Garlic (Allium Sativum) is a regular spice in the kitchens of India. Several preparations have garlic as a component. It not only give unique flavor to different culinary preparations, but also is a great medicinal herb.

There is a mythological story about garlic. When the devas of heaven were preparing to drink amrit, the divine nectar that gives immortality, an asura sneaked into the place while impersonating as a deva (god). He really take a drop of the divine nectar, but Lord Maha Vishnu identified this asura. He used his weapon, srichakra. It severed the neck. A drop of Amrit and a drop of blood reached earth. Amrit turned to garlic and the blood turned to onion.

Garlic has soothing effect on nervous system. It also has aphrodisiac properties. It is anti-inflammatory, anti bacterial, anti fungal, and possess several other medicinal properties like lowering hypertension, relieving arthritic pain, etc.

Garlic is also used against infertility. It is also noticed that colon cancer is rare in people regularly taking garlic.

Garlic is used abundantly in different culinary preparations. Some people hate the smell and taste of garlic. Change the preparation method and they too can take garlic with a hearty meal.

Ginger (Zingiber officinalis) is a common spice which has application in a variety of culinary preparations. Underground stem is the usable part, and has good effects on digestive system. Both fresh and dried stem are used. It has different applications including arresting vomiting and nausea.

Zingiber officinalis is in the plant family Zingiberaceae.

Gokshur (Tribulus terrestris) is used as an Ayurvedic herb, as a body tonic, aphrodisiac and general body tonic. It is used to treat urinary disorders, impotence, etc. The herb is used in America as a body building tonic. Gokshur (Tribulus terrestris) contains no hormones but induces the production of luteinizing hormones and testosterone.

It is in the plant family Zygophyllaceae.

Guggul (Commiphora wightii & C. mukul), also known as guggulu is an effective medicine to control blood cholesterol levels. It is also beneficial in reducing body weight and obesity. It also is beneficial in improving circulation, and treating arthritis pain, eczema, psoriasis, rashes, menstrual pain, etc.

Guggul is a resin produced by the tree. The best season to collect according to dravyaguna vignan is autumn. Though guggulu generally reduces weight, freshly harvested resin can actually increase body weight, but older than a year guggulu reduces weight. Dravya guna vignan also suggests the purification of the resin with cowÂ’s milk.

Another important factor about guggul is that it is not generally administered independently. Other herbs or herbal combinations go along with guggul.

Gymnema (Gymnema sylvestre) is an Ayurvedic herb, used mainly in the treatment of diabetes. The Sanskrit word for gymnema is gurmar, which literally means the killer of sugar. This herb is now widely accepted in the west because of its properties to prevent the absorption of glucose (carbohydrates) to the blood. This is especially beneficial for people who want to reduce blood sugar levels.

Another group of users is body builders. The research findings that gymnema actually helps in maintaining optimum blood-sugar levels give them the confidence of enough energy needed for heavy physical exertion.

It has cooling effect, is a diuretic and tonic.

One fruit of triphala, haritaki has exceptional medicinal properties and is used in a variety of medicinal compositions. The main medicinal composition is in triphala.

Haritaki is generally called by the names Indian gall nut, ink tree, harar, harad, harade, kadukka (in Malayalam), kadukkai (in Tamil) etc.

Haritaki gives laxative property to triphala. It is also useful in treating wounds, asthma, sore throat, vomiting, etc.

Properties of Haritaki
Harithaki is a (mridu virechaka) mild laxative, tridoshahara (curing all three doshas of tridosha), rasayana (rejuvenating, prevents aging), brimhana (nourishment to body tissues) and Ayurvardhaka (longevity of life).

Terminalia Chebula and terminalia reticulate is in the plant family combretaceae.

Henna (lawsonia inermis) has long history as a useful medicinal herb. The roots of this herb are refrigerant, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, astringent and cooling. It is applied over skin and over hair for different conditions. Henna gives a glowing color to hair and skin. It also prevents premature hair graying.

The leaves are also useful in treating wounds and ulcers. It also forms part of medicines for cough, bronchitis, etc.

Lawsonia inermis comes in the plant family lythraceae.

Holarhena antidysenterica is a tree useful in Ayurveda medicine in a variety of ways. The different popular names of Coneru are Tellicherry bark, bitter oleander, connessi, kurchi, dysentery rose bay, kutaja, vatsaka, sacra sakhin and a dozen other names.

The bark and seeds of the tree are the main usable parts. They are used in the treatment of diarrhea, piles, and certain diseases that affect the skin.

Insulin plant (Costus ingneus) is a relatively new entrant to Kerala and India. The plant is a late entrant to Kerala Ayurvedic medicinal herb scene mostly from USA. Insulin plant has not got a Malayalam name yet, except the occasional use of insulin chedy or insulin chedi, where chedy means a plant. The catchphrase of this plant is ‘a leaf a day keeps diabetes away’.

The plant is characterized by large fleshy looking leaves. It grows very quickly. Propagation is by stem cutting. It grows in slightly shady areas.

Diabetes patients are advised to chew down a leaf in the morning and one in the evening for a month. Allopathic doctors too recommend it and it is found to be effective in bringing blood sugar levels under completely under control. There is also dried and ground powder of the leaves now available in the market.

Costus ingneus belongs to the family zingiberaceae.

Iruveli or hrivera (Coleus vettveroides) is a small herb with strong aromatic leaves, stem and roots. Hence its use in handheld fans, which provides cooling and soothing effect for persons.

It is used in the treatment for certain skin diseases, allergies, bronchitis, and rheumatism. It also has carminative properties.

Coleus vettiveroides belongs to the family laminaceae.