Hibiscus or Gudhal is a flowering plant commonly known as China rose. Hibiscus, also known as Japa in Ayurvedic texts, is less widely referred to as Rose Mallow. It is an evergreen plant which is approximately 150-270 cm in height. The leaves are alternate and have an ovular outline (also known as ovate to lanceolate) often having a toothed...
Gond Katira is a crystalline herb that is extracted from the sap of the Gond/Locoweed plant. This herb is obtained from the stems and roots of the plant and is then dried to form crystal-like balls. It acts as a natural gum for all intents and purposes. Note that this ingredient is tasteless and odourless, and swells up on...
Tinospora cordifolia (Botanical name), most commonly known as Guduchi in Sanskrit, Giloy in Hindi and Heart Leaved Moonseed in English finds mention in the very famous Indian epic ‘The Ramayana.’ Impressed with Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana, Lord Indra sprinkled nectar from heaven to restore the lives of the dead monkey army. The drops that fell on earth took...
You may have heard of the white Aak plant whose leaves and flowers are considered auspicious to offer to Lord Shiva. Native to India, Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, China and a host of other Asian countries, the Madar plant is known by many names such as Calotropis Gigantea (Scientific name), Arka (Sanskrit name), Aak/Madar (Hindi name), and Sodom...
Did you know that the World Health Organization estimates that around 422 million people world-over suffer from diabetes today? But the scariest part is how diabetes has emerged as a 'normal, almost expected' disease among people across different ages and varying lifestyles. It does not need to be so. Luckily, we have natural and organic herbs such as Saptarangi...
Get this: According to the World Health Organization, "It is estimated that about 80% of the world's population relies on herbs for their primary healthcare needs." Then, it is hardly surprising, that people oftentimes enquire about a useful Ayurvedic herb/aushadhi (medicine) that is evergreen, ornamental, and more importantly, medicinally-valuable. Vidhara is one such Rasayana herb. This perennial and evergreen...
Fermenting agent. Check. Medicinal benefits. Check. Curative properties. Check. Today, we'll be exploring the herb that goes by the name of Dhataki. Dhataki is a multi-purpose Ayurvedic herb that is aesthetically beautiful and medicinally useful. Having been first mentioned in the ancient Ayurvedic text - Charaka Samhita - this herb helps to heal wounds, ferment medicinal wines, promote a natural...