Herb Encyclopedia

In the ‘World Herbal Encyclopaedia’, knowledge of medicinal plants and their uses, which was scattered previously have been compiled and arranged authentically, based on extensive research and data collected from various published, unpublished, handwritten and rare manuscripts available till date. For the first time, this book displays the knowledge of medicinal plants, which were verbally practiced traditionally in a properly arranged manner. In ‘World Herbal Encyclopaedia’, for the very first time, majority of medicinal plants of the world, which were unavailable in ancient ªAyurvedic texts, have been explained elaboratively from the point of view of traditional uses and classical illustrations to modern scientific experiments.
It is the first treatise, where for the first time thousands of medicinal plants whose Sanskrit nomenclature, origin of name, medicinal properties based on ancient ªAyurvedic pattern and their medicinal uses have been elaborated extensively. In this book, names of medicinal plants in more than 150 languages alongwith their Hindi and Sanskrit nomenclature, have been compiled as far as possible. In this way this knowledge which was scattered in several ªAyurvedic texts, has been simply arranged in an easy manner at one place. This Encyclopaedia not only contains all the illustrations and explanations available in the ªAyurvedic texts and manuscripts till date but it also contains an authentic description, based on the research of many years and written after its successful implementation on millions of patients. Here, the productive and appropriate treatment methodology for normal to severe diseases; from ancient and modern era will be provided. It contains world class authenticity in the identification of medicinal plants along with their recent and correct botanical names. Besides Indian plants, thousands of foreign plants are also described; for their easy identification photographs, line diagrams and paintings (canvas paintings) have been provided, which present a clear exhibition of medicinal plants. This Encyclopaedia will enhance the knowledge of students, research workers and scholars who are curious regarding the medicinal plants and their uses. It is the most elaborative and authentic treatise in the world. This book will prove to be a blessing for forest dwellers, rural and urban mass, doctors and for all the communities of the society.
In this compilation more than 10,000 medicinal plants found worldwide have been described elaboratively and authentically with completely new perspective.

Part-I (Classical Indian Medicinal Plants)
(Comprising of about 12 Volumes, each containing approximately 450-500 pages)
This part would contain all the medicinal plants described in ªAyurvedic Classical texts (about 1000 plants) at one place for the first time. It will contain, all references right from Vedas to ancient ªAyurvedic literature and rare manuscripts, unpublished hand written text, research articles regarding the medicinal qualities and uses of medicinal plants have been well-defined and properly arranged. Also, their Sanskrit nomenclature, derivation of their Sanskrit and botanical name, vernacular names in different Indian and foreign languages, their identification, botanical morphology, chemical composition, ªAyurvedic properties and actions, modern pharmacological properties and actions, their uses in different diseases, parts used and their dosage have been described extensively. The controversies regarding the identification of medicinal plants, have been resolved and presented authentically.

Part-II (Indian Traditional Medicinal Plants)
(Comprises of about 6-8 volumes which exclude Classical Indian Medicinal Plants)
In this part approximately 3000 plants which are used traditionally throughout India have been included. There was no proper and authentic compilation or publication regarding these medicinal plants till date. For the first time, these plants were identified authentically on the basis of medicinal research. Our expeditions throughout the country, the knowledge extracted from various tribes, villagers, forest dwellers, traditional healers and the knowledge obtained from various locations has been included in this part of Encyclopaedia. The traditional medicinal knowledge and their implication in various diseases has been described alongwith their identification. Among these, many have been given new Sanskrit nomenclature so that their correct identification could be established. Besides this, plants have been described under various headings in the same pattern as in Part I.

Part-III (Foreign Medicinal Plants)
(exclude Indian Medicinal Plants)
(Containing about 4-6 volumes which)
In this part about 6000 medicinal plants found Worldwide, besides India are included. Medicinal plants described in various other systems of medicine around the world are also included in this part. Medicinal implications of various systems have also been given. In this part names of medicinal plants in various languages, their morphology, uses and modern pharmacological qualities and actions have been mentioned. Their Sanskrit name and classical properties have been described authentically for the first time in the world. For better understanding of their qualities and medicinal effects their chemical composition and modern pharmacology has been included. In this compilation various studies conducted on medicinal plants have also been included for the enhancement of knowledge. Botanical names, properties, morphology and uses of medicinal plants have been described elaborately.

A Guide to Common Medicinal Herbs

Here’s a look at some of the more common medicinal herbs. Most herbs have not been completely tested to see how well they work or to see if they interact with other herbs, supplements, medicines, or foods. Products added to herbal preparations may also cause interactions. Be aware that “natural” does not mean “safe.” It’s important to tell your healthcare providers about any herb or dietary supplement you are using.

Chamomile

Considered by some to be a cure-all, chamomile is commonly used in the U.S. as ananxiolytic and sedative for anxiety and relaxation. It is used in Europe for wound healing and to reduce inflammation or swelling. Few studies have looked at how well it works for any condition. Chamomile is used as a tea or applied as a compress. It is considered safe by the FDA. It may increase drowsiness caused by medicines or other herbs or supplements. Chamomile may interfere with the way the body uses some medicines, causing too high a level of the medicine in some people. As with any medicinal herb, talk with your healthcare provider before taking it.

Echinacea

Echinacea is commonly used to treat or prevent colds, flu, and infections, and for wound healing. More than 25 published studies looked at how well Echinacea worked to prevent or shorten the course of a cold, but none were conclusive. A 2014 study compared Echinacea with a placebo for treating colds. Results found that Echinacea did not have any effect on a cold. Other studies have also shown that long-term use can affect the body’s immune system. It should not be used with medicines that can cause liver problems. People allergic to plants in the daisy family may be more likely to have an allergic reaction to Echinacea. The daisy family includes ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, and daisies.

Feverfew

Feverfew was traditionally used to treat fevers. It is now commonly used to prevent migraines and treat arthritis. Some research has shown that certain feverfew preparations can prevent migraines. Side effects include mouth ulcers and digestive irritation. People who suddenly stop taking feverfew for migraines may have their headaches return. Feverfew should not be used with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines because these medicines may change how well feverfew works. It should not be used with warfarin or other anticoagulant medicines.

Garlic

Garlic is used for lowering cholesterol and blood pressure. It has antimicrobial effects. Reports from small, short-term, and poorly described studies show that it may cause small reductions in total and LDL cholesterol. But German research results on garlic’s cholesterol-lowering effect have been distorted for a positive effect, the FDA says. Researchers are currently exploring garlic’s possible role in preventing cancer. The FDA considers garlic safe. It should not be used with warfarin, because large amounts of garlic may affect clotting. For the same reason, large amounts should not be taken before dental procedures or surgery.

Ginger

Ginger is used to ease nausea and motion sickness. Research suggests that ginger can relieve nausea caused by pregnancy or chemotherapy. Other areas under investigation are in surgery and for nausea caused by motion. Reported side effects include bloating, gas, heartburn, and nausea.

Gingko

Ginkgo leaf extract has been used to treat a variety of conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, fatigue, and tinnitus. It is also used to improve memory and to prevent dementia and other brain disorders. Some studies have supported its slight effectiveness. But exactly how gingko works isn’t understood. Only extract from leaves should be used. Seeds contain ginkgo toxin. This toxin can cause seizures and, in large amounts, death. Because some information suggests that ginkgo can increase the risk of bleeding, it should not be used with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines, anticoagulants, anticonvulsant medicines, or tricyclic antidepressants.

Ginseng

Ginseng is used as a tonic and aphrodisiac, even as a cure-all. Research is uncertain how well it works, partly because of the difficulty in defining “vitality” and “quality of life.” There is a large variation in the quality of ginseng sold. Side effects are high blood pressure and tachycardia. It’s considered safe by the FDA, but shouldn’t be used with warfarin, heparin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines, estrogens, corticosteroids, or digoxin. People with diabetes should not use ginseng.

Goldenseal

Goldenseal is used to treat diarrhea, and eye and skin irritations. It is also used as an antiseptic. It is also an unproven treatment for colds. Goldenseal contains berberine, a plant alkaloid with a long history of medicinal use in both Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine. Studies have shown that goldenseal is effective for diarrhea. But it’s not recommended because it can be poisonous in high doses. It can cause skin, mouth, throat, and gastric irritation. It is also not recommended because of the plant’s endangered species status.

Milk thistle

Milk thistle is used to treat liver conditions and high cholesterol, and to reduce the growth of cancer cells. Milk thistle is a plant that originated in the Mediterranean region. It has been used for many different illnesses over the last several thousand years, especially liver problems. Although study results are uncertain, some promising information exists.

Saint John’s wort

Saint John’s wort is used as an antidepressant. Recent studies have not confirmed that there is more than a slight effect on depression. More research is needed to determine the best dose. A side effect is sensitivity to light, but this is only noted in people taking large doses of the herb. St. John’s work can cause a dangerous interaction with other commonly used medicines. Always talk with your healthcare provider before using this herb.

Saw palmetto

Saw palmetto is used to treat benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). But recent studies have not found it to work well for this condition. Side effects are digestive upset and headache, both mild.

Valerian

Valerian is used to treat sleeplessness and to reduce anxiety. Research suggests that valerian may be a helpful sleep aid, but there are no well-designed studies to confirm the results. In the U.S., valerian is used as a flavoring for root beer and other foods. As with any medicinal herb, talk with your healthcare provider before taking it.

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