Medicinal Plants

Before the age tablets and capsules man had discovered that when he was ill he could use various roots, leaves, barks, seeds of flowers of plants to get rid of his illness. Usually, this knowledge of cures was with the medicine man of a village that passed on his knowledge to his children. So the medicine man was a much respected man in his village.

Here are some plants that provide us with medicine even today to cure various illnesses.

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A)    The strong scented oil from the leaves of the eucalyptus is used to clear colds in the head. It’s native to Australia where it is called the gum tree.

B)     The bitter oil from the Neem tree is very good for killing germs and insects. The oil is used in soaps and toothpastes.

C)    We get quinine for treating malaria from the bark of the cinchona tree.

D)    We get pain –killer drugs like morphine and codeine from the poppy plant which bears beautiful flowers, usually red in color.

E)     The ginseng is a medicinal plant used mainly by the Chinese who believe that its branched roots can restore the strength and vitality of old people.

F)     The deadly nightshade belongs to the same family as potato and tomato. It is very poisonous plant. However, atropine used to dilate your eyes before an eye test, and belladonna are obtained from this plant.

G)    The drug digital in which is given to people with weak hearts is made from the seeds and leaves of the foxglove.

H)    The leaves of the sacred basil are used in worship, and for curing colds and coughs.

I)       Cocaine which is used to deaden nerves (a pain killer) comes from the leaves of a South America shrub.

J)       Crocus contains a drug used to cure rheumatism.

K)    Some antibiotics like penicillin are made from moulds.

L)     Various spices and condiments used everyday life, for example, pepper, ginger, turmeric, fenugreek, cumin, garlic and coins are used for treating common ailments.

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