Medicinal plants have been used for thousands of years to treat various pain, diseases, and ailments. If you are having some health issues, you can also consider turning to these remedies for assistance. Here are some of the most powerful that might be able to help you.
Lavender
Lavender is one of the most popular herbs on the planet and you can easily grow it in your own garden. Traditionally, it was used for treating burns, insect bites, and cleaning wounds but today it has a wide array of uses. For instance, it’s known to soothe anxiety and promote sleep as well as relieve pain and improve memory. Some of the forms lavender is available in include tea, powder, dried herb, and essential oil.
Chamomile
Native to India, Western Asia, and Western Europe, chamomile can be found all over the world nowadays. In addition to being used to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety, chamomile is also used as an aid for healing wounds and reducing swelling and inflammation. As it can negatively interact with certain medications, you might want to check with your doctor if using chamomile is right for you.
Gingko
Another plant that’s been around for centuries is ginkgo. Native to Asia, it is one of the oldest tree species that can live up to 3,000 years. Ginkgo is available in the form of tablets, capsules, dried leaves/tea, and liquid extract. While there is currently no standardized dose recommended, ensure that the product you use is made only from ginkgo leaves, as seeds contain a seizure-inducing toxin. This plant is used to boost brain health as well as treat asthma, bronchitis, tinnitus, and chronic fatigue.
Echinacea
A flowering plant you might not be aware of that has medicinal properties is Echinacea. It grows in central and eastern North America and has traditionally been used as a remedy for cancer, arthritis, seizures, toothaches, snake bites, skin irritation, and bowel pain. Today, people use it to promote wound healing and shorten or prevent the common cold and flu. Available in tea, capsule, and tincture form, keep in mind that this plant can be hard on your digestive system and cause an upset stomach.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a natural supplement that can improve the quality of your life in many ways, thanks to its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anticancer, and antioxidant properties. This orange herb native to South Asia has been used for medicinal purposes for more than 4,000 years. You can easily use it as a cooking ingredient while there are also capsule supplements and topical pastes used for skin conditions.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is a powerful herb that has many health benefits. For instance, besides reducing pain and inflammation, it can also boost energy levels and lower stress and anxiety. Moreover, it can also improve brain function and increase libido. While it is native to Asia and Africa, premium ashwagandha in Australia can also easily be found. It comes in powder, capsule, and tincture forms and you can mix it into desserts, smoothies, and tea. Keep in mind that you will not feel the effects immediately as it can take weeks for you to experience the benefits of this herb.
Garlic
You might have been using garlic for ages without understanding all the benefits it comes with. This plant can be used to prevent infection, reduce fever, lower blood pressure, and lower the risk of stroke and heart attack. What is more, garlic might also have the ability to prevent certain types of cancer, such as colorectal. You can consume it both raw and cooked while it also comes in the form of oil, tincture, and capsules.
Ginger
Ginger is a versatile plant that comes in many forms. For example, you can find it fresh, dried, candied, pickled, and powdered, which means that you can consume it in numerous ways. Ginger is probably best known as a remedy for an upset stomach. In addition to reducing nausea caused by pregnancy, traveling, and chemotherapy, it also has pain-relieving properties and can increase mobility in people with osteoarthritis.
Ginseng
Ginseng is a herb that has several types – for example, you can encounter American ginseng, Asian ginseng, and even Siberian ginseng. It has been used for thousands of years due to its antioxidant, anticancer, anti-obesity, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties. Ginseng can boost immunity and improve circulation as well as reduce blood sugar levels and improve learning. This herb can be eaten raw or steamed while it’s also available as a dietary supplement in the form of powder and capsules.
Valerian
Best known as a remedy for insomnia, valerian has many other properties that can improve your health. It is also promoted as a natural alternative to many prescription anxiety drugs, although the evidence is weak. Moreover, it can minimize hot flashes experienced during menopause. Valerian is available as tea, essential oil, tincture, tablets, and capsules. You can also use its extract in foods and beverages.
Sage
While you probably already have sage on your spice shelf and use it to flavor your favorite dishes, you might not be aware of the medicinal properties of this herb. Sage is believed to provide relief from cold sores, lower cholesterol, minimize hot flashes, and improve memory. However, keep in mind that using sage for medicinal purposes for too long can be harmful as it can trigger dizziness, vomiting, tremors, seizures, and kidney damage. Furthermore, sage essential oil is highly toxic and should never be taken orally.
Tea tree
Native to Australia, the tea tree produces an oil that comes with many skin-related benefits. For instance, it is used as a natural treatment for acne as it’s thought that it can slow the growth of acne-causing microbes. It can also be used for athlete’s foot, dandruff, small wounds, insect bites, and other inflammatory skin conditions. The oil should be diluted before you apply it to your skin and it’s important that you understand that you can develop a sensitivity to it over time.
If you’re looking for a natural remedy for any of your ailments, you’ll be glad to hear that there are many you can try. These 12 are just some of the plants and herbs that are known to help.
