9 Of The Most Powerful Medicinal Plants In Nature! The Opinion Of Science Behind Them

2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29

Today we live in a time when manufactured drugs predominate, but should they be the only treatment? Many people are already turning to medicinal plants and herbal medicines that have the ability to heal and stimulate physical and mental well-being.

In fact, at the beginning of the 21st century, 11% of the 252 medicines considered essential and essential by the World Health Organization are exclusively "of flowering plant origin". Medicines such as codeine, quinine and morphine contain herbal ingredients.

While manufactured medicines are certainly paramount in our lives, we can keep in mind that the power of nature is on our side. However, natural alternatives are not perfect. Many herbs carry the same risks and side effects as manufactured drugs.

However, many herbs and teas offer harmless ways to improve your health. Pay attention to what is being said about the effectiveness of each herb, as well as potential interactions or safety issues. Avoid using herbs for infants and children, as well as for those who are pregnant and breastfeeding. Most herbs have not been tested for safety, and for those who are vulnerable, experimenting with herbs is not worth the risk.

Choosing the right one plant it may seem difficult for someone who just wants to feel better without taking medication. That is why we are looking for the most effective medicinal plantswhich have strong scientific evidence to support their safe use.

Taking herbs along with more traditional drug approaches is something you and your doctor can discuss together. Sometimes the use of plants may have an even lower risk of taking concentrated manufactured additives, as there is a higher risk of contamination of the product during production processes. Herbs can also be a way to add the necessary nutrients.

If you want to add some medicinal plants to your mode, take a look at our list of The 9 most powerful medicinal plants in nature.

These plants have the most research and are a safer choice among herbal remedies. "0" means dangerous, without research, and "5" is completely safe with enough research. Many of these plants are somewhere between 3 and 4.

We hope that this guide will serve as a starting point for those who wish to integrate herbal medicines in my life. As always, talk to your doctor before starting a new treatment.

Ginkgo

Safety assessment: 3/5

Research: 3.5 / 5

As one of the oldest tree species, ginkgo is also one of the oldest homeopathic plants and a key herb in Chinese medicine. The leaves are used to make capsules, tablets and extracts, and when dried, they can be consumed as tea. It is best known for its ability to stimulate brain health. Studies show that ginkgo can treat patients. Recent studies show that it can help treat diabetes and also that it can affect bone healing.

Ginkgo can be useful in:

• dementia

• Alzheimer's disease

• eye health

• inflammation

• diabetes

• bone treatment

• anxiety

• depression

Things to consider:

• Prolonged use may increase the likelihood of thyroid and liver cancer;

• Ginkgo seeds are poisonous;

• Side effects may include headache, upset stomach, dizziness and an allergic reaction;

• The use of Ginkgo should be discussed with your doctor due to numerous drug interactions.

Turmeric

Safety assessment:

used as an herb: 5/5;

used as an additive: 4/5

Research: 3/5

With its brilliant orange hue, it is impossible to miss the turmeric located on the spice shelf. Originally from India, turmeric is believed to have anti-cancer properties and can prevent DNA mutations.

As an anti-inflammatory, it can be taken as a supplement and used topically for people with arthritis who want to relieve discomfort and pain. It is used worldwide as a cooking ingredient, making it a delicious, antioxidant-rich addition to many dishes. According to recent studies, turmeric is also promising as a treatment for various dermatological diseases and arthritis.

Turmeric can be beneficial for:

• pain caused by inflammatory diseases such as arthritis;

• cancer prevention;

• stopping DNA mutations;

• some skin diseases.

Evening primrose oil

Safety rating: 4.5 / 5

Research: 3/5

The vibrant yellow color of evening primrose produces an oil that is thought to relieve the symptoms of PMS and skin conditions such as eczema.

Some studies have found that evening primrose oil has anti-inflammatory properties. It is known to help with conditions such as atopic dermatitis and diabetic neuropathy. It can also help with other health problems such as chest pain. Recent studies have shown an improvement in the quality of life of patients with multiple sclerosis, changes in hormones and insulin sensitivity in those with polycystic ovary syndrome, and their use topically to improve mild dermatitis.

Evening primrose oil can be useful for:

• PMS;

• Mild dermatological problems;

• chest pain;

• menopause;

• inflammation;

• diabetic neuropathy;

• multiple sclerosis;

• PCOS;

• Blood Pressure.

Flaxseed

Safety rating: 4.5 / 5

Research: 3.5 / 5

Flaxseed, also available as an oil, is one of the safest solutions among herbal supplements. Collected for thousands of years, flaxseed is used today for its antioxidant activity and anti-inflammatory action.

According to one study, flaxseed can help prevent colon cancer. Another study cites that flaxseed has the ability to lower blood pressure. It can even help reduce obesity. Many people add flaxseed to oatmeal and shakes, and also take it in the form of tablets, butter (which can be put in capsules) and flour.

The best way to add flaxseed is to sprinkle ground cereal seeds or salad, stew, homemade breads or shakes. Add the linseed oil to the salad dressing.

Flaxseed can be useful for:

• reduction of obesity;

• regulation of blood pressure;

• prevention of colon cancer;

• inflammation;

• hot flashes.

Things to consider:

• Flaxseed can affect estrogen production in women, especially if they have cancer or are pregnant;

• Do not eat unripe flax seeds, as they can be toxic.

Tea tree oil

Safety rating: 4/5

Research: 3/5

The tea tree, who was born in Australia, produces an oil that has long been thought to benefit skin conditions, including acne, small wounds, dandruff, insect bites and other inflammatory skin conditions.

A recent study says that tea tree oil slows the growth of microbes that cause acne. It is usually used as a highly concentrated essential oil.

Things to consider:

• Tea tree oil is poisonous if taken orally;

• Your skin may experience an allergic reaction;

• May affect hormones;

• Prolonged use is not recommended.

Echinacea

Safety rating: 4.5 / 5

Research: 3.5 / 5

Echinacea is much more than those beautiful, purple flowers that you see in gardens. These flowers have been used for centuries as a medicine in the form of teas, juices and extracts. Today they can be taken as a powder or additives.

The most famous use of echinacea is to reduce the symptoms of the common cold, but more research is needed to test this benefit and to understand how echinacea boosts immunity in the presence of a virus.

In general, apart from a few potential side effects, echinacea is relatively safe. Although it needs more tests, you can always use it.

Echinacea can be useful for:

• colds;

• immunity;

• bronchitis;

• upper respiratory tract infections.

Things to consider:

• It can be difficult for the digestive tract and upset the stomach;

• Allergic reactions are possible.

Grape seed extract

Safety rating: 4.5 / 5

Research: 3.5 / 5

For years, grape seed extract, available as a liquid, tablet or capsule, has been shown to have antioxidant activity. It has powerful health benefits, including lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol and reducing the symptoms of poor circulation in the veins of the legs.

Studies confirm that regular consumption of grape seed extract has anti-cancer effects.

Things to consider:

• Use with caution if you are taking blood thinners or blood pressure medications or if you intend to have surgery;

• It can reduce the absorption of iron.

Lavender

Safety rating: 4/5

Research: 3.5 / 5

If you are worried, use lavender essential oil. This fragrant purple flower has a relatively strong presence among studies that focus mainly on its soothing properties.

A study conducted in dental patients proved the calming effect of lavender, while another study confirmed that the herb can directly affect mood and cognitive outcomes. It is also recommended for its sedative properties to help people get much needed sleep. Recently, it is claimed that lavender also has anti-inflammatory benefits.

Camomile

Safety rating: 4/5

Research: 3.5 / 5

With flowers that look like small daisies, chamomile is another medicinal plant that is believed to have relaxing properties. Most people know them because chamomile tea is popular and preferred (one statistic says that over 1 million people a day consume such a drink worldwide), but it can also be ingested through liquids, capsules or tablets.

The calming powers of chamomile have often been studied. A 2009 study found that chamomile was better than taking placebo at treatment of generalized anxiety disorder. A recent study confirmed that it was safe for long-term use, and another study confirmed that it also showed potential in anti-cancer treatment.