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Archives for April 2021

Bharangi

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Bharangi Scientific Name

Clerodendrum serratum

Bharangi Other Names

English: Blue Glory, Beetle Killer, Turk’s Turban Moon
Hindi: Bharangi, Babhanaiti
Sanskrit: Bhramanayastika, Kharashakha, Padma, Kasajith, Barbura

What is Bharangi?

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.

Common forms of Bharangi

Powder, Root, Leaves

Bharangi is commonly used for:

  • Treating cough and cold
  • Treating asthma, bronchitis
  • Curing liver problems
  • Treating tuberculosis
  • Treating headache, migraine
  • Treating thyroid disorders like goiter
  • Curing food poisoning, stomach upsets, and persistent hiccups
  • Curing cysts, fibroids in the uterus
  • Treating skin diseases
  • Relieving muscular pain

Bharangi Dosage

Powder: 3 to 6 gram

Bharangi Side-effects and Warnings

Common side-effects: Not known
Not so common side-effects: Not known
Pregnant or Nursing Mothers: Not known
Children: Not known

Where to Buy Bharangi in US?

Chirata

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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)

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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

Amla Squash | Jal Jeera (Digestion-aiding Cumin Drink) | Kanji (Kaanji) | Kadhi (Takra or Seasoned Buttermilk) | Ghavan (Cream of wheat Pancakes) | Digestive Tea | Poha (Flattend Rice Preparation) | Red Lentils Soup | Multi-grain Moringa Dosa | Gluten-free Vegan Lasagna | Apple Apricot Chutney | Carrot Walnut Bread | Ayurvedic Guacamole (Avacado Mash) | Chargrilled Vegetable Bowl| Amla/Amlaki Pickle | Medicated Rice Gruel (Peya)

Agaru (Agarwood)

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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.

Where to Buy Agaru in US?

Arjun Tree (Arjuna)

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Arjuna Scientific Name

Terminalia arjuna

Arjuna Other Names

English: Arjun Tree, Arjunolic Myrobalan
Hindi: Arjun
Sanskrit: Dhavla, Nadisarja, Indradru, Viraksha

What is 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 forms of Arjuna

Bark Powder, Capsule, Tablet

Arjuna is commonly used for:

  • Angina (angina pectoris)
  • Treating angina (heart-related chest pain)
  • Curative Cold Sores
  • Treating heart diseases
  • Treating Diarrhea
  • Curing inflammation of the airways caused by bronchitis
  • Treating urinary tract infections (UTIs)
  • Curing ear pain
  • Lowering Cholesterol
  • Managing hypertension and diabetes
  • Detoxifying blood
  • Supporting uterine health and maintaining healthy menstrual cycles
  • Fluid Retention (Oedema)

Arjuna Dosage

Powder: 2-3 g twice daily or as directed by the Physician
Capsule: 1 capsule twice daily or as directed by the Physician
Tablet: 1 tablet twice daily or as directed by the Physician

Arjuna Side-effects and Warnings

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.

Where to Buy Arjuna in US?

Boswellia Serrata (Shallaki)

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Boswellia Serrata Scientific Name

Olibanum Indicum

Boswellia Serrata Other Names

English: Indian Olibanum
Hindi: Salai, Salay
Uriya: Loban
Sanskrit: Shallaki, Suvaha, Vallaki, Sara

What is Boswellia Serrata?

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.

Common forms of Boswellia Serrata

Bark, Gum, Juice, Powder, Tablet, Capsule

Boswellia Serrata is commonly used for:

  • Rheumatism
  • Treating osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
  • Treating asthma
  • Treating ulcerative colitis
  • Controlling signs of aging and wrinkles
  • Promoting Female Reproductive Health

Boswellia Serrata Dosage

Juice: 3-5 tsp daily.
Powder: ¼- ½ tsp daily.
Capsule: 1-2 capsules daily.
Tablet: 1-2 once or twice daily

Boswellia Serrata Side-effects and Warnings

Common side-effects: Capsules can cause stomach upsets, nausea, and acid reflux in sensitive people.
Not so common side-effects: Improper use can adversely affect menstrual cycle.
Pregnant or Nursing Mothers: Avoid as it can induce miscarriage
Children: Not known.

Where to Buy Boswellia Serrata in US?