Medicinal Uses of Some Plants Assignment

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The tulsi or holy basil is an important symbol in the Hindu religious tradition and is worshiped in the morning and

evening by Hindus at large. The holy basil is also an herbal remedy for a lot of common ailments. Here're top fifteen medicinal uses of tulsi. 1. Healing Power: The tulsi plant has many medicinal properties. The leaves are a nerve tonic and also sharpen memory. They promote the removal of the catarrhal matter and phlegm from the bronchial tube. The leaves strengthen the stomach and induce copious perspiration. The seed of the plant are mucilaginous. 2. Fever & Common Cold: The leaves of basil are specific for many fevers. During the rainy season, when malaria and dengue fever are widely prevalent, tender leaves, boiled with tea, act as preventive against these diseases. In case of acute fevers, a decoction of the leaves boiled with powdered cardamom in half a liter of water and mixed with sugar and milk brings down the temperature. The juice of tulsi leaves can be used to bring down fever. Extract of tulsi leaves in fresh water should be given every 2 to 3 hours. In between one can keep giving sips of cold water. In children, it is every effective in bringing down the temperature. 3. Coughs: Tulsi is an important constituent of many Ayurvedic cough syrups and expectorants. It helps to mobilize mucus in bronchitis and asthma. Chewing tulsi leaves relieves cold and flu. 4. Sore Throat: Water boiled with basil leaves can be taken as drink in case of sore throat. This water can also be used as a gargle. 5. Respiratory Disorder: The herb is useful in the treatment of respiratory system disorder. A decoction of the leaves, with honey and ginger is an effective remedy for bronchitis, asthma, influenza, cough and cold. A decoction of the leaves, cloves and common salt also gives immediate relief in case of influenza. They should be boiled in half a liter of water till only half the water is left and add then taken. 6. Kidney Stone: Basil has strengthening effect on the kidney. In case of renal stone the juice of basil leaves and honey, if taken regularly for 6 months it will expel them via the urinary tract. 7. Heart Disorder: Basil has a beneficial effect in cardiac disease and the weakness resulting from them. It reduces the level of blood cholesterol. 8. Children's Ailments: Common pediatric problems like cough cold, fever, diarrhea and vomiting respond favorably to the juice of basil leaves. If pustules of chicken pox delay their appearance, basil leaves taken with saffron will hasten them. 9. Stress: Basil leaves are regarded as an 'adaptogen' or anti-stress agent. Recent studies have shown that the leaves afford significant protection against stress. Even healthy persons can chew 12 leaves of basil, twice a day, to prevent stress. It purifies blood and helps prevent several common elements.

10. Mouth Infections: The leaves are quite effective for the ulcer and infections in the mouth. A few leaves chewed will cure these conditions. 11. Insect Bites: The herb is a prophylactic or preventive and curative for insect stings or bites. A teaspoonful of the juice of the leaves is taken and is repeated after a few hours. Fresh juice must also be applied to the affected parts. A paste of fresh roots is also effective in case of bites of insects and leeches. 12. Skin Disorders: Applied locally, basil juice is beneficial in the treatment of ringworm and other skin diseases. It has also been tried successfully by some naturopaths in the treatment of leucoderma. 13. Teeth Disorder: The herb is useful in teeth disorders. Its leaves, dried in the sun and powdered, can be used for brushing teeth. It can also be mixed with mustered oil to make a paste and used as toothpaste. This is very good for maintaining dental health, counteracting bad breath and for massaging the gums. It is also useful in pyorrhea and other teeth disorders. 14. Headaches: Basil makes a good medicine for headache. A decoction of the leaves can be given for this disorder. Pounded leaves mixed with sandalwood paste can also be applied on the forehead for getting relief from heat, headache, and for providing coolness in general. 15. Eye Disorders: Basil juice is an effective remedy for sore eyes and night-blindness, which is generally caused by deficiency of vitamin A. Two drops of black basil juice are put into the eyes daily at bedtime.

Hibiscus is in a genus of flowering plants in the mallow family, Malvaceae. It is quite large, containing several hundred species that are native to warm-temperate, subtropical and tropical regions throughout the world. Member species are often noted for their showy flowers and are commonly known as hibiscus, sorrel, and flor de Jamaica, or less widely known as rose mallow. The genus includes both annual and perennial herbaceous plants, as well as woody shrubs and small trees. The generic name is derived from the Greek word which was the name Pedanius Dioscorides (ca. 40-90) gave to Althaea officinalis. The tea made from hibiscus flowers is known by many names in many countries around the world and is served both hot and cold. The beverage is well known for its color, tanginess and flavor. The tea is popular as a natural diuretic; it contains vitamin C and minerals, and is used traditionally as a mild medicine. Dried hibiscus is edible, and is often a delicacy in Mexico. It can also be candied and used as a garnish. One species of Hibiscus, known as kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus), is extensively used in paper-making.

JASMINUM AURICULATUM This is a type af jasmine and its name jasmium auraculatum.

Jasmines can be either deciduous (leaves falling in autumn) or evergreen (green all year round), and can be erect, spreading, or climbing shrubs and vines. Their leaves are borne opposite or alternate. They can be simple, trifoliate, or pinnate. The flowers are typically around 2.5 cm (0.98 in) in diameter. They are white or yellow in color, although in rare instances they can be slightly reddish. The flowers are borne in cymose clusters with a minimum of three flowers, though they can also be solitary on the ends of branchlets. Each flower has about four to nine petals, two locules, and one to four ovules. They have two stamens with very short filaments. The bracts are linear or ovate. The calyx is bell-shaped. They are usually very fragrant. The fruits of jasmines are berries that turn black when ripe. Jasmines are native [8] to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, Africa, and Australasia. Of the 200 species, only one is [9] native to Europe. Their center of diversityis in South Asia and Southeast Asia.

MEXICAN OLEANDER
Mexican oleander is a large shrub or a small tree, up to 10 to 20 feet tall with Oleander-like leaves mostly in whorls of three, long and narrow up to 10 inches long. Tip of leafs are pointed with a dark green color. Flowers are generally yellow, but there are varieties with white and orange flowers too. Fruit is small, containing two to four flat seeds. If ingested may experience pain in the mouth and lips, may also develop vomiting, cramping, abdominal pain, nausea and bradycardia shortly after ingestion. Mexican oleander is native to tropical America. The Mexican Oleander/Thevetia peruviana is another common plant

that you find growing in our gardens and on roadsides. Its a small tree with long, dark green leaves. The ones with yellow flowers are most common but there are ones with white and peachcoloured blooms also. the fact that its easy to grow makes it one of the most popular plants in

tropical countries. ANANT


The white fragrant flower Anant has flowered to its ultimate beauty. the flowers have a distinct heavenly fragrance which can be sensed ever from far away. as the evening breeze brushes against the Anant plant the flowers spread the fragrance far away. The Anant plant was a common fragrant plant a few years back but now it has become extinct and rare. The Anant plant looks almost similar to the custard apple plant and the leaves are similar in shape and size. the plant has to be trimmed regularly if you need to maintain the Anant plant in shape of a bush. the Anant will grow into a full fledged tree and you will know if an Anant is growing in your vicinity due to their heavenly fragrance which travels for quite a distance especially during warm summer days and cool evenings. The flower like the Rajni Gandha and the Mogra will be at its best from evenings and night and their fragrance is at its peak in the evening.

Calendula officinalis
Calendula officinalis (pot marigold) is a plant in the genus Calendula of the family Asteraceae. It is a short-lived aromatic, growing to 80 cm (31 in) tall, with sparsely branched lax or erect stems. The

leaves 517 cm long, hairy on both sides, and with margins entire or occasionally waved or weakly toothed. Calendula officinalis is widely cultivated and can be grown easily in sunny locations in most kinds of soils. Although perennial, it is commonly treated as an annual, particularly in colder regions where its winter survival is poor, or in hot summer locations where it also does not survive. Pot marigold florets are considered edible. They are often used to add color to salads, or added to dishes as a garnish and in lieu of saffron. The leaves are edible but are often not palatable. They have a history of use as a potherb and in salads. These Flowers were used in ancient Greek, Roman, Middle [2] Eastern and Indian cultures as a medicinal herb as well as a dye for fabrics, foods and cosmetics. Many of these uses persist today. they are also used to make oil that protects the skin. NEEM
Neem tree is generally considered to be an air purifier and preventive against malarial fever, acne , pimples and cholera. All parts of the tree possess medicinal properties. The leaves are useful in relieving flatulence, promoting the removal of catarrhal matter and phlegm from the bronchial tubes, and in increasing secretion and discharge of urine. They also acts act as an insecticide. The bark is a bitter tonic and a stimulant. It arrests secretion and bleeding besides counter acting any spasmodic disorders. Some of its medicinal uses are: Skin Disorder: The leaves applied externally are very useful in skin diseases. They are especially beneficial in the treatment of acne , pimples, boils, chronic ulcers, eruptions of small pox, swelling and wounds. An ointment prepared from Neem leaves is very effective in healing ulcers, diabetes, bed sore and wounds. Malaria: An infusion or a decoction of the fresh leaves is a bitter vegetable tonic and alternative, especially in chronic malarial fevers because of its action on the liver. It should be taken in doses of 15 to 60 grams. Piles: Three grams of the inner bark of Neem with 6 grams of jaggery every morning is a very effective in piles. To check bleeding piles,3 or 4 Neem fruits can be administered with water. Hair Disorder: If there is any hair loss or it has ceased to grow, washing with the decoction of Neem leaves may help. This will not only stop hair falling but also help their growth. Frequent application of Neem oil also destroys insects in the hair. Oral Disorder: Cleaning the teeth regularly with a Neem twig prevents gum diseases. It firms up loose teeth, relieves toothache, evacuates the bad odour and protects the mouth from various infections. A Neem twig is considered a very effective toothbrush, for while its fibers clean, its juice works both as a mouth freshener, a germ-killing dentifrice & neem twigs also helps to increase the salivary secreation. Other Uses: .Neem leaves eaten every morning on empty stomach has also shown to be beneficial in combating Diabetes.there are many more uses of meem WILD ONION

Wild onions are members of the onion family, but are not cultivated and grow wild. They can be found around the world and are also known as "wild leeks." Wild onions have a distinct onion smell, have tall, fleshy leaves, and a shallow rooted bulb. They are most commonly used in foods and as home remedies. Food The leaves, bulb and flowers of wild onions can all be consumed. Wild onions are often used in many of the same food dishes that use cultivated onions. Wild onions can be grilled, chopped, roasted, used in sauces and used as garnish. The flavor and aroma of wild onions is very strong, so a little goes a long way. The Cooks website provides many recipes that use wild onions specifically.
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Insect Repellent Some species of wild onions have been known to be good insect repellents. According to American Beauties Native Plants, the juice of Allium cernuum can be applied to the skin in order to repel biting insects. Cold Remedy According to wildflowers.jdcc.edu, wild onions can be crushed and used as a home remedy for cold, cough, and asthma treatment. Native American's have been known to eat the wild onion species Allium tricoccum to cure colds. Garden Foliage Wild onions are perennial plants. They are often grown in gardens to provide green foliage that is easy to maintain. CORIANDER Coriander (Coriandrum sativum), also known as cilantro, Chinese parsley or dhania, is an annual herb in the family ApiaceaeThe leaves are variable in shape, broadly lobed at the base of the plant, and slender and feathery higher on the flowering stems. The flowers are borne in small umbels, white or very pale pink and asymmetrical. All parts of the plant are edible, but the fresh leaves and the dried seeds are the parts most commonly used in cookingCoriander roots have a deeper, more intense flavour than the leaves. They are used in a variety of Asian cuisines. They are commonly used in Thai dishes, including soups and curry pastes. Coriander, like many spices, contains antioxidants, which can delay or prevent the spoilage of food seasoned with this spice. A study found both the leaves and seed to contain antioxidants, but the leaves were found to have a stronger effect. Chemicals derived from coriander leaves were found to have antibacterial activity against Salmonella choleraesuis.Coriander can produce an allergic reaction in some people. Coriander has been used as a folk medicine for the relief of anxiety and insomnia in Iran. ROSE A rose is a woody perennial of the genus Rosa, within the family Rosaceae. There are over 100 species. They form a group of plants that can be erect shrubs, climbing or trailing with stems that are often armed with sharp prickles. Flowers vary in size and shape and are usually large and showy, in colours ranging from white through yellows and reds. Most people might not know this, but roses are edible and as with many edible flowers, they actually are quite tasty! Some claim they taste like a sweet apple fruit and others fail to be able to describe the taste of a rose. There are many recipes for the use of roses online, but a favorite is always candied rose petals, which are a great confection to decorate cookies, cakes and puddings, as well as rose jam for fantastic petit fours. You can also freeze roses in ice cubes, float them in punches and sprinkle them on your favorite flan. Remember, if you are going to use roses for any type of food, it is imperative you use organic roses that are 100% pesticide free. Vinca minor is a trailing, viny subshrub, spreading along the ground and rooting along the stems to form large clonal colonies and occasionally scrambling up to 40 cm high but never twining or climbing. The leaves are evergreen, glossy dark green with a leathery texture and an entire margin. The flowers are solitary in the leaf axils and are produced mainly from early spring to mid summer but with a few flowers still produced into the autumn; they are violet-purple or sometimes pink. The color name periwinkle is derived from the flower. Ethnomedically, the dried leaves, aerial parts, and in some cases the entire plant of Vinca, are used to enhance blood circulation, including that of the brain, enhance metabolism in the brain, and to treat cardiovascular disorders. Vinca minor contains more than [5] 50 alkaloids, and vincamine is the molecule responsible for Vinca's nootropic activity. Once established, it is difficult to eradicate Vinca minor, as its waxy leaves shed most water-based herbicide sprays. Removal involves cutting, followed by immediate application of concentrated glyphosphate or
[1]

triclopyr to the cut stems. Repeated chemical treatments may be necessary, along with digging up the roots where feasible

Crossandra infundibuliformis
It is an erect, evergreen sub shrub growing to 1 m (3 ft 3 in) with glossy, wavy-margined leaves and fan[1] shaped flowers, which may appear at any time throughout the year. The flowers are unusually shaped with 3 to 5 asymmetrical petals. They grow from four-sided stalked spikes, and have a tube-like stalk. Flower colours range from the common orange to salmon-orange or apricot, coral to red, yellow and even turquoise. The common name "firecracker flower" refers to the seed pods, which are found after the flower has dried up, and tend to "explode" when near high humidity or rainfall. The "explosion" releases the seeds onto the ground, thereby creating new seedlings.

Cultivation and uses


This plant requires a minimum temperature of 50 F (10 C), and in temperate regions is cultivated as a houseplant. It is usually grown in containers but can be attractive in beds as well. The flowers have no perfume but stay fresh for several days on the bush. A well-tended specimen will bloom continuously for years. It is propagated by seeds or cuttings. This plant has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.
[2]

The tiny flowers are often strung together into strands, sometimes along with white jasmine flowers and therefore in great demand for making garlands which are offered to temple deities or used to adorn womens hair.

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