Medicinal Plants of Pakistan

Ever wondered what medicinal plants you see on postage stamps were used for?

Syrups and teas made with Violet are a popular herbal remedy for coughs, sore throat, asthma, and colds. It also has a mildly sedative effect and helps soothe the nerves. Owing to its anti-inflammatory properties, it is also applied for joint pain and mild skin eruptions. In homoeopathic medicine, it is also used to treat ear infections, headaches, and rheumatism.

Hyssop leaves and flowers are used in cough syrups and decoctions for respiratory diseases like bronchitis, asthma, chest congestion and catarrh. It is also noted to stimulate the appetite. As an antiseptic, it may be used externally for minor wounds and infections.

Yarrow leaves and flowers are used to treat wounds, bleeding tendencies, varicose veins, and haemorrhoids, for the plant has antiseptic and hemostatic properties. It also helps relieve bloating, indigestion, and flatulence. When prescribed as an infusion for colds and fever, it acts as a diaphoretic.

The Damascene Rose was used to treat heat-related ailments and fevers. It is also a digestive aid. Rose petal jam (Gulkand) is taken for constipation and acidity. Rose water is used to treat acne, inflammation, and eye irritation. Concoctions made with roses as a remedy for headaches caused by emotional strain and to regulate menstruation.

Chamomile is used as a digestive aid. It is both a mild carminative and an anti-spasmodic. It treats gas and indigestion. Poultices and oils for dermatological ailments such as eczema and irritation. Furthermore, it also calms anxiety, stress, and sleeplessness. It is also used as a pain-reliever for menstrual cramps, colic and teething in children, and neuralgia.

The bulb of garlic reduces cholesterol, hypertension and sluggish digestion. It is also known for antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. Tea brewed with garlic is a common household remedy for colds and infections.

Henbane leaves and seeds are highly potent and are used with great caution, for higher doses can be toxic.

Unani practitioners use it as a pain reliever for neuralgia, toothache, and muscular pain, and as an anti-spasmodic for intestinal cramps, asthma, and whooping cough. It is also used for severe insomnia and restlessness, especially in anxiety or nervous disorders. Fumes of seeds may be inhaled for asthma and a chronic cough. Poultices made with henbane leaves were used for rheumatism and joint pain. However, it was not to be used on wounds and/or broken skin.

In Unani medicine, Ajwain Khurasani is categorised as a nervine sedative and pain suppressor, but it’s also a poisonous drug. Henbane contains potent alkaloids such as hyoscyamine, scopolamine, and atropine, which affect the nervous system. An overdose can cause hallucinations, dry mouth, rapid pulse, confusion, and paralysis. It is also mentioned in ancient Ayurvedic texts for nervous disorders and respiratory ailments. Homoeopathic medicine uses it to treat delirium, restlessness, insomnia, and nervous disorders, convulsions and tremors, and for dry, spasmodic coughs that worsen at night.