Pharmaceutical companies and medical science are experiencing breakthroughs after breakthroughs every year, and we have some form of treatment, if not a cure, for nearly any ailment you can think of.
But, you should not even for a second believe that Mother Nature has been left behind. After all, the human race has survived for millions of years now. The people did not have access to state of the art technology and resources like we do, then what exactly did they do to survive?
They relied on nature, of course. And Mother Nature provided to her fullest. Many plants and herbs that people of olden times swore by for treatments and cures are still under scrutiny today, and not only common folk but medical professionals also appreciate the medicinal effects of these substances today.
Even though some of these medicinal plants are shrouded in controversy, we cannot deny that they have imparted a myriad of benefits to people of ancient times and they are still medically relevant for the people today. Here are some of the most potent medicinal plants you can find today:
Cannabis
Cannabis is perhaps one of the most controversial medicinal plants in existence today. However, despite its concerns, there is no denying the fact that cannabis has some of the best health benefits.
Cannabis has many different strains and by-products, including marijuana and weed, along with hemp seed oil and CBD oil. Smoking marijuana is perhaps the most popular way to consume cannabis. Cannabis edibles are also commonly distributed among people, and they have a similar effect to that of the cannabis that you smoke.
Some of the commonly known benefits of cannabis for your health include pain relief, relief from inflammation, treatment of eye problems such as glaucoma, and benefits for the skin including acne prevention and relief from eczema and psoriasis.
However, more important than all of these benefits is that cannabis has been shown to kill cancer cells and treat cancer as well. There has not been enough study on this claim to give a concrete answer now, but studies till now have been positive in this regard.
Kratom
Another rather controversial entry in our list of medicinal plants is Kratom. Kratom is a part of the coffee family and has been in use for medicinal purposes for many centuries now. There has been a fair amount of research and studies that show Kratom to be an excellent substance for health benefits.
Some of the health benefits we get from Kratom include pain relief, relief from inflammation, improving moods, hence improving anxiety and depression as well, and recovering from opiate addiction.
The main problem with it is whether is it legal to have Kratom in Canada? It is not exactly an illegal substance, but there has not been substantial research on it which can qualify it as a safe medical substance. It also has the potential to get people addicted, which is why the FDA is trying to ban it as well.
Aloe Vera
Another plant that has boasted of its medicinal properties for centuries now is the Aloe Plant. Aloe Vera Leaves are thick and fleshy, and they contain a clear, sticky gel which is what people use to treat a large number of ailments.
Aloe Vera is used to treating inflammation, skin conditions, and even digestive problems. There are not too many side effects and controversies related to Aloe Vera so most people use it freely and have nothing but positive reviews for the natural substance.
Gingko Biloba
Gingko Biloba is also a highly revered medicinal plant with properties that can help with numerous diseases and health conditions.
For example, Gingko Biloba has been used for many years to treat tinnitus, which is a condition associated with a ringing sound in the ears. It is also said to improve blood circulation and therefore oxygenation of the organs in the body. There have been some studies which also suggest that Gingko Biloba can treat Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia, along with a number of other neurological disorders as well.
Peppermint
The peppermint plant and its derivatives such as peppermint oil have been used for respiratory and digestive problems for many years now. Peppermint is also a controversy-free medicinal plant, and therefore its benefits are for everyone.
Peppermint can relieve colds and coughs; it is also effective for people suffering from tuberculosis, asthma, and other respiratory diseases and conditions.
Tea made from peppermint leaves can be excellent for relieving gas. It can also give relief to people suffering from Irritable Bowel Syndrome and colonic cramps and spasms.
Other than all of this, peppermint is also said to be good for a healthy brain and stress relief as well.
Ginger
Ginger is a spice that has a wide variety of medicinal benefits — some of it being anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and even anti-fungal. Ginger is also a highly effective anti-inflammatory agent which is why it is great for adding to foods that you cook and teas.
Ginger is also an excellent spice for health conditions such as diabetes, liver diseases, and even cancer in some cases.
About the Author:
David Martin is currently a final year student of Neuroscience at California University. He is passionate about writing and takes a keen interest in all things that alter our mental makeup. He regularly writes blogs at https://bestkratomcanada.ca/.