Question
Explain the medicinal plants found in India and the usage.
Solution
Medicinal Plants:
India is known for its herbs and spices from ancient times. Some 2,000 plants have been described in Ayurveda and atleast 500 are in regular use. The World Conservation Union's Red list has named for 352 medicinal plants of which 52 are critically threatened and 49 endangered.
The commonly used plants in India are:
(i)Sarpagandha - Used to treat blood pressure; it is found only in India.
(ii)Jamun - The juice from unripe fruit is used to prepare vinegar which is carminative and diuretic, and has digestive properties. The powder of the seed is a cure for diabetes, the bark is good for cough, asthma and dysentery.
(iii)Arjun - The fresh juice of leaves is a cure for earache. It is also used to cure blood pressure problems and heart diseases.
(iv)Babool - Leaves are used as a tonic and a cure for eye sores. It is used as a tonic and medicine for cough, its bark dust is a cure for dog bite.
(v)Neem - It has high antibiotic and antibacterial effects.
(vi)Tulsi Plants - It is used to cure cough and cold.
(vii)Kachnar - It is used to cure asthma and ulcers. The buds and roots are good for digestive problems.
