April 18, 2006

Well over ninety species of herbs grow in the clinic garden, we use them to make our own medicines

Neem. Azadiracta indica. One of the most important herbs used in Ayurveda. The roots, bark, gum, leaves, fruit, seed kernels and seed oil all find uses in remedies that heal & prevent disease. We use it in combination with other herbs shown here to treat pain.

Akaua. Calotropis gigantea, in Sanskrit also called Arka. In alliance with tamarind from our garden it is used in a medicinal oil effective at treating aching and swollen joints, muscular and lower back pain as well as sciatica, headache and paralysis.

Tamarind. Tamarindus indica. The leaves are ground with lime juice and other herbs and applied to boils to reduce sepsis and swelling. The leaves and pulp are often used in congestion of the liver, cases of chronic constipation and to treat painful haemorrhoids.

Tulsi. Ocimum sanctum, Sacred Basil. Has strong antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral action. Inhibits growth of E coli and other pathogens Its natural anti-tuberculosis activity has been recorded at a tenth the strength of streptomycin and a quarter that of isoniazid.

Eranda. Ricinus communis. Castor oil plant. Traditionally used to treat pain, fever, inflammation, asthma, bronchitis & leprosy. Leaves for intestinal worms. Flowers for glandular tumours, anal troubles & vaginal pains. Seed and oil are cathartic, and said to be aphrodisiac.

Ginger. Zingiber officinale. The familiar rhizome is a powerful anti-inflammatory, its juice is a staple of many Ayurvedic preparations. A common home remedy for nausea and dyspepsia, ginger has also been shown to be of use in treating viral hepatitis.

Vasa, Arusa. Adhatoda vasica. Traditional healers use the juice of Vasa leaves mainly to treat cough, asthma and other respiratory diseases. A paste made of the leaves can be given with honey to asthma sufferers. We use its leaves to produce a medicinal steam.

Ashwagandha. Withania somnifera. The dried and powdered root is used to boost the immune system and to treat weakness, muscular pain and seminal disorders. Taken with milk it is a fine tonic. Ashwagandha is often used in shirodhara massage to treat headaches.

Lemon balm. Melissa officinalis. One of the most useful of all herbs in women’s medicine, Extracts of the leaves taken in both oil & hot water have been shown to possess strong antibacterial & antiviral qualities.

Nirgundi. Vitex negundo. The traditional healers and natives have rich traditional medicinal knowledge about Nirgundi. The healers prepare special herbal oil from fresh leaves of Nirgundi and use in treatment of more than 70 common and complicated diseases.

Giloy. Tinospora cordifolia. The entire plant is valuable, used in Ayurvedic medicine as a tonic, revitaliser and remedy for diabetes and metabolic disorders, stomach ulcer and urinary affections. It is also helpful in chronic problems and cases of fatigue.

Shatavari. Asparagus racemosus. Used as a blood purifier, it is highly recommended for many women’s problems, including coping with the menopause. It helps to maintain a healthy urinary tract, strengthens the immune system and is useful against vaginal infections.

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