Plants undoubtedly add beauty to your home but what if we tell you that you can have plants as decor and have benefits your health at the same time, will you believe it? Well to some extent we are all aware of the plant’s oxygen giving capacity but do you know there is more to it? Medicinal plants are real and we are here to tell you more about them.

Having medicinal plants at home is a great way of making your indoor or outdoor garden look beautiful as well as adding some medicinal value. Find out more on our list.

A very simple looking plant like aloe vera has more benefits than anyone could expect. The sap of aloe vera may look and feel a slimy and little disgusting but it’s not what it seems. The pulp of aloe vera has extraordinary benefits and can be applied on the surface as well as consumed orally. 

1. Aloe Vera

When applied tropically aloe vera provides a cooling effect and aids in the healing of wounds and injuries. In case, of sunburns, aloe vera is recommended as it is one of the best things to be applied to that burn. 

In Ayurveda, aloe vera is recommended to be consumed orally in the case of digestive problems, chronic constipation and poor appetite. However, there are many species of aloe vera and only some are considered safe for oral consumption, Therefore, it should be checked well before consuming it.

Read: What Is Ayurveda? Hype or Worth It?

2. Peppermint

A cross between watermint and spearmint, peppermint is known for its strong aromatic flavour. It is super easy to grow and you can have a fresh limitless supply of it. Peppermint has a cooling effect due to the presence of methanol in it. Methanol gives peppermint its cooling properties.

Peppermint helps a lot in digestive issues especially when you are bloated and have gastrointestinal issues. The tea made with peppermint leaves helps ease migraines and tension. 

The strong aroma may also help people suffering from clogged sinuses. It may also help people struggling to fall asleep.

And yes, how can we forget that peppermint also freshens up your breath.

Read: Yoga Poses To Help You Fall Asleep Faster

3. Lavender

Laver adds beauty to your garden because of its wonderful colour but also its aroma. The beautiful looking plant has many health benefits which makes it a perfect choice for your garden.

According to research, lavender’s aroma can help improve the quality of sleep. It is widely used by people who suffer from insomnia, anxiety and depression. Lavender contains two inflammation-fighting compounds called linalool and linalyl acetate which help skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.

Also, research proves that aromatherapy helps combat the side effects of chemotherapy.

Read: 12 Hacks To Help You Sleep Better

4. Neem

Extremely bitter in taste, the neem tree has some great benefits and is well known among all medicinal plants. Not just the leaves but even the bark of neem is beneficial. Over 140 diverse active compounds have been isolated from various parts of the plant. These active compounds give neem its antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiparasitic, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and wound-healing properties. (Source) 

Moreover, neem has been used in the treatment of ulcers, gastrointestinal troubles and brain ailments for a very long time in history. It may help improve skin and hair health as well. Neem plays a key role in the improvement of oral and dental health too. 

It is also believed consuming new leaves of neem is very beneficial however very limited research is done on this matter.

5. Cayenne Pepper

Everyone is aware of the spicy nature of cayenne pepper, but do you know that this plant has medicinal benefits too?

There is a compound called Capsaicin which is responsible for the spicy nature of the cayenne pepper. This same pepper is also responsible for some health benefits. It can also be used topically as well as orally. 

Capsaicin present helps in relieving pain, and improving vascular and metabolic health.

Cayenne Pepper is a good antioxidant and is rich in Vitamin A. Vitamin A helps in maintaining good health, healthy skin, and proper brain function. Vitamin A fights swelling caused by free radicals and is vital for good health.

Read: The Ultimate Guide To Vitamin A

6. Thyme

A very commonly used herb in our food thyme can be grown easily at home. Rarely known as a medicinal plant, thyme has some great properties which make it a valuable plant in the garden.

The essential oils extracted from the leaves of thyme are known to cure cough and also help increase immunity.

Luckily, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)Trusted Source reports that thyme is packed with helpful nutrients, such as Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Iron, Fibre and Manganese.

Some studies also suggest that thyme works great in fighting some resistant strains and helps cure bacterial and yeast infections.

7. Basil

Another very staple herb of our kitchen, none other than basil is also widely considered a medicinal plant for plenty of reasons. Some research on the plant has shown its amazing health benefits and that makes it a part of our list.

Essential oils from basil such as eugenol, linalool, and citronellol, can combat inflammation in the body. These anti-inflammatory properties can help to lower the risk of inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and heart disease.  

8. Ashwagandha

A very common Ayurvedic medicinal plant which can be easily grown at your home and looks very pretty is none other than Ashwagandha. It has countless health benefits and many studies have even backed it up.

Ashwagandha reduces stress and anxiety if consumed in the right amount. It may reduce inflammation and help reduce blood sugar levels. It may also help people with a mental health conditions and may improve brain functioning including memory.

9. Curry Leaves

Very prominently used leaves in every dish of South Indian cuisine, curry leaves are easy to grow at home. The unique taste of the leaves makes them stand out but the health benefits of curry leaves are quite underrated.

The leaves are very rich in Vitamin A, B, C and B2 which are very beneficial for health. Some studies show that it reduces heart disease risk factors and is anti-inflammatory in nature.

10. Garlic

Garlic may smell awful but you just can’t ignore the benefits of garlic just because it smells!

It is very easy to grow and if you live in dry places, then the garlic plant is definitely for you.

Garlic is beneficial for many reasons. This plant is great for fighting infections, aiding with cholesterol management and much more. The compound present in it helps reduce blood pressure and improve cholesterol levels. The LDL (commonly known as bad cholesterol) is controlled well with garlic. (Source)

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