Herbs, Herbal, Ayurved, Nature and Healthcare

 The crude drugs are divided into different groups according to the chemical nature of their most important constituent. Since the pharmacological activity and therapeutic significance of crude drugs are based on the nature of their chemical constituents. The chemical classification of drugs is dependent upon the grouping of drugs with identical constituents. An out of this classification is as follows: 1. Carbohydrates– Carbohydrates are polyhydroxy aldehydes or ketones containing an unbroken chain of carbon atoms. Gums Acacia, Tragacanth, Guargum Mucilages Plantago seed Others Starch, Honey, Agar, Pectin, Cotton 2. Glycosides – Glycosides are compounds which upon hydrolysis give rise to one or more sugars (glycone) and non-sugar (aglycone). Anthraquinone Glycosides Aloe, Cascara, Rhubarb, Senna Saponins Glycosides Quillaia, Arjuna, Glycyrrhiza Cyanophore Glycosides Wild cherry bark Isothiocyanate Glycosides Mustard Cardiac Glycosides Digitalis, Strophantus Bitter Glycoside...

Quillaia is mainly found in Chile and Peru. In India, it is obtained in Northern Part. Other Names: Quilaya, Soap Bark, Panama wood Biological Name: Quillaja Saponaria Molina Family: Rosaceae Part used: Inner part of Bark Chemical Constituents: Quillaia contains triterpenoid saponin glycosides mainly quillaic acid and quillaia sapotoxin. It also contains sucrose and tannin. Uses: It is used as an Expectorant. It’s saponins are used as emulsifying agents for Tar and Volatile oil. It is also used in Detergents and Shampoo.

Biological Name: Polygala Senega or Polygala Senega var. Latifolia Torret gray Family: Polygalaceae      Part Used: Dried Roots and Root Stocks Geographical Source: It is mainly found in USA, Canada and Japan. Chemical Ingredients: Senega contains two saponin glycosides which are Triterpenoid in Nature. They are Senegin and Polygalic acid. It also contains fixed oil and sterol. With these, Senega contains other unknown glycosides also. Sweet taste of Senega is Due to polygalitol present in it. Uses: Saponin glycosides of Senega are not absorbed but cause irritation of gastric mucosa. This leads to secretion of mucous in bronchioles through reflex action and hence, used as stimulant expectorant. It is used in the treatment of chronic bronchitis. For Herbal and Natural Products visit; www.elzac.in

Arjuna bark has been used from more than 3000 years in ayurvedic treatment. Arjuna tree is well known plant for its cardiac benefits. Arjuna tree is found in India, Sri-Lanka and Myanmar etc. Biological Name: Terminalia Arjuna belonging to the family Combretaceae. Part used: Bark Chemical Constituents: Arjuna bark contains mainly triterpene glycosides, termiarjunoside I and II, arjunetoside, oleanolic acid, arjunolic acid, arjunic acid and cardenolide along with other constituents. Uses: Terminalia Arjuna is used in disorders of heart and blood vessels and related chest pains. Also used in high blood pressure and high cholesterol level. Terminalia Arjuna is also a very good hepato - protector and used in liver preparations ( HeptoLiv Plus ). It is helpful in removing small Kidney Stone. It is helpful in relieving insomnia, dizziness, poor concentration and headache problem. It is also used in respiratory conditions such as respiratory infections, coug...

Also known as Harde, Haritaki. Myrobalan consists of dried ripe and fully matured fruits of Terminalia chebula retzr belonging to the family Combretaceae. It is mainly found in sub- Himalayan regions. It's fruits are yellowish to brown in color. Its taste is astringent, slightly bitter and sweetish at the end. Myrobalan mainly contains Tannin which is mainly responsible for its activities. Uses: It is used as Astringent, Laxative, Stomachic and Tonic . It is also used as an Anthelmintic. Fruits pulp is used to cure bleeding. It is an ingredient of Triphala Churna . It is also used in the treatment of piles and external ulcers. In industry, it is used in dyeing and tanning industry.

Capsicum is also known as Cayenne pepper. Biologically, Capsicum is dried ripe fruits of Capsicum annum Linn. belonging to the family Solanaceae. Chillies is found throughout India and other tropical regions such as East Africa and West Africa. Chillies are best grown in warm and humid climate with dry weather during maturity period. It is dull orange red to brownish red in color with pungent taste. Main chemical constituent of Capsicum is capsaicin which is volatile above 65 degree calculus temperature. Uses; It is used as a Carminative. It is used as an appetizer. It is used as a stomachic. It is main constituents of food as spices. Externally, it is used in the treatment of rheumatism , lumbago and neuralgia.

Main chemical constituents of Rhubarb are anthraquinone glycosides and antringent principles.  Glycosides are the organic compounds from plants and animal sources which on enzymatic or acid hydrolysis give one or more sugar moieties along with non sugar moiety. Different types of anthraquinone give different type of therapeutic effect.   Rhubarb’s purgative effect is due to its anthraquinone glycosides. Biologically, Rhubarb consists of dried rhizome of Rheum Emodi Wall, R. Palmatum Linn, R. Webbianum Royle belonging to family Polygonaceae. It is cultivated mainly in China, Tibet and Korea. In some part of India, Germany and other European countries, it is also obtained. It is collected from 6-7 year old plants. Other name of Rhubarb is Radix, Rhei, Rheum and Revandchini. Uses: Rhubarb is used as bitter stomachic, in the treatment of diarrhea and as a Purgative. for more Ayurvedic products visit us at  www.elzac.in

Bael : Good Appetizer Fruits are used for their medicinal property. Biologically, Bael consists of half ripe or unripe fruits of Aegle marmelos corr. Belongs to the family Rutaceae. Fruit pulp is red in color, mainly found in Sri Lanka, India and Myanmar. Main chemical constituent of Bael is marmelosin along with other coumarines. Fruit also contains good amount of carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins. Uses: ·          It is used as digestive and appetizer. ·          It is a good tonic. ·          It is also used in treatment of diarrhea and dysentery. Enchinacea: Immuno-stimulants Echinacea consists of dried underground parts of Enchinacea purpurea or E. Angustifolia or E. pallida, family Asteraceae. Other names of Enchinacea is black Sampson, cone flower brauneria, mainly founds in U.S.A. and Canada. Color is pale brown to yellowi...

Also known as Ispaghula and Isabgol.  In pharmaceutical field, seeds, as well as, the dried seed coats, known as Isapgol husk, are used. Both seeds and husk of seeds are used in medicines from 18 th century. Isapgol consists of dried seeds of Plantago ovate Forskal also known as Plantago Indica or Plantago Afra, belonging to the family Plantaginaceae. Isapgol word is made of two Persian words ISAP means ‘the horse’ and GHOL means ‘the ear’. Thus, the meaning of Isapgol in Persian is the ear of the horse. Isapgol is mainly found in India. Seeds are pinkish grey to brown in color. For Isapgol husk, seeds are dried and sieved, and then crushed in flat stone grinder by passing several times to complete removal of coating. Isapgol husk is more preferred as compared to the seeds because of more mucilage present in the husk and seeds are more irritant as compared to husk Uses: v   Main use of Isapgol is demulcent laxative and emollient. v   Isapgol...

Indian Gum is obtained from the stems and branches of Aracia Arabica wild belonging to the family Leguminosae. It is dried gummy material exudates from the plant. Other names of Indian gum is Gum arabis and acacia. The plant is found in India, Sri Lanka, Sudan, morocco and Africa. Color of Indian Gum is creamy brown to red. Main constituent of Indian gum is mixture of calcium, magnesium and potassium salts of Arabic acid, also known as Arabin. Also contains enzyme oxidase and peroxidase. Uses: Ø   Gum is demulcent in nature. Ø   Acacia gum is used to reduce cholesterol level and help to increase weight loss.   Ø   Gum is used as suspending agent. Ø   Gum is a very good emulsifying agent. Ø   It is very good binding agent and is used in compressed tablets and lonzenges. Ø   In combination with gelatin, it is used to form coacervates for microencapsulation of drugs. for more Ayurvedic products visit us at  www.elz...

Honey is very common sweetener agent used from ancient times. Also commonly known as Madhu, Sahad.  One of very famous property of honey is – it never spoils. Honey is obtained from wild bees and domestic bees. Honey is a sugar secretion deposited in honey comb by bees, Apis mellifera, Apis dorsata and other species of Apis, belonging to the family Apidae. It is produced in India, New Zealand, Africa, and Australia. It is pale yellow to yellowish brown in colour.  Honey is mixture of glucose, fructose and sucrose.  Glucose is about 35%, fructose is 45% and sucrose is about 2%. But sugar mixture can vary with source of honey and external conditions. Uses: ·          Honey is used as sweetening agent and demulcent. ·          Honey is used as nutrient supplement for infants and patients. ·          Honey has antiseptic property an...

Gokhru is also known as Puncture vine. Dried fully ripen fruits are used. Scientific name of Gokhru plant is Tribulus terrestris Linn belonging to the family Zygophyllaceae. Gokhru is obtained from Sri Lanka, India and in west Tibet.   Color of fruits of Gokhru is greenish to gray. Main chemical constituents of Gokhru include Alkaloids, Harmine, Harman, Saponins. Bara Gokru is found near sea coast of India. Uses: ·          Fruits are used as Diuretics. ·          It is also used as tonic and in treatment of calculous affections and painful micturition. ·          Used as aphrodisiac and in Gout. ·          In Dashamoolarishta and Chyavanprash, Gokhru is main ingredient. ·          Bara Gokhru is used as a diuretic and in dysuria and gonorrhea. for ...

Other common names are Senna Leaf, Tinnevelly Senna. Indian Senna mainly contains dried leaflets of Senna Plant (Cassia Angustifolia Vahl) belonging to the family Leguminosae.  Dried Nearly ripe fruits are also used.  Senna was known to physicians from ancient time and was part of Unani medicines. Mostly two type of Senna is cultivated. One is Indian Senna and other is Alexandrian Senna. Indian Senna is cultivated and collected in India, as name suggests and Alexandrian Senna grow in middle and upper Nile territories, tropical Africa, specially Sudan. Purgative property of Senna is due to its two anthraquinone glycosides known as Sennoside A and Sennoside B. Uses of Senna: Senna has purgative property. Senna and its preparations are used as purgative in habitual constipations. The anthraquinone glycosides present in the Senna are absorbed first in intestine, and then release aglycone part from it. These anthroquinones irritate and stimulate the colon, thu...

Brahmi is also known as Jalbrahmi. Brahmi is the leaves and stems of Bacopa moniera belonging to the family Scrophulariaceae. Brahmi is mainly cultivated in wet regions of India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Indonesia and Madasgascar, Africa, Australia, China and Viet-nam. Brahmi found to be contained alkaloids and saponins. Brahmi is grayish green in color and bitter-sweet type of taste. Uses: Ø   Brahmi is essential herb in many ayurvedic and hebal preparations. Ø   Mainly used as nervine tonic, good for improving memory, enhance recall level and learning. Ø   It is used in the treatment of asthma, epilepsy and insanity. Ø   It has anti-anxiety and anti-stress actions. Ø   It has sedative and spasmolytic properties. Ø   It is used in skin diseases. Ø   It is also employed in leprosy and syphilis. Ø   Alcoholic extract of entire plant is found to be anti-cancer activity. for Best Ayurvedic products visit us at ...

Ginseng is the dried root of various species of Panax, like P. ginseng (Korean Ginseng), P. japonica (Japanese ginseng), and P. notoginseng (Chinese Ginseng) and P. quinquefolium (American ginseng), belonging to family Araliaceae. Ginseng mainly obtained from Korea, China, Russia, Japan, Canada and USA. Ginseng contains a mixture of several saponin glycosides. Uses of Ginseng: Ø   Ginseng is commonly used as immunomudulatory in food products and medicinal products. Ø   It increases natural resistance and enhances the power of body, to fight against illness or exhaustion. Ø   It has both stimulant and sedative properties. Ø   It is used as aphrodisiac. Ø   It is believed to be useful in adrenal and thyroid dysfunctioning. Ø   Considered to be useful in gastritis and anaemia. Ø   Ginseng extract is also used in cosmetics. Caution: Ginseng shows a low toxicity, long term use leads to poisoning. One should be Careful while...

1.     Guggulu:  (Commiphora wightii)          Guggulu consists of exudates of commiphora wightii (Arn.) Bhand, a small perennial tree or shrub upto 1.2-1.8 m high. Exudate is collected during winter season by making the incisions in the bark or in summer, falling from the bark itself. Identification: Drug occurs in vermicular pieces of pale-yellow or brown coloured mass, makes milky emulsion in hot water and readily burns, when fresh viscid and golden coloured, Odour: Aromatic Taste: Bitter and astringent. Important Formulations: Vatari Guggulu, Yogaraja Guggulu, Simhanada Guggulu, Kaisora Guggulu, Mahayogaraja Guggulu, Chandraprabha Vati. Therapeutic Uses: Amavata, Kustha, Prameha, Vatavyadi, Granthi, Sopha, Gandamala, Medoroga. Dose: 2-4 gm of the drug. 2.     Hingu:   (Asafoetida)      Hingu consists of oleo-gum-resin obtained from rhizomes and roots of ferula ...

Neem or Azadirachta indica is very common name in Indian and Indian subcontinents countries. Most of Indian people once in life time has been used Neem for cleaning their teeth. In past it was very popular tooth cleaner for Indian people but as time passes and being more commercialization of market impact at people habits and gave them dangerous and chemical tooth paste and cleansers that caused damage more than benefits. Every part of Neem can be used medicinally. Its leave, seed, bark, rhizome everything is used for different purposed and in different conditions. Due to insufficient research and lack of awareness, Neem’s effectiveness and usability is doubtful. But no one can challenge Neem's effectiveness. Some traditional uses of Neem are: ·          It prevents clothes from insects eating. ·          Its leave burnt to keep away mosquitoes. ·   ...

After eating Banana mostly persons throw out banana peels. Next time when you we eat banana, don’t throw it peel because it’s not iron, its gold. After reading this you will not throw banana peels but you will preserve it for healthy life. Scientist find in research that banana peels have much healthier than you think. It is very good home remedy for warts and wrinkles. Banana peels contains hormone name  Serotonin  and help you to live a stress free life. Banana peels are very good source of potassium, calcium, antioxidants, vitamins and other minerals. Paste of peels can provide you relief from headache if applied at affected area. Strain and stress of blood vessels are main cause of headache. Potassium present in the peels provide relaxation of blood vessels after reaching at affected site hence provide relief from pain. Some experts also believe that if you are suffering from warts and pimples then banana peels paste is Ram Baan for it. Use paste at affe...

Why does use of chemical products increasing? That is the main question in my mind. But it is difficult to find. My search is continuous. Yesterday I am discussing with college boys and girls. I asked why they use cosmetic products that are made of chemicals. I wondered when I found, they don’t know even about single adverse reaction that can be caused by these chemicals. They only follow advertisement. They don’t know whether they have any requirement or not but they use. Undoubtedly these cosmetic products will only cause adverse reactions. Now question arise, what can we do? After lot of discussion with these youngsters and medical professionals, I have only one conclusion. Media and advertisement have made home in youngsters minds that are very difficult to replace. But it is necessary to change their mind set. Because they are future of earth and we can’t make a bright future with persons having health problems due to chemicals side effects. Our health depart...

Podina or mint  is a genus of plants in the  family   Lamiaceae  ( mint family ). The  species  are not clearly distinct and estimates of the number of species varies from 13 to 18.   Hybridization  between some of the species occurs  naturally . Many other  hybrids , as well as numerous  cultivars , are known in  cultivation .... Medicinal and cosmetic Mint was originally used as a medicinal herb to treat  stomachache  and  chest pains . In Rome,  Pliny  recommended a wreath of mint for students to wear since it was thought to "exhilarate their minds". During the  Middle Ages , powdered mint leaves were used to whiten teeth. Mint leaves are commonly  steeped  with water to make  tea  used as a  home remedy  to help alleviate stomach pain  and as a  sleeping aid .Mint tea is a  diuretic . A common use is as an  antipruritic , espe...