Know Your Ayurvedic Herbs - VIII

Kantakari (Solanum xanthocarpum): It is also known as Indian solanum and is particularly used for treatment of cough. Roots and seeds are used as an expectorant in asthma, bronchitis, cough and pain in chest. Kantakari is beneficial in curing catarrh and phlegm from the bronchial tube. The herb is also beneficial in the treatment of cardiac diseases associated with edema, since it is a stimulant to the heart and act as a blood purifier. The shoots and fruits of Kantakari possess antibacterial activity. The plant is used in treating paralysis, and all type of nervous disorders. Its seeds are analgesic in property, hence its paste are applied on swollen and painful joints to reduce the pain and swelling in arthritis.


Kapikacchu (Mucuna pruriens): It is also known as velvet bean and cowitch, and is mainly used to treat sexual disorders in men. Kapikachhu gives considerable benefits in the long-term management of Parkinson’s disease. The herb is very effective to build nervous system and to improve reproductive health. Seeds of Mucuna Pruriens are useful for increasing sperm count in men.

Karanja (Pongamia glabra): It is also known as Indian beech and is primarily used in treatment of skin disorders. It is also used in treating abdominal tumour, bloating of stomach, piles / haemorrhoids. It helps in quick wound healing and also relieves worm infestation.

Katphala (Myrica nagi): It is also known as Bayberry and its bark is used for arresting bleeding, flatulence, stimulating formation of bile. It is also useful in treating ulcerated wounds and wounds that take long to heal. It is also useful in cardiac debility and water retention (edema).

Katuki (Picrorrhiza kurroa): It is also known as kutki and is one of the best herbs to treat liver disorders. It is also useful in treating malarial fever, heart diseases, water retention (edema), and can also be used as an adjuvant in treating diabetes and worm infestaion.

Know Your Ayurvedic Herbs - VII

Jambu (Eugenia jambolana): It is known as black plum in English. The fruit and seeds are used in the treatment of diabetes. The powder of its bark is used in controlling external bleeding. The fruit pulp is also used in treating diarrhea, dyspepsia and anorexia.

Japa (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis): It is known as hibiscus in English. The medicated oil of its leaves is used in treatment of hairfall. It's flower petals are used in treatment of urinary disorders. Root is useful in treatment of bleeding hemorroids and also diabetes. Seeds and leaves are used in treatment of gonorrhoea.

Jatamansi (Nardostachys Jatamansi): It is known as muskroot in English. Roots or rhizomes are used for medical purpose. It is one of the best Ayurvedic herb for treatment of epilepsy. It is a mild sedative and is beneficial in combating mental stress, hypertension, insomnia and headache.

Jatiphala (Myristica fragrans): It is known as nutmeg in English. It stimulates appetite, improves digestion and has a liver stimulant action. Due to its mucolytic actions it is used in cough, cold and asthma to remove phelgm. It is also used as aphrodisiac.

Jivanti (Leptadenia reticulata): It is useful in treatment of productive cough due to its mucolytic actions. It is also used in treatment of colitis, dysuria and burning micturition. It is also used as aphrodisiac. It is given to lactating mothers to increase lactation. It is also used as diuretic to increase urinary output.

Jyotismati (Celastrus paniculata): It is known as stuff tree in English. The oil of its seed is used externally for treatment of sciatica, lumbago, paralysis, arthritis and facial palsy. Internally it is used as nervine tonic and to improve memory. Due to its tranquilizing properties, it is used in treatment of anxiety disorders.

Kadamba (Anthocepalus indicus): It is used in treatment of edema, cough, dysuria, urinary calculi and glycosuria. Fruit is used in treatment of diabetes, and to lower cholesterol and triglyceride.

Kampillaka (Mallotus phitippinensis): It's oil is used in cleansing chronic infected wounds, scabies, ringworm, herpes and other parasitic skin infections. Internally it is used as blood purifier and to expel intestinal worms.