We can’t estimate the power of natural plants. Many of the modern medicines are produced by the help of those plants. But the usage of chemically synthesized drugs disappears home pharmacy. So knowledge about medicinal plants is needed. To familiarize the values and features of medicinal plants here we are introducing top 10 medicinal plants with pictures and scientific names.
Top 10 medicinal plants with pictures and scientific names
1. Turmeric (Curcuma longa)
Turmeric is native to southern Asia. It is used as a spice as well as a herb. The spice gives curry it’s yellow color. Turmeric contains many medicinal compounds. And are called curcuminoids. In which the most important one is curcumin. It is a strong antioxidant and has powerful inflammatory effects since curcumin can play a major to inhibit inflammation.
Researchers have been studying the curcumin content in the turmeric and how can it be used as a beneficial herb for the treatment of cancer. Results of studies show that it can reduce the progress of cancer development and it’s spreading at the molecular level.
Using turmeric can also build our body to fight foreign invaders and repair damages to the tissues.
2. Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
Ginger is widely used as a folk medicine or as a spice. Ginger is actually a root. It belongs to the turmeric family. Ginger originated in southern Asia. It can be consumed as powder, juice or as a spice. The consumption of plant foods like ginger decreases the risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease and overall mortality.
Including ginger in the diet will be helpful in treating many kinds of Nausea, Especially morning Sickness. Ginger is an effective natural remedy for muscle pains induced after workouts or exercise-induced.
It can also drastically reduce the sugar level in the blood and also prevent risk factors for Heart Disease.
3. Pepper (Piper nigrum)
Pepper (also known as the king of spices) is one of the most widely used spices around the world. It can be used in both wholes and grounded form. The medical use of pepper is more beneficial. It aids digestion and gives relieves from coughs and cold. It is very rich in mineral content and also it contains the nutrients such manganese, potassium, iron, dietary fiber and vitamin c & k. The properties like antibacterial, antioxidant and anti-inflammation make pepper an amazing spice.
In traditional ayurvedic practices, pepper is used in medicine for cough and cold as a home remedy. It is also very effective in for the relief of sinusitis and nasal congestion. Pepper has the capability to break up the mucus and phlegm clogging in the respiratory tract, making the breathing process much easier.
4. Spinach (Spinacia oleracea)
Spinach is one of the world’ s healthiest food. It provides more nutrients than any other food. It contains fewer calories but very high in vitamins and minerals. The greenish leaf provides vitamin K, vitamin A, magnesium, folate, manganese, iron, calcium, vitamin C, vitamin B2, potassium, and vitamin B6. Use of fresh spinach leaves have proven health benefits for the health of eyes, and it is also very nourishing for the eyes.
Glycoglycerolipids content in the spinach can help to protect the digestive line track from damages. specifically, those damages related to unwanted inflammations
5. Holy Basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum)
Holy basil or Tulsi is one of the potent herbs that is used in India. And is one of the most sacred plants in India. it has great potential in the areas of stress relief and relaxation. Medical studies show that people who took about 500 milligrams of holy basil extract each day have less possibility of falling anxious, stressed and depressed, And can make people more social than before. It is also used as a mosquito repellent, and to counteract scorpion bites and snakes.
6. Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum)
Cinnamon is a spice which is obtained from the inner bark of certain kinds of trees which includes in the genus Cinnamomum. It is used as an ingredient in both sweet and savory foods. The term cinnamon also refers to its mid-brown color. About 27,500 to 35,000 tons of cinnamon are being produced across the world each year.
Recent researchers have found that some particular kind of cinnamon has the ability to lower blood sugar level in people who are diabetic. Nevertheless, consuming high quantities of cassia cinnamon may be toxic, especially for those peoples who are having liver problems. Since cinnamon can lower blood sugar, people with diabetes should adjust their treatment accordingly if they use cinnamon supplements.
Apart from that lab researchers have found that cinnamon can reduce inflammation, possess antioxidant effects, and can fight bacteria.
7. Neem (Azadirachta indica)
Neem is also known as Azadirachta indica. This species of the medicinal plant is native to India and the Indian subcontinent including Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. And typically is grown in tropical and semi-tropical regions. The fruits, leaves, and seeds are used for producing neem oil.
In India, the products of neem tree are being used for medicinal applications ever since ancient times. Siddha and ayurvedic practitioner in India believed that neem tree is a having lot of medicinal values like antifungal, antidiabetic, antibacterial, antiviral, contraceptive and seductive applications.
Need products are considered as an essential component of treatment in Ayurvedic, Siddha medicine, and Unani treatment. It is also having medicinal values for the treatment of various kinds of skin diseases. Neem oil is used for improving hair health, functioning of the liver, blood purification, and maintaining balanced sugar level.
8. Lavender (Lavandula)
Lavender is a flowering plant belonging to the mint family. This is mainly found in places like Canary Islands, europian tropical areas, across northern and eastern Africa, southwest Asia to southeast India. Even though it’s cultivation is well known for the use as an ornamental plant or flower, there are plenty of medicinal values contained in Lavander.
In the commercial point of view, the plant is mainly grown for the production of essential oil of lavender. This has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory characteristics. These extracts are extensively used as fragrances in bathing products.
Traditionally, lavender has been used for treating neurological issues like migraines, anxiety, stress, and depression. And it’s exciting to see that modern research has finally found proofs to confirm the truth behind traditional treatment. According to recent studies, there is growing evidence which shows that lavender oil can be an effective remedy for several neurological disorders.
Lavender is well known for its antimicrobial properties, which can speed up the healing of burns, cuts, scrapes and wounds.
9. Aloe Vera (Aloe Barbadensis Miller)
Aleo vera belongs to a succulent plant species. It is a stemless plant which can grow to the height around 60-100cms in length which is mainly cultivated for medicinal and agricultural purposes. It is also widely used for the decorative purpose as well and can be grown successfully indoor in a potted plant.
It is widely used in the production of cosmetics considering the moisturizing, soothing, and healing properties of aloe vera. Because of it’s soothing and reduces inflammation it widely used as an after-sun treatment. Aloe vera gel can be applied to the area of sunburns.
Aleo vera is traditionally used for the treatment of skin, And it is used widely as an ingredient in the traditional herbal medicine in many countries. It can perform miracles not just for your skin, but also beneficial for the hair and health as well.
10. Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri)
Brahmi is an herbal plant mainly seen in wetland areas of southern and eastern India, Europe, Austalia, Africa, and north-south American areas. This Indian Ayurvedic herb is well known for multiple health and medicinal benefits. It is extensively used in Ayurveda as a medicinal plant. The word “Brahmi” came from the Hindu mythology.
Brahmi is has a major role in the traditional ayurvedic treatments for epilepsy and asthma. Apart from that, it is also an effective natural remedy for a variety of disease like ulcer, tumors, ascites, inflammation, laparoscopy, anemia and gastroenteritis.
These are the list of top 10 medicinal plants with pictures and scientific names derived from the research of healthveins team.