Health & herbs go hand in hand. Importance of herbs is like importance of oxygen for life. Since ancient times, herbs have been a part of our life. They keep life hearty, healthy & moving. Our regular routine life swivels around herbs. But in modern life style, it has lost its importance just because of ignorance. Until now, the knowledge or information regarding herbs was hidden but in recent era people have turned again towards ancient herbal medicines. This science or tradition of curing different ailments with herbs is called Ayurveda in India. Ayurveda is the way of life. It believes in prevention & not in cure. It is also known as fifth Veda. Therefore many important herbs from our surroundings are used in our day to day life for maintainenece and promotion of good, sound health.

Let us move in the wide gallery of herbs to have a bird’s eye view of few of these which are popular, important and widely used in India for feminine health problems.

1) Sacred basil (Ocimum sanctum)other names in different languages are Tulsi, Sursa, Vrunda, Devdundabhi .

It is an excellent neuromodulator. Also widely used in cough problems & associated symptoms. Its extract mixed with honey & Zinziber officinale excellently works on common cold. When mixed with black pepper it controls fever.

2) Nimb Tree (Melia azadirachta & Azadirachta indica)

This grows only in India. It is most famous Indian herb with multiple broad spectrum usage. It has marvelous antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral properties. It is considered to be the best spermicidal, so used for birth control. It is also useful as a mosquito repellent. Its oil & extracts cures number of diseases. It is very helpful in cure of AIDS & Syphilis.

3) Lemon Grass ( Cymbopogpn citratus)

We are all well acquainted with the word lemon grass oil or oil Verbena. It is anticancerous. It is commonly used in common cold & various types of Diarrhoea.

4) Fenel seeds (Foeniculum vulgarae)

It contains multivitamins & volatile oil, necessary for digestion & malnutrition. It is used in treatment of uterine diseases, to increase lactation, also in treating fever & acidity.

It is popularly known by words like squnf, anisun, anesi, badian rumi.

5) Dill seeds – (Pevcedanum graveolens) other names are sibbit, satpushpa.

Widely used for infertility & also as a brain tonic & rejuvenating like ginseng.

6) Bishop weeds - ( Ptychotis ajawan, Trachyspermum ammi.) –

Basically there are four types used variedly. Mostly used as antiflatulent, anti-inflammatory & anti-diarrheal. Its flowers are used to prepare thymol.

7) Corinder seeds or leaf – (Coriandrum sativum) other names are kothimbya, dhaniya, dhana etc.

Used for abdominal & nervine coolant. It is good in treatment of acidity, fever or diarrhoea & cough in kids.

8) Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum- graceum)

No one can measure or judge this herb without personal use. It’s important for various gynecological problems. Also used as antipyretic, anti diarrheal, amoebiasis etc.

9) Sesame seeds (Sesamum indicum) other names simsim, kunjad, Tili, Sesamum etc.

It’s a rich source of calcium. In Ayurveda it is best in treating Leucorrhoea, Dysuria & Gonorrhea. Also for hair loss, obesity, piles etc.

10) Gokshur (Tribulus terrestris) other names are lahan, sarate gokhri etc.

It is one of the important herbs to cure urinary tract infections, kidney diseases, calculi etc. Good Aphrodisiac.

11) Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) other names are Asandha, Vajigandha, Asagandha.

This is best vitalizer. Also widely used in treating infertility, insomnia, mal foetal development & as local applicant for different types of boils.

12) Amla (Emblic myrobalans, Phylanthus emblica) other names are dhatri, amla, Amritfal, Amlaj etc

It is a very rich source of Vitamin C and Calcium. Widely used in various combinations as best vitalizer, aphrodisiac, rejuvenating. Is helpful in treating Leucorrhoea, Osteoporosis, Anemia, Diabetes & Dysuria.

13) Myrobalans (Terminalia chebula) other names are Haritaki, Abhaya, Harade, Halil, Halilaj.

This herb is known as second mother of mankind. It is widely used in unmentionable number of diseases.

Last but not the least; my words are not enough to enumerate the marvels of herbal medicines, in service of human life. This is an endless journey….

Reference: Nighantoo Adarsh written by Lt. Shri Bapalal Vaidhya, A renowned Ayurvedic Practitioner, Reprinted 1999, Published by Gujarat Pustakalay Sahayak Sahakari Madal Ltd., Vadodara, Gujarat – India.

Author: Dr. Trupti A. Dholakia, Ayurvedic Doctor.
BAMS (Gujarat Ayurveda University, Jamnagar, Gujarat - India),
P.G.C.R. (A.I.I.P.M.R, Mumbai, India)
She has been serving the needy through her Profession since 20 years free of cost & is a complete home maker.
Her areas of interest are alternative therapies & holistic medicines, acupressure, naturopathy, nutrition & dietetics, reiki, reading, cooking, music & travelling.
Contact: truptiarun@yahoo.co.in