A large number of herbs are in use for their medicinal properties around the world. Indian herbs are famous all over the world for their medicinal properties. The traditional Indian system of medicine, Ayurveda uses these medicinal herbs for medicine preparation for over a thousands of years. Ayurvedic medicaments are made from herbs or mixtures of herbs, either alone or in combination with minerals, metals and other ingredients of animal origin.

India is the second largest producer of medicinal herbs, the first being China. The Indian hills and mountains are known for their medicinal plants. The Nilgiri Hills in Tamilnadu, the Himalayas and the Aravalis are considered as the largest reserves of these medicinal herbs.


Herbal medicine is the oldest form of healthcare known to mankind. Herbal Medicine is used for treating various diseases/conditions. There are herbal remedies for almost all type of diseases and illnesses.

Medicinal Herbs : The herbs which has medicinal properties are known as Medicinal Herbs. They are widely used in Ayurvedic medicines for medicine preparation. The major benefit of these medicinal herbs is that they have no side effects.

Some of the common medicinal herbs are :

Neem : Neem is an ever tropical tree which is found mostly in India and Burma. Neem is used for a wide range of ailments including wounds, burn, sprains, bruises, earaches, headaches, fever, sore throat, food poisoning, cold, flu, hepatitis, fungal infections, yeast infection, sexually transmitted diseases, acne, skin diseases, heart diseases, blood disorders, kidney problems, digestive problems, ulcers, periodontal diseases, nerve disorders, malaria, fatigue and many more ailments. Neem possesses anti-diabetic, antibacterial, antiviral, astringent, tonic, antipyretic (fever reducing),anticancer, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic(destroys bacteria), antioxidative, anthelminitic, antidandruffand antiperiodic properties. It is beneficial in malarialfever and useful in cutaneous diseases.


Basil (Tulsi) : Tulsi is worshipped in India as the most purest and most sublime plant. Tulsi is used for treating skin disorders. It is a blood purifier and kills bacteria. Basil is found wild in the tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world. Basil has also been recommended for headache.It increases the appetite, tends to increase the flow of milk, improves blood circulation, enhances the digestion,good for coughs, relieves gas pains, and is an aid for indigestion.

Haldi (Turmeric) : Turmeric is a perennial plant with roots or tubers oblong, palmate, and deep orange inside. Turmeric is used as a popular remedy for infections, injuries, boils and accident recovery.

Sandalwood : It is used internally in chronic bronchitis. It is much used as a perfume for different purposes. The wood is used for making fancy articles.

Many herbs are used during pregnancy and after delivery in women. The herbs like Red Raspberry Leaves, Nettle Leaves, Chaste Tree Berry (Vitex), Dong Quai, False Unicorn Root and Wild Yam are used during pregnancy.

Aromatherapy Herbs : Aromatherapy is a form of alternative medicine that uses volatile liquid plant materials, known as essential oils, and other scented compounds from plants for the purpose of affecting a person's mood or health. Aromatherapy is used in the treatment of various diseases such as bronchitis, fatigue, migraines, respiratory ailments, acne, arthritis, muscular aches and pains, cystitis, cold and flu.

Some of the major aromatherapy herbs are Basil, Bergamot, Black pepper, Citronella oil, Tea tree oil, Eucalyptus oil, Thyme oil, Sandalwood oil, Clove oil, Lavender oil, Yarrow oil, Jasmine, Rose oil, Ylang-ylang oil, and Lemon oil.

Other Herbs : There are many other herbs which are used for different purposes. There are organic herbs, fertility herbs, herbs for excessive sweating, herbs for acne, anxiety, arthritis, cooking, depression, diabetes, hair loss, blood pressure, menopause, herbs to quit smoking and impotence herbs.