Drynaria quercifolia

Botanical name : Drynaria quercifolia (Linn.) J. Smith
Family : Polypodiaceae

SANSKRIT SYNONYMS
Aswakatri

AYURVEDIC PROPERTIES
Rasa : Tikta
Guna : Lakhu, Snigdha
Virya : Seeta

PLANT NAME IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES
English : Wood fern
Hindi : Asvakatri, Katikapan
Malayalam : Matilpanna, Pannakizhangu, Pannikizangu

Distribution – Throughout India growing on old trees, rocks and walls.

PLANT DESCRIPTION
A fern with fleshy, hairy soft creeping stem. Fronds are two types, sterile and fertile fronds. Sterile will dry soon and form as protective covering for rhizomes. Fertile fronds long stalked, pinnate, with numerous sori, on each primary areole.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
Plant pacifies vitiated vata, pitta, inflammation, infection, typhoid, cough, arthritis, headache, diarrhea, ulcer, and migraine.
Useful part : Rhizomes.

Diplocyclos palmatus

Botanical name : Diplocyclos palmatus (Linn.) Jeffrey
Family : Cucurbitaceae

SANSKRIT SYNONYMS
Lingini, Lingaphala, Sivapriya

AYURVEDIC PROPERTIES
Rasa : Katu, Tikta
Guna : Lakhu
Virya : Ushna

PLANT NAME IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES
English :
Hindi : Sivalingi, Isvarlingi
Malayalam : Neyyunni, Sivalingakkaya, Neyyuruni, Iviralikova, Sivavalli

Distribution – Throughout India growing wild, as a spreading plant.

PLANT DESCRIPTION
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.
Useful part : Whole plant.

Diospyros malabarica

Botanical name : Diospyros malabarica (Desr) Kostel.
Family : Ebenaceae

SANSKRIT SYNONYMS
Tinduka, Tinduki

AYURVEDIC PROPERTIES
Rasa : Tikta, Kashaya, Katu
Guna : Guru
Virya : Seeta

PLANT NAME IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES
English : Indian persimon
Hindi : Gabh. Tedu
Malayalam : Panachi, Pananji, Panacha.

Distribution – Throughout India, in wet places of Western Ghats.

PLANT DESCRIPTION
A medium sized tree grows up to 15 meters in height. Leaves simple, alternate, or sub opposite, oblong-lanceolate, acute, or sometimes obtuse, glabrous, with prominent venation. Flowers unisexual, males in drooping cymes and female simple sessile. Fruits globose, yellow in ripe, with 4-8 compressed seeds.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
Plant pacifies vitiated pitta, kapha, burning sensation, inflammations, diarrhea, hemorrhoids, diabetes, skin diseases, fever, leucorrhea, urinary tract infections, splenomegali, anemia, burns and scalds
Useful part : Bark, Leaves, Flowers, Fruits.

Diospyros malabarica

Botanical name : Diospyros malabarica (Desr) Kostel.
Family : Ebenaceae

SANSKRIT SYNONYMS
Tinduka, Tinduki

AYURVEDIC PROPERTIES
Rasa : Tikta, Kashaya, Katu
Guna : Guru
Virya : Seeta

PLANT NAME IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES
English : Indian persimon
Hindi : Gabh. Tedu
Malayalam : Panachi, Pananji, Panacha.

Distribution – Throughout India, in wet places of Western Ghats.

PLANT DESCRIPTION
A medium sized tree grows up to 15 meters in height. Leaves simple, alternate, or sub opposite, oblong-lanceolate, acute, or sometimes obtuse, glabrous, with prominent venation. Flowers unisexual, males in drooping cymes and female simple sessile. Fruits globose, yellow in ripe, with 4-8 compressed seeds.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
Plant pacifies vitiated pitta, kapha, burning sensation, inflammations, diarrhea, hemorrhoids, diabetes, skin diseases, fever, leucorrhea, urinary tract infections, splenomegali, anemia, burns and scalds
Useful part : Bark, Leaves, Flowers, Fruits.

Desmostachya bipinnata

Botanical name : Desmostachya bipinnata (Linn.) Stapf.
Family : Poaceae

SANSKRIT SYNONYMS
Darpha, Kusha

AYURVEDIC PROPERTIES
Rasa : Tikta, Madhura
Guna : Lakhu
Virya : Seeta

PLANT NAME IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES
English : Sacrificial grass
Hindi : Dab, Davoli
Malayalam : Darbha, Darbhapullu

Distribution – Throughout India in wastelands.

PLANT DESCRIPTION
A perennial grass grows up to 50 cm in height. Leaves many, long, acute, linear, with hispid margins, panicle erect, clothed with sessile spikelets; grains small, ovoid, trigonos and laterally compressed.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
Plant pacifies vitiated pitta, diarrhea, dysentery, menorrhagia, jaundice, skin diseases, burning sensation and excessive perspiration.
Useful part : Whole plant.

Daucus carota

Botanical name : Daucus carota Linn.
Family : Apiaceae

SANSKRIT SYNONYMS
Garjara

AYURVEDIC PROPERTIES
Rasa : Madhura
Guna : Guru, Snigdha
Virya : Seeta

PLANT NAME IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES
English : Carrot
Hindi : Gajar
Malayalam : Carrot, Manjamullanki

Distribution – Cultivated in the hilly areas of India

PLANT DESCRIPTION
A biennial herb grows up to 75 cm in height. Leaves pinnately compound, with several small dentate segments, upper leaves linear lanceolate; flowers small, white, in axillary umbels; fruits oblong with bristly hairs.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
Plant pacifies vitiated vata, pitta, anorexia, flatulence, colic, worm infestation, diarrhea, heartburn, hyperacidity, cough, asthma, night blindness, myopia, tumor, hemorrhoid, diabetes and jaundice.
Useful part : Tap root, Seeds.

Datura stramonium

Botanical name : Datura stramonium Linn.
Family : Solanaceae

SANSKRIT SYNONYMS
Dhattura, Dusthara, Unmatta, Durdhura

AYURVEDIC PROPERTIES
Rasa : Tikta, Katu
Guna : Lakhu, Rooksha, Vyavayi, Vikashi
Virya : Ushna
Vipaka : Katu

PLANT NAME IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES
English : White Thorn apple
Hindi : Dattura
Malayalam : Ummam, Ummat, Vella ummam

Distribution – Throughout India growing wild wastelands

PLANT DESCRIPTION
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.
Useful part : Whole plant

Datura metel

Botanical name : Datura metel Linn.
Family : Solanaceae

SANSKRIT SYNONYMS
Dhattura, Dusthara, Unmatta, Durdhura

AYURVEDIC PROPERTIES
Rasa : Tikta, Katu
Guna : Lakhu, Rooksha, Vyavayi, Vikashi
Virya : Ushna
Vipaka : Katu

PLANT NAME IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES
English : Thorn apple
Hindi : Dattura
Malayalam : Ummam, Ummat,

Distribution – Throughout India growing wild wastelands

PLANT DESCRIPTION
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 and dandruff.
Useful part : Whole plant

Datura arborea

Botanical name : Datura arborea Linn. (D. suaveolens Humb & Bonpl)
Family : Solanaceae

SANSKRIT SYNONYMS
Brihatdattura, Vrikshadattura

AYURVEDIC PROPERTIES
Rasa : Tikta, Katu
Guna : Lakhu, Rooksha, Vyavayi, Vikashi
Virya : Ushna
Vipaka : Katu

PLANT NAME IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES
English : Datura tree, Angel’s trumpet.
Hindi : Dattura
Malayalam : Maraummam, Valiya ummam, Veliummam

Distribution – Throughout India growing wild in high altitudes.

PLANT DESCRIPTION
A large shrub or small tree grows up to 5 meters in height. Leaves simple, opposite (check) ovate-lanceolate, acuminate; flowers solitary, axillary, whitish like a long funnel and are sterile.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
Plant pacifies vitiated vata, kapha, arthritis, ulcer, skin diseases, lumbago, sciatica and dandruff on external application. Internal use of this plant is uncommon.
Useful part : leaves.

Dalbergia latifolia

Botanical name : Dalbergia latifolia Roxb. (D. emerginata Roxb, D. sissoides Grah.)
Family : Leguminosae

SANSKRIT SYNONYMS
Simsipa, Sinsipa, Krishnasara, Gurusara, Krishnasimsapa

AYURVEDIC PROPERTIES
Rasa : Tikta, Kashaya
Guna : Lakhu, Rooksha
Virya : Ushna
Vipaka : Katu

PLANT NAME IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES
English : Rose wood, Indian rose wood, Black wood
Hindi : Sitsal
Malayalam : Eeti, Kariveeti, Veeti

Distribution – Growing naturally in wet deciduous forests of Himachal pradesh, Madhya pradesh and Kerala, in India.

PLANT DESCRIPTION
A large sized tree grows up to 40 meters in height. Leaves imparipinnately compound, leaflets alternate, ovate, obtuse, membraneous and pubescent. Flowers found in axillary panicles, small, and bisexual. Fruits long, elliptical, up to 7 cm long, containing 1-3 winged seeds. Heartwood is dark brown colored, and very hard; used extensively as a timber.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
Plant pacifies vitiated kapha, vata, indigestion, colic, flatulence, obesity, diarrhea, skin diseases, intestinal worms, and body pain.
Useful part : Bark, Root, Leaves.

Desmodium motora

Botanical name : Desmodium motora Linn.
Family : Fabaceae

SANSKRIT SYNONYMS
Namaskari, Chalapatri

AYURVEDIC PROPERTIES
Rasa : Katu, Tikta, Madhura
Guna : Lakhu
Virya : Ushna

PLANT NAME IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES
English : Telegraphic plants, Telegraph plant
Hindi : Namaskari
Malayalam : Tozhukanni, Ramanamapacha

Distribution – Throughout India growing evergreen and semi evergreen forests and in wastelands.

PLANT DESCRIPTION
A medium sized annual or biennial shrub growing up to 2 meters in height. Leaves tripinnate, with very large centaral pinnate and small and rudimentary lateral pinnates. Due to the motor cells in the petiole of lateral pinnate, it moves frequently and hence the name. Flowers small, yellowish, seen in terminal or axillary spikes. Fruits compressed with distinct chambers, bearing 3-4 brownish laterally compressed seeds.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
Plant pacifies vitiated pitta, kapha, conjunctivitis, eye strain, ocular diabetic neuropathy, and glaucoma.
Useful part : Whole plant.

Euphorbia thymifolia

Botanical name : Euphorbia thymifolia Linn.
Family : Euphorbiaceae

SANSKRIT SYNONYMS
Lakhu dugdhi, Dugdhika, Raktabinducchada

AYURVEDIC PROPERTIES
Rasa : Kashaya, Tikta, Madhura
Guna : Guru, Rooksha
Virya : Ushna

PLANT NAME IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES
English :
Hindi : Duddhi, Dudhiya, Choti dudhi
Malayalam : Nilappala

PLANT DESCRIPTION
Small much branched annual herb found usually wet places and plains. Leaves simple, opposite, oblong or elliptic oblong, petiole short, involucres are axillary, solitary or 2-3 in an axil, stalk are very short. Fruits are capsule, seeds 4 angled with faint furrows.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
Plant pacifies vitiated vata, flatulence, constipation, chronic cough, asthma, bronchitis, skin disease. Plant has anti cancerous property.
Useful part : Whole plant.

Eclipta prostrata

Botanical name : Eclipta prostrata (Linn) Linn.
Family : Asteraceae

SANSKRIT SYNONYMS
Keshabringa, Bringaraja, Bringa, Angaraka, Kesaranjana

AYURVEDIC PROPERTIES
Rasa : Katu, Tikta
Guna : Lakhu, Ruksha, Tikshna
Virya : Ushna
Vipaka : Katu

PLANT NAME IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES
English : Trailing eclipta
Hindi : Bangrah, Moprant
Malayalam : Kayyoni

PLANT DESCRIPTION
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.
Useful part : Plant as a whole.

Elephantopus scaber

Botanical name : Elephantopus scaber Linn.
Family : Asteraceae

SANSKRIT SYNONYMS
Gojihva, Gobhi, Kharaparnini

AYURVEDIC PROPERTIES
Rasa : Madhura, Tikta
Guna : Lakhu, Snigda
Virya : Seeta

PLANT NAME IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES
English : Prickly leaved elephant’s foot
Hindi : Gobhi
Malayalam : Anachuvadi, Anayadiyan

PLANT DESCRIPTION
A perennial rigid herb found in dry localities. Leaves obovate, mostly spreading rosette on the ground and hairy on both surfaces, usually 10-20 cm long. Flowers purple on head inflorescence, fruits achenes of 4-6 bristles dilated at the base.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
Plant pacifies vitiated vata, pitta, toxins, cough, and cardiac ailments.
Useful part : Whole plant.

Emilia sonchifolia

Botanical name : Emilia sonchifolia (Linn.) DC
Family : Asteraceae

SANSKRIT SYNONYMS
Sasasruti, Akhukarni, Dravanti, Sambari

AYURVEDIC PROPERTIES
Rasa : Katu, Kashaya, Tikta
Guna : Lakhu, Grahi
Virya : Seeta

PLANT NAME IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES
English :
Hindi : Kirankari, Hirankhuri
Malayalam : Muyalchevi

Distribution – Throughout India in waste lands

PLANT DESCRIPTION
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.
Useful part : Whole plant.

Erythrina variegata

Botanical name : Erythrina variegata Linn.
Family : Fabaceae

SANSKRIT SYNONYMS
Paribhadra

AYURVEDIC PROPERTIES
Rasa : Katu, Tikta
Guna : Lakhu
Virya : Ushna

PLANT NAME IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES
English : Indian coral tree
Hindi : Dadap, Pharhad, Pamkara
Malayalam : Murikku, Mulmurikku

Distribution – Throughout India in deciduous forests

PLANT DESCRIPTION
A medium sized fast growing tree grows up to 20 meters in height. Stems armed with conical thorns. Leaves trifoliate, leaflets broad, rhomboid ovate; flowers coral red in dense recemes. Fruits pods containing up to 12 seeds; seeds dark purple or brown.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
Plant pacifies vitiated kapha, vata, inflammation, insomnia, anorexia, colic, helminthiasis, cough, bronchitis, dysmenorrhoea, skin diseases and fever.
Useful part : Bark, Leaves.

Euphorbia hirta

Botanical name : Euphorbia hirta Linn.
Family : Euphorbiaceae

SANSKRIT SYNONYMS
Dugdhika, Kshirini, Ksheeravi, Svaduparni

AYURVEDIC PROPERTIES
Rasa : Madhura, Lavana
Guna : Rooksha, Teekshna
Virya : Seeta, Madhura

PLANT NAME IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES
English : Asthma weed, Cats hair, Pill – bearing spurge.
Hindi : Lal dudhi
Malayalam : Chittirappala

PLANT DESCRIPTION
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.
Useful part : Whole plant.

Euphorbia tirucalli

Botanical name : Euphorbia tirucalli Linn.
Family : Euphorbiaceae

SANSKRIT SYNONYMS
Snuhi, Samandadudga

AYURVEDIC PROPERTIES
Rasa : Katu
Guna : Lakhu, Teekshna
Virya : Ushna
Vipaka : Katu

PLANT NAME IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES
English : Round Spurge
Hindi : Sehunda, Dhusar
Malayalam : Kalli

PLANT DESCRIPTION
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, ascites and stomach distension. It pacifies vitiated blood.
Useful part : Latex, Leaves, Root, Fruits

Evolvulus alsinoides

Botanical name : Evolvulus alsinoides (Linn.) Linn
Family : Convolvulaceae

SANSKRIT SYNONYMS
Harikranta, Vishnukranta

AYURVEDIC PROPERTIES
Rasa : Katu, Tikta
Guna : Rooksha, Teekshna
Virya : Ushna

PLANT NAME IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES
English :
Hindi : Syamakrantha,Vishnukrantha
Malayalam : Vishnukranthi,Krsnakranthi

PLANT DESCRIPTION
A small perennial herb having a woody root stock from where the branches arise. Leaves –simple, alternate, elliptic-oblong. Stem and leaves are clothed with small hairs; flowers bluish in color, seen in pairs or sometimes solitary, axillary; fruits globose, 4-valved drooping capsules.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
The plant pacifies vitiated pitta, asthma, falling and graying of hair, general debility and memory loss.
Parts used: whole plant

Exacum bicolor

Botanical name : Exacum bicolor Roxb.
Family : Gentianaceae

SANSKRIT SYNONYMS
Akshipushpi.

AYURVEDIC PROPERTIES
Rasa : Tikta, Kashaya
Guna : Lakhu
Virya : Seeta

PLANT NAME IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES
English :
Hindi :
Malayalam : Kannanthali

Distribution – Growing naturally in rocky grasslands of Kerala.

PLANT DESCRIPTION
An erect annual herb grows up to 60 cm in height. Leaves simple, opposite, corrugated, obtuse and scrubby on both surfaces. Flowers seen in long terminal panicles, with creamy colored petals marked with violet spot at the tip. Fruits small capsules, containing numerous small seeds.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
Plant pacifies vitiated pitta, inflammation, hemorrhage, fever and burning sensation. This plant is on the verge of extinction due to uncontrolled man made destructive activities.
Useful part : Whole plant.

Euphorbia ligularia

Botanical name : Euphorbia ligularia Roxb.
Family : Euphorbiaceae

SANSKRIT SYNONYMS
Snuhi, Samandadudga, Sehunda

AYURVEDIC PROPERTIES
Rasa : Katu
Guna : Lakhu, Teekshna
Virya : Ushna
Vipaka : Katu

PLANT NAME IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES
English : Leafy Spurge, Milk hedge
Hindi : Sehunda, Dhusar
Malayalam : Kalli, Ilakkalli

Distribution
Throughout India, especially in dry areas.

PLANT DESCRIPTION
A fleshy, branched shrub grows up to 5 meters in height. Stems are green colored, round and latex can be found everywhere. Leaves are fleshy, deciduous, obovate, acute, and spathulate, crowded at tip of branches. Involucres usually three, in short peduncle. Fruits are tricoccus, with small greenish seeds.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
Plant pacifies vitiated kapha, vata, skin diseases, constipation, fistula, hemorrhoids, arthritis, ulcers, asthma, edema, toxin, ascites and stomach distension. It pacifies vitiated blood.
Useful part : Latex, Leaves, Root, Fruits

Euphorbia antiquorum

Botanical name : Euphorbia antiquorum Linn.
Family : Euphorbiaceae

SANSKRIT SYNONYMS
Snuhi, Vajrakandaka, Tridhara

AYURVEDIC PROPERTIES
Rasa : Katu
Guna : Lakhu, Teekshna
Virya : Ushna
Vipaka : Katu

PLANT NAME IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES
English : Triangular spurge
Hindi : Tridara
Malayalam : Chaturakkalli, Chaturakalli

Distribution
Throughout India, especially in dry areas.

PLANT DESCRIPTION
A fleshy, branched shrub grows up to 5 meters in height. Stems are green colored, 3-5 winged, latex, having sharp spines on nodes. Leaves are small, deciduous. Involucres usually three, Fruits are capsules.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
Plant pacifies vitiated kapha, vata, skin diseases, constipation, arthritis, ear ache, ulcers, asthma, edema, toxin, neuropathy, ascites and stomach distension.
Useful part : Root, Juice.

Eupatorium triplinerve

Botanical name : Eupatorium triplinerve Vahl. (Eupatorium ayapana Vent)
Family : Asteraceae

SANSKRIT SYNONYMS
Ayaparna, Ajaparna

AYURVEDIC PROPERTIES
Rasa : Tikta, Kashaya
Guna : Lakhu, Snigdha
Virya : Ushna

PLANT NAME IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES
English : Ayapana tea
Hindi : Ayapan
Malayalam : Ayyappana, Ayyambana, Vishapacha

Distribution – A native of Brazil; migrated to India; found in moist localities.

PLANT DESCRIPTION
An erect annual herb, grows up to 90 cm in height. Leaves simple, opposite, lanceolate, acuminate, glabrous, subsessile; flowers light blue, tubular coryms; fruits 5 sided truncated.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
Plant pacifies vitiated kapha, pitta, dyspepsia, hemorrhage, hemoptysis, menorrhagia, wounds, edema, ulcers, stomatitis, cardiac debility, skin diseases, poison bites, cough, asthma, bronchitis and general debility.
Useful part : Whole plant

Eriocaulon sp.

Botanical name : Eriocaulon sp. Linn.
Family : Eriocaulaceae

SANSKRIT SYNONYMS
Choota, Chootatrina

AYURVEDIC PROPERTIES
Rasa : Tikta, Kashaya, Katu
Guna : Lakhu, Rooksha
Virya : Seeta

PLANT NAME IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES
English : Broom plant
Hindi :
Malayalam : Chootu, Choot

Distribution – Along riversides and wet areas, throughout India.

PLANT DESCRIPTION
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, prutitus, jaundice and urinary system diseases. Long flower stalks in bundle is using as broom to clean sacred places, in India.
Useful part : Whole plant.

Ensete superba

Botanical name : Ensete superba (Roxb) Cheesman. (Musa superba Roxb.)
Family : Musaceae

SANSKRIT SYNONYMS
Devakeli, Kamakshi, Krishna-tamara

AYURVEDIC PROPERTIES
Rasa : Tikta, Madhura
Guna : Lakhu
Virya : Seeta

PLANT NAME IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES
English : Wild plantain, Indian bead
Hindi : Sabbajaya
Malayalam : Kalluvazha, Malavazha, Kattuvazha

Distribution – Growing wild in Western Ghats, in India

PLANT DESCRIPTION
An erect annual or perennial (up to 4 years) shrub grows up to 4 meters in height. Leaves simple ovate, and large with broad base, which wrap one on another forms the pseudo stem. Flowers unisexual, in drooping spikes, arises from the tip of the plant, female at base and males at top. Fruits berries, golden yellow when ripe, contain numerous brown, stony hard seeds.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
Plant pacifies vitiated vata, pitta, kidney and vesical calculi, urinary retentions, burns and scalds, edema, leucorrhea, menorrhagia and general weakness.
Useful part : Fruits, Seeds, Leaf juice.

Embelia ribes

Botanical name : Embelia ribes Burm.f.
Family : Myrsinaceae

SANSKRIT SYNONYMS
Vidanga, Vilanga, Vella, Krimighna, Krimiripu

AYURVEDIC PROPERTIES
Rasa : Katu, Kashaya
Guna : Lakhu, Rooksha, Teekshna
Virya : Ushna
Vipaka : Katu

PLANT NAME IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES
English : Wawrung, Embilia
Hindi : Vayavidanga
Malayalam : Vizhal, Vizhalari

Distribution – Throughout India, growing naturally in hilly areas.

PLANT DESCRIPTION
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, nervine weakness, flatulence, colic, constipation, cough, asthma, bronchitis, migraine, fever and general weakness.
Useful part : Root, Leaves, Fruits.

Elettaria cardamomum

Botanical name : Elettaria cardamomum Maton.
Family : Zingiberaceae

SANSKRIT SYNONYMS
Ela, Truti, Puta, Sookshma, Dravidi, Upakunjika, Kayastha

AYURVEDIC PROPERTIES
Rasa : Katu, Madhura
Guna : Lakhu, Rooksha
Virya : Seeta
Vipaka : Madhura

PLANT NAME IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES
English : Cardamom
Hindi : Elaichi
Malayalam : Elam, Elakkai

Distribution – Cultivated in the colder parts of India, especially in Kerala, and Assam states.

PLANT DESCRIPTION
An erect, tall perennial herb grows up to 3 meters in height. Leaves sub sessile, elliptic-lanceolate, the leaf sheaths wrap one over another forms a pseudo stem. Flowers seen in long drooping panicles arises from the base of vegetative shoots, fruits there chambered, sub globose capsules, containing 15-20 brownish black aromatic seeds.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
Plant pacifies vitiated vata, pitta, urinary retention, cough, bronchitis, cardiac disorders, anorexia, dyspepsia, burning sensation, renal and vesical calculi and general debility.
Useful part : Seeds, oil.

Elaeocarpus sphaericus

Botanical name : Elaeocarpus sphaericus (Gaertn.) K.Schum.
Family : Elaeocarpaceae

SANSKRIT SYNONYMS
Rudraksha, Bhootanasana, Neelakandaksha, Sivaksha Sivapriya

AYURVEDIC PROPERTIES
Rasa : Madhura
Guna : Guru, Snigdha
Virya : Seeta
Vipaka: Madhura

PLANT NAME IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES
English : Rosery nut, Utrasum bead tree
Hindi : Rudarki, Rudraks
Malayalam : Rudraksham

Distribution – Growing naturally in the central parts of India.

PLANT DESCRIPTION
A medium sized evergreen plant grows up to 25 meters in height. Leaves simple, alternate, oblong-lanceolate, crenate, acute or acuminate, glabrous; flowers white, in axillary racemes, fruits globose drupes, contains stony hard tubercle, contains 5 seeds.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
Plant pacifies vitiated kapha, vata, nervous weakness, insanity, epilepsy, melancholia, mania, other mental disorders, insomnia, headache, jaundice, hypertension and fever.
Useful part : Fruits, Seed kernel.

Eichhornia crassipes

Botanical name : Eichhornia crassipes (Mart) Solms-Laub.
Family : Pontederiaceae

SANSKRIT SYNONYMS
Plavaka, Ulpala, Plavakolpala

AYURVEDIC PROPERTIES
Rasa : Madhura, Tikta
Guna : Guru, Rooksha
Virya : Seeta

PLANT NAME IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES
English : Water hyacinth
Hindi :
Malayalam : Muttappayal, Kulavazha, African payal, Neerpola

Distribution – In water lodged waste lands. Throughout India.

PLANT DESCRIPTION
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.
Useful part : Whole plant.

Ficus gibosa

Botanical name : Ficus gibosa Blume
Family : Moraceae

SANSKRIT SYNONYMS
Plaksha,Udumbara

AYURVEDIC PROPERTIES
Rasa : Kashaya, Madhura
Guna : Guru, Rooksha
Virya : Seetha

PLANT NAME IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES
English :
Hindi : Pakar
Malayalam : Ithi

PLANT DESCRIPTION
A large evergreen tree with few aerial roots, leaves short petioled, having smooth upper and rough lower surface, apex shortly and bluntly apiculate, stipules lanceolate, flowers seen in clusters, hypanyhodium, fruits small globose, yellowish when ripened .

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
Plant pacifies vitiated kapha, pitta, skin diseases, ulcers, hepatopathy, diabetes, ulcerative stomatitis leucorrhoea and gyaenacological problems.
Useful part : Bark, Leaves, Root, Fruits

Ficus religiosa

Botanical name : Ficus religiosa Linn
Family : Moraceae

SANSKRIT SYNONYMS
Avatha, Pippala, Kshiravriksha, Chalapatra, Bodhidruma

AYURVEDIC PROPERTIES
Rasa : Kashaya, Madhura
Guna : Guru, Rooksha
Virya : Seeta

PLANT NAME IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGE
English : Peepal tree, Sacred fig.
Hindi : Peepal, Peepar
Malayalam : Arayal

PLANT DESCRIPTION
Large spreading deciduous tree. Leaves are alternate, cordate, shiny, long petioled, with linear lanceolate tail. The receptacles occurring in pairs, axillary, depressed globose, purplish when ripe.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
Plant pacifies vitiated pitat, kapha, skin diseases, inflammation, poison, neuralgia, constipation and gynecological diseases
Useful parts : Bark, Leaves, Tender shoot, Fruits, Seeds, Latex.

Foeniculum vulgare

Botanical name : Foeniculum vulgare Mill.
Family : Apiaceae

SANSKRIT SYNONYMS
Misreya, Madhurika, Misi, Saleya

AYURVEDIC PROPERTIES
Rasa : Madhura, Katu, Tikta
Guna : Snigdha, Sara
Virya : Seeta
Vipaka: Madhura

PLANT NAME IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES
English : Fennel
Hindi : Saumph
Malayalam : Perumjeerakam, Perinjeerakam

Distribution – Cultivated throughout India.

PLANT DESCRIPTION
A soft stemmed annual herb grows up to 1 meter in height. Leaves narrow linear segments, pinnate; flowers small yellow, in compound terminal umbel inflorescence. Fruits small, ellipsoid, pale green, and turns dark brown on ripe.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
Plant pacifies vitiated vata, pitta, flatulence, colic, indigestion, fever diarrhea, intestinal worms, skin diseases, cardiac diseases, inflammation and general debility.
Useful part : Fruits

Ficus racemosa

Botanical name : Ficus racemosa Linn.
Family : Moraceae

SANSKRIT SYNONYMS
Udumbara, Krimiphala, Jantuphala, Sevya

AYURVEDIC PROPERTIES
Rasa : Kashaya, Madhura
Guna : Guru, Rooksha
Virya : Seeta
Vipaka: Katu

PLANT NAME IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES
English : Country fig, Cluster fig
Hindi : Umar, Gular
Malayalam : Atti, Kattatti, Peyatti

istribution – Throughout India growing wild.

PLANT DESCRIPTION
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, hemorrhoids and urinary system diseases.
Useful part : Root, Bark, Leaves, Fruits, Latex

Ficus hispida

Botanical name : Ficus hispida Linn.f.
Family : Moraceae

SANSKRIT SYNONYMS
Malayu, Kakodumbarika

AYURVEDIC PROPERTIES
Rasa : Tikta, Kashaya
Guna : Guru
Virya : Seeta.

PLANT NAME IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES
English : Creeping fig.
Hindi : Gobla
Malayalam : Erumanak, Parakam, Kattatti.

Distribution – Throughout India growing wild in evergreen forests and waste lands.

PLANT DESCRIPTION
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.
Useful part : Leaves, Fruits, Bark.

Ficus carica

Botanical name : Ficus carica Linn.
Family : Moraceae

SANSKRIT SYNONYMS
Falgu, Anjeera, Manjula

AYURVEDIC PROPERTIES
Rasa : Madhura
Guna : Guru, Snigdha, Sara
Virya : Seeta
Vipaka : Madhura

PLANT NAME IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES
English : Fig.
Hindi : Anjeer
Malayalam : Seema ati, Athipazham

Distribution – Throughout India growing wild dry areas.

PLANT DESCRIPTION
A moderate sized tree grows up to 15 meters in height. Leaves simple, alternate, large, ovate, acute, cordate and hairy. Flowers seen in receptacles, arises from the axils of old leaves. Upper part of receptacle occupied by female flowers and lower part male. The ripen receptacle, saikonium, contain large number of small whitish seeds.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
Plant pacifies vitiated vata, pitta, burning sensation, burning micturition, sexual weakness, constipation, hemorrhoids, cough, intestinal worms, wounds, ulcers and general debility.
Useful part : Fruits, Latex.

Ficus benghalensis

Botanical name : Ficus benghalensis Linn.
Family : Moraceae

SANSKRIT SYNONYMS
Nyagrodha, Vata, Bahupada, Mahavriksha

AYURVEDIC PROPERTIES
Rasa : Kashaya, Madhura
Guna : Guru, Rooksha
Virya : Seeta
Vipaka : Katu

PLANT NAME IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES
English : Banyan
Hindi : Bat, Bargad
Malayalam : Peral

Distribution – Throughout India growing in planes, in roadsides

PLANT DESCRIPTION
A very large and spreading tree grows up to 50 meters in height, with numerous aerial roots arising from the spreading branches; function as prop roots for support. Leaves simple alternate, stipulate, elliptic-ovate, acute and entire. Fruit receptacles arise from leaf axils, in pairs, enclosing male female and gall flowers. Fruits small achenes, enclosed in the receptacles.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
Plant pacifies vitiated pitta, kapha, skin diseases, leucorrhoea, burning sensation, hemorrhage, hemorrhoids, diarrhea, diabetes, ulcers and allergy.
Useful part : Aerial root, Bark, Leaves, Buds, Fruits, Latex.

Ficus arnottiana

Botanical name : Ficus arnottiana (Miq.) Miq.
Family : Moraceae

SANSKRIT SYNONYMS
Kapeetana, Parisa, Parisha

AYURVEDIC PROPERTIES
Rasa : Kashaya, Madhura, Katu
Guna : Guru, Snigdha
Virya : Seeta

PLANT NAME IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES
English :
Hindi : Paras peepal
Malayalam : Kallal, Kallarayal

Distribution – Throughout India, especially on the rocky hills of Western Ghats.

PLANT DESCRIPTION
A moderate sized tree grows up to 25 meters in height. Leaves simple, alternate, cordate or ovate, caudatee-acuminate, entire margins, with prominent veins, ovate lanceolate stipules. Receptacles globose found in clusters on stem, from the axils of fallen leaves. Male flower near the mouth of receptacle and female on base. Fruits achenes.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
Plant pacifies vitiated vata, pitta, skin diseases, pruritus, wounds, ulcers, diabetes, burning sensation, diarrhea, uterine disorders and inflammation.
Useful part : Bark.

Gymnema sylvestre

Botanical name : Gymnema sylvestre (Retz.) R.Br.
Family : Asclepiadaceae

SANSKRIT SYNONYMS
Ajasringi, Meshasringi, Madhunasini.

AYURVEDIC PROPERTIES
Rasa : Tikta, Katu
Guna : Lakhu, Rooksha,
Virya : Ushna

PLANT NAME IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES
English : Periploca of the woods
Hindi : Gud-mar, Merasingi
Malayalam : Chakkarakkolli

PLANT DESCRIPTION
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.
Useful part : Whole plant

Gmelina arboria

Botanical name : Gmelina arboria Roxb.
Family : Verbenaceae

SANSKRIT SYNONYMS
Kashmarya, Madhuparni, Kumbhika, Gambhari

AYURVEDIC PROPERTIES
Rasa : Tikta, Madhura, Kashaya
Guna : Guru
Virya : Ushna
Vipaka : Katu

PLANT NAME IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES
English : Coomb tree, Cashmeri tree.
Hindi : Gambhara, Gamari
Malayalam : Kumizu, Kumbil

PLANT DESCRIPTION
A medium sized tree. Bark whitish grey colored and lenticellate. Leaves opposite, cordate, ovate glandular, glabrous above when mature, tomentose beneath. Flowers are large, yellowish or yellowish brown arranged in terminal panicles. Fruits are fleshy ovoid drupe, contain one or two seeds.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
Plant pacifies vitiated tridoshas, inflammation, ulcers, fever dyspepsia, hemorrhoids, burning sensation and constipation.
Useful part : Root, Leaf, Flower, Fruits

Glycyrrhiza glabra

Botanical name : Glycyrrhiza glabra Linn.
Family : Fabaceae

SANSKRIT SYNONYMS
Yashti, Yashtimadhu, Madhuka, Kleetaka, Madhusrava, Atirasa

AYURVEDIC PROPERTIES
Rasa : Madhura
Guna : Guru, Snigdha
Virya : Seeta
Vipaka: Madhura

PLANT NAME IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES
English : Liquorices, Licorice
Hindi : Mulhati, Jetimad
Malayalam : Irattimadhuram, Erattimadhuram

Distribution – Cultivating in Panjab and Himachal pradesh in India.

PLANT DESCRIPTION
A perennial undershrub grows up to 1.5 meters in height. Leaves compound, pinnate, leaf lets 4-7 pairs; flowers violet in axillary racemes, fruits flattened linear pods, containing flattened seeds. Underground stems woody, pale brown color, fibrous and cream colored, with a peculiar sweetish taste.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
Plant pacifies vitiated vata, pitta, inflammation, headache, cough, bronchitis, fever, skin disease, peptic ulcers, graying of hair, ulcer, wounds and oligospermia.
Useful part : Roots

Glycosmis arborea

Botanical name : Glycosmis arborea (Roxb.) DC.
Family : Rutaceae

SANSKRIT SYNONYMS
Asvasakhota, Kupilu

AYURVEDIC PROPERTIES
Rasa : Tikta, Kashaya
Guna : Lakhu
Virya : Seeta

PLANT NAME IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES
English :
Hindi : Potali, Girgiti
Malayalam : Panal, Kuttippanal

Distribution – Throughout India growing wild in dense forests.

PLANT DESCRIPTION
A moderate sized shrub grows up to 1 meter in height. Leaves imparipinnately compound, alternate, gland doted and entire, flowers small, white and seen axillary panicles; fruits pulpy, globose rose berries containing globose seeds.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
Plant pacifies vitiated vata, pitta, inflammations, traumatic inflammations, fever, cough, arthritis, skin diseases, and jaundice.
Useful part : Whole plant.

Gloriossa superb

Botanical name : Gloriossa superba Linn.
Family : Liliaceae

SANSKRIT SYNONYMS
Langali, Sakrapuspika, Agnishikha

AYURVEDIC PROPERTIES
Rasa : Katu, Tikta
Guna : Guru, Snigdha
Virya : Ushna
Vipaka : Katu

PLANT NAME IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES
English : Climbing lily, Malabar glory lily
Hindi : Kalihari, Kaliyari, Languli
Malayalam : Menthoni, Mentoni, Kanthal

Distribution – Throughout India growing wild in moist forests

PLANT DESCRIPTION
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.
Useful part : Rhizome.

Gardenia gummifera

Botanical name : Gardenia gummifera Linn.f. (G. lucida Roxb)
Family : Verbenaceae

SANSKRIT SYNONYMS
Nadeehingu, Hingunadika, Jantuka, Gandharaja

AYURVEDIC PROPERTIES
Rasa : Katu, Tikta, Kashaya
Guna : Teekshna
Virya : Ushna
Vipaka : Katu

PLANT NAME IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES
English : White emetic nut
Hindi : Dekamari
Malayalam : Gandharajan, Somanadi kayam

Distribution – In the dry deciduous forests in Karnataka, Gujarat states, in India

PLANT DESCRIPTION
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, indigestion, worm infestation, diarrhea and infections. The resin has antiseptic property.
Useful part : Resin.

Garcinia indica

Botanical name : Garcinia indica (Linn.) Robs.
Family : Clusiaceae

SANSKRIT SYNONYMS
Raktavrikshamla

AYURVEDIC PROPERTIES
Rasa : Amla, Madhura
Guna : Guru, Snigdha
Virya : Seeta.

PLANT NAME IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES
English : Goan garcinia, Kokum
Hindi : Kokum
Malayalam : Pinampuli, Pinarpuli

Distribution – Found throughout Western Ghats; especially Konkan areas.

PLANT DESCRIPTION
A moderate to large sized evergreen tree grows up to 40 meters in height. Leaves simple, opposite, ovate, acute and shining; flowers unisexual, found in separate tree, fruits red, ovoid, smooth, containing 6-8 seeds, covered with whitish sweet pulp.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
Plant pacifies vitiated vata, kapha, obesity, hypercholestremia, diarrhea, colic, ulcers, inflammations, over perspiration and hyper perspiration
Useful part : Leaves, Fruits.

Garcinia gummi-gutta

Botanical name : Garcinia gummi-gutta (Linn.) Robs.
Family : Clusiaceae

SANSKRIT SYNONYMS
Vrikshamla

AYURVEDIC PROPERTIES
Rasa : Amla
Guna : Guru, Snigdha
Virya : Ushna

PLANT NAME IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES
English : Indian garcinia
Hindi : Bilatti amli
Malayalam : Kudampuli, Kudappuli, Marappuli

Distribution – Found throughout Western Ghats; growing wild as well as cultivated.

PLANT DESCRIPTION
A moderate to large sized evergreen tree grows up to 40 meters in height. Leaves simple, opposite, ovate, acute and shining; flowers unisexual, found in separate tree, fruits ovoid with 6-8 groves, containing 6-8 seeds, covered with pulp.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
Plant pacifies vitiated vata, kapha, obesity, hypercholestremia, diarrhea, colic, ulcers, inflammations and hyperperspiration.
Useful part : Leaves, Dried fruits.

Hedyotis corymbosa

Botanical name : Hedyotis corymbosa (Linn.) Lam.
Family : Rubiaceae

SANSKRIT SYNONYMS
Parpata, Parpataka

AYURVEDIC PROPERTIES
Rasa : Tikta, Katu
Guna : Lakhu, Rooksha
Virya : Seeta

PLANT NAME IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES
English :
Hindi : Daman pappar, Pitpapra
Malayalam : Parpatakapullu, Parpatakam

PLANT DESCRIPTION
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.
Useful part : Whole plant.

Heliotropium indicum

Botanical name : Heliotropium indicum Linn.
Family : Boraginaceae

SANSKRIT SYNONYMS
Vrischikali

AYURVEDIC PROPERTIES
Rasa : Kashaya, Tikta
Guna : Lakhu, Snigda
Virya : Ushna

PLANT NAME IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES
English : Indian turnsole
Hindi : Siriyari, Hattasura
Malayalam : Tekkida, Telkada,

PLANT DESCRIPTION
A small spreading slightly succulent foetid annual herb. Grows 15- 20 cm in height. Leaves are simple alternate, or subopposite, ovate, obtuse, hispid-pubescent, filled with veins in lower side. Flowers are pale violet, found in axillary scorpiod cymes. Fruits are nutlets combined in pairs

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
Plant pacifies vitiated pitta, vata, ulcers, sores, wounds, skin diseases, insect stings, rheumatism, fever, cough, ringworm, erysipelas and eye pain. Seeds cure stomach distress.
Useful part : Whole plant.

Hemidesmus indicus

Botanical name : Hemidesmus indicus (Linn.) R.Br.
Family : Asclepiadaceae

SANSKRIT SYNONYMS
Sariba, Anantamoola

AYURVEDIC PROPERTIES
Rasa : Tikta, Kashaya, Madhura,
Guna : Lakhu, Snigda
Virya : Ushna

PLANT NAME IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES
English : Indian sarasaparilla, Country sarasaparilla
Hindi : Ananthamul, Magrabu
Malayalam : Naruneendi, Nannari

PLANT DESCRIPTION
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, fever and general debility.
Useful part : Root.

Hibiscus abelmoschus

Botanical name : Hibiscus abelmoschus Linn. (Abelmoschus moschatus Medikus)
Family : Malvaceae

SANSKRIT SYNONYMS
Latakasturi, Gandhapoora

AYURVEDIC PROPERTIES
Rasa : Tikta, Madhura, Katu.
Guna : Lakhu, Rooksha,
Virya : Seeta

PLANT NAME IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES
English : Musk mallow, Ambrette seed plant
Hindi : Latakasturi, Muskadana
Malayalam : Kasturivenda

PLANT DESCRIPTION
An erect hairy annual herb grows up to 2 meters in height. Leaves simple, palmate, with 3-7 lobes, lobes serrate, hairy on both surfaces; flowers large, yellow with purple center; fruits hairy capsular; seeds many, grayish brown and kidney shaped and scented.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
Plant pacifies vitiated kapha, pitta, asthma, bronchitis, burning sensation, nausea, dyspepsia, flatulence, colic, diarrhea, calculi, vomiting, and nervous system disorders.
Useful part : Seeds.

Hibiscus aculeatus

Botanical name : Hibiscus aculeatus Roxb.
Family : Malvaceae

SANSKRIT SYNONYMS
Sathambasthi

AYURVEDIC PROPERTIES
Rasa : Amla, Madhura
Guna : Guru, Snigda
Virya : Seeta

PLANT NAME IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES
English : Wild hibiscus
Hindi : Van gudahal
Malayalam : Panichakam, Pariccakam, Njaranmpuli

PLANT DESCRIPTION
A trailing prickly herb grows up to 2-3 meters in height. Leaves simple, alternate, 3-7 lobbed, clothed with appressed hairs, crenate-serrate. Flowers large, yellow with purple centre, fruits ovoid pointed capsules, enclosed in enlarged calyx, seeds triangular.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
Plant pacifies vitiated vata, pitta, inflammations, joint pain, nephropathy, burning sensation, and urinary retention.
Useful part : Roots, Leaves.

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis

Botanical name : Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Linn.
Family : Malvaceae

SANSKRIT SYNONYMS
Japa, Ondrapuspi, Ragapuspi

AYURVEDIC PROPERTIES
Rasa : Kashaya
Guna : Lakhu, Rooksha, Shlasna
Virya : Seeta

PLANT NAME IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES
Hindi : Gudahal
Malayalam : Chemparatty

PLANT DESCRIPTION
An evergreen woody shrub grows up to 8 meters in height. Leaves simple, bright green, ovate and serrate towards the end. Flowers are beautiful, solitary and axillary.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
Plant pacifies vitiated kapha, pitta, cough, menorrhagia, dysmenorrhea, pruritus, burning sensation, fever, alopecia and dandruff.
Useful part : Root, Fruit.

Holoptelea integrifolia

Botanical name : Holoptelea integrifolia (Roxb.) Planch
Family : Ulmaceae

SANSKRIT SYNONYMS
Chirivilva, Pootikaranja

AYURVEDIC PROPERTIES
Rasa : Tikta, Kashaya
Guna : Lakhu, Rooksha,
Virya : Ushna

PLANT NAME IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES
English : Indian elm, Kanju
Hindi : Papri, Cilbil
Malayalam : Aavil, Njettaval

PLANT DESCRIPTION
A medium to large sized glabrous deciduous tree grows up to 30 meters in height. Bark whitish yellowish grey; exfoliate with regular intervals and with offensive smell when cut. Leaves simple alternate, elliptic, entire glaberous with cordate base. Flowers greenish yellow. Male and bisexual flowers mixed in short racemes near leaf axils. Fruits are sub orbicular samara with membranous wings.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
Plant pacifies vitiated kapha, hemorrhoids, skin diseases, dyspepsia, flatulence, colic and vomiting. Grinded leaves cure alopecia when applied externally.
Useful part : Leaves, Bark

Holostemma ada-kodien

Botanical name : Holostemma ada-kodien Schultes
Family : Asclepiadaceae

SANSKRIT SYNONYMS
Jeevanti, Arkapushpi, Ksheerini, Payasvini

AYURVEDIC PROPERTIES
Rasa : Madhura,
Guna : Lakhu, Snigda
Virya : Seeta

PLANT NAME IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES
English :
Hindi : Chirvel
Malayalam : Adapatiyan

PLANT DESCRIPTION
Perennial laticiferous woody climber. Leaves are simple, opposite, and cordate. Flowers are whitish purple in color, as axillary umbellate cyme. Fruits thick follicles, about 9 cm long and pointed. Roots are long, irregularly twisted, thick and cylindrical.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
Plant pacifies vitiated tridoshas, diseases of eye, ear, burning sensation, cough, fever and diabetes.
Useful part : Root

Hygrophilla auriculata

Botanical name : Hygrophilla auriculata (K.Schum.) Heine.
Family : Acanthaceae

SANSKRIT SYNONYMS
Kokilaksha, Ikshura

AYURVEDIC PROPERTIES
Rasa : Madhura, Kashaya, Tikta
Guna : Lakhu, Snigda
Virya : Seeta

PLANT NAME IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES
English : Long leaved barleria
Hindi : Talmakhana, Kamtakalya
Malayalam : Vayalchulli, Chulli

PLANT DESCRIPTION
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.
Useful part : Roots, Leaves, Seeds.

Hyoscyamus niger

Botanical name : Hyoscyamus niger Linn.
Family : Solanaceae

SANSKRIT SYNONYMS
Parasikayavani

AYURVEDIC PROPERTIES
Rasa : Tikta, Katu
Guna : Lakhu
Virya : Ushna
Virya : Madakari

PLANT NAME IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES
English : Henbane, Black henbane.
Hindi : Khurasani ajavayan
Malayalam : Kurassani.

Distribution – Cultivated in Kashmir.

PLANT DESCRIPTION
An erect annual or biennial herb grows up to 1.5 meters in height. Leaves alternate, simple and lobed; flowers yellowish green solitary in the axils of leaf like bracts. Fruits capsules, enclosed in enlarged calyx. Seeds numerous, minute and kidney shaped.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
Plant pacifies vitiated vata, kapha, inflammation, cardiac debility, epilepsy, asthma, cough, fever, insomnia and arthritis.
Useful part : Leaves, Seeds.

Hydnocarups laurifolia

Botanical name : Hydnocarups laurifolia (Dennst.) Sleumer.
Family : Flacourtiaceae

SANSKRIT SYNONYMS
Tuvaraka, Kushtavairi

AYURVEDIC PROPERTIES
Rasa : Katu, Tikta, Kashaya
Guna : Lakhu, Teekshna, Snigdha
Virya : Ushna
Vipaka : Katu

PLANT NAME IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES
English : Chalmugra, Jangli badam
Hindi : Chalmogara
Malayalam : Marotti, Neeratti, Neervatti, Neeralam

Distribution – In the dense forests of Western Ghats.

PLANT DESCRIPTION
A moderate sized tree grows up to 30 meters in height. Leaves simple, alternate, ovate, oblong-lanceolate, serrate; flowers, unisexual, greenish white, small, solitary or in small racemes. Fruits globose, tomentose berries, with 15-20 angular seed within.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
Plant pacifies vitiated vata, kapha, skin diseases especially psoriasis, pruritus, leukoderma, sprain, chronic ulcers, colic, flatulence, diabetes and bronchitis.
Useful part : Seeds, Oil

Hugonia mystax

Botanical name : Hugonia mystax Linn.
Family : Linaceae

SANSKRIT SYNONYMS
Kamsamara

AYURVEDIC PROPERTIES
Rasa : Kashaya, Tikta, Madhura
Guna : Guru
Virya : Seeta

PLANT NAME IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES
English : Climbing flax
Hindi :
Malayalam : Kartotti, Motirakkanni

Distribution – Throughout India growing in dry forests.

PLANT DESCRIPTION
A large shrubby climber. Leaves simple, alternate, ovate, elliptic-obovate; flowers yellow, axillary; fruits globose 3 seeded drupes.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
Plant pacifies vitiated vata, arthritis and inflammations.
Useful part : Roots

Hordeum vulgare

Botanical name : Hordeum vulgare Linn.
Family : Poaceae

SANSKRIT SYNONYMS
Yava

AYURVEDIC PROPERTIES
Rasa : Kashaya, Madhura
Guna : Guru
Virya : Seeta.

PLANT NAME IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES
English : Barley
Hindi : Jav, Jau
Malayalam : Yavam, Barley, Soochigotambu

Distribution – Cultivated in North India.

PLANT DESCRIPTION
An erect annual herb grows up to 1 meter in height. Leaves linear, flaccid and few. Spike flattened, 30 cm long and terminal. Spikelets sessile, arranged in 3 on two sides of rachis. Fruit elliptic short pointed caryopsis.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
Plant pacifies vitiated kapha, pitta, cough, asthma, urinary retention, urinary tract infection, gastric ulcers, burns, headache, anemia and general debility. It is a good diet in convalescent period.
Useful part : Grains

Holigarna arnottiana Hook

Botanical name : Holigarna arnottiana Hook.
Family : Anacardiaceae

SANSKRIT SYNONYMS
Vanabhallataka

AYURVEDIC PROPERTIES
Rasa : Katu, Kashaya, Madhura
Guna : Teekshna, Snigdha, Lakhu
Virya : Ushna

PLANT NAME IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES
English : Black varnish tree of Malabar
Hindi : Holgery
Malayalam : Kattucher, Kattuchermaram, Karimcher, Char

Distribution – Throughout in Western Ghats; in dense evergreen forests.

PLANT DESCRIPTION
A medium to large sized spreading evergreen tree grows up to 50 meters in height. Leaves opposite, sometimes found in whorls of 5-6, oblong-lanceolate, acute with prominent nerves. Flowers small found in axillary panicles; more or less similar to mango flower. Fruits are drups, dark green when immature and turns to dark purple when ripe, containing single seed. The resin comes from the bark is caustic, and cause ulcers on contact.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
Plant pacifies vitiated vata, kapha, inflammation, arthritis, hemorrhoids, obesity, tumor, cancer, and skin diseases.
Useful part : Seeds.

Holarrhena antidysenterica

Botanical name : Holarrhena antidysenterica (Roxb. ex Fleming) Wall.
Holarrhena pubescens (Buch. Ham.) Wallrch ex. Don
Family : Apocynaceae

SANSKRIT SYNONYMS
Kutaja, Kalinga, Indrayava

AYURVEDIC PROPERTIES
Rasa : Tikta
Guna : Lakhu, Rooksha
Virya : Seeta

PLANT NAME IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES
English : Kurchi
Hindi : Kurchi, Kuda
Malayalam : Kutakappala

Distribution – Throughout India found in deciduous forests

PLANT DESCRIPTION
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.
Useful part : Bark, Seed, Leaves.

Hibiscus esculentus

Botanical name : Hibiscus esculentus Linn. (Abelmoschus esculentus (Linn.) Moench )
Family : Malvaceae

SANSKRIT SYNONYMS
Bhenda

AYURVEDIC PROPERTIES
Rasa : Madhura
Guna : Guru, Picchila
Virya : Seeta.

PLANT NAME IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES
English : Lady’s finger, Okra
Hindi : Bhindi, Bhindi tori
Malayalam : Venda, Vendakkai

Distribution – Cultivated throughout India as vegetable.

PLANT DESCRIPTION
An annual herb grows up to 2 meters in height. Leaves simple, alternate, palmately 3-5 lobed, scrubby; flowers yellowish white, center purple; fruits long slender, 6-8 angled, contain many round seeds.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
Plant pacifies vitiated pitta, inflammation, anemia, abdominal disorders. Urinary tract diseases and general debility.
Useful part : Fruits.

Helicterus isora

Botanical name : Helicterus isora Linn.
Family : Sterculiaceae

SANSKRIT SYNONYMS
Avartani, Murva, Mrigasringi, Marodhaphali

AYURVEDIC PROPERTIES
Rasa : Kashaya, Amla, Madhura
Guna : Lakhu, Rooksha
Virya : Seeta
Vipaka : Katu

PLANT NAME IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES
English : East Indian screw tree
Hindi : Marorphali
Malayalam : Idampiri valampiri

Distribution – In the deciduous forests of Western Ghats.

PLANT DESCRIPTION
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.
Useful part : Fruits, Root, Bark

Hedyotis herbacea

Botanical name : Hedyotis herbacea Linn.
Family : Rubiaceae

SANSKRIT SYNONYMS
Chayaparpatika, Kshudraparpata

AYURVEDIC PROPERTIES
Rasa : Tikta, Madhura
Guna : Lakhu, Snigdha
Virya : Seeta

PLANT NAME IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES
English :
Hindi : Paper bhed
Malayalam : Nonganam pullu

Distribution – In the moist place in India, grows as a weed.

PLANT DESCRIPTION
An erect annual or biennial herb, grows up to 30 cm in height. Leaves are solitary, small, opposite, acute and lanceolate; flowers small, white and solitary found in axillary cymes. Seeds ellipsoid.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
Plant pacifies vitiated pitta, inflammation, fever, pain, burning sensation, filariasis, ulcer and hydrocele.
Useful part : Whole plant

Hedychium coronarium

Botanical name : Hedychium coronarium Koening ex. Retz.
Family : Zingiberaceae

SANSKRIT SYNONYMS
Kalyana saughandhikam

AYURVEDIC PROPERTIES
Rasa : Katu, Tikta
Guna : Lakhu
Virya : Ushna

PLANT NAME IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES
English : Common ginger lilly. Garland flower.
Hindi :
Malayalam : Elapoochedi, Kalyana saughandhikam

Distribution – Throughout India cultivated.

PLANT DESCRIPTION
A pseudo stemed garden plant grows up to 1 meter in height. Leaves simple, alternate, lanceolate, acute, with broad leaf base, which wrap one on another to form the pseudo stem. Leaf base shiny above and pubescent below. Inflaresence terminal, whitish and fragrant, blossom at June to August month. Rhizomes fleshy, branched and with many nodes.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
Plant pacifies vitiated vata, kapha, nasal polyps, fever, arthritis, stomatitis, worm infestations, general weakness, and stimulant. .
Useful part : Roots, Leaves.

Hemigraphis colorata Blume

Botanical name : Hemigraphis colorata Blume
Family : Acanthaceae

SANSKRIT SYNONYMS
Vranaropani

AYURVEDIC PROPERTIES
Rasa : Tikta, Madhura
Guna : Lakhu, Seeta
Virya : Seeta

PLANT NAME IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES
English :
Hindi :
Malayalam : Murikooti, Muriyan pacha

Distribution – Growing naturally in moist evergreen forests in India, also as a garden plant.

PLANT DESCRIPTION
This is a tropical showy species grown in dense evergreen forests. This is a prostrate herb with rooting branches. Leaf opposite, broad, cordate and toothed, 6 to 10 cm long and sparkling silvery violet underneath red purple. Flowers pale white, solitary, terminal or sometimes axillary. Fruits small indehiscent pods, containing numerous small seeds. Reproduction is usually vegetative manner, by stem cuttings.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
Plant pacifies vitiated pitta, fresh wound, cuts, ulcers, inflammation and in folk medicines, it is used internally for anemia.
Useful part : Leaf, or whole plant.

Jasminum grandiflorum

Botanical name : Jasminum grandiflorum Linn.
Family : Oleaceae

SANSKRIT SYNONYMS
Malati, Jati

AYURVEDIC PROPERTIES
Rasa : Tikta, Kashaya, Katu
Guna : Lakhu, Rooksha
Virya : Ushna

PLANT NAME IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES
English : Spanish jasmine, Common jasmine, Catalonian jasmine
Hindi : Chameli, Jati
Malayalam : Pichakam, Pichakamulla

PLANT DESCRIPTION
A large, nearly glabrous twinning evergreen shrub. Leaves are imparipinnately compound, opposite, terminal leaflets are larger than laterals, ovate-lanceolate, flowers are whitish, fragrant, seen in terminal and axillary cymes. Fruits are elliptic, globose berries, become black when ripe.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
Plant pacifies vitiated vata, migraine, paralysis, wounds, ulcers, constipation, flatulence, skin diseases, odontalgia, stomatitis and dysmenorrhoea.
Useful part : Whole plant.

Jasminum multiflorum

Botanical name : Jasminum multiflorum (Brum.f.) Andr.
Family : Oleaceae

SANSKRIT SYNONYMS
Kundah

AYURVEDIC PROPERTIES
Rasa : Tikta, Katu, Madhura
Guna : Lakhu, Rooksha
Virya : Seeta

PLANT NAME IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES
English : Downy jasmine
Hindi : Kundphul
Malayalam : Kurukkuttimulla, Pichakam

PLANT DESCRIPTION
A large, evergreen twinner shrub. Leaves are simple, ovate, opposite, base rounded or chordate; flowers are whitish, fragrant, seen in terminal and axillary cymes. Fruits are black, globose berries, become black when ripe.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
Plant pacifies vitiated vata, pitta, wounds, ulcers, constipation, flatulence, skin diseases, rheumatism, stomatitis and dysmenorrhoea.
Useful part : Whole plant.

Justicia gendarussa

Botanical name : Justicia gendarussa Burm.f.
Family : Acanthaceae

SANSKRIT SYNONYMS
Vataghni

AYURVEDIC PROPERTIES
Rasa : Katu, Tikta
Guna : Lakhu, Snigdha
Virya : Ushna

PLANT NAME IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES
English :
Hindi : Nilinirgundi, Udisambhalu
Malayalam : Vatamkolli

Distribution – Throughout India growing wild in planes.

PLANT DESCRIPTION
A small erect shrub grows up to 1 meter in height. Leaves simple, opposite, lanceolate, glabrous, short petioled dark violet green above. Flowers small, white, with purple spots within, in long spikes; fruits glabrous capsules.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
Plant pacifies vitiated vata, inflammation, arthritis, headache, hemiplegia, facial paralysis, migraine, cough, bronchitis, dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, fever, ascites, and general debility.
Useful part : Whole plant.

Jatropha curcas

Botanical name : Jatropha curcas Linn.
Family : Euphorbiaceae

SANSKRIT SYNONYMS
Dravanti

AYURVEDIC PROPERTIES
Rasa : Kashaya, Tikta
Guna : Lakhu
Virya : Ushna

PLANT NAME IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES
English : Purging nut
Hindi : Jungli erand, Pahari erand
Malayalam : Katalavanakku, Appa, Kammatti

Distribution – Throughout India growing wild in planes.

PLANT DESCRIPTION
A large deciduous shrub with soft wood and sticky juice. Leaves alternate, ovate, cordate, with 3-4 indistinct lobes. Flowers small, greenish yellow, in loose axillary panicles. Fruits ovoid, greenish turns black on ripe, split to 3. Seeds black.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
Plant pacifies vitiated pitta, kapha, constipation, skin diseases, hemorrhoids, worm infestation, rheumatoid arthritis, and paralysis.
Useful part : Leaves, Seeds, Oil.

Jasminum sambac

Botanical name : Jasminum sambac (Linn.) Ait
Family : Oleaceae

SANSKRIT SYNONYMS
Mallika

AYURVEDIC PROPERTIES
Rasa : Tikta, Kashaya
Guna : Lakhu, Rooksha
Virya : Seeta

PLANT NAME IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES
English : Jasmine, Arabian jasmine
Hindi : Bel, Moghra
Malayalam : Mulla, Gandhamulla

Distribution – Cultivated throughout India

PLANT DESCRIPTION
A semi erect or sometimes climbing shrub. Leaves simple, opposite, ovate, acute and glabrous; flowers white, fragrant, solitary or in group of 3, fruits berries, black when ripe. Reproduction is by vegetative manner.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
Plant pacifies vitiated pitta, disease of eye, itching, headache, ulcer, wound, insanity and epilepsy.
Useful part : Root, Leaves, Flowers

Jasminum auriculatum

Botanical name : Jasminum auriculatum Vahl.
Family : Oleaceae

SANSKRIT SYNONYMS
Yoodhika, Magadhi, Soochimallika

AYURVEDIC PROPERTIES
Rasa : Tikta, Kashaya
Guna : Lakhu
Virya : Seeta

PLANT NAME IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES
English : Needle flower jasmina
Hindi : Juhi, Juyi
Malayalam : Soochimulla, Toosimulla

Distribution – Growing widely in southern region of India.

PLANT DESCRIPTION
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.
Useful part : Roots, Leaves.

Jasminum angustifolium

Botanical name : Jasminum angustifolium (Linn.) Willd.
Family : Oleaceae

SANSKRIT SYNONYMS
Vanamallika, Asphota

AYURVEDIC PROPERTIES
Rasa : Tikta, Kashaya
Guna : Lakhu, Rooksha
Virya : Seeta

PLANT NAME IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES
English : Wild jasmine.
Hindi : Banmallika
Malayalam : Kattumulla, Kattumallika.

Distribution – Hilly areas of Kerala and Karnataka, almost all around Western Ghats

PLANT DESCRIPTION
A woody semi-climber grows up to 2 meters in height. Leaves simple ovate-lanceolate, acute, glabrous; flowers in long slender pedicles, often in a group of 3 white; fruits ovoid berries.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
Plant pacifies vitiated pitta, kapha, skin diseases, ulcers, diseases of eye, stomatitis, pruritus, anti-toxic. In higher dose induce emesis.
Useful part : Roots, Leaves.

Indigofera tinctoria

Botanical name : Indigofera tinctoria Linn.
Family : Fabaceae

SANSKRIT SYNONYMS
Neelini

AYURVEDIC PROPERTIES
Rasa : Tikta
Guna : Lakhu, Rooksha, Teekshna
Virya : Ushna

PLANT NAME IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES
English : Indian indigo
Hindi : Nil
Malayalam : Nilamari Amri.

PLANT DESCRIPTION
Densely branching shrub grows up to 2 meters in height. Leaves are compound with 6-14 leaflets. Leaves are green with bluish tint. Tender branches are also bluish green colored. Flowers many, small and nearly sessile in spicate receme inflorescence. Fruits are cylindric pods, 2-3 cm long, greenish grey when young and dark brown on ripening. Seeds are 10-15 per pods.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
Plant pacifies vitiated pitta, hair fall, splenomegaly, epilepsy, nervine disorders, headache, cardiac ailments and in stray dog intoxication.
Useful part : whole plant.

Ipomoea sepiaria

Botanical name : Ipomoea sepiaria Roxb.
Family : Convolvulaceae

SANSKRIT SYNONYMS
Lakshmana. Klitani, Putrada, Nagini, Asrabinduchada

AYURVEDIC PROPERTIES
Rasa : Madhura
Guna : Guru, Snigda
Virya : Seeta

PLANT NAME IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES
English : Ipomoea
Hindi : Bankalmi
Malayalam : Tirutali

PLANT DESCRIPTION
A slender twinning perennial with villous stems and tuberous roots. Leaves simple alternate, petiolate, cordate, blotched with brownish or purplish patches towards the centre; flowers pale purple or pink, funnel shaped, in umbellate axillary cymes. Fruits ovoid capsules, 2-4 seeded, seeds grey colored covered over silky pubescence.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
Plant pacifies vitiated pitta, sterility in women, urinary retention, constipation, and gynecological disorders.
Useful part : Whole plant.

Ixora macrothyrsa

Botanical name : Ixora macrothyrsa Linn.
Family : Rubiaceae

SANSKRIT SYNONYMS
Asokaparanti

AYURVEDIC PROPERTIES
Rasa : Kashaya, Tikta
Guna : Lakhu, Rooksha
Virya : Seeta

PLANT NAME IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES
English : Garden Ixora
Hindi :
Malayalam : Asokatechi, Asokachetti

Distribution – Cultivated as a garden plant, in various parts of India.

PLANT DESCRIPTION
A perennial shrub grows up to 3 meters in height. Leaves simple, opposite, oblong-lanceolate, acuminate, short petioled, and shiny. Flowers arises form terminal umbels, and bright red in color. Seeds small greenish berries, become purple when ripe.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
Plant pacifies vitiated kapha, pitta, burning sensations, eczema, ringworm other skin diseases menorrhagia, leucorrhea and general weakness. Flowers are used to impart color for herbal preparations.
Useful part : Fruits, seeds, petals, fruit extracts.

Ixora coccinea

Botanical name : Ixora coccinea Linn.
Family : Rubiaceae

SANSKRIT SYNONYMS
Paranti, Patali, Raktala

AYURVEDIC PROPERTIES
Rasa : Kashaya, Tikta
Guna : Lakhu
Virya : Seeta
Vipaka : Katu

PLANT NAME IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES
English : Jungle flame ixora, Flame of the woods
Hindi : Rangan, Rugmini, Ranjan
Malayalam : Techi, Tetti, Kattutechi, Kattutechi,

Distribution – Growing wildly throughout Western Ghats, also in gardens.

PLANT DESCRIPTION
A spreading hard wooded shrub grows up to 1 meter in height. Leaves simple, opposite, elliptic, ovate, sessile, and coriaceous. Flowers scarlet red colored in dense corymbose cymes. Fruits globose, fleshy and purple when ripe, containing single seed.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
Plant pacifies vitiated pitta, skin diseases, colic, flatulence, diarrhea, indigestion, ulcers, wounds, and used as antiseptic.
Useful part : Root, Leaves, Flowers.

Ipomoea pes-caprae

Botanical name : Ipomoea pes-caprae (Linn) R.Br.
Family : Convolvulaceae

SANSKRIT SYNONYMS
Maryadavalli, Sagaramekhala

AYURVEDIC PROPERTIES
Rasa : Kashaya, Tikta
Guna : Guru, Snigdha
Virya : Seeta

PLANT NAME IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES
English : Goat’s foot creeper
Hindi : Dopatilata
Malayalam : Adambuvalli, Adamb
Distribution – Throughout India along sandy sea shores.

PLANT DESCRIPTION
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.
Useful part : Whole plant.

Ipomoea paniculata

Botanical name : Ipomoea paniculata R.Br. (I. mauritiana Jacq.)
Family : Convolvulaceae

SANSKRIT SYNONYMS
Ksheeravidari, Vidari, Bhoomimanda, Payasvani, Ikshuvalli

AYURVEDIC PROPERTIES
Rasa : Madhura
Guna : Guru, Snigdha
Virya : Seeta
Vipaka : Madhura

PLANT NAME IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES
English : Giant potato, Finger leaf morning-glory
Hindi : Bhilayakand, Bhuyikohata
Malayalam : Palmutukku, Mutalakkizhangu, Anjilattali

Distribution – Throughout India growing wild in deciduous forests

PLANT DESCRIPTION
A perennial twinner plant grows over small bushes and hedges. Leaves palmately compound, 5-7 lobed, lobes ovate lanceolate, acute, glabrous; flowers purple colored in corymbose axillary panicles. Fruits ovoid, 4 valve capsules, contain 4 seeds clothed with hairs. Roots are large, fleshy and tuberous.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
Plant pacifies vitiated vata, pitta, emaciation, skin diseases, anorexia, colic, fever, burning sensation, vomiting, inflammation, menorrhagia and general debility. It is also used to promote breast milk production.
Useful part : Tuberous roots.

Ipomoea batatas

Botanical name : Ipomoea batatas (Linn.) Lam.
Family : Convolvulaceae

SANSKRIT SYNONYMS
Pindalu, Raktalu

AYURVEDIC PROPERTIES
Rasa : Madhura, Kashaya
Guna : Guru, Snigdha
Virya : Seeta
Vipaka: Madhura

PLANT NAME IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES
English : Sweet potato
Hindi : Meeta aalu, Sakkharkand
Malayalam : Madhurakizhangu, Sarkarakizhangu

Distribution – Cultivated throughout India.

PLANT DESCRIPTION
A slender creeper with red tuberous roots. Leaves simple, alternate, entire and deeply lobed. Flowers purple, solitary, in cymose clusters. Fruits globose or ovoid capsules, seeds 2-4 flat and black colored.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
Plant pacifies vitiated vata, pitta, burning sensations, constipation, general weakness, renal calculi, and sexual stimulant.
Useful part : Root tubers.

Impatiens chinensis

Botanical name : Impatiens chinensis Linn.
Family : Balsaminaceae

SANSKRIT SYNONYMS
Kshudradrona

AYURVEDIC PROPERTIES
Rasa : Kashaya
Guna : Guru, Snigdha
Virya : Seeta

PLANT NAME IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES
English : Wild balsam
Hindi : Ban gulmendi
Malayalam : Kasitumba, Cherutumba

Distribution – In wet forests of Western Ghats, also grows naturally in wet wastelands throughout India.

PLANT DESCRIPTION
Small succulent annual herb grows usually during the rainy season. Leaves simple, opposite, ovate-lanceolate, serrate, and pubescent. Flowers rose colored, axillary, solitary or in pairs. Fruits pale green dehiscent capsules, containing small globose black seeds.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
Plant pacifies vitiated pitta, inflammation, burns and scalds, gonorrhea, bacterial infections, asthma, cough and bronchitis.
Useful part : Whole plant.

Impatiens balsamina

Botanical name : Impatiens balsamina Linn.
Family : Balsaminaceae

SANSKRIT SYNONYMS
Vatikadrona

AYURVEDIC PROPERTIES
Rasa : Kashaya
Guna : Guru, Snigdha
Virya : Seeta

PLANT NAME IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES
English : Garden balsam
Hindi : Gulmendi
Malayalam : Balsam

Distribution – Cultivated in gardens, throughout India

PLANT DESCRIPTION
Small succulent annual herb grows up to 30 cm in height. Leaves simple, alternate, ovate-lanceolate, serrate; Flowers showy, varying colored, axillary, solitary or in pairs. Fruits pale green dehiscent capsules, containing small globose reddish seeds.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
Plant pacifies vitiated pitta, inflammation, burns and scalds, ulcers, constipation, arthritis, urinary retention and excessive exfoliation of skin.
Useful part : Whole plant.

Illicium verum

Botanical name : Illicium verum Hook.f.
Family : Magnoliaceae

SANSKRIT SYNONYMS
Takkola, Kakkola, Kakkolaka, Takkolaka

AYURVEDIC PROPERTIES
Rasa : Katu
Guna : Lakhu, Teekshna
Virya : Ushna
Vipaka : Katu

PLANT NAME IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES
English : Star anise
Hindi : Anasfal, Badiyan khatala
Malayalam : Takkolapputtil, Takkolam

Distribution – In China

PLANT DESCRIPTION
An evergreen tree grows up to 15 meters in height. Leaves simple, opposite, oblong-lanceolate, acute or acuminate; flowers solitary variable in color, fruits star shaped, with 8 follicles, containing small shiny brown colored seed in each follicle.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
Plant pacifies vitiated kapha, dyspepsia, flatulence, dysentery, cough, asthma, arthritis, hemiplegia, nervine weakness and facial paralysis.
Useful part : Fruits