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Some Traditional Healing Plants

© Connie Krochmal

From the earliest times in recorded history, plants have been used to treat a wide variety of human ailments. Even today in the technologically advanced world in which we live, a large number of plants are still used in the preparation of home remedies as well as prescription medicines available at pharmacies. Let's look at some of these plants with several of these being herbs that are typically grown in home landscapes and kitchen gardens.

In one of the Egyptian pyramids, there is an interesting commentary on some specific plants. It lists some of the foods consumed by the pyramid builders, including radishes, garlic, and leeks.

More than likely, members of the onion family played a role in maintaining health even though physicians at the time didn't understand why. In a general sort of way, they attributed the plants' powers to some sort of divine intervention. Garlic, onions, and leeks were considered to be very special representatives of the deities.

As early as 350 BC, Theophrastus referred to an onion relative that grew wild in the mountains of Greece. He considered it to be a miraculous cure-all.

For thousands of years, radishes were used to treat specific health problems, including liver ailments and coughs. Culpepper recommended them for the treatment of scurvy and as a diuretic. As a poultice, he indicated it was useful for treating sciatica, aching joints, liver, and spleen problems.

In the mid-1900's, scientists identified an ingredient in radishes that has anti-bacterial properties. Some time later, other scientists isolated beneficial ingredients from members of the onion family, and found they were also effective against bacteria. Modern herbalists used radishes to treat gallstones and as a liver tonic.

At one time, garlic and onions were the basis for anti-worm remedies, typically used for dogs. Garlic is a particularly good source of allicin, a specific chemical that is effective against worms. Culpepper recommended onion water as a worm treatment for children.

Garlic has been used to treat other ailments. The fresh bulbs have often been used to treat asthma, coughs, and colds as well as hoarseness. In the form of a poultice, the bulbs were used to treat various kinds of insect stings, and even snakebite. Some herbalists also used garlic bulbs to treat bladder and kidney problems.

At the present time, herbalists use both onion and garlic for their antiseptic value and for lowering blood pressure. So far as onions are concerned, they are presently used as a diuretic and to treat allergies, hay fever, and bladder problems.

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