Medicinal Plants Found in Terai Region of Nepal ~ NepalAyurveds.com

The Terai region of Nepal boasts a diverse array of medicinal plants like Neem, Aloe Vera, and Ashwagandha, valued for their healing properties in traditional medicine.

The Terai region of Nepal, renowned for its rich biodiversity, hosts a diverse array of medicinal plants that have been integral to traditional healing practices for centuries. This fertile lowland belt, stretching along the southern border of Nepal, encompasses a range of ecosystems, from dense tropical forests to riverine plains, providing a conducive habitat for a plethora of medicinal flora to thrive. Here, amidst the lush greenery and fertile soils, indigenous communities have long revered and utilized the healing properties of various plants to address a wide spectrum of ailments.

One prominent medicinal plant found in the Terai region is Acorus calamus, commonly known as Sweet Flag or Bach. Its rhizomes are esteemed for their therapeutic properties, particularly in traditional Ayurvedic medicine, where they are used to alleviate digestive disorders, respiratory ailments, and as a brain tonic to enhance cognitive function.

Another notable species is Withania somnifera, known locally as Ashwagandha or Winter Cherry. Renowned for its adaptogenic properties, Ashwagandha is revered in Ayurveda for its ability to combat stress, boost immunity, and promote overall vitality.

Azadirachta indica, commonly referred to as Neem, is abundantly found in the Terai region. Neem's medicinal attributes are wide-ranging, encompassing antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. It is commonly employed in treating skin conditions, such as acne and eczema, as well as dental issues and as a general health tonic.

Curcuma longa, or Turmeric, is another staple of traditional healing in the Terai. Its vibrant rhizomes contain curcumin, a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compound. Turmeric finds extensive use in treating inflammatory conditions, digestive disorders, and as a general health tonic.

Ocimum sanctum, known as Tulsi or Holy Basil, holds profound cultural and medicinal significance in Nepal. revered as the "Queen of Herbs," Tulsi is valued for its immunomodulatory, adaptogenic, and antimicrobial properties. It is commonly used to alleviate respiratory ailments, boost immunity, and promote overall well-being.

The Terai region is also home to Emblica officinalis, commonly known as Amla or Indian Gooseberry. Amla is renowned for its high vitamin C content and potent antioxidant properties. It is utilized in traditional medicine for its rejuvenating effects, promoting hair growth, enhancing skin health, and boosting immunity.

Furthermore, the Terai's diverse ecosystems harbor a myriad of other medicinal plants, including Terminalia chebula (Haritaki), Terminalia bellirica (Bibhitaki), Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice), and Centella asiatica (Gotu Kola), each prized for their unique therapeutic benefits.

Despite modernization and the advent of allopathic medicine, the utilization of medicinal plants remains deeply entrenched in the cultural fabric of the Terai region. However, sustainable harvesting practices and conservation efforts are essential to ensure the continued availability of these invaluable botanical resources for future generations.

All lists of Medicinal plants of Terai region are as following

Khayar (Acacia catechu.)

Acacia catechu, commonly known as Khayar, is a tree belonging to the Fabaceae family. This Medicinal Plants is categorized as wild and rare. The bark and wood of this tree are utilized for various medicinal purposes. The bark powder is applied topically to alleviate toothaches, while a decoction of the wood is ingested to relieve intestinal pain. Additionally, a paste made from the bark is used in the treatment of skin diseases.

Mukta barshi jhar (Acalypha indica).

Acalypha indica, also called Mukta barshi jhar, is an herbaceous plant from the Euphorbiaceae family. This Medicinal Plant grows wild and is easily found. The entire plant is utilized for medicinal purposes. Decoction of the plant is administered orally to relieve toothaches and earaches. The paste of its leaves is applied topically to treat burns, and the fresh leaf juice is applied on rheumatoid arthritis.

Bojho (Acorus calamus L.)

Acorus calamus, known as Bojho or Katara, is a herbaceous plant of the Acoraceae family. This Medicinal Plants is found in the wild. The root of this plant is the primary medicinal part. The juice extracted from the root is orally consumed to alleviate various conditions including stomach disorders, bronchitis, and fever. Chewing a small piece of the root helps clear the throat and improve voice clarity.

Datiwan (Achyranthes aspera )

Achyranthes aspera, commonly referred to as Ulta chirchiri or Datiwan, is an herbaceous plant belonging to the Amaranthaceae family. This Medicinal Plant grows wild and is readily available. The entire plant is utilized for medicinal purposes. A decoction of the plant is employed as a diuretic, while the juice extracted from its roots is applied topically to relieve toothaches and orally consumed to alleviate asthma. Additionally, the stem is utilized as a toothbrush in dental problems.

Bel (Aegle marmelos.)

Aegle marmelos, known as Bel, is a tree cultivated for its medicinal properties. This Medicinal Plant belongs to the Rutaceae family. Various parts of the tree, including the fruit pulp, leaves, and roots, are utilized in traditional medicine. The fruit juice is orally administered to treat diarrhea and dysentery, while the leaves are used for stomach disorders. Furthermore, the root juice is consumed orally to alleviate fever and vomiting.

Gandhe jhar (Ageratum conyzoides)

Known as Gandhe jhar ,Gandhaula this herb is found wild and easily accessible. This Medicinal Plants leaves are utilized, with the leaf juice administered to stop bleeding from cuts and wounds. Additionally, the plant paste is applied to treat muddy wounds between toes, particularly during the rainy season.

Ghiu Kumari (Aloe vera )

Known as Ghiu Kumari ,Ghrit Kumari , this cultivated herb's leaf juice and pulp are valuable. The leaf pulp is ingested for lung diseases and stomach disorders, while it's also applied topically to alleviate skin burns.

Ban lunde (Amaranthus spinosus )

Known as Ban lunde Kande Lundo , this herb grows wild and is easily accessible. This Medicinal Plants tender shoots and roots are utilized. The root decoction acts as a diuretic, while tender shoots are effective against leucorrhoea, flatulence, and colic pain.

Bharbhanda (Argemone mexicana .)

Commonly called Bharbhanda , this wild herb's milky juice and root are employed. The milky juice treats tumors and skin diseases, while the root paste is beneficial for skin diseases and flatulence.

Tite pati (Artemisia indica )

Known as Tite pati ,Pati , this herb, whether wild or cultivated, provides tender shoots and leaves. Leaf juice is used for bronchitis orally, while leaf paste treats skin diseases. Dried tender shoot powder is administered orally for fever.

Kurilo (Asparagus racemosus)

Known as Kurilo(, Santawar , this cultivated herb's tuberous root is utilized. Dried root powder treats urinary troubles, acts as a tonic post-delivery, and enhances lactation.

Neem (Azadirachta indica A)

Commonly known as Neem ,this tree's tender shoots, leaves, and bark have medicinal value. Fresh leaf decoction treats scabies, while young stems serve as toothbrushes. Fresh leaves purify blood and regulate sugar levels, while tender twig paste accelerates wound healing.

Brahami (Bacopa monnieri)

Also known as Jal nim, Brahami, Khole Sag , this wild herb's entire plant offers medicinal benefits. This Medicinal Plants juice acts as a diuretic, cardiac tonic, and memory enhancer. Additionally, it serves as a hair tonic, especially for thinning and falling hair.

Koiralo (Bauhinia variegata L)

Referred to as Koiralo ,Koilar , this cultivated tree's bark and flower juice are utilized. Both are effective against diarrhea, dysentery, indigestion, and body ache, with bark decoction also used to treat tumors.

Simal (Bombax ceiba )

Known as Simal ,Semar , this rare wild tree's root decoction acts as a tonic, anti-dysenteric, and aids in urinary troubles. Additionally, bark decoction is used orally for bronchial diseases.

Aank (Calotropis gigantean)

Calotropis gigantea, commonly known as Aank, Madar, or Shrub, is a wild plant easily found in its natural habitat. Various parts of the plant, including the root, milky latex, and flower, hold medicinal significance. The root paste is applied topically to treat boils, pimples, and skin diseases. Milky latex is utilized for muscular pain, cuts, wounds, boils, and ringworm, while the flower powder is administered orally to alleviate cough, cold, and bronchitis.

Mewa (Carica papaya )

Carica papaya, known as Mewa or Papita, is a cultivated shrub. This Medicinal Plants medicinal properties reside in the latex and fruit. The milky latex is employed to relieve toothache and dysentery.

Ghod Tapre (Centella asiatica )

Centella asiatica, referred to as Ghod Tapre or Ghortapya, is a wild herb. This Medicinal Plants entire plant is utilized for medicinal purposes. Decoction of the plant is orally administered as a diuretic, tonic, blood purifier, and for treating skin diseases, leprosy, and mental disorders. Leaf juice is also given orally to alleviate indigestion.

Bethe (Chenopodium album )

Chenopodium album, known as Bethe or Bethuwa, is a wild herb easily found in the wild. This Medicinal Plants tender shoot and flower are utilized medicinally. The juice extracted from these parts is orally ingested to eliminate roundworms and alleviate constipation.

Kagati (Citrus limon )

Citrus limon, commonly called Kagati or Nibuwa, is a cultivated shrub. Both its leaves and fruit possess medicinal properties. Leaves are chewed to expel intestinal worms, while rind paste and fruit juice are topically applied to treat pimples and dandruff.

Pindalu (Colocasia esculenta)

Colocasia esculenta, known as Pindalu or Karkalo, is a cultivated herb. This Medicinal Plants corm and tender aerial parts are utilized medicinally. Petioles are consumed as green vegetables to alleviate liver problems, and corm paste is topically applied to stop bleeding from cuts or wounds.

Dhaniya (Coriandrum sativum )

Coriandrum sativum, called Dhaniya in various languages, is a cultivated herb. This Medicinal Plants leaves and seeds are medicinally valuable. Leaf paste is applied topically to alleviate allergic inflammation, and green leaves are utilized in soft drink preparation to ease stomachache.

Besar (Curcuma longa )

Curcuma longa, known as Besar or Hardi, is a cultivated herb. This Medicinal Plants rhizome is the main medicinal part. Rhizome decoction serves as a stimulant, tonic, and blood purifier. Additionally, rhizome paste is applied externally to treat strains, wounds, and injuries, while fresh rhizome juice acts as an anthelmintic. Rhizome powder, when consumed orally with lukewarm water, aids in jaundice and liver disorders.

Aama haldi (Curcuma amada )

Curcuma amada, commonly referred to as Aama haldi or Amaadi, is a cultivated herb known for its medicinal rhizome. Rhizome powder is consumed to aid digestion and clean the throat and tongue. Additionally, rhizome paste is topically applied to alleviate strains, rheumatism, and inflammation.

Aakashbeli ( Cuscuta reflexa )

Cuscuta reflexa, known as Aakashbeli or Baora, is a parasitic climber found in the wild. This Medicinal Plants entire plant is utilized for medicinal purposes. Plant juice is orally administered to treat fever, while plant paste is topically applied to alleviate headache, stomachache, rheumatism, and even fractures.

lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus)

Cymbopogon citratus, commonly known as lemongrass, is a cultivated herb used in various remedies. This Medicinal Plants leaves are primarily utilized to make tea, which is then consumed to alleviate symptoms of cough, cold, headache, and fever. With its citrusy aroma and flavor, lemongrass tea is valued for its refreshing and medicinal properties.

Nutgrass (Cyperus rotundus )

Cyperus rotundus, also known as nutgrass or coco grass, is a wild herbaceous plant. This Medicinal Plants tuber, when infused with sugar or salt, serves as a remedy for dysentery, diarrhea, and indigestion. Additionally, this infusion is employed as an anti-inflammatory agent, highlighting the plant's versatile therapeutic applications.

Durva grass (Cynodon dactylon )

Cynodon dactylon, commonly referred to as Bermuda grass or Durva grass, is a readily available wild herb. The entire plant is utilized for medicinal purposes. This Medicinal Plants paste is applied topically on cuts and wounds for its antiseptic properties. Furthermore, root infusion, combined with sugar, is administered orally to manage bleeding piles and indigestion, while the plant's juice serves as an effective ear drop for earaches.

sissoo, (Dalbergia sissoo)

Dalbergia sissoo, known as Indian rosewood or sissoo, is both cultivated and found wild. The bark and leaf juices of this tree are administered orally to alleviate diarrhea, dysentery, and as an anthelmintic. Externally, the bark and leaf juices are applied to wounds for their healing properties. Additionally, a leaf decoction is used to treat gonorrhea.

Kaalo Dhaturo (Datura metel )

Datura metel, commonly known as devil's trumpet or thorn apple, is a wild herbaceous plant. This Medicinal Plants leaves are used medicinally, with the juice being administered orally to manage epilepsy. Furthermore, dried stems and leaves are smoked to relieve symptoms of asthma, while seeds, boiled in mustard oil, are applied topically for joint pains.

Tama Bans (Dendrocalamus hamiltonii)

Dendrocalamus hamiltonii, also known as Tama bamboo, is a shrubby plant found wild. This Medicinal Plants tender shoots and stem nodes are utilized medicinally. Stem node paste is applied topically on boils for its healing properties, while tender shoots are consumed as a vegetable and considered an aphrodisiac.

Bhyakur (Dioscorea pentaphylla )

Dioscorea pentaphylla, commonly known as Chinese yam or five-leaf yam, is a wild climbing plant. This Medicinal Plants rhizome, when boiled, is orally administered to alleviate abdominal pain, showcasing its traditional medicinal use in gastrointestinal discomfort.

Abijalo (Drymaria diandra,)

Drymaria diandra, also known as two-flower drymaria, is a rare wild herbaceous plant. The entire plant, particularly its root juice, is used to treat sinusitis through inhalation, underscoring its role in traditional remedies for respiratory ailments.

BhringaRaj (Eclipta prostrata )

Eclipta prostrata, commonly known as false daisy or bhringraj, is a wild herb with extensive medicinal applications. The plant paste is applied topically on cuts, wounds, skin diseases, and pimples, demonstrating its efficacy as a dermatological remedy.

Dudhe Jhar (Euphorbia hirta )

Euphorbia hirta, also known as asthma weed or garden spurge, is a common wild herbaceous plant. The entire plant is utilized medicinally, with its juice applied externally on cuts and wounds for its antiseptic properties. Additionally, leaf juice is orally administered to manage diarrhea, indicating its role as a gastrointestinal remedy.

Bargad (Ficus benghalensis)

Ficus benghalensis, commonly known as Bargad, is a tree belonging to the Moraceae family. This Medicinal Plant grows wild and is easily found. The bark infusion is traditionally used orally in managing diabetes, while the milky latex from the tree is applied topically to alleviate muscular pain.

Karihari (Gloriosa superba)

Gloriosa superba, also known as Karihari, is a climbing plant from the Liliaceae family. This Medicinal Plants is found in the wild and is easily accessible. The rhizome paste of this plant is applied externally to treat conditions such as ringworm and other skin ailments.

Kerunga Sag (Ipomoea aquatica)

Ipomoea aquatica, commonly referred to as Kerunga Sag, is an herb from the Convolvulaceae family. This Medicinal Plant grows wild and is easily available. The tender shoots of this plant are used as a vegetable to alleviate gastric troubles and general debility.

Shakarkand (Ipomoea batatas)

Ipomoea batatas, known as Shakarkand, is a cultivated herb from the Convolvulaceae family. This Medicinal Plants tuberous root and leaf juice are utilized, with the leaf juice being administered orally to manage diabetes.

Behaya (Ipomoea carnea)

Ipomoea carnea ssp. fistulosa, also called Behaya, is a wild shrub from the Convolvulaceae family. The latex from its leaves and tender shoots is applied as an antiseptic on wounds, particularly between toes during rainy seasons.

Asuro (Justicia adhatoda)

Justicia adhatoda, commonly known as Asuro, is a shrub from the Acanthaceae family. This Medicinal Plant grows wild and is easily found. Various parts of the plant, particularly the leaves, are used in traditional remedies for asthma, bronchitis, and cough-related ailments.

Lauka (Lagenaria siceraria)

Lagenaria siceraria, referred to as Lauka, is a cultivated climber from the Cucurbitaceae family. This Medicinal Plants leaves, fruits, and seeds are utilized, with applications ranging from treating jaundice with leaf decoction to using fruit juice for diarrhoea and dysentery.

Chamsur (Lepidium sativum)

Lepidium sativum, also known as Chamsur, is a herb found both in cultivated and wild settings. The entire plant is used, with seed paste applied on rheumatism and fresh leaves consumed orally to address liver problems.

Tishi (Linum usitatissimum)

Linum usitatissimum, commonly called Tishi or Alasa, is a cultivated herb from the Linaceae family. This Medicinal Plants seeds and seed oil find applications such as treating burns and boils with the oil and applying seed poultice on rheumatic swellings.

Laphe sag (Malva parviflora)

Malva parviflora, known as Laphe sag or Bariyara, is a wild herb from the Malvaceae family. This Medicinal Plants tender shoots and seeds are used in various remedies, including using seed decoction for cough and bronchitis and consuming tender shoots to treat swollen glands of the throat.

Bakaino ( Melia azadirachta )

Melia azadirachta, commonly known as Bakaino or Bakain, is a wild tree from the Meliaceae family. Different parts of the plant, such as the root decoction, leaf paste, and flower poultice, are used traditionally for purposes like blood purification, treating scabies, and managing skin eruptions.

Pudina (Mentha spicata

Spearmint, known as Pudina in local contexts, is cultivated and used for its entire plant, particularly its leaves. Decoctions of its leaves, sometimes combined with cinnamon, are consumed to alleviate throat infections, indigestion, and even aid in facilitating childbirth for women.

Boohari Jhar (Mimosa pudica

This herb, called Boohari Jhar or Lajjalu Jhar, grows wild and is easily found. Various parts of the plant, including leaves, roots, and the entire plant, are utilized. This Medicinal Plants leaf paste is applied to treat hydrocele, while both leaf and root pastes are orally administered for piles. Additionally, the plant's decoction is used to address conditions like diarrhea, dysentery, and leucorrhoea.

Kauso (Mucuna pruriens )

Known as Kauso or Kewanch, this climbing plant is found wild and easily accessible. This Medicinal Plants roots, fruits, and seeds are used medicinally. Root decoctions are helpful for frequent urination, while leaf decoctions are administered for weakness and headaches.

Kera (Musa paradisiaca )

This cultivated shrub, referred to as Kera, utilizes various parts including leaves, flowers, and fruits. Unripe fruits are roasted and ingested to alleviate diarrhea and dysentery. Extracts from flowers, fruits, and leaves are applied topically for burns, and stem extracts are known to lower blood sugar levels.

Tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum)

Also known as Krishna Tulsi or Kalo Tulsi, this herb is widely found and utilized. The entire plant is used, especially in decoctions, to address a range of ailments such as fever, cough, cold, headache, nausea, diarrhea, dysentery, and skin diseases. This Medicinal Plants leaf juice serves as ear drops for earaches, while a combination of leaf powder and honey is consumed to manage diabetes.

Narkat (Phragmites vallatoria)

Phragmites vallatoria, commonly known as Narkat, is a wild herb. This Medicinal Plants roots are utilized for various medicinal purposes. A decoction of the root is administered orally, serving as a refrigerant, diuretic, and diaphoretic, effectively aiding in cooling the body, promoting urination, and inducing sweating.

Amala (Phyllanthus emblica)

Phyllanthus emblica, also known as Amala or Aura, is a cultivated tree belonging to the Euphorbiaceae family. Both its bark and fruits are utilized for medicinal purposes. The bark juice is orally consumed to alleviate conditions such as dysentery, constipation, and body ache. Additionally, the decoction of its fruits is used to treat sore throats and as a tonic.

Pire Jhar (Polygonum barbatum)

Polygonum barbatum, commonly called Pire Jhar or Bisnair, is a wild herb. Various parts of the plant are utilized in medicinal applications. Poultices made from the entire plant are applied externally to reduce swelling. The root is ingested orally for its astringent and cooling properties, while leaf decoctions are used externally to cleanse ulcers.

Sarpagandha (Rauvolfia serpentine)

Rauvolfia serpentina, known as Sarpagandha, Chand maruwa, or Dhaldhaliya, is a rare shrub in southern parts and cultivated in northern regions, belonging to the Apocynaceae family. This Medicinal Plants leaves and roots are utilized medicinally. The dried root powder is orally consumed to lower high blood pressure, while root infusions are used for intestinal disorders. Leaf juice is applied to the eyes to treat corneal opacities, and root paste is used externally on cuts and wounds.

Halhale Sag (Rumex nepalensis )

Rumex nepalensis, also called Halhale Sag or Ban Palungo, is a wild herb. Various parts of the plant are employed for medicinal purposes. Infusions made from its seeds are used for mouth disorders, while root paste is applied externally to alleviate joint pains and wounds. Fresh leaf extract and sap are applied topically on cuts, wounds, and swellings.

Ander (Ricinus communis)

Ricinus communis, known as Ander, Redi, or Yamyam, is a wild shrub. Both its roots and seeds have medicinal uses. Root juice is orally administered to address conditions such as diarrhea, dysentery, and skin diseases. The seed oil serves as a massage oil for babies and is applied to relieve burning sensations. This Medicinal Plants is also ingested orally to alleviate constipation and rheumatic pain.

Sal (Shorea robusta )

Shorea robusta, commonly referred to as Sal or Sakhuwa, is a tree found both in the wild and cultivated. Different parts of the tree, including root, bark, resin, and seed, are utilized medicinally. Decoctions made from it are administered orally to treat diarrhea and dysentery. Additionally, bark juice is used as an eardrop for earaches.

Kali gedi (Solanum nigrum )

Solanum nigrum, known as Kali gedi or Kamai, is a wild herb. The entire plant is used for medicinal purposes. Paste made from its unripe fruits is applied topically on ringworm, while ripe fruits are ingested orally for constipation. Plant paste is used externally for headaches and joint pains, and plant juice is consumed orally for liver enlargement, dysentery, and fever.

Jamun (Syzygium cumini)

commonly known as Jamun, belongs to the Myrtaceae family. This Medicinal Plants is a tree found both in wild and cultivated settings. The bark and fruit of Jamun are utilized for medicinal purposes. The bark juice is administered orally to alleviate conditions like diarrhea, dysentery, and cuts or wounds. The fruits are consumed orally to relieve indigestion and constipation. Additionally, a combination of bark, leaves, and seed powder is used orally to regulate blood sugar levels.

Barro (Terminalia bellirica)

commonly referred to as Baheda, is a tree from the Combretaceae family, predominantly cultivated. The stem bark and fruit are the parts used medicinally. The bark juice is applied externally to treat cuts, wounds, and skin diseases. Internally, the powdered fruits are administered to alleviate cough, cold, respiratory issues, fever, and indigestion.

Harro (Terminalia chebula )

commonly known as Harad, is also from the Combretaceae family and primarily cultivated. Both the stem bark and fruits are utilized medicinally. The bark is chewed to address urinary problems, while the fruits are consumed orally to tackle cough, cold, respiratory ailments, fever, indigestion, and stomach problems.

Gokharu (Tribulus terrestris )

known as Gokharu or Gaikhure Jhar, is a herb from the Zygophyllaceae family, often found in wild and rare environments. The entire plant is used medicinally, primarily in the form of a decoction administered orally to treat urinogenital tract infections.

Simali (Vitex negundo)

commonly referred to as Simali, is a shrub from the Vitaceae family, easily found in the wild. This Medicinal Plants leaf juice and bark are utilized medicinally. Leaf juice is orally consumed to alleviate cough, cold, sinusitis, fever, stomach problems, and rheumatic swellings. Meanwhile, bark paste is topically applied to boils.

Aduwa (Zingiber officinale)

commonly known as Ginger or Aduwa, is an herb from the Zingiberaceae family, typically cultivated for its rhizome. Rhizome juice is administered orally to relieve cough, cold, fever, indigestion, and constipation. Additionally, chewing the rhizome is practiced to address bronchial infections.

Bayer (Ziziphus mauritiana)

commonly known as Ber or Bayer, is a tree from the Rhamnaceae family, easily found in the wild. Both the stem bark and fruit are used medicinally. Bark juice is orally administered to treat diarrhea and dysentery, while ripe fruits are consumed to alleviate indigestion, constipation, and other stomach issues.