The medicinal herb has found its use from the ancient period onwards. They act as a base in the preparation of conventional medicines. For your reference, cinchona barks come in use to make medicine to fight against malaria. Nearly 70% of modern drugs come by using herbal plants. Even a single medicinal herb can treat multiple health issues. We use the green dragon strain to get relief from pain, depression, anxiety, inflammation, headaches, etc. We extract it from cannabis plants. We are using medicinal plants without knowing their benefits. Various medicinal plants are present everywhere. Know about the five most medicinal plants and their benefits.
1. Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is a medicinal and wonder plant that we have been using for thousands of years. We use it as a flavoring agent in food, cosmetics, and herbal supplements. It contains nearly 75 nutrients such as minerals, vitamins, glucose, fructose enzymes, and amino acids. The leaves of Aloe Vera have many therapeutic properties. They have incredible phenolic compounds called anthraquinones. It deals with the health benefits that are science-backed by research.
a. Aids indigestion
Absorb the nutrition and helps to eliminate harmful substances through excretion. Aloe Vera contains adaptogenic properties, which are helpful in digestion. It has laxative effects that treat irritable bowel syndrome and thereby clear constipation. This property protects the gastro intestines from damage. Intake of this plant extract cures the digestive disorder called ulcer by consuming it for three to four weeks.
b. Removes dental plaque
The most common problem people of all ages face is tooth decay and gum disease. In a study, it has been proved that Aloe Vera juice acts like that of mouth rinse ingredient, chlorhexidine. Use of this mouth rinse continuously for four days reduces the dental plaque.
c. Healing of wounds
Plastic surgeons have recommended that Aloe Vera gel can cure second-degree burn wounds. It heals the wound quickly compared to the other medicines and is cost-effective.
d. Prevent wrinkles
The topical application of Aloe gel slows down the aging of the skin. They increase the production of collagen and improve the elasticity of the skin. Redness of the skin gets reduced and is used to treat psoriasis and radiation dermatitis.
2. Saw palmetto
Saw palmetto or Serenoa repens, a dwarf plant native to the South-eastern United States. Saw palmetto produces dark berry fruits, which consist of large seeds. It is used for prostate health, to balance hormone levels, and is helpful in the prevention of hair loss. Saw palmetto is available as capsules, gels, tablets, and other ingredients such as pumpkin seed extract.
a. Prevention of hair loss
Various reasons, such as genetic factors, hormonal changes, medicinal conditions, and other interference, may lead to hair loss. Saw palmetto can block the action of the alpha-reductase enzyme, which transfers the testosterone into a hormone, dihydrotestosterone (DTH) which results in hair loss. Saw palmetto reduces the uptake of DTH by hair follicles. It tends to decrease its ability to bind to specific receptors. Research study has proved an improvement in the growth and density of hair by using saw palmetto. Beauty products such as shampoos, cream, and oil for hair growth come from this herb. Go through the review of this product, and you can get benefits by using this.
b. Treatment of urinary tract symptoms
Urinary tract infection seems to be affected by most people. They feel difficulty in urinating and incontinence. Saw palmetto treats prostate hyperplasia, which causes the enlargement of the prostate gland and decreases urine flow.
c. Improves prostate health
The prostate gland lies the bladder and penis in men, responsible for sperm health. Supplements of saw palmetto support the health of the prostate and prevent prostate cancer. Saw palmetto blocks the growth and spread of cancer cells by inhibiting the specific receptor.
d. Prevents inflammation
Antioxidants, called epicatechin and methyl gallate, are present in the saw palmetto. It prevents the damage of cells and decreases inflammation to protect against chronic disease.
3. Lemongrass
Lemongrass is a tropical perennial herbal plant with healing properties. It has many potential health benefits. Some of the benefits are as follow:
a. Aids weight loss
Intake of lemongrass as a tea helps to increase the metabolism and promotes weight loss. According to the American Journal of Clinical nutrition, in 2013, polyphenol and caffeine in lemongrass increased the energy expenditure and oxidation of fat. It contributes to weight loss.
b. Fight against cancer
Lemongrass has antioxidants that fight against the free radicals that form cancer cells.
c. Controls blood pressure
It contains sodium and potassium, which maintain the mineral balance. Thereby it regulates blood pressure. It reduces the fat present in our body, prevents heart diseases, and increases good cholesterol.
4. Kratom
Kratom is a tree native to Southeast Asia, also called Mitragyna speciosa. The leaves are dried, powdered, and used as health supplements in different forms such as tea, extracts, capsules, etc. The active compounds called mitragynine and 7-hydroxy mitragynine are responsible for providing health benefits as follows;
a. Pain relief
Different kratom strains such as red, white, and green can alleviate pain. The active compounds bind to the opioid receptor and remove pain.
b. Enhances mood
It enhances the mood and is effective in the withdrawal of opioid addiction. It withdraws the symptoms of morphine and ethanol. It acts as an antidepressant and inhibits the hungry. Elevated corticosterone levels are responsible for depression, and kratom lowers this hormone.
c. Boosts energy level
The use of kratom helps in the metabolic processes in our body and thereby generates more energy. It improves blood circulation, and more oxygen is transported to all the cells, resulting in power production.
d. Maintains blood glucose
Kratom exhibits positive effects on the glucose level. It helps to modulate the insulin level in the blood. It prevents the spike and a drop in the sugar level, which keeps diabetes at bay.
5. Peppermint
It is a medicinal herb that can be grown at home. It gives freshness and taste and acts as a cooling carminative.
a. Indigestion
Peppermint helps to calm the stomach muscles and improves the circulation of bile. It promotes the digestion of food substances.
b. Skin condition
It removes skin irritation and itchiness and glows dark skin.
c. Nausea and vomiting
Women during the pregnancy period may get a vomiting sensation, and they can take peppermint to avoid this.
Conclusion
The modern lifestyle brings many adverse effects on our health. Making a change in our diet by using herbs can keep us healthy. Medicinal herbs act as a part of our lives, and they have a holistic approach. It has healing effects and with nutritive values. They act as preventive medicine and thereby maintain overall health. Many pure herbal supplements are available online, which can be purchased and it has no side effects.
