218 | Traditional medicine
Source material Indian name Parts used Main Example of use
constituent
Azadirachta indica Neem Seeds, oil Alkaloids Anthelmintic, antiseptic,
glycosides astringent
Abrus precatorius Ghungchi rati Root, seeds Alkaloids Abortifacient
Eye inflammation, oral
contraceptive
Allium cepa Tukhm piyaz Seeds Volatile oils Diuretic, expectorant
(allyl sulphate) Poultice
Artemesia Afsentin roomi Leaves Sesquiterpenes, Anthelmintic, tonic
absinthium Nagdoona lactones,
Artemesia indica bitters
Bombax celba Mush simbhal Gum, root Glycosides, Hepatic dysfunction
tannins Menorrhagia
Cassia absus Chaksu Seeds Alkaloids Astringent
Eye inflammation
Ringworm
Crocus sativus Zafran(saffron) Flower Volatile oil Catarrh
styles Enlarged liver
Cyperus rotundus Nutgrass Root, seeds Sesquiterpenes Antiemetic
Anti-inflammatory
Anti-pyretic
Ferula galbaniflua Jawashir Oleo-gum Sesquiterpenes Asthma, bronchitis
resin Dysentery
Menstrual irregularities
Ficus benghalensis Anjir jangli Root Glycosides Bark: tonic, diuretic
Bark Triterpenes Root: diarrhoea and
hypoglycaemic
Hedera nepalense Bikh tablab Fruit Triterpenoid Rheumatism
saponins
Mallotus Kamala Fruit Resin Anthelmintic
philippensis Oral contraceptive
Red dye
Mentha piperita Paparaminta Leaves Volatile oil Cough and fever
Diarrhoea, flatulence
Nausea and vomiting
Quercus infectoria N/A Galls Tannins Haemorrhoids – ointments
and suppositories
Rosmarinus Rusmari Leaves Volatile oil Pulmonary infections
officinalis Oil: toothache, rheumatismTable 7.3Examples of herbs used in the UK for ayurverdic medicines^13