LIFESTYLE-Adela Alexa, nutritionist, dietician. The benefits of medicinal plants (III)

Nature’s pharmacy is rich – plants abound in compounds with beneficial effects on certain tissues and organs and can be used as medicines that treat or prevent diseases. Commercial herbal preparations are found in many forms, either in their natural state, in herbal mixtures, or in teas, oils, tinctures, liquid extracts, and tablets or capsules. We continue the series of medicinal plant benefits with some of the most widely used and widespread ones.

1. Juniper. Parts used: fruit. It acts as a diuretic, anti-inflammatory and decongestant. It helps regulate blood sugar levels. It helps in the treatment of asthma, bladder infections. Useful to prevent fluid retention, gout and prostate conditions.

2. Lavender. Parts used: roots. Soothes stress and depression. Good for the skin. Indicated for headaches, psoriasis and other skin conditions.

3. Licorice. Parts used: roots. It fights inflammations and infections caused by viruses, bacteria and various parasites. It reduces muscle spasms, increases the fluidity of mucus in the lungs and bronchi, and supports the function of the adrenal gland. Good for allergies, asthma, chronic fatigue, depression, intestinal inflammation, PMS, menopause symptoms.

4. Olive tree. Parts used: leaf extract. Fights all types of bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. It helps to cure cold and flu. It may have antioxidant properties. It has proven blood pressure lowering qualities.

Indicated for any infectious disease, as well as for chronic fatigue syndrome, diarrheal diseases, inflammatory arthritis and psoriasis.

5. Mint. Parts used: flowering tops, oil, leaves. Mild anesthetic of mucous membranes and intestinal tract. Used for chills, colic, diarrhea, headache, indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome, nausea, rheumatism and spasms.

6. Cranberry. Parts used: fruit. Acidifies urine and prevents bacteria from adhering to bladder cells. Useful for kidneys, bladder and skin. Helpful in urinary tract infections. It is a good source of vitamin C.

7. Birch. Parts used: leaves. Soothes inflammations of the colon, gums, mucous membranes, prostate, sinuses. It acts as a diuretic. It helps to solve bladder and kidney problems, relieves digestive diseases, water retention. It is a remedy for bladder infections.

8. White birch. Parts used: bark, leaves, sap. It acts as a diuretic, anti-inflammatory and analgesic. Indicated for joint pain and urinary tract infections. Applied topically, it is good for boils and pustules.