Herbs

Bacopa monnieri : Popularly known as Brahmi, Bacopa has been in use for more than 3000 years in India. The extract derived from this plant has been used as a memory booster for centuries in many parts of the world. This plant is especially known for its manifold benefits other than just an enhancer of the memory; such as beneficial powers that can reduce or eliminate epilepsy, hypothyroidism, anxiety and depression, Alzheimer's disease, bronchitis and asthma. Description : Bacopa monnieri is a creeping herb that grows in marshy areas. It grows up to 10 cm in height and produces pinkish or white five petaled flowers. Leaves are fleshy and oval shaped which grows up to 1-2 cm long. It prefers shade but can be grown in full sun if provided with good amount of water. Bacopa comprises saponins called as bacopaside I and II. The aerial parts of Bacopa contains photochemicals like wogonin, oroxindin and betulinic acid. The flavonoids present in Bacopa include luteolin and apigenin. All these ingredients together impart the medicinal properties to Bacopa.

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Asparagus adscendens: Popular as Safed Musli, this herb is among the 20-odd species of native medicinal plants that enjoy extensive therapeutic application and an expansive global market. It is used as an aphrodisiac as well as to increase sperm count. The dried roots of Safed Musli have been found to be very effective in increasing male potency and are considered as an alternative to Viagra. It offers significant protection against stress induced changes. It cures many physical illness and weakness and for increasing general body immunity. Description: This is a thorny plant growing tall and erect. The rhizomes are 0.250.5 thick and white in colour. This herb is a member of Liliaceae plant family. This is an annual herb with sub erect lanceolet leaves. The flowers are in racemes. The flowers are white. The root system is tuberous and are said to be of high value as Aphrodite.

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Andrographis paniculata:

Commonly known as “King of Bitters”, this plant is

widely cultivated in Southern Asia. The leaves & roots are traditionally used over centuries as a folklore remedy for a wide spectrum of ailments. It is claimed to possess immunological, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antithrombotic and hepato-protective properties. It aids in upper respiratory infections, fever, herpes, sore throat, and a variety of other chronic and infectious diseases.

Description: Andrographis paniculata is an annual - branched, erect - running 1/2 to 1 meter in height. The aerial parts of the plant are used to extract the active phytochemicals. Normally grown from seeds, Andrographis is ubiquitous in its native areas: it grows in pine, evergreen and deciduous forest areas, and along roads and in villages. Moreover, it grows in soil types where almost no other plant can be cultivated, particularly "serpentine soil," which is relatively high in aluminum, copper and zinc. Such hardiness helps account for its wide distribution.

Curcuma longa: Popularly known as Turmeric or The Indian Solid Gold, is extremely rich in minerals and vitamins. It is a natural antiseptic & anti-bacterial agent and also a powerful detoxifier. The benefits of turmeric to human health may include arthritis prevention and treatment, treatment of diseases of the immune system and many more. Description: Turmeric is the rhizome or underground stem of a plant with a rough, segmented skin. The rhizome is yellowish-brown with a dull orange interior that looks bright yellow when powdered. The main rhizome measures 2.5 - 7 cm (1” – 3 “) in length with a diameter of 2.5 cm (1”), with smaller tubers branching off. Study: In a report by the Division of Immunology at the University of Cincinnati, researchers refer to natural compounds derived from plants as a “gold mine” for arthritis treatment, because they inhibit or suppress the body’s production of pro-inflammatory compounds, such as COX-2 and tumor necrosis factor. Curr Opin Pharmacol. 2007 Jun;7(3):344-51. Epub 2007 May 1. Natural products as a gold mine for arthritis treatment - Division of Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA