Uses of Medicinal plants

Presented by
Rekha Yashwant Pawar
Archana Gangadhar Yeole
Year -2010-11

Turmeric
(Curcuma longa)

Other uses
In cooking, turmeric acts as a yellow
coloring agent. It is an important herb in
Hindu rituals. It is also a ingredient in
cosmetics as it is beneficial for the skin.
Burning turmeric can repel insects. Inhaling
the smoke can assist in coughs, asthma
and congested nasal passages.
Ears, Eyes, Nose and Mouth
Turmeric dust, with alum 1:20, is blown into
the ear to treat chronic otorrhea.
Mix a pinch of Turmeric with organic ghee
and apply it to the mucus lining of nose to
stop the sniffles. It also stops nosebleeds,
helps to clear the sinuses, restore a more
acute sense of smell, and helps to purify the
mind and brain.
Turmeric helps to maintain the shape and
integrity of our eyes.
A Turmeric/water decoction, 1:20, is used to
treat conjunctivitis and eye disease in
general. Soak a cloth in the decoction and
then cover the eye with it. This helps to
relieve the pain as well.

Tumeric

Skin Care and Colouring

The skin is the main portion of the body and
provides a shielding barrier against harmful
chemicals, microbes, and ultraviolet radiation.
Natural plant products like turmeric have been
formulated to heal and prevent dry skin, treat skin
conditions such as eczema and acne, and retard
the aging process.
Turmeric is used in many celebrations of Hindus.
Especially in Hindu wedding brides would rub with
turmeric on their bodies for glowing look. New born
babies also rubbed with turmeric on their forehead
for good luck.
Traditionally women rub turmeric on their cheeks to
produce a natural golden glow, extract of turmeric
has been added to creams for use as a colouring
agent. A compound called curcumin is the yellow
pigment in turmeric.
Washing in turmeric improves skin complexion and
also reduces hair growth on body. Nowadays there
are lots of herbal products in the market in which
main herb used is turmeric as natural ingredient.
These constitute home remedies for skin and hair
problems.

(Curcuma domestica)

Menstrual problems of Woman

For women who experience monthly
menstrual cramps, try using turmeric extract
or bitters twice daily for two weeks prior to
expected menstruation. Turmeric is an
antispasmodic to smooth muscles so it
reduces digestive and menstrual cramping.
It should reduce the severity of pain, if not
ease them completely. Certainly, diet and
standard of living have a reflective influence
on the menstrual cycle, but turmeric is a
great addition.
Bacterial Infection / Wounds
Turmeric is useful as an external antibiotic
in preventing bacterial infection in wounds.
Eye Disorder
Curcumin may prove to be as effective as
corticosteroids in the uveitis (inflammation
of the uvea, the middle layer of the eye
between the sclera - white outer coat of the
eye and the retina - the back of the eye) the
type of eye disorder.

Amala
(Emblica officinallis)

Medicinal uses : richest source of Vitamin C

and is a The fruit is the diuretic, aperient, Laxative

and hair dye. It cures insomnia and is healthy for hair. It

is used as the cardio protective, useful in hemorrhage,
menprrhagia, leucorrhoea and discharge of blood from
uterus. Amla power and oil are used traditionally in
Ayurvedic applications for the treatment of scalp. Amla
power improves immunity and gives physical strength. It
improves complexion and removes wrinkles. Amla is also
used to treat constipation and is used as a cooling agent
to reduce the effects of sun strokes and sun burns.
Other uses : It is the main ingredient used in the
shampoo. Amla oil is used all the world. Amla is used in
sauces, candy, dried chips, pickle, jellies and powder. It
is even used in the dyeing industry. It extract is popularly
used in the ink. Amla wood is commonly used in firework.
Cultural Importance :Amla has been regarded as the
sacred tree in India. It sin worshiped as the Mother Earth
and is believed to nurture humankind because the fruits
are very nourishing. It stimulates spiritual purity. Kartik
Mahatma and Vrat Kaumudi order the worship of this
tree. Its fruits and flowers are used in worship.

Amla
Other names : Indian
gooseberry, Bhumi amla,
Bhumyamalki, Amlaki,
adiphala, dhatri, amalaka,
amali, amalakamu,
usirikai, Anola, Amlika,
nellikai, malacca tree,
nillika, nellikya, emblic
are the other names used
for the Amla.

Awala

Amalaki or Emblica officianlis or Indian gooseberry is the

fruit of this deciduous tree found mainly in India. This plant fit
in to the family Euphorbiaceae. The fruit of this plant is round
shaped with vertical stripes. It is green to yellow in color and
tastes amal (sour). The fruit is some what fibrous in nature.
The fruit is occasionally eaten along with lavana or salt to
balance the taste. Amalaki or Emblica officianlis is rich in
natural vitamin C or ascorbic acid or ascorbic acid. This fruit
is used as the main ingredient in the ayurvedic tonic
Chyavanprash. It is also used along with numerous other
herbs as an ayurvedic tonic and rejuvenator.
The Indian gooseberry or Amalaki or emblica officianlis has
sheet or cooling, diuretic and laxative properties. It helps in
cleansing the mouth, and strengthens teeth and bones. It
increases the RBC count and helps to encourage good
health.. It also has powerful anti oxidant properties. Apart
from vitamin C or ascorbic acid, amalaki or Emblica
officianlis also contains cytokine like substances such as
zeatin. The dried Amalaki or Emblica officianlis fruit is useful
in the treatment of Hemorrhage, diarrhea, and dysentery.
Amalaki or emblica officianlis has laxative properties and
therefore useful in the treatment of constipation and piles. It
also has anti-bacterial actions and helps in averting
infections and heals ulcers very fast. It also helps in averting
skin infections and problems. Amalaki or Emblica officianlis
has cell rejuvenating properties and therefore used in
maintaining good health of skin and hair. It is extensively
used in preparation of shampoos. Amalaki or Emblica
officianlis helps to keep the hair glossy and shining.

Phyllanthus emblica

Amalaki or Emblica officianlis is the richest source of natural

vitamin C or ascorbic acid or ascorbic acid .It provides up to
900mg/ 100 g of juice of the fresh fruit. It has the same amount
of ascorbic acid or vitamin C or ascorbic acid or ascorbic acid
present in two oranges. Due to high Vitamin C or ascorbic acid or
ascorbic acid content Amalaki or Emblica officianlis has anti
oxidative properties. Amalaki or Emblica officianlis also has
carminative properties. It helps in maintaining a health y
digestive system. It is used in the preparation of many GI
ayurvedic tonics.
Amalaki or Emblica officianlis also has many therapeutic
properties. It is used as a cardio tonic, aphrodisiac, and
antipyretic medicine. Some research studies have shown that
Amalaki or Emblica officianlis acts as anti diabetic too. Amalaki
or Emblica officianlis also helps to prevent respiratory disorders
such as common cold, bronchitis, and other respiratory tract
infections. The high content of vitamin C or ascorbic acid or
ascorbic acid helps to boost the functioning of the immune
system of the body and thereby helps in preventing a wide range
of diseases. Amalaki or Emblica officianlis is therefore included
in most of the ayurvedic tonics as a general ingredient.
Amalaki or Emblica Officianlis also helps in improving body
weight. It helps in raising the total protein level due to positive
nitrogen balance. Thus it is recognized to give an anabolic effect
in the body. Amalaki or Emblica officianlis is considered as one
of the highly nutritious fruit. Apart from Vitamin C or ascorbic acid
or ascorbic acid, Amalaki or Emblica officianlis also provides
many other essential minerals to the body. These minerals help
in maintaining proper functioning of the metabolic activities of the
body. Amalaki or Emblica officianlis contains minerals such as
chromium, zinc, and copper. The chromium (Cr) present in
amalaki helps in its anti diabetic effect. Amalaki or Emblica
officianlis is also used in the treatment of gastritis. It was found to
be very effective in the treatment of heartburn due to raised
hydrochloric acid (HCl) secretion of the stomach. Amalaki or
Emblica officianlis helps patients suffering from epigastric pain.
Read more about Amla Vitamin C

Korpad
(B.N- Aloe vera)zz

Acid inside Aloe vera is used as

effective pain killers.
Antiseptic made from Aloe vera is
used to kill mold, bacteria,
funguses and viruses.
Aloe vera uses include help in skin
blemishes.
Acne is treated by Aloe vera gel
and it's really effective.
Aloe vera also helps in stopping
baldness.
Aloe vera is used for enhancing
skin growth.
Important Aloe vera uses include
relief from cuts, bruises and burns.
When we

Uses of Aloe vera

Aloe vera being a medicinal

plant have various uses in the
medicine field, its proving to be
very important in curing many
of the skin diseases and
research are on the going
process to explore more
options of Aloe vera uses to
cure the most acute and
severe diseases. From
centuries Aloe vera is used for
healing cuts and bruises. Total
skin care and curing topical
sores of diabetics patient is the
main use of Aloe vera

Korpad
Aloe vera uses includes
cosmetics benefits and
uses as beauty restoring
things. At present much
research is going on to
see the cosmetic benefits
of the Aloe vera plants
and how it can be used to
make cosmetic products
shooting for your skin to
give you a glowing and

Tulsi
(B.N-Ocimum santum)

Uses of Tulsi
. Tulsi has antioxidant properties and
reduces blood glucose levels. Thus it is
useful for diabetics.
. Tulsi reduces total cholesterol levels.
Thus it is useful for heart disease
patients.
. Tulsi reduces blood pressure.
. Tulsi is also used to prepare herbal tea.
It helps in building up stamina.
.It has been used for gastric disorders,
cough, common colds, malaria,
headaches.
. It is used as mouth wash for reducing
tooth ache
. Tulsi oil shows larvicidal activity against
malarial larva

Tulsi

. It has immuno-modulatory properties.

. It contains phyto-chemicals which provide
all these beneficial effects.
. Many herbal cosmetics contain tulsi. It is
also used in skin ointments due to its antibacterial properties. Oil extracted from
Karpoora Tulsi is used in these preparations.
. Tulsi acts as insect repellant. So it is used
to store grains.
. Recent research shows that tulsi does
have analgesic ( pain killer) properties
similar to COX 2 inhibitor drugs.
. Ursolic acid, a chemical in tulsi may have a
role as antifertility ( contraceptive) agent in
future.
. It has antiviral, antibacterial, antitubercular,
antifungal, antimalarial properties.

Important of tulsi

The tulsi or holy basil is an important symbol in the Hindu

religious tradition and is worshipped in the morning and
evening by Hindus at large. The holy basil is also a herbal
remedy for a lot of common ailments. Here're top fifteen
medicinal uses of tulsi.
1. Healing Power: The tulsi plant has many medicinal
properties. The leaves are a nerve tonic and also sharpen
memory. They promote the removal of the catarrhal matter and
phlegm from the bronchial tube. The leaves strengthen the
stomach and induce copious perspiration. The seed of the
plant are mucilaginous.
2. Fever & Common Cold: The leaves of basil are specific for
many fevers. During the rainy season, when malaria and
dengue fever are widely prevalent, tender leaves, boiled with
tea, act as preventive against theses diseases. In case of
acute fevers, a decoction of the leaves boiled with powdered
cardamom in half a liter of water and mixed with sugar and
milk brings down the temperature. The juice of tulsi leaves can
be used to bring down fever. Extract of tulsi leaves in fresh
water should be given every 2 to 3 hours. In between one can
keep giving sips of cold water. In children, it is every effective
in bringing down the temperature.

Uses of Tulsi

3. Coughs: Tulsi is an important constituent of many Ayurvedic

cough syrups and expectorants. It helps to mobilize mucus in
bronchitis and asthma. Chewing tulsi leaves relieves cold and
flu.
4. Sore Throat: Water boiled with basil leaves can be taken as
drink in case of sore throat. This water can also be used as a
gargle.
5. Respiratory Disorder: The herb is useful in the treatment of
respiratory system disorder. A decoction of the leaves, with
honey and ginger is an effective remedy for bronchitis, asthma,
influenza, cough and cold. A decoction of the leaves, cloves
and common salt also gives immediate relief in case of
influenza. They should be boiled in half a liter of water till only
half the water is left and add then taken.
6. Kidney Stone: Basil has strengthening effect on the kidney.
In case of renal stone the juice of basil leaves and honey, if
taken regularly for 6 months it will expel them via the urinary
tract.
7. Heart Disorder: Basil has a beneficial effect in cardiac
disease and the weakness resulting from them. It reduces the
level of blood cholesterol.
8. Children's Ailments: Common pediatric problems like cough
cold, fever, diarrhea and vomiting respond favorably to the
juice of basil leaves. If pustules of chicken pox delay their
appearance, basil leaves taken with saffron will hasten them.

Uses of Tulsi
Tulsi

9. Stress: Basil leaves are regarded as an 'adaptogen' or

anti-stress agent. Recent studies have shown that the
leaves afford significant protection against stress. Even
healthy persons can chew 12 leaves of basil, twice a day,
to prevent stress. It purifies blood and helps prevent
several common elements.
10. Mouth Infections: The leaves are quit effective for the
ulcer and infections in the mouth. A few leaves chewed
will cure these conditions.
11. Insect Bites: The herb is a prophylactic or preventive
and curative for insect stings or bites. A teaspoonful of
the juice of the leaves is taken and is repeated after a
few hours. Fresh juice must also be applied to the
affected parts. A paste of fresh roots is also effective in
case of bites of insects and leeches.
12. Skin Disorders: Applied locally, basil juice is
beneficial in the treatment of ringworm and other skin
diseases. It has also been tried successfully by some
naturopaths in the treatment of leucoderma.
13. Teeth Disorder: The herb is useful in teeth disorders.
Its leaves, dried in the sun and powdered, can be used
for brushing teeth. It can also be mixed with mustered oil
to make a paste and used as toothpaste. This is very
good for maintaining dental health, counteracting bad
breath and for massaging the gums. It is also useful in
pyorrhea and other teeth disorders.