The use of traditional medicinal plants for health protection and disease prevention is coming from time immemorial. As of 2006, there are approximately 70,000 species of medicinal plants in use worldwide.
Biodiversity loss and traditional knowledge systems are disappearing, leaving the medicinal properties of powerful medicinal plants unexplored.
According to the report of Botanical Survey of India (BSI), more than 8,000 species of medicinal plants are available in India.
Based on the properties of medicinal plants found in the Malabar coastal region, a book named ‘Hortus Malabaricus‘ was written in the 17th century under the leadership of the then Dutch Governor.
Even in modern times, extensive research is being done on medicinal plants and their use. The way forest species have been using medicinal plants since time immemorial is evident to the outside world through these researches.
Four tribes of Andaman and Nicobar Islands use 39 types of medicinal plants available only in India for their health care. A study conducted in 2018 showed that 17 types of these plants are very useful for the prevention of various diseases.
According to the report of the World Health Organization (WHO), 25% of the medicines available in the world are directly or indirectly made from medicinal plants.
Most expensive medicinal plants are available in India. A study by the Export-Import Bank of India (Exim) states that there are 880 species of medicinal plants in domestic and international trade.
Medicinal Plants : Example
Some examples of medicinal plants are given below.
Ashwagandha
Aloevera
Tulsi
Sandalwood
Wild Navel
Tippa Teega
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Question 1 : By which year does the ‘WHO’ say that 70-95 percent of people in developing countries will rely on medicinal plants and herbal treatments for disease prevention?
Answer 1 : 2050.
Question 2 : What percentage subsidy is given by the government to the cultivation of medicinal plants in India?
Answer 2 : 30-75%.
Question 3 : Which medicinal plant is widely used to increase memory, prevent mental problems and control diabetes?
Answer 3 : Ashwagandha.