Kerala is often called “God’s Own Country”—not just for its scenic beauty, but also for its rich tradition of herbal remedies. Walk through a village in Kerala, and you’re likely to find medicinal plants growing naturally in courtyards, by the roadsides, or in kitchen gardens. These plants aren’t just greenery—they are deeply rooted in Ayurvedic practices, folk medicine, and everyday healing. Let’s dive into the world of medicinal plants in Kerala and learn how they quietly support health and wellness across generations.
10 Medicinal Plants in Kerala
1. Tulsi (Holy Basil): The Queen of Herbs
Every home in Kerala, especially the traditional ones, has a Tulsi plant at the entrance or in the courtyard. It’s not just for spiritual reasons—Tulsi is one of the most powerful herbal plants in Kerala known for its wide range of benefits.
This aromatic plant helps fight respiratory infections, improves digestion, relieves stress, and even boosts immunity. It’s often used in herbal teas and home remedies for cold and cough. Tulsi leaves are also applied on insect bites and wounds for quick healing.
2. Aloe Vera: The Skin Soother
Next up in our medicinal plants list in Kerala is Aloe Vera. Known locally as ‘Kattarvazha’, this succulent thrives in Kerala’s warm climate and is found in both rural gardens and urban balconies. Its gel is a cooling agent, widely used for burns, rashes, acne, and hair fall. Many people also consume it in juice form for digestive health and detoxification. Aloe Vera is one of those plants that has found its way from ancient remedies into modern skincare products.
3. Ashwagandha: Kerala’s Natural Stress Buster
Ashwagandha, also called Indian ginseng, is a popular medicinal plant found in Kerala forests and home gardens. Though more prominent in Ayurvedic centers, its usage is growing in daily life too. It’s best known for its stress-reducing and energy-boosting properties. People in Kerala use it to improve stamina, reduce anxiety, and support thyroid function. In Ayurveda, it’s also prescribed to enhance memory and cognitive function.
4. Curry Leaves: Everyday Medicinal Magic
You might recognize curry leaves from South Indian dishes, but did you know it’s a medicinal plant too? In Kerala, it’s called ‘Kariveppila’ and grows abundantly in backyards. It aids digestion, improves eyesight, and helps regulate blood sugar. The leaves are also good for hair health, often boiled in coconut oil to create natural hair tonics. Curry leaves stand out as one of the most useful medicinal plants in Kerala and their uses are known even among the younger generation.
5. Brahmi: The Memory Enhancer
Kerala’s deep-rooted Ayurveda includes Brahmi, a creeping herb that thrives in the moist tropical weather. Traditionally used for brain-related issues, Brahmi is now being rediscovered for its cognitive benefits. It’s often made into herbal tea or dried and powdered. Students and elderly people alike benefit from its memory-boosting effects. Some even grow it near water sources or in shaded areas, making it part of their daily wellness routine.
If you’re into gardening, Brahmi also makes a lovely addition to your space. You can pair it with All Season Flowering Creepers in India to create both a healing and blooming balcony garden.
6. Turmeric: Kerala’s Golden Healer
Called ‘Manjal’ in Malayalam, turmeric is both a spice and a healer. Found in most households, turmeric rhizomes are grown in pots or kitchen gardens across Kerala. From boosting immunity to healing wounds and fighting infections, turmeric is a powerhouse. Its use in face masks, drinks, and food highlights its multi-purpose nature. It’s also a staple in local Ayurvedic preparations and has even been backed by modern research.
Pair turmeric with the visual beauty of All Year Flowering Plants in India in your backyard to enjoy both healing and aesthetics.
7. Neela Amari (Indigo Plant): For Hair and Skin
Neela Amari is a lesser-known herb that deserves the spotlight. It’s commonly used in Kerala for its ability to naturally dye hair black and promote scalp health. But that’s not all. The leaves also soothe skin irritations and reduce dandruff. When mixed with other herbs, Neela Amari is part of powerful homemade Ayurvedic hair oils and masks. It’s a perfect example of how herbal plants in Kerala go beyond internal wellness and into beauty care too.
8. Amla (Indian Gooseberry): The Immunity Booster
Amla trees are native to Kerala and grow easily in its fertile soil. The fruit is small, green, and extremely sour—but packed with Vitamin C and antioxidants. People in Kerala use it fresh, pickled, or in powder form. Amla juice is often a morning ritual to boost immunity, improve digestion, and delay aging. Even Ayurveda calls Amla a Rasayana, which means a rejuvenator.
It’s no surprise that this humble fruit is still a part of homes that also celebrate White Flowers in India for their aesthetic appeal and spiritual connection.
9. Neem: The Bitter Cure
Neem, or ‘Veppu’ in Malayalam, is one of the oldest medicinal plants in Kerala. Almost every part of the tree—from leaves to bark—is used for its healing properties. Neem paste is applied on acne, neem oil is used in insect repellents, and neem twigs are still used as natural toothbrushes in some parts of Kerala. It also purifies the air and is believed to ward off negative energy.
Neem trees are often found near temples or public grounds, where Flowering Plants of Kerala also add to the serene beauty.
10. Koduveli: The Digestive Root
Locally famous yet often overlooked, Koduveli (Plumbago zeylanica) is a root plant that grows wild in Kerala’s forests. It’s used mainly for digestion and metabolic health. Ayurvedic practitioners use it for treating stomach issues, bloating, and inflammation. It’s not a common houseplant but is valued highly in traditional medicine. If you explore Rare Flowers in India, you might just spot a patch of this near some flowering species.
Living Among Healing Greens
What makes Kerala unique is not just the number of medicinal plants, but how deeply they are woven into everyday life. From cooking and skincare to rituals and wellness routines, these plants are more than ingredients—they are part of the cultural fabric.
And with the rising popularity of natural remedies, many people are choosing to grow these at home, alongside their flowering plants in summer in India to balance health and beauty in one green space. You could even consider using an Invisible Grill to make your balconies safe for kids and pets without compromising the sunlight your plants need.
For those exploring more unusual botanical discoveries, don’t miss out on Himalayan Flowers another region rich in natural healing wonders.
Final Thoughts
Kerala isn’t just a state filled with backwaters and beaches—it’s a living, breathing green zone of natural healing. The medicinal plants found in Kerala reflect a beautiful blend of ancient wisdom and sustainable living. Whether you’re a curious gardener, a health enthusiast, or someone rediscovering Ayurveda, there’s so much to learn and grow literally. Let nature be your first line of care. After all, these plants have been healing generations long before pharmacies existed.
