Medicinal Plants for Bone Fracture ~ NepalAyurveds.com

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Medicinal Plants for Bone Fracture

Medicinal plants have been traditionally used for treating bone fractures, offering a natural and effective alternative to modern medicine. In Nepal, a rich heritage of herbal remedies exists, passed down through generations. Plants like Cissus quadrangularis (Hadjod) are renowned for their ability to reduce inflammation and promote bone regeneration. Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) is valued for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that aid in the healing process and strengthen bones. Bergenia ciliata (Pakhanbhed) is used for its pain-relieving and bone-strengthening effects. These plants are applied in various forms, such as pastes or consumed as supplements, demonstrating the deep-rooted knowledge and reliance on nature for health and healing in traditional Nepalese medicine.

Even though modern medicine has advanced a lot, about 80% of the world's population still relies on traditional medicine for primary health care. This is also true in India. In India, traditional and modern medicine are often combined for historical, cultural, ecological, and socio-economic reasons. The use of medicinal plants is growing, but we don't know much about how they are used. It's important to document and study this knowledge for cultural and commercial reasons, as it helps the pharmaceutical industry find new medicines.

Nepal's traditional medicine, especially herbal medicine, is connected to its rich plant diversity. The himalayan region with high altitude is recognized globally. Many efforts have been made to document the

ethnobotanical knowledge from this region, particularly focusing on plants used for treating bone fractures. This work aims to document and analyze the traditional knowledge about using plants to treat bone fractures.

Throughout history, many plants have been used to help heal broken bones. There are numerous methods to treat fractures, aiming to speed up the healing process. Bone tissue is very active and can fully repair itself under ideal conditions, without showing signs of the previous injury. Mechanical fixation, like casts or braces, helps immobilize the bone for healing but isn't the only factor.

Healing a fracture requires more than just medical devices; proper nutrition and overall health are crucial because bones can naturally repair themselves. Treatment mainly supports this natural process.

People noted that while mechanical methods are necessary to keep bone fragments in place, the actual healing follows biological principles that must align with these mechanical methods. Chen et al. (2009) found that small and medium fractures usually get enough nutrients to heal properly. However, larger fractures might not heal correctly due to insufficient nutrients or poor mechanical support.

Acacia arabica L.

Babool is useful for treating fractures and muscle spasms, such as lockjaw (trismus). It is also effective for inflammatory arthritis. The entire plant can be utilized to help with bone fractures.

Bambusa arundinacea Willd

Bamboo reduces inflammation, aiding in fracture healing. It contains benzoic acid, small amounts of cyanogenic glycoside, and silicon, which promote bone repair. Additionally, it has calcium, phosphorus, and zinc. A paste made from the bamboo stem or leaves can be applied orally or topically to help heal fractures.

Calamus tenuis Roxburgii

The powdered stem and root of this plant, mixed with fresh turmeric rhizome, are made into a paste. This paste is applied to the fractured bone to aid in proper alignment and healing.

Cissus quadrangularis L.

Harjor is macerated to create a paste. This thick paste is applied to the fractured area and then bandaged using leaves from plants like banana or Calocasia to secure it.

Euphorbia hirta L.

The roots of Euphorbia hirta are crushed together with the roots of the Palas plant. This mixture is applied to the fractured area. Additionally, the crushed mixture is squeezed to extract juice, and half a cup of this extract is taken twice a day on an empty stomach, in the morning and evening, to aid in bone healing.

Mussaenda frondosa L

Mussaenda frondosa, known as Shrivara or Bedina, is a plant whose leaves and stems are used for treating bone fractures. To use it, you make a mixture of the plant’s stem and leaves along with the rhizome of Zingiber officinale (ginger). This paste is applied to the broken bone and kept there for about three days. The mixture helps to heal the fractured area by binding the broken bones together.

Pterocarpus marsupium Roxb.

Pterocarpus marsupium, also called Asan or Bijaysaar, uses its leaves and stems to aid bone healing. For internal use, you can take one teaspoon of leaf powder mixed with a cup of milk, 2-3 times a day for several weeks. This strengthens the bones and speeds up healing. Additionally, you can grind the stem with ghee to make a paste, which is applied directly to the fracture and then bandaged. This external application helps in joining the bones effectively.

Rubia cordifolia L.

Rubia cordifolia, known as Manjestha, uses its roots to treat bone fractures. The roots are sweet, bitter, and acrid, and they have anti-inflammatory and hemostatic properties. They help reduce inflammation and stop bleeding. This plant is beneficial for treating major burns, ulcers, and fractures, promoting healing and reducing pain in the affected areas.

Shorea robusta Gaertn. F.

Shorea robusta, commonly called Sal or Sakhua, utilizes its gum and bark for bone fracture treatment. The gum is applied directly to the broken bone, helping to set it properly. The bark paste is applied to the affected area to improve blood circulation, which aids in the healing process. This treatment helps ensure the bones heal correctly and reduces swelling.

Terminalia arjuna (Roxb.)

Terminalia arjuna, known as Arjun, uses its bark for treating bone fractures. The bark contains beneficial compounds like tannins, arjunic acid, arjunantin, calcium carbonate, and sodium chloride. These compounds have hemostatic properties, meaning they help stop bleeding. The bark powder is taken orally to aid bone fracture healing, providing essential nutrients and promoting faster recovery.

Vitex negundo L.

Vitex negundo, also known as Sindwar, is a medicinal plant that belongs to the Verbanaceae family. This plant is particularly useful for treating bone fractures. The leaves of Vitex negundo are the key part used in this remedy. To prepare it, you need to crush the leaves and mix them with salt until they form a paste. Once you have the paste ready, it is applied to the area where the bone is fractured. Before applying the paste, it is essential to ensure that the bones are properly set in place. After applying the paste, the area is then bandaged securely. This helps in stabilizing the bone, reducing pain, and promoting faster healing. The natural properties of Vitex negundo leaves help in reducing inflammation and support the bone's recovery process. This traditional method has been used for generations in various cultures to aid in the healing of bone fractures.

Sterculia villosa

The root of Udad (Sterculia villosa) is crushed into a paste until it reaches a jelly-like consistency. This paste is applied directly to the fractured bone after it has been set in place. It's recommended to apply this paste once a day, preferably in the morning. This method is believed to help in the healing process of the bone by providing medicinal properties that aid in recovery.

Abrus precatorius

Abrus precatorius, commonly known as Kunch Phal, is a climbing plant with red seeds. For bone fractures, the leaves of this plant are used. A paste made from the leaves is mixed with lime water and applied externally to the affected area. This mixture helps reduce swelling and provides relief, aiding the healing process. Its effectiveness is attributed to its anti-inflammatory properties, which help in reducing the discomfort and inflammation associated with fractures.

Alangium salvifolium

Alangium salvifolium, known as Wang, is a tree whose leaves are beneficial for bone fractures. The leaves are made into a paste and applied to the site of the fracture. This leaf paste promotes the healing and repair of broken bones. Its use in traditional medicine is well-regarded for its ability to accelerate the recovery process by supporting the natural bone healing mechanisms.

Carica papaya

Carica papaya, or Pepe, is a fruit-bearing tree. The fruit of the papaya can be used to aid in bone fracture recovery. A paste made from the fruit is applied externally to the fracture site. This application helps in speeding up the healing process. The enzymes and nutrients in the papaya fruit are believed to have properties that promote tissue repair and reduce inflammation, making it a valuable remedy in bone fracture treatment.

Cassia fistula

Cassia fistula, known as Bandar-lathi, is a tree whose stem bark is used in treating bone fractures. The bark is made into a paste and applied to the fracture site for a faster recovery. The medicinal properties of the stem bark help in the regeneration of bone tissue and in reducing pain and swelling, thus aiding in the overall healing process.

Cissus quadrangularis

Cissus quadrangularis, commonly referred to as Harbhanga or Harjora, is a climbing plant with stems that are highly effective for bone fractures. The stems are extracted and used to provide immediate relief and assist in the repair of broken bones. Known for its potent bone-healing properties, Cissus quadrangularis helps in reducing pain, swelling, and enhances the bone regeneration process, making it a popular choice in traditional bone fracture treatments.

Clerodendrum viscosum

Clerodendrum viscosum, or Ghetu, is a shrub whose roots are used for treating bone fractures. An extraction from the roots is applied to the fracture site to provide speedy relief from bone pain and swelling. The root extract helps in reducing inflammation and supports the healing of the fractured bone, making it an effective natural remedy for bone injuries.

Curcuma longa

Curcuma longa, known as Haldi or turmeric, is a herb whose roots are used in the treatment of bone fractures. The root powder is mixed with cow ghee and applied to the affected area. This mixture is beneficial in treating fractures due to turmeric’s anti-inflammatory and healing properties. It helps in reducing pain and swelling, promoting quicker recovery and bone healing.

Cynodon dactylon

Cynodon dactylon, commonly known as Durba, is a herb used for its healing properties in bone fractures. A decoction made from the whole plant is applied externally to the fracture site. This treatment aids in a speedy recovery by promoting bone healing and reducing inflammation. Its medicinal properties make it a valuable remedy in the natural treatment of bone injuries.

Ficus benghalensis

Ficus benghalensis, or Bot, is a tree whose leaves are used for repairing bone fractures. A paste made from the leaves is applied to the fracture site to assist in the healing process. The leaf paste supports the repair of broken bones and helps in reducing associated pain and swelling, making it an effective traditional remedy for bone injuries.

Gmelina arborea

Gmelina arborea, known as Gamar, is a tree with leaves that are useful in setting bones. The leaf extract is applied to the site of the bone fracture to aid in the setting and healing of the bone. The medicinal properties of the leaf extract support bone regeneration and provide relief from pain and inflammation, facilitating a quicker recovery from fractures.

Jatropha gossypifolia

Jatropha gossypifolia, commonly known as Verenda, is a shrub from the Euphorbiaceae family. For bone fractures, the roots of this plant are useful. You can make a root extract and take it orally. This helps in treating and healing broken bones.

Moringa oleifera

Moringa oleifera, known as Sajina, is a tree from the Moringaceae family. The stem bark of this tree is particularly beneficial for bone fractures. You can make a paste from the stem bark and apply it externally on the affected area. This paste helps in repairing and strengthening the broken bones.

Nyctanthes arbor-tristis

Nyctanthes arbor-tristis, or Seuli in Bengali, is a tree from the Oleaceae family. The roots of this plant are used in bone treatment. You can prepare a paste using the roots and fresh water, then apply it to the fracture site. This paste aids in the healing process of the bones.

Ocimum basilicum

Ocimum basilicum, commonly known as Babui Tulsi, is an herb from the Lamiaceae family. The stem bark of this herb is used for bone repair. By making a paste from the stem bark and applying it to the fractured bone, it helps in the recovery and repair of the bone structure.

Pothos scandens

Pothos scandens, known as Bendarli, is a climber plant from the Araceae family. The entire plant is useful for bone fractures. You can create a paste with the whole plant and fresh water, and then apply it to the fracture area. This paste provides relief and aids in the healing process.

Ricinus communis

Ricinus communis, or Reri, is a shrub from the Euphorbiaceae family. The leaves of this plant are used to relieve pain associated with bone fractures. By making a paste from the leaves and applying it to the affected area, it helps in reducing pain and promoting healing.

Sena tora (Chakunda)

Sena tora, commonly known as Chakunda, is a shrub from the Leguminosae family. The leaves of this plant are beneficial for bone fractures. You can make a paste from the leaves and apply it to the fractured area. This paste helps in the healing and recovery of the broken bones.

Tamarindus indica

Tamarindus indica, known as Tentul, is a tree from the Leguminosae family. The leaves of this tree are used to treat bone fractures. By making a paste from the leaves and applying it to the fracture site, it aids in the healing process and helps in bone recovery.

Terminalia arjuna

Terminalia arjuna, or Arjun, is a tree from the Combretaceae family. The stem bark of this tree is very effective for bone fractures. To prepare a healing paste, mix the stem bark with garlic and apply it to the fractured area. This paste supports the repair and strengthening of bones.

Tinospora cordifolia

Tinospora cordifolia, commonly known as Gulancha, is a climber from the Menispermaceae family. The stems of this plant are used for bone healing. By making a paste from the stems and using it as a bandage on the fracture, it helps in the healing and recovery of the broken bones.

Traditional medicine has been developed over many generations by local people in different parts of Nepal. This traditional knowledge is important for preserving and using these practices sustainably, especially since this knowledge is gradually being lost. Traditional medicine, which includes information about plants used in healing, is crucial for its continued use over a long period.

A bone fracture occurs when the bone is broken. Treating fractures and positioning dislocated bones using herbal plants is a special skill passed down through generations in various traditions. This study focuses on the medicinal plants used to treat bone fractures in Nepal.

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