The second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic has hit many parts of the world once again. And, Nepal is no exception. In fact, this health crisis in Nepal is worsening every day. Right now, hospitals are overwhelmed with Covid-19 patients. Due to that, many other people fear visiting hospitals and clinics for common illnesses such as headache, stomachache, common cold and cough. But, where and how do you treat these ailments?
Well, there are many home remedies for these minor illnesses, which require some herbs. And, here we present you a list of some herbs and plants having medicinal properties that you should always have in your home ready for curing these ailments:
1. Turmeric
Not only turmeric adds vibrant yellow-orange colour to your curry or any other dish, but it also contributes significantly to keeping your body away from ailments like abdominal pain, urinary tract infections, wound, menstrual difficulties, liver ailments, digestive disorders, distension, flatus, colic and many other diseases. Other than these common illnesses, turmeric is also beneficial for treating rheumatoid arthritis, chronic anterior uveitis, conjunctivitis, skin cancer, smallpox, chickenpox, jaundice, colon cancer, and other serious health conditions. So, make sure you have turmeric (either fresh roots or dried powder) in your home.
2. Tulasi (Basil)
Tulasi has a religious significance for many Hindus. That is why they plant tulasi and worship it daily. Apart from its religious connotation, tulasi also has many medicinal properties. This Ayurvedic herb is considered effective for treating many illnesses like digestive, respiratory (common cold, cough), and cardiovascular illness, eye problems and oral health problems. Not only this, tulasi also boosts the immune system and eases mental health problems like stress. Therefore, it is a must-have herb at your home.
3. Aloe vera
Whether you have any kind of burns, sunburns, stretch marks or tans, applying aloe vera gel or juice on the burns is considered the best home remedy. This evergreen succulent plant is also beneficial for diabetic patients, curing digestive problems, and relieving inflammation. Therefore, keep this plant at your home and use it to its fullest while having these ailments.
4. Mint
Mint is a cooling Ayurvedic herb packed with abundant health benefits. It is considered effective for curing common digestive problems such as indigestion and dyspepsia, respiratory disorders. Likewise, it can help relieve stress, chronic pains related to arthritis and migraine. It also lowers high blood pressure levels as well as boosts immunity as it has antibacterial and antioxidant properties. Besides, mint is also beneficial for maintaining skin health (getting rid of acne). Thus, its diverse health benefits make it worthy to keep in your home.
5. Coriander
Coriander (seeds and leaves) has numerous health benefits. Apart from adding taste and flavours to your dish, this Ayurvedic herb adds to your health by boosting the immune system, treating digestive illness, and common infections, minimising the risk of heart-related diseases, lowering blood sugar levels, improving brain health, keeping your skin safe from sun damage and ageing. Therefore, keep this miraculous herb handy in your home so that you can use it whenever you or your family member are ill.
6. Ginger
Ginger (dry or fresh) contains plenty of medicinal and healing properties, due to which, it is named as a ‘universal medicine’ in Ayurveda. These medicinal properties of ginger comprise lessening the sensation of pain, treating nausea, vomiting, digestive disorders, increasing the secretion of saliva, soothing the fragile nerve, clearing mucus, and many more. It is an imperative herb that you cannot afford to miss to have at your home.
7. Garlic
Garlic contains an enormous amount of allicin, which makes it anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-biotic, and anti-septic. It has been used medicinally for ages in order to cure pulmonary problems (cold and flu), digestive disorders, parasites, fatigue, inflammation and swelling, hypertension, lowering cholesterol, and many other ailments. Garlic is worth keeping at your home.
8. Bojo (Acorus calamus)
Acorus calamus, generally recognised as bojo in Nepali households, has multiple medicinal benefits. Mainly, the root (rihzome) of this plant is used to treat gastrointestinal problems including gastritis, ulcers, loss of appetite, intestinal gas, and upset stomach, body pain and joint pains, sore throat, and many other illnesses. Therefore, bojo is a must-have herb in your home.