SESSION 1 - PAPER PRESENTATIONS

ON

‘ETHNO BOTANICAL PRACTICES AND HEALTH CARE’

Chairperson – Dr.Maitrayee Bhattacharya, Development Consultant with NGOs

Dr. Karuna Gupta, HOD M. Ed. Dept., PCER New Panvel

MEDICINAL USES OF BANYAN, PEEPAL AND NEEM TREES.

Shraddha Sardesai, Dr. Pillai Global Academy, New Panvel,

email: shraddha.sardesai@gmail.com, Mob #: 9821006334

Banyan tree

Origin, Distribution and Composition of Banyan Tree

The banyan tree is well known all over India. The tree has what is known as the 'aerial

roots', its branches drop to the ground, take roots again, and send out more twisting and

trailing branches, thus extending the growth of the tree indefinitely. It has smooth, shining,

rather stiff and leathery leaves, broadly oval in shape. The flowers and fruits are

inconspicuous, very minute, many of them being held together in the fig, which is a sort of

pouch that contains hundreds of flowers or fruits.

The name Banyan tree in English seems to have been given by Europeans in the Persian

Gulf to a particular tree of this species under which Banias or members of the Indian

merchant class used to congregate for worship and business. Gradually, the name spread to

indicate all the species of this tree. From time immemorial, poets and mystics of India have

been eloquent in singing the praises of this tree. It is now one of the commonest trees planted

along the country roads, shrines, or uncultivated fields in India.

The leaves of the banyan tree yield ficusin and bergaptene. The latex of the tree is very toxic.

Healing Power and Curative Properties benefits of Banyan Tree

The banyan has many medicinal properties. It is used in traditional medicine for the

treatment of several ailments. The bark and leaf buds of the tree are useful in arresting

secretion or bleeding. The fruit exercises a soothing effect on the skin and mucous

membranes, alleviates swelling and pain, and serve as a' mild purgative. It is also nutritious.

Diarrhoea and Dysentery

The leaf buds of the banyan tree are beneficial in the treatment of chronic diarrhoea and

dysentery. The buds should be soaked in water' overnight and taken as infusion in the

treatment of these diseases. The latex is also useful in the treatment of diarrhoea and

dysentery.

Piles

A few drops of the latex of the banyan tree mixed In milk and taken daily helps to cure

bleeding piles. With this treatment, the diet of the patient should contain liberal quantities of

green vegetables especially fenugreek and manattakkali or black nightshade leaves.

Female Sterility

Tender roots of the banyan tree are considered beneficial in the treatment of female sterility.

These roots should be dried in the shade and finely powdered. This powder should be mixed

5 times its weight, with milk, and taken at night for 3 consecutive nights after menstruation

cycle every month till the conception takes place. No other food should be taken with this.

Teeth Disorders

Cleaning the teeth with the aerial roots of the banyan is beneficial in preventing teeth and

gum disorders. As one chews the stick and brushes, the astringent secretion from the root-

stick cleanses and strengthens the teeth and gums-.

Rheumatism

The latex is commonly used locally for rheumatism, pain and lumbago.

Skin Disorders

A hot poultice of the leaves can be applied with beneficial results to abscesses to promote

suppuration and to hasten their breaking. The milky juice from the fresh green leaves is

useful in destroying warts. The latex is commonly used locally for sores, ulcers and bruises.

Other Diseases

An infusion of the bark is a specific medicine for diabetes. The tender ends of the aerial roots

can be taken in obstinate vomiting.

Peepal Tree -

Peepal tree is of great medicinal value. Its leaves serve as a wonderful laxative as well

as tonic for the body. It is especially useful for patients suffering from Jaundice. It helps to

control the excessive amount of urine released during jaundice. The leaves of Peepal are

highly effective in treating heart disorders. It helps to control the palpitation of heart and

thereby combat the cardiac weakness. Ayurveda makes an extensive use of the leaves of

peepal due to the numerous benefits it provides. To know more about the medicinal benefits

of Peepal, read on.

For constipation problem, there can be no better remedy than the consumption of leaves

of Peepal. Dry the Peepal leaves in sun and powder them. Add a solution of jaggery and anise

to it. Mix it with water and consume it. This concoction will ensure proper bowel movement.

The Indian basil peepal works wonders in treating dysentery. Prepare a mixture of grinded

coriander leaves, peepal leaves and sugar and chew it slowly. The leaf of a peepal plant is

also considered valuable in the treatment of various kinds of skin disorders.

Peepal leaves are of great use in getting rid of mumps. All one needs to do to avail the

benefits of peepal plant is smear the leaves of Peepal with ghee and then warm it on low

flame. After that, bandage it over the swollen inflamed part of the body. It is surely going to

provide the patient with a great relief. Even for boils, this remedy will prove to be quite

effective. In case of formation of pus, bandaging the leaves of Peepal will ensure that the

growth subsides. But, it will give beneficial results only if the problem is in its preliminary

stage.

Neem

Neem has rightly been called sarvaroghari. Since time immemorial, Indians have learnt

and made use of neem in a variety of ways both for personal and community health by way of

environmental amelioration. Despite all the vicissitudes India has gone through over the

centuries, neem has managed to remain a friend, philosopher and guide to an average Indian.

It is time this heritage is appreciated and in area of promotional and preventive health care,

our indigenous knowledge and resources are made use of on an increasing scale as low-cost,

effective ingredient for the realization of the lofty goal of „Health for all‟.

Neem‟s antiseptic properties are widely recognized now. “Neem preparations are

reportedly efficacious against a variety of skin diseases, septic sores, and infected burns. The

leaves, applied in the form of poultices or decoctions, are also recommended for boils, ulcers,

and eczema. The oil is used for skin diseases such as scrofula, indolent ulcers and ringworm.

Cures for many diseases have been reported but these need to be confirmed

independently by trials under controlled conditions. Laboratory tests have shown that neem is

effective against certain fungi that infect the human body. Some important fungi against

which neem preparations have been found to be effective are: athlete‟s foot fungus that

infects hair, skin and nails; a ringworm that invades both skin and nails of the feet; a fungus

of the intestinal tract; a fungus that causes infections of the bronchi, lungs, and mucous

membranes and a fungus that is part of the normal mucous flora that can get out of control

leading to lesions in mouth (thrush), vagina, skin, hands and lungs.

Neem

Neem has been used traditionally in India to treat several viral diseases. Even many

medical practitioners believe that smallpox, chicken pox and warts can be treated with a paste

of neem leaves – usually rubbed directly on the infected skin. Experiments with smallpox,

chicken pox, and fowl pox show that although neem does not cure these diseases, but it is

effective for purposes of prevention. „Crude neem extracts absorb the viruses, effectively

preventing them from entering unaffected cells.” Recent tests, although unconfirmed, have

shown that neem is effective against herpes virus and the viral DNA polymerase of hepatitis

B virus. Should these findings be confirmed, neem could be used to cure these dreadful

diseases.

Its effectiveness is enhanced on account of its easy and plentiful availability and low

cost along with the advantage – a big and critical advantage – of crating income and

employment for the poor. Neem is effective against dermatological insects such as maggots

and head lice. It is a common practice to apply neem all over the hair to kill head lice.

Rural inhabitants in India and Africa regularly use neem twigs as tooth brushes. Neem

twigs contain antiseptic ingredients. That explains how these people are able to maintain

healthy teeth and gums. Ayurveda describes neem as herbal drug which is used to clean the

teeth and maintain dental hygiene. Neem in the form of powder is also used to brush teeth

and massage gums.

Chagas disease is a major health problem in Latin America. It cripples millions of

people there. Laboratory tests in Germany and Brazil show that neem may be an answer to

this dreadful disease which so far remains largely uncontrollable. The disease is caused by a

parasite which is spread by an insect called kissing bug. Extracts of neem have effects on the

kissing bugs. Research has shown that ‟feeding neem to the bugs not only frees them of

parasites, but azadirachtin prevents the young insects from molting and the adults from

reproducing‟.

In Ayurvedic medicine system neem is used to treat malarial fevers. Recent

experiments have shown that one of the neem‟s components, gedunin (a limonoid), is as

effective as quinine against malaria. Malaria affects millions of people and is responsible for

about 2 million deaths every year in India and several other countries. China has adopted

neem in a big way for its anti-malaria operation. Their formulation “Quinahausa” is going to

become available in India as well. Neem oil treated mosquito nets and mosquito-repellent

cheap tablets (one paise per-tablet) are also becoming popular. Such mosquito nets presently

available in the North-East have to be made available in the whole country (SwadeshiPatrika,

chaitra-vaishak 2052). Because of growing problems of resistance to conventional treatments,

it is becoming more and more difficult to control malaria. Should neem products prove

effective cure against malaria, the dream of complete eradication of malaria might become a

reality.

Neem is widely used for treating fevers. It has anti-pyretic (fever-reducing) property. In

addition, neem products also have analgesic (pain-relieving) and anti-inflammatory effects,

i.e. for most common ailments neem can provide cheap, easily-available and local

entrepreneurship medicines.

With revival of interest in Ayurveda as an important, indigenous total health-care

system, neem with its therapeutic properties and time-tested usage, more particularly as a

household first – aid and safe self-administered medicine as well as a preventative help is

bound to stage a big come back.

Dr. Suresh Chaturvedi (1995) has listed the uses of neem in pyrexia, diabetes, urinary

problems, filarial, worms, respiratory disorders, dermatological disorders, gynaecological

disorders and by way of external use for eyes, piles and fistula, wounds, hair, dental hygiene

and as fertility regulatory material; in addition to its ophthalmic and toiletries uses. However,

there is a need for continued R & D and its transfer to the pharmaceutical industry.

A wide multitude of diseases or conditions can be successfully treated with various

elements of neem.Medical properties of Neem have been known to Indians since time

immemorial. The Neem tree brings joy and freedom from various diseases.

References:-

Frawley, David. Ayurvedic Healing. 2nd ed., Lotus Press: Twin Lakes, WI, 2000.

Frawley, David, and Vasant Lad.The Yoga of Herbs. Lotus Press: Santa Fe, 1986.

Lad, Vasant. Ayurveda: The Science of Self-Healing. Lotus Press: Santa Fe, 1984.

Lad, Usha and Dr.Vasant.Ayurvedic Cooking for Self-Healing. 2nd ed. The Ayurvedic Press:

Albuquerque, 1997.

Svoboda, Robert E. The Hidden Secret of Ayurveda. The Ayurvedic Press: Albuquerque,

1997

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HERBAL TEA AND HEALTHCARE

Jayabala Girish, D. J.Doshi Gurukul Junior College, Ghatkopar email:

jayagirish7@gmail.com

Ethnobotanists aim to document, describe and explain complex relationships between

cultures and (uses of) plants, focusing primarily on how plants are used, managed and

perceived across human societies. This includes use for food, clothing, currency, ritual,

medicine, dye, construction, cosmetics and more

Though the term "ethnobotany" was not coined until 1895 by the US botanist John

William Harshberger, the history of the field begins long before that. In A.D. 77, the Greek

surgeon Dioscorides published "De Materia Medica", which was a catalog of about 600

plants in the Mediterranean. It also included information on how the Greeks used the plants,

especially for medicinal purposes. This illustrated herbal contained information on how and

when each plant was gathered, whether or not it was poisonous, its actual use, and whether or

not it was edible (it even provided recipes). Dioscorides stressed the economic potential of

plants. For generations, scholars learned from this herbal, but did not actually venture into the

field until after the Middle Ages.

In 1542 Leonhart Fuchs, a Renaissance artist, led the way back into the field. His "De

Historia Stirpium" cataloged 400 plants native to Germany and Austria.

The 19th century saw the peak of botanical exploration. Alexander von Humboldt

collected data from the new world, and the James Cook's voyages brought back collections

and information on plants from the South Pacific. At this time major botanical gardens were

started, for instance the Royal Botanic Gardens, KewEdward Palmer collected artifacts and

botanical specimens from people in the North American West (Great Basin) and Mexico

from the 1860s to the 1890s.

The term "ethnobotany" was first used by a botanist named John W. Harshberger in

1895 while he was teaching at the University of Pennsylvania. Although the term was not

used until 1895, practical interests in ethnobotany go back to the beginning of civilization

when people relied on plants for survival .Other scholars analyzed uses of plants under an

indigenous/local perspective in the 20th century.In the beginning, ethonobotanical specimens

and studies were not very reliable and sometimes not helpful. This is because the botanists

and the anthropologists did not collaborate their work. The botanists focused on identifying

species and how the plants were used instead of concentrating upon how plants fit into

people's lives. On the other hand, anthropologists were interested in the cultural role of plants

and not the scientific aspect. Therefore, early ethnobotanical data does not really include both

sides. In the early twentieth century, botanists and anthropologists finally collaborated and

the collection of reliable, detailed data began.

Beginning in the 20th century, the field of ethnobotany experienced a shift from the raw

compilation of data to a greater methodological and conceptual reorientation. This is also the

beginning of academic ethnobotany. The so called "father" of this discipline is Richard Evans

Schultes even though he did not actually coin the term "Ethnobotany". Today the field of

ethnobotany requires a variety of skills: botanical training for the identification and

preservation of plant specimens; anthropological training to understand the cultural concepts

around the perception of plants; linguistic training, at least enough to transcribe local terms

and understand native morphology, syntax, and semantics.

A great deal of information about the traditional uses of plants is still intact with the tribals

But the native healers are often reluctant to accurately share their knowledge to outsiders.

Schultes actually apprenticed himself to an Amazonian shaman, which involves a long term

commitment and genuine relationship.

Practical Case-Study: Tea

Tea which is a plant with varied uses is yet another dimension of ethnobotany.

During my sojourn to Ooty, I came across a section in the botanical garden which sold seeds

of various plants. I picked up a small sachet on which had “Camellia sinesis” written on it.

On further questioning I gathered that it was none other than the green tea which is sold for

weight reduction by different companies. I was really surprised to learn that the seeds can be

sown in the kitchen and tender leaves can be deoxidized to produce green tea. Why pay

through the nose when it can be done on very effortlessly. My research is based on the

serendipity.

How Tea is normally grown:

1. Upon researching further, I found out that Camellia sinensis can be planted in an area of

partial sun using good-draining soil. Erect a shade screen for young plants to protect them

from sunscald, which turns the leaves yellow. Once the tea plants have matured, they grow

well in full sun. It is important not to locate the plants near trees or shrubs, which compete

for soil nutrients and moisture.

2. An area of 2 to 5 feet around the bush be cleared of grass and weeds. This is the zone of

protection for the tea plant. No lawnmowers, weed eaters or electric tools ought to be

allowed in this zone. These machines can damage the plants and the roots so severely that

it causes plant death.

3. Spread a 2- to 4-inch layer of organic mulch like straw, shredded bark or wood chips

around the Camellia sinensis. Do not use peat moss as mulch since it wicks moisture out

of the soil once it dries out. Keep the mulch 6 to 12 inches away from the trunk of the tea

plant. Mulch the entire root area, which includes the zone of protection.

4. Water the Camellia sinensis once a week when the weather is dry. Soak the soil to the

depth of 14 to 18 inches. Dig a test hole with a small shovel 2 feet from the trunk to check

the moisture depth.

5. Feed the Camellia sinensis with a complete dry fertilizer every two months during the

growing season. Use a rake to scratch 1/8 to 1/4 lb. into the surface of the soil around

young plants. Use 1 to 2 lbs. for full grown tea plants. Water immediately after feeding the

tea plants to activate the fertilizer.

6. Pick the tender young leaves, which is the new growth at the ends of the branches. Spread

them out in a dry, dark area to dry. Store the dried leaves in an airtight, dark

container.Even after that you won't just be able to pluck the tea leaves off the shrub and

pour yourself a good tea. The tea leaves need to be processed and prepared first in order

for you to be able to consume it. There is definitely more to growing tea if you also want

to utilize your tea plant for consumption.

Of the four tea Green, Black, White and Oolong, White tea is the one with the least amount

of processing, whilst Black tea needs the most amount.

However, if you are still interested in growing tea in your home, even if it is for ornamental

purposes, you can try it out by following the instructions below.

Growing Tea - What you need

Tea seeds - readily available from your local plant nursery if you live in a reasonably well

populated area, or also available through internet seed stores.

A pot or container - to house your growing tea shrub

A sandy soil that drains well - it should also be slightly on the acidic side (ask someone

at the plant nursery or a gardening center if you're not too sure of exactly what type of soil

this is)

Sphagnum moss - to mix in with the soil. If you are going to grow tea in a container this

is important.

Water - on a daily basis of course!

Growing Tea at home - The basic steps

Step 1

Prepare your soil by mixing the Sphagnum moss and soil together well. You will need the

Sphagnum moss if you are going to grow the tea in a container. Make sure to give the soil a

good aerating after you put it in the pot, then add your tea seeds to the soil. Keep it in partial

shade whenever possible as otherwise the bush tends to mature more slowly.

Step 2

Give it plenty of water - although in the beginning you might not want to overburden the

seeds with too much water. Growing tea shrubs do like water, but you won't want to drown

your tea seeds before they even have a chance to sprout some leaves.

That's it really, as you can see growing tea at home is really quite simple to do. In most cases

the growing part is accomplished by the tea plant itself - you just need to give it a helping

hand over the course of time.

Tea plants need a relatively warm climate.

A green tea plant is identical to a black tea plant -- the only difference is the manner in which

tea growers process the leaves. After harvesting, tea processors use heat to inactivate the

enzymes responsible for turning the leaves dark, which preserves chlorophyll, the component

that imparts the characteristic green color. Tea plants grow best in temperatures ranging from

65 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit; they will not grow in temperatures below 55 degrees or above

95 degrees.

Tea Plant Care Tips

Germination may take up to eight weeks, and as the plants first begin to grow it‟s important

that they have some shade and aren‟t overexposed to the sun to ensure that the young plants

don‟t dry out. As your plants begin to develop and its roots become stronger, you can

gradually allow them to be exposed to more and more full sunlight. If you are growing in a

controlled environment, twelve hours of light per day is ideal as your plants begin to reach

maturity.

Regular watering is essential as the roots of your tea become established, approximately two

times a week is usually sufficient and rather than just soaking the soil you could mist the

entire plant during waterings.

Camellia Sinensis is an evergreen shrub best suited for zones 6 though zone 8 (Mid-west to

Southern US). Growing tea in colder areas is difficult without a greenhouse or bringing the

tea plant indoors. Grow tea in a well-drained and sandy soil that is slightly on the acidic side.

A typical tea plant will produce several thousand tea leaves per year. For a consistent daily

supply for a family a hedge will be needed.

Tea is naturally resistant to most pests, pesticides are not recommended especially if you are

planning to drink your homemade tea.

If you are planning on growing your tea plant indoors, you‟ll need to prune it so that it

doesn‟t outgrow its environment. Tea plants can flourish in very small areas, but without

trimming they will continue to grow and can reach in excess of two meters in height – which

may be a bit tall for some environments.

ihrvaI ApUvaa-[-

Mrs.HarshaniPatre, Asst. Prof. Pillai’s College of Education and Research, New Panvel(w)

“[cCa itqao maaga - "AsaM mhNatat to Krca Aaho.karNa Aaplyaa manaat eKadI gaaoYT AalaI AaiNa tI Aaplyaa

AavaDIcaI AsalaI kI AapNa Aaplyaa p`ya%naaMcaI prakaYza laavat Asatao. malaahI AXaIca ek AavaD Aaho.hIca maaJaI

“ihrvaI ApUvaa-[- ".Aaplyaa manaatIla gaaoYTIlaa Aaplyaalaa XaaoQaavao laagat naahI.%yaacap`maaNao malaa maI jaoqao jaa[-la maaJaI dRYTI

XaaoQat Asato kI kuzo eKado CanasaM raopTM idsat ¸kuzo eKadM mana maaohUna GaoNaarM fUla idsatM AaiNa ekda kaya maaJyaa manaat

%yaa raopTyaanao jaagaa GaotlaI kI %yaa raopTyaalaa maaJyaa TorosavarhI jaagaa imaLto.maaJaI ihrvaI ApUvaa -[- AXaIca vaaZt gaolaI

AaiNa Aata tr %yaaMcaI ekUNa saM#yaa 70 cyaa Garat gaolaI Aaho.AaPalyaat AaiNa vanasptIt AsaM kaya Aaho jao Aaplyaalaa

AakiYa-t krtM. yaaivaYayaI [ithasa kaya saaMgatM ¸ kaoTyaavaQaI vaYaa-pUvaI- pRqvaI saUyaa-pasaUna Alaga JaalaI. tI hLUhLU qaMD

haot gaolaI.itcyaavar jaI maatI inamaa-Na JaalaI %yaatUnaca puZo jaIva janmaalaa Aalao.hyaa jagaat janmaalaa Aalaolaa pihlaa jaIva

vanasptIca. hLUhLU ]%k`aMtI haot maanavaacaI inaima-tI JaalaI.vanasptI AaiNa maanava ho yaa saaKLItIla kDyaaca

Aahot.mhNaUnaca maanava ha JaaDasaarKa Aaho.

kala- saogala mhNatat kI maaNaUsa ha doKIla vanasptIca Aaho. ]nh¸saavalaI ¸qaMDI ¸]YNata hyaa sagaLyaaMcaa jasaa

JaaDaMvar pirNaama haotao tsaaca tao maaNasaaMvarhI haotao.Aasapasacyaa vaatavarNaamauLo maaNasaacaa svaBaava badlatao¸ %yaacaa

r@tdabasaud\Qaa badlatao.mhNaUnaca manauYya hadoKIla JaaDca Aaho.%yaamauLo JaaDaMXaI AaplaM far pUvaI-pasaUnacaM kaOTuMbaIk naatM

Aaho.]da.ipMpL ha puratna vaRxa tr Aamacyaa pUva-jaaMsaarKaca Aaho.%yaatlao roNaU ho maanavaI XarIratIla roNaUMXaI imaLtojauLto

Aahot.mhNaUna ipMpLacyaa p`%yaok Avayava AaOYaQaIcyaa ikMvaa [tr kuzlyaa trI $pat Aaplyaa hatI yaot AsatM . mhNaUna

Aaplyaa pUva-jaaMnaI %yaalaa [tko mah%va idlao Aaho.

vanasptI malaa AavaDtat.vanasptI caOtnyaXaIla Asatat. %yaaMcyaakDo nausatM paihlaM trI mana ]lhaisat haotM.

AajaUbaajaUlaa JaaDM AsalaI kI ekTMpNaa jaaNavat naahI.maaJyaa Torosavar JaaDaMsaaobat tasa­na\­tasa GaalavaU Xakto.%yaavaoLI

vaoLocaM Baanaca raht naahI.yaaca maaJyaa ihrvyaa ApUvaa-[- maQyao Anaok p`karcyaa vanasptI Aahot.%yaatIla yaoqao mau#yat: tIna

p`kar GaoNyaat Aalao Aahot.

1´AaOYaQaI gauNaaMnaI yau@t vanasptI

2´p`duYaNa kmaI krNyaasa ]pyau@t vanasptI

3´maanaisak svaasqya sauQaarNyaasa madt krNaa­yaa vanasptI

Paihlyaa p`karat tulasaI³Basil´¸ pudInaa ¸ kZIp%ta³Curry leaves´¸gavatI caha³Green Tea´yaa vanasptI

Aahot.yaa vanasptIMcaa ]pyaaoga AapNa Aaplyaa raojacyaa jaovaNaat va CaoTyaa AajaaraMsaazI krIt Asatao. yaa

vanasptIMcao kahI fayado maa~ ]llaoKnaIya Aahot. to puZIlap`maaNao

Pudina :

Cold ¸ Headache ¸ Mouthwash

Blood cleanser

Tooth Problems

Insect Bites

Treating Arthritis

Antibacterial

Tulsi (Basil):

Healing Power – Sharpen Memory

Sore Throat

Respiratory disorder

Kidney stone

Heart disorder – reduces the level of blood

cholesterol

saMXaaoQana :gavatI caha Green Tea (Lemon grass): k^nsar p`itkark gauNaQama-:

2006 maQyao [s~a[-la maQaIla baona gaurIyana ivaVapIzacyaa eka saMXaaoQanaacyaa gaTanao Asao XaaoQaUna kaZlao kI gavatI cahamauLo kk-

poXaIMnaa maRtvat krNaarI yaM~Naa kayaa-invat haoto.

naa^vao- : yaoqaIla kRYaI ivaVapIzanausaar vanasptI qakvaa ¸ kf ¸gaLyaatIla KvaKva AaiNa sadI-XaI saMbaMiQat Aajaar 30 % poxaa jaast kmaI krtat. tsaoca vanasptI Aad`ta vaaZvatat va QauL kmaI krtat.

dusa­yaapkarat hvaotIla p`duYaNa kmaI krNyaasa madt krNaa­yaa vanasptI Aahot.yaat Peace lily, Areca

Palm , Pathos, Spider PlantASaapkarcaI vanasptI Aahot. Peace lilyyaat paMZ­yaa rMgaacaI

naagaacyaa fNyaasaarKI fulao yaotat mhNaUna sqaanaIk BaaYaot yaalaa naagafNaI mhNatat.yaa vanasptInao hvaotIla

Filtering far caaMgalyaa p`karo haoto.Areca Palm hI vanasptI javaLpasa 10­12 vaYaa-pasaUna Aaho.hI

vanasptI hvaotIla p`duYaNa kmaI krNaa­yaa vanasptImaQyao savaa-t ]cca p`tIcaI vanasptI Aaho.hyaa vanasptInao hvaotIla

Aad`tahI iTkUna rahto.Pathos, Spider Plant yaa vanasptInaohI hvaotIla p`duYaNa kmaI krNyaat madt haoto.

saMXaaoQana :

1´ naasaa nao 1970 maQyao pqama vanasptIcao mau#ya laaBadayak gauNaQamaa-bad\dla saMXaaoQana kolao.yaat %yaaMnaI vanasptI hvaa AaiNa

paNyaatIla p`duYaNa kmaI krtat ho saaMigatlao Aaho.

2´naasaa nao daona vaYaa-caa AByaasa k$na jaUna 2009 maQyao p`kaiXat kolao kI GaratIla vanasptI 87 % hvaotIla ivaYaarI vaayaU

naYT krtat.

itsa­yaapkaratIla vanasptI Aaplyaalaa maanaisak svaasqya caaMgalao raKNyaasa madt krtat . yaa p`karat Anaok

p`karcao rMga Asalaolyaa vanasptI AaiNa Anaok rMgaibarMgaI fulao yaoNaa­yaa vanasptI yaotat.yaa fulaaMkDo baGaunaca AanaMd

haotao. yaa vanasptIMnaa yaoNaaro p`%yaok navao pana AaiNa p`%yaok kLI Aaplyaalaa naivana jaIvaacyaa AagamanaacaI caahUla

doto.toca AitXaya AanaMdacao xaNa Asatat.raoja yaa JaaDaMnaa vaaZtaMnaa baGaUna jaNaU Aaplyaaca maulaaMnaa vaaZivat

Asalyaacaa AanaMd AnauBavat Asatao.

saMXaaoQana :

1´ Da^.ba`unaao ka^rTIsa ho iXakagaaocao ka^DI-yaaolaa^jaIsT Aahot. %yaaMnaI %yaaMcyaa AByaasaaMtga-t AnauBavalao kI jao AajaarI laaokM

baagaokDo baGat rahtat to iBaMtIkDo taoMD k$na rahNaa­yaa Aajaa­yaapoxaa lavakr baro

haotat.

2´ naavao- yaoqao 436 )dya raogaI laaokaMcyaa AByaasaat Asao AaZLUna Aalao kI raogaI bara haoNyaasaazI jyaaizkaNaI zovaNyaat

yaotat %yaa izkaNaI GaratIla vanasptIMcaa %yaa laaokaMcyaa maanaisak svaasqyaavar caaMgalaa pirNaama haotao.

3´ vanasptInao Aaplao baaOiwk kama ]%tma hao} Xakto.kuMDyaatIla vanasptI AaiNa fulao yaamauLo Anaok caaMgalyaa klpnaocaa

]d\gama hao} XaktM.

4´ vanasptInao Jaaop caaMgalaI yaoto.jarbaora AaiNa DoJaI yaa vanasptI ra~Icyaa vaoLI Aa^@saIjana dotat.mhNaUna yaamauLo AaplaI

Jaaop caaMgalaI haoto.

varIla saMXaaoQana baiGatlao Asata ¸ AapNa savaa-MnaIca yaa ka^Mk`ITcyaa jaMgalaat AXaa AanaMdacao xaNa ka vyaqa- Gaalavaayacao Æ

AapNahI yaa AanaMdalaa ka maukavao mhNaUnaca ha p`ya%na.vairla sava- vanasptI pasaUna imaLNaaro fayado malaa vaaTtat mhNaUna navho

tr %yaavar saMXaaoQakaMnaI Anaok saMXaaoQana kolaolao Aaho . %yaatIla kahI saMXaaoQanaacaa ]llaoK var kolaolao Aaho .AaNaKI eka

maihlaocaa ]llaoK krNao maI mah%vaacao samajato.

maharaYT/ Ta[msa 28 saPToMbar 2011 : “ ihrvaI iXalaodar "yaa maqaLyaaKalaI ek laoK Aalaa haota.varIla

naamaaiBamaana idlao Aaho koinayaa yaoiqala vaMgaarI maqaa[- naamak maihlaolaa.jagaacyaa pazIvar XaaMtta rahavaI yaasaazI va pyaa-varNahI

saurixat AaiNa samataola rahavao ha ivacaar mania zovaUna maqaa[- yaaMnaI ga`Ina baolT maUvhmaoMTcaI 70 vyaa dXakat sqaapnaa kolaI.vaRxa

laavaa vaRxa jagavaa AXaI kovaL GaaoYaNaa na dota %yaaMnaI maaohImaca AaKlaI. garIba is~yaaMcyaa madtInao maqaa[- yaaMnaI ga`Ina baolT

maUvhmaoMTlaa caalanaa idlaI.maqaa[- yaaMcyaa kayaa-laa salaama krNyaasaazI 2004 saalaI naaobaola saimatInao jaagaitk XaaMtta naaobaola

purskar jaahIr kolaa.

maqaa[- yaaMcyaa caLvaLIcyaa maaQyamaatUna 2008 pya-Mt koinayaat 3 kaoTIhUna AiQak vaRxaaMcaI laagavaD JaalaI. maqaa[- yaa pUva- va

maQya Aa^ifkotIla Da^@TroT imaLivaNaa­yaa pihlyaa maihlaa hao%yaa. kk-raogaanao nauktoca %yaaMcao inaQana Jaalao.%yaaMcaI caLvaL maa~

Ajaramarca banalaI Aaho.

maqaa[- yaaMcyaa smaRitip`%yaaqa- AaiNa yaa ka^Mik`Tcyaa jaMgalaalaa qaaoDa ihrvaa gaarvaa dota yaavaa yaakrIta p`%yaokanao

Aaplyaa prInao pya%na krayalaaca hvaa.maaJyaakDUna yaa pyaa-varNaakrIta ek lahanasaa pya%na Aaho.jaoNaok$na maI inasagaa-cyaa

AiQak javaL rahU Xakola.maaJaa ha p`ya%na AgadI eka qaoMbaa evaZaca Aaho.prMtu AXaI Anaok qaoMba imaLUna na@kIca yaa

raKaDI ka^MkITlaa AapNa ihrvaI Xaa^la AaoZU Xaktao.ha maaJaa ivaXvaasa Aaho.

inasagaa-tIla ivaivaQa GaTkaMt AaZLNaarI

sausaMvaadI ¸ sahkarI vaR%tI

maanavaI samaajaat maa~ laaop pavalaI Aaho

tI prt yaoNyaasaazI eka pUNa-pNao

iBanna AXaa saamaaijak AaiNa Aaiqa-k

rcanaocaI AavaXyakta Aaho

tIca KrI ‘saaMskRitk ' k`aMtI Asaola.

if`Tyaa^f kap`a

References:

http://www.gardeningcentral.org

http://www.lifemojo.com

http://www.botanicalgarden.ubc.ca

http://completewellbeing.com

http://www.naturalremediesathome.com

http://www.ehow.com/list_5905081_benefits-indoor-plants.html

http://www.chammherbal.com/lemon-grass.htm

http://ayurveda.ygoy.com/2010/08/15/health-benefits-of-pudina

A$Na Xaovato : vaRxavallaI Aamha saaoyaro

Gaulajaar : f^imalaI T/I

GRANDMA’S CONVENIENT HEALTHCARE PRACTICES

Mrs.Bhavna Dave, Asst. Prof. at Pillai’s College of Education and Research, New

Panvel(w),e- mail:bhavna_dave11@yahoo.com mob. 9869254774

People on all continents have used hundreds to thousands of indigenous plants for

treatment of ailments since prehistoric times. The wealth of medicinal plant knowledge

among people is based on beliefs and observations. This knowledge has been transmitted

orally from generation to generation; however it seems that it is vanishing from the modern

society since younger people are not interested to carry on this tradition.

In today's hectic world it's so much easier to just go to our medical provider and let

them diagnose our symptoms. We've become dependent on them to give us the answers and

prescribe what we should do to calm our symptoms. We rarely find a cure. Most of the

symptoms of illness are actually our body's way of using its immune system to fight off

disease and illness. When we suppress the symptoms, like sneezing, coughing, diarrhea, and

even vomiting, we are blocking the body's natural way of getting rid of the toxins and

pollutants that are causing this disease. Without a doubt many over-the-counter drugs are

easy and convenient to use, but, they all have side effects. Some of the side effects of these

drugs are actually more dangerous than the disease itself! There are times when the

symptoms get out of control and can make our lives miserable. This is where home remedies

come in handy. The convenience of finding a simple home remedy quickly and easily is

priceless. All you need are a few simple tips to get you through your worries and discomfort.

Given below are some forest resources used byGrandmas for generations. You can get

them from any Ayurvedic medicine shops or from the tribals selling them at the market place:

1. HARDE:

Botanical name: Terminalia chebula, Terminalia reticulate

Family: Combretaceae

In Urdu and Hindi it is called Harad, Haritaki, or Harada, respectively 'Inknut'. In

Sri Lanka it is called Aralu. In Marathi it is called as 'Hirada', in Kannada it is called

'Alalekaayi' and in Tamil it is called 'Kadukkai'. In Bengali it is called horitoky. In Assamese

it is called Hilikha. In Telugu it is called 'Karakkaya'. In the United States it is found in some

Indian stores; it is known as 'Harde Whole'.

How to use: Make a powder of 3-5 „bal harde‟ and consume it with lukewarm water at

bedtime.

Benefits:

1. It is good to increase the appetite & as a digestive aid.

2. Its paste with water is found to be anti-inflammatory, analgesic and has healing

capacity for wounds.

3. It stimulates the liver and protects it further by expelling the waste excretory products

from the intestines.

4. When taken with meals it sharpens the intellect, increases strength, stimulates the

senses, expels the urine, stool and other waste materials from the body.

5. Haritaki reduces the ill effects of fat rich, creamy and oily food. T. chebula is the

definite aid for persons who habitually overeat. Further it can supplement the

Cholesterol normalizing drugs.

6. Being a mild laxative, it does the cleansing action very smoothly. Further it can be

taken for a long time without any ill effects.

Avoid intake of Harde:

1. In Acute fevers

2. In case of weakness

3. During pregnancy

4. In case of severe exhaustion

2. KANCHAKI:

Botanical name: Caesalpinia bonduc

Family: Caesalpiniaceae (Gulmohar family)

Common name: Yellow Nicker, Gray nicker, nicker seed, bonduc nut, Fever nut, nicker

bean • Hindi: Kantkarej, Kantikaranja, Kuberakshi • Marathi:

Sagarlata • Tamil: Kalichchikkai • Malayalam: Kalanchi • Telugu: Gachchakaya •

Kannada: Gajikekayi •Sanskrit: Latakaranjah, Kuberakshi, Kantakikaranjah water.

How to use: Break off the outer grey shell of the seed. Grate the yellowish white seed that

you get from the inside. Consume half a teaspoon of the grated powder with water every

fortnight.

Benefits:

1. Crushed seeds are given as an anthelmintic mixed with honey or castor oil.

2. The seeds and leaves are reported to be used in skin diseases.

3. The seed powder forms a household remedy for treatment of diabetes.

4. Nuts are valuable in simple, continued and intermittent fevers & asthma.

5. Widely helpful in the treatment of inflammations & cough.

Avoid prolonged use. Drink plenty of water during the day when you have kankacha. No side

effects have been recorded.

3. VAVADINGA:

Latin Name: Embelia ribes, Burm. f. (Myrsinaceae)

English Names: False Pepper, False Black Pepper

Sanskrit Names: Vidanga, Tandula, Krimighna

Hindi Names: Baberang, Vayvidang

How to use: Make a powder of vavadinga and take halfa teaspoon with water for two to three

days at bedtime. Can be repeated every fortnight

Benefits:

1. The dried fruit is considered astringent, carminative, alterative and stimulant.

2. It has been used in India since ancient times in cases of worm infestation.

3. It is effective in the treatment of skin ailments.

4. It strengthens the nervous system and improves the brain functioning.

5. It normalizes digestive activities and purifies the blood.

6. The dried fruits are used in decoctions for fevers and for diseases of the chest.

7. It is also helpful in urine related problems.

8. The fruit also shows anti-bacterial and anti-protozoal properties.

Avoid prolonged use. Drink plenty of water during the day when you have vavadinga. No

side effects have been recorded.

4. NIRANJAN PHAL:

Botanical name:Sterculia lychnophora

Family: Sterculiaceae.

How to use: Soak niranjan phal in water. The flesh surrounding the dried seeds swells to

eight times its original volume when soaked in water, forming an irregularly shaped, reddish

gelatinous mass. After being soaked and the seed kernel removed, the flesh is mixed with

granulated white sugar, ice, and soaked basil seeds, and drunk as a cooling drink. Sterculia

seed is sweet in taste, cold in nature and light in property.

Benefits:

1. Removes heat from the lungs

2. Cures sore throat

3. counteracts toxicity

4. relaxes the bowels

5. Cures constipation with headache

6. Soothes bloodshot eyes

Avoid boiling more than 3 seeds per drink.

People with frequent digestion problems and abdominal pain or diarrhea should avoid it

entirely.

5. JYESHTHIMADHA:

Latin Name: Glycyrrhiza Glabra, Linn

English: Indian Liquorice Root , Sweetwood

Hindi Name : Jethimadh, Mulhathi

Sanskrit: Yasthimadhu, Madhuk, Kleetak

Telugu: Yashtimadhukkam

How to use: It is sweet in taste and thus directly chewed or taken as a powder.

Benefits:

1. It is very good cure for sore throat, mouth ulcer, asthma, bronchitis and other allergic

coughs.

2. It is a natural anti acid and an effective remedy for acid reflux, relieves heartburn and

indigestion and acts as a mild laxative.

3. An effective medicine for headaches and blood pressure.

4. Helps boost the body‟s immune system

5. One of the best herbs to lower cholesterol.

6. Helps to protect stomach tissue and so reduces symptoms of stomach upsets.

7. It has a well-documented reputation for healing ulcers.

8. It seems to prevent the breakdown of adrenal hormones such as cortisol (the body's

primary stress-fighting adrenal hormone), making these hormones more available to the

body. It should be thought of during times of both physical and emotional stress, after

surgery or during convalescence, or when feeling tired and run down.

9. It also contains powerful antioxidants as well as certain phytoestrogens that can

perform some of the functions of the body's natural estrogens; very helpful during the

menopause.

10. The phytoestrogens in licorice have a mild estrogenic effect, making the herb

potentially useful in easing certain symptoms of PMS (premenstrual syndrome), such as

irritability, bloating and breast tenderness.

Warning:

Licorice reduces potassium level in the body so care should be taken in consuming licorice in

case of hypertension.

Prolonged use should be avoided if you suffer from high blood pressure.

I HAVE TRIED THEM ALL AND THEY GIVE WONDERFUL RESULTS!!!

References:

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/

www.ayurhelp.com/plants/ ; www.himalayahealthcare.com

www.herbal-supplements-for-you.com

ayurvedicmedicinalplants.com