The use and search for drugs and dietary supplements derived from plants has accelerated in recent years. Pharmacologists, microbiologists, botanists, and natural-products chemists are searching the Earth for plants that can be developed into medicines for various diseases.

Some of these plants include;
Psyllium husk: It is diuretic, emollient and cooling. Used in inflammatory conditions of the mucous membrane of the gastro intestinal (in the stomach and intestines)and genitourinary tracts (in the kidneys, ureters, and gallbladder) and reproductive organs.

Well known for its laxative properties, it restores proper bowel movements and is used in the treatment of chronic constipation, amoebic and bacillary dysentery.

Psyllium husk and seeds when crushed are also used to treat rheumatic and glandular swellings. The seed mucilage is also used in cosmetics and as a basic stabilizer in ice cream industry.

Lemongrass Leaves: As a medicinal plant, lemongrass has been considered a carminative and insect repellent. Lemongrass is used in herbal teas and other nonalcoholic beverages in baked goods, and in confections.

Oil from lemongrass is widely used as a fragrance in perfumes and cosmetics such as soaps and creams. Citral extracted from the oil is used in flavoring soft drinks in scenting soaps and detergents as a fragrance in perfumes and cosmetics, and as a mask for disagreeable odors in several industrial products.

Source of lemongrass oil is used to flavor teas, ice cream, candy, pastries, desserts and chewing gum. It can be used instead of the classic lemongrass in culinary dishes.

Lemongrass oil also revitalizes the body and relieves symptoms of jetlag, clears headaches and helps to combat nervous exhaustion and stress-related conditions.

Flax Seeds, Leaves and Roots: It is used internally in habitual constipation, functional disorders of the colon resulting from the misuse of laxatives.

Externally, the powdered seeds are used as an emollient, to treat boils and other skin afflictions. The oil pressed from the seed has been used for a variety of industrial purposes and the oil-free meal is food for livestock.

The flaxseed is also used extensively in baked foods. They are even used to stuff pillows for therapeutic purposes since seed poultice is also useful in bronchitis and other deep-seated inflammation cases.

Safed Musli: This is a tonic, pain reliever and is used to cure general weakness and impotency. Its powder increases lactation in feeding mothers and lactating cows.

Today, it is being increasingly used in Pharmaceutical Industries. It’s also recommended as a remedy for natal and post-natal problems as well as for diabetes and arthritis.

Commiphora Mukul: This plant is used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. It is a potent drug for cardiac disorders due to high cholesterol. It is widely promoted as a weight loss agent that supposedly enhances thyroid function. It is also used to make perfumes, mouthwash, massage oils and diffusers.

Ends