EANTH
Name in English : Queen sago
Name in English : Queen sago
Latin Name : Cycas Circinalis
Group :
Name in Malayalam : EANTH
Name in Sanskrit :
Name in different Indian language : EANTH,
This plant is famous for its long life span- more than 2000 years. Its origin dates back to dinosaurs.
The first generation plant & its fruits considered to be the food of dinosaurs. The fruit contains good sort of vitamins & minerals.
The old-age peoples of Kerala used the fruit as food. The fruit contains poison. They refines the fruit & They produced a kind of sago from this fruits. The use of this sago helps to maintain the health.
Plant Medicine- Immune sago
Maintaining steady-state control of Metabolism,Restoring normal body functions Improving immunity to resist diseases, Reducing obesity and LDL cholesterol, Curing Ulcer and Acidity, Controlling Arthritis, Controlling white discharge, Increasing sexual Power, An ideal food supplement & Rejuvenator, Helping DiabetesAyurveda Identifies Cycas Circinalis & Revoluta as an ideal food supplement and rejuvenatory.
It is easy to digest for any age groups, It has no artificial coloring agents or flavoring, It is 100% natural & Environment friendly
http://ayurvedicproducts.blogspot.com
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CHITTAMRITHName in English : Giloe, Hear- Leaved Moon seed
Latin Name : Tinospora cordifolia Hook.f. & Thoms.
Group : Menispermaceae
Name in Malayalam : Chittamrith, AmrUth
Name in Sanskrit : Amritha, gudooji, amritha sambhava
Name in different Indian language : Indian Koyinav ( Indian kinaine), Vayastha, Jevanthi, Bishkpriya, Gulooji, Chinnarooham, Amrithavalli, Somavalli, Madhuparni.
This plant seen everywhere in the village. It is mainly used to control Fever. It reduce the heavy fever and maintain and control the heat of the body. It is good medicine against blood cancer. It is good for the treatment of AIDS. The use of the plant develope the immune power of AIDS patient.
The plant is known as the Paracetamol of Ayurveda. The name “Amruth” means it defeat the death. It is a main content of ayurvedic medicine “Amritharishtam”.
The plant seen in two varieties. One is Small leaf variety( Tylophora cordifolia), It has Assimilatary roots, the flower is yellow and fruits are red. . Another is wild variety ( Tylophora Malabarica) and the wild one have the bigger leaf. Normally the small leaf variety is used in medicinal purpose.
It is also a good Rejuvenator & good to control Blood sugar.
Other References: -
Chittamrithu (Tinospora cordifolia)
Chittamrithu (Tinospora cordifolia) is a climber with fleshy stem, aerial roots and heart shaped leaves. The heart shaped leaves are also juicy. Chittamrith produces tiny y
ellow flowers after the leaves are shed in summer.
The plant is used in the preparation of several decoction medicines and Ayurvedic jams known as rasayana. It has different properties such as antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory. It is used in the treatment of different kinds of fevers and diseases affecting urinary track.
Tinospora cardifolia belongs to the family menispermaceae.
Reference:
Source: www.keralaforest.org____________________________________________________________________
MUTHILName in English : Indian PENNYwort.
Latin Name : Centella asiatica Urban
Group : Umbelliaferae.
Name in Malayalam : Kudangal, Muthil,
Name in Sanskrit : Jalolbhava, Mandookaparni, Swaraswathi
Name in different Indian language : Karinthakali, Karimuthil, Kudangal, Centella , Pindari, Chandaki, Yochanavalli, Arthaniyaieyanthi, Tholkuri, Thankuni, Brahmamandhooki, Kurivana.
This plant seen every where in the paddy Field in my village. It is the best natural tonic for boost the memory power. Take two leaf daily in empty stomach. The green leaf smell as fresh carrot. This also good for Heart health. . It help to cure Hypattatis B +ve to -Ve. It is a main content of “Mandookaparnyadi Rasayanam”- an Ayurveda medicine for developing memory power & brain power - in Ashtangahridayam.
In SiddaVaidya there is a book published especially for Indian PENNYwort. The entire book -Vallareprabhavabodhini- explains the miracle properties of this plant.
The leaf extract of this plant strengthen the nerve system of the brain.
Other Reference :
Muthil or Kudangal (centella_asiatica)
The stems are slender, creeping stolons, green to reddish green in color, interconnecting one plant to another. It has long-stalked, green, reniform leaves with rounded apices which have smooth texture with palmately netted veins. The leaves are borne on pericladial petioles, around 2 cm. The rootstock consists of rhizomes, growing vertically down. They are creamish in color and covered with root hairs.
The flowers are pinkish to red in color, born in small, rounded bunches (umbels) near the surface of the soil. Each flower is partly enclosed in two green bracts. The hermaphrodite flowers are minute in size (less than 3 mm), with 5-6 corolla lobes per flower. Each flower bears five stamens and two styles. The fruit are densely reticulate, distinguishing it from species of Hydrocotyle which have smooth, ribbed or warty fruit.
The crop matures in three months and the whole plant, including the roots, is harvested manually.
Reference:
Source: www.keralaforest.org____________________________________________________________________
CHEROOLAName in English : Wool PlantLatin Name : Aerva lanata Juss.
Group : Amaranthaceae
Name in Malayalam : CHEROOLA
Name in Sanskrit : Bhadra
Name in different Indian language : Cherupoola.
One of the main plant in “Dasapushapa” in Ayurveda.
The plant grow up to 50 cm heights. It has small leafs. Used in treatment of urinal system. It destroy the urine stone. It is used in the treatment of blood-sugar. The paste made with the entire plant diluted in curd cure blood sugar.
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ANACHUVADIName in English : Elephant’s Foot
Latin Name : Elephantopus scaber Linn.
Group : Asteraceae
Name in Malayalam : Anachuvadi
Name in Sanskrit : Gojihwa
Name in different Indian language : Anayadian, Kuchirikka
As the plant leaf is likely to be the elephant foot print , the plant is called as Elephant’s Foot.
The plant is locally called as “ Anayadian”, “Kuchirikka” etc..
It has the properties of reducing human body heat. It is used in the treatment of heart diseases, and cough.
Mainly used in treatment of Tonsillitis.
The leaf used as a shampoo for removing dandruff and hair falling
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AFRICAN MALLIName in English : AFRICAN MALLI
Latin Name : Eryngium foetidum Linn.
Group : Apiaceae
Name in Malayalam : African malli
Name in Sankrit : ...............................
It is Known as African Malli, But originated from America. It smell as Cori enter leaf and the leaf is used in curry’s and soups. The use of the root is increase the digestion. The plant is used as cattle feed in Java.
It is a good garden plant.
Medicinal parts : Root & Leaf
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KIRIYATHName in English :. GREAT CHIRATA,
Latin Name : Andrographis paniculata Nees
Group : Acanthaceae
Name in Malayalam : Kiriyatha, Chirayatha, Nilavep
Name in Sanskrit : KIRATAH, bHOONIMBA, MAHATHIKTHA
Name in different Indian language : Kalmegh, Boonimba, Mahathiktha, Kiratha
This plant grow very well in our village at all the season. It flowered in August- September months.
This is one of the great plant in Ayurveda. It uses mainly in the bloodsugar treatment. Eating of the raw leaf helps the digestion system.
It is a main content of famous Ayurveda Medicine- Sudershanachoornam.
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MUKKUTTIName in English : Sensitive plant
Latin Name : Biophytum sensitivum D.C.
Group : Oxalidaceae
Name in Malayalam : MUKKUTTI
Name in Sanskrit : Alambusha, Jalapushpa, Peethapushpa, Samanga, Krithanjali.
Name in different Indian language :
Theendanazhi, Nilaccurunki, Tintanali, lajalu, lajalu, lajjalu, lakhshana, laksmana, zarer.
A small plant with Yellow Flower. It has yearly life cycle. It grow up to 10 to 20 cm heights.
The plant is one among the ten plants of “Dashapushapa” in Ayurveda.
The paste made of the leaf can cure the fresh wounds.
Consume the paste made of the entire plant mixed with butter reduce excess menstrual bleeding of women.
White flowered plant also found in some other nations.
The flower of Mukkutti
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METHONIName in English : Climbing lily, The Glorry Lily
Latin Name : Gloriosa superba Linn.
Group : Liliaceae
Name in Malayalam : METHONI, Malathamara, Menthoni
Name in Sankrit : Haripriya, Agnishiga
Name in different indian language : Bisha, Bishalankuri, Dhudiyo vachanath, Kalihari, kadari, intha, karinag, kalappe kizhank, Karthikai, Agni shikai, Ranthakari
Name in Siddha Medicine :
The flower of this plant is very attractive. As the name in English the plant climbing up to 2 meter heights. The all parts of the plant is very poisonous.
It has several uses in Ayurveda. It is mainly used against the snake poison.
Invisible Journey: In ancient India the small capsule made from this plant used to Invisibility for human-body. The capsule prepared with Honey, Gold, Silver, Copper, Saffron and some other herbs. The one who put the capsule below his tong get invisibility from others vision.
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Other references:
Menthonni
Scientific Name: Gloriosa superbaCommon Name: MenthonniDescription of the Plant: Gloriosa superba, tender, tuberous rooted deciduous perennials, Belongs to the plant family Liliaceae. Leaves simple, subsessile, alternate, lanceolate, with acuminate tips, extended to tendrils. Flowers handsome, solitary, first yellow colored then changes to scarlet red. Fruits oblong capsules, with many small round seeds.
Medicinal Properties: Plant pacifies vitiated kapha, indigestion, fever, arthritis, obstructed labor, cardio-myopathy, skin diseases, in higher dose or without purification, it is highly poisonous.
Useful Part: Rhizome.
Source: www.keralaforest.org
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CHERUCHEERAName in English :
Latin Name : Amaranthus polygamus
Group :
Name in Malayalam : Cherucheera
Name in Sankrit : Thandulia
Name in different indian language : chulae koshak, thanjalajo, tharuuja, kamudenade, bakuleyamania, melakure, chirukkire, kappakeere
This plant is used to make “swarna basma” in Ayurveda. The extract of the plant is used to liquefy the small parts of the gold to make the Ayurveda medicine.
This plant is a good vegetable in kitchen garden and also used as a garden plant to make border for garden.
The continuous use of this plant as a vegetable removes all poison in human body.
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Adalodakam ( Vasaka)Name in English : Malabar Nut Tree
LaCHERUCHEERAdhatoda vasica Nees
Group : Acanthaceae
Name in Malayalam : Adalodakam ( Vasaka)
Name in Sankrit : Vasa, Ashoka, Vishnu
Name in different indian language : Aduso, Vasa, Adalodakam, Chittadalodakam etc...
Name in Siddha Medicine : Adathodai
This plant grow up to 2 meter heights. Mainly two varieties in this plant.
Adhatoda vasica :- It has full of leafs at all the season. The leaves of the plant shown as big and grow up to 3 meter heights.
Adhatoda bedomia ( Adhatoda beddomei C.S. Clarke.):- It also has full of leafs at all the season. The leaves of the plant shown as small and the plant grow up to 2 meter heights. This palnt has more medicinal values. It is known as- Chittadalodakam- in Malalayam. It is used to make various ayurvedic medicines.
The leaf of Adalodakam is used as a house medicine for Children’s cough & cold problems. The row leaf of the plant half boiled in the steam and take extract and mix with honey is a good medicine for cough and cold especially for children.
The all parts of this plant has been successfully used for the treatment of Chest diseases, phthisis, chronic bronchitis, asthma, diarrhoea, dysentery, malaria fever, fresh wounds, rheumatic joints, inflammatory swellings, scabies, neuralgic pains, nose beeding, diphtheria, gonorrhoea, an antiseptic and arthelmentic.
This plant is also a good bio-insect killer to kill bacteria & small insects.
Main parts used : Leaves, root, bark, flowers and fruits
The Medicine Vacicene prepared form the plant is good to increase the number of Blood platelets.
One of the main content in all kinds cough syrup.
The use of cigarette made from dry leaves reduse the cough of asthma patient.
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other References:
Adalodakam
Scientific Name: Adathoda beddomei 
Common Name: Adalodakam
Description of the Plant: Adathoda beddomei belongs to the familyAcanthaceae and is a large shrub or small tree grows up to 3-4 meters in height. Leaves simple, opposite, ovate-lanceolate, acute or acuminate and shiny. Flowers arise from axillary condensed spikes, white; fruits capsules.
Medicinal Properties: The extraction of leaf is a good medicine for Asthma and cough. It is a good medicine to stop internal and external bleedings like bleeding gums, piles and peptic ulcers. According to Ayurveda, it is a good ingredient in decoctions for all types of fever due to kapha and pitta doshas. It is expectorant, antispasmodic and good blood purifier. It speeds up the child birth.
Useful Part: Whole plant.
Description of the Plant: Adathoda beddomei belongs to the familyAcanthaceae and is a large shrub or small tree grows up to 3-4 meters in height. Leaves simple, opposite, ovate-lanceolate, acute or acuminate and shiny. Flowers arise from axillary condensed spikes, white; fruits capsules.
Medicinal Properties: The extraction of leaf is a good medicine for Asthma and cough. It is a good medicine to stop internal and external bleedings like bleeding gums, piles and peptic ulcers. According to Ayurveda, it is a good ingredient in decoctions for all types of fever due to kapha and pitta doshas. It is expectorant, antispasmodic and good blood purifier. It speeds up the child birth.
Useful Part: Whole plant.
Source: www.keralaforest.org
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Cheruchunda
Name in English :
Latin Name :
Group :
Name in Malayalam : Chemparuthy
Name in Sankrit :
ChemparuthyName in English : Red Hibiscus
Latin Name :
Group :
Name in Malayalam : Chemparuthy
Name in Sankrit :
The red hibiscus seems to be the color the average person thinks of a hibiscus flower color. The red blooms are so common throughout the world. Red hibiscus is believed to be first, most ancestral of all hibiscuses. That single red bloom has emerged in modern times as common garden hibiscus displaying many different shades of reds such as the Robert Fleming or Lord Baltimore hibiscus.
APPAName in English :
Latin Name :
Group :
Name in Malayalam : Appa
Name in Sankrit :
KACHOLAMName in English : Galanga
Latin Name : Kaempferia galanga L
Group : Zingiberaceae
Name in Malayalam : Kacholam
Name in Sankrit : ...............................................
KURUNTHOTTIName in English :....................
Latin Name : Sida rhombifolia Linn.
Group : Malvaceae
Name in Malayalam : Kurunthotti, Bala
Name in Sankrit : Bala
KARIVEPPUName in English :. CURRY LEAVES
Latin Name : Murrya kocigii
Group : Rutaceae
Name in Malayalam : Kariveppila
Name in Sankrit : Kaidoorium, Surabhi, Nimba
KRISHNA THULASI
Name in English :. Holy Basil, THULSI
Latin Name Ocimum sanctum Linn.
Group : Lamiaceae
Name in Malayalam : KRISHNA THULASI
Name in Sankrit : Surasa, krishna thulasi, devadundhubi
KRISHNA THULASI
Name in English :. THULSI
Latin Name : ...........................
Group : ....................
Name in Malayalam : KRISHNA THULASI
Name in Sankrit : .....................................
Indian Long PepperIndian Long Pepper, or Pippali, indigenous to North-eastern and Southern India and Sri Lanka, is a powerful stimulant for both the digestive and the respiratory systems and has been shown to have a rejuvenating effect on the lungs. Pippali plays an important role in aiding the thermogenic response, i.e. the release of metabolic heat energy. This effect is the result of increased thyroid hormone level in the body and makes Pippali a typical Ayurvedic complementary component whose benefit is to increase the bioavailability and enhance absorption of the other active ingredients.
Long pepper, which tastes pungent and sweet at the same time, probably came to Europe much before the now dominant black pepper. It is believed that during the Roman Empire, it was priced about three times more than black pepper, as it was perfect for Roman cookery, which especially favored these two taste sensations. Its hot-and-sweet taste goes well with spicy cheese specialties or wine sauces. In India, the long pepper is mainly used in pickles (achar).
Long pepper is also known and popular in parts of Africa, mostly in the Islamic regions of North and East Africa. It can be found in the complex spice mixtures of Morocco. It is an important ingredient in Ethiopia cuisine, where long pepper is usually found in the traditional meat stews (wat) together with black pepper, nut meg, cloves and turmeric. Berebere, a classical Ethiopian spice mixture, which resembles Indian masalas, is used to spice mutton dishes.
A scandent perennial aromatic shrub with jointed branches, the entire plant is pungent. The leaves are many and cordate, while the flowers grow on solitary spikes. The male and female spikes are produced on different plants, and while the male spikes are slender with narrow bracts, the female ones are 1.3-2.5cm, with circular flat peltate bracts. The fruit, which is very small, is sunk inside the fleshy spike, and is blackish green and shining. Long pepper is the unripe spike of the plant. It is that part of the plant that is used in medicines. The root, which is thick and branched, is also medically important and is called modi or pippali-moolam.
Kurumthotty Bala
Common: Bala, Indian Ephedra, Mallow plant
Sida cordifolia, commonly known as bala, is a plant in the family Malvaceae. It is used in Ayurvedic medicine. It has been investigated as an anti-inflammatory, for treating cancer, and for encouraging liver re-growth. It acts as a stimulant within the central nervous system. It is also used as a fat-burning supplement.
The whole plant contains large quantities of active alkaloids (alkaloidephedrine) and hence has been used as a rejuvenating herb, an aphrodisiac, a wonderful and efficacious in curing those diseases when they are due to inflammation of the nerves.
It grows well through the plains of India, especially, in damp climates.
We crushed it and mix with water to make paste and applied on head as herbal shampoo.
Taken at Kadavoor, Kerala, India.Krishna Tulasi
Tulsi is considered to be highly sacred in the Hindu religion. Most of the Hindus offer daily prayers to Tulsi Devi. But, not many people are aware about the origin of Tulasi plant. Well, there are many interesting legends about Tulsi. There is a famous legend about Krishna Tulsi, which suggests that Tulsi was the incarnation of a gopi, who was deeply in love with Lord Krishna. She was cursed by Radha, the consort of the Lord.
The Indian herbal plant Tulsi has a lot of significance in the Hindu religion. The term "Tulsi" is used in the context of one who is absolutely incomparable. Tulsi has a lot of reverence for the Hindus. Infact, people worship Tulsi everyday in the morning as well as evening time. This Indian basil basically grows in the warm and tropical regions. There are two main varieties of this aromatic plant, namely Shyama tulsi and Rama tulsi. Well, out of the two, the former one is of greater medicinal value. Rama Tulsi, on the hand, is primarily used for worship.
In this section, we will cover the following aspects related to the holy basil Tulsi:
Muthanga
Scientific Name: Cyperus rotundusCommon Name: MuthangaDescription of the Plant:Cyperus rotundus is a species of sedge belongs to the family Cyperaceae. The perennial grass grows up to 30 cm of height. Leaves crowded in the base, about 10-20 cm long, linear, acuminate, flat, one nerved; spikelets in compound umbels. Nut grayish black colored. The root system of a young plant initially forms white, fleshy rhizomes. Some rhizomes grow upward in the soil and form a bulb-like structure from which new shoots and roots grow, and from the new roots, new rhizomes grow. Other rhizomes grow horizontally or downward, and form dark reddish-brown tubers or chains of tubers.
Medicinal Properties: In modern ayurvedic medicine uses the plant for treating fevers, digestive system disorders, dysmenorrhea and other maladies. Plant pacifies vitiated kapha, pitta, diarrhea, indigestion, anorexia, fever, and urinary retention. Increases and purifies breast milk. Recent studies recommend the plant to treat nausea, fever and inflammation; for pain reduction; for muscle relaxation and many other disorders.
Useful parts: Root tuber.
Karingali
Scientific Name : Acacia catechu
Common Name: Karingali
Description of the Plant: Acacia catechu belongs to the family Fabaceae and are medium sized thorny deciduous tree grows up to 13 meters in height. Leaves bipinnately compound, leaflets 30-50 paired, main rachis pubescent, with large conspicuous gland near the middle of the rachis. Flowers pale yellow, sessile, found in axillary spikes. Fruits flat brown pods, with triangular beak at the apex, shiny, narrowed at base. Seeds 3-10 per pod. The gummy extract of the wood is called kath or cutch.
Medicinal Properties; The tree's seeds are a good source of protein. The extract of the plant called catechu is used to treat sore throats and diarrhea. In Ayurveda, plant pacifies vitiated pitta, kapha, skin diseases, cough, pruritus, and obesity. Useful in tooth ache, increases the strength of teeth.
Useful Parts : Bark, Heartwood, Kath.
Common Name: KaringaliDescription of the Plant: Acacia catechu belongs to the family Fabaceae and are medium sized thorny deciduous tree grows up to 13 meters in height. Leaves bipinnately compound, leaflets 30-50 paired, main rachis pubescent, with large conspicuous gland near the middle of the rachis. Flowers pale yellow, sessile, found in axillary spikes. Fruits flat brown pods, with triangular beak at the apex, shiny, narrowed at base. Seeds 3-10 per pod. The gummy extract of the wood is called kath or cutch.
Medicinal Properties; The tree's seeds are a good source of protein. The extract of the plant called catechu is used to treat sore throats and diarrhea. In Ayurveda, plant pacifies vitiated pitta, kapha, skin diseases, cough, pruritus, and obesity. Useful in tooth ache, increases the strength of teeth.
Useful Parts : Bark, Heartwood, Kath.
Vayambu
Scientific Name: Acorus calamus
Common Name: Vayambu
Description of the Plant: Acorus calamus, commonly known as Vayambu, a plant from Acoraceae family. It is a rhizomatous, perennial semi aquatic plant grows up to 40 cm in height. Leaves simple, bright green, distichous, thickened in the middle, ensiform; flowers seen in densely packed spadix inflorescence, fruits oblong berries seeds few suspended from the apex of cells. Underground rhizomes are creeping, branched about 1 cm in diameter.
Medicinal Properties: It is widely employed in modern herbal medicine as an aromatic stimulant and mild tonic. The root has been used as a rejuvenator for the brain and nervous system and as a remedy for digestive disorders. The root is anodyne, aphrodisiac, aromatic, carminative, diaphoretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, febrifuge, hypotensive, sedative, stimulant, stomachic, mildly tonic and vermifuge. It is used internally in the treatment of digestive complaints, bronchitis, sinusitis etc. In Ayurveda, plant pacifies vitiated vata, kapha, insomnia, insanity, other mental diseases, epilepsy, mania, stomatitis, hoarseness of voice, colic, flatulence, amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, neuropathy, renal calculi, cough, inflammation, arthritis, kidney diseases, hemorrhoids, skin diseases and general debility.
Useful Parts: Underground rhizomes.
Description of the Plant: Acorus calamus, commonly known as Vayambu, a plant from Acoraceae family. It is a rhizomatous, perennial semi aquatic plant grows up to 40 cm in height. Leaves simple, bright green, distichous, thickened in the middle, ensiform; flowers seen in densely packed spadix inflorescence, fruits oblong berries seeds few suspended from the apex of cells. Underground rhizomes are creeping, branched about 1 cm in diameter.
Medicinal Properties: It is widely employed in modern herbal medicine as an aromatic stimulant and mild tonic. The root has been used as a rejuvenator for the brain and nervous system and as a remedy for digestive disorders. The root is anodyne, aphrodisiac, aromatic, carminative, diaphoretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, febrifuge, hypotensive, sedative, stimulant, stomachic, mildly tonic and vermifuge. It is used internally in the treatment of digestive complaints, bronchitis, sinusitis etc. In Ayurveda, plant pacifies vitiated vata, kapha, insomnia, insanity, other mental diseases, epilepsy, mania, stomatitis, hoarseness of voice, colic, flatulence, amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, neuropathy, renal calculi, cough, inflammation, arthritis, kidney diseases, hemorrhoids, skin diseases and general debility.
Useful Parts: Underground rhizomes.
Scientific Name: Aegle marmelos
Common Name: Koovalam
Description of the Plant: Aegle marmelos is a species of tree native to India, belongs to the family Rutaceae. These are medium sized thorny deciduous tree grows up to 10 meters in height. Leaves trifoliate, aromatic, and alternate. Leaflets are ovate-lanceolate. Lateral leaflets are sub sessile and terminal long petioled. Flowers are greenish white, found in axillary panicles. Fruits are globose woody berry with yellow pulp. Seeds are numerous, oblong and embedded in pulp.
Medicinal Properties: The tree is one of the most useful medicinal plants of India. Its medicinal properties have been described in the ancient medical treatise jn Sanskrit, Charaka Samhita. All parts of this tree-stem, bark, root, leaves and fruit at all stages of maturity have medicinal virtues and have been used as medicine for a long time. The fruit's medicinal value is very high when it just begins to ripen. The fruit is aromatic, cooling and laxative. It arrests secretion or bleeding. The unripe or half-ripe fruit is good for digestion. It is useful in preventing or curing scurvy. It also strengthens the stomach and promotes its action. In Ayurveda, plant pacifies vitiated kapha, vata, body pain, poison, diarrhea, dysentery, vomiting, and intermittent fever. Pulp of unripe fruit is constipating whereas that of ripened fruit is laxative. Leaves cure diabetes, cough, inflammation and asthma. Useful Parts: Leaves, Root, Fruits
Common Name: KoovalamDescription of the Plant: Aegle marmelos is a species of tree native to India, belongs to the family Rutaceae. These are medium sized thorny deciduous tree grows up to 10 meters in height. Leaves trifoliate, aromatic, and alternate. Leaflets are ovate-lanceolate. Lateral leaflets are sub sessile and terminal long petioled. Flowers are greenish white, found in axillary panicles. Fruits are globose woody berry with yellow pulp. Seeds are numerous, oblong and embedded in pulp.
Medicinal Properties: The tree is one of the most useful medicinal plants of India. Its medicinal properties have been described in the ancient medical treatise jn Sanskrit, Charaka Samhita. All parts of this tree-stem, bark, root, leaves and fruit at all stages of maturity have medicinal virtues and have been used as medicine for a long time. The fruit's medicinal value is very high when it just begins to ripen. The fruit is aromatic, cooling and laxative. It arrests secretion or bleeding. The unripe or half-ripe fruit is good for digestion. It is useful in preventing or curing scurvy. It also strengthens the stomach and promotes its action. In Ayurveda, plant pacifies vitiated kapha, vata, body pain, poison, diarrhea, dysentery, vomiting, and intermittent fever. Pulp of unripe fruit is constipating whereas that of ripened fruit is laxative. Leaves cure diabetes, cough, inflammation and asthma. Useful Parts: Leaves, Root, Fruits
Kolinji
Scientific Name: Alpinia galangal
Common Name: Kolinji
Description of the Plant: Alpinia galangal, a plant in the family of Zingiberaceae, is an herb used in cooking. The plant grows from rhizomes in clumps of stiff stalks up to two meters in height with abundant long leaves which bears red fruit. It is native to South Asia and Indonesia. The robust rhizome has a sharp, sweet taste and smells like a blend of black pepper and pine needles.
Medicinal Properties: The rhizome has been shown to have antimalarial activity in mice. The rhizome contains the flavonol galangin. It is used against rheumatism, bronchial catarrh, bad breath and ulcers whooping colds in children, throat infections, to control incontinence and fever. Alpinia species show promise as anti-fungals, hypotensives, enhancers of sperm count and motility. Anti-tumor and anti-dementia effects have been observed in rodents. It is a stimulating aromatic and has been successfully employed to aid the digestive process, preventing fermentation and removing flatus. It is useful in case of dyspepsia, preventing vomiting or sickness of the stomach and facilitating digestion. It may be used in all cases in which a stimulating aromatic is indicated. It is used against nausea, flatulence, dyspepsia, rheumatism, catarrh and enteritis. It also possesses tonic and antibacterial qualities and is used for these properties in veterinary and homeopathic medicine.
Useful Parts: Roots
Common Name: Kolinji
Description of the Plant: Alpinia galangal, a plant in the family of Zingiberaceae, is an herb used in cooking. The plant grows from rhizomes in clumps of stiff stalks up to two meters in height with abundant long leaves which bears red fruit. It is native to South Asia and Indonesia. The robust rhizome has a sharp, sweet taste and smells like a blend of black pepper and pine needles.
Medicinal Properties: The rhizome has been shown to have antimalarial activity in mice. The rhizome contains the flavonol galangin. It is used against rheumatism, bronchial catarrh, bad breath and ulcers whooping colds in children, throat infections, to control incontinence and fever. Alpinia species show promise as anti-fungals, hypotensives, enhancers of sperm count and motility. Anti-tumor and anti-dementia effects have been observed in rodents. It is a stimulating aromatic and has been successfully employed to aid the digestive process, preventing fermentation and removing flatus. It is useful in case of dyspepsia, preventing vomiting or sickness of the stomach and facilitating digestion. It may be used in all cases in which a stimulating aromatic is indicated. It is used against nausea, flatulence, dyspepsia, rheumatism, catarrh and enteritis. It also possesses tonic and antibacterial qualities and is used for these properties in veterinary and homeopathic medicine.
Useful Parts: Roots
Karimthumba
Scientific Name: Anisochilus carnosus
Common Name: Karimthumba
Description of the Plant: Anisochilus carnosus, is an armatic annual herb belongs to the family Lamiaceae, found in the Western Ghats. Stems are erect, 30-60 cm tall, robust, branched. Leaf stalks are 1.3-5 cm long, densely white velvety. Leaves are ovate-oblong to circular, 5-7 × 5-7 cm, white white-velvety, sparsely red glandular, base heart-shaped to rounded, margin crenulate, tip blunt to rounded. Flower spikes are 2.5-7.5 × 0.9-1.9 cm, long stalked, 4-angled in fruit.
Medicinal Properties: The leaves of Anisochilus carnosus are used traditionally in the treatment of gastric ulcers and stomachache.
Useful Parts: Leaves and aerial parts
Common Name: KarimthumbaDescription of the Plant: Anisochilus carnosus, is an armatic annual herb belongs to the family Lamiaceae, found in the Western Ghats. Stems are erect, 30-60 cm tall, robust, branched. Leaf stalks are 1.3-5 cm long, densely white velvety. Leaves are ovate-oblong to circular, 5-7 × 5-7 cm, white white-velvety, sparsely red glandular, base heart-shaped to rounded, margin crenulate, tip blunt to rounded. Flower spikes are 2.5-7.5 × 0.9-1.9 cm, long stalked, 4-angled in fruit.
Medicinal Properties: The leaves of Anisochilus carnosus are used traditionally in the treatment of gastric ulcers and stomachache.
Useful Parts: Leaves and aerial parts
Chemmaram
Scientific Name: Aphanamixis polystachyaCommon Name: ChemmaramDescription of the Plant: Aphanamixis polystachya, is a medium or large sized tree, 15 to 20 meters in height, belongs to the family Meliaceae. The leaves are large, imparipinnate. The leaflets are opposite, elliptic-oblong, acuminate, glabrous on both the surface. The male flowers are numerous in axillary panicles; female or bisexual flowers are larger than male axillary or supra-axillary solitary spikes. The fruits are globular, smooth, yellow when ripe. The seeds are with scarlet aril.
Medicinal Properties: The plant specially the bark is used as astringent and applied on swelling after a fall. It is also used in spleen, liver diseases, tumour and abdominal complaints. Seed-oil is used in rheumatism. In recent times anti carcinogenic ingredients are found from this plant.
Useful Part: Bark
Karalakam
Scientific Name: Aristolochia indicaCommon Name: Karalakam
Description of the Plant: Aristolochia indica is a creeper plant, belongs to the family Aristolochiaceae, found in Kerala in India and also Sri Lanka. It reaches a height of several metres on trees and covers the branches with thick foliage. It flowers once a year to produce seeds. It can also be propagated by roots.
Medicinal Properties: The plant has a number of historical medicinal uses. This plant contains Aristolochic acid is a rodent carcinogen found in Aristolochia and Asarum, both in the Aristolochiaceae family of plants. In addition to its carcinogenicity, aristolochic acid is also highly nephrotoxic and may be a causative agent in Balkan nephropathy. However, despite these well-documented dangers, aristolochic acid still is present sometimes in herbal remedies (such as for weight loss), primarily because of substitution of innocuous herbs with Aristolochia species. In Ayurveda, plant pacifies vitiated kapha, vata, poison, skin diseases, intestinal worms, colic, arthritis and ulcers.
Useful Part: Whole plant.
Sathavari
Scientific Name: Asparagus racemosusCommon Name: SathavariDescription of the Plant: Asparagus racemosus, commonly known as Satavari in India is a climbing plant from Liliaceous family. It widely grows in low forest areas throughout India. It grows one to two meters tall and prefers to take root in gravelly, rocky soils high up in piedmont plains. Satavari has small pine-needle-like leaves that are uniform and shiny green. In July, it produces minute, white flowers on short, spiky stems, and in September it fruits blackish-purple, globular berries.
Medicinal Properties: The healing qualities of Asparagus racemosus are useful to a wide array of ailments. The plant has been used in Ayurveda for various conditions. Its main use has been as a galactagogue to increase milk secretion during lactation. It is known as the Indian 'Female Rejuvenative', as it is helpful in cases of low milk production, low sex drive, menopause, PMS, and infertility. It helps to balance hormonal system of women and regulates menstruation and ovulation. It is also useful for decreasing morning sickness, infertility, menopause, leucorrhoea, inflammation of sexual organs, and general sexual debility. The male reproductive system will also benefit from sathavari. It can be used in cases of sexual debility, impotence, spermatorrhoea, and inflammation of sexual organs. The powdered dried root of sathavari is also used in Ayurveda for dyspepsia. The herb is also useful in gastric ulcers, hyperacidity, dysentery, bladder infections, chronic fevers, rheumatism, inflamed membranes of the lungs. It also used as a nervine tonic and is good for heart. It also strengthens and increases muscle tone and increases general body strength and used as an Aphrodisiac in India.
Useful Part:Tuberous Roots
Kanikonna
Scientific Name: Cassia fistulaCommon Name: KanikonnaDescription of the Plant: Cassia fistula, known as the ‘Golden Shower Tree’ but see below for other names, is a flowering plant in the family Fabaceae, native to Southern Asia, from Southern Pakistan east through India to Myanmar and South to Sri Lanka. It is the national tree of Thailand and its flower is Thailand's National flower. It is the ‘Regional Flower’ of Kerala. The Golden Shower Tree is a medium-sized tree growing to 10–20 m (33–66 ft) tall with fast growth. The leaves are deciduous, long, pinnate with 3–8 pairs of leaflets. The flowers are produced in pendulous racemes 20–40 cm (8–15 in) long with five yellow petals of equal size and shape. The fruit is a legume long and broad with a pungent odor and containing several seeds.
Medicinal Properties: It is a popular ornamental plant and is an herbal medicine. In Ayurvedic medicine, it is known as aragvadha, meaning "disease killer". Its fruit pulp is used as a mild laxative, against fevers, arthritis, vatavyadhi (nervous system diseases), all kinds of rakta-pitta (bleeding, such as hematemesis or hemorrhages), as well as cardiac conditions and stomach problems such as acid reflux. The root is considered a very strong purgative, and self-medication or any use without medical supervision is strongly advised against in Ayurvedic texts.
Useful Part: Whole Plant
Maramanjal
Scientific Name: Coscinium fenestratumCommon Name: MaramanjalDescription of the Plant: Coscinium fenestratum, a large woody climber belongs to the family Menispemaceae. It grows with cylindrical and yellowish stem. Leaves simple, oblong, deltoid, alternate, minutely tomentose beneath, smooth above, with yellowish tint. Flowers yellow, unisexual in supra axillary inflorescence. Fruits globose drupes, smooth contains one globose seed.
Medicinal Properties: Eye and skin diseases, inflammation, wounds, ulcers, abdominal disorders, jaundice, diabetes, fever, general debility, skeletal fractures. In Ayurvedic medicine, plant pacifies vitiated kapha, vata, skin diseases, diseases of the eye, inflammations, wounds, jaundice, diabetes, fever and general debility.
Useful Part: Stem.
Neermathalam
Scientific Name: Crateva magnaCommon Name: NeermathalamDescription of the Plant: Crateva magna a deciduous tree belongs to the family Capparaceae. This grows up to 7-9 m. height, leaves compound, 3-foliate, leaflets ovate, 5-13 cm long, flowers large, greenish white, polygamous, in dense terminal corymbs, stamens are longer than the petals, fruits fleshy, ovoid berry, seeds are embedded in pulp.
Medicinal Properties: Roots, leaves and the skin of the bark are used for edema, cervical adenitis, rheumatism and spleen enlargement. The bark acts as an appetizer, cholegogue, laxative, vermicide, tonic, anti-inflammatory and its decoction is taken internally for the same diseases above, plus tumors, liver disorders, anorexia, fever and also mixed with ghee for flatulence. In Ayurvedic medicine, plant pacifies vitiated vata, kapha, renal and vesical caliculi, asthma and bronchitis.
Useful Parts: Leaves, Bark.
Manjakoova
Scientific Name: Curcuma zedoariaCommon Name: Manjakoova
Description of the Plant:Curcuma zedoaria is a perennial herb and member of the family Zingiberaceae. The plant is native to India and Indonesia. A rhizomatous perennial herb grows up to 1 meter. Leaves elliptic or oblong- lanceolate, about 50 cm long with long petiole; Dark violet streak along the midrib is the classical discriminative property of the plant. Flowers pinkish yellow, seen in inflorescence with pinkish showy bracts. Fruits globose, dehiscent trilobate capsules.
Medicinal Properties: It is used in some traditional eastern medicines, where it is reputed to be an aid to digestion, a relief for colic and an agent for purifying the blood. It is also used as an antivenom for the Indian cobra. This has been used to treat coronary heart disease, liver cancer, anemia, chronic pelvic inflammation and helps prevent leukopenia due to cancer therapies. In Ayurvedic medicine, plant pacifies vitiated pitta, kapha, indigestion, flatulence, dyspepsia, skin diseases, cough, bronchitis, urinary retention, allergy, leucoderma, and as general tonic. The rhizomes are a source of Shoti Starch, used as a food for babies and convalescents, recovering from chronic stomatitis. It is cooling and demulcent.
Useful Part: Rhizome
Muthanga
Scientific Name: Cyperus rotundusCommon Name: MuthangaDescription of the Plant:Cyperus rotundus is a species of sedge belongs to the family Cyperaceae. The perennial grass grows up to 30 cm of height. Leaves crowded in the base, about 10-20 cm long, linear, acuminate, flat, one nerved; spikelets in compound umbels. Nut grayish black colored. The root system of a young plant initially forms white, fleshy rhizomes. Some rhizomes grow upward in the soil and form a bulb-like structure from which new shoots and roots grow, and from the new roots, new rhizomes grow. Other rhizomes grow horizontally or downward, and form dark reddish-brown tubers or chains of tubers.
Medicinal Properties: In modern ayurvedic medicine uses the plant for treating fevers, digestive system disorders, dysmenorrhea and other maladies. Plant pacifies vitiated kapha, pitta, diarrhea, indigestion, anorexia, fever, and urinary retention. Increases and purifies breast milk. Recent studies recommend the plant to treat nausea, fever and inflammation; for pain reduction; for muscle relaxation and many other disorders.
Useful parts: Root tuber.
Orila
Scientific Name: Desmodim gangeticumCommon Name: Orila
Description of the Plant: Desmodim gangeticum is a plant in the Fabaceae family. The plant is a sub-tropical perennial spreading herb that grows in dry hilly areas. It is found in all over the areas that are upto the height of 5000 feet.
Medicinal Properties: It is a general tonic and aphrodisiac, has a calming, sedative effect and also used control inflammation, fever and neurological imbalances. The plant has unique medicinal value to regulate the function of the nervous system, venous system and arterial system.
Useful Part: Whole Plant
Nelli
Scientific Name: Emblica officinalisCommon Name: NelliDescription of the Plant: Emblica officinalis is the the Indian gooseberry, is a deciduous tree of the Phyllanthaceae family. The tree is small to medium sized, reaching 8 to 18 m in height, with a crooked trunk and spreading branches. The branchlets are glabrous or finely pubescent, 10–20 cm long, usually deciduous; the leaves simple, subsessile and closely set along branchlets, light green, resembling pinnate leaves. The flowers are greenish-yellow. The fruit is nearly spherical, light greenish yellow, quite smooth and hard on appearance, with 6 vertical stripes or furrows.
Medicinal Properties: Emblica Officinalis is aperient, carminative, diuretic, aphrodasiac, laxative, astringent and refrigerant. It is the richest known source of vitamin 'C'. It is useful in anaemia, jaundice, dyspepcia, haemorrhage disorders, diabetes, asthma and bronchitis. It cures insomnia and is healthy for hair. It is considered as one of the most rejuvenating drugs, imparting a long healthy life and weight gain. It also acts as an antacid and antitumorganic agent. All parts of the plant are used in various herbal preparations, including the fruit, seed, leaves, root, bark and flowers. According to Ayurveda, it is specific to pitta due to its sweet taste and cooling energy.
Useful Part: Whole Plant
Scientific Name: Gmelina arboreaCommon name: KumizhuDescription of the Plant:Gmelina arborea is a fast growing deciduous tree belongs to the family Lamiaceae. It is found scattered in deciduous forests throughout the greater parts of India and the Andamans, up to an altitude of 5,000 ft. It is also planted in gardens and avenues. It is an unarmed tree. The bark is smooth and whitish grey. The leaves are opposite, broadly ovate, cordate and glandular. The flowers are in terminal panicles and brownish yellow in color. The drupe is fleshy, ovoid with 1 or 2 seeds.
Medicinal Properties: The root and bark of Gmelina arborea are stomachic, galactagogue laxative and anthelmintic; improve appetite, useful in hallucination, piles, abdominal pains, burning sensations, fevers, 'tridosha' and urinary discharge. Leaf paste is applied to relieve headache and juice is used as wash for ulcers. In Ayurveda it has been observed that the fruit is acrid, sour, bitter, sweet, cooling, diuretic tonic, aphrodisiac, alternative astringent to the bowels, promote growth of hairs, useful in 'vata', thirst, anaemia, leprosy, ulcers and vaginal discharge.
Useful Parts: Roots, Fruits, Flowers and Leaves
Reference:
Source: www.keralaforest.org