Herbs used in Ayurveda – 4
Herbs used in Ayurveda Pt. 4
By Sangeeta
|
|
This series list 15 of the most important herbs and what they are used for in Ayurveda.
The Twelfth Herb – Manjishtha
Sanskrit Name – Manjishtha
English / Common name – Indian Madder
Latin / Scientific Name – Rubia cordifolia
(1) It is the main anti-Pitta remedy.
(2) It reduces Kapha.
(3) It is an excellent skin tonic.
(4) It helps in dissolving kidney stones – they get expelled during urination.
Rubia is a genus of the madder family Rubiaceae, Common Madder (Rubia tinctorum)
(6) It is used for diseases of the eyes, nose, mouth and brain.
(7) It is the best blood purifying herb – it cools and detoxifies the blood, arrests hemorrhage and dissolves any obstruction in the blood flow.
(8) It helps to destroy benign and malignant tumors.
(9) It promotes tissue healing damaged by injury or infection.
(10) It treats any type of bleeding.
(11) It is anti-poison.
(12) It is very beneficial during menopause – it takes care of the pre-menopausal and post-menopausal symptoms.
The Thirteenth Herb – Bhringaraja
Sanskrit Name – Bhringaraja
Latin / Scientific Name – Eclipta alba / Eclipta prostrata
(1) It reduces Kapha and Vata.
(2) It is bitter in taste.
(3) It is cooling.
(4) It is used in the treatment of migraine, sinusitis, and diseases of the head, nose, eyes and ear.
(5) It promotes growth of hair on the head making the hair black and lustrous.
(6) It stops balding and premature graying.
Eclipta alba, commonly known as False Daisy , yerba de tago, and bhringraj, is a plant belonging to the family Asteraceae. Click image for image credit/
(8) It is an excellent rejuvenator.
(9) It is an efficient liver tonic – it improves the functioning and secretion of the liver and spleen.
(10) It is used in the treatment of jaundice and cirrhosis of liver.
(11) It maintains and rejuvenates the bones, teeth, sight, hearing and one’s memory.
(12) It is very good for complexion and bestows radiance.
PRECAUTION:
When taken in excessive quantity, it will cause severe vomiting.
The Fourteenth Herb – Karpura
Sanskrit Name – Karpura
English / Common name – Camphor
Latin / Scientific Name – Cinnamomum camphora
(1) It reduces Kapha.
(2) It is used in crystallized form in bladder, throat and mouth diseases.
(3) It is used to open up senses and bring clarity to mind.
(4) It is used in the treatment of blemished skin and pimples.
Camphor Laurel in fruit
(6) Externally, it is applied in powder form on corneal ulcers.
(7) Externally, when rubbed on chest, it brings the blood to the surface and eases chest pains due to cough and bronchitis – it helps in loosening and expelling mucus.
(8) Externally, it is applied on the breasts to reduce the size and quantity of breast milk.
PRECAUTION:
(a) Internal uses should be in very small doses.
(b) When used in excess, this herb acts as narcotic poison.
PLUS POINT OF THIS HERB:
Its external use is safe.
Karpura, in India, is kept in many households. It is used for Indian religious ceremonies.
The Fifteenth Herb – Guduchi
Sanskrit Name – Guduchi
Latin / Scientific Name – Tinospora cordifolia
(1) It reduces Pitta and Vata.
(2) It is bitter in taste.
(3) It is dilatory, anti-toxin and diuretic.
(4) It is useful in impotency – used as an aphrodisiac.
Tinospora cordifolia, which is known by the common name Guduchi
(6) It is an all round tonic and rejuvenator.
(7) It is very beneficial for people with diabetes, weak digestion and women with leucorrhea.
(8) It is used for fever caused due to cold, hepatitis, gout, toxemia and urinary diseases.
(9) It promotes long life and good health.
Well, there are many other important herbs but to start with, know these well so that as I proceed, you will get to know the herbs better.
IMPORTANT TIP
Know that these herbs, when prescribed as remedies, have no adverse effects and are highly effective as they are chemical-free. When you visit an Ayurvedic practitioner, you must keep an open mind that you want to be really cured, and talk openly to the practitioner, to enable him to prescribe the remedies in a more remedial manner.
Copyright © 2011 SangeetaAyurveda.com
No comments yet