| 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. |
