Tenth International Conference on Religion & Spirituality in Society

Abstract

In India, we have 17,000 species of higher plants of which about 7500 are known for medicinal uses. Ayurveda, the oldest medical system in the Indian sub-continent, has alone reported approximately 2000 medicinal plant species. Currently, approximately 25% of drugs are derived from plants, and many others are their synthetic analogs in modern pharmacopeia. The earliest references of use of plants as medicine appear in Vedas –Rigveda which is said to be written between 3500– 1600 B.C. Tree worship continues to be an element of ancient Indian tradition. Many trees are considered sacred. For Ex. : Holy Basil (Tulsi), Asoka, Banyan ( Bargad), Ashwattha or Peepal, Mango, Bael, Banana, Neem, Coconut, Lotus, Indian hemp or Bhang, Sandalwood, etc. In Hindu astrology, some plants have been associated with nine planets and it is believed that the malefic effect of planets is nullified by the use of these plants. A large amount of research work has been done but there is a need to work more vigorously. It is very important first of all to conserve, preserve and propagate our plant wealth, especially one with medicinal value.