Dhanvantari Ayurveda Center Michael Dick, Ayurvedic Practitioner, Leesburg,
| Sanskrit | Common | Botanical | Parts Used | Constituents | Vata | Pitta | Kapha | Guna | Rasa | Virya | Vipaka | Actions | Affinities | Indications | ContraIndications | Reference(s) | Preparation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ±malak² syn.= amalaki, shriphala, dhatrika, dhatri, amrita, shita, gayatrei, vrushya, rocani, tishyaphala, pancarasa, kayastha, amala | Indian gooseberry | Emblica officinalis Gaertn./ Phyllanthus emblisca Linn. Euphorbiaceae | fruit, nut, seed, leaves, root, bark, flowers | Fe, Ca, Mg, silica, C. K = fruit pulp contains moisture 81%, protein .5%, fat .1%, mineral matter .7%, fiber 3.4%, carbohydrates 14%, calcium .05%, and potassium .02%, iron 1/2mg/100g. nicotinic acid.2mg/100g and vitamin C 600mg/100g.Fruit is high in pectin, phyllemblin is there. Fresh amla contains about 20 times more vitamin C than orange juice and equal in antiscorbutic value to 1-2 oranges. Dried fruit have tannins and 3-4 colloidal complexes. Other components are phyllemblic acid, lipids, gallic acid, emblicol, mucic acid, ellagic acid, glucose. Seeds contain a fixed oil, phosphatides, some essential oil with linolenic, linoleic, oleic, stearic, palmitic, myristic acids. Proteolytic and lipolytic enzymes are in seeds. | ‡ | ‡ | ‡ | lahgu, r³kÃa, ²ta | A M Ks Kt T | À²ta | Madhura | diuretic, purgative, pacana, longevity * erythrogenic, pacana, laxative, rasayana, refrigerant, diuretic, laxative, gastric acidity regulator, expectorant, antiinflammatory, restorative tonic, regulates blood sugar, aphrodisiac, nervine tonic, hemostatic K = antithermogenic, ophthalmic, kesha, medhya, cordial / h¶dya, rasayana, v¶Ãya, aphrodisiac, svedahara, medohara, vulnerary - fractures, regulates blood sugar; diuretic, laxative, stomachic; bark is astringent. Flowers are cooling and aperient. Phyllembin in fruit pulp potentiate the action of adrenaline in vitro and in vivo. It has mild depressant action on CNS and spasmolytic action. Extract of fruit is antibacterial and antiviral, tridoshic | all 7 dh±tus, ojas / blood, asthi, liver, heart | bleeding hemorrhoids, anemia, diabetes, gout, obesity, diabetes-- all types, hyperacidity, eczema, psoriasis, hoarse voice, sore throat, inflammation, hiccoughs, hepatitis B, nonspecific urethritis, sterility, anemia, gingivitis, glaucoma, diarrhea, constipation, active fistula, hair loss multiple voice, threatening melanoma K = inflammation of lungs, eyes. Fixed oil for hair loss. Seeds used for asthma, bronchitis, biliousness. Dried fruit is used for hemorrhage, diarrhea, dysentery, for anemia (with iron), jaundice, dyspepsia. For acute bacillary dysentery taken as syrup with lemon juice. As triphala good for laxative, headache, biliousness, dyspepsia, constipation, hemorrhoids, enlarged liver, ascites. Juice of bark combined with honey and turmeric for gonorrhea. | (OK for pregnancy but triphala is not.) acute diarrhea | L/N/K/API | powder, infusion |
| aÂoka # syn.= ashoka, hemapushpa, kankeli, shokanash, karnapurak, subhag, smaracivas, doshahari, rama, pallavadru, raktak, ragi | ashoka tree | Saraca indica Linn / asoka Wilde Caesalpiniaceae | stem bark (main source), flowers, seeds | haemotoxylin, petroleum ether, ether, absolute alcohol extracts, tannin, catachin, Fe K= tannin, catachin, organic compound of calcium, hemotoxyline, ketosterol, a glycosidal fraction, a saponin | † | ‡ | ‡ | laghu, r³kÃa | Ks Kt | À²ta | Katu | uterine tonic / sedative by affinity * strongly astringent, ovarian and endometrium stimulant, hemostatic, rasayana, antihypertensive, anticonvulgant, diuretic, stomachic | female repro sys = uterus, ovaries, endometrium | menorrhagia, uterine affections = menorrhagia, internal bleeding, hemorrhoids, hemorrhagic dysentery, scorpion sting, for threatening abortion (such as a rush of discharge in 3rd month) or miscarriage (1st 2 months of pregnancy), bleeding hemorrhoids, hemorrhoids, candida dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, polymenses, cystic ovary, fibroid tumor, false fetus, endometriosis, endometritis, ulcerative colitis, leukorrhea, edema K = uterine affections, especially menorrhagia, internal bleeding, hemorrhoids, hemorrhagic dysentery; Ketosterol and calcium salt are considered important in treatment of menorrhagia. | thrombophlebitis and thrombotic disorders | L/N/K | powder, decoction |
| aÂvagandh± # syn.= ashvagandha, balada, gandhanta, vajinama, vajini, pushtida, punya, vataghni, balya, hayahya, vrusha, hayagandha | winter cherry | Withania somnifera Dunal Solanaceae | leaves, roots | alkaloid somnifera ^ K= high percentage of alkaloids, nicotine, somniferiene, somniferinine, withanine, withananine, pseudowithanine, sucrose, beta-sitosterol an acid; isopelletierine in roots, tropine, pseudotropine, 3alpha-trigloyloxytropane, choline, cuscohygrine, dl-isopelletierine, alkaloids anaferine and anhygrine; leaf contains withanone; berries have amino acids | ‡ | † | ‡ | laghu, snigdha | T Ks (M) | Uæa | Madhura | aphrodisiac, induces natural sleep * tonic, rasayana, sattvic, hypnotic, sedative, mild antibiotic, periodic, pacana, astringent, alterative, diuretic, nervine, alterative, aphrodisiac; seeds coagulate milk; leaves and root are narcotic; root is diuretic, deobstruent, tonic, alterative, aphrodisiac | all 7 dh±tus (esp. Âukra (shukra)/artava) leaves = rasa | TB, degenerative arthritis, sciatica, low libido, insomnia, rheumatism, rheumatoid arthritis, female infertility, azoospermia, tics, spasms, fatigue, M.S., tremors, Parkinson’s, phobias, poliomyelitis, acne, dysmenorrhea, phobias, general debility, old age, emaciation, sexual debility, impotence, swollen prostate, infertility, miscarriage, leukorrhea, nervous exhaustion, cough, edema, skin diseases; K = roots and leaves used as hypnotic in alcoholism and emphysematous dysphonea; leaves are anthelmintic, used in carbuncles; root is used as application in obstinate ulcers and rheumatic swelling; used for tuberculosis, emaciation of children senile debility, rheumatism, general debility, nervous exhaustion, brain fog, loss of memory, loss of muscular energy, spermatorrhea, impotence, seminal debility (with honey and ghee); nutrient and health restorative to pregnant and old. Also used for scrofulous, glandular swelling, as galactogogue (with cow's milk and licorice), for sight (with licorice and juice of amla) helminthiasis, spermatorrhea, disorder of nerves, V and K schizophrenia, antiepileptic for grand mal | pregnancy (may increase estrogen leading to abortion) (not according to DL) | L/L&F/K | powder, decoction |
| arjuna # syn.= arjuna, dhawal, kakubha, indradu, viravriksha, nadisarja, gaura, kashaya, shakataksha, dhurandar, partha, dhananjay, shvetavaha | arjuna myrobalan | Terminalia arjuna Wight. & Am. Combretaceae | stem bark | K= large amount of calcium salts and less aluminum and magnesium salts; watery extracts = 23% calcium salts and 16 % tannins; bark has crystalline sub arjunine, lactone, arjunetin, essential oil, tannin, reducing sugars, and coloring matter; saponin like substance responsible for diuretic activity; arjunalic acid, saponin, leukodelphinidin | † | ‡ | ‡ | r³kÃa (laghu) | Ks | À²ta | Katu | cordial / h¶dya * astringent, tonic, antipyretic, antipyretic, diuretic = discutient / resolvent, activates pancreas, gives color to skin, removes plaque, pancreatitis, antiinflammatory, spermatogenic, stimulates insulin secretion, decreases tachycardia, broncho dilator, promotes ojas, hemostatic; vulnerary - fractures, ulcers, tonic, astringent, lithotriptic; fruit = tonic, deobstruent | heart myocardium, urinary system, cardiovascular system, pancreatic system | cardiac asthma, left ventricular failure leading to pulmonary congestion, CCF, renal edema, blood stagnation, diabetes, asthma due to acidosis,, pitta diarrhea, acne, amenorrhea, styptic ovaries, endometritis, cervical dysplasia, external wound lactose intolerance, renal calculi, hi BP, asthma, oophoritis, cervicitis, diabetic ulcers, ulcerative colitis, tachycardia, polycystic kidneys, cardia edema, renal edema, dysentery, blood stagnation, pyrexia, cough, cardiac cough, conjunctivitis; K = cardiac tonic, hemorrhage and other fluxes; diarrhea, dysentery, sprue, bilious affections, antidote to poisons, with sita and cow's milk for endocarditis, pericarditis, angina; derangement of tri-doÃa, cardiac failure, dropsy, cirrhosis of liver | L/K/API | powder, decoction, extract | |
| b±kuc² syn.= bakuci, bakuci, somarekha, shashanklekha, somaragi, candralekha, somavalli, yendavi, tvakdoshaghni, avalguja, somaraji, malayu | purple fleabane / babchi seeds | Psoralea corylifolia Linn. Papilionaceae | leaves, stem, bark, seed, fruit | psoralin alkaloid ^ K = furanocoumarins, coumesterol, chalcones, flavones; the seeds contain essential oil, a nonvolatile terpenoid oil, a pigment, a resin, fixed oil, raffinose, two coumarin compounds viz., psoralen and isopsoralen, psoralidin, corylifolean, isopsoralidin; the seed oil yields limonene, beta caryophylenoxide, 4-terpineol, linalool, geranylacetate, angelicin, psoralen, bakuchiol. From petroleum extract of roots = daidzein, trilaurin, coumasterol, angelicin, psoralen, sitosterol; bakuchiol | ‡ | † | ‡ | r³kÃa | T Kt | À²ta | Katu | varnya * antipruritic (decreases itching—contains natural antihistamine) antipsoriatic, antibacterial, antihelmintic, pacana, aphrodisiac, laxative, diuretic, diaphoretic from seeds; oil strong effect against streptococci; alcoholic and aqueous extracts of seeds antibacterial; essential oil moderate selectively antifungal; petroleum ether extract anthelmentic against earthworms; in dogs stimulates intestinal smooth muscle; isopsoralene is tranquilo-sedative, anticonvulsant, central muscle relaxant in rodent model tests; bavachinine shows anti-inflammatory action in rat studies; oleoresin extract of seeds effective on leukoderma | rasa, rakta, m±§sa (mamsa), ranjaka and bhrajaka pitta | scabies, psoriasis, leukoderma, ear itching, eczema, gum infection, skin fungus, blephoritis, helminthiasis, fungal infection, menopausal hot flashes, auditory discomfort, most skin conditions, tooth abscess autitis externa hot flashes. K = leprosy, leukoderma, as laxative in bilious disorders, diabetes, hair loss | L/K/API | powder, oil | |
| bal± # syn.= odanika, bhadra, samanga, baladhya, vatika, sanasa, mahasamanga, kharayashtika, shitapaki, viryabala | Indian country mallow | Sida cordifolia Linn. Malvaceae | roots, leaves, stems, seeds | alkaloid Sida cordifolin ^ K = fatty oil, phytosterol, mucins, potassium nitrate, resin, resin acids, (no tannins or glucosides); trace amt. of alkaloid; the hydrochloride of alkaloid occurs in colorless needles, freely soluble in water but sparingly soluble in absolute alcohol. Alkaloid mainly ephedrine. The seeds contain four times more than stem, root, leaves | ‡ | ‡ | † | snigdha, laghu | M | À²ta | Madhura | energetic and alexipharmic * tonic, rasayana, mild antibacterial, stimulant (sex), sedative, hemostatic, anabolic, aphrodisiac, spermatogenetic, galactagogue, cardiac, aperient, demulcent, maintains tone of ligaments, ojas; roots are cooling, astringent, stomachic, tonic, aromatic, bitter, antipyretic, demulcent, diuretic. alkaloid has slight sympathomimetic action similar to ephedrine = cardiac stimulant | rakta, m±§sa (mamsa), shukra/artava (and by this also rasa) | general debility, arthritis, TB, cracking joints, diarrhea, ulcerative colitis, memory p., depression, anxiety, muscle debility, migraine, pain nerve, pressure, tinitis, ileocecal valve p, child debility, recede gums, premature ejaculation bleeding disorders, prolapse--rectal, inguinal, uterine, vata in asthi, hiccough, ischemia of diaphragm, premenstrual tension or PMS, aspermatogenesis, small breasts, lactation, bleeding hemorrhoids, nose, hemorrhagic condition. K = rheumatism, gonorrhea, spermatorrhea, gonorrhea, febrile diseases, Leaves are mucilaginous = demulcent in pyrexia; given as a vegetable to patients suffering from bleeding hemorrhoids; urinary diseases, disorders of blood and bile, bleeding hemorrhoids, hematuria, cystitis, leukorrhea, chronic dysentery, nervous diseases as insanity, facial paralysis, and in asthma as cardiac tonic. As alterative root bark if useful in rheumatism; in elepantiasis a paste made with juice of palmyra palm is locally used; the juice of the roots is applied as a sedative over wounds and ulcers. | none but don't take at night as it gives energy | L/K | powder, infusion |
| ban-sangli | hawthorn (berry) | Crataegus oxycantha Linn. Rosaceae | berries | amygdalin, crataegin ^ oxalic acid, HCN glucoside | ‡ | † | † | A | Uæa | Madhura | sedative and nervine tonic * cardiac, diuretic, astringent, tonic, vasodilator | heart, kidneys | organic and functional heart problems, sore throats, dropsy, kidney troubles, blood pressure regulation | G | powder, infusion | ||
| bh¶ngar±ja # syn.= bhringaraj, bhrngaraja, markava, kesharanjana, kesharaja, ravipriya, abhedakaraja, keshali, ravivallabha | false daisy | Eclipta alba Hassk. / prostrata Linn. Compositae | roots, leaves | ecliptin ^ Fe, silica, cobalt, alkaloid ecliptine K = large amount of resin and alkaloid ecliptine. reducing sugar in whole plant, sterols in seeds, wedelolactone from leaves and stem, desmethyl wedelolactone and sulfur-containing peptides; two thiophene derivatives and a polyacetylenic compound. alpha-terthienyl methanol, beta amyrin, and stigmasterol; PP L-terthienyl mathanol, wedelic acid, apigenin, luteolin, and glucosides--b-amyrin, wedelolactone and luteolin-7-0-glucoside from aerial parts; roots-hentriacontanol, 14-heptacosanol and stigmaterol and 16 poly-acetylenic thiophenes, large amount of resin | ‡ | † | ‡ | r³kÃa, laghu | Kt T | Uæa | Katu | keshya, hepato-detoxifier, medhya * alterative, tonic, emetic, purgative, diuretic--mild, hepato-tonic, brain tonic, broncho-dilator, chelation of heavy metals in liver, antioxidant, anti toxic, rasayana; juice of the leaves is hepatic tonic and deobstruent, root is tonic and alterative, alcoholic extract antiviral against Ranikhet disease virus, anticephalalgic | brain, nervous system, asthi, majj±(majja), mano vs | insomnia, delusion, illusion, confusion, hair loss, bronchitis, bronchial asthma, anemia, edema, alopecia, dandruff, dandritis, CFS, sexual debility, Alzheimer’s, hypertension, glaucoma, kidney calculi GB calculi, fibrocystic breasts, GM & PM epilepsy, liver toxicity K = tonic deobstruent in hepatic and splenomegaly and skin diseases, the leaf juice boiled with sesame or coconut oil for black and luxuriant hair, fresh juice of leaves for pyrexia, dropsy, liver disorders, rheumatism, as paste of herb mixed with sesame oil for glandular swellings, elephantiasis, skin diseases, headache and odontalgia; PP = otitis, night blindness, skin dis-pigmentation, , migraine, conjunctivitis, anemia with low hemoglobin, dysuria, anasarca, urticaria, cephalalgia | do not boil for decoction as it looses its properties | L/K/PP | powder, infusion, decoction |
| bh³my±malak² syn.= bhumyamalaki, vrishya, bhudhatri, vvishvaparni, bindupatri, bahuvirya, tamalaki, uttama, bahuputra, shiva | feather foil plant | Phyllanthus niruri Linn. / fraternus / amarus Webster Euphorbiaceae | all parts | K = bitter and non-bitter elements from leaves called phyllanthum and hypophyllanthum (lignans), hexane extract from leaves three more lignans viz. niranthin, nirtetralin, and phyltetralin, aerial parts yield two alkaloids 4-methoxy-securinine (phyllanthine) and 4-methoxy-norsecurinine, roots yield two glycoflavones and another compound lintetraline, phyllenthin | † | ‡ | ‡ | laghu, r³kÃa | Ks T M | À²ta | Madhura | liver detoxifier, anticancerous, antioxidant * diuretic, antipyretic, astringent, cooling, laxative, bitter tonic. Petrol extract of whole plant shows antifungal, ethanolic extract shows anticancer vs. Freund virus leukemia (mice), antispasmodic in guinea pig ileum, hypoglycemic action in normal as well as alloxan-diabetic (rabbits), good against infective hepatitis; restores normal color to urine in pitta disorders | asthi, rakta, rasa, pruiÃa, mutra vs; liver | hepatitis B; K = dropsy, gonorrhea, genitourinary diseases, jaundice, constipation, stomachache, dyspepsia, dysentery, sores (juice),ophthalmia, intermittent pyrexia, urinary swelling, itch, scabies, skin diseases, fresh root for jaundice, with rice water for menorrhagia, with milk as galactagogue, dyspnea, asthma, bleeding disorders | acute ulcerative colitis | L/K/API | powder, infusion |
| bibh²taka syn.= bibhitaki, karshaphala, aksha, kalidrum, telpushpak, bhutavas, kalivriksha, romaharsha, kalind | beleric myrobalan | Terminalia belerica Roxb. Combretaceae | fruits | K= fruit contains about 17% tannin; heartwood, bark and fruits contain ellagic acid; seed coat of the fruit contains a gallic acid. Seeds contain about 20-25% yellow oil. | ‡ | ‡ | ‡ | r³kÃa, laghu | Ks | Uæa | Madhura | longevity of cellular life * tonic, laxative, astringent, pacana, appetizer, lekhana, ophthalmic, expectorant, aphrodisiac, stomachic, antihelmintic, hemostatic, tridoshic | prana vs; pancreas | hyperactivity of pranavahasrotas, asthma, cough, sore throat, laryngitis, bronchitis, calculi, chronic diarrhea, helminthiasis, eye and skin diseases, hiccoughs, dysentery: K = fruit for cough, hoarseness, and eye diseases. As part of triphala used in liver and gastrointestinal tract disorders. Oil from the kernel used as dressing for hair, externally for rheumatism. Unripe fruit is purgative. Dried ripe fruit is astringent and used in dropsy, hemorrhoids, and diarrhea, edema, swelling | acute diarrhea | L/K | powder |
| bilva syn.= shalatu, shalya, hridyagandha, shivadruma, karkata, trishikha, shaivapatra, duraroha | bael fruit | Aegle marmelos Corr. ex. Roxb. Rutaceae | fruit | mucilage, pectin, sugar, tannin, volatile oil, bitter principle, ash, balsamic principle, Ash has potassium, sodium comp, phosphates | † | ‡ | ‡ | ²ta, snigdha, guru | M Ks | À²ta | Madhura | very sacred; Lord Shiva loves this; brings spiritual prosperity * pacana, hemostatic, stomachic, constipative, improves absorption | GI tract, m±§sa (mamsa), | diarrhea, dysentery, helminthiasis, ulcerative colitis, diabetes, chronic pyrexia, nausea, vomiting, gastritis, enteritis, bleeding disorders, | constipation | L/N | powder, decoction |
| br±hm² # syn.= brahmi, sarasvati, jahaushadhi, svayambhuvi, madukamala, matsyakshi, medhya, satyavati, smarani, aindri, kapotavamka | thyme-leaved gratiola | Bacopa / Herpestis monnieri Pennell Scrophulariaceae | whole plant | alkaloids--brahmine and herpestine, saponins--betulic acid, D-mannitol, stigmastarol, Beta-sitosterol, bacoside B, Bacoside A | ‡ | † | ‡ | laghu, sara (snigdha) | T Ks M | À²ta | Madhura | antiepileptic, alexipharmic * discutient / resolvent, stomachic, medhya, rasayana, longlife-promoting, complexion promoting, pacana, carminative, alterative, cardiac, nervine, diuretic, aperient, medhya, anodyne, carminative, antiinflammatory, anticonvulsant, depurative, cordial / h¶dya, bronchodilator, emmenagogue, sudorific, antipyretic | meda, all 7 dh±tus; mutra, hair | asthenia, nervous breakdown, acute bronchitis and coughs as poultice, biliousness, neuralgia, inflammations, epilepsy, insanity, amentia, tumors, ulcers, splenomegaly, ascites, dyspepsia, flatulence, constipation, asthma, bronchitis, skin diseases, leprosy, leukoderma, erysipelas, pallor, skin disorders, syphilis, hoarseness, strangury, elephantiasis, dysmenorrhea, sterility, pyrexia, general debility | OL/N/K/GP/VM/API | powder, infusion | |
| candana Âveta syn.= candana, shrikanda, gandhasara, candradyuti, shvetacandana, shitala, sarvapriya, rajayogya, himam | white sandalwood | Santalum album Linn. Santalaceae | wood, volatile oil/bark | K = essential oil from heartwood chips 2-6%, is extremely viscid, sl yellow color, roseate and penetratind odor, bitterish, sl acrid taste. , tannin, acid, dark resin, sesquiterpene alcohol = santalol alpha and beta isomers, aldehydes, ketones, isovaleric aldehyde, santonone, santalone, esters, free acid. Fruits yield betulic acid, beta-sitosterol, and a fatty oil. | † | ‡ | ‡ | laghu, r³kÃa | T Ks M | À²ta | Katu | cooling, antiinflammatory, analgesic, makes mind happy and tranquil * refrigerant, astringent, diuretic, expectorant, stimulant, alterative, hemostatic, antiseptic, antibacterial, carminative, sedative, refrigerant, antithermogenic, vitalizer, grahi, antihelmintic, cordial / h¶dya, alterative, hemostatic, stops burning urination, antipyretic; wood: bitter, cooling, sedative, astringent; oil: astringent, disinfectant to mm of the genitourinary and bronchial tracts, diuretic, expectorant, and stimulant. | rasa, rakta, m±§sa (mamsa), majj±(majja) | pyrexia, burning sensation, sunstroke, eye diseases, dermatitis, urethritis, hyperacidity, insomnia, stress, restlessness, anxiety K = emulsion or paste of the wood is a cooling dressing in inflammatory and eruptive skin diseases such as erysipelas, prurigo, prickly heat. Is diaphoretic, aphrodisiac. In morbid thirst wood powder is taken in coconut water, with sugar, honey, rice water to check gastric irritability and dysentery to relieve thirst and heat of body. | not with chest congestion or cough | L/L&F/K | powder, poultice, emulsion |
| citraka # syn.= citrak, agni, shardul, citrapali, krishnanudahan, vyal, jyoti, palak, anal, darun, vahni, dvipi | white leadwort | Plumbago zeylanica Linn. Plumbaginaceae | root, bark | plumbagin stim control of uterine, stom. intestines ^ K = Root contains an acrid crystalline principle called plumbagin. Root also yields two pigments vz. 3-chloroplumbagin, 3,3-biplumbagin, ginaphthoquinone, and four other pigments isozeylinone, zeylinone, elliptinone, droserone | ‡ | †S | ‡ | laghu, r³kÃa, t²kæa | Kt T (Ks) | Uæa | Katu | inhibits SNS stimulant.(tachycardia and arrhythmia) to heart/ stomachic * carminative, antihelmintic, pacana, circulatory stimulant, diaphoretic, appetizer, stimulant (to smooth muscles of dig sys & to thyroid, controls stimulation to SNS, anti-diarrheal, grahi, stomachic, grahi, discutient / resolvent, virilizer, fetus promoting, uterine constrictor, alterative, appetizer, in large doses acronarcotic poison; specific action on uterus: abortifacient; slight antibacterial but no antifungal action. Topically used for common warts. As tincture antiperiodic. | m±§sa (mamsa), majj±(majja) | dyspepsia, diarrhea, hemorrhoids, anorexia, tachycardia, multiple extrasystole, arhythmia, fungal infection, scabies, acute bronchitis, asthma, dysentery, helminthiasis--tapeworms and giardia, abdominal pain (vata), gall calculi, obesity (stimulates dhatu and bhutagni), splenomegaly, hepatomegaly, cirrhosis of liver, SPRU syn (chronic malabsorption) premenstrual swelling, arthritis, abdominal colic, chronic dyspepsia, anorexia, bronchial congestion; K = with bland oil rubefacient in rheumatism, paralytic affections, and in enlarged glands. Leukoderma and other skin diseases. when scraped root is introduced into the mouth of the womb to procure abortion, it will expel the fetus whether dead or alive. | dose=/> 1t activate hemorrhoid Paste burns. Pregnant stim uterine contract, sweating hands feet, bleeding cond. Peptic ulcers | L/K | powder, tincture, paste |
| copcini syn.= copchini, dvipantarvaca, topcini | china root | Smilax china Linn./ glabra Liliaceae | rhizome | glucoides, cromatin,, saiponine starch | ‡ | † | ‡ | uæa, t²kæa, sukÃma | T | Uæa | Katu | kills syphilis and gonorrhea bacilli * stomachic, pacana, detoxes, carminative = antiflatulent, analgesic, aphrodisiac, roborant, antihelmintic, anticonvulsant, antidepressant, mild laxative | genitourinary tract and GI tract | gonorrhea, syphilis, prostatitis, urethritis, orchitis, thyroid goiter, helminthiasis, lipoma, hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, low energy, constipation, psychosis, syphilitic arthritis, hi cholesterol, grand mal epilepsy, syphilitic neuropathy, constipation, poor memory, eczema V,K types, fistula, sexual debility, gonoccocal arthritis | pregnancy (may stimulate endometrial movement = abortion) ulcerative colitis, any bleeding condition | L | powder, decoction |
| gokÃura # syn.= gokshura, gokantak, svadamshtra, trikantak, vanasharungat, canadrum, kshurak, palankasha, kantaphal, bhalshyatak, kantaki, kantaka | puncture vine/ small caltrops | Tribulus terrestris Linn. Zygophyllaceae | fruit, root | alkaloid nitrate = help eliminate nitrogenous wastes, unsaturated acids K = Extract of powdered fruit contains an alkaloid, a resin, fat, mineral matter, aromatic substance, a fixed oil 3/5%, consisting mainly of unsaturated acids, an essential oil in very small quantities, resins, and fair amounts of nitrates; an aqueous solution of the tartrate of the alkaloid has sugar. Harman is in the herb and harmine in the seed. | ‡ | ‡ | † | guru, snigdha | M | À²ta | Madhura | lithotriptic * spermatogenic, expectorant, urinary antiseptic, improves coronary circulation, antiinflammatory, cooling, hemostatic, discutient / resolvent, carminative, grahi, virilizer, roborant, demulcent, diuretic (from the nitrates), tonic, aphrodisiac, tridoshic | kidneys, rasa, rakta, m±§sa (mamsa), Âukra (shukra), pancreas | diabetes, renal calculi, mitral valve stenosis and prolapse, bronchial congestion, gout, calculi, bladder infection, rheumatic fever, osteoarthritis, gouty arthritis, asthma, cough, bronchitis, urethritis, acute and chronic prostatitis, prostatic cancer, burning urination, CCF, heart murmur, diabetes; K = spermatorrhea, phosphaturia, diseases of the genitourinary system such as dysuria, gonorrhea, gleet, chronic, cystitis, calculus affections, urinary disorder, gout, impotence, uterine disorders after parturition, kidney diseases and gravel; also cough, diseases of heart, suppression of urine. Decoction of the fruits with carbonate of potash is given in painful micturition. | bleeding urinary tract | L/K | infusion, decoction, powder |
| gu¿³c² syn.= guduci, madhuparnika, chinnodbhava, amrita, vishalya, cakralakshana, tandrika, jvaranashi, am¶ta, chinnaruha | Heartleaf moonseed | Tinospora cordifolia Miers Menispermaceae | stem, leaves, root, bark | berberine—a bitter substance ^ K = stem contains sl bitter substance, a crystalline substance giloin, also a glycoside, gilosterol, tinosporinea furanoid bitter principle, the clerodane furano-diterpene 2; terpenoids, alkaloids | ‡ | ‡ | ‡ | laghu, snigdha (root), bark = laghu | T M Ks | Uæa | Madhura | antipyretic, antiinflammatory, alexipharmic * --especially to liver, antipyretic, alterative, diuretic, antiperiodic, antihelmintic--pinworms, roundworms, threadworms, improves circulation from heating property, vulnerary, antidipsetic, stomachic, pacana, hemopoietic, virilizer, antidiabetic, antithermogenic, rasayana, aphrodisiac, tonic, tridoshic | rasa, rakta, m±§sa (mamsa), majj±(majja), shukra | nephritis, cystitis, arthritis, bursitis, bronchitis, eczema, psoriasis, gout, sciatica, malaria, hemorrhoids, bleeding gums, dyspepsia, peptic ulcer, acute gastritis, anemia, liver disorders, jaundice, CFS, gout, pyrexia, nausea, gall stone, diabetes, menstrual disorders, menorrhagia, pyrexia, gout, arthritis, bursitis, tendonitis, acute rheumatoid arthritis, arthritis of unknown origin, food poisoning, eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, gouty arthritis, stomatitis, gingivitis, colesititis, angina pectoris, K = diarrhea, dysentery, pyrexia due to cold and indigestion, rheumatism, urinary diseases, dyspepsia, general debility, syphilis, skin diseases, bronchitis, spermatorrhea, impotence, gonorrhea, cough, chronic pyrexia, antidote for snake bite | L/K/API | decoction, powder, extract | |
| guggulu syn.= guggul, deodhup, mahishaksha, palankash, kashi, kumbha, deveshta, rakshooouha, jatayu, kasara, guggulushaka, latvaka | Indian bedellum/gum gugal | Commiphora mukul Engl. / Balsamodendum m. Burseraceae | gum/ resin | Fe, Ca, Mg, Zn, Al, Cu, silicondioxide. K = gum, silicon dioxide, calcium, magnesium, iron, aluminum, essential oil = myrcene, dimyrcene, polymyrcene, sesamin, cholesterol, steroidal ketones, alcohol's, and aliphatic triols. Steroidal components Z-guggulsterone, E-guggulsterol, I,II,III; fatty tetrols are found also; steroids | ‡ | ‡S | ‡ | laghu ,t²kæa, sukÃma, snigdha, picchila | T Kt Ks | Uæa | Katu | rasayana, hypocholesterogenic, tridoshic * carminative, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, antirheumatic, demulcent, alterative, emmenagogue, astringent, antiseptic, antiarthritic, aperient, diuretic, antiallergic, appetizer, antihelmintic, discutient / resolvent, cordial / h¶dya, vulnerary, stomachic, antiinflammatory, hypolipodemic, antisuppurative | m±§sa (mamsa), meda, asthi, Âukra (shukra), ras±yana; puriÃa, mutra vs; madhyam marga (middle passage) | indigestion, flatulence, hi cholesterol, tri-glycerides, arthritis and rheumatoid), lypoma, edema, ama, obesity, hyperlipidemia, old age, heart problems, arthritis, hemorrhoids, fistula; K = endometritis, menorrhagia, leprosy, lassitude, nervous pains, serum turbidity, on broken skin as astringent and antiseptic, all v±ta vy±dhi | pregnancy; overuse affects liver, lungs; leads to vertigo, dry mouth, skin, impotency, wt. Loss | K/L/VMG/API | powder |
| gulvel sattva | heartleaf moonseed | Tinospora cordifolia Miers Menispermaceae | extract | berberine | ‡ | ‡ | ‡ | laghu | T Kt Ks | À²ta | Madhura | antiinflammatory, cordial / h¶dya, tridoshic | rakta; liver, spleen, digestive tract | pitta pyrexia, jaundice, dysentery, syphilis, UTI, gastric ulcer, hepatitis, gonorrhea | L | powder | |
| har²tak² syn.= haritaki, pathy±, haimamati, shiva, pathya, rohini, kayashta, shreyasi, cedanika, pacani, pathy±, abhaya | chebulic myrobalan | Terminalia chebula Retz. Combretaceae | fruits, myrobalans, galls(mostly outer fruit skin) | K= Fruits have about 30% astringent substance due to chebulinic acid; also tannic acid, gallic acid, resin, and purgative anthraquinone | ‡ | ‡ | ‡ | laghu, r³kÃa | all (-L) | Uæa | Madhura | tridoshic, mainly works on vata as a rasayana * alterative, decongestant, anti-allergen, diuretic, analgesic (v), detoxes the GI tract, discutient / resolvent, antiseptic, stomachic, pacana, carminative, roborant, medhya, hemopoietic, virilizer, purgative, astringent; unripe fruits: more purgative; ripe ones: astringent | all 7 dh±tus, rakta; mutra vs; respiratory sys. | diabetes, cough, helminthiasis, edema, skin conditions, yeast infection, bronchitis, hepatitis, splenomegaly, kidney calculi, eczema, hemorrhoids, gulma, hiccough; K = pyrexia, cough, asthma, urinary diseases, hemorrhoids, helminthiasis, chronic diarrhea, dysentery, flatulence, vomiting, colic, enlarged spleen and liver. Infusion as gargle in sore mouth and stomatitis, spongy and ulcerated gums. | pregnancy, diarrhea | L/K/VMG | powder, decoction |
| hingu syn.= sahastravedhi, jatuk, balhik, bhutnasan, sulanasan, sahasrvedhi, bahlika, ramatta, gathukam | asafoetida ` | Ferula foetida Regel / asafoetida Linn. Umbelliferae | dried sap of tree | N = S Fe Cu I nitrogenous, volatile oil, garlic, acetic, ferulic, formic, valerianic acids K= essential oil, ferulic acid, organic disulfide, umbeliferone, gum = glucuronic acid, galactose, arabinose, rhamnose, protein, asaresinol ferulate, free ferulic acid | ‡ | † | ‡ | laghu, snigdha, t²kæa, sara | Kt Ks | Uæa | Katu | antiseptic, topical and internal analgesic, pacana, stimulant, carminative, antispasmodic, antiflatulent, stomachic, aromatic, nervine, grahi, expectorant, laxative, antihelmintic, diuretic, sedative, antipyretic, stomachic, virilizer, ovarian tonic, anticephalalgic, aphrodisiac, emmenagogue, pulmonary stimulant | rasa, rakta, majj±(majja); puriÃa vs; heart, eyes, bronchi, skin, urinary tract | digestive disorders ringing ears dizziness tinitis topical pain headache helminthiasis muscles spasms flatulence malabsorption intestinal paralysis inguinal hernia conductive deafness (not for nerve deafness) odontalgia,abdominal colic pain bellyache, cephalalgia, dyspepsia, indigestion, wounds, asthma, bronchitis, flatulence K = hysteria, nervous disorders of women and children, flatulence, flatulent colic, spasmodic affections of the bowels, nervous palpitations, hypochondriasis, other affections due to hysteria, whooping cough, pneumonia, bronchitis, | never use raw | L/N/K/VMG | powder |
| ja»±m±§s² # syn.= jatamamsi, jatamansi, bhutajata, sulomasha, nalada, jatila, keshini, jata, himstra, mansini, mamsi, bhutakeshi, nalagaucha | Indian spikenard/musk root | Nardostachys jatamamsi DC./ grandiflora DC./Valeriana jatamamsi Jones Valerianaceae | rhizomes, roots, oil from rhizome | jatamansone ^ essential oil, resin, sugar, starch, gum, bitter matter K = rhizomes and roots contain volatile essential oil .5% oleum jatamansi, resin, sugar, starch, bitter matter, gum, ketone called jatamansone, sesquiterpee = seychelane, and beta-sitosterol. Roots have many compounds viz. valeranone, valeranal, nardol, calarenol, nardostechone, n-hexacosanyl arachidate, n-hexaconsanol, calarene, n-hexacosane, h-hexacosanyl isovalerate, acosanyl arachidate, n-hexaconsanol, calarene, norseychelanone, seychellen, patchouli alcohol, hydrocarbons, beta-eudesmol, elemol, beta-sitosterol, angelicin, jatamansinol | ‡ | ‡ | ‡ | laghu, t²kæa, snigdha, sattva | T Ks M | À²ta | Madhura | bh³taghna, manasrogaghna, medhya, increases span of life * aromatic, vaso dilator, diuretic, anticonvulsant, antihypertensive, antispasmodic, tridoshic | nervous system, rasa, rakta, m±§sa (mamsa), Âukra (shukra) | kidney calculi, extra systole, epilepsy, renal colic, burning eczema, hi BP, palpitations, depression, cervical urethral, bladder, or ureter spasms | L/K/API | powder, decoction | |
| jyotiÃmat² # syn.= jyotishmati, kakandaki, pitataila, viga, svarnalata, kshipra, kedhya, matida, sarasvati, vrisha | staff tree / balloon vine | Celastrus paniculata Willd. / Cardiospermum halicacabum Linn. Celastraceae | seeds, leaves, oil | celestrine ^ essential oil, saponin, acetic, benzoic acids, fatty acids, tetracasanol, sterol, alkaloids-celastrine, paniculatine | ‡ | † | ‡ | t²kæa, snigdha, sara | Kt T | Uæa | Katu | medhya * badana samaka, stomachic, anulomana, khustaghana, vaj²karana; rubefacient; seeds- alterative, stimulant, nervine; seed oil-sedative, anticonvulsant; aerial parts-antiviral (Ranikhet); oil-tranquilizer; bark-abortifacient; seeds-bitter, laxative, emetic, tonic, stimulant, cardiac—improves coronary circulation, tranquilizer, diuretic, analgesic, bronchodilator, medhya | central nervous system, asthi, majj±(majja), Âukra (shukra) dh±tus | rheumatism, gout, paralysis, leprosy; leaves-emmenagogue; leaf sap-antidote opium poisoning, epilepsy, stroke, word blindness, edema, obesity, cholesterol, memory weakness, bronchitis, asthma, bronchial congestion, sex debility, low libido, depression, arthritis, rheumatism, scabies infection, pain, discomfort, anxiety neurosis, insomnia, Alzheimer’s, fungal infection skin and nails | hi pitta, pregnancy - abortifacient | K/VMG/L/N | oil, powder, decoction |
| ka»uk± # syn.= katuka, tikta, katurohini, katukarohini, cakrangi, matsyapitta, shataparva, krushnabheda, krushna, aamghni, viprangi, mahaushadhi, carmakasa, dvi tikta, (kutki) | hellbore | Picrorrhiza kurroa Royle ex Benth./ scrophulariiflora Pennell Scrophulariaceae | dried rhizome | K = flavonoid, kutkin a glucosida bitter principle actually two glucosides picroside-1 and kutkoside. Petroleum ether extract yielded D-mannitol, kutkiol, kutkisterol, and a ketone identical to apocynin, picrorhizin is its bitter principle, as glucosidovanilloyl glucose was isolated | † | ‡ | ‡ | laghu, r³kà | T | À²ta | Katu | kindles agni by liver detoxification * hepatoprotectant, cordial / h¶dya, liver and spleen tonic, regulates blood sugar, expectorant, antihelmintic, bhedana, antiviral = also HIV, EBV, mild diuretic, anticoagulant, antipyretic, lekhana, antipruritic, antispasmodic, pacana, choleretic, antihelmintic, antithermogenic, bitter stomachic, laxative, cathartic in large dose, antiperiodic | rakta, liver and pancreas (tonic) | portal hypertension, pyrexia, hiccough, jaundice, hepatitis A (infectious) or B C, lipomas, gall calculi, CFS, cirrhotic changes from alcohol, plaque on arteries, gall calculi, eczema, peptic ulcer, arteries, rheumatism, immune deficiency, pyrexia, infection, pneumonitis, pulmonary congestion, cold, cough, HIV, EBV, chronic hiccough from CHF, renal failure, underactive thyroid and slow metabolism, uremia, chronic constipation from gases, ascites, hiccups, splenomegaly, renal failure, hepatomegaly K = dropsy, snakebite, scorpion sting, disease of liver and spleen including jaundice and anemia, constipation due to scanty intestinal secretions, bilious fever as decoction of kutki, neem, licorice, raisins dyspepsia (kutki, vaca, haritaki, citrak with cow's urine in dose of 28ml, scorpion sting, non-specific pyrexia such as with constipation, pyrexia of elephantiasis, infective hepatitis with jaundice, bronchial asthma, hi serum cholesterol and long coagulation times | hypoglycemia, dual hiccoughs, hypoglycemia, ulcerative colitis; NOTE: hepatoprotectants such as kutki have demonstrated drug-neutralizing effects on allopathic medicines | L/K | powder |
| ka¦»ak±ri # syn.= kantakari, dusparsha, vyaghri, nidigdhika, bahukanta, kantalika, dhavani, bhaugudakuli, vartaki, sprushi, rushtrika, kshudra, laksmani, shveta kantakari | Indian solanum / yellow-berried nightshade | Solanum xanthocarpum Schrad / surattense Burm. Solanaceae | fruits, branches, bark, root, stem, flower, leaf | carpesteral glucoside alkaloids, solanocarpine ^ K = fruit has carpexteral and 1/3% glucoalkaloid solanocaarpine and solanine-S, solanidine-S | ‡ | † | ‡ | laghu, r³kÃa | Kt T | Uæa | Katu | cough center sedative * antibacterial expectorant, decongestant, bitter tonic, alterative, pacana, mild diuretic, cardiac (myocardium), antipyretic, antibacterial, broncho dilator, antihelmintic, mild purgative, sedative, discutient / resolvent, appetizer, aphrodisiac, kanthya (gf throat); carminative, pacana, astringent | prana, mutrala, anna vs, Pv, Ak | staph, strepto, pneumonia, staff infection, other bacterial infections, catarrh, asthma, bronchitis, gum infection, periodontal disorders (helps prevent bone loss),laryngopharyngitis, pyrexia with infection, bad breath, dropsy, small kidney calculi crystal urea, chronic dyspepsia, anorexia, dysuria, hepatospleenomegaly--infection / parasite, CHF, CCF, pleurisy with effusion, pleuritis, helminthiasis, cough, cold, congestion, cardia, pleuritic pain, bronchitis, bronchiectisis, asthma, TB, hiccups | blood in sputum (hemoptisis) | L/K/API | decoction, infusion |
| kamala syn.= svetakamala, pankaja, shatapatra, padma, bisa; white - kamala; pink - kokonad; blud - induvara, kalodya (seeds), kamalaraja (pollen), nalikera, nalina | Egyptian or sacred lotus | Nelumbium speciosum Willd. / nucifera Nymphaeaceae | entire plant | rhizome and seeds contain resins, glucose, metarbin, tannin, fat, an alkaloid--nelumbine | † | ‡ | ‡ | laghu, snigdha, picchila | M Ks T | À²ta | Madhura | alexipharmic to poisons * plant: emollient, diuretic, sudorific, antifungal, antipyretic, cordial / h¶dya; stem: astringent, cooling, fragrant, diuretic, antihelmintic; roots: bitter, cooling, emollient, diuretic; leaves: bitter, cooling, diuretic; flowers: sweet, astringent, refrigerant, cordial / h¶dya, varnya | rakta, rasa, Âukra (shukra); puriÃa vs; uterus | Plant = hyperdipsia, pitta conditions, cholera, diarrhea, helminthiasis, vomiting, burning sensation, hemorrhoids, nervous exhaustion, ring worm, dermatopathy, intermittent pyrexia, strangury, cardiac debility; stem = strangury, vomiting, leprosy, skin diseases, helminthiasis, nervous exhaustion; roots = pharyngopathy, pectoralgia, spermatorrhea, leukoderma, smallpox, diarrhea, dysentery, cough, pitta dis., dipsia; leaves = burning sensation, hyperdipsia, pyrexia, strangury, hemorrhoids, leprosy; flowers = diarrhea, cholera, pyrexia, hepatopathy, hyperdipsia, internal injuries, bronchitis, cough, skin eruptions, pitta dis. | OL/N/VMG/BD | powder | |
| kapikacch³ # syn.= kapikacchu, atmagupta, markati, pravnushayana, kandura, swayamgupta, durabhigraha, tikshna, romalu, visharoma, romavalli, ajaha, kandukara | cowitch plant / cowhage | Mucuna pruriens DC./ Carpopogon / Dolicos pruriens Papilionaceae | seeds, root, legumes | resin, tannin, fat, trace manganese/ Seeds = free fatty acid and its glyceride (oleic acid) an acid resin and albumen K = 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA), a few amino acids, seeds have four alkaloids, mucunine, mucunadine, prurienine, prurieninine. Four indole-3-alkylamines and choline from different parts of plant, seed oil contains stearic, palmitic, myristic, arachidic, oleic, linoleic acids and a sterol | ‡ | ‡ | ‡ | guru, snigdha (K) | T M | Uæa | Madhura | stops tremors in Parkinson's , aphrodisiac * nervine tonic, antiepileptic, stimulant, sedative, bronchodilator, antiallergic, decongestant, aphrodisiac; hairs: antihelmintic, local stimulant and vesicant, virilizer; seeds: astringent, antihelmintic, nervine tonic, aphrodisiac, roots are tonic, stimulant, diuretic, purgative, roborant, emmenagogue, prurieninine slows heart rate of frog, dilates blood vessels, hypotensive, and increases peristaltic action of intestine, hypocholesterolemic in rats, bufotenine shows antichominesterase activity in vivo, in vitro 20-30 times weaker that physostigmine, slightly insecticidal, tridoshic | all 7 dh±tus | bronchial asthma, bronchitis, eczema, psoriasis, grand and petit mal epilepsy, sexual debility, rakta dushti, svasa, kasa, rakta ksaya, kampavata, K = Parkinsonism without being anticholinergic, diseases of the nervous system, kidney, dropsy, as ointment for elephantiasis, leaves are applied to ulcers, hairs used as antihelmintic, diseases of liver and gallbladder, applied externally as local stimulant and mild vesicant. Seeds for leukorrhea, profuse menstruation, paralysis, spermatorrhea, cases needing aphrodisiac action | none | L/N/K | powder, hairs |
| khadira # syn.= khadira, balpatra, kantaki, dantadhavan, kushthari, bahushalya, bahusar, madhya, kushthaghna, irimed | black catechu / cutch tree | Acacia catechu Willd. Mimosoideae | extract, bark, wood, flowering tops, gum | catechin and catechutannic acids; wood contains alpha, beta, gamma catechin; l-epicatechin | † | ‡ | ‡ | laghu, r³kÃa | T Ks | À²ta | Katu | vulnerary *, alterative, discutient / resolvent, antihelmintic, astringent, tonic, galactagogue, antiseptic, antidysenteric, anticancer | majj±(majja), rasa, Âukra (shukra); puriÃa vs; uterus, eyes, stomach, asthi | diarrhea, dysentery, bleeding hemorrhoids, uterine hemorrhage, leukorrhea, gleet, mercurical salivation, bleeding or ulcerated or spongy gums, hypertrophy of tonsils, ulceration of mouth, uterine hemorrhage, leukorrhea, gonorrhea, bed sores, painful mammary glands | K/VMG/API | pwd, decoction, extract | |
| ku»aja syn.= kutaja, shakra, vatsaka, girimallika, pravishya, shakrapadaka, varatika, yavaphala, mahagandha, koti, shambhuruha, aindrayava, aindra phala, kalinga, kautaja, shakrahva, puruhuta, bhadrayava, indrayava, indravriksha | conessi bark / tellicherry bark / kurchi | Holarrhena antidysenterica (white) Wall. Apocynaceae | (root), bark, seeds, leaves | non-oxygenated alkaloid--wrightine /conessine or kurchisine and hoilarrhenine, | † | ‡ | ‡ | laghu, r³kÃa | T Ks | À²ta | Katu | stomachic, pacana, cooling * increases tone of villi of intestines, antiinflammatory to colon, eliminates mucus from colon, hemostatic, antihelmintic, diuretic, antifungal, constipative, vulnerary, antipyretic, antidysenteric | colon, kidney, rasa, rakta, m±§sa (mamsa) | bleeding hemorrhoids, chronic dysentery, diarrhea, SPRU, ulcerative colitis, helminthiasis, white menstrual discharge (fungal infection), edema, bleeding gums, gingivitis, ulcers | pregnancy, constipation, acute diverticulitis | L/N/API | powder, decoction |
| m±dana phala syn.= madana, pindi, shalyak, vishapushpaka, ratha, nut, pinditaka, harnya, ghantakhya, bastishodhana, granthiphala, golaphala, vishamushkaka, gala, karaghata | emetic nut | Randia dumetorum Lam. / Xeromphis spinosa Rubiaceae | fruits, seed rind | saponin, valerenic acid, wax, resin; seed - volatile oil | ‡S | †S | ‡S | laghu, r³kÃa | M T | Uæa | Katu | v±maka (emetic)* scraping, curative, alexipharmic, alterative, deobstruant, expectorant, emmenagogue, diaphoretic | eliminates VPK; rakta, stomach | swelling, pain, ulcers, rheumatoid arthritis, kapha pyrexia, kapha disorders, asthma, cough | VMG/API | powder, decoction | |
| man¿³kaparn² syn.= mandukaparni, madhukaparni, manduki, ekuparni, brahmamanduki | Indian pennywort / gotu kola | Centella / Hydrocotyle asiatica Linn. Umbelliferae | whole plant = leaves, fruits, roots, twigs, seeds | hersaponin an alkaloid/ vellerin ^ resin, fatty aromatic, gum, sugar, tannin, albuminous matter, salts- alkalin sulfates | ‡ | ‡ | ‡ | laghu | T Ks | À²ta | Madhura | medhya, rasayana, longevity * alterative, nervine tonic, diuretic, local stimulant (cutaneous sys), emmenagogue, narcotic/soporific, cordial / h¶dya, stomachic, carminative, antileprotic, antipyretic, tridoshic | CNS, genito-urinary tract | skin diseases, ulcerations, chronic and callous, scrofulous and syphilitic with gummatous infiltration, eczema, psoriasis, leprosy, malaria, pyrexia, epilepsy, insanity, enlargement of glands, abscess, rheumatism, amenorrhea, anemia, diabetes mellitus, edema, memory loss, Alzheimer's, improves concentration, unmad, insomnia, cardiac debility, hoarseness, asthma, bronchitis, hiccup, amentia, abdominal disorders from dysentery | L/N | powder, decoction | |
| manjiûh± syn.= manjishtha, manjishtham, harini, rakta, gauri, rohini, vijaya, manjusha, jvarahantri, chadma, ragangi, rasayani, tamramula, bhandi, lohita yashtika | Indian madder | Rubia cordifolia Linn. Rubiaceae | root, fruits | resin, gum, sugar, salts of lime, coloring principles--purpurin, manjistin, garancin, etc | ‡ | ‡ | ‡ | guru, r³kÃa | Ks T M | À²ta | Katu | alexipharmic * emmenagogue, astringent, diuretic, cardiac, antimelanoma, antiinflammatory, antidiarrheal, antidysentery, constipative, tridoshic | rakta, meda; puriÃa, mutra vs; vagina, eye, ear, liver | dropsy, paralysis, jaundice, amenorrhea, visceral obstructions/ CHF, edema, ascites, broken bones, cracked and compound, sty, gout, diarrhea, amebic dysentery, pre-cancerous lesions, hives, rash, urticaria, bleeding rectum | L/N/VMG/ OL | powder | |
| musta # syn.= mustak, jalada, nagarmusta, ghan, shishira, bhadra, gudagranthi, sugandhi, hima, balahak, varid, gundra,bhadramusta, kurubilva, ambuda | nut grass | Cyperus rotundus Linn. Cyperaceae | root | N = methanolic acid ^ N= fat, sugar, gum, carbohydrates, essential oil, albuninous matter, starch, fiber, ash, alkaloid traces K = fat, sugar, gum carbohydrates, essential oil, albuminous matter, starch, fiber, ash, traces of an alkaloid, the essential oil has more than 27 components including sesquiterpene hydrocarbons, sesquiterpene epoxides, sesquiterpene ketones, monoterpene and aliphatic alcohol's | † | ‡ | ‡ | laghu, r³kÃa (K); L = shita, mutrala, (= lactation) | Kt T Ks | À²ta | Katu | v¶shya (vitalizer) * stimulates thyroid, increases metabolism, hypocholesterolemic, analgesic, antihelmintic, stomachic, carminative, antipyretic, astringent, nervine tonic, stimulant, demulcent, diuretic--mild, skeletal muscle relaxant, urinary alkaline, lekhana, galactagogue, stomachic, pacana, grahi, alexipharmic, tonic, antihelmintic, carminative, diaphoretic, emmenagogue; petroleum ether extracts: antiinflammatory (rats); essential oil: estrogenicity (rats); essential oil from tubers: antibiotic | rakta, rasa, meda, stanya; puriÃa vs; digestive system | stomach pain, hi cholesterol, slow metabolism, helminthiasis, / pyrexia, bleeding rectum, diarrhea, ulcerative colitis, pyrexia, gingivitis, stomatitis, conjunctivitis, indecisiveness, lack of mental clarity, gastro-intestinal dis improving absorption, pyrexia, diarrhea, pain--chest, cardiac, anginal, kidney calculi, bladder irritation, cystitis, urethritis, conjunctivitis, ischemic heart disease, Pv, Pp, cystitis, nephritis, mental fatigue, stomach pain, K = pyrexia, diarrhea, dysentery, vomiting, cholera, as paste to breasts a galactagogue or as antidote to scorpion stings | L/N/K/VMG | powder, decoction. paste | |
| nimba syn.= neem, pichumarda, hinguniryas, sarvatobhadra, shita, pitasaraka, arishta, arishtaphala, jeshtamalaka, yavanaeshta, neta, shukpriya, subhadra, krimighna | Indian lilac / margosa tree | Azidiracta indica A Juss. Meliaceae | leaf, bark | azadiratin ^ sugar, tannin, bitter resin; leaves: two flavonoids, quercitrin, rutin; fruit and hardwood: bitter principle and a lactone = bakayanin, bakalactone. ^-beta-hydroxl-4-stigmasten-3-one and 6-beta-hydroxy-4-campesten-3-one; a flavone glycoside- 4,5-dihydroxy floavone 7-0-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-4)-beta-D-glucopyranoside. 19% protein from seeds, plus cystine, serine, arginine, glycine, glutamic acid, threonine, methionine, leucine, lycine, and proline | † | ‡ | ‡ | laghu, rukÃa | T Ks | À²ta | Katu | leaves: antihelmintic, antipyretic, expectorant, antiviral, antibacterial, antiseptic, pesticidal, vulnerary, regulates blood sugar, antiallergic, antipruritic, antiseptic, antithermogenic, grahi, alterative, pacana, deodorant, diuretic, emmenagogue, delays clotting, insecticidal and insect repellant; root bark and fruit: suppurative, antiseptic, antithermogenic, grahi, alterative, astringent, tonic, antiperiodic; bark is bitter, tonic, astringent, antiperiodic, and antihelmintic; fruit: purgative, emollient, antihelmintic; oil from seed and leaves: local stimulant, insecticide, antiseptic, antibacterial , antifungal, spermicidal; flowers: stomachic, slightly insecticidal, antibacterial; stem bark extract: slightly anticancer (guinea pig), antiviral to Ranikhet disease virus | rasa, rakta; puriÃa vs; uterus | diabetic ulcer, dermatitis, celibacy, nausea / acid stomach (provokes vomiting to relieve distress), pyrexia, scabies, helminthiasis, ringworms, basal cell carcinoma and other early stage skin cancers, anemia (helps generate B12 in liver) early gangrenous changes, fungal infection nail, ear, vaginal yeast infection, cervicitis, diabetes insipidus, mellitus, planter’s wart, breast tumor, fatty accumulations, dental problems, gingivitis, tartar, eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis, pesticide, celi, blood disorders, tuberculosis, eye diseases, intermittent pyrexia, persistent low pyrexia; oil: leprosy, scrofulous, skin diseases, ulcers, wounds, foul ulcers, rheumatic affections, tetanus, leprosy, urticaria, eczema, scrofula, skin diseases like ringworm, scabies, pemphigus; bark used as tincture or infusion; malarial fever, intermittent and other paroxysmal pyrexia to relieve thirst, nausea, vomiting, general debility, loss of appetite, and skin diseases; bark: leukorrhea, leprosy. | morning sickness, in excess promotes azoospermia, osteoporosis | L/K | powder, infusion, oil |
| nirgu¦d² # syn.= nirgundi, nirgudi, sinduvarak, shephali, suvaha, bhutkeshi, nilsinduk, pushpanilak, shitbhiru, vanak | five-leaved chaste tree | Vitex negundo Linn. Verbenaceae | root, fruit, flowers, leaves, bark | leaves: volatile essential oil, resin; fruit: acidic resin, astringent | ‡ | † | ‡ | laghu, r³kÃa | T Kt Ks | Uæa | Katu | thermogenic, antihelmintic, expectorant, carminative, pacana, stomachic, anodyne, antiinflammatory, antiseptic, cephalic, alterative, antipyretic, diuretic, emmenagogue, depurative, rejuvenating, ophthalmic, vulnerary, tonic, analgesic | rakta, meda, asthi; hair, puriÃa vs; eyes, respiratory system, uterus, pelvis | wounds, pain,, headache, scrotal swelling, synovitis, arthritic pain, rheumatic arthritis, endometritis, colitis, orchitis, pharyngitis, stomatitis, inflammation, baldness, memory, loss of appetite, anorexia, hepatitis, edema, asthma, pneumonia, pleurisy, dysuria, anuria, gonorrheal infection, skin diseases, urticaria | L/OL/VMG | powder, decoction, juice | |
| pippal² # syn.= pippali, magadhi, krishna, vaidehi, capala, kana, ushna, upkulya, krikara, katubija, korangi | pepper, indian long ` | Piper longum Linn. Piperaceae | immature berries dried in sun, | pipalin ^ K = volatile oil, starch, protein, alkaloids = piperine, piperlongumine, methyl-3,4,5-trimethoxycinnamate, saponins, carbohydrates, amygdalin; fruit have sesamin, a lignan dihydrostimasterol, piperine; seeds have sylvatine, sesamin, dieudesmin, fatty acids = palmitic, hexadecenoic, stearic, linoleic, oleic, linolenic, higher saturated acids, arachidic, and behenic acids; leaves have hentriacontane, hentriacontane-16-one, tricontanol, and beta-sitosterol; calcium, phosphorus, iron are present also. | ‡ | ‡S | ‡ | laghu, snigdha, t²kæa (K) | Kt | -Uæa | Madhura | pranada = improves respiration * antihelmintic, aphrodisiac, stimulant, carminative, aphrodisiac, diuretic, bronchodilator, respiratory tonic, expectorant, pacana, liver stimulant, increases metabolism, alterative, medhya, increases Tk and Ak; rasayana ( lungs), stomachic, antipyretic, roborant; emmenagogue, antitubercular, tridoshic; essential oil: antibacterial, antifungal, antihelmintic, insecticidal, insect-repellant, antiinflammatory (rats), respiratory stimulant (animals); root: stimulant; berries: cardiac stimulant, alterative, laxative, pacana, stomachic, antiseptic | rasa, meda, Âukra (shukra), ras±yana, majj±(majja); puriÃa, mutra vs; liver, spleen, respiratory system | obesity, ama, rheumatoid/osteo arthritis, juvenile asthma, v, k type bronchial asthma, bronchitis, chronic cold, cough, congestion, hyperacidity, hemorrhoids, hepatitis C, chronic dyspepsia, anorexia, ama, flatulence, helminthiasis, obesity, anginal pain,; K = indigestion, dyspepsia, flatulent colic, cough, chronic bronchitis, chest affections, asthma, enlarged spleen, palsy, gout, rheumatism, lumbago, to check post-partem hemorrhage, snakebite and scorpion sting | overuse leads to increase of pitta, bleeding disorders such as hemoptisis, hematuria | L/K/N/VMG | powder, decoction |
| pippal² m³la # syn. = pippali mula | pepper, indian long | Piper longum Linn. Piperaceae | stems (roots) | resin, volatile oil, starch, gum, fatty oil, inorganic matter, alkaloid-piperine | ‡ | † | ‡ | laghu, t²kæa | Kt | Uæa | Madhura | stimulant, spice | rasa, meda, puriÃa, mutra vs; digestive tract, liver, spleen | in abdominal disorders, helminthiasis, splenopathy, krimi, etc. | N | powder | |
| puÃkaram³la # syn.= pushkaramula, pushkara, kaimavati, shvetavaca, kashmir, kushthabheda, kasari, shvasari, shulahara, sugandhika | elecampane orris root | Inula helenium Linn. / Iris florentina Compositae | root | volatile oil, starch, resin, tannin, essential oil, bitter principle, benzoic acid TLD = sesquiterpenes lactones, triterpenes, sterols, inulin | ‡ | † | ‡ | uæa, laghu | Kt T | Uæa | Katu | shula ghna- cardiopulmonary analgesic * astringent, antispasmodic, stimulant, alterative, antibacterial, expectorant, antitussive diuretic, diaphoretic, stomachic, bronchodilator, svarakara, expectorant, decongestant | cardiopulmonary apparatus | bad breath, cosmetics, bronchitis, dropsy, liver complaints, externally to sores and pimples. / effusive pleurisy, cardiac asthma, pleuritic pain, pulmonary hypertension, pulmonary edema, bronchitis, endocarditis, hiccoughs, dysmenorrhea, chronic bronchitis, rheumatism TLD = TB, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, coughs, bronchitis, emphysema, HIV (as prophylaxis against lung infection) | bleeding tendencies = nose bleed, hematosis, TLD = pregnancy, lactation | L/N/TLD | powder, decoction, tincture |
| punar¦av± # syn.= punarnava, vishakh, kshudrapatra, raktavrintak | spreading hogweed | Boerhaavia diffusa Linn. / repens Nyctaginaceae | root, whole herb | phlobaphene, potassium, tannin, KNO3, KCl therefor it does not create potassium loss | ‡ | ‡ | ‡ | laghu, r³kÃa | Kt T Ks | Uæa | Katu | lekhana, discutient / resolvent, stomachic, carminative, purgative, cordial / h¶dya, rasayana, diuretic, expectorant, diaphoretic, emetic; root- purgative, antihelmintic, antipyretic, antiinflammatory, cordial / h¶dya, hypertensive, relaxant | all 7 dh±tus, puriÃa, mutra vs, heart | convulgence, ascites, edema, asthma, jaundice, anascara, anemia, internal inflammation, snake bite, pericardial effusion, pleurisy with effusion, renal calculi, pulmonary congestion, adrenal stress, spleen, liver enlargement | dehydration | K/VMG | powder |
| punarnav± rakta syn.= punarnava, raktavarsha, shophaghni, raktapushpika, piksvara, vushaghni, pravrishenya, sarini | hog weed | Boerhaavia diffusa Linn. Nyctaginaceae | whole plant | alkaloid-punarnavine | ‡ | † | ‡ | r³kÃa | M T Ks | Uæa | Madhura | diuretic, laxative; some say this variety increases v±ta | rasa; mutra, puriÃa vs | anemia, swelling, edema | API/VMG | powder, decoction | |
| raktacandana | red sandalwood | Pterocarpus santalinus Linn Papilionaceae | wood, fruit | santalin, santal pterocarpin, homopterocarpin | † | ‡ | ‡ | r³kÃa, laghu | T M | À²ta | Katu | fruit- astringent, tonic; roots: constipative, depurative, hemostatic, antiinflammatory, antipyretic, ophthalmic, diaphoretic, antihelmintic, aphrodisiac, alexipharmic, tonic, thermogenic, anodyne, antiseptic, pacana, carminative, constipating, vulnerary, antidysenteric, emmenagogue, galacto-purifier, alterative, rejuvenating | nervous sys, liver, spleen, majj±(majja), hemopoetic, endocrine (glandular) systems | rheumatoid arthritis, neuralgia, dyspepsia, flatulence, strangury, ophthalmopathy, helminthiasis, colic, leukoderma, pruritus, pharyngitis, cough, diabetes, broken bones, tubercular condition of skin, otopathy, urethrorrhea, jaundice, splenopathy, arthralgia, cephalalgia, odontalgia, hemicrania, dipsia, burning sensation, vomiting, diarrhea, dysentery, skin diseases, leprosy, ulcers, hemorrhages, hemoptysis, inflammations, pyrexia, ophthalmopathy, verminosis, hemorrhoids, general debility, mental aberrations; fruit- chronic dysentery, urethrorrhagia | BD/OL/L | powder, decoction | |
| s Âallaki syn.= shallaki, gajabhakshya, suvaha, surabhi, rasa, maharuna, kunduraki, vallaki, bahustrava, bhalluka, nagavrintika | Indian olibaum, Indian frankincense | Boswellia serrata Roxb. Burseraceae | bark and gum | gum, resin, aromatic oil--phytosterol contains beta-sitosterol; 4 boswellic acids or pentacyclic triterpenic acids | † | ‡ | ‡ | laghu, r³kÃa | Ks T M | À²ta | Katu | refrigerant, diuretic, aromatic, demulcent, aperient, alterative, emmenagogue, diaphoretic, antiinflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antiseptic, immuno-stimulant, cytophylactic, fumigant, antirheumatic | meda, Âukra (shukra), m±§sa (mamsa); puriÃa, sveda vs; joints, respiratory tract | swellings, tumors, itestinal disorders, consitpation, flatulence, pyrexia, wounds, ulcers, dyspepsia, anorexia, ama / toxicity, rheumatism, weak memory, infections, inflammation, pain, agitation, anxiety, negativity, excess mucus secretion, bronchitis, laryngitis, osteoarthritis, low back pain, myositis, fibrositis, chronic colitis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, bronchial asthma, peri-tumoral brain edema | K/VMG/C | resin, oil, decoction | |
| s-Âa¥khapuÃp² # syn.= vishnukranta, vishnugandhi, shankhapushpi | dankuni plant | Evolvulus alsinoides Linn. Convolvulaceae | leaf, stem, flower (all parts) | a yellow neutral fat, an alkaloid, an organic acid and saline substances; alkaloids shankhapushpine and evolvine, volatile oil, potassium chloride, sterols, proteins, amino acids, carbohydrates, phenolic compounds, tannins | ‡ | ‡ | ‡ | snigdha, picchila | Ks Kt T | Uæa | Madhura | medhya, bhutanahini (removes spirits)* tonic, ras±yana, anticonvulgent, alterative, antihelmintic, antidepressant, antiepileptic, antipyretic, tranquilizer, binds stool, removes addictions to tobacco, alcohol and other drugs, aphrodisiac, promotes conception; tridoshic | all 7 dh±tus and especially mano v s and majj±(majja) | diarrhea, convulgence, eczema, psoriasis, helminthiasis, mental disorders, mania, phobia, schizophrenia, psychoses, anxiety, grand and petite mal epilepsy, temporal epilepsy, convulgence, emotional eczema, pleuritis (most itching is emotional), ADD, learning disorders, Alzheimer's, depression, spirit occupancy, infatuation love, wrinkle lines, syphilis, abortions, cervical incompetence, dysuria, UTI | L/N | powder/ash | |
| s-Âardu¦ika # syn.= shardunika, meshashringi, vishani, meshavalli, ajashringika, madhunashini, sarpadanashtra, vartika, cakshushya, putrashreni | periploca of the woods | Gymnema sylvestre Br. Asclepiadaceae | root, leaves, acid principle | gymnemic acid (resembles chrysophanic acid) ^ leaves = 2 resins, bitter principle, albuminous and coloring matters, calcium oxalate, pararabin, glucose, carbohydrates, tartaric acid, a glucoside, gymnemic acid, cellulose, ash, quercitol, some alkali, phosphoric acid, ferric oxide and manganese, etc. | ‡ | ‡ | ‡ | laghu, r³kÃa | Ks Kt? | Uæa | Katu | regulates blood sugar -choleretic, pancreatic stimulant, adrenal stimulant, appetizer, cardiac, astringent, stomachic, tonic, refrigerant; root: emetic | rakta, rasa; mutra vs | ext.- glandular swelling, hepatitis, diabetes, hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, pancreatitis, amenorrhea, typhoid fever, general debility, nausea, vomiting, gall calculi, bleeding, profuse menses, fibroid tumors, fatty degenerative changes of liver, calculi, dyspnea; roots-snake bite | hypoglycemia | VMG/N | powder, decoction |
| s-Âat±vari # syn.= shatavari, shatapadi, vrishya, dipya, dvipshatru, adharkanthika, supatra, bahumula, shatahriya, narayani, laghuparnika, supatra, bahumula, shatahriya, narayani, laghuparnika, shatavirya, abhiru, rasa | asparagus root | Asparagus racemosus Willd. Liliaceae | roots, leaves | (L&F) saccharine and mucilage matter; K = the alcohol, ethyl acetate, and acetone extract of powdered , dry roots yield pharmacologically active (antioxytocic) saponins | ‡ | ‡ | †‡ | guru, snigdha, m¶du | M T | À²ta | Madhura | analgesic, anulomana/carminative * nutritive tonic, rejuvenative, aphrodisiac, demulcent, alterative, galactagogue, laxative, antispasmodic, antacid, diuretic, antidiarrheal, roborant, vulnerary- fractures, stomachic, grahi, cordial / h¶dya, galactagogue, rasayana, ophthalmic, tridoshic; root: antidiarrhetic, refrigerant, diuretic, nutritive, tonic, galactagogue, aphrodisiac, antispasmodic, roborant. Alcoholic extract of aerial parts anticancer in human epidermal carcinoma of the nasopharynx in tissue culture, Aqueous solution of alcoholic extract of roots inhibitory effect on growth of E. histolytica in vitro. Gives energy to male during sex | ras±yana, majj±(majja), Âukra (shukra), rasa; puriÃa vs; eyes, stomach, liver, gall bladder, heart | stomach spasms, pyritis, nausea (pregnancy), insomnia,(p), heart burn, osteoporosis, decreased lactation, broken bones, debility of the female organs, infertility, impotence, menopause, hyperacidity, ulcers, herpes, diarrhea, hemorrhoids, chronic pyrexia, dehydration, neurasthenia, pyritis, cystitis, prolapse of uterus, heartburn, pregnancy nausea, pyrexia, glaucoma hyperacidity, spasms of stomach wall, morning sickness, gastritis, peptic ulcer, diarrhea, gall calculi, iritis, detached retina, colitis, conjunctivitis, broken bones, adhesions in granulation tissue, hernia, bulimia, pulmonary TB. K = dysentery, diarrhea, tumors, inflammations, biliousness, diseases of the blood, kidney, liver complaints, rheumatism, dyspepsia, gleet, gonorrhea | estrogen induced fibrocystic changes or other problems, massive fibrocystic breasts | L/L&F/K/VMG | infusion, decoction, powder |
| s-ÂatapuÃpa # syn.= shatapushpa, shatahva,suvakpushpi, sanghatpatrika, vajrapushpa, vanapushpa, sugandha, sukshmapatrika, arvakpushpa, madhurasa, kshetra, atilambi | fennel ` | Foeniculum vulgare Mill./ Anethum foeniculum Linn. Umbelliferae | fruit | essential oil, anethole, fixed oil | ‡ | ‡† | ‡ | laghu, r³kÃa | M Kt T | À²ta/Uæa | Madhura | diuretic * pacana, antihelmintic, mild laxative, roborant, pacana; oil: antihelmintic | digestive and urinary systems | edema, cough, helminthiasis- hookworm, liver and spleen disorders, nausea, bad breath, hemorrhoids, weak digestion, pain, cough, hemorrhoids, blood disorders | stomatitis, tongue and gum bleeding | L/API | powder, infusion |
| s-Âilaj²ta syn.= shilajita, shilajatu, ushnaja, shailaniryasa, girishahvaya, shilakva, giriga, shaila, shaileya, girijatu | mineral pitch / asphalt | Asphaltum | N/A | dark-red gummy matrix interspersed with vegetable fibers, sand, and earthy matter, upon burning leaves lime, magnesia, silica, and oxide of Fe, Al, potash, sulfuric acid, chloride, phosphoric acid, nitrogen | ‡ | † | ‡ | manda, guru, snigdha | Kt Ks T | Uæa | Katu | locally antiseptic, anodyne, rasayana, yogav±hi, antihelmintic, antiinflammatory; int.-alterative, tonic, sl. laxative, cholagogue, respiratory stimulant, disinfectant, expectorant, intestinal antiseptic, diuretic, lithotriptic, aphrodisiac, alexipharmic, regulates uric acid, blood sugar, stimulates thyroid, alexipharmic, aphrodisiac | genito-urinary tract, endocrine system | remedy of choice for obesity, fatty degenerative changes in the liver, diabetes, prostatitis, gall and kidney calculi, iron deficiency anemia, hi cholesterol & tri-glycerides, anemia, cystic ovary, arthritis, fungal infection, yeast infection, amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, menorrhagia, leukorrhea, prostatitis, fibrocystic breasts (especially as a paste applied topically), hi BP, prostatitis, renal calculi, BP, hypothyroidism, BPH and malignant, hi low libido, endurance, geriatrics, gall calculi, digestive troubles, hemorrhoids, anasarca, bladder calculi, anuria, phosphaturia, polyuria, thirst, hysteria, neurasthenia, epilepsy, insanity, nervous diseases, scrofula, tuberculosis, phthisis, leprosy, eczema, elephantiasis, anorexia, biliary congestion, chronic bronchitis, asthma, fracture of bones, sciatica | uric acid calculus | L/BD | powder |
| sarpagandh± syn.= sarpagandha, nakuli, dhavalavitapa, sarpangi, sarpakshi | serpentina root | Rauwolfia serpentina Benth./ Ophioxylon serpentinum Linn. Apocynaceae | all parts | salt, resin, white juice, gum, potassium carbonate, phosphate, calcium, caustic and manganese; usually about 25 elements found in it | ‡ | ‡ | ‡ | ruksha | T | Uæa | katu | sedative, effective in mani and convulsions, viÂaghna (snake bite)* lowers BP vata and pitta types, analgesic, appetizer, pacana, cholagogue, antihelmintic, hypotensive, vasodilator, cardiosuppressant, ±mapacana, antipyretic, alexipharmic; tridoshic | majj±(majja), rakta; puriÃa vs; heart, brain | insomnia, hypertension, mental disturbance, loss of appetite, helminthiasis, priapism, excessive libido, dysmenorrhea, pyrexia, snake bite, | bronchial asthma, duodenal ulcer, hyperacidity, renal pain, mental instability, physical weakness; + drowsiness, menses | VMG | powder |
| t±l²Âa patra # syn.= talishapatra, talispatra, talis, patradhya, dhatripatra, shukodara, arkavedha, karipatra, nelambar, granthikapatra | Himalayan silver fir | Abies webbiana Lindl. / spectabilis G. Don. Coniferae | needles (leaves) | crystalline alkaloid = taxine, essential oil | ‡ | † | ‡ | laghu, t²kæa (K) | T = K , Kt T=L | Uæa | Madhura | thermogenic, aromatic, anodyne, expectorant, pacana, carminative, stomachic, antispasmodic, diuretic, antipyretic, tonic, astringent | srotorodhanaÂaka (unblocks channels); puriÃa vs; stomach, lungs | vata and kapha conditions, cough, asthma, bronchitis, dyspepsia, flatulence, colic, diarrhea, epilepsy, phthisis, vomiting, uteritis, strangury, hoarseness, hiccup, pyrexia, emaciation | L/OL/K/VMG | powder, decoction | |
| tagara syn.= vakra, kutila, vinamra, kuncit, shatha, nihusha, dandahasta, pinditagarak, parthiv, nata | Indian valerian | Valerian wallichi DC. Valerianaceae | wood, roots *, bark, stem, fresh leaves | diazapon = a tranquilizer ^ essential oil | ‡ | ‡ | ‡ | laghu, snigdha | T Kt M Ks | Uæa | Katu | eliminates spirit possession * anticonvulgent, diuretic (mild cerebral), vaso dilator, mild analgesic, pacana, antipyretic, nervine tonic, astringent pacifies pitta; heating pacifies vata; pungent vipaka pacifies kapha, induces sleep; tridoshic | nervous system, majj±(majja) | epilepsy, glaucoma, diabetes, hi cholesterol, hi tri-glycerides, cerebral edema, arteriosclerotic changes, grand and petit mal epilepsy, insomnia, migraine headaches ( by its space creating action), serotonin deficiency--helps pineal gland synthesize ACH into serotonin), sinus headaches, earaches,, diarrhea, nightmares, general aches and pyrexia, toxemia, epilepsy, eye disorders (glaucoma) migraine headache, pyrexia of unknown origin, diarrhea (taken with takram), tranquilizer | depression; some report interactions with valerian of the following and since it's related caution may be required: Valium, Xanax, Elavil (increases sedative effect), Benadryl (compounds drowsiness), Vistaril | L/API | powder, decoction |
| triv¶t # syn.= trivrit, trivrut, kumbha, (nishotha-hindi); red = kalindi, triputa, tamrapushpika, kasanashika, recani, rasayani, koshaphala; black - shyam, trivrut, malavika, shyama, keshadhiphala, kalakeshi, kutharana | Indian jalap / turpeth | Ipomoea turpethum Linn. / Operculina ipomoea Linn. Convolvulaceae | root bark, roots, stem | terpethene, resin, yellow colored principle, albumin, starch, lignanine, iron, salts; alpha and beta turpethein, glycosides, alkali traces, coumarin, scopoletin, glucose, rhamnose, fucose | † | ‡ | ‡S | laghu, r³kÃa, t²kæa | Kt T M Ks | Uæa | Katu | cathartic, purgative, antipyretic, scraping (lekhana), mass breaking (bhedana), antiinflammatory, mild hydragogue | rasa, rakta; puriÃa vs; intestines | constipation, hemorrhoids, jaundice, gout, rheumatoid arthritis, cough, asthma, edema, hemorrhoids, skin disorders, erysipelas, splenomegaly, ascites, melancholia, leprosy, paralysis | VMG/N/K | powder | |
| u²ra syn.= ushira, usheer, samagandhak, javavasa, haripriya, varitara, shishir, nalad, bahumulak, veernayak | khaskhas grass / vetiveria | Andropogon muricatus Retz. / Vetiveria zizanioides Nash Gramineae | fibrous wiry roots from rhizome | volatile oil, resin, dyes, calcium carbonate, ferrous oxide, starch, volatile essential oil, resin, coloring matter, a free acid, a salt of lime, oxide of iron, woody matter | † | ‡ | ‡ | r³kÃa, laghu, ²ta | T M | À²ta | Katu | refrigerant, deodorant, nervine tonic, carminative, appetizer, antidipsetic, antiemetic, astringent, alterative, hemostatic, cardioprotective, diuretic, antipyretic, alexipharmic, antiinflammatory, aromatic, acrid, diaphoretic, depurative, pacana, stomachic, constipating, hemopoietic, hemostatic, expectorant, antipyretic, stimulant, antihelmintic, emmenagogue, alexipharmic, soporific, antispasmodic, tonic, analgesic (cardiac pain), calming on mind | rasa, rakta, meda; sveda, puriÃa vskidneys, bladder, ureter, heart, | unconsciousness, vertigo, brain disorders, acid-peptic disease, loss of appetite, indigestion, anorexia, diarrhea, pyrexia, amebic dysentery, bleeding disorders, diaphoresis, epistaxis, cough, hiccup, bronchial asthma, dysuria, skin disorders, flabbiness of muscles, tuberculosis/dyspepsia, flatulence, colic, anemia, hemorrhage, hemoptysis, cough, asthma, hiccup, strangury, bilious pyrexia, gout, lumbago, sprains, halitosis, cephalalgia, spermatorrhea, hysteria, insomnia, hyperhydrosis, amentia, cardiac debility, amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, helminthiasis, spasmodic affections, erysipelas, emaciation, general debility | VMG/L/OL/N | powder, extract, infusion | |
| va§salocana # syn.= vamsalocana, vamsarocana, yavaphal trinaketa, kantalu, kantaki, vanshi, suparva, trinadhvaj, tejan, kicak, | eye of bamboo | Bambusa arundinacea Willd./ bambos Gramineae | young shoots, leaves, articulations, seeds, roots | silaca, silacum, peroxide of Fe, potash, lime, aluminia, vegetable matter, cholin, betain, etc K= contains silica 90% or silicum as hydrate of silicic acid, peroxide of iron, potash, lime, aluminia, vegetable matter, cholin, betain, nuclease, urease, proteolytic enzyme, diastatic and emulsifying enzyme, cyanogentic glucoside, and an unnamed alkaloid | † | ‡ | ‡ | r³kÃa, laghu, t²kæa (K): DL says khara not tikÂna | M Ks | À²ta | Madhura | bronchodilator *, lekhana, varnya, diuretic, ropana / wound healer, cleanses urinary bladder, antitussive, anabolic, vulnerary, discutient / resolvent, stomachic, pacana, vidahi, grahi, emmenagogue, antihelmintic (esp. threadworms), stimulant, astringent, antipyretic, tonic, cooling, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, hypoglycemic, abortifacient, antiinflammatory; sprouts and seeds: laxative | respiratory system | bronchiectisis, asthma, post nasal drip, asthmatic bronchitis, emphysema K = hematemesis, to induce lochia after childbirth, threadworms, and other parasites, diseases of blood, leukoderma, inflammatory urinary discharges, hectic pyrexia, phthisis (TB), asthma, paralytic complaints, ringworm affections to skin, bleeding gums, painful conditions of joints, as eyewash, bronchitis, gonorrhea, pyrexia, earache, deafness; leaves mixed with black pepper and common salt checks diarrhea in cattle | sciatica, gastritis, ascites, colitis, pregnancy - abortifacient | L/N/K/P | powder, decoction |
| vac± # syn.= vaca, ugragandha, shadgrantha, golomi, shataparvika, kshudrapatra, lomasha, bhadra, rakshoghni, haimavati | sweet flag | Acorus calamus Linn. Araceae | root | N= volatile essential oil = acorin, bitter principle acoretin (choline), calamine, starch, mucilage, tannin K = dry rhizome aromatic volatile oil - benzane. Alkaloid choline present also contain yellow aromatic volatile oil; chief constituent of the oil is asaryl-aldehyde. Bitter glycoside named acorin, plus other substances eugenol, ascarone, ipinene, camphene. Oil also has small amount sesquiterpenes and sesquiterpenic alcohol's. alpha-asarone and beta-asarone as trans and cis isomers of trimethoxy-l-propenyl | ‡ | † | ‡ | laghu, t²kæa, sara (K) | T Kt | Uæa | Katu | medhya (intelligence promoter) * discutient / resolvent, lekhana, antipyretic, aromatic, stimulant, bitter tonic, carminative, antispasmodic, emetic, expectorant, emmenagogue, aphrodisiac, laxative, diuretic, anticephalalgic, stimulant, nervine, antispasmodic, rejuvenative, emetic. Alcoholic extract is sedative, analgesic, hypotensive, hyporespirative, intestinal relaxant (frog) negative inotropic (frog's heart), insecticidal to houseflies | nervous system | Uv, Alzheimer's, epilepsy G&P, arthritis, obesity. K = diarrhea, dysentery, bronchial, chest affections, epilepsy, when burned root mixed with bland oil applied to abdomen treats flatulent colic; as poultice applied to paralyzed limbs and rheumatic swelling; N= nasal congestion, sinusitis, cephalalgia, shock, coma, epilepsy, hysteria, neuralgia, loss of memory, mental dullness and depression, deafness, arthritis K = diarrhea, dysentery, bronchial and chest affections, epilepsy. The burned root mixed with some bland oil is applied on abdomen in flatulent colic; poultice is applied to paralyzed limbs and rheumatic swelling. | NOTE: FDA has proscribed internal use of this plant because beta-asarones contained in it have been shown to be carcinogenic | L/N/K | powder, decoction |
| vi¿a¥ga # syn.= vidanga, citratandul, jantunashan, vatari, jantughni, jantughna, krishnatandul | embilia | Embelia ribes Burm. Myrsinaceae | fruit, leaves, root bark (L = seed) | vidangin ^ N = embelic acid a volatile and fixed oil, coloring matter, tannin, a resinoid body and an alkaloid called christembine, crystalline compounds of embelic acid with soda, potash, and ammonia, vidangin--colorless and crystalline K = embelin, alkaloid christembine, a resinoid, tannins, slight volatile oil, The embelin works against tapeworm | ‡ | † | ‡ | laghu, r³kÃa, t²kæa (K)L = Kt dipana, krmi ghna | Kt T | Uæa | Katu | antihelmintic, antispasmodic * carminative, antihelmintic, stimulant, cardiac, diuretic, broncho dilation, decongestant K = kapha vata samaka, sirovirocana, krmighana, stomachic, pacana, anulomana, rakta Ãodhaka, khustaghana (psoriasis), rasayana; carminative, antihelmintic, stimulant, alterative; pulp is purgative, fresh juice is cooling, diuretic, laxative. Aqueous extract of berries is antifertility, anti ascarides, anticephalalgic | heart and lungs and testicles | helminthiasis, asthma, bronchitis, slow heart rate, flatulence, cardiac pain, diabetes, ama, foul smelling stool, pain, flatulence, abdominal colic, constipation, cough, asthma, foul smelling feces, diabetes, K = as alterative applied to skin diseases as ringworm; as paste with butter to forehead to relieve headache. Leaves of plant with ginger are used as gargle in sore throat and indolent ulcers of the mouth. A past of the bark to chest in lung diseases like pneumonia | spermicidal in overuse, low libido | L/N/K/API | powder, paste, decoction |
| vid±r² # syn.= vidari, kshirakanda varshavalli, bhumikushmanda, payasvini, kshiravidari | none formally but sim (wild yam) | Ipomoea digitata Linn. Convolvulaceae | root | resin (similar to jalap resin) sugar, and principally starch | ‡ | ‡ | † | snigdha, guru, ²ta | M | À²ta | Madhura | srshya, stanya (builds breast), svarakara and kanthya * nervine, diuretic, tonic, spermatogenic, antiinflammatory, alterative, aphrodisiac, demulcent, galactagogue, mucilaginous, rasayana, tones bladder, antidiabetic (insipidus), has anabolic action | all 7 dh±tus, liver, spleen, reproductive system | pregnancy, lactation, infertility, bone break, female impotency, pain in uterus, general fatigue, diabetes-juvenile, hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, peptic ulcer, duodenal ulcer, glaucoma, strabismus, ptosis, gastric ulcer, ulcerative colitis, colitis with bleeding, | cystic changes in the ovaries or breasts, uterine fibroids | L/N | powder |
| yaû²madhu syn.= yashtimadhu, madhuka, yashti, madhur, atirasa, saumya, shoshapaha, jalaja, madhuparni, madhuyashti | licorice (root) | Glycyrrhiza glabra Linn. Papilionaceae | root | L = natural steroids, glycyrrhizin, asparagin, sugar, starch, acid resin, gum, mucilage, phosphoric, sulfuric and malic acids, calcium and magnesium salts, tannin in bark N= triterpene glycosides ()saponins) primarily glycyrrhizin(50x sweeter than sucrose), liquiritic acid, isoflavonoids, estrogenic, volatile | ‡ | ‡ | † | guru, snigdha | M | À²ta | Madhura | svarakara, keshya, medhya, ophthalmic * nervine, diuretic, tonic, spermatogenic, antiinflammatory, expectorant, bronchodilator, antacid, emetic, demulcent, adrenocorticotropic, analgesic, carminative, kantaya, hemostatic, antipyretic, jiviniya, strengthens joints, rasayana, roborant, emmenagogue, laxative, antiarthritic, improves energy, medhya, pacana, discutient / resolvent, vulnerary, alterative- inhibits liver enzyme delta 4-5beta reductase that breaks down cortisol, aldosterone, progesterone. Inhibits phospholipase A2 linked to leukotrienes and prostaglandin's (mediate inflammation). | all 7 dh±tus, lungs, stomach, rakta, heart, throat, eyes, | laryngitis, pharangytis, nausea, vomiting, peptic ulcer, cold cough, food poisoning, leukorrhea, cervicitis, cervical erosion, ulcerative colitis, hiccough, sea sickness, jet lag, diabetic ulcers, bleeding disorders, acute bronchial asthma, gingivitis, eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, endometriosis, BPH, bone breaks, diabetes, splenomegaly, peptic ulcer, ulcerative colitis, sexual debility, infertility, glaucoma, strabismus, ptosis, pregnancy, lactation, female impotency, pain in uterus, general fatigue, duodenal ulcer, gastric ulcer, ulcerative colitis with bleeding, intraoccular pressure, TB, UTI, ; TLD = URI, bronchial catarrh, viral infection, herpes simplex virus, vaccine, vesicular stomatitis virus, gastric and duodenal ulcers, peptic ulcers, | K - pregnancy, liver cirrhosis, hypokalemia, lung edema; diuretics, swelling, water retention; interacts with: Lanoxin, Lasix, Hygroton, Lazol, Bumex, Synthroid, Levothroid, Levoxyl, Adalat, Vasotec, Minizide | L/TLD/N/K | decoction, powder, infusion |
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