Plants That Heal

Has your mother ever treated your cough with something from the spice rack? For thousands of years, people from all corners of the globe have used herbs and plants to cure or prevent disease. There are several terms for this form of medicine: aromatherapy, homeopathy, floratherapy, alternative medicine, and herbal therapy.

Before using any of these remedies, you should check with your parents or a doctor. You never know if you might have an allergic reaction.

Type of Herb or Plant	Type of Use
Aloe	External—burns, bites, cuts, or scrapes
Chamomile	External—bites, stings, skin irritations Internal—soothes stress and relaxes
Cranberries	Internal—Helps in the cure of urinary tract infections, heart disease cancer, gum disease, or ulcers.
Echinacea	Internal—Strengthens immune system
Fennel	External—Relaxant when used in a bath Internal—Helps indigestion, cramps, asthma
Feverfew	Internal—Soothes migraine headaches and upset stomachs
Garlic	External—Skin irritations, fungal infections, acne, earaches, bites, and stings Internal—Reduces cholesterol, wards off colds and flu, lowers blood sugar in diabetics, protects liver from toxins, kills intestinal parasites
Ginger	External—Soothes toothaches Internal— Lessens against dizziness and nausea, lowers cholesterol, keeps blood from clotting, prevents heart disease and strokes
Ginseng	Internal—Stimulates immune system, lowers high blood pressure and raises low blood pressure, increases ability to handle stress
Lavender	External—Used as a massage oil for headaches, tense muscles, sunburn, or insomnia Internal—Relaxant, relieves tension
Mint	External—Decongestant when added to bath water, soothes bites and stings, acts as an anesthetic and a muscle relaxant Internal—Relieves nausea or cramping
Sage	External—Soothes sore throat, gum disease, canker sores Internal—Helps improve memory and aging
St. John’s Wort	External—Can be used for bruises and sores Internal—Helps depression
Thyme	External—Eases pain relief, can be used as an antiseptic and antidepressant Internal—Digestive aid and cough suppressant
Witch Hazel	External—Reduces swelling and relieves body aches and pains

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Plants That Heal

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