Ayurveda Initiative For Global Health

Queen's Flower or Hole dasavala Lagerstroemia speciosa Did you know that Queen's Flower or Hole dasavala or Lagerstroemia speciosa, a plant native to India particularly to the western ghats, is known by the specific epithet 'reginae' or 'flosreginae', which means "imperial or flower of the queen"? Queen's Flower or Hole dasavala (ಹೊಳೆ ದಾಸವಾಳ in Kannada language), also known as 'giant crepe-myrtle', 'Queen's crepe-myrtle', 'banabá plant', or 'pride of India', or 'Queen's Flower' or 'Jarul' with the botancial name Lagerstroemia speciosaa is a deciduous tree with profusion of flowers in purple, lilac or pinkish-violet colours that lasts for many months. It is native to India in particular to western ghats of India covering Belgaum, north and south Kanara, Malabar and Travancore, and also in Assam and West Bengal. It is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant in tropical and subtro...

Kasturi Did you know that 'Kasturi ' or 'Deer Musk', is the well known perfumery product of animal origin, obtained from the dried gland of the male musk deer, and also used as 'Kasturi Tilakam', a mark of vertical line on the forehead of an image of a deity, or by devotees? Kasturi, known in Sanskrit as 'Kasturika', is 'Deer Musk' perfume gained from the navel extracted from the caudal glands of the male musk deer (Moschus moschifeus). There are seven musk producing species that make up Moschus of genus of the family Moschidae. out of which six species are listed as Endangered. White bellied musk deer occurs in the Himalayas from Afghanistan, Pakistan to China, and of these Kashmiri Musk deer in Himalayas is one of the most endangered species in the region. The Highest quality of musk is Tonkin musk from Vietnam, followed by Assam and Nepal musk, while Carbadine musk from Russian and Chinese Himalayan regions are considered inferior. Kasturi...

Champaka or Sampige tree and flower Did you know that Champaka or Sampige tree and its flower, known universally by the botanical name Michalea champaca and of the Magnoliaceae family, is very fragrant to a point where it will intoxicate you? Champaka, known as Champa in Sanskrit, and also Sampige in Kannada, is a tree which blooms with flowers known for its fragrance. Its scientific botanical names is Michelia champaca or Magnolia champaca of the family of Magnoliaceae (family which has about 219 species throughout the world) is also called the Joy perfume tree or yellow jade orchid tree in English. The other Indian names of Champaka are : Tita- sopa in Assamese, Champa in Bengali, Sachochampo in Gujarati, Pudchampo in Konkani, Leihao in Manipuri, Chompa in Oriya, Pivalu Champa in Nepali, Sambagam in Tamil, Champangi in Telegu and Champa in Urdu.  It is native to India and South East Asia. It is a medium-large, tropical, evergreen tree and grows very tal...

Typical Jamun fruits possesses commercial importance as a minor fruit in tropical and subtropical countries. It is a versatile fruit tree of both food and medicinal value.

Betel Nut The betel nut is an integral part of the daily or ritualistic Pooja. It is also popularly used in the age old-custom of Indian eating. The supari is symbolic of the nut of the ego that must be offered on the altar of God. It represents the hard, coarse qualities that must be surrendered to God, leaving only the soft, pure qualities. Mostly symbolic the Supari is many a times traditionally represented as the Nine planets (in the Navgrah Pooja) and takes the form of Deities like Brahma, Surya and others during different Poojas. The betel nut can also represent a human being. In Maharashtra, the wife's presence is must at important religious rituals. But if she is away or dead, a betel nut wrapped in a cloth can represent her. In Bengal, betel nut is believed to carry magical properties. it is placed under the pillow at night so that the sleeping person can see his future in dreams. Betel nuts are believed to increase prosperity and they are tied to the pandal, t...