In continuation of my previously published abstract title -
Intriguing facts of medicinal plants, I am glad to publish
the part 2It is truly intriguing to know and understand the numerous benefits of these medicinal plants and I would love to share it with you. Readers are requested to read and rate this abstract and let me know if this abstract truly helps you.My contact detail is xyrobinxy@yahoo.co.in
1...ANGELICA;Scientific Name : Angelica arcangelica (Umbelliferae);
History and uses: Angelica has been used to
reduce muscular spasms in asthma and bronchitis. Used to ease rheumatic inflammation, to regulate menstrual flow and as an appetite stimulant. The stems are candied for culinary use.
Main Properties: Antispasmodic, promotes menstrual flow.
2…ANISE;Scientific Name: Pimpinella anisum (Umbelliferae);
History and uses: Anise has been cultivated in Egypt and known to the Greeks, Romans and Arabs, who named the plant anysun. Anise seeds are known for their ability to reduce flatulence and colic, and to settle the digestion. They are commonly given to infants and children to relieve colic, and to people of all ages to ease nausea and indigestion. It also has an expectorant and antispasmodics action that is helpful in countering period pain, asthma, whooping cough and bronchitis. The mild hormonal action of anise seeds may explain its ability to increase breast-milk production and its reputation for easing childbirth and treating impotence and frigidity. Anise essential oil is used externally to treat lice and scabies.
Main Properties: Reduces colic and flatulence, promotes digestion, antispasmodic;
3… ARNICA;Scientific Name : Arnica montana (Compositae);
History and uses:Arnica for ease his angina in old age.Herbalism and homeopathy use arnica extracts, ointments and compresses to reduce inflammation and pain from bruises, sprains, tendons, dislocations and swollen areas. Arnica improves the local blood supply and accelerates healing. It is anti-inflammatory and increases the rate of re-absorption of internal bleeding. The internal use of arnica is restricted to homeopathic dosages as it is potentially toxic.
Main Properties: Anti-inflammatory, germicide, muscular soreness, pain re leaving.
4… ARROWROOT;Scientific Name : Maranta arundinacea (Marantaceae);
History and uses:Arrowroot is native to South America and the Caribbean. The local indigenous people use its root as a poultice for smallpox sores, and as an infusion for urinary infections. Arrowroot is used in herbal medicine in much the same manner as slippery elm (Ulmus Rubra), as a soothing demulcent and a nutrient of benefit in convalescence and for easing digestion. It helps to relieve acidity, indigestion and colic, and is mildly laxative. It may be applied as an ointment or poultice mixed with some other antiseptic herbs such as comfrey.
Main Properties: Anti-inflammatory, digestive, antiseptic.
5… ARTEMISIA, WORMWOOD;Scientific Name : Artemisia absinthium (Compositae);
History and uses: The name of this plant derives from its bitterness, from absinthia, the Roman word for "bitter". This property is used for providing bitter taste to some well known beverages and liquors. Wormwood has a marked tonic effect on the stomach, the gallbladder and in adjusting weak digestive problems. It is used to expel roundworms and threadworms. By improving the functions of the digestive system it helps in many conditions, including anaemia. It is also a muscle relaxer occasionally used to treat rheumatism. The leaves of wormwood have antiseptic properties which may derive from the azulenes that the plant contains.
Main Properties: carminative, muscle relaxer, antiseptic.
6…BASIL, HOLY BASIL;Scientific Name : Ocimum sanctum (Labiatae);
History and uses: Holy basil, like sweet (culinary) basil, comes from India where it is revered as a sacred herb. The Egyptians burned a mixture of basil and myrrh to appease their gods. Sweet Basil (Ocimum basilicum) was introduced in Europe as a seasoning for food. The herb has very important medicinal properties - notably its ability to reduce blood sugar levels. It also prevents peptic ulcers and other stress related conditions like hypertension, colitis and asthma. Basil is also used to treat cold and reduce fever, congestion and joint pain. Due to its anti-bacterial and fungicide action, basil leaves are used on itching skin, insect biting and skin affections.
Main Properties: Lowers blood sugar levels, antispasmodic, analgesic, lowers blood pressure, reduces fever, fungicidal, anti-inflammatory.