Importance of Medicinal Plants in Our Life - Adorn your Health with herbal

Introduction:

The term “medicinal plant” include various types of plants used in herbalism ("herbology" or "herbal medicine"). It is the use of plants for medicinal purposes, and the study of such uses.

The word “herb” has been derived from the Latin word, “herba” and an old French word “herbe”. Now a days, herb refers to any part of the plant like fruit, seed, stem, bark, flower, leaf, stigma or a root, as well as a non-woody plant. Earlier, the term “herb” was only applied to non-woody plants, including those that come from trees and shrubs. These medicinal plants are also used as food, flavonoid, medicine or perfume and also in certain spiritual activities.

Among ancient civilizations, India has been known to be rich repository of medicinal plants. The forest in India is the principal repository of large number of medicinal and aromatic plants, which are largely collected as raw materials for manufacture of drugs and perfumery products. About 8,000 herbal remedies have been codified in AYUSH systems in INDIA. Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha and Folk (tribal) medicines are the major systems of indigenous medicines. Among these systems, Ayurveda and Unani Medicine are most developed and widely practised in India.

Recently, WHO (World Health Organization) estimated that 80 percent of people worldwide rely on herbal medicines for some aspect of their primary health care needs. According to WHO, around 21,000 plant species have the potential for being used as medicinal plants.

Treatment with medicinal plants is considered very safe as there is no or minimal side effects. These remedies are in sync with nature, which is the biggest advantage. The golden fact is that, use of herbal treatments is independent of any age groups and the sexes.

Medicinal Uses Of Some Home Based Medicinal Plants:

1. Thulsi

Scientific Name : Ocimum Sanctum L.

Medicinal Uses:

Thulsi ia an aromatic medicinal plant is often taken in combination with other herbs. The fragrant leaves and flowers, in the form of tincture, tea or decoction are considered to be stomachic and expectorant, used in treating coughs, bronchitis, skin diseases, and diarrhea. These preparations are considered to be prophylactic against epidemics including cholera, influenza and malaria. The thulsi seeds, taken mixed in water, juice or cow’s milk, are antioxidant, nourishing, mucilaginous and demulcent.

They are used in treating low energy, ulcers, vomiting and diarrhea or as an overall tonic. The powder of the dried root, taken in milk, ghee or as a decoction, is recommended to treat malarial fever as an analgesic application to the bites and string of insects and also to increase sexual stamina and prevent premature ejaculation. The herb improves resistance to stress and has a normalizing influence on blood pressure and blood sugar imbalances. Thulsi is likely to prove prophylactic against the negative effects of environmental toxins, including cancer. The plant is also richly endowed with bioavailable antioxidants, vitamins A and C and calcium. It has marked insecticidal activity against mosquitoes.

2. Aloe

Scientific Name : Aloe vera

Medicinal Uses:

Aloe, known for its laxative property is one of the old natural remedies that have emerged as modern miracle drug. Popularly known as 'Nature's Sun Screen' has growing use as skin tonic in cosmetic industry and as a nutraceutical. Aloes are also quite popular among succulent ornamental plants because of their stiff, harsh and rugged habit and are commonly grown in desert and other dry situations.

3. Vallarai 

Scientific Name: Centella asiatica

Uses:

Centella is a perennial, prostrate aromatic herb flourishing on water and damp areas of tropical regions. It is the native of India, China, Indonesia, Madagascar and Africa. It is generally applied on the cure of leprosy, skin diseases, diahhorea, anti-tumour and anti-ulcer activity.

The fresh herb has an aromatic odour when crushed and has a nauseous bitter taste. Whole plant is popular as a kitchen herb in certain parts of India finding a place for itself in chutneys, pickles, refreshing drinks etc. It is also reported to possess insecticidal properties. Above all, it is used as a nerve tonic for improving memory and in insanity.

4. Periwinkle

Scientific Name: Catharanthus roseus

Uses:

Periwinkle gained worldwide recognition, being the source of anti-cancerous alkaloids, vincristine, and vinblastine. Accidental discovery of antineoplastic action of its leaf alkaloids and presence of hypotensive alkaloids, raubasine and serpentine in its roots has made the plant, a valuable source of patented cancer and hypotensive drugs. This species is reputed to contain the largest number of alkaloids in the plant kingdom. The species was also recognised for its ornamental value and as a source of petrochemicals in addition to its medicinal values.

5. keezha Nelli

Keezhanelli plant is scientifically called as Phyllanthus niruri. It is also called as the gale of the wind, stonebreaker or seed-under-leaf. It is a tropical plant, is commonly found everywhere in coastal regions, and is known to grow in wet soil.

Phyllanthus has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for over 2,000 years and has a wide number of traditional uses including internal use for jaundice, gonorrhea, frequent menstruation, and diabetes and topical use as a poultice for skin ulcers, sores, swelling, and itchiness.

Phyllanthus significantly reduced serum HBV DNA (a marker of efficacy) as well as HBeAg (a marker of viral replication) when combined with antiviral therapy.

Conclusion:

As our lifestyle is now getting techno-savvy, we are moving away from nature. While we cannot escape from nature because we are part of nature. As herbs are natural products they are free from side effects, they are comparatively safe, eco-friendly and locally available. Traditionally there are lot of herbs used for the ailments related to different seasons. There is a need to promote them to save the human lives.

These herbal products are today are the symbol of safety in contrast to the synthetic drugs, that are regarded as unsafe to human being and environment. Although herbs had been priced for their medicinal, flavouring and aromatic qualities for centuries, the synthetic products of the modern age surpassed their importance, for a while. However, the blind dependence on synthetics is over and people are returning to the naturals with hope of safety and security. It’s time to promote them globally.

Courtesy: NITHIYANANTHAM S