What is the UP Government Herbal Belt Project

Ayurveda and Herbal cultivation is a century-old medicine system of India, with the objective to maintain good physical health which is free from diseases. The purpose of this ancient practice is to help the person achieve longevity, rejuvenation, and self-fulfillment.

The word Ayurveda is derived from two Sanskrit words Ayus and Veda – Ayu which means life and Veda means science – in short, it means ‘the science of life.’

How Ayurveda is helpful?

Ayurveda employs a holistic approach that combines diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes.

The traditional herbs and spices are one of the key ingredients of this approach.

Ayurvedic medicines have treatment available to most of the diseases. The herbs are derived from a plant source, hence they are free from harmful side effects. The extracts from leaves, flowers, fruits, seeds, roots, and bark are used to prepare the medicines.

Indian government plans for Herbal Cultivation?

To propagate this forgotten ancient practice, on May 15th, 2020, the Indian Finance Minister as part of the Economic recovery package, has allocated Rs 4,000 crore for the promotion of herbal cultivation. The minister informed the setting up of corridor of herbal cultivation and medicinal plants on the banks of the river Ganga.

What is State Government decision?

Taking the proposal forward, in the last week of May 2020, the Uttar Pradesh government announced the development of an Herbal belt.

The plan is to identify and develop an 800-kilometer road with medicinal and herbal trees along both sides of the road. The 800-kilometer stretch will be along national and state highways passing through the state, on the banks of the Ganga river.

Uttar Pradesh becomes the first state in the country to take implement this plan.

What are the benefits of Herbal cultivation?

• Ayurvedic Medicines – Promote and bring awareness of the forgotten ayurvedic medicines, which is one of the oldest healing systems.
• Employment and Market creation – The move is expected to give employment to thousands of farmers and will establish a network of local markets for trade & commerce.
• Soil Erosion – Prevent soil erosion by enabling rainwater recharging facilities.
• Bio-diversity and Beautification – Driving or walking under lush green trees not only protects you from the harsh climate, but it amplifies the aesthetic of the travel.
• Environment and Pollution – Apart from cleaning the air from pollutants, the medicinal quality of the plants will help to eliminate the bacterias & air-borne diseases. As per the data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), 11 out of 14 most polluted cities in India are from Uttar Pradesh.

Appendix of key herbs

The plants and trees that have been proposed as part of Herbal cultivation are Peepal, Neem, Sehjan along with other herb varieties like Brahmi, Ashvagandha, and Jatropha. Let us give you the qualities of these herbal medicines.

Ashwagandha helps to lower your blood sugar levels and improve sleep, memory, muscle growth, and male fertility.

(Available on Amazon in Powder form.)

Brahmi helps to improve brain function, support healthy weight management and maintain normal thyroid

Brahmi can be taken in powder or supplement form. (Available on Amazon)

Neem is one of the most powerful blood purifiers. It is helpful eczema and psoriasis and also used for joint and muscle pain.
Oil made from the neem tree’s flowers help with acne and dandruff (Neem oil and tablet is available online)

Peepal tree native to the Indian subcontinent is a storehouse of medicinal value. It can help in the treatment of Asthma, skin diseases, kidney diseases, constipation, dysentery, impotency, and various blood-related problems

Turmeric helps to reduce inflammation and improve heart and brain health.

While most of us would eat by mixing the powder in our food, it is also available in capsules.

Jatropha or Dravanti is Ayurvedic medicine used Ulcer, Tumour, Scabies, Wounds, Skin diseases.

There is a huge market for ayurvedic medicines in powder, oil, or supplement form all over the world. They are extensively available in stores and e-commerce websites.