The Healing Herb of India: Neem (Azadirachta indica)

Neem has been used in Ayurvedic, Unani &
Homeopathic Medicines Since Ages!

Neem (Azadirachta indica) is a tall evergreen tree, native to the tropical regions of Asia. Since ages, the plant has been used in the ayurvedic, unani and homoeopathic medicines. The seeds, leaves & the bark of neem are said to have antiseptic, antiviral, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer, anti cancer and antifungal properties. 

Various active compounds present in the plant are isoprenoids ( diterpenoids and triterpenoid)s, limonoids, azadirone, gedunin, vilasinin, nimbin, salanin and azadirachtin. The non-isoprenoids include proteins, carbohydrates, sulphurous compounds, polyphenolics, dihydrochalcone, coumarin and tannins, aliphatic compounds, etc. In this post learn about the healing proerties of neem and the remedies used to cure common health illnesses:

Traditional Medicinal Remedies with Neem

Traditional Remedies with Neem!

• For acidity, 40g of dry neem leaves powder can be administered with water early   morning on an empty stomach.
• For curing indigestion & hyperacidity, douse 5g of crushed neem bark in hot water overnight. Drink the extract early in the morning on an empty stomach.
• In case of loss of appetite, 25-30g neem leaves powder can be cooked with wheat porridge (sooji). This preparation should be taken for a week.
• To get relief from biliary pain, prepare a mixture of neem bark (1g), Indian gooseberry powder (1g), turmeric powder (500mg). This preparation should be taken with water early in the morning on an empty stomach. Administer this formulation to the sufferer for a week. 
• To expel intestinal worms, administer 2 g of powdered neem leaves early in the morning on an empty stomach.
• For skin problems, neem leaves extract should be given orally in small quantities, throughout the day.
• For healthy skin, boil neem leaves in water. Use the same for bathing as it works as a good antiseptic and deodorant.
• To treat leprosy in its early stages, neem bark extract should be taken orally. Washing wounds with neem bark extract also helps control the disease.To heal wounds, neem gum (2g) can be administered with milk.
• For jaundice, take a tbsp of neem leaves juice with honey, early in the morning on empty stomach.
• For treating diabetes, chew neem leaves together with black pepper early in the morning on an empty stomach.
• For night blindness, roasted neem flowers helps cure the illness.
• To treat non-hemorrhagic piles, mesocarp of about 5 neem fruits should be eaten twice daily.
• For itchy groins, prepare neem leaves paste with 5g of turmeric. Administer this formulation to the patient early in the morning on empty stomach.
• To treat persistent vomiting, add 5-6 drops of neem leaves juice to a glass of warm milk. The same preparation can be used to check excessive sleepiness.
• To repel mosquitoes & flies, smoke from smoldering neem leaves is quite effective.

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The Medicinal Herb: Sesamum indicum (Sesame)

Sesame oil has Various Medicinal Uses!

Sesame (Sesamum indicum Linn) or Til, is an annual erect hairy herb cultivated in all tropical and sub-tropical countries of the world. India, Indonesia, China, Burma, Sudan, Ethiopia, Venezuela & Mexico are the main countries growing it. The parts of the herb used for medicinal purposes are the seed, oil and the whole plant. 

The plant is high in Vitamin, B1, B6, E & K and also contains good amounts of proteins, carbohydrates, and minerals such as magnesium, manganese, copper, calcium, iron and zinc. The oil contains oleic acid, linoleic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, and the glycosides, namely, sesamin and the sesamolin.

Seeds of Sesame are Highly Nutritious!

• For constipation: Taking a tbsp of sesame oil with 1/4^th ginger juice at bed time is said to loosen the bowels. Its oil is a known mild laxative.
• To cure arthritis: Take 500 g of sesame oil in a bottle and to it mix 20 g of camphor and fix the cap tightly. Keep the bottle in sunlight so that the camphor dissolves well in the oil. Apply this mixture twice daily at the site of pain.
• For swelling- For relief from swelling in any part of the body, mix ginger powder into sesame oil and massage over the area.
• To relieve headache: Rubbing warm sesame oil on the forehead relieves headache.
• For chest congestion: To treat chest congestion, warm 2 tbsp of sesame oil with a pinch of black salt and massage onto the chest followed by a eucalyptus steam inhalation.
• For healthy Hair: Eating 3-4 tsp of sesame seeds every morning provides nourishment to the hair.
• For dandruff: Massage the oil into the scalp and leave it overnight. This treatment not only cures itching scalp, but also helps get rid of dandruff.
• Skin Care: Massaging the skin gently with sesame oil has multiple benefits. Sesame oil being rich in antioxidants and vitamin E, works as a moisturizer, as anti-aging cream, and a treatment for skin diseases, such as eczema and psoriasis. Gentle oil massage also helps to sooth sunburn, minor burns and helps in the healing process.
• Scabies: Application of paste of turmeric prepared in sesame (Sesamum indicum) oil on the infected areas cures scabies.
• To gain weight: Daily consumption of sesame seeds helps in gaining weight because of its high calorific contents.

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The Indigenous Herb of India: Turmeric (Curcuma longa)

Turmeric offers Multiple Health Benefits

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a perennial herb of the Zingiberaceae or ginger family. Native to South Asia, it is a cultigen and has not yet been found in the wild. However, it is believed to be indigenous to India, where it has long been used both as a spice and as a dye.  From India, it is likely that that plant spread to South-East Asia and gradually to East Asia, particularly China. Owing to its multiple health benefits, turmeric  is extensively used as a food preservative, spice, and coloring agent in various parts of the world. It is considered as auspicious and is a part of religious rituals in countries like India.

Turmeric Rhizomes

Turmeric is rich source of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, minerals and essential oils. Curcumin, one of the bioactive components of turmeric, is anti inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, antimutagenic, anticoagulant, cholagogueue, diuretic, depurative, antidiabetic & antifungal in nature.

The plant known for its therapeutic & medicinal virtues, has been used as a traditional remedy for curing various illnesses. Find here some of the simple and effective Natural Remedies with turmeric:

A Healthy Spice used for
Preparations in Indian Kitchens

• Application of a paste prepared from turmeric rhizome & neem leaves twice a day, dries out Acne. Mixing a tbsp each of fuller’s earth & sandalwood powder with ½ tsp of turmeric is also a known remedy for curing acne.
• To cure Asthma, have 1/4th tsp of turmeric powder with hot water.
• Drinking a glass of milk with ½ tsp of turmeric powder is effective against Arthritis.
• Prepare a paste of 1/4th tsp of turmeric powder and black pepper in clarified butter & massage it on the chest to relieve symptoms of Bronchitis.
• Boiling 1/4th tsp of turmeric in a glass of water and gargling with the same (twice a day) cures Blisters in the mouth.
• Regular consumption of turmeric in foods eases Morning stiffness, reduces Pain & Joint swelling.
• Application of turmeric powder with lime comforts Swelling and pain in Bruises.Applying a paste of turmeric powder and salt in clarified butter is also known to provide relief in bruises.
• Adding turmeric to a glass of milk or making it a part of daily cooking, would help in the breakdown of dietary fat, & hence, help in Controlling weight.
• Regular use of turmeric in food acts as an anti-mutagenic agent by reducing the chances of occurrence of types of Cancer (lung, colon, breast and prostrate cancer).
• A tsp of turmeric, 1/4th tsp of carom seeds & honey taken with hot water cures Cough & cold.
• Licking 1 tsp turmeric powder with ½ tsp of honey is believed to eliminate Chest congestion.
• For keeping a check on Diabetes, mix ½ tsp each of turmeric and bay leaves powder in a tbsp of aloe vera gel. Take this mixture twice daily before meals.
• To treat Eczema, drink a glass of milk with ½ tsp turmeric powder daily.
• Turmeric also helps to prevent Heart attacks /strokes if consumed daily in food diet. It helps in eliminating the LDL or bad cholesterol from the body. .
• Taking ½ tsp of turmeric powder with 1/4th tsp of black pepper & cardamom each after every meal is beneficial in Indigestion & Acidity.
• Having a tsp of turmeric with warm milk/ hot water and honey twice daily is effective in Jaundice.
• Application of paste of turmeric prepared in sesame oil helps prevent Skin eruptions
• To treat Small pox, prepare a paste by mixing turmeric powder, milk cream & wheat flour in mustard oil. Apply the same over the affected part two times daily. Also consuming a tsp of turmeric powder and tamarind for 5 days would fasten healing.
• Roast turmeric powder & massage the aching tooth to get relief of swelling & pain. Filling the cavity with roasted ground turmeric powder provides temporary relief in Toothaches.
• Roast about 15 g of turmeric powder in mustard oil and use it for fomentation in case of Tonsillitis. 
• Drinking a cup of milk with ½ tsp of turmeric twice a day helps in quick healing of the wounds.

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The Holistic Herb of Medicinal Virtues: Basil (Tulsi)!

Basil: Ocimun sanctum

Basil (Ocimum sanctum L.), plant of the Lamiaceae family, is an erect, annual herb, found commonly grown in India and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. All parts of the plant, i.e., its leaves, stems, roots, seeds & the flowers are reputed to have therapeutic properties. This holy plant has been used by herbal practitioners as analgesic, expectorant, antidiabetic, carminative, anticancer, adaptogenic,  antifungal, antimicrobial, antiasthmatic, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, hypolipidmic, antiemetic, antispasmodic, antirheumatic, hypotensive and diaphoretic.

These medicinal properties are believed to be due to the presence of essential oils and other active compounds in the plant. The basil leaves contain essential oil rich in eugenal, eugenol, limatrol, caryophylline, carvacrol, methylchavicol and steroids like ursolic acid and n-triacontanol. The plant roots contain active compounds such as triterpenes and sitosterol. The seeds of the herb are a source of fatty acids and sitosterol. Owing to its active constituents, find here some of the age old folk remedies with basil:

Traditional Herbal Remedies with Basil

Basil: A Doctor in your backyard!

• To cure skin infections, prepare a mixture of crushed basil leaves, onion (Allium cepa) and lemon (Citrus limon) juice. Apply the mixture topically to treat skin infections and allergies.
• To improve lactation in nursing mothers, crush & boil 8-10 basil leaves in a cup of water and simmer for about 5 min. Sieve & add honey to taste. Have a cup of the same twice daily.
• To treat acne, apply a mixture of Basil & mint leaves juice along with lemon juice over the affected area.
• An aqueous concoction of the whole basil plant taken daily is said to control diabetes.
• A tsp of basil leaves juice taken with equal amounts of bitter gourd juice, taken for a month before going to bed is also said to relieve asthma and bronchitis.
• To treat cough and cold, grind together equal amounts of dried basil leaves, ginger and black pepper powder. To it, add a little honey to have a consistency to make it into pellets. These pellets can be sucked 3-4 times a day to ease the symptom.
• To cure nose bleeding, drink a tsp of basil juice with honey in a glass of water. Also, smelling basil blossoms can relieve the symptom.
• For indigestion, crush 3-4 basil leaves with a pinch of rock salt. Take it with water to ease the ailment.
• To get rid of lice, spread a handful of basil leaves around the pillow before going to bed.
• To treat fever, boil about 10g basil leaves in a glass of water till the water is reduced to half. Add a little rock salt to taste and drink. This preparation induces sweating and relieves fever.
• The leaf juice of basil along with triphala (amla, harada and behada) extract can be used as eye tonic. This formulation can also treat eye problems such as chronic conjunctivitis, glaucoma and cataracts.
• To get relief from headache, chewing a few basil leaves or rubbing the leaves of the herb is beneficial.
• To relieve migraine, shade dry & powder some basil blossoms and store in an airtight container. Mix 2g of the powder with a tbsp of honey and lick slowly.
• For insect bite, ground basil leaves with turmeric & apply over the affected area.
• For urinary troubles, take a tsp of basil seeds and soak them overnight. In the morning, grind them with sugar & have it with water twice daily.

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The Plant with Therapeutic values: Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna)

Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna) Tree

Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna) is one of the sacred trees of India which has been used on several religious occasions as well as in Ayurvedic formation since ancient times. It was introduced into Ayurveda as a treatment for heart diseases, wounds, hemorrhages and ulcers by Vagbhata (He is one of the three classic writers of Ayurveda, along with Charaka & Sushruta who wrote the Ashtanga Sangraha and the Ashtanga Hridaya Samhita). Arjuna is known by its various names such as  Arjan, Dhanvi, Koha, Kahu, White Marudah, Orjun, Yerra maddi, Sadada,  Indradruma, Kakubha, Karvirak and many more.

Arjuna Bark

Arjuna is a large size deciduous tree common throughout India, especially in the sub Himalayan tracts and the Eastern India. Terminalia chebula, T. bellrica and T. ciliata are the other species of Arjuna tree found in India. Arjuna bark is rich tannins, triterpenoid saponins (arjunic acid, arjunolic acid, arjungenin, arjunglycosides), flavonoids (arjunone, arjunolone, luteolin), gallic acid, ellagic acid, oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs), phytosterols (b-sitosterol), minerals such as calcium, magnesium, zinc, and copper. It has an abundance of  Co-enzyme Q- 10 which helps to strengthens the heart muscles and prevent heart diseases. 

Arjuna Leaves

In Ayurveda and the Siddha system of medicine, the plant is used in the treatment of cardiac diseases, chronic fever, Diabetes mellitus, polyurea, fractures, obesity, leucorrhoea, leprosy, worm infestation, abdominal disorders, skin disorders, and ulcers. The bark is said to be alexiteric, styptic, tonic, anthelmintic, & useful in treating anemia, asthma, tumours, leucoderma, excessive perspiration, and more. Arjuna is also useful in controlling blood pressure levels, and acts as an antidote to poisons. It is also reputed to have astringent, hypotensive, hemostatic, diuretic, prostaglandin-enhancing, coronary-risk-modulating properties, & is useful in protection against NSAID-induced gastric ulcers. Arjuna leaves are used to cover ulcers & sores externally, while its juice is used for curing earache (Otalgia). In addition, Arjuna has shown its effectiveness against the antiviral and antibacterial ailments as well.

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The Medicinal Plant : Aloe vera

Aloe vera : One of the Oldest Medicinal Plants

Aloe vera is one of the oldest known medicinal plants gifted by nature. It is known by its various names such as Miracle plant, Lily of the desert, Burn plant, Elephant's gall, etc. It is a stemless or very short-stemmed succulent plant growing to 80–100 cm tall, spreading by offsets and root sprouts. The leaves are lanceolate, thick and fleshy, green with a serrated margin. The flowers are produced on a spike up to 90 cm tall, each flower pendulous, with a yellow tubular corolla 2–3 cm long.

Aloe Vera contains more than 75 known active ingredients. Also included are 19 of the 20 amino acids required by the human body and 7 of the 8 essential amino acids (that the body cannot make), as well as vitamins and minerals. There are 20 "critical" Amino Acids in human metabolism, but the body can only make 12, the other 8 have to be obtained from food. These are Isoleucine, Leucine, Lysine, Methionine, Phenylalanine, Threonine, Valine, and Tryptophan.

Aloe Vera contains useful enzymes such as Amylase, Bradykinase, Catalase, Cellulase, Lipase, Oxidase, Alkaline Phosphatase, Proteolytiase, Creatine Phosphokinase, Carboxypeptidase. Most of these are beneficial to human metabolism. Lignin gives Aloe Vera its penetrating powers. The plant contains important minerals like Calcium, Chromium, Copper, Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, Potassium, Phosphorous, Sodium, and Zinc. Aloe Vera contains useful vitamins like vitamin A (beta-carotene and retinol), B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B6 (pyridoxine), B12 (cyanocobalamin), C (ascorbic acid), E (tocopherol) and Folic Acid. Clinical evaluations have revealed that the pharmacological active ingredients are concentrated in both the gel and rind of the aloe vera leaves.

Aloe Gel is Used to Cure Various Health Ailments

Aloe vera is an antiseptic, antibacterial and anti inflammatory in nature. Here are a few health benefits of this miraculous plant. 

Aloe vera-

• Cures colon cancer and heals the intestine
• Soothes arthritis pain and inflammation
• Protects the body from oxidative stress
• Gives relief from constipation.
• Stabilizes blood sugar and reduces triglyceride levels in diabetics.
• Reduces hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Accelerates healing from physical and burns.
• Acts as a tonic for the kidneys; prevents kidney stones.
• Keeps a check on cholesterol levels
• Boosts the oxygenation of blood
• Protects the body from oxalates in beverages such as tea and coffee
• Alkalizes the body & further, helps to balance acidic dietary habits.
• Moisturizes the skin, accelerates skin repair
• Cures ulcers, and other digestive disorders
• Boosts cardiovascular performance and physical endurance

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The Healing Herb: Picrorhiza kurroa

Picrorhiza kurroa 

Picrorhiza kurroa (family Scrophulariaceae, common name Picrorhiza, Katuka, Kutka, kutki) is one of the oldest medicinal plants found in the Himalayas. Since time immemorial, this perennial herb has been used in Ayurveda for treating diseases caused by kapha and pitta, and is valued for its hepatoprotective properties. In small doses, it helps in curing loss of appetite, liver diseases, jaundice, bronchial asthma, bile disorders and weakness. In larger doses, it is useful as an antioxidant, antibacterial, anticholestatic, antiallergic, antiperiodic, cathartic, laxative, and to treat abdominal diseases, adiposity and related disorders.

Roots of Picrorhiza kurroa 

The leaf, bark and the underground parts of Picrorhiza, mainly rhizomes are widely used in the treatment of the health ailments. The root of this plant is rich in glucosides including kitkin and picrorhizin, cucurbitacin, D-mannitol, benetic acid, kutkisterol, vanillic acid and some steroids. P. kurroa also contains apocynin, a powerful anti-inflammatory agent, which helps reduce platelet aggregation.

Experimental studies have revealed the cytotoxic role of curcubitacins (found in the plant) having antitumor activity. It is also said to reduce blood cholesterol levels and the coagulation time. Furthermore studies of plant rhizome, is shown to improve the immunity of the body, as well as known to have a specific action against the parasite Leishmania, which causes the disease called leishmaniasis.

The plant is also used in treating abdominal pain, stomach disorders, anemia, and for promoting bile secretion. It is helpful in acute viral hepatitis, as immune-modulator, and in treating fever and allergies. Other instances of use include vitiligo, skin disorders, infections, scorpion stings, chronic diarrhea, epilepsy, malaria and rheumatoid arthritis. The plant and its formulations are widely used in treating epidemic jaundice.

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Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.): The Kitchen Herb of India!

Fenugreek: One of the Healthiest Indian Spices !

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.)  is an oldest cultivated medicinal plant native to the Mediterranean countries and across Asia. It is aromatic, astringent, carminative, expectorant, mucilagenous, galactogogue and aphrodiasiac in nature. It is high in vitamins A, D, B1, B2, B3 and contains lecithinm, minerals and proteins. Owing to its excellent medicinal properties, fenugreek is used in common folk remedies for the treatment of various health ailments. Find here some of such time-tested folk remedies with fenugreek- 

Fresh Leaves of Fenugreek!

• To treat anemia, cook fenugreek leaves and have it with meals. A tsp of fenugreek seeds can also be taken with water to cure Anemia.
• Take a cup of fenugreek decoction with a spoonful of honey and fresh ginger juice. This formulation acts as an excellent expectorant during Asthma.
• Soak about 10 g of fenugreek seeds overnight and consume them on an empty stomach in the morning. Soak another 10 g of fenugreek seeds in the morning and consume them half an hour before dinner. Fiber present in fenugreek swells in the stomach and gives the feeling of satiety. It is an effective remedy for Losing weight.
• Taking a tsp of fenugreek seeds powder with curd is said to be effective in treating vaginal discharge associated with yeast infections.
• Consuming about 50g of fenugreek seeds daily, either with water or in diet, is said to  lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of Heart attacks.
• Mix a tsp of powdered fenugreek seeds in buttermilk. Drink the mixture to relieve  abdominal pain due to Indigestion. This remedy also works well against Diarrhea.
• Taking about 1-2 g of fenugreek twice a day is recommended to improve milk flow in Lactating mothers.

Fenugreek Seeds are Rich in Therapeutic Properties!

• Consuming about 2 tsp of fenugreek seeds with a tsp of honey and lemon juice, thrice a day, is known to treat Fever.
• One of the effective remedies against acid reflux or Heartburn is to have a tsp of fenugreek seeds with juice or water before meals.
• Consuming a tbsp of powdered fenugreek seeds with lukewarm water gives relief from Joint pains.
• To get rid of Acne and Blackheads, apply a paste of fenugreek leaves over the face overnight. Rinse off after 10-15 min.

• To remove Dandruff, mix about 3-5 g of fenugreek seeds powder in a cup of curd and to it, mix 1/2 tsp of lemon  juice. Apply the mixture on scalp for an hour and rinse off.

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The Green Healers of India!

Herbs of Medicinal Value!

We find various herbs commonly growing around us but never take much notice of them. But you will be surprised to know and learn about their therapeutic and medicinal potentials in treating common health ailments. The Ayurvedic and the Siddha system of medicine have been incorporating such plants in treating illnesses since ages. Its time to recognize this wealth of health easily found grown in our backyards and kitchen gardens and make use of it in staying healthy.

1. Neem is used for multi purpose remedies. This includes sprains, flu, skin diseases, heart diseases, fever, indigestion, viral infection, etc. Some serious health concerns like cancer, kidney diseases, sexually transmitted diseases are also claimed to be treated by neem extract.
2. Basil (Tulsi) acts as blood purifier and anti bacterial. It is effective against cough & cold. Basil enhances digestion, improves appetite & increases blood circulation. Regular consumption of basil the boosts up the immune system.
3. Peppermint is carminative, relieves muscular spasms, increases sweating, stimulates secretion of bile and is an antiseptic. It’s  therapeutic value lies in its ability to relieve wind, flatulence, bloating and colic. Studies indicate that it relieves colon spasms and helps to cure ulcers. Peppermint also eases headaches. Menthol, its main constituent, is known to have antibacterial properties.  
4. The Indian Gooseberry is aphrodisiac, hemostatic, carminative, stomachic, diuretic and laxative. Being nutritive, it increases red blood cells count. It is one of the highest natural resources of Vitamin C (3,000 mg / fruit). 
5. Ashoka relieves diabetes, treats dyspepsia, diseases of the blood, tumors, abdominal enlargement, colic, piles, ulcers and bone fractures as well as diarrhea & bleeding piles. The leaves of the plant has a special blood purifying property. It also serves as an excellent uterine tonic and is very useful to treat syphilis and biliousness.  
6. Coriander leaves stimulate appetite and improves digestion. These are rich in magnesium, potassium & fibers. Regular consumption boosts immunity and purifies blood. Studies how their role in curing diabetes. 
7. Lemon helps to control Blood Pressure, purifies blood, reduces swelling of the spleen & strengthens the immune system. It is rich in vitamins C, B, B2, and calcium & iron. The plant protects our body against germs and bacteria.  
8. Betel leaf exhibits carminative, stimulant, astringent and aromatic properties. The leaf improves taste & appetite. Betel leaf juice is a tonic to brain, heart, liver and other internal organs. It is beneficial in improving bowel action in cases of constipation. Betel leaves juice also cures eye problems and night blindness effectively. 
9. Peepal tree is useful in inflammations & glandular swelling of the neck. Its root bark is useful for stomatitis and in ulcers. Roots of peepal tree are good for gout. The roots when chewed are considered beneficial for treating gum diseases. Its fruit promotes digestion, checks vomiting, treats asthma & is useful in urinary troubles & heart diseases. The leaves of peepal are also used to treat constipation. 
10. Bay has a reputation for soothing the stomach and relieving flatulence. Its leaves are known for their ability to relieve aches & pains associated with rheumatism, & for sprains, bruises, and skin rashes.  
 

 

Cure Health Ailments with Emblica officinalis (Amla)!

Emblica officinalis of the Euphorbiaceae family has aperient, antidiarrhoeal, antispasmodic, antioxidative, aphrodisiac, astringent, carminative, diuretic, expectorant and laxative properties. It has antioxidant properties due to its rich vitamin C content. It is also rich in tannins and other polyphenols, flavonoides and kaempferol. Amla has been used to treat various health-related problems dating back centuries. Learn more about the herbal remedies with amla in curing some of the common diseases of the modern world.

Emblica officinalis: A Health Booster!

• Acidity: Powder dry amla fruits, and add a pinch of asafetida and rock salt to it. Take a tsp of the mixture with lukewarm water after meals.
• Asthma: Mix powdered amla (1 tbsp), mulethi  roots (4 tbsp), guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) stems (2 tbsp), ginger roots (1/2 tbsp), harra fruits (1tbsp), nagarmotha (Cyperus rotundus) roots (1tbsp) and chirchira (Achyranthes aspera) leaves (1/2 tbsp). A tsp of the same should be taken after meals with water.
• Arthritis: Prepare a mixture of amla fruit powder (1 tbsp), pipli (Piper longum) fruits (1 tbsp), kantakari (Solanum virginianum) whole plant (1 tbsp), ashwagandha roots (1 tbsp), harra (Terminalia chebula) fruits (1 tbsp), bahera (Terminalia bellirica) fruits (1 tbsp), kachur (Curcuma zedoaria) roots (1 tbsp) and eranda (Ricinus communis) roots (1 tbsp). Take a tsp of the preparation with lukewarm water before meals.

• Indigestion: Prepare a mixture of amla (2 tbsp) with Isubgol (Plantago ovate) husk (2 tbsp), harra fruits (1 1/2 tbsp), kalinga (Holarrhena pubescens) bark (1 tbsp) and swarnamukhi (Cassia senna) leaves (2 tbsp). Administer a tbsp before going to bed.
• Dysentery: A teaspoon of dried amla fruit powder taken with equal proportions of harra powder is said to be effective against dysentery.
• Healthy hair: Soak two tablespoons each of powdered amla and reetha (Sapindus emarginatus) fruits overnight. Next morning, use it for hair wash. This formulation is also known to strengthen the hair roots and make hair healthy.
• Immunity: Shade dry and powder amla fruits. Store the prepared powder in an air-tight container. Drinking a tsp of amla powder with water every day helps improve immunity.
• Skin problems: Mix powdered amla fruits (1 tbsp) with neem bark (1tbsp) and a pinch of turmeric. Apply a paste of this herbal preparation over the affected skin.
• Diabetes: Mix a tbsp of amla fruit juice in a cup of fresh bitter gourd juice. Have it daily for two months to control diabetes.
• Throat infection: Mix powdered amla (1 tbsp) with mulethiroots (3 tbsp), pipli  fruits (1 tbsp), harra fruits (1 tbsp), kungyi (Sida cordifolia) roots (1 tbsp) and bahera fruits (1 tbsp). One tspof the formulation can be administered twice a day with water.
• Weight loss: Prepare a mixture of powdered amla (1 tbsp), gokshura (Tribulus terrestris) fruits (2 tbsp), harra fruits (2 tbsp) and ginger roots (1 tbsp). A tbsp of the mixture can be taken with warm water after meals.

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Tinospora cordifolia : A Versatile Rejuvenating Herb!

Tinospora cordifolia, a member of the Menispermaceae family, is a glabrous climbing shrub, typically found growing in deciduous and dry forests. Commonly known as Guduchi, the plant is indigenous to the tropical areas of India, Sri Lanka and Myanmar. It is a perennial deciduous twine with succulent stem and papery bark.  The herb bears paripinnate leaves and yellow flowers.

Tinospora cordifolia : A Versatile Rejuvenating Herb!

The medicinal and therapeutic properties are owing to its constituents such as giloin, gilenin, cordifol, heptacosanol, tinosporin, tinosporide, tinosporic acid, tinosporol, Tinosporidine, and sitosterol found in different parts of the plant.

The root, stems, and leaves of T. cordifolia are used for medicinal purpose. Guduchi is mentioned in Ayurvedic literature as a constituent of several compound formulations used to treat dyspepsia, general debility, fever, and urinary diseases. It is claimed to be useful in treating leprosy, asthma, anorexia, jaundice, gonorrhea, gout, skin infections, diabetes, chronic diarrhea, and dysentery. 

Tinospora cordifolia

The plant is used in preparing Rasayanas for enhancing the immune system and the body’s resistance against infections. In traditional folk medicines, it is used to treat burning, general debility, leucorrhea, cough, bone fracture, ear pain, asthma, skin disease, and snake & insect bite. In compound formulations, Guduchi is clinically used to treat diabetes, jaundice & rheumatoid arthritis.