Medicinal plants and healing herbs have been used for thousands of years to treat illnesses, enhance health, and even improve our homes.
So, what are some of the most abundant and notable medicinal plants in India and how can you use them to start improving your life? In this article, we’ll talk about the most popular medicinal plants and how to safely use them to boost your mental, physical, and spiritual well-being!
What Are Medicinal Plants?
Plants are made up of thousands of components the same way animals are. We have dozens of different types of cells, enzymes, vitamins and minerals, hormones, and many other substances coursing through our bodies.
Likewise, plants have their versions of these things, and some plants create substances that can have real medical effects on the body.
Bioactive Compounds
Bioactive compound: naturally occurring chemicals in plants, animals, and microorganisms that have a measurable effect on living things.
Plants have thousands of these compounds, but the ones we look for in medicinal plants are the ones that have antipyretic (fever-reducing), analgesic (pain-reducing), anti-fungal, anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immune-boosting, cognitive function-boosting, and glycemic-balancing properties, to name a few.
These compounds are known as things like alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, polyphenols, adaptogens, and carotenoids.
Vitamins and Minerals
Plants that have these beneficial bioactive compounds and are dense in vitamins and minerals are favored because of their dual benefits. Some of the best vitamins and minerals to look for in medicinal plants are iron, vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, zinc, vitamin D, vitamin B (all), and calcium.
Can Be Safely Used for Therapeutic Purposes
Above all, a medicinal plant must contain beneficial compounds that can be used to improve health either by directly applying or ingesting parts of the plant or by distilling the compounds into a drug.
Aspirin was invented by Johann Andreas Buchner in 1828 when he extracted salicin from the bark of a willow tree, which had been known to be a mild pain-reducer for thousands of years.
Top 10 Medicinal Plants In India: Benefits & Uses
Now to learn about the amazing medicinal plants in India! There are hundreds of medicinal plants in India alone and thousands across the world. Some are touted as superfoods or medicinal powerhouses, and some are so common that we often don’t even realize that they have beneficial properties!
1. Tulsi
This medicinal plant's name is synonymous with Holy Basil. There are four varieties of Tulsi found in India:
- Rama (Green Leaf) Tulsi / aka Sri or Lakshmi Tulasi / aka Ocimum tenuiflorum / aka Ocimum sanctum
- Krishna (Purple Leaf) Tulsi / aka Shyama Tulsi
- Vana (Wild Leaf) Tulsi
- Kapoor (Heavy Flowered) Tulsi
Tulsi's Scientific Name: Ocimum tenuiflorum
Benefits: boost immunity, antipyretic, analgesic, respiratory health, cough suppressant, anti-inflammatory, mood-boosting, antioxidant, glycemic balancing, diuretic (good for helping reduce kidney stones and gout), reduce gas and bloating, topical anti-fungal.
How to use: Tulsi can be taken internally or used externally. Depending on what benefit you want from the plant, you can prepare it as a food, tincture, oil, or salve.
Certainly! Tulsi and Holy Basil are names for the same herb. In the Indian subcontinent, it is referred to as "Tulsi," while in the West, it is more commonly known as "Holy Basil."
2. Neem
The leaves, stems, flowers, roots, and bark of the neem plant are full of the pungent oil
Neem's Scientific Name: Azadirachta indica
Benefits: antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimalarial, anticarcinogenic, antipyretic, repels lice, promotes skin healing, promotes intestinal health.
How to use: Swish neem oil in the mouth for oral health, take neem juice to stimulate gut health and cleanse against parasites, and apply diluted oil to the scalp to reduce dandruff.
Neem may pose a risk when consumed in large amounts or over an extended period. It has the potential to cause harm to the kidneys and liver. However, when used topically, neem oil or cream is likely safe for up to 2 weeks.
⚠️ As with any supplement or natural remedy, it's advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before using neem
3. Ashwagandha
Sometimes called “Indian Ginseng,” this important herb has been used in Ayurveda for thousands of years and has recently entered the Western health sphere. It’s known as being somewhat of a “miracle” plant or adaptogen due to the wide variety of benefits it offers.
Ashwagandha's Scientific Name: Withania somnifera
Benefits: calming and anti-stress, increases physical performance and strength, reduces symptoms of mental illness, reduces blood sugar, anti-inflammatory, and improves memory.
How to use: Ashwagandha is mostly available as a powder. Mix the powder with a drink or food to consume the plant and reap the benefits.
The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health recommends that ashwagandha can be used safely for a brief period, typically up to three months and the potential long-term impacts are still not fully understood.
Therefore, it is advisable to use ashwagandha intermittently rather than consistently.
4. Amla
Indian Gooseberry, aka Amla, bears edible fruits which are the part of the plant most often used for medicinal and Ayurvedic purposes. The fruit contains a high concentration of vitamin C, fibre, and other components that are beneficial for various body systems.
Amla's Scientific Name: Phyllanthus emblica
Benefits: skin cleansing, liver-supporting, immunity-boost, glycemic-balancing, reduces fat and cholesterol, antibacterial, antioxidant, helps prevent ulcers, and may even reduce the growth of cancer.
How to use: Eat amla fruits or use tinctures or oils made of the fruit or other parts of the tree.
Rich Source of Vitamin C
Digestive Aid
Anti-inflammatory Properties
Hair Health
Heart Health
Skincare
5. Calendula
Many people use the words “Calendula” and “Marigold” interchangeably, but they are not the same plant at all and it’s important to know the difference when you’re using them for medicinal purposes!
The plant used in medicine is calendula, not marigold. While both plants make beautiful golden-red-yellow blooms, they are not related.
Calendulas all have the Latin name Calendula officinalis. Meanwhile, marigolds have several different names, like Tagetes erecta and Tagetes patula.
Calendula Scientific Name: Calendula officinalis
Benefits: anti-inflammatory, soothe skin and clear acne, soothe abdominal cramps, anti-fungal, anti-viral, boost immunity.
How to use: Calendula works well as a tincture for infections on the skin and even the eyes. It should not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Calendula plant's dried petals are utilized in tinctures, ointments, and washes for healing burns, bruises, cuts, and minor infections. Additionally, it has been demonstrated to aid in the prevention of dermatitis or skin inflammation in individuals undergoing radiation therapy for breast cancer.
The petals of Calendula flowers are edible and can be used as a colorful addition to salads or to garnish various dishes. They have a slightly peppery flavor.
6. Methi
Fenugreek is a leafy herb that’s been used in Ayurveda and Chinese medicine for thousands of years. Although the seeds are small, they contain a massive amount of fibre, protein, and iron for such a tiny package. It’s sometimes used for mild appetite control and to stimulate breastmilk production in mothers with infants.
Methi/Fenugreek Scientific Name: Trigonella foenum-graecum
Benefits: Relieve constipation and indigestion, regulate blood sugar, galactagogue (stimulates breast milk production), anti-inflammatory, lower cholesterol, menstrual cramp and bloating relief, antioxidant, possible testosterone boost in males.
How to use: Cook fenugreek powder or seeds into delicious meals, take fenugreek powder supplements, or use fenugreek extract in skin products.
Consistently consuming fenugreek seeds can assist in reducing overall cholesterol, lowering LDL (bad cholesterol), and triglyceride levels in the bloodstream, while also increasing the levels of beneficial HDL cholesterol.
While methi is generally safe for consumption when used in moderate amounts in cooking.
7. Brahmi
Also called water hyssop, thyme-leaved gratiola, and herb of grace, brahmi is another ancient Ayurvedic herb that is now showing proof of its effectiveness in scientific studies. The defining component in brahmi, called bacosides, is associated with improved cognitive function in humans.
Brahmi/Water Hyssop Scientific Name: Bacopa monnieri
Benefits: Antioxidant, may reduce the chance of dementia and cancer, anti-inflammatory, may boost brain function, may reduce anxiety and depression, may help reduce symptoms of ADHD, may reduce blood pressure.
How to use: Take capsules or make a tea with the powdered form.
Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) and Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) are both widely used herbs in traditional Ayurvedic medicine known for their potential health benefits. However, determining which is "better" depends on individual needs and health conditions.
Ashwagandha is an immunity booster and Brahmi is good for anxiety.
8. Haldi
This vibrant yellow spice is a staple in Indian food and homemade beauty treatments. Turmeric is a well-known healing root used for boosting the immune system and brightening the skin. When ingesting it, combine it with a pinch of black pepper to aid the body’s absorption of the curcumin in the haldi.
Turmeric/Haldi Scientific Name: Curcuma longa
Benefits: anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer, antioxidant, reduces tumour growth, balances blood sugar, protects against liver, heart, and kidney damage, may decrease depression, may help ease arthritis symptoms, promotes wound healing, and aids in digestion.
How to use: Use fresh or powdered haldi in cooking or made into a drink (“Golden Milk”). You may also use capsules taken as supplements. The powder can be put on the skin alone or mixed with a carrying agent for skin health.
When ingested orally: Turmeric is probably safe for short-term use. Turmeric products containing up to 8 grams of curcumin per day appear to be safe for up to 2 months. Additionally, consuming up to 3 grams of turmeric per day seems to be safe for up to 3 months. Turmeric typically does not result in severe side effects.
Turmeric contains antioxidants excellent for the skin
9. Shatavari
This adaptogenic herb is a member of the asparagus family. It’s been used in Ayurveda to help balance hormones, especially in women. However, not many scientific studies have been done to back up the Ayurvedic health claims with modern science, unfortunately.
Shatavari Scientific Name: Asparagus racemosus
Benefits: May help relieve PMS symptoms, act as an antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory, boost immunity, cough reliever, relieve diarrhoea, for ulcer treatment, reduce kidney stones, regulate blood sugar, boost collagen production, and reduce depression.
How to use: Available as a powder, tablet, and tincture, you can ingest this herb to access its benefits.
10. Guggul
The guggul plant is a small, thorny shrub, but the plant medicine “guggul” is made from the sticky sap of this bush. In Ayurvedic medicine, it’s typically used alongside other herbs because the guggul helps the healing properties of the other herbs permeate the body more completely.
Guggul Scientific Name: Commiphora wightii
Benefits: Anti-inflammatory, reduces acne, reduces skin irritation from eczema and psoriasis, reduces hypothyroidism symptoms, reduces cholesterol, supports weight loss, reduces osteoarthritis symptoms, and balances blood sugar.
How to use: You can find guggul in capsules, extracts, powders, and lotions. It can be taken orally (which may also help with skin conditions) or applied topically.
Health Warnings To Consider For Medicinal Plants
Just like how pharmaceutical medicines have side effects and can have negative interactions with other medicines, plants can also cause more harm than good if you’re not careful.
Always ensure total safety before you ingest any plants or use them on your skin! Ensure they are safe for each person and/or animal individually since each person and animal is different!
For every plant you use, you must consider the following:
- Your age, height, and weight
- Your lifestyle
- Any pre-existing conditions (including conditions you might be unaware of!)
- If you are a female who is: pregnant, might be pregnant, is trying to conceive, or is breastfeeding
- If you are a male who: might contribute to a pregnancy or is trying to conceive
- Any allergies
- Any medicines and supplements (pharmaceutical or natural) that you already take
Be safe when working with medicinal plants, and don’t be upset if there are some you cannot take! It’s better to take a safe pharmaceutical pill than an unsafe plant.
Be Aware of Toxins in Plants
Not all bioactive compounds are healthy and beneficial. For example, the fugu fish creates a toxin called tetrodotoxin to protect against predators; it is a potent poison that kills predators who take a bite, including humans.
Keep this in mind as you explore the world of plants; not all plants create bioactive compounds that are not safe for human consumption.
Rules for Medicinal Plant Safety
- Always be 110% sure which plant you are working with.
- Research each part of the plant as well as its lifecycle before using it.
Some plants have toxic roots and safe leaves, for example. Other times, they are safe to use only while blooming but become toxic while fruiting. Make sure you know everything about a new plant before ingesting it or using it externally. - Research drug or health interactions.
Some plants will have negative interactions with pharmaceutical drugs or even other plants. Just like how you can’t mix ammonia and bleach when cleaning, some plants should not be mixed inside the body. You must also research if plants can worsen an existing medical condition and avoid using ones that aren’t compatible with your unique body. - Don’t assume the same dosage is right for everyone.
Dosages of plants (and everything else) can vary depending on things like age, weight, height, and liver function (for example). When trying a new plant, you should start with the smallest possible dose and pay close attention to any negative reaction. - Never use plants on your pets without researching and consulting with your vet.
Animals have different body systems than we do, and so they will have different requirements and interactions with plants than a human. Each species of animal has different requirements, so avoid using plants if you’re not well-versed in animal medicine. - Always consult with your doctor first. Ask your doctor if using medicinal plants is safe for you before you start.
- If you are a female who is pregnant, might be pregnant, are trying to become pregnant, are breastfeeding, or are a male who might contribute to a pregnancy, you must consult with a doctor before trying any medicinal plants.
Some medicinal plants can interfere with male and female fertility, cause damage to a fetus, or harm a breastfed baby.
Getting Into Herbalism, Ayurveda, and Plant Medicine
Using plants as medicine is far from a new practice in the world. However, because it is such an old practice and because there is limited science available, misinformation is rampant in this field of information.
No matter what your intentions with learning about plants and how to use their medicinal properties are, make sure you always do extensive research, consult with a licensed doctor, and use your common sense.
Hopefully, this list of medicinal plants in India can help you get started in your herbal medicine journey!
Learn more with bio classes near me on Superprof!
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