The names of medicinal plants in English, Malayalam, Hindi, and Tamil are very important for students of Ayurveda, Allopathy, Homoeopathy, and Siddha Medicine. Most of the home remedies are based on herbal plants. It is considered that the tribal people in India alone have a knowledge of three thousand species of herbal plants. But the names of medicinal plants vary from language to language. Researches on herbal medicine often require a knowledge of the names of medicinal plants in different languages since many of the herbal plants are available only in specific regions and climates.
The names of medicinal plants in Indian languages like Hindi, Tamil, and Malayalam become all the more important for English students since the usage of these herbal plants are mostly available in Indian books on Ayurveda. Enthusiasts of herbal medicine will find the following list of the names of medicinal plants in English, Hindi, Tamil, and Malayalam useful. Searching the name of a medicinal plant in any of the languages will bring up the corresponding names in other languages.
English | Hindi | Tamil | Malayalam |
---|---|---|---|
Aconite, Wolf's Bane | Athis, Athicha | Athividayam | Athivitayam |
Adjeran, Indian Rock-foil | Patharchoor | Karpooravalli | Panikoorkka |
Agasta, Hummingbird Tree | Hathiya, Hataya | Agathi | Akathi, Agati |
Alexandrian Laurel | Sarpan, Sultana Chasa | Punnai Virai | Punna |
Almond | Badam | Vadumai | Badam |
Asafoetida Plant, Devil's Dung | Hing | Perunkayam, Inguva | Kaayam |
Ash Coloured Fleabane | Dantholpala, Sahadevi, Sadori | Puvankurunthal | Poovankurunthal |
Ashoka Tree | Ashok | Asokam | Ashokam |
Asparagus | Sathavari, Shakakul | Kilavari | Shathavari |
Babchi | Babchi | Karppokarisi | Kaarkokil |
Babul | Babula, Babul | Karuvel, Karuvai | Karivelam, Karuvelam |
Balloon Vine | Khanafatha | Modakitan, Mooda Kottan | Uzhinja |
Bamboo | Bans | Mangal, Mungil, Periya Mungil | Mula |
Barley | Jav | Barleyaris | Barley |
Bay-berry Tree | Keephal | Marudam | Katphalam |
Bel Tree | Bilva | Vilva | Koovalam |
Belleric Myrobalan | Baheda, Bahera | Thanti | Thanni |
Bengal Currant | Garinga, Gotha | Kala, Kalakai | Kaara |
Bermuda Grass | Durva | Aruvampillu | Karuka |
Betel Leaf | Pan | Vettilai | Vettila Kodi |
Betelnut Palm, Arecanut Palm | Supari | Kamuhu, Pakku | Kamuku |
Bishop's Weed | Ajovan | Amam | Ayamodakam |
Black Musali | Musali | Nilappanai | Nilappana |
Black Nightshade, Garden Nightshade | Makkoy | Manthakkali, Karunthakkali | Manithakkali, Mulaku Thakkali |
Black Oil Tree, Climbing Staff Plant | Malakangani | Athiparithwam, Valuluvai | Cherupunna, Kilitheeni Panji |
Black Pepper | Kali Mirch | Nalla Mulaku | Kurumulaku |
Bonduc Tree | Karajja, Kat-karanja | Kazhanchi, Kazharchi | Kazhanchi |
Bone Setter Plant | Harsankar, Harjora | Piradal | Changalam Paranda |
Bottle Gourd | Katuthumbi, Lokki | Sorakkai | Chura |
Bowstring Hemp | Muhari, Marul, Murva | Marul, Mottamanji | Maral, Sarppa Pola |
Bryoni | Gargumaru | Aiveli | Neyyuunni, Aivirali Kova |
Bur Weed | Banokra | Marlu Mullu | Arishta, Chuzhalipakam |
Butterfly Bean, Butterfly Pea | Khagin, Khajin | Karuvilai | Shankhu Pushpam |
Camphor Tree | Duk | Karpooram | Karpoora Maram |
Caper | Kabra | Kathotti | Thudali, Karthotti |
Caraway, Black Cumin | Shiyajeera | Kekkujeerai | Karinjeerakam |
Cardamom | Choti Elaichi | Yelakai | Elam |
Cashew Tree | Kaju | Kote Munthiri, Mindri Paruppu | Paranki Mavu |
Castor Oil Plant | Erandi, Arandi | Amanakku, Sitamanakku | Avanakku |
Catechu | Khair | Kachukatti, Karungalai | Karingali |
Centella, Indian Penivert | Brahmanduki, Khulakhudi | Vallarai | Kudangal |
Ceylon Oak | Kusum, Kasva | Poomaram | Poovam |
Champak, Champa | Champa | Sampigi, Shempakam | Chempakam |
Chebulic Myrobalan | Harad | Kadukkai | Kadukka |
China Root | Chopchini | Parankichekkai | Cheenappavu |
Chinese Date, Jujuba | Ber | Ilanthai | Lantha |
Chiretta Plant | Chirayatha | Nilavembu | Kiriyaath, Chiraayatha |
Cinnamon | Dal Chini | Lavanga Pattai | Ilavangam, Karuva Patta |
Clearing Nut Tree, Nirmali | Nirmali | Thettankottai | Thettambaral |
Climbing Lily | Kalihari, Kaliyari | Kalayi | Menthonni, Methonni |
Clove Tree | Launga, Lavanga | Kirampu | Grampoo |
Coconut Palm | Nariyal | Thengku | Thengu |
Colocynth, Bitter Cucumber | Indrayal | Pekkummatti | Pekkummatti |
Common Myrrh Tree | Bol | Vellai Pappolam | Meera |
Common Rue, Garden Rue | Sathap, Pisamarum | Arvatha | Arutha, Sathapp |
Coomb Teak, Kashmiri Tree | Gambhara | Gumadi | Kumbil |
Coral Jasmine, Paarijatha | Har Shinkhar, Shiharu | Pavala Mallikai | Pavizhamalli |
Coriander | Dhaniyam | Kothamalli | Malli |
Costus | Kut | Kottam | Kottam |
Cotton Plant | Kapas | Paruthi | Paruthi |
Country Chirata | Kiryat | Nilavembu | Nilaveppu |
Country Mallow | Kabi, Chambi | Thuthi | Ooram, Urakam |
Cowhage, Velvet Bean | Kavacha, Kivacha, Koncha | Punakkali, Punakkajori | Naykurana |
Crateva | Barun | Maralinga | Neermathalam |
Cumin Plant | Jeera | Seerakam | Jeerakam |
Curry Leaf | Karaipak | Karuveppilai, Karuvempu | Kariveppu |
Date Palm | Pinda Kherjur | Perichankai, Eenthu | Eentha, Eetha |
Deadly Nightshade | Saga, Angura Saga | Baladona | Belladona |
Deal Wood | Jaiputha, Jaiputhra | Irukolli, Karuppilai | Pongalyam, Pongalam |
Devil's Apple | Dhathura | Ummathai | Ummam |
Devil's Tree, Scholar's Tree | Chithavan | Ezhilai Palai | Ezhilam Pala |
Diamond Flower | Thafaj, Had, Peeta Papad | Parpadakam | Parpadaka Pullu |
Dill | Soya | Sathakuppi | Shathakuppa |
Drumstick Tree | Senjan | Murugai | Muringa |
Eagle Wood | Agar | Krishna Garu | Akil |
East India Rose Bay | Chameli, Chandini, Thagar | Adukku Nanthyarvattai | Nanthyarvattam |
East Indian Screw Tree | Maror Phali | Valam Puri, Kaiva | Idampiri Valampiri |
Elephant Creeper | Samudraka Path, Samudra Shoka | Samathira Pachai | Samudrapacha |
Fenugreek | Methi | Venthayam, Methi | Uluva |
Fetid Cassia | Chakravad, Papamd | Usithagarai | Chakra Thakara |
Fig, Edible Fig | Anjeer | Seema Athi, Anjeeram | Sheema Athi |
Fire Plant | Chitha | Chithra, Chithira Moolam | Chethi Koduveli |
Five Leaved Chaste Tree | Samhalu | Nochi | Karinochi, Karunochi |
Flame Of The Forest | Palas | Murkkam Poo, Palasham | Plash |
Flax Plant, Linseed | Alsi | Alivithai | Cheruchana, Agashi |
Forest Pepper, Wild Orange Tree | Jangali Kali Mirch | Mullu Masthigai | Kakka Thudali, Mulakuthanni |
Four O'clock Plant, Marvel Of Peru | Gulabas | Anthimalaru, Pattarasu | Naalumani Chedi, Anthimalari |
Garlic | Beluli, Lasan | Vellai Pundu, Vellapun | Veluthulli |
Ghokru | Gokhuru | Njerinji | Njerinjil |
Giant Taro | Manakand | Merukin Kizhangu | Maran Chembu |
Gingelly, Sesame | Thilpushpi, Hrudpathi | Ellu | Ellu |
Ginger | Adrak | Sukku, Insi | Inchi |
Grapevine | Munakka, Draksha, Angur | Draksha, Katimandi, Kottani | Munthiri |
Green Gram | Moong | Pachai Payaru | Cherupayar |
Haldu | Haldava | Sajakadali | Manja Kadambu |
Hellebore Plant | Kudki | Kadurohini | Kadurohini |
Henbane | Khurasani, Ajavayan | Kurasani Omam | Kurashani |
Henna | Mehdi | Aibanam | Mailanchi |
Himalayan Cedar, Deodar | Devdar, Deodar | Thoonumaram | Devatharam, Devadaru |
Himalayan Silver Fir, Common Yew | Thaleesa Pathra | Thalisapathram | Thaleesam |
Holostemma Creeper | Charivela | Palaikeerai | Adapathiyan |
Holy Basil, Sacred Basil | Tulsi | Thulachi | Thulasi |
Horsegram | Kulthi | Kollu | Muthira, Kanam |
Indian Acalypha | Kuppi, Khokali | Kuppaimeni | Kuppameni |
Indian Aconite | Bachnag, Meeta Vish | Vasanavi | Vatsanabhi |
Indian Aloe, Barbados Aloe | Ghikadaur | Kattoli | Kattar Vazha |
Indian Bdellium | Guggul | Gukkal | Guggulu |
Indian Beech | Ditori | Pungumaram | Ung, Punk |
Indian Birthwort | Iswar Mul, Rudrajatha | Perimarundu | Garudakkodi |
Indian Borage | Chota Gulfa | Kalhuta Thumbai | Kaattuthumba |
Indian Elm | Papri | Aya | Avil, Aval |
Indian Gentian | Kamal Phul, Nil Kanth, Kutki | Nilavisu | Thrayamanam, Thummi |
Indian Gooseberry | Amla | Nellikkai | Nellikka |
Indian Hemp | Ganja, Bhang | Pangi, Kanja, Bhangi Ilai | Kanjavu |
Indian Kino Tree | Vijayasara | Vengai Maram | Venga |
Indian Labernum | Amalthas | Konnai | Kanikkonna |
Indian Licorice | Rathi | Kunti | Kunni |
Indian Madder | Majeeth | Mandittu | Manchatti |
Indian Nightshade | Barhatha | Neymulli, Shiruvalludalai | Cheruchunda, Putharichunda |
Indian Olibanum | Salai | Olibana | Shallaki, Olibanam |
Indian Ptrumpet Flower Tree | Sona Pata, Sona, Phalphala | Vanga Maram | Palaka Payyani |
Indian Rhubarb, Turpetha | Nisodh, Pithohari | Sivadai | Thrikalpa Konna |
Indian Sarsaparilla | Gobu, Salsa, Kalisar | Nannari | Naruneendi, Nannari |
Indian Senna | Sana | Nilavirai | Chinnamukki, Nilavaka |
Indian Sorrel Plant | Amrul | Puliyarai | Puliyaral |
Indian Squill | Jangali Piyas | Narivengaya | Narivenkayam |
Indian Valerian | Thagar, Sugandhabala | Thagaram | Thakaram |
Indigo Plant | Neel | Nilam, Avari | Neela Amari |
Ingudi, Zachum Oil Plant | Hingol, Hingot | Nanchunda | Oda Maram |
Ironwood Tree | Peela Nagakesar | Vilutta Champaka | Nagakesaram, Churuli |
Ivory Wood | Duthi, Indarjo | Kumbam Palai, Vettu Palai | Venpala, Vettu Pala |
Ivy Gourd | Kandoori, Paraval | Kovai | Koval |
Jangali Badam | Chalmogara | Maravathai | Marotti |
Japan Wood, Brazil Wood, Span Wood | Bakkam, Pathang | Pathangam | Chappangam |
Jasmine | Jathi | Kodimallikai | Pichi, Pichakam |
Jatamansi, Spikenard, Musk-root Plant | Jatamamsi, Kalchada | Jatamachi | Jatamanchi |
Karaya | Gulu, Kathiru | Kavalam, Sendali, Vellayputhali | Thondi |
Kumkum Tree, Monkey Face Tree | Kamala, Sindoor, Rohini | Kapli | Kurangu Manjal, Sindura Maram |
Kurchi Bark, Tellicherry Bark | Kuda | Veppalai, Kudachapalai | Kudakappala |
Kusha Grass | Kusha | Darbha | Darbha |
Lesser Galangal | Kalijan, Sugandha Bach | Pararathai | Chittaratha |
Lime | Nimboo, Nimbu | Elumichai | Cheru Narakam |
Liquorice | Mul Hati, Jeti Madhu | Athimadhuram | Iratti Madhuram |
Lodh Tree | Lodhra | Vellilothi | Pachoti |
Long Pepper | Pipal, Pipar | Pipali | Thippali |
Long-leaved Pine, Chir Pine | Cheeda, Chir | Sarala Devadru | Charalam |
Lotus | Kanval | Yhamarai | Thamara |
Madar | Akavana, Aka, Mandara | Pellerku | Erukku |
Malabar Nut | Adusa | Adathodai | Adalodakam |
Malabar Tamarind | Kokam | Aradan, Makki | Kudampuli |
Marking Nut Tree | Bhella | Shengottai | Alakku Cheru, Thenkotta |
Mexican Poppy | Pila Dhathur, Brahmadanthi | Kudiyotti | Erumakkalli |
Morning Glory, Fingerleaf | Badarikaru, Bilaikaru | Palmodika, Anchila Thali | Palmuthakku |
Mowra Butter Tree, Mahua | Mahua | Ilupi, Iluppai | Ilippa |
Musk Mallow | Mushkadana | Vendai Kasthoori | Kasthoori Venda |
Mustard | Sursu, Rai | Kaduku | Kaduku |
Neem, Margosa | Neem | Veppu | Arya Veppu |
Negro Coffee | Sarika Sondi, Gajarsag | Naattam, Thakarai | Oolanthakara, Ponnaveeram |
Nicker Bean, St. Thomas Bean | Gilla | Vattavalli, Chillu | Paranda Valli |
Nut Grass, Coco Grass | Modha, Nagara Modha | Mudhakacha | Muthanga |
Nutmeg | Jaya Phal | Jathikkai | Jathi |
Onion | Pyaj | Venkayam | Chuvannulli |
Opium Poppy | Aphim, Kashkash | Apini | Karuppu, Poppy |
Paddy | Chaval | Arisu, Nel | Nellu |
Palmyra Palm | Thalthar, Thaad | Panai Maram | Karimpana |
Papaya, Papaw | Papita | Pappayya | Papaya, Oma |
Periwinkle | Sadabahar | Sudukatu | Shavakotta Pacha |
Persia Tree, Umbrella Tree | Parshipu, Pinchal | Poovarasu | Poovarash |
Pharbitis Seed | Kaladana | Kakkathan | Krishnabeejam |
Pomegranate | Anar | Madalai | Mathalam |
Prickly Chaff Flower | Chirchira | Nayuruvi | Kadaladi |
Prickly Leaved Elephant's Foot | Gobhi | Anasavadi | Ana Chuvadi |
Purging Croton | Jamalgot | Kattu Kattai | Neervalam |
Purging Nut | Bagberanda, Vyakhreranda | Kattamanakku | Kattavanakku, Kadalavanakku |
Purple Bauhinia | Khayirvar, Rakthakanchan | Mandari | Kovidaram, Chuvanna Mandaram |
Purple Fleabane | Kalijeeri | Kaattucheerakam | Kaattujeerakam |
Purple Lippa | Jala Pipal, Panisi | Poduthala | Jalathippali, Neer Thippali |
Purple Tephrosia | Sarafomka | Kamukki Vellai | Kozhinjil |
Purslane, Pursley | Kulpha, Baralonia | Paruppukkeerai, Uppukkeerai | Kozhuppa, Uppu Cheera |
Radish | Mooli | Mullanki | Mullangi |
Red Cotton Tree | Semal, Semar | Shalmalu | Ilavu |
Red Sandal Wood | Lal Chandan | Chen Chandanam | Raktha Chandanam |
Red Toon, Indian Mahagani | Thuna | Thoonamaram, Madagiri Vembu | Chandana Vembu |
Redwood Fig Tree | Daduri, Kagsha | Peyathi, Ottanthalam | Erumanaakku |
Ribbed Gourd | Jinga | Pekum Kai | Peechil |
Rosary Nut, Rudraksh Tree | Rudra, Rudrak | Kurichanka Mani | Rudraksham |
Round Zedoary | Kachur | Kacholam | Kachooram |
Sacred Fig | Pipal, Pipar | Arasu | Aal |
Safflower Plant, Bastard Saffron | Kusum | Sendurakam | Chendoorakam |
Saffron Plant | Kesara, Safran | Kumkuma Poovu | Kumkumam |
Sal Tree | Sal, Sakhuva | Kalingiyam, Kankiliyam | Shala Maram, Chenchelyam |
Sandal Wood | Chandan | Sandanam | Chandanam |
Sebasten Plum | Lasoda | Vidi, Naruvili | Naruvari |
Shoe Flower Plant | Gudahal | Chemparuthi | Chemparathi |
Sida | Bariyar, Kungi | Mayir Manikkam | Kurunthotti |
Sizzling Tree, Siris | Shiris | Vakai | Nenmeni Vaka |
Soapnut Tree | Reedha | Ponnam Kottai | Pashakkotta, Urunchi Maram |
Spearmint | Pudina, Podina | Puthina | Puthina |
Spogel | Isabgol | Isapp Gola | Ishadgol |
Spurge | Sehunda, Dhusar | Ilai Kalli, Kalli | Kallichedi |
Strychnine Tree | Kupilu | Yetti, Yetti Kottai | Kanjiram |
Sugar Apple | Aatha, Seetha Phal | Aath, Seetha Pazham | Aatha, Seetha Phalam |
Sugar Cane | Eegh, Ganna | Karumbu | Karimbu |
Sweet Fennel | Somph | Sohikkirai | Perum Jeerakam |
Sweet Flag, Calamus | Vacha, Ghoda Vacha | Vasambu | Vayambu |
Tamarind Tree | Imli | Ambilam | Puli Maram |
Tea Plant | Cha | Karuppu Theyilai | Theyila |
Thatch Screw Pine | Kethgi, Kiyora, Gaganthul | Kaithai, Kechiya | Kaitha, Pookkaitha |
Tobacco | Thambakku | Pukayilai | Pukayila |
Tooth-brush Tree | Pilu | Perungoli, Kalaarva | Ukamaram, Pilu |
Touch-me-not | Lajvanthi, Lajjalu | Thottalvadi | Thottavadi |
Tree Of Heaven | Adu, Aralu | Perumaruthu | Matti, Mattippal Maram |
Tree Turmeric | Daru Haldi | Maramanjal | Maramanjal |
Turmeric | Haldi | Manchal | Manjal |
Velvet Leaf | Padha | Appatta | Mala Thangi |
Vetiver, Cuscus Grass | Khas | Vetiver | Ramacham |
Vine Spinach, Indian Spinach | Bompoy, Safed Bachla | Sivappu Basalakkeerai | Vashalacheera |
Walnut | Akharoda | Akoda | Acrot |
Water Lily | Nil Kamal | Seethambal | Aambal |
Wawrung | Vayavidanga | Vayu Vilamayam | Vizhal |
Waxgourd, Ashgourd | Golkandu | Kalyan Pushini | Kumbalam |
White Emetic Nut | Dekamari | Kumbil, Thikkamalli | Naadihingu, Gandharajan |
White Murda, Arjun Terminalia | Arjuna, Kahu, Kahua | Maruthai | Neer Maruthu |
Wild Egg Plant | Kanthikari | Kandan Kathiri | Kandakari Chunda |
Wild Nutmeg, Malabar Nutmeg | Kaiphal | Pathiri | Kattu Jaathi |
Wild Rue | Hurmul | Seemai Azhavanai Virai | Harmal |
Wild Turmeric | Jangali Haldi | Kasthoori Manjal | Kasthoori Manjal |
Withania | Ashwagandh | Amukkura | Amukkuram |
Worm Killer, Birth Wort | Keedamaari | Aadu Thinna Palai | Aadu Thoda Pala |
Worm Seed | Kiramani, Ajavayan | Kozhung | Kolunnu, Makkippoovu |
Yellow Nail-dye | Kadasaraiya, Hayambasa | Chemmulli | Manja Kanakambaram |