9 Powerful Natural Medecinal Plants And The Science Behind Them

    

Today, we live in a time when manufact -ured medicines and prescriptions prevail, but do they have to be considered as the only approach to healing?Even with all of these engin- eered options at our fingertips, many people find themselves staying away from the medicinal plants that started it all: Herbal remedies that have the ability to cure and boost physical and mental well-being.

These plants have the most numerous high-quality studies and are the safest choices among herbal remedies. Shelby Deering,researcher,marked “0” as unsafe with no research, and “5” as completely safe with ample research. Most of these plants are somewhere between 3 and 4, according to Shelby.

We hope this guide will act as a starting point to those who may like to integrate herbal remedies into their lives and get equiped with knowledge. As always,  discuss with your doctor before starting any new health treatment.

Gingko

Rating

Safety: 3/5

Evidence: 3.5/5

As one of the oldest tree species, gingko is also one of the oldest homeopathic plants and a vital herb in Chinese medicine. The leaves are used to make capsules, tablets, and extracts, and when dried, can be taken as a tea.

It’s maybe best-known for its ability to boost brain health. Studies show that gingko can treat patients with mild to Trusted Source, and can limit   in dementia and 

Alzheimer’s disease.

Recent research is looking into a component that may help diabetes, and there continues to be more studies, like an animal study which says it could influence bone healing.

Gingko could be helpful for:

  • dementia
  • Alzheimer’s disease
  • eye health
  • inflammation
  • diabetes
  • bone healing
  • anxiety
  • depression

Things to consider

  • Long-term use can increase chance of thyroid and liver cancer, which has been found in rats.
  • It’s known to be tough on the liver, so liver enzymes may like to be monitored.
  • It may interact with blood thinners.
  • Gingko seeds are poisonous when ingested.
  • Side effects may include headache, upset stomach, dizziness, and allergic reaction.
  • Gingko use needs to be discussed with your doctor due to numerous drug interactions.

Rating

Safety: as an herb: 5/5; used as a supplement: 4/5

Evidence: 3/5

With its brilliant orange coloration, it’s very difficult to miss a bottle of turmeric sitting on a spice shelf. Originating in India, turmeric is believed to possess anticancer properties and could prevent DNA mutations.

As an anti-inflammatory, it can be taken as a supplement and it’s been used topically for people with arthritis ,and wishing to relieve discomfort. It’s used worldwide as a cooking ingr -edient, which makes it a delicious antioxidant-richTrusted Source component to many dishes.

According to recent research, turmeric is also showing vital attributes in a treatment for a variety of dermatologic diseases and joint arthritisTrusted Source.

Turmeric could be helpful in:

  • pain caused by inflammatory diseases, such as arthritis
  • preventing cancer
  • halting DNA mutations
  • numerous skin diseases

Things to consider

  • When used as a supplement, people tend to consume it in excess, so it can be difficult to trust the dosage and quality. Safety increases when consumed as a herb in cooking or tea.
  • Long-term use can potentially lead to stomach problems.
  • Turmeric has low bioavailability. Consuming with pepper can allow your body absorb more of its benefits.


Rating

Safety: topically: 4.5/5; orally: 3/5

Evidence: 3/5

The vibrant yellow evening primrose flower produces an oil that’s believed to alleviate the symptoms of PMS and skin conditions including eczema.

Studies available on this oil tend to be all over the map, but there are studies that are  more significant than others. For example, some studies have shown that evening primrose oil has anti-inflammatory properties. It’s been known to help with conditions like atopic dermatitis and diabetic neuropathyTrusted Source. It may also help with other health problems, such as breast pain.

Recent research points to improving the quality of life for patients with multiple sclerosisTrusted Source, changing hormones and insulin sensitivity in those facing polycystic ovary syndrome, and using it topically to help in mild dermatitis treatment.

According to these studies, evening primrose oil could just be the Swiss Army knife of the medicinal plant world. The concerts is that it can interact with several medications. More research is coming, and the applications are promising.

Rating

Safety: topically: 4.5/5; orally: 3/5

Evidence: 3/5

The vibrant yellow evening primrose flower produces an oil that’s thought to alleviate the symptoms of PMS and skin conditions like eczema.

Studies that are available on this oil tend to be all over the map, but there are studies that are stronger than others. For example, some studies have found that evening primrose oil has anti-inflammatory properties. It’s been known to help with conditions such as atopic dermatitis and diabetic neuropathyTrusted Source. It can also help with other health concerns, such as breast pain.

Recent research points to improving the quality of life for patients with multiple sclerosisTrusted Source, changing hormones and insulin sensitivity in those dealing with polycystic ovary syndrome, and using it topically to improve mild dermatitis.

According to these studies, evening primrose oil might just be the Swiss Army knife of the medicinal plant world. The caveat is that it may  interact with several medications. More research is coming, and the applicati -ons are promising.

Evening primrose oil could be helpful for:

  • PMS
  • mild skin conditions
  • breast pain
  • menopause
  • inflammation
  • diabetic neuropathy
  • multiple sclerosis
  • PCOS
  • blood pressure


Things to consider

  • interacts with certain blood-clotting medications
  • safety during pregnancy is  not certain
  • may interfere with drug intake during HIV treatment
  • interacts with lithium for bipolar disorder
  • long-term use could not be safe

Flax seed

 

Rating

Safety: 4.5/5

Evidence: 3.5/5

Flax seed, can also be found as an oil, and is one of the safer choices among plant-based dietary supplements. Harvested for past thousands of years, today flax seed is still praised for its antioxidant actions and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Although more research needs to be done with human subjects, one study indicates that flax seed can help prevent colon cancer.

Another studyTrusted Source shows that flax seed has the ability to reduce blood pressure. When consumed, it can even help in reducing obesity. Many people add flax seed and flaxseed meal to oatmeal and smoothies, and it can also be taken in the form of tablets, oil (which can be put into capsules), and flour.

The best way to include flax seed is through your diet. Sprinkle ground seeds on cereal or salad, cook in hot cereal, stew, homemade breads, or smoothies. Flaxseed oil can be added to salad dressing.

Flax seed could be beneficial for:

  • decreasing obesity
  • regulating blood pressure
  • preventing colon cancer
  • inflammation
  • hot flashes

Things to consider

  • Flax seed can affect estrogen production in women, especially when they have a history of cancer or in pregnancy.
  • Don’t eat raw or unripe flax seeds, since they can be toxic.


Rating

Safety: 4/5

Evidence: 3/5

The tea tree, which is native to Austr -alia, produces an oil that’s long been considered to be beneficial for skin conditions,such as mild acne, athlete’s foot, small wounds, dandruff, insect bites, and other inflammatory skin conditions.

There needs for more study into acne and scalp use, but for now, there’s a degree of research into the antimicr -obial superpowers of tea tree oil concerning wounds and topical infections.

One recent study indicated that tea tree oil slowed the growth of acne-causing microbes. It’s generally used as a highly concentrated essential oil.

Researcher recommends that tea tree oil, as with all essential oils, should be diluted in a carrier oil. She adds that it often already comes diluted in different skin care products and creams.

Tea tree oil could be useful  in care against:

  • acne
  • athlete’s foot
  • cuts
  • dandruff
  • insect bites

Things to consider

  • Tea tree oil can be poisonous if taken orally.
  • Your skin may experience an allergic reaction.
  • It may affect hormones.
  • Long-term use isn’t advisable.
   

Rating

Safety: 4.5/5

Evidence: 3.5/5

Echinacea is a lot more than those beautiful, purple coneflowers you see inside gardens. These blooms have been used for centuries as medicine in the form of teas, juice, and extracts. Today, they can be consumed as powders or supplements.

The best-known use of echinacea is to shorten symptoms of the common coldTrusted Source, but more studies needed to be conducted to verify this benefit and to understand how echinacea can boost immunitto fight virus.

Generally,apart from a few potential side effects, echinacea is relatively safe. Even though it needs more testing, youmight always choose to use it if you’re hoping to see your cold symptoms end much quicker.

Echinacea could be helpful for:

  • colds
  • immunity
  • bronchitis
  • upper respiratory infections

Things to consider

  • It can be hard on the digestive tract and upset the stomach.
  • Allergic reactions can occur.
     

Rating

Safety: 4.5/5

Evidence: 3.5/5

For years, grapeseed extract, which is available in form of liquid, tablets, or capsules, has been well-established and appreciated for its antioxidant activity. It has potent health benefits, such as lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol and reducing symptoms of poor circulation in the leg veins.

Studies have shown that regular consu-
Trusted Source 
mption of grapeseed extract can have anticancer effects and could halt cancer cell growth.

Grapeseed extract could be helpful for:

  • cancer
  • lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol
  • leg vein circulation
  • edema
  • blood pressure

Things to consider

  • Proceed with caution while you take blood thinners or blood pressure medications, or if you’re about to go in for surgery.
  • It could reduce iron absorption.

Rating

Safety: 4/5

Evidence: 3.5/5

If you experience anxiety, chances are that someone along the waymight recommend that you use lavender essential oil, and the choice can be justified. This aromatic, purple flower has a fairly strong standing among studies, which have especially focused on its anti-anxiety capacities.

It’s proven to be soothing according to a study conducted among dental patients, while another study said lav -ender can directly impact mood and cognitive performance. It’s also been commended for its sedative properties in helping people get much-needed sleep.

Recently, it’s been found that lavender carries anti-inflammatory benefits as well. It’s most effective diluted and applied to the skin or used in arom -atherapy, and it has few side effects.

Lavender could be hopeful for:

  • anxiety
  • stress
  • blood pressure
  • migraine

Things to consider

  • It can lead to skin irritation.
  • It’s poisonous if consumed orally.
  • It can disrupt hormones when applied undiluted.

Rating

Safety: 4/5

Evidence: 3.5/5

With flowers that look like small daisies, chamomile is another medicinal plant that’s believed to have anti-anxiety properties. Most people know it due to it’s  popular tea flavor (one reviewTrusted Source indicates that over 1 million cups per day are consumed around the world), but it can also be taken in other forms including liquids, capsules, or tablets.

The calming powers of chamomile have bee often studied, including a 2009 studyTrusted Source that says chamomile is superior to taking a placebo when treating generalized anxiety disorder. One recent study confirmed it’s safe for long-term use, and another  looked beyond its use for anxiety and confirmed the earlier finding  of its potential in anticancer treatments

Chamomile may be beneficial for:

  • anxiety
  • stress
  • insomnia
  • cancer

Things to consider

  • It can can lead toallergic reactions. There have been reports of anaphylaxis.
  • It could interact with blood thinnersl

   Sources:Shelby Deering,Healthline

   

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