People have relied on plants to get medicines for thousands of years. With each region having local herbs and plants, globalization has led to the spread of some of the valuable herbal remedies, helping people enjoy a holistic way of natural healing.
Medicinal plants and herbs are available in different ways; you can have them prepared as infusions, powders, and other forms. However, some can be used while fresh, especially herbs commonly used in culinary functions. Loaded with antioxidants, essential nutrients, minerals, and beneficial phytochemicals, plants are irreplaceable.
If you want to live a holistic life, these are some of the health benefits associated with powdered medicinal herbs and plants.
5 Powdered Herbs and Plants and Their Medicinal Uses
1. Kratom
Kratom is one of the plants used for a variety of issues. Traditionally used in Southeast Asia, it has found its way into the global market. The plant, which is a tropical tree, can grow up to 25 meters and belongs to the same family as coffee.
The plant has a variety of phytochemicals like 7-hydroxymitragynine and Mitragynine. These chemicals make the kratom have opioid-like characteristics, hence used for a variety of purposes.
Traditionally, the tree is known for treating pain, diarrhea, cough, and others. The use of this tree to treat a range of infections and other conditions makes it called a magic tree. However, due to its powerful nature and effects, it has led to the banning of kratom in some countries like Malaysia and Singapore. Also, it is banned in six states in the United States.
Since North America is experiencing an opioid crisis, one might ask whether is kratom powder legal in Canada. The good thing is you can buy the supplement in any form in Canada for personal use.
Nowadays, people use kratom for many reasons. The following are probable benefits of using kratom powder.
- Pain management
- Opioid withdraws
- Mood boosting
- Sexual enhancement
- Boost energy
- Recreation and mood-boosting
2. Ginseng
Ginseng is an herb that has its origin in Asia. The plant is thought to have originated from Shangdang, China. Available in different varieties, there are Asian ginseng ( Panax ginseng) and American ginseng ( Panax quinquefolius). Also, the herb has other names, like man root, since it has a human-like shape.
This root herb is one of the most popular around the world due to its many associated benefits to the body. However, each species offers varying effects on the body; American and Asian ginseng offers different experiences. According to some sources, they claim that Asian ginseng is more stimulating than American one.
In general, ginseng is used as a powder to make tea or in capsule form. The herb has the potential to help in the following ways.
- Improve focus and concentration
- Regulation of blood sugar levels
- Boosting the body’s immune system
- Help to counter inflammation
- Reducing blood pressure
- Has anticancer properties
- Treating erectile dysfunctions
3. Ginger
Ginger is another important herb that can be used raw or added to food and drinks. The herb has a spicy flavor, which creates a refreshing kick. As a result, the herb is not only used in food but in tea and the making of ginger ale. Although the origin of ginger isn’t perfectly known, it is thought to originate from China and India.
The spicy nature of ginger comes from an active phenolic called gingerol. There are many studies available on the health benefits associated with ginger. Ginger powder is available in stores and pharmacies and is used as regular powder or capsules.
For anyone looking to utilize ginger as a supplement for medicinal purposes, these are some potential benefits to expect.
- Used to relieve nausea
- Supplements of chemotherapy in cancer treatment
- Great for morning sickness in pregnant women
- Possible to treat inflammatory conditions
- It helps in combating free radicals
4. Turmeric
Like ginger, turmeric is a root herb that can be used while fresh or dried and ground into powder. Although they look like ginger and belong to the same family, they have different properties and functions. The golden orange-looking rhizomes have been used for thousands of years in Asia. However, these days, you can get turmeric all over the world.
Like other herbs, turmeric has seen healthy experts spend resources and time studying the herb. The natural active phytochemical known as Curcumin has a lot of functions in the body. Besides, there are other chemicals which are beneficial to the body.
Adding powdered turmeric to your food or drinks can have many potential benefits like:
- Improving brain and memory capacity
- It can help in reducing pain
- It is ideal to fight free radicals that can cause cancer and damage cells
- Lowering risks of heart diseases
- It can help in fighting depression and stress
- Helps to reduce inflammatory diseases
5. Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a type of spice from different species of trees that grow natively in Sri Lanka, India, and Myanmar. The use of this spice dates back more than 5000 years and was once the most expensive commodity in the Mediterranean spice trade. The spice comes from the bark, leaves, flowers, and seeds.
Traditionally, the spice was used for medicinal, culinary, and religious rituals. These days, cinnamon is used as food spices, confectionary, cakes, and other purposes due to its sweet, woody, and spicy flavor and powerful clove-like aroma. Medically, cinnamon has the potential to offer some of these benefits;
- Plenty of antioxidants to neutralize free radicals
- Can help manage diabetes type 2
- Protecting the body from cancer
- Can help in lowering cholesterol levels
- Assists in maintaining good dental hygiene
- Has anti-inflammatory properties
Conclusion
Powdered plants and herbs are as good as fresh ones. They have massive benefits, making them great for integrating in your journey toward achieving a holistic life. Through possessing hundreds of benefits, herbs boost your body’s wellness naturally.
Also, powdered herbs are long-lasting as they are dry and stay longer without going bad.
