What Medicines Come From Rainforest Plants?

Only a very small amount of rainforest plants and flowers have been tested for medicinal properties. Unfortunately, logging, clear cutting and cattle farming on rainforest land has significantly reduced the ability to test the millions of rainforest plants. Rainforests produces more than 20 percent of the oxygen our world consumes, and they also contain 20 percent of the world's fresh water.

Saw Palmetto

• The extract from the berries of this plant is used to treat urinary problems. The native people have used this for generations.

Feverfew

• This plant contains parthenolide , which acts as a serotonin inhibiting the release of serotonin which aides as a pain reducer.

Valerian

• Valerian is used as a sleep aid across the world, and it has been used for thousands of years. It's also effective as a mild sedative.

Coneflower

• The purple coneflower is used in the rainforest by the native people as a treatment for viral illnesses. It has been known to stimulate the white blood cells.

Hawthorn Herb

• Hawthorn is used for treatment of heart failure. Hawthorne contains potent antioxidants.

Eggplant

• The extract of this plant has been known to treat many types of skin cancer, as well as various skin conditions.