Lets learn a medicinal plant a day

Fenugreek/ Vendayam/Methi

Trigonella foenum-graecum

It is commonly known as Vendhayam/ Methi, It belongs to the family Fabaceae.

Fenugreek seeds are rich sources of carbohydrates, proteins, Vitamin A and C, iron, calcium and minerals.Its regular use helps keep the body clean and healthy.
The seeds exercise soothing effect on the skin and mucous membranes, relieving any irritation of the skin and alleviating swelling and pain.
The seeds of Fenugreek have antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties and can be used for relieving pain.
They increase the secretion and discharge of urine, relieve flatulence and promote lactation in nursing mothers.
They also arrest any secretion or bleeding and have an aphrodisiac effect.
They are the best cleansers within the body, highly mucous-solvent and soothing agent.
The twigs and leaves of the plant are also used as poultice for ulcers, boils and abscess.The leaves of fenugreek are aromatic, cooling and mild lexative.
Fenugreek also has a long history of use for the treatment of reproductive disorders, to induce labor, to treat hormonal disorders, to help with breast enlargement, and to reduce menstrual pain.
Recent studies have shown that Fenugreek helps lower blood glucose and cholesterol levels, and may be an effective treatment for both type 1 and 2 diabetes.
Fenugreek is considered as one of the good conditioner for the hair.
Fenugreek is thus an invaluable herb which contains numerous health benefits which can help in the overall well-being of a person.

 

Jamun/Naaval

Syzygium cumini
It is commonly called as Jamun/Naaval, It belongs to the family Myrtaceae.

The fruit is edible.
The minerals include iron, manganese, zinc, calcium, sodium and potassium.
The sugar present in the form of glucose and fructose help in providing hydration on consumption
The ripe black plum is a liver stimulant. It is a digestive and is light on stomach. It also works as a carminative.
The connection between jamun and diabetes is well known. It is a part of home remedy to reduce increased blood sugar levels. For this, the seeds are dried and grinded to make powder. This powder is then taken with water to bring down sugar levels in diabetic patients.
The juice of the fruits is effective in treating diarrhea and dysentery.
Jamun is a good general tonic to keep the body healthy. The fruit also has a cooling effect when the day is hot and sultry.

 

Nutmeg/Jadhikai

Myristica fragrans

This is commonly called as Nutmeg/Jadhikai
It belongs to the family Myristicaceae.
Nutmeg is a carminative, stomachic, stimulant, sedative, relaxant, anti inflammatory, antiseptic and bactericide
The grated or powdered kernel is used to relieve flatulence, vomiting and nausea.
It is mainly used as an ingredient of various medicines and as a culinary spice.
Nutmeg has similar properties to mace but mace has a stronger flavour.
Large doses of nutmeg can be toxic, producing disorientation, double vision and convulsions.
Nutmeg powder in small amount is given to children for growth.
Nutmeg oil is potent brain booster, increasing circulation and allowing you to concentrate better. It also works by stimulating the brain and therefore removes mental exhaustion and stress.
Nutmeg oil also stimulates the cardiovascular system and therefore is a good tonic for the heart.
Nutmeg is an effective liver and kidney detoxifier.
Nutmeg oil is also effective in treating menstrual cramps, muscular and joint pain as it is an excellent sedative.
Nutmeg can help clear up congestion due to colds, this is the reason why it is used in many cough syrups.
Nutmeg oil helps in removing bad breath. It is also antiseptic in nature and is effective for toothaches and aching gums.

 

Vallarai/Barhami Booti

Centella asiatica

This is commonly called as Vallarai/Barhami Booti
It belongs to the family Apiaceae

For memory enhancement few leaves are chewed, it has a bitter taste so can be taken in form of tablets or tonic.
It has been used for wound healing, better circulation, general tonic, respiratory ailments, detoxifying the body, treatment of skin disorders, revitalizing connective tissue, burn and scar treatment, clearing up skin infections, slimming, edema, arthritis, rheumatism, high blood pressure, sedative, anti-stress, anti-anxiety, an aphrodisiac, immune booster, anabolic and adaptogen.
Vallarai acts as a good blood purifier,
For treating leprosy and other skin diseases it is given as an ointment or dusting powder. Internally it has been valued as a tonic and is used in bronchitis, asthma, leucorrhoea, kidney troubles, urethritis and dropsy.

 

Mudakkatraan/Kanphuti

Cardiospermum helicacabum

This is commonly called as Mudakkatraan/Kanphuti.
This belongs to the family Sapindaceae

This is used to cure rheumatism, nervous diseases.
The oil prepared from the leaves acts as a very effective external application for arthritis and other painful conditions of the body.
The decoction prepared from the roots can be given for haemorrhoids.
Leaves when chewed is bitter so can be added with dosa batter and have mudakattan adai dosai.
People who have knee ,joint pain can chew it regularly for better results.

 

Pepper/Milagu

Piper nigrum

It is commonly called as Pepper/Milagu, It belongs to the family Piperaceae.


Pepper is called the KING OF SPICES

The fruits are useful for bronchitis and other respiratory problems.
Green chillies are replaced by pepper in the cooking for women after delivery till 3 or 4 months.
Pepper is also used to cure tooth ache.
Black pepper helps to prevent gas and flatulence.
Black pepper is a powerful anti-oxidant.
Black pepper is a good source of manganese and iron, which are important for the body to function correctly.
Components of black pepper are often added to mouthwashes and gargles used to treat sore throats.
When foods are eaten with black pepper, the body is able to absorb valuable vitamins and nutrients from the food much easier.
Black pepper has stimulant, carminative, anthelmintic, properties; and it is used for indigestion, toxins, slow metabolism, obesity, sinusitis, fever, colds, etc.

 

Castor

Ricinus communis

It is commonly called as Castor/velakennai (castor oil), It belongs to the family Euphorbiaceae.

The oil prepared from seeds is castor oil.This oil is used to induce purgation in case of constipation,intesinal worms in children.

The dried seed powder is given to treat rheumatism, lumbago, piles, constipation, diseases of liver, spleen and sciatica etc.

If used regularly as hair oil, it helps the growth of the hair and reduces dandruff.Castor oil is a humectant as it draws moisture into the hair and skin. Applying castor oil on hair will keep it looking soft, shiny and strong.

Rub a little castor oil in your eyebrows before bed. This prevents thinning and promotes rapid growth, leading to thicker eyebrows.

During olden days once a month people will have castor oil to clean the stomach.

To keep the eyes fresh one can use castor oil one drop, in each eyes and sleep (once a month or twice)

Castor oil is a natural skin and hair softener and is used to treat skin diseases like ringworm and itching.

Castor oil is found in several anti-ageing creams, wrinkle creams and undereye creams.

 

Henna/Marudhaani

Lawsonia inermis

It is commonly called as Henna/Marudhaani, It belongs to the family Lythraceae.

When Henna is applied to the skin, its active elements provide cooling and astringent action along with protection against many surface fungi and bacteria.

Henna can help to lower body temperature to soothe headaches, fevers, burning feet (which may be a B- Vitamin deficiency).

The leaves of henna are highly beneficial in the treatment of skin disorders such as burns and boils.

Henna has been used since the Bronze Age to dye skin (including body art), hair, fingernails, leather, silk and wool.

 

Lemon/Elumichai

Citrus limon

It is commonly called as Lemon/Elumichai, It belongs to the family Rutaceae.

Lemon juice helps to control Blood Pressure, purifies blood, reduces swollen spleen, and strengthens immune system as it has vitamin C, B, B2, calcium and iron.

It protects your body against germs and bacteria.

Lemon juice is widely known as a diuretic,astringent, and febrifuge.

Lemons protect the mucus membrane of the stomach, stimulate pancreas and liver function and reduce cholesterol.

It is anti-vomitive; regulates liver function; promotes gastro-hepatic and pancreatic secretions; tonic

 

Pirandai/hadjod

Cissus quadrangularis

This belongs to the family Vitaceae, It is commonly called as Pirandai/hadjod

Young twigs are made chutney, it is an appetizer.Aware don't use older twigs it will irritate the hands if we use it.

It contains a rich source of carotenoids, triterpenoids and ascorbic acid.

It is used to heal broken bones.