Five Indian Plants with Spiritual and Ayurvedic Uses
Indian medicinal plants are the cornerstone of Ayurvedic medicines and provide amazing advantages when utilised appropriately. Their use is not limited to therapeutic purposes solely. They also pay attention to the person's general wellbeing and happiness. We continue to refer to Ayurvedic medicines as the elixirs of life despite the fact that there are so many different forms of medical therapies available today. In addition to their medicinal uses, most plants in India also have legendary connotations.
1. TULSI, also known as Holy Basil, is revered in Hinduism as the most important medicinal herb and is renowned as the "queen of medicinal plants." This revered plant is thought to represent the goddess Lakshmi. Tulsi is regarded as a sacred plant, and it is believed that having it in temples increases their holiness and capacity for meditation. Morning devotions to the holy basil are regularly performed with gifts of flowers, incense, and Ganges water. The ritualistic watering and care of the plant is seen as adoration and a way to achieve redemption (moksha). Vishnu gets furious when Tulsi is insulted since it is believed to be the home of numerous gods and a manifestation of Goddess Lakshmi.
Tulsi is renowned for its antibacterial, antifungal, antipyretic, antioxidant, antiseptic, and anticancer qualities and is utilised in Ayurvedic treatments. Additionally, it has therapeutic qualities, and its medicinal qualities support strengthening the immune system. Tulsi has a potent perfume and a flavour that can be peppery or astringent and is gathered for use in Ayurvedic treatments.
2. SANDAL WOOD, also known as "Chandana," is a part of Indian custom, culture, and legacy. In ritualistic practises, sandalwood is used in sacred fires and is highly revered spiritually. It is believed to solve all of humanity's issues. Since the Harappan era, sandalwood has been treasured in India because it is regarded to be a guardian whose perfume drives away evil spirits. The wood is mostly used to make Lord Shiva figurines and idols.
In Ayurveda, skin irritation and disorders are treated using rosewater and powdered sandalwood. The bark and leaves of the tree are used to treat skin irritation, dandruff, lice, and STDs. Sandalwood oil is used to make incense, cosmetics, fragrances, and soaps that have an invigorating aroma. The scent of sandalwood oil is woodsy.
Sandalwood is used in India in all facets of human existence, from birth to cremation. Because it encourages higher stages of rebirth, according to Hindu religion, sandalwood is also added to cremation pyres. The gigantic statue of Gomateshwar is bathed in sandalwood, milk, turmeric, and other materials during the Jain festival of Mahamastakabhisheka.
3- PIPAL, The peepal or ficus tree, also known as "Ashvattha," is highly revered in both Buddhism and Hinduism. Peepal trees have their origins in the Indus Valley culture, and relics from that era demonstrate how cherished they were. Old Puranas claim that at one point, demons had taken over the home of the gods, compelling Lord Vishnu to hide under a peepal tree.
The peepal tree was subsequently worshipped by the populace as a means of praying to Lord Vishnu. Some tales state that the peepal tree is where Lord Vishnu was born and that the trinity of deities—Brahma at the root, Vishnu at the trunk, and Lord Shiva at the leaves—call the tree home. In Buddhism, the Buddha had attained enlightenment
Peepal is also frequently used in Ayurvedic medicine to cure various illnesses, heal wounds, prevent poisoning, increase fertility, and treat various injuries. Additionally, jaundice and constipation are treated with the purgative leaves. By taking them orally, the heart is strengthened and palpitations are decreased. Furthermore, they are employed to treat feverish conditions, reduce bleeding, and stop discharge. The digestive system responds well to figs and peepal fruits. Dried fig powder is applied to the treatment of asthma. The nutrient-rich Peepal bark and leaves are used in a lot of Ayurvedic health treatments.
4-BILVA, Hindus have adored the bilva or bel tree for ages. Wherever you walk in India, there is a bilva tree that is revered and treated with extreme care. It is believed that those who do the Bilva pooja ritual with flowers and incense attain the abode of pure consciousness as well as bliss, tranquilly, and prosperity. The bilva tree is said to hold the essence of cosmic light. Bel Patra is a bilva tree leaf. Additionally, it is often used in the worship of Hindu deities, especially Shiva. Bel leaf can both release and absorb divine energy more effectively.
According to Ayurveda, bel leaf has a variety of medicinal and restorative properties. the leaves' antifungal and antibacterial capabilities. The tree's entire body can be used for therapeutic purposes, but the roots are particularly effective at reducing pain.
5. ASHOKA - The Ashoka tree is accorded top priority in ancient Hindu mythology, sculpture, and artwork. According to the traditional old epic Ramayana, Sita is reported to have sat under the Ashoka tree while she was imprisoned in Lanka. As the Ashoka tree was where Buddha was born, it has a special significance in Buddha's life. In Buddhist and Hindu temple decorations, the mythical yakshi beings are usually found accompanying the Ashoka tree.
