Devadaru is Sanskrit is a name for a medicinal tree which is used for Ayurvedic medication since ages in India. While it’s Botanical name is Cedrus Deodara (thickest known tree of Pinaceae family), it’s also called Himalayan Cedar by layman’s name in English. Origins of its Sanskrit name are explained in 2 words- Dev meaning Divine/ Godly and Daru...
Yashtimadhu is a very widely used herb in Indian Ayurveda and Chinese medicine that derives its name from Yashti meaning “taste” and Madhu meaning “sweet” and is used in the treatment of Vata and Pitta disorders. Its botanical name Glycyrrhiza originates from Greek words glukos meaning “sweet” and rhiza meaning “root”....
Ever heard of an Ayurvedic herb that's so famous and effective that it has been mentioned in all the three texts of Ayurveda: Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita and Ashtanga Hridaya? The herb we will be discussing today is called Manjistha - also known as rakta shodhak or blood purifier. It has other names and forms: Whether you call it Rubia...
If you've ever had the delicious Kashmiri dish - Rogan Josh - or even Tandoori Chicken, you've probably wondered where it gets it's signature red colour. We have one word for you: Ratanjot. Ratanjot / रतनजोत (Hindi name) or Alkanna Tinctoria (Botanical name) is an ancient Ayurvedic herb and is commonly known by many intriguing names: Alkanet (English name),...
Some have nicknamed it as the "world's worst weed" but its multi-purpose, integrated benefits will leave you astounded. Whether you call it Nagarmotha (Hindi name), Cyperus Scariosus (Scientific name), or Nutgrass (English name), this power-house of a herb finds its roots (pun not intended) in ancient Ayurvedic text - Charaka Samhita (which is more than 2,000 years old). In...
Where there's traditional cooking and extensive use of seasonal ingredients, you'll come across a tree with leaves that resemble a camel's foot: Kachnar or more specifically, Kachnar Kali. Aptly nicknamed Camel Foot Tree/Mountain Ebony (English name) and also known as Bauhinia Variegata (Scientific), this edible flowering plant comes with a multitude...
Seasoned cooks may be aware of Indian borage - commonly known as Plectranthus Barbatus - which is a common garden plant in most kitchens. Some cooks have even experimented with it producing delicacies such as oregano bhajjis! Apart from being used in cooking, it has many ayurvedic health benefits but more on...
If we told you there was an Ayurvedic plant so strong that it could possibly cut an axe, would you believe us? Probably not. But the natural Ayurvedic world is full of surprises. The plant in question here is called Nagkesar or Vajrakat (Vajra means an irresistible force or a mythical...
"Shankhpushpam kannezhuthumbol shak unthale ninne orma varum..." If you know this song, you're probably familiar with the works of the famous Malayali poet Vayalar Ramavarma. Loosely translated, the lyrics pay tribute to a luminescent blue flower with a gorgeous yellow centre - Shankhpushpi. In the song, this beautiful, fragrance-less flower reminds king Dushyanta of the beautiful eyes of Shakunthala....
