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Kakatundi

Kakatundi Scientific Name

Asclepias curassavica

Kakatundi Other Names

English: Mexican Butterfly Weed, Scarlet Milkweed, Bloodflower, Silkweed
Hindi: Kakatundi
Mizo: Ding-di
Manipuri: Krishnachura
Marathi: Pivla Chitrak

What is Kakatundi?

Katatundi is commonly known in the US as Mexican Butterfly Weed because some butterflies use it as a food source. As a decorative plant, Katatundi is distinguishably red and yellow. Kakatundi works well as a laxative, expectorant and emetic which is then used for the treatment of various health conditions like fever, warts, and to induce vomiting. Additionally, the Katundi root is used to stop bleeding and treat ringworms.

Common forms of Kakatundi

Flower, Leaf, Roots, Seeds

Kakatundi is commonly used for:

  • Treating fever
  • Inducing vomiting
  • Treating stomach tumors
  • Treating piles
  • Treating intestinal parasites
  • Treating ringworm
  • Curing hemorrhage
  • Curing constipation
  • Treating kidney stones
  • Treating asthma

Kakatundi Dosage

Due to a lack of scientific research, there is no clear dosage for Katatundi.

Kakatundi Side-effects and Warnings

Common side-effects: Not known.
Not so common side-effects: Not known.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Not known.
Children: Not known.

Warning:
Not known.

Where to Buy Kakatundi in the US?

Ishwari (Gandhnakuli)

Ishwari Scientific Name

Aristolochia indica

Ishwari Other Names

English: Indian Birthwort, Snake Root
Latin: Aristolochia indica Linn
Hindi: Hooka Bel, Isharmul, Isarmul
Arabic: Zaravande

What is Ishwari?

Ishwari, scientifically known as Aristolochia indica, is a herb that is commonly used to induce vomiting. It also works to treat menstrual irregularities, ulcers, dropsy, low appetite, poisons, swelling, fever, and intestinal parasites. The roots of the Ishwari plant are used to treat snake bites, scorpion stings, and bites of poisonous insects. Additionally, Ishwari has abortifacient, anti-spermatogenic, and antifertility properties. The leaves are applied externally to combat various skin diseases.

Common forms of Ishwari

Root, Leaf, Seeds

Ishwari is commonly used for:

  • Treating poison
  • Reducing swelling
  • Destroying pregnancy
  • Treating indigestion and upset stomach
  • Treating asthma, cold, and cough
  • Treating worm infestation

Ishwari Dosage

Root Powder: 1-3g or as prescribed.
Leaf Juice: 5-10ml or as prescribed.

Ishwari Side-effects and Warnings

Common side-effects: Not known.
Not so common side-effects: Not known.
Pregnant or Nursing Mothers: Ishwari is known to destroy pregnancy.
Children: Not known.

Warning:
Excess intake of the leaves or of the root may lead to abdominal cramps, vomiting, and nausea.

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Bidhara (Bradhdaruk)

Bidhara Scientific Name

Argyreia speciosa (Argyreia nerbosa)

Bidhara Other Names

English: Elephant Creeper, Hawaiian Baby Woodrose, Woolly Morning Glory
Latin: Argyreia Speciosa Sweet
Sanskrit: Vidhara

What is Bidhara?

Bidhara, scientifically known as Argyreia nervosa, is a plant that is native Indian subcontinent. It can be found in Hawaii, Africa, and the Caribbean. Some of Bidhara’s other common names include Vidhara and Adhoguda. It is often used to treat leucorrhea, rheumatoid arthritis, oligospermia, general debility, diabetes, and swelling.

Common forms of Bidhara

Root, Seed Powder

Bidhara is commonly used for:

  • Developing cell and tissue rejuvenation (slowing the aging process)
  • Improving sperm quality and quantity
  • Increasing life expectancy
  • Increasing strength and immunity
  • Improving intelligence
  • Improving digestion strength
  • Improving voice tone and quality
  • Improving skin complexion
  • Inducing diarrhea and purgation
  • Relieving constipation

Bidhara Dosage

Root Powder: 3-6g or as prescribed.
Seed Powder: 1-2g or as prescribed.

Bidhara 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.

Warning:
Dried Bidhara (Bradhdaruk) seeds can cause inebriated conditions and hallucinations due to their intoxicating effects. The seeds are disallowed in various European countries.

Where to Buy Bidhara in the US?

Satyanashi

Satyanashi Scientific Name

Argemone mexicana

Satyanashi Other Names

English: Prickly Poppy, Mexican Poppy
Hindi: Pila-dhatura, Satyanashi
Telugu: Brahmdandidandu
Tamil: Karukkansedi
Sanskrit: Brahmadndi, Hemavati, Hemadugdha

What is Satyanashi?

Satyanashi, scientifically known as Argemone mexicana, is a plant that is native to Central America but can also be found across India. The plant commonly has a yellow flower (normally has 5 to 7 petals) and prickly leaves. The dizzying bowl within the flowers has small seeds that look like rye. In Ayurveda, Satyanashi has antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. Additionally, Satyanashi works to treat constipation because of its purgative properties.

Common forms of Satyanashi

Roots, Seed, Powder, Oil

Satyanashi is commonly used for:

  • Treating leprosy and gonorrhea
  • Treating eye inflammation, redness, and puffy eyes
  • Treating cough
  • Developing infertility
  • Treating stomach disorders and dysentery
  • Controlling burning sensation during urination
  • Treating kidney stones and malaria

Satyanashi Dosage

Root powder: 1-3g
Latex: 5-10 drops
Fresh Juice extract: 5-10ml
Oil: 10-30 drops

Satyanashi Side-effects and Warnings

Common side-effects: Diarrhea and abdominal pain.
Not so common side-effects: Not known.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Children: Not suitable for children.

Warning:
Not known.

Where to Buy Satyanashi in the US?

Babul

Babul Scientific Name

Vachellia nilotica

Babul Other Names

English: Gum Arabic Tree, Egyptian Acacia
Hindi: Babool, Keekar

What is Babul?

Babul is a plant native to the Indian subcontinent, the Middle East, and Africa. In Ayurveda, Babul is primarily used to treat diseases that affect oral health. It strengthens gums and teeth because of its astringent properties. Additionally, it is effective in treating intestinal fluctuation and diarrhea. It also works to treat joint pain, sore throat, colds, colds and many other diseases.

Common forms of Babul

Churna, Capsule, Gum

Babul is commonly used for:

  • Maintaining oral health
  • Treating diarrhea and loose stools
  • Treating leucorrhea
  • Treating cough and cold
  • Treating arthritis
  • Controlling bleeding from fresh wounds
  • Treating intestinal worms
  • Treating skin diseases

Babul Dosage

Churna: ¼ -½ teaspoon twice a day.
Capsule: 1-2 capsules twice a day.
Gum: ¼ – ½ teaspoon once a day.

Babul Side-effects and Warnings

Common side-effects: Stomach gas, bloating nausea, and loose stools.
Not so common side-effects: Not known.
Pregnant or Nursing Mothers: Avoid taking Babul during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Children: Not known.

Warning:
Do not take Babul if you have constipation or suffer from any respiratory disorder.

Where to Buy Babul in the US?

Sultana

Sultana Scientific Name

Vitis vinifera ‘Thompson Seedless’

Sultana Other Names

English: Golden Raisins
Hindi: Sultana Kismis

What is Sultana?

Sultana, commonly known as the golden raisin in the US, are light green and color and look like grapes. Similar to grapes, Sultana are sold in both fruit and dried raisin form. It is a soft and sweet fruit that dries quicker than other types of raisins which is why it is so sweet. Sultana, like many other raisins, have a variety of health benefits. It works to lower your blood sugar, decrease inflammation, improve your blood sugar, and support your digestive system.

Common forms of Sultana

Raisin

Sultana is commonly used for:

  • Relieving constipation
  • Lowering blood pressure
  • Strengthening bones
  • Managing weight
  • Maintaining a healthy heart
  • Preventing anemia
  • Preventing gastric cancer

Sultana Dosage

Raisins: 30g throughout the day (in divided portions).

Sultana Side-effects and Warnings

Common side-effects: Eating an excessive amount may lead to higher blood sugar.
Not so common side-effects: May cause an increase in weight.
Pregnant or Nursing Mothers: Not known.
Children: Not known.

Warning:
If you suffer from high blood pressure, do not consume too much Sultana.

Where to Buy Sultana in the US?