Author: Mystique

Botanical Name: Valerianae radix

Other Names: setwall, Baldrianwurzel,phu.

Valerian, available as a dietary supplement in the United States, is frequently included in products marketed as gentle sedatives and sleep aids targeting nervous tension and insomnia. However, evidence from clinical studies regarding the effectiveness of valerian in treating sleep disorders, such as insomnia, remains inconclusive.

Medicinal Uses:

• Insomnia
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
• Menopause symptoms
• Headaches.

Botanical Name:Sida cordifolia

Other Names: Ilima, flannel weed, bala, country mallow or heart-leaf sida.

Sida cordifolia, originally native to India and now thriving globally, is a shrub frequently incorporated into herbal formulations across various traditional medicinal systems. Notably, Sida cordifolia contains ephedrine, exhibiting stimulant properties reminiscent of amphetamines.

Medicinal Uses:

• Bronchial asthma
• Cold and flu
• Lack of perspiration
• Head ache
• Nasal congestion
• Aching joints and bones
• Cough and wheezing, and edema.

Botanical Name:Ribes nigrum

Other Names:Korintje, Cinnamomum loureiroi or Saigon cinnamon.

Vibrantly yellow and exuding a delightful fragrance, these blossoms form elongated pendulous clusters spanning 30 to 50 cm, proving irresistible to insects and butterflies. The ensuing long cylindrical pods, measuring 40-60 cm, attain a mature, inky black hue and remain indehiscent. Encased within these pods are seeds enveloped in an edible, blackish-brown pulp, characterized by a pungent aroma and sticky sweet taste.

Medicinal Uses:

• Relieving pain
• Edema
• Reducing skin irritation as result of swelling.

Botanical Name:Ribes nigrum

Other Names:Korintje, Cinnamomum loureiroi or Saigon cinnamon.

Cassis leaves, flourishing on vibrant blackcurrant shrubs, emanate a musky, herbal aroma. The essence and taste of the berries permeate every aspect of the plant, imparting a subtly tart undertone to the rich, herbal green. In Europe, the blackcurrant holds a unique and significant status.

Medicinal Uses:

• Hepatoprotective
• Anti-inflammatory
• Antibacterial
• Antitussive
• Antifungal
• Wound healing properties.

Botanical Name:Hemidesmus indicus

Other Names:salsaparrilha, khao yen, saparna.

Sarsaparilla, a plant with medicinal properties, utilizes its root for medicinal purposes. It is employed in the treatment of psoriasis and various skin diseases, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and kidney ailments. Additionally, sarsaparilla is known to enhance urination, aiding in reducing fluid retention, and promoting increased sweating.

Medicinal Uses:

• Treating joint problems like arthritis
• Healing skin problems like psoriasis
• Eczema
• Dermatitis.

Botanical Name:Rumex crispus

Other Names:curly dock, curled dock, narrow dock, sour dock, and rumex.

Yellow dock is an herbal plant with versatile uses. Its leaf stalks are incorporated into salads for culinary purposes, while the root is harnessed for medicinal applications. This herb is employed to address pain and inflammation in nasal passages and the respiratory tract.

Medicinal Uses:

• Pain and swelling of nasal passages
• Respiratory tract
• Laxative and tonic
• Treat bacterial infections
• Sexually transmitted diseases

Botanical Name:Chrysopogon zizanioides

Other Names:Akar wangi, Botha grass, Janur, Khas-khas, Larasetu, Larawastu, Nara setu, Nara wastu, Narawastu, Ramacham.

Vetiver (Chrysopogon zizanioides) is a perennial grass belonging to the Poaceae family, with roots that contain an oil widely utilized in perfumes. Indigenous to tropical Asia, vetiver has been transplanted into tropical regions across both hemispheres. In some areas, it has proliferated beyond cultivation and has become a weed.

Medicinal Uses:

• Relieving stress as well as for emotional traumas and shock
• Repelling insects
• Arthritis
• Stings
• Burns

Botanical Name:Phyllanthus Niruvi

Other Names:gale of the wind, stonebreaker or seed-under-leaf.

Phyllanthus niruri is a prevalent tropical plant often encountered in coastal regions, recognized by various common names such as gale of the wind, stonebreaker, or seed-under-leaf. It belongs to the genus Phyllanthus within the family Phyllanthaceae.

Medicinal Uses:

• Help treat high blood pressureRange of other conditionsCure to treat jaundiceDiabetesMalariaLiver diseases.

Botanical Name:Lawsonia inermis

Other Names:Alcanna, Egyptian Privet, Hennae Folium, Henne, Henné, Jamaica Mignonette, Lawsonia alba, Lawsonia inermis

Henna powder is a natural product renowned for its conditioning properties, imparting a natural dark red/brown color. The powder is derived from naturally cultivated henna leaves, maintaining its authenticity.

Medicinal Uses:

• Severe diarrhea caused by a parasite (amoebic dysentery)
• Cancer
• Enlarged spleen
• Headache
• Jaundice
• Skin conditions.

Botanical Name:Centella Asiatica

Other Names:Brahmi leaves, Vallarai, Brahmi booti, Kudavan/muththil/kudangal, Saraswati aku.

Centella asiatica, widely recognized as Asiatic pennywort or gotu kola, is a medicinal herb esteemed for its therapeutic and nutritional attributes. This perennial plant features leaves and stems that are edible, making it a valuable green leafy vegetable.

Medicinal Uses:

• Treatment of various skin conditions such as leprosy
• Lupus
• Varicose ulcers
• Eczema
• Psoriasis
• Diarrhoea
• Fever
• Diseases of the female genitourinary tract
• Relieving anxiety and improving cognition.