Ayurvedic Herbs - Continue

Bhangra
Latin Name
Eclipta alba, Hassk

Sanskrit Name
Bhringaraj

Hindi Name
Bhangra

English Name
Not Available

Parts Used

Root and stems. Each part has a different therapeutic value and must be prepared in its own way for maximum benefits.

Traditional Ayurvedic Uses

• Bhringaraj has a Keshya effect, meaning that it directly nourishes and improves the hair.
• It is especially good for the liver, which is governed by the subcategory of Pitta called Ranjaka Pitta. Ranjaka literally translates as "that which colors", and explains the ability of Bhringaraj to balance and improve hair color from within.
• By improving liver function, Bhringaraj also helps to remove and prevent impurities (Ama) throughout the body.

Bhaira

Latin Name
Terminalia belerica

Sanskrit Name
Bibhitaki

Hindi Name
Bhaira

English Name
Beleric Myrobalan, Bedda Nut

Parts Used

Whole plant, roots, leaves, stalks. Each part has a different therapeutic value and must be prepared in its own way for maximum benefits.

Traditional Ayurvedic Uses

• Brahmi acts as a powerful brain food, and is known for its ability to enhance mind power (Medhya effect). It supports and improves all aspects of mental functioning, including comprehension (Dhi), memory (Dhriti) and recollection (Smriti). It is important because it also enhances the crucial coordination of these three aspects of mental functioning.
• Because it increases the ability to solve problems effectively, Brahmi is often used in formulas to help relieve and prevent stress.
• Brahmi can be processed in different ways, or with different herbs, to balance any of the three laws of the physiology (Vata, Pitta, Kapha).
• It is a very good overall tonic (Rasayana, or longevity-enhancer).
• Brahmi is used to prepare a number of important Ayurvedic preparations (Brahmighritam, Brahmirasayanam) which are given to those suffering from anxiety and emotional stress.

Note: Two main herbs go by the name of Brahmi in the ancient Ayurvedic texts. Some experts, such as Vaidya R. K. Mishra, feel that Herpestis Monniera is more authentic and is preferable for mental benefits except where urinary flow, purification, and immunomodulation is desired by the physician. The other herb that commonly goes by this name is more popularly known in the U.S. as Gotu-Kola, or Centella asiatica. When the texts specify Gotu-kola without the option of substitution, it is called Mandukaparni. So we always identify Brahmi as Herpestis Monniera in our herbal formulations.


Brambhi


Latin Name
Herpestis Monniera, Bacopa Monnieri

Sanskrit Name
Brahmi

Hindi Name
Brambhi

English Name
Thyme-leaved Gratiola (rarely used)

Parts Used

Fruit (contrary to one of its many names name, this is not a nut). Each plant and part has a different therapeutic value and must be prepared in its own way for maximum benefits. This tree is found throughout the Indian forests and plains.

Traditional Ayurvedic Uses

• Bibhitaki primarily supports the healthy formation of three bodily tissues -- nutrient plasma (Rasa Dhatu), muscle (Mamsa Dhatu) and bone (Asthi Dhatu).
• It is most commonly seen along with Amalaki and Haritaki as an ingredient in the popular Ayurvedic formula known as Digest Tone , which aids digestion and nourishes all the bodily tissues (the Dhatus). Triphala also helps scrub the colon, and supports the action of other ingredients in any well-balanced formula.