Amazing Medicinal Herbs on the Planet
You can create a complete medicinal herb even in your smallest garden. If you have a green house you can boost the contents of your herbal space by growing useful tender plants such as ginger and cucumber. If you have a windowsill then its good to plant an Aloe Vera. Below mentioned are the 10 super medicinal herbs that are versatile as they are very effective for herbal treatments.
Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)
Chamomile
Chamomile is a sedative that relieves pain and spasms, tranquilizes, reduces effects of stress-induced chemicals in the brain, promotes healthy adrenal hormones, aids digestion, reduces cramping and back pain, promotes restful sleep, treats inflamed, tender breasts and sore nipples, helps in suppressed or thickened milk, antidotes the effects of coffee on the body and in the breast milk, heals burns speedily and prevents wound infections. Chamomile is antibacterial against staph organisms, is anti-inflammatory, it decreases swelling as it soothes burned tissues, is good for colds, flu and fever, promotes intense perspiration, relieves bowel gas, bloating and distention, soothes indigestion, diarrhea, and soothes inflamed and irritated stomach linings.
Echinacea purpurea and Echinacea angustifolia
Echinacea
Echinacea has traditionally been an alternative herbal remedy to treat and even prevent colds, flu and other infections. It reduces the risk of bronchitis, and stimulates the immune system. It contains active substances that enhance immunity, relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and have hormonal, antiviral, and antioxidant effects. Echinacea is useful in treating infections of urinary tract, vagina and ear, yeast infections, athlete’s foot, sinusitis, hay fever, and slow-healing wounds. Echinacea extract exerts an antiviral action on cold sores caused by the herpes simplex virus.
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
Lavender
Lavender oil from flowers, is effective in treating insomnia, alopecia (hair loss), anxiety, stress, and post-operative pain. Aromatherapy with lavender improves sleep quality, promotes relaxation and concentration, and lifts mood in people suffering from sleep disorders. It may reduce agitation in patients with dementia. Massaging scalps with lavender and other essential oils daily for months together, may help hair re-growth. Lavender inhalation therapy is useful in headaches, nervous disorders and exhaustion. Lavender oil also can also cure skin ailments, such as fungal infections, wounds, eczema and acne. It is also used in a healing bath for joint and muscle pain, and may also control pain after surgery.
Lemon balm (Citrus limon)
Lemon balm, combined with other calming herbs, reduces anxiety, promotes sleep, lifts mood, and increases calmness and alertness. Topical ointments containing lemon balm may heal cold sores caused by the herpes simplex virus, and prevent recurrence of herpes. The cream also hastens the healing of both genital and oral herpes. Lemon balm exhibited a high, concentration-dependent activity against HIV infection. In combination with other herbs, it may also help treat indigestion. Lemon balm oil has a high degree of antibacterial activity, and may also improve cognitive function and decrease agitation in people with Alzheimer’s disease.
Marigold (Calendula officinalis)
Marigold tinctures, ointments, and washes are often applied to the skin for treating burns, bruises and cuts, and fighting the minor infections they cause. Marigold cream is also used to treat hemorrhoids. Ointments with Marigold heal first-degree burns and sunburns. It prevents dermatitis in breast cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy. Ear drops containing Marigold are sometimes used to treat ear infections in children.
Peppermint (Mentha piperita)
Peppermint calms stomach-muscles and improves the flow of bile, which the body uses to digest fats. It helps in flatulence/bloating by relaxing the muscles. When applied topically, it has a soothing and cooling effect on certain skin irritations. When applied to the forehead and temples, it helps to reduce headache symptoms. Peppermint and its main active agent, menthol, are effective decongestants. Because menthol thins mucus, it is also a good expectorant, helping loosen phlegm and breaking up coughs. It is soothing and calming for sore throats (pharyngitis) and dry coughs.
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
Rosemary leaf is used for indigestion (dyspepsia). Rosemary oil is useful in treating muscle-pain and arthritis. It improves circulation. Massaging the scalp with rosemary and other essential oils every day for months, will help significant hair re-growth. Rosemary inhibits several food-borne pathogens. Rosemary is often used in aromatherapy to increase concentration and memory, and to relieve stress. Combined with other pleasant smelling oils, it may lower cortisol levels and help reduce anxiety. Use of lavender and rosemary essential oil sachets reduces test taking stress.
Sage (Salvia officinalis)
Sage reduces the flow of breast milk during weaning, cures galactorrhea, revitalizes weakened circulation and controls excessive sweating. it settles upset stomach, relieves gas and bloating, calms inflammation of the digestive tract, soothes irritated membranes and dries up congested mucus. It contains thymol with antiseptic and astringent effects. Its hair-rinse helps with dandruff and restores colour to graying hair. It soothes inflammation of the gingiva, mouth, tongue and throat. Sage is a healing gargle which is antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal due to its menthol content. It also tightens gum tissue, and soothes irritated, inflamed linings.
St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum)
Traditionally, St. John’s Wort has been an alternative herbal remedy for mental and nerve disorders, and a sedative. It helps in treating malaria, and serves as a balm for wounds, burns, and insect bites. It is used by some for depression, anxiety, and/or sleep disorders. St. John’s Wort may help relieve physical and emotional symptoms of Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) in some women, including cramps, irritability, food cravings, and breast tenderness. When combined with black cohosh, it helps to improve mood and anxiety during menopause. St. John’s Wort has antibacterial properties and may also help fight inflammation. Applied topically, it may relieve symptoms associated with minor wounds and skin irritation.
Violet (Viola odorata)
The syrup made from flowers and leaves is used for respiratory ailments associated with congestion, coughing, and sore throat. Common violet has soothing, antitussive and anti-inflammatory properties. It contains saponins with expectorant properties, and salicylic acid with analgesic properties. The same component along with methyl-salicylate, eugenol and beta-sisosterol are responsible for the antipyretic properties, which reduce fever. For colds, violet infusions with lemon juice help lessen symptoms. As it reduces swollen mucous membranes, it is useful for asthma sufferers. A tea from dried flowers can reduce inflammation of gastric mucosa, and treat ulcers in stomach and duodenum. Malic acid exerts a mild laxative function, effective for the treatment of constipation. The plant can reduce inflammation in bladder, urinary tract and kidneys, and expel microorganisms which cause the infection.
Category: HERBS
