15 Medicinal Plants the Potency of Which Is Backed By Science
Medicinal herbs and plants are often associated with alternative medicine, but the reality is that many plant-based products are recognized and used in conventional medicine as well. In fact, many pills we associate with “chemicals”, such as aspirin, for example, are derived from herbs and plants. The 15 medicinal plants listed here all have a whole host of various science-backed health benefits.
It
also needs pointing out that, despite popular belief, natural medicines
are by no means more gentle than conventional treatments, even if some
may be less concentrated. Most of these powerful plants are just as
potent and active as conventional medicine, which is why you should
always be cautious and consult your doctor when mixing them with any
medical treatments.
Another
point to consider is the sourcing of plant-based medicines.
Unfortunately, most herbal and plant-based medicines are regulated
significantly less than conventional medical treatments, which means
that it’s safest to opt for brands with a good reputation to avoid
contaminated or inadequately-dosed products.
If you’re looking to incorporate herb and plant medicine in your daily regimen, these 15 herbs are an excellent and safe start.
1. Grape Seed Extract
Grape
seed extract (GSE) is a supplement based on ground-up grape seeds. It
is available in different forms, both as tablets and as a liquid. This
extract is known for its outstanding antioxidant activity, which
accounts for the beneficial health effects of GSE for several
conditions, namely:
- Poor blood circulation and swelling of the legs were shown to improve after a few weeks of taking GSE in studies featuring healthy adults and postmenopausal women with an increased risk of blood clotting.
- Hypertension and high cholesterol: a review study suggests daily supplementation with GSE can lower both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, especially in those suffering from metabolic syndrome, but also in otherwise healthy adults.
- Cancer studies featuring GSE are likewise ever-growing, though most are animal model studies. The extract may prove beneficial at preventing some forms of cancer and enhancing the effectiveness of chemotherapy.
There is no fixed recommended daily dose of GSE, but most studies list a dose between 100-300 milligrams. Patients taking blood thinners should not take grape seed extract without a doctor's supervision.
2. Echinacea
Echinacea
is an herb native to North America, which is highly regarded for its
antimicrobial benefits. The herb has been used to fight cold and flu
symptoms for centuries, first introduced to European colonizers
by Native American communities. Today, the herb is available in the form
of supplements, powders, teas, and even juices.
Studies regarding
the extent to which echinacea is capable of preventing a cold when
taken during cold season or during the early onset of a cold are mixed,
with most research suggesting that it can reduce one's likelihood of
catching a cold or the flu by 10-58%. The herb can reportedly activate
the immune system and may possibly have anti-inflammatory properties as
well, hence the improvement in cold and flu symptoms.
3. Flaxseeds
Another
ancient remedy that actually has quite a scientific backing are
flaxseeds. These small, reddish-brown seeds have been used in food and
medicine since 5,000 BC, and they are rich in phytoestrogens, soluble
fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids.
The key health benefits of flaxseeds include:
- Weight loss: flaxseeds were shown to promote weight loss and prevent obesity.
- Constipation sufferers may benefit from taking flaxseeds to promote bowel movements, likely due to the high fiber count of the seeds.
- Hypertension and high cholesterol: studies suggest that including flaxseeds in your diet can reduce blood pressure after 6 months of use and decrease levels of LDL (or "bad") cholesterol by 8-18% in both healthy adults and those suffering from high cholesterol.
- Colon cancer prevention may be another beneficial property of flaxseeds, with one animal study showing a marked reduction in tumor growth and recurrence of colon cancer in subjects who took flaxseeds.
Flaxseeds
are widely available, and they are sold whole in grocery stores, or in
the form of oil or supplements. Be careful with where you purchase the
seeds, as raw and unripe flaxseeds are toxic. The best way to include
flaxseeds in your diet is by simply sprinkling them on foods, such as
salads, oatmeal, pasta, or any other meal.
4. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is an essential oil derived from the leaves of the tea tree plant (Melaleuca alternifolia),
which is native to Australia. This oil is sold in a concentrated form
and should be used topically diluted within a base oil to treat minor
cuts, insect bites, and acne - all warranted and scientifically-backed uses. Tea tree oil is also a common ingredient in acne treatments and cosmetic products.
As
mentioned above, the oil has antibacterial properties, but the
antifungal claims (the ability to treat dandruff and athlete's foot)
don't have much scientific evidence to support them. Avoid using or keep
tea tree oil away from kids under the age of 12 and pets, as it is
toxic for them. Don't use tea tree oil around your mouth or ingest the
oil - it is toxic even for adults when consumed internally.
5. Turmeric
Turmeric,
the golden spice we're all probably familiar with, is renowned for its
anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric is widely available everywhere
these days, and you can buy it fresh, powdered, or in supplement form.
Apart from the anecdotal evidence and traditional use of the spice in
Ayurveda, there are several scientifically-supported benefits of
turmeric:
- Osteoarthritis pain reduction is one of the most well-founded benefits of turmeric, with turmeric supplementation being found to be as effective as ibuprofen at relieving joint pain.
- Depression symptoms are likewise reduced in patients suffering from major depression who are already taking an antidepressant, so turmeric may enhance or supplement the potency of antidepressants.
- Antioxidant-rich turmeric is recommended as an addition to food capable of fighting free radical damage.
- High blood lipid content reduction is also observed, especially in patients with metabolic syndrome.
When choosing a turmeric supplement or powder, be wary of the sourcing of the product. Some suppliers are known for mixing turmeric with lead to add a vibrant color. Avoid using the spice without a doctor's permission if you're taking blood-thinning medications.
6. Lavender
If
you're ever feeling stressed or restless, and who doesn't, consider
making lavender essential oil a permanent feature in your bathroom
cabinet. This concentrated essential oil derived from aromatic lavender
flowers is a beautiful calming agent that was shown to decrease migraines, lower anxiety levels and prevent memory loss and concentration issues during stressful periods in life.
The
oil is best used as aromatherapy, but relaxing lavender teas are
likewise available in stores. Like tea tree oil, lavender essential oil
should be diluted using a carrier oil and should not be consumed
internally, as allergic reactions and toxicity are quite common.
7. Peppermint
Peppermint
is leafy plant from the mint family, and its leaves have been used as
an herbal remedy for millennia. Dried peppermint leaves were even found
in Egyptian pyramids - the first archeological evidence of the medicinal
use of the plant. Today, we have scientific evidence of
peppermint tea being effective at easing abdominal pain and bloating in
patients suffering from chronic digestive issues, such as irritable
bowel syndrome (IBS).
Peppermint
is also effective at relieving indigestion symptoms. Finally, there is
also some evidence that applying peppermint oil on one's temples may reduce tension headaches as well as 1,000 mg of acetaminophen.
8. Chili Peppers
Chili
peppers are also some of the most well-studied plant medicines. These
red spicy peppers are native to Mexico, and they can be used to ease
joint and muscle pain, heartburn, and may even help regulate
blood pressure. All of this is thanks to the active spicy component in
chilies - capsaicin, as well as other antioxidant components.
There
are many existing varieties of chili peppers. Needless to say, chilies
are available in many forms, both as food condiments, powdered spices,
fresh, or dried whole. Some topical pain relieving creams and ointments,
too, contain chili peppers.
9. Evening Primrose Oil
Evening
primrose oil is available in supplement form, but before you decide to
start taking it, consult with your doctor. Primrose oil has many
interactions with other medications, such as blood thinners
and antipsychotic medications, just to name a few. It is also not
recommended for people suffering from bleeding disorders and epilepsy,
as it can cause seizures, bleeding, and other complications.
10. Caraway Seeds
You
have likely tried caraway seeds in foods, and they do add a pleasant
anise flavor when added to stews, soups, and even bread. But did you
know that these seeds also offer several health benefits? These seeds
are beneficial for digestion, being capable of relieving cramps, bloating, gas and other digestive symptoms.
Additional studies also
show that these seeds also offer anti-inflammatory benefits and
promote immune health. Adding caraway seeds into your diet is easy -
simply add 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon of whole or powdered seeds into
foods when you need it, and you're done. People with gallbladder
issues should consult their physician before consuming caraway seeds.
11. Eucalyptus Oil
Here
is another Australian plant with remarkable pain relief properties -
eucalyptus oil. Apart from the known effect of clearing the air
passageways when your nose is congested, eucalyptus oil actually also
has pain-relieving properties when inhaled.
Do
keep in mind, however, that this strong oil isn't suitable for small
children and patients suffering from asthma and other breathing issues.
Also make sure to keep the oil away from pets, as it is toxic when
ingested.
12. Chamomile
Chamomile
isn't just a tea flavor. The flowers of the Roman chamomile plant have
been dried and brewed to be used as a calming and antibacterial remedy
for centuries. Chamomile is available in a variety of forms, including
teas, capsules, and liquids today, and scientific evidence
suggests that the herb is capable of reducing anxiety in people
suffering from generalized anxiety disorder, so it's similar to lavender
in terms of its soothing and calming properties.
13. Shiitake Mushrooms
Who
doesn't need an immunity and longevity boost these days? Well, it seems
like adding some Japanese shiitake mushrooms into your soups or other
dishes just may help you in that. These mushrooms are considered
medicine in Asian countries where they originated, and there is some evidence suggesting that these delicious mushrooms can improve one's immune health after just 4 weeks of daily consumption.
There's also some additional research
supporting the antioxidant and cancer-prevention effect of shiitake
mushrooms. The recommended daily dose of the mushrooms varies across
studies: 5-10 grams is the average daily intake.
14. Nettles
If
you only see stinging nettle as a weed that causes a terrible skin
rash, you might change your mind after reading this. In fact, tea made
of stinging nettle is a traditional remedy for urinary issues, such as
kidney stones, an enlarged prostate, and urinary tract infections, and
there is some evidence to support those claims.
Stinging nettle may also be beneficial at relieving arthritis pain and inflammation, as suggested by the Arthritis Foundation. Finally, there is some research suggesting nettle tea is beneficial for lowering blood sugar, but more evidence is necessary to support that claim.
Note
that stinging nettle tea isn't safe for pregnant and breastfeeding
women and has quite a lot of drug interactions, so if you want to start
drinking nettle tea regularly or taking a nettle supplement, talk to
your doctor first.
15. Ginkgo
Ginkgo biloba
is one of the most ancient surviving tree species on the planet, with
some fossils of the tree dating back 270 million years. Native to China,
the tree is now widely available as a nutritional supplement that
promises to keep your brain young and help you prevent dementia. But are
any of those claims true?
There is some truth to those claims: scientific evidence shows
that ginkgo supplementation can help slow down cognitive decline
associated with dementia and Alzheimer's disease by increasing blood
flow and oxygen supply to the brain. The herb may also be beneficial for
memory, alertness, and may even help with vertigo.
The
herbal medicine is made of the leaves of the ginkgo tree, and these
leaves can be either sold dried to prepare tea, or offered in the form
of drops, tablets, or capsules. Keep in mind that ginkgo may have
adverse side effects and unexpected drug interactions, so make sure you
notify your physician before deciding to take this supplement.
labels- stinging nettle, Ginkgo, Alzheimer's, turmeric, ginger, chamomile, shiitake mushroom,Eucalyptus Oil, caraway seeds, flax seeds, evening primrose oil, chili peppers, lavender, peppermint,Echinacea, grape seed extract,