Not only from leaves, various parts of medicinal plants can also be used and processed, including roots, leaves, tubers, stems, or flowers. Although it cannot replace medical drugs that have been clinically tested, the benefits of medicinal plants are a pity to miss.
As a tropical country, Indonesia’s land is filled with various natural resources, including various types of plants that can be used as natural medicine. Medicinal plants have been cultivated in many Indonesian family households for a long time.
Types of Medicinal Plants and Their Benefits
There are various types of medicinal plants that are believed to treat various diseases. Here are some of them:
1. Cinnamon
More than just cooking spices, cinnamon is believed to be able to help reduce fasting blood sugar levels in people with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes.
Cinnamon is also believed to bring other health benefits, such as relieving discomfort due to urinary tract infections, relieving joint inflammation due to rheumatoid arthritis, and preventing dementia.
2. Turmeric
Consuming turmeric or products made from turmeric is believed to reduce pain and swelling in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
Turmeric is also believed to be able to prevent and treat various types of diseases, from diabetes, gum disease, colitis, high cholesterol, to cancer.
Although it brings many benefits, you should not consume turmeric in excess. In high doses, turmeric can cause side effects in the form of nausea and diarrhea.
3. Ginseng
Ginseng is a medicinal plant that is thought to be able to help lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.
Apart from helping to lower blood sugar levels, ginseng is also believed to be able to boost the immune system, overcome fatigue, increase energy, and reduce the risk of cancer.
4. Cardamom
Research shows that high levels of antioxidants in cardamom can lower blood pressure. In addition, the anti-inflammatory (anti-inflammatory) content found in cardamom is also believed to be able to protect cells from damage and help fight inflammation. Even so, the benefits of this one medicinal plant still require further evidence and research.
5. Cat whiskers
Cat whiskers are one of the herbal plants for kidney stones. This plant is thought to be able to stimulate the kidneys to excrete urine, thereby preventing the deposition of minerals and salts in the kidneys.
Although it needs further investigation, cat whiskers are also often used for the treatment and prevention of several diseases, such as diarrhea, inflammation, and intestinal disorders.
6. Temulawak
In Indonesia, ginger is a medicinal plant that is believed to bring various health benefits.
Besides being believed to be able to increase appetite, ginger roots and leaves are often used as medicine to cure various diseases ranging from indigestion to flatulence to irritable bowel syndrome.
Although the benefits of medicinal plants vary, do not make them a substitute for medical treatment. You are advised to consult with your doctor before consuming medicinal plants. This is because improper use of herbal medicines can cause side effects and can endanger health.
