Herbs
Single herbs as the classical texts describe them — taste, potency, post-digestive effect, what they are traditionally used for, and where caution is warranted.
Abhrak Bhasma
A classical rasa-shastra calx prepared from purified, incinerated mica, traditionally used as a rasayana in respiratory and nervous conditions. Contains processed minerals and requires expert supervision.
Agnimantha (Premna)
A Dashamula root, bitter-pungent and heating, that pacifies vata and kapha and reduces oedema. Used for inflammatory swelling, poor digestion, anaemia and urinary retention.
Ajwain
Carom seed, sharply warming, a go-to for gas, bloating and weak digestion.
Akarkara (Pellitory Root)
A pungent, heating root used across Siddha and Ayurveda as a nervine, aphrodisiac and sialagogue. Used for low libido, nervous debility, toothache and speech and salivary complaints.
Amla (Amalaki)
The Indian gooseberry — a cooling, vitamin-C-rich rasayana that pacifies Pitta while gently supporting digestion, hair, skin, and overall rejuvenation.
Apamarga (Prickly Chaff Flower)
A sharp, penetrating kapha-vata herb famed for shirovirechana (nasal cleansing) and as a kshara source. Used for piles, respiratory congestion, worms and difficult skin lesions.
Aragvadha (Golden Shower)
The gentle 'disease-killer' whose sweet fruit pulp is a mild, safe laxative suitable even in fevers and pregnancy. Also used for skin diseases and as a kapha-pitta reducer.
Arjuna
The premier Ayurvedic cardiac tonic — a cooling, astringent bark used to strengthen and support the heart and healthy circulation.
Ash Gourd (Kushmanda / Petha)
The sweet, cooling ash gourd celebrated as a supreme medhya and pitta-pacifying food-medicine. Used for raktapitta, hyperacidity, urinary disorders and mental disturbances.
Ashoka
Classic uterine tonic used traditionally for menstrual health and heavy bleeding.
Ashwagandha
A premier rasayana (rejuvenative) and adaptogen, traditionally used to build strength, steady the nervous system, and support restful sleep. Its name means 'smell of horse', alluding to the vigor it is said to confer.
Atibala (Country Mallow)
A sweet, cooling and nourishing balya paired classically with Bala for vata and pitta debility. Used as a mild demulcent tonic for the nerves, urinary tract and reproductive tissue.
Ativisha (Indian Atees)
A non-toxic aconite unique for being tridoshic, deepana and grahi. Classically the safest paediatric drug for fever, diarrhoea and ama, kindling digestion without aggravating dosha.
Bakuchi
Seed classically used for vitiligo and skin pigmentation — supervision.
Bala
'Strength' herb, a premier vata rejuvenative for muscles and nerves.
Banyan (Vata)
The banyan whose astringent, cooling bark and aerial-root latex pacify pitta and kapha. Used for bleeding, diabetes, skin disease and in wound healing and reproductive support.
Bhallataka (Marking Nut)
A powerful, very hot rasayana and caustic nut requiring careful purification (shodhana) before use. Used for kapha-vata disorders, worms, piles and chronic skin disease, it is toxic when raw.
Bharangi
Respiratory herb for wheezing and kapha in the chest.
Bhringaraja (False Daisy)
A premier kesya (hair) and liver rasayana, kapha-vata reducing and mildly heating. Used for hair fall and greying, liver and spleen disorders, and as a rejuvenator of the head.
Bhumyamalaki
Small herb classically used for liver and jaundice (kamala).
Bibhitaki (Beleric Myrobalan)
One of the three fruits of Triphala, an astringent kapha-pitta reducing rasayana with special affinity for the throat, respiratory tract and eyes. Used for cough, hoarseness and as a gentle bowel regulator.
Bilva
Unripe bael fruit, a prized digestive-astringent for the intestines.
Brahmi
A cooling medhya rasayana (brain tonic) used to support memory, focus, and a calm mind. Especially valued for Pitta-type mental heat and overactivity.
Brihati (Indian Nightshade)
A Dashamula (laghu panchamula) fruit, pungent-bitter and heating, that pacifies kapha and vata. Used for cough, asthma, poor appetite and as an expectorant and digestive.
Camphor (Karpura)
A light, penetrating, paradoxically cooling aromatic used mainly externally and in tiny internal doses. Employed for congestion, pain and as a cardiac and respiratory stimulant in classical practice.
Chandana (Sandalwood)
Sandalwood, cooling and fragrant; calms pitta, skin and the urinary tract.
Chirata (Kiratatikta)
A intensely bitter herb classically grouped among the tikta antipyretics and blood-cleansers. Used for chronic and intermittent fevers, skin disorders and to kindle sluggish digestion of ama.
Chitraka
Intensely heating digestive stimulant (dipana) — use in small amounts.
Chyawanprash
A time-honored rejuvenative jam built on amla (Indian gooseberry) with dozens of herbs, taken as a daily tonic for immunity, respiratory strength, and general vitality.
Cluster Fig (Udumbara)
A cooling, astringent kshiri (latex) tree bark used for pitta and rakta disorders. Employed for diarrhoea, bleeding, diabetes, wounds and excessive menstrual and urinary complaints.
Dalchini (Cinnamon)
Cinnamon bark, warming and sweet, supports circulation and digestion.
Danti (Wild Croton)
A potent pungent, heating purgative root that pacifies kapha and vata and moves stubborn stagnation. Used for obstinate constipation, oedema, ascites and abdominal tumours under guidance.
Daruharidra
Tree turmeric, bitter antimicrobial for skin, eyes and liver.
Dhanyaka (Coriander)
Coriander seed, cooling and tridoshic, soothes pitta and the urinary tract.
Dhataki (Fire Flame Bush)
An astringent, cooling flower essential as the fermenting agent of asavas and arishtas. Used therapeutically for diarrhoea, dysentery, bleeding and to promote wound healing.
Dill (Shatapushpa / Sowa)
A warming aromatic seed used as a digestive and uterine tonic, distinct from fennel. Classically employed for postpartum care, colic, poor appetite and menstrual irregularity.
Draksha (Grapes / Raisins)
The classical sweet, cooling fruit regarded as the best among the vrishya and jivaniya nourishers. Used for thirst, burning, raktapitta, cough and debility, pacifying vata and pitta.
Ela (Cardamom)
Cardamom, aromatic and tridoshic in moderation; eases digestion and nausea.
Eranda (Castor)
Castor root/oil, the classical vata purgative and joint remedy.
Gambhari (Beechwood)
One of the Dashamula roots (brihat panchamula), a nourishing tridoshic tonic favouring vata and pitta. Used for debility, fevers, bleeding and as a component of countless classical decoctions.
Gandha Prasarini (Skunk Vine)
A warming, unctuous vata-pacifying vine renowned for joint and nerve disorders and as a base for Prasarini taila. Used for arthritis, paralysis, stiffness and weak digestion.
Garlic (Rasona / Lashuna)
A heating, penetrating rasayana said to possess five of the six tastes, lacking only sour. Prized for vata disorders, joint pain, heart health and cholesterol, but aggravates pitta.
Gokshura
A cooling diuretic and rejuvenative for the urinary and reproductive systems, supporting healthy flow and strength.
Gudmar (Meshashringi)
'Sugar destroyer' leaf, classical anti-diabetic that blunts sweet taste.
Guduchi (Giloy)
A tridoshic rasayana prized as an immunomodulator and for supporting healthy inflammatory response, fever recovery, and liver function.
Guggulu
A resin used as a scraping, Kapha-reducing agent supporting healthy lipids, joints, and weight management; base of many classical joint formulas.
Hapusha (Juniper Berry)
A warming, pungent-bitter berry that pacifies vata and kapha and acts as a carminative and diuretic. Used for indigestion, oedema, urinary sluggishness and menstrual complaints.
Haritaki
Called the 'king of medicines', a rejuvenative for the colon and mind that gently regulates elimination and pacifies Vata.
Hing (Asafoetida)
Pungent resin, powerful carminative and antispasmodic for vata in the gut.
Jambu (Jamun)
Black plum seed, astringent, traditionally supports blood sugar.
Jatamansi
Calming nervine root that steadies the mind and supports sleep.
Jeeraka (Cumin)
Cumin, a balancing digestive that reduces gas and supports absorption.
Jivanti (Leptadenia)
A sweet, cooling jivaniya rasayana counted among the life-promoting nourishers. Used for debility, eye health, lactation and as a gentle tonic pacifying pitta and vata.
Jyotishmati (Malkangni)
A very heating, sharp medhya oil-seed classically counted among the brain and nerve tonics. Used for memory, vata neuralgias and paralysis, but its heat demands caution in pitta.
Kalmegh
Intensely bitter 'king of bitters' for liver support and fevers.
Kalonji
Black cumin seed, warming and carminative, used for digestion and respiratory ease.
Kampillaka (Kamala Tree)
The reddish glandular fruit-powder used as a classical anthelmintic and mild purgative, pacifying kapha and vata. Used for tapeworm and other worms and for skin diseases.
Kantakari
One of the dashamula roots, used for cough, asthma and respiratory congestion.
Kapikacchu (Kaunch)
Velvet bean seed, a nervine and reproductive tonic (natural L-dopa).
Karanja (Indian Beech)
A bitter, heating kapha-vata drug whose seed oil is a staple in Ayurvedic dermatology. Used for chronic skin diseases, wounds, worms, piles and as a topical antiparasitic.
Karavella (Bitter melon)
Bitter melon, classical for blood sugar and skin/liver purification.
Karkatashringi (Crab's Claw Gall)
A galled outgrowth, astringent and warming, esteemed as a paediatric antitussive that pacifies kapha and vata. Used for cough, asthma, fever and vomiting, especially in children.
Karpooravalli (Indian Borage)
A fleshy aromatic Siddha and Ayurvedic leaf, pungent and warming, that clears kapha and eases the chest. Used for cough, cold, asthma and indigestion, especially in children.
Khadira
Premier skin herb (kushtha) — blood purifier and astringent.
Kokilaksha
Aquatic herb for urinary and reproductive support and edema.
Kumari (Aloe Vera)
A cooling, bitter-sweet rejuvenative for the liver, skin, and female reproductive system, soothing to Pitta and gently supporting elimination.
Kumkuma (Saffron)
Saffron, a prized tridoshic tonic for complexion, mood and circulation.
Kushta (Costus)
A warming, aromatic root that pacifies vata and kapha and moves stagnation. Used for cough, asthma, skin disease, and as an aphrodisiac and analgesic in many classical oils.
Kutaja
Bark classically first-line for diarrhoea and dysentery (atisara, grahani).
Kutki
A bitter, cooling liver herb supporting healthy bile flow and Pitta balance; a classic hepatoprotective.
Lavanga (Clove)
Clove, warming aromatic for toothache, cough and digestion.
Licorice (Yashtimadhu)
A sweet, cooling, soothing herb for the throat, respiratory and digestive mucosa, and adrenal support; demulcent and Pitta/Vata pacifying.
Lodhra
Astringent bark used for menstrual and skin conditions and as a wound-healer.
Lotus (Kamala)
The sacred lotus whose flowers, stamens and seeds are cooling and astringent, pacifying pitta and rakta. Used for bleeding, burning, palpitation and as a gentle heart and reproductive tonic.
Mandukaparni
Gotu kola, a medhya rasayana for memory, skin and nerves (akin to brahmi).
Manjistha
A premier blood-purifying and lymph-moving herb, cooling and used for clear, healthy skin and complexion.
Maricha (Black pepper)
Black pepper, a trikatu member, kindles agni and clears kapha.
Methi
Fenugreek seed, warming and strengthening, supports digestion, joints and lactation.
Mishreya (Fennel)
Fennel, cooling-yet-digestive; eases bloating without aggravating pitta.
Mudakathan (Balloon Vine)
A Siddha and Ayurvedic vine, bitter-astringent and warming, esteemed for joints and rheumatism. Used for arthritis, stiffness, earache and skin conditions, pacifying vata and kapha.
Mulethi (Yashtimadhu)
Licorice, soothing demulcent for throat, gut and lungs (also see licorice).
Mundi (East Indian Globe Thistle)
A bitter-pungent, warming rasayana traditionally used for the mind, nerves and skin, pacifying kapha and vata. Employed for skin diseases, epilepsy, and as a rejuvenative for the head.
Musta (Nutgrass)
A bitter-astringent digestive and Pitta-pacifying herb used for healthy digestion, fever recovery, and clearing ama without aggravating heat.
Nagabala
Related to bala, a strengthening rasayana for tissue and vigour.
Nagakesara
Astringent flower for bleeding disorders and digestion.
Neem
An intensely bitter, cooling herb classically used to purify the blood and support healthy skin, clearing excess Pitta and Kapha.
Nirgundi
Leaf used externally and internally for pain, swelling and joints.
Nutmeg (Jatiphala)
A warming, aromatic grahi (absorbent) seed that pacifies kapha and vata and calms the mind. Used for diarrhoea, insomnia, poor appetite and as an aphrodisiac, but toxic in excess.
Palasha (Flame of the Forest)
A pungent-astringent, heating tree whose seeds are a classical anthelmintic and gum a strong astringent. Used for worms, diarrhoea, bleeding and skin disorders, pacifying kapha and vata.
Pashanabheda
'Stone-breaker' root, traditional support for kidney and bladder stones.
Patala (Trumpet Flower)
A Dashamula root-bark, bitter-astringent and mildly heating, broadly tridoshic. Used for fevers, oedema, anaemia, thirst and as a supportive digestive and anti-inflammatory.
Patha (Velvet Leaf)
A bitter, heating kapha-vata drug valued for diarrhoea, dysentery and worm-related complaints. Also used in gynaecology and wound care as a deepana and krimighna herb.
Peepal (Ashvattha)
The sacred peepal whose bark and fruit are cooling and astringent, pacifying pitta and kapha. Used for skin diseases, wounds, diabetes and respiratory and reproductive complaints.
Pippali (Long Pepper)
A warming rasayana for the lungs and digestion, and a yogavahi (bioavailability enhancer) that carries other herbs deeper into the tissues.
Pomegranate (Dadima)
The sweet-sour pomegranate praised as tridoshic, appetising and light, favouring the heart and digestion. Used for weak digestion, diarrhoea, thirst and as a cardiac and haematinic tonic.
Ponnanganni (Dwarf Copperleaf)
A cooling Siddha leafy green, sweet-astringent, favouring the eyes and pitta pacification. Used for eye health, cooling the body, skin problems and as a nourishing green.
Prishnaparni
A Dashamula (laghu panchamula) root, sweet-bitter and heating, nourishing and broadly tridoshic. Used for fevers, bleeding disorders, diarrhoea and as a supportive vata-pitta tonic.
Priyangu
A cooling, astringent flower-drug classically used to arrest bleeding and pacify pitta. Employed in raktapitta, diarrhoea, and as a component of many haemostatic and skin formulations.
Punarnava
A rejuvenative diuretic — its name means 'renewer' — used to reduce fluid retention and support kidney and heart function, clearing Kapha and excess water.
Pushkarmool
Cardio-respiratory root classically for chest pain and breathlessness.
Rasna
Anti-vata herb central to joint and nerve formulations.
Red Sandalwood (Rakta Chandana)
The cooling red heartwood used chiefly externally for pitta skin conditions and internally for raktapitta and burning. Distinct from white Chandana, it is astringent and haemostatic.
Rohitaka (Rohida)
A bitter, cooling bark specific for liver and spleen disorders and abdominal masses, pacifying pitta and kapha. Used for hepatosplenomegaly, anaemia, tumours and skin disease.
Safed Musli
White musli, a rejuvenating vajikarana tonic for strength and vitality.
Saptaparna (Dita Bark)
A bitter, heating bark classically used as an antipyretic and anti-periodic in malarial-type fevers. Also used for skin diseases, ulcers and to kindle digestion in kapha-vata states.
Saraswatarishta
A traditional fermented liquid tonic centered on brahmi and medhya herbs, used to support memory, speech, and nervous-system vitality.
Sariva (Indian Sarsaparilla)
A sweet, cooling raktaprasadana (blood-cleanser) prized for pitta and rakta disorders. Used for skin diseases, burning sensations, chronic fevers and as a gentle detoxifier.
Sarpagandha
Classical root for high vata/pitta agitation and blood pressure — supervision required.
Sesame (Tila)
The classical vata-pacifying seed and its oil, warming, unctuous and nourishing to bone and skin. Used for vata disorders, bone strength, dental care and as the base oil for most medicated oils.
Shalaparni
A Dashamula (laghu panchamula) root, sweet-bitter and heating, a nourishing tridoshic tonic especially for vata. Used for fevers, debility, cardiac weakness and dysentery.
Shallaki (Boswellia)
Frankincense resin, a classical anti-inflammatory for joints.
Shankhpushpi
A cooling medhya (brain) herb calming to the mind, used to support memory, sleep, and mental calm, especially for Pitta and Vata.
Sharapunkha (Wild Indigo)
A bitter, heating herb classically prized for the spleen and liver (pleeha-yakrit) and pacifying kapha and vata. Used for hepatosplenomegaly, fevers, asthma and skin disorders.
Shatavari
A cooling, nourishing female reproductive tonic and rasayana, also soothing to the digestive and respiratory mucosa. Its name evokes vitality and nourishment.
Shigru (Moringa)
Drumstick, nutrient-dense and light-heating; supports many systems.
Shirisha (Siris Tree)
A classically renowned vishaghna (anti-toxic) and anti-allergic tree, tridoshic in action. Used for allergic conditions, asthma, skin eruptions, urticaria and as an antidote in toxicology.
Shunthi (Dry ginger)
Dry ginger, 'the universal medicine' — digestive, anti-nausea, warming.
Shyonaka (Broken Bones Tree)
A Dashamula root-bark, bitter-astringent and heating, pacifying vata and kapha. Used for diarrhoea, rheumatism, respiratory complaints and as a digestive in many classical decoctions.
Sitopaladi Churna
A sweet-pungent respiratory powder built on rock sugar, bamboo, and pippali, soothing for cough and supporting clear, comfortable breathing.
Tagara (Indian Valerian)
An aromatic kapha-vata nervine and sedative closely allied to Jatamansi. Used classically for insomnia, hysteria, restlessness and to calm an agitated mind.
Talisapatra (Himalayan Silver Fir)
A warming, aromatic leaf central to Sitopaladi-type respiratory formulas, pacifying kapha and vata. Used for cough, asthma, bronchitis and weak digestion.
Tejpatra (Indian Bay Leaf)
A warming aromatic leaf, part of the trijata/chaturjata group, that kindles digestion and clears kapha. Used for indigestion, colds, cough and diabetes.
Thoothuvalai (Climbing Brinjal)
A thorny Siddha nightshade, pungent-bitter and heating, celebrated as a respiratory rasayana. Used for chronic cough, asthma, bronchitis and to strengthen the lungs.
Thumbai (Leucas)
A pungent, warming Siddha and Ayurvedic herb valued for colds, sinus congestion and insect bites. Used for nasal congestion, fever, headache and as an external application for stings.
Trikatu
The 'three pungents' — long pepper, black pepper, and ginger — a warming digestive formula that kindles agni (digestive fire) and clears Kapha and ama (metabolic residue).
Triphala
A classic three-fruit formulation balancing all three doshas, best known for gentle digestive and eliminative support and as a mild rasayana for the GI tract and eyes.
Trivrit (Indian Jalap / Turpeth)
The classical drug of choice for safe, controlled purgation (virechana), pacifying kapha and pitta. Used for constipation, oedema, skin disease and to clear pitta-kapha through the bowel.
Tulsi (Holy Basil)
A sacred adaptogenic herb warming to the respiratory system, used to clear Kapha, ease stress, and support immunity and clear breathing.
Turmeric (Haridra)
A warming golden spice and medicine supporting healthy inflammatory response, digestion, skin, and blood. Tridoshic in moderation, mildly heating.
Ushira (Vetiver)
Vetiver root, deeply cooling; soothes pitta, thirst and burning.
Vacha
A pungent, warming herb for speech, clarity, and clearing Kapha from the head and channels; used carefully and in small amounts.
Varuna
Bark classically used for urinary stones and the urinary tract.
Vasa
Malabar nut, the classical respiratory herb for cough and bleeding disorders.
Vidanga
A warming, Kapha- and ama-clearing herb traditionally used for digestive parasites and to support a clean, well-functioning gut.
Vidarikanda
Sweet tuber rasayana, nourishing and cooling; a bruhana (building) herb.
Vijaysar (Indian Kino Tree)
An astringent, cooling heartwood best known as an anti-diabetic and blood-sugar regulator. Also used for obesity, skin diseases and as a kapha-pitta reducing wound healer.
Yograj Guggulu
A classical guggulu-based joint and Vata formula combining guggulu with warming digestive and carminative herbs, used for musculoskeletal comfort.
Educational information about Ayurveda, Siddha and Yoga — not a medical diagnosis or treatment. Consult a qualified professional before starting any herb, supplement, or therapy.