| Herbal
plants and medicinal properties |
|
RAUWOLFIA
Botanical Name :- Rauwolfia serpentina
Indian name :- Sarpagandha
Rauwolfia is an erect herb with a smooth stem. Rauwolfia is
a native of India. The herb was introduced to the modern system
of medicine by Dr. Ganpath Sen and Dr. Kartik Chandra Bose renowned
Ayurvedic physicians of Culcutta. The root of the herb contain
a lot of the resin and starch and when incinerated leave an
ash consisting mainly of potassium carbonate, phosphate, silicate
and traces of iron and manganese
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| Properties
:- The herb is an active drug in lowering blood pressure. It
is also used to reduce fever. During delivery, it is used to
stimulate uterine contractions and promote the expulsion of
the fetus. The plant is effective in treating insanity. It is
popularly known as pagal-ka-dawa , a medicine for insanity.
The herb is effective in treating insomnia because of its sedative
properties. Rauwolfia is the best medicine for high blood pressure,
and it has been adapted by medical society in most countries
especially in American countries. The alkoloids which have a
direct effect on hypertension , have been isolated in it and
are widely used by doctors of modern medicine. Rauwolfia is
also very effective in treating hysteria. One gram of powdered
root can be administrated trice with milk. |
ROSEMARY
Botanical Name :- Rosmarinus officinalis
Indian name :- Rusmary
Rosemary is a sweet scented evergreen shrub which grows up to
2 metres high. The leaves are narrow and resemble curved pine
needles. They have small pale blue flowers grow in little clusters
up the stems. Dried leaves of Rosemary are used for commercial
purposes. Dried herb is brownish green in colour. The leaves
are a tea like fragrance. Rosemary has long been regarded as
the herb for remembrance. It was once believed to strengthen
the heart as well as memory. Rosemary is a native of Southern
Europe. Dried rosemary leaves on fractional distillation yield
1 to 2 per cent of a volatile oil which is used in perfumery
and medicine. They also contain several acids and other chemical
substances.
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| Properties
:- Rosemary is an antidote to mental fatigue and forgetfulness.
a tea made from the herb is a good natural remedy for bringing
added mental agility. The plant has been very effective in atonic
dyspepsia , that is indigestion and stiffness in the stomach.
Its oil is used as an ingredient in rubefacient liniments. The
flowering top and leaves of rosemary are used for vapour baths
in rheumatism. |
ROUGH
CHAFF
Botanical Name :- Achyranthes aspera
Indian name :- Chirchita
Rough chaff is an errect and stiff annual herb which grows densely
up to 50 cm in length. It has numerous branches. The flowers
are small and face downwards. Old flowers are found at the bottom
and fresh ones on the upper portion. It is a native of India.
The ash of the herb contains a high proportion of potash and
is an antacid. It is an important constituent of alkaline medicine
which is useful in counteracting acidity.
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| Properties
:-Rough chaff is one of the important herbs used by villagers
in preparing mixed greens. The leaves are tasteless but assume
a mild bitter taste after cooking. They also have soft cellulose.
Rough chaff is used to treat asthma. The ash of the leaves is
mixed with honey is used for cough. The herb is specific for
spleen enlargement. The powder of the plant is used in 25 gram
dose twice daily with a little beaten curd. This brings good
result in 3 or 4 weeks. The powdered root of the herb is useful
in asthma. |
