Herbs are known for their antibacterial properties. Herbs like Tulsi, neem, amla, and wheatgrass are used for purifying water. The process involves drying and extracting of leaves and fruits before using them for purification.
#1. Tulsi also known as Basil leaves
The holy basil is a sacred plant and one of the most commonly used plants for purifying water. It is used in the treatment of respiratory diseases; however, research has found out that it has also got strong anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral properties which is effective against pathogens causing infections in human beings.
Basil leaves
Tulsi is a medicinal multipurpose medicine that is used in the treatment of cough, sore throat, bronchitis, asthma, and skin diseases. It is also being used as a detox. It can as well be used as a purifying agent. A handful of basil leaves can purify drinking water. Put some basil leaves in a pet container filled with contaminated water.
Keep it in the sun for about 6 hours. It was discovered that the UV radiation from the sun can kill the pathogens present in water. The bails leaves take care of the sediment impurities. They can also be used to remove fluoride deposits from water.
#2. Neem leaves
Neem is known by the name Azadirachta indica which grows vigorously in the Indian subcontinent. Neem has medicinal properties and it is used to treat many diseases. Some of the ailments that could be treated using neem are skin ulcers, fever, gum disease, stomach upset, cardiovascular disease, etc. it can also be used as an immune booster and an appetite enhancer.
Neem leaves
Neem leaves can do the same work as basil leaves; however, there is a difference in the fact that basil leaves give a sweet fragrance to the water, but neem leaves make the water bitter.
#3. Amla- Gooseberries and Vetiver
Amla is an Indian gooseberry; its scientific name is Phyllanthus emblics. This fruit is rich in vitamin C and minerals and can be consumed in its raw state. It tastes a bit sour initially followed by a sweet after taste.
Indian gooseberry
Amla is widely known for its medicinal qualities. It helps in reducing the TDS levels considerably. Also, gooseberries can enhance the taste of water.
#4. Clearing nut
Strychnos potatorum is the botanical name for clearing nut tree and its seeds are used in traditional medicine for various ailments such as diabetes, skin diseases, kidney stones, and eye diseases.
Strychnos potatorum
Being an effective hypoglycemic compound, further pharmacological studies is likely to take place for considering clearing nut in the treatment of diabetes. Apart from clearing nut being used as a medicine, it is also used as a water purifier. These nuts are extremely useful in removing sediments and turbidity from water.
The purification is a unique process. The insides of the storage vessel have to be rubbed with these seeds. The vessel is filled with water and left for some time. The paste from these seeds is a natural coagulant thereby ensuring that the sediments settle down at the bottom.
#5. Cilantro/Coriander
Coriander is an herb that is most often used in cooking. The leaves are rich in vitamin C, vitamin A and vitamin K. The coriander leaves can be used for high blood pressure, skin inflammatory conditions, mouth ulcers, and digestive problems. It also helps in heavy metal detoxification.
Coriander
Coriander leaves can also be used to purify water. The leaves can be ground and used as a carbon filter by letting water pass through it. Alternatively, some leaves can be kept in water and left overnight. This is an effective herbal water filter.
There are other seeds like moringa seed, jackfruit seed, and java plum seed that play an equally effective role in purifying water. Passing water through banana peels and plant xylem can also help in removing impurities.
Aquatic plants like water lilies are very useful in temperate climate as they can remove carbon-dioxide from water. Hence the water becomes less acidic and tastes better.