Medicinal plants are those that contain substances capable of preventing, alleviating or curing diseases and health problems. They have been used by humanity for thousands of years, being considered one of the oldest forms of medicine. Medicinal plants can be found in nature or grown at home, and can be used in different ways, such as teas, extracts, capsules, ointments, essential oils, among others. In this article, we will learn a little more about the healing power of medicinal plants, their benefits, care and examples of use.
Benefits of medicinal plants
Medicinal plants offer a series of health benefits, both physical and mental. They can help treat specific symptoms, such as pain, inflammation, infection, fever, cough, nausea, among others, or improve the general functioning of the body, strengthening the immune system, regulating metabolism, balancing hormones, stimulating circulation, etc. Furthermore, medicinal plants can have positive effects on the mind, such as reducing stress, anxiety, depression, insomnia, and promoting well-being and quality of life.
The benefits of medicinal plants are based on the chemical and biological properties of their parts, such as leaves, flowers, roots, bark, seeds, etc. These parts contain active compounds that can have different actions on the body, such as anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antioxidant, analgesic, antispasmodic, diuretic, laxative, sedative, stimulant, among others. These actions may vary according to the dose, preparation method, route of administration and interaction with other medications or substances.
Care of medicinal plants
Despite the benefits, medicinal plants also require some care and precautions, as not all of them are safe or suitable for all people or situations. Some plants can be toxic, allergenic, abortive, irritating, or cause unwanted side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, drowsiness, dizziness, hypotension, hypertension, arrhythmia, bleeding, etc. Furthermore, some plants can interact with conventional medicines, enhancing or decreasing their effects, or causing adverse reactions.
Therefore, before using medicinal plants, it is important to follow some recommendations, such as:
- Consult a qualified health professional, such as a doctor, a pharmacist, a nutritionist, or a herbalist, to find out if the plant is indicated for your case, what dose, preparation method, route of administration, duration and the frequency of treatment, and possible side effects or interactions.
- Correctly identify the plant, preferring those that have a scientific name and known origin, and avoiding those that are confused with other species, those that are adulterated, those that are collected in polluted or contaminated places, or those that are stored inappropriately.
- Follow the instructions for use, respecting the dose, time and method of preparation, and not exceeding the duration or frequency of treatment, as excessive or prolonged use may cause intoxication, dependence, tolerance or loss of effectiveness.
- Observe the effects on the body, suspending use and seeking medical help in case of adverse, allergic or serious reactions, or if symptoms persist or worsen.
- Inform your doctor about the use of medicinal plants, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking other medications, or suffering from any chronic or serious illness.
Examples of medicinal plants and their uses
There are thousands of medicinal plants known and used around the world, each with its own characteristics, indications and contraindications. Below, we will present some examples of popular medicinal plants and their most common uses:
- Ginger: is a root that has anti-inflammatory, digestive, expectorant, anti-nausea and thermogenic properties. It can be used to relieve pain, cramps, gas, nausea, cough, cold, flu, sore throat, fever, and to stimulate metabolism and fat burning. It can be consumed in the form of tea, juice, syrup, capsule, or added to food. It should be avoided by people with hypertension, gastritis, ulcers, or who take anticoagulants.
- Chamomile: is a flower that has calming, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, healing and antioxidant properties. It can be used to relieve anxiety, insomnia, nervousness, cramps, headaches, inflammations, wounds, burns, skin irritations, and to lighten hair. It can be consumed in the form of tea, tincture, essential oil, compress, or added to a bath. It should be avoided by people who are allergic to plants from the daisy family, or who take anticoagulants or sedatives.
- Garlic: is a bulb that has antimicrobial, immunostimulating, hypotensive, hypoglycemic and antioxidant properties. It can be used to prevent and treat infections, strengthen the immune system, lower blood pressure, control blood sugar, reduce cholesterol, and protect the heart and brain. It can be consumed raw, cooked, in capsules, or added to food. It should be avoided by people with clotting problems, bleeding, ulcers, or who take anticoagulants, antihypertensives or antidiabetics.
