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Fever Nut, Bonduc Fruit, Physic Nut
Latin name
Caesalpinia bonducella (Linn.) Flem., C. bonduc (Linn.) Roxb.
General information
Bonduc Fruit is also known as a Fever Nut, due to its antipyretic properties.
Key therapeutic benefits
- The plant treats skin diseases, ulcers and leprosy.
- Buddhist Bauhinia is known to soothe gastrointestinal problems like, dysentery and diarrhea.
- It can also arrest hemorrhoids.
False Black Pepper, False Pepper
Latin name
Embelia ribes Burm. f. (Myrsinaceae)
General information
False Black Pepper has been known as an anthemintic (expulsion of parasitic worms from the body). An 1887 report published in The Lancet revealed that the herb is a potent remedy for tapeworm.
Its anti-inflammatory properties are effective in treating swollen gums. The dried fruit is used in decoctions for fevers and for chest and skin diseases. The fruit has antibacterial properties.
Key therapeutic benefits
- The herb is helpful in combating E.coli and ascariasis.
- False Black Pepper soothes respiratory tract disorders, like cough and chest congestion.
- It is effective in treating fungal skin infections.
Fenugreek
Latin name
Trigonella foenum-graecum
General information
The leaves and seeds of the Fenugreek plant are widely used in Indian cuisine.
The herb has been traditionally used in Ayurvedic compositions as a moisturizer, specially formulated to hydrate dry skin. Applied topically, the herb is also helpful in treating boils, abscesses and ulcers. Fenugreek is a natural source of protein, which rebuilds and strengthens the hair shaft. It reduces hair fall and promotes hair growth.
Fenugreek seeds function as an appetite suppressant and give a feeling of satiety more quickly. The German Commission E documented its mild antiseptic property.The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia reported that the herb's actions as demulcent and hypoglycemic (lowering blood sugar levels). ESCOP and the WHO monographs indicate the use of the seeds as an adjuvant in therapies for diabetes mellitus, anorexia, and high cholesterol (Indian Medicinal Plants — An Illustrated Dictionary, C.P.Khare. 675. 2007).
Key therapeutic benefits
- The herb is helpful in lowering blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
- On external application, Fenugreek helps heal superficial wounds more quickly.
- Because of its rich protein content, the herb is an excellent ingredient in haircare and skincare products.
Fennel, Indian Sweet Fennel
Latin name
Foeniculum vulgare Mill. (Umbellifereae), F.capillaceum Gil., F.officinale All.
General information
Fennel seeds are used for flavoring soups, meat dishes, sauces, confectionery and also pickles. The herb is included in the pharmacopoeia of all countries. The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia and the Indian Herbal Pharmacopoeia have documented its carminative and spasmolytic properties.
The herb relaxes stomach muscles and relieves gastrointestinal spasms which makes it an effective herbal remedy for treating flatulence and bloating. It also alleviates constipation, soothes an upset stomach and relieves abdominal cramps. People suffering from irritable bowel syndrome are relieved by drinking Fennel tea.
Key therapeutic benefits
- Fennel relieves digestive disorders like constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, flatulence and stomach spasms.
- It is also eases menstrual cramps.
- The volatile oils in Fennel are often diluted as massage oils and used for alleviating painful joints.
Fire Flame Bush, Shiranjitea
Latin name
Woodfordia fruticosa Kurz., W.floribunda Salib.
General information
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India recommends the use of the plant’s flower in acute diarrhea, hemorrhages, ulcerations and erysipelas (skin infection). The dried flowers, powdered and sprinkled over ulcers and wounds, help in their healing. In small doses, the plant stimulates the central nervous system, while in large doses it depresses the central nervous system (Indian Medicinal Plants — An Illustrated Dictionary, C.P.Khare. 717. 2007).
Key therapeutic benefits
- The astringent properties of the herb are effective in treating skin disorders, superficial wounds and cuts.
- As a nervous central nervous system stimulant, Fire Flame Bush relieves depression and lethargy.
Gotu Kola, Indian Pennywort, Centella
Latin name
Centella asiatica (Linn.) (Urban), Hydrocotyle asiatica (Linn.) (Apiaceae)
General information
Centella is a nervine tonic that enhances learning, academic performance and improves mental ability. It acts as an anti-anxiety agent and is used to treat several mental disorders. It also calms restlessness in children. It is used as a nootropic, a drug that enhances cognitive ability.
Used in Ayurveda for centuries, Centella supports the normal function of the mind, intellect, consciousness and good spirit. According to Alternative Medicine Review (March 2004), ‘Recent research has focused primarily on Centella's cognitive effects, specifically memory, learning, and concentration, and results support the traditional Ayurvedic claims.’ Researchers from Uttar Pradesh, India, working with Frankston Hospital in Victoria, Australia, also found that Centella showed a supportive effect on memory control and occasional age-associated memory challenges (Indian Journal of Psychiatry, 238-242. 2004).
Key therapeutic benefits
- Centella promotes intelligence, particularly the power of retention. It relieves nervous irritation or agitation. It is used traditionally for enhancing memory and for treating psychosis, epilepsy and anxiety.
- Centella can elevate the level of cerebral glutamic acid and temporarily increase the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) level in the brain. It is believed that the endogenous increase in brain glutamine may be helpful in the learning process.
Garden Rue
Latin name
Ruta graveolens
General information
Garden Rue, also known as the Herb-of-Grace, was medicinally used to treat over eighty ailments during the Roman era. Dried Garden Rue leaves have long been used as a folk remedy, particularly as an antispasmodic to relieve cramps, as an emmenagogue to promote menstrual flow and as an abortifacient.
Key therapeutic benefits
- Garden Rue is an important ingredient in herbal veterinary medicine. It is used as an anthelmintic, antispasmodic, antiepileptic, rubefacient and an emmenagogue in herbal formulations for animals.
Gingelly, Sesame
Latin name
Sesamum indicum
General information
Gingelly has been popularly used as a condiment all over the world. Sweetmeats made from Gingelly are eaten during the winters in North India. They are one of the main ingredients in the Middle Eastern dessert called halvah.
The oil of Gingelly is revered for its many therapeutic benefits. Applied topically, the oil acts as an anti-inflammatory agent, which alleviates joint aches, maintains heart health and strengthens bones.
Key therapeutic benefits
- Gingelly oil is an anti-inflammatory, which is helpful in alleviating the pain associated with arthritis.
- The herb, rich in magnesium, is beneficial in maintaining heart health. It is also effective in lowering blood pressure.
- The calcium content in Gingelly prevents bone disorders like osteoporosis.
Ginger
Latin name
Zingiber officinale Rosc. (Zingiberaceae)
General information
Due to its strong flavor, Ginger is an essential ingredient in many Asian cuisines. Its therapeutic benefits have been recorded in Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Ginger is a potent anti-nauseatic and is beneficial in treating upset stomachs.
Key therapeutic benefits
- The herb is useful in ameliorating gastrointestinal disorders like indigestion.
- Ginger relieves nausea, morning sickness and motion sickness.
- As an anti-inflammatory agent, Ginger can be used to treat arthritis and osteoporosis.
Golden Dock
Latin name
Rumex maritimus
General information
Golden Dock is native to California, but is found in other parts of North America. The herb is credited with purgative, refrigerant and antipruitic properties.
Key therapeutic benefits
- Golden Dock is a purgative, which cleanses the bowels.
- As an antipruitic, the herb is helpful in relieving itching in the body.
Henbane
Latin name
Hyoscyamus niger Linn. (Solanaceae)
General information
Henbane, which has sedative properties, has been employed externally to relieve pain. The German Commission and The British Herbal Pharmacopeia have documented the use of Henbane in spasms of the gastrointestinal tract.
Key therapeutic benefits
- Henbane is used extensively as a sedative and pain killer.
- It is also know to relieve pains associated with the gastrointestinal tract.
Himalayan Silver Birch
Latin name
Betula utilis D. Don
General information
As the name suggests, the Himalayan Silver Birch is found throughout the Himalayan range. Writers of the Vedic era used the bark of the tree to write on in place of paper.
Research carried out in the US revealed that ‘betulinic acid’ found in Himalaya Silver Birch is highly effective in the treatment of melanoma, a type of skin cancer. The German Commission Eand European Scientific Therapy on Phytotherapy recommend the use of the extracts in inflammatory diseases of the urinary tract, for kidney gravel and as a supportive therapy for rheumatic ailments.
Key therapeutic benefits
- Himalaya Silver Birch is beneficial in treating kidney and bladder disorders.
- The tree’s bark extracts contain anti-inflammatory properties, which alleviates the pain associated with rheumatism and gout.
Holy Basil, Sacred Basil
Latin name
Betula utilis D. Don
General information
Holy Basil is one of the most revered plants in India. In Ayurveda, it is often said to be the ‘elixir of life’. A sacred plant in Hinduism Tulsi means ‘the incomparable one in Sanskrit’. In Ayurvedic tradition, Tulasi is used to support the normal respiratory function, promote good health and longevity.
Holy Basil is grown all over India, in houses, gardens and temples.
Key therapeutic benefits
- Holy Basil is extremely effective in curing nearly all types of respiratory disorders, including chronic and acute bronchitis.
- The herb is an antioxidant and contains vitamin C, which is helpful in lowering stress levels.
Hygrophila
Latin name
Hygrophila auriculata (Schum.) Hiene Syn., Hygrophila spinosa T. Anders., Asteracantha longifolia (Linn.) Nees. (Acanthaceae)
General information
The Sanskrit name for Hygrophila, Kokilaksha, literally means ‘an eye of the cuckoo’. This refers to the flowers of this plant resembling the color of a cuckoo’s eyes.
Hygrophila stimulates the male genital system and is beneficial in the treatment of sexual debility, premature ejaculation and erectile failure. It is also a potent remedy for kidney stones.
The herb is found all throughout India in marshes places and plains.
Key therapeutic benefits
- The leaves and roots of Hygrophila have diuretic properties.
- The herb is also useful in ailments of the urinogenital tract, like dysuria, urinary calculi and cystisis.
- The seeds are known to increase libido and are beneficial in treating spermatorrhoea.
Horsegram, Cowpea, Catjang Cowpea
Latin name
Dolichos biflorus Linn.
General information
Horsegram, native to India, is commonly used for food and fodder in Asia. It is an excellent source of iron. In the research paper entitled ‘Management of Urolithiasis by an Indigenous Drug (Kulattha)’ by L.M. Singh and P. Kumar in the Indian Journal of Medical Research, the authors found the seeds to be effective in dissolving kidney stones in humans. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopeia of India recommends the decoction of dry seeds in calculus and amenorrhea.
Key therapeutic benefits
- Horsegram is beneficial in treating kidney, bladder and gall stones.
- Due to its anthelmintic properties, it is useful in treating amoebic diarrhea, bowel hemorrhage and colic pains.
Indian Laburnum, Golden Shower, Purging Cassia
Latin name
Dolichos biflorus Linn.
General information
The Golden Shower tree is the national tree of Thailand. Its flower is the state flower of Kerala, a southern state in India. The therapeutic benefits of Goldern Shower are recorded in traditional medicine texts in Sri Lanka, Burma and India. In Ayurveda, the tree is also called aragvadha or ‘the disease killer’. Golden Shower is effective in treating skin diseases, gastrointestinal disorders and cardiac problems.
Key therapeutic benefits
- The roots of Golden Shower are useful in treating skin diseases and alleviating burning sensation in the stomach.
- The fruits of Golden Shower are beneficial in cardiac disorders.
- A herbal formulation containing Golden Shower extracts can facilitate the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders like colic, flatulence, acidity and dysentery.
Ink Nut, Chebulic Myrobalan
Latin name
Terminalia chebula (Retz.)(Combretaceae)
General information
Chebulic Myrobalan is one of the three key ingredients in Triphala, a natural compound that provides overall support for digestive function and helps ensure that the digestive tract works at optimal levels. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India has documented the use of the powdered herb in intermittent fevers and chronic fevers, anemia and polyuria. Chebulic Myrobalan can also be used to treat gastrointestinal and respiratory disorders.
Key therapeutic benefits
- Chebulic Myrobalan is used to treat flatulence, dysentery, diarrhea and constipation.
- Respiratory disorders such as cough and bronchial asthma are relieved by the herb.
Indian Berberry, Tree Turmeric
Latin name
Berberis aristata DC. (Berberidaceae)
General information
Tree Turmeric is a revered herb in Ayurvedic medicine. Possessing antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic and antiseptic properties, the herb is used as a cholagogue, stomachic, laxative and diaphoretic.
Tree Turmeric is found in the Himalayas and is also cultivated in the Indian states of Assam and Bihar.
Key therapeutic benefits
- As an antibacterial, the herb is administered in eye disorders, indolent ulcers and hemorrhoids.
- Tree Turmeric is also a potent antiseptic, which promotes wound healing.
- As an anti-inflammatory, it alleviates joint aches and pains associated with rheumatism, arthritis and osteoporosis.
Indian Bdellium
Latin name
Commiphora wightii (Arn.) Bhandari, Commiphora mukul (Hook. ex Stocks) Engl, Balsamodendron mukul Hook. ex Stocks (Burseraceae)
General information
In Ayurveda, Indian Bdellium is prescribed for the treatment of medoroga, a disease that closely resembles the symptoms of hyperlipidemia including high blood cholesterol and the hardening of arteries. The herb has been used historically for centuries to support normal fat levels and metabolism in the body.
Indian Bdellium is found across the world from Northern Africa to Central Asia. In India, it is found in the arid areas, mainly in the states Rajasthan and Gujarat.
Key therapeutic benefits
- Indian Bdellium lowers cholesterol levels in the blood. As a antioxidant, the herb is also responsible for boosting ‘good’ cholesterol levels.
- It enhances the thyroid function, which in turn regulates metabolism and aids weight loss.
Indian Cotton Plant
Latin name
Gossypium herbaceum (Malvaceae), Gossypium indicum (Malvaceae)
General information
Mainly cultivated for the commercial purpose of making cloth, Indian Cotton Plant is also valued for its remedial properties.
In Indian herbal medicine, Indian Cotton Plant is referred to as a ‘female medication’. Drinking tea made from the Indian Cotton Plant root facilitates childbirth. The plant also regulates menstruation.
Some reports have claimed that extracts of the plant can be used as an aphrodisiac in male sexual disorders.
Key therapeutic benefits
- Indian Cotton Plant is useful in regulating menstruation and easing labor.
- It is also used as an aphrodisiac to treat male sexual debility.
Khas-Khas, Khus-Khus, Vetiver
Latin name
Vetiveria zizanioides (Linn.) Nash (Gramineae), Andropogon muricatus Retz., A.squarrosus Hook. f.,non Linn. f., Anatherum zizanioides (Linn.) Hitchcock & Chase
General information
Widely used in aromatherapy and perfume, Khas-Khas is a cooling agent, tonic and blood purifier. It is used to treat many skin disorders and is known to have a calming effect on the nervous system. Other medicinal uses of Khas-Khas include ringworm treatment, indigestion and loss of appetite.
Key therapeutic benefits
- Khas-Khas is used to treat gastrointestinal disorders like flatulence and indigestion.
- It is a natural cleanser that is used in soaps, shampoos and perfumes.
- Khas-Khas gives a cooling effect to the skin.
Larger or Greater Cardamom, Nepal Cardamom
Latin name
Amomum subulatum Zingiberaceae
General information
Often used as a spice, condiment or in the preparation of sweetmeats, Larger or Greater Cardamom has numerous medicinal benefits. In Ayurveda, its antispasmodic, appetizer and digestive properties have been documented. Its antioxidant properties have been reported in the Journal of the Association of Physicians in India.
Key therapeutic benefits
- The most common use of Larger or Greater Cardamom is as a mouth freshener.
- Its seeds are credited with stimulant, stomachic and astringent properties.
- It is used to treat and prevent sore throats.
- It is also prescribed in the treatment of indigestion and nausea.
Land Caltrops
Latin name
Tribulus terrestris Linn. (Zygophyllaceae)
General information
Land Caltrops has been used for centuries as a general tonic by the Ancient Greeks. It is used in Ayurvedic medicine to maintain efficient kidney and urinary functions and in reducing renal discomfort. It is effective in treating urinary tract disorders because it promotes the flow of urine and cools and soothes the membranes of the urinary tract. Land Caltrops has also been described as an aphrodisiac in Ayurveda.
Recent research has shown that Land Caltrops has analgesic properties. The herb is also a nervine tonic and rejuvenative.
Key therapeutic benefits
- The extracts of this herb are useful in treating low libido and erectile dysfunction.
- The herb is also used to treat kidney dysfunction, urinary disorders and diseases of the genito-urinary system.
Lemon
Latin name
Citrus limon Burm.f. (Linn.)
General information
Lemon, used in many culinary preparations as a flavoring agent, is credited with medicinal benefits. Rich in vitamin C, citric acid and calcium, the fruit is a carminative and stomachic.
Lemons contain unique flavonoid compounds that have antibiotic, antioxidant and anticholera properties.
It is reported that in several villages in West Africa, during cholera epidemics, the inclusion of Lemon juice in the main meal of the day was determined to have reduced the chances of contracting cholera.
Key therapeutic benefits
- Due to its high vitamin C content, Lemons are effective in the treatment of scurvy.
- Lemon is also helpful in treating oral diseases like pyorrhoea and dental caries.
- Lemons are known to relive flatulence and improve appetite.
- Lemon is regarded as an excellent digestive and helps in dyspepsia, constipation and biliousness.
- Lemon is a natural deodorant, which also cleanses the skin.
Lentil
Latin name
Lens culinaris Medic., L.esculenta. Moench, Ervum lens Linn.
General information
For many years, Lentils have been traditionally eaten with barley and wheat. Lentils are one of the earliest foods to have been cultivated. Highly nutritious, Lentils are effective in reducing cholesterol. Revered for its high protein content, Lentil soup soothes gastric troubles and constipation. A study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine confirms that eating high fiber foods such as Lentils, helps prevent heart disease.
Key therapeutic benefits
- The high fiber content in Lentils maintains cholesterol and blood sugar levels in the body.
- Lentils also contribute to heart health by providing significant amounts of folate and magnesium.
- The fiber in Lentils is of the soluble and insoluble type. Soluble fiber forms a gel-like substance in the digestive tract to trap bile. Research has shown that insoluble fiber helps to increase stool formation and prevent digestive disorders like constipation and irritable bowel syndrome.
- Lentils are also known to increase energy by replenishing iron in the body.
- A poultice made from Lentil seeds is known to cure skin diseases.
Lettuce, Prickly Lettuce
Latin name
Lactuca scariola Linn. (Asteraceae), L.serriola Linn.
General information
Lettuce is the most popular of all salad vegetables and is readily available all year round.
Due to the rich content of vitamins and minerals, lettuce has many a health benefits. A study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that low intake of vitamin K may increase the risk of hip fractures in women. The study found that Lettuce contains more than half the daily requirement of vitamin K requirement for women.
Key therapeutic benefits
- The high roughage content in Lettuce helps alleviate constipation.
- Rich in iron, the vegetable increases the level of hemoglobin in the blood and therefore, is beneficial in the treatment of anemia.
- The juice of Lettuce leaves has a tranquilizing effect and induces sleep.
- Due to its high folic acid content, Lettuce is beneficial for pregnant women.
Mustard Tree, Toothbrush Tree
Latin name
Salvadora persica
General information
The twigs of Miswak have been used as a natural toothbrush for centuries. In fact, the World Health Organization has also promoted its use for oral hygiene.
A clinical study on Miswak revealed that patient using Miswak twigs as an adjunct to tooth brushing exhibited significant improvement in gingival health and plaque reduction.
(Source: J Indian Soc Periodontol. 2012 Jan-Mar; 16(1): 84-88).
Key therapeutic benefits
- Miswak is known to prevent tooth decay.
- It is also beneficial in the treatment of toothache.
- Miswak twigs are helpful in combating halitosis or bad breath.
Morning Glory Lily
Latin name
Gloriosa superba
General information
Morning Glory Lily is grown throughout tropical India. In Ayurveda, the tuber of the plant is used in herbal formulations. It has anthelmintic properties, which keep parasites and insects at bay. Morning Glory Lily extracts are also abortifacient, which can induce abortion.
Key therapeutic benefits
- Morning Glory Lily combats parasites and worms on the skin’s surface.
- As an antipyretic, the herb reduces fever.
Malabar Nut, Vasaka
Latin name
Adhatoda zeylanica Medic., Adhatoda vasica Nees (Acanthaceae)
General information
Malabar Nut Tree is well-known in Ayurveda as a treatment for respiratory ailments, particularly as an expectorant in bronchitis. The leaves, flowers, fruits and roots are used extensively for treating cold, cough, whooping cough, chronic bronchitis and asthma.
Key therapeutic benefits
- Malabar Nut exhibits anti-inflammatory, antitussive and bronchodilatory action, which eases congestion and coughing by loosening and thinning mucus in the airways.
Mandarin Orange, Loose Skin or Loose Jacketed Orange
Latin name
Citrus reticulata
General information
Mandarin Orange is rich in vitamin C and flavonoids. Studies have shown that one Mandarin Orange (130 grams) supplies nearly 100 percent of the recommended daily dietary intake of vitamin C! More recently, researchers have been studying the effectiveness of Mandarin Orange in treating liver cancer. It also lowers cholesterol and high blood pressure.
Key therapeutic benefits
- Vitamin C, present in abundance in Mandarin Orange, is a powerful antioxidant. It protects cells from damage by free radicals.
- The fruit also contains fiber, which increases bowel movements, lowers cholesterol and controls blood sugar levels.
- It is known to be a stomachic. It aids in the proper flow of digestive juices, maintains the right balance between acid and bile and cures stomach infections and inflammation.
Mango
Latin name
Mangifera indica
General information
Mango, often referred to as ‘the king of fruit’, is eaten during the summer months in India, just before the monsoon. The fruit and its leaves are considered auspicious in Hinduism, in which they are ritually offered to deities. Mango also has many therapeutic benefits. It improves digestion, treats acne, lowers cholesterol, fights diabetes and heart disease.
The bio-active elements present in Mango, such as esters, terpenes and aldehydes, facilitate digestion. Mango is also rich in vitamins C, E, minerals like iron and dietary fiber, which render the fruit its therapeutic properties.
Key therapeutic benefits
- Mango relieves indigestion.
- The fruit is known to lower the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. This reduces the risk of heart disease.
- By clearing clogged pores, Mango treats acne.
- The fruit is an important source of iron, an essential mineral for women.
Neem Tree, Margosa Tree, Indian Lilac
Latin name
Azadirachta indica A. Juss., Melia azadirachta Linn. (Meliaceae)
General information
Margosa Tree has been described in Ayurveda’s prime text, the Charaka Samhita, as sarva roga nivarini (that which keeps all diseases at bay) or arishtha (reliever of disease). Margosa Tree extracts have been used in the Ayurvedic tradition for thousands of years for maintaining health and overall well-being. The roots, bark, gum, leaves, fruit, seed kernels and seed oil are all used in therapeutic preparations for both internal and topical use.
Key therapeutic benefits
- Margosa Tree leaves are mentioned in most Ayurvedic formulations for the treatment of skin disorders, because of their detoxifying properties. It also protects against acne-causing bacteria.
- It is also a gastroprotective and effective in healing ulcers.
Negro Coffee, Coffee Senna, Rubbish Cassia, Stinking Weed
Latin name
Cassia occidentalis (Linn.) (Caesalpiniaceae)
General information
Coffee Senna seeds are attributed with blood purifying and diuretic properties. The herb has been traditionally used to normalize bowel movements. It is a related species of Senna, a much stronger purgative. The seeds are also beneficial in treating whooping cough, convulsions and heart disease. Despite its name, which comes from its occasional use as a coffee substitute, Coffee Senna is absolutely unrelated to coffee!
Key therapeutic benefits
- Coffee Senna regularizes bowel movements and its mild, laxative properties are helpful in treating constipation.
- Respiratory tract disorders can be relieved with the seeds of the herb.
- Coffee Senna leaves are externally applied to wounds to quicken healing.
Nut Grass
Latin name
Cyperus rotundus Linn. (Cyperaceae)
General information
Nut Grass has a long history of medicinal use in the Ayurvedic system of medicine. Its benefits have been documented in the Charaka Samhita, one of Ayurveda’s prime texts. The herb also features heavily in medicinal texts of Chinese Traditional Medicine (CTM). In CTM, Nut Grass is credited with the ability to restore ‘qi’, the natural patterns in which the body functions.
Nut Grass is used to treat digestive disorders, menstrual irregularity and nausea. It also promotes liver detoxification and healing.
Key therapeutic benefits
- Nut Grass is beneficial in treating nausea and digestive problems.
- It is used as an analgesic for menstruation pains.
- The herb has a positive effect on the liver, facilitating its detoxification and treatment.
Nutmeg, Mace
Latin name
Myristica fragrans Houtt. (Myristicaceae )
General information
Mace is packed with a host of therapeutic benefits. The tree is indigenous to Australia, Asia and the tropical regions of Southeast Asia. A popular but expensive herb, Mace is often used as a spice in cooking. Studies have also shown that the herb can help lower blood pressure, sooth a stomach ache and control diarrhea.
Key therapeutic benefits
- The essential oil derived from Mace is considered to be the most efficacious. The oil is a potent brain booster. It increases concentration and relieves stress.
- Mace is an excellent liver tonic.
- It dissolves kidney stones and prevents infection.
- The herb is also beneficial for the heart as it stimulates blood circulation.
- Mace’s anti-inflammatory properties are used to treat joint and muscle aches.
