Ayurveda

Known as amalaki; one of the three fruits in Triphala.

Known as kalmegh; used for infections and fevers.

The bark is used as a heart tonic, and for fractures, ulcers, liver problems and anemia.

A principal herb in Ayurvedic gynecology, for heavy periods and other uterine problems.

One of the main rasayana (rejuvenating) herbs in Ayurveda, used for nearly 3,000 years to strengthen the nervous system, boost sex drive and build general strength. Its Sanskrit name means "smell of horse", referring to the root's distinctive smell and to the vigor it was traditionally believed to give.

Technical detail: nervine tonic, aphrodisiac.

Called ativisha; used for diarrhea, fever, urinary infections and inflammation.

Used in Ayurvedic and Unani medicine, especially in South Asia, for fever, cough, colds, digestive complaints and reproductive problems.

A sacred tree used since Vedic times. The fruit is used for diarrhea and ulcers, and the root is part of dashamula, an Ayurvedic root formula.

Used as a revitalizing, anti-aging herb.

Used for centuries for inflammatory conditions, arthritis and pain, and for some breathing and heart problems.

Long used for nerve and behavior problems.

Used in South Asia to boost memory and intellect and for mental illness, headache and eye infections.

Used in traditional Indian medicine for rheumatism, belly pain, back pain, coughs, skin diseases and fever.

Described as an Ayurvedic plant used in several traditional medicine systems.

Known in Ayurvedic medicine for liver and kidney problems.

A well-known Ayurvedic medicine; the root is purified in lime water before use, and the classics name it as a remedy for liver disorders.

Traditionally used in India for digestive discomfort, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammation and joint pain.

Long used in traditional medicine and cooking in India.

Used for wounds, ulcers, rheumatism, fever, inflammation, asthma and toothache; leaves were smoked in a pipe for allergies.

In Ayurvedic medicine, where dill is known as "sowa", it is traditionally used to relieve gas, settle the stomach and increase urination. Dill seed (Fructus Anethi) is included in the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India.

Technical detail: carminative, stomachic, diuretic.

Used since ancient times as a Rasayana, a rejuvenating tonic.

Fennel seed is listed in the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India as an important ingredient in multi-herb formulas. Its Sanskrit names include Madhurika and Shatapushpa, and in Hindi it is widely known as saunf or badi saunf.

Used in Ayurveda for inflammation, diabetes and digestive problems, and to increase breast milk.

Used historically in India for headaches, pneumonia, throat conditions and digestive problems.

Described in Ayurvedic texts as one of the most important medicinal plants; used for jaundice, fever and immunity.

Known as Ardraka (fresh ginger) and Shunthi (dried ginger). Used since ancient times for digestion, breathing and circulation.

Called kali musli; a rasayana (rejuvenating) herb valued as a tonic and aphrodisiac.

Used as a medicinal herb.

Called gurmar, "sugar destroyer"; described in the Charaka and Sushruta Samhitas for diabetes.

Used for thousands of years, alone or in herbal formulas, for rheumatism and arthritis, nerve diseases, hemorrhoids, urinary problems and skin diseases.

Named first in the Ayurvedic materia medica; one of the three fruits in Triphala.

Highly revered as a medicine in Ayurveda and Siddha medicine; used for bronchitis, cough, asthma, fever, headache and many other conditions.

Used in Ayurveda as a Rasayana (rejuvenating) remedy.

Called shyonaka; the seeds go into Chyawanprash, and the root bark and bark are used for diarrhea, fever, coughs and joint pain.

Called avartaki; also used in Siddha medicine.

Used for millennia, with certain cautions, for fever, jaundice, the liver and breathing problems.

A well-known Ayurvedic and Unani remedy, mainly for breathing problems.

Applied to inflamed areas, ulcers and fractures, used for long-lasting inflammation, and mixed with honey for skin discoloration.

Used for male infertility, nerve disorders, as an aphrodisiac, and for Parkinson's disease.

Widely used in Ayurveda for about 2,000 years.

Used on the skin for skin conditions, taken for stomach and gut complaints, and used for oral hygiene.

Used for centuries in Ayurveda and Unani medicine, especially for diabetes.

Used for cancer, diabetes, and stomach, kidney, liver and heart problems.

A rejuvenating (rasayana) herb in the Charaka Samhita, often given as Vardhamana Pippali, a gradually rising then tapering dose.

A rasayana (rejuvenating) herb in Ayurveda.

Valued for its healing properties since ancient times.

Used for postnatal care, wounds, jaundice and snakebite.

Used in Ayurveda as a tonic, to increase urination and to increase breast milk, and by some practitioners for nervous disorders, inflammation and some infections. Traditionally used for hormonal balance.

Used for centuries as a rejuvenator (rasayana); described in the Charaka Samhita.

Main ingredient of Panchashirishadi Agad, a classic formula for allergies and poisoning.

Seed oil used as a brain tonic for memory and intellect.

Its traditional medicinal uses are recorded in Ayurveda.

A cornerstone of digestive and rejuvenating treatment, made from three fruits: amalaki, bibhitaki and haritaki.

Known as Haridra in Sanskrit and Haldi in Hindi. Traditionally used for digestive problems, arthritis, skin diseases and inflammation, and valued for easing inflammation and pain.