HERBS & THEIR USES

Priyanka Gogoi, B. Sc 6th Semester
Botany Major

               Herbs are truly a gift from nature. They are very versatile and can be uses as food, medicine and health supplemen. Herbs have been used since the beginning of human history as a source and to cure specific aliments, increase strength and endurance and to improve overall health. Ancient people gathered local herbs for food and discovered that each herbs also possessed specific healing properties. There are several major healing systems that use herbs for their medicinal properties. Ayurvedic formulas from India,Traditional Chinese medicine from China and Native American remedies from the United States Of America.

Some important herbs and their uses:

1.AMLA

Scientific Name: Phyllanthus emblica

Part used: Fruit

             Amla is often used in the Ayurvedic medicine system of India. It is rich in vitamine-C & also contains many others vitamins,minerals and antioxidants. Amla is often used to treat inflammation of the joints,fevers,urinary tract infections and to control blood sugar. It is high in fibre and may be helpful in treating constipation.

2.Tulsi:

Scientific Name-Ocimum sanctum

 Part used- leaves,root,seeds,flower & stems

            There are four types of tulsi mentioned in ayurvedic texts i,e Rama, Krishna, Vena & Kapoor. Tulsi(the queen of herbs) has been known for its remarkable healing properties.
 1. Tulsi is taken as the herbal tea.
 2. Tulsi oil is also used as the ear drop.
 3. Tulsi helps the curing malaria.
4. It is very effective against indigestion, headache hysteria, insomnia,& cholera

3.ALOE VERA

Scientific name-Aloe barbadensis miller

Part used- Leaves

               Aloe vera grows only under the sun with well drained dry or moist soil. Althought the plant tastes like turn,it’s still edible.The sap from aloe vera is extremely useful to sped up the healing & reducing the risk of infections for: wounds, cuts, burns ,reducing  inflammation.

Apart from its external use on the skin ,aloevera ia also taken internally in the treatment of:
  1. Ulcerative colitis
 2. Chronic constipation
 3. Poor appetite
 4. Digestive problems

4.GOTU-KOLA(BOR MANIMUNI)

Scientific name-Centella asiatica

Part used-Leaves

            Gotu kola acts on various phases of connective tissue development and stimulates healing of: ulcers, skin injuries, decreasing capillary fragility, stimulation of the lipids and protein necessary for

healthy skin, leaves are thought to maintain youthfulness, crashed leaves are poulticed to treat open sores.

           Gotu kola can also be used to:
1.      Treat leprosy
2.      Revitalize the brain and nervous system
3.      Increase attention span and   concentration

5.Bryophyllum, Panfuti, Duportenga:

        Scientific name- Bryophyllum calycinum

        Part used-leaves

        Bryophyllum calycinum also known as air plant, life plant,Miracle leaf etc.

  1. The leaf or its juice is taken for diabetes,
  2.   Leaf paste application stops bleeding and heals wounds,
  3. The burnt leaf(mashi)made into paste with coconut oils cures             burn,
  4. To prevent septic to cuts from sharp instruments, 15 leaves with        4 pepper corns roasted, powdered and mixed in cow ghee is              applied.
  5. Leaf paste boiled in oil cures sciatica and rhematic pains.
  6. One raw leaf eating with paper corn on fasting in every                     morning for 3-7 days cures urinary stones.
  7. The raw leaves can be used  for making chutneys.

 6. Mint:

     Scientific name-Mentha piperita

     Part used-leaves

            Mint is sometimes regarded as “the worlds oldest medicine”, with archaeological evidence placing its use at least as far back as ten thousand years ago. Mint  are naturally high in manganese,

vitamin A and vitamin C. Crushed leaves rubbed on the skin help soothe and relax the muscles.
Infused mint leaves are used to:

   1.      Reduce irritable bower syndrome
   2.      Against upset stomache
   3.      Inhibit bacterial growth
   4.      Treat fever
   5.      Flatulence
   6.      Spastic colon