The world of plants is vast and diverse and, as we know, they not only serve as food but also have medicinal properties.

This feature has been investigated and applied since the most ancient civilisations that already used plants to seek relief from illness or minimise pain. The vast majority of drugs today are based on plants as their medicinal use is a knowledge that has been passed on from generation to generation, which provided an empirical basis, and is nowadays widely investigated in science.

We are not talking about rare and unknown plants, many of the species with medicinal properties are very common in our gardens and landscapes. Here are some examples:

White Willow (Salix alba), the aspirin tree

Willow leaves have been used to relieve pain and fever since 4000 BC, but it was not until 1828 that salicin was extracted and purified from the bark of the White Willow But it was only at the end of the 19th century that the formulation of acetylsalicylic acid, the main active ingredient of aspirin, was discovered.

This willow is an autochthonous, fast-growing plant, very common in riparian areas throughout most of the country.

The branches of various species of willow are used for basketry, an artisanal practice that is common in several areas of Portugal.

Echinacea purpurea

A perennial plant with beautiful flowers, widely used in gardens all over the world, echinacea is not only a beautiful plant, it also has anti-inflammatory, antiallergic and immunomodulatory properties, therefore being widely used as a home remedy in the treatment of colds and flu, relieving a runny nose and cough, and can also help reduce anxiety as well as control blood glucose.

Currently it can be consumed in teas or even in capsules, usually available at herbalists.

Aloe vera

Aloe vera needs no introduction, it is a succulent plant that you probably even have in your home and garden as it is increasingly used in decoration.

The extract of this plant has been used in various cosmetic products since its beneficial properties for health are numerous: it has a calming, healing, anaesthetic and anti-inflammatory effect, being frequently used in the treatment of burns. It is also used to moisturise hair and skin, as it stimulates collagen production.

Ginger

With a rhizome widely used in cooking, with its own flavour and spiciness, ginger is a perennial plant with properties that accelerate metabolism and increase the burning of body fat, favouring weight loss.

In addition, ginger also acts as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, preventing and treating diseases such as high blood pressure, reflux, arthritis.

It is very easy to find in fairs and markets because it has become a common plant, especially as a spice for some dishes.

Linden           

This plant is best known for its tea, but it is a very common street tree in cities. Linden calms stress and relieves colds, although some studies are still lacking in this area, linden preparations are already accepted for the relief of the above mentioned symptoms, considering them traditional medicine. It also has quality wood that is used by sculpture and musical instrument makers.

For these and many other reasons, plants are indeed very important to people, whether in medicine, food, climate or gardens, they are essential for our daily lives.

Amália Souto de Miranda

Landscape architect