2023-07-05 00:04:35
90% of Mexicans have used a medicinal plant at least once in their life, either in teas, ointments or homeopathic products.
The use of medicinal plants is an ancient knowledge that has transcended from ancient societies to the present day. Throughout the world, entire generations have used them to soothe ailments, diseases or illnesses.
Article The traditional use of medicinal plantsfrom the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), points out that for a plant to be considered medicinal, its flower, leaves, fruit, root or bark must have curative or preventive properties for any illness.
In Mexico, there is a large number of plants for traditional use as a product of pre-Columbian and European herbal medicine. And according to Roberto Campos Navarro, an academic at the UNAM School of Medicine, at least the 90% of the Mexican population has used them.
The National Commission for the Knowledge and Use of Biodiversity (Conabio) also mentions that in the registry of the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) there are currently 3,000 species of plants with some medicinal attribute, and it is estimated that there could be some 4,000 healing plants in the country.
Use of medicinal plants
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In the country, 85% of the plants are extracted from the wild and only 5% of the total has been tested for pharmacology. In addition to this, Mexico ranks second in the world in documented plants for this purpose.
Plants, trees, shrubs and other plant species have been the most accessible and effective medicine for towns and communities. His most common use It has been through the leaves, flowers, stems, roots, barks, fruits, seeds, bulbs and shells.
Medicinal plants are currently used in infusions or tea, crushed for plasters, tonics, decoctions for vaporizers or in more processed presentations such as homeopathic ones.
Traditional medicine to this day continues to offer remedies to cure and alleviate physical, emotional and spiritual ills. They have also helped prevent disease and even promote longevity.
The investigation Medicinal plants the reality of an ancestral tradition refers that the use of complementary therapies, which include plant remedies, is a practice that continues to spread worldwide. The remedies have a wide variety of presentations, with varied doses.
You can also read: The best medicinal plants to relieve sore throats this winter
accessible medicinal plants
Elderberries are considered medicinal plants to control coughs. | Credit: Foodcollection GesmbH / foodcollection / foodcollection via AFP
Throughout the country, medicinal plants can be found: in gardens, backyard crops, markets and flea markets. There are ongoing records and research on plants used to treat common illnesses such as diabetes, burns, colds, and stomach problems.
One of the most important and current studies in Mexico is that of Annona diversifolia, which has been studied to reduce seizures in people with epilepsy.
There are other plants to which significant benefits are attributed, such as bougainvillea for combating dry coughs, reducing fever and helping to eliminate mucus from the respiratory tract. The vaporub plant is used against vomiting, ear infections, toothaches, sore throats and as an antiseptic.
The leaves of the guava, the guava tree, are used as an antiseptic against diarrhea, coughs, and acne. The yerba santa has properties to reduce fever and stomach pain, and helps the proper functioning of the intestine. And like these, there are thousands of other plants that are used daily.
The widespread belief dictates that all plants can soothe ills, but before making personal decisions it is suggested to consult a doctor. It is also not recommended to replace medical treatments with supplements or home remedies.
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