Top 24 Familiar Plants with Remarkable Healing Properties You Should Know

Aloe Vera, also known as Aloe Vera, is a plant known for its skin care and beauty benefits for women. However, its benefits extend beyond beauty, as Aloe Vera has many surprising health benefits that few people know about. Each Aloe Vera plant contains a bitter sap in its leaves, which has anti-inflammatory, laxative, anti-hepatitis, diabetes, and hypertension properties. Additionally, Aloe Vera sap is commonly used to treat menstrual irregularities, constipation, and hemorrhoids. Both the gel and the bark of the Aloe Vera plant are applied topically to treat swollen red pimples.

Mugwort, also known as Artemisia vulgaris, is a plant belonging to the aster family with a strong aroma and a bitter taste. It is a familiar ingredient used in cooking as well as a medicinal herb with various benefits in treating conditions such as menstrual irregularities, promoting fertility, sciatica, and hemorrhage. Mugwort is rich in vitamin C and high in antibacterial components, making it effective in treating acne and itching.

The life plant, also known as the leaf-burn plant with the scientific name Kalanchoe pinnata, is a type of succulent plant containing numerous water blisters, with a faint, slightly sour and bitter taste, and a cooling property. It grows naturally everywhere and has the ability to reproduce quickly through its leaves. Used as an antibiotic, it exhibits excellent antibacterial properties, effectively treating various infectious diseases such as gastric ulcers, colitis, internal hemorrhoids, and does not cause any side effects. Additionally, young life plant leaves can be chopped and cooked in soup for consumption, or used as a detoxifying agent, applied to open wounds, swollen and painful eyes, acne, and can also stop bleeding.

The basil plant, also known as sweet basil with the scientific name Ocimum basilicum, is a herb belonging to the mint family. Basil is a common aromatic herb used in many Vietnamese dishes. Particularly, this herb has numerous health benefits such as protecting the liver and preventing cancer, promoting bone and joint health, enhancing digestion, treating skin diseases, and even snake bites. Basil leaves, flowers, and seeds can be combined and mashed together or boiled with water to treat wounds effectively.

Codonopsis, also known as fish mint, is a familiar plant to Vietnamese families. It is not only used as raw vegetables but also as a medicinal herb with health-enhancing properties. Codonopsis leaves, with their bitter taste and cool nature, have the effect of detoxifying food, preventing allergies, treating bloody coughs, and preventing seizures in children. The roots of codonopsis are used to infuse alcohol, which acts as a tonic, diuretic, and remedy for weak and emaciated bodies. It is important to note that excessive consumption of codonopsis roots can lead to drug intoxication, causing fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Only codonopsis plants aged 3 to 5 years or older should be used. Additionally, codonopsis is also used as an ornamental plant to elevate the elegance of indoor spaces.

Kumquat, also known as tangerine, is a term used in Southern Vietnam. It originates from China and Japan and has been cultivated in our country for a long time. Folk wisdom has used kumquat fruit as a nutritious tonic. According to traditional Chinese medicine, kumquat has a sweet and sour taste with warm properties, effective for relieving alcohol intoxication, vomiting blood, sore throat, dry mouth, toothache, gastric pain, gastric ulcers, and intestinal inflammation. Additionally, kumquat seeds can reduce coughing and prevent vomiting, while kumquat leaves contain abundant essential oils, which are excellent for treating colds and flu.

Pagoda tree flowers, also known as sophora flowers, scientifically named Sophora japonica. It is a wild-growing or cultivated tree found throughout northern Vietnam, considered a precious herb in traditional medicine. According to traditional medicine beliefs, pagoda tree flowers have a bitter taste and slightly cold properties, excellent for stopping bleeding, treating bleeding hemorrhoids, bloody cough, women's excessive menstrual bleeding, reducing fever, improving vision, and enhancing brain function. It is recommended to use pagoda tree flowers when they are in bud stage, and the older the tree, the better. Typically, pagoda tree flowers are harvested from trees aged 3 to 5 years.

Michelia champaca, also known as champak or golden champa, is a species of flowering plant in the family Magnoliaceae. Originating from India, this flower is not only admired for its intense fragrance but also valued as a medicinal herb. According to traditional medicine, champak flowers have a bitter, pungent taste and warm properties, making them effective in treating coughs, sinusitis, urinary difficulties, bloating, nausea, digestive disorders, and hypertension. The flower petals are used to alleviate swelling, while the roots serve as a menstrual regulator. Additionally, the bark of the roots has cooling effects. Particularly, champak flowers are known to treat female infertility. To do so, harvest the flowers before they bloom, dry them, and use them continuously for 30 days to regulate menstruation in women.

Golden chrysanthemum, also known as yellow chrysanthemum or wild chrysanthemum, scientifically named Chrysanthemum indicum and belonging to the daisy family, is a valuable medicinal plant that grows annually. It is cultivated for ornamental purposes, tea, and alcohol production. In traditional Chinese medicine, golden chrysanthemum has a bitter and pungent taste, with cooling properties that help clear heat, detoxify the body, and improve vision. It is used to treat conditions such as colds, fever, dizziness, red eyes, excessive tearing, blurred vision, high blood pressure, and pus-filled acne. Additionally, it has endocrine effects that contribute to women's youthfulness.

Rose, also known as Rosa, belonging to the Rosaceae family, is a beautiful flower widely cultivated in many countries around the world. It is highly valued by many women for its beauty benefits. However, apart from its cosmetic uses, roses also offer remarkable health benefits. In traditional Chinese medicine, roses are considered sweet with a cool fragrance and neutral properties. Since ancient times, people have used rose extracts to treat various ailments such as nervous disorders, mouth ulcers, coughs in children, bladder infections, and to improve blood flow to the scalp. Additionally, rose petal tea is an effective remedy for colds, sore throat, pneumonia, skincare, and preventing skin aging.

The Cherry Blossom Tree, also known as Sakura, is a symbol of beauty and renewal. Originating from Japan, this tree is celebrated worldwide for its stunning pink blossoms that signal the arrival of spring. Beyond its ornamental value, cherry blossoms hold cultural significance and are often associated with themes of transience and the fleeting nature of life. In addition to its aesthetic appeal, the cherry blossom tree has been used in traditional medicine for its potential health benefits, although scientific evidence is limited. The delicate blossoms can be brewed into tea or used as a decorative element in various dishes, adding a subtle floral flavor and visual elegance.

Peach, scientifically known as Prunus persica, belongs to the rose family. It is a fruit-bearing tree highly favored by our people, especially during the Vietnamese Tet holiday. Peach blossoms are not only aesthetically pleasing but also possess medicinal properties. In traditional medicine, peach blossoms are used to treat conditions such as edema and productive cough. Peach fruit is consumed to induce perspiration and aid in digestion. Peach kernel extract is known for its efficacy in relieving menstrual cramps in women. Peach leaves have anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and anti-itch properties. The bark of the peach tree is used to treat boils and burns. Peach root is employed in the treatment of hemorrhoids. However, caution must be exercised as peach leaves contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can cause poisoning. Therefore, it is advisable to use them sparingly and cautiously, whether applied topically or ingested.

Dandelion, also known as blowball or wild chicory, scientifically referred to as Lactuca indica, is a common weed belonging to the daisy family. It thrives along roadsides and sunny hillsides, being the most prevalent detoxifying herb today. Renowned for its cooling, detoxifying, anti-inflammatory properties, dandelion is used to alleviate gastric pain, breast swelling, milk duct blockage, lung inflammation, bronchitis, and reduce cholesterol levels. It serves as an excellent ingredient for bathwater, especially from mature dandelion leaves. Additionally, dried dandelion can be brewed into tea to aid weight loss, blood purification, and enhance detoxification through increased urination. It can be enjoyed as a coffee substitute.

Golden Dewdrop, also known as basket plant or wandering Jew, scientifically referred to as Callisia fragrans, belongs to the spiderwort family. It is a perennial herbaceous plant native to Mexico and widely cultivated as an ornamental plant in many Vietnamese households. According to traditional medicine, Golden Dewdrop has cooling and detoxifying properties, stops bleeding, promotes wound healing, treats gastric ulcers, intestinal disorders, and prevents/treats tumors in the body. Note that Golden Dewdrop contains some harmful compounds, so it is essential to seek guidance from a doctor or experienced professionals before use.

Dill, also known as dill weed, scientifically named Anethum graveolens, belongs to the umbrella family. It's a plant with feathery leaves and seeds used commonly as a spice and medicinal herb in Asia and the Mediterranean region. In traditional Chinese medicine, dill leaves are noted for their strong, slightly bitter aroma. They are known to stimulate urine production, treat diarrhea and constipation, regulate menstrual cycles, and reduce the risk of heart disease. In India, it's believed that the compound limonene found in dill can help eliminate harmful gut bacteria. Pregnant women are advised to limit their consumption of dill, as some compounds in the herb can stimulate uterine contractions and potentially harm the fetus.

Spearmint, also known as balm or keo to, scientifically named Mentha arvensis, belongs to the Lamiaceae family. It's an easy-to-grow and easy-to-care-for herbaceous plant with a pleasant aroma often extracted for its essential oil. Moreover, spearmint is renowned for its health benefits and therapeutic properties. In traditional Chinese medicine, spearmint is used to alleviate headaches, tension, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, nerve pain, prevent cancer, reduce bad breath, relieve stress, nausea, cleanse the lungs, and is especially beneficial for patients with irritable bowel syndrome. Its refreshing scent is also utilized to enhance the flavor of smoothies and teas.

Perilla, also known as shiso, beefsteak plant, or purple mint, scientifically named Perilla frutescens britt, belongs to the Lamiaceae family. It's not only recognized as a culinary herb for everyday dishes but also widely used as a remedy in traditional medicine. Perilla leaves have a pungent taste and warm nature, with benefits including treating colds, bloating, and nausea. Perilla stems, with their sweet and spicy flavor, aid in pregnancy, alleviate nausea, reduce pain, and manage asthma. Additionally, due to its high nutritional value, rich in vitamins A, C, and minerals such as calcium, iron, and phosphorus, perilla contributes to skin beauty for women.

Betel leaves, also known as betel quid or betel nut leaves, are the terms used in Southern Vietnam. Scientifically named Piper lolot, they belong to the Piperaceae family. This plant grows wild and is cultivated everywhere, making betel leaves a common ingredient in daily cuisine and an effective medicinal herb. In traditional medicine, betel leaves have a pungent, slightly spicy taste, with warm properties that help prevent colds, alleviate pain, treat bone and joint pain, and vaginal infections. Betel leaves are also used to prepare soaking water for hands and feet for those experiencing numbness, excessive sweating of hands and feet, etc. Some people with gout share experiences in treating this condition, which is often referred to as the 'disease of the wealthy'.

False Daisy, also known as ink plant, scientifically named Eclipta prostrata, belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is a familiar plant in rural areas, growing wild everywhere, especially in damp low-lying areas. In traditional Chinese medicine, False Daisy is non-toxic, has a sour and sweet taste, cold properties, and is used to tonify blood, nourish the kidneys, replenish yin, and treat kidney deficiency and blood heat conditions, high fever, and eczema. It is well-known for its highly effective hemostatic properties. In India and Pakistan, scientists have been studying the potential of False Daisy to treat liver fibrosis and fatty liver disease since 2001.

Fish Mint, also known as fish herb or fish leaf, scientifically named Houttuynia cordata Thunb, belongs to the Saururaceae family. It is a wild-growing plant and cultivated as a vegetable, renowned for its medicinal properties. In traditional Chinese medicine, fish mint is slightly cold, pungent, slightly toxic, and enters the lung and spleen meridians. It is used to treat hemorrhoids, abscesses, measles, red eyes, and can be used to reduce fever in cases of childhood fever where Western medicine is not preferred or by pregnant women who cannot take pharmaceuticals. Additionally, fish mint leaves are used as an excellent face mask for treating acne and blackheads.

Malabar Spinach is a precious herbal plant bestowed by nature, known for its cooling properties and ability to unclog pores. In addition to its use in treating coughs, kidney, and urinary tract ailments, this plant helps to dissipate accumulated heat in the body effortlessly. Malabar Spinach is relatively easy to cultivate and can often be found along roadsides in lowland areas or on the slopes of hills and mountains. You can easily grow Malabar Spinach in your garden and use it regularly without worrying about any side effects.

Spring Rose, also known as wild rose or wallflower, scientifically named Rosa cymosa, belongs to the rose family and originates from Europe and North Africa. According to traditional medicine beliefs, Spring Rose is a unique medicinal herb with cooling and detoxifying properties. Depending on different parts of the Spring Rose plant, it has various healing effects. For example, the flowers treat conditions like hot and cold flu, vomiting blood, and bloody diarrhea. Spring Rose leaves heal ulcers in the lower abdomen, while the roots alleviate toothaches and joint inflammation. The fruit of Spring Rose is beneficial for women during menstruation and irregular menstrual cycles. Additionally, Spring Rose flowers are used to decorate the corridors and eaves of Vietnamese households. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid using Spring Rose roots.

Vietnamese Coriander, also known as water pepper, is characterized by its spicy taste and warm nature without toxicity. It is used to treat cold abdominal pain, snake bites, eczema, hemorrhoids, stimulate digestion, increase appetite, and soothe sexual desire. Moreover, it is very effective in treating sunstroke. It is best consumed fresh without any processing.

The banyan tree is a type of tree planted throughout the streets of Vietnam to provide shade. In some regions, people use banyan bark decoction to treat dysentery, diarrhea, and to cleanse wounds and sores. Its leaves are also used to brew decoctions to induce sweating during fever, or fresh leaves are crushed and heated to apply to painful areas. Its seeds are used to treat rectal bleeding.

Since ancient times, purslane has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for its remarkable benefits. Purslane has cooling properties, detoxifies the liver, and promotes urination. Moreover, it is utilized as a remedy for weak digestion, childhood eczema, acne, hemorrhoids, and wound disinfection, proving to be highly effective. Purslane helps prevent and treat tuberculosis and paralysis. It reduces levels of bad cholesterol in the blood, balances and stabilizes cholesterol levels, maintaining and promoting health.