Ayurvedic Ingredients
Medicinal Plants & Their Uses
Apart from medicinal use, Ayurvedic herbs can also be used for purposes like pest control, natural dyes, and formulation of food items, teas and perfumes among others. If we look at various researches from across the world, a sudden spurt in cases of people turning to natural herbs for treatments and usage in everyday life has gone up significantly. Going back to the basics, people have realized the threat chemically treated products pose to their life and are rightly so adopting healthier ways of life by including Ayurveda and its principals as the mainstay of their life.
| Hindi Name | English Name | Botanical Name | Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adusa/Vasaka | Malabar Nut | Adhatoda vasica Nees | Cough, Asthma, Bronchitis |
| Ananas | Pineapple | Ananas comosus | Sore Throat, Diabetes, Heart Disease, Obesity |
| Babool | Indian Gum | Acacia arabica Willd | Oral Care, Bleeding Gums, Wounds |
| Brahmi | Thyme leafed gratiola | Bacopa monniera Pennel | Enhances Memory, Anxiety |
| Dhaniya | Coriander | Coriandrum sativum Linn | Useful in Indigestion, Flatulence, Controls Spasmodic Pain |
| Kalmegh | Kalmegh | Andrographis paniculata | Indigestion, Acne, Diarrhea |
| Lashun | Garlic | Allium sativum | Ringworm, Dysentery, Wounds |
| Nagarmotha | Nut Grass | Cyperus rotundus Linn | Fever, Diabetes, Solar Dermatitis |
| Punarnava | Spreading Hogweed | Boerhaavia diffusa Linn | Anemia, Liver Diseases, Wounds, Kidney health |
| Shalparni | Shal Leafed Bush | Desmodium gangetium DC | Analgesic, Anti-Inflammatory |
| Tulsi | Holy Basil | Ocimum sactum Linn | Indigestion, Heart health, Respiratory Diseases |
| Vridhadaru | Elephant Creeper | Argyreia speciosa Sweet | Diabetes, Skin Diseases, Wounds |
| Agarkasth | Eagle Wood | Aquilaria agallocha Roxb | Bed-Wetting, Incontinence of Urinary Bladder |
| Ankol | Sage leaf alangium | Alangium salvifolium | Traditionally used in Snakebite, Scorpion Bite, Dog Bite |
| Badi Elaichi | Greater Cardamom | Amomum subulatum Pennel | Bronchitis, Asthma, Appetizer, Digestant |
| Chirchita | Prickly chaff flower | Achyranthes aspera | Indigestion, Cough, Asthma, Liver health |
| Elaichi | Lesser Cardamom | Elettaria cardamomum Maton | Nausea, Vomiting, Dry Cough |
| Kanghi | Country Mallow | Abutilon indicum | Nervine tonic, Joint Disorders, Increases Strength |
| Malakangini | Staff Tree | Celastrus paniculatus Willd | Muscle Cramps, Backache, Osteoarthritis, Hair care |
| Neem | Margosa Tree | Azadirachta Indica A. Juss | Skin health, Eye Disorders, Bloody Nose, Intestinal Worms |
| Pyaj | Onion | Allium cepa Linn | Prostate health, Digestive, |
| Shatavari | Asparagus | Asparagus racemosus Willd | Infertility, Loss Of Libido, Uterine health, Improves Lactation |
| Ulatkambal | Devil’s Cotton | Abroma augustum a | Gynaecological Problems, Irregularity In Periods |
| Yavasa | Camel Thorn | Alhagi camelorum | Rheumatism, Vomiting, Stomachache, Constipation |
| Akarkara | Pellitory | Anacyclus pyrethrum | Toothache, Dryness Of The Mouth, Throat, Catarrh, Loss of libido |
| Ashgandh | Winter Cherry | Withania somnifera Dunal | Stress Tolerance, Immunity, Joint Pains, Skin health |
| Bael | Bengal Quince | Aegle marmelos Corr. | Dysentery And Diabetes, Coolant, Gut health |
| Chitrak | Leadwort | Plumbago zeylanica Linn | Arthritis, Skin Diseases, Menstrual Disorders, Obesity |
| Ghee Kunwar | Aloes | Aloe vera Tourn ex. Linn | Ulcers, Burn Injuries, Jaundice, Acne, Women’s health |
| Ketaki | Crepe Ginger | Costus speciosus (Koeing) Sm. | Obesity, Hyperlipidaemia, Diabetes |
| Mandukparni | Gotu Kola | Centella asiatica Urban | Improves memory, Brain health, Hair care, |
| Palasha | Flame of forest | Butea monosperma Kuntze | Complexion of Skin, Worm Infestations, Roundworm |
| Ratti | Rosary Pea | Abrus Precatorius | Joint Pains, Fungal skin infections, Alopecia |
| Shirish | Siris Tree | Albizia lebbeck (Linn) Benth Pennel | Bronchial Asthma, Detoxification |
| Bach | Sweet Flag | Acorus calamus | Flatulent Colic, Atonic Dyspepsia, Ulcers |
| Amaltas | Indian Laburnum | Cassia fistula Linn | Mild laxative, Ulcers, Wounds |
| Ashok | Sorrowless tree | Saraca indica | Menstrual Irregularities, Uterine Stimulant |
| Bharangi | Bharangi | Clerodendron serratum Moon | Common Cold, Chronic Sinusitis, Allergic Rhinitis, |
| Chitvan | Dita | Alstonia scholaris | Skin Ulcers, Fever, Increasing Lactation |
| Guggulu | Indian Bdelium | Commiphora mukul Engl | Joint Disorders, Heart Diseases, Hypolipidaemic, |
| Kadirkasth | Cutch Tree | Acacia catechu Willd | Skin & Respiratory Problems, Oral Hygiene, Astringent |
| Meetha Vish | Monks hood | Aconitum ferox | Fever, Diuretic Action, Arthritis |
| Patha | Velvet Leaf Tree | Cissampelos pareira Linn | Ulcers, Sinuses, Skin Diseases, Poisonous Bites |
| Senna | Indian Senna | Cassia angustifolia Vahl | Laxative, Constipation, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Weight Loss |
| Supari | Areca Nut/Betelnut | Areca catechu Linn | Obesity, Hyperlipidaemia, Diabetes, Irregular Menstruation |
| Vajradanti | Barleria | Barleria prionitis Linn | Strengthens Teeth, Useful in Fever, Catarrh |
| Amla | Indian Gooseberry | Emblica officinalis Linn | Antioxidant, Antistress, Constipation, Fever |
| Atees | Indian Ateech | Aconitum heterophyllum Wall | Fever, Respiratory |
| Bhojpatra | Himalayan Birch | Betula utilis D. Don | Wounds, Obesity |
| Dalchini | Bark Cinnamon | Cinnamomum Zeylanicum Breyn | Antibacterial, Antiseptic |
| Jimikand | Elephant yam | Amorphophallus campanulatus | Dysentery, Piles, Haemorrhoids |
| Kulanjan | Greater Galangal | Alpinia galanga | Flatulence, Dyspepsia, Vomiting, Motion sickness, Catarrh |
| Mulethi | Liquorice | Glycyrrhiza glabra Linn | Digestive Disorders, Ulcers, Bronchitis, Skin health |
| Pippali | Long Pepper | Piper longum Linn | Asthma, Cough, Indigestion |
| Shalai Guggal | Indian Olibanum | Boswellia serrata Roxb. | Joint Pains, Headache, Diabetes |
| Tamalpatra | Cinnamon Leaf | Cinnamomum tamala Nees | Diabetes, Digestion, Cold |
| Varun | Three Leafed Caper | Crataeva nurvala Buch-Ham | Kidney Stones, Bladder Stones Prostate health |
Adusa/Vasaka
- Hindi Name Adusa/Vasaka
- English Name Malabar Nut
- Botanical Name Adhatoda vasica Nees Pennel
- Uses Cough, Asthma, Bronchitis
Ananas
- Hindi Name Ananas
- English Name Pineapple
- Botanical Name Ananas comosus Pennel
- Uses Sore Throat, Diabetes, Heart Disease, Obesity
Babool
- Hindi Name Babool
- English Name Indian Gum
- Botanical Name Acacia arabica Willd Pennel
- Uses Oral Care, Bleeding Gums, Wounds
Brahmi
- Hindi Name Brahmi
- English Name Thyme leafed gratiola
- Botanical Name Bacopa monniera Pennel Pennel
- Uses Enchances Memory, Anxiety
Dhaniya
- Hindi Name Dhaniya
- English Name Coriander
- Botanical Name Coriandrum sativum Linn Pennel
- Uses Indigestion, Flatulence, Controls Spasmodic Pain
Kalmegh
- Hindi Name Kalmegh
- English Name Kalmegh
- Botanical Name Andrographis paniculata Pennel
- Uses Indigestion, Acne, Diarrhea
Lashun
- Hindi Name Lashun
- English Name Garlic
- Botanical Name Allium sativum Pennel
- Uses Ringworm, Dysentery, Wounds
Nagarmotha
- Hindi Name Nagarmotha
- English Name Nut Grass
- Botanical Name Cyperus rotundus Linn Pennel
- Uses Fever, Diabetes, Solar Dermatitis
Punarnava
- Hindi Name Punarnava
- English Name Spreading Hogweed
- Botanical Name Boerhaavia diffusa Linn Pennel
- Uses Anemia, Liver Diseases, Wounds
Shalparni
- Hindi Name Shalparni
- English Name Shal Leafed Bush
- Botanical Name Desmodium gangetium DC Pennel
- Uses Analgesic, Anti-Inflammatory
Tulsi
- Hindi Name Tulsi
- English Name Holy Basil
- Botanical Name Ocimum sactum Linn Pennel
- Uses Indigestion, Heart Diseases, Respiratory Diseases
Vridhadaru
- Hindi Name Vridhadaru
- English Name Elephant Creeper
- Botanical Name Argyreia speciosa Sweet Pennel
- Uses Diabetes, Skin Diseases, Wounds
Agarkasth
- Hindi Name Agarkasth
- English Name Eagle Wood
- Botanical Name Aquilaria agallocha Roxb Pennel
- Uses Bed-Wetting, Incompetency of Urinary Bladder
Ankol
- Hindi Name Ankol
- English Name Sage leaf alangium
- Botanical Name Alangium salvifolium Pennel
- Uses Snakebite, Scorpion Bite, Dog Bite
Badi Elaichi
- Hindi Name Badi Elaichi
- English Name Greater Cardamom
- Botanical Name Amomum subulatum Pennel
- Uses Bronchitis, Asthma, Appetizer, Digestant
Chirchita
- Hindi Name Chirchita
- English Name Prickly chaff flower
- Botanical Name Achyranthes aspera Pennel
- Uses Indigestion, Cough, Asthma, Anemia, Jaundice
Elaichi
- Hindi Name Elaichi
- English Name Lesser Cardamom
- Botanical Name Elettaria cardamomum Maton Pennel
- Uses Nausea, Vomiting, Dry Cough
Kanghi
- Hindi Name Kanghi
- English Name Country Mallow
- Botanical Name Abutilon indicum Pennel
- Uses Facial Paralysis, Joint Disorders, Increases Strength
Malkagini
- Hindi Name Malkagini
- English Name Staff Tree
- Botanical Name Celastrus paniculatus Willd Pennel
- Uses Muscle Cramps, Backache, Osteoarthritis, Paralysis
Neem
- Hindi Name Neem
- English Name Margosa Tree
- Botanical Name Azadirachta Indica A. Juss Pennel
- Uses Leprosy, Eye Disorders, Bloody Nose, Intestinal Worms
Pyaj
- Hindi Name Pyaj
- English Name Onion
- Botanical Name Allium cepa Linn Pennel
- Uses Prostate Cancer, Esophageal, Stomach Cancer
Shatavari
- Hindi Name Shatavari
- English Name Asparagus
- Botanical Name Asparagus racemosus Willd Pennel
- Uses Infertility, Loss Of Libido, Threatened Miscarriage
Ulatkambal
- Hindi Name Ulatkambal
- English Name Devil’s Cotton
- Botanical Name Abroma augusta Pennel
- Uses Gynaecological Problems, Irregularity In Periods
Yavasa
- Hindi Name Yavasa
- English Name Camel Thorn
- Botanical Name Alhagi camelorum Pennel
- Uses Rheumatism, Vomiting, Stomachache, Constipation
Akarkara
- Hindi Name Akarkara
- English Name Pellitory
- Botanical Name Anacyclus pyrethrum Pennel
- Uses Toothache, Dryness Of The Mouth, Throat, Catarrh
Ashgandh
- Hindi Name Ashgandh
- English Name Winter Cherry
- Botanical Name Withania somnifera Dunal Pennel
- Uses Stress Tolerance, Immunity, Joint Pains, Skin Sores
Bael
- Hindi Name Bael
- English Name Bengal Quince
- Botanical Name Aegle marmelos Corr. Pennel
- Uses Dysentery And Diabetes, Sunstrokes, Anti-Cancer
Chitvan
- Hindi Name Chitvan
- English Name Leadwort
- Botanical Name Plumbago zeylanica Linn Pennel
- Uses Arthritis, Skin Diseases, Menstrual Disorders, Obesity
Ghee Kunwar
- Hindi Name Ghee Kunwar
- English Name Aloes
- Botanical Name Aloe vera Tourn ex. Linn Pennel
- Uses Ulcers, Burn Injuries, Jaundice, Acne
Ketaki
- Hindi Name Ketaki
- English Name Crepe Ginger
- Botanical Name Costus speciosus (Koeing) Sm. Pennel
- Uses Obesity, Hyperlipidaemia, Diabetes
Mandukparni
- Hindi Name Mandukparni
- English Name Gotu Kola
- Botanical Name Centella asiatica Urban Pennel
- Uses Sedative, Antibiotic, Detoxifier, Laxative
Palasha
- Hindi Name Palasha
- English Name Bastard Teak
- Botanical Name Butea monosperma Kuntze Pennel
- Uses Complexion of Skin, Worm Infestations, Roundworm
Ratti
- Hindi Name Ratti
- English Name Rosary Pea
- Botanical Name Abrus Precatorius
- Uses Joint Pains, Paralysis, Alopecia
Shirish
- Hindi Name Shirish
- English Name Siris Tree
- Botanical Name Albizia lebbeck (Linn) Benth Pennel
- Uses Bronchial Asthma,
Bach
- Hindi Name Bach
- English Name Sweet Flag
- Botanical Name Acorus calamus Pennel
- Uses Flatulent Colic, Atonic Dyspepsia, Ulcers
Amaltas
- Hindi Name Amaltas
- English Name Indian Laburnum
- Botanical Name Cassia fistula Linn Pennel
- Uses Ulcers, Wounds
Ashok
- Hindi Name Ashok
- English Name Sorrowless tree
- Botanical Name Saraca indica Pennel
- Uses Menstrual Irregularities, Uterine Stimulant
Bharangi
- Hindi Name Bharangi
- English Name Bharangi
- Botanical Name Clerodendron serratum Moon Pennel
- Uses Common Cold, Chronic Sinusitis, Allergic Rhinitis,
Chitvan
- Hindi Name Chitvan
- English Name Dita
- Botanical Name Alstonia scholaris Pennel
- Uses Skin Ulcers, Fever, Increasing Lactation
Guggulu
- Hindi Name Guggulu
- English Name Indian Bdelium
- Botanical Name Commiphora mukul Engl Pennel
- Uses Joint Disorders, Heart Diseases, Hypolipidaemic,
Kadirkasth
- Hindi Name Kadirkasth
- English Name Cutch Tree
- Botanical Name Acacia catechu Willd Pennel
- Uses Skin & Respiratory Problems, Oral Hygiene, Astringent
Meetha Vish
- Hindi Name Meetha Vish
- English Name Monks hood
- Botanical Name Aconitum ferox Pennel
- Uses Fever, Diuretic Action, Arthritis
Patha
- Hindi Name Patha
- English Name Velvet Leaf Tree
- Botanical Name Cissampelos pareira Linn Pennel
- Uses Ulcers, Sinuses, Skin Diseases, Poisonous Bites
Senna
- Hindi Name Senna
- English Name Indian Senna
- Botanical Name Cassia angustifolia Vahl Pennel
- Uses Laxative, Constipation, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Weight Loss
Supari
- Hindi Name Supari
- English Name Areca Nut/Betelnut
- Botanical Name Areca catechu Linn Pennel
- Uses Obesity, Hyperlipidaemia, Diabetes, Irregular Menstruation
Vajradanti
- Hindi Name Vajradanti
- English Name Barleria
- Botanical Name Barleria prionitis Linn Pennel
- Uses Strengthens Teeth, Fever, Catarrh
Amla
- Hindi Name Amla
- English Name Indian Gooseberry
- Botanical Name Emblica officinalis Linn Pennel
- Uses Antioxidant, Antistress, Constipation, Fever
Atees
- Hindi Name Atees
- English Name Indian Ateech
- Botanical Name Aconitum heterophyllum Wall Pennel
- Uses Fever, Respiratory
Bhojpatra
- Hindi Name Bhojpatra
- English Name Himalayan Birch
- Botanical Name Betula utilis D. Don Pennel
- Uses Wounds, Obesity
Dalchini
- Hindi Name Dalchini
- English Name Bark Cinnamon
- Botanical Name Cinnamomum Zeylanicum Breyn Pennel
- Uses Antibacterial, Antiseptic
Jimikand
- Hindi Name Jimikand
- English Name Elephant yam
- Botanical Name Amorphophallus campanulatus Pennel
- Uses Dysentery, Piles, Haemorrhoids
Kulanjan
- Hindi Name Kulanjan
- English Name Greater Galangal
- Botanical Name Alpinia galanga Pennel
- Uses Flatulence, Dyspepsia, Vomiting, Seasickness, Catarrh
Mulethi
- Hindi Name Mulethi
- English Name Liquorice
- Botanical Name Glycyrrhiza glabra Linn Pennel
- Uses Digestive Disorders, Ulcers, Bronchitis
Pippali
- Hindi Name Pippali
- English Name Long Pepper
- Botanical Name Piper longum Linn Pennel
- Uses Asthma, Cough, Indigestion
Shalai Guggal
- Hindi Name Shalai Guggal
- English Name Indian Olibanum
- Botanical Name Boswellia serrata Roxb. Pennel
- Uses Joint Pains, Headache, Diabetes
Tamalpatra
- Hindi Name Tamalpatra
- English Name Cinnamon Leaf
- Botanical Name Cinnamomum tamala Nees Pennel
- Uses Diabetes, Digestion, Cold
Varun
- Hindi Name Varun
- English Name Three Leafed Caper
- Botanical Name Crataeva nurvala Buch-Ham Pennel
- Uses Kidney Stones, Bladder Stones
Benefits & Importance of Medicinal Plants
Ayurvedic herbs are time tested for their health and other benefits. The nutritive value that they pack are highly recommended for their healing powers. Known to induce no side effects, they have a unique aroma and flavor and when consumed regularly, they act as a perfect mechanism to bring about a balanced harmony between mind and body. They rejuvenate the whole system instead of focusing on one specific organ or body part.
- They have a holistic approach and aid in proper absorption and digestion
- They are not disease specific but act as a preventive medicine that positively effects the overall health and well-being by boosting the immune system
- They are at par with allopathic medicines and are at times known to be effective in treating diseases like cancer and autoimmune diseases
- They are self-contained and nutritive holistic in nature, therefore, are non-toxic and harmless
- It deals with the overall well-being and aims to bring harmony between mind, body and soul
- Several metabolic and chronic conditions can be treated without any side effects using Ayurvedic medicines and treatments
Ayurvedic Herbs/Spices & Their Medicinal Values
- Ayurvedic Herbs and spices such as black pepper, cinnamon, aloe, sandalwood, ginseng, red clover, burdock, bayberry, and safflower are used to heal wounds, sores and boils.
- To reduce fever and the production of heat caused by the condition, certain antipyretic herbs such as Chirayta, black pepper and sandal wood are recommended
- Sandalwood and Cinnamon are great astringents apart from being aromatic. Sandalwood is especially used in arresting the discharge of blood, mucus etc.
- Ajwain, Amalaki, Aswatha etc., serve as antacids and are recommended for healthy gastric acid flow and proper digestion
- Herbs like Cardamom and Coriander are renowned for their appetizing qualities. Other aromatic herbs such as peppermint, cloves and turmeric add a pleasant aroma to the food, thereby increasing the taste of the meal
- Herbs like Aloe, Sandalwood, Turmeric, Sheetraj and Khare Khaskhas are commonly used as antiseptic and have very high medicinal values
- Camomile, Basil, Cardamom, Ginger, Peppermint and Coriander are known to promote blood circulation in the body and keep the heart healthy