15 types of AROMATIC and MEDICINAL PLANTS - Practical Guide

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We have always looked for ways to improve our quality of life and eliminate or improve the symptoms of some diseases. For this reason, throughout the history of humanity, we have resorted to tools that we have at our disposal for this purpose and, here, we find medicinal plants. In addition, there are also aromatic plants that we can also take advantage of for their scents and use in the kitchen, which we usually know as the different types of aromatic herbs. In Green Ecologist, we talk about what medicinal and aromatic plants are and we show you a guide to the types of aromatic and medicinal plants.

What is a medicinal and aromatic plant

A medicinal plant It is one that contains elements that we can use to improve our health. All plants have active principles, which are the elements that compose them, and they can be beneficial or harmful for us when we consume them or come into contact with them in some way and depending on the dose in which it is done. Thus, medicinal plants are used whole or only some part of them because they contain active principles that can help prevent and treat health problems.

In addition, there are aromatic plants, which are those that have particularly strong or intense aromas, as well as pleasant for us and that, therefore, we use for cooking, aromatherapy and to decorate our homes. Most aromatic plants or herbs are medicinal plants, but not all medicinal plants are aromatic. In addition, it is known as aromatic herbs specifically those most used for cooking, such as spices and condiments.

Thus, there are many kinds of aromatic plants in nature and that we can grow in our garden to surround our home with a good smell, as well as inside the house to also have a good aroma, so they can serve as natural home air fresheners. Many of which also have medicinal properties, and that serve as active principles in the manufacture of many drugs.

If you wonder how to organize a garden of aromatic and medicinal plants, we recommend that if you do not have much space, you think about the option of making a vertical one. Here we tell you how to make vertical gardens. Next, we will offer you a aromatic and medicinal plants guide.

Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium)

The absintheArtemisia absinthium) is a aromatic plant that can be grown in the garden. Also, it is a good natural repellent against insects that can be dangerous for other plants. Thus, it is used to drive away pests, covering the ground or making infusions with it.

Garlic (Allium sativum)

The Garlic (Allium sativum) it is a very effective plant in the fight against insects, ants or bacteria. With garlic, you can make infusions and sprinkle it on the leaves of the plants, to protect them against different pests. In addition, garlic is a very appreciated plant in the kitchen, being able to be used in all kinds of elaborations, and it has great health benefits. In addition, it is considered one of the best natural antivirals, so it should be consumed.

In this other post you can learn how to plant garlic step by step.

Aloe Vera or Aloe Vera (Aloe vera)

The aloe vera or aloe veraaloe vera) is a medicinal plant easy to grow at home and can protect other plants from the wind. However, as it does not bear the cold well, the ideal is to grow it indoors or in a pot. Its slimy pulp or gel is very good for skin problems, such as burns, and to treat constipation, among other common uses of aloe vera.

We advise you these guides on 10 types of aloe vera, Aloe vera care and How to make aloe vera gel.

Lavender (Lavandula sp.)

The lavenderLavandula sp.) is a medicinal and aromatic plant who owns a very pleasant smell, which is why it is widely used to make perfumes and cosmetics. In addition, its dry leaves can be put inside the closet or under the bed and, thus, scare away moths and other critters, as well as aromatize the room. It is also used to make natural antibacterial liquids.

We also recommend that you use it to make your own soap and thus take advantage of its benefits for the skin. In this other Green Ecologist article we explain how to make lavender soap with recycled oil. In addition, here we explain the care of the potted lavender plant.

Arnica (Arnica montana)

The arnicaArnica montana) is a medicinal plant It has anti-inflammatory properties and is used to treat injuries and muscle problems. The problem with this plant is that it has compounds that are toxic, so it should not be ingested, unless recommended by a specialist, that is, with a format and dose control.

Chamomile (Matricaria sp.)

The chamomile (Matricaria sp.) is a medicinal and aromatic plant easy to grow and fast growing, it is used to treat stress, anxiety and insomnia problems. Another common use is against different digestive, dermatological and ocular problems.

Here you can learn much more about what chamomile is for and its care.

Peppermint (Mentha sp.)

The mintMentha sp.) It is one of the aromatic plants best known and used for its wonderful smell. It is also medicinal, as it is used for indigestion problems, colds, muscle aches, allergic skin reactions and stings.

If you like this plant, don't miss this other article on Caring for a potted mint plant.

Marigold (Tagetes erecta) and calendula (Calendula officinalis)

The marigold (Tagetes erecta) and the calendulaCalendula officinalis) They are medicinal plants that have very similar properties and uses. On the one hand, they serve as a repellent to large amounts of insects, food coloring and oil production. On the other hand, due to their medicinal uses, they are very effective against dermis diseases, burns and wounds.

Learn more about the Calendula Plant, its care and what it is for in this other post.

Greater nettle (Urtica dioica)

The greater nettleUrtica dioica) It is used to treat different muscle problems and arthritis. In addition, it is a good diuretic solution and provides many beneficial vitamins and minerals. Nettle is a medicinal plant very easy to grow.

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)

The dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) It is not just a weed in our garden, but it also provides many beneficial vitamins and can be used in tea, salads or various foods. It is also a great help to treat anemia, kidney, fever, diarrhea and an excellent cleanser and diuretic. As you can see, it is one of the types of aromatic and medicinal plants with more properties. If you want to discover more, here we talk about what the dandelion plant is like and what it is for.

Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis)

The hyssopHyssopus officinalis) is a aromatic bush that brings a very good smell to the garden and you have to collect them when they bloom and let the upper part of their stem dry. As therapeutic properties, it stands out that the hyssop can be used to treat throat infections, bronchial tubes or asthma. In the kitchen it is used for its flavor and because it improves the digestion of certain foods.

Basil (Ocimum basilicum)

The basil (Ocimum basilicum) is considered one of the types of aromatic Very pleasant and penetrating mild odor. It is used as a condiment for many foods, especially pasta. In addition, it has beneficial properties for the stomach. It can be grown both indoors and outdoors, but it needs plenty of sunlight, though not direct sunlight when the sun is strong.

We recommend you to know these other articles on How to sow and plant basil and Caring for basil in a pot.

Spearmint (Mentha spicata)

The peppermint plantMentha spicata) It belongs to the same family as mint, but has a milder aroma and flavor. Peppermint is widely used in baking and also helps stimulate the body. This is another of the aromatic herbs with medicinal properties that can be had both inside and outside the home without problems.

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)

The fennelFoeniculum vulgare) is a Aromatic herb very similar to dill, which we will see below, which is commonly used in sauces, salads and as a side or dressing in fish dishes. Is a aromatic and medicinal plant that provides great digestive benefits. Fennel can be grown indoors and outdoors, but it tends to grow much better by far if it is planted directly into the ground or soil.

Dill (Anethum graveolens)

The dillAnethum graveolens) is a Aromatic herb very delicate that is commonly used to season fish, but is also used in a wide variety of recipes. Is a medicinal herb digestive, carminative and stimulating the liver, among other benefits. We can grow it at home, both inside and outside, as long as it does not get full sun but it does get enough natural sunlight.

Now that you have known these 15 types of aromatic and medicinal plants, we encourage you to learn many more in these other articles about 50 Mexican medicinal plants and what they are for and 60 medicinal plants from Peru and what they are for. Also, here we teach you How to grow aromatic herbs at home.

If you are interested in watching a video about indoor aromatic plants, you can see our guide below.

If you want to read more articles similar to Types of aromatic and medicinal plants, we recommend that you enter our category of Outdoor Plants.