Archives for Apr 24, 2021

Chirata

Apr 24, 2021 by Chinmayi Kulkarni Leave a Comment

Chirata Scientific Name

Swertia chirata

Chirata Other Names

English: Chitretta, Indian Balmony, Bitter Stick
Hindi: Chirayata, Chirata
French: Swertie de l’Inde
German: Chirettakraut, Kirayakraut
Latin: Swertia chirata
Sanskrit: Anaryatikta, Ardhatikta, Bhunimba, Chiratika

What is Chirata?

This ayurvedic herb is mainly found in sub-temperate regions of the Himalayas ranging from India to Bhutan. It has a peculiar bitter taste. Chirata is extensively used in combating various infections, protecting liver functions, enhancing appetite, improving metabolism, and boosting weight loss. It is highly effective in treating fever and promoting healthy bowel movement.

Common forms of Chirata

Powder, Capsules, Tablets

Chirata is commonly used for:

Treating fever
Curing malaria
Curing constipation
Eradicating worm Infestations
Treating Upset stomach
Promoting healthy appetite
Curing and preventing skin diseases
Preventing cancer

Chirata Dosage

Powder: 1-3 gm twice a day or as directed by the doctor.
Tablet: 1 tablet/capsule a day or as directed by the doctor.

Chirata Side-effects and Warnings

Common side-effects: Excessive intake can cause hypoglycemia and associated symptoms.
Not so common side-effects: Not known
Pregnant and Nursing mothers: Since it lowers blood glucose levels, stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Children: Not known.

Where to Buy Chirata in US?

Black Salt (Kala namak)

Apr 24, 2021 by Avi Kumar Leave a Comment

Black Salt Scientific Name

No scientific name found. Contains salts of Sodium, Calcium and Magnesium

Black Salt Other Names

English: Black Salt
Hindi: Kala namak, Sochal Lavan, Saunchar Namak, Chauhar Koda, Choharkada
Sanskrit: Souvarchala, Roochaka, Akshapaka, Dhaumat, Manyapak

What is Black Salt ?

This salt is dark reddish black in color, mainly obtained from salt mines of India, Pakistan, bangladesh, Nepal and other Himalayn regions. It is known for a characteristic pungent smell and strong sulfur odor

In addition to Sodium chloride, this salt contains Calcium, Magnesium, Sulphides and minor to micro amounts of other minerals.

In Ayurveda, black salt is used for its antioxidant property, for enhancing digestion and for promoting healing. Black salt is often used as a part of Ayurvedic formulations that aim at reducing abdominal distention and cramping.

Common forms of Black Salt

Salt Powder, Granulate

Black Salt is commonly used for:

Appetite Low
Treating indigestion, constipation
Treating flatulence & abdominal distension
Curing obesity
Smoking
Curing muscles spasm
Managing high cholesterol
Reducing diabetic complications
Treating acidity & heartburn
Curing and preventing anemia

Black Salt Dosage

Powder: As per your taste requirement, but avoid taking more than 6gm/daily

Black Salt Side-effects and Warnings

Common side-effects: Excessive intake can cause nausea and vomiting.
Not so common side-effects: Not known
Pregnant or Nursing Mothers: Not known
Children: Not known
Warning:
High doses can affect blood pressure levels hence hypertensive patients should exercise caution and should take therapeutic doses under medical supervision only.

Where to Buy Black Salt in US?

Check out the Recipes that use Black Salt

Agaru (Agarwood)

Apr 24, 2021 by Avi Kumar Leave a Comment

Agaru Scientific Name

Aquilaria malaccensis

Agaru Other Names

English: Agarwood, Agilawood
Hindi: Agar
Europe: Agilawood, Eaglewood
Japan: Jinko
Chinese: Chenxiang
Sanskrit: Aguru, Loh, Krimji, Krumija, Krimijagdha, Anaryaka, Vishvaroopakam, Pravara, Jongakam, ShreshtaVriksha, Vamshika

What is Agaru?

Agaru, obtained from the Agarwood tree mainly known for its incredible fragrance, used in making incense has a pungent odor and bitter taste.

In Ayurveda, Agaru oil is prescribed for external application to relieve joint pain by balancing the Vata dosha.

Agaru Powder along with honey acts as an expectorant and helps in liquefying the mucus and clearing the air passages. It is Usha, i.e heat-producing, and helps in balancing Kapha dosha. It is found to be beneficial in treating Ear-Nose-Throat disorders, Asthma cough, etc. It also helps in managing liver damage.

Common forms of Agaru

Powder, Oil

Agaru is commonly used for:

Treating cough, cold, and Bronchitis
Promoting healthy appetite
Curing joint pain
Treating skin disease
Healing wounds
Eradicating intestinal worms
Treating bad breath (halitosis)
Ceasing persistent hiccups
Curing Chyluria (chylous urine) or milky white urine
Managing gout, and rheumatoid arthritis

Agaru Dosage

Powder: 1/4 -1tsp or as prescribed
Oil: 2-5 drops or as prescribed

Agaru Side-effects and Warnings

Common side-effects: Unsafe only if taken undiluted. Immediate symptoms might be chest pain, vomiting, difficulty swallowing/breathing where emergency medical assistance might be required.
Not so common side-effects: Not known
Pregnant and Nursing Mothers: Not enough scientific evidence to establish safety. Avoid use
Children: Not known.

Warnings:
Take under medical supervision only, if suffering from diabetes or heart disease.