It is identified as miracle mineral because of its water softening properties. It is widely used in natural cleaning solutions and hand soaps. It is used as natural food additive in certain cuisines to impart firm rubbery texture. It is an excellent remedy to treat medical conditions like arthritis and more.

Common forms of Suhaga

Powder, Crystal

Suhaga is commonly used for:

Treating cold and cough
Curing bloating
Treating menstrual disorders like Amenorrhea and Oligomenorrhea
Treating urinary tract infections
Preventing dandruff
Treating skin warts and skin infections
Preventing and managing Arthritis

Suhaga Dosage

Powder: 1/2 teaspoon of Suddh Suhaga for external use and 1-2 pinch for internal use

Suhaga Side-effects and Warnings

Common side-effects: Borax may injure male reproductive system and affect sperm quality and quantity.
Not so common side-effects: Not Known.
Pregnant or Nursing Mothers: Avoid during pregnancy as it has been linked to birth defects.
Children: Not Known.
Warning:
The acute and excess intake of 2 to 20 grams of borax orally is found to cause symptoms like nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, depression, and muscle spasm.

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Lemongrass (Bhutrin)

Apr 10, 2021 by Chinmayi Kulkarni Leave a Comment

Lemongrass Scientific Name

Cymbopogon

Lemongrass Other Names

English: Lemon grass
French: Citronelle
Chinese: Xiang Mao
Hindi: Gandhatrina
Sanskrit: Bhutrin

What is Lemongrass?

Lemongrass or Bhutrin (in Sanskrit) is native to India, Sri lanka and South- East Asia. It is grown naturally in tropical grassland and is cultivated extensively throughout tropical Asia. This fragrant herb is widely used in Asian foods as a flavoring agent and also consists of many health benefits.

In Ayurveda, particularly, Lemongrass is found to maintain blood cholesterol levels by decreasing bad cholesterol. It has anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help in managing blood pressure levels. External application of Lemongrass oil is beneficial to provide relief from pain and swelling. Lemongrass decoction or tea with honey is found to ease nasal and chest congestion caused by cough and cold and relieves associated headache and fever.

Common forms of Lemongrass

Fresh stalks, Powder, Capsule, Oil and Tea

Lemongrass is commonly used for:

Managing high cholesterol
Colds and Flu
Managing hypertension
Managing Diabetes mellitus
Treating cough and cold
Treating rheumatoid arthritis
Reducing headache, swelling, and fungal infections

Lemongrass Dosage

Powder: ¼-½ teaspoon twice a day
Capsule: 1-2 capsule twice a day
Tea: 1 or 2 times a day
Oil: 2-5 drops a day or as prescribed by the doctor

Lemongrass Side-effects and Warnings

Common side-effects: Not Known.
Not so common side-effects: Not Known.
Pregnant Women: Recommended to consult physician before use or avoid as it is linked to menstrual bleeding and miscarriage.
Children: Not Known.

Where to Buy Lemongrass in US?

Check out the Recipes that use Lemongrass

Red Lentil Lemongrass Soup | Digestive Tea | Comforting Vegetable Soup| Medicinal Broth for Recovery

Javitri (Mace)

Apr 9, 2021 by Chinmayi Kulkarni Leave a Comment

Javitri Scientific Name

Myristica dactyloides

Javitri Other Names

English: Mace Spice
French: Fleur de muscade, Macis
German: Muskatblüte, Macis
Hindi: Javitri
Sanskrit: Jatisasya

What is Javitri?

Javitri also known as Mace is an evergreen tree native to Indonesia and is also widely grown in regions of India, China etc. It is the crimson red petal-like structure that grows on top of the Nutmeg seed. It is sun-dried and used in cooking. It is also known to be a rich commercial source of nutmeg butter, essential oil. Also, gives a bright orange and saffron color to the desserts and is used as a flavoring agent in dishes.

Javitri has common beneficial properties like Nutmeg. In Ayurveda, it is mainly used to boost immunity. It is a mood-enhancer and effective aphrodisiac that improves vigor. It acts as an appetizer and improves digestion and absorption of nutrients. Decoctions and formulations made from Javitri are used as cardiac tonic to promote healthy heart function. It is a natural detoxifier that makes skin heathy and shiny. Javitri also exhibits certain anti-bacterial properties that help in preventing and treating intestinal worms and other intestinal infections.

Common forms of Javitri

Whole, Powder

Javitri is commonly used for:

Balancing the blood sugar levels
Treating urinary tract infections
Clearing throat and reducing sputum
Relieving headache and joint pains.
Reliving depression.
Detoxifying kidneys and liver.
Promoting healthy appetite
Treating insomnia

Javitri Dosage

Powder: 250mg to 1gram, which is usually present in food amounts

Javitri Side-effects and Warnings

Common side-effects: Psychoactive effects can be seen if used in large quantities
Not so common side-effects: Not Known.
Pregnant and nursing mothers: Not Known.
Children: Not Known.

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Khus (Vetivar)

Apr 9, 2021 by Chinmayi Kulkarni Leave a Comment

Khus Scientific Name

Chrysopogon zizanioides

Khus Other Names

English: Khas Khas grass, Khus Khus grass, Vetiver
Spanish: Zacate Violeta, Pacholi
French: Chiendent orodant
Hindi: Khas, Usheer
Sanskrit: Ushira

What is Khus?

Khus also known as Vetiver is a perennial grass of the family Poaceae. Khus is native to tropical Asia and has been introduced into the tropics of both hemispheres. The plant is sometimes grown as a hedge and is useful in dryland restoration to reduce soil erosion. The incredibly soothing fragrance of the essential oil mainly obtained from roots, is mood-enhancing and widely used in Aroma therapy to relieve stress and anxiety. It is also a common ingredient in perfumes.

In the books of Ayurveda khus has many medicinal benefits as it helps to improve digestion owing to it’s high dietary fiber content. It is an anti-inflammatory and consuming Khus root decoction for a few days helps managing rheumatic pain and stiffness. It is also an anti-diabetic herb that increases insulin secretion and helps to manage Diabetes. The anti-oxidants in Khus are found to promote healthy skin and prevents acne and blemishes.

Khus has a cooling effect on body. Khus infused drinking water gives it an earthy taste of natural springs and it is recommended especially during extremely hot summers.

Common forms of Khus

Juice, Powder, Oil, Root-infusion

Khus is commonly used for:

Treating rheumatic pain
Curing insomnia
Relieving stress
Purifying blood
Curing digestive problem
Quenching thirst

Khus Dosage

Juice: 5-6 teaspoons twice a day.
Powder: ¼-1/2 teaspoon twice a day.
Oil: 2-5 drops or as per your requirement.

Khus Side-effects and Warnings

Common side-effects: Not Known.
Not so common side-effects: Not Known.
Pregnant and nursing mothers: Unsafe for pregnant mothers as it might cause miscarriage.
Children: Not Known.

Where to Buy Khus in US?

Fennel (Saunf)

Apr 9, 2021 by Avi Kumar Leave a Comment

Fennel Scientific Name

Foeniculum vulgare

Fennel Other Names

English: Fennel
French: Fenouil
German: Fenchel
Spanish: Hinojo
Latin: faeniculi
Hindi: Saumph, Saunf
Sanskrit: Shatapushpa

What is Fennel?

Fennel is obtained from the flowering plant species in the carrot family and consist of hardy, perennial herb with yellow flowers and feathery leaves. All parts of this plant including the bulb, stalk, leaves, seeds are edible and are used to add flavor in foods. Flavor of Fennel leaves is much similar to Dill.

The vitamin and mineral content in fennel like phosphate and calcium are important in bone structure; Iron and Zinc are critical for the production and maturation of collagen; Manganese is present for the formation of bone matrix. Fennel also consist of Vitamin A which helps improving the calcium absorption and may reduce the excretion of calcium in urine.

In Ayurveda, fennel is used for it’s estrogenic properties that promotes menstruation, healthy libido and milk secretion (in nursing mothers). It has Hepatoprotective (prevents liver damage), anti-oxidant and anti-bacterial properties (against Helicobacter pylori) that prevents gastro-intestinal disorders and infections.

Common forms of Fennel

Dry seeds, Powder, Capsule, Tea & infused water

Fennel is commonly used for:

Anger and Hostility
Acidity and Heartburn
Food Allergies
Breastfeeding Problems
Promoting heart health
Colds and Flu
Cancer-fighting properties
Reducing inflammation
Boosting mental health
Eye Irritation
Overeating
Reducing the risk of upper respiratory tract infections
Easing cramping during diarrhea/dysentry or mild stomach upsets
Easing the cramping pain during menstruation (in some cases)
Flatulence
Fever
Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Fennel Dosage

Seeds: ¼ to ½ teaspoon twice a day
Powder: ¼ to ½ teaspoon twice a day
Capsules: 1 to 2 capsule twice a day

Fennel Side-effects and Warnings

Common side-effects: Excessive consumption may cause difficulty breathing, tightness of chest/throat, chest pain, mild increase in menstrual flow.
Not so common side-effects: Over- consumption of Fennel might cause a seizure.
Pregnant and nursing mothers: Avoid using fennel preparations other than fennel honey and fennel seed infusions during pregnancy.
Children: Recommended to use only fennel honey.

Where to Buy Fennel in US?

Check out the Recipes that use Fennel Seed

Gotu Kola Pesto

Castor

Apr 8, 2021 by Avi Kumar Leave a Comment

Castor Scientific Name

Ricinus communis

Castor Other Names

English: Castor, African Coffee tree, Arandi
Chinese: Pee-Ma
Persian: Ved Anjir
Hindi: Erand, Redi
Sanskrit: Eraṇḍaka

What is Castor?

Castor plant also known as Ricinus is a quick growing evergreen tree. It grows up to a height of 5 meter and width of 4.5 meter. Its leaves are shinny green to purplish in color. In Ayurveda, it mostly used in form of oil, obtained from the Castor seed.

Castor oil has anti aging and rejuvenating properties. Seeds of Castor can be toxic and oil is obtained from the seeds only after fermentation in coconut water, followed by washing and drying to get get them ready for medicinal use. It is known to be the best remedy to cure tooth ailments and constipation. Also, Castor seed oil is very effective in treatment of rheumatism.

Common forms of Castor

Root, Leave, Fruit, Seed, Oil

Castor is commonly used for:

Anti aging, rejuvenative properties
Improving memory, retention
Improving digestion
Treating low backache
Treating gas, bloating and moderate to severe constipation
Improve low back stiffness
Glowing skin
Rheumatism
Rectal Bleeding (hematochezia)
Varicose Veins

Castor Dosage

Seed OIl: 3-5 Drops
Powder: 1-3 gram

Castor Side-effects and Warnings

Common side-effects: Castor oil can cause diarrhea, dysentery, stomach cramps and vomiting due to its purgative nature.
Not so common side-effects: Not known.
Pregnant and nursing mothers: Not Known but avoid using without medical supervision.
Children: Not known.

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