Cocoa plants
Up to 80 percent of the world's population relies on medicinal plants for primary healthcare, according to the World Health Organization. Indigenous cultures in Latin and South America have been using tropical plants for healing purposes since 8,000 B.C.E. Pharmaceutical companies use medicinal plants in prescription medications as well. There are many different types of tropical plants that can be used as healing agents.
Aloe Vera
The first known medicinal use of aloe vera occurred in 333 B.C.E. by Alexander the Great. There are about 180 species of Aloe, and its primary medicinal use is for the treatment of burns, sunburn, insect bites and scrapes. It was also used in testing for radiation burns, as well as treatment for chronic constipation. The healing gel from the leaves of the plant is the primary source of healing materials.
Cocoa Plant
Cocoa plants and trees produce more than 150 healing chemicals from all parts of the plant, including the leaves, fruit, seeds and barks. The Olmecs, Aztecs and Mayans first used the medicinal plant for healing. It is known to treat anxiety, fatigue, fever, coughs and kidney stones. Chocolate is produced from this plant, and it has polyphenols, which may help to prevent heart disease as well.
Curare
This poisonous vine used for arrow poison by indigenous cultures in South America also has many medicinal properties. It is rich in alkaloids, which are used to relax muscles. It has for anesthesia, as well as to treat fever, edema, kidney stones and bruises.
Guarana
Used by indigenous tribes in Brazil, this tropical medicinal plant's seeds are used for many purposes. The plant has one of the highest contents of caffeine of all plants, including two and half times the amount of caffeine in coffee. This makes it very efficient in treating migraine and nervous headaches, paralysis, urinary tract infections and neuralgia. It also has large amounts of tannins, which helps with diarrhea.
Periwinkle
Periwinkle is a tropical plant that has been used to treat hyperglycemia and diabetes. It is also the base plant used to make the anticancer drugs vinblastine and vincristine. Vinblastine (VLB) is known to be an effective treatment for Hodgkin's disease, while vincristine (VCR) is used to treat childhood leukemias.
Yerba Mate
The leaves of the tropical plant yerba mate are used in teas and medicines for a wide variety of ailments. This plant is used to increase energy, suppress appetite, enhance memory and stimulate digestion. It is also used as a pain reliever and immunity booster.
Tags: also used, been used, Cocoa plants, kidney stones, medicinal plant