Medicinal Plants and Their Uses
Medicinal plants like Aloe, Tulsi, Neem, Turmeric, and Ginger cure several common ailments. Willow bark contains salicin used as a pain reliever. Over 50,000 medicinal plants are used globally but only some have been researched for medical use.
Most Common Medicinal Plants
Ginger, Camphor, Peppermint, and Willow bark are commonly used medicinal plants with various health benefits.
The Significance of Medicinal Plants
Medicinal plants cure common ailments and provide important health benefits. However, many species, especially medicinal plants, are at risk due to factors such as expanding human population and unchecked extraction from their natural habitat.
- Atropa
- Camphor
- Cinchona
- Dhatura
- Eucalyptus
- Holarrhena
- Isapgol
- Mamira
- Nux-Vomica
- Papaver
- Peppermint
- Sarpgandha
Medicinal Plant Usage Through History
Our earliest human ancestors used plants for medicinal purposes some 60,000 years ago. The knowledge of medicinal plants, including Turmeric, Pepper, Moringa Oleifera, and Aloe Vera, remains essential.
Sacred Plants in First Nations Ceremonies
Tobacco, Cedar, Sage, Sweetgrass, and Diamond Willow fungus are sacred plants commonly used by First Nations in ceremonies. These plants thrive in natural outlying areas.