Phytotherapy – Medicinal Plants

Phytotherapy, the medicinal use of plants, has existed for thousands of years. Nature is a unit in which all parts complement each other. Therefore, the cure for many of the diseases and ailments that afflict man can be found in nature which is where they came from in the first place. Traditional healers and herbalists as well as pharmacists and scientists use trees, shrubs, and herbs to create remedies and medicines.

However, it is of utmost importance to exercise caution when making use of plants because, although they have many virtues, it is not advisable to diagnose yourself. home-remedies-site.com Always consult an expert before making use of herbal medicine. To prevent people from medicating themselves, this article only discusses the uses of plants but does not provide recommended doses or their mode of employment.

Bear’s Breeches – Acanthus mollis:

Contains tannins and mucilage to which it owes its healing, aperitive, and emollient properties. It is used to treat mild angina and diarrhea. Externally, it is used for spider bites, burns, and bruises.  

Achiote - Bixa orellana:

Its medicinal properties have not been studied but it is a good dye for rice and other foods.

Avocado – Persea americana:

The seed and peel of the fruit contain bactericidals which can be used for infections of the digestive system and skin. There is no scientific proof that it fights intestinal worms.

Garlic - Allium sativum:

Garlic is a plant that has been used for centuries. It may be helpful to lower cholesterol, reduce blood pressure, and as an effective expectorant.  

Quacking Aspen – Populus tremuloides:

It has been found in the quacking aspen, also known as white poplar, compounds similar to those of aspirin. It is used to lower the fever, relieve pain, and reduce mild inflammation.

Basil - Ocimum basilicum:

Basil can be useful as a local anesthetic. Other uses are to combat nausea, intestinal gas, hair loss, and dysentery.

Alfalfa – Medicago sativa:

Alfalfa is a very healthy food because it is rich in nutrients. Some people say alfalfa can cure cancer but it has not been verified.

California Poppy – Eschsholzia californica:

To relieve headaches and toothaches. It is also an effective sleeping aid and it does not have the side effects opium has.

Anise – Pimpinella ansium:

Anise can be toxic in large doses. In medicinal doses it is effective in relieving colic caused by intestinal gas.

Watercress – Nasturtium officinale:

Watercress has many nutrients so it is a very healthy food. It is recommended to combat nervousness and rheumatism.

Pumpkin – Cucurbita pepo:

The seeds have been used to combat intestinal parasites. It has been found that they contain substances that destroy the worm without affecting the lining of the intestine.

Blessed Thistle - Cnicus benedictus:

Herbal Therapy has assigned it contraceptive and anticancer properties. It is recommended for ailments of the liver and heart and to fight infections.

Cáscara Sagrada - Rhamnus purshiana:

It is used in many commercial laxatives. home-remedies-site.com When used in moderate doses, it stimulates digestion.

Shave grass – Equisetum robustus:

It is used to stop bleeding and to treat minor mouth infections. It might also be a good diuretic.

Rose Hip – Rosa canina:

Also known as Briar Rose. Its leaves and flowers are used as laxatives and to heal wounds. Its fruit contains substances that prevent and cure scurvy.

Rocket Larkspur – Delphinium ajacis:

For centuries, this plant has been used to eliminate lice, fleas, and ticks.

Eucalyptus - Eucalyptus globulus:

Famous for its aroma, eucalyptus has been used to prepare inhalations, syrups, and pills to relieve asthma, cough, and bronchial congestion.

 American Ginseng – Panax quinquefolius:

It is used as a tonic and stimulant. It prevents stress and minor ailments such as colds.

Common Mullein – Verbascum thapsus:

Useful for softening the skin and mucous membranes. It is also an effective expectorant. It is also used in combating coughs, bronchitis, and asthma.

Bay - Lurus nobilis:

Bay oil is used to desinfect small wounds. It is also effective in treating inflammations of the skin, bruises, and aching joints.  

Lavender – Lavandula officinalis:

The essential oil of lavender has been used as an antispasmodic and sedative.  

Common Flax - Linum usitatissimum:

Flax seeds are effective for treating boils and burns. They are also used to relieve the irritation of the mucous membranes and as a laxative.

Common Hop – Humulus lupulus:

Used for its sedative effects and in the manufacture of beer.

Llanten – Plantago Major:

There are several types, but they all have similar properties which are useful for relieving inflammation and as emollients.  

Zebra Mallow – Malva sylvestris:

Useful in soothing irritations of the skin and mucous membranes. It is also a good emollient.  

Red Mangrove - Rhizophora mangle:

Its bark is used as an antivenom from marine animals. It is also effective to treat tuberculosis, leprosy, and elephantiasis. It aids scarring and it is effective in relieving diarrhea.

Chamomile – Matricaria chamomilla:

It has sedative and anti-inflammatory effects. It is useful in treating arthritis and intestinal cramps.  

Marihuana – Eschsholzia californica:

Contains agents that produce states of excitement and euphoria but also relieve pain and act as sedatives and antispasmodics.

Lemon Balm – Melissa officinalis:

An infusion of the leaves is used to treat colds, fever, and headache. It also relieves menstrual cramps and an irritated stomach.

Mint – Mentha:

Mint is where menthol is extracted from. Menthol is used as an ingredient in several products such as decongestants, anesthetics, and antiseptics.

Mustard – Brassica alba:

Used as a laxative and antacid. It will also help decongest the chest and alleviate muscle aches.

Cactus – Opuntia ficus-indica:

It is used to relieve bronchial disorders, burns, and inflammations of the skin. It is also recommended to treat diabetes.  

Oregano – Origanum vulgare:

Many virtues have been attributed to oregano. But in the present it is only used as a digestive aid and perhaps a diuretic.

Nettle - Urtica dioica:

Very effective to strengthen hair, stimulate growth, and combat dandruff. Nettle plasters are used to relieve inflammation.

Pasion Flower- Passiflora incarnata:

It is used as a sedative and analgesic to relieve cramping.

Castor oil plant – Ricinus communis:

A very mild but effective laxative. It is also used as an emollient in several cosmetics and perfumes.

Rosemary – Rosmarinus officinalis:

It has been used to relieve coughs, combat hair loss, darken hair, and as a spice.

Rue – Ruta graveolens:

A good antispasmodic. home-remedies-site.com It has been used to relieve headache and suppress coughs.

Sage - Salvia officinalis:

It is used to relieve gastrointestinal gases, excessive sweating, nervousness, and to disinfect wounds. It is also recommended for drying up breast milk.

Sangre de drago – Jatropha dioica:

Useful for controlling diarrhea, heal wounds, relieve hemorrhoids, and combat hair loss.

Willow - Salix bonplandiana: Useful for lowering fever, eliminate chills, and relieve rheumatic pain. Also used as a disinfectant and astringent.

Elderberry - Sambucus nigra:

It has been used to eliminate excessive sweating, as a syrup for coughs, and as a mild laxative.

Thyme – Thymus vulgaris:

Effective in destroying bacteria and fungi. Useful for treating athlete’s foot. It is also used as an expectorant.

Verbena – Verbena officinalis:

Used as a sedative, sudorific, diuretic, an aphrodisiac, and to combat gout. It is also an anorectic, an appetite suppressant.

Aloe Vera – Aloe vera: Because of its healing properties it is widely used to treat burns and wounds. It is also used to soften the skin and as a strong laxative.

Blackberry – Rubus fructicosus: Useful for controlling mild diarrhea. It is also very effective in healing oral wounds and as a skin lotion to close the pores.