Medicinal Plants and their Uses
Medicinal plants have been explored for treatment of numerous health problems. We have provided you a list of such plants that have immense therapeutic value. Have a look.
HolisticZine Staff
Last Updated: Jan 24, 2018
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. These days, many people are resorting to the use of traditional methods to treat ailments. This has further given a boost to the commercial production of these plants, 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.
| 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 |
• eases menstrual pain • diabetes • uterine disorders |
| Amla - Phyllanthus emblica |
• Cough • diabetes • laxative • acidity |
| Ashwagandha - Withania somnifera |
• eases stress • nerve disorder • repairs bodily functions |
| 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 |
• painkiller • digestive |
| Vringraj - Eclipta alba |
• calming • 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 the treatment of health disorders. The following data provides information on some of the medicinal properties and uses. Some of these herbal medicines are capable of curing certain health problems completely.
| Name - Scientific Name | 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 • dissolves 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 |
Medicinal Plants in Ayurveda
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 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 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, fever, indigestion, viral infection, etc.
Basil: Basil or tulsi acts as a blood purifier and it's also antibacterial in nature. 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.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a medical expert.
