Archives for April 2021

Chamomile (Karpurpushpa)

Apr 14, 2021 by Chinmayi Kulkarni Leave a Comment

Chamomile Scientific Name

Matricaria chamomilla

Chamomile Other Names

English: Camomile, Chamomile
Hindi: Kaimomail, Baaboona
Spanish: Manzanilla
French: Camomille
German: Kamille
Latin: Chamaemilla, tritaque
Sanskrit: Karpurpushpa, Shevanti

What is Chamomile?

Chamomile is a delicate daisy-like herb with hollow stems and velvety petals. It has a sweet pineapple-like fragrance.

Chamomile or Karpurpushpa (as known in Sanskrit) is an ancient Ayurvedic herb used for centuries for its medicinal properties. This herb works like an elixir to calm down the central nervous system, relieve anxiety, and treat stomach troubles (mainly associated with stress). This daisy-like herb is used for herbal decoctions and teas. It is considered a safe medicine and also used in Homeopathy (a branch of alternative medicine based on the belief that the “body can cure itself”) and Bach Medicine (flower remedies).

Common forms of Chamomile

Tea, Oil, Capsule

Chamomile is commonly used for:

Anger and Hostility
Appetite Low
Boosting immune health
Relieving anxiety, stress, and depression
Improving skin health
Preventing bone loss
Treating insomnia
Curing digestive issues
Promoting wound healing
Treating eczema
Rheumatism
Urinary Tract infection (Cystitis)
Managing diabetes
Maintaining oral health
Shingles
Jet Lag
Neuralgia
Morning Sickness (Hyperemesis gravidarum)
Swelling (Edema) During Pregnancy
Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Chamomile Dosage

Tea: Made from 3 g dried flowers in 1 cup of water, twice or thrice a day.
Capsule: 1 or 2 daily
Oil: 1 or 2 drops in body lotion/moisturizer

Chamomile Side-effects and Warnings

Common side-effects: Allergic reactions, skin/eye irritation from direct contact.
Not so common side-effects: Avoid using if you are on blood thinners.
Pregnant or Nursing Mothers: Not known.
Children: Not Known.

Where to Buy Chamomile in US?

Reetha (Soap Nut)

Apr 14, 2021 by Chinmayi Kulkarni Leave a Comment

Reetha Scientific Name

Sapindus mukorossi

Reetha Other Names

English: Soapnut, Soapberry, Washnut
Hindi: Ritha, Reetha, Aritha, Rishtak
Sanskrit: Arishtaka

What is Reetha?

Reetha, aka Arishtak in Sanskrit, is obtained from the Soap nut tree in India. It has de-toxifying properties that cleanses hair. It has natural herbal smell and hence is often used as a common ingredient of natural hair care products that make hair shiny, healthy and lustrous. Regular use of Reetha (in combination with Shikakai) is found to provide nourishment to the hair scalp and promote hair growth.

In Ayurveda, the Reetha plant is useful in balancing the doshas, particularly Kapha dosha. It is found to decrease bad cholesterol levels and is also used in treating respiratory issues. Other parts of the Reetha plant like roots and bark have expectorant (facilitates elimination of mucus and cough) and anthelmintic (kills parasites) properties.

Common forms of Reetha

Fruit, Shell, Shell Powder, Roots, Bark

Reetha is commonly used for:

Removing dandruff
Treating itchy skin
Treating arthritis
Eradicating intestinal worms
Preventing and treating Baldness
Treating asthma
Treating obesity
Eliminating flatulence

Reetha Dosage

Powder: ½-1 tsp.
Paste: For external application to hair and scalp (in combination with Amla and Shikakai) 2-3 times a week

Reetha Side-effects and Warnings

Common side-effects: Not Known.
Not so common side-effects: Not Known.
Pregnant or Nursing Mothers: Not recommended during pregnancy, as it can induce abortion
Children: Not Known.
Warning:
Reetha can cause redness and swelling of eyes

Where to Buy Reetha in US?

White Pepper

Apr 13, 2021 by Avi Kumar Leave a Comment

White Pepper Scientific Name

Piper nigrum

White Pepper Other Names

English: White Pepper
Hindi: Safed Mirch
French: Poivre blanc
Italian: Pepe Bianco
Latin: Piper album

What is White Pepper?

White pepper seeds are obtained from the pepper plant that grows mostly in the tropical regions of Asia. White and Black pepper both grow on the same plant the difference in the flavor and color depends on its stage of ripening when it is processed. It contains a chemical called piperine, which has many medicinal benefits in the body. In Ayurvedic formulations, it is mainly used to reduce pain and inflammation. It is also found to treat upset stomach, diarrhea and many other conditions, when taken orally.

Common forms of White Pepper

Seed, Powder

White Pepper is commonly used for:

Reducing Inflammation
Promoting healthy digestion
Antioxidant property
Boosting curcumin absorption
Treating diarrhea
Managing Blood Pressure
External application on skin to reduce pain.
Treating upset stomach.
Treating malaria

White Pepper Dosage

Concentrated doses of White Pepper are not recommended, as there is lack of scientific evidence.

White Pepper Side-effects and Warnings

Common side-effects: It can cause burning aftertaste and heartburn.
Not so common side-effects: Not Known.
Pregnant or Nursing Mothers: Not known.
Children: Not Known.
Warning:
Avoid high doses before surgery, as it might cause bleeding complications.

Where to Buy White Pepper in US?

Bay Leaf (Tej patta)

Apr 12, 2021 by Avi Kumar Leave a Comment

Bay leaf Scientific Name

Cinnamomum tamala

Bay leaf Other Names

English: Lignea, Indian Bay Leaf, Indian Cassia
German: Indisches Lorburblatt
Hindi: Tejpat
Sanskrit: Tejapatra

What is Bay leaf?

Bay leaf is an evergreen shrub. This plant grows slowly in a hot climate and it’s fragrant leaf is used as a herb in cooking.

Using bay leaf in cooking adds flavor without adding extra sodium, fat & calories. In Ayurveda, Bay leaf is used to manage diabetes as it is known to reduce blood sugar levels. It is also found to increase the activity of anti-oxidant enzymes in the body. Bay leaf oil is found to aid in reducing migraines, inflammation in arthritis, gastric ulcers, nausea, amenorrhea and many other conditions.

Common forms of Bay leaf

Leaf, Oil, Bark

Bay leaf is commonly used for:

Treating cough and asthma
Reducing the intensity of Jaundice
Treats headache
Treating gastric ulcers
Preventing and managing vomiting
Treating amenorrhea

Bay leaf Dosage

Bark Powder: 1 to 3 gram
Leaf Powder: 1 to 3 gram
Oil: 2 to 5 drop

Bay leaf Side-effects and Warnings

Common side-effects: Excess use can cause oral ulcer
Not so common side-effects: Not Known
Pregnant and nursing mothers: Avoid or consult your physician before use
Children: Not Known
Warning:
If you are suffering from diabetes and using bay leaf as medicine please monitor blood sugar level closely.

Where to Buy Bay leaf in US?

Check out the Recipes that use Bay leaf

Saffron (Kesar) Rice I Vegetable Soup 101

Triphala

Apr 12, 2021 by Chinmayi Kulkarni Leave a Comment

Triphala Other Names

Hindi: Triphala
Sanskrit: Triphala

What is Triphala?

Triphala is a traditional ayurvedic herbal formulation that has been used as Ayurvedic medicine since ancient times. “Tri” meaning three and “phala” meaning fruits, Triphala, is created from the mixture of three potent Ayurvedic dried fruits – Amla (Emblica officinalis), Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula).

It is the most common ayurvedic formulation used to treat constipation, inflammation, stomach ailments, dental cavities etc.

Common forms of Triphala

Powder, Tablets, Capsules, Juice

Triphala is commonly used for:

Anti-Inflammatory properties for treating Arthritis and Gout
Appetite Low
Boils
Bursitis
Colds and Flu
Chilblains
Nausea and Vomiting
Gum Disease (Gingivitis)
Rectal Bleeding (hematochezia)
Protecting against certain Cancers (however limited data available)
Protecting against dental disease and cavities and boosting oral health
Aiding weight loss
Thrush
Jet Lag
Glaucoma
Laxative properties
Skin healing
Earache
Treating stomach ulcers
Rectal Itching (pruritus ani)
Relieving stress and anxiety
Lowering cholesterol (mainly owing to the Amla content of the formulation)
Treating eye diseases
Shingles
Obesity
Nasal Crust
Flatulence
Fatigue
Vaginal Yeast Infections
Preventing and treating Brittle Nails

Triphala Dosage

Tablets: 1-2 tablets twice a day
Capsules: 1-2 capsules twice a day
Powder: 1/2 – 2 teaspoon once or twice a day
Juice: 2-3 teaspoons once or twice a day.

Triphala Side-effects and Warnings

Common side-effects: Higher dosages can cause diarrhea, bloating and stomach upsets
Not so common side-effects: Not Known.
Pregnant and nursing mothers: Not for use during pregnancy or lactation without consulting the doctor
Children: Not Known.

Where to Buy Triphala in US?

Suhaga (Borax)

Apr 10, 2021 by Avi Kumar Leave a Comment

Suhaga Scientific Name

Sodium tetraborate decahydrate

Suhaga Other Names

English: Borax
Hindi: Tankana
Sanskrit: Tanaka

What is Suhaga?

Suhaga aka Tankana in Sanskrit and Borax in English is a natural mineral compound form of sodium borate. It is obtained naturally from sediment deposits, salt lakes, beaches etc. It is usually found in a well crystalline form and is used in Ayurveda for various therapeutic properties.

It is identified as miracle mineral because of its water softening properties. It is widely used in natural cleaning solutions and hand soaps. It is used as natural food additive in certain cuisines to impart firm rubbery texture. It is an excellent remedy to treat medical conditions like arthritis and more.

Common forms of Suhaga

Powder, Crystal

Suhaga is commonly used for:

Treating cold and cough
Curing bloating
Treating menstrual disorders like Amenorrhea and Oligomenorrhea
Treating urinary tract infections
Preventing dandruff
Treating skin warts and skin infections
Preventing and managing Arthritis

Suhaga Dosage

Powder: 1/2 teaspoon of Suddh Suhaga for external use and 1-2 pinch for internal use

Suhaga Side-effects and Warnings

Common side-effects: Borax may injure male reproductive system and affect sperm quality and quantity.
Not so common side-effects: Not Known.
Pregnant or Nursing Mothers: Avoid during pregnancy as it has been linked to birth defects.
Children: Not Known.
Warning:
The acute and excess intake of 2 to 20 grams of borax orally is found to cause symptoms like nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, depression, and muscle spasm.