Alternative Medicine: Healing Plants for Health N to R

Alternative medicine is becoming more popular as more and more people are seeking other ways to treat illness and symptoms to traditional medications. Learn more about plants that can be used for health.

This article is part of a series.

Disclaimer: This article does not substitute consulting with a licensed, health care provider. The information is strictly for informational purposes only. The author of this article disclaims any responsibility for injury, sickness or death from eating or medicinal use of wild plants and makes no warranties, guarantees or assurances of any kind. Please be aware that many plants have look a-likes that can be dangerous or poisonous.

Alternative Medicine Healing Plant: Nightshade (Solanum)

Nightshade is used to treat: eye irritation, fever, insomnia, parasite, rabies, skin problems and tuberculosis.

Caution: Never, never use nightshade internally.

Alternative Medicine Healing Plant: Oat (Avena)

Oat is used to treat: boils, cold sores, depression, diarrhea, eczema, fractures, nerves, skin problems and sore throats.

Alternative Medicine Healing Plant: Old Man's Beard (Clematis)

Old Man's Beard is used to treat: headaches, nerves and stomach aches.

Caution: Can be toxic. The vines can cause skin rash.

Alternative Medicine Healing Plant: Passionflower (Passiflora)

Passionflower is used to treat: boils, cramps, diarrhea, epilepsy, insomnia, morning sickness, neuralgia and minor wounds.

Alternative Medicine Healing Plant: Periwinkle (Vinea major)

Periwinkle is used to treat: diarrhea, headache, hemorrhoids, high blood pressure, nosebleed, sore throat, tooth aches and minor wounds.

Caution: Madagascar periwinkle can be toxic.

Alternative Medicine Healing Plant: Plantain (Plantago)

Plantain is used to treat: bruises, bites, burns, cough, diarrhea, dysentery, high blood pressure, infections, rheumatism, snakebite, stomach ache and warts.

Alternative Medicine Healing Plant: Poke (Phytolacca Americana)

Poke is used to treat dysentery, hemorrhoids, rheumatism, sore breasts and sprains.