Advanced medicines and pills have become such an important part of people's lives that Ayurveda seems to have vanished from the picture completely. Nevertheless, it contains all those medicinal plants and herbs which can effectively treat and cure multiple health problems. These medicines have been a part of our lives since our existence and have been our medical support since ancient time. Their effectiveness is evident from the fact that these medicines are now being tested for their benefits in curing certain diseases.
Trees are beneficial to living beings in several ways. They are source of food, fodder, fuel, timber and medicines. Trees provide habitats for birds and animals. They absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) from the air and release oxygen (O2). Trees absorb and block noise and reduce glare. A well placed tree can reduce noise by as much as 40 percent. They cause rainfall and protect water resources under the ground. Trees also maintain the soil fertility and checks the soil erosion.
Asiatic pennywort: A plant of immense medicinal value
Asiatic pennywort is a creeping annual herb with soft tender leaves. The roots and leaves develop from the nodes. The leaves of Asiatic pennywort are reniform (kidney shaped) having a size between 1.25 – 6.25 cm with long petioles. The arrangement of leaves on the stem is alternate. The scientific name of Asiatic pennywort is Centella asiatica and it belongs to family Apiaceae. The Sanskrit name of the plant is Mandukaparni. This plant has been described in Ancient Indian medical treatise Atharvaveda with the name Manduki (the plant owes this name due to frog like appearance of leaves). Asiatic pennywort is a very popular herb in India for longevity and mental function. It is used to decrease fatigue and depression. It energizes the central nervous system. The plant is also useful in repairing skin and connective tissues.
Distribution and Ecology
Asiatic pennywort is distributed throughout India up to an altitude of 600 m from base of Himalaya to Sri Lanka and Malaysia and in all tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world. Asiatic pennywort generally prefers to grow in shade with adequate soil moisture. The plant appears in winter season. Flowering occurs in spring season. The white coloured flowers are assembled together to form the umbel inflorescence which is the characteristic feature of family Apiaceae .
Pharmacology
Bacoside A and Bacoside B are the chief ingredients of Asiatic pennywort. Bacoside A helps in release of nitric acid that allows the relaxation of the aorta and veins, to allow the blood to flow more freely through the body. Thus Asiatic pennywort strengthens the immune system, improves vitality and performance and promotes longevity.
Bacoside B is a protein known for nourishing the brain cells.Therefore, Asiatic pennywort improves mental clarity, confidence, intelligence and memory.
Asiaticoside is another ingredient of Asiatic pennywort which stimulates the reticuloendothelial system where new blood cells are formed and old ones destroyed, fatty materials are stored, iron is metabolized. Asiaticoside also stimulate the synthesis of lipids and protein necessary for healthy skin.
Medicinal uses
In Indian system of disease treatment asiatic pennywort is used as diuretic, nerve tonic, alterative, local stimulant, memory enhancer and blood purifier. The plant is valued medicinally as a beneficial remedy in certain forms of leprosy. It is used in the treatment of chronic rheumatism, madness, cholera, amenorrhoea, piles, anaemia and tuberculosis. Fresh juice derived from 2-4 leaves given with sugar provides relief against dysentery. Furthermore, the rubbing of juice beneath the naval is also helpful in the cure of dysentery.
In Indian system of medicine the leaf juice mixed with milk is given as an alterative in fevers, jaundice and gonorrhoea. An ointment made of leaf juice and lanoline is used against elephantiasis (filaria). Leaf powder of Asiatic pennywort is given with milk for memory improvement and also against mental debility. Consumption of 2-4 leaves daily corrects stammering disorder in children. Oil prepared with fruits of Aonla (Phyllanthus emblica) is used as hair tonic.
Thanks Arvind Singh Sir..Everyone should take part in the plantation and each person should plant at least on tree on his birthday..
Why are trees so important? Trees are vital. As the biggest plants on the planet, they give us oxygen, store carbon, stabilise the soil and give life to the world's wildlife. They also provide us with the materials for tools and shelter. Trees create an ecosystem to provide habitat and food for birds and other animals. Trees absorb carbon dioxide and potentially harmful gasses, such as sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, from the air and release oxygen. One large tree can supply a day's supply of oxygen for four people.
ADVANTAGES:
1. Trees give off oxygen that we need to breathe. Trees reduce the amount of storm water runoff, which reduces erosion and pollution in our waterways and may reduce the effects of flooding. Many species of wildlife depend on trees for habitat. Trees provide food, protection, and homes for many birds and mammals.
2. Trees contribute to their environment by providing oxygen, improving air quality, climate amelioration, conserving water, preserving soil, and supporting wildlife. During the process of photosynthesis, trees take in carbon dioxide and produce the oxygen we breathe.
3. Clean air: Trees produce oxygen, intercept airborne particulates, and reduce smog, enhancing a community's respiratory health. ...
4.•Climate change: Trees sequester carbon (CO2), reducing the overall concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. ...
5.•Energy conservation.
6. Which one of the following would say is the single most important function of trees? Providing shade, Providing oxygen, Being a source of beauty, Absorbing carbon dioxide, Filtering water, Saving energy by cooling our homes and neighborhoods, Providing habitats for birds and animals.
WHY Protection and to Save the Trees: Trees remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. They release oxygen through a process called photosynthesis. Practically all animal life on Earth needs oxygen to breathe and forests play a key role in the complex global oxygen cycle. Deforestation and forest degradation poses a threat to our air quality.
Regards
Overview Information
Terminalia is a tree. Three species of terminalia are used for medicine. These species are Terminalia arjuna, Terminalia bellerica, and Terminalia chebula.
In traditional Ayurvedic medicine, Terminalia arjuna has been used to balance the three “humors”: kapha, pitta, and vata. It has also been used for asthma, bile duct disorders, scorpion stings, and poisonings.
The bark of Terminalia arjuna has been used in India for more than 3000 years, primarily as a heart remedy. An Indian physician named Vagbhata has been credited as the first to use this product for heart conditions in the seventh century A.D. Research on terminalia has been going on since the 1930s, but studies have provided mixed results. Its role, if any, in heart disease still remains uncertain.
Nevertheless, people today use Terminalia arjuna for disorders of the heart and blood vessels (cardiovascular disease), including heart disease and related chest pain, heart failure, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. It is also used as “a water pill,” and for earaches, dysentery, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), diseases of the urinary tract, and to increase sexual desire.
Terminalia bellerica and Terminalia chebula are both used for high cholesterol and digestive disorders, including both diarrhea and constipation, and indigestion. They have also been used for HIV infection.
Terminalia bellerica is used to protect the liver and to treat respiratory conditions, including respiratory tract infections, cough, and sore throat.
Terminalia chebula is used for dysentery.
Terminalia bellerica and Terminalia chebula are used as a lotion for sore eyes.
Terminalia chebula is also used topically as a mouthwash and gargle.
Intravaginally, Terminalia chebula is used as a douche for treating vaginal infections.
In traditional Ayurvedic medicine, Terminalia bellerica has been used as a "health-harmonizer" in combination with Terminalia chebula and Emblica officinalis. This combination is also used to lower cholesterol and to prevent death of heart tissue.
How does it work?
Terminalia contains ingredients that help stimulate the heart. It might also help the heart by lowering cholesterol and blood pressure.
trees are most valuable gift to civilization by nature(God), but civilized people is destroying this gift day by day to full fill their greed.
trees are most valuable gift to civilization by nature(God), but civilized people is destroying this gift day by day to full fill their greed.
@ Prof. Singh: civilized people is destroying this gift day by day to full fill their greed. If this all continues then it will not be OK.
Trees, plants and flowers are inestimable. They are vital for all creatures. At last trees and plants give joy and piece that is extremely valuable.
Indian Snakeroot
Originating from India and dating back to the origin of Ayurvedic medicine, Indian snakeroot (scientifically known as Rauvolfia serpentina) has been a medicinal plant of significant importance whose root drug has gone on to become, therapeutically applied worldwide. It is the most sung plant of ancient medical treatises like Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita. Due to sharp decline in population, Indian snakeroot is listed as ‘Endangered’ on the IUCN Red List.
Histroy of Indian snakeroot
The Indian snakeroot has a very interesting history. The plant has been described by Charaka (1000-800 B.C.) under its Sanskrit name of 'Sarpagandha' as a useful antidote against snake bite and insect stings. There are several folklores about Indian snakeroot. One such is that a mongoose would first chew upon the leaves of Indian snakeroot to attain strength before combating a cobra snake. According to other folklore, its leaves when freshly ground and applied to toes, could serve as an antidote for snake poison. Another says that the mentally disturbed person is relieved of his/her madness if he/she eats the pieces of the roots. Therefore, for this reason the plant is known as 'Pagal-ki-dava’ in India. The generic name Rauvolfia was coined by the French Botanist Plumiers in honour of the well-known sixteenth-century German Physician Botanist, Traveller and Author Leonard Rauwolf of Augsburg.
Characteristics
The Indian snakeroot is a small, glabrous, deep rooted, evergreen, perennial shrub with a pale coloured bark. It belongs to family Apocynaceae. The leaves are whorled, 7.5-17.5 cm long by 2.5- 6.25 cm wide, lanceolate with acute or acuminate apex, tapering gradually into the petiole. Flowers are white or pinkish arranged in terminal or lateral corymbose cymes. Flowering occurs in November-December. Fruit is of drupe type which becomes purplish-black after ripening.
Distribution and ecology
The Indian snakeroot is found in the tropical Himalayas and plains near the foot of the hills from Sirhind to Sikkim. It also occurs in Assam in South India Peninsula along the Ghats and in Andaman islands. It is also distributed in Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Malaysia and Indonesia.
The Indian snakeroot grows in sandy loam to clayey-loam acidic soils, rich in humus. It prefers tropical to sub-tropical climate receiving heavy monsoon rains between June and August, and the temperatures between 10º and 38ºC are considered ideal for its growth. The plant sheds its leaves during winter under conditions obtaining in Northern India.
Medicinal properties
The medicinal properties of the Indian snakeroot are found chiefly in the root bark. Therefore, roots of Indian snakeroot and its products command a sizable market in India and abroad. The fibrous roots are rich in alkaloid contents. The roots of Indian snakeroot contain more than 55 monoterpenoid indole alkaloids. About 80% of the alkaloids are concentrated in the root bark. The total amount of alkaloids in the roots ranges between 0.8-1.3 per cent.
The alkaloids are divided into two groups (i) Ajmaline group which includes ajmaline, ajmalinine and ajmalicine; and (ii) Serpentine group which include serpentine and serpentinine. The other includes reserpine, rescinnamine, raucaffricine, sarpagine and yohimbine. Of these reserpine has gained the greatest prominence for its therapeutic action.
In addition to the alkaloids, the roots contain oleoresins, a sterol, unsaturated alcohols, oleic acid, fumaric acid, glucose, sucrose, oxymethylanthera quinone, a strongly fluorescent substance and mineral salts. Of these, the oleoresin is said to be physiologically active and exhibits typical sedative and hypnotic action of the drug.
Medicinal uses
Since ancient days in India the roots of this plant has been much valued as antidote for the bites of poisonous snakes and stings of insects, and as a remedy against fever, dysentery, cholera and other painful affections of the intestinal canal. The decoction of root is valuable medicine against hypertension.
The decoction of root is also used to cure pimple and boils and to enhance uterine contraction to facilitate or ease the child birth. The juice or decoction of plant is used as an effective medicine to cure hysteria and epilepsy. Thus Indian snakeroot is used in indigenous medicine from several centuries.
In modern therapeutics it is being used in reducing blood pressure in hyperpiesis and as a sedative in treatment of insomnia, nervousness, hypochondria and mental disorders. It is used in several other diseases like psoriasis, hyper-sweating, itching, menstrual molimina, menopausal syndrome, toxic goiter, angina pectoris and irregular heart action.
Arvind Singh : Nice information about medicinal plant "Indian snakeroot " which is useful as antidote for the bites of poisonous snakes and stings of insects, and as a remedy against fever, dysentery, cholera and other painful affections of the intestinal canal. The decoction of root is valuable medicine against hypertension.
Thanks again..
Beech
Beech trees grow in abundance on our land, and we forage edible and nutritious beechnuts each fall. The leaves of beech trees are used Beech trees are antibacterial, and they were traditionally used by Native Americans for treating tuberculosis. Those same antibacterial leaves are also used as a poultice for burns.
Very useful information
Beech can have numerous health benefits. It is helpful in improving digestion, granting relief from headaches, strengthening brittle hair and preventing hair loss and also can be used as a diuretic to stimulate urination and remove toxic waste, excess salt, and fats.
https://www.speakingtree.in/allslides/the-facts-and-uses-of-beech-trees
I would like to suggest about Phyllanthus emblica L. commonly known as Indian Gooseberry/Aonla. In Manipur, it is locally known as Heikru and in Mizoram locally known as Sunhlu and is found in wild. It is one of the underutilized fruit which is highly nutritious and full potential of medicinal properties. I have attached two downloaded pictures of the plant and a review paper on its medicinal uses. Although you can find many more review papers regarding the medicinal uses of this plant.
Thanks Ma'am for providing very useful tree known as Aonla. It has great medicinal properties.
Ashoka is a small to medium sized evergreen tree species growing to a maximum height of 9 meters. Its handsome evergreen drooping foliage and branches spreading in all direction assumes a shapely crown. Ashoka scientifically known as Saraca asoca (= Saraca indica) belongs to family Fabaceae. It is native to India.
Ashoka is called as Anganapriya, Ashopalava, Ashok, Hempushpa, Kankeli, Madhupushpa, Pindipushpa, Vanjula, Vishoka and Vichitra in Sanskrit; Oshok in Bengali; Ashoka in Oriya; Ashopalava in Gujarati; Jasundi in Marathi; Asogam in Tamil; Ashokam, Hemapushpam and Vanjulam in Malayalam; Ashokamu and Kanakelivanjulamu in Telugu; and Achenge, Ashunkal, Ashokadamara, Ashanke, Kenkalimara and Akshth in Kannada. Ashoka is important tree in the cultural traditions of the Indian sub-continent. The flower of Ashoka tree is the state flower of Odisha state of India.
Due to decline in population Ashoka is listed as ‘Vulnerable’ on IUCN Red List. Though the population of Ashoka is dwindling, isolated wild trees of Ashoka are found in foot hills of Central and Eastern Himalayas, in scattered locations of Northern plains of India as well as on the west coast of the India near Mumbai.
Importance of Ashoka tree in Indian mythology
Ashoka has been associated with the Indian culture from very early periods. Due to its frequent mention in Indian epics and Jataka tales and extensive depiction in several Buddhist sculptures, Ashoka is very much known as sacred plant. The Ashoka tree is considered sacred throughout Indian sub-continent especially in India and Sri Lanka.
Ashoka, as the name signifies, is believed to be capable of relieving the sorrow of people. It is considered a symbol of love, being dedicated to Kama, the Indian God of love. The tree has been mentioned in Indian epic Ramayana. In fact Sita the wife of Lord Ram was kept interned by Ravana under the Ashoka tree. Hence, Ashoka is also called as Sita Ashoka.
In Hindu religion the Ashoka tree is worshiped in Chaitra the first month of the Hindu calendar. Ashoka tree is also regarded with veneration in Jainism. It is believed that Mahavira the founder of Jainism had renounced the world under Ashoka tree in Vaishali.
Distribution and ecology
Ashoka is found wild along streams or in shades of evergreen continental forests of South-east Asia, South west China and Eastwards. In Indian sub-continent it occurs almost throughout the country up to an altitude of 750 m in Central and Eastern Himalayas and Khasi, Garo and Lushai hills.
Being a rain forest tree its original distribution in India is in central areas of the Deccan Plateau, as well as the middle section of the Indian sub-continent.
Flowers in Ashoka tree appears during February-April. The flowers come in heavy lush punches. They are small fragrant bright orange-yellow in colour, turning red before wilting. The seeds are borne in flat, leathery compressed pods. The tree mainly propagates through seeds.
Medicinal properties and uses
The bark extract of Ashoka is used for the treatment of uterine disorder particularly uterine hemorrhages, dysmenorrhea, menorrhagia and leucorrhoea. The bark is bitter and found to cure inflammation and enlargement of the cervical glands, stimulate and relax the plain muscles of the ileum. Furthermore, bark is used to cure syphilis, dyspepsia, dysentery, colic, piles, ulcers and pimples.
The leaves of Ashoka possess blood purifying properties and their juice mixed with cumin seeds is used as an indigenous treatment for stomachache.
Flowers pounded in water are used in the treatment of haemorrhagic dysentery. The dried flowers are found effective against dysentery and diabetes. They also proved to be an excellent uterine tonic. Ashokarista and Ashokaghtam are some of the important preparations from Ashoka.
Wind breaker, environment beautification, habitat. I present to you, Neem Tree
To corroborate Dr Segun Michael Abegunde, Neem tree popularly called Dogonyaro in Northern Nigeria has a wide range of health benefits apart from being used as an anti-malarial.
The leaves, flowers, fruit, oil, twigs and seeds are packed with health benefits.
It’s actually called “THE TREE OF LIFE”. It can be used both internally and externally from helping digestive problem to combating and healing skin problems.
Ref: https://olaherbsandgreens.com/2016/10/24/dongoyaro-benefits/
Many many Thanks @ Segun Michael Abegunde for sharing the benefits of very popular AND easily available in India. In fact Neem Tree is a boon for human beings.
Few years back, it used to be a common sight in my village, to see someone plucking a neem branch in the morning, make a tooth brush out of it and brush. But all that is changing now, it is a rare sight to see someone use neem bark as a tooth brush. With very attractive advertisements for commercial tooth paste and brushes increasing everyday, our humble neem sticks don't stand a chance. For children, chewing on neem will be difficult, as it is bitter, but they can be taught to chew on licorice. If they use these from young age, chance of them getting dental problems will greatly reduce.
http://www.lifeberrys.com/healthy-living/benefits-of-chewing-neem-twigs-8986.html
Few years back, it used to be a common sight in my village, to see someone plucking a neem branch in the morning, make a tooth brush out of it and brush. But all that is changing now, it is a rare sight to see someone use neem bark as a tooth brush. With very attractive advertisements for commercial tooth paste and brushes increasing everyday, our humble neem sticks don't stand a chance. For children, chewing on neem will be difficult, as it is bitter, but they can be taught to chew on licorice. If they use these from young age, chance of them getting dental problems will greatly reduce.
http://www.lifeberrys.com/healthy-living/benefits-of-chewing-neem-twigs-8986.html
The number of traditional medicinal plants is huge. Some are-
Acacia arabica
Achyranthes aspera
Allium sativum
Aloe vera
Datura stramonium
Mimordica charantia
Ocimum sanctum
Punica granatum
Ricinus communis
Syzygium cumini
Xanthium strumarium
etc.
Thanks Dr M.C.Sidhu for sharing the name of medical plants. If possible kindly share with picture for better understanding.
With regards
Harsingar
Harsingar is also known as Night Jasmine or Parijat. It is loaded with beneficial qualities and is native to Southeast Asia and South Asia. It is a small tree or a shrub growing up to 33 feet tall with a grey flaky bark. The leaves are quite broad with a margin. The flowers look breathtaking with 5 to 8 white corolla petals, having an orangish-red centre. The fruit which this flower bears is a brown round to heart shaped capsule of 2 cm diameter containing a single seed. This flower is found in abundance in West Bengal, India and also in Kanchanaburi Province in Thailand. This flower loses its brightness during daytime and is most commonly used as a yellow dye for clothing.
https://www.lybrate.com/topic/harsingar-medicinal-uses,-benefits-and-side-effects
Benefits of Harsingar and Its Side Effects
It provides treatments for Dengue, Chikunngunya, Malaria and Arthritis. It prevents gas, radical damage, treats cough, fights breathing problems, etc. Additionally it has anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal properties which make it fight various infections in the body. It also acts as a laxative in most cases.
Nutritional Value of Harsingar
The leaves of Harsingar contains benzoic acid, fructose, glucose, carotene, amorphous resin, ascorbic acid, methyl salicylate, tannic acid, oleanolic acid and flavanol glycosides. The flowers are very beneficial as it contains essential oils and glycosides. The seeds contain palmitic, oleic and myristic acids. The bark of this plant is useful due to its alkaloids and glycosides content. The extracts of this flower posses antifungal and antiviral properties. Apart from this antileishmanial, hepatoprotective and immunostimulant properties are also present in it.
https://www.lybrate.com/topic/harsingar-medicinal-uses,-benefits-and-side-effects
@ Dr. V. K. Singh
The sacred Parijat tree tree found in the village of Kintoor, near Barabanki of the Uttar Pradesh state of India, about which there are several legends, is not a true Parijat/Harsingar tree. In fact it is a Baobab tree scientifically known as Adansonia digitata, which belongs to family Malvaceae. It is native to Africa.
True Parijat tree is scientifically known as Nyctanthes arbor-tristis, which belongs to family Oleaceae. It is a small deciduous tree found growing wild in tropical dry deciduous forest of Northern and Central India. Nyctanthes arbor-tristis is frequently grown as ornamental plant due to its fragrant flowers.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nyctanthes_arbor-tristis
Please have a look at these useful RG links regarding medicinal properties and uses of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis.
Article Nyctanthes arbor-tristis Linn. (night jasmine): A sacred orn...
Article Hepatoprotective activity of the leaves of Nyctanthes arbor-...
Article Studies on immuno-bioactivities of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis (Oleaceae)
Article Antioxidant Activity of the Flower of Nyctanthes arbor tristis L
Article Article: Anti–inflammatory, Antioxidant and Free Radical Sca...
Article Pharmacognostic studies on the leaf of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis
Data In vitro Callogenesis and Phytochemical Screening of Harsing...
Please refer to the following link which describes the medicinal uses of Cactus Opuntia Spp. :-
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3550841/
Thank you Dr. Arvind Singh for providing true information.
True Parijat tree is scientifically known as Nyctanthes arbor-tristis, which belongs to family Oleaceae. It is a small deciduous tree found growing wild in tropical dry deciduous forest of Northern and Central India.
Thanks @ Regards
I liked the topic of the discussion and I will propose 2 species of trees with therapeutic action, which also host two other species of medicinal herbs. They are the fir tree (Abies alba) on which some Usnea genus lichens grow, and the apple tree (Malus sylvestris), that can be the host for Viscum album. All 4 are herbs with a wide range of therapies.
1. Abies alba extracts have 4 levels of action: bones, teeth (it helps to fix calcium in the bones and bone growth), bone marrow (stimulates the formation of red blood cells), respiratory system balsamic action). Essential Oil Abies alba has many properties: analgesic, antiseptic, astringent, balsamic, decongestant, deodorant, diuretic, expectorant, immuno-stimulant, rubefacient, stimulant, tonic, vasoconstrictor and vulnerary.
2. Usnea longissima extracts have antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic, antioxidant action; now I'm studying another lichen of the Usnea genus, Usnea barbata, with the same habitat and similar activity.
3. Malus sylvestris extracts have more therapeutical actions:
a. Central nervous system: helps relieve physical and mental asthenia; strengthens nerves and memory; recommended in situations of physical and intellectual overburdening (difficulty concentrating), helps to relax, diminishing anxiety states; b. Circulatory system: helps regulate vascular permeability and blood pressure (vascular and antioxidant protection), reduces cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood; c. Detoxification: Supports the general detoxification process of the body through depurative, anti-inflammatory and alkalinizing effects; d. Hormonal system: supports steroid hormone levels and potentiates progesterone action; e. Other benefits: anti-inflammatory action at osteoarticular, digestive, urinary and cutaneous level.
4. Viscum album extracts have many actions for:
a. General metabolism: metabolic reactivator, having the ability to rebalance in the case of various metabolic disorders; b. Cardiovascular system: vascular protector with hypotensive action and diuretic.
Many plants are medicinal herbs, like in Manipur, the state harbors many interesting herbs. One of them is Orthosiphon aristatus (Lamiaceae). Dried leaves are used as an ingredient of herbal tea by some indigenous tribes of the state.
Moringa oleifera has been known by scientists as a tree with numerous health benefits for its contents of antioxidants, antibiotics and nutrients including vitamins, amino acids and minerals. It is cultivated successfully in desert and I like it.