How to use medicinal plants
Fertile Assortments
Assortment - Medicinal plants
Ref : CAD_9
The use of medicinal plants has been passed down from generation to generation. These natural remedies have gradually been replaced by drugs that are unable to provide long-term treatment.
This selection of medicinal plants introduces essential varieties to the family pharmacopoeia, in gardens or on balconies, in order to reappropriate them and, why not, pass on knowledge of these species and their uses.
This selection includes :
Tulsi is one of the most essential plants in India's three traditional systems of medicine and pharmacopoeia - Ayurveda, Unani and Siddha. For thousands of years, Tulsi has been used to treat bronchitis, diarrhoea, dysentery, arthritis, malaria, insect bites, eye problems, dermatological problems, colds, headaches, inflammations, gastric problems, poisoning and more. Tulsi also has properties for treating cancer, sterility, diabetes, microbial, bacterial and fungal infections, and heart problems. It is also an analgesic, anti-spasmodic and antipyretic. In short, it's an adaptogen, an antioxidant, an "elixir of life", reputed to prolong life. Its seeds are sometimes worn on the body as a protective charm: Tulsi is reputed to purify the aura.
-India Carnation Sparkler Marigold
This variety can reach 1.20 m in height. It has magnificent double flowers with reddish-brown petals edged in golden yellow.
The scent released by the leaves repels certain insect pests such as aphids and attracts other, more useful insects such as butterflies and hoverflies. As for the root, it secretes a substance that is thought to inhibit nematodes and whiteflies.
The double flowers of this variety are pink, lilac or white, without ever having a black spot at the heart. The petals are like crepe paper.
One of the most renowned plants in Ayurvedic pharmacopoeia. Its roots are used as a sedative, tranquilizer and aphrodisiac. It is an adaptogenic plant with numerous anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory and other medicinal properties. It fortifies the immune system and regulates sexual functions.
We now know that it's the hundreds of chemicals, additives and addictives (thousands of which are present in cigarette smoke) that make tobacco a deadly plant. The tobacco industry and the economic stakes generated by its sale present it to us as a highly carcinogenic plant, and with good reason, but it's important to differentiate between Tobacco, a medicinal and sacred plant, and what is sold to us under the label "smoking kills". Often called the "master plant" by many tribes, it has always been used by gastrointestinal or respiratory route - in juice, chewed or smoked - for its many uses. In particular, it is highly prized for treating migraines. In homeopathy, a very low dose of Nicotiana tabacum is also prescribed for migraines, nausea, vomiting and circulation problems. Tobacco is apparently still used to combat parasites. Historically, it was used to relieve asthma, coughs, rheumatism, gout, pain and neuralgia, epilepsy and to make purgative enemas. In 1614, physician William Barkley wrote: "Used in moderation, there is no medicine comparable to tobacco. Everything in this plant has curative virtues". Native Americans and many Latin American tribes use tobacco ceremonially to communicate with spirits (through smoke), to thank the Creator, to pray for good harvests and fish catches, to make peace with the enemy (peace pipe) or during rites of passage.
This species of Artemisia, known in Chinese pharmacopoeia as "Yin Chen Hao", is associated with the liver, stomach, spleen/pancreas and gall bladder meridians. It is one of the most ancient remedies for jaundice. It is traditionally used as an antioxidant and to treat cancer and malaria.
The 22 species of the Agastache genus contain mainly terpenoids and phenylpropanoids. It is a medicinal plant used by the Meskwaki people for diuretic decoctions.
Pará cress, also known as "Bredy Mafana" or "Brède Mafane jaune", is native to South America. It has long been cultivated in the Mediterranean regions of Europe. It is widely consumed in tropical regions, and is the main ingredient in Madagascar's national dish, "roumazava". Raw flowers and leaves have a surprisingly hot, pungent, peppery and refreshing taste. This plant, used as a vegetable and condiment, is in fact a medicinal plant renowned in many cultures around the world for its ability to relieve dozens of pathologies. Many preparations are currently available in the form of mother tinctures, extracts and more. It is the aerial parts or roots that are used. In the United States alone, over thirty patents have been granted since 1976 on its medicinal properties. In traditional medicine, the Spilanthes genus has been used to treat throat pathologies: toothache, mouth ulcers, gingivitis, sore throats, headaches, rheumatism and muscular pains, fevers, colds and coughs, liver problems and intestinal problems: diarrhea, constipation, gastritis, jaundice, etc., viral, bacterial and fungal pathologies as well as tuberculosis and pneumonia, urinary problems and kidney stones, parasite problems. In some cultures, Spilanthes is also considered a fortifier and aphrodisiac. More recently, its antioxidant properties have been highlighted in the fight against cancer and other mutagenic influences. The 5 most biologically active groups, with regard to its medicinal properties, are terpenoids, flavonoids, coumarin, alkamides and polysaccharides.
This biennial species can reach up to 1 m in height and produces an abundance of yellow flowers with brown centers from spring to hard frost.
Rudbeckia hirta and Rudbeckia serotina were used by Native Americans to stimulate the renal system.
Calendula is one of the most famous plants in the pharmacopoeia. It has antiviral, antitumor, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It is also analgesic and nourishes sensitive skin.
