16 Powerful Medicinal Plants And Their Uses
Nature has always been with us and will continue to do so. There is power in herb.
In Genesis 1: 29 "And God said Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat.
Do you need an interpreter? I do not think so. God in his wisdom gave us herbs as meat but now it is the opposite. Nature is calling!!!
Here are some plants and their uses:
1. Aloe Vera
It’s a powerful anti-inflammatory thanks to compounds in the plant such as bradykinin, and salicylate. It also contains vitamins A, B, C, and E which have both anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant qualities.
It soothes the gastrointestinal tract and is helpful in treating ulcerative colitis and mouth ulcers.
And the cooling, soothing gel from the plant can be used topically on burns, cuts, scrapes, cold sores and even sunburn.
Make sure to learn why you should be drinking aloe vera juice, and keeping aloe plants in your bedroom.
2. Arnica
Used since the 1500s for medicinal purposes, the herb Arnica can be applied to the skin to soothe muscle aches, relieve sprains, reduce inflammation and bruising and heal wounds.
However, it should not be taken orally unless in a diluted homeopathic solution as it can cause severe side effects if ingested otherwise. The homeopathic version of arnica is taken for diabetic eye damage and post-surgery pain relief.
3. Basil
Some varieties of basil (namely Ocimum americanum and Ocimum tenuiflorum) are actually as strong as anti-inflammatory drugs!
Basil extract has been shown to reduce swelling in arthritic patients by up to 73%, in just 24 hours. Other varieties of basil also kill pain, but just on a lower level.
Basil is also anti-bacterial, which explains why it is often used in dental and oral hygiene products.
4. Black Pepper
Black pepper contains piperine, a chemical which helps to counteract pain in the body.
In fact, piperine extracted from black pepper can be mixed with other ingredients to make an analgesic cream for pain relief.
This inexpensive seasoning is thought to reduce the perception of pain, inflammation and even arthritis.
5. Cardamom
In Ayurveda, cardamom has been used as a remedy for urinary tract diseases and infections like cystitis.
Studies have shown that it has gastro-protective properties and may be helpful in relieving the pain associated with stomach cramps and other stomach problems.
According to studies on animals, painful muscle spasms can be prevented by taking cardamom too thanks to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities.
7. Cayenne
Super-hot cayenne pepper contains capsaicin, a natural pain reliever and weight loss aid.
The University of Maryland explains that capsaicin in cayenne reduces the amount of substance P, a chemical that carries pain messages to the brain. Less substance P mean less messages telling your brain that you’re in pain!
Capsaicin is often used in topical pain-relieving creams and patches. In one study on topically applied capsaicin, a man with pain due to wounds from a bomb explosion experienced an 80% reduction in pain after using a high concentration patch!
7. Celery Seed
A celery seed extract was given to 15 arthritis, osteoporosis and gout sufferers. After three weeks the patients reported lower pain levels, and some reported complete pain relief. The extract appeared to be particularly helpful for the gout sufferers.
Also read: HEALTH BENEFITS OF CELERY (AND CELERY JUICE)
8. Chamomile
Not just a great sleep aid, chamomile contains terpenoids and flavonoids which contribute to its medicinal properties.
Throughout history, chamomile has been used for hay fever, inflammation, muscle spasms, menstrual disorders, diaper rash, skin infections, ulcers, wounds, gastrointestinal disorders, rheumatic pain, and hemorrhoids.
9. Cinnamon
Cinnamon has been used in Ancient Egypt since 2000 BC as a cure for a variety of illnesses. Medieval doctors prescribed it for coughs, sore throats and arthritis.
Modern studies have shown cinnamon does indeed have antibacterial properties and can kill both E-coli and Salmonella bacteria.
And the chemical cinnamaldehyde found in cinnamon has powerful antifungal properties, making it a great cure for Candida, athlete’s foot, toenail fungus or ringworm.
It’s also used to relieve the symptoms of gastrointestinal problems and urinary infections.
10. Cloves
In a study comparing the numbing effect of a clove gel and benzocaine, both were found to numb the gums of participants equally well.
The humble clove is capable of far more than numbing your gums though! Cloves were ranked as the most potent of 24 common herbs and spices found in your spice rack in terms of anti-inflammatory powers.
According to WebMD cloves are also applied to the skin as a counter-irritant for pain and to reduce mouth and throat inflammation. (Read more: Amazing Benefits Of Cloves)
11. Coriander / Cilantro
While both parts of the plant are edible, it’s the seeds that hold the medicinal properties. It can be used as a remedy for digestive problems including upset stomach, nausea, diarrhea, bowel spasms, and intestinal gas.
Coriander also treats hemorrhoids, toothaches and joint pain.
12. Fennel
Eating a pinch of fennel seeds can also relive painful bloating and gas – a natural remedy which has been used, especially in India, for thousands of years.
13. Garlic
In fact, garlic cloves contain chemicals that shut down inflammatory pathways in ways similar to ibuprofen.
Make sure to always use fresh garlic, either chopped or crushed, for best results. (Read more: Medicinal Benefits Of Garlic Skins)
14. Ginger
Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, ginger is an amazing and tasty pain reliever.
If you suffer from frequent headaches or migraines, try out some ginger and see if it quells the pain. In a study of 100 migraine sufferers, it was found that both ginger powder and the drug sumatriptan had comparable pain relieving effects.
And a six week trial of patients with osteoarthritis saw them swap their pain medication for ginger extracts twice daily. Participants felt less pain when standing and walking after taking the ginger.
Of course, ginger doesn’t cause any of the negative side effects that medications do. (Also: How To make Ginger Tea: Benefits)
15. Jamaican Allspice
Allspice has antioxidant, antiseptic and anesthetic properties, and can help fight yeast and fungus.
Traditionally, it has been used both internally and externally to relieve pains, stomach aches and menstrual cramps.
Just like cloves, allspice ranked in the top three most anti-inflammatory spices.
16. Licorice
Used in both Eastern and Western medicine for thousands of years, licorice root is used for a variety of illnesses.
One particular type, known as DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice), is used to treat peptic ulcers, canker sores and acid reflux.
When licorice root fluid extract was used on 100 patients with stomach ulcers (86 of whom had not improved with conventional drugs), after 6 weeks 90% of the patients improved, with ulcers completely disappearing in 22 people.
Licorice gel applied to the skin is known to relieve the itching associated with eczema, while gargling with DGL in warm water can stop the pain of canker sores and other mouth problems.
DR. APPIAH
Dr. Appiah is a Natural Health Therapist (Naturopath) who engages the natural healing agents given by God to save lives. EAT FOOD AS MEDICINE! EAT TO LIVE, DON'T LIVE TO EAT!! FOR BOOKINGS AND MORE: WANT TO ADVERTISE YOUR PRODUCTS? WANT A PERSONAL(CERTIFIED) NATURAL MEDICINE PRACTITIONER? REACH ME DIRECTLY ON WHATSAPP +233245643615 appiahinok@gmail.com
