Kumkumapoovu(Saffron)

The saffron plant is flowering perennial plant. Purple colored flower of this plant bears three stigmas. The plucked and dried stigmas are used in cooking, medicine preparations and beauty products.Saffron has therapeutic properties and is consumed to aid digestion and improve appetite of pregnant women. It balances tridoshas (vata, pitta and kapha). Saffron contains a carotenoid called crocin which imparts bright golden yellow color to dishes.Saffron acts as a cardiac tonic and is used to treat diseases which originate from vitiation of blood.

Incha or Enja (Nikuncham,Eencha Acacia caesia wild)

Acacia caesia (L.) Willd. is an armed woody straggling shrub of medicinal importance belongs to the family, Mimosaceae, distributed widely in the foot hills of the Western Ghats.The leaves are used as vegetable and in the treatment of asthma, skin diseases,menstrual disorders,and scabies.incha fibre can be used as a natural bath scrubber for a long time.It is a good natural antibacterial and commonly used for burning sensation and other skin diseases. The crushed stem is used as a natural scrubber for bathing.

Shatavari

Asparagus racemosus is a species of asparagus common throughout Nepal, Sri Lanka, India and the Himalayas.Shatavari, or Asparagus racemosus, has been used for centuries in Ayurveda to support the reproductive system, particularly for females, and as a support for the digestive system, especially in cases of excess pitta. Shatavari is the primary uterine tonic in Ayurveda. Shatavari is also especially useful in nourishing and calming the nerves, nourishing the brain and helping to support the brain and the body in regaining balance from vata disorders like spasms, pain, and insomnia.

Kunthirikkam(Frankincense or Kunthirikkam (Olibanum))

Frankincense, also called olibanum, is an aromatic resin used in incense and perfumes, obtained from trees of the genus Boswellia in the family Burseraceae, particularly Boswellia sacra.It is also an ingredient that is sometimes used in skincare. The essential oil is obtained by steam distillation of the dry resin.Burning frankincense repels mosquitos and thus helps protect people and animals from mosquito-borne illnesses, such as malaria, dengue etc.

Neem

Azadirachta indica, also known as Neem, Nimtree, and Indian Lilac is a tree in the mahogany family Meliaceae. The primary purpose of neem leaves is the treatment of vaata disorders or neuromuscular pains. Then come the other benefits: purify the blood, prevent damage caused by free radicals in the body, remove toxins, treat insect bites and ulcers.Neem bark leaves contain Polysaccharides and liomnoids which are beneficial for alleviating cancer and tumor cells.

Adalodakam

Adalodakam (Adhatoda vasica or Adhatoda beddomei or Justicia adhatoda, with excellent therapeutic properties. It is widely used for its general healing and strengthening properties in Ayurveda. Its leaves are rich source of vitamin C. There are different alkaloids present in Adalodakam and is used in the treatment of cold, cough, bronchitis, asthma, rheumatism, etc.

Red sandalwood

Red sandalwood or ‘Rakta Chandana’ is known to be one of the most reliable natural beauty ingredients.Red Sandalwood powder and paste can be used for many skin problems such as scars, acne, skin tone, ageing, pigmentation etc.Pure red sandalwood powder is used in creams, lotions and other cosmetic products also.

Benefits of Red Sandalwood:-

• Removes Pigmentation Marks
• Removes Pimples:
• Anti-Ageing property
• Controls Oiliness of Skin
• Soothes Itchy, Inflamed Skin

Vayambu

Acorus Calamus is a medicinal plant that generally grows near lakes, ponds and streams. It is also called as sweet flag. Acorus Calamus is widely used in India. It is given to infants for making them colic-free.

Giving the mixture of Vayambu and honey to infants for the first time is considered sacred in India. Vayambu is extensively used for its therapeutic qualities. In India, these herbal plants are used for the treatment of colic in infants. Dried roots of sweet flags are rubbed against the stones and the powder formed in mixed with honey to form a paste. Mild quantity of this mixture is given to infants for reducing colic in infants.

Benefits:-

1. Sweet flag is useful against the treatment for cough and cold. It can also have positive effects against respiratory disorders like bronchitis.
2. It can be a body coolant and used against dyspepsia, and vomiting.
3. The rhizome of Sweet flag has sedative properties, it can have a depressing effect on the central nervous system.
4. Hence, it is an essential ingredient in ayurvedic medicines used for the treatment of psychosomatic disorders like epilepsy.
5. Acorus calamus roots are one of the main components of pills used against snake bites.
6. Sweet flag plants are used externally for the treatment of inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and paralysis
7. Vayambu or Sweet flag root vapours are used as insect repellent.

Panikoorka

Panikoorka plant is a common sight in most homes in the Southern states of India. You will find them in the homes where small children are there. Panikoorka is an Ayurvedic herb , the leaves are used for treating common cold, cough and fever in babies and adults.

1. Panikoorka is very effective home remedy for cold, fever and cough in children.
2. Panikoorka is a natural expectorant for children.
3. It is an effective natural remedy for excess phlegm.
4. Panikoorka is used as a natural and instant  First aid support.

It is also used in the treatment of skin disorders,dandruff and different types of allergies.

Massage

Massage can be a powerful tool to help you take charge of your health and well-being. Massage is generally considered part of complementary and alternative medicine. It's increasingly being offered along with standard treatment for a wide range of medical conditions and situations.

Massage may also be helpful for:

1. Anxiety.
2. Digestive disorders.
3. Fibromyalgia.
4. Headaches.
5. Insomnia related to stress.
6. Myofascial pain syndrome.
7. Soft tissue strains or injuries.

LEHYAMS

Lehyams are semi solid Malt/Jam like preparation of drugs, prepared by adding jaggery or sugar and boiled with the prescribed liquid till the correct constituency is obtained.

1. AGASTHYA RASAYANAM: (Ashtamgahrudayam) - Specially used for Tuberculosis and Cough.
2. AJAMAMSA RASAYANAM -Effective in Emaciation and Asthma.
3. ASWAGANDHAADI LEHYAM: (Sahasrayogam) - Used in wasting disease related to Tuberculosis.

4. BAAHUSAALAGULAM: (Sahasrayogam) - Relieves Piles, anaemia, Jaundice, Ascites and increase Digestive power.

5. BRAHMA RASAYANAM: (Ashtamgahrudayam) - Increases Brain Power and Mental health.

Kashayam

Kashayam also Kasayam is a home-brewed Indian ayurvedic medicine used for ailments like indigestion, cough and common cold etc. It is a water extract and an ancient medicine that has been used for a long time. Many are very bitter in taste and the liquid is dark in color. It is mainly used by South-Indian and Bengali families.

Different Kashayams are prepared for various ailments. Some of them are:

• Amruthotharam Kashayam
• Karkkidaka Kashayam
• Ginger Kashayam
• Nilavembu Kashayam
• Varadi Kashayam

Kaiyunnam or Kayyoonni

Scientific name:Eclipta alba/eclipta prostrata 

Trailing elipta or Kayyoni is a seasonal plant growing mostly in rainy season. It is traditionally used in Kerala as an ingredient  of hair oil as a herbal treatment.

1. It has protective features against dandruff and pre-mature hair graying and hair loss.
2. Coconut oil boiled with kayyonni and apply on head before bath for the coolness of head and eye-sight.
3. It is used in the treatment of liver diseases,  anemia, diphtheria, etc.

Mukkutti

Botanical name : Biophytum sensitivum

Family : Oxalidaceae

Biophytum is a small plant with coconut palm shaped with yellow flowers .So it is called in Kerala "Nilamtengu" means Ground coconut.It grows u p to 4-5 inches.

1. The leaves are ground and given along with buttermilk for diarrhoea.
2. The seeds ground with water and applied over wound and ulcer.
3. The samoolam of this plant or whole plant is ground, mixed with honey and given for cough, chest congestion etc.
4. After delivery, the leaves of this plant along with jaggery is cooked and given to the delivered ladies to expell the lochia and remains from the uterus.
5. The paste of the leaves is applied over burns and contusions.