Types of Medicinal Plants

Before the advent of modern medicine, local plants with medicinal properties often served as the most powerful agents in a traditional healer's repertoire. Indigenous people around the world still use plants as an integral part of their healing practices. The pharmacology industry adapted many medicinal plants used in traditional healing to create modern medicines. Researchers have not investigated the claims involved in the use of most medicinal plants, and it is recommended that individuals interested in the subject consult with a physician before attempting to treat a condition or symptom.

Medicinal Plants for Respiratory Ailments

• An x-ray of the lungs, organs of the respiratory system.

  Medicinal plants that treat respiratory ailments may address asthma, coughing, respiratory infections and other breathing complaints. Some plants may function as bronchodilators, increasing the airflow to and from the lungs, while others soothe the irritations of a dry, scratchy throat.

  Coughing, a common symptom of many respiratory illnesses, might be soothed by ingesting the bark and leaves of the mountain apple tree or the leaves of the sweet potato plant.

  Tropaeolum majus, known commonly as nasturtium, includes edible flowers and leaves traditionally used to treat respiratory infections. Micmac Indians drank milk with yarrow to treat respiratory infection.

Medicinal Plants for Digestive Ailments

• Medicinal plants can assist in treating digestive ailments.

  Another group of medicinal plants can be used to alleviate the symptoms and correct the causes of various digestive ailments. The bark of the Manilkara zapota, also known as sapodillo tree, and the leaves and flowers of the cockscomb may relieve diarrhea, while other plants such as the tamarind may function as a laxative. Preparations of the leaves of the bay leaf plant may treat upper digestive tract disorders and ginger root may reduce feelings of nausea.

Medicinal Plants for Skin Ailments

• Traditional medicine uses many plants to treat skin ailments.

  As the largest and most external organ of the body, the skin can suffer from a variety of complaints -- from cuts, bites, burns and other wounds and a range of diseases. Many plants treat the various symptoms presented by the skin. The bark and root of the curry tree can be used in treating poisonous bites and other skin eruptions. Marigold may help burns and wounds to heal, in addition to treating fungal infections such as athlete's foot or ringworm.

Analgesic Plants

• A study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology in 2006 found that the heart wood of the Australian red cedar, known scientifically as Toona ciliata, significantly reduces pain. This subtropical tree produces edible leaves, consumed as vegetables in some Asian countries, and a bark traditionally used topically to treat dysentery and to heal wounds.

  Communities around the globe rely on hundreds, if not thousands of plants with pain-relieving properties. The Australian New Crops newsletter made a cursory investigation of analgesic plants in Australia and found 50 distinct species used regionally. Each plant requiring its own method of preparation and dosage.

Medicinal Plants for Insomnia

• Many medicinal plants help the sleepless to get a good night's rest.

  Just as teas made from certain leaves or plants can make the tea drinker feel alert, teas made from various other plants can relieve insomnia by increasing feelings of calm and relaxation. Contemporary and traditional tea lovers often drink chamomile tea in the evening to treat sleep disorders. The leaves and stems of the Piper methysticum, and the roots and seeds of the lotus flower may also relieve insomnia.