Are you familiar with these 20 herbs that can be used as medicine?

We are more familiar with herbs when they are included in our culinary experience in restaurants we frequent or even at home. But years ago, these herbs were recognized by our ancestors as a solution for different ailments. (h/t ModernSurvivalOnline.com.)

1. Thyme – This herb is recommended for respiratory diseases. Its most notable chemical compound, thymol, is recognized for its strong antiseptic action.
2. Calendula – The petals of Calendula are rich in flavonoids, a plant metabolite thought to provide health benefits through cell signaling pathways and antioxidant effects.
3. Motherwort – This herbal plant is effective in reducing dysmenorrhea pain, and correcting amenorrhea. It is also known for its stress and anxiety relieving properties.
4. Echinacea – Several benefits brought by these herb includes fighting off cancer, alleviating joint pain, stimulating the growth of blood cells, and improving the immune system.
5. Lavender – Lavender contains antioxidant properties that help in reducing inflammation.
6. Chamomile – Chamomile is very popular for effectively curing an upset stomach. Furthermore, it helps solve problems related to sleeping, morning sickness, skin swelling, and other skin problems.
7. Dandelion – Dandelion, a flowering plant, is known for being used as a detoxifying agent for the liver and the kidney. Dandelion can also help treat infections, minimizes swelling, balances blood sugar, and improves pancreas function.
8. Sage – Sage disinfects sores, heals ulcers, and cures coughs and hoarseness. (Related: Calm your anxiety and stress with these 10 natural herbs.)
9. Peppermint – Peppermint is used to alleviate ailments such as dyspepsia, gastritis, intestinal colic, and spasms of the bile duct, gallbladder and GI tract.
10. Burdock – Burdock is useful for gout, arthritis, glandular swelling, canker sores, burns, skin wounds, and hemorrhoids.
11. Holy basil – This herbal plant is also known for having anti-fungal and antibacterial properties.
12. Spilanthes – This herb has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties making it a potent medicine for disinfecting wounds and curing ringworm infection.
13. Chickweed – Chickweed has high nutritional value and has astringent, diuretic, expectorant, laxative, and demulcent properties.
14. Lemon balm – Easy to grow, the lemon balm is popular for its anti-viral and relaxing properties. It can also be used to treat upset stomach, freshen breath, and treat sores.
15. Milk thistle – It is a herb rich in vitamins E and C. Milk thistle is also used to treat liver and gallbladder problems.
16. Witch hazel – Witch Hazel contains procyanidins, resin, and flavonoids that promote anti-inflammatory agents and relieve hemorrhoid pain.
17. Aloe vera – It is widely used to heal wounds and various skin and hair conditions. Orally taken, and this herb can act as a laxative.
18. Yarrow – It has an active compound that acts as tryptic (stops bleeding), astringent (makes tissue contract), antiseptic (inhibits bacterial growth), vulnerary (helps tissue heal), anti-inflammatory, and possibly anesthetic. Several studies also show its benefits to ease menstruation for spasm and flow.
19. Feverfew – This herb brings down the temperature, thus lowering fever. It has a substance that acts similarly to as aspirin. It effectively treats pain by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins.
20. Bergamot – It’s essential oils help treat high fever, intestinal worms, and even malaria. It can also be used for aromatherapy and act as a tonic for the nervous system. Its scent can help alleviate stress, anxiety, tension headache, and depression.

You can read more articles on other healthful herbs at AlternativeMedicine.news.

Sources include:

ModernSurvivalOnline.com

HerbalSupplementResource.com

Health.HowStuffWorks.com