Daraaj, our Indian apothecary furniture in Gujarat: translation and explanations of its 56 drawers

During our last trip to India in February, we came across A pair of apothecary furniture In very good condition, coming from the same shop or the same workshop. Each drawer being marked with a painted inscription probably indicating the plant or the substance stored there.

We did not know right away what foodstuffs these furniture had kept in their drawers in the past, because I can neither read nor speak what we have later identified as Gujarati. However, I was able to decipher certain inscriptions quickly, such as drawer n ° 27, where it is written "Sindoor", because the spelling in Gujarati and Hindi is similar. We therefore therefore knew that we were in the presence of a piece of furniture which served more in a shop than in a workshop.

I then asked a friend of Gujarat to translate me each of the 56 drawers. This friend told me that he was frequent at the time of his grandparents that people who had this kind of furniture were called "Sarvaiya", Ayurvedic medicine sellers and other plants and spices with beneficial effects for health or used in Indian cuisine. My friend, who is approaching thirty years, could not translate all drawers, and had to ask his grandparents or neighbors, certain inscriptions/foodstuffs are probably no longer used today.

So we are now sure that we are well in the presence ofAuthentic apothecary furniture. We can probably date them at the first half of the 20th century. This kind of furniture is no longer found in situ Nowadays, having been replaced by more modern and less expensive alternatives. Indeed, it is important to mention that this piece of furniture is in solid teak, both the structure and the drawers, and this high number of drawers would cost wood today.

In the translation that we present to you, we see that the drawers of this apothecary furniture have been filled with Different herbs and spices. Some drawers have also kept the color or smell of the commodity they stored. In the following lines, we present to you drawer by drawer the inscription in Gujarati, the translation into Hindi (if available), English and French. We also give you some elements of explanation on the use and effects of each plant. 

Each drawer numbered in the photo above corresponds to its legend below:

1. ભીલામા (Bhilama / Malacca nut). Bhilama, also known as Malacca, is a common spice in Indian cuisine. It has a soft and spicy flavor and is often used in pickles (these fermented condiments), chutneys and currys.

2. ઉગતંજીરુ (Ugatmjeeru /Cumin seed) cumin seeds, also called Ugatmjeeru In Gujarati, are a popular spice used in Indian cuisine for their strong and aromatic flavor. They are often used in currys, rice dishes and Indian breads.

3. કંકોડી (Kankodi -Gourd spine). Kankodi, also called Thorny gourd, is both a vegetable used for the kitchen and a major Ayurvedic plant. It is known for its medicinal properties and is often used to treat digestion problems.

4. તેજબળ (Tejbad / Tooth tree). L'toothpard, called Tejbad in Gujarati, is a well -named plant because used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat dental pain. It is also used as a spice in Indian cuisine for its strong and spicy taste.

5. કાળીજીરી (Kadijiri / black cumin). THE black cumin, also called Kadijiri in Gujarati, is a spice used in Ayurvedic medicine for its medicinal properties. It is often used to deal with digestive problems and to strengthen the immune system.

6. ગુલાલ (Gulal). Gulal is a pink powder used in religious ceremonies. It is often used to color the clothes and bodies of the participants. Previously, colored powders such as the gulal were made from flowers, but the discovery of synthetic colors has gradually replaced the natural origin powders.

7. અબીલ (Abil). Abil is a white powder used in religious ceremonies. It is often used to color the clothes and bodies of the participants.

8. આસન (Asan). ASAN is a decorative fabric on which people sit at religious ceremonies. It is often used to create a peaceful and collected atmosphere.

9. ફટકડી (Fatakdi). This word has no translation into Hindi. This is a substance called alum, used in Ayurvedic medicine.

10. અળસી (Adasi). Adasi means flax seeds. Flax seeds are used as a snack after lunch or dinner and also have medicinal use.

11. Registration is unfortunately not readable.

12. ટંકણખાર (Tankan Khar). These are borax, a substance that is sometimes used as a preservative in pickles jars (fermented condiments) and which is also used in Ayurveda.

13. મીંઢળ (Mindhod). The common name in Hindi is Mandan Phal, which translates into English like "MUntain Pomegranate" (Granada des Montagnes). This plant is an important Ayurvedic plant and is also used in certain religious practices.

14. કડીયો ગુંદર (Kadiyo Gundar) is a tragacanthe, used in Ayurvedic medicine for its medicinal properties. It is also used as a thickening food and in the manufacture of candies. It comes from the sap of certain plants from Southwest Asia.

15. ચોપ ચીની (Chini chini) is a medicinal plant known as "Chinese root". It is used in Ayurvedic medicine to deal with digestion problems and inflammation.

16. મોટી હૈડ (MOTE HAId). Unknown substance.

17. વાંસ ની ગાંઠ (Vansh nor Ganth) is a bamboo knot which is used in Ayurvedic medicine for its medicinal properties. It is also used as an ingredient in certain dishes.

18. ગુગળ (Gugad) is also called Gugul, this tree in the Burseraceae family is used in incense sticks as well as in Ayurvedic medicine to treat various diseases, including joint disorders and cholesterol.

19. સિંધુર (Sindhoor) is also known as Sindoor, it is an orange powder used in religious ceremonies in India.

20. કાયકળ (Kaykad) is also called Kajjali, it is an Ayurvedic preparation based on sulfur and mercury, used to treat skin diseases.

21. આંબા હળદર (Amba Haldar) Also known as Haldi, turmeric In French, it is a plant of the ginger family used in the kitchen (white turmeric: Amba, Orange turmeric: Haldar) as well as in Ayurvedic medicine for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

22. કાચ એરીયો (Kach Ariyo). Unknown substance.

23. મજીઠ (Majith) is also known as Indian garance. It is a plant that is used in Ayurvedic medicine for its anti-inflammatory properties and to treat skin diseases.

24. કમરકસ (Kamarkas). Also called palash gum, this substance is extracted from the Salvia Plebeian plant. It is an ingredient commonly used in Ayurveda for its healing properties, in particular to deal with gastrointestinal problems.

    

25. ચિમેડ* (Chimed), also known as Chakanu Or Cassia Absus Linn, is used in Ayurvedic medicine for its diuretic, laxative and astringent properties. It is also used to treat skin disorders, joint pain and respiratory diseases.

26. મીણ (Min), also called MOUM, is a waxy substance Used in several areas, including Ayurvedic medicine, decoration and pottery.

27. નીર ગુંદી (Nir Gundi), also known as Vitex Negundo, is a plant used in Ayurveda to treat a variety of diseases, including digestion problems, joint pain and respiratory infections.

28. સોફલાવાર (Safflower, also called Kasumbo in Gujarati). THE carthame is a plant used in many applications, especially in Ayurvedic medicine, for dyeing, during the Holi party and for its great cultural importance. Its properties are close to those of saffron. 

29. હીરાકસી (Hirakashi). These are ferrous sulfate Who has multiple uses, such as Ayurvedic medicine, ink making (shyahi), tincture of fabrics and as a disinfectant.

30. સાજીખાર (Sajikhar). These are sodium carbonate (soda), which has multiple uses, such as Ayurvedic medicine, the manufacture of soaps and sometimes in cooking (rarer). This compound is extracted naturally and not an industrial product, it is obtained by burning a type of flower.

31. કાળી મૂસળી (Kali Musali), Or Curculigo Orchioides. This plant is used in Ayurveda to improve sexual function, fertility and blood circulation.

32. કડુ (Kadu), Or PICRORHIZA KURROA. This plant is used in Ayurveda to treat liver disorders, respiratory infections and autoimmune diseases.

33. The name on the following image is not legible

34. કંકુ (Kanku) Or "Kumkum", Red powder used in religious ceremonies. This powder is similar to"Abil", At "Gulal"and at"Sindoor", but differs only by its red color.

35. કાચુકા (Kachuka) Or "Imli Ke Bij" : Tamarin seeds, which are used in Ayurveda to treat constipation, digestive disorders and heart disease.

36. Registration is unfortunately not readable.

37. શંખજીરું (Sankh Jeeru). THE Cumin des Prés : This spice is widely used in Indian cuisine, but it is also used in Ayurvedic medicine for its digestive properties and to deal with respiratory problems. The cumin of meadows is also used in aromatherapy for its calming and anti-inflammatory properties.

38. ગોખરુ (Gokhru): these are TRIBULUS TERRESTRIS, a plant used in Ayurvedic medicine.

39. સંચળ (Sanchad, also called Kala Namak in Gujarati): these are rock salt Used in Ayurvedic cooking and medicine.

40. પાનની જડ (Pan Ni Jad) is a plant whose roots are used, which literally means "Bétel leaf roots". It is used in Ayurvedic medicine and is also a large spice, although it is rare these days.

41. સોનાગેરુ (Sona Geru) is a ocher pigment Dark yellow, used in Ayurvedic medicine as well as pottery. It is still used today to make the Rangolis, these ephemeral drawings made on the ground using colorful powders.

42. બળબીજ (Bad Bij), Or Kharaiti, is a plant whose fibers are more resistant than jute and have therefore been used in the past. The plant is also used in Ayurvedic medicine, while its rod was used in the production of brooms.

43. બાવચો (Bavcho), Or Somraj, is a plant used in Ayurvedic medicine.

44. ઘાપાન (Ghapan). Also known as Vilayati Ketki, it is a plant used in Ayurvedic medicine, as well as in the kitchen, where it serves asSweet additive. He is from America and is now cultivated worldwide.

45. માચા (Macha) - This plant is similar to Bathua Bhaji and is also known as "Salt Bush"It is rich in protein and is often used in the kitchen. It is grown near the sea.

46. ગોપી ચંદન (Gopi Chandan) - This substance is used for "Tilak", A brand of color on the forehead carried by the devotees of Lord Krishna. The Gopi Chandan is a clay Found near Lake Gopi in Dwarkka, and its yellowish color makes it a unique and highly appreciated substance.

47. કવચ બીજ (Kavach Bij) - THE Mucuna proriens seeds are used in Ayurvedic medicine for their beneficial properties for the nervous system. They are also known as Kaunch Ke Bij.

48. કો-લોબાન (Co-loban) - This resin is often used in Ayurvedic medicine as well as as a air refreshment and for the manufacture of incense. It is taken from Styrax Benzoin.

49. મે દા લાકડી (Meda Lakdi). This plant is used in Ayurvedic medicine for its anti-inflammatory properties. It is also known as Maida Lakdi and is extracted from LitTea Glutinosa.

50. મુલતાની માટી (Multani Mati). This Land of Fuller (also called Multani clay) is still widely used as a natural skin care routine (my friend Gujarati and his family use it regularly). Originally, it was the clay available in the Multan region (currently in Pakistan) which had unique properties to obtain a beautiful skin in a natural way.

51. સતાવર (Shatavar). Asparagus Racemosus (the Shatavari) is a kind of common asparagus. It is used in Ayurvedic medicine. The roots are used as a vegetable and its white sap is used to do "Murabba", An aurvedic medication.

52. જવખાર (Jav khar) : THE potassium salts (mainly potassium carbonate) are used in Ayurvedic medicine.

53. નાગરમોથ (Nagar Moth) : THE Cyperus Rotundus is used in Ayurvedic medicine.

54. ચાક ખડી (Khadi chak) : This Chalk mineral salt Mainly composed of calcite has multiple uses in Ayurvedic medicine as well as in modern medicine, in the cement industry, colored pencils, etc. In India, this sweet white mineral is only available in Gujarat: in Amreli, Porbandar, and Rajkot.

55. લોધર (Lodhar Or Lodhra). THE Racemosa Symplocos is used in Ayurvedic medicine. Lodhra is a Tree Originally from India whose bark is used in Ayurvedic medicine to deal with various problems such as excessive bleeding, hemorrhoids, ulcers and skin diseases. It is also used in hair care to reduce dandruff and stimulate hair growth.

56. ખડિયો ખાર (Khadiyo Khar) is a edible type of salt Similar to rock salt, but from different regions.

If you got to the end, congratulations! For those who could not read everything, here is the summary: there are many spices and plants in this piece of furniture used in Ayurvedic medicine and Indian cuisine. There are also powders and pasta used for religious ceremonies. Certain substances, seeds and plants are still used today, others have disappeared from common use. This piece of furniture is an incredible witness to the medicinal practices of Gujarat from the beginning of the 20th century, or even before ...

Of course, as usual, we are open to comments and changes to our article. Do not hesitate to share your opinions! And see you soon for the translation of the second apothecary furniture ...

Ankush