Nature has gifted us with a variety of plants that have healing properties. From Aloe Vera to Ginseng, these plants can be used to treat a range of ailments, from skin infections to anxiety. In this article, we will explore the healing benefits of some of the most popular medicinal plants and how they can be used to improve physical and mental health. Aloe Vera is one of the most popular medicinal plants.
The transparent gel inside the leaves is used to treat home burns, cuts and small skin infections. It not only heals the skin, but when taken internally it can help with digestion. 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.
Native Americans have long used Bergamot (Monarda) to treat colds and bronchial conditions. Now it is used to make herbal tea to relieve nausea. Both leaves and flowers are edible and can be used in salads. Chamomile tea (Chamaemelum nobile) is believed to improve appetite, and chamomile oil is used to treat skin rashes or added to a relaxing bath to calm nerves.
Native Americans also used Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea) for everything from snake bite to bronchitis. It is now believed that it stimulates the body's immune system and helps to overcome infections such as coughs and colds and heal minor wounds. Feverfew (Tanecetum parthenium) has been used as a treatment for migraine, although its leaves are very bitter. Lavender (Lavandula) has antiseptic and soothing properties and is good for burns, bites and cuts, as well as a massage oil to help overcome anxiety and insomnia. Calendula petals (Calendula officinalis) are edible and can be used to color and decorate food.
They also have antiseptic properties and are included in preparations to soothe and heal the skin and eyes. Aloe Vera is also known for its spiritual protection properties. The extract of the plant has a wide range of healing properties that will show if you place the plant in your zen room. Aloe Vera can efficiently purify the air and provide protection to any space. Ginger is another popular medicinal plant that comes from the underground stem of the ginger plant. It is added to food and drinks around the world for its healing benefits. Ginseng is known for its anti-aging properties as it improves learning and memory acquisition, making it a popular herb for brain health in older adults.
Vetiver is associated with mental healing for people affected by trauma by grounding and increasing the flow of vital energy within it. The components of the leaves, bark, stems, roots, seeds and flowers of these medicinal plants are used to create herbal remedies. Gingko is one of the oldest homeopathic plants and a key herb in Chinese medicine. Vetiver's soothing scent offers a relaxing sleep and also helps keep insects and rats away. People who take certain medications should not take them as the plant can interact with these drugs. In addition to teaching a course on healing Chumash at pharmacy school, Adams regularly offers plant walks for USC medical students and the public. Gingko is also known as a symbol of wealth and good fortune, making it an ideal plant for attracting positive energy at home. Now that we know that plants can be therapeutic, where do we start with which types to surround ourselves with? We turned to Balick and Brie Arthur, vice president of horticulture at Gardenuity, to learn about the best healing benefits of plants. Embrace your inner herbal spirit and explore how to improve your physical and mental health through the natural healing legacy of plants.
Aloe Vera is one of the best indoor plants as it requires little maintenance and only needs to be watered approximately every three weeks.
