The use of plants dates back to the origins of human history. Plants contain a myriad of healing properties in addition to the oxygen, food and shelter it provides. In fact, until the 19th century, natural plant remedies were the only source of medication. Today, medicinal plant remedies come in many forms, such as teas, essential oils, syrups, and ointments. There may be an endless array of medicinal plants containing innumerable healing properties, but let’s discuss a few of the most popular.
1. Rose Hips
A gift of roses may be able to mend squabbles between lovers, but their hips have many medicinal properties. Wild rose hips are extremely good for the heart. Rose roots help by controlling blood pressure and lowering triglyceride levels in the body. An infusion of rose roots and hips can be used to treat the flu, colds, diarrhea, gastritis, and minor infectious diseases.
2. Watercress
Watercress isn’t just a delicious salad ingredient, it’s also an antibiotic, antioxidant, antiseptic, stomachic, diuretic, digestive stimulant, and expectorant. For years Watercress has been used for years to treat a plethora of medical conditions like: colds, emphysema, tuberculosis, asthma, arthritis, diabetes, eczema, anemia, kidney stones, and more. Watercress’s medical properties stretch a mile long, making the plant an extremely powerful component of most natural home remedies.
3. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is best known for its ability to treat burns, but it is also used to treat intestinal infections, peptic ulcers, constipation, and gastrointestinal disorders. Lately, the plant has gained acclaim as an immune system stimulant that is showing promise in the treatment of AIDS. It’s also been used in cancer treatments, by promoting growth of non-cancerous cells and activates white blood cells.
4. Catnip
Catnip is best known for causing cats to behave rather strangely, but this medicinal plant has been used for centuries to heal human ailments. It has a lengthy history of being a natural treatment for a wide-range of digestive disorders. A strong catnip tea can be used to relieve fevers caused from cold and flu, prevent diarrhea, and calm the stomach.
5. Strawberries
Those tiny strawberries growing wildly on the side of the road are much more than weeds; they are highly effective medicinal plants as well. People have used wild strawberries for years to treat various stomach problems, but the healing properties don’t stop there! Juice from strawberries can be used to treat a variety of serious liver disorders, such as hepatitis.
Related articles: 5 Edible Roots for Survival in the Wild, 5 Common Medicinal Plants Found in the Wilderness
Featured Image from pisauikan/Unsplash
