Edible Herbs

Hibiscus sabdariffa (Roselle, Red Sorrel,Gongura ) 1. Taxonomic insights Species:   Hibiscus sabdariffa Family:  Malvaceae (Mallow family) Genus:   Hibiscus The Malvaceae family is characterized by plants often rich in mucilage, flavonoids, and organic acids. Many members have soothing (demulcent), anti-inflammatory, and diuretic properties. Related Herbs from the same family: Abelmoschus esculentus (Okra, Bhindi):  A common vegetable whose mucilaginous pods are used as a dem

Basella alba (Malabar Spinach, Ceylon Spinach) 1. Taxonomic insights Species:   Basella alba Family:  Basellaceae Genus:   Basella The Basellaceae family consists of a small number of species, primarily succulent vines. Basella alba  is the most prominent member, widely cultivated in tropical regions as a nutritious leafy green and a medicinal herb, particularly valued for its mucilaginous and cooling properties. Related Herbs from the same family: Anredera cordifolia (Madeir

Sonchus oleraceus (Common Sowthistle) 1. Taxonomic insights Species:   Sonchus oleraceus Family:  Asteraceae (Compositae) Genus:   Sonchus The Asteraceae family, also known as the daisy or sunflower family, is one of the largest plant families, characterized by composite flower heads. It includes many important medicinal herbs with bitter principles, hepatoprotective, and anti-inflammatory actions. Related Herbs from the same family: Eclipta prostrata (Bhringraj): A premier

Sonchus asper (Spiny Sow-thistle, Prickly Sow-thistle) 1. Taxonomic insights Species:   Sonchus asper Family:  Asteraceae (Compositae) Genus:   Sonchus The Asteraceae family, or the daisy family, is one of the largest plant families and includes a significant number of herbs with bitter principles, making them key players in digestive, hepatic, and detoxification therapies across traditional systems. Related Herbs from the same family: Eclipta alba (Bhringraj): A paramount A

Opuntia humifusa (Eastern Prickly Pear) 1. Taxonomic insights Species:   Opuntia humifusa Family:  Cactaceae Genus:   Opuntia The Cactaceae family consists of succulent plants, many of which have evolved mucilaginous inner tissues that hold water and bioactive compounds, leading to uses as food, medicine, and in traditional ceremonies. Related Herbs from the same family: Opuntia ficus-indica (Nagphani):  The widely cultivated prickly pear, used for diabetes, hyperlipidemia, a

(Tomato) 1. Taxonomic insights Species: Solanum lycopersicum Family: Solanaceae Genus: Solanum Related Herbs from the same family: Capsicum annuum  (Chilli Pepper) - Used in Ayurveda for digestive and circulatory stimulation. Solanum melongena  (Brinjal) - Another common vegetable with noted traditional uses.The tomato, though botanically a fruit, is used as a vegetable worldwide and originated in South America.   2. Common Names: Scientific Name: Solanum lycopersicum | Engl

Vigna unguiculata (Cowpea) 1. Scientific name and Basic Taxonomic classification Species: Vigna unguiculata Family: Fabaceae Genus: Vigna Related Herbs from the same family: Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice/Yashtimadhu): A premier rejuvenative (Rasayana) and adaptogen, renowned for its sweet taste, demulcent properties, and ability to soothe the mucous membranes of the throat, stomach, and respiratory tract. Trigonella foenum-graecum (Fenugreek/Methika): A versatile seed used a

Portulaca grandiflora (Moss Rose) 1. Scientific name and Basic Taxonomic classification Species: Portulaca grandiflora Family: Portulacaceae Genus: Portulaca Related Herbs from the same family: Portulaca oleracea (Purslane/Common Purslane): A highly valued medicinal and culinary herb in many traditions, including Ayurveda where it is known as "Lona" or "Bṛhatphenuka". It is used as a cooling, diuretic, and anti-inflammatory agent, particularly for urinary and digestive tract

Phyllanthus reticulatus (Potatobush) 1. Scientific name and Basic Taxonomic classification Species: Phyllanthus reticulatus Family: Phyllanthaceae Genus: Phyllanthus Related Herbs from the same family: Phyllanthus emblica (Amla/Amalaki): The most renowned herb in the genus, a premier Rasayana (rejuvenative) and one of the three fruits in the classic Ayurvedic formula Triphala. It is used for its high Vitamin C content, immunomodulatory, anti-aging, and digestive properties.

Cnidoscolus aconitifolius (Chaya) 1. Scientific name and Basic Taxonomic classification Species: Cnidoscolus aconitifolius Family: Euphorbiaceae Genus: Cnidoscolus Related Herbs from the same family: Ricinus communis (Castor/Eranda): One of the most important herbs in Ayurveda. The oil (Castor Oil) is a powerful purgative (Virechana) used in Panchakarma, and the root is used for inflammation and pain. The leaves are used for external applications. Phyllanthus emblica (Amla/Am

Horse Purslane- A wonderful leafy vegetable that promotes Kidney & Liver health , heals inflammation and fever

Portulaca: ALA and Heart-healthy omega-3s, gut soother, blood sugar supporter, and a neuroprotective herb. Read the full guide

Cassia auriculata (Tanner's Cassia) 1. Scientific name and Basic Taxonomic classification Species: Cassia auriculata Family: Fabaceae Genus: Cassia Related Herbs from the same family: Senna alexandrina (Senna/Sonamukhi): A well-known potent laxative (Rechana) used in Ayurveda for treating severe constipation (Vibandha) and cleansing the colon. It must be used with caution and often with corrective spices. Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice/Yashtimadhu): A premier rejuvenative (Ra

Cardiospermum halicacabum (Balloon Vine) 1. Scientific name and Basic Taxonomic classification Species: Cardiospermum halicacabum Family: Sapindaceae Genus: Cardiospermum Related Herbs from the same family: Sapindus trifoliatus (Soapnut/Aritha/Ritha): A classic cleansing herb in Ayurveda. The fruit is used as a natural surfactant for washing hair and clothes, and internally in small doses for cleansing the throat and managing asthma and epilepsy. Litchi chinensis (Litchi):

Malvastrum coromandelianum (False Mallow) 1. Scientific name and Basic Taxonomic classification Species: Malvastrum coromandelianum Family: Malvaceae Genus: Malvastrum Related Herbs from the same family: Sida cordifolia (Bala): One of the most important Ayurvedic herbs, revered as a premier Balya (strengthening) and Vata-balancing herb. It is used to treat nervous disorders, muscle pain, and as a general rejuvenative. Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (Japa): The flowers are used for

Corchorus aestuans (Jute) 1. Scientific name and Basic Taxonomic classification Species: Corchorus aestuans Family: Malvaceae Genus: Corchorus Related Herbs from the same family: Sida cordifolia (Bala): A cornerstone Ayurvedic herb used as a powerful Rasayana (rejuvenative) and Balya (strengthening) tonic, particularly for muscles, nerves, and the reproductive system. It is a primary herb for balancing Vata dosha. Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (Japa): The flowers are widely used f

(Grape Vine) 1. Taxonomic insights Species: Vitis vinifera Family: Vitaceae Genus: Vitis Related Herbs from the same family: Cissus quadrangularis  (Hadjod, Asthisamharaka) - A quintessential Ayurvedic herb of South Indian origin, famous for its bone-healing properties. Leea indica (Bandicoot Berry) - A plant found in the Indian subcontinent whose leaves and roots are used in traditional medicine for skin diseases and diarrhea.The Vitaceae family is characterized by climbing

1. Taxonomic insights Species: Spinacia oleracea Family: Amaranthaceae Genus: Spinacia Related Herbs from the same family: Amaranthus viridis  (Chaulai, Green Amaranth) - A common leafy vegetable across India, used for its nutritive and cooling properties. Chenopodium album (Bathua, Lamb's Quarters) - A popular winter leafy vegetable in North India, known for its digestive and anthelmintic properties. Beta vulgaris  (Chukandar, Beetroot) - Cultivated for its root and leaves,

(Beetroot) 1. Taxonomic insights Species: Beta vulgaris Family: Amaranthaceae Genus: Beta Related Herbs from the same family: Amaranthus spinosus (Prickly Amaranth, Tanduliya) - A common leafy vegetable (shaak) across India, used in Ayurveda for its diuretic, cooling, and blood-purifying properties. Amaranthus viridis  (Slender Amaranth, Chauli) - Another widely consumed green, valued for its nutritive and digestive benefits. Spinacia oleracea  (Spinach, Palakya) - A well-kn

(Sweet Potato) 1. Taxonomic insights Species: Ipomoea batatas Family: Convolvulaceae Genus: Ipomoea Related Herbs from the same family: Ipomoea aquatica  (Water Spinach, Kalambi) - A popular aquatic green vegetable in South India, used for its cooling and digestive properties. Ipomoea mauritiana  (Giant Potato, Kiribadu Ala) - The tubers are used in traditional medicine as a demulcent and laxative. Convolvulus pluricaulis (Shankhapushpi, Shankhahuli) - A renowned Ayurvedic m