Plants That Heal
Updated June 26, 2019 |
Infoplease Staff
![Updated by an Infoplease Editor on June 26, 2019](/themes/ip/images/info-circle.png)
For thousands of years, people from all corners of the globe have used herbs and plants to cure or prevent disease. There are several terms for this form of medicine: aromatherapy, homeopathy, floratherapy, alternative medicine, and herbal therapy.
Type of Herb or Plant | Type of Use |
---|---|
Aloe | External—burns, bites, cuts, or scrapes |
Chamomile | External—bites, stings, skin irritations Internal—soothes stress and relaxes |
Cranberries | Internal—Helps in the cure of urinary tract infections, heart disease cancer, gum disease, or ulcers. |
Echinacea | Internal—Strengthens immune system |
Fennel | External—Relaxant when used in a bath Internal—Helps indigestion, cramps, asthma |
Feverfew | Internal—Soothes migraine headaches and upset stomachs |
Garlic | External—Skin irritations, fungal infections, acne, earaches, bites, and stings Internal—Reduces cholesterol, wards off colds and flu, lowers blood sugar in diabetics, protects liver from toxins, kills intestinal parasites |
Ginger | External—Soothes toothaches Internal— Lessens against dizziness and nausea, lowers cholesterol, keeps blood from clotting, prevents heart disease and strokes |
Ginseng | Internal—Stimulates immune system, lowers high blood pressure and raises low blood pressure, increases ability to handle stress |
Lavender | External—Used as a massage oil for headaches, tense muscles, sunburn, or insomnia Internal—Relaxant, relieves tension |
Mint | External—Decongestant when added to bath water, soothes bites and stings, acts as an anesthetic and a muscle relaxant Internal—Relieves nausea or cramping |
Sage | External—Soothes sore throat, gum disease, canker sores Internal—Helps improve memory and aging |
St. John’s Wort | External—Can be used for bruises and sores Internal—Helps depression |
Thyme | External—Eases pain relief, can be used as an antiseptic and antidepressant Internal—Digestive aid and cough suppressant |
Witch Hazel | External—Reduces swelling and relieves body aches and pains |
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