Plants have been used for therapeutic, religious, cosmetic, nutritional, and beautification purposes since ancient times and humanity of all civilizations and culture are familiar with their usage. Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAPs) are botanical raw materials, also known as herbal drugs, that are primarily used for therapeutic, aromatic and culinary purposes of components of cosmetics, medicinal products, health foods and other natural health products.

MAPs have been utilized in various forms since the earliest days of human kind. MAPs have become ?industrial products? with the new concepts like phytotherapy and veterinary medicinal uses, aromatherapy, nutraceuticals, cosmoeceuticals, and animal welfare uses widening the scope of the utilization. Modern approaches in production and uses have brought about an increased focus on the importance of quality, safety and efficacy of both MAPs and their produce. Apart from medicinal uses, MAPs are also used in natural dye, pest control, food, perfume, tea and so on. Nearly 80% of the world population relies on MAPs in their medication.

Treatment with medicinal plants is considered very safe as there is no or minimal side effects. There is a large number of medicinal and aromatic plants in the nature which are used for medicinal and aromatic purposes. Medicinal and Aromatic Plants are generally classified on the basis of their growth habit. It may be either a tree, shrub, herb, annuals, biennial, tubers, rhizomes and climbers. MAPs are considered as important source of nutrition and as a result of that they are recommended for their therapeutic values. Some of these plants include ginger, green tea, walnuts, aloe, pepper and turmeric etc. Some plants and their derivatives are considered as important source for active ingredients which are used in aspirin and toothpaste etc.

Medicinal and Aromatic Plants such as Aloe, Tulsi, Neem, Tumeric and Ginger cure several common aliments. These are considered as home remedies in many parts of the country. Ginger and cloves used in cough syrups. They are known for their expectorant property, which promotes the thinning and ejection of mucus from the lungs, trachea and bronchi.