Medicine truly is a fantastic thing, and it’s incredible to see how we have adapted and made new formulas to ease pain and help mental health conditions over time. However, there are some plants that have always had medicinal prosperities, that have been used for generations, and we are going to talk about nine of them today. Sound interesting? Then keep on reading!
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is one of the most common medicinal plants and has a variety of health benefits. It’s known best for its ability to help heal wounds, as it can accelerate the healing process. It has many antioxidants and antibacterial properties, which is why so many individuals use it after bad sunburns. But it’s not just for skin! The juice can also be made into a drink, helping constipation and reducing facial wrinkles. Overall, it’s one of the most popular medicinal plants, which can easily be grown in your own home.
Marijuana/Hemp
While marijuana is not currently legal in every state, many places still allow it to be used for medicinal purposes. The most common marijuana plant is the Cannabis Sativa, which contains many chemicals, including THC. However, Hemp, a variety of this plant, does not cause intoxicating effects.
Marijuana can have many benefits, including reducing pain, anxiety, and stress. Today many tests are being undertaken to understand its properties fully. Live in the DC area? Click the link for a dispensary near Washington DC.
Photo by Holger Link on Unsplash
Gingko
Gingko comes for a tree native to China and is one of the most popular medicinal plants. It contains many powerful antioxidants, helps fight inflammation, and is said to even assist with mental disorders, such as dementia. It also supports many other illnesses, such as asthma, headaches, and PMS symptoms.
Mint
Mint is often used in cooking and to flavor other products; however, did you know it has some excellent medicinal properties? It’s known to help aid digestion, prevent headaches, and is excellent for your oral care. Not only that, but it can also help ease the terrible symptoms of a common cold, such as congestion and sore throats. It’s easy to grow in any garden, but just be careful, it can take over everything!
Tea Tree
The tea tree produces an oil that is wonderful for the skin and is native to Australia. From small bites and wounds to acne and dandruff, this miracle oil can do it all. Just like most essential oils, tea tree oil cannot be taken orally, and most only be put on the skin in a diluted form. However, it is not recommended for long-term use, as research is still being taken to see if there are any side effects.
Ginger
Ginger is another excellent plant used in cooking and can help our bodies in several ways. From muscle pain and soreness to nausea, this miracle plant does it all. It also has many anti-inflammatory effects, which could help ease arthritis and other joint conditions. Tests are still being conducted to understand what ginger can do fully, but some individuals swear by it. If you’re feeling sick during pregnancy, it’s definitely worth giving this one a go. Try it in some tea, or make yourself some ginger gummies.
Turmeric
Another of the most popular medicinal plants is the good old turmeric. This spice has been used for thousands of years to assist with health problems and is still loved by many countries today. From depression, viral infections, arthritis, and headaches, turmeric can help it all. Some even say that it can strengthen an individual’s energy and ward off germs and diseases.
Chamomile
If you were even bitten but a lot of bugs when you were little, then chances are your mum put some chamomile lotion on you! However, did you know that it has many other purposes? In fact, chamomile is a popular tea flavor and is said to help anxiety and reduce stress. It also helps aid sleep, and some report it even has helped reduce period pain. It really is a cure-all and has been used for generations to help with all sorts of medical issues.
Lavender
Just like turmeric, lavender has been used for thousands of years for medicinal purposes and aromatherapy. The scent has been proven to aid sleep and reduce stress, but the oil itself may be able to help heal cuts and ease pain. Some experts also believe that it may be able to promote hair growth and relieve asthma symptoms. More research needs to be done, however, to confirm this.
And that’s it! This was nine different plants and their medicinal properties. Although many of these are completely safe, If you’re thinking of trying them out, make sure you speak to your local GP or doctor first, so that you can be aware of any side effects.
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