Medicinal Plants and their Uses

The goodness and healing properties of herbal plants were explored by people since ages. The study of herbal medicinal plants, known as Ayurveda was practiced in India. Use of plants for medication and treatment dates back to the Vedic period. Today, implementation of traditional methods to treat body ailments has become a profession. This has further boosted its commercial production and the rate of consumption has considerably increased.

List of Medicinal Plants and their Uses

The list of medicinal herbs available across the globe is huge. In the following list we have sorted the species that are commonly used due to their wonderful healing effects and therapeutic value. Have a look at them.

Common Name	Scientific Name	Uses
Acacia	Acacia greggi	astringent, demulcent, emollient
Agrimony	Agrimonia eupatoria	blood coagulant
Pimenta	Pimenta dioica	heals wounds, bruises
Ajwain	Trachyspermum ammi	antibacterial, carminative, digestive
Ashok	Trachyspermum ammi	relieves menstrual pain, diabetes, uterine disorders
Amla	Phyllanthus emblica	Cough, diabetes, laxative, acidity
Ashwagandha	Withania somnifera	relieves stress, nerve disorder, restores normal function of body
Brahmi	Bacopa monnieri	jaundice, anemia, dropsy
Bael	Aegle marmelos	constipation, diarrhea, dysentery
Chirata	Swertia chirata	burn, skin diseases, fever
Guggul	Commiphora wightii	asthma, hydrocele, diabetes
Guluchi	Tinospora cordifolia	jaundice, gout, piles, fever
Kalmegh	Andrographis paniculata	gastritis, fever, weakness
Makoi	Solanum nigrum	dysentery, diuretic, debility
Pashan Bheda	Coleus barbatus	calculus, stones in kidney
Sarpa Gandha	Ranwolfia serpentina	insomnia, hypertension
Tulsi	Ocimum tenuiflorum	expectorant, cough, cold
Vai Vidanka	Embelia ribes	skin disease, helminthiasis
Peppermint	Mentha piperita	pain-killer, digestive
Vringraj	Eclipta alba	anti-inflammatory, leukemia, stress reliever
Chitrak	Plumbargo zeylanica	dyspepsia, inflammation, cough, colic
Harada	Terminalia chebula	leprosy, inflammation, vomiting, insomnia
Neem	Azadirachta indica	analgesic, astringent, epilepsy
Kantakari	Solanum xanthocarpum	appetizer, stomach ache, diuretic

List of Medicinal Herbs and their Uses

A plethora of herbs are also utilized for treatment of health disorders. From the table below you shall come to know their medicinal properties and uses. Such herbal medicines are capable of curing health problems completely.

Common Names	Scientific Names	Uses
Lemon Balm	Melissa officinalis	digestion, stomach spasms, anti-viral
Angelica	Angelica sylvestris	gastritis, cramps, digestion
Chickweed	Stellaria media	itching, irritation, rashes
Cleavers	Galium aparine	skin diseases, diuretic
Couch grass	Cynodon dactylon	rheumatism, cystitis, gout
Dandelion	Taraxacum officinale	dissolves kidney and gallstones, diuretics
Elderberry	Sambucus canadensis	bronchitis, cold, cough
Garlic	Allium sativum	anti-microbial, cardiovascular treatment
Ginger	Zingiber officinale	motion sickness, vomiting, flatulence, diarrhea
Lavender	Lavandula angustifolia	stress reliever, boosts spirits, stomach disorders
Red Clover	Trifolium pratense	rejuvenatory, skin nourishing
Rosemary	Rosmarinus officinalis	improves blood supply to brain
Thyme	Thymus pulegioides	antifungal, anti-bacterial, expectorant
Yarrow	Achillea millefolium	wound cleansing, blood coagulation, digestive

List of Indian Medicinal Plants and their Uses

Indian medicinal plants or the herbs in Ayurveda have age-old benefits. Various parts of plants like the leaves, flowers, roots and the bark have proven useful in curing a wide range of health related issues. Sometimes herbal derivatives like gum, resins, metabolites and latex have also been used for treatment purposes. Such products are commercialized today in the form of powders, pills, oils, tablets, creams, etc. The following are some of the most popular Indian plants having medicinal properties.

Sandalwood: Sandalwood finds application in chronic bronchitis. It is one of the most effective herbal remedies for massive sun burns, skin rashes, scars and acne.

Aloe Vera: It is known for its anti-diabetic property. Aloe vera promotes digestive health and is extremely soothing over skin burns and sun tan. It contains all essential amino acids that function as anti-aging factors and is also consumed for nutritional value.

Turmeric: Turmeric has anti-inflammatory property and is also used as an antioxidant. Raw turmeric is very effective in promoting liver health. It shows anti-bacterial action against many skin infections.

Cinnamon: Cinnamon is the most common herbal medicine for indigestion and gastric problems. It has the power to neutralize harmful toxins released by mold and fungus.

Pennywort: This Indian herbal plant is used as a tonic for nerves. It helps to reduce mental stress and physical fatigue. Pennywort also promotes sleep.

Neem: Neem is an excellent remedy for sprains, flu, skin problems, heart diseases, fever, indigestion, viral infection, etc. Some serious health concerns like cancer, kidney diseases and sexually transmitted diseases are also treated by neem.

Basil: Basil or tulsi acts as a blood purifier and it's also an anti bacterial. Tulsi is effective against cough and cold. It enhances digestion and appetite and improves blood circulation. Regular consumption of tulsi leaves boosts immunity of the body.

Ayurvedic doctors have complete trust on the healing properties of medicinal plants as they have proven beneficial for people suffering from different types of health disorders. However, consult your doctor before taking any herb.