The seeds are considered to be stimulant, carminative, digestive, appetiser, stomachic, astringen, anti-spasmodic and galactogogue . They are useful in diarrhea, dyspepsia, improving appetite and taste. They have been credited with aphrodisiac properties. Also used for lactation post child birth.

A small, slender annual herb. Grows best outdoors in warm weather. Propogated from seeds.

Traditionally the stems and roots of this plant are eaten and paste of crushed stem/root applied as a poultice to heal bone fractures. Also used in rheumatism. Modern research has found the plant rich in calcium and phosphorus.

A cactus like climbing plant with four lobed stem pieces joined together resembling bones and their joints. It is a perennial plant and grows from stem cuttings.

Lemon fruit peel is Carminative, stomachic and insecticidal. Fruit juice is bactericidal, astringent and refrigerant. Juice is used to protect skin from oxidative damage and in scurvey, inflammatory affections, acute rheumatism, dysentery and diarrhea. Peel is used in potpourri, cosmetics, hair care, mouth rinse, for varicose veins, hemorrhoids, kidney stones and fevers.

A spinescent tree up to 6 m in height; grows from seeds and grafts.

Intellect-promoting, cathartic, refrigerant, diuretic, brain tonic, Used in epilepsy.

Annual climber, reaching 4m/15ft, There are two varieties one with very showy bright dark blue flowers and the other with white flowers. Propagated from seeds.

The fruits are considered anti-microbial, astringent, carminative, diuretic, tonic, stomachic, antibilious, refrigerant and aphrodisiac. Used in flatulence, indigestion, vomiting, other intestinal disorders, bleeding piles, rheumatism, neuralgia, caphalagia, and locally, in eye-infection, conjunctivitis, menstrual disorders, skin diseases, relief from heat rash.

A small annual herb. Easy to grow in pots or outdoors in. Propogated from seeds.

The tubers are considered to be carminative, stomachic, cooling agent, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal. Used topically in skin infections and in face packs for skin glow. Used internally as a coolant and in rhumatoid arthritis.

A perennial herb, with tufted leaves that grows from tubers. Easy to grow in pots or outdoors in monsoon.

The tubers of turmeric are considered to be stomachic, tonic, antiperiodic, alterative, antiseptic, carminative, appetizer, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, anti-septic, antacid, blood purifier, anti-tumour, anti-diabetic, anti-oxidant and natural colour. Used as a condiment/colourant in most Indian dishes. Medically used in cuts, wounds, skin diseases, cough, common cold, bronchial asthma, allergic conditions, urinary diseases and trauma.

Turmeric is a perennial herb, with tufted leaves and grows from tubers. Easy to grow in pots or outdoors in monsoon.

The tubers are considered to be demulcent, restorative, tonic and aphrodisiac. Used in piles, jaundice, erectile impotence, spermatorrhoea, asthma, fever, leucorrhoea, dysentery, eye complaints, menorrhagia, burning for larger breasts and sag arrest.

Black Musli is a tender perennial herb and grows from tubers. Can be grown as indoor plant in baskets or outdoor in farms.

The leaves and oil are used as flavour in teas, ice cream, candy, pastries, desserts, chewing gum etc. Also used in potpourris, cosmetics and perfumery.

A tender perennial. Grows as grass. Easy to grow in pots or outdoors in monsoon.

The tubers have astringent, anti-inflammatory, hepato-protective, aromatic, diaphoretic, stomachic, demulcent, vermifuge, hairtonic, diuretic, anthelmintic, carminative, emmenagogue and stimulant properties. Used in dandruff, abdominal and urinogenital infections, as water clarifier (add leaves to water).

A perennial weed growing at water edge. Rhizomes yield an essential oil.