Regarding herbal remedies, Asian countries, mainly the ones located in Southeast Asia, have played a prominent part. Recently South East Asian plants and their various extracts have taken up the western countries in a whirlwind. They try different combinations to deal with health issues and develop a healthier metabolism.
You might have seen companies selling popular products like CBD oil , tulsi oil, ashwagandha extracts, etc., offline and online. But in addition, many other herbs have been gaining popular recently that the natives have used for hundreds of years. So, in this case, we will give you an insight into 4 of those hidden herbs that you may have heard of but never knew their benefits.
4 Herbs Of Southeast Asia That Have A Global Impact On Their Healing Properties
When we read the term healing, we assume it means curing a disease. But that is not always true. The herbs we will discuss in the upcoming sections have been used for ages to boost one’s metabolism. As a result, when a person has a healthy body and mind, the chances of getting a disease decrease. We use many of these herbs to improve the taste of our food, but most of us, knowingly or unknowingly, are enjoying their various health benefits.
- Coriander
It is an infrequent occasion to find someone who has never tasted Coriander. If you are from an Asian nation, this herb is a must in some of the most delicious dishes as the final garnish. However, if you belong to the Western Part, you have come across this herb when you tried some Asian or Indian cuisine.
Coriander was introduced in Europe when the Romans brought it from Egypt as a flavoring and preservative. If we dig into the past, we can find the usage of Coriander even in Egyptian civilization. People even placed it on the tomb of Tutankhamun to use it in his afterlife.
In traditional Chinese medicine, people used Coriander to help with the upper respiratory tract, eyes, ears, and throat diseases. A study published in 2018 talks about the antidiabetic activity of coriander extracts which are now highly exploited globally.
- Lemon Grass
Lemon Grass is another popular herb that is gaining massive popularity in Western countries. In Asian countries, Lemon grass has found a place as a herbal medicine for 5000 years. Although solid evidence and proof are not much available, people often use lemon grass and its extract as a wellness product.
Due to its 70% citral content, lemon grass can act as an antifungal, antibacterial, and antimicrobial substance. The herb is also a fantastic source of antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation and repel insects when added to surfactants.
People who use lemongrass traditionally as a herbal product believe the citral content may help reduce fever and control diabetes. In addition, due to the high presence of flavonoids and phenolic compounds, lemon grass is a fantastic source of vitamins and minerals.
In Laos, people use lemongrass to eliminate cold and intestinal problems. In addition, people use the roots and leaves of the plant as a diuretic and diaphoretic agent. Thus it helps the body eliminate toxic materials from sweating and frequent urination.
- Leprous Lime
Leprous lime may not be a familiar name, but if you look at the latest herbal products, you will find its presence. The term “leprous lime” comes from a Malay name, “Limau purut,” which means “rough-skinned lime.”
You will find the leaves of this plant in the essential oils that claim to help with cardiovascular health. Due to a lot of Vitamin C, the leprous lime extract may help maintain healthy skin and blood vessels and protect the cells. It may also aid in rushing up the wound-healing process.
The people of Asia and South East Asian countries also use these herb extracts to deal with constipation and boost immunity. In addition, many believe it may also help relieve stress, headaches, and fatigue. These properties are now being studied at various universities globally to establish solid proof regarding the effects on the human body.
- Tamarind
Tamarind is one of the most extensively used herbs in Indian cuisine. And it is not just for the taste or look but also for the possible health benefits you get from consuming tamarind. Being tangy in taste, people often use this in drinks and local beverages that help with their digestion. This herb is one of those trees whose fruit seeds are not “scrap.”
People make a paste from the kernels of this plant that may act as an excellent choice for dealing with stomach problems like diarrhea and dysentery. However, you may not believe us when we say that the natives often use Tamarind paste to reduce the pain and inflammation caused by scorpion stings.
Some individuals often crush the leaves of the Tamarind plant to make a juice that they believe may help people with urinary problems. In some places, people use the juice of the tamarind leaves in combination with sesame oil to help reduce earache.
In some parts of Asia, Tamarind is mixed with some other herbs to aid in reducing menstruation cramps, a prevalent problem globally. The fruit may also help in reducing fever and body pain.
The Bottom Line
The more you learn about these southeast Asian herbs, the more surprised you will be. People have used these plants for centuries to deal with various health problems. Apart from the herbs we have mentioned above, there are a lot of other herbs that act as excellent wellness products.
From silky hair to dealing with diarrhea, you name the problem, and these traditional products have a solution. However, products with these herbs or their extracts may not suit everyone. If you encounter allergic reactions after consuming these, it is always wise to contact a professional health practitioner.
Nonetheless, people have used these plants for eons to boost their immunity, and we are sure it would also be highly beneficial for you.