ALOE VERA (Kumari)
The Wonder Plant
Aloe vera is a plant that grows
wild in most parts of India especially in drier localities and is also
widely cultivated in many parts.
It is a succulent herb with long,
narrow, fleshy leaves with thorns on the margin. Its leaves are pale
green with irregularly placed small pale white patches. The leaves
contain a gel like pulp which is known to have medicinal properties.
Aloe finds a wide application in cosmetics and innumerable drugs. It
is beneficial for skin, hair, wounds, etc.
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For wounds, burns, sun burns : Take pulp/gel by splitting open the leaf (10 ml) and mix with turmeric powder (5 g). Apply externally |
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The split leaf itself can be placed on the wound and applied as a bandage. |
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| l | To improve complexion : Apply the mixture of the fleshy part (gel/pulp) of the leaves and turmeric powder on face (5 g) |
| l | For cold and cough : Fry 2 tsp of leaf pulp in ½ tsp of ghee. Eat with sugar thrice for 3 days. |
| l | To reduce plaque in the mouth : Brush gum with gel. |
HIBISCUS (Gurhal/Shoe flower)
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis or Chinese Shoe flower is a large shrub with dark green glossy leaves and is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant in gardens. There are many varieties of Hibiscus but only the plant with 5 petaled red flowers is known to have medicinal properties.
The flower
treats fever, strengthens hair etc while leaves can be used as a
natural shampoo. The flowers have been also used in treating heart
problems, ulcers etc extensively
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For hair fall : Crush leaves of the plant (120 g) and apply as a shampoo while taking bath. |
| Also, heat 10 flowers in 2 teacups coconut oil till charred. Filter and use as hair oil. | |
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For fever : Put 1 flower in ½ glass of cool water and leave it overnight. Filter and drink the water next morning. |
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For heart problems: Boil 2 petals of the flower in 1 teacup water and strain. Mix in a teaspoonful honey and take once a day for a few days. |
Curry Leaf
Murraya koenigii or curry leaf shrub is a large aromatic ornamental shrub which is found growing abundantly in many parts of India. It is the most sought after aromatic herb in South India and is used for flavouring cuisine.
The
leaves, in general, strengthen the body, enhance appetite, improve
digestion and eliminate body heat and fever. They impart brightness to
the eyes and guarantee blackness of hair.
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For diarrhea and dysentery : Mix juice of 15-20 tender leaves with tsp honey and drink. |
| l | For digestive disorders : Take fresh juice of curry leaves with lime juice and sugar |
| l | For premature graying of hair : Boil a handful of curry leaves in 1 tbsp coconut oil till charred. When cool, use as hair tonic |
| l | For insect bites : Mix the fruit pulp with an equal quantity of lime juice and apply on affected parts |
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For local burns : Apply curry leaves as poultice (mash the leaves into a pulpy mass and warm it. Put the pulp in a wet, hot cloth and wrap over affected areas) |