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Rosemary (Rusmari)

Rosemary Scientific Name

Salvia rosmarinus

Rosemary Other Names

English: Rosemary
Hindi: Gulmehendi, Rosemary, Rujamari
French: Romarin, Rosmarin encens, Rosmarin, Ecensier
German: Rosmarin
Spanish: Romero
Latin: Rosmarinus officinalis
Sanskrit: Rusmari

What is Rosemary?

Rosemary also known as Rujamari or Rusmari in books of Ayurveda is an aromatic medicinal plant. It is a fragrant evergreen herb. It is used as a culinary condiment to make bodily perfumes and for its potential health benefits.
Rosemary oil helps in preventing wrinkles and signs of aging due to its antioxidant property. It also promotes hair regrowth in men by improving the blood circulation in the scalp. It’s leaves have a pungent slightly bitter taste and are generally used dried or fresh to season foods.

Common forms of Rosemary

Powder, Dried Leaves, Tea, Oil

Rosemary is commonly used for:

  • Boosting Memory
  • Improving digestion
  • Curing common cold
  • Treating Arthritis
  • Improving heart function
  • Treating depression
  • Immune-boostin properties
  • Reducing stress and imrpoving sleep
  • Treating epilepsy in some cases

Rosemary Dosage

Tea: 2 to 4 grams
Oil: Twice daily
Water: Twice a day. Dyspepsia, Stomach cramps, bloating, constipation, bronchial and ear, nose and throat infections can be treated with dosage of 2-4g of dried plant into 1 cup of boiling water taken 3 times a day after meals.

Rosemary Side-effects and Warnings

Common side-effects: Consumption in large amount can result in vomiting, skin redness, kidney irritation, uterine bleeding and allergic reactions.
Not so common side-effects: Not known.
Pregnant or Nursing Mothers: Might stimulate menstruation or affect the uterus which may lead to miscarriage.
Children: Not Known.

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Caraway (Karavi) Seeds

Caraway Seed Scientific Name

Carum carvi

Caraway Seed Other Names

English: Caraway, Carvies, Carum, Persian Cumin, Medidein Fennel, Wild Cumin, Carroway
Hindi: Gunyan, Jeerka, Jangi Dhania, Jeero, Kalazera, Kaalaa Jiiraa, Kalazira
French: Anis Des Vosges, Cumin De Montagne, Carvi, Cumin Des Prés, Carvi, Faux Cumin
German: Echter Kümmel, Feld-Kümmel, Feldkümmel, Gemeiner Kümmel
Spanish: Alcarahueya, Alcaravia, Alcaravea, Comino De Prado, Carvi
Latin: Carvum, Careum
Sanskrit: Karavi

What is Caraway Seed?

Caraway plant has interesting legends claiming that it prevents thefts and lovers from losing interest in each other. In Ayurveda, specifically, it is mostly used in the form of oil, fruit and seeds for its medicinal and healing properties.
Caraway seeds are rich in dietary fiber, essential to maintain digestive health, and acts a laxative to prevent constipation. The fiber adds bulk to the diet and improves bowel movement in the gut. The fiber from caraway seeds binds with the toxins (mainly carcinogens) and flushes them out of the body acting as an effective anti-carcinogen and protects the colon membrane. It also lowers the bad cholesterol level.

Common forms of Caraway Seed

Oil, Seeds, Powder

Caraway Seed is commonly used for:

  • Treating asthama
  • Curing poor appetite
  • Treating nausea, constipation, gas, stomach ache, indigestion (dyspepsia) etc.
  • Treating menstrual cramps, poor blood flow etc.
  • Increasing milk secretion in Lactating mothers.
  • Stabilizing blood sugar levels
  • Aiding weight-loss
  • Reducing and managing blood cholesterol levels
  • Improving sleep
  • Anti-oxidant property
  • Anti-carcinogenic property
  • Promoting heart health
  • Treating colds/congestion
  • Stopping endless coughs
  • Diuretic action

Caraway Seed Dosage

Oil: 50-100 mg of caraway oil per day has been used in combination with peppermint oil

Caraway Seed Side-effects and Warnings

Common side-effects: Liver damage if consumed in excess.
Not so common side-effects: People with sensitive skin can have rashes and itching.
Pregnant or Nursing Mothers: Possibly unsafe as caraway oil is been used to start menstruation which might lead to miscarriage.
Children: Not Known.
Warnings:
Using caraway oil with peppermint oil might lead to burping, heartburn and nausea.
Consumption of caraway seeds must be stopped before 2 weeks of scheduled surgery as it lowers blood pressure and acts as blood-thinner

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Tamarind (Imli)

Tamarind Scientific Name

Tamarindus indica

Tamarind Other Names

English: Tamarind, Indian date
Hindi: Imali, Imli, Ambli
Sanskrit: Cinca

What is Tamarind?

Tamarind fruit, mainly used for its high content of tartaric acid, is used widely in Indian cooking to impart sweet acidity to foods. In Ayurveda, Tamarind is useful in treating cardiac disorders, non-healing wounds, anorexia etc.
Tamarind has certain laxative properties and is used to treat mild to moderate constipation. It helps to boost immunity as it is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, making it useful in managing the common cold. Tamarind, at different stages of ripeness, affects and balances levels of the Doshas (Kapha, Vata, Pitta). Recent research has suggested the presence of a certain compound in Tamarind that is similar to Mucin, the wet substance that protects the cornea, found in eyes and hence can be potentially used to treat dry eyes.

Common forms of Tamarind

Powder, Oil, Pulp Concentrate, Paste

Tamarind is commonly used for:

  • Treating coughs and colds
  • Relieving constipation
  • Treating fever
  • Eradicating intestinal worms
  • Treating stomach, liver and gallbladder problems
  • Managing pregnancy-related nausea

Tamarind Dosage

For dry eyes: Eye drops containing up to 1% tamarind seed sugars have been found to alievate 4-5 times a day.
1/2 tsp of Tamarind pulp/paste/powder with a glass of warm water

Tamarind Side-effects and Warnings

Common side-effects: Not Known.
Not so common side-effects: Not Known
Pregnant and nursing mothers: Stick to food amounts for safer dosage
Children: Not Known.
Warning:
In some cases, Tamarind, was found to interfere with post-surgery blood sugar control. It is advisable to avoid Tamarind at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

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Amla (Gooseberry)

Amla Scientific Name

Phyllanthus emblica

Amla Other Names

English: Indian gooseberry
Hindi: Amlaki, Amla
Sanskrit: Amalaki

What is Amla?

Amla, popularly known as “Indian Gooseberry” is rich source of Vitamin C and anti-oxidants that builds a strong immune system. It also aids in boosting energy, improve reproductive health and maintain healthy cholesterol levels. The tonic is considered to be good for heart and arterial system, sense organs and mind.

Common forms of Amla

Powder, Juice, Tablets, Amla in Nutritive Jam (Chyavanprash)

Amla is commonly used for:

Amla Dosage

Powder: 1/4 or 1/2 once or twice daily.
Tablet: One to Two Tablets, once or twice daily.
Liquid Extract: A typical dose is a dropper full (about 30 drops) taken in 1–2 ounces of water or juice, one to three times daily, or as directed by your healthcare practitioner.
Amla Nutitive Jam(Chyavanprash): 1-3 teaspoons, once or twice daily.

Amla Side-effects and Warnings

Common side effects: The high acid content due to high content of Vit C can erode teeth enamel, weakening the teeth the same way as citrus fruits and may at times irritate the throat.
Not so common side effects: Not known.
Pregnant or Nursing mothers: Not known.
Children: Not known.

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Turmeric (Haldi)

Turmeric Scientific Name

Curcuma longa

Turmeric Other Names

English: Indian saffron
French: Curcuma, Safran des Indes, Terre-mérite, Souchet des Indesi
Hindi: Haldi
Sanskrit: Ameshta, bahula, bhadra, dhirgharaja, gandaplashika, gauri, gharshani, haldi, haridra, harita

What is Turmeric?

Turmeric is an underground stem part of the East Indian plant called Curcuma longa that is member of a ginger family. Turmeric mainly used in the powder form is full of anti-oxidants and is rich in anti-inflammatory properties. It has been found to be useful in relieving pain in cases of osteoarthritis and treat hosts of conditions like hay fever, depression, high cholesterol, liver diseases, itching, heartburn, inflammatory bowel disease, poor memory and stress.
“Curcumin” gives it the yellow color and is used as a everyday spice in foods.

Common forms of Turmeric

Powder, Turmeric rhizome(Roots), Capsules, Oil

Turmeric Dosage

According to The World Health Organization (WHO), Turmeric intake of 1.4 mg per pound (0–3 mg/kg) of body weight is acceptable.
For severe disorders like Hay fever, Depression or Osteoarthritis, 500mg of curcumin (turmeric extract is found to be beneficial)
For more sever conditions like Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver, hyperlipidemia or while administering dosage to children, please consult a doctor

Turmeric Side-effects and Warnings

Common side effects: Not known.
Not so common side effects: Not known.
Pregnant Women: Medicinal amounts of turmeric are not recommended.
Children: Not known.
Warnings:
1. Not recommended gallstones or a bile duct obstruction.
2. Not receommended for severe liver diseases.

Where to Buy Turmeric in US?

Ginger

Ginger Scientific Name

Zingiber officinale

Ginger Other Names

English: Ginger
Hindi: Adarakh

What is Ginger?

Ginger is a herb that comes from the roots of the plant. Originally from China, Japan and India, it is now grown in South America, Africa and Middle east.
Apart from being a flavoring agent in food and beverages, Ginger is packed with nutraceutical properties. The active chemical in Ginger known as Gingerol is a phenolic compound, found to be effective in reducing nausea and inflammation. Gingerol helps in fighting flu, throat infections, aids digestion and helps in losing weight. It has shown to lower blood sugar levels in diabetics and improve overall heart health.

Common forms of Ginger

Dry Powder, Tablet, Capsules

Ginger Dosage

Powder: ¼ -½ teaspoon twice a day.
Capsule: 1-2 capsules twice a day.
Tablet: 1-2 tablets twice a day.

Ginger Side-effects and Warnings

Common side-effects: Heartburn, Diarrhoea, Burping and stomach discomfort.
Not so common side-effect: Menstrual bleeding was reported by some women who consumed Ginger.
Pregnant and nursing mothers: Not known.
Children: Not known.

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