Plants and Trees - Medicinal Plants
About Medicinal Plants
Introduction
Medicinal plants are known for their ability to cure common ailments. From ancient times till today, medicinal plants have played an important role in our well-being. The first civilizations discovered plants that contain certain substances known for their healing properties. Back then, such plants were the only source of medicine and were literally found by trial and error. For example, it was observed that aches and pains disappeared when you drink tea made from the bark of a willow tree. Science later revealed that willow bark contains salicylic acid, an active ingredient in aspirin.
We have come along way since thanks to the development of science and chemistry. In this day and age, medicinal plants continue to be significant to those who don’t have access to modern medicines, and are vital in the pharmaceutical world which highly depends on the derivatives of medicinal plants. Science has allowed us to process natural substances into pills, powders, and tinctures. Without plants, a lot of medicines would not even be heard of. Fast Facts
- Early people used just about 3,000 different plants as medicine
- The World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that 80% of population in developing countries still rely on traditional medicines for their health care needs
- In the U.S., over 40% of medicines prescribed contain chemicals taken from plants
- The market for medicinal plants in the U.S. is worth more than $3 billion. The plants in this industry are wild collected in huge quantities because no system exists to cultivate them on a commercial level
- More than 60 million American consumers take herbal remedies. Doctors are increasingly prescribing herbal medicines, and more insurance plans are offering their coverage
- Out of the estimated 250,000 plant species in the world, only 2% have been methodically screened for substances with medicinal use
- Around 175 plants native to North America are for sale in the non-prescription medicinal market in the U.S. Thousands of these plants are gathered from the wild and sold in commercial markets in the U.S. and overseas
- Many medicinally valuable native plants and their habitats are being destroyed on a daily basis before scientists even get the chance to study them
- The use of medicinal plants on a commercial scale calls for a need for them to come from a sustainable source to make certain they will continue to exist in the wild for years to come.
Medicinal Plants and Their Uses
In all parts of the world demand for medicinal plants is increasing. More and more people are recognizing the benefits of these plants. They are natural, have no side-effects, are non-toxic and are easily obtainable at affordable prices. Some of the most popular medicinal plants and their uses are mentioned below.
Aloe Vera
The popular aloe vera plant has a long history with two different kinds of uses. The clear gel inside the leaf is an excellent remedy for burns, wounds and other skin disorders. By placing a coat over the affected area, it will speed up the rate of healing and reduce the risk of infection. The yellow sap at the base of the leaf is also used. The liquid is dried and taken internally to treat constipation, poor appetite and digestive problems. Ginseng
Dating back 5,000 years, ginseng is one of the most highly regarded medicines in the Orient. It is known to promote health, general body vigor, and to prolong life. It works by stimulating and relaxing the nervous system and encouraging the emission of hormones. It also lowers blood sugar levels and cholesterol levels and increases resistance to disease. Chamomile
Chamomile is an herb known for its soothing properties and is widely used as a household remedy. It is the most common remedy when it comes to problems of the digestive system, especially for young children. A tea is made from the flowers and when taken it works as a sedative. The chamomile herb is also used to make lotions for the treatment of a toothache or earache.
