Medicinal plants or medicinal herbs are very popular when it comes to treating diseases. Many people have great faith in the gentle action of medicinal plants. And that’s a good thing. Because not for every ailment the doctor must be troubled.
Occurrence and cultivation of medicinal plants
The healing powers of many plants can be used in different ways. Medicinal plants are often found in the domestic flora. Plants from the Asian region, such as the ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba), are also very popular in herbal medicine. Many of the effective medicinal plants also grow in the Mediterranean region, such as lavender (Lavendula latifolia), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) and sage (Salvia officinalis).
Effect and application
Medicinal plants can also sometimes cause allergic reactions. If allergies are known, then these plants can be excluded. There are several alternatives for everything in nature. Just one example:
Those who are allergic to chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla), for example, can switch to peppermint (Mentha piperita) if it affects the digestive organs. In the throat area, sage does a good job instead, and marigold (Calendula officinalis) helps against inflammation. The healing powers of many plants can be used in different ways. Whether as a tea, in poultices, as ointments or in pastes or as a tincture as well as a plant juice. And of course, medicinal plants are processed into pills and dragées. They are available as drops and also as suppositories, as baths and in scented pillows. Lavender, for example, is often offered in a scented pillow to promote sleep. Care should always be taken to ensure that the medicinal plants are of good quality. If you want to be sure and have a consistently good quality, you should get your medicinal plants in the pharmacy or from another reliable source.
Importance for health
Our grandmothers knew which medicinal plants and herbs were good for staying healthy or getting healthy. That is why in their garden often grew peppermint, which had a beneficial effect on the stomach, gall bladder and liver after a sumptuous meal. Or chamomile. It unfolds its anti-inflammatory effect in healing teas and in compresses for injuries. It is also very popular for gargling in case of a sore throat. Horseradish (Cochlearia armoracia) was often cultivated in country gardens. When freshly grated, horseradish has always been good for coughs and for pain-relieving poultices. Recent studies have confirmed the great healing properties of this root. Linden (Flores Tiliae) or elderflower tea (Sambucus nigra) are old-known home remedies for all febrile diseases. Hawthorn tea (Crataegus oxyacantha) strengthens the heart and rosemary helps in convalescence. Comfrey root (Symphytum officinale) helps with bruises, contusions and contusions. As a hot poultice it unfolds its healing powers in varicose ulcers, strains and neuralgia. Calendula ointment allows small skin injuries to heal quickly. Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) grows everywhere and has a blood purifying and draining effect. Its high mineral content makes it an extremely valuable medicinal plant. However, in addition to its benefits, it also has an ingredient that causes problems for some people, namely its high histamine content. St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) is an excellent medicinal plant for mild depression. However, it also has an undesirable property and that is that it makes you sensitive to light. Those who take preparations made from St. John’s wort should therefore avoid spending time in the sun during this period. This could lead to undesirable skin reactions. Who would like to do preventively something for its health, can arrange itself a small plant pharmacy. This should contain individually just those medicinal plants, which the patient or his family often need. This can be in the form of teas, tinctures or ointments. In the case of more serious diseases or if seemingly minor complaints do not want to disappear, a doctor should be consulted.
