Plant remedies for health in Indian stamps

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Plants are ancient. Evolution of plants began about 400 million years ago. Humans arrived much later on the scene, only about 4-million years ago. Beginning of agriculture and first civilisation is even more recent, only about 12,000 years old. Tiny, small, large or gigantic; versatility in size, produce, and function of plants has always intrigued humanity. Prehistoric humans discovered that some plants are suitable for cultivation, others for their floral beauty, and some for strength of their wood. They stumbled on others for sweet fruits or harmful poisons.

Plants were also our first remedies for illnesses. Till about two centuries ago, almost all our medicinal remedies came from plants. Developments in chemistry, and now molecular biology have moved drug development away from the plants. Yet, many modern medicines have a plant-origin. Phytochemicals such as glycosides, phenolic acids, flavonoids, quinones, coumarins, lignans, stilbenes, tannins all have a plant origin. So are our vitamins, alkaloids and caretinoids.

Chemical complexity of plants

Plants are chemically complex. Each part of a plant is a mix of many compounds. Phytochemists attempt to isolate these compounds and try to find one active ingredient. On the other hand, herbalists use entire part of plant, and even combine multiple plant-parts in one remedy. Further, plant remedies usually treat a broad range of symptoms or diseases. Modern medicine often finds such a complexity and a mix-mash difficult to comprehend.

Basis of pharmaceutical industry is to identify a single useful compound, and then chemically synthesise it for mass consumption. However, quest to identify singular active and useful ingredient from each herb has its limitations. As modern medicine still debates using polypills, and worries about drug-drug interactions, traditional systems have exploited this as a strength for centuries.

Neem: Universal healer in Indian Medicine

Neem tree is common across Indian subcontinent. It is bitter in taste, is drought resistant, and we look it up as a universal healer. According to Hindu mythology, Gods sprinkled Amrit (nectar of immortality) on Neem tree, which made it medicinal. It has diverse uses from treating various skin conditions, dental problems, fungal infection and also as an insect repellant. Its use is wide, in Ayurveda, Unani and also in Chinese medicine. (See here)

Neem leaves have wide attributes. These effects include antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory roles. Scientists have studied Neem as a remedy against cancer, diabetes, malaria, bacteria, and fungi. We also use Neem, along with Aloe vera in health drinks.

Like Neem most medicinal Ayurvedic plants are versatile medicines. In 2003, Indian-post issued another stamp set on four more medicinal plants: Amla, Brahmi, Ashwagandha, and Guggulu. These four, along with Neem, Tulsi, Haridra, Sarpagandha, and Ghritkumari are components of most Indian plant remedies. Please click on Botanical name of each of the following for more information:

Sno	Name	Botanical Name	Stated Uses
1	Neem	Azadirachta indica	Fever, Wound healing, Leprosy, Gum diseases
2	Tulsi	Ocimum sanctum	Infections, Stress relief, wound healing
3	Amla	Phyllanthus emblica	Immune booster, infections, Diarrhea
4	Guggulu	Commiphora wightii	Joint pain, weight loss, reduces cholesterol
5	Brahmi	Bacopa monnieri	Memory and Cognition, indigestion, infertility
6	Ashwagandha	Withania somnifera	Improves vitality, treats infertility, cancers
7	Sarpgandha	Rauvolfia serpentina	Sedation, hypertension, Snake bites
8	Haridra (Turmeric)	Curcuma longa	Improves digestion, immunity, and for treating infections
9	Ghritkumari (Aloe)	Aloe barbadensis	Vitality, Oral ulcers, dental and skin diseases

More plant remedies in special covers

Indian postal circles has some other medicinal plants in its portfolio. These are on special covers, and most of these are from the Himalayan state of Uttarakhand. Plant remedies in these covers are commonly used in the Himalayas, and are used both in Indian, Tibetan and Chinese medicine.

Sno	Name	Botanical Name	Stated Uses
1	Yamuna Tulsi	Artemisia Vulgaris indica	Antiseptic, Diarrheas, Appetite stimulation
2	Shankh-Pushpi	Evolvulues alsinoides	Diarrhea, Syphillis, wound healing
3	Seabuck thorn	Hippophae rhamnoides	Arthritis, Cold-cough, pneumonia, skin lesions
4	Kedarpatri	Skimmia laureola	Small-pox
5	Berberis	Berbaris asiatica	Ulcers, Jaundice, Constipation
6	Kanak Champa or Muchkunda	Pterospermum acerifolium	Inflammation, Ulcers, skin lesions

Spices for health

Spices make Indian foods lively. These word famous spices are used in a combination. This mixture of “tastes and elements” or masala is now a recognised word in English language. While the List of Indian spices is long, but Turmeric, coriander, Chilly, pepper, Cardamom, Clove and Cinnamon are the principle ones. We grow them across the country, but many exquisite ones come from Southern state of Kerala.

India takes pride in its spices, and we attribute a health benefit to all of them. Spice-tonics are a common cough and cold remedy. Pepper, Cardamom and Cinnamon are parts of these plant-based home remedies. Cloves are often used for dental pains, and turmeric as a skin cleanser. Together these are stated to have digestive and anti-oxidant attributes.

Just like Indian cooking, which uses permutations and combinations of different spices for varied flavours, Ayurvedic healing also uses various herb combinations as its plant-based remedies. These poly-herbal preparations such as Chyawanprash, Brahmi-rasayan or Triphala are sought after across the world. We love our herbs, spices and their mixtures and for us, these are pure magic.