Top 4 Medicinal Plants And Their Uses

Ever thought about how useful the medicinal plants standing silently outside the window are? They don’t just exist for photosynthesis. They have tons of uses and here’s a lot to know about some of them.

Plants, the members of the kingdom ‘Plantae’ absorb water and other nutrients through their roots. They stay at a place and aren’t less than a God’s gift. The nutrients are synthesized in their leaves through photosynthesis. Out of them, medicinal plants have wide usage including cosmetics, treatment of an injury.

1.   Aloe vera:

It is a cactus-like plant also called Aloe barbadensis and has either small or no stem. No food items contain aloe vera thus it has to be used as a gel or supplement. There are also some poisonous species of Aloe named Aloe elata, Aloe ballyi, and Aloe ruspoliana. They can be recognized by a strong ratty odor left by their leaf sap.

·         For skincare:

    The water is stored in its leaves that help it survive in dry and unstable conditions. The pulp can be used directly or as a moisturizer after combining it with complex carbohydrates to keep the skin clean and hydrated. The aging of the skin can be slowed down. Inflammation, stretch marks, wrinkles, and itchiness can be reduced. Hydrating creams containing made up of aloe vera are used to treat the skin damage caused by radiotherapy. Related antibiotics can be applied on the skin or taken orally as prescribed.

·         For healing burns and wounds:

    According to the studies first, and second-degree burns can be treated with it. Less time is taken to heal the burns preventing the infection, and itching. The Skin Care foundation states that Aloe vera treats mild sunburns. However, research related to fast skin recovery is not enough. The damages caused by UV rays can be cured by their anti-inflammatory properties.

·         Against the heartburn:

  At mealtime, 1 to 3 ounces of aloe gel can be consumed to reduce blenching, heartburn, and vomiting as the secretion of acid in the stomach is controlled by this. Its low toxicity makes it safe and keeps gastric ulcers from getting larger.

·         For digestion:

    Relief from constipation can be due to the aloe latex that contains aloin or barbaloin. The enzymes in Aloe vera break down the fats and sugars in turn helping to digest. Irritation in the intestines and stomach is decreased. Still, Aloe vera is not useful clearly for Irritable Bowel Syndrome(IBS).

·         For oral hygiene:

    Vitamin C here can block the plaque. Aloe vera extract is safer than chemical-based mouthwashes. The yeast Candida albicans and the bacteria Streptococcus mutans that produce plaque are killed by the Aloe vera mouth rinse. 

However, oral consumption of latex can cause diarrhea and cramps along with reducing the effects of other oral medications being taken. If any medications are already being taken, then the patient should consult the doctor before consuming the Aloe juice as any drug may cause side effects with it. People with type 2 diabetes need to be more careful in this matter.

2.   Tulsi:

Also known as Holy basil, Ocimum tenuiflorum, or Queen of Herbs, it is worshiped in Hinduism, especially in Vaishnava tradition. Tulsi leaves can be eaten directly plucking the leaves and washing them or they can be added while making tea according to the quantity of the tea. Tulsi is available in the form of supplements and powder in the market.

Following are the uses of a typical tulsi plant:

1.   Beneficial for blood:

    This is good for pre-diabetic or type-2 diabetes patients. Taking basils along with other medications to lower the blood sugar may reduce the sugar level more. So, it is recommended to consult the doctor. The Vitamin C and Eugenol present in tulsi protect the heart from the damages caused by free radicals. The cholesterol level in the blood can be reduced by using Eugenol. The anti-inflammatory properties help reduce blood pressure and inflammation.

2.   Beneficial against infections:

   A variety of infections can be treated by tulsi. Skin infections, both internally and externally, can be treated. The fungal, bacterial, and viral infections in the eyes can be avoided. Similarly, such infections in the respiratory system can be cured through cineole, camphene, and eugenol present in tulsi. It also cures throat infection.

3.   Useful against anxiety:

    All the body parts of the tulsi act as an adaptogen that eliminates anxiety,  helps our body adapt to stress, improves mood, reduces depression, and provides mental balance. Amongst the animals, it is known to increase endurance.

4.   For healing wounds:

  It is even used after surgery to protect their wounds. The wound heals and the wound’s breaking strength also increases. It is applied to normal wounds in daily life too. Some other wounds that can be healed include mouth ulcers, acne, keloids, and raised scars.

Side effects have not been reported during the clinical studies for humans. However, holy basil from polluted areas may contain toxicity.

3.   Mint plant:

    It is also called Mentha or Pudina and belongs to the family Lamiaceae. About 13 to 24 species exist. They generally need wet and moist soils. Some commonly grown varieties of mint include Peppermint, Ginger Mint, Lavender Mint, and Chocolate Mint. This plant grows easily like basil and is significantly known for its aroma.

Here are some of its uses:

• Against Irritable Bowel Syndrome(IBS): 

It helps against the IBS symptoms such as changes in bowel habits, bloating, gas, stomach pain, and constipation according to the studies. It is not recommended by the doctors if one has a Hiatal hernia, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), swollen Gall bladder, or Gallstones. The menthol in mint relaxes the muscles of the digestive tract. However, oil capsules proved to be more effective instead of raw mint leaves.

• Against nausea and headache:

Nausea can be caused due to motion sickness or morning sickness. Balms and oils are made by using aromatic mint leaves. Morning sickness, especially for pregnant women, can be eliminated by smelling the mint leaves or eating a few of them in the morning. Thus, some people carry mint-related products to smell them on the go. Inflammation associated with migraines and headaches can also be abolished.

• Oral care and Bad breath:

Mint toffees can only hide the bad breath instantly for a few hours but cannot kill the bacteria causing it. Whereas, drinking peppermint tea, chewing raw mint leaves, using menthol toothpaste, and menthol mouthwash kills the bacteria through the germicidal properties and provides good breath with a cool sensation. However, it may cause breathing difficulties that don’t make it recommendable for children.

• Overcoming depression and stress:

It plays a vital role in aromatherapy. The cortisol levels in the body are controlled by this. The aroma of mint releases serotonin in the brain for the same purpose. One can even take it through a vapouriser or a mint bath.

• For skincare:

Its anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial properties make it a powerful weapon against acne and scars. The vitamin A and salicylic acid present in mint leaves are the reasons to cure acne as they control the discharge of sebum oil in the skin. It moisturizes, cleans, softens, and tones the skin. The mint leaves extract dries the scars and cleans the pores deeply. Improved blood circulation eradicates the dark circles, dark spots, and slows down aging. Applying mint essential oil on cracked or sore nipples due to breastfeeding reduces the pain.

Thus, pudina has various uses including food items, beauty hacks, and some mental issues and physical issues. However, applying the same near the nose of an infant or a child may create breathing problems.

4.   Coriander

The seeds of this herb are known as Coriander and the leaves are known as Cilantro in The United States. It is also called Chinese parsley, or in general, Dhaniya. It is soft and its stem is hollow with a height of 30 to 60mm. It is mostly known for its uses in cooking. It tastes like lemons and smells of flowers.

Here are some of its benefits:

·         Against diabetes:

   It raises the effects of endocrine glands causing the pancreas to increase the secretion of insulin level. This balances the absorption of nutrients from the food along with the absorption of sugar dropping the blood sugar level. This happens to such an extent that people having hypoglycemia have to be careful while consuming it.

·         For oral care:

    Coriander oil helps to hide the bad breath. It can also be used as a mouthwash due to its antiseptic and antimicrobial properties to speedily heal mouth ulcers and sores. Also, it is effective against dry mouth.

·         Beneficial for skin:

  Cineole and linoleic acid are present in coriander. Also, it is antimicrobial, antiarthritic, detoxifying, antirheumatic, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antiseptic, and antioxidant. All these properties help it in protecting our skin from fungal infections, inflammations, eczema, dryness, itchiness, rashes, and irritation.

·         Against irregular menstruation:

    Having a hot coriander tea or chewing coriander seeds deals with the menstrual cramps, regularizes the menstrual cycle and doesn’t allow excessive bleeding. Hormonal balance is maintained here. This gets possible because the coriander seeds stimulate the endocrine glands.

Apart from that, coriander is also fruitful to cure a cold, keep a cholesterol check, control blood pressure, and prevent hair fall. Also, it cannot be ignored that some people may be allergic to coriander.

To Conclude:

The survival of various plants depends on the surrounding weather. But plants mentioned here are amongst those who don’t have many requirements. Still, they provide a great number of benefits. Utilizing them in a limit according to our capacities proves to be a great option.