Plants heal people. They give us oxygen to survive, and in return, they absorb about 30% of the carbon dioxide emitted by humans every year.

Photosynthesis aside, there are many plants, herbs, and roots that humans have benefited from for centuries. From adaptogens like ashwagandha to roots like ginger, traditional Chinese medicine and ayurvedic medicine rely on earth-grown herbs for mental and physical peace.

Now gaining immense popularity in the western world, medicinal herbs are being thoroughly researched for their positive health benefits that range from anxiety relief to immune support. We’ve gathered the top 10 most effective medicinal herbs that are changing lives worldwide.

Read on to learn more about the medicinal herbs you should consider taking.

If you’re looking for a herb to help you relax, valerian is an excellent choice. Some also use valerian root to reap the rewards of this medicinal herb, which are as follows:

• Improved sleep
• Promotes relaxation
• Reduces stress, anxiety, and depression symptoms
• Reduces OCD, ADD, and ADHD symptoms
• Reduces menopausal symptoms
• Aid digestive disorders

If you reside in eastern or central North America, you might see echinacea growing wild in your neighborhood. Also known as purple coneflower, echinacea has become a common dietary supplement responsible for promoting the following benefits:

• Improved immune function
• Reduced chronic and acute pain
• Reduced inflammation
• Antiviral effects

As you can tell, echinacea is most commonly used when you feel the symptoms of a cold coming on. This herb can help keep your symptoms at bay while promoting needed immune support.

While some may not refer to ginger as a herb (since it’s technically a root), it has some of the most beneficial medicinal properties a plant can have.

While it adds a unique flavor to foods and beverages, ginger has a long list of medicinal benefits, including the following:

• Reduced inflammation
• Calm an upset stomach
• Increases dopamine and serotonin levels
• Reduced anxiety, depression, stress, and PTSD symptoms
• Promotes healthier skin
• Decreases risk of cancer growth

Turmeric doesn’t just add color and flavor to Indian and Asian dishes but can promote a long list of health benefits, especially regarding physical pain. These benefits include:

• Reduces joint and muscle pain
• Reduces inflammation
• Improves cognitive function
• Reduces the risk of heart disease
• Elevates the mood
• Maintains healthy blood sugar levels

Sipping on some chamomile tea during the evening can be therapeutic, but do you know why? This aromatic herb contains various properties that promote its own list of health benefits, including the following:

• Improved sleep
• Reduced restlessness
• Promotes relaxation, peace, and rest
• Aid digestive issues
• Reduced stress, anxiety, and depression symptoms
• Reduced inflammation
• Maintains healthy blood sugar levels

Another root that some might not refer to as a herb is garlic. Still, garlic root has a ton of medicinal benefits, not to mention being an outstanding addition to most savory meals.

Some of the health benefits of garlic are as follows:

• Supports immune system
• Reduces high blood pressure
• Reduces cholesterol
• Prevents heart disease
• Packed with antioxidants (cancer fighters)

Most notably, garlic is known to have antibacterial and antiviral properties, which can help relieve symptoms of the common cold, flu, and other viral and bacterial infections.

You may already have some aloe vera gel lying around the house in case of a sunburn. That means you’re well aware of this plant’s benefits regarding the skin and healing wounds and burns.

In addition to healing sunburns, using aloe vera topically or consuming it can promote the following benefits:

• Reduced inflammation
• Speed up wound healing
• Packed with antioxidant and antibacterial properties
• Improved skin health
• Prevents wrinkles
• Reduced constipation
• Increased hydration and bodily moisture
• Provides immune support

Ginseng is a herb and adaptogen that can do wonders for stress relief and mental clarity. It’s worth noting that taking ginseng for long periods of time can cause unwanted side effects, like menstrual changes in women.

For a short period of time, using ginseng can promote the following health benefits:

• Increased energy
• Improved focus and other cognitive functions
• Reduced fatigue and exhaustion
• Reduced stress levels
• Improved immune function
• Reduced erectile dysfunction

Instead of taking it every day, use it once or twice a week when you need a mood boost, mental clarity, and energy.

Lavender is an aromatic herb that has a specific, refreshing, and recognizable smell reminiscent of clean laundry. While it can be used for aromatherapy through essential oils, consuming lavender also has its health benefits.

When consumed or applied topically, here are a few notable health benefits of lavender:

• Treats skin irritations and conditions
• Eases headaches
• Improves pain relief
• Reduces stress, anxiety, and depression symptoms
• May relieve asthma symptoms
• Improves sleep

Ah, cannabis flower. Our favorite medicinal herb has been used for centuries for inflammation, pain relief, and relaxation.

Now that states, regions, and countries are legalizing cannabis for medicinal and recreational use, research is unveiling unique findings about this special plant, like its ability to promote the following:

• Reduced stress and anxiety
• Reduced nausea
• Stimulate appetite
• Reduced chronic and acute pain
• Reduced inflammation
• Improved relaxation
• Eases insomnia

Cannabis can be especially helpful in those suffering from epileptic seizures and cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy who need an appetite stimulant and nausea-reliever.