Ayurveda Initiative For Global Health

Fruits of Carissa carandas, commonly known as Karonda (Apocynaceae) are available with vegetable vendors during this season for edible uses and we have purchased these for making ‘KarondaPickle’. Fruit Very sour but it is sourishsweet when fully ripe. It can be eaten raw or stewed with sugar.  In India it is mainly used as pickles, however, it can also be made into jam and jellies. Furthermore, the fruit is also used to make beverages, curries and tarts. Karonda fruit are also used in Ayurveda to treat indigestion, fresh and infected wounds, skin diseases, urinary disorders etc.  Reference  Surendra Parihar Ex.Professor and Head. Deptt. of Seed , Science and Technology. Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Pusa,  New Delhi,  India 110012

Sacred_trees Ficus racemose Syn. F. glomerata (Common names: cluster figs, gular figs, Indian figs, Atti, Buah Loa, Lo fruits etc.) - Moraceae,  an excellent source of fiber to regulate the digestive tract and are high in calcium to strengthen bones. In Ayurveda, Cluster figs are used as an anti-inflammatory, cleansing, and blood purifying ingredient. Cluster figs are best suited for both raw or cooked applications, including stir-frying, boiling, and roasting. The fruits can be consumed fresh can also be pickled. When the fruits are mature, their sweet flesh can be simmered into jams, jellies etc. Cluster fig trees are known as Udumbara in Sanskrit and are sacred trees intertwined with many legends and stories. The tree is associated with the guru Dattatreya, a deity believed to embody Vishnu, Shiva, and Brahma. Dattatreya is also known as one of the lords of yoga, and many different sectors worship the deity in the present-day. Throughout India, Udumbara ...

Seeds of Vernonia anthelmintica (Syn. Centratherum anthelminticum) – Asteraceae.  Seeds are available commercially and called Kalijiri. Kalijiri is a vital source of various compounds and is used extensively in the management of cough, fever and diarrhoea. In Ayurveda, Kalijiri seeds play a critical role in managing ulcers, skin disease and leucoderma.The seeds are also used for asthma, kidney troubles and inflammation. Oil (obtained from seeds) is used extensively in Homeopathy and Unani system of medicine. Reference  Surendra Parihar Ex.Professor and Head. Deptt. of Seed , Science and Technology. Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Pusa,  New Delhi,  India 110012

Trifolium pratense (Red clover) – Fabaceae, extensively grown as pasture improvement and forage for livestock and poultry.  The flowers have a wide variety of uses in herbal medicine. The native range of this species is Macaronesia, NW. Africa, Europe to Mongolia and Himalaya and grows primarily in the temperate biome. It is used as animal food, a medicine and invertebrate food, has environmental uses and social uses.  Reference  Surendra Parihar Ex.Professor and Head. Deptt. of Seed , Science and Technology. Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Pusa,  New Delhi,  India 110012

Rungia pectinata Syn. R.parviflora ( Mushroom Plant) – Acanthaceae,  a small annual herb native to Southeast Asia and can be found growing in a variety of habitats as a weed. It is an important traditional Chinese herbal medicine.  Reference  Surendra Parihar Ex.Professor and Head. Deptt. of Seed , Science and Technology. Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Pusa,  New Delhi,  India 110012