A Catalogue of Medicinal Herbs

This source is a catalogue of medicinal plants. Each entry records a plant's family, botanical name, common names, part used, habitat where supplied, and traditional uses described in the source.

Ashwagandha, Withania somnifera, is listed under Solanaceae. The source names its root and leaves as parts used and describes it as a tonic, astringent, deobstruent, nervine, aphrodisiac and sedative. It is also described as Indian ginseng and associated with vitality, endurance, rheumatism, leprosy and arthritis.

Hyocyamus niger, or henbane, is listed for its seeds. The source describes uses including bird feed, gastric or intestinal cramps, diarrhoea, neuralgia, cough, hysteria, mania, skin inflammation and boils, and records anodyne, narcotic and mydriatic properties.

Aloe vera is listed with flowers and roots as parts used. The source associates it with burns, dermatitis and skin disorders, and describes the juice as a tonic used in jaundice, amenorrhoea and piles. Aloe gel is described as useful for wounds, ulcers and burns.

Asparagus racemosus, or shatavari, is listed for its tuberous roots and described as bitter, sweet, cooling, emollient, nervine and tonic. The source associates it with nervous disorders, dyspepsia, tumours, scalding urine, throat infections, tuberculosis, cough, bronchitis and general debility.

Neem, Azadirachta indica, is listed with leaves, flowers, oil and seed. The source records vermifuge, insecticide, astringent, tonic and antiseptic properties, and discusses traditional uses involving the stomach, worms, ulcers, fever, and neem-based soaps, shampoos and toothpaste.

Bacopa monniera, or Brahmi, is listed as a whole plant from marshy places and cultivated areas of South India. It is described as diuretic, cardiac, nervine and tonic, and the source associates it with intellect, asthma, hoarseness, epilepsy and anxiety.

Basil, Boswellia serrata and Calamus are also included. Basil is listed for leaves and seeds and described as stimulating, expectorant and anti-catarrhal. Boswellia is listed for bark and gum resin and associated with cough, asthma, jaundice and arthritis. Calamus is listed for its dried rhizome and described as stomachic, expectorant, carminative, antispasmodic and nervine sedative.

The catalogue continues with Senna, Cassia fistula and Cassia tora. It describes Senna as a laxative used in habitual constipation, Cassia fistula for its fruit pulp and bark, and Cassia tora for aperient, germicidal and mucilaginous uses including traditional applications in skin complaints.

Centella asiatica, Cinchona officinalis, Datura stramonium, Emblica officinalis and Ephedra vulgaris are included with their botanical identities and traditional uses. The source discusses pennywort, quinine bark, datura, Indian gooseberry and ephedra in relation to tonic, digestive, respiratory, febrile and other traditional applications.

The entries also cover Guggul, Gymnema sylvestre, Hedychium, Henna, Liquorice and Moringa. These descriptions include gum resin, liver and digestive uses, nausea and bronchial complaints, skin and hair applications, cough and throat support, and the traditional uses of moringa roots, seeds and leaves.

Further entries include Mucuna pruriens, Papaver somniferum, Mint, Psyllium husk, Pterocarpus marsupium, Pomegranate, Quince and Rhubarb. The source records their parts used and traditional associations with tonic, digestive, respiratory, urinary, bowel and skin complaints.

Safed Musli, Sarsaparilla, Syzygium cumini, Walnut, Terminalia arjuna, Terminalia belerica, Terminalia chebula, Tinospora cordifolia, Tribulus terrestris, Valeriana wallichi, Vinca rosea and Zingiber officinalis complete the supplied catalogue. Their entries describe the traditional properties, parts used and applications recorded by the source.

The catalogue is a historical and traditional reference. The plant descriptions should be read as source material rather than as a substitute for individual diagnosis, professional advice or safe prescribing.