Medicinal Plants And Their Uses
For centuries plants were grown for their healing properties, and used as the principal ingredient of medicinal practice. However, over the centuries these have been replaced with synthetic products.
Many of the familiar garden plants we grow today can be used to alleviate minor ailments in the form of natural remedies. Here’s a run down of eight of these common plants and their uses.
Chamomile
Chamomile is rich in antioxidants and has shown potential as an anti-cancer treatment. It also has calming powers which have been proven to relieve anxiety and nervous stomach upsets. It is recognised for its relaxing properties and is also known to ease insomnia as it helps to improve sleep quality.
Evening Primrose Oil
This plant contains remarkable healing properties. Some studies found that the oil of this plant has anti-inflammatory properties. It is believed that the oil can alleviate the symptoms of skin conditions like eczema and acne. It’s often used by those with arthritis to ease pain and stiffness. The oil also contains the pain-relieving compound phenylalanine.
Garlic
Garlic provides the most health benefits in its raw form. Consuming garlic regularly is good for overall health as it’s a great infection fighter against viruses, bacteria and fungi. Research has focused on its potential to reduce the risk of heart disease. It is also used for lowering blood-fat levels including cholesterol.
Turmeric
Originating in India, turmeric has been used for thoudands of years as a cooking ingredient and a medicinal herb. It is well known for its anti-inflammatory properties, and it has been used to relieve discomfort amongst arthritis patients. It can also ease digestive problems by helping support gut health.
Peppermint 
This is a popular flavour for its fresh taste. Taken in a tea it can help relieve indigestion, stomach ache, nausea, nervous headache, and muscle pain. Its use in toothpaste points to its antiseptic properties. Peppermint oil vapour is also inhaled to treat symptoms of colds.
Feverfew
This traditional herbal medicine grows as a weed all over the world, but it can be used as an effective treatment to ease inflammation and fever. Nowadays, it is more commonly used for the prevention of migraines. It treats both the cause of the headache and the symptoms. Taken regularly, feverfew medicine can reduce the frequency of migraines.
English Marigold
A familiar sight amongst many gardens, and it has plenty of health benefits too. They have natural antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, and for centuries have been used in preparations to soothe and heal a multitude of skin and eye problems. Marigolds also help to guard the delicate tissues of the eye from UV and oxidative damage.
Lavender
This is used in a variety of ways. Perhaps most well known for its sedative properties, lavender is used by some to help overcome anxiety and to aid sleep. However, it also has antiseptic and soothing properties and is good at treating burns, stings and cuts, as well as a variety of aches and pains.
So, there you have it, our list of eight medicinal plants you may already be growing in your own garden.
Download the Medicinal Plants infographic
This guide is for information purposes only. Gardeners Corner do not endorse or encourage self-medication. Advice should be sought from a healthcare professional, herbalist or homeopath before using any natural remedies.