Plants
are precious creatures that besides their roles in human nutrition, visual
beauty, oxygen supply, and air purification, have a significant role in the
treatment of diseases.
Using
different kinds of herbs as medicine has been common scientifically from the
distant past and Iranian well-known scientists such as Avicenna, Zakariya Razi,
and Abu Rayhan Biruni had written quality books in the field of medicinal
herbs. Among the most important of these books The Canon of Medicine by
Avicenna can be mentioned.This book has been translated into different
languages such as Latin, Arabic, English, French, and German.
Due
to technological advancements, chemical medicine has replaced with herbal
medicine over time. Although, today, the use of chemical drugs is more common,
the side effects are unavoidable. Since human is always perfectionist, he is
returning to use medicinal herbs in pharmacy industry.
Iran
is one of the best places to grow a variety of plants due to its climate
condition and geographical location. Therefore many pharmaceutical companies
are purchaser of medicinal herbs of Iran. A considerable amount of these herbs
is exported to different countries every year.
In
following 10 valuable exporting medicinal herbs of Iran are mentioned:
Saffron
Saffron,
also called Red Gold, has different medicinal properties. More than 90 percent
of this valuable highly priced spice in the world is produced in Iran. Saffron
is rich in antioxidant substances that prevent or slow damage to cells caused
by free radicals. It also prevents serious diseases such as cancer by boosting
the immune system. The crocin in saffron is useful in improvement of insulin
resistance. Moreover, it is rich in large amount of iron, magnesium, potassium,
manganese, and vitamin C. The safranal and coumarin content of saffron are
helpful to treat depression. This herb can be used as herbal tea or spice.
Damask
Rose
Damask
rose is an aromatic flower that the more it is red the more medicinal
properties it has. Damask rose contains large amounts of antioxidants. It has
vitamin C, crocin, and ellagic acid that are very helpful for repairing damaged
cells and preventing diseases like heart problems, osteoporosis, and cancer.
Breathing damask rose essence is very effective in treatment of depression.
This flower is used as one of the best substances for skin scrubbing, removing
wrinkles, removing makeup, and treating skin allergies in cosmetic products. In
addition, it is an effective treatment of constipation. Rosewater can be used
in some sweets an deserts or as tasty drink. It also can be used directly on
skin. The flowers can be consumed as herbal tea or even added to regular tea as
a flavor.
Lemon
Verbena
Drinking
lemon verbena tea helps to treat the respiratory system diseases by reducing
the amount of phlegm. Lemon verbena can prevent the growth of cancer cells due
to the large amount of antioxidant. It also has anti-candida and anti-fungal
property that can be very beneficial for digestive system, and it is suitable
for losing weight. Lemon verbena essential oil has bactericidal and
insecticidal features, and also used in fragrance industry. This herb can be
used as herbal tea, spice, or essential oil.
Lemon
Balm
Lemon
balm is used for treating mood problems. Due to its soothing and calming
prosperities, it is effective for reducing anxiety and muscle cramps. Lemon
balm is known for healing headaches, memory loss, and soul fatigue. It contains
rosmarinic acid and citral which have antiviral properties that can be used as
anti-herps.
Lavender
Lavender
is one of the most aromatic plants in the world that is used as medicinal herb
in traditional medicine of Iran, China, and India for many years. Lavender is
believed to have antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to
improve digestive system function and it is very beneficial for nausea,
stomachache, and abdominal swelling. The linalool content of lavender is
helpful to reduce blood pressure and the risk of heart diseases. It also
improves blood circulation. Moreover, it is used to heal headaches, anxiety,
and migraine. Lavender is effective for cleansing scalp and hair and is one of
the best things for treating dandruff and lice. In addition to helping with
hair problems, it is used to treat skin problems such as scratches, burns, and
skin inflammation.
St.
John’s Wort
This
herb is highly regarded for treating mild to moderate depression and it is commonly
used in pharmacy industry. The active chemical in St. John’s Wort, hyperforin,
can be useful for treating depression and nervous pains. It also has
anti-inflammatory property that can be effective in treatment of irritable
bowel syndrome.
Sage
Sage
has been effective in treatment of complications of insect bites from the past.
It has been also used for boosting mood and life extension. Sage contains
saponin that can stop bacteria growth and has antimicrobial property against
candida-albicans which is the cause of many diseases. Using sage is very useful
during the menopause. It can reduce the symptoms like hot flashes and night
sweats. It is also effective in treatment of painful and irregular
menstruation.
Rosemary
Rosemary
is used as natural treatment for gut problems, constipation, meteorism, and
diarrhea. It helps to promote regular bowel movements and digestive system.
Using rosemary can be useful for improving memory and mood, and it reduces
inflammations. It is also beneficial for detoxing body.
Tarragon
Tarragon
is a good source of iron, calcium, magnesium, manganese, vitamin A, and vitamin
C. It is mostly used as a vegetable in foods, but it is also used for medical
consumption. Due to its anesthetic property, ancient Greek chewed it in order
to soothe toothache. Furthermore, it was used as snake antivenom. Tarragon
helps to improve digestion and heart diseases and is effective in treatment of
obesity.
Peppermint
Peppermint
is used to improve gut function and digestive system. It is beneficial for
meteorism and gullstones. Inhaling peppermint essential oil is very helpful for
treating cold and sore throat. It contains menthol that can prevent the growth
of cancer cells, especially prostate cancer.
Source:
ISNA News Agency