Botanical Name: Emblica officinalis/Phylanthus emblica
Sanskrit Name:Amlaki
English Name: Indian Gooseberry
Properties: Indian Gooseberry has been given a prominent place in Ayurveda. In ancient India it was believed that Ambrosia (heavenly nectar) contained all rasas thereby, it could impart immortality. In that sense Amlaki and Hareetaki stand next by exhibiting five rasas. Therefore, Gooseberry is considered a Rasayana" bestowed with anti-aging effects. Enthusiastic investigations on Amla substantiate almost all of its acclaimed properties. It has been identified to be a potent antioxidant, immunomodulatory, antistress etc. Apart from its medicinal use. It also finds an important place in traditional hair and skin care formulations. Its cytoprotective role has been investigated in detail. For Ayurveda Amlaki is considered to be a nature's boon.
Botanical Name: Centella Asiatica
Sanskrit Name: Brahmi or Mandukparni
English Name: Pennywort or thick-leaved pennywort
Properties: A broad-spectrum herbal nerve and brain tonic that improves memory and cognitive processes in students and those involved n intellectual work. Recent studies have proven Brahmi's ability o enhance the acquisition and retention of information throughlonger periods of time. Brahmi is also used to treat senility, strokes, nervous breakdowns and other nerve disorders, ADD (attention deficit disorder), stress-related concentration problems, nsanity and epilepsy. The magic herb also acts as a cardiac tonic.
Latin Name: Cinnamomum camphora
English Name: Camphor
Sanskrit / Indian Name: Karpoora, Kapoor, Karpooram
Properties: A large, handsome, evergreen cultivated in India as an ornamental and as a source of camphor. Camphor is obtained as colorless or white crystals, granules or crystalline masses, or colorless to white translucent, tough masses. Camphor acts as a carminative, reflex expectorant and reflex stimulant of the heart, circulation and respiration. Camphor has also been used as a nervine depr essant in hysteria, epilepsy, cholera and convulsions and as an aphrodisiac. The oil extract has a peculiar fragrance and acts as an skin stimulant and counter irritant when applied externally.
Latin Name: Convolvulus microphyllus
Sanskrit / Indian Name: Shankhapushpi
Properties: The plant contains the alkaloids convolvine, convolamine, phyllabine, convolidine, confoline, convoline, subhirsine, convosine, and convolvidine along with scopoline and ?-sitosterol. Besides, high-density lipoprotein was significantly raised in the animals. The plant is reported to be a memory-improving drug. It is used as a psycho-stimulant and tranquilizer.
Botanical Name: Azadirachta indica
Sanskrit Name: Nimba
English Name: Margosa Tree
Properties: It has been used as a tonic and astringent that promotes wound healing. Neem's traditional use is based on its detoxifying benefits that help maintain healthy circulatory, digestive, respiratory and urinary systems. It is used for external applications in skin diseases. Neem extracts possess antidiabetic, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. All the parts of the plant and active principles and extracts possess a lot of significant pharmacological properties. Neem is bitter and alterative. It is used as a poultice in boils, is antiseptic, demulcent, a tonic in catarrhal affections, stomachic, stimulant. It is useful in snake bite, scorpion sting, hypoglycemic, in rheumatism, as an analgesic, antipyretic, sedative, antibacterial, antiprotozoal, antiviral, anthelmintic and in skin diseases. The tree stem, root and bark possess astringent, tonic, and antiperiodic properties. The bark is beneficial in malarial fever and useful in cutaneous diseases. One of the most powerful blood purifiers and detoxifiers in Ayurvedic usage, Neem is often used to maintain healthy skin. There is plenty of scientific backup for Neem's immune enhancement properties as a booster of the macrophage's effectiveness. Scientific studies indicate that Neem boosts the immune system by energizing lymphocytes cells to respond to infection and other challenges to the body's immunity.
Jatamansi, also known as Indian Spikenard or Muskroot, is grown in high elevations on the alpi Himalayas. This herb is particularly calming to the mind and is useful for promoting greater ease and mental awareness. Living in our fast paced society, the majority of us are subject to an ever increasing amount of stress in our lives. If the stress is not dealt with, over time we may see adverse reactions to it. Many common illnesses are associated with our every day stresses. Among them are tension headaches, insomnia, anxiety, over active mind, decreased memory, heart palpitations, depression and difficulty relating to our friends and family members. These stresses will bring about and aggravate the prana vata which is located in our brain, head, and chest. With an Ayurvedic perspective, prana vata is the most important aspect of vata dosha, responsible for all mental functioning, governs breathing, allows the flow of Prana (or Chi) into the physiology, and gives tone to all emotions whether they be positive or negative emotions. With a balanced prana vata we will feel energetic and able to be an active participant in our lives. If prana vata is not balanced, it can effect all of the functions of our bodies, but particularly our minds. It also plays a role in having a healthy immune system. If it is not balanced, we will be more prone to illnesses and fatigue |
