13 native Indian plants with proven medicinal value

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

 

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:  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.

 

Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com