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including phenolic compounds (Khalid et al. 2015). Various varieties of rice are
used in which the red variety is likely to induce constipation nevertheless after boiling with milk it is well-adjusted both in its temperament and effect. Nutritional
property of rice always remains intact no matter how old it is (Ibn Sina 2007; Al
Razi 1991; Ibn al Baitar 1999; Majoosi 2010). Though rice is harmless, its excessive
dryness is reduced and nutritional value can be increased after cooking or by mixing
it with milk, sugar, butter or ghee. In this form it digests easily. White rice is more
useful than other varieties as it brings freshness, and charm to the body (Ibn Sina
2007; Al Razi 1991; Ibn al Baitar 1999; Majoosi 2010).
15.4.4 Maize or Corn (Zea mays)
Zea mays ssp. mays, commonly referred to as maize or corn, belong to the grass
tribe Andropogoneae of the family Gramineae (Strable and Scanlon 2009). Zea is an
ancient Greek word which means “sustaining life” and Mays is a word from Taino
language meaning “life giver.” Due to its highest yield potential among the cereals
it is known globally as “Queen of cereals”. The largest producer of maize is United
States of America (USA) contributing about 35% of the total world maize production. It is known as mother grain of Americans and it is the driver of the US economy. In India, the major maize growing states are Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan,
Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Himachal
Pradesh, West Bengal, Karnataka, and Jammu and Kashmir (Shah et al. 2016). In
traditional medicine, corn is used for relieving diarrhoea, dysentery, urinary tract
disorders, prostatitis, lithiasis, angina, hypertension and tumour. Stigma maydis
(Corn silk) is one of several herbs commonly used in the management of kidney
stones, bed wetting, and urinary infections. Corn silk has found therapeutic applications as an insecticide, disinfectant, antioxidant, antibiotic, and immune booster
(Wang and Zhao 2019; Hasanudin et al. 2012).
As per Unani description it has three varieties white, yellow and red. It is also
known as big jawar and its properties are similar to jawar. Since it is constipative
and cause flatulence therefore, Unani physicians advice to take it with some correctives (Musleh) such as it should be combined with such drugs that help in its digestion viz. Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), Ajowan (Trachyspermum ammi), Anise seed
(Pimpinella anisum) etc. (Ibn Sina 2007; Al Razi 1991; Ibn al Baitar 1999; Majoosi
2010; Ghani 2011).
15.4.5 Millet
Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum), also known as Bajra, is one of the four most
important cereals (rice, maize, sorghum and millets) grown in tropical semiarid regions of the world primarily in Africa and Asia (Pal and Pandey 2017;
S. A. A. Makbul et al.
including phenolic compounds (Khalid et al. 2015). Various varieties of rice are
used in which the red variety is likely to induce constipation nevertheless after boiling with milk it is well-adjusted both in its temperament and effect. Nutritional
property of rice always remains intact no matter how old it is (Ibn Sina 2007; Al
Razi 1991; Ibn al Baitar 1999; Majoosi 2010). Though rice is harmless, its excessive
dryness is reduced and nutritional value can be increased after cooking or by mixing
it with milk, sugar, butter or ghee. In this form it digests easily. White rice is more
useful than other varieties as it brings freshness, and charm to the body (Ibn Sina
2007; Al Razi 1991; Ibn al Baitar 1999; Majoosi 2010).
15.4.4 Maize or Corn (Zea mays)
Zea mays ssp. mays, commonly referred to as maize or corn, belong to the grass
tribe Andropogoneae of the family Gramineae (Strable and Scanlon 2009). Zea is an
ancient Greek word which means “sustaining life” and Mays is a word from Taino
language meaning “life giver.” Due to its highest yield potential among the cereals
it is known globally as “Queen of cereals”. The largest producer of maize is United
States of America (USA) contributing about 35% of the total world maize production. It is known as mother grain of Americans and it is the driver of the US economy. In India, the major maize growing states are Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan,
Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Himachal
Pradesh, West Bengal, Karnataka, and Jammu and Kashmir (Shah et al. 2016). In
traditional medicine, corn is used for relieving diarrhoea, dysentery, urinary tract
disorders, prostatitis, lithiasis, angina, hypertension and tumour. Stigma maydis
(Corn silk) is one of several herbs commonly used in the management of kidney
stones, bed wetting, and urinary infections. Corn silk has found therapeutic applications as an insecticide, disinfectant, antioxidant, antibiotic, and immune booster
(Wang and Zhao 2019; Hasanudin et al. 2012).
As per Unani description it has three varieties white, yellow and red. It is also
known as big jawar and its properties are similar to jawar. Since it is constipative
and cause flatulence therefore, Unani physicians advice to take it with some correctives (Musleh) such as it should be combined with such drugs that help in its digestion viz. Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), Ajowan (Trachyspermum ammi), Anise seed
(Pimpinella anisum) etc. (Ibn Sina 2007; Al Razi 1991; Ibn al Baitar 1999; Majoosi
2010; Ghani 2011).
15.4.5 Millet
Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum), also known as Bajra, is one of the four most
important cereals (rice, maize, sorghum and millets) grown in tropical semiarid regions of the world primarily in Africa and Asia (Pal and Pandey 2017;
S. A. A. Makbul et al.