Ginger (Zingiber officinalis)
Uses
– Rhizome is used as a stimulant, carminative (relieving flatulence)
– Used in dyspepsia (indigestion) and flatulent colic (severe abdominal pain caused by spasms in any of the hollow viscera).
– Taking 5ml of ginger juice with 1/4th of honey every morning and evening helps in cough, bronchial asthma, sinusitis and fever due to kapha dosha.
– For increasing the digestive power, should be taken in equal amount.
– Boil 100ml each lemon, mint and ginger juice in double amount until it becomes thick like paint. This helps in increasing the digestive fire.
– Taking ginger regularly with honey helps in swelling, anorexia, digestive disorders, coughing, bronchial asthma, fever etc.
Pomegranate (Punica granatum)
Uses
– Bark of roots and stem are astringent, specifically good for tapeworms.
– Bark is used in the treatment of diarrhea and dysentery.
– Oiling of mustard oil triturated with leaf juice and leaf paste on hairs helps in hair fall.
– Its bark paste is applied on forehead in headache
– Its fruit bark with half amount of black pepper (piper nigrum) and salt when mixed can be used as toothpaste strengthens the teeth.
– Luke warm decoction of 25gm of fresh pomegranate leaves is useful in mouth ulcers.
Gooseberry (Phyllanthus emblica)
Uses
– Fruits are cooling, diuretic, rejuvenating and can be used as a laxative.
– Useful in hemorrhages and in anemia.
– Good source of Vitamin C.
– Good for eyes, skin.
Malabar nut (Justicia adhatoda)
Uses
– Used in bronchitis and cough as an expectorant to facilitate the sputum to come out
– It is useful in case of epistaxis, bleeding piles, menorrhagia and in blood impurities.
Aloe Vera
Uses
– Good for the liver and spleen.
– Good for fevers, skin diseases, burns, amenorrhea (an abnormal absence of menstruation).and constipations.
– It is anthelmintic (used to destroy parasitic worms), carminative (relieving flatulence), diuretic (causing increased passing of urine).
Garlic (Allium sativum)
Uses
– It is a carminative (relieving flatulence), expectorant, anti rheumatic, aphrodisiac
– For lower high cholesterol level, soak 2 fresh cloves in water and take every morning.
Castor (Ricinus communis)
Uses
– Very good for rheumatoid arthritis and other joint issues.
– Compress made of castor seeds can be applied to rheumatic swellings.
– It is also good as a laxative.
Asparagus (Asparagus racemosus)
Uses
– It is good for hyperacidity, uterine contraction and muscle spasms.
– It is good as an antispasmodic, diuretic, aphrodisiac and tonic.
Fire flame bush (Woodfordia fructicosa)
Uses
– Used in diarrhea, dysentery and in bleeding wounds.
Ashok (Saraca asoca)
Uses
– Used as a uterine tonic, in heavy menses and in leucorrhea.
– Leaf juice mixed with cumin seeds are used for stomach problems.
Liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
Uses
– It’s good for sore throats, cough and in heart burn.
– It can be used as an expectorant.
– It can cause vomiting.
Long pepper (Piper longum)
Uses
– Roots are carminative (gas passing) and can improve appetite.
– It’s good for bronchitis, abdominal pain, hoarseness and stomachache.
– Topical application of it soothes and relieves muscular pains and inflammation.
Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia)
Uses
– It is a rejuvenating herb.
– It’s good for fever liver diseases, general debility and as an immunity booster in AIDS, cancer etc.
– Its decoction is used in the treatment of gout.
– The juice of stem is used in diabetes, vaginal discharges and for enlarged spleen.
Celery (Carum roxburghianum)
Uses
– Leaves are stomachic and digestive.
– It is, as a whole, spasmolytic (Muscle relaxant stomach) and a good cardio tonic.
Wild Indigo (Tephrosia purpurea)
Uses
– It is a good blood purifier and for liver diseases.
– Its roots are diuretic, and the plant as a whole is anthelmintic (help with worms) and antipyretic (helps with fever).
Three-leaved caper (Crataeva nurvula)
Uses
– It is good as a blood purifier and for urinary diseases.
Country mallow (Sida cordifolia)
Uses
– Roots are stomachic, diuretic and act as an aphrodisiac.
– Seeds are very good for rheumatism and the plant as a whole is an immune booster.
All of these notes and pictures were provided to me by the Ayurveda Health Home of Kathmandu, Nepal.
