Argyreia Nervosa (katar palai)- A Siddha Herb

Botanical Name(s): Argyreia Nervosa
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Solanales
Family: Convolvulaceae
Subfamily: Faboideae
Genus: Argyreia
Species: A. nervosa
Popular Name(s): Elephant Creeper Seeds, Original Argyreia Seeds, Elephant Climber, Woolly Morning Glory, Cordon Seda, Coup D’Air, Liane A Minguet, Liane D’Argent, Samudrasokh, Silver Morning Glory.

 

Parts Used: Seeds, wood
Habitat: Hills, 900m and above in India

Description
A perennial climbing vine, Hawaiian baby woodrose is a liana, with a length extending up to 10 m. The plant has large, heart-shaped leaves and white trumpet-shaped flowers. The large furry seeds grow in seedpods. The vine can be up to 10 m in length. The petals are about 6 cm long, with shallowly lobes and pinkish-purple color. The plant’s fruit is spherical and yellowish-brown with a diameter of 20 mm. Hawaiian baby woodrose is originally from the Indian subcontinent, but has now been introduced to various other countries, like Hawaii, Africa and the Caribbean. It is known as Samandar-ka-pat in Hindi, Bastantri in Sanskrit, Candrapada in Kannada and Telugu, Marikkunni in Malayalam and Samuttirappaccai in Tamil.

Plant Chemicals
(+)- tannin, potassium, calcium, phosphate

Uses & Benefits of Hawaiian Baby Woodrose

  • Hawaiian baby woodrose is useful for healing wounds and increasing blood pressure to the effective parts.
  • The roots of the plant are helpful in the treatment of gonorrhea, rheumatism, diseases of nervous system, obesity, hoarseness, syphilis, anemia, diabetes, tuberculosis and general debility.
  • The herb is also very useful in vitiated conditions, like kapha and vita, emaciation, ulcers, anorexia, dyspepsia and latulence.
  • Hawaiian baby woodrose helps in digestion, throat-related problems and also strengthens the body.
  • The herb increases the sperm count and decreases the inflammation in the uterus.
  • It is also helpful in resolving urine related problems.
  • Hawaiian baby woodrose is anti-inflammatory in action and a cardiac supporter.
  • Other ailments where the herb is used for treatment include bronchitis, strangury, seminal weakness, nervous weakness, cerebral disorders, arthritis and leucorrhoea.

Argyreia Nervosa (katar palai)- A Siddha Herb

Botanical Name(s): Argyreia Nervosa
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Solanales
Family: Convolvulaceae
Subfamily: Faboideae
Genus: Argyreia
Species: A. nervosa
Popular Name(s): Elephant Creeper Seeds, Original Argyreia Seeds, Elephant Climber, Woolly Morning Glory, Cordon Seda, Coup D’Air, Liane A Minguet, Liane D’Argent, Samudrasokh, Silver Morning Glory.

Parts Used: Seeds, wood
Habitat: Hills, 900m and above in India

Description
A perennial climbing vine, Hawaiian baby woodrose is a liana, with a length extending up to 10 m. The plant has large, heart-shaped leaves and white trumpet-shaped flowers. The large furry seeds grow in seedpods. The vine can be up to 10 m in length. The petals are about 6 cm long, with shallowly lobes and pinkish-purple color. The plant’s fruit is spherical and yellowish-brown with a diameter of 20 mm. Hawaiian baby woodrose is originally from the Indian subcontinent, but has now been introduced to various other countries, like Hawaii, Africa and the Caribbean. It is known as Samandar-ka-pat in Hindi, Bastantri in Sanskrit, Candrapada in Kannada and Telugu, Marikkunni in Malayalam and Samuttirappaccai in Tamil.

Plant Chemicals
(+)- tannin, potassium, calcium, phosphate

Uses & Benefits of Hawaiian Baby Woodrose

  • Hawaiian baby woodrose is useful for healing wounds and increasing blood pressure to the effective parts.
  • The roots of the plant are helpful in the treatment of gonorrhea, rheumatism, diseases of nervous system, obesity, hoarseness, syphilis, anemia, diabetes, tuberculosis and general debility.
  • The herb is also very useful in vitiated conditions, like kapha and vita, emaciation, ulcers, anorexia, dyspepsia and latulence.
  • Hawaiian baby woodrose helps in digestion, throat-related problems and also strengthens the body.
  • The herb increases the sperm count and decreases the inflammation in the uterus.
  • It is also helpful in resolving urine related problems.
  • Hawaiian baby woodrose is anti-inflammatory in action and a cardiac supporter.
  • Other ailments where the herb is used for treatment include bronchitis, strangury, seminal weakness, nervous weakness, cerebral disorders, arthritis and leucorrhoea.

Annona squamosa (Seetha) – A Siddha Herb

 

Cust

Binomial Name(s): Annona squamosa

 

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Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida (Dicotyledons)
Subclass: Magnoliidae
Order: Magnoliales
Family: Annonaceae (Custard-apple family)
Subfamily: Maloideae
Tribe: Abreae
Genus: Annona L. (annona)
Species: Annona squamosa L. (sugar apple)
Popular Name(s): Sugar Apple, Sweetsop, Kaner’apra, Pomme Canelle, Tapotapo, Fun Li Chi, Anon, Anona Blanca, Ati, Ates
Parts Used: Annona seeds, Annona leaves, Annona bark
Habitat: Throughout India

Description
Custard apple is a tropical branched tree or shrub, indigenous to the Amazon rainforest. It grows around 3 meters to 8 meters in length. The leaves are thin and oblong, while the flowers are greenish – yellow. The conical fruit, with a purple knobby skin, is very sweet and eaten fresh or can be used for milkshakes, ice- creams and even sherbets. The fruit is juicy and creamy-white and looks like a giant raspberry. The plant is native to both America and India. It is popularly known as ‘Sharifa’ in India.

Custard apple tree does not require much care and will do well if watered regularly, along with enough light for it to grow. It grows well in hot dry climates and adjusts in any kind of soil, a job that is a little difficult for other plants in its family. If you have sowed the plant’s seeds, it will bear fruits in 2 to 3 years. The fruits are generally conical or round in shape and will take around 3 to 4 months to ripen.

Plant Chemicals
squamocenin (1), annotemoyin-2 (2), reticulatain-2 (3), squamocin-I (4), squamocin-B (5), squamocin (6), motrilin (7), squamostatin-D (8), squamostatin-E (9), cherimolin-1 (10), cherimolin-2 (11) from the ethyl alcohol extract of A. squamosa L. Squamocenin is a new acetogenin, Annotemoyin and reticulatain-2.

Uses & Benefits of Custard Apple

  • The bark of custard apple tree can be used to stop diarrhea in children and adults. In addition, the plant is effective to treat diabetes.
  • Its fruit is used to make a hair tonic in some parts of India.
  • The plant bears some amazing medicinal qualities, like serving as an insecticide, antiovulatory and abortifacient.
  • The grounded seeds can be applied on hair, to get rid of lice. However, make sure that it does not come in contact with ice or else, it can irritate the eye, leading to blindness.
  • Custard apple can treat burning sensation, as it is an effective coolant.
  • It is used to produce sugar wine apple and is the perfect plant for indoors.
  • The crushed leaves of the tree are used to treat hysteria (fearful state of mind) and fainting spells.
  • The treatment of ulcer, wound, dysentery and other ailments is also done by its concentrated leaf extract (in which the leaf is boiled and its essence is extracted).

 

unconventional uses for honey

unconventional uses for honey:

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skin Moisturizer – Honey, when mixed with eggs and some flour, is an effective skin moisturizer. Best of all, it is gently formulated, so it can be used by people with sensitive skin. Mix four tablespoons of honey with a couple of egg whites and a few tablespoons of flour, depending on your desired consistency. Stir the mixture until it thickens. When the mixture is ready, you can use it as a hand and body lotion or a moisturizing face mask, eliminating the effects of dry skin.

Antiseptic – Hydrogen peroxide is a chemical used for cleaning wounds and helping them heal quickly. Honey happens to contain a good amount of the chemical. It only needs to be released by diluting the substance in water or body fluids. When applied on an open wound, the glucose, contained by honey, is diluted and gradually releases hydrogen peroxide. The substance facilitates your wound’s faster healing. Due to its viscous consistency, it also prevents wounds from sticking to the dressing and the appearance of scars.

Acne Remover – Honey might be a gentle skin moisturizer but it is certainly tough on acne. With constant exposure to the bee fluid, pimples eventually wither and fade. Apply a small amount of honey on the pimply regions of your face. Cover them with adhesive bandages. Soon, your zit attack will be nothing more than a distant memory.

Energy Booster – Why buy palpitation-inducing energy drinks when you already have honey? Mix honey with some water then drink the solution. Honey’s glucose content will be absorbed by the brain and in the bloodstream, reducing fatigue in the process. You’ll be healthy and quite happy just by consuming the simple solution.
Immune System Booster – Health buffs are known to drink a teaspoon of honey daily, along with their morning vitamins. Though still not scientifically proven, the daily consumption of honey is said to strengthen your immune system. You can give it a shot, you’ve got nothing to lose anyway.

Enhances Vitamin A – Vitamin A is the nutrient that fosters better eyesight, especially when consumed in significant quantities. If you mix items that are rich in Vitamin A with honey, the effects are slightly increased.

Improves Blood Flow – Honey, being rich in glucose, is known to improve the blood flow through the fortification of blood’s formation. Glucose provides energy in the bloodstream, which is distributed throughout the body. As a result, the blood produced has the proper consistency, flowing smoothly through the blood vessels. Glucose is believed to prevent capillary damage due to its ability to improve your blood flow.

Treatment for Sore Throat – Some people believe that honey is an even better treatment for coughs and colds than over-the-counter medicine. To create the sore throat-relieving serum, squeeze the juice from a lemon and mix it with some honey. Stir the mixture until both ingredients blend. Drink the solution. After a few moments, you will realize that your sore throat has been cured, or at least reduced. Just continue to make more rounds until you are finally free from colds.

Colon Damage Prevention – Colitis, a disease that damages the colon, induces much discomfort for the afflicted. You can minimize the effects of the disease if you drink some honey daily. The antioxidants found in honey is said to strengthen and improve the resistance of the colon. In addition, it is used in folk medicine as a means for curing colon-related conditions.

Parasite Remover – Honey, when mixed with vinegar and water, can remove worms and other parasites in your body. The combination of vinegar’s acidity and honey’s therapeutic components is more than enough to kill or expel bodily intruders. When you suspect that you have worms in your body, drink ample amounts of the solution regularly. The parasites might build a resistance if you don’t manage to get rid of them all as soon as possible. (More tips on how to get rid of parasites)

Remedy for Burns – A burn is not only painful, the marks also last for a good number of days before healing up. By applying honey on your burn, the hydrogen peroxide released cleans the wound and soothes the inflammation. As a result, the burn marks will heal in a few days with less pain. Use honey as a dressing for maximum results.

Antibacterial Solution – Bacteria and germs won’t survive when covered in honey, given its acidic pH balance and viscous base. The microorganisms will be trapped in the sticky acidic base, which is too abrasive for their exteriors, killing them off eventually. Apply honey on a wound, scratches or an inflamed region, in conjunction with an antiseptic. You’ll be astounded at how fast your injury heals after.

Relaxant for Anxiety and Nervousness – Anxiety and nervousness are the enemies of a healthy mind. Once both conditions swarm your thoughts, your actions are tantamount to produce negative results. Free yourself from any of the two states of mind by eating porridge mixed with honey. Honey’s nutrients produce a calming effect, especially when taken in significant amounts. No wonder some consider it a part of the breakfast of champions. Honey can also be mixed with a suitable beverage for a good night’s sleep.

Cancer and Heart Disease Prevention – Heart disease and cancer are diseases that have claimed the lives of millions of people. Both conditions have a multitude of causes, some of which are hard to identify. You must have some sort of protection from these diseases and that protection comes in the form of honey. Honey’s antioxidants prevent the formation of cancer cells and preserve the quality of the produced blood, preventing heart disease in the process. Though, engaging in acts that promote cancer, such as smoking and excessive drinking, will still trigger the diseases, so be watchful.

Diabetic Ulcer Remedy – Curing ulcer entirely is largely done by modern medical techniques. Though, you can speed up the healing process if you use honey as a topical solution. It’s ability to heal wounds will certainly come in handy when other ointments are not advised to use

Benefits of Apple Juice:

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1. Reduced Risk of Heart Diseases

Apple juice prevents cholesterol to form in your blood vessels and arteries. High cholesterol level and plaques in the arteries are one of the major causes of heart diseases. By drinking apple juice you reduce the risk of heart diseases.

2. Cleaner Organism and Improved Digestion

Apple juice (especially raw apple juice) helps to clean the liver and kidneys from harmful toxins. As a result, you have a cleaner organism and you are better protected against liver and kidney diseases.

3. Apple Juice is Great for Weight Loss

This health benefit of apple juice is loved by weight conscious persons. Cholesterol and calories are two major causes of extra weight. Apple juice is basically free of calories and fat + it protects you from cholesterol.

4. Excellent Source of Energy

Apple juice is packed with different vitamins – A, C, E, K, B1, B2, B6 and Folate, so it is an excellent source of energy. As a result, it is a great drink to restore your energy after a physical exercise.

5. Lower Risk of Dementia

Some studies have shown that apple juice lowers the risk of dementia in older people. Apple juice slows brain aging and helps to keep it sharp for longer time.

6. Improved Vision and Eye Health

Apple juice contains vitamin A, which is good for your eyes. Vitamin A helps you to protect your eyes from eye diseases and keeps your sight sharp.

Those were the most important health benefits of apple juice.
As a conclusion there is one advice we can give you – drink apple juice and enjoy good health.

Note- photo& content are posted only for health awareness in people, not for business purpose!

Abrus precatorius (Kundri mani)- A Siddha herb

Binomial Name(s): Abrus precatorius
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Fabales
Family: Fabaceae
Subfamily: Faboideae
Tribe: Abreae
Genus: Abrus
Species: A. precatorius
Popular Name(s): Jequerity, Crab’s Eye, Precatory Bean, Tento Muido, Cain Ghe, Graines Reglisse, Weesboontje, Rakat, Hint Meyankoku, Hung Tou, Jequerit, Liane Reglisse, Ma Liao Tou, Paratella, Paternoster
Parts Used: Seeds, leaves
Habitat: Throughout Central India

Description
Rosary Pea is a twining herb, with long, pinnate-leafleted feathery leaves. Its flowers are rose to purple in color, growing at the end of a stalk. On the other hand, fruits are short pods, containing hard, shiny, scarlet and black seeds. The herb is also identified as Gunja in Sanskrit and some Indian languages. Native to Indonesia, the plant is mostly found in the tropical and subtropical areas of the world. If proper care is not taken while growing it, the plant might becomes weedy and invasive in the areas where it has been introduced.
Types of Abrus:

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Plant Chemicals
(+)-abrine, Abraline, Abrasine, Abricin, Abrin, Abrisin, Abrusgenic-acid, Abrusgenic-acid-methyl-ester, Abruslactone, Abrussic-acid, Anthocyanins, Ash, Calcium, Campesterol, Choline, Cycloartenol, Delphinidin, Gallic-acid,, Glycyrrhizin, Hypaphorine, N,n-dimethyl-tryptophan, N,n-dimethyl-tryptophan-metho-cation-methyl-ester, P-coumaroylgalloyl-glucodelphinidin, Phosphorus, Pectin, Pentosans, Picatorine, Polygalacturonic-acids, Precasine, Precatorine, Protein Trigonelline

Uses & Benefits of Rosary Pea

  • Rosary pea roots are used for treating gonorrhea, jaundice and haemoglobinuric bile.
  • The oil extracted from seeds of the herb is said to promote the growth of human hair.
  • The herb is also used as an abortifacient, laxative, sedative and aphrodisiac.
  • The leaves of Rosary pea are used to make tea, which is known to be useful in treating fevers, coughs and colds.
  • The white seeds of the herb are used in the Siddha medicine, to make oil that is regarded as an equivalent of the present-day Viagra.
  • The seeds of Rosary pea have anodyne, antimicrobial, diuretic, emetic, expectorant, febrifuge, hemostat, purgative, and refrigerant properties.
  • The seeds, after being converted to vermifuge paste, can be applied topically, in case of sciatica, stiffness of shoulder joints and paralysis.
  • In some traditional medicines, the herb is used to treat scratches, sores and wounds caused by dogs, cats and mice.
  • The paste of its roots is often used in the treatment of abdominal pains and tumors.
  • The juice derived from the paste of the leaves and seeds of rosary pea can be used to treat grey hair.
  • Reference

                  Dr. Natkaruni – Indian Medicinal Plants

                  Pathartha guna vilakam

Adhatoda Vasica(aadathodai)- A Siddha Herb

 

Botanical Name(s): Adhatoda Vasica
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Subclass: Asteridae
Order: Lamiales
Family: Acanthaceae
Genus: Justicia
Species: J. adhatoda
Popular Name(s): Adulsa
Parts Used: Leaves, Roots, Flowers and Stem Bark
Habitat: The plant grows in plains & in lower Himalayan ranges upto 1000 m above sea level.

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Description
Malabar nut is a small evergreen, subherbacious bush. The leaves are 10 to 16 cm in length, minutely pubescent and broadly lanceolate. When the leaves are dried, they appear dull brownish green in color and taste bitter. The inflorescence is dense, short pedunculate, bractate and spike terminal. The corolla is large and white, with lower lip streaked purple. The fruit is a 4-seeded small capsule. The stomata in the plant are elongated and oval in shape. The plant has been used in India for over 200 years. It is commonly cultivated in the tropics in the country.

Plant Chemicals
The chief alkaloid present in the leaves of Malabar nut is a quinazoline alkaloid, vasicine; the yield of the alkaloid from different samples in India ranged from 0.541 to 1.105 per cent on dry basis. Vasicine is accompanied by l- vasicinone, deoxyvasicine and maiontone. Some minor alkaloids viz. Vasicol, adhatodinine and vasicinol also present. The roots of the plant contain vasicinolone, vasicol, peganine, hydroxy oxychalcone and glucosyl oxychalcone. The flowers of the plant contain b-sitosterol-D-glucoside, kaempferol, glycosides of kaempferoland and queretin.

Uses & Benefits of Malabar Nut

  • The leaves of Malabar nut are rich in vitamin C and carotene and yield an essential oil.
  • The shrub is the source of a drug well known in indigenous systems of medicine for its beneficial effects, particularly in bronchitis.
  • Its leaves, flowers, fruits and roots are extensively used for treating cold, cough, whooping cough, chronic bronchitis and asthma.
  • The leaves are known to moderate the hypotensive activity, by lowering the blood pressure.
  • They assist in conditions like uterine involution, menorrhagia (excessive menstural bleeding), post-childbirth hemorrhage and uterine stimulant activity.
  • The fresh juice obtained from leaves of Malabar nut has been used to treat tuberculosis. Its local use gives relief from pyorrhea and bleeding gums.
  • The leaves of this plant are, sometimes, also used as insecticides.
  • Antispasmodic properties are also associated with the plant. It helps in easing pain.
  • Reference

              Dr. Natkaruni – Indian Medicinal Plants

              Pathartha guna vilakam

Tinospora Cordifolia(seendil kodi)- A Siddha Herb

Botanical Name(s): Tinospora Cordifolia
Family Name: Meninspermaceae
Species: T. cordifolia
Popular Name(s): Gulanshe Tinospara, Gulancha Tinospara, Tinospara, Giloy
Parts Used: Stem.
Habitat: North and South India
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Description 
Guduchi is a glabrous climbing shrub with a succulent stem and papery bark that is creamy white to grey in color. The shrub shoots out aerial roots, usually on neem and mango trees, which could be as long as 30 meters. It bears heart-shaped leaves. The yellow flowers are axillary and long-stalked racemes. The fruit is pea-sized, subglobose drupe and red colored on maturity. Flowers can be seen in June, while fruits occur in November. Guduchi is found in deciduous and dry forests throughout India. The herb is known as guduchi and amrutha in Sanskrit, and giloy and gurcha in Hindi. 

Plant Chemicals 
(+)- diterpene, tinosporone, tinosporic acid, cordifolisides A to E, syringen, berberine, giloin, gilenin, crude giloininand, arabinogalactan polysaccharide, picrotene, bergenin, gilosterol, tinosporol, tinosporidine, sitosterol, cordifol, heptacosanol, octacosonal, tinosporide, columbin, chasmanthin, palmarin, palmatosides C and F, amritosides, cordioside, tinosponone, berberine, ecdysterone, makisterone A, 20 ?-hydroxyecdysone, nonacosan-15-one, ?-sitosterol, magnoflorine, tembetarine, syringine, glucan polysaccharide, syringine apiosylglycoside, isocolumbin, palmatine, tetrahydropalmaitine, jatrorrhizine. 
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Uses & Benefits of Guduchi
  • All parts of guduchi plant are used for various medicinal purposes.
  • The plant oil is effective in reducing pain and edema and in gout and skin diseases.
  • The herb accords longevity, enhances memory, improves health, and bestows youth, betters complexion, voice, energy and luster of the skin.
  • It is helpful in treating digestive ailments such as hyperacidity, colitis, worm infestations, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, excessive thirst, and vomiting and even liver disorders like hepatitis.
  • Fresh juice of guduchi, when mixed with rock candy, speeds up the recovery in hepatitis patients.
  • It helps in remedying ailments like raktapitta, anemia, cardiac debility, diabetes, sexual debility and splenic disorders.
  • The starch of the plant serves as a household remedy for chronic fever, relieves burning sensation and increases energy and appetite.
  • The decoction of guduchi, mixed with nimba and vasa, eases the itching and oozing.
  • It benefits general weakness, dyspepsia, impotency, dysentery, secondary syphilis, tuberculosis, jaundice, constipation, leprosy, general debility, cutaneous rashes and condylomata.
  • Guduchi helps in getting rid of renal caliculi and reduces blood urea level.
  • The decoction of guduchi and sunthi is a good combination for treating gout and rheumatic disorders.
  • Guduchi juice, when taken with cow’s milk or lodhra, is effective in combating leucorrhea.
  • The juice is mixed with cumin seeds and consumed to reduce the burning sensation caused due to pitta.
  • The root of guduchi is a strong emetic and used for bowel obstruction.

Terminalia Chebula(kadukkai)- A Precious Siddha Herb

Botanical Name(s): Terminalia Chebula, Terminalia Reticulata
Family Name: Combretaceae
Popular Name(s): Black Myrobalan, Chebulic Myrobalan, Hardh, Ink Tree, Harar, Hardad, Indian Gall Nut
Parts Used: Fruit, Root, Bark.
Habitat: Grown throughout India
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Description 
The deciduous Haritaki tree grows at an altitude of 1,800 meters. The round tree is crowned and braches spread out, with a diameter of 1.5 to 2.5 meters. The long ovate leaves are acute, in opposite pairs about 10 to 20 cm long. The flowers are dull white with spikes and can be found at the end of the branches. The fruit is hard and yellowish green in color. Each fruit has a single seed that is light yellow in color. The tree can be found in the sub Himalayan tracks, from Ravi to West Bengal and in the deciduous forests of Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Assam and Maharashtra. It is known as haritaki, abhaya and pathya in Sanskrit; harad in Hindi; hirada in Marathi; alalekaayi in Kannada; kadukkai in Tamil; horitoky in Bengali; xilikha in Assamese and karakkaya in Telugu. 

Plant Chemicals 
(+)- tannic acid, chebulinic acid, gallic acid, resin, anthraquinone, sennoside, mucilage, chebulin, terchebin, palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, arachidic acid, behenic acid. 

Uses & Benefits of Haritaki

  • Haritaki has laxative, rejuvenative, purgative, astringent and dry properties.
  • The paste of its fruit is effective in reducing swelling, hastening the healing process and cleansing the wounds and ulcers.
  • The paste gives relief to the eyelids, in case of conjunctivitis.
  • Gargling with haritaki decoction helps in stomatitis, oral ulcers and sore throat.
  • It serves as a good astringent for loose gums, bleeding and ulceration in gums.
  • The herb is used in preparing ‘Triphala’ that is used for hair wash, brush teeth in pyorrhea and treat bleeding gums.
  • Regular consumption of haritaki powder, fried in ghee, promotes longevity and boosts energy.
  • It responds well to gastrointestinal ailments, tumors, ascites, piles, enlargement of liver-spleen, worms and colitis.
  • Powdered haritaki, mixed with jaggery, works well in gout.
  • Its powder, when mixed with honey and ghee, is an effective remedy for anemia.
  • Haritaki is combined with sunthi powder and given with hot water to lighten asthma and hiccups.
  • Its decoction, when taken along with honey, is of great help in hepatitis and obesity.
  • The herb improves memory and is salutary in dysuria and urinary stones.
  • Haritaki helps in improving appetite and helps in digestion.
  • It is a good nervine and helps in nervous weakness and nervous irritability and promotes the receiving power of the five senses.
  • Since it is anti-inflammatory and astringent, it is helpful in urethral discharges like spermatorrhea and vaginal discharges like leucorrhea.

Uses of Datura- A Siddha Herb

Family: Salanaceae
Genus: Datura L.
Species: Datura stramonium L.
Popular Name(s): Jimson Weed, Stink weed, Mad Apple, Thorn Apple Stramonium, Dhatura Tatula, Datura Seeds
Parts Used: Seeds, Flowers, Leaves
Habitat: Common in Northwestern Himalayas and foot hills on dry slopes up to 1800 m altitude.
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Description
Datura is 30 to 150 cm tall, with erect, forking and purple stems. The leaves are large, 7 to 20 cm long and have irregular teeth a la oaks. The flowers are one of the most distinctive characteristics of datura. They open and close, at irregular intervals, during the evening. The native range of the plant continues to remain ambiguous. It is believed that the birds carry the seeds of the datura and spread it in their droppings. The seed lies underground for a long time and germinates whenever the soil is disturbed. 

Plant Chemicals 
Datura leaves contain the same alkaloids as Belladonn, though in smaller proportions. The mid-rib and footstalk of the leaf contain a far larger proportion of alkaloids than the blade. The alkaloid consists chiefly of hyoscyamine, associated with atropine and hyoscine (scopolamine). Malic acid is also present. 

Uses & Benefits of Datura

  • datura is internally used in relieving the spasm of bronchitis in asthma. It is also used in the treatment of Parkinsonism and Hemorrhoids. Its leaves, applied after roasting, are useful in relieving pain.
  • The bitter narcotic plant relieves pain and encourages the healing process. The plant has a very long history of being used as herbal medicine.
  • Its leaves, flowering tops and seeds have anodyne, antiasthmatic, antispasmodic, hallucinogenic, hypnotic, mydriatic and narcotic properties. The seeds of the plant are the most active medicinally.
  • datura is internally used for treating giddiness, dry mouth, hallucinations and coma.
  • Externally, the plant is used as a poultice in treating fistulas, abscesses wounds and severe neuralgia.
  • Traces of scopolamine are also found in the plant, which is a potent cholinergic-blocking hallucinogen that has been used to calm schizoid patients.
  • Its leaves, containing hyoscyamine and atropine, can be used as an immensely powerful mind-altering drug.
  • The seeds of datura are analgesic, anthelmintic and anti-inflammatory and as such, they are used in the treatment of stomach and intestinal pain that results from worm infestation, toothache, and fever from inflammations.
  • The juice of its fruit is applied to the scalp, to treat dandruff and falling hair.
  • The growing plant works as an insect repellant, which protects neighboring plants from insects.
Caution
  • Datura is very poisonous and should be used with extreme caution. It is to be used only under the supervision of a qualified practitioner, as the difference between a medicinal dose and toxic dose can be very small