Medicinal Plants And Their Uses

In eras past there tended to be an appreciation for medicinal plants and their uses. Often a shaman or wise woman would be very knowledgeable about the various plants in the area and the all their uses including medicinal. With the advent of modern medicine many people began to mistrust the use of these plants and to turn to an educated physician for their treatment. In more recent years, with considerable research, it has been found that many plants do indeed have medicinal value and the plants have been used to make modern medicines which are now prescribed by physicians or available for purchase at the local drug store.

Common Medicinal Plants

There are many common medicinal plants that people my not even realize provide medicines which are used every day. Benzoin Gum is a plant that is native to South America and provides a great topical wound antiseptic and anti-inflammatory. It is also used for treating colds, sore throats and asthma in an inhaled form.

Aloe Vera is a very common medicinal plant that is used to treat burns and skin wounds. The soothing gel from the plants quickly helps decrease the inflammation and pain associated with such skin problems. Part of the plant has also been effective as a short term treatment for constipation.

White Willow has long been used to treat pain in the joints and elsewhere. This plant is where salicylic acid was first isolated. Salicylic acid is the primary ingredient in Aspirin and is now used as not only a pain reliever but as a blood thinner and in the initial treatment for anyone who thinks they are having a stroke or heart attack. Because of the White Willow medicinal plant many lives have been saved throughout the years.

More Information On Medicinal Plants

There are many more plants that are used to treat various ailments and a person can find the study of medicinal plants fascinating. For a great book on the subject of medicinal plants a person will want to purchase a copy of "The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants" by Andrew Chevalier. This book offers a large list of not only common plants but other fascinating medicinal plants as well. The book costs about twenty dollars and will prove itself to be very beneficial in aiding a person in their knowledge of medicinal plants. It can be purchased at many book stores including large internet chains such as Amazon.com.