Our greenery enthusiasts will confirm that there are herbs for every illness in the world. Nature has bestowed upon us its grace through an endless array of plant species that keep us healthy and alive. Moreover, the ease of gardening in our backyards, balconies, and terraces has opened up several doors to encourage growing medicinal plants nearby.
In this article, we discuss the best 10 medicinal plants and their uses with pictures you should keep in mind if you’re interested in natural healing.
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What is Medicinal Plants?
The term medicinal plants refers to plants used for medicinal purposes.
To understand why this article entitled Top medicinal plants and their uses will benefit you, we need to understand the importance of medicinal plants.
Because medicinal plants are in sync with nature, they have no or minimal side effects and can be used by anyone, no matter what their age or gender.
Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani methods have gained global recognition through the use of these medicinal plants for centuries.
Our home remedies include aloe, tulsi, ginger, turmeric, etc. They provide immediate relief and cure common ailments. In many parts of the country, they are considered home remedies because they contain medicinal plants that are used to treat diarrhea, constipation, hypertension, low sperm counts, dysentery, weak penile erections, coated tongue, menstrual disorders, and fevers.
To produce pharmaceutical drugs, companies extract secondary metabolites from medicinal plants.
As a result, medicinal plants are recommended for their therapeutic values. Examples include ginger, green tea, aloe, pepper, and turmeric.
Aside from medicinal uses, herbs are also used for dyeing, pest control, food, perfume, tea, and many more things.
Now that we know what medicinal plants are and what their benefits are, let’s take a closer look at the top medicinal plants and their uses.
10 medicinal plants and their uses with pictures
- Tulsi or the Holy Basil Plant
According to Ayurvedic scriptures, Rama, Krishna, Vana, and Kapoor Tulsi are the four types of tulsi. This medicinal plants, often referred to as the “queen of plants,” is highly revered for its exceptional healing properties. It is commonly used as an herbal tea and can be found in many herbal cosmetics featuring Karpoora Tulsi oil.
Its antiseptic qualities make it a valuable tool against germs and insects. Rama Tulsi, specifically, is known for its efficacy in treating serious acute respiratory syndrome. Other benefits include relief from coughs, fevers, bronchitis, colds, and ear infections through the use of tulsi leaf juice and oil.
Additionally, it has been historically used to alleviate symptoms of diseases such as malaria, cholera, hysteria, headaches, sleeplessness, indigestion, and more. In fact, millions of people consume fresh tulsi leaves on a daily basis. Furthermore, wearing tulsi beads is believed to have various therapeutic and physical advantages.
Commonly referred to as Holy Basil or the medicinal plants, Tulsi is a staple in every Indian household since ancient times for its ability to treat ailments such as high cholesterol and blood pressure levels, asthma, sinus
Benefits
- In Ayurvedic and Siddha medicine, tulsi is used to treat illnesses.
- Mixing dried leaves with stored grains has been used for generations to kill insects.
2. Aloe vera plant
Aloe vera, a widely known medicinal plants used for centuries, has gained popularity among shrubs in today’s society for its wide range of beauty benefits. With its ability to treat wrinkles, moisturize dry skin, alleviate Eczema, promote hair growth and combat acne, aloe vera has become a key ingredient in products like hair gel and face wash.
Additionally, its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties have proven effective in treating constipation, detoxifying the body and aiding wound recovery. Regarded as one of the oldest known herbs in the world, aloe vera is often grown at home for both decorative and health-related purposes.
The leaves and stems of this plant have countless benefits for both skin and hair. While some prefer consuming aloe vera juice, others find applying the gel topically nourishes their skin and hair.
Known as a natural skin remedy, aloe extract is highly beneficial in soothing burns, irritations, insect bites, sunburns, cuts and injuries – leaving your skin looking youthful and refreshed.
Benefits
- In general, aloe gel is used for treating skin conditions such as burns, frostbite, wounds, rashes, cold sores, and dry skin.
- Aloe vera’s effectiveness as a burn and wound treatment.
- Aloe products topically may help with various skin conditions, such as psoriasis, acne, and rashes.
3. Gotu Kola
Gotu kola, also known as kodavan, Indian pennywort, and Asiatic pennywort, is a widely found plant in tropical regions. In addition to being used in traditional medicine, it is also consumed as a vegetable.
This versatile herb has numerous benefits, including enhancing skin healing and reducing capillary fragility. It is also believed to aid in maintaining youthful skin by promoting the production of necessary lipids and proteins.
Its effects on connective tissue formation are well-documented. The leaves of this plant are commonly used to treat open wounds by crushing them into a solution.
Benefits
- Leprosy may be treated with Gotu kola, which stimulates the nervous system and the brain.
- As well as improving focus and attention span, they also relieve venous insufficiency.
4. Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha, or winter cherry, is a year-round shrub that can be found in India, the Middle East, and certain parts of Africa. Similar appearances can be found in various other Withania species.
While it is commonly offered as a dietary supplement and used in herbal remedies, there is currently not enough data to fully support its safety or effectiveness for treating any specific illness or condition.
Some potential benefits of ashwagandha include stress reduction, protection for the nervous system, and numerous other properties derived from this ancient herb. This plant has a range of health advantages that extend to pregnancy, wound healing, immune system support, and more.
It also possesses diuretic properties and may aid with sleep, epilepsy, tumors, pain relief, eye health, heart health, and more.
Benefits
- Furthermore, it lowers cholesterol and controls blood sugar levels.
- As a result, anxiety and depression can be reduced, stress can be managed, and cognitive decline caused by brain cell degeneration can be reduced.
5. Lemon Balm
An annual herb in the mint family, lemon balm originated in Iran, Central Asia, and south-central Europe, but has now spread throughout the world. Throughout the summer, it blooms in tiny, white flowers filled with nectar.
The leaves are used as flavoring, an herb, and as a tea. Bees are attracted to the plants that produce honey. It can grow up to a height of 1 m. It has lemon-scented leaves that linger on the air. As a decorative and oil-producing plant (for perfumery), it is raised for its oil.
Benefits
- Crushed leaves can be applied to the skin to treat bug bites, herpes, sores, gout, and mosquito bites.
- Mixing the leaves with water is reported to treat colds and fevers.
- In youngsters, it treats headaches, melancholy, hyperthyroidism, moderate sleeplessness, and indigestion caused by nervous pressure.
6. Mint
Archaeological findings suggest that peppermint has been utilized for medicinal purposes for over ten thousand years, earning it the esteemed title of “the world’s oldest medicine.” While its origins can be traced back to Europe and the Middle East, it is now grown extensively across the globe.
However, locating its original species in its natural habitat is a rare occurrence. There exist more than 25 different species of plants that have varying uses, but peppermint stands as the most commonly used one.
This versatile herb is a rich source of manganese, vitamin A, and vitamin C. Applying crushed peppermint leaves to the skin can provide relief and relaxation to sore muscles. In addition, this powerful medicinal plants has been known to effectively treat fevers, soothe upset stomachs, and alleviate symptoms associated with irritable bowel syndrome.
Benefits
- Among its uses are reducing bacterial growth and colon spasms.
- You can use it to flavor toothpaste, chewing gum, alcoholic drinks, candies, ice cream, soaps, and skincare products.
7. Lavender
What’s better than a medicinal plants? Lavender, with its vibrant blossoms, is not only a beautiful addition to any garden but also offers numerous physical and mental health benefits. Whether grown in grow bags or propagated in the ground, this herb will reward you with colorful blooms that can be used in various ways.
From sprinkling them over a salad to infusing them in lemonade or incorporating them into your diet, lavender adds both flavor and beauty. However, its renowned feature is its sweet fragrance, reminiscent of a sugar cookie, which is why it is commonly found in candles, incense sticks, and perfumes known for their calming effects.
Originally native to the Mediterranean mountains and North Africa, lavender thrives in well-drained soil and bright sunlight. In addition to its lovely scent and appearance, lavender flowers also produce essential oil with medicinal and cosmetic properties.
Its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory qualities make it effective in treating bug bites and burns. Furthermore, the soothing aroma of lavender is known to aid sleep disorders, stress relief, anxiety management, depression relief, and other related conditions.
For those struggling with digestion issues, try drinking lavender tea for improved digestive function.
Benefits
- Aromatherapy uses lavender’s calming aroma to reduce anxiety and stress.
- For treating insomnia, lavender promotes better sleep by helping people fall asleep faster and enjoy deeper rest.
8. Calendula
The Marigold, a beautiful flowering variety found in attractive seed packages, is also known as the Calendula. It is low-maintenance and can thrive in various types of soil, as long as it’s well-watered. Don’t be discouraged from growing this medicinal plants in a nutrient-rich potting mix.
In addition to its striking orange flowers, the Calendula is highly valued in the skincare industry. Its external use can heal sprains, sore eyes, wounds, stings and more, while its tea can aid with fevers, blood circulation and chronic infections.
To maximize its growth and flower production, consider propagating it in rectangular plastic pots.
Benefits
- It is known for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, which help heal wounds, burns, and irritations of the skin.
- To maintain oral hygiene, calendula reduces gum inflammation and combats oral infections.
9. Solanum
It is a stout, highly branched shrub that ranges in height from 0.75 to 1.40 meters. The stem is spiny. Leaves are ovate, lobed, and prickly on both surfaces.
Benefits
- In the synthesis of steroidal hormones, solasodine is used to replace diosgenine.
10. Coriander Plant
Coriander leaves possess a myriad of nutrients, including calcium, potassium, protein, thiamin, vitamin C and K, carotene, niacin, and phosphorus. They have the ability to stimulate insulin secretion in the body, thus aiding in regulating blood sugar levels.
Additionally, they are known for their ability to lower cholesterol levels and treat diseases like Alzheimer’s. Furthermore, these leaves promote a healthy liver function and aid in maintaining regular bowel movement.
They also exhibit anti-inflammatory properties and can be useful in treating conditions such as mouth ulcers and arthritis. Moreover, their high antioxidant content makes them effective in preventing eye diseases and anemia.
Benefits
- Bloating and gas symptoms can be alleviated with coriander.
- Antioxidants in coriander protect cells from damage and promote good health.
We’ve already talked about the top 10 medicinal plants and their uses.
You can improve your family’s health and your garden’s health with these easy-to-grow Top 10 Medicinal plants. Many of these plants attract beneficial insects, such as bees, and protect delicate medicinal plants from dangerous insects. When placing medicinal plants, consider where they need water, light, and temperature.
