Many plants possess medicinal qualities and are used in dietary supplements. Some are folklore remedies and others have been cultivated for use in office and hospital settings. The effectiveness of these supplements is not always backed by scientific studies. On the other hand, some plants have proven medicinal uses, and therefore are components of effective prescription medications.
Purple Coneflower
The purple coneflower, Echinacea purpurea, is a 2- to 5-foot tall plant with flower heads that bloom reddish-purple. It was first used as a Native American medicine for infection, wounds, dizziness, abscesses, bee stings and rattlesnake bites. Today it is marketed for the prevention of colds and infections. Clinical research from a National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine trial study updated in 2006 shows inconsistent results. Purple coneflower is used as a root extracts, mixes of herb and root or the pressed juice of the herb.
Canada Thistle
The Canada thistle, Cirsium arvense, is a creeping plant with tiny purple or white blooms. It was historically used as a tea that American Indians would drink for use as a worm treatment or as an intestinal tonic. Today it is a tuberculosis tonic and a root tea for diarrhea. Topically it can be a treatment for skin problems such as ulcers and rashes.
Yellow Sweet Clover
The yellow sweet clover, Melilotus officinalis, grows 3- to 8-feet tall with fragrant leaves and yellow flowers that bloom spring to fall. It has been tested as a rat poison and was even used in treatments for heart attack, headaches, hemorrhoids, inflammations, wounds, ulcers and painful urination. Now it is the model for the blood thinner called Warfarin, a popular prescription drug used for clot prevention.
Lamb's Quarters
The lamb's quarters plant, Chenopodium album, grows 2-feet high with tiny green or brown flowers and thin coarse leaves. It was once used as flour for baking or harvested for meals. It can be used to treat vitamin C deficiencies or brewed for a diarrhea tonic. Topically it can be used for inflammation and bug bites.
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