English: Picrorrhiza, Hellebore, Yellow Gentian Sanskrit: Katuki, Katurohini and more Chinese: Hu Huang Lian Hindi: Kutki, Katuka
What is Katuki?
Katuki is a rare-small perennial herb, found in the high mountain elevations of the Himalayas. It grows to a height of about 30 cms.
Kutki is considered to have properties that are anti-bacterial by nature which makes it a powerful herbal anti-biotic and anti-microbial. It has also been found effective for digestion, elimination of excess fat and cholesterol from the body and boosting metabolism.
Katuki is most popularly known for properties that protect and heal the liver.
Powder: 4 to 8 pinch once or twice a day. Capsule: 1 capsule once or twice a day . Juice: 2-3 once a day.
Katuki Side-effects and Warnings
Common side effects: It is a known laxative, so it can worsen diarrhea. Not so common side effects: Not known. Pregnant or Nursing mothers: Not recommended without consulting an ayurvedic doctor. Children: Not known. But, administer low dose.
Ginger is a herb that comes from the roots of the plant. Originally from China, Japan and India, it is now grown in South America, Africa and Middle east.
Apart from being a flavoring agent in food and beverages, Ginger is packed with nutraceutical properties. The active chemical in Ginger known as Gingerol is a phenolic compound, found to be effective in reducing nausea and inflammation. Gingerol helps in fighting flu, throat infections, aids digestion and helps in losing weight. It has shown to lower blood sugar levels in diabetics and improve overall heart health.
Powder: ¼ -½ teaspoon twice a day. Capsule: 1-2 capsules twice a day. Tablet: 1-2 tablets twice a day.
Ginger Side-effects and Warnings
Common side-effects:
Heartburn, Diarrhoea, Burping and stomach discomfort. Not so common side-effect: Menstrual bleeding was reported by some women who consumed Ginger. Pregnant and nursing mothers: Not known. Children: Not known.
English: Chebulic Myrobalan Hindi: Harad, Harade, Har Other Name: Haleel, Anniley, Ordo, Manahi and more
What is Haritaki?
Haritaki or Harad, also known as ‘King of Medicines’, for its extraordinary therapeutic values. The word Haritaki comes from “Harati” which means effectively cure diseases and “Takati” which denotes the property to make human body shine.
It is mainly found in India up to an altitude of 1500 meters.
As per Tibetan literature, the whole tree can be used for its therapeutic properties. The roots help clear diseases of the bone, stems are helpful in treaing muscle diseases, bark is useful in treating skin-related diseases, branches help treat vascular disorders, leaves are used in treating visceral diseases and the fruit helps to maintain the health of vital organs like heart.
When applied externally as a paste: It is helpful in healing wounds and fight fungal infections.
Haritaki Dosage
Powder: ½ – 1 teaspoon or as per your requirement.
Haritaki Side-effects and Warnings
Common side effects: Not known. Not so common side effects: Not known. Pregnant or Nursing mothers: Not known. Children: Not known. Warnings:
1. Consuming without consultation or over consumption can lead to diarrhoea, inflames or sore mouth, dehydration, fever, tight jaw and weakness.
2. As it reduces blood sugar, people who are prescribed sugar reducing medicine should consult a doctor before consuming haritaki.
3. Doctor must be consulted before consumption for pregnant women and lactating mothers.
This herb belongs to the mustard family and commonly known as Aliv seeds. The consumption of seeds is found to be helpful in treating bloating, amenorrhoea and irregular menstrual period cycles. The seeds are known to be effective in strengthening bones and muscles, especially boosting body height during teenage growth spurt).
For women Aliv seeds are considered as Galactogogues that improve breast milk production in lactating mothers. When taken by men, it helps in vitality and improves semen and sperm quality and quantity. It can also be applied externally as a paste to relieve pain, wounds with worm infestation, and treats skin disorders that cause itching.
Common forms of Chandrashoor
Powder, Seeds, Fresh Leaves
Chandrashoor is commonly used for:
Treating Anaemia
Bloating and Constipation
High blood pressure
Gout
Irregular Menstrual Cycles
Vitamin C deficiency
Diarrohoea & Dysentery
Chandrashoor Dosage
Powder: 2 to 3 gm twice a day
Chandrashoor Side-effects and Warnings
Common side-effects: Gastrointestinal problems in people who are allergic to mustard oil. Not so common side-effects: Not recommended for people who suffer from frequent urination. Pregnant women: Not recommended as it stimulates uterine contractions and can abort pregnancy. Children: Not known Warnings:
Garden cress seeds can interfere with iodine absorption and can cause thyroid dysfunction