The document discusses the significance of medicinal plants in traditional medicine, highlighting that approximately 80% of the developing world's primary health care needs are met through these practices. It specifically details the uses and benefits of lavender and alfalfa, noting their medicinal properties including antiseptic effects, calming properties for the nervous system, and nutritional benefits. Additionally, it outlines their commercial uses, particularly lavender oil and alfalfa as a high-value forage crop.

1. A Presentation on Medicinal Plants
Health & Medicine

2. Medicinal Plants
The use of medicinal plants can be considered as a
living tradition. The World Health Organisation
estimates that the primary health care needs of
approximately 80% of the developing world’s
population are met by traditional medicine. Traditional
medicine systems range from the Ayurvedic, Unani,
Siddha and Tibetan in India, the Kampo in Japan, the
Jamu in Indonesia, and many more. The traditional
systems of medicine largely depend on plants for their
medicines. The Natural Products Alert databases at the
University of Illinois document the ethnomedicinal uses
for more than 9,000 species.

3. ❶Lavender

4. Scientific Name:- Lavandula
Species:- Lavandula spica

5. About the Plant
Lavender is a shrubby plant indigenous to
the mountainous regions of the countries
bordering the western half of the
Mediterranean, and cultivated extensively for
its aromatic flowers in various parts of
France, in Italy and in England and even as
far north as Norway. It is also now being
grown as a perfume plant in Australia.

6. Commercial Use – Lavender Oil
Lavender is widely cultivated for
commercial use, since their
flowers tend to be bigger the
plants tend to be easier to
harvest. Commercially the plant
is grown mainly for the
production of essential oil of
lavender. It has antiseptic and
anti-inflammatory properties
and is also used as fragrances
for bath products, balms, salves,
perfumes, and cosmetics.

7. Medicinal Uses
o Lavender is believed to have antiseptic and anti-
inflammatory properties which can be used to help heal
minor burns and bug bites.
o Lavender is applied to the skin for hair loss and pain,
and to repel mosquitoes and other insects.
o It is beneficial to the respiratory tract in particular
coughs, colds, influenza.
o It defends system against airborne viruses.
o It also eases breathing when lungs and sinuses are
choked with phlegm.

8. Medicinal Uses
o It is beneficial for the nervous system. Lavender oil has a
calming fragrance and hence works as a tonic for the nerves.
o It helps treating migraines, depression, headaches, anxiety,
emotional stress and nervous tension.
o Its refreshing aroma removes restlessness, nervous
exhaustion and increases mental activity which helps induce
sleep.
o It helps in improving and increasing the blood circulation.
o It is also recommended to people suffering from
hypertension as it helps lower blood pressure.

9. ❷Alfalfa

10. Scientific Name:- Medicago sativa
Species:- M. sativa

11. Alfalfa is a strongly perennial plant which is able to
live thirty years or more under favorable
conditions. It has a typical taproot. As there are no
runners or creeping roots, all the over ground
branches start from the uppermost part of the
taproot which generally protrudes above the
ground and is known as the crown.
About the Plant

12. Commercial Use – Alfalfa as Fodder
Alfalfa is widely grown throughout the world as
forage for cattle, and is most often harvested
as hay. Alfalfa usually has the highest feeding
value of all common hay crops. It is used less
frequently as pasture. When grown on soils
where it is well-adapted, alfalfa is often the
highest-yielding forage plant, but its primary
benefit is the combination of high yield per
hectare and high nutritional quality.

13. Medicinal Uses
o It prevents cholesterol absorption in the gut.
o It is used for kidney and bladder conditions, and also to
increase urine flow.
o People take Alfalfa as a source of vitamins A, C, E, and
K4, and minerals calcium, potassium, phosphorous, and
iron.
o It is used in treating heart diseases and other arterial
problems.
o As alfalfa juice is an excellent source of chlorophyll, one
of the benefits of alfalfa is that it is effective in treating
respiratory discomfort.

14. Medicinal Uses
o It is used in the treatment of stomach related ailments.
o Its effectiveness in treating diabetes naturally as it helps
those individuals who are not able to properly utilize
insulin.
o It helps in softening any hardened arteries thereby
acting as a natural treatment for high blood pressure.
o It helps in building ones immunity against stomach
distress.
o It is known to help against hyperacidity as well as the
digestion of the food more so after a rich meal.