Medicinal Plants You Must Have At Home

 Plants had offered medicinal value way before we began having a recorded history. In fact, the base of many conventional medicines of today is derived from plants. In India, apart from Ayurvedic medications, plants are the richest source of compounds for nearly 70% of modern medicines.
India has the richest tradition of plant-medicines with significant contemporary relevance. With nearly one-fifth of the plants in India were put to pharmaceutical use, there are various plants available just around the corner whose effectiveness and availability.
Medicinal plants and its benefits:

1. Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera has been termed as the ‘Plant of Immortality’ by early Egyptians. The ‘Miracle Plant’ is an effective medicinal plant which can be grown at home and has ‘heal-anything’ trait. It can be sought for therapeutic as well as beauty resolutions. 

 Aloe Vera health benefits :

• It cures damaged, inflamed skin and sunburn
• It relieves from digestive disorders like ulcerative colitis
• It cures chronic constipation
• It lowers blood sugar levels
• It reduces dental plaque

                                             

2. Catnip

Catnip (nepeta cataria) is a fun plant for cats. Most cats are attracted to the plant and will roll around near it since its aroma acts as a stimulant. These medicinal plants also act as a sedative for cats if consumed. For humans, on the other hand, it is normally used as a stress reliever, sleep aid and a solution for skin issues. The majority of its health benefits come from the presence of nepetalactone, thymol and other compounds that make this plant great for you and your furry friend.

Catnip health benefits:

• Repels bugs and relieves irritation from bug bites

• Calms restlessness, anxiety and stress

• Relieves stomach discomfort

• Accelerates recovery from colds and fevers

                                

3. LemonGrass

Lemongrass is an aromatic tropical perennial healing plant for home that has potential health benefits. In Ayurveda, it is called Bhuslrina. Some of the benefits of the plant are below:

• It fights against respiratory issues like laryngitis and sore throat
• It has potent anticancer abilities and is used as an adjuvant therapy along with chemotherapy.
• Lemongrass is used as detox tea to reduce weight
• It reduces abdominal pain, headaches etc
• It controls fever due to its antipyretic properties

                                                              

4. Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne pepper (capsicum annuum) adds a spicy kick to any meal or drink and is a popular detoxifier for many people. Capsaicin is the compound responsible for cayenne’s spicy nature, but it’s also responsible for some of its health benefits. Some of these benefits include pain relief and lower cholesterol.

Cayenne pepper health benefits:

• Detoxifies the body

• Boosts metabolism

• Eases an upset stomach and helps digestion

• Improves circulation

• Relieves pain

                                     

5. Fenugreek

Fenugreek or methi is commonly used in Indian curries and is often taken as a supplement because of its impressive health benefits. This easy growing medicinal plant for home has a slightly sweet, nutty taste. Some benefits of the plant are:

• It helps drain off sweat ducts
• It cures poor digestion
• It relieves from painful menstruation
• It cures bad breath
• It relieves from inflammation, upset stomach, ulcers and indigestion

                                                          

6. Basil

Basil (ocimum basilicum) is a common herb used to garnish salads, pasta and many other meals to add delicious flavor. Thanks to the vitamins and minerals in basil, such as vitamin K and iron, this herb is helpful for combating common ailments. . Holy basil, commonly referred to as tulsi, is a specific species of basil that originates from India. It’s considered a sacred plant that is used in teas, ointments and more, to help treat a variety of ailments like fevers and diabetes. This species has a much stronger taste than common basil!

Basil health benefits:

• Reduces stress

• Strong antibacterial properties

• Rich source of antioxidants

• Prevents some harmful effects of aging

• Reduces inflammation and swelling

• Strengthens bones and liver

• Boosts immunity

• Boosts metabolism

• Improves digestion

                                          

7. Rosemary

The woody perennial herb is one of the most esteemed culinary and medicinal plants for a home garden. It is often used in sauces, soups and stuffings. Some uses of this healing medicinal plant are:

• It boosts the immune system and improves blood circulation
• It treats indigestion
• It sharpens memory and improves concentration
• It is a stimulating alternative to caffeine
• It prevents brain damage due to the presence of carnosic acid

                                                                 

8. Dandelion

 Dandelions are not only edible, but they are also full of health benefits. These medicinal plants are packed with things that are great for you: vitamin K, vitamin C, iron, calcium and more. These vitamins and minerals help support strong bone and liver health. All parts of a dandelion are useful and good for you. 

Dandelion health benefits:

• Detoxifies liver and supports overall liver health

• Treats skin infection

• Supports overall bone health

• Treats and helps prevent urinary infections

                             

 

9. Peppermint

Peppermint is an Ayurvedic medicinal herb that can be easily grown at home. It is known as a cooling carminative and is often associated with freshness and taste. Some benefits of the plant are:

• It reduces irritable bowel syndrome
• It alleviates chronic pain associated with arthritis and migraine
• It has salicylic acid that is used to treat acne
• It boosts the immune system which improves body strength and vitality
• It lowers blood pressure and relieves from hypertension

10. Echinacea

Echinacea (echinacea purpurea) is also commonly known as purple coneflower. This is another flower that is normally used in tea to help soothe different symptoms and to strengthen the immune system. This popular herb is used most often to accelerate recovery from the common cold. It’s important to note that echinacea can cause negative effects like nausea and dizziness if taken consistently in large doses.

Echinacea health benefits:

• Treats and helps prevent urinary tract infections

• Strengthens immune system

• Relieves upper respiratory issues

• Fights infections

• Alleviates symptoms from the common cold

11. Thyme

Thyme is an aromatic perennial plant known for its strong antiseptic nature. However, it also has culinary and ornamental uses. Some benefits of growing this medicinal plant at home are:

• It aids in chest and respiratory problems like chest congestion, bronchitis and cough
• It boosts immunity as it is a good source of manganese, iron, fibre, copper etc
• It can be used as a disinfectant against air pollutants due to its fungicidal properties
• It helps reduce cholesterol and blood pressure
• It promotes overall wellbeing of digestive tracts due to the active compound, thymol

12. Garlic

Garlic (allium sativum) helps keep away vampires and unwanted diseases! This super plant is great for fighting infections, aiding with cholesterol management and much more. Eating garlic on a regular basis is good for your overall health and easy to incorporate into a wide array of dishes. Raw garlic is the most potent, so try eating it uncooked for the most health benefit.

Garlic health benefits:

• Helps prevent heart disease

• Lowers cholesterol and blood pressure

• Prevents dementia, Alzheimer’s and similar degenerative diseases

• Improves digestive health

13. Marigold

Marigold is very valuable and one of the most common medicinal plants to be grown at home. It is not just an ornamental plant, but the flowering head possesses healing properties as under:

• It relieves arthritis pain
• It is used in ointments to soothe burns, stings, bites and inflammation
• It lowers the symptoms of inflammatory bowel
• The antibacterial, antifungal properties soothe from eye infections, inflammations and conjunctivitis
• It relieves from hemorrhoid pain

14. Lemon Balm

Lemon balm (melissa officinalis) is a longstanding medicinal plant used to help relieve stress and ward off insects! An intense amount of stress can cause complications for many functions of the body, so minimal stress is ideal for a healthy functioning body. This lemony plant is delicious and easily used in several dishes like teas, ice cream and more. Many people consume lemon balm tea to help relieve anxiety, stress and even to calm restless kids.

Lemon balm benefits:

• Calms restlessness, anxiety and stress

• Reduces inflammation

• Treats cold sores

• Soothes menstrual cramps

15. Lavender

The plant is famous for its sweet smell and beautiful flowers. The oil derived from lavender has many medicinal properties. Some uses of this healing medicinal plant for growing at home are:

• It is a mild anti-depressant and relieves from stress and anxiety
• The flowers can be used in salads, lemonades, butter etc. in small doses
• Lavender oil helps combat antifungal resistant infections
• It accelerates the wound healing process
• Lavender oil controls hair loss

16. Parsley

Parsley (petroselinum crispum) is a delicious garnish that’s helpful for supporting your immune system, bone health and digestive health. The high concentration of antioxidants, vitamin K and other compounds help make this plant an all-around powerhouse herb for your body. Parsley is also a good herb to reach for if you’re suffering from halitosis, also known as bad breath!

Parsley health benefits:

• Relieves bloating and supports digestive health

• Fights bad breath

• Supports bone health

• Rich source of antioxidants
  

17. Sage

Sage (salvia officinalis) is another medical plant that helps support memory and combat degenerative diseases. Sage is also well-known for managing diabetes with its ability to naturally lower glucose levels. This plant is a popular ingredient for several dishes and beauty products, so you can easily reap the benefits of sage in a multitude of ways!

Sage health benefits:

• Improves memory and enhances overall brain function

• Supports digestive health

• Strengthens immune system

• Treats and helps manage diabetes

• Rich in antioxidants

• Improves skin health

With these easy to grow medicinal plants at home, bring good health and immunity to your family and yourself with their right use.