lants are essential to life on this planet, and their use dates back to the beginning of human history when early humans first observed animals nibbling on certain plants after giving birth or when injured or sick. They provide us with food and shelter, supply oxygen and cleanse the air, and contain innumerable healing properties. Plants were the only source of treating ailments until the 19th century, with the development of chemistry and the synthesis of organic compounds. Medicinal plant remedies generally come in the form of infusions, teas, tinctures, ointments, syrups, creams, infused oils, and essential oils. While there are endless medicinal plants with many different healing properties, the following are a few of the most common.
1 Wild Roses: Wild rose hips are the most frequently used part of the plant for their many medicinal properties, although the petals are also used. The hips are an extremely rich source of Vitamin C, and five rose hips are said to contain more Vitamin C than a whole lemon! Rose hips also contain Vitamins A, B3, D, E, and P, and minerals include calcium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, and more. Rose hips lower saturated fat and triglycerides in the body, control blood pressure and are good for the heart. They prevent colds and flu and are supposed to contain powerful antioxidants in addition to anti-carcinogenic properties. A rosehip tonic fights mucus inflammation of the throat and eyes. Herbal teas made of wild rose leaf and hips will treat diarrhea and act as a mild diuretic. An infusion of the hips and roots treats colds, flu, diarrhea, minor infectious diseases, scurvy, dysentery, stomach problems and gastritis. Infusions can also be used as “an analgesic to treat nervous headaches.” Dried wild rose flowers make a good heartburn treatment, and wild rose petals help to close pores and keep skin firm. The seeds are rich in Vitamin E, and oil from said seeds can be used externally to treat burns, scars, and wrinkles. A strong decoction of the entire plant will treat bladder infections, inflammations, kidney problems, stress, nervousness, and menstrual pains.
2 Watercress: This salad green contains loads of vitamins, including B1, 2, 3, 5, 6, and 17, and A, C, D, E, and K. Minerals found in watercress include calcium, phosphorus, iron, sodium, zinc, silica, and more. Watercress is “renowned in herbal history as a spring-cleaning herb” that purifies the blood and tones the whole system. It is an antibiotic, antiseptic, antioxidant, diuretic, expectorant, stomachic, digestive, stimulant, and is antibacterial. It is used to treat coughs, colds, asthma, tuberculosis, bronchial ailments, emphysema, pain, stress, arthritis, stiff back/joints, diabetes, anemia, constipation, bad eyesight, leukemia, heart conditions, hemorrhaging, scabies, bleeding gums, eczema, parasites, kidney and gallstones, lack of energy, sluggish menstruation, indigestion, poor circulation, and alcoholism. It also works as a body deodorizer and aids in weight loss. With the exception of horseradish, watercress contains more sulfur than any other vegetable. Foods rich in sulfur are extremely important in the absorption of protein, purifying the blood, and cell building for healthy skin and hair.
3 Aloe Vera: Aloe Vera is probably best known as an excellent topical treatment for burns, yet it has many other valuable external and internal properties. It contains Vitamins A, B, E, B12, and folic acid and includes minerals calcium, copper, iron, potassium, magnesium, sodium, and zinc. Internally, Aloe Vera is an effective antibacterial and antifungal agent. It is used to treat peptic ulcers, gastrointestinal disorders, constipation, and intestinal infections. Aloe Vera has “shown real promise” as an AIDS treatment as it is an immune system stimulant. It has also been shown to help prevent infections triggered by a system weakened from HIV/AIDS. Aloe Vera also works as a cancer treatment by “activating white blood cells and promoting growth of non-cancerous cells.” Topically, Aloe Vera works to treat blisters, burns, insect bites, sores, rashes, herpes sores, athlete’s foot, fungus, vaginal infections, sties, allergic reactions, sunburn, dry skin, shingles, frostbite, acne, warts, wrinkles, eczema, rosacea, psoriasis, and for screening out X-ray radiation.
4 Catnip: Catnip is widely known for inducing somewhat wacky behavior in cats, but its medicinal uses have been renowned for centuries. Catnip contains volatile oils including citronella and bitter principle tannins, which are polyphenols. The leaves and flowering tops of catnip work as an antispasmodic, carminative, astringent, diaphoretic, refrigerant, sedative, stomachic, and tonic. Catnip has a long history of treating digestive disorders and works as a fever reducer as it induces sweating. Fresh catnip juice can help promote menstruation while mild catnip tea reduces feelings of nervousness, especially in children. Mild tea also treats colic in babies. A stronger tea relieves fevers from cold and flu. It also calms the stomach and prevents nausea and diarrhea. Catnip can also be applied externally or added to a bath to treat skin irritations. A strong infusion can be used on carpets or the fur of pets as a non-toxic flea repellent.
5 Wild Strawberry: Those little strawberries growing in your backyard are not weeds! Wild strawberries have been used throughout history for their treatment of various stomach ailments and jaundice. They contain numerous minerals, vitamins B, C, and E, and the leaves, berries, and roots can all be used. An infusion that uses the leaves can treat diarrhea, jaundice, infection, and inflammation of the gastric tract. It also stimulates the appetite. The juice can be used to treat liver disorders including hepatitis, chronic hepatitis, and cirrhosis. Diabetes, gout, arteriosclerosis, and high cholesterol levels can be alleviated by incorporating wild strawberry into the diet over a period of 12 days. It is helpful to eat wild strawberry during hot weather as it has a cooling effect on the body and stimulates the nervous system against fatigue and asthenia. Topically, wild strawberry can be used as a poultice to treat sunburns and other skin inflammation. Mashed strawberries used in facial treatments revive and refresh the skin while combating wrinkles. These are only a few of the many medicinal plants out there. It is advised that you do your own thorough research before using any medicinal plant due to possible allergies and existing conditions that can interact poorly with medicinal plants. Generally, side effects are very unlikely, and medicinal plants are an extremely healthy way to keep the body working properly!
