Traditional medicinal plants have been used for centuries to treat local communities. From herbal and tribal medicine to the Science of Ayuveda, nearly 80 percent of the world depends on medicinal plants. And even if you think it’s some sort of pseudo science, understand that pharmaceutical drugs use these plants as direct ingredients and you couldn’t have one without the other. At the same time, an undiscovered plant could also hold the key to curing a deadly disease like AIDS or cancer. But just like our rainforests, oceans, and animals are all vulnerable to a changing climate, so too are the medicinal plants that we depend for healthcare.

“Of the 7.2 billion people who live on Earth now, about 5 billion of them don’t go to the local Walgreens to get their prescriptions filled,” Lewis Ziska, a U.S. Department of Agriculture plant physiologist specializing in plants’ response to global warming said to The Daily Climate. “Rising CO2 levels and climate change may have a huge impact on native peoples’ ability to provide for their own healthcare.”

How does global warming impact these medicinal plants? Well, for starters, as the planet warms, many of these so-called weeds start to move north. This means that they don’t grow in the areas that needed them the most. Plus, rising carbon levels may actually change the plant chemistry, making them less effective in the long run, and that could have devastating effects on the communities that rely on them.

One Indian study looked at the impact of climate change on medicinal plants used for Ayurveda. According to the study, the best herbs must be collected from a certain region of the Himalayas, as they are considered the most potent. In fact, Ayurvedic text names 351 Ayurvedic formulations and 175 pharmaceutical drugs that are sourced from one region. These areas are located at high regions in the Himalayas.

According to the study:

Medicinal plants are highly valuable to human livelihood and the medicinal plant wealth of India is well recognised. Studies on possible effects of climate change on medicinal plants are particularly significant due to their value within traditional systems of medicine and as economically useful plants. There is evidence that climate change is causing noticeable effects on life cycles and distribution of the plant species.

Small pockets of vulnerable land may be home to large portions of our medicinal plants and once they disappear, we’re in real trouble. Not to mention, that they may also hold the key to diseases that have yet to be cured. What if a vaccine for a chronic killer is hidden in a region that falls victim to deforestation? Or maybe it ceases to exist because it’s no longer protected by a shield of ice caps or snow. What a shame it would be if we never found that long awaited cure because the plant no longer existed as a result of our warming planet.

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Image of medicinal plants from Shuttershock

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Edible flowers aren’t just beautiful… they’re good for you too.

Add edible flowers to a meal and not only will you add a little color, but you’ll throw in some extra health benefits as well. Many edible flowers are full of valuable nutrients. Think of edible flowers as you would spices; they add taste to a meal but they’re also good for your health.

If you’re looking for flowers that are beautiful, tasty and nutritious, here are a few to choose from. Remember that just like with any wild plant, be sure you know exactly what you’re picking and where it comes from. Identification is key.

1. Borage

With a bright blue flower that tastes a bit like cucumber, all parts of the borage plant are used for medicinal purposes. The flower and leaves can be used for coughs and depression, and borage seed oil can be used for skin disorders like eczema. Borage is also high in essential fatty acid gamma-linolenic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid.

2. Dandelions

Most people think of dandelions as a weed, but the bright yellow plant is full of vitamin A, B, C and D. The flowers have antioxidant properties, and the leaves act as a diuretic, as well as stimulating the appetite and helping in digestion. And chances are, you probably already have some dandelion growing where you live, so no need to grow your own.

3. Chives

With a taste similar to garlic, chives are a common herb found in many an edible flower garden. But they’ve got a medicinal value as well, having long been used to lower blood pressure. Their purple blossoms are also full of vitamin C and iron, good for boosting your immune system.

4. Lavender

Beyond smelling fantastic, lavender contains vitamin A, calcium and iron. Often found in oil form, it is used for restlessness and insomnia, as well as a variety of digestive complaints. Thanks to polyphenols, it can even help reduce bad bacteria in your stomach, helping with bloating.

5. Sweet Violet

Often found growing in the wild, sweet violets offer a lot more than just their beautiful color. In fact, in Ancient Rome,the violet was believed to moderate anger, strengthen the heart, and promote sleep.  The leaves have antiseptic properties and the flowers possess slightly laxative properties.

6. Chrysanthemum

Chrysanthemum has long been used to make a calming tea in China, known to boost immunity and reduce high blood pressure. The bright flowers also may have anti-carcinogenic and anti-inflammatory properties.

7. Scented geranium

With a slight citrus flavor, scented geraniums give a little twist to an otherwise boring summer salad, but the plant is also known for its relaxing properties. You can make a cup of tea to calm your stress levels or help you deal with a headache.

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Image: Angela Marie Henriette

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