The most underrated medicinal plants.

Many people sooner or later learn how effective medicinal plants can be. Most of us are well aware of the healing properties of garlic, spinach, ginger and, of course, echinacea. However, there are many other plants whose medicinal qualities are almost (and sometimes not at all) mentioned, while their "competitors" are almost excessively popular.

Medicinal plants contain a wide range of chemical compounds. They have developed a special mechanism of improvement. Natural selection causes plants to "experience" various types of molecular changes in order to increase their ability to survive in an aggressive environment. Therefore, it often happens that one substance is present in a plant in large quantities and has an amazing effect on the human body, but at the same time, various variations of this substance are contained in the same plant.

Human beings and plants have evolved in parallel under the same conditions for millions of years, so it is natural that our complex organism is adapted to obtain the necessary substances from certain plants, while completely ignoring others. However, there is an opinion that useless plants do not exist at all when it comes to human health.

1. Dandelion

It is an edible flowering plant, widely distributed in all temperate countries of the world. Dandelions are used to prepare various dishes and drinks. Dandelion flowers, leaves and roots can be used for medicinal purposes. They have a cleansing effect on the blood vessels, while significantly activating the liver. Dandelions are also able to balance blood sugar and cholesterol levels, prevent the formation of gallstones and improve pancreas function.

2. Eshpoltsia Californian (poppy)

The vibrant poppy flowers have made this opioid a cult plant. It is an effective sedative that can be safely used to relieve agitation in children. It can also be brewed and added to tea to quickly relieve nervous tension. A stronger decoction has analgesic properties. He's getting ready by simmering on low heat all parts of the plant, including stems and roots, in water for several hours (even better left overnight (

3. Marigolds (marigolds)

Marigold is a flowering plant adapted to a variety of soil types. They are used to prepare and color many summer dishes. This plant is able to cope with many skin problems, for example, effectively eliminates various spots. Also, marigolds are an excellent remedy for fever and fever, it can quickly relieve swelling of any part of the body. In addition, it is one of the most effective medicines for headache and toothache. Its anti-inflammatory properties help treat allergies, prevent the development of tumors, and optimize the growth of new blood vessels.

4. Tansy

Tansy is one of the medicines known and widely used since ancient times. It was used to improve the taste of beer and decoctions, as well as to protect against insects. It is enough to rub a leaf of tansy on the skin so that annoying insects stop being interested in you. Moreover, tansy is quite effective in the fight against helminths. It is said to be poisonous when extracted, but a few leaves won't do any harm even when taken internally.

5. Female kochedyzhnik (fern)

Kochedyzhnik is a tall light green plant that lives in the northern hemisphere and belongs to the oldest species of European flora. It can be used to treat many diseases: it is good against fever, fever and cough, it serves as a prevention of worms and protection against asthma, pneumonia and bronchitis. Kochedyzhnik can also be effectively used to heal wounds and burns.

6. Alfalfa

Alfalfa is the staple of the livestock diet as it is incredibly rich in minerals, health-promoting nutrients and chemical compounds. Because of the giant (up to 10 meters long) roots, it is called the "mother of plants." In addition, the green mass of alfalfa has a high protein content. Its homeland is the Mediterranean and Central Europe, however, over time, the range has expanded and now it can be seen throughout Europe and in both Americas. It treats toxicosis in pregnant women, motion sickness, kidney stones, diseases of the genitourinary system. It is a powerful diuretic (diuretic), which also has the ability to restore normal tone after a general weakening due to illness. Alfalfa is effective as a cleanser for the liver and digestive tract, and with long-term use can lower cholesterol. You can use its seeds or sprouts, but it is also very useful just to pick and eat its leaves.

7. Tea bush

The tea bush is one of the most powerful herbal remedies against such dangerous bacteria as methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus. It perfectly helps to get rid of insects, and also has the ability to instantly heal wounds from their bites. The use of a tea bush is an excellent solution for the prevention of fungal diseases and the treatment of pediculosis. It can quickly heal wounds and burns, as well as eliminate dandruff. The effectiveness of this plant against headaches and colds is also known.

8. Catnip

The plant is most famous for its ability to bring cats into a narcotic ecstasy, but catnip has a number of beneficial properties for humans. It relieves cold syndromes (a very useful thing on a hike when there is no access to more intense remedies), helps fight fever and fever due to its diaphoretic qualities. When used externally, catnip is excellent at stopping bleeding and reducing swelling. This mint-flavoured herb can help fight flatulence, as well as stomach pains and even invincible migraines. Catnip also stimulates uterine contractions, so it is beneficial for pregnant women. It mainly lives in the Northern Hemisphere.

7. Thyme (thyme)

Thyme, commonly known as an aromatic substance, is also often eaten. This is an excellent remedy for small insects, but it can be used to treat lung diseases such as shortness of breath. Thyme is much more effective against food poisoning and infections than most other remedies. It is able to stabilize blood pressure, reduce the risk of colon cancer, and also perfectly helps to cope with skin problems such as dryness, redness and swelling. And finally, thyme is a good mild sedative that relaxes the nervous system and improves sleep.

10. Sage

Sage is an extremely useful herb that many consider perhaps the most valuable medicinal plant. Among its properties are anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antifungal. In fact, his incredible popularity even earned him a name in science - "Salvia officinalis". The word "salvia", which served as the source for the Russian "sage" in translation means "intended for storage." It was indeed very widely used to preserve meat long before the invention of freezers. In those days, it was simply priceless: after all, a hunter could never know in advance when he would need to save his trophies. Sage is excellent for digestion, relieves colic, relieves diarrhea, thickens mucus, treats colds, reduces inflammation and swelling, forms the basis of a healing ointment for wounds and burns, and is also an antiseptic. There is an opinion that he is even able to restore the original color of gray hair.

11. Javanese Brucea

Not taking into account scattered empirical observations, not all medicinal plants have undergone systematic scientific tests that could reliably confirm their effectiveness. However, this does not apply to Javanese brucea, which is one of the few medicinal herbs that have received approval after serious scientific research. Scientists have been able to obtain results indicating its unusually high effectiveness as a remedy against diseases such as cancer of the neck, bladder and pancreas. Due to its selective toxicity, brucea kills 70 percent of cancer cells. At the same time, this plant deserves much more attention and recognition as a medicine.

12 Navajo tea

Also known as "prairie tea" and "coyote grass," this herb has been used for centuries by American Indians for quick recovery from the most severe and dangerous infections of the genitourinary system. It is most effective in the form of tea or decoction.

13. Red clover

Clover is native to Europe, North America and Western Asia, but now it grows almost all over the world. Its red-pink flowers can be used for coughs and colds, but they are also an excellent detoxifier and blood cleanser.

14. Garden marjoram

Marjoram and oregano are often used interchangeably, however, the aromatic sweet marjoram is somewhat different from the regular marjoram. The Greeks called it "the joy of the mountain" and it was widely used throughout the Mediterranean for its aroma, taste and medicinal qualities. Garden marjoram is part of the famous French “herbs of Provence” and “zaatar”, beloved throughout the Middle East. It is used for a variety of purposes, but above all, it is an excellent digestive agent, an effective antifungal, antibacterial and disinfectant.

15. Feverfew (maidenweed)

Despite the fact that this plant is well known and deservedly considered a medicine, it is practically not mentioned in medical circles. It is an anti-inflammatory that can be used to treat rheumatism, arthritis, and even excruciating migraine headaches. It also relieves tension and general irritability well, as it is a natural inhibitor of serotonin. Feverfew also helps relieve swelling and bruising from bruises. Although it is most effective when used daily, it can also be used as a pain reliever if needed.

16. Fragrant violet

Violet is native to Europe and Asia, but is cultivated all over the world for its soft purple flowers. Violet syrup is good for colds, flu and dry coughs. However, as an addition to tea, it is also surprisingly effective against headaches and muscle pain.

17. Winter savory

Savory winter - salvation from insect bites and stings. This one of the most effective wild medicinal plants first became known in Europe and the Mediterranean, but now, thanks to world trade, it has spread everywhere. In addition to its amazing antiseptic properties, it is simply very