Archives for March 2021

Chyawanprash

Chyawanprash Scientific Name

Phyllanthus emblica

Chyawanprash Other Names

Hindi: Chyawanprash

What is Chyawanprash?

Chyawanprash is one of the most effective anti-ageing supplements and the oldest ayurvedic formulation that is being consumed for generations in India. It is purely herbal in nature with Amla or Gooseberry as its main ingredient, Chyawanprash is a powerful antioxidant that is linked to anti-carcinogenic properties. It is considered as an Ayurvedic rasayana (life-invigorating) which helps to improve immunity and physical strength. It sheilds the body from various seasonal infections caused by dust, dirt, bacteria, fungus, viruses and other other ailments linked to weather-change, by maintaining the body homeostatis. The Sanskrit term ‘prash’, means special food formulation and ‘Chayawan’ is the name of the Sage who developed this formulation of vitality and youth.
This incredible formulation is an abundant source of antioxidants like Vitamin C and other micronutrients contributing to it’s therapeutic effects. Chyawanprash is a great supplement for the heart and blood vessels for combating elevated cholesterol levels. The formulation consists of 12 vital ingredients including Amla, Neem, Pippali, Ashwagandha, Safed Chandana, Tulsi, Elaichi, Arjun, Brahmi, Kesar, Ghrita and Shahad.

Common forms of Chyawanprash

Jam

Chyawanprash is commonly used for:

  • Stimulating healthy appetite
  • Aiding digestion
  • Preventing nausea and vomiting
  • Relieving cough and breathing difficulties
  • Managing cardiac health and heart problems
  • Treating painful micturition and urinary track disorders
  • Treating eye problems
  • Treating anaemia
  • Improving skin complexion
  • Treating tuberculosis
  • Preventing ageing
  • Treating and preventing abdominal tumours
  • Managing diabetes (after consulting with the doctor)
  • Rejuvenating the whole body
  • Improving intelligence
  • Improving muscle strength
  • Controling hiccups
  • Relieving sore throat
  • Relieving pseudo-satiation (false sateity that does not transcend to a deeper level)
  • Treats infertility (after consulting with the doctor)
  • Relieving emesis (dry heaving before vomit)
  • Treating diarrhoea
  • Treating skin disorders
  • Preventing jaundice
  • Eradicating intestinal worms
  • Treating piles

Chyawanprash Dosage

Children: ½ to 1 teaspoon
Teenagers: 1 to 2 teaspoon
Adults: 1 to 3 teaspoon, If it is consumed twice a day, then it must be administered 30 minutes before dinner or at least two hours post-dinner.

Chyawanprash Side-effects and Warnings

Common side-effects: Excessive consumption is linked with indigestion, abdominal gas and bloating (flatulence), diarrhoea and distention.
Not so common side-effects: Burning sensation in the stomach.
Pregnant Women: Due to the lack of safety data, pregnant women should consult with a physician before taking chyawanprash as a supplement. Avoid Chyawanprash during pregnancy or use it after consulting the doctor.
Children: Not Known.

Where to Buy Chyawanprash in US?

Dill (Shatapushpa)

Dill Scientific Name

Anethum graveolens

Dill Other Names

English: Dill, Indian Dill, Dill Plant
Hindi: Sowa, Pithapasadaa, Soyo
French: Aneth odorant, Fenouil bâtard
German: Dill, Gurkenkraut
Spanish: Eneldo
Latin: Anetum
Sanskrit: Shatapushpa

What is Dill?

Dill (Anethum graveolens) belongs to the Celery family of herbs called Apiaceae. Dill leaves and seeds are commonly used as a herb or spice in brine pickles, dips and for flavoring food.
Dill is very effective and essential herb that is used in form of leaves, roots and seeds in Ayurveda for thousand years for its miraculous medicinal benefits. It is known to be good source of iron, potassium and beta-carotenes (component of Vitamin A). Aqueous decoction of Dill helps in maintaining healthy blood pressure levels in hypertensive patients. It is also known as a respiratory stimultant. Flavnoids in Dill protect gastro-intestinal lining and prevent ulcers. It is used to cure severe colic pains in babies.

Common forms of Dill

Powder, Oil, Leaves, Seeds, Weed

Dill is commonly used for:

  • Treating high cholesterol
  • Improving and maintinaing healthy appetite
  • Fighting infections
  • Curing digestive tract and urinary tract problems
  • Treating spasms caused by rheumatoid arthritis (when used in combination with Flax seeds and Castor seeds)
  • Treating Intestinal gas (flatulence)
  • Treating sleep disorders
  • Fever, Cold and Cough and some cases of bronchitis
  • Fighting Liver and Gallbladder problems

Dill Dosage

Powder: 1-3 grams per day
Oil: 1-3 drops
Seeds: 1/2 tsp daily
Leaves: used as food

Dill Side-effects and Warnings

Common side-effects: Over- dosage may cause Pitta increase, burning sensation, worsening of gastritis.
Not so common side-effects: Not known.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Avoid therapeutic doses of Dill if you are pregnant. It is best to avoid its use during menstrual periods.
Children: Not Known.

Where to Buy Dill in US?

Cumin (Jeera)

Cumin Scientific Name

Cuminum cyminum Linn

Cumin Other Names

English: Cumin, White cumin
Hindi: Jeera, Jira, Safed Jeera
Sanskrit: Jeerak, Deeraghjeerak, Jaran

What is Cumin?

Cumin seeds, known as “Jeeraka“, comes from the Sanskrit word Jeerna, which means “digestion”. Cumin seed is a phenomenal medicine for treating digestive disorders.
Cumin improves the functioning of three main digestive organs in the body i.e. stomach, intestines, and liver. It provides strength and reduces chances of infections by fighting off microbes and bacteria.

Common forms of Cumin

Seed, Powder, Oil

Cumin is commonly used for:

Cumin Dosage

Powder: ½ to 1 teaspoon or as prescribed by the doctor.
Oil : 1-2 drops twice a day.

Cumin Side-effects and Warnings

Common side-effects: In some cases, Cumin is found to increase the risk of bleeding, hence, it is advisable to avoid therapeutic intake of Cumin if you are on therapy of blood thinners.
Not so common side-effects: Not known.
Pregnant and nursing mothers: Cumin is safe to use as a medicine when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and stick to food amounts.
Children: Not Known.
Warning:
Cumin might cause an upset stomach in some people. Also, some people may exhibit allergic reactions.

Where to Buy Cumin in US?

Nutmeg (Jaiphal)

Nutmeg Scientific Name

Myristica fragrans

Nutmeg Other Names

English: Nutmeg
French: Noix de muscade, Muscade
Hindi: Jaiphal
Sanskrit: Jatiphala

What is Nutmeg?

This plant is native to Indonesia. Nutmeg is mainly known for it’s distinctive pungent fragrance and a warm slightly sweet taste. It is mainly used as a flavoring agent in desserts.
It is a good source of many essential oils, protenis, starch, minerals and resins. It is digestive, aromatic and astrigent. Nutmeg is known for it’s anti-inflammatory, aphrodisiac and psychoactive properties.

Common forms of Nutmeg

Fruit, Seed, Seed Coat, Oil, Powder

Nutmeg is commonly used for:

  • Sciatica
  • Jet Lag
  • Relieving diarrhea and dysentery
  • Relieving pain
  • Anti-inflammatory action and can reduce inflammation on body
  • Lowering blood cholesterol level
  • Treating kidney stones and preventing infection

Nutmeg Dosage

Regular Food amounts are generally considered safe. A recipe for 2 to 4 people usually requires 1/2 to 1/4th tsp of Nutmeg powder, which is considered a s a safe amount. There is not much research on therapeutic intake of Nutmeg

Nutmeg Side-effects and Warnings

Common side-effects: Overdose can cause convulsions, palpitation, weak pulse, nausea and vomiting.
Not so common side-effects: Long term high doses of Nutmeg, more than 120 mg, has been linked to hallucinations and other mental side effects.
Pregnant and nursing mothers: Higher doses can lead to miscarriages and birth defects. For safe consumption stick to food amounts.
Children: Not Known.

Where to Buy Nutmeg in US?