Archives for May 2021

Gotu Kola

Gotu Kola Scientific Name

Centella asiatica

Gotu Kola Other Names

English: Cella, Goyu cola, Goyu kola, Indian pennywort, Marsh pennywort, Pennyweed, Sheeprotm, Spadeleaf
Spanish: Hierba de clavo, Sombrerito
French: Écuelle d’eau, fausse violette, Hydroctyle asiatique
Chinese: Ji xue cao

What is Gotu Kola?

Gotu Kola is an herb that is commonly used in Traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine. The part of the Gotu Kola plant that is above-ground is used to make medicine. Gotu Kola has also been known to aid burns and help to increase circulation, but it could lead to varicose veins if used excessively. Additionally, Gotu Kola is used to minimize the visibility of scars, stretch marks, and many other conditions but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Common forms of Gotu Kola

Powder, liquid extract, capsules

Gotu Kola is commonly used for:

  • Boosting cognitive function
  • Cellulite
  • Hangover (Veisalgia)
  • Treating Alzheimer’s disease
  • Reducing anxiety and stress
  • Acting as an antidepressant
  • Improving circulation and reducing swelling
  • Easing insomnia
  • Reducing the appearance of stretch marks
  • Promoting wound healing and minimize scarring
  • Realing joint pain
  • Creating detox effect
  • Poor Circulation
  • Varicose Veins

Gotu Kola Dosage

Extract: 60mg orally two to three times daily
Dried leaves: 600mg orally three times daily
Tea: 1 cup orally three times daily; 600 mg dried leaves/150 ml water

Gotu Kola Side-effects and Warnings

Common side-effects: If you have liver disease, it is best to avoid gotu kola supplements to prevent further injury or damage.
Not so common side-effects: Not known.
Pregnant or Nursing Mothers: Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Children: Not known.
Warnings:
Do not use Gotu Kola if you are pregnant, are breastfeeding, have hepatitis or other liver disease, have a scheduled surgery within the next two weeks, are under 18 years of age, or have a history of skin cancer. Gotu Kola contains chemicals that appear to decrease inflammation; therefore, decrease the blood pressure in veins. Gotu Kola also seems to increase collagen production, which can be important for wound healing. Gotu Kola may cause itchiness and redness.
When taken by mouth: Gotu Kola is mostly safe for most people when taken by mouth for up to 12 months. It can cause nausea and stomach pain. Rarely, gotu kola may also cause liver problems if taken by mouth.
When applied to the skin: Gotu Kola is mostly safe for most people when applied to skin for up to 10 weeks.

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Khadira

Khadira Scientific Name

Senegalia catechu

Khadira Other Names

English: Cutch tree
Hindi: Khair
Sanskit: Raktasar, Ranjana, Rogakashtha, Suranga, Surangada, Gaayatri
Unani: Safed katha

What is Khadira?

Khadira, commonly known as Kattha, is a tree that is known to have unique healing attributes that are anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial. Khadira is used in a variety of medical treatments to combat skin disorders. Additionally, Khadira helps hair strength and acts as a natural hair dye. By regularly applying Khadira on hair, there can be an increase in volume and shine on hair.

Common forms of Khadira

Powder, Capsule, Tablet

Khadira is commonly used for:

  • Decreasing the effects of Osteoarthritis
  • Decreasing the symptoms from
  • Diarrhea
  • Reducing bleeding and swelling
  • Decreasing the symptoms from Piles
  • Treating skin disorders
  • Treating wound infections
  • Treating effects of obesity

Khadira Dosage

Powder: 1 to 2g twice a day or as prescribed.
Decoction: 500mg to 1g per day or as prescribed.
Capsule: 1 capsule twice a day or as prescribed.
Tablet: 1 tablet twice a day or as prescribed.

Khadira Side-effects and Warnings

Common side-effects: Khadira may cause allergic reactions in some people.
Not so common side-effects: Not known.
Pregnant or Nursing Mothers: Due to lack of scientific testing, avoid Khadira during pregnancy.
Children: Not known.
Warning:
Khadira may interfere with blood pressure control during and after surgery, so it must be avoided 2 weeks prior surgery. Additionally, Khadira may show moderate interaction with blood-pressure-lowering drugs. So, it is advisable to use Khadi as per physician’s advice. Next, Khadira may cause harm to the liver in certain people so it is advisable to avoid or consult a physician before use. Lastly, low blood pressure may occur, diabetic patients should avoid or consult a physician before taking Khadira.

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Goosefoot

Goosefoot Scientific Name

Chenopodium californicum

Goosefoot Other Names

English: Lamb’s Quarters
Hindi: Bathuwa, Bathua
Sanskrit: Vastukah

What is Goosefoot?

Goosefoot, also referred to as Chenopodium, is a range of weedy plants that are often rank-smelling. Many of the Goosefoots have leaves that appear as the foot of a goose, hence where it received its name. Goosefoot leaves and flowers can be eaten raw or cooked; however, it is advised by various health professionals to consume it cooked. Raw leaves should be eaten in only small quantities; however, seeds can be roasted and eaten.

Common forms of Goosefoot

Seeds, leaves, shoots, and flowers

Goosefoot is commonly used for:

  • Repairing cell
  • Relieving constipation
  • Aiding weight loss
  • Purifying blood
  • Promoting healthy hair and eyes
  • Helping dental health

Goosefoot Dosage

Natural products of Goosefoot are not always necessarily safe, therefore, dosage is key. Be sure to consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional prior to using.

Goosefoot Side-effects and Warnings

Common side-effects: If too many leaves are eaten it may lead to stomach problems or photosensitivity and rash on exposure to the sun.
Not so common side-effects: The plant has an antifertility effect.
Pregnant or Nursing Mothers: The seeds of the plant are abortifacient, which can cause abortion. Do not eat in pregnancy.
Children: Not known.
Warning:
It’s unsafe for anyone to take chenopodium oil because it contains poisonous chemicals, especially pregnant or breast-feeding women.
Chenopodium oil contains ascaridole, a toxic chemical which will irritate the skin, mouth, throat, and lining of the stomach and intestines. It could also cause vomiting, headache, dizziness, kidney and liver damage, temporary deafness, convulsions, paralysis, and death. Do not consume Goosefoot oil.

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Pathimukham

Pathimukham Scientific Name

Caesalpinia sappan

Pathimukham Other Names

English: Sappanwood, Sappan tree, Indian redwood
Hindi: Patang, Patrang, Bakam
Sanskrit: Raktasar, Ranjana, Rogakashtha, Suranga, Surangada
Unani: Pattang

What is Pathimukham?

As commonly found in India, the Pathimukham tree’s bark, heartwood, flower and roots are utilized in Ayurveda. Naturally red, the tree diffuses its color when boiled, thus releasing its red, thirst quenching, anti-oxidative, tonic and anti-bacterial properties. Pathimukham is also known to promote menstrual flow. Furthermore, Pathimukham’s antibacterial, anticoagulant, and antimicrobial abilities are known in Ayurveda. Pathimukham is also used to dye wine, meat, fabric, painting, cake and ink.

Common forms of Pathimukham

Dried leaves, Wood, Wood Powder, Bark, Stem

Pathimukham is commonly used for:

  • Healing chronic wounds
  • Cooling fevers
  • Improving kidney functions
  • Relieving itches, urticaria, and rashes
  • Decreasing jaundice and bile disorders
  • Decreasing herpes
  • Aiding thirst and urinary disorders due to diabetes
  • Giving relief from diarrhea
  • Fighting bacteria
  • Reducing inflammation
  • Purifying agent
  • Stimulating and increasing menstrual flow
  • Preventing liver damage
  • Maintaining female reproductive health

Pathimukham Dosage

Heart Wood decoction: 50-100ml
Wood Powder: 2g to 4g

Pathimukham Side-effects and Warnings

Common side-effects: Not known.
Not so common side-effects: Not known.
Pregnant or Nursing Mothers: It should not be used during pregnancy. In South Korea, Pathimukham is used for causing abortion.
Children: Not known.
Warning:
It must not be taken in excess because wood decoction is considered a powerful emmenagogue (an agent that promotes menstrual discharge).

Where to Buy Pathimukham in US?

Jamaican Sarsaparilla

Jamaican Sarsaparilla Scientific Name

Smilax ornata

Jamaican Sarsaparilla Other Names

English: Sarsaparilla, Red-Bearded sarsaparilla, Honduran sarsaparilla and Jamaican sarsaparilla
Spanish: Zarzaparrillash

What is Jamaican Sarsaparilla?

Jamaican Sarsaparilla is a vine in which the roots are used to create the medicine. The herb (groupings of vine roots) has a wide range of uses including treating skin disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, syphilis and leprosy. In food processing, Sarsaparilla is used to add flavor to foods, beverages, and pharmaceuticals.

Common forms of Jamaican Sarsaparilla

Leaves, Stem, Root

Jamaican Sarsaparilla is commonly used for:

  • Preventing tumor
  • Easing cough
  • Avoiding cold
  • Easing arthritis and swollen joints
  • Relieving itchy skin
  • Preventing toe fungus
  • Decreasing inflammation

Jamaican Sarsaparilla Dosage

Liquid Extract: 3-6ml of 1:2 liquid extract per day or as prescribed.
Tincture: 1-2ml tincture 3 times a day or as prescribed.
Root Powder: 1-4g dried root 3 times a day or as prescribed.

Jamaican Sarsaparilla Side-effects and Warnings

Common side-effects: Exposure to Sarsaparilla root dust can cause runny nose and the symptoms of asthma.
Not so common side-effects: Not known.
Pregnant or Nursing Mothers: Due to lack of scientific testing, avoid Sarsaparilla during pregnancy.
Children: Not known.
Warning:
If you have kidney problems, avoid taking Sarsaparilla because it can make your kidney disease worse.

Where to Buy Jamaican Sarsaparilla in US?

Spikenard (Jatamansi)

Spikenard Scientific Name

Nardostachys jatamansi

Spikenard Other Names

English: Spikenard
Hindi: Jatamansi
Sanskrit: Tapasvini, Vilomasa, Bhutajata, Jatamansi, Nalanda

What is Spikenard?

Spikenard, also known as “Tapaswani” in Ayurveda, is a dwarf, perennial, herbaceous, hairy, and endangered plant species. With thick roots and hairs, this aromatic herb has a cooling effect on the body. It works as a natural nervine tonic and memory enhancer by minimizing cell damage using its antioxidant property. It treats mental disorders like schizophrenia, epilepsy, stress, anxiety, depression and induces healthy sleep. Additionally, it also helps in treating skin problems because of its antifungal and antioxidant properties.

Common forms of Spikenard

Powder, Tablet, Capsule, Oil, Dried Rhizomes (underground stems)

Spikenard is commonly used for:

Spikenard Dosage

Powder: ¼ – ½ teaspoon (1 to 3 grams) or as prescribed.
Oil: 2-5 drops or as prescribed.
Tablet: 2-5 drops or as prescribed.
Capsule: 1-2 capsules twice a day or as prescribed.

Spikenard Side-effects and Warnings

Common side-effects: Excess intake can cause vomiting, twitching, abdominal pain, or purgation.
Not so common side-effects: Not known.
Pregnant or Nursing Mothers: It is advisable to avoid Spikenard or use only under medical supervision during pregnancy.
Children: Must be given under medical supervision.
Warning:
People with high blood pressure and females in menstruation should avoid this herb because Spikenard can increase blood flow.

Where to Buy Spikenard in US?