Nepal’s climatic conditions favor the growth of various medicinal plants that have been in use since the ancient days. People from Nepal have embraced traditional medicine such as Ayurveda and Unani. Plants make the highest percentage of traditional medicine. In Nepal, many people go for medicinal plants when they fall ill. Instead of medicinal plants have also gained demand in other countries. More than 19,000 plant species growing in Nepal have medicinal uses. They include:
1. Rosaceae
One of the plants in the rosacea family with several medicinal uses is the wild strawberry. It grows in forests and meadows in Nepal, and other countries like Afghanistan and china.it has edible fruits, but is tasteless. Herbivorous animals feed on the plant too. The fruits of the wild strawberry are used in the treatment of different diseases such as blemishes and rheumatic gout. Its Rhizomes are used to treat tonsillitis, earache, coughs, and colds.
The leaves are useful in treating ulcers and earaches. In the early days, the Romans used the plant to treat different ailments such as digestive problems. They would use the leaves and other parts of the plants to make medicinal syrups and teas. Other species of rosacea that have health values include apples, pears, and almonds.
2. Lamiaceae
Species in the Lamiaceae family have an aromatic scent and are useful in the treatment of various diseases. They consist of around 7000 species, some of which are grown for aesthetic purposes while others are for culinary and medicinal uses. Those grown for medicinal uses include:
Sage
Sage is widely used for culinary purposes. It also has several medicinal uses. It contains antioxidants that protect the body from harmful free radicals.it also relieves symptoms like hot flashes that affect women when they approach menopause. Sage also helps in memory retention, especially in older people.
Growing sage is easy. It is hardy and will not require special maintenance. It will grow both in pots and direct on the ground. When growing on the ground, ensure the soil is well-draining, as sage does not withstand water-logging. When growing in pots, use potting soil and compost and peat moss, to promote proper drainage.
Thyme
The leaves of thyme are used to make thyme essential oil, which cures coughs and acute bronchitis.it also has vitamins A and C, which boosts the immunity of the body, and increases its ability to fight diseases. If you keep on getting sick from time to time, it could be that your immunity is low and needs some boosting. Taking thyme tea consistently will boost it, and you can forget about visiting the doctor often or taking medicine.
Lavender
Lavender plant bears purple flowers that not only makes a garden colorful, but can be used in the kitchen as a herb, and also as a treatment for various illnesses. Sometimes, issues come up and leave us feeling disturbed. Could be you have lost your job and are just worried about how you will pay your bills.
Or maybe you are almost sitting for a very crucial examination, and your mind ca not keep calm. Not even in a second. Try smelling lavender essential oil. It will make you feel relaxed and free from anxiety.it also heals eczema and other skin conditions. When a baby gets a diaper rash, applying some Lavender oil on them offers relief.
Fabaceae
The Fabaceae family consists of leguminous plants. Some of the species with great medicinal value include
Lucerne
Lucerne is commonly known as alfalfa. For a long time, it was given to animals, as food, due to its high content of minerals and proteins. Lucerne-fed animals are usually more nutritious and have a sweet flavor. It contains a high concentration of vitamin c, which protects the body from getting infections. To people suffering from eye problems, taking lucerne helps restore the eyes’ health and prevents its deterioration, especially in older people.
Women approaching menopause may experience certain symptoms that make them uncomfortable. Taking lucerne helps ease the discomfort.it is also an antioxidant that protects the body from damages resulting from free radicals.
Lentils
Lentils are usually delicious and easy to prepare. They also have several health benefits. They are particularly useful for pregnant women, as they contain high levels of folate. Folate protects unborn babies from developing defects. It also contains selenium that halts down the development of cancerous tumors.do you ever experience fatigue after sitting for too long?
It could be a sign that you don’t have sufficient iron in your body. Add lentils to your diet, since they are excellent sources of iron. Grow lentils in sunny areas, and add organic matter to the soil when planting. They are drought tolerant. You won’t need to water them many times. If you do not have a large garden, you can grow them in containers. They are also hardy and rarely get attacked by diseases.
3. Asteraceae
Some of the plants with medicinal value in the Asteraceae family include:
Chamomile
Do you find it hard to get sleep? Maybe you are suffering from insomnia. Taking a cup of chamomile tea will solve the problem and enable you to sleep like a baby.it also relieves various stomach problems such as diarrhea and indigestion. Chamomile will grow in many countries and will decorate your garden too. Grow it from seed in either sunny or shady plants. It does not mind.it will also be advantageous to your garden, as it has a scent that repels many pests.
Cone-flower
Cone-flower is a herbaceous plant with blue flowers. Leaves, seeds, and head flowers are used for medicinal purposes. Cone-flower tea treats cold and digestion problems.
The plants’ crushed leaves are applied to wounds to speed up healing, and its infusion treats dandruff, constipation, and ulcers. You can also use a cone-flower as an ornamental plant in your home. Grow it from seeds in a sunny spot, as it cannot grow in the shade.
Lettuce
Lettuce was first grown by the Egyptians for the production of oil. It has several medicinal uses, such as protecting the body from developing cardiovascular problems. When the body has too much cholesterol that can cause blockage in arterial walls, which cause cardiovascular diseases, eating lettuce prevents the accumulation of cholesterol.
It also has nutrients that prevent the development of cancerous cells in the body. Lettuce is also good at relieving one from insomnia and other sleeping problems, but that will happen when you consume it regularly. You can grow your lettuce from seed, and enjoy fresh harvest right from your garden.
Tansy
In ancient times, the Greek cultivated tansy and would use it for medicinal purposes. Women who were finding it hard to conceive would take tansy. Surprisingly, those who wanted to have an abortion would get it at very high doses. It would also treat children with worms. People would also wash their faces using tansy as a skin purifier.in some countries, tansy is used in the treatment of gout. Tansy oil is used to treat wounds.
Conclusion
Thousands of plants with medicinal value are grown in Nepal. Some even grow naturally in forests, without human aid. Luckily, the plants can also grow in different parts of the world, with much ease.
