Benefits of Plant Medicines
Plant medicines are a great alternative to pharmaceutical drugs. Medicinal plants have been used for centuries to treat many health problems, from fungal infections to diseases. The Sumerian civilization was the first to use plant medicines to combat illnesses. The ancient Greeks and Egyptians were also known to use plants as a natural remedy. The ancient Indian ayurveda system makes extensive use of plants as a form of medicine.
Today, about 40 percent of all drugs in the Western world are made from plants. In the United States alone, the top twenty drugs are derived from plants. The bark of cinchona trees in South America contains quinine, a compound that relieves malaria and is used to treat other illnesses. Licorice root has been used to treat coughs for more than 3,500 years, and has spread eastward from western Ontario to Texas and Mexico.
Plant medicines are now able to combat some of the most common diseases in the world. According to the World Health Organisation, about two-thirds of all plants have been used medicinally. In developed countries, plant medicines make up 25 percent of all drugs. In fast-developing countries, such as India, they can make up to 80 percent of the total drug market. In India alone, medicinal plants are a major part of the economy, making them an indispensable tool.
Besides treating many common ailments, plants are also helping to cure some of the most deadly diseases. According to the World Health Organisation, more than 30% of plant species are used for medicinal purposes. In developed countries, plant drugs make up to 25 percent of the total drug supply, and up to 80 percent in fast-developing countries. These medicines have greater economic significance than pharmaceutical drugs, and they have helped people in rural and remote areas achieve better health.
Apart from providing relief from the most common ailments, plant medicines are helping to cure some of the world's deadliest diseases. The World Health Organisation lists the leading causes of death. These include heart disease, cancer, respiratory infection, and diarrhea. In addition to the above, plants are also contributing to end-of-life care. Some are even being studied for Parkinson's disease. With their numerous benefits, plant-based medicine is now a valuable supplement for traditional medicines.
It is important to note that plant-based medicines are a natural source of active ingredients. Medicinal plants are used in the development of pharmaceutical drugs. They also play an important role in human cultures around the world. Some of these plants are used as supplements, while others are used as food. In many countries, medicinal plants have an important role in traditional cultures. Some are recommended as supplements for their therapeutic value, while others provide nutrition and support for end-of-life care.
