The medicinal plants They are substances of plant origin that can be functional in 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. For instance: saffron, chamomile, ginger.
On many occasions, people tend to confuse the idea of medicinal plants with rituals, mostly associated with bygone eras, in which objects or esoteric elements that have nothing to do with health, they become tools for the solution of a health problem, in a markedly irrational path.
On the contrary, medicinal plants contain compounds that allow the generation of healing desired, and sometimes the pharmaceutical industry is limited to synthesizing and developing pharmacological molecules analogous to those that can be observed in some plant species, in such a way that the drug mimics a plant to achieve the same effect.
The app This class of plants can be made, as remedies 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 the active principles of plant species, and their 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.
Examples of medicinal plants
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 an infusion, it is very functional to solve intestinal problems.
- Ephedra. Generally used in an infusion, it is a proven remedy against 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 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 wound and skin disease healer.
- 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 by means of the consumption in broth or after being cooked, against the illnesses of the kidneys.
- 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 it is functional to combat intestinal parasites, coughs, bronchitis or laryngitis.
- Ginseng. A great source of energy to the body, which in cases of diabetes works very effectively.