Medicinal plants that are essential in the Mexican pharmacy

When stomach or throat ailments strike, many moms and grandmas remind us that there are remedies in our cupboards: chamomile tea, arnica, horsetail, linden, mullein, and more. Although Western medicine is essential, there are also many plants and medicinal herbs that help us heal all kinds of ailments when used in infusions or ointments. Additionally, nowadays you can find pharmacies and doctors specialized in this field of medicine, so you can always turn to the magic of plants! The National Commission for the Knowledge and Use of Biodiversity highlights the importance of herbalism in Mexico, as it explains that our country has one of the largest numbers of medicinal plants in the world, second only to China. Although there are thousands of plants with medicinal properties, here we tell you about the most common and popular in Mexico, so take note! You can also read: What is corn silk tea used for?Mexican medicinal herbsDid you know that IMSS has registered at least 3,000 species of plants with medicinal properties in Mexico? However, only about 5% have been scientifically analyzed and only 250 species are sold in markets, stores, and street vendors. As you can see, the universe of Mexican herbalism is very extensive! On this occasion, we will focus on the most common plants and flowers; you probably have some at home! 1. Mexican arnica This type of arnica, also known as acáhutal, is one of the most popular medicinal plants, as it has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. In the book Medicinal Plants: The Reality of an Ancestral Tradition, experts point out that arnica is used to treat “contusions, sprains, rheumatic problems, wounds, bruises, pain, and angina.” 2. Epazote This herb is one of the best known in Mexican cuisine, as it can be used to give a special touch to pot beans, but it also helps to combat worms in humans and animals. According to herbalism experts, this herb has been used for medicinal purposes in Latin America and the Caribbean for centuries. 3. Chamomile Chamomile is perhaps one of the most popular home remedies, as it is the magic potion we turn to when we have a stomach ache or want to relax, but what do the experts say? In the book Medicinal Plants: The Reality of an Ancestral Tradition, experts explain that this flower has been used for thousands of years. They also point out that chamomile tea is used to treat “fever, inflammation, muscle spasms, menstrual disorders, insomnia, ulcers, wounds, gastrointestinal disorders, rheumatic pain, and hemorrhoids.” Moreover, it is estimated that around 1 million cups of chamomile tea are consumed daily worldwide. You may be interested in: Ancestral Mexican ingredients to avoid diseases4. Aloe vera Although it is a staple in Mexican homes, this medicinal plant is not Mexican. Aloe vera comes from Africa and there are records that it was used in China and Egypt hundreds of years ago, especially to treat “burns, wounds, and to lower fever,” according to the book Medicinal Plants: The Reality of an Ancestral Tradition. 5. Bougainvillea This beautiful flower adorns many homes and streets and is characterized by its incredible intense and bright color. But it is not only very beautiful; it also has health benefits, according to experts, the bougainvillea “combats dry cough, reduces fever, and helps eliminate mucus from the upper respiratory tract.” Additionally, in traditional medicine, the leaves of this plant are also used to treat acne and accelerate healing. Read more: Uses and benefits of jacaranda