Common side-effects: Not known
Not so common side-effects: Not known
Pregnant or Nursing Mothers: Not enough conclusive scientific data, but use only under medical supervision.
Children: Not Known
Warning:
Nagkesar is heat-producing or Ushna and can cause skin rashes if applied undiluted. Hence always use after diluting in coconut oil.

Where to Buy Nagkeshar in US?

Eucalyptus (Neelgiri)

Apr 21, 2021 by Chinmayi Kulkarni Leave a Comment

Eucalyptus Scientific Name

Eucalyptus globulus

Eucalyptus Other Names

English: Tasmanian blue-gum eucalyptus
Hindi: Neelgiri
Sanskrit: Tailapatra, Sugandhapatra

What is Eucalyptus?

Eucalyptus is a tall tree found mainly in India and Australia. It is a gum tree and has long leaves with smoky aroma and pungent taste. Essential oil, obtained from distillation of the leaves, contains aromatics called eucalyptol and alpha-terpineol. This oil has anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and widely used in mouthwash, rubs, skin care creams, shampoos and other beauty products.

In Ayurveda, eucalyptus oil is recommended to be added to warm bath water to help fight against skin infections. The oil has an expectorant property that relieves cough and nasal congestion by facilitating liquefaction of mucus and clearing the airways. It also helps in fighting certain respiratory infections.

Common forms of Eucalyptus

Essential oil

Eucalyptus is commonly used for:

Treating and managing asthma
Colds and Flu
Treating inflammation of the airways caused in bronchitis
Relieving nasal congestion (blocked nose)
Removing dental plaque
Sinus Problems (Sinusitis)
Curing headache
Treating wound infection
Preventing acne
Relieving pain and swelling
Reducing cold and flu

Eucalyptus Dosage

Oil: 2-5 drops

Eucalyptus Side-effects and Warnings

Common side-effects: Application of undiluted eucalyptus oil can cause skin allergies
Not so common side-effects: Not Known.
Pregnant or Nursing Mothers: Not known but should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Children: Not Known.

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Sitopaladi Churna

Apr 20, 2021 by Chinmayi Kulkarni Leave a Comment

Sitopaladi Churna Other Names

Hindi: Sitopaladi churna

What is Sitopaladi Churna?

Sitopaladi Churna (powder) is considered to be one of the finest, safest and effective ayurvedic formulations for treating respiratory disorders, digestive troubles, allergic reactions and enhancing immunity. It is found to reinstate lung capacity and enhance pulmonary functioning. Common ingredients of this powder formulation are dried forms of cinnamon, cardamom, pepper, raw sugar (misri) and parts of bamboo tree. This powder is often prescribed in combination with honey.

This amazing immune-booster is an anti-inflammatory, helps in balancing kapha dosha, increases bio-availability of vital compounds and is packed with antioxidants.

Common forms of Sitopaladi Churna

Powder

Sitopaladi Churna is commonly used for:

Allergies
Maintaining respiratory health
Colds and Flu
Preventing allergies
Treating and managing asthma
Treating tonsillitis
Curing cough
Preventing and treating anemia
Treating inflammation
Improving digestion
Sinus Problems (Sinusitis)
Nasal Crust
Nightmares

Sitopaladi Churna Dosage

Adults: 1-2gm daily.
Children: 250-500 mg daily or as prescribed by the doctor.

Sitopaladi Churna Side-effects and Warnings

Common side-effects: Not known.
Not so common side-effects: Over-consumption on empty stomach can cause gastritis.
Pregnant and Nursing mothers: Not known, is generally considered safe.
Children: Not known, is generally considered safe

Warnings:
May have an effect on blood glucose levels. Consult the doctor if you are on diabetic medication.

Where to Buy Sitopaladi Churna in US?

Gulkand

Apr 20, 2021 by Chinmayi Kulkarni Leave a Comment

Gulkand Scientific Name

Rosa centifolia (rose species used to make gulkand)

Gulkand Other Names

English: Rose petal jam, Rose jam, Rose petal jelly
Hindi: Gulkand
Sanskrit: Atimanjula, Shatapatrika

What is Gulkand?

Gulkand is one of a kind delicious Ayurvedic formulation. It is a jam/sweet preserve made from rose petals and honey. It has been used as ayurvedic medicine since ancient times. Gulkand has a cooling and soothing effect on the body and is often recommended as a morning supplement with a glass of milk. It helps in preventing heat related disorders especially burning eyes/palms/soles, nosebleeds, tiredness, lethargy etc during severe summers. It aids in treating constipation associated with pregnancy, acidity, gastritis, peptic ulcers, indigestion, palpitation, dysmenorrhoea. Gulkand is inherently rich in Calcium and has antioxidant properties and has been found to be effective in treating stress, skin acne, body odor, and hypertension (not associated with diabetes).

Common forms of Gulkand

Paste or Jam

Gulkand is commonly used for:

Treating dysmenorrhea
Treating and preventing Constipation
Aiding digestion and reducing stomach burn
Improving skin complexion
Treating mouth ulcers
Controlling and preventing intestinal gas
Preventing burning eyes, palms and soles during summers

Gulkand Dosage

Paste: 1 teaspoon
Jam: 1 tsp in the morning with milk

Gulkand 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:
To be used by diabetic patients only after medical consultation.

Where to Buy Gulkand in US?

Karpur (Camphor)

Apr 19, 2021 by Avi Kumar Leave a Comment

Karpur Scientific Name

Cinnamomum camphora

Karpur Other Names

English: Camphore tree, Camphir Laurel
Hindi: Karpur, Karpuram
Chinese: Xiang-Zhang, Zhang-Shu
French: Camphrier, Camphre, Baume Anglais
German: KampferBaum
Italian: Canfora, Confora
Spanish: Alcanfor, Alcanforero
Swedish: Kamfertraed
Sanskrit: Karpura

What is Karpur?

Camphor also known as Karpur, is obtained from the wood of the Camphor plant. It is white crystalline substance which has a strong odor. It is sublime in nature and loses volume when exposed to air for a long time. According to Ayurveda, burning camphor in home kills the germs and purifies the hair. It acts as a natural insecticide.

Camphor is a rare herb. It is cooling in nature and helps to balance kapha dosha and helps in reducing fat and cholesterol level. It is one of a kind herb that has serious side-effects if consumed in excess and hence should be consumed under medical supervision only.

Common forms of Karpur

Powder, Granules, Oil, Tablets that sublime

Karpur is commonly used for:

Treating cough and congestion
Treating indigestion
Managing obesity and promoting weight loss
Reducing burning sensation of eyes and skin
Reducing thirst and dryness of mouth
Stimulating healthy pancreatic function that indirectly helps in managing diabetes

Karpur Dosage

Powder: 1 pinch once or twice daily
Oil: 5-10 drops
Granules: As prescribed by the doctor

Karpur Side-effects and Warnings

Common side-effects: Excessive intake or overdose is found to cause confusion, dizziness, restlessness, nausea, seizures etc.
Not so common side-effects: Not known.
Pregnant and Nursing Mothers: Avoid.
Children: Not known.
Warning:
Oral consumption can damage the liver or cause epilepsy and Parkinson’s disease.

Where to Buy Karpur in US?

Amchoor (Dry Mango Powder)

Apr 17, 2021 by Chinmayi Kulkarni Leave a Comment

Amchoor Scientific Name

Mangifera Indica

Amchoor Other Names

English: Dry Mango Powder, Ground Mango
Hindi: Amchur, Aamchoor
French: Poudre sèche la mangue
German: Mango pulver
Spanish: De mango polvo seco
Sanskrit: Aamra churna

What is Amchoor?

Amchoor or Dry Mango Powder is often used in Indian cooking to impart a tangy taste and flavor to foods.

Amchoor powder is known for it’s detoxifying property that is used to prevent and treat skin infections like acne and scurvy. It is found to enhance release of digestive enzymes and helps in preventing indigestion. It increases metabolism and promotes healthy appetite.

Common forms of Amchoor