If they have physical complaints, many patients quickly resort to tried and tested medication. But the search for a natural solution can be worthwhile.
Medicinal plants, for example, can have remarkable effects that are often underestimated.
The popularity of medicinal plants is growing, however, precisely because of their good tolerance and low side effects.
In homeopathy, Bach flower therapy and Ayurvedic medicine, medicinal plants are an important part of treatment – whether spices, fruit or mushrooms.
They can not only help with physical complaints or sleep disorders, but can also be used in the cosmetic field.
Most of the time it doesn’t even have to be the most exotic plants, some medicinal plants can be found in almost every household or in the natural environment.
However, self-treatment is not always the right way, because there are medicinal plants that are only healthy in certain quantities, or some of which are poisonous.
Plants that you have collected yourself should therefore only be consumed if they are precisely identified and have sufficient specialist knowledge.
Lavender to calm you down
With its soothing scent, lavender not only drives musty smells out of the wardrobe, it also has a calming effect.
The scent and consumption of lavender relieves anxiety and panic attacks or helps you fall asleep, as studies on animals and humans show. Lavender, for example, is available in concentrated form as an oil and asleep spray – or dried in lavender sachets.
From a medical point of view, lavender is also a versatile aid that has been shown to help against coughs and to relieve pain and cramps, which can help with migraines and menopause.
The ingredients are also said to lower blood pressure , heart rate and breathing rate, but also to increase mood and satisfaction.
Lavender is also said to help against Alzheimer’s , dementia and the causes of strokes or epilepsy .
Lavender also has a lot to offer in the beauty sector – the purple flowers of the plant support scar healing with their anti-inflammatory properties and fight acne.
Thyme for colds
Most people are more familiar with thyme from Mediterranean cuisine, in combination with pasta or pizza. But this plant also has a healing effect. So their essential oils are recommended for respiratory problems.
The consumption of the medicinal plant helps with colds, especially against painful coughs and problems with the lungs. It also has an expectorant effect and relieves the urge to cough.
Sage – an all-rounder
Sage is very popular as a spice because of its intense taste. Since the consumption stimulates the intestinal function, it is especially served with fatty dishes and should therefore not be missing in any herb garden.
Its name is derived from the Latin word “Salvia”, which means “to heal”. The spice lives up to its name, because sage supports the body in healing wounds, for example, as it can reduce germs on wounds.
In addition, sage helps with increased sweat flow, cleanses the airways and relieves bad breath. Diabetic and the resulting inflammation should also be treated by taking it.
Picture gallery: 15 home remedies that you should always have at home
Chamomile inhibits inflammation
Grandma’s insider tip for gastrointestinal problems: chamomile tea. It helps to relax the irritated gastrointestinal tract, soothe the bloated stomach and counteract inflammation of the mucous membranes.
Studies on rats also show that the antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and calming effects of chamomile help with major problems such as acne, but also with wound healing and inflammation.
Chamomile can be used internally, but it is also suitable for external use in wraps, creams or infusions.
Dandelion helps with bloating
Dandelions are usually referred to as a weed – completely wrongly, because they too have health benefits.
Studies in animals and humans show that ingesting dandelion promotes intestinal health and also protects and detoxifies the liver.
Due to the potassium and insulin it contains, dandelion is considered a home remedy for diabetes , but scientific studies that unequivocally prove this are not yet available.
The bitter substances it contains promote the production of saliva and stomach acid as well as the release of digestive hormones and enzymes. This stimulates the appetite and digestion, which can alleviate symptoms in the gastrointestinal tract.
Important: The milky liquid in buttercups can lead to nausea and abdominal pain if consumed in excess.
Fleas for gastrointestinal diseases
Psyllium husks have the ability to bind 50 times the amount of water. In the event of diarrhea, they can therefore hold the intestinal contents together better.
The intake also helps with chronic constipation and irritable bowel syndrome, because the swelling increases the volume of the stool and it can be transported better.
Due to their viscous consistency, psyllium husks protect the stomach wall so that food can be transported better.
Ivy soothes a dry cough
For some it is used as an ornament on the house and for others it is hated as a weed: ivy also has a healing, antibacterial effect and thus fights bacteria, viruses and fungi.
As a home remedy, ivy is therefore particularly effective against dry coughs, bronchitis or colds. Its antibacterial properties are also beneficial for skin diseases or acne.
Regularly massaging ivy balm is also said to be beneficial for cellulite and poor blood circulation.
Aloe Vera soothes burns
Aloe Vera offers quick and effective relief for acute burns. Simply cut off a piece of the plant and pour the juice on the affected area.
Due to its healing properties, the juice also helps with other skin diseases such as psoriasis , wounds or blemished skin, which is why it is often used in the cosmetics industry.
In addition, aloe vera can also help with constipation thanks to the ingredient anthranoid, which activates the muscle activity of the intestine.
Marigold heals wounds
An ointment is mainly made from the flowers of the plant, which is then used for external application of poorly healing wounds and inflammations. In cosmetics, the marigold is also used as a moisturizing care product.
Important note: The information in this article is for general guidance only. To clarify a health problem, we recommend a visit to a trained and recognized doctor.