Top 10 Medicinal Plants of India

Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is a perennial herb known for it’s many medicinal uses. It is indigenous to the drier parts of India like Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. It reaches to about 6 feet in height. It has orange fruits with small green leaves. The India Government issued a postal stamp in order to honor the Ashwagandha. All parts of the Ashwagandha, inclusive of the roots, stem and flowers are used for medical purposes. Basically, this plant contains alkaloids like withanine and somniferum, which are used to help treat nervous system disorders, leprosy and intestinal infections.

Ashoka

Ashoka is one of the most sacred trees found in India. It is a small, evergreen tree with a brown- grey bark and the most beautiful flowers. Ashoka is also called as the sorrowless tree. They have a dense foliage all through the year with clusters of orange and scarlet flowers. These clusters are many in numbers during the months of January and February. Ashoka has been useful in curing many diseases including dysentery. Many women have found relief by consuming the juice made from boiling the bark of the tree.

Bael

Bael is a sacred tree bearing thorns, fruits and scented flowers. It is cultivated throughout our country and even in Sri Lanka and the Philippines. It can grow upto a height of 15 metres. The skin of some of the fruits of this tree is very hard. The juice from the fruits is sweetened and then is used to make a drink which is very similar to a lemonade. Bael is mainly popular due to its medicinal properties. It is used for curing many ailments.

Brahmi

Brahmi has thick and succulent leaves. It is a perennial herb which is basically found in wetlands and muddy shores. Flowers of this plant occur in different colors like blue, white and purple. The flowers bloom from May to October. Brahmi is known to have antioxidant properties. It has been used for decades to help with problems like epilepsy and stress induced anxiety. Brahmi is known to increase memory efficiency and concentration of the mind. It is a purifier of the blood and helps against indigestion, leprosy, tumours and bad ulcers. It is one of the most widely used plant for medical purposes.

Chandan

The Chandan tree has a long life and can live upto a hundred years. It is an evergreen tree and can attain a height of four to nine metres. The leaves of the tree are oval and thin. Chandan plant is having two varities- Safed Chandan & Raktchandan Chandan is also known as sandalwood and the oil obtained from this tree is used to treat many skin diseases like acne. Dysentery and gonorrhea can also be treated using the oil.

Aloe vera

Aloe vera is a very popular houseplant and has innumerous uses. Aloe vera is generally used against burns and cuts for relief. Aloe vera is known to contain over 20 minerals and all of the essential amino acids required by our body. It has vitamins A, C, E, B1, B12, B2 and B6. In our country, many people believe aloe vera to be useful in preserving youth, hence it is also known as ghee kumaari.

Turmeric

Turmeric is a perennial herb which is indigenous to South Asia. It is a very important spice in our country and the rhizoid is the part which has medicinal properties. The rhizoid is generally cleaned, boiled and then dried to give a yellow color powder which is then used as a spice. In Ayurveda, turmeric is used for curing many ailments. Milk with turmeric powder is known to help with body aches and distress.

Amla

Amla is a deciduous tree which is popularly known for the fruit it bears, which is of the same name. The leaves are simple and the flowers are small with a pink or green color. The taste of the fruit is quite bitter and sour but is famous for its medical applications. Amla is useful for the skin and helps in treating many other illnesses as well.

Himalaya onion

It grows in the foothills of the Himalaya and is a deciduous bulb. They are used in cooking by many people, especially in Nepal. The bulbs are first boiled and then fried and are then eaten, in order to treat diseases like cholera and dysentery. They have their uses as a tonic and help in maintaining the digestive and the circulatory systems. If eaten regularly they help in maintaining the blood cholesterol level. Eating the bulbs raw also helps in curing cough and cold.

Long pepper

Long pepper is a perennial climber which is well known because of its fruit. The fruit of this plant is used as a spice and for seasoning purposes. It is fragile, scented and has numerous leaves. It is used for enhancing digestion and metabolism of food. It has many medical properties and is one of the most widely used herb.

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