Species of Medicinal Plants

Plants are an important part of human life for a variety of reasons. Plants absorb carbon dioxide and produce the oxygen that you breathe, but plants are also the source of many products that assist people with health issues every day. Some plants have medicinal properties in their natural state and can be used to treat many different conditions. Familiarizing yourself with some of the common medicinal plants that grow around you can help you find alternative ways to treat some minor ailments.

Aloe Vera

• Aloe vera is a well-known medicinal plant with many health benefits. This green, thick-leaved plant contains a natural ointment that is useful in treating a wide range of skin conditions. For generations, the aloe vera plant has been used topically to heal wounds more quickly and soothe burns. It can be used to soothe and heal blisters, stop itching from insect bites and treat athlete's foot or other fungal infections. It is even helpful for relief of dry skin. Aloe vera can also be ingested, although because of its bitter taste, commercial concoctions are used. Ingesting aloe can boost immunity and has even shown promise in activating white blood cells and potentially aiding in the treatment of some cancers. However, you should not use aloe vera to treat yourself without first talking with your doctor.

Marigold

• The bright yellow marigold is a pretty landscape ornament, but it is also among the plants regularly used by herbalists to treat a variety of conditions. The marigold and products made from the flowering plant have been used orally to treat upset stomach, ulcers, menstrual cycle problems, inflammation and eye infections, according to the MedicineNet website. The FDA has not reviewed marigold for effectiveness and safety, so it is best to consult a physician before taking marigold or marigold products orally. Although unlikely, marigold can cause an allergic reaction in some people. If you take marigold and experience itching, swelling, dizziness or shortness of breath, you should contact a physician immediately.

Peppermint

• You may think it is the best smelling medicinal plant in nature. Peppermint is a safe, effective and pleasantly aromatic medicine that can be used in its natural form, and it is also found in everything from candies to hand lotions because of its soothing effects. Peppermint is often used to treat headaches, anxiety, depression, nausea, diarrhea, menstrual cramps, and flatulence, and it is often an ingredient in chest rubs to treat congestion. Peppermint has even been shown to kill some bacteria and viruses, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. It is very common in the treatment of indigestion and irritable bowel syndrome.

Echinacea

• Echinacea is a purple-petal flowering plant in the daisy family that has become a popular medicinal plant. It is known to fight viruses, bacteria and fungal infections. It is often taken to stave off the common cold or reduce the duration of colds or flu symptoms. It is best taken orally in liquid form as tea, but the leaves are sometimes dried and crushed and put into capsule form. It has also been used for stomach cramps, urinary tract infections and it can be used as an ointment to treat insect bites, burns and yeast infections.