Category: Medicinal plants

The marshmallow plant, *Althaea officinalis*, has a history of medicinal use stretching back over 2,000 years, prized by ancient civilizations for its soothing properties. Today, its potent mucilage continues to answer the question of what does a marshmallow plant help with, offering relief for respiratory, digestive, and skin ailments.

Despite being a staple in traditional medicine for centuries, Basella alba remains an underutilized green leafy vegetable with vast nutritional potential. This vining plant, often called Malabar spinach, is packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds vital for overall health and wellness.

For thousands of years, the anti-inflammatory drug colchicine has been used medicinally and is derived from a number of botanical sources. The plant most notably known for providing the alkaloid when answering the question "which plant has colchicine?" is the autumn crocus (*Colchicum autumnale*).

Over 200 species of plantain, a common weed often mistaken for a nuisance, have been used in traditional medicine for centuries across various cultures. Among its many historical applications, the question of whether plantain has antibacterial properties is frequently raised, with both folklore and modern science offering intriguing insights into its potential.

Mullein, also known by names like velvet plant or flannel leaf, has been used in traditional medicine for centuries, particularly for respiratory health. While its medicinal properties are well-documented, its flavor profile remains a mystery to many new to herbal remedies.

Over 600 species of yam exist globally, yet the one commonly known as 'wild yam' (Dioscorea villosa) has a specific and important native range. Where do wild yams grow? This hardy perennial vine is a woodland native of eastern North America, thriving in specific conditions often overlooked by the casual observer.

According to the National Institutes of Health, echinacea, often called purple coneflower, has been used as a traditional herbal remedy for centuries. But what is the purple flower with health benefits? The term actually refers to several plants, with echinacea being a prominent example, and others like lavender and sweet violet also prized for their wellness properties.

According to numerous studies, the tropical tree *Terminalia catappa* has a rich profile of bioactive compounds throughout its various parts. This comprehensive analysis explores in detail what are the components of Terminalia catappa, highlighting the phytochemicals found in its leaves, bark, and seeds.

While the scientific name for the insulin plant is *Costus igneus* and *Chamaecostus cuspidatus*, its identity in India is far more diverse. Known by a variety of regional names, this plant is celebrated in traditional Indian medicine for its potential role in managing blood sugar levels, leading to its popular nickname.

First used by the Quechua people of Peru centuries ago to treat fevers, the bark of the Cinchona tree is the well-documented natural source of quinine. While it served as a vital antimalarial treatment for centuries, understanding **what is a natural source of quinine?** today often points to its role as a flavoring agent in beverages.