Throughout history plants and flowers have been used for medicinal purposes and have played an important role in maintaining our health. Let’s look at some of the most common plants and flowers that have medicinal uses.
Consult your doctor before changing or adding medicinal plants to your wellness regimen. Due to breeding and hybridization, not all modern plants and flowers have maintained their medicinal properties. This post is informational only and does not offer medical advice or recommendation.
Aloe Vera is a succulent that has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries. The gel from the plant's leaves contains compounds that are anti-inflammatory and antibacterial making it an effective topical treatment for burns, cuts, and other skin irritations. Aloe Vera is also known to have a laxative effect that may help with constipation when ingested.
Yarrow (genus Achillea) is a perennial flowering plant traditionally known for its bioactive properties. Popular uses within the genus include treatment of wounds, bleeding, headache, and pain. Achillea/yarrow is also known to have anti-inflammatory properties and may help with digestive issues.
Echinacea is a flowering perennial plant that is native to North America. It is commonly used to boost the immune system and fight off infections. Coneflower is also known to have anti-inflammatory properties and can help with skin irritations like eczema and psoriasis.
Lavender is a flowering plant with a fragrance that is known for its soothing and calming properties. It is often used as a natural remedy for anxiety and stress. Lavender is also known to have antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties and can be used to treat minor cuts and burns.
Foxglove (digitalis purpurea) contains compounds called cardiac glycosides which, when ingested in large quantities are poisonous. Interestingly, the same compounds that make foxgloves poisonous can also be used in medicine. In small doses the digoxin in foxgloves can be used to manage some heart conditions. Dosages must be carefully monitored.
Rosemary is an herb most often used in cooking, but it also has medicinal properties. The plant is known for improving memory and symptoms of fatigue. Rosemary may also be effective in treating headaches and migraines.
St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) is a flowering plant that has been used for centuries for mental health conditions. Widely known for its ability to treat mild to moderate depression, St. John’s Wort is also effective in treating anxiety and insomnia.
Nutrients and essential oils in hyssop can offer some helpful health effects. Tea made from true hyssop has been used to ease coughs, earaches, asthma, and bloating. Hyssop is also rich in flavonoids that can act as antioxidants.
Turmeric is a spice used in cooking, however, its most active compound, curcumin, has health benefits. Promoted as a dietary supplement, turmeric contains compounds that are anti-inflammatory and may help with joint pain and arthritis.
Chamomile has been used for its medicinal properties for thousands of years. The plant is known for its calming effects and is often used as a natural remedy for anxiety and insomnia. Chamomile is also known to have anti-inflammatory properties and can help with digestive issues such as bloating and indigestion.
For thousands of years plants and flowers have been used for medicinal purposes and to help ease the symptoms of a variety of health issues. Before incorporating these plants into your daily routine to help improve your overall health and wellbeing, consult with a healthcare professional. Also consider the use of pesticides which will impact the usefulness of these medicinal perennials.
