Legend has it Minthe, Pluto’s beloved and originally a nymph, angered his wife. In a fit of rage she turned Minthe in a lowly plant, on which people will tread. Pluto was unable to undo the spell. In an effort to soften the evil spell, he gave an aroma to mint that refreshes the surroundings, every time you bruise the leaves. Mint belongs to a large family with over 30 species. What distinguishes mint from other herbs is the characteristic cool feeling, which comes from the volatile oil menthol. Mint chutney that we all relish is a very good source of dietary fiber, folate, iron, magnesium, and calcium, vitamin B2, omega-3 fatty acids, potassium and copper. What makes mint unique is

Aloe Vera is a cactus look alike healing plant. A rich cocktail of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and absolutely safe,  Aloe Vera’s worth continues to grow. Its anti-bacterial and anti-fungal effects have made it one of nature’s best health products. If taken internally, Aloe Vera enhances circulation, regulates blood pressure, promotes healing of bones and joints, boosts immune system, protects the body against bacteria, heals internal tissue damage, cures ulcers, improves and even ends constipation, controls blood sugar and reduces itchiness in psoriasis helping it to heal. A great detoxifier, it helps to settle the queasy stomach and keep the digestive system on track. It

Success needs specific ingredients. Hard work is just one of the components. Sharp memory, intelligence, cool mind and ability to concentrate are some of the specifics that contribute to success. This is more relevant today. Ancient physicians had a clear understanding of this aspect, and they identified a couple of herbs, which helped us to significantly improve memory, intelligence and our ability to concentrate. Brahmi (Centella asiatica), also known as Manduk Parni and Gotukola is one of them. Both Ayurveda and modern studies support this claim. Brahmi improves circulation, particularly venous circulation. Healing properties Through out the ages brahmi has been used as herbal brain

We hear a lot of talk about herbs and how they can treat various ailments naturally. This column brings you regular update on herbs and their healing properties. The Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a disorder of intestinal movement. Smooth and coordinated movements of the intestinal muscles move food from stomach to rectum. IBS disrupts this normal pace and forces food through the intestines more quickly, causing gas, cramps, bloating and diarrhoea. Sometimes the passage of food slows and it results in constipation Isabgol protects mucosal lining of G.I. tract, is useful in ulcer and inflammation, absorbs toxins, supports healthy peristalsis—intestinal movements and facilitates

So many herbs thrive near our surroundings and we do not know their healing qualities. Not any more, keep reading this column and your herbal gyaan is going to benefit. Shatavari Botanical name—Asparagus racemosus Hindi—Shatavari English—Indian Asparagus Shatavari is a climbing plant, which grows in low jungle areas. This herb is equivalent of ashwagandha in men and rejuvenates female reproductive organs. In Ayurveda this amazing herb is known as the “Queen of Herbs” because it promotes love and devotion. Healing properties Reproductive health. Shatavari tones, cleanses, nourishes, and strengthens the female reproductive organs. It is traditionally used for Premenstrual

Extremely low in fat and rich in fiber, iron and vitamin C, bottle Gourd is a wonder food item. Ayurveda has described it as the most nutritious and vital vegetable in one’s diet. Being a rich source of essential minerals, iron, protein and fibre, this most neglected vegetable is full of medicinal values. • Bottle gourd is rich in fibre helps in preventing constipation and other digestive disorders like flatulence and piles. • Cooked Bottle gourd is anti-bilious. It calms and soothes the system after eating. It also acts as a diuretic and eases constipation. • Daily dose of its juice help in treating jaundice and inflammation of kidney. • Full of vitamins and minerals, its

A nectar for all age groups, amla is a panacea for many a illnesses. It is the richest source of Vitamin C, which has the unique property of being stable even after vigorous processing owing to the presence of tannins. The Charaka Samhita says, “Amalaki is the best among rejuvenative herbs.” It is a wonder fruit, which has positive effects right from toe to top. Improves digestion—Amla fruit enhances food absorption and balances stomach acids. It helps the body digest food better and absorb minerals like iron. Amla does not heat the body, is low in sugar and has a high fibre content, which makes it an ideal daily fruit for almost anyone. Amla syrup is boon in summers, as it

 Sixty-year-old Amol Seth takes two shots of Amla juice in the morning and evening to keep his immune system in good shape during the change of seasons and his teenage granddaughter is having Aloe Vera juice every morning, on an empty stomach to boost her metabolism so that she could get in shape faster. Though, these two people belong to two different eras, they are relying on the goodness of herbal juices as health supplements. Rewind back three to four years in the time machine and wheat grass juice was running almost alone in the arena of juice supplements with a bit of competition offered by Aloe Vera. However, the scenario has changed completely now and the consumer has several

Sore throat means the inflammation of the pharynx (back of the throat). It occurs normally when a person has a cold or an attack of influenza. If you’ve overstrained your vocal chords then too your throat gets sore and you have to whisper around to make your point heard. To earn relief from sore throat follow these home remedies— 1. Take bark of mango tree and break it in small pieces. Wet grind it and sieve the liquid. Mix 10 ml of this fluid with 125 ml of water and use the decoction to gargle your sore throat. 2. Boil a fistful of Bishop’s weed or ajwain in water and strain the liquid. Add a pinch of rock salt to it and gargle with it to soothe the sore throat. 3. Cinnamon is

From the mystic world of tribal healers, Noni, a sacred fruit and a genuine source of relief from many many ailments, has now entered into the mainstream health arena. Noni or Morinda Citrifolia is a powerful medicinal fruit. Teeming with some promising compounds, the extract of the noni plant has been scientifically proven to improve myriad health conditions, from cancer to arthritis, from skin disorders to weight control. The many health benefits that Noni offers are Studies have found that noni is a true adaptogen and enhances the body’s healing system. It helps bring the body into more normal balance and this state of being normal is called homeostatsis. If the blood pressure is