People have always had a deep connection to plants and their healing properties. Many know lots of remedies by heart, whether it’s common cures like ginger tea for coughing or homeopathic medicines that are best used when someone has been sick with the same illness twice in six months. When we think of plants in terms of treatment, we usually default to the Western medical tradition of herbs, but plants have been used for healing far longer than our current system.
A study in 2006 found that over 75% of pharmaceuticals are derived from natural sources- most commonly based on plant compounds and fungi- so it’s no surprise that people would turn to Mother Nature when they’re feeling under the weather.
The five plants we will be discussing today can offer various benefits to your health, depending on what you need help with. All of them have been used for generations by traditional healers to create medicines or supplements that would support both physical and emotional well-being.
Ginger
Ginger is a common spice in many dishes, but it also has potent medicinal properties and can help boost immunity or fight nausea and motion sickness. In addition, it’s been shown to reduce inflammation as well as aid digestion with the latter. You can purchase ginger capsules at any grocery store for anywhere from $0.99-$20.
CBD
CBD is a chemical compound found in the cannabis plant and hemp. It’s non-psychoactive, which means it won’t get you high when ingested or inhaled as THC would. Instead, Simply CBD can help relieve pain from headaches or menstrual cramps. Still, more research needs to be done on its effectiveness as an anti-inflammatory agent and how it influences the endocannabinoid system.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a spice used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries and is becoming more popular in the Western world. It’s known to help fight inflammation, lower cholesterol, improve digestion and even increase bone density- it can also be found at any grocery store or online.
Parsley
Parsley is a typical garnish and herb used in many dishes, but it also has potent medicinal properties that can be used to help with anything from heartburn to hair loss or skin conditions. It contains high iron and Vitamin C, and B-complex vitamins, all essential for the body.
Parsley is also a great source of folate, which has been found to help prevent congenital disabilities and protect against heart disease. It’s inexpensive and easy to find at any grocery store or market- remember that you should use the leaves only as the stems can be too harsh for cooking purposes.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a plant that can be found in most nurseries and home stores and is available at many pharmacies. Its gel is used to help with burns and sunburns because of its healing properties– it also has anti-inflammatory effects, so it’s suitable for people who have arthritis or other joint pain.
If you are looking for a way to improve your health and reduce the risk of illness, you might want to try incorporating these five plants into your regular diet. They are inexpensive, easy to find, and can provide many benefits- what more could you ask for?
*collaborative post
