The Swedish botanist Carl von Linné, professor of medicine, stopped practicing medicine in 1741 and instead began teaching medicine and botany to Uppsala students. The combination of his medical studies and his interest in botany made him learn a lot about medicinal plants. At that time, a large part of the medicines were also medicinal plants. Linnaeus' botanical garden contained all the important medicinal plants that could be grown in Sweden. Opium poppy, chamomile, turnip, belladonna and summer wormwood grew there, among other things. The plants he could not grow in the Swedish climate, he instead kept in powder form in his medicine cabinet. Here are presented 20 Swedish herbs that have medicinal properties.
Basil
The basil has an antiseptic property and can stabilize upset stomachs. It should also be soothing, antispasmodic and diuretic. By rubbing in oil form at the temples, it should have a soothing effect on headaches and dried basil leaves can also be used to cure headaches, by the patient sniffing them.
Lemon balm
Tea made from fresh or dried leaves from lemon balm has a calming and soothing effect as well as antispasmodic, antiperspirant and refreshing. It is mainly used for fever, colds and flatulence.
Fennel
Fennel can promote digestion and has a stimulating effect. It can be used to counteract tired or inflamed eyes.
Borage
The borage can provide a blood-purifying and refreshing drink and its cooling properties come in handy for fever.
St. John's wort
St. John's wort has a soothing effect on coughs and has also been shown to have an documented antidepressant effect.
Chamomile
Chamomile tea is soothing and can calm the nerves. By inhaling the flowers of the herb, respiratory infections can be alleviated.
Coriander
Coriander has a narcotic effect and its seeds should therefore not be eaten in large quantities.
Cumin
Cumin seeds contain a lot of protein and are also good for digestion. By chewing caraway seeds before a meal, you can stimulate the appetite and facilitate digestion. Cumin seeds, and also the fresh leaves of the herb, can also be chewed to give an improved breath.
Chervil
Chervil is good for the stomach and has a diuretic effect in case of fever and cold.
Lavender
Lavender oil has a strong antiseptic effect and has in the past been used to cure paralysis. Today, lavender is mainly used to cure headaches.
Althaea
The medicinal mallow can relieve cough and sore throat and be used for bronchitis and inflammation.
Wormwood
Wormwood contains thujon - a toxic substance that can cause stomach and intestinal cramps and be harmful to the nervous system. The herb is used as a remedy for tapeworms.
burnet
A decoction of pimpinell can be drunk for the herb's invigorating effect and it can also be used as a conditioner for sunburn or other skin problems.
Rosemary
In the past, rosemary was used, among other things, for aching joints and was also thought to be able to preserve youth. It is invigorating and antiseptic, and can calm the nerves and stimulate digestion.
Sage
Sage has a fever-reducing, invigorating and blood-purifying effect. The herb should have a relaxing effect and be able to relieve headaches and stress.
Temynta
Themintan can be used as a medicinal plant for digestive problems and also works for coughs.
Thyme
Tea brewed on thyme counteracts flatulence, relieves stomach upset and has an invigorating effect.
Rue
Vinruta is used in home remedies to counteract drowsiness, nervous headaches and palpitations. In the past, the herb has also been used as an antidote in poisoning.
valerian
Medicinal turnip root is used as a sedative and mild anesthetic.
Meadowsweet
Moose grass has astringent effects and can cause sweating and calm the nervous system. The herb can be used for colds, fever and rheumatic problems.
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