Orchis latifolia Linn. Family Orchidaceae.
Habitat Kashmir to Nepal at altitudes of 2,500—5,000 m in damp places.
English Orchis, Salep.
Ayurvedic Munjaataka, Saalammisri, Saalam-panjaa. (Eulophia campestris Wall. is also equated with Munjaataka.)
Unani Saaleb, Khusyaat-us-Saalab, Saalab Misri.
Siddha Silamishri.
Action Considered aphrodisiac and nervine tonic by Unani physicians. Tuber—nutritive, demulcent, restorative. Given
to convalescents suffering from chronic diarrhoea and bilious fevers. Allays irritation of gastrointestinal tracts.
Orchis species (Salep) contain mucilage (up to 50%)—glucans, glucomannans (partially acetylized), starch (25%), proteins (5—15%).
The leaves of Orchis latifolia contain a glucoside, loroglossin. Most of the Salep used in Unani medicine is imported from Iran and Afghanistan.
Allium macleanii Baker (Afghanistan) is known as Baadashaahi (royal) Saalab, and is used as a substitute for Munjaataka.
Dosage Tuber—3—5 g powder. (CCRAS.)
Origanum majorana Linn.
Synonym Majorana hortensis Moench.
Family Labiatae; Lamiaceae.
Habitat Native to Europe and Great Britain.
English Sweet Marjoram. (Origanum vulgare Linn., Wild Marjoram, occurs in Simla hills and in Kashmir valley.)
Ayurvedic Sukhaatmaka, Marubaka, Phanijjaka. (Ocimum basilicum is used as a substitute for Phanijja ka.)
Unani Marzanjosh.
Folk Maruae. Santhraa. Jangali Maruaa (Origanum vulgare Linn.).
Oroxylum indicum Vent. 453
Action Emmenagogue, antispasmodic, carminative, expectorant. Leaves and seed— astringent, antispasmodic.
Warm infusion of herb—promotes suppressed menstrual flow.
