Ajowan (Carum ajowan): In the Middle East, ajowan water is often used for diarrhoea and wind and in India the seeds are a home remedy for indigestion and asthma. For reasons of both flavor and practicality its natural affinity is with starchy foods and legumes. Because of its thymol content, it is a strong germicide, anti-spasmodic, fungicide, and anthelmintic. Regular use of Ajwain leaves seems to [...]

Ai Ye (Artemisia argyi): The leaves have been found to have an antibacterial action, effective against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus typhi, B. dysenteriae, E. coli, B. subtilis, Pseudomonas etc. A volatile oil extracted from the plant is particularly effective in the treatment of bronchitis and asthma – the oil is sprayed into the throat and takes effect within one minute. The leaves are used [...]

Aconite (Aconitum napellus): Aconite is poisonous in all but the smallest doses and is rarely prescribed for internal use. More commonly, it is applied to unbroken skin to relieve pain from bruises or neurological conditions. In Ayurvedic medicine, aconite is used to treat neuralgia, asthma, and heart weakness. Aconite has been added to salves because of its painkilling action on neuralgia, lumbago, [...]

Acacia, Umbrella Thorn (Acacia tortilis): Leaves, bark, seeds, and a red gum are used in many local medicines. Two pharmacologically active compounds for treating asthma have been isolated from the bark. The stem of the tree is also used to treat diarrhea. The gum is used like that of gum arabics in folk remedies. The dried, powdered bark is used as a disinfectant in healing wounds; in Senegal it serves [...]