Top 20 Healing Herbs (Effects and Health Benefits)

Today and thanks to advances in science, medicine is capable of curing a wide variety of diseases. But before medicine was developed to an acceptable level, the different peoples of the world used the knowledge that the tradition and the observation of the effects of various products present in nature in order to try to alleviate ailments.

One of the main elements used are the so-called healing or medicinal herbs, which have properties that can help alleviate various minor discomforts and alterations. However, it must be borne in mind that these suppose a relief of the symptoms and an aid to the improvement of the wound healing, but cannot replace conventional medical treatments or make serious diseases.

There is a great variety and diversity of these plants, given the diversity of the species described by botany. Here we will see a selection of the best healing herbs.

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What is called a healing herb?

Before commenting on some of the most relevant healing herbs, it is necessary to define what a healing or medicinal herb is, which is often identified as a medicinal plant. Although it is generally used as a synonym for the latter concept (including also, for example, trees), technically when we talk about healing herbs we are referring to all those kinds of plant

with stem configured by soft and green tissue (never woody) and that die once they have produced offspring, generally at the end of the season, which have medicinal properties beneficial to human health.

Despite this, should never be used as a substitute for medical treatment, and if they are taken, possible interactions with drugs and other interventions with which they could have dangerous interferences should be consulted. Also, keep in mind that some of the properties attributed to many of these herbs have not been scientifically proven, and in other cases its beneficial effects have been shown less efficient than expected.

A selection of the best healing herbs

This is a list with a score of the best healing herbs, most of them widely known and even in many cases widely used by a large part of the population. It must be borne in mind that although they have positive effects on health, most of them have some contraindication or it is not recommended in specific situations, and some of them even have abortifacient properties.

1. Chamomile

The queen of infusions, chamomile or chamomile is one of the best known healing herbs and used when trying to treat and reduce pain and discomfort of the gastrointestinal tract. It also has a relaxing and anti-inflammatory effect, something that makes it useful for treating muscle aches or headaches. It also has antibacterial properties that make it also used to clean wounds or as a rinse.

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2. Rosemary

A common condiment in our kitchens, rosemary is another herb that has relevant medicinal properties. Rich in antioxidants and with a large number of essential components for health, this plant helps to delay aging and cell death caused by free radicals, as well as helping to improve concentration and performance and alleviate and promote recovery from respiratory or digestive problems (including facilitating the expulsion of gases), facilitate menstruation and increase levels of Energy.

It also has, among others, antibacterial, liver-protective, healing, expectorant and analgesic properties. Of course, like most of the rest of the exponents on this list, in excess it can be toxic.

3. Sage

Another well-known medicinal herb is sage, which despite having abortifacient properties and being contraindicated in people with kidney problems or in nursing mothers and can become toxic in high amounts, have antibiotic and antiseptic properties, decreases diarrhea and blood glucose, triggers appetite and increases energy and helps reduce inflammation and intestinal pain. It is also muscle relaxant and seems to facilitate stimulation and cognitive activity.

4. Mint

Probably a product that we have all used in the kitchen, mint is a herbaceous plant that is often used in medicinal products. In addition to having diuretic properties, it has been observed that it facilitates the functioning of the digestive system and the liver, in addition to being anti-inflammatory and having expectorant and antitussive properties, contribute to the synthesis of sweat, have analgesic capacity and be stimulating and activator.

5. Valerian

An herb especially known for its calming and relaxing properties, similar to linden. Helps to facilitate sleep and it is especially used by people with insomnia. It also relaxes and allows to calm anguish, sadness or anxiety while reducing alterations such as headaches, muscle pain, arrhythmias or tachycardias. It is also anti-inflammatory.

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6. Grass of San Juan

St. John's wort or St. John's wort is an interesting medicinal herb that is especially known for the fact that have properties that help combat serious mental problems such as depression, having an effect antidepressant. In addition to this, it also helps to alleviate problems of anxiety, pain and insomnia, and is useful when it comes to helping in various health problems linked to the menstrual cycle, stomach problems and even problems linked to insulin.

However, it is important to note that can negatively interact with drugs, especially with antidepressants.

7. Filipendula ulmaria

Also called queen of the meadows, the meadowsweet is one of the healing or medicinal herbs from which a component of great importance in medicine, specifically from its flowers (although it is also present in other plants): salicin.

This name may not sound familiar to us, but if we add that acetylsalicylic acid comes from it, we will quickly see that it is the main active principle of aspirin. This component therefore has an analgesic effect. In addition, it also appears to have antibacterial properties, as well as anticoagulant and anti-inflammatory properties.

8. Fennel

This plant, widely used in cooking, also has interesting medicinal properties. First of all, it has been observed to help treat digestive problems, such as heaviness or constipation. It also has antispasmodic activity at the visceral level, in addition to being a diuretic and allow reduction of fluid retention. Although they are not the only ones, other relevant properties are those that contribute to the reduction of blood pressure or that of serve as support in the regulation of the menstrual cycle or when reducing discomfort both of this and of the climacteric.

9. Licorice

Also called licorice, this herb that is widely known in the preparation of the sweet of the same name has also been attributed medicinal properties. Specifically has anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties, as well as reducing acidity. It also helps reduce body temperature and has an anesthetic effect.

10. Greater plantain

This plant, despite not being among the best known, has interesting properties that are useful. Among them we can mention the fact that it helps in the treatment of kidney and bladder problems, intestinal problems such as diarrhea (that is, astringent), have antihemorrhagic and antiseptic properties, be anti-inflammatory and satiating and contribute as an expectorant to the recovery of problems respiratory It is also rich in antioxidants and it appears to help lower blood pressure and blood glucose.

11. Mallow

Mallow is another of the herbaceous plants with healing or medicinal properties, in this case also being anti-inflammatory, antitussive and expectorant, diuretic, antiseptic (useful in wounds) and with a very slight action hypoglycemic. Also facilitates intestinal transit, being laxative. Useful in inflammation, arthritis, dental pain, gastroenteritis or constipation, among others.

12. Calendula

This herb has powerful anti-inflammatory, healing and antiseptic properties, being very useful for use on skin wounds. It favors the proper functioning of the menstrual cycle and has calming effects and helps to treat dental and digestive tract problems, among others.

13. Marjoram

Another of the considered healing or medicinal herbs is marjoram, which is sometimes used in cooking but also It has antibacterial, antifungal, antiseptic, expectorant, antispasmodic, sedative and appetite-generating properties. Useful for respiratory and digestive problems, also reducing the absorption of carbohydrates.

14. Verbena

Verbena is a herbaceous plant of which some of its variants have interesting medicinal properties. One of them, known as Santa Isabel grass, it is characterized by having calming and relaxing effects, at the same time that they favor a positive state of mind. It is useful to reduce nervousness, insomnia or headaches. It has also been found to be an excellent diuretic, as well as an astringent that hinders diarrhea and promotes tissue shrinkage. In addition, it is an antioxidant.

15. Oatmeal

When we think of oatmeal, we probably envision its culinary use in the form of flakes. But in addition to this, this herbaceous has very relevant properties at a medicinal level. First of all, it should be noted that this plant has the capacity to strengthen our immune system and increase energy levels, among other things due to its high number of vitamins. It also contributes to reducing bad cholesterol and increasing good cholesterol, as well as having a laxative effect.

16. Cilantro

Commonly used as a condiment, coriander also has medicinal properties. Among them is the fact that it contributes to reducing cholesterol levels and lowers blood glucoseIn addition to being a diuretic and promoting the elimination of toxins (especially heavy metals), it has an anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and even antispasmodic effect. It also favors the appetite, facilitates the expulsion of gases and can serve as an expectorant.

17. Dandelion

Widely valued for its beauty on an aesthetic level and sometimes also consumed on a culinary level, dandelion is also one of the healing or medicinal herbs. Specifically, it has been observed that it is a diuretic and stimulant, as well as that it is beneficial for the kidneys and liver (helping to filter the blood and prevent bleeding). Stimulates the appetite and is anti-inflammatory and healing. However, it can be harmful to pregnant women or people with bipolar disorder.

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18. Basil

Again known primarily for its use as a condiment, this herb also has medicinal properties. Among them is the fact that it stimulates the appetite, makes vomiting difficult and has antitussive, anti-inflammatory and antibiotic properties, among others. It is also rich in antioxidants, diuretic, slightly anticoagulant and improves our immune system.

19. St. Robert's wort

Another exponent of healing or medicinal herbs is the Geranium robertianum or St. Robert's wort. This plant is often used with the purpose of helping to stop bleeding. It is also astringent, both with regard to the blood and the intestinal level (being useful in diarrhea) and is useful as a diuretic. Curiously, and despite the fact that its flavor is good, unlike most of the other exponents on the list, St. Robert's wort generates an aversive odor when pressed.

20. Oregano

We finish the list with a herb widely known and loved in our kitchens: oregano. This plant is known to have a protective effect on the liver, have an antihistamine and anti-inflammatory effect, contribute to the expulsion of gases, strengthen the bones and skin, reduce pain, reduce blood glucose in diabetics, have an expectorant effect, be rich in antioxidants and even prevent cancers such as Mommy.

Bibliographic references:

• Menghini, L., Genovese, S., Epifano, F., Tirillini, B., Ferrante, C. & Leporini, L. (2010). Antiproliferative, protective and antioxidant effects of artichoke, dandelion, turmeric and rosemary extracts and their formulation. International Journal of Immunopathology and Pharmacology, 23 (2): 601-610.
• Sutton, J. (2004). The Gardener's Guide to Growing Salvias. New York: Workman Publishing Company