Herbal Healing Traditions

In absence of modern medicinal facilities specially in far flung areas, people have traditionally been relying on traditional medications prepared from locally available biological resources mostly derived from plants. In fact, many such medications or home remedies are even popular in urban areas where modern facilities exist. In addition to technological ideas and innovations, NIF also has been documenting traditional knowledge practices. In this particular section 'Herbal Healing Traditions', some such herbal practices, received from all over the country, are being shared. These pertain to the use of plant/ plant parts for human, veterinary or agricultural use and have been classified according to the plant used. Uses of the same plant mentioned in codified literature or research papers/ books are also given along with the references in all cases. Some of the practices mentioned here may also have been received from other people from same/ different parts of the country.

Uses of Abrus precatorius L.

Leucorrhoea

Take seed powder (1g) along with rice starch in the night orally for fifteen days. - Bezwada Venkateswarlu, Prakasham, Andhra Pradesh

Baldness

Apply the seed paste on the scalp along with honey Mangilal Purohit,Churu, Rajasthan

Mouth ulcer

Apply the green leaf juice on the ulcers - Chhitar Lal Gurjar, Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan

Stomachache

Take the seeds (100g) with ghee or butter for relief - Kalpana, Trichy, Tamil Nadu

Knee pain

Take the seeds (6g) with milk for 14 days - Pavan Mehra, Sikar, Rajasthan

Uses described in Literature

Dried leaves and root powder is given orally in case of eye complaint; decoction of young leaves is given orally for cough; leaf powder is given orally in case of urine problems; seed extract is used in sciatica. It is one of the ingredients of ‘Tranquil’ for relieving stress and anxiety. Ten patents have been found on the applications of Abrus as natural sweetener, oral contraceptive, etc.

Uses of Adhatoda vasica (L.) Nees

Asthma

Take the leaf decoction orally - Moyataji Karamshi Thakor, Patan, Gujarat
Take the leaf juice orally - Jyothi Bhatta, Chikmagalur, Karnataka
Inhale the smoke of dried leaves - Susanta Kumar Manjhi, Birbhum, West Bengal

Cough

Take the leaf juice orally - Revabhai Sivabhai Raval, Sabarkantha, Gujarat
Take the leaf juice orally with a little sugar - Jyothi Bhatta, Chikmagalur, Karnataka

Fever

Take the leaf juice orally - Revabhai Sivabhai Raval, Sabarkantha, Gujarat

Stomachache

Take the leaf decoction orally- Ramjibhai Nanabhai Brahmania, Panch Mahal, Gujarat

Tuberculosis

Take the leaf juice orally with a little honey - Mahesh Bijarania, Nagor, Rajasthan

Malaria

Take the leaf decoction orally with jaggery - Mahesh Kumar Khangar Purohit, Sirohi, Rajasthan

Constipation

Take the leaf decoction orally with honey - Pradip Kumar, Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh

Sprain

Ferment the leaf decoction and take it orally- Gopinath Pradhan, Nabarangpur, Orissa

Uses described in Literature

Decoction of the plant is taken orally to cure asthma; leaves (500g) are decocted in water (5L) until a dark brown mass is obtained and two spoonful are taken with honey thrice a day for 2-4 days to cure fever; rheumatic patients should warm the leaves and apply on the body.Product ‘Menstri Care’ pr pared from the plant is an effective medicine for women’s health problems.‘iakof’, an herbal medic ne uses Adhatoda along with other plants for treating cough. Ten patents have been found on its medicinal applications mainly for cough and asthma.

Uses of Aegle marmelos (L.) Corr.

Eye diseases

Put two drops of the green leaf juice in the eye - Kumari Nigar Pravin, Hazaribag, Jharkhand

Fever

Take the leaf juice along with honey - Poonam Raghav, Bulandshahar, Uttar Pradesh

Cough

Take the fruit juice orally- Arun Kumar Pandey, Fatehpur, Uttar Pradesh

Nasal bleeding

Apply the leaf paste on the nose- Puran Chand, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh

Diarrhoea

Take the fruit juice orally- Priti Kumari, Bulandshahar, Uttar Pradesh

Skin disease

Apply the leaf juice topically - Arun Kumar Pandey, Fatehpur, Uttar Pradesh

Intestinal worms

Take the green leaf juice orally- Jagjit Bahadur, Sitapur, Uttar Pradesh

Diabetes

Take the root juice (150ml) orally- Maibum Lolito Meitei, Bishempur, Manipur

Vomiting

Take the decoction of root orally- Alice Kunjachan, Idukki, Kerala

Stomachache

Grind the fresh roots along with one black pepper. Take two spoonfuls of the paste twice a day for two days- Chhoti Devi, Udham Singh Nagar, Uttarakhand

Uses described in Literature

Burnt fruit pulp is applied on rheumatic arthritis; 10g fruit pulp is given before sleep to overcome morning sickness; fruit rind is applied externally on the head to kill headlice.‘Bael’, prepared from Aegle is used in diarrhoea, dysentery and GI disorders. It has digestive and carminative properties. ‘Lukol’s; tonic is made from this plant along with other plants, which improves uterine circulation, and its antimicrobial and astringent actions on the mucous membrane of the genital system control leucorrhea.‘Bilwa’, a product of Aegle , is used as a medicine to cure a number of diseases. Fifty three patents have been found on the medicinal applications of Aegle like for treating diabetes , gastric ulcer etc.

Uses of Alstonia scholaris (L.) BR.

Chest Pain

Take one spoonful bark powder along with water - Kora Minnana, Vishakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh

Headache

Extract juice from the bark (20g) and take it orally - Prishila Tuddu, Hazaribag, Jharkhand

Stomachache

Extract juice from the bark (20g) and take it orally- Prishila Tuddu, Hazaribag, Jharkhand

Gastric problems

Grind few leaves with black pepper. Take the paste orally before food- Indra Kanta Ojha, Sibsagar, Assam

Fever

Grind bark (50g) into a powder and take it with water thrice a day- Kutuva Birhorni, Koderma, Jharkhand

Skin disease

Apply the leaf juice topically - Arun Kumar Pandey, Fatehpur, Uttar Pradesh

Intestinal worms

Take the green leaf juice orally- Jagjit Bahadur, Sitapur, Uttar Pradesh

Diabetes

Take the root juice (150ml) orally- Maibum Lolito Meitei, Bishempur, Manipur

Vomiting

Take the decoction of root orally- Alice Kunjachan, Idukki, Kerala

Stomachache

Grind the fresh roots along with one black pepper. Take two spoonfuls of the paste twice a day for two days- Chhoti Devi, Udham Singh Nagar, Uttarakhand

Uses described in Literature

The bark is used to cure skin diseases and rheumatism; the root juice is taken with milk to cure leprosy; fresh bark is put in water to draw out the latex, which is taken orally in case of tuberculosis; dried powder is administered orally to cure diarrhoea; and bark extract is useful in case of intestinal worms. ‘Ayush-64 cap./tab.’, prepared from the plant, is effective as an antimalarial compound both for treatment and prophylaxis. Fifteen patents have been found on its medicinal uses as an antipyretic.

Uses of Andrographis paniculata (Burm. f.) Wall. ex Nees

Acidity

Take the whole plant decoction orally - Kairange Buddhu, Vishakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh

Fever

Take the decoction (one cup) of plant orally twice a day for two to three days - Ramratan Chauhan, Shekhpur, Bihar

Gastric complaint

Take the plant juice (one cup) in the morning.- Jaiydhan Murm, Hazaribag, Jharkhand

Wound

Boil the whole plant powder in coconut oil and filter the oil. Apply the oil after cleaning of wound.- Amirdaraj Kaani, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu

Skin disease

Take one spoonful of the whole plant powder daily- Kousalya, Pudducherry

Skin disease

Apply the leaf juice topically - Arun Kumar Pandey, Fatehpur, Uttar Pradesh

Uses described in Literature

Decoction of the whole plant is given orally for fever; hot aqueous extract is useful as anthelmintic; infusion of the plant is externally applied to cure skin infections and orally given as febrifuge in malaria. Livup capsules and Detox tablets are effective liver vitalizers and help in addressing liver complaints. Fourteen patents have been found on its medicinal applications like for treating osteoporosis and for hepatoprotective property.

Uses of Azadirachta indica A. Juss

Skin disease

Apply the leaf paste topically - Adesh Kumar Vansal, Delhi

Earache

Mix the seed oil with honey and put a few drops in the ear - Ramesh Kumar, East Champaran, Bihar

Stone

Take the leaf ash orally along with water- Uttam Singh, Sirohi, Rajasthan

Joint pain

Apply the seed oil and massage on the aching joint- Jagjeet Bahadur, Sitapur, Uttar Pradesh

Constipation

Pound the leaves of neem, Aloe vera and fenugreek seeds. Soak them in buttermilk and boil. Add cow ghee till it becomes thick like wax. Take a spoonful orally- Amirdaraj Kaani, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu

Uses described in Literature

Dried bark is given orally to treat malaria; whole plant is used to cure various skin disorders; dried fruit is given orally to get relief from piles. ‘Neem tooth paste’, a high quality product, is used to prevent tooth decay and inflammation of the gums. Tablet ‘Pilex’11 is used to treat chronic constipation associated with haemorrhoids. More than a hundred patents have been found on its medicinal use such as for dental care and in treating haemorrhoids.

Uses of Boerhaavia diffusa L.

Conjunctivitis

Take the root decoction (50g) orally once a day-Ramnarayan Gameti, Udaipur, Rajasthan

Cough

Cook the leaves of Boerhaavia (5g), one small onion, a small piece of ginger and a spoonful of cardamom and take it orally - Hasina Khan, Margav, Goa

Nausea

Take the root juice (half cup) orally.- Chattu Lachanna, Vishakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh

Kidney stone

Boil the whole plant (50g) in water (600-700ml) along with three crushed black pepper seeds and one spoon of sugar till the solution reduces to one-third. Filter and take it orally- Rani B. Bhagat, Pune, Maharashtra

Jaundice

Take the root juice orally- Rani B. Bhagat, Pune, Maharashtra

Uses described in Literature

The leaf juice is given with milk to get relief from cataract; decoction of the plant is given orally to purify blood; the plant extract is used as diuretic; and decoction of the leaves is applied externally in case of skin infections. ‘Liver-kidney care’made from this plant works synergistically on the liver and kidney to heal and prevent infections in both the systems. Fourteen patents have been found on various medicinal applications of Boerhaavia for different ailments mainly for liver disorders, hypertension etc.

Uses of Bombax ceiba L.

Pimples

Make a paste of thorn with milk. Apply on the pimples for seven days- Pravin Kumar Sharma, East Champaran, Bihar

Wound

Apply the fresh bark paste topically- Pravin Kumar Sharma, East Champaran, Bihar

Diarrhoea

Take a spoonful of leaf juice along with some sugar candy for four days- Neha Kumari, East Champaran, Bihar

Constipation

Take the bark powder (3g), coriander powder and jaggery with water- Devaram, Sirohi, Rajasthan

Piles

Take the root paste (10g) with water for seven days- Antaryami Pradhan, Angul, Orissa

Urinary disorder

Take orally the decoction (10ml) of the bark of semal and flowers of palash (Butea monosperma (Lamk.) Taub.) mixed in 2:1 ratio- Lakshmanbhai Ramaji Parmar, Banaskantha, Gujarat

Gynaecological disorder

Take the root juice orally- Maganbhai Khimjibhai Patel, Sabarkantha,Gujarat

Take the gum powder (5g) with water for five days- Jugeshwar Ram, Hazaribag, Jharkhand

Uses described in Literature

Decoction of the bark is given orally to combat fever; diabetics should take decoction of the heartwood; bark juice is given to reduce stomachache. Product ‘Acne-n-Pimple Cream’ is prepared from Bombax along with other plants to treat pimples and skin eruptions. ‘Evecare’11, a multi herb product made from this plant, has a regularizing influence on the menstrual cycle. Eight patents have been found on the medicinal applications of Bombax like for skincare, AIDS etc.

Uses of Butea monosperma (Lamk.) Taub

Pyorrhoea

Brush with twig for relief- Bhim Singh, Sivni, Madhya Pradesh

Toothache

Apply the resin powder on the affected gums - Bhomabhai Damor, Banaskantha, Gujarat

Head lice

Apply the leaf juice on the scalp- P. D. Walikar, Bagalkot, Karnataka

Joint pain

Take the resin powder with milk- Devaram, Sirohi, Rajasthan

Whooping cough

Take the seed ash along with honey orally- R. Sundari, Dingdigul, Tamil Nadu

Acidity

Tie poultice made from cooked lukewarm flowers over the abdomen-Madhav Rao Shankar Rao Patil, Jalgaon, Maharashtra

Cuts & wounds

Apply the bark juice topically- Dinesh Bediya, Ranchi, Jharkhand

Uses described in Literature

Bark is used as poultice for pimples; bark juice is given orally to cure intestinal worms. ‘Lukol’11 has a stimulatory action on the endometrium and improves uterine circulation. ‘Hair Loss Cream’40 improves tensile strength of hair and increases hair density. Ten patents have been found on its medicinal uses for bone disorders, skin care etc.

Uses of Calotropis procera (Ait.) R. Br.

Asthma

Mix the flower powder and triphala churna in 1:4 proportion. Take one spoonful of the mixture along with honey thrice a day for forty days.- Teki Suresh Kumar, Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh

Ear ache

Put the latex in the ear to cure the pain- R. C. Chowdhary, Nagor, Rajasthan

Stomachache

Smear mustard oil on a leaf and warm. Apply it over the abdomen for immediate relief- Chawda Chanduben Jawanji, Gandhinagar, Gujarat

Arthritis

Mix latex with turmeric powder, boil it with sesame oil and then apply this paste on the aching joint- Sanjay Singh Uplana, Nagda, Madhya Pradesh

Skin disease

Apply the bark paste on the infected part- Muralilal, Jaipur, Rajasthan

Uses described in Literature

Plant extract is used as bronchodilator; flower buds of Calotropis, along with black pepper seeds and salt, are crushed to make pills the size of small peas. Two pills are taken twice daily for 3 days to cure malaria; and warmed leaves, smeared with oil, are applied on the aching part to alleviate rheumatic pain. ‘Muscle & Joint Rub’11 is a highly effective ointment for backaches, muscular sprains and joint pains. ‘Arkavaleha’, made from this plant, is given to cure irritation of the stomach, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea etc. Eight patents were found on the medicinal uses mainly for anti-tumor and antidotal activity, and bronchial asthma.

Uses of Carica papaya L.

Toothache

Keep cotton dipped in the latex of the stem on the aching tooth- Mangeram Jani, Hissar, Haryana

Jaundice

Take the curry made from the unripe fruit orally- Doli Sharma and Kirti Sharma, Bulandshahar, Uttar Pradesh

Stomach disorder

Eat the ripe fruit for relief- Dimple Sharma, Bulandshahar, Uttar Pradesh

Constipation

Take fruit to get relief- Leelamani Devarajan, Idukki, Kerala

Intestinal worms

Take the dry seed powder orally- Shabnam Kumari, Bulandshahar, Uttar Pradesh

Take fresh latex mixed with honey orally - Prabhat Kumar Pandey, East Champaran, Bihar

Stone

Take the root powder orally along with water on an empty stomach- Shripal Singh, Bulandshahar, Uttar Pradesh

Lactogogue

Eat the ripe fruit- Kalia Behera, Bargarh, Orissa

Cuts & wounds

Apply the leaf paste topically- Jongam Ngemu, Papum Pare, Arunachal Pradesh

Ringworm

Apply the milky latex on the affected area- Mukesh Kumar, East Champaran, Bihar

Apply small fruit pieces topically- Marykutty Thomas, Idukki, Kerala

Uses described in Literature Decoction of the flower is used as cardiotonic; bark powder is applied externally on wounds; decoction of the bark is given orally to get rid of intestinal worms; beverage of the fruit is taken orally to cure diarrhoea. Natural moisturizers and creams6 are prepared from Carica in combination with other plants. Thirty patents were found on its medicinal uses as an anti-allergic and for prevention of cancer

Uses of Cassia fistula L.

Eye disease

Apply the leaf paste on the eyes- Chinnamma, Idukki, Kerala

Cough

Take one spoonful of leaf powder orally- Prem Singh, Bulandshahar, Uttar Pradesh

Chew the fruit skin in the morning - Santoshben Gamar, Banaskantha, Gujarat

Muscular pain

Burn the leaves into ash and mix it with mustard oil. Apply the paste on the aching part- Lalit Kumar and Piyush Kumar, Bulandshahar, Uttar Pradesh

Burn

Apply the leaf paste topically- Chandbhan Singh, Bulandshahar, Uttar Pradesh

Ringworm

Apply the root paste on the affected area- Kumar Chandel, Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh

Stomachache

Take the fruit decoction along with jaggery orally- Bhagwati Lal Kumawat, Chittorgarh, Rajasthan

Uses described in Literature

Powder of the dried bark is applied in case of leucoderma; fruit juice is useful in jaundice; fruits are used as diuretic; and root powder is applied in skin diseases. Pilex (Vein care) helps support metabolic processes involved in maintaining the vascular system’s integrity for optimum health and appearance; Purim (Hemo care) is used for blood purification. Six patents have been found on the medicinal applications of Cassia fistula as an antiviral.

Uses of Celastrus paniculatus Willd.

Tuberculosis

3 drops of oil are mixed in yolk of egg and administered- Prishila Tudoo, Hazaribag, Jharkhand

Graying of hair

Oil is applied on the scalp- Sharvan Singh, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh

Gas/acidity

2-3 gm of powdered seeds is taken orally with water- Devaram, Sirohi, Rajasthan

Intestinal worms

Shade dried fruit is ground into a fine powder and sieved. 2-3 tablespoon of the powder is taken orally in the morning and evening for 4-5 days- Nimavat Gitaben J, Junagadh, Gujarat

Skin disease

Oil is applied on the infected place- Devaram, Sirohi, Rajasthan

Ringworm

Apply the root paste on the affected area- Kumar Chandel, Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh

Stomachache

Take the fruit decoction along with jaggery orally- Bhagwati Lal Kumawat, Chittorgarh, Rajasthan

Uses described in Literature

Fruit juice is used as cardiotonic; seeds are used as appetizer; fruit paste mixed with warm mustard oil is applied externally. ‘Geriforte’, an anti-stress medicine facilitates respiratory functions, and assists cardiovascular functioning by improving circulation and reducing raised lipid levels.‘Anxocare’,a memory enhancer promotes better receptivity and learning abilities. Three patents have been found on its medicinal applications like treating deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Uses of Centella asiatica (L.) Urban

Insomnia

Plant paste is taken along with food regularly- Khiroram Barman, Borpeta, Assam

Anorexia

Juice from leaves (25g) is extracted and administered orally- Gamaliyal Hembrom, Hazaribag, Jharkhand

Toothache

Equal proportion of brahmi leaves, onion and banana roots are ground to make a fine paste and applied on the aching part- Anil Gogoi, Sibsagar, Assam

Jaundice

Plant (10g) is ground, mixed with water, filtered and the extract is taken- Vifiya Oraon, Lohardaga, Jharkhand

Dysentery

Paste of leaves along with black pepper is given orally- Dipali Borah, Sibsagar, Assam

Skin disease

Plant is taken as a vegetable regularly- Bablu Bediya, Hazaribag, Jharkhand

Uses described in Literature

Fresh juice of aerial part is used as brain tonic; the powder of aerial parts helps to control high blood pressure; whole plant is diuretic; plant paste is applied as a poultice in case of bone fracture.‘Herbal Tea’ is mainly indicated as a health drink. ‘Mentat’ improves mental functions, the mental quotient, memory span, and concentration ability and stress threshold. More than three hundred patents have been found on its medicinal applications as an antidepressant.

Uses of Crocus sativus L.

Cough/cold

Take a pinch of kesar along with a glass of milk- Mohammad Abbas Zargar, Anantnag, J&K

Urinary disorder

Take the decoction of kesar and tea orally- Wajjat Ullah Shah, Anantnag, J&K

Wrinkle on face

Take kesar along with milk- Sita Kumari, Gopalganj, Bihar

General health

Take 200mg of kesar and 1g each of ginger, cloves and cardamom. Grind them together to form a paste. Take a spoonful of the paste along with milk- Prakash Soni, Karol Bagh, Delhi

Eye irritation

Crush and apply kesar in the eyes along with honey- Mohd. Jafruddin Nirala, East Champaran, Bihar

Uses described in Literature

Decoction of flower is given orally to cure asthma; dried stamen acts as digestant ; it is believed to be acting as contraceptive. ‘Kunkumadyam Thailam’ is a classical ayurvedic product, which is useful on pimples, black heads etc. ‘Male Rejuv’ has been effectively used to restore male vitality and energy. Seven patents have been found on its medicinal applications such as to stimulate hair growth and cure headache.

Uses of Datura metel L.

Dandruff

Put three-four leaves in boiling coconut oil. Filter the medicated oil and apply lukewarm oil on the scalp.- Bezwada Venkateswarlu, Prakasham, Andhra Pradesh

Alopecia

Smear the leaf juice on the head and leave for 30 minutes-Bansi Ghosal, West Midnapur, West Bengal

Headache

Chew and spit the seeds for instant relief- Ganesh Das, Sirohi, Rajasthan

Asthma

Take a seed soaked in water orally initially. Gradually increase a seed every week for five weeks- Rani Farhat, Hazaribag, Jharkhand

Stomachache

Put the warm leaves on the belly- Anil Kumar Mahato, Hazaribag, Jharkhand

Backache

Boil the roots (20g) in mustard oil (250g), filter and massage with the oil- Ramji Chink Badaik, Gumla, Jharkhand

Arthritis

The leaf paste is applied on the aching part- Divakar Pathak, Lohardaga, Jharkhand

Uses described in Literature One fruit is filled with 10g Piper longum L. and burnt. About 5g of this ash is given with honey, morning and evening, for 5 days to cure malaria; the thumb is kept inserted within the fruit to treat finger felon; and the root paste is applied externally on poisonous bites. ‘Muscles & joint rub’, is a highly effective medicine for backaches, muscular sprains and joint pains made from the plant. ‘Unicough syrup’ is used to cure bronchitis, cough/cold and asthma.

Uses of Holarrhena antidysenterica Wall.

Liver disorder

Decoction of the bark is administered orally- Priyanka Pramanik, Purulia, West Bengal

Diarrhoea/dysentery

Juice extracted from bark is administered orally- Ambika Singh Sardar, Purulia, West Bengal

Paste is prepared from the bark. 10g of the paste is given along with a spoonful of honey- Kundan Kumar, East Champaran, Bihar

Intestinal worms

Juice from the pounded leaves is taken orally to kill worms- Ambika Singh Sardar, Purulia, West Bengal

Fever

Leaves (5g) along with those of Picrorhiza kurroa Royale ex. Benth. (5g) are boiled in 100ml of water till the decoction remains 10ml. This is then taken orally till the ailment cures- Hariom Kumar, East Champaran, Bihar

Bodyache

Bark is ground in water; some quantity is taken orally and the rest is applied on the body- Devaram, Sirohi, Rajasthan

Malaria

Equal amount of leaves of kurchi and Cyperus rotundus L. are ground into a fine powder. One spoonful is taken orally to combat the disease- Chandan Kumar, East Champaran, Bihar

Uses described in Literature

Dried bark powder is given orally to cure stomachache; seeds are ground into a powder, a dose of 5-10g of the powder is given with water as an antidote and a paste of the seeds is also applied locally to relieve pain and swelling on poisonous bites. ‘Diarex vet’ is used for diarrhoea in cattle. ‘Kutajarista and Kutajavaleha’ are the most popular preparations used in diarrhoea, dysentery,colitis and bleeding problems. Thirteen patents have been found on its medicinal applications mainly for gastrointestinal disorders.

Uses of Kalanchoe pinnata (Lam.) Pers.

Eye pain

Two drops of the juice extracted from the leaves are put in the eyes- Susanta Kumar Manjhi, Birbhum, West Bengal

Stomach disorder

Two spoonful of the juice extracted from the leaves are given orally- Susanta Kumar Manjhi, Birbhum, West Bengal

Jaundice

Juice of leaves along with black pepper powder is given till the ailment cures- Arunkumar Pandey, Fatehpur, Uttar Pradesh

Cuts & wounds

Topical application of leaf paste helps in stopping bleeding- Arun Ghosh, Bankura, West Bengal

Pain

Leaf paste is applied on the aching part- Priyanka Pramanik, Purulia, West Bengal

Fever

Juice of leaves along with black pepper powder is given orally- Arunkumar Pandey, Fatehpur, Uttar Pradesh

Diarrhoea

Leaves (5-6) are ground along with some sugar candy and sap obtained is administered orally- Bikesh Kumar, Sitamarhi, Bihar

Uses described in Literature

Plant paste is applied on forehead to alleviate headache; leaf paste is applied externally to cure cuts and wounds; fresh sap of plant is used for eye diseases. Product ‘Regenerating Day Cream’ a multiherbal medicine enhances skin’s tone and elasticity, helping to smooth wrinkles and fine lines. Five patents were found on the medicinal applications of Kalanchoe mainly as an antiobesity medication.

Uses of Moringa oleifera Lam.

Asthma

Take the root juice (30g) orally along with an equal amount of ginger juice- Sanjay Singh Uplana, Nagda, Madhya Pradesh

Diabetes

Take the leaf juice orally- Rahul Kumar Mahato, Gopalganj, Bihar

Joint pain

Take the bud curry to reduce the pain- Sanjay Singh Uplana, Nagda, Madhya Pradesh

Sprain

Apply the leaf poultice over the affected part- Dhanmantari Patel, Sundargadh, Orissa

Poisonous bite

Pound seeds with equal amounts of ginger, black pepper and lindi pepper and add cold water. Take the mixture orally- Ganesh Madhukar Shanbhag, Sholapur, Maharashtra

Ulcer

Make pills from the leaf paste. Take one pill for three days early in the morning after light breakfast- Sukumar Nath, North Tripura, Tripura

Backache

Take the leaf decoction orally- Marykutty Thomas, Idukki, Kerala

Dog bite

Mix the bark powder with powdered roots of kukurdanti (Achyranthes aspera L.) and roots of dhatura (Datura sp.). Prepare the tablets of this mixture and take one tablet in a day for three days- Srigam Raghu, Vishakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh

Uses described in Literature

Juice of bark is given orally along with a pinch of safetida and salt; dried fruit is eaten to combat diabetes ; powder of the plant is administered orally to cure asthma. Product ‘Sugan Nutrimix’,is a ready mix preparation where Moringa is mixed with pulses,spices and other natural ingredients to make it rich in nutrients, minerals, protein etc., and to enhance its taste. This powder can be consumed in it is natural form or can be mixed with staple food. ‘Pain Massage Oil’  is a herbal oil, which provides relief from neuromuscular pain. Twelve patents have been found on its medicinal uses such as for anticancer and antidiabetic, properties.

Uses of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis L.

Cough/cold

Two spoonful of the juice of leaves is administered orally along with honey or ginger juice- Susanta Kumar Manjhi, Birbhum, West Bengal

Paste is prepared using three leaves and black pepper and is taken orally with water- Ashok Kumar Yadav, East Champaran, Bihar

Fever

Juice of leaves is administered orally to cure fever- Susanta Kumar Manjhi, Birbhum, West Bengal

Leaves (6-7), along with ginger, are crushed to extract juice, which is given to drink thrice a day- Rani B. Bhagat, Pune, Maharashtra

Two leaves of shiuli, neem, three black pepper and four leaves of tulsi are ground in half litre of water and boiled till half a cup of residue remains. This is cooled and given orally- Arjun Singh, Bharatpur, Rajasthan

Hair fall

Seeds are crushed in water and the paste is applied on hair scalp- Rani B. Bhagat, Pune, Maharashtra

Intestinal worms

Oral intake of leaf juice kills the worms- Rani B. Bhagat, Pune, Maharashtra

Uses described in Literature

Dried fruits are taken orally to get relief from cough; decoction of dried flower is given with jaggery as an antifertility agent in females; leaf juice is applied externally on ringworm and other skin diseases. ‘Lupin’ is a medicine used for pain and inflammation associated with musculoskeletal and joint disorders. Six patents were found on its medicinal uses for treating Leishmaniasis and also for its natural property as a dye.

Uses of Ocimum sanctum L.

Cough, cold and fever

Take the decoction of leaves along with black salt- Prem Prakash Kumawat, Nagor, Rajasthan

Mouth ulcer

Mix the juice of tulsi leaves and lemon and apply on the ulcers- Rahul Bharti, Hazaribag, Jharkhand

Diabetes

Make powder from equal amount of leaves of tulsi, bel and jamun. Take a spoonful orally along with cold water- Birendra Singh Chowan, Jaipur, Rajasthan

Itching

Apply the leaf paste topically- Kundan Kumar Singh, Gopalganj, Bihar

Health tonic

Take equal amount of leaf juice of tulsi and neem along with little black pepper powder and black salt- Adesh Kumar Vansal, Delhi

Uses described in Literature

Whole plant is used to cure bronchitis; dried whole plant is used as tonic; and the plant is used to combat diabetes. ‘Diakof’, a sugar-free cough linctus, with tulsi as an ingredient, is beneficial for both productive and dry cough. ‘Tulsi churna’, a natural ayurvedic product, provides antioxidants and is used to improve digestion and general health. More than fifty patents were found on its medicinal applications such as for treating cataract and cancer.

Uses of Phyllanthus emblica L.

Eye irritation

Extract juice from ripen fruit and add equal amount of honey. Put one drop of the mixture in the eyes before going to bed at night- Indira Chandel, Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh

Diabetes

Take equal amounts of Ko belang, Terminalia chebula Retz., Terminalia bellirica Roxb. and groind into a fine powder. Take two spoonful powder orally- Pritam Chand, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh

Jaundice

Take equal amounts of Ko belang fruit, ginger, black pepper and turmeric are ground into fine powder. Take one tea-spoonful of this powder alongwith honey- Nagarmal Bagaria, Nagor, Rajasthan

Diarrhoea

Take juice of Ko belang, with an equal quantity of lemon juice orally- Bina Chaudhry, Kamrup, Assam

Stomachache

Boil the fruit, tea leaves and garlic; take decoction orally- Bartyl Suchiang, Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya

Gynaecological disorder

Take equal amounts of Ko belang, tapioca, cumin and grind into a fine powder. Take one spoon of the powder orally- Gunaram Kanikar, Golaghat, Assam

Uses described in Literature

Bark and fruits are used in diarrhoea and dysentery; fresh juice of the fruit, mixed with pure cow’s butter and honey, is administered to cure obstinate hiccough; juice relieves pain in urine trouble ; pulp (2-3g) is eaten with warm milk to get rid of headache; powder of seeds after mixing with ghee is applied on the head to stop nasal bleeding; fruits are taken orally to reduce acidity; decoction of the fruit is taken to increase blood count. Phyllanthus is one of the main ingredients of well known medicines ‘Triphala, Chavanprash and Amla hair oil’. Seventy six patents have been found on its medicinal uses such as for diabetes, liver disorders and immune deficiencies.

Uses of Plumbago zeylanica L.

Eyesight

Take two spoonful of root powder with water to improve eyesight- Ramabandhu Mahajan, Jalgaon, Maharashtra

Stomach disorder

Pound the roots and prepare tablets. Take three tablets orally with ripe banana- Rani B. Bhagat, Pune, Maharashtra

Arthritis

Boil roots of Plumbago and Rauvolfia serpentina(L.) Benth. ex Kurz in mustard oil. Massage lukewarm oil over the aching part- Sukhal Manjhi, West Champaran, Bihar

Wound

Apply the root paste topically- Boyiana Sanyasi, Vishakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh

Uses described in Literature

The paste of the whole plant is applied externally on any kind of skin diseases; extract of leaves and root is administered orally to alleviate arthritic pain; and the plant acts as a good digestive. Product ‘Muscle & Joint Rub’ is highly effective for backaches, muscular sprains and joint pains. ‘Citrakadi gutika’ is used to cure diarrhoea associated with abdominal pain and chronic colitis. Four patents have been found on its medicinal uses mainly for skin diseases and gastrointestinal disorders.

Uses of Pongamia pinnata (L.) Pierre

Hair care

Mix seed oil with pounded seeds of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis L. and apply on the head- Rani B. Bhagat, Pune, Maharashtra

Asthma

Take orally two spoonful of the decoction of the leaves of karanj, Adhatoda vasica Nees. and roots of Achyranthes aspera L., Solanum xanthocarpum Schrad. & Wendl.- Tolabai Gameti, Udaipur, Rajasthan

Wound

Mix the seed oil (100ml) with burnt leaves of Phyllanthus fraternus Webst. (250g) and apply on the wound- Davalal Gameti, Udaipur, Rajasthan

Toothache

Brush the teeth with its stem- Rahul Kumar Gupta, Hazaribag, Jharkhand

Fever

Grind the seeds (10g) and black pepper (2nos), make pellets of gram size and take orally- Devendra Kumar, Hazaribag, Jharkhand

Eczema

Apply the seed extract topically- Sitaben Gayakwad, Dang, Gujarat

Uses described in Literature

Dried flower powder is taken orally to reduce blood sugar; juice extracted from green fruits is mixed with mustard oil and applied in case of rheumatic pain; and fresh bark extract is administered orally to cure bleeding piles. ‘Erina Plus gel’ acts as a stimulant and helps in increasing the blood supply to skin. It prevents hair loss and skin disorders. ‘Face Treatment Cream’ acts as a revitalizer, moisturizer and anti-wrinkle skin cream, and also works on dark circles and puffiness around the eyes. Ten patents have been found on its medicinal applications mainly for hair care, skin diseases.

Uses of Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.)

Migraine

Stem of the plant (250g) is boiled in water along with green gram (250g) and sesame oil (250ml) till half of the decoction remains and then applied on the forehead- Stedimon Arackal Paul, Port Blair, Andaman & Nicobar Island

Asthma

Juice is extracted from the leaves and two spoonful are administered orally with honey for 40-42 days- Ramabandhu Mahajan, Jalgaon, Maharashtra

Fever

Juice extracted from stem (10g) is mixed with little water. Warmed juice is taken orally twice a day for 8-10 days- Susanta Kumar Manjhi, Birbhum, West Bengal

Jaundice

Stem (8 inch long) is soaked in a cup of water and left overnight. The next morning the same water is given orally- Susanta Kumar Manjhi, Birbhum, West Bengal

Diabetes

Juice extracted from stem is administered orally in the morning on an empty stomach- Subhjyoti Chatterjee, Burdwan, West Bengal

Fresh leaves (1-2) are taken on an empty stomach- D. K. Phukan, Guwahati, Assam

Intestinal worms

Oral intake of leaves juice kills worms- Susanta Kumar Manjhi, Birbhum, West Bengal

Piles

Whole plant (50g) is boiled, dried and ground into a fine paste. Tablets are then prepared and one tablet is administered orally to the patient thrice a day for 3-5 days- Pukhram Angouba Singh, Bishnupur, Manipur

Uses described in Literature

Powdered roots are taken to cure mouth ulcer; powdered plant is administered orally with honey to get relief from stomach disorder; the stem is bitter and is used as anthelmintic; decoction of the plant is given orally to cure diarrhoea. Tinospora is a well known medicinal plant and used to cure a number of diseases in combination with other plants with brand names ‘Geriforte, Diabecon’ etc. In today’s world of modern medicine, it is also called as magical herb due to its property of curing a lot of diseases. More than hundred patents have been found on its medicinal applications as an antiallergic and for cancer etc.

Uses of Vitex negundo L.

Oozing from ear

Few drops (3-4) of warmed juice of leaves is put in the ear- Susanta Kumar Manjhi, Birbhum, West Bengal

Ear pain

Leaves are boiled in mustard oil, oil is then filtered and used as an ear drop- Bhagat Ram, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh

Obesity

A spoonful of the juice extracted from the leaves is taken orally everyday- Arun Ghosh, Bankura, West Bengal

Diabetes

Equal amounts of leaves of vitex, neem and Catharanthus roseus (L.) Don. are ground and tablets (5g) prepared from the powder. Two tablets are administered orally in the morning on an empty stomach- Susanta Kumar Manjhi, Birbhum, West Bengal

Rheumatism

Lukewarm leaves are put on aching joints- Naganath Durga Chogule, Sholapur, Maharashtra

Muscular pain

Leaves are smeared with mustard oil, lukewarmed and applied on the affected part- Savita Kumari, Gopalganj, Bihar

Skin disease

Small pieces of plant, mixed with cow’s urine, are applied on the affected skin

Uses described in Literature

Leaf smoke is inhaled to get rid of cough; in case of diarrhoea flowers are used; extract of the plant is taken as a diuretic. ‘Muscle & joint rub’, is a highly effective medicine for backache, muscular sprain and joint pain. ‘Dental Cream’ is a formulated toothpaste that tightens and reduces swelling of gums, stops gum bleeding, prevents toothache, decay and controls bad breath. ‘Atharva Nirgundi Siddha Tail’ is useful in arthritis, joint pain, relieves oedema. Thirty-five patents were found on its medicinal applications mainly for rheumatic arthritis. Biologically synthesized green silver nano-particles from leaf extract of Vitex negundo L. induce growth-inhibitory effect on human colon cancer cell line HCT15. More than hundred patents were found on its medicinal applications as a rheumatoid arthritis and for skin careetc.

Source: National Innovation Foundation