What Are Plants Good For?

James 3-9-07

What are plants good for?

When I think of plants I think of my mom's garden or the grass or trees in the backyard. Plants these days are being used for medicines, recreation, and industrial purposes. In the medical field there are many common plants that I would not normally think of, such as White willow, Peppermint, Mistletoe, and several others.

The first plant that I will mention is White willow. White willow is a native plant of Europe yet is also found in Northern Africa and parts of Asia. White willow can be used as an excellent remedy for arthritic pains in joints like the elbows, knees and hips. White willow also is an original source of salicylic acid which is found in aspirins, and is used as a fever relief agent. The greek physician Discorides, in the first century AD, used a concoction of White willow leaves, mashed with pepper and taken with wine to soothe lower back pains. Today I was surprised to find salicylic acid as one of the ingredients in anti dandruff shampoos.

Another common plant Peppermint has been around for a very long time, and its origin is unknown. Some dried peppermint leaves were found in the pyramids of Egypt and can be dated back to around 1000 BC. Peppermint has been proved, through several studies, to relieve colon spasms and cure ulcers and ease some headaches. Peppermint tea can help with indigestion and also relax the muscles of the digestive tract. Peppermint has many other uses but its main therapeutic value is in its ability to relieve flatulence, bloating, and colic.

Along with peppermint and white willow, Mistletoe actually obtains some medicinal qualities. Mistletoe, a native plant to Europe and Northern Asia, is mainly used to lower blood pressure and heart rate, ease anxiety, treat hyperactivity in children, and promote sleep. Though in low doses mistletoe can relieve panic attacks, headaches, and improves concentration and focus. Mistletoe is known to be prescribed for tinnitus and epilepsy. Mistletoe also contains viscotoxins that inhibit tumors and for this reason research has been carried out on its potential use as a cancer treating plant.

I have found out through this paper I have learned that plants are not just mom's backyard garden or the tree in the backyard. I have learned that many common plants have medicinal qualities that I never would have thought