Archives for Jan 11, 2021

Katuki

Katuki Scientific Name

Picrorhiza kurrooa

Katuki Other Names

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.

Common forms of Katuki

Powder, Tablet, Capsule

Katuki is commonly used for:

Katuki Dosage

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.

Where to Buy Katuki in US?

Ginger

Ginger Scientific Name

Zingiber officinale

Ginger Other Names

English: Ginger
Hindi: Adarakh

What is Ginger?

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.

Common forms of Ginger

Dry Powder, Tablet, Capsules

Ginger Dosage

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.

Where to Buy Ginger in US?

Haritaki

Haritaki Scientific Name

Terminalia chebula

Most common name of Haritaki

Harad

Haritaki Other Names

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.

Common forms of Haritaki

Powder

Haritaki is commonly used for:

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.

Where to Buy Haritaki in US?

Chandrashoor (Garden Cress)

Chandrashoor Scientific Name

Lepidium Sativum

Chandrashoor Other Names

English: Aliv seeds, Garden Cress, Garden Pepper Cress
French: Cresson de Fontaine
Hindi: Chansoor, Chandrashoor, Halim
Sanskrit: Chandrika, Bhandra, Nadini, Karvi

What is Chandrashoor?

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

Where to Buy Chandrashoor in US?