50 Ayurvedic Plants

8/12/2019 50 Ayurvedic Plants

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ALOES

USES

Its use is recommended in Ayurveda as a skin conditioner and in the treatment of non-healing

ulcers, burn injuries and in treating the liver diseases like jaundice. Experimental studies on Aloe

suggest its positive cosmetic value and wound healing properties. Also it was observed that

internal use of Aloes evokes positive immune response in experimental animals. The use of Aloe

vera is bestowed with multifaceted benefits for skin. By virtue of these properties, it is used

frequently in the skin care preparations across the globe.

ARECA NUT, BETEL NUT

USES

Kramuka finds its commonest use in mouth freshener formulations in India through aegis. Its use

has also been recommended in the prevention and treatment of obesity. It improves salivation(Sialagogue). Nutritional analysis of the nuts suggests it to be a richest source of organic

chromium salts. The role of chromium in the metabolism of fat has been well established now

through various studies.


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ASOK TREE

USES

Ashoka has been traditionally used as a uterine tonic and has been indicated in menstrual

irregularities ESP in DUB. Ashoka happens to be a uterine stimulant and increases uterine

contractions. It also stimulates the ovarian tissue.

ATIS ROOT

USES

Atis root is primarily employed in the treatment of fevers including malarial conditions and acute

respiratory disturbances. As compared to Aconite, which is an extremely toxic plant, Atis root is

lesser toxic. However, it also undergoes the procedure of detoxification before being used in the

manufacturing of Ayurvedic medicines. Experimental studies hint at its active anti-malarial and

antipyretic activities.


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BASTARD PEAK

USES

Flowers of the Bastard Peak have been used in ancient India in beauty care and to maintain

complexion and suppleness of skin. Seeds have been employed in the treatment of worm

infestations. Experimental studies suggest that administration of seeds in roundworm infestations

is an effective approach.

BENGAL QUINCE, BAEL FRUIT

USES

Bilva has been used extensively in the treatment of dysentery and diabetes. Dried fruit pulp is

used traditionally in many parts of India in preparation of summer drinks, which helps overcome

sunstrokes. It was observed that fruit pulp adsorbs the toxins produced by bacteria and other

pathogens in the intestine thus helping in the treatment of dysentery. Bark has been reported to

have beneficial effects in diabetes.


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BHARANGEE

USES

Bharangi is a one of the common herbs used in the treatment of common cold, chronic sinusitis,

allergic rhinitis, cough and other chronic respiratory problems. It is also used by Ayurveda for

relief from fever and hyper-pyrexia. Bharangi has been investigated for its antipyretic and

antihistamine activities.

CINNAMON BARK

USES

Cinnamon bark is one of the common ingredients in spice mixtures used in India. Dalchini is

known to increase salivation and to improve digestive functions. It also acts as a local antiseptic

by virtue of its antibacterial action.


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CORIANDER FRUIT

USES

Fresh leaves and seeds have been an integral parts of Indian dietetics. Chopped leaves and

powdered coriander are used for garnishing various food items in India. Primarily both of them

have a significant effect on the digestive process. Coriander prevents flatulence and controls

spasmodic pain. Extract of coriander seeds has a marked antispasmodic activity.

COUNTRY MALLOW, INDIAN MALLOW

Uses

Atibala is considered as balya in Ayurveda, which means that it increases strength, vigor and

vitality. It is used in facial paralysis and joint disorders. It is also indicated as a uterine tonic as

well as an aphrodisiac.


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CREAT

USES

Digestive: Promotes Digestion, Hepatoprotective: Protects the liver and gall bladder. Vermicidal:

Kills intestinal worms & support intestine. Anti-acne: Protect skin from pimples. Anti-

inflammatory: Reduces swelling and cuts down exudation from capillaries. Antibacterial: Fights

bacterial activity. Although Andrographis appears to have weak direct antibacterial action, it has

remarkably beneficial effect in reducing diarrhea and symptoms arising from bacterial infections.

Expectorant: Promotes mucus discharge from the respiratory system. Hypoglycemic: Blood

sugar reducer. Immune Enhancement. Laxative: Aids bowel elimination

CUTCH TREE, BLACK CATECHU

USES

Cutch tree finds its major uses in the treatment of skin and respiratory problems more inparticular, of allergic origin. Also, it is used as an important constituent for maintenance of oral

hygiene and also as local treatment for bleeding injuries as styptic agent by virtue of its

astringent properties.


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DEVIL'S COTTON

USES

Devil's cotton is a uterine stimulant and is specifically indicated in amenorrhoea and

oligomenorrhea. Due to its pain relieving activity it is also given in Dysmenorrhoea. It is given

three days prior to the onset of menses and is continued till the second day of the cycle.

EAGLE WOOD

USES

Eagle wood is described as "rakshoghna". This description attributes it, a potent anti-microbial

activity. Therefore, resin and heartwood of Eagle wood are employed by Ayurveda as local

cleansing agents. Its internal use is also recommended for treatment of bed-wetting and

incompetency of urinary bladder.


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ELEPHANT CREEPER

USES

Roots of Elephant Creeper have been extensively used to control inflammation of varied nature.

Experimental studies justify such usage by establishing its potent anti inflammatory activity.

GARLIC

USES

Garlic has a very long folk history of use in a wide range of ailments, particularly ailments such

as ringworm, Candida and vaginitis where it's fungicidal, antiseptic, tonic and parasiticidal

properties have proved of benefit. The plant produces inhibitory effects on gram-negative germs

of the typhoid-paratyphoid-enteritis group; indeed it possesses outstanding germicidal propertiesand can keep amoebic dysentery at bay. It is also said to have anticancer activity. Garlic reduces

glucose metabolism in diabetics, slows the development of arteriosclerosis and lowers the risk of

further heart attacks in myocardial infarct patients. Externally, the expressed juice is an excellent

antiseptic for treating wounds.


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GREATER CARDAMOM

USES

It has been traditionally used as an appetizer, a digestant as well as an antispasmodic. It

stimulates the heart and has also been used as an expectorant. The seeds are also used asconstituents of mouthwashes.

GREATER GALANGAL

USES

Stimulant and carminative. It is especially useful in flatulence, dyspepsia, vomiting and sickness

at stomach, being recommended as a remedy for seasickness. It tones up the tissues and is

sometimes prescribed in fever. The powder is sniffed in catarrh. Modern research has proved its

bronchodilator property. Galangal is used in cattle medicine, and the Arabs use it to make their

horses fiery. It is included in several compound preparations, but is not now often employed

alone.


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HIMALAYAN SILVER BIRCH

USES

The papery layer of Birch bark is considered to be highly astringent agent. By virtue of such

quality its external use is recommended as styptic (to stop bleeding) and to stop any purulent

discharge. Hence it is used more often to clean the wounds. Ayurveda also uses Birch in many

formulations for obesity and other disorders of lipid metabolism. It has been described to be

effective herb for treatment of obesity.

HOG WEED, HORSE PURSLENE.

USES

Punarnava is mainly used to treat accumulation of fluids (Oedematous conditions) in the body. It

is considered to be an effective "Rasayana". It is also used in the treatment of anemia and liver

diseases. It has been identified to act as a diuretic, anti inflammatory and hepatoprotective agent.


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HOLY BASIL

USES

Indian mythology attaches a great significance to Basil by recognizing it as a holy herb. Perhaps,

such significance comes from the actual health usess of the herb. Its use is recommended as a

first aid in the treatment of respiratory, digestive and skin diseases. Apart from these common

ailments, Ayurveda also recognizes its use for the diseases ranging up to tumerous growths.

Experimental studies identify it to be a highly promising immunomodulator, cytoprotective and

anticancer agent.

INDIAN BEDELIUM, GUM-GUGUL

USES

Guggulu is a gum resinous exudate, which is tapped by specific traditional methods. Such

resinous mass undergoes a process of purification to make it fit for human use. This is one of the

important drugs used by Ayurveda in the treatment of joint disorders and heart diseases. It is one


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of the herbs investigated extensively to revalidate the claims mentioned in the Ayurveda. It was

observed that Guggulu is a promising hypolipidaemic drug. Further it was also observed that

Guggulu offers and effective treatment in rheumatoid arthritis.

INDIAN GUM ARABIC

USES

Babul bark finds its primary usess in oral & dental hygiene, burn injuries and in the management

of skin diseases. Being an astringent agent, twigs of Babula have been used in India as natural

toothbrushes. Such use has been time-tested approach in prevention of bleeding gums. In burn

injuries, use of Babula bark powder has been a trusted remedy. It is believed that, Babula hastens

the healing process of burn injuries and minimizes the scar formation. Decoction prepared out of

Babul bark is employed for cleansing infected wounds. Internal use of Babula is recommended

in treatment of skin diseases.

INDIAN LABURNUM, PURGING CASSIA


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USES

Bark of the Aragvadha is extensively used by Ayurveda in the treatment of inflammatory

swellings and as a cleaning agent for ulcers and wounds. It is believed to decrease purulent

discharge and act as a local antiseptic. The fruits are also used as a laxative. Aragvadha is

considered to maintain the balance of water content in the bowel mass to ensure smooth

defecation.

INDIAN OLIBANUM

USES

Ayurveda has used Shallaki extensively in the treatment of painful joint diseases and other

inflammatory conditions. Its anti inflammatory activity has been studied in different dimensions.These studies observed Shallaki to be a potent anti-inflammatory agent working through varied

mechanisms of action. Its resin has been identified to exert multidimensional anti-inflammatory

effects. Through a battery of evidence Shallaki preparation are recommended to ensure free

mobility of joints.


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INDIAN PENNYWORT

USES

Mandookaparni is used as a "Medhya Rasayana" and in the treatment of skin and mental

ailments. In many parts of India, it is used as a substitute of Brahmi (Bacopa monnjera). Its

nootropic (nourishment effects on nervous tissue) and immunomodulatory activities have been

well investigated. Comparative studies between Mandukaparni and Brahmi have shown it similar

to Brahmi in action. However, it is gentler as compared to latter, as regards to its effect on brain

and nervous tissue.

INDIAN SENNA, TINNEVELLY SENNA.

USES

Senna leaves have been extensively used by Ayurveda and other traditional system of medicine

as a laxative. It is one of the safe and effective remedies in the treatment of constipation. Its

laxative effect has been investigated in detail. These investigations suggest that it helps to

maintain a harmonious peristalsis of large intestine.


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MALABAR NUT

USES

Ayurveda uses Vasa extensively in the treatment of cough and other respiratory ailments. Liquid

extract of the plant is used in many pharmaceutical formulations as an expectorant. Experimental

investigations suggest that Adusadilates finer bronchioles and ensures a smooth expectoration. It

was also observed to act as an antihistamine agent.

MARGOSA TREE

USES

Neem is considered a boon for mankind by nature. Use of Neem has been recommended by

Ayurveda for a wide range of diseases. Such usage is attributed to its purification effect on

blood. Scientific research on Neem demonstrates it to be a Panacea. It is suggested to be an

antibacterial, anthelmintic, antiviral, anticancer and more importantly Immunomodulatory agent.


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ONION

USES

Onion has been an important constituent in the foods all over the world. In experimental studies

it was observed that use of onions reduces blood sugar levels in experimental diabetes. Also it

was observed that onions inhibit platelet aggregation and control higher lipid content in the blood

(Hyperlipidaemia). In some other studies it was observed that ointment prepared from the onions

minimize the scars formation in burn injury.

PELLITORY

USES

Pellitory root is widely used because of its pungent efficacy in relieving toothache and in

promoting a free flow of saliva. The British Pharmacopoeia directs that it be used as a

masticatory, and in the form of lozenges for its reflex action on the salivary glands in dryness of

the mouth and throat. The tincture made from the dried root may be applied to relieve the aching

of a decayed tooth, applied on cotton wool, or rubbed on the gums, and for this purpose may


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with advantage be mixed with camphorated chloroform. It forms an addition to many dentifrices.

Being a rubefacient and local irritant, when sliced and applied to the skin, it induces heat,

tingling and redness. The powdered root forms a good snuff to cure chronic catarrh of the head

and nostrils and to clear the brain, by exciting a free flow of nasal mucous and tears. It is also

used in premature ejaculation.

PERSIAN MANNA PLANT

USES

The whole plant is diaphoretic, diuretic, expectorant and laxative. Oil from the leaves is used in

the treatment of rheumatism. The flowers are used in the treatment of piles. It is also used in

vomiting, stomachache and constipation. The juice of leaves is instilled in nose in headache.

PINEAPPLE

USES

Pineapple juice is taken as a diuretic and to expedite labor, also as a gargle in cases of sore throat

and as an antidote for seasickness. The flesh of very young (toxic) fruits is deliberately ingested

to achieve abortion (a little with honey on 3 successive mornings); also to expel intestinal


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worms; and as a drastic treatment for venereal diseases. In Africa the dried, powdered root is a

remedy for edema. The crushed rind is applied on fractures and the rind decoction with rosemary

is applied on hemorrhoids. Indians in Panama use the leaf juice as a purgative, emmenagogue

and vermifuge.

PRICKLY CHAFF FLOWER

USES

Apamarga has been extensively used in Ayurveda as an anti-inflammatory agent besides being

useful in Hemorrhoids, indigestion, cough, asthma, and anemia, jaundice and snake bite.

Apamarg oil is used locally in earache. The root powder is sprinkled over the lesion in skin

diseases.

SAGE-LEAVED ALANGIUM

USES

Ankol has been used by traditional healers in the treatment of skin cancers by means of local

uses of the root. It is also used locally for the treatment of snakebite, scorpion bite as well as for

dog bite. It also reduces blood pressure when taken orally due to its vasodilator activity.


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SHAL LEAVED BUSH

USES

Shalparni is a component of Dashmula group. Like other ingredients of Dashmula, it has a

marked analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. It is also used as an important constituent in

many "Rasayana" formulations. Being a member of Dashmula group, it exhibits considerable

analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.

SPIRAL FLAG

USES

Kemukha is primarily used by Ayurveda in the treatment of disturbances in lipid metabolism like

obesity, hyperlipidaemia. It is also considered useful in the management of diabetes. It is thought

to cause contraction in the uterine muscles. Therefore, has also been used to correct irregular

menstruation and during parturition.


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STAFF TREE

USES

More often different parts of staff tree are used to overcome pain and local inflammations.However, Ayurveda recognizes its seeds as an effective nervine tonic. Its use is recommended in

chronic debilitating diseases of nervous system. Also, staff tree finds its uses to promote memory

and learning abilities.

SWEET FLAG

USES

The root is carminative, slightly tonic, and excitant, and forms a useful adjunct to other tonics

and stimulants. It may be used in cases of flatulent colic, atonic dyspepsia, feebleness of the

digestive organs, and to aid the action of cinchona or quinine in intermittent. It forms an

excellent substitute, in syrup, for Godfrey"s cordial. In flatulent colic of infants it is best

combined with magnesia. Externally, it is a valuable uses to indolent ulcers, and to keep up the

discharges from blistered surfaces and issues. Dose of the infusion made by scalding 4 drachms


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of the root, coarsely bruised, in 8 fluid ounces of water, from 4 to 6 fluid ounces; of the

powdered root, 20 to 40 grains; a tincture may be prepared from 1 part of the root and 5 parts of

alcohol.

THREE LEAVED CAPER

USES

Varuna (the God of water) attains its name in Sanskrit because of its effect on the bodily fluids

and urinary system. It is recommended by the Ayurveda in the treatment of various urinary

problems including stones in kidney, ureters and bladder. Brief investigations on Varuna suggest

it for its urinary, antiseptic and litholytic (stone breaking) actions.

THYME LEAVED GRATIOLA

USES

Brahmi is highly acclaimed for its "Medhya Rasayana" properties. Such property renders it to be

an effective herb to enhance memory and learning process. Experimental and clinical research


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indicates that use of Brahmi extract reduces anxiety levels by influencing various neurohumoral

complexes and increases immediate memory span. It has been successfully used in enhancing

memory and other positive mental faculties in both normal and mentally retarded children with

encouraging results.

VELVET LEAF TREE

USES

Patha is used in the treatment of chronic non-healing ulcers and sinuses. It is also used in the

treatment of chronic skin diseases and in the treatment of poisonous bites. Its anti-inflammatory

activity has been investigated with encouraging results.

WILD ASPARAGUS

USES

Shatavari is a well-recognized herb for its action as a nutritive tonic. Its use is specifically

recommended to enhance lactation in nursing mothers. The marked increase in lactation by

Shatavari has been scientifically proven today. Technically termed as galactogogue this effect is


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attributed to its action on the prolaction hormone level. Besides, it is recommended to improve

physical stamina and immunity. Role of Shatavari in enhancing immunity functions has also

been proven scientifically.

WINTER CHERRY

USES

Roots of Winter cherry are highly acclaimed tonic for brain and nervous system in Ayurveda. Its

usage is recommended in preventive health care. It is considered as "Medhya" which implies to

its beneficial effects to the brain. Detail investigations, both clinical and experimental, observed

that Ashwagandha acts as an antistress and adaptogenic herb. Regular use of Ashwagandha

improves stress tolerance, thereby enhancing the mental capabilities. It is also known to improve

the quality of immune functions. By virtue of these uses it is often referred to as "Indian

Ginseng".

YELLOW BARLERIA


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USES

The herb is considered "Vajradanti" described in ancient Ayurvedic literature. The word stands

for diamond teeth-which implies that, it strengthens teeth and make them as hard as diamond.

Thus, in some parts of India, its twigs are used in various forms in dental hygiene.

CHIRATA PLANT

USES

Skin Desease, Burning, censation, fever.

LONG PEPPER

USES

Appetizer, enlarged spleen , Bronchities, Cold, antidote.


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KANTAKARI PLANT

USES

Diuretic, Antiinflamatory, Appetiser, Stomachic.

MAKOI PLANT

USES

Dropsy, General debility,Diuretic, anti dysenteric.BHUMI AMLA

USES

Aenimic, jaundice, Dropsy.


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SANDALWOOD TREE

USES

Skin disorder, Burning, sensation, Jaundice, Cough.

50 Ayurvedic Plants

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