Aqua Health Dictionary

(Latin) The water-bearer; a constellation... aquarius

Forsk.

Synonym: I. reptans Poir.

Family: Convolvulaceae.

Habitat: Throughout the greater part of India.

English: Swamp Cabbage.

Ayurvedic: Kalambi, Naalikaa.

Siddha/Tamil: Vellaikeerai, Koilan- gu.

Action: Emetic and purgative. Used as an antidote to arsenical or opium poisoning. Plant juice is used for liver complaints; buds for ringworm.

The leaves are a good source of minerals (2.1%), vitamins (especially, carotene and tocopherol). Plant is given for nervous and general debility. Whole plant gave beta-carotene, xan- thophyll, traces of taraxanthin, hentri- acontane, beta-sitosterol and its gluco- side.

The buds of pigmented variety are recommended as a food for diabetics. An insulin-like substance is reported from the buds.

The stems contain N-trans- and N- ris-feruloyltyramines, which have been found to be the inhibitors of in vitro prostaglandin synthesis.

The plant shows abundant growth in waste water and absorbs some organic and inorganic components, including heavy metals from waste water. The plant may be useful in the treatment of waste water by biogeofiltration.... ipomoea aquatica

Linn.

Family: Labiatae; Lamiaceae.

Habitat: Cultivated in Indian gardens.

English: Water Mint, Wild Mint.

Unani: Pudinaa Nahari.

Action: Leaf—stimulant, astringent. Used for diarrhoea and dysmenorrhoea.

The essential oil is composed of 40-50% menthofuran, with menthol, methyl acetate, pulegone among other constituents.... mentha aquatica

Lour.

Synonym: Rhabdia lyciodes C. B. Clarke in part non Linn. Shretia cuneata Wt.

Family: Borginaceae.

Habitat: Kumaon to Assam and in Central, Western and Southern India, and the Andamans.

Siddha/Tamil: Cheppu-nerinjal.

Folk: Paashaanbheda (Karnataka).

Action: Root—diuretic; used for stone in the bladder; also in venereal diseases. The diuretic action of the root is attributed to the presence of allantoin; a sterol, rhabdiol, has also been isolated from the roots.... rotula aquatica

(L.) Scop.

Family: Caryophyllaceae.

Habitat: Temperate Himalayas from Kashmir to Uttar Pradesh at 1,200-2,400 m.

English: Chickweed, Water Starwort.

Folk: Budeolaa.

Action: Leaves—decoction used in galactorrhoea.

Fresh plant contains an essential oil having 3-hydroxymethylfuran, alpha- pinene, limonene, n-hexanol, geran- iol, camphor, benzyl alcohol, guaia- col, cresol, eugenol and carvacrol as the major constituents.... stellaria aquatica

Aqua waters are weak and simple solutions of volatile oils in distilled water obtained either by distillation or by simple solution. Still popular as harmless carminatives in infantile colic, mild antispasmodics, etc.

A natural basis for skin lotions (Witch Hazel).

Dill water. (Anethi). Dill seeds 4oz; water 2 and a quarter litres. Distil down to 1 and a quarter litres. Dose: 1-3 teaspoon for children’s colic.

Aniseed water. (Anisi). Aniseeds 4oz; distilled water 2 and a quarter litres. Distil down to 1 and a quarter litres. Antispasmodic for children’s colic, teething troubles, etc. Dose: 1-3 teaspoons. Elderflower water. (Sambuci). Elderflowers 8oz; distilled water 1 and a quarter litres. Distil down to one-fifth. Eye lotion.

Eyebright water. (Euphrasia). Eyebright herb and flowers 4oz; distilled water 2 and a quarter litres. Distil down to 1 and a quarter litres. Antihistamine eye lotion. ... aquae waters

n. any of a class of proteins that function as transmembrane water channels. Genetic mutations of aquaporin 2 (AQP-2) are responsible for some distinct forms of *nephrogenic diabetes insipidus.... aquaporin