Newsletter 2020

8
Some
Medicinal Plants
CHADON BENI ,
BANDHANIA
Eryngium foetidum
Leaf of tea for diabetes.
Root decoctions for
fever, cold , cough ,
convulsions. Oil herb is
anti- spasmodic. Plant
shows anti- malarial
activity.
DOUBLE HIBISCUS
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis
Decoctions of flowers for flu ,
heavy chest coughs ,difficult
menstruation. Poultice of leaves
for hernia. Flowers can be eaten
raw to aid digestion. Boiled root
for venereal diseases.
BOIS CANOT
Cecropia peltana
Dry leaf steeped
in hot water for
cough, chest
colds. Leaves and
bark for asthma.
Green leaves for
kidney disorders.
Latex (juice) from
bark and root for
snake and
scorpion or
centipede bites.
TI MARIE
Mimosa pudica
Stem and root for whooping cough. Root is boiled for
passage of urine. Leaf and root extract are anti- bacterial.
Formerly used with other plants for gonorrhoea and as a
poison antidote.
BAMBOO
Bambusa vulgaris
Root tea as a purgative. Leaf tea for
fevers, flu and pneumonia.
WILD SAGE
Lantanta camara
Tea for colds and fevers.
Has lantarine , which has
action similar to quinine.
Also attracts many
butterflies.
CASHEW
Anacardium occidentale
Leaf tea for indigestion; useful in stomach
disorders. Bark tea for diarrhea. Flowers for
cough. Fruit of young leaves for bleeding
gum , sores in the mouth . Juice of nut is an
iodine , substitute; anti- bacterial.
NUTMEG
Myristica fragrans
Nutmeg is said to have aphrodisiac properties. Grated seed and / or mace is used as a stimulant to expel gas,
for constipation and to stop external bleeding. Whole seed steeped in hot water for asthma. Grated seed for
malaria pneumonia; for women in labour to ease pain, to help passage of baby during delivery. Mixed with
mother’s milk it is given to a child for gripe. A tea made from the leaves and mace, for cough and chest
colds. Grated seed can be added to liquid tonics. Nutmeg flavors milk dishes cakes and punches. Mace
flavors savoury dishes, pickles and is used as cakes and punches. Mace makes a delicious tea. A piece of
nutmeg is left in the mouth to prevent strokes. Add mace to brandy , use a little as a tonic.