Herbal plants have been used in herbal medicine for centuries. The Ayurvedic system of medicine completely depends on natural products including medicinal plants. Any plant that has compounds that can be utilized therapeutically or that serve as building blocks for the production of effective pharmaceuticals is considered to be a medicinal plant.
The ability to discriminate between herbal plants whose therapeutic capabilities and ingredients have been scientifically established and those that are considered to be which are believed to have medicinal properties but have not yet undergone a full scientific investigation.
Herbal Plants
Herbal plants have been identified for the improvement of health from common gastric problems to the improvement of memory as well as treating chronic disease. They contain four in bioactive constituents such as alkaloids, terpenes, polyphenols, and glycosides which are responsible for pharmacological properties. There are about 35,000 – 70,000 species of plants uses for medicinal purposes. Herbal plants have the minimum side effects and provide various advantages in health improvement. Nowadays the consumption of herbal plants is increasing for wellness and healthy lifestyle in some or other way as they are easily available and affordable.
Role of Herbal plants in health
Researchers found that the bioactive compounds present in herbal plants possess a diverse range of health benefits. When herbal plants consumed regularly in the diet for its nutritive value, they rejuvenate the whole body system. Some herbal plants are responsible for various activities such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, anticarcinogenic, antitumorigenic, etc. Herbal plants also include Spices. Presently many countries are facing an increase in diseases such as colds, coughs, diabetes, jaundice, rheumatism, diarrhea, etc. Treat those diseases by herbal plants without any harmful side effects. Every part of these herbal plants has a specific role. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 80% of the world’s population relies on traditional medicine for primary health care, and the majority of this therapy involves the use of plant extracts and their active components.
Some Herbal Plants with their Benefits
The most common herbal plants for health benefits are-
- Aloe vera: The earliest known herbal plant in the world is aloe vera. Around 4000 BC, the ancient Egyptians made the first discovery of it. Aloe has healing powers. Aloe vera leaves contain high levels of vitamin C, making them effective against cold sores.
- Ashwagandha: The most well-known medicinal plant is ashwagandha. All parts of the plant (roots, leaves, and fruits) have therapeutic benefits. However, the roots deserve extra attention. They aid in the treatment of a wide range of medical issues. Ashwagandha aids in the treatment of insomnia decreases stress, and regulates cholesterol levels. It also acts as an immunological booster, promotes fertility, and controls testosterone levels.
- Turmeric: Since turmeric is the main source of polyphenol curcumin, it has drawn interest from both the medical and scientific communities as well as food enthusiasts.
- Garlic: Garlic uses in every kitchen on a daily basis. It is good to take to treat the Common cold, reduce blood pressure, improve bone health, and have antioxidant properties.
- Amla: Amla, often known as “Indian gooseberry,” has a sour flavour. Amla’s high vitamin C content functions as an antioxidant, promoting immune system function. Amla’s carotene content helps vision. Because the carotene component of amla protects eye problems like redness, cataract, and itchy and watery eyes, regular ingestion of Amla helps improve overall eye health.
- Onion: It has anticancer, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties reduces blood pressure, and boosts bone density.
- Cinnamon: It has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antifungal, and antibacterial activities. It also lowers blood sugar levels.
- Clove: Clove has Antioxidant, antiulcer, anti-inflammatory, and antiulcer activity.
- Liquorice: It Improves digestion, helps to treat peptic ulcers, also has anticancer and antidiabetic properties.
Stem
- Giloy: Treat chronic fever and dengue fever, immunity booster, antiviral, improve eyesight, improve digestion, and treat Gout.
- Ginger: Many health advantages of ginger exist. The treatment of nausea, lowering blood sugar levels, assisting with arthritis, and reducing heart disease risk factors are a few of the medical advantages.
Leaves
- Tulsi: Tulsi is a natural immunity booster, reduces fever (antipyretic), pain (analgesic), cold, cough, and other respiratory disorders, stress and blood pressure, anti-cancer properties, good for heart health, diabetes patients, useful in kidney stones and gouty arthritis.
- Peppermint: Peppermint may help in digestion. It contains menthol, which stimulates digestive fluids and aids in nutrient absorption. Peppermint can help to freshen your breath and improve your oral health. It also aids in concentration.
- Coriander: An essential component of an Indian cooking is coriander, often known as dhania. Everything in it—leaves, seeds, and seed powder—is good for your health. It enhances the flavour of your food and provides a number of therapeutic benefits.
- Neem: It has Antibacterial, antiviral, and antidiabetic properties, treats intestinal worms, and treat urinary tract disorders.
Seeds
- Fenugreek: It is used as a medicine for a very long time. It’s seeds used as a food supplement and even a medication by the ancient Egyptians. They thought consuming fenugreek enhanced digestion and increased vigour. The main active ingredient is diosgenin. That’s why, It is useful in Diabetes because Diosgenin regulates insulin. It helps to treat constipation.
- Fennel: Fennel, also known as saunf, is a tasty and aromatic plant that can help with a range of health issues. People in India chew fennel seeds after each meal for better digestion. It is simple to cultivate in your garden and requires little care. Consider the following fennel seed benefits are it treats cough, improves eyesight, cure acidity and prevents bad breath.
- Cardamom: Cardamom is also a medicinal plant. It’s seeds are mainly used as an antioxidant, antiulcer, anti-inflammatory, anticancer and antibacterial activity.
- Carrom Seeds: It has anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties, improve digestion, reduces blood pressure, and also treat peptic ulcer.
- Black Pepper: Black pepper is good for digestion, weight loss, prevent constipation, anti-inflammatory, reduce joint pain and boosts immunity.
