What are medicinal plants? Those plants that have healing properties are termed as medicinal plants or herbs.

The plant kingdom is divided into several groups, but the botanical classification is beyond the scope of this section. However, medicinal plants can be simply classified as trees, shrubs, woody perennials, annuals and biennials, and climbers. In this page, only the flowering plants are mentioned, with little or no references to fungi, ferns, mosses and algae. Medical herbalism is the practice of healing with medicinal plants. Modern western treatment is different from medical herbalism, but at some point these two merge. For example, the use of friar's balsam or benzoin tincture for treating colds, the use of aloe vera gel for treating sunburn and bruises and the use of cascara or senna to relieve constipation. The tendency in modern medicine is to use synthetic drugs, that eventually were modelled on compounds obtained mainly from plants. Therefore, whether the plants are used as a whole, or extracts or their synthetics, their discovery originated from the long term practice of medical herbalism by Man. History of Herbalism Since the dawn of civilisation, Man utilised plants for their medicinal and edible value. By trial and error, Man distinguished between the beneficial and poisonous plants. Man also observed that in large quantities medicinal and edible plants may be poisonous, and learned about the usefulness of plants by observing animals. Sick animals utilise certain plants that they usually ignore. Today, this method is used by scientists to isolate active compounds from medicinal plants. Herbalism is thought to have started some 60,000 years ago, where pollen grains of several medicinal plants such as marshmallow (Althaea), yarrow (Achillea), ephedra and muscari were documented at burial sites at Shanidar in Iraq. This confirms the use of medicinal plants by the Neanderthal Man. The earliest written historical information dates back to 2500 B.C. when Sumarian ideograms described the use of medicinal plants such as the poppy as the "the plant of joy" 1728 to 1686 B.C. in the Code of Hammurabi, the King of Babylon. Plants mentioned include mint, henbane, senna and licorice. It is impossible to determine at what point in time mankind first discovered the medicinal use of specific plants. With time, more documents were written or drawn and by the sixteenth century B.C. the earliest written records of practices were produced by the Egyptians, who were greatly esteemed in the ancient Mediterranean world. Medicinal plants such as fennel, castor oil, opium, thyme, linseed, aloe and myrrh, were mentioned. Some of the early uses of medicinal plants are still valid today. The first documented healer by name was Imhotep. He was so famous that after his death his stature was elevated to that of a god. During the Greek Era, knowledge on the use of medicinal plants expanded in such a way that conquered adopted skills and knowledge of various cultures to their own. Also, there was an exchange of information between professionals especially between the three great civilizations of Mesopotamia, Egypt and India. In fact, the uses of several medicinal plants is common in the Mesopotamian, Indian, Egyptian, Greek and Roman documents. Some plants include:

Castor oil that was used as a powerful laxative, one teaspoon to two tablespoons taken in the evening. Fennel seeds that were used for their carminative, stomachic and other digestive problems, taken steeped with water, or as two drops of seed oil. Saffron was used as a carminative or to increase the blood flow. By 400 years B.C., Hippocrates, the father of medicine, tried to weed out the superstitions bound to health and the use of medicinal herbs. As a result, the Hippocratic writings that are anonymous, deal with several medical subjects, taken from a more logical point of view. He also tackled medicinal plants in a more scientific way than ever before. The Romans were famous for their organised administration. They were attentive to learn and put into practice what they learned. The two most important medical figures of Rome whose contributions remained the uncontested "standard" for botany and medicine were Dioscorides and Galen. By around 50 A.D., Dioscorides described plants in a methodic way including their name, synomyms and picture, habitats, botanical description, drug actions, medicinal uses, harmful side effects, quantity and dosage, instructions on the collection, preparation and storage, adulterants and mode of detection and their veterinary uses. He classified plants on their medicinal action. He compiled works of previous herbalists and botanists in his herbal "De Materia Medica". Around 130 A.D., Galen traveled with the Roman army, like Dioscorides, and gathered information on several medicinal plants. He was the last and most important physician after Hippocrates. The Greek and Roman works were translated to the Syrian and Persian languages and the Arabs reintroduced these works in Europe, when they invaded Spain. The Arabs also introduced Chinese and Ayurveda works. Many plants with medicinal virtues are termed officinalis. The Latin name denotes that the plant is medicinally useful. This term dates back to the early Christian period, when monasteries were utilised as centres for the gathering and writing of information and usage of medicinal herbs. After the first millenium after Christ, several botanists and herbalists wrote on the usage of medicinal plants. Authors include Hildegarde, Albertus Magnus, Valerius Cordus, Theophrastus, Pier Andrea Mattioli, William Turner Carolus Clusius, Nicholas Culpeper and Friedrich Hoffmann extending from 1098 to 1791. Later the isolation of chemical substances from plants was commenced by Caventou and Pelletier who isolated alkaloids such as caffeine, while Geiger and Hess isolated atropine and other alkaloids dating up to 1850. Later scientists from the mid-nineteenth century to date, isolated most of the chemical constituents that we know of. Some of them are still in use in their natural form, while others are produced more efficiently by chemical synthesis, in industry. Back
List of Medicinal Plants and their Uses The list for medicinal herbs available across the globe is no doubt endless. Amongst them, a few are commonly used due to their wonderful healing effects and therapeutic value. Such types of medicinal plants and their uses are mentioned in the table below.

Types of Medicinal Plants Acacia Agrimony Pimenta Ajwain Ashok Amla Aswagandha Brahmi Bael Chiraita Guggul Guluchi Kalmegh Makoi Pashan Bheda Sarpa Gandha Tulsi Vai Vidanka Peppermint Vringraj Rakta Chitrak Harida Neem Kantakari

Uses astringent, demulcent, emollient blood coagulant heals wounds, bruises antibacterial, carminative, digestive relieves menstrual pain, diabetes, uterine disorders Cough, diabetes, laxative, acidity relieves stress, nerve disorder, restores normal function of body jaundice, anemia, dropsy constipation, diarrhea, dysentery burn, skin diseases, fever asthma, hydrocil, diabetes jaundice, gout, piles, fever gastritis, fever, weakness dysentery, diuretic, debility calculus, stones in kidney insomnia, hypertension expectorant, cough, cold skin disease, helminthiasis pain killer, digestive anti-inflammatory, leukemia, stress reliever dyspepsia, inflammation, cough, colic leprosy, inflammation, vomiting, insomnia analgesic, astringent, epilepsy appetizer, stomach ache, diuretic

List of Medicinal Herbs and their Uses Plenty of herbs are also utilized for herbal remedies to treat heath disorders. From the table below you shall come to know their medicinal properties and uses. The benefits of herbal medicines prepared from herbs are known to completely cure health problems. Types of Medicinal Herbs Lemon Balm Angelica Chickweed Cleavers Couchgrass Dandelion Elder Garlic Ginger Lavender Uses digestion, stomach spasms, anti-viral gastritis, cramps, digestion itching, irritation, rashes skin diseases, diuretic rheumatism, cystitis, gout dissolves kidney and gall stones, diuretics bronchitis, cold, cough anti-microbial, cardiovascular treatment motion sickness, vomiting, flatulence, diarrhea stress reliever, boosts spirits, stomach disorders

Red Clover Rosemary Thyme Yarrow

rejuvenatory, skin nourisher improves blood supply to brain anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, expectorant wound cleansing, blood coagulation, digestive

List of Indian Medicinal Plants and their Uses Indian medicinal plants or the herbs in Ayurveda have age old benefits. Various parts of plants like leaves, flowers, roots and bark have served to cure wide range of heath related issues. Some times products from herbal plants like gum, resins, metabolites and latex have been used to cure physical problems. Their products are commercialized today in the form of powders, pills, oils, tablets, creams, etc. The following are some of the most popular Indian plants having medicinal properties. Sandalwood: Internal use of sandalwood finds application in chronic bronchitis. It is one of the most effective herbal remedies for massive sun burns, skin rashes, scars and acne. Aloe Vera: It is known for its anti-diabetic potential. Aloe vera promotes digestive health and is extremely soothing over skin burns and sun tans. It contains all essential amino acids that helps in anti-aging and is consumed for nutritional aid. Turmeric: Turmeric has anti-inflammatory action and is also used as an antioxidant. Raw turmeric is very effective in promoting liver health. It shows anti-bacterial action against many skin infections. Cinnamon: Cinnamon is the most common herbal medicine for indigestion and gastric problems. It has the power to neutralize harmful toxins released by mold and fungus. Pennywort: This Indian herbal plant is used as a tonic for nerves. It helps to reduce mental stress and physical fatigue. Pennywort also promotes sleep. Neem: Neem is used for multi purpose remedies. This includes sprains, flu, skin diseases, heart diseases, fever, indigestion, viral infection, etc. Some serious health concerns like cancer, kidney diseases, sexually transmitted diseases are also treated by neem. Basil: Basil or tulsi acts as blood purifier and anti bacterial. Tulsi is effective against cough and cold. It enhances digestion and appetite and increases blood circulation. Regular consumption of tulsi leaves boosts the immunity of the body. The list of medicinal plants and their uses, although not comprehensive has picked up some of the most beneficial herbs having medicinal properties. Ayurvedic doctors have complete trust on the healing properties of medicinal plants as they have shown positive results on people suffering from health disorders. I hope you have found valuable information in this article.

Biofuel Definition
"Biofuel"

Fuel produced from renewable biomass material, commonly used as an alternative, cleaner fuel source.

Additional Information On Biofuel

Biofuel is a product produced from biomass. As the biofuel definition above suggests, this fuel is considered much cleaner than petrol/diesel alternatives. Biofuel is considered carbon neutral, as the biomass absorbs roughly the same amount of carbon dioxide during growth, as when burnt.

Biofuel isn't as innocent as it seems, as in many cases, large areas of forest are cut down to make space for the plantation of biofuel suitable crops. This deforestation not only harms the carbon cycle, but also harms surrounding civilizations/tribes who live off the forest. Many environmentalist argue that biofuel is a disaster in the making, and doesn't offer a significant long-term environmental impact. Some biofuels currently in use are:

y y y y y

Biobutanol Biodiesel Bioethanol Biogas Vegetable Oil

The use of biofuels can help to reduce the costs associated with the purchasing of mainstream fuels such as petrol and diesel. It could be argued that biofuel is a product of solar energy, as the sun is needed to grow the biomass crops, which can then be manufactured into usable fuel. Biofuel sounds like a modern day invention, however, we have used this type of fuel since the discovery of fire. Firewood can be classed as a biofuel, as wood is a biomass product, which can be burnt to released energy in the form of heat. The types of biofuels mentioned above (Biodiesel, Biogas etc.) relate to the modern day uses of biomass as a fuel energy source. To provide biofuel for every car, truck, bus, plane, boat, and factory across the globe would require a colossal amount of space to be used for the plantation of renewable biomass crops. This would result in the deforestation as a direct result of biomass plantation becoming out of hand. We need to be looking into alternative methods for powering vehicles and machinery to reduce the future impacts that biofuel usage may pose on the environment. Electric cars powered from the electricity generated by renewable energy sources would be the best option, however, implementing this on a global scale will be a very challenging task. < Energy Definitions

The molecule of vegetable oil is formed by three esters linked to a glycerin molecule, what makes it a triglyceride. The process of transformation of the vegetable oil in biodiesel is called TRANSESTERIFICATION. Transesterification is nothing else than the separation of the glycerin of the vegetable oil. About 20% of a vegetable oil molecule is formed by glycerin. The glycerin makes the oil thicker and viscous. During the transesterification process, the glycerin is removed from the vegetable oil, leaving the finest oil and reducing the viscosity. To produce the biodiesel, the esters in the oil vegetable are separated from the glycerin. The esters are the basis of the biodiesel. During the process, the glycerin is substituted by the ethanol, turning to ethanol or methanol. We grant preference to the ethanol for being less aggressive than the methanol.

Cars and Trucks

Several passenger vehicles come with a flex-fuel option that allows them to run on ethanol/gasoline blends from 0 percent to 85 percent ethanol. Even normal gasoline vehicles can operate on a 10 percent ethanol blend with no problems. Diesel cars and trucks can run on biodiesel, though older models may need to have their fuel lines and gaskets replaced with modern synthetic materials, since biodiesel is a solvent (see References 1). Some diesel owners have also modified their vehicles to run on straight vegetable oil.

Aircraft
Recent testing has shown the viability of biofuel use in the aviation industry, and use of biofuels to power aircraft is expected to increase substantially in the next decade. Because current biofuel production relies heavily on crops that also function as food or livestock feed, emphasis is on developing new sources that don't cause deforestation and compete with food production. A plant called camelina --- part of the mustard family --- shows early promise. (See References 3)

Off-Road Equipment
A large percentage of off-road equipment -- such as vehicles used in agriculture, mining, forestry, construction, and power and heat production -- use diesel fuel, making this equipment suitable for biodiesel use. Diesel for offroad applications has different standards than diesel for vehicle use, including higher sulfur content that can lead to environmentally damaging sulfur dioxide emissions. Because biodiesel has low sulfur content, off-road biodiesel use can reduce emission levels while lowering the consumption of nonrenewable resources. (See References 4)

Small Engines
Small engines, like those found in lawn mowers and chainsaws, can use ethanol blends up to 10 percent without problems. The barrier to using higher blends, up to 20 percent, has more to do with manufacturers' warranties than limitations of the technology. Testing indicates that 20 percent ethanol blends do not harm gasoline engines, but as of 2011, manufacturers have not shown the willingness to alter warranty guidelines. (See References 5)