Native plants have several benefits. They have a higher chance of thriving due to naturally favourable conditions. Many easy-to-grow native Indian plants are full of medicinal value. Known for their healing properties in Ayurveda, these plants have been effectively used to treat a wide variety of ailments for ages.
10 native Indian plants with medicinal benefits
Amla
Botanical name: Phyllanthus emblica
Family: Phyllanthaceae
Native: Indian subcontinent
Medicinal properties
- Exceptionally high vitamin C content
- Supports immune function, skin health and overall vitality
- Combats oxidative stress, reducing cell damage caused by free radicals
- Aids digestion by promoting healthy bowel movements, reducing acidity and supporting liver function
- Manages inflammation-related conditions
- Regulates cholesterol levels, supports heart health and promotes healthy circulation
- Manages blood sugar levels and reduces diabetes-related complications
- Used in hair oils and skin care products to promote hair growth, strengthen hair and improve skin texture
- Promotes eye health by protecting against age-related macular degeneration and reducing the risk of cataracts
- Manages respiratory conditions like coughs, bronchitis and asthma
- Contributes to healthy ageing by protecting cells and tissues from premature ageing
- Contains calcium and minerals important for bone health
- Prevents osteoporosis
- Slows down premature greying of hair
- Supports natural hair pigmentation
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Ashwagandha
Botanical Name: Withania somnifera
Family: Solanaceae
Native: Indian subcontinent
Medicinal properties
- An adaptogenic herb that helps the body cope with stress and maintain balance
- Has a calming effect on the nervous system
- Promotes relaxation
- Manages stress and anxiety
- Increases energy, stamina and vitality
- Immune-modulating properties enhance the body’s natural defence mechanisms
- Reduces inflammation-related conditions
- Supports cognitive function, memory and focus
- An aphrodisiac
- Positively influences hormone balance
- Used by athletes to enhance muscle strength, endurance and recovery
- Supports bone health due to its calcium and mineral content
- Regulates blood sugar levels
- Certain compounds have anti-cancer properties
Bel
Botanical name: Aegle marmelos
Family: Rutaceae
Native: Indian subcontinent
Medicinal properties
- Renowned for its digestive properties, aids in relieving indigestion, constipation and diarrhoea
- Reduces inflammation-related symptoms
- Combats oxidative stress and avoids cell damage
- Immune-modulating properties enhance the body’s natural defence mechanisms
- Manages respiratory conditions like cough and bronchitis
- Eliminate intestinal worms
- Reduces cholesterol levels
- Manages diabetes and regulates blood sugar levels
- Improves skin health and manages skin disorders
- Reduces fever and fever-related symptoms
- Supports female reproductive health and addresses menstrual disorders
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Brahmi
Botanical Name: Bacopa monnieri
Family: Plantaginaceae
Native: Wetlands of India
Medicinal properties
- Enhances cognitive functions, including memory, learning and concentration
- Manages stress and promotes overall balance
- Supports the nervous system, aiding in reducing nervous tension
- Alleviates anxiety, depression and mood disorders
- Has certain neuroprotective properties that help shield the brain from damage
- Reduces inflammation-related conditions
- Combats oxidative stress
- Protects celldamage from free radicals
- Lowers blood pressure and cholesterol levels
- Manages respiratory conditions like asthma and bronchitis
- Supports digestion and addresses indigestion and constipation
- Promotes healthy hair growth and improves skin texture and complexion
- Manages epilepsy and seizure disorders
Curry Tree
Botanical name: Murraya koenigii
Family: Rutaceae
Native: Indian subcontinent
Medicinal properties
- Known for its digestive properties
- Regulates blood sugar levels and supports diabetes management
- Combats oxidative stress and avoids cell damage
- Reduces inflammation-related conditions
- Used in hair oils and treatments to promote hair growth, reduce hair loss and improve hair health
- Regulates cholesterol levels
- Aids in weight management by supporting metabolism
- Combats bacterial and fungal infections
- Addresses gastrointestinal issues like diarrhoea and stomach upset
- Benefits eye health and
- reduces the risk of cataracts
- Supports liver function and aids in detoxification
- Improves skin health and manages skin disorders
Henna
Botanical name: Lawsonia inermis
Family: Lythraceae
Native: North Africa, West Asia and South Asia
Medicinal properties
- Known for its cooling properties; often applied topically to soothe skin irritations and burns
- Protectsagainst skin infections and conditions like eczema, psoriasis and rashes
- Reduces inflammation and pain
- Tightens and tones the skin
- Useful against oily skin and minor cuts
- Widely used as a natural hair dye and conditioner, promoting hair health, shine and dandruff management
- Strengthens and improves nail health
- Regulates body temperature in hot climates
- Has mild sedative effects to calm the nervous system
- Manages menstrual disorders
Neem
Botanical name: Azadirachta indica
Family: Meliaceae
Native: Indian subcontinent
Medicinal properties
- Effective against a wide range of bacteria and infections
- Treats fungal skin infections like ringworm and athlete’s foot
- Manages certain viral infections
- Protects cells from oxidative stress and damage caused by free radicals
- Reduces inflammation and alleviates associated symptoms
- Treats acne, eczema, psoriasis and other skin conditions
- Useful for oral hygiene, addressing issues like gum disease and bad breath
- Boosts the immune system
- Regulates blood sugar levels
- Supports digestive health by promoting healthy bowel movements and addressing gastrointestinal issues
- Prevents and helps manage malaria
- Known for its contraceptive properties
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Palash
Botanical name: Butea monosperma
Family: Fabaceae
Native: Indian subcontinent
Medicinal properties
- Reduces inflammation and alleviates related symptoms
- Combats oxidative stress and avoids celldamage
- Treatsdiarrhoea and other gastrointestinal issues
- Manages various infections
- Increases urine output and supports kidney function
- Promotes wound healing
- Manages skin conditions
- Reduces fever and related symptoms
- Manages menstrual disorders
- Addresses respiratory issues, including coughs, bronchitis and asthma
- Supports bone health and addresses conditions like osteoporosis
- Manages digestive disorders, including indigestion and dysentery
- Used as a mild laxative to treat constipation
Haritaki
Botanical name: Terminalia chebula
Family: Combretaceae
Native: Indian subcontinent
Medicinal properties
- Reduces constipation
- Improves digestion
- Detoxifies the body and promotes liver health
- Combats oxidative stress, avoiding cell damage caused by free radicals
- Reduces inflammation in various parts of the body
- Makes the body resistant to infections and illnesses
- Helps in coughs, bronchitis and asthma
- Regulates blood pressure and cholesterol levels
- Positively impacts the nervous system, promoting mental clarity and cognitive function
- Promotes healthy ageing and longevity
- Strengthens gums and teeth
- Manages skin conditions and promotes skin health
- Helps in weight management
Tulsi
Botanical name: Ocimum sanctum
Family: Lamiaceae
Native: Indian subcontinent
Medicinal properties
- Helps the body adapt to stress and maintain balance
- Enhances defence against infections and diseases
- Beneficial for respiratory issues like coughs, colds and congestion
- Combat oxidative stress and reduces cell damage caused by free radicals
- Reduces inflammation-related conditions
- Aids digestion
- Fights bacteria, viruses and fungi
- Regulates blood pressure and cholesterol levels
- Aids skin health
- Regulates blood sugar levels in individuals with diabetes
NOTE – This article was originally published in housing and can be viewed here
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