#neem,नीम(Azadirachta indica)

Botanical Classification :

Botanical Name:Azadirachta indica
Family: Meliaceae
Genus: Azadirachta
Species:  A. indica

Conman  Name:

English : Neem, Indian Lilac, Margosa tree, nim, crackjack, paradise tree, White cedar,                          chinaberry

Hindi: Nimb, Bal-nimb, neem, nind.

Sanskrit : Arishta, nimba, minbaka

Plant :

Neem is a fast-growing tree that can reach a height of 15–20 mt.It is evergreen, but 

in severedrought it may shed most or nearly all of its leaves. The branches are wide 

and spreading. The fairly dense crown is roundish and may reach a diameter of 15–

20 mt.

Flower:

The (white and fragrant) flowers are arranged in more-or-less drooping axillary 

panicles which are up to 25 cm long.

Fruit :

The fruit is a smooth (glabrous) olive-like drupe which varies in shape from elongate 

oval to nearly roundish, and when ripe is 1.4–2.8 cm . The fruit skin is thin and the 

bitter-sweet pulp is yellowish-white and very fibrous.

Seeds:

The white, hard inner shell (endocarp) of the fruit encloses one, rarely two or three; 

elongated seeds (kernels) have a brown seed coat.

Medicinal Uses:

Twigs :neem twigs are used to clean teeth. These  are also used to cure dandruff. Paste or fresh leaves is applied to cure chickpox/small pox. If taken internally enhances the immunity, cures the neuromuscular pains .

Leaves:
Neem leaves are used to treat chickenpox and warts by directly applying to the skin in a paste form or by bathing in water with neem leaves. In order to increase immunity of the body, neem leaves are also taken internally in the form of neem capsules or made into a tea. The tea is traditionally taken internally to reduce fever caused by malaria. This tea is extremely bitter. It is also used to soak feet for treating various foot fungi.  It has also been reported to work against termites. In Ayurveda, neem leaves are used in curing neuromuscular pains. Neem leaves are also used in storage of grains.

Neem tea is taken to reduce the fever caused by Malaria and Filaria.

Bark:The paste of fresh bark is used on boils and pimples. The powder of dry bark is used to control fleas as and ticks on pets. Neem oil is also applied on boils or ulcers. Its use is made to remove dandruff. Neem powder and neem oil can be used to check herpes.

Neem capsules are taken by diabetics as they alter the insulin requirement without affecting the blood glucose level. Neem contains two chemicals viz, Nimbin and Nimbidin which are anti inflammatory in action and relieve the itching and the reddening of the skin. They work as a great emollient by preventing moisture loss and restoring the protective barrier in the skin. They also serve as a strong analgesic or pain killer and provides instant relief from the discomfort experienced by the eczema.
Internal use of neem cures the hypertension, blood clots, heart irregularities and high cholesterol levels. It  also reduces anxiety and emotional fluctuation, thus, stabilising the heartbeat rate.
Consume a decoction of tender neem leaves sweetened with honey to eliminate the toxins in the liver.

#Datura ,धतूरा (Datura Stramonium)

Botanical Classification :

Botanical Name: Datura Stramonium
Family: Salanaceae
Genus: Datura
Species:  D. stramonium 

Conman  Name: Jimson Weed, Stink weed, Mad Apple, Thorn Apple Stramonium, Dhatura Tatula, Datura Seeds
Parts Used: Seeds, Flowers, Leaves
Habitat: Common in Northwestern Himalayas and foot hills on dry slopes up to 1800 m altitude.

Introduction of Plant:

Datura species are herbaceous, leafy annuals and short-lived perennials which can reach up to 2 m in height. The leaves are alternate, 10–20 cm long and 5–18 cm broad, with a lobed or toothed margin. 

Flowers :

The flowers are erect or spreading (not pendulous like those of Brugmansia), trumpet-shaped, 5–20 cm long and 4–12 cm broad at the mouth; colors vary from white to yellow, pink, and pale purple. 

Fruit :

The fruit is a spiny capsule 4–10 cm long and 2–6 cm broad, splitting open when ripe to release the numerous seeds. The seeds disperse freely over pastures, fields and even wasteland locations.

Datura belongs to the classic "witches' weeds", along with deadly nightshade, henbane, and mandrake. Most parts of the plants contain toxic hallucinogens, and datura has a long history of use for causing delirious states and death. It was well known as an essential ingredient of love potions and witches' brews

seeds:

Uses & Benefits of Datura

• datura is internally used in relieving the spasm of bronchitis in asthma. It is also used in the treatment of Parkinsonism and Hemorrhoids. Its leaves, applied after roasting, are useful in relieving pain.
• The bitter narcotic plant relieves pain and encourages the healing process. The plant has a very long history of being used as herbal medicine.
• Its leaves, flowering tops and seeds have anodyne, antiasthmatic, antispasmodic, hallucinogenic, hypnotic, mydriatic and narcotic properties. The seeds of the plant are the most active medicinally.
• datura is internally used for treating giddiness, dry mouth, hallucinations and coma.
• Externally, the plant is used as a poultice in treating fistulas, abscesses wounds and severe neuralgia.
• Traces of scopolamine are also found in the plant, which is a potent cholinergic-blocking hallucinogen that has been used to calm schizoid patients.
• Its leaves, containing hyoscyamine and atropine, can be used as an immensely powerful mind-altering drug.
• The seeds of datura are analgesic, anthelmintic and anti-inflammatory and as such, they are used in the treatment of stomach and intestinal pain that results from worm infestation, toothache, and fever from inflammations.
• The juice of its fruit is applied to the scalp, to treat dandruff and falling hair.
• The growing plant works as an insect repellant, which protects neighboring plants from insects.

Caution

• Datura is very poisonous and should be used with extreme caution. It is to be used only under the supervision of a qualified practitioner, as the difference between a medicinal dose and toxic dose can be .

#Vidang, विडंग(Embelia ribes Burm. f. )

Botanical Classification :

Botanical Name: Embelia ribes Burm. f. 
Family : Myrsinaceae
Genus:  Embelia
Species:  E. ribes

Conman  Name: 

                                   Sanskrit : Devnagari : विडंग

                                    Hindi : bairang, wawrung

                                   Gujarati : વાવડીંગ'

                                   Telugu : vayuvidangalu

                                   English : embella, embelia  

                                   Other names :Vidanga, Viranga, Chitratandoola, Vayuvilangam, Vizhal,                                                                 Vrishanasana, Vayivilangam, Varading, Tandula

Parts Used :Berries, roots, bark

Plant Description:

Vidanga is climbing shrub with brownish-grey and hairy root and the stem is whitish grey with protruded lentils. 
The leaves are elliptic, lanceolate, 6-14 cm long and 2-4 cm wide and entirely glabrous.
The plant bears small white-yellow colour flower and fruit is berry, 2-2.4 mm obovate and smooth. 

Berries :

 roots:

 bark:

Medical Uses :

Vidanga, also known as is jantanasa, Vidanga is one of the most important herbs in ayurvedic system of medicines. Vidanga especially used for the lymphatic glands.

it is diuretic, a mild purgative and kills worms, it is an appetizer, digestive , blood purifier and rejuvenator.Vidanga has the medicinal properties so it is widely used in medicine and it is good for health. Vidanga extensively used for the preparation of hair care and skin care products, and it is helps purify and clean the blood.

Vidanga reduces the incidence of cancer of the gastrointestinal and respiratory tract. vidanga was used as a blood purifier and many uses, external as well as internal, are mentioned. It was given in food as well as drink. Vidanga also used for carminative, digestive, and beautiful skin purpose.

#Aloe Vera,घृतकुमारी

Botanical Classification :

Botanical name : Aloe vera

Family :   Liliaceae

Genus:   Aloe

Species: A. vera

Location : Aloe Vera is cultivated throughout India. 

Other Name:

Cape aloe, Aloe curacao, Barbadoes aloe, Venezuela aloe,   Indian capalces, Ghritkumari , Ghirita,Lu hui, Star Cactus are the other names used for the Aloe Vera. It is also called miracle plant, Burn plant, medicine plant and first-aid-plant. 

Other species of Aloe Vera : 
There are more than 200 species of Aloe Vera. Aloe Barbadensis Miller, Aloe Saponaria, Aloe Chinensis, Aloe Variegata, Aloe Forex, Aloe Lalifolia and Curacao Aloe are some of the known species of Aloe Vera.

Parts Used: Leaves,Freash juice,pulp,root. 
Introduction of Plant:

 Aloe Vera is a stem-less or very short-stemmed plant, growing approximately 80-100 cm. It has a fibrous root system. It does not have stems. It has thick freshly leaves with sharp points, which are up to 18 inches long and 2 inches wide at the base. Its leaves are even long and triangular in shape. The tissue in the center of the Aloe leaf contains a gel which yields the aloe gel. Its leaves are rich in water that is why it can survive for years. These leaves have spiky margins and are blotched creams. It is the member of the Lilly family. The roots of the pant are thick and fibrous. The fruit is the triangular capsule containing numerous seeds.

Leaf:Leaf structure is made up of four layers:

Rind - the outer protective layer;

Sap - a layer of bitter fluid which helps protect the plant from animals;

Mucilage Gel - the inner part of the leaf that is filleted out to make Aloe Vera gel.

Aloe Vera (inner gel) contains the 8 essential Amino Acids that the human body needs but cannot manufacture.

Flower:
The flowers of aloe vera are produced on a spike up to 90 cm tall, each flower pendulous, with a yellow tubular corolla 2 to 3 cm long.

Seeds pod:

Uses:
Aloe vera has been used for centuries and it is more popular today than ever. It is cultivated around the world as a crop for its colourless jelly-like leaf parenchyma known as 'aloe gel'. It is used for a variety of purposes in food, food supplements, herbal remedies and cosmetics.Aloe vera leaf parenchyma (aloe gel) may be effective when used on the skin against psoriasis, burns, frostbite, and sores caused by the Herpes simplex virus. Research has shown that, taken orally, aloe gel can help to lower cholesterol levels in people with high cholesterol, and can help to lower blood glucose levels in people with type II diabetes.The green outer layer of the leaves of Aloe vera yields a bitter, yellow exudate which has very different properties from those of the colourless parenchyma. The bitter leaf exudate has traditionally been used as a laxative. However, research has indicated that the active constituents may have harmful effects and can interact with other medicines and herbal remedies. It should not be given to children or to pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Uses & Benefits of Aloe Vera:

• Aloe Vera is useful for treating X ray burns, dermatitis, cutaneous and disorders of skin.
• The drug from its juice is tonic and used in jaundice, ameneorrhoea, atonic and piles.
• Aloe Vera gel has the remarkable ability to heal wounds, ulcer and burns.
• The acid present inside Aloe Vera is used as an effective pain killer.
• It is used to make antiseptic, which can kill mold, bacteria, funguses and viruses.
• Aloe Vera is known to be highly beneficial for skin. It prevents the growth of acnes and is used as a beauty product to enhance skin growth.
• Both oral intake and tropical dressings of Aloe Vera encourage healing of any kind of wound on the skin, burn or scald. It also speeds up the convalescing period after recovery.
• Aloe Vera can be tried on blisters, insect bites, rashes, sores, herpes, urticaria, athlete’s foot, fungus, vaginal infections, conjunctivitis, sties, allergic reactions, and dry skin.
• Topical used of this plant includes sunburn, frostbite, shingles, screening out x-ray radiation, psoriasis, preventing scarring, rosacea, warts, wrinkles from aging, and eczema. 
• According to some studies, oral consumption of Aloe Vera works effectively to soothe conditions like heartburn, arthritis and rheumatism pain and asthma.
• Studies have also suggested that it is has a very positive effect on lowering blood sugar levels in diabetics.   

Caution:

• Use of Aloe Vera over a long period of time can result in loss of potassium, hematuria, albuminuria and fluid imbalance in the body.
• Oral intake of Aloe Vera supplements might result in abdominal cramps and diarrhea in some cases.
• Aloe Vera should not be consumed during pregnancy, menstruation, breast-feeding, and also in case of an inflamed intestinal disorder.
  
  
  

Cultivation methods : 
Aloe Vera plant is propagated through the seed. It prefers a well drained sandy soil in sunny location. Aloe Vera needs the temperature of above 40 degrees. They should be potted in the spring season and watered carefully until established. It grows in the arid climate. They should be watered regularly in the summers. But over watering can kill the plant. It also grows in partial shade. It reaches the maturity inn four years when the leaves are harvested. 

Medicinal uses :
 Aloe Vera is the herbal plant, used to heal the burn marks. Aloe Vera cures the skin diseases. It can also be used to remove dandruff from the hair. Aloe Vera is taken internally for the stomach disorders. The leaves of Aloe Vera is used for the treatment of facial edema or swelling. Its fluid is beneficial in reducing the inflammation and pain. Aloe Vera is used in cosmetics and even in the food industry. Curacao aloe acts as laxative, which is used against constipation. The fresh juice of its leaf blades can be applied directly to the ulcers, burns, sunburns, and fungal infection. Organic Aloe Vera juice reduces acidity. It prevents from fungus, influenza virus, measles, and high fever.

Other uses :
 Aloe Vera is a very popular potted plant. It is grown in houses for the decoration. The leaf sap is used to make a soothing and healing moisturizing cream, which is good for the dry skin. It is used in the making of anti wrinkle cream. It is even used in the preparation of shampoos.

Cultural Importance :
Aloe Vera has been mentioned several times in the sacred scriptures. It is believed to have been used for the preservation of the body of the Jesus Christ. It is called as the plant of immorality. It is also mentioned in the holy book of Bible. It has been used by the tribal people as a medicine for the century. 

#Ashwagandha,अश्वगंधा (Withania somnifera)

Botanical Classification :

Botnical name :Withania somnifera
Family:   Solanaceae
Genus:   Withania
Species: W. somnifera

Common Name: Winter cherry, Indian Ginseng

                                Sanskrit -     Ashwagandha

                                           Hindi -          Asgandh  

Parts Used: Leaves,Roots,Seeds

Introduction :

Ashwagandha is a popular plant in Ayurveda which has been in use for many centuries now. It has gained a very important place in Ayurveda due to its medicinal properties. The name of the plant comes from Sanskrit words Ashwa and Gandha which literally mean a horse’s odour. The most important part of ashwagandha is the root. The root of the plant contains innumerable properties ranging from strengthening the immune system, increasing libido, lowering arthritis and many more.

 PLant:
 The Ashwagandha plant itself is a hardy small woody shrub with small flowers and distinctive red seeds. The shrub can grow from 150 to 200 cm tall. The plant can thrive in
moderate drought conditions and is often found where other plants cannot survive. Ashwagandha naturally occurs in all areas of South Asia up to a moderate altitude. It is a member of the same family of plants that includes the common tomato, the Solanacaeae family.

Fruit:
 The plant displays small flowers and small berry like fruit. The flowers have a central yellow section and light green petals that look like mini leaves. The Ashwagandha shrub has a dominant central stem supporting radially extending branches.

 The central stem and branches are covered with small wool like hairs.It is actually the plant root and seeds that are used in ayurvedic medicine. 

Roots:
The roots of Ashwagandha can occur as one long thick structure, similar in shape to an extra large carrot, or it can occur as a subsystem of various inter-twined roots.

Leaves:
The leaves of the plant are not compound leaves (ie. they are simple leaves) and are generally about 8 to 12 cm in length.

Seeds:
Ashwagandha seeds are small and have a berry like red appearance; they are generally less than 1 cm in diameter.

Flower:
The  Ashwagandha flowers are small and usually a greenish yellow color and plant flowers all year round 

The word Aswhagandha in Sanskrit literally translates to 'smell of a horse'; probably owing to the fact that the ground root has a smell that is reminiscent of a horse.

 Uses :
Ashwagandha benefits all parts of the body and can be used as a tonic or in oral form. Several studies have shown that Ashwagandha is useful in addressing the following health problems:

•  Osteoarthritis:  A study  in 2008 , scientists tested ashwagandha's effects on human cartilage and found that the herb may help protect against inflammation and cartilage damage associated with osteoarthritis.
•  Anxiety: In an animal-based study published in 2000, researchers found that ashwagandha had an anti-anxiety effect similar to that of lorazepam (a medication used to treat anxiety disorders). The herb also appeared to ease depression.
•  Type 2 Diabetes:  Ashwagandha may help normalize high blood sugar and improve insulin sensitivity, according to preliminary, animal-based research published in 2008. 
•  Cancer:: : In a 2003 study, tests on human tumor cell lines revealed that ashwagandha may slow the growth of lung, breast, and colon cancer cells.Published in 2007, another study on human cells shows that ashwagandha may inhibit tumor growth without harming normal cells.
• Anti-Oxident: Ashwagandha  used as an anti-oxidant, as studies have shown that it can eliminate free radicals from your immune system. Free radicals are the agents that cause the breakdown of your body’s tissue, alternatively known as aging.
• Provide energy: Studies show that supplementing with ashwagandha can provide the energy needed to get through long workouts while also allowing for maximum recovery and cell re-growth. 
• General tonic: Ashwagandha is a tonic, which increases sperm count and sexual potency. In the rural areas  vegetable made out of this plant is given to tuberculosis patients. It also increases the iron content in the blood.

This herb is considered an adaptogen which is a nontoxic herb that works on a nonspecific basis to normalize physiological function, working on the HPA axis and the neuroendocrine system. Ashwagandha is effective for insomnia but does not act as a sedative.its rejuvenative and nervine properties produce energy which in turn help the body to settle and sleep. Thus it helps the body to address a stress related condition rather than masking it with sedatives. A herb that rejuvenates the nervous system, erases insomnia and eases stress. Ashwagandha has also been shown to lower blood pressure and is highly effective in stopping the formation of stress induced ulcers. In arthritis, which involves joints that are painful, dry, swollen and inflamed, Ashwagandha would be the herb of choice. One of the special properties of Ashwagandha is that it will enhance ojas. Ojas is the most subtle, refined level of the physical body and is the end result of healthy food which is properly digested. It is responsible for a healthy immune system, physical strength, lustrous complexion, clarity of mind and sense of Well being. It allows consciousness to flow within the body. With decreased ojas, we are less in touch with ourselves and more prone to diseases and having a feeling of disharmony. 'Ojakshaya' (decreased ojas) is a condition similar to AIDS/HIV .Research on Ashwagandha has concluded that extracts of the plant has a direct spermatogenic influence on the seminiferous tubules of immature rats presumably by exerting a testosterone-like effect. Ashwagandha increases hemoglobin (red blood count) and hair melanin.It stabilizes blood sugar and lowers cholesterol.