7 Medicinal Plants and Their Benefits for You

Understanding Medicinal Plants

Medicinal plants, also known as living pharmacies, are plants that serve to treat or prevent various ailments.

Currently, there are approximately 40,000 types of plants that can be utilized as herbal remedies. According to research findings, 80% of these herbal plants originate from Indonesia.

The benefits of cultivating medicinal plants include:

1. Serving as a family's living pharmacy

2. Saving expenses

3. Providing a fresh herbal supply

4. Initiating a healthy lifestyle

5. Refreshing the air

6. Supplying kitchen spices

Medicinal Plants You Should Have at Home

Galangal

Galangal is a medicinal plant commonly used as a culinary spice. These spices contain active ingredients such as:

- Felonic acid

- Vitamin A

- Polyphenols

- Galangin

- Flavonoids

- Beta-sitosterol

- Vitamin B

- Vitamin C

Galangal is typically used to alleviate inflammation, asthma, coughs, sore throats, and hoarseness. Another benefit of galangal is its ability to boost immunity and maintain fitness.

Lemongrass

This herb is often utilized as a cooking spice in Indonesia. Lemongrass contains active substances such as:

- Alkaloids

- Flavonoids

- Saponins

- Ethanol extracts

These compounds are beneficial for lowering blood pressure, controlling blood sugar, enhancing immunity, strengthening the nervous system, and more. Lemongrass leaf extracts are also used for aromatherapy due to their fresh scent. Some even believe that lemongrass can protect humans from mosquito bites.

Lime

Lime is one of the popular medicinal plants grown in yards. It has small-sized fruits with green leaves. Lime plants offer numerous benefits.

Lime fruits are rich in vitamin C. The leaves and flowers contain lominin and linalool oils, which serve as antibacterial agents. Additionally, the benefits of lime plants include:

- Treating mouth ulcers

- Addressing anemia

- Boosting immunity

- Facilitating weight loss

- Alleviating respiratory disorders

Lime is also beneficial for skin rejuvenation and acne treatment due to its collagen content.

Garlic

Garlic is commonly used to enhance the taste and aroma of food. However, it also offers several health benefits, including:

- Cleansing the digestive system

- Alleviating nerve issues

- Lowering high blood pressure

- Improving blood health

- Boosting immunity

- Beneficial for the liver

Cultivating garlic in home yards is straightforward. Small plots of land are sufficient, and pots or hydroponic media can also be used.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera, often seen in home yards, offers various health benefits. Besides its exotic appearance, aloe vera is beneficial for body health.

Aloe vera is also beneficial for beauty purposes when applied to the face or skin. Its minerals, enzymes, antioxidants, and vitamins A, C, and E are excellent for the skin. Aloe vera can be used to:

- Moisturize the skin

- Relieve symptoms of anal fissures

- Maintain digestive health

- Brighten the complexion

- Reduce dark spots

- Prevent aging

- Maintain oral health

- Alleviate GERD

- Reduce inflammation in psoriasis and eczema

Betel Leaf

Betel leaf emits a distinctive fragrance. Therefore, it can be used as an herbal remedy to maintain feminine hygiene.

Boiled betel leaf water can also cleanse the skin and even stop nosebleeds by inserting betel leaves into the nostrils. Betel leaves contain active ingredients such as:

- Iodine

- Vitamin A

- Potassium

- Vitamin B1

- Niacin

- Essential oils

- Estragole

- Kavicol

- Vitamin B2

- Phenylpropane

Celery

Celery can be used as a cooking spice, especially in making soup. Celery leaves have a unique aroma that enhances the flavor of dishes.

However, celery leaves can also be utilized medicinally. Celery plants are often included in foods with high cholesterol content to reduce the risk associated with high-cholesterol meals.