Herbal Plants/Medicinal Plants

Ayurveda has, for several years, exalted the virtues of the vegetarian diet emphasizing on the benefits of green leafy vegetables. Although greens, like spinach have gained universal acceptance through the vastly popular Popeye, they have always been part of the staple diet recommended by Ayurvedic physicians. Greens are rich in fiber and antioxidants and contain natural pigments like lutein that keep several diseases, such as macular degeneration, at bay. Ayurveda recommends that greens be included as part of every individual’s daily diet to cure diseases and to keep them at bay.

The Ayurvedic method of cooking these vegetables is simple and easy to digest. Separate the edible leaves from the weeds and grass. Wash well. Chop and cook by adding ghee and a small amount of rock salt. Add a pinch of pepper powder for taste. Cook for 5–7 minutes only. If the leaves lack taste or have a bitter, astringent taste, cooked green gram (peeled) may be added towards the end and mixed well. Adding coconut to the greens makes them heavy to digest. It may be added only when the person has very good digestion (Agni).

List of Medicinal Plants in India

a) Emblica officinalis (Amla)
b) Saraca Asoca (Ashoka)
c) Withania Somnifera (Aswagandha)
d) Peeper longum (Long pepper)
e) Asparagus Racemosus (Satavari)
f) Ocimum sanctum (Tulsi)
g) Commiphora wightii (Guggulu)

List of Medicinal Plants and its Uses

1. Drumstick-leaves
2. Hummingbird Tree Leaves
3. Radish Leaves
4. Spinach
5. Indian Spinach
6. Mint Leaves
7. Little Hogweed Leaves
8. Amaranthus
9. Green Amaranthus
10. Spleen Amaranth
11. Tropical Amaranth
12. Mixed Herbal Leaves Recipe
13. Marsilea Leaves
14. Creeping Wood Sorrel Leaves
15. Fenugreek Leaves
16. Chicory Leaves
17. Joyweed Leaves
18. Dwarf Copper Leaf
19. Wedelia Leaves
20. Deccan-hemp Leaves
21. Asiatic pennywort/ Gotu Kola
22. Balloon Vine Leaves
23. Boerhaavia Leaves
24. Purple-fruited Pea Eggplant
25. Curry Leaves