The name 'Tulsi' connotes "the incomparable one. The 'Tulsi' plant or Indian Basil is an important symbol in the Hindu religious tradition. Tulsi is a venerated plant and Hindus worship it in the morning and evening. 

Traditional uses of holy basil are legion, and it is often taken in combination with other herbs. The fragrant leaves and flowers, in the form of tincture, tea or decoction are considered to be stomachic and expectorant, used in treating coughs, bronchitis, skin diseases, and diarrhea. These preparations are considered to be prophylactic against epidemics including cholera, influenza and malaria. The Tulsi seeds, taken mixed in water, juice or cow's milk, are antioxidant, nourishing, mucilagenous and demulcent. They are used in treating low energy, ulcers, vomiting and diarrhea, or as an overall tonic. The powder of the dried root, taken in milk, ghee, or as a decoction, is recommended to treat malarial fever, as an analgesic application to the bites and stings of insects, and also to increase sexual stamina and prevent premature ejaculation. 

Holy basil leaves are a natural source of many important antioxidant compounds that provide a wide variety of health benefits. Most notably, eugenol, caryophyllene, and triterpenoic acids, such as ursolic and oleanolic acid. Eugenol and caryophyllene are aromatic compounds, so named because of their pleasing fragrance or "aroma''. These compounds, which are present in many plants, are frequently utilized in essential oils because their fragrant scent is believed to elevate both mood and spirit. 

 In fact, holy basil, which possesses adaptogenic properties, has long been associated with improved mental clarity and mood. Traditional Indian herbalist has frequently utilized holy basil for just such an effect, and now modern science is also examining this relationship. In a scientific study, an herbal preparation, which combines holy basil along with three other Ayurvedic herbs, was shown to improve the body's ability to adapt to stress. The combination exhibited both preventative and restorative effects to stressful stimuli. When isolated and examined individually, holy basil was shown to significantly contribute to these effects. Several studies have shown that holy basil support a healthy response to stress. Administration of the holy basil extract significantly reduced the corticosterone level, indicating the supportive potential of the plant. In addition, the key component eugenol has been shown to possess similar effects on external stressors. It is also cardiotonic , brings  purity to mind and establish healthy relation between mind, body and consciousness. 

English : Pearl

Hindi     : Mukta, Mukta Pishti

It is a natural source of calcium. It contains several amino acids and eight of them are "essential," i.e. they cannot be produced in the body but are required by body. Along with calcium, it also has several other minerals like, magnesium, zinc, iron, strontium, copper, selenium, silicon and titanium. Pearl contains calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, calcium phosphate, ferric oxide and silica. It reduces mental debility and replenishes the nerve tissue with lost essential amino acids which are lost in day to day life by unavoidable stress and anxiety. It’s made into a paste form by triturating with Rose water making it more calming and soothing. When taken along with coral it reduces toxic effect of alcohol and other narcotic substances.

Phyllanthus urinaria is commonly used in Uro-genital and hepatic disorders. It is used against colic, and as an effective remedy to eliminate kidney and gall stones, urinary tract infection, bladder inflammation and for other kidney and liver problems.

Experimentally it is proved that the hydroalcoholic extract of Phyllanthus urinaria induces contraction in the guinea pig urinary bladder which involves direct action on smooth muscle and supports on the mobilization of extracellular calcium influx. Researches show that the regular self-administration of Phyllanthus urinaria after extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy for renal stones results in an increased stone-free rate that appears statistically significant for lower caliceal location.

Phyllanthus urinaria is helpful in acute and chronic hepatitis. It acts by the inhibition of DNA polymerase on the hepatitis B virus. The enzyme DNA polymerase is needed for the virus to reproduce.

A tall tree, with spreading branches covered with a dark gray bark that is deeply fissured and rough. The turpentine oil obtained from the chir pine is possessed with best anti inflammatory property so useful in rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and other inflammatory joint disorder. Its potent analgesic property relieves the pain & release the spasm of muscles and ligaments. The turpentine oil is also an ingredient in many ointments, liniments and lotions for treating minor aches and pains as well as colds when applied externally.

Cubeb fruits are diuretic, cooling and urinary antiseptic. The fruit of the plant has been used as an internal antiseptic in gonorrheal urethritis. It has Pitta Pacifying properties thus reduces burning sensation in urine.

It is used as a stimulant to mucus membrane in the diseases of genitourinary organs such as gonorrhea, leucorrhea and other vaginal changes of women. The volatile essential oil of cubeb is also used in genitourinary diseases.

Indian Long Pepper, or Pippali, indigenous to North-eastern and Southern India and Sri Lanka, is a powerful stimulant for both the digestive and the respiratory systems and has been shown to have a rejuvenating effect on the lungs. Pippali plays an important role in aiding the thermogenic response, i.e. the release of metabolic heat energy. This effect is the result of increased thyroid hormone level in the body and makes Pippali a typical Ayurvedic complementary component whose benefit is to increase the bioavailability and enhance absorption of the other active ingredients.

The fruit contains 1% volatile oil, resin, alkaloids Piperin and piperlonguminine, a waxy alkaloid N-isobutyl deca-trans-2-trans-4-dienamide and a terpenoid substance. The roots have piperine, periongumine or piplartin, dihydro-stigmasterol, which have been the reason that it is popularly used in traditional practice to promote respiratory health. Long pepper contains the alkaloid piperine (about 6%), which is slightly higher than its relative black pepper. Piperine has diverse pharmacological activities including nerve depressant and antagonistic effect on electro-shock and chemo-shock seizures, as well as muscular in coordination. It also contains one per cent essential oil, which exhibits antibacterial activities.  

A green leafy vine growing as a ground cover or small climb native to the humid tropics of southwestern India. Dried fruits form black pepper, used as a spice and as a medicine worldwide. Black pepper's aromatic, slightly musty odor comes from the volatile oils found largely in the flesh and skin; its pungent bite comes from the alkaloids-piperine and piperidine-and resins found mostly in the seeds. The oils also go into perfumes and flavorings. Black pepper is used as Stimulant, expectorant, carminative, antipyretic, anthelmintic and antiperiodic. Externally used as rubefacient, stimulant and resolvent. Traditionally its used in Asthma, chronic indigestion, colon toxins, obesity, sinus congestion, fever, intermittent fever, cold extremities, colic, cooking spice, cholera, gastric ailments, gas, diarrhea, hemorrhoids, worms and sore throat. It’s an essential ingredient of valuable ayurvedic formulation called Trikatu which enhances the bioavailability of various ayurvedic preparation and nutrients and it is a common combination used to stimulate and maintain the digestive and respiratory systems.

Isabgol or Psyllium husk is derived from the seed of the Plantago ovata plant. Isabgol is an annual herb native to Asia, the Mediterranean region, and North Africa. Psyllium has been used in traditional medicine in the US, Europe, India, and China. Classical Ayurvedic literatures have praised Isabgol as an effective natural remedy for constipation which regulates bowel functions by stimulating digestive system. Lack of fiber is the single most important cause of constipation. It is an excellent source of soluble and insoluble fiber rich in mucilage which increases bulk by retaining water. This absorbing action, which increases the volume of intestinal contents, encourages the reflex activity of the bowel and cleanses the colon.

Psyllium contributes to the softening and forming of stool, it is useful in lessening the itching, bleeding, pain and other symptoms of hemorrhoids, chronic constipation, and other bowel disorders. It is also used medicinally for diarrhea, acid indigestion, gastric and duodenal ulcers, and urethritis.  Fiber also promotes the growth of friendly bacteria in the colon necessary to keep harmful bacteria in check as well as enhancing digestion and synthesizing B vitamins Ayurvedic physicians advise it to be part of healthy regimen as it has ability to decrease symptoms of fatigue loss of energy and other severe health conditions. Recent researches have reestablished its use of reducing risk of heart attack by decreasing serum cholesterol through proper excretion of bile acids. Isabgol helps in eliminating accumulated toxic substances and excessive waste products from the human body.

In Ayurveda Pluchea lanceolata is mentioned as Vatahar herb (Vata pacifying herb). The plant has been reported to prevent the swelling of joints in experimental arthritis. The decoction of the Pluchea lanceolata is used to prevent the inflammation and swelling of the joints in arthritis and rheumatism. Pluchea oil (Rasna tail) is prepared by applying some Ayurvedic method which is commonly used for vata related disorders.

Pterocarpus Marsupium is a large deciduous tree . It is native to Sri Lanka and India. Pterocarpus has a long history of use in India as a treatment for diabetes. Pterocarpus bark is a rich source of polyphenolic compounds that are reported to have blood sugar lowering effects in laboratory studies. It is one among the best hypoglycemic, hypolipidaemic and hypocholestrolemic agent.

Beta cell protective and regenerative property as well as blood glucose lowering activity of   Pterocarpus has been proved in various clinical trials. It was observed that it can reverse the damage to the beta cells and infact it can repopulate the islets. Also it restored the normal insulin secretion.  It  is  also observe that  It  not only repair or regenerate Beta cells, but may also act in a protective manner i.e. preventing beta cells from destruction by nullifying the effects of a toxic exposure. This ability to offer protection to beta cells in this fashion may be of particular benefit to newly diagnosed Type 1 diabetics that are still experiencing an autoimmune activity.  

Epicatechin present in Pterocarpus has insulin like activity, it lowers blood sugar through unrelated pathway as that of insulin. It has different cellular binding site so it can maintain blood sugar without insulin. This action is useful in Type 2 diabetes.

Vidarikand is an excellent herb that promotes strength, vitality, lustre and libido. Herb is used as a general tonic and as an Aphrodisiac. It nourishes all Dhatus and enhances stamina and vitality. Puerarin is main isoflavone found in it, shows antioxidant properties. Pueraria exhibits estrogen like action on vaginal tissue to alleviate vaginal dryness and dyspareunia thus reduces the signs of vaginal atrophy. It helps to restore the atrophic vaginal epithelium in healthy postmenopausal women and improves the vaginal cornification and uterine weight. Researches suggest that long-term Pueraria lobata decreases serum PTH and calcium levels in aged menopausal women, indicating that Pueraria lobata ameliorates bone loss caused by estrogen deficiency. Pueraria lobata is a good antioxidant and reduces the symptom of menopausal, pre-menstrual and polycystic ovarian syndrome.

Punica granatum (Dadima) is one of the best fruits as mentioned in ancient Ayurvedic literature. Pomegranate fruits are known to possess enormous antioxidant activity. The fruit is rich in nutrients and helpful in cardiac, liver and digestive problems. It is a good Pitta pacifying herb. It reduces thirst and burning sensation and improves appetite. Pomegranate is used in various skin products to enhance the beauty of skin.

Pomegranate extract is primarily composed of alkaloids and polyphenols. The active constituent that appears to be responsible for its multiple health benefits is Ellagic acid. Ellagic acid is a naturally occurring phenolic compound. Pomegranate extract has demonstrated a variety of beneficial functions including antioxidant and anti-viral activity.

Researchers found that pomegranate extracts could destroy several viruses nearly on contact. The discovery of this anti-viral activity instigated further experimentation and clinical trials. One study confirmed that Ellagic acid effectively protects cells from damaging free radicals. Additional phenolic compounds found in pomegranate known as anthocynadins (also well known scavengers of free radicals) combine synergistically with Ellagic acid to greatly augment pomegranate's potency as an antioxidant.