Therapeutic Plants: Nature's Healer

Common Name Aloe

Latin Name Aloe vera
Part Used Leaves

Properties Healing

Medicinal Uses Its clear gel is used for treating minor burns, wounds and certain skin conditions such as eczema and ringworm

Common Name Calendula

Latin Name Calendula Officinalis
Part Used Flower
Properties Anti-inflammatory and antiseptic
Medicinal Uses Used in a variety of ointments and lotions for soothing irritated, chapped skin, healing eczema and cooling sunburn

Common Name Chamomile
Latin Name Matricaria recutita
Part Used Dried flower heads, oil
Properties Anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-fungal, antiseptic, and antispasmodic effects
Medicinal Uses Accelerate wound healing by reducing inflammation, including eczema and promoting tissues regeneration

Common Name Eucalyptus
Latin Name Eucalyptus globulus
Part Used Leaves, oil
Properties Antiseptic and astringent
Medicinal Uses Eucalyptus oil actively dilates bronchioles in the lungs, making it easier to breathe, hence widely used to treat coughs and colds. Also used to heal wounds and fungal infections

Common Name Evening Primrose
Latin Name Oenothera biennis
Part Used Seed, oil, leaves
Properties Antiseptic and astringent
Medicinal Uses Treating skin eruptions of infants, and other skin diseases such as eczema, and allergic dermatitis

Common Name Lavender
Latin Name Lavandula angustifolia
Part Used Flowers, essential oil
Properties Antiseptic
Medicinal Uses Helping quell anxiety and clear the mind. Used as a mild antiseptic to treat wounds, burns, skin ailments, fungal infections, sunburn and muscle pain. Also used to mask unpleasant odors

Common Name Olive Tree
Latin Name Olea europea
Part Used Leaves
Properties Astringent, antiseptic, antibacterial and antifungal activity
Medicinal Uses Olive leaves are used to treat boils, skin rashes and sprains

Common Name Orange
Latin Name Citrus sinensis
Part Used Fruits, fruit rind, flower
Properties Antioxidant
Medicinal Uses Smelling neroli oil can have anti-depressive effects; it is used to combat nervous strain, anxiety and fear, also useful for fatigue and insomnia

Common Name Rosemary
Latin Name Rosmarinus officinalis
Part Used Leaves, twigs
Properties Antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-depressive, antimicrobial and antioxidant
Medicinal Uses It is applied externally, in oils and ointments for rheumatism and to increase circulation

Common Name Tea Tree
Latin Name Melaleuca alternifolia
Part Used Leaves
Properties Antibacterial, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory
Medicinal Uses Effective treatment for acne and for fungal infections; also used for other ailments such as wounds, warts, eczema and insect bites