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Herbal plants and medicinal properties
HENNA
Botanical Name :- Lawsonia Inermis
Indian Name :- Mehndi
Henna is a middle-sized shrub with many branches. It has small white or pinkish fragrant flower and large branches and small fruits. The trade name henna is based on the word hina which is an Arabic name of the drug. The plant occurs in several parts of India. It is cultivated for commercial purposes in Punjab, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. The leaves contain a glucoside colouring matter and hennotanic acid.
Properties :- The leaves have medicinal properties like arresting secretion or bleeding and preventing skin diseases. The bark and seeds of the plant are used in the ayurvedic and unani medicine. The seeds of the henna plant are effective in the treatment of dysentery. They are powdered mixed with ghee and made into small balls of betel nut. It is also very helpful in this condition. The bark of the plant is effective in the treatment of liver disorders like jaundice and enlargement of the liver .Henna helps in the treatment of baldness. Mustard oil boiled with henna leaves promotes healthy growth of hair. Henna leaves are beneficial in the treatment of prickly heat. The leaves ground with water are applied over the affected area. Henna flower cures headaches caused by the heat of the sun. The headache is relieved by the plaster made of henna flowers in vinegar and applied over the forehead. Henna leaves are effective in the treatment of skin problems like boils and burns. They are locally applied in the affected area. The decoction of the leaves can be used as gargle with beneficial results in case of sore throat.
HOG WEED
Botanical Name:- Boerhaavia diffusa
Indian Name :- Punarnava
Hog Weed is a creeping and spreading perennial herb. The leaves of the plant are simple, broad, rough, thick and brittle. The flowers are pink or red in colour. The fruits are oval shape , dull-green or brownish in colour. The plant contains crystalline acid known as boerhavic acid, potassium nitrate and brown mass consisting of tannins, phlobaphenes and reducing sugars. The active principle of Hog weed is the alkaloid punarnavine.
Properties:- The herb has been used in indigenous medicine from time immemorial. It is laxativeand produces a cooling sensation. The most important part of the herb is the root. It has a bitter and nauseous taste. Hog weed increases the secretion and discharge of urine. the herb is useful for in the treatment of ascites. It is disease characterised by accumulation of fluid inside the peritoneal cavity of the abdomen. The herb can be administrated in the same manner as for dropsy. The drug is useful in strengthening the stomach and promoting its action. Hog weed is useful in the treatment of fever, asthma and skin diseases.
HOLY BASIL
Botanical Name:-Ocimum sanctum
Indian Name :- Tulsi
Holy Basil is a many branched ,robust and aromatic herb. The plant has tender, egg-shaped leaves, usually smooth upto 2.5cm in length. Its flowers are small, purplish or reddish. The herb is bitter and pungent. It is grown in flower pots in most Hindu homes. This herb has been known from the vedic period. Hindus regard it as an earthly manifestation of goddess Vrindavani who is dear to Lord Vishnu. Holy Basil is a native of India.
Properties:- This herb has many medicinal properties. The leaves are nerve tonic and sharpen memory. The leaves strengthen the stomach and induce copious perspiration. The seeds of the plant are mucilaginous or stuffy and nourishing This herb increases the volume of urine. The leaves of basil are specific for many fevers. Water boiled with basil leaves can be taken as a drink in the case of sore throat. This water can also be used as a gargle. This herb is also useful for the treatment of respiratory system disorders. The decoction of the leaves with honey and ginger is an effective remedy for bronchitis, asthma, influenza, cough and cold. Basil has a strengthening effect of kidney. Basil has a beneficial effect in cardiac disease and weakness resulting from them. The juice of basil leaves are effective for the problems like cough, cold, fever and diarrhoea.