Known as the “Queen of the Flowers”,  Rose is perhaps one of the most ancient medicinal plants known to humans, with fossil records showing it is at least 35 million years old!   

According to Ayurveda, Rose primarily balances sadhaka pitta, the subdosha of pitta that governs the emotions and impacts the heart.  It also allows better communication between sadhaka pitta and prana vata, the subdosha of vata that governs the mind, breath, respiratory channels, lungs and throat. Rose soothes the heart and emotions and can assist in healing from past grieves so that one can move on and enjoy the present moment.   Medicinal properties of the Rose have positive effects on bhrajaka pitta, the subdosha of pitta that governs the skin. It has a cooling effect on the blood which can help prevent skin issues such as acne and rashes.  

KEY APPLICATION: Wounds, inflammation, skin health, reduce wrinkles and fine lines, maintain the skin’s delicate ph balance, acne, rashes, women's health, stomach complaints, headache, dizziness, grief and heartache, colds & flu, soothes nervous, angry and sad emotions, natural booster to health and beauty, blood tonic, Rose petal infusion can be used as a gargle for a sore throat, enhances the digestive fire due to its cooling property.  

PLANT FAMILY: Rosaceae 

BOTANICAL NAME: Rosa Centifolia  

VERNACULAR NAMES: Rose, Gulab, Shatapatri, Gulabihuvu, Gulabipuvvu, Paniruppu, Pannirpu, Golap, Gul-e-surkh  

CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF FLOWER

Phenyl ethanol, Geranyl acetate, Geraniol, Linalool, Benzyl alcohol, Benzaldehyde, Nerol, Citronellyl acetate.   It also contains tannins, oloigomeric proantrocyanides, saccharine matter, mineral salts, salt of mallic acid & tartaric acid, Pectin, Riboflavin, sugars, purgative glycosides (multiflorin A & B).  

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

The understanding of medicinal properties will help us utilize the herb better. Below are medicinal properties along with its meaning indicating multiple health benefits:

• Anti-inflammatory- Reduce redness, swelling, pain, tenderness, heat etc.
• Antioxidant- Neutralize the oxidation effect of free radicals.
• Anti-bacterial- Destroy bacteria or suppresses their growth.
• Anti-microbial- Destroy or inhibit the growth of microorganisms & especially pathogenic microorganisms.
• Anti-depressant- Tend to relieve or prevent depression. 
• Antitussive- Prevent or relieve cough. 
• Astringent- Cause the drying and tightening of skin cells and other body tissues.
• Expectorant-Promote the secretion of sputum by the air passages, used to treat coughs.
• Sedative- Provide a soothing or calming effect or inducing sleep.  

AYURVEDIC PROPERTIES

Rasa (Taste) – Tikta (Bitter), Kashaya (Astringent), Madhura (Sweet)

Guna (Qualities) – Laghu (Light), Snigdha ((Unctuous or oily)

Virya (Potency) – Sheeta (Cold)

Vipaka (Post digestive effect) – Madhura (Sweet)

Effect on tridosha (Humors)- Balances all three doshas (Vata, Kapha, Pitta)  

ROSE TEA

Prepare a tea by steeping 1 teaspoon (add more for stronger flavour) of dried Rose petals in hot water for 5 to 10 minutes to get its health benefits and flavour. Green tea blends well with Rose can also be added along in hot water. You can also flavour your cup of tea with lime & honey/Stevia.  

IMPORTANT NOTE

The information provided is for educational purposes only. This data is not to be considered complete and is not guaranteed to be accurate.

Kalmegh is a hardy plant and has been used as medicine since time immemorial. This plant is also known as ‘Rice bitter’ in the West Indies and ‘King of bitters’ or ‘Chiretta’ in England.

Bitter herb used to detoxify the blood and body, especially the lungs - aids in the expulsion of mucus from the lungs, reduces inflammation of the sinuses and respiratory tract during colds due to its expectorant & mucolytic properties.

KEY APPLICATION: Common cold, bronchitis, help to cut through thick phlegm, sinus infection, reduce pitta and kapha in the head and chest, improve appetite, support comfortable digestion, liver and gall bladder protection, Jaundice, intestinal worms infestation, diarrhoea, general debility, blood purifier, enhances immunity, reduces high blood sugar, prevent dengue, high blood pressure, ulcer, leprosy, skin diseases, flatulence, colic, influenza

PLANT FAMILY: Acanthaceae

BOTANICAL NAME: Andrographis Paniculata

VERNACULAR NAMES: Kriate, Kariyat, Creat,  Kalmegha, Chuanxinlian, Kalupnath, Kirayat, Mahatita (King of Bitters), Nelabevu, Nelavepu, Nelavemu, Alui , Bhunimba , Bhui-neem, Yavatikta, Sam biloto

CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF THE WHOLE PLANT

The plant contains resinous Kalmeghin (diterpene lactone), andrographolide, diterpene glucoside, neoandrographolide, deoxyandroglycolide, epigenin, flavonoids and phenols.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

The understanding of medicinal properties will help us utilize the herb better. Below are medicinal properties along with its meaning indicating multiple health benefits:

· Antibacterial- Destroy bacteria or suppresses their growth.

· Antifungal- Have a killing action on fungi or destroys fungi. 

· Antiviral- Destroy or inhibit the growth and reproduction of viruses

· Antipyretic- Reduce fever

· Anthelmintic- Used to destroy parasitic worms.

· Anti-inflammatory- Reduce redness, swelling, pain, tenderness, heat etc.

· Carminative- Cause expulsion of gas from the stomach or bowel.

· Cholagogue- Promote the flow of bile from the gallbladder into the duodenum.

· Expectorant-Promote the secretion of sputum by the air passages; used to treat coughs.

· Hepatoprotective- Prevent damage to the liver and cure a liver injury or liver dysfunction.

· Hypoglycemic- Reduce blood sugar

· Hypochlesterolemic- Prevent the abnormal deficiency of cholesterol in the blood.

· Stomachic- Stimulates gastric activity and improves appetite and digestion. 

AYURVEDIC PROPERTIES

Rasa (Taste) – Tikta (Bitter)

Guna (Qualities) – Light (Laghu), Ruksha (Dry)

Virya (Potency) – Sheeta (cold potency)

Vipaka (Post digestive effect) – Katu (Pungent)

Effect on tridosha (Humors)- Balances Pitta & Kapha doshas

DOSAGE

1-3gm in powder form

(Please note that the exact dose depends on the age, strength, digestive power, nature of the illness, the state of the viscera, humors and disorders.)

IMPORTANT NOTE

The information provided is for educational purposes only. This data is not to be considered complete and is not guaranteed to be accurate.

Consumption of hot tea with lemon peel can be beneficial in preventing the development of cancer cells. Add it to your favorite drinks and foods to experience a pleasant zing that tastes good and increases your physical well-being.

KEY APPLICATION: Support body’s detoxification process; improve bone health, reduces cholesterol levels, promote good health, anti-aging, rejuvenate the skin, prevent scurvy, anemia, gum disease, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory polyarthritis, osteoporosis, appetizer, immunity booster, antidepressant, kill internal worms and parasites,  heal varicose veins, bloodshot eyes, phlebitis and hemorrhoids (especially when the lemon peel is used to make a tea).

PLANT FAMILY: Rutaceae

BOTANICAL NAME: Citrus Limon

VERNACULAR NAMES: neembu chilka

CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF PEEL

Bio flavonoids, salvestrol Q40 and limonene

Lemon peels contain as much as 5 to 10 times more vitamins than the lemon juice itself. To name a few: Vitamin C, Vitamin A, beta carotene, folate, calcium,  magnesium, and potassium, iron, copper.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

The understanding of medicinal properties will help us utilize the herb better. Below are medicinal properties along with its meaning indicating multiple health benefits:

· Antioxidant- Neutralize the oxidation effect of free radicals.

· Antibacterial- Destroy bacteria or suppresses their growth.

· Anti-depressant- Used to alleviate depression. 

· Anti-fungal- Have a killing action on fungi or destroys fungi. 

· Antiseptic- Destruct microorganisms that produce septic diseases.

· Astringent- Cause the drying and tightening of skin cells and other body tissues.

· Anti-cancer- Prevents a malignant and invasive growth or tumour.

· Anti-arthritis- Treats chronic inflammation of joints, accompanied by pain & structural changes.

· Cardioprotective- Protect heart

· Stomachic- Stimulates gastric activity and improves appetite and digestion. 

LEMON PEEL TEA

Drinking one cup of hot lemon peel tea 30 minutes before meals several times a day will not only lower skin cancer risk; but also aid in digestion and help prevent stomach irritations.

Put one piece of dried lemon peel to a cup of boiling water. Steep it for 5-10 minutes. Add sugar or honey if you like. It blends well with green tea. Its great as an iced tea too. 

IMPORTANT NOTE

The information provided is for educational purposes only. This data is not to be considered complete and is not guaranteed to be accurate.