Betula utilis D. Don. 91
(Paashaanabheda indicates that the plant grows between rocks appearing to break them; it does not necessarily mean that it possesses lithotriptic property.)
Dosage Rhizome—20—30 g for decoction. (API Vol. I)
Beta vulgaris Linn. subsp. cicla (L.) Moq.
Synonym B. vulgaris auct. non L. Family Chenopodiacae.
Habitat Native to Mediterranean region; cultivated in North India, Maharashtra and South India.
English Beet Root, Garden Beet,
Chard.
Ayurvedic Palanki. Folk Chukandar.
Action Leaf—used in burns and bruises, also for diseases of spleen and liver. Tuber and seed— expectorant. Leaf and seed— diuretic. Leaf, tuber and seed— anti-inflammatory. Seed oil— analgesic.
Beet roots are eaten raw as salad or cooked. The leaves are nutritionally superior to roots and are a good source of vitamins and minerals.
The plant contains alkaloids of which betaine is a mild diuretic and emmenagogue.
In research, using rats, chard increased regeneration of beta cells in pancreas. Maximum reduction of blood glucose was after 42 days of
administration. (I Ethnopharmacol,
2000, 73: 251—259.)
Beets are used orally as a supportive therapy in the treatment of liver diseases and fatty liver (possibly due to betaine). Ingestion of large quantities might worsen kidney disease. (Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, 2007.)
Betula alnoides Buch.-Ham. ex D. Don.
Synonym B. acuminata Wall.
Family Betulaceae.
Habitat The temperate and subtropical Himalayas, Khasi Hills and Manipur.
English Indian Birch, Naga Birch. Ayurvedic Bhojapatra (var.). Action Used in supportive therapy
of rheumatic ailments.
Methyl salicylate (92.8%) has been reported from the essential oil of the bark (of the plant growing in northeastern region of India).
Betula utilis D. Don.
Synonym B. bhojpattra Wall.
