A guide to common medicinal herbsChamomile. Flower) Considered by some to be a cure for everything, chamomile is commonly used in the U.S. UU. This is an alphabetical list of plants used in herbalism.
Herbal remedies use flowers, leaves and oil from their seeds. The oil is often used for skin disorders, such as eczema, rheumatoid arthritis, symptoms of premenstrual disorders and swelling. In some situations, borage oil is added to infant formula to get the extra fatty acids that premature babies need.
Medicinal plants
are useful to have on hand to treat common ailments.You can use certain medicinal plants to relieve headaches, tummy problems and even irritation caused by insect bites. Plants can be consumed in teas, used as a garnish, applied topically as essential oil, or consumed as a lozenge. To help you decide which plants are best for you, we gathered our main medicinal plants, their remarkable health benefits and how to use them. Catnip (nepeta cataria) is a fun plant for cats.
Most cats are attracted to the plant and roll close to it, since its scent acts as a stimulant. These medicinal plants also act as sedatives for cats if consumed. For humans, on the other hand, it is normally used as an analgesic for stress, sleep aid, and as a solution for skin problems. Most of its health benefits come from the presence of nepetalactone, thymol and other compounds that make this plant ideal for you and your furry friend.
Cayenne pepper (capsicum annuum) adds a spicy touch to any food or drink and is a popular detoxifier for many people. Capsaicin is the compound responsible for the spicy nature of cayenne, but it is also responsible for some of its health benefits. Some of these benefits include pain relief and cholesterol reduction. Chamomile (feverfew chamomilla) has a high concentration of antioxidants that make it a great plant for relieving a variety of ailments.
Chamomile is commonly consumed as tea and you can make it at home by brewing dried chamomile flowers (just make sure that the flowers are completely dry). Drinking a cup of chamomile tea before bed can help you relax and have a more restful night's sleep. Echinacea (echinacea purpurea) is also commonly known as purple echinacea. This is another flower that is normally used in tea to help calm different symptoms and strengthen the immune system.
This popular herb is most often used to speed up recovery from the common cold. It is important to note that echinacea can cause negative effects, such as nausea and dizziness, if taken consistently in large doses. Ashwagandha comes from the plant Withania somnifera, also known as ginseng from India and winter cherry from India. The evergreen shrub is native to Africa and Asia and grows in parts of the Middle East and India.
Ashwagandha has been used for thousands of years for its medicinal properties. This versatile herb is common in Ayurvedic medicine (Indian traditional medicine system) to increase energy levels, decrease anxiety and stress, and reduce pain and inflammation. Ashwagandha is also used to improve male sexual health, as the herb can increase testosterone levels in men. The root of the woody plant is said to support erectile dysfunction, increase libido (sexual desire) and improve sexual pleasure.
Ashwagandha is available in the form of capsules, tincture and powder as a dietary supplement. Ashwagandha powder may taste earthy and bitter, so it's best to mix it with something, such as milkshakes, desserts, and coffee or tea. It has traditionally been mixed with honey, ghee or water. Most people don't immediately feel the effects of ashwagandha.
It may take weeks before the benefits of ashwagandha are noticed. Ashwagandha is generally safe for most adults. Common side effects include drowsiness, gastrointestinal upset and diarrhea. People who take certain medications, such as anticonvulsants, benzodiazepines and barbiturates, should not take them, as the plant can interact with these drugs.
Do not take ashwagandha if you are pregnant, as high doses can cause miscarriage. Chamomile is a popular herbal remedy in the United States, commonly used to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, a division of the National Institutes of Health, chamomile is likely to be safe when used as tea. And it can be safe for oral use in the short term.
Not enough is known about the long-term safety of using chamomile for medicinal purposes. In Europe, chamomile is used to help heal wounds and reduce inflammation and swelling. Its proven effectiveness supports the popularity of this herbal remedy. You can also add ice to tea if you prefer a cooler drink.
Chamomile is available for purchase as tea and in capsule form in most health food stores. If you use capsules, look for pharmaceutical-grade products. Other grades, such as therapeutic grade, may not be of such high quality. Chamomile can cause allergic reactions, and some people have reported anaphylaxis (a severe whole-body allergic reaction that can be fatal) from its use.
Avoid using chamomile if you take blood thinners or the anti-rejection drug cyclosporine. May interact negatively with these medications. Echinacea is a flowering plant belonging to the daisy family. The large magenta petals of the flower unfold in early or late summer.
It grows in eastern and central North America, and the leaf, stem and root of echinacea are commonly used for medicinal purposes. Echinacea has traditionally been used as a remedy for toothache, intestinal pain, snake bites, seizures, skin irritation, arthritis and pain. Today, echinacea is a home remedy that is commonly used to shorten the duration or prevent the common cold and flu. It is also widely used to promote wound healing.
Echinacea is rich in substances that are believed to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and have antiviral and antioxidant effects. Some studies show a minor benefit of using echinacea to possibly prevent upper respiratory tract infections. However, further studies are needed to determine its effectiveness in preventing or shortening the duration of a cold. Echinacea can be harmful to the digestive system and can cause stomach upset.
Experts say echinacea should only be used in the short term. Long-term use (eight weeks or more) may affect the body's immune system and liver. Consult your healthcare professional before using echinacea. It may interact with medications you are taking, particularly medications that are known to affect the liver.
If you are allergic to plants in the daisy family, such as ragweed, calendula, and daisies, you may have an allergic reaction to echinacea. Garlic is a perennial plant native to Central Asia that is cultivated for its tasty bulbs. It is now cultivated all over the world by many cultures. Garlic is valued both for cooking and for its medicinal properties.
Humans have been using garlic for thousands of years. Traditional medicinal uses include preventing infections, lowering blood pressure, treating tuberculosis, colic, liver disease, intestinal worms, and reducing fever. Compounds found in garlic have antimicrobial, anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties. Research shows that garlic can lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Garlic may be effective in preventing certain types of cancer. Research shows that regular consumption of cooked or raw garlic can reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. Garlic can be consumed both cooked and raw. It can also be used in powder to season meats, vegetables, soups and stews.
Talk to your doctor if you plan to take garlic supplements for its health benefits. Garlic may increase the risk of bleeding and should not be used if you are taking blood thinners. For that same reason, do not take large amounts of garlic before surgery or dental procedures. Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is a plant with a leafy stem and greenish-yellow flowers.
Originally from Asia and India, ginger belongs to the Zingiberaceae family. This versatile spice comes from the underground stem of the ginger plant and is added to food and drinks around the world. Ginger has been widely used since the 16th century in many traditional medicines around the world. More than 2,000 years ago, ginger was so prized and sought after for its medicinal properties that one pound equaled the cost of a sheep.
It was used as a remedy for common ailments, such as nausea, pain and vomiting. Nowadays, ginger has the distinction of being classified as a herb, food and medicine. In terms of its medicinal properties, ginger is perhaps best known for its ability to help reduce nausea. Research confirms that ginger may help relieve nausea and vomiting in people undergoing surgery and pregnancy-related nausea.
Ginger May Also Help Relieve Chemotherapy-Related Nausea. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, ginger is also an effective analgesic. A study found that ginger helped reduce pain and increase mobility in people with osteoarthritis. Ginger is versatile and is used in many forms, including fresh, dried, pickled, candied and powdered.
It has a strong, pungent smell and tastes a little sweet and spicy. Ground ginger root is what is normally found on store spice shelves. Commonly used for cooking and baking. There are numerous ways to consume ginger, including in tea.
You can buy ginger tea bags at most grocery stores or make them at home with fresh ginger. If you consume fresh ginger, peel the skin with a vegetable peeler before use. Ginger is considered safe when taken orally as a dietary supplement, and may also be safe when used topically (on the skin). Side effects are generally mild and include diarrhea, heartburn and abdominal discomfort, especially when consumed in large doses.
While using ginger during pregnancy is considered safe, talk to your healthcare professional before using it if you want to reduce pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting. Ginkgo biloba (widely known as ginkgo) is one of the oldest surviving tree species. Originally from Asia, ginkgo is one of the best-selling herbal remedies in the United States. Gingko leaves are used to create extracts, capsules and tablets.
The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health points out that there is no conclusive evidence that gingko helps any medical condition. Gingko may increase the risk of bleeding. It should not be taken with NSAIDs, anticoagulants, anticonvulsants or tricyclic antidepressants due to possible drug interactions. Ginseng is a well-known herb that is credited with several health benefits.
Sometimes called the “human root” because it has the shape of a person, there are many types of ginseng. American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) is a perennial herbaceous plant native to deciduous forests in the United States. Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng) is native to China, Korea and eastern Siberia. The botanical name Panax is derived from the word “panacea”, which represents the versatile uses of ginseng for medicinal purposes.
Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus) is also called eleuthero or ci wu jia in traditional Chinese medicine. It is less tonic than the other types and works more like an adaptogen. Panax notoginseng, also called radix notoginseng or sanchi, is traditionally used to control bleeding. Ginseng has been used for thousands of years in traditional Chinese medicine.
The herb has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-obesity and antiviral properties, which makes it a popular herb for medicinal use even today. Research Shows Ginseng Helps Improve Circulation, Boosts Immunity, and Protects Against Certain Cancers. This powerful herb has also been shown to lower blood sugar levels and improve treatments for diabetes. Studies show ginseng improves learning and memory acquisition, making it a popular anti-aging herb to support brain health in older adults.
Ginseng has also been shown to reduce inflammation in the body and have pain-relieving and inflammation-reducing potency comparable to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). There are many ways to consume ginseng to get its health benefits. If you buy fresh ginseng, you can eat it raw or steamed. Freshly sliced ginseng can also be soaked in hot water to make tea.
It can also be added to food and is popularly used in soups and sautées. However, these culinary uses are too expensive if you buy expensive ginseng. Ginseng is also available for purchase in health food stores and in some pharmacies as a dietary supplement. It can be purchased in the form of capsules, powder and extract.
There is currently no recommended daily dose of ginseng, and various amounts have been examined in research studies, ranging from 0.5 to 3 grams per day of fresh ginseng and 100 to 800 mg of extract. If you use ginseng supplements, be sure to follow the dosage instructions on the label. Ginseng is generally safe for consumption without serious side effects. The most common side effects include headache, gastrointestinal discomfort and difficulty sleeping.
There is some evidence to suggest that prolonged use of ginseng decreases its effectiveness, so you should take the supplement for two or three weeks with a break of one or two weeks to enjoy its benefits. If you take medicines for diabetes, monitor your glucose levels closely when you consume ginseng to make sure your levels don't drop too low. Talk to your healthcare professional before taking a ginseng supplement if you are currently taking any medications. Do not take ginseng if you have a bleeding disorder or are taking blood thinners, such as Coumadin (Warfarin).
One of the most popular herbs in the world, lavender (Lavandula) is a pleasantly smelling perennial shrub that grows on low mounds and is native to the Mediterranean. Lavender belongs to the mint family and thrives in many places around the world. Lavender has been used by humans for centuries, for everything from perfume to aromatherapy and medicinal purposes. The therapeutic properties of the herb were traditionally used to treat insect bites and burns, clean wounds and protect against certain diseases.
Today, evidence suggests that lavender promotes sleep, improves memory, relieves pain and improves mood. In animal and human studies, lavender has been shown to have anticonvulsant, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities. Lavender is a potent herb that offers many medicinal and therapeutic uses. Thanks to its calming properties, lavender essential oil can be effective in calming anxiety and promoting a good night's sleep.
Lavender tea is available to buy in pre-made tea bags, or you can soak the dried lavender buds in hot water for a caffeine-free tea. Lavender essential oil may cause an allergic reaction or skin irritation in some people. Always dilute the essential oil in a carrier oil before applying it directly to the skin. If you experience headache, nausea or vomiting after use, stop using it immediately.
Do not consume lavender essential oil orally, as it can be toxic. Oral consumption of lavender, as in a tea, can cause constipation, headaches or increased appetite. Native to South Asia, turmeric is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the ginger family. It has been used for its medicinal properties for more than 4,000 years.
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. It has anti-inflammatory properties and the plant can be used to treat liver diseases, gallbladder pain, gallstones and urinary tract diseases. If you are interested in learning more about the edible and medicinal qualities of plants, check out the medicinal plants courses of Alderleaf Wild Edible %26.Salvia (salvia officinalis) is another medicinal plant that helps maintain memory and fight degenerative diseases. The ability to synthesize a wide variety of chemical compounds that are possibly used to perform important biological functions and to defend against attack by predators such as insects, fungi and herbivorous mammals is called herbal medicine.
By the way, when you're looking for wild plants and mushrooms, it's important to know how to stay safe outdoors, especially if you get lost. The Native Americans believed that this healing tree healed snake bites, and each part of the tree had a particular use. Studies show that BlackWalnut has multiple medicinal properties, including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. Gardeners often plant Joe pye grass for butterflies, and it's an absolute magnet for pollinators.
It is always possible to have an adverse reaction to any medicinal herb, and many people are allergic even to mild herbs such as chamomile. The most common way to use this medicinal plant is as a diuretic and treat aching muscles and joints. Both have a powerfully refreshing twist, but the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) reports that peppermint provides stronger medicine than its more culinary cousin. There are more than 400 species of barberry, and some of them, such as Japanese barberry, are incredibly invasive, while others, such as European barberry, are grown in the garden for food and medicine.
Many of the plants used for medicine are easy to find for free in the environment around us, either in the local park or just on the lawn behind. . .
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