Healing Plants Glossary

Yimer, E. M., Tuem, K. B., Karim, A., Ur-Rehman, N., & Anwar, F. (2019). Nigella sativa L. (Black Cumin): A Promising Natural Remedy for Wide Range of Illnesses. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2019, 1–16. Samadipour, E., Rakhshani, M. H., Kooshki, A., & Amin, B. (2020). Local Usage of Nigella sativa Oil as an Innovative Method to Attenuate Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Randomized Double-blind Clinical Trial. Oman Medical Journal, 35(5), e167.

Black pepper (Piper Nigrum)

Black pepper is one of the most widely used culinary spices in the world and is used as a folk medicine in a variety of cultures. Numerous studies have demonstrated the antioxidant effects and anti-inflammatory properties of black pepper. In addition, recent studies have shown promising results for using black pepper to regulate energy levels.

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Singletary, K. (2010). Black Pepper. Nutrition Today, 45(1), 43–47.

Cannabis (Cannabis Sativa)

For centuries, women have used cannabis to treat their menstrual cycles and PMS symptoms. Even Queen Victoria was prescribed a monthly dose of cannabis for her PMS symptoms. Cannabinoids – the main active ingredients of the cannabis plant – can interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which is involved in various processes in the body, such as controlling inflammation, appetite, metabolism and mood. For example, CBD – one of the best-studied cannabinoids – has the potential to act as a mood enhancer by interacting with the brain’s serotonin receptors.

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Russo, E. (2002). Cannabis treatments in obstetrics and gynecology: A historical review. In Journal of Cannabis Therapeutics (Vol. 2, Issues 3–4). De Gregorio, D., McLaughlin, R. J., Posa, L., Ochoa-Sanchez, R., Enns, J., Lopez-Canul, M., Aboud, M., Maione, S., Comai, S., & Gobbi, G. (2019). Cannabidiol modulates serotonergic transmission and reverses both allodynia and anxiety-like behavior in a model of neuropathic pain. Pain, 160(1), 136–150. Crocq, M. A. (2020). History of cannabis and the endocannabinoid system. Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience, 22(3), 223–228. Zuardi, A. W. (2006). History of cannabis as a medicine: a review. Revista Brasileira de Psiquiatria, 28(2), 153–157.

Chili (Capsicum Frutescens)

In addition to its usual culinary uses, chilli can also be used to treat a number of medical conditions due to its pronounced antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Furthermore, chilli extracts are rich in the active ingredient capsaicin. Capsaicin is the substance in chilli peppers that is responsible for a warming effect on the skin. When capsaicin is absorbed by the skin, it simulates the nociceptors – a subgroup of sensory neurons that transmit pain sensations. Therefore, topical application of capsaicin can relieve pain when applied to an affected area of the body.

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Chung, M. K., & Campbell, J. (2016). Use of Capsaicin to Treat Pain: Mechanistic and Therapeutic Considerations. Pharmaceuticals, 9(4), 66. Anand, P., & Bley, K. (2011). Topical capsaicin for pain management: therapeutic potential and mechanisms of action of the new high-concentration capsaicin 8% patch. British Journal of Anaesthesia, 107(4), 490–502.

Clary Sage (Salvia Sclarea)

Clary sage oil is often called “the woman’s oil”. It has antispasmodic properties and can help with ailments such as muscle cramps and headaches by relaxing nerve impulses. Lady oil can also reduce the stress hormone cortisol. Therefore, clary sage can provide a sense of balance and be helpful for PMS symptoms such as upset.

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Lee, K. B., Cho, E., & Kang, Y. S. (2014). Changes in 5-hydroxytryptamine and Cortisol Plasma Levels in Menopausal Women After Inhalation of Clary Sage Oil. Phytotherapy Research, 28(11), 1599–1605. Mahboubi, M. (2020). Clary sage essential oil and its biological activities. Advances in Traditional Medicine, 20(4), 517–528.

Cloves (Eugenia Caryophyllus)

Clove is a widely used aromatic spice used in alternative medicine worldwide. Clove oil has significant anti-inflammatory properties and particularly high antioxidant activity. Clove is also used as a painkiller due to its analgesic and anaesthetic properties.

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Otunola, G. A. (2022). Culinary Spices in Food and Medicine: An Overview of Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. and L. M. Perry [Myrtaceae]. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 12.

Evening Primrose (Oenothera Biennis)

Evening primrose oil plays a special role for women in the treatment of gynaecological complaints throughout their lives. Evening primrose oil provides the body with two vital polyunsaturated fatty acids, including linoleic acid (LA, 60%-80%) and γ-linolenic acid (GLA, 8%-14%). Evening primrose oil contributes to hormonal balance. Evening primrose oil not only helps with menstruation-related complaints but can also relieve some symptoms of menopause.

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Mahboubi M. (2019). Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis) Oil in Management of Female Ailments. Journal of menopausal medicine, 25(2), 74–82.  Simon, D., Eng, P. A., Borelli, S., Kägi, R., Zimmermann, C., Zahner, C., Drewe, J., Hess, L., Ferrari, G., Lautenschlager, S., Wüthrich, B., & Schmid-Grendelmeier, P. (2014). Gamma-linolenic acid levels correlate with clinical efficacy of evening primrose oil in patients with atopic dermatitis. Advances in Therapy, 31(2). 

Ginger (Zingiber Officinale)

Ginger is widely used in natural medicine around the world. Ginger and its constituents contain a considerable amount of beneficial pharmacological effects, such as analgesic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Therefore, ginger has been shown to have a positive effect on symptoms such as vomiting, nausea, migraines, headaches, etc. In addition, studies have shown that ginger can influence the prostaglandin system, which means that Ginger can have a positive effect on dysmenorrhoea.

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Khayat, S., Kheirkhah, M., Behboodi Moghadam, Z., Fanaei, H., Kasaeian, A., & Javadimehr, M. (2014). Effect of Treatment with Ginger on the Severity of Premenstrual Syndrome Symptoms. ISRN Obstetrics and Gynecology, 2014, 1–5. Daily, J. W., Zhang, X., Kim, D. S., & Park, S. (2015). Efficacy of Ginger for Alleviating the Symptoms of Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials. Pain Medicine, 16(12), 2243–2255.

Grapes (Uvae Semen)

Grape seeds are known for their high content of flavonoids such as resveratrol. Because of these compounds, supplementation with grapes and grape seeds can have positive effects on cardiovascular health and inflammation. Because of the beneficial essential fatty acids such as linoleic acid, vitamin E and phytosterols, as well as the hydrophilic phenols in grape seed oil, it has been called a “functional food”.

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Vislocky, L. M., & Fernandez, M. L. (2010). Biomedical effects of grape products. Nutrition Reviews, 68(11), 656–670. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1753-4887.2010.00335.x

Lavender (Lavandula Angustifolia)

Lavender oil is a popular essential oil used for both medicinal and cosmetic products. Lavender oil has powerful analgesic, anti-inflammatory and relaxing properties. Research has proven that lavender can be helpful for anxiety, insomnia, menstrual pain and headaches.

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Cavanagh, H. M., & Wilkinson, J. M. (2005). Lavender essential oil: a review. Australian Infection Control, 10(1), 35–37. Karimollahi, M., Nikjou, R., Kazemzadeh, R., Rostamnegad, M., Moshfegi, S., & Salehi, H. (2016). The effect of lavender aromatherapy on the pain severity of primary dysmenorrhea: A triple-blind randomized clinical trial. Annals of Medical and Health Sciences Research, 6(4), 211.

Linseed (Linum Usitatissimum)

Linseed is one of the oldest cultivated plants that has been grown since the beginning of civilisation. Its Latin name means “very useful” and it is one of the richest plant sources of the ω-3 fatty acid α-linolenic acid (ALA). Flaxseed is thought to have numerous health benefits, including reducing inflammation and symptoms of menopause.

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Goyal, A., Sharma, V., Upadhyay, N., Gill, S., & Sihag, M. (2014). Flax and flaxseed oil: an ancient medicine & modern functional food. Journal of food science and technology, 51(9), 1633–1653. Cetisli, N. E., Saruhan, A., & Kivcak, B. (2015). The Effects of Flaxseed on Menopausal Symptoms and Quality of Life. Holistic Nursing Practice, 29(3).

Moringa (Moringa Oleifera)

Moringa is widely known and used for its healing abilities and has earned its name as the “miracle tree”. Moringa contains many important Vitamins, Minerals, Amino acids, Omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory nutrients. Therefore, Moringa can have a positive effect on ailments such as prolonged inflammatory diseases, stomach complaints and joint pain.

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Abdull Razis, A. F., Ibrahim, M. D., & Kntayya, S. B. (2014). Health Benefits of Moringa oleifera. Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention, 15(20), 8571–8576. Leone, A., Spada, A., Battezzati, A., Schiraldi, A., Aristil, J., & Bertoli, S. (2016). Moringa oleifera Seeds and Oil: Characteristics and Uses for Human Health. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 17(12), 2141.

Pomegranate (Punica Granatum)

The pomegranate is an ancient fruit that has been used by various cultures for thousands of years for its beneficial therapeutic properties. In recent years, the pomegranate has been defined as a functional food, as its consumption has physiological benefits that go beyond the normal diet. Extensive scientific research has shown that the valuable compounds in the various parts of the fruit have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties. In addition, eating pomegranates has been shown to improve cardiovascular, and skin health.

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Viuda-Martos, M., Fernández-López, J., & Pérez-Álvarez, J. (2010). Pomegranate and its Many Functional Components as Related to Human Health: A Review. Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety, 9(6), 635–654.

Saffron (Crocus Sativus)

Saffron is considered particularly helpful for PMS symptoms as it can relieve both physical and psychological symptoms. The muscle relaxing and antispasmodic properties of Saffron can help with cramps before and during periods, while its effect on the reuptake of serotonin and dopamine can balance mood.

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Pirdadeh Beiranvand, S., Shams Beiranvand, N., Behboodi Moghadam, Z., Birjandi, M., Azhari, S., Rezaei, E., Nazar Salehnia, A., & Beiranvand, S. (2016). The effect of Crocus sativus (saffron) on the severity of premenstrual syndrome. European Journal of Integrative Medicine, 8(1), 55–61.  Agha-Hosseini, M., Kashani, L., Aleyaseen, A., Ghoreishi, A., Rahmanpour, H., Zarrinara, A., & Akhondzadeh, S. (2008). Crocus sativus L. (saffron) in the treatment of premenstrual syndrome: a double-blind, randomised and placebo-controlled trial. BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 115(4), 515–519.  

Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae Rhamnoides)

For centuries, Sea Buckthorn has been used as a traditional medicine by people in Europe and throughout Asia. The leaves, flowers, seeds and berries of Sea Buckthorn are used in teas, oils or concentrates for a variety of health problems. Sea Buckthorn is valued for its antioxidant, cardioprotective, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

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Krejcarová, J., Straková, E., Suchý, P., Herzig, I., & Karásková, K. (2015). Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) as a potential source of nutraceutics and its therapeutic possibilities – a review. Acta Veterinaria Brno, 84(3), 257–268.

St. John’s Wort (Hypericum Perforatum)

St. John’s Wort is a yellow flowering herb that has been used as a traditional medicinal plant since ancient times. Its potential as an herbal antidepressant has made it one of the most studied medicinal plants in the last two centuries. In addition to internal use, St. John’s wort can also do the body good when used externally. The herb has strong anti-inflammatory properties that have a soothing effect on the skin. In addition, St. John’s Wort oil can be applied to the body to relieve local pain.

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Ganz, C. (2015). Arzneipflanze des Jahres 2015: Johanniskraut (Hypericum perforatum). Schweizerische Zeitschrift für Ganzheitsmedizin / Swiss Journal of Integrative Medicine, 27(1), 27–29. Sosa, S., Pace, R., Bornanciny, A., Morazzoni, P., Riva, A., Tubaro, A., & Loggia, R. D. (2007). Topical anti-inflammatory activity of extracts and compounds from Hypericum perforatum L. Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 59(5), 703–709. Wölfle, U., Seelinger, G., & Schempp, C. (2013). Topical Application of St. Johnʼs Wort (Hypericum perforatum). Planta Medica, 80(02/03), 109–120.

Turmeric (Curcuma Longa)

Turmeric has several pharmacological properties and may have a positive effect on relieving menstrual pain. Turmeric has the ability to inhibit the synthesis of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are tissue fats that stimulate uterine contractions and contribute to pain and inflammation. Therefore, turmeric can positively influence menstrual cramps by causing the uterus to contract less frequently and severely.

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