The Importance of Plants – Medicinal Plants

Plants are the backbone of life on Earth and an essential resource for human well being. Everything humans eat comes directly or indirectly from plants. Plants are the fortitude of all habitats, all wildlife are dependent on plants, except for humans. Plants regulate the water cycle, distributing and purifying water through transpiration. Plants also recycle the air people breathe. They store carbon and regulate the amounts of carbon dioxide and oxygen in the air. Another way plants are significant are that they are used for medicine.

Ever since ancient times they have been used to cure disease or strengthen physical health (faculty.ucr.edu). An example being the Egyptians, according to records dating to 1,600 BC, plants such as sage, camomile and sweet basil were believed to cure sore throats and headaches (naturalnews.com). In modern time, plants are still used as a variety of treatments to physical problems of the body. It is estimated that in China 40% of medicine comes from plants and in Pakistan 80% (botanical-online.com). Many conventional drugs originate from plant sources: some of the most effective drugs are plant based, such as aspirin taken from bark of willow and morphine taken from the opium poppy. The roots of rhubarb are used as a tonic and laxative for indigestion. The inner bark of the slippery elm is used to sooth inflamed tissue. Aloe is one of the widest and most known plants used for treatments. Up until the 19th century it was used to relief constipation, however it is no longer recommended to be taken orally as it has many side effects, including low potassium and cramps. Although it is mostly used for speeding up the healing process for wounds, cold sores, irritation and burns, as it moisturizes the skin cells. These are only a few examples of the endless uses of plants for medication.