Plants by Ailment
Traditional plant remedies organized by health condition
These are traditional Ayurvedic remedies passed down through generations. Always consult a qualified practitioner before starting any herbal treatment, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or on medication.
Respiratory Ailments
| Ailment | Plant | Part Used | Preparation | Dosage | Caution |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cold / Cough | Tulsi (Holy Basil) | Leaves | Boil 8-10 leaves in water for tea | 2-3 cups daily | Avoid excessive use during pregnancy |
| Asthma | Vasaka (Malabar Nut) | Leaves | Decoction — boil leaves 15 min, strain | 30 ml twice daily | Not for pregnant women; may increase bleeding |
| Sinusitis | Eucalyptus | Leaves / Oil | Steam inhalation — add leaves or 3-4 drops oil to hot water | 10 min, twice daily | Keep eyes closed during steam; not for children under 6 |
| Bronchitis | Mulethi (Licorice) | Root | Powder mixed with honey | 1 tsp with honey, twice daily | Avoid in high blood pressure; limit to 4-6 weeks |
Digestive Ailments
| Ailment | Plant | Part Used | Preparation | Dosage | Caution |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acidity | Aloe Vera | Leaf gel | Extract fresh gel, blend with water | 30 ml juice on empty stomach | Avoid during pregnancy; may cause diarrhea in excess |
| Constipation | Triphala | Fruit powder (Amla, Haritaki, Bibhitaki) | Mix powder in warm water before bed | 1 tsp in warm water at bedtime | Reduce dose if loose stools occur; avoid in pregnancy |
| Gas / Bloating | Ajwain (Carom Seeds) | Seeds | Boil 1 tsp seeds in water, strain | 1 cup after meals | Avoid in acid reflux; excess may cause nausea |
| Diarrhea | Pomegranate | Bark | Boil dried bark in water for 15 min | 30 ml decoction, 2-3 times daily | Discontinue once symptoms resolve |
| IBS | Psyllium (Isabgol) | Husk | Mix husk in water or curd | 1-2 tsp with water before bed | Drink plenty of water; may interfere with medication absorption |
Skin Ailments
| Ailment | Plant | Part Used | Preparation | Dosage | Caution |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acne | Neem | Leaves | Grind fresh leaves into paste, apply on affected area | Apply 20 min, wash off; daily | Patch test first; avoid on open wounds |
| Eczema | Turmeric + Coconut Oil | Rhizome / Oil | Mix 1 tsp turmeric powder in 2 tbsp warm coconut oil | Apply to patches twice daily | Turmeric may stain skin temporarily; avoid on broken skin |
| Burns | Aloe Vera | Leaf gel | Apply fresh gel directly on minor burns | Apply generously, 3-4 times daily | Only for minor burns; seek medical help for severe burns |
| Wounds | Marigold (Genda) | Flower petals | Crush petals into poultice, apply on wound | Change poultice twice daily | Clean wound thoroughly first; avoid if allergic to Asteraceae |
| Anti-aging | Amla (Indian Gooseberry) | Fruit | Fresh juice or dried powder in water | 30 ml juice or 1 tsp powder daily | High vitamin C — may cause acidity in sensitive stomachs |
Immunity Boosters
| Ailment | Plant | Part Used | Preparation | Dosage | Caution |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Immunity | Giloy (Guduchi) | Stem | Boil stem pieces or use juice extract | 30 ml juice on empty stomach | Avoid in autoimmune conditions; may lower blood sugar |
| Viral Protection | Tulsi + Ginger | Leaves + Rhizome | Boil tulsi leaves and grated ginger for tea | 2 cups daily during season change | Ginger may aggravate pitta; reduce if acidity occurs |
| Post-illness Recovery | Ashwagandha | Root powder | Mix powder in warm milk | 1 tsp in milk at bedtime | Avoid in hyperthyroidism; not during pregnancy |
| Seasonal Protection | Chyawanprash | Amla-based polyherbal | Take directly or mix in warm milk | 1 tbsp morning, 1 tbsp evening | Diabetics should use sugar-free version |
Stress & Sleep
| Ailment | Plant | Part Used | Preparation | Dosage | Caution |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anxiety | Brahmi (Bacopa) | Leaves / Powder | Powder in warm water or fresh leaf juice | 1 tsp powder or 15 ml juice, twice daily | May cause drowsiness; avoid with sedative medications |
| Insomnia | Ashwagandha | Root powder | Mix in warm milk with a pinch of nutmeg | 1 tsp in warm milk, 30 min before bed | Avoid in hyperthyroidism; start with small dose |
| Depression | Saffron (Kesar) | Stigma | Steep 2-3 strands in hot water for tea | 1 cup saffron tea daily | Expensive — ensure purity; excess may cause nausea |
| Anger / Irritability | Sandalwood (Chandan) | Wood paste | Rub sandalwood stick on stone with water to make paste | Apply on forehead and temples as needed | Use only genuine sandalwood; synthetic may cause irritation |
Pain & Inflammation
| Ailment | Plant | Part Used | Preparation | Dosage | Caution |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joint Pain | Turmeric + Black Pepper | Rhizome powder | Golden milk — 1 tsp turmeric + pinch pepper in warm milk | 1 cup at bedtime daily | Pepper enhances absorption; avoid if on blood thinners |
| Headache | Peppermint | Leaves / Oil | Apply diluted oil on temples, or drink mint tea | 2-3 drops oil on temples; tea as needed | Do not apply undiluted oil; avoid near eyes |
| Toothache | Clove (Laung) | Dried flower bud / Oil | Place whole clove on affected tooth or apply clove oil | Hold clove for 15-20 min; oil with cotton swab | Temporary relief only; see dentist for persistent pain |
| Muscle Pain | Eucalyptus | Oil | Dilute in carrier oil (sesame/coconut) and massage | Massage affected area 2-3 times daily | Always dilute; do not apply on broken skin |