Medicinal plants and their health benefits
Nature has endowed us with many herbs and plants that have been used as the main source of traditional medicines and are still widely used throughout the world. Below are a few common medicinal plants with amazing health benefits to be included in a daily routine
1. Neem
The neem is one of the commonly used medicinal plants. Ayurveda, homeopathy, and modern medicine recognize the medicinal value of neem. Its leaves, flowers, seeds, fruits, roots, and bark have been used to treat infections, inflammations, fevers, skin diseases, and dental disorders and reduce the risk of cancer.
Neem leaves are full of antioxidants and can help treat a range of disorders related to the heart, skin, and liver due to their antioxidant activity. Leaf extracts can also be a popular choice for managing diabetes.
Below are some properties that neem is famous for—
1. Antioxidant properties
2. Anti-inflammatory Properties
3. Antimicrobial Properties
4. Antibacterial properties
5. Antimalarial properties
2. Curry leaves
This tree is native to India, and its leaves are used in both medicinal and culinary applications. It is very aromatic and one of the commonly used medicinal plants with health benefits.
In addition to being a multipurpose culinary herb, it offers a host of health benefits due to the powerful plant compounds it contains.
Health benefits of curry leaves
1. Antioxidant properties
Curry leaves are full of antioxidants, hence they can protect your body by decreasing oxidative stress and removing free radicals. Antioxidants play an essential role in keeping your body healthy and disease-free.
2. Anti-cancer properties
3. Neuroprotective properties
4. Pain-relieving properties
5. Anti-inflammatory effects
6. Antimicrobial properties
Below are several ways of consuming curry leaves
1. Fry the curry leaves in ghee over high heat, then add the ghee and mild curry leaves to whatever dish you like.
2. Mix fresh or dried curry leaves with other spices, such as red chili, turmeric, and cumin seeds, to make a delicious spice mix.
3. Place chopped or crumbled dried curry leaves on top of any savory dish for a different flavor.
4. Cook the curry leaves in the hot oil and then use the soaked oil as a sauce or on top of crusty bread.
3. Moringa leaves
Moringa leaves hold 7 times more vitamin C than oranges. In addition, they are 15 times more potassium-rich than bananas. It also contains calcium, protein, iron, and amino acids that help your body recover and build muscle. They are also full of antioxidants, substances that can protect cells from damage. Also, it can boost your immune system. These leaves are low in fat and do not contain harmful cholesterol.
Health benefits of Moringa
1. Protects and nourishes the skin
2. Treats edema
3. Anticancer effects
4. Antibiotic and antibacterial properties
5. Antibacterial effects
6. Anti-inflammatory properties
7. Treats mood disorders
8. Treats asthma
9. Improves eye health
10. Treats anemia
4. Basil leaves
Basil has many vitamins and minerals. Also, rich in antioxidants such as lutein, zeaxanthin, beta-carotene, and beta-cryptoxanthin. Many of basil’s health benefits derive from these antioxidants, as well as its essential oils. These antioxidants mostly disappear during the drying process, so pick fresh basil from grocery shops to get the most benefits.
Health benefits of basil
1. Antioxidant property – helps with reducing oxidative stress
2. Regulates blood sugar
3. Lowers blood pressure
4. Improves mental health
5. Anti-inflammatory properties
6. Antimicrobial properties
How to consume
Fresh basil leaves are available in most grocery stores. Look for vibrant, deep green leaves while buying. These can be stored in the refrigerator wrapped in a slightly damp cloth or paper towel. Below are ways to use these leaves
1. Use basil layer with fresh cheese and sliced tomatoes, add salt and black pepper, and drizzle with olive oil
2. Can be mixed with soups or homemade sauces.
3. Add basil leaves to hummus or homemade pesto
4. Garnish a salad, like grilled corn salad or watermelon salad.
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