Know your Ayurvedic herbs - II

Baheda: Its botanical name is Terminalli Belerica. Its other names are Bhibitaki, Beleric, Belleric myrobalan.Its botanical name is Terminalli Belerica. Its other names are Beleric, Belleric myrobalan. It is used for treatment of digestive disorders, dyspepsia, flatulence, hemorrhoids, constipation, chronic diarrhea and dysentery, intestinal parasites, liver and spleen disorders, , fever, sore throat, bronchitis, asthma, insomnia, pharyngitis, laryngitis, cough, gallstones, colitis, skin diseases, edema, alopecia, premature graying of hair, headache, congestion of eyes, ears and nose, bladder stones, cardiac congestion. It is one of the constituents of Triphala, along with Amalaki and Haritaki.

Bakuchi: Its botanical name is Psoralea corylifolia. It is also known as Vakuchi, Avalgujabeeja, Somaraji, Poothifalee and kushtaghni.It is used for treating leucoderma, ulcers, scabies, leprosy, muco-membraneous disorders and dermatitis.

Bala: Its botanical name is Sida retusa.It is also known as Common sida, Janglimedhi.It is used for treating arthritis, asthma, cough, flatulence, colic, burning sensation, hemorrhoids, intermittent fever and general debility.

Bhallataka: Its botanical name is Semecarpus anacardium.It is also known as Marking nut tree, Oriental cashew.It is used for treating inflammation, arthritis, hemorrhoids, obesity, tumor, cancer, sexual disorders in men and skin diseases.

Bhumi Amalaki: Its botanical name is Phyllanthus niruri. It is also known as Bahupatra, Bhuiamla, Jaramla, Jangli Amala. It is very effective in treating liver and spleen disorders. The other applications of the Bhumi amalaki include treatments for dyspepsia, ulcers, sores, Swellings, oedema(fluid retention) and chronic dysentery.

Bhunimba: Its botanical name is Andrographis paniculata. It is also known as Kalmegha, Tikthaphal, Kirayat and Bhuineem. It is used for treating general debility, diabetes, influenza, Cholera, bronchitis, dysentery, liver and digestive ailments, colic pain, itching and piles. It is a good liver tonic.

Bhringaraja: Its botanical name is Eclipta Alba. It is also known as Babri, Galagara, Gunta-kalagara, Kesharaji, Kesuri and Maka. Because of its hepato-protective properties, juice of the leaves is used in the treatment of liver cirrhosis, hepatitis and infective hepatitis. It is also used for liver enlargement, jaundice and other ailments of the liver and gall bladder. The root powder of the plant is also used in Ayurveda for hepatitis, enlarged spleen and skin disorders. It is one of the best herbs to treat loss of hair and premature graying of hair.

Bilwa: Its botanical name is Aegle marmelosi.It is also known as Bengal quince, stone apple, wood apple, Bel, Duraruddha, Trisika, Shivadruma, Sadaphala.It is used for treating diarrhea, non-specific colitis, malabsorption syndrome, gastritis and adults onset diabetes

Brahmi: Its botanical name is Bacopa monnieri.It is also known as Seetakamini, Trayanthi, Bhekaparni.It is used for treating skin diseases, neuralgia, inflammations, epilepsy, insanity, ulcers, splenomegaly, flatulence, fever, and general debility. It is one of the best herbs for rejuvenating the brain.