Aloe vera is one of the most used medicinal plants.
Plants are organic beings that live and grow, but do not have motor capacity (that is, they cannot move from one place to another by voluntary impulse). Vegetables such as greens and trees are part of this group, which is studied by botany.
Medicinal, on the other hand, is that which belongs to or relates to medicine . This concept, which comes from the Latin medicīna , is linked to the science that allows us to prevent and cure human diseases . Medicine is also a synonym for medication (the substance that prevents, alleviates or cures diseases or their consequences).
Medicinal plants are therefore those that can be used in the treatment of a condition . Parts or extracts of these plants are used in infusions, ointments, creams , tablets, capsules or other formats.
Some examples of medicinal plants
It must be said that there are many plants that, due to their properties and characteristics, have come to be called medicinal plants since they contribute to improving a person's health. However, among the most important, those considered most useful and effective, are the following:
• Aloe vera . This plant is great for relieving burns and their consequences, and is also used in cosmetics to achieve soft, smooth skin.
• Chamomile. Among the so-called “grandma’s tricks” is the use of this medicinal plant, which is normally prepared as an infusion and which, when taken, helps to improve various intestinal problems.
• Evening primrose. This product is used in oil form and has become one of the most effective natural remedies for dealing with both rheumatoid arthritis and cholesterol . In the latter case, it reduces cholesterol levels, which is beneficial to the health of the person in question.
• Ginseng. When we talk about medicinal plants, we must not forget this other alternative that helps not only to improve diabetes but also to put an end to the problems of erectile dysfunction that many men suffer from. All this without forgetting that it provides a lot of energy to the body.
Hibiscus for hypertension, lavender to alleviate anxiety problems and symptoms, and turmeric to quickly cure various types of injuries are other of the most commonly used medicinal plants.
Because of its usefulness in treating anxiety and other conditions, lavender is considered a medicinal plant.
Its use throughout history
Remedies from plants have been used since prehistoric times. Records of this type of medicine have been found in almost all cultures. The modern pharmaceutical industry, for its part, is based on this knowledge and on the processing or synthesis of various active ingredients from plants.
What plants do is, through their metabolism , produce substances from the nutrients they obtain from the environment. The secondary metabolites obtained from medicinal plants are those compounds for therapeutic use.
Typically, useful compounds are found in certain parts of the plant, such as its seeds , roots , leaves or flowers . The part that can be used for medicine, therefore, depends on the species in question.