MEDICINAL USES OF INDIAN SPICES, HOW TO USE SPICES MEDICINALLY

3F 'Known in India as "Triphala' is a combination of mainly three plants; Embalica Oficinalis, Terminalia Chebula and Taminalia Bellirica.

Botanical name: Maranta arundinaceae Linn.

English: Arrowroot

Indian Name: Tuvaksheeri, Tugaksheeri

Family: Marantaceae
Parts used: underground rhizomes

Am very much sure that most of African nations, people are thinking that spices may be something that somehow disgusting. Not knowing that our friends from East Asia are just celebrating for spending less in medication because of eating spices. Now, It is time for you too to discover how important is adding certain spices that are known in the world today as "Kitchen Remedies)" in your dishes. East Asian dishes are actually tasteful, but apartfrom being tasteful, they are also healthy and can serve as good medicine to our bodies. Perfect health, corporation and intelligence in the growing kids can be obtained from the use of Kitchen Remedies.

Through research, AminaHerbs believes that God never created us to live sick, and that’s why in Indian Herbal Medicine (Ayurveda) they say, their herbal system is their mother because it was created before mankind and when used in a natural form, it gives them perfect health without any side-effects.

So now, since God never forgets, you all going to know, and after knowing, wake up and think of perfect Health! Under this category, we have indicated the medicinal uses for a number of spicy plants-mentioned in Indian Herbal System as “kitchen remedies”.

Medicinal uses of Maranta arundinaceae (Tugaksheeri)

It is used as an easily digested, nourishing diet for convalescents, especially in bowel complaints due to its demulcent activities.

According to Indian Herbal System, Maranta root pacifies vitiated vata, pitta, used in treating dysentery, diarrhea, dyspepsia, bronchitis, cough and general weakness.

The starch obtained from the rhizome is an ideal food for infants.

A tablespoonful is prepared by first making a smooth paste with a little amount of cold milk or water, and then carefully stirred and the boiling milk is added. If thick, it will cool into a jelly that usually suits weaning infants better than other farinaceous foods.

An herbal formula that provides overall support for the digestive function and helps ensures that the digestive system works at the optimal level. It cleanses and detoxifies at the deepest levels without depleting the body's reserves.

3F is useful for all kinds of constipation. It detoxifies the liver, restores digestion and purifies blood. 3F is a combination of three fruits from Myrobalan; Chebulic, Amalaki and Belleric are the main ingredients. According to research, 3F supports and regularizes the digestive system, helps in treating constipation, indigestion, colon cancer, and other digestive complaints.

3F reduces high blood pressure, improves blood circulation, and if taken daily for a long time, it prevents premature aging and helps reduce excess weight. If used as an-eye wash, it combats conjunctivitis, progressive myopia, cataracts and early stages of glaucoma, probably due to its strong anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory activities.

Regular intake of 3F restores the noise-stress induced changes due to its strong antioxidant property. It induces cytotoxicity in tumour cells, shows an increase in the radiation tolerance by 1.4 Gray of gamma radiation. It strengthens the muscle tissues of the colon, and increases the nutrient absorption. 3F prevents superoxide induced haemolysis of erythrocytes, stimulates the intestinal wall and promotes good colon health.

Several studies show that 3F reduces high blood pressure, improves blood circulation, lowers the LDL (low-density lipoprotein) which is harmful for the body, and has a significant medicinal value as a potential detoxifying and an anti-cancer agent.

Amalaki as one of the ingredients in 3F, its vitamin C. content ranges from 1100 to 1700 mg per 100 grams, making it the second highest source of vitamin C among all the fruits.

3F balances the three constitutional elements of human life: the nervous system, the metabolic processes, and the body’s structural integrity. Amalaki, Cebulic and Belliric are the main ingredients.

How to use 3F internally; put 3-5g of the herb in a cup of warm water or freshly home-made juice, stir and drink. For better results, use once or twice daily.

In children, the same process is followed but with a half teaspoon.

For eye diseases; prepare by putting a teaspoonful of the herb in a cup of hot water, stir and cover for 12 hours, then filter using a clean-thick cotton cloth, and put into the eyes drop-wise or wash-wise, thrice daily. Also drink as directed for internal use.

Medicinal uses of Allium sativum (Garlic)

Allium sativum has anti-cholesterol, antibacterial, antiviral, antibiotics, anti-HIV and antifungal activities.

It is used in treatment of Hypertension and coronary heart diseases, cough, parasites, colds, tuberculosis, dysentery, digestive ailments, fungus, diabetes and heart stroke. Allium sativum helps to lower hypertension, serum triglyceride and cholesterol levels. Both garlic and onions help thin the blood by discouraging platelets from sticking together.

Allium sativum increases the potency of preparations of the herb coleus (forskolin); helps nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as indomethacin (Indocin) provide greater pain relief; and boosts the infection-fighting capacity of many antibiotics, especially amphotericin (Amphocin).

Allium sativum has been found to reduce platelet aggregation and hyperlipidemia.

Garlic is also alleged to help regulate blood sugar levels. Regular and prolonged use of therapeutic amounts of aged garlic extracts lower blood homocysteine levels and has shown to prevent some complications of diabetes mellitus. People taking insulin should not consume medicinal amounts of garlic without consulting a physician.

Garlic lowers blood pressure by relaxing the smooth muscle of the blood vessels, accepting them to dilate. Both Garlic and Onions contain adenosine which is responsible for relaxing the smooth muscles. Prostaglandin A1 and E are also found in the Onion. Onion also contains blood pressure lowering activities. So now, as the skin of the Onion and Garlic is proven to be good in lowering High blood pressure, it is recommended not to discard the outer skin.

In Indian Ayurvedic system, they recommend the use of both garlic and onion; you can crush both of them and take 1-3 grams along with butter milk twice a day. Or use the powder in the same preparation.

Caution

Higher dosage of garlic may result in halitosis, causing sweat to have a pungent 'garlicky' smell which is caused by Allyl methyl sulfide (AMS). AMS is a gas which is absorbed into the blood during the metabolism of garlic; from the blood it travels to the lungs (and from there to the mouth causing bad breath, especially if one belches) and skin where it is exuded through skin pores. Some people can be allergic to garlic, usually symptoms like irritable bowel, diarrhea, mouth and throat ulcerations, nausea, breathing difficulties, and in rare cases anaphylaxis may occur.

Medicinal uses of Almonds (Prunus amygdalus)

There are two types of almonds; the sweet and the bitter Almond but only sweet Almond can be consumed because the bitter one contains prussic acid which is highly poisonous.

According to Indian Herbal System (Almond nuts are known as the queen of all nuts for being nutritious.

Food values, mineral and vitamins of Almond per 100 grams.

Minerals and Vitamins

Moisture - 5.2%

Calcium - 230 mg

Protein - 20.8%

Phosphorus - 490 mg

Fat - 58.9%

Iron - 4.5 mg

Fibre - 1.7%

Niacin - 4.4 mg

Minerals - 2.9%

Carbohydrates - 10.5%

Calorific Value - 665

A small amount of Vitamin B Complex is also present in Almond.

Some of the best ways to use Almonds is indicated below;

Almonds are soaked into water for some time and ground to form a fine paste after peeling off the upper skin. Such paste is known as almond butter.

It is easily assimilated and is preferred to as dairy butter by a several number of vegetarians. Almond butter is valuable to older and the still growing people where there’s a need of protein.

Another useful preparation of almonds is done along with cold water and milk. The almonds without an upper skin are ground, the milk, a little amount of water is added and a desirable amount of sugar. Such mixture is called Almond milk and is very nutritious and easily digestible comparable to the ordinary milk.

Almond possess synergic action, thereby resulting in increasing energy due to chemical interaction and help the formation of new blood cells, hemoglobin and maintains the smooth physiological functions of brain, nerves, bones, heart and liver. Almond is highly beneficial in preserving the vitality of the brain, strengthening muscles and prolonging life as it acts a tonic.

Properties; Almond kernel possesses sweet, thermogenic, aphrodisiac, laxative, diuretic, demulcent and nervine tonic, whilst the oil is known for its cooling effect, sweet, antispasmodic, sedative, laxative and rejuvenative.

Almond is also sold in a form of powder.

For a healthy looking skin; an equal quantity of rose petal’s paste and almond paste along with milk cream is applied daily over the face. Such therapy will not only nourish the skin, but will also make your skin glow, look soft and lustrous and is able to remove wrinkles, black-heads, pimples, dryness of skin and retard pre-mature aging effects on face. An equal quantity of Almond oil with honey can be applied. It improves complexion.

For baldness caused by poor hair care or lack of nutrition; make a preparation by mixing a teaspoonful of almond oil, Ebalica officinalis fruit juice and massage over the scalp. Such remedy will combat falling of the hair, thinness, dandruff and premature graying of hair.

For anemia: Almonds contain copper in organic form at the rate of 1.15 mg. per 100 grams, iron and vitamins acts as a catalyst in the synthesis of blood hemoglobin. Prepare an equal quantity of raisins, almonds and roasted black grams along with milk. Such combination promotes a healthy life.

Almond as a tonic in growing children; 3-6 shelled Almond soaked in water to remove the upper layer, ground to form a paste, mixed with milk, a teaspoonful of honey is added and taken internally. Such preparation strengthens a child’s bones if taken daily starting from the second month

For delayed puberty; Almond nuts are crushed, an egg yolk is added, followed by sesame seed powder, and a tea spoonful of honey, with a little amount of milk and taken internally.

Almond as a laxative; Chewing almond nuts followed by rosewater can relieve constipation. Or if your stomach is fit; mix a half teaspoonful of almond oil into a cup of hot milk and drink.

Impotency and premature ejaculation: Chewing an equal quantity of almond kernels and roasted gram restores sexual vigor and combats psychological problem.

Almond as a health tonic; prepare by grinding the blanched almonds with milk, add a little amount of sugar to it and drink.

. Almond as serum cholesterol lowering agent; 100 grams Almond posses 11 grams of a fatty acid (linolenic acid) which in turn, exerts antihypercolestrolemic.
For asthma, bronchitis and whooping cough; prepare a mixture by putting 10-15 drops of ginger juice, lemon juice, with a spoonful of almond oil and take this once or twice a day if the condition is severe.

For pregnancy; pregnant women can highly benefit from Almond. Soak almonds in the milk, followed by a pinch of saffron. If such mixture taken every day, it nourishes both a mother and a child.

For muscular sprains; an equal quantity of Almond and garlic oil if applied on an affected area, it gives a quick relief.

In eczema; Wild Almond leaf paste can be applied on an affected area.

As a relief for psoriasis; almond fruit powder is boiled and a paste is applied overnight and peeled off in the morning.

Caution

For those who would need to eat the Almond kernels, it is advisable to chew them for longer and remember not be eaten immediately after meals and or with the outer skin.

Moreover, Almonds nuts play a big role in many medicinal preparations, they have more than what is mention here.

Latin Name: Allium sativum

Sanskrit Name: Rason

Indian Name: Lahsun

English Name: Garlic

Family Name: Liliaceae

Parts used: Bulb and compound

Botanical Name: Prunus dulcis, syn. Prunus amygdalus Batsch., Amygdalus communis L., Amygdalus dulcis Mill.)

English Name: Almond, Sweet Almond, Indian Almond

Indian Name: Badam

Parts used: Fruit kernel

THE SECRET OF INDIAN SPICES UNCOVERS BOTH PREVENTIVE AND CURATIVE POWERS FOR A NUMBER OF DISEASES USING WHAT IS KNOWN TODAY AS "KITCHEN REMEDIES". Remember to check all pages.

Medicinal uses of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha)

Ashwgandha has long been considered as an excellent rejuvenator, a general health tonic and a cure for a number of health complaints. It is a sedative, diuretic, anti-inflammatory and generally respected for increasing energy, endurance, and acts as an-adaptogen that exerts a strong immunostimulatory and an-anti-stress agent.

Ashwagandha is taken for treating cold and coughs, ulcers, emaciation, diabetes, conjunctivitis, epilepsy, insomnia, senile dementia, leprosy, Parkinson’s disease, nervous disorders, rheumatism, arthritis, intestinal infections, bronchitis, asthma, impotence and a suppressant in HIV/AIDS patients.

According to Indian Herbal System (Ayurveda), Ashwagandha is considered one of the most important herbs and the best adaptogenic. It contains constituents like cuseohygrine, anahygrine, tropine, and anaferine, glycosides, withenolide with starches and amino acid. Withanolide consists of steroidal molecules which is said to fight inflammation.

Ashwagandha stimulates the immune system, combats inflammation, increases memory, and helps maintain general health and wellness. Ashwagandha is known to increase the production of bone marrow, semen, and acts anti-aging. Ashwagandha anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory agents are approved in several studies. Its steroidal is much higher than that of hydrocortisone which is a common treatment in cancer cases.

Diseases like TB, chronic upper respiratory diseases and HIV have been added to the list of Ashwagandha due to its strong immunostimulatory activity, and it is recognized as a blood tonic, especially in gynecological disorders including anemia and irregular menstruation.

Patients with anxiety can also benefit from Ashwagandha. During clinical trials, 30 sufferers of anxiety were given 40ml of Ashwagandha twice a day and after 30 days, all anxiety symptoms including panic attacks and paranoia had virtually disappeared.

Ashwagandha effects on the Brain Chemicals:

GABA-mimetic activity having anxiolytic effect.
Inhibiting Cholinesterase and thereby retaining Acetylcholine for longer time.
Slowing down of tolerance of the analgesic effects of morphine.
Induction of axon and dendrite outgrowth, there by resulting in neuritis regeneration and synaptic reconstruction.

Ashwagandha Immunostimulatory effect:

Immunity stimulating effect through Macrophages.
Raised antibody titer against Bordetella pertusis strains (Combats Diphtheria).
Protective effect in Cyclophosphamide induced myelosuppression.
Beneficial in Ageing and Copper induced lipid peroxidation.
Ashwagandha helping in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Ashwagandha as an adaptogenic and Anti-Stress agent:

Respected as Ginseng in Chronic stress models.
Protective effect in stress induced neuronal degeneration.
Helping to achieve better state to fight against stress.
Prevents stress related ulcer.

Ashwagandha Rejuvenative and Reproductive action:

Increases libido and sexual function.
Supports female reproductive system, and increases ovarian weight and folliculogenesis.
Ashwagandha is approved as a greatest rejuvenative herb in Indian Herbal System.
Useful in treating arthritis, diabetes and hypertension.
Ashwagandha is a potent inhibitor of angiogenesis and it is respected for its phytochemical

Ashwagandha in Cancer Patients:

Acts as anti-carcinogenic.
Growth inhibitor of human tumor cell lines.
Counteracting mutagenic effect.
Ashwagandha possesses anti-proliferative agent.
Respected as a natural source of potent radiosensitizer in chemotherapy.
Recommended in Ascitic Sarcoma.
Useful in Melanoma induced metastasis.
Supports DMBA induced Squamous cell carcinoma.
Enhances cellular immune response to mitogens.
Reversing Paclitaxel induced Neutropenia.

Ashwagandha in Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease:

An L-dopa in an herbal formulation found in Ashwagandha.
Enhances memory through cholinergic channels.
Stabilizes mood, improves learning ability.

Ashwagandha as a Free Radical Scavenger & Antioxidant:

Increases the three natural antioxidants in brain.
Stimulates Immune system through Nitric oxide production in Macrophage.
Dose dependent free radical scavenging and protective effect on DNA cleavage.
It has a good effect in Iron overload and Lead toxicity.
Prevents Neuroleptic induced extra pyramidal side effects.

Ashwagandha on Anxiety and Depression:

Ashwagandha is comparable to Bacopa Monnieri in anxiety and depression
Anxiolytic effect comparable to Lorazepam.
Antidepressant effect comparable to Imipramine.
Found nontoxic in doses up to 100 mg per kg of body weight.
As calming, anticonvulsant and antispasmodic effect.
Able to stimulate endocrine glands.

Ashwagandha as a Cardiovascular Protector

Able to protect Cardiovascular system against ischemic and reperfusion injury.
Beneficial in Focal ischemia.
Supports anti-atherogenic activity in polyherbal formula.
Possesses a mild hypoglycemic, diuretic and an anti-hypercholesterolemic agent.
Supports Streptozotocin induced diabetes.
Supportive in retinopathy.

Latin Name: Withania somnifera

Sanskrit Name: Ashwagandha Balada, Vajini, Pushtida, Vataghni

Indian Name: Ashwagandha, Asgandh

English Name: Winter Cherry

Family Name: Solanaceae

Parts used: Leaves, roots, seeds

Latin Name: Asparagus racemosus

Sanskrit Name: Shatmuli, Shatvirya

Indian and Chine Name: Shatavari, Tian men dong

English Name: Wild-Aparagus

Family Name: Asparagaceae

Parts used: Leaves, Tuberous root

Medicinal uses of Asparagus racemosus (Wild-Aparagus)

Asparagus root possesses aphrodisiac, demulcent, general tonic, diuretic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, anti-oxidant and antispasmodic properties. Regular use of asparagus root treats infertility, impotence, leucorrhea, menopause syndromes, hyperacidity, and certain infectious diseases such as herpes and syphilis.

It is also useful in treatment of epilepsy, kidney disorders, chronic fevers, excessive heat, stomach ulcers and liver cancer, increases milk secretion in nursing mothers and regulates sexual behaviors.

Asparagus racemosus cleanses, nourishes, and strengthens the female reproductive organs and so, it is traditionally used for PMS, amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, menopause and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) like endometriosis. Asparagus racemosus is considered as the most potent female health tonic.

Asparagus racemosus also supports deeper tissue and builds blood, helping in treating infertility, prevents miscarriage and acts as a post-partum tonic as it increases lactation, regularizes the uterus and balances hormones, probably due to phyto-estrogens.

A. racemosus is also suggested for its soothing agent upon systemic dryness which is part of the natural aging process. It endorses positive emotions that calming fresh sensitivity and the sizzling emotions such as irritability, anger, jealousy, resentment, and hatred. It also helps with pain, restless sleep, disturbing dreams, and those who have weak emotional and physical heart.

Asparagus racemosus possesses a strong rejuvenating, fostering, and stabilizing action on excessive air, gas, dryness and agitation in the body and mind; for this action, the root infusion is traditionally used in treating nervousness, anorexia, insomnia, hyperactive children, and slow growing of humans.

According to Ayurvedic Indian Herbal system; Asparagus racemosus is conceivably the best known as a female rejuvenanitive, used for stimulation of milk production in lactating women, useful for childlessness, decreased libido, threatened miscarriage, menopause, leucorrhea and has the capability to balance pH in the cervical area, and as a good remedy for impotence and general sexual weakness.

Asparagus racemosus is prescribed for stomach ulcers, hyperacidity and diarrhea, dry and irritated membranes of the vargina and in the upper respiratory tract. It is beneficial in treating bronchitis as well.

Latin Name: Azandirachta indica

Sanskrit Name:Nimbi, Krimighna

Indian Name: Neem Kadu Limb

English Name: Indian Lilac, Neem

Family Name: Maliaceae

Parts used; Seeds, leaves, bark, root, flowers

Medicinal uses of Azandranchita indica (Neem)

The Leaves of Azandranchita indica are considered blood purifier, neutralizer, antidote, anti-malarial, antiviral, hepatoprotective and anti-ulcers. They are used in treating neuromuscular pains, blood diseases, ulcers and viral infections.

The bark is considered nonirritant, acrid, astringent, bitter, cooling, refrigerant, spermicidal, anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcers, anti-bacterial and anti-pyretic. It is useful in treating fever, cough, loss of appetite, vomiting, warm infestation, herpes, furuncolosis, seborrhoetic eczema and arsenical dermatitis and many other skin diseases, including, burns and sores.

Flowers are considered astringent, anthelmitic, non toxic, and they are used in treating Pita and Kapha diseases. The fruits are bitter, anti-haemorrhoid, anti-helmintic, purgative, anti-poisonous, anti-leprotic, and they are used in stimulating immune system, treating malarial parasites, etc.

Further more,

Every part of the Azadirachta indica has been used as traditional medicine for household remedy against various human ailments, from antiquity. Azadirachta indica has been extensively used in ayurveda, unani and homoeopathic medicine and has become a cynosure of modern medicine. The sanskrit name of the Azadirachta indica tree is ‘Arishtha’ meaning ‘reliever of sickness’. The tree is still regarded as ‘village dispensary’ in India.

The Importance of this tree has been recognized by the US National Academy of Sciences, which published a report in 1992 entitled ‘Neem – a tree for solving global problems’. The advancement of Azadirachta indica research has earlier been documented. It has been described as Azadirachta indica as early as 1830 by De Jussieu and its taxonomic position is as follows:

Order Rutales

Suborder Rutinae

Family Meliaceae (mahogany family)

Subfamily Melioideae

Tribe Melieae

Genus Azadirachta

Species indica

Chemical investigation on the products of the Azadirachta indica tree was extensively undertaken in the middle of the twentieth century. Since the early report by Siddiqui in1942 on the isolation of nimbin, the first bitter compound isolated from Azadirachta indica oil, more than 135 compounds have been isolated from different parts of Azadirachta indica and several reviews have also been published on the chemistry and structural diversity of these compounds.

The compounds have been divided into two major classes:

Isoprenoids: The isoprenoids include diterpenoids and triterpenoids containing protomeliacins, limonoids, azadirone and its derivatives, gedunin and its derivatives, vilasinin type of compounds and Csecomeliacins such as nimbin, salanin and azadirachtin.

2. Nonisoprenoids include proteins (amino acids) and carbohydrates (polysaccharides), sulphurous compounds, polyphenolics such as flavonoids and their glycosides, dihydrochalcone, coumarin and tannins, aliphatic compounds, etc.

Nimbidin and sodium nimbidate possess significant dose dependent anti-inflammatory activity against carrageenin induced acute paw oedema in rats and formalin-induced arthritis. Antipyretic activity has also been reported and confirmed in nimbidin. Oral administration of nimbidin demonstrated significant hypoglycaemic effect in fasting rabbits.

A significant antiulcer effect was observed with nimbidin in preventing acetylsalicylic acid, indomethacin, stress or serotonin-induced gastric lesions as well as histamine or cysteamine-induced duodenal ulcers. Nimbidin can also suppress basal as well as histamine and carbachol stimulated gastric acid output and may act as an antihistamine by blocking H2 receptors, thereby helping as an antiulcer agent. The spermicidal activity of nimbidin and nimbin was reported in rats and human as early as 1959, and it also demonstrated antifungal activity by inhibiting the growth of Tinea rubrum.

In vitro, it can completely inhibit the growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and was also found to be bactericidal. Diuretic activity was also reported for sodium nimbidinate in dogs. Nimbolide has been shown to exert antimalarial activity by inhibiting the growth of Plasmodium falciparum. Nimbolide also shows antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus aureus coagulase.

Gedunin is isolated from seed oil and has been reported to possess both antifungal and antimalarial activities. Azadirachtin, highly oxygenated C-secomeliacins are isolated from neem seed and have strong antifeedant activity, which is been demonstrated to have antimalarial property as well. It is inhibitory to the development of malarial parasites.

Mahmoodin, a deoxygedunin isolated from seed oil, has been shown to possess moderate antibacterial action against some strains of human pathogenic bacteria. Condensed tannins from the bark contain gallic acid, gallocatechin, epicatechin, catechin and epigallocatechin, of which gallic acid, epicatechin and catechin are primarily responsible for inhibiting the generation of chemiluminescence by activated human polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN), indicating that these compounds inhibit oxidative burst of PMN during inflammation.

Some of the properties found in Azadirachta indica include:

Anti-inflammatory, Antiviral, Antiarthritic, Antipyretic, Hypoglycaemic, Immuno-stimulatory, Antigastric ulcer, Antifungal, Antibacterial, Diuretic, Spermicidal, Antimalarial, etc.

Pharmacological actions of neem extract:

Several pharmacological activities and medicinal applications of various parts of Azadirachta indica are well known. They are reported with the crude extracts and their different fractions from leaf, bark, root, seed, flowers and oil.

However, crude extract of different parts of Azadirachta indica have been used as traditional medicine for the treatment of various diseases.

In ayurveda (Indian Herbal Medicine), various parts of the tree have been used as traditional medicine all over India from time immemorial. The medicinal utilities have been described, especially for leaf, fruit and bark. Neem oil, bark and leaves have been therapeutically used as a folk remedy to control leprosy, intestinal helminthiasis, respiratory disorders, constipation and as a general health promoter. Its use for the treatment of rheumatism, chronic syphilitic sores and indolent ulcer has also been evident. Neem oil finds use to control various skin infections. Bark, leaf, root, flower and fruit together cure blood morbidity, biliary afflictions, itching, skin ulcers, burning sensations and pthysis.

However, apart from these uses, there are several reports on the biological activities and pharmacological actions of Azadirachta indica based on modern scientific investigations.

Anti-inflammatory, antipyretic and analgesic activities:

The chloroform extract of stem bark is effective against carrageenin-induced paw oedema in rat and mouse ear inflammation. Inflammatory stomatitis in children is cured by the bark extract. Antipyretic activity has been reported in Azadirachta indica oil, and a methanol extract of the leaves exerts antipyretic effect in male rabbits. The plant also possesses analgesic activity mediated through opioid receptors in laboratory animals.

Immunostimulant activity: The aqueous extract of Azadirachta indica bark possesses anticomplement activity, acting on both the alternative and the classical pathway of complement activation in human serum. Recently, an aqueous extract of stem bark has been shown to enhance the immune response of Balb-c mice to sheep red blood cells in vivo. The aqueous extract of leaf also possesses potent immunostimulant activity as evidenced by both humoral and cell-mediated responses. Leaf extract at 100 mg/kg after three weeks of oral administration causes higher immuno-globulin M and immuno-globulin G. levels along with increased titer of antiovalbumin antibody.

Neem oil has been shown to possess immunostimulant activity by selectively activating the cell-mediated immune mechanisms to elicit an enhanced response to subsequent mitogenic or antigenic challenge.

Hypoglycaemic activity: Aqueous extract of Azadirachta indica leaves significantly decreases blood sugar level and prevents adrenaline as well as glucose-induced hyperglycaemia.

Aqueous leaf extract also reduced hyperglycaemia in streptozotocin diabetes and the effect is possibly due to presence of a flavonoid, quercetin. A significant hypoglycaemic effect was observed by feeding neem oil to fasting rabbits.

Recently, hypoglycaemic effect was observed with leaf extract and seed oil, in normal as well as alloxan-induced diabetic rabbits.

Antiulcer effect: Azadirachta indica leaf aqueous extract produced antiulcer effect in rats exposed to restraint – cold stress or ethanol orally by preventing mucus depletion and mast cell degranulation.

An aqueous extract of Azadirachta indica bark has been shown from the laboratory to possess highlypotent antiacid secretory and antiulcer activity and the bioactive compound has been attributed to a glycoside.

Some medicinal uses of Azadirachta indica according to ayurveda:

The Leaf treats Leprosy, eye problem, epistaxis, intestinal worms, anorexia, biliousness, skin ulcers.

The bark is Analgesic, alternative and curative of fever.

The Flower treats bile suppression, elimination of intestinal

worms and phlegm.

The fruit relieves piles, intestinal worms, urinary disorder,

epistaxis, phlegm, eye problem, diabetes,

wounds and leprosy.

The twigs relieve cough, asthma, piles, phantom

tumour, intestinal worms, spermatorrhoea, obstinate urinary disorder, diabetes.

The gum is effective against skin diseases like ringworms,

scabies, wounds and ulcers.

The seed pulp treats leprosy and intestinal worms.

The oil treats Leprosy and intestinal worms.

Root, bark, leaf, flower and fruit together: treats blood morbidity, biliary afflictions, itchiness, skin ulcer, burning sensation and leprosy.

Antiviral activity: Leaf offers antiviral activity against Vaccinia virus, Chikungemya and measles virus. The antiviral and virucidal effects of Azadirachta indica leaves have recently been demonstrated against group-B Coxsackie viruses, etc.

Medicinal Uses of Bacopa monnieri (Brahmi)

It is considered diuretic, nervous tonic, heart tonic, Immuno-modulator, adaptogen, cerebral activator, anti-asthmatic, anti-epileptic, anti-ulcer, antispasmodic, anti-allergic, anti-depressant and anti-oxidant.

Regular intake of Bacopa monniera tea improves learning ability and high reasoning capacity in both children and adult people. It is also used in treating insanity, loss of memory, epilepsy, and many other diseases of nervous system. Taking a half to one teaspoon of Bacopa Monnieri powder at bedtime promotes good sleep and cures insomnia if used for a long time.

Triterpenoid saponins and Bacosides of B. monnieri play an important role in enhancing nerve impulse transmission, while bacosides support the repair of damaged neurons by enhancing kinase activity, neuronal synthesis, restoration and regeneration of synaptic activity resulting in nerve impulse transmission. These effects make it a wonderful nerve tonic or nerve nourishing agent as against the neuroleptic drugs that modulate the behavior.

In a study on this effect in children, it showed significant improvement in exploratory drive, improved perceptual image of patterns and increased perceptual organization and reasoning ability.

Bacopa In Mild To Moderate Mental Deficiency
B. monnieri was tested on men with mild to moderate mental deficiency. 172 persons received B. monnieri 500 mg of extract thrice a day while 114 persons received placebo for one year. At the end of study, there was improvement in concentration ability, memory span, and overall mental performance in individuals taking the extract as compared with placebo group.
There was improvement in the performance of school children with poor educational performance.

Alzheimer's Disease and Bacopa
Loss of cholinergic activity in hippocampus was the primary cause of Alzheimer's disease. B. monnieri showed important antioxidant activity in many brain parts like hippocampus, striatum and frontal cortex. Further studies showed its protective effect against DNA damage in astrocytes and fibroblast cells. All this suggest its important role in Alzheimer's and at least it could be useful in checking the progression of this disease to some extent.

Bacopa In Epilepsy
Despite its mention as anti-epilepsy role it was found to exert this effect only on very high doses over long periods. The dose near LD50 showed effect against seizures. Research in India found hersaponin to exert some anticonvulsant effect. So it could better be used as an adjuvant in treatment of Epilepsy.
Anti-epilepsy drugs as Phenytoin have some side effects as cognitive impairment. Simultaneous administration of this botanical with phenytoin improved acquisition and retention of memory. B. monnieri extracts have corrective effect on phenytoin induced cognitive deficit.

Latin Name: Bacopa monnieri, Herpestis moniera

Sanskrit Name: Brahmi, Aindri, Saraswati

Indian Name: Jal brahmi, Neer-albrahim

English Name: Thyme Leaved Gratiola

Family Name: Scrophuariaceae

Parts used: Leaves, whole plant

Botanical Name: Adansonia digitata

Common Name: Baobab, The tree of life, Upside down tree

Family: Bombacaceae

Parts Offered: Fruit powder

Medicinal uses of Adansonia digitata (Baobab)

The name "Tree of life" was formed because of Baobab’s many uses medicinally, almost every part of it, was used for healing purposes. But after research, only the fruits were found to be highly beneficial in terms of nutrition and minerals.

Baobab fruit powder has an exotic tangy flavor due to its content of citric, malic and tartaric acids and is exceptionally nutritious containing high natural levels of antioxidants, essential minerals including calcium, potassium, iron and magnesium, and vitamin C.

Baobab fruit powder is suitable for use in a wide range of food and drink products including:

Smoothies and juices.
Cereals, cereal bars and snacks.
Ice creams, yoghurts and dairy desserts.
Jams, sauces, marinades and condiments.
Specialty teas.
Health supplements.

The powder has high pectin content (around 25%) and is especially useful for products where binding and thickening is needed. For applications where the flavor of baobab is required without the thickening property, a depectinised extract can help. Baobab powder is again used with water and sugar to make a popular and refreshing sherbet-like drink, and also used in preparation of porridge, sauces and other dishes and as a substitute for cream of tartar in baking, and a fermenting agent in traditional brews.

Medicinally, Baobab fruit powder is taken for treating fevers, gastric complaints, malaria, haemoptysis, and as a general health tonic, particularly in children, pregnant women and the elderly people.

Latin Name: Bacopa monnieri, Herpestis moniera

Sanskrit Name: Brahmi, Aindri, Saraswati

Indian Name: Jal brahmi, Neer-albrahim

English Name: Thyme Leaved Gratiola

Family Name: Scrophuariaceae

Parts used: Leaves, whole plant

Medicinal Uses of Bacopa monnieri (Brahmi)

In a study on this effect in children, it showed significant improvement in exploratory drive, improved perceptual image of patterns and increased perceptual organization and reasoning ability.

Anti-epilepsy drugs as Phenytoin have some side effects as cognitive impairment. Simultaneous administration of this botanical with phenytoin improved acquisition and retention of memory. B. monnieri extracts have corrective effect on phenytoin induced cognitive deficit.

Botanical Name: Adansonia digitata

Common Name: Baobab, The tree of life, Upside down tree

Family: Bombacaceae

Parts Offered: Fruit powder

Medicinal uses of Adansonia digitata (Baobab)

Baobab fruit powder is suitable for use in a wide range of food and drink products including:

Smoothies and juices.
Cereals, cereal bars and snacks.
Ice creams, yoghurts and dairy desserts.
Jams, sauces, marinades and condiments.
Specialty teas.
Health supplements.

The powder has high pectin content (around 25%) and is especially useful for products where binding and thickening is needed.

For applications where the flavor of baobab is required without the thickening property, a depectinised extract can help. Baobab powder is again used with water and sugar to make a popular and refreshing sherbet-like drink, and also used in preparation of porridge, sauces and other dishes and as a substitute for cream of tartar in baking, and a fermenting agent in traditional brews.

Latin Name: Piper betel

Sanskrit Name: Tambuli

Indian Name: Pan, Vettila, Nagavalli

English Name: Betel leaf,

Family Name:

Parts used: Leaves, nuts

Always buy organic!

Medicinal uses of Medicinal uses of Piper betel (Betel leaf)

100 grams of Betel leaves possess 85.4 % of moisture , 3.1% protein, 0.8 % fat 2.3 % fiber 6.1% carbohydrates and 2.3 % minerals including carotene, riboflavin, niacin, thiamine and vitamin C. It also has tannins, sugar, diastases and its essential oil exhibits alkaloid arakene which is similar to cocaine.

Betel leaves are useful in treatment of nerve pains, nervous exhaustion and general debility. The juice of a few betel leaves with a teaspoon of honey acts as a tonic if taken twice a day. The leaf juice is mixed with milk, sweetened and taken for easing urination, soaked in mustard oil, warmed and applied to the chest to relieve cough and difficulty in breathing, applied to treat inflammations, rheumatisms and orchitis.

It is also a valuable remedy for boils: a leaf is gently warmed until it gets softened, coated with a layer of castor oil and then spread over an affected part every after1-2 hours. After the boil decreased, the application can be made only at night and removed in the morning till maximum results are obtained.

I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. I’m a great place for you to tell a story and let your users know a little more about you.?

Latin Name: Piper nigrum

English Name: Black pepper

Family: Piperaceae

Parts Used: fruits

Medicinal uses of Piper nigrum (Black pepper)

According to India Herbal Medicine (Ayurveda), Black pepper possesses anti-tumourigenic, immunostimmulatory, stomachic, carminative, anticholestrolemic and again known for its strong phytochemical activities. Black pepper constituents include eugenol, kaempferol, myrcene, piperine, quercetin, chavicin and rutin black pepper. Rutin black pepper exerts a strong antioxidant comparable to many fruits and vegetables. Phytochemical, piperine, inhibits pro-inflammatory cytokines that are produced by tumour cells. During that process, it interferes with the signaling mechanisms between cancer cells, thereby helping reduce tumor progression.

Black pepper is hot, light and has anti-flatulent action. It is used in treating digestive disorders, particularly to eradicate parasitic worms and as an appetite stimulant, and to treat coughs, colds, breathing, heart problems, dyspepsia, flatulence, constipation, colic, cholera, syphilis, diabetes, anemia, sore throat, hoarseness and piles.

Black pepper decoction is gargled for tooth-ache, whilst the paste is applied externally for healing boils and hair loss, mixed with sesame oil and applied for paralysis, with honey for night blindness, inhaled for comatose and also said to be useful in hepatitis, urinary and reproductive disorders.

Black pepper contains several powerful antioxidants and is thus one of the most important spices for preventing and curtailing oxidative stress. In addition to their direct antioxidant properties, several of these compounds work indirectly by enhancing the action of other antioxidants. This makes black pepper particularly valuable in minimizing the damage caused by a diet rich in saturated fats, one of the main causes of oxidative stress.

The high levels of cholesterol and triglycerides associated with oxidative stress inhibit the efficacy of important antioxidants like glutathione, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, vitamin C and vitamin E. However, in the face of this potentially destructive process, black pepper actually maintains and enhances the levels and efficacy of these important antioxidant compounds.

Black pepper exhibits immunomodulatory properties and is capable of boosting the number and the efficacy of white cells, thereby assisting the body to mount a powerful defense against invading microbes and cancer cells.

Piperine increases the bioavailability of valuable phytochemicals present in other spices and can boost the activity of biochemically active compounds contained in green tea, curcumin and a variety of other spices by up to several hundred percent, depending on the molecule concerned.It does this via two principal mechanisms.

First, it promotes the rapid absorption of certain chemicals from the gastrointestinal tract, protecting them from being broken down by chemicals in the intestinal lumen and by enzymes that occur in the cells lining the intestines. Secondly, once the compound has entered the blood stream, piperine provides protection against oxidative damage by liver enzymes. In this way black pepper enables us to reap optimum benefits from the medicinal phytochemicals found in other dietary spices.

Black pepper chavicin acts directly as a gastric stimulant through secretion of more saliva and gastric juice. Black pepper increases gastrointestinal movements, expels strangulated gas while relaxing the intestines. Black pepper powder is taken with thin butter milk as a carminative and digestive agent in treating flatulent colic, diarrhea and fermentation of food.

Black pepper causes profuse sweating if prepared in form oil and then applied on the skin due dilating influence on the arteries and superficial vessels of the human skin.

Black pepper’s diaphoretic and diuretic action in a combination with cloves and garlic, are able to combat scanty urination, malarial fever if taken internally, and the same preparation if gargled can be effective in treating pharyngitis, tonsillitis, sore throat, etc.

Medicinal uses of Black Salt (Kala Namaka)

The ground Black Salt is Pinkish orange or pinkish grey, but looks black when still whole. According to Indian Herbal System (Ayurveda), it is used as a cooling, laxative and digestive.

It is believed to relieve intestinal gas, heartburn, prescribed for people with high blood pressure or on low-salt diets as it is low in sodium and purportedly does not increase sodium content in the blood.

In a small quantity, Black Salt is also used in preparations of chutneys, raitas, chaats, and pickles and on fresh cut fruits such as apples and bananas for a delicious treat, and or in a replacement with sea salt.

Black salt is claimed to harden teeth if mixed with sesame oil and applied as toothpaste.

English Name: Black Salt

Indian Name: Kala Namaka, Nepali Birae Noon

Latin Name: Boswellia serrata

Sanskrit Name: Luban

Indian Name: Gond

English Name: Indian olibanum tree

Family Name: Bruseraceae

Parts used: Gum resin

Medicinal uses of Boswellia serrata (Indian olibanum tree)

Boswellia serrata gum resin is used for treating chronic laryngitis, fevers, urethrorrhea, jaundice, diaphoresis, convulsions and ringworm. It is possesses diuretic, expectorant, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic.

The bark is used for diarrhea, jaundice, Pita diseases, and considered as a tonic, sweet and cooling.

In Indian Ayurvedic systems, it is known among herbalists as a treatment for arthritis, very beneficial in helping inflammation and joint health.

Extracts of boswellia serrata have natural anti-inflammatory activity at sites where chronic inflammation is present by switching off pro-inflammatory cytokines and mediators, which initiate the process.

Analysis of the ingredients of these extracts revealed that the pentacyclic triterpenes boswellic acids possess biological activities and appear to be responsible for the respective pharmacological actions.

Boswella serrat safety is approved, it does not have any side-effect on blood pressure, heart rate of the gastric irritation and ulcers associated with many anti-inflammatory and antiarthritic drugs prensent in the market today.

In India, it is considred the best for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, soft tissue rheumatism, low back pain, myositis and fibrositis.

Secret of Spices I

Should you want Natural Healing or to buy proper herbs?

Kindly contact us on +27 714 46 10 40 or +27 74 0677 308

You can shop for herbs at low prices. Our packing is set for retailers, wholesalers or pharmacists. Meaning that, you can buy from us and display for retailing, wholesaling and extracting. A box of the roots, bark, leaves, flowers or leaf powder, etc. contains 12 packets and each packet weighs 100-150 grams. Only some of the flowers are packed in 50gramsX12. Remember that, we deliver orders freely to Maputo, Johannesburg, Dar-es-salaam, Kampala, Lusaka, Windhoek, Gaborone, Harare, Lilongwe and Nairobi; T&C Apply.

Aminaherbs.com offers the best quality herbs from India and other countries of the world. Spend up to US$ 1000 today and receive up to 20% discount plus free shipping!

Kindly do not hesitate to contact us on;

+255 74 200 8000

WhatsApp;

+255 672 40 6667

E-mail Address;

rhtajy@gmail.com

Amina Herbal Health Care Inc Dar es salaam Tanzania

THE SECRET OF INDIAN SPICES UNCOVERS BOTH PREVENTIVE AND CURATIVE POWERS FOR A NUMBER OF DISEASES USING WHAT IS KNOWN TODAY AS "KITCHEN REMEDIES". Remember to check all pages.