Category Herbal extract

🌿 Terminalia Belerica (Bibhitaki), a powerful medicinal fruit widely used in Ayurveda:

Common Names: Bibhitaki, Baheda (Hindi), Thandrikai (Tamil), Beleric Myrobalan

Botanical Name: Terminalia belerica

Family: Combretaceae

Parts Used: Fruit (mainly), seeds, bark

Native To: Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia

🌱 Plant Description

• Tree Type: Large deciduous tree, up to 30 meters tall
• Leaves: Broad and clustered at the ends of branches
• Fruits: Oval-shaped, greyish, hard nut-like fruits — dried for medicinal use
• Taste: Astringent and slightly bitter

🔬 Key Phytochemicals

• Tannins (up to 30%) – Gallic acid, ellagic acid
• Lignans – Anti-inflammatory and liver-protective compounds
• Beta-sitosterol, Chebulagic acid, Saponins, Flavonoids
• Amino acids, Polyphenols

💊 Health Benefits

🌼 Ayurvedic Properties

“Bibhitaki” means “the fruit that keeps away disease”, and it’s one of the three ingredients in Triphala, the renowned Ayurvedic tonic.

🧪 Forms of Use

• Powder (Churna) – Taken with warm water or honey
• Capsules/Tablets – Easy for regular use
• Triphala – A blend of Bibhitaki, Haritaki, and Amalaki
• Oil (Infused) – For hair and skin issues
• Decoction (Kashayam) – For respiratory or digestive complaints

⚠️ Precautions

• Avoid overuse as it may cause dryness (in high Vata conditions)
• Mild laxative effect — adjust dosage to comfort
• Always source from reputed, purified extracts

🌿 Banaba Leaves, a traditional herbal remedy with growing popularity in modern wellness, especially for blood sugar regulation:

Botanical Name: Lagerstroemia speciosa

Common Names: Banaba, Queen’s Crape Myrtle, Pride of India

Family: Lythraceae

Native To: Southeast Asia (especially the Philippines, India, and Malaysia)

Part Used: Primarily the leaves, sometimes bark and flowers

🌱 Plant Description

• Type: Tropical flowering tree
• Height: Up to 20–30 feet
• Leaves: Oval, smooth-edged, green turning red in autumn
• Flowers: Bright purple or pinkish-lavender clusters
• Traditional Use: Used in Philippine and Indian folk medicine for diabetes and weight loss

🔬 Key Active Compounds

• Corosolic Acid – Key triterpenoid known to:
  • Support insulin sensitivity
  • Enhance cellular glucose uptake
  • Reduce blood sugar spikes
• Ellagitannins – Antioxidants with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits
• Flavonoids & Lagerstroemin – Aid in metabolic regulation

💊 Health Benefits of Banaba Leaves

🌼 Ayurvedic Perspective

Though not a classical Ayurvedic herb, Banaba’s properties closely align with herbs used for:

• Madhumeha (diabetes)
• Medoroga (obesity or fat disorders)
• Agni Deepana (enhancing digestion and metabolism)

It may be paired with Gudmar (Gymnema), Karela (Bitter Melon), or Neem in herbal formulations for metabolic health.

🧪 Common Forms of Use

• Tea (Banaba Leaf Tea) – Traditional and popular
• Capsules or Tablets – Often standardized to contain 1–2% Corosolic Acid
• Powder (Churna) – Used in blends or decoctions
• Extracts – Tincture or fluid extracts for therapeutic formulations

⚠️ Precautions

• May enhance the effect of diabetic medications – monitor blood sugar
• Should be used with caution in hypoglycemia
• Avoid during pregnancy or lactation unless supervised
• Generally safe and well-tolerated when used correctly

🌿 Gymnema sylvestre, a powerful Ayurvedic herb especially known for its benefits in blood sugar management:

Common Names: Gymnema, Gurmar (“sugar destroyer” in Hindi)

Sanskrit Name: Meshashringi

Botanical Name: Gymnema sylvestre

Family: Apocynaceae

Type: Woody climbing plant native to India and tropical Asia

🌱 Plant Description

• Form: A vine with soft, hairy stems
• Leaves: Oval-shaped, soft with distinct veins
• Flowers: Small and yellow
• Habitat: Found in tropical forests of India, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asia
• Part Used: Primarily the leaves

🔬 Key Active Compounds

• Gymnemic acids – Unique compounds that:
  • Block sugar receptors on the tongue (temporarily reducing sweet taste perception)
  • Inhibit glucose absorption in the intestine
  • Support insulin function and regeneration of pancreatic beta cells

💊 Medicinal Benefits

🌼 Ayurvedic Properties

In Ayurveda, Meshashringi is revered for its “anti-Madhumeha” (anti-diabetes) effect and often combined with herbs like neem, karela (bitter melon), and turmeric in diabetes formulas.

🧪 Forms of Use

• Capsules/Tablets – Standardized extracts (often 25–75% gymnemic acids)
• Powder (Churna) – Mixed with warm water or honey
• Liquid extract/tincture – For quick absorption
• Tea or decoction – Though very bitter, used traditionally

⚠️ Precautions

• May enhance effects of diabetic medications – monitor blood sugar closely
• Use under supervision if taking insulin or hypoglycemics
• Avoid during pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Long-term use should be cycled or reviewed by a practitioner

🌿 DGL – De-Glycyrrhizinated Licorice – a popular, safer form of licorice often used for digestive health:

Full Name: De-Glycyrrhizinated Licorice

Derived From: Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice root)

Purpose: To remove glycyrrhizin, a compound in licorice that can cause side effects like high blood pressure and water retention when consumed in large quantities.

🔍 Why DGL?

Glycyrrhizin is a natural sweet compound found in whole licorice root. While it has anti-inflammatory and antiviral effects, it can also:

• Raise blood pressure (hypertension)
• Lower potassium levels
• Cause fluid retention

DGL is made by removing glycyrrhizin, making it safer for long-term use—especially for digestive conditions.

💊 Health Benefits of DGL

🔬 How It Works

DGL helps stimulate the production of mucus in the stomach, which:

• Coats and protects the stomach lining
• Supports healing of ulcers
• Reduces irritation caused by excess stomach acid

Unlike antacids, DGL works without neutralizing stomach acid, so it supports digestion rather than blocking it.

✅ How to Take DGL

• Form: Chewable tablets, powders, or lozenges
• Dosage: Commonly 380–400 mg chewed 20 minutes before meals
• Important: Must be chewed—not swallowed whole—for effectiveness in the upper digestive tract

⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• DGL is generally safe for long-term use, even for people with high blood pressure
• Avoid if allergic to legumes (licorice belongs to the Fabaceae family)
• Still, consult a healthcare provider if:
  • You are pregnant or nursing
  • Taking medications for heart or blood pressure
  • Managing chronic illness

🧪 DGL vs Regular Licorice

🌿 Garcinia cambogia, a tropical fruit widely used in natural weight management and Ayurvedic wellness:

Common Names: Malabar Tamarind, Kudampuli, Garcinia

Botanical Name: Garcinia cambogia (also called Garcinia gummi-gutta)

Hindi Name: Vrikshamla

Sanskrit Name: Vrikshamla

Family: Clusiaceae

Type: Small to medium-sized tropical tree

🌳 Plant Description

• Fruit: Small, pumpkin-shaped, yellow to green in color
• Taste: Sour and astringent
• Habitat: Native to India and Southeast Asia, especially in coastal and tropical forests
• Part Used: Rind/Peel of the fruit – dried and extracted for supplements

🔬 Key Active Compound

• Hydroxycitric Acid (HCA) – the primary bioactive compound that may support:
  • Appetite suppression
  • Fat metabolism regulation
  • Inhibition of fat production (lipogenesis)
  • Increased serotonin levels (which may reduce emotional eating)

💊 Medicinal & Therapeutic Uses

🌼 Ayurvedic Properties

In Ayurveda, Vrikshamla is known for stimulating agni (digestive fire) and supporting natural detox.

🧪 Forms of Use

• Extract Capsules – Standardized to 50–60% HCA
• Powder (Churna) – Traditionally used in decoctions
• Cooking ingredient – In South Indian cuisine, especially fish curries
• Liquid extracts – For use in dietary supplement blends

⚠️ Precautions

• Best taken under professional guidance if used long-term
• Not recommended during pregnancy, lactation, or for people with liver disease
• May interact with diabetes, cholesterol, or antidepressant medications
• Overuse may cause digestive discomfort or dry mouth

Kalmegh, also known as the “King of Bitters”, is a powerful medicinal herb widely used in Ayurveda, Unani, and traditional Chinese medicine.

Common name: King of Bitters

Botanical name: Andrographis paniculata

Family: Acanthaceae

Sanskrit name: Bhunimba

Hindi name: Kalmegh

Taste: Extremely bitter

🌱 Description

• Appearance:
  • Small annual herb (30–110 cm tall)
  • Green, lance-shaped leaves
  • Small purple or pink flowers with white markings
• Native to:
  • India, Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia, and China

🔬 Active Compounds

• Andrographolide (main bioactive compound)
• Diterpenoids
• Flavonoids
• Polyphenols

These compounds give Kalmegh its strong anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, and immune-boosting properties.

💊 Medicinal Uses

Also used as a natural antibiotic alternative in many traditional systems.

🧪 Formulations

• Tablets or capsules
• Powder (churna)
• Decoction (kadha)
• Syrups
• Extracts and tinctures

⚠️ Precautions

• Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Excessive use may cause gastric irritation
• Always consult a healthcare provider for dosage and suitability

Berberis aristata, a powerful Ayurvedic herb:

🌿 Berberis aristata

Common Name: Indian Barberry, Tree Turmeric

Sanskrit Name: Daruharidra (“Wood Turmeric”)

Hindi Name: Daruhaldi

Botanical Name: Berberis aristata

Family: Berberidaceae

Type: Thorny shrub

🌱 Plant Description

• Appearance: Erect, woody, thorny shrub
• Height: 2–3 meters
• Leaves: Clustered, spiny margins
• Flowers: Yellow, small, in drooping clusters
• Fruits: Dark purple berries
• Root: Yellow-colored – this is the most medicinal part

🔬 Key Active Compounds

• Berberine (main active alkaloid)
• Palmatine, Berbamine
• Phenolic compounds
• Tannins

Berberine is especially noted for its antibacterial, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects.

💊 Medicinal Uses of Daruharidra

🌼 Ayurvedic Properties

Daruharidra is often paired with Haridra (Turmeric) in classical formulations to boost detoxification and skin healing.

🧪 Forms of Use

• Churna (Powder) – taken internally or used externally
• Kwatha (Decoction) – for liver, digestion, and skin
• Paste – for wounds and skin eruptions
• Eye drops – traditionally prepared for infections
• Berberine extract – modern form for antimicrobial and metabolic support

⚠️ Precautions

• May cause dryness or Vata aggravation in excess
• Avoid during pregnancy without supervision
• Can interact with medications for blood pressure or diabetes (consult with a healthcare provider)

Neem – one of the most powerful and sacred medicinal trees in Ayurveda.

🌿 Azadirachta indica (Neem)

Common Names: Neem, Indian Lilac

Sanskrit Name: Nimba

Hindi Name: Neem

Botanical Name: Azadirachta indica

Family: Meliaceae

Type: Evergreen tree

🌳 Tree Description

• Height: 15–20 meters
• Leaves: Compound, serrated, and bright green
• Flowers: Small, white, fragrant
• Fruits: Olive-shaped green/yellow drupes (Neem seeds)

🔬 Key Active Compounds

• Azadirachtin – potent insect repellent & antifungal
• Nimbin, Nimbidin, Nimbidol
• Quercetin
• Triterpenoids
• Tannins

These compounds give Neem its antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and immune-boosting properties.

💊 Medicinal Uses of Neem

🌼 Ayurvedic Profile

🧪 How Neem Is Used

• Neem oil – skin, scalp, insect repellent
• Neem leaf powder/capsules – internal cleansing and immunity
• Neem bark decoction – oral health, ulcers
• Neem paste – skin conditions
• Neem soap/shampoo – daily use for skin and hair care

⚠️ Cautions

• Neem is very bitter and drying, can increase Vata if overused
• Not recommended in large amounts during pregnancy
• High doses can cause fatigue or loose motions

Neer Brahmi, a powerful herb often confused with other “Brahmi” types. Here’s a full profile:

🌿 Neer Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri)

Common Name: Neer Brahmi, Water Hyssop

Sanskrit Name: Jalabrahmi, Brahmi

Botanical Name: Bacopa monnieri

Family: Plantaginaceae (formerly Scrophulariaceae)

Habitat: Grows in wetlands, marshy areas, or along riverbanks

Type: Creeping herb, semi-aquatic

🌱 Plant Description

• Growth: Low-growing, spreading herb
• Leaves: Small, succulent, oblong, bright green
• Flowers: Small, pale blue to white, 5-petaled
• Taste: Bitter
• Preferred environment: Moist, swampy soil or shallow water

🔬 Key Active Compounds

• Bacosides A & B – primary neuroactive compounds
• Alkaloids
• Saponins
• Flavonoids

These contribute to its nootropic (brain-enhancing), anxiolytic, and antioxidant effects.

🧠 Health Benefits of Neer Brahmi

📚 Ayurvedic View

Neer Brahmi is categorized as a Medhya Rasayana – a rejuvenative herb for the mind and intellect.

🧪 How It’s Used

• Juice (Swarasa) – Fresh plant juice taken with honey or ghee
• Powder (Churna) – Often mixed with warm milk or honey
• Capsules/Tablets – Standardized extracts available
• External application – For skin conditions
• Oil – Infused oil for scalp massage (improves sleep and memory)

⚠️ Cautions

Should be used in moderation for people with hypothyroidism

May cause sluggish digestion or bloating in high doses

Not recommended for pregnant women without supervision

🌿 Zingiber officinale, widely known and used both in Ayurveda and modern herbal systems:

Common Names:

English: Ginger

Sanskrit: Śuṇṭhī (dry), Ārdraka (fresh)

Hindi: Adrak (fresh), Sonth (dry)

Family: Zingiberaceae

Part Used: Rhizome (fresh or dried)

🌱 Plant Description

A perennial herbaceous plant with:

• Thick, knobby underground rhizomes
• Long narrow leaves
• Greenish-yellow flowers

Native to South and Southeast Asia but cultivated worldwide.

🔬 Key Active Compounds

💊 Health Benefits

🌼 Ayurvedic Properties

🧪 Forms of Use

• Fresh Juice – For cough, nausea, and digestion
• Dry Powder (Sonth) – Used in classical formulations like Trikatu
• Capsules/Tablets – Convenient modern formats
• Teas & Decoctions – Widely used for colds, detox, and warming
• External Use – Compresses or pastes for pain and inflammation

⚠️ Precautions

• In high doses, may cause acid reflux or heartburn
• Use caution during pregnancy – stick to low, food-level doses
• May interact with blood thinners (consult physician if on medication)