Exploring the Shocking Health Benefits of Different Kinds of Plants

Exploring the Shocking Health Benefits of Different Kinds of Plants

If you’ve spent any time looking into herbal remedies, then you may have encountered some shocking information, from the surprising benefits of organic THCA to just how many of these remedies have potential toxic side effects.

However, there are some well-known plants that have a lot more health benefits than you may have first realized. A few of these will be covered below to hopefully make you more curious about the plants around you and what beneficial effects they may have.

Dandelions

When spring breaks and you peer out into your yard, you may see some bright yellow flowers blooming.

For some, this vibrant sight is exciting because it means the gloom and chill of winter have finally given way to spring. For others, the flowers are annoying because they’ll try to grow everywhere they can, potentially ruining a garden or lawn if left untouched for too long.

However, few people would look at those little blooms and think about making a salad or cup of tea. Some people do, though, and they get to experience the numerous nutritional benefits of dandelions as a result.

People who eat dandelions are doing more for their bodies than they first realize. See, as your body does its thing, it creates molecules known as free radicals. This is completely normal, but if the amount you have is left unchecked, you’ll be increasing your risk of many diseases and illnesses by quite a bit.

Luckily these molecules can be neutralized by antioxidants, which dandelions are full of. They also can provide many more benefits, from decreasing cholesterol and fighting inflammation to keeping blood sugar stable and even preventing constipation. They can be bitter, though, so bear that in mind before you go ripping them up out of the ground for your next salad.

Ginger

Ginger has a ton of health benefits, which is good because it’s pretty tasty. Its main benefit, though, is reducing nausea and gas.

If you’ve ever had stomach pain, then you may have seen some people recommending ginger ale while others tell you to avoid it at all costs. This dichotomy exists because while ginger can ease your pain, the soda likely contains very little if any actual ginger and can instead make the problem worse thanks to the carbonation.

You can avoid all this hubbub while still finding relief by making some ginger tea. You’ll get all of the benefits of ginger while also enjoying the sinus-clearing steam and the relaxing power of a warm drink. Just be aware that while the dried ginger sold in tea bags often has the same health benefits, it may have a much weaker flavor.

Lavender

Whenever you think about the benefits of lavender, you probably think of all the ways it can reduce your stress and anxiety. These are benefits of the plant, of course, but it brings much more than a nice smell and bedtime tea to the table. It can also reduce the pain of headaches and migraines.

Combine this with the effects of its flavonoids and antioxidants and you’ll not only feel your headaches dissipate but also see reduced inflammation as well. A massive, unsung benefit of lavender, though, is that it can kill bacteria and viruses, making it great for sanitation. It may even help wounds heal, though this hasn’t been extensively tested with humans yet.

Most of these benefits are gained from using lavender essential oil, which should never be consumed to avoid potential health risks. Instead, add a few drops of this oil in with some distilled water to make a spray or into your bathwater.

Do not apply this oil directly onto your skin in large quantities. You can dilute it for safe skin use by combining it with other oils that are equally good for your health, like coconut oil. Before applying your mixture all over your body, take a small amount and apply it to a spot on your body that is both easy to see and hide and watch it.

If the spot begins to burn, itch, get red or bumps appear, wash it off immediately and do not use that oil mixture again. You may need to do the same with each oil on its own to see which you’re allergic to so you can avoid it in the future. Also be aware that sensitivity to floral scents can cause the very things lavender tries to cure, like headaches, so maybe avoid it if this is an issue you face.