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All that you need to know about black Cardamom

All that you need to know about black cardamom

Black cardamom is termed as greater cardamom and in Sanskrit it is termed as Brihad ela. Its Botanical name is Amomum subulatum which is an herb mentioned in Ayurveda. It is very useful to treat any kind of pain, increase appetite, eradicate bad odor, treat nausea and skin disease. It is also known as puta in Sanskrit due to its pod like shape and size.

Brihad ela or black cardamom is a short plant that grows up to a height of 1-1.5 meters in the Himalayan regions of Northeast India, Assam and Bengal. The flowers of the plant are densely formed and whitish. The fruit pods are near about 2-3-centimeter-long and are reddish brown in color.

Black Cardamom: chemical composition

The seed of black cardamom contains some important elements like cardamomim, petu-nidin-3, a flavonoid alpinetin, leucocyanidin glucoside and 5-diglucoside. Essential oil prepared with this seed contains cineole.

Various uses of black cardamom

  • Cold infusion found in the seeds of black cardamom can be used for gargling to cure diseases related to oral cavity like inflammation of gums, dental caries, etc.
  • If you apply the paste of the seeds of Brihad ela on skin diseases like ringworm or eczema it will be treated faster.
  • Headache can also be treated by applying the paste of the seeds of it.
  • You can easily reduce foul breath by chewing the powder of the seed.
  • You can also treat motion sickness and nausea by consuming the powder of black cardamom in a dose of 2 to 3 g.
  • Using the cold infusion of Brihad ela (black cardamom) in a dose of 10-15 ml you can treat distention, anorexia and indigestion.
  • The powder of the seed is mixed in a dose of 3-5g with honey to treat cough.
  • Prepare an oil mix with seeds of black cardamom and apply it over the body parts having swelling and pain.
  • Make a paste with the seeds of black cardamom and apply it over external pile mass in order to reduce it.
  • The seeds are used to prepare an aromatic oil that can be used to treat sinusitis.

Bottom line

No grave side effects are indicated by the use of Black cardamom. However, persons suffering from hyper acidity must minimize the usage. Excess use of the same might cause mouth ulcer and hyper acidity. Apart from the above mentioned uses, some Ayurveda medicines are there where black cardamom is used as an ingredient.

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Herbal Plants

Ayurvedic Herb – Anjeer

Anjeera is the Sanskrit name of the herb and it is known as Fig in English. The Latin name of this herb is Ficus Carica. It is called as Anjeer in Hindi, Athi in Tamil and Anjeera in Kannada. Anjeera is a medium-sized tree. The leaves of Anjeera are soft on the under surface and round on the upper surface. The fruits grow at the root of the leaves and they are red in colour when they become ripe. The fruits contain a lot of seeds.

Ayurveda mainly uses the fruit latex of Anjeera as medicine. The main properties of Anjeera are diuretic, laxative, expectorant and highly nutritive. Anjeera is a powerful source of iron, calcium and copper, with a moderate presence of zinc. All Anjeera fruits contain vitamin A and vitamin C, along with vitamin B complex and vitamin D. However, nearly 30% of vitamin A is lost if the fruits become dry.

If you consume one or two dry Anjeera fruits every day, it builds body resistance and provides you your daily vitamin requirements in a natural manner.

Anjeera is highly effective for persons afflicted with leucoderma due to the presence of ‘furocoumarin’, a chemical that acts on the white spots on the surface of the skin. If a person is suffering from leucoderma, the patient should consume Anjeera in any form for a minimum period of 2 to 3 months.

Ayurveda uses Anjeera fruits for treating dysuria and urinary stones. You should boil Anjeera fruits in water, prepare a decoction and consume one or two ounces twice a day to melt small urinary stones and resolve urinary disorders.

Filtered Anjeera decoction, consumed for a few weeks, corrects delayed periods and brings the period cycle to normal.

If you are suffering from hyperacidity, you should burn the ash of Anjeera and consume a teaspoon before meals. One can easily counter hyperacidity due to the highly basic nature of the burnt ash.

If you have ulcers caused by burns, you should boil the bark of Anjeera with barks of neem, peepal and mango in water and prepare a decoction. If you wash the burn ulcers with this decoction, the ulcers are soothed and disappear quickly.

Ark Anjir or Sherbat, an Ayurveda preparation is readily available in Ayurveda medical stores and it is a very good cure for amoebiasis.

Anjeera latex contains an enzyme named ficin and its anthelmintic activity is very effective against worm infestations, particularly tricharus and ascaris worm infestation types.

The rich iron content of Anjeera, persons suffering from anaemia should include Anjeera regularly in their diet.

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Herbal Plants Herbs

Cardamom and its Health benefits

Cardamom is one of the most commonly used item in the kitchen. It is mainly used in avoiding bad breath and imparting delicious flavor to the food. Cardamom due to its unique essence is used in food and drinks for imparting unique fragrance and flavor. Cardamom seeds and pods from the plant are used in various home remedies. Cardamom originally originated in India, Bhutan and Nepal but today it can be found in most tropical places in Asia like India, China, Bhutan, Malaysia, Japan, Korea and Vietnam. It is also sometimes regarded as Queen of all spices as it is one of the most expensive spices, just on the third spot after saffron and vanilla.

Cardamom is available mainly in three different varieties, these are Madagascar cardamom, Black cardamom and green cardamom. Cardamom is mostly known as “Chhoti Elaichi” in Hindi in Indian homes. In this post we will be discussing the health benefits of consuming cardamom.

Nutritional content of Cardamom

According to US department of Agriculture and US government’s Nutrient Database for Standard reference states that each 100 g of cardamom contains about 300 kcal of energy, 68 g carbohydrate, 11 g protein, 28 g fiber and 0 g Cholesterol.

Cardamom is also rich in various vitamins like Vitamin A, Vitamin C, etc. it is also quite rich in micronutrients like pyridoxine, riboflavin, niacin, potassium, thiamine, copper, manganese, iron, calcium, magnesium zinc and phosphorous.

Health benefits of consuming cardamom

The health benefits of cardamom include cholesterol control, cancer control, gastrointestinal protection, cardiovascular issue relief and improvement of the blood circulation. It is also quite useful in treating dental diseases and problems in urinary tracts such as nephritis, gonorrhea and cystitis. It also holds aphrodisiac properties and is also used in treating erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation and impotency.

Cardamom is quite useful for health, let us discuss a few ways by which it can be used effectively.

  • If you are suffering from burning sensation while urination then you can use a blend of cardamom and amla powder in equal amount twice a day. This mixture will act as a remedy against burning sensation.
  • For nocturnal emission you can use the mixture or cardamom, Amla and Isbgol. You use this mixture twice a day, i.e. in the morning and in the evening with cold water. This mixture is quite helpful in curbing nocturnal emission.
  • Cardamom is also quite useful in treating mouth ulcers. Make powder of the cardamom and mix the powder with the honey. Lick this mixture occasionally to get rid of mouth ulcers.
  • Cardamom is also quite helpful in the treatment of fever. You can boil a few cardamom seeds, fruit of Bilva (Aegles marmelos), Punarnava (spreading hog weed) and milk along with water. Boil the mixture until all the water evaporates and the only milk solution is left behind. Using this solution will help you in getting relief from fever.a
  • Cardamom is also known to possess digestive properties. Consuming cardamom after meals helps in improving digestion.
  • If you are facing some cough problems, then cardamom can help you in getting good relief. Roast cardamom and prepare powder. Now mix this powder with natural honey and use it for getting relief from cough.
  • Cardamom is also quite useful if you are facing sperm discharge in urine. Take about 2 grams of Hing (Asafoetida) and cardamom powder and mix them with Ghee (clarified butter). Use this mixture daily to witness the improvement.
  • Cardamom tea also offers several health benefits and can be used just like a normal tea. You can start using cardamom tea instead of normal tea to witness its benefits. Cardamom tea offers freshness and cure any headache. It is also quite effective in treating skin disorders. You can easily blend cardamom tea into your daily routine to see the effects.
  • If your kid is suffering from hiccups and you have tried to do everything to stop it then you should try using cardamom. Take some pods of cardamom and boil them in water. Consuming this water will help in getting rid of hiccups.
  • Cardamom has also been used in Ayurveda and in Chinese medicines as an effective ingredient to treat dental problems.

You can easily apply these home remedies using cardamom in your day to day life and can treat many common diseases by using this herb.

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Herbal Plants Herbs

Indian Gooseberry -Ayurvedic health benefits

Phyllanthus emblica also known as Indian Gooseberry or Amla in Hindi is commonly found in India. Amla is basically a deciduous tree reaching to a maximum height of 18m. The leaves are quite simple looking and are pinned together just like pinnate leaves. The Amla tree is basically categorized into two types; these are the one that grows in the forest and the other one that’s grown in Indian villages. The trees in the forest bears fruits which are much smaller in size and have thicker skin while the village gooseberries are bigger and softer. According the some people the gooseberries grown in the villages possess far more medicinal values than the one that grows in the forests.

Let us look at some of the prominent medical benefit of Indian gooseberry.

  1. Act as a hair tonic

Amla offers excellent nutrition to the hair. It can be used as a paste or can be eaten to get the desired effect. Several herbal hair care product in the market has amla as their main ingredient.

  1. Relieves from sore throat

Amla has unique property that relieves you of sore throat. Mix equal amount of carom seeds, turmeric and amla powder. Use 1 to 2 gm of the mixture with honey, this will help you in getting relief from the sore throat.

  1. Benefits Eyes

Amla behaves as an excellent eye coolant and helps in removing dark circles. You can nurture your eyes by using a mixture of 20 to 50 grams of amla in half liter of water, then you can use this solution as an eye drop

  1. Helps with breathing problems

Take about 10 to 20 grams of amla and extract its juice. Now mix the juice with 2 to 3 grams of honey. Consuming this mixture will help you in getting relief from any breathing problems.

  1. Pitta dosha

For long term relief from Pitta dosha, all you need to do is to mix amla with honey and ingest it on a regular basis.

  1. Nausea

Intake of 10-20 grams of amla juice helps in soothing nausea. If you continue to intake the same for 2-3 times a day, it will help in the stopping the nausea.

  1. Clear Urine retention and Urine Infection

There is a simple yet effective method to clear urine retention. Just have some dried amla and soak it in water for some time. Then boil the water along with the amla extracts. Consuming this potion twice a day will clear all your urine retention problems.

Make a mixture of about 10-20 grams of Indian gooseberry juice, about 2 grams of turmeric powder and 10 grams of honey. Intake of the mixture twice a day can offer immense relief from urinary infections.

  1. In treating Jaundice

A mixture of amla and honey when consumed in semi-liquid form twice a day has a medicinal impact on internal organs like liver and helps in treatment of Jaundice.

  1. Indigestion and Constipation

Boil amla until it turns into a semi liquid form. Dry it properly with sun ray.  Make a powder of pepper, ginger, cumin seeds and black salt and previously prepared dried Amla. Eating it with a little asafoetida powder for a few days will remove any indigestion problems.

Mix about 3-6 grams of amla powder with water and consume it on a regular basis. Regular consumption relief you from constipation, piles and headache.

  1. Cures Diarrhoes

Mixing 5 grams of amla and a teaspoonful of ginger extract with water can help in curbing diarrhea.

  1. Cures wounds

Amla juice massage on the wound place provides an immediate relief from the pain.

  1. Builds Endurance

Mix 3 to 6 grams of powdered amla and amla juice, along with a teaspoonful of ghee, two teaspoons of honey. The mixture when consumed on a regular basis, with a glass of milk, helps in building endurance and longevity.

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Herbal Plants Herbs

Herbal Medicinal Plant – Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

Zingiber officinale is commonly known as Ginger. It is an underground stem herb that is most commonly used a spice and also for medicinal purposes.

Plant Family – Zingiberaceae

Botanical Name – Zingiber officinale

Sanskrit – ardraka syn. = vishva, nagar, vishvabheshaj, katubhadra, vishvoushadha, sauparna, shringvera, katugranthi, mahaushadha, katushan

English – Ginger

Hindi – Adrak

Malayalam/ Tamil – Engi

About the Plant

Ginger or ginger root is a perennial herb that is common in Asia. Ginger grows 1 meter tall with underground rhizomes. It has light green, thin and strap like leaves, flowers are green and unimportant. Ginger grows well in monsoon forest regions where the soil is well drained. It requires a frost free climate and 1500 mm of rainfall in a year or proper water supply.

Ginger is harvested 8 months after planting. You can make out that it is time by seeing the leaves that turn yellow and dried. Digging carefully at the side, you can pick up Ginger from the ground.

Medicinal Properties

Ginger can be used in different forms like fresh, dried and powdered, juice or oil. It is commonly used in cases of stomach problems or acidity or indigestion, colic, nausea and vomiting after surgery, loss of appetite, morning sickness, etc.

Upper respiratory tract infections, cough and bronchitis can be cured by Ginger. Fresh ginger is used to treat acute bacterial dysentery, malaria, baldness, poisonous snake bites, migraine headache, toothaches, and rheumatism.

Dried ginger is used for chest pain, low back pain and stomach pain. For burns on the skin, some people use juice extracted from ginger for healing. Oil prepared from ginger are also applied on the skin to relieve pain.

Ginger is also used as a flavoring agent. It has a strong smell and hence the fragrance is used in soaps and cosmetics. One of the ingredients in ginger is used for making laxative, anti gas and antacid medicines.

Uses of Ginger

  • It is a commonly used spice in cuisines throughout the world.
  • Ginger reduces nausea by increasing digestive fluids, absorbing and neutralizing toxins and stomach acids.
  • It reduces the stickiness of blood platelets and hence reducing the chances of atherosclerosis.
  • It is very effective against nausea and vomiting related to surgery, morning sickness, vertigo, and travel sickness.
  • It is widely used as a flavoring agent for cakes, chutneys, curries, candies and beverages.
  • Ginger has antihistamine properties which are very helpful in treating allergies. Ginger is the best home remedy for persistent cough and sore throat due to cold. For sore throat, take 1 teaspoon ginger juice with honey. To get rid of congestion in throat and nose, prepare ginger tea. For people suffering from asthma, take fresh ginger juice mixed with fenugreek and honey.
  • In case of indigestion, either chew a piece of ginger or drink ginger juice for immediate relief. Ginger also helps to settle down gas formation and bloated feeling in the stomach.
  • Ginger if taken at the beginning of the menstrual cycle can reduce pain.
  • Diluted paste of ginger applied on the forehead can give relief from migraine headache.
  • The analgesic and anti inflammatory property of ginger helps in reducing joint pain of arthritis. Ginger oil included in daily bath is very effective.
  • Ginger has high levels of antioxidants and has the ability to induce cell death and suppress certain protein. It is also said to be very effective against cancer.
  • It helps to maintain normal blood circulation.
  • Everyday consumption of ginger helps to strengthen immunity.
  • It helps in cleaning colon.
  • It has antimicrobial properties, helping to heal sores and wounds.
  • It protects our liver and stomach.
  • The anti inflammatory property of ginger helps in relief from swelling and pain.

Precautions

  • Pregnant women should be careful before taking ginger.
  • Topical use of ginger can cause allergies.
  • Ginger should not be taken with other medications.
  • It is advised to not take ginger more than four grams per day.
  • Ginger should not be given to children who are under age 2.
  • If an individual has bleeding disorder, ginger should be avoided.
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Herbal Plants Herbs

Herbal Medicinal Plant –Shatavari (Asparagus Racemosus)

Asparagus Racemosus is a common species of asparagus that grows in regions like the Himalayas, Nepal, India and Srilanka. There are multiple uses of this plant. Due to surrounding getting destructed and deforestation, this plant is endangered in its natural environment.

Asparagus Racemosus is a good source of calcium, minerals, zinc and B- complex vitamins. The estrogens in the plant do not produce negative side effects and this gentle herb helps to maintain a balanced life. Due to its immense medicinal properties, it is also known as the “Queen of Herbs”.

Plant Family – Asparagaceae

Botanical Name – Asparagus Racemosus

Sanskrit – Shatavari

English – Indian Asparagus, Hundred Roots, Asparagus Roots

Hindi – Shatavari

Nepal – Kurilo

About the Plant

Asparagus Racemosus is a spine stemmed, woody climber that reaches to a height of 1-2 meters. It bears small, white flowers and also gives red berries as fruit. This plant grows well in gravely, rocky soils that are high up in piedmont plains. Asparagus Racemosus is widely used in Ayurvedic tonics for sexual debility, infertility, menopausal symptoms in women, galactogogue, and uterine bleeding problems.shatavari plant

Medicinal Properties

Asparagus Racemosus is widely used in Ayurveda for various medicinal purposes. It is used in the treatment of stomach upset, constipation, ulcers in the stomach, fluid retention, anxiety, cancer, pain, diarrhea, dementia, diabetes, tuberculosis, bronchitis and stomach spasms.

Asparagus Racemosus is known to nourish and cleanse the blood as well as the female reproductive organs. It is also used to cure problems in men related to sexual debility, impotence, inflammation of sexual organs and spermatorrhea.

Uses of Asparagus Racemosus

  • It supports good reproductive health in women.
  • It helps to maintain a healthy hormone balance.
  • It is very helpful in PMS symptoms as it helps relieve pain and control blood loss during periods.
  • It is very useful in the production of breast milk in nursing mothers.
  • It helps in the normal functioning of immune and digestive systems.
  • It helps in increasing libido.
  • It is used as anodyne, and aphrodisiac.
  • Roots of Asparagus Racemosus can be used for the treatment of nervous disorders, dyspepsia, tumors, infections in throat, cough, scalding of urine, bronchitis, and TB.
  • This plant is also widely used to cure pain, restless sleep, nervousness, people with weak emotional and physical heart, anorexia, sleeplessness, people who are underweight, and hyperactive kids.
  • It is considered as an important rejuvenating tonic for female to have good health and vitality.
  • Women who have more possibility of abortion can have this herb to help in safe pregnancy.
  • Prolonged use of this herb can improve eyesight.
  • Fresh juice of the roots of Asparagus Racemosus can be taken to reduce the pain or burning sensation of tumors that is caused due to Pitta.
  • It is very helpful in cases of urinary stones and dysurea.
  • It helps in balancing pH levels in the vagina.
  • It nourishes ovum increasing the fertility rate in women.
  • Asparagus Racemosus can help to fight against diseases like cholera, E. Coli, dysentery, typhoid, and Staphyoloccus aerus.
  • This herb is very useful to relieve stress as it creates an immune response in the body that protects the body from harmful effects of stress.
  • It helps in treating liver cancer.
  • The powdered dried roots of the plant are used in the treatment of ulcers and gastroparesis.
  • It helps in nourishing body and mind, builds immunity and promotes long life. This plant can slow down the ageing process of cells, tissues and organs

Precautions

  • Asparagus Racemosus can cause skin and pulmonary allergic reactions in some people.
  • People with edema due to kidney disorder or improper heart functioning should avoid the intake of Asparagus Racemosus.
  • There is also a possibility of weight gain due to the intake of this plant.

 

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Herbal Plants Herbs

Herbal Medicinal Plant Bael– (Aegle Marmalos)

Herbal Medicinal Plant – Aegle Marmalos

Aegle Marmalos is generally known as Bael, Bengal quince, wood apple, golden apple, stone apple, bili. This is a tree species native to India and present throughout Southeast Asia. Hindus consider this tree as sacred and its fruits are used for medicine and as food.

Plant Family – Rutaceae

Botanical Name – Aegle Marmalos

Sanskrit – Bilv

English – Bael

Hindi – Bel or Sirphal

Malayalam/Tamil – Koo-valam/Vilvam

Kannada – Bilvabael tree

About the Plant

The Bael tree is considered sacred by Hindus and so you can find these trees grown in and around temples. The leaves of this tree are offered to Lord Shiva. This tree usually grows on hills and plains of dry forests. Bael is a medium sized tree growing 50-60 feet in height. This tree is a slender, aromatic and a gum bearing tree with branches having spines and leaves are trifoliate.

Medicinal Properties

The Bael’s fruits and leaves contain an evaporating oil, which is considered very good for human body. The leaves tend to absorb harmful or foul gases from the atmosphere and keep it clean and healthy. The raw Bael fruit produces heat and has purgative effect. It is consumed for the treatment of arthritis and gout. On the other hand, ripe fruit has cooling effect and can cause constipation. It is usually consumed in summer to cool body.

Uses of Bael

  • Bael fruit helps to cure diabetes.
  • Take 5 gm of bael leaves and grind them well. Add 1 teaspoon honey and take it every morning and evening for relief from asthma.
  • Extract the pulp of Bael fruit and dry it. Grind it well to form a fine powder. Take 1 teaspoon of this powder and add it to 1 glass boiled cow’s milk. Add some sugar candy and mix it well. Drink this milk twice a day in the morning and evening for some duration to cure anemia.
  • Extract the pulp of raw bael fruit and dry it. Grind it well to form a fine powder. Take 10 gm of this powder, 50 gm of pure ghee and 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder. Mix it well in 1 glass warm water and take it twice a day to cure fractures.
  • Take equal quantity of fruit pulp, leaves, rind, and root. Grind them well and extract its juice. Add 10 gm honey to it and drink it for healing wounds.
  • Take some fruit pulp mixed with hot mustard oil. Apply to swollen joints twice a day in morning and evening for good relief.
  • Take leaves every morning or drink juice of Bael leaves for controlling high blood pressure.
  • Extract the juice of 100 soft Bael leaves. Mix this juice with powder of 10 black pepper. Take this every morning and evening for faster relief from jaundice. Along with this try to drink 5 glasses of sugarcane juice daily after meals.
  • Eat dried pulp of raw bael to quickly stop loose motion.
  • Take 1 teaspoon raw fruit pulp twice a day to stop vomiting and nausea in pregnancy.
  • Take 200 bael leaves and grind them well. Add it to 1 cup boiling water till it becomes thick. Add a little honey and eat this paste twice or thrice a day for quicker recovery from typhoid.
  • Take ripe bael fruit with fresh cream or butter and sugar candy powder to have good concentration power and increase intelligence.
  • The gum from seeds is used as household glue and adhesive by jewelers. If mixed with lime, it is used for waterproofing walls and when mixed with cement, it is used for waterproofing walls.
  • The wood of this tree is used for preparing tools, knife handles, pestles, combs, carvings, etc.
  • Bael oil is effective against 21 species of bacteria.
  • Bael leaves are used for treating dyspepsia and sinusitis.
  • The unripe fruit helps in relieving infestations of intestinal worms and rotavirus.
  • The unripe and half ripe fruits help in improving appetite and digestion.
  • The roots and bark of the tree are used for treating fever and malaria.
  • The root, bark and leaves are used in the treatment of snake bites.
  • The essential oil acts as a natural food preservative as it has anti fungal properties.

Precautions

  • Eating ripe fruit can cause constipation, hence pregnant women and others having trouble with bowel movements should avoid eating it.
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Herbal Plants

Herbal Medicinal Plant – Cashew (Anacardium Occidentale)

Anacardium Occidentale is commonly known as Cashew tree which is a tropical evergreen tree producing cashew nut and cashew apple. Cashew nut is used in most of the recipes as well as served as a snack. Cashew apple pulp is generally processed into sweet astringent fruit drink or distilled to form liquor.

Plant Family – Anacardiacaea

Botanical Name – Anacardium Occidentale

Sanskrit – Agnikrita

English – Cashew

Hindi – Kaju

Malayalam – Kasu mavu

Kannada – Godambi, Geru

Tamil – Mundiri, Andimacashew tree with fruit

About the Plant

The Cashew tree which is a flowering tree, grows well in drier sandy soils of northeastern Brazil and many parts of the Amazon rainforest as well as in India. This tree is usually grown for its Cashew nut and Cashew apple. A small evergreen tree that grows 10-12 m tall, leaves are spirally arranged, flowers are produced in a panicle or corymb. Flowers are small, pale green in color at first, which turns to red when ripe. A false fruit in the shape of an oval or pear develops from the receptacle of the flower. The actual fruit is kidney shaped which grows at the end of false fruit or pseudo-fruit. Cashew nut is the seed of Cashew apple, which is contained in a double shell.

Medicinal Properties

The fruit, bark juice and nut oil are used as home remedies for calluses, corn, warts, cancerous ulcers and elephantiasis. Decoction prepared from the leaves and bark of the tree is given for treating diarrhea and thrush. Oily residue from pericap is used to apply on cracks on the feet. Seed oil is alexeritic and amedicidal which helps in treating gingivitis, malaria and syphilitic ulcers.

According to Ayurveda, fruit can be used in the treatment of anthelmintic, aphrodisiac, ascites, fever, dysentery, piles, Leucoderma, etc. In some places the bark and leaves of the tree are used for toothaches and pain in the gums.

Uses of Cashew

  • Cashew nuts contain proanthocyanidins and high copper content which helps in fighting against cancerous cells and hence prevents from colon cancer.
  • Cashew nuts have low fat content and fat is in the form of oleic acid that is very healthy for the heart. These nuts are cholesterol free and rich in antioxidants, preventing heart diseases.
  • The magnesium content in Cashew nuts helps to lower blood pressure.
  • It helps in hair growth as it has copper content in it.
  • Magnesium content in Cashew nuts helps in building stronger bones.
  • A study shows that everyday intake of Cashew nuts reduces the chances of developing gallstones to 25%.
  • It helps in weight loss, digestion, healthy teeth and gums, etc.
  • The bark of the tree is used in Ayurveda to detoxify snake bites. It is also used in treating fever, diabetes, to get rid of intestinal parasites, as a laxative.
  • Leaves can be used for treating toothaches, gum problems and malaria.
  • The gum is used to treat diseases like leprosy, corns, and fungal infections.
  • Caustic shell oil and fruit are very helpful as skin stimulants and cauterizing agents. A small amount of oil can be used to remove warts, corns, ringworms, leprosy, psoriasis, elephantitis, and ulcers.
  • Decoction prepared from the bark of the tree is helpful in treating toothaches and gum irritations.
  • Fresh leaves are used for treating diarrhea, dysentery and hemorrhoids.
  • Older leaves can be used to prepare hot poultices for skin disorders and burns.
  • Juice from the fruit is used as diuretic and is helpful in treating vomiting, diarrhea and sore throat.

Precautions

  • Women who are pregnant or breast feeding should consume small amounts of cashew.
  • People who are allergic to hazel nut or Brazil nut or pistachio or almond or peanut or pectin should avoid eating cashew nuts or it is better to consult a doctor before eating.
  • Eating large amount of Cashew nuts can increase blood sugar level. People, who are diabetic, should avoid eating cashew nuts in large amount.
  • Cashew nuts increase blood sugar level and so there is a risk of interference in blood sugar control during and after surgery. It is better to stop eating large amounts of cashew at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
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Ayurved Herbal Plants Herbs Home Remedies

Amazing Health Benefits of Triphala

Ever imagined if it is possible to treat your body ailment with aid of natural source!

What would you prefer? Treating illness with high dose chemical medicines which might have side effects OR care for your body and treat it by Ayurveda?

Ayurveda is nothing but natural elements found in nature put in a form more easily consumable by us. Many people have found Ayurvedic treatments more beneficial than others.

Ayurveda has given this world so many effectual medicines with no side effects and successful healing benefits. One of its innovative discovery is Triphala which is Ayurvedic herbal rasayana in either powder or tablet form.

As the name suggests Triphala contains three fruits in equal proportion. The fruits are Amla, Myrobalan and Belleric Myrobalan. These three fruits have their own medicinal properties and when combined together becomes an excellent medicine with wide range of healing properties. Triphala-ayurvedic-medicine

A very common problem these days with many individuals is constipation and irregular bowel movements. Triphala is the most effective herbal medicine for such problems.

Triphala is an effective laxative which also supports body strength. It has high nutritional value due to which it uniquely cleanses and detoxifies without diminishing our body reserves.

The other benefits of Triphala are:

  • Perk up digestion
  • Evident dip in serum cholesterol
  • Get rid of excess fat from body
  • Will assist in reducing high blood pressure
  • Helps to maintain good reproductive wellbeing in both genders
  • Noticeable improvement of liver functions
  • Verified anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties
  • Useful for treatment of eye diseases
  • Helpful in the treatment of diabetes
  • Builds immune system stimulation as it has high content of Vitamin C
  • Supports in proper functioning of digestive system
  • It helps in improving the functions of lungs, urinary tract and the muscles

Triphala is recommended for regular intake to enjoy its maximum benefits. If taken regularly it helps lungs and reduces the intensity of asthmatic attack. Triphala has antioxidants which help in fighting cancers and signs of aging.

It protects you against infectious diseases and helps in healing chronic ulcers and arthritis. The detoxifying ability with Triphala helps you in having a healthy body and good hair growth.

Triphala is supposed to be taken few hours before bed time. You can take as many as three doses per day.

Simple steps to help you enjoy the benefits of Triphala;

  • Triphala powder can be taken with water or honey as per your taste.
  • Mix 1 tablespoon of Triphala powder in water and take it before bed. This helps you with constipation problems.
  • Take Triphala with honey for cleansing and other health benefits.
  • If you don’t like the taste Triphala powder, you can consume Triphala in capsule form.
  • You can also try having Triphala tea to hide the taste of powder. Boil 1 glass of water and 1 tsp of Triphala powder. Allow to cool and have it by adding some honey for taste.
  • Put Triphala powder soaked in water overnight. Splash this water on eyes for healing redness of eyes.

Excessive use of Triphala can cause diarrhea and dehydration. Pregnant woman should not take Triphala as it has the tendency to lead to miscarriage. Triphala has to be taken for five to ninety days. The longer you take the more benefits you fetch. However, if you are planning to take it for a longer period, it is advised to decrease the dosage after certain period of time.

Always remember that per day you don’t exceed Triphala intake more than 3-5 grams. If it’s a capsule do not take more than 5-6 capsules per day.

Triphala can be taken daily; it maintains the balance in many conditions. You can use it to detox your liver or as blood purifier or as colon cleanser. Try taking Triphala before sleeping in the night to facilitate natural body detox and once in morning to act as a strengthening tonic!

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Herbal Plants Herbs Home Remedies

Health Benefits of Black Pepper : Herbs

black pepper health benefitsBlack pepper is often termed as the “king of spices”. Black pepper has more health benefits than most people know about. It has the potential to make food most beneficial when used as a spice in various recipes. Black pepper is obtained from the pepper vine that usually grows in tropical climates. The fruits borne by these vines are known as peppercorns. These peppercorns when collected and ground to fine powder becomes black pepper powder.

Black pepper as spice

Black pepper is used in Indian, Continental, Chinese, Thai recipes. It’s used to spice up, eggs, salads, soups, steaks, tea, etc. In order to keep the taste unchanged, they are usually powdered just before cooking.When Captain Christopher Columbus visited Spain after his first ever journey in the year 1493, he didn’t take any of the precious spices or herbs from the East Indies. Cinnamon, Black pepper, and Cloves were the spices that he did not carry with him. Peppers have a powerful, delicious flavour that comes to them from volatile oils such as piperine.

Health Benefits

Black pepper and sodium are two important spice that to go hand-in-hand when it comes to preparing our foods. However, many people stay away from salt because too much of it makes us retain water. Black pepper, in this case, gives an opposite reaction. This functions as a diuretic. It also motivates our bodies to sweat and gets rid of poisons.

According to the American Spice Trade Organization, black pepper contains salt (slight amount). There is about 10 mg of salt in 100 grams of black pepper. Another awesome health advantage of black pepper is that it helps in digestive functions. When we eat this spice, our taste buds get active, and they send alerts to our abdomen informing it to increase its manufacturing of hydrochloric acid. This acidity helps our body to process food, and thus, we don’t experience heartburn. It can also help avoid the development of abdominal gas and reduces abdomen discomfort.

People suffering from light Anorexia can restore their hunger by intake of black pepper because it promotes their taste buds. Black pepper is also very beneficial in case of common cold and chest congestion. Drinking a hot cup of tea with black pepper can clear the blockage and provide instant relief.

Another incredible health benefit is that it’s very useful in kitchen cuts. Not only it stops blood loss, but its anti-bacterial qualities will also enhance healing and destroy viruses.

Storing Black Pepper

Black peppers are available year around. Buy whole peppercorns instead of powdered ones as it may contain adulterated powders. The peppercorns should be healthy, large, circular and light weight. Peppercorns can be saved at room temperatures for many years. It can be kept in the fridge more than a month. Powdered form should be stored in the refrigerator in airtight bins.