What are the benefits and medicinal uses of Bishop's Weed (Ajwain) ?

Botanical name - Trachyspermum ammi

Indian name - Ajwain or omum

Origin, distribution and composition 

                    Bishop's weed is a small, erect, annual shrub with soft fine line hairs. It has many branched leafy stems; feather-like leaves 2.5 cm long and 4 to 12 ray flowerhead, each bearing 6 to 16 flowers. The fruits are minute, egg shaped and greyish.

                    The trade name Ajwain is based on the Indian name which is derived from adarjawan. Ajwain or Bishop's weed has been used as a carminative medicine from the time of Charaka and Sushruta. Even Greek physicians like Dioscrides and Gelen used it in various carminative medicines. Some very valuable Unani medicines are prepared from ajwain seeds. 

                    An analysis of again seeds shows these to consist of 7.4 percent moisture, 17.1 percent protein, 21.8 percent fat, 7.9 percent minerals, 21.2 percent fibre and 24.6 percent carbohydrates per 100 grams. 

                    Calcium, phosphorous, iron, carotene, thiamine, riboflavin and niacin are amongst the vitamins and minerals in it. 

                    The calorific value of ajwain is 363.

Steam distillation crushed seeds yields an essential oil which is valued considerably in medicines account of the presence of thymol. The oil was, for a long time, the chief source of thymol. 

Healing power and curative properties

                       The seeds are stimulant and are useful in counteracting spasmodic disorders. The oil of ajwain is an almost colourless to brownish liquid with characteristic odour and a sharp hot taste. 

                            If the liquid is allowed to remain undisturbed, a part of the thymol may separate from the crystals, which is sold in Indian markets under the name of ajwain ka phul or sat ajwain. It is highly valued in medicine as it has nearly all the properties ascribed to the ajwain seeds. 

                            The greyish brown fruits or seeds are used as a spice, in flavouring numerous foods, as anti-oxidants, preservatives and in medicine.

Ajwain is useful in the following:- 

Migraine - 

The seeds are useful in the treatment of migraine and delirium. These should either br smoked or sniffed frequently to obtain relief. 

Rheumatism - 

The oil extracted from the seeds is beneficial in the treatment of rheumatic and neuralgic pains. It should be applied on the affected parts. 

Mouth disorders - 

An infusion of the seeds mixed with common salt is an effective gargle in acute pharyngitis, sore and congested throat and hoarseness of the voice due to colds or shouting.  

        

Earache -

The herb is beneficial in earache. About half a teaspoon of the seeds is heated in 30 ml of milk till the essence of the seeds permeate the milk. The milk is then filtered and used as ear drops. It decreases congestion and relieves pain. 

Respiratory disorders - 

A mixture of the seeds and buttermilk is an effective remedy for relieving difficult expectoration caused by dried up phlegm. 

The seeds are also efficacious in bronchitis. A hot fomentation with the seeds is a popular household remedy for asthma. 

Chewing a pinch of ajwain seeds with a crystal of common salt and a clove is a very effective remedy for cough caused by acute pharyngitis in influenza. 

Common Cold -

Bishop's weed is an effective common cold remedy. It has a remarkable power to open up clogged and congested nasal passages. A tablespoon of seeds crushed and tied up in a cloth bundle can be used for inhalation. A similar bundle placed near the pillow, while sleeping, also relieves nasal congestion. 

For infants and small children, a small pouch can be pinned to their dress under the chin when they are sleeping.

In case of adults, a teaspoon of the seeds can be put in boiling water and the vapours inhaled. 

Gastro-Intestinal disorders -

Bishop's weed has long been used in indigenous medicine for the treatment of dysentery, diarrhoea, atonic dyspepsia, cholera, colic, flatulence and indigestion. 

For relieving flatulence, dyspepsia and spasmodic disorders, the seeds may be eaten with betel leaves. A teaspoon of these seeds with a little Rock salt is a household remedy for indigestion. 

                                The volatile oil extracted from the seeds is also useful in cholera, colic and diarrhoea. It is usually given in doses of 1 to 3 drops. 

Other uses - 

Aphrodisiac

Ajwain seeds combined with the kernel of tamarind seeds are an effective aphrodisiac. These should be fried in equal quantity of pure ghee, powdered and preserved in airtight containers. A teaspoon of this powder, mixed with a tablespoon of honey, taken daily with milk before retiring, makes an excellent aphrodisiac.

It increases virility and cures premature ejaculation. 

                                

What are the benefits and medicinal uses of Nutmeg (Jaiphal) ?

Nutmeg has following names :- 

Botanical name - Myristica fragrans

Indian name - Jaiphal

Nutmeg or Jaiphal

Origin, distribution and composition

Nutmeg is the dried kernel of the seeds of an evergreen tree. It has a strong aroma with a slightly bitter taste. The nutmeg tree is usually 9 to 12 metres high but sometimes attains a height of up to 20 metres or more. 

Nutmeg tree grows in Indonesia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and the West Indies. It appears from ancient records that nutmeg tree flourished in India at one time, but is a scarce plant species now. 

Nutmeg contains an essential oil and saponin. The dry ripe seeds of the fruit contains a volatile oil and a fixed oil. The dry leaves of the tree yield an essential oil consisting of myristicin.

Healing power and curative properties

Nutmeg was used in the preparation of various medicines in ancient times. Even today, it is used in several important and widely used pharmaceutical preparations. The oil extracted from the herb is used in liniments, perfumery, hair lotions and as an antispasmodic carminative. Nutmeg has following healing power and curative properties:-

Digestive disorders - 

The powder of the nutmeg, about 5 to 15 grams, mixed with apple juice or banana is used as a specific remedy for diarrhoea caused by indigestion of food. 

The same quantity of nutmeg powder taken with a tablespoon of fresh amla juice thrice daily, is effective for indigestion, hiccups and morning sickness.

Common cold - 

In case of a running nose, a paste made from nutmeg, cow milk and 75 grams of opium should be applied on the forehead and the nose, it provides quick relief. 

Rheumatism -

A nutmeg coarsely powdered and fried in sesame oil (til oil), until all the particles become brown, is very useful as an external application to relieve any rheumatic pain, neuralgia and sciatica. The oil should be cooled and strained before application. 

Skin disorders - 

Nutmeg is used in the treatment of skin diseases like ringworm and eczema. The paste of the herb prepared by rubbing it on a stone slab in one's own early morning saliva, before cleansing the teeth, is applied once daily as a specific remedy in the treatment of these conditions. 

Dehydration -

The herb is useful in treating dehydration caused by vomiting and diarrhoea, particularly cholera. An infusion prepared from half a nutmeg in half a litre of water, given with tender coconut water in doses of 15 grams at a time, is an effective treatment. 

Insomnia - 

The powder of nutmeg, mixed with fresh amla juice, is also an effective medicine for insomnia, irritability and depression. 

Nutmeg paste mixed with honeys given to infants, who cry at night for no apparent reasons, to induce sleep. 

It should, however, not be given regularly, without medical advice, as it may cause serious complications and addiction in the infants.

Other Uses:-

Sex stimulant -

Nutmeg mixed with honey and a half boiled egg, makes an excellent sex tonic. It prolongs the duration of the sexual act if taken an hour before intercourse.

Precautions:-

Nutmeg should be taken in very small doses; in appreciable doses, it excites the motor cortex and produces epileptic convulsions and lesions in the liver. 

Even a teaspoon of nutmeg can produce toxic symptoms such as burning in the stomach, nausea, vomiting, restlessness and giddiness with hallucinations.

What are the benefits, uses , healing power and curative properties of Sandalwood (Chandan) ?

 

Sandalwood (Chandan)

The Sandalwood has following names -

Botanical name - Santalum album

Indian name - Chandan

Origin, distribution and composition

Sandalwood is a medium-sized evergreen tree with almost drooping branches, dark rough bark and scented mature wood. It has opposite leaves, shining on the upper surface, with small dull purplish flowers in small bunches and roundish, purple black succulent fruits. Its trade name sandalwood is based on its Indian name. 

Sandalwood is believed to be indigenous to India. It is cultivated in Karnataka, Coorg, Coimbatore and the southern parts of Tamil Nadu. It also grows wild.

It occupies a very important place in Hindu religious rituals. The Parsis use it for the fire in their temples. Its wood was highly prized during ancient India and China owing to its sweet odour. This tree finds a mention in the earliest Sanskrit and Chinese literature. 

Sandalwood  yield an essential oil which contains santaloe. 

Healing power and curative properties

Both the sandalwood  and the essential oil obtained after fractional distillation, have been used in Ayurveda for many centuries. 

The wood is bitter, sedative, cooling and a cardiac tonic. It is useful in arresting secretion or bleeding and in promoting the flow of urine. 

Moreover, sandalwood oil is a stimulant and an antiseptic. It has a soothing effect on the skin and mucous membranes.

Genito-Urinary disorders - 

Sandalwood powder mixed with mixed with milk or made into pills, as also sandalwood oil, is considered beneficial in the treatment of gonorrhea. Sandalwood oil is used in treating dysuria (painful and difficult urination) and cystitis (inflammation of the bladder). 

It is taken in the doses of five drops in the beginning and gradually increased to 10 to 30 drops. Its efficacy can be increased by the addition of ajwain water or infusion of ginger.

Gastric irritability - 

Sandalwood is valuable in gastric irritability. About 25 grams of watery emulsion of the wood mixed with sugar, honey and rice water should be taken for gastric irritability.

Dysentery - 

Sandalwood is also beneficial in the treatment of dysentery. It should be taken as above in gastric irritability. 

Prickly heat -

Sandalwood paste is a popular household remedy for prickly heat. It prevents excessive sweating and heals inflamed skin. Dry sandalwood powder can be mixed in rose water and applied over parts where there is profuse sweating.

Skin diseases- 

An emulsion or a paste of the wood is a cooling dressing in inflammatory and eruptive skin diseases such as erysipelas, an inflammatory disease of the face, and prurigo, an itchy eruption. 

The oil is useful for scabies too. This oil mixed with twice its quantity of mustard oil is used for removing pimples.

In summer, regular application of sandalwood paste on the body, especially for children, has a refreshing effect, which heals any tiny infected spots.

Fever - 

Sandalwood paste applied on the temple relieves headache and brings down the temperature in fevers.

What are medicinal benefits of Asafoetida (Heeng) ?

Botanical name - Ferula foetida, ferula northex

Indian name - Hing

            Many types of asafoetida are famous. For example, Kandhari asafoetida, European asafoetida & Indian asafoetida (Heera asafoetida). Asafoetida is actually resinous gum of a tree, which is yellow in color and slightly beige.

            Asafoetida has several varieties which are distributed from the Mediterranean region to Central Asia. It is grown in Iran and Afghanistan. The other species, known botanically as Ferula narthex, grow abundantly in Kashmir, Western Tibet and Afghanistan. 

            An anlysis of asafoetida shows it to consist of carbohydrates 67.8 percent per 100 gms, moisture 16 percent, protein 4 percent, fat 1.1 percent, minerals 7 percent and fibre 4.1 percent. Its mineral and vitamin contents include substantial calcium besides phosphorus, iron, carotene, riboflavin and niacin. Its calorific value is 297. 

            It has a very strong smell. Fake asafoetida is often sold in the market. The aroma of real asafoetida can be smelt from very far. Many types of medicinal properties are found in asafoetida. Asafoetida is very hot & digestive. 

It is used as a flavouring agent and forms a constituent of many spice mixtures. 

Asafoetida is used in the following diseases:-

Rib pain - 

Mix some asafoetida in hot water and apply it on the rib. Rib pain will stop immediately.

Stinging glass or fork - 

Filling of the asafoetida solution at the affected place will bring out the pierced glass or fork and pain will also not be there.

Stomach disorders - 

The herb is an effective remedy for several diseases of the stomach. It is one of the best remedies available for flatulence and is an essential ingredient for most of the digestive powders. 

In case of flatulence and distension of the stomach, asafoetida should be dissolved in hot water and  pad of cloth steeped in it may be used for fomenting the abdomen.

Toothache - 

Asafoetida is useful in alleviating toothache. After being crushed in lemon juice, it is slightly heated. A cotton piece, soaked in the lotion and placed in the cavity of the tooth, relieved pain quickly. 

         

Children's disorders - 

The herb is extensively used in the treatment of nervous disorders of children. There is an old European belief that a small piece of this gum, hung around a child's neck, would protect it from many diseases, especially germs which are sensitive to its particular odour. 

Hysteria - 

The herb is an effective remedy for hysteria. Inhaling this gum prevents hystetial attacks. An emulsion made by 2 grams of the gum with 120 ml of water is a valuable enema for rectum in treating hysteria, when oral dosage is not advisable. 

Respiratory disorders - 

Asafoetida is useful in the treatment of respiratory disorders like whooping cough, asthma and bronchitis. About 3 to 6 centigrams of this gum, mixed with 2 teaspoons of honey, a quarter teaspoon of white onion juice and 1 teaspoon of betel leaf juice, taken thrice daily would keep the patient away from such disorders. 

Impotency - 

Asafoetida is beneficial in the treatment of impotency. About 6 centigrams of asafoetida should be fried in ghee and mixed with honey and a teaspoon of fresh latex of banyan tree. this mixture should be taken once daily for 40 days before sunrise. It is also considered a specific medicine for spermatorrhoea and premature ejaculation.

Women's ailments - 

The herb is considered useful in the treatment of several problems concerning women such as sterility, unwanted abortion, pre-mature labour, unusually painful, difficult and excessive menstruation and leucorrhoea.  

About 12 centigrams of gum fried in ghee mixed with 120 grams of goat's fresh milk and a teaspoon of honey, should be given thrice daily for a month.

It excited the secretion of progesterone hormone.

It is also useful for women after childbirth. Owing to its anti-flatulent and digestive properties, the herb can be taken with beneficial results during the post-delivery period. 

In southern India, the powder of the herb mixed with rice is given to women after delivery.

Preparation and doses:

Asafoetida fried in ghee used either as a solution, emulsion or pills. The dose is 30 to 90 centigrams.

The solution is made by thoroughly mixing 20 grams of the gum with half a litre of hot water. 

The dosage for the adults is 1 to 2 teaspoons and one-fourth to half for children.

Other Uses - 

Antidote of Opium - 

The herb is used as an antidote of opium. 

Given in the same quantity as opium eaten by the patient, it will counteract the effect of the drug.