Apr 14, 2021 - Indian Ayurveda Herbs and Spices

Chamomile Scientific Name

Matricaria chamomilla

Chamomile Other Names

English: Camomile, Chamomile
Hindi: Kaimomail, Baaboona
Spanish: Manzanilla
French: Camomille
German: Kamille
Latin: Chamaemilla, tritaque
Sanskrit: Karpurpushpa, Shevanti

What is Chamomile?

Chamomile is a delicate daisy-like herb with hollow stems and velvety petals. It has a sweet pineapple-like fragrance.

Chamomile or Karpurpushpa (as known in Sanskrit) is an ancient Ayurvedic herb used for centuries for its medicinal properties. This herb works like an elixir to calm down the central nervous system, relieve anxiety, and treat stomach troubles (mainly associated with stress). This daisy-like herb is used for herbal decoctions and teas. It is considered a safe medicine and also used in Homeopathy (a branch of alternative medicine based on the belief that the “body can cure itself”) and Bach Medicine (flower remedies).

Common forms of Chamomile

Tea, Oil, Capsule

Chamomile is commonly used for:

Anger and Hostility
Appetite Low
Boosting immune health
Relieving anxiety, stress, and depression
Improving skin health
Preventing bone loss
Treating insomnia
Curing digestive issues
Promoting wound healing
Treating eczema
Rheumatism
Urinary Tract infection (Cystitis)
Managing diabetes
Maintaining oral health
Shingles
Jet Lag
Neuralgia
Morning Sickness (Hyperemesis gravidarum)
Swelling (Edema) During Pregnancy
Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Chamomile Dosage

Tea: Made from 3 g dried flowers in 1 cup of water, twice or thrice a day.
Capsule: 1 or 2 daily
Oil: 1 or 2 drops in body lotion/moisturizer

Chamomile Side-effects and Warnings

Common side-effects: Allergic reactions, skin/eye irritation from direct contact.
Not so common side-effects: Avoid using if you are on blood thinners.
Pregnant or Nursing Mothers: Not known.
Children: Not Known.

Where to Buy Chamomile in US?

Reetha Scientific Name

Sapindus mukorossi

Reetha Other Names

English: Soapnut, Soapberry, Washnut
Hindi: Ritha, Reetha, Aritha, Rishtak
Sanskrit: Arishtaka

What is Reetha?

Reetha, aka Arishtak in Sanskrit, is obtained from the Soap nut tree in India. It has de-toxifying properties that cleanses hair. It has natural herbal smell and hence is often used as a common ingredient of natural hair care products that make hair shiny, healthy and lustrous. Regular use of Reetha (in combination with Shikakai) is found to provide nourishment to the hair scalp and promote hair growth.

In Ayurveda, the Reetha plant is useful in balancing the doshas, particularly Kapha dosha. It is found to decrease bad cholesterol levels and is also used in treating respiratory issues. Other parts of the Reetha plant like roots and bark have expectorant (facilitates elimination of mucus and cough) and anthelmintic (kills parasites) properties.

Common forms of Reetha

Fruit, Shell, Shell Powder, Roots, Bark

Reetha is commonly used for:

Removing dandruff
Treating itchy skin
Treating arthritis
Eradicating intestinal worms
Preventing and treating Baldness
Treating asthma
Treating obesity
Eliminating flatulence

Reetha Dosage

Powder: ½-1 tsp.
Paste: For external application to hair and scalp (in combination with Amla and Shikakai) 2-3 times a week

Reetha Side-effects and Warnings

Common side-effects: Not Known.
Not so common side-effects: Not Known.
Pregnant or Nursing Mothers: Not recommended during pregnancy, as it can induce abortion
Children: Not Known.
Warning:
Reetha can cause redness and swelling of eyes

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