Medical Plants-India

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CHHATTISGARH STATE MEDICINAL PLANTS BOARD

e_ HERBARIUM
VOLUME-1
DESCRIPTION

Local Name :Meghapati


Botanical name : Tephrosia purpurea (Linn.) Pers.
Family : Fabaceae
Sanskrit : Sarapunkha, Bana, Banapunkha, Pleehasatru
English : Purple tephrosia, Wild indigo
Hindi : Saraphonka
Useful part : Whole plant

HABIT

A small spreading perennial herb grows up to 50 cm in height. Leaves


compound, imparipinnate, with 11-21 leaflets, oblong-lanceolate, small;
flowers red or purple, in axillary racemes. Fruits pods, containing 4-8
seeds.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Plant pacifies vitiated kapha, vata, poison, skin diseases, purities,


jaundice, splenomegaly, filariasis, dysmenorrheal, anemia, fever, boils,
pimple, and hemorrhoids.
DESCRIPTION
Local Name :Ramsar
Botanical name : Eriocaulon sp. Linn.
Family : Eriocaulaceae
Sanskrit : Choota, Chootatrina
English : Broom plant
Hindi : Chootatrina
Useful part : Whole plant.

HABIT
An annual herb grows up to 30 cm in height. Leaves long linear
lanceolate, arises from compressed basal stem. Flowers in small
whitish head, at the tip of long flower stalk.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Plant pacifies vitiated pitta, inflammation, fever, pretties,


jaundice and urinary system diseases. Long flower stalks in
bundle is using as broom to clean sacred places, in India.
DESCRIPTION
Local Name : Satavari
Botanical name : Asparagus recemosus Wild.
Family : Liliaceae
Sanskrit : Satavari, Abhiru, Sahasravirya,
English : Wild asparagus
Hindi : Satavar, Satamuli
Useful part : Root

HABIT

A thorny, climbing under shrub with woody stems. Young stems are very
delicate, brittle and smooth, leaves are reduced to minute scales and
spines. Curved cladodes replaces the leaves. Flowers are white fragrant,
in simple or branched racemes. Fruits are globular, or vaguely 3 lobbed,
pulpy berries, purplish black when ripe, seeds with hard and brittle testa.
Roots are succulent and tuberous, from 30 cm to 1 m in length, smooth
and tapering at both ends.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Plant pacifies vitiated pitta, vata, leukorrhoea, stomach ache, diarrhea,


inflammation, burning sensation, excessive perspiration
DESCRIPTION

Local Name :Bala


Botanical name : Sida retusa (Linn.) Borssum
Family : Malvaceae
Sanskrit : Bala, Vadyala, Kharayashti, Mahasamanga
English : Common sida
Hindi : Bariyar, Janglimedhi

HABIT

A semi woody, erect under shrub grows up to 50 cm in height. Leaves


short petioled, obovate, truncate often retuse and serrate; flowers
yellowish white, solitary, axillary. Fruits enclosed in persistent calyx,
seeds brown and smooth.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Plant pacifies vitiated tridoshas, arthritis, asthma, cough, flatulence,


colic, burning sensation, hemorrhoids, intermittent fever and general
debility.
DESCRIPTION
Local Name :Pilavasa
Botanical name : Barleria prionitis Linn. (Yellow variety)
Family : Acanthaceae
Sanskrit : Vajradanti, Kurantaka, Koranta
English : Crossandra
Hindi : Kanakambar
Useful part : Leaves.

HABIT

An erect armed perennial shrub grows up to 1.5 meters in height.


Leaves simple, opposite, ovate-lanceolate and shiny. Thorns arise near
to leaf axils. Flowers bright yellow or orange in color, solitary and
axillary. Fruits ovate, with woody beak.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Plant pacifies vitiated vata, pitta, gingivitis, stomatitis, burns, dental


caries, inflammations ascites, edema, wounds, nocturnal ejaculation
and cracking heel.
DESCRIPTION
Local Name :Toyakanda
Botanical name : Peperomia pellucida Linn.
Family : Piperaceae
Sanskrit : Toyakandha, Varshabhoo
English : Slate pencil plant.
Hindi : Toyakandha
Useful part : Whole plant.

HABIT

An annual herbaceous succulent plant grows up to 30 cm in


height. Leaves simple, alternate, cordate-ovate, acuminate, and
pubescent. Flowers very small, seen in short spikes, usually
dioecious; fruits globose, one seeded berries.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Plant pacifies vitiated kapha, pitta, constipation, kidney


diseases, urinary retention, disuria, urinary tract infections,
emaciation, edema and general weakness.
DESCRIPTION

Local Name :Chitrak


Filename : Plumbago_zeylanica.
Botanical name : Plumbago zeylanica Linn.
Family : Plumbaginaceae
Sanskrit : Chitraka, Agni, Dahana
English : Leadwort, White leadwort, Fire plant
Hindi : Chitra, Chita
Useful part : Roots

HABIT

A pretty perennial shrub with semi woody stems and numerous branches.
Leaves simple alternate, oblong-lancelet and acute; flower white in long
terminal spikes. Roots are cylindrical irregularly bent having transverse
shallow fissures at bents.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Plant pacifies vitiated vata, kapha, diarrhea, inflammation, fever,


nervous palsy, hemorrhoids, skin diseases, irritable bowel disease,
ammenorrhoea and anemia.
DESCRIPTION
Local Name :Jevak
Botanical name : Malaxis acuminata D.Don.
Family : Orchidaceae
Sanskrit : Jeevakam, Jeevaka
English : Jeevak
Hindi : Jivak
Useful part : Stem base.
HABIT
A small terrestrial orchid grows up to 30 cm in height. Leaves simple,
3-4, alternate, ovate or lanceolate, acute; flowers are small, yellowish
green, tinged with purple, in terminal racemes. Fruits 6 chambered,
contain minute powdery seeds.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Plant pacifies vitiated pitta, vata, oligospermia, burning sensation,


emaciation
DESCRIPTION
Local Name :Dhatura
Botanical name : Datura metel Linn.
Family : Solanaceae
Sanskrit : Dhattura, Dusthara, Unmatta,
Durdhura
English : Thorn apple
Hindi : Dattura
Useful part : Whole plant

HABIT

An erect spreading annual or biennial plant grows up to 1.5 meters


in height. Leaves simple, alternate, triangular and unequal at base.
Flowers large, solitary, purplish white colored. Fruits globose
capsules covered with numerous prickles, containing numerous
yellowish brown seeds.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Plant pacifies vitiated vata, kapha, arthritis, cough, asthma, muscle


spasm, fever, ulcer, skin diseases, lumbago, sciatica.
DESCRIPTION
Local Name :Dudhi
Botanical name : Euphorbia hirta Linn.
Family : Euphorbiaceae
Sanskrit : Dugdhika, Kshirini, Ksheeravi, Svaduparni
English : Asthma weed, Cats hair, Pill – bearing spurge.
Hindi : Lal dudhi
Useful part : Whole plant.
HABIT

Small annual herb found in wet areas. Plant is pubescent, obovate-


lanceolate, small petioled, with minute glands. Inflorescences seen in
leaf axils. Seeds are capsules, compressed and small. Plant blossoms
almost all time.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Plant pacifies vitiated kapha, pitta, rakta, asthma, skin diseases, fever,
cough, and anorexia. It has aphrodisiac property.
DESCRIPTION

Local Name :Bhuiaounla


Botanical name : Phyllanthus amarus Schum. & Thonn
Family : Euphorbiaceae
SANSKRIT : Tamalaki, Bhoomyamalaki, Bhoodhatri,
Bahupatra.
English : Phyllanthus amarus Schum
Hindi : Jangli amli, Jaramla
Useful part : whole plant

HABIT

An annual herb with slender leaf-bearing branches. Leaves numerous,


subsessile, elliptic; flowers yellowish green, axillary's, males in groups of
1-3, females solitary; fruits small, globes, seen underneath the branches
and having 3 seeds.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Plant pacifies vitiated pitta and kapha, anorexia, jaundice, intermittent


fevers, urinary retention, constipation, ulcers and wounds
DESCRIPTION

Local Name :Aparajita


Botanical name : Clitoria ternatea Linn (Blue variety)
Family : Fabaceae
Sanskrit : Sankapushpam, Aparajita, Girikarnika.
English : Blue Clitoria flower
Hindi : Aparajit
Useful part : Root, leaves, seeds

HABIT

A good looking perennial herb thinner. Leaves compound, imparipinnate,


leaflets 5 – 7, sub curvaceous, elliptic-oblong, obtuse, flowers blue, solitary,
axillary's or in fascicles, fruits nearly straight flattened pods. Seeds 6-10
smooth yellowish brown.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Plant pacifies vitiated pitta, migraine, skin diseases, bronchitis, asthma,


tuberculosis
DESCRIPTION

Local Name :Satyanasi


Botanical name : Argemone mexicana Linn.
Family : Papaveraceae
Sanskrit : Haimavathi, Brahmadanthi,
Patuparnee,
Peethadugdha
English : Mexican poppy, Prickly poppy
Hindi : Pharangi dattura, Bhatbhamt
Useful part : Whole plant

HABIT

A strong branched prickly annual, 60-90 cm in height with yellow


latex; leaves simple, sessile and spiny. Flowers large, bright yellow,
terminal on the short leafy branches; fruits prickly capsules, oblong-
ovoid, opening by 4-6 valves; seeds numerous.

MEDICINAL

Plant pacifies vitiated pitta, guinea-worm infestation, skin diseases,


itching, inflammations, all types of poisoning, constipation,
flatulence, colic, malarial fever and vesicular calculus, In higher
dose, plant
DESCRIPTION

Local Name :Gajar ghash


Botanical name : Parthenium hysterophorus Linn.
Family : Asteraceae
Sanskrit : Vishalata, Parthenia, Svasini
English : Parthenium
Hindi : Parthenium
Useful part : Roots,

HABIT

A rapidly spreading herb grows up to 50 cm in height. Leaves deeply


lobed and alternate. Flowers small whitish heads in terminal or
axillary panicles. Fruits bearing large number of seeds, crowned
with small tuft of silky hairs.

PROPERTIES

Plant has no known medicinal properties; instead it is a poisonous


plant, causing allergic asthma, hay fever and dermatitis. It is also
toxic for cattle’s. Due to its rapid invasive nature, it suppresses the
growth of other plants; is a potent threat for native medicinal plants.
The major component of these toxins being parthenin and other
phenolic acids such as caffeic acid, vanillic acid, anisic acid,
chlorogenic acid, parahydroxy benzoic acid and p-anisic acid are
lethal to humans and animals.
DESCRIPTION
Local Name :Sahadevi
Botanical name : Ageratum conyzoides Linn.
Family : Asteraceae
Sanskrit : Vishamusht
English : Goat weed.
Hindi : Visadodi
Useful part : Whole plant.
HABIT
A thoughout hairy annual weed grows up to 1 meter in height. Leaves
simple, opposite and sometime alternate, hairy on both sides; flowers pale
violet in color, heads, fruits small, black and attenuated and 5 angled.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Plant pacifies vitiated kapha, vata, hemorrhoids, anorexia, dyspepsia,


kidney stones, cuts, wounds and ulcers and in conjunctivitis.
DESCRIPTION
Local Name :Hul Hul
Botanical name : Cleome viscosa Linn.
Family : Capparaceae
Sanskrit : Pasugandha
English : Wild mustard, Cleome, Sticky cleome
Hindi : Hulhul, Hurhur
Useful part : Whole plant.

HABIT

An annual herbaceous plant with sticky pods. Leaves compound, 3-5


foliate, palmate, flowers yellow in lax racemes from the leaf axils.
Fruits capsules, hairy and covered with sticky material. Seeds kidney
shaped and turns dark on ripe.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Plant pacifies vitiated kapha, intestinal worms, colic, stomach upset,


cardio myopathy, diarrhea, fever and dyspepsia.
DESCRIPTION
Local Name :Khunkuniyan
Botanical name : Crotalaria retusa Linn.
Family : Fabaceae
Sanskrit :Sanapushpi, Sanaghantika, Kinihi
English : Crotalaria
Hindi : Khunkhuniyan
Useful part : Whole plant.

HABIT

An erect undershrub grows up to 125 cm in height, with numerous


branches. Leaves are oblong-lanceolate, obtuse, usually glabrous
above and silky pubescent beneath. Flowers yellow, numerous,
found in erect terminal recemes. Fruits are stalked pods, with 10-15
seeds per pods.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Plant pacifies vitiated kapha, vata, cough, dyspepsia, fever, cardiac


disorders, stomatitis, diarrhea, scabies and impetigo. Seeds
powdered and with milk is useful for increasing body strength, also
useful in skin disease.
DESCRIPTION

Local Name :Shivlingi


Botanical name : Diplocyclos palmatus (Linn.) Jeffrey
Family : Cucurbitaceae
Sanskrit :Lingini, Lingaphala, Sivapriya
English : Diplocyclos palmatus
Hindi : Sivalingi, Isvarlingi
Useful part : Whole plant.

HABIT

A weak stemmed, branched tendril climber. Leaves simple, alternate,


5 lobed, hairy above, pale and smooth beneath; flowers yellow, small,
unisexual, male in small fascicles and females solitary. Fruits globose,
smooth berry, become bright red when ripe, contain 1-2 small seeds.
Looking like sivalinga.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Plant pacifies vitiated vata, pitta, inflammation, cough, flatulence,


skin diseases and general debility.
DESCRIPTION
Local Name :Barhanta
Botanical name : Solanum indicum.
Family : Solanaceae
Sanskrit : Brihati, Simhi
English : Poison berry
Hindi : Barhanta
Useful part : Root, Fruit.

HABIT

A prickly shrub grows up to 1.5 meters in height. Leaves simple,


ovate, lobed, prickly on both surfaces; flowers pale blue or white,
in axillary cyme. Fruits globose berries, greenish yellow, contain
large number of small smooth compressed seeds.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Plant pacifies vitiated vata, kapha, skin diseases, urinary


retention, fever, cough, asthma, dysmenorrhea, colic, flatulence
and constipation.
DESCRIPTION

Local Name :Tankari


Botanical name : Physalis minima Linn.
Family : Solanaceae
Sanskrit : Mrdukunjika, Upakunjika, Cheerapotha
English : Country gooseberry
Hindi : Chirpoti, Bandpariya
Useful part : Whole plant.

HABIT

An annual herb grows up to 75 cm in height. Leaves simple,


alternate, lobbed or toothed and ovate, flowers yellow, solitary
and axillary; fruits green, round berries enclosed in enlarged
calyx, seeds many, small and discoid.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Plant pacifies vitiated pitta, burning sensation, hepatitis,


splenomegaly, ascites, ulcer, sexual weakness and cough.
DESCRIPTION

Local Name :Makoi


Botanical name : Solanum nigrum Linn.
Family : Solanaceae
Sanskrit : Kakamachi
English : Black night shade
Hindi : Makoi, Gurkkamai
Useful part : Whole plant

HABIT

An erect, branched, annual herb; leaves oblong, lobed, glabrous; flowers


3-8 in extra-axillary drooping cymes; fruits purplish black; seeds many.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Plant pacifies vitiated thridosas, swellings, cough, asthma, arthritis,


inflammation and skin diseases, plant is a proven anti cancerous drug.
DESCRIPTION

Local Name :Barhanta


Botanical name : Scoparia dulcis Linn.
Family : Scrophulariaceae
Sanskrit : ashanabheda, Asmaghni
English : Scoparia dulcis
Hindi : Pashanabheda
Useful part : Whole plant.

HABIT

An errect annual herb grows up to 30 cm in height. Leaves simple,


opposite or a whorl of three, ovate or rhomboid and serrate. Flowers
axillary, solitary, dull white and small. Fruits are small round pods,
contains numerous small seeds.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Plant pacifies vitiated kapha, pitta, renal and vesical calculus,


inflammation, fever, wounds, ulcer, skin diseases, diarrhea,
dysmenorrhea and leucorrhea.
DESCRIPTION
Local Name :Kanghi
Botanical name : Abutilon indicum Sw.
Family : Malvaceae
Hindi : Kabi, Kakahi, Chambi
Sanskrit : Atibala,
English : Country mallow
Useful part : Leaves, Root, Fruits

HABIT

Medium sized many branched perennial shrub grows up to 2


meters in height. Plant covered with minute hairs. Leaves are
alternate, cordate and acute. Leaves vary in size. Flowers are
yellowish, with 5 petals, solitary found in leaf axils. Fruits contain
15-20 chambers, arranged spirally, containing seeds. Seeds are
blackish brown.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Plant pacifies tridoshas, especially vata, and pitta, poison,


hyperdipsia, vomiting, Leukorrhoea and Menorrhagia.
PROPERTIES
Local Name :Amarbel
Botanical name : Cuscuta reflexa Roxb (Cassytha
filiformis Linn.)
Family : Convolvulaceae
Sanskrit : Akasavalli, Amaravalli, Khavalli,
English : Dodder
Hindi : Amarabela
Useful part : Shoot.
PLANT DESCRIPTION

A slender threadlike parasitic plant growing in shrubs or trees. Plant


does not have leaves. Flowes solitary or in clusters of 3-4. Fruits
capsules, depressed globose, with 2-4 black seeds. Branches are greenish
or yellowish green. When the branched contact with a host tree, they
spread rapidly and ultimately kill the plant or that branch.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Plant pacifies vitiated pitta, vata, intestinal worms, edema, skin diseases,
diarrhea, headache, fever malignancy and paralysis. Plant may cause
neurogenic illness if taken in excess dose or prolonged period
DESCRIPTION

Local Name :Davana Patta


Botanical name : Hedyotis corymbosa (Linn.)
Family : Rubiaceae
Sanskrit : Parpata, Parpataka
English : Hedyotis corymbosa
Hindi : Daman pappar, Pitpapra
Useful part : Whole plant.
HABIT

Much spreading annual grows up to 40 cm in height, with erect


spreading slender stems. Leaves simple, opposite, subsessile, narrow
with recurved margins. Flowers white in pairs or in clusters of three,
with long peduncle; fruits are capsules, globose or pyriform, seeds
minute, pale brown, angular.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Plant pacifies vitiated pitta, fever, depression, jaundice, giddiness,


flatulence, colic, constipation, skin diseases, cough, bronchitis and
hepatitis.
DESCRIPTION
Local Name :Changeri
Botanical name : Oxalis corniculata Linn.
Family : Oxalidaceae
Sanskrit : Changeri, Amlapatri
English : Indian sorrel
Hindi : Tinapatiya, Amrulsak
Useful part : Whole plant.

HABIT

An annual herb found in moist locations. Plant is an semi erect creeping


acid herb, grows up to 20 cm in height. Leaves palmately compound,
trifoliate, long stalked, flowers yellow, axillary fruits are cylindrical
capsules, seeds numerous.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Plant pacifies vata, kapha, dyspepsia, hemorrhoids, dysentery, diarrhea,


dysmenorrhoea, amenorrhoea, hepatitis and burning sensation.
DESCRIPTION

Local Name :Davi


Botanical name : Woodfordia fruticosa (Linn.) Kurz.
Family : Lythraceae
Sanskrit : Dhataki, Agnijvala, Dhatupushti,
English : Fire flame bush, Woodfordia
Hindi : Davi, Tavi
Useful part : Flowers

HABIT

A much branched deciduous shrub grows up to 3 meters in height.


Leaves simple, opposite, entire, ovate-lanceolate, acute; flowers bright
red, in axillary cyme clusters, numerous, fruits ellipsoid capsule,
containing numerous small obovoid smooth seeds.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Plant pacifies vitiated kapha, pitta, skin diseases, burning sensation,


hemorrhage, anemia, leucorrhea, menorrhagia, diarrhea, dysentery,
ulcers, diabetes, oligospermia, urinary tract infections and jaundice. It
is used to give natural color to ayurvedic preparations.
DESCRIPTION
Local Name :Giloy
Botanical name : Tinospora cordifolia (Wild.)
Family : Menispermaceae
Sanskrit :Guduchi, Amrita, Chinnaruha
English : Gulancha tinospora, Tinospora
Hindi : Giloy, Gulancha, Amrta
Useful part : Stem

HABIT

A spreading perennial deciduous twinner with succulent stems and easily


pealing off papery bark. Leaves simple, alternate, cordate, entire,
glabrous, with 7-9 nerves. Flowers yellow in recemes, arising from nodes
on the old wood. Male flowers usually are in clusters and female solitary.
Fruits are drupes, red when ripe. Mucilaginous greenish crust is covered
with grey colored coat studded with tubercles.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Plant pacifies vitiated vata, pitta, burning sensation, rheumatoid arthritis,


gout, cardiac debility, skin disease, anemia, cough, jaundice, oligospermia
and urinary system diseases.
DESCRIPTION
Local Name :Kalihari
Botanical name : Gloriossa superba Linn.
Family : Liliaceae
Sanskrit : Langali, Sakrapuspika, Agnishikha
English : Climbing lily, Malabar glory lily
Hindi : Kalihari, Kaliyari, Languli
Useful part : Rhizome.

HABIT

A soft, perennial tendril climber with underground white cylindrical


rhyzome. Leaves simple, subsessile, alternate, lanceolate, with
acuminate tips, extended to tendrils. Flowers handsome, solitary, first
yellow colored then changes to scarlet red. Fruits oblong capsules, with
many small round seeds.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Plant pacifies vitiated kapha, indigestion, fever, arthritis, obstructed


labor, cardio-myopathy, skin diseases, in higher dose or without
purification, it is highly poisonous
DESCRIPTION

Local Name :Lal Chirchira


Botanical name : Cyathula prostrata Blume.
Family : Amaranthaceae
Sanskrit :Rakthapamarga, Mayoora, Sikhari,
Markatapippali
English : Small prickly chaff – flower plant
Hindi : Lal Chirchira
Useful part : Roots and seeds

HABIT

An annual herb usually found in moist Localities. The ascending branch


ends in inflorescence. Stems and branches are greenish red. Leaves are
simple, opposite, exstipulate and short petioled. Flowers reddish violet in
terminal spikes, Fruit ovoid membranous utricles enclosed in the perinath.
Seeds are oblong and single.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Plant pacifies vitiated vata, kapha, diseases of urinary system and uterine
disorders. It has constipating property.
DESCRIPTION

Local Name :Akarkara


Botanical name : Anacyclus pyrethrum DC.
Family : Asteraceae
Sanskrit : Agragrahi, Akarakarabha
English : Pellitory
Hindi : Akarakara
Useful part : Roots

HABIT

A perennial plant with numerous branches. Leaves simple, alternate,


stalked, and acuminate. Flowers ray, white colored with purple color
beneath. Fresh root when tasted produces pungent sensation and induces
salivation.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Plant pacifies vitiated vata, paralysis, nervous weakness, dental pain,


tonsillitis, headache, epilepsy, indigestion, diarrhea, sexual weakness,
impotency and erectile
DESCRIPTION
Local Name :Lajalu
Botanical name : Biophytum sensitivum Linn.
Family : Oxalidaceae
Sanskrit :Viparita lajjalu, Jhulapushpa,
Peethapushpa
English : Biophytum
Hindi : Lajjalu, Lakshmana
Useful part : The whole plant

HABIT

A slender erect annual; leaves abruptly pinnate, leaflets opposite,


6-12 pairs, the terminal pair is the largest; flowers yellow with
many peduncles; fruits ellipsoid capsules

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Plant pacifies vitiated kapha, pitta, urinary calculi, wounds,


abscesses, asthma and stomachalgia.
DESCRIPTION
Botanical name : Boerhaavia diffusa Linn
Family : Nyctaginaceae
Sanskrit : Punarnava, Sophaghni
English : Hogweed, Pigweed
Hindi : Gadahpurna, Sant
Useful part : Whole plant

HABIT

A perennial diffuse herb with stout root stock and many branches.
Leaves are simple opposite in unequal pairs. Leaves are ovate-oblong,
acute or obtuse, rounded or subcordate at base, glabrous above, whitish
beneath. Flowers pale rose in color, in irregular clusters of terminal
panicles. Fruits highly viscid, easily detachable, one seeded, indehiscent
with thin pericarp

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Plant pacifies vitiated vata, pitta, fever, constipation, leucorrhoea,


lumbar pain, myalgia, skin diseases, cardiac disorders, urinary
infection, vesical stone, anemia, dyspepsia, constipation, and general
debility.
DESCRIPTION

Local Name : Dhatura


Botanical name : Datura stramonium Linn.
Family : Solanaceae
SANSKRITT : Dhattura, Dusthara, Unmatta,
English : White Thorn apple
Hindi : Dattura
Useful part : Whole plant
HABIT
An erect spreading annual or biennial plant grows up to 2 meters
in height. Leaves simple, alternate, triangular and unequal at
base. Flowers large, solitary and white. Fruits globose capsules
covered with numerous prickles, containing numerous yellowish
brown seeds.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Plant pacifies vitiated vata, kapha, arthritis, cough, asthma,


muscle spasm, fever, ulcer, skin diseases, lumbago, sciatica and
dandruff.
DESCRIPTION

Local Name :Dikamali


Botanical name : Gardenia gummifera Linn.f.
Family : Verbenaceae
SANSKRITT : Nadeehingu, Hingunadika, Jantuka,
Gandharaja
English : White emetic nut
Hindi : Dekamari
Useful part : Resin.

HABIT
A large shrub or small tree grows up to 7 meters in height.
Leaves simple, opposite, elliptic, oblong, shining with prominent
nerves; flowers white, then change to yellow, found in leaf axils.
Fruits large berries with hard endocarp. Seeds many, compressed
and shining. The resin exudate from the stem is used as medicine.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Plant pacifies vitiated vata, kapha, skin disease


DESCRIPTION

Local Name : Circita


Botanical name : Achyranthes aspera Linn.
Family : Amaranthaceae
Sanskrit :Apamargah
English : Prickly chaff-flower plant
Hindi : Circita
Useful part : The whole plant

HABIT

A shrub that grows up to one meter height; leaves simple, opposite,


obovate or elliptic; flowers bracteate and bracteolate, greenish, in
spikes; fruits oblong urticle; seeds single, inverse.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Plant pacifies vitiated vata, kapha, asthma, bronchitis, flatulence,


painful inflammations, vomiting, skin diseases, renal and vesical
calculi.
DESCRIPTION

Local Name : Chichoda


Botanical name : Cyperus esculentus Linn.
Family : Cyperaceae
Sanskrit :Bhadramusta,Nagaramustaka
English : Chufa, Tiger nut
Hindi : Chichoda
Useful part : Root tuber.

HABIT

An erect perennial grass grows up to 60 cm of height. Leaves


crowded in the base, about 40-60 cm long, linear, acuminate, flat,
one nerved; spikelets in compound umbels. Flowers boat shaped;
Nut grayish black colored, triangular.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Plant pacifies vitiated kapha, pitta, diarrhea, indigestion, anorexia,


intermittent fever, burning sensation, headache, general debility
and urinary retention.
DESCRIPTION
Local Name : Bariyara
Botanical name : Sida spinosa Linn.
Family : Malvaceae
Sanskrit : Mahabala
English : Prickly sida
Hindi : Bariyara, Gulasakari
Useful part : Root, Whole plant

HABIT

A semi woody, erect undershrub grows up to 1 meter in height.


Leaves, Rhomboid-lanceolate, serrated at apical half with minute
spiny projections at the nodes; flowers yellowish white, solitary,
axillary in slender peduncles. Fruits 5-6 chambared, with one seed in
each chamber; seeds brown and smooth.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Plant pacifies vitiated vata, pitta, pain, arthritis, asthma, bronchitis,


burning sensation, hemorrhoids, intermittent fever and general
debility. Plant has aphrodisiac property
DESCRIPTION
Local Name :Lajjavanti
Botanical name : Mimosa pudica Linn.
Family : Mimosaceae
SANSKRIT : Lajjalu, Samanga, Raktapadi,
Namaskari, Kharatvak,Sankochani
English : Sensitive plant, Humble plant
Hindi : Lajvanti, Lajjavanti
Useful part : Whole plant.

HABIT

A diffuse undershrub grows up to 60 cm in height. Leaves bipinnately


compound, pinnate 2-4 digitally arranged with 20-30 pairs of leaflets;
leaves are touch sensitive. Flowers pink in round heads; fruits bristly
pods, flat, consisting 3-5 one seeded segments.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
Plant pacifies vitiated pitta, kapha, oedema, allergy, bronchial asthma,
hemorrhoids, menorrhagia, ulcer, jaundice, arthritis and fever.
DESCRIPTION

Local Name :Kairayant


Botanical name : Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) Wall. ex Nees
Family : Acanthaseae
Sanskrit : Kiratatikta, Kandatikta, Bhoonimba, Tiktaka
English : Chiretta plant
Hindi : Kiryat
Useful part : Whole plant

HABIT

An annual herb grows up to 50 cm in height, having slender quadrangular


branches, leaves opposite, lanceolate, sub sessile, flowers small bluish white,
numerous, whitish, fruits minute pointed capsules, seeds are many.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Plant pacifies tridoshas, skin diseases, burning sensation, cough and


bronchitis. Plant stimulates liver and purifies vitiated blood.
DESCRIPTION
Local Name :Kachnar
Botanical name : Bauhinia recimosa Linn.
Family : Caesalpiniaceae
Sanskrit : Svetakanchanara, Karbudara
English : White bauhinia
Hindi : Kanchanar
Useful part : Bark, Flowers, Root.

HABIT

A large shrub or small deciduous tree grows up to 5 meters in height.


Leaves compound with 2 leaflets, connate for about two third up,
flowers white, axillary recemes, fruits flat dehiscent pods, containing
5-10 seeds.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Plant pacifies vitiated kapha, diarrhea, skin diseases, rectal prolapse,


diabetes, inflammations, worms, tumors, hemorrhoids, and cervical
lymphadinopathy
DESCRIPTION
Local Name :Kebu, Kevu
Botanical name : Costus speciosus (Koenig ex Retz.) j.E.Smith.
Family : Zingiberaceae
Sanskrit :Chanda, Kevuka, Pechuli, Dalasalini
English : Costus speciosus
Hindi : Kebu, Kevu
Useful part : Rhizome.

HABIT

A perennial grows up to 1 meter in height. Leaves simple, spirally


arranged, oblong-lanceolate; flowers white large found in terminal
spikes; fruits globose capsule containing obovoid seeds.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Plant pacifies vitiated kapha, pitta, burning sensation, constipation,


intestinal worms, skin diseases, fever, and bronchitis. Plant
possesses anti-cancerous activity.
DESCRIPTION
Local Name :Kanchanar
Botanical name : Bauhinia variegata Linn. (Bauhinia purpuria Linn.)
Family : Caesalpiniaceae
Sanskrit :Raktakanchanara, Kovidara
English : Red bauhinia
Hindi : Kanchanar
Useful part : Bark, Flowers, Root.

HABIT

A large moderate sized deciduous tree grows up to 10 meters in height.


Leaves compound with 2 leaflets, connate for about two third up, flowers
white, axillary recemes, fruits flat dehiscent pods, containing 5-10 seeds.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Plant pacifies vitiated kapha, diarrhea, skin diseases, rectal prolapse,


diabetes, inflammations, worms, tumors, hemorrhoids, menorrhagia
hemoptysis and cervical lymphadinopathy.
DESCRIPTION
Local Name :Didhi
Botanical name : Sonchus asper
Family : Asteraceae (Sunflower family)
Sanskrit :Raktakanchanara, Kovidara
English : Prickly Sow-Thistle, Spiny sowthistle,
Hindi :Khomthokpi,Didhi
Useful part : Whole plant.
HABIT
Prickly Sow-Thistle is a creeping rooted annual, growing 1–5 ft tall.
Its stems branch near the top, while its leaves, which have weak
marginal prickles, clasp the stem. Plants contain a bitter milky juice.
Flowers are golden-yellow, up to 1 in broad. It is a common weed
throughout India and most frequently occurs on roadsides, It often
appears in pastures and crops, however it rarely causes significant
problems, as it is readily grazed in pasture and out-competed by most
crops. Seeds showing parachute of hairs The Prickly Sow-Thistle is
spread entirely by seed. Seeds, Seeds lying on the ground may also be
transported in moving water.
MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
Plant extract is applied to fresh injuries. Plants are pounded
and applied to wounds and boils. Herb is used as an emollient.
DESCRIPTION
Local Name :Hinsal
Botanical name : Rubus ellipticus
Family : Rosaceae
Sanskrit :Hinsal
English : Yellow Himalayan Raspberry
Hindi : Lalanchu, Hinsal
Useful part : root, fruit
HABIT
Yellow Himalayan Raspberry is a shrub, growing up to 2 m tall. It is
clothed with prickles and reddish hairs. The alternate leaves are
compound with three round to blunt leaflets 5-10 cm long. The
undersides of the leaves are lighter than the upper surface and
covered with downy hairs. The flowers are small, white with five
petals. The fruit is a round yellow cluster of druplets easily detaching
from the receptacle. The prickly shrub invades native forests
principally in pig-disturbed habitats. The plant has underground
shoots that contribute to its spread and allow it to rapidly regenerate
following a fire. The fruits are edible

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES :
root mixed with dried fruit of Brucea javanica are given in
dysentery.
DESCRIPTION
Local Name :Kantkarej,
Botanical name : Caesalpinia bonduc
Family : Caesalpiniaceae (Gulmohar family)
Sanskrit : Latakaranjah,
Hindi : Kantkarej,
Useful part : Bark, Flowers, Root.
HABIT:
Yellow Nicker is a large, thorny, straggling, shrub which behaves like a
strong woody climber, taking support of trees. The branches are armed
with hooks and straight hard yellow prickles. Leaves are large, double
compound, with 7 pairs of pinnae, and each with 3-8 pairs of leaflets
with 1-2 small recurved prickles between them on the underside.
Flowers are yellow, in dense long-stalked racemes at the top. Fruits are
inflated pods, covered with wiry prickles. Seeds are 1-2 per pod, oblong
or globular, hard, grey with a smooth shiny surface. The hard and shiny
seeds are green, turning grey.They are used for jewellery.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Fruits are tonic and antipyretic. Seeds yield a fatty oil used as a
cosmetic and for discharges from the ear. Leaves and bark are
febrifuge.
DESCRIPTION

Local Name :Barela


Botanical name : Sida rhombifolia Linn.
Family : Malvaceae
SANSKRIT : Atibala, Hastibala,
Mahasamanga, Vadhyala
English : Wild mallow
Hindi : Barela, Lalbarela
Useful part : Root.

HABIT

A semi woody, erect annual or perennial undershrub grows up


to 1 meter in height. Leaves are variable, Rhomboid-lanceolate,
serrated at apical half; flowers yellowish white, solitary, found
in leaf axils. Fruits schizocarp, enclosed within the calyx. Seeds
brown colored and smooth.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Plant pacifies vitiated vata, pitta, pain, arthritis, asthma,


bronchitis, burning sensation, and urinary retention.
DESCRIPTION
Local Name :Van tulsi
Botanical name : Ocimum americanum Linn.
Family : Lamiaceae
SANSKRIT : Vana tulasi, Aranya tulasi, Vanabarbarika.
English : Hoary basil
Hindi : Vantulsi
Useful part : Leaves, Seeds.

HABIT

Plant commonly found in fields and waste lands, throughout India. A


pubescent erect, and much branched herb, grows up to 1 meter. Leaves
elliptic – lanceolate, entire or faintly toothed, glabrous and gland
dotted. Flowers white or whitish pink found in elongate recemes. Fruits
are small, nutlets are pitted, mucilaginous when wet.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Plant pacifies vitiated vata, kapha, helminthiasis, anorexia, dyspepsia,


pruritis, leprosy, vomiting, poison, migraine, and fever. Seeds are good
remedy for hyperdipsia, fever, migraine, and emaciation.
DESCRIPTION
Local Name :Adusa
Botanical name : Adhatoda vasica Nees.
Family : Acanthaceae
Sanskrit :Brihat vasa, Brihat vasaka, Vrisha,
Vrishaka,
English : Malabar nut
Hindi : Adusa, Arusa
Useful part : Whole plant.

HABIT

A large shrub grows crowded along waste land, roadsides etc. Leaves
simple, opposite, ovate-lanceolate, acute or acuminate and shiny.
Flowers arise from axillary condensed spikes, white; fruits capsules.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Plant pacifies vitiated pitta, kapha, cough, bronchitis, asthma,


inflammation, hemorrhage, hemorrhoids, diseases of eyes, and
bleeding diarrhea. In medicinal value it is less effective than vasa
(Adhatoda beddomei)
DESCRIPTION
Local Name :ringini
Botanical name : Solanum virginianum
Family : Solanaceae (Potato family
Sanskrit : Kantakari
English : Thorny Nightshade,
Hindi :Kateli, ringini
Useful part : whole plant

HABIT

Thorny Nightshade is a herb which is erect or creeping, sometimes woody


at base, 50-70 cm tall, copiously armed with sturdy, needlelike, broad-
based prickles 0.5-2 cm × 0.5-1.5 mm. Leaves are unequal paired; stalk 2-
3.5 cm, prickly; leaf blade ovate-oblong, 4-9 × 2-4.5 cm, prickly along
veins, margin usually 5-9-lobed or pinnately parted, lobes unequal,
sinuate, apex acute. Flowering: November-May.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
: Boiled decoction of dry plant is prescribed for stomach and liver
complaints.
DESCRIPTION
Local Name :Hirankhuri
Botanical name : Emilia sonchifolia (Linn.) DC
Family : Asteraceae
SANSKRITT : Sasasruti, Akhukarni, Dravanti, Sambari
English : Emilia sonchifolia
Hindi : Kirankari, Hirankhuri
Useful part : Whole plant.

HABIT

A soft annual herb grows up to 40 cm in height. Leaves simple,


lyrate –pinnate with large terminal lobe; flowers purplish in
corymbose heads, fruits oblong containing many seeds; seeds long,
compressed, having terminal tuft of soft hairs for wind dispersal.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Plant pacifies vitiated kapha, vata, conjunctivitis, worm infestations, tonsillitis,


bleeding piles, cuts, ulcers intermittent fever and allergy.
DESCRIPTION

Local Name :Sadodi


Botanical name : Vernonia cinerea (Linn.) Less.
Family : Asteraceae
SANSKRIT : Sahadevi, Uttamakanyapatra
English : Ash colored fleabane
Hindi : Sahadevyi, Sadodi
Useful part : Whole plant

HABIT

An erect annual herb grows up to 75 cm in height. Stems are


cylindrical, striate, and somewhat pubescent. Leaves simple alternate,
variable in shape, ovate or lancelets, irregularly toothed or serrate.
Flowers are many pinkish violet, in small head inflorescences.
Involucral bracts oblong, lancelets, silky on the back. Fruits oblong
achene's, slightly narrowed base, clothed with white hairs on one side.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Plant pacifies vitiated vata, pitta, tonsillitis, stomach pain, diarrhea,


intermittent fever, eczema, herpes, ringworm, and elephantiasis.
Leaves are useful in conjunctivitis, and in acclimation. Seeds are
useful in worm infestation, cough, psoriasis, leukoderma and in other
skin diseases. Plant possess anti cancerous property.
DESCRIPTION

Local Name :Kunjia.


Botanical name : Urena lobata Linn.
Family : Malvaceae
SANSKRIT : Sakhee, Kandakeephala
English : Aramina
Hindi : Lotloti, Kunjia.
Useful part : Whole plant.

HABIT

An erect annual or biennial herb grows up to 1 meter in height. Leaves


simple, alternate, ovate, deeply lobed, base chordate; flowers solitary,
axillary, and pale yellow, Fruits trivalved, covered with sticky bristles.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Plant pacifies vitiated kapha, vata, colic, cough, bronchitis, dry cough,
asthma, low back pain, arthritis, consumption and general weakness.
DESCRIPTION

Local Name :Amrulsa


Botanical name : Oxalis violacea Linn.
Family : Oxalidaceae
SANSKRIT : Raktachangeri, Amlapatri
English : Indian red sorrel, Wood sorrel.
Hindi : Tinapatiya, Amrulsak

HABIT

An annual herb found in moist locations. Plant is a semi erect


creeping acid herb, grows up to 20 cm in height. Leaves palmately
compound, trifoliate, long stalked, with the shape of a shamrock.
Flowers bright violet red and axillary. Fruits are cylindrical
capsules, seeds numerous.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Plant pacifies vata, kapha, dyspepsia, hemorrhoids, dysentery,


diarrhea, dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, hepatitis and burning
sensation.
DESCRIPTION

Local Name :Gooma


Botanical name : Urtica parviflora Roxb.
Family : Urticaceae
SANSKRIT : Kanjee, Drona, Kutumbakam, Kumbhayoni,
English : Phlomis
Hindi : Gooma
Useful part : Leaves.

HABIT

An erect biennial herb grows up to 60 cm in height. Leaves are solitary,


alternate, dentate, chordate base, with minute hairs, which produce
intense itching when touched. Flowers are minute, greenish yellow, seen
in long axillary panicles, with numerous minute seeds.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Plant pacifies vitiated pitta, fever, hemorrhoids, arthritis, rheumatic


fever, and malaria. Tender leaves are used as vegetable.
DESCRIPTION

Local Name : Makhi


Botanical name : Phyllanthus reticulatus Poir.
Family : Euphorbiaceae
SANSKRIT : Poolika, Krishnakamboji
English : Phyllanthus reticulatus
Hindi : Pancholi, Makhi
Useful part : Roots, Leaves.

HABIT

A large shrub grows up to 2 meters in height. Leaves simple, alternate,


oblong, obtuse, thin; flowers unisexual, axillary's, fruits purplish
containing seeds.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Plant pacifies vitiated vata, pitta, diabetes, burning sensation, burns, skin
diseases, obesity and urinary retention.
DESCRIPTION

Local Name :Mandara


Botanical name : Calotropis gigantea (Linn.) R.Br. (Blue variety)
Family : Asclepiadeceae
Sanskrit : Arka, Sooryahvaya,Vasuka, Ksheeraparni,
English : Blue Madar
Hindi : Aka vana, Aka, Mandara
Useful part : Root, Latex, Flower and Leaves

HABIT
Perennial shrub, growing up to 2.5 meters with branches and sub
branches. Leaves are simple, opposite and sub-sessile, ovate, and cordate
at base. Plant contains latex almost in all parts. Flowers beautiful, lilac,
in umbellate lateral cymes. Fruits are fleshy follicles, green; seeds
attached with abundant white coma.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES :

Plant pacifies vitiated tridoshas, skin diseases, joint inflammations, snake


poison, asthma and chest infections and rabies. It is a strong purgative
drug.
DESCRIPTION

Local Name : Badi noni


Botanical name : portulaca oleracea.
Family : Portulacaceae
Sanskrit :Lonika, Brihat loni, Khotika
English : Common purslane
Hindi : Badi noni, Bara laniya
Useful part : Whole plant

HABIT

A small annual succulent weed usually seen in wet areas. Leaves


simple, fleshy, oblong-ovate, obtuse and sessile. Flowers small,
bright yellow, in terminal or axillary clusters. Fruits ovoid capsules
with numerous small black seeds.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Plant pacifies vitiated vata, pitta, tumor, inflammations, jaundice,


diabetes, burns, headache, burning sensation, vomiting, dysentery,
skin diseases, and stomatitis.
DESCRIPTION
Local Name : Hadjod
Botanical Name : Cissus Quadrangualaris Linn.
Family : Vitaceae
SANSKRIT : Asthisrinkhala, Vajravalli, Dharavalli,
Chaturdhara, Vajralatha.
English : Edible stemmed vine, Bone setter
Hindi : Hadjod, Hadjora
Useful part : Plant as a whole.

HABIT

A tendril climber with stout fleshy quadrangular stem. Tendrils are


opposite to leaves, long and simple. Leaves are alternate, simple,
reniform and sometimes toothed. Flowers are short greenish in shortly
peduncled cyme. Fruits are ovoid red berry. Sometimes Arial root
arises from the nodes grow downwards and strike the soil and act as
normal roots.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Plant pacifies vitiated kapha, vata, piles, osteoporosis, anorexia and


fracture.
DESCRIPTION

Local Name :Kamtakalya


Botanical name : Hygrophilla
auriculata (K.Schum.) Heine.
Family : Acanthaceae
SANSKRITT : Kokilaksha, Ikshura
English : Long leaved barleria
Hindi : Talmakhana, Kamtakalya
Useful part : Roots, Leaves, Seeds.

HABIT

An erect semi woody, annual grows up to 1.5 meters in height. Stem


quadrangular, leaves in a verticles of six at a node, two very large,
bearing three straight sharp spines at each axils, flowers purple, in
the axils of leaves. Fruits are linear oblong compressed capsules,
seeds 4-8 per pod, smooth with mucilaginous coating.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Plant pacifies vitiated vata, pitta, ascites, hyperdipsia, rheumatoid


arthritis, vesical calculi, sexual weakness, impotency, jaundice,
dropsy, cough and anemia.
DESCRIPTION

Local Name : Ekapushpi


Botanical name : Tridax procumbens Linn.
Family : Asteraceae
SANSKRIT : Ekapushpi, Vranaropani
English : Coat buttons
Hindi : Ekapushpi,
Useful part : Whole plant.

HABIT
A spreading annual herb grows up to 20 cm in height. Leaves simple,
opposite, serrate or dentate, acute, fleshy and pubescent. Flowers in
head, long stalked and whitish. Seeds are numerous, small with tuft of
silky hairs on one side for wind dispersal.
MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Plant pacifies vitiated pitta, inflammation, wound, ulcers, anal fistula,


and hemorrhoids.
DESCRIPTION

Local Name :Bemgsag


Botanical name : Centella asiatica Linn.
Family : Apiaceae
SANSKRIT : Mandookaparni, Manduki.
English : Indian pennywort
Hindi : Brahmamandooki, Bemgsag
Useful part : The whole plant

HABIT

A creeping perennial with rooted nodes; leaves simple, having long


petioles, reniform or cordate in shape; flowers pink, small and sessile;
fruits laterally compressed.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Plant pacifies vitiated pitta, insomnia, epilepsy, asthma, bronchitis,


abdominal disorders, mental retardation, insanity and fever.
DESCRIPTION

Local Name :Kaddam


Botanical name : Mitragyna parvifolia (Roxb.) Korth.
(Stephegyne parvifolia Roxb.)
Family : Rubiaceae
SANSKRIT : Vitana
English : Kaim
Hindi : Kayim, Kaddam
Useful part : Root, Bark, Leaves.

HABIT

A medium to large sized deciduous tree grows up to 25 meters in height.


Leaves simple, opposite, elliptic, cordate of obovate, acute or acuminate,
glabrous on both sides. Flowers greenish yellow fragrant in globose heads.
Fruits oblong capsules.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
Plant pacifies vitiated vata, kapha, internal or external hemorrhages,
muscle pain, skin diseases, fever, inflammations, infections and fever.
DESCRIPTION

Local Name : Poi


Botanical name : Basella rubra Linn.
Family : Basellaceae
SANSKRIT :Kalambi, Mohini, Pothee, Upodika
English : Indian spinach
Hindi : Poi, Safed bachla
Useful part : Stems, leaves

HABIT

A perennial twining herb with fleshy stem and leaves, reddish


green in colour. Leaves simple, alternate, lamina narrowed into
petiole. Flowers-white or red, bracteoles longer than perianth;
fruits red, white or black, globose.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Plant pacifies vitiated vata, pitta, burning sensation,


hemorrhages, skin diseases, sexual weakness and ulcer and as a
laxative in children and pregnant women.
DESCRIPTION
Local Name : Jangli aushbah
Botanical name : Smilax perfoliata
Family : Smilacaceae (Sarsaparilla family)
English : Kumarika
Hindi : Kumarika, Jangli aushbah, Bhitura
Sanskrit : Vanamadhusnahi

HABIT

Kumarika is an armed or unarmed climber. Leaves leathery, shining,


7-15 x 4-11 cm, broadly ovate to elliptic, base rounded or shortly
wedge-shaped; 3-5-nerved. Leaf stalk 1.5 cm long, base sheathing, with
tendrils at the end. Flowers white, in dense umbels in leaf axils, 1-3 on
a common peduncle. Bracts ovate. Perianth recurved in mature
flowers, outer 3 segments, 4 mm long, oblong, inner narrower.
Stamens about as long as the perianth. It is found from the Himalayan
region in the north to Peninsular India. Flowering: January-April.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

The roots of Kumarika are used for veneral diseases. Also applied in
rheumatic swellings and given in urinary complaints and dysentery.
DESCRIPTION

Local Name :Sendhwar


Botanical Name : Vitex negundo Linn.
Family Name :Verbeneceae
English Name :Five leaved chaste (Indian Privet) .
Hindi :Nirguri, Sendhwar
Sanskrit :Sambalu
Parts used :Whole Plants

HABIT

A small shrub or tree, about 6-20 feet high , white hairy, branches
are sqare.Leaves compound , 3 to 5 leaflets terminal leaflet large
lateral leaglets are small & sessile, Flowers bluish purple. Fruits
globular blakish of terripening.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Acute Rheumatism , Cough , Fever, Pain , Indigestion , Flatulencem,


Leprosy,
DESCRIPTION

Local Name :Gular


Botanical name : Ficus racemosa Linn.
Family : Moraceae
SANSKRITT : Udumbara, Krimiphala, Jantuphala,
English : Country fig, Cluster fig
Hindi : Umar, Gular
Useful part : Root, Bark, Leaves, Fruits, Latex
HABIT

A moderate sized deciduous tree grows up to 20 meters in height. Leaves


simple, alternate, ovate or elliptic, acute, and glabrous; receptacles small
subglobose or piriform, in large clusters from old nodes of main trunk.
Green colored and turns to reddish when ripe.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
Plant pacifies vitiated pitta, skin diseases, diarrhea, hemorrhage,
menorrhagia, constipation,
DESCRIPTION

Local Name : Kaner


Botanical name : Taivetia neerifolia Juss
Family : Apocynaceae
Sankrit : Karaveera, Peetakaraveera, Asvaghna,
Asvamaraka, Hayamaraka
English : Indian oleander, Yellow oleander
Hindi : Kaner, Karber
Useful part : Roots, Leaves.

HABIT

An evergreen shrub grows up to 7-10 meters in height. Leaves three in a


whorl, linear-lanceolate, acute, and yellowish green. Flowers pale yellow
colored and fragrant; fruits globose and 4 chambered.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Plant pacifies vitiated vata, skin diseases, arthritis, pruritus, and ulcers,
for external use. Internal use will cause toxic symptoms.
DESCRIPTION

Local Name : Girimala


Botanical name : Cassia fistula Linn.
Family : Caesalpiniaceae
SANSKRIT :Aragvadha, Kritamala, Rajavriksha,
Chaturangulam, Deerkhaphala
English : Indian laburnum, Purging fistula
Hindi : Amaltas, Girimala
Useful part : Whole plant.

HABIT

A medium sized deciduous tree grows up to 20 meters in height.


Bark rough grayish; leaves pinnately compound, leaflets 4-8 pairs,
ovate, acute, bright green above and silvery pubescent beneath;
flowers bright yellow in lax pendulous recemes; fruits long
cylindrical pods seeds broadly ovate, horizontally arranged in the
sweetish pulp.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Plant pacifies vitiated pitta, vata, constipation, burning sensation


DESCRIPTION

Local Name : Lal Kaner


Botanical name : Nerium indicum Mill. (N. oleander Linn)
Family : Apocynaceae
SANSKRIT :Karaveera, Raktakaraveera, Asvaghna,
Asvamaraka, Hayamaraka
English : Indian oleander, Red oleander
Hindi :Lal Kaner, Karber
Useful part : Roots, Leaves.

HABIT
An evergreen shrub grows up to 4 meters in height. Leaves three in
a whorl, sessile, linear, dark green above, acute, and lanceolate.
Flowers red or rose colored and fragrant; fruits follicles.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Plant pacifies vitiated vata, skin diseases, renal or vesical calculi,


stomatitis, arthritis, pruritus, cough, bronchitis, cardio-myopathy
and ulcers. Overdose will cause toxic symptoms.
DESCRIPTION
Local Name :Gokharu
Botanical name : Tribulus terrestris Linn.
Family : Zygophyllaceae
SANSKRIT : Gokshura, Gokshuraka, Gokandaka,
Shadanga, Gokhuri, Vanashringata
English : Puncture vine, Ghokru
Hindi : Gokharu
Useful part : Whole plant or Seeds.

HABIT

A creeping perennial or annual herb grows parallel to ground. Leaves


simple, pinnate, opposite, leaflets rounded and sessile. Flowers
solitary, yellow and axillary's. Fruits spinous woody schizocarp, 5
angled, containing one or more seeds in each crocus.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Plant pacifies vitiated vata, pitta, urinary retention, vesicle and renal
calculi, urinary tract infections, sexual weakness, impotency, cough,
asthma, anemia, general weakness and constipation.
DESCRIPTION

Local Name : Padma


Botanical name : Clerodendrum serratum (Linn.) Moon
Family : Verbenaceae
SANSKRIT :Brahmanayashtika, Kharashakha, Padma,
English : Clerodendrum viscosum
Hindi : Bharangi
Useful part : Root and Leaves.

HABIT

A slightly woody shrub with bluntly quadrangular stems and branches,


leaves usually three at a node, sometimes opposite oblong or elliptic,
serrate; flowers blue, many in long cylindrical thrusts; fruits 4 lobed
purple durpe, somewhat succulent with one Pyrenees in each lobe.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Plant pacifies vitiated kapha, pitta, inflammations, anorexia, dyspepsia,


flatulence, helminthiasis, cough, asthma, bronchitis, hiccough, chronic
skin diseases, leucoderma, leprosy and fevers. The leaves can be used or
external application in headache.
DESCRIPTION

Local Name :Mundi


Botanical Name : Sphaeranthus indicus Linn
Family : Asteraceae
SANSKRIT :Hapusha, Mundi, Sravani, Alambusha,
English : East Indian globe thistle.
Hindi : Mundi
Useful part : Whole plant.

HABIT

A spreading aromatic herb with spreading glandular hairy stem and


branches with purple or pink flowers. Stems with toothed wing, leaves
alternate, toothed. Flowers are terminal, globose, violet head
inflorescence.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

The plant pacifies vitiated vata, pitta epilepsy, migraine, jaundice,


fever, cough, hemorrhoids, helminthiasis, skin diseases and as nervine
tonic.
DESCRIPTION

Local Name : Kamala


Botanical name : Mallotus philippensis (Lam) Muell. Arg.
Family : Euphorbiaceae
SANSKRIT : Rechanaka, Kampillaka
English : Kamala tree
Hindi : Sindur, Kamala
Useful part : Brown powder covering the fruit.

HABIT

A moderate sized tree grows up to 15 meters in height. Leaves simple,


alternate, long petioled, ovate-lanceolate, entire or mildly serrate;
flowers dioecious, small whitish, seen in axillary spikes; male in long
spikes, and female in short spikes. Fruits globose, three lobed capsules,
covered with dense reddish brown powder. Seeds black, smooth, and
globose.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Plant pacifies vitiated kapha, vata, worm infestation, constipation, skin


diseases, flatulence, wounds, ulcers, cough, renal and vesical calculi,
poisons, ringworm, herpes and hemorrhages.
DESCRIPTION

Local Name : Madhavi lata


Botanical name : Hiptage benghalensis
Family : Malpighiaceae (Barbados cherry family)
Sankrit : Madhavi lata
English : Hiptage, Helicopter Flower •
Hindi : Madhavi lata
Useful part : whole plant
HABIT
Madhavi lata, native from India to the Philippines, is a vine like plant
that is often cultivated in the tropics for its attractive and fragrant
flowers. A woody climbing shrub with clusters of pink to white and
yellow fragrant flowers and 3-winged, helicopter-like fruits. Flowers
have very interesting shape and look like a decorative accessory, with
fluffy-toothed edges. The fragrance is very strong and pleasant,
resembles fruity perfume. Leaves are narrow and drooping. This plant
can be trimmed as a bush, and can be crown in container, too. Used
medicinally in India. Make sure to provide lots of light for profuse
blooming.
MEDICINAL PROPERTIES :
The bark, leaves and flowers are aromatic, bitter, acrid, astringent,
refrigerant, vulnerary, expectorant, cardiotonic, anti-inflammatory and
insecticidal. They are useful in burning sensation, wounds, ulcers,
cough, asthma.
DESCRIPTION

Local Name : Kachalu


Botanical name : Colocasia esculenta (Linn.) Schott.
Family : Araceae
SANSKRIT :Alookam, Aloopam
English : Cocoyam, Taro
Hindi : Kachalu, Khuyya
Useful part : Leaves, Corms.

HABIT

An erect perennial herb grows up to 1.5 meters in height. Leaves pellate-


ovate, with cordite lamina, in long petiole. Spandex shorter then petiole,
inflorescence covered with spate. Underground stems are swollen; fleshy,
dark brown colored and much branched.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Plant pacifies vitiated vata, pitta, constipation, steatites, alopecia,


hemorrhoids and general weakness. Corms and tender leaves are used as
staple food in some parts of India.
DESCRIPTION

Local Name : Ananthamul


Botanical name : Hemidesmus indicus (Linn.) R.Br.
Family : Asclepiadaceae
SANSKRIT :Sariba, Anantamoola
English : Indian sarasaparilla, Country sarasaparilla
Hindi : Ananthamul, Magrabu
Useful part : Root.
HABIT
A perennial, slender, laticiferous twinning or prostrate shrub with
woody stock and numerous slender stems. Leaves are simple, opposite,
linear lanceolate. Flower greenish purple, sub sessile cymes in the
opposite leaf axils. Fruits are slender follicles, cylindrical, 10 cm long
tapering to a point at the apex, seeds are flattened, black, ovate-oblong
with silvery white coma.
The tuberous root is dark brown, with transversely cracked and
longitudinally fissured bark. It has a strong central vasculature and
pleasant smell and taste.
MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
Plant pacifies vitiated pitta, vata, skin diseases, burning sensation,
leukoderma, pruritus, bronchitis, asthma, hyperdipsia, diarrhea,
dysentery, hemorrhoids, leucorrhoea, arthritis,
DESCRIPTION

Local Name : Juhi


Botanical name : Jasminum auriculatum Vahl.
Family : Oleaceae
SANSKRITT : Yoodhika, Magadhi, Soochimallika
English : Needle flower jasmina
Hindi : Juhi, Juyi
Useful part : Roots, Leaves.

HABIT

A spreading woody shrub grows up to 2 meters in height. Leaves


trifoliate with lower small two, often deciduous, and a large, rounded,
acuminate, central one. Flowers white fragrant, in paniculate cyme.
Fruits globose black berries.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
Plant pacifies vitiated pitta, burning sensation, ulcer, stomatitis, renal
calculi and skin diseases.
DESCRIPTION

Local Name : Kamarang


Botanical name : Averrhoa carambola Linn.
Family : Oxalidaceae
Sanskrit : Karmaranga, Karuka
English : Carambola apple,
Hindi : Kamarang
Useful part : Leaves, Fruits.

HABIT

A small evergreen plant grows up to 10 meters in height. Leaves


compound, alternate, with leaflets 5-11, acute; flowers purple in short
racemes, axillary, fruits 5 angles, yellowish fleshy berries, contain
arillate seeds.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Plant pacifies vitiated kapha, pitta, skin diseases, poison, pruritus,


worm infestations, diarrhea, vomiting, hemorrhoids, intermittent
fever, over perspiration and general debility.
DESCRIPTION

Local Name : Sdabahar


Botanical name : Catharanthus roseus (Linn.) G.Don
Family : Apocynaceae
SANSKRIT :Nityakalyani.
English : Periwinkle
Hindi : Sdabahar
Useful part : Whole plant

HABIT

An erect annual herb grows up to a height of 1meter. Leaves deep green


oblong or obovate, flowers in cymose, axillary clusters, deep rose or
white in color, fruits cylindrical follicle.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Plant pacifies vitiated pitta, kapha, diabetes, hypertension, leukemia and


malignancy, the root is stomachic and tonic.
DESCRIPTION

Local Name : Barikasaundi


Botanical name : Cassia occidentalis Linn.
Family : Caesalpiniaceae
SANSKRIT :Kasamarda
English : Negro coffee, Stinking weed
Hindi : Kasaundi, Barikasaundi.
Useful part : Root, Seeds, Leaves.

HABIT

An undershrub grows up to 2 meters in height. Leaves pinnately


compound, paripinnate, with 3-5 pairs; flowers yellow, in short
pedunculated racemes. Fruits compressed, 8-12 cm long, containing
10-30 ovoid, compressed and grayish brown seeds.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Plant pacifies vitiated vata, kapha, cough, bronchitis, allergy, asthma,


fever constipation, diabetes, skin diseases, wounds and ulcers.
DESCRIPTION

Local Name :Vajradanti


Botanical name : Barleria prionitis
Family : Acanthaceae (ruellia family)
SANSKRIT :Vajradanti
English :Porcupine flower, Barleria
Hindi : Vajradanti
Useful part : Whole plant
HABIT
Porcupine flower is an erect, prickly shrub, usually single-stemmed,
growing to about 1.5 m tall. The stems and branches are stiff and smooth
and light brown to light grey in colour. The leaves are up to 100 mm long
and 40 mm wide, and oval-shaped though narrow at both ends (ellipsoid)
The base of the leaves is protected by three to five sharp, pale coloured
spines, 10-20 mm long. The yellow-orange tubular flowers are found
bunched tightly together at the top of the plant, but they also occur singly
at the base of leaves.,
MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
: It has numerous medicinal properties including treating fever,
respiratory diseases, toothache, joint pains and a variety of other
ailments; and it has several cosmetic uses. A mouthwash made from root
tissue is used to relieve toothache and treat bleeding gums. The whole
plant, leaves, and roots are used for a variety of purposes in traditional
Indian medicine.
DESCRIPTION

Local Name : Bringa


Botanical name : Eclipse prostrata (Linn) Linn.
Family : Asteraceae
SANSKRITT : Keshabringa, Bringaraja, Bringa,
Angaraka, Kesaranjana
English : Trailing eclipta
Hindi : Bangrah, Moprant
Useful part : Plant as a whole.

HABIT

It is an erect prostrate annual herb grows up to 70 cm height. Stems are


soft and fleshy. Branches are few. Leaves are simple and opposite, Flowers
are in head inflorescence. Fruits are akene.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Plant pacifies vitiated kapha, vata, reduces pain, promote hair growth,
stimulate the functions of liver, heal and clean ulcers and increase eye
sight.
DESCRIPTION

Local Name : Satala


Botanical name : Acacia sinuata (Lour.) Merr.
Family : Mimosaceae
SANSKRIT :Saptala, Charmasahva
English : Soapnut acacia
Hindi : Satala, Kochi, Seekakai
Useful part : Pods.

HABIT

A perennial, woody, large climbing shrub grows on big trees. Leaves


bipinnate, with sharp prickles on main rachis. Pinnate 8 -10 pairs,
leaflets small, sessile; flowers small heads, fruits thin pods with 6-10
seeds per pod

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Plant pacifies vitiated pitta, skin disease, burning sensation,


constipation, calculi, hemorrhoids, vitilligo and eczema.
DESCRIPTION

Local Name : Sudarshan


Botanical name : Crinum latifolium Linn.
Family : Liliaceae
SANSKRIT :Chakrangi, Dodhyani, Maduparnika, Somavalli
English : Wild onion
Hindi :Sudarshan
Useful part : Underground bulb.

HABIT

A glabrous annual herb with perennial underground bulbs. Leaves


simple, linear lanceolate, acute, lorate and crowded at the base. Flower
terminal, whitish, and glabrous, seen on long terminal spikes. Fruits
ovate and irregularly deciduous capsules. Underground bulbs are
whitish or pale yellow, grows up to 15 cm in diameter.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Plant pacifies vitiated kapha, edema, earache, arthritis, callosity,


hemorrhoids, and used as an emitting drug for children.
DESCRIPTION

Local Name : Parja


Botanical name : Nyctanthes arbor-tristis Linn.
Family : Oleaceae
SANSKRIT : Parijata, Sephalika
English : Night jasmine, Coral jasmine
Hindi : Parja, Harsimgar
Useful part : Leaves, Flowers, Seeds.

HABIT

A large shrub or small tree grows up to 6 meters in height.


Leaves simple, opposite, ovate, acute or acuminate, serrate or
dentate; flowers small white, in trichotomous cymes. Fruits
capsules, compressed, two seeded drupes.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Plant pacifies vitiated vata, kapha, inflammation, sciatica,


dyspepsia, cough, asthma, constipation, hemorrhoids,
baldness, premature graying of hair and prorates.
DESCRIPTION

Local Name :Tarval


Botanical name : Cassia auriculata Linn.
Family : Caesalpiniaceae
SANSKRIT :Avartaki
English : Tanner’s cassia
Hindi : Tarvar, Tarval
Useful part : Root, Bark, Leaves, Flowers, Seeds.

HABIT

A large shrub grows up to 2 -3 meters in height. Leaves paripinnately


compound, leaflets 10-12 pairs, ovate-lanceolate, large stipule at the base
of each compound leaf. Flowers yellowish, in axillary and terminal
corymbs. Fruits pods, brown when ripe contain 10-15 dark brown seeds.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Plant pacifies vitiated pitta, kapha, skin diseases, ulcers, diabetes,


diarrhea, worm infestation, conjunctivitis, and nocturnal emission.
DESCRIPTION

Local Name : Tejabala


Botanical name : Zanthoxylum alatum Roxb.
Family : Rutaceae
SANSKRIT :Tumburu, Tejasvini, Tejovati, Vanaja,
Sourabha
English : Toothache tree
Hindi : Tejabala
Useful part : Root, Leaves, Bark
HABIT
A small tree or shrub, growing up to 20 meters in height. Leaves-
4-20 cm, imparipinnate, leaflets 4-6 pairs, lanceolate and acute.
Flowers seen in dense panicles. Fruits broadly ovoid, pale red
when ripe, contain single seed.
MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
Plant pacifies vitiated vata, kapha, inflammation, wound, ulcers,
stomatitis, gingivitis, anorexia, indigestion, flatulence, diarrhea,
hemorrhoids and intestinal worms.
DESCRIPTION

Local Name : Kanphuti


Botanical name : Cardiospermum helicacabum Linn.
Family : Sapindaceae
SANSKRIT :Sakralata, Indravalli, Karnasphota
English : Balloon wine.
Hindi : Kanphuti, Kapalaphoti.
Useful part : Whole plant.

HABIT

An annual spreading herb with tendril hooks. Leaves bicompound,


leaflets acuminete at apex; flowers white small; fruits membreneous,
pyriform capsules, containing 3 black seeds with large heart shaped
white aril on the side.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Plant pacifies vitiated pitta, constipation, fever, arthritis,


amenorrhea, low back pain, neuropathy, chronic rheumatism and
mania.
DESCRIPTION

Local Name :Kaunch


Botanical name : Mucuna pruriens (Linn.) DC.
Family : Fabaceae
SANSKRIT :Atmagupta, Kapikacchu, Ajada, Markati,
Kulakshaya
English : Common cowitch, Cowhage.
Hindi : Gonacha, Kaunch
Useful part : Fruits, Leaves, Seeds, Hairs
HABIT

An annual or perennial climber with hairy branches. Leaves trifoliate,


leaflets ovate or rhomboid ovate, membranous, pubescent above;
flowers purple in axillary drooping pendulous racemes; fruits curved
pods, densely clothed with pale brown irritant hairs, seeds black, ovoid,
4-6 per pod.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Plant pacifies vitiated vata, pitta, constipation, impotency,


Parkinsonism, kidney diseases, neuropathy, worm infestations, fever
and general debility.
DESCRIPTION

Local Name :Khadir


Botanical name : Acacia catechu (Linn.f) Wild.
Family : Mimosaceae
Sanskrit : Khadira, Kushtari, Rakthasaram
English : Dark catechu, Cutch tree
Hindi : Khair
Useful part : Bark, Heartwood, Kath.

HABIT

Medium sized thorny deciduous tree grows up to 13 meters in height.


Leaves bipinnately compound, leaflets 30-50 paired, main rachis
pubescent, with large conspicuous gland near the middle of the
rachis. Flowers pale yellow, sessile, found in axillary spikes. Fruits
flat brown pods, with triangular beak at the apex, shiny, narrowed at
base. Seeds 3-10 per pod. The gummy extract of the wood is called
kath or cutch.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Plant pacifies vitiated pitta, kapha, skin diseases, cough, pruritus, and
obesity. Useful in tooth ache, increases the strength of teeth.
DESCRIPTION
Local Name : Bael
Botanical name : Aegle marmelos Linn. Corr.
Family : Rutaceae
Sanskrit :Vilva,
English : Bael tree, Holy Fruit tree
Hindi : Bilva
Useful part : Leaves, Root, Fruits
HABIT
Medium sized thorny deciduous tree grows up to 10 meters in height.
Leaves trifoliate, aromatic, and alternate. Leaflets are ovate-
lanceolate. Lateral leaflets are sub sessile and terminal long petioled.
Flowers are greenish white, found in axillary panicles. Fruits are
globose woody berry with yellow pulp. Seeds are numerous, oblong
and embedded in pulp.
MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
Plant pacifies vitiated kapha, vata, body pain, poison, diarrhea,
dysentery, vomiting, and intermittent fever. Pulp of unripe fruit is
constipating whereas that of ripened fruit is laxative. Leaves cure
diabetes, cough, inflammation andasthma.
DESCRIPTION
Local Name :Angol
Botanical name : Alangium salvifolium Wang.
Family : Alangiaceae
Sanskrit :Ankolah, Kolakah, Rechi,
Deerghakeelakah
English : Sage-leaved alangium
Hindi : Angol,Dhera,
Useful part : Seeds, Leaves, Root
HABIT
A small, thorny deciduous tree/ shrub which grows up to a height of
5-10 meters. Bark yellowish, leaves alternate, elliptical and usually
unequal at the base; flowers-yellowish white, fragrant, in axillary
fascicles,fruits 1-2 seeded,1cm in length,1-2 seeded berries crowned
by the calyx lobes.
MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
Plant pacifies vitiated pitta. It is anti-hypertensive, antidote for
several poisons especially for rabies. Roots are useful for external
application in case of rheumatism and inflammation. Fruits are used
in treatment of hemorrhages.
DESCRIPTION
Local Name : Harra
Botanical name : Terminalia chebula
Family : Combretaceae
English name : Chebulic Myrobalan,
Hindi : Harra
Sanskrit : Kayastha, Jivapriya
Useful part : Fruit

HABIT

This tree yields smallish, ribbed and nut-like fruits which are picked up
when still green and then pickled, boiled with a little added sugar in
their own syrup or used in preserves or concotions. The seed of the
fruit, which has an eliptical shape, is an abrasive pit enveloped by a
fleshy and firm pulp. Chebulic Myrobalan can reach heights of 20
meters.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Chebulic Myrobalan is highly regarded as the 'king of medicines' in the


Ayur-Vedic Medicine. It is reputed to cure blindness and it is believed
to inhibit the growth of the malignant tumours. It is allegedly also a
powerful detox agent.
DESCRIPTION
Local Name : Seetaphal
Botanical name : Annona squamosa Linn.
Family : Annonaceae
SANSKRIT :Seetaphalam, Sudha, Subha
English : Custard apple, Sugar apple
Hindi : Seetaphal
Useful part : Fruits, seeds, Roots, Leaves

HABIT

A small tree grow up to 8 meters of height. Leaves simple, alternate,


lenceolate, acute, with prominent central nerve. Flowers solitary
greenish yellow; fruits yellowish green globose with several
compartment; fruit pulp enclosed several stony hard, black seeds.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Plant pacifies vitiated pitta, constipation, burning sensation, anemia,


vomiting, cough, malignancy and general tonic. Root decoction is a
powerful purgative. Powdered seed kills body and hair lice on external
application.
DESCRIPTION
Local Name : Chupri alu
Botanical name : Dioscorea alata Linn.
Family : Dioscoreaceae
SANSKRIT :Alukam.
English : Greater yam, Asiatic yam
Hindi : Khamalu, Chupri alu.
Useful part : Tubers.

HABIT

A glabrous twinner, with a peculiar 4 winged stem leaves


simple, opposite, ovate, cordate, and acuminate. Flowers
unisexual and fruits capsules. Plant has many Arial tubers that
also aid in reproduction. Underground tubers are large, many
branched dark brown and fleshy. It is edible, and used as a
staple food.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Plant pacifies vitiated pitta, hemorrhoids, leprosy, intestinal


worms, seminal weakness, post menopausal syndrome, and
general weakness.
DESCRIPTION
Local Name :Majith
Botanical name : Rubia cordifolia Lin.
Family : Rubiaceae
SANSKRIT :Manjishta, Vikasha, Samanga, Raktangi,
Vastrabhushana, Yojanavalli
English : Indian Madder
Hindi : Majith
Useful part : Root.

HABIT

A small prickly climbing perennial herb with long long reddish, fiberous
roots. Stems are quadrangular. Leaves are found as whorl numbered 2-8,
cordate-ovate with round base, petioles very long provided with sharp
prickles in the edges. Flowers are greenish white, or yellowish or red
small and sweet scented, found in terminal panicled glabrous cymes.
Fruits are globose or slightly 2 lobed, purplish black when ripe. Seeds
two.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Plant pacifies vitiated pitta, rakta, kapha, neurogenic pain, skin diseases,
diabetes, Bleeding disorders, and erysipelas. It increases body power and
anti toxic in nature.
DESCRIPTION
Local Name : Gopoli
Botanical name : Anisomeles malabarica
Family : Lamiaceae (Mint family)
English : Malabar Catmint
Sanskrit : Mahadron
Hindi : Gopoli, Codhara
Useful part : Roots, Leaves
HABIT

Malabar Catmint is a shrubby herb, 0.5-1.5 m tall. Stems are tetragon


us, densely villous or woolly. Leaves are ovate to oblong, 3-8 cm x 1.5-3
cm, densely woolly beneath, sparsely hirsute above, hairs 4-celled,
petiole 0.5-2.5 cm long, softly woolly. Inflorescence is a single terminal
spike, calyx 8.5 mm x 6 mm, longest teeth 3-4 mm long, in fruit 8-10 mm
long, teeth hairy inside. Flower up to 1.8 cm long, lower lip about 12
mm x 4 mm, lilac or pale blue, filaments almost at same level, about 8
mm long, style about 1.3 cm long. Nutlets are cylindrical, 1.3 mm x 0.9
mm.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
The whole plant, especially the leaves and the roots are used as
astringent, carminative, febrifuge and tonic.
DESCRIPTION

Local Name : Chakavad


Botanical name : Cassia tora Linn.
Family : Caesalpiniaceae
SANSKRIT :Chakramarda, Prapunnada, Prepanda,
Meshalochana,Chakri
English : Fetid cassia
Hindi : Chakavad, Papamd
Useful part : Leaves, seeds.
HABIT
An erect annual herb, grows up to 90 cm in height. Leaves are
compound, paripinnate with 3 pairs of leaflets, obovate-oblong;
flowers yellow, in subsessile pairs, found in leaf axils; fruits long
septate pods with 10-15 seeds per pods.
MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
Plant pacifies vitiated tridosha, skin diseases, dandruff, constipation,
cough, hepatitis, fever, and hemorrhoids.
DESCRIPTION
Local Name
Botanical name : Cassia alata Linn. (C. herpetica Jacq)
Family : Caesalpiniaceae
SANSKRIT :Dadrughna, Dvipagasti
English : Ringworm shrub
Hindi : Dadmurdan
Useful part : Leaves, Flowers, Roots.

HABIT

An annual or binneal shrub grows up to 2.5 meters in height. Leaves


compound, paripinnate, leaflets oblong, obtuse, membranous; flowers
seen in long terminal spikes, yellow and showy. Fruits green angulated
dehiscent pods, contain numerous compressed brown colored ovate
seeds.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Plant pacifies vitiated kapha, pitta, inflammation, ringworm, cough,


bronchitis, asthma, other skin diseases, intestinal worms, poison,
constipation, hemorrhoids, alopecia and sexual weakness.
DESCRIPTION
Local name : Sonapatha
Botanical name : Oroxylim Indicum Vent.
Family : Bignoniaceae
Sanskrit : Sheonak
English :Tiutun
Hindi :Sonapatha
Usefull part : Whole par

HABIT

A large tree with large tri-pinnatecompound leavesFlowers large bluish


purple,fleshy,foetid,follicle large sword shaped

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

In rheumatism,diarrhea,cough fever, piles expectorant, bronchitis,


vomiting, leaucoderma
DESCRIPTION
Local name : Bharsngi
Botanical name : Clerodendrum serratum.
Family : Verbenaceae
Sanakrit : kharshak
English : Turk`s turban moon
Hindi : Bharsngi
Useful part : Whole plant

HABIT

An erect annual or biennial herb grows up to 1.5 meters in height. Leaves


simple, opposite, lobed, chordate, hairy and membranous. Flowers bright
orange, seen in long terminal branched spikes. Fruits small berries.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Plant pacifies vitiated vata, pitta, inflammation, ulcers, wounds and skin
diseases.
DESCRIPTION
Local name : Jangli haldi
Botanical name : Curcuma aromatica
Family : Zingiberaceae (Ginger family)
Common name : Wild turmeric, Aromatic turmeric
Hindi : Jangli haldi
Sanskrit : Haridra

HABIT

Wild tumeric is an aromatic and pretty ginger with stout underground


rhizomes. Foliage dies down in late in autumn and the rhizomes
remain dormant in winter. The inflorescence appears in early spring
from the base of the rhizome. Flowers are pinkish white in color, with
an orange lip. The stalk grows to about 8 to 10 inches tall, and is
crowned with enlarged colored bracts tipped with pink. Leaves appear
after the flowers. When in full growth the plants can reach a height of
about 3ft tall.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
: Wild turmeric is recognized as a medical herb with strong antibiotic
properties. It is believed to play a role in preventing and curing cancer
in medicine.
DESCRIPTION
Local name : Ratti
Botanical name : Abrus precatorius Linn.
Family : Fabaceae
SANSKRIT : Gunja, Kakanantika, Kakapilu, Raktika,
English : Jequirity, Indian liquorice, Wild liquorice
Hindi : Gunchi, Ratti
Useful part : Root, Leaves, Seeds

HABIT

A deciduous climber with tough branches. Leaves pinnately


compound with many pairs of leaflets, leaflets oblong; flowers pink,
found in clusters arranged on one side of recemose inflorescence;
fruits pods; seeds usually scarlet with black spot or pure white
colored.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Plant pacifies vitiated pitta, vata, inflammation, volition, skin disease,


wounds, alopecia, asthma, stomatitis and fever.
.
DESCRIPTION
Local name : Ghikumari
Botanical name : Aloe vera (Linn.) Burm. (Aloe barbadensis Mill)
Family : Liliaceae
SANSKRIT :Kumari, Grithakumari, Grihakanya
English : Aloe, Indian aloe
Hindi : Gheekaumar, Ghikumari
Useful part : Leaves juice.

HABIT

A perennial shrub with fleshy leaves and short stem. Leaves fleshy,
sessile, with prickles on margins; flowers in long spikes, fruits capsules,
often sterile. Reproduction by budding. Leave juice dried in air is called
elio.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Plant pacifies vitiated vata, pitta, amenorrhea, wounds, ulcers, burns,


colic, hepatitis, skin diseases, constipation, tumor, malignancy, low back
pain, edema, arthritis and general debility.
DESCRIPTION

Local name : Adakapari


Botanical name : Stereospermum coalis
Family : Bignoniaceae
SANSKRIT :Patala, Krishnavrinda, Kuberakshi,
Tamrapushpi
English : Trumpet flower tree, Yellow snake tree
Hindi : Padhala, Adakapari
Useful part : Root, Leaves, Flowers, Fruits, Seeds.

HABIT

A deciduous tree grows up to 30 meters in height. Leaves compound,


imparipinnate, large, focused at edges of branches. Leaflets 7-9
numbered, ovate-lanceolate, acuminate; flowers yellow in terminal
cymes. Fruits long slender cylindrical capsules, contains small
compressed winged seeds.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
Plant pacifies vitiated vata, pitta skin diseases, urinary retention, kidney
stones, arthritis, cough, hemorrhoids, and muscular pain.
DESCRIPTION

Local name : Mehandi


Botanical name :Lawsonia inermis Linn.
Family : Lythraceae
SANSKRIT :Madayantika, Mendhi, Mendhika, Nakharanjani
English : Henna, Egyptian priven, Cypress shrub
Hindi : Mehandi, Hena
Useful part : Root, Leaves, Flowers, Seeds.

HABIT

A large shrub grows up to 3 meters in height. Leaves simple, opposite,


entire, lanceolate, with short petals. Flowers white numerous, fragrant
seen in terminal panicled cymes. Fruits globose capsules, with persistent
calyx. Seeds numerous, smooth and pyramidal. Propagation is by
vegetative manner.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Plant pacifies vitiated kapha, pitta, pain, ulcer, edema, hair fall, graying of
hair, burning sensation, headache, hepatitis, skin diseases, dysmenorrhea
and anemia.
DESCRIPTION
Local name : Salaparni
Botanical name : Desmodium gangeticum DC.
Family : Fabaceae
SANSKRIT :Salaparni, Guha, Sthira
English : Desmodium
Hindi : Sarivan
Useful part : Roots or plant as a whole.
HABIT
An erect, branched shrub grows up to 1 meter in height. Stem is woody
with numerous prostrate branches and covered with soft hairs. Leaves
are single, ovate-lanceolate, and covered with numerous gray hairs.
Flowers white, purple or lilac found in elongated terminal or axillary
recemes. Fruits are moniliform 6-8 joined pods. Joints separate when ripe
into one seeded segments. Seeds are compressed reniform.
MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
Plant pacifies vitiated tridoshas, edema and cardiomyopathy. Plant has
detoxifying property. .
DESCRIPTION

Local name : Sinduri


Botanical name : Bixa orellana Linn.
Family : Bixaceae
SANSKRIT :Sinduri, Markataharidra, Kampillaka
English : Annatto plant, Arnotta plant
Hindi : Sinduriya, Latkan
Useful part : Root, Bark, Seeds.

HABIT

A large shrub or small tree grows up to 5 meters in height. Leaves


large, cordate, acuminate, glabrous; flowers pale pink, in terminal
panicles; fruits bright red, capsules covered with soft bristles, seeds
small, numerous covered with red pigment.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Plant pacifies vitiated pitta, fever, dysentery, and repels mosquitoes.


Dye obtained from the fruits is used as a coloring matter for edible
materials.
DESCRIPTION

Local name : Brabmbhi


Botanical name : Bacopa monnieri (Linn.) Pennell
Family : Scrophulariaceae
SANSKRIT : Brahmi, Trayamana, Seetakamini, Trayanthi,
Bhekaparni
English : Brahmi
Hindi : Brabmbhi
Useful part : Plant as a whole

HABIT

Annual creeper grows sticky on ground. Leaves simple, opposite, decussate,


sessile, entire, obovate-oblong entire, fleshy and about 1 cm length. Flowers
are whitish of bluish white, solitary, arises from the axils. Fruits contain many
seeds.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Plant pacifies vitiated vata, pitta, skin diseases, neuralgia, inflammations,


epilepsy, insanity, ulcers, splenomegali, flatulence, fever, and general debility.
DESCRIPTION
Local name : Tulsi
Botanical name : Ocimum sanctum Linn (Black variety)
Family : Lamiaceae
SANSKRIT :Tulasi, Surasa, Svetatulasi.
English : Holy basil, Sacred basil, Black basil
Hindi : Krishntulsi
Useful part : Whole plant.
HABIT
An erect much branched undershrub, grows up to 1 m in height. Leaves are
pale dark brown in color, simple, opposite, elliptic, oblong, obtuse or acute,
serrate, entire, pubescent on both sides. Petiole slender and hairy. Flwers
purplish in elongate recemes. Fruits nutlets, smooth, not mucilaginous when
wet.
MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
Plant pacifies vitiated tridoshas, cough, asthma, bronchitis, fever, toxins,
vomiting, lumbago, gastric distension, genito-urinary diseases, ringworm and
skin diseases.
DESCRIPTION

Local name : Chota chand


Botanical name : Rauvolfia serpentina (Linn.) Benth. ex Kurz.
Family : Apocynaceae
SANSKRIT :Sarpagandha, Chandrika, Nakuli, Sarpadani,
Kukkudi, Raktatrika
English : Indian snake root. Serpentine root.
Hindi : Chandrabhaga, Chota chand
Useful part : Root, Leaves

HABIT

A small erect shrub grows up to 60 cm in height. Leaves simple, in a


whorl of three, thin, acuminate, oblong-lancelet; flowers white,
streaked with violet, found in cymes, fruits green drupes, become dark
purple when ripe. Roots, cylindrical, yellowish brown and tortuous.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Plant pacifies vitiated kapha, vata, hypertension, insanity, epilepsy,


insomnia, wounds, fever, colic and urinary retention, in controlled
dose. Overdose cause giddiness and is toxic.
DESCRIPTION

Local name : Asgandh


Botanical name : Withania somnifera (Linn.) Dunal.
Family : Solanaceae
SANSKRIT : Asvagandha, Varahakarni,Vajigandha, Varahika,
English : Winter cherry
Hindi : Asgandh, Punir
Useful part : Root and Leaves

HABIT

An erect branching shrub grows up to 150 cm in height. Leaves are ovate


and alternate, up to 10 cm long. Flowers are greenish or greenish yellow
arises from leaf axils. Fruits are globose berries, become reddish orange
when mature and closed by the persistent calyx. Roots are fleshy,
cylindrical and tapering towards the end with whitish grey color and pure
white inside.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Plant pacifies vitiated vata, nerve weakness, impotency, oligospermia and


arthritis. The roots are aphrodisiac and stimulant, widely used in
rejuvenate ayurvedic formulae. Plant has immune-stimulant action
.
DESCRIPTION

Local name : Guggul


Botanical name : Commiphora mukul (Hook.ex.Stocks) Engl.
Family : Burseraceae
SANSKRIT : Guggulu, Mahishaksha, Palankasha, Devadhupa
English : Indian bdellium tree
Hindi : Gugal, Guggul .
Useful part : Resinous gum.

HABIT

A moderate sized thorny tree with ash colored rough bark. Leaves
alternate, obovate, serrate in the upper part; flowers small, brownish red,
fruits ovoid drupes, become red when ripe. Guggul is the resinous extract of
the plant. It is epeque, brown in color.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Plant pacifies vitiated vata, kapha, arthritis, sciatica, facial paralysis,


hemiplegia, skin diseases, cough, asthma, epilepsy, fever, ulcer, diabetes and
hypercholestremia.
DESCRIPTION
Local name : Amla
Botanical name : Phyllanthus emblica Linn.
Family : Euphorbiaceae
SANSKRIT :Amalaki, Dhatri, Vayastha, Amritaphala
English : Indian gooseberry, Gooseberry
Hindi : Amalak, Amla
Useful part : fruit.
HABIT
A medium sized deciduous tree grows up to 25 meters in
height. Leaves simple, subsessile, many, closely arranged
along the thin soft branchlets. Thus it gives false
appearance as compound leaf. Flowes greenish yellow, in
leaf axils, unisexual, fruit globose, fleshy, greenish yellow,
with 6 vertical compartments. Seed 6 faced, stony hard
when ripe.
MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
Plant pacifies vitiated tridoshas, constipation, stomatitis,
jaundice, disorders of vision, fever, cough, wheezing,
cardiac disorders
DESCRIPTION
Local name : Bhampatti
Botanical name : Kalanchoe pinnata/ Bryophyllum
Family : Crassulaceae (sedum family)
Sanskrit :Amar poi
Hindi : Bhampatti
English : Air Plant, Donkey Ears
Useful part : The whole plant
HABIT
Air Plant grows to about 3-6 feet tall. The erect, thick, succulent stems
bear large, fleshy leaves, each with 3 or 5 oval leaflets with round-
toothed edges. Young plantlets develop along the margins of the mature
leaves. The attractive, drooping blooms are borne on large panicles. The
flowers have purple or yellowish-white tinged calyxes and reddish
corollas. Kalanchoe is a genus of about 125 species of tropical, succulent
flowering plants in the Family Crassulaceae, mainly native to the Old
World but with a few species in the New World. These plants are
cultivated as ornamental houseplants and rock or "cactus" garden
plants. They are popular because of their ease of propagation, low water
requirements, and wide variety of flower colors typically borne in
clusters well above the vegetative growth.
MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
Bahamians call it Life Leaf or Floppers. In the Bahamas it is mostly used
for Asthma or shortness in breath.
DESCRIPTION
Local name : Pipli
Family : Piperaceae (Pepper family)
Sanskrit : Pippali, Magadhi
English : Long Pepper, Indian long
Hindi : Pipli
Useful part : fruit
HABIT
Long pepper is a close relative of the black pepper plant, and has a similar,
though generally hotter, taste. The word pepper itself is derived from the
Sanskrit word for long pepper, pippali. It is a slender, aromatic, climber
with perennial woody roots, creeping and jointed stems, and fleshy fruits
embedded in the spikes. Leaves are numerous, 6.3 to 9.0 cm, broadly ovate
or oblong-oval, dark green and shining above, pale and dull beneath. The
older leaves are dentate, dark in color and heart shaped. The younger leaf
is ovate in shape and contains 5 veins on them. Flowers are monoceous and
male and female flowers are borne on different plants. Male flower stalk is
about 1 to 3 inch long and female flower stalk is ½ to 1 inch long.
MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
Pippali is certainly one of the most widely used of all Ayurvedic herbs. It is
one of the best herbs for enhancing digestion, assimilation and metabolism
of the foods we eat. It is also highly prized for its ability to enhance
assimilation and potency of herbs in a synergistic formula (this is called the
Yogavahi effect).
DESCRIPTION

Local name : Neem


Botanical name : Azadirachta inaica A.Juss.
Family : Meliaceae
SANSKRIT :Nimba, Arista, Hinguniryasa, Manda,
English : Neem tree, Margosa tree.
Hindi : Neem, Nimb
Useful part : Bark, Leaves, Flowers, Seed, Oil.

HABIT

A moderate to large sized tree grows up to 30 meters in height. Leaves


imparipinnately compound, leaflets opposite, serrate and acuminate;
flowers yellowish white, found in axillary panicles. Fruits elliptical one
seeded drupes yellowish when ripe.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Plant pacifies vitiated pitta, skin diseases, eczema, fever, wound, ulcer,
burning sensation, tumor, worms, cough, diabetes, inflammation and
rheumatoid arthritis.
DESCRIPTION
Local name : Karanj
Botanical name : pongamia pinnata
Family : Fabaceae (pea family)
Sanskrit : Karanjah
English : Pongam Tree, Indian Beech Tree
Hindi : Karanj
Useful part : Bark, Leaves, Seed, Oil.
HABIT
A fast-growing deciduous tree up to 20 metres tall that is thought to
have originated in India and is found throughout Asia. It is a deciduous
tree that grows to about 15-25 meters in height with a large canopy that
spreads equally wide. The leaves are a soft, shiny burgundy in early
summer and mature to a glossy, deep green as the season progresses.
Small clusters of white, purple, and pink flowers blossom on their
branches throughout the year, maturing into brown seed pods. The tree
is well suited to intense heat and sunlight and its dense network of
lateral roots and its thick, long taproot make it drought tolerant.
Flowering: March-April.
MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
A thick brownish oil can be extracted from the large seeds, and is used
industrially and in medicine, notably for the treatment of rheumatism.
DESCRIPTION
Local name : Patharchur
Botanical name : Terminalia arjuna
Family : Combretaceae (rangoon creeper family)
Sanskrit : Arjuna, Dhawal, kakumbh
English : Arjun
Hindi :Arjun
Useful part : Bark, Leaves, Fruits
HABIT
In Indian mythology, Arjun is supposed to be Sita's favorite tree. Native to
India, the tree attracts lot of attention because of its association with
mythology and its many uses. Arjuna is a large, evergreen tree, with a
spreading crown and drooping branches. Grows up to 25 m height, and
the bark is grey and smooth. Leaves are sub-opposite, 5-14 × 2-4.5 cm in
size, oblong or elliptic oblong. Flowers small, white, and occur on long
hanging racemes. Fruit is 2.3-3.5 cm long, fibrous woody, glabrous and
has five hard wings, striated with numerous curved veins. Flowering time
of the tree is April-July, in Indian conditions.
MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
Every part of the tree has useful medicinal properties. Arjun holds a
reputed position in both Ayurvedic and Yunani Systems of medicine.
According to Ayurveda it is alexiteric, styptic, tonic, anathematic, and
useful in fractures, ulcers, heart diseases, biliousness, urinary discharges,
asthma, tumors, leucoderma, anemia, excessive perspirations etc.
According to Yemeni system of medicine, it is used both externally and
internally in gleets and urinary discharges.
DESCRIPTION

Local name : Bhilawa


Botanical name : Semecarpus Anacardium L.F.
Family : Cobretaceae
Sanskrit : Bhallathaka,Arushakara,Arushaka,Agni,Agnimukhi,
Bhalli,
English : Marking nut
Hindi : Bhilawa
Useful part : Seeds, kernel, seed pressed oil.

HABIT

A tree occurring in hotter parts of the country. Black seeds yields and ink
like resin used for marking cloths. A moderate sized, deciduous tree, 12-
15 m high. Leaves simple,17.5-60.0cm long and broad, obviate-oblong
above, ashy grey or buff and pubescent beneath.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIE

Alopecia, skin disease, fever, piles, tumors, diseases of head,


musculoskeletal disorder, to induce hyper pigmentation in wound scars,
sinus wounds, tumors, carbuncles, seed oil and flower caustic
DESCRIPTION
Botanical name : Butea monosperma (Lam.) Taub.
Family : Fabaceae
SANSKRIT :Palasa, Kimsuka, Raktapushpa, Ksharasreshta
English : Flame of the forest
Hindi : Palas, Dhak
Useful part : Bark, Leaves, Flowers, Seeds, Gum.
HABIT
A medium sized deciduous tree, grows up to 15 meters in height.
Leaves imparipinnate, trifoliate, leaflets big, obtuse and glabrous.
Flowers bright red, large, in racemes; fruits green pods, containing
one seed.
MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
Plant pacifies vitiated vata, kapha, hemorrhage, hemorrhoids,
intestinal worms, diabetes, colic, flatulence, inflammation, arthritis,
and skin diseases.
DESCRIPTION

Local name : Patharchur


Botanical name : Coleus Ambionicus LOUR.
Family : Labiatae
Sanskrit : Pashanabhedi,Ashmaghna,Giribhedi, Bhinna
English : Indian borage, Country borage
Hindi : Patharchur, Pashanabhed
Useful part : Roots, Leaves

HABIT

A small perennial, hairy herb, about 1-3 feet high with thick and fleshy
leaves aromatic flowers light purple.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Cardiovascular ailment, Heart troubles, lowering blood pressure,


Lumphcayti leukemia; Extract of aerial parts: is spasmolytic, Extract
of Roots: Hypotensive. Leaves: Useful in potyuria, Thirst, flatulance,
colic, Asthmaw, chronic cough, Eplepsy & urinary troubls.
DESCRIPTION

Local name : Saphed musali


Botanical name : Chlorophytum tuberosum (Roxb.) Baker.
Family : Liliaceae
SANSKRIT :Mahavrishya, Svetamusali, Vrishyakanda
English : White musli
Hindi : Saphed musali
Useful part : Roots

HABIT

A small annual herb grows up to 15 cm in height. Leaves simple, long


fleshy and acute, arises from compressed shoot. Flowers small, whitish
seen in terminal spikes. Fruits small round, contain black seeds. Roots
many, fleshy and tuberous
.
MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Plant pacifies vitiated vata, pitta, diabetes, spermaturia, leucorrhea, and


is a potent aphrodisiac.
DESCRIPTION
Local name : nibu ghass
Botanical name : Cymbopogon flexuosus
Family : Poaceae
English : Lemon grass
Hindi : nibu ghass
Sanskrit : Bhustrina,
Useful part : leaves
HABIT
Lemon grass is a tall, perennial sedge throwing up dense fascicles of
leaves from a short rhizome. The calm is stout, erect, unto 1.8 meter
high. Leaves are long, glucose, green, linear tapering upwards and
along the margins; ligulae very short; sheaths thereto, those of the
barren shoots widened and tightly clasping at the base, others narrow
and separating. It is a short day plant and produce profuse flowering in
South India. The inflorescence is a long spike about one meter in length.
Flowers borne on decompounds saphead ; panicles 30 to over 60 cm
long.
MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
Lemongrass also posses some medicinal benefits. Lemon grass it is said
provides relief in following Health problems: Aids in digestion, Relieve
spasms, Muscle cramps ,Rheumatism ,Headaches, Nausea
DESCRIPTION

Local name : Garundi


Botanical name : Alternanthera sessilis
Family : Amaranthaceae (Amaranth family)
Sanskrit : Matsyaksi
English : Sessile Joyweed,
Hindi : Garundi,
Useful part : Stems and leaves
HABIT
Sessile Joyweed is a perennial herb, often found in and near ponds,
canals and reservoirs. It prefers places with constant or periodically
high humidity and so may be found in swamps, shallow ditches, and
fallow rice fields. A much branched prostrate herb, branches often
purplish, frequently rooting at the lower nodes; leaves simple,
opposite, somewhat fleshy, lanceolate, oblanceolate or linear-oblong,
obtuse or subacute, sometimes obscurely denticulate, glabrous,
shortly petiolate; flowers small, white, in axillary clusters; fruits
compressed obcordate utricles, seeds suborbicular.
MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
Stems and leaves useful in eye trouble. Decoction is taken with little
salt drunk to check vomiting of blood. Shoot with other ingredients
used to restore virility. Poultice used for boils.
DESCRIPTION
Local name : Kalimirch
Botanical name : Piper nigrum Linn
Family : Piperaceae
SANSKRIT :Maricha, Krishna, Dharmapathanam, Ooshanam
English : Black pepper, Common pepper, Pepper
Hindi : Kalimirch
Useful part : Fruits.

HABIT

A perennial climber, rooting at nodes, leaves simple, alternate, cordate,


and broadly ovate; flowers minute in hanging spikes, usually dioecious;
fruits globose, one seeded berries, red when ripe. Seeds globose with acrid
taste.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Plant pacifies vitiated kapha, vata, fever, dyspepsia, cough, cold, asthma,
hemorrhoids, and tuberculosis.
PROPERTIES

Local name : Samudrasos


Botanical name : Argyreia nervosa (Burm.f.) Boj.
Family : Convolvulaceae
Sanskrit : Vraddhadaruka, Vrddhadaruka, Bastantri
English : Elephant creeper
Hindi : Samudrasos
Useful part : Roots

HABIT

A very large, woody climbing shrub with white stems; leaves simple,
alternate, ovate, acute, cordite base, glabrous above and tomatoes
beneath. Flowers purple, in long peduncles cymes, fruits globule
berries, contain 2-4 seeds.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Plant pacifies vitiated kapha, vata, nervine weakness, emaciation,


weakness, wounds, cardiac debility, ageing, sexual weakness, insomnia,
hemorrhoids, anemia, arthritis and general debility
DESCRIPTION
Local name : Bhaira
Botanical name : Terminalia bellirica (Gaertn.) Roxb.
Family : Combretaceae
SANSKRIT :Vibhitaki, Vibheetaka, Aksha, Kalidruma,
Bhootavasa,Vibheetaki
English : Belliric myrobalan
Hindi : Baheda, Bhaira
Useful part : Bark, Fruits
HABIT
A moderate to large sized tree grows up to 30 meters in height. Leaves
simple, alternate, long petioled and crowded at the tip of branches,
elliptic, entire and acute. Flowers small, pale green, found in axillary
spikes. Fruits ovoid drupes contain single stony hard seed.
MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
Plant pacifies vitiated kapha, vata, cough, bronchitis, allergic cough,
insomnia, edema, dyspepsia, flatulence, hemorrhage, skin diseases,
diarrhea, dysentery, leukoderma, and graying of hair.
DESCRIPTION

Local name : Kariaipak


Botanical name : Murraya koenigii (Linn) Spreng.
Family : Rutaceae
SANSKRIT :Surabhinimba, Kaidarya, Kalasaka, Krishnanimba
English : Curry leaf tree
Hindi : Kariaipak, Mithanim, Katnim
Useful part : Root, Bark, Leaves.

HABIT

A small aromatic tree with dark grey bark. Leaves imparipinnate, alternate
leaflets alternate, obliquely ovate, gland dotted and aromatic; flowers white
in terminal corymbose cymes, fragrant; fruits subglobose berries dark
purple when ripe. 2 seeded.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Plant pacifies vitiated kapha, pitta, burning sensation, pruritis, skin diseases,
anorexia, dyspepsia, colic, flatulence, diarrhea, dysentery, vomiting, stomatis
and ulcers.
DESCRIPTION
Local name : Lal Gulabas
Botanical name : Mirabilis jalapa Linn. (Red Variety)
Family : Nyctaginaceae
SANSKRIT :Krishnakeli, Sandhyakuli
English : Four O’ Clock plant, Marvel of Peru
Hindi : Lal Gulabas
Useful part : Roots, Leaves.
HABIT
A small glabrous herb grows up to 0.5 meters in height, with succulent
stems. Leaves simple, opposite, ovate acute, with long petiole. Flowers
bright ret, arises in leaf axils, with peculiar property to bloom on 4 O clock
and hence the name. Fruits small akenes, with a small round black seed.
MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
Plant pacifies vitiated pitta, fever, syphilis, inflammation, burns and
scalds, and general debility.
DESCRIPTION

Local name : Peela Gulabas


Botanical name : Mirabilis jalapa Linn. (Yellow Variety)
Family : Nyctaginaceae
SANSKRIT :Krishnakeli, Sandhyakuli
English : Four O’ Clock plant, Marvel of Peru
Hindi : Peela Gulabas
Useful part : Roots, Leaves.

HABIT

A small glabrous herb grows up to 0.5 meters in height, with succulent


stems. Leaves simple, opposite, ovate acute, with long petiole. Flowers
bright yellow, arises in leaf axils, with peculiar property to bloom on 4 O
clock and hence the name. Fruits small akenes, with a small round black
seed.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Plant pacifies vitiated pitta, fever, syphilis, inflammation, burns and


scalds, and general debility.
DESCRIPTION

Local name : Chotta halkusha


Botanical name : Leucas aspera (Willd) Link
Family : Lamiaceae
SANSKRIT :Dronapushpi, Chitrapatrika, Phalepushpa,
Karabhapriya,
English : Tumbe
Hindi : Chotta halkusha
Useful part : Leaves, Flowers.

HABIT

A small erect, much branched annual herb grows up to 60 cm in height.


Leaves sub sessile, linear-lanceolate, obtuse, entire, or crenate; flower
white, in dense axillary whorls. Fruits nut lets, brown and smooth.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Plant pacifies vitiated kapha, pitta, inflammation, skin diseases, worm


infestation, arthritis, cough, amenorrhea, intermittent fever, Migraine
and ulcer.
DESCRIPTION
Local name : Gobla
Botanical name : Ficus hispida Linn.f.
Family : Moraceae
SANSKRIT :Malayu, Kakodumbarika
English : Creeping fig.
Hindi : Gobla
Useful part : Leaves, Fruits, Bark.
HABIT
A moderate sized tree grows up to 5 meters in height. Leaves
opposite, long, with scrubby surfaces, pubescent; receptacles
fascicled in the stem, obovoid, hispid, green and turns yellow
when ripe.
MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
Plant pacifies vitiated pitta, leukoderma, psoriasis, hemorrhoids,
ulcers, jaundice, inflammations, fever and alopecia.
DESCRIPTION

Local name :Kuda


Botanical name : Holarrhena antidysenterica (Roxb. ex Fleming).
Family : Apocynaceae
SANSKRIT :Kutaja, Kalinga, Indrayava
English : Kurchi
Hindi : Kurchi, Kuda
Useful part : Bark, Seed, Leaves.

HABIT

A large shrub or small tree grows up to 5 meters in height. Leaves


simple, opposite, ovate, acute-acuminate, membranous; flowers white
in axillary or terminal corymbose cymes; fruits long are pair of long
follicles seeds long, brown, with silky hairs, aided in dispersion.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Plant pacifies vitiated vata, pitta, diarrhea, dysentery, hemorrhage,


hemorrhoids, amoebiasis, hepatitis and skin diseases.
DESCRIPTION

Local name :Marorphali


Botanical name : Helicterus isora Linn.
Family : Sterculiaceae
SANSKRIT :Avartani, Murva, Mrigasringi, Marodhaphali
English : East Indian screw tree
Hindi : Marorphali
Useful part : Fruits, Root, Bark

HABIT

A large shrub or small tree grows up to 5 meters in height. Leaves


simple, alternate, obovate, cordate, serrate, rough above and pubescent
beneath; flowers red to grey colored, found in axillary clusters of 2-6
together; fruits are cork screw type greenish brown colored, seeds
numerous.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Plant pacifies vitiated pitta, diarrhea, colic, flatulence, wounds, ulcers,


hemorrhoids and diabetes.
DESCRIPTION

Local name : Maryadavalli


Botanical name : Ipomoea pes-caprae (Linn) R.Br.
Family : Convolvulaceae
SANSKRIT :Maryadavalli, Sagaramekhala
English : Goat’s foot creeper
Hindi : Dopatilata
Useful part : Whole plant.

HABIT

A trailing perennial herb grows extensively in sandy shores. Leaves lobed,


alternate, glabrous with parallel venation. Flowers large, purple, solitary;
fruits ovoid capsule, seeds 4 per capsule dark brown.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Plant pacifies vitiated pitta, inflammation, skin disease, boils, wound


ulcers, hemorrhoids and burning sensation.
DESCRIPTION
Local name :Plavakolpala
Botanical name : Eichhornia crassipes (Mart) Solms-Laub.
Family : Pontederiaceae
SANSKRIT :Plavaka, Ulpala,
English : Water hyacinth
Hindi : Plavakolpala
Useful part : Whole plant.
HABIT
A rapidly spreading floating water plant. Leaves simple, in a whorl,
rhomboid, petiole swells to form an air filled capsule, root are
aeranchymatous hairy and long. Flowers in long terminal spike, violent-blue
colored, showy. Fruits are cylindrical, contain many seeds.
MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
Plant pacifies vitiated pitta, swelling, goiter, burning sensation, hemorrhage,
and general debility.
DESCRIPTION
Local name :Launkia
Botanical name : Monochoria hastata
Family : Pontederiaceae (Pickerel weed family)
Sanskrit :Nukha
English : Arrow Leaf Pondweed, arrow-leaf
Hindi :Launkia

HABIT

Arrow-leaf Pondweed is an emergent aquatic herb with stems


approximately 0.7-1.2 m long. The basal leaves are arrow-shaped. The
inflorescence of 25- 60 flowers is in a dense spike 6-9 cm long. The
flowers are 13-16 mm long, purple or whitish. One anther is coloured
blue, c. 6 mm long, the other 5 anthers are yellow and c. 4 mm long. The
seed capsule is 7 mm long, and 5-6 mm diameter. This species occurs in
India, Sri Lanka and SE Asia, extending to New Guinea and Australia.
Arrow-leaf Pondweed is often grown as an ornamental in water
gardens, and the entire plant except its roots is eaten in India.
Flowering: March–June.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Plant is considered alterative, tonic and cooling. Juice of leaves is


applied to boils. Rhizomes are powdered with charcoal and used for
scurf.
DESCRIPTION

Local name : Gudmar


Botanical name : Gymnema sylvestre (Retz.) R.Br.
Family : Asclepiadaceae
SANSKRIT :Ajasringi, Meshasringi, Madhunasini.
English : Periploca of the woods
Hindi : Gud-mar, Merasingi
Useful part : Whole plant

HABIT

A large, woody climber. Leaves simple, opposite, elliptic, pointed at the


end; flowers small, yellow in umbellate cymes, axillary; fruits slender,
brownish follicles.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Plant pacifies vitiated vata, hepato-splenomegaly, renal and vesical


calculi, constipation, asthma and leukoderma.
DESCRIPTION

Local name : Vayavidanga


Botanical name : Embelia ribes Burm.f.
Family : Myrsinaceae
SANSKRIT :Vidanga, Vilanga, Vella, Krimighna, Krimiripu
English : Wawrung, Embilia
Hindi : Vayavidanga
Useful part : Root, Leaves, Fruits.

HABIT

A large semi climber shrub with long drooping branches. Leaves simple,
alternate, elliptic or lanceolate, acuminate, entire, upper surface shiny;
flowers greenish white seen in terminal or axillary lax panicled racemes;
fruits grayish berries, become dark brown when ripe, containing single,
globose seed.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Plant pacifies vitiated kapha, vata, intestinal worms, skin diseases, nerviness
weakness, flatulence, colic, constipation, cough, asthma, bronchitis,
migraine, fever and general weakness.
DESCRIPTION

Local name : Dhusar


Botanical name : Euphorbia tirucalli Linn.
Family : Euphorbiaceae
SANSKRIT :Snuhi, Samandadudga
English : Round Spurge
Hindi : Sehunda, Dhusar
Useful part : Latex, Root, Fruits

HABIT

A shrub grows up to 9 meters in height. Stems are green colored, round and
latex can be found everywhere. Leaves are very small, often leaves are
absent in matured stems. Plant flowers very rarely. Flowers are greenish
yellow. Fruits are capsule, 6-8 cm length. .

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Plant pacifies vitiated kapha, vata, skin diseases, asthma, edema, toxin,
asides and stomach distension. It pacifies vitiated blood.
DESCRIPTION

Local name : Dhahu


Botanical name : Artocarpus hirsutus Lam.
Family : Moraceae
Sanskrit : Lakucha, Likucha, Dahu, Adahu,
Iravatam
English : Wild jack
Hindi : Vadahar
Useful part : Fruit, Leaves, Bark.

HABIT

An evergreen, tall tree grows up to 75 meters in height. Leaves ovate-


lanceolate, stipulate and hairy; bark grayish brown; flowers are
unisexual, male female flowers are seen in single tree; fruits globose,
about 10 cm radius, covered with spines all around; seeds woody, small
and are embedded in the yellow edible pulp.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Plant pacifies vitiated vata and pitta, anorexia, burning sensation and
sexual weakness. Unripe fruit cause vitiation of tradeshow and rate, and
cause indigestion and impotency. Ripe fruits are cooling, and
aphrodisiac. Bark cures diarrhea, pimples and ulcers.
DESCRIPTION
Local name : Kali musli
Botanical name : Curculigo orchioides
Family : Liliaceae (Lily family)
Sanskrit : Syaha musli
English : Orchid palm grass
Hindi : Kali musli
Useful part : Root
HABIT
Kali Musli is a herbaceous tuberous perennial with a short or elongate
root stock bearing several fleshy lateral roots; Leaves sessile or petiolate
15-45x1.3-2.5 cm, linear or linear lanceolate, tips sometimes rooting, scape
very short, clavate. It has hardy leaves and can take shade: the leaves will
just get a bit longer in the shade than in full sun shine. During flowering
period it open a golden yellow flower at the leaf base every day. This can
form a cute miniature plant pot in your room.
MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
The rhizomes of the plants are used for the treatment of decline in
strength, jaundice and asthma. According to Ayurveda, root is heating,
aphrodisiac, alternative, appetizer, fattening and useful in treatment of
piles, biliousness, fatigue, blood related disorders etc. According to
Unman system of medicine, root is carminative, tonic, aphrodisiac,
antipyretic and useful in bronchitis, ophthalmic, indigestion, vomiting,
diarrhea, lumbago, gonorrhea, gleets, hydrophobia, joint pains etc.
DESCRIPTION
Local name : Bansooran
Botanical name : Amorphophallus dubius BI (A.sylvaticus Kunth)
Family : Araceae
SANSKRIT :Vanasoorana, Vajrakanta, Kanana kanda
English : Wild yam.
Hindi : Vansooran, Bansooran
Useful part : Corms.
HABIT
A perennial erect herb with hemispherical underground corm. Leaves
compound, large, single, stout petioles; leaflets or variable size, male
and female flower are in single inflorescence, covered with wide,
pointed spathe; fruits berries, bright red when ripe, containing 2-3
small seeds.
MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
Plant pacifies vitiated vata, kapha, hemorrhoids, hemorrhage,
arthritis, inflammation, vomiting, cough, anorexia, amenorrhea,
dysmenorrhea, sexual weakness and general debility.
DESCRIPTION

Local name : Kakamari


Botanical name : Anamirta cocculus (Linn.) Wight & Arn.
Family : Menispermaceae
SANSKRIT :Garalaphala, Kakamari
English : Levant berry, Fish berry
Hindi : Kakamari
Useful part : Fruits, Leaves.

HABIT

A large woody climber grows spreading over large trees. Leaves simple,
alternate, long petioled, ovate, cordate; flowers greenish in long panicles,
arises from the nodes of old stem. Fruits drupes, globes, white and turns
dark purple when ripe.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Plant pacifies vitiated kapha, vata, ulcer, inflammation, chronic skin


diseases, bronchitis, cough and used for rapid evolution of uterus.
DESCRIPTION

Local name : Bakul


Botanical name : Mimusops elengi Linn.
Family : Sapotaceae
SANSKRIT :Bakula, Gandhapushpa
English : Bullet-wood tree
Hindi : Bakul, Maulsiri
Useful part : Bark, Flower Fruits, Seeds.

HABIT

A moderate sized evergreen tree grows up to 15 meters in height.


Leaves simple, opposite, oblong, acute or acuminate, glabrous, leathery
and wavy margins; flowers gray colored, very fragrant, found as
solitary in leaf axils. Fruits ovoid berries, containing 1-2 seeds per fruit.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Plant pacifies vitiated vata, pitta, urinary tract infections, diarrhea,


dysentery, wound, ulcers, headache, dental caries and constipation.
DESCRIPTION
Local name :chota dhatura
Botanical name : Xanthium strumarium
Family : Asteraceae
Sanskrit : arishta
English : Common Cocklebur, broad bur, burdock datura,
Hindi : chota dhatura, chota gokhuru, ghaghra
HABIT
All of us have known this plant from our childhood. One can’t miss it
when the seeds are ripe. The fruits are covered with numerous hooks and
kids have fun throwing it at people and sticking it to their woolen clothing.
The plant has large and broad leaves, light and bright green in color in an
alternate pattern with irregular lobes and relatively inconspicuous teeth.
Stems turn maroon to black when mature, with an elliptic or egg shaped
fruit clusters growing nestled around the stem. Common Cocklebur is an
annual herb with a short, stout, hairy stem. Flower heads occur in
racemes in leaf axils or at the end of branches. The flowers are white or
green, numerous, male upper most, female ovoid, covered with hooked
bristles. Fruit is bovid, enclosed in the hardened involucres, with 2 hooked
beaks and hooked bristles. Flowering: August-September.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
The whole plant, specially root and fruit, is used as medicine. According to
Ayurveda, X. strumarium is cooling, laxative, fattening, anathematic,
tonic, digestive, antipyretic, and improves appetite, voice, complexion, and
memory. It cures, poisonous bites of insects.
DESCRIPTION

Local name :Barna


Botanical name : Crataeva magna (Lour.) DC.
Family : Capparaceae
SANSKRIT :Varuna, Pasugandha, Asmarighna, Tikta
English : Three-leaved caper
Hindi : Barun,Barna
Useful part : Leaves, Bark

HABIT

A deciduous tree grows up to 7-9 m. height, leaves compound, 3-foliate,


leaflets ovate, 5-13 cm long, flowers large, greenish white, polygamous, in
dense terminal corymbs, stamens are longer than the petals, fruits fleshy,
ovoid berry, seeds are embedded in pulp

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Plant pacifies vitiated vata, kapha, renal and vesicle calculi, asthma and
bronchitis.
DESCRIPTION

Local name :Motha


Botanical name : Cyperus rotundus Linn.
Family : Cyperaceae
SANSKRIT :Musta, Varida, Mustaka, Khana, Kuruvinda
English : Nut grass, Coco grass
Hindi : Nagarmotha, Motha
Useful part : Root tuber.

HABIT

A perennial grass grows up to 30 cm of height. Leaves crowded in the


base, about 10-20 cm long, linear, acuminate, flat, one nerved;
spikelets in compound umbels. Nut grayish black colored.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Plant pacifies vitiated kapha, pitta, diarrhea, indigestion, anorexia,


fever, and urinary retention. Increases and purifies breast milk.

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