Tulsi
Tulsi -Holy basil plant has a Spiritual as well as medicinal importance in India.
tulsi (Ocimum sanctum Linn) is scientific research is now confirming its beneficial effects.The chemical constituents of tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) include:
Monoterpenes: Camphor, cineole, estragol, and eugenol
Sesquiterpenes: Germacrene, caryophyllene, and bisabolene
Other compounds: Cirsilineol, circimaritin, isothymusin, apigenin, rosameric acid, carvacrol, orientin, and andvicenin.Tulsi has been found to protect organs and tissues against chemical stress from industrial pollutants and heavy metals, and physical stress from prolonged physical exertion, ischemia, physical restraint and exposure to cold and excessive noise. Tulsi has also been shown to counter metabolic stress through normalization of blood glucose, blood pressure and lipid levels, and psychological stress through positive effects on memory and cognitive function and through its anxiolytic and anti-depressant properties.
Amla
Amla/Aavla (Phyllanthus emblica) is the contains best fruit God gifted to us. I personally believe that the famous English phrase “apple a day keeps Dr away ” should be modified by Indians as Amla a day….. Keeps Dr away.
Indian gooseberry/ Amla contains many phytochemicals, including polyphenols, tannins, ascorbic acid, flavonoids, alkaloids, mucic acid, amino acids, phenolic glycosides, and phenolic acids
Sugar residues
Amla contains D-glucose, D-fructose, D-myo-inositol, D-galacturonic acid, D-arabinosyI, D-rhamnosyl, D-xylosyI, D-glucosyI, D-mannosyl, and D-galactosyI
Fatty acids
Amla contains linolenic, linoleic, oleic, stearic, palmitic, and myristic acids
Micro and macro elements
Amla contains calcium, magnesium, selenium, and boron
Amla is a deciduous tree that grows in tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, including India, China, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia. Amla is used in Ayurvedic preparations and has many therapeutic uses, including treating diabetes, inflammation, skin disorders, liver ailments, neurological issues, digestive dysfunctions, cancer, and immunological disorders.
There are many traditional as well as Ayurvedic preparation of Amla. One of the widely used is Chyawanprash.
Guduchi
The Guduchi/Gudvel /Gudmar/Giloy plant, also known as Tinospora cordifolia, contains a wide range of chemical constituents, including:
alkaloids, glycosides, steroids, flavonoids, phenols, tannins, terpenoids, polysaccharides, essential oils, and fatty acids.
Some specific chemical compounds found in the Guduchi plant include:
Tinosporin, Tinosporide, Cordifolide, Tinocordifolin, Jatrorrhizine, and Tinosporic acid.
Guduchi is bestowed with the following healing properties.
Immunomodulator
Rejuvenative
Adaptogen
Anti-inflammatory
Mild Analgesic
Antioxidant
Anticancer
Anti-stress
Antacid
Febrifuge
Anti-gout
Anti-mutagenic
Antipruritic
Hematogenic
Detoxifier
Hypo-glycemic
Diuretic
Demulcent
Carminative
Anti-constipation
Digestive Stimulant
Ayurvedic Indications Of Guduchi
Since ancient times, the use of Guduchi has been widely mentioned in several ayurvedic scriptures and textbooks by the sages Charaka, Susruta, Raj Nighantu etc. Some of its ayurvedic indications as mentioned in the ancient textbooks of Charaka Samhita include:
Agnideepani (improves digestion)
Amahara (treats indigestion)
Deepana (enhances stomach fire)
Pachana (helps in digestion)
Amahara (treats indigestion)
Vaman (prevents nausea and vomiting)
Krimihara (relieves intestinal worms)
Dahahara (relieves burning sensation)
Mehahara (treats urinary tract disorders)
Kashahara (Relieves cough)
Trutahara (relieves excessive thirst)
Rasayani (rejuvenates the whole body)
Sangrahini (treats diarrhoea)
Balya (improves muscle strength)
Pandu (treats anaemia)
Shwasha (relieves breathing difficulties)
Arsha (treats piles)
Krichra (treats painful micturition)
Kustha (treats skin disorders)
Kamala (prevents jaundice)
Vatasruk (treats gout)
Jvara (useful for fever)
Vrushya (acts as an aphrodisiac)
Vayasthapana (prevents ageing)
Hridaya (treats heart problems)
Chakushya (treats vision problems)
Prameha (manages diabetes)
Neem
Neem /Kadulimb :Neem also is a used traditionally as an protector from bad enegry, diseases. It is used in many rituals for pooja/ yagna. In Vastu shashtra also it has a special place for protection from evil energies. Neem (Azadirachta indica) contains many chemicals, including:
Azadirachtin: The main active ingredient in neem, which repels and disrupts insect growth and reproduction
Meliantriol: A feeding inhibitor that can cause insects to stop eating
Salannin: An antifeedant that has been tested against various insects
Nimbin and nimbidin: Have antiviral activity against potato virus X, vaccinia virus, and fowl pox virus
Quercetin and ß-sitosterol: Polyphenolic flavonoids that have antibacterial and antifungal properties
Gedunin: A valuable constituent found in the seeds of the neem plant
Limonoids: A chemically diverse and structurally complex phytochemical found in neem
Flavonoids: A chemically diverse and structurally complex phytochemical found in neem
Phenols: A chemically diverse and structurally complex phytochemical found in neem
Catechins: A chemically diverse and structurally complex phytochemical found in neem
Gallic acid: A chemically diverse and structurally complex phytochemical found in neem
Polyphenols: A chemically diverse and structurally complex phytochemical found in neem
Neem is a medicinal tree that has been used for its therapeutic properties for thousands of years. The phytochemicals in neem have a wide range of therapeutic activities, including anti-viral, anti-malarial, anti-bacterial, and anti-cancer properties.
Ginger
In Ayurveda, ginger is called the “Universal Medicine” because it helps balance the body’s doshas (energies) and treats various health issues like digestion, colic, and bacterial diarrhoea, enhancing overall gut health.Rich in minerals, ginger supports cardiovascular health, improves blood flow, and lowers blood pressure. It boosts immunity, especially when combined with honey.
Ginger contains many chemical compounds, including:
Carbohydrates: 50–70% of ginger rhizomes are carbohydrates
Lipids: 3–8% of ginger rhizomes are lipids
Terpenes: These include zingiberene, β-bisabolene, α-farnesene, β-sesquiphellandrene, and α-curcumene
Phenolic compounds: These include gingerol, paradols, and shogaol
Gingerols: These are the pungent constituents of ginger and are related to capsaicin, which makes chilies spicy
Shogaols: These are the pungent constituents of ginger and are about twice as spicy as gingerol
Volatile oils: These include shogaols and gingerols and give ginger its characteristic odor and flavor
Amino acids: Ginger contains amino acids
Raw fiber: Ginger contains raw fiber
Ash: Ginger contains ash
Protein: Ginger contains protein
Phytosterols: Ginger contains phytosterols
Vitamins: Ginger contains vitamins, such as nicotinic acid and vitamin A
Minerals: Ginger contains minerals, such as iron, calcium, phosphorous, zinc, copper, chromium, and manganese
Ginger’s health benefits are mainly attributed to its phenolic compounds, such as gingerols and shogaols.
Turmeric
Turmeric- Curcuma longa / Haridra/Haladi/Halad
For centuries, this golden spice has been a cornerstone of traditional medicine, cherished for its ability to promote holistic wellness and vitality. It is Anti-inflammatory, helps in Digestion, fights Cancer, Fights depression, it is an Potent antioxidant, improves
Brain function, Useful in controlling
Osteoarthritis,
Pain management, controls
Diabetes,
Enhances skin health,
Good for joints,
Antibacterial,
Curcumin has benefits against depression
Skin condition
Allergic rhinitis
Antioxidant properties
Ayurveda
Cardiovascular disease
Combats inflammation
Detoxify the liver
Digestive Health
Improves respiratory health
Turmeric’s chemical composition includes:
Curcuminoids: A mixture of curcumin, demethoxycurcumin, and bisdemethoxycurcumin, which are natural antioxidants and give turmeric its golden yellow color. Curcuminoids make up 3–5% of turmeric.
Essential oils: Made up of terpenoids, including sesquiterpenoids, monoterpenoids, and norsesquiterpenoids. Major constituents include turmerone, germacrone, atlantone, and zingiberene.
Carbohydrates: Make up 60–70% of turmeric.
Protein: Makes up 6–8% of turmeric.
Fat: Makes up 5–10% of turmeric.
Minerals: Makes up 3–7% of turmeric, including potassium, sodium, calcium, iron, and phosphorus.
Vitamins: Present in trace amounts.
The chemical composition of turmeric can vary depending on the soil conditions in which it’s grown. Indian turmeric is considered to be of high quality and has a high curcumin content.