List of Medicinal Plants and their Uses

The list for medicinal herbs available across the globe is no doubt endless. Amongst them, a few
are commonly used due to their wonderful healing effects and therapeutic value. Such types of
medicinal plants and their uses are mentioned in the table below.

Types of Medicinal Plants Uses

Acacia astringent, demulcent, emollient
Agrimony blood coagulant
Pimenta heals wounds, bruises
Ajwain antibacterial, carminative, digestive
Ashok relieves menstrual pain, diabetes, uterine disorders
Amla Cough, diabetes, laxative, acidity
Aswagandha relieves stress, nerve disorder, restores normal function of body
Brahmi jaundice, anemia, dropsy
Bael constipation, diarrhea, dysentery
Chiraita burn, skin diseases, fever
Guggul asthma, hydrocil, diabetes
Guluchi jaundice, gout, piles, fever
Kalmegh gastritis, fever, weakness
Makoi</TD dysentery, diuretic, debility
Pashan Bheda calculus, stones in kidney
Sarpa Gandha insomnia, hypertension
Tulsi expectorant, cough, cold
Vai Vidanka skin disease, helminthiasis
Peppermint pain killer, digestive
Vringraj anti-inflammatory, leukemia, stress reliever
Rakta Chitrak dyspepsia, inflammation, cough, colic
Harida leprosy, inflammation, vomiting, insomnia
Neem analgesic, astringent, epilepsy
Kantakari appetizer, stomach ache, diuretic

List of Medicinal Herbs and their Uses

Plenty of herbs are also utilized for herbal remedies to treat heath disorders. From the table
below you shall come to know their medicinal properties and uses. The benefits of herbal medicines
prepared from herbs are known to completely cure health problems.

Types of Medicinal Herbs Uses

Lemon Balm digestion, stomach spasms, anti-viral
Angelica gastritis, cramps, digestion
Chickweed itching, irritation, rashes
Cleavers skin diseases, diuretic
Couchgrass rheumatism, cystitis, gout
Dandelion dissolves kidney and gall stones, diuretics
Elder bronchitis, cold, cough
Garlic anti-microbial, cardiovascular treatment
Ginger motion sickness, vomiting, flatulence, diarrhea
Lavender stress reliever, boosts spirits, stomach disorders
Red Clover rejuvenatory, skin nourisher
Rosemary improves blood supply to brain
Thyme anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, expectorant
Yarrow wound cleansing, blood coagulation, digestive

Sandalwood: Internal use of sandalwood finds application in chronic bronchitis. It is one of the
most effective herbal remedies for massive sun burns, skin rashes, scars and acne.

Aloe Vera: It is known for its anti-diabetic potential. Aloe vera promotes digestive health and is
extremely soothing over skin burns and sun tans. It contains all essential amino acids that helps
in anti-aging and is consumed for nutritional aid.

Turmeric: Turmeric has anti-inflammatory action and is also used as an antioxidant. Raw
turmeric is very effective in promoting liver health. It shows anti-bacterial action against many skin
infections.

Cinnamon:

Cinnamon is the most common herbal medicine for indigestion and gastric problems. It has the
power to neutralize harmful toxins released by mold and fungus.

Pennywort: Hydrocotyle ranunculoides

Carrot family (Apiaceae)
This Indian herbal plant is used as a tonic for nerves. It helps to reduce mental stress and
physical fatigue. Pennywort also promotes sleep.

Neem: Azadirachta indica – Meliaceae

Neem is used for multi purpose remedies. This includes sprains, flu, skin diseases, heart
diseases, fever, indigestion, viral infection, etc. Some serious health concerns like cancer, kidney
diseases, sexually transmitted diseases are also treated by neem.

Basil: Basil or tulsi acts as blood purifier and anti bacterial. Tulsi is effective against cough and
cold. It enhances digestion and appetite and increases blood circulation. Regular consumption of
tulsi leaves boosts the immunity of the body

ALOE VERA

Aloe vera syn. A. barbadensis (Liliaceae)

HISTORY and USES

Native to Africa, aloe vera is commonly cultivated elsewhere. The clear gel found
inside the plant's leaf and the crystalline part found alongside the leaf blade, which
contains aloin, are both used for medicinal and cosmetic purposes. The clear gel is a
remarkably effective healer of wounds and burns, speeding up the rate of healing
and reducing the risk of infection. The brownish part containing aloin is a strong
laxative, useful for short-term constipation. Aloe is present in many cosmetic's
formulae because its emollient and scar preventing properties.

MAIN PROPERTIES: Heals wounds, emollient, laxative.

TURMERIC

Curcuma longa syn. C. domestica (Zingiberaceae)

HISTORY AND USES

Turmeric is native to India and southern Asia where it is extensively cultivated. Best
known for its bright yellow color and spicy taste to lovers of Indian food, its medicinal
value is not so well known. However, recent research has confirmed the effects
traditionally associated in ancient practices in the treatment of digestive and liver
problems. The herb has also been shown to inhibit blood-clotting, relieve
inflammatory conditions and help lower cholesterol levels.

MAIN PROPERTIES: Stimulates secretion of bile, anti-inflammatory, eases stomach

pain, antioxidant, antibacterial.

TEA TREE

Malaleuca alternifolia (Myrtaceae)

HISTORY AND USES

Tea tree is native to Australia and is now cultivated extensively. Tea tree, and in
particular its essential oil, is one of the most important natural antiseptics. Useful for
stings, burns, wounds and skin infections of all kinds, the herb merits a place in
every medicine chest. Its therapeutic properties were first researched during the
1920s and it is now widely used in Europe and the US, as well as in Australia.
MAIN PROPERTIES: Antiseptic, antibacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral.

EUCALYPTUS, BLUE GUM

Eucalyptus globulus (Myrtaceae)

HISTORY and USES

Eucalyptus is native from Australia, where it comprises more than 75% of all trees. A
traditional aboriginal remedy, eucalyptus is a powerful antiseptic used all over the
world for relieving coughs and colds, sore throats and other infections. The leaves
cool the body and relive fever. Inhaling the vapors of the essential oils heated in
water, clears sinus and bronchial congestions. Eucaliptol, one of the substances
found in the essential oil, is one of the main constituents of the many existing
commercial formulas of chest rubs for colds. The essential oil has also strong anti-
biotic, anti-viral and anti-fungal action. Eucalyptus is a common ingredient in many
over-the-counter cold remedies.

MAIN PROPERTIES: Antiseptic, expectorant, stimulates local blood flow, anti-

fungal.

OLIVE

Olea europaea (Oleaceae)

HISTORY AND USES

The olive was probably first cultivated in Crete in around 3500 BC. The leaves have
been used since those times to clean wounds. Olive leaves lower blood pressure
and help to improve the function of the circulatory system. They are also mildly
diuretic and may be used to treat conditions such as cystitis. Possessing some
ability to lower blood sugar levels, the leaves have been taken for diabetes. The oil
is nourishing and improves the balance of fats within the blood. It is traditionally
taken with lemon juice in teaspoonful doses to treat gallstones. The oil has a
generally protective action on the digestive tract and is useful for dry skin. Externally,
it is a good, although sticky, carrier oil for essential oils.

MAIN PROPERTIES: Digestive, diuretic, anti-inflammatory.

PEPPERMINT

Mentha piperita (Labiatae)

HISTORY AND USES

Peppermint's origin is a mystery, but it has been in existence for a long time - dried
leaves were found in Egyptian pyramids dating from around 1000 BC. It was highly
valued by the Greeks and Romans, but only became popular in Western Europe in
the 18th Century. Peppermint tea helps with indigestion and relaxes the muscles of
the digestive tract. Peppermint's chief therapeutic value lies in its ability to relieve
wind, flatulence, bloating and colic, though it has many other applications. Studies
have shown that it relieves colon spasms and helps to cure ulcers. Peppermint also
eases nervous headaches. Menthol, its main constituent, has antibacterial
properties. Externally, the essential oil is used in balms and liniments to stimulate
hot and cold nerve endings and increase local blood flow.

MAIN PROPERTIES: Carminative, relieves muscle spasms, increases sweating,

stimulates secretion of bile, antiseptic.