Traditional Uses Of Medicinal Plants

The use of medicinal plants for healing is nothing new. People discovered nature's garden of medicine a long time ago, and to this day, medicinal plants are used to treat illness and other health problems. You can obtain the health benefits of medicinal plants by ingesting them as teas. Capsules are stronger, and extracts are even stronger than capsules. Medicinal plants can also be applied to the skin in the form of an ointment, compress or poultice.

Black Cohosh

Black cohosh is an herb that has been used to treat rheumatism. Problems associated with menstruation are also treated with black cohosh, including hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms. This herb has been used to induce childbirth as well. The roots of this plant are sold in the form of teas, pills and tinctures. As recommended by experts from the United States Pharmacopeia, any woman who takes black cohosh and has a liver problem, or shows signs of a liver problem after taking black cohosh, should talk to her doctor about it. Other side effects include head and stomach pain.

Echinacea

Echinacea is a pinkish/purple coneflower that is widely used for the treatment of colds, the flu and kinds of viral infections. Some people take echinacea for protection against these illnesses, as it is believed this herb strengthens the immune system. Flesh wounds and skin conditions have also been treated with Echinacea. This plant (including its roots) can be found in the form of teas, juice or herbal extracts. Echinacea may be used externally as well. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, anyone allergic to plants similar to Echinacea should not take Echinacea. Others who should avoid taking Echinacea are people who have asthma or atopy. Although not common, side effects from taking Echinacea include skin rash, exacerbation of asthma and anaphylaxis.

Goldenseal

Goldenseal has been used over the years for the treatment of skin diseases and disorders and gonorrhea. Today, this herb is used to treat infections of the respiratory tract and infection of the eyes and vagina. Sometimes cancer is treated with goldenseal, and goldenseal is also used to treat flesh wounds and canker sores. As a mouth rinse, goldenseal treats irritations within the oral cavity. The dried roots of this plant can be purchased in tea form, as a liquid extract and in the form of pills. To treat colds, goldenseal is sometimes taken with Echinacea. Although uncommon, an upset stomach or regurgitation may result after taking goldenseal. Any woman carrying a child or nursing a baby should not take goldenseal, and goldenseal should not be given to babies or children.