Medicinal plants use for home remedies in Sri Lanka: A Review

Abstract

Sri Lankan home gardens are rich in variety of medicinal plant species. Almost all the parts of the plant have medicinal value hence they are used in traditional Ayurvedic practices. However, leaves, roots, flowers, bark, fruits and rhizome have more medicinal value compared to other plant organs. The present review identifies twenty-five common medicinal plant species that can be easily found in home gardens of Sri Lanka while discussing their applications as home remedies. These plant species could be used to treat stomach pain, diabetes, fever, asthma, constipation, piles, dysentery, menstrual disorders, snakebite and skin diseases due to their biologically active ingredients and medicinal qualities related to antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, antiviral and anti-cancer.