Asclepias curassavica
English: Mexican Butterfly Weed, Scarlet Milkweed, Bloodflower, Silkweed
Hindi: Kakatundi
Mizo: Ding-di
Manipuri: Krishnachura
Marathi: Pivla Chitrak
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.
Flower, Leaf, Roots, Seeds
Due to a lack of scientific research, there is no clear dosage for Katatundi.
Common side-effects: Not known.
Not so common side-effects: Not known.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Not known.
Children: Not known.
Warning:
Not known.
Aristolochia indica
English: Indian Birthwort, Snake Root
Latin: Aristolochia indica Linn
Hindi: Hooka Bel, Isharmul, Isarmul
Arabic: Zaravande
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.
Root Powder: 1-3g or as prescribed.
Leaf Juice: 5-10ml or as prescribed.
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.
Argyreia speciosa (Argyreia nerbosa)
English: Elephant Creeper, Hawaiian Baby Woodrose, Woolly Morning Glory
Latin: Argyreia Speciosa Sweet
Sanskrit: Vidhara
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.
Root, Seed Powder
Root Powder: 3-6g or as prescribed.
Seed Powder: 1-2g or as prescribed.
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.
English: Prickly Poppy, Mexican Poppy
Hindi: Pila-dhatura, Satyanashi
Telugu: Brahmdandidandu
Tamil: Karukkansedi
Sanskrit: Brahmadndi, Hemavati, Hemadugdha
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.
Root powder: 1-3g
Latex: 5-10 drops
Fresh Juice extract: 5-10ml
Oil: 10-30 drops
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.
Vachellia nilotica
English: Gum Arabic Tree, Egyptian Acacia
Hindi: Babool, Keekar
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.
Churna, Capsule, Gum
Churna: ¼ -½ teaspoon twice a day.
Capsule: 1-2 capsules twice a day.
Gum: ¼ – ½ teaspoon once a day.
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.
Vitis vinifera ‘Thompson Seedless’
English: Golden Raisins
Hindi: Sultana Kismis
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.
Raisin
Raisins: 30g throughout the day (in divided portions).
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.