A Presentation on Medicinal Plants

Health & Medicine

Medicinal PlantsThe use of medicinal plants can be considered as a living tradition. The World Health Organisation estimates that the primary health care needs of approximately 80% of the developing world’s population are met by traditional medicine. Traditional medicine systems range from the Ayurvedic, Unani, Siddha and Tibetan in India, the Kampo in Japan, the Jamu in Indonesia, and many more. The traditional systems of medicine largely depend on plants for their medicines. The Natural Products Alert databases at the University of Illinois document the ethnomedicinal uses for more than 9,000 species.

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Lavender

Scientific Name:- Lavandula

Species:- Lavandula spica

About the Plant Lavender is a shrubby plant indigenous to the mountainous regions of the countries bordering the western half of the Mediterranean, and cultivated extensively for its aromatic flowers in various parts of France, in Italy and in England and even as far north as Norway. It is also now being grown as a perfume plant in Australia.

Commercial Use – Lavender Oil

Lavender is widely cultivated for commercial use, since their flowers tend to be bigger the plants tend to be easier to harvest. Commercially the plant is grown mainly for the production of essential oil of lavender. It has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties and is also used as fragrances for bath products, balms, salves, perfumes, and cosmetics.

Medicinal Useso Lavender is believed to have antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties which can be used to help heal minor burns and bug bites.o Lavender is applied to the skin for hair loss and pain, and to repel mosquitoes and other insects.o It is beneficial to the respiratory tract in particular coughs, colds, influenza.o It defends system against airborne viruses.o It also eases breathing when lungs and sinuses are choked with phlegm.

Medicinal Useso It is beneficial for the nervous system. Lavender oil has a calming fragrance and hence works as a tonic for the nerves.o It helps treating migraines, depression, headaches, anxiety, emotional stress and nervous tension.o Its refreshing aroma removes restlessness, nervous exhaustion and increases mental activity which helps induce sleep.o It helps in improving and increasing the blood circulation.o It is also recommended to people suffering from hypertension as it helps lower blood pressure.

❷ Alfalfa

Scientific Name:- Medicago sativa

Species:- M. sativa

Alfalfa is a strongly perennial plant which is able to live thirty years or more under favorable conditions. It has a typical taproot. As there are no runners or creeping roots, all the over ground branches start from the uppermost part of the taproot which generally protrudes above the ground and is known as the crown.

About the Plant

Commercial Use – Alfalfa as Fodder

Alfalfa is widely grown throughout the world as forage for cattle, and is most often harvested as hay. Alfalfa usually has the highest feeding value of all common hay crops. It is used less frequently as pasture. When grown on soils where it is well-adapted, alfalfa is often the highest-yielding forage plant, but its primary benefit is the combination of high yield per hectare and high nutritional quality.

Medicinal Useso It prevents cholesterol absorption in the gut.o It is used for kidney and bladder conditions, and also to increase urine flow.o People take Alfalfa as a source of vitamins A, C, E, and K4, and minerals calcium, potassium, phosphorous, and iron.o It is used in treating heart diseases and other arterial problems.o As alfalfa juice is an excellent source of chlorophyll, one of the benefits of alfalfa is that it is effective in treating respiratory discomfort.

Medicinal Useso It is used in the treatment of stomach related ailments.o Its effectiveness in treating diabetes naturally as it helps those individuals who are not able to properly utilize insulin.o It helps in softening any hardened arteries thereby acting as a natural treatment for high blood pressure.o It helps in building ones immunity against stomach distress.o It is known to help against hyperacidity as well as the digestion of the food more so after a rich meal.