Herbs are small plant that are valued for their flavour and good fragrance. They are used both for cullinary and medicinal purposes. Below are listed some herbs used for mainitaining our health.

1. ALOE VERA

What is Aloe Vera?

•  A short-stemmed plant with thick leaves, Aloe Vera belongs to the Liliacea family.
• It is native to the Mediterranean region. There are about 250 species of Aloe Vera in the world, although only a few of them are useful.
• It is one of the oldest known herbs and is also known as “Plant of Immortality”

   Medicinal parts: LEAVES AND PLANT SAP

Benefits of Aloe Vera

• It has antiseptic properties, therefore helps in the quick healing of wounds
• Aloe Vera Gel (obtained from the sap) protects against sun’s radiations and also has anti-wrinkling properties.
• A little Aloe Vera gel/ juice, consumed internally, functions as a good laxative
• The good concentration of amino acids provide the required protein to the body

2. FENUGREEK SEEDS

What are Fenugreek  seeds?

•  An annual plant, belonging to family Fabacea, Fenugreek is native to South-Eastern Europe and Asia.

• The seeds have a lot of Protein, Niacin and Vitamin C

  Medicinal Part: SEEDS, (Leaves are used as a spice)

Benefits of Fenugreek Seeds

• Lowers Cholesterol and blood-sugar level. A study conducted by the Gandhi Medical College found out that the cholesterol levels in patients who were given 25 gms of powdered fenugreek seeds have been significantly lowered
• The seeds stimulate uterine contractions, easying child-birth.
• As the seeds have a lot of mucilage, it helps sooth gastrointestinal inflammation, and is thus effective in reducing acidity.
• Taken with lemon and honey, Fenugreek has been known to reduce fever.

3. GARLIC

What is Garlic?

• It is a bulbous herb, belonging to the Alliaceae (lily) family and is native to Southern Europe.

• It gives out a pungent smell on cutting, due to release of the enzyme allinaise  which converts the compound allin to sulpher-containing allicin.

     Medicinal part: ROOTS

Benefits of Garlic

• Regulates Blood Pressure
• Minimises heart and cardiac problems due to presence of allin which is an antioxidant
• As an effective antiseptic, helps in faster curing of the wounds.
• Acts as a nasal decongestant and also  helps in reducing chronic bronchitis.
• Helps in reducing flatulence and other gas problems.

4. TURMERIC

What is Turmeric?

• Turmeric is the powder obtained from the roots of Curcuma longa, which is a widely-cultivated tropical perennial herb.
• The plant has with yellow flowers and a yellow roots and is a native to South-East Asia.

     Medicinal part: ROOTS

Benefits of Turmeric

• The pigment curcumin has anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic properties and is useful in the treatment of arthritis
• In combination with a little cauliflower, it is shown to prevent prostate cancer.
• It helps in blood coagulation and hence can be applied on cuts and wounds. Also aids blood circulation
• Turmeric when combined with heated milk will strengthen bones, thus preventing osteoporosis.
• A good anti-oxidant, it prevents the effects of aging by inhibiting cell damage

 5. TULSI

What is Tulsi?

• Tulsi, also known as Basal, is colloquially termed as  “Queen of herbs” and belongs to the family Lamiacea.
• It is grown an annual plant and is native to India.
• Tulsi is rich in antioxidants and phyto chemicals.

   Medicinal part: LEAVES

  Benefits of Tulsi

• The leaves protect the mucus membrane of the mouth and stomach, thus preventing ulcers
• Also used to treat any skin or facial allergies
• Consuming tulsi daily, increases immunity and enhances stamina.
• Tulsi tea is consumed for its energising and relaxing effect.
• It is commonly used to treat fever, cold, cough and sore throat. Also, has a  mild laxative effect.
• The leaves of  Tulsi, taken with honey prevent formation of renal stones.

• Written by Sridevi.
• In category General Reference.
• 14 years ago.

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