Flowers that heal

                                                          Flowers that heal
                             
 Flowers look beautiful in the garden. They are pretty in vases in the house as decoration. We think that flowers only help to please the eye, but they are also god healers.

Ixora coccinea /Rathmal


A large variety of flowers are used as medicine in the treatment of infants and children. The “Malkasaya”  for Rthagaya in the infants is one example. Ratmal or Vitch( in tamil ) is widely used in medicine for infants’ diseases. Ixora coccinea is the botanical name for Rathmal.

   Sometime ago, Dr. V.P.P. Willis, a well-known Western practitioner brought the root of this tree to the notice of the profession as a remedy For Dysentery. He further stated that it was a good tonic for week stomachs. A very useful domestic remedy , composed of Rathmal , is given for catarrh in children.

  A large variety of flowers are used as medicine in the treatment of infants and children. The “Malkasaya”  for Rthagaya in the infants is one example. Ratmal or Vitch( in tamil ) is widely used in medicine for infants’ diseases. Ixora coccinea is the botanical name for Rathmal.

   Sometime ago, Dr. V.P.P. Willis, a well-known Western practitioner brought the root of this tree to the notice of the profession as a remedy For Dysentery. He further stated that it was a good tonic for week stomachs. A very useful domestic remedy , composed of Rathmal , is given for catarrh in children.

                           

Hibiscus rosainensis/Sapattumal

Sapattumal or Vadamal (Shoe Flower), (Hibiscus rosainensis) is not an endemic plant here but has been introduced from China or the Phillipine, many years ago. This flower is prescribed  for uterine haemorrhage.Shoe flowers are fried in ghee and given in case of excessive menstruation. The buds are mostly used in children’s diseases like  Rathagaya. A stimulating application for the hair is made by mixing the juice of the patales and olive oil in equal portion and boiling in til all the water has evaporated.

Saraca indica/Asoka


Asoka (or Hopalu)  is botanically known as Saraca indica. The Asoka tree when in flower is glorious sight. It is connected largely with the mythology of the Hindus. There are many names in Sanskrit for this tree.Angana priya is one, which means dear to woman. Asoka , as a medicine , is very frequently used by Ayurvedic physicians as a astringent, especially for uterine haemorrhage. Afluid extracted from the flowers is given for haemorrhagic dysentery. The dried flowers are given in diabetes.

  

Michelia champaca/ Sapu
 Champa or Sapu (Michelia champaca) is cultivated mostly for the sake of its flowers. These flowers are astringent and diuretic. It is not an endemic plant here , but for ages these flowers have been used as a herb. When people were not educated in the prevention and care of social diseases, the indigenous herbs were very useful. Sapu flowers are carminative , antispasmodic, diuretic and are used for stomach ailments. An infusion of the Sapu flowers is given in cases of gonorrohea, for prevention against and also in kidney dises. An ointment of the sapu flowers made with some mild oils is useful as a dressing for rheumatism, headache, vettigo, and inflammation. The oil extracted from sapu flowers is used locally in the case of headaches . This oil rubbed on the abdomen relieves flatulence.

  
Puncia granatum/Delum
The flowers of the Delum tree (Puncia granatum) , mostly known as Pomegranate are used as treatment for sore eyes. The buds are boiled and the infusion is given for chronic diarrhea especially in children and even in the case of bronchitis.The infusion of the powder of these flower is given in doses of four to five grains of for round worms. The powder is used as a substance that checks bleeding from the nose.

Jasminum grandiflorium/DesamanDesaman of Pichchamal (Jasminum grandiflorium) is another well known flower used in medicine. These flowers can be crushed and applied to the breasts of nursing mothers to check the secretion of milk if an abscess is developing. The essential oil extracted from flowers is a deodorant.It is used when discharges from nose and years foul smell. The Spanish Jasmine (or the Saman pichchamal) is widely used in medicine. These flowers are mainly used for eye diseases. It is used to ferment the eyes when they are swollen. The juice is put into the eye for redness. Dried flowers are used as a pillow for headaches and catarrh. 

Cassia Fistula/Ehela

Ehela or Cassia Fistula , is known in English as Golden Shower or Purging Cassis. In Sanskrit it is called Suwarnaka or Raja taru , which means Roayal Tree. When blooming it is beautiful with its long springs of yellow flowers. The Ehela flowers are boiled and give as a safe purgative for children and expectant mothers. The flowers are made into pulp and applied round the navel of a child suffering from flatulence. This causes evacuation.

coconut flower

The coconut flower, which is very common in this country, is a very effective medicine in haemorrhage and dysentery. 12 Kalaadas of the coconut flower boiled ib 8 cups of water and reduced to one , is highly recommended in Sassaneepa(the Ayurvedic medical book ) for dysentery. 



Source: HERBAL FOOD and MEDICINES in SRI LANKA   

Herbal plant Sri Lanka

Many of the herbal plant s growing in Sri Lanka are used to control and heal Since ancient times , these herbal plants have been used to produce many Ayurvedic madicines.

Beauticulture, Curing of cancers, Controlling Diabetes ,Reducing Hypertension ,Control of Blood pressure ,Prevention of constipation are some of the important use of these herbal plants .Apart from these many ointment and medicines have been produced by ancient Sri Lankans using herbal plants for the diseases. That’ s being seen in day to day life. They haven’t also forgotten to write and conserve their knowledge on Ayuravedic medicine and herbal plants in Scriptures.

In addition, Sri Lankans since ancient times is used to consume many different parts of herbal plant such as barks, roots flowers, leaves, and fruits as food. So they have a resistance to some diseases within body itself .
Artificial drinks are unfavorable to the body. The flavor of these drinks are carcinogenic. Ancient Sri Lankans have made different drinks from these herbal plants or dried them to preserve for a long time . Then they boiled it when necessary and drink it just like tea. But today , people are used to soft drinks for their convenience . There ‘s also high publicity given for such artificial beverages through a advertisements. We should avoid these. Then , diseases such as high blood pressure, cancers and hypertension can be minimized.

Plant for health and beauty

Pimples are problem of youth.Apply a paste of Cumin seeds over the pimples.It gives wonderful relief. A paste of Nutmeg made with milk is an efficacious remedy for removing pimples on the face.A paste of red sandalwood and turmeric made with milk is a useful local application.A 
mixture made of one part sandalwood oil and two part mustard oil is also a very effective application.The powder of sandalwood used as a dust all over the body is effective in giving relief in cases of prickly heat.The past of Pinijambu (Rose apple) applied over the body clean the body skin and relieves the itching.

Ringworm is a skin disease which leaves round marks on the skin. It is very irritating and sometimes the patches are moist. It is also highly contagious.
 A past of Ehala (Cassia fistula))is applied over the parts affected by ringworm. A paste  of the root of the Aththora (Cassia alanta L)mixed with honey or a paste of the roots made with sandalwood or the seeds mixed with butter milk is very effective.

                 Read more :   Ehala-Cassia fistula

     Herbal plant are also used forthe making of perfumery extracts and even as cosmetics. In most eastern countries women care a great deal about long healthy hair .In  ancient Sri Lanka seeing long-haired women was considered a lucky women. Taking care of the hair was not only a part of general beauty care but slso a traditional event among the women folk. The hair oil, shampoo and perfume were made out of herbs.
The shampoo was made out of the plant around the house such as Veralu(Ceylon Olive)or (Elaeocartus serratus),Welbebila(Siba cordifolia) lime and many other plants. Smashed Veralu leaves rubbed on the head before a bath gives a smoothness and a gloss to hair. It also oils the head and removes the dandruff while giving a healthy growth.Babila leaves boiled with uluhal( dhill seeds)is used as  shampoo to clean the hair. This not only acts as shampoo but also relieves headaches. Unripe lime cut in slices boiled in coconut milk with few dill seeds removes lice and dandruff.

Kohamba (Margosa) leaves are used as a pot herb as an insect repellant.

The refined oil issued in the manufacture of soap, cosmetics and disinfectants.Kohomba seeds well ground and rubbed on ahead are used as a cure for an infected scalp.
We find Na tree (Mesua ferrea) in our country. People use this tree mainly for it is timber. But the oil extracted from the seed is used is used for the making of perfumed soap.

Read more: Kohomba-Azadirachat indica

Penela (Sapindus emarginatus) is a large tree known among the villagers as a plant used in domestic medicine. The juice of the bark and fruit is applied into the nose in case of lockjaw. The seeds contain a semi-solid mass ehich is used a substitute for soap. Clothes washed with this kernel give a fragrant smell and remove dirt completely. The seed kernel made into a plaster eiyh vinegar is applied externally for reptile bites.

Domba (Calophyllum irophyllum) is a tree in many parts of Sri Lanka . Next to coconut oil, domba oil is used to light lamps. It has a ritual value too. Domba oil is used as a medicine for rheumatic pains and is also one of the five kinds of oil kinds of oil known as" Pas-tal". Domba seeds are smashed, made into a small bundle and steamed and used for fermenting the swollen joints of rheumatic patients. The oil of this seed is very effective medicine for scabies. The seeds burnt and ground with gingelly oil is applied on the scalp for skin eruptions and caused by lice.

     Ancient people always used local herb as hair dye. Using such herbs protected their hair and preserved its natural colour.The Pomegranate (Delum) tree has a similar valuable dye which many people are unaware of. The flower contains a tan and a flooting dye .The root bark is used for making a jet black ink., tnis together with the rind and the fruit are used in manufacture of hair dye.If these natural herbal product are brought to light and used instead of synthetic products, most of the mysterious illnesses caused by them could be lessened.

 Readmore:Delum(Pomegranate )

Plant for health and beauty

Herbal plant are not only used as medicines, they are also used as aids for health and beauty. 

Karavila(Momordica charantia linn) is not only used vegetable, but it is also a herb for skin diseases. Nursing mothers are fed with Karavila to increase the flow milk.The leaves are used externally for skin affection of parasitic origin. Karavila is very effective beauty aid. The leaves are crushed and the juice is massaged into the skull. It encourages the growth of hair. Loss of hair or bald heads are a common worry for many people. 
Read more :Kariwila-Mmordica charantia Linn

                 Olinda (avrus precatorius) is a kind of herb used a great deal in local medicine. It is very effective in increasing the growth of hair. An oil 

prepared withOlinda seed , together with sesame seed and coconut milk is a very useful remedy for premature greyingof hair and also increase the growth of hair.
In ancient Sri Lanka both men and women had long hair. They cared a great deal about the growth of their hair and the need for a healthy head.Hair washes and tonic were not imported. The herbal plants around us gave us all the aids to beauty. Nelli juice mixed eith Lime juice is an instant shampoo for the hair. It makes the hair lustrous. Tumeric or Kaha ground to past was used to wash long hair. The herbal plant is a well-known disinfectant . It cleans the skull and remove dandruff.  
Read more:Olinda(Abutilon indicum (indian mallow) 
There are many decoction used as washes and tonics.The decoction of Seenidda(Acacia Concinna) is an excellent hair wash. Instead of Seenidda,Lunuvilla could be used. This decoction promotes  the growth of hair, kills lice and removes dandruff.The pod of jasminum prepared in decoction is very effective for cleaning the hair.Not only does it clean the hair but also give a fragrant smell.The oil prepared from this plant is very famous perfume .Jasminum leaves are considered useful in skin diseases. 
Keekirindiya(Eclipta postrata) is a herb very frequently used in indigenous 

practice.It is an ingredient used in many decoctions for various disease. In Sanskrit it is known as Kasaraja which refers to the growth of hair.This herb prevents the hair becoming prematurely grey .It cures diseases of skin as well as those on skin .This herb is used both internally and externally.The juice of the leaves contains a dark bluish coloring matter and is used for tattooing as it leaves an indelible mark on skin .A very useful hair oil is made from Eclipta alba or Ranwan Kikirindiya as a base .
Read more :Keekirindiya -Eclipta prostrata 

Hathawariya (Asperagus racemosus) juice ,king coconut milk and kikirindiya are all mixed together and exposed to the sun until the oil separates from the mixture. This oil is very useful for preventing premature graying of hair.
         

  Care of the skin was an important part of beauty. Various of herbal plants barks ,roots and flowers have been used as natural cosmatics instead of luxury creams .Sandalwoodpowder and saffron powder were used instead of soap.The bark of Kekun tree was ground and rubbed on skin for better complexion .Kalanduru yams ground into thin paste with lime juice and mixed with bees’ honey was a very effective facial cream to remove black heads .Margosa leaves ground with turmeric is a good remedy to remove black heads ,when it is applied as a paste on the face at night.

The eyes are the mirrors of health. Brightness in the eyes shows how healthy you are and adds to one’s beauty. Cucumber is not only a vegetable used as a salad but it is also a herb that helps kidneys. It cools the system. Cucumber seeds roasted and powdered and poured as coffee is administered to patients suffering from colic due to kidney infection .Thin slices of cucumber placed on tired eyes make them sparkle and shine. Thin slices of ladies fingers also used for same purpose.
Over- ripe tomatoes are sliced and used to give a gentle tap on the skin round the eyes. Wrinkles near the eye are indications of age. Sometimes extra weariness creates these wrinkles .

 Afew drops of bees honey applied on the skin, and gentle tapping of the skin with tomatoes helps to ease these wrinkles.Bauty-conscious women 

in harem used Sapu flowers dipped overnight in water to wash their faces Sepalika flowers fall in large numbers under the trees. They are not regarded as a useful herb, but these flowers dipped overnight in water are an effective deodorant. The common shoe flower leaves are ground and used as a lotion before a bath. Eating shoe flowers in salad form helps to enrich the complexion.
Herbal plants also did much for the care of the teeth. A shrubby plant known as Pila (Tephrosin purpurea) is used to brush teeth. The roots of this plant whitens the teeth and the makes the gums stronger.The Pila leaves given in the form of cangee is very effective in cases of Jaundice.
The Wata erandu plant is a common plant used in the villages for the marking of fences.The leaves are used to ferment rheumatic patients. The leaves are boiled and the infusion is used to wash the skin afflicted with scabies. The twigs are used to brush the teeth. It has milky secretion which helps to harden shaky teeth check bleeding gums. Roasted paddy chaff well powdered is also used to clean the teeth.
Katurumurunga leaves are usful remedy for sore mouths.Gingly oil should also be applied round the lips every morning and evening. The soles of the feet crack during the cold season. This is mainly mainly due to a heaty constitution. It is also caused by dry skin.Heated cow ghee rubbed daily on the soles helps to heal them.  If it is an acute problem stale rice ground with Rathmal pods and Komarica ground with cold water helps to heal the soles.The cleanliness of the people during the past was looked after by the use of herbal plant found at our door steps. If we pay little more attention to these plant we sall be doing a great service by contributing our natural remedies to the vast herbal research work that is going on in other contries. 

Read more:Komarica, Komarika(Aloe vera - littiralis)