Have you ever stopped to appreciate what grows around you? A wonderful tip for sufferers of anxiety is to spend time gardening or walking outdoors. Nature is beautiful. Its not only an energy, it’s a healing energy. If you truly want to feel nature’s energy, put your hands and feet in some soil in your garden or allotment!
We are surrounded by natures beautiful plants and flowers. Plants and flowers have been used for centuries to help heal ailments. Most medicine men and shamans remaining in the Rainforests of today are 70 years old or more. Each time a rainforest medicine man dies, its as if a library has burned down.
Currently 121 prescription drugs currently sold worldwide come from plant derived sources. The US National Cancer institute has identified 3000 plants that are active against Cancer cells.
But you don’t have to travel to the rainforest to find a plant with healing properties.
Here are my top 10 common healing plants:
- Aloe Vera: This has to be my favourite plant of all! This is one medicinal plant which has so many uses. The bottom stalk of an Aloe Vera plant can be applied to a burn to help soothe the skin, prevent blistering and promote healing. Aside from minor cuts and wounds, this medicinal Aloe Vera is great for treating Eczema and reducing inflammation. Aloe Vera can be taken internally as a juice to help treat digestive disorders, chronic constipation and poor appitite.
- Chamomile: This medicinal plant can help to treat over 100 common ailments including the common cold, digestive problems, Eczema, toothache, earache and common wounds. Chamomile helps you to feel calm and relaxed and aids sleep.
- Echinacea: This wonderful plant is helpful in the treatment of sores, allergy relief, insect bites and stings. This plant also is known to strengthen the immune system.
- Peppermint: This plant is wonderfully aromatic and very easy to grow and has been used medicinally since the ancient times. Its naturally rich in vitamins A and C and is known to reduce symptoms of morning sickness, irritable bowel syndrome, fevers and flatulence.
- Sage: This plant can be used in general cooking and is great for the treatment for insect bites, gum or mouth infections. Sage can also be used to help with depression and menopausal problems.
- Dandelion: These plants are normally classed as weeds but they have properties that serve as a diuretic. Dandelions can also be used to help with Eczema, Arthritis and the leaves are known to help regulate blood sugar levels
- Rosemary: This lovey plant is antibacterial and anti-fungal. It improves circulation to the brain and studies have shown that it helps to reduce a risk of Alzheimer’s disease due to the carnosic acid contained in these plants
- Lavender: This plant is known for its calming fragrance but it also has anti-inflammatory properties and anti-septic properties. In ancient Rome, and the Middle East this plant was used as an antiseptic. Lavender is also known to treat anxiety, migraines and insomnia.
- Sweet Basil: This plant is an effective insect repellent. Ancient Romans used Sweet Basil to stimulate breast milk production . Today a variety called Holy Basil is widely used in India to treat stress, diabetes, asthama and have even been used for their anticancer properties.
- Sunflower: A tea made from the leaves of a sunflower can be used as a diuretic and used to reduce fever. Sunflowers have been used to treat cough and colds. Sunflower can be used to extract toxins from the soil and was used in Russia after the Chernobyl disaster to help clean up the soil.
Interesting fact: Frescos dating to 1500 BC found on a Greek island are said to depict a goddess cultivating saffron for medicinal use
Please Note: Always consult a medical professional before taking any medications or herbal remedies.
Written by Harri K
NLP, Hypnosis & Reiki Practitioner & Life Coach