Archives for Apr 16, 2021

Black Pepper (Kalimirch)

Apr 16, 2021 by Chinmayi Kulkarni Leave a Comment

Black Pepper Scientific Name

Piper nigrum

Black Pepper Other Names

English: Peppercorn, Madgascar Pepper
Hindi: Kalimirch, Maricha, Vellaja
Sanskrit: Marichum

What is Black Pepper?

Black Pepper is obtained from the same plant as white pepper. The color of the seeds depend up on the level of ripeness at the time of harvesting. The piperine content of the plant gives it a pungent taste. This herb belongs to the Piperaceae family.

Traditionally, in Ayurveda black pepper is used in combination of other herbs and medicines, as a bioavailability enhancer, to increase the absorption of the active components into the cells of the right organs. Black Pepper is a potent anti-oxidant and a powerful cleanser that helps the body in getting rid of toxins and impurities. It also promotes healing and stimulates healthy organ function.

Common forms of Black Pepper

Fine powder, Coarsely ground powder, Whole black pepper seeds.

Black Pepper is commonly used for:

Treating cough, cold
Treating bloating and abdominal pain
Treating heart trouble
Managing asthma
Treating congestion and sinusitis
Improving liver function
De-toxifying
Treating recurrent fever
Fighting cancer
Aiding weight-loss
Poor Circulation
Nausea and Vomiting

Black Pepper Dosage

Powder: 250mg to 2gm in divided doses per day.

Black Pepper Side-effects and Warnings

Common side-effects: High doses can cause burning aftertaste and heartburn.
Not so common side-effects: Not known.
Pregnant women: Avoid therapeutic doses as it can induce abortion.
Children: Safe when taken by mouth in amounts commonly found in foods. However, lower doses are advisable.
Warnings:
Large doses of black pepper powder by mouth may get into lungs causing accidental death.

Where to Buy Black Pepper in US?

Check out the Recipes that use Black Pepper

Aloe Vera

Apr 16, 2021 by Chinmayi Kulkarni Leave a Comment

Aloe Vera Scientific Name

Aloe barbadensis miller

Aloe Vera Other Names

English: Indian Aloe, True Aloe
Hindi: Ghee kumari, Ghritkumari
Sanskrit: Grita Kumari

What is Aloe Vera ?

Aloe vera is a common indoor succulent. It has fleshly green leaves that are filled with gelatinous sap. The sap is bitter in taste and is usually combined with other ingredients in Ayurvedic formulations that require ingestion. It is a soothing herb and is applied externally as skin treatment to prevent acne and treat sunburns. It adds bulk to the diet and helps in healthy bowel movement.

Aloe vera is a “queen” medicinal plant that is used in a variety of treatments especially to promote healthy digestion, skin and hair.

Common forms of Aloe Vera

Powder, Gel, Capsule, Juice

Aloe Vera is commonly used for:

Acidity and Heartburn
Maintaining youthful glowing skin.
Treating skin burns and sunburns.
Improving digestive health.
Treating and preventing constipation
Promoting oral health
Treating acne, blemishes and skin discoloration
Colitis
Cellulite
Eye Irritation
Relieving anal fissures
Sunburn
Sciatica
Vaginal Yeast Infections
Gallbladder Problems
Preventing and treating Baldness
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Menopause Problems
Menstrual Difficulties

Aloe Vera Dosage

Gel: 15 mL daily for up to 42 days
Capsule: 600 mg daily for up to 8 weeks

Aloe Vera Side-effects and Warnings

Common side-effects: excessive intake can cause muscle weakness, diarrhea and cramping.
Not so common side-effects: Not Known
Pregnant and nursing mothers: Avoid, as Aloe Vera was found to cause miscarriage in some cases
Children: Not Known

Where to Buy Aloe Vera in US?

Bhumyamalaki (Stonebreaker)

Apr 16, 2021 by Chinmayi Kulkarni Leave a Comment

Bhumyamalaki Scientific Name

Phyllanthus niruri

Bhumyamalaki Other Names

English: Stonebreaker & Seed-Under-Leaf
Hindi: Bhumi amla
Sanskrit: Bhumyamalaki

What is Bhumyamalaki?

Bhumyamalaki or Phyllanthus amarus is used in many Ayurvedic formulations especially for treatment of Liver disease. This herb is an incredible anti-oxidant and works as a miracle in maintaining healthy liver function. It is one of the major ingredients of Chyawanprash. It is bitter in taste and is often prescribed in combination with other herbs in the form of powder or decoction, along with milk. It has a soothing effect on the body and is found to work wonders in treating severe liver disorders like Jaundice. Bhumyamalaki is mainly found in the Bundelkhand region of India.

Common forms of Bhumyamalaki

Powder, Leaf Juice

Bhumyamalaki is commonly used for:

Treating jaundice
Treating eye irritation/painful eyes.
Curing Edema/Swelling caused by water retention
Stopping blood haemorrhage
Treating chronic dysentry
Curing typhoid

Bhumyamalaki Dosage

Leaf Juice: 10 to 20 ml in a day
Powder: 3-6 grams in single or divided doses depending up on the severity of symptoms or as prescribed by the doctor.

Bhumyamalaki Side-effects and Warnings

Common side-effects: Large doses can cause diarrhea and stomach upsets
Not so common side-effects: Not known
Pregnant and Nursing Mothers: Not enough evidence. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Children: Not enough evidence. But should be avoided.
Warnings:
Avoid taking Bhumyamalaki if suffering from Wilson’s disease, as it may increase the levels of uric acid and can cause liver damage.

Archives for Apr 16, 2021

Black Pepper Scientific Name

Black Pepper Other Names

What is Black Pepper?

Common forms of Black Pepper

Black Pepper is commonly used for:

Black Pepper Dosage

Black Pepper Side-effects and Warnings

Where to Buy Black Pepper in US?

Check out the Recipes that use Black Pepper

Aloe Vera Scientific Name

Aloe Vera Other Names

What is Aloe Vera ?

Common forms of Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is commonly used for:

Aloe Vera Dosage

Aloe Vera Side-effects and Warnings

Where to Buy Aloe Vera in US?

Bhumyamalaki Scientific Name

Bhumyamalaki Other Names

What is Bhumyamalaki?

Common forms of Bhumyamalaki

Bhumyamalaki is commonly used for:

Bhumyamalaki Dosage

Bhumyamalaki Side-effects and Warnings

Where to Buy Bhumyamalaki in US?