A lot many plants do grow around us out of which some are admired because of their beauty where others can actually be dangerously poisonous. Apart from these some plants and herbs are actually enriched with medicinal properties and can be proven to be helpful. Since ages Indians have been taking the help of medicinal herbs such as tulsi and neem in order to cure various infections and diseases. Being used in various ways, these herbs come in use at various occasions in the form of powders, oils and sometimes even as the leaves and twigs themselves. From keeping your teeth and gums healthy to providing antibacterial benefits, these herbs can surely work wonders. Let us take a look at 5 of these herbs along with their medicinal properties and ways in which they can be used at home to treat different diseases, infections and conditions.
Medicinal Plants
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Nature can surely amaze us in more ways than we think of. Where we all have been growing plants in those little pots, from pretty flowers to healthy vegetables, it is important to know that decorating the space and feeding the hungry is not all that these plants can do. Some of them can actually treat the diseased and provide comfort from an underlying condition. Here are5 herbs that come with medicinal properties and can help a person to deal with various health conditions. From neem to tulsi, read along to know about the medicinal benefits of these 5 herbs and ways to use them.
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#1. Neem
A popular plant that can be easily found around your house, the bitter tasting neem leaves can actually do wonders. You would be surprised to know that it is not just the leaves but the twigs of this bitter medicinal plant as well that can provide various benefits. Neem is also considered to be a one plant pharmacy due to the various health benefits that this plant comes with. From improving immunity to treating an upset stomach, this plant enriched with antibacterial and antifungal properties can do it all.
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Also Read: Bathing With Neem Leaves Water Can Give You These Amazing Benefits
Here are some of the benefits of this medicinal plant that you need to know about-
- It is an excellent insect and mosquito repellent
- Chewing on its leaves or twigs can help you get whiter teeth with stronger gums.
- Oil extracted from this plant can help in reducing joint pain when applied on the affected area.
- Chewing up on or making tea out of the leaves of this plant can boost up your immunity.
- Can help to get rid of acne due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Provides you with good and healthy skin by getting rid of pimples , dryness and itchiness.
- Ingesting neem leaves can help to cure stomach related issues
- Can treat dandruff and make your hair healthy and shiny.
How To Use
In order to enjoy the benefits of neem for stronger gums, whiter teeth and fresher breath take a neem twig and peel its end. Chew this twig from one end till it takes the shape of a brush. Spit out any excess saliva and ensure that you are not ingesting any of it.
#2. Tulsi
Not just a medicinal plant that grows in the garden but a plant that is considered to be sacred and is worshiped by the Hindus on various religious occasions. A small plant that grows little seeds along with the leaves, tulsi is a flavourful medicinal plant that people also include in their tea recipe to boost up their immune system. With its antiseptic and analgesic properties, this plant is used for various ayurvedic treatments and can be taken into good use.
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From treating caught to flushing the toxins, tulsi can do it all. Here are some of the benefits of this medicinal plant that you need to know about.
- Ingesting tulsi water or tea can help to cure dry cough and cold
- Tulsi oils can help clear congestions
- Helps in detoxification and purifies blood.
- Helps to fight infections due to its antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral properties.
- Helps in reducing inflammation and speeding up the wound healing process due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
- Helps in treating respiratory disorders such as bronchitis and asthma
- Lowers the blood pressure and helps in treating issues like headaches, high blood pressure, lack of sleep, anxiety and depression.
- Improves the metabolic process and helps in maintaining healthy blood sugar levels.
- Cures infections caused due to various insect bites.
- Boosts immunity and helps in treating common cold, cough, asthma and flu.
How To Use
As tulsi is a sacred medicinal plant, consuming it on a regular basis can provide you with a better immunity and treat some underlying conditions. The easiest and best way to consume these leaves is by adding it into your tea or boiling these leaves in some water and consuming it.
#3. Coriander or Cilantro
A plant or herb that is used in Indian households on a regular basis and is consumed either in form of a tangy and spicy chutney or as a topping to various pulses and stirred vegetables. The fresh green leaves of cilantro add a nice flavour and freshness to any dish. Not just inducing flavour and enhancing taste, this leafy herb can surely do a lot more. This herb rich in antioxidants, comes with various health benefits such as removing heavy metal toxins from the body to aid better digestion.
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Here are some of the health benefits of consuming cilantro that you need to know about.
- Consuming cilantro leaves can help to manage diabetes and lower blood sugar levels.
- Can help to reduce anxiety and enhance mood
- Are good for heart health as they reduce the risk of various cardiovascular diseases by lowering the cholesterol levels.
- Keeps your gut healthy by promoting digestion
- Is considered to be good for brain health, as it can protect a person from conditions like alzhiemer’s.
- Can protect from skin issues like dermatitis and mild rashes.
- Rich in antioxidants, this herb can help in boosting immunity and fighting those damaging free radicals.
- Can help fight various kinds of infections.
How To Use?
A fresh herb with various health benefits, cilantro is something that comes in play to enhance mood and reduce anxiety. In order to use cilantro to fight infections and promote digestion take a handful of cilantro leaves along with half a lemon and a pinch of salt. Add this into a mixer and grind well. Take this mixture out in a glass of water and mix well. Consume this drink once a day to enjoy the health benefits of cilantro.
#4. Peppermint
Another popular and most used herb peppermint is something that comes in various commercial products ranging from your toothpastes to those chewing gums. Used to make cooling tangy chutneys in Indian households in those hot days of summer to save ourselves from the scorching heat of the sun. Not just a mouth freshener used in toothpastes and gums, peppermint surely had a lot more to it.
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Some of the health benefits of peppermint that you need to know about are-
- Helps to relieve clogged sinuses
- Might fight bacterial infections due to its antibacterial properties.
- Helps in relieving migraine and headaches.
- Provides relief from menstrual cramps.
- Helps to induce better sleep
- Eases upset stomach and helps in improving bowel movement.
- Helps with congestion
- Decreases the pain and inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract.
- Helps to provide relief from chronic itching.
How To Use
Peppermint is something that has been used in so many products as it comes with myriad benefits. Peppermint essential oil is something that can be really helpful in order to treat and ease various conditions. Making a simple rub out of peppermint essential oil can help to relieve congestion and help with cold. To prepare a peppermint rub take equal amounts of coconut oil, shea butter and beeswax. Combine them well and add in a few drops of peppermint essential oil to it. Give it a nice stir and let cool. Rub this balm on your chest to get relief from congestion and cold.
#5. Aloe vera
A Plant that can be easily found in almost any neighbourhood, aloe vera is something that has taken over the beauty industry in recent years. This one ingredient can be found in any commercial skin care products ranging from shampoos to soap bars and from face wash to body wash, it is known for its various benefits. Where it is not just your hair and skin that gets benefited from the medicinal properties of this plant, it can do wonders to your overall health.
Also Read: Here Are 7 Side Effects Of Aloe Vera Juice That You Should Be Aware Of
Here are a few ways in which aloe vera gel can be helpful for your overall well being.
- Helps in losing weight
- Accelerates the process of wound healing and cures inflammation
- Manages diabetes by lowering the blood sugar levels.
- Provides relief from constipation by improving digestion.
- Reduces dental plaque and is helpful in treating bleeding gums.
- Has anti aging properties and hence can fight early signs of aging
- Provides soft, shiny and nourished hair.
How To Use
Where aloe vera gel is a part of every other beauty remedy and a key ingredient of various skin care and beauty products, it is important to know how this magical gel herb can be used to manage diabetes and improve digestion as well. Take a fresh aloe leaf and wash it thoroughly. Slice it into half and scoop out its gel with the help of a spoon or fork. Take this gel into a mixer jar and blend well with a glass of water. Strain it using a strainer and consume it on a regular basis.