10 Medicinal Plants That Can Save Your Life

10 Medicinal Plants That Can Save Your Life

Plants have been used in traditional medicinal preparations since prehistoric times. Those with chemical compounds or phytochemicals with established biological activities have also been identified and harnessed for pharmacological preparations. Medicinal plants are also globally exported with the value of such export estimated to be around US$2.2 billion in 2012. While there are numerous plants used for their medical benefits across the world, here is a list of 10 of the most common and widely used medicinal plants that have health benefits for all and might also turn out to be life-savers! Aloe Vera

Aloe vera gel is extracted from aloe vera leaves. Image credit: Franziska Ingold from Pixabay Within Aloe Vera’s thick leaves is a gel containing essential vitamins and nutrients, including vitamin A, B vitamins, folic acid, iron, copper, potassium, and calcium.

Chock full of antioxidants, aloe vera boosts immunity. Monosaccharides and polysaccharides strengthen white blood cells, fend off bacteria, viruses, and other diseases.

Aloe vera is known to improve digestion due to active enzymes that break down fats and sugars and promote nutrient absorption. Lavender

Lavender oil is used for medicinal purposes. Image credit: Diese lizenzfreien Fotos darfst du zwar verwenden from Pixabay Lavender is a genus of 47 known species of flowering plants in the mint family, Lamiaceae. Lavender oil contains anti-microbial compounds and is known to reduce bacterial growth which regulates the over-secretion of sebum, the oil that is produced by the skin.

Lavender’s strong scent repels insects, while its anti-inflammatory properties relieve irritation from bug bites. Lavender oil alleviates joint pain, sore muscles, sprains, and backaches.

Massaging a few drops of oil on the lower abdomen and applying a warm towel helps relieve pain associated with menstrual cramps.

A sachet of lavender or a few drops of oil on a pillow work wonders to induce sleep, without the risk of addiction or other side effects that prescription drugs carry. Ginger

A hot ginger tea is considered to heal cold symptoms. Image credit: Gingerol is responsible for ginger’s medicinal properties. Antioxidants and other nutrients in ginger help treat arthritis, inflammation, and infections. They also reduce oxidative stress, ridding the body of free radicals to prevent the cellular damage that causes cancer.

Raw or heated ginger is proven to reduce muscle pain.

Enzymes in ginger help the body break up and expel gas, relieving the discomfort of bloating and upset stomach. Ginger also increases movement through the digestive tract, which aids in preventing constipation. Rosemary

A rosemary shrub. Image credit: Hans Braxmeier from Pixabay. One of the most popular aromatic and medicinal plants in the world, rosemary contains the compounds caffeic and rosmarinic acid, and the essential oils a-Pinene, Camphor and Linalool.

Aromatherapy using rosemary improves waking memory performance, memory quality, and increased alertness. Rosemary tea relieves stress and reduces depression symptoms.

Rosemary can protect the skin from UV damage. The oil is effective when applied directly to P.Acnes, the bacteria that causes acne.

Hair growth is a popular, traditional use of rosemary.

Rosemary oil increases circulatory function by expanding blood vessels and warming the blood when applied directly to the skin so it reaches fingers and toes more easily. Chamomile

Chamomile flowers. Image credit: Just killing time from Pixabay Best known for its soothing qualities, the dried flowers of chamomile contain terpenoids and flavonoids that contribute to its medicinal properties.

Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, chamomile has the potential to protect against diarrhea, reduce acidity in the stomach and inhibit the growth of the bacteria that cause ulcers.

Abundant in flavones, a class of antioxidants, chamomile is known to lower blood pressure and cholesterol, which determine the risk of heart disease.

Chamomile essential oils are used in aromatherapy and can be blended into massage oils, lotions or creams to treat skin conditions. It may be moisturizing and can help reduce skin inflammation. It is also used in steam and vapor therapy. Peppermint

Peppermint in tea adds flavor and is also good for health. Menthol, the active ingredient in peppermint is an organic compound that provides a cooling sensation when applied to the mouth or skin. It is also used as a mild anesthetic. It can be used topically or taken as tea or vapor to alleviate congestion, coughing and breathing difficulties caused by inflamed passages. The antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of peppermint build immunity. Peppermint is high in Vitamins A and C and other vital minerals.

Diluted with another oil and applied to the forehead or upper sinus area, peppermint can relieve headache pain. A German study showed peppermint was as effective as 1,000 milligrams of acetaminophen. Diluted with water, peppermint oil can be used to remedy allergic rashes, dry, itchy skin or infections. Used as a hair rinse, peppermint can provide moisture and stimulate hair growth. Turmeric

Image credit: Steve Buissinne from Pixabay A member of the ginger family, turmeric’s most active compound is curcumin. Turmeric has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that relieve pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. In Ayurvedic medicine, turmeric is believed to act as an anti-viral, antibacterial, and anti-parasitic.

Turmeric prevents heart disease and cancer and can help prevent Alzheimer’s disease by increasing the function of brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF), a certain growth hormone that functions in the brain. Decreased function of the hormone can lead to Alzheimer’s disease.

When cooking with turmeric, mixing it with black pepper or dried ginger activates its medicinal properties. Sage

Sage plant. Image credit: Marionkollmeier from Pixabay Sage (salvia) has many purposes depending on how it is used. Similar to rosemary, the presence of rosamarinc and carnosic acids protect against free radicals, preventing chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.Believed to have anti-microbial properties, sage cleansing sprays are used to kill bacteria, viruses and repel insects. Burning sage is a cost-effective way to purify the air. Alternative medicine practitioners believe burning sage releases negative energy.Dried sage is burned to heal, protect and increase wisdom. Basil A potted basil plant. Image credit: Tookapic from Pixabay A member of the mint family, basil is revered for its healing properties. Eugenol present in the […]

Read more at www.worldatlas.com

Spread the love

Leave a Reply

Nature Knows Nootropics