Plants with Healing Properties in Portugal

There are many plants in Portugal which have healing and medicinal properties which can probably be found in your garden. If you don't have these plants at your Portuguese property, when not plant some and take advantage of their properties?

Many of today's modern medicines are derived from plants healing properties. For example the bark of the willow tree is the source of the humble aspirin. However despite the healing properties of some of these plants it is best to consult your doctor before utilising any in home made potions.

Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is a succulent plant which grows well in the Portuguese climate and not only will most gardens in Portugal have one of these plants there are also commercial farms growing them.

There are over 200 varieties of Aloe and it's healing properties have been known about for thousands of years. The ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans all wrote about the plant's amazing properties.

Aloe Vera is probably so well known today due to its inclusion in many of the cosmetic skin products available around the world. Aloe Vera is renowned for it's soothing properties for treating burns, sunburn, insect bites, scalds and chapped skin. However Aloe Vera is also known as a de-toxifying agent, it helps boost the immune system, reduces the symptoms of arthritis and rheumatism, relieves mouth and eye infections

and helps with constipation. And if you are lucky enough to have Aloe Vera growing in your Portuguese garden it's like having a first aid kit at hand.

Baby Sun Rose (Aptenia cordifolia)

With it's bright green, glossy stems the Aptenia Cordifolia, commonly known as the Baby Sun Rose, is a fast growing succulent popular with many gardeners in Portugal though also possesses medicinal properties.

The Baby Sun Rose flourishes in drought like conditions but is used medically as an anti-inflammatory, a poultice and as a deodorant. Burnt stems and leaves are applied to aching joints and this is believed to relieve symptoms.  

Basil (Ocimum Basilicum)

Basil has long been heralded for it's healing properties, which are many. For hundreds of years Basil was used to help calm the nerves, help clear up mouth infections and to sooth tired and sore feet.

And although you may think this a little bizarre use of the humble herb more commonly used in flavouring sauces today, but the medicinal properties are well documented. Basil not only has anti-septic and anti-bacterial qualities but also

Dandelions (Taraxacum)

Often thought of as just an annoying weed by most gardeners the common dandelion isn't given it's due. although it is a prolific self seeders and somewhat of a pest however dandelions have been used for centuries in the kitchen and as a herbal remedy.

The dandelion which derives it's name from the French meaning lion's tooth (dent-de-lion)  has been used as a mild diuretic as well as a treatment for liver and bile disorders.

Lantana is a brightly coloured plant which is found just about everywhere in Portugal and makes a great addition. However not only is the plant, which produces blooms with two colours (usually yellow and pink), pretty to look at, it can be helpful when treating wasp and bee stings.

The Portuguese favour the petals of the Lantana plant in treating stings and it can be an effective method of reducing swelling and drawing out the poison. The petals are crushed 

in the palm and then rubbed for about ten minutes on the sting, swelling is reduced and the pain dulls almost instantly.

Lavender (Lavare)

Lavender is a welcome addition to any garden. Not only is it easy to maintain and pretty to look at the perfumed plant also has medicinal properties.

The essential oil of lavender is used in the treatment of depression, anxiety, rashes, arthritis, athlete's foot, insomnia and nervousness.

Lavender has also shown remarkable results in recent studies in the treatment of Alopecia and post surgery pain control. At present further studies are being made on the antibacterial and antiviral properties Lavender possesses.

Marigolds were first brought to Portugal in the 16th century by explorers who discovered this brightly coloured plant in central America.

There are several species of Marigolds and the French, perfumed type adorns many gardens in Portugal. However as well as creating beautiful borders the flowers have been used for centuries for their anti-inflammatory properties. The petals of the Marigold when crushed can alleviate the pain and swelling of wasp and bee stings.

Infusions made from the petals can also help sore and swollen eyes. Marigolds are also believed to help ward off snakes in Portugal. The perfume the plant emits it is said to be abhorrent to snakes and will avoid the plants at all costs. If you are also plagued by mosquitoes in Portugal then you will be pleased to learn these blood sucking insects are also keep away by the scent of Marigolds. Planted in pots around your home in Portugal could help keep snakes away, brighten up your garden and also ensure you have a herbal remedy at hand in case of a wasp or bee sting.

Peppermint (Mentha Piperita)

Peppermint is a member of the mint family as it's name suggests and can be found throughout Europe, growing wild. Peppermint is actually a hybrid species of spearmint and watermint.

Peppermint prefers damp habitats  and can be found  Peppermint is a popular flavouring used for sweets, though is also commonly used for the relief of indigestion.

The plant has a disinfecting property and can help in relieving the symptoms of colds. it is well known Peppermint eases colic and More recently peppermint, used in teas, has help those suffering from Irritable Bowel Syndrome and gall stones. However Peppermint should not be used by those wishing to become pregnant and only in moderation if you are pregnant or nursing.

Rosemary (Rosmarinus)

Rosemary has, for centuries, been used culinary and medicinal purposes and is one of the oldest healing herbs. Rosemary has a variety of properties including anti-septic, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and an analgesic making it a vital ingredient in many herbal remedies.

Rosemary has been an active ingredient in many herbal recipes for a variety of ailments including itchy scalps and poor circulation. The essential oil of Rosemary is also used to sharpen the memory - something even Shakespeare wrote about in King Lear.

A tea infusion made from Rosemary tips is also believed to help mouth and throat infections as well as calming nerves. However Rosemary should not be used by those who suffer from epilepsy, high blood pressure and whom are pregnant.

Spearmint (Mentha Spicata)

Spearmint (mentha spicata) grows just about everywhere in Europe. It's name derives from it's pointed 'spear-like' leaves. Spearmint is quite an invasive herb with spreading roots and is best grown in containers if you don't want your garden overrun with it.

Spearmint flourishes in both full sun and full shade. Although it is widely used as a flavouring in toothpastes and confectionary, spearmint also has medicinal properties mainly associated with stomach ailments.

Spearmint is used by herbalists infused as a tea to ease the symptoms of stomach cramps, however research has shown it also has anti-fungal properties. In addition to this the essential oil of spearmint is also believed to be useful in combating insomnia by way of massage.