Author: Mystique

Botanical Name:Boerhavia diffusa

Other Names:red spiderling, spreading hogweed, or tarvine.

The herb can serve as a diuretic for kidney disorders and aid in alleviating symptoms associated with spleen enlargement. Punarnava extract is also effective in soothing coughs, acting as an expectorant. Moreover, the root of Punarnava possesses anti-helminthic properties, making it beneficial for eliminating intestinal worms and addressing asthma symptoms.

Medicinal Uses:

• Treats Arthritis
• Aids In Digestion
• Manages Diabetes
• Prevents Urinary Disorders
• Promotes Weight Loss
• Enhances Cardiac Functioning
• Enhances Fertility And Libido
• Remedies Liver Anomalies

Botanical Name:Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L.

Other Names:Chinese hibiscus, China rose, Hawaiian hibiscus, rose mallow and shoeblack plant

The leaves of the Hibiscus plant are ovate, simple, and measure between 8 to 10.5 cm in length. Arranged spirally along a lengthy stalk, these leaves create an attractive pattern. The flowers, exhibiting a bisexual nature, are not only large and flamboyant but can also reach a width of up to 25 cm. Emerging on individual stalks from the upper leaf axils, these striking flowers boast five free petals that converge at the base, showcasing a spectrum of colors ranging from white and yellow to vibrant red.

Medicinal Uses:

• Antiseptic properties
• Anti-spasmodic properties (relieves muscle spasms)
• Blood pressure-lowering properties
• Mild laxative effect (help constipation)
• Diuretic effect (increase urine production)
• Antioxidant activity.

Botanical Name:Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L.

Other Names:Chinese hibiscus, China rose, Hawaiian hibiscus, rose mallow and shoeblack plant.

Hibiscus flowers exhibit dominant traits, boasting a diameter of approximately 6 inches and showcasing a diverse array of colors. Characterized by their bell-shaped blooms, these flowers feature a stamen arranged in a spiral pattern, accompanied by a clearly discernible pistil.

Medicinal Uses:

• Treating loss of appetite
• Colds
• Heart and nerve diseases
• Upper respiratory tract pain and swelling (inflammation)
• Fluid retention
• Stomach irritation and disorders of circulation
• Diuretic to increase urine output.

Botanical Name:Datura stramonium (D. stramonium)

Other Names:thornapple, moon flower, hell’s bells, devil’s trumpet, devil’s weed, tolguacha, Jamestown weed, stinkweed, locoweed, pricklyburr, false castor oil plant, and devil’s cucumber.

Datura stramonium is a vertical, annual herb that grows into a bush reaching heights of 1-1.5 meters. Its leaves are pliant, displaying irregular undulations and toothed edges. The aromatic flowers take on a trumpet-shaped form, ranging in color from white to creamy or violet, with lengths spanning 6.5 to 9 cm. These flowers seldom unfold entirely.

Medicinal Uses:

• Anti-inflammatory property
• Stimulation of the central nervous system
• Respiratory decongestion
• Treatment of dental and skin infections
• Alopecia and in the treatment of toothache.

Botanical Name:Plectranthus barbatus

Other Names:pashanabhedi, Indian coleus, makandi, HL-362, mao hou qiao rui hua

Coleus is believed to function similarly to theophylline and has been examined for its potential as a bronchodilator. Research indicates that Coleus has the ability to elevate intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate levels and stabilize histamine-releasing cells. However, its precise clinical value is yet to be fully determined.

Medicinal Uses:

• Treat high blood pressure
• Heart failure
• Eczema
• Digestive colic
• Respiratory ailments
• Painful urination
• Insomnia and seizures
• Overweight and obesity.

Botanical Name:Strychnos nux-vomica

Other Names:kuchla, contains strychnine and brucine as main constituents.

Strychnos nux-vomica is a medium-sized tree, capable of reaching a height of 20 meters (66 feet). Its trunk is stout and compact, with dense, hard, white, and finely grained wood. The branches exhibit an irregular pattern and are adorned with a smooth, ashen bark.

Medicinal Uses:

• Chronic dysentery
• Paralytic and neuralgic disorders
• Epilepsy
• Rheumatic arthritis
• Hydrophobia.

Botanical Name:Strychnos nux-vomica

Other Names:kuchla, contains strychnine and brucine as main constituents.

Nux vomica is a derivative extracted from the seeds of the Strychnos nux-vomica, or strychnine tree, and is employed in both traditional and homeopathic medicine. It is believed to offer potential benefits across various conditions, including heart disease and cancer.

Medicinal Uses:

• Gastritis
• Constipation
• Influenza
• Arthritis
• Musculoskeletal disorders
• Heart disease and cancer.

Botanical Name:Ocimum tenuiflorum

Other Names:Holy Basil, Sacred Basil, Tulsi

Tulsi, an aromatic shrub belonging to the basil family Lamiaceae (tribe ocimeae), is believed to have its roots in North Central India and has since become native to the tropical regions of the Eastern world. In the realm of Ayurveda, tulsi holds esteemed titles such as “The Incomparable One,” “Mother Medicine of Nature,” and “The Queen of Herbs,” underlining its significance in traditional medicinal practices.

Medicinal Uses:

• Antimicrobial (including antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antiprotozoal, antimalarial, anthelmintic)
• Mosquito repellent
• Anti-diarrheal
• Anti-oxidant
• Anti-cataract
• Anti-inflammatory
• Chemopreventive
• Radioprotective

Botanical Name:Aloe barbadensis miller

Other Names:Aloe, Barbados Aloe, Medicinal Aloe, Burn Plant

Aloe vera, an herb characterized by succulent leaves arranged in a rosette, displays shades ranging from grey to green, occasionally adorned with white spots. Along the edges of the leaves, sharp, pinkish spines add to their distinctive features. Notably, these leaves are the reservoir of a colorless gel widely utilized in various commercial and medicinal products.

Medicinal Uses:

• Acne
• Lichen planus (a very itchy rash on the skin or in the mouth)
• Oral submucous fibrosis
• Burning mouth syndrome
• Burns
• Radiation-induced skin toxicity.

Botanical Name:Catharanthus roseus

Other Names:Periwinkle, Vince, Rosy periwinkle, Madagascar periwinkle, Cape periwinkle, Old maidused as disinfectants.

The leaves of Vinca Rose are arranged oppositely, exhibiting a simple structure with a broad lanceolate to ovate shape. They typically measure 1–9 cm (0.5–3.5 in) in length and 0.5–6 cm (0.20–2.36 in) in width. While they remain evergreen in four species, the leaves of the herbaceous V. variant are deciduous.

Medicinal Uses:

• Used internally in the treatment of excessive menstruation
• Abnormal uterine bleeding
• Vaginal discharge and hardening of the arteries