There are so many powders available at an Indian grocery but I have no idea 
what they are. So I went through and wrote down the names of some interesting 
looking powders. Just FYI, here is what I found. And there are still more I 
didn't have time to write down. 

 - Steve N


Dagar phool powder - A wild lichen. 

Alsi powder - flaxseed

Anardana powder - wild Indian pomegranate

Aritha - soap nuts

Neem leaf powder

Shikakai powder - A natural hair shampoo. Shikakai also acts as a detangler

Methi - fenugreek

Dhanajiru - Spice blend of cumin, coriander, black pepper, and turmeric.

Masala powder - curry powder

Chana - flour made from chickpeas

Gram flour - flour made from chickpeas but somehow different from Chana

Cala chana - Black Chick peas

Ildi flour - Made from rice and udad dal (beans)

Garcinia cambogia - Dried fruit. Contains Hydroxycitric Acid.

Acacia concinna - See Shikakai. This is the whole dried fruit (not powdered)

Trifla powder - (aka Triphala) Triphala is an Ayurvedic herbal rasayana formula 
consisting of equal parts of three myrobalans, taken without seed: Amalaki 
(Emblica officinalis), Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica), and Haritaki 
(Terminalia chebula), with potential anti-cancer properties.
Triphala is used to promote appetite and digestion, increase the number of red 
blood cells, and aid in removal of undesirable fat in the body. When dissolved 
in the mouth, Triphala is used to clear congestion and headaches. Other claimed 
benefits include helping maintain normal blood sugar levels, as well as 
improvement in skin tone and colour.
In recent years, a number of research studies have found new uses for this 
herb, including treatment for various forms of cancer. It is also found to have 
high antioxidant qualities, and is even useful for treatment against noise and 
stress induced conditions.

Jamun powder - The bark, fruits, leaves ad seeds of Eugenia jambulana are used 
for medical purposes. The leaves and bark are used for controlling blood 
pressure and bleeding gums. Wine and vinegar are made from the fruit. 
Considering its unique medicinal value, the berries are quite reasonably 
priced. 
In the Indo-Pakistan subcontinent Jamun and its seed have long been used in 
eastern medicines and are gaining interest in the West for treatment of 
diabetes and ailments related to digestive tract. Intake of Jamun is considered 
beneficial and cheaper way to control diabetes. The glucoside in jamun stops 
conversion of starch into glucose and this helps in controlling blood-sugar. 
Various local and foreign researchers have confirmed it through clinical 
trials. Practitioners of medicines report that jamun pulp lowers blood-sugar 
level in about 30 minutes, while its seed lowers blood-sugar level in about 24 
hours. Over a period of several weeks it can reduces the thirst associated with 
diabetes and decrease the quantity of urine output and in some cases can help 
reduce the use of insulin. Researchers are investigating its potential also as 
a male contraceptive. 
Jamun seed has gastro-protective properties. In case of peptic ulcer jamun is 
most effective as it helps in promotion of mucosal defensive factors and 
antioxidant status and decreasing lipid peroxidation. Jamun also has 
anti-cancer and anti-viral potentials. Its fruit extract inhibits growth and 
induces apoptosis of breast cancer. 
Beside this, jamun juice is carminative, mild astringent, stomachic, diuretic 
and gives a soothing effect on human digestive system. The juice of ripe fruit 
is used for preparing sauces as well as beverages. It is also dried with salt 
and preserved as a digestive powder or churan. Jamun seeds also have 
hypoglycemia, anti-inflammatory, anti- bacterial, anti-HIV and anti-diarrhoeal 
effects.

Bitter gourd powder - Controls blood sugar levels. 

Lodh powder - See http://www.herbal-supplements-for-you.com/herbs/lodh-tree.htm