Medicinal plants hold a significant purpose in human health and disease prevention. Across history, several botanicals have been employed in the traditional system of medicine.
Medications, beverages, soups, essential oils, and other herb-infused concoctions are also prominent. The medicinal plants differ in terms of how much analysis has been poured into them regarding health benefits for any illness.
Humans, however, appear unimpressed by this interaction and frequently refuse to reciprocate that protective gesture leading them to extinction. The empirical proof for common herbal medicines is mixed. There is a plethora of info for some, and there is only a handful for others.
Below you will unravel a list of 20 life-saving medicinal herbs that might be used when you or your treasured ones are sick. Discover them, and make sure you add them to your backyard for that uninterrupted supply of natural medicine.
Table of Contents
1. Evening Primrose Oil
| Name | Evening Primrose Oil |
| Locality | North America |
| Used For | PCOS, atopic dermatitis, and diabetic neuropathy |
| Availability | Easily accessible |
The oil yielded by the brilliant yellow evening primrose blossom is supposed to help with period pains and skin disorders like dermatitis. Evening primrose oil has been proven to have anti-inflammatory attributes in several clinical trials.
It has been shown to aid in treating atopic dermatitis and diabetic neuropathy. Several health issues, such as breast pain, may also benefit from it.
Recent studies suggest that altering hormones and insulin sensitivity in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome and administering it topically to treat moderate dermatitis can help reduce the symptoms.
2. Gingko
| Name | Gingko |
| Locality | China |
| Used For | Dementia, Alzheimer’s disease |
| Availability | Easily accessible |
Gingko is a vital ingredient in Eastern medicine, one of the ancient vegetation types. It is also one of the earliest homeopathic herbs. Tablets, pills, and infusions are made from the leaves, which can also be ingested as infused tea when appropriately dehydrated.
Its capacity to improve cognitive functioning is likely its most well-known attribute. Ginkgo has been shown to help those with mild to severe dementia. It also assists patients with Alzheimer’s disease to maintain their cognitive abilities.
3. Turmeric
| Name | Turmeric |
| Locality | Southern India and Indonesia |
| Used For | Infections, rheumatism, gastrointestinal problems, respiratory illnesses, anxiety, and liver cirrhosis |
| Availability | Easily accessible |
Turmeric is a perennial herbaceous plant in the ginger family indigenous to South Asia. It has been around for more than 4,000 years for its therapeutic benefits.
Infections, rheumatism, gastrointestinal problems, respiratory illnesses, anxiety, and liver cirrhosis can benefit from the regular use of turmeric. As for supplementation or topical treatment, turmeric may render therapeutic potential for healthy skin.
4. California Poppy
| Name | California Poppy |
| Locality | California |
| Used For | Anxiety and stress |
| Availability | Easily accessible |
The poppy’s gorgeous blossoms have made it a famous opioid species. The herb is a stress reliever that one can use on anxious children without causing harm. It can be brewed into a drink to relieve anxiousness and stress quickly. A more potent infusion will provide pain alleviation.
5. Saint John’s-Wort
| Name | Saint-John’s-Wort |
| Locality | Europe, northern Africa, and western Asia |
| Used For | Depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and menopausal symptoms. |
| Availability | Easily accessible |
Saint-John’s-wort is a yellow-flowering herb. The herb is originally from Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa, but today it is found all across the American Continent. Botanical treatments and pills made from the flower and leaf are therapeutic remedies for various diseases.
Consequently, Saint-John’s-wort is best known as a herbal antidepressant. It has been shown in research to positively impact mild to moderate depressive disorders when administered for 12 weeks. Saint-John’s-wort can also be used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder and menopausal symptoms.
6. Pacific Yew
| Name | Pacific Yew |
| Locality | American continents |
| Used For | Tumors, gynecological disorders and cancer |
| Availability | Easily accessible |
North American communities have historically embraced yew as traditional medicine. Ancient societies used it to make a beverage considered to be cancer-curing.
Yew has been proven to have the potential to block the development of some malignant tumors in contemporary Western medicine, and it is currently widely utilized for this purpose. Furthermore, the yew extract is being used to address gynecological disorders and cancer.
7. Rosy Periwinkle
| Name | Rosy Periwinkle |
| Locality | South Africa |
| Used For | Diabetes, blood cancer, malaria, and Hodgkin’s lymphoma. |
| Availability | Easily accessible |
Rosy Periwinkle has historically been associated with passionate love and commitment, and it is also widely known for its medicinal properties. In Ancient Rome, munching the leaves of Rosy Periwinkle was supposed to relieve dysentery.
Periwinkle has importance in contemporary medicine as well. Professionals are now using it to treat various ailments, such as diabetes, blood cancer, malaria, and Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
8. Sweet Wormwood
| Name | Sweet Wormwood |
| Locality | Asia |
| Used For | Temperature rise, migraines, and sorenes |
| Availability | Easily accessible |
Traditional Chinese medicine treats temperature rise, migraines, and soreness with sweet wormwood. The first recorded medical usage of sweet wormwood was almost 2,000 years ago in China. Sweet Wormwood has lately piqued medical curiosity as a potential malaria therapy.
9. Lady Ferns
| Name | Lady Ferns |
| Locality | US and Alaska |
| Used For | Asthma, pneumonia, and bronchitis |
| Availability | Easily accessible |
Lady ferns are a tall, pale green shrub indigenous to the northern hemisphere. It is frequently used as décor and in a variety of dishes.
Lady Ferns have the ability to cure a variety of illnesses. The roots and stems are utilized for medical purposes. Asthma, pneumonia, and bronchitis can all be prevented using the plant’s roots.
10. Porcelain Berry
| Name | Porcelain Berry |
| Locality | Southeastern Massachusetts |
| Used For | Cure for blisters and wounds |
| Availability | Easily accessible |
The roots of Ampelopsis japonica, which grow across eastern Asia and eastern North America, have been used as a medieval cure for blisters and wounds. Ampelopsis japonica has been shown to exhibit various pharmacological properties, notably neuroprotective, antibacterial, and anticancer properties.
According to Lee et al., ethanol extracts from dehydrated roots of Ampelopsis japonica hastened the recovery of cutaneous scald injury in rats. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels were found to be higher two days after the injury and diminished as the wound healed.
11. Marigold
| Name | Marigold |
| Locality | Southwestern North America, tropical America, and South America |
| Used For | Allergies |
| Availability | Easily accessible |
Marigold is a blooming species that thrive in a variety of soil conditions. They are often used to give brightness to an assortment of summertime recipes—Marigold’s anti-inflammatory effects aid in treating allergens while also promoting the development of new blood vessels.
12. Sage
| Name | Sage |
| Locality | Mediterranean region |
| Used For | Lowers the risk of chest, nose, and throat infections |
| Availability | Easily accessible |
Sage is a potent herb with lovely blooms and delicate leaves. You can find this plant in backyard gardens and orchards. Sage’s stem, blossom, and leaves are beneficial in curing various ailments.
The nutritional and antioxidant content of sage is exceptionally high. It lowers the risk of chest, nose, and throat infections. They have also been popularly used to ward off evil spirits. Just another way of emphasizing their importance!
13. Echinacea
| Name | Echinacea |
| Locality | Eastern and central North America |
| Used For | Nasal congestion |
| Availability | Easily accessible |
Echinacea is much more than the gorgeous purple coneflowers found in yards. For millennia, these blossoms have been used as medication in the guise of soups, teas, and infusions. They are now available as pills or additives.
The most well-known use of echinacea is to relieve nasal congestion. Still, additional research is needed to confirm this effect and learn how echinacea improves resistance when a pathogen is detected.
14. Chinese rhubarb
| Name | Chinese rhubarb |
| Locality | China |
| Used For | Constipation, persistent liver and kidney illness, and skin blemishes |
| Availability | Easily accessible |
Chinese rhubarb is one of the most well-known traditional herbal remedies with pharmacological effects.
Rhubarb root infusions show potent antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hemostatic properties, confirming its extensive application for constipation, persistent liver and kidney illness, and skin blemishes.
15. Ashwagandha
| Name | Ashwagandha |
| Locality | India, Africa, and parts of the Middle East |
| Used For | Alleviate stress, promote stamina, and improve cognitive function |
| Availability | Easily accessible |
In Ayurvedic medicine, a holistic therapy based on Indian natural healing concepts, Ashwagandha is among the essential botanicals. It has alleviated stress, promote stamina, and improved cognitive function for over 3,000 years.
Its high content of acid derivatives, which has been demonstrated to inhibit inflammation and tumor formation, is accountable for numerous health benefits. Studies have found Ashwagandha to help reduce blood sugar levels and decrease cortisol levels.
16. Ginseng
| Name | Ginseng |
| Locality | North America and in the Northern Hemisphere of eastern Asia in areas such as Korea, Bhutan, and eastern Siberia |
| Used For | Enhance blood flow, lower blood sugar levels, promote resistance, and prevent cancer |
| Availability | Easily accessible |
Ginseng is the most well recognized botanical herb that has been linked to a variety of health advantages. The plant comes in diverse shapes and sizes and is often dubbed “man-root” due to its form. Ginseng has been shown to enhance blood flow, promote resistance, and prevent cancers.
The potent plant has also been proved to enhance diabetic therapy and lower blood sugar levels. Ginseng has been boosting learning and memory, making it a favorite anti-aging ingredient for supporting brain health in seniors.
17. Alfalfa
| Name | Alfalfa |
| Locality | North America, South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. |
| Used For | Morning disease, vomiting, kidney problems, and urine discomfort |
| Availability | Easily accessible |
Alfalfa is used as cattle fodder for a specific purpose: high in minerals, vitamins, and other health-promoting elements and phytonutrients. Alfalfa is often called the “father of all plants” because of its 20 to 30 foot deep roots.
Alfalfa originated in the Mediterranean and the Middle East, but it has since expanded throughout most countries in Europe and the United States. Morning disease, vomiting, kidney problems, and urine discomfort can all be treated with alfalfa.
It is a natural cleanser with a touch of stimulating punch that can help you re-energize after a battle with the disease. It is also a hepatic and colon cleanser that can help lower cholesterol over time. You can buy alfalfa seeds, but eating the leaves directly from the plant is even better.
18. Burdock Herb
| Name | Burdock Herb |
| Locality | Northern Asia and Europe |
| Used For | Kill germs, reduce fever, and purify blood |
| Availability | Easily accessible |
Burdock, sometimes known as cocklebur, is a thorny, thistle-like perennial herb widely common worldwide. It can grow quite large, and its leaves mimic those of the elephant ear plant.
Please don’t consider the burdock an annoyance because it gets trapped in the hair of your dear pets. It is, in fact, an especially powerful poison ivy and poison oak remedy.
19. Wild Quinine
| Name | Wild Quinine |
| Locality | Eastern and the Midwestern United States |
| Used For | Debilitation, weariness, lung infections, gastrointestinal infections, and sexually transmitted diseases. |
| Availability | Easily accessible |
According to Alternative Nature Online, wild quinine is a vigorous botanical plant utilized as an antiperiodic, emmenagogue, kidney, lithontriptic, and poultice. It has been used in unconventional medicine for a long time to cure debilitation, weariness, lung infections, gastrointestinal infections, and sexually transmitted diseases.
Quinine is well-known for its ability to heal a combination of ailments. Only the root and blossoms are edible; you should avoid the rest of the plant as it can lead to poisoning.
20. Feverfew
| Name | Feverfew |
| Locality | Australia, Europe, China, Japan, and North Africa |
| Used For | Rheumatism, arthritis, migraine, and tension headaches |
| Availability | Easily accessible |
Feverfew is a herb with well-known and well-documented nutritional and therapeutic characteristics. Rheumatism, arthritis, and, most notably, migraine and tension headaches can all be treated with this anti-inflammatory herb.
It also helps to relieve stress and anxiousness in particular. Feverfew aids in the reduction of soreness and inflammation. Though feverfew is most beneficial when consumed daily, it can also be used as a pain reliever when Advil isn’t available.
To Conclude
Herbal medicine is regarded as an alternative or complementary approach. These plants are not intended to be used in place of established treatments prescribed by a medical professional.
It is vital to remember that nature does not always imply safe. Some herbs have unfavorable side effects and may interfere with your prescriptions.
Hence, make sure you do thorough research on the benefits and side effects of the herb you plan to incorporate with your morning tea. Better still, consult with your physician to prevent any ill effects.
(Last Updated on April 25, 2022 by Sadrish Dabadi)
