Archives for Apr 5, 2021

Alsi (Flax Seeds)

Alsi Scientific Name

Linum usitatissimum

Alsi Other Names

English: Flaxseed, Flax, Linseed
Hindi: Tisi, Teesi, Alsi, Alasi, Javas
Sanskrit: Atasi, Alasi, Kshuma, Neela, Neempushpi

What is Alsi?

Alsi aka Flax seeds are grown as cash crop in different states of India and also in USA, Canada, Africa etc. There are 2 types of flax seeds identified in Ayurveda, brown and golden yellow.
It is a fatty seed and the essential oil is rich in Omega-3, Omega-6 and ALA fatty acids also known as “good fats” that helps to lower the levels of bad cholesterol. Additionally, Alsi is rich in dietary fiber, protein and minerals. According to Ayurveda, adding Alsi seeds in a regular diet enhances the digestion and benefits weight loss. It can be consumed in raw or roasted form. It’s seed oil is also a rich source of antioxidants which helps in scavenging the free radicals produced by oxidative stress, thus acting as a anti-carcinogenic agent. These properties of Flax seeds make them an important medicinal herb for maintaining cardiac health and preventing heart attack.

Common forms of Alsi

Oil, Powder, Capsules, Seeds

Alsi is commonly used for:

  • Preventing cancer
  • Promoting heart health
  • Regulating blood sugar
  • Anti-Inflammatory properties
  • Maintaining menopausal health
  • Stimulating digestive health
  • Managing weight
  • Lowering and maintaining cholesterol levels
  • Managing high blood pressure
  • Treating scaly, itchy skin and eczema

Alsi Dosage

Oil: 1-2 teaspoon once a day
Powder: ½ -1 teaspoon twice a day
Capsule: 1-2 capsules once or twice a day
Seeds: 1 tsp everyday

Alsi Side-effects and Warnings

Common side-effects: Alsi prevents blood clotting. Consult your doctor before taking theraputic dosage of Alsi if you are on blood-thinners.
Not so common side-effects: Not known.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Avoid using Flax seed as it can mimic the action of hormone estrogen and is considered unsafe.
Children: Not known.
Warning:
Can exhibit allergic reactions in some individuals.

Where to Buy Alsi in US?

Adoosa (Adulsa)

Adoosa Scientific Name

Justicia adhatoda

Adoosa Other Names

English: Malabar Nut
Hindi: Adosa, Arusha, Rus, Bansa, Adusa
French: Carmantine, Noix de Malabar
Latin: Adhatoda vasica Nees
Sanskrit: Vasaka, Adulsa, Arusak, Sinhaparni, Vansa, Adarushah, Vasa, Simhasya, Vrusha, Atarusa, Pra-madya

What is Adoosa?

Adoosa also known as Vasaka (Malabar Nut) is an ayurvedic herb that grows in the region of sub Himalaya. It is a tall herbaceous evergreen shrub with dense appearance due to its multiple branches growing in opposite sides.
In Ayurveda, it’s powder is used for various medicinal purposes and is effective in treating common cough and cold. Also, use of this herb is found to ease the breathlessness in patients suffering from asthma and bronchitis. Decoction of the vasaka herb have certain chemicals that dilate the breathing channels in lungs and ease congestion. Certain Chemicals in this tree act as anti-histamines and provide relief in cough and cold. Additionally, vasaka leaves are opulent in phytochemicals like alkaloids, tannins, saponins, flavonoids and phenolics.

Common forms of Adoosa

Powder, Tablet, Capsule, Liquid

Adoosa is commonly used for:

  • Suppressing coughing reflex
  • Lowering symptoms of Asthma
  • Antiviral properties
  • Curing sinusitis, bronchitis and other respiratory tract disorders
  • Providing relief to sore throat
  • Curing ulcers
  • Reducing joint pain
  • Treating uremia
  • Promoting healthy gut

Adoosa Dosage

Tablet: 1-2 tablets twice a day.
Capsule: 1-2 capsules twice a day.
Powder: ¼-½ teaspoon twice a day.
Liquid: 1Tb in hot water twice or thrice a day when suffering from cold/cough

Adoosa Side-effects and Warnings

Common side-effects: Heart palpitations, mental/mood changes (such as confusion, hallucinations, nervousness), seizures, shaking (tremors), trouble urinating. Consult a doctor immediately.
Not so common side-effects: Not known.
Pregnant or Nursing Mothers: Avoid using Malabar nut if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Children: It is found that antihistamine action of Adoosa may cause agitation/excitement instead of drowsiness in children.

Where to Buy Adoosa in US?