Yashtimadhu and Guduchi

Why in news

• The Inter-disciplinary AYUSH Research and Development Task Force has formulated clinical research protocols for prophylactic studies and add-on interventions in COVID-19 positive cases for studying interventions of traditional medicines such as Yashtimadhu and Guduchi

What is Yashtimadhu?

• It is a hardy leguminous undershrub attaining the height of about 3 meter with compressed pods.
• It is found growing wild in many Asian countries and is also cultivated at small scales in India, Iran, Afghanistan etc. The root tastes sweet and is used in Ayurveda
• Yashtimadhu has been conventionally used by Ayurveda in the treatment of respiratory and digestive disorders

What is Guduchi

• Guduchi is herbaceous vine indigenous to tropical regions of the Indian subcontinent.
• It has been in use for centuries in traditional medicine to treat various disorders.
• It possesses antipyretic, anti-cancer, anti-oxidant properties and it helps to fight respiratory issues and also heal digestive problems.

PRELIMS QUESTION

Yashtimadhu, Guduchu, Pippali, recently seen in news, are?

(a) Invasive plants which tends to reduce the biodiversity in the area in which it grows

(b) Trees endemic to Himalayas

(c) Ayurvedic herb used for treating Covid-19

(d) Plants widely used as organic pesticide

Answer