Medicinal Indian Herbs

Next to China, India is the second highest producer of medicinal herbs in the world. Herbs have been used in the traditional Ayurveda healing form for thousands of years and are believed to help treat various diseases. Found in the Himalaya, Aravalis, and Nilgiri mountains, different herbs are obtained from different parts of the plants and may come from the leaves, flowers, seeds, bark, or roots. Indian medicinal herbs can be used in tea or food or be applied directly to the body. Below is a list of commonly used Indian medicinal herbs.

Asparagus

• Found in the high-altitude jungles, especially in northern India, the tuberous roots of asparagus are commonly used to treat a wide variety of ailments. Utilized as an anodyne, aphrodisiac, and galactogogue (a substance that promotes lactation), asparagus is also believed to help with nervousness, insomnia, anorexia, and infertility. Many people think it helps with throat infections and bronchitis. Some people believe it assists with urinary problems as well.

Aloe Vera

• Aloe vera typically grows in south and southwestern India. The flowers and roots are mainly used. Known as a popular ingredient in sunburn relief products, the gel inside the leaves of Aloe vera provides a common treatment for dermatitis, insect bites, cuts, and burns on the skin. It acts as both an effective painkiller and an antiseptic, which can kill fungus, mold, and bacteria. When taken orally, Aloe vera is believed to help with heartburn, asthma, and arthritis.

Basil

• Located throughout India, basil leaves and seeds are commonly used in Indian food and for medicinal purposes. Basil is known to have antioxidant, anti-viral, and anti-bacterial properties, as well as help with brain, lungs, heart, bladder, and kidney diseases. It has been traditionally used for many years for stress and diabetes as well. Basil is sometimes used as an eye disorder remedy, as well as a cold remedy.

Gotu Kola

• Found in waterlogged, swampy areas around India, this entire plant is typically used to treat a number of ailments. It has been traditionally used in leprosy treatments and has anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anxiolytic properties. The leaves are believed to help with fevers, hypertension, and open sores while the roots are used to treat dysentery.

Henna

• Commonly known as the temporary tattoo herb, henna is found in dry forests. Its flowers, leaves, and fruit are used for medicinal purposes. It is believed to help with skin wounds, stomach ulcers, bronchitis, and dysentery. Henna is also a commonly used diuretic.

Lemongrass

• Located in the tropical grasslands of India, the leaves and roots of lemongrass are commonly used in traditional Indian cuisine. Besides providing flavor to food, lemongrass has several medicinal properties, including digestion stimulation and detoxification. Lemongrass oil is also used to treat oily skin and hair.