The world has endless fascinating plants. And actually, there are many of them being used as medicine hundreds of years ago. The following article will discuss the common ones that should be known by everyone.
1. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a popular plant that can be found anywhere mainly due to its function as an ingredient for cosmetics products, such as creams and soaps. But did you know that this plant was firstly cultivated in Egypt? That's why it is sometimes also called the "lily of Nile".
The popularity of aloe vera has spread around the world since people have realized its value in treating different kinds of wounds without leaving scars behind. It is also used to treat sunburns, minor skin irritations, minor cuts, and acne.
2. Mint
For some people, mint refers to a scented plant that is often used in aromatherapy products. But did you know that this plant is also used as an ingredient for food? Perhaps eating mint leaves will make you feel refreshed, but did you know it's also sometimes used in curing upset stomachs or indigestion?
Eating two to three fresh peppermint leaves is said to have similar effects as taking antacid by mouth. If you want to minimize the risk of experiencing the symptoms of indigestion or heartburn, then eat one or two stalks of dried mint before having your meal.
It would be better if you could chew the stalk carefully so your teeth would not be out of shape.
3. Ginger Root
Everyone knows that ginger is often used as a cooking ingredient. And some people are aware of this plant's capability to cure upset stomachs or nausea due to motion sickness or morning sickness. But did you know that it also has some medical values?
For example, ginger can reduce muscle pain caused by menstruation or exercise. It can also soothe the discomfort experienced by arthritis patients.
4. Soybean Leaves
You might have known about soybeans being used as food ingredients for many years now especially for making snacks and soy milk which has become familiar in Asian countries like Korea and Japan where there is a high consumption rate of these products made from soybeans.
However, what most people don't know about these beans is that they can be used for medical purposes as well. Used in the form of tea, soybean leaves are said to reduce fevers and also soothe body aches.
5. Chamomile
People usually use chamomile flowers to be boiled into a tea which is often drunk for relaxation purposes after a long tiring day at work or school. But did you know this plant has some other functions apart from calming the nerves and easing anxiety?
It can also treat menstrual cramps and arthritis discomfort, heal mouth sores, and improve sleep quality when taken by mouth or applied on the skin externally.
Chamomile essential oil can also help treat fungal infections such as athlete's foot and ringworm, especially when used in combination with tea tree oil.
6. Nettle
You might have heard about nettle being used for medicinal purposes, but not as a food ingredient. Nettle leaves are often boiled and consumed like any other herbal tea to treat hay fever and reduce inflammation or swelling of the airways caused by respiratory allergies such as asthma and bronchitis.
Interestingly enough, it can be applied directly on insect bites and stings to relieve itching and pain caused by bug toxins. It's also possible that nettle leaves can help relax muscles when applied topically, which is why some people use nettle seed oil in aromatherapy products for relieving muscle aches.
7. Passion Flower
Passionflower is known for its beautiful star-shaped flowers which are popularly used in making tea. Passionflower tea is often consumed to ease anxiety, induce sleep, and calm the nerves.
However, not many people know that this plant also has potential benefits in treating glaucoma and high blood pressure, especially when taken by mouth or applied externally on skin with cuts or wounds.
8. Crampbark
You might have heard of crampbark being used for medical purposes before because it's commonly combined with chamomile in making herbal teas to reduce menstrual cramps, anxiety, irritability, muscle aches due to colds, or flu.
It can also help relax the muscles when applied topically on the skin by diluting with coconut oil or other types of vegetable carrier oil. The crampbark essential oil can also be used to relax smooth muscle tissue such as those found in the digestive tract, urinary bladder, and respiratory organs.
10. Feverfew
Feverfew is known for its white daisy-like flowers that are often used in making tea and supplements for reducing pain and inflammation. It is believed that feverfew extracts can be as effective as the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) medications such as naproxen (Aleve) and aspirin, for relieving some types of headaches such as those caused by menstrual cycle or tension.
However, this plant must not be used during pregnancy because it may cause miscarriages and should only be taken by mouth under doctor supervision if you have epilepsy or taking blood-thinning medication. After all, feverfew contains substances that can increase the risk of bleeding.
11. Lavender
Everyone knows about lavender's irresistible smell which can instantly calm down people's moods and ease anxiety when inhaled from a diffuser or aromatherapy burner. However, it can also help fight infections and heal cuts when applied topically on skin diluted with a carrier oil such as coconut oil.
12. Peppermint
Peppermint tea is popularly drunk to calm the stomach and reduce irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms due to its strong menthol content that can relax muscles in the intestines. One study showed that peppermint essential oil can be about 40 times more effective than a placebo at reducing IBS pain after 2 days of use [1].
It's also been shown to ease muscle spasms in people who have multiple sclerosis [2] [3] [4]. Just make sure you're not allergic to peppermint before taking it by mouth or applying it topically to the skin. You can also grow peppermint in your garden and use its leaves as a tasty addition to your salads and drinks if you want a natural way to boost your health.
13. Lemon Balm
Lemon balm is an excellent choice for aromatherapy because it's known for its sedating effects that may help reduce stress, anxiety, depression, and insomnia [5] [6]. One study showed that taking lemon balm by mouth may be as effective as the antidepressant drug imipramine at treating mild or moderate cases of depression [7].
It's also been shown to have antiviral properties that can speed up wound healing when applied topically on compromised skin surfaces such as those found on people who have herpes [8]. by making anything made by God, they have millions of benefits in everything for human beings. Allah has healed humans in plants.
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