Dried banana flowers can be used to check skin infections: Scientists
Lucknow: The Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology in Meerut is doing extensive research on the medicinal properties of flowers. Apart from providing aromatic content, a large number of flowers that are commonly found in India have been found to have curative properties too.
According to Prof. R.S. Sengar, a senior faculty member in the university, the curative properties of flowers could change the medical sector in a big way and provide affordable treatment to the common man.
Prof. Sengar said that, for instance, the flowers of the banana tree can be dried and ground to a paste and used to check skin infections. If someone has boils, this paste can provide quick relief and also checks spread of infections in skin disorders. The juice of the flower is also effective in treating skin disorders, he said.
The Hibiscus flower, meanwhile, serves as an excellent hair conditioner and also controls hair fall if the flowers are boiled in sesame oil and used on the scalp.
The scientist further informed that the paste from the flower buds of pomegranate can used to massage bleeding gums. The paste is an instant cure for dental problems, he said.
The marigold flowers that are one of the most commonly found flowers in India and are used in decorations during auspicious occasions and festivals, also have medicinal properties. The flowers, if boiled with coconut oil, can cure scalp infections and if eaten with sugar crystals, known as misri, can provide relief from asthma and cough.
“It is widely known in the scientific community that the rose can act as a coolant for the human body and ‘Gulkand’, prepared with rose petals and other ingredients, is believed to be a healthy tonic,”the scientist said.
The horticulture department in the university is trying to identify the medical properties of several other flowers. “Our team of horticulture experts have already started cultivating flowers with medicinal properties in large quantities and Meerut is already emerging as a hub for flower cultivation. Flowers grown in Meerut are regularly sent to Delhi for research, sale and other purposes. We expect more farmers to begin cultivation of such medicinal flowers once market for flower based medicinal items picks up on a large scale,” said Prof Gaya Prasad, vice chancellor of the university.
