Download Medicinal uses of the plants that have been the most listed

Medicinal uses of the plants that have been the most
listed by the Teachers and the Students.
TULSI:
1. Healing Power: The tulsi plant has many medicinal properties. The leaves are a nerve
tonic and also sharpen memory. They promote the removal of the catarrhal matter and
phlegm from the bronchial tube. The leaves strengthen the stomach and induce copious
perspiration. The seed of the plant are mucilaginous.
2. Fever & Common Cold: The leaves of basil are specific for many fevers. During the
rainy season, when malaria and dengue fever are widely prevalent, tender leaves, boiled with
tea, act as preventive against theses diseases. In case of acute fevers, a decoction of the leaves
boiled with powdered cardamom in half a liter of water and mixed with sugar and milk brings
down the temperature. The juice of tulsi leaves can be used to bring down fever. Extract of
tulsi leaves in fresh water should be given every 2 to 3 hours. In between one can keep giving
sips of cold water. In children, it is every effective in bringing down the temperature.
3. Coughs: Tulsi is an important constituent of many Ayurvedic cough syrups and
expectorants. It helps to mobilize mucus in bronchitis and asthma. Chewing tulsi leaves
relieves cold and flu.
4. Sore Throat: Water boiled with basil leaves can be taken as drink in case of sore throat.
This water can also be used as a gargle.
5. Respiratory Disorder: The herb is useful in the treatment of respiratory system disorder.
A decoction of the leaves, with honey and ginger is an effective remedy for bronchitis,
asthma, influenza, cough and cold. A decoction of the leaves, cloves and common salt also
gives immediate relief in case of influenza. They should be boiled in half a liter of water till
only half the water is left and add then taken.
6. Kidney Stone: Basil has strengthening effect on the kidney. In case of renal stone the juice
of basil leaves and honey, if taken regularly for 6 months it will expel them via the urinary
tract.
7. Heart Disorder: Basil has a beneficial effect in cardiac disease and the weakness resulting
from them. It reduces the level of blood cholesterol.
8. Children's Ailments: Common pediatric problems like cough cold, fever, diarrhea and
vomiting respond favorably to the juice of basil leaves. If pustules of chicken pox delay their
appearance, basil leaves taken with saffron will hasten them.
9. Stress: Basil leaves are regarded as an 'adaptogen' or anti-stress agent. Recent studies have
shown that the leaves afford significant protection against stress. Even healthy persons can
chew 12 leaves of basil, twice a day, to prevent stress. It purifies blood and helps prevent
several common elements.
10. Mouth Infections: The leaves are quit effective for the ulcer and infections in the mouth.
A few leaves chewed will cure these conditions.
11. Insect Bites: The herb is a prophylactic or preventive and curative for insect stings or
bites. A teaspoonful of the juice of the leaves is taken and is repeated after a few hours. Fresh
juice must also be applied to the affected parts. A paste of fresh roots is also effective in case
of bites of insects and leeches.
12. Skin Disorders: Applied locally, basil juice is beneficial in the treatment of ringworm
and other skin diseases. It has also been tried successfully by some naturopaths in the
treatment of leucoderma.
13. Teeth Disorder: The herb is useful in teeth disorders. Its leaves, dried in the sun and
powdered, can be used for brushing teeth. It can also be mixed with mustered oil to make a
paste and used as toothpaste. This is very good for maintaining dental health, counteracting
bad breath and for massaging the gums. It is also useful in pyorrhea and other teeth disorders.
14. Headaches: Basil makes a good medicine for headache. A decoction of the leaves can be
given for this disorder. Pounded leaves mixed with sandalwood paste can also be applied on
the forehead for getting relief from heat, headache, and for providing coolness in general.
15. Eye Disorders: Basil juice is an effective remedy for sore eyes and night-blindness,
which is generally caused by deficiency of vitamin A. Two drops of black basil juice are put
into the eyes daily at bedtime.
TURMERIC:
It is taken as the blood purifier and is very useful in the common cold, leprosy, intermittent,
affections of the liver, dropsy, inflammation and wound healing. The rhizome of the turmeric
plant is highly aromatic and antiseptic. It is even used for contraception, swelling, insect
stings, wounds, whooping cough, inflammation, internal injuries, pimples, injuries, as a skin
tonic. Sweetened milk boiled with the turmeric is the popular remedy for cold and cough. It is
given in liver ailments and jaundice.
ADULSA:
The "drug use" from the fresh or dried leaves of the plant. Leaves contain an alkaloid
vasicine, and an essential oil. The chief use of vasaka is as an expectorant; it is given in the
form of juice, syrup or decocation, It softens the thick sputum, facilitates its coming out and
thus bring about quick relief in bronchitis. The expectorant activity is due to stimulation of
bronchial glands. Larger doses can, however, cause irritation and vomiting. Recent
experiments have confirmed the usefulness
of vasaka.
• The leaves of this plant are also utilized as green manure and for yielding a yellow dye.
• Due to the presence of certain alkaloids, the leaves are not easily attacked by fungi and
insects, and are, therefore, used in packing or storing fruits.
• The leaves emit an unpleasant smell and are spared from browsing; the plan is, therefore,
suitable for planting in soil reclamation programmes, seesd are also useful..
HENNA:
As a medicinal plant, henna has been used as an astringent, antihemorrhagic, intestinal
antineoplastic, cardio-inhibitory, hypotensive, and a sedative. It has been employed both
internally and locally in jaundice, leprosy, smallpox, and affections of the skin. The fruit is
thought to have emmenagogue properties.
It has also been used as a folk remedy against amoebiasis, headache, jaundice, ranging from
beriberi to burns and bruises ans leprosy.Henna extracts show antibacterial, antifungal, and
ultraviolet light screening activity. Henna has exhibited antifertility activity in animals and
may induce menstruation.
Henna has been used as medical treatment for wide range of ailments to cure almost anything
from headache to leprosy and other skin disorders. It is used to create an instant ‘Scab’ on
large areas & is believed to have antiseptic properties. As a cooling agent it is used for
burning of skin. It also has great dandruff fighting ability.
Henna is also used for rheumatic and arthritic pains. Alcoholic extract of the leaves showed
mild anti- bacterial activity against Staph aureus and E. coli'. Antibacterial and antifungal
activities have been confirmed .The antihaemorrhagic properties are attributed to lawsone.
The naphthoquinone has emmenogogue and oxytocic actions.
The dried leaf and petiole of henna are generally recognized as safe when used as a color
additive for hair. A distilled water prepared from them is used as a cosmetic, and the
powdered leaves have been in use from the most ancient times in Eastern countries for dyeing
the hair and the nails a reddish-yellow. Traditionally henna is used to decorate hands and feet
during weddings and other ceremonies.
Henna features in the Siddha system of medicine. Siddha physicians consider parts of henna
to be astringent, detergent, deodorant, cooling and a sedative. Fresh leaves mixed with
vinegar or lime juice are bandaged onto the soles of the feet to treat 'burning feet', a symptom
of beriberi. Ground leaves are applied to sore joints to ease rheumatism. The juice of the plant
can be applied to the skin for headaches, and the oil is applied to hair to prevent it from going
grey.
Its flower oil relieves muscular pains, while its seeds are used as a deodorant and to regulate
menstruation. Henna flowers induce sleep, cure headaches and bruises. Leprosy has been
treated by henna bark, as well as by an extract of leaves, flowers and shoots. The bark has
also been used to treat symptoms of jaundice and enlargement of the liver and spleen. It can
be applied to the skin to treat eczema, scabies, fungal infections and burns.
The Ayurvedic system uses the henna leaves to treat vitiligo (pale patches on the skin where
pigment is lost), and the seeds are used to cure fever. Fruit oil is a folk remedy used in
disorders causing hardening of the liver and diaphragm, and an ointment made from young
fruit is used to prevent itching.
ALOE VERA:
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Aloe vera used to heal skin wounds.
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Aloe vera plant is used to heal burn.
Helps in speeding recovery time after surgery.
Aloe vera gel is used on blisters.
Aloe vera Plants are also helpful in healing insect bites.
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Aloe vera Plants are also helpful in healing rashes.
Aloe vera Plants are also helpful in healing sores.
Aloe vera Plants are also helpful in healing herpes.
Aloe vera Plants are also helpful in healing urticaria.
Aloe vera Plants are also helpful in healing fungus.
Aloe vera Plants are also helpful in healing vaginal infections.
Aloe vera Plants are also helpful in healing conjunctivitis.
Aloe vera Plants are also helpful in healing allergic reactions.
Aloe gels are applied on dry skins to give them glowing effect.
Helps in reducing acne.
Helps to reduce sunburn.
Aloe vera helps to fight frostbite.
Aloe vera uses includes fighting from shingles.
It helps in screening out x-ray radiation.
Aloe vera used to reduce psoriasis.
Aloe vera used to reduce rosacea.
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Aloe vera used to reduce warts.
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Wrinkles from aging are reduced by applying Aloe vera.
Aloe vera used to reduce eczema.
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Seeing so many medicinal uses of Aloe vera plant it is pretty easy to say that Aloe vera is of
great importance in our lives and solves great purpose in medical field as well.
GINGER:
Ginger have been claimed to decrease the pain from arthritis, though studies have been
inconsistent. It may also have blood thinning and cholesterol lowering properties that may
make it useful for treating heart disease
Preliminary research also indicates that nine compounds found in ginger may bind to human
serotonin receptors, possibly helping to affect anxiety
Advanced glycation end-products are possibly associated in the development of several
pathophysiologies, including diabetic cataract for which ginger was effective in preliminary
studies, apparently by acting through antiglycating mechanisms.
Ginger compounds are active against a form of diarrhea which is the leading cause of infant
death in developing countries. Zingerone is likely to be the active constituent against
enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli heat-labile enterotoxin-induced diarrhea.
Ginger has been found effective in multiple studies for treating nausea caused by seasickness,
morning sickness and chemotherapy, though ginger was not found superior over a placebo for
pre-emptively treating post-operative nausea. Ginger is a safe remedy for nausea relief during
pregnancy. Ginger as a remedy for motion sickness is still a debated issue. The television
program Mythbusters performed an experiment using one of their staff who suffered from
severe motion sickness. The staff member was placed in a moving device which, without
treatment, produced severe nausea. Multiple treatments were administered. None, with the
exception of the ginger and the two most common drugs, were successful. The staff member
preferred the ginger due to lack of side effects. Several studies over the last 20 years were
inconclusive with some studies in favor of the herb and some no. A common thread in these
studies is the lack of sufficient participants to yield statistical significance. Another issue is
the lack of a known chemical pathway for the supposed relief.
NEEM:
Traditionally Neem was used in Ayurveda for a number of conditions. It is one of the main
ingredients in every blood purification formula used in Ayurveda and it appears in most
Diabetic formulas as well. It is also used for arthritis, rheumatism, the removal of external
and internal parasites, including malaria and fevers and as an insect repellent.
Neem possesses anti-diabetic, antibacterial and antipyretic (fever reducing) properties. Neem
is used for a wide range of ailments including flu, fever, sore throat, cold, fungal infections,
skin diseases, malaria and many more ailments. The main medicinal use of different parts of
neem in Ayurveda are:
Part
Leaf
Medicinal Use
Leprosy, skin problems, skin ulcers, intestine worms, anorexia, eye
problems, epistaxis, biliousness
Bark
Analgesic, curative of fever
Flower Elimination of intestine worms, phlegm, bile suppression,
Fruit
Diabetes, eye problem, piles, intestine worms, urinary disorder,
wounds, leprosy, epistaxis
Twig
Asthma, cough, piles, intestine worms, obstinate urinary disorder,
phantom tumor, spermatorrhoea
Gum
Scabies, wounds, ulcer, skin diseases
Seed
Intestine worms and leprosy
Oil
Intestine worms, skin diseases and leprosy
Root
Refrigerant, diutretic
According to Ayurveda, it is useful in treating all sorts of Pitta, Kapha and Vatic disorders. It
should be consumed early in morning on empty stomach for 15 days during the end of winter
till the starting of summer season. This prevents most of the diseases through out the year.
Under no circumstance should Neem products be taken by pregnant women.
AMLA:
Antioxidant
Due to its high content of vitamin C and polyphenols, amla extract is a potent antioxidant.
Antioxidative activity, polyphenolic content and anti-glycation effect of some thai medicinal
plants traditionally used in diabetic patients.
Med Chem. 2009.
Ethanolic extracts of 30 Thai medicinal plants, traditionally used as alternative treatments in
diabetes, were evaluated for antioxidative activity. Five plants had strong antioxidant activity:
Amla Phyllanthus emblica, Terminalia chebula, Morinda citrifolia, Kaempferia parviflora and
Houttuynia cordata, respectively. Amla had stronger antioxidative activity than the other
plants. The investigation showed that total polyphenol and tannin content of Amla and the
flavonoid content of Houttuynia cordata were the highest. The results imply that these plants
are potential sources of natural antioxidants which have free radical scavenging activity and
might be used for reducing oxidative stress in diabetes.
Chemical and antioxidant evaluation of Indian gooseberry amla supplements.
Phytother Res. 2009. Poltanov EA, Shikov AN, Dorman HJ, Pozharitskaya ON, Tikhonov
VP, Hiltunen R. Open joint-stock company 'Diod', Moscow, Russia.
This study evaluated the chemistry and antioxidant properties of four commercial amla fruit
extracts. All extracts produced positive responses in the total phenol, total flavonoid and total
tannin assays. The presence of predominantly polyphenolic analytes, e.g. ellagic and gallic
acids and corilagin, was confirmed.
Amla for cholesterol
Influence of amla (Emblica officinalis) on hypercholesterolemia and lipid peroxidation in
cholesterol-fed rats.
J Nutr Sci Vitaminol 2005.
Institute of Natural Medicine, Toyama Medical and Pharmaceutical University, 2630 Sugitani,
Toyama, Japan.
The effects of amla on low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation and cholesterol levels were
investigated in vitro and in vivo using Cu(2+)-induced LDL oxidation and cholesterol-fed
rats. SunAmla and ethyl acetate (EtOAc) extract of amla significantly inhibited thiobarbituric
acid (TBA)-reactive substance level in the Cu(2+)-induced LDL oxidation and the effects
were stronger than those of probucol. These results suggest that amla may be effective for
high cholesterol and prevention of atherosclerosis.
Diabetes
Is diabetes control a benefit of amla herb or amla extract?
A study in animals shows this herbal supplement to play a role in reducing the oxidative
damage from high blood sugar.
Amla extracts reduce oxidative stress in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.
J Med Food. 2005.
The antioxidant properties of amla extracts and their effects on the oxidative stress in
streptozotocin-induced diabetes were examined in rats. Amla in the form of either the
commercial enzymatic extract SunAmla (Taiyo Kagaku Co. Ltd., Yokkaichi, Japan) or a
polyphenol-rich fraction of ethyl acetate extract was given orally for 20 days to the
streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Amla extracts showed strong free radical scavenging
activity. Amla also showed strong inhibition of the production of advanced glycosylated end
products. The oral administration of amla extracts to the diabetic rats slightly improved body
weight gain and also significantly alleviated various oxidative stress indices of the serum of
the diabetic rats.
Radiation protection
Would taking amla extract supplements be helpful in those undergoing radiation therapy or
would it also protect the cancer cells that the radiation is trying to destroy?
Protective Effect of an Extract of Emblica officinalis Against Radiation-Induced Damage in
Mice.
Integr Cancer Ther. 2009.
The radioprotective effect of amla extract was studied in mice. Swiss albino mice were
exposed to gamma rays (5 Gy) in the absence (control) or presence (experimental) of amla
extract, orally 100 mg/kg body weight, once daily for 7 consecutive days. A specimen of
small intestine (jejunum) was removed from the mice and studied at different autopsy
intervals from 12 hours to 30 days. In control animals, crypt cell population, mitotic figures,
and villus length were markedly reduced on day 1; these later started to increase
progressively but did not attain the normal level even at the last autopsy interval. The animals
receiving amla extract prior to irradiation had a higher number of crypt cells and mitotic
figures when compared with non-drug-treated control at all the autopsy intervals. Irradiation
of animals resulted in a dose-dependent elevation in lipid peroxidation and a reduction in
glutathione as well as catalase concentration in the intestine at 1 hour post-irradiation. In
contrast, amla extract treatment before irradiation caused a significant depletion in lipid
peroxidation and elevation in glutathione and catalase levels.
Skin and collagen
Type I pro-collagen promoting and anti-collagenase activities of Phyllanthus emblica extract
in mouse fibroblasts.
J Cosmet Sci 2009.
As part of an ongoing search for the novel pharmacological activities of amla, the present
study has shown its type I collagen promoting and anti-collagenase effects on primary mouse
fibroblast cells. At a concentration of 0.1 mg/ml, amla extract significantly increased the type
I pro-collagen level greater than that of an untreated control. Emblica extract caused an
approximately 7.75-fold greater type I pro-collagen induction compared to the known herbal
collagen enhancer asiaticoside at the same treatment concentration. Amla extract inhibited
collagenase activity in a dose-dependent manner. This herbal extract has a promising
pharmacological effect that benefits collagen synthesis and protects against its degradation
and could be used as a natural anti-aging ingredient.
Sperm protection from toxins and drugs
Spermatotoxic effect of ochratoxin and its amelioration by Emblica officinalis aqueous
extract.
Acta Pol Pharm. 2009.
The present study was carried out to evaluate the spermatotoxic effect of ochratoxin and it's
amelioration by Emblica officinalis aqueous extract. When male albino mice were treated
with ochratoxin. alterations in various reproductive parameters were observed (sperm count,
sperm motility, sperm viability and fertility rate), when further treated with the aqueous
extract of Emblica officinalis (2 mg/animal/day for 45 days) amelioration was noted in
ochratoxin-induced spermatotoxic effect. When normal human sperm cell suspension was
treated with ochratoxin (in vitro), various morphological alterations were observed. These
were mitigated further, when treated with aqueous extract of Emblica officinalis.
JASWAND:
Hibiscus ( Hibiscus rosa-sinensis , Family: Malvaceae) acts as an antiseptic, aphrodisiac,
astringent, cholagogue, demulcent, digestive, diuretic, emollient, purgative, refrigerant,
resolvent, sedative, stomachic and tonic. All the parts of Hibiscus plant are useful medicinally.
Hibiscus leaves are emollient, diuretic, refrigerant and sedative. Leaves, seeds, and mature
calyces exhibit diuretic and antiscorbutic properties. Succulent calyx, boiled in water, is used
as a drink in bilious problems. Fruits act as antiscorbutic. Bitter roots are used as aperitive
and tonic. Mucilaginous leaves can be used as an emollient and as a soothing cough remedy.
Hibiscus leaves make excellent shampoo. Flower extract has been used in many folk
remedies for liver disorders, high blood pressure and as aphrodisiac. Hibiscus relieves
stomach problems, sweetens breath and soothes nerves. An extract of the hibiscus flowers
lower cholesterol content in blood serum and helps to prevent oxidation of LDL (bad
cholesterol). Daily uptake of Hibiscus tea is useful for reducing high blood pressure.
MANGO:
- Chew tender leaves to avoid bleeding in the gums. This reduces pain in the tooth.
- Soak few tender leaves in water overnight and drink the water. This is supposed to help
patients with diabetes.
- Eat a piece of raw sour mango with salt and honey, to overcome loose motion, constipation
and indigestion.
- Eat raw mango pieces with black pepper and honey to avoid jaundice and other diseases
related to stomach and liver.
- Eat mango with salt to overcome thirst and reduces the effects of sun stroke during summer.
This is the reason during season, roasted or raw mango pulp mixed with sugar, water and
cardamom is served as a drink (‘panaka’) during the festivals like Ramanavami,
HanumaJayanti, Gouri thadige etc. This ‘panaka’ and Kosambir with mango is very famous
during the above festivals in spring in North and coastal Karnataka.
- Raw mangoes contain more Vitamin C and B compared to ripe mangoes. It is advisable to
eat one raw mango a day for better blood circulation during the mango season. It also helps to
overcome nervous disorders and helps in improving memory.
- Mangoes that have ripened on the tree are tasty and improve appetite.
- One bowl of mango juice with a pinch of pepper serves as energy source to the body,
increases inner glow of the skin and acts as diuretic. It also improves eye sight and immune
power of the body. Mango can be used in pickles, chutney, gojju with daily meals. Kids love
the jam that is prepared out of Mangoes and sugar.
- Finely ground Mango seeds mixed with buttermilk taken twice a day helps people with piles
and such disorders.
- During the mango season, drink a cup of milk after eating one ripe mango. The sugar of
mango and protein in the milk helps improving overall health.
LIME TREE:
Lime-flowers are only used in infusion or made into a distilled water as household remedies
in indigestion or hysteria, nervous vomiting or palpitation. Prolonged baths prepared with the
infused flowers are also good in hysteria.
In the Pyrenees they are used to soothe the temporary excitement caused by the waters, and
been used twith success against spasms. The flowers of several species of Lime are used.
Some doctors prefer the light charcoal of lime wood to that of the poplar in gastric or
dyspeptic disturbances, and its powder for burns or sore places.
If the flowers used for making the tisane are too old they may produce symptoms of narcotic
intoxication
PUDINA:
Pudina also known as Mint is one of the most common herbs and extremely popular in
alternative medical treatments, Mint has several medicinal uses in treating skin problems. It is
especially useful in treating acne, itching, inflammation, and burns. Internally, it is
considered excellent for indigestion and gastrointestinal problems.
Mint is carminative, stimulative, and antispasmodic. Peppermint has the highest
concentrations of menthol, while preparations of spearmint are often given to children. Mint
is good for colds, flu and fevers. It also helps in digestion, rheumatism, hiccups, stings, ear
aches, flatulence and for throat and sinus ailments.
There are also claims that it helps with motion sickness. Since it relieves indigestion,
biliousness, flatulence, iron deficiency anemia. Including pudina chutney in everyday meal is
very good for health.
Tea prepared with pudina leaves to which a tsp. each of lime juice and honey are added is an
excellent cure for common cold, sore throat and that bloated sensation in the stomach after a
heavy meal.
A face pack of fresh pudina leaves cures pimples and blackheads and is a very good
moisturizer.
ROSE:
Roses are one of the oldest cultivated flowers. They have been valued for thousands of years
for their medicinal and food value. Asian rose species are used in a number of traditional
Chinese medicine formulas. The ancient Greeks, Persians and Romans also used roses as
medicine.
Rose Petals
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In traditional medicine, rose petals are used as a remedy for diarrhea, coughs and
colds, sores, nervous tension, lethargy and painful joints. Petals are used to prepare
gargles and tonics for colds and mouth sores.
Rose Water
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Rosewater was invented by the Persian physician Ibn Sina in the first century C.E.
Among its other uses, it is commonly prescribed for eye inflammation and to
strengthen the heart.
Rose Oil
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Rose oil is also referred to as rose attar or otto. It is used to soothe irritated and
chapped skin. It is a part of modern traditional and modern aromatherapy which seeks
to relieve nervous tension and depression.
Rose Seeds
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Rose seeds are used as an effective diuretic and to cure various urinary tract disorders.
Rose hips also have a mildly laxative effect.
Homemade Rose Infusion
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It is very easy to benefit from the medicinal properties of roses by preparing an
infusion from the buds or hips of the flowers. There is no indication of any toxicity in
roses. To prepare an infusion, mix ¾ cup rose petals with 1 cup cold water. Pour in a
jar, seal tightly and let sit for 2 to 3 days. Shake the bottle once daily. On the third day,
strain the petals and add 1 tbsp. vodka. Transfer to a decorative bottle if you like.
CORIANDER:
Coriander is primarily used in modern medicine as a flavoring agent in medicines and as a
stomach soothing addition to more irritating compounds.
For upset stomach and flatulence relief, chew on Coriander seeds or drink a tea made from
the seeds.
For relief from the pain of rheumatism, pound the seeds and combine with hot water or tea to
make a paste, then apply to the affected area. Oatmeal may be added to this mixture to
produce the desired consistency