Medicinal Plants of Nagaland.

Nagaland being a hilly area is bestowed with tremendous flora and fauna. In this blog I will be talking about the flora found in Nagaland. The type of soil found in this place allows the land to cultivate plants that are not only strong to build houses and furniture but also provides with food and medicines.Yes,I'm talking about the medicinal plants found in Nagaland. These plants are used for treating several kinds of ailments.

Some plants found here are edible while others are not. Some plants are life savers while others are extremely fatal. As some parts of Nagaland are thickly covered with forests so it is very crucial to know every plant we come across otherwise we could end up being victims of these plants.

I will be listing some plants and their medicinal values in this blog which could provide you with some valuable information about the plants.

 1.Aloe Vera:
 Aloe Vera also known as the "Wonder Plant"  it is a  common plant in Nagaland and you will see it growing in every house. They can be grown in pots and in open ground. They're succulents and need not be watered daily and are easy to take care of. With a spiny appearance and fleshy on the inside this plant has amazing medicinal properties.

  Aloe Vera

 2. Bitter Stick:
Bitter stick also known as chirata is found in the forests of Nagaland. These plant has great healing properties and can be used to treat numerous diseases. Both the flower and the stem of the plant can be used for treatment of various diseases.

• They can be used to heal wounds and gives a cooling effect thereby reducing pain and inflammation.
• They also give relief from gastritis. A spoonful of aloe Vera gel gives instant relief from from gastric pain and ulcers.
• They are used for treating wrinkles and reduces the aging process  which is the reason behind companies using aloe Vera as the key ingredient in their product.

     

             Bitter Stick (Chirata)

• The stem of this plant is used to treat diabetes.The stem is boiled in water and the water can be use for drinking. Regular consumption of this water can reduce the blood sugar level drastically. 
• It can also be used to cure high fever, loss of appetite, skin diseases and even cancer.
• It acts as an excellent remedy for curing malaria.  

      3. Tropical Chick Weed:
This plant is widely found in Nagaland. It is a type of weed and it mostly grows in moist and shady places. Despite of being a common weed, this plant exhibits amazing healing properties. 

Tropical Chick weed

• It can cure acute sinus problems.
• The leaves are gently crushed and wrapped in a muslin cloth which is then slightly warmed to activate its properties after which it is inhaled for 3-5 until the sinus pain is gone. 

 4. Eucalyptus: 
Eucalyptus plant though not native to India is found is many parts of Nagaland. They are tall evergreen trees.Its wood can be used as a fuel while its leaves can be used for treating ailments because of its wonderful healing properties.

 

Eucalyptus

• Eucalyptus acts an excellent remedy for the treatment of cough, cold and congestion and it also acts as an antiseptic.
• They can be used to treat fungal infections and wound as it has certain microbial properties.                       
• They help to reduce muscular pain and also boost up the immune system.

5. Periwinkle:
 It is not only a beautiful flowering plant that blooms throughout the year but it also has some exceptional healing properties.

Periwinkle

• From attracting insects to curing insect bites, periwinkle is known for its unique healing property.
• It is also known to cure leukemia and hemorrhage.       
• If you are suffering from high blood pressure then you must check for the periwinkle plant as it also controls high blood pressure.

 6. Holy Basil: 
This plant is also known as tulsi and it is considered a sacred plant in India. It is known as the "Queen of  Herb" due to its wonderful healing properties. It is an antibacterial,anti microbial, anti fungal plant.

Tulsi

• The tulsi is one of the herb that can be used to cure almost every ailment of the body from head to toe.
• Some of the diseases that can be cured by tulsi are heart disease,respiratory problems, kidney problems, dental problems etc.
• A cup of tulsi tea does wonders to our body and it help the body to fight against any kind of infections.

     7. Mexican Devil or Sticky Snake root:
This plant bears beautiful flowers and they usually grow in areas that has clayey soil. You can find them growing abundantly in forest areas.

• This plant act as an antiseptic and helps to heal cuts and wounds.
• Application of the plant juice stops bleeding instantly.

  

  Mexican Devil Plant

8. Paracress: 
This plant act as an analgesic agent and has great medicinal properties. It is also known as the toothache plant because of its ability to cure toothaches.

Toothache Plant

• Chewing of the flower part gives instant relief from toothaches.

9.   Creeping Wood Sorrel:
This plant has three heart shaped leaf making it one of its identifying feature. They are found almost everywhere. They have a tangy taste.

Wood Sorrel

• They are used for curing any kind of eye infection including corneal infection.
• The juice extracted from the leaves can be used as an eye drop for curing several eye infections.

10.  Gingko plant :
This is a Chinese herb is found in the Nagaland state. This plant is known for its ability to cure any kind of disease and its leaves are used for making medicines in the form of capsules, tablets and syrup. The leaves can also be boiled and consumed with meals.

Ginkgo Plant

• Gingko plant helps to improve the eye health.
• It also makes the bones stronger.
• It helps to fight stress and anxiety.     

         Living in this competitive world it becomes difficult to take care of our health. But if we are living in a place like Nagaland that is blessed with abundant medicinal plants it becomes easier to attain a healthy lifestyle because we get organic foods which are beneficial to our health. I would also advice everyone to have a small kitchen garden and grow organic foods so that we don't have to depend upon the market foods which are hazardous to our health.

  Thank you...

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