It’s believed that even a single plant is available on this earth without any medicinal value. It’s most used in Ayurvedic and Unani treatments. Extracts from plants are used in Allopathic and Homeopathic treatment also. Years before when a Homoeopathist and Bacteriologist doctor, Dr.Edward Bach presented new ideas of treatment using flowers, it was something new to the world. The men who recognized medicinal purposes of flowers found that 38 flowers can be used as treatment for 38 human diseases. Years before, from ancient centuries itself, flowers have been used for treatment. Through this article, let me give you names of a few medicinal flowers with its uses.
Hibiscus
Scientific name: Hibiscus rosasinensis
Perhaps, it’s the most common flower everywhere. It has a wild beauty and it stands for just one day. Not only its leaves, but flowers also are very good for hair growth. To reduce hair fair and baldness, its flower paste is a good remedy. Its crushed leaf is a good natural shampoo. Its flowers, if boiled in coconut oil and used as hair oil, it’s best for hair growth and black colour. Also, it can reduce dandruff and give cooling effect to scalp. If it’s fried in ghee and given to ladies having menses and uterus problems, it’s a good medicine. To avoid ulcers of mouth, just chew a few hibiscus petals.
Ashoka
Scientific name: Saraca ashoca
It’s believed that Ravana made Sita a prisoner and she was kept in Ashoka forest beneath Ashoka tree while Hanuman met her. This tree, also known as anganapriya is considered one among those sacred trees in India. Its flowers, skin, leaves and other parts are used in the preparation of many Ayurvedic medicines. Also oil prepared from ashoka flowers is used for new born babies before bath. It is believed that this oil gives more colour to the skin.
Jasmine
Scientific name: Jasminum grandflorum
All are adorers of its sweet perfume. Ladies love to put these flowers in their hair. It’s used for garlands for temples. But only a few know its medicinal uses. Planting jasmine plants not only give pleasant smell, but also reduce atmospheric temperature of your surroundings. Jasmine is a shrub with 200 varieties. To regularize menses cycles, just chew two or three flowers daily.
Dwarf White Bauhinia
Scientific name: Bauhinia acuminate
It’s also known as White Orchid-tree and Snowy Orchid-tree. Its common name is mandaram. It’s a garden plant that grows to a height of about 2 metres. Its flower buds are used for stomach related diseases. Its skin and flowers if grinded adding water, can be used as ointment for burns and ulcers.
Lotus
Scientific name: Nelumbo nicifera
Lotus is believed to be the seat of both Lekshmi and Sarawathy by Hindus and it’s considered as a holy flower. If lotus leaves are powdered and applied to face mixing with turmeric powder, milk, curd and gram flour, your face will shine like gold. If its seeds are fried and taken, peeling off its outer cover, it supplies a lot of energy to your body.
Butterfly-pea/ blue-pea
Scientific name: Clitoria ternatea
This beautiful flower also known as Vishnukanthi and Shankpushp has a lot of medicinal values too. It’s a good remedy to wounds and a good refresher to mind and body. If its leaves, stem and flowers are mixed with water and intake, it provides refreshment for your body and mind. Also, to avoid anxieties and tensions before exams, you can use its stem and leaves.
Cassia flowers
Scientific name: Cassia fistula
This yellow blossom is the state flower of Kerala and it’s known as konna/kani konna as it’s used as a part of Vishu celebrations. It’s a good remedy for constipation. Yet, its over doze can lead to diarrhea and stomach pain.
Yes. If we search solutions for our problems, we can get them from nature itself. Yet, we are in a habit of depending on allopathic medicines a lot, which can invite many side effects too! So, start a new habit from today onwards. Also, do plant a lot of plants and trees in your courtyard. After all, fresh air is the best natural medicine and a blessing to keep all diseases stay away.