Common medicinal herbs and their uses.
Throughout the centuries the plants that grow around us have been used in one way or another by us, mostly for food but in other cases as cures for our ailments. Today if we do not feel too well we will go to the doctor, tell him of our ailments and he will prescribe the appropriate medicine.
Times have not really changed since our ancestors because there was a time, if you did not feel well, you would go to the witchdoctor, the shaman or the high priest and he/she would provide you with the cure for your ailment. It may seem improbable to us that such people could perform the duty of modern day doctors but what we have to remember is that the basis of all modern medicine is based on our past and that the constituents of herbal remedies that were prescribed long ago are still being used today.
Although the processes employed then were not as efficient as those of today they did work and that is why modern medicine as perfected the processes and concoctions that are administered to us on prescription. The plants available to our ancestors are still available, growing in our fields, edgeways and even our gardens, and the processes and formulations that were employed in our past are still available for us to copy.
Today with the expanding volume of knowledge, available to everyone who can read a book or who can access the internet, the facts of the past can be brought into our modern world and we can see and duplicate them for ourselves. Yet in saying that, care should be taken if you intend to produce your own medicines because what you have to consider is the symptoms. Simply because your head hurts does not mean you have a headache that could be cured with an aspirin.
I have written this article as an essay of interest and I have no medical knowledge, nor would I suggest that you take the writing literal, but only as an indication of those things around us capable of curing our ills. And before you attempt to use any herb for a medical purpose I would suggest that the plants you use are those described and identified by name and photograph.
If you are a sever sufferer of any complaint I strongly recommend that you discuss the use of 'home made medicines' with your doctor before you use them.
Medicinal Herbs.
Cape Aloe; (Aloe ferox). also known as Bitter Aloe, and Red Aloe.Two juices are extracted from this plant; a yellow and bitter sap which is used as a laxative, and a white aloe gel which is used in health drinks and in skin care products.
Comfrey; (Symphytum officinale L.).
This herb contains allantoin, a chemical which speeds up the natural replacement of body cells. It has been used to treat a wide variety of ailments; these include bronchial problems, broken bones, sprains and arthritis.
Dandelion; (T. officinale and T. erythrospermum.)
Dandelions are one plant which can be used completely; its flowers, roots and leaves, The Chinese have used the plant for centuries especially in herbal teas which are said to cleanse the liver of toxins. The plant contains the mineral potassium.
Dill; (Anethum graveolens). Dill is mainly used in foods where its properties are said to settle the stomach.
Feverfew. (Tanacetum parthenium).
Feverfew has been used for several ailments; reducing fever, for treating headaches, digestive problems and for arthritis.
This plant releases serotonin and prostaglandins, chemicals which are believed to aid with migraine attacks.
Garlic; (Allium sativum). Garlic is a species of the onion family and its close relatives include the onion, shallot, leek, and chive.
Garlic has been used throughout history in medicine, and today garlic is being used in the treatment of heart disease, for combating cholesterol, high blood pressure, and is being used in experimentation for treating cancer.
Ginger; (Zingiber officinale.)
Used as a stimulant and carminative for dyspepsia and colic. This plant may be used in heart disease because of its blood-thinning and cholesterol properties. Tea brewed from ginger was used as a remedy for colds. Ginger has also been used to treat inflammation.
Goldenseal; (Hydrastis canadensis). Also known as, Orange-root or Orangeroot.
In history Goldenseal was used for cancers and swellings of the breasts although no modern extract has been manufactured for these conditions.
Other uses were for stomach, catarrhal and gastric ailments.
Maypop; (P. incarnata).
As an infusion in tea it is said to treat insomnia, hysteria, and epilepsy; it also has painkilling properties.
Mullein, Great; (Verbascum thapsus.)
This plant is used for sore throat, cough and for lung diseases.
Nettle, common; (Urtica dioica).
The nettle plant has been used throughout the centuries both as a food source and in medical application.
A great deal of Vitamin K can be found in fresh nettles and can be used to stop bleeding. It as also been used for treating arthritis, anemia, hay fever, kidney problems, and pain in general.
Opium Poppy; (Papaver somniferum).
Poppy-based drugs include morphine and codeine.
Peppermint; (Mentha piperita, also known as M. balsamea).
Wild Peppermint oil has the ability to reduce colicky abdominal pain and is used as an aid for indigestion.
Pokeweeds; (Plants of the genus Phytolacca). Also known as poke, pokebush, pokeberry, pokeroot, polk salad. These plants have been used in the treatment of acne and internal complaints such as tonsillitis and swollen glands. Used also for weight loss.
Quince; (Cydonia oblonga).
The dried pits of this fruit are used in the treatment of sore throats and to relieve a cough.
Rosemary; (Rosmarinus officinalis). The plant contains carnosic acid, and it is believed it may lower the risk of strokes and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.
Smearwort; (Aristolochia rotunda.) May also be known as Round-leaved Birthwort, English Mercury and Mercury Goosefoot.
An ointment or poultice can be made from this plant for the treatment of sores.
St John's wort; (Hypericum perforatum). Also known as Tipton's Weed or Klamath weed.
Today this plant is most used as an herbal treatment for depression.
Sweet Wormwood; (Artemisia annua.) May also be known as Sweet Annie, Sweet Sagewort or Annual Wormwood.
The dried leaves of this plant have been used in tea infusions for treating fevers.
Tilia; (Tilia amurensis.)
Lime flowers have been used for colds, cough, fever, infections, inflammation, high blood pressure, headache, and as a diuretic.
The flowers, leaves, wood, and charcoal are all used for medicinal purposes.
Valerian; (Valeriana officinalis.)
The plant as been employed as a sedative, and as a remedy for insomnia. It is also used for sleeping disorders, anxiety, and as a muscle relaxant.
Wild chamomile; (Matricaria recutita.) Other names include German chamomile, blue chamomile, and scented mayweed.
Used medicinally as an herbal tea for sore stomach, irritable bowel syndrome, and as a mild laxative; it is said to aid sleep.
Wormwood; (Artemisia absinthium). Also known as absinthe wormwood and common wormwood.
The plant contains tannic and resinous substances and has been used for treating indigestion and gastric pains. It has been used as an antiseptic, and as an infusion is said to aid blood circulation.
Yarrow; (Achillea millefolium). Also known as Common Yarrow, Nosebleed plant, Old Man's Pepper, Soldier's Woundwort, amongst other names.
This is a flowering plant of the family Asteraceae, mostly native to the Northern Hemisphere. In history, Yarrow was known as herbal militaris, and being recognised for its astringent effects was used to prevent blood loss; for e.g. from a wound. Yarrow is still used in medicine today being employed in cold and flu infusions.
I know the list is short, but there are thousands of plants that could have been included here and I hope I have provided enough to satisfy you, or at least your curiosity to investigate others.
The ingenious people of all countries relied (and many still do) on the natural remedies that could be found growing on their native soil. In America the Native American Indian believes that we should remember our past and how to get along. This indicates the knowledge of our natural world and the plants which grow upon it, not only for food but also for medicines.
Because like the natural plants which grow upon our planet, we are just as natural.