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| Medicinal Plants Chart |
Spectrum Chart - 279 : Medicinal Plants
1. Aloe Vera - Aloe vera is used in
traditional medicine as a multipurpose skin treatment. In Ayurvedic
medicine it is called kathalai, as are extracts from agave. The plant
is used widely in the traditional herbal medicine of many countries.
Cosmetic companies commonly add sap or other derivatives from Aloe
vera to products such as makeup, tissues, moisturisers, soaps,
sunscreens, incense, shaving cream or shampoos.
2. Winter Cherry - Winter cherry known
commonly as ashwagandha is used as a herb in Ayurvedic medicine. The
plant's long, brown, tuberous roots are used in traditional medicine.
In Ayurveda, the berries and leaves are applied externally to tumours,
tubercular glands, carbuncles and ulcers. The roots are used to
prepare the herbal remedy ashwagandha. The dried leaves are ground to
a powder from which a paste is made and used in the treatment of
burns and wounds.
3. Gotu Kola (Brahmi) - Gotu kola, is a
small, herbaceous, frost-tender perennial plant. It is used as
a medicinal herb in Ayurvedic medicine, traditional African medicine
and traditional Chinese medicine. It is also known as the Asiatic
pennywort or Indian pennywort in English. In traditional herbal
medicine, Gotu kola has been used for varicose veins, chronic venous
insufficiency, psoriasis and minor wounds.
4. Dodder - Dodder is a genus of about
100–170 species of yellow, orange, red & rarely green parasitic
plants. Plant has long been used for osteoporosis in China and some
other Asian countries. It is a commonly used traditional Chinese
medicine which is believed to strengthen the liver and kidneys.
5. Basil - Basil is a culinary herb of the
family Lamiaceae (mints). It is also called the "king of herbs"
and the "royal herb". In traditional medicine practices of
Ayurveda, basil is thought to have therapeutic properties. Basil
leaves have the ability to cure many kinds of fever. Chewing Tulsi
leaves also cures cough and flu. It helps to mobilise mucous in
bronchitis and asthma attacks. Basil leaves have antiseptic
properties and are hence, used in the treatment of ulcers, cuts and
wounds.
6. Eucalyptus – Eucalyptus is a diverse
genus of flowering trees and shrubs. Eucalyptus oil finds many uses
like in aromatherapy, as a cure for joint pains. Some of the best
health benefits of eucalyptus includes its ability to boost
respiratory health, strengthen the immune system, protect skin
health, ease tension and anxiety, lower blood sugar, eliminate
inflammation and fight against bacterial infection.
7. Ginseng - Ginseng is any one of the 11
species of slow-growing perennial plants with fleshy roots, belonging
to the genus Panax of the family Araliaceae. Ginseng is perhaps the
most widely recognised plant used in traditional medicine and now
plays a major role in herbal health care. Ginseng is widely used for
its antistress, anticancer, immune system modulation, cardiovascular,
CNS and hormonal effects and for improvement of athletic performance.
8. Asparagus - Asparagus is a spring
vegetable, a flowering perennial plant species in the genus
Asparagus. Asparagus are used in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic
medicines. The roots are useful in nervous disorders, dyspepsia,
tumours, scalding of urine, throat infections, tuberculosis, cough
bronchitis and general debility. The herb is useful for treating
anorexia, insomnia, hyperactive children and people who are
under-weight.
9. Gooseberry - The Indian gooseberry or
Amla is an edible fruit and is sour, bitter, astringent and quite
fibrous. Amla is highly valued by nutritionists and Ayurvedic
practitioners. It provides remedies for many diseases, so it is
widely used in Ayurvedic treatment. Amla enhances food absorption,
balances stomach acid, fortifies the liver, nourishes the brain and
mental functioning, supports the heart, strengthens the lungs,
enhances fertility, helps the urinary system, increases skin health,
promotes healthier hair, acts as a body coolant, flushes out toxins,
increases vitality, strengthens eyes, improves muscle tone and acts
as an antioxidant.
10. Psyllium - Psyllium or Ispaghula is the
common name used for several members of the plant genus Plantago
whose seeds are used commercially for the production of mucilage.
Psyllium is mainly used as a dietary fiber to relieve symptoms of
both constipation and mild diarrhea and occasionally as a food
thickener. Research has also shown benefits in reducing cholesterol
levels. Psyllium can help patients with type 2 diabetes control their
blood sugar.
11. Henna - Henna or Mehandi is a medicinal
plant. Its bark and seeds are used in Unani and Ayurvedic medicines.
Henna oil is used during medicinal treatment of wide range of ailment
ranging from headache to leprosy and other skin disorders. The bark
of the plant is very effective in the treatment of liver disorders
like jaundice and enlargement of the liver.
12. Neem – Neem tree is a tree in the
mahogany family Meliaceae and is native to India and the Indian
subcontinent. Products made from neem trees have been used in India
for their medicinal properties. Neem products are believed by
Ayurvedic practitioners to be Anthelmintic, antifungal, antidiabetic,
antibacterial, antiviral, contraceptive and sedative. Neem oil is
also used for healthy hair, to improve liver function, detoxify the
blood and balance blood sugar levels. Neem leaves have also been used
to treat skin diseases like eczema, psoriasis, etc.
13. Rauwolfi (Snakefoot) - Rauwolfia or
snakeroot is a species of flowering plant in the family Apocynaceae.
It is native to South and East Asia. It is an Ayurvedic plant which
has been used for its medicinal properties. This plant has been used
by Ayurveda for thousands of years as a remedy for various diseases
such as hypertension, insomnia and even insanity. It is the best
remedy for high blood pressure and it has been adapted by medical
fraternity in most countries. Rauwolfia has been used as an
antihypertensive herbs both in Ayurveda and Modern system of
medicine.
14. Cress - Cress is a plant. The parts
that grow above the ground are used to make medicine. It is used to
cure coughs, vitamin C deficiency, constipation, tendency toward
infection and fluid retention. The leaves are antiscorbutic, diuretic
and stimulant. The plant is administered in cases of asthma, cough
with expectoration and bleeding piles. The root is used in the
treatment of secondary syphilis and tenesmus.
15. Soapnut - Soapnut, is a large tree
found in South India. It is one of the popular herb listed among the
Ayurveda. Soapnut is used for curing eczema, treating psoriasis and
removing freckles. It serves as an excellent hair tonic and thus, is
a popular ingredient in the preparation of Ayurvedic shampoos and
cleansers. The fruit has emetic, tonic, astringent and anti-helmintic
properties that are used for treating asthma.
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