7 Indoor Plants with Medicinal Uses
01-11-2021There are a lot of amazing plants we can choose to grow with us in our homes, however some do have more appealing reasons to grow, such is the case with plants that have medicinal properties! So if you’re looking to bring some life into your home, plants are a wonderful way to add some greenery and doubly so if you can use some of them for their medicine!
Be sure to learn the proper ways of using each plant's medicine and please consult a doctor before using any medicinal plants in this article!
St John's Wort (Mental Health and Antioxidant)
St. John’s wort has become extremely popular in recent decades as a potential cure-all herbal remedy for many health issues. Unlike other herbal treatments, many of its health benefits have been verified by the scientific community and its herbal supplements are commonly prescribed by medical professionals. The most well-known effect of St. John’s wort is its antidepressant nature. It has been widely used to possibly aid in relieving symptoms of depression for generations!
The soothing nature of St. John’s wort and the rich concentration of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds make it perfect for possibly easing the pain of arthritis, gout, joint discomfort, and muscle ache. Not only are they a wonderful medicinal plant but an aesthetically beautiful plant for your home as well!
Word of Caution: The most common negative effects of St. John’s wort are dizziness, nausea, fatigue, and confusion. So be sure to consult with a doctor before taking any of your home grown medicinal plants!
Aloe Vera (Skin repair and Antibacterial)
People most often use aloe vera as a topical medication, rubbing it onto the skin rather than consuming it. In fact, it has a long history of use in treating sores, and particularly burns, including sunburn.
Aloe vera is known for its thick, pointed, and fleshy green leaves, each leaf contains a slimy tissue that stores water, and this makes the leaves thick. This water filled tissue is the “gel” that people associate with aloe vera products. The gel contains most of the beneficial bioactive compounds in the plant, including vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants.
Aloe vera gel also contains powerful antioxidants belonging to a large family of substances known as polyphenols. These polyphenols, along with several other compounds in aloe vera, help inhibit the growth of certain bacteria that can cause infections in humans. Aloe vera promotes antibacterial, antiviral, and antiseptic properties. This is part of why it may help heal wounds and treat skin problems!
Chrysanthemums (Anti-inflammatory Tea)
Chrysanthemum tea can work as a coolant and promotes repair of minor rashes on the skin caused due to heat. You can apply the powdered form of this tea externally on the impacted area or drink it two to three times a day till symptoms disappear. It has amazing anti-inflammatory qualities that treat the swelling due to bee stings, broken muscles and allergic reactions too.
It’s being studied that chrysanthemum improves the removal of toxins from the blood. Regular consumption of tea can possibly aid in the purifying blood. As aid for insomnia, you can take a cup of chrysanthemum tea, Chrysanthemum flowers, cinnamon, ginseng, and honey suckle are mixed together and they provide the body with warmth and create a balance in the body and can make it easier to fall asleep.
Gardenia (Anti-Depression and Digestive Tea)
Not only are Gardenia’s absolutely beautiful, in tea form they are powerful allies for overall well-being!
Ingredients isolated from Gardenia jasminoides, including ursolic acid and genipin, have been shown to improve gastritic activities, antioxidant activities and acid-neutralizing capacities and can help protect against a number of gastrointestinal issues.
The smell of gardenia flowers is also known to promote relaxation and help people who are feeling wound up to de-stress. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, gardenia is included in aromatherapy and herbal formulas that are used to treat mood disorders, including depression, anxiety and restlessness.
Spider Plant (Easy Breathing)
Ok, so a few plants could fit into the category of respiratory health. I just happen to LOVE spider plants because they have a fun look and are easy to take care of.
Studies are showing that plants can improve the breathing habitat for humans, and spider plants are no exception to that. It’s easy to understand from the simple fact that plants produce oxygen and we consume it. So having a houseplant like a spider plant at your workplace or home will naturally increase the indoor oxygen levels. Another interesting point is that variegated varieties of spider plant produce more chlorophyll than other variegated houseplants which means more oxygen production.
They’re also safe for your pets (in moderation), making them that much better as a medicinal home plant!
Marigold (Fights a Fever and Treats Acne)
Ayurveda uses Marigold (aka Calendula) to treat fevers. While further research is needed, the National Center for Homeopathy endorses its ability to ease fever symptoms such as shivering, sensitivity to open air, feverish chill in extremities, among other things.
Calendula or pot marigold can aid in reducing inflammation linked to acne and its antimicrobial effect also helps keep the skin clear. Research has found that Calendula officinalis can help treat acne vulgaris effectively and safely, with none of the side effects normally associated with treatments using antibiotics and other drugs. Apply calendula cream on the affected skin and spots to aid healing and to prevent further breakouts on the inflamed skin.
Lemon Balm (Anti-Anxiety)
As with most plants in the mint family, Melissa officinalis has a wealth of health benefits. Bruise the plant with your fingers and you can smell the oils credited with many of these healing properties. It’s antiviral and anxiolytic properties are of particular note.
As mentioned, lemon balm has been recognized as a relaxation aid and used to ease insomnia and anxiety. Modern studies have affirmed this age-old use and found that particularly when used in conjunction with other relaxing herbs, like Valerian, it shows promise as an anxiety treatment.
