Ayurvedic Medicinal Plants of Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka's Ayurvedic tradition features a rich variety of medicinal plants used for centuries. Sri Lanka has a rich tradition of Ayurvedic medicine, drawing on its indigenous knowledge and a variety of medicinal plants. Here are some notable Ayurvedic medicinal plants found in Sri Lanka:
Carica papaya ෴ ගස්ලබු
Native to the tropics of the Americas, papaya belongs to the genus Caricase. Carica papaya is the botanical name of this fruit which is known for its taste, quality as well as nutrition. Not only nutritious but also medicinal, this papaya can be grown in a variety of temperatures and can be easily grown in any area. It is also known as a by-product of a crop such as coconut or pineapple and is an effective economic crop that can be grown. There are several types of papaya. Among them are Red Red, Lead, Solo Hawaii, and Ratna Papal. There are also fruitless papaya trees, also known as flowering papayas and night papayas. Papaya, a fruit rich in vitamin C, also contains sucrose, dextrose, malic acid, citrate and pectin. It is also rich in vitamins A, B, B2 and nutrients such as iron and calcium.
Also great for making ripe papaya jams that are indispensable for fruit salads. When buying papayas for fruit salads, be sure to choose semi-ripe ones rather than well-ripened ones. This is because even though half-ripe papayas can be cut into pieces, well-ripened ones are difficult to cut into pieces. The taste of a salad is best felt when it is crushed into pieces. When making these salads, jams and drinks from papaya, be sure to use less sugar.
Both ripe and raw papayas are eaten. Raw papaya is generally used to facilitate digestion and to soften hard foods. Moreover, raw papaya is an indispensable ingredient in local pickles. Finely chopped and half-boiled papaya is added to the vinegar to give it a deliciously sensual, delicate, flower-fruity scent. In addition, its aroma stimulates appetite. More delicious as a condiment and as a condiment, it often gives you a fresh taste instead of the mouth-watering taste.
Medicinal properties:
Papaya is also known as a starving fruit. Papaya is used as a remedy for diseases of the digestive system and provides quick relief from constipation. In addition, the root of the papaya tree is used as a medicine for snake bites and the leaves, roots, fruits and milk are also used as medicines.
- Regulates the digestive system.
Papaya contains two proteolytic enzymes, papain and chymopapain, which improve digestion. These enzymes help to break down and digest proteins, and thus known as powerful digestive aids. Apart from this, papaya also eases constipation.
- Improves heart health.
Papaya is a powerhouse for vitamins and minerals that support the functioning of the cardiovascular system. This fruit also helps to reduce the risk of a heart attack, and it’s fiber, potassium, and vitamin content promotes good heart health.
- Can reduce your risk of cancer.
Some studies suggest that papaya has anti-cancer properties that can protect against different types of cancers including that of the cervix, breast, liver, lung, and pancreas. Rich in antioxidants like lycopene, beta-carotenes, and carotenoids, this fruit works reducing the damage caused by free radicals in the body.
- Helps with weight loss.
This low-calorie fruit is excellent for weight loss. If you’re looking for foods to add to your weight loss diet, then do consider this humble fruit—100 grams of which only contains 43 calories.
- Brilliant for your skin.
Papaya can give you a glowing skin because it helps to remove dead cells. Not to mention, the abundance of beta-carotene in this fruit helps to brighten the skin tone. It can also keep your skin hydrated and you can use it to treat cracked heels.
- Great for your eyesight.
We all know that vitamin A is a must for good eyesight. And papaya’s beta-carotene turns into vitamin A in the body, thus keeping your eyes healthy. At the same time, its antioxidant content reduces the wear and tear of the retina and cornea.
- Helps you deal with irregular periods.
Papaya fruit is often given to women who have irregular menstruation cycles. Its enzymes help regulate and ease the flow of blood during periods. This fruit also stimulates the oestrogen hormone in the body and helps you deal with painful cramps.
- Prevents arthritis.
Papaya also has anti-inflammatory properties, thanks to the compound papain. This makes it a potent food to fight against diseases like arthritis, diabetes, and high blood pressure.
- A boon for immunity.
We know that you already know a good deal about immunity-boosting fruits, but we can’t possibly finish this ode to papaya fruit without mentioning its benefits for your immune system. Papaya is packed with iron, folate, B6, calcium, magnesium, vitamins A, C, B1, B3, B5, E, K, and potassium—making it the perfect food to keep your body going.
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Ankenda
Acronychia pedunculata -
Beli
Aegle marmelos -
Bakmi
Nauclea orientalis -
Bangwel-geta
Coscinium fenestratum -
Bukinda /Walkinda
Tinospora malabarica -
Bu- kobbe
Allophylus cobbe -
Dodan –kaha
Memecylon capitellatum -
Diyamitta
Cissampelos pareira -
Embul dodan
Citrus aurantium -
Gas nidikumba
Biophytun reinward -
Hintambala
Carmona microphylla -
Goraka
Garcinia cambogia -
Karapincha
Murraya koenigii -
Keppetiya
Croton laccifer -
Kohomba
Azadirachta indica -
Kotikan-bevila
Sida alba -
Kudumiris (Forest paper)
Toddlia asiatica -
Kurundu
Cinnamomum zeylanicum -
Mahakaramba
Carissa carandas -
Muna mal
Mimusops elengi -
Nelli
Phyltanthus emblica -
Puwak
Areca catechu -
Rath mal
Ixora coccinea -
Eepatta / Ruk - anguna
Alangium salviifolium -
Siyambala
Tamarindus indica -
Walangasal / Wal-embilla
Embelia ribes -
Wal Karapincha
Micromelum ceylanicum -
Welangiriya
Paramignya monophylla
Medicinal Plants of Sri Lanka by Nandana Gunaratne and Jayamali Gunarathna
DownloadMedicinal Plants (Indigenous and Exotic) Used in Ceylon by Jayaweera
DownloadAyurvedic and Herbal
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