Medicinal Uses of Orchids

Orchids have been here for a very long time. They find mention in ancient texts, where they find mention because of their medicinal properties. In present day, orchids are known mostly for their beautifully formed flowers, fragrance or in some cases foliage. Most of us are not even minutely aware of their medicinal qualities.

The people living in orchid rich zones use these plants in multiple ways. These include as ornamental, medicinal, food as well as religious and cultural tools. Many of these uses have been documented in various research journals.
I have put together a list of some of these orchids, whose medicinal properties have been recorded.

• Aerides crispum is used as herbal medicinal cure for earache. The whole plant is dried, powdered, and then this powdered stuff is boiled in neem oil. After cooling down it is filtered. Two to three drops of this oil is put into the ear once at night for relief. 
• In case of cuts and wounds, a paste of Aerides multiflora leaves is applied. 
• Mashed fruit of Aerides odorata is used in healing wounds. The juice extracted from the leaves is used in curing boils in ear and nose.
• Arundina graminifolia: Root decoction is used in body ache and as antibacterial
• Calanthe plantaginea
• For relief from basal stems of Eriopsis sceptrum are boiled in water and the resultant mucilage obtained is applied on.
• Tubers of Gastrodia elate are eaten either raw or steamed (sometimes roasted), to control the movement of gas in the stomach. 
• Another orchid which is used to treat stomach problems is Phragmipedium ecuadorense. Tea prepared by boiling the orchid does the trick.
There are many other orchids which are being used as herbal medicine. 

A word of caution
Please do not take the above mentioned information as qualified medical advice. You are advised to first consult a qualified doctor in case of any ailment. The list provided here has orchids which have been used a medicine by local people and researchers have published papers on these. However, the effectiveness of these medicinal orchids may vary in each individual. If you plan to use these as medicine, please exercise full caution.

Sources
• Kaushik, P. 2013. Therapeutic value of orchids. The Journal of the Orchid Society of India. Vol. 27 (1&2): 37 – 45. 
• Kong JM, Goh NK, Chia LS, Chia TF. 2003. Recent advances in traditional plant drugs and orchids. Acta Pharmacol Sin Jan; 24 (1): 7-21