Plant-based medicines, popularly known as traditional medicines in the old days, were used to treat various ailments and improve health. They were derived from the root, stem, bark, branch, leaves, or fruits of a particular plant, depending on its medicinal properties.
Over time, modern medicine borrowed from the effectiveness of these plants to manufacture today’s medicine. However, even with modern medicine, a large population around the world still depends on the natural world to make treatments.
This brief article will highlight the most popular plant-based medicines available in almost every corner of the world and the ailments they treat.
Aloe Vera: The Healing Plant
Aloe vera is a common plant that grows under different climatic conditions and is popularly known for its versatile medicinal value. This plant has succulent leaves harvested for their slippery liquid, which has soothing properties. The leaves are commonly applied to treat various skin conditions by applying the leaf extract directly on the surface. It’s also effective for treating minor skin irritations, cuts, and insect bites.
Due to its cooling effect, aloe vera gel is used to immediately relieve and heal burns and sunburns. Its compounds also promote healing. Its juice helps resolve certain digestive issues, such as constipation and irritable bowel.
Turmeric: The Golden Spice
Turmeric is a bright yellow spice often used in recipes. The tuber contains a compound called curcumin, which has great medicinal properties. It acts as an anti-inflammatory agent, helping reduce inflammation in the body, and an antioxidant, protecting cells from damage.
For those suffering from joint pains due to arthritis, it will help relieve pressure on the affected region when consumed as part of the diet. When added to your diet as a spice or taken as a supplement, it can help with conditions like indigestion and bloating.
Ginger: The Stomach Soother
A ginger plant, its root is used in traditional medicine mainly for its ability to soothe digestive issues. It’s also highly effective in treating nausea and vomiting, including morning sickness in expectant mothers and motion sickness when traveling.
Like turmeric, ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce muscle pain and soreness. You can consume ginger fresh, dried, or in supplement form to enhance digestion and help relieve indigestion and bloating.
Cannabis: The Versatile Healer
The controversial cannabis plant has gained a lot of attention from the medical field due to its medicinal properties. Unlike the way it was posed as a drug with negative influence, in recent years, it has been found to contain valuable compounds, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol).
In countries like the United Kingdom, cannabis medicine is regulated and offered in licensed clinics for the treatment of several conditions, such as chronic pain from conditions like arthritis and multiple sclerosis. Hence, if you have a patient, finding the best medical cannabis clinics in the UK may not be a challenge.
The specialized clinics also use cannabis to help patients deal with anxiety, depression, insomnia, and PTSD. The clinics offer it to patients using vaporisers and edibles for comfort and to enhance the effectiveness of the plant’s compounds.
Echinacea: The Immune Booster
Echinacea is a flowering plant often used to boost the immune system, making people less susceptible to infections. Hence, it is commonly used to prevent and treat the common cold and flu by reducing the intensity and recovery period. For immune support, it’s best to start taking it at the first sign of a cold or flu.
Echinacea can also be applied to the skin to promote wound healing by protecting it from infection and reducing inflammation. It can be used in various forms, including adding it to your cup of tea. Modern labs also produce Echinacea capsules for ease of ingestion.
Garlic: The Heart Helper
Garlic is usually used when cooking to add flavor to food, but you may not know its medicinal value. While enjoying garlic in your meals, it can help control your blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Hence, it saves you from the risk of getting heart-related diseases.
It also contains antimicrobial and antiviral properties, which help your body fight various infections. If a patient has an inflammatory condition, it can relieve the inflammatory condition.
Garlic tubers can be eaten raw or cooked, but modern medicine has made garlic supplements available for those who don’t like its taste or smell.
Peppermint: The Digestive Aid
Peppermint is another plant used for centuries to treat digestive problems such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome. It contains oils that effectively relieve bloating, gas, and abdominal pain. Peppermint can also help relieve symptoms of respiratory conditions like colds and congestion. Due to its refreshing aroma, it is good for suppressing nausea and relieving headaches and congestion when strategically applied on the surface.
