Native plants have several benefits. They have a higher chance of thriving due to naturally favourable conditions. Many easy-to-grow native Indian plants are full of medicinal value. Known for their healing properties in Ayurveda, these plants have been effectively used to treat a wide variety of ailments for ages.
See also: Top 10 poisonous plants you should be wary of
11 native Indian plants with medicinal benefits
Amla
Botanical name: Phyllanthus emblica
Family: Phyllanthaceae
Native: Indian subcontinent
Medicinal properties
- Exceptionally high vitamin C content
- Supports immune function, skin health and overall vitality
- Combats oxidative stress, reducing cell damage caused by free radicals
- Aids digestion by promoting healthy bowel movements, reducing acidity and supporting liver function
- Manages inflammation-related conditions
- Regulates cholesterol levels, supports heart health and promotes healthy circulation
- Manages blood sugar levels and reduces diabetes-related complications
- Used in hair oils and skin care products to promote hair growth, strengthen hair and improve skin texture
- Promotes eye health by protecting against age-related macular degeneration and reducing the risk of cataracts
- Manages respiratory conditions like coughs, bronchitis and asthma
- Contributes to healthy ageing by protecting cells and tissues from premature ageing
- Contains calcium and minerals important for bone health
- Prevents osteoporosis
- Slows down premature greying of hair
- Supports natural hair pigmentation
Ashwagandha
Botanical Name: Withania somnifera
Family: Solanaceae
Native: Indian subcontinent
Medicinal properties
- An adaptogenic herb that helps the body cope with stress and maintain balance
- Has a calming effect on the nervous system
- Promotes relaxation
- Manages stress and anxiety
- Increases energy, stamina and vitality
- Immune-modulating properties enhance the body’s natural defence mechanisms
- Reduces inflammation-related conditions
- Supports cognitive function, memory and focus
- An aphrodisiac
- Positively influences hormone balance
- Used by athletes to enhance muscle strength, endurance and recovery
- Supports bone health due to its calcium and mineral content
- Regulates blood sugar levels
- Certain compounds have anti-cancer properties
Bel
Botanical name: Aegle marmelos
Family: Rutaceae
Native: Indian subcontinent
Medicinal properties
- Renowned for its digestive properties, aids in relieving indigestion, constipation and diarrhoea
- Reduces inflammation-related symptoms
- Combats oxidative stress and avoids cell damage
- Immune-modulating properties enhance the body’s natural defence mechanisms
- Manages respiratory conditions like cough and bronchitis
- Eliminate intestinal worms
- Reduces cholesterol levels
- Manages diabetes and regulates blood sugar levels
- Improves skin health and manages skin disorders
- Reduces fever and fever-related symptoms
- Supports female reproductive health and addresses menstrual disorders
Brahmi
Botanical Name: Bacopa monnieri
Family: Plantaginaceae
Native: Wetlands of India
Medicinal properties
- Enhances cognitive functions, including memory, learning and concentration
- Manages stress and promotes overall balance
- Supports the nervous system, aiding in reducing nervous tension
- Alleviates anxiety, depression and mood disorders
- Has certain neuroprotective properties that help shield the brain from damage
- Reduces inflammation-related conditions
- Combats oxidative stress
- Protects celldamage from free radicals
- Lowers blood pressure and cholesterol levels
- Manages respiratory conditions like asthma and bronchitis
- Supports digestion and addresses indigestion and constipation
- Promotes healthy hair growth and improves skin texture and complexion
- Manages epilepsy and seizure disorders
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Curry Tree
Botanical name: Murraya koenigii
Family: Rutaceae
Native: Indian subcontinent
Medicinal properties
- Known for its digestive properties
- Regulates blood sugar levels and supports diabetes management
- Combats oxidative stress and avoids cell damage
- Reduces inflammation-related conditions
- Used in hair oils and treatments to promote hair growth, reduce hair loss and improve hair health
- Regulates cholesterol levels
- Aids in weight management by supporting metabolism
- Combats bacterial and fungal infections
- Addresses gastrointestinal issues like diarrhoea and stomach upset
- Benefits eye health and
- reduces the risk of cataracts
- Supports liver function and aids in detoxification
- Improves skin health and manages skin disorders
Henna
Botanical name: Lawsonia inermis
Family: Lythraceae
Native: North Africa, West Asia and South Asia
Medicinal properties
- Known for its cooling properties; often applied topically to soothe skin irritations and burns
- Protectsagainst skin infections and conditions like eczema, psoriasis and rashes
- Reduces inflammation and pain
- Tightens and tones the skin
- Useful against oily skin and minor cuts
- Widely used as a natural hair dye and conditioner, promoting hair health, shine and dandruff management
- Strengthens and improves nail health
- Regulates body temperature in hot climates
- Has mild sedative effects to calm the nervous system
- Manages menstrual disorders
Neem
Botanical name: Azadirachta indica
Family: Meliaceae
Native: Indian subcontinent
Medicinal properties
- Effective against a wide range of bacteria and infections
- Treats fungal skin infections like ringworm and athlete’s foot
- Manages certain viral infections
- Protects cells from oxidative stress and damage caused by free radicals
- Reduces inflammation and alleviates associated symptoms
- Treats acne, eczema, psoriasis and other skin conditions
- Useful for oral hygiene, addressing issues like gum disease and bad breath
- Boosts the immune system
- Regulates blood sugar levels
- Supports digestive health by promoting healthy bowel movements and addressing gastrointestinal issues
- Prevents and helps manage malaria
- Known for its contraceptive properties
Palash
Botanical name: Butea monosperma
Family: Fabaceae
Native: Indian subcontinent
Medicinal properties
- Reduces inflammation and alleviates related symptoms
- Combats oxidative stress and avoids celldamage
- Treatsdiarrhoea and other gastrointestinal issues
- Manages various infections
- Increases urine output and supports kidney function
- Promotes wound healing
- Manages skin conditions
- Reduces fever and related symptoms
- Manages menstrual disorders
- Addresses respiratory issues, including coughs, bronchitis and asthma
- Supports bone health and addresses conditions like osteoporosis
- Manages digestive disorders, including indigestion and dysentery
- Used as a mild laxative to treat constipation
Haritaki
Botanical name: Terminalia chebula
Family: Combretaceae
Native: Indian subcontinent
Medicinal properties
- Reduces constipation
- Improves digestion
- Detoxifies the body and promotes liver health
- Combats oxidative stress, avoiding cell damage caused by free radicals
- Reduces inflammation in various parts of the body
- Makes the body resistant to infections and illnesses
- Helps in coughs, bronchitis and asthma
- Regulates blood pressure and cholesterol levels
- Positively impacts the nervous system, promoting mental clarity and cognitive function
- Promotes healthy ageing and longevity
- Strengthens gums and teeth
- Manages skin conditions and promotes skin health
- Helps in weight management
Tulsi
Botanical name: Ocimum sanctum
Family: Lamiaceae
Native: Indian subcontinent
Medicinal properties
- Helps the body adapt to stress and maintain balance
- Enhances defence against infections and diseases
- Beneficial for respiratory issues like coughs, colds and congestion
- Combat oxidative stress and reduces cell damage caused by free radicals
- Reduces inflammation-related conditions
- Aids digestion
- Fights bacteria, viruses and fungi
- Regulates blood pressure and cholesterol levels
- Aids skin health
- Regulates blood sugar levels in individuals with diabetes
Giloi
Botanical name: Tinospora cordifolia
Family: Menispermaceae
Native: Indian subcontinent
Medicinal properties
- Effective against coronavirus infection
- Effective against dengue fever
- Effective against hay fever
- Boosts athletic performance
- Effective against diabetes
- Effective against high cholesterol
- Effective against upset stomach
- Boosts overall immunity
- Reduces stress and anxiety
- Boosts eye-sight
- Improves respiratory health
Satawar/Satamuli/Satavari
Botanical name: Asparagus racemosus
Family: Liliaceae
Native: India
China, Indonesia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and the South Pacific
Medicinal properties
- Helps treat cough
- Helps treat diarrhea
- Act as a diuretic
- Boosts immune system
- May help treat ulcers
- May prevent free-radical cell damage
- May reduce inflammation without causing serious digestive
side effects - Controls blood sugar
- May help kidney stone treatment
- Has anti-ageing properties
- Relieves stress, deprsession
Gotu Kola
Botanical name:Centella asiatica
Family: : Apiaceae
Native:Â India, Japan,
China, Indonesia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and the South Pacific
Medicinal properties
- Decrease swelling and blood pressure
- Recommended for the treatment of various skin conditions such
as leprosy, lupus, varicose ulcers, eczema, psoriasis, diarrhoea, fever,
amenorrhea - Used to treat burns
- Used to treat poor circulation that can lead to varicose
veins - May help treat respiratory infections like colds
- Recommended for the treatment of diseases of the female
genitourinary tract - Recommended for the treatment of anxiety and improving
cognition
FAQs
What is Giloi? What are its uses?
Named Guduchi in Sanskrit, the Heart-Leaved Moonseed Plant is widely used in the treatment of various diseases in the traditional Ayurvedic literature. This Indian-origin herb is reported to have anti-diabetic, anti-periodic, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, anti-oxidant, anti-allergic, anti-stress, antiepileptic, anti-malarial, hepatoprotective, immunomodulatory and anti-neoplastic medicinal properties.
What are the health benefits of Amla?
Arguably the richest known natural source of Vitamin C, Amla is effective against common cold, hay fever, arthritis, osteoporosis and joint pain. Aiding digestion,it also helps in maintaining optimal blood glucose levels.
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