Powerful healing herbs with medicinal benefits are becoming more and more sought after.
Did you know that plants have been used to heal the body and prevent disease for centuries?
Whether for healing, drinking or adding taste to your dishes, plants and herbs are exceptional companions in everyday life. They are often full of essential vitamins and minerals to help cure us and prevent illnesses due to our busy lifestyle. They are nature's pharmacy.
In today's world, we are often accustomed to taking medication when needed.
Take the example of the common cold, which did not automatically lead to a doctor's visit in the past.
Indeed, at the time, cough syrups or cold tablets did not exist and people drank rosemary or thyme-based herbal teas to treat themselves.
We often forget that there is a natural alternative, often within our reach, at a low price and that it can solve certain health problems or even prevent them.
This article will introduce you to seven medicinal plants that will help you heal yourself more naturally. Keep in mind that nature is full of other medicinal plants and that we are only giving you a glimpse of what it can offer you.
Table of Contents
7 Powerful healing herbs with medicinal benefits: Introduction
Indeed, medicinal plants are a precious resource for human beings. They allow us to take our health in hand, sometimes giving us solutions where medicine could not act as effectively.
These plants act holistically and support our vital processes. They can stimulate our elimination processes, wake up an immune system that is no longer doing its job, or stimulate our intestinal flora.
Where drugs act directly, plants act directly on the foundations of the immune system. They are nature's pharmacy, ready to help you. But unfortunately, they are often forgotten or misunderstood by the public.
Alfalfa as a healing herb
Alfalfa has been cultivated for over a thousand years. Indeed, the Arabs used it to feed their horses because they were convinced that this plant made them faster and more powerful.
In the beginning, it was used as food for animals, but it was very quickly preferred for its beneficial properties.
Alfalfa is a perennial herbaceous plant with a long list of dietary and medicinal uses. Studies have shown that it can lower blood cholesterol and glucose levels.
Since the sixth century, the Chinese have used alfalfa to relieve water retention and swelling but it was the Arabs who discovered alfalfa and named it "the father of all foods".
Alfalfa leaves are very rich in minerals and nutrients, including:
- Potassium
- Calcium
- Magnesium
- And carotene.
Alfalfa is also a good diuretic and laxative. It also works well for urinary tract infections and kidney, bladder, and prostate disorders.
Another benefit of eating alfalfa is that it may help reduce cholesterol. In fact, certain agents in alfalfa bind to cholesterol, thus eliminating cholesterol from the blood.
In addition, there can be a very strong relationship with lowering blood sugar levels.
In cooking, some people use alfalfa in salad dishes. Some alfalfa consumers consider it an important part of a healthy diet.
Like wheatgrass and seaweed, alfalfa has a high nutritional value. It is rich in vitamins, fiber, and minerals and contains all the enzymes required for proper digestion.
Alfalfa is also an excellent ally in reducing fever and is very good for the blood. It contains natural fluoride and prevents tooth decay.
This plant, when consumed as tea, provides a natural source of nitrogen.
Chamomile as medicinal plant
Chamomile is a plant that has been used for thousands of years for many ailments, such as intestinal gas, diarrhea, stomach aches, anxiety, and insomnia.
This plant has flowering tops that are used to make tea. When the chamomile stems are cooked and drained, the liquid turns a dark yellow color and may be slightly sweet.
It has a unique taste and many mother kept a few bottles of chamomile in the fridge just in case their baby had intestinal gas.
It was used before the liberalization of over-the-counter drugs. Although not extensively researched scientifically, chamomile has always worked, for example, to get babies to stop crying and go to sleep.
Women were also given chamomile-based teas for menstrual cramps a few days before they appeared.
Chamomile is often associated with relaxation because it has certain soothing properties. Therefore, it can be very beneficial to drink it during the day if you feel anxious or if your muscles are tense.
Chamomile produces an oil that, when isolated, takes on a very distinctive bluish color. This one has very distinct anti-inflammatory properties.
It is also known for its action against skin infections like eczema and inflamed skin. It is very effective in stopping itching and improving diaper rash. It can also be used locally for certain skin lesions, particularly psoriasis.
Tip: When it comes to taking care of your skin, you can also focus on specific foods, as explained in our other article Best foods for glowing skin that's blemish-free
Chamomile has also been used in combination with other herbs. For example, in case of heartache, chamomile was combined with crushed licorice root, fennel seeds, and peppermint to quickly relieve the pain.
Chamomile is a member of the ragweed family, so it isn't recommended for use if you are allergic to that.
In general, pregnant and nursing women are advised to stay away from all herbs, but chamomile is the exception to this rule.
It is absolutely safe for anyone and can be drunk at any time. It has even been known to help babies teething.
Finally, chamomile is an excellent hair conditioner and soothes scalp irritations. When mixed with a little lemon, it gives hair subtle natural highlights.
Tolu balm as healing herb
Tolu balsam is a plant that comes from a tree found in South America, particularly in Colombia, Peru, Venezuela, Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Bolivia.
This plant is also called balsam of Peru because it was exported mainly from there.
The resin of this tree is the most valuable because it is collected in the same way as the valuable properties of a rubber tree. The gummy resin that comes from the tree is then transformed into balsam.
Tribes in Mexico and Central America used Tolu balsam leaves to treat common ailments such as:
- External wounds
- Asthma
- The common cold
- Influenza
- And arthritis.
Some Native Americans used the bark as an underarm deodorant, while others found it effective against lung ailments and cold.
People from the rainforest tribes often used Tolu balsam for medicinal purposes to fight against:
- Abscesses
- Bronchitis
- Catarrhs
- Headaches
- Rheumatism
- The wounds
- Sprains
- Tuberculosis
- Or venereal diseases.
Over time, this plant became popular, which intrigued the Europeans and especially the Germans, who also used it for pharmaceutical purposes.
They found that Tolu balm worked well as an antibacterial, antifungal, and antiparasitic agent. When they discovered this, they immediately started using it to treat:
- Scabies
- Ringworm
- Minor ulcers
- Pressure sores
- Diaper rash.
Today, Tolu balsam is very often used in ointments to treat wounds, ulcers, and scabies.
It can be found in hair tonics, anti-dandruff shampoos, and feminine hygiene sprays and a natural fragrance in soaps, creams, detergents, lotions, and perfumes.
Tolu balsam has a vanilla smell and taste and is mainly used to flavor cough syrups, candy and gum, and non-alcoholic drinks.
The essential oil distilled from the gum is used in aromatherapy, and the scent is considered healing and comforting.
This oil is beneficial for meditation and relaxation, which is why it has become so popular in aromatherapy. Tolu balsam has a particular aroma that makes it excellent for exotic floral fragrances.
Its use is recommended for skin rashes, eczema, and skin parasites such as scabies, ringworm, and lice.
Good to know: Tolu balm is considered a photosensitizing oil, which means that it can cause an allergic reaction in the skin if exposed to the sun after application.
Related information: UV-induced free radical effects on the skin: Skin aging explained
Burdock as medicinal plant
Burdock is a plant related to the daisy family and is closely related to echinacea, dandelion, and feverfew.
The Greeks used its roots and seeds for curative purposes in ancient times. During the Middle Ages, burdock was used for both food and medicine.
Today, it is used to relieve liver problems and digestive disorders or clean the skin in case of acne problems.
Burdock has a valuable nutritional and vitamin value. The more research is done on burdock, the more promising discoveries have been made.
For example, burdock has antifungal and antibacterial properties. It also shows tumor-fighting abilities and could also be an anti-cancer agent.
Many carcinogenic compounds are present in our food, which are then consumed and stored in our fatty tissues.
Research has shown that burdock may help fight cancer because of its role in eliminating these mutagens.
Burdock is very useful to strengthen the immune system when it is weakened by environmental factors.
When mixed with other herbs like dandelion and ginger, it can be a powerful blood purifier.
One of the characteristics of burdock is that it contains a very large amount of inulin. This naturally occurring chemical mimics the actions of insulin.
For this reason, burdock is recommended to fight against hypoglycemia and pre-diabetes problems.
It is also low in calories and high in fiber, and is loaded with potassium, iron, and calcium. Burdock lovers claim that it has an incomparable taste and is often added to stews, soups, and stir-fries.
Dandelion as a healing herb
Much more than a weed in our gardens, the dandelion is a herbaceous plant with many virtues. Depending on the harvest time, the dandelion leaves will determine their bitterness.
These leaves are considered an herb that mixes well with salads. They can also make a rich salad with hard-boiled eggs and chopped onions and are extremely nutritious.
They are richer in carotene than carrots and have more iron and calcium than spinach.
Dandelion leaves are full of vitamins B-1, B-2, B-5, B-6, B-12, C, E, P, D, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, and zinc.
That makes it one of the most popular herbal remedies. Traditionally, it can be used as a tonic to strengthen the whole body, especially the liver and gallbladder.
Dandelion root contains taraxacin, which reduces the bile ducts' inflammation and the risk of gallstone formation.
Dandelion is commonly used for hepatitis, liver swelling, and jaundice and helps relieve indigestion.
When used as a leaf or root tea, it acts as a diuretic on the kidneys. Over-the-counter diuretics tend to promote potassium loss.
Dandelion prevents the loss of this essential mineral for the body.
Dandelion root tea helps avoid surgery to remove urinary stones.
When you break off a dandelion plant's stem, you will find a milky white substance inside. This substance is ideal for eliminating warts, pimples, calluses, and soothing bee and other insect stings.
Dandelion is popular for its jam and for using the root as a coffee substitute after roasting and grinding it.
Echinacea as a medicinal plant
Echinacea is an extremely effective medicinal plant of which there are nine different species. The most commonly used Echinacea is Echinacea purpurea.
Many people take echinacea daily to prevent colds, flu, and other infections. Indeed, echinacea is known to strengthen the immune system.
You can also use it for the treatment of acne and boils. The entire plant, including the roots, is dried and processed into teas, juices, and other tonic drinks.
Echinacea can be administered in various ways, such as tablets, capsules, juices, teas, extracts, and tinctures. Some medicines are made from the flower itself and others from the root.
Echinacea is used for:
- mouthwash,
- topical ointments,
- skin lotions, and
- toothpastes.
It is also an extremely beneficial plant to help the body get rid of microbial infections.
When combining echinacea with other herbs such as yarrow and bearberry, echinacea is known to be effective in the fight against cystitis.
Good to know: this plant is not recommended or even forbidden to people who suffer from:
- Multiple sclerosis
- Leukocytosis
- HIV / AIDS
- Autoimmune diseases
- Tuberculosis.
Children should not take echinacea, nor should pregnant or nursing women.
In general, echinacea is used to stimulate the immune system and is also effective in preventing respiratory tract infections such as the flu or the common cold. It was widely used by the American Indians.
Sage as healing herb
Sage, like thyme, is a member of the mint family. It is a very popular plant frequently used to flavor sausages, pork, lamb, and other meats, salads, pickles, or cheese.
Sage has a very aromatic and distinct smell.
Sage is the faithful companion of aromatic plants in the kitchen, just like thyme, rosemary, and basil. They all go together very well.
Sage is usually one of the main herbs in poultry stuffing but is often added to lamb and pork dishes.
This plant is also used to treat snake bites, invigorate the body, and clear the mind.
In the Middle Ages, it was very common for people to prepare sage tea and drink it for infections such as colds, fevers, liver problems, and epilepsy.
Although there is no evidence to support these claims, it is also said that a sage leaf chewed and applied to an insect bite may ease the pain of the bite and reduce swelling.
Sage tea relieves sore throats, helps dry up breast milk, and reduces blood clots.
The sage also has the role of a hormonal stimulant. Indeed, it allows for regulating menstrual cycles and calming menstrual pains. It helps to fight hot flashes at the time of menopause and other disorders related to this period.
In addition, this herb is known to help relieve itchy skin if added to hot bathwater.
The word "sage" means salvation and is associated with longevity, immortality, and mental capacity. Even after drying, sage doesn't lose its fragrance.
It is therefore often added to potpourri and many soaps and perfumes. It has been used in insect repellents and has antibacterial properties that have helped it become a preservative for many things such as meat, fish, and condiments.
7 Powerful healing herbs with medicinal benefits: Conclusion
Today, more and more of us want to find natural alternatives as treatment. Consequently, the use of medicinal plants is slowly coming back into fashion.
Sometimes they are considered "weeds," and yet there are some medicinal plants that grow in our garden or simply on the side of the road without us even knowing their benefits.
It is, therefore, possible to take care of yourself with 100% natural treatments. For that, it is enough to know the good uses of medicinal plants.
If you also wish to have a more natural pharmacy at home, try to obtain these plants either with the help of your pharmacist or at an organic store.
When you decide to treat yourself with plants, it is always recommended to ask a specialist for advice.
This article has given you an overview of 7 powerful healing herbs with medicinal benefits as backed by science that can help you cure or prevent any infection.
However, you should know that there are also plenty of other plants in nature that can help you achieve better health.