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.

What are the benefits and uses of Saffron (Kesar)?

Botanical name of Saffron is Crocus Sativus.
Indian name is Kesar or Zaafran.

Composition and Description of Saffron:-

Saffron is a plant resembling onion, 45 cms high. Commercial saffron consists of the dried stigma and tops of the styles of the flowers. 

It is one of the world's costliest herbs. 

Saffron is more popular in the Tibbi than in the Ayurvedic medicine. 

Saffron contains an essential oil which consists of terpens, terpen alcohols and esters.

Its other constituents are crocin and picrocrocin. 

Healing Power and Curative Properties:-

Saffron is largely used in indigenous medicine across India. It enjoys a  great reputation as a drug which strengthens the functioning of stomach and promotes its action. 

The drug also counteracts spasmodic disorders, that is, sustained involuntary muscle contraction. 

It is a stimulant and promotes libido. 

Digestive Disorders:-

Saffron is beneficial in the treatment of several digestive disorders, especially flatulent colic.

Women's Disorders:-

Saffron is useful promoting and regulating menstrual periods. 

It soothes lumbar pains which accompany menstruation.

Saffron is also useful in the treatment of other ailments concerning women such as leucorrhoea and hysteria.

Pessaries of saffron are used in painful conditions of the uterus.

Skin Disorders:-

Saffron is beneficial in treating skin disorders. A paste of the herb can be used as a dressing for bruises and superficial sores. 

Precautions:-
The drug should not be taken in large doses by pregnant women as it may cause abortion.

What are benefits and medicinal uses of Curry Leaves (Kadi Patta)?

What is Botanical name of Curry Leaves?

 Botanical name is Murraya Koenigi.

 What is Indian name of Curry Leaves?

Indian name is Kadi Patta.

 

What is the origin and composition of curry leaves?

 Curry leaves are derived from a beautiful, aromatic and more or less deciduous shrub growing up to 0.9 metres or up to 6 metres in height and 3 feet to 9 feet in diameter.

The leaves are slightly bitter and aromatic.

The curry tree is a native of India and Sri Lanka. It grows in all tropical zones and more so in rich soils. It is cultivated extensively for its aromatic leaves and ornamental values throughout India.

An analysis of curry leaves shows them to consist of 66% moisture, 6% protein, 1% fat, 16% carbohydrates, 6% fibre and 4.2% mineral matter per 100 grams.

Their mineral and vitamin contents are:-

Calcium

Iron

Phosphorous

Nicotinic acid

Vitamin C

Fresh leaves on steam distillation under pressure yield a volatile oil. Besides the oil, the leaves contain a residual glucoside named as koenigin.

What are the curative properties and healing powers of curry leaves?

Curry leaves possess the qualities of a herbal tonic.

They strengthen the functions of stomach and promote its action.

They can also be used as a mild laxative. The juice extracted from 15 grams of curry leaves may be taken with buttermilk.

Diabetes: -

The diabetes which is hereditary in nature can be prevented by eating 10 fresh fully grown curry leaves every morning for three months.

It also cures diabetes due to obesity, as the leaves have weight reducing properties.

The diabetic patients stop passing sugar in urine, because their weight reduces.

Kidney disorders:-

The root of the curry plant also has medicinal properties. The juice of the root can be taken to relieve pain associated with the kidneys.

Eye disorders:-

Fresh juice of curry leaves put in the eyes makes them look bright and improves eye sight.

It also prevents early development of cataract.

Digestive disorders:-

Fresh juice of curry leaves, when taken with lime juice and sugar, is an effective medicine in the treatment of –

·        Morning sickness

·        Nausea

·        Vomiting due to indigestion and excessive use of fats.

One or two teaspoons of juice of these leaves mixed with a teaspoon of lime juice may be taken in these conditions.

The curry leaves, when grounded to a fine paste and mixed with buttermilk can also be taken on an empty stomach with beneficial results in case of stomach upsets.

Tender curry leaves are useful in diarrhoea, dysentery and piles, when taken by mixing with honey.

The bark of the tree is also useful in in bilious vomiting.

A teaspoon of the powder or the decoction of the dry bark should be given with cold water in this condition.

Burns and bruises:-

Curry leaves can can be effectively used to treat burns, bruises and skin eruptions. For this, these should be applied as a poultice over the affected areas.

Premature greying of hair:-

A large quantity of curry leaves is beneficial in preventing premature greying of hair.

These leaves have the property to nourish the hair roots. New hair roots that grow are healthier with normal pigment.

The leaves can be used in the form of chutney (mixture) or the juice may be squeezed and taken with buttermilk or lassi.

Insect bites:-

Fruits of the tree, which are berries, are edible. They are green when raw, but purple when ripe.  Juice of these berries, mixed with equal proportion of lime-juice, is an effective fluid for external application in insect stings and bites of poisonous creatures.

Hair Tonic:-

The leaves are boiled in coconut oil till a blackened residue is left. The oil forms an excellent hair tonic to stimulate hair growth and in retaining the natural pigmentation.

Flavoring agent:-

Curry leaves have been used for centuries in South India as a natural flavoring agent in sambar, rasam and curries.

Chutney (mixture) can be made by mixing the leaves with coriander leaves, tomatoes and coconut scrapings.

The leaves, bark and the root of the curry plant are used in indigenous medicine as a tonic, stimulant and antiflatulent.  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

What are benefits and uses of Cumin Seeds (Jeera)?

Cumin Seeds - Jeera

The botanical name of cumin is Cuminum cyminum.

Its Indian name is Jeera.

Where is the origin of Cumin seeds?

Cumin is an annual herb with a long slender root and a smooth surface.

It grows up to a height of 30 to 45 cm. It produces a stem with many branches which bear long, finely divided, deep green leaves and small flowers, white or rose in color.

The plant has aromatic seed like fruit, commonly known as cumin seed.

It is oval shaped, approximately 6 mm long and light yellowish brown in color. It has a peculiar, strong and heavy odor. The dried seeds form an essential ingredient of curry powder.

Cumin is a native of Egypt, Syria, Turkey and the Eastern Mediterranean region.

It was one of the commonest spices during the middle ages.

It is now grown in south-eastern Europe, North Africa, India and China.

What is the composition of Cumin Seeds?

It consists of 6.2% moisture, 17.7% protein, 23.8% fat, 9.1% crude fibre, 35.5% carbohydrates and 7.7% mineral water per 100 grams.

It contains the following minerals and vitamins:-

Calcium

Phosphorus

Iron

Sodium

Potassium

Thiamine

Riboflavin

Niacin

Vitamins A & C

It has a calorific value of 460.

The dried fruit is crushed and subjected to fractional or steam distillation to yield a valuable volatile oil pale yellow in color, which turns dark on keeping.

The cumin aldehydes present in the volatile oil is readily converted artificially into thymol.

Healing Power and Curative Properties of Cumin Seeds:-

The fruit is a rich source of thymol.

Thymol is used as anthelmintic against hookworm infections and also as an antiseptic in many proprietary preparations.

It is a stimulant, which increases the secretion and discharge of urine and relieves flatulence.

It strengthens the functions of stomach and arrests any bleeding.

Digestive disorders:-

Cumin seeds are very useful in digestive disorders like indigestion, biliousness, morning sickness, atonic dyspepsia, diarrhea, malabsorption syndrome and flatulent colic.

One teaspoon of cumin seeds is boiled in a glass of water and the decoction mixed with one teaspoon of fresh coriander leaf juice and a pinch of salt. This decoction can be taken twice daily after meals as a medicine for diarrhea.

Piles:-

Black cumin is beneficial in the treatment of piles. About 50 grams of the seeds, of which half should be roasted, should be grounded together, three grams of this flour should be taken with water.

Insomnia:-

It is valuable in relieving sleeplessness. A teaspoon of the fried powder of cumin seeds mixed with the pulp of a ripe banana can be taken at night to induce sleep.

Common cold:-

Diluted cumin water is an antiseptic beverage and very useful in common cold and sores.

To prepare cumin water, a teaspoon of cumin is added to boiling water, which is allowed to simmer for a few seconds and then set aside to cool.

If the cold is associated with sore throat, few small pieces of dry ginger should be added to the water.

It soothes throat irritation.

Boils:-

Black cumin grounded in water is applied as a paste over the boils with beneficial results.

Renal colic:-

Black cumin seeds mixed with caraway seeds and black salt is useful in renal coilc.

About 20 grams of cumin seeds, 12 grams of caraway seeds and 6 grams of black salt are grounded together and mixed with a little vinegar.

This mixture can be taken in doses of 3 grams every hour till relief is obtained.

Problem of breast milk secretions:-

A decoction of cumin seeds mixed with milk and honey , taken once daily during the entire period of pregnancy, helps the healthy development of the foetus, eases child-birth and increases the secretion of breast milk.

Amnesia:-

Cumin seeds are valuable in amnesia or dullness of memory.

Three grams of black cumin seeds are mixed with 12 grams of pure honey and licked to get rid of in this condition.

Scorpion sting:-

A paste of the cumin seeds prepared with onion juice, applied over scorpion sting will retard the frequency of upbeats.

What are the other uses of cumin seeds?

It is extensively used in mixed spices and for flavoring curries, soups, sausages, bread and cakes.

It is an ingredient of curry powder, pickles and chutneys.

It is also used to some extent in India medicine as a carminative.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Benefits of Clove ( Laung )

Cloves ( Laung )

1. Digestive Disorders:- It boosts digestive functioning. They are used in various forms of gastric irritability and dyspepsia.

2. Vomiting:- Licking the powder of fried cloves mixed with honey is effective in controlling vomiting. The anaesthetic action of clove numbs the gullet & stomach and stops vomiting.

3. Cholera:- These are very useful for treating cholera. About 5 grams of cloves are boiled in 3 litres of water until half the water has evaporated. The water taken in draughts, will check severe symptoms of the disease.

4. Asthma:- It is an effective remedy for asthma. A teaspoon of decoction prepared by boiling six cloves in 30 ml of water can be taken thrice daily as an expectorant.

5. Teeth Disorders:- The use of clove in toothache decreases pain. It also helps to decrease infection due to its antiseptic properties. Clove oil applied to a cavity in a decayed tooth, also relieves toothache.

6. Earache:- A clove fried in a teaspoon of sesame ( til ) oil and 3 to 5 drops of this warm oil put into the ear can cure earache.

7. Cough:- Chewing a clove with a crystal of common salt eases expectoration, relieves the irritation in the throat and stops cough in the pharyngitis that is the inflammation of the pharynx. 

Benefits of Coriander ( Dhania )

Coriander Leaves

Coriander Seeds

 1. High Cholesterol levels:- Regular drinking of coriander water helps lower blood cholesterol as it is a good diuretic and stimulates the kidneys. It is prepared by boiling dry seeds of coriander and straining the decoction after cooling.