Archives for May 2021

Vidarikanda (Pueraria tuberosa)

Vidarikanda Scientific Name

Pueraria tuberosa

Vidarikanda Other Names

English: Indian Kudzu or Indian Kudju
Hindi: Vidarikand, Bidari Kand, Bidhari Kand
Sanskrit: Swadukanda, Ikshugandha, Kandapalaash, Bhumikushmaand

What is Vidarikanda?

Vidarikanda is an Ayurvedic herb with a wide variety of positive effects. For one, it strengthens heart muscles, allowing for the user to exercise more often. Next, it works as an immunity booster, defending the body against a wide variety of diseases. Vidarikanda works as a remedy for infertility, promoting healthy and increased semen production. It also acts as a galactogogue, which helps to improve milk production in breastfeeding mothers. It is also used to manage chest pain, rheumatism, and fever.

Common forms of Vidarikanda

Powder, Capsule, Tablet

Vidarikanda is commonly used for:

  • Controlling Alcohol addiction
  • Managing Coronary heart disease
  • Managing Diabetes mellitus (Type 1 & Type 2)
  • Treating diabetic retinopathy and kidney disease
  • Improving Athletic performance
  • Managing high blood pressure
  • Gaining healthy weight
  • Improving voice quality
  • Increasing production of breast milk in lactating mothers
  • Improving digestion in children
  • Osteoporosis

Vidarikanda Dosage

Powder: ½ – 1 teaspoon or as per your requirement.
Capsule: 1 capsule twice a day or as per your requirement.
Tablet : 1 tablet twice a day or as per your requirement.

Vidarikanda Side-effects and Warnings

Common side-effects: Vidarikanda might cause allergic reactions, headaches, fever, dizziness.
Not so common side-effects: Not known.
Pregnant or Nursing Mothers: Since not enough scientific evidence is available, it is advisable to avoid or consult a physician before taking Vidarikanda.
Children: Not known.
Warning:
Vidarikand may interfere with blood sugar levels during, before, and after surgery, so take it 14 days before surgery. Taking Vidarikand along with birth control pills might lower the effect, so consult a physician before taking Vidarikand with birth control pills. Vidarikand may lower blood sugar levels, so monitor your blood sugar level while taking it. If you have a liver disease, consult a doctor before taking Vidarikand because it may cause liver damage or worsen conditions like hepatitis. Vidarikand may interact with cardiovascular drugs, so consult your doctor before taking Vidarikand with cardiovascular drugs.

Where to Buy Vidarikanda in US?

Vijaysar (Pterocarpus marsupium)

Vijaysar Scientific Name

Pterocarpus marsupium

Vijaysar Other Names

English: Indian Kino Tree, Malabar Kindo Tree
Hindi: Vijayasara, Vijaysar, Beejasaar, Beejsar, Bij Sar
Sanskrit: Asana, Beejaka, Peetshalak

What is Vijaysar?

Vijaysar is widely known as the Rasayana (Rejuvenating) herb in Ayurveda. Vijaysar’s bark is highly regarded in Ayurveda for managing diabetes, in fact, it is known as “The miracle cure for Diabetes.” It works to regulate blood sugar levels by preventing damage to pancreatic cells and promoting insulin secretion. It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity. It is an age-old practice to regulate blood sugar levels by drinking water kept overnight in a tumbler (glass) made of Vijaysar wood. Lastly, it works to maintain a healthy heart by decreasing the number of fatty acids and bad cholesterol. It also aids in weight-loss.

Common forms of Vijaysar

Powder, Capsule, Juice, Paste

Vijaysar is commonly used for:

  • Controlling Diabetes
  • Reducing excessive body fat
  • Improving Digestion
  • Controlling bleeding disorders
  • Treating gastrointestinal disorders
  • Decreasing premature greying of hair
  • Treating inflammation and swelling
  • Healing wounds
  • Relieving the pain from a toothache

Vijaysar Dosage

Powder: ¼-½ teaspoon twice a day.
Capsule: 1-2 capsules twice a day.
Juice: 1-2 teaspoons or as prescribed.
Paste: ¼-½ teaspoon or as prescribed.

Vijaysar Side-effects and Warnings

Common side-effects: Not known.
Not so common side-effects: Not known.
Pregnant or Nursing Mothers: Consult your doctor before taking Vijaysar during pregnancy.
Children: Not known.
Warning:
Use Vijaysar in small amounts if you have constipation. Vijaysar may interfere with blood sugar levels, so monitor your blood sugar level while taking Vijaysar along with antidiabetic medicines.

Where to Buy Vijaysar in US?

Ativisha (Aconitum heterophyllum)

Ativisha Scientific Name

Aconitum heterophyllum

Ativisha Other Names

English: Indian Atees
Hindi: Atis, Atees
Sanskrit: Atibisha, Kashmeera, Shuklakanda, Bhangura,Vishva, Shuklakanda, Shrungi.

What is Ativisha?

Ativisha, also known as Atis or Atees, helps to maintain a healthy digestive system because of its ability to prevent the formation of gas. Ativisha is most effective in treating digestive problems in children. It is also helpful in addressing diarrhea as it inhibits the growth of pathogenic microorganisms owing to its antibacterial activity. Ativisha might also aid in weight loss as it lowers the levels of triglycerides and increases levels of HDL- cholesterol (“good cholesterol”). As per Ayurveda, it helps to manage the symptoms of diabetes due to its Tikta (bitter) and Kapha balancing properties.

Common forms of Ativisha

Powder, Oil

Ativisha is commonly used for:

  • Aiding indigestion
  • Relieving the feeling of Nausea
  • Combating Diarrhea
  • Dealing the symptoms of Piles
  • Relieving Arthritic Pain
  • Treating Viral fever, Dysentery
  • Detoxifying Body

Ativisha Dosage

Powder for Adult: 1-3g per day
Powder for Children: In divided doses, 1g per day
Oil: 1-2 teaspoons

Ativisha Side-effects and Warnings

Common side-effects:
1. Nausea
2. Weakness or inability to move
3. Dryness of mouth
4. Sweating
5. Tremors
6. Breathing problems
7. Heart problems
Not so common side-effects: Not known.
Pregnant or Nursing Mothers: Not known. Avoid it or consult a physician before taking Ativisha during pregnancy.
Children: Not known.
Warning:
Since not enough scientific evidence is available, it is advisable to avoid or consult a physician before taking Ativisha in people with heart-related disorders or diabetes.

Where to Buy Ativisha in US?

Hamsapadi (Adiantum Philippense)

Hamsapadi Scientific Name

Adiantum philippense

Hamsapadi Other Names


English:
Walking Fern, Maiden Hair
Hindi: Hamasapadi, Samalapatti, Hansaraj, Hanspadi, Hansapadi
Sanskrit: Hamspadi

What is Hamsapadi?

Hamsapadi, also known as Hansraj is an important Ayurvedic herb and can relieve poisonous affections, burns, and skin diseases (including leprosy) when applied externally. It is also included in several important compound preparations and formulations. Additionally, the fronds, when made into a plaster, can be applied to chronic gouty and to chronic tumors and other swellings to help relieve them. Hamsapadi juice promotes healing of wounds and abscesses. Burnt with oil, the fronds are used as an application to soothe itches.

Common forms of Hamsapadi

Powder, Juice

Hamsapadi is commonly used for:

  • Applying paste aids herpes and wounds
  • Reducing consequences of scorpion or spider bite (20-25ml of fresh juice)
  • Treating diarrhea (take with 3-5g with buttermilk)
  • Reducing fever
  • Purifying blood
  • Reducing ulcer
  • Decreasing inflammation
  • Stopping cough
  • Treating throat disorders

Hamsapadi Dosage

Powder: 1-3g or as prescribed.
Juice: 10-20ml or as prescribed.

Hamsapadi Side-effects and Warnings

Common side-effects: Overdose can induce gastric irritation. Use Hamsapadi under medical supervision.
Not so common side-effects: Not known.
Pregnant or Nursing Mothers: Not known.
Children: Not known.
Warning:
Do not take Hamsapadi without talking to your doctor first.

Where to Buy Hamsapadi in US?

Daruharidra (Berberis aristata)

Daruharidra Scientific Name

Berberis aristata

Daruharidra Other Names

English: Indian beriberi
Hindi: Daru haldi, Darhald
Sanskrit: Darunisha, Peeta, Daruharidra, Darvi, Peetadru, Hemakanti
Tamil: Mara manjal

What is Daruharidra?

Daruharidra, also known as “Indian barberry” or “Tree Turmeric,” has been part of the Ayurvedic medicine system for a long time. The fruit and stem are edible and a rich source of vitamin C. Daruharidra is mainly beneficial for skin problems such as psoriasis or inflammation because of its anti-psoriatic and anti-inflammatory ability. By preventing the growth of acne-causing bacteria, it works to manage acne and reduce inflammation. It maintains the level of liver enzymes, therefore protecting the liver and preventing liver disorders. Applying Daruharidra paste mixed with rose water and honey to a burn, speeds up the healing process. Because of its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective activities, it also protects the liver cells against damage caused by free radicals. Finally, Daruharidra works to aid symptoms that occur with Diarrhea and Malaria.

Common forms of Daruharidra

Churna (powder), Capsule, Tablet

Daruharidra is commonly used for:

  • Dealing with symptoms of Diarrhea
  • Recovering from Skin Burns
  • Treating Inflammatory Bowel Disease
  • Aiding Urinary Disorders
  • Treating Eye Disease
  • Soothing Acne
  • Shingles
  • Promoting wound healing

Daruharidra Dosage

Leaves Churna: ¼ – ½ teaspoon twice a day.
Capsule: 1-2 capsules twice a day.
Tablet: 1-2 capsules twice a day.

Daruharidra Side-effects and Warnings

Common side-effects: Consult your doctor before taking Daruharidra if you have hyperacidity and gastritis due to its Ushna (hot) potency.
Not so common side-effects: Not Known.
Pregnant or Nursing Mothers: Consult your doctor before taking Daruharidra during pregnancy.
Children: Not Known.
Warning:
Not Known.

Where to Buy Daruharidra in US?

Lemon Verbena (Nimbuka)

Lemon Verbena Scientific Name

Aloysia citrodora

Lemon Verbena Other Names

English: Lemon-scented verbena
French: Verveine citronnelle, Verveine odorante
German: Zitronenverbene
Spanish: Cedron, Hierbaluisa
Sanskrit: Nimbuka

What is Lemon Verbena?

Lemon Verbena can be seen in nature as a white flower. It is commonly used in cooking especially in jams, beverages and other such food items. Lemon Verbena is mostly used by deriving essential oil from the plant; however, the herb is known to have numerous health advantages. It is known to have antispasmodic properties and is used for digestive disorders such as gas or diarrhea, multiple sclerosis (MS), muscle damage caused by exercise, insomnia, and other conditions.

Common forms of Lemon Verbena

Leaves, Oil

Lemon Verbena is commonly used for:

  • Losing weight
  • Strengthening Muscles
  • Reducing inflammation
  • Maintaining a strong immune system
  • Curing digestive issues
  • Reducing levels of stress and anxiety
  • Reducing symptoms of a fever
  • Boosting Immunity
  • Aiding Digestion

Lemon Verbena Dosage

Leaves Tea: Use ½ -1 teaspoon of dried leaves per person, per cup of boiling water.

Lemon Verbena Side-effects and Warnings

Common side-effects: Lemon Verbena can cause skin irritation (dermatitis) in some people. Contact with lemon verbena may cause red, itchy skin rash in some people.
Not so common side-effects: Not known.
Pregnant or Nursing Mothers: Pregnant or breastfeeding women should not take lemon verbena.
Children: Not known.
Warning:
Large amounts of lemon verbena may irritate the kidneys and make kidney disease worse. Avoid using large amounts if you have kidney problems.

Where to Buy Lemon Verbena in US?