HERBS AROUND US

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.