Most effective medicinal plants and what they are for

re known as those that can be used for a specific healing purpose. There are extracts or parts of them with very beneficial properties for health.

The use of medicinal plants has been going on since prehistoric times; These were widely used to combat different ailments and pathologies . They are currently living one of their greatest times of splendor since many people reject the use of traditional chemical drugs since they consider that they contain compounds that are not beneficial for the body

The most effective medicinal plants

Below we point out which are the medicinal plants with the greatest number of properties and benefits for health, both physical and mental. All of them are of great help when treating a wide range of ailments that affect different areas of the body: respiratory system, digestive system , urinary system …

aloe vera

Aloe vera is one of the medicinal plants with the greatest number of benefits and properties for the body.

Regarding its use, in the vast majority of occasions its gel is used as a topical . For the gel to be 100% effective and take advantage of all its properties, it is recommended that the aloe plant be between three and five years old and has been two or three days without watering so that the gel is more concentrated. This gel has antiseptic, bactericidal, anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties.

Thus, it is common to use aloe vera gel for cuts, wounds, and any type of minor injury to the skin; noticeably reduces scars and also accelerates the healing process. It is also used to relieve pain from burns and insect bites. People with dermatological problems such as acne or blemishes on the face also make use of this 100% natural ingredient.

In addition to applying aloe vera gel to the skin, it can also be applied to the hair; detaches dandruff while caring for the scalp from the sun’s UV rays.

Chamomile

Along with aloe vera, chamomile is another of the most widely used medicinal plants in the world. It has healing properties, as well as aesthetic. And, although in the vast majority of occasions it is consumed in the form of an infusion, it can also be used as a natural ingredient in numerous skin and hair treatments.

The main properties of this plant are anti-inflammatory, antiallergic, antibacterial and sedative. In addition, it significantly improves intestinal transit , so an infusion of chamomile is highly recommended to relieve the pain of a large number of digestive disorders: stomach heaviness, ulcers, gastritis … It is also very effective in combating diseases. respiratory system, such as bronchitis or colds.

Regarding aesthetics, chamomile is commonly used to lighten hair . A plant that is also excellent for regenerating skin tissues; in this case, it is applied in the form of a poultice.

Valerian

Another of the most consumed medicinal plants globally is valerian; its properties balance the central nervous system , so that it acts as a sedative and relaxant. It is therefore used in cases of nervousness, mild anxiety, and insomnia .

In addition to its relaxing properties, valerian has many other functions. On the one hand, it regulates blood pressure, thus improving the functioning of the body and minimizing the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as myocardial infarction . On the other hand, it is very effective in calming the pain of stomach cramps thanks to its antispasmodic function. And finally, valerian significantly relieves headaches thanks to its sedative and soothing properties.

The form of consumption of this plant is usually in the form of an infusion. To soothe headaches, it is best to soak a compress or a cotton cloth in the infusion and apply to the painful area.

Mint

Peppermint has been used for several thousand years to treat and alleviate the symptoms of a wide range of diseases. It is one of the most widely used plants in the world as it has a wide variety of curative uses. Here we review some of the most prominent.

Peppermint is very effective in soothing infections and skin eruptions , such as burns or wounds; helps their healing and, in addition, prevents them from becoming infected. In addition, it works very well to reduce congestion in the respiratory system , making it a plant widely used to soothe colds and coughs . It also cures digestive system problems such as bloating and flatulence.

To all this we must add another curative use: the tranquilizer . The mint serves to calm the states of stress and anxiety and, in addition, it favors the good rest. And finally, thanks to its anticoagulant properties, it improves blood circulation significantly.

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus is a tree native to Australia that offers a wide range of health benefits and uses. Its fresh leaves are used to make essential oils and the dried ones for infusions.

One of the most common uses for it is to soothe the symptoms of illnesses such as the cold or the flu . In this case, eucalyptus can be taken as an infusion; or take an inhalation. In addition, thanks to its disinfectant and antiseptic properties , it is used to treat viral processes and respiratory conditions such as bronchitis or asthma .

It is also very effective as a mouthwash for inflamed gums , as well as to disinfect any type of wound inside the mouth.

Horse tail

The hair tail is one of the most complete medicinal plants that exist, as well as one of the most consumed. It has great therapeutic properties, especially for its cleansing effects in skin care ; in addition, it is antiseptic and anti-inflammatory.

The medicinal use of horsetail has its origin in Ancient Rome and Greece; It was used as a treatment for wounds as it has healing properties. Horsetail is also very rich in flavonoids and alkaloids, so it is an excellent natural cleanser and diuretic ; in some cases it can increase urine secretion by 30%, thus improving problems related to fluid retention.

In addition, this plant is rich in silicon, a mineral that greatly facilitates the body to store calcium in greater quantity and, thus, promote the regeneration of bones. Silicon also makes horsetail a natural ingredient that strengthens hair, preventing hair loss, as well as the appearance of dandruff.

Ginseng

The ginseng root has been given many benefits and properties for several thousand years. One of the most widespread uses is to increase physical and mental performance since this plant notably stimulates memory functions in both young and old; and it is that it helps to reinforce the capacity in states of great physical and physical exhaustion, reducing the feeling of fatigue.

In addition, ginseng activates the immune system , strengthening it and minimizing the risk of suffering from diseases such as the flu or the cold. It also protects the cardiovascular system as it reduces blood pressure as well as the heart rate level.

And finally, thanks to the hypoglycemic properties of ginsenosides, this natural plant increases insulin levels.

Nettle

Nettle is one of the medicinal plants that offers a greater number of benefits and properties to the body. One of its best known functions is to stop bleeding as it acts as a vasoconstrictor. In addition, it stimulates the digestive system, thus improving its function; nettle is rich in mucilage, a fiber that promotes bowel movements , so it acts as a laxative.

Its high content of chlorophyll makes nettle an excellent natural remedy for the formation of red blood cells , key to the proper functioning of the body as they are responsible for the transport of oxygen to the cells.

Chicory

Chicory is a plant that has a large number of medicinal properties. It comes from North Africa, as well as Europe and Asia. The Egyptians already used it to treat problems related to the liver and gallbladder.

Among the active ingredients in chicory, inulin, choline, tannins, chicoric acid, starch, minerals and vitamins such as B, C, K and P stand out.   It is in the root that most of these active principles are concentrated.

This plant helps the body better absorb calcium and other minerals . In addition, it is very effective in treating various problems such as hemorrhoids and colitis. It also improves the symptoms of diseases such as diabetes , while significantly reducing blood cholesterol levels.

Chicory is a plant that stimulates the appetite, so it is best to consume it between meals. For those who have blood glucose problems, it is best to drink two cups of chicory infusion daily.

Lavender

Lavender is another of the medicinal plants with the greatest number of beneficial properties for the general health of the body. It greatly favors numerous physical and mental processes, relieving the symptoms of headache , as well as preventing insomnia, in addition to many other uses.

This plant is rich in polyphenols, powerful antioxidants that reduce the bacteria present in the intestine, thus improving transit. In addition, it is very useful to relieve the itching and itching of mosquito bites since lavender is a natural anti-inflammatory.

One of its most appreciated benefits is that it favors rest since it reduces both heart rate and blood pressure. It is recommended to place a bowl with several dried leaves of this plant on the bedside table, next to the bed.

Linen

Flax seeds are one of the trend foods today since, in addition to having a really delicious flavor, it offers a wide range of properties and benefits for the body. It is the richest vegetable in Omega 3 fatty acids , which are responsible for taking care of cardiovascular health since they control cholesterol levels to a great extent.

These seeds also contain digestive enzymes , which promote intestinal transit, preventing diseases such as constipation . In addition, some studies have indicated that the fiber present in flax seeds helps reduce blood sugar levels, preventing diseases such as diabetes.

When it comes to the skin, these seeds offer deep hydration. They also take care of the hair, relieving and reducing dandruff.

Borage

A medicinal plant widely consumed throughout the world thanks to its nutritional properties; In addition, it can be consumed in many different ways, which is a great advantage.

Borage is rich in vitamins C and A , two of the most powerful natural antioxidants; help the body to fight free radicals , thus preventing premature aging of the skin and cells. In addition, it has a high content of soluble fiber in the form of mucilage, which reduces blood cholesterol levels and prevents diseases of the digestive system such as constipation.

It is also a very rich plant calcium and phosphorus, two essential nutrients to prevent diseases such as osteoporosis , which arise as a result of bone loss.

Red cranberry

Cranberry has an exquisite flavor, halfway between sour and sweet. Regarding its properties, its high content of proanthocyanidins and other antioxidants stands out. Well, it is precisely proanthocyanidins that prevent the proliferation of bacteria related to urinary tract infections.

In addition, the cranberry contains powerful antioxidants that help greatly to take care of the health of the body and prevent diseases such as arteriosclerosis.

It is usually consumed in the form of juice. Several studies have shown that cranberry juice is very effective in killing some bacteria found in the mouth that cause dental plaque. Thus, it is highly recommended to prevent gum disease and cavities.

White hawthorn

Hawthorn is a very powerful natural plant for treating various conditions related to heart health; that is why in many cases it is known as “the plant of the heart . ” It favors the dilation of blood vessels, thus stimulating the contraction of the heart and improving arterial circulation.

In addition, it has antioxidant properties , which significantly reduces the risk of blood vessels degeneration. It also prevents and relieves the symptoms of high blood pressure. Therefore, hawthorn plays a very important role in preventing life-threatening diseases such as myocardial infarction.

Beyond its beneficial properties for the heart muscle, this plant is also very effective in treating problems related to poor circulation, anxiety, vertigo , and irritability.

Sage

Sage has been used since ancient times as a natural remedy to promote and accelerate the healing process of wounds. It is very useful when treating throat inflammations, as well as episodes of pharyngitis and diarrhea .

It is one of the natural plants with the greatest number of health properties: bactericidal, healing, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, relaxing, diuretic … It notably stimulates the elimination of excess sugar in the blood, thus helping to regulate blood sugar. blood levels. It also has a stimulating effect on the central nervous system, so it is recommended for use in cases of exhaustion, fatigue and apathy.

In the case of women, it minimizes the symptoms of both premenstrual and menstrual syndrome; relieves irritability, bloating, and frequent headaches.

Balm

Melissa is a medicinal plant with both relaxing and toning properties. It is used to treat states of anxiety, as well as depression and nervous tension. For these cases, it is best to consume lemon balm as an infusion.

Another of the properties attributed to lemon balm is that it calms digestive discomforts, promoting digestion and intestinal transit .

You can also apply this plant as a cream; It comes in handy to speed up the healing process of wounds and burns, as well as to alleviate the symptoms of insect bites.

Blue verbena

Blue verbena is a healing plant that has been used since ancient times by a large number of cultures, such as Greek and Roman, among many others. It has very interesting properties both to treat and to prevent certain ailments: digestive, sedative, anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic, anti-anemic …

Thus, blue verbena helps the body to alleviate the symptoms of diseases such as colds and flu , also accelerating the healing process. It also improves slow and heavy digestions, speeding up intestinal transit. Another of the properties attributed to this plant has to do with the liver; It is used as a natural remedy in cases of fatty liver , jaundice or inflammation.

It is also used in cases of stress as it has sedative properties. And finally, when it comes to joint pain, an infusion or a poultice of blue verbena on the painful area are excellent remedies.

Thyme

Thyme is widely used throughout the world, especially to relieve ailments of the digestive system , such as stomach pain, colic and flatulence. It is also used to treat and relieve the symptoms of diseases of the respiratory system, such as pharyngitis or angina.

This plant can be used both internally as an infusion, and externally as a poultice. In the first case, it has digestive, antiseptic, relaxing and antirheumatic properties. In the second case, thyme is a great muscle relaxant, healing and anti-sweat.

Among its most frequent uses are the following: to promote digestion, whet the appetite, combat anemia thanks to its high iron content , eliminate germs typical of infections, alleviate the symptoms of rheumatic diseases, and alleviate the sensation of fatigue both physically and mentally.

Ginger

Ginger root is one of the most beneficial natural ingredients for the body, with a large selection of medicinal properties. One of the most outstanding is that it improves blood circulation thanks to its high content of magnesium and zinc. In addition, it inhibits the accumulation of bad cholesterol in the liver, minimizing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Ginger considerably improves the absorption of nutrients by the stomach since it favors the stimulation of stomach secretion, as well as pancreatic enzymes.

Another of the most frequent uses of this medicinal plant is the prevention of flu and colds thanks to its antibiotic properties.

Kidron

And finally, the lemon verbena, also known as lemon verbena. A plant native to South America with a wide range of very interesting medicinal properties for both physical and mental health.

This plant improves digestion , promoting transit and preventing diseases such as constipation in both children and adults. In addition, thanks to its relaxing properties, lemon verbena is of great help in states of nervousness and anxiety .

It is also helpful in reducing abdominal swelling and inflammation, as well as in treating irritable bowel syndrome . It has healing properties, so it is also effective in preventing wounds from becoming infected.

Conclution

As you can see, the range of medicinal plants that exists is very wide. Taking into account its properties and benefits, depending on the ailment you want to treat, you should choose to consume one or the other.

The vast majority of these plants can be consumed both as an infusion and as a poultice. Preparing the infusion is very simple. It is enough to put water to boil and, when it reaches its boiling point, add the plant that you are going to use; cook over low heat for a few minutes, remove, and let it warm.

When the infusion has cooled a bit, you can take it as such; Or, if what you want is to accelerate the healing process and avoid wound infections and burns, soak a compress in it, and apply on the affected area.

In the case of eucalyptus or mint, two very beneficial plants for treating the symptoms of diseases such as colds and flu, their vapors can also be inhaled. To do this, as soon as you prepare the infusion, cover your head with a towel and lean slightly over the container.