As a tropical country, Indonesia's soil is filled with various natural resources, including various types of plants that can be used as natural medicines. Medicinal plants have been cultivated in many Indonesian family households for a long time.
Not only from leaves, various parts of medicinal plants can also be used and processed, including roots, leaves, tubers, stems, or flowers. Although it cannot replace medical drugs that have been clinically tested, the benefits of medicinal plants are a pity to miss.
Types of Medicinal Plants and Their Benefits
There are various types of medicinal plants that are believed to be able to treat various diseases. Here are some of them:
1. Cinnamon
More than just a spice, cinnamon is believed to be able to help lower fasting blood sugar levels in people with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes.
Cinnamon is also believed to bring other health benefits, such as relieving discomfort from urinary tract infections, relieving joint inflammation due to inflammation of the joints rheumatoid arthritis, and prevent dementia.
2. Turmeric
Consuming turmeric or products made from turmeric is believed to reduce pain and swelling in patients with it rheumatoid arthritis.
Turmeric is also believed to be able to prevent and treat various types of diseases, ranging from diabetes, gum disease, intestinal inflammation, high cholesterol, to cancer.
Although it brings many benefits, you should not consume turmeric in excess. In high doses, turmeric can cause side effects such as nausea and diarrhea.
3. Ginseng
Ginseng is one of the medicinal plants that is thought to be able to help lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.
In addition to helping lower blood sugar levels, ginseng is also believed to be able to boost the immune system, overcome fatigue, increase energy, and reduce the risk of cancer.
4. Cardamom
Research shows that the high levels of antioxidants in cardamom can lower blood pressure. In addition, the anti-inflammatory content (anti-inflammatory) found in cardamom is also believed to be able to protect cells from damage and help fight inflammation. Even so, the benefits of this medicinal plant still require further evidence and research.
5. Cat whiskers
Cat's whiskers are one of the herbal plants for kidney stones. This plant is thought to be able to stimulate the kidneys to excrete urine, so as to prevent the deposition of minerals and salts in the kidneys.
Although it needs to be investigated further, cat whiskers are also often used for the treatment and prevention of several diseases, such as diarrhea, inflammation, and intestinal disorders.
6. Temulawak
In Indonesia, temulawak is one of the medicinal plants that is believed to bring various health benefits.
Besides being believed to be able to increase appetite, the roots and leaves of temulawak are often used as medicine to cure various diseases ranging from indigestion, flatulence, to irritable bowel syndrome.
Although the benefits of medicinal plants vary, do not use them as a substitute for medical treatment. You are advised to consult with your doctor before consuming medicinal plants. This is because the use of herbal medicines inappropriately can cause side effects and can endanger health.
