There are a large number of herbs and plants that have medicinal properties that can help fight diseases and it is all thanks to their components. In this article you will find 10 Medicinal Plants and what are they for each of them, in this way will have at hand natural supplements that can replace traditional medicine.
10 Medicinal plants and what they are used for
In the past, when there was no medical knowledge about the correct functioning of the body, healers used different types of ointments and infusions and made them using different types of medicinal plants.
All this to heal discomfort, pain, among others and thanks to the powerful healing properties that these plants have, their power has transcended generations. Next, you will know the 10 plants most recommended by experts in modern medicine:
Menta
This herb, in addition to providing freshness, provides countless benefits and is in one of the most prestigious positions on the list of the 10 best Medicinal Plants and what they are for. This extraordinary herb is also known as Peppermint , as a yerba de zapo. It is of edible origin, which comes from Mediterranean regions such as French Provence, Italy and Central Asia.
What is?
- It is an excellent option to heal respiratory problems.
- It can relieve headaches and nausea.
- Contributes to the healing of infections.
- Excellent for preventing cataracts.
- Helps completely suppress bad breath.
- It improves blood circulation, since it has anti-coagulant properties.
- It also has the ability to reduce stress and anxiety.
How is it used?
This plant can be used fresh or dried. The fresh leaves are used to prepare poultices or also for culinary preparations and the dried leaves are used to make any type of infusion. Many people also use them as spices.
Recipe to relax
- A tablespoon of mint leaves.
- A cup of water.
- A little lemon juice.
- A tablespoon of honey from bees.
Add the water and wait for it to boil. Once it has boiled, add the mint leaves. The flame is extinguished and left to rest for 5 minutes. Then lemon juice and honey are applied.
Regaliz
Licorice is not considered just a sweet, that is why it is part of this list of the 10 Medicinal Plants and what they are for. This plant was used long ago in Imperial Rome, in India and in ancient Egypt to sweeten some infusions. Licorice is among the most used in countries that have a very hot climate, such is the case of North Africa.
What is?
- It provides great advantages for the relief of the digestive system.
- Helps heal diseases such as ulcerative colitis.
- It provides a high level of protection to the liver.
- It tends to improve respiratory ailments.
- It can also lower body temperature.
- Revives the immune system.
How is it used?
Many people chew it, others suck the root and another of the most common ways to consume this plant is to make a tea by boiling its root.
Recipe to improve digestion
- 5 grams of licorice root.
- A cup of water.
- A tablespoon of anise grains.
The root is cleaned, then it is cut a little, crushed and added to the water. When 5 minutes have passed, it is removed, before the water begins to boil. The anise grains are added and finally a lid is placed, letting the infusion rest for another 5 minutes.
Ginseng
It is a plant that is very popular in Eastern culture. It has many benefits and below you will find out why it is in an excellent position in this list of the 10 medicinal plants and what they are used for. The Ginseng It is called by a large number of people as the “King of Plants”.
It was discovered thousands of years ago and is said to be from Northeast Asia. Unlike other plants, the ginseng cultivation process requires special techniques and conditions.
What is?
- It is a great option to increase concentration.
- It can act as an anti-inflammatory and anesthetic.
- Increases energy levels.
- It acts against the fatigue of body and mind.
- It tends to improve the body's resistance and the immune system.
- By taking it regularly, it reduces cardiovascular ailments.
- Reduces the sensations generated by menopause.
- Improves symptoms of pre-menstrual syndrome.
How is it used?
The root is taken to be grated and thus make infusions or ointments to apply to the skin. The extract of this plant is also available in many stores, as they sell it in the form of capsules, powder, and even tea bags.
Recipe to improve concentration
- A tablespoon of ginseng powder.
- A tablespoon of royal jelly (a product similar to honey).
- A cup of water.
Mix the ginseng powder extract with a little hot water, then let it sit for a few minutes. Add the tablespoon of royal jelly, proceed to stir and that's it.
Garlic
Garlic comes from Asia, it has been used for thousands of years in the Egyptian, Greek and Roman cultures. The main use was to improve the taste of the vast majority of dishes prepared in the kitchen, but it also serves as a natural remedy to combat certain conditions.
Today this product is very popular among medical professionals and healers. Thanks to this, it has managed to be part of the list of the 10 Medicinal Plants and what they are for.
What is?
- It can lower cholesterol levels.
- It serves to detoxify the body of heavy metals.
- Significantly lowers blood pressure.
- Improves bone health.
- Work hard to prevent cancer.
- It has the ability to improve digestion.
- Reduces wrinkles
- It prevents diseases such as depression or Alzheimer's from appearing.
- It has antibiotic and antibacterial properties, very effective against diseases.
How is it used?
This product can be eaten cooked or raw and can be applied to different foods to flavor and increase taste. It can be chopped, grated, crushed and used as a powder.
Recipe to improve circulation in the legs
- Six cloves of garlic.
- Three tablespoons of olive oil.
- Lemon juice.
The garlic is cut into slices and these are placed in a glass, the three tablespoons of olive oil are added. Then the lemon juice is added, then it is covered and left to rest for 12 hours. After this time, strain and mix. When it is ready, the lotion can be applied, performing a light massage. For best and fast results it should be used on a regular basis.
Ginger
The scientific name of this product is Zingiber officinale. It is defined as a plant rhizomatous (plants that have underground stems) that develops in the humid forests of India.
One of the main characteristics of this plant is its aroma. It is even said that thanks to him, it was that it reached Europe around 750 BC, to be used as a spice. The ginger plant can grow up to 2 meters tall and has linear-shaped leaves that are 5 to 25 centimeters long.
What is?
- It can relieve joint pain.
- It is in the ability to give strength to the immune system.
- Helps relieve poor digestion.
- Helps improve cough and remove mucus.
- It is also used to fight some infections.
- Renews blood circulation.
How is it used?
The root is taken and a tea is prepared. Many people take the dried root and proceed to grind it. After they remove the powder, they use it as a spice.
Recipe to strengthen the immune system
- A slice of fresh ginger.
- A tablespoon of honey from bees.
- A whole lemon, which is cut into slices.
- Four glasses of water.
Mix all the ingredients in a blender, wait for all the elements to unify until you get a syrup. Store in a well-sealed glass container and place in the refrigerator. Every morning a spoonful of this preparation is ingested.
Nettle
This plant is passed off as a "weed", this is because it has a great power of urtication. However, it deserves to be included among the group of the 10 Medicinal Plants and what they are for, since it is the plant that has the most uses in medicine. This plant is native to the temperate or warm regions of the world, specifically the Northern Hemisphere. There are different types of species, but all are effective.
What is?
- It is used to relieve allergies thanks to its antihistamine properties.
- It can strengthen both nails and hair.
- Reduces tissue inflammation.
- Fight diseases related to the urinary tract.
- Improves blood circulation.
- It is in the ability to reduce the levels of sugar found in the blood.
How is it used?
Both the roots and the leaves of this plant are processed to ingest them in infusions. Its leaves stop being stinging after about 24 hours of picking. So, in this way it can be used to make salads or smoothies.
Recipe to strengthen hair
- 50 grams of green nettles.
- 125 milliliters of apple cider vinegar.
- 125 milliliters of water.
Mix all ingredients in water and place over low heat, do not let the water evaporate. Then proceed to filter the mixture and place in a glass container. When cool, apply to hair.
Lavender
It is also known as Lavender, a long-lived shrub that is covered in purple, spike-shaped flowers. At present there is a lot of diversity, but the best known is Lavandula officinalis or Lavandula spica. Its fragrance makes it one of the most decorative plants that exists and also has incredible therapeutic attributes. It comes from the western Mediterranean and could not be missing from the count of the 10 Medicinal Plants and what they are for.
What is?
- Relieves burns, wounds and even insect bites.
- Significantly reduces nausea and dizziness.
- It is a powerful relaxant that helps reduce stress and eliminate insomnia.
- Improves and/or relieves gastrointestinal ailments.
How is it used?
It is used when acquiring the most popular product, it is its essential oil, but drinks can also be prepared. To do this, the plant is placed in a pot with water to boil, after it has been properly dehydrated we must wait for it to boil, turn it off and let it rest.
recipe for relaxation
- 1 handful of lavender flowers (these can be dried or fresh).
- Vegetable oil (sunflower or almond).
- An empty glass container.
- An opaque glass container.
They are introduced in the empty container, all the flowers. Then an amount of vegetable oil is added to cover them all. The container is closed and placed in a place where it receives indirect light. The container is shaken every day to mix and after a month the mixture is strained and then stored in the opaque container.
Aloe vera
It is also known as Sabila, it is eternal and has innumerable uses. Its leaves are elongated and thick, they can measure about 50 centimeters long and 7 centimeters wide. This plant was originally cultivated in Africa, Madagascar, as well as in many places in Asia.
Today it can be found in places with hot and dry climates. It does not need water and resists a temperature below 10 °C. Not for nothing is it part of this classification of the 10 medicinal plants and what they are for.
What is?
- It is powerful in eliminating skin diseases and cleaning the layers of the skin.
- It is great for removing or diminishing wrinkles.
- It can be used to remove makeup.
- Provides rapid hair growth, also keeps it healthy and strong.
- Helps relieve digestion.
- It can detoxify the body.
How is it used?
The pulp is extracted and applied directly to the area to be treated. Aloe vera juices and/or smoothies can also be made.
Recipe for burns
Peel two leaves of aloe vera, then extract all the pulp. Use water to give it greater consistency. Place the mixture in a glass container and store in the refrigerator for one hour. When it is cold, it is applied twice a day to the affected part. This gel must be kept refrigerated.
Marigold
To continue with the list of the best 10 Medicinal Plants and what they are for, calendula is included. It is used for skin care, its name comes from the Latin Kalends. This name refers to the fact that this plant can flower practically all year round. However, in other countries it is known as Wonderful, which refers to the large number of benefits it provides in relation to aesthetics and medicine.
What is?
- It can regulate the menstrual cycle.
- It can also soothe premenstrual pain.
- Relieves and/or eliminates different types of infections.
- It works to massage bumps and/or scrapes.
- It serves to keep both hair and nails strong and healthy.
- It has the ability to combat the feeling of heaviness.
- Relieves cramps that occur in the legs.
How is it used?
Both the flowers and the leaves are used when they are dry, to prepare infusions. It can also be used externally, but to achieve this the fresh flowers and leaves are crushed to extract a poultice.
Recipe to relieve dermatitis
- A tablespoon of calendula flowers.
- A tablespoon of chamomile flowers.
- Two drops of sweet almond oil.
- A cup of water.
Put a pot of water to boil, then add the calendula and chamomile flowers. After 5 minutes, proceed to strain the flowers and apply the oil. Then it is allowed to cool and then a compress is dipped in the mixture and applied to the problem area.
Chamomile
Last on the list of the 10 best medicinal plants and what they are for, but this does not mean that it is the least important. It is known by other names such as Camomile o Romana. This plant is native to Europe, however, today it can be found around the world. It has been used since ancient times thanks to its therapeutic effects, since it was usually used as a reliever of intestinal pain.
What is?
- Helps in the elimination and/or relief of digestion problems.
- It can lower cholesterol levels.
- Helps alleviate problems associated with sight.
- It can also be used to hydrate the skin.
- It acts against insomnia and anxiety.
How is it used?
Chamomile can be ingested in infusions or in Essential Oil applications. To prepare any type of tea using the flowers of this plant, they must be completely dry.
Recipe to clean the skin
- Three tablespoons of chamomile flowers.
- Three tablespoons of lavender flowers.
- A liter of water.
The water is boiled. Then add the amount of flowers indicated to the container. Next, the mixture is transferred to another container and the face is placed on it. The head should be covered with a cloth so that it absorbs all the steam. Wait 10 minutes for the skin to be completely exfoliated and clean. The result will be extremely favorable if this technique is repeated over time.