India is a land of diverse knowledge and experienced experiments when it comes to valuable Ayurvedic knowledge. Since ages, there has been a pure and true essence of the usage of natural elements of nature in day to day lives.
Plants have some medicinal value which when used in the right way, tends to benefit more than pharmaceutical medicines and treatments. From treating wounds to enhancing natural beauty and healing the internal damages, Herbal medicines have been of great use. Some of these ingredients can easily be found in your kitchen too.
It’s important to know how you can use these medicinal herbs or even grow some of these at your own space to use for several small problems.
Here’s a list of 15 medicinal plants of India which are of great use and benefit. Some of these can be only found and grown outside whereas some, can be grown at the comfort space of your home as well.
Medicinal plants in India
This is the list of Medicinal plants in India you should know about. Some of these Indian Medicinal plants are easily available and can be grown at kitchen gardens in the definite climate conditions.
1. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera has been one of the most favorite and beneficial herbal medicinal plants on the list. It is easy to grow as well as maintain in any space either indoors or outdoors. It is one of the most used plants by Indians to treat inflammation, breakouts, burns, and other problems as well. People also believe it boosts immunity and improves your digestion track.
2. Tulsi
Tulsi is one of the most essential herbal plants which is found in almost all Indian homes. In the books of Ayurveda, people also call Tulsi as the ‘Elixir of Life’ as it bound to clear away pollutants within the ten-mile radius. Most of the Indian homes use tulsi leaves in tea to cure a cold and flu.
The oil extracted from tulsi leaves is used against insects and bacteria. It is also used as ear drops to cure mild ear problems. Tulsi leaves also have the ability to fight indigestion, headache, hysteria, insomnia, and cholera.
3. Coriander
Coriander is the next most loved ingredient of the Indian kitchen which is used in cuisines as well as for different health benefits purposes. First of all, it grows very easily in your inner space and doesn’t require much sunlight or heat. It grows fast and gives a rich flavor to your curry.
People in India consume coriander in large amounts as it improves and treats the digestive issues of your body.
4. Mint
From fragrance to positive vibes and loaded health benefits, mint is an excellent herbal plant that can be easily grown indoors as well as outdoor in India. Mint tea usually helps one to stay calm and treats insomnia to have a better sleep.
Mint is also used to keep mosquitoes away with its fragrance. People drink mint water to treat cold, cough and also diarrhea.
5. Lemongrass
Lemongrass is a herbal plant which is believed to treat a lot of health problems. People in India usually use this herb to natural cure sore throat and menstrual pain.
Lemongrass is full of anti-pyrectic properties and works great as a pain killer for general causes. Doctors also recommend consuming lemongrass to main cholesterol levels and control obesity as well.
6. Carom / Ajwain
Ajwain is another common herbal plant from India which is mostly green in all rural homes. It quickly cures most of the stomach disorders and is easily one of the most favorite ingredients in the Indian kitchen.
It can easily be grown at home since it does not require much sunlight or water. People also consume it in teas, salads, or curries. One can also chew the leaves as it is also a good mouth refresher.
7. Mustard/Sarson
Driven from the foothills of Himalaya, mustard seeds are a must in every Indian kitchen. They are rich in Vitamins and minerals. Especially Vitamin, A, C, and K. Mustard is also known to cure Migraine attacks and increase the metabolism of the body.
Doctors usually recommend these to menopausal women who find it difficult to sleep.
8. Curry Leaves
You are probably bound to find no home in India which does not use curry leaves in their everyday life. From chutneys to Indian snacks, curry leaves can be found everywhere. People also refer to it as sweet neem leaves in other languages.
It is very useful in treating dysentery, constipation, and diarrhea. Moreover, it is good for diabetics and eliminates bacteria from the stomach.
9. South-Indian Uvaria
South-Indian Uvaria is a shrub with lush green leaves that almost smell the same as cinnamon. These herbal plants are an outdoor plant and can be not grown in the home. They are usually found in the Western Ghats of Southward Maharashtra. They might not be that pleasing to look at but are very good and one of the hidden gems of Indian Herbal world.
Root and leaves of this medicinal plant are used to treat several skin diseases, intermittent fevers, and also Jaundice. A decoction of this plant is given to women who get fits at the time of delivery.
10. Chameleon Plant
Popular among North India especially, Meghalaya, Manipur, and Assam, it is grown as a fresh herb leaves which are greenish and yellow. The taste isn’t that pleasant due to which people also call it, fish mint. Unlike other green herbs, these are not commonly used across the Indian continent.
Particularly in Northside, it is used in some of the traditional authentic dishes to add that unique spice blend and also increase the health benefits of food items. This herbaceous plant grows between 20 to 80 cm. it is commonly found in the foothills of Himalayas.
11. Ashwagandha
This medicinal herb is another old age India’s favorite herb which has been used to cure many health problems for ages. The books of Ayurveda define it as one of the most essential ingredients of times. More than 3000 years, this herb has been used to relieve stress and increase energy levels in the human body.
Moreover, it helps to reduce blood sugar levels in healthy people as well as diabetic patients. It is an outdoor plant that is grown in almost all parts of India.
12. Chandan
Chandan is a natural healer and antiseptic ingredient which smells amazing and works wonderfully on your skin problems and issues. Chandan is mostly grown in the states like Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Bihar, Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu of India. Ever since ancient times to modern methodologies, this ingredient has been a cult favorite in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, aromatherapy, perfume industry, and soap industry as well.
A simple face mask of Chandan can help you clear out, suntan, pimples, blemishes, swelling, dry skin and signs of skin aging. You can use it in the form of Sandalwood oil or powder to apply on your face.
13. Guggul
Guggul is an Ayurvedic plant that has been used over the centuries to cure health issues in India. It is mainly used to cure problems targeting liver problems, tumors, ulcers and sores, urinary complaints, intestinal worms, swelling, and seizures, and as a heart tonic.
The Guggul is mostly grown in large areas in the Ajmer district of Rajasthan.
14. Isabgol
Also, know as desert Indian wheat. It is native to Pakistan and India mostly making these two countries the largest Isabgol producer in the world. The herb has a soluble fiber which passes down your digestive system without breaking down or getting absorbed. It is consumed in the form of drinks or even in capsules.
It gives instant relief from problems like low sugar level, constipation, and stomach pain. It is completely gentle on your stomach and effectively works as well. It is also good for the heart and also to manage body weight.
15. Long Pepper
Also known as pipli in India. The long pepper plant is a herb that is mostly combined with some other essentials from the books of Ayurveda create amazing medicines. It is used to treat several issues and you might be taken by surprise on how this one herb works for so many health problems. It is mainly used to treat problems like heartburns, indigestion, intestinal gas, and stomach ache.
Besides, it is also an excellent herb given to reduce menstrual cramps and stimulate menstrual flow in women. The only thing to take care of is that, don’t consume this herb randomly like another one from the list. There are special specifications or to be consumed in a combination of different problems. The spice is easily found in parts of Lucknow in India.
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Make sure you have at least one indoor herb in your house. It smells amazing and also is extremely beneficial as well. Do share with us, what’s your favorite herb and how you use it.