Bhringraj belongs to a plant known as False Daisy. It is from the sunflower family and grows best in moist places like Thailand, India and Brazil. Bhringraj aka Kesharaj (means King of the Hair) as it promotes hair growth and prevents greying. It is also used in Ayurveda for its protein, vitamin and antioxidant content that protects the body against many infections.

Due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, Bhringraj powder is often used in managing cholesterol levels and preventing heart diseases. It also protects the liver cells against damage caused by free radicals. Bhringraj has diuretic properties and consuming Bhringraj leaf powder is found to be helpful in managing urinary complications.

Common forms of Bhringraj

Juice, Powder, Capsule, Tablet, Oil

Bhringraj is commonly used for:

Anger and Hostility
Treating liver disorders
Curing indigestion
Boosting immunity
Treating and managing Diabetes
Anti-aging property
Overall hair care, preventing hair fall, split ends, greying etc.
Treating weak eyesight
Stress
Preventing and treating Baldness
Correcting and preventing dehydration
Treating toothache

Bhringraj Dosage

Oil: 3-5 Drop
Juice: 5-10 ml per day
Powder: 2-3 gram twice a day
Capsule: 1-2 twice a day
Tablet: 1-2 twice a day

Bhringraj Side-effects and Warnings

Common side-effects: High dosage can cause stomach problems
Not so common side-effects: Not known.
Pregnant and nursing mothers: Not known.
Children: Not known.

Where to Buy Bhringraj in US?

Manjistha (Indian Madder)

Apr 7, 2021 by Chinmayi Kulkarni Leave a Comment

Manjistha Scientific Name

Rubia cordifolia

Manjistha Other Names

English: Indian Madder
Hindi: Manjistha
Sanskrit: Manjista

What is Manjistha?

Manjistha or Indian madder is a root of the herb known for it’s incredible blood purification property and widely used in Ayurveda, especially for treating disorders associated with blood impurities. It helps in disintegrating the blockages in blood flow and removes sluggish blood. It promotes skin whitening when used externally on skin. It has an astringent property which helps in keeping the skin shiny and healthy. Washing eyes with decoction containing Manjistha reduces watery discharge through eyes.

Manjistha has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory property that prevents skin acne and rashes and reduces associated inflammation. It is also very useful in treating diarrhea, indigestion and maintaining healthy blood glucose levels.

Common forms of Manjistha

Powder, Oil, Tablets, Capsules

Manjistha is commonly used for:

Allergies
Conjunctivitis
Curative Cold Sores
Treating and preventing Acne problem
Improving skin and hair
Tendinitis
Fatigue
Treating psoriasis
Reducing the risk of kidney stones
Boosting immune system
Reducing the risk of urinary diseases like uterine bleeding, urinary discharge or stones
Treating epilepsy
Shingles
Edema
Nosebleed
Poor Circulation
Varicose Veins

Manjistha Dosage

Powder: ½ – 1 teaspoon or as per your requirement
Oil: 2-5 drops or as per your requirement
Capsule: 1-2 capsules twice a day
Tablet: 1-2 tablets twice a day

Manjistha Side-effects and Warnings

Common side-effects: Constipation, mainly in case of over-consumption.
Not so common side-effects: Urine and stool color might change into orange or brown.
Pregnant and nursing mothers: Avoid using without medical supervision.
Children: Not known.

Where to Buy Manjistha in US?

Stevia (Madhu Patra)

Apr 6, 2021 by Avi Kumar Leave a Comment

Stevia Scientific Name

Stevia rebaudiana

Stevia Other Names

English: Stevia
Hindi: Steviya, Metthi Patti
Sanskrit: Madhu Patra

What is Stevia?

Stevia is a member of chrysanthemum plant family. It is a natural sugar substitute made from the leaves of the stevia plant, also known as Stevia Rebaudiana and is native to South America. Stevia is well known for its medical benefits and is great for treating diabetes as it promotes insulin production.

It’s hepatoprotective property protects and maintains liver, thus making a better choice compared to artificial sweeteners. Stevia helps in tightening the skin and preventing wrinkles thus prolonging the signs of aging. Stevia leaf powder is used for cholesterol management as it helps lowering bad cholesterol and increases good cholesterol.

Common forms of Stevia

Leaves, Infusion, tablet, Oil, Powder

Stevia is commonly used for:

Managing hypertension
Preventing and treating Heart disease
Managing diabetes
Aiding weight loss
Curing liver disease
Preventing and managing kidney disease

Stevia Dosage

Leaves: ½ – 1 teaspoon, 1-2 times a day
Drop: 3-5 drops, 1-2 times a day
2-4 Tablets: 1-2 times a day

Stevia Side-effects and Warnings

Common side-effects: Bloating, nausea, Dizziness, Muscle pain.
Not so common side-effects: Numbness.
Pregnant and Nursing Mothers: Avoid use during pregnancy and breast-feeding.
Children: Not known.

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Alsi (Flax Seeds)

Apr 5, 2021 by Chinmayi Kulkarni Leave a Comment

Alsi Scientific Name

Linum usitatissimum

Alsi Other Names

English: Flaxseed, Flax, Linseed
Hindi: Tisi, Teesi, Alsi, Alasi, Javas
Sanskrit: Atasi, Alasi, Kshuma, Neela, Neempushpi

What is Alsi?

Alsi aka Flax seeds are grown as cash crop in different states of India and also in USA, Canada, Africa etc. There are 2 types of flax seeds identified in Ayurveda, brown and golden yellow.

It is a fatty seed and the essential oil is rich in Omega-3, Omega-6 and ALA fatty acids also known as “good fats” that helps to lower the levels of bad cholesterol. Additionally, Alsi is rich in dietary fiber, protein and minerals. According to Ayurveda, adding Alsi seeds in a regular diet enhances the digestion and benefits weight loss. It can be consumed in raw or roasted form. It’s seed oil is also a rich source of antioxidants which helps in scavenging the free radicals produced by oxidative stress, thus acting as a anti-carcinogenic agent. These properties of Flax seeds make them an important medicinal herb for maintaining cardiac health and preventing heart attack.

Common forms of Alsi

Oil, Powder, Capsules, Seeds

Alsi is commonly used for:

Preventing cancer
Promoting heart health
Regulating blood sugar
Anti-Inflammatory properties
Maintaining menopausal health
Stimulating digestive health
Managing weight
Lowering and maintaining cholesterol levels
Managing high blood pressure
Treating scaly, itchy skin and eczema

Alsi Dosage

Oil: 1-2 teaspoon once a day
Powder: ½ -1 teaspoon twice a day
Capsule: 1-2 capsules once or twice a day
Seeds: 1 tsp everyday

Alsi Side-effects and Warnings

Common side-effects: Alsi prevents blood clotting. Consult your doctor before taking theraputic dosage of Alsi if you are on blood-thinners.
Not so common side-effects: Not known.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Avoid using Flax seed as it can mimic the action of hormone estrogen and is considered unsafe.
Children: Not known.
Warning:
Can exhibit allergic reactions in some individuals.

Where to Buy Alsi in US?

Check out the Recipes that use Ceylon Cinnamon

Breakfast Flaxseed Pudding | Carrot Walnut Bread

Adoosa (Adulsa)

Apr 5, 2021 by Avi Kumar Leave a Comment

Adoosa Scientific Name

Justicia adhatoda

Adoosa Other Names

English: Malabar Nut
Hindi: Adosa, Arusha, Rus, Bansa, Adusa
French: Carmantine, Noix de Malabar
Latin: Adhatoda vasica Nees
Sanskrit: Vasaka, Adulsa, Arusak, Sinhaparni, Vansa, Adarushah, Vasa, Simhasya, Vrusha, Atarusa, Pra-madya

What is Adoosa?

Adoosa also known as Vasaka (Malabar Nut) is an ayurvedic herb that grows in the region of sub Himalaya. It is a tall herbaceous evergreen shrub with dense appearance due to its multiple branches growing in opposite sides.

In Ayurveda, it’s powder is used for various medicinal purposes and is effective in treating common cough and cold. Also, use of this herb is found to ease the breathlessness in patients suffering from asthma and bronchitis. Decoction of the vasaka herb have certain chemicals that dilate the breathing channels in lungs and ease congestion. Certain Chemicals in this tree act as anti-histamines and provide relief in cough and cold. Additionally, vasaka leaves are opulent in phytochemicals like alkaloids, tannins, saponins, flavonoids and phenolics.

Common forms of Adoosa

Powder, Tablet, Capsule, Liquid

Adoosa is commonly used for:

Suppressing coughing reflex
Lowering symptoms of Asthma
Antiviral properties
Curing sinusitis, bronchitis and other respiratory tract disorders
Providing relief to sore throat
Curing ulcers
Reducing joint pain
Treating uremia
Promoting healthy gut

Adoosa Dosage

Tablet: 1-2 tablets twice a day.
Capsule: 1-2 capsules twice a day.
Powder: ¼-½ teaspoon twice a day.
Liquid: 1Tb in hot water twice or thrice a day when suffering from cold/cough

Adoosa Side-effects and Warnings

Common side-effects: Heart palpitations, mental/mood changes (such as confusion, hallucinations, nervousness), seizures, shaking (tremors), trouble urinating. Consult a doctor immediately.
Not so common side-effects: Not known.
Pregnant or Nursing Mothers: Avoid using Malabar nut if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Children: It is found that antihistamine action of Adoosa may cause agitation/excitement instead of drowsiness in children.

Where to Buy Adoosa in US?

Shikakai (Soap pod)

Mar 31, 2021 by Chinmayi Kulkarni Leave a Comment

Shikakai Scientific Name

Acacia concinna

Shikakai Other Names

English: Senegalia rugata, Soap pod
Hindi: Shikakai
French: Piquant sappan
German: Shikekai-Baum
Sanskrit: Bahuphenarasa

What is Shikakai?

Shikakai is a thorny bush from the tropical forests of India. The pods of the bush are dried and ground in form of powder and used for hair treatments. In Ayurveda, Shikakai fruits and leaves are also used for external body cleansing that is very mild on the skin, owing to it’s neutral soap content. The fruit of Shikakai plant is known to be the “fruit for hair” and it helps to control hair fall and dandruff. It is mostly combined with reetha and amla to create Herbal shampoo which imparts shine and strength to the hair and prevents greying.

As per the Ayurvedic explanation, this herb also works great to manage constipation because of its laxative nature, treats jaundice and alleviates skin problems. Shikakai can be used for faster healing of wounds because of its Varana Ropan (tissue-healing) property and cooling effect on the body.

Common forms of Shikakai

Powder,Oil

Shikakai is commonly used for:

Treating loss of apetite
Treating constipation
Curing bleeding piles
Preventing and treating hair loss, dandruff and premature greying
Preventing and treating Baldness
Promoting wound healing
Treating stomatitis

Shikakai Dosage

Powder: 1-2 teaspoon or as prescribed by the doctor
Oil: 5-10 drops or as prescribed by the doctor.

Shikakai Side-effects and Warnings

Common side-effects: Not known.
Not so common side-effects: Not known.
Pregnant or Nursing Mothers: Avoid use during pregnancy and breast-feeding.
Children: Not known.

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Bhringraj Scientific Name

Bhringraj Other Names

What is Bhringraj?