1. Turmeric is Indian Ayurvedic medicine is widely used as an herbal medicine and
for traditional beauty care and has other users as well besides cooking!
Turmeric is a spice widely used in India in cooking various curries. It has also been used since
ancient times as a traditional medicine and also for beauty care. In the Ayurveda system of Indian
medicine, it is an important herbal medicine prescribed for various ailments. It is very commonly
used throughout India as an ingredient for traditional beauty care treatments. In fact, it is even used
in modern times to plug radiator leaks in water-cooled radiators.
The Ayurveda is an ancient Sanskrit text of Indian medicine which describes the use of various
herbs and also other remedies of traditional medicine like incantations and amulets for a whole
range of ailments and also beauty care. Turmeric is considered as an important part of the range of
herbal medicines described in this text.
Turmeric is used in Ayurveda in two ways- freshly extracted turmeric juice, which is taken orally, and
turmeric paste used for skin application.
Aloe
Overview:
The Aloe vera plant has been used for thousands of years to heal a variety of conditions, most notably
burns, wounds, skin irritations, and constipation. It is grown in most subtropical and tropical locations,
including South Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Aloe was one of the most frequently
prescribed medicines throughout most of the 18th and 19th centuries and it remains one of the most
commonly used herbs in the United States today. However, oral use of aloe for constipation is no longer
recommended, as it can have severe side effects.
History
For over 3,500 years, tales of "healing Aloe Vera" plants have been handed down through centuries by
word of mouth. From the Bible's mention of removing Christ from the cross and wrapping his body in
aloes and myrrh, (John 19:39), we find Aloe Vera mysteriously appearing in every phase of history, with
many testimonials to its great medicinal values. The earliest documented use of Aloe Vera comes from
the ancient Egyptians, but it was also grown and used by King Solomon, who was said to have valued it
highly.
Alexander the Great conquered the island of Socotra in order to have the Aloe for his army. During his
fabled travels in the Orient, among the many marvels recorded by Marco Polo were his descriptions of
the many applications of the Aloe Vera plant. The Spanish Conquistadors discovered various herbal
medicines in use in Tenochtitlán. At the heart of many of the Aztec cures, it is known that Aloe Vera was
the effective agent. These Aztec herbal medicines were transported back to Europe by the Spanish,
during the sixteenth century, where they became the foundation for modern Western medicine.
Western medicine.

2. Ferns
Overview:
Ferns are a very ancient family of plants: early fern fossils predate the beginning of the Mesozoic
era, 360 million years ago. They are older than land animals and far older than the dinosaurs.
They were thriving on Earth for two hundred million years before the flowering plants evolved.
As we know them now, most ferns are leafy plants that grow in moist areas under forest canopy.
They are "vascular plants" with well-developed internal vein structures that promote the flow of
water and nutrients. Unlike the other vascular plants, the flowering plants and conifers, where the
adult plant grows immediately from the seed, ferns reproduce from spores and an intermediate
plant stage called a gametophyte.
Purpose:
Ferns are also use for decorative and ornamental purposes, because they keep well in water. In
the United States, fronds of the species Polystichum acrostichoides are sold during the Christmas
season, because they maintain their green color even during the winter months. This species is
aptly called the Christmas Fern. When added with other flowers, ferns can create unique floral
arrangements. The fronds of various ferns are dried and spray-painted. Gold or silver paint adds
beautiful, decorative color to floral patterns. The inner trunk of tree ferns can be cut and shaped
into ornamental artwork such as vases, cups, or bowls.
In nature, ferns serve a far greater purpose to the environment. In particular those species that are
weedy or that can thrive in disturbed soil. Ferns help aid in erosion control and soil stabilization.
The main structures of ferns, which perform these tasks are the rhizomes and the root systems.
The rhizomes, because they are thin, long and grow horizontally beneath the surface of the

3. ground, help to stabilize the soil. The root systems of ferns are well branched and add moisture
to soil, helping to preventing erosion.
are well branched and add moisture to soil, helping to preventing erosion.
Yarrow
Overview
The Latin name for yarrow is Achillea millefolium and is a tribute to one of the oldest legends
surrounding this well-known plant. Achillea refers to the Greek hero Achilles who used the plant to heal
his soldiers during the Trojan War. It is said that he learned the herb lore surrounding yarrow from his
tutor Chiron the centaur.
Purpose
Its use as a remedy for war wounds is reflected in many of its common names including soldier’s
woundwort. Its use on the battlefield lasted until the Civil War where the crushed plant was often
applied to bullet and shrapnel wounds since the plant was supposed to be particularly effective for
healing wounds caused by iron weapons.
Yarrow is touted for its numerous therapeutic qualities. Its botanical name is derived from Achilles, the
Greek hero. This herb needs to be planted in a sunny location in average, well-drained soil. It grows up
to two feet in height. Other than yarrow, this plant is also known by the names of woundwort, staunch-
weed and knight’s milfoil.
Many people don’t realize that yarrow can be used in cooking. The young leaves are said to be very
nutritious and can be used in salads. It has also been used in the brewing of beer instead of rose hops.
Yarrow has endless medicinal properties. When made into a tea, which is used from the entire plant, it
has a powerful effect on the immune system. It is also used to reduce fevers, as a blood purifier, as a
method to combat depression and kidney disorders to name a few. It is advised to drink yarrow tea in

4. moderation as a person can suffer from the side effects if yarrow is used too frequently.
Yarrow has also been used as a cool wash for chapped hands and when applied to the face, it can rid the
pores of excess oil. To make the wash, you need to brew the yarrow in a tea and leave it to cool. If
yarrow tea is used too frequently, the skin will become sensitive to light, so use with caution.
need to brew the yarrow in a tea and leave it to cool. If yarrow tea is used too frequently, the skin
will become sensitive to light, so use with caution.
Fig
Overview:
Thought to be the sweetest fruit, figs are also one of the oldest fruits recognized by man. It's no wonder
the fig has been enjoyed for centuries. Its sweet, delicious flesh, long used as a sweetener before the
advent of refined sugars, enhances both savory dishes and desserts. Not to worry if you don't have
access to fresh figs. Dried figs are readily available
History:
The first named plant of the Bible other than the Tree of Life and the Tree of Knowledge of Good and
Evil. Adam and Eve used its leaves to sew garments when they realized they were Unclad. The fig tree
was mentioned prominently in The Bible (some scholars believe the forbidden fruit picked by Eve was a
fig rather than an apple), but it has been around much, much longer. Sumerian stone tablets dating back
to 2500 B.C. record the usage of figs.
The fig is believed to be indigenous to Western Asia and to have been distributed by man throughout

5. the Mediterranean area. It has been cultivated for thousands of years, remnants of figs having been
found in excavations of Neolithic sites traced to at least 5,000 B.C. As time went on, the fig-growing
territory stretched from Afghanistan to southern Germany and the Canary Islands. Pliny was aware of 29
types. Figs were introduced into England some time between 1525 and 1548. It is not clear when the
common fig entered China but by 1550 it was reliably reported to be in Chinese gardens. European
types were taken to China, Japan, India, South Africa and Australia.
Cooked figs were used as sweeteners in lieu of sugar in historical times, and this usage still continues
today in North Africa and the Middle East. High in potassium, iron, fiber and plant calcium, figs are also
used for medicinal purposes as a diuretic and laxative.
The fig tree can live as long as 100 years and grow to 100 feet tall, although domestic trees are kept
pruned to a height of about 16 feet
The fig tree can live as long as 100 years and grow to 100 feet tall, although domestic trees are
kept pruned to a height of about 16 feet.
Olive
Overview:
The olive is an evergreen tree with thick-skinned, small and extended leaves.Their upper side is dark
green and shiny and their underside is silver colored.

6. During the summer months and until December, the olive fruit grows and ripens and during this process
its color changes from green to purple and to black. Of the approximately 100 plants mentioned in the
Bible, the olive tree is probably the most sacred and recognized. It was part of the livelihood of the
ancient peoples, serving as food, lamp oil, anointing oil, and building material.
Purpose:
Olives are grown mainly for the production of olive oil. Fresh, unprocessed olives are inedible because of
their extreme bitterness resulting from a glucoside that can be neutralized by treatments with a dilute
alkali such as lye. Salt applications also dispel some of the bitterness. The processed fruit may be eaten
either ripe or green. The olive fruit and its oil are key elements in the cuisine of the Mediterranean and
popular outside the region.
Olive oil is classified into five grades: (1) virgin, from first pressings that meet defined standards; (2)
pure, or edible, a mixture of refined and virgin; (3) refined, or commercial, consisting of lampante from
which acid, colour, and odour have been removed; (4) lampante, high-acid oil, named for its use as a
lamp fuel, obtained from a second pressing of residual pulp with hot water (some inferior virgin oils are
classed as lampante); (5) sulfide, extracted with solvents and refined repeatedly.
In the late 20th century, Spain and Italy were the world leaders in commercial olive production, with
more than a quarter each of the world’s total followed by Greece, with more than a 10th. Other
important olive-producing countries are Turkey, Tunisia, Morocco, Syria, and Portugal. Europe, with
nearly 500 million olive trees, has more than three-quarters of the world’s cultivated olives, followed by
Asia (about 13 percent).
nearly 500 million olive trees, has more than three-quarters of the world’s cultivated olives,
followed by Asia (about 13 percent).

7. Cocoa
Overview:
Originating from the Americas, the cocoa bean enriches life throughout the world today. Its real value
was probably first discovered by the Aztecs in Central America and was used as means for payment as
well as the ingredient for a powerful "drink of gods". It wasn't until the beginning of the 16th century
that cocoa was brought into Europe during the initial visit of Columbus to the "new world". Although the
Spanish tried to keep this developing cocoa and chocolate industry to themselves, this new "taste'
quickly found its way to the rich and wealthy of other countries
Cocoa beans are the seeds of the fruit or 'pod' of the cocoa tree. The cocoa tree grows in the warmest
regions on earth within 20 degrees north and south of the Equator. They can be classified in groups
according to its geographic origin as well as characteristics, value and application;
- (West) Africa
- Central and South America
- Asia/Oceania
Approximately 60% of world production originates from Africa, mainly produced within a network of
small farms and cooperatives.
Cocoa seeds are processed into cocoa powder for use mainly to make chocolate and cocoa butter.
Cocoa pulp can be eaten fresh or made into cocoa juice. Besides its use as a food, scientists discovered

8. cocoa is beneficial for health. Cocoa has twice the anti-cancer antioxidants of red wine, and up to three
times those found in green tea
Cocoa seeds are processed into cocoa powder for use mainly to make chocolate and cocoa
butter. Cocoa pulp can be eaten fresh or made into cocoa juice. Besides its use as a food,
scientists discovered cocoa is beneficial for health. Cocoa has twice the anti-cancer antioxidants
of red wine, and up to three times those found in green tea

9. Hibiscus
Overview:
Hibiscus is a popular plant whose flowers are found in numerous herbal tea preparations. The
flowers contribute color and a pleasant taste to beverages. In normal concentrations, the teas
would not be expected to exert any pharmacologic action. Hibiscus is native to tropical Africa
but today grows throughout many tropical climates. This strong annual herb grows to 5 feet or
more and produces elegant red flowers. The flowers (calyx and bract portions) are collected
when slightly immature.
History:
The hibiscus has had a long history of use in Africa and neighboring tropical countries. Its
fragrant flowers have been used in sachets and perfumes. Fiber from H. sabdariffa has been used
to fashion rope as a jute substitute and the fleshy red calyx is used in the preparation of teas,
drinks, jams and jellies, and the leaves have been used like spinach. The plant is used widely in
Egypt for the treatment of cardiac and nerve diseases and has been described as a diuretic. It has
been used in the treatment of cancers. The mucilagenous leaves are used as a topical emollient in
Africa. In western countries, hibiscus flowers are often found as components of herbal tea
mixtures. The leaves and calyxes have been used as food and the flowers steeped for tea.
Hibiscus has been used in folk medicine as a diuretic, mild laxative and treatment for cardiac and
nerve diseases and cancer.

10. Pomegranate
Overview:
A pomegranate is a fruit the size of a large orange. The leathery reddish-pink skin shelters the
membranous walls and bitter tissue that house compartments or sacs filled with hundreds of
seeds. A translucent red pulp that has a slightly sweet and tart taste surrounds these seeds.
Health Benefits:
Pomegranate has gained a great deal of popularity over the years. Originally from the Middle
East and Asia, the pomegranate fruit is also known by the name Granada or the Chinese apple.
These days, the fruit is mostly grown is India, Africa and the United States. The pomegranate
fruit is very large and contains seeds with juicy coating. The fruit grows during the summer and
towards winter, turns red and ripens
Pomegranate provides:
a great source of potassium
more antioxidants compared to other juices and even wine!
vitamin B and Vitamin C
great source of fiber
helps prevent heart disease
keeps your immune system in top notch conditions
prevents buildup of material in your arteries
Home remedies with pomegranate
1) The peel of the fruit should be dried and powdered and taken in doses of 5-10 gms, twice or
thrice a day, in cases of hyper-acidity, diarrhea and low appetite.
2) Powdered peel mixed with salt can be used toothpowder.
3) For parasitic infestations like tapeworm etc., decoction of the root, 10-20 gm should be taken
followed by a purgative.
4) This fruit is beneficial for dry coughs also.
5) Intake of fresh fruit juice provides relief in urinary disorders.
6) Include this fruit in your diet when you are suffering from fevers.
7) The juice of this fruit can be used to wash wounds and ulcers.
For throat and other oral afflictions, gargling with the decoction of this fruit peel helps.