MEDICINAL PLANTS IN ROMANIA.

PROPERTIES, BENEFITS AND

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Herbal medicine is the science that deals with officinal, medicinal, aromatic plants, alimurgical
and cosmetic plants, with their cultivation, recognition, collection, production, conservation,
processing and trade for therapeutic purposes (phytotherapy), cosmetics or nutrients
(supplements and nutraceuticals). Once upon a time the women, through popular home
remedies handed down from generation to generation, cultivated spontaneous medicinal herbs
and spices. They used both fresh and dried plants, extracting the substances with infusion
procedures in wine or grappa. Sophisticated galenic preparations were prepared by specialized
people or pharmacists. Their suppliers were herbalists who gathered medicinal plants,
sometimes cultivated but mostly wild. Oral herbal traditions are still recurrent today, especially
among the elderly, even if they have been largely replaced by medicine as we know it today.
The bay leaf is an aromatic leaf commonly used in cooking. It can be used whole, either dried
or fresh, in which case it is removed from the dish before consumption, or less commonly used
in ground form. It may come from several species of tree, the bay laurel and the California bay
tree being the most common. The flavor that a bay leaf imparts to a dish has not been
universally agreed upon, but most agree it is a subtle addition.

What are the benefits of bay leaves?

 They improve digestion

Bay leaves have a strong impact on the gastrointestinal system, also having a diuretic and emetic (anti-
emetic) effect. They can be used in case of poisoning, helping the body to remove toxic substances from
the system. The active substances in bay relieve abdominal cramps, calm the symptoms of irritable
bowel syndrome and stimulate digestion.

 They can ease respiratory ailments

The bay leaf is also an ally in case of a cold. Laurel essential oil, applied directly to the chest and gently
massaged, can relieve the symptoms of respiratory ailments.

 They improve heart health

Caffeic acid in bay leaves, as well as other antioxidants found in them, improve heart health by
strengthening the walls of capillary veins and helping to remove bad cholesterol from the blood.

 Can relieve menstrual pain

During menstruation, women can try a bay leaf tea, which soothes specific cramps. This tea also helps to
regulate the menstrual cycle.

 They are a good insect repellent

Bay leaves contain lauric acid, which keeps insects away.

 They have anti-inflammatory properties

Bay leaves can help reduce the inflammatory process in the body. These leaves contain a phytonutrient
that can reduce both inflammation and irritation, making them effective in both relieving joint pain and
treating skin rashes.

 They can fight dandruff and hair loss

Bay leaves can keep your hair beautiful and healthy.

 Dill is an aromatic herb whose leaves or seeds can be used, which have different organoleptic
properties. Notably, while dill leaves have a sweet taste, the seeds have a slight citrus flavor and are
similar to cumin seeds.

What are the benefits?

 Dill is rich in antioxidants such as flavonoids, terpenoids and tannins, associated with a lower
risk of chronic diseases and greater cardiovascular, mental and longevity health.
 Thanks to the presence of monoterpenes, it reduces the risk of colon, lung and breast cancer.
 Promotes bone health, thanks to the presence of calcium, magnesium and phosphorus.
 Improves cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
 Improve blood sugar levels.
 It has antibacterial properties.
 Counteracts menstrual pain.

Burdock is a purifying medicinal plant, useful for the treatment of acne and other skin problems.
Burdock is used both externally and internally to treat dermatitis, acne and eczema above all and is also
used in cases of rubella and measles. For this purpose, the root of the plant is mainly used, while the
burdock leaves are useful for external applications in case of itching of the skin associated with
dermatitis. Internally, the preparations obtained from the burdock root are used to reduce cholesterol
and blood sugar.

Burdock root is used for the following properties:

 purifying
 antiseptics
 hypoglycaemics
 cholesterol lowering
 diaphoretic
 diuretics
 cholagogues
 mildly laxative

The properties of burdock are given by the phytocomplex present in the root which includes inulin,
phenolic acids, mucilage and traces of essential oil.

Savory is mainly used to treat infectious diseases affecting the respiratory and urinary tracts. Savory
essential oil is particularly effective against genital and urinary infections, both for internal use and for
local applications. The preparations obtained from savory are therefore used in case of cough, cold, but
also to fight candida infections and other pathogenic fungi. The properties of savory are also used to
facilitate digestive processes and combat nausea, bloating, bloating and diarrhea. Externally, savory tea
is useful for washing wounds, rinsing the mouth and gargling to disinfect the skin, mouth and throat and
speed up tissue healing. Also for external use, the infusion, the hydrolat and the diluted savory essential
oil are used in the treatment of impure skin and scalp problems including dandruff and oily hair.

Savory is used internally and externally for its property:

 flavourings
 antibacterial
 antifungal
 digestive
 wound healing
  antispasmodics
 astringent.

Traditionally, savory has also been credited with stimulating and aphrodisiac properties.

The properties of melissa make this remedy particularly suitable for combating states of anxiety
accompanied by irritability and restlessness and for relieving other symptoms often linked to excessive
agitation such as gastrointestinal disorders, headaches, muscle tension, insomnia and palpitations.
Furthermore, thanks to the sedative, spasmolytic and anti-inflammatory action, it is an effective plant
for relieving the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. Melissa essential oil also possesses antiviral,
antibacterial, antifungal and antioxidant properties. It is used in the topical treatment of herpes simplex
or cold sores and mycoses affecting the skin, mucous membranes and nails.

Melissa has above all a sedative, spasmolytic and digestive action and is used to treat:

 anxiety and agitation

 palpitations
 sleep disorders
 pains of nervous origin
 migraine
 menstrual cramps
 difficult digestion
 meteorism and flatulence

Bibliografy

http://cure-naturali.it/enciclopedia-naturale/rimedi-naturali/erboristeria/

BOOK: La grande enciclopedia delle erbe.