, and acts as a laxative. ENERGETICS Rasa (taste) Sweet, pungent, astringent Virya (energy) Heating Vipaka(post-digestive effect) Sweet Guna(quality) Unctuous, heavy, penetrating and subtle…

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Chirayita- A Herbal Antipyretic

Chirayita is an especially bitter herb that is renowned for cleansing the blood and liver of inflammation and high pitta. Chirayita is derived from ‘kirata’ meaning bitter. Common name: White chirayita (E), Chiretta (H), Kirat (H) Sanskrit Kiratatikta, Bhunimba Latin Swertia chirata–Folium (Gentianaceae) ENERGETICS Rasa (taste) Bitter Virya (energy) Cooling Vipaka(post-digestive effect) Pungent Guna(quality) Light, dry,…

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WheatGrass Therapy: Therapy Using Chlorophyll

Wheatgrass therapy mainly consists of use of small wheatgrass (commonly used as jau). Common wheatgrass is also known as bread wheat, which is a mostly cultivated wheat species. In other words, wheatgrass therapy is also known as chlorophyll therapy.   Wheatgrass is a good source of mineral nutrients. It contains significant amount of iron, phosphorus, magnesium,…

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Challenges In Ayurveda

Ayurveda is an ancient system of medicine developed about 3,000 years in the Indian Subcontinent. In Sanskrit Ayurveda means “Science of life” as the knowledge was illustrated in the sacred textbooks called “veda”. Many of the ancient textbooks of Ayurveda, are still in the process of proper interpretation and understanding. During the last few decades,…

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Ashwagandha-Herbal Aphrodisiac

Ashwagandha generally called winter cherry(English), Indian ginseng (English). Its Latin name is Withania somnifera–Radix (Solanaceae). The word ashwagandha means  ‘the aroma of a horse’ which means the aroma/smell alike to horse urine. As well it is an aphrodisiac which increases sexual stamina like horse. It has been an important herb for various Ayurveda formulations and…

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Garlic rhizome

Garlic – A Kitchen Drug

Garlic is the most more common medicative herb employed in our kitchen, is a native herb to central Asia. It is used as a flavoring agent in the kitchen although it has its own medicinal importance. Garlic can be used as an adjuvant drug along with antibiotics as it posses antibiotic property(mainly bacteriostatic). Also has…

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