: Medicinal Plants

Medicinal Plants

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Over 1,500 species of medicinal herbs are grown in India. But very few species, around 25 to 30 species are under commercial cultivation. These medicinal herbs, 75% of them, used in the preparation of drugs, in health food preparations and in the preparation of herbal cosmetics. Parts like roots, bark, wood, stem and in some case the whole plant are used for various preparations. In ayurvedic medicines dried parts of medicinal plants (roots, stem wood, bark, leaves, flowers seeds, fruits, and whole plants) are used as raw materials .The cosmetics industry as well as aromatherapy is important areas where Indian medicinal and aromatic plants or their value-added extracts or essential oils can contribute a lot globally

INDIAN ACALYPHA
Acalypha indica Euphorbiaceae family; an annual herb up to 75 cm height; found almost throughout India in plains; it grows as a weed in gardens and agricultural fields or as a plant of waste lands. The whole plant is collected at its flowering stage and dried to obtain the drug acalypha which is useful in bronchitis, asthma, pneumonia, and rheumatism.

ACONITE
Aconitum sp, Ranunculaceae family. The drug aconite comprises tuberous roots of the plants.

ATTIS
Aconitum heterophyllum; Ranunculaceae family. It is a herb occurring in higher ranges of north-western Himalayas at altitudes of about 2000 to 4000 m. The drug obtained from this plant is used in fevers and post-fever weakness, diarrhoea and dysentery.

CALAMUS
Acorus calamus; Araceae family. A herbaceous family with long, creeping and much branched aromatic rhizomes. This plant is found almost throughout India up to an altitude of about 200 m, growing mainly in marshy and moist regions of northern and eastern Himalayas. The dried rhizomes constitute the drug and are used in medicines. It is used as a carminative, expectorant and is useful in asthma.

MUSK DANA
Abelmoschus moschatus. Ambrette seed or muskdana (Abelmoschus moschatus) is a native annual herb. Its seeds possess aroma similar to that emitted by muskpods produced by male musk dear. The seed coat contains an essential oil which essentially is a mixture of farnesol and ambrettolide besides a few other minor aroma-compounds. The crop is cultivated in small pockets all over the subtropical tracts in India. Its aromatic oil is used in perfumery, cosmetics and scents. It imparts musky odour to products like sachets, pan masala and insense-sticks. A large part of seed crop is exported to European countries.

Musk Dana-Production, Processing and Marketing Practices

PATCHOULI
Pogostemon patchouli. It is a highly aromatic bushy under-shrub. It is cultivated for its highly fragrant leaves which contain a very sweet smelling oil of lasting stickly odour. The crop is grown in small pockets in Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. It has a very characteristic aroma and blends well with other essential oils. The oil is used in scenting of soaps, cosmetics, after-shave lotions, detergents and many fancy products. In very low concentration (2ppm), the oil is used to flavour foods, beverages, candy and baked products. In combination with sandal wood oil, it is used in blending of tobacco and making of incense sticks. Indonesia is major producer and exporter of its oil, whereas Malaysia, China and Brazil are also large producers.

Patchouli-Production, Processing and Marketing Practices

KEWADA/SCREWPINE
Pandanus fascicularis. It is a densely branched large shrub, bearing thick, leathery, strong, spinecent leaves; characteristic aerial roots and large fragrant flowers. Kewada shrubs are found in natural strands all over the coastal tracts, river banks and water ways in India. It is cultivated as a hedge around paddy fields in Ganjam, Puri, Balasore and Cuttack districts of Orissa where distillation of kewada water and rooh (attar) is a flourishing small-scale industry. A part of the produce is exported to middle-east countries. Its plants can tolerate long periods of drought and seasonal flooding. They can effectively stabilize sand dunes and control soil erosion. The perfumery oil dissolved in water is distilled from its large showy fragrant male spadices (flowers). The kewada water is employed to flavour cuisine (particularly rice preparations), syrups, soft drinks, scenting of soaps, cosmetics, bouquets, hair oils, incense sticks and blending of tobacco (zerda) products. Besides, its leaves are used in making fancy mats, bags, hats and other cottage industry products.

Kewada-Production, Processing and Marketing Practices

FRENCH JASMINE
Jasminum grandiflorum. It has a unique place in perfumery because of its high value of oil traded as ‘concrete’. Its flowers produce a gentle pleasing delicate aroma. The concrete or absolute extracted through solvent extraction is used in manufacturing of high value perfumes and their umpteen fragrance formulations. In India, its cultivation has spread in southern states after development of a culture, ‘Pitchi’. It blooms for 6–7 months (mid-May to early-December) in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. India is now second largest producer of jasmine ‘concrete’ after Egypt, exporting most of its produce to Europe.

French Jasmine-Production, Processing and Marketing Practices

DAVANA
Artemisia pallens. It is a native aromatic herb, grown in 2,000ha, mainly in Karnataka and to a lesser extent in Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra. Its foliage and floral tops produce a viscous essential oil, emitting a delicate, persistently fruity fragrance which is used in floral decorations, bouquets and cosmetics. On dilution, the oil imparts a sweet, refreshingly pleasant odour. It is also used in flavouring of cakes, pastries, beverages and tobacco products. Most of the oil produced in the country is exported to USA.

Davana-Production, Processing and Marketing Practices

VASAKA
Adhatoda zeylanica, Acanthaceae family. A tall, much branched dense evergreen shrub with large lance-shaped leaves. This plant occurs throughout the plains. The drug vasaka comprises the fresh or dried leaves of the plant. It is used as an expectorant and brings quick relief in bronchitis.

BAEL
Aegle marmelos. Rutaceae family. A medium sized deciduous tree bearing strong axillary thorns. This tree occurs submontane regions and plains almost throughout India. The drug called Bel comprises fresh, ripe or half-ripe fruits of the tree. It is very useful in chronic diarrhoea and dysentery.

ALOE
Aloe vera. Agavaceae family. A very useful medicinal plant which is used in curing Arthritis, Rheumatism, Muscular Problems, Body Pain, Pain In Joints, Diabetes, Liver Ailments,High Blood Pressure and Stress etc

CELERY
Apium graveolens. It is a herb is grown in India as a winter annual for its seed crop. Introduced from France in early thirties, it is commercially grown in Amritsar, Gurdaspur and Jalandhar districts in Punjab and to a small extent in Saharanpur district in western Uttar Pradesh. Many farmers grow it on borders of wheat fields and obtain good yield. Currently, about 8,000ha land is under its cultivation. Its seeds are used as a spice, whereas seed oil is employed for seasoning, and flavouring of sauces and purees. In western countries, its succulent green leaves are used as salad and grow biennial type cultures for seed crop. Celery, an annual glabrous herb, grows with erect stem and pinnate compound leaves having long stalks. Its shallow root system has a tapering thick main root going up to 15cm below the soil, giving out compound umbels late in the season. These are made up of numerous greenish-white protandrous flowers. The seeds are very small, dark brown cremocarp, emitting characteristic odour. They have a pungent taste. A selection RRL 85-1 yields 2–3% yellow volatile oil. The oil contains selinene, d-limonene, sadanolide and some sesquiterpenes. It has 16–20% fatty oil.

Celery-Production, Processing and Marketing Practices

SENNA
Cassia angustifolia. It is a small, perennial, branched under-shrub.It is cultivated traditionally over 10,000ha in semi-arid lands in coastal districts of Tirunelvelli, Ramnathapuram and Madurai in Tamil Nadu. Although, successful cultivation has been demonstrated in many parts in western India, its commercial cultivation has recently come up in Kutch (Gujarat) and Jodhpur division of Rajasthan. It can grow over sand-dunes after rainy season and can be maintained as a perennial crop for 2–3 years. Since its leaves and pods are common laxatives, they are widely used in medicine and as a household remedy for constipation all over the world. India is the main producer and exporter of senna leaves, pods and sennosides concentrate to world market.

Senna-Production, Processing and Marketing Practices

SADABAHAR/PERIWINKLE
Catharanthus roseus. It is a tropical, perennial herb. It has long been cultivated as a pot herb in India because of its pink or white flowers, produced almost throughout the year. Being pantropic in distribution, it is found growing all over the country but its commercial cultivation is done in 3,000ha area in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka and to a small extent in Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh. It is a unique medicinal plant. Its leaves contain VLB alkaloids with anti-neoplastic properties used in curing blood cancer, whereas roots are rich in ajmalicine, raubacine and reserpine used in controlling high blood pressure. There is a good demand for both these group of alkaloids in world trade.

Periwinkle-Production, Processing and Marketing Practices

GUGGAL
Comiphora wightii . It is a large spinescent shrub to a small tree inhabiting drier parts of western India, mainly Rajasthan and Gujarat. Its gum-resin is used in Ayurvedic medicines as a remedy to reduce cholesterol content in blood. The active principle of gum-resin is Z and E gugglusterones which has anti-inflammatory and hypoglycemic properties. It has also utility in treatment of arthritis and obesity. The entire demand of gum-resin in pharmaceutical industry is being met from tapping of wild growing plants for centuries but the number of trees have dwindled in nature considerably now and a part of the demand is met by regular import from neighbouring Pakistan. Its small-scale cultivation has been established in Kutch (Gujarat) and western districts of Rajasthan. A large plantation exist (30ha) in Ajmer district of Rajasthan.

Guggal-Production, Processing and Marketing Practices

LEMON GRASS
Cymbopogon flexuosus. It is a stemless, perennial sedge which grows wild in tropical southern states of India. It is now commercially cultivated in many parts of India. The leaves contain an aromatic oil, with a characteristic lemon like odour, containing 75–80% citral. The oil is used in scenting of soaps, cosmetics and as a disinfectant besides its aroma compound; citral is a starting material for manufacturing of ionones and vitamin A. The crop is commercially grown in about 30,000 ha land in Kerala and Assam mainly as rainfed crop, whereas smaller acreage is grown in Orissa, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. India has been a large and traditional producer and exporter of its oil, citral and its upstream aroma compounds.

Lemongrass-Production, Processing and Marketing Practices

PALMAROSA/RUSA GRASS
Cymbopogon martini var. motia. It is a tall, perennial sedge grass which grows wild in dry, open, scrub forests of central India. The flowering tops and foliage contain a sweet oil emitting rose-like aroma, rich in geraniol. It is widely used in scenting of soaps, cosmetics and tobacco blending. Its geraniol content is extensively used in perfumery industry. India is the principal producer and exporter of its oil and geraniol.

Palmarosa-Production, Processing and Marketing Practices

JAVA CITRONELLA
Cymbopogon winterianus. It is a large, perennial stemless, aromatic grass. Its oil from leaves has a strong characteristic lemonic odour extensively used in scenting of soaps, cosmetics, producing deodorants and mosquito repellent products. The oil is used as starting material to produce pure citronellol, citronellol, geraniol and related upstream high-value aroma chemicals used in perfumery industry.

Java Citronella-Production, Processing and Marketing Practices

MULHATTI/LIQUORICE
Glycyrrhize glabra. It is a perennial, branched, bushy under-shrub. It has recently been introduced into cultivation in India. Its root is a commercial part traded both in un-peeled and peeled condition besides its solid aquous extract is sold in the form of stick, block and spray dried powder. The roots contain a sweet substance glycyrrhizin, which is 50 times sweeter than sugar besides liquiritoside and isoliquril. The isoliqril imparts yellow colour to its roots. It has emollient and demulsive properties, useful in soar throat, cough and catarrhal affections. It is also used as taste moderator in pharmacy. Itsanti-inflammatory and spasmolytic activity are useful in treating peptic ulcers. By far, its proportionately larger demand is for flavouring and blending of tobacco products besides its common use in confectionery. After extraction, the spent root is used in production of mushroom compost, insulating mill boards and fire-extinguishing boards. At present, India imports a large quantity of these roots annually.

Liquorice-Production, Processing and Marketing Practices

PUDINA/MINT
Japanese mint (Mentha arvensis var. piperascens) is an aromatic herb of temperate region. The oil and its principal aroma-compound menthol have cooling and gastro-stimulant properties, for which it is used in pharmaceuticals, food flavour, confectionery, cosmetics, beverages and related industries. India has emerged as a large exporter of its oil and menthol to world market, particularly to the USA.
Peppermint(Mentha piperita) is an allied mint crop with relatively long-stalked opposite lanceolate leaves. The plants are 50–80cm tall, bearing globular flowering spikes. It bears purplish blossom in terminal spikes. The common black Mitcham variety (introduced) is vigorous growing hardy plant and prefers cool sub-temperate climate. The cultivation practices are similar to those of Japanese mint. It has lower oil content (0.25%), the average oil yield being 80kg/ha from a fertile land having well-managed plantation. The oil has 50–50% menthol, sweet in taste and of superior odour. It is mainly used in pharmaceutical preparations.It fetches much higher price than oil of Japanese mint.
Spearmint (Mentha spicata) is another important mint. Its oil is rich in carvone (65%) content and emits caraway like odour. The oil is useful in dentrifice, confectionery and pharmaceutical products. It bears lanceolate stalkless, light green leaves and narrow, long, terminal flowering spikes with lilac flowers, attaining a height of up to 60cm. Two commercial varieties have been evolved in India. Of them, Punjab Spearmint is an erect growing with quadrangular purple-green, hairy stem, producing 20q/ha of fresh herb. It contains 0.57% oil, the oil yield being 120 litres/ha containing 68% carvone. The other variety MSS 5 is relatively vigorous in growth, yielding 250–300q/ha of fresh herb or 150kg of oil from commercial plantations. It is cultivated in smaller area in Punjab and foothills of Uttar Pradesh. It fetches higher price.
Bergamot mint or lemon mint (Mentha citrata) is a glabrescent aromatic herb, robust in growth like Japanese mint. It has similar broad ovate leaves but without a distinct inflorescence. The flowering vertices are borne in upper part of the stem in axil of leaves. The oil has an odour reminiscent of lavender oil due to its containing high linalool (45–50%) and linalyl acetate (45%) contents. The yield of herb and oil is similar to Japanese mint. A high-yeilding variety, Kiran, produces 150kg of oil/ha, containing 48% linalool. The cultivation practices are similar to those of other mints. It grows well in subtropical, fertile plains of north India. About 50–60 tonnes of oil is produced in the country annually, fetching price akin to oil of Japanese mint. The oil is mainly used in perfumery industry.

Mint-Production, Processing and Marketing Practices

TULSI/INDIAN BASIL
Ocimum basilicum. It is grown as a pot herb. However, its commercial cultivation has picked up in last 10 years, extending to 6,000ha area in Badauin, Bareilly and Lucknow districts of Uttar Pradesh. It is similar to sweet basil which is grown in tarai districts of Uttar Pradesh but the oil has overwhelmingly high methyl chavicol (70–80%) content, whereas sweet basil has high eugenol (35–40%) and linalool (35–40%) contents. This oil is used in flavouring of foods, bakery products and beverages in the USA and Europe.

Tulsi-Production, Processing and Marketing Practices

PIPLI/LONG PEPPER
Piper longum . It is a herbaceous, trailing dioecious plant of humid tropics. It is distributed along water courses and over shola lands in Assam, Kerala and Karnataka. The unripe fruits (female spikes) and to a smaller extent, root and thick basal stems constitute commercial produce. These are traded all over south-east Asia for their use as a stimulant, appetizer and general tonic, also included as a food aromatic. In Ayurveda and Unani medicines, it is given in bronchital asthama, insomnia, jaundice and viral hepatitis. Eaten with ginger and honey, it is given in rheumatism and as a nervine tonic. When added to food, it improves bioavailability of nutrients and body resistance. It is cultivated commerically in Akola-Amravati tract of Maharashtra, whereas small and scattered cultivation is done in foothills of Assam, Meghalaya, West Bengal and Orissa besides humid tracts of south Gujarat, Kerala and Karnataka.

Pipali-Production, Processing and Marketing Practices

ISABGOL
Plantago ovata. It is a small, stemless, annual herb, grows mainly in north Gujarat and south-western Rajasthan. A native of Persia, it is cultivated in 50,000 ha in Mehsana, Banaskantha and Sabarkantha districts of Gujarat and Jalore, Pali, Jodhpur, Barmer, Nagour and Sirohi districts of Rajasthan. Recently its cultivation has been extended to Mandsaur district of Madhya Pradesh. India is the largest producer of isabgol seed and seed-husk, 90% of the total being exported all over the world. The seed husk is rosy-white membranous covering which constitutes the drug in commerce. It is a safe laxative which is beneficial in habitual constipation, chronic diarrhoea and dysentery. It is also used in dyeing and calico printing, ice cream-making as a stabilizer, cosmetics and confectionery industries. The leftover seeds, after removal of husk, is a rich source of protein and is used as a poultry feed.

Isabgol-Production, Processing and Marketing Practices

RAUVOLFIA/SARPAGANDHA
Rauvolfia serpentina. It is a perennial, native Indian herb. Its roots are used for controlling high blood pressure and certain forms of insanity in Ayurvedic system of medicine since ancient times. It has received worldwide recognition after isolation of its bioactive reserpine alkaloid in allopathic medicines. In addition, its sedative property is utilized by Ayurvedic physicians in treatment of insomnia, epilepsy and asthama. It is cultivated commercially in Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Assam and Orissa. The root is its economic part, containing 55 alkaloids, of which reserpine, deserpidine, ajmalicine, serpentine and yohimbine being pharmacologically active and important. The commercial root crop contains 1.4–3.0% of total alkaloids depending upon age, locality and drying of roots. Of these, ajmalicine, reserpine and serpentine content are highly potent in medicine.

Rauvolfia-Production, Processing and Marketing Practices

GULAB/SCENTED ROSE
Rosa damascena. Scented rose or damask rose is grown in India for its pleasant, sweet smelling, large, pink to red flowers used for making rose water and attar. It is grown in 3,000–4,000ha in Aligarh, Gazipur, Farrukabad (Kanauj) and Balia districts of Uttar Pradesh, besides smaller area is in Ajmer (Pushkar) and Udaipur districts in Rajasthan. It is a perennial, hardy shrub growing 2m long, with numerous stout hooked prickles intermixed with glandular bristles on its stem. Leaves are compound, imparipinnate having 5–7 leaflets, ovate to oblong in shape with serrated margins. Flowers are borne in groups of 5–7 both in axillary and terminal corymb in varying shade of pink colour. The flowering is restricted to spring season for 3–4 weeks in a year. The aroma is due to essential oil secreted in papillae of epidermal cells (petals) and is given off as soon as formed. Half open flowers have more fragrance. Other species R. centifolia (Cheti gulab) and R. borbonia (Edward rose) are also grown in small acreage mainly for making rose water and gulkand.

Scented Rose-Production, Processing and Marketing Practices

ROSE GERANIUM
Pelargonium graveolens. It is an aromatic perennial herb. It is grown in cooler, subtropical climate of Mysore and Bangalore (Karnataka), and extended to Hyderabad (Andhra Pradesh). Its oil has a refreshingly delicate long-lasting rosy odour with fruity under-note, containing 66–78% primary alcohols (rhodinol). It is used in manufacturing of perfumes, creams, talcum powder and body lotion. It is stable in alkaline medium and is therefore used for scenting of soaps.

Rose Geranium-Production, Processing and Marketing Practices

VETIVER/KHUS
Vetiveria zizanioides. It is a tall, perennial grass which grows wild in drier, periodically flood inundated tracts, of western and north-central India. It produces spongy, much branched, root system (khus roots) with fine rootlets, containing a fragrant oil which is a perfume by itself. The dry aromatic roots are also used to make curtains, mats, fans and other fancy goods as the proudct emits a sweet cooling aroma for a long period when moistened. The oil is used as a valuable fixative in blending of perfumes, cosmetics and scenting of soaps. Its cultivation is largely scattered over small holdings in Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh and to a lesser extent in Uttar Pradesh. Considering the high quality of oil produced in India compared to Indonesia, Brazil and Haiti, the north Indian type vetiver oil has a good potential for export.

Vetiver-Production, Processing and Marketing Practices

ASHWAGANDHA
Withania somnifera. It is a pantropic native medicinal plant growing all over north-western and central India. Its roots are employed as an ingredient in a large number of Ayurvedic medicines. It has adaptogenic, immuno-modulator, aphrodisiac, anti-stress and mildly sedative properties. It provides remedy for general debility, fatigue, stress-induced disorders, dropsy, dyspepsia, hiccup, joint pains, improves male potency, reduces neurosis and inflammation in the lungs. It contains a large number of alkaloids and withaniols (0.13–0.68%). These are found in the bark. Withaniol group of alkaloids (withanine and pseudo-withanine) are therapeutically important. The roots of cultivated crop contain up to 50% of these alkaloids, whereas roots of wild plants are rich in 3-tropy1 tigolate. Leaves contain anaferine but are not marketed commercially.

Aswagandha-Production, Processing and Marketing Practices

CHAMOMILE
Matricaria chamomilla. It is a recently-introduced aromatic plant from Central Europe. It is grown in small area in north-central parts of Uttar Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh. Chamomile flowers yield a blue coloured essential oil which is traditionally employed in manufacturing of pain-relieving balms. It is also used in scenting of shampoos, pomades, face-creams and liquors. It is also used in flavouring of ice-creams, candies, chewing-gum and baked foods. Owing to anti-phlogistic properties, it is considered useful in toning gastro-intestinal system. In Central Europe, its flowers are part of herbal tea, where it acts as mild sedative and digestive and provides relief in cough and cold. Its demand in India is on the rise and part of it is met by importing its oil.
Chamomilla recutita is known as GERMAN CHAMOMILE

Chamomile-Production, Processing and Marketing Practices

OPIUM POPPY
Papaver somniferum. It is a biennial herb in Eastern Europe. As a crop it is grown as a cold weather annual in subtropical parts of north India. This is a dual purpose crop where seed is edible and highly nutritive. The latex extracted from fully-grown mature capsules contains 40 alkaloids, of which morphine and codeine are best known for their sedative, analgesic, antitussive and antispasmodic properties. It is the best known pain-killer. The crop is grown over 30,000 ha land under an annually renewable license, issued by the Union Narcotics Department in 12 opium poppy designated divisions which fall in Neemuch, Mandsaur and Ratlam in Madhya Pradesh; Chittorgarh, Jhalawar and Kota in Rajasthan and Barabanki, Bareilly, Shahajahanpur, Faizabad, Raibareilly and Gazipur in Uttar Pradesh. The area under cultivation is being continuously reduced, necessitating large import of seed to meet growing demand for culinary purposes. The crop provides livelihood to 2.5 lakh rural families in the region. The latex and seed both are high income-generating items.

Opium Poppy-Production, Processing and Marketing Practices

KHASI KATERI/KANTAKARI
Solanum spp. It is a steroid-bearing perennial, tall, bush distributed all over Assam (Khasi, Jayanti and Naga hills), Sikkim and Manipur between 1,600–2,000m elevation. It is a naturalized plant in several other parts of India occurring at lower elevations. Its berry pulp is rich in solasodine alkaloid, which is a starting chemical for production of steroids. It is used in production of contraceptive pills, corticosteroids and sex hormones.

Khasi kateri-Production, Processing and Marketing Practices

BLACK HENBANE/HYOCYAMUS
Hyocyamus niger. It is a popular ancient herb used in treatment of asthama and whooping cough because of sedative, cholingeric and antispasmodic properties of its leaves. It also provides relief in gripping pain in intestinal disorders. In India, its small scale cultivation is done in Malwa region in Madhya Pradesh. It is grown as early, short-duration (100 days) rabi crop. Another species, Egyptian henbane (H. muticus), also yields tropane alkaloids, producing higher herbage yield. Owing to its long duration (200–240 days), it is not cultivated in India. The herb at flowering is harvested and is traded in commerce. The leaves of black henbane contains on an average 0.05% of total alkaloids mainly hyocyamine, hyocine and atropine. The hyocyamine make up 90% of it.

Henbane-Production, Processing and Marketing Practices

DILL/SOWA
Anethum graveolens var. sowa. It is oldest cultivated medicinal plant in India. Its young aromatic foliage is used in culinary, whereas fruits have carminative property. On distillation, an essential oil containing high carvone content is obtained. It provides relief in flatulence, abdominal and colic pain. Its emulsion in water is an integral part for making gripewater used to improve digestion and to control vomiting in children.

Dill-Production, Processing and Marketing Practices

GREATER GALANGAL
Alpinia galanga; Zingiberaceae family. A herbaceous plant up to 2 m high, with long leaves; reddish small fruits and aromatic rhizomes. The plant occurs naturally in the eastern Himalayas and the Western Ghats. The drug is the dried rhizome of this plant, which is useful in rheumatism, respiratory complaints, and in bronchitis. The drug is also considered useful in stomach complaints and as a tonic, deodorant, and disinfectant. It is a stimulant aromatic like ginger.

DEVIL'S TREE/CHHATIM
Alstonia scholaris; Apocyanaceae family. A large evergreen tree reaching up to 25 m high. The tree is found in moist regions throughout the country. The drug is the dried bark of the tree, which is considered very efficacious in chronic diarrhoea and dysentery. It is useful in malarial fever and brings down the temperature gradually and without causing perspiration. It is also useful in some skin diseases.

KALMEGH/KING OF BITTERS
Andrographis paniculata; Acanthaceae family. An erect branched annual herb, occurs throughout India. The drug consists of all parts of the plant above ground, excluding only roots. It is bitter tonic, and useful in curing fever, worms, dysentery, general weakness, and excessive gas formation in stomach. It is also reported to be useful for children suffering from liver and digestion complaints.

INDIAN BIRTHWORT
Aristolochia indica; Aristolochiaceae family. A twining shrub, found throughout India in lower hilly regions and in plains. Common in southern and eastern India. The drug is the dried stems and roots of the plant, which is useful only in controlled doses , in small doses it promotes digestion and regulates menstruation. It is also a good tonic. In larger doses it causes dangerous irritations in the digestive system and in kidneys and leads to violent vomiting, nausea, even abortion and other disorders.

WORMSEED
Artemisia maritima; Asteraceae family. A short much branched perennial aromatic shrub about 1 m high. The plant occurs in northern India from Kashmir to Kumaon at about 2000 to 3000 m altitude. The drug consists of the dried immature leaves and flower heads of the plant. The medicinal properties of the plant are based chiefly on santonin, contained in the young leaves and flower heads. Hence the drug is also called santhonina. The chief use of the drug is for expulsion of thread worms and round worms from the stomach.

INDIAN BELLADONNA
Atropa acuminata; Solanaceae family. An erect branched perennial herb found in Kashmir at altitudes of 2000 to 3500 m. The drug consists of the dried leaves and other aerial parts of the plant, roots are also included. The drug obtained from leaves and other aerial parts brings about a decrease in secretion of sweat and salivary and gastric glands. It acts as a strong anti-spasmodic in intestinal colic and other spasmodic indications. It is also useful in asthma and whooping cough. The drug obtained from roots also has similar properties as the one obtained from leaves and twigs. Roots are, however believed to have certain poisonous substances and are employed chiefly in preparation prescribed for external applications on rheumatism, neuralgia, inflammations etc.
Atropa belladonna is popularly known as European belladonna.

NEEM/MARGOSA
Azadirachta indica; Meliaceae family. Neem is a well known tree of India which occurs naturally in Deccan Peninsula, but is cultivated all over India. It a very useful tree, various parts of which are used in medicinal preparations; biofertilizer applications and insecticidal and pesticidal formulations.
The drug is dried stem bark, leaves and root bark. The bark is a bitter tonic and is largely applied on skin diseases and boils, a decoction of leaves is also taken internally. The antibiotic properties of leaves and roots and their utility in skin diseases have been confirmed experimentally.

PARSLEY
Parsley (Petroselinum hortense) is a biennial herbal spice, commercially cultivated in a limited area in high altitude areas of Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttaranchal. It is grown as an annual for its attractive and aromatic leaves. The erect growing parsley reaches a height of 1 to 1 1/2 ft and are with dense bright green leaves which are finally divided and curled. Flowers are yellow or yellowish green in compound umbels and appear in the second year of planting and the flowering stalk reaches up to a height of 100 cm. Fruits are 2-3 mm long, crescent shape, and conspicuously rigid. Seeds are brown colored, smooth, ribbed and ovate. A rich source of Vitamin C, Vitamin A and iron, parsley also yields fatty acids and an essential or volatile oil. The essential oil of the leaves is considered superior to that from the seeds and is used in condiments and seasonings. Parsley seed oil is used in fragrances for perfumes, soaps and creams.

BRAHMI
Bacopa monnieri;Scrophulariaceae family. This herb spreads on ground and its stems and small leaves are succulent. Roots arise on the nodes of the stem. This plant is found in moist and wet places such as on borders of water channels, wells, irrigated fields etc. in all parts of India. The drug brahmi consists of whole plant. It is valued in medicine as a tonic for nerves and is prescribed in nervous disorders; mental diseases; constipation and as a diuretic. Leaf juice is given to infants in bronchitis; the relief is due to the vomiting and the purging brought about by the drug. Leaf juice mixed with petroleum jelly is applied on rheumatism. The plant is considered as a blood purifier.

INDIAN BARBERRY
Berberis aristata; Berberidaceae family. A large thorny shrub, wood yellow, branches whitish or pale grey. The plant is found in Himalayas between 2000 and 3000 m altitude, it also grows well in Nilgiris hills in south India. The drug consists of dried roots of this plant. The chief constituent of the drug is the alkaloid berberine. Dried roots are boiled in water; strained and evaporated till a semi solid mass is obtained. This paste mixed with butter and alum or with opium and lime juice is applied externally on eye lids to cure ophthalmia and other eye diseases.

PUNARNAVA/GADAHPURNA/HOGWEED/HORSE PURSLANE
Boerhavia diffusa; family Nyctaginaceae. A much branched herb generally spreading on the ground or partly ascending. The plant is found in all parts of India. The whole plant particularly roots, leaves and seeds constitute the drug which contains the alkaloid punarnavine. The main use of the drug is as a diuretic. It is also a laxative. In moderate doses it is recommended for asthma.

FLAME OF THE FOREST/PALAS
Butea monosperma, family Fabaceae. A well known tree of India. Found all over India. The red coloured gum called Bengal kino or butea gum are obtained from this tree and the seeds have medicinal properties. Gum contains tannins and valuable for treatment of diarrhea. The seeds are used as anthelmintic in treatment of roundworms and tapeworms.

AMALTAS/CASSIA
Cassia fistula; Caesalpiniaceae family. It is a small or medium tree found throughout India up to an altitude of about 1500 m and is more common in moist or evergreen forests. Though medicinal properties have been attributed to all parts of the tree the fruits are most important and the pulp from the fruit, cassia pulp is a well known laxative.

INDIAN PENNYWORT/CENTELLA
Centella asiatica; family Apiaceae. It is a creeping plant and its creeping stems bear roots on their nodes. This plant grows in moist places throughout India. The drug comprises fresh and dried leaves and stems of this plant. Roots and seeds are also used in medicinal preparations. The leaves are boiled in the water and this decoction is given in the treatment of leprosy. The plant contains asiaticoside which is considered responsible for its use in leprosy. The plant is also considered useful in certain kinds of tuberculosis and as a tonic for brain.

KALA ZIRA/CENTRATHERUM
Centratherum anthelminticum; family Asteraceae. An erect tall herb found in all parts of India upto an altitude of about 1500 m and is more common in waste places near habitations. The drug comprises fresh dried seeds of the plant. It is a valuable medicine as anthelmintic, that is, to destroy worms. It is useful in threadworm infections.

IPECAC
Cephaelis ipecacuanha; family Rubiaceae. A small trailing herb native of Brazil. It is cultivated in India in assam, Bengal and upto some extent in south India. The rhizomes of the plant constitute the drug which is useful in amoebic dysentery and loss of appetite. It also acts as a diaphoretic.

CINCHONA
Cinchona spp; family Rubiaceae. Cinchona is not indigenous to India and none of its species occur here in natural state. Several species are now cultivated in India. The dried bark of the plant constitutes the drug which yields several active principles, of which quinine is most important. It is well known for its effective use in malarial fevers. Quinine also destroys certain infections and certain preparations have been found useful in pneumonia, amoebic dysentery and for eye lotions.

CINNAMON
Cinnamomum spp. Family Lauraceae. It is an evergreen tree about 6-8 m high. The tree is abundantly found in south India upto an altitude of 1500 m. the branches of the trees are lopped and their bark removed; the dried inner bark constitutes the drug cinnamon. The drug is used in diarrhoea, nausea, and vomiting. It is commonly used as a condiment. The oil obtained from the bark called cinnamon bark oil is used as a stomachic and carminative. It cures gastric debility and flatulence. And also has the property of destroying certain germs and fungi.

COLCHICUM/HIRANYATUTH
Colchicum luteum. An annual herb, corms brownish in colour, almost conical in shape. The plant is found in north western Himalayas from about 700-2800 m altitude, usually in outskirts of forests and in open grassy places. The fresh corms of the plant collected before its flowering constitute the drug. The corms contain the active principle colchicine. It is useful in pains and inflammations of gout. The plant can be grown at higher altitudes also upto 1500-3000 m in the Himalayas.
COPTIS
Coptis teeta; family Ranunculaceae a small stemless herb, rootstock woody, golden yellow, densely fibrous, very bitter. It is distributed in the temperate regions of mishmee hills in Arunachal Pradesh in India. The dried rhizomes commonly known as teeta roots constitute the drug. It is a tonic, stomachic, and efficacious in debility and also used in intermittent fevers. Its active principles are alkaloids of the berberine group. The drug has great export value. Species of thalictrum and picorrhiza are the main adulterants of this drug.

COSCINIUM
Coscinium fenestratum, family Menispermaceae. A robust woody climbing shrub which occurs naurally in south India, chiefly in western ghats. The dried stems of the plant constitute the drug. The active principle is berberine. This drug is useful in fevers, general weakness or debility and certain types of dyspepsia. It is also considered antiseptic and therefore used for external application of wounds.

DATURA
Datura stramonium; family solanaceae family. A bushy plant upto 1 m high with large ovate leaves. This plant occurs in temperate Himalayas upto 2500 m and in hilly regions of central and southern India. The drug consists of dried leaves, flowering tops, and seeds of the plant. The chief active principle in the leaves is hyoscyamine. The drug is useful in bronchitis or asthma and controls salivation in mouth. It is antispasmodic and narcotic. The inhalation of smoke from the burning leaves is also good for relieving asthma.

DIGITALIS/TILPUSHPI/FOXGLOVE
Digitalis purpurea; family Scrophulariaceae. A perennial herb upto 1-1.5 m high with long hairy ovate leaves. This plant is not indigenous to India. It is cultivated chiefly in hilly regions of northern India such as Kashmir, Darjeeling, Nilgiri hills etc. These have escaped from cultivation and become naturalized in some places. The dried leaves of the plant constitute the drug. The main use of the drug is in heart diseases. It is also used in some ointments for local application on wounds and burns.

DIOSCOREA
Dioscorea sp.Family Dioscoreaceae. This is a large genus of twining herbs. About 50 species are found in India and several are cultivated for its edible tubers, the yams. The genus has gained much repute as a source of steroidal sapogenins, like diosgenin. These are promising starting materials for synthesis of cortisone which is useful in treatment of rheumatic arthritis and in preparation of sex hormones. Dioscorea deltoidea is an extensive climber occurring in north western Himalayas to central Himalayas and tubers of which are rich source of diosgenin. Some other species of dioscorea yield industrial starch.

COSTUS/KEBU
Costus speciosus, family Zingiberaceae. An erect herb with rhizomatous horizontal rootstock. The plant is found all over India, upto an elevation of 1200 m. the drug comprises the fresh and dried rhizomes of this plant. The rhizome is mucilaginous and feebly astringent. It is used as a purgative and tonic. Roots are also used for curing fevers,cough, dyspepsia, worms, skin diseases and snake bites.
The rhizome is edible after cooking. It is rich in starch, but fibrous content is high in comparison to other tuberous foods.

ROSEMARY
Rosmarinus officinalis. Lamiaceae family. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is a woody perennial herb with fragrant evergreen needle-shaped leaves. .. It is a member of the mint family. The fresh and dried leaves are used as a flavoring agent in food preparations; they have a bitter, astringent taste, which complements a wide variety of foods. Rosemary is rich in iron, calcium and vitamin B complex. Rosemary is also cultivated as an ornamental plant and it is considered easy to grow for beginner gardeners, and is pest-resistant. Rosemary is easily pruned into shapes and has been used for topiary. When grown in pots, it is best kept trimmed to stop it getting too straggly and unsightly, though when grown in a garden, rosemary can grow quite large and still be attractive. It can be propagated from an existing plant by clipping a shoot 10-15 cm long, stripping a few leaves from the bottom, and planting it directly into soil.

STEVIA
Stevia sp. Asteraceae family. Stevia is member of sunflower family and native to America, commonly known as sweetleaf, sugarleaf, or simply stevia, is widely grown for its sweet leaves. Used as a sugar substitute. With its extracts having up to 300 times the sweetness of sugar, stevia has garnered attention with the rise in demand for low-sugar food alternatives. Stevia also has shown promise in medical research for treating such conditions as obesity and high blood pressure. Stevia has a negligible effect on blood glucose therefore; it is attractive as a natural sweetener to diabetics. China is the world's largest exporter of stevioside. Planting cloned stevia is the most effective method of reproduction.

CHIRAYATA
Swertia chirayata is a medicinal plant native of temperate Himalayas, found at an altitude of 1200–3000 m (4000 to 10,000 ft), from Kashmir to Bhutan, and in the Khasi hills at 1200–1500 m (4000 to 5000 ft)6,8. It can be grown in sub-temperate regions between 1500 and 2100 m altitudes9. The genus Swertia Linn.consists of annual and perennial herbs. The plant is used as a bitter tonic in treatment of fever and for curing various skin diseases. S. chirayita has an established domestic (Indian) and international market, which is increasing at a rate of 10% annually.
Chirayata is bitter in taste; cooling; easily digestible,and dry. These characteristics drain heat from the blood and liver. Concoction of chirata with cardamom, turmeric and kutki is given for gastrointestinal infections,and along with ginger it is considered good for fever.
When given along with neem, manjishta and gotu kola, it serves as a cure for various skin problems. It is used in combination with other drugs in cases of scorpion bite

SAFED MUSLI
Chlorophytum borivillionam. Agavaceae family. It is an evergreen perennial herb. Leaves are used as a vegetable and its roots are used medicinally as a sex tonic under the name safed moosli. The medicinal value is thought to derive from its saponin content, up to 17 percent by dry weight. Used as an aphrosiadic agent.. It is a herb with lanceolate leaves, from tropical wet forests. As medicinal demand has increased, the plant has been brought under cultivation. The saponins and alkaloids present in the plant are the source of its alleged aphrodisiac properties.

THYME
Thymus spp., Lamiaceae family. Thyme (Thymus) is an evergreen aromatic perennial herb. Thyme is widely cultivated for its strong flavour which is due to its content of thymol. Thyme likes a hot sunny location with good-draining soil. It is planted in the spring and thereafter grows as a perennial. It can be propagated by seed, cuttings, or by dividing rooted sections of the plant. It tolerates drought well. Thyme retains its flavour on drying better than many other herbs. Thyme is used most widely in cooking. Thyme is often used to flavour meats, soups and stews. It has a particular affinity to and is often used as a primary flavour with lamb, tomatoes and eggs. Thyme is sold both fresh and dried. The fresh form is more flavorful but also less convenient; storage life is rarely more than a week. Fresh thyme is often available year-round. Fresh thyme is commonly sold in bunches of sprigs. A sprig is a single stem snipped from the plant. The whole sprig may be used for culinary purposes. Thyme retains its flavour on drying better than many other herbs. As with bay, thyme is slow to release its flavours so it is usually added early in the cooking process.
Herbal tea made by infusing the herb in water can be used for cough. Because it is antiseptic, thyme boiled in water and cooled is very effective against inflammation of the throat when gargled 3 times a day. The inflammation will normally disappear in 2 - 5 days. Other infections and wounds can be dripped with thyme that has been boiled in water and cooled.

OREGANO/POT MARJORAM
Oregano or Pot Marjoram (Origanum vulgare); family Lamiaceae. It is an important culinary herb where leaves are used in cooking, and the dried herb is often more flavorful than the fresh. Oregano is often used in fried vegetables and grilled meat. Oregano works well with hot and spicy food. It is aromatic and slightly bitter taste. Oregano is an antioxidant, due to the presence of phenolic acids and flavonoids. In India it is considered as a primarily medicinal plant, useful for relieving children's coughs.

AMLA/GOOSEBERRY/EMBLICA
Emblica officinalis/Phyllanthus emblica . Family Euphorbiaceae . A small deciduous tree occurs throughout tropical and subtropical India. The fresh or dried fruits of this tree constitute the drug. The fruits are one of the three constituents of the well known Indian preparation “Triphala” which is used as a laxative and in the treatment of enlarged liver, piles, stomach complaints, pain in eyes etc.
Emblica fruits are a good liver tonic. Raw fruits are cooling and mild laxative. A fermented liquor made from the fruits is considered useful in indigestion, anaemia, jaundice, certain heart complaints, cold in nose, and for promoting urination. It is a very rich source of vitamin C, and is valuable in diseases caused by deficiency of vitamin C like scurvy. Dried fruits are useful in diarrhoea and dysentery. Even Pickled fruits have medicinal value. Flowers, roots and bark of the tree are also medicinal. Seeds are reported to cure asthma and stomach disorders.

CARDAMOM
Elettaria cardamomum; Zingiberaceae family. A herb with thick fleshy branched rhizome and several erect stems going sometimes upto 3 m high. It occurs wild in south India, particularly in the moist forests of hilly regions in Mysore and Kerala. The dried fruits of the plant constitute the drug. The seeds are actually used. It is used for relieving flatulence or for promoting digestion. It is administered with purgatives and as a flavouring agent

EPHEDRA
Ephedra gerardiana; family Gnetaceae. A small herb upto 1 m high. It occurs in the drier regions of higher Himalayan ranges at about 2000 – 4000 m. The dried stems collected in autumn constitute the drug. The main use of this drug which yields ephedrine is in treatment of asthma. The drug is also a heart stimulant. In cases where heart is affected by infections of pneumonia, diphtheria etc ephedra proves a very effective cardiac stimulant. It is also used in hay-fever, rashes etc. of allergic origin.

EUPHORBIA
Euphorbia hirta, family Euphorbiaceae. An annual herb occurs in waste places throughout the warmer regions of India. The entire plant collected in flowering and fruiting stage and dried constitutes the drug. The drug causes relaxation of bronchioles and has a depressant action on heart and respiration. It is useful in removing worms in children, in bowel complaints, asthma and cough. The roots of the plant stop vomiting. The milky juice of the plant is applied on warts. This plant is also used as a leafy vegetable.

ASAFOETIDA
Ferula narthex; family Apiaceae. A tall perennial herb with robust carrot-shaped roots which is abundantly found in Kashmir. Asafoetida is a resinous and scented substance obtained by incision in the living rhizomes or roots of this plant. It is useful in relieving spasms and indigestion, flatulent colic cholera, and whooping cough. It is a stimulant for respiratory and nervous system and is very effective in pneumonia and bronchitis in children. It is applied externally on stomach to stimulate the intestines.
It is popularly used as a spice and is an essential ingredient in most pulse and vegetable preparations and pickles.

WINTERGREEN
Gaultheria fragrantissima; family Ericaceae. An evergreen shrub about 3 m high. It occurs naturally in the hilly regions of northern, southern and eastern India between 1500 – 2500 m altitude. The wintergreen oil is the volatile oil obtained from fresh plants of this species. This oil is used in the treatment of various forms of rheumatism. It is applied locally; it is also added to certain ointments. It is useful in destroying hook worms and also has a stimulant and carminative properties. Wintergreen oil is also used as a flavoring agent in soft drinks, lemon drops, tooth pastes etc. the oil also used in many preparations for killing mosquitoes, flies and other insects. The plant is grown as an ornamental in most of the hill stations of India.

EMBELIA
Embelia acutipetalum; family myrsinaceae; It is a shrub occurs chiefly in eastern India and the Deccan peninsula. The dried fruit of the plant constitutes the drug. The main use of this drug is in treatment of tapeworms. Given in suitable doses the drug kills the tapeworms, they are then expelled with the help of a purgative. It is laxative also.

INDIAN GENTIAN
Gentiana kurroo; family Gentianaceae. A small perennial herb which occurs in north western Himalayas between 1500-3500 m altitude, in Kashmir and adjoining hills. The dried rhizomes of the plant constitutes the drug. Gentian is used for improving appetite and stimulate gastric secretion. It is an ingredient in many tonic and stomachic preparations. It has pleasant flavour and is agreeable to taste. In large doses it causes purging.

TURPETH /INDIAN JALAP
Operculina turpethum, family Convolvulaceae. A large twining herb with milky juice. The plant occurs almost throughout India upto an altitude of about 1000 m. It has high ornamental value and therefore grown in gardens for its beautiful flowers. The dried roots of the plant constitute the drug. The roots should be taken from white variety only. The drug contains turpethin. It is used as a purgative.

HARMAL /WILD RUE
Peganum harmala. Family Rutaceae; A shrub about 1 m high. The plant occurs throughout northern and north-western India and in drier regions of the Deccan. The dried seeds of the plant constitute the drug. The seeds contain several alkaloids and are useful in asthma, hysteria, rheumatism, gall stones, colic pains, fever, jaundice etc. They are used also as narcotic, anthelminthic and emetic. The alkaloids harmaline, yageine and harmine obtained from this drug are all psychomimetics, i.e. act as hallucinogens. The drug stimulates motor tracts of cerebrum and central nervous system. Its powdered roots mixed in mustard oil kill lice in hair. The plant kept in a room repels mosquitoes.

PERGULARIA
Pergularia daemia. Family Asclepiadaceae. A twining herb with milky juice. The plant is found almost throughout India upto 1000 m. the entire plant is used as medicine. The juice of the leaves is given in catarrhal affection and infantile diarrhoea. It forms a constituent of a purgative preparation given in rheumatism and amenorrhoea. It is sued as a uterine tonic, expectorant, and emetic.

KUTAKI/PICORRHIZA
Picorrihza kurrooa. Family Scrophulariaceae. It is a small herb occurs only in high mountains at an altitude of 3000-4000 m, in the Himalayas fro Kashmir to Sikkim the drug comprises of the dried rhizomes of the plant; it is better tonic and is useful as antiperiodic and promotes secretion of bile; it improves appetite and stimulates gastric secretion it is also used in dropsy

JATAMANSI/SPIKENARD
Nardostachys grandiflora. Family Valerianaceae. A perennial herb up to about 60 cm tall. The plant occurs in the alpine Himalayas between 3000-4500 m altitude. The dried rhizomes and roots of this plant are medicinal. It has tonic, antispasmodic and stimulant properties. It is also used as a laxative and for improving urination, menstruation and digestion. It is used as a substitute for the drug Valerian

LOBELIA/WILD TOBACCO
Lobelia nicotianaefolia. Family Lobeliaceae. A large herb occurs in the hilly regions of the deccan peninsula and in adjoining plains. The drug consists of aerial parts of the plant collected during winter and dried in shade. The properties of this drug is somewhat similar to nicotine. It is used in bronchitis and asthma. Lobeline the drug contained in this drug stimulates respiration and is used for reviving respiration in cases of failures of respiration caused by excessive narcotics.

MADHUCA/MAHUA
Madhuca indica. Family Sapotaceae. A large deciduous tree occurs in all the plains and lower hills of India upto 1200 m and is very common in submontane regions of the Himalayas. The bark, leaves, flowers and seeds of the tree constitute the drug. Decoction of the bark is applied in curing itch, bleeding gums and ulcers. It is given internally in diabetes. Leaves are astringent. Their ash mixed with butter is applied on burns and scalds. Flowers are used in cough and bronchitis, they are cooling and nutritive. Oil from seeds is good on skin diseases and as laxative.

KAMELA
Mallotus philippensis. Family Euphorbiaceae. A small evergreen much branched shrub. It is found throughout the tropical regions of India from an altitude of 1500 m in Himalayas southwards upto Kerala. The red glandular and hairy substance separated from the fruits constitute the drug. Kamela is chiefly used for destroying tapeworms. It is a purgative and used in treatment of skin diseases like ringworm and scabies.

MEHANDI/HENNA
Lawsonia enermis. Family Lythraceae. A middle sized much branched shrub. The plant occurs in several parts of India, chiefly in the drier parts of the peninsula but is usually cultivated in hedges. The leaves of the plant have medicinal properties. They are astringent and are used as a prophylactic against skin diseases. A decoction of leaves is used as gargle in sore throat. The paste of leaves is largely used in Indian homes in headache, burning sensation in feet and for dandruff. The chief use of the henna plant is as pleasant orange dye for coloring palms, nails, feet, hair; beard etc. henna mixed with natural dyes is largely used as hair dye and even for textiles. The oil obtained from its flowers is used in perfumery.

INDIAN SARSAPARILLA
Hemidesmus indicus. Family Periplocaceae. A perennial creeper which occurs almost throughout India. The dried roots of the plant constitutes the drug. It is useful in fever, skin diseases, loss of appetite, syphilis, leucorrhoea, and other urinary complaints. The diuretic action of the drug is well established. The drug is largely used as a blood purifier and in rheumatism.

KURCHI
Holarrhena antidysenterica. Family Apocyanaceae. A tall shrub occurs throughout India upto an altitude of 1200 m. the dried bark of the plant constitutes the drug which is used in curing amoebic dysentery. Either an extract of the bark is used singly or several other preparations in combination with chemical compounds are used. The bark of the plant also ahs tonic properties. The alkaloid conessine found in the bark retards the growth of tubercular bacilli. Seeds also possess alkaloids which are effective in dysentery.

CHALMOGRA
Hydnocarpus kurzii, family Flacourtiaceae. A tree about 15 m high. It is found in evergreen forests of Assam and Tripura. The oil obtained from the fresh ripe seeds of the tree is medicinal. The oil is used in the treatment of leprosy. The bark of the tree contains certain tannins and is considered useful in fever. The seed cake is used as an organic manure.

TALMAKHANA
Hygrophila auriculata. Family Acanthaceae. A stout erect herb occurs in marshes and other moist spots throughout India often filling the shallow partially dried ditches and roadside water channels. The drug consists of the entire plant including the roots. It is useful in dropsy, jaundice, rheumatism, and disease of urinogenital system; seeds are considered useful also in venereal diseases. Seeds and roots have diuretic property. Leaves are useful in cough and urethral discharges.

KALADANA/IPOMOEA
Ipomea nil. Family Convolvulaceae. An annual twining plant which occurs throughout India upto an altitude of about 1800 m. The dried seeds of the plant constitute the drug. It is used as a purgative. Fresh fruits of the plant are eaten as vegetable. The plant has also high ornamental value for its beautiful flowers.

SANDALWOOD/CHANDAN
Santalum album. Family Sanatlaceae. A medium evergreen tree with drooping branches. It is found in Deccan peninsula towards southern region. The oil obtained from the heartwood of this tree is medicinal. The oil is used in treatment of dysuria i.e. to promote urination; cystitis i.e. inflammation of bladder; gonorrhoea and cough. The drug is also useful in tuberculosis of gall bladder. The wood ground with water into a paste is applied on local inflammations, on forehead for fever, and on skin diseases. Oil from the seed is used on skin diseases.

ASHOK
Saraca asoca. Family Caesalpiniaceae. A small tree found in central and eastern Himalayas and eastern and south India. Mostly cultivated for its ornamental flowers. The dried bark of the tree is of medicinal value. It is used as an astringent in treatment of uterine disorders. Flowers mixed with water are useful in haemorrhagic dysentery.

KUTH
Saussurea lappa. Family Asteraceae. A tall perennial herb up to 2 m high. The plant occurs in Kashmir and adjoining areas between 2500-4000 m altitude. The dried roots of the plant constitute the drug. The drug is antiseptic and disinfectant. It is useful in bronchitis; asthma; flatulence; and certain cardiac complaints. It also promotes urination. It is also useful in skin diseases and rheumatism.

SIDA
Sida cordifolia. Family Malvaceae. A small much branched shrub. The plant occurs throughout India as a common weed usually in waste places and open scrub forests. It is used as a general tonic. Seeds are used for improving sexual strength. Decoction of root with ginger is useful in fevers. The powder of root bark with milk and sugar is given in certain diseases of women such as leucorrhoea; and in nervous diseases. Root juice is used for promoting healing wounds. The bark of the root with sesamum oil and milk is efficacious in curing certain types of facial paralysis.

KARAYA
Sterculia urens. Family Sterculiaceae. A medium size deciduous tree. The tree occurs in tropical Himalayas and in eastern, central and southern Indian deciduous forests. The gum, called karaya gum, exudate from the stem of the tree has medicinal properties. It is used as a mechanical laxative.

LODH
Symplocos racemosa. Family Symplocaceae. A small tree about 6 m high. The tree occurs in plains and lower hills of eastern and central India. The fresh air dried bark of the tree constitutes the drug. The drug is useful in digestive disorders, eye diseases and ulcers. A decoction of the bark is used as a gargle in bleeding gums. It is used in plasters and applied on wounds for promoting maturation of wounds. It is astringent and is used in curing loose motions. It is considered useful in elephantiasis and in fat in urine.

JAMBOL
Syzigium cumini. Family Myrtaceae. A large evergreen tree which is found commonly in moist deciduous forests. The bark, fruits and seeds of the tree are medicinal. The bark is very astringent, and is used in sore throats, bronchitis, asthma, ulcers and dysentery. It is also given for purifying blood and as a gargle. The fresh juice of bark with goat’s milk is given in diarrhoea. The seeds are useful in diabetes.

TAMARIND
Tamarindus indica. Family Caesalpiniaceae. A large tree occurs commonly in the central and southern regions of India. The pulp of the fruits is medicinal. Tamarind pulp has laxative properties. Its infusion in water is very refreshing drink. It is useful in fevers.

BELLERIC MYROBALAN
Terminalia bellirica. Family Combretaceae. A large tree occurs almost throughout India up to about 1000 m. It very common in mixed deciduous forests. The dried fruits of the tree constitute the drug which is useful in stomach disorders such as indigestion and diarrhoea. It is given also a skin tonic and is applied on eyes as a soothing lotion. It is also useful in piles, leprosy, dropsy and fever. The half-ripe fruit is considered to be purgative.

GILOE/TINOSPORA
Tinospora cordifolia. Family Menispermaceae. A large climber with succulent stems, found throughout the tropical regions of India. The stems of the plant collected in hot season and dried with bark intact constitute the drug. The drug is believed to be useful as a tonic and antiperiodic. It is also an aphrodisiac. The starch obtained from the roots and stems of the plant is useful in diarrhoea and dysentery. It is also a nutrient.

BISHKHAPRA
Trianthema portulacastrum. Family Aizoaceae. A succulent spreading herb, with much-branched stem found throughout India. The leaves of the plant are medicinal. Leaves contain an alkaloid punarnavine. It is diuretic i.e. promotes urination and is therefore useful in dropsy. It is beneficial in swellings of body caused by disorders of liver or kidney.

GOKHRU
Tribulus terrestris. Family Zygophyllaceae. A prostrate spreading herb densely covered with minute hair. The plant occurs throughout India up to 3000 m altitude. The fruits of the plant constitute the drug. It is useful in urinary complaints and sexual weakness. It is cooling. An infusion of the fruits is useful in gout and diseases of kidney. It promotes urination.

TYLOPHORA
Tylophora indica. Family Ascelpiadeaceae. A twining plant with fleshy roots. It is found in eastern, central and southern India in plains and in hills up to about 1000 m . the dried roots of the plant constitute the drug. This drug is a substitute for Ipecac and is useful in treatment of dysentery. An infusion of the drug is given in asthma and bronchitis.

INDIAN SQUILL
Urginea indica. Family Liliaceae. A bulbous plant found in the north-western Himalayas up to 2000 m and in south India. The dried pieces of bulb constitutes the drug. The drug has somewhat similar properties of Digitalis. It is used in ailments of heart and in cough and bronchitis. It promotes urination.

VALERIANA
Valeriana officinalis. A perennial herb up to 1 m high. The plant occurs in Kashmir at about 2500 m altitude. The rhizomes and roots of the plant constitute the drug. It has depressant action on central nervous system and is used in treatment of hysterical fits, other nervous disorders and flatulence. The juice of fresh rhizomes and roots is more effective. The fresh juice is used as a narcotic in insomnia and in certain cardiac preparations.

RHUBARB
Rheum emodi. Family Polygonaceae. A tall herb with very stout stems and roots. This plant is found in the Himalayas at about 3000-4000 m altitude the dried rhizomes of this plant constitutes the drug. The rhizomes are collected from 6-7 year old plants and just before the flowering season and then dried to obtain the drug. It is used as a purgative.

CASTOR
Ricinus communis. Family Euphorbiaceae. A tall shrub found all over India. The seeds of the plant are used in medicine. The oil obtained from the seeds, castor oil is used as a purgative. It is best administered with milk. It is also used in ointments as a soothing agent and as an oil carrier in eye drops.

INDIAN PODOPHYLLUM
Podophyllum hexandrum. Family Berberidaceae. A succulent erect herb with a creeping rootstock. This plant occurs at high altitudes in the inner ranges of Himalayas usually at about 3000-4000 m. in Kashmir it can be grown up to 1800 m. The dried rhizomes of the plant are used in medicine. The rhizomes contain a resin known as podophyllin. It is purgative. Its action is slow but severe and large doses can cause acute irritation and griping. The drug is usually administered in mixture with belladonna or aloes etc. It is useful in many skin diseases and tumorous growths.

BABCHI
Psoralea corylifolia. Family fabaceae. It is an erect herb with densely gland-dotted branches. This plant is found throughout India as a weed in waste places. The seeds of the plant constitute the drug. The seeds contain an essential oil which is very effective on certain bacteria causing skin diseases. The drug is therefore useful in leucoderma and leprosy as an external application in the form of ointment as well as for taking internally. The seeds are also useful for promoting urination and as antihelmintic. Roots of the plant are reported to be useful in caries of teeth and the leaves in diarrhoea.

INDIAN KINO/BIJA SAL
Pterocarpus marsupium. Family Fabaceae. A large ornamental tree common in central and peninsular India chiefly in mixed deciduous forests; it ascends to about 1100 m in sub-Himalayan tracts. Leaves, flowers and gum of the tree are medicinal. The gum called kino exudes from incisions in bark. It is astringent and useful in diarrhoea. It is also used for toothache. The gum is considered useful in fevers and urinary discharges. Bruised leaves are applied on boils, sores and other skin diseases. It is also useful in diabetes.

PINE
Pinus roxburghii. Family Coniferae. It is a large tree with typical needle leaves. It is found in the lower Himalayas and other hills of India. It is commonly grown as an ornamental plant. The drug obtained from this tree is known as oil of turpentine which is prepared by purification from turpentine, an oleoresin obtained from this tree. The oil has local irritant action and most of its medicinal uses are due to this property. In controlled small doses it acts as a stimulant expectorant and is useful in chronic bronchitis. It cures flatulent colic. It has limited use also in typhoid, minor haemorrhages such as from gums, nose etc. and given as an enema it cures constipation. Its commonest use is as a liniment in rheumatic pains. Inhaling the vapors of turpentine is useful in bronchitis.