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Pawel15
31 March 2008, 11:51 PM
Indigo (Indigofera tinctoria) is a shrub like plant grown in northern India for the production of indigo dye, which goes into coloring fabrics.

The leaves of the tree produce natural indigo. However, now there are many synthetic options available for coloring fabrics.

The agitation of indigo farmers for fair price is an important chapter of India’s freedom struggle against British rule in India. The cultivation of this plant is on a gradual decline, as there are different species of plants that can give indigo dye.

Most Ayurvedic Treatment (http://www.ayuryogashram.com/) preparations involve the use of the leaves of at least one herb. There are many medicinal preparations that use the leaves of just one herb – holy basil is the best example. The leaves of holy basil (Tulsi) are used in the treatment of common cold, cough, etc. The medicinal decoction is either taken internally or steam-breathe.

Neem leaves is another example for multi-beneficial leafy herb. The leaves of the tree are used in curing many (even hundreds of) diseases caused by bacteria. Topical application of the paste of neem leaves relive many skin conditions like acne.

The leaves of hibiscus are a good natural hair shampoo when made into a paste by rubbing it against a piece of rock and mixing in water.

It is to be noted, different parts of plants including leaves are used in the treatment of different diseases and conditions.