Some Common Medicinal Plants

INTRODUCTION 45000 medicinal plant species in India.

About 2000 species appear in the literature.

500 species commonly used in indigenous system.

90% of species available for screening.

4000 species screened for activity.

Phyto-therapy (Herbal medicine), the natural therapies, by contrast, aims not to ‘cure’ disease by a technological fix.

Medicinal HerbsMedicinal HerbsThe Whole better than partThe Whole better than part

Powerful ingredients.

Only 15% of estimated plant species on earth have been investigated for possible medicinal uses.

The World Health Organization estimates that 80% of the earth population today depends on plants to treat common ailments.

Traditional Healers are good resources for scientific based research.

BIOACTIVE COMPOUNDSBIOACTIVE COMPOUNDS

Biologically active compounds / Phytochemicals present in biological systems

Phytochemicals are non-nutritive plant chemicals that have protective or disease preventive properties.

There are more than thousand known phytochemicals.  Produced by plants for natural defence and can protect

humans against diseases.   Well-known phytochemicals are lycopene in tomatoes,

flavones in soy flavonoids -fruits.

Functions of PhytochemicalsFunctions of Phytochemicals……

Antioxidant – protection against oxidative damage and

reduce the risk of developing certain types of cancer. (Allyl sulfides ,Carotenoids , Flavonoids, Polyphenols )

Hormonal action - Isoflavones, in soy, imitate human estrogens help to reduce menopausal symptoms and osteoporosis.

Stimulation of enzymes - Indoles, in cabbages, stimulate enzymes that make the estrogen less effective and reduce the risk for breast cancer.

Anti-bacterial effect - The phytochemical allicin from garlic has anti-bacterial properties.

Physical action - Some phytochemicals bind physically to cell walls thereby preventing the adhesion of pathogens to human cell walls. (Proanthocyanidins)

 

Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) Common cold,

inflammation, malaria, heart disease, headaches, stomach disorders, kidney stones, heart disorders.

In the purification of atmosphere.

To cure sore throat. Remove stones via the

urinary tract.

Lowering the level of cholesterol in blood.

Itching of the skin over the abdomen and the breasts of a pregnant woman is relieved by the application paste of Tulsi.

Breast milk will improve in quality if the woman is given a mixture of 20 gms of Tulsi juice, 20 gms of the juice of maize leaves, 10 gms of the juice-or extract-`Of asgandh (ashwagandha), and 10 gms of honey, for seven days following delivery.

Crushed Tulsi seeds taken with honey will cure all abnormalities of the genital system

Teeth Disorder: leaves+ dried in the sun and powdered+ mixed with mustered oil. It is also useful in pyorrhea and other teeth disorders.

Headaches: leaves paste + sandalwood paste can also be applied on the forehead for getting relief from heat, headache, and for providing coolness in general.

Mouth Infections: A few leaves chewed will cure the ulcer and infections in the mouth.

Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis ) Aloe vera gel has anti-

fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-viral effects and helps to heal minor wounds.

Liver disorders - Aloe juice with turmeric powder should be taken twice a day. 

Difficult urination - Continuous diluted aloe juice should be taken time to time to alleviate this condition.

In wounds - Boil aloe leaves and take the fleshy part of the leaves over wounds.

As a cosmetic - Aloe is one of the best known moisturizers and used in creams and shampoos.

Jaundice - A few drops of aloe juice is installed in the nostrils to control jaundice.

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Hair care: curd + powder

of amla + 3-4 cursed petals flower keep it over night and apply on hair.

It is used to make gulkand i.e layers of petals +sugar (khadi sakar) & kept in sunlight for 1-2 week.

Tea: petals of Hibiscus flowers + boiled water + cinnamon + lemony flavor and a very attractive burgundy color.

The fibre is used for coarse of fabrics, nets and paper.

Traditional use of the flowers: leaves + burning them in ghee to produce a black dye which was used to blacken eyes and eyebrows.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

Ginger is stimulating to the heart, helping to regulate its function.

Ginger is excellent in reducing nausea caused by pregnancy.

Drink ginger tea with or without honey three to four times a day to relieve sore throat.

Eating a little powder of dry ginger mixed with sesame seed oil is helpful in getting rid of foul smell of perspiration.

Take a teaspoon of ginger root juice with honey for lowering your cholesterol. This also prevents the formation of blood clots.

Mixture of ginger and lemon juice helps in indigestion and all other stomach problems.

Mix a pinch of salt in a table spoon of ginger juice and

drink it to get cure from diarrhea.

Dried ginger powder mixed with butter milk is very effective for dysentery.

Mixture of green ginger and jaggery cures tongue ailments and mouth ulcers.

Neem (Azadirachta indica) Traditionally neem is used against a wide variety of

diseases which include heat-rash, boils, wounds, jaundice, leprosy, skin disorders, stomach ulcers, chicken pox, etc.

The timber of neem tree is very durable and is used for house building and carpentry work.

Dried leaves are placed among clothes to keep moths away.

It is usually rubbed directly on the infected skin

Neem seeds are useful in treating tuberculosis .

It kills germs and cleanses the atmosphere.

The neem leaves can help to reduce swelling and purify blood.

Neem should not be taken by anyone who is pregnant or trying to conceive.

It must never be used to treat children with fevers.

Neem oil should not be taken internally.

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) It acts as an anti-aging

agent.

Turmeric is currently being investigated for possible benefits in cancer ,arthritis.

Turmeric can also be used to deter ants.

Uses of turmeric acts as a powerful medicine in jaundice, menstrual difficulties, bloody urine, haemorrhage, toothache, chest pain.

Scientific researches confirm that regular use of turmeric can cure host of chronic diseases.

Taken internally or used externally, turmeric acts as an anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-parasitic.

Turmeric is a powerful anti-inflammatory and antiseptic, useful for bronchial asthma, chronic cough.

Turmeric has an anti-coagulant action, keeping the blood thin.

It is believed that regular bathing in water containing turmeric reduces growth of body hair.

Paste of turmeric + curd if used regularly make the skin fair, soft and smooth.

The turmeric paste is used in medicine for snakebites.

The leaves of turmeric are said to act as mosquito repellents.

The juice of raw turmeric also acts as a blood purifier, hyper acidity and indigestion.

Shatavari(Asparagus racemosus)

Shatavari supports reproductive health by toning and nourishing the female reproductive organs.

Shatavari can enhance production of breast milk in nursing females.

Shatavari supports normal function of the immune and digestive system.

It is useful for infertility, threatened miscarriage, menopause and has the ability to balance pH in the cervical area.

Shatavari is also quite effective for stomach ulcers, hyperacidity diarrhea and bronchial infections.

It has the ability to balance pH in the cervical area.

Green Tea ( Camellia sinensis)

The variety of health benefits, including cancer prevention, promotion of oral health, easing rheumatoid arthritis and antibacterial activity.

Green tea is also gaining

fame for reducing cholesterol.

A common use of green tea as a disinfectant is for gargling. Gargling with green tea helps to prevent illness and to maintain oral health.

It can help to promote the burning of fat in the body, as well as help to regulate blood sugar and insulin levels.Green tea's many beneficial actions are considered to be anti-viral, antioxidant, diuretic, expectorant, caridiotonic etc.

Green tea contain catechin which helps in weight loss.

Tea and skin care: The tannins in tea are great for your skin, add a few teabags to your bathwater, or add loose leaf green tea to your favorite herbal bath blend.

Green tea is rich in vitamins and minerals, especially zinc, manganese, potassium, folic acid, and Vitamin C. In fact, one cup of tea has more vitamin C than an orange.

All these vitamins and minerals present in green teahelps in maintaining immune system.

WarningGreen tea does contain caffeine and it is not recommended for people who are sensitive to caffeine such as pregnant or nursing women.

Peppermint (Mentha piperita) Peppermint can be used

for cold, fever, indigestion, gas, stomachache, headache, morning sickness (anti-nauseant), nervous tension and insomnia.

Peppermint can provide relief from the common cold, congestion, and to reduce pain.

Peppermint is often used to soothe an upset stomach or to aid in digestion.

Peppermint gives a subtle numbing effect that is why it often used to treat many pains from headaches, menstrual cramps.

It is also used to treat skin irritations, nausea, and diarrhea.

Peppermint relaxes the muscles that struggle with digestive gas and improve the flow of bile, which the body uses to digest fats.

It is used to cure several common ailments including aches and pains, skin infections like acne, and even tooth and gum problems. Peppermint also cures digestive disorders.

Extracts are experimentally effective against viruses such as herpes simplex. Peppermint oil is an anti-inflammatory and shows anti-ulcer activity.

CONCLUSIONUse nature in a positive way.

Proven effective.

Do not contain contaminants..

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