The 15 medicinal plants with the most properties and benefits

Today we have a tendency to think about taking medicine when we suffer from some type of ailment, but for time immemorial the first resource was always nature.

While we cannot deny the great advances of modern medicine thanks to drugs, that does not mean that we should turn our backs on the medicine that nature provides us. In fact, we recommend using it as the first option, since there are medicinal plants with great properties and health benefits.

Top 15 medicinal plants and what are their properties and benefits

Here we present a large selection of plants that help us to be healthier. All help us fight different types of problems that may arise in our body, their good are also very suitable to prevent the appearance of these and many other problems.

Do not hesitate to resort to medicinal plants so that your body is in the best of your possible versions, because in recent times they have been undervalued. The old generations knew well thanks to popular wisdom the help that they have given us throughout our history. It is a pity that today much of its properties and benefits for our body are unknown.

1. Ginger

This root has great benefits for our body. Its properties are multiple, highlighting the antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiparasitic and antiemetic (inhibits the feeling of nausea). It is an excellent option to incorporate into meals, juices or shakes and highlights its ability to improve digestive problems, although it also helps fight other ailments such as headaches or fatigue.

• To learn more about ginger: "The 8 benefits of ginger for your health and well-being”

2. Turmeric

Turmeric is a root of the ginger family that we can buy in powder form. It is the main ingredient in condiments in many eastern countries, curry being one of the most representative.

Its therapeutic properties of turmeric are enormous thanks to its phytochemicals and its contribution in vitamins (K, C, E and several of group B), copper, zinc, magnesium, potassium, manganese, iron and calcium. It is an antibiotic, antioxidant, antitumor, analgesic, stimulant, healing plant, and helps to fight diabetes, support digestive function and the immune system, and protect the liver.

• More information about turmeric in: "Turmeric: the 10 medicinal benefits of this spice”

3. Aloe vera

Aloe vera is a plant with a multitude of beneficial properties for our body. One of the best known ways to benefit from it is to apply its juice to skin wounds of various kinds; It helps us heal scratches, cuts or burns, as it has a great capacity for skin regeneration.

In addition, we can also eat it as it helps the immune system and is highly recommended to improve intestinal function.

• For more information: "Aloe Vera: 8 properties and benefits of this plant”

4. Chamomile

Chamomile is one of the best known plants around the world for its properties and benefits for our body. Chamomile is generally taken in the form of an infusion, and it especially helps to improve digestion and calm anxiety and stress..

Likewise, it is also indicated to relieve menstrual pain, help the immune system and help the body of the diabetic. Topically it is able to help in the treatment of wounds and skin impurities.

5. Passionflower

Passionflower is a plant that works very well to combat insomnia. It contains different substances that relax the brain, having anxiolytic, sedative and hypnotic properties. In addition, it also helps the body relax, being an infusion an excellent option to drink at night. Passionflower allows us to enjoy its properties, since it is an antispasmodic, muscle relaxant, antiseptic and mild analgesic plant.

• If you have problems falling asleep we recommend: "7 natural remedies to sleep soundly and instantly”

6. Oregano

Oregano has been used for time immemorial thanks to its medicinal properties, in addition to spicing up some foods very well. Its capacity is especially anti-inflammatory, antihistamine, antioxidant and antifungal, and it is It has been proven effective against stomach pain, headache and various problems respiratory

7. Linden

Linden has an excellent sedative and anxiolytic power that helps us calm anxiety and stress. Taking an infusion of this plant we can get to sleep more easily and have a better quality of sleep. Its antispasmodic properties also help us fight against muscle tension

8. Peppermint

Peppermint is a plant with a very good aroma and flavor that helps to improve bad breath, but its benefits go further. In case we have not digested peppermint well, it will allow us to recover, as well as in stressful situations. This plant can help the immune system to strengthen itself. In addition, it promotes skin regeneration and improves headaches.

• It might interest you: "Peppermint: 7 properties and benefits of this traditional plant”

9. Orange tree flowers and leaves

Orange flowers and leaves have a powerful anxiolytic power and have a relaxing effect on our nervous system.. There are both essential oils and infusions of orange blossoms. While the infusions can be a bit bitter and there are those who sweeten them with honey, the oils essentials are very pleasant and smelling it will help us reduce tension and nerves and fight against insomnia.

10. Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus is well known for its medicinal properties, especially in relation to different respiratory diseases. The compounds of this Australian tree facilitate the secretion of fluids, help to expectorate, calming the cough and the dryness of the respiratory tract from diseases such as bronchitis. It has also been found to help regulate blood sugar levels, which is good for diabetes.

11. Valerian

Valerian is a plant well known for its sleep-inducing ability. Thanks to its sedative properties, an infusion of valerian in the evening helps to relax the nervous system. It is a great resource for those with trouble falling asleep. It helps to combat nervousness and mental stress, and it is also helpful for people with headaches and stomachaches.

• In this article you will find 6 bad habits that we must exclude from our routines to sleep well: "Top 6 tips for getting a good night's sleep (and avoiding insomnia)”

12. Tea

Tea is a world-renowned plant. In fact, tea infusions are the second most consumed beverage in the world, even in front of coffee. There are many types of tea of ​​different origins with their properties, and one of the ones that is being talked about the most lately is the Japanese matcha tea, which, thanks to its manufacturing process, acquires special properties.

Humans can benefit from tea basically thanks to infusions and oils. Among the properties of tea, its stimulating capacity stands out because it contains theine, a molecule that acts in a similar way to caffeine but without giving us so many highs and lows. In addition, its antioxidant power is very high, helping our body to fight against free radicals, molecules that age our cells.

• It might interest you: "Tea tree oil: what it is for and 11 properties”

13. Mate

The mate or mate is a drink that comes from a bush with the same name. It is taken mainly in Argentina and also in areas of Paraguay and Brazil.

Mate especially helps us due to its stimulating effects, its antioxidant capacity and its support for the immune system.. In addition, there are studies that indicate that it helps control blood cholesterol. On the other hand, it stands out as a source of certain minerals such as potassium and magnesium, as well as vitamins of group B.

14. Lavender

Lavender is a plant that helps us fight stress and favors the conciliation of sleep. Its action relaxes the nervous system, being able to take it in the form of an infusion before going to bed. Another option is to have it in the form of an essential oil. We can leave an open bottle of this oil in our bedroom to be able to enjoy a deep sleep while we smell its pleasant perfume.

15. Moringa

This is the most unknown plant on the list, but it is not at all in India and other parts of the world, as it is also cultivated in South America, Africa and Asia. The high richness in vitamins and minerals of the moringa plant makes it popularly known as "the tree of life".

Incorporating moringa in our diet we can enjoy its many benefits in our body. It stands out, above all, its ability to revitalize our spirits, since it gives us a lot of energy because it contains many nutrients that our body needs. This, in turn, helps improve our immune system.

• Learn about all the properties and benefits of this extraordinary plant: "Moringa: what is it for and 8 benefits of this plant”.

Bibliographic references

• Aggarwal, B.B., Sundaram, C., Malani, N. and Ichikawa, H. (2007). Curcumin: the Indian solid gold. Adv. Exp. Med. Biol. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, 595, 1–75.

• Arsdall, A.V. (2002). Medieval Herbal Remedies: The Old English Herbarium and Anglo-Saxon Medicine. Psychology Press. pp. 70–71

• Collins, Minta (2000). Medieval Herbals: The Illustrative Traditions. University of Toronto Press.

• Garcia, R.H. (1991). Mexican healing plants. Mexico. Ed. Panorama. 263 p

• Lyle, E.C. and Simon, J.E. (1989) Species and medicinal plants: Recent Advances in Botany, Horticulture & Pharmacology.

• Villaescusa, L and Martín, T. (2007). Phytotherapy for insomnia, anxiety and nervousness. In: Castillo E, Martínez I. Phytotherapy Manual. Elsevier Masson, 2007. p. 167-185.

• Zin, J. and Weiss, C. (1980). Health through Medicinal Plants. Santiago: Ed. Salesiana