Medicinal Plants: Your True Friend

It is rightly said that history repeats itself and so is seen nowadays when people are shifting their interest towards herbal medicines from modern medicines. Undoubtedly modern medicines are effective but comes with many side effects. Many incurable diseases like Cancer, AIDS, Syphillis etc can be cured through age old system of Ayurvedic Medicines. The medicinal plants have been a part of our Indian Culture , the mention of Sanjeevni Booti( Ressurection Plant) in Ramayana is the evidence. 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.

Origin

The foundations of typical traditional systems of medicine for thousands of years that have been in existence have formed from plants. The plants remain to offer mankind with new medicines. Some of the beneficial properties ascribed to plants have recognised to be flawed and medicinal plant treatment is based on the experimental findings of hundreds to thousands of years. The earliest reports carved on clay tablets in cuneiform date from about 2600 BC are from Mesopotamia; among the materials that were used were oils of Commiphora species (Myrrh), Cedrus species (Cedar), Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice), Papaver somniferum (Poppy juice) and Cupressus sempervirens (Cypress) are still used today for the cure of diseases extending from colds and coughs to inflammation and parasitic infections

What makes such plants so special?

Medicinal plants are found mostly in forests, abandoned lands, waste lands. These plants do not require care , they can be grown in adverse conditions like drought, flood, salanity etc. In order to survive in such conditions they produce secondary metabolites like alkaloids, polyphenols, glycosides etc. These metabolites are extracted by humans for the welfare of the society.

Various Medicinal Plants

Aloe vera - Also known as the king of medicinal plants , it can be grown even on stones . Does not require much amount of water. It surely can treat wide variety of ailements like

• Diarrohea

• Nausea

• Constipation

• Makes skin smooth and glowy

Tulsi - Known as the queen of medicinal plants has many more uses besides being used in hindu rituals and ceremonies. It requires suffecient amount of water for its growth. It has various uses like;

• Treats cough

• Treats indigestion

• Anticancerous

Ginger- It is the ultimate solution for wide variety of problems. You just need to sow the rhizome of this plant and it will grow within a few days. It does not require much care. It is an important ingredient of Indian food because of its distinct flavour. It offers immense benefits lke:

• Fight against cold and cough

• Anti cancerous properties

• Good for gastric problems

Stevia- Also known by the name Meethi Tulsi is a stubstitute for sugar market.According to the Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) high-purity steviol glycosides, an extract of the stevia plant, is considered generally safe for use in food. Stevia has no calories and is 200 times sweeter than sugar in the same concentration.

• lowers blood cholestrol level

• helpful for diabetic patients

• substitute for sugar

Fenugreek- Methi or Fenugreek is a wonder among other medicinal Plants. Its leaves and seed both are useful. Take a look at the benefits :

• Curbs hair loss

• Purifies blood

• Beneficial for joint pains and diabetes

Coriander- Dhania or Coriander is an important ingredient of Indian Kitchen. Its seed and leaves both are beneficial. It adds a distinct flavour to your food and is mostly used for decoration of food items.

Lets take a look at some of its benefits:

• It is rich in antioxidants

• Cures urine retention

• Improves digestion

Giloy- Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia) is anAyurvedicherb that has been used and advocated inIndia medicines for ages. The stem of Giloy is of maximum utility, but theroots can also be used. Here are some benefits of Giloy:

• Boosts immunity

• Improves Digestion

• Treat Diabetes

• Treats Arthritis

• Fights against chronic respiratory diseases

Conclusion

In this age of industrial revolution, human being is moving away from nature which is not at all a good indicator of his healthy lifestyle. The herbal medicines that are eco friendly , free from side effects and are cheap should be adopted as soon as possible in order to save the human race which is sure to get extinct in the coming 100 years but we can prevent this catastrophe by imbibing within us our indigenous culture and abolish the use of modern medicines. In this world where each one of us try to deceive the other either a friend or family but these medicinal plants will never decieve and will be your true friend from the cradle till your grave.