The best medicinal plants for your well-being in 2022

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

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

• 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.

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

thyme

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.

References:

• https://www.ortodacoltivare.it/aromatiche/officinali.html
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3358962/#ref16
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3358962/
• https://www.ilsole24ore.com/art/cresce-consumo-erbe-aromatiche-e-settore-rilancia-l-osservatorio-e-nuovi-investimenti-ADe6hjg?refresh_ce=1
• https://www.repubblica.it/scienze/2016/01/26/news/moringa_la_pianta_magica_con_cui_si_cura_fidel_castro-131687417/
• https://internationaltreefoundation.org/moringa-miracle-tree/
• jpsr.pharmainfo.in
• https://sorgentenatura.it/speciali/alloro
• https://sorgentenatura.it/speciali/prodotti-ricavati-dalla-salvia
• https://www.saperesalute.it/biancospino
• https://www.greenme.it/abitare/orto-e-giardino/timo-proprieta-usi-come-coltivare/
• https://www.edendeifiori.it/289/melissa-officinalis.php
• https://www.coltivazionebiologica.it/calendula-officinalis/
• https://www.stile.it/2020/03/13/piante-officinali-benessere-id-227459/