Aromatic and Medicinal plants

Medicinal and aromatic Plants

Medicinal And Aromatic Plants constitute a major segment of the Flora, which provides raw materials for use in the pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and drug industries. The indigenous systems of medicines, developed in India for centuries, make use of many medicinal herbs. These systems include Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, and many other indigenous practices. More than 9,000 native plants have established and recorded curative properties and about 1500 species are known for their aroma and flavour. It is estimated that, more than 8,000 species of medicinal herbs and medicinal plants are found in the country.

In one of the studies by the World Health Organization, it is estimated that 80 per cent of the Population of developing countries relies on traditional plant based medicines for their health requirements. Even in many of the modern medicines, the basic composition is derived from medicinal plants and these have become acceptable medicines for many reasons that include easy availability, least side effects, low prices, environmental friendliness and lasting curative property.

India and China are the two major producing countries, having 40 per cent of the global Biodiversity-2/”>Biodiversity and availability of rare species. These are well known as the home of medicinal and aromatic crops that constitute a segment of the flora, and provide raw materials to the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, fragrance, flavour etc. industries. The aromatic plants are the important economical source of a number of well established and important drugs; in addition, they are the source of some chemical intermediates needed for the production of a number of drugs.

India has been considered a treasure house of valuable medicinal and aromatic plant species. The Indian System of Medicine uses over 1,100 medicinal plants and most of them are collected from forests regularly, and over 60 species among them are particularly in demands. On account of the fact that Derivatives of medicinal and aromatic plants have no side effects and deal curatively, the demand for these plants is on the increase in both developing and developed countries. As a result, the trade of medicinal plants is increasing fast.

From the trade data available, it is clear that the global market for medicinal plants has always been large and has been on increase in the recent past. In the report commissioned by the World Wide Fund for Nature, it is pointed out that, the total import in 1980 of “vegetable materials used in pharmacy” by the European Economic Community was 80,738 tons. India was the largest supplier with 10.05 tons of plants and 14 tons of vegetable alkaloid and their derivatives. India, Brazil and China are the largest exporters of medicinal plants. Trade of medicinal plants from India is estimated to be worth Rs. 550 crore.

Cosmetics and aromatherapy products are two important areas where Indian medicinal plants and their extracts like essential oils can contribute globally. Medicinal and aromatic plants have a high market potential with the world demand for herbal products growing of the rate of seven per cent per annum. Aromatic plants provide products with are extensively used as spices, flavouring agents and in perfumes and medicine. In addition, they also provide raw materials for the production of many important industrial chemicals.

The spices and essential oil Industry traditionally was only a cottage industry in India. Since 1947 a number of industrial organizations have been established for large scale processing and production of spices, oleoresins, essential oils, their pure constituents and perfumes. The essential oils which are being produced in India are oils of ajwain, cedar wood, celery seed, citronella, eucalyptus, lemon grass, mentha, spearmints, Palmarosa, patchouli, turpentine and votive.

Some of these products are the raw materials for the production of important industrial chemical like β-ionone from lemongrass oil for the production of vitamin A. India produces turpentine oil in the order of 10,000 to 35,000 tons annually and this oil is used for the production of a number of chemicals. The essential oils are used in every-day human-life in various ways and their consumption is rapidly increasing. A few of the common uses to which essential oils and their derivatives are put to, are in the manufacture of soaps, cosmetics, pharmaceutical preparation, confectionary, aerated waters, disinfectants, detergents, incenses, etc.

India was at one time famous for the manufacture and distillation of high quality perfumes and scents. According to an estimate, 1000 different aromatic plants out of a total of 1500 varieties used in perfumery throughout the world are found in India. The extraction of essential oils is carried throughout India, but in an unorganized way. This industry needs to be built up on scientific lines if all the raw materials available or which can be produced, are to be exploited for the economic benefit of the country.

The economic importance of both these groups of medicinal and aromatic plant can be gauged from the fact than 25 years ago vegetable drugs worth million of rupees were used to be exported from India. This trade dwindled later because of exporting unstandardized and adulterated material. The trade can be revived if steps are taken to produce and export material of standard quality.

On other hand, a considerable quantity of crude drugs is imported from foreign countries for the use of Pharmaceutical industry, therefore, will bring great economic advantage to the country. These plants are now being utilized in the practice of medicine in this country and are also exported to foreign countries.

The aromatic plants provide the raw material for the production of flavours, condiments, herbal cosmetics, perfumery, scented soaps, hair oils, aerated water, and etc. demand for these herbs is increasing progressively with increase in number of star hotels and multinationals establishing consumer oriented cosmetics, biscuits and pharmaceutical units.

Currently, most of these herbs are grown in large quantities and marketed by France, U.K., Canada, Turkey and U.S.A. It is estimated that Indian Consumption alone of these herbs is approximately 200 tons per annum, and only about 60 tones are produced indigenously. Bulk of these herbs is used for culinary purposes and about 12 tones are consumed for medicinal and cosmetic preparations. The annual exports of the derivatives from these plants are to the tune of Rs. 600-700 million.

World trade in medicinal plants is increasing very fast. One of the interesting features of this trade is that the direction of trade is from developing countries to the developed countries. That has a positive income transfer effect. China and India are the two leading countries in the trade sector. During the past decade, total trade has increased from US $ 52.8 million to US $ 68.7 million, recording a Growth rate of 3.56 per cent per annum. In spite of this, one cannot confidently say that we have reached even the fragment of the potential of trade in medicinal plants.

Central Sector Scheme for “Conservation, Development and Sustainable Management of Medicinal Plants”

Under this Scheme support is provided for undertaking activities on Survey, Inventorization, in-situ conservation, ex-situ conservation / herbal gardens, linkage with JFMCs, Research and Development etc. on Medicinal Plants. Information regarding financial assistance which includes the technical components viz. capacity building of all stakeholders.

Aromatic and Medicinal Plants

Aromatic and medicinal plants are plants that have been used for centuries for their therapeutic properties. Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils extracted from plants to promote health and well-being. Essential oils are highly concentrated liquids that contain the volatile compounds that give plants their characteristic scent. They can be inhaled, applied topically, or used in massage.

Herbal medicine is the use of plants or plant extracts to treat or prevent illness. Herbal remedies have been used for thousands of years in traditional medicine systems around the world. Today, herbal medicine is increasingly being used in Western medicine as well.

Medicinal plants are plants that have been shown to have therapeutic effects. They can be used to treat a wide range of conditions, including allergies, anxiety, arthritis, asthma, cancer, cardiovascular disease, depression, diabetes, digestive problems, eczema, fatigue, headaches, insomnia, menopause, muscle pain, nausea, obesity, pain, respiratory problems, skin problems, Stress, and more.

Phytotherapy is the use of plants for medicinal purposes. It is a branch of medicine that has been used for centuries in traditional medicine systems around the world. Phytotherapy is based on the principle that plants contain natural compounds that can be used to treat or prevent illness.

Plant-based medicine is a broad term that refers to the use of plants or plant extracts for medicinal purposes. It includes herbal medicine, aromatherapy, and phytotherapy. Plant-based medicine is a safe and effective way to treat a wide range of conditions.

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is a system of medicine that has been used in China for thousands of years. TCM is based on the belief that health is a state of balance between the body’s yin and yang energies. TCM practitioners use a variety of therapies, including acupuncture, herbal medicine, and massage, to restore balance and promote health.

Unani medicine is a system of medicine that originated in India over 2,000 years ago. Unani medicine is based on the belief that health is a state of balance between the body’s doshas, or humors. Unani practitioners use a variety of therapies, including herbal medicine, diet, and lifestyle changes, to restore balance and promote health.

Ayurveda is a system of medicine that originated in India over 5,000 years ago. Ayurveda is based on the belief that health is a state of balance between the body, mind, and spirit. Ayurvedic practitioners use a variety of therapies, including herbal medicine, diet, and lifestyle changes, to restore balance and promote health.

Aromatic and medicinal plants are a valuable resource for health and well-being. They can be used to treat a wide range of conditions, and they are safe and effective when used properly. If you are considering using aromatic or medicinal plants, it is important to talk to your doctor or a qualified healthcare practitioner to make sure that they are right for you.

What are the benefits of using essential oils?

Essential oils are concentrated extracts of plants that have been used for centuries for their therapeutic properties. They can be used in aromatherapy, massage, and skin care. Some of the benefits of using essential oils include:

Reducing stress and anxiety
Relieving pain
Improving sleep
Boosting the immune system
Promoting relaxation
Beautifying the skin

How do I use essential oils?

Essential oils can be used in a variety of ways, including:

Aromatherapy: Essential oils can be inhaled directly from the bottle, or they can be added to a diffuser or humidifier.
Massage: Essential oils can be diluted with a carrier oil and used in massage.
Skin care: Essential oils can be added to lotions, creams, and soaps.
Household cleaning: Essential oils can be added to cleaning products to create a natural and effective cleaner.
Cooking: Essential oils can be used to flavor food and drinks.

What are the risks of using essential oils?

Essential oils are generally safe when used as directed, but there are some potential risks, including:

Skin irritation: Essential oils can irritate the skin, especially if they are not diluted properly.
Allergic reactions: Some people may be allergic to essential oils.
Toxicity: Essential oils can be toxic if they are ingested or inhaled in large amounts.

What are the different types of essential oils?

There are hundreds of different types of essential oils, each with its own unique properties. Some of the most popular essential oils include:

Lavender: Lavender is a calming and relaxing oil that can be used to relieve stress and anxiety.
Peppermint: Peppermint is a refreshing and invigorating oil that can be used to boost energy and improve focus.
Tea tree: Tea tree is an antiseptic and antibacterial oil that can be used to treat acne, athlete’s foot, and other skin conditions.
Eucalyptus: Eucalyptus is a decongestant and expectorant oil that can be used to relieve cold and flu symptoms.
Rosemary: Rosemary is a stimulating and invigorating oil that can be used to improve memory and concentration.

What are some essential oil blends?

There are many different essential oil blends available, each with its own unique purpose. Some popular essential oil blends include:

Stress-relieving blend: This blend contains lavender, chamomile, and ylang-ylang oils, which can be used to reduce stress and anxiety.
Immune-boosting blend: This blend contains eucalyptus, peppermint, and rosemary oils, which can be used to boost the immune system.
Sleep-promoting blend: This blend contains lavender, chamomile, and vetiver oils, which can be used to promote sleep.
Pain-relieving blend: This blend contains peppermint, wintergreen, and ginger oils, which can be used to relieve pain.
Beauty blend: This blend contains rose, jasmine, and sandalwood oils, which can be used to beautify the skin.

Where can I buy essential oils?

Essential oils can be purchased at most health food stores, online retailers, and some grocery stores.

Which of the following is not a type of plant?
(A) Flowering plant
(B) Non-flowering plant
(C) Aromatic plant
(D) Medicinal plant
Which of the following is not a characteristic of a flowering plant?
(A) Has flowers
(B) Produces seeds
(C) Has roots, stems, and leaves
(D) Does not have a vascular system
Which of the following is not a characteristic of a non-flowering plant?
(A) Does not have flowers
(B) Does not produce seeds
(C) Has roots, stems, and leaves
(D) Has a vascular system
Which of the following is not a type of aromatic plant?
(A) Lavender
(B) Peppermint
(C) Rose
(D) Oak
Which of the following is not a type of medicinal plant?
(A) Willow
(B) Garlic
(C) Aloe vera
(D) Apple
Which of the following is not a benefit of using aromatic plants?
(A) They can be used to make perfumes and essential oils.
(B) They can be used to repel insects.
(C) They can be used to improve air quality.
(D) They can be used to treat medical conditions.
Which of the following is not a benefit of using medicinal plants?
(A) They can be used to treat a variety of medical conditions.
(B) They are often less expensive than prescription medications.
(C) They are often more effective than prescription medications.
(D) They are often safe to use for most people.
Which of the following is not a risk of using aromatic plants?
(A) They can be allergic to some people.
(B) They can be toxic if ingested.
(C) They can interact with prescription medications.
(D) They can be expensive.
Which of the following is not a risk of using medicinal plants?
(A) They can be allergic to some people.
(B) They can be toxic if ingested.
(C) They can interact with prescription medications.
(D) They are not regulated by the FDA.
Which of the following is the best way to learn more about aromatic and medicinal plants?
(A) Talk to a doctor or pharmacist.
(B) Read books and articles about them.
(C) Take a class about them.
(D) All of the above.