The materials that we study in the context of the Medicinal Gardens ensures that the benefits of plants and their history of use from an earlier age of humanity are based on a holistic approach to conventional and alternative medicine.
Hippocratic medicine was influenced by the Pythagorean theory, in the sense that Nature was made of four elements ( water, earth, wind, and fire ). Consequently, in an analogous sense, the body consisted of four fluids or 'humors' ( black bile, yellow bile, phlegm, and blood).
The plant is defined symbolically by the four elements and characteristics in the sense that it has its settlement in the earth, grows towards the light, draws water from above and bellow, and the wind nourishes and strengthens it. If a person cultivates and preserves a garden, he becomes more receptive to the plant's requirements; he can feel a sensation in each of them and communicate with the environment more peacefully.
Therefore, we consider that plants can offer guidance in all processes of the human body.
Despite the latest scientific progress and globalization, in resource-constrained healthcare environments, the system of traditional medicine and complementary/alternative medicine is regarded as a primary healthcare modality.
In some nations, the terms complementary medicine and alternative medicine are used interchangeably with traditional medicine. They refer to a wide range of procedures in health care that are not part of the country's tradition and are not incorporated into the dominant health care system.
The herbal medicinal system has been postulated and established through empirical observation and trial and error experiments since time immemorial to maintain good health and alleviate ailments and diseases. Earlier, the importance of traditional medicinal plants and phytotherapy has often been disregarded and undervalued. Presently revitalization and renewed interest on traditional medicinal plants have been observed among the public and scientific community.
Even so, to promote traditional medicinal plants, several laborious difficulties need to be efficiently and immediately identified.
A workable approach for evaluating and validating the use of traditional medicinal plants using contemporary scientific methods and creative techniques could be the cooperative efforts of ethnobotanists, anthropologists, pharmacists, and physicians.
In addition, it is imperative and inevitable to conduct clinical trials to evaluate their effectiveness and human safety.
Since ages, humans have depended on nature to produce food, shelters, clothing, means of transportation, fertilizers, flavors and fragrances, and ultimately and most importantly regarding health is to provide medications for their fundamental requirements. Early beings gained an understanding of plant use through many years of dedicated and rigorous observations, experience, tests and mistake tests with therapeutic values
Traditional medicine, based on the benefits of herbs, constitutes the core element of indigenous medical systems all over the globe.
Traditional medicine relates to any ancient and cultural practice of health care that differs from scientific medicine and is mainly orally transmitted by groups of distinct cultures.
For millennia, indigenous people have been using the distinctive structure and practice of their traditional medicine scheme, and the Chinese, Indian, African, North American and South American medicine systems are among the most famous.
Traditional medicinal plants are readily available and ethnically acceptable. They provide an accessible and reachable health care system that serves as an essential source of living for indigenous rural groups.
That being said, herbal medicine is an integral component of any traditional medicine structure, and from this point of view, our central objective is meaningful.
The main endeavor behind Medicinal Gardens is to investigate and identify the importance of traditional medicinal systems as primary health care modalities, and to identify the current significant obstacles and possibilities to maintain this valuable age-old gift of nature to humanity.
Essential oils are produced in various parts of a plant such as in the flower, seeds, bark, root, leaves, resin, or wood and can be responsible for the distinctive odor or flavor of a plant. Among the plants notable for their essential oils and used as a source of fragrances and flavorings, are members of the following plant families.
Oils derived from plants, namely vegetable oils, have been used thousands of years.
Plants have been a healthy alternative to animal-derived oils since their discovery, containing virtually no cholesterol.
Most vegetable oils are pressed from seeds; however, in a few cases, such as olives and palm fruits, oils are pressed from the fruit pulps. About 70% of the world's production of plant oil comes from four plant species: soybeans, oil palm, rape, and sunflower.
Of these, only sunflower (Helianthus annuus) can claim North America as its original home.Evidence suggests that Native Americans in present-day Arizona and New Mexico cultivated the sunflower about 3,000 BC. Sunflower seeds were eaten and crushed for oil. Wild, weedy populations of this annual species still occur throughout Canada, the United States, and Mexico.
Wild plants are branched, bearing numerous relatively small heads. Domesticated sunflowers usually have one large head atop a single flowering stem. Some archaeologists suggest that sunflower may have been domesticated before corn.The seed of the native perennial herb, arrowleaf balsamroot, Balsamorhiza sagittata, was a prized source of oil for many Native Americans.
Arrowleaf balsamroot is a showy member of the sunflower family. "Balsamorhiza" refers to the balsam-like taste and smell of the resinous and woody root.Although most vegetable oils end up in foods, large quantities are used by industry for the manufacture of non-edible products. Sunflower oil has industrial uses in certain paints, varnishes, and plastics. The oil contains 93% of the energy of some diesel fuels, and blends of sunflower oil and diesel have potential as a fuel. Linseed oil, made from the seeds of Linum usitatissimum, an annual herb in the flax family that is native to central Asia and the Mediterranean region, is one of the oldest oils to have been used commercially.
Currently, the paint and varnish industries consume about four-fifths of the linseed oil produced. Remains of flax plants have been found in the refuse of Stone Age dwellings, and it has been cultivated in Mesopotamia, Assyria, and Egypt for over 5,000 years. It has also been used as medicine.
The Sonoran Desert is the native home to one of the oldest cultivated species in North America, the Jojoba (Simmondsia Chinensis) plant. This slow-growing shrub species sends its roots up to 35 feet deep and can live to be more than a century old. Its seeds produce golden-colored oil that closely resembles natural human oils. Native American cultures of the southwestern deserts utilized jojoba oil to treat skin conditions as well as cosmetically rubbing it on their hair and bodies as a protectant.
One of the unusual attributes of jojoba oil is that it does not oxidize or become rancid. It is also easily refined into an odorless, colorless product that makes it ideal for use in cosmetics, moisturizers, and as a fragrance carrier for perfumes. Jojoba joined the industrial world during World War II as a substitute for dwindling supplies of other oil resources. It was used as a vital substitute and additive for motor, transmission, and gear oil. Even machine guns were lubricated with jojoba oil! Today, jojoba is being cultivated around the world—from South America to Australia and the Middle East—for many industrial and commercial uses.
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The following is a medicinal plant list of common species that can be found in most areas throughout North America.
Nature has blessed us with an array of unusual medicinal plants. These plants can be found right outside our doorstep from the spunky, dominating dandelion to the handsome stalks of stinging nettle.
Plants can be used in many ways to improve overall health and wellness. Plants can give us the power to take control of our health, so that we may be the best, most vibrant versions of ourselves!
he elderberry plant was pretty useful with almost every part being used curatively that is from the flower down to the roots through the leaves and stem. For instance, the all the part was used for their anti-inflammatory and calming attributes. The flowers were used for measles the stem pith to cleanse eye infections and buds for chills, fever or headache."
Elderberries are the fruit of the flowering plant known as Sambucus, more commonly referred to as elder or elderflower. The full scientific name of the most common variant, from which we get the majority of our elderberries, is Sambucus nigra. They grow primarily in the Northern hemisphere, particularly in Europe and North America, although some southern species are grown in Australia.
The berries are black or very dark blue and have a sharp, sweet flavor that makes them highly preferred for desserts, syrups, jams, jellies, spreads, and as the base for various cocktails and beverages.
Parts Used of this plant include: Leaves, Flower, Roots
For Medicinal uses all plant parts when taken internally can be a digestion ally, mild laxative, can support the body's ability to absorb nutrients, and provide liver support.
For some, dandelion can be a powerful diuretic when taken in high doses or too frequently. Avoid if you have a latex allergy.
In traditional herbal medicine practices, dandelion are revered for their wide array of medicinal properties.
For centuries, they’ve been used to treat a myriad of physical ailments, including cancer, acne, liver disease and digestive disorders.
All parts of this plant including the twig leaves, stems, roots flowers and fruits were used in culinary, medicinal an aromatic purpose.
For culinary purposes Sassafras albidum is a vital ingredient in ancient root beer making root tea that is deemed to “warm the blood.” It’s also good for Gumbo file, a vital ingredient in Creole cuisine. Medically it is used to extract Poison from insect bites, treating acne, urinary disorders and fevers and also in treating wounds by directly rubbing the leaves to it.
Essential oil with a high safrole content was obtained from its dried root bark by steam distillation. The essential oil also contains other chemicals i.e. camphor, eugenol, asarone and various sesquiterpenes hence Sassafras oil, that was once used as fragrance in soaps and perfumes, food and for Aromatherapy
Sassafras twigs were also anciently used for fire starters and as toothbrushes.
Parts Used :Leaves
Medicinal Uses: Externally, crushed leaves can treat many bug bites, bee stings, and even nettle rashes by reducing inflammation and pain. Can be used internally, as a tea, for inflammation due to excessive coughing
‘Plantain’ is from the French word meaning ‘sole of the foot’ referring to the plant’s flat leaves. Plantains were once highly respected medicinal herbs. Leaves were used to treat bites, stings, cuts, sore feet, and ailments of the eyes, tongue, and mouth. Broadleaf plantain is also a highly nutritious wild edible that is high in calcium and vitamins A, C, and K. The young, tender leaves can be eaten raw, and the older, stringier leaves can be boiled in stews and eaten.
Parts Used: Leaves
Medicinal Uses: Externally, a strong tea can be used as a hair rinse for oily hair, and aids in the treatment of eczema. Drinking this tea is an excellent herbal ally when treating anemia and pollen allergies.
Safety Issues: Caution - stinging hairs located on the stalk and underneath leaves have formic acid within them. When touched, it can cause an uncomfortable rash, painful itch, or small bumps on the affected area. Use gloves when interacting with fresh nettle.
Stinging nettle has been known since ancient times. Stinging nettle is among the benefits be good for muscle and joint pain, protection against prostate cancer, and hair extension.
When touched by bare hands, occur side effects such as itching, allergies. It must, therefore, be collected with gloves. Stinging nettle is used as shampoo, oil, soap, and cream in many countries.
Parts Uses: Roots, Leaves
Medicinal Uses: Can help create an appetite and aid in overall digestion. Internally and externally it can be used for an array of skin problems such as dry skin, eczema or cracked skin.
Burdock root is a natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory that’s packed with disease-fighting antioxidants. Like dandelion tea, burdock root can also be consumed in tea form. Burdock root benefits include the ability to detoxify the lymphatic system, purify the blood, protect against diabetes and more.
Parts Used: Leaves, Roots, Flowers
Medicinal Uses: Used internally, the tea reduces fevers, can lower blood pressure, is anti-inflammatory, and aids with symptoms of diarrhea. Externally,
it slows bleeding when applied topically to wounds in the form of a poultice.
Safety Issues: Should not be taken extensively when pregnant.
Over 3,000 years ago, ancient Greeks used it as a treatment for wounds. The genus name, Achillea, honors the Greek hero Achilles; who reportedly used yarrow for himself and for his soldiers as a treatment for battle wounds.
Yarrow is a traditional woman’s herb, used to ease menstruation. Many herbal sources regard it as a uterine tonic. A number of studies have supported the use of it to enhance circulation to the uterus, improving the tone, increasing menstrual flow and reducing uterine spasms and menstrual cramps.
Parts Used: Flowers, Leaves
Medicinal Uses: Externally, it aids in the healing of cuts, sores and any open wounds. It also has anti-inflammatory properties.
All-Heal, Heal-All, Self-Heal and Woundwort are among the common names for the low-growing perennial herb Prunella vulgaris. This low-growing, creeping herb grows in most temperate areas around the world and has been used in medicinal and culinary applications for millennia.
The benefits of All-Heal and Prunella vulgaris are legendary, and modern nutritional and medicinal studies indicate that the legends may be scientifically supported.
Parts Used: Leaves, Roots, Berries
Medicinal Uses: Tea made from bark and leaves, used internally, can aid in symptoms of diarrhea and inflammation. Chewing leaves, bark, or gargling tea can aid in mouth or throat irritations.
Blackberry is a fruit from Rosaceae family. Meanwhile, blackberry has sweet and sour taste. This fruit is usually process as jam, seedless jelly, dessert, or food dressing. Thus, blackberry is familiar in our menu but most people do not know about its benefits. Thus, it’s not only the fruits but its leaves also have amazing benefits that no one of you ever know before. Indeed, blackberry contains vitamins and nutrients that is good for our health.
Parts Used: Bark, Leaves
Medicinal Uses: Anti-inflammatory, nature’s aspirin, eases pain both internally and externally, reduces fever, can help boost the immune system, aids in menstrual pains, helps relieve headaches.
Safety Issues: This plant contains salicin - if you are sensitive to aspirin avoid using willow.
Willow bark, also known as “nature’s aspirin,” contains a precursor to aspirin, which essentially provides the same benefits as the tablet. Willow bark, specifically white willow bark, is available in the form of actual bits of tree bark for chewing, powder, and liquid extract.
Parts Used: Flower, Leaves, Roots, and Seeds
Medicinal Uses: An immune booster, anti-microbial, will fight viral and bacterial infections, great for helping fight colds.
Echinacea has a complex mix of active substances, some of which are said to be antimicrobial, while others are believed to have an effect on the human immune system.All species of this herbal remedy have compounds called phenols.
Many plants contain phenols, active substances that control the activity of a range of enzymes and cell receptors, and protect the plant from infections and ultraviolet (UV) radiation damage.
Parts Used: All above ground parts
Medicinal Uses: Externally used to aid in the healing of cuts and wounds; can sooth dry, itchy or irritated skin; and a poultice can be made to calm inflammation. Internally it aids in constipation, obesity, stomach, and bowel problems.
Chickweed may cause contact dermatitis and people with allergies to the daisy plant family could also react to chickweed. Chickweed is usually considered a safe herb but it should not be used by pregnant or nursing women without consulting a professional healthcare provider.
Chickweed (Stellaria media) is an annual plant found throughout Europe and is scientifically known as Stellaria Media. Over time, it also became naturalized in North America and can be found in recipes and cultural specialties around the world.
Also known as Coral bean tree, Erythrina herbacea is noticeable for its scarlet flowers and black pods that contain shiny red seeds. The shiny red seeds and the roots of the plant are included in a syrup used in the treatment of pneumonia, bronchitis. cold, flu and whooping cough symptoms. It can also be used in the treatment of stomach cramps and fevers.
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