About Plants That Are Used in Medicine

Before synthetic, scientifically created medicines were available, shamans and other healers collected plants to treat wounds, bites, poisons and other maladies. Medicinal plants can grow anywhere, although specific plants to treat a sore throat, inflammation, or headache might grow only in certain areas. Because Native Americans, Aborigines, Greeks, and other early civilized ancestors did not have prior knowledge of the effects of herbs and plants, their usage comes from experience and handed down knowledge. Today, medicinal herbs are still used, some by medical professionals and others by everyday consumers. Ginseng and ginkgo are two common plants that appear commercially, targeting the brain, overall health and immune system.

Garlic

• Garlic was used during the Middle Ages as a way to prevent the plague. During World War I, field dressings made use of garlic to prevent infection. Alliin and allicin have antibacterial and anti-fungal properties due to their sulfuric nature. They can lower blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, and boost the immune system. Garlic also has been used as a natural pesticide against mosquitoes.

Mugwort

• Mugwort, also known as Artemisia, was named after the Greek moon goddess Artemis. In Greek times, this was appropriate because Artemis was the patron goddess of women, and the plant was supposedly useful for regulating the menstrual cycle. It has been used as an additive in beer but has had properties useful for travelers. Romans planted mugwort along the roadsides so travelers could use it to relieve sores and aches in the feet.

German Chamomile

• Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians all made use of Chamomile. It has been used to treat chest colds, sore throats, gingivitis, psoriasis, minor burns and stomach ulcers. It has also been used to treat conditions in children like chickenpox and rashes. The oil found in Chamomile has been shown to have anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory and anti-allergenic properties.

Evening Primrose

• The Evening Primrose got its name because its flowers only bloom at night. Nighttime insects are the pollinators. Native Americans have used this plant to make a poultice for alleviated swelling from bruises, and a tea concoction to alleviating coughing. When Europeans came to America, they found uses for the plant in treating wounds, coughs and sore throats. Evening primrose oil is taken from the seeds and is used as a substitute for people who have a deficiency in fatty acids.

Disclaimer

• Many medicinal applications for plants have not been tested or scientifically proven by the Food and Drug Administration. Although historically these plants have been proven and used in these applications, the results and the ailments they treated may or may not have been true. Some guides for the use of medicinal plants are available, written by credited men and women with doctorates, but many people are also selling pills and powders with the promise of alleviating pains and symptoms. These herb supplements remain "buyer beware" and you should always check the credentials of people who sell alternative medicine products.
  And always consult your doctor before you self-administer any alternative remedies because they can possibly have interactions with your prescription medications, allergies and other conditions you might have.