Medicinal Plants and their Uses

Tap to Read ➤ Saptakee Sengupta

Medicinal plants have been explored for treatment of numerous health problems. We have provided you a list of such plants that have immense therapeutic value. Have a look.

The goodness and healing properties of herbal plants were explored by people since ages. The study of herbal medicinal plants, known as Ayurveda was practiced in India. Use of plants for medication and treatment dates back to the Vedic period.

These days, many people are resorting to the use of traditional methods to treat ailments. This has further given a boost to the commercial production of these plants, and the rate of consumption has considerably increased.

List of Medicinal Plants and their Uses

The list of medicinal herbs available across the globe is huge. In the following list, we have sorted the species that are commonly used due to their wonderful healing effects and therapeutic value. Have a look at them. Following the format Name - Scientific Name L ist of Uses

1. Acacia - Acacia greggi Uses: astringent demulcent emollient 2. Agrimony - Agrimonia eupatoria Uses: blood coagulant

3. Pimenta - Pimenta dioica Uses: heals wounds bruises 4. Ajwain - Trachyspermum amm Uses: antibacterial carminative digestive

5. Ashok - Trachyspermum ammi Uses: eases menstrual pain diabetes uterine disorders 6. Amla - Phyllanthus emblica Uses: Cough diabetes laxative acidity

7. Ashwagandha - Withania somnifera Uses: eases stress nerve disorder repairs bodily functions 8. Brahmi - Bacopa monnieri Uses: jaundice anemia dropsy

9. Bael - Aegle marmelos Uses: constipation diarrhea dysentery 10. Chirata - Swertia chirata Uses: burn skin diseases fever

11. Guggul - Commiphora wightii Uses: asthma hydrocele diabetes 12. Guluchi - Tinospora cordifolia Uses: jaundice gout piles fever

13. Kalmegh - Andrographis paniculata Uses: gastritis fever weakness 14. Makoi - Solanum nigrum Uses: dysentery diuretic debility

15. Pashan Bheda - Coleus barbatus Uses: calculus stones in kidney 16. Sarpa Gandha - Ranwolfia serpentina Uses: insomnia hypertension

17. Tulsi - Ocimum tenuiflorum Uses: expectorant cough cold 18. Vai Vidanka - Embelia ribes Uses: skin disease helminthiasis

19. Peppermint - Mentha piperita Uses: painkiller digestive 20. Vringraj - Eclipta alba Uses: calming leukemia stress reliever

21. Chitrak - Plumbargo zeylanica Uses: dyspepsia inflammation cough colic 22. Harada - Terminalia chebula Uses: leprosy inflammation vomiting insomnia

23. Neem - Azadirachta indica Uses: analgesic astringent epilepsy 24. Kantakari - Solanum xanthocarpum Uses: appetizer stomach ache diuretic

List of Medicinal Herbs and their Uses

A plethora of herbs are also utilized for the treatment of health disorders. The following data provides information on some of the medicinal properties and uses. Following the format Name - Scientific Name List of Uses

1. Lemon Balm - Melissa officinalis Uses: digestion stomach spasms anti-viral 2. Angelica - Angelica sylvestris Uses: gastritis cramps digestion

3. Chickweed - Stellaria media Uses: itching irritation rashes 4. Cleavers - Galium aparine Uses: skin diseases diuretic

5. Couch grass - Cynodon dactylon Uses: rheumatism cystitis gout 6. Dandelion - Taraxacum officinale Uses: dissolves kidney dissolves gallstones diuretics

7. Elderberry - Sambucus canadensis Uses: bronchitis cold cough 8. Garlic- Allium sativum Uses: anti-microbial cardiovascular treatment

9. Ginger - Zingiber officinale Uses: motion sickness vomiting flatulence diarrhea 10. Lavender- Lavandula angustifolia Uses: stress reliever boosts spirits stomach disorders

11. Red Clover - Trifolium pratense Uses: rejuvenatory skin nourishing 12. Rosemary - Rosmarinus officinalis Uses: improves blood supply to brain

13. Thyme - Thymus pulegioides Uses: antifungal anti-bacterial expectorant 14. Yarrow - Achillea millefolium Uses: wound cleansing blood coagulation digestive

Medicinal Plants in Ayurveda

Various parts of plants like the leaves, flowers, roots and the bark have proven useful in curing a wide range of health related issues. Sometimes herbal derivatives like gum, resins, metabolites, and latex have also been used for treatment purposes.

Such products are commercialized today in the form of powders, pills, oils, tablets, creams, etc. The following are some of the most popular Indian plants having medicinal properties.

Sandalwood: Sandalwood is one of the most effective herbal remedies for massive sun burns, skin rashes, scars and acne.

Aloe Vera: It is known for its anti-diabetic property. Aloe vera promotes digestive health and is extremely soothing over skin burns and sun tan. It contains all essential amino acids that function as anti-aging factors and is also consumed for nutritional value.

Turmeric: Turmeric has anti-inflammatory property and is also used as an antioxidant. Raw turmeric is very effective in promoting liver health. It shows anti-bacterial action against many skin infections.

Cinnamon: Cinnamon is the most common herbal medicine for indigestion and gastric problems. It has the power to neutralize harmful toxins released by mold and fungus.

Pennywort: This herbal plant is used as a tonic for nerves. It helps to reduce mental stress and physical fatigue. Pennywort also promotes sleep.

Neem: Neem is an excellent remedy for sprains, flu, skin problems, fever, indigestion, viral infection, etc.

Basil: Basil or tulsi acts as a blood purifier and it's also antibacterial in nature. Tulsi is effective against cough and cold. It enhances digestion and appetite and improves blood circulation. Regular consumption of tulsi leaves boosts immunity of the body.

Ayurvedic doctors have complete trust on the healing properties of medicinal plants, as they have proven beneficial for people suffering from different types of health disorders. However, consult your doctor before taking any herb.

Disclaimer : The information provided in this story is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a medical expert.