Ayurveda Initiative For Global Health

 Haritaki ( Terminalia Chebula) The deciduous Haritaki tree grows at an altitude of 1,800 meters. The round tree is crowned and braches spread out, with a diameter of 1.5 to 2.5 meters. The long ovate leaves are acute, in opposite pairs about 10 to 20 cm long. The flowers are dull white with spikes and can be found at the end of the branches.  The fruit is hard and yellowish green in color. Each fruit has a single seed that is light yellow in color. The tree can be found in the sub Himalayan tracks, from Ravi to West Bengal and in the deciduous forests of Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Assam and Maharashtra. It is known as haritaki, abhaya and pathya in Sanskrit; harad in Hindi; hirada in Marathi; alalekaayi in Kannada; kadukkai in Tamil; horitoky in Bengali; xilikha in Assamese and karakkaya in Telugu.  Plant Chemicals   tannic acid, chebulinic acid, gallic acid, resin, anthraquinone, sennoside, mucilage, chebulin, terchebin, palmitic acid, stearic acid, ol...

 Kantakari / AkrantiPerennial Kantkari, botanically known as Solanum Xanthocarpum, is a very spiny diffused herb, with a height of up to 1.2 meters. The young branches are densely covered with minute star-shaped hair, while the mature branches are zigzag, covered with yellow, sharp shining prickles and spread close to the ground. The midribs and other nerves of the leaves have sharp yellow prickles and grow up to 10 cm in length. The purple flowers, that are 2 cm long with five petals, can be seen in small bunches, sometimes opposite to the leaves. Kantkari plant bears glabrous, globular drooping berries as fruits, yellow or pale in color, with green veins. The plant is cultivated throughout India. The herb is also known as Kantakari and Nidigadhika in Sanskrit; Kateli, Katai and Ringani in Hindi; Kantakari in Bengali; Bhuiringani in Marwai; Bhoyaringani in Gujarati; Pinnamulaka, Nelamulaka and Vankuda in Telugu; Kandankattiri in Tamil and Malayalam; Bhejibegun and An...

 Sadabahar (Vinca Rosea) Other Names: Nayantara, Periwinkle, Madagascar Periwinkle, Catharanthus Cape periwinkle is an attractive, evergreen shrub, bearing graceful pink or white salverform flowers. The plant is native to southeastern and eastern Madagascar. It gained world recognition after the European colonists exported it as an ornamental plant. Cape periwinkle can grow in the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. The glossy leaves of the plant are oval to oblong in shape and arranged in opposite pairs, with a pale midrib and a short petiole. The flowers usually have five petal-like lobes in it.  The blooms of the wild periwinkle are a pale pink, with a purple "eye" in the center. The plant can grow very well in poor and well-drained soils and will suffer if the soil is very healthy or too fertile. You have to pinch back the buds early in the season, to encourage branching and a fuller plant. Madagascar periwinkle doesn't need deadheading - the fl...

 Tulsi(Ocimum tenuiflorum) Indians have long worshipped Tulsi as a sacred plant. In fact, for thousands of years, Tulsi had been grown for spiritual reasons in the gardens of most Indian homes. Its branches, leaves and fragrance are used by Indians in for purification purposes and to heighten spiritual awareness. Thus, Tulsi is noted for these spiritual attributes, is commonly called “holy basil.” Also known by the names, “the Queen of Herbs,” “the Incomparable One” and “the Mother Medicine of Nature – Tulsi is also a powerful medicine. Though many herbs are valued highly in India, the stimulating powers of Tulsi were recognized by the ancient healers and sages, giving it a unique status as one of the most sacred herbs in India along with Soma and the Lotus. Tulsi Increases Your Stress Resilience: The best part of Tulsi is that it is one of the most effective adaptogens (an agent that helps the body adapt more efficiently to stress) ever known. Tulsi reduces the intensi...

 Kalmegh/ Bhui neem (Andrographis Paniculata) Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata) is annual herb which occurs throughout India. Kalmegh is bitter tonic and is useful in treating fever, liver disorders, worms, abdominal gas and constipation.  Kalmegh has antipyretic (lowers fevers), anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, antiparasitic and hepatoprotective (liver proteccting) activities.  It can also be used to treat children suffering from liver and digestive system related problems. Kalmegh Information Botanical name: Andrographis paniculata Indian name: Bhunimba, Yavatikta, Kalamegha, Kirata English name: Kriate, Kariyat, Creat Bengali name: Alui Gujrati: Lilun kariyatun Telugu: Nelavemu Tamil: Nila vembu Kalmegh uses in ayurveda: Chronic fever : Take Kalmegh panchang(all parts of plant), clean and dry in shade. Make decoction by boiling 3-4 gm of it in water. Drink this decoction twice a day after mixing misri. Liver related problems, Infection in inte...

 Bilva(Aegle marmelous) Bael or bilva tree is indigenous to India, but is now found in many Asian countries such as Nepal, Sri Lanka, Mynamar, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and Thailand. Botanically, the plant belongs to monotypic genera in the Orange group. The tree is generally large which grows to about 8-10 meters in height. It has a wide trunk with long, straight branches and sweet, aromatic leaves. The fruit of this tree are hard, woody and smooth with flesh inside. The flesh can be eaten fresh or dried. Chemical Constituents The biochemicals found in Bael include skimmianine, aegelin, lupeol, cineol, citral, citronellal, cuminaldehyde, eugenol, mermelosin, luvangetin, aurapten, psoralen, marmelide, fagarine, marmin and tannin. Parts of the tree which are used for medicinal purposes include fruit- both ripe and unripe, seeds and the leaves. Health benefits Gastroprotection properties: Gastroduodenal ulcers are the most common form of gastric ulcers...

 Bhumi Amla (Withania somnifera) The scientists across the world have been attracted towards the anti- viral properties of Phyllanthus niruri. The extract of the plant has been found to cure even acute inflammation of liver. As such it is justified that the extract of this plant can cure Hepatitis caused by viruses of Hepatitis A, and Hepatitis B. The extract of this plant has been found to be clinically effective in the Viral Hepatitis B along current parameters. It is due to the anti-viral properties that experiments on P. niruri are going on across the world today, and scientists hope that the plant may also be helpful in the treatment of AIDS. The extract of the plant has been proved to be non-toxic by researchers from the different parts of the world. Current researches on the chemical analysis of the extract of this plant show that its leaves contain Lignansniranthin, Nirtetralin, and phyltetralin chemical compounds. The seeds of this plant contain Ricinoleic acid...

English/common name: Sichuan Pepper Scientific Name: Zanthoxylum Piperitum  Dzongkha: Thingngye  Nepali: Timbür  Sichuan Pepper is most commonly used spices in different part of the world specially in whole of Asia.   When eaten it produces a tingling and numbing effect due to the presence of Hydroxy-Alpha Sanshool.  It is not only tasty but also has a countless health benefit such as, it has the ability to stimulate the immune system, to reduce pain, boost appetite, increase blood circulation, strengthen bones and reduces inflammation. It also helps lower the blood pressure. AND MOST IMPORTANTLY it is cooked for reducing the food poison. 

Scientific name: Tinospora Cordifolia Nepali Name: Gurjo Hindi: Giloy  Common Name: Gurjo  The widely used medicinal plant Gurjo is found in most of tropical and sub tropical regions. Stems cutting from older stem with nodes can be used directly to propagate.  In Bhutan it is found mostly in Sarpang, Tsirang, lower Zhemgang etc...  There are lot of medicinal uses from this plant and it has become so popular among the medicinal herbs during this pandemic for curing COVID-19! Well the fact is consuming this with daily doses will definitely improve your immune system, therefore helping to fight against the deadly Corona.  Traditionally used to cure many diseases like;  Diabetes, respiratory problems, curing chronic fever, Dqengue, Malaria, improves eyesight, it helps in curing cancer too, arthritis and joint pains, helps in Asthma and many more! 

Common Name: Drumsticks  Scientific Name: Moringa Oleifera  Nepali Name: Sajjana This medicinal tree, grows mostly in the hot regions of Bhutan like, Sarpang, Phuentsholing, Tsirang, Samdrupjongkhar...etc It is because the tree produces the long beens like vegetable from the twigs and branches people called it Drumsticks Vegetable which has the most valuable medicinal uses!  Uses;  Since it contains vitamin C, Antioxidant it helps in common cold, flu and several other infections. It also helps in lessening the symptoms of Asthma, cough and many other respiratory problems.   It is also good for the people with diabetes hence it has unbelievable health benefits.  Its flowers can be eaten as vegetables and also the loosely hanging beens like drumsticks are the delicious vegetables. 

 Amomum subulatum is a herb mentioned in Ayurveda for the treatment of pain, to eradicate bad odor, increase the appetite, treat skin diseases, nausea. Scientific name: Amomum subulatum Roxb. Commonly known as Black Cardamom. Site of collection: Family Cardamom orchard. Scientific classification Kingdom: Plantae Order: Zingiberales Family: Zingiberaceae. Uses: The cold infusion of the seeds of Amomum subulatum is used for gargling to treat diseases of the oral cavity like dental caries, inflammation of the gums. The paste of the seeds of Amomum subulatum is applied over the area affected with skin diseases like eczema, ringworm. The paste of the seeds of Amomum subulatum is applied over forehead to treat headache. The powder of the seeds is chewed to reduce the foul breath. The seed of the powder of Amomum subulatum is consumed in a dose of 2-3 g to treat nausea, motion sickness. Cold infusion of Amomum subulatum is consumed in a dose of 10-15 ml to treat indigestion,...

Rubus occidentalis is a species of Rubus. Its common name black raspberry is shared with the closely related species Rubus leucodermis.  Other names occasionally used include wild black raspberry, black caps, black cap raspberry, thimbleberry and scotch cap. They are rich in anti-aging antioxidants. Raspberries are antioxidant powerhouses. These health-protective compounds have been tied to lower rates of heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and obesity. Raspberry antioxidants also help reduce inflammation, a known trigger of premature aging.

Rubus ellipticus, commonly known as golden Himalayan raspberry or as yellow Himalayan raspberry, is an Asian species of thorny fruiting shrub in the rose family. Its roots are used to treat stomach pain and headaches, and its fruits are used to treat indigestion. The golden Himalayan raspberry has also been studied for potential antioxidants in its fruits.

Zanthoxylum piperitum . It contains different minerals, antioxidants and nutrients that the body requires to function properly.  Some of the most important components present are potassium, vitamin A, iron, manganese, zinc, copper and phosphorus. It stimulates the appetite and helps in digestion.

An orange is a fruit of various citrus species in the family Rutaceae. It primarily refers to Citrus sinensis,which is also called sweet orange. Health benefits of oranges It protects our cells from damage and helps our body make collagen, a protein that heals wounds and makes smoother skin. It helps in the absorption of iron to fight anemia. Taking oranges will boost our immune system, our body's defense against germs.

Bangalore Palace  Did you know that the Bangalore Palace, modelled on Windsor Castle of England, complete with fortified towers and turreted parapets, was built in the year 1887 exclusively for HH Chamaraja Wadiyar X of Mysore Kingdom, is an epitome of the majestic beauty?  The Bangalore Palace, in Bangalore City (now Bengaluru), a regal architectural masterpiece modelled on the desing of Windsor Castle in England, was initially planned on a 454 acre tract of land in 1865 by Rev. J. Garrett, the first principal of the Central High School in Bangalore (now famous as Central College). At that stage, in 1873, the land with its partially built structures was bought over from Garrett for Rs 40,000 for the exclusive use of H.H. the Chamarajendra Wadiyar X of Mysore Kingdom for his studies and training as he was then a minor 10 years old. Then, the Palace building activity was vigorusly pursued from 1881 and completed with its fortified towers and turreted...

Avalon - National Tuberculosis Institute Did you know that the Avalon, a heritage Europen Classical style edifice in Bangalore city (now Bengaluru) which belonged to the Wadiyar family of erstwhile Kingdom of Mysore was purcha.sed by the Government of India in 1959 to house the National Tuberculosis Institute? The Avalon is a heritage European Classical style edifice spread over an area of 24 acres, located on the south-east part of Bangalore on opposite Palace Grounds on Bellary road, next to Cauvery theater. It was, in the early 1900s, the residence of HH Yuvaraja Kantheerava Narashimharaja Wodeyar, the ruling Maharaja Krishnarajendra IV's younger brother. Later his son Jayachamarajendra Wadiyar and his sister owned the property till it was sold in 1959 to the Government of India at a cost of Rs 25 lakhs to house the National Tuberculosis Institute. The Avalon edifice is double storeyed and has European classical style details such as columns, balustr...

Banashankari Amma Temple , Badami Did you know that an uncommon sentry tower at the Banashankari Amma Temple near Badami town in Karnataka is a mélange of Vijayanagara Hindu and Islamic architectural styles? Banashankari Amma Temple (or Banashankari temple) is a Hindu shrine located at Cholachagudda near Badami, in Bagalkot district, Karnataka. The temple is popularly called 'Shakambhari' 'Banashankari or Vanashankari' as it is located in the Tilakaaranya forest. The temple deity is also called the Shakambhari (Kannada: ಶಾಕoಭರಿ), an incarnation of the goddess Parvati. Locals also call the temple goddess as Balavva, Banadavva, Sunkavva, Shiravanthi, Chowdamma and Vanadurge. It is believed that Banashankari is the sixth incarnation of the warrior-goddess Durga. The forests around the temple have coconut, plantain and betel leaf plants and trees. Hence, it is also said that during a severe famine, the goddess provided vegetables and food for the peo...

Horsley Hills Did you know that Horsley Hills is a salubrious hill station in Chittoor District of Andhra Pradesh where in 1863 W. H. Horsley, a British Civil servant built a bungalow as his summer residence?  Horsley Hills, orignially locally known as Yenugulla Mallamma Konda, or Horsleykonda in Telugu, was named after W. H. Horsley, a British Civil servant, Collector of the Chttor District of Andhra Pradesh who chose this location to build his summer home in 1863 due its salubrious climate, at an elevation of 1265 m. This hill is a series of hill formations in Andhra Pradesh in Madanapalle Taluk, and is about 14 km from Madanapalle town. Wellesly built this summer residence here, as in contrast to the dry and hot surroundings, the hill station was well vegetated with cooler climate of 30 degrees C during the day and 10 degrees Centigrade, delightfully cool in the night. This made it attractive as a hill station. This summer house is now a 'Forest Gue...