Medicinal Plants In Kerala

Kerala, located in the southern part of India, is renowned for its rich biodiversity and traditional knowledge of medicinal plants. The state’s tropical climate, abundant rainfall, and fertile soil create favorable conditions for the growth of diverse medicinal plant species. Here are some notable medicinal plants found in Kerala:

1. Neem (Azadirachta indica): Neem is known for its numerous medicinal properties and is widely used in traditional medicine. It has antimicrobial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties. Neem leaves, oil, and bark are commonly used for treating various ailments.
2. Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis): Aloe Vera is a succulent plant with thick leaves containing gel-like sap. It has soothing and healing properties, making it useful for treating burns, skin irritations, and digestive issues. Aloe Vera is also known for its antioxidant and antimicrobial effects.
3. Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri): Brahmi is a small herb commonly found in wetlands and marshy areas. It is renowned for its cognitive-enhancing properties and is used in Ayurveda to improve memory, reduce anxiety, and promote overall brain health.
4. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera): Ashwagandha, also known as Indian ginseng, is an important medicinal plant in Ayurveda. It is an adaptogen and is believed to enhance vitality, reduce stress, boost the immune system, and improve overall well-being.
5. Turmeric (Curcuma longa): Turmeric is a spice commonly used in Indian cuisine, and it is also known for its medicinal properties. The active compound in turmeric, called curcumin, has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Turmeric is used for its potential benefits in treating various conditions, including arthritis, digestive disorders, and skin problems.
6. Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum): Also known as Holy Basil, Tulsi is considered sacred in Indian culture. It has a range of medicinal properties and is used for its antibacterial, antiviral, and immune-boosting effects. Tulsi leaves are commonly consumed as herbal tea or used in Ayurvedic formulations.
7. Ginger (Zingiber officinale): Ginger is a commonly used spice in cooking, and it also has medicinal value. It is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and is used to treat digestive disorders, nausea, and cold symptoms. Ginger can be consumed fresh, dried, or as a tea.

These are just a few examples of the many medicinal plants found in Kerala. The state’s traditional healing system, Ayurveda, extensively utilizes these plants and their extracts in various formulations to promote health and well-being.

Species	Local Name
Aphanamixis Polystachya	Chemmaram
Acacia catechu	Karingali
Acorus calamus	Vayambu
Adathoda beddomei	Atalodakan
Aegle marmelos	Koovalam
Alpinia galanga	Kolinji
Anisochilus carnosus	Karimthumba
Aristolochia indica	Karalakam
Asparagus Racemosus	Sathavari
Biophytum sensitivum	Mukkuti
Cassia fistula	Kanikonna
Coscinium fenestratum	Maramanjal
Crateva magna	Neermathalam
Curcuma zedoaria	Manjakoova
Cyperus rotundus	Muthanga
Daemia extensa	Veliparuthy
Desmodim gangeticum	Orila
Emblica officinalis	Nelli
Gloriosa superba	Menthonni
Gmelina arborea	Kumizhu
Hemidesmus indicus	Naruneendi
Heracleum candolleanum	Chittelam
Holoptelia integrifloia	Aaval
Holostemma adakodien	Adapathiyan
Hydrocotyle asiatica	Kudangal
Ipomoea pestigridis	Pulichuvadi
Kaemperia galanga	Kacholam
Malaxis rheedei	Jeevakam
Azadirachta indica	Veppu
Moniera cuncifolia	Neerbrahmi
Mukia scabra	Karthoti
Neolamarkia cadamba	Kadambu
Nervilia aragoana	Orilathamara
Nilgirianthes ciliatus	Karimkurinji
Oroxylum indicum	Palakapayyani
Oscimum sanctum	Tulasi
Phyllanthus amarus	Keezhanelli
Piper longum	Thippali
Pongamia pinnata	Ungu
Pseudarthria viscida	Moovila
Rauvolfia serpentina	Sarpagandhi
Rubia cordifolia	Manchatti
Ruta graveolens	Sathappu, Arootha
Salacia fruticosa	Ekanayakam
Salacia oblonga	Ponkoranti
Saraca asoca	Ashokam
Sida cordifolia	Kurumthotti
Stereospermum colais	Pathiri
Symplocos cochinchinensis	Pachotti
Terminalia arjuna	Neermaruthu
Terminalia chebula	Kadukka
Tinospora cordifolia	Chittamruthu
Trichosanthus cucumerina	Kaipan padavalam
Tylophora indica	Vallippala
Vetiveria zizanoides	Ramacham
Vitex negundo	Karinochi
Hemidesmus indicus	Nannari