Useful As A Healer, Interested In Growing These 5 Plants At Home?

Illustration of healing plants (iStockphoto)

YOGYAKARTA – Certain types of plants have various benefits. These plants can be processed as food, can also clean the air in the room or around your house.

Useful plants are called healing plants. According to Dr. Michael J Balick, vice president of Botanical Sciences at The New York Botanical Garden, nature is a brilliant chemist. Since time immemorial, certain plants have been used to heal and promote health. Quoting from Martha Stewart's page, Tuesday, March 29, Brie Arthur as vice president of horticulture at Gandenuity provides a brief review as well as the benefits of the following healing plants.

1. Aloe vera

Who would have thought that this plant, which at first glance looks thorny and cruel, has many benefits. Ranging from skin care to digestive health. Even aloe vera is used as an ingredient in skin care products.

Aloe vera is a plant that is very easy to cultivate. Only need to be watered three times a week, then the small shoots grow diligently. According to Arthur, aloe vera is a houseplant that is easy to grow and useful in reducing skin inflammation.

The clear gel of this plant can be used to treat burns and minor skin infections. In addition, gek can be drunk to help maintain digestive health. Because this plant is scientifically tested as an anti-inflammatory, relieves constipation, and encourages good bacteria in the gut.

Illustration of ashwagandha, healing plant (iStockphoto)

2. British Marigolds

Known as orange blossom, this healing plant can be used topically or applied to the skin of insect bites. The flowers are bright orange, besides being beautiful the flowers also reduce pain and swelling of the skin.

3. Ginger

Of course, you don't need to take ginger wedang which is brewed and enjoyed when the weather is cold. The rhizome of the ginger plant is also often processed in powder, fresh or dried form. Not infrequently also processed into oil for massage. Ginger is also not only brewed into a drink, you know. There are also many pastries made from ginger and served on big days.

Ginger rhizome has benefits for dealing with nausea. It also helps fight colds and is anti-inflammatory. For those of you who have a sore throat, ginger also helps recover.

4. Ashwagandha

Popularly known as Indian ginseng, this plant with the scientific name Withania somnifera can be useful in helping the body deal with stress. Ashwagandha is used as an adaptogen, the root can be used for tea, extract, powder, or consumed directly.

This healing plant grows as a woody evergreen shrub. The plant is an annual so it can be cared for in the long term.

5. Gotu Kola

This perennial plant, Centella asiatica or gotu kola comes from Asia. It is popularly used for medicinal purposes in Ayurveda because of its benefits. According to Balick, gotu kola leaves can be eaten fresh in salads and are thought to help sharpen memory and focus.

In addition to the five healing plants above, there are spider plants, mother-in-law's tongue, fiddle leaf fig, and ponytail palms that can decorate the house and are useful for air purification. This plant is non-edible or cannot be consumed. However, it helps to present a more positive state of the room and keeps the humidity in the room balanced.