Medicinal Plants
All the plants listed on this website are found in Mauritius. The Government is protecting all the endemic plants in Mauritius. The Government has launched an Endemic/ Medicinal plants garden in University of Mauritius Farm because we are facing several challenges in the world including the loss of our biodiversity, leading to climate change; whose effects are being experienced over the globe.
Acalypha Indica
Acalypha Indica can be used for treating asthma,rheumatism,skin problems,it has antibacterial and antioxidant properties.
It can be used for diabetic,eye infection,cardio protective,respiratory problems, stomach/intestinal problems and helps in removing unwanted hair.
The dried leaves can be to treat bedsores and wounds and the juice can be added to oil or lime and used to treat a variety of skin disorders.
The root infusion or decoction is taken for asthma, and also to clean the liver and kidneys. The root decoction is also taken for intestinal worms and stomach ache.
Acalypha indica leaves are used to treat jaundice.
Aegle Marmelos
Aegle Marmelos is also know as bael and used to fight against many diseases.
Bael fruit, leaves, roots, barks and seed are used as medicine in Ayurveda to treat many ailments.
It help to strengthen the immune system and fight against various infection,diseases and disorders.
Aegle Marmelos is a good source of mineral that contains high amount of potassium and low amount of sodium this is good for a person with hypertension.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera produces two type substances that is used for medecine are gel that is obtained in the center of the leaf and the latex that is obtained beneath the leaf skin.
It is used as remedy for skin condition, natural remedy for asthma,stomach,diabetes and the aloe latex is used to naturally treat depression as constipation.
Aloe vera is nowadays used in food as flavoring. cosmetics,food supplements and herbal remedies.
It contains many vitamins and minerals for proper growth and function of the body systems.
Ashoka
In Hinduism and Buddhism, the ashoka tree is considered as a sacred tree, It is also mentioned in the Ramayana in reference to the Ashoka Vatika where Hanuman first meets Sita.
Various extract from ashoka are used in Ayurvedic medecine for healing wounds, strenghten uterine muscles, preventing miscarriages, bleeding.dysentery and neurological disorders.
Asperge Sauvage
Asperge Sauvage is also known as Asparagus umbellatus.
It has been found benefits for dropsy and the fresh juice is taken as medecinal in tablespoon doses.
It has been used to purify the blood.The seeds have an antiboitic properties and help to relieve nausea and calming the stomach.
It has high folic acid and eating young shoots of the plant this will help in the production of new red blood cells.
Ayapana
Ayapana is also known as Eupatorium triplinerve.
Ayapana plant is an herb that heals wounds and controls blood clotting.
The leaves and stem of Ayapana are indicated in the bleeding diarrhoea, bleeding piles and bleeding from stomach.
Ayapana has some properties of antiseptic, liver protecting, and wound healing. Taking it orally it stops bleeding, detoxifies blood, treat fever and thin the blood.
Badamier
The Badamier is also called Treminalia macroptera, is a fruit tree and is also a medicinal plant
Many different parts of the plant are commonly used in traditional medicine to treat diseases.
We can make tea from its roots that can cures malaria, hepatitis, venereal diseases and eyesores.
Barbados cherry
Barbados is also known as Malpighia glabra.
It possess strong medicinal properties that are mainly attributed to its rich nutritional content, mainly Vitamin C content.
We get high amount of Vitamin C that helps to improve the immunity of a person and it helps in the prevention of infections.
Baume du Perou
Baume de Perou is also known as Thicket spur flower or even Plectranthus madagascariensis.
Small herbaceous plant with creeping stem. Its thick leaves velvety touch above and its flowers are white.
Bigarade
Bigarade is also known as Citrus aurantium.
Some of the benefits of using Bigarade is:
It is good for the skin;the peel offers anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anfi-fungal qualities that makes it good for acne-prone skin tones.
Bois Benzoin
Bois Benzoin is also known as Terminalia Bentzoe.
It is widely used plants for traditional medicinal purposes.
The plant is used for their antibacterial, antifungal, antiprotozoal, antiviral, antidiarrhoeal, analgesic, antimalarial, antioxidant, antiinflammatory and anticancer activities.
Bois Bigaignon
Bois Bigaignon is also know as Antidesma madagascariense.
Antidesma madagascariense an endemic plant that has been used as medicine for the treatment a of various ailments.
A decoction of the leaves of Bois Bigaignon has been traditionally used to treat dysentery.
Bois cabri
Bois cabri is also known as Vitex Trifolia.
The fruit is used to lower blood pressure.The inner bark is chewed and swallowed for dysentery. The fresh juiceof leaves is used to treat headache.
The roots are diaphoretic and diuretic. A decoction is used in the treatment of fevers and liver diseases ans is also used after childbirth.
Bois carotte
Bois carotte is also known as Pittosporum senacia.
It is used as a traditional medicine and is an endemic to Mauritius.
Pittosporum senacia is used for wounds, treatment of farm and domestic animals ailments, gastrointestinal and sexually transmitted diseases, kidney, circulatory and inflammatory disorders.
Bois chenilles
Bois chenilles is also know as Volkameria heterophylla.
Uses of the plant:
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To treat diarrhoea
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To treat dysentery
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Treat all the venereal diseases
Bois de buis
Bois de buis is also known as Chrysobalanaceae.
The plant is preserved in the Botanical garden Pamplemousses and it is rare to find in Mauritius.
It can be use to make oil for massage.
The inner bark is poured in water and a tea is prepared to treat severe abdominal pains of the lower intestinal area.
Bois de Chandelle
Bois de chandelle is also known as Liliaceae.
The medicinal plant is used for:
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to fight against sore throats.
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to soothe cramps and muscle
Bois de ronde
Bois de Ronde is also known as Erythroxylum sideroxyloides.
It is an endemic plant of Mauritius.
It has a strong diuretic properties and is known to eliminate kidney stones and which is strongly expectorant when taken as a tea and releases stress when ingested as a flower essence.
Bois d’olive blanc
Bois d'olive blanc is also known as Olea lancea.
It has many traditional and modern use in medicine.
But traditional medicine is most use for this plant to make medicine.
Leaves are used for astringent, emetic, hypertension.
Bois d'oiseau
Bois d'oiseau is a medicinal plant that has therapeutic, antimicrobial, antifungal, diuretic, hypertensive but also astringent and healing properties .
In Mauritius, they can be found almost anywhere in the forests or along the roadside.
Bois Pomme
Bois Pomme is also known as Syzygium glomeratum.
It is a tree that can reach 15m tall.
It has reddish young leaves, small flowers and dark red fruits.
It is used for migraine.
Bois Sureau
Bois Sureau is also known as Premna serratifolia.
Bois sureau contain essential oils and minerals.
It also has many benefits for health, especially for remedy.
Bois tortue(Noni)
Bois tortue(Noni) is also known as Morinda citrifolia.
All plant parts are used for a variety of illnesses.
Noni is used for colds, flu, diabetes, anxiety, and high blood pressure, as well as for depression and anxiety.
The use of bark for the treatment of bacterial infections, cough, diarrhea in infants, and stomach ailments.
Brede Martin
Brede Martin(Black Nightshade) is also known as Solanum nigrum.
The fruit, root, leaves, flowers berry and the entire plant is used as medicine. It grows usually in nitrogen rich soil.
It is an important shrub in Ayurveda.
Chinese apple
Chinese apple is also known as Ziziphus jujuba.
It has the ability to treat cancer, improve skin health, aid in weight loss, cleanse the blood, relieve stress, stimulate restful sleep, boost immunity, protect the liver, increase bone mineral density, and detoxify the body.
Citronella
The oil can be used for the colon, bladder or stomach to keep them all bacteria-free and clean. It is use in wound .
Citronella oil could prevent any infections from occurring.Citronella oil benefits:
Headaches ,Migraines ,Feelings of fatigue ,Rheumatism ,Depression ,Slower Heart-beat ,Stomach pains ,Excessive Perspiration ,Oily Skin/Hair
Curry Tree
Curry tree is also known as Murraya koenigii Spreng.
In Ayurvedic medicine, curry leaves are believed to have several medicinal properties.
They are considered to have anti-diabetic, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic, and capability to protect the liver from damage properties.
Eaurier rose(Oleander)
Eaurier(Oleander) is also known as Nerium oleander.
Oleander extract is made from a highly-lethal, poisonous plant but is used a natural remedy.
This most poisonous plants give us the most rapid health benefits but must be used with extreme caution.
Fataque
Fataque is also known as Panicum maximum.
The plant has been suggested as a biofuel for producing alcohol.
The culms is used as brooms.
The culms are used for basket weaving.
Fleur de Lys du pays
Fleur de Lys du pays is also known as Crinum Mauritianum.
The Crinum mauritianum is a herbaceous plant and is endemic to Mauritius.
It was believed to be extinct in the wild, but was rediscovered in 1973, near Midlands Dam .
Due to its white flowers, it has become an ornamental in Mauritius, and it is frequently used in landscaping
Golden trumpet vine
Golden trumpet vine is also known as Allamanda cathartica Linn.
Allamanda cathartica is a wonderful example of a plant that is quite poisonous but also holds significant medicinal powers.
These medicinal effects are only when the plant material is used correctly, incorrect usage can easily result in toxicity.
Hibiscus rosa sinensis
The roots of the Hibiscus rosa-sinenesis are used for cough treatments.
The leaves of the Hibiscus rosa-sinensis are used as a laxative.
The Hibiscus rosa-sinensis has anti-diarrhea properties. The flowers are also used for fertility treatments.
It may have positive effects on heart disease.
Henna Plant
Henna is also known as Lawsonia inermis.
Henna is used as dye plant and it is also know for its medicinal properties.
The herb is used in Ayurvedic medicine as a gargle for bad throat and extracts or decoction have been used as herbal remedies for diarrhea, amoebic dysentery, ulcers, tapeworms, and fever.
Eaurier rose(Oleander)
Eaurier(Oleander) is also known as Nerium oleander.
Oleander extract is made from a highly-lethal, poisonous plant but is used a natural remedy.
This most poisonous plants give us the most rapid health benefits but must be used with extreme caution.
Fataque
Fataque is also known as Panicum maximum.
The plant has been suggested as a biofuel for producing alcohol.
The culms is used as brooms.
The culms are used for basket weaving.
Langue de Belle mere
Langue de Belle mere is also known as Sansevieria trifasciata.
The leaves and rhizome are usually used to make medicines.
Both its leaves and rhizomes are used and it is used to treat asthma, bronchitis ,coughs, use for insect bite and snake bite.
It is used for skin problems.
Lemon
Lemons are so versatile and can be used in many ways to enhance your health.
Lemons have been used for medicinal properties since ancient times.
It is a good source of vitamin C. It can treat throat infection,rheumatism,relax feet and treat internal bleeding.
Liane Poc Poc
Liane Poc Poc is also known as Passiflora suberosa.
Passiflora suberosa is only used for medicinal purposes.
In Mauritius, the leaf is used to make decoction and is applied externally to treat urticaria and itch.
The root is also used to make decoction to induce menstruation and to treat hysteria.
Maize
Maize or corn is also known as Zea mays.
Corn provides many health benefits due to the presence of quality nutrients
The high fiber content in maize prevents constipation and colorectal cancer.
This help in alleviating digestive problems like constipation and hemorrhoids and lowering the risk of colon cancer due to corn being a whole-grain.
Mentha Longifolia
Some parts of this plant have been used in traditional medicine.
Mentha longifolia is an herb with a wide range of pharmacological properties such as antimicrobial, gastrointestinal, and nervous system effects.
Different parts of the plant including its leaves, flower, stem, bark, and seeds have been also used widely in traditional folk medicine as antimicrobial, carminative, stimulant, antispasmodic and for the treatment of various diseases such as headaches and digestive disorders.
Moringa
Moringa is also known by Moringa oleifera.
Moringa oleifera is a plant that has been praised for its health benefits for thousands of years.
It is very rich in healthy antioxidants and bio active plant elements.
Mulberry tree
Mulberry is a berry that comes from a tree called Morus Alba.
Mulberries are full of nutrients and vitamins.
Consuming mulberries increases your iron intake and ensures the supply of oxygen to the tissues.
Neem Plant
Neem is also known as Azadirachta indica.
Neem is a tree and the bark(Stem), leaves, and seeds are used to make medicines and can be found easily around the island.
Leaves is used for eye disorders, bloody nose, intestinal worms, stomach upset, loss of appetite, skin ulcers, diseases of the heart and blood vessels , fever, diabetes, gum disease, and liver problems. The leaf is also used for birth control and that can cause abortions
Peach Tree
Peach tree is also known as Prunus persica.
The leaves are astringent, demulcent, diuretic, expectorant, febrifuge, laxative, parasiticide and mildly sedative.
They are used internally in the treatment of gastritis, whooping cough, coughs and bronchitis.
Peppermint
Peppermint is also known as Mentha x piperita.
The leaf and oil are used as medicine.
When the steam made from the tea is inhaled it can ease the congestion and the inflammation in the nose and throat.
Peppermint is used for the common cold, cough, inflammation of the mouth and throat, and respiratory infections.
Periwinkle
Periwinkle is also known as Vinca minor.
Periwinkle is an herb.
The parts that grow above the ground are used to make medicine.
The plant can be used both internally and externally. The main application of the plant is for the treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding.
Piper Betle
Piper betle it belongs to the family piperaceae.
The roots, leaves and fruits of piper fruit is used for medecines.
Wound healing: The leaves are applied externally to heal ulcers, boils, bruises, ulcerations of the nose.
Plumbago
It belongs to the family Plumbaginnaceae.
Plumbago is also known as Plumbago auriculata.
Medicinal uses:
It is useful for the treatment of chronic respiratory problems.
It works against tuberculosis.
It is also helpful for skin diseases.The root helps to stimulate appetite.
It cures the disease of the liver.
It is useful for asthma, cough and cold.
Plumeria
Plumeria leaves, bark and flower is used for medecinal purposes.
A white latex exudes abundantly from areas of damage on the plant and it is used medicinally.
Different part of the Plumeria is useful in a variety of diseasesas Malaria, Leprosy, Rheumatism, and abdominal tumors.
The milky sap of the stem and leaf is applied to skin diseases such as herpes, scabies, and ulcers.
Pomegranate tree
Pomegranate is also known as Punica granatum.
The pomegranate has been used in natural and holistic medicine to treat sore throats, coughs, urinary infections, digestive disorders and skin disorders.
Pomegranate juice can maintain good flow of the blood in the body and it decreases the risk of heart attack and heart strokes.
Psiadia arguta
Psiadia argutan is also known as Baume de l'ile Plate.
It is an endemic plant to Mauritius.
The Psiadia auguta is used for uninary tract infection.
It used to treat many ailments like:
Abdominal pains
Colds
Fevers
Bronchitis
Asthma
Rosemary
Rosemary is also known as Rosmarinus officinalis.
Rosemary was traditionally used to help alleviate muscle pain, improve memory, boost the immune and circulatory system, and promote hair growth.
Rosemary is a rich source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, which are thought to help boost the immune system and improve blood circulation.
Café Marron
Cafe Marron is also known as Ramosmania rodriguesi.
It belong to the family of Rubiaceae.
Cafe marron is an endemic of Mauritius and Rodrigues.
Tea made from the leaves of café marron is an invigorating drink that can treat venereal diseases and hangovers
Sugar cane
Sugar cane is also known as Saccharum officinarum.
It's rich in antioxidants so it helps fights infections and boost the immunity.
It's rich in iron, magnesium, calcium and other electrolytes so it's great for dehydration.
It helps cure the common cold and other infections and also fight fever as it boosts the body's protein levels.
Sweetleaf Stevia
Sweetleaf Stevia is also known as Stevia rebaudiana.
It is a potential health benefits as a healthful sugar alternative for people with diabetes.
Stevia help in weight loss as it has zero calories.
Stevoside present in the plant helps in reducing the blood sugar levels.
It help to reduce blood pressure.
Tulsi
Holy Basil is also known as Ocimum tenuiflorum.
Holy Basil is very important herbs and has many medicinal applications.
Tulsi is used in the treatment of various diseases.
Basil plant and its various parts are used in case of insect bite, fever, cardiac diseases, gynecological disorders, respiratory problems and skin disorders.
Vieille Fille
Vieille Fille is also known as Lantana Camara.
Lantana Camara is a perennial flowering plant that is often used as a potent natural herbal remedy that can be used to treat various diseases.
Lantana Camara has been widely used in the traditional herbal medicine field.
To manage and even cure various common diseases.