In continuation of my previously published abstracts title -
Intriguing facts of medicinal plants, I am glad to publish
the
part 6. I hope the readers have gained some insights into the medicinal plants and their benefits to mankind. I am carrying out elaborate studies in this regards from various sources and compiling it as abstracts. Readers are requested to
grade this abstract or contact me for any queries. My contact detail is xyrobinxy@yahoo.co.in
1… DANDELIONScientific Term: Taraxacum officinale (Compositae)
History and Uses: Occurring naturally in Asia, Dandelion is now a common plant everywhere. Its medicinal virtues were probably introduced in Europe by the Arabs in the 10th Century. Both the Persians and the East Indians used it for liver complaints. Known principally as a weed, dandelion has an astonishing range of health benefits. The leaves, which can be eaten in salads, are a powerful diuretic. The roots act as a "blood purifier" that helps both kidneys and the liver to remove impurities from the blood. This effect seems to be due to its potassium content. It also acts like a mild laxative and improves appetite and digestion.
Main Properties: Diuretic,
digestive, antibiotic, bitter.
2… DILLScientific Term: Anethum graveolens syn. Peucedanum graveolens (Umbelliferae)
History and Uses: An ancient Egyptian remedy in the Ebers papyrus (c. 1500 BC) recommends dill as one of the ingredients in a pain-killing mixture. The Romans knew dill as anethum, which latter became "anise". Dill has always been considered a remedy for the stomach, relieving wind and calming the digestion. Dill's essential oil relieves intestinal spasms and griping and helps to settle colic, hence it is often used in gripe water mixtures. Chewing the seeds improves bad breath. Dill makes a useful addition to cough, cold and flu remedies, and is a mild diuretic. Dill increases milk production, and when taken regularly by nursing mothers, helps to prevent colic in their babies.
Main Properties: Digestive, antibacterial, antispasmodic, diuretic.
3…EUCALYPTUS, BLUE GUMScientific Term: Eucalyptus globulus (Myrtaceae)
History and Uses: Eucalyptus is native from Australia, where it comprises more than 75% of all trees. A traditional aboriginal remedy, eucalyptus is a powerful antiseptic used all over the world for relieving coughs and colds, sore throats and other infections. The leaves cool the body and relive fever. Inhaling the vapors of the essential oils heated in water, clears sinus and bronchial congestions. Eucaliptol, one of the substances found in the essential oil, is one of the main constituents of the many existing commercial formulas of chest rubs for colds. The essential oil has also strong anti-biotic, anti-viral and anti-fungal action. Eucalyptus is a common ingredient in many over-the-counter cold remedies.
Main Properties: Antiseptic, expectorant, stimulates local blood flow, anti-fungal.
4… FENNELScientific Term: Foeniculum vulgare (Umbelliferae)
History and Uses: Native to the Mediterranean, fennel has spread to surrounding areas, including India. Known to the Greeks and Romans, is was used as food, spice and medicine. The primary use of fennel seeds is to relieve flatulence, but they also settle colic, stimulate the appetite and digestion. Fennel is also diuretic and anti-inflammatory. Like anise (Pimpinella anisum) and caraway (Carum carvi), it has a calming effect on bronchitis and coughs. An infusion of the seeds may be taken as a gargle for sore throats and as a mild expectorant. Fennel increases breast-milk production and the herb is still used as an eye wash for sore eyes and conjunctivitis. Essential oil from the sweet variety is used for its digestive and relaxing properties.
Main Propertis: Digestive, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory.
5… GARLICScientific Term: Allium sativum (Liliaceae)
History and Uses: Original from Central Asia, garlic is now cultivated worldwide. It was widely known by the ancients, being found in Egyptian tombs and used by Greeks and Romans. Recognized for its pungent odor and taste, garlic is a powerful home medicine for the treatment for a host of health problems. It is one of the most effective anti-biotic plants available, acting on bacteria, viruses and alimentary parasites. It counters many infections, including those of the nose, throat and chest. Garlic is also known to reduce cholesterol, helps circulatory disorders, such as high blood pressure, and lower blood sugar levels, making it useful in cases of late-onset diabetes.
Main Properties: Antibiotic, expectorant, diaphoretic, hypotensive, antispasmodic, expels worms.
6… GENTIANScientific Term: Gentiana lutea (Gentianaceae)
History and Uses: Native to Europe and Asia Minor, gentian properties as a medicinal plant go back to 180 B.C. Gentian is a powerful bitter that stimulates appetite and promotes digestion through the increased production of saliva, gastric juices and bile. It also decreases gastric inflammation and kill worms. Gentian is also used to treat liver and spleen problems and to promote menstruation. Medicinally, gentian strengthens a weak or under-active digestive system.
Main Properties: Bitter, digestive stimulant, eases stomach pain.