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It’s a well-known fact that America has a prescription drug problem. Every day, around 100 people die from opioid poisoning, often due to prescribed drugs. So, it’s not surprising that people are turning towards more natural ways to heal what ails us.
People have recognized the healing powers of plants since the dawn of time. Check out these 5 medicinal plants and what they can do for you.
1. Aloe Perfoliata – Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a thick-stemmed plant with fleshy spiky leaves that’s easy to grow and deserves a place on everybody’s window sill. The translucent gel inside the leaves contains polyphenols, which are powerful anti-oxidants.
Not only is aloe vera widely used in the pharmaceutical industry to soothe irritated skin, its a great antibiotic too. If you have an aloe vera plant at home, you can tear off a piece of a leaf and rub it on burns, insect bites and small wounds for instant relief.
Aloe mouthwash can help treat mouth ulcers and reduce dental plaque. Aloe is also taken orally to treat diabetes, constipation, and wrinkles. However, studies in these areas have been inconclusive and also revealed some unpleasant side effects.
Aloe vera is available as juice, gel, oil, and powder from health shops and pharmacies.
2. Adansonia Digitata – Baobab
Known colloquially as the upside-down tree, the baobab is a huge African specimen that produces large pods of fruit. The fruit pulp, seeds, and bark of this tree can work like aspirin to reduce fever.
The fruit pulp of the baobab has a very high vitamin C content. Because of this, it helps eliminate those nasty free-radicals that cause aging, cancer, inflammation, and cardiovascular disease.
Baobab fans claim that it also has anti-microbial, pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory, and anti-diarrheal properties. Baobab is available in powder form and as an oil tincture.
3. Terminalia Chebula – Haritaki
Another vitamin C superpower, haritaki provides many of the anti-oxidant benefits associated with this vitamin and a few more. Our article about the benefits of taking haritaki has more details about this Asian health food.
4. Cannabis – Hemp and Marijuana
The latest golden child in the realm of plants used as medicine has come a long way to disassociate itself from the illicit drug underworld.
Studies have revealed more than 5 important chemical compounds that contribute to its efficacy for treating anything associated with the human immune system. Pain, depression, inflammation and even cancer are all part of the cannabis healing portfolio.
5. Mitragyna speciosa – Kratom
Another plant that’s recently appeared in the limelight is kratom. It’s a tropical south-east Asian shrub used to treat anxiety, pain, and insomnia.
You can get your hands on this medicinal plant in powder form at a kratom store in your neighborhood.
Medicinal Plants from the Pantry
Not all healing plants are exotic sounding specimens. Your kitchen could already contain several common medicinal plants. Garlic, rosemary, cayenne pepper and ginger all have health benefits.
Always speak to your doctor before using medicinal plants to treat any ailment. They can have adverse reactions when taken in combination with other drugs.
Never forget, too much of a good thing is always bad – moderation is key when dealing with any medication. Keep reading for more helpful health advice.
