One of the oldest herbal traditions in the world, India’s culture is deeply rooted in Āyurveda, Siddha, and Unani systems of medicine. These practices weave together botany, spirituality, and philosophy. They believe that medicinal plants do not just contain remedies, but are rather living embodiments of healing energy.
Tulsi Basil, known as the “Queen of Herbs” in Āyurveda is an adaptogenic herb that strengthens immunity. The Neem tree is known as the “imperishable one” and has antimicrobial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory qualities and is used in dental and skin care, wound healing, and as an insecticide. Golden yellow turmeric symbolizes purity, prosperity, healing, and is often used in weddings and purification rituals. The Amla tree is said to have arisen from the tears of Brahma, symbolizing creation.
These plants and many more are seen as gifts from the gods, and harvesting is accompanied by prayer. Each plant embodies a balance of the five elements : earth, water, fire, air, and ether (space). These elements are believed to be the building blocks of existence and every living thing, every plant, and every sensation are a unique blend of these fundamental forces.
In plants these elements are represented by the following :
Earth : Roots & Bark, it is grounding, nourishing, stabilizing
Water : Sap &Juice, it is soothing, cooling, hydrating
Fire : Resins & Aromatic Oils, transformative, purifying
Air : Fragrance, Growth, & Movement, has mobility, communication
Ether : Life-force, the healing vibration and spiritual energy
Alpinia galanga – Greater Galangal
Alpinia officinarum – Lesser Galangal
Asparagus racemosus – Shatavari Asparagus
Azadirachta indica – Neem Tree
Bacopa monnieri – Brahmi / Water Hyssop
Bergera koenegii – Curry Leaf
Centella asiatica – Gotu Kola
Curcuma caesia – Black Turmeric
Curcuma longa – Turmeric (White Flowering)
Curcuma zedoaria – Zeodary
Cymbopogon citratus – Lemon Grass
Emblica officinalis – Amla
Ocimum gratissimum – Holy Basil ‘Vana’ (Clove)
Ocimum tenuiflorum ‘Rama’ – Holy Basil ‘Rama’ (Tulsi)
Ocimum x africanum – Temperate Holy Basil
Plectanthus forskohlii – Forskohlin
Rubia tinctoria – Madder
Sida cordifolia – Bala
Withania somnifera – Ashwagandha
Return to Pharmacy Garden
It is the policy of The Herb Society of America, Inc. not to advise or recommend herbs for medicinal or health use.
This information is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as a recommendation or an endorsement of any particular medical or health treatment. Please consult a health care provider before pursuing any herbal treatments.
