Ointments, creams, pills... do you know all the benefits of plants for your health? In today's post we are going to talk about the most commonly used medicinal plants, as well as their uses and properties.
Medicinal and healing plants: What are they and how long have they been used?
Plants are living beings that, unlike animals and humans, cannot move on their own. They belong to the plant group, which also includes trees and vegetables. The science that studies them is botany.
Medicine, on the other hand, is the science that deals with the prevention and cure of diseases in humans. The word medicinis alsoused as a synonym for medicine, i.e. as a product that serves to prevent, mitigate or cure diseases.
The use of phytotherapy - the use of plants for healing and medicinal purposes - is much older than the medicines we use today, which are created synthetically in scientific laboratories. The practice of this ancient science dates back more than seven millennia.
Over time, mankind discovered and learned to use the healing properties of certain plant species to treat everything from the most common to the most deadly ailments.
Several discoveries from the ancient world, such as the Ebers papyrus, show the medicinal use of more than 700 species of herbs and plants as early as 1550 BC. Much later, during the 19th and 20th centuries, our great-grandfathers, and especially our great-grandmothers, acted as general practitioners, using medicinal herbs to prepare tonics, ointments and poultices to relieve the ailments of the whole family.
what are medicinal plants used for?
Plants with healing properties are a gift of nature that have been used since prehistoric times. Our ancestors, as well as taking advantage of their benefits to treat illnesses and ailments, also used them to reverse spells and/or evil spells.
Over time, as science and industry developed, the active ingredients of plants have been formatted into creams, tablets or syrups to cure or alleviate a wide range of health problems, from toothache to cancer.
Many people rely on natural medicine obtained directly from nature rather than on pharmaceuticals manufactured in chemical laboratories.
medicinal plants or pharmaceutical drugs?
For its part, the pharmaceutical industry does not approve of the use and sale of certain plants and herbal medicines that are available in shops and on the Internet. This type of sale, sometimes without any control or scientific backing, could be harmful. These are usually fat-burning, revitalising, hair-strengthening, or even sex-enhancing products. At best, we will have spent money for nothing; at worst, we could seriously compromise our health.
But as we say, there are many people who turn to plants and herbs to treat their ailments as their properties are more than proven. There is no reason to renounce natural medicine from the plant world, although you should always seek the advice of medical professionals and avoid charlatans, shamans or healers with no training or reliable knowledge.
When used properly, plants are a perfect alternative to conventional medicine, but before using them, it is advisable to seek the advice of a medical specialist.
Medicinal plants in common use
The list of medicinal plants is almost endless. We have selected some of the best known, most widely used and most effective for maintaining good all-round health and preventing illness.
- aloe vera: the list of properties of this plant is infinite: a real wild card that acts as a healing, softening, toxin purifier, antioxidant, analgesic, painkiller, soothing?
- Angelica: the extract of this root rebalances the nervous system and is a powerful revitaliser, among other properties.
- Aniseed: aniseed seeds combat problems such as gas, slow and heavy digestion, flatulence and respiratory problems.
- Arenaria: its benefits include its great efficacy as a diuretic and cleanser of the organism.
- Turmeric: anti-inflammatory properties. Eliminates possible cancerous elements.
- Juniper: effective against migraines, migraine headaches and kidney stones.
- Hawthorn: heart problems and hypertension.
- Ginseng: A true miracle plant, effective against a thousand and one ailments: it promotes memory, eliminates tiredness and stress, regulates glucose and cholesterol levels, prevents cancer, increases libido and combats impotence, among other benefits.
- Poppies: effective against sleep problems, irritability, nervousness and irritable coughs.
- Ginger: strengthens the heart and circulatory system. Combats tiredness and sinusitis.
- Laurel: Among other properties, it is effective against arteriosclerosis, rheumatic, bronchial and respiratory problems.
- Celery: powerful healing agent. It combats problems of aphonia or arrhythmias, among others.
- Lavender: reduces anxiety levels, eliminates bad smells, and is effective for healing wounds and relieving migraines and migraine headaches.
- Seaweed: increasingly used in Western culture for its numerous benefits and its high mineral and vitamin content.
- Yarrow: relieves the unpleasant symptoms of menopause, and combats swelling and inflammation of veins and varicose veins.
- Blueberries: The leaves of this fruit help to lower blood sugar levels.
- Olive tree: multiple properties: problems of hypertension, arrhythmias, etc. It increases healthy cholesterol levels and blocks viruses. Also used for its antibiotic properties.
- Mugwort: as a treatment for menstrual pain and swelling.
- Lime blossom: acts against stress, insomnia, and in general against problems of nervous origin.
We ship plants to all locations, you can see more options here.
Medicinal plants are a perfect ally for maintaining general well-being. In addition to their medicinal benefits, we can also take advantage of their beauty as ornamental plants for the home. medicinal plants are the best natural treatment for beauty and health!