List of herbs and minerals in Ayurveda

Ayurveda (Devanagari: ) is a form of traditional medicine in use primarily in India. Ayurveda believes that various materials of vegetable, animal, and mineral origin have some medicinal value. The medicinal properties of these materials are time tested and have been used for centuries in ayurvedic medicines to cure illness and/or help maintain health.

Ayurvedic medicaments are made from herbs or mixtures of herbs, either alone or in combination with minerals, metals and other ingredients of animal origin. The metals, animals and minerals are purified by individual processes before being used for medicinal purposes. Impurified materials are not allowed to be used as medicine.

The forms of Ayurvedic medicaments are:

  • Fresh juice of herbs
  • Quath : Crushed herbs, used as decoction or tea for internal and external uses
  • Churna : Fine powdered herbs, used as medicine with water or in food for internal and external uses
  • Taila : Herbs cooked in edible oil according to rules laid down for internal and external uses
  • Ghrat/Ghrit : Herbs cooked in clarified butter
  • Asav/Arista/Sura : a kind of light wine obtained from fermentation of herbs
  • Arka : A distillation of herbs
  • Rasausadhi/Kharliya Rasayan : Herbs mixed with metals, minerals and animal ingredients
  • Bhasma : Ashes
  • Parpaty : combinations of Metals, Minerals, Animal ingredients and Herbs
  • Kshar/Lavan/Salt/Drava : these are specially prepared medicaments
  • Guggula based medicaments
  • Lauha Bhasam : Mandoor Bhasam based medicaments
  • Avaleha/Modak/Paak/Prash : Herbs cooked in Jaggery or sugar
  • Bati/Gutika/Goli : Mixtures of medicines shaped in pills, pillules or tablets for ease of administration
  • Pralep/Anjan/Varti/Dhoop : Liniments, drops, paint, paste etc. for external uses

Commonly used herbs and minerals

(Names ref.)

Botanical (Latin) Name

Common (English) Name

Sanskrit Name

Claimed Therapeutic Use
(According to Ayurveda)

Acacia

Shikakai

Useful in bilious affections, jaundice, malarial fever, preventive to flatulence, mild laxative

Indian Gum Arabic Tree

Babool

Demulcent, astringent, gonorrhoea, leucorrhoea, styptic, diarrhoea, dysentery, diabetes,

Sweet Flag

Vacha

Bitter tonic, ague, habitual constipation, atonic dyspepsia, flatulence, paralytic nervous affections, colic, epilepsy, dropsy, glandular diseases, rheumatoc swellings, useful for children's ailments teething etc.

Malabar Nut

Vasaka

For comfort from bronchitis, whooping cough & bronchial asthma. To support lung functions. Has immune system-boosting properties.

Bael Tree

Bael

For intestinal problems such as amoebic dysentery & diarrhoea. Is digestive, anthelmintic, & anti-inflammatory, useful in irritable bowel syndromes and inflammatory condition of bowels.

Garlic

Lasuna

To control excess conversion of lipids & cholesterol.

Indian Aloe

Kumari

Useful in ophthalmic disorders, mild laxative, tonic, increases semen quality, cure vata dosha, poisonous effects, hepatospleenomegaly, spleen and liver disorders, cystic formation, hydrocele, kaphha fever, glands, anomalies of blood, anomalies of skin.

The Creat

Yavatika

Used in malaria fever, enlargement of liver, chronic and obstinate fever, dropsy, edema, removes constipation, appetiser, useful in infant's disorders such as diarrhoea, colic, vomiting etc.

Indian Dill

Satahva

Useful in improving hunger, good appetiser, anti-febric, vermifugal, digestive, abdominal colic, intestinal colic, ophthalmic disorders, pelvic inflammatory disease conditions, analgesic, body pain .

Asparagus

Shatavari

To nourish the female reproductive system, promote lactation.

Neem

Neem

For skin disorders. Has blood purifying & immune-boosting properties. as an anti-bacterial, anti-fungal agent.

Bacopa

Brahmi

For improving alertness. As an anti-anxiety agent.

Indian Bdellium Tree

Guggulu

Anti-spasmodic, emmenagogue, stimulant, tonic, alterative demulcent, useful in rheumatism, nervous diseases, glands and scrofulous diseases, blood purifier, useful in chronic wounds which do not heal easily.

White Pumpkin

Kushmanda

As a food nourished body, vigour, purifies blood, appetiser, easy to digest, removes constipation, normalise bowel movements / as a remedy useful in mental disorders, epilepsy, mania, psychological disorders and helps to cure all mental diseases and their conditions.

Himalayan Birch

Bhurjapatra

In ear disorders, bile disorders, anomalies of blood, psychological disorders, anti-obesity, anti-toxin.

Boerhaavia

Punarnava

For efficient kidney & urinary functions. In urinary tract infections.

Red Pepper

Katuvira

Aroused digestive fire, removes kaphha dosha, produce burning sensation, removes indigestion, anti-cholera, helps to heal obstinate wounds, removes hoarseness, sleepiness and perversion of taste, useful in loss of senses and weak pulse condition.

Golden Shower Tree

Aragvadha

FRUIT-BODY:Mild laxative, Anti-fever, useful in Cardiac or Heart problems, Rakta Pitta, Hematemesis, Hemorrhages, Arthritis, Vatavyadhi, Colic, , Acidity and acidic eructations, ROOTS: Very strong purgative, should not be used alone

Deodar Cedar

Devadaru

BARK and STEM is used: creates sweating, creates urination, Anti-vata, eliminates Skin disorders, Anti-febril, Anti-edema, Arthritis, Joints pain, Joints swelling, Antitussive, Vermifugal, anomaly of Blood, anomaly of urine etc.

Camphor

Karpoora

useful in kaphha, thirst, obesity, burning sensations, throat problems, intestinal worms, mouth freshener, analgesics, antitusive, antipyeratic, excessive sweats, beneficial effects when taken in small quantity [50mg]in Low blood pressure and asthma,

Pomelo

Mahanimbu

Vata-kaphha nashak, mild laxative, digestive, appetiser, loss of appetite, abdominal colic, worms, vomiting, nausea

Lemon

Nimbaka

use as food, increased taste, increased hunger, digestive, help to pass abdominal wind, flatus

Citron

Bijapura

useful in heart disorders, abdominal colic, Gulm, vomiting, nausea, indigestion, haemorrhoids

Cucumber

Trapusha

Diuretic, useful in heamatamesis, haemorrhages, bleeding, cold in nature, as a food to renal stone patient

Cumin

Shvetajiraka

SEEDS: smell increasing the taste of food, increased taste, appetiser, Cholagogue, useful in abdominal colic, flatulence, wind formation, offensive flatus, vermifugal, dysentery, diarrhoea, Gulma, indigestion, inflammatory condition of bowels, renal calculus, gonorrhoea, obstruction of urine, nausea, vomiting etc.

Carrot

Garjira

SEEDS: useful in flatulence, renal disorders, pathophysiology of small and large intestines, salpingitis, Impotency, Female genital disorders, ROOT: vermifugal, spleenomegaly, physical weakness, cholecystitis, problem before delivery, cardiac problems, piles, colic burning sensation, asthma, hiccough, mouth freshener, EXTERNAL: Burns, abscess

Thistles

Bhringaraja

JUICE:useful to teeth, skin and hairs, indicated for the treatment of Kaphha-vata disorders, cough, bronchitis, worms, asthma, skin diseases, oedema, mucous disorders, anemia, digestive, support and nourished body, choleggue, hepatomegaly, liver disorders, loss of appetite, vertigo, hepatospleenomegaly, piles, indigestion, HeadAche, weak vision, EXTERNAL; Burns, skin diseases, leucoderma, hair falling, alopecia

False Black Pepper

Vidanga

FRUITS:carminative, anthelmintic, stimulant, alterative, anti-dyspeptic, anti-flatulent, skin diseases, rheumatisma, diuretic, laxative, purgative

Eucalyptus

Nilgiri Taila

EXTERNAL:deodorant, useful in skin disorders, anti-vermicular, wounds us cervix, wounded piles, smells in Cold and coryza, muscular and joints pain, myopathy: INTERNAL; for excessive salivation, digestive, antipyeretic

Banyan tree

Vata

Kaphha pitta shamak, ,nausea, diarrhoea, bloody dysentery, haemorrhages, bleeding, dysentery, anomaly of blood, bleeding from all orifices, discoloration of skin, bloody leucorrhoea, leucorrhoea, white discharges feom vagina, help in pregnancy, anomaly of urine, Prameha, ueful for childless women, increased fertility of women

Fennel

Shatapushpa

used in Vata-pitta dosha, useful in mental weakness, weakness of eyesight, nausea, vomiting, weak appetite, Flatulence, abdominal wind, abdominal colic, dysentery, piles, cardiac disorders, anomaly of blood, cough, bronchitis, pulmonary disorders, anomaly of urine and urination, fever, skin disorders, weakness, burning sensations

Indian Wintergreen

Gandapura

OIL:cures Vata, pain, stimulant, antipyeretic, brings sweats, diuretic, antispasmodic, removes pain of all nature, useful in cardiac disorders, joints pain, sciatica, flatulence, wind formation in abdomen, Rheumatic pain, myolitis

Seabuckthorn

BHASAM [Ashes]: used in respiratory disorders, hiccough, asthma, cough, cardiac pain, glandular swellings, rheumatism, arthritis, tuberculosis, pulmonary disorders, joints pain, increases [...] desire in male and female both, Impotency EXTERNAL: paste is applied in Pleuritis, Pneumonia, backache, painful inflammatory condition with swelling

Jasmine

Jati

cold nature, bitter taste, increases Vata and Kaphha Dosha, useful in Burning pain wounds, anomaly of blood, Oral problems, Tooth problems, Eyes disorders, Headache, migraine, antitoxic, OIL: cold, heals wounds, anomaly of blood, useful in skin, head and ophthalmic disorders, stomatitis

Walnut

Akschota

useful in facial paralysis, cervical lymphadenitis, adenitis, ringworm, edema, dropsy, swelling, fistula, opium poisoning, devermicular, purgative, laxatives, provides strength, pulmonary tuberculosis, cardiac disorders, uric acid diathesis, gout, burning sensations, rheumotoid arthritis, syphilis, gonorrhoea, dermatitis, skin disordres and anomaly of blood, blood purifier,

White Lily

Kshirakakoli

useful in increasing the quantity of semen, condensed semen, increasing lactations in feeding mothers, creates [...] excitement both in male and female, increases vitality, vigour

Sensitive plant

Lajjalu

for gynaecological disorders, skin disorders, bleeding piles, amoebic dysentery, diarrhoea.

Mango

Amra

RAW MANGO: sour, tasteful, increases Vata & Pitta Dosha, RIPED MANGO: sweet, increases semen quality, appetiser, increases taste, wound healer, anomaly of blood,

Tea Tree

Kayaputi

useful in Hyperpyerexia, gout, uric acid, diarrhoea, skin disorders, bronchitis, cough, dermatitis, joints pain, muscular pain,

Honey

Madhu

sweet, cool, easy to digest, removes constipation, better for eyes & voice, beneficial to heart, ripes wounds quickly, useful in obesity, frequent urination, hiccough, asthma, bronchitis, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, emaciation, excessive thirst, haemorrhagic tendency, faintness, burning sensation, healing wound

Mint

Putiha

Peppermint

OIL and CRYSTALS: carminative, cool, analgesic, relives painful muscular conditions, smells in Cold and coryza, relives headache, sinusitis, uses both internally and externally. very powerful in action, while use internally, use very small quantity [one drop in four divided doses] with precautions

Musk

Jatamansi

Chir Pine

Shrivasa

Indian Long Pepper

Pippali

Almond

Vatadha

Pomegranate

Dadima

Apple

Seva

Rosemary

Silk Cotton Tree

Shalmali

Sandalwood

Chandana

Soapnut Tree

Arishta

Sesame

Til

Egyptian Rattle Pod

Jayanti

Sal Tree

Shala

Tomato

Fenugreek

Medhika

Common Wheat

Godhuma

Poppy

Ushira

Five-leaved Chaste Tree

Nirgundi

Grape

Draksha

Sweet Indrajao

Hyamaraka

Toothache Tree

Tumburu

Ginger

Sunthi

in digestive disorders like low appetite, indigestion, nausea, vomiting & motion sickness.

Alum

Saurashtri

INTERNAL:Bloody dysentery, Dysentery, worms, Remittent and intermittent fever, anti-tussive, EXTERNAL: Piles, wound, traumatic wounds and conditions, stings, itching, eczema, conjunctivitis, leucorrhoea, otorrhoea, gonorrhoea, gargles in pharyngitis, tonsillitis, throat problems

Conch Shell

Shankha

BHASAM [Ashes]: Loss of appetite, indigestion, peptic ulcers, dueodenal ulcers, hyperacidity, bronchitis, hepatospleenomegaly, Gulm, Asthma, cough, respiratory disorders

Sodium carbonate

Svarjikshara

INTERNAL:useful in constipation, Diuretic, Gulmanashak, Colic, pain abdominal, worms intestinal, flatulence, eructations, abdominal winds, tympenitis, Irritable bowel syndromes EXTERNAL: promotes suppuration of boils, burns, pimples, leucoderma, white patches of skin

Sodium Bicarbonate

Tankana

First purify according of Ayurveda directions: Increased digestive fire, Kaphha nashak, antitoxic, cough, bronchitis, asthma, pulmonary resoiratory disorders, antipyeritic, Gulm nashak, colic, bodyache, sensation of chilliness etc. spleenomegaly hyperacidity, diminished hunger, stomatitis EXTERNAL:eczema, ringworm, itching of skin, mouth pain in aphthea, vaginal itching, leucorrhoea, hydrocele, mammary gland inflammation, toothache, black spot on face etc.

Cowrie Shell

Varatika

BHASAM [Ash]: used in colic of all nature, mucous colitis, dysentery, hyperacidity, weak assimilation, diarrhoea, gastritis, gas formation, flatulence, excessive thirst, tympenitis, rumbling in abdomen, loss of appetite, Irritable bowel syndromes, improves digestive power, asthma, bronchitis, otorrhoea, dry cough, Tuberculosis, exhaustive disease conditions, aphthea, stomatitis etc.

NATURAL Zinc

Yashad Bhasma

BHASAM [Ash]: used in ophthalmic disorders, night blindness, kaphha-pitta disorders, jaundice, liver disorders, hepatitis, anomalies of urine, diebetes, asthma, cysts, glands, diarrhoea, mucous colitis, dhatu kshaya, tuberculosis, bacillary dysentery, gonorrhoea, impotency, improves digestion, beneficial in vomiting and nausea.

Botanical (Latin) Name

Common (English) Name

Sanskrit Name

Therapeutic Use
(According to Ayurveda)

See also

  • Ayurveda