Taxonomy

(Potato) 1. Taxonomic insights Species: Solanum tuberosum Family: Solanaceae Genus: Solanum Related Herbs from the same family: Withania somnifera  (Ashwagandha) - A premier Rasayana (rejuvenating) herb in Ayurveda. Solanum melongena  (Brinjal) - A common vegetable with attributed medicinal properties for lowering cholesterol. Capsicum annuum  (Bell Pepper, Chilli) - Used in various traditional medicines for circulatory and metabolic stimulation.The potato is a tuberous crop

Luffa acutangula  (Ridged Luffa) 1. Taxonomic insights Species: Luffa acutangula Family: Cucurbitaceae Genus: Luffa Related Herbs from the same family: Luffa aegyptiaca  (Smooth Luffa): Its closest relative with overlapping uses. Luffa operculata  (Dhamargava): A more potent cousin used specifically for sinusitis. Momordica charantia  (Bitter Gourd): Shares the family and bitter, detoxifying principles. 2. Common Names: Scientific Name: Luffa acutangula | English: Ridged Gou

Dioscorea alata (Purple Yam) 1. Scientific name and Basic Taxonomic classification Species: Dioscorea alata Family: Dioscoreaceae Genus: Dioscorea Related Herbs from the same family: Dioscorea bulbifera (Varahikand, Ratalu): The "air potato," which produces bulbils. In Ayurveda, after detoxification (shodhana), it is used as a rejuvenative (Rasayana) and for managing thyroid disorders. Dioscorea oppositifolia (China Root):  Known as Dioscorea glabra in some texts, this is t

Ipomoea batatas (Sweet Potato) 1. Scientific name and Basic Taxonomic classification Species: Ipomoea batatas Family: Convolvulaceae Genus: Ipomoea Related Herbs from the same family: Convolvulus pluricaulis (Shankhapushpi): A highly revered Ayurvedic Medhya Rasayana (brain tonic) used primarily for enhancing memory, cognitive function, and treating nervous disorders. Ipomoea digitata (Vidari): A classic Ayurvedic rejuvenative (Rasayana) and galactagogue, used to promote vi

Scientific Name:  Trigonella foenum-graecum Family:  Fabaceae Genus:  Trigonella Related Herbs from the same family: Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice/Yashtimadhu):  A primary respiratory and digestive tonic. Cicer arietinum (Chickpea/Chana):  A nutritive and strengthening food. Medicago sativa (Alfalfa):  Used as a nutritive tonic and for managing cholesterol. 2. Common Names Scientific Name: Trigonella foenum-graecum  | English: Fenugreek | Sanskrit: Methika, Methi | Hindi: Meth

Amaranthus viridis (Slender Amaranth) 1. Scientific name and Basic Taxonomic classification Species: Amaranthus viridis Family: Amaranthaceae Genus: Amaranthus Related Herbs from the same family: Amaranthus spinosus (Kanteli Chaulai / Mullukeerai):  A common wild amaranth with spines at the leaf axils. It is used similarly to A. viridis  as a pot herb and in traditional medicine for its cooling, diuretic, and galactagogue properties. Amaranthus tricolor (Lal Sag / Cheera): A

Arachis hypogaea (Peanut) 1. Scientific name and Basic Taxonomic classification Species: Arachis hypogaea Family: Fabaceae Genus: Arachis Related Herbs from the same family: (Refer to Lablab purpureus  for examples like Licorice, Fenugreek, etc., as they belong to the same Fabaceae family).   2. Common names Scientific Name: Arachis hypogaea | English: Peanut, Groundnut | Sanskrit: Bhuimudga, Mandapi | Hindi: Moongphali, Mungfali | Tamil: Nilakadalai, Verkadalai | Telugu: Ve