Category Herbal extract

🌿 Harda (Terminalia chebula), a widely used herb in traditional Ayurvedic medicine:

Other Names: Haritaki (Sanskrit), Kadukkai (Tamil), Harad (Hindi), Abhaya

Botanical Name: Terminalia chebula

Family: Combretaceae

Parts Used: Dried mature fruit

Native To: India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asia

🌱 Plant Description

• Tree Type: Medium to large deciduous tree (up to 30 meters)
• Fruit: Ovoid, greenish to blackish when dried, five ridged, and firm
• Taste: Strongly astringent, slightly bitter and sweet when dried

🔬 Key Phytochemicals

• Chebulinic acid, Chebulagic acid – Powerful antioxidants
• Tannins, Gallic acid, Ellagic acid
• Flavonoids, Saponins, Terpenoids
• Amino acids, Beta-sitosterol, Anthraquinones

💊 Health Benefits

🌼 Ayurvedic Properties

Haritaki is considered the “King of Medicines” in Ayurveda and is especially revered for promoting longevity, vitality, and clarity of mind.

🧪 Common Forms of Use

• Churna (Powder) – Taken with warm water or ghee
• Tablets/Capsules – Convenient for daily wellness
• Triphala – Key ingredient, along with Amalaki and Bibhitaki
• Oil (Harda Taila) – For external use (skin, wounds)
• Infusion or Decoction – For digestive and respiratory relief

⚠️ Precautions

• In high doses, may cause loose motions in sensitive individuals
• Should be avoided during pregnancy unless prescribed
• Use cautiously in people with dehydration or high Pitta imbalance

Moringa Oleifera, one of the most nutrient-rich plants known to traditional and modern medicine:

🌿 Moringa Oleifera

Common Names: Moringa, Drumstick Tree, Sahjan (Hindi), Murungai (Tamil), Miracle Tree

Family: Moringaceae

Botanical Name: Moringa oleifera

Native To: India, now widely cultivated across Africa, Asia, and Latin America

🌱 Plant Description

• Type: Fast-growing, drought-resistant tree
• Height: Grows up to 10–12 meters tall
• Leaves: Small, round, and green — most nutritionally potent part
• Pods: Long, slender, drumstick-shaped (used as vegetable)
• Flowers: Small, white, and fragrant
• Parts Used: Leaves, pods, seeds, bark, roots, flowers

🔬 Key Nutrients & Compounds

• Vitamins: A, C, E, B-complex
• Minerals: Calcium, Iron, Potassium, Magnesium, Zinc
• Proteins: Contains all 9 essential amino acids
• Antioxidants: Quercetin, Chlorogenic acid
• Plant Compounds: Isothiocyanates, flavonoids, saponins

💊 Health Benefits of Moringa

🌼 Ayurvedic Properties

In Ayurveda, Moringa (Shigru) is used to treat Vata disorders, especially joint pain, digestive sluggishness, and nutrient depletion.

🧪 Forms of Use

• Powder (leaf) – Taken with warm water, honey, or smoothies
• Capsules/Tablets – Convenient for daily supplementation
• Tea/Infusion – Refreshing and nutrient-rich
• Oil (Ben oil) – Extracted from seeds, used for skin & hair
• Seed Extracts – For water purification and detox remedies

⚠️ Precautions

• Avoid high doses in pregnancy (due to uterine stimulating properties of bark/root)
• Excessive consumption may cause digestive upset (bloating or loose stools)
• Choose leaf powder for daily use; avoid root/bark unless under supervision

Katha is a reddish-brown extract derived from the heartwood of the Acacia catechu tree. It’s widely used in traditional medicine, food preparations, and cultural practices across South Asia.

Source: Extracted from the heartwood of Acacia catechu (commonly known as Khair tree).

Appearance: Solid, crystalline or cake-like form, reddish-brown in color.

Taste: Astringent and slightly bitter.

Texture: Brittle and resinous when dry.

Acacia catechu (also spelled Accacia Catechu) is a deciduous tree native to Asia, especially found in India, Nepal, and Southeast Asia. Here’s a quick overview:

🌳 Basic Information

• Scientific name: Acacia catechu
• Family: Fabaceae (Legume family)
• Common names: Cutch tree, Black catechu, Khair (in Hindi), Kachu
• Height: Typically 9–12 meters tall

🌿 Uses

1. Medicinal:
   • Traditionally used in Ayurveda and other systems for treating sore throat, diarrhea, and wounds.
   • Has astringent, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.
2. Dye & Tannin:
   • Catechu extract is obtained from heartwood and used as a brown dye and tanning agent.
3. Wood:
   • Durable and used for tools, fences, and furniture.
4. Mouth fresheners:
   • Catechu is a common ingredient in paan (betel leaf preparations).

Piper nigrum, commonly known as Black Pepper, a spice with potent medicinal properties:

🌿 Piper Nigrum (Black Pepper)

Common Names: Black Pepper, Kali Mirch (Hindi), Milagu (Tamil)

Botanical Name: Piper nigrum

Family: Piperaceae

Native To: Southern India and Southeast Asia

Parts Used: Dried fruits (peppercorns)

🌱 Plant Description

• Type: Climbing perennial vine
• Height: Can grow up to 10 meters with support
• Fruit: Small, round berries (green when unripe, black when dried)
• Cultivation: Grown in tropical climates, especially in Kerala, India

🔬 Key Active Compounds

• Piperine – Primary bioactive compound responsible for:
  • Spicy flavor
  • Enhancing bioavailability of nutrients and drugs
  • Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, digestive actions
• Essential Oils – Including pinene, limonene, and caryophyllene
• Alkaloids and Flavonoids – Contribute to antioxidant activity

💊 Health Benefits

🌼 Ayurvedic Properties

Used traditionally to enhance Agni (digestive fire), remove Ama (toxins), and as part of Trikatu (a blend with ginger and long pepper) in Ayurvedic formulations.

🧪 Forms of Use

• Whole Peppercorns – In cooking or decoctions
• Powder – Mixed with honey or ghee, or in teas
• Extract (Piperine) – Standardized supplements for enhanced absorption
• Herbal Blends – Like Trikatu or Golden Milk (with turmeric and pepper)

⚠️ Precautions

• May irritate sensitive stomachs or those with ulcers
• Avoid high doses in Pitta-dominant individuals
• Piperine can interact with medications by altering their absorption — use with care if on prescription drugs

Boswellia serrata, an ancient herb known for its powerful anti-inflammatory properties:

🌿 Boswellia serrata

Type: Medium-sized deciduous tree

Common Names: Indian Frankincense, Salai, Shallaki

Sanskrit Name: Shallaki

Hindi Name: Salai Guggal

Botanical Name: Boswellia serrata

Family: Burseraceae

🌳 Plant Description

• Height: 12–15 meters
• Leaves: Pinnate, with toothed edges
• Bark: Peels in thin flakes, yields resin when cut
• Gum/Resin: Yellowish, aromatic – this is the medicinal part

🔬 Key Active Compounds

• Boswellic acids (esp. AKBA – Acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid)
• Essential oils, Resins, Polysaccharides

These are known for their anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antioxidant actions.

💊 Medicinal Uses of Shallaki

🌼 Ayurvedic Profile

Shallaki is especially valued for its Vata-pacifying action, making it great for joint and nerve issues.

🧪 How It’s Used

• Resin extract (standardized) – in capsules/tablets
• Powder (Churna) – less common, mixed with warm water or honey
• Oil – used externally for arthritis massage
• Combination formulas – with Guggulu, Ashwagandha, or Turmeric for enhanced anti-inflammatory effects

⚠️ Precautions

• Generally safe and well-tolerated
• May cause mild digestive upset in sensitive individuals
• Use with caution in pregnancy
• Check with a doctor if taking anti-inflammatory or immune-suppressant drugs

The plant behind some of the world’s favorite beverages — tea!

🍃 Camellia sinensis

Common Name: Tea Plant

Hindi Name: Chai Pati ka Paudha

Sanskrit Name: Syamaparni

Botanical Name: Camellia sinensis

Family: Theaceae

Type: Evergreen shrub or small tree

🌿 Plant Description

• Height: 1–3 meters (pruned for easier harvest)
• Leaves: Shiny, dark green, oval, serrated edges
• Flowers: White with yellow centers, mildly fragrant
• Growth: Prefers hilly regions with tropical to subtropical climate

🍵 Tea Types from Camellia sinensis

All the main traditional teas come from this one plant, processed differently:

🔬 Key Active Compounds

• Catechins (EGCG) – Powerful antioxidants (especially in green tea)
• Theanine – Promotes calm and focus
• Caffeine – Natural stimulant
• Flavonoids & Polyphenols – Heart-healthy, anti-inflammatory
• Tannins – Astringent and antimicrobial

💊 Health Benefits

🧘 Ayurvedic Insight

Though not native to classical Ayurvedic texts, tea is viewed in modern Ayurveda with the following considerations:

• Rasa (Taste): Bitter, Astringent
• Virya (Potency): Heating
• Effect on Doshas:
  • Green Tea: Balances Kapha, may aggravate Vata if taken in excess
  • Black Tea: Stimulating, can increase Pitta and Vata

⚠️ Precautions

• Too much caffeine can cause anxiety, insomnia, or acid reflux
• Iron absorption can be inhibited if tea is taken with meals
• People with sensitive stomachs or high Pitta should take tea in moderation

Cassia angustifolia, a well-known herb used primarily for its strong laxative effect:

Common Name: Senna, Indian Senna

Hindi Name: Sanay, Sonamukhi

Sanskrit Name: Svarna Patri, Rajavriksha

Botanical Name: Cassia angustifolia

Family: Fabaceae (Legume family)

Type: Shrub or small perennial herb

🌱 Plant Description

• Height: 1–2 meters
• Leaves: Long, narrow, feather-like (hence “angustifolia” meaning narrow-leaved)
• Flowers: Bright yellow, small, clustered
• Fruits: Flat pods containing small, hard seeds
• Habitat: Grows well in arid and semi-arid regions (native to India & Sudan)

🔬 Active Compounds

• Sennosides A & B – Primary laxative agents (stimulate colon motility)
• Anthraquinones – Promote bowel movement
• Flavonoids, mucilage, resins

💊 Medicinal Uses of Senna

🌼 Ayurvedic Properties

🧪 How It’s Used

• Dried leaf or pod powder – Taken with warm water
• Tea/infusion – Steeped Senna leaves (popular in herbal “detox teas”)
• Tablet/capsule form – Standardized dosage
• External wash – Decoction applied to skin conditions

⚠️ Precautions

Always follow proper dosage or consult a practitioner

Not suitable for pregnant women, children, or those with intestinal conditions (IBD, ulcers, etc.)

🌿 Triphala – “The Three Fruits”, one of the most iconic and time-tested formulations in Ayurveda:

🔹 Sanskrit Meaning:

Tri = Three
Phala = Fruits
Together, Triphala means “three fruits” — a balanced combination of Amalaki, Bibhitaki, and Haritaki.

🌰 Ingredients Overview

Each fruit balances one of the three doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha), making Triphala a tridoshic formula — suitable for nearly everyone.

💊 Key Health Benefits of Triphala

🌼 Ayurvedic Properties

🧪 Forms of Use

• Powder (Churna) – Traditional and most effective form; taken with warm water before bed or early morning
• Capsules/Tablets – Convenient for regular use
• Liquid Extracts – For those who prefer herbal tinctures
• External – Used in face packs, hair treatments, and eye washes

🕰️ How to Use

• For Digestion/Constipation: ½ to 1 tsp powder with warm water at bedtime
• For Detox & Immunity: Take in the morning on an empty stomach
• For Skin/Scalp: Use powder in herbal masks or oil infusions

⚠️ Precautions

• Mild detox effects like increased bowel movements may occur initially
• Avoid during pregnancy or severe diarrhea
• Always use under guidance for long-term use, especially in high doses

🌿 About Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus)

Shatavari is one of the most important medicinal plants in Ayurveda, primarily known for its rejuvenating effects on the female reproductive system, though it’s also used for overall vitality and immunity in both men and women.

📜 Name Meaning & Significance

Sanskrit meaning: “Shat” = hundred, “vari” = husbands → “She who possesses a hundred husbands”

Symbolizes female strength, fertility, and nurturing energy

Considered a Rasayana (rejuvenative tonic)

Common Name: Shatavari

Sanskrit Name: Shatavari (meaning “she who possesses a hundred husbands”)

Hindi Name: Shatavari

Botanical Name: Asparagus racemosus

Family: Asparagaceae

🌱 Plant Description

• Type: Climbing, thorny plant with tuberous roots
• Height: 1–2 meters
• Leaves: Thin and needle-like
• Flowers: Small, white, fragrant
• Roots: Fleshy, cluster-like tubers (the medicinal part)

🔬 Active Constituents

• Saponins (Shatavarins I–IV)
• Flavonoids
• Alkaloids
• Isoflavones
• Asparagine

These compounds give it adaptogenic, rejuvenating, immunomodulatory, and hormone-balancing properties.

💊 Medicinal Uses of Shatavari

🌼 Ayurvedic View

• Rasa (Taste): Sweet, Bitter
• Virya (Potency): Cooling
• Vipaka (Post-digestive effect): Sweet
• Effect on Doshas: Balances Vata and Pitta

It’s classified as a Rasayana (rejuvenator), often recommended for longevity, vitality, and wellness.

🧪 Formulations

• Shatavari Churna (powder)
• Shatavari Kalpa (sweet granules, often with cardamom)
• Capsules/Tablets
• Decoction or infusion

⚠️ Precautions

• Generally considered safe
• People with estrogen-sensitive conditions should consult a doctor before use
• Use cautiously in individuals with congestion or excess mucus (it’s heavy and cooling)

Guggul, a powerful Ayurvedic resin known for its detoxifying and anti-inflammatory benefits:

Common Name: Guggul

Hindi Name: Guggul

Sanskrit Name: Guggulu (“Protects from disease”)

Botanical Name: Commiphora mukul

Family: Burseraceae

Type: Small thorny shrub or tree

🌳 Plant Description

• Height: 1–4 meters
• Leaves: Trifoliate, somewhat wrinkled
• Bark: Thin, peels off in papery flakes
• Resin/Gum: Oleo-gum-resin extracted from the bark – this is the medicinal part
• Habitat: Dry, rocky areas of India (esp. Rajasthan & Gujarat)

🔬 Key Active Compounds

• Guggulsterones (E & Z) – Regulate cholesterol & inflammation
• Myrrhanol, commiphoric acids, volatile oils, resins
• Polysaccharides, flavonoids, and steroids

💊 Medicinal Uses of Guggul

🌼 Ayurvedic Properties

Guggul is a rasayana (rejuvenative) herb, often used in combination formulas like Yogaraj Guggulu, Kaishore Guggulu, Triphala Guggulu, etc.

🧪 Forms of Use

• Tablets / Capsules – Standardized extracts (e.g. guggulsterone 2.5–10%)
• Churna (powder) – Taken with warm water or honey
• Medicated Ghee or oils – Used in panchakarma & massage
• Topical pastes – For wounds and joint swelling

⚠️ Precautions

• May cause gastric irritation or Pitta aggravation in sensitive individuals
• Avoid in pregnancy and hyperthyroidism unless advised
• Interacts with thyroid medications, blood thinners, and cholesterol-lowering drugs – consult your doctor
• Use under supervision for long-term benefits