Plant medicinal herbs which will be useful for protecting life in the coming severe adverse times !
In the coming World War 3, millions of people will die as a result of nuclear weapons, catastrophic natural disasters will take place too as per the prediction of Saints. There is no guarantee that transportation, doctors, ready-made medicines, etc. will be available in an emergency. This is being experienced everywhere due to corona now. In an emergency, we will have to take care of our health with Ayurvedic medicinal herbs. We should ensure that the right herb is available at the right time. For this, it is time to start planting such medicinal herbs now. Many herbs have become rare due to various natural and man-made causes. Their cultivation will help maintain our health.
Ayurveda will be the main treatment in the coming ‘Hindu Rashtra (Nation)’. In this regard, it becomes necessary to cultivate medicinal herbs for the promotion of Ayurveda. Ayurveda is an Indian science. It is the duty of every patriotic citizen to cultivate medicinal plants for the preservation of of Ayurveda.
Realise the importance of Ayurveda and be proud of Hindu Dharma !
In March 2020, my urinary tract infection increased a lot. I took 2 consecutive courses of antibiotics, but the infection did not reduce. It was very difficult for me to even take a step due to the resulting pain and fever.
I approached Sanatan’s Ayurveda Vaidya, Dr. Meghraj Paradkar, who gave me Ayurvedic medicine ‘Gandhak Rasayan’. In just 3-4 days, my pain reduced by 60% and within the next 10-12 days, it subsided considerably. I realised the following.
1. A myth created about Ayurveda medicines
Many people believe that it takes a long time for Ayurvedic medicines to have effect. On the contrary, Ayurvedic medicines are most effective because they go to the root cause of the illness and get rid of it. Allopathic medicines only help get rid of
symptoms, not necessarily of the ailment. As a result, Allopathy medicines have to be taken the entire life.
2. No need to praise the discoveries of westerners !
It is true that the Allopathy medicines are useful for various health problems; however, Indians have a misunderstanding that there is no alternative to Allopathy treatment. Hence, when people face an ailment, they rush to buy Allopathy medicines. We are turning our back on Hindu cultures’ rich heritage, Ayurveda. Scientists like Einstein, who made many discoveries in atomic physics, had studied Vedas, Darshans, Scriptures, etc. His discoveries were based on this study. Should we Hindus not feel proud of Hindu Scriptures, Ayurveda and Hindu Dharma ?
3. Ayurvedic medicines are a lifeline from the perspective of the coming severe adverse times
In the event of World War 3, natural disasters, etc. doctors, Vaidya, medicines etc. will not be easily available. It is not possible to buy Allopathic medicines for more than 3 months at a time. On the contrary, we can stock Ayurvedic medicines that can last a long time during our illnesses. In the adverse times, the manufacture of Allopathic medicines may even stop. However, we can plant all the necessary Ayurvedic medicines in our backyard or terrace, etc. This will ensure that we have access to medicines in the coming adverse times.
Sanatan will be soon publishing Texts on ‘Cultivating Medicinal Herbs’ and ‘Follow Ayurveda for a healthy life without medicines’ and many other Texts related to Ayurveda before the adverse times commence. Moreover, it is possible to stay free of illnesses by following the principles of Ayurveda. Benefit from these Texts by following Ayurveda and protect yourself during the adverse times.
– Sanatan’s Saint, H.H. Sandeep Alshi
1. Aspects to consider before planting medicinal herbs
A. It is necessary to sow most of the medicinal herbs at the onset of monsoons, between 15th June and 5th July. This will ensure their proper growth.
B. Before sowing medicinal herbs, the seed of the herb, branch cutting, freshly sprouted saplings from the roots, rhizome (root) and saplings grown in a nursery should be collected. Preparations such as digging pits, etc. should also be done.
C. The medicinal herbs are many. To cultivate all herbs is impossible and impracticable. Hence, depending on the space and the potential of the herbal medicine to cure various ailments, a broad order of planting herbal medicines is given here. Accordingly, each individual should plant medicinal herbs as per his capability.
D. Everyone should decide on the number of a particular herb to be planted considering its need. Resolve to plant at least one medicinal herb out of those which you have decided to plant this year.
E. The readers should plant herbs as per the requirement by using their logic or discussing with the local expert or Vaidya.
F. The planted herbs should also be introduced to the family members. A plaque with the name of the herb should also be put up near it, which will help everyone recognise it.
G. Time waits for none. Therefore, plan the planting of medicinal herbs according to your capability as soon as possible without wasting further time.
2. Aspects to learn from this article
A. This article names selected medicinal herbs which can easily be grown in most parts of India.
B. Since the names of medicinal plants may vary by region, the Latin names of each herb has also been given. Based on this, photos of the herb, etc. can be found on the Internet.
C. If some medicinal herbs cannot be identified, consult a local expert or Vaidya.
D. Besides medicinal herbs mentioned in this article, there is no problem in cultivating other medicinal herbs also.
3. A selection of medicinal herbs that can be planted even in the balcony at home
The table here lists 16 most important medicinal herbs that can be grown anywhere. Everyone should plant at least these many around their house. The herbs are in order of preference, which means that the 15th herb is preferred over the 16th, etc. Herb number 1 in this table is the most preferred. Therefore, if it is not possible to plant 16 herbs, then as many herbs as possible should be planted as per priority.
If there is not enough space around your house, the herbs can be planted and placed in pots or plastic bags in the balcony of the house. Of these, Gulvel, Jai, betel leaves and Kandvel need support for growth. Nirgudi, Adulsa and Jaswand can be kept in pots for 3 years. Since these herbs grow more, they have to be planted in the ground however, with regular pruning, growth can be limited, and they can be kept in permanent pots. Since these herbs are useful in most diseases, everyone should plant these herbs around the house. If there is some space left, other herbs should be planted. If space is scarce, plant-pots should be placed one on the top of the other in a rack. This arrangement should be done in such a way that all the plants get at least 3-4 hours of sunlight every day. If sufficient space is available around the house, plant herbs there; in such a case planting them in the balcony of the house is optional. The creepers should be planted at the roots of a large backyard tree (preferably neem) or on the fence.
Note : Latin names are in brackets here since it is internationally accepted.
| Sr. No. |
Name of the herb & its Latin name | Ailment on which it is useful | Part useful as medicine | Part suitable for sowing |
| 1 | Tulas (Ocimum tenuiflorum) | Most of the ailments | Panchang (Note) | Seed |
| 2 | Durva* (Cynodon dactylon) | Ailments of heat, all disorders of Pitta | – do – | Sapling |
| 3 | Gulvel (Tinospora cordifolia) | Fever, disorders of blood, rheumatism, diabetes, disorders of old age | Piece of creeper | Seed or Branch cutting |
| 4 | Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata) | Fever, disorders of Pitta and worms | Panchang | Seed |
| 5 | Korfad (Aloe Vera) with or without white spots | Disorders of menstruation, burns and scalding, cough, disorders of eyes and liver | Pulp of the leaf | Sapling with new foliage |
| 6 | Adulsa (Juticia adhatoda) | Disorders of heat and Pitta, ailments of respiratory system | Panchang | Branch cutting |
| 7 | Jai (Jasminum officinade) | Wound and oral ulcers | Leaf | Branch cutting |
| 8 | Maka (Eclipta Alba) | Ailments of eyes, hair and digestive system | Panchang | Branch cutting |
| 9 | Paanvel – Betel leaves (Piper betle) | Indigestion, reduced sperm count, all disorders of Kapha | Leaf | – do – |
| 10 | Gavti chaha – Pati chaha (Cymbopogon citratus) | Cold, cough, fever, and urinary disorders | Leaf | Sapling with new foliage |
| 11 | Nirgundi (Vitex negundo) | Oedema, rheumatism, dis-orders of Vata and ear ailments | Seed and leaves | Seed and leaves |
| 12 | Jasvand (Hibiscus rosa sinensis) | Ailements of hair | Flowers and leaves | Branch cutting |
| 13 | Aghada*(Achyranthes aspera) | Ailments of spleen, disorders of urinary system, diabetes | Panchang | Seed or Branch cutting |
| 14 | Kandvel (Hadsandhi) * (Cissus quadrangularis) | Oedema, rheumatism, fracture and pain | Piece of creeper | Branch cutting |
| 15 | Zendu (Tagetes erecta) | Wound of any type, burning and scaling, ailments of eyes | Flowers and leaves | Seed |
| 16 | Panphuti (Bryophyllum pinnatum) | Disorders of urinary system | Leaf | Leaf |
Note – ‘Pancha’ means ‘five’ and ‘Anga’ means ‘part of the plant.’ The root, trunk, leaves, flower and fruit together are called ‘Panchang’. In the context of medicinal plants, ‘Panchang’ means the ‘whole plant with its roots’.
4. If some space is left after planting these medicinal herbs, the following can be planted
4A. Small trees (Growing up to 1-2 feet)
| Sr.No. | Name of the herb & its Latin name | Ailment on which it is useful | Part useful as medicine | Part suitable for sowing |
| 1 | Aambehalad (Curcuma amada) | Ailments of respiratory system, fever and Oedema | Tuber | Tuber |
| 2 | Askand (Withania somnifera) | Ailments of hair, eyes, respiratory system, sperm | Root | Seed |
| 3 | Isabgol (Plantago ovata) | Constipation | Seed | Seed |
| 4 | Unhali (Tephrosia purpurea) | Jaundice, enlargement spleen, disorders of liver and diabetes | Panchang | Seed or branch cutting |
| 5 | Kuradu-Haralu (Celosia argentea) | Disorders of urinary system | Panchang | Seed |
| 6 | Nagarmotha (Cyperus rotundus) | Fever, disorders of Pitta and digestive system | Tuber | Tuber |
| 7 | Paripath (Fumaria officinalis) | Disorders of heat and fever | Panchang | Seed |
| 8 | Pithavan (Uraria picta) | Fever, oedema and ailments of respiratory tract | Panchang | Seed or branch cutting |
| 9 | Pudina (Mentha spicata) | Chronic fever, cough, indigestion and worms | Panchang | Seed |
| 10 | Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa) | Oedema, disorders of circulatory system and urinary system | Panchang | Seed or branch cutting |
| 11 | Brahmi-Mandukparni (Centella asiatica) | Ailments of brain, heat and Pitta, ailments of old age | Panchang | Branch cutting |
| 12 | Bhuiawala (Phyllanthus urinaria) | Disorders of liver | Panchang | Seed |
| 13 | Vala-Khus (Vetiveria zizanioides) | Disorders of heat, Pitta and urinary system | Root | Sapling with new foliage |
| 14 | Vekhand (Acorus calamus) | Stammering, lisp, ailments of memory and respiratory system | Tuber | Sapling with new foliage or piece of root |
| 15 | Sadafuli (Catharanthus roseus) | Diabetes, cancer | Panchang | Seed or Branch cutting |
| 16 | Sarpagandha (Rauvolfia serpentina) | Blood pressure, insomnia, ailments of stomach | Root | Seed or branch cutting |
| 17 | Salvan (Desmodium gangeticum) | Fever and cardiac ailments | Panchang | Seed |
| 18 | Halad (Curcuma longa) | Cold, cough, Kapha, obesity, diabetes and ailments of nipples | Tuber | Tuber |
4B. Creepers
| Sr.No. | Name of the herb & its Latin name | Ailment on which it is useful | Part useful as medicine | Part suitable for sowing |
| 1 | Anantmul (Hemidesmus indicus) | Disorders of blood and skin | Root | Seed or branch cutting |
| 2 | Kadu Padwal (Tricho-santhes dioica) | Disorders of Pitta and skin | Panchang | Seed |
| 3 | Kohala (Benincasa hispida) | Disorders of Pitta, brain and urinary system | Fruit | Seed |
| 4 | Padavel (Cyclea peltata) | Ailments of eyes | Panchang | Seed / sapling |
| 5 | Pimpali (Piper longum) | Ailments of respiratory and digestive systems | Root and fruit | Piece of creeper |
| 6 | Miri (Piper nigrum) | Ailments of respiratory and digestive systems | Fruits | Piece of creeper |
| 7 | Mogara (Jasminum sambac) | Disorders of Pitta | Flower and tuber | Piece of creeper |
| 8 | Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) | Fever, weakness and reproductive system | Tuber | Tuber |
| 9 | Sapsandh (Aristolochia indica) | Snake poison, abdominal pain of children and diarrhoea | Panchang | Piece of creeper |
4C. Bushes/Shrubs (Herbs more than 2 feet in height)
| Sr.No. | Name of the herb & its Latin name | Ailment on which it is useful | Part useful as medicine | Part suitable for sowing |
| 1 | Erand (Ricinus communis) | Disorders of Vata, ailments of stomach and asthama | Leaves, root and seed | Seed or branch cutting |
| 2 | Kadhipatta (Murraya koenigii) | Cardiac and liver disorders | Leaves | Seed or branch cutting |
| 3 | Mendi (Lawsonia inermis) | Disorders of hair and Vata | Leaves and seed | Seed or branch cutting |
| 4 | Sabukand – Tapioca (Manihot esculenta) | Weakness | Tuber | Tuber |
4D. Trees
| S.No. | Name of the plant & its Latin name | Ailment on which it is useful | Part useful as medicine | Part suitable for sowing |
| 1 | Awala (Emblica officinalis) | Disorders of stomach, Pitta, hair and old age ailment | Fruits | Saplings of good quality |
| 2 | Kadunimb (Azadirachta indica) | Wound, diabetes and skin ailments | Bark, leaves and fruits | Seed |
| 3 | Kuda (Holarrhena pubescens) | Diarrhoea, dysentery and piles | Seed, root and bark | Seed |
| 4 | Kele (Musa sapientum) | Weakness and disorders of urinary system | Panchang | New foliage grown near the root |
| 5 | Prajakta (Nyctanthes arbor-tristis) | Rheumatism and disorders of Pitta | Bark, leaves and flowers | Branch cutting |
| 6 | Bahava (Cassia fistula) | Fever, disorders of skin, constipation | Bark, leaves and pod | Seed |
| 7 | Bel (Aegle marmelos) | Diabetes and jaundice | Root, bark, leaves and fruits | Seed |
| 8 | Shevaga (Moringa oleifera) | Hair-boil, disorders of Kapha | Bark, leaves, flowers and pods | Seed or branch cutting |
| 9 | Sita Ashok (Saraca asoca) | Ailments of women | Bark | Seed |
The importance of cultivating medicinal plants as spiritual practice
Our basic nature develops as per our upbringing. Just as the surroundings are also responsible for our virtues and defects, the same is true for plants.
The more sattvik is the atmosphere, the more sattvik will the plants be. Similarly, more the Sattva component, more will be the medicinal properties of the plants.
The Sattva component increases due to spiritual practice. The plants become more sattvik if the cultivation of medicinal plants is performed as spiritual practice for God-realisation rather than just to earn money.
Cultivation of large quantities of medicinal plants by medium and big land-holders for the benefit of society is verily a samashti sadhana !
Those who own medium-sized (3-4 acres) or larger land can cultivate medicinal plants in large numbers for society instead of thinking just about their own family. In the coming adverse times, many people will get the necessary Ayurvedic medicines and health-care due to these plants. The people who perform this selfless satseva for society will obtain the benefits of samashti sadhana.