10 Medicinal Plants in India You Must Have in Your Garden as Remedies to Treat Various Diseases

We are living in a time where diseases have become a lot more common, and it doesn't surprise people when you discuss dealing with them. It feels like it has become a new normal to have been suffering from 2 or 3 diseases, and in the last few decades, the list of these diseases has also increased. The queues waiting outside the doctor’s clinic or the number of patients increasing at hospitals have become certain. 

Have you ever realised what our ancestors or even grandparents did in their times to treat diseases or prevent themselves from being affected? ​It is true that in those times, there were half the number of diseases in existence, but it doesn’t negate the fact that some of them were fatal, and still, many of our grandparents lived long and healthy lives. This was because they had access to some of the most powerful medicinal plants that have the power to treat different diseases without any possible side effects. 

Though medical science has made some advanced improvements and we now have a possible cure for the majority of diseases, it is wise to stick to old ways for some common and easily preventable diseases through medicinal plants.

​10 medicinal plants in India

​While the list of medicinal plants that are effective for certain minor diseases is long, we are sharing a list of 10 medicinal plants in India that you must grow in your home garden.​

Holy Basil (Tulsi)

​Holy Basil, also known as Tulsi in India, is also named the “Queen of Herbs” for possessing medicinal properties in high quantities that can treat a lot of diseases. Since ancient times, it has been used for diverse purposes, with medical reasons being the most prominent one. There are three types of tulsi variants, which are Rama Tulsi, Vana Tulsi, and Krishna Tulsi, and in Indian mythology, it has a great significance and is an auspicious plant.

​Tulsi is loaded with antiseptic, antibacterial, and healing properties that make it a powerful plant to cure diseases like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, headache, cough, asthma, cramps, indigestion, and arthritis. The leaves, when consumed regularly, can treat insect bites and offer protection from cold and cough while strengthening your immune system. The list of diseases it cures is long, including skin infections, gastrointestinal issues, respiratory issues, insomnia, ulcers, and others. The best way to consume it is to put its leaves in tea.

​Aloe Vera Plant

​The aloe vera plant is probably the oldest known herb to mankind, and it was named “Plant of Immortality” by the Egyptians because they believed that it could heal anything. Even in today’s time, when the world has gotten too advanced and scientifically supported, you will find it in almost every home garden because of its medicinal properties. It is known to boost digestive health, heal burns and cuts, insect bites, skin irritation, intestinal issues, and constipation.

​Other than curing several diseases, aloe vera is also known to offer nourishment to hair and skin when the gel is applied directly. When consumed, it can do wonders for diabetic patients as it helps in reducing blood sugar levels. Its efficiency in treating cuts and burns goes to such an extent that people even consider aloe vera as a natural first-aid kit. It is even regarded as a youthful medicinal plant, and when consumed regularly, both internally and externally, it can reverse the aging effect. The best way to consume it internally is by drinking its juice.

​Ashwagandha

​Belonging to the species of asparagus, Ashwagandha is mainly found in the Himalayan and Indian plains, and it is one of the reasons why Indians consider it a miracle medicinal herb. Known as Indian Ginseng, Ashwagandha is a genus of the nightshade family and is often associated with boosting immunity, and it is even a principal ingredient for many such immunity-boosting tablets.

​Its consumption can resolve prevailing cold issues and strengthen the heart and lungs. However, its main usage is to encourage fertility in men. Along with boosting muscular strength, Ashwagandha helps in reducing mental stress and resolving anxiety levels. When consumed regularly, it can also help diabetic patients manage their blood sugar. Other diseases that it is believed to cure are anti-epileptic, analgesic, galactagogue, and help with reducing cholesterol, eye wellness, anxiety, and cognitive impairment caused by the death of brain cells.

​Mint

Famous as a summer plant for its cooling properties, mint in India is used widely in forms of chutney or a cooling drink. Mint is also known as Mentha, which is a genus of the mint family called Lamiaceae and has a lot of health benefits that make it popular as a medicinal plant, especially in Indian regions. It can cure irritable bowel, help in appropriate digestion, cure the common cold, and enhance brain function.

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Since it has strong aromatic leaves and scent, it falls in the category of a perennial herb, which is efficient in solving bad breath. As it contains natural menthol, it is used in several ayurvedic medicines, drinks, and mouth fresheners. Mint is also a great source of minerals and nutrients like vitamin A, folate, iron, and manganese. If you want to consume it naturally, then you can have it in lemonade or buttermilk.

Coriander

​Coriander might be famous as a herb used mainly as a garnish, but it possesses a lot of good qualities to be consumed as a medicinal plant. It belongs to the genus of the Apiaceae family and is rich in a variety of minerals and nutrients, including potassium, calcium, thiamin, protein, niacin, phosphorus, vitamin C, Vitamin K, and a lot more. If consumed regularly, coriander can help keep blood sugar in check by stimulating the production of insulin in the body.

​As coriander is rich in calcium, it can help repair the bones and help the body solve the gut related issues. Other health benefits associated with coriander are reducing cholesterol levels in the body, treating Alzheimer's disease, and boosting the health of the liver to function better and promote good bowel movement. If someone is dealing with an ulcer can have coriander to treat it, and it reduces the inflammation that tags along with it and other diseases and disorders.​

Turmeric

​Better known as haldi in India, turmeric is a wonder plant because it has a lot of benefits, more than people can count, and has been in use as a medicinal plant from ancient times. It is used more like a spice and belongs to the ginger family Zingiberaceae, known to have bioactive ingredients. Its main function is to act as an antibacterial agent that helps with treating a lot of diseases and disorders. Turmeric contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits, and the roots are helpful in treating arthritis, epilepsy, and asthma.

​Apart from its anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric is often included in every herbal plant's list and helps reduce the chances of brain disorders that may develop in later years of life. It improves heart conditions, stabilizes the hormone levels, improves the immune system, and even does wonders for hair and skin when applied externally. Another great benefit of consuming turmeric on a daily basis is that it doesn’t cause any allergy or is known to have a risk to health effects.

​Lemongrass

​Lemongrass is one of the most commonly used herbs in the Indian household because of its aromatic quality. Used mainly as an enhancer in the tea, Lemongrass has a lot of health benefits and is used widely in the ayurveda for its therapeutic properties and has an Ayurvedic name, Bhusalrina. Lemongrass has been associated for a long time for the treatment of diseases like sore throat, headaches, laryngitis, and abdominal pain. As it also possesses antipyretic properties, it helps in treating fever.

​When consumed as tea, the body absorbs it better and helps in detoxing by flushing out the toxins and boosting healthy kidney function. It is one of the very few herbs that is known to contain anticancer qualities, and if someone is going through chemotherapy sessions, consuming lemongrass will help big time. Other benefits that lemongrass offers are regulating blood pressure, promoting heart health, and managing blood sugar levels. It is also extracted and made in essential oil and helps in treating muscle pain and skin infections.​

Ginger

​No Indian household will ever be complete without the presence and use of ginger, and it has been in use for thousands of years already. It belongs to the Ziniberaceae family and is a blooming plant, whose rhizome is used as a spice and herb not only in India but also in China and Indonesia because of its cultivation in these regions. It may be famous for being an important spice to be used in tea, but it has been strongly used in Ayurveda and Chinese medicine.

​It is rich in bioactive compounds and contains gingerol, which makes the ginger anti-inflammatory and antioxidant in nature. It helps in treating a lot of diseases and disorders, including nausea, indigestion, bloating, cold, and cough. It is highly effective for pregnant women who face morning sickness and lowers the risk of blood clotting. When consumed early, it can lower the symptoms of flu before it develops. Certain studies even claim that with regular use, a person is at a lower risk of cancer.​

Mustard

​Mustard belongs to the family Brassicaceae and is commonly cultivated in countries like India, Nepal, and Canada. It comes in tiny seeds and leaf forms and is packed with nutrients, minerals, and vitamins that cure a lot of diseases. It has also been long used in Ayurveda and traditional medicines and is commonly found in households as a spice for cooking. It contains a component called selenium that makes the mustard seeds anti-inflammatory.

​Mustard is a good source of magnesium, and its consumption decreases the risk of low blood pressure, symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, and asthma attacks. It also contains antioxidant properties and fatty acids that boost the overall health of a person regularly consuming it. It has also been observed that it can help boost appetite and the release of digestive juices. It is also used as a massage oil to improve blood circulation precisely in India.

​Brahmi

​Brahmi is a perennial herb that has thick and succulent leaves commonly found in the wetlands and muddy shores. It is mainly grown in the regions of India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka with different coloured flowers like purple, blue, and white that bloom from May to October. Belonging to the family of Plantaginaceae, Brahmi holds a strong place in Ayurveda and has been used as a traditional medicine for years.

​It is prominently known as the brain tonic because of the presence of the compound, bacosides, which help with cognitive function and boost mental health. When consumed regularly, it reduces mental stress and fatigue, enhancing concentration and memory power. Brahmi also contains antioxidant properties and helps with epilepsy, purifies the blood, helps with digestion, tumors, ulcers, and leprosy. If someone is dealing with insomnia, Brahmi can help with supporting sleep and stress management.

​Final Words

​In the times of modern science and allopathy reaching its peak, the use of medicinal plants may not sound convincing, but it has a lot of perks. All 10 medicinal plants in India discussed here are widely mentioned in use in Ayurveda and traditional medicine practice. While none of them guarantee to cure any severe diseases like cancer, they can eliminate the chances of developing such life-threatening diseases and boost overall health. When you want to reduce the toxins in your body and adapt to a better way of life, consuming a few of these medicinal plants can help you have a healthier and longer life.

FAQs

What are the 10 medicinal plants?

The 10 medicinal plants are tulsi, aloe vera, ashwagandha, mint, coriander, turmeric, lemongrass, mustard, ginger, and brahmi.  

What are the 20 medicinal plants?

The 20 medicinal plants are tulsi, coriander, ashwagandha, aloe vera, mint, lemongrass, mustard, turmeric,  ginger, brahmi, pepper, thyme, lavender, chamomile, rosemary, ajwain, fenugreek, stevia, insulin, and bay leaf.

What are the top 5 medicinal plants?

The top 5 medicinal plants are tulsi, aloe vera, turmeric, ginger, and ashwagandha.

What are the 15 medicinal plants?

The 15 medicinal plants are tulsi, coriander, ashwagandha, mint, mustard, turmeric,  ginger, brahmi, pepper, chamomile, rosemary, ajwain, fenugreek, stevia, and bay leaf.

What are the 10 approved medicinal plants?

The 10 approved medicinal plants are tulsi, ashwagandha, aloe vera, mint, lemongrass, turmeric,  ginger, brahmi, pepper, and chamomile.

What are medicinal plants?

The medicinal plants refer to those plants that have been used in treating certain diseases and disorders and have been an important part of the Ayurveda or traditional medicine practice.

What are the 10 medicinal trees?

The best 10 medicinal trees are Asoka, Arjun, Mango, Amla, Moringa, Bael, Jamun, Peepal, Neem, and Banyan.

What are the top 20 herbs for health?

The top 20 herbs that you must consume for better health are tulsi, ashwagandha, aloe vera, mint, lemongrass, mustard, turmeric,  ginger, brahmi, pepper, thyme, lavender, chamomile, rosemary, ajwain, fenugreek, dandelion, lemon balm, calendula, and bay leaf.