Category Archive Essential Oil

Mulethi is an effective traditional herb that is widely used in Indian medicines, folk medicines, home remedies, and Ayurveda.

It is a classical Ayurvedic remedy and has been used in centuries as grandma’s remedy for sore throat and cough. Mulethi is effective to treat ulcers, joint pains, hyperacidity, general debility and many other diseases.

It provides effective treatments for various diseases due to the medicinal properties. It acts as a good analgesic,  anti-inflammatory agent, aphrodisiac and antiacid agent.

About Mulethi

The Scientific name of Mulethi is  Glycyrrhiza glabra that belongs to the Fabaceae family. The word ‘Glycyrrhiza’ is derived from the Greek word ‘glykos’ that means ‘sweet’ and the word ‘rhiza’ means root, so the name of this plant is ‘sweet root.’

In Tamil, Mulethi is known as ‘Athimathuram.’ Athumathuram is a herbaceous perennial plant that grows up to 1-meter height, and it is commonly found in hot, dry and sunny climates of India, Asia, and Europe regions. The root of this plant is stoloniferous and has a sweet taste.

The leaves of this plant are green in color and contain 10-15 leaflets. The flowers of Mulethi plant are conch shell-shaped and purple to white-blue in color.

The plant contains oblong podded fruits with many small seeds. In Ayurveda, it is known as ‘Yashtimadhu,’ and the meaning of this name is ‘honey-like wood.’ Even the herb is 40-50 times sweeter than sugar, but it is an excellent remedy for maintaining blood sugar.

Mulethi contains many biochemical compounds, that is the reason for its distinct aroma. Due to the compound of glycyrrhizin, it has an excellent sweet taste.

The root of this plant is mainly used in ancient folk medicines to enhance sexual vigor naturally. It is widely popular as ‘Sarvarogaprashamani’ and recommended by many ancient physicians to improve the stamina of warriors.

Apart from this, the root of this Mulethi is widely used in Asian and Middle Eastern cooking. The root powder has been used as a flavoring agent in sweets for decades.

Ayurvedic Indications of Mulethi

According to the holistic science of Ayurveda terms, this root powder is called Yashtimadhu. The root powder of Mulethi is used to treat various diseases such as Rochana, Kashahara, Deepana, Anulomana, Pachana, Vamana, Mehahara, Rasayani, Dahahara, Prameha, Vayasthapana, Trutahara, Vrushya, Sangrahini, Kanthya, Krimihara, Balya, Kustha, Jvara, Shwasha, Kamala, Shonitasthapana, Amahara, Hridaya, Chakushya, Varnya, Arsha, and Krichra.

Common Names of Mulethi (Athimathuram):

Botanical Name: Glycyrrhiza Glabra
English Name: Licorice
Tamil Name: அதிமதுரம் / Athimathuram
Malayalam Name: ഇരട്ടി മധുരം / Earatti Maduram
Telugu Name: యష్టిమధుకం / అతిమధురం / ఇరాత్తిమధురం / Yashtimadhukam / Atimadhuram / Irattimadhuram
Kannada Name: ಲಿಕ್ಕರೈಸ್ ರೂಟ್ / Yashtimadhu, Atimadhura
Hindi Name: मुलेठी / जेठीमधु / Mulethi, Jethimadhu
Marathi Name: मद्यपान / JeshtamadhaTamil – Atimaduram
Urdu: شراب کی جڑ / Mulhati

Medicinal Properties of Mulethi (Athimathuram)

• Anti-inflammatory
• Antacid
• Anti-oxidant
• Anti-adipogenic
• Anti-ulcerogenic
• Anti-Alzheimer’s
• Anti-obesogenic
• Anticancer
• Anti-asthmatic
• Anti-atherogenic
• Adaptogenic
• Anti-angiogenic
• Anti-arthritic
• Antibacterial
• Anti-proliferative
• Antitussive
• Antidepressant
• Analgesic
• Aphrodisiac
• Anti-stress
• Expectorant
• Immuno-modulator
• Demulcent
• Mild estrogenic

Health Benefits of Mulethi (Athimathuram)

Mulethi is mainly used to treat respiratory and digestive systems. It also helps in treating many symptoms such as burning sensation, abdominal colic, heartburn, peptic ulcer duodenal ulcer, GERD, and chronic gastric problems.

Mulethi contains Glycyrrhizin that contains sweet taste and decreases the inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. It used to treat digestion system-related diseases.

Improves Digestion

Mulethi is an effective digestive herb. The root of Mulethi contains an anti-flatulent property that helps to decrease the gas formation in the alimentary canal, so it decreases flatulence, abdominal distension, and bloating.

It increases appetite, decreases indigestion, and enhances better absorption of nutrients in the body. The root powder of Mulethi contains a high amount of fiber that makes it a great remedy to treat constipation and other digestive problems.

Treats Respiratory Troubles

Mulethi is an effective remedy for all kinds of respiratory problems. It contains anti-asthmatic, anti-inflammatory, and antibiotic properties, so it plays an important role in treating common cough, cold, and flu symptoms.

It thins the phlegm deposits from nasal cavities and chest so it makes easy breathing and helps to get relief from the mucus.

It is more beneficial to treat asthma and bronchitis conditions. Regular consumption of this herb strengthens your lung tissues and improves your lung health.

• Take one teaspoon of Mulethi powder with pushkarmool powder, honey, and water. Take this regularly to cure asthmatic allergy conditions.
• For sore throat, take a mixture of one teaspoon of Mulethi powder, Sitopaladi churna, and honey with lukewarm water. Consuming this two times per day decreases inflammation, cough, and irritation of the throat.

Reduces Weight Loss

Mulethi contains numerous flavonoids that help to decrease excess weight quickly. Due to the presence of fiber and essential nutrients, the regular consumption of Mulethi soothes hunger pangs and inhibits overeating.

Thus, it plays a vital role in reducing weight. The powder decreases the accumulation of LDL in the body, so improves metabolism and helps to maintain a normal weight.

Treats Gastritis

The Glycyrrhizic acid present in Mulethi contains powerful anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties that help to inhibit toxic bacteria Helicobacter pylori and prevent the growth of it in the gut.

The root powder of Mulethi soothes the stomach lining and maintains balance in stomach ulcers, food poisoning, and heartburn.

Mulethi is a natural antiacid, so it decreases the hydrochloric acid in the stomach. It also reduces gastritis because of peptic mucosa and acidic irritation. Regular consumption of Mulethi powder, coriander powder, nutgrass powder, amla powder, and giloy with lukewarm water helps to provide relief from gastritis.

Reduces High Cholesterol

Mulethi is considered as a rejuvenative cardio-tonic root because of its natural bioactive compounds. This Ayurvedic herb effectively reduces the bad cholesterol level and triglycerides in the body.

It prevents the deposition of plaque in body vessels and also prevents atherosclerosis, so it decreases the chances of strokes, heart blocks and heart attacks.

Treats Ulcer

Mulethi contains anti-inflammatory properties that have powerful effects on treating different types of ulcers, such as peptic ulcer, mouth ulcer, ulcerative colitis, canker sores, etc.

The bioactive compounds carbenoxolone of Mulethi plays an important role in treating gastric and mouth ulcers. It also helps to heal the inflamed mucosal layer quickly and decreases the chances of ulceration.

Mouth Ulcers or Canker Sores

Canker sore is a common type of mouth ulcer with pain and tenderness. The bioactive compound carbenoxolone of Mulethi plays a main role in healing mouth ulcers. The water or tea of Mulethi decreases the tenderness and pain. It is also very effective in decreasing the size of canker sores.

Provides Cognitive Abilities

Mulethi is an effective traditional remedy with brain-boosting properties. The sweet root of Mulethi contains powerful antioxidants and flavonoids that improve your concentration, memory capacity, focus, alertness, and calmness.

Mulethi is a powerful Medhya Rasayana herb, so it enhances memory power, problem-solving capacity, reasoning, and cognitive abilities.

The Mulethi plant contains many neuroprotective elements that help to inhibit loss of memory and relieve stress and tension from your mind.

Consume two gms of Mulethi powder with warm milk that helps to improve your memory power and inhibit the chances of many psychotic disorders such as dementia, epilepsy, and Alzheimer’s.

Treats Diabetes

The Mulethi root powder contains powerful phytoestrogenic compound glabridin that not only provides a sweet taste to root and also plays an important role in controlling the levels of blood sugar in the body.

Consumption of Mulethi powder activates the insulin production from β-pancreatic cells. A sufficient dosage of Mulethi powder helps to decrease the breakdown of starch into glucose and controls diabetes.

Boosts Immunity

Mulethi is also known as an enchanting ayurvedic herb that contains high significance in improving the normal energy and stamina level of your body.

It contains powerful bio-active ingredients that help to decrease weakness, debility, and fatigue and also enhance the vitality of your body.

The anti-microbial property present in Mulethi helps to boost immunity and protects your body from various microbial diseases. It helps to enhance the function of the kidney, liver, and adrenal glands and also helps to decrease the levels of stress.

Promotes Hair Growth

Mulethi Powder is an effective herb for improving hair growth. It increases blood circulation in hair follicles and scalp. By providing more nutrients to the blood supply, it enhances the root of the hair and helps in hair growth.

Ayurveda recommended that consuming Mulethi regularly not only reduces baldness and also inhibits premature greying, hair fall, and various types of scalp infections. Take a mixture of 2 teaspoons of Mulethi, henna, haritaki, reetha powder in water and add one teaspoon of castor oil and almond oil to it.

Apply this hair pack on your scalp and wash your hair using shampoo. Repeat this once per week for enhancing your hair growth and inhibits greying hair and hair loss.

Regulates Hormones

Mulethi is one of the Ayurvedic herbs that are great for its effects on adrenal glands. It contains phytoestrogens bio-active substances that are more beneficial in maintaining hormone balance.

It provides relief from depression, mood swings, insomnia, hot flashes, menstrual cramps, sweating during the menstrual cycle.

Mulethi powder is recommended for the new mom because that helps to increase secretion and production of breast milk by regulating the hormones.

Treats Skin diseases

Mulethi is a powerhouse of antioxidants and rich nutrients that is a rejuvenating herb and plays a major role in treating several skin diseases.

It effectively eliminates the free radicals from your body and prevents the damage of oxidative. Mulethi is a great pacifier of Vata and pitta, so it eliminates the AMA toxins from the skin’s internal layer.

It improves the overall health of the skin and treats several skin infections such as acne, rashes, eczema, boils, pimples, etc.

Mulethi is used in various forms such as toner, cleanser, spot correcting gels to decrease dark circles, hyperpigmentation, and provides a spotless glowing skin. Mulethi can also be used in many ways to enhance skin health.

• Mulethi can be applied in the forms of paster, gel, oil on eczema patches to provide a cool and soothing feeling on your skin. It also helps to reduce swelling, itchiness, redness of inflamed scratchy skin.
• Take one teaspoon of Mulethi powder and Amla powder with a spoon of milk or rosewater and apply it on your face as a face pack. Repeat this for alternative days to enhance the radiance of your skin.
• For oily skin, it is better to apply the paste of sandalwood powder and Mulethi powder as a face mask with rose water to control excess sebum secretion.
• For dry skin, Take two teaspoons of Mulethi powder, add ten drops of Kumkumadi tailam with it and apply it evenly on your face to enhance complexion and decrease spots and blemishes.

Treats Malaria

The Chinese Mulethi contains a compound LICOCHALCONE that helps to prevent falciparum strain, and it has similar effects of chloroquine. According to studies, the newly isolated licorice compound contains powerful anti-malarial properties.

High potassium levels

Research found that Mulethi contains many compounds that help to reduce the level of potassium in the blood. Thus, it may be very effective in the situation of high serum potassium in people who have diabetes and kidney diseases.

Relieves Muscle cramps

Mulethi contains muscle relaxant and antispasmodic effects that help to decrease muscle cramps and tenderness for people who have fibromyalgia. The effect of Mulethi can be mainly used in abdominal spasm in women during menstruation, but it can’t work alone, so you may also take other medicines.

Seminal Weakness

Mulethi is not recommended for people who have a loss of libido but helps men who suffer from early discharge or seminal weakness. Typically, hypersensitivity or hyper-excitement is a cause of early discharge in men. It decreases excessive excitement and helps to treat early discharge in men. The mind plays a major role in early discharge so that Mulethi is an effective remedy for that.

Therapeutic Dosage of Mulethi

The accurate dosage of Mulethi powder for great relief can vary from person to person according to age, condition, and severity of the patient. Before taking this, you should consider the doctor or Ayurvedic practitioner’s advice because they prescribe the effective dosage for a particular period of time by examining the patient’s conditions.

The minimum dosage of Mulethi powder ranges between 1-3 gms for adults two times per day with milk or lukewarm water before food.

Side Effects of Mulethi

Although the magical root of Mulethi is an effective remedy for all health conditions, it is not recommended to take if the doctor did not suggest it.

Without consultation, the overdose of Mulethi powder decreases high potassium and increases the level of sodium in the body so that it may cause water retention and bloat. Excessive consumption of Mulethi powder may lead to hyper that hypertensive encephalopathy and hypertension.

It is strongly recommended not to take Mulethi powder during pregnancy or breastfeeding without consulting the doctor’s advice because it may cause preterm delivery. It also may cause abnormal allergic effects in the new-born baby through breast milk.

Contradictions

• Loss of libido
• Hypertonia
• Hypertension encephalopathy
• Fluid retention
• Kidney disease
• Patients with high blood pressure
• Congestive heart failure
• Erectile dysfunction
• Hypokalemia

Conclusion

Mulethi is a traditional herbal remedy for treating many health disorders. It provides effective treatments for ulcers, respiratory diseases, indigestion, liver damages, cardiac issues, and many skin diseases. The Mulethi contains many effective health benefits, and it is more beneficial in providing relief from congestion and sore throat. If you consume proper dosage, you can avoid side effects and get an effective health condition.

Honey is a sweet and healthy liquid substance extracted from flowers by bees, which is collected in honeycombs and then extracted by humans. This is because natural honey tastes sweeter than sugars and has far more medicinal benefits.

Research on various cave paintings shows that humans collected and used honey from hives about 8000 years ago. There is also evidence that honey has been used medicinally and as food for about 4000 years for various medicinal benefits.

Considering the numerous benefits of honey, they have been used in medicine and in healthy food applications since ancient times. Derived from various flowers, they contain beneficial plant compounds that provide energy to the body and protect the body from various diseases.

People prefer to use pure honey instead of refined sugar as all the calories mentioned in honey are empty calories.

Honey is recognized as the main source of powerful antioxidants as it has antibacterial, anti-fungal, and antiseptic properties.

Honey is widely used not only as a nutritious food but also in the preparation of medicinal products. Various studies have shown that honey has powerful antibacterial activity.

What makes honey an excellent natural antibacterial agent is its osmotic and low water content capabilities.

Another amazing thing is that we can add honey to any kind of food with all these features, yes, it can be added to everything like breakfast, tea, snacks, lunch dinner, and so on.

Types of Honey

There are totally 10 variety of honey are out there, and here we unveil the top 4 types of honey.

13 Health Benefits of Utilizing Honey In Daily Life

Contains Several Nutrients

The Raw Honey is extracted from the hive honeycomb and poured into a mesh or nylon cloth to separate the honey from impurities such as bees and pellets.

The color, taste, and aroma of honey depend on the type of flower it is collected on, and often the combination of different flowers.

1 teaspoon of honey is about 21 grams, and in terms of nutrition, this amount of honey contains 17 grams of sugar and 64 calories of nutrients such as maltose, glucose, fructose, and sucrose. It does not contain as much protein, fat, and fiber as we expect.

It contains a certain amount of trace elements, less than 1% RDI and high levels of minerals and vitamins. So these give you the energy and strength you need to meet your daily needs.

Naturally sparkling honey is high in antioxidants and bioactive plant compounds. In comparison, all compounds are abundant in denser varieties than in lighter honey types.

Honey is used as the only remedy to fight various infections and diseases of the respiratory organs.

Rich in Antioxidants

As I already said high-quality honey is considered to be the main source of powerful antioxidants as it contains many important antioxidants. Phenolic acid compounds such as flavonoids and organic acids also play an important role in this antioxidant source.

Scientists believe that honey has a high antioxidant power because it contains a certain amount of a combination of these compounds, acids, vitamins, and minerals.

In particular, two separate studies were conducted on buckwheat honey (types of honey), which concluded that the intake of this honey increased the antioxidant value of the blood.

High and healthy antioxidants prevent the growth and development of certain types of cancer. In addition, they protect the body from the risks of stroke, heart attack, and eye-related diseases.

Has Antiseptic Properties

Medications containing hydrogen peroxide are prescribed to clean wounds quickly and disinfect, so they are used in first aid kits and in all hospitals.

But in Ayurveda and Siddha medicine, honey is used more for these types of processes because honey also contains a chemical compound called hydrogen peroxide.

Although this compound is not normally present in honey, hydrogen peroxide is released when honey is diluted with body fluids or water. When honey is applied to burns and open wounds the glucose in the honey releases a small amount of hydrogen peroxide.

This compound actively prevents germs from entering the affected area and helps prevent infections. Due to the viscous nature of honey, they cause a cold feeling, and by applying it to wounds the scars are faded.

High in Calories and Sugar

Consumption of honey as an alternative to refined sugar and jaggery can have many health effects. Generally mountain honey is free from any unadulterated, so buy mountain honey or follow a reliable brand of honey.

Be sure to always consume moderate amounts of honey as it is high in sugar and calories as even high honey consumption can have some side effects.

Honey can be used not only as a medicine but also in all desserts, beverages, and teas. Also, these are sweeter in nature and medicinal properties than high fructose corn syrup.

Best Companion for Diabetics

Honey significantly lowers triglycerides, inflammation, and bad HDL cholesterol by effectively raising good HDL cholesterol. All of the above symptoms can lead to type 2 diabetes and a number of risk factors for worsening heart disease.

Although some studies have shown that high consumption of honey may increase blood sugar levels, they have also been shown to have fewer effects than refined sugar. For this reason, it is often recommended for diabetics to consume honey as an alternative to refined sugar.

However, researchers say that the intake of certain amounts of honey with proper caution may not have any side effects in diabetics.

In general, people with diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease can improve their health by reducing their intake of high carbs diets and gaining a stronger immune system.

For greater profit, honey is mixed with plain syrup and sugar syrup, although it is illegal in most countries and it’s very challenging to prevent the process. So be sure to buy unadulterated pure honey.

Promotes Lower Blood Pressure

The abnormal pressure process that occurs in the normal bloodstream is called High Blood Pressure, a condition that becomes a major risk factor for all heart-related diseases in the body.

Honey acts as an excellent agent to reduce these risks and helps to overcome the effects caused by various illnesses.

This is because the antioxidant compounds in them have the ability to lower blood pressure, so not only Ayurveda but all medical systems recommend consuming honey.

Honey-based studies on humans and rats were also carried out for the benefit of the public and for scientific evidence. Its official conclusion is that consuming honey has been shown to drastically lower blood pressure.

Assists Improve Good Cholesterol

The body usually has a type of fat called LDL which is divided into good HDL and bad LDL. Good HDL cholesterol promotes metabolic functions of the body but bad LDL cholesterol is a risk factor for heart-related diseases.

They are also a major cause of atherosclerosis. This type of inflammation causes fat to accumulate in the arteries and can lead to major illnesses, including stroke and heart attack. This is why it is so important to reduce the amount of bad LDL cholesterol.

Studies show that consuming unadulterated honey may increase the levels of “good” HDL cholesterol, which in turn can effectively lower bad LDL cholesterol.

In a study involving 55 patients, they were divided into two groups, and the first group was given table sugar and the other group was given honey.

At the end of the study, it was demonstrated that honey intake in patients had an increase of 3.3% in good HDL and a decrease of 5.8% in bad LDL.

Not only that but their body weight has also been proven to be reduced by about 1.3% because honey generally acts as a weight loss agent.

Provides Stamina

Athletes expect more stamina because they enter the field with the intention of withstanding energy for a certain period of time. Honey is very helpful in meeting such a need.

As honey enhances the body’s resources of minerals and carbohydrates, the honey added drink is consumed by athletes before and after important events, including athletics.

The water content in our body is expelled in the form of sweat when we work out too much or play too much. In this excretion, the minerals in the body gradually decrease, and eventually, we lose energy.

When honey is consumed at that time it gives all the lost minerals to the body. Honey plays an important role in both providing energy to athletes and engaging in muscle building.

Has Capability to Lower Triglycerides

One type of lipids (cholesterol) found in the blood is called triglycerides. After eating, the body ferments food molecules and converts them into energy. The body converts the calories released during this process into triglycerides and mixes them with the blood.

When the level of these fats in the blood is elevated, they can lead to diseases such as heart attack, and stroke. They also affect insulin production and are another risk factor for type 2 diabetes.

Perhaps your body’s triglyceride levels increase when you consume more foods high in refined carbs and sugar. Studies show that when honey is consumed as an alternative to refined sugar, it significantly lowers triglyceride levels.

That is, at the end of the study, triglyceride levels were found to be about 11% to 19% lower in those who ate honey than those who intake refined sugary foods.

Enhances Immunity in the Body

Honey acts as an excellent anti-inflammatory agent that fights the effects of asthma and allergic disorders. Honey is collected from flowers so they contain the flavonoids of the flower.

These flavonoids drastically reduce capillary infiltration and weaken the body, as well as drastically improve the level of antioxidants in the cells.

Various studies have shown that honey has anti-tumor and anti-cancer properties, so honey can help prevent the effects of cancer. Research by Xavier University students in New Orleans has shown that honey can cure allergies.

Some people may be allergic to pollen grains, and doctors say that honey acts as a vaccine. In fact honey also contains pollen grains, so the body can easily adapt to pollen grains by injecting honey as a medicine.

It has the ability to reduce the impact and effects of things like the release of histamines and further strengthens the immune system.

Makes Improvement on Heart Health

Honey is a natural sweetener that contains various beneficial antioxidants and phenols. All of these easily purify the blood by promoting the health of the body’s arteries. They also help to flush out harmful fats and compounds that have accumulated in the blood.

In addition, they are effective in increasing blood flow to the heart. Injuries or cuts can cause excessive bleeding that reacts with air and cause coagulation.

Although such coagulation on the outside of the body doesn’t cause major damage, coagulation on the blood vessels can cause diseases including stroke and heart attack.

Honey plays an important role in preventing blood clots and is called the protector of the blood. In a study of rats, honey was shown to greatly protect the heart by inhibiting the antioxidant effects.

Promotes Burn & Wound Healing

Honey is applied topically to speed up the healing process of burns and wounds, a culture that has been followed since ancient Egypt. A review of 26 studies shows that honey is the best treatment for wounds, burns, swelling after surgery, and thickened skin.

Studies show that leg wounds in diabetics do not heal as easily, but they do heal faster when honey is applied over them. One study found that honey treats successful treatment in 43.3% of affected patients.

In another study, 97% of diabetics were diagnosed with non-healing sores due to the topical application of honey.

Although we know that honey has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, current research has shown that pure honey has the ability to grow tissues.

Honey is recommended to treat herpes sores, psoriasis, and various skin infections. Manuka Honey is considered to be very effective in treating burns caused by wounds.

Help Cure Coughs

Frequent coughing is common in children with a chronic condition called upper respiratory tract infection. The quality of life of both children and parents can be affected by children with this infection.

Although the main medicines for cough are not always effective in preventing this series of coughs that occur in children, taking medicines prepared with natural products will definitely cure various infections.

In that sense, the evidence suggests that honey is a sweetener that can be used to treat upper respiratory infections and for persistent coughs. Pure honey is a better choice for rough cough and cold cough than regular cough medicines prescribed by doctors.

Studies show that consuming honey not only reduces cough but also promotes restful sleep. They are not recommended for children under one year of age as honey contains a mixture of various plant compounds.

Helps in Weight Management

Consuming honey is more helpful in weight management. Honey will burn an excess amount of fat in your body while sleeping. It is one of the best food for weight loss. Doctors are recommended to consume a spoonful of honey before going to bed. You can also take honey with warm water in the morning on empty stomach. Consuming honey with warm water in the morning will help to increase the metabolism level, which helps to quickly reduce body weight. Honey is also very useful to improve your overall health.

Memory Booster

Considering the foods that we consume is very important because it helps maintain our mental health in old age. Honey has a lot of health benefits, boosting your concentration and memory is one of them. It not only increases your memory power but also helps to make you a healthier person. If you consume honey every day it will help you to prevent metabolic stress and it calms your mind. The natural therapeutic and antioxidant properties of the honey will help to boost your brain’s cholinergic system, receding cells, and circulation that are the main reason for memory loss.

Nourish Your Face and Skin

Honey has a good amount of nourishing and moisturizing properties, so it is very helpful for skin. Honey is one of the best natural moisturizers, especially for dry skin. You can easily apply the honey to your skin, raw honey is not only unclogging pores, and also it helps to moisturize the parched skin. It is also used to treat cracked lips during winter. Most people are using honey as a mask to treat their skin tone. Honey is one of the best ways to improve your skin health. Moreover, the antiseptic properties of the honey will help to treat bruises, wounds, burns, cuts, and other infections.

7 Advantages of Bee Propolis

 COMMON COLD & SORE THROAT

500 mg 1-2 times per day

COLD SORES

Apply propolis ointment to the cold sore 4 times per day

GENITAL HERPES

Apply a 3% propolis ointment to the lesions 4 times per day

YEAST INFECTION

Apply an alcohol extract containing 2 g per 25 ml 4 times per day

RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Apply a topical product according to package directions

FEMALE INFERTILITY & ENDOMETRIOSIS

500 mg 2 times per day

PARASITES

Consult a qualified health care practitioner on product and dosing

Lotus is a symbol in many Asian cultures, especially Indian, Japanese, Chinese, and Egyptian. The flower denotes various life values like rebirth, fruitfulness, enlightenment, and spirituality. In Buddhism, the lotus flower signifies purity and desire.

Lotus Seeds are also called Makhanas (In Hindi) or Fox nuts (In English), derived from the Euryale Fox plant that grows in the wetland or ponds or the stagnant water in and around Eastern Asia so the plant is also known as Aquatic Plant that belongs to Nelumbonaceae plant family.

Chinese medicine has been using Lotus seeds for more than 3000 years, which is why they are the largest producer of lotus seeds in the world.

In China, they see the lotus plant as a symbol of health and harmony. The plant has a significant role in Ayurveda medicine too.

In India, Phool Makhana has been used as an essential ingredient in various religious activities and rituals. The roasted lotus seeds are highly consumed during the fasting during Navratri (a famous Indian Religious Festival) and other days.

Other than India and China, the lotus plant’s parts like flowers, seeds, and roots are used in medicinal preparations in various Southeast Asian countries such as Thailand, Indonesia, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.

The lotus seeds can be eaten raw, roasted, ground (powder), boiled syrup, and a paste.

The lotus seeds or fox nuts are rich in nutrition (the reason why they added to the fasting diet in India) and possess many health benefits. The seeds play an essential role in the cosmetics industry and are added to various drinks and desserts like tea, juice, honey, and cakes.

What Are Lotus Seeds or Fox Nuts?

Lotus seeds, also known as Lotus nuts, are the seeds derived from the Lotus Plant called Nelumbo Nucifera. The lotus plant has different names like a Chinese water lily, Indian lotus, and Sacred lotus. It is not only an edible plant or symbol of cultures but also a medicinal plant.

The parts of lotus plants are often eaten and used for medical practices in many Asian countries. The plant also grows in popular western countries like America and Australia, where it is used as holistic medicine and healing treatments.

A study published by Frontiers in Plant Science in June 2016 evaluated and showed that lotus plants are entirely edible and nutritious; still, the lotus seeds boast extreme health benefits and properties. The flavonoid content and alkaloid content found in lotus seeds are making it a capable medicinal plant. The seeds also have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and anti-amnesic properties.

How Do Makhanas (Lotus Seeds) Look Like?

Makhanas are nuts or seeds in the round to oval shape. The seeds are present within the head of lotus seeds that are dark green colored and arranged in a row. The color of the seeds is green when fresh, which becomes creamy yellow when dried. The shell over the seeds becomes harder as they grow, and the coating can be removed.

How Is Makhana (Lotus Seeds) Good for Health?

Lotus seeds – aka -Fox nuts are good for heart health as they contain low saturated fat, sodium, and cholesterol levels. The rich source of potassium, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, and protein in the lotus seeds make it nutrition filled and clinically proven healthy snack food.

The lotus seeds protect the body from various ailments. The seeds are low in calories so they can help in weight loss, and the high calcium content in the seeds improves bone health. The seeds also detoxify the body, regulate the blood pressure, offer better digestion, and have anti-aging properties that help reduce wrinkles, pimples, or scars and slow down aging.

Common Names of Lotus Seeds (Fox Nuts)

• Botanical Name: Nelumbo Nucifera
• English Name: Lotus Seeds, Lotus Nuts, Fox Nuts
• Chinese Name: 蓮子/Liánzǐ
• Japanese Name: 蓮の実/Hasu no mi
• Indonesian Name: biji teratai
• Thai Name: เมล็ดบัว/Mel̆d bạw
• Tamil Name: தாமரை விதைகள் / Thamarai Vidhaigal
• Malayalam Name: താമര വിത്തുകൾ/Tāmara vittukaḷ
• Telugu Name: తామర విత్తనాలు/Tāmara vittanālu
• Kannada Name: ಕಮಲದ ಬೀಜಗಳು/Kamalada bījagaḷu
• Hindi Name: कमल के बीज/kamal ke beej
• Marathi Name: कमळ बियाणे/Kamaḷa biyāṇē
• Punjabi Name: ਕਮਲ ਦੇ ਬੀਜ/Kamala dē bīja
• Gujarati Name: કમળના દાણા/Kamaḷanā dāṇā
• Bengali Name: পদ্মের বীজ/Padmēra bīja
• Urdu Name: کمل کے بیج
• Arabic Name: بذور اللوتس

25 Health Benefits of Lotus Seeds (Makhanas/Fox Nuts)

Lotus seeds or Fox nuts play an important role in Asia’s traditional medicine systems. The lotus seeds dry powder can be added to bread dough that enhances the nutritional properties of bread.

These lotus seeds have been used as traditional medicine in treating inflammation, diuretics, cancer, and skin diseases. It can also handle various ailments like indigestion, insomnia, diarrhea, palpitations, and more.

The size of the seeds may be small, but the health benefits they provide are incredibly high, and that’s why it is the highest-selling dry snack food that anyone can munch on anytime.

1. Weight Loss

Lotus seeds are low in glycemic index and high in protein, so they help you stay full for a long time and prevent adequate eating; thus, it promotes weight loss and helps to avoid sudden increase in blood sugar levels. The protein content of the lotus seeds boosts metabolism.

The low-calorie content of lotus seeds makes it an ideal healthy snack for all ages of people. The saturated fat also lows in lotus seeds that help improve the overall health and well being.

For instance, a cup of lotus seeds contains 83 relatively low calories, so you can put much on the nuts between your meals.

2. Improved Heart Health

Lotus seeds have two trace minerals that are important for heart health. They are Potassium and Magnesium. If the magnesium levels in your body are low, you will be affected by heart diseases, as this mineral is vital to maintain the regular heartbeat. The magnesium also purifies the blood and oxygen in the body.

High potassium in lotus seeds helps lower high blood pressure and maintain cardiac health. At the same time, the low sodium levels help keep the blood pressure level at normal levels.

Folate is an essential vitamin that aids health, and this vitamin is significant to lower the homocysteine levels in your body. If the homocysteine levels are increased, the blood vessels will be damaged, and you will be prone to heart diseases and stroke.

3. Improved Bone Strength

We must have enough calcium content in our body to maintain bone health. Most people nowadays have back pain, shoulder pain, and knee pain due to insufficient calcium in their bones. Luckily, lotus seeds are rich in calcium that can be eaten in any way and improve bone health by giving enough calcium to your body.

4. Anti-aging Properties

Lotus seeds contain Enzymes that can fight against aging. L-isoaspartyl methyltransferase, an enzyme that aids in maintaining and treating the damaged proteins. It boosts collagen synthesis in your body.

You can check that most cosmetics nowadays have included lotus seeds as powder form in their products to prevent aging and give youthful skin by vanishing the fine lines and wrinkles.

The regular consumption of lotus seeds prevents free radicals, healing the dead skin cells and making it smooth and healthy. The natural flavonoid named Kaempferol in lotus seeds helps in anti-aging. The flavonoids help to get rid of aging symptoms like grey hair, hair loss, and wrinkles. The vitamin package of lotus seeds helps heal the early aging symptoms and prevent premature aging.

5. Controls Blood Sugar Levels

Lotus seeds are a source of protein and good carbohydrates. With low glycemic content, lotus nuts can help in managing blood sugar levels. The level of the glycemic index is relatively lower than other staple foods.

As low sodium and high magnesium food, lotus seeds are the right diet to treat diabetes and obesity. Diabetic patients can eat dried or roasted lotus nuts in the evening as a snack. The minerals present in these seeds proved to aid factors that cause Type II diabetes.

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) is what causes diabetes; fortunately, lotus nuts can contribute to stabilizing the blood pressure and prevent a sudden spike in sugar levels in the blood.

The seeds control the body’s insulin levels and maintain the right range of glucose levels in the blood.

6. Detox Agents

Lotus seeds have an anti-toxic property and detoxifying agents, so the intake of seeds helps remove toxins from the body. RBCs in the body are recycled by the spleen, and the new WBCs with platelets are retained. Lotus nuts act as a great detoxifier to treat spleen and help in detoxifying the blood.

7. Better Digestive Health

Being a source of Fiber, fox nuts help maintain good digestive health. Adding them in your regular diet helps regulate the bowel movement, avoid constipation, and ingestion.

The antioxidant properties of the lotus seeds make it easy digestive food, and they also improve the respiratory system.

The detoxifying agents of lotus seeds prevent kidneys and liver from their accumulation and maintain wellness.

8. Improved Cognitive Function

Fox nuts contain thiamine contents also. With this, the nuts support the cognitive functions of the nerves. The consumption of these nuts also aids in acetylcholine generation and helps in the process of neurotransmission.

9. Source of Protein

Lotus nuts are a great alternative food of protein for vegans or vegetarians. They usually rely on soya or paneer for the source of protein. Those can now eat lotus seeds as raw, fried, or roasted to increase the protein in your body. For instance, a cup of roasted lotus seeds contains 3.9 grams of protein content sufficient to improve muscular health and cell growth.

10. Gluten Safe

Lotus seeds are free of gluten, so you can add them without any doubt and improve overall wellness.

11. Brimming With Folate

Folate is the essential nutrient for DNA synthesis and cell division in the human body. The nutrient is necessary for pregnant women in their first trimester to promote the baby’s brain development.

It is necessary to prevent neural tube defects in newborn babies since preconception. A cup of lotus seeds has around 50% of the daily requirement of Folate.

12. Prevent Inflammation

Lotus seeds exhibit antioxidant kaempferol that aids in stopping inflammation and remove the free radicals that are harmful to our body.

The seeds are filled with soothing properties, and that is why Chinese medicine practices using the plant to treat buries, wounds, and cuts and prevent the spread of infection.

13. Promotes Sleep

The lotus seeds can treat sleeping disorders like insomnia and sleep apnoea that can make you prone to face various psychological health issues.

Fox nuts can possess a calming effect on our mind when intaking. The seeds also have an antispasmodic property, which helps to relax your nerves; thus, you get better sleep at night. The seeds are helpful in the dilatation process of the blood vessels and provide better relief from anxiety and depression as these are the significant reasons for sleeping disorders. The isoquinoline alkaloids present in the seeds is the reason for this effect.

14. Treats Diarrhea

In Chinese medicine, the sweet taste of lotus seeds nourishes the spleen and treats diarrhea. The seeds are also given to improve the spleen health in the patients. As the lotus seeds work as a great digestive agent, it helps to treat diarrhea also.

15. Reducing Blood Pressure

The embryo present in the lotus seeds has a bitter taste and cooling effect. This bitter component benefits the heart health, and isoquinoline alkaloids that possess calming effect and antispasmodic property and aid dilate blood vessels and reduce high blood pressure.

Additionally, potassium and sodium contents in lotus seeds help stabilize and maintain the blood pressure levels in the right range.

16. Treat Urinary Problem

For urinary problems, lotus seeds are natural remedies that are safe and easy to take. The seeds can be eaten with other ingredients to treat urinary problems like prostatitis and reproductive conditions.

The enzymes present in the lotus seeds promote proper urination and heal infections in the urinary tract. In case of pain while urination, consult your doctor before consuming lotus seeds.

17. Gum Issue

Gum bleeding is a common oral problem that affects anyone. To avoid the excessive gum bleeding, add the lotus seeds in your daily diet. Harsh brushing and gum weakness are the reasons for gum bleeding.

The healing properties of lotus seeds prevent bleeding and reduce the irritation on the gums.

18. Instant Energy

Lotus seeds are a good source of magnesium, calcium, protein, potassium, and phosphorus. They increase the energy level quickly so you can carry them while traveling as they are a healthy, tasty, and nutritious snack that potentially replaces processed and sugar-filled beverages.

The seeds can be eaten raw as pop-corns or roasted with a little oil and eaten. The seeds are easy to eat and digest, so any age of people can eat this. You can give this as a snack to your kids for school also.

19. Pregnancy

Lotus seeds are highly recommended for pregnant women as they have a high amount of protein necessary for the healthy development of the fetus’s brain and nervous system. Pregnant women can eat the seeds 2 to 3 times a day with a specific interval time advised by the doctor.

20. Improves Appetite

Loss of appetite or low appetite is caused due to illness, mostly in children. The high amount of astringent found in lotus seeds naturally helps bring back or develop the appetite in a person. Most pediatricians recommend taking natural remedies to treat appetite problems in children. Adults can also eat lotus seeds to balance irregular appetites.

21. Treats Mouth Sores and Ulcers

Lotus seeds have anti-inflammatory properties that help to treat sore mouth and ulcer. The soothing components of the seeds help alleviate these conditions.

22. Cures Fatty Liver

Sometimes, because of anxieties and stress, we develop unhealthy fat. When the food we take is not digested properly, the fat is gathered in parts of the body. The fat accumulated in and around the body’s organs is called Visceral fat, which causes daunting health issues. The medicinal properties of the lotus seeds can reduce blood lipids and cure fatty liver.

23. Controls Excessive Bleeding

As discussed above, lotus nuts contain flavonoids like quercetin that show anti-hemorrhagic properties and help improve the power of capillary walls and prevent excessive bleeding. The charcoal of lotus seeds enhances the hemorrhagic effect, and it has medicinal properties that can promote blood clotting during excessive bleeding.

24. Treats Ulcers

The anti-inflammatory and cooling effects of lotus seeds helps in reducing the pain due to ulcer and soothing contents of the seeds heals the vigor of ulcer.

25. Alleviates Stomach Problems

Lotus seeds are the most common home remedies in Chinese medicine that are used to cure stomach problems like ingestion, vomit, diarrhea, and upset stomach.

In this 21st century, we can avoid taking processed foods, fried items, and street junk foods, but we can equalize the damage we developed while eating unhealthy foods with natural healthy foods. Lotus nuts are also healthy snacks that improve spleen health and alleviate various digestion and stomach problems.

Traditional Benefits of Lotus Seeds

♣ Lotus seeds are sweet and neutral, so these are mentioned as astringents that improve the health conditions of the heart, kidney, and spleen.

♣ The nourishing properties and sweet taste are why the lotus seeds are highly recommended and effective in benefiting the spleen. The lotus seeds can also prevent chronic diarrhea that is associated with qi deficiency.

♣ Being an astringent, lotus seeds help stop the loss of essence in kidneys, so men who have weak sexual function and women who have leukorrhea can eat lotus seeds.

♣The calming and soothing properties of lotus seeds relax muscles, reduce stress, anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, and palpitations.

Nutritional Values of Lotus Seeds (Fox Nuts)

The nutritional values of 100 grams Lotus Seeds.

NUTRITION	VALUE
Calories	88.73 cal (Raw) / 347 cal (Dried)
Protein	4.12 g (Raw) / 9.7 g (Dried)
Fat	0.7 (Raw) / 1.7 (Dried)
Carbohydrates	17.28 g (Raw) / 76.9 g (Dried)
Fiber	14.5 g (Dried)
Sodium	1.10 mg (Raw) / 5 mg (Dried)
Potassium	366 mg (Raw) / 1367 mg (Dried)
Manganese	0.621 mg (Raw)
Phosphorus	168 mg (Raw)
Vitamin B1	0.171 mg (Raw)
Vitamin B6	0.168 mg (Raw)
Magnesium	56 mg (Raw)
AMINO ACIDS
Tryptophan	0.059 g (Raw)
Threonine	0.2 g (Raw)
Isoleucine	0.205 g (Raw)
Leucine	0.326 g (Raw)
Lysine	0.264 g (Raw)
Methionine	0.072 g (Raw)

By consuming 100 grams of dried Lotus seeds, you can get around 350 calories, 63 to 68 grams of carbohydrates, 17 to 18 g of protein, 1.9 to 2.5 fat, 13% water, and minerals potassium, calcium, sodium, and phosphorus.

One ounce serving of lotus seeds offers 5 grams of protein, so these are a highly rich source of protein.

How to Consume Lotus Seeds

Fresh lotus seeds are also nutty to eat. These are available for sale with their seed heads. We have to remove the seeds from the cone-shaped seed heads, and the shell is rubbery.

In India:

The lotus seeds can be roasted or fried with little olive oil or ghee when popped like popcorn. The roasted seeds, then tossed with little black salt, can be a great snack while traveling.

The puffed or roasted lotus seeds are also added to Indian dishes like Makhana Kheer, Makhana Chops, and Creamy Mushroom Makhana.

Thamchet is the local name of lotus seeds in Manipur, India, where they eat them raw.

In China:

Many Chinese and Japanese desserts include lotus seeds paste as the main ingredient.

Lotus seeds can be dried and soaked in water for a night and added to salads, soups, and other dishes.

Crystallized lotus seeds are the popular Chinese snack that they prepare, especially during Chinese New Year. The lotus seeds are dried and cooked in syrup that gives the crystal look to the seeds.

In Thailand:

The dried lotus seeds are the common snack for sale in Surin. They called the lotus seeds ‘Med-bua-op.’

They use lotus seeds to make various delicious desserts.

In South America:

Colombia people commonly add lotus seeds in their snack list while they head out. Lotus seeds are popular in Cartagena and Barranquilla cities in Colombia.

The unripped lotus seeds can be eaten raw, roasted, or boiled, and the ripped lotus seeds can be roasted or boiled.

The popped, soaked, roasted, boiled, fried, powdered, pasted, or dried lotus seeds can be added to many foods, sweetmeats, desserts, soups, cakes, bread, etc.

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How to Store Lotus Seeds

Dried lotus seeds are easy to keep and store for a long time. You can store the dried lotus seeds in a plastic container and keep it in a dry, cool place. Make sure the lid is tightened when not used.

Fresh lotus seeds can be stored in zip lock bags and kept in the refrigerator. It is essential to maintain freshness for a few weeks. But early usage is recommended.

Recipes of Lotus Seeds/Makhanas

The regular consumption of Lotus seeds (Makhana) is highly beneficial to anyone. Try the below delicious recipes at your home and enjoy the incredible taste and benefits.

Popped Makhana

Popped or roasted Makhana or Lotus seeds goes great with a cup of coffee in the evening.

Ingredients:

• Makhana (Lotus Seeds) – 100 grams
• Olive oil – 1 tsp
• Turmeric powder
• Salt and Black pepper to taste

Preparation:

• Take a heavy base pan, roast the seeds without oil on low to medium flame for about 10 minutes.
• Make a paste of oil, a pinch of turmeric powder, salt, and pepper.
• Now, add the mixture into the roasted seeds and stir it for a few minutes to allow spices mixed with the seeds.
• You can eat it hot or cool down and store in a container and tighten the lid.

Makhana Kheer (Sugar-free)

Sugar-free Makhana kheer is one of the best healthy diabetic recipes with 65.1 calories, 3.5 grams of protein, 2 grams of fats, 8.5 grams of Carbohydrates, and 0.6 grams of Fiber in 100 grams of Makhana.

Ingredients:

• Low-fat milk – 1 ltr
• Makhana (puffed) – 1/4 cup
• Dates – 3 to 4 (Finely chopped)
• Pistachios – 1 tsp (Chopped)
• Almonds – 2 tsp (Chopped)
• Green Cardamom Powder – 1 tsp
• Nutmeg Powder – 1/4 tsp

Preparation:

• Rost the lotus nuts till crisp without oil.
• Cool it completely and grind the seeds coarsely.
• Take a non-stick pan and boil the milk.
• After the milk boiled, add chopped dates and coarsely ground lotus nuts, mix everything, and cook the mixture for 2 to 5 minutes on medium heat.
• Add chopped nuts (pistachios, almonds), nutmeg powder, mix well and drink warm or cold.

Makhana Raita

Serving – 3 | Preparation Time – 5 Minutes | Cooking Time – 5 Minutes

Ingredients:

• Makhana – 1 cup
• Low-fat Yogurt – 2 cups
• Cumin Powder (Roasted) – 1/2 tsp
• Red Chilli Powder -1/2 tsp
• Chaat Masala – 1/4 tsp
• Salt – 1/4 tsp
• Coriander Leaves (Chopped) – 2 tbsp

Preparation:

• Take a non-stick pan and dry roast the seeds about 5 minutes till crisp and cool it completely.
• Store the roasted seeds in a ziplock bag and use a rolling pin on it and crush the seeds until it becomes coarse but don’t make it to a powder consistency.
• Whisk the yogurt till it becomes smooth.
• Add all the spices and salt with makhanas and stir it for a few minutes.
• Garnish the raita with fresh coriander leaves and serve it cool.

Makhana Curry

Serving – 3 | Preparation Time – 10 Minutes | Cooking Time – 20 Minutes

Ingredients:

• Makhana (Lotus nuts) – 1 cup
• Cinnamon – 1-inch piece
• Cloves – 3
• Cardamom – 1
• Cumin seeds – 1 tsp
• Red Chilli Powder – 1 tsp
• Turmeric Powder – 1/4 tsp
• Coriander Cumin Powder – 1 tsp
• Garam Masala Powder – 1/2 tsp
• Low-fat Yogurt – 1/4 cup
• Coriander Leaves – 1 tbsp (Chopped)
• Ghee – 1 tbsp
• Salt to taste (For onion tomato paste)
• Onion – 1 big (Chopped coarsely)
• Tomatoes – 3 (Chopped coarsely)
• Ginger – 1-inch piece (Chopped)
• Garlic – 3 cloves (Chopped)
• Cashews – 6 to 7

Preparation:

• Take a pan and add a cup of water, put onions, tomatoes, cashews, ginger, and garlic in it, and boil. Cool it down and grind into a paste.
• Take a non-stick pan and dry roast the makhanas for about 5 minutes.
• Add ghee in a pan, add cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, and cumin.
• Once the cumin seeds have cracked out, add the onion-tomato paste, and cook for 5 minutes. Stir occasionally.
• Add all the spices except garam masala, saute for a few minutes, then add a cup of water, and boil it.
• Add and whisk the curd.
• Add roasted makhanas and let it cook for 2 minutes and stir in between. Let the seeds absorb the spices and gravy. Add water if needed.
• Add garam masala and coriander leaves. Serve it hot.

Dosage of Lotus Seeds (Fox Nuts)

Dosage of Lotus seeds (in any form) vary based on a few factors such as health conditions, age, medical history, and requirements. But, the general dosage recommended for lotus seed powder is between 250 mg and 3 grams.

Side Effects of Lotus Seeds

Though lotus seeds offer many health benefits and nutritional values, we have to take precautions while eating them to avoid unnecessary side effects.

Allergies

For most of the people, seeds of plants that grow entirely in water are allergenic. If you develop any allergy symptoms in the consumption of lotus seeds, it is advisable to consult a doctor. Moreover, those who have allergy problems better to talk to your physician before taking the seeds.

Anti-Arrhythmic

Lotus seeds are naturally anti-arrhythmic. So, if you are taking treatment for arrhythmia, you should avoid or consult the doctors before consumption.

Blood Sugar Levels

Lotus seeds help reduce the sugar levels in the blood. So, diabetic patients who are on insulin should contact the doctor before eating the seeds.

Digestive Issues

Any healthy food in high dosage can cause digestive problems, so do lotus seeds. Eating excessive nuts in time causes flatulence, constipation, and bloating.

Have you ever heard of macrotyloma uniflorum? If yes then you’re lucky!! Health Benefits of Horse gram is a must-to-know topic for everyone as it offers tons and tons of values for human health. Black Horse Gram is rich in nutrients and has a lot of minerals, such as calcium, phosphorus, iron, and protein.

Is Horse Gram rich in protein? Without any doubts I’d Say Yes!  It’s a nature’s gift to all of us. There are tons of benefits for both human and animal health. The nutrients of the horse bean ensure muscle strength, optimal energy, strong bones, and the synthesis of red blood cell regulation. Moreover, these legumes have a huge amount of vitamin B that helps to the normal function of the metabolic cells. Hence, there is no surprise in consuming the Black Horse Gram over the world today.

It is consumed in the form of health drinks, boiled seeds, and also traditional Indian dishes like soups, dals, and salads.

Health Benefits of aHorse Gram are widely known all over the world and especially South Indian people will definitely make use of this gram at least once in a month. It comes in many colors including black, red, and green, and it is one of the most nutritious legumes.

Other names of these legumes are

• Madras bean,
• Madras gram,
• Dolic biflore,
• Poor man’s pulse,
• Pferdebohne,
• Grain de cheval,
• Pferdekorn, Kerdekorn,
• Kalai, and Gahat hurali.

Common Names Of Horse Gram

• Botanical Name: Macrotyloma uniflorum
• English Name: Horse Gram
• Tamil Name: Kollu
• Malayalam Name: Mudhira
• Telugu Name: Ulavalu
• Kannada Name: Hurule
• Hindi Name: Kulthi / Hulthi
• Bengali Name: Kulthi-Kalai
• Gujarati Name: Kuleeth
• Konkani Name: Kuleetu / Kulith
• Marathi Name: Kuleeth
• Oriya Name: Kolatha
• Tulu Name: Kudu

17 Health Benefits of Horse Gram

1. Treats Diarrhea

Horse gram has a great amount of fiber that helps to maintain proper digestive system and  soak up more fluids from the gut and stomach.  This helps to reduce the loose motion and diarrhea. Moreover, these legumes are responsible for the normal gut movement. Consuming soaked horse gram every day early in the morning will help the proper digestive system.

2. Promotes Weight Loss

In Ayurveda, consuming horse grams every day helps in weight loss.  “Horse Gram is rich in protein and the seeds are completely high in fiber thus the overweight, obese issue can be resolved”.

There are multiple ways to consume black horse gram either as a soup or juice or powder etc.. The Black horse gram juice can be taken in empty stomach for attaining all the benefits.

–> You consume the horse gram in the form of powder with some cumin seeds.

–> Mix the horse gram powder and the cumin seeds in a glass of water and drink it twice per day on an empty stomach. Some people do not prefer this method for weight loss, it depends on the type of person and body condition.

–> In such case, you can eat the soaked and raw legume with the Bengal gram and pepper in the form of crunchy salad for losing the fat.

If you’re a busy worker by the way if you can’t prepare salads or soups just drink black horse gram water which is 100% healthy. Studies prove that consuming the horse gram directly attacks the fatty tissues in the body and burns the body fat so that you can get slim and fit body shape.

3. Treat Conjunctivitis

Are you a kind of person who often suffers from conjunctivitis? No worries!!  You can use rose water for washing your eyes, or you can soak a handful of horse gram overnight, and next morning wash your face using the soaked water.

The soaked horse gram water has a high level of antioxidant that helps to fight against the infection and keep your eyes calm and soothe without any eye irritation. You should wash your face by using this water thrice per day to treat your eyes.

4. Lower The Cholesterol

Researches prove that the horse gram helps to reduce the bad cholesterol or LDL from the bloodstream. The horse gram has a good amount of lipids which removes the bad cholesterol that stuck in the vein.

Consuming the handful of soaked horse gram twice per day in an empty stomach will help to increase the lipid level in the body. It will reduce the LDL cholesterol level from the blood and increase the HDL cholesterol level.

5. Menstrual Disturbances

The women who are suffering from irregular menstrual cycles, or scanty bleeding the horse gram helps to get better relief from the problem.

“Black horse gram bean has a high level of iron”, which helps to maintain the hemoglobin level in the body; it helps to the proper menstrual cycle. The horse gram soup or the salads will reduce the irritation related to the menstrual disturbance. Due to these properties, the holistic experts recommend this horse gram to women for their periods problem.

6. Treats Piles

When the vein in the rectum is swollen and inflamed or painful, it is known as piles. The experts recommended to use horse grams before rushing to the pharmacy for medicine and treatment.

Soak a handful of horse grams overnight and drink the soaked water the next morning and consume the raw horse gram as a salad to treat piles. “The raw horse gram is rich in fiber”, which effectively helps to treat piles.

7. Treat Constipation

Usually, constipation is caused by the lack of fiber in the diet, lack of minerals, lack of intaken water, an unhealthy lifestyle, stress, and many other reasons.

Due to this problem, the stomach line and intestines above the duodenum are not normally contracted and extend to release the waste matter.

The horse gram has a powerful nutrient, and it is rich in fiber; it helps to fight against the constipation problem. Consuming the soaked raw horse gram helps to treat this problem effectively.

8. Common Fever And Cold

If our body has low immunity power and is affected by viruses, it may cause a common fever and cold. In this case, the Ayurveda recommends consuming this horse gram when you are affected by cough, fever, and cold.

It is also recommended to treat asthma and bronchial problems. Consuming the horse gram in the form of soup will help to relieve the congestion soften the mucus membranes and melt so that it opens the nasal tracts for easy breathing. The nutrients of these legumes boost the metabolism level and immunity system of the body.

9. Treat Boils And Skin Rashes

The horse gram powder is also used as a face pack to treat boils, rashes, and other skin problems. The antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties of these legumes help to replicate the healthy lipid layer of the skin.

Black horse gram benefits for skin

Does Horse gram cures skin rashes and boils? Absolutely Yes! You may wonder how! It can be cured by applying on the affected area, the seeds of horse gram is highly beneficial in nutrition, antimicrobial, as well as antibacterial properties. So What to wait for! Just make use of this amazing natural black horse gram and enjoy its benefits. The process of packing in a powdered form is like a piece of cake

• Take a gentle grams of seeds and soak in water for 8 hours.
• Dry it and prepare as a powder or simply crush and apply on face or other exterior body parts.
• Cleanse your face after an hour with ice cubes or cold water
• You can feel the difference because the dead skin cells will be washed out thus exfoliation happens.

10. Treat Diabetes

Research conducted by the scientist from the Indian Institute of Chemical Technology found that the unprocessed horse grain has the anti-hyperglycemic properties, and also it helps to reduce the insulin resistance.

The properties of the horse grain help to fight against the formation of hyperglycemic in the body. It also helps to reduce insulin resistance in the body.

Consuming the horse gram will reduce the carb digestion rate; it helps to reduce the blood sugar level. Due to these properties horse gram is recommended to treat type 2 diabetes.

11. Helps To Treat Urinary Discharge

The women who are suffering from urinary discharge may feel embarrassment too. Especially when the urinary discharges are inconsistent at times, thick, foul-smelling, and continuous in some cases.

Due to the urinary discharges, it may cause infection, pain, and inflammation around the vagina and cervix. This will happen when people feel irritation in the lining of the remembrance, and the discharges may be thick, foul-smelling when the sexual arousal is at peak.

In Ayurveda, consuming the soaked and boiled horse gram water thrice per day will help to treat the symptoms of the urinary discharges.

12. Helps Proper Digestion

Some people may feel acidic after a hearty meal, or they do not feel easy on the stomach for an hour or more. In this case, you may have the chance to suffer from the indigestion problem.

It leads to some problems like acid reflux and GERD, and it will make you uncomfortable. The horse grain is recommended to solve this problem.

Consuming the soaked horse grain in the empty stomach at morning helps to promote the digestive tract and makes easy digestion.

13. Treat Ulcer

Horse grain is more beneficial to treat different types of ulcers, but it is not used to treat gastric ulcers. The horse grain has the lipids; consuming this legume effectively treats the people who are suffering from peptic and mouth ulcer.

It is also said in Ayurveda, the people consuming the mashed horse grain twice per day will release the required amount of lipids to our body, it helps to heal itself from ulcers.

14. Treat Kidney Stones

“Black horse gram is an irreplaceable medicine for treating the kidney stones”, or it will remove it from the body. A kidney stone is a mixture of calcium oxalate compounds.

The horse grain has the ability to remove the kidney stone overnight because it has a rich amount of iron and high content of polyphenols.

Moreover, the high level of antioxidants is also beneficial in treating kidney stones. Soak a cup of horse grain and consume it raw the next morning. Consuming this for a week will show a good result.

15. Protects Liver Function

The raw horse gram is the powerhouse of polyphenols and flavonoids. These components ensure hepatoprotective properties.

This property helps to protect liver and gall bladders, and also it plays a key role in filtering and purifying the detoxifying chemical from blood in the body.

16. Improves Sperm Count

The horse grain is rich in phosphorus, iron, calcium, and amino acid, which helps to boost sperm count. These minerals are acting positively on the male reproductive system, and it increases the blood flow on those organs. The amino acids of the horse grain enhance the enzyme activity that ensures the optimal generation of sperms.

17. Glowing Skin

The horse grain has the astringent property that helps to treat skin diseases such as leucoderma. The facial pack of the horse grain also helps to prevent skin problems, and it cleanses the skin.

Side Effects And Risks Of Horse Gram

The horse gram has a lot of health benefits, but there are few side effects too.

Using the horse gram regularly  may reduce the production of semen, and it lowers the libido.

• The horse gram may worsen the bleeding problem. The people who are suffering from heavy bleeding should consider your doctor before consuming it.
• The horse gram is not suitable for the people who are suffering from hyperacidity and gastric ulcer; it may worsen the condition.
• If you are consuming the medicine for anemia, you should avoid the usage of horse gram; it may cause contraindication.
• The people who are suffering from the case of gout should avoid horse gram consumption. Ayurveda says it will harm the rakta dhatu cycle.
• The horse gram is not good for Tuberculosis and plethora.
• For Future mommies, the horse gram is strictly to be avoided.

Nutritional Facts of Horse Gram

The various nutrition contains and the value of 100 grams of Horse Gram

NUTRIENT	VALUE
Calories	321
Protein	22 gm
Calcium	287 mg
Phosphorus	311 mg
Iron	7 mg
Fiber	5 gm
Carbohydrates	57 gm
Moisture	12 gm
Mineral	3 gm
Fat	1.10 %
Sugar	5.81 %
Magnesium	0.17%
Manganese	37.00%
Zinc	0.28%
Copper	19.00 %
Ascorbic acid	0.7%
Vitamin A	2.1%
Vitamin C	1.4%
Vitamin B3	1.5%
Vitamin B2	0.09%
Vitamin B1	0.42%

Health Benefits of Horse Gram Food Recipes

Horse Gram Soup Recipe

Ingredient Needs: 

• Horse Gram – 1/2 cup
• Peppercorn – 1 tsp
• Tamarind Paste – 2-3 tsp
• Mustard Seed – 1/2 tsp
• Cumin Seeds – 1 tsp
• Coriander leaves – 1-2 spring
• Oil – 2 tsp
• Salt – to taste

Direction:

Step 1: Soak the horse gram overnight and cook it until soft.
Step 2: Drain the cooked water and settle it for cooling.
Step 3: Grind the roasted cumin, mustard, and pepper to a fine powder.
Step 4: Mash half of the cooked horse gram.
Step 5: Heat the pan and add 2 tsp oil and swallow the curry leaves.
Step 6: Add tamarind paste, roasted powder, horse gram boiled water, mashed horse gram, and salt.
Step 7: Add the required water and ensure the gravy is not too thick.
Step 8: Add the remaining horse gram.
Step 9: Remove from the flame.
Step 10: Sprinkle the chopped coriander leaves over the gravy.

Horse Gram Masala Curry Recipe

Ingredient Needs : 

• Horse gram – 2 Cups
• Onions – 2 nos
• Ginger – 1/2 tsp
• Tomatoes – 2 nos
• Coconut – 1 Cup
• Fennel seeds – 1/2 tsp
• Cinnamon – 1 nos
• Cloves: 3 nos
• Turmeric powder – 1/2 tsp
• Chilly Powder – 1 tsp
• Coriander Powder – 2 tsp
• Coriander Leaves – 3 spring
• Oil – As required
• Salt – to taste

Direction:

Step 1: Heat the oil in the pressure cooker and fry the onion until brown in color.
Step 2: Add fennel seeds, cinnamon, cloves, and saute it well.
Step 3: Blend the tomatoes and fry it with the onions.
Step 4: Add the turmeric powder, salt, ginger-garlic paste, coriander powder, and chilly powder. Fry it in low flame up until the oil separates.
Step 5: Toss the horse grain as well as grated coconut with the required water.
Step 6: Pressure cook it and garnish it with the coriander leaves.

Wrapping Up

Horse gram is rich in protein, a great energy booster then What else to wait for? Make use of this traditional gram for weight loss, diabetics, urinary diseases, kidney stones, digestion etc.

Most of us would have a doubt on “how much horse gram to eat daily” go through our guide and use the ingredient wisely. We have also shortlisted horse gram recipes try out and tell us which one spurs your taste buds.

Shikakai is a traditional herb that helps to decrease hair fall, relieves skin diseases, improves hair growth, and controls dandruff.

The soap pods have been used as a natural surfactant for strengthening hair roots, cleaning the scalp, removing dryness, itching,  providing relief from scaling since ancient times.

It is not only the magical herb for hair and also used to treat many health conditions, including swelling in Ayurveda. It also treats fever, piles, abdominal distension, herpes, jaundice, ascites, intestinal worm infection, etc.

It contains rich amounts of vitamins such as Vitamin C, D, E, A, and K and powerful antioxidants that are very effective for quick and healthy hair growth. These vitamins help to provide essential micro-nutrients to your hair follicles for improving the growth and health of your hair.

About Shikakai

Shikakai is a natural herb that can be obtained from the fruit of a climbing shrub that grows in tropical forests of the Indian subcontinent.

The scientific name of Shikakai is Acacia concinna, and it contains thorny branches with smooth brown stripes. The leaves of this plant are stipules not thorn-like, and leaf stalks are 1-1.5 cm long with the prominent gland.

It has double-pinnate leaves with 5-7 pairs of pinnae, and the primary rachis is thorny and velvety. Each pinnae contains 12-18 pairs of leaflets that are 3-10 mm long, oblong-lance shaped, pointed, and obliquely rounded at the base.

The Inflorescence is a cluster of 2 or 3 stalked rounded flower-heads. When the flower is mature, the flower-head has 1 cm in diameter, and the flowers are pink in color.

The pods are thick, stalked, 8 cm long, 1.5-1.8 cm wide and flattened. The dried leaves, fruit pods and bark of Shikakai powder are made into a paste, and it can be applied on the hair.

The regular consumption of Shikakai strengthens your hair and decreases hair fall. It also helps to get relief from dandruff, hair, and scalp problems. Shikakai can be used in shampoos and many hair medicines to strengthen the root of your hair.

Common Names of Shikakai

Botanical Name: Acacia Concinna
English Name: Soap Pod
Tamil Name: சீயக்காய் / Siyakai / Shikakai
Malayalam Name: കമലാന്താ/കാർമലന്തല/ചികക/ചിനിക്ക/സിക്കാക്ക/സിനിക്കാ/സിവിക്ക / Carmalantala, Chikaka, Chinikka, Cikkakka, Civikka
Telugu Name: చికాయ (చీకాయ) / గోగు / శిరికాయ / సీకాయ / Chikaya (cheekaya)/ Gogu/ Shiikaya/ Siikaya
Hindi Name: हिकाकाई / कोची / रिघा /रीठा (रीठा ) / सातला / शिका / शिकाकाई / Hikakai/ Kochi/ Righa/ Ritha (reetha)/ Saatalaa/ Shika/ Shikakai.
Marathi Name: शिकेकाई Shikekai
Kannada Name: ಸೀಗೆಕಾಯಿ Seege kaayi
Bengali Name: বন রিঠে Ban ritha
Sanskrit Name: कण्टवल्ली Kantavalli

Traditional Benefits and Uses of Shikakai for Hair

Shikakai is a natural herb that is considered a great remedy for hair care. It is one of the most popular herbs that is widely used and provides excellent hair results.

Shikakai has been used for hair and skincare since ancient times and contains excellent health benefits in Ayurveda. The Shikakai fruit contains small seeds, and the Shikakai pods or powder contains many effective benefits.

Reduces Hair Lice and Dandruff

Shikakai contains powerful anti-microbial and antifungal properties that play an important role in eliminating lice and dandruff from hair and scalp.

It reduces dandruff effectively but doesn’t remove the essential oils from the scalp, so it helps to prevent dry scalp issues and may cause dandruff and flaking. Thus, you can get rid of the white flakes on your shoulder and scalp.

It also provides relief from clumsiness and itching due to hair lice. Take some amount of Shikakai powder and boil them in water. Squeeze half lemon in it, then wash your hair regularly with water and get rid of lice and dandruff.

Provides Shine and Softness To Hair

Shikakai contains many natural ingredients and effective nutrients that are more beneficial to enhance the texture of your hair during winter.

It is a natural surfactant, so it removes greasiness, cleans your hair follicles, and makes your hair soft and shiny. Take 2-3 teaspoons of Shikakai powder with 2 cups of water and boil them to make a semi-liquid paste.

Add some amount of honey and water to it, then apply this paste on your hair and wash with water. Repeat this remedy two times a week to get beautiful shiny hair.

Provides Stronger and Thicker Hair

Everyone would like to have healthy, strong, and beautiful hair. Shikakai contains effective natural ingredients such as vitamins, essential oils, etc. that are very important for the growth of the hair.

It has many powerful effects to make your hair luster and long. It is used to strengthen your hair from roots and prevent breakage, hair fall and split ends. Make a paste of Shikakai powder using fresh yogurt and apply it to your scalp and hair.

Leave it for 20-30 minutes and wash with the cold water. By regularly using this, you can get thick and strong hair.

Reduces Down Greying

Nowadays, many youngsters suffer from premature greying so that it may cause depression. Shikakai is an effective natural remedy for preventing premature greying.

It not only prevents premature greying and also retains the natural youthfulness of black hair. Make a hair pack using Amla powder, Shikakai, and soap nuts. Apply this pack on your hair once in a week to get excellent results.

Cures Infections

Shikakai contains a calming and soothing effect because of the powerful medicinal properties. Unlike many chemical shampoos that cause irritation on the inflamed area or sensitive scalp, Shikakai is a natural remedy that provides a cooling effect and reduces pain.

Make a paste using roasted Shikakai powder, turmeric, and neem leaves. Apply this paste on scratches, wounds, cuts, or throbbing headache to get great relief from pain and inflammation.

Effective Health Benefits of Shikakai

Treats Jaundice

According to Ayurveda, Shikakai is an effective herb for treating jaundice. It normalizes the secretion of bile, and it acts as a liver stimulant. Take 6-7 leaves of Shikakai and wash them well.

Make a chutney by grinding these leaves with three teaspoons of black pepper, one teaspoon of turmeric pulp, and salt. Eat this pickle two times per day to cure jaundice.

Prevent Constipation

The pods of Shikakai contain purgative and suppository nature that is more effective in treating constipation and relieves abdominal cramps, indigestion, and flatulence.

It enhances the digestion of food and helps the feces movement through your body. To get relief from constipation, immerse the Shikakai pod in water, then filter that and drink regularly.

Treats Skin diseases

Shikakai contains a powerful antibacterial property that helps to treat various skin diseases like scabies, and it decreases the symptoms of aging like fine lines and wrinkles.

Take 1-2 teaspoons of Shikakai powder with one teaspoon of cream, honey, almond powder, and turmeric. Apply this mixture on your face and scrub it. Repeat this for alternative days to get a young-looking glowing skin.

Treats Gum Infections

Shikaki contains anti-bacterial nature that has great significance to treat gum and teeth infections. It also inhibits plaque build-up, tooth decay, and cures gum infections like gingivitis.

Take three teaspoons of Shikakai powder with water and boil them. By taking this regularly, you can get rid of gum and tooth inflammation.

Other Traditional Benefits of Shikakai

• The Shikakai pods can be used to reduce aging symptoms of your skin. Soak the Shikakai pods in water and clean your face. By repeating this remedy, you can get young and healthy skin. It also helps to fight against the symptoms of aging by removing the fine line, wrinkles, and dark spots.
• The decoction of Shikakai and reetha is effective to wash soft clothes such as cashmere, pure cotton, and silk without causing any damage. It also helps to remove the stains from clothes.
• The Shikakai leaves contain acidic taste that is used to make chutneys.
• The Saponin present in the bark of Shikakai contains hormonal effects and spermicidal that are very helpful in contraceptive purposes.
• The extract of Shikakai leaves is traditionally used to treat malaria since ancient times.
• Shikakai is an effective remedy to treat small wounds like cuts and bruises on the scalp. The anti-bacterial property of Shikakai can help to provide great relief.
• It is also effectively used in the treatment of Black fever or the fever that occurs during Malaria fever.
• Shikakai helps to decrease the chances of wrinkles, dark circles, etc., and also decreases the risk of diabetes.
• It is used to reduce the level of your body cholesterol and maintains the proper level of blood sugar.
• It helps to provide relief from many stomach related problems like constipation and also improves the flow of urine from your body.
• Shikakai acts as a mouth freshener because it eliminates the bad smell from your mouth. It also provides great relief from infections, pain, ulcer, or boils in the gums.

How to make Shikakai Shampoo

• Take some dried Shikakai pods, dried amla, and little reetha and soak them overnight.
• Boil them in the water until the pods soften.
• Cool them, after that, filter the liquid and mash. Now, the shampoo is ready so that you can use that.
• Keep in mind that it is not very soft like readymade shampoo, but it provides a better result.
• Alternatively, take some dried Shikakai or Shikakai powder, Fenugreek powder, dried Amla, and Neem leaves.
• Boil them in a cup of water for 15-20 minutes.
• Cool them, filter the liquid, and mash.
• Use it with water as a natural shampoo.

How to make Shikakai Oil

• Take one tablespoon of Shikakai powder with a half cup of avocado/ basil/ coconut oil.
• Put the mixture in the container and leave it for some weeks.
• Give a shake to that occasionally during the period, and the oil is ready.
• Apply this oil in your hair for 2-3 times once in a week and wash them using shampoo.

Conclusion

Shikaki is a powerful traditional herb that provides effective benefits to your hair and skin. It provides effective treatment for many diseases such as gum infection, indigestion, jaundice, etc.

Atis -aka- Ativisha (in Ayurveda), Atees (in Hindi), Indian Atis Root (in English) or Aconitum Heterophyllum botanically, is a herb plant that grows tall about 2000 feet above sea level and found in the Himalayan regions and colder parts of India, for example, Kashmir and identified as a characteristic species of Nepal, Sikkim, and Chumbi areas.

Atis contains carminative activities so that the herb can help indigestion and constipation problems. The antibacterial property of the plant is also helpful in treating diarrhea by preventing pathogenic microorganisms.

Atis roots can also be useful in healthy weight loss because the herb can reduce the triglycerides levels and increase the HDL-cholesterol levels. Apart from this, the plant also has antipyretic, anthelmintic, anti-inflammatory, and antitussive properties.

According to Ayurveda, the herb can handle the symptoms of diabetes as it has Tikta (bitter) taste and Kapha balancing activities. Ativisha is one of the common herbs used in ayurvedic pediatric medicine also.

Ground Atis roots can be eaten with honey to relieve the cough and cold as the plant is Ushna (hot) in nature and prohibits the accumulated mucus.

Due to the same reason, the plant roots have been used as the best fever managing natural medicine in children and newborns.

Atis seeds with honey can be used for topical applications to provide instant relief from tonsillitis and throat infections. The Atis roots are recommended for reducing the migraines also.

General Plant Information of Ativisha (Aconitum heterophyllum)

Ativisha is an Ayurveda herb commonly known as Indian Atis Root. The herb has been widely used to treat digestion problems and fever conditions in children. The botanical name of the plant is Aconitum Heterophyllum that belongs to the Ranunculaceae family.

The aerial parts of the plant are annual, and the roots are biennial. The stem is erect and clasping that grows up to 15 – 20 cm. There are no branches or rarely one or two. The leaves of the plant are sessile, glabrous, and different in shape and size.

FLOWERING & FRUITING	August to October (in the 3rd year of growth)
PARTS USED	Dried tuberous roots
PLANT TYPE	Herb
DURATION	Biennial
DISTRIBUTION	Himalayan regions ( 3000 m to 4200 m or below 2200 m altitude)
HABITAT	Sub-alphine, Alphine climates
PROPAGATION	Seeds, Young Leafy Stems or Tuber Segments

Plant Parts Used

Ativisha root and tubers are the most widely used part for medicinal use as they contain active constituents.

Roots

The plant roots are tuberous and paired. The shape of the roots is conical or cylindrical, about 2 – 7.5 cm long (maximum) and 0.4 – 1.6 cm thick (maximum). When the plant starts tapering to end, the thickness is gradually reduced. The color of the roots is yellowish and greyish white externally. The scars of fallen rootlets and with a rosette of rudimentary leaves form a wrinkle marks in the external surface.

The roots are starchy and white with a surface pointed to the center with 4 – 7 yellowish to brown dots arranged concentrically, towards the end of fibrovascular bundles. It is odorless, bitter and has no tingling sensation.

The plant has four different classifications such as White, Black, Red, and Yellow. The white variety is considered the best that grows faster and higher.

Flowers

The flowers of Atis are hooded, large, and in white to violet color. They are present in lax leafy panicles or slender racemes. It has hairy corolla and five carpels with 10 to 18 follicles.

Synonyms of Ativisha

Aconitum Heterophyllum, Indian Atees, Atibage, Ativish, Ati Vasa, Aruna, Ghunapriya, Visa, Aatich, Ataicha, Atis Root, Ativishni Kali, Ativikhani Kali, Ativisha, Athihage, Atividayam, Ativisha, Atushi, Atisa, Atees, Ativasa, Kashmeera, Shuklakanda, Bhangura, Vishva.

Ayurveda Names: Ativisha, Aruna, Shuklakanda, Bhangura, Ghunavallabha, Ghunapriya, Kaashmira, Vira, Visha, and Shishubhaishajya.

Sanskrit Names: Ativisha, Bhangura, Ghunapriya,Ghunavallabha, Kashmeera, Mahaushadham, Peetavallabha, Shishubhaishajya, Shuklakanda, Shphahaa, Shrungi, Shyamakanda, Vishva, and Visha.

Scientific Classification

All the plants in the world are classified as seven main levels scientifically. They are the Kingdom, Division, Class, Order, Family, Genus, and Species.

A genus contains many species that are related and have similarities. The botanical name of the plant is formed Genus (in uppercase), followed by Species (in lowercase).

Species is the bottom level that shows the group of the plant.

KINGDOM	Plantae (Includes All extinct or living plants)
SUB KINGDOM	Tracheobionta (Contain lignified tissues or xylen for holding minerals and water)
SUPER DIVISION	Spermatophyta (Produce seeds)
DIVISION	Magnoliophyta (Flowering plant)
CLASS	Magnoliopsida (Flowering plants produce an embryo and paired cotyledons)
SUBCLASS	Magnoliidae
ORDER	Ranunculales
FAMILY	Ranunculaceae (Buttercup)
GENUS	Aconitum
SPECIES	Aconitum Heterophyllum

Common Names of Ativisha (Indian Atis Root)

• Botanical Name: Aconitum Heterophyllum
• English Name: Indian Atees
• Unani Name: Atees
• Siddha Name: Athividayam
• Tamil Name: அதிவிடயம்/Athividayam
• Malayalam Name: അതിവിടയം/Ativitayam, ஆட்திரணம்/Atthiranam
• Telugu Name: అతివస్స/Ativasa
• Kannada Name: ಅತಿವಿಷ/Ativisha, ಅಥಿಹಾಗೆ/Athihage
• Hindi Name: अतीस/Atees, Atis
• Marathi Name: आटविष/Ativish
• Punjabi Name: ਤਿਸ/Atis
• Gujarati Name: અતીવીષની કાલી /Ativishni Kali
• Bengali Name: আতাইচা/Ataicha
• Assamese Name: Aatich
• Oriya Name: ଅଟୁଶି/Atushi
• Persian Name: واججتورکی/Vajjeturki
• Tibbi Name: Atees
• Konkani Name: Atibaje
• Urdu Name: اتیس/Atees

Medicinal Properties of Ativisha (Aconitum heterophyllum)

• Antipyretic
• Antiperiodic
• Antidote
• Digestive
• Stomachic
• Antiemetic
• Amapachak – detoxifier

• Anthelmintic
• Antidiarrheal
• Aphrodisiac
• Blood purifier
• Antimalarial
• Anti-dysenteric
• Breastmilk detoxifier

• Anti-obesity
• Antitussive
• Styptic
• Anti-hemorrhoidal
• Absorbent
• Carminative
• Anti-inflammatory

• Antimicrobial
• Antihyperlipidemic
• Antioxidant
• Antihyperglycemic
• Anti-diabetic
• Hemostatic
• Hepatoprotective

15 Health Benefits and Medicinal Uses of Ativisha (Aconitum heterophyllum)

Ativisha is a multipurpose herb that helps to reduce fever and prevent infections. It benefits the respiratory and digestive health. It improves appetite, metabolism, and can digest food. It can reduce fat accumulation, inflammation, and Aam toxins from the body. Ativisha tubers or roots are used in the treatments related to blood, stomach, skin, lungs and airways, intestines, and liver.

Various diseases like IBS, Piles, and Hemorrhoids can also be treated with Ativisha. The herb is the natural detoxifier that removes the toxins from blood and body tissues. Ativisha can also improve breast milk consistency.

1. Treats Ingestion

The decoctions of Atis, dry ginger, Cyperus Rotundus, and Tinospora cordifolium can be eaten together to digest all the undigested food you had, and it gives you better relief.

In Ayurveda, ingestion is called Agnimandya that causes when the pitta doshas are imbalanced. Sometimes the food we consumed would not digest because of low digestive fire (Mand Agni in Ayurveda) that develops the Ama formations, which means the toxic and it leads to ingestion.

Atis or Ativisha helps to digest the Ama (toxins) with its Pachana (digestion) and Deepana (appetizer) properties.

2. Prevents Vomiting

According to Ayurveda, vomiting occurs when the three doshas are imbalanced, especially Pitta and Kapha. The imbalance is caused by improper eating habits and eating excessive foods such as Amla (sour), Ati-Sheeta (cold diet), Apakwa Ahaara (raw or uncooked food), Guru (heavy diet), Kashaya (pungent), Teekshna (sharp), and Vidahi (causing burning sensation).

These habits lead to Ama (toxic due to improper digestion) formation in the body and cause indigestion. As Atis has digestive properties, it helps digest the foods that created Ama and caused Vomiting and give you complete relief from the conditions. The balancing properties of Atis such as Deepana (appetizer), Pachana (digestion), and Tridoshas called Vata, Pitta, and Kapha are the reasons for this effect.

3. Treats Diarrhea

Ativisha is an antidiarrheal and absorbent that helps reduce the liquid content in the stool and binds it. Also, it lowers the frequency of loose stools. For these activities, the herb is widely used with Sonth (dried ginger) and Nagarmotha powders.

In Ayurveda, diarrhea is called Atisara, which is a condition where the affected person experiences watery stools more than three times a day. The imbalance of Vata dosha affects digestive fire functions and causes Agnimandya (indigestion).

The improper eating habits, impure water, and toxins due to improper food are other reasons for diarrhea. With the Vata balancing, appetizer, digestive activities, this helps to treat diarrhea and manage the weak digestive fire.

4. Treats Piles

Because of the sedentary lifestyle we are living today, Piles become the most common issue developed due to chronic constipation. When Vata dosha becomes imbalanced in the body, constipation is created.

The damages Vata causes weak digestive fire and leads to decisive constipation; thus, you feel extreme pain and swelling around the anal region. It should be treated on time. These conditions lead to Pile mass formation when ignored or untreated. Atis helps manage constipation, thus preventing piles formation.

5. Reduces Arthritis Pain

In rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis, because of imbalance Vata dosha, the patients feel the pain, which is called Arthritic pain.

The topical application of Atis on affected areas helps reduce the pain with its Vata balancing activity.

6. Reduces Nervous Pain

It is a condition that occurs when there is a disturbance felt in the nerves like obstructed blood flow as a result of the Vata dosha imbalance.

The topical application of atis reduces pain by balancing the Vata dosha.

7. Fever Management

Atis, with its antipyretic property, has been used to treat and prevent fever. Ativisha is the most common ayurvedic medicine used to reduce fever in children and infants. The herb acts as diaphoretic and stimulates perspiration that helps reduce the fever.

Pulverized Atis (6 Ratis) can be consumed three to four times a day with a minimum of two to three hours to treat fever.

8. Treats Common Cold & Flu

Ativisha powder mixed with honey and basil leaf juice is given to treat common cold and flu. It is the best medicine for treating infections of the upper respiratory tract and cold in children.

The mixture also provides relief from running nose, fever, nasal blockage, nasal irritation, and sneezing, and it prevents secondary infections too.

9. Heals Constipation

Powder of Ativisha root (Aconitum heterophyllum), Haritaki (fruit rind of chebulic myrobalan), Vach (rhizome of the sweet flag), Chitrak (leadwort root/Plumbago zeylanica), Pippli fruit (Piper longum), Yavakshara (salt of sodium & potassium), and costus rhizome (Saussurea lappa) are mixed and consumed with warm water two times a day at 3 to 6 grams as dose.

10. Prevents Cough & Bronchitis

Ativisha powder mixed with Pistacia Integerrima and honey can be given to treat cough and bronchitis. The mixture clears the lungs, prevents inflammation, and regulates the mucus secretions.

11. Treats Malabsorption

Ativisha contains metabolism-enhancing properties, digestive, and stomachic actions that improve metabolism and digestion.

According to Ayurveda, Malabsorption is related to Ama (toxins). Ativisha has digestive properties that help digest and assimilate the foods that help give proper treatment for malabsorption syndrome. Ativisha with Cumin seeds powder (Jeera powder or Trikatu Churnam) must be taken for this treatment.

12. Treats Mumps & Parotitis

The decoction extracted from an equal amount of roots of Ativisha, Aswagandha, Musli, Guduchi (stem), and Atibala can be taken a day thrice as a dose of 14 – 28 ml for parotitis and mumps.

13. Treats Diabetes and Leucorrhoea

The half teaspoon of dried (in the shade) and powdered mixture of roots of Ativisha, leaves of Ajuga parviflora, and roots of Podophyllum hexandrum is given two times a day in early morning and night after food for three months as a carminative and to treat diabetes and leucorrhoea.

14. Treats Chronic Fever

The 5 to 10 ml of aqueous root extract of Ativisha can be taken twice a day in the early morning with an empty stomach and at night after food. It should be continued for 1 to 4 weeks in chronic fever and diarrhea. It can be given to treat cold also.

15. Cures Loose Motions with Mucus

An equal part mixture of Ativisha, Triphala, and Cyperus scariosus can be taken two times daily at a dose of 3 grams to treat loose motions.

Finely powdered 50 grams of Ativisha, Cyperus scariosus, Pippali, and Pistacia lentiscus gall can be taken 1 gram a day with honey to get rid of cold, cough, vomiting, gastroenteritis, and loose motion.

Chemical Constituents of Ativisha (Indian Atis Root)

• Atidine
• Atisenol
• Atsine
• Banzolheteratisine
• Diterpene Alkaloids
• F-Dihydroatisine
• Heteratisine

• Heterophyllidine
• Heterophylline
• Heterophyllisine
• Hetidine
• Hetisinone
• Histisine

Ayurvedic Properties of Ativisha (Indian Atis Root)

SANSKRIT		ENGLISH
RASA	Tikta, Katu	TASTE	Bitter, Pungent
GUNA	Laghu, Ruksha	PHYSICAL QUALITY	Light, Dry
VIRYA	Ushna	POTENCY	Hot
VIPAKA	Katu	METABOLIC PROPERTY	Pungent
DOSHA KARMA	Tridoshas (Kapha Dosha)	EFFECT ON HUMORS	Balance Tridoshas
PRABHAVA	Vishahara	EXCLUSIVE ACTION	Anti-toxic

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Therapeutic Indications

• Breathing Difficulties
• Bronchitis & Cough
• Common Cold & Rhinitis
• Diabetes
• Diarrhea
• Dyslipidemia
• Fever & Infections
• Glycosuria

• Indigestion
• Intermittent Fever
• Intestinal Worms
• Loss of Appetite
• Malaria
• Nausea & Vomiting
• Piles

Ayurvedic Actions of Ativisha (Indian Atis Root)

QUALITIES (GUNA)	ACTIONS (KARMA)
AMA NASHAK	Toxin Digester
ATISARGHNA	Controls Diarrhea
DEEPANA	Promotes Appetite
GRAHI	Digestive, Inspissant, Dry the body fluids
JWARAHARA	Reduces Burning Sensation
KASAHARA	Treats Cough
KRIMIGHNA	Destroys Worms
PACHANA	Digest Ama Toxins
RAKTADOSHAHAR	Purifies Blood
VISHAHARA	Poison Destroyer

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Ayurvedic Usage with Different Herbs

• Pediatric Disorders: Ativisha, Karkatasrngi, and Long pepper.
• Atisara: Powder of Ativisha, Bhanga, and Vacha (Acorus Calamus).
• Fever With Diarrhea: Ativisha, Giloy, Ginger, Kutaja, and Musta as a decoction.
• Dysuria: Ativisha, Amla Dravyas, Goksura, Kantakari, and Sunti as Peya with Phanita.
• Visha Roga: Ghee prepared from cow milk and ativisha as nasal drops for acute poisoning.
• Rat Bite: Grind Ativisha roots with honey. The paste is given orally.
• Colic Pain: One part of Ativisha and three parts of Ankota with rice water.
• Colitis: Ativisha, Guduchi, and Sunti.
• Intestinal Worm Infestation: Ativisha and Vidanga.

How to use Ativisha (Indian Atis Root)

1. As Powder

Usage i:

• Take one teaspoon of Ativisha powder and add honey to it.
• Have it in the morning to get rid of indigestion.

Usage ii:

• Take half to one teaspoon of Ativisha powder.
• Add rose water to it and apply it on the affected area. Leave it for 10 minutes.
• Wash it thoroughly with water.
• Continue this for 2 to 3 times a week to treat ulcers and boils.

2. As Extract

• Take 1 to 2 pinches of Ativisha extract and add honey to it.
• Give it in the morning to children in fever, bloating, and loose motion.

3. As Kwatha

• Take 2 to 3 teaspoons of Ativisha kwatha.
• Add an equal amount of water and honey to it.
• Drink two times a day after food to get relief from indigestion.

4. As Oil

• Take 1 to 2 teaspoons of Ativisha oil.
• Add sesame oil to it and apply gently to the affected area.
• Continue this for 2 to 3 times a week for joint pain and inflammation.

Dosage of Ativisha (Aconitum Heterophyllum)

NEWBORNS (UNDER 28 DAYS)	100 to 125 mg
INFANTS (1 – 6 MONTHS)	125 to 200 mg
INFANTS (6 – 12 MONTHS)	200 to 300 mg
TODDLER (1 – 3 YEARS)	300 to 400 mg
PRESCHOOLER (3 – 5 YEARS)	400 to 600 mg
GRADE-SCHOOLER (5 – 12 YRS)	600 to 750 mg
TEENAGER (13 -19 YEARS)	750 to 1000 mg
ADULTS (19 TO 60 YEARS)	1000 to 2000 mg
GERIATRIC (ABOVE 60 YEARS)	500 to 1000 mg
PREGNANCY	250 to 500 mg
LACTATION	250 to 500 mg
MAXIMUM DOSAGE	6 g/day (in divided doses)
CONSUMPTION	Two times a day with honey after food

Precaution and Side Effects of Ativisha

Aconitum, Aconitum heterophyllum (Ativisha) is the only non-toxic plant that has therapeutic and ayurvedic benefits.

The chemical constituents of Aconitum heterphyllum are ascribed with non-toxic properties, i.e., aconites, adding atisine comprise major alkaloid contents.

The hypotensive effect of atisine was evaluated and found in every test dose, but the whole plant boasts the hypertensive property. Ativisha does not have toxic aconitine alkaloids, and so it is safe for infants.

If ativisha purified and taken in the right dose advised by professionals, there is no worry about side effects. Overdose that is more than 2 grams in a single take causes constipation. The herb is naturally dry, so when you consume it in an improper dose, it causes dryness in the body and xerostomia.

Fig or Anjeer is a unique fruit that contains many nutrients. It is a sweet fruit with numerous seeds, so it is known as nature’s candy.

The fresh and dried Anjeer is widely used in many countries, and it is very popular as ‘poor man’s food.’ The dried forms of its fruits, leaves, seeds, barks, shoots, and latex contain various medicinal values.

The fig fruit contains many powerful antioxidants, so regular consumption of this fruit increases the antioxidant capacity.

Fig is sweet, succulent, soft, fleshy, and juicy fruit, so the paste of this fruit is used as an alternative for sugar, and it is healthier than sucrose and corn syrup.

found that Anjeer contains antipyretic and purgative properties. The fig fruit contains antibacterial, antihyperglycemic, antihypertriglyceridemic, antiviral, and cancer suppressive effects. The combination of Anjeer juice and honey is an effective remedy for hemorrhagia.

About Anjeer

Anjeer is a deciduous tree that belongs to the mulberry family. In India, it is a bell-shaped flowering plant that is commercially grown in Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, UP, and Coimbatore and widely cultivated in many countries.

This tree can grow up to 50 feet tall with twisted and heavy branches. It has single and large leaves that are bright green in color.

Fig contains small flowers with a clustered green fruit, and the insects enter into the flowers through the opening of the fruit for pollinating. The fruits of this plant are very small with lots of crunchy seeds, and that contain a sweet taste.

Common Names of Anjeer (Aththi):

Botanical Name: Ficus Carcia
English Name: Fig
Tamil Name: Aththi Pazham
Malayalam Name: Atti Pazham
Telugu Name: Athi Pallu
Kannada Name: Anjura
Hindi Name: Anjeer
Marathi Name: Anjeer

Ayurvedic Benefits of Anjeer   

Fig is a sweet and astringent fruit that contains a cooling effect and is hard to digest. According to Ayurveda, it contains many nutrients, and it helps to balance the vata and pitta doshas.

Anjeer is very effective in cleaning the bowel system and eliminates toxins from your body. It is a great natural remedy to treat constipation, digestive problems, controls blood pressure, and reduces excess vata in the body.

The latex of the Fig fruit is used in Ayurvedic medicines that contain an enzyme ficin that holds powerful anthelmintic property to fight against worm infections.

The main Ayurvedic property of Fig contains a laxative, diuretic, and expectorant. Fig contains a chemical furocoumarin, so it is effective for treating leucoderma, and it helps to cure the white spots on your skin.

It is recommended to take Fig for 2-3 months to treat white spots. In Ayurveda, Anjeer is strongly used to treat kidney stones and other urinary diseases.

Drink 30 ml of Anjeer decoction two times per day to dissolve the kidney stones. Drink the soaked water of dried figs to reduce the vata inside the body.

Anjeer is more beneficial for women, so eating 2-4 dried Anjeer daily increases the levels of iron and calcium to your body. Drinking filter decoction of Anjeer for a week helps to regulate your menstrual cycle.

Nutritional Benefits of Anjeer

Anjeer is an effective nourishing food and used as the main ingredient in many products. It contains rich sources of vitamins, minerals, fat, and water.

It is the highest source of soluble dietary fiber compared to other plants. It contains numerous health-promoting bioactive compounds.

Rich in Antioxidants

According to scientific studies, it is found that Anjeer is a powerful source of antioxidants. Regular consumption of dried Anjeer effectively increases the antioxidants.

The high antioxidant capacity helps to prevent chronic diseases such as cardiovascular and cancer diseases. The research found that the fruits, leaves, and stem bark contain powerful antioxidant properties.

The presence of high-level phenolic compounds is the reason for these properties. The antioxidants of Fig helps to prevent oxidative degradation of lipids, so it protects your body from chronic diseases.

Moreover, the fig fruits contain powerful free radicals scavenging property that diminishes the load of Reactive Oxygen Species. Apart from phenolic compounds, it contains flavonoids that provide powerful antioxidant properties. The pulp and peel of the fruit contain the following organic acids:

• Citric Acid
• Ferulic Acid
• Oxalic Acid
• Quinic Acid
• Malic Acid
• Fumaric Acid
• Chlorogenic Acid

Rich in Polyphenolic Compounds

The fresh and dried Anjeer fruits contain phenolic compounds. According to research, wine and tea contain a great amount of phenolic.

Anjeer fruit contains greater PROANTHOCYANIDINS than tea and wine. The research found that anthocyanins, total phenolic compounds, and antioxidant activities reduced after the fresh Anjeer dried. The basic polyphenols present in Anjeer are:

• Flavones: Astragaline, Rutin, Apigenin and Campherol.
• Cyanidin
• Catechin
• Gallic Acid
• Epicatechin
• Chlorogenic Acid
• Flavanones
• Syringic Acid
• Anthocyanidin

Fatty Acid Composition

Most of the fruits contain dietary fiber, and Anjeer is one such fruit that contains rich amounts of fatty acid and dietary fiber. There are different fatty acids present in dried Anjeer.

• Stearic Acid
• Linoleic Acid
• Palmitic Acid
• Oleic Acid
• Myristic Acid
• Linolenic Acid

From these, LINOLENIC ACID is the most important one that is 53.1% of the total fatty acid composition. Anjeer fruit contains Phytosterols that are similar to cholesterol. Phytosterols play an important role in reducing high cholesterol levels.

Health Benefits and Medicinal Uses of Anjeer (Aththi)

Both fresh and dried Anjeer contains excellent nutrients that make it effective for overall health conditions.

It contains 28% of the fiber in the soluble form, which helps to control a high level of plasma glucose and cholesterol and reduces weight.

The Anjeer fruit contains many health-promoting compounds that help to treat various health conditions.

Treats Constipation

The research found that Anjeer contains laxative properties, so it provides effective treatment for constipation.

It contains cellulose that is a compound present in plants that helps to promote the elimination of stools by increasing the water content. It also increases the viscosity. Moreover, it increases the time of colonic transmission of the stools.

Thus, by eating Anjeer, you can easily excrete the stools easily without straining and giving pressure to the system. The movement of the food decreases via the digestive tract during constipation.

The paste of Anjeer fruit pulp helps to increase the intestinal peristalsis. It is an effective remedy for those who suffer from constipation.

Therefore, it can be used as a great therapy for constipation. Three pieces of Figs contains five gms of fiber that improves your health and regulates bowel movements.

Anjeer not only provides treatment for constipation and also helps to treat stomach-ache, indigestion, and other intestinal problems.

Usage: Soak 2 to 3 pieces of dry Anjeer fruit overnight. Filter and consume the soaked water with honey to get relief from constipation problems.

Cures Muscle Spasm & Cramps

According to research, the dried Anjeer helps to relax the gut. The presence of the FLAVONOIDS, SAPONINS, ALKALOIDS, COURMARINS, and TERPENES are reasons for this property.

Anjeer also contains a powerful anti-spasmodic property that helps to reduce muscle spasms. Moreover, Consumption of Anjeer helps to prevent contractions, so it relaxes your muscles.

Due to the anti-spasmolytic property, it is recommended to be used for the treatment of different types of gastrointestinal diseases such as abdominal pain and diarrhea.

Treats Anemia

The research found that the extract of Anjeer fruit contains effects on hematological aspects such as packed cell volume, hemoglobin concentration, the total count of white blood cells, and platelets.

According to the research, the Anjeer fruit greatly increases the concentration of hemoglobin. Apart from this, the Anjeer fruit is used to treat increased packed cell volume in a group.

This may be caused due to the small amount of iron in Anjeer fruits. Moreover, it is observed that both fresh and dried Anjeer fruits include protein.

Both protein and iron are important for the hemoglobin formation, and due to the presence of these nutrients, Anjeer fruit becomes perfect for hemoglobin synthesis.

Many nutrients and health-promoting compounds are important for the blood cell formation, so Anjeer fruit is very effective in promoting hematological parameters.

Treats Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus

Anjeer is the source of essential nutrients among all the dried fruits. Apart from a great nutrient profile, it also contains effective medicinal values.

The fruit and leaves of Anjeer are effectively used in managing plasma glucose levels. They contain many healthy compounds such as flavonoids, antioxidants, and polyphenols that play a vital role in treating type 2 diabetes mellitus.

The flavonoid contains antihyperglycemic properties that help to modulate glucose and oxidation metabolisms. Moreover, the flavonoids alter the transport of glucose and greatly reduces the increased level of plasma glucose.

Ferulic acid is an important phenol compound that controls the high plasma glucose level and reduces oxidative stress. The high-level oxidative stress is related to hyperglycemia.

Anjeer contains many antioxidants that help to balance the harmful free radicals and fight against oxidative stress. Anjeer leaves are more effective than the Anjeer fruit.

The leaves of Anjeer helps to promote the functional control of diabetes. These leaves control the sugar level in the body after the food.

It reduces the rate of blood sugar change. The tea made from Anjeer leaves is available in the market that helps the diabetic patients.

Improves Immune system

People who have weak immune systems are easily affected by diseases and infections. Thus, many researchers concentrate on the process of strengthening the immune system to control infections and diseases.

Anjeer contains rich amounts of nutrients, so it is a powerhouse of many vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, phenolic compounds, and flavonoids.

There are many health-promoting compounds available in Anjeer that are helping to alter the immune system and cure diseases. According to research, consuming Anjeer daily helps to decrease the immune response.

Moreover, regular consumption helps to strengthen the immune response and fights against health disorders and diseases.

It also promotes the actions of many immune cells, so it protects your body. The extract of Anjeer fruit increases the total count of white blood cells in a group.

This increase may be associated with the presence of phenolic compounds such as FURANOCOUMARINS, ANGELICIN, CAROTENOIDS, and PSORALEN. These compounds strengthen the immune system and increase white blood cells production.

High Triglyceride Level

According to research, the extract of Anjeer leaf contains hypolipidemic actions that help to reduce the level of triglyceride and plasma cholesterol.

Moreover, it is found that the extract of the leaf also increases the plasma level of HDL cholesterol. These increased levels of HDL cholesterol help to protect your heart and prevent cardiovascular diseases.

The leaf extract increases the APOLIPOPROTEIN A-1 production and alters the remodel of HDL particles in the blood vessels. Apart from this, APOLIPOPROTEIN A-1 also helps to anti-thrombogenic and anti-inflammatory properties.

Another research found that the decoction of Anjeer leaf reduces the level of triglyceride. Due to the presence of bioactive compounds that affects the fat breakdown and enhances the whole over the lipid profile. Thus, it reduces the chances of coronary heart diseases.

Hepatoprotective Effect

The liver is the main organ that exhibits intaken toxins. If this exposure occurs prolonged time, it may cause damage to the liver, and modify the function and structure. Mostly, the drugs used in the treatment for liver diseases cause side effects.

The research found that the extract of Anjeer leaves provides a specific, powerful protective effect against PARACETAMOL. Another research proves that the extract of Anjeer helps to decrease the liver damage and reduce the level of liver enzymes in the group, and it increases during the damage.

Thus, the leaf extract and fruit of Anjeer is effective in treating liver diseases. Thus, it restores the function of the liver cell and regulates the structure of the liver.

Antimicrobial Properties

Many studies found that the Anjeer tree contains anti-viral and anti-microbial properties. The extract of Anjeer tree leaves contains antibacterial properties that provide many strong activities against ANGINOSUS, ACTINOMYCETEMCOMITANS, GORDONII, INTERMEDIA, and P. GINGIVALIS.

Cure Fevers & Debility after Fever

According to many scientific studies, it is found that the extract of Anjeer leaf contains powerful antipyretic actions that help to decrease the body temperature during fever.

The extract of the leaf contains a similar effect to PARACETAMOL that is a medicine used in treating fever. The Anjeer fruits are more beneficial in treating debility after fever or chronic diseases.

Reduces Weight

Anjeer contains many effective nutrients, so many dieticians recommend using a small amount of this fruit to reduce weight because it promotes your weight loss program.

Yet, consume it with milk because the high-level calories of milk combined with Anjeer fruit helps to gain weight in the desired places. Anjeer also contains a high amount of sugar, so consume 1-2 Anjeer fruits per day.

Treats Sexual Problems

Anjeer is an effective fruit that is highly beneficial since ancient times for treating many sexual diseases such as low stamina, sterility, and erectile dysfunction.

The nutrients such as vitamin B6, potassium, magnesium, minerals, and copper increases the production of semen.

The dried Anjeer fruit contains rich amounts of amino acids that help this fruit to act as an aphrodisiac by increasing libido and vitality.

Anjeer is an effective fruit for adolescent girls to cure PMS symptoms and normalizes the cycle. Furthermore, many studies found that Anjeer is more beneficial in treating the symptoms of erectile dysfunction.

Treats Teeth & Gum Diseases

Anjeer contains many phenolic compounds that provide powerful anti-caries effects. This effect may be caused because the extract of Anjeer prevents oral bacteria.

Moreover, the presence of flavonoids helps to provide antibacterial properties, so it fights against the harmful actions of bacteria.

The Anjeer fruit plays a vital role in decreasing infections of oral bacteria due to the presence of phytochemicals and flavonoids, so it protects your teeth, gum, and whole over the tissue of the oral cavity. Thus, Anjeer can be used as an effective antibacterial agent in the oral care products.

Regulates Blood Pressure

Figs contain numerous potassium that helps to maintain blood pressure. Potassium is the important mineral that helps to control the blood pressure in your body and helps to refute the negative impacts of sodium.

The potassium effect in figs helps to promote the function of muscles and nerves, balances the fluid system, and maintains the balance of electrolyte.

Maintaining blood pressure helps to dilate blood vessels, enhances the blood circulation, relaxes, and makes you stress-free. Therefore, the fig is the best fruit to take in a high blood pressure diet.

Strengthens Bones

Fig is filled with rich amounts of vitamins and minerals, which plays a vital role in strengthening your bones and reducing the chance of osteoporosis.

Due to the presence of phosphorus and calcium, Anjeer promotes the bones formation and enhances the regrowth of bones if any injury occurs or deterioration is caused in bones. Taking fresh figs provides 180 mg of calcium and important vitamins C and K to strengthen the density of your bones.

Breathing Difficulties

There are many sufficient nutrients found in the Anjeer, such as vitamins, minerals, proteins, carbohydrates, and fiber that keep your respiratory system hydrated.

It helps to cure chronic cough and other disorders. Thus, many dieticians suggested using Anjeer for several respiratory diseases. Soak 1-2 Anjeer that is enough for asthma and other breathing problems.

Medically, it works when you feel fatigued, weak, and tired, especially difficulty in breathing because of physical weakness or excessive exertion. Moreover, it is best to eat, and it acts as a nutritious tonic for the respiratory system.

If respiratory fatigue or weakness is not the cause, it is better to take other medicine to cure breathing problems.

Radiant Skin

Figs contain nutrients such as vitamin C, A, and E and powerful antioxidants that are effective in growing your skin and rejuvenating your skin cells.

Fresh figs are used as face masks. Make a paste using fresh figs and apply it on your face. Wash your face with lukewarm water after 15 minutes that makes your skin glow and look vibrant naturally.

Moreover, the rich amounts of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals help to maintain the pH balance of your skin and improve blood circulation.

Treats Fluid Overload or Oedema

Diuretics are the kid of medicines that helps to increase the output and passage of urine. These medicines are effective for those who have a fluid overload.

The extract of Anjeer fruit provides natural diuretic property. The research proves that the extract of Anjeer fruit increases the volume of urine and concentration, such as potassium, chloride, and sodium in the urine.

The effect of the extract is similar to the diuretic called FUROSEMIDE. Therefore, the fruit extract is used as a natural diuretic agent.

Relieves Throat Pain and Other Problems

Anjeer helps to provide relief and prevent sore throat caused due to mucilage content. Anjeer and its natural juice can help to decrease the stress and pain on the vocal cords. It is used for earache, abscesses, fever, boils, etc.

Improves Heart Health

Many studies found that figs reduce the level of triglycerides in the bloodstream and reduce the chances of heart diseases.

Anjeer contains rich amounts of soluble fiber that clears the clogged cholesterol and excrete it from your body via the excretory system.

Additionally, the high potassium and antioxidants present in dried figs help to maintain blood pressure, prevent artery blockages, scavenges free radicals, and reduce the chances of heart diseases.

Treats Insomnia

The dried fruits of Anjeer are recommended to the people who suffer from insomnia. The tryptophan present in Anjeer helps to provide enough and good sleep by promoting proper blood circulation throughout the body.

Treats Alzheimer’s Disease

According to the research, Anjeer contains many nutritious diets that help treat neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s and make your neuroinflammation easy.

Anjeer is filled with rich amounts of potassium, copper, dietary fiber, magnesium, antioxidants, zinc, and vitamin K that are helping to improve your memory, decrease anxiety, and enhance your learning skills for those who suffer from Alzheimer’s.

Urinary Problems

The potassium present in Anjeer helps to eliminate harmful toxins from your body through urine. It decreases the level of uric acid by increasing the secretion of uric acid. It also helps to regulate the waste content in urine.

Post-Menopausal Breast Cancer Prevention

Anjeer contains a rich quantity of fiber that fights against breast cancer in adult females. After menopause, the hormones in the body change often, and these changes affect your immune system.

It affects the capability of antioxidants that fight against free radicals. Therefore, consuming Anjeer is good to prevent post-menopausal cancer.

Prevent Colon Cancer

The fiber present in Anjeer helps to eliminate harmful toxins from the physical structure and improves the excretion of free radicals and other cancer problems. It contains many antioxidants, but polyphenols and flavonoids help to prevent the damage caused by free radicals.

Treats Piles

Fig contains a natural laxative property that helps to reduce the pressure in the rectum, so the hemorrhoids reduce. According to the research and alternative medical journal, the fig is an effective traditional remedy that helps to treat hemorrhoids due to the antispasmodic and laxative properties.

Reduces Wrinkles on Skin

The extract of fig contains powerful anti collagenase properties and antioxidants that are highly beneficial for reducing wrinkles and makes your skin soft.

The fig extract is widely used in many skin formulations that help to decrease skin melanin, sebum, and water loss. Furthermore, this extract enhances the skin hydration and serves as a natural remedy for acne, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation.

Treats Warts

Anjeer is widely used in traditional medicine to treat several skin problems such as psoriasis, eczema, and vitiligo. The latex of Anjeer contains strong anti wart property. The latex enzyme of Anjeer also contains proteolytic activity that helps to eliminate warts on the body without causing any side effects.

Nutritional Values of Anjeer (Aththi)

Anjeer contains low calories and rich amounts of soluble fiber, powerful nutrients, and many compounds for healing benefits. Anjeer is a rich source of antioxidants, flavonoids, chlorogenic acids, carotenes, tannins, lutein, vitamin A, K, and E. It helps to clear free radicals and prevents many chronic diseases such as diabetes, cancer and decreases inflammation. The fresh figs contain B complex vitamins such as niacin, folates, pantothenic acid, and pyridoxine that work as co-factors for metabolism. The dried figs contain rich amounts of minerals such as calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron, copper, zinc, and selenium. Potassium helps to balance the body fluids that normalize the heart rate and blood pressure. Iron is the most important mineral for red blood cell formation and overall health.

Nutritional value per 100 g of Fresh Fig

NUTRIENT	VALUE
Calories	74
Total Fat	36 g
Carbohydrates	19.18 g
Protein	0.75 g
Sodium	1 mg
Potassium	232 mg
Calcium	35 mg
Iron	0.37 mg
Magnesium	17 mg
Copper	0.070 mg
Vitamin C	2 mg
Vitamin A	142 IU
Vitamin E	0.11 mg
Niacin	0.400 mg
Vitamin K	4.7 µg
Manganese	0.128 mg
Selenium	0.2 µg
Folates	6 µg
Pantothenic acid	0.300 mg
Pyridoxine	0.113 mg
Riboflavin	0.050 mg
Thiamin	0.060 mg

Side Effects of Anjeer (Aththi)

Typically, Anjeer is safe to eat, but it causes a slight laxative effect. The excessive consumption of Anjeer may lead to diarrhea.

During Pregnancy

Anjeer fruit is safe to eat during pregnancy. Due to the rich nutritional values of Anjeer, it is good to consume.

When you take Anjeer during pregnancy, it provides many nutritional advantages such as increased hemoglobin level and provides relief from constipation for pregnant women.

However, In some cases, it may cause any side effects. If pregnant women have loose stools or diarrhea, they should avoid Anjeer, but if she has constipation or incomplete bowel movement, she can consume.

Anjeer Allergy

Some people have an allergy while consuming Anjeer. According to research, the skin of Anjeer contains more allergy than the pulp of the fruit. Some people reported that eating Anjeer may cause oral allergy and respiratory diseases.

While consuming dried Anjeer, the symptoms such as sneezing, blocked nose, dry cough, and watery eyes appear. The skin tests of dried Anjeer, leaf, latex, skin, and pulp of green Anjeer provides a positive result.

Therefore, different parts of this Anjeer contain different allergy stimulating capacity but most of the allergies are caused due to the skin of the fruit.

Interactions

The extract of Anjeer leaf may interact with the anti-diabetic medicine and reduces the plasma glucose level. Consuming both medicines at the same time or short time rapidly reduces the level of plasma glucose below the normal range and may cause hypoglycemia.

Conclusion

Figs or Anjeer is a succulent fruit with numerous seeds that is a healthy diet for your regular consumption. It is a powerhouse for many nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, etc., and it is popularly known as ‘Nature’s candy.’ It provides immediate energy, inhibits heart diseases, and helps to control diabetes. Anjeer is effective in treating several skin diseases, and it is an essential ingredient in juices, milkshakes, and jams.

Cissus Quadrangularis or Hadjod or Pirandai is a traditional herb that is widely used in Ayurveda to treat many diseases. It is also known as Veldt Grape. It is a fleshy plant that is used in many traditional dishes such as soups, dals, and chutney in India.

Cissus Quadrangularis is widely used in Indian medicines to strengthen your bones, joints, and improves bone growth. It is an effective natural remedy for bones and joint disorders, used to treat flatulence, loss of appetite, hemorrhoid, intestinal worms, indigestion, gout, weight loss, leucorrhea, and internal bleeding.

Veldt Grape increases the mineral density of bones and fracture’s healing rate. It contains aphrodisiac action that helps to improve men’s vigor, stamina, and strength.

In Ayurveda, it is recommended to drink 20 ml juice of Cissus Quadrangularis twice a day to increase the healing rate and fracture and restore bone mass in many diseases. For the external use, prepare a paste using Hadjod Powder and warm water for the same purpose.

About Cissus Quadrangularis or Hadjod (Pirandai)

Hadjod is a perennial shrub that belongs to the Vitaceae family, and it is native to hot and arid places of India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Africa.

It is scientifically known as Cissus Quadrangularis and grows up to 15-meter height with the branches, and it is split into four quadrangular arrangements. The leaves of this plant are bright green in color, sharp edges and contain three lobes.

This plant contains white or jade flowers and red berries. Every part of Veldt Grape is edible, leaves and stem are used in traditional cooking and medicinal purposes.

Cissus Quadrangularis (Hadjod) is widely used globally due to its bone tissue development and other effective medicinal properties. It is hugely manufactured and sold in various forms, such as tablets, powders, capsules, and extracts.

Common Names of Cissus Quadrangularis (Veldt Grape):

Botanical Name: Cissus Quadrangularis
English Name: Veldt Grape
Tamil Name: Pirandai
Malayalam Name: Cannalamparanta
Telugu Name: Nalleru
Kannada Name: Mangarahalli
Hindi Name: Hadjod
Marathi Name: Ghanasvel
Bengali Name: Harajora
Gujarati Name: Asthisrnkhala

Medicinal Properties of Hadjod (Prandai)

• Strengthen bones and joints
• Hemostatic
• Hepatoprotective
• Accelerate the rate of fracture healing
• Digestive stimulant
• Restore bone mass

• Blood detoxifier
• Anti-hemorrhoid
• Anabolic supplement
• Anthelmintic or vermifuge
• Aphrodisiac
• Anodyne – pain relieving

Nutritional Values of Cissus Quadrangularis (Veldt Grape)

Veldt Grape contains numerous nutrients, such as calcium and magnesium. Apart from this, it contains flavonoids, steroids, and resveratrol.

These will help to improve the rapid healing of the fracture and provide great relief from pain and joint diseases. Thus, it is known as “Asthisamharaka,” which means “bone setter,” and it protects your bone from destruction.

Moreover, the Cissus Quadrangularis is filled with many bioactive compounds such as alkaloids, tannins, carotenoids, and triterpenoids.

It also contains important vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, E, zinc, sodium, and iron that provides powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Short description of Cissus Quadrangularis (Pirandai)

PLANT GROWTH HABIT	Habit Herbaceous Deciduous Perennial succulent Climbing plant
GROWING CLIMATES	Acacia woodland Grassland with scattered trees Riverine thicket Coastal forest edges Sandy banks of rivers Dense mixed thicket
SOIL	Light sandy Loamy and clay soils Well-drained soil Nutritionally poor soil
PLANT SIZE	Reach Up to 1.5 m length
TENDRILS	Long, slender and simple
STEM	More or less glabrous Branched, thick, succulent Constricted at regular intervals 4-angled, square in cross section 4 angles are prominent, narrow, often reddish and smooth
LEAF	Somewhat fleshy, membranous, simple at the nodes Glabrous on both sides or sparingly pubescent Tendril emerging from the opposite side of the node

FLOWERING SEASON	July – September
FLOWER	Small white Yellowish, or greenish Flower-bud 2–3 mm long, glabrous
FRUIT	Ovoid to globular Succulent Very acidic Up to 8-12 × 5-8 mm Glabrous
FRUIT COLOR	Green when young Red when ripe
SEED	Compressed-ellipsoid 5 mm long 4 mm broad Smooth with single dorsal crest
PROPAGATION	Seed Stem cuttings
AVAILABLE FORMS	Powder Juice Capsule form
TASTE	Acrid, Bitter
PLANT PARTS USED	Whole plant, stem, Aerial parts
SEASON	October – January

Health Benefits & Medicinal Uses of Hadjod (Cissus Quadrangularis)

Cissus Quadrangularis contains many powerful strengthening effects on bones, muscles, joints, and ligaments. It is mainly used in the treatment of diseases associated with these structures.

Treats Osteoporosis

Hadjod or Cissus Quadrangularis is an effective remedy for osteoporosis that increases the strength of bones and restores bone mass. It also increases minerals in bones and improves the mineral nodules formation.

It improves the proliferation and differentiation of osteoblastic. It increases the mineral density of bones and decreases the chances of bone fracture.

The powder or juice of Hadjod is used with Muktashukti Bhasma, Abhrak Bhasma, Godanti Bhasma, Kukkutandatvak Bhasma, Yashad Bhasma, Praval Bhasma, Ashwagandha, Amala, and Arjuna to treat many diseases in Ayurveda. These combinations help to increase the bone strength and restores the bone minerals.

Improves Digestion

The aerial parts of the Cissus Quadrangularis contain digestive action that helps to promote liver function and digestion.

In folk medicine, the leaves of Hadjod are used to prepare veggies from aerial parts of C. Quadrangularis are used to enhance your digestive system. In traditional medicine, the stem powder of C. Quadrangularis is mixed with an equal amount of ginger powder and recommended to take to enhance appetite.

Note

• The extract of Hadjod (Veldt Grape) contains 2.5% of ketosteroids that help to control appetite and reduce weight.
• According to Ayurvedic properties, it helps to increase appetite while using it in natural form. The extract or derivatives are not recommended in Ayurveda, and it may not give the same results.
• The traditional preparation of Cissus Quadrangularis and ginger powder is an effective remedy for an appetizer.

Treats Bone Fracture

Cissus Quadrangularis helps to cure bone fracture by increasing the speed of proliferative physiological processes in the bone. It increases the bone regeneration rate, enhances nutrient supply and blood circulation in the bone.

It protects regeneration and bone tissue anabolism. It improves proliferation and the differentiation of osteoblastic. Lakshadi Guggul is generally used for this purpose in Ayurvedic medicine, and Hadjod is the main ingredient.

This formulation is usually used with Abha Guggul and Gandha Thailam. The stem and fresh juice of Hadjod are more beneficial to increase the speed of fracture healing.

Generally, 20 ml of Ayurvedic herbs can be taken with cow’s milk or ghee twice a day for increasing the healing rate of bone fractures.

The extract or powder of Cissus Quadrangularis (Veldt Grape) is used where the fresh herb is not available. The paste prepared by using leaves and stem of Cissus Quadrangularis is applied to the fractured area for quick healing.

It has been used in India since ancient times when there were no other orthopedic medicines available. During that time, the paste was applied to the fractured area after joining the broken bone and then closed with a cloth and wooden stick.

Reduces Weight

Many studies found that Hadjod provides powerful antioxidants and weight-reducing properties that helps to decrease body fat and enhance the overall lipid profile.

The combination of Cissus Quadrangularis and Irvingia Gabonensis is very effective for weight loss. According to studies, the Hadjod contains strong synergistic effects that are used in managing obesity.

Ayurvedic properties of Cissus Quadrangularis help to improve your metabolism and forms of bones. The Ayurveda concept of DHATUAGNI found that mostly the obese people have weak bones. Ayurveda suggests that the MEDA DHATUAGNI is essential for the bone formation.

When you have the suitable MEDA DHATUAGNI, the bones will grow well. The modern medicines also suggest this same thing in different ways.

The excess fat or adipose tissue affects the health of your bone. Low bone mineral density is the most common problem in the obese people. In Ayurveda, the Hadjod (Veldt Grape) helps to improve metabolism and decreases fat mass in your body.

It also helps to enhance MEDA DHATUAGNI to increase the strength and mass of your bone. It increases the weight of your bones and decreases the deposition of fat around the belly, buttocks, pelvis, and upper thighs.

It is noted that it is less to decrease body weight until the bones get weak. In Ayurveda, it helps to increase bone weight and decrease the fat of mass.

The overall weight loss of your body may not be important until your bones get weak because the weight will transfer to your bones.

When you consume Hadjod regularly for a long time, it decreases your overall weight of the body. It also makes your bone strength, and you don’t need extra nourishment for the joints and bones.

Treats Dental Infections

The plaque, cavities, and tarter may cause discomfort in gums and teeth. Regularly Brush and rinse your mouth using Hadjod juice to kill all infectious agents that cause toothaches because the Cissus Quadrangularis juice contains great microbial characteristics.

Treats Syphilis

In traditional medicine, the fresh stems of Cissus Quadrangularis can be burned for some minutes and extract juice from them. Take 20 ml of extracted juice with 20 ml ghee after food twice a day for seven days. This combination is effectively used in treating syphilis and decreases its symptoms.

Cures Joint Pain cause due to Strenuous Exercises

Veldt Grape contains powerful anti-inflammatory and anodyne actions that help to decrease the pain and joint inflammation effectively. Many studies prove that it improves joint mobility and reduces joint pain in athletes due to hard exercises.

Effects on Lipid Profile

Many studies found that Cissus Quadrangularis promotes metabolism and lipid profile. It decreases total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL-cholesterol. Moreover, it increases HDL cholesterol.

Menorrhagia

Consume 20 ml fresh juice of leaves and stems of Cissus Quadrangularis with three gms of white sandalwood powder and one teaspoon of honey that helps to treat excessive bleeding during menstruation.

Efficiently Detoxifies The Body

Hadjod (Veldt Grape) contains vitamin C and many natural compounds like flavonoids that effectively eliminate the fluids, waste food particles, and harmful parts from your body and prevent accumulation in the kidney.

Protects The Hepatic System

Cissus Quadrangularis contains a rich amount of vitamin C except the anti-inflammatory substances such as beta-sitosterol and triterpenoids. Thus, Hadjod protects your liver from fatty liver diseases and bile duct diseases.

Relieves Menstruation Cramps

Veldt Grape aids in raising serotonin levels in the body and thus regulates hormones. This activity gives relief from menstrual cramps, bloating, and pain. Mostly, women suffer from menstrual cramps every month, and this will be an effective and natural way to get relief.

Heart Health

Cissus Quadrangularis has a direct connection with cholesterol. So consuming it will lower the cholesterol level due to its strong impact on metabolic factors. By reducing bad (LDL) cholesterol in the body, Veld Grape will protect your cardiovascular system from strain, atherosclerosis, attacks, strokes, and high blood pressure.

Boost Immunity

Veldt Grape has high levels of ascorbic acid, which makes the body a defensive shield against various pathogens and foreign substances; it gives antioxidant properties. Ascorbic acid is a form of vitamin C that improves the production of white blood cells (WBS) to fight against infections and improves overall health.

Wound Healing

Vitamin C found in the Cissus Quadrangularis is a vital element of collagen (Protein) which is used by the human body to build up muscles, blood vessels, and arteries. Vitamin C aids in the growth and repair of the body tissues, and speeds up the wound healing process. So you will be recovered from injury and illness quicker.

Diabetes

Veldt Grape has powerful anti-diabetic properties that fight against the conditions caused by diabetes. These beneficial health benefits of the veldt grape are due to the antioxidant properties. Further, it is also enriched with quercetin. Research in diabetics rats said that this plant is useful in enhancing histological, biochemical, and biomechanical changes.

Anti-Inflammatory and Respiratory Disorders

From ancient days, people in India and Asia used this plant for joint pain. Cissus Quadrangularis has anti-inflammatory properties that can treat inflammation in the joints and tendons. It is also used in treating hemorrhoids. Many researches found that it has anti-inflammatory properties. The Veldt Grape shows an effect similar to steroids. Thus it prevents respiratory issues such as asthma.

Bleeding Piles & Deworming

Veldt Grape is the best for treatmenting bleeding piles, and it should be done for at least 7 to 10 days to get good results. For the treatment, clean, scrap, and cut the Cissus Quadrangularis into small pieces. Then fry it with a little amount of ghee in a pan till the color changes. After frying, grind it to a paste by adding a few drops of boiled water. Then, store it in the refrigerator and consume 1/4 tsp daily for about ten days to get complete relief from anal itching, deworming, and piles. This also treats intestinal worms.

How to use Veldt grape according to Ayurveda

• Infrequent Menses: Just burn Veldt Grape and mix its ash with one teaspoon of ghee. Consume it three times for three days.
• Diarrhea: Mix one teaspoon of Cissus Quadrangularis ash with warm water. Drink it two times a day.
• Obesity: Add 1/2 tablespoon of Veldt Grape burnt powder with coconut water or Buttermilk and consume it two times a day.
• Piles: Take one tablespoon ash of Veldt Grape. Mix it with one teaspoon of ghee. Have it two times a day.
• Stomach Ache: Grind the same amount of Cissus Quadrangularis and Drumstick flowers and add one tablespoon of dried coconut to it. Then, extract the juice from it and drink it two times a day.
• Fracture: Mix the Veldt Grape juice with Sesame oil and boil it. Apply it over the fracture.
• Muscular Pain: Grind Veldt Grape plant with Turmeric rhizome and apply it on the painful areas.
• Asthma: Grind the fresh stems of Cissus Quadrangularis to make a paste. Have 2 grams of that paste with warm water once a day.
• Sexual Debility: Take one tablespoon of Cissus Quadrangularis, Nutmeg powder, and ghee. Mix them. Mix them and have it three times a day for a week in a divided portion.
• Digestive Disorder: Took 50 g dried Veldt Grape leaves to prepare powder. Add 25 g of dried ginger and Black Pepper powder. Consume this mixture for about 3 g twice a day.
• Throat Irritation: Consume fresh juice of Veldt grape stem with honey.

Culinary Uses

• Leaves and young shoots of Cissus Quadrangularis are used in the preparation of curries and fries.
• Veldt Grape ash is used as an alternative for baking powder.
• Young green stems can be eaten after cooking.
• Stem and leaves of Cissus Quadrangularis are made into chutney and then eaten.
• Veldt Grape young shoots and leaves are acidic in taste and can be eaten alone or with other vegetables.

Recipes using Cissus Quadrangularis

1. Veldt grape chutney

Ingredients

• Veldt Grape – 1 bunch
• Urad dal – 1 tbsp
• Chana dal – 1 tbsp
• Dry Red chilli – 2 to 3
• Small onion – 10
• Garlic – 10
• Grated coconut – 1/2 cup
• Mustard seeds – 1/2 tsp
• Cumin seeds – 1 tsp
• Tamarind (lemon size)
• Salt to taste

Process

Peel the skin and fiber of the Veldt grape plant. Then cut it into small pieces.

Heat a pan, add oil, and roast dry chili and chana dal. Then add coconut, small onion, garlic, cumin seeds, and curry leaves and roast it.

Add veldt grape and roast it until the raw smell goes out. Then add tamarind.

After roasting, leave it for ten minutes. Then add salt and blend it using a blender.

For the seasoning, fry mustard seed, urad dhal, and curry leaves in a teaspoon of oil. Add them to the ground veldt grape paste.

2. Veldt Grape Rasam

Ingredients

• Chopped Veldt Grape – 1/2cup
• Split moong dal – 1/4cup (cooked and mashed)
• Tomato – 1no (crushed)
• Garlic cloves – 2nos (crushed)
• Green chilies – 2nos (slit opened)
• Mustard seeds – 1/2tsp
• Cumin seeds – 1/2tsp
• Asafoetida powder – 1/4tsp
• Dry red chilly – 1no
• Lemon juice – 1tbsp
• Ghee – 1tbsp
• Curry leaves

Ingredients to Roast and Grind into a paste

• Peppercorns – 1tbsp
• Cumin seeds – 1tsp
• Coriander seeds -2tbsp
• Dry red chilies – 2nos
• Channa dal – 1tsp

Process

Cook and mash the dal separately. Then add it with crushed tomatoes, crushed garlic, cloves, grounded paste, and salt in a bowl with enough water and keep separately.

Heat the pan and add ghee. Then fry mustard seeds, cumin seeds, slit opened green chilies, curry leaves, dry red chilly, and asafoetida powder for a few minutes.

Add chopped veldt grape pieces and saute them for a few minutes. Then mix the dal mixture that is prepared already and cook until the rasam starts bubbling.

Finally, add lemon juice and off the stove.

Effect On Doshas

Hadjod contains Madhura rasa and Katu that becomes Katu vipaka finally. It helps to balance and equalize Vata and Kapha doshas.

It effectively eliminates AMA toxins present in the system because it may lead to incomplete digestion. Additionally, Cissus Quadrangularis (Hadjod) contains an inherent Ushna virya and provides common Ruksha, Laghu, and Sara gunas.

Dosage of Cissus Quadrangularis (Hadjod)

The dosage of Hadjod can vary from person to person depending on the condition, age, and severity of the patients. It can vary depending on the formulation also.

Hadjod (Veldt Grape) Powder

The powdered form of Hadjod is prepared from leaves and stems of dried C. Quadrangularis. It is a finely ground powder of Hadjod herb.

Children	25 mg per Kg weight, but it should not exceed 1.5 grams
Adults	50 mg per Kg weight, but it should not exceed 3 grams
Maximum Possible Dosage	6 grams per day (in divided doses)

Take this powder along with warm milk or warm water twice a day 2 hours after food.

Cissus Quadrangularis (Hadjod) Juice 

The Cissus Quadrangularis juice is prepared by pressing and crushing the leaves and stem of the plant. It is also known as Hadjod Svarasa.

Infants (0 to 6 months)	5 drops
Infants (7 to 12 months)	10 drops
Children (1 to 3 years)	1 ml to 2.5 ml
Children (4 to 5 years)	2.5 ml to 5 ml
Children (Above 5 years)	5 ml
Adults	10 to 20 ml
Maximum Possible Dosage	40 ml per Day (in divided doses)

Drink this juice by mixing with an equal amount of cow’s ghee or a cup of milk twice a day after food.

Hadjod Extract

The standardized Cissus Quadrangularis extract contains 2.5% ketosteroids. It is extracted from the plant of Hadjod.

Children	5 mg per Kg weight, but it should not exceed 300 mg
Adults	10 mg per Kg weight, but it should not exceed 600 mg
Maximum Possible Dosage	1200 mg per day (in divided doses)

Drink this extract along with warm milk or warm water twice daily 2 hours after food.

Hadjod Capsules & Tablets

There are two types of capsules and tablets prepared from Hadjod that are available in the name of Cissus Quadrangularis tablets and Hadjod capsules in the market.

In many cases, it is recommended to take 1-2 tablets or capsules twice a day after food. If they contain powder, the dosage can increase, as mentioned in the table.

Side Effects of Cissus Quadrangularis (Hadjod)

The natural form of Hadjod is safe to consume when you take the proper dosage. The high dose may cause some side effects, especially for Pitta Prakriti or Pitta health problems.

• Burning sensation
• Headache
• Dry mouth
• Vertigo
• Sleeplessness
• Diarrhea
• Increased heat
• Restlessness
• Excessive sweating

Most of the side effects caused when the Cissus Quadrangularis is used in extract form more than 1200 mg. Ayurveda stated that people who have a Pitta type of body can be affected by these side effects in low dosage. Thus, the dosage can vary from person to person, so it is better to consult your doctor before consuming it.

Conclusion

Cissus Quadrangularis or Hadjod or pirandai or Veldt Grape is a traditional herb that contains sweet, tangy leaves, juice extracts, and stems. These are an effective remedy for treating many diseases and works as a perfect harmony of medicine and food.

According to ancient Ayurveda, Hadjod contains effective healing power for fractures and other bone problems. The important nutrients such as antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals combined with analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial and diuretic traits make Hadjod a versatile and powerful medicinal herb.

Asafoetida is a latex gum derived from the species of a perennial herb called Ferula. It has a great flavor and aroma. Asafoetida or Hing is a necessary ingredient in Indian Cuisine. It can change the taste of the ordinary dish to a delicious one.

The plant is native to Afghanistan and Iraq. Still, the herb is most common and widely used in India as dried, ground, and powdered spice added to almost all the dishes and curries because the herb has high digestive properties.

This substance was used in the Roman Empire as a natural medicine to treat various health issues like hysteria, respiratory problems. Most of the traditional medicine across the world have included Asafoetida in their practices. It shows the values of medicinal properties hidden in this herb.

Besides adding flavor to food, Hing has various health benefits because of its anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, carminative, sedative, and diuretic activities.

Today’s herbal medicine system involves this herb in treating asthma, nervous conditions, bronchitis, and cough.

A few studies provided evidence that the herb can work as an antispasmodic, natural laxative, sedative, expectorant, and digestive agent—people of medicine call this herb a Food of Gods considering its medicinal and therapeutic powers.

Let’s see the health benefits and medicinal uses that this resinous gum has been offering for humankind for decades.

What is Asafoetida?

Asafoetida is technically a resinous gum extracted from the large and carrot-shaped roots of perennial fennel plants that have Ferula Asafoetida as a species name. The dried sap derived from the roots and stems of the plant is ground and used. Though it is native to Iranian countries and Afghanistan, the herb powder is the most commonly used ingredient in Indian cuisine.

The tree is in gray to white when fresh and turns to dark yellow, red, and then brow color when aged. The resin is hard and difficult to grate, so it is usually crushed before using it.

The spice has a strong and pungent odor that is because of the high concentration of sulfur contents. Because of the unpleasant smell of the spice, it is called Stinking gum.

However, when it is powdered and cooked, the flavor and aroma it gives are simply unbelievable. In India, the herb is called Hing, which is used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat gas and digestion troubles, kidney stones, and bronchitis. In the Middle ages, this dried gum was used to treat infections by applying it around the neck.

The hing powder available in today’s market has only 30% of Asafoetida resin, remaining are rice flour, and Arabic gum.

The other names of Asafoetida that attributing the limitless health benefits and beauty benefits are foods of the gods, jowani badian, Devil’s dung, hengu, hing, ingu, kayam, stinking gum, and ting.

History of Asafoetida

Asafoetida is found in native to Central Asia, Afghanistan, and Eater Iraq, where the plants grow between 600 and 1200 meters above sea level. The herb does not originate from India, but it has been used in Indian cuisine and medicine for centuries.

The common name “asafoetida” originated from the Farsi word aza, which means resin, and the Latin word foetidus, which means extremely unpleasant smell.

During American Wild West days, asafoetida mixed with other strong aromatic spices was given to cure alcoholism.

Asafoetida Scientific Classification

SCIENTIFIC NAME	Ferula Asafoetida
KINGDOM	Plantae (Plants)
SUBKINGDOM	Tracheobionta (Vascular plants)
INFRAKINGDOM	Streptophyta (Land plants)
SUPERDIVISION	Spermatophyta (Seed plants)
DIVISION	Magnoliophyta (Flowering plants)
CLASS	Magnoliopsida (Dicotyledons)
SUBCLASS	Rosidae
SUPERORDER	Asteranae
ORDER	Apiales
FAMILY	Apiaceae /Umbelliferae (Carrot family)
GENUS	Ferula L. (Ferula)
SPECIES	Ferula assa-foetida L. (Asafetida)

Plant Description

Asafoetida or Ferula Asafoetida is a herbaceous, monoecious, perennial plant from the Apiaceae family. The tree grows up to 2 meters height and has 30 to 40 cm circular mass of leaves.

The stem leaves have broad petioles. The flowering stems have 2.5 to 3 meters height and 10 cm thickness with the cortex that has several schizogenous ducts and contains the resinous gum.

Flowers have large compound umbels and pale green to yellow color. The thick roots are pulpy and massive. Like the stems, the roots also yield resin. The smell of the parts is distinctive and fetid.

Fruits

The plant bears oval-shaped, thin, reddish-brown colored, flat, and foliaceous fruits with pronounced vittae. The fruits have milky juice and smell like Asafetida. The resin from the dried sap extracted from the roots and stems of the plant. The resin has a greyish white color and turns to dark brown or amber color when dried. The pungent smell and bitter taste are their main qualities. But, when cooked, the spice gives a smooth and juicy flavor to the dish.

Varieties of Asafoetida

Asafoetida is classified into two types, such as Whitish and Blackish. The white asafoetida has a strong smell and crystalline form. It offers many medicinal benefits and is known as diamond-like hing.

The Blackish is the one used in cooking that has an unpleasant smell and taste. As of now, we have many varieties of Asafoetida in the market. The asafetida should be solvated in water to remove the impurities and then boiled till the water evaporated.

Common Names of Asafoetida

Botanical Name	: Ferula Asafoetida
English Name	: Asafoetida / Devils Dung
Tamil Name	: பால் பெருங்காயம் / Paal Perungayam
Telugu Name	: ఇంగువ / Inguva
Malayalam Name	: കായം / Kaayam
Kannada Name	: ಇಮ್ಗು / imgu

Hindi Name	: हींग / Hing
Marathi Name	: हिंग / Hing
Gujarati Name	: હિંગ / Hinga
Punjabi Name	: ਹੀੰਗ / Hinga
Bengali Name	: হিং / Him
Urdu Name	: ہیگ

20+ Health Benefits of Ferula Asafoetida

Asafoetida is loaded with a myriad of medicinal uses and nutritional values like fiber, carbohydrates, potassium, iron, calcium, and abundance of essential volatile oils that benefits skin health.

Asafoetida has antioxidant, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antispasmodic, anti-epileptic, anti-flatulent, anti-depressive, anti-biotic, anti-bacterial, diuretic, carminative, sedative, and many other clinical properties that make it a beneficial herb for health, skin, and hair.

The herb is extremely helpful in treating digestive problems, respiratory troubles, menstrual cramps, nervous problems, cardiovascular issues, etc.

1. Treats Bloating And Other Stomach Problems

Asafoetida is a traditional medicine used for stomach aches and problems like gas trouble, bloating, digestion, flatulence, and IBS.

The antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties of the herb powder help treat such health conditions. Add an amount of hing in your daily food and hing powder mixed water to digest it and avoid fat due to low digestive fire.

2. Treats Asthma

Asafoetida helps alleviate some respiratory disorders like asthma, bronchitis, and dry cough with its anti-inflammatory properties. The herb can also be consumed to relieve phlegm and chest congestion because it is an expectorant and respiratory stimulant. It is also found that the herb contains antibiotic and anti-viral properties.

The volatile oil in the asafoetida resin gum is removed by the lungs, which is why this herb is an excellent medicine for asthma and respiratory issues.

Dry ginger powder, hing powder, and honey mixture is the best traditional medicine used to solve respiratory problems due to seasonal change.

3. Lowers Blood Pressure Levels

Asafoetida is found to be a natural substance to thin blood, which may help reduce the high blood pressure levels. It is packed with coumarin, a compound that helps regulate the flow of blood; thus, it prevents blood clots.

Some of the phytochemicals in Ferula species have been isolated and tested by scientists to prove their benefit on the cardiovascular system. Animal studies have established that Asafoetida resin gum can reduce arterial blood pressure significantly. The extracted gum is found to contain relaxant compounds that impose a positive approach to high blood pressure and cardiovascular health.

4. Relieves Menstrual Pain

Menstrual pain is a nightmare for women. Asafoetida comes to alleviate your pain and give better relief. The herbs rescue from painful menstruation and cramps in the lower abdomen and back.

It is a natural blood thinner and helps in blood flow smoothly. It promotes secretion of progesterone to boost smooth blood flow, and thereby you get relief from pain. Mix fenugreek powder, a pinch of salt, and asafoetida powder with a cup of buttermilk and drink it during menstruation solves gas troubles and abdominal pains.

5. Reduces Headaches

Anti-inflammatory properties in Asafoetida lowers inflammation of blood vessels in the head; thus, it reduces headaches.

Add a pinch of asafoetida in a cup of water, heat, and drink it twice a day to get rapid relief from headaches.

Frequent intake of asafoetida has been found to soothe the headache pains. It improves the blood flow within capillaries and eliminates harmful free radicals, thereby it reduces pain and tension caused by headaches and migraines.

6. Heals Insect Bites and Stings

Stings and insect bites are extremely painful that prevent you from being comfortable and doing daily activities. Asafoetida is a source of antidote and anti-inflammatory properties that make it an ideal medicine for insect bites and stings. Make a paste of garlic and asafoetida (Hing) and apply it to the infected areas.

7. Good Source of Antioxidants

Asafoetida is found to be a great source of antioxidants. The compounds in the plant protect the cells from damages due to free radicals. In other words, the herb helps protect against heart disease, chronic inflammation, cancer, and type 2 diabetes.

Asafoetida has included high amounts of phenolic compounds such as flavonoids and tannins. These are the reasons for the potential antioxidant effects of Asafoetida.

Certain animal studies and lab tests have proved that asafoetida has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. But these potent antioxidant effects on humans need to be tested and researched.

8. Good For Digestion

One of the traditional uses of asafoetida in medicine and cooking is treating indigestion. It naturally works against toxins (AMA)  that cause indigestion and remove them from the digestive tract. Thus it restored the normal pH level of the stomach by proper digestion.

A study conducted on 43 adults with severe indigestion for 30 days by giving 250 mg asafoetida contained capsules two times a day showed significant improvement in digestion, bloating, and overall well being.

Asafoetida boosts digestion by improving the effect of digestive enzymes. Additionally, the herb powder removes the bile from the liver that drives to digest the fats in the body.

Asafoetida prevents flora development in the intestines with the antimicrobial properties and lowers the chances of stomach aches and infections.

9. Reduces symptoms of IBS

IBS or Irritable Bowel Syndrome is technically a chronic GI (gastrointestinal) condition attributed to an upset stomach, abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, bloating, and other stomach infections.

Because of the digestive activities of asafoetida, the symptoms of IBS can be reduced and treated.

Two basic studies on adults with IBS showed that it significantly improved the IBS symptoms after the subjects took asafoetida supplements for two weeks. However, another study found no major effect on subjects with IBS,

As a result, the effect of asafoetida on treating symptoms of IBS is not proved yet. But, it could be a good alternative to garlic and onion for people with IBS because garlic and onion contain high amounts of indigestible fructans, fermentable carbs may cause gastrointestinal distress in persons with IBS.

Luckily, the flavor and aroma of asafoetida are moreover similar to onion and garlic, so it could be a good alternative for those who advised avoiding high fructan ingredients in their diet.

Individuals suffering IBS with bloated stomach, gas, watery diarrhea, and throat lumps while belching and swallowing are recommended to take asafoetida.

10. Controls Blood Sugar

Animal studies have found that asafoetida might help keep the blood sugar levels in check, and maintaining blood sugar is normal. It is an effective and natural medicine that won’t cause side effects.

In that study, 50 mg per kg of asafoetida extract is given to diabetic animals for four weeks. Researchers monitor the blood sugar levels of the animals. They found a lowering effect on sugar levels in the blood. The result is found to be caused due to phenolic acids, especially ferulic acid and tannins in the extract.

11. FODMAPs Diet-Friendly

FODMAPs mean fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols, which are specific sugar contents present in food and completely taken by our body. These are fermented by bacteria easily and lead to GI distress.

It is not that easy to follow the FODMAPs diet, but if you do so, it will provide complete relief from GI issues and IBS. Onion and garlic are the two must avoid ingredients in FODMAPs diet. So, in this case, asafoetida is the perfect replacement for onion and garlic.

12. Reduces Flatulence

Asafoetida is a traditionally used herb to remove the wind from the stomach. It acts as an antiflatulent agent to treat and prevent excessive intestinal gas in the stomach. Asafoetida is commonly consumed with lentils and a few other legumes after food for this condition.

13. Antiviral Property

Recent studies demonstrated that Asafoetida is more likely to prevent and reduce the reproduction of dangerous viruses like H1N1. When the herb is used against the H1N1 virus that causes influenza, it stimulates its natural antibiotic properties against the virus.

However, there are still studies and researches being carried out on this effect of asafoetida. This herbal formula builds an effective immune system against influenza viral infections.

14. Anti-epileptic Property

Asafoetida is not only used for treating general cough and cold or stomach aches, but it is also used as an effective anti-epileptic Unani medicine. Unani is a medical practice in use since ancient times. It uses ancient science to treat various diseases. If you are confirmed for epilepsy, you must consult with your doctor before taking asafoetida.

15. Healing Benefits

Asafoetida has a long traditional history of being used as the main ingredient in healing practices for stomach infections and injuries. Recent researches showed that the herb could effectively heal burns and wounds. The topical application of the paste of asafoetida on the affected area will reduce pain and vanish the sigh of injuries.

16. Opium Antidote

Another great medicinal property of asafoetida is being an antidote for Opium. The herb might be used to treat infections in the gallbladder and many other stomach related problems. It is an effective digestive agent also. All these properties prove the competence of asafoetida as an Opium antidote.

17. Anti-acidic Property

Asafoetida is a natural alkali that dissolves excessive acids formed in the stomach. Drinking asafoetida mixed water will ease intestinal gas in the stomach. Being as an antiflatulent agent, it relieves acidic and gastric pains.

18. Mood Elevating Ability

Asafoetida benefits in irregular mood swings and stress. It is not a drug but a natural formula that stimulates the secretion of happiness hormones and reduces stress.

Asafoetida has been used as an anti-depressive agent also. It can elevate your moods and reduce the negative or depressing thoughts on your mind, making it a natural antidepressant.

It is one of the potent herbal formulae to manage stress and depression when used correctly. If you have recovered from mania, then avoid using asafoetida.

19. Increases Metabolism

In addition to treating and preventing various health problems, asafoetida increases the overall metabolism of the body. It acts as a digestive agent, and thereby it regulates fat metabolism. The herb prevents the LDL circulation in the body. With these actions, asafoetida guards you against heart problems caused by harmful cholesterol levels and accumulation.

20. Increases Physical Well Being

Asafoetida keeps you away from heart problems and maintains the proper metabolism of the body. It is used as a respiratory medicine for breathing troubles, asthma, cough, and dryness. All these things proved one fact that asafoetida potentially improves the blood flow to the body cells and tissues. The regular blood flow to all the parts of the human body ensures it gets needed oxygen, thereby reduces the chances of physical fatigue.

21. Benefits Respiratory System

Being an anti-inflammatory, anti-biotic, antiviral, and expectorant substance, asafoetida is excellent natural medicine for respiratory disorders. The herb removes the excess phlegm and mucus from the body and neutralizes pathogens in respiratory tracts, thus boosts the immune system and prevents breathing issues like asthma.

22. Cancer Prevention

Various researches in the medical world are going on regarding treatment and prevention of cancer, and as such, asafoetida also has gained significant attention. With the high level of antioxidant properties like ferulic acid and umbelliprenin, asafoetida has been found to neutralize free radicals, directly associated with the removal of cancer cells.

Skin Benefits of Ferula Asafoetida

Apart from beautifying your skin, asafoetida can fight against skin infections and wounds also. Insect bites are annoying and painful. The itching and irritation caused by infections make you uncomfortable.

Asafoetida paste can be applied topically on affected areas that speed up the healing process, reduce inflammation, and soothe the itching sensation.

1. Reduce Acne

Asafoetida is a magical ingredient that can offer significant benefits in your skincare regimen. This nutritious herb prevents the growth of bacteria, causing acne on the skin. It protects the skin and acts as a foe to bacteria that develop unfavorable skin conditions. The antibacterial properties of the herb prevent the growth of rashes and pimples. Asafoetida face masks can heal your skin conditions and make them healthier.

To make a face mask for acne removal,

1. Take Fuller’s earth, rose water, and asafoetida.
2. Mix everything well, add a few drops of lemon juice and saute well.
3. The paste is ready, now apply it on the affected areas.
4. Use this mask two times a day to get optimal results.

This healthy natural face mask keeps you away from acne and removes acne marks. Asafoetida prevents secretion of excessive oil in the skin; thereby, it keeps pores from oil, dirt, and sebum.

2. Bring A Glow & Radiance

Asafoetida increases the blood flow to all body cells and tissues, making sure that every part of the body gets enough oxygen. In this way, asafoetida potentially increases the oxygen supply to the facial tissues, which in turn gives a lively and flawless fair skin. With all these, we know that asafoetida is a great substance to enhance the skin’s glow and radiance.

To make a face mask for radiance,

1. Make a paste of asafoetida and rose water.
2. Add a dash of sandalwood powder if available.
3. Mix the ingredients well.
4. Apply this face mask regularly to see better results.

Another benefit of the asafoetida face mask is that it removes the dark circles under the eye effectively.

3. Helps Anti-aging

Asafoetida is an amazing herbal substance that acts as an antiaging agent also. It ultimately reduces the wrinkles, aging spots, and fine lines in the face.

To make a face mask for Anti-aging,

1. Mix Fuller’s earth and honey.
2. Add a few drops of rose water and mix well.
3. Add a dash of asafoetida to the mixture and beat well.
4. Apply and massage the paste for 15 minutes.

Use this anti-wrinkle face mask regularly for optimum results.

4. Promotes Skin Whitening

Asafoetida helps increase the oxygen flow in facial tissues, which in the back gives fairness and removes dark spots, oiliness, and acne marks from the face. In addition to these abilities, the herb can also act as a whitening agent. It can naturally stop Tyrosine production in the skin. Tyrosine causes melanin production in the skin, making our skin dark, dull, and causes premature aging. Asafoetida helps to keep the Tyrosine production in check. So, asafoetida face mask on regular usage provides younger and blemish-free skin.

To make the face mask for skin whitening,

1. Take a fresh medium-sized tomato, mash it, and add sugar in it.
2. Beat the mixture and make it a tomato juice with fully dissolved sugar.
3. Add a dash of asafoetida to the mixture and mix to a paste.

Apply this mask regularly to naturally improve the skin complexion to 2 tones.

5. Helps Anti-dryness

Stress and environmental pollution make hair and skin dry and unhealthy. Asafoetida, with few other agents, acts as an anti dryness mask that gives moist and smooth skin. The mask removes the acne marks, dark circles, and other unfavorable signs in the skin like cracks, freckles, wrinkles, peeling, and dullness.

To make the face mask for skin dryness,

1. Take milk and rosewater, mix well, and add honey to it.
2. Sprinkle asafoetida to this milk-honey mixture and beat it well.
3. Keep this face pack in a refrigerator to maintain its effect and shelf life.

Use this face pack regularly to hamper all the unpleasant signs and marks of skin.

6. Treats Allergies And Corns

Other than beautifying the skin and removing signs of dryness, Asafoetida also helps to cure corns and skin allergies. Skin allergies are caused due to many reasons such as dryness, sun damage, too much exposure to light, unhealthy diet, and so on. Luckily, Asafoetida can fight with all these things and bring back your glowing and healthy skin naturally. You can see the difference with a few weeks of usage.

Hair Benefits of Ferula Asafoetida

The incredible healing properties of asafoetida help in strengthening and maintaining a healthy scalp, which in turn reduces hair fall, dryness and improves the strength of the hair, its quality, and texture. You get the smooth, silky, and dandruff and oil-free hair.

1. Good Hair Conditioner

Individuals who have dry, frizzy hair can make use of asafoetida, thanks to its moisturizing compounds. The herb powder can help keep the moisture in the scalp.

1. Mix yogurt, asafoetida, and almond oil together to make a hair mask.
2. Apply it on your hair from roots to tips and leave it for an hour.
3. Later wash the hair with lukewarm water.

This asafoetida hair mask makes your hair silky, smooth, and stringer.

2. Controls Hair Fall

Asafoetida hair masks can improve hair texture. It protects the hair from heavy and unnatural hair fall. It is used as a natural solution to baldness and thin hair. The herb can effectively strengthen the hair follicles and controls dandruff, thus makes hair thicker and controls unnatural hair fall.

3. Maintains Scalp Health

The scalp is the platform where hair follicles are raised. When the scalp’s health gets affected, it directly affects the hair’s roots and makes it weaker. It leads to hair fall and damage. Asafoetida can naturally restore the scalp’s pH levels; thus, it helps maintain a healthy scalp.

It prevents the scalp from sweat, acne, and oil. Asafoetida hair masks naturally eliminate the acne, dandruff, oil, and dryness from the hair follicles, thereby texture, strength, and quality of the hair are improved.

Nutritional Values of Asafoetida

In its supplement form, asafoetida holds approximately 4% – 20% volatile oils, 25% gum, and 40% – 60% resin.

The essential oil component of ferula asafoetida contains a variety of high percentages of odorous compounds containing sulfur. It also includes Phytochemicals such as cadinene, pinene, and vanillin.

Resin is composed of asaresinotannol, ferulic acid, foetidin, kamolonol and umbelliferone.

A pinch of asafoetida powder in a dish adds one calorie without cholesterol, fat, sugar, or sodium.

Below are the nutritional values of Asafoetida for a serving size of 100 gms.

NUTRITION	VALUE	% DV
Calorie content	297.1	N/D
Fat	1.1 g	2.86%
Carbohydrate	67.8 g	52.31%
Fibre	4.1 g	N/D
Proteins	4 g	8%
Calcium	690 mg	69%
Iron	39 mg	487.50%
Magnesium	0.08 g	N/D
Phosphorus	50 mg	7.14%
Vitamin B3	0.0003 g	N/D
Cholesterol	0	0%
Sodium	0	0%
Potassium	0	0%

Nutritional Benefits of Asafoetida

Let’s check the benefits of nutrients in the Ferula Asafoetida.

Dietary Fiber

Asafoetida is loaded with fiber that helps in digestion and maintaining regular bowel movements. The herb reduces hyperglycemia and effectively controls blood sugar levels. It also helps to maintain healthy body weight.

Source of Carbs

Asafoetida is an excellent source of carbohydrates, thus improves the metabolism of the body. The herb is highly beneficial in improving heart health, maintaining digestive health, and promoting brain functions. It is a great mood elevator that helps prevent obesity.

Rich in Iron

Iron is the most needed nutrient for the human body. It is one of the essential nutrients in asafoetida also. It helps purify the blood, increases the count of red blood cells, and hemoglobin levels in the blood. Asafoetida, with an abundant amount of iron, helps treat anemia, reduces fatigue, boosts concentration, and overall immune system.

Powerhouse of Potassium

Asafoetida is a good source of potassium. Potassium in the herb acts as an electrolyte that balances sodium and helps maintain proper blood pressure. Potassium is essential for joint and bone health. The herb protects arteries from narrowing, thereby reduces the possibilities of heart attacks and provides good cardiovascular health.

Source of Calcium

Asafoetida contains moderate sources of Calcium, which is essential for dental and bone health. Regular intake of asafoetida may reduce the toothaches, strengthen bones and teeth, lowers the chances of kidney stones and colon cancer. It keeps you away from diseases like osteopenia, osteomalacia, and osteoporosis.

Volatile Essential Oils

There are two primary varieties of asafoetida, such as White and Black. Both types have essential volatile oils like α-pinene, α-terpineol, azulene, β-pinene, vanillin α- pinene, luteolin, umbelliferone, etc. These oils contain various medicinal properties such as antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial. The herb becomes the powerful natural remedy for cold, cough, asthma, intestinal flora formation, and dental problems.

Ayurvedic Health Benefits of Asafoetida

• Take 250 mg of asafoetida, one teaspoon of betel juice and honey, mix everything well, and give for respiratory disorders like bronchitis, cough, and asthma.
• Take a piece of asafoetida, dissolve it in a cup of water. Soak the cloth in that solution and use it as a fomentation on the stomach to get relief from stomach ache because of indigestion.
• Take one teaspoon of asafoetida, camphor, and dried ginger, two teaspoons of cubeb, and mix well. Add a cup of milk in it and make it a paste. Use the paste as a therapeutic massage on the forehead to reduce tension and migraine.
• Take six centigrams of Asafoetida and fry it in a cleared butter. Add a teaspoon of fresh banyan tree latex and honey in it. Take this home remedy daily before sunrise to avoid premature ejaculation and spermatorrhoea.
• Take two teaspoons of bitter gourd juice and quarter teaspoon of asafoetida powder and mix well. Take this mixture to manage diabetes effectively.
• Take a quarter teaspoon of asafoetida, half teaspoon of onion juice and betel leaf juice, two teaspoons of honey, and mix everything well. Consume this thrice a day to reduce the symptoms of asthma and other respiratory problems.
• Take two teaspoons of lime juice, half teaspoon of asafoetida, and mix them well. Put the solution on heat. Use a cotton ball, dip it in a solution, and place it in an aching tooth to relieve the toothache.
• Gargling with Asafoetida mixed in water or taking asafoetida mixed with buttermilk will cope in enhancing the voice. It is a simple and natural therapeutic practice for singers who work on their voice modulations.
• Inject a piece of asafoetida in the same size to the Pearl millet grain in jaggery or a piece of banana, and eat this to get relief from Burping / Hiccups.
• For Hysteria, smelling asafoetida gum is extremely valuable.
• Take asafoetida and mix it in ghee. Massage the mixture to treat Urticaria.
• Smelling asafoetida gum potentially reduces hysteria.
• Take a pinch of asafoetida, mix it in water, and drink to treat Pneumonia.

Culinary Uses of Asafoetida

• Hing or Asafoetida has been used in Indian cooking for flavoring.
• If you get the hing in lumps form, crush it, and mix it in water and form a paste. Add this paste to your cooking. It gives fresh taste and rich aroma to the dishes. This handmade crushed powder from lumps is much stronger than powdered forms available in the stores, so use a little amount of this powder.
• If you like strong aroma in your dishes, roast the hing gum in oil for a few seconds and then add it in the dal curries. Hing usually gets burned quickly, so quickly roast and add it to the dish.
• A minute quantity of raw gum or powdered form of Asafoetida is added to dishes.
• Jains and other few communities avoid onion and garlic in their dirt. They replace these with asafoetida.
• Asafoetida smells amazing with ghee rather than oil. Dals, upma, curries, rasam, etc. have hing to enhance flavor and help digestion.
• A pinch of asafoetida powder and chopped curry leaves mixed with buttermilk is the best remedy for indigestion.
• Asafoetida can be dissolved very easily, so it has been used in meat dishes and soups. Soak a pinch of asafoetida in hot water and add it to the dish towards the end that retains the flavor and gives great aroma.

Traditional Uses of Hing / Asafoetida

Hing or Asafoetida is one of the essential flavoring spices used in almost all Indian kitchens. It is a usual spice, and when added to dishes, it enhances the flavor and aroma and is also beneficial for overall well-being.

1. Hingvastak Churna (Powder):

Hingvastak Churna or Powder is a natural digestive medicine available in the stores. The powder has carminative and digestive properties that help treat bloating, digestion, constipation, bad taste in the mouth, and colic.

The word ‘Astask’ in Hingvastak means Eight; hence the powder contains eight different herbal ingredients such as Hing (Asafoetida), Sonth (Dried Ginger), Pipali (Long pepper), Kali Mirch (Black Pepper), Ajwain (Carom Seeds), Kala Jeera (Black Cumin Seeds), Saindhava Namak (Black Salt), and Safed Jeera (White Cumin Seeds).

You can prepare this herbal formulation at your home. Take the required amount of all these herbs, dry everything in direct sunlight, and then grind them into a fine powder.

Take dosage advice from the doctors and take this powder regularly mixed in lukewarm water or tea. You can add the powder in your daily cooking also.

2. Hing Tailam (Oil):

Hing Oil is an amazing therapeutic ayurvedic medicine that has essential volatile oils and nutrients. The oil is highly beneficial in flatulence, impotence, stomach aches, dental problems, cold, and cough treatments.

How to use Hing Tailam

For stomach ache, colic pain, and menstrual cramps, mix 1 to 2 ml of sesame oil with a few drops of hing oil and massage it over the abdomen. The anti-inflammatory properties in the oil give better relief.

For chest and nasal congestion, bronchitis, asthma, and dry cough, mix 1 to 2 drops of hing oil in hot water and take it by steam distillation method or massage it on your back or chest.

For dental problems like gum infection, toothache, tooth decay, bad breath, and bleeding gum, mix a few drops of hing oil with lukewarm water and gargle it daily. The antiseptic and antibacterial properties of hing oil provide rapid relief.

For stings and insect bites, mix 1 to 2 drops of hing oil and garlic oil and apply it to infected areas. With the anti-inflammatory and antidote properties, the oil provides instant relief from the pain and itching.

How to Use and Store Asafoetida

Use: Asafoetida is an everyday spice in Indian cooking, but it does not mean you can add it to many dishes. It is mostly used in vegetarian recipes that use potatoes, cauliflower, peas, greens, etc. Whether it is for the main course or starters like soups, a pinch of asafoetida at the beginning will enhance the taste.

It is a common component of Tarkas, which are fried or made and added on dishes after cooking or before serving. In some cases, it can be fried in oil or ghee before adding other aromatic flavors and spices for 15 seconds till it started spreading its aroma.

Asafoetida is a complimentary background note spices like mustard seeds, cumin seeds, curry leaves, dried chilies, garlic, and ginger. All these things can be used alone for Tarka over curriers, veggies, or dals, or you can start your recipe with asafoetida. As the food cooks, asafoetida gradually dissolves and retreats in the background and lets other spices and flavors develop, but it never disappears.

In the end, you get the dish with varieties of flavors and rich aroma.

Store: Asafoetida features a stinky smell, so store it in an air-tight container that doesn’t let its aroma come out.

Use the same container for a month or replace it with a new one, but don’t use another spice container as the smell of the hing lingers within the box even after it is emptied.

Precautions of Asafoetida

Anything in limits is safe and healthy. Even high nutrient herbs can also create side effects when you take it in excessive dosage. Intake of asafoetida should be avoided if you have a history of the below-mentioned conditions.

1. If you are about to go for surgery, you should avoid taking asafoetida because it can thin the blood, which may cause bleeding during and after surgery.
2. If you have GI issues, don’t consume asafoetida. If you like to add it to your diet, get the proper consultations from your doctor.
3. If you are already undergoing medication for blood pressure, avoid asafoetida as it might affect the treatments you took to control BP.

Side Effects of Asafoetida

There are only limited researches available on the safety of asafoetida for humans. The dosage of asafoetida used in cooking is said to be safe for almost everyone.

A study done on humans showed 250 mg of asafoetida two times per day for a month was safe and tolerated by the subjects.

The animal studies found that a high dose of asafoetida might cause gas, headaches, swelling of the mouth, and even diarrhea. An animal study on mice suggests the dosage above 1000 mg per kg of body weight may create possible toxicity.

Vetiver, scientifically known as Chrysopogon zizanioides, is a genus of plants in the grass family Poaceae. It grows well in humid climates away from heat. It is a dense and clustered plant with erect and stiff stems that can reach 5 feet in height and have brown to purple flowers. The native of this plant is India.

Vetiver is also called Cuscus grass, khus-khus, khus-khus grass, Vetiver, vetiver grass, Khuskhus Vetiver, Motgrass, and Vetiveria. It has a perennial lifespan, with reliable and elegantly structured roots. It is called the chiendent odorant in French;

Overview Information

Vetiver is a plant; its root is used to prepare the medicine. People are consuming Vetiver for nervous and circulatory problems and abdominal pain. Some women eat Vetiver to start their periods or to have an abortion.

You can directly apply it on the skin to relieve stress, as well as to ward off emotional shocks and trauma, lice and insects. It is also used for arthritis, stab wounds, and burns.

In production, Vetiver is used as a flavoring in liquors. Vetiver contains insect repellent oil too.

How to use it?

Vetiver essential oil is one of the best natural remedies for everyday skin and hair care routine. As time goes on, you should always dilute this oil with a carrier oil. Coconut, jojoba, grapeseed, and olive oil are the best choices as carrier oils to harvest the best from this herb.

Traditional Uses of Vetiver

The Vetiver can be found in clusters and up to five feet high.

Traditionally Vetiver helps with health ailments such as circulation, rheumatism, nerve problems, arthritis, muscle aches, insomnia, and painless and regular menstruation.

It also helps improve fertility. It helps to reduce the appearance of dark spots and marks on the skin.

The roots are used to treat snakebites, burn, and scorpion sting in West Bengal and Bihar.

The decoction of the root is used to improve the strength of the body.

The root paste is used to cure rheumatism, headache, and sprains.

Its stem decoction is the best treatment for urinary tract infections.

The roots contain diaphoretic, aromatic, antifungal, stimulant, cooling, and expectorant properties, that help cure various skin diseases, amentia, insomnia, amenorrhoea, kidney problems, asthma, hysteria and gallstones.

The plant is used for the anthelmintic properties in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. Its leaf extracts are used as an anthelmintic.

If you had a fever, dysuria, burning sensation, and skin disorders, the Vetiver has the answer. It can cure all ailments.

In ayurvedic medicine, Vetiver plays the primary role. It is one of the best natural remedies to treat arthritis, sprains, and muscle pains.

The Vetiver roots have incredible peeling properties.

Soak these roots in water for up to 15 minutes and apply in a circular motion on the body. It removes dead skin cells and restores healthy radiance.

These are some essential benefits of vetiver. Adding this grass in your daily routine can give many health benefits.

Vetiver Root Powder Benefits

Vetiver, which is grown naturally in India, is widely known in Ayurveda for its cooling properties. It will soothe and calm your mind with a pleasant earthy scent while giving extra benefits to your skin.

You can use this powder as the body cleanser. It can also be used for Ayurvedic dry body massage.

Take fenugreek, turmeric flour, and vetiver powder. Mix them all. Massaging the body with these soft powders can stimulate lymphatic movement, promotes circulation, liquefies fat, improves skin health, and gives strength and tone to body tissues.

It can also act as a fantastic exfoliant, and if you have done an oil massage, it also helps to eliminate excess oil from the skin.

In addition to cure stress, sweet-smelling Vetiver root powder balances the function of sebaceous oil glands, has deodorizing properties, helps to normalize oily skin and replenishes moisture in dry and dehydrated skin. It also has a rejuvenating effect on mature skin.

One of the best benefits of Vetiver is used to make potable water. Take a few grams of vetiver powder then mix it into the water. Filter the water and use it after 2 to 3 hours.

Once you put the Vetiver into the water, it should only be used for up to 10 to 12 hours. You should replace the freshwater and Vetiver every day.

Beauty Benefits of Vetiver

Considering its preference as a summer air conditioner, it’s no surprise that Vetiver is a natural air conditioner. In addition to denying the effects of hot foods that exacerbate acne and dermatitis, Vetiver’s roots also keep the skin hydrated and give it a natural glow. Let’s take a closer look into what this offers:

Fights Acne

At this time of year, the air is heavy with moisture, which is a common skin concern for acne during the rainy season. Vetiver contains antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, so that it is one of the best natural remedies for acne, rashes, and blisters. By using this herb regularly, you can prevent sudden breakouts. Unlike anti-acne resorts, which are strong, often tough on the skin, the Vetiver is soft and sweet and is an excellent choice if you have sensitive skin.

Deep Refinement

Its antibacterial properties help remove dirt and contaminants that sit deep in the pores of the skin and lead to blackheads, acne, whiteheads, and cysts. Therefore, it acts as an excellent, natural cleanser that destroys the skin, fights infections and allergies, and gives a radiant complexion.

Gives Intensive Nutrition

Vetiver has the ability to retain more water, which keeps the skin hydrated for a long time, and is ideal for nourishing dry and thin skin. It regulates skin production, which keeps the skin hydrated and supports a natural glow.

Reduces Inflammation

The cooling effects of the Vetiver extend not only for the drinks but also to the skin. Its anti-inflammatory properties help reduce redness and act as an excellent treatment for sunburn.

Decreases Scars

Vetiver’s cicatrizant agent accelerates skin cell regeneration and improves new tissue growth in the affected area. It helps to remove the appearance of blemishes such as scars, stretch marks, and fat cracks from acne, box, and burning marks clearly, which leads to clear, flawless skin.

Provides Anti-aging Benefits

A power plant of antioxidants, Vetiver cleanses the system of toxins and free radicals, which cause signs of aging, fine lines, discoloration, and pigmentation. It protects the environment from invaders, which is a major problem of premature aging. If you are using this essential oil daily, you will get a firm and youthful appearance.

Increase Hair Health

Nowadays, hair loss is the main problem for women, especially teenage girls. Stress, aging, nourishment loss may lead to the dry scalp and hair fall problems. Vetiver’s cell-renewing agent acts wonders for the man too. It promotes collagen formation, an essential component of hair, and strengthens the cell structure that regenerates hair. Besides, this power herb can cure any scalp irritation, dandruff, or inflammation.

Enhances Mood and Overall Wellbeing

Vetiver can play an essential role in improving beauty and enhancing overall health. It is very famous for its aromatherapy that keeps your mind calm and reduces depression and gives peaceful sleep. You will get relief from insomnia.

The Vetiver is also used to relieve muscle aches and menstrual cramps due to its anti-inflammatory properties, giving it an excellent addition to massage oils. Since it is high in antioxidants, it can increase blood circulation and support immune systems.

The natural and the musk aroma make it an utterly profound experience; It’s just as pleasurable as the treatment.

Incredible Benefits of Vetiver Oil

Vetiver essential oil is famous all over the Indian Subcontinent.

1. Anti-inflammatory Properties

Since the Vetiver oil is famous for soothing and cooling effects, it helps to soothe all types of inflammation. It is perfect in providing relief from inflammation in both the circulatory and nervous systems.

It is the best treatment for sunburn and dehydrated skin inflammation. Always dilute the essential oil with a carrier oil such as coconut oil before applying on your body and skin. A few drops will suffice. Gently massage the oil into your muscles or affected area.

2 Anti-septic Properties

In India and its neighboring tropical countries, the favorable hot and humid circumstances found in these regions allow microbes and bacteria to multiply rapidly. Therefore, your wounds are prone to sepsis. Vetiver essential oil inhibits Staphylococcus aureus growth, which is the bacterium that causes sepsis and eliminates them.

It is used to heal wounds by encouraging new tissue growth so that you can use it externally. You can also add a few drops of essential oil to your bathwater. After bathing use this water, you can feel a better change.

3 Improves Immunity

Generally, vetiver oil is rich in antioxidants, helping to increase your immune system by eliminating toxins from your body and can fight against free radicals. You can inhale the scented vapors directly, or circulate them in your home.

4. Clears Acne and Promotes Skin Health

Vetiver oil also helps to clear acne and acne scars. It contains potent anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.

The bacteria that cause acne don’t get favorable conditions to grow in the presence of the antibacterial properties of the vetiver essential oil. It often relieves acne breakouts. You can mix a few drops of essential oil in your face wash.

You can also mix this essential oil with another jojoba, coconut oil, and apply it in your skin directly. Wait for the result and you will get soft and nourished skin. Moreover, it reduces the risk of the aged look.

5 Keeps Calm Your Mind

Vetiver essential oil is one of the best natural remedies for stress, depression, and anxiety. Moreover, it helps to increase your mental conditions. It is a healing oil that acts on the seven wheels of the human body. You can spread it in the air or use a few drops on your neck, wrists, and chest.

Vetiver essential oil is non-toxic and generally safe, but you should consult your doctor before deciding to use it to cure a health condition.

Apply directly on your forehead and give a mild massage. Sleep for some hours. You will get relief from a severe headache.

6 For Melanoma

It is one type of skin cancer that may come from pigment-containing cells known as melanocytes. Vetiver essential oil has the potential to treat melanogenesis in melanoma cells. Take some drops of oil and apply it on your skin directly to get an effective result.

7 Treats Dandruff

Excessive dry scalp, lack of moisture, and hygiene in the air and eventual itching and burning are the main reasons for dandruff.

Aromatic oil with high specific gravity and powerful antimicrobial properties penetrates deep into the hair follicles, moisturizes the scalp, eliminates dryness, and stops itching.

Massage your scalp and hair with vetiver oil and almond oil before going to sleep. You will get better results.

Take a steamed towel and wrap it around your scalp that allows the oil to enter deep into the sebaceous glands. Ideal it for overnight before shampooing your hair and rub a little lemon juice on the scalp.

Side Effects & Safety

When taken orally:

Vetiver is very safe in food doses. There is no reliable data to find whether the Vetiver is safe or not.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding:

It is unsafe to consume Vetiver while you are pregnant because it can cause miscarriage. If you are breast-feeding, it is also best to avoid Vetiver.

Stability factor

Vetiver is easily accessible for its sheer beauty benefits, unlike other exotic herbs and foods made from abroad. It is home grown, native to India, so a hole in your pocket will not burn. It is the most affordable of all, with its fast-growing and perennial nature.

It can survive conditions such as summer, frost, and drought. Vetiver is widely cultivated in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka from India to the south of Rajasthan and Punjab. So, for your convenience, it is commonly found all over the country.

No need any other reason, this dense grass is eco-friendly. Its roots, very popular for its musky aroma in perfumes, prevent soil erosion and help restore polluted land.

Isabgol is an oily gluey herb with an astringent, and sweet taste, and it provides a cooling effect to the body. Isabgol is also known as Psyllium Husk that is obtained from the seeds of the plant.

It is scientifically known as Plantago Ovata that contains many medicinal properties. Isabgol is a powerful herb that serves as a natural laxative and improves your digestive health.

It is effective in treating constipation. Isabgol is an annual herb that grows up to 40 cm in height. It is native to India and Mediterranean countries.

This plant contains linear leaves, various small flowers, and the seeds are enclosed in capsules, and they open when it matures. India produces and exports this herb widely.

Metamucil is one of the ingredients, and it is the main element used in making dietary supplements that helps to relieve constipation.

It is also one of the ingredients used to make breakfast that helps to reduce cholesterol levels and improve gut health. Ayurvedic medicines strongly recommend this powerful herb because it is a natural coolant and contains diuretic and laxative properties.

It provides various health benefits. Isabgol contains rich amounts of fiber that varies from 75 to 80%. One teaspoon of Isabgol provides you three gms of fiber.

It contains gentle laxative action that depends on the quantity of fiber, so it is not a true purgative. The flour of Isabgol Husk is combined with multiple grain flour to improve the nutritive value and the fiber content of grain flours.

Isabgol Husk absorbs 14 times more than its weight, and Isabgol seeds absorb three times more water than its weight. Thus, consume Isabgol Husk with a high amount of water or liquid that will help to prevent instant side effects like choking.

Common Names of Isabgol:

Botanical Name: Plantago Ovata
English Name: Psyllium
Tamil Name: Iskolvirain
Malayalam Name: Karkalasaringi
Telugu Name: Ishagula
Kannada Name: Isofgolu
Hindi Name: Isabgul
Marathi Name: Isabgol
Sanskrit Name: Ashvagola, Ashwakarna
Gujarati Name: Isafghol

Medicinal Properties of Isabgol

• Antacid
• Antidiarrheal
• Diuretic
• Appetite Suppressant

• Gentle bulking-forming laxative
• Intestinal detox
• Hydrophilic
• Emollient

Health Benefits & Medicinal Uses of Isabgol

Isabgol contains various health benefits and medicinal uses. It is widely used in Ayurveda and folk medicine.

Treats Constipation

Isabgol is an effective remedy for treating constipation. It serves as a bulk-forming natural laxative. Isabgol contains rich amounts of soluble and insoluble fiber that adds bulk to stools and makes constipation easy.

Isabgol contains a gelatinous substance that forms like a gel when soaked in the water. The gel contains laxative properties that absorb harmful toxins and bacteria in the intestine.

Take a spoon of Isabgol and mix them in warm water or milk and drink it on an empty stomach for some weeks. It cleanses, lubricates the intestines and removes sticky stools from intestinal walls that help in treating constipation.

When to Take Psyllium Husk in Constipation

The fiber-rich foods such as vegetables, fruits, etc. are the best treatment for constipation. When you can’t eat sufficient amounts of vegetables or fruits, Isabgol is the best recommendation for getting relief from constipation.

Treats Diabetes

Isabgol contains rich amounts of fiber, so it provides effective treatment for diabetes. The high amounts of fiber help to decrease blood sugar levels in the body.

High fiber foods always contain a low glycemic index that helps to improve the levels of plasma glucose.

Isabgol offers a high quality of carbohydrates, so the people who have diabetes can add Isabgol in their regular foods such as cereal flours. Therefore, the high-quality carbohydrates and high fiber food help to decrease the chances of diabetes.

Improves Gut Health

Isabgol is a powerful detoxifier that effectively cleanses the gastrointestinal wall and removes all waste toxins. By cleansing the passage, it promotes the healthy functioning of the digestive tract and allows the food to pass through the intestinal tract.

The regular consumption of Isabgol works as a digestive stimulant and provides complete relief from acidity, stomach ulcers, colitis, and other digestive disorders.

Reduces Weight

Isabgol or Psyllium Husk is a very popular remedy for people with obesity because it acts as an appetite suppressant and absorbs 14 times more water than its weight.

However, it provides slight effects on appetite. Some people did not consider Isabgol as a perfect treatment for obesity, but it helps compensate for the requirement of dietary fiber in obese people.

Working of Psyllium Husk (Isabgol) in obesity

Isabgol absorbs 14 times more water to its weight that helps to decrease appetite and makes the abdomen feel full. The high dose of Isabgol serves as an appetite suppressant.

Isabgol also increases the excretion of fecal fat. There is a correlation between metabolic syndrome and body weight control. Many obese people don’t have enough fiber-rich.

Rich-fiber foods play a major role in managing metabolic syndrome. Isabgol is one of the richest sources of soluble and insoluble fiber that helps to enhance the lipid profile and glucose homeostasis and also helps to reduce body weight.

Verdict

Ayurveda stated that Isabgol also contains the opposite effect that may promote weight gain. Without any doubt, Isabgol controls appetite, but it appears in high dosage.

It strengthens your body, and it is very effective for the people who have weakness and debility in low dosage. According to the Ayurvedic properties of Isabgol, it increases Kapha humor and pacifies Pitta and Vata, so it increases your weight in this dosage.

The main thing is that Isabgol does not directly influence the weight gain or weight loss. It promotes weight gain in weak and thin people, but the dosage should be less than ten grams per day, and enough food is also required. In high dosage, it can stimulate weight loss due to the appetite suppressant action.

Usage of Isabgol for Weight loss

In a modern perspective, it can be used as a dietary fiber for obese people. For dietary fiber supplement, take enough quantity up to 30 gms per day with water.

Treats Acidity & Heartburn

In Ayurveda, Isabgol is an effective remedy for treating heartburn and acidity. Isabgol lubricates the membranous walls when passed via the food pipe and stomach, which helps to decrease the irritation of excessive acid.

By absorbing the acid, it eliminates the excess acid from the stomach to the intestines. Therefore, it helps to decrease the symptoms of heartburn and acidity due to these mechanisms.

Cures Dry Cough with Scratchy Throat

The combination of Isabgol and sugar is an effective natural remedy for treating dry cough with throat irritation. The Isabgol pudding is more effective for decreasing scratchy throat and reduces the severity of the dry cough.

Isabgol lubricates the irritated throat, and it contains emollient that provides instant relief from throat irritation.

Treat Diarrhoea & Dysentery

Isabgol absorbs more water from the digestive tract and produces bulk that makes it stool firmer. It cleanses the intestines and helps to remove infection-causing microbes from the alimentary canal and increases the speed of the recovery process.

Isabgol provides effective treatment for mild to moderate diarrhea. It also provides adjuvant treatment for severe diarrhea and dysentery.

Severe Infectious Diarrhea

Take one teaspoon of Isabgol with one teaspoon of Misri powder and mix them in 50 ml of water. Drink this thrice per day that helps to decrease the count of watery stools in severe infectious diarrhea.

Chronic or Recurring Diarrhea

Sat Isabgol	1 tsp
Kutaj (Holarrhena Antidysenterica) bark powder	1 gram
Saunf (Fennel seeds) powder	1 gram
Dried Ginger powder	500 mg

This mixture is an effective remedy for chronic diarrhea. Take this mixture two times per day for at least 15 to 30 days.

Treats Chronic Arsenic Toxicity

Isabgol is a natural cleanser that helps to decrease chronic toxicity that occurs due to the consumption of arsenic compounds. Many folk medicines contain arsenic that mainly helps to treat skin diseases.

Isabgol also acts as an arsenic antagonist that helps to decrease the symptoms of chronic arsenic poisoning and improves the arsenic compounds excretion from your body.

Treats High Cholesterol & Dyslipidemia

Isabgol binds to bile acids and fat that helps to eliminate cholesterol from your body. Thus, consume five gms of Isabgol to reduce high cholesterol and consume this regularly for 3 to 6 months to get better results in high cholesterol.

It will also be an effective remedy for people who suffer from constipation. The combination of cinnamon and Isabgol is an effective remedy for treating dyslipidemia, and the Isabgol provides positive results in triglyceride levels, but cinnamon helps to decrease both cholesterol and triglyceride.

This combination also helps to decrease the atherogenic index of plasma and prevents atherosclerosis, hypertension, and heart diseases.

Leucorrhea (Discharge)

Many folk practitioners generally use Isabgol pudding to decrease leucorrhea and white discharge. Isabgol may stop the process of Yeast infections and other microbes.

Moreover, it contains anti-inflammatory action that helps to decrease the inflammation of soft tissues, like inner walls of private organs, and decreases discharges.

Regulates Blood Sugar

A fiber-rich food can help to delay the time of gastric emptying, slow down the glucose absorption, and manage the blood glucose levels.

The benefits of fiber and natural gelatin substance of Isabgol effectively decrease the blood sugar spike and control diabetes.

Relieves Skin Dryness

Isabgol contains emollient action on the skin and inner membranes of the organs in your body. The fine powder of Isabgol is used for massaging in skin dryness. By massaging, you can decrease the dryness, and it increases the glow of your skin.

Nocturnal Emission

Nocturnal Emission is a common problem in men, but the frequency can vary from one to another. It may occur due to the emotional upset and constipation but also other causes such as hyper-excitement.

Isabgol effectively decreases the frequency of nocturnal emission, but it is still unknown how it works. Isabgol contains cooling capacity that decreases excitement in Ayurveda. Moreover, it also relieves constipation and helps in nocturnal emission.

Usage

To get relief from Nocturnal Emission, you can take a mixture of Isabgol and Misri with an equal amount. Consume this mixture with lukewarm milk before sleeping. Isabgol pudding also can help in this problem.

Lowers High Blood Pressure

High cholesterol is combined with high blood pressure. High cholesterol may cause plaque formation in blood vessels with calcium.

It causes the narrowing and hardening of the blood vessels. It provides extra stress on the heart to pump the blood harder via the arteries and cause an elevation in blood pressure.

Ayurvedic benefits of Isabgol

Constipation

Isabgol helps in constipation because it is enriched with fiber, and it adds bulk to stool with its Guru guna(heavy quality). Rechana (laxative property) triggers intestinal contractions and bowel movements, thus helpful in the proper excretion process.

For Piles

Isabgol helps to cure hemorrhoids (piles) with its Sita (cold) and Guru (heavy) properties. The sita virya (cold potency) helps to prevent inflammation of the intestine.

For High cholesterol

Isabgol aids in reducing elevated cholesterol levels with its fiber content and Guru (heavy) property. It removes the Ama (toxins) present in the body and thus helps in controlling high cholesterol levels.

Obesity

Isabgol is a rich source of fiber and possesses Guru properties that aid in cleaning the colon and removing Ama (toxins) from the body. This plays a significant role in obesity.

Diarrhea

Isabgol treats diarrhea by absorbing water from the digestive tract, forming bulk, and makes the stool thick with its Guru guna(heavy quality).

Irritable bowel syndrome

Isabgol is useful in Irritable bowel syndrome by adding volume to the stool, and also absorbs extra water, thus making easy passage of stool with its Guru guna. It also provides a protective layer lining on the stomach’s inner wall, which reduces hyperacidity with Sita (cold) nature. The balancing Vata and Pitta property of Isabgol cures inflammatory bowel disease.

Diabetes mellitus

Isabgol manages diabetes by slowing down the breakdown and absorption process of glucose with its Guru property. It also improves the body’s metabolism by removing Ama (toxic) present in the body due to improper digestion.

Acne and Pimples

According to Ayurveda, Kapha dominance leads to increased sebum production and thus results in clogged pores (formation of both white and blackheads). Pitta dominant may result in red bumps and inflammation with pus. Here Applying Isabgol aids in controlling excessive sebum production and removes clogging. Further, it also reduces inflammation and provides soothing effects with Sita (cold) property.

How to use

• Soak 1-2 teaspoons of Isabgol husk in water.
• Wait for sometime to get a semi-solid mixture.
• Mix them well and make it a paste with Aloe vera gel and almond oil.
• Apply it over the face and leave it for 20-30 minutes.
• Then wash it. Do it two times a week.

Nutritional Values of Isabgol

The various nutritional contents and their values in 100 grams of Isabgol.

NUTRIENT	VALUE
Calories	375
Total Fat	6.25 g
Carbohydrates	75 g
Protein	5 g
Fiber	10 g
Potassium	262 mg
Iron	50 mg
Magnesium	183 mg
Calcium	1.8 mg
Sodium	288 mg
Sugars	30 mg
Saturated	2.5 g

Dosage of Isabgol

General dosage of Isabgol is as follows

Minimum Effective Dosage	5 grams
Moderate dosage (Adults)	10 to 30 grams
Moderate dosage (Children)	5 to 15 grams
Maximum Possible Dosage	40 grams

How to take

• Take 1-2 teaspoon of Isabgol
• Mix Isabgol in a glass of warm water
• Drink it immediately before it swells.

Isabgol Pudding

The ingredients to make Isabgol pudding are as follows

Psyllium Husk	10 grams
Water	50 ml
Milk	200 ml
Sugar	1 to 2 tsp

Preparation Method

• Soak Isabgol in 50 ml water for 30 minutes
• Take a glass of hot milk with sugar
• Add Isabgol with water in milk and stir the mixture well
• Isabgol pudding is ready
• Eat this Isabgol pudding once at night just before sleeping.

To get complete relief from the problem, consume this pudding for at least one month.

Side Effects of Isabgol

Isabgol is safe to use in many people with the proper dosage, but the continuous use of Isabgol may cause unwanted side effects. According to Ayurveda, Isabgol produces heaviness in your body because of its GURU quality. Thus, it increases Kapha humor that may cause the following side effects.

• Abdominal fullness
• Nausea
• Loss of appetite
• Chest tightness
• Feeling of heaviness in the abdomen
• Itching
• Minor bloating

When you take less than 25 gms of Isabgol, it should take at least 240 ml of water. If the dosage increased to 30 gms, you should take 500 ml of water to decrease unwanted effects.

If you take Isabgol with less water or other liquid, it may immediately cause the following side effects.

• Vomiting
• Choking
• Difficulty in breathing
• Chest pain
• Difficulty in swallowing

Isabgol Allergy

Isabgol allergy is very rare to occur, and if it occurs, it appears in the following symptoms.

• Itching
• Breathing difficulty
• Swelling on face
• Skin Rashes
• Severe dizziness
• Swelling of the tongue or throat

Precautions

• Don’t eat any food that produces intestinal gas.
• The excessive use of Isabgol may cause loss of appetite, so consume it with the limit.
• Don’t consume fine powder or capsules of Isabgol because that doesn’t provide similar benefits and cause harm to your intestines. The fine powder of Isabgol is used in local applications such as skin diseases and skin dryness.

Frequently asked question

Q1. What are the benefits of using Isabgol for skin?

Isabgol has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help to reduce swelling and also prevent cell damage. Isabgol also aids in tissue regeneration, heals wounds and injuries without any scars.

According to Ayurveda, skin problems occur due to an imbalanced Pitta dosha. Here, Isabgol manages skin inflammation and heals wounds quickly with its Pitta calming and Sita (cold) properties. It also reduces dryness and enhances glowing skin with its Snigdha guna (oily property).

Q2. Can I take Isabgol with lemon?

Yup. Isabgol can be taken along with lemon. It will maintain your bowel movements and also help in weight loss by reducing body fats.

Q3. When should I take Isabgol husk? Before or after a meal?

Better take Isabgol after a night meal because it corrects constipation with its mild laxative property.

Q4. What are the benefits of consuming Isabgol with milk?

Consuming Isabgol with milk will treat weak digestion. It also improves bowel movement and gives relief from constipation, acidity, and bleeding piles.

Conclusion

Isabgol is a powerful natural laxative that has been used since ancient times to treat diarrhea, constipation, controls diabetes, and blood pressure. It is a powerhouse of fiber, so you can add this to your meal to get more benefits.

Crocus Sativus, commonly known as Autumn Crocus, & Saffron Crocus, is a flowering plant that belongs to the Iridaceae (Iris family) in the genus Crocus. Saffron is known around the world as a spice with medicinal properties extracted from the flower of Crocus Sativus which has such special properties.

This precious saffron is known by names Saffron Crocus, Crocus Cultive, Crocus Sativus, Kesar, Azafran, Kashmira, Azafron, Croci Stigma, Saffron Crocus, Indian Saffron, Spanish Saffron, Kumkuma, Safran Espagnol, Safran Veritable, True Saffron, Safran Des.

Thread-like patterns and crimson stigma are extracted from Crocus Sativus flowers and then dried in the sunlight, acting as a coloring and flavoring agent in food and desserts.

It’s believed that Saffron originated in Iran, but American author Harold McKee says that these plants were grown in Greece during the Bronze Age. A type of Saffron called Wild Saffron which bears the name C. Sativus and is a triploid form of Crocus Cartwrightianus.

After the Renaissance, saffron spread to Eurasia, Oceania, North America, and North Africa. Saffron contains an Organoiodine compound called iodoform, which is unique in its aroma and taste.

In addition, they contain Phytochemicals such as Safranal, and Picrocrocin, and contain a Carotenoid pigment called Crocin, which gives foods and textiles an eye-catching red or golden yellow color.

The claim that these dried flowers, which have been traded and used for thousands of years, are dramatically beneficial to the body is attested by a 7th century BC Assyrian botanical article.

According to the 21st Century Survey, Iran accounts for 90% of the world’s total saffron production. The most expensive saffron in the world can be grown in tropical, subtropical, and cold regions.

In particular, the word “saffron” is derived from the Arabic word “za’faran“.

1. Saffron contains more than 150 volatile and aromatic compounds that are used not only in cooking but also in the preparation of various medicinal products.

2. And the unique odor is due to the 40-50 volatile compounds in these dry crimson stigma.

3. Saffron Crocus contains many volatile components such as alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, gamma-carotene, lycopene, and zeaxanthin.

4. The carotenoid called crocin in saffron is responsible for its unique color.

5. The monoterpene glycoside precursor called picrocrocin in saffron is the reason for its bitter taste.

6. Saffron possesses an organoiodine compound called iodoform, which is the reason for its unique aroma.

7. These crimson stigmas are consumed by people to enhance mood, enhance manhood, and improve memory.

8. Modern research suggests that saffron may be used to promote sweating (diabetic), prevent gas (carminative), stimulate aphrodisiacs, and control menstrual bleeding.

Potential Health Benefits of Saffron

In addition to important nutrients such as picrocrocin and crocin, saffron also contains numerous vitamins, flavonoids, starch, amino acids, proteins, gums, and anthocyanins. Because of these components, Saffron has the property of curing heart disease, cancer, diabetes, erectile dysfunction, depression, anxiety, and ulcers.

Studies also show that saffron improves memory, cognition, and learning. The medicinal properties of this highly expensive spice make it a valuable culinary ingredient worldwide. Here we have unveiled in detail at the extreme benefits of this high-priced spice.

1. Has Powerful Antioxidant

The various plant compounds contained in the Saffron act as excellent antioxidants as it destroys the free radicals that enter the body and heals the damage caused by it. Besides, these plant compounds act against oxidative stress and prevent heart-related diseases.

The crimson stigma of Crocus Sativus flowers growing in cold regions are rich in safranal, kaempferol, crocetin, and crocin. In particular, the compounds crocetin and crocin contain carotenoid pigments that cause a distinct and dense red color.

Furthermore, both of these compounds have antitussive properties that prevent progressive damage and protect brain cells, besides, it helps to reduce appetite and helps to control body weight.

The safranal compound plays a major role in imparting the unique aroma of saffron, which controls persistent mood swings and leads to balanced thoughts and enhances learning and memory.

The kaempferol compound found in the petals of the saffron flower has anti-cancer properties and comes with health benefits such as antidepressant activity and anti-inflammatory activity.

SUMMARY:

Research results show that most of the health properties of saffron are due to its high antioxidants.

2. Boosts Mood & Cures Depressive Symptoms

The unique color and taste of saffron greatly help to brighten the abnormal and tired mood. The study was conducted on people with moderate depression, half of them were given saffron supplements and the rest were given medications.

At the end of the study, it was revealed that participants who ingested Saffron were relieved. In another similar study, one group of participants was given 30 mg of saffron daily and another group of prescribed drugs (Citalopram, Imipramine, Fluoxetine).

Finally, it’s proved that saffron has similar effects like prescription drugs. The results of the randomized study proved that both the thread-like stigma in saffron and the petals of the flower were worthy of relieving mild-to-moderate depression.

A study of saffron published in the Journal of Behavior and Brain Science found that a compound called Serotonin found in its extract increased dopamine levels in the brain (without altering the levels of other brain hormones).

SUMMARY:

Saffron has been shown to cure depressive symptoms, anxiety, and mood swings and it can provide the same effects as prescribed medicines.

3. Effectively Treats Cancer

Free radicals are the main cause of cancer, they attack the immunity zone and then weaken the body. Saffron, which is high in antioxidants, helps neutralize these free radicals.

Free radicals play an important role in the development of not only cancer but also various chronic diseases. Test-tube study results show that the most important compounds contained in saffron inhibit colon cancer cells and their growth.

It is feared that this process will affect the growth of normal beneficial cells, but saffron does not affect other natural functions of the body. Saffron prevents not only colon cancer but also the growth of various cancer cells such as bone marrow, lung, skin, cervix, breast, and prostate.

The results of a test-tube study show that the antioxidant crocin in saffron has similar effects on the highly sensitive chemotherapy drugs used to kill cancer cells. Saffron has antitumor and anticonvulsant properties and they are considered to be the very best source of carotenoids.

The crimson stigma, which has such medicinal properties, has the ability to inhibit the growth of tumor cells. Various researches have shown the inhibitory effects of saffron on the development of DNA synthesis and the positive relationship between the carotenoids in it.

Saffron extract has the ability to fight against human leukemia HL-60 cells and also has the ability to fight human prostate cancer.

SUMMARY:

Studies show that they help prevent cancer by stopping the growth of free radicals in our bodies.

4. Reduces PMS Symptoms

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is a medical term used to describe the psychological, physical, and emotional symptoms that may occur before the onset of the menstrual cycle in women.

This PMS syndrome can cause headaches, irritability, body aches, abdominal pain, and excessive hunger. Various studies have shown that saffron is very helpful for women to easily handle these difficult situations.

Daily intake of 30 mg of saffron, especially in women between the ages of 20 and 45, can control PMS syndrome and relieve pain more effectively than placebo.

In a study of women with another symptom of PMS, such as anxiety and depression, it was recommended to smell the scent of saffron for 20 minutes. After 30 minutes the mood of the participants was confirmed to be clear. In addition, they had low levels of the stress hormone cortisol.

SUMMARY:

In 2015, research on PMS symptoms showed that the daily consumption saffron was more effective than a placebo, reducing PMS symptoms and lowering cortisol levels.

5. Act as an Aphrodisiac

Studies show that saffron has an aphrodisiac effect. These help to increase masculinity by stimulating sexual desire.

Men generally have a habit of taking a prescribed drug called antidepressant to increase libido, but saffron has been shown to have more deserving effects than antidepressants, according to research.

In addition, the daily consumption of saffron significantly improves antidepressant-related erections.

Men with erectile dysfunction were divided into two groups and one group was given 30 mg of saffron daily and the other group was given an antidepressant pill daily. After 4 weeks, erectile dysfunction was found to be improved in men who consumed saffron.

Analysis of six follow-up studies on saffron found that consuming saffron as a medicine or in a diet effectively enhances overall satisfaction, masculinity, and erectile function.

Women with low sexual desire were found to have an increase in sexual desire as a result of consuming about 30 mg of saffron daily instead of antidepressants for four consecutive weeks. They have also been shown to reduce sexual pain and increase lubrication.

SUMMARY:

Research proved that saffron has the power to induce Aphrodisiac in both women and men and it can effectively treat erectile dysfunction.

6. Controls Appetite & Cholesterol

In the name of civilized development, consuming fast foods and substandard foods on the roadsides can lead to unwanted weight gain and various diseases.

Frequent feelings of hunger motivate us to consume the foods available at hand, and saffron is highly recommended to prevent this. This is because the research result shows that saffron has the ability to control appetite.

Overweight women were divided into two groups and one group was given a placebo and the other group was given saffron supplements daily. After about 8 weeks, women who ingested saffron lost significant weight than women who took the placebo.

Another similar study was conducted for 8 weeks, in which participants took a saffron juice supplement. At the end of the study, their total fat, waist circumference, and body mass index (BMI) along with frequent appetite were proven to be the least.

But what makes these processes dramatic is how saffron can help control appetite and help with weight loss, a mystery that is still unknown to scientists. But the ancestral theory of saffron is that it reduces the desire for snacks by controlling the mood.

SUMMARY:

Though Saffron is loaded with nutrients it has the ability to control the appetite and helps to reduce overweight, and LDL cholesterol in your body.

7. Reduces Risk Factors of Heart Disease

Saffron is rich in antioxidants which protect the body from all kinds of heart ailments. That is, saffron consumption greatly supports the healthy functioning of the arteries and maintains the condition of the blood vessels.

For this reason, people with heart disease are advised to consume saffron daily. Also, high levels of cholesterol in the blood are a major cause of arterial and vascular disorders.

Research on animals has shown that the antioxidant properties of this spice can reduce blood cholesterol by up to 50% and effectively prevent clogging of arteries and blood vessels.

Besides, the anti-inflammatory properties contained in saffron are beneficial for heart health.

SUMMARY:

Studies show that the antioxidant properties of saffron greatly reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke, besides, it strengthens blood vessels.

8. Helps to Lower Blood Sugar Level

Adding saffron to the daily diet significantly lowers blood sugar levels and ensures that they are always balanced. According to the results of the study, saffron is recommended for diabetics as it can effectively increase insulin sensitivity without any side effects.

The extracts derived from saffron help to improve the level of glucose in the blood. As a result, muscle tissue becomes more sensitive by the proper insulin secretion.

Two prime factors in the blood, called glucose and insulin, help keep blood sugar levels normal at all times. Saffron is active in increasing the production of serum insulin, which helps prevent type 2 diabetes.

In one study, Methanolic juice of saffron was given to rats with diabetes. As a result, their HbA1c levels and fasting blood glucose levels were shown to be significantly reduced.

The most important cause of hypoglycemia is the antioxidants called saffron and crocin in saffron juice. Liver and kidney functions are not affected in any way during this process carried out by the antioxidants of saffron.

SUMMARY:

Studies in diabetic rats have shown that saffron truly has the ability to control blood sugar and increase insulin levels.

9. Improves Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

Saffron is used to treat Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), one of the most common eye-related disorders in adults. This type of symptom occurs as a result of the damage caused by free radicals.

Adults with AMD can improve eyesight by consuming saffron and protect against free radical damage. Studies have shown that continuous saffron consumption can induce a significant improvement in retinal function in AMD patients.

In a study of AMD patients, they were given approximately 30 mg of dried saffron daily. The study lasted for 6 months and at the end of the study, it was reported that there were significant (statistically) changes in the macular OCT and ERG parameters of the participants.

SUMMARY:

It’s recommended to consume saffron because research has shown that saffron consumption is the best solution to improve eyesight in adults with age-related macular degeneration.

10. Enhances Memory

Saffron is said to be one of the most powerful remedies for Alzheimer’s, one of the neurological disorders. Researchers say that saffron has high antioxidant properties, which can reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and improve cognition.

Crocus Sativus is used in the treatment of the psychological and behavioral symptoms of dementia, one of the cognitive disorders.

Saffron prevents the accumulation of amyloid in the brain and removes their deposition, making it easier and better to treat neurological disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease.

SUMMARY:

Crocus Sativus (Saffron) is used to better treat Alzheimer’s disease, which often occurs in adults, and can greatly improve memory.

11. Preventing Nervous System Disorders

A compound called crocin, which is found in saffron, helps control oxidative damage and inflammation in the brain. Research conducted on saffron in 2015 examined their nervous system-protecting properties.

Accordingly, it was revealed that the antioxidants in saffron have some beneficial effects on the nervous system. The antioxidants in the crimson stigma of these flowers have memory-enhancing properties.

In addition, research has shown that it can effectively control the anti-inflammatory effects and oxidant pressure that cause neurological disorders.

People with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s were divided into two groups, one group taking the saffron supplement and the other group taking Donepezil for 22 weeks.

As a result, there was a significant improvement in the knowledge of those who consumed saffron, and it was revealed that the side effect of the spice was much less than that of the drug.

SUMMARY:

Saffron is highly recommended by researchers as there is ample study evidence to support its various medicinal uses.

12. Reduces Lipid Levels

The chemical compound crocin in saffron is an important factor for maintaining the health of the body. In addition, studies in animals have shown that these compounds play a major role in the reduction of macro-biomolecules called a lipid.

Crocin prevents the absorption of good fats and excretes excess bad LDL fats through the stool. Hypolipidemic also activates the effect on the body by releasing the enzymes of pancreatic lipase, causing the pancreas to become completely damaged.

Crocin is involved in the process of inhibiting the effects of pancreatic lipase, which produces enzymes that are harmful to the body.

SUMMARY:

Saffron prevents various deadly diseases in the body by controlling the level of lipids.

13. Best Antidepressant Agent

Dried saffron and its extract can relieve various mood swings such as stress, depression, and anxiety.

Allopathic medications, such as Imipramine and Fluoxetine, are commonly prescribed by doctors for these conditions, as they have a calming effect.

Women and men with mild-and-moderate depression were divided into two groups and prescribed drugs for men and saffron for women. At the end of the study, it was reported that saffron had the same effect as drugs.

The mind is refreshed at all times to take the extract of the dried petal of the saffron plant three times a week, it doesn’t provide any side effects like medicines.

SUMMARY:

The function of the saffron extract is to treat depression in an intensive manner and to refresh it so that it can be consumed by children as well as the elders.

14. Beneficial for Skin

Women have a routine of expecting skin radiance and massive skin tone, for which they use various cosmetics on the face. But saffron is a natural herbal product that can provide many times more skin benefits than cosmetics. Applying them as face packs lighten the skin tone and make the face more radiant.

Preparation Saffron Face Pack: 1

In a bowl, mix 2 to 3 strands of saffron, 2 tbsp milk, and 1 tbsp sandalwood powder and bring to a paste consistency. Then apply the paste constantly on the face as a face mask and let it dry for about 20 minutes. Rinse face with cold water after 20 minutes.

Preparation Saffron Face Pack: 2

In a blender add 2 to 3 strands of saffron, 2 teaspoons of milk, and well-soaked sunflower seeds and grind well and bring to a paste consistency. Then apply the paste on the face as a mask and let it dry for about 15 minutes. Rinse face with cold water after 15 minutes.

SUMMARY:

Saffron helps to maintain a static skin tone and effectively renew the dead skin cells to enrich them.

15. Controls Menstrual Pain

Saffron has been widely used since ancient times to treat various ailments, to soothe abnormal conditions, and to energize the body.

In that sense, a medicinal spice called saffron helps to relieve abdominal pain and muscle cramps that occur during menstruation. Considering its benefits, saffron is still used in traditional medicine today.

This spice helps to control back pain and pelvic pain that comes with menstruation. Saffron also helps to control white-yellow discharge (Leukorrhea) that occurs in the days before menstruation.

A condition called Leukorrhea, which is found in many women, occurs not only during menstruation but every day.

SUMMARY:

Studies proved that Crocus Sativus is effectively treating menstrual pain, heavy bleeding, muscle cramps, white discharge and so on.

16. Easy to Add to Your Diet

Saffron has a subtle taste, color, and aroma that no other spice has. The spice with such properties is compatible with all kinds of foods such as risottos, paella, rice dishes, desserts.

One brilliant way to unveil the unique flavor of saffron and its properties as a whole is to soak it in warm water. You can get the complete taste, color, aroma, and properties of saffron by adding soaked thread-like crimson stigmas and water to your recipe.

Although saffron is available in powder form in all stores, it is best to buy it as a thread-like crimson stain. Because powder form of any spice may have been contaminated for greater profit and attraction.

Many people refuse to buy and use saffron because of its high price. But just remember one thing, the health of the body is more important than money. Nowadays, saffron is available in supplement form for easy consumption.

SUMMARY:

A pinch of saffron enhances the magnificence of your recipe and offers more medicinal benefits.

What Are The Ways To Utilize Saffron

Saffron is commercially available as a strand, powders, and supplements, depending on the applications and ease of consumption. You can choose one of them based on your applications.

Soaked Saffron:

Soak some dried strand of saffron in 3 teaspoons of warm water or milk. Depending on the quality of the saffron the color in the strand will be completely mixed with water after a certain time and then it can be mixed in the recipe. Conversely, the saffron thread should be soaked overnight in ordinary water to obtain a more thick color and aroma.

Crushed Saffron:

A pinch of saffron equals about 20 medium threads, so it must be measured properly before crushing the saffron. In particular, it is enough to use a pinch of saffron in cooking for 4 to 6 people. Use a small grindstone or small blender to crush the saffron threads. Keep in mind that crushing saffron by machine or by hand doesn’t render an impressive appearance. However, crushed saffron imparts a strong aroma, color, and taste. Thus crushed saffron spice can be used in milk and desserts.

Powdered Saffron:

Saffron powders sold in stores may have been adulterated. To ward off such threats, dried saffron threads can be ground at home using a blender. Or be sure to get unadulterated saffron powder from trusted vendors. Saffron powder can be mixed with milk and consumed to get more nutritional values, or used in desserts to enhance its color and taste. Beyond culinary purpose, saffron is used for external applications, including skin health.

Nutrition Value in Saffron

The nutritional value of 100 grams of saffron is listed here.

• Calcium – 111 mg
• Copper – 0.33 mg
• Iron – 11.1 mg
• Magnesium – 264 mg
• Manganese – 28.41 mg
• Phosphorus – 252 mg

• Potassium – 1724 mg
• Selenium – 5.6 mcg
• Sodium – 148 mg
• Zinc – 1.09 mg
• Manganese – 0.089 mg

• Vitamin C – 0.8 mg
• Vitamin B6 – 1.01 mg
• Riboflavin – 0.27 mg
• Thiamin – 0.12 mg
• Folate, DFE – 93 mcg

• Niacin – 1.46 mg
• Fiber – 3.9 g
• Water – 11.9 g
• Protein – 11.4 g
• Fat – 0.4 g
• Carbohydrate – 65.4 g