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.

Jackfruit tree is found abundantly in almost all parts of Kerala. The fruit, seeds, leaves and roots have different medicinal properties. The stalk of leaves is used in the treatment of fever, boils and skin diseases. The young fruits are astringent. There are different variety of jackfruits, most of them are very sweet and have cooling properties. In the season, jackfruit, fully ripen and otherwise is the main diet for many families, especially of low-income brackets.

The seeds can create constipation, but is also believed to be an aphrodisiac.

Jatamamsi (Valeriana Wallichii) is a perennial herb found in most parts of India, Nepal and Bhutan. Jatamamsi rhizome or rhizome oil has soothing effect on nervous system and used in the treatment of insomnia, instability, epilepsy, hysteria, etc. It can also reduce restlessness and behavior problems in children.

Jatamamsi oil also promotes hair growth.

Valeriana Wallichii is in the plant family Valerianaceae.

Kadaladi (Achyranthes aspera), commonly known as prickly chaff flower is characterized by its prickly fruits, which hold on to cloths and skin with special hook-like structures. This probably is the sole method of propagation of seeds. The seeds are attached to the fur of animals, which are later dropped at another place, thereby facilitating propagation.

Kadaladi is an annual herb. Decoctions prepared by the whole plant have diuretic and astringent properties.

Achyranthes aspera belongs to the family Amaranthaceae.

Kalmegh (Andrographis Paniculata) is an Ayurvedic herb that has a wide range of applications to prevent and cure a variety of diseases and conditions. It is now widely used in America as a preventive measure and cure for common cold. For long, this herb has been used in India and other Asian countries to treat different kinds of infections, cold, fever, herpes, etc. This herb has potential to cure malaria, dysentery etc. There are also instances that Andrographis is used to cure snake bites. It also forms part of different Ayurveda medicines used to cure liver disorders, gall bladder functioning, digestion, etc.

The drug also keeps the heart healthy, avoid blood clotting within the blood vessels.

Kanjiram (Struchnos nuxvomica) is a large tree characterized for its bitter seeds and leaves. The tree easily reaches a height of above 35 m.

The bark, fruits and seeds are poisonous and possess medicinal properties at the same time. This tree is nature to Kerala coast and is found in the hotter areas of Kerala. The seeds and leaves are extremely bitter and hence the poison is of no great threat to health in ordinary conditions.

The bark, root, leaves and seeds are used in the preparation of different Ayurvedic medicines. The extracts have soothing effects on nervous system. It is used in the treatment of certain nervous disorders.

Strychnos nuxvomica belongs to the family loganiaceae.