All trees and plants have the power to sustain life because of the valuable oxygen they produce. While some plants and trees can be poisonous, or even dangerous, such as Toxicodendron radicans (poison ivy) or Toxicodendron diversilobum (poison oak), there many other species that provide proven medicinal benefits! Vegetation that has the power to heal is an extraordinary gift that we are lucky to have in our world. Continue reading to learn 6 of the most common and popular plant life and trees that retain healing powers and medicinal values.
Medicinal Trees
There are two distinguished tree species that provide medicinal benefits for humans. Although both very different from one another, they share the ability to heal certain ailments and wounds.
Indian Lilac – Also called “Neem tree”, “Nimba”, and “Nimtree”, the Indian Lilac (native to India) has much to offer in terms of holistic healing. It can help treat common ailments, like fevers, chickenpox, and headaches. It is known to be helpful with certain skin diseases too. Many Wildlife National Parks house plantations of Indian Lilac trees.
Eucalyptus – When you hear the word, “Eucalyptus” you might think of Koalas. But the Eucalyptus tree is much more than Koala food. Also known as “Nilgiri Taila”, this tree has the ability to over 300 feet tall. Not the tree, but the leaves themselves are the source of their healing power. They are helpful with purifying blood and dropping blood sugar, but
also for asthma, bronchitis, and fungal infections.
Medicinal Plants
There are 4 noteworthy species of medicinal plants found all over the world and in many parts of India. They provide a wide range of healing benefits, all in their own unique way. You may have already heard of some!
Aloe Vera – This gel or lotion can be bought at any local drug or convenient store. The Aloe Vera plant helps to heal and soothe various skin irritations, diseases, and burns. A common use for Aloe Vera gel is treating sunburns. The cooling affect soothes the skin, while the medicinal attributes treat the burn.
Alma – The Alma plant, also known as “Indian Gooseberry”, is unique in that it contains a large quantity of Vitamin C. It can help heal common ailments like hair loss and skin diseases, but has also been used to help treat serious conditions like hemorrhaging.
Tulsi – Also known as “holy basil”, this plant is considered sacred in the Hindu religion. The Goddess Tulsi was a devoted worshiper of the god Vishnu, so when worshiping Vishnu, Hindus offer its leaves as a part of their ritual. Aside from legend, the Tulsi plant offers healing values for common ailments like colds, coughs, fevers, and even indigestion and insomnia.
Turmeric – You may know Turmeric as a tasty, deep yellow-colored spice, but this plant has more to offer than culinary benefits. Also referred to as “Haldi”, it is often used to make holistic medicines for treating infections, colds, skin diseases, and inflammations.