Indian medicinal herbs. Herbs in Indian medicine and medicine of other countries

Indian cuisine became popular all over the world due to unique combination tastes, aromas and menu diversity. Not a single national dish can be prepared without a set of Indian natural spices. They form the basis of the originality of oriental food.

Secrets of oriental cuisine

If you decide to add something unusual to your daily diet, you should buy Indian seasonings. By adding a little curry to the meat, you will get a unique taste and completely new recipe. According to historians, it is one of the oldest Indian mixtures. The first evidence of it dates back to 2000 BC. It contains the main oriental spices and herbs:

• cardamom;
• turmeric;
• black pepper;
• carnation;
• ginger.

In ancient times, coconut milk was also mixed in. This combination was the only way diversify food for poor people Arab countries. Among other oriental spices and herbs:

• ajwan (timol, omam) - for vegetable dishes; more than two dozen varieties of chili for meat, poultry, sauces;
• Cassia bark is a substitute for cinnamon with a richer aroma;
• coriander is used very often, the leaves are served as a garnish;
• mustard seeds - put in vegetarian soup“dal” and pickles;
• nutmeg requires caution, because its excess in ground form can lead to poisoning;
• Kalonji is used to prepare vegetables and bread;
• pomegranate seeds with their characteristic “sourness”;
• saffron and others.

The large number of Indian natural spices amazed the Europeans so much that Charlemagne obliged his subjects to grow these crops. And today fennel, dill, parsley, celery are considered European herbs!

Natural oriental herbs store

These amazing products can be purchased online or in a specialized place. The quality of the product directly depends on the authority of the seller. If you are going to buy Indian spices, you need to consider the delivery time and conditions.

Long-term transportation in high humidity can harm them. Therefore, deliveries over long distances by mail are undesirable. In the Biomui online store in Moscow, we are pleased to offer you aromatic natural oriental herbs at attractive prices for ordering at home and in a short time!

The first part of the list consists of typical plants common in the West. Special attention focuses on herbs that are used both in India and in Western countries, so some well-known spices are included in the list. We have tried to describe more herbs belonging to each category.

The abbreviated name is given first, then Latin name, indicating the family to which the plant belongs. The following are the English (A) and, where possible, Sanskrit (C) and Chinese (K) names.

The energy description indicates taste, thermal effect, post-digestion effect, separated by a slash. “V” means Vata, “P” means Pitta and “K” means Kapha, “+” or “-” increases or decreases, “VPK=” means balance of all three doshas, ​​“Ama” means toxins.

By tissues we mean Ayurvedic dhatus, and by systems we mean srotas.

The second part of the list presents some of the main eastern herbs. This includes valuable Indian herbs that are not as well known outside India as the herbs from Part 1 (some of which can only be purchased in Indian markets). Included here are some chinese herbs, such as ginseng, which are becoming popular in the West and can be used similar to Ayurvedic tonics, especially in the absence of the latter. Some of the herbs given in this part of the list are used in both Indian and Chinese medicine. Particular attention is paid to tonic and rejuvenating herbs, which do not always have analogues among the available Western herbs. There are many valuable Indian herbs. As an example, only a few of the most important ones are described here.

Flavors, if the herb has several of them, as well as the effects the herb has, are usually indicated in order of decreasing strength.

Dosage and preparation generally correspond to the descriptions indosage section. If different doses are given for certain herbs, these are the doses for their normal use.

Powders from all herbs can be used to prepare infusions. (Decoctions are prepared from the tougher, larger parts of herbs, such as most roots.)

Directions for the use of herbs for certain conditions are more of a recommendation and are not exhaustive. Cautions are not always contraindications: since the same painful condition may manifest itself in various forms, requiring various methods treatment, then contraindications may be different.

Ayurvedic treatment aims to cleanse the body of Ama, balance the constitution and rejuvenate. Diseases are treated not as phenomena that exist on their own, but as consequences of the excitation of the doshas.

Plants have long been used for treatment in India, whose flora is extremely rich and diverse.

The Ancient Indian Pharmacopoeia contains up to 800 names of herbal medicines, a significant part of which is used by modern medicine, The oldest Sanskrit medical book of India, compiled before new era, is considered “Yajur Veda” (“Science of Life”). This book has been revised and expanded several times. The most famous adaptation is the work of the Indian physician Charak (1st century AD), who indicated 500 medicinal plants, and the doctor Sushrut, who provided information about 700 medicinal plants.

The remedies mentioned in the Yajur Veda are still used today. Indian medicine and some of them are in medicine in other countries.

Chilibukha, for example, has long been listed in all European pharmacopoeias. In the 20th century it was introduced into medical practice chaulmugra oil, used in India for thousands of years as a specific remedy for the treatment of leprosy. Rauwolfia, widely used in modern medicine to lower blood pressure, has been known to Indians since ancient times.

Indian medicine borrowed almost nothing from medicinal plants of other countries, having the richest medicinal flora of its own, and the export of herbal medicinal raw materials to other countries dates back to ancient times.

Traditional medicine doctors are very popular in Ceylon. In the capital of the island of Colombo, the Central Hospital of Traditional Medicine has been established, where all patients, in addition to special treatment, receive therapeutic nutrition, including herbs, roots, seeds and fruits.

In Korea, traditional medicine doctors also work in the health care system, and much attention is paid to medicinal plants there.

In Mongolia, which has a rich flora, local residents have long used many plants for treatment various diseases in people and animals.

Numerous medicinal plants were also used in Arab medicine. Arab knowledge about the medicinal properties of plants originates from ancient civilization- the people of Sumer, then they were replenished with information about plants borrowed from other peoples of the East - Egypt, India, Persia. Currently, 476 plant species used in Arab medicine have been identified from Arabic and foreign written sources.

Tibetan medicine originated around 3000 BC. e. based on even more ancient Indian medicine. The most widespread is Tibetan medical book“Zhud-shi” (“Essence of healing”), which is compiled on the basis of “Yajur-Veda”.

Indian medicine from Tibet advanced to China and Japan. Simultaneously tibetan medicine was replenished with the experience of Chinese and Mongolian medicine. As a result, Tibetan medicine began to have a wide range of medicinal plants and diverse information about their medicinal use.

The famous naturalist and traveler Lourens Grin provides interesting data about folk medicine Africa, in particular vegetable oil chaulmugra, which is used to treat leprosy patients. It has long been known to African healers, but it became known to science during the period between the two world wars.

African herbs for headaches, acacia resin - gum arabic - as a sedative and other medicinal plants are famous.

In African markets, the fruits of Kigelia, a “sausage tree” resembling liverwurst, are sold, from the bark of which Africans prepare a medicine for rheumatism and snake bites. The bark, dried and ground into powder, is sprinkled on wounds.

It should be noted that in Africa such a disease as lung cancer is very rare.

In our country, eucalyptus is called a “pharmacy tree”; in Africa, baobab can be considered such a tree. Local healers treat almost all diseases with medicines prepared from the fruits, leaves and bark of the baobab tree.
Medicinal plants were used for treatment, as it can now be argued, by all peoples of the world, regardless of time and place of their habitat. Ethnographers who studied the life of individual tribes of the Central and South Africa, the aborigines of Australia, the Amazon Indians, established that, apparently, there was no such tribe on earth that, no matter how primitive its public organization and material culture, would not know medicinal plants.

Since the time of Galen, already in our era, there has been a desire to remove unnecessary, indifferent, ballast substances and obtaining purified ones, more effective in all cases, according to representatives of this direction, than the whole plant. Further development scientific knowledge led to a tendency to isolate individual, completely pure active ingredients, as having a constant effect and amenable to more precise dosage.

The initiative in the latest direction of using medicinal plants belongs to the Swiss physician and chemist Paracelsus (1483 - 1541), who reduced all phenomena occurring in a healthy and sick body to chemical processes. According to him, human body is a chemical laboratory. Diseases, in his opinion, arise due to the lack of certain chemicals, which during treatment must be administered in the form of drugs.

At the same time, Paracelsus widely used the observations of traditional medicine. He believed that if nature produced a disease, then it also prepared a remedy for healing it, which should be located in the area surrounding the patient. For this reason, he was against the use of foreign medicinal plants.

The development of chemistry led to the fulfillment of Paracelsus' dreams in the 19th century. Pure active substances were isolated from plants.

After Hippocrates scientific medicine over time, resorted less and less to the use of ready-made natural herbal remedies treatment. The majority of the population of many countries continued to use herbs for treatment, because medical assistance and official medicinal products were inaccessible.

Thus, treatment with plants from ancient times has reached the present day and is currently quite widely used in many European countries.

Herbs grown in South Asia are used not only to add piquancy and exoticism to dishes, but are also used to achieve eternal beauty skin and hair. Rare Hindu herbs grow in virgin fields of mountain ranges and foothills, which is why they are ecologically pure product. A large storehouse of vitamins, minerals and nutritional components affect the body from the inside, penetrating into circulatory system human and has a beneficial effect on the condition and growth of hair.

Which plants to choose

Often, Indian hair herbs are used in the form of oils or tinctures. This essence allows you to spread beneficial properties miracle of plants around the world.

1. Kalonji Oil, or Kalonji oil

This is an oil that is made from a herbaceous flower similar to small buttercups. In common parlance it is called black cumin. Thanks to its small but juicy stems, by cold pressing, it turns out healthy oil. Kalonji is powerful natural antiseptic, therefore it is used for skin diseases (seborrhea, psoriasis, lichen, dermatitis, allergic rash). In folk medicine, it is believed that it occurs against the background infectious diseases. Kalonji oil helps hair to be stronger by strengthening it and is therefore excellent prophylactic. It does not have a strong odor and is recommended to be used as an oil wrap.

2. Zira Oil, or cumin oil

Ideal for head massage. Main feature- this is the impact nutrients oils for skin. Cumin calms the nervous system, provides prevention skin diseases and gets rid of dandruff. The seeds of the plant are rich in B vitamins, which have a beneficial effect on hair growth, shine and softness. Cumin also contains large number substances such as limonene, aldehydes, pinet and camphene, which prevent premature aging and graying of hair. Indian herbs for hair, such as cumin, are applied in the form of oil wraps, but it is best to use a paste of the ground seeds of the plant and apply to the scalp. Jeera oil has a bright and tart aroma, and its color is pale yellow.

This is a true gift of East Asian nature. Leaves valuable plant help treat skin with increased oiliness and sweating. Decoctions of kaffir lime leaves can replace store-bought mouthwash. By gently acting on the hair follicles, the hair becomes much more manageable, softer and acquires a beautiful shine. The leaves of this valuable tree are similar to the familiar “laurel”, only they have a fresher citrus taste. The plant can be used both in fresh, and in dried form.

4. Trigonella, or fenugreek

The leaves of this amazing legume plant are used for weak curls, especially those with heavy sections. There are now dozens popular means for hair, which contains fenugreek, but it is best to use it in dried form. Hindu herbalists advise making your own personal hair balm using yogurt and plant puree, and do not forget to rinse off the product. Fenugreek helps fight hair fragility and prevents alopecia (loss). This plant saturates the structure of curls, creates an invisible film that protects each hair from external influence. Generally, fenugreek can be found in two varieties—seeds and leaves. A decoction is made from the seeds, the leaves are poured with boiling water and crushed into a small paste for application to the hair.

5. Illicium, or star anise

They have found their benefits both when taken internally and for their effect on external beauty. Natural star anise (anise) oil is applied to the skin warm and kept under plastic wrap. Warm essence penetrates through top layer epidermis to the hair follicles, saturates and stimulates them. Star anise also improves blood circulation of the integument, which affects rapid growth and density of curls. To prevent or maintain skin immunity, it is recommended to make decoctions and tinctures from star anise, which are added to regular store-bought shampoos and conditioners. The essence is used for hair loss.

6. Cloves, or cloves

The aromatic spice is usually found only on the kitchen table as a seasoning, but essential oil cloves help achieve incredible results in just the first two weeks. Firstly, cloves are a powerful antioxidant, so its use helps cleanse not only curls, but also the skin of impurities. Thanks to this property, the hair becomes less greasy and retains its flawless appearance longer. Secondly, the essence can be used as a thermal protectant during blow-drying to prevent split ends.

Indian herbs are usually very difficult to find in fresh or dried form on our store shelves. Cosmetologists recommend using natural oils, which retain all the beneficial properties and make the curls healthy and strong.

Ashwagandha is an Indian ginseng that is used in Ayurveda as an adaptogen to help fight stress and the health problems it causes.

For several thousand years this plant has been highly valued for its unique properties. Followers of Ayurvedic teachings have long realized that ashwagandha is natural spring strength, energy, vigor, youth and feeling great . Therefore, based on this plant, therapeutic and prophylactic drugs are prepared that help men and women improve their physical, mental and emotional state.

The Indian plant has a powerful effect, which is why you should not treat it carelessly. You should know the features of its use and contraindications so as not to harm yourself.

Ashwagandha - what kind of plant is it?

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a perennial branched shrub that bears red berries. . In height, it reaches an average length of 1 meter. There are not many places on the planet where it grows: eastern Asia, some parts of India, northern Africa (in the Mediterranean region).

Other names for ashwagandha are also known: winter cherry, Indian ginseng, sun-leaved physalis, Ethiopian agol. IN therapeutic purposes The root of the plant is mainly used. Fruits may also be used.

Ashwagandha's properties can be compared to Chinese ginseng. But there is one thing important difference– price. The Indian version is much cheaper, making it much more accessible and can be more widely used for the preparation of various remedies.

The word "ashwagandha" has origins. In turn, it consists of two words: “ashva” - horse, “ganda” - smell. Therefore, the translation is: “having the smell of a horse.” The herb Ashwagandha received this name for a reason. Everyone knows that horses are strong and resilient animals. Noting a long time ago amazing properties plants give a person health, strength, vigor and sexual energy, people correlated them with the unique physical abilities of horses. Even after thousands of years, this Ayurvedic remedy never ceases to amaze.

What does the plant contain?

Ashwagandha has earned its right to be used in Ayurveda as a therapeutic and prophylactic agent due to its composition, which affects the unique properties of the plant.

Among the components of ashwagandha are: alkaloids, phytosterols, saponins, phenolic acids . Also present in the composition are: sufficient quantities lipids, peptides, various macro- and microelements. Coumarins, steroidal lactones, sitoindosides- no less important components Indian plant. Thanks to the presence of herbal antibiotics, ashwagandha is able to eliminate pathogenic microorganisms, up to such dangerous species such as staphylococci, streptococci, gonococci.

When hitting digestive system The components of the plant begin to be actively absorbed. They penetrate the blood, spreading throughout the body and filling all the tissues, and reach their therapeutic purpose.

Medicinal properties

Ashwagandha has a fairly impressive list of medicinal properties. Wide spectrum of action:

• For many women, this plant is a valuable find. It will help weaken menstrual pain, adjust menstrual cycle. High chances of healing much faster from mastopathy, fibroids and others benign formations. A long course of taking the drug can cope with serious hormonal disorders and infertility. Ashwagandha will help a woman after childbirth to quickly restore her health, establish full lactation, and prevent the development of postpartum depression and other complications.
• For men, the plant is no less valuable. It can be used as an adjuvant to the main treatment of inflammation prostate gland. “Indian ginseng” skillfully fights spermatorrhea (frequent or continuous discharge of sperm from the urethra), impotence and other sexual disorders. Means will help improve the quality and quantity of seminal fluid. Improving endurance, strength and muscle volume, performance – no less important properties plants.
• Can rightfully be considered an aphrodisiac that can enhance sexual desire.
• Prevents the appearance of tumors of various nature . It is also believed that ashwagandha helps stop the progression of certain types of oncological tumors.
• Reduces the level of the hormone cortisol - the main culprit stress state in humans, insomnia, excessive visceral fat deposits.
• Normalizes blood glucose levels.
• Renders sedative effect, is considered a natural antidepressant. Soothes, normalizes emotional balance, returns the natural schedule of sleep and wakefulness.
• Doesn't increase blood pressure, thanks to which even hypertensive patients can take the drug.
• Effectively affects cognitive and thought processes. Stabilizes cerebral circulation , due to which the quality of attention and memory is significantly improved.
• Helps reduce cravings for sweets and starchy foods, therefore is an excellent remedy for those who adhere to a low-carb diet or have an excessive desire to drink alcohol.
• Acts as a means of rejuvenation, slows down premature aging.
• Increases hemoglobin, reduces cholesterol levels, normalizes biochemical processes in the body.
• Destroys pathogenic microflora and helps restore beneficial ones. Thanks to this, it is able to stop inflammation, regenerate damaged body cells.
• Contributes accelerated healing wound To do this, you can apply the paste directly to the wound or drink the drug.
• Strengthens bone tissue, joints, ligaments, muscles.
• Stimulates immune forces, makes the body more resistant to bacterial, fungal and viral infections.

We figured out that the spectrum of action of ashwagandha is huge. It is not surprising that There are also many indications for use:

Ashwagandha as a biologically active additive indispensable during the period of rehabilitation after serious injuries, operations and serious illnesses (for example, heart attack or stroke), recovery from neuropsychological and physical exhaustion, and chronic diseases.

Ashwagandha is able to support the body of people who are forced to live or work in a stressful rhythm. Ayurvedic remedy also will be useful for students during the session and athletes who train almost to the limit. For example, for bodybuilders, such an addition to the main diet will help them withstand heavy loads and build more effectively. muscle mass.

Instructions for use

Ashwagandha is available in different dosage forms: powder (churna), paste (most often prepared from powder or sold ready-made), oil, tincture, decoction. The simplest option is offered by modern manufacturers of Ayurvedic drugs - capsules. How much and how often to take the drug will depend on the person’s constitution, age and disease. Usually for preventive purposes or to improve general well-being and strengthening the immune system, 1-2 capsules per day is enough. If you plan to take the drug due to the presence of a disease and there is a need to exceed the specified dosage, you should consult a specialist.

On average, the preventive course lasts 14 days (in the first month). Over the next five months, ashwagandha is taken for seven days.

The benefit of Ashwagandha Churna is that it can be used in a variety of ways. For internal use you need to drink 3-5 grams of powder twice a day 20-30 minutes before meals with warm water or milk. It is also possible to take it according to another regimen prescribed by a specialist. Some manufacturers offer to prepare tea from the powder, which must be drunk on an empty stomach.

Churna is also used as compresses or masks. To do this, you need to dilute the powder with warm water (preferably for dry and sensitive skin) or base oil. It should look like a paste. After this, apply the mixture to the area of ​​the body that needs it - face, neck, décolleté, scalp, hair, hands, etc. Ashwagandha helps cleanse pores, get rid of acne and other skin blemishes, strengthen hair follicles, smooth out wrinkles, and nourish the skin useful components.

When purchasing the drug, read the instructions before using it. The dosage of the product (for example, if it is capsules) may depend on the concentration of the active substance.

If you take “Indian ginseng” together with some Ayurvedic drugs, you can count on a more powerful effect. For example, ashwagandha will act as a powerful tonic and rejuvenating agent, actively stimulating and strengthening cells nervous system. Combined with Arjuna and melted butter(ghee) ashwagandha will be good remedy for the prevention and treatment of heart disease, with Gokshuradi guggul or Chandraprabha bati - to prevent inflammation of the urinary tract.

Today ashwagandha in different forms offers a number of trusted manufacturers. Among the most famous are Ashvagandha Himalaya (Himalayas), Churna Dabur, Ashvagandha Now Foods, Ashvagandha Life Extension, Organic India.

Contraindications for use

Ashwagandha cannot be considered a harmless remedy. The root and fruits of the plant contain huge amount active substances, capable of having a serious impact on the composition of blood and other physiological fluids, homeostasis, and tissue condition internal organs. Anyone, even natural remedy, there are contraindications for use. And ashwagandha is no exception. The intake of “Indian ginseng” should be minimized or completely eliminated in the following cases:

• Emergence allergic reaction to one of the components of the product.
• It is not advisable for women to take the product during pregnancy and breastfeeding. But it's not absolute contraindication. You can take the supplement if your doctor allows it.
• For stomach ulcers, redundant function thyroid gland and some serious illnesses internal organs, taking the drug is not recommended.
• The supplement should not be given to very young children.
• Those who are already taking any medications should be careful when taking ashwagandha. Care must be taken to ensure that when combining medications there is no risk of adverse reactions, and even better, you should consult a doctor before starting treatment.

In case of overdose medicine may arise side effects: vomiting, hallucinations, toxic damage brain Such unpleasant phenomena as inhibited reactions, low blood pressure, and irritable stomach syndrome may develop. Uncontrolled use of the drug may result in a loss of strength, a state of apathy and depression (due to increased sedative effect), drowsiness, slowness.

To prevent these health problems, you must strictly follow the recommended dosage. Better yet, if possible, you should consult a specialist. In general, ashwagandha correct intake It is well tolerated by the body and rarely causes side effects.

Why is ashwagandha banned in Russia?

Not only in India, but also in many European countries and the USA, ashwagandha is recognized as effective auxiliary, which is indicated for prevention and therapy various diseases. But in Russia, reviews about this plant are mixed. Some specialists accept medicinal properties“Indian ginseng”, while others reject them.

Those who criticize the drug cite the fact that it can cause addiction and side effects as arguments against its use.. In addition, an overdose may lead to undesirable consequences. Fearing that people will take the Ayurvedic drug uncontrollably and put their health at risk, Russian medical experts are against ashwagandha. In the open spaces of the state, the use of the product is prohibited precisely for the purpose of complying with safety measures.

Yes, an overdose of the drug can really be dangerous. But, if you follow the dosage, ashwagandha should be beneficial. Due to the fact that there is a ban on Ayurvedic products in the Russian Federation, it is not available free sale. But, the drug can be freely purchased in specialized online stores. For example, on the iHerb website you can find many dietary supplements from different manufacturers(Himalaya, Dabur, etc.) Ayurvedic remedies and ashwagandha in particular.

Tincture