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The best medicinal plants for your well-being in 2022
October 13, 2023
"Life consists not only in existing, but in living in good health." - (Marziale)
Moringa, sage, laurel: these are just some of the ancient medicinal plants with exceptional health properties that should be rediscovered thanks to their unique qualities that have been valued for centuries.
They are plants whose therapeutic effectiveness has often been proven both by science and by popular use, although in some cases further scientific confirmation is required. Nevertheless, the prospects are promising.
Here is some historical information about medicinal plants, some data on today's use, and some medicinal plants to keep in mind for your well-being in 2022.
Table of contents
Medicinal plants, a growing sector
Medicinal plants, what are they?
What is meant by a medicinal plant?
Medicinal plants: The search for well-being has roots that go back thousands of years
Moringa Oleifera: The Tree of Miracles
laurel
sage
thyme
Melissa
Marigold
Medicinal plants to pamper and care for us all year round
Medicinal plants, a growing sector
The field of medicinal and aromatic herbs is experiencing strong growth, as shown by Ismea (Institute for Services in the Agricultural and Food Market).
In Italy alone there are currently about 6,000 companies in this sector, growing on 24,000 hectares and producing 25 million kilograms, which covers 70% of national needs. Italy also ranks fourth in the EU, after Poland, Bulgaria and France (1).
Medicinal plants, what are they?
Medicinal plants included in official lists established by law in 1931 are defined by the WHO (World Health Organization) as follows: They contain in one or more organs substances that can be used for therapeutic or preventive purposes or are precursors of chemical pharmaceutical semi-synthesis.
The entirety of the plant's active ingredients (phytocomplexes) has an effective potential that results from the synergistic and combined effect of all parts of the plant.
What is meant by a medicinal plant?
"Officinale" comes from the name of the pharmaceutical laboratories, also known as officine, where pharmacists once made ointments, oils, teas, perfumes and medicines to treat various diseases.
Medicinal plants: The search for well-being has roots that go back thousands of years
The oldest written evidence of the use of medicinal plants to make medicines was found on a Sumerian clay tablet from Nagpur, which is about 5,000 years old.
It contained 12 recipes for making medicines based on over 250 different plants, including alkaloids such as opium poppy, henbane and mandrake.
Already in the epic poems of Homer, the Iliad and the Odyssey (800 BC), 63 types of plants are mentioned that belonged to Minoan, Mycenaean, Assyrian and Egyptian phytotherapy.
Traces of aromatic plants can also be found in the Bible and the Talmud. The works of Hippocrates contain as many as 300 “official” medicinal plants with various physiological effects.
However, the Arabs developed real medicines based on medicinal plants, thanks to their studies in chemistry and scientific knowledge. In the early 1900s, natural remedies were created (2).
Today, after the synthesis of active ingredients in the laboratory, imitating their functioning by creating molecules similar to the active ingredients of plants, the modern pharmacopoeia was born. The use of medicinal plants falls within the field of phytotherapy, homeopathy, but also official medicine, which continues to research their effects and benefits, especially in the field of plant chemistry.
Moringa Oleifera: The Tree of Miracles
The history and knowledge of Moringa Oleifera is as old as the medicinal plants, as highlighted by the International Tree Foundation, the community of farmers, foresters and supporters founded in 1922 focused on restoring and conserving forests and promoting Forestry crops for future generations.
Moringa was already used in ancient Egypt to make perfumes and was known in classical Greek and Roman antiquity.
Originally from India, Moringa is grown in 13 species in different parts of the world, providing valuable nutrients and benefits to local populations. Today it is becoming more and more popular, including in Europe.
One of the most nutrient-dense plants on the planet, also known as the “Tree of Miracles” and “Tree of Life,” it is used in poor regions of the world to combat malnutrition and is extremely rich in antioxidants and flavonoids.
Scopri di più su Cos'è la Moringa
Every part of the moringa tree is edible: from the leaves to the seeds, from the flowers to the roots. The contents of this plant contain approximately 27 vitamins, all 9 essential amino acids, 46 antioxidants, numerous minerals and high concentrations of protein.
When dried, the plant is even more nutrient dense (3) with micronutrients such as: ten times as much vitamin A as carrots; 17 times more calcium than milk; 15 times more potassium than bananas; 25 times more iron than spinach and nine times more protein than yogurt.
Plant your moringa tree
Among the numerous benefits, the antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-anaemia effects as well as the rich and rare combination of zeatin, quercetin, sitosterol, caffeic acid and kaempferol in moringa are recognized.
This makes moringa valued as an antioxidant with antitumor, antipyretic, antiepileptic, antiulcer, antispasmodic, diuretic, antihypertensive, cholesterol-lowering, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, antibacterial and antifungal activities (4).
Moringa can be prepared as a tea or infusion or taken in the form of capsules and powder.
Discover how to take Moringa Oleifera.
laurel
Common on the coasts of southern Italy, Greece and Asia Minor, the laurel tree is a typical plant of the Mediterranean region. It is hardy and grows wild and can grow up to 10 meters high.
The laurel (Laurus nobilis), rich in essential oil (up to 3% in leaves and flowers and 10% in the berries), is an evergreen tree whose properties have been known for centuries in both phytotherapy and cooking.
A few bay leaves on fish and meat roasts as well as in legume soups give a unique aroma.
The use of laurel has also been in dermocosmetics since 2500 BC. Known particularly for the production of Aleppo soap along with olive oil, which provides gentle cleansing properties for irritated skin.
The tree has strong and ancient symbolic meaning and mythological associations (such as the myth of Apollo and Daphne). A laurel wreath - from the Latin "Laurus" - is a symbol of fame and immortality and was awarded to the victorious poets in competitions who received the title of "Poet Laureate", from which the traditional crown on the head of graduates still comes today.
Bay laurel is best known for its digestive and wind-driving properties to relieve colic and abdominal swelling, stimulate appetite, loosen phlegm, relieve arthritis symptoms (bay laurel oil), and keep away insects and parasites.
To prepare infusions and teas, a few leaves in boiling water for about 10 minutes are enough. Be careful not to confuse it with bay cherry, which looks similar but is poisonous.
sage
Salvia officinalis, from the mint family, also called "holy herb", is an evergreen shrub with purple flowers, and its name is probably derived from the Latin "salus", meaning health.
Recognized as a healing plant for centuries, sage grows wild in Mediterranean bushland.
Among the aromatic plants most commonly used in cooking, sage has properties such as dermatological cleansing, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, deodorant and wound-healing effects.
Other known effects include combating hormonal acne, controlling excessive sweating, antifungal and estrogenic properties, and stimulant, digestive and antispasmodic properties.
It is excellent as a fresh or dried seasoning for legumes, pasta, meat and fish, or as an infusion after meals to stimulate digestion.
Hawthorn
Common hawthorn
The common hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna - a common species from the rose family) grows wild and can be found in the European and North American regions of the Northern Hemisphere up to Asia.
In Italy it thrives throughout the peninsula on the edge of forests and wooded pastures.
With its pretty white flowers, it is used to create ornamental hedges, but it also has recognized medicinal properties, such as cardioprotective and calming effects, as well as antioxidant properties, due to the content of flavonoids and antioxidants.
It is also said to have excellent properties for controlling cardiovascular disease and digestive disorders, treating some anxiety disorders and maintaining healthy blood pressure.
It can be taken in a variety of ways, with the most common way being prepared as an infusion, often in combination with other ingredients to promote relaxation.
thyme
Common thyme (Thymus vulgaris - mint family) is a shrub with pink-purple flowers that has a scent and properties similar to those of mint and oregano (since it belongs to the same family).
It is actually known and valued in the kitchen as a spice plant, but its properties also include benefits such as controlling cholesterol levels, relieving coughs, acne, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial qualities, and improving digestion due to its high content of flavonoids.
In addition to its use as a spice on our tables, it is often grown on balconies or in gardens and used in teas to improve digestion, relieve digestive spasms, as a tonic to relieve stress and to cleanse the body (5)*.
Melissa
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a perennial herbaceous plant with delicate white flowers that belongs to the mint family and is widespread in the Mediterranean region.
It has a pleasant scent of bergamot and lemon and is known for preparing refreshing and relaxing infusions. Also known as lemon balm due to its citrusy aroma, it is used in cooking to add flavor and freshness.
Lemon balm has calming and sedative properties.
It can be grown in different soil types, preferably shady and loose soil, and is best done at the end of March. It is undoubtedly an excellent choice to enrich the area for aromatic plants in your garden or on your balcony.
Marigold
The marigold (Calendula officinalis) is characterized by its large orange flowers and belongs to the daisy family (Asteraceae). It may have originally come from Morocco, but is now grown worldwide.
Its use is as a wound healer, antispasmodic and the infusion is considered to relieve pain in menstrual cramps and abdominal pain, as well as regulating the menstrual cycle.
Calendula is also used in eye drops and creams (including intimate creams) with anti-inflammatory and anti-acne properties, as well as skin-soothing properties.
It is used as a homemade poultice to relieve swelling, while soaking the flowers in olive oil (50g in ½ liter) is used to relieve burns, sunburn and frostbite.
Marigold grows best in rich, loose soil in a sunny location, and the seeds can be harvested just below the flower crown.
Medicinal plants to pamper and care for us all year round
This part of the official and herb aromatic and medicinal condividono the characteristic of the facilità with the possibility of being repeated and cultivated, located in the garden in the balcony. Grazie al clima mite dell'area Mediterranea, non è difficile averle a disposizione both l'annou or per brevi periodi, conservandole attraverso l'essiccazione.
The Moringa, of its origin from India and with successful cultivation also in the area of the piano, came in Africa, is also considered a coltura di eccellenza in Europe, so the Moringa rossa has trovato il suo ideal habitat.
When collected and eaten in a natural way, the use of pesticides and with a rigorous and transparent process of certification, preserves all the essential nutrients and compost that is beneficial and is officially released in 2022.