Indian Medicinal Plants and Their Uses

Of the 45,000 plant species native to India, several thousand are believed to possess medicinal value under the tenets of Ayurvedic medicine.

Aloe Vera

• According to the Department of Pharmacology, All India Institute of Medical Science, 45 of these plants have shown anti-diabetic potential, including aloe vera. Prized for burn healing, digestive health and as a nutritional aide and anti-aging herbal remedy, aloe vera contains all eight essential amino acids.

Pennywort

• Native to India, Pennywort has been found to be a good nerve tonic or sedative and is used to reduce stress. It has been used in Ayurvedic medicine as an anti-aging herbal remedy.

Turmeric

• Turmeric is used as an anti-oxidant, an anti-inflammatory, an anti-bacterial, and for liver and heart health. The U.S. National Institute of Health has used turmeric in four clinical trials for the treatment of Alzheimer's and different cancers.

Cinnamon

• An evergreen that grows in India, cinnamon is a common medicinal aide for digestion. In 1974, an experiment conducted by the Journal of Food Science showed harmful molds and toxins were easily overpowered by cinnamon.

Warning

• Be sure to check with your physician before taking herbal supplements, if you are on prescription medications.