TOP 10 HERBS

Here is a list of some of top healing herbs that may be in your cupboard: Rosemary has shown a lot of cancer-protective potential.” Frying, broiling, or grilling meats at high temperatures creates HCAs (heterocyclic amines), potent carcinogens implicated in several cancers. Rosemary contains carnosol and rosemarinic acid, two powerful antioxidants that destroy the HCAs. Oregano this super herb is very rich in anti-oxidant phytochemical flavonoids and phenolic acids. Oregano oil has been classically used as a disinfectant, an aid for ear, nose, & throat/respiratory infections, candida, and any sort of bacterial or viral conditions. Dill contains calcium and iron, and the oils in the plant may help to neutralize carcinogens, which are substances that have been shown to cause cancer. Dill also has a number of beneficial healing properties for the digestive system and has been used since ancient times to treat heartburn and diarrhea. Cayenne highly effective pain reliever and is an ingredient in some over-the-counter pain relieving creams. It is also great for improving circulation, healing sore throats, and stimulating sweating to help relieve cold symptoms. Cilantro the carboxylic acid in cilantro binds to heavy metals such as mercury in the blood and carries them out of the body. Their removal reverses the toxin buildup that causes chronic fatigue, joint pain and depression. Mint counteract nausea and vomiting, promote digestion, calm stomach muscle spasms, relieve flatulence, and ease hiccups. Menthol, the aromatic oil in peppermint, also relaxes the airways and fights bacteria and viruses. Menthol interferes with the sensation from pain receptors, thus it may be useful in reducing headache pain. Curry Powder could relieve your pain. It might also: PREVENT COLON CANCER AND ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE. Parsley diuretic herbs such as parsley prevent problems such as kidney stones and bladder infections and keep our body’s plumbing running smoothly by causing it to produce more urine. Basil it is anti-inflammatory and antibacterial, as well as being a good source of magnesium and antioxidants. Medicinally, it is used to treat constipation, indigestion, diabetes and hypothyroidism (under active thyroid). Ginger it is excellent for treating upset stomachs and is still recommended to pregnant women today as a way to combat morning sickness. Ginger is also effective at treating gas and bloating, sore throats and colds. It is also anti-inflammatory and aids in digestion. SOURCE ::: UNKNOWN/ INTERNET

CASHEW NUT

Botanical Name : Anacardium occidentale
English Name : Cashew nut,
Hindi Name : Kaju
Sanskrit Name : Kajutak, Agnikrit

Anacardium occidentale is a tree common in India It is commonly found in south India. This variety and the tree grown in West Indies have similarly properties.

This tree is a member of Anacardiaceae plant family.

This is a tall evergreen tree. It grows to a height of about 4 to 6 metres, with light-black, rough, shallowly longitudinally fissured bark.The leaves are obovate-oblong or elliptic obovate, glabrous, coriaceous.The pennicles are 5-20 cms. long and terminal. The nuts are 2-3 cms. long reniform, pale-greenish yellow, at times purple. The flowering season is Setember to April.

Usage:

In Ayurveda the leaves, seeds and the roots are used for treatment of skin diseases, leprosy and annoraxia.

Chemical compounds obtained:

Cashew nut shell liquid resin (CNSL), Cardanol and anacadic acid are main chemicals obtained from this tree.

EDIBLE FLOWERS

The word Flower immediately brings a smile on every face. Flowers are a symbol of happiness, brightness and they lend color and warmth to our world. It would be hard to imagine a glowing and shining world without these flowers which are not only used as fragrance enhancers, for decorations, composts but also as expression of our feelings.

Are you aware that flowers are also used as food item and as disease curers? Yes it's true; the flowers which are eaten are known as Edible Flowers.

Edible flowers are organically produced, non-toxic flowers containing certain specific properties through which they enrich our meals and also simultaneously cure us of our diseases. These flowers are fairly inexpensive, devoid of side-effects, act in tune with our body's natural response system and are used in treating ailments across the world. These flowers have become a suitable alternative to drugs such as anti-depressants, cholesterol lowering statins, antihistamines and their likes.

The medicinal properties of edible flowers fairly fight off diseases that befall us; besides they also play a significant role in making our food wholesome and appetizing. Edible flowers are the most preferred form of natural food as they are derived straight from the nature. They are a part of organic food which has presently become a suitable means of escape from the chemically synthesized, processed and flavored food. They sufficiently add nutrient value as well as flavor and color to dishes like desserts, cakes, salads and beverages; are used frequently in flavored oils, marinades and jellies. Generally the petals of edible flowers are eaten but in some flowers like safflower and crocus their stigma is preferred for its herbal properties. Among the whole range of edible flowers there are some which are eaten by themselves while others like squash blossoms are first deeply fried and then used for consumption.

On tracing down the historical use of edible flowers we are pushed far back to the ancient Roman civilization where flowers like mallow, rose and violets were significantly used to lend aroma and flavor to the different kinds of eatables. The Chinese, Greeks, mid-eastern and Indian cultures have been consuming edible flowers from a very early period. In England particularly during the reign of Queen Victoria edible flowers like roses were used in a wide array of dishes.

Herbsncures.com lists some of these edible flowers along with detailed information on the cures that they offer against different diseases:

Achillea: Achillea is primarily known for its antispasmodic, astringent, diaphoretic and diuretic properties. Generally, Achillea is used to treat a wide array of diseases but specifically utilized in curing cold, fevers, kidney diseases and menstrual pain. It is also used in treating toothache, pneumonia, nephritis, and Bright's disease. The leaves of Achillea are edible and are mixed with salad before consumption. Teas and condiments prepared through the proper utilization of this herb should be made a part of our daily lifestyle.

Rose: The rose flower is therapeutically valuable in removing headache, strengthening the heart; as a cooling agent, as an astringent and also in providing relief to haggard eyes. To add to the efficacy of rose, it is also a superb blood purifier. The edible parts are hips, petals and shoots. Petals are consumed in raw form while hips are taken in combination with other food. They are first grounded and then applied to baked food. Different types of syrups, jams and marmalades prepared from rose hips are also extensively available in markets.

Lotus: Generally known as an effective cardio tonic, lotus is used in treating sunstroke, insomnia; liver, urinary troubles. In the Ayurvedic natural treatment it is particularly used for curing mild troubles like cough, cold and serious diseases like dysentery and diarrhea. Leaves, petioles, flowers, rhizomes and seeds of Lotus are consumed raw as well as in the form of different compounds formed by them. Lotus leaves, petioles, flowers and rhizomes are cooked and taken in vegetable form. Lotus rhizomes are also used in the preparation of wide range of pickles while lotus seeds are deliciously tasty and so frequently eaten raw. Sometimes seeds are even roasted, boiled, and used in sweetened candy preparation.

Borage: The Borage flower considerably fights against diseases like osteoarthritis, circulatory heart diseases and pulmonary troubles. It is also a proper swelling and stress reliever. The Borage parts mostly consumed are the leaves, flowers and stems. Fresh leaves are taken by themselves as well as in salad form. The various fruit drinks and salads prepared by borage flowers are as much important to us as the beverages properly flavored by the stems of this plant. The allopathic treatment prescribes borage capsules to patients suffering from a diverse range of ailments.

Dandelion: The medicinal properties of this flower are extensively used in treating various liver, gall bladder and urinary disorders; against gallstones, jaundice, and cirrhosis and also in treating dyspepsia. Therapeutically, Dandelion is a diuretic and also reduces the cholesterol level in the body. For better functioning of the healing properties of Dandelion, its leaves, flowers, roots are consumed in fairly effective ways. Flowers and leaves are eaten raw and at times cooked. Roots are roasted and also used in tea preparation. Leaves and roots of this plant are mostly used to flavor herbal beer and soft drinks.

Angelica: Various diseases like fever, cold, cough, flatulent colic and other stomach problems are successfully treated through Angelica. Along with providing proper cure for these diseases, Angelica protects the kidney against ischemia and reperfusion injury. The roots and shoots of Angelica are wildly consumed: Roots are taken only through tea made out of them while shoots are the perfect combination with a variety of salads. The shoots of Angelica are also boiled and taken as a pot herb.

Artichoke: As a traditional remedy, Artichoke works against sluggish liver, poor digestion and atherosclerosis. It also efficaciously wards off diseases like hypertension, anemia, diarrhea, fevers , ulcers and gout. The edible portions include the heart, petals and stem which are consumed in their natural form as well as by mixing them with butter, mayonnaise and salad.

GINSENG

This famous Chinese herb has been used for over 5,000 years. It was worth more than gold to the Qing Dynasty of ancient China.Ginseng is used in thousands of formulas to provide vivacity and energy. Ginseng is used more than any other herbal remedy.Ginseng contains nitrogenous compounds, minerals, vitamins, fat-soluble compounds, and carbohydrate compounds in its stained root. The herb is costly and not easy to produce and takes six years to reach maturity. Researchers today label ginseng as a strong immune system tonic that can uniquely affect the entire body.Various types of ginseng include Japanese ginseng (Panax japonicum), Asian ginseng (panax ginseng), Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus), and American ginseng. Asian ginseng is the most popular and grows in China, Korea, and Japan. Siberian ginseng is native to Korea, China, Japan, and Russia. America ginseng can be found in forested areas from Quebec to Minnesota and south to Georgia and Oklahoma.American and Asian ginseng, both similar in chemical composition and appearance, are the types recognized for having healing powers. Ginseng grown in North American is often thought of as the most favorable and costly. It is grown and exported from Wisconsin, British Columbia, and Ontario.

GARLIC : A MAGICAL HERB

Garlic is grown in many areas throughout the world and is considered by herbalists to be one of the most essential and useful herbs used for medicinal purposes. Various cultures have benefited from using garlic in medicines and foods for centuries.The Miracle of Garlic has been used for many years to prevent health problems including colds, flu, menstrual pain, high blood pressure, coughs, gastrointestinal problems, atherosclerosis, and bronchitis. Garlic has been proven to kill various fungal infections, viruses, bacteria, and intestinal parasites. Also labeled as an antioxidant, garlic may help prevent certain cancers such as colon cancer and can improve the effectiveness of the immune system.Garlic is most popular for its effectiveness of cardiovascular wellness. Garlic is effective treating atherosclerosis, high cholesterol, respiratory infections, and triglyceride levels.Alliin is the primary ingredient found in garlic. This chemical is similar chemically to cysteine, an amino acid containing sulfur, and possesses no odor. After garlic is crushed, alliin is to converted into allicin, the compound that gives garlic its strong smell and numerous health benefits.Side Effects and Possible InteractionsGarlic supplements are said to have to side effects other than the strong odor.The combination of using garlic and warfarin may result in a greater risk of bleeding. Large doses of garlic should not be ingested when using warfarin, indomethacin, dipyridamole, aspirin, or other medications that thin the blood.

Dosage and Administration : Garlic is most commonly taken daily in raw form or capsule form containing between 1000 and 3000 mg. 0.03 to 0.12 mL of garlic oil can be taken three times a day.

AYURVEDA AND HERBS :

In various traditional healing practices like Naturopathic, Homeopathic, Native American Indian, Ayurvedic and traditional oriental medicine, medicinal herbs have been used since a very long time. But among all these remedial methods it is the Ayurvedic treatment which is popular for the use of herbs for curing all kinds of ailments. It functions by focusing exclusively on food and dietary discrepancies and so relies heavily on herbs like sesame, turmeric, Indian gooseberry, ashoka, grounded spices and other natural edibles. It is difficult to pin point the exact time when Ayurveda came into being but majority of the historians have unanimously agreed that it was discovered 3500 to 5000 years ago by the saints and sages of India. It was then treasured in the Vedas, the sacred texts considered to be the oldest writing of the world and forwarded to the future generations.
According to the Ayurvedic principle, the physical constitution, vulnerability to diseasesand the mental set up of a human being can be determined by examining the balance of his prakriti/doshas in relation to that of the existential state of the universe. Air, ether, fire, water and earth are the five elements of nature that combine in pairs to form the three doshas: Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Further, in Ayurveda these three doshas are recognized as three units the imbalance of which paves the way for different ailments to take root in the body. The herbal treatment is aimed at harmonizing the human state to the entire universal cosmic realm and by taking its performance into account herbs are classified into these three specific categories; namely, Shaman, Kopan and Swasthahita.
In Ayurveda, the herbal therapy works by providing nutrition to the body which further energizes and revitalizes it. Some herbs are naturally inclined towards treating particular organs but others work equally on the whole body as general medicines. Herbs are used internally as well as externally. Tinctures, essential oil dilutions, flower essences, encapsulated herbs, fresh herbs, tinctures, teas etc are the internal use of herbs. External use includes herbal and essential oil blends, salves and lotions. Domestically, herbs are used as extracts, powder and paste.
Ayurveda promotes the use of nutritious natural food to fight diseases. Mehasini; the natural herbal food is considerably used in Ayurvedic treatment as an effective cure for diabetes. Herbal steam bath, massages and tonics are also indelibly attached to Ayurvedic healing. In shirodhara, the steam of boiled herbs when applied on the patient accelerates blood circulation through the periphery and removes bodily impurities. Nasya treatment is carried out by applying oil massage to the head, neck and shoulders. Triphala, the ayurvedic tonic for general health contains Indian gooseberry as the primal ingredient and certain tonics prepared by using ashoka in large scale are used in the treatment of the female reproductive system
The Ayurvedic herbal treatment has evolved and established itself considerably over the years throughout India. Presently, in spite of the towering presence of allopathic medicines, two thirds of the 70% Indian population that live in rural areas still bestows their trust on medicinal herbs to meet their health care necessities. Because of its reasonably priced treatment devoid of side-effects the government has encouraged Ayurveda as a worthy substitute to western medicines.
Ayurveda is also very popular abroad as countries like Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka have been practicing Ayurvedic treatment for centuries. In China & Greek too it shows its influence on Chinese Unani and Greek humoral medicine. For its efficacy against diseases this ancient form of Indian healing has marked itself as one of the best ways of healing throughout the world.

MEDICINAL HERBS :

The discovery of the healing effects of herbs dates back to the pre-civilization era. Due to the unavailability of any standardized method of treatment man in the early period turned to nature for any major or minor illness that befell him. While hunting wild- animals man succumbed injuries, used plant parts to heal wounds and in the process acquired knowledge about their therapeutic values. From treating cuts & bruises to the prevention of major ailments herbs were significantly relied on and their soothing effect was put to considerable use. Presently with scientific advancement at its peak, laboratory experiments like distillation, purification and extraction conducted on different plants have led to a large-scale detection of medicinal herbs.