100+ Main Herbs of Ayurveda

76. Revalchinni
Names:- Latin Garcinia morella
Tamil Revalchinni
Telugu Revalchinni
Canarese Revalchinni
Malayal Revalchinni
Urdu Revalchinni
Revalchinnee Katuh Tiktaa
Balyaa Saa Mrudurechini
Hantyajeerna mateesaaram
Vahnimaandya marochakam
Vitsangam Seeta pittamcha
Dushta Vrana Virohini.
Saaligraama Nighantu
Revalchinni (Rhubarb) is pungent and bitter. It gives strength. It is a mild laxative. It is useful in the treatment of indigestion, diarrhoea, lack of appetite and bad taste, constipation, seetapitta (Urticaria) and foul ulcers.
Dose:- 3 to 10 grains of the powder to be given with honey or hot-water.
Action:- Purgative.
Uses:- This is a purgative generally given in pill or powder form. It has some griping sensation and it is therefore mixed with other carminatives. It is given to children with milk and Omam-water and is contained in Rechana vati.
77. Saindhava Lavanam
Names:- Latin Rock salt
Tamil Induppu
Telugu Saindhava lavanam
Canarese Induppu
Malayal Induppu
Urdu Senda namak
Saindhavam Lavanam Swaadu
Deepanam Paachanam Laghu
Snigdham ruchyam himam vrishyam
Sookshmam Netryam Tridoshahrit.
Bhaavaprakaasam.
Saindhava Lavanam is sweet, carminative and digestive. It is light and lubricating. It improves taste. It is cooling and aphrodisiac. It is subtle (Sookshma) and penetrates quickly. It is good for the eyes. It checks the three Doshas.
Dose:- 10 to 30 grains as a digestive and 120 to 240 grains as an emetic.
Action:- (“Vrishyam chakshushyam ruchyam deepanam thridoshaghnam pootam vrana vibandhaghnam” Raaja Nighantu. “Mriduseetaa veeryatwaat pittaharam” Sushruta-Sutra.Ch. 40).
Cooling when compared with Samudralavana, digestive, preservative and antiseptic. When analysed according to Modern Chemistry, it is said to contain sodium chloride and some oxidizing properties which cannot be explained according to modern methods.
Uses:- It enters into the comosition of many medicines used as carminatives and digestives.
Externally, it is used as a lotion for washing bad ulcers. Saturated solution of salt in water is dropped into the eye on the opposite side in scorpian bite. I found instantaneous relief in some cases.
78. Saalmali
Names:- Latin Bombax malabaricum
Tamil Ilavan
Telugu Buruga
Canarese Buruga
Malayal Ilavu
Urdu Kheekar
Mochaasraavo himo graahi
Snigdho Vrishyah Kashaayakah
Pravahikaatisaaraama
Kaphapittaasra daahanuth.
Bhaavaprakaasa.
Mochasrava (Saalmali) is astringent and cooling, constrictor, lubricating (Snigdha) and aphrodisiac. It is useful in the treatment of Pravaahika (Dysentery), Atisaara (Diarrhoea), Aama-indigestion, Kapha, Raktapitta, and Daaha.
Dose:- 5 to 15 grains of the gum resin powder to be taken with ghee and sugar or water and sugar or honey.
Action:- Demulcent, alternative, astringent ad aphrodisiac.
Uses:- It is specially indicated in haemorrhage both internal and external. Powder applied to a cut wound heals it by first intention. It gums the edges and brings them together as by suturing. It is therefore an excellent antiseptic powder for dressing wounds. Mixed with ghee or oil, it makes an astringent antiseptic ointment specially useful at the time of confinement of women. It is also given internally for stopping uterine haemorrhage. In dysentery and diarrhoea, it is very popular. It is non-irritant and soothing astringent. Its advantage over opium is that it stops motion but not urine and it is not narcotic. It is said to be used to stop menses during lactation and also irregular flow of menses during inflammatory conditions. It is a chief ingredient in many restoratives. The flowers are indicated in the treatment of Pradara and enlargement of spleen (Bhaavaprakaash).
79. Saariba
Names:- Latin Hemidesmus indicus
Tamil Nannari
Telugu Sugandhipaala
Canarese Sugandhi
Malayal Nannari
Urdu Nannari, usb 
Saaribaayugalam Swaadu
Snigdham Sukrakaram Laghu,
Agnimaandyaaruchi Swaasa,
Kaasaama Visha Naasanam,
Doshatrayaasra Pradara
Jwaraateesaara Naasanam.
Bhaavaprakaasa.
Both the Saaribaas are sweet and lubricating. They are aphrodisiac and heavy to digest. They are useful in the treatment of loss of digestive power, anorexia, Swaasa, Kaasa, Aama Dosha, Visha, diseases caused by vitiation of the three Doshas, diseases of blood, uterine discharges, fever and diarrhoea.
Dose:- 10 to 60 grains of the powder, or ¼ to ½ tola to be taken as a decoction or infusion prepared in the usual manner, or 1 oz. infused in a pint of water, as a drink with sugar, or as a syrup in doses of ½ to 2 oz. in a tumbler of water.
Action:- Refrigerant drink, valuable alternative, diaphoretic, diuretic, blood-purifier and tonic. Said to be aphrodisiac (Bhaavaprakaash).
Uses:- The powder is given with sugar and ghee in case of biliousness or chronic syphilis or gonorrhoea or heat or burning sensation of the urinary passage. For heat or destructive metabolism in children or delicate women and in epilepsy (Apasmaara), it is taken for a long period with advantage (Charaka). It is one of the most reputed tonics and its use is specially appreciated in summer as a syrup.
In skin diseases and in leprosy, Sugandhi lehyam is a favourite remedy. As an external application for itch, eczema etc., it is much used with ghee as an ointment.
80. Sarkara
Names:- Latin (English) Sugar
Tamil Shakkarai
Telugu Chakkera
Canarese Sakkere
Malayal Panchasarai
Urdu Shakkar
Sarkaraa seta Veeryaatu
Sarwadaaha Vinaasinee
Raktapitta Prasamanee
Chardi Moorchaa trishaapahaa
Sarkara (Sugar) is seetaveerya (cooling), it relieves burning sensation of all kinds. It checks Raktapitta, Chardi (Vomitting), fainting (Moorcha) and thirst.
Dose:- ½ to 1 tola with ghee or a cup of water spiced with Ela, or combined with lehyams, syrups and aasavas.
Action:- Refrigerant, aphrodisiac and tonic.
Uses:- In Ayurveda sweet substances are considered Brimhanam or strength-giving and sugar is one of the most important of such substances. It is also believed to reduce heat and is therefore given as an anupaanam in all pitta diseases. A combination of ghee and sugar or milk and ghee or milk, ghee and sugar or milk, ghee, liquorice (Yashti), honey and sugar is considered Vrishyam or increasing sperm. Each by itself or in combination is very frequently used for the purpose. Other potent drugs such as Duraalabha, Sigru, Sataavari, Vidaari etc., are also used along with sugar in many confections for the same purpose.
Externally, a solution of sugar and water or sugar in powder is used as an antiseptic for cut wounds and injuries.
81. Sataavaari
Names:- Latin Asparagus racemosus
Tamil Tannimuttan Kilangu
Telugu Pillipeechara
Canarese Halavumakkalathayiberu
Malayal Satavari kilangu
Urdu Satavar
Satavaree guruh seta
Tiktaa Swaadwee rasaayani
Medhaagni pushtidaa snigdhaa
Netryaa gulmaatisaarajit
Sukrastanya Karee balyaa
Vaatapittaasra Sodhajit.
Bhaavaprakaash.
Sataavari is guru, seta, tikta (bitter) and Swaadu (sweet). It is Rasaayani (tonic). It improves intellect, promotes digestive power and growth (Pushtida). It is lubricating (Snigdha). It is good for the eyes. It is useful in the treatment of gulma, and Atisaara. It improves sperm, and breastmilk. It gives strength. It checks Vaata, Raktapitta and Sodha.
Dose:- 10 to 60 grains of the powder to be taken with ghee and sugar or with milk and sugar or with milk and honey. Or in combination with other aphrodisiac drugs as compound powders and lehyams. Or ¼ to ½ oz. Of Swarasam with sugar or ghee and sugar.
Action:- Refrigerant, galactagogue, aphrodisiac and nutritive tonic.
Uses:- It is one of the valuable nutritive tonics and for the above purpose, it is used as a lehyam or medicated ghee. Given as a decoction with Gokshura, it is used as a diuretic and soothing agent. In Raktaatisaara, it is recommended to be taken with milk followed by a diet of milk (Charaka). Its use is aso indicated in Apasmaara. Milk boiled with this drug is also used in Raktapitta or haemorrhage. It is specially indicated in discharge of blood from the urinary passages. It is used as a tonic in all wasting diseases such as consumption.
82. Sunthi
Names:- Latin Zingiber officinale
Tamil Shukku
Telugu Sonthi
Canarese Sunthi
Malayal Chukku
Urdu Sont
Snigdhoshnaa Katukaa Sunthee
Vrishyaa Sopha Kaphaarucheen
Hanti Vaatodara swaasa
Paandoon Sleepada naasanee.
Sunthee is oily (Snigdha) and heating. It is pungent. It is aphrodisiac. It checks Kapha and anorexia and aama. It is useful in the treatment of Vaata, abdominal diseases and worms. It is a tonic.
Dose:- 5 to 30 grains of the powder with hot water or salt and hot-water or mixed with Guda or made into a bolus with syrup. Or as an infusion or decoction. Or as a leham with other drugs (Sowbhaagya Sunthi).
Raw ginger (Aardraka) also in a similar manner.
Action:- Internally, stimulant, digestive and carminative and anti-rheumatic.
Externally, a rubefacient and anodyne.
Raw ginger-diuretic and cooling.
Uses:- It is used as a carminative and is very useful in the early stages of gastric disorders. In abdominal distention, it is of great value and may be combined with castor oil. In rheumatism, it seems to have a specific action. Raw ginger seems to act more as a diuretic and the dry ginger more as a carmiantive. Raw ginger is believed to be cooling and the dry ginger heating. The juice of raw ginger and honey in a fairly big dose by itself causes motion and relieves tympanites. It also increases the quantity of urine. Ginger is a home remedy used in a variety of diseases with advantage, among which may be mentioned, colic, diarrhoea, flatulence, dyspepsia, loss of appetite, cough due to sore throat, bronchitis or asthma, heart disease, dropsy, cholera, nausea, bad taste in the mouth, fevers and nervous diseases. So much so, it enjoys the popular names of Visvabheshajam (universal medicine) and Mahoushadhi (the great drug).
Externally, it is used as a paste, cold or hot for relieving pain, swelling, head-ache and tooth-ache. It is used as a counter-irritant by application into the conjunctiva (kalikam) and nose (Nasya) in solution with water, preferably along with common salt in order to relieve headache, heaviness in the head and brain symptoms in fevers, insanity and hyseria. In pain in calf muscles due to weakness or in fevers an external application of ginger with water as a thick hot paste acts as an instantaneous temporary remedy. So also in almost all kinds of pain. In inflammations of liver, it is applied externally as a paste along with Navaasaaram (Ammonium chloride), and Devadaaru mixed with water or cow’s or goat’s urine as Suradaaru lepa choornam.
83. Surakshaaram
Names:- Latin Pottassii nitras
Tamil Vediuppu
Telugu Surekaaram
Canarese Surakhara
Malayal Vediuppu
Urdu Shora
Suraakshaaramcha Katukam
Teekshna mushnamcha Rechakam
Tiktamagner deeptikaram
Sookshmam khaaram Laghu Smritam
Daadhakrith Soshakrit Graahi
Vaatanuth Pitta Kopanam
Pleeha Moorchaa Mootra Kricchra
Netraruk Vaataraktanuth
Kumbhakaamilanuth
Kaasa naasaapaakancha Pootikaan
Sirah paakamcha Soolancha
Aadhmaanamchaiva naasayeth.
Nighantu Ratnaakaram.
Suraakshaaram (Potassium Nitrate) is pungent and bitter, acute and penetrating, heating and laxative. It improves the digestive power. It is subtle (Sookshma). It is Ksharam (caustic) and light. It causes burning sensation, and wasting (Sosa). It is a constrictor (Graahi). It checks vaata and excites Pitta. It is useful in the treatment of Pleeha, Moorcha (fainting), difficulty in passing urine, eye diseases, Vaata Rakta, deep Jaundice (Kumbha Kaamila), cough, inflammation in the nose, abscesses, inflammation in the head (sirah paakam), Colic and distention of the abdomen.
Dose:- 5 to 15 grains.
Action:- Diuretic, diaphoretic, cooling in small doses and irritant in large doses.
Antispasmodic and combustive in Asthma inhalation powders.
Uses:- It is used in combination with other medicines for its diuretic properties. A pinch or two of the powder is given with lemon juice diluted with plenty of water, in certain stages of cholera, to excite the secretion of urine. It is used in the preparation of Sankhadraavakam. It is also used in the preparation of asthma cigars or powders for inhalation along with Vaasa, Datoora, guggulu, devadaru and neem leaf etc. A piece of blotting paper soaked in solution of Suraakshaaram and dried, is burnt and the fumes are inhaled by some for the relief of the fit of asthma.
84. Swarnamukhi
Names:- Latin Cassia senna
Tamil Nilavarai
Telugu Sunamukhi
Canarese Sunnaamakki
Malayal Sunnamukhi
Urdu Sana
Dose:- ½ to 2 tolas as a decoction either alone or with other drugs.
As a lehyam or confection with Coriander, Aaragwadha majjah, Kalkanda, Draaksha, rose-water or rose-buds and honey and a little tamarind also, if desired.
As a syrup.
Action:- Purgative.
Uses:- It causes free purgation of semi-solid stools. Its chief disadvantage is its nauseating taste. Its advantage is that it is one of the safest purgatives. The taste can be disguised to a great extent by the above confection. It makes the urine red and probably decreases the quantity also.
85. Talisapatri
Names:- Latin Abies Webbiana
Tamil Taalisapatri
Telugu Taalisapatri
Canarese Taalisapatri
Malayal Taalisapatri
Urdu Taalisapatri, Zarunab
Taalessam Laghu Teekshnoshnam
Swaasa Kaasa Kaphaanilaan
Nihantyaruchi Gulamaama
Vahni Maandya Kshayaamayaan.
Taalisapatra is light, acute and heating. It is useful in the treatment of Swaasa (Asthma), Kaasa (cough), Kapha and Vaata diseases. It checks constipation, bad taste, Gulma, loss of digestive power and consumption.
Dose:- 5 to 15 grains of the powder with honey or as a compound with other couth remedies.
As a swarasam prepared with 8 times the quantity of water, with a little honey.
Action:- Antispasmodic, carminative, aromatic, mild expectorant and blood-purifier.
Uses:- It contains an aroma which probably has some specific action in improving the tone of the lung tissue. It is specially recommended in chronic cough and consumption. Taalisaadi choornam, of which it forms a very small part, is a favourite remedy for colds and coughs. It has an agreeable odour and is used to improve appetite and taste. It checks the vomiting sensation. Chakradutta recommends the powder to be taken with honey and Vaasaa swarasa in Raktapitta.
86. Tankanam
Names:- Latin Borax
Tamil Vengaram
Telugu Veligaaramu
Canarese Beligara
Malayal Pongaram
Urdu Suhaga
Khadhitao Tankanam Kshaarah
Katooshnao Kaphanaasanah
Staavaraadi Vishaghnascha
Kaasaswaasaa pahaarakah
Virookshano Anilaharah
Sleshmahaa Pitta dooshanah
Agni deepti Karah teeshnao
Tankana Kshaara Uchyate.
Dhanvanthari Nighantu.
Tankana is a Kshaara (Alkali-caustic), pungent, and heating. It checks Kapha and Vegetable poisons. It is useful in the treament of Kaasa and Swaasa. It is dry, it checks Vaata and Kapha. It vitiates Pitta. It improves appetite. It is acute(penetrating-teekshna)
Dose:- 5 to 30 grains.
Action:- Diuretic, urinary-antiseptic and astringent.
Uses:- This is not much used alone but in combination with other drugs. It is Mutravirajanam or purifier of urine by lessening the inflammation of the urinary passages. Internally, it is also used in fevers as in Aanandabhairava Rasa and as intestinal antiseptic and astringent in dysentery.
Externally, it is used as an eye lotion and for washing wounds. It may also be used as cooling astringent lotion for swellings due to injury and as a mouth-wash or gargle in diseases of throat and tongue along with a little honey and water or along with honey and Yashtimadhu churnam for touching sore-throat.
A teaspoonful mixed in a pint or two of hot water or a decoction of Aswattha bark or Udumbara leaf is good for gargling and for vaginal douche.
87. Thilathailam
Names:- Latin Oleum sesami
Tamil Nallennai
Telugu Manchinoone
Canarese Ellenne
Malayal Nallennai
Urdu Meethathel
Kashaayaanurasam swaadu
Sookshma mushnam Vyavaayicha
Tailam Samyoga Samskaaraath
Sarva rogaapaham matam.
Tila tailam (Gingelly oil) has an astringent taste as an auxiliary to sweet taste. It is subtle and therefore enters quickly into the tissues and is quickly diffused (Vyavaayicha). It is heating. By combination with other medical substances, it is used in a variety of ways in different diseases.
Dose:- Internally ¼ to ½ oz. As nutritive in dietary food with milk at bed time as mild laxative. In some children, it is given mixe with equal parts of ghee and castor oil. It is considered to be Pitta Vardhakam and is prohibited in the dietary of patients suffering from excess of pitta.
Action:- Internally, nutritive and lubricant.
Externally, a soothing application and also nutritive.
Uses:- In India it is rarely used as a laxatve though the British Pharmacopoeia has approved it to be a substitute for Olive oil. Used alone internally as a medicine it is believed to increase Pitta and is therefore mixed with other drugs.
Externally, rubbed to the body, it is a good cleaning agent and is also believed to be absorbed to some extent.
It is used in the preparation of many medicated oils and ointments and is believed to carry the drugs into the tissues by its penetrability (Saratwam).
88. Thuttham
Names:- Latin Cupri sulphas
Tamil Mailthuttham
Telugu Mailthutthamu
Canarese Mailthuttha
Malayal Thuttham
Urdu Mohurthuttha
Nissesha Dosha Vishahrit Gada soola moola
Kushtaamla paittika vibandha haram paramcha
Raasaayanam Vamana reka Karsm garaghnam
Switraapaham Gadita matra 
Mavoorathuttham
Thuttham (Copper sulphate) removes completely the vitiated three doshs and Visha. It is useful in the treatment of heart diseases, soola (colic), piles, Kushta, Amlapitta, constipation and Leucoderma. It is a Rasaayanam (tonic). It causes vomiting and purging. It is an antidote for poisoning (Gaa visha).
Dose:- ½ to 2 grains as an astringent.
5 to 10 grains as an emetic. 
Action:- Internally in very small doses an expectorant and in large doses an emetic. Externally antiseptic and caustic.
Uses:- Externally a very dilute solution of it, 1 in 1000 or more is used for washing callous wounds. The crystal is used as a caustic for proud flesh of wounds and for touching granular lids. As Gurubasma, a compound powder with alum, it is muc used by Siddha physicians as expectorant and emetic. It is said that some physicians use it in the treatment of leposy. Burn a piece of copper sulphate in the fire, take the burnt crystal, and powder it into white ash. Put a pinch of the ash at the site of scorpion-bite and gently put on it a drop of water. A sharp burning sensation is felt which cures the pain of scorpion-bite. The powder should be prepared then and there or kept carefully in a stoppered bottle. A wick prepared by soaking it in copper sulphate solution and dried, is useful in widening small sinuses.
89. Thwak
Names:- Latin Cinnamomum zeylanicum
Tamil Lavangapattai
Telugu Lavangapatta
Canarese Lavangapatte
Malayal Lavangapattai
Urdu Dalcheeni
Varaamgam Laghu teekshnoshnam
Kapha Vaata Vishapaham
Kantha Vaktra ruhohanti
Siroruk Vasti sodhanam.
Dhanvanthari Nighantu.
Varaangam (cinnamon) is acute, penetrating, light and heating. It checks Kapha. Vaata and Visha. It is usefl in the treatment of diseases of the mouth and headache. It cleans the urinary bladder.
Dose:- 5 to 30 grains with honey, or as a swarasam with honey, or as a compound powder.
Action:- Carminative, antispasmodic, aromatic, stimulant, astringent and germicide.
Uses:- It is given along with other drugs in flatulence, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea and to check griping pain and bad taste caused by other medicines. Kept in the mouth it removes the foul smell of the mouth. It is specially useful in sysentery, preferably given as a swarasam with honey in the early stages or as a compound powder with other astringents such as nutmeg, Salmali, Babbula and Ahiphena, the last with caution.
90. Trivrit
Names:- Latin Ipomea turpethum
Tamil Sivadai
Telugu Tegade
Canarese Tegade
Malayal Trikolpakkonna
Urdu Thuruludh
Trivruthaa Katu rushnaacha
Krimi Sleshmodara Jwaraan
Sopha Paandwaamaya pleehaan
Hanti Sreshtaa Virechane. 
Trivruth is pungent, dry (non oily) and heating. It is useful in the treatment of Krimi, Sleshma, Udara, Jwara, Sopha, Paandu and diseases of the spleen (Pleeha). It is the best of purgatives (Sreshta).
Dose:- 10 to 60 grains of the powder with a little sugar and water or ground with equal parts of Harithaki and Sunthi in water and given with honey, 
or 20 to 30 grains with an ounce of castor oil,
or as a lehyam with Draksha and spices.
Action:- In small doses laxative and in large doses purgative.
Uses:- This is the favourite purgative of Charaka (Trivrinmoolam virechane). It causes purgation without much gripping. It does not irritate the kidneys. In reasonable doses it is safe even in a pregnant woman. With a little honey or sugar it has pleasant taste. In dropsy, either due to heart, kidney or liver disease, it is very useful. The leaves of Trivrit, Sunthi and Palasa crushed and fried with a mixture of ghee and gingely oil or castor oil and given as a sakan prepared according to taste is recommended in Arsas along with curd (Dadhi). It is used in a variety of diseases, such as fevers, jaundice, piles, Raktapitta, Visarpa, Pitta-udara, Pitta-pandu, Vatasopha, Gulma, Consumption, Netra-roga and specially in Pitta diseases. I have been using it for over 20 years with very satisfactory results as Dhaanyakadi lehyam or Trivruthi lehyam along with other drugs.
91. Tuvaraka
Names:- Latin Hydnocarpus wightiana
Tamil Neeradimuthu
Telugu Neerudu
Canarese Sarvolu, Thuvaraka
Malayal Maravetti
Urdu Jangali Badam
Tuvaree Graahinee Prokta
Laghvee Kapha Vishaasrajit
Tiktoshnaa Vahnidaa Kandoo
Kushta Koshta Krimi Pranuth.
Tuvaraka is bitter, light and heating. It is a constrictor (graahi). It improves appetite. It checks Kapha, Visha, Rakta, Pitta, Kandu, Kushta, and Koshta Krimi.
Dose:- Internally 2 to 10 minims of the oil.
Externally as an ointment or oil
Action:- Blood-purifier, Krimihara, Kushtaharam and tonic.
Uses:- The oil is regarded as a specific for leprosy. There is no doubt that in some cases it has produced marvelous results. There are yet some cases specially advanced in which the result is not distinctly seen. Strict diet restrictions given below are probably necessary. It should also be applied freely over the body during the course of the treatment. It is used to improve the state of the blood as in leprosy, pthisis, skin diseases etc. It is also used in scrofula, secondary syphilis, pthisis and rheumatism with stiff joints, both internally and externally. It may also be given in combination with neem oil which has a similar action.
It is said that the patient suffering from leprosy must have his body purified by Panchakarmas and should observe strict diet, free from oil and salt for five days and then take rice with Mudgayusha or greengram water for fifteen days.
92. Useeram
Names:- Latin Andropogon muricatus
Tamil Vilamichhamver
Telugu Vattiveru
Canarese Lavancha
Malayal Ramachham
Urdu Bala
Useeram paachanam seetam
Stambhanam laghu tiktakam
Madhuram Jwarahrit Vaanti
Madanuth Kapha Pittanuth
Trishnaasra Visha Veesarpa,
Daaha Kricchra vranaapaham.
Useera is bitter and sweet. It is light and constrictor. It improves digestion. It checks Kapha and Pitta. It is useful in the treatment of fever, vomiting, intoxication (Mada), thirst, vitiation of blood, Visha, Visarpa, daaha, difficulty in passing urine and Vrana.
Dose:- 5 to 15 grains of the powder with sugar 
or ½ to 1 tola as a decoction or infusion, or 1/8 tola boiled with a cup of water and taken as a drink with milk and sugar, 
or as a syrup, 
or as an anupanam to other drugs.
Action:- Cooling, diaphoretic, diuretic, antispasmodic and emmenagogue.
Uses:- Along with other drugs it is given in thirst and burning sensation in fever, deranged menstruation, rheumatism, gout etc. It is of special use as a ingredient in Shadangakashayam (Ref p. 82). It is used in the preparation of cooling hair oils, antiseptic soaps and bathing powders and pastes. It is useful for flavouring water and also for making door and window-screens which, when wetted in hot-weather, cool the rooms. It is a cooling drug and as seetakashaya with water it is very useful in relieving inflammation and burning sensation in the urinary tract.
93. Vacha
Names:- Latin Acorus calamus
Tamil Vasambu
Telugu Vasa
Canarese Baje
Malayal Vayambu
Urdu Bach
Vachogragandhaa Katukaa
Tiktoshnaa Vaanti Vahnikrit
Vibandhaadhmaana Soolaghni
Sakrinmootra Visodhanee
Apasmaara Kaphonmaada
Bhoota Jantwanilaan haret.
Bhaavaprakaasa.
Vacha is strong smelling and pungent and bitter. It is heating. It causes vomiting. It improves appetite. It relieves vibandha (constriction) and distention of the abdomen and colic. It helps to discharge stools and urine. It is useful in the treatment of Apasmaara, Kapha diseases, Insanity and Microbic infections (Bhoota) or hysterical affections. It is a vermicide. It checks Vaata.
Dose:- 4 to 15 grains of the powder with honey.
Action:- Internally, bitter, aromatic, stimulant, carminative, diuretic, astringent, anthelmintic, mild laxative, aphrodisiac and tonic.
Externally parasiticide.
Uses:- There are two varieties of it and the white is preferred for use as tonic. It is usually combined with bitter tonics and aromatics and given in ague, habitual constipation, atonic dyspepsia, colic, flatulence and paralytic and nervous affections. It is very much recommended in epilepsy (Bhaavaprakaash). The burnt charcoal is given with honey in acidity and vomiting of children. It is also given in dysentery, diarrhoea, cough, and calculous affections. It is one of the many ingredients of aphrodisiac preparations.
Externally, it is used as a dusting powder for wounds. As an external application for swellings, it is ground with water into a paste along with equal parts of mustard and applied. It is recommended in inflammatory swellings.
94. Vakuchi
Names:- Latin Psoralea corylifolia
Tamil Karbogarisi
Telugu Bavanchalu
Canarese Bavuchige
Malayal Karkolari
Urdu Bavancha, Bavchi
That Phalam pittalam Kushta
Kaphaanila haram Katu
Kesyam twachyam Vami swaasa
Kaasa Sodhaama Paandunuth.
Dhanvanthari Nighantu.
Vaakuchi is pungent. It increases pitta. It checks Kapha and Vaata. It is useful in the treatment of Kushta, Vami (vomiting), Swaasa, Kaasa, Sodha, Aamadosha and Paandu. It promotes the growth of hair and improves the skin.
Dose:- 10 to 30 grains of the powder.
Action:- Blood-purifier.
Uses:- Its special use is in leucoderma both internally and externally. The powder is used as a bathing powder in ointments and the oil extracted by Pataalayantra is also used in ointments. It has been found specially useful in many cases of leucoderma along with Thuvaraka and Nilini, both internally and externally.
95. Vamsalochana
Names:- Latin (English) Bamboo manna
Tamil Moongiluppu
Telugu Veduruppu
Canarese Biduruppu
Malayal Mulankarpuram
Urdu Thabashir
Kashaayam Madhuram
Kaasaagham Vamsalochanam
Moothrakricchra Kshaya Swaasa
Hitaa balyaacha Brumhanee.
Vamsalochana is astringent, sweet, bitter and pungent. It checks cough. It is useful in the treatment of difficulty in passing urine, Consumption and hard breathing. It gives strength and makes the body plumpy (Brumhanee).
Dose:- 5 to 15 grains with honey or ghee and sugar.
Action:- Cooling, tissue-builder and tonic.
Uses:- It is used in cough, consumption, astma and fever. In combination with other astringent medicines, it is given in chronic dysentery and internal haemorrhages. Its action seems to be due to the presence of some organic salts which improve the quality of blood, elastic tissue and bone. It appears to have a soothing action in the urinary tract and also on the lung tissue. It is also given in seminal weakness and is considered as a substitute for Pravala and Mukta and is more cooling. It is one of the chief ingredients of Chyavanapraasa and Vasaavaleham, the reputed tonics and expectorants and of Talisadi and Sitopaladi churnams, popular expectorants. 10 or 15 grains of the powder rubbed with a little honey and preserved Amalaki (Amalaki murraba) makes a simple and a very good combination in consumption or wasting diseases as a tonic. It is also used in chronic gonorrhoea and is one of the constituents of many aphrodisiac preparations.
96. Vaasa
Names:- Latin Adhatoda vasica 
Tamil Adathodai 
Telugu Addasaramu 
Canarese Adusoge 
Malayal Adalodakam 
Urdu Adathoda
Ataroosho Himah Tiktah
Pitta Sleshmaasra Kaasajit
Kshayahrit echardi Kushtaghno
Jwara Trishnaa Vinaasanah.
Dhanvanthari Nighantu.
Ataroosha (Vaasa) is cooling and bitter. It checks Pitta, Sleshma, blood diseases and Kaasa. It is useful in the treatment of Kshaya, Cchardi, Kushta, Jwara, Trishna and Visha.
Dose:- ¼ to ½ oz. Of the swarasam with honey or a larger dose if emetic action is desired.
Or as a decoction of the leaf or root given in dose of ½ to 2 oz. With or without honey.
Action:- Expectorant, antispasmodic, alterative, blood-puifier and tonic.
Uses:- It is a common remedy for cough. It is used as a decoction or syrup or as a leham with Harithaki, Pippali, Sunthi, sugar, honey etc., in all lung complaints (refer Vasavaleha). Where the drug has to be preserved for a long time, Vasarishta may be used. In anaemia with haemorrhages (Raktapitta) from any part of the body, it is known as a specific remedy. In all fever decoctions, specially when Kapha and Pitta are involved, Vaasa is given in combination with other drugs. For immediate expectoration in children and spasmodic attack of asthma, a large use of fresh juice gives immediate relief which may be followed up by other preparations of this drug.
97. Vibheethaal
Names:- Latin Terminalia belerica 
Tamil Tanikkai 
Telugu Tadikaya 
Canarese Shantheekaye 
Malayal Thanikkai 
Urdu Balla
Aksham bhedana rukshoshnam
Vairasya Kriminuth Katu
Chakshushyam Swaadu Paakancha
Kashaayam Kaphapittanuth.
Vibheetaki (Aksham) is rooksha and Ushna. It is pungent and sweet by Vipaaka and also astringent. It checks Kapha and Pitta. It is useful in the treatment of loss of voice and Krimi. It loosens the secretions and excretions (Bhedanam). It is good for the eyes.
Dose:- 5 to 30 grains of the powder.
Action:- Astringent, anthelmintic, mild-laxative in large doses and tonic.
Uses:- It is one of the ingredients of Triphala and is used very much in combination. It is specially useful in throat troubles as a pigment with honey. By its astringent taste it is useful in dysentery and diarrhoea and other inflammatory affections of the stomach and intestines. The decoction mixed with honey is a very good antiseptic and astringent gargle in sore mouth and throat. As giving colour to the hair, it is used in hair oils and it gives black colour to them. It seems to be more soothing in action than Harithaki.
98. Vidangam
Names:- Latin Embelia ribes 
Tamil Vayvidangam 
Telugu Vayuvidangalu 
Canarese Vayuvidanga 
Malayal Vishalari 
Urdu Baybidang
Vidangam Katu teekhnoshnam
Rooksham Vahnikaram laghu
Soolaadhmaanodara Sleshma
Krimivaata Vibhandhanuth.
Vidangam is pungent, dry, laghu, penetrating (teakshna) and heating. It improves digestion. It is useful in the treatment of colic (Soola), abdominal distention, Udara, Sleshma, Krimi and Vaata. It relieves constipation.
Dose:- ¼ to 1 tola for single administration ground with water, strained through cloth and taken with sugar, honey or castor oil.
5 to 15 grains for repeated administration either alone or in combination.
Action:- Carminative, anthelmintic and alternative.
Uses:- It enjoys a high repute as an anthelmintic and is given either alone or in combination with other drugs. It is given for a few days and then followed by castor oil or Trivrit. For round worms and thread worms, it may be combined with Palasa beejam, Krishnajiraka etc., and for tape worm it is given along with a decoction of Dadima-moola-thwak, ½ to 1 tola in each dose. The decoction is given every 4 hours or every morning till the head of the worm passes out in the stools. It is also given as an anupanam to other medicines. It is used both internally and externally in Krimikushta. As a Rasayana or tonic it is recommended by Sushruta. Mixed with Tila, the powder is recommended as a snuffing powder in Ardhaavabhedaka or partial headache.
99. Vishamushti
Names:- Latin Strychnos Nuxvomica 
Tamil Ettikkottai 
Telugu Visha Tinduka or Vishamushti 
or Mushini ginjalu 
Canarese 
Malayal 
Urdu Kuchla
Vishamushtih Tikta Katuh
Teekshnoshnah Sleshma Vataapahaa (Yogarat-naakara)
Tikta Kushta Vinaasanah
Vaataamayaasra Kandooti
Kaphaa Maarso Vranapahaa.
Raja Nighantu.
Vishamushti is bitter and pungent. It is acute and heating. It checks Kapha and Vaata. It is useful in the treatment of Kushta, Nervous diseases, diseases of the blood, Itching, Aamadosha, Piles and Wounds. It has been recommended in poisons and as an antidote for dog-bite.
In digestion disorders it is used as Agnitundi Vati made as follows:
Purified mercury, purified aconite, purified Sulphur, Haritaki, Aamalaki, Vibeethaki, Sajjakshara, Chitramoola, Saindhava lavana, Tankana, equal parts of powder of purified Vishamushti seeds 16 parts – grind mercury and Sulphur first and grind the others one by one adding lemon juice; grind well and make 2 grain pills.
Dose:- One or 2 pills, 2 or 3 times a day before or after food with hot water or thin buttermilk. It is used in Malaria as Kumaryadi Vati (see under Kumari). As a general tonic in heart disease and in debility after insanity and fevers it is very useful.
Dose of the seed:- ½ to 2 gr. Of the purified seed. It is never given alone but only as a compound pill such as Agnitundi or Vaatagajaankusam (see below):
Vishamushti wood – powdered 2 to 5 gr.
Leaves powdered 2 to 5 gr.
Action:- Nervine stimulant, digestive, antimalarial, tonic and aphrodisiac.
Uses:- Nux Vomica is very much used as a carminative and tonic for many centuries in India. It is included in the Poisons. It is purified by soaking in buttermilk or water in which raw rice is washed. The seeds are also slightly fried in ghee.
Kinchit Aajyena Sambhristo
Vishamushtir Visudhyati.
In nervous diseases it is used as Vaatagajankusam made as follows. Purified mercury 8 parts, Purified Vishamusti 8 parts, Purified Sulphur 3 parts, Triphala 3 parts, Trikatu 3 parts. Grind Rasa and Gandhaka first and then add and grind with lemon juice the other ingredients one by one and make into 2 gr. Pills.
100. Vidaari
Names:- Latin Ipomoea digitata 
Tamil Nilappooshanikilangu 
Telugu Nelagummudu 
Canarese Nelagumbala 
Malayal Palmutakku 
Urdu Vilayikand
Vidaaree Madhuraa Snigdhaa
Brimhanee Stanya Sukradaa
Seetaa Swaryaa Mootralaacha
Jeevanee Bala Varnadaa
Guruve Pittaasra Pavana
Daahaan Hanti Rasaayani
Bhaava Prakaasa
Vidaree is sweet and lubricant. It promotes growth (Brimhanee). It increases milk and sperm. It is cooling. It improves voice. It increases urine. It promotes vitality, strength and complexion. It is heavy to digest (gurvee). It checks Pitta, diseases of blood, Vaata diseases, and burning sensation. It is a tonic.
Dose:- 10 to 60 grains of the powder with ghee and sugar or honey or milk and sugar or as a leham with other drugs.
Action:- Demulcent, alternative, nutritive, galactagogue, aphrodisiac and tonic.
Uses:- It is one of the most reputed tonics of the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia and is given in all wasting diseases such as consumption, diabetes, sexual debility and surgical complications. Chakradutta says that Vidari when given with sura (wine) increases the secretion of milk in mothers. In children and invalids suffering from debility, a confection of this drug is very useful as a tissue builder. In irritation of the urinary tract, with frequent micturition and high coloured urine, it has been of great use when given for a long period as a cooling tonic. It is one of the most important ingredients of aphrodisiac confections.
101. Yashtimadhu
Names:- Latin Glycyrrhiza glabra 
Tamil Athimadhuram 
Telugu Athimadhuramu 
Canarese Athimadhura, jeshtamaddu 
Malayal Erattimadhuram 
Urdu Mitilakadi, Asailasoos
Yashtee Himaa guru Swaadwee
Chaksushyaa Bala Varna Krit
Snigdhaa Sukrakaraa Kesyaa
Swaryaa Pittaanilaasrajit
Vrana Sodha Vishacchardi
Trishnaa Glaani Kshayaapahaa.
Yashtimadhu is sweet, cooling and heavy to digest. It is good for the eyes. It improves strength and complexion. It is a lubricant (Snighda) and aphrodisiac. It promotes the growth of hair and improves voice. It checks Pitta and Vaata. It is useful in the treatment of Vranasodha, Visha, Chardi, Trishnaa, Glaani (fatigue) and consumption.
Dose:- 5 to 30 grains of the powder with ghee and sugar, milk and ghee or honey. As a pill with cubebs, cloves and Guda as a decoction.
Action:- Demulcent, expectorant, mild laxative, aphrodisiac and tonic.
Uses:- This is a sweet stuff, increases the flow of saliva and acts as a soothing application to the throat. It stimulates the mucous membrane especially of the air passages where its action is more local than general. It is given in inflammatory conditions of the throat, catarrh, cough, hoarseness of voice, asthma and irritation of the larynx and of the urinary passages. It is a cooling drug and is given in fevers to relieve thirst and burning sensation. It is a mild laxative. Taken with milk it is a good tonic and aphrodisiac. It enters in combination of many aphrodisiac pills and lehams. The powder of the seeds of the plant given with milk have been greatly extolled as powerfully aphrodisiac but as the seeds, are very poisonous, an excessive dose should be avoided.
Externally, it is applied with ghee or honey for cuts and wounds.
102. Yavakshaara
Names:- Latin Pottassii carbonas 
Tamil Yavakshaaram 
Telugu Yavakshaaramu 
Canarese Yavakshaara 
Malayal Yavakshaaram, Chavarkaram 
Urdu Yavakshaar, Sajee
Yavakshaaro Katooshnascha
Kapha Vaatodaraarthinuth
Aama soolaasmaree Kricchra
Vishadosha Harasmrutah.
Yavakshaara is pungent and heating. It checks Kapha and Vaata. It is useful in the treatment of diseases of the abdomen, pain due to indigestion, Asmari (stone), Kricchra (difficulty in passing urine) and Visha (poisons).
Dose:- 5 to 15 grains of the powder with water.
Action:- Digestive, carminative, antacid and diuretic.
Uses:- It enters the composition of the compound pills and powders used for indigestion, colic, retention of urine etc. In difficult micturition and irritation of the urinary canal, it is given freely diluted with water. In fevers, given in dilution, it acts as a diuretic and reduces the temperature to a slight extent. It is predominantly a the temperature to a slight extent. It is predominantly a carbonate of potash and was used by Sushruta for cleaning surgical instruments and in the preparation of caustic potash.