We have always looked for ways to improve our quality of life and eliminate or improve the symptoms of some diseases. For this reason, throughout the history of humanity, we have resorted to tools that we have at our disposal for this purpose and, here, we find medicinal plants. In addition, there are also aromatic plants that we can also take advantage of for their scents and use in the kitchen, which we usually know as the different types of aromatic herbs. We will talk about what are medicinal and aromatic plants and we show you a guide to the types of aromatic and medicinal plants .
What is a medicinal and aromatic plant
A medicinal plant is one that contains elements that we can use to improve our health. All plants have active principles, which are the elements that compose them, and they can be beneficial or harmful for us when we consume them or come into contact with them in some way and depending on the doses in which they are made. Thus, medicinal plants are used whole or only some part of them because they contain active principles that can help prevent and treat health problems .
In addition, there are aromatic plants , which are those that have particularly strong or intense aromas, as well as pleasant for us and that, therefore, we use for cooking, aromatherapy and to set the atmosphere in our homes. Most aromatic plants or herbs are medicinal plants, but not all medicinal plants are aromatic. In addition, they are known as aromatic herbs specifically those that are most used in cooking, such as spices and condiments.
Thus, there are many kinds of aromatic plants in nature and that we can grow in our garden to surround our home with a good smell, as well as inside the house to also have a good aroma, so they can serve as natural home air fresheners . Many of which also have medicinal properties , and which serve as active principles in the manufacture of many medicines.
If you wonder how to organize a garden of aromatic and medicinal plants, we recommend that if you do not have much space, you think about the option of making a vertical one. Next, we will offer you a guide to aromatic and medicinal plants .
Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium)
The wormwood ( Artemisia absinthium ) is an aromatic plant can be grown in the garden. Also, it is a good natural repellent against insects that can be dangerous for other plants. Thus, it is used to drive away pests, covering the ground or making infusions with it.
Garlic (Allium sativum)
The garlic ( Allium sativum ) is a very effective ground in the fight against insects, ants or bacteria. With garlic, you can make infusions and sprinkle it on the leaves of the plants, to protect them against different pests. In addition, garlic is a highly appreciated plant in the kitchen, being able to be used in all kinds of preparations, and it has great health benefits . In addition, it is considered one of the best natural antivirals , so it should be consumed.
Aloe Vera or Aloe Vera (Aloe vera)
The aloe vera or aloe ( Aloe vera ) is a medicinal plant easy to grow at home and can serve to protect other plants from the wind. However, as it does not bear the cold well, the ideal is to grow it indoors or in a pot. Its slimy pulp or gel is very good for skin problems, such as burns, and to treat constipation, among other common uses of aloe vera.
Lavender (Lavandula sp.)
The lavender ( Lavandula spp. ) Is a medicinal and aromatic plant having a very pleasant smell , which is why it is widely used for manufacturing fragrances and cosmetics. In addition, its dry leaves can be put inside the closet or under the bed and, thus, scare away moths and other critters, as well as aromatize the room. It is also used to make natural antibacterial liquids.
We also recommend that you use it to make your own soap and thus take advantage of its benefits for the skin.
Arnica (Arnica montana)
The arnica ( Arnica montana ) is a medicinal plant which has anti – inflammatory properties and is used to treat muscle injuries and problems. The problem with this plant is that it has compounds that are toxic, so it should not be ingested, unless recommended by a specialist, that is, with a format and dose control.
Chamomile (Matricaria sp.)
The chamomile ( Matricaria sp. ) Is a medicinal and aromatic plant easy to grow and fast growing, used to treat problems of stress, anxiety and insomnia. Another common use is against different digestive, dermatological and ocular problems.
Peppermint (Mentha sp.)
The mint ( Mentha sp. ) Is one of the aromatic plants most known and used for its wonderful smell. It is also medicinal, as it is used for indigestion problems, colds, muscle aches, allergic skin reactions and stings.
Marigold (Tagetes erecta) and calendula (Calendula officinalis)
Tagetes erecta ) and marigold ( Calendula officinalis ) are medicinal plants that have very similar properties and uses. On the one hand, they serve as a repellent to large numbers of insects, food coloring and oil production. On the other hand, due to their medicinal uses, they are very effective against dermis diseases, burns and wounds.
Greater nettle (Urtica dioica)
The stinging nettle ( Urtica dioica ) is used to treat different muscle problems and arthritis. In addition, it is a good diuretic solution and provides many beneficial vitamins and minerals. Nettle is a very easy to grow medicinal plant .
Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)
The dandelion ( Taraxacum officinale ) is not just a weed in our garden, but also provides many beneficial vitamins and can be used in tea, salads or other meals. It is also a great help to treat anemia, kidney, fever, diarrhea and an excellent cleanser and diuretic. As you can see, it is one of the types of aromatic and medicinal plants with more properties.
Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis)
The hyssop ( Hyssopus officinalis ) is an aromatic shrub that provides very good smell of the garden and you have to gather them to the flourish and let dry the top of the stem. As therapeutic properties, it stands out that the hyssop can be used to treat throat infections, bronchial tubes or asthma. In the kitchen it is used for its flavor and because it improves the digestion of certain foods.
Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
The basil ( Ocimum basilicum ) is considered one of the types of aromatic very pleasant and penetrating mild odor. It is used as a condiment for many foods, especially pasta. In addition, it has beneficial properties for the stomach. It can be grown both indoors and outdoors, but it needs plenty of sunlight, although not direct sunlight when the sun is strong.
Spearmint (Mentha spicata)
The peppermint plant ( Mentha spicata ) belongs to the same family as peppermint, but it has a milder aroma and flavor. Peppermint is widely used in baking and also helps stimulate the body. This is another of the aromatic herbs with medicinal properties that can be had both indoors and outdoors without problems.
Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)
The fennel ( Foeniculum vulgare ) is a h aromatic ierba much like dill, we’ll see below, which is commonly used in sauces, salads and as a side dish or salad dressing in fish dishes. It is an aromatic and medicinal plant that provides great digestive benefits. Fennel can be grown indoors and outdoors, but it tends to grow much better by far if planted directly into the ground or soil.
Dill (Anethum graveolens)
The dill ( Anethum graveolens ) is an aromatic herb very delicate commonly used to flavor fish, but also used in a variety of recipes. It is a digestive, carminative medicinal herb and stimulates the liver, among other benefits. We can grow it at home, both inside and outside, as long as it does not get full sun but it does get enough natural sunlight.
