Medicinal Plants
Aloe Vera Plant 🌱
Aloe vera is a very popular indoor plant worldwide, famous for its unmatched cosmetic properties. Aloe vera leaves are usually green to grey-green with a spiky or serrated edge. They are thick and fleshy, filled with a watery substance. There are different varieties of aloe vera, and some can grow up to 2-3 feet tall. The leaves grow from a central rosette. Aloe vera is native to the Arabian Peninsula but is now found in many parts of the world. It has been known as a medicinal plant since ancient times. Like other indoor plants, aloe vera enhances the beauty of the home. Let’s discuss the medicinal properties of the aloe vera plant:
Health Benefits:
- Aloe vera gel works like a hair conditioner. You can cut a leaf, extract the gel inside, and use it on your hair.
- Like other indoor plants, aloe vera also has excellent air-purifying abilities. It is very effective at removing benzene and formaldehyde from the air.
- When the amount of harmful chemicals in the air is too high, small yellow spots appear on the leaves of aloe vera, which helps indicate the level of toxins in your home.
- Aloe vera is a common ingredient in skincare products such as lotions, shampoos, and masks due to its moisturizing and soothing properties.
- Aloe vera contains vitamins A, C, E, and B12, as well as minerals like calcium and zinc.
- Some people use aloe vera juice to aid digestion. However, its effects can vary, so it’s important to use it properly to avoid adverse effects.
- The medicinal properties of aloe vera help lower blood pressure and normalize cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
- Aloe vera helps keep the body hydrated because it contains a lot of water.
- The sticky juice of aloe vera can cleanse the esophagus and digestive system.
- The ingredients in aloe vera activate the body’s immune system and help balance the body. It also promotes the formation of white blood cells, which fight viruses.
- The anti-inflammatory properties of aloe vera juice help remove excess fat and support weight loss without side effects.
- The components of aloe vera strengthen bones and muscles and help prevent heart problems.
- You can use aloe vera gel to treat dry hair and itchy skin. Its antibacterial and antifungal properties help prevent hair fall and dandruff.
Care Requirements:
Light: Aloe vera prefers bright, indirect light but can also tolerate direct sunlight. However, low light inhibits the growth of this plant. If you keep aloe vera in a low-light area, expose it to direct sunlight for at least one day every 10-12 days.
Watering: Aloe vera does not require much water. It is drought-tolerant and prefers to be on the dry side. Before watering, check if the soil is completely dry. If it is, water the plant sufficiently, ensuring good drainage. Standing water can cause the leaves to rot and may kill the plant.
Temperature & Humidity: Aloe vera can survive in temperatures between 12 to 30 degrees Celsius. It can adapt to slightly higher or lower temperatures but cannot tolerate temperatures below 5 degrees Celsius, so protect it from extreme cold. Humidity is not a concern for this plant, as it can live well in normal humidity and adapt to both low and high humidity.
Soil: Aloe vera needs porous soil with good drainage. Since aloe vera dislikes excess water, the soil should be prepared to prevent water accumulation. A recommended soil mixture consists of 30% sand, 30% garden soil, 30% perlite, 5% mustard seeds, and 5% compost.
Propagation:
Aloe vera can be propagated in two ways:
- Root Division: Separate a part of the aloe vera plant from the stem and plant it in wet soil to grow a new plant.
- Seeds: Transplant aloe vera seeds into wet soil, and new seedlings will emerge in a few days.
Warnings:
- Consuming aloe vera may sometimes cause stomach or allergy problems.
- Applying aloe vera gel on the skin may cause rashes or burning sensations in some individuals, so use it cautiously.
- If you plan to include aloe vera in your regular diet, it’s best to consult a nutritionist.
Nayantara -flower
Description:
Flowers are symbols of beauty, aesthetics, and love. Various arrangements, respect, and love are expressed with flowers. Not only do they possess beauty, but some flowers also have medicinal properties. One such flower is Nayantara. The scientific name of this flower plant is Catharanthus roseus. Common names for Nayantara include Madagascar periwinkle, Vinca, and Oil Maid. It is not surprising to hear about making medicine from flower plants, as people have been using medicines made from flowers since ancient times. Nayantara is a perennial herbaceous plant native to Madagascar, but it grows abundantly throughout India. The leaves of Nayantara are smooth and oval-shaped. Flowers with 5 petals bloom at the top of the plant. This 2-3 meter tall plant produces many flowers if cared for properly. As the plant grows older, it requires more care. The purple and white flowers amid the green leaves look very attractive. Chewing the leaves of this plant every morning can help control diabetes. Additionally, this flower is used to dry wounds and lower high blood pressure. This plant can be kept in a corner of the balcony or terrace. Nayantara flowers have no smell.
Care Requirements:
- Light: Nayantara flower plants like direct sunlight. However, a lightly shaded place is the perfect environment for this plant. If you want to keep it as an indoor plant, you should place it in direct sunlight for at least 4-5 hours every morning. This will keep the plant healthy and ensure beautiful flowers.
- Watering: If you want to grow the plant in a tub, you must use a tub with good drainage. If the soil at the base of the plant is completely dry, water as needed. If the soil is wet, there is no need to water.
- Soil: Well-drained loamy soil is ideal for Nayantara plants. The soil mixture should be made in such a way that it does not retain water. The ideal soil mixture is 25% sand, 20% compost manure, 15% cocopeat, 35% garden soil, 2% Epsom salt, and 3% leaf rot.
- Temperature: Nayantara flower plants prefer a warm climate. This plant cannot tolerate temperatures below 15 degrees Celsius. Therefore, 20-30 degrees Celsius is ideal for this plant.
- Fertilizer: Applying organic compost or mustard shell fertilizer once a month will promote good flowering.
- Pruning: Pruning helps maintain the shape of the plant. If the plant has unhealthy branches, they should be cut. Pruning once a month will keep the plant fresh and reduce the likelihood of disease.
- Pests: Nayantara plants normally do not suffer from pest attacks. If neem oil is sprayed occasionally, the plant will remain healthy.
- Propagation: Nayantara plant propagation is usually done through two methods. The first method is to collect seeds. If you collect seeds from flowers and plant them in wet soil, you will get new seedlings after one month. Another method is to cut any branch of the plant, soak the lower part in honey, and plant it in wet soil. After a few days, new seedlings will emerge.
Thuja plant
The Thuja tree is very well known and loved by tree lovers. Anyone who has this tree is bound to fall in love with it. I want to share with everyone how to take care of the Thuja tree. The Thuja tree is also commonly known as Arborvitae. The scientific name of this tree is Thuja occidentalis. The Thuja tree is commonly found in the mountains. Its height can be up to 50-60 feet. However, it can also be kept as an indoor plant through fertilization. There are basically two types of Thuja trees: one is green in color, and the other is light golden in color. This plant looks like a pyramid in shape. The Thuja tree is known by many as a medicinal plant. Thuja tree oil works very well to cure various diseases such as respiratory tract infections, skin diseases, certain nerve diseases, etc.
Care Requirements:
Light: The Thuja tree likes sunlight very much. There is no problem in keeping it in direct sunlight for a long time. However, if it is kept in a place with light shade, the health of the plant is good. If it is always kept in a shady place, the brightness of the leaves will be lost. To keep the tree upright, after a few days, the position of the tree should be changed. For three days a week, the side where the sunlight will fall should be turned, and the other side should be placed in front for the remaining four days.
Watering: Like other indoor plants, Thuja plants do not like excess water. Avoid getting the soil at the base of the tree completely wet or dry. In summer, it is better to water at least twice a day when the soil is slightly wet.
Temperature & Humidity:
Soil: The soil should be prepared in such a way that it is always slightly wet and the excess water does not cause rot. In that case, the soil should be peat soil with drainage. A suitable soil mixture would be 20% vermicompost, 20% cocopeat, and 10% sand.
Maintenance:
- Pruning: Prune based on the shape you want to keep the tree. It is good to prune every 3-4 months.
- Fertilizer: The Thuja plant does not need much fertilizer. However, applying vermicompost manure and neem cake twice a year is beneficial.
Propagation: The propagation of this plant is done in two ways. First, when the tree is in bud, there are light green seeds. Those seeds ripen and turn brown. If the brown seeds are broken open, a seed is found inside, which can be used to grow a new Thuja tree. Another method of propagation is to cut a thick branch from any part of the tree and transplant it into wet soil. A new plant will be obtained after a few days.
Thuja plant