Ginger

Botanical Name :  Zingiber Officinalis

Family Name:  Zingiberaceae

Common Name:  Calamus, Sweet Ginger, Ginger Root

Part Used : Fresh And Dried Fruit 

Habitat : South East Asia and through out India.

Yet another blessing of nature, Ginger,  is a perennial herb that thrives in most parts of southern Asia, Jamaica, Nigeria, and the West Indies. The genus Zingiber comprises approximately 85 species of fragrant herbs from East Asia and tropical Australia. The name originates from a Sanskrit word meaning "horn-shaped," in reference to the bulges on the rhizome.

The plant has recently been cultivated in Florida, California, and Hawaii. Purple orchid-like flowers grow on the stalks of the wild plant. The most common part of the plant known for its multi-faceted use is the thick tuberous rhizome root that is brown on the outside but a dark yellowish amber hue on the inside.

Ginger is a plant that grows the best in the warm climates of China, India, and Jamaica. It has been discovered more than 2,500 years ago. Its flowers are similar to orchids. The rhizome of ginger has been used as a spice or flavoring agent. This plant is used for its carminative properties, as well as stimulant, diuretic and antiemetic qualities.

Uses Of Ginger:

The important uses of ginger herb are as:-

• Antinauseant
• Carminative (prevents intestinal gas)
• Cardiotonic (improves cardiac output)
• Anti-inflammatory
• Anthelmintic, fungicidal, antibacterial

 

Ginger root is used extensively as a spice in many if not all cuisines of the world. Though called a root , it is actually the rhizome of the monocotyledonous perennial plant Zingiber officinale. It is originating in southern China, cultivation of ginger spread to India, Southeast Asia, West Africa, and the Caribbean.

Ginger is wonderful for warming up the entire body & fighting off all/any nasty germs. Ginger's therapeutic actions are: anti-nausea, stimulant, circulatory stimulant, vasodilator, anti-spasmodic, anti-inflammatory, rubefacient and diaphoretic.  It can also help to lower cholesterol levels & reduces the risk of heart disease & stroke.  It can assist to lower blood pressure & helps stop coughing!

Ginger can help most digestive system problems, especially with nausea & colic. You can use it for travel and morning sickness, painful or irregular menstrual periods, though it's best to avoid if you have a tendency to "flood".  

Disclaimer : Article is only intended to uncover the medical properties of the herb. Please consult your doctor before using.

Ashwagandha

Alternative Names:

Withania Somnifera, Physalis Flexuosa, Asagandha, Asana, Asgandh, Asundha, Asvagandhi, Fatarfoda, Hirimaddina-gadday, Hirre- gadday.

How ashwagandha looks?

The Ashwagandha plant is a small evergreen shrub. It bears bright red fruits and small greenish flowers. It belongs to the Solanaceae family and can grow to a height of two feet.

It mainly grows in Africa, the Middle East and India. Ashwagandha, an Ayurvedic herb, has been used in India for centuries. It helps to increase the body's resistance towards adverse influences. It is also an antispasmodic.

Uses and Benefits:

Ashwagandha is a superior rejuvenative herb for the muscles, bone marrow and semen. It also helps person's suffering with stress, weakness, tissue deficiency, the elderly, overwork, lack of sleep, nervous exhaustion, sexual debility, problems of old age, loss of memory, loss of muscular energy, insomnia, weak eyes, cough, infertility, glandular swelling.

This herb has been valued by people of many generations - due to its ability to increase vitality, energy, endurance and stamina, promote longevity and strengthen the immune system without stimulating the body's reserves.

Ashwagandha is used by both men and women - it is a very good herb and acts to calm the mind and promote sound, restful sleep. Ashwagandha promotes the body's ability to maintain homeostasis. It also helps to prevent or minimize imbalances that may lead to occurring of any disease, which may be due poor diet, lack of sleep, mental or physical strain, or chemical toxins in the environment.

How to Use Ashwagandha:

Ashwagandha is taken by mouth directly. Strictly follow all directions on the product package. If you are uncertain about any of the information written on it - do consult your doctor or pharmacist. If your condition persists or worsens, or if you think you may have a serious medical problem, seek immediate medical attention.

Adverse Side Effects of Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is not a central nervous system stimulant, and it has an excellent safety profile. Most of the doctors have declared it for most people, but it may show some side effects in a very few people. So, you should first talk to your doctor before taking Ashwagandha.

Based on a long history of traditional use, ashwagandha appears to be well tolerated without significant adverse effects. There is little data from clinical studies. It is claimed anecdotally that large doses of ashwagandha may cause gastrointestinal irritation like nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

Some other (rare) side effects of ashwagandha may include a slight rise in body temperature after one week of use.

Ashwagandha should not used in combination with sedative drugs otherwise it may lead to some side effects.

As a potential sedative-hypnotic, it may theoretically potentiate other sedatives; this has not been reported or studied, and such effects are unlikely to be significant.

Disclaimer : Article is only intended to uncover the medical properties of the herb. Please consult your doctor before using.

Turmeric

Herbal Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a well-known indigenous herbal medicine. Its major constituents, curcumin, various curcuminoids, curcuma oil – particularly dl-ar-turmerone – exhibit a wide range of biological activities, e.g. anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, hypolipidemic, hepatoprotective, lipoxygenase, cycloxygenase, protease inhibitory effects, besides being effective active oxygen species scavengers and lipid peroxidase inhibitors.

A Persian physician came to India to confer with the Hindu pandits. Together they studied the Charak Samhita and all other medical texts. They realized that the medical texts are like an ocean and they were like pearl divers who plunged into the ocean to grasp the pearls. 

From Kavi Taranga, 1703 A.D.

Turmeric is a very important spice in India from ancient times.India produces nearly whole world’s turmeric crop and consume 80% of it. With its inherent qualities, Indian turmeric is considered the best in the world. The fresh spice is much preferred to the dried in South East Asia, The fresh rhizome is grated and added to curry dishes; it is also used as yellow curry paste in Thailand. Due to Indian influence, turmeric has also made its way to the cuisine of Ethiopia. Besides flavoring food, to purify the blood and remedy skin conditions is the most common use of Turmeric in Ayurveda. 

A yellow spice with a warm and mellow flavor, turmeric is related to ginger. Modern Indian cooking employs turmeric liberally. It is added to nearly every dish, be it meat or vegetables. Yellow rice is popular on the Eastern islands of Indonesia; it derives its colour from fresh or dried turmeric. Western cuisine does not use turmeric directly, but it forms part of several spice mixtures and sauces; it is also used to impart a bright yellow colour to mustard paste.

 

Turmeric is an important spice for many vegetable curries, rice preparation and other dishes. In some part of India, turmeric root is used to make a tasty vegetable dish. It is a most important spice in Indian recipes.

Hindi Name: Haldi
Botanical name: Curcuma longa L
Family name: Zingiberaceae

Turmeric has been used medicinally throughout Asia to treat stomach and liver ailments. It is a natural blood purifier. It is also used externally, to heal sores, as a cosmetic and for many other health benefits; it aids digestion, and helps to fight against infection and many more…

Synopsis of Turmeric’s Healing Properties 

Besides flavoring food, to purify the blood and skin conditions remedy is probably the most common use of Turmeric in Ayurveda.

 

• The main organs that turmeric treats are the skin, heart, liver and lungs. 
  

• Turmeric is used for epilepsy and bleeding disorders, skin diseases, to purify the body-mind, and to help the lungs expel Kapha. 
  

• Activities of Turmeric include: Alterative, analgesic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-allergic, antioxidant, antiseptic, antispasmodic, appetizer, astringent, cardiovascular, carminative, cholagogue, digestive, diuretic, stimulant, and vulnerary. 
  

• Therapeutic uses of Turmeric: Anemia, cancer, diabetes, digestion, food poisoning, gallstones, indigestion, IBS, parasites, poor circulation, staph infections, and wounds. 
  

• Turmeric helps to regulate the female reproductive system and purifies the uterus and breast milk, and in men it purifies and builds semen, which is counterintuitive for a pungent bitter. 
  

• Turmeric reduces fevers, diarrhea, urinary disorders, insanity, poisoning, cough, and lactation problems in general. 
  

• Turmeric is used to treat external ulcers that respond to nothing else. Turmeric decreases Kapha and so is used to remove mucus in the throat, watery discharges like leucorrhea, and any pus in the eyes, ears, or in wounds, etc. 
  

• In Ayurvedic cooking, turmeric is everywhere, this multifaceted wonder spice helps 
  

1. Detoxify the liver 
   
2. Balance cholesterol levels 
   
3. Fight allergies 
   
4. Stimulate digestion 
   
5. Boost immunity 
   
6. Enhance the complexion 
   

• It is also an antioxidant Ayurveda recognizes turmeric as a heating spice, contributing bitter, pungent and astringent tastes. 
  

Turmeric Medicinal Use 

From many years awareness of turmeric and its use as medicine is continuously increasing. A flowering plant, Turmeric, in the ginger family, is commonly used as a food coloring and is one of the basic ingredients in curry powder. To heal many health disorders like liver problems, digestive disorders, treatment for skin diseases and wound healing turmeric has long been used in Medicinal as an anti-inflammatory. Curcumin is the active ingredient in turmeric which has been shown to have a wide range of therapeutic effects. 

Digestive Disorders 

Turmeric is considered as a digestive bitter and a carminative. It can be added into foods including rice and bean dishes to improve digestion, reduce gas and bloating. It is a cholagogue, stimulating bile production in the liver and encouraging excretion of bile via the gallbladder. This improves the body's ability to digest fats. For chronic digestive weakness and/or congestion turmeric is recommended. It can be taken as a single extract or in the form of digestive bitters, which combine turmeric with other bitter and carminative herbs. Turmeric is beneficial for people who feel tired after consuming meals or who experience gas and bloating. Whatever way turmeric is consumed it is beneficial to both the digestive system and the liver. 

Liver Diseases 

Turmeric is beneficial for its influence on the liver. In spring more consumption of herbs and foods can strengthen the liver. Turmeric shares similar liver protectant compounds that milk thistle and artichoke leaves contain. It is said to shrink engorged hepatic ducts, so it can be useful to treat liver conditions such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, and jaundice. 

Cancer 

Recent scientific research confirm that turmeric can cure host of diseases, also they found that turmeric restrain the growth of various types of cancer. Turmeric is used for the treatment of skin cancer or pre cancerous skin conditions. Both topical and internal uses are beneficial.

Atherosclerosis 

Turmeric may helpful in preventing the blockage of arteries that can gradually cause a heart attack or stroke in one of two ways. Turmeric makes cholesterol levels low and inhibited the oxidation of LDL (bad cholesterol). Oxidized LDL deposits in the walls of blood vessels and contributes to the formation of atherosclerotic plaque. Turmeric may also prevent platelet build up along the walls of an injured blood vessel. Platelets collecting at the site of a damaged blood vessel cause blood clots to form and blockage of the artery as well.

Osteoarthritis 

Turmeric may help relieve the symptoms of osteoarthritis because of its ability to reduce pain and disability. 

Menstrual problems of Woman 

For women who experience monthly menstrual cramps, try using turmeric extract or bitters twice daily for two weeks prior to expected menstruation. Turmeric is an antispasmodic to smooth muscles so it reduces digestive and menstrual cramping. It should reduce the severity of pain, if not ease them completely. Certainly, diet and standard of living have a reflective influence on the menstrual cycle, but turmeric is a great addition. 

Bacterial Infection / Wounds 

Turmeric is useful as an external antibiotic in preventing bacterial infection in wounds. 

Eye Disorder 

Curcumin may prove to be as effective as corticosteroids in the uveitis (inflammation of the uvea, the middle layer of the eye between the sclera - white outer coat of the eye and the retina - the back of the eye) the type of eye disorder. 

Other Health Disorders 

Turmeric decreases congestion and inflammation from stagnant mucous membranes. Turmeric is anti-inflammatory to the mucous membranes, which coat the throat, lungs, stomach and intestines. Regular use of turmeric can benefit from Colitis, Crohn's disease, diarrhea, and post-giardia or post salmonella conditions. The itching and inflammation that accompanies hemorrhoids and anal fissures can reduce by use of turmeric. Turmeric can also benefit skin conditions including: eczema, psoriasis and acne, for those it is potent detoxifier. 

"Turmeric gives the energy of the Divine Mother and grants 

prosperity of health. Turmeric is effectual for purification the chakras, 

as well as purifying the path of the subtle body."

Disclaimer : Article is only intended to uncover the medical properties of the herb. Please consult your doctor before using.