Clerodendrum serratum
This is a woody medicinal plant used in Ayurveda. It is native to the tropical and warm climate of India. Its roots and stem are commonly used in Ayurvedic formulations. It is found to control Vata and Kapha and enhances pitta dosha. It has antioxidant, anti-microbial, anti-asthmatic, anti-tumor properties. It is also known to promote a healthy respiratory system and improve voice quality.
Powder, Root, Leaves
Common side-effects: Not known
Not so common side-effects: Not known
Pregnant or Nursing Mothers: Not known
Children: Not known
Swertia 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.
Powder, Capsules, Tablets
No scientific name found. Contains salts of Sodium, Calcium and Magnesium
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.
Aquilaria malaccensis
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.
Powder, Oil
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.
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