By Ekta, Harsha and Khushi
Every year, the month of September is celebrated as 'Rashtriya Poshan Maah' and 1st - 7th September is observed as Poshan week' (National Nutrition Week) across the country, to raise awareness about nutrition and healthy eating habits. In the light of the same, MH Vatavaran, The Environment Society of Miranda House presents a blog about medicinal plants which can be useful in the prevention and management of some common health problems.
Herbalism is the study and use of plants for medicinal purposes. These medicinal plants are used as food, medicine or perfume etc. Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha and Folk medicines are major systems of indigenous medicines. As per World Health Organisation (WHO), nearly 80 percent of people worldwide depend on herbal medicines for their primary health care needs and nearly 21,000 plant species have the potential for being used as medicinal plants. They are comparatively safe, eco-friendly and locally available. Let's have a look at some beneficial plants that you can have in your garden:
Turmeric
via Pininterest
The use of turmeric dates back nearly 4000 years to Vedic culture in India. It was used as cooking
spice and had some religious significance also. It is commonly known as ‘ Haldi ’ in North India.
Turmeric is obtained from Curcuma longa , a rhizomatous herbaceous perennial plant. It belongs
to the ginger family Zingiberaceae. Turmeric contains more than 100 components. It consists of moisture, curcumin, extraneous matter, mould, and volatile oils in standard form. Turmeric has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic, antimicrobial, anticancer, antiseptic, cardioprotective, hepatoprotective and nephroprotective properties.
Uses:
It is used for rheumatoid arthritis, skin cancer, smallpox, chicken pox, wound healing and liver ailments.
It is used for digestive disorders.
It is used to reduce menstrual difficulties.
It is used for treatment of inflammatory bowel disease as well as colon cancer.
It is used in arthritis and dyspepsia treatment.
Turmeric volatile oil is used against respiratory tract disorders.
Ashwagandha
via Deep Ayurveda
Ashwagandha is commonly known as ‘Indian Winter Cherry’ or ‘Indian Ginseng’. It is also
named ‘Sattvic Kapha Rasayana’ in our ancient medicine literature. It holds the most
important place in ayurvedic Rasayana herbs. For nearly the past 6000 years, it has been
used as a rasayana in Ayurveda. Its scientific name is Withania somnifera and it belongs to the family Solanaceae. It contains biologically active chemicals like alkaloids, steroidal lactones and saponins. It is mainly found in India, the Middle East and parts of Africa. Ashwagandha has anti-stress, neuroprotective, anti-tumor, anti-arthritic, anti-inflammatory ,antioxidant and analgesic properties.
Uses:
It enhances the function of the brain and nervous system.
It is useful for children with memory deficits and for old age people as they face difficulty in remembering things.
It has a cognition promoting effect.
It is also applied in ulcers and painful swellings.
Its leaves are used during fever.
Its seeds help in removing white spots from cornea.
A paste (made by mixing water and crushed roots )is used to reduce inflammation at joints.
It is used in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease , Huntington’s disease etc.
It improves the function of the reproductive system.
It improves the immunity of body.
It is used for Rheumatoid and Osteoarthritis.
Lemon Grass
via Gardener's Path
Lemon grass, an aromatic, tropical, long and slender grass, is native to tropical countries such as India,China and Thailand. Its scientific name is Cymbopogon citratus and it belongs to the Poaceae family. It is commonly known as ‘fever grass’ as it helps in reducing fever. The main chemical constituents are Myrcene, Citral, Citronellal, Geranyl Acetate, Nerol, Geraniol, and Limonene.
Traditionally it was used in medicine and cosmetics.
Uses:
It is used to relieve muscle and joint pain.
It reduces fever and headache caused by viral infection.
It acts as an antiseptic.
It boosts circulation and immunity.
It can reduce inflammation due to Limonene present in it.
It has antimicrobial ,antiviral and antifungal properties.
It contains antioxidants which increase detoxification enzyme production from liver.
It reduces digestive disorders like stomach aches, cramps and ulcers.
It acts as a natural anxiolytic i.e. inhibits the brain's activity pathways for stress.
It contains Zinc ,Magnesium etc which helps in improving memory, cognition etc.
It regulates blood pressure.
Amla
via Go Garden
It has been used as medicine for nearly a thousand years. It is known as ‘Indian gooseberry’.
Its scientific name is Phyllanthus emblica and it belongs to the family Phyllanthaceae. It is native
to India. The chemical constituents of Amla include tannins, alkaloids, polyphenols, vitamins
and minerals. Traditionally all parts of amla were used in Ayurvedic medicine. Amla has antimicrobial, antidiarrheal, antidiabetic,nephroprotective,hepatoprotective,antioxidant,anti-inflammatory and antipyretic properties.
Uses:
It acts as an immunity booster.
It is used to treat skin disorders and premature ageing.
It is useful in haemorrhage, diarrhoea, dysentery and diabetes.
It helps in healing ulcers.
It is used for respiratory disorders like tuberculosis, asthma and bronchitis.
It is used for heart and eye disorders.It is used for scurvy as it is rich in vitamin C.
It is used to treat hypertension.
It also stabilizes blood sugar.
It acts as a memory enhancer.
Black Pepper
via Plantslive
It was known as black gold. Black pepper is considered the ‘King of Spices’. Its scientific
name is Piper nigrum and it belongs to the family Piperaceae. It is native to the Malabar coast of
India. It is one of the earliest spice known. Black pepper also contains (11–14%) protein,
(47–53%) fibre, and (10–13.5%) starch. Black pepper contains about 5–9% of the alkaloids
piperine and piperettine and about 1.2– 5% of volatile oil.
Uses:
It is used in pain management.
It is used for treatment of rheumatism arthritis.
It has anticancer activity.
It is used for influenza, fever and hypotension.
It stimulates saliva secretion which, in turn, increases production of digestive juices. This reduces the possibility of gastrointestinal issues.
It prevents degenerative diseases by inhibiting pro inflammatory cytokines.
It has antioxidant properties which helps the body to fight and repair radical damage ,thereby, reducing chances of cardiovascular diseases and inflammation.
It is applied to skin for measles, nerve pain, and itchy skin caused by mites.
It also improves brain function.
Aloe Vera
via Wikipedia
Its scientific name is Aloe barbadensis miller and it belongs to the family Asphodelaceae
(Liliaceae). 2000 years ago, the Greek scientists regarded Aloe vera as the universal panacea.
The Egyptians called Aloe “the plant of immortality".
Uses:
It contains healthful plant compounds.
It has antioxidant and antibacterial properties.
It accelerates wound healing.
It reduces dental plaque
It reduces constipation.
It may improve skin and prevent wrinkle.
Oral use of aloe vera may cause stomach cramps or diarrhea due to its laxative effects. There have also been some reports of liver damage associated with long-term use of aloe vera supplement. It is also reported that non decolorized whole leaf extract of aloe vera seems to be associated with cancer risk in rats
Holy Basil (Tulsi)
via Britannica
Its scientific name is Ocimum Sanctum and it belongs to the family Lamiaceae. Aerial portion of the plant yields an essential oil possessing eugenol as the major constituent. Other compounds identified were nerol, eugenol, terpinene pinene and carvacrol. The leaves have also been reported to contain ursolic acid, apigenin, luteolin and orientin. Indian mythology attaches a great significance to Basil by recognizing it as a holy herb. Perhaps, such significance comes from the actual health applications of the herb.
Uses:
Its use is recommended as a first aid in the treatment of respiratory, digestive and skin diseases. Apart from these common ailments, Ayurveda also recognizes its use for diseases ranging up to tumorous growths.
Promotes Healthy Heart - Holy basil contains vitamin C and antioxidants such as eugenol, which protects the heart from the harmful effects of free radicals.
Eugenol also proves useful in reducing cholesterol levels in the blood.
It has anti-aging properties - Vitamin C and A, phytonutrients, in Holy Basil are great antioxidants and protect the skin from almost all the damages caused by free radicals.
Treats Kidney Stones- Tulsi acts as a mild diuretic and detoxifying agent which helps in lowering the uric acid levels in the body. Acetic acid present in holy basil helps in the breakdown of the stones.
Relieves Headaches
Fights Acne
Neem
via Pininterest
Its scientific name is Azadirachta indica and it belongs to the family Meliaceae. In
Vedas Neem is mentioned as ‘Sarva Roga Nivarini’, which means ‘one that cures all
ailments and ills‘. In Africa it is known as ‘Mahorbany’, because it can cure forty major and
minor diseases.
Uses:
External: Treatment of dermatological disorders like psoriasis, herpes, eczema, purities, and acne vulgaris, inflammatory condition, infected wounds, abscesses and ulcer, ophthalmic care, ear infection and sinusitis, alopecia and hair care, rheumatic pain, gout, etc.
Internal: For dental hygiene, for treating malaria and filaria, typhoid, digestive disorders, liver disorders, intestinal worms, hepatitis, splenomegaly, respiratory disorders, tuberculosis, urinary disorders, gynecological problems, diabetes, hypertension, cancer, leprosy, leucoderma, allergies, etc., infectious diseases such as smallpox, chicken pox, and measles, vaginal disorders and sexually transmitted infection.
Carom (Ajwain)
via Wikipedia
Carom (Ajwain) also known as ajowan caraway, thymol seeds, or bishop's weed is a member of the Apiaceae (or Umbelliferae) family of plants, which also includes other plants such as fennel, coriander, cumin, etc. Carom plant's fruit or seeds are pale khaki-colored, ridged in texture, and oval-shaped whereas the shrubby leaves are feather-like. It has the scientific name Trachyspermum ammi and is often used in Indian cooking as a part of the mixture of spices, due to its strong fragrance and flavor.
Uses:
It is highly used in Indian cuisine for aroma and roasting purposes due to its fine and penetrative taste.
It is beneficial in curing persistent indigestion, bloating, and acidity problems, and aids in curing ulcers in the digestive organs of the body such as stomach, intestine, and esophagus.
It consists of ‘thymol’ which aids in getting rid of fungi and germs.
It also helps in relieving skin irritation, clearing acne marks and removing grey hair.
Carom or Ajwain is also quite helpful in providing relief from cough and congestion. It aids in the widening of bronchial tubes, which ultimately can be impactful in fighting against Asthma.
Pudina
via Wikipedia
It is commonly known as “Garden mint” and belongs to the Lamiaceae family. It's scientific name is Mentha spicata subsp. spicata. It is a common favored kitchen herb along with coriander. The perennial pudina plant can grow upto a height of 30cm and generally spreads horizontally. It can be easily grown in home gardens, in moist – wet soil, and is propagated by root division during
rains. Menthol and peppermint oil are also by-products of Pudina leaves.
Uses:
Pudina leaves are used for making “chutney” which has a cooling effect on our body in summer.
It prevents or cures contractions due to dehydration.
It is quite helpful in relieving stomach aches and reduces acidity and indigestion.
The essence of pudina leaves aid in curing toothache and act as mouth fresheners.
Crushed pudina leaves bring down external body heat, thus help in toning the skin. They also reduce internal heat, by stimulating energy within the body.
Giloy:
via Wikipedia
Giloy, a climbing shrub and an indispensable herbal part of the Ayurvedic Pharmacopeia;belongs to the Menispermaceae family. Its scientific name is Tinospora cordifolia. Giloy is also known by other names such as giloe, guduchi and amrita. It also has four vital forms of components in it namely, alkaloids, lignans, steroids and terpenoids. Although the plant is native to India, it is also found in China and the tropical areas of Australia and Africa.
Uses:
The antipyretic and anti-inflammatory properties of Giloy help in curing chronic fever, dengue fever, and Hay fever, or allergic rhinitis.
Giloy can also aid in fighting covid-19 infection as it acts as an immunity booster.
Consumption of Giloy on a regular basis helps in enhanced production of insulin in the body and thus, works to balance blood sugar and manage other diabetic complications like ulcers, kidney problems, etc.
Giloy aids in improving digestion and prevents digestive system issues such as diarrhea, colitis, hyperacidity, nausea etc.
It also has the crucial capacity to improve cognitive functions of the brain and helps in building-up memory. It also reduces mental stress and anxiety.
Curry Tree
via Wikipedia
Curry tree belongs to the Rutaceae family and its scientific name is Murraya koenigii. Curry leaves provide various health and therapeutic benefits. Curry trees are native to India, Sri Lanka and many other south-east Asian countries. Thus, it is also known by diverse vernacular names such as Kadi patta and Meetha neem in Hindi, Karivepaku in Tamil and Kariveppu in Malayalam. Compounds such as alkaloids, glycosides and phenol give fragrance to the leaves.
Uses:
Curry leaves function as an anti-oxidant and keep the body free from diseases because it has various compounds such as myrcene, alpha-terpinene, murrayanol, alpha-pinene, etc.
Curry leaves also help in cutting down high cholesterol and triglyceride levels in our body and keep the heart healthy.
It helps in preventing complex diseases such as Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases.
Curry leaves contain anti-cancer properties too which help the body in battling against cancer.
Other benefits of curry leaves range from anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving to anti-diabetic properties present in them.
Fenugreek (Methi)
via Wikipedia
Fenugreek or “methi” with the scientific name - Trigonella foenum-graecum belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is known by various names such as methi, medhika , Greek Hay, Greek clover and many more. It is a herbaceous plant growing up to a height of 50cm. It is native to the Mediterranean region, Southern Europe and Western Asia. Fenugreek is used majorly in medicines and cooking, mostly in India.
Uses:
Fenugreek leaves are highly beneficial in the production of breast milk in lactating women.
It also provide relief in menstrual cramps.
The leaves contain hair-growing elements and also aid in skin allergies, such as eczema, etc.
Fenugreek leaves are quite useful in managing blood pressure, maintaining cholesterol levels and promoting a healthy cardiovascular system.
It also helps in curing digestive issues and helps in smooth digestion.
Coriander (Dhaniya)
via Wikipedia
Coriander plant or Coriandrum sativum belongs to the Apiaceae family. It is known by other names such as Chinese parsley or simply “Dhaniya” in India. It is a plant native to Italy but is also widely grown in Western and Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, China, Bangladesh and India. Coriander is mostly used as a spice in cooking but it also has other uses and benefits.
Uses:
Coriander is useful in balancing blood sugar levels in our body by activating enzymatic activity.
It is abundant in antioxidants and thus acts as an immunity booster
It prevents brain damage and other neuro-related diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, etc.
Coriander helps in digestion and aids in building an appropriate appetite.
It is also beneficial in case of skin damage, rashes like dermatitis, pigmentation, etc.
Bibliography
https://www.nhp.gov.in/introduction-and-importance-of-medicinal-plants-and-herbs_mtl
Economic Botany in the Tropics by S.L. Kochhar
https://globalresearchonline.net/journalcontents/v24-2/25.pdf
https://rnlabs.com.au/the-story-of-amla-emblica-officinalis/
https://freshsteeps.com/lemongrass-benefits-history-health-how-to-use-it/
https://freshsteeps.com/lemongrass-benefits-history-health-how-to-use-it/
https://www.newdirectionsaromatics.com/blog/products/all-about-lemongrass-oil.html
https://www.ugaoo.com/knowledge-center/mint-or-pudina-benefits-in-summer/
The detailed descriptions and benefits of each plant are invaluable. I'm particularly interested in incorporating turmeric and aloe vera into my garden. Thank you for sharing this valuable information! I always purchase essential garden tools from Naikkrishi.com
Amazing ❤️