Celery seed (E)
As with all members of the Umbelliferae family with their ascendant flower and seed heads, this is a digestive ‘lightener’. Its pungency and aromatic nature activate the digestive process and make light work of heavy food. Literally meaning ‘goat’s delight’, Ajmoda is a delicious shrub.

Aloe vera (E)
Aloe vera is renowned for maintaining healthy skin and balancing digestion. The Indian name for Aloe vera is kumari meaning ‘young maiden’, which reveals its affinity for the female menstrual cycle and its rejuvenative powers for maintaining youthfulness.

Indian gooseberry (E), Amla (H), Amalaki
‘Amla’ literally means ‘sour’ another name for Amalaki is Dhatri; Dhatri means ‘mother’ or ‘nurse’, indicating that Amalaki is the ultimate carer and healer. It is the major ingredient in Chywanaprash; the elixir tonic paste that is a superb rejuvenative for the lungs, all three doshas and the reproductive system. Use Amalaki for reducing inflammation in the digestive tract,, assisting the bowels and strengthening the heart.

Amla & Peppermint Formula
Balances excessive heat and acidity whilst also encouraging proper digestion

King of bitters (E), Andrographis (E)
Kalamegha literally means ‘black cloud’ perhaps attesting to its harvest time just before winter. Also known as Bhunimba meaning ‘Neem of the earth’ referring to its bitter neem-like taste and effects. Kalamegha is a very bitter tasting herb with a renowned immune stimulating effect. It is used to treat infections, fevers and septic conditions of the blood.

Andrographis & Holy Basil Formula
Reduces infections and strengthens immunity

Aniseed

Indian ipecac (E)
This climber grows all over the Indian plains. Its ‘viney’ nature reflects its ability to spread, diffuse and ascend upwards through the lungs. Anthrapachaka literally means ‘digestion in the entrails’ relating to its ability to remove parasites from the intestines.

Purging cassia (E), Amaltas (H)
A gentle laxative used to clear pitta from the intestines.

Arjuna myrobalan (E), Arjun (H)
Arjuna means ‘white’ or ‘shining’ named after its bark that literally reflects light wherever this huge tree grows. Its name is also associated with ‘Arjuna’ one of the heroes of the great Indian epic, the Mahabharata. The pale white bark of the Arjuna tree ‘moults’ off naturally once a year; its new skin bringing new life. It is harvested when the tree is mature, thus attesting to its ability to prolong life, protect the elderly and strengthen the heart.

Arjuna & Hawthorn Formula
Regulates the flow of blood through the heart and clears obstructions

Asafoetida, Devil’s dung, Hingu
Hingu is a very calming herb used to treat spasmodic pain. It first stimulates but then, like most stimulants, causes a burning out and dullness of the mind. It is a very useful, pungently aromatic, anti-spasmodic and carminative herb.

Asafoetida Plus Formula
Encourages digestion and the downward movement of food

Ashok (H)
Ashoka is a famous uterine tonic specifically used for excess bleeding and pain. Lord Buddha was born under the Ashoka tree and Lord Ram’s wife Sita was held captive in an Ashoka grove in Sri Lanka. It literally means ‘remover of sorrow’ attesting to its ability to cure pain and discomfort.

Ashwagandha, Winter cherry (E), Indian ginseng (E), Asgandh (H)
Ashwagandha is an ironic herb as it is a tonic and sedative all in one. It strengthens an exhausted nervous system that can manifest with ‘hyper’ signs such as emotional instability, agitation or feeling stressed-out. It has the dual action of energising while calming. Its name Ashwagandha meaning ‘the smell of a horse’, comes from the fresh root smelling like a horse’s urine, and also perhaps because it is renowned for imparting the sexual stamina of a horse.

Ashwagandha & Gotu Kola Formula
Used to reduce daytime anxiety and enhance mental clarity

Ashwagandha & Shatavari Formula
A preventative tonic for the whole system

Ashwagandha Plus Formula
Tonifies the male reproductive system and gives enduring strength