Health Treasure Hidden in your Backyard!

We find various herbs commonly growing around us but never take much notice of them. But you will be surprised to know and learn about their therapeutic and medicinal potentials in treating common health ailments. The Ayurvedic and the Siddha system of medicine have been incorporating such plants in treating illnesses since ages. Its time to recognize this wealth of health easily found grown in our backyards and kitchen gardens and make use of it in staying healthy.

Herbs of Medicinal Value!

1. Neem is used for multi purpose remedies. This includes sprains, flu, skin diseases, heart diseases, fever, indigestion, viral infection, etc. Some serious health concerns like cancer, kidney diseases, sexually transmitted diseases are also claimed to be treated by neem extract.
2. Basil (Tulsi) acts as blood purifier and anti bacterial. It is effective against cough & cold. Basil enhances digestion, improves appetite & increases blood circulation. Regular consumption of basil the boosts up the immune system.
3. Peppermint is carminative, relieves muscular spasms, increases sweating, stimulates secretion of bile and is an antiseptic. It’s  therapeutic value lies in its ability to relieve wind, flatulence, bloating and colic. Studies indicate that it relieves colon spasms and helps to cure ulcers. Peppermint also eases headaches. Menthol, its main constituent, is known to have antibacterial properties.  
4. The Indian Gooseberry is aphrodisiac, hemostatic, carminative, stomachic, diuretic and laxative. Being nutritive, it increases red blood cells count. It is one of the highest natural source of Vitamin C (3,000 mg / fruit). 
5. Ashoka relieves diabetes, treats dyspepsia, diseases of the blood, tumors, abdominal enlargement, colic, piles, ulcers and bone fractures as well as diarrhea & bleeding piles. The leaves of the plant has a special blood purifying property. It also serves as an excellent uterine tonic and is very useful to treat syphilis and biliousness.  
6. Coriander leaves stimulate appetite and improves digestion. These are rich in magnesium, potassium & fibers. Regular consumption boosts immunity and purifies blood. Studies how their role in curing diabetes. 
7. Lemon helps to control Blood Pressure, purifies blood, reduces swelling of the spleen & strengthens the immune system. It is rich in vitamins C, B, B2, and calcium & iron. The plant protects our body against germs and bacteria.  
8. Betel leaf exhibits carminative, stimulant, astringent and aromatic properties. The leaf improves taste & appetite. Betel leaf juice is a tonic to brain, heart, liver and other internal organs. It is beneficial in improving bowel action in cases of constipation. Betel leaves juice also cures eye problems and night blindness effectively. 
9. Peepal tree is useful in inflammations & glandular swelling of the neck. Its root bark is useful for stomatitis and in ulcers. Roots of peepal tree are good for gout. The roots when chewed are considered beneficial for treating gum diseases. Its fruit promotes digestion, checks vomiting, treats asthma & is useful in urinary troubles & heart diseases. The leaves of peepal are also used to treat constipation. 
10. Bay has a reputation for soothing the stomach and relieving flatulence. Its leaves are known for their ability to relieve aches & pains associated with rheumatism, & for sprains, bruises, and skin rashes.  
 

 

Health Benefits of The Holy Plant, Basil!

Basil (Ocimum sanctum)

Basil (Ocimum sanctum L.) is an annual herb, used as a medicinal plant in day-to-day practice in Indian homes for the successful management of various health-related problems.  The holy plant, basil has been used by traditional practitioners as anticancer, antifungal, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, analgesic, carminative, expectorant, antiasthmatic, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, hypolipidmic, antiemetic, antispasmodic, antirheumatic, hypotensive and diaphoretic. These properties are due to the presence of essential oils & other active compounds in the parts of the plant, essentially the leaves. Find here some of the age old traditional cures with basil-

• Take basil leaves extract with ginger rhizome extract (1 tbsp) and honey to get relief from Asthma.
• Grind together dried and powdered basil leaves, ginger & black pepper and mix in honey. Prepare the same into pellets and and such the same thrice daily to ease symptoms of Cough and cold. 
• Boil a handful of basil leaves until the water remains 1/4th. This mixture can be inhaled as well as administered as to get relief of Phlegm.  
• Soak a few basil leaves in water for 4-5 hours. Chew the leaves followed by a glass of  water daily to maintain Good health.
• Boil a  handful of basil and neem leaves together & take  bath with the same to cure  Skin infections & allergies. 
• An aqueous concoction of the whole basil plant taken daily is believed to control Diabetes via managing blood sugar levels in the body.
• Powder some basil blossoms & mix 2 g of it with a tbsp of honey. Lick it to get relief of Migraine.
• For Indigestion, crush 3-4 basil leaves and add a  pinch of rock salt. Take this formulation with water.
• To Improve Lactation in nursing mothers, crush and boil 8-10 basil leaves & simmer for  5 min. Now, sieve and add honey to taste, and drink 1-2 cups daily. 
• Boil basil leaves in water till the water is reduced to half. Add a little rock salt & drink to treat Fever. 
• Massaging the scalp with basil oil regularly keeps a check on Hair Fall.
• To cure Jaundice, have 2 tsp of basil leaves juice with ½ cup of radish  juice twice a day. Add jaggery or honey to taste.