HERBS AROUND US
Have you ever wondered why we have such a variety of
greens around us, from shrubs to tree, and what those meant for? Let discover few of those and their medicinal
benefits….
Herb: Aloe Vera
Tamil Name:
Kattrazhai
Habitat:
Succulent plant species
Parts Used: Leaves
and root
Facts:
Aloe Vera, often called “The Miracle Plant”, the Natural Healer. It has
anti-fungal and anti-viral properties.
Benefits:
Aloe Vera gel is one of the best
available natural treatments for first-degree and second-degree sunburns. It
not only sooths the affected skin, but also promotes quicker healing. It is
used as a nutritional supplement by sports persons. It can be applied post waxing
for soothing, cooling, moisturizing and healing the waxed surface. Benefits of
Aloe Vera are plenty.
Herb: Cynodon
Dactylon
Tamil Name:
Arugampul
Habitat:
Grass
Parts Used:
Root-stalk and leaves
Facts: It is commonly seen grass and you could find
this grass used in Lord Ganesh Poojas. Native of this grass is north and east Africa, Asia, Australia and
southern Europe.
Benefits: Juice of this grass is ample source of
vitamins. Paste made from the root mixed with turmeric is used as external
applications for skin ailments. Oil made out of its root applied to head, cools
the system. Its roots and leaves grinded mixed with cow’s milk taken regularly
will cure piles.
Herb: Ziziphus Mauritiana
Tamil Name:
Elantha Pazham
Habitat:
Shrub
Parts Used:
Fruits, leaves and root
Facts: It also known as Chinee Apple, Jujube,
Indian Plum. It is a spiny, evergreen shrub or small tree grows up to 15m
high.
Benefits: Fruits
of this plant is rich in Vitamins and Calcium. It is good for improving digestion,
blood purification. Bark is astringent and used in diarrhea. Tender leaves and
twigs are used as an application to boils abscesses and carbuncle.
Herb: Polyalthia Longifolia
Tamil Name:
Ashoka Maram
Habitat:
Tree
Parts Used: Leaves, seed and Bark
Facts:
Native of this tree in India and Srilanka. It is commonly called as False
Ashoka, Indian Mast tree and Green hampa. This tree is
commonly planted due to its effectiveness in alleviating noise pollution.
Benefits: Ethanolic
Extract of the leaves have significant anti-ulcer properties. The hexane extract of the seeds demonstrated
significant antibacterial
and antifungal activities.
Herb: Commelina Benghalensis
Tamil Name:
Kaanan Vaazhai
Parts Used: Leaves, root
Facts:
It is commonly known as Benghal dayflower or tropical spiderwort.
Kaanan Vaazhai is a perennial herb native to Africa and Asia.
Benefits:
Young leaves can be cooked. Its root reduces body heat. This also used as an
anti-dysenteric. It reduces the excess menstrual flow which is a common problem
among women. Also you should be aware that over consumption could increase
phlegm function.
Herb: Cardiospermum Halicacabum
Tamil Name: Mudakattraan
Habitat:
Climber
Parts Used: Roots, Leaves and seeds
Facts: It is also called “Balloon plant”, widely
distributed in Africa and Asia. It is
one among the "Ten Sacred Flowers” of Kerala State
in India, collectively known as Dasapushpam.
Benefits: Leaves of this creeper cures joint paints,
herpes (viral disease), chronic inflammation of the skin and rheumatic disorder.
This is laxative. It can be consumed
with our food the taste will be slight bitter.
Disclaimer: This information
presents a description and history of the medicinal uses of these plants. The
intention is not to provide specific medical advice. You should consult your
personal physician before taking any form of medication.
