Terminalia arjuna
Arjun Tree or Arjuna has been used in Ayurveda as a wonder medicine to promote cardiac health as it is found to tone and strengthen the cardiac muscles for the proper functioning of the heart. The bark of the tree is the main ingredient in many Ayurvedic formulations. It has a strong anti-hypertensive property that helps in reducing blood pressure levels and It is an effective antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial. It also promotes healthy skin.
For maximum cardiac benefit, it is recommended to have Arjuna tea boiled in milk twice a day.
Common side-effects: Not known
Not so common side-effects: Not known
Pregnant or Nursing Mothers: Avoid use
Children: Not known
Warning:
Arjuna might interfere with blood glucose levels so use cautiously if on anti-diabetic drugs.
English: Indian Olibanum
Hindi: Salai, Salay
Uriya: Loban
Sanskrit: Shallaki, Suvaha, Vallaki, Sara
Boswellia serrata or Shallaki is used as an Ayurvedic substitute for pain killer medicine. It is mainly used in the treatment of Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid arthritis to provide relief from stiffness and swelling. Applying Shallaki oil on joints helps in providing relief due to its analgesic property.
Taking Shallaki juice is found to improve brain function and prevent the cell damage caused by oxidative stress of free radicals, thus acting as a potent antioxidant.
Shallaki plant produces fragrant resin that is used as incense and is used to purify the air during religious proceedings.
Bark, Gum, Juice, Powder, Tablet, Capsule
Charoli or Chironji is a slightly sweet almond like flavored seed often used in desserts or as an alternative to almonds. Apart from adding texture to desserts it is used in many Ayurvedic medicines for its therapeutic properties.
Charoli has a cooling property and is often used in summers as it helps in reducing body heat. Charoli also promotes healthy skin, prevents acne, adds moisture and lightens the dark spots and blemishes. It is often crushed and used in body scrubs.
Charoli helps in forming stools, aids in healthy bowel movement and cures diarrhoea. It is also found to improve and promote reproductive health.
Common side-effects: Not known
Not so common side-effects: Not known
Pregnant or Nursing Mothers: Not known
Children: Not known
Warning:
Avoid intake if already suffering from indigestion
This ancient Indian plant is named after its property of promoting healthy bone and joints. “Had” meaning Bones and “Jod” meaning Joints. This Ayurvedic herb is widely used in promoting healthy bones and joints. It has a fracture healing property and promotes healthy equilibrium between bone restoration and bone formation. It increases the bone mineral density and increases the rate of fracture healing. It is rich in antioxidants like phenols, tannins, Vitamin C, carotenoids that contribute to its healing properties.
Apart from bone and joint health it is used to treat loss of appetite, indigestion, hemorrhoids, intestinal bleeding, intestinal worms, gout etc. It is also found to be a potent aphrodisiac and promotes stamina, vigor and strength in men.
Juice, Powder
Common side-effects: Excessive intake is found to cause insomnia, flatulence, headaches and diarrhoea
Not so common side-effects:. Not known
Pregnant or Nursing Mothers: Not known
Children: Not known
Warning:
Hadjod is found to interfere with blood sugar levels and blood pressure, hence avoid use especially around surgery.