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Fun facts
The power of Medicinal Plants
In a world rushing behind modern science and
advanced technology, it’s easy to forget that Fun Fact:
some of the most powerful remedies lie silently
in our gardens, forests, and even kitchens. These Did you know that the famous Greek
natural healers are none other than medicinal physician Hippocrates, known as the
plants—the green guardians of health, used since “Father of Medicine,” used willow bark
ancient times to heal, soothe, and restore. to relieve pain? Modern scientists later
discovered that it contains salicylic
From Ayurveda in India to Traditional Chinese acid—the main ingredient in aspirin!
Medicine, the use of plants for healing is as old Superstar Medicinal Plants and Their
as civilization itself. But even today, with all Powers Let’s meet some of the heroes of
our modern advancements, nearly 80% of the the plant world:
world’s population still relies on medicinal
plants for primary healthcare needs. That’s not burns and wounds.
just tradition—it’s the power of nature in In India, the Charaka Samhita (written over
action. 2000 years ago) listed more than 340 plants
A Trip Through Time: Plants in Ancient Medicine with medicinal properties.
Let’s rewind the clock. Thousands of years
ago, before the invention of pills and vaccines, In China, the herb Ginseng was called the ‘root of
our ancestors turned to nature for cures. life’ for its ability to boost energy and immunity.
The ancient Egyptians used aloe vera to treat
1.Tulsi (Holy Basil) – The Queen of Herbs 2. Neem – The Village Pharmacy
Revered in Indian homes, tulsi is known Every part of the neem tree is medicinal—leaves, bark, seeds,
for its powerful anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and oil. It treats skin diseases, boosts immunity, and is even
and anti-inflammatory properties. A cup used in toothpaste.
of tulsi tea can ease cough, cold, and even
reduce stress. Fun Fact: Neem leaves are bitter but are often consumed
Fun Fact: Tulsi releases oxygen even at during festivals like Ugadi to symbolize the balance of
night—a rare superpower among plants! life—both sweet and bitter.
3. Amla (Indian Gooseberry) – Vitamin C 4. Turmeric (Haldi) – The Golden Healer
Bomb
Turmeric’s active compound, curcumin, has powerful
Just one amla contains as much Vitamin C as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
20 oranges! It enhances digestion, purifies the It helps in healing wounds, boosting immunity, and even
blood, and strengthens hair. fighting cancer.
Fun Fact: In ancient India, warriors ate amla Fun Fact: NASA scientists are studying curcumin to help
before battles to keep their stamina high! astronauts maintain muscle health in space
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