Importance of medicinal plants
Trees and plants have an important place among the gifts given by nature. Trees and plants play an important role in the human life cycle. In this, not only human needs are fulfilled but they also play a leading role in maintaining the balance of the living world- they also occupy the highest position in the carbon cycle and the pyramid of the food chain. Keeping in view their usefulness, they have been divided into many categories. Among these, medicinal plants not only have medicinal importance but also become a source of income. Medicinal plants are very important in keeping our body healthy, this is the reason why many evidences of its use are found in authentic texts like Indian Puranas, Upanishads, Ramayana and Mahabharata. Not only did Hanuman save Lord Lakshman’s life through the herbs obtained from it, but even today doctors use it for human treatment. Not only this, due to the amazing properties of most of the medicinal plants growing by themselves in the forests, people have started worshipping them like Tulsi, Peepal, Aak, Banyan and Neem etc. The famous scholar Charak has analyzed every type of medicinal plant and has even composed many invaluable books for the treatment of diseases which are being used nowadays for the welfare of mankind.
Medicinal plants and herbs
Neem
Neem plant emits a lot of oxygen due to which the surrounding air remains clean. If we look at it, the benefits of neem are endless. It will not be wrong to call it a home doctor. It also helps a lot in fighting any kind of skin color. If you crush some of its leaves and put them in water while bathing and then bathe with this water, then you will not have diseases like skin color. If you have cold and cough, boil its leaves and inhale the steam of this water, you will get a lot of relief. Grinding neem leaves and applying them on the affected area gives a lot of relief. Its leaves are also useful in fever. Boiling 4-5 neem leaves in a cup of water and drinking it is beneficial.
Basil
Tulsi is the most important medicinal plant. It has amazing power to kill insects. A different type of oil is present in its leaves. It comes out of the leaves and slowly spreads in the air. Due to this, the air around Tulsi is always pure and germ-free and is considered best for the health of people coming in contact with this air. Tulsi leaves, stem and seeds are also beneficial in gout, paralysis and Vata pain. By eating Tulsi leaves every morning on an empty stomach, many problems like blood disorders, Vata, diabetes start going away. Tulsi should not be chewed with teeth, it should be swallowed.
Amla
Amla or Amalaki can be termed as the most Ayurvedic ingredient. It is both food and medicine. This small fruit is loaded with innumerable health benefits. The word Amla refers to sour, which is its main taste. Its botanical name is Amla officinalis or Dentis ulica. This herb is a very powerful antioxidant, which prevents cell oxidation that occurs due to free radicals. Antioxidants are important for slow aging and preventing diseases like cancer, diabetes and heart disease. Benefits of Amla: It provides cure for many diseases and hence is widely used in Ayurvedic treatment. Amla is very rich in vitamin C, and contains several minerals and vitamins like calcium, phosphorus, iron, carotene and vitamin B complex.
Turmeric
Turmeric which is called Turmeric (Curcuma Longa) is ground and used as a spice in dishes. Turmeric is as beneficial as medicine due to its beneficial chemical elements. Turmeric has strong beneficial properties for purifying blood and curing inflammation. Most of the families use dry turmeric. However, raw turmeric is also very beneficial. According to Ayurveda medicine, turmeric destroys pain, heat, blood, stomach disorders and gas problems. The effect of turmeric is hot. Consumption of turmeric destroys the germs stuck in the stomach. Turmeric is an insecticide just like Penicillin and Streptomycin. Turmeric is beneficial in disorders related to Vaata, Diabetes and Phlegm.
Aelovera
Aloe vera plant is also known by the names Chitra Kumari, Gharaat Kumari etc. It is a pulpy and juicy plant. Aloe vera juice is said to be equivalent to nectar. It has a wonderful effect on boils and pimples. Apart from this, it also removes acne, cracked heels, sunburn, dark spots around the eyes. Apart from all this, it is also used for piles, goiter, heart disease and heat stroke etc. Applying Aloe vera juice to the hair keeps the hair black, thick and soft but it is said that it has the power to remove baldness also.
Shirayta / Bhuinim
Found in abundance in the forests of Chhattisgarh Nagpur, it is 1-3 feet tall and has many thin branches. Its leaves are pointed, spear-like, 3-4 inches long and one and a quarter inch broad. The juice of Dacharayata has the power to fight diseases like Jolchis. Make a decoction of its leaves and seeds. For making the decoction, boil 50 gram of its root in two cups of water. When half of the water remains after boiling, consume it. It reduces the effect of Jolchis. If its leaves are ground and applied on ringworm, scabies and itching, it is quite beneficial.
Stonecrop
If you have stones in your stomach, the Patharchatta plant can be of help to you. Wash its leaves well and chew them with warm water in the morning on an empty stomach. It will eliminate stones within a week. After this, get an ultrasound or CT scan done. Mixing one teaspoon of Patharchatta juice with ginger powder and swallowing it gives relief from stomach pain. Apart from stones, it is beneficial in all types of urinary tract diseases.
Clove-flowers
The leaves and stem of Shankhpushpi are used for children who are weak in studies. Its regular use keeps the mind of children sharp and the body fit. Shankhpushpi is considered a powerful brain tonic, a natural memory stimulant and a good stress reliever. Its leaves are used for asthma. It is considered excellent for ulcers and heart disease etc.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha plant has such medicinal properties that help you in fighting weight loss, paralysis etc. These plants are used for physical problems like fever, infection and swelling etc. Ashwagandha tea is made from the roots and leaves of the plant. It helps in increasing the memory of children studying. Ashwagandha strengthens the body and is also used for weight loss. It is a panacea for legs. Broken bones are also joined by it. Pregnant women also benefit from its consumption because it strengthens the immune system. It has the ability to reduce the risk of heart attack. It also controls problems like diarrhea in people suffering from diabetes.
Ashok
Usually people know this tree as an ornamental tree. But the medicinal properties of this plant are also no less. The botanical name of this tree is Sareca ilica. It is a member of the Calypinaceae family. Its bark is used as a laxative. Its decoction is mainly beneficial in dysentery, piles, menstrual bleeding and leucorrhoea. Its dried flowers are beneficial for diabetic patients. Its dried flowers are mainly used in Kerala.
Arjun
It is a member of the Combretaceae family of the plant kingdom. Its botanical name is Terminalia ajunun. Ajunun is an infallible medicine for heart diseases. The bark of Ajunun is beneficial for heart diseases as well as fever and wound healing. Wounds are cleaned with its decoction. Apart from this, the bark of Ajunun also plays an important role in dissolving stones.
Evergreen
Usually people know Sadabahar as an ornamental plant. But this plant also has many medicinal properties. Sadabahar is a member of the Cynoceae family and its botanical name is Theranthes regias. Many alkalis are found in this plant. These alkalis act as antibacterial in some diseases. This plant is also used as a medicine for diabetes in South Africa, Sri Lanka and some parts of India. Applying the juice of Sadabahar leaves on the bites of poisonous insects provides relief.
Betel
There are many medicinal properties in betel leaf. It is a member of the Piperaceae family and its botanical name is Piper betel. The juice of its leaves with honey is beneficial for problems like indigestion, stomach pain and dysentery in children. Apart from this, the juice of betel leaves is also useful in eye diseases, cold, cough and respiratory problems. Its leaves cure wounds and various types of fungal infections quickly.
aak
This plant is mainly found in North India and Andhra Pradesh. Aak is a member of the Asclepiadaceae family and its botanical name is L. diphtheria. On one hand, its leaves are beneficial in waterlogging, asthma and cough, on the other hand, the juice of its leaves is useful in skin diseases. The latex extracted from the Aak plant plays an important role in curing diseases like cold and gout. Its flowers not only improve digestion, but are also useful in cold, cough and asthma.
Ukeliptus
It is mainly an Australian plant, but trees of Eucalyptus are also grown in large numbers in India. Eucalyptus is a member of the Myrtaceae family and its botanical name is Eucalyptus vulgaris. A type of oil is extracted from its leaves. This oil is useful in treating gout, cold, asthma and many respiratory problems. Its roots are used as a medicine to clear the stomach.
Ficus religiosa (Peepal Tree)
Peepal tree is considered to be the most important and revered tree in Hinduism. That is why Peepal tree is worshipped. It is said that just like gods have many qualities, similarly Peepal tree also has many health enhancing qualities. The leaves, branches and roots of this tree have the ability to work rapidly. Similarly, this tree works rapidly in protecting our body from many diseases. Peepal tree is the most important tree that purifies oxygen among all the trees found on earth. This is such a tree that gives us oxygen for 24 hours while other trees release carbon dioxide or nitrate at night. This is a tree which absorbs the heat of the sun but does not absorb its light. Hence, there is light as well as shade under the Peepal tree. People living under this tree are intelligent, healthy and have a long life. This is the same tree under which Gautam Buddha attained enlightenment.
Banyan
Banyan or Vat tree is an important tree of Indian land. It is considered a sacred tree in Hinduism. Women in India worship this sacred tree on the occasion of Vat Sadatri. Banyan is the symbol of all the three Gods of Hinduism- Lord Brahma is the roots of this tree, Lord Vishnu is the skin and Lord Shiva is the branches. It is believed that Goddess Lakshmi comes to this tree on Sundays. Across the country, everyone recognizes and worships this sacred tree. Apply mustard oil on fresh leaves of Banyan to get relief from root pain and swelling. Heat the leaves and place them on the affected areas. Also one can apply the latex (milk) of Banyan externally on the affected area. You can also take massage with banyan milk to get relief from gadiya pain.
Curry leaf
Curry leaf is used in all our homes to enhance the aroma and taste of food. It is especially used in South Indian dishes. Whether it is seasoning or garnishing, curry leaf is used prominently but very few people know that many medicinal properties are found in curry leaf. According to a study, curry leaf is mainly beneficial for sugar patients. Apart from this, people who are worried about their increased weight are also advised to use curry leaf. According to Ayurveda, the nutrients present in curry leaf are helpful in protecting from many types of diseases.
Acacia
Acacia or Kikar is a tree of the ‘Acacia’ species. It is mainly found in the African continent and the Indian subcontinent. It is a thorny tree. Acacia trees are medium sized. The bark of its tree is brown and dry. Its branches are soft, soft and twisted. Its leaves are very small and are in groups of 4-9 leaves. Its flowers are yellow and are in groups of 4-6 flowers. Its wood is considered the best for burning. Apart from its amazing benefits, it is a good source of nutrients, vitamins and. 100 grams of babul contains 4.28 milligrams of iron, 0.902 milligrams of manganese, 13.92 grams of protein, 6.63 grams of fat and 0.256 milligrams of zinc. Acacia tooth brush is very good for teeth, babul tree is very effective in treating cough and dyspepsia. It helps in curing flatulence, dyspepsia and uterine bleeding, urinary disorders, pain.
Night Jasmine
Hardasar is considered a divine tree. The flower of Hardasar or Harishrangaar is used in the decoration and worship of Lord Hari. Hence, this sweet and fragrant flower is known as ‘Hardasar’. It is said that Lord Krishna brought this divine tree from heaven to earth. According to Harivansh-Purana, this divine tree is also a wish-fulfilling tree. It is also famous by the name of Paarijaat and has a special place in the hearts of lovers. There is a mythological story behind this name, according to which a princess named Parajaat fell in love with the Sun God, but when the Sun God did not accept her love, she gave up her life in despair. The Parajaat tree was born from the same sacred land where the princess was cremated. That is why its flowers bloom only in the night after sunset and after filling the earth with their fragrant aroma throughout the night, they fall on the ground with their leaves after sunrise. That is why it is also called the “Queen of the Night”. Shefdalka, Dashvali, Mallaka and Swarnmalka are some of its other names. This divine plant is not only a symbol of faith, but it is also a medicinal plant. Its flower is very beneficial for health, its benefits are as follows:-
- Drinking the sweet juice of leaves, flowers and branches of Haradsongar gives relief from pain and swelling of the roots. Applying paste of its flowers on the roots has a great effect on swelling.
- Applying paste of its leaves on wounds heals the wounds in no time. • Applying paste of Haradsongar on broken bones and tying it tightly with a cloth not only helps in joining the bones, but it also makes them stronger and reduces pain.
- Seeds of Haradsongar are an infallible remedy for piles. Consuming its seeds daily helps in bowel evacuation and helps in getting rid of seriously painful diseases like piles.
