The use of plants for medicinal purposes is an ancient treatment method as old as human civilization itself. Rather than using man-made products which can often have adverse effects, why don’t we use what Mother Nature gave us – natural plants with healing powers!

Below you will find some of the best medicinal plants that should be grown in a garden!

Lavender

Lavender, known initially as Lavandula, is a flowering plant that belongs to the mint family. It is native to Afro-Eurasia but can also be found in southeast India, Cape Verde and the Canary Islands. However, did you know that this grey-green foliage was used in Ancient Egypt and Greece?

Let us discover the reasons why lavender was used since ancient times:

• Wound Healing

Numerous studies showed that lavender oil has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties that can help treat minor burns and bug bites. Research conducted with laboratory rats noted that lavender has an acceleratory effect on wound healing.

• Fungal Infections

Research published in the Journal of Medical Microbiology discovered that due to its antifungal-resistant properties, lavender oil could be very effective in fighting against the membranes of fungal cells.

• Promote Hair Growth

Alopecia areata is a medical condition that causes hair loss either on the scalp or on other body areas. Around 6.8 million people in the United States suffer from this condition. However, one effective solution for this condition is lavender.

Studies from 1988 indicated that lavender could promote hair growth after approximatively seven months of treatment.

• Treat Anxiety

Lavender can be very efficient for treating problems such as anxiety, depression, and restlessness. For example, a research was conducted with 340 adult patients where half of them were exposed to the lavender scent while the remaining half was not. As a result, it was seen that those exposed to lavender scent were less anxious compared to the other patients. 

One of the researchers of the study, Dr Metaxia Kritsidima, even claimed that:

“… lavender could certainly be used as an effective ‘on-the-spot’ anxiety reduction in dentists’ waiting rooms.”

• Improve Sleep

Insomnia is a sleep disorder which prevents you from fading to the dream world. However, let me announce to all those who keep tossing throughout the night that lavender may give you a good night’s sleep.

For instance, in 2017, researchers found out that lavender oil helped improve the quality of sleep of some patients who had difficulty sleeping. So, if you have tried reducing your caffeine intake or any other solution to no avail, put some drops of lavender oil on your pillow just before going to sleep.

• Reduces Premenstrual Symptoms

What is Premenstrual syndrome? It can be defined as when a woman experiences a combination of emotional, physical, and psychological disturbances during the days leading up to the menstrual cycle. And, during this premenstrual phase, women may experience different symptoms. However, once again, lavender comes to the rescue as it is believed that lavender can alleviate women’s premenstrual emotional symptoms.

Chamomile

Chamomile refers to a daisy-like plant from the Asteraceae family, which has been used since the 13th century. Two commonly used species include:

• Matricaria chamomilla – Also known as the German Chamomile or “Water of youth.”

• Chamaemelum Nobile – More widely known as the Roman Chamomile

The essential oils of chamomile are widely used in the production of cosmetics and the holistic healing treatment called aromatherapy. Moreover, its dried flowers consist of many terpenoids and flavonoids, which contribute to its medical benefits. Here’s a look at the health benefits of chamomile:

• Fight Against Insomnia

Chamomile is used extensively in the therapies that are employed to treat insomnia and to promote sleep.

• Against Common Cold

The common cold is a viral infectious disease that affects the upper respiratory tract. Various studies have shown that inhaling steam mixed with chamomile extract can treat the common cold.

• Diarrhoea and Colic in Children
  

Many clinical trials have indicated that chamomile is very helpful in reducing the course of diarrhoea in children as well as treating colic.

• Eczema

Atopic eczema is a medical condition that causes the human skin to become itchy, red and cracked and this skin disease affects mostly children. Researchers claimed that chamomile application in the treatment of atopic eczema is as effective as a hydrocortisone cream.

• Diabetes

A study conducted with 64 people with diabetes showed that those who consumed chamomile tea on a regular basis had lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels than those who drank water.

• Improve Oral Health

It is also noted that due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, chamomile mouthwash can reduce gingivitis.

Do you often have sleep or skin problems? If yes, as you have read above, lavender and chamomile are two plants that can treat such conditions. So, what are your views about them? Please share your comments!