Healing Herbs for Common Ailments

In this article, I will introduce you to the definitions and healing properties of medicinal herbs used for the most common ailments.

Healing Herbs for Common Ailments:

Ginger

• Origin & Appearance: Native to Southeast Asia, India, and China. When it first flowers, the rhizome shows yellow-red hues and turns fully yellow as it matures.

What ailments does ginger help with?

• Prevents and stops the growth of bacteria in the stomach and intestines
• Stabilizes blood sugar levels
• Protects against gum problems and potential infections
• Helps lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels
• Used as a treatment method in chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and lung disorders
• When used for the common cold, it speeds up recovery
• As a rich source of the antioxidant compound gingerol, ginger helps the body fight free radicals, strengthening defenses against potential cancers and inhibiting the growth of existing cancerous cells

Cinnamon

• Source & History:

  Obtained from the inner bark of trees called “cinnamon.” Its use dates back to Ancient Egypt. It has a brown color and is also classified as a spice.

What ailments does cinnamon help with?

• Used to treat fungal infections
• Boosts immunity and regulates blood circulation
• Beneficial in treating type 2 diabetes
• May reduce the risk of heart disease
• Cinnamon can lower blood sugar

3. Turmeric

Turmeric is a perennial, rhizome, herbaceous plant native to the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia that contains the compound curcumin and offers many health benefits.

Turmeric helps with which ailments?

• Aids in relieving digestive and liver problems
• Reduces joint pain
• Prevents inflammation
• Soothes skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis
• Improves symptoms of depression
• Alleviates gas and bloating
• Boosts the immune system
• Reduces respiratory symptoms

4. Green Tea

Green tea is made by steaming, pan-frying, and drying the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant.

Green tea helps with which ailments?

• A powerful antioxidant that strengthens immunity
• May protect against neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s
• Supports bone health
• The catechins in green tea help protect the eyes from oxidative damage and prevent vision loss
• Increases fat burning and aids weight loss

5. Chamomile Tea

Chamomile tea is made by drying and steeping the Matricaria chamomilla flowers.

Chamomile tea helps with which ailments?

• As an antispasmodic, it can reduce stomach spasms that cause diarrhea and ease symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Calms stress and anxiety
• Favored by people with sleep problems
• Helps relieve menstrual cramps

6. Eucalyptus

Native to Australia, eucalyptus is a fast-growing, evergreen shrub or tall tree widely used for its medicinal properties. Its blue-green flowers and tightly attached leaves are distinctive. Eucalyptus is used in a variety of forms, including eucalyptus oil, eucalyptus tea, and as a food ingredient.

Which ailments does it help with?

• Improves oral health
• Has antibacterial effects against pathogenic bacteria in the upper respiratory tract
• Can be used to treat muscle and joint pain
• Treats fungal infections and skin wounds
• Helps relieve cold sores

7. Licorice Root

Known as a sweet beverage of the pharaohs in ancient Egypt, licorice root’s use dates back to Assyrian, Egyptian, Chinese, and Indian cultures. A member of the legume family, licorice is a shrubby plant.

Which ailments does licorice root help with?

• Its strong anti-inflammatory properties can soothe sore throats and relieve cough when consumed as tea
• Eases pain caused by inflammation
• Can reduce hot flashes during menopause
• Helps protect liver health
• Alleviates symptoms of flu, cold, and fever
• By regulating stomach acid, it can have a positive effect on gastritis, ulcers, and reflux

8. Garlic

Belonging to the Amaryllidaceae family and second only to onions in global cultivation, garlic’s homeland is Central Asia. Its wild ancestor is Allium longicuspis. The most‐used part of the garlic plant is the bulb, made up of 8–20 “cloves” encased in a white, papery skin.

Which ailments does garlic help with?

• Acts as a natural antibiotic and boosts immunity
• Helps lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels
• Increases overall energy levels
• Reduces the risk of heart disease
• Keeps bacteria, fungi, and parasites at bay
• Effective against bladder infections
• Lowers hypertension

9. Anise

An aromatic member of the parsley family widely grown in Turkey, anise seeds contain 1.5–5% essential oil. The plant is known for its white flowers and small green fruits.

Which ailments does anise help with?

• Increases breast milk production in nursing mothers
• Acts as an appetite stimulant, reducing aversions to food
• Relieves gas and cough in infants and young children
• Stops nausea and diarrhea
• Eases migraine pain

10. Flaxseed

Flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum) are small, sesame-like seeds that can be brown, golden, or red and have an earthy flavor. They raise omega-3 fatty acid levels and are high in dietary fiber.

Which ailments does flaxseed help with?

• May help reduce cancer risk
• Supports prevention of tumor growth
• Can slow aging and lower Alzheimer’s risk
• Protects the nervous system
• Promotes bone health
• Regular consumption may reduce breast cancer risk by about 18%

11. Saffron

A member of the iris family, saffron is a spice widely used in cooking. Native to Southwest Asia, it is made by harvesting and drying the fine red stigmas of the saffron crocus flower.

Which ailments does saffron help with?

• Improves age-related cognitive decline
• Enhances memory and is known to strengthen recall
• Supports treatment of respiratory illnesses such as asthma
• Has anticancer properties, inhibiting tumor growth and spread
• Acts as an appetite stimulant—useful for those needing weight gain
• Aids in the treatment of digestive disorders and supports overall gut health

12. Linden (Tilia spp.)

    Linden is a tree species that grows in temperate climates and is known for its fragrant, cream-colored flowers. It is a long-lived tree that can reach up to 40 meters in height.

Which ailments does linden help with?

• Its antioxidant content helps combat type 2 diabetes and other chronic diseases.
• Acts as a diuretic, promoting urine output and perspiration.
• Reduces symptoms of flu and common cold.
• Supports the body’s fight against inflammation.
• Boosts immune function.
• Soothes the digestive system.
• Helps regulate blood pressure.

13. Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

    Thyme belongs to the Lamiaceae (mint) family and is native to the Mediterranean; it’s prized for its strong aroma. Turkey supplies about 70% of the world’s thyme.

Which ailments does thyme help with?

• Helps improve liver function.
• May aid in preventing anemia.
• Supports cardiovascular health.
• Enhances blood circulation.
• Strengthens immunity.
• Can be used in the treatment of bronchitis.

14. Jujube (Ziziphus jujuba)

    Also called Chinese date or red date, jujube grows on the Ziziphus jujuba tree and is native to South Asia. The fruit is notable for its high potassium and vitamin C content.

Which ailments does jujube help with?

• Clears the respiratory tract by reducing mucus production.
• Its fiber content may lower the risk of colon cancer.
• Helps reduce cholesterol levels.
• Regulates blood pressure and supports heart health.
• Strengthens the immune system.
• Aids in blood purification.
• Increases bone strength.

15. Nettle (Urtica dioica)

    Nettle, a member of the Urticaceae family, derives its Latin name “Urtica” from the verb “to burn,” reflecting the stinging hairs that irritate the skin on contact. It is a flowering herbaceous plant, and its leaves should not be handled with bare hands.

Which ailments does nettle help with?                       

• Eliminates toxins from the body and reduces inflammation
• Prevents kidney stones and gravel formation
• Minimizes acne development
• Alleviates joint pain
• Eases upper respiratory conditions such as asthma and hay fever
• Helps prevent hair loss
• Significantly reduces calcification, rheumatism, and joint discomfort; also effective in treating gout
• Research indicates it may be beneficial against prostate cancer