Some important herbs of India Iranian origin in mother and child health care

Abstract

Even in the 21st century when the modern medicine has made tremendous progress in development of promptly acting medicines and precise diagnostic equipments the total health is still a challenge to medical science. Since many decades the utility of the Traditional Medicines/Wholistic medicine throughout the world has been felt immensely and the World Health Organization have also accepted the viable use of various traditional medicinal like Chinese System of Medicine, Ayurveda, Unani System of medicine in health care. The Unani System of medicine which is a synthesis of Egyptian, Middle East, Iranian and Indian Medicines is providing the safe and effective treatment in the various common and complex diseases in this sub-continent since hundred of years. Among the hundred of plants which are used in Unani System of Medicine number of them are commonly grow in Iran and are useful in the Health care of the mother and child e.g. Banafsha: Viola odorata. It is a perennial herb, grows commonly in Iran and India. Its flowers are effective in coryza, cough, reduce the congestion and inflammation of the respiratory tract and it is safe in children and even in pregnant mother. Kasni or Cichory Cichoruim Intybus: It is a perennial herb. It is a good diuretic, antipyretic, and analgesic and protects the liver from various indoginous and exoginous toxins. Aslussos or Liquorice or Sheren Byan (Glycyrrhiza glabra Linn): It is a perennial herb. Its rhizome is expectorant, demulcent, anti-inflammatory and is commonly used for cough and catarrhal infections. In recent studies, it has also found useful in peptic ulcers. Kaknaj or winter cherries (Physalis al kekengi linn): It is a perennial herb with creeping roots. Its fruits are good diuretic and useful in urinary tract infections in females and children. Carvy or Zera (Carum carvi Linn): A biennial herb of high altitude growth in Iran and India. It is aromatic, Carminative, good glactagogue and emmenagogue and is also useful in intermittent fevers and intestinal worms. Sad Kafi or Motha ! (Cyperus rotundus Linn): It is a perennial herb. Tuber roots are used. It is a good diaphoretic, diuretic, emmenagogue and glactogogue. It is also useful in anorexia and diarrhea in children. Satar Farsi (Zataria multiflore Boiss): It is also a perennial herb, best quality is from Iran, its leaves are aromatic. This is a good carminative, anti-tussive, anti-flatulence and is also useful in hiccup and early stages of asthma. Fennel or Razyana (Foeiculum vulgare): It is also a perennial herb. Its fruits are carminative, anti-flatulence, and safe in children and pregnant mothers and may protect them from Iodine Deficiency as it contains iodine. Rehan or Shahasfarm (Ocimium sanctum Linn): It is an aromatic perennial herb. Its leaves and seeds are used as antipyretic, anti-bacterial, carminative, cardio-tonic and expectorant. It is also good in cold and coryza. Ode Saleeb (Paeonia officinalis Linn or Paeonia femina Linn): It is a perennial herb. Its roots/Tuber is used. It is a good diuretic, emmenagogue, antispasmodic and sedative and nervine tonic. It is useful in Epilepsy, Hysteria and Paralysis etc. Injeer or Teen (Ficus carica Linn): This is commonly grown in Turkey, Middle East, Iran and Afghanistan etc. Its fruits are used which are tasty. This is good laxative, diuretic. Due to its good nutrient property it is useful for general debility of both women and children. Toodri (Lepidium iperis Linn): This is a perennial herb commonly grown in Iran and India. It is a good glactogogue and improves the general health during lactation. Satawar (Asparagus racemosus wild): The root/Tuber of the plant is used. It is a carminative and a good appetizer, useful in diarrhea and dysentery. It is a general tonic and acts as glactogogue. The information on the above and other common plants will be discussed in detail at the time of presentation.