The Neem tree has for a very long time been a friend and protector of the Indian villagers. For ages Indians have trusted this tree to fortify their health and remedy scores of diseases. In addition, it has been used for protecting food and stored grains and as a fertilizer and natural pesticide for the fields. The word NEEM is derived from Sanskrit Nimba which means ‘bestower of good health’. The Vedas called Neem, “SARVA ROGA NIVARINI”, which means ‘one that cures all ailments and ills’. For centuries Indians planted this tree in the vicinity of their homes and practiced gentle and daily interaction with this extraordinary plant. For women in particular, the Neem proved an invaluable source of health, hygiene and beauty that was freely available. Giloy, has long been a part of Ayurvedic medicine in India and has been used to treat many diseases. The Sanskrit and Hindi name Amrita is derived from ancient Hindu scriptures where Amrit was used to bring dead back from life and keep away from growing ill or old.

In Ayurveda, Giloy is termed as a Rasayana, and is said to cure all the three Doshas. Rasayana is said to root out morbidity, destroys diseases, nourishes and promotes overall health. Studies on giloy have reported diverse medicinal properties, including antispasmodic, antidiabetic, anti-arthritic, antiperiodic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-stress, anti-allergic, antimalarial, hepatoprotective, antileprotic, antineoplastic, and immunomodulatory activities. It is said of Triphala; “No mother? Do not worry so long as you have Triphala.” Indian people believe that Triphala can care for the internal organs as a mother cares for her children. Triphala (Sanskrit; tri = three and phala = fruits) is a well-recognized and revered polyherbal medicine consisting of dried fruits of the three plant species Amalaki or the Indian Gooseberry, Bibhitaki, and Haritaki.

Studies have validated a number of potential uses of Triphala, which include free radical scavenging, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulating, appetite stimulation, gastric hyperacidity reduction, dental caries prevention, antipyretic, analgesic, antibacterial, antimutagenic, wound healing, anti-cariogenic, anti-stress, adaptogenic, hypoglycaemic, anticancer, hepatoprotective, chemoprotective, radio- protective, and chemo-preventive effects. Triphala may also promote proper digestion and absorption of food, reduce serum cholesterol levels etc.

Tulsi or Tulasi or Vaishnavi (Medicinal name of Tulsi is Ocimum sanctum linn ) or holy basil is a sacred plant of India. Plant has great spiritual, medicinal and therapeutic value in Hindu belief. It is used for treatment of a wide variety of ailments around the world. Within Ayurveda, tulsi is known as “The Incomparable One”, “Mother Medicine of Nature”, and is revered as an “Elixir of Life” that is without equal for both its medicinal and spiritual properties. Daily consumption of Tulsi is said to prevent disease, promote general health, wellbeing and longevity and assist in dealing with the stresses of daily life. Tulsi has proved to be highly effective in protecting our body from various infections and diseases of heart, liver, skin, kidney etc. So, Tulsi is rightly called the ‘Queen of Herbs’. Read the amazing Book on the wonders of Neem, Giloy, Triphala & Tulsi…

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