Plants as medicine? Benefits of lavender, garlic, echinacea, ginkgo and more

Chris McKeown
·3 min read

Throughout the history of medicine, plants have always been used in many ways to treat various illnesses. Many of the drugs that are produced today use extracts from all kinds of different plants throughout the world.

These days, you might find yourself in the aisle in the drugstore where the natural supplements are sold. When you look at the labels, you might recognize the names of some of these supplements from the plants in your gardens. Here are some of the most common and popular medicines from plants and what they are used for.

Echinacea

Also known as coneflowers, these are used for cold prevention, infections and wound healing. For centuries, it has been used in teas and juices. Today, it is available in supplements. Testing is ongoing as related to colds but so far has been inconclusive. Echinacea is also recommended to strengthen the immune system.

Hypericum

Saint John’s Wort is primarily known as a natural way to relieve symptoms of depression. It is also used to treat anxiety, mood swings and feelings of withdrawal. It is also known to reduce inflammation and soothes skin irritation. This plant can be found in pill form and as an ointment.

Lavender

Known for its strong fragrance in the garden, the fragrance is also good for calming nerves. Lavender oil is popular to use in diffusers. Lavender teas are also available. In addition to its calming benefits, it is known to reduce headaches and aid in sleep. Lavender can also help to improve your appearance by reducing acne, supporting healthy skin and hair.

Marigolds

These plants can also be used to get healthier skin and treat skin diseases. They have strong antibacterial properties. Marigolds can also treat ear pain and infection. They can also strengthen the eyes.

Fresh garlic hangs in one of the barns at Turner Farm, in Indian Hill.
Fresh garlic hangs in one of the barns at Turner Farm, in Indian Hill.

Garlic

Does much more than keep vampires away. This plant is great for lowering cholesterol and lowering blood pressure. Both of these are great for fighting heart disease. It is also good for aiding digestion. With this one, the benefits are gained as it is simply used as an ingredient in other dishes. It is most powerful when it is consumed raw.

Dandelion

I have always said that the simple definition of a weed is an unwanted plant. Dandelions are a very beneficial plant. They are full of vitamin K, vitamin C, iron and calcium. These vitamins are good for detoxifying livers and promoting better liver health. They are also good for bone health. They can also help treat urinary infections.

Ginkgo

This tree is known as a living fossil being as these trees can live 3,000 years. The extract from the leaves is used to improve brain health. It is being tested to help patients with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

An important note

I am writing about these plants not to personally recommend that they be used for these various issues. My goal is to let you know that these plants have potential medical benefits. If you should consider looking into using any of these, you should first consult your doctor. There is always the potential with any kind of medicine that they might interact with treatments you are already using.

Many of these plants are available at the drugstore. The dandelion had me curious, so I looked. The extract from the root is available in a pill. If you are interested in making teas or the other ways they can be used, do your research to make sure you are using them properly.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Health benefits of lavender, garlic, echinacea, ginkgo, dandelion