The medicinal plants are substances of plant origin that may be functional to the treatment or prevention of some kind of condition. In some cases it is the whole of a plant, while on other occasions an extract must be split or removed in order to keep the effective part for the sanitation process.
On many occasions, people tend to confuse the idea of medicinal plants with rituals, mostly associated with past times, in which esoteric objects or elements that have nothing to do with health are transformed into tools for the solution of a problem of health. health, in a markedly irrational path.
On the contrary, medicinal plants contain compounds that allow to generate the desired healing, and sometimes the pharmaceutical industry is limited to synthesizing and elaborating pharmacological molecules analogous to those that can be observed in some plant species, in such a way that the medicine mimics a plant to achieve the same effect.
The application of this class of plants it can be done, as a remedy for the body, in many different ways. Sometimes the plant is cooked by boiling, in other cases it is compressed, salad, the active principle is extracted, an infusion, a syrup or juice is prepared, or a preparation or a steam.
At present, however, the most widespread uses are made through the extraction of active ingredients of plant species, and its subsequent application through the laboratory. The predilection that some people have for using the plant directly, distrusting isolated molecules, usually has no greater correspondence with reality than the simple impression of the users.
The following list will find some examples of plants with medicinal uses, with their corresponding functionality for medical purposes:
- Evening primrose: It is used in oil, and is applied for cases of rheumatoid arthritis and also for cholesterol problems, where it reduces levels.
- Saffron: Helps prevent aging skin degeneration, as well as reduces appetite (this is helpful for those who are overweight)
- Chamomile: Usually prepared by means of infusion, it is very functional to solve intestinal problems.
- Ephedra: Generally used in an infusion, it is a proven remedy for asthma and tends to improve the breathing process in general.
- Ginger: It is a powerful digestive that also works to treat muscle problems such as arthritis.
- Turnip: It is a tuber that is generally prepared in a broth, and is useful for the purpose of solving inflammatory diseases of the chest, cough or bronchitis.
- Cascara sagrada: It is not very well known, but it works as a very effective laxative or intestinal tonic.
- Valerian: Its main use is as a relaxant and an anxiolytic.
- Eucalyptus: It can come as oil or simply separated into sheets. It works as a healing for wounds and skin diseases.
- Garlic: The popular plant has some functionalities such as diuretic or expectorant action.
- Poppy: It works as an anti hypertensive and as a pain reliever.
- Mint: In addition to improving the taste of certain foods, peppermint reduces the transit time of food to the small intestine, where the greatest absorption of nutrients occurs. In this way, the production of waste is minimized.
- aloe vera: Relieves burns and their consequences on the skin.
- Anise: With stimulating, anti-inflammatory and digestive properties, it also works to soothe headaches. Its formulation is generally in an oil.
- Lemon: It is attributed balsamic and healing properties, as well as purifying and diuretic.
- Chard: Mineralizes the body, cleansing the blood. It is useful, generally through consumption in broth or after being cooked, against kidney diseases.
- Rosemary: Loaded with vitamin B, it can be considered a medicinal plant as it helps prevent weight gain. In general it is consumed with salads.
- Mallow: Flowers and leaves are used, which have different types of vitamins. It is used frequently in pharyngitis.
- Thyme: It is generally consumed in soup, and is functional for fight parasites intestines, cough, bronchitis or laryngitis.
- Ginseng: A great source of energy to the body, which in diabetes works very effectively.
