Dear nature lovers,

Greetings from oikos !

Medicinal Plants is an integral and important part of rural and tribal people. They have tremendous knowledge about using this plant diversity.

Interestingly, many of these plants are eaten as a part of daily diet, which keeps away most of the minor diseases. For example, a dish prepared by using Chichardi (Solanum indicum), is a very good in treating acidity (pitta). A drink prepared from Kokam (Garcinia indica) is very good coolant during summer. There are many leafy vegetables like Kurdu (Celosia argentea), Chil (Alternanthera spp), Bharangi (Clerodendrum serratum) that are very good for minor stomach problems or indigestion. So, most of the obvious illnesses are avoided in this diet.

Also, there are many plants and remedies which are used to cure aggravated forms of illnesses. For example, bark of Kuda (Holarrhena pubescens) is used to treat dysentery. The famous ayurvedic medicine Triphala is prepared from Amala, Hirda and Behda. Wawding (Embelia basaal) is an excellent wormicide, given to the infants along with milk. In case of rheumatism, leaves of Nirgudi (Vitex negundo) or Rui (Calotropis gigantea) are made warm and tied on joints. Leaves of Gunj (Abrus precatorius) are eaten in cough and it also relieves dehydration. Kadha (Quath / decoction) of yellow mature leaves of Adulasa is used to treat chronic cough and cold. The gum of Dikemali (Gardenia resinifera) being antispasmodic, expectorant, carminative and stimulant, used in preparations of various medicines.

A great diversity of plants and various plant parts like gum, fruit, seeds, leaves, roots, bark is used as medicine since many generations. It is said that almost 99 % native plants have some kind of medicinal use. But due to modernization, use of these plants is getting replaced by modern medicines. But the inherent quality of these plants to cure and avoid illness can’t be ignored.

Regards,

Ketaki & Manasi

With Team oikos !